**Chapter 627**
**Scene 1**
**Jedi Temple Hangar, Coruscant**
**Dagon POV**
The Lambda-class shuttle settled gently onto the private landing platform reserved for Council members. I stepped off the ramp, still wearing the modified Temple Guard robes over my armor, the ivory mask tucked under one arm. The familiar weight of the Jedi Temple surrounded me — ancient stone, soft lighting, and the constant undercurrent of the Force flowing through every corridor. But something felt different now. The air hummed with change, uncertainty, and the faint echo of departing ships.
Baylan Skoll and Taron Malicos waited near the hangar entrance. Baylan, a tall, imposing Jedi Master with a stern face and graying hair, stood with quiet authority. He commanded the 255th Sky Corps. Beside him was Taron Malicos, a Jedi Knight with sharp features and a warrior's build, leading the 565th Ranger Battalion. Both had been quietly approached during the recent shifts in the Order. I had sensed their disillusionment with the old ways — their growing belief that the Jedi had lost their true path. In the expanded lore of what might have been, they would eventually turn against the Order after Order 66. But here, I hoped to bring them into the fold before that darkness took root.
"Master Skoll. Knight Malicos," I greeted them with a respectful nod. "I'm glad you answered the call. The Order needs minds like yours — those willing to see beyond the old restrictions."
Baylan inclined his head. "Grand Master Marek. We have heard much of your… reforms. The Council's dissolution was unexpected, but necessary. We stand ready to serve a new vision."
Taron Malicos offered a small, cautious smile. "The Rangers have grown restless under the old command structure. If you truly mean to restore the Jedi as guardians rather than soldiers, we will follow."
I clasped each of their forearms in turn. "Good. We will speak more soon. For now, rest and prepare. The coming days will test us all."
As they departed toward their assigned quarters, Kayla appeared from a side corridor, her steps quick and purposeful. She threw her arms around me in a tight hug, her zeltron warmth pressing against my chest.
"We have a problem," she whispered urgently. "A serious problem."
I held her close for a moment, breathing in her familiar scent. "Then let's handle it together."
**Scene 2**
**Jedi High Council Chamber**
**Dagon POV**
The Council Chamber felt smaller now with so many seats empty. Only a core group remained: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Cin Drallig, Ahsoka (now a Knight), Shin, Zule, Flare, Stella, Kayla, Aayla, and a few others who had chosen to stay. The central pedestal still held the lightsabers of those who had departed — a silent monument to the fracture within the Order.
Cin Drallig stood at the head of the table, his face grim as he delivered the report. "As of now, the Service Corps — at least 3,000 members — have left to join the other sects across the galaxy of the Jedi Order. 500 remain with us, of which 250 are still stationed off-world on various assignments. 2,000 Knights, 200 Masters, 700 of the Librarians including Jocasta Nu, and 400 Padawans have left the Temple."
He paused, letting the numbers sink in before continuing. "The current Temple stands as: Temple Guards — 5,000; Knights — 500; Masters — 90; Padawans — 1,500; Younglings — 3,000."
A heavy silence followed. Shin leaned forward, her purple-accented armor catching the light. "It's all bad news, but at least they have joined the other sects. So at least the ones who remain here believe in change. The Temple Guard especially — I wonder why."
Nhon Artaru chuckled softly from his seat. "Most of the Temple Guard is a permanent service. Even with the new rules you set, they at least seem glad to no longer be emotionless robots."
Ahsoka, now a full Jedi Knight, activated a small holodisplay showing the revised Jedi Code. "The new code, as requested:
Emotion, yet peace.
Ignorance, yet knowledge.
Passion, yet serenity.
Chaos, yet harmony.
Death, yet the Force.
Similar to the old Jedi Code."
Zule continued, reading the additional lines Dagon had requested. "A Jedi's promise must be the most serious, the deepest of his or her life. A Jedi seeks not adventure or excitement, for a Jedi is passive, calm, and at peace. A Jedi knows that anger, fear, and aggression lead to the dark side. A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack. There is no 'try,' only 'do.' Believe and you succeed. Above all else, know that control of the Force comes only from concentration and training."
I nodded slowly, absorbing the changes. "What of the other types? In allowing younglings' families if they want to join the Temple as workers, and the expansion of the Temple?"
Everyone tensed. They knew this was the main reason why many of the old-school Masters had left — and it would cause problems when Mace Windu and the others returned from Mygeeto.
"Well, since we have so many younglings, it is a good idea," Anakin said carefully. "The expansion of the Temple is in progress, but I think we might need access to the Temple funds. Because currently, you're the person funding this venture."
I raised an eyebrow. "Yes. Wait — can't you guys access the funds? Aren't you given the Master codes?"
"Unfortunately, it is limited," Obi-Wan replied. "We need the Grand Master code. I assume… you have it?"
"Yeah," I said, rubbing my temple. "Right. Yoda gave it to me. Also, we might soon expect a news fallout. Yoda is now Mand'alor — protector of Duchess Satine. Also, right — some Mandalorians will be joining us in the Temple for training. Also, Skywalker, since Master Shaak Ti left, you will be the High Jedi responsible for Kamino."
"What?!" The shout came from nearly everyone in the High Council Chamber at once. The room erupted into a storm of shocked exclamations, questions, and overlapping voices.
Anakin looked like he had been hit by a speeder. "Kamino? Me? But I—"
Obi-Wan placed a steadying hand on his former Padawan's shoulder. "It seems the Force has decided we all have new roles to play."
I leaned back in the Grand Master's seat, feeling the weight of it all settle on my shoulders. The Jedi Order was changing — faster than anyone had anticipated. And I was now at the center of it.