Proving Grounds [Complete]

[Lord Zedd]

The enormous city-verse of Coruscant was an amazing sight to behold. Buildings seemed to stretch endlessly into the atmosphere, and cars sped by, both on land and at various altitudes in the sky. Zedd was pained to admit that he was blown away by the spectacle. It was a sharp contrast to the plain white Nexus, and it was a step towards understanding the vast power held by the rulers of this realm. The verse reminded him of Eltar, the planet in his own universe that had been the birth of the conflict between good and evil – at least on the galactic level.

That was a long way away, and a long time ago. Staying in the moment was crucial. If this place was to be his, it would be no easy feat. The three grunts that had loitered through the Nexus were more than a match for him presently, so there was no question that any attempt to claim this land as his would currently be met with devastating failure and humiliation. There was always more than one way to skin a beast, however. The path was clear and simple: infiltrate and learn.

As soon as he could get through this unbearable line. What in the hell could possibly be taking so long? Zedd groaned in frustration as he waited for his turn. After several minutes he found himself at the front of the line of vistors, where more of the white armored clowns were standing guard with not only rifles, but other various tools.

“Welcome to Coruscant,” the lead Stormtrooper said, with just a hint of boredom in his voice. “Stand right there for scanning.”

“Scanning?” Zedd barked in annoyance. “What could you possibly need to scan from me?”

The Stormtroopers hesitantly looked between each other, and the lead one shook his head. A fresh arrival to the Omniverse was always an obvious sight.

“All new arrivals to Coruscant are scanned and IDed,” the Stormtrooper calmly explained, though he took a slightly more defensive posture. “It’s just protocol.”

“How absurd,” Zedd bellowed, but he did not budge as one of the other stormtroopers approached and swung an odd instrument around him. “Your feeble technology cannot begin to grasp the depths of my power.”

“Nothing abnormal detected,” the Stormtrooper reported with just a touch of surprise in his voice. “Pretty run of the mill guy, actually.”

“Insolent…!” Zedd stopped himself only to compose himself. He  snarled as the Stormtrooper still took several steps aside. “I’ll have you know that I ruled my domain with an iron fist before being deposited into this hellhole.”

The lead Stormtrooper could only roll his eyes behind his helmet. “Well, that was there.”

“Your Empire is still in need of my aid,” Zedd ignored the man’s tone, his voice still determined. “How might I begin to show you the path to true glory?”

Once again, the Stormtroopers exchanged glances. Their emotionless helmets couldn’t prevent them from knowing each other’s expressions. Was this guy for real?

“Well, the EPD is always looking for assistance,” the head Stormtrooper finally said. “They have a station not far from here. You’re clear to enter the city, I just have to advise you to keep the peace. Shouldn’t be much of a request if you want to work for us.”

“With you, ingrate,” Zedd was fast to correct him, but the Stormtroopers were already done with this guy. They waved him along, and Zedd merely scoffed, but at the same time eagerly walked past them. There was nothing more to be gained from chatting with the peons.

The dark lord began his stride into the Imperial city. The thought of working for this Empire repulsed him to his very core, but he was willing to make the sacrifice if it could help him achieve his goals. He just had to look at the positives. It was nice that some soon-to-be deposed Emperor had already built him a glorious city.