Halo, it's time for the newest chapter. Enjoy the reading.
Fear filled the corridors of the apartment as all manner of aliens emerged from their apartments in terror or abandoned their tasks after being shaken up by a Sith patrol officer and his two battle droids.
- All right, you alien scums, - Shouted the officer. – everyone, raise your hands! This is a check! - He ordered as he swung his rifle back and forth.
- But there was an inspection yesterday and nothing was found! – A stern, bald creature with blue skin and red eyes spoke up. - Why don't you leave us alone?
Several creatures agreed indignantly, which the officer didn't like very much. Instead of answering, the officer just pointed his rifle at him and fired three red beams into the duros' chest. The scene left the whole apartment in a horrified silence.
- This is how we Sith deal with big-mouthed aliens! – He looked around at the terrified crowd, who could only hope that they won't be next. - Everyone, to the walls before I lose my temper again! – The officer's eyes, as he walked through the crowd of terrified strangers, caught his eye on two people. - What the... - He noticed Carth, who was wearing a tan leather jacket, dark gray pants and black boots. – humans among the aliens?! - The man just laughed. - Are you so poor that you live with these animals? – Carth didn't answer, he just let the insult pass his ear. - And your daughter too, - His eyes focused on Rina. - who... - As soon as he saw the colors of Rina's officer's jacket, his eyes popped out in horror. – Republic soldiers! Shoot them! - He gave the order.
Before any of the droids could open fire, Carth, with his own modified blaster pistol, shot one in the head immediately after it fell to the ground with sparks. Rina also shot the other droid in the leg with her own pistol and it fell, but it still worked, but she just jumped on its head, grabbed the man's rifle and pinned tripped him.
Carth executed the other droid as well and was about to shoot the officer as well, but to his surprise, Rina beated him with her bare hands. The man nervously stood up, not accepting the insult of being knocked down by a petite Republic woman, he aimed a fist at her, but Rina dodged him, caught his arm and channeled his own strength against the Sith soldier, swinging him over her shoulder and sending him back to the ground. Finally, she took out her pistol again and shot him between the two eyes.
Carth was impressed by the major's fighting skills and put away his pistol with an approving look. Rina also put away her own gun, but before they could talk to each other, they had to admit that they had caused too much of a stir because all the residents of this apartment had witnessed what had happened.
- Um... - Carth didn't even know what to say. - listen... - Before he could continue, the strangers erupted in cheers. The two republican soldiers were celebrated like heroes.
- Thanks for freeing us from Butch! - A Rhodian man spoke to them. - The other Sith are still tolerable, but he was a real scumbag.
- We don't say a word. - A purple-skinned Twi'lek man promised as she began rummaging through the parts of the shattered droids. - We hide the bodies.
- Your uniform is too obvious. - Carth whispered into Rina's ear, who had to admit that the man was right.
- Yes, but unfortunately, we have no money for other clothes and I won't walk naked on the streets of Taris.
- You would make an even bigger impression with that. - Carth admitted.
- Excuse me, - A green-skinned Twi'lek man called out in front of his bazaar. – but I overheard what they were talking about and maybe I could thank you for freeing us from Butch.
- What do you think? – Rina asked, crossing her arms, eyeing the strange man suspiciously with her multicolored eyes.
- I could give you some clothes that are less... - The man looked over the petite lady's uniform. - reflects your republican nature.
- It's nice, but we can't pay. - Rina just shrugged her shoulders.
- Consider it a gift, we all hated Butch, he crashed my store last week and confiscated half my merchandise.
- In that case, I accept. – Rina looked around, in the bazaar, which didn't have a very wide selection, where besides simple clothes, the Twi'lek man also sold food, drinks and energy shields.
It didn't take long for Rina to choose what she was going to wear. She kept her black boots, but replaced her pants with black leggings, a red miniskirt with black check patterns, and a black long-sleeved t-shirt. She wore her hair tied in a long ponytail. She clipped her holster and scabbard back to the side of her skirt.
- You look less like a republican officer. - Carth added. - More like a mercenary.
- Hm, that's good. – Rina was happy about that, although she didn't show much of it.
The two disguised republicans left the building. Taris was a huge big city, but despite the fact that this part was called the "richer" quarter, the streets were full of garbage and wreckage, several traffic lights were out, the walls of the buildings were defaced or graffitied. armored Sith soldiers who had only arrived here a few weeks ago, but were already parading around as if it had been their planet for years.
Fortunately, the two survivors were ignored as they passed by, but their eyes did catch the crashed, smoking rescue cabin, which was blocked by Sith soldiers while their droids and mechanics worked on it.
"This must be our pod.", Rina thought as she remembered that if Carth hadn't rescued her in time or simply left her, she would be interrogated in a torture chamber or prison.
They just passed by it and headed for the bar, where they might learn a thing or two about the other downed rescue cabins. Rina, if she was grateful to Carth for saving her, knew little about him.
- Hey Carth. – She addressed the tall man, who only nodded to indicate that he was listening. – I just had in my mind that I don't know anything about you. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
- About myself? - The man was completely shocked by this, as if he wasn't used to telling stories about himself. - Well… I've always been a star pilot and war hero for the Republic, for years. I fought in quite a few battles, including the Mandalorian War. However, a massacre like this, the Sith are carrying out today is unheard of even to me. Not even in the Mandalorian War have I seen so many senseless deaths. My home world, Telos was among the first to fall victim to Malak's fleet. - He clenched his fists nervously, making it clear that this was a painful memory for him. - The Sith bombarded the planet and not a single Republic fleet was there to stop them!
- Oh, - Rina reluctantly pulled herself together. - I'm sorry. I didn't know it was such a pain for you.
- I'm just a soldier! - He kicked his feet nervously. - I go where my superiors send me! I follow my orders and fulfill my duty! I just feel that... - He sighed sadly. – I let them down by doing this! But this isn't how it was!
- Who have you let down? Your people?
- Yes... no... no. That's not what I meant. I'm just… sorry. Doesn't make any sense, does it? - He rubbed his face, took a deep breath and looked at his companion. - You probably meant no harm with your questions. It's just that I'm not used to talking about my past. I prefer to act. Concentrate on the task and do what you need to do. - He tried to shake down the girl with this, but she followed him. - So, let's do this. If you have any other questions, we can discuss them later.
The atmosphere in the pub was quite subdued, the music didn't catch Rina at all, the air was mixed with cheap beer and various smells, which she didn't notice anything special, sitting at the tables and at the counter, locals, people and strangers alike were complaining about everyday things.
If they had money, she would have needed a drink, but her ears were caught by a storm of applause, which was in one of the separate rooms where people's eyes were glued to the screens of various monitors.
- I can't believe we didn't get tickets for the fight! - A woman complained angrily.
- Come on, - A man just shrugged phlegmatically. – Deadeye Duncan and Two-Fingered Gerlon are fighting, everyone knows the outcome.
- I'm not interested in the final result! - The woman stomped. - Duncan is always so ridiculous you have to see him live!
- It's starting. - He nodded towards the monitor.
Like many others, Rina and Carth were staring at one of the monitors. He pointed to an arena with stands full of cheering people, two men in the arena, facing each other, wearing light combat vests, perhaps the cheapest kind.
- And here's tonight's show! – The commentator was just introducing the dueling men. – In one corner, you can see the always hopeful and pitiful Deadeye Duncan, who loses day after day, but at least he does it enthusiastically and always makes us laugh! - Deadeye Duncan was a shorter, older man. - In the other corner, a man whose career hasn't been ended by a serious injury, Two-Fingered Gerlon! – The other man was younger, taller and more powerfully bound, had short, black hair and only the index and thumb fingers on his right hand. - Let the duel begin!
The fight started, Duncan took out his pistol and started playing with, spinning and throwing it around in his hand but not taking notice of his opponent, he was just trying to impress the spectators.
- I really hope you'll enjoy it when I stick the remaining 2 fingers in your *ss and while I'm anal... - He couldn't even finish, a red energy beam hit him on the chest and he immediately fell backwards.
The crowd erupted in laughter as Gerlon put away his pistol without a word.
- I wouldn't say that I was particularly surprised, but we had even better fun! – The commentator explained. – Duncan is on the ground, but at least he made us laugh, as usual! Don't worry, he's not dead, he's just passed out!
Duncan was back on his feet soon after and bowed to the audience, who gave him a solid round of applause for his hilarious performance. Gerlon was nowhere to be found, he just returned to the room where Rina, Carth and the other duelists were waiting. A fat Hutt, pouting on the highest platform in the room, paid him a hefty sum.
Duncan came out a little later, but didn't go to the Hutt, but to another man in a suit, who paid him a small sum for his performance, and returned to the other duelists, who greatly despised and ostracized him.
Rina decided to question Mr. Deadeye.
- Excuse me. - Rina started, but Duncan had already continued.
- Well, fresh meat! - He scoffed. - I'm warning you, little girl, I don't recommend that you mess with me, I'm the 5th strongest in the Taris dueling arena!
- The 5th, - Rina raised one eyebrow. – out of how many?
- Well... - Duncan scratched the back of his head. – out of 5. But this is an elite team! No one can come between us! – Rina read the advertisement on the wall, "Enter the Taris dueling arena, absolutely free and if you win, you can get a great amount of money. Ps: Please, as soon as possible, we're running out of idiots." - Well, anyone can apply... for free, but... - Nothing came to his mind. - What did I want to get out of this?
- Just tell me where can I apply? - That's all Rina asked, she didn't want to listen to this fool.
- Oh, at that fat Hutt, Ajuur. But I warn you... - In vain, Rina had already left it at the wooden picture and was on her way to Ajuur.
- I'm sorry, human, - The Hutt began, not giving Rina a chance to speak. - there are no more bets. The same parties keep fighting, with the same end result and it's all very flat and there is no other fight in sight at the moment, so you wouldn't even be able to buy a ticket.
- I didn't come to bet or buy tickets. - Rina finally spoke. - I want to fight. – The Hutt looked over Rina's tiny, petite body and laughed.
- You?! Good joke, maybe you could replace Duncan!
- I'm totally serious! The ad said you can sign up for free! – Rina wasn't happy that this big, fat slug was looking down on her, but she held her own, she needed the money.
- Fine, - Ajuur waved and took out an electronic contract, then put a touch pen in the lady's hand. – just sign it, which absolves us of any responsibility. – Then he turned to the duelists. - Hey Duncan, here's a serious opponent! - He pointed at Rina, laughing. - Then just be careful, she looks like a tough little lady.
- Wow, - Duncan approached Rina with feigned terror. – I really hope you will be kind to me! I don't even want to go to the hospital! - He ruffled her hair laughing, which only made the girl angrier. - What's your name?
- The Mysterious Stranger! – Ajuur answered, not even asking Rina if she liked the name. – You'll be dueling under this name, whether you like it or not! Now get on out to the arena! Make me some money!
- Maybe it's better that way. - Carth whispered. - If you started with your real name, you'd only cause unwanted attention.
Rina just shook her head tiredly and followed Duncan towards the arena.
- Ladies and gentlemen! - Before the fight, the voice of the commentator could be heard. - You can witness a special fight! The pitiful and ridiculous Deadeye Duncan will face off against an all-new duelist! Who's none other than the Mysterious Stranger, without a past but she has started to build her future in a big way! Let the fight begin!
Duncan went into his usual antics, dropping his pistol, dancing ridiculously around the arena, much to the amusement of the spectators, but Rina didn't care. Just like Gerlon in the previous match, a single shot from his own custom pistol was enough to send Duncan to the floor.
- I wouldn't say that I was particularly surprised. Duncan lost to the Stranger, though that's no mean feat! You have more to offer, Stranger!
After the fight, Rina left the arena and went to Ajuur.
- Good fight, Stranger! It was a good fight! - He gave a handful of credits into her hand, indicating that he was keeping his word. - Are you interested in another fight? - Rina pursed her lips thoughtfully. - Of course, for bigger prize money and a tougher opponent than Duncan. With two-fingered Gerlon.
- You can already make my credits. – Rina was confident and already turned back towards the arena.
Faced with Gerlon in the arena, the man with only two fingers left on his right hand, he seemed much more serious than Duncan.
- Ladies and gentlemen! Today you can see a lot of fights! In one corner, the man whose career hasn't been derailed by a serious injury, Two-Fingered Gerlon! In the other corner, a woman who still has a lot to prove to us, the Mysterious Stranger! Let the fight begin!
Gerlon was indeed stronger and no clown like his predecessor, Duncan. He immediately opened fire, but it was quite difficult for him to shoot quickly with two fingers, much less accurately and Rina easily dodged the shots. She fired three shots from her pistol, one missed, but two hit Gerlon in the chest, but he remained on his feet. Gerlon returned fire and Rina had to duck to the side to avoid the shots but she also fired and two rounds hit Gerlon again in the chest, causing him to fall to the ground and not move.
- It's over! The fight is over! Gerlon on the ground! Was Gerlon hampered by his injury, or would the Mysterious Stranger be so good?! Let's hope it turns out!
Without even waiting for the commentator to speak, Rina returned to Ajuur, who rewarded her with a larger handful of credits.
- Maybe a third match against Ice? – Ajuur recommended, and Rina nodded with a smile.
- I hope she's not a clown or a cripple. - Rina wouldn't be surprised by that.
- I assure you of that, in fact, I started to like you and I'd warn you that she is very strong.
Rina didn't even answer, she just started walking towards the arena 3 times.
- Ladies and gentlemen! We serve you a gourmet dish! Two beautiful but deadly women fight each other! In one corner, known and loved! He who has metal bones has ice water running through his veins and is as quick and cold as death itself! Say hello to Ice! – Ice was a woman taller than Rina, with pale skin, light blonde hair that was tied in a bun, dark blue eyeliner on her eyelids, dark blue lipstick on her lips, and her whole face was cold and harsh. – In the other corner, another warrior lady who has come up here without much difficulty so far, the Mysterious Stranger! Let the fight begin!
Ice used two pistols that fired lightning fast and Rina could barely dodge the bullets, but she had a few tricks up her sleeve. She took out a smoke grenade and threw it at Ice's feet. Expecting it to be a frag one, Ice ducked to the side, but when it turned out to be nothing but smoke, she glared at her opponent again, but she disappeared in a second cloud of smoke. She grabbed her two pistols and opened fire into the cloud of smoke, hoping to hit her opponent. As soon as the smoke cleared, Rina was nowhere to be found, much to the shock of Ice and the audience.
At that moment, Ice received two shots in the back of the head and her nose fell to the ground. Taking advantage of the smoke, Rina used her cloaking generator to become invisible, sneak up behind Ice and shoot her in the back of the head.
- It's over! The fight is over! Ice has been made cool! With this, the Mysterious Stranger proved that she is a duelist to be reckoned with!
Rina went to Ajuur for the third time, who had already paid the girl a substantial amount.
- Perhaps, would you be interested in what the 2nd strongest in the arena can do, Marl? He's a war veteran who knows this and that. Defeating Ice brought you serious money and fame, but defeating Marl can take you even further up the ranks.
- Hell yeah! – Rina shrugged her shoulders and headed towards the arena 4 times.
- Ladies and gentlemen! Today, you can see how a 20-year veteran shines his skills and is still able to show something new! Welcome Marl to the field! – Marl was a man with a particularly good physique for his old age, with a double-edged sword in his hand. – In the other corner, you can see a young rising star who has defeated all her opponents so far! Hopefully, her sword, which she hasn't used at all so far, isn't just hanging on her skirt as a decoration! The Mysterious Stranger! Let the fight begin!
The commentator's words even reminded Carth that since they had met, Rina had never once drawn her vibro sword, despite the fact that her file specifically mentions the science of swordsmanship. Her opponent is clearly a swordsman, so she won't have much of a choice.
Exceptionally, Rina didn't reach for her pistol or her grenades, instead she took out her sword, a perfectly hardened, thin-bladed vibro sword and was waiting for her opponent. Marl's double-bladed sword was much thicker, but he swung it quite quickly and nimbly.
The two blades met and clashed with sparks, Marl, with a practiced movement, hooked one of the sharp ends of his sword into Rina's leg, which he tried to hook, but the girl's reflexes were good and she immediately flipped back and was ready to fight again. She raised her sword towards her head and extended two fingers of her free hand towards her opponent.
Marl attacked, but Rina deftly dodged his attacks, however, she was constantly forced to retreat, but didn't attack. Marl thought she was so exhausted from fending off his blows that she had no strength left, so he became overconfident but she was just fooling the old veteran and with a quick spin, she got behind him and put her blade to his throat. Marl, seeing that after all these years, it was a young girl who pulled him well into the pipe, threw away his weapon and raised his hand, indicating that he was giving up the fight.
- It's over! The fight is over! Marl has given up! Looks like the old pro lost to a beginner! What will Marl do now?! Do you hang your spurs at an angle?! He was one of our most professional duelists for 20 years!
Rina put her sword away and walked out of the arena, where Ajuur was waiting for her with a huge, wide smile and loads of credits.
- Mysterious Stranger, only one duel left, Twitch! You can't help but get out now! The crowd is frantically waiting for the next match! If you beat him, you will be the new champion!
- Tell Twitch I'm ready. – Rina enjoyed the fight with Marl, it made her feel something that she seemed to have forgotten a long time ago. If Twitch is even stronger than him, maybe he can get more out of it.
- Ladies and gentlemen, I feel honored to present the decisive duel! I suggest you stay away from the edge of the arena because there is a real psychopath in the race! The crazy and unpredictable champion, Twitch! - Twitch was a Rhodian man with two pistols in his hand. - In the other corner, the Mysterious Stranger, who is breaking ever higher! Let the fight begin!
Twitch didn't hesitate and immediately fired at his opponent and didn't let her rest for a minute. Rina used the same trick she did with Ice, smoke grenades and reactivated the stealth generator belt. Twitch wasn't as easy to make bantha from as Ice and the Rhodian threw grenades all over the place forcing Rina to reveal her position and run away from the explosions that threw her to the side.
Rina didn't give up, took out her pistol and fired three shots at Twitch. However, the Rhodian dodged all three shots and started firing back. Rina received a shot in the arm, but this didn't deter her and she threw a frag grenade towards her opponent, which she immediately dodged, but in vain, because the grenade didn't explode.
Taking advantage of the momentary confusion, Rina attacked Twitch with her vibro sword, who defended it with his two pistols, but Rina didn't give up the attack and successfully pinned Twitch. Twitch fell to the ground, but he kicked Rina in the head with one of his boots, and taking advantage of her stun, he got back on his feet and kept backing away, starting to fire.
Rina took several shots, in her legs and arms, until she fell to her knees, but leaning on her sword, she didn't give up. Twitch was about to land the last shot, from a sufficient distance.
Bang
Accompanied by an explosion, Twitch fell to the floor and was unable to get up. The grenade that Rina deliberately threw so that it didn't explode was in the right place, because as soon as she saw that Twitch had backed up to that exact spot, she seized the opportunity and detonated it with a detonator.
- It's over! Twitch on earth! The Mysterious Stranger defeated him and became the champion of the arena!
Rina limped out of the arena, paining her injuries, and approached Ajuur.
- Mysterious Stranger! Here's the reward for beating Twitch! Twitch put up a good fight but lost in the end. – A large stack of credits hit Rina's hand, which Carth took rather, so that she wouldn't collapse under it. - I have bad news, no one wants to duel you anymore... except one person. - Bendak Starkiller, who has retired, but the crowd will definitely want to see you fight him.
- Ouch... I... think about that. – Rina left the room, clutching her side, with Carth following her, but a man armored from head to toe, wearing a T-visor helmet stood in their way.
- You fought well, Stranger.
- Who are you? - Rina asked.
- Bendak Starkiller. The greatest duelist that ever lived. Ever since fights till death were banned, I've retired and the place is filled with scum who not only don't give me pleasure to defeat, but I can't even kill them. I watched your matches, you held your own against Marl and Twitch, but are you ready for a real duel for blood?
- Hm, - Rina collapsed from the pain, but she stood the man's words and look. – just name the place and time, Bendak!
- Finally, fresh meat. Ajuur will arrange everything for next week. Then I'll come back and cut you out, girl. - With that, he left the two republicans at the wooden picture and left the pub.
As soon as they got out of the pub, Rina almost collapsed, but Carth caught her and helped her up.
- You shouldn't have beaten yourself up like that. You could have stopped after Marl. - Carth explained.
- It's just… something woke up in me after I fought Marl. I don't know what, but it was as if I had become the real me. There was something particularly good about me during the fight with Twitch.
Carth couldn't be happy despite they managed to get big money, but Rina had been through enough and it will take a while for her to recover.
Thank you for reading. Please sign it to follow and as favourite and don't forget to write reviews.