**Chapter 691: Bonds and Burdens**
**Scene 1**
**Venator-class Star Destroyer, Talon**
**Hyperspace, En Route to Skako**
**Dagon POV**
The blue tunnel of hyperspace swirled outside the viewport of the *Talon* as I stood alone in the command observation deck. Skako was our destination — an ecumenopolis on the Hydian Way in the Core, homeworld of the Skakoan species. Most of the planet was covered in endless urban sprawl, though a few preserved pockets of the original ecosystem remained in the form of vast fields of sprawling vines.
The Skakoans rarely left their world. Their dependence on a methane-rich atmosphere and extreme pressure made travel difficult. Their massive city-planet lacked the charm of Coruscant, feeling more like a cold, mechanical machine than a living world. They followed the Book of the Boolmide and revered the Power Mounds, where their Elders presided over religious affairs.
*And now it will receive punishment,* I thought grimly. *I have decided that no CIS-aligned Core world will remain untouched. I can't risk another surprise offensive like the last one.*
Leading the assault on Skako would be Jedi Master Taron Malicos and Master Baylan Skoll — two war commanders I trusted to get the job done efficiently. Most Jedi had been pulled back to the Temple. As of now, apart from myself and the girls, only about fifty Jedi remained in active military command roles.
*In the meantime,* I thought, *it's time to start the Jedi back on their original business — destroying Sith.*
I activated my armor's comm system. "Priority message. *Annihilator* and attached fleet will continue to Coruscant. Moff Trachta will assume temporary command upon arrival. *Talon*, set coordinates for Hostile-5."
Now came the harder part.
I opened a secure channel to the *Annihilator*.
**Scene 2**
**Annihilator, Grand Master's Officer Quarters**
**Ahsoka Tano POV**
It felt strange flying back toward Coruscant on separate ships, but the Force had felt… heavy lately. They had just slaughtered hundreds of Frangawl cultists — living, breathing organics — on Zardossa Stix. Then came the battle at Sluis Van, where many more had died. The advanced mental shielding techniques Dagon had taught them helped dampen the emotional backlash, but it still lingered.
Ahsoka's thoughts kept drifting to Master Plo Koon. He was still missing, along with roughly seventy-seven other Jedi Knights and Masters, plus about ten Padawans. Their fleet — seventy-nine Venator-class Star Destroyers — had vanished at Mygeeto. Enough ships and Jedi to launch a major hunt.
Her thoughts were interrupted as Dagon's hologram appeared in the center of the room. The girls had already gathered: Zule, Shin, Aayla, Kayla, Visenya, Grace, Flare, Stella, Erictia, and Sakura.
"Girls," Dagon began, his voice serious, "I have important news and tasks to discuss. This concerns the future of the Order… and our relationship."
He paused, letting the weight settle.
"First of all, you are all to return to the Temple. I've outlined specific duties for each of you. With the temporary halt in major operations after the failed CIS offensive, you will take up the role of Jedi Masters and instructors for the newly formed 'Arc Jedi' program."
*Arc Jedi.* The term Dagon had coined for Force-sensitives trained in a hybrid style — blending Jedi, Sith, and Mandalorian methods. It wasn't limited to traditional Jedi anymore. Anyone with sufficient Force sensitivity could join and undergo intensive, accelerated training.
Aayla crossed her arms. "You're sending us back to teach while you go off alone?"
Shin frowned. "Dagon, we should be with you."
Before he could respond, the complaints began.
Zule stepped forward, eyes flashing. "You're turning off the bond? Are you serious? After everything we've been through?"
Sakura looked genuinely hurt. "I thought we were past keeping secrets from each other."
Grace's Zeltron skin shifted to a deeper, worried pink. "This feels like you're pulling away. Is something wrong?"
Flare crossed her arms. "We've fought beside you in every major battle. Now you want us on the sidelines playing teacher?"
Stella's voice was quieter but no less emotional. "I don't like the idea of not feeling you… even for a short time."
Visenya and Erictia exchanged glances, both clearly unhappy. Aayla simply shook her head, lekku twitching with frustration.
Dagon raised his hands, trying to calm the storm. "Now, now — before you all tear into me, hear me out. Sharing minds constantly is powerful, yes. But it's also unhealthy for a relationship in the long term. Don't you girls miss having some privacy for your own thoughts, at least occasionally?"
Kayla tilted her head. "A little privacy would be nice… but not like this."
Shin sighed. "I understand the logic, but the timing feels off. With so many Jedi still missing, we should stay close."
Ahsoka finally spoke up. "Master… we've only been officially together for a little over a year. Some of us even less. Is this really necessary?"
Dagon's expression softened. "Look, it's only been about one year and a few months since I officially started this relationship with Ahsoka, Flare, Kayla, and Stella. Then Zule, then Shin and Erictia, then Aayla, then Sakura, and now Grace. We've grown incredibly fast. I think some space — even temporary — will be good for us. It'll let you focus on shaping the next generation of Jedi without my shadow constantly over you."
The room fell into reluctant silence, though several girls still looked unhappy.
Ahsoka nodded slowly. "We'll do it… but you better come back soon."
Dagon smiled faintly. "I will. I always do."