Chapter 22
"We're all clear, let's move," Jacen said, speaking into the comlink. He scouted ahead to make sure they were in the clear and there were no guards blocking the entrance out of the sewers. It had been an easy journey.
"Got it, Jacen," Mara said. "We're coming." The entire group quickly exited the sewers. "So where are we now exactly?"
Zekk took out the map again. "Right now we're in the disposal area of the senate hall. Barely anyone ever comes down here. What we now have to do is go from here to Nexus's office here." the room indicating the office glowed.
"And the guardz?" Saba asked.
"I'm not really sure." Mara said. "My guess is they must have increased security. We have to be even more quiet from here on out. If everyone's ready then let's go."
The resumed their mission, covertly going through the Senate hall. The walked up the disposal area and past the storage areas, but they still had a long way to go. The sewers were the bottom of the hall the Nexus was on the top. Taking an elevator would be to risky so walking was their only option. Fortunately there was no Senate meeting today, otherwise it would have been much more crowded. Unfortunately there were still plenty of guards on duty.
"We have to distract them," Jacen said and flicked his wrist.
"What was that?" one of the guards said.
"Let's check it out." Another said and they both went to investigate the noise, leaving the group undetected. "Hurry, move, they won't be gone for long."
They continued, distracting guards as they came across them. With each step they got closer and closer to their ultimate goal.
"Almost there now." Zekk said.
"Yes, but be wary," Mara said. "Something doesn't feel right." Instinctively she reached for her lightsaber, feeling the cool metal against her warm, sweaty hand. She had a feeling she might need it soon. They reach the final flight of stairs. Mara took a deep breath.
"Mara, are you alright?" Jacen asked.
"Yes, I am, but everyone, we have to be careful, there can be no mistakes." Mara said, looking everyone in the eye. They walked up the stairs.
This is it, Mara thought. We've finally made it. We can stop Nexus.
They got to the top and headed for the office. They turned a corner and stared down the barrels of thirty blaster rifles all pointed their way. Holding the rifles were unmoving clones in, mostly, white armor. Standing in the middle of the thirty was a man in a hood and cloak, his eyes closed.
"Welcome, Master Jedi," Darth Nexus said. "We've been expecting you."
Lightsabers ignited, and one of Koln's men fell. Then another and another. A clone trooper fell as well, but took three former pirates with him. The barrage stopped and lightning erupted from Nexus's fingertips. Koln and the remainder of his men caught the full blast of the lightning, incinerating them. T'rssk tried to intercept the lightning but was not strong enough and his flesh fried. Mara jumped in too late, her lightsaber blocking the lightning blast as it pushed her back.
"Jacen, Saba, Zekk," Mara called to them as she struggled. "Get out of here!"
"We're not leaving you!" Jacen said and prepared to attack.
"No! Get out of here now!" Mara said and yelled as some lightning crackled around her. Jacen knew it was time to leave and the three started to run, when the clone troopers fired again. Mara heard blasts being deflected and saw two clone troopers fall, but she also heard a yell from behind. She turned around to see, only realizing a second too late that she had lowered her guard. Lightning blasted her and sent her flying back. Energy crackled through her, but then the attack stopped. Smoke rose from her body. Darkness began to fill her vision. She looked up and saw Nexus over her, his eyes open. Mara would have screamed, but the darkness enveloped her. The eyes haunted her dreams.