**Chapter 616**
**Scene 1**
**Mandalore – Sundari Landing Platform**
**Dagon POV**
I adjusted the final piece of my disguise — the formal brown robes of a Jedi Temple Guard, complete with the ivory mask adorned with subtle gold markings. It was a symbol of emotional detachment, a show of service to a higher calling. Perfect for avoiding unwanted attention while still commanding respect.
"Master Yoda, do you remember the plan at least?" I asked quietly as we stepped off the Lambda-class shuttle onto the polished landing platform of Sundari.
"Yes, but remember — while the Mandalorians don't know much of the Temple Guards, I suspect we should keep up the rumors of their quietness," Yoda replied, his small form moving with surprising grace beside me, gimer stick tapping softly against the metal floor.
The shuttle's ramp closed behind us with a soft hiss. Several Mandalorian honor guards approached, their armor gleaming under the artificial lights of the domed city. Their posture was formal and disciplined, but I could sense the tension rolling off them in waves — a mixture of awe, nervousness, and cautious curiosity.
"The Duchess awaits you, Master… Master Yoda," one of the guards said, his voice trembling noticeably as his eyes locked onto the small green Jedi Master. He stared for a long second, then suddenly fainted, collapsing to the ground with a loud clatter of armor.
I stepped forward quickly, reaching out with the Force to gently heal his mind and steady his racing heart. Unfortunately, the sudden surge of power caused another guard to faint as well. I caught him mid-fall with the Force, lowering him carefully to the ground so he wouldn't injure himself.
"Bring gifts we have and requested an audience with the Duchess we do," Yoda said calmly, breaking the stunned silence that had fallen over the remaining guards.
"Yes, of course," the lead guard stammered, signaling urgently for medical help. "Don't worry about those. Straight ahead."
*So far, so good,* I thought internally. *Though everyone watching us is going to be a problem.*
Through the Force bond, I reached out to the girls back at the Temple. 'Girls, status on the Temple. How are things progressing?'
Aayla's voice came back first, warm but laced with a hint of worry. 'Oh, rather calm as it can be. Ahsoka, Zule, and Shin are currently swamped with lesson plans for the younglings. Also, several more Masters have decided to leave. Apparently they're joining the other Council members on what is considered a break. But otherwise, fine.'
'Don't worry. I will be home soon,' I replied, sending a wave of reassurance through the bond.
**Scene 2**
**Sundari Royal Palace – Entrance Hall**
**Almec POV**
Prime Minister Almec stood stiffly in the grand entrance hall of the Sundari Royal Palace, his formal robes feeling tighter than usual around his neck. Why, of all the diplomats the Jedi Order could send, did they choose Master Yoda himself?
"Prime Minister, are you certain of this?" Duchess Satine asked, her voice calm but edged with genuine surprise as she adjusted her elegant headdress.
"Yes, Duchess. Grand Master Yoda himself and a Temple Guard," Almec confirmed, trying to keep his voice steady despite the growing knot in his stomach.
"You know if this is a joke, it's poorly done," Deputy Minister Jerec said, hoping desperately that Almec was lying.
"Not a joke. They're here," Almec replied, turning off his communicator and quickly fixing his uniform as the honor guard escort approached.
The group entered the hall. Master Yoda walked with quiet dignity, his small green form radiating an almost palpable aura of ancient wisdom and power. Beside him walked the Temple Guard — tall, imposing, face completely hidden behind the ivory mask with gold markings. The guard carried a large, sealed crate with surprising ease.
"Greetings, Master Yoda and Temple Guard… uhh, I don't know your name," Almec said, bowing deeply and respectfully.
Yoda and the guard returned the bow with measured grace.
"Name lost when joined the Guards, but Dagon you can call him. As such is the will of the Force," Yoda responded calmly.
Almec felt a wave of nervousness wash over him. The sheer power emanating from the most legendary Jedi of the Order in over 800 years was almost overwhelming. Even the air around them seemed to hum with quiet authority.
"Come to meet the Duchess we have, bearing gifts recovered as such is part of your history," Yoda said as the guard — Dagon — carried the heavy crate forward with steady hands.
"Very well. To the Royal Palace," Almec said, signaling the guards to prepare the speeder transport.
As they moved toward the waiting vehicles, Almec couldn't shake the feeling that this visit was going to change everything for Mandalore.