Chapter Text
The pungent smell of toxic waste filled the tunnels; small plumes of steam rose from gridded panels in the floor. It was disgusting, and it was home. “The Shadow Lord,” as he was most often called, trudged through these dark tunnels, the water up to his metallic ankles. His gloved hand came up to rest on the side of his forehead, fingers avoiding the numerous sharp horns that protruded in a crown-like shape. The pulsing feeling in his head would not go away, no matter how hard he tried. The force was imbalanced, that much he was sure of.
The round tunnel suddenly gave way to a large chamber filled with dim yellow lights to illuminate the space. Just below him, lay a platform. Multiple of his allies, both adorning Mandalorian armor and not, litter the platform, resting upon supply crates, sparring, and other fitful activities. His right hand, Rook, quickly spotted him up above, her shoulders straightening and her legs snapping together. Rook watched as her lord dropped his hand from his head and made his way down from the tunnel to the main platform with the rest of their crew.
“My Lord,” Rook said with a small dip of her head, “the scouting patrols have just returned from the city. The Empire-”
“I am well aware of the Empire’s presence here on Janix, Rook,” a small hiss escaped through his barred teeth.
“My Lord? Are you alright?” Rook took one step closer before The Shadow Lord’s yellow eyes met her own.
“Leave me.” The Shadow Lord trudged away from his right hand, down a much larger tunnel than he had just come from. When he knew he was out of sight, his hand drew back up to hold his head. The tunnel opened to a circular chamber, a singular rectangle mat lay in the middle of the floor. He approached, unclipping the saber from his belt. He lay the saber just across the top of the mat, where he soon kneeled upon. The air was still and musty, rust lingered in the air and stung his eyes, which he hastily shut. With the pounding in his head still very prominent, The Shadow Lord let his breath escape his lungs.
----
"Maul."
The voice sent a cold shiver down his spine.
"The time of the Jedi has passed. They cannot defeat Sidious. But together, you and I can."
The pulsing in his left temple only grew.
"Every choice you have made...has led you to this moment."
His face tensed, brows furrowing.
"Let me go… LET ME DIE. YOU’RE ALL GOING TO BURN, WE ARE ALL GOING TO DIE."
----
“My Lord?” Rook’s voice was the first thing he heard. He woke with a start, stale air flooding his lungs as he fell backwards. A small snap occurred from his knee as he fell back against the cold metal floor. His eyes flashed open, scanning the dark room before landing upon Rook. His breath eased.
“My Lord,” she started slowly, watching the man closely, “The Empire as begun searching the lower levels of the city, it will not be long before they find us…” Rook watched as The Shadow Lord pushed himself upright, his eyes focused on the saber in front of him.
“Are the others aware of this development?” His yellow eyes drifted up to Rook’s.
“No, my lord.”
“Tell them, prepare to consolidate cargo, we will not be able to take it all.”
“I will, Lord Maul.”
----
Maul made his way from his chamber, listening to Rook’s words of warning as he approached. His gait was uneven and painful, but Maul had become accustomed to pain long ago.
“We have limited time left, we must be conscious about what we chose to leave behind. Work with haste, The Empire will be here soon.” The group of Mandalorians and mercenaries surrounding Rook dispersed, attentions now focused on the crates that littered the platform.
“Well done, Rook.” Maul approached the smaller woman from the side.
“My Lord, you should prepare for departure as well, it will not be long before The Empire is upon us,” Rook glanced up at Maul, his gaze not meeting hers.
“I have little to prepare for. You should be the one to prepare Rook. Your countless leads on the syndicate groups have given you many assets, not all are easily transported.” Maul clasped his hands behind his back before finally looking down at his right-hand.
“Of course, My Lord.”
“Expect to depart within the next hour. I would like to avoid any altercations with The Empire.” With a curt nod of her head, Rook left Maul’s presence, joining the other Mandalorian mercenaries to rummage the various crates around the large chamber.
“Useless, all of it useless.” His head began to throb. “These fools are more concerned with monetary possessions, most will not live to make it off planet.”
“Shut. Up.” Maul growled through clenched teeth.
“You know it to be true, do you not? Why give these poor men and women false hope that their money could be found anywhere but their own graves?”
“I do not give them false hope if I truly believe they will survive the voyage.” Maul lowered his voice as a stray Mandalorian glanced his way.
“For being a Sith once, you sound an awful lot like a Jedi.”
Maul did not reply.
----
“Gather around, everyone please gather!” Lady Kast’s voice echoed through the chamber. Her helmet was tucked under her arm, and a small sack rested on her shoulders. The small gathering of people clustered around Rook and Maul.
“The Empire has begun their search of this district. It will not be long before they make their way below the city and find us here. We must initiate an evacuation immediately.” Maul’s cool voice carried over the small crowd. Mandalorians and mercenaries looked at each other, hushing and murmuring before turning their attention to Maul and Lady Kast.
“We will take the North tunnel, taking us to the heart of the city. There we will commandeer a shuttle and be free of The Empire.” Rook adorned her mauve helmet as she spoke, finally looking up to Maul as she finished. “I believe we are ready, My Lord.”
“Remain quiet and aware, Stormtroopers may have already infiltrated these tunnels. Blasters at the ready,” Maul instinctively reached down and felt his saber at his side.
He did not wait for his followers and started his way towards the North tunnel. It was by far, the driest and cleanest of the tunnels leading to the chamber. If you could call it clean. Once inside, Maul took a brief look back at their old campsite. It was rough and messy, but it had served The Shadow Lord well for a long time. He turned back, and began the journey to the center of the city.