Chapter 109: Fifth Great Schism Episode I

[Chancellor's Suite, Ceremonial Office, Republic Executive Building, Galactic City, Coruscant]

(3rd Person: POV)

A datapad in his hand, Palpatine read the information on it.

Getting a frown on his face the more he read.

For the datapad in Palpatine's hand described the events that had currently place in the Mandalore Sector, and the current state of the Mandalorians. Including the fact Jango Fett, who resigned from his affiliation with the Republic clone army on Kamino, had re-taken his role as Mandalore and was now leading his people.

Reaching the end of the information on the datapad in his hands Palpatine saw an official request from Mandalore and the Mandalore Sector to withdraw their membership from the Galactic Republic.

Which made Palpatine worried.

For one thing that could completely derail his plans was a resurgent Mandalore and Mandalorians.

Because for all his arrogance, Palpatine was hardly a foul. He knew how many times in the past the Mandalorians had not only nearly brought the Republic and the Jedi to the brink of destruction, but also the Sith and their various empires as well.

Which Palpatine could not have.

Placing the datapad in his hands atop his table Palpatine turned his gaze to the man who had given him the datapad with the information 20 minutes ago.

The current director-general of the Senate Bureau of Intelligence and one of Palpatine's most loyal supporters, Armand Isard.

[Insert Image of Armand Isard Here]

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention directly Isard." Palpatine spoke.

"No problem chancellor. I felt it was something you should become aware of as soon as possible." Isard replied.

"And for that I am grateful." Palpatine replied. "Now then, is there anything else you can tell me about the current situation happening in the Mandalore Sector that was not in the report I just read?"

"Not much I'm afraid chancellor. We have hardly any assets in that sector of space." Isard spoke. "But what I can tell you is that we have several reports of Jedi being involved in the latest incident in Mandalorian space."

"Jedi, you say." Palpatine said.

"Yes, Jedi chancellor. But we don't have any concrete evidence to back up these claims. Which is why I left it out of the official report." Isard explained.

"I see." Palpatine mused.

Wondering what the hell Jedi were doing possibly involved with the Mandalorians.

Good thing he has a surefire way to find out.

Which might lead to some dead Jedi in the end.

Exactly as the Sith Lord wanted.

"Once more thank you Isard, that will be all." Palpatine said.

"Yes chancellor." Isard replied.

He then left Palpatine's office.

The moment after Isard did Palpatine moved to contact the Jedi.

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[Jedi Temple, Galactic City, Coruscant]

In their meeting room in the Jedi Temple the members of the Jedi High Council listened intently as Yoda and Windu explained the information they had recieved from Palpatine pertaining to recent events in the Mandalore sector.

For although there was an ongoing schism within the order many Jedi could put such matters aside when they thought the situation was serious enough.

Like right now.

When Yoda and Windu finished explaining to the other high council members what Palpatine had informed them about a number of them had grimaces on their faces.

"This is a most serious situation." Master Poof spook.

"Yes. Given the age old rivalry between Jedi and the Mandalorians it is highly unlikely they would work together, but if these claims are true then who knows what kind of problems might arise." Master Mundi spoke.

"Especially if these supposed Jedi are members of the order." Billaba added.

"We must investigate this matter immediately." Master Tiin spoke.

"Agree with you I do, master Tiin." Yoda spoke. "But proceed with caution we must. Formidable warriors the Mandalorians are. A long history of battling we Jedi and defeating us they do. Avoid conflict at all cost, we must try." The grand master said.

"Even so, since it seems we might be dealing with rogue Jedi in Mandalorian space Master Yoda and I have decided only masters shall be part of this mission." Windu spoke.

After he did so the high council decided on the finer details of the mission to the Mandalore sector.

Namely the size of the investigation team they would send and its members.

In the end they decided to send a five man team to the Mandalore sector.

Its members being Ki-Adi-Mundi, Adi Gallia, Plo Koon, Depa Billaba, and finally Shaak Ti.

Once the investigation teams roster was set the five masters quickly made their preparations, and then soon departed for the Manalore Sector.

No Jedi having any idea what this mission would do to the very foundation of their order.