**Chapter 617**
**Scene 1**
**Senate Building – Chancellor's Office**
**Chancellor Palpatine POV**
The Chancellor's office was dimly lit, the large transparisteel windows offering a commanding view of Coruscant's endless cityscape. Sheev Palpatine sat behind his grand desk, fingers steepled as he listened intently to the report. Director Armand Isard of Republic Intelligence stood before him, looking unusually tense.
"And you are certain that is all — just preparation for the eventual peace meeting between the Republic and Separatists?" Palpatine asked, his voice smooth but laced with underlying concern.
"Yes, Chancellor," Isard replied, adjusting his uniform. "But no Senator is allowed in the Temple for any business, as well as any contact with the Jedi Order. They have gone into total lockdown. However, we have only noticed that ships belonging to Dagon Marek's forces have been stationed at the Temple and departing, as well as several Jedi Temple shuttles leaving and the active recall of all Jedi not engaged in active combat."
Palpatine leaned back slightly, his eyes narrowing. "Hmm. Not good. Is there any communication at all?"
"Only through the Mern 13 headquarters," Isard continued. "But apparently General Dagon has spread out his Darkstar fleet across the galaxy to various points but are keeping them silent to not alert any Separatist attacks. Also, we have noticed several of the Temple's High Jedi Masters and several other Jedi leave the Temple, apparently for extensive leave of absence on hidden missions."
Palpatine's fingers tapped slowly on the desk. "Interesting. Very interesting. Keep monitoring the situation closely, Director. I want to know the moment anything changes. The Jedi have always been… unpredictable during times of crisis."
Isard bowed slightly. "Of course, Chancellor. We will keep you informed."
As the Director left, Palpatine allowed a faint, calculating smile to cross his lips. *Dagon Marek… what game are you playing now?*
**Scene 2**
**Padmé Amidala's Apartment, Coruscant**
**Padmé Amidala POV**
Padmé Amidala stood near the large window of her apartment, arms crossed as she listened to the urgent discussion. Bail Organa, Mon Mothma, and Garm Bel Iblis had gathered for an emergency meeting after the sudden communications blackout with the Jedi Temple.
"There is currently a communications blackout with the Jedi Temple and its members as of now," Bail Organa said, his voice grave. "But currently all Jedi not engaged are to return to the Temple to discuss current events."
"It must be General Dagon," Mon Mothma replied, pacing slowly. "As his forces are seen moving in and out of the Temple. I think it has to do with the current peace talks."
"Or probably the Jedi have figured out our plans," Garm Bel Iblis said angrily, his Corellian temper flaring. "After all, they did intercept you as you basically attempted treason."
Padmé turned sharply, her eyes flashing. "I have guarantees from Dagon that he didn't say a word. Although I haven't been able to contact any Jedi either. Perhaps they are serious about peace."
Bail raised a hand to calm the room. "We must be careful. If the Jedi are going into lockdown, it could mean they are preparing for something major. The peace conference is only two weeks away. We cannot afford any missteps now."
Mon Mothma nodded. "Dagon Marek has become incredibly influential. His fleets, his victories, his… unconventional methods. The Senate is divided on whether he is a hero or a threat. If the Jedi are consolidating power under him, it could change everything."
Garm snorted. "Change? It already has. The man practically runs half the Outer Rim now. And with those new ships he's building… we need to be ready for whatever comes next."
Padmé looked out the window at the glowing spires of Coruscant, her mind racing. *Dagon… what are you planning? Are you truly working for peace… or something else entirely?*
The group continued their hushed discussion late into the night, the weight of uncertainty hanging over them like a gathering storm.