**Chapter 822: Proclamations of the Force**
**Scene 1: Jedi Council Chambers, Coruscant**
The Jedi Council Chamber was filled with a solemn, reverent silence. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows overlooking Coruscant's endless cityscape, casting long shadows across the circular floor. Dagon Marek stood at the center in his black Wrath Shield armor, the faceplate retracted to reveal his scarred features. Before him knelt a line of Padawans, their faces a mix of exhaustion, pride, and quiet determination.
"We are all Jedi," Dagon intoned, his voice carrying the weight of the Grand Master. "The Force speaks through us. Through our actions, the Force proclaims itself and what is real. Today we are here to acknowledge what the Force has proclaimed."
He raised a lightsaber with solemn purpose. One by one, he severed the braids of the kneeling Padawans.
Mack Lotor. Kass Tod. Finn Ertay. Lakas Scout. Aubrie Wrin. And fifteen others.
"By the right of the Council, by the will of the Force, I dub thee Jedi, Knight of the Republic."
The new Knights rose, their faces glowing with renewed purpose. Lightsabers ignited in unison—green, blue, yellow, and white blades humming in harmony.
' The knighting ceremony has been upgraded,' Dagon thought as he watched them. 'Instead of the traditional trials, we now give them a Sith holocron and force them to overcome its challenges. It was torture for the Padawans, but they preferred it. No more uncertainty. And it does make them stronger.'
The old ways had been too slow, too passive. In this war, the Jedi needed warriors forged in fire. The Sith holocrons tested their resolve, their morality, and their connection to the Force in ways no simulated trial ever could. Many emerged changed—but all emerged ready.
As the new Knights filed out, Dagon allowed himself a small nod of approval. The Order was evolving, whether the traditionalists liked it or not.
**Scene 2: Jedi Temple Hallways**
Dagon walked the wide, sunlit hallways of the Jedi Temple, his armored boots echoing softly. The changes were everywhere. Jedi Padawan and Master couples strolled openly, hands occasionally brushing. Knight couples shared quiet conversations near training salles. Even Padawan couples—young, bright-eyed, and full of hope—moved with a freedom that would have been unthinkable under the old Code.
The Agro Corps Jedi, once relegated to farming and support roles, now walked with the same confidence as frontline Knights. Many still carried lightsabers, though some had surrendered them upon joining the Corps. It was strange. Ahsoka had once hated the idea of the Agro Corps as a youngling, fearing it meant she would never become a full Knight. Now, those same Jedi were integrated, respected, and—most importantly—armed when needed.
As Dagon passed a group of female Knights and Padawans, they fell into hushed whispers, glancing at him with a mixture of awe, curiosity, and something warmer. He didn't need the Force to know what they were saying. His harem was no longer a secret among the Jedi, though it was never openly discussed. The closeness he shared with his wives and girlfriends had enhanced their midichlorian counts dramatically—many now approaching Skywalker levels. They were among the strongest Jedi in history, second only to him.
Dagon kept walking, a faint smile tugging at his scarred lips. The old Jedi would have been horrified. The new Order simply accepted it as the will of the Force.
**Scene 3: Grand Master's Chambers – Strategic Planning**
One day remained until the girls returned from Kuat. Then the full military conference would begin. Dagon stood alone in his private chambers, a massive holographic galactic map floating before him. The war had reached a critical juncture.
"Year 3 of the Clone Wars," he murmured. "What are my targets?"
First: **Cato Neimoidia**. He would put Skywalker in charge, supported by Piett, Veers, and Tarkin. The "Galactic Empire Four"—as Dagon privately called them—would get their chance to prove themselves. It was worth testing whether they would react the same way in this timeline. He would break the planet if necessary.
Simultaneously, Obi-Wan would lead the assault on **Utapau**, eliminating the last major Outer Rim CIS stronghold.
Then came the shipyards: **Foreost**, **Vanqor**, and **Alateen 6**. Striking those would isolate Mon Cala, Hapes, and the remaining Hutt space holdings. Only those three major pockets of CIS resistance would remain.
But Palpatine—Darth Sidious—remained a ghost. He had joined the CIS as their commander, yet the Republic still operated under the illusion of his leadership. Dagon couldn't simply declare himself a Jedi Lord and wartime dictator. Not yet. He needed a vote. A legitimate mandate.
He made a mental note to contact Nhon and Mas Amedda. How many senators could he reliably count on? Sienar-controlled planets, Lantilles, and at least 1,500 senators who would say yes without question. It was a start.
Dagon deactivated the map and stared out at Coruscant's endless skyline. The girls would arrive soon. The conference would set the course for the final campaigns. The Dragon was ready to end this war on his terms.
In the distance, the Senate building gleamed under the setting sun. Soon, it would bend—or break.