Descent [Dark Data]

[Lord Zedd]

The hustle and bustle of the upper Coruscant tiers never seemed to stop. Whatever was hidden chaos was occurring, the people of the techno-universe always trusted that some unseen power would be protecting them, regardless of whether or not it was Imperial. Unknown to the general public, their newest protectors were just exiting Doctor Regal’s Tier Two laboratory. It might have been a moment where the phrase “ignorance is bliss” took proper meaning.

Zedd looked down at his Liberator Aid only after looking amongst the common rabble with disgust. He had to keep reminding himself that Coruscant’s safety was his own future, as pathetic as it might be. Like always, he just needed to focus on the current recipient of his wrath.

“Odd wristband,” Zedd demanded of the inanimate object strapped to his wrist. “Show us the way to the Nebula lair, so that we might slaughter them with extreme prejudice.”

There was predictably no response from his construct.

“I gave you an order,” Zedd loudly barked.

“I don’t think it works that way,” Jak Mar interrupted Zedd’s chastising.

“Then tell me, wood elf, what is it supposed to do?” Zedd demanded of his new companion. “I don’t need a pedometer.”

“Probably need to get a little closer to the source before it picks up on anything,” Desman suggested.

Zedd gazed at the red machine. He was on edge regarding it, as it’s tone earlier had suggested potential treachery, but then again, Zedd tended to see that in all actions. This was already over his head, so he felt safe in trusting the robot’s judgement on robotic things.

“Then I would suggest we descend to the lower tiers of Coruscant.” Zedd reasoned aloud. “The closer we get to hell that is the seventh level, the more likely we are to see something trying to stay hidden. I wouldn’t give them a strong chance of survival in the Emperor’s plaza.”

Jak found himself glancing to Desman and nodding. At least Zedd was on the ball when he wasn’t weakly hiding his megalomania. Maybe they did have a chance, after all. Neither of them waited for things to go south, and began to make their way through the crowded streets.

“Great work, Zedd,” Morene suddenly chimed in, surprising the dark lord. “Way to learn and adapt.”

Zedd watched the woman follow their other companions. He couldn’t tell if she was being sarcastic or genuinely encouraging. It didn’t matter, because either scenario disgusted him just the same. He let out a sigh as he trailed after them. This was going to be another long adventure.