Shadow Desires

Chapter 17

Me and my troops had arrived at the southern area of planet Geonosis. The ship's ramp lowered, and my troopers stormed out, the sound of footsteps clunking on the metallic floor as they moved with precision and urgency.

"Split into groups!" I commanded, my voice sharp and clear.

The troopers immediately responded, dividing into smaller units as they began to fan out across the desolate terrain, blasters ready and senses heightened.

"Search every corner, every crevice. He has to be hiding somewhere," I ordered as I moved towards the base center.

The air was heavy with tension, and the wind carried the distinct rust-colored dust of Geonosis across the barren landscape. I made my way to the central command, where Elrik, one of my trusted men, was waiting for me.

"Elrik, what's the news?" I asked, my tone brisk as I entered the makeshift command room.

Elrik looked up from his datapad, his expression tense.

"Our fighters have completed their aerial search, Captain. There's no sign of any flying spacecraft leaving the planet."

I let out an annoyed snort, my eyes narrowing in frustration.

"He must be here somewhere," I murmured, more to myself than to Elrik, my mind racing as I considered the possibilities. The Jedi we were hunting was cunning, but I couldn't afford to let him slip through our grasp. Not this time.
I turned to Elrik, my eyes locking onto his.

"Double the patrols in the southeast quadrant. I want every tunnel, every hidden crevice checked. He won't escape us," I said, my voice filled with determination.

Elrik nodded sharply. "Understood, Captain."
I took a deep breath, my gaze shifting to the dusty horizon beyond the command center.  

Somewhere out there, the Jedi was hiding, and I was going to find him. Failure was not an option—not with General Hux and Captain Phasma counting on me.

I found my way to Gehenbar City. The bustling settlement was unlike the desolate terrain we had just scoured—here, there was activity, with stormtroopers patrolling in clusters, and locals moving about their day, seemingly indifferent to the First Order's presence.

As I walked through the streets, I took in my surroundings—rusted buildings, neon lights flickering, and a mix of creatures and beings from different corners of the galaxy. I caught sight of a bar, its entrance shaded and the murmurs of patrons drifting out. I made my way inside.

The room fell silent, all eyes turning towards me as I stepped through the door. I returned the stares with a sharp, steady look before giving a slight nod, signaling that I wasn't there to cause trouble. Slowly, I walked to the bar, my boots clanking against the metal flooring, and leaned on the counter.

The bartender, a humanoid with rough features, eyed me warily. Beside me, a creature with multiple eyes avoided my gaze, his drink trembling slightly in his hand.

I turned my head toward the creature, leaning in closer. "Do you see any Jedi?" I asked, my voice low, yet firm enough to convey the urgency of my question.

The creature's many eyes blinked rapidly, and it shook its head in a frantic motion, as if the very mention of a Jedi terrified it. I narrowed my eyes, studying its reaction, trying to gauge whether fear or deception lay behind the response.

I sighed, turning my attention back to the bar. The atmosphere remained thick with tension. Somewhere in this city, the Jedi had to be hiding. And I would find him—no matter who stood in my way.