Star Wars: Lurking Darkness

Chapter 6

The pursuit had gone on for far too long. His legs had grown tired, but with the force at his side nothing was impossible. The Rodian had done everything wrong and was now running into a trap, or so at least he hoped that was the case.

Although the streets of Coruscant weren't any place for a Jedi, Von knew these low life beings could care less about him chasing a thief. Especially one who had recently taken something from each of them.

The young Rodian had terrorized many off world tourists and had attempted to steal from the young Jedi Master himself. His biggest mistake had been that he actually thought he could steal from a Jedi and get away with it.

Jedi Master Von Zeth was a regular at the rundown tapcafe and although his identity was well known, the service he received didn't change. He wished Jedi received special treatment down here but that scenario was indeed asking for too much. He had seen the Rodian before, but never thought much of him until now.

Von noticed the crowds growing thin as the tiresome alien shoved and pushed aside innocent pedestrians. He knew the chase couldn't go on for much longer. Why the alien still refused to stop was beyond his basic understanding. No matter where he went Von was one step ahead. He knew the Rodian had stolen his comlink and even though it could easily be replaced, he could not let a thief get away and brag about stealing from a Jedi.

He contemplated using the force and ending the chase quickly, but despite the circumstances he was amused by the Rodian's desperation. It wasn't everyday he got the chance to chase a thief down the rancid city slums of Coruscant. It also wasn't a common thing for a Jedi to be running around so freely in such a dangerous area.

Coruscant had deteriorated beneath the lustrous infrastructure it was well known for. Nothing down here screamed beauty or luxury. The ozone stench burned his nostrils but with a few breathing techniques it had become bearable. How everyone else could breathe so well was a mystery to him. Alley after alley, darkness threatened the success of a long and dangerous pursuit. He had to end it now. Leaping above a few makeshift vendors he focused all his energy on his stride.

Gaining on the Rodian, Von stopped noticing the ambush he was running into. Jumping down from the corroded tents he found himself in the center of demolished building foundations, surrounded by a dozen armed men. The hoodlums seemed confident in their numbers, but what they had in strength they lacked in coordination.

Without looking around he could sense five other beings hiding within the shadows. Taking what seconds he had of observation he realized the small gang had brought themselves into a death trap.

I guess their fierce leader forgot to explain that I am a Jedi and stealing from can be deadly. Oh well, I really wanted to use my lightsaber this time.

Above him was what remained of some sort of roof; around the men were giant slabs of rusted ferrocrete; the ground wet from damaged water pipes that never stopped flowing. No sympathy was shown as several ferrocrete slabs broke off the old foundation around them. Crashing down those in the shadows never saw it coming. Von had used the force to strike the first blow.

The others desperately tried getting out of the way but the wet floor sealed their faith. Von knew the slippery alleyway would make a fight difficult but it also meant his enemies would be slow and clumsy. None of the men managed to slip away from their demise.

As the dust cleared debris covered the Rodian's only hope of successfully escaping, or killing his Jedi pursuer. Realizing he was doomed the green Rodian dropped to his knees with nothing left but to plea for sympathy. Von walked closer now looking around satisfied with the outcome of the chase. More than a dozen men perished for one Rodian's greed. They never stood a chance.

Holding the stolen comlink out to him the Rodian pleaded for mercy in his native tongue. Von stared at the helpless alien and felt no pity. The spoken gibberish would would never be understood and Von could care less for what the Rodian had to say.

For so long Von had spent his childhood trying to survive off small rations he himself was forced to steal. As an orphan he had been left with no choice but to take from unsuspecting off-world tourists much like the Rodian. Although he didn't like doing it he realized at an early age he was quite the pickpocket, but he promised to never steal for pleasure. He had to admit that taking what wasn't his had become quite satisfying at times, yet guilt always found its way into his head. All his struggles before the Jedi academy were still fresh in his mind.

Unclipping his lightsaber he pointed the hilt directly at the bowing Rodian. The hopeless alien tensed up anticipating the decapitation that was to follow, but after a few quitr moments he looked up confused. The Jedi stood still never taking his eyes off of him. Finally retrieving his comlink Von spoke in a menacing voice, "Its fools like you who make my life interesting. As a Jedi I'm obligated to spare your life especially because I have no jurisdiction in these parts, but since you've caught me on a bad day I really can't walk away from severing your limbs leaving your head intact to witness it all."

The Rodian bowed lower hoping Von would let him go. Anger crept into his mind and immediately the gruesome scene played out in his head. "This is how you will..." Before he could finish his comlink activated and a mechanical voice came through.

"Master Von your presence has been requested by the Jedi Council. They would not say for what but they did say the matter is urgent." The voice was all too familiar to him.

"Did you tell them I was busy?" He asked the droid on the other end.

M-3 wasted no time answering the question. "Yes sir, but as always they walked away as I spoke. You Jedi can be so rude at times."

Looking down at the green skinned alien Von pointed his lightsaber hilt once more. "It's your lucky day wampa filth." Hitting the Rodian hard on the forehead quickly did the trick. Watching him helplessly collapse to the wet floor he walked away admiring his handy work.

"Alright M-3 tell them I'll be there in a bit. Inform them I had some business to take care of. Oh and by the way I'm going to need to change as soon as I arrive so have some fresh garments for me will you."

The droid hesitated to acknowledge the request. "It shall be done master." M-3 finally replied.

Turning his comlink off he proceeded out of the alley and was praised by those he had just saved. Some clapped for him while others reached out with offerings. Von took nothing from them and didn't bother to accept the praise.

He had saved them from a small tyrant but soon another would take his place. The Rodian's gang was dead and as far as Von was concerned he would be alone if he ever decided to terrorize another marketplace. The underground was indeed a dangerous place for a Jedi, but danger was everything he was seeking. If there was ever a chance for a Jedi to kill with no real repercussions it was down here in the slums of Coruscant.