Legacy of the Shadow of the Jedi | REMAKE |

26. Caecus Cognomentum

|| Location: Corusca Sector, Coruscant system , Coruscant||

|| Timeline: 33 BBY ||

The next morning came too soon. My body felt heavy, as if the weight of the galaxy had decided to rest on my shoulders. The nightmare from the night before still clung to me, like a dark shadow lurking at the edge of my thoughts. I could still hear the haunting sound of Vader's breathing, a reminder of a future that hadn't yet come to pass but felt as inevitable as the rising sun. Liora's presence had brought some comfort, but the ache in my heart remained.

I was seated in my quarters aboard the Resolute Dawn, the modified DP20 frigate that had become something of a second home. The datapad in my hand glowed faintly, displaying the report from Isaac. He had grown into a capable Jedi, skilled and confident in his abilities, but there was always a part of me that worried for him, that feared I might lead him down a path he wasn't ready to walk. The report detailed the situation on Baltizaar, where the Bando Gora had nearly overrun the planet. The Republic had been slow to respond, and by the time they had requested the Jedi Order's intervention, the damage had been done.

I could feel the darkness of the Bando Gora's influence even through the words on the screen. They were more than just a criminal cult—they were a coven of Force-worshippers, twisted and corrupted by the Dark Side. Their leader, an enigmatic figure whose identity remained a mystery, had rallied them into a force capable of toppling entire worlds. Baltizaar had barely survived.

The report was thorough, highlighting the Republic's failures and the desperate need for Jedi intervention. Isaac's analysis was sharp, his recommendations sound, but I could sense his frustration. He knew, as I did, that the Bando Gora were not to be underestimated. If we allowed them to continue unchecked, they would be a scourge upon the galaxy.

I set the datapad aside and closed my eyes, letting the Force guide my thoughts. The Council needed to be made aware of the full scope of the threat. Baltizaar was just the beginning—if the Bando Gora were allowed to spread, more worlds would fall, and more lives would be lost. We needed to act swiftly and decisively.

After a deep breath, I rose from my seat and made my way to the ship's communications chamber. The walk through the corridors was brief, yet it felt like an eternity as my mind raced with thoughts of the coming conversation. The Council had to understand the urgency, the necessity of assembling a task force to deal with the Bando Gora before their influence spread further.

The chamber was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from the holoprojector at its center. I keyed in the code for the Jedi Council's frequency, and within moments, the chamber was filled with the shimmering blue light of holograms. Grand Master Yoda, Ki-Adi-Mundi, and several other Council members appeared before me, their expressions varying from serene to concerned.

"Kodo," Yoda's voice broke the silence, his tone as calm and measured as ever. "Your report, we have received. Speak of your concerns, you must."

I bowed respectfully. "Masters, the situation on Baltizaar is dire. The Bando Gora are no ordinary threat—they are a force-worshipping cult that has harnessed the Dark Side in ways we have not seen in centuries. Their influence is spreading, and if we do not act now, I fear we will see more worlds fall under their shadow."

Ki-Adi-Mundi's brow furrowed. "The Republic's forces were insufficient to contain the threat. What do you propose, Master Kodo?"

"A task force, Master," I replied, my voice steady but urgent. "A specialized team of Jedi, trained and equipped to deal with the Bando Gora's unique threat. We need to strike at their heart, dismantle their leadership, and sever their connection to the Dark Side. The longer we wait, the stronger they become."