The Encounter

            It couldn’t be. The short one in the dark cloak; the encounter on Topan, where it all started; his good friend Jethra, gone in an instant; all of it was coming back to him now.  He shuddered as he came to grips with the memories the one in front of him brought to mind. Fear gripped him now, true fear.
            And who could be next to him but Master Edem, whom up until the discovery at the apartment he had trusted his life to. And now he was here, discussing, perhaps conspiring with the enemy. And not just any enemy, but his enemy. He was the one responsible for Jethra’s death. The first tinge of anger welled up inside of him.
            “If it isn’t the one from the measly planet Topan” the Jedi began. “Well, young one, you’ve come a long way since then. What could have brought you here? Oh yes, your good friend here.” He pointed to Master Edem, who was now standing almost behind the dark one. It looked as if, subtly, the rodian was trying to hide himself. “I told them to train the best of force adepts they could find on each of the planets we’d picked out. Extract all the ones special enough for life. The rest could burn in hell. Funny, I never thought they’d miss someone like you before it happened. Funnier still I saw you before you escaped. And here you are. Coincidences never cease to amaze me.”
            Master Edem spoke sarcastically. “Funny, I never thought the Force consisted of coincidences. Funnier still that you believe in them.”
            The dark Jedi whipped around and held out his hand in the shape of a fist. He picked Master Edem off the floor, who had grabbed his throat as if being choked, and threw him backwards up against the wall. “I never told you to speak” he said as he turned back around. “Where was I. Oh yes. Now you’re here. What are your plans, Jedi? Did you come into headquarters to assassinate me, thinking that would do your new cause good? I’m quite sure you’re mistaken, and I’ll tell you why. The people trust me. I’ve brought nothing but economic gain and benefit to the entire Republic. Capula is more powerful than the Jedi Council now. Our decisions mean more than the Senate. For whom do people trust? Simple, the ones who seem to give them more. Who may I ask would that be? Corrupt bureaucrats, who bring the Republic into constant bickering over small and unimportant political issues? The Jedi Counsel, who many believe sit high and mighty above everyone else because of their “gifts”? Or Capula, who gives people directly what they want: money. We may be obliterating planets and plundering their riches in order to obtain that wealth, but the people don’t see it. Neither would they care, when they can sit snug in their homes without worry of financial trouble. You see, once people have what they want, what they need, they don’t care where it comes from, as long as they have it.”
            “That’s not true!” Corik blurted out. He couldn’t stand being silent any longer. His fear had been completely consumed by anger as he listened to the villainy of what this wretch preached.
            “Oh it is.” The dark Jedi stepped closer to Corik and continued. “Let’s pretend you killed me for one second. You assassinated President Capula. What were you planning on doing next? Capula’s entire industry would come crumbling down without its leader, and with it the wealthy economy of the Republic. And who would be to blame? Video evidence on top of the Council’s jealousy at my position would be more than enough to convict the Jedi and put the defenders of peace and justice behind bars, so to speak.”
            Corik could no longer say a word, for however much he wished to deny it, the logic made sense. What could he do? All Corik wanted was to put this murderer in his place, to slaughter him more mercilessly than he did Jethra. But how? The options seemed slim to none.
            “You see, it’s hopeless. You can’t win. That is, unless you join me. Follow me, and I will make you great. You will be second in charge of Capula, and no longer will the Republic fear disorder and chaos, but instead they will enjoy wealth and prosperity and pleasure. And you, my friend, will enjoy the true power and freedom that comes from letting go, from giving in to the dark side. It’s all waiting for you if you give me the only thing standing in the way of trust.” He pointed to Corik’s lightsaber.
            It seemed so simple. All he need do was join this man and all his problems would be solved, all his past values and conflicts would become null. He would be at peace. But what of the planets, those not under the influence of the Republic. Do the few deserve destruction for the good of the many? And the Jedi Council, what of them? Would they continue to consent to this, and would they be too strong an opposition if faced? Did Master Edem deserve justice for betraying Corik? The questions kept coming, the answers too hard to decide on.
            “Don’t feel, think. You know you want this. You know it is for the best. Give me your weapon.”
            Every influence seemed strong, his feelings bringing him one way, his thoughts another. His hand was clenched on his lightsaber, so tightly it began to hurt. Though it was but a short instant, it felt like an eternity of conflict. And in that instant he chose.

Join with Capula
Refuse to join Capula
Kill Capula
Kill them both