LUX BONTERI

Lux woke up with a start. He realized, after trying to move, that he was stuck in place by electro-magnets, and unable to move or struggle. All that he could do was turn his head, an ability that he used to take in his surroundings.

 He was on the bridge of a Separatist command ship, which had the planet of Onderon in the viewport. Around him, battle droids fiddled with the command buttons and screens that made the ship stop, start or go. Glancing over to the elevated part of the bridge where the commanding officer sat, he saw something that very nearly made his eyes jump out of their sockets: Count Dooku himself. A raucous cough that came from nearby signified the presence of the infamous and sinister General Grievous.  

 He refused to let himself be afraid, but he couldn’t help but shudder at the knowledge that he was not only a Separatist prisoner, but a prisoner of two of the most influential leaders in the whole Confederacy! For some reason, maybe the fact that his breathing suddenly quickened, the count and the general both turned to face him. 

 “Ah, it appears that our hostage is awake, count.” 

 “Do not point out the obvious, general. I can sense it very clearly,” count Dooku replied tartly, every word he spoke seeming to radiate dark power. 

 “What do you want with me? I’m a Senator! The Senate will not stand for such a treasonous act against the Republic!” said Lux, putting on a brave face. 

 “It’s not you we wanted, you ignorant boy. It’s your friend, the Jedi.” The Sith Lord watched Lux’s eyes widen in horror with great satisfaction. “She is interfering with our plans. That is all that you have to know.” 

 General Grievous then cried out, “Take them him to Prison Block A-19932! And make no mistake: this Senator might give us trouble.” 

 “Roger, roger!” came a chorus of metallic droid voices.

Lux was taken down from his humiliating post and dragged (again) to the prison hold by a small group of battle droids. Looking around, he took in every minute detail that might eventually aid in his escape, as Ahsoka had taught him. 

 One of the droids holding me has a weak point on his right shoulder, he thought. And I might be able to get through the wall to the wires operating the door using the knife I stashed away in my coat pocket yesterday. 

 He was escorted to a cell near the end of the long prison corridor, and disrespectfully shoved through the door. Two commando droids, out of the several that were stationed around the circular room, grabbed him by the arms and cuffed his arms and legs using more electro-magnets. As he dangled, immobile, thanks to the magnets, a torture droid came in. 

 One of the droids, who was wielding an electro-staff, came up to him, and held the staff at the ready. I will not be afraid. I can withstand it. It’s for Ahsoka, he thought, calming himself. 

  He said nothing as electricity coursed through him, and did not cry out when the pain came.