From the spoils of war gathered by the clans of the Brotherhood from the Children of Mortis, the Shroud Syndicate Market in Murder Alley was able to acquire new arms and armaments. These crystal-powered weapons created a high demand by bounty hunters, including the newly appointed Proconsul for Vizsla and his target.
“Now this is nice,” Juda said in admiration of his new purchase.
“Just be careful, those guns have been known to suck the life out of you,” replied the dealer.
“Also, by chance would you happen to have come across another wearing armor like mine? He’s a bit bigger than most,” the Mandalorian inquired while sliding over a hefty bag full of credits.
The vendor inspected the bag and slid it under the counter. He looked around for others who may be in earshot before leaning close, “Yeah, we had a giant come through not too long ago. Made the same buy as you, in fact, the gun and a drone. I remember seeing members of the Strigae leave with him too. He’s probably still in Chute Town if you ask around.”
Juda’s investigation skills weren’t the best. It wasn’t easy for him to find someone laying low in a town of low lives. For the right price, however, anyone would be willing to point him in the right direction and the Proconsul had all clan funds he needed.
“So, you’re looking for the Rally Master,” an informant asked while eyeing the Mandalorian’s armor up and down, “You look like the type.”
Judah’s knowledge in the history of Mandalorians made familiar the name “Rally Master”. In ancient times they were those who made their own armies. Judah played along with the informant’s assumption and was led into a back alley with a small warehouse. His weapons were allowed but not his drone, which simply remained outside hovering in the alleyway. Inside the warehouse were old crates and empty shelves. Behind a wall was a compartment that opened up to another room. Within the room were a group of men gathered at a table with Judah’s target seated at the end.
“From what clan do you hail?” The giant asked in the language Mando’a. The voice was deepened and reverberated by a voice modulator.
“Viszla,” Judah replied.
“Viszla? One of the best the galaxy has to offer. I wouldn’t think one from Viszla would want to leave,” He responded but this time in Basic.
“They no longer have my allegiance,” Judah lied, “Korvis is simply a puppet to Declan Roark. I have no desire for such politics, only honor and glory… I’m told you’re a Rally Master.”
“Yes. Prior to the war I was able to exploit my way through the syndicate and relinquish a great deal of its funds. I’m using it to undermine Sorenn and will commandeer this ship very soon.”
“That would explain the bounty she placed on you,” Judah said and tossed the bounty puck from his belt on the table. A holographic display showed Creon’s name with a bounty.
“I’m assume you’re working for her, then?”
“I’m working for myself.”
The other men in the room all placed hands on their blasters at the hip. Judah looked around before turning back to Creon, “Would you agree to making this a one-on-one duel? You seem to be a man of tradition.”
“Leave us”, Creon told his men. Each one proceeded one by one to exit the warehouse until it was just the two of them across from one another. Creon rose from his chair, nearly touching the roof as he stood. “Are you sure you want to do this? You could join me instead, even as a narudar. You’d be given a greater reward than any bounty could pay.”
“The deal has already been struck, to go back on it now would damage my reputation. You understand, I’m sure.”
Creon sighed, “I was afraid you were going to say that. Fine, I accept your challenge. Though I do not wish to kill you, instead you will be given back to Korvis in carbonite when we’re through.”
There was then a moment of silence and stillness in the room as both Mandalorians were frozen in place before each other. Movement began when Creon flicked his wrist and curled his fingers. Judah reacted by going for his pistol but the table that once stood between threw itself at him, causing the hunter to retreat to the previous storeroom behind him. Just as he reached for his rifle, Judah recognized the sound of a primed thermal detonator. He retreated from warehouse no sooner than when the explosion occurred. Its blast sent a shockwave that gained the attention of nearby civilians.
“Leave now! It isn’t safe!” Juda shouted and fired rounds from his rifle into the air. It was better for him for the streets to be cleared as not to make a mess for his employer. This sent a panic that caused all others to scatter away from the area. Judah then found cover near one of the abandoned stalls and used it for cover. The drone that was once stationary flew over to him just above the stall. From the clearing of smoke escaping from the warehouse entrance, the way it dispersed seemed off to Judah. His droid didn’t react, but Judah’s instincts compelled him to fire when he saw the motion of a vague translucent outline in the smoke. The blaster bolts ricochet off of the figure and caused the optical camouflage system in the armor to deactivate. Both Creon and his own drone charged at him while firing from his vambraces. Judah returned fire but his bolts then dissipated by an energy shield that generated around the juggernaut. Not wanting to take the risk on how long the shield would last, Judah rolled out from his cover took off with his jetpack towards Murder Alley. His droid swiftly followed behind him at a similar speed.
Creon stopped just before the stall rapid-fired his arm cannon at his retreating foe. Judah dodged the bolts midair almost gracefully. There was even a moment where ran along the walls of nearby buildings to change trajectory to throw off Creon’s aim. Just before turning the corner into Murder Alley he replied with a round from his rifle back that connected to Creon’s energy shield.
“Hmm, not bad,” Creon muttered to himself. He proceeded down the walkway on foot with his both arms aimed forward until he happened upon another alleyway to retreat into that connected to a series of paths spread throughout the hangar. If he was to be the one hunted then his enemy can stress through the maze of Chute Town to find him, not the other way around.
