Author's Note: I want to start things off by giving a very special thanks to Its Rice Man for giving me my 100th review of this story!
I had to take a hiatus before working on this chapter in order to play the "Mass Effect" trilogy in its entirety before writing this chapter just so I could get a better handle on Cerberus, so hopefully I did them some justice at least.
Anyways, on with the story!
(A man in silver body armor with red accents and a helmet with a T-shaped visor points a laser pistol at the screen.)
Mandalorian: The notorious bounty hunters who managed to withstand the mighty Jedi Knights...
(A Mandalorian bounty hunter is shown executing a mortally wounded Nautolan Jedi knight with a point blank laser blast.)
vs.
(A man in white armor with yellow markings and a matching helmet aims an assault rifle at the camera.)
Cerberus: The pro-human splinter group who fought to bring humanity to the top of the galaxy by any means necessary.
(A trio of Cerberus assault troopers are shown gunning down turian C-Sec officers.)
WHO IS DEADLIEST?!
To find out, we have gathered doctors, scientists and weapons experts to determine who would win a fight when two fictional warriors go head to head.
No rules. No safety. No mercy. It's a duel to the death to decide who will be...THE FICTIONAL DEADLIEST WARRIOR!
Using 21st century science, we will see what happens when two fictional warriors clash in a simulated battle:
Mandalorian
Appearing from: Star Wars extended universe
Height: 6'
Weight: 170 lbs.
Armor: Beskar'gam, Personal Combat Shield
Loyalty: The Mand'alor
Cerberus
Appearing from: Mass Effect series
Height: 6'
Weight: 180 lbs.
Armor: Cerberus Assault Armor, Polycrystalline-Composite Shield
Loyalty: The Illusive Man
"Today, it's a cosmic shoot out between two warriors whose unmatched skills make them known and feared throughout the galaxy. In one corner, you have the Mandalorian, a member of the famed warrior culture, bound by a common creed, language and code. In the other, you have Cerberus, a human supremacist organization that has engaged in everything from bombings to assassinations to illicit experimentation," biomedical scientist Bradley Foster started.
"The Mandalorians are united by a common creed and a stoic, Spartan-like warrior tradition they are indoctrinated into. They are hardened, both physically and mentally. Cerberus on the other hand, they are well-trained and driven, in addition to some of their members having undergone biotic experimentation that greatly boosts their physical attributes," trauma doctor Joseph Kaiser explained.
"Once again, we're talking Space Age weaponry here," computer expert Eddie Cortez chimed in, "The Mandalorian has some iconic armor and wicked weaponry, most of which is often passed down through the generations. Cerberus is organized and well-funded, assuring them the kind of advanced weaponry they would need against threats like the Krogan and the Geth."
"It's going to be an interesting matchup. Now, let's see how it plays out," Bradley concluded.
The camera cut to a man in silver armor and a matching helmet with a black T-shaped visor who was practicing his quick draw with a futuristic blaster pistol.
Up first to represent the Mandalorians will be Din Djarin.
A foundling who was rescued by a tribe of Mandalorian warriors, he was adopted into their ranks and later became a bounty hunter, employing their weapons, tactics and creed into his various pursuits.
"The life of a Mandalorian is one of constant battle. We are always on alert and ready for a fight at a moment's notice," Din spoke.
The camera then cuts to a red-haired woman in blue and white Mandalorian armor loading a small projectile into her vambrace and taking aim at an unseen target.
Also representing the Mandalorian will be Bo-Katan Kryze.
A princess from House Kryze, she later became a terrorist and resistance leader who believed in restoring Mandalore's traditional warrior heritage. She is an authority on Mandalorian history and customs.
"The Mandalorians have a proud warrior tradition going back to ancient times. Cerberus is nothing more than a terrorist group with big guns and lots of money, yet very little substance," Kryze spoke.
Originating from the planet of Mandalore, they established a clan-based culture bound by shared attributes and a way of life revolving around honor and war. Driven by a warrior's way of life, they launched several wars of expansion that saw their influence grow, soon bringing themselves into contact with the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Knights.
"The Jedi proved themselves to be one of our deadliest adversaries. We fought them in a major conflict as we sought the artifact needed to unify our people, yet it resulted in a great cataclysm that rendered much of our homeworld a lifeless desert. Yet still, we endured and became tougher because of it," Kryze explained.
For the Mandalorians, their warrior spirit and desire for conquest lived on, leading to infighting and a series of bloody civil wars. There would be those who would make their way across the galaxy, hiring themselves out as mercenaries and bounty hunters, fighting on both sides of major conflicts such as the Clone Wars and the Galactic Civil War.
"It was in times of great war the worth of the Mandalorian became known to the rest of the galaxy. Even the mighty Jedi came to tremble at the presence of our name. Cerberus – they are nothing more than amateurs with no idea of what they are getting themselves into," Din concluded.
The Mandalorian hunter their prey with the deadliest arsenal they could afford:
Short Range: WESTAR-34 Blaster Pistol
Mid Range: E-11 Blaster Rifle
Long Range: IQA-11 Blaster Rifle
Explosive: Whistling Bird
Special Weapon: Beskad
But how will the Mandalorian stand when pitted against a fanatical new adversary?
The camera cuts to a man of African-American descent clad in black Cerberus armor, who stands with an assault rifle in hand as he goes into a firing stance.
Up first to represent Cerberus will be Jacob Taylor.
A former Cerberus operative and hardened combat veteran, Jacob brings first-hand knowledge of the group's weapons and tactics.
"Cerberus isn't just some small group of extremists with scavenged weapons. They are a well-funded, well-oiled machine that gave the Alliance forces a run for their money," Jacob explained.
The camera then cuts to an attractive brunette in a skin-tight white and black uniform who is taking aim with a futuristic pistol.
Also on hand to represent Cerberus will be Miranda Lawson.
A former high-ranking officer, she knows how deeply the lengths Cerberus will take to win.
"Cerberus was founded with the intention of bringing mankind to the pinnacle of the galaxy. They have a drive unlike no other and will fight until the last man has fallen. That alone makes them the deadliest," Miranda spoke in her thick Australian accent.
Arising from the tumult of the First Contact War, The Illusive Man established Cerberus when he sensed a dark time was coming for humanity, believing it was their duty to meet the challenge. He resolved to do everything in his power to ensure humankind's place among the stars.
"Cerberus grew quickly. Humans from all over felt the aliens were pushing them around, treating them as second class citizens. They were tired of all the political B.S. and inaction by the Alliance. They wanted didn't want campaign speeches, they wanted direct action. The Illusive Man had them believing they could come together to assert their power and claim what they believed to be their rightful place," Jacob spoke.
The organization produced an indelible effect on the course of human development, carrying out acts of sabotage, assassinations, media manipulation and espionage, drawing the attention of Alliance and alien authorities. It was under the leadership of the resurrected Commander Shepard they would embark upon a campaign against the emerging threat of the Collectors, ending their threat once and for all.
"We've stood tall against Turians, Krogans, the Collectors and other threats from all stretches of the galaxy. The Mandalorians will be just another minor nuisance for us. They will know why even the mighty Alliance trembles at our name," Miranda smirked.
The fanatical organization comes equipped with the best weapons funded by The Illusive Man's shady income:
Short Range: M-358 Talon
Mid Range: Cerberus Harrier
Long Range: M-13 Raptor
Explosive: M-100 Grenade Launcher
Special Weapon: Monomolecular Blade
Both combatants start off with their trusted sidearms.
For the Mandalorian, he strides into battle with a deadly pistol favored by bounty hunters, the WESTAR-34 Blaster Pistol.
(A Mandalorian bounty hunter is shown being challenged by a Duros gunman, only to be cut down when he quick draws his WESTAR-34 and kills the man with a single shot.)
WESTAR-34 Blaster Pistol
Length: 10 in.
Weight: 2.4 lbs.
Capacity: 20 Shots
Din Djarin drew a blaster pistol and twirled it before stopping it to show it to the panelists, "This is the WESTAR-34 blaster pistol. It's made of dallorian alloy, strong enough to withstand continual firing that would melt most ordinary blasters. It's ideal for surprise attacks at close range."
"Then we want to see it in action," Bradley said before motioning behind him, "We have 3 attacking Cerberus agents, one of whom is outfitted in the shielded armor of a Cerberus trooper. Let's see what you can do."
"Very well," Din said taking his position and leaving his hands at his sides as he stared down the targets, the setting similar to that of an Old West gunfight waiting to happen.
"Alright Din, on 3...2...1...Draw!"
Din drew his pistol and fired three shots into the first target, before firing another burst into the second. He set his sights on the armored target and fired three shots into the chest before capping it off with a blast through the dummy's face.
"Vintage quick draw action," Eddie commented.
"And with the speed which you drew, this first guy's not even gonna see it come," Dr. Kaiser commented as he examined the burnt holes left behind, "Three through and through shots to the center mass, perfect grouping that liquefies his insides. The same came be said with your second guy here, possibly before he's even able to take in what just happened to his buddy. A quick kill on him also with three center mass shots."
Dr. Kaiser then went over to examine the armored target, "The thing we have to keep in mind with the Cerberus trooper's body armor is that it has kinetic shielding that allows protection from most small arms. I can tell this guy will be winded, but his armor has otherwise protected him...that is until you go around it," he said pointing to the charred hole in the dummy's face.
"He might be about speed with his pistol, but with the Cerberus, it's all about precision and a deceptive amount of power in such a small package," Miranda smirked.
To answer the Mandalorian's challenge, Cerberus returns fire with a vicious hand cannon of their own, the M-358 Talon heavy pistol.
(A Cerberus trooper is shown gunning down a Salarian commando with three rounds from his M-358 Talon.)
M-358 Talon
Length: 9.65 in.
Weight: 6 lbs.
Capacity: 4 Shots
Miranda drew the Talon and let it fully extend, "This is one of the pistols Cerberus troopers trusted in battle. It might not have the capacity of the Mandalorian's blaster, yet it has the stopping power you need."
"Then it's the same test for you, Miranda. You have 3 targets approaching, one of whom is wearing the Beskar'gam armor of a Mandalorian," Bradley said motioning towards 3 new targets, one clad in the aforementioned armor.
"Consider it done," she nodded and took her position.
"Alright, then on 3...2...1, draw!"
Miranda fired a shot into the first target's chest, leaving a small crater. She repeated the process, her next shot going lower into the target's stomach, yet with similar results. She then fired her third round into the armored target, yet it only seemed to scratch the surface. She wasn't bothered and fired her last shot, obliterating half of the target's unarmored head.
"Talk about stopping power indeed," Eddie commented.
"It's basically a shotgun in a futuristic pistol frame," Bradley added.
"That would be a good comparison," Dr. Kaiser commented as he observed the damage done to the first two targets, "This is the kind of damage I would expect from a point blank shotgun blast. She just tore this guy's insides apart.
Dr. Kaiser then went over to examine the armored target, "We have to keep in mind that beskar'gam armor is meant to be strong enough to withstand blows from a Jedi lightsaber. With what I'm seeing here, you've only managed to a few scratches. Again, you don't get results until you go around the armor," he concluded, looking down to the shredded remnants that ha once been the left side of the dummy's head.
"But she's only got 4 shots. While a Cerberus trooper is reloading, the Mandalorian would be dropping him and already be off to collect his next bounty," Din spoke.
"It's true that we may only have 4 shots with this pistol, but we are trained to make every shot count. A Cerberus trooper isn't going to waste his time trying to recreate some goofy scene out of a Wild Western," Miranda countered.
Both pistols showed off their killing capabilities, but where do our panelists stand?
"I'm siding with the WESTAR-34. It has more shots and a greater effective range, even if the Talon may possess the superior stopping power," Bradley started.
"I agree. More shots and a quicker firing rate. The Mandalorian's WESTAR takes the edge here," Dr. Kaiser seconded.
"Count me in as a third. The WESTAR is clearly the more effective pistol here," Eddie concluded.
In short range weapons, the Mandalorian takes the edge with the WESTAR-34 Blaster Pistol.
XXXXXX
The Mandalorian and Cerberus, two deadly intergalactic warriors.
"The Mandalorian has a proud warrior tradition to uphold. These Cerberus are just fanatics with a lot of money and nothing else," Din said shaking his head.
"The Mandalorian fights for some outdated BS. We fought for a cause much greater than ourselves – the survival and the advancement of our race," Jacob countered.
Fighting on the front lines required both warriors to have reliable firepower. In such a scenario, they put their trust in assault rifles designed specifically for tearing through legions of oncoming enemies.
With Cerberus, they relied upon Cerberus Harrier.
(A Cerberus trooper is shown cutting down two Turians in a flurry from his Harrier.)
Cerberus Harrier
Full Auto
Length: 32 in.
Weight: 12 lbs.
Capacity: 20 Shots
"Gentlemen, this is the Cerberus Harrier," Jacob said pulling out the rifle to show the panelists, "This is an improvement upon the M-96 Mattock, where our gunsmiths have reined in the recoil issues. It is accurate and reliable, yet the rounds do deliver slightly less punch compared to the rounds of a standard Mattock."
"Not a very uplifting presentation," Kryze cut in.
"Yet it stays on target. This rifle is only entrusted to elite troopers, who train constantly to make sure every burst counts," Jacob replied.
"Well then we want to see how accurate and how deadly it can be," Bradley said as he turned to 3 targets behind him, "Here, we have 3 attacking Mandalorians, including one of which is carrying their personal combat shield. We are giving you one magazine to prove your point."
"You got it," Jacob said taking his position.
"Is the shield ready?" Bradley asked.
On cue, Bo typed in a few commands on a gauntlet attached to the second dummy's wrist. A transparent circular blue shield that was 50 centimeters wide then appeared.
"Activated!" she called back.
"Then on 3...2...1, open fire!"
Jacob fired a burst into the first target's chest before turning his attention to the third target and firing another. He then set his sights on the shield-bearing target and fired a salvo that was deflected, forcing him to aim lower and take out its knees, causing the target to collapse and deactivate the shield. He then finished it off with a round to the skull.
"Done!" he called back.
"I'm seeing dead on accuracy," Dr. Kaiser commented as he observed the fresh holes in the first target's chest, "He's an instant D.O.A.," he said before making his way over to the third target, "Again, it's the same process. Dead on accuracy for another dead Mandalorian."
He then made his way over to the target that had been equipped with the shield, "As expected, the shield did its job and deflected the rounds fired upon it. It wasn't until you went around the shield you had your results. You started by literally knee capping this guy. It wouldn't have killed him, but it would have crippled him, leaving him at your mercy...which was the case until you delivered the coup de grace to the back of his skull," he concluded, showing the fresh hole torn through the dummy's skull.
"Cerberus didn't take prisoners," Jacob replied.
"Nor do the Mandalorians," Kryze stepped in, "And we have a far superior blaster rifle for taking down entire groups of enemies."
To answer the challenge, the Mandalorian responds with a blaster rifle trusted by everybody from the Galactic Empire to the Rebel Alliance, the E-11 Blaster Rifle.
(A Mandalorian is shown gunning down an Imperial Stormtrooper in a flurry with his blaster rifle.)
E-11 Blaster Rifle
Select Fire
Length: 27 in.
Weight: 6 lbs.
Capacity: 100 Shots
"This is the E-11 Blaster Rifle," Kryze said showing it off for the panelists, "This has been favored by Imperial remnants, as well as my own people as it has everything we need in stopping power and accuracy combined."
"It's going to be the same test for you, Kryze. You've got 3 approaching Cerberus troopers, including one of whom is carrying a shield," he said motioning towards a target carrying the large, rectangular shield used by Cerberus, "You've got your shots. Make them count."
"Understood," Kryze said taking her position.
"Then on 3...2...1, light 'em up!"
Krzye took aim and fired a flurry into the first target before switching her sights to the third target and firing another flurry, leaving both her targets with clusters of small smoking craters behind. She then set her sights on the shield-bearing target and fired a cluster into it, yet the energy bolts were deflected. It was then she stopped and lowered her aim.
"What is she doing?" Eddie asked.
"She's trying to shoot around the shield," Dr. Kaiser answered.
Kryze fired a cluster towards the second dummy's feet, yet still dealing with a heavy recoil.
"That heavy recoil is causing her to waste precious shots," Miranda chimed in.
Kryze eventually managed to hit the target's feet and send it collapsing before firing a cluster that reduced its head to a smoking pulp.
"Done!" she called back.
"You inflicted roughly the same amount of damage as the Harrier's shots, yet with all the extra shots at your disposal, you were able to inflict twice the amount of damage on both these guys," Dr. Kaiser said as he looked over both the unarmored targets.
He then made his way over to the shielded target, "Like it was with Jacob testing out the Harrier, you didn't see results until you had to go around the shield. You shot this guy's feet off at the ankles. He is left crippled and bleeding out...leaving him a sitting duck," he said gesturing towards the smoking stump left behind.
"There is the issue though of a pretty heavy recoil, even with your selective fire feature," Bradley commented, "It took you a while before you were able to take out the shielded target's feet, most of your shots ripping up the ground in front of it before you finally connected."
"But we will catch ourselves and hit our target. You can count on it," Kryze replied, while Miranda shook her head in the background.
The Cerberus Harrier and the E-11 Blaster Rifle, two deadly blaster rifles, but where do our panelists stand?
"For me, it's going to be the E-11 Blaster Rifle. 100 rounds against 20? Come on! Edge Mandalorian," Eddie started.
"I actually disagree," Dr. Kaiser countered, "I know it's going to be controversial to say, but indeed I do see the benefits of the E-11 having 100 rounds, yet it also has that excessive recoil that throws off a lot of its shots. The Harrier has the far better recoil control and accuracy, with shots that hit like a sniper rifle when needed. I'm calling this one even."
The tiebreaker fell down to Bradley.
"I have to agree with Doc on this one. Unlike the last weapons test, the Mandalorian's blaster pistol had less recoil compared the E-11. Here, the Cerberus make up with better accuracy and less recoil that allows them to counter the extra quantity of the blaster rifle. Edge even," he concluded.
In mid-ranged weapons, our warriors are even.
XXXXXX
The Mandalorian and Cerberus, two deadly warriors who remain highly confident of their chances of emerging victorious.
"For all their tough talk, it took just one person to bring down Cerberus. The Jedi and even the Galactic Empire couldn't wipe us out," said Kryze.
"We are going to show that the Mandalorian's 'fearsome reputation' is nothing more than mere hype," Miranda countered.
When both combatants needed to take down their opponents from afar, they relied upon trusted sniper rifles to do the job.
For the Mandalorian, he came equipped with the trusted IQA-11 Blaster Rifle.
(A Mandalorian is shown taking aim and dropping a Weequay pirate with a round to the back before taking down two other pirates before they can react to the commotion.)
IQA-11 Blaster Rifle
Semi-Automatic
Length: 4 ft. 2 in.
Weight: 6.9 kg
Capacity: 10 Shots
"This is the IQA-11," Din said showing it to the panelists, "It has a sleek and inexpensive design that has made it popular with mercenaries and bounty hunters in my galaxy. If you need reliability over longer ranges, this is the rifle for you."
"Looks pretty sleek indeed and I'm eager to see it in action," Bradley said as he looked towards the shooting range, "We've set up a Cerberus checkpoint with three unarmored targets, one shielded target and one wearing Cerberus armor. Your rifle has 10 shots, so let's make them count."
"You can count on that," Din said before he activated his jet pack and flew himself over to the designated hilltop.
"Show off," Jacob grumbled.
Din landed and took a kneeling position, making some last adjustments before peering through the scope.
"Alright Din, when you are ready!" Bradley called out.
Din took aim and fired, sending a blue blaster bolt flying into the chest of an unarmored target before he fired into the neck of another, severing its head. He then set his sights on the last unarmored target and fired another shot into its chest.
"Looking pretty reliable thus far," Eddie commented.
Din set his sights on the armored target next and fired a shot into its chest before going higher with his next shot and firing into its head, leaving a noticeable hole in the front visor.
"Finding the weakest spot and going for it," Dr. Kaiser added.
It was then Din set his sights on the shielded target and slowed his pace, taking careful aim and firing a bolt that traveled right through the narrow slot.
"Holy shit!" the panelists cried out in collective astonishment.
Dr. Kaiser made his way over to the targets while Din launched himself into the air and landed behind the panelists.
"Your 3 shots leave these guys falling like dominoes," Dr. Kaiser commented, "We've got a guy taking a shot straight through the heart, another guy having his head torn clean off, and it's a ditto for your last guy."
He then made his way over to assess the damage done to the armored target, "Your first shot would have been enough to penetrate this guy's armor, enough that it might even pierce the shielding used in Cerberus armor," he said before looking up and removing the matching helmet, "You hit the weakest part of the helmet and managed to take this guy out. He is dead."
The trauma doctor then made his way over and moved the Cerberus shield out of the way, "The most impressive shot of all was when you managed to nail this guy right through the narrow slot an operative looks through. This is a picture perfect 'mail slot' kill as they call it," he concluded, showing off the smoking crater borne through the dummy's head.
"Even I will admit that was impressive, but it still wouldn't save you in the end," Miranda said.
"I don't know how you plan to, but I welcome the challenge," Din replied.
"Oh believe me, we are ready," Jacob said as he unfolded his own sniper rifle.
To answer the Mandalorian's challenge, Cerberus brings death from afar with the M-13 Raptor.
(A Cerberus sniper is shown taking aim at an Asari using her biotic powers to fling his colleagues around, firing a shot through the back of her neck that halts her attack.)
M-13 Raptor
Semi-Automatic
Length: 3 ft. 6 in.
Weight: 8 lbs.
Capacity: 15 Shots
"This is the human version of a Turian infantry weapon developed for conflict on the low gravity world of Amar," Jacob explained showing the rifle to the panelists, "The Turians optimized a low-recoil, semi-automatic rifle with a scope, creating a hybrid weapon that's half-assault rifle and half-sniper rifle."
"Quite the interesting combo," Eddie commented.
"It's the same test for you, Jacob. You've got 5 targets to deal with, 3 unarmored, one with the personal combat shield of a Mandalorian trooper, and one clad in the Mandalorian's beskar'gam armor. You've got 15 shots in your case, let's make them count," Bradley spoke.
"I intend to," Jacob said before making his way over for the hilltop which Din had previously positioned himself on. He made some last second adjustments of his own before taking aim.
"Alright Jacob, when you are ready!"
Jacob fired a round through the first unarmored target's chest, before following up with another shot through its face. He then fired a round into the second target's chest before setting his sights on the last unarmored target and firing a round through its face, followed by another to the chest.
"He's got those extra rounds to spend," Bradley pointed out.
Jacob set his sights on the shielded target and fired a round through the dummy's leg, sending it sagging to the ground, before following up with a blast to the dummy's skull.
"Onto the main event," Eddie whooped.
Jacob aimed upon the armored target and fired a shot that glanced off the metallic surface. He went higher with his next shot and fired another round that bounced off its surface. He wasn't deterred and fired a round that struck the helmet's visor and then fired another shot that struck an exposed portion of the target's neck.
"Now they've had enough," Jacob called.
Dr. Kaiser made his way over to assess the damage done to the targets, "With your three unarmored targets, we are talking kills across the board, plus the added damage with the extra rounds you have."
He then made his way over to the shielded target and knelt down, "We have another double tap here. We got overkill here as your first shot alone would have pierced his femoral artery for a quick bleed out. But as you said before, Cerberus doesn't take prisoners."
It was then time for the armored target and Dr. Kaiser examined the aftermath, "Your shots to the chest and later the helmet failed to do any significant damage. This guy is rattled, yet still in the fight. However, you did pierce his visor and even managed to find a weak spot beneath the helmet," he said lifting it to show the hole in the dummy's neck, "You didn't stop until you got your kill and again, you had the extra rounds to make it happen."
"It was an impressive shot, but this is just a dummy you're talking about," Kryze spoke up, "Besides, a true Mandalorian would have had his neck better protected. You would have never gotten that far."
The IQA-11 Blaster Rifle and the M-13 Raptor, both proven to be deadly sniper rifles, but where do our panelists stand?
"While they are both unquestionably accurate rifles, I have to go with quantity on this one. The Raptor has 15 shots compared to the IQA-11. Edge Cerberus," Bradley started.
"More shots means more damage to dish out. Edge Cerberus," Dr. Kaiser followed.
"I agree. More shots gives Cerberus the edge in my book," Eddie concluded.
In long range weapons, Cerberus takes the edge with the M-13 Raptor.
XXXXX
Cerberus and the Mandalorians, two fierce, determined warriors feared throughout the galaxy.
When a bigger bang was needed, both warriors relied upon their own deadly explosives to get the job done.
For Cerberus, they carried a rapid fire killer that brought death from above to their enemies, the M-100 Grenade Launcher.
(A Cerberus trooper draws an M-100 Grenade Launcher and fires a barrage of explosive shells upon a trio of approaching Krogan warriors.)
M-100 Grenade Launcher
Length: 28.78 in.
Weight: 5.95 lbs.
Capacity: 6 Shots
"This is a rapid fire killer we've got ourselves here," Jacob said showing off the launcher, "It can take out multiple enemies with a single well-placed shot. It's good against armor, shields and biotic barriers."
"It looks impressive and we want to see it in action," Bradley said as he turned to the range behind him, "We have 6 'volunteers' for you to test it out on."
On cue, 6 LOKI mechs came marching into view.
"Those things again?" Jacob exclaimed.
"You've got as many shots as you need to take them down," Bradley called out as the mechs approached, thankfully unarmed.
Jacob aimed the launcher forward and fired an explosive shell that immediately blew two of the mechs into scrap metal.
"Brings quite the bang," Eddie cheered.
Jacob wasted no time and fired another shot that took out two more approaching mechs, before firing a third blast that took down the last 2, leaving behind piles of twisted metal.
"That launcher sure packs some power behind it; a definite must when you are up against armored adversaries," Dr. Kaiser commented.
"That's far too predictable. Our warriors would see one of your projectiles coming from a mile away. With our explosives, by the time you saw them coming, it would be too late," Kryze commented.
To answer the challenge, the Mandalorian responds with their own highly deceptive and highly deadly explosive, the Whistling Bird.
(A Mandalorian is shown laying down his weapon as 4 Imperial Stormtroopers close in on him, only to close his fist and then have a flurry of projectiles come shooting out of his vambrace and take out all the Stormtroopers.)
Whistling Bird
Length: 6 in.
Weight: Varies
Capacity: 11 Shots
Kryze stood before the panelists and clenched her fist, several blue lights flashing on her vambrace.
"I bring a weapon truly unlike anything you have ever seen before. The whistling birds are small guided munitions we fire from miniature missile launchers in our vambraces. We can fire up to 11 at once, striking enemies from all directions," she explained.
"That's quite the interesting description you've given us. How about showing us how it works?" Bradley asked.
"Gladly. Now if you'll excuse me," Kryze said as she walked into the middle of an open area far removed from the panelists.
"Now, let's bring out our 'guests' for the evening," Eddie called out.
On cue, 6 B-1 Series battle droids approached Kryze.
"It just had to be those ugly bastards," Bradley muttered.
Kryze stood in place and waited as the battle droids drew closer, before she clenched her fist and the blue lights came on and without warning, a cluster of miniature missiles shot out in all directions, emitting a distinctive whistling noise as they struck the oncoming droids and reducing them to piles of smoldering metal.
"Oh my god, that was amazing!" Eddie called out.
"You're right...I've truly never seen anything like that," Bradley added.
"We've had plenty of launchers on here before, but never anything that could do that," Dr. Kaiser added, "That many projectiles being fired at once, all the directions they are being shot off in, even that loud whistling noise could unnerve an enemy. They really wouldn't know what to expect."
"Feeling intimidated?" Bradley asked Miranda and Jacob.
"It's not over yet. We still have other tricks up our sleeve," Miranda winked.
"I'm sure the Whistling Bird alone could find a way around all your fancy tricks," Kryze countered.
Both explosive weapons showed off their differences, yet their similar killing potential, yet where do our panelists stand?
"For me, it's all about the Mandalorian's Whistling Bird," Bradley started, "Doc, you said it best. It can literally fire multiple projectiles at once, can take out multiple enemies with relative ease, and it provides a good psychological effect as you never know where it's going to hit. Edge Mandalorian."
"Yeah, the grenade launcher has a lot of power behind it, yet it seems far too predictable compared to the Whistling Bird, which can strike you from multiple angles at once, not too mention that loud whistle can really screw with someone's head too. Edge Mandalorian," Eddie seconded.
"Gentlemen, you have stated all my major points. Edge Mandalorian," Dr. Kaiser concluded.
In explosive weapons, the Mandalorian takes the edge with the Whistling Bird.
XXXXXX
The Mandalorian and Cerberus, two deadly warriors clashing for the first time ever.
The time has now come for both warriors to reveal their special weapons. When things got up close and personal, they both relied on deadly blades to hack their enemies into pieces.
For the Mandalorian, he relied upon a traditional sword among his people to cut down all attackers, the Beskad
(A Mandalorian is shown cutting down a Devaronian mercenary with a strike to the throat after having already severed his arm.)
Beskad
Single-Edged
Length: 24 in.
Weight: 1.5 lbs.
Material: Beskar
"The Beskad is a traditional Mandalorian sword," Din said showing off his blade to the panelists, "It's a single-edged blade similar to what you call a 'machete.' It has a widened tip that tapers into a sharpened point, allowing it to crack through armor and deliver short, powerful slashes."
"It's a beautiful blade and we want to see it in action," Bradley said before looking over to the targets set up, "We have 4 targets set up to simulate enemies charging after you. First, you will cut through 3 unarmored pig carcasses before you get to the last target, a ballistic gel torso outfitted in the Cerberus' assault armor. You'll have 15 seconds to prove your point."
"Understood," Din said taking his position.
"Alright Din, on 3...2...1, hack 'em up!"
Din launched himself at the first pig carcass, delivering a deep cut to its abdomen before following up with a second slash to its throat. He then launched himself at the second target, driving the tip into its gut and tearing the blade downward, spilling its guts all over the floor. Din ripped his blade out and charged the last pig carcass, again slicing deep into its gut before stabbing it through the throat.
With all the pig carcasses dealt with, Din swung the Beskad at the armored target and struck the chest plate as hard as he could, leaving a noticeable crack. He followed up with another strike and another before stabbing through a weaker spot as Bradley called out "Time!"
Dr. Kaiser made his way over to assess the damage done to the pig carcasses.
"Your first strike slices right into this guy's abdomen, delivering a painful blow that will leave him bleeding out unless he receives proper medical attention. Yet, that wouldn't be necessary once you've delivered your second blow, severing this guy's windpipe on contact," he said before making his way over to the second target.
"Your first strike to this guy is piercing his large intestine, which might not always kill right away either, yet you follow up by disemboweling him to seal the deal. It's similar with your last guy, where you are slicing into his intestines and following up with another strike that leaves this guy with a functional decapitation. You are 3 for 3 so far," Dr. Kaiser concluded.
It was then time for him to approach the armored target and he carefully removed the assault armor to look for any damage beneath.
"I am seeing some cracks in this armor, possibly enough to get through the shielding. You hit him hard enough to break a rib or two, painful, but not lethal. However, you did manage to strike a weak spot and nicked this man's heart. That is a kill. You are 4 for 4. Congratulations," the good doctor concluded.
"We've got our own blade that would cut you down where you stand," Miranda spoke up.
To answer the Mandalorian's challenge, Cerberus slices back with the Monomolecular Blade.
(A vorcha is shown in an alleyway looking around frantically before a Cerberus Phantom appears behind him and slices his head off with the Monomolecular Blade.)
Monomolecular Blade
Single-Edged
Length: 29 ¾ in. blade, 11 in. handle
Weight: 3.75 lbs.
Material: High Carbon Spring Steel
"The monomolecular blade is the specialty weapon of our Phantoms," Miranda said showing the blade to the panelists, "It moves at a high vibration frequency that increases its cutting ability, very important for a lot of the armored enemies we fought against. It can slash with unparalleled precision, and thrust just as effectively."
"It's going to be the same test for you, Miranda. You have 3 unarmored pig carcasses, followed by a gel torso, this time wearing the Beskar'gam of the Mandalorian. You have 15 seconds to prove your point," Bradley explained.
"I would have needed less, but if you insist," Miranda said taking her position.
"Alright Miranda, on 3...2...1, slice and dice!"
Miranda charged the first pig carcass and slashed it in half before she ran over to the second carcass and sliced off its lower half, before following up with a second slash that went a little higher, leaving another large chunk of pig carcass on the floor. She slowed down as she approached the final target and ran her blade through before repeating the process, the blade going all the way through the carcass both times. She finished it off with a slash that split the third pig carcass in half.
"Just like lightning," Eddie commented.
"But she's never encountered Mandalorian iron," Kryze commented.
Indeed, Miranda swung the blade at the armored torso, yet the blade only scratched the surface. She went for another quick swing, yet again was met by the same result. She tried to stab with the blade's tip, yet it only glanced off the iron surface. She went for another stab, but again, got no concrete results as Bradley called out "Time" and she looked away in frustration.
Dr. Kaiser made his way over to assess the damage done.
"Man, that cutting power just results in sheer brutality as you cleaved your way through these guys. Even when you stabbed these guys, your blade went through and would have collapsed both this guy's lungs," he said showing the wounds on the upper half of the third target, "But now, for the elephant in the room."
Dr. Kaiser made his way over to the armored target and observed the aftermath, "I am seeing no penetration or even indentation on the Beskar'gam. I think all you would end up doing is pissing this guy off."
"We would find a way around him eventually," Miranda said, furrowing her brow.
"Obviously, you've never fought a Mandalorian," Kryze said shaking her head, "You talk like you would have all the time in the world against one of us. That would be your first mistake."
"Ladies! Ladies, take it easy!" Eddie said stepping in before a fight could occur.
The Beskad and the Monomolecular Blade, two deadly swords, but where do our panelists stand?
"Both these blades were able to slice through the pig carcasses with no problem. The monomolecular blade however, showed more power in slicing through the pig carcasses, yet struggled with the Beskar'gam. On the other hand, the Beskad was able to pierce the Cerberus assault armor. It's just too close and I'm calling it even," Bradley started.
"I can see both blades struggling with the others' armor. Again, it's too close and I'm calling it even," Dr. Kaiser seconded.
"I'm with both of you on this one," Eddie concluded.
In special weapons, our warriors are even.
For this battle, the armor of both warriors will be taken into consideration as well.
For the Mandalorian, he wore Beskar'gam and carried the Personal Combat Shield.
For Cerberus, they wore Cerberus Assault Armor and carried the Polycrystalline-Composite Shield.
"For this battle, we are talking about warrior wear their own unique futuristic armor into battle.
"The Mandalorian comes in wearing armor made of the 'beskar,' a rare metal that is durable enough to withstand strikes even from a Jedi lightsaber. In addition, he also has the Personal Combat Shield, a plasma shield activated from his vambrace that can also deflect lightsaber blows and blaster fire.
"Cerberus on the other hand wears a highly durable assault armor that comes with additional kinetic shielding and comes equipped with a polycrystalline-composite shield that is roughly the same size of a contemporary SWAT riot shield, with a tiny slot for the user to see through.
"That being said, I give a slight edge to Cerberus thanks in part to their assault armor's additional kinetic shielding and their shield covering more, even if it may appear more cumbersome at times," Dr. Kaiser explained.
For body armor, Cerberus takes the edge.
As it is with all warriors, there is a critical X-factor that makes them who they are. For the Mandalorian, it's the proud warrior tradition of his people.
"All Mandalorians have a rich warrior history and a strict code which we adhere to, giving us the knowledge to draw from and the discipline to use it to the maximum of our abilities," Din explained.
For Cerberus, it's their sheer fanaticism.
"All Cerberus agents are indoctrinated to believe humanity should rule the galaxy. They won't let anyone stand in their way and will go to the most extreme lengths to ensure this, no matter how lethal or unethical," Miranda explained.
Coming up, it's a cosmic shootout for the ages when two fierce warriors go head to head for the first time to determine who is "The Fictional Deadliest Warrior!"
XXXXXX
With our testing completed and our X-factors evaluated, we are now one step closer to deciding the victor.
Our teams tested 5 weapons used by the Mandalorian: the WESTAR-34 blaster pistol, the E-11 blaster rifle, the IQA-11 blaster rifle, Whistling Birds, and the Beskad.
On the other side, 5 weapons used by Cerberus were tested: the M-358 Talon, the Cerberus Harrier, the M-13 Raptor, M-100 Grenade Launcher, and the Monomolecular Blade.
In short range weapons, the WESTAR's greater capacity and quicker firing rate shot down the Talon.
EDGE: Mandalorian
In mid-ranged weapons, the Cerberus Harrier's smoother recoil and accuracy allowed kept it on even footing with the E-11's 100 rounds.
EDGE: Even
For long range weapons, the Raptor's greater capacity kept it ahead of the IQA-11 blaster rifle.
EDGE: Cerberus
In explosives, the Whistling Bird's unpredictability and ability to take out multiple targets at once blew away the M-100.
EDGE: Mandalorian
For special weapons, the Beskad penetrated Cerberus' armor, yet the Monomolecular Blade delivered swift precision combined with deadly cutting power to keep both blades evenly matched.
EDGE: Even
And lastly, the extra kinetic shielding of their assault armor and larger shield gives Cerberus the edge in body armor.
EDGE: Cerberus
Our scientists and weapons experts have concluded their testing. The results are in and the time has come to decide who will emerge victorious. The battle will be fought in a 6-on-6 squad battle between 6 Mandalorians and 6 Cerberus agents. To ensure the battle won't be decided by a single, lucky blow, the battle will be simulated one thousand times in a duel to the death.
Who will prevail in a battle between two galactic warriors?
Galactic Mercenaries
(A Mandalorian is shown walking into a bar and quickly cutting down two bodyguard droids before cornering a Hutt crimelord and holding him at gunpoint.)
vs. Human Supremacists
(A trio of Cerberus operatives walk into a room and quickly slaughter a group of Batarians in a flurry of rifle fire.)
Lethal Precision
(A Cerberus Phantom cuts down an Alliance marine with a blow from his monomolecular blade.)
vs. Martial Prowess
(A Mandalorian dodges blows from a Tusken Raider's staff before cutting him down with a slash from his Beskad.)
Tradition
(A group of Mandalorians are gathered to carry out a ritual.)
vs. Terrorism
(A group of Cerberus operatives are shown departing from a Quarian ship, having just massacred all of the inhabitants and leaving a bomb behind.)
"This is a battle I've waited a long time for and I'm eager to see how this plays out. Let's rock!" Eddie said before typing in the final commands and starting the simulation.
XXXXXX
We are taken to an unnamed desert planet, where 6 figures in metal armor and helmets with T-shaped visors stand on a ridge overlooking what appears to be a long abandoned research facility.
4 of them are equipped with E-11 blaster rifles, while 2 of them are carrying IQA-11 blaster rifles. All of them have WESTAR-34 blaster pistols strapped to their sides and Beskads strapped to their backs.
The 6 men are Mandalorian bounty hunters, who have been dispatched to investigate a long rumored research facility that is believed to hold precious information.
Mandalorian: 6
Not far from the abandoned facility, a UT-47 Kodiak Drop Shuttle has arrived and is in the process of dropping off 6 men in white and black armor, 3 of whom were carrying Harriers, one equipped with an M-13 Raptor sniper rifle, another with a M-100 grenade launcher, and the last a man in sleeker armor with a monomolecular blade. Two of them carried long polycrystalline-composite shields and all of them carried M-358 Talon sidearms.
These men were members of the notorious terrorist organization called Cerberus, and they were charged with investigating a rumored facility The Illusive Man believes contains important data that could be vital to their cause.
Cerberus: 6
The Cerberus agents split up into pairs and began combing the area.
One pair of Cerberus troopers made their way into an abandoned control room and began searching for any signs of recent activity, yet all the consoles were long rusted and beyond repair. They nodded to each other and were about to make their exit when they heard the 'whoosh' of a door opening behind them and they whirled around to be met by an individual in strange armor and a helmet with a T-shaped visor.
"You! What business do you have here?" one of the Cerberus agents barked.
"Take it easy, I don't want any trouble," the Mandalorian said holding his blaster pistol to the side and raising his other hand.
"Drop your weapon at once!" the other Cerberus agent demanded.
"Alright, I give!" the Mandalorian called back and sunk to a knee, placing his pistol on the ground beneath him.
Unknown to them, the Mandalorian clenched his right fist and waited as blue lights on his vambrace flickered on and a second later, there were loud whistling noises as miniature rockets shot out of a built-in launcher.
The first trooper had no time to react and before the second could raise his shield, he too was overcome by the flurry and they were both left dead where they stood.
Mandalorian: 6 – Cerberus: 4
The Cerberus leader and his sniper were patrolling nearby when they overheard the commotion. Looking over to the sniper, he ordered him to higher ground.
The sniper nodded, running up a nearby set of stairs and taking cover behind some rusted fortifications on the walkway. He peered through the Raptor's scope and waited as a man in strange armor stepped out and exchanged fire with his superior, firing a blast that struck the man in his side, before firing another into the side of his helmet, and finally finishing him off with a round to his exposed neck.
Mandalorian: 5 – Cerberus: 4
The other Mandalorians heard the blaster fire from a distance and the leader ordered one of his snipers to seek higher ground while they ran to engage the new threat.
They ran to find the Cerberus leader joined by his launcher carrying colleague, who fired a blast that sent the Mandalorians scattering for cover.
The Mandalorian squad leader and his other sniper took cover behind the rusted remnants of a transport and fired upon the Cerberus captain, the former forced to to use his WESTAR-34. They fired a combined barrage upon the rival captain, who raised his riot shield just in time to intercept their blasts. They were halted when the Mandalorian leader was forced down by a sniper shot that struck just inches from his head.
The Mandalorian sniper nodded to his leader and ran out into the open in the hopes of flanking their enemies, deploying his personal combat shield and deflecting rounds fired upon him by the Cerberus captain.
The other Mandalorians had taken cover behind the twisted metal of a demolished utility shed and were firing upon the Cerberus duo, one of them firing while the other covered their rear with their personal combat shield deployed to guard against the Cerberus sniper's attack, the gunman still firing upon them from his perch.
Meanwhile, the Mandalorian's other sniper had taken a perch on another abandoned building, staring down the sights of his IQA-11 blaster rifle when he took notice of the Cerberus sniper. He took aim and fired a blast that struck the rival sniper in the back before adding another for good measure, ending his threat.
Mandalorian: 5 – Cerberus: 3
Unfortunately for the Mandalorian sniper, his triumph would be short-lived when another figure appeared behind him and sliced the man's head clean off his shoulders with a single swipe from his monomolecular blade.
Mandalorian: 4 – Cerberus: 3
The two Cerberus troopers are still holding their ground despite being outnumbered, the captain's marksmanship combined with his grenadier's well-timed blasts keeping the Mandalorians at bay.
Things were desperate and they would need to seek shelter elsewhere and with a pat to his grenadier's shoulder, both agents ran into the open as blaster bolts tore through the air around them. The grenadier wasn't too far behind his leader as he looked over and saw an unstable portion of a rusted steel wall near two pinned down Mandalorians. He raised the launcher and fired a blast that loosened the wall and sent both men fleeing.
It gave him the perfect opening to fire another blast that vaporized one of the Mandalorians and sent the other flying hard into a steel pillar.
Mandalorian: 3 – Cerberus: 3
The Mandalorian grunted as waves of pain shot through his body, but still, he was determined to fight as he tried pushing himself back to his feet while gripping his E-11 blaster rifle, yet the Cerberus captain was onto him and fired a barrage that eventually found its mark and snuffed out the proud warrior's existence.
Mandalorian: 2 – Cerberus: 3
The remaining Mandalorian sniper had witnessed his colleagues' predicament and raised his IQA-11 to fire upon the Cerberus troopers, only to have the rifle suddenly kicked from his hands, followed by a tornado kick that struck him in the back of the head and dropped him to a knee.
He looked up to see another Cerberus operative standing over him, this one in a sleeker suit and raising a blade above his head, which he brought his rifle up to block, only to have it sliced in half.
The Mandalorian rolled beneath another attempted swipe directed at his head and he reached around to draw his beskad, bring it up just in time to parry another strike from the Phantom's blade. The two men ground their swords against each other, but it was the Mandalorian who broke the struggle up with a kick to the Phantom's gut, sending him stumbling backwards.
The Phantom quickly recovered and swung his blade at the Mandalorian's gut, but the blade was blocked by his beskar'gam armor and the Mandalorian responded with a punch to his face before driving the beskad's tip into an exposed spot in the Phantom's stomach, dropping him to his knees. The Mandalorian then brought his blade down one last time, severing the Phantom's head.
Mandalorian: 2 – Cerberus: 2
The Mandalorian sniper stood tall over his vanquished foe, when he felt a presence behind him and whirled around with his blade raised, only to find his superior. With a curt nod, he lowered his blade and drew his blaster pistol to follow after him.
The two remaining Cerberus operatives made their way down another wreckage lined path as they hoped to meet up with the Kodiak transport. The wreckage would soon give way to jagged rock formations, yet there was an end in sight as both men jogged towards it when a series of loud whistles pierced the air, followed by a cluster of miniature missiles striking the earthen walls and causing a cave in.
The Cerberus grenadier was hit on the shoulder by a large falling rock, causing him to drop his M-100 grenade launcher and he looked up to see the two Mandalorians approaching. He quickly went for his Talon sidearm and managed to get off a shot, only to be dropped in a barrage of energy bolts from the Mandalorian leader's E-11.
Mandalorian: 2 – Cerberus: 1
The Cerberus captain had been thrown violently to the hard ground as he tried to avoid the rock walls collapsing around him, slowly stirring back into consciousness. Fortunately, his Harrier was nearby and he picked it up and he took cover behind a large rock as he listened for any signs of his enemies.
He watched as the Mandalorian sniper stepped into view and fired upon him, yet his bullets struck the beskar'gam. Staggered but not out of the fight, the Mandalorian fired back with a barrage from his blaster pistol, yet fired until his pistol overheated. Noticing a particularly weak looking patch near the Mandalorian's feet, he fired upon it and it collapsed beneath the man's feet, sending him falling to the ground hard.
The Mandalorian sniper was visibly injured, but even as the Cerberus captain approached, he still tried to raise his pistol.
It took one final blast for the Cerberus captain to finish off his enemy.
Mandalorian: 1 – Cerberus: 1
The Mandalorian leader arrived to find the Cerberus captain standing over his fallen colleague and he unleashed a barrage from his E-11 that forced the human supremacist back into hiding.
Out of ammo for his Harrier, he was forced to holster it and draw his M-358 Talon, firing off his shots before he was forced to reload. Both men exchanged back and forth fire when the captain felt his foot brushing against something and he looked down to find the M-100 grenade launcher. He then looked over and saw rays of light shining from a small crevice and ran for it.
The Mandalorian leader noticed the Cerberus captain suddenly bolt and saw what he was running towards. He fired a fresh flurry upon the fleeing terrorist, who barely dodged the bolts fired upon him. He wasn't going to let him escape and chased after the terrorist, weaving back and forth through the narrow crevice until he found the opening at the end and was halted in his tracks.
There stood the Cerberus captain with the M-100 in hand, who let out a loud scoff before firing a blast above him.
The Mandalorian could only look up in horror as the rubble rained down upon him and he was buried in the stones and dirt.
Taking a deep breath and feeling satisfied with himself, the Cerberus captain walked away and radioed for an evac.
However, there was a disturbance coming from the rubble as the dirt began to stir and with a labored effort, the last Mandalorian shot his hand outward, not as dead as his opponent believed him to be.
XXXXXX
Winner: DRAW
Mandalorian:
WESTAR-34 Blaster Pistol: 101
E-11 Blaster Rifle: 228
IQA-11 Blaster Rifle: 70
Whistling Bird: 64
Beskad: 37
Total: 500
Cerberus:
M-358 Talon: 88
Cerberus Harrier: 261
M-13 Raptor: 85
M-100 Grenade Launcher: 47
Monomolecular Blade: 19
Total: 500
"I don't believe it...we've got a draw?" Eddie asked in disbelief.
"It seems so," Bradley replied, "This battle was a back and forth encounter that saw the Mandalorian ultimately bringing the more reliable pistol and the more reliable explosives that could easily kill multiple enemies at once. Cerberus however, possessed the more effective rifles that saw them able to keep the Mandalorian at a distance.
"While the Mandalorian had thousands of years of warrior culture to draw from, Cerberus had the financial backing, the equipment and the fanaticism that kept them on even footing with their opponents.
"All around, it was too close, we had to call it a draw," Bradley concluded.
"A draw? Seriously?" Miranda asked in disbelief, "Cerberus wouldn't be deterred by a minor hiccup. They would come back and next time, the Mandalorian would fall."
"As much as a Mandalorian loves a worthy opponent, they got lucky this time. Next time, things would be different," Din commented.
(The Cerberus captain is shown boarding the Kodiak shuttle, while the last Mandalorian looks on from a distance, vowing next time his opponent won't be so lucky.)
XXXXXX
Next time on "Fictional Deadliest Warrior," it's a battle between two fierce rebels:
(A tall man wearing a blue sash over quilted armor, various leather belts and a conical helmet with facial plating lets out a mighty roar while raising a battle axe and circular shield into the air.)
Stormcloak Rebel: The fearless Nord warrior who fought to free Skyrim from the Septim Empire...
vs.
(A man wearing a green hooded cloak over brown clothing points a longbow at the screen and fires.)
Merry Men: The heroic outlaws of 12th-century England whole stole from the rich and gave to the poor.)
Who will be...THE FICTIONAL DEADLIEST WARRIOR?!
XXXXXX
Author's Note: Well I've finished yet another chapter and I'm sure some of you will be surprised by the ending for sure.
For me, it just seemed too close to call, so I ended with my very first draw on here. I know I might get some flack for that, but at the same time, I didn't want to be in a position where I was left to question my final decision and then let it gnaw at my brain to the point where I'm like "Aw fuck it! I gotta rewrite this!"
So this seemed like probably my safest bet. It's fine if you disagree, but again, I still think it would have been too close to call if these guys met in battle, especially since Cerberus was able to establish themselves as a galaxy-wide threat in their series, even if it took only one person to ultimately bring them down in the end.
The Mandalorian and all "Star Wars" references are based on the works of George Lucas and the show itself is the property of Lucasfilm, whereas Cerberus and all "Mass Effect" references are the property of Bioware.
With apologies to nobody this time around...hopefully!
Until then, read and review! This is Metal Harbinger saying KEEP IT FUCKING METAL!