**Chapter 643**
**Scene 1**
**Jedi High Council Chamber, Coruscant**
**Cin Drallig POV**
The Jedi High Council Chamber felt heavier and more solemn than it had in many years. The remaining Jedi Masters and Knights sat in a loose circle, the empty seats a constant, painful reminder of the deep fracture within the Order. Grand Master Dagon Marek stood at the center, his newly white hair and crimson-black spiral eyes giving him an almost otherworldly, commanding presence as he addressed the group with calm authority.
"Corellia has officially started the alliance," Dagon spoke, his voice steady and measured. "It seems this attack, along with Naboo, finally got them to begin sending volunteers to train for the Grand Army of the Republic."
He gestured toward the large holographic map floating above the central pedestal. Red and blue markers showed shifting frontlines across the galaxy. "Their fleet is questionable to say the least. Their smaller ships seem good, but their larger ships — the Corellian Star Destroyer and their unique 2.5 km Corellian Dreadnought — are rather weak in comparison to what we're facing. Still, I expect a probable attack soon. We cannot afford to be complacent."
Dagon continued, his tone shifting into clear command. "I am gathering the fleet. 200 Venators, 20 Nebula-class Star Destroyers, plus a couple more ships to pick up along the way. We will launch a defensive and partial offensive to several worlds, systems, and sectors currently under attack. While I do this, ensure no Jedi who chooses to stay with our new way of the Order leaves the Temple. There is a disturbance right now, and we need to protect ourselves and the younglings at all costs."
Anakin Skywalker's hologram flickered from Kamino, his expression tense and frustrated. "Why are only you leading the campaign? Shouldn't other Jedi also launch individual fleets instead of one fleet movement?"
"No," Dagon replied firmly, meeting Anakin's gaze through the hologram. "We need to ensure what Jedi we have left are protected. Also, 1,000 Mandalorians are now moving into the Temple. They will start assisting in training the younglings as well as the rest of you."
Cin Drallig leaned forward, his face etched with deep concern. "Mandalorians? Are you sure of this, Grand Master?"
"They are the Children of the Watch," Dagon explained patiently. "They believe in honor and tradition. They also don't remove their helmets. They are very traditional, and they have sworn loyalty to the alliance we forged with Duchess Satine and Master Yoda. They will be valuable allies in training our next generation."
The room fell into thoughtful silence as the weight of the new alliance and the looming campaign settled over them all.
**Scene 2**
**Jedi Temple Gardens**
**Ahsoka Tano POV**
The Jedi Temple Gardens offered a rare pocket of peace amid the chaos that had gripped Coruscant. Soft sunlight filtered through the leaves of ancient trees, and the gentle sound of flowing water from nearby fountains created a soothing atmosphere. Ahsoka Tano sat on a wide stone bench, Dagon resting his head comfortably on her lap. The girls had gathered around them — Kayla, Shin, Zule, Flare, Stella, Visenya, and Sakura — enjoying the few quiet moments before the war pulled them back into its jaws.
"It seems like the other Jedi have also started showing their relationships," Zule said, gesturing toward a nearby path where Kass Tod and Mak Lotor walked hand in hand, talking quietly and smiling at each other.
"Yep," Kayla replied, leaning against Dagon's side with a content sigh. "More Jedi and Padawans seem glad with the new rules. We also received reports that some who left the Temple at the beginning are returning."
Shin blushed slightly as she spoke up. "Yeah… also, I have news. I told my brother about us. He seemed supportive, but he doesn't—"
"He doesn't know that you have a harem, the secret training, or a lot of other events," Erictia interrupted with a teasing grin, earning a playful shove from Shin.
"Interesting," Stella said, smiling softly as she rested her head on Dagon's shoulder. "Hey, at least we no longer have to worry about Jedi rules since we make the rules now."
Dagon chuckled quietly from Ahsoka's lap, reaching up to gently stroke her cheek with his fingers. "For now, let's enjoy this. The galaxy can wait a little longer."
The group settled into a comfortable silence, the Force flowing gently around them like a warm, protective embrace. For a brief, precious moment, the war felt distant — a shadow on the horizon rather than a storm already upon them. Ahsoka ran her fingers through Dagon's white hair, savoring the peace while it lasted.