Chapter 5: Aggressive Negotiations
The air on Pitaki Primary was thick with tension as Jothan entered the heart of the clearing once more. He had to confront his opponents, to expose their sinister intentions that loomed like a dark cloud over the planet. The three figures stood before him, their presence casting an aura of malevolence that seemed to seep into the very earth. Their dark robes billowed in the wind, the fabric dancing like shadows against the backdrop of the clearing. Jothan's gaze swept over them, his instincts warning him of the danger they posed. These were Sith sympathizers, agents of the dark side, and their intentions were anything but benign.
The leader, an alien-looking man with eyes that gleamed like molten gold, regarded him with an icy smile. "Jedi, what brings you here?" Don't you notice the firm peace that surrounds this planet?"
Jothan's voice held an undercurrent of steel. "I'm here to uncover the truth behind your actions. Your connections to the capital city Tipton and your plans for Pitaki Primary and beyond."
The two others, a scarred man and a young woman stood beside the leader and gave Jothan a malicious grin. "Ah, the Jedi's curiosity knows no bounds. But perhaps you are not prepared for the answers you seek," the scarred man said.
Jothan's grip on his lightsaber tightened. "I would like to know your names and that I am prepared for whatever truths you reveal."
The woman spoke, her voice was like a sinister whisper, sending a chill down Jothan's spine. "I am Boiv, this scarred man is Panok and our leader here is Sorious, we are instruments of destiny, Jedi. The Force guides us to places where we can shape the galaxy according to our vision. We have created an army of old battle droids from the old confederacy, the empire didn't get rid of all of them, in fact, the people from this planet reprogrammed them to be peacekeepers since the end of the empire's rule here but of course, we have reprogrammed them to obey our commands ever since we forced Pitaki's people to surrender a few cycles ago, they were no match for our powers."
Jothan's eyes blazed with resolve. "Your vision is one of darkness and domination. The Force is not a tool to be wielded for such purposes."
The woman's laughter cut through the air, a sound devoid of warmth. "Your ideals are quaint, Jedi, but they have no place in the grand scheme of things. The galaxy is ours to conquer, our establishment here in the city of Tipton and planet Pitaki Primary will help us bring order through our strength."
Jothan's heart sank as his fears were confirmed. These Sith sympathizers were indeed plotting to build an army, to invade and conquer planets, spreading their malevolent influence across the stars. His mission was clear: he had to stop them, no matter the cost.
He really had to do something right there and then, otherwise, he would probably not get the chance to speak to them face-to-face again. He didn't have the time to consider many strategies so he came up with one that seemed absurd in his mind at first but he thought that an open invasion with republic troops would be costlier to Pikati Primary's people, and the Republic.
"How about a game?" Jothan asked.
"A game about what?" Sorious asked.
"There is no way I would leave you here to keep doing your evil deeds, therefore there must be a way for you to leave this planet. How about you give me a challenge, a maze of obstacles in waves? and if I win you leave this planet in peace. If I lose, this planet will be yours to control.
"A maze could be arranged if you want to be humiliated," Sorious said.
"I won't do it alone, if I am going against hundreds of fire blasters and battle droids I will need a team, it's fair in my book," Jothan said.
"You may gather a team of 14 players and start within a week so that we have time to build the maze, this is the first time someone has challenged us this way but rest assured, you will be destroyed," Boiv said.
"We will see about that," Jothan said and turned his back on them. He then went directly to his ship and turned on his holoprojector to report to Rey about the events he recently went through.
