**Chapter 773: New Traditions**
**Scene 1: Coruscant – Jedi Temple**
**Obi-Wan Kenobi POV**
Walking the halls of the Jedi Temple was always a relaxing sight. Until now.
Everywhere Obi-Wan looked, he saw padawan and knight couples walking together, many younglings running around with their parents. New defense turrets lined the outer corridors, and Mandalorian instructors were training clones to use the Force to jump high and land with precision. It was good, though. He had never seen so much laughter and fun within these ancient walls. Even the Temple Guards, still wearing their emotionless masks, seemed to be enjoying training the younger generation.
"So, Master, who do you think the new order with relationships is for?" Anakin said, smirking as he fell into step beside him.
"Oh Anakin, aren't you a Master now? Shouldn't you at least keep some grace? And anyway, where is your wife?" Obi-Wan asked sarcastically, already knowing the answer.
"You already know," Anakin replied grumpily.
"Well, I can't say I have much sympathy. Even with the old Code, attachments with Jedi were somewhat tolerated, but the problem was… oh, you went for scandal territory. A senator of all people," Obi-Wan said dryly.
"I still don't understand the big deal. Dagon got two princesses," Anakin complained.
"Yes, two princesses from two independent systems where their word is law. You got a senator who represents her planet, her people, and must follow the rules as stipulated by the royal sovereign of Naboo. Seriously, could you imagine the scandals Senator Amidala could face if the news and the Senate knew you two eloped?" Obi-Wan said.
"Yes… no," Anakin replied.
"Well, be thankful. Dagon at least gave some instructions. Plus, time away does wonders for a relationship. What would you do anyway? Just stay in her apartment while she's in the Senate?" Obi-Wan said, laughing.
Anakin grumbled but couldn't hide a small smile. The Temple had changed — and perhaps, Obi-Wan admitted to himself, it was for the better.
**Scene 2: Devastation – Bridge, Hyperspace En Route to Coruscant**
**Dagon POV**
Mikkians were a strange species.
Their most distinctive feature were their motile head-tendrils, the number, form, and pattern varying between individuals. These head-tendrils primarily served as sensory organs, particularly detecting sound as a replacement for ears common in other species. They could also detect other information, such as humidity, temperature, magnetic direction, and radiation. This radiation detection was sensitive enough that Mikkians could "see" light and dark, although their eyes were still their primary visual organs.
They were basically Ahsoka's montrals on steroids. Still, it was interesting watching it in an aroused state.
Or at least what I thought was aroused for Tiplar. Her yellow skin had taken on an orange tint from blushing, and her tendrils were vibrating gently.
Still, it seemed like it was getting awkward. Also for Tiplar — she was turning red, making it hard to tell what a blush looked like, or if she was jealous. Apparently me resting my head on Aubrie's lap was not okay.
Aubrie didn't seem to mind, though. Since my hair was long and white, similar to her own, she liked to tie several small knots in it — something she enjoyed doing during her youngling days.
"Aren't you supposed to be working?" Tiplar asked, her blue lips pursed.
"I am," I said lazily. "Meditating to understand the higher mysteries of the Force."
"Or at least until we get a more private room," I added, making Aubrie blush deeply.
Tiplar's tendrils twitched even faster. She crossed her arms, trying (and failing) to look stern. "You're impossible."
I chuckled, reaching out to gently tug one of her tendrils. "You're the one who keeps staring, Tiplar."
The Mikkians were still adjusting to life aboard the *Devastation* — and to the new realities of the Jedi Order under my leadership. But the way Tiplar's tendrils kept vibrating whenever she looked at me told me she was adjusting faster than she wanted to admit.
Aubrie smiled softly as she continued playing with my hair. The war waited for us on Coruscant, but for now, in the quiet of hyperspace, even the Dragon could rest his head for a moment.