Darth Maul
Flame of Passion
By
Christopher Cleveland
Prologue
Mile after mile of computer screens and keyboards surrounded the scientist who wore glasses due to being near-sighted. His uniform was the same white coat, white shirt, black tie, black pants, and black shoes of any scientist. The young brown hair was trimmed and combed and his hands were covered by black gloves. He was entranced by his work which was not unusual considering that he was working on the next big thing: creating a gateway into parallel dimensions of the galaxy.
Each computer screen had a document pulled up on it as well as notes that this young man had made during his experiments. His equipment was distributed across the massive room so that any time he typed in new data, the machines could begin working on creating a device immediately. Despite a slightly chubby belly and a thick beard, this scientist was actually quite handsome for his age and considering that he had worked non-stop for the last two months. "Doctor Claudius, do you want us to begin creating the new design for the device?" asked an automated voice from the computer.
"A portable device that creates portals to other dimensions and other times isn't easy. Proceed with the designs as soon as I punch in the last bits of data," answered the doctor. Shortly after, a red light began to blink and a droid alerted him that he was receiving a call. "Send it through, if I know my clients well enough, this will be my highest bidding one," Claudius said to the droid.
"Doctor Draco, it is so good to be able to speak with you again. Have you been busy with the design that I have requested for you?" asked the hologram which was of a man in the robes of a politician. "Ah Chancellor Valorum what a pleasant surprise and yes the bomb is almost ready, I just have to add the outer shells to it and it'll be ready for your use. And please just call me Claudius or Doctor when I'm not in your actual vicinity," Claudius answered.
"Very well Claudius, when can I expect the bomb to be shipped to Coruscant and duplications made?" asked Valorum. "Well, you can expect this first one within the week but I don't know when duplications will begin. This is a very hard weapon to make, Chancellor and materials for another may be hard to come by," Claudius answered. "I understand that and I will provide you the credits for three more like it but that's all I can guarantee at the moment," Valorum said.
"That much money will be all I need, thank you for your support," Claudius said. "This has been a very tricky business but I thank you for your help. Will you be coming to lunch again?" Valorum asked. "No, I have something else I need to start work on when the bomb is finished," Claudius answered before adding it was confidential.
The fool, 'confidential' is enough to throw him off my tail any day thought Claudius to himself. And when Valorum had said goodbye and disconnected, Claudius resumed his work.