Chap. 34 - Between the Shadows

The moment was getting closer. Rune Haako was advancing towards the bazaar with his colorful droid escort. The citizens who saw him pass were perplexed by such a display of opulence. Just because. This was a diplomatic embassy, ​​to capture the hearts of the citizens, and incite them to support Lord joining the Confederacy.

Rune Haako was shown in an opulent red suit, which she dragged across the ground like a veil, and on her head, a huge golden hat typical of the Trade Confederation. The droids that accompanied him were also ornate, to prevent their imposing form from becoming less of a threat and more of a symbol of strength and security. Everything a people wants. Even the magnaguardias, whose white kalesh capes had been replaced by gold ones with velvet thread details. More than assassin droids, they seemed like heroes of their nation.

The caravan finally arrived at the bazaar, where its presence did not go unnoticed at all. All passersby and merchants were amazed by the ostentation of the profession, especially with the eight banners of the confederation that marched in front, carried by B1 droids. It was like seeing a king, and probably almost was.

Everyone moved out of their way, and those who were not paying attention, or were stunned by such majesty, were removed by the local guard itself, which marched alongside the caravan, avoiding any type of problems. Nothing seemed to be able to stop them. Well... almost nothing.

Officer: - But what does this mean? -

The voice of the commanding officer of the local guard stopped their advance, seeing how their path was suddenly interrupted by construction machinery and no-entry signs that closed the street. His anger was clearly visible, and he demanded an immediate response. Which was given to him when an elderly human approached him to give him an explanation. It was Master Lone Rage.

Lone: - Good morning officer. What's going on? Who are they? - He asked, imitating confusion.

Officer: - Behind me is the great Rune Haako of the trade federation. Special guest of His Majesty. And I demand to know why this street is closed for maintenance. This was not informed to me at any time. -

Lone: - Excuse me, officer. But he didn't tell us anything about it. -

Officer: - I want to see your permit. -

Lone: - Of course. Here you go. -

The disguised teacher handed him the required documents and the officer quickly reviewed them. He couldn't keep his visit waiting, and apparently the documents were correct, and signed by authorized personnel. Someone in the management office had made a serious mistake by not canceling this job, and they would pay dearly for it. However, he couldn't blame the workforce. After all, he himself found out about such an important visit less than a couple of hours ago. So it was not surprising that some simple builders did not do it. And without much he could do about it, he returned the documents and approached the guest of honor.

Officer: - I hope you will excuse us, Great General Rune Haako, but it seems that we have a setback. We will take an alternative route. -

Haako: - I guess there is no alternative. - He commented obfuscated after a long sigh, because those clothes he was wearing were not at all comfortable. - Walking a little more won't kill me, that's for sure. But I can't say the same about this heat. -

Officer: - I'm really sorry. -

Haako: - Good. On going. Do not lose more time. -

The caravan was about to divert its course, when the friendly roar of a Wookiee caught the attention of those present. It was Teacher Wanban, who was disguised as a transporter, and next to her lay an elegant hand-pulled rickshaw cart of elegant bearing, something that Rune Haako himself would not be able to resist.

Officer: - How dare you suggest such a thing!? - The commanding officer exclaimed.

Haako: - Okay officer. I think it wouldn't hurt to enjoy... the local amenities. It isn't true? - A very polite comment, although all I wanted was to stop walking around in those uncomfortable clothes.

Master Wanban continued to play her role, and an elegant reverence surprised several present, who saw the Wookiees as wild creatures lacking etiquette. The teacher took the cart and approached the ambassador of the Trade Federation, while the droids made way, and when she was close enough, she parked it and invited Rune Haako to get in, even offering him a hand, as if the papers of the damsel and the handsome man would have been reversed. Something that of course, he rejected.

Now in his seat of the luxury car, Rune Haako genuinely smiled as he felt the relief on his feet, as he simply let the profession take its course. The discomfort no longer bothered him as much, and he didn't care about the number of detours necessary to get to the palace. Walking away with the Wookiee teacher and the rest of the escort.

Lone: - The fish has stung. They go to their position. - He was calling on his communicator.

Nunes: - Understood. We are ready. Five minutes. -

Lone: - On the way. -

Ignorant of the threads that intertwined under their shadow, Rune Haako haughtily enjoyed their walk. Now with more peace of mind, he could admire the simplicity of the bazaar, while he plotted the hundreds of ways he could take advantage of these ignorant citizens. Lorrd, it was a world rich in resources. Resources that the Trade Confederation viewed with worrying ambition.

Furthermore, although simple for their tastes, the central bazaar of the capital city of Lorrd was not a seedy structure at all. Quite the opposite. It had wide corridors and large vaults, although it contained a touch of Neo-Renaissance art. The stores were stocked, and the commercial activity was notorious, although of course, it was on the main route where the most luxurious places and the wealthiest pompous people were concentrated.

The caraban finally arrived at a somewhat different chamber. It was a decorative bazaar square, devoid of shops, and the perfect place for the ambush. A place that was curiously empty despite how busy the place was. Nothing that several of the Jedi masters were not able to achieve by using the force to convince passersby to take a better route. 

Ironically, this allowed the Neimodian to admire the opulence of the place, and as the artificial lighting showed off the majestic works of art, which should be guarded by at least two guards each. Something that caught the attention of the commanding officer of the local guard, who was slightly worried... But it was already too late.

Officer: - Hey you!... Get out of the way! -

The officer's voice caught everyone's attention as he addressed a hooded stranger who was walking in front of the caravan, approximately thirty meters away. One who seemed to ignore the orders of the local authority.

Officer: - Have you not listened to me!? Get out of the way if you don't want to suffer the consequences! -

However, the hooded man did not comply with the order. Instead, he stood his ground, staring the caravan in front, even though no one could see his face. The B1 droids marching in front with their banners looked at each other, unable to process what was happening. However, the Magnaguards began to surround the Neimodian chariot.

Wamban remained in her role, and seemed scared as she saw what was happening, even more so, when other hooded silhouettes appeared out of nowhere, and had blocked the caravan's path, as well as its possible retreat.

There was no time for anything. The officer could not even give the order to his subordinates, when several of those silhouettes lunged at them and knocked them out on the spot. A handful of droids were no match for thirteen Jedis and two Padawans, and in less than thirty seconds, the caravan was reduced to a redoubt made up of the eight magnaguards, who made a perfect circle around the Neimodian, ignoring that right in the center, they had possibly the most powerful Jedi present.

Wamban roared as his dual lightsaber ignited, and the IG-100 droids had no chance to turn around before the deadly energy blade split them in two. Three droids fell before the first attack, and the other five were unable to gain numerical supremacy. Everything happened so quickly, the minute hand of the clock was not even able to advance one step.

Now, the Separatist officer was completely surrounded by fourteen hooded individuals and the Wookiee who had tricked them. Their droids were nothing more than scrap metal, and the local officers lay unconscious on the ground. A quick glance was enough to tell you that no one would come to your aid, and it would be best not to do anything unintelligent.

Nune: - Rune Haako, you are arrested by the jurisdiction of the Republic and the Jedi council. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say will be used against you. - However, the Neimodian could only laugh.

Haako: - Ah... Jedis... Why am I not surprised? Acting like sewer rats. -

Nune: - You can say whatever you want. He knows that none of those present will fall for his tricks. -

Haako: - Yes yes yes... I already know the game. Still, I'm surprised to see one of my own in this raid. It seems that the honor of the great Neimodiated order has been taken from you. - He mentioned while looking at Master Forio.

Forio: - Don't compare me with you. We may be of the same race, but I was instilled with the value of honor and respect towards those most in need. I brandish my weapon to maintain peace in the galaxy, not this unjustified war that you and yours have caused. -

Haako: - Poor ignorant person, like the rest. So blind to their own ideals, that they are not able to see beyond their noses. That's why they become so... unpredictable. -

Suddenly, the lights went out, leaving everything in complete darkness. Lightsabers immediately ignited, as every Jedi and Padawan present took a combat stance. The only thing that could be seen was each other, and the light that entered from the exit and entrance of the corridor. Nothing more, nothing less.

Tead: - What the hell is happening!? - The Trandochan exclaimed, at the same time that the barking of Onex, Edino's hound, began to saturate the place. His teacher was trying to calm him down, but he seemed simply unable to budge. I was scared. Terrified. And his attitude of wanting to drag his master with the chain in his hand expressed it perfectly. All while Rune Haako himself laughed with pleasure at seeing the desperation of his enemies. And then... Everything became silent.

Nunes: - We must get out of here... Now... - But it was too late.

A cry of pain shook the chamber, as two new lights joined the rest. Everyone turned around in fear when they saw Lucas's body rising above the ground, while a blue and a green saber crossed his chest. The Jedi did not have the slightest opportunity to react, when the shadow of a hunter pounced on him like a bloodthirsty beast... Thirsty for Jedi blood.

Everyone watched in terror as the Jedi's body collapsed to the ground, lifeless, from three meters high. Onex's barking became louder, more aggressive against the shadow that had now become present. A being more machine than alien. More dead than alive. One who held an immeasurable grudge against every follower of the luminous path of this galaxy. A being... created to be the nightmare of the order. 

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