Flashpoint, The Challenge

[Vencu]

It had been several standard months since Corden had first challenged the Mand'alor for leadership. When an important mission had pulled them both away just before the duel itself, they had agreed to put it on hold for the time being. Duty always came before such matters, though it could be argued that it had been Corden's duty to see the challenge fulfilled that day. Corden had already begun to regret that decision and with the lack of leadership during the evacuation, he had even more reason to continue pressing the matter.

Days after the evacuation, he had discovered Mand'alor on the ice world of Fenris, where Al'verde Jenna Wolf had established a forward base for her ranger regiment. The frosted permacrete crackled under Corden's heavy boots with each step as he slowly made his way to the entrance of the complex to which he had been directed. The warrior that had led him thus far nodded in farewell and then disappeared, his last gesture toward the blast door in front of which Corden now stood.

Corden nodded curtly to the warrior standing guard at the door, recognizing the man's armor as that of a Prime, "Alor Vencu... I'm here to hold Mand'alor to his word and continue where we left off."

 

[Phil]

The Prime looked at Corden slightly, then towards the door as he radioed into the building. It took only a moment to confirm to Mandalore that Vencu was here and after another moment, the communications were shut off. The Prime once more turned back to Corden as he opened the door.

"Go in, he's waiting, and be on your best behavior."

------------

Roxton, wearing his Mandalore armor sat in his office, going over the latest reports of the evacuation. He was also going over something else he had, something to ensure they would survive for another century at least. When Aspect on the other side of the large room confirmed someone was at the door, Roxton slid his helmet back onto his head.

"Let him in."

Aspect turned and released the locks to the door, allowing the Mandalorian to enter. Mandalore expected the man to come as he was expected, though it was to no surprise who it was. It was him, the Mandalorian from the past.

"What is it, Commander Vencu? I'm in the middle of something very... important you could say."

 

[Vencu]

Corden stepped just inside the room, his eyes sweeping from left to right, then focusing in on the armored figure sitting at its center.

"Mand'alor, I've come to settle this dispute before either of us are needed on the front. This calm after the evacuation... it won't last forever. Our people are digging in, preparing for the coming conflict. We may not get another chance and it is vital that our people know there is no division in the ranks... that we are united in vision and purpose. It must end here."

 

[Phil]

"The conflict? The conflict is standing before me."

Mandalore stated, setting his papers down as he stood to his feet, looking down at the Mandalorian who was once more digging into the past. At any other time, he would be fighting this man instead of talking, and he feared his words would once more fall upon deaf ears.

"The Mandalorians were fine, with the exception of the Sith closing in around us. Then... a Death Watch shows up at our capital. Then you showed up, as if a long lost Mandalorian from old Mandalorians had woken up. You showed up with the same Death Watch and challenged to lead all of the Mandalorians."

He walked around his desk, his heavy mandalore armor making a thud with each step he made against the cold surface of his office. He never let Vencu out of his sight as he started to slowly walk around him.

"You see, Vencu, I was going to let it slide, but I was a fool. An associate of the Death Watch shows up and wants to lead the Mandalorians, lead them back into the dark ages we escaped from years ago. There was no conflict until you showed up and wanted the power of leadership."

"Aspect, seal the door then open the emergency locker."

Following it's master's command, Aspect quickly closed and locked the door Vencu entered through, then approached a blank wall. Opening a latch, Aspect pulled a switch as the wall opened up, revealing two racks of weapons ranging from swords to pistols and even a few rifles and axes, all Mandalorian fashioned.

"You have one minute to prepare yourself, The terms remain as we both agreed too. A challenge for honor, strictly mêlée weapons or hand to hand, and Aspect here will ensure it's followed by both of us and no one kills the other. As much as it sickens me, death from either of us will gain the other nothing."

After citing the terms he and Vencu agreed too months ago, Mandalore went back to his desk, going to the wall behind it as he pulled off his Mandalorian sword from it, holding it in both hands as he quickly inspected his armor. Once he felt he was in condition, he made his way to the center of the room, where there was plenty of space for a one on one fight.

 

[Vencu]

Corden had brought little with him, but he had still come prepared to continue the challenge. Without delay, he removed his utility belt, various ammunition packs and attachments, and his two holsters and tossed them off to one side before readying the two weapons he intended to use.

In his left hand he held a mace with an intricate pattern of bluish-gray tiles set into the surface of its grip and gold detailing on the pommel and just above the handle. While the hilt appeared overly ornamental, it also sported a nasty bludgeoning end that stood out in stark contrast. It was certainly a regal weapon, but its lethality couldn't be questioned.

As Corden took half a step forward, he produced a second weapon, hefting it up to waist height with his armored right hand. Within his grip was a metallic tan hilt, intricate vines of electrum curving and intertwining across its surface. A sturdy metal cable was attached to the top and as it uncurled, a weighted ball on the opposite end dropped down to strike the permacrete just in front of his boots with a heavy thud. Corden shifted his right thumb on the hilt of the flail, hovering over what appeared to be one of two small switches inset into the grip.

"I have no link to the Kyr'tsad. You only wish it were that simple. Good and evil. Black and white. This is about you. I'm here to prove that you are no longer fit to lead us." Corden shook his helmeted head ever so slightly, still focused on his opponent as he readied himself, "And what is to prevent you from denying this challenge ever took place should I become the victor? A sealed, private office... afraid to step out into public view, Mand'alor?"

 

[Phil]

Holding his sword in both hands, he held it in a fine grip. It was a fine sword, one that would require great skill to hold with one hand, but that was not what it was crafted for. It was finely sharpened and kept in shape, just like it was crafted just for him to use in battle.

As he turned around to face his opponent, he ignored the words spoken to him as he walked towards him, holding his sword. The time for words was over, and he would put this insect in place even if he had to break him. When only several feet away, he arched his sword back and swung it towards his mid torso with all his strength, his own and his own suit powering it combined.

 

[Vencu]

The swing was very powerful. Corden knew that it was likely augmented all the more by his opponent's powered armor. Still, Mand'alor had made his first move a very obvious one and had put much of his effort into that single, deadly strike. Corden watched closely as Mand'alor lifted the sword high, then quickly lunged to the right as it arced toward his midsection. He knew it would be close to begin with and as expected, he felt the sharp edge of his opponent's blade reflected by the very edge of his left shoulder pauldron, a loud chink reverberating through the air. With his gloved thumb, Corden pushed down on the top switch inset into the flail's grip as he flung the weighted ball toward his opponent's left flank with all the strength he could muster. The ball itself began to glow white hot, issuing a low buzz as it arced forward through open air toward its intended target.

 

[Phil]

Barely missed his target, he saw him move past him as he felt the tip of the blade hit the armor. He never let him out of his sight as he went to grip his sword again as he saw something heading towards him. Quickly, he turned his body so his shoulder guard was infront of him, repelling the lethal ball as he felt it press against his guard. His enemy decided to dual wield weapons, though if he was skilled in it was to be determined.

This time he released his sword with one hand so it did a sweep down to his knees. Were he to avoid them, He would simply do a quick charge with his shoulder guard right to his protected head.

 

[Vencu]

Corden knew there was little he could do to avoid the quick swipe at his knees and so he rushed forward, coming helmet to helmet as he attempted to pin the sword and the armored hand that held it between himself and his opponent. He felt a powerful blow against the lower half of his right thigh plate and his knee threatened to buckle from the shear force of the impact, but he shifted his weight and remained upright. At the same time, he slammed his helmeted head forward with full force in an effort to knock his opponent backward. As powerful as the headbutt was, Corden knew the impact would do little but temporarily daze his opponent and force him to stagger backward no more than a few steps. Regardless, it would buy him the precious few seconds he needed to bring his mace down on his opponent's helmeted head or right shoulder, then follow up with a powerful attack on the left flank using the plasma flail. There was little chance Mand'alor could avoid the headbutt, but Corden knew that the other warrior was likely to recover from such an impact swiftly. However, even if he did, Mand'alor would only have a brief moment to bring his sword up to block one of the two attacks, mace or flail.

 

[Phil]

The impact to his helmet forced Mandalore back no more then two steps, almost as if someone had just attempted to charge him. A brave attempt, but it was nothing more then a minor distraction as it was soon apparent to Mandalore that Corden intended no real harm in the stagger.

The mace looked deadly, and was not about to risk such a weapon from hitting anything vital. He once more gripped both hands onto his sword handle, watching as both the mace and flail came at him. Having taking note of the mace's design and length, Mandalore raised his sword up as it came into contact with the blunt weapon, going under one of the sharp edges of it as it prevented it from coming any further.

Another weapon soon registered to him as it came into contact with his left side, the flail had struck him on his arm and shoulder pad. Even protected, some pain was felt with it's impact. It was time to even the odds a little and try and disarm at least one of these weapons from his enemy. Still gripping his blade as he attempted to make sure the lock it had on the mace was firm, he raised his right leg up and went to kick Corden square in the chest with all his might from himself and his suit. With luck, he would force the mace right our of his grip should it not be as strong.

 

[Vencu]

The moment Corden felt his mace being jerked from his grip, he knew he might soon lose the weapon if he didn't act quickly. Instead of pulling it back, Corden tightened his grip and went with the motion, adding his own strength to push the sword and mace down and forward, straight toward his opponent. With his opposite hand, he cocked the flail over his shoulder and swung the weighted ball straight down, twisting his body to the right as he did so. The twist came a mere second too late and while his opponent's boot didn't hit Corden in the dead center of his chest as intended, it still hit him on the far left, knocking him sideways. The momentum dislodged the flail from the sword and Corden's grip threatened to break, but he managed to recover and adjust his grip before it flew off behind him. However, the mace wasn't all that had been affected. The weighted ball and its exterior of shimmering plasma had swerved off course ever so slightly, no longer headed straight for his opponent's helmeted head, but rather his neck or shoulder. The buzzing orb was sure to hit and with his opponent's sword so low and one leg extended, there was little chance there would be time for Mand'alor to raise it in a block or dodge. A fresh rush of adrenaline pumped through Corden's veins, his focus sharpened, and the flail's downward arc seemed to slow to an almost unbearable crawl.

 

[Phil]

His leg had retracted back to it's normal stance once he felt it connect, which left his arms holding his sword. When he had saw the ball was now heading back towards him, Mandalore went onto the defense and moved backwards this time, almost letting himself fall back as the lethal ball came by him. It scraped against his armor's surface before it no longer did as he was now away from it.

He once more went onto the move after the attack had commenced, and seemed to run right back at the terrorist. When close to him, he ducked down on his enemy's right side and entered a slide. Metal from his suit scraped against the floor as he raised his sword up to strike into the arm that held the annoying flail, again with the strength of the man and his suit behind the strike as he allowed himself to slide by and past him.

 

[Vencu]

The moment his opponent moved into action, Corden was ready, his own actions smooth, fluid, and swift. Mand'alor had ducked and rushed forward, sliding by with his sword raised to strike at the hand and arm that gripped the flail. Corden kicked at the point between the hilt and blade with one heavy boot as his opponent slid nearer, attempting to disarm the man or at the very least knock the weapon out of the way. He then followed up with his mace, aiming for the other warrior's helmeted head. Not a second later, he shifted his stance and swung the flail in a forward arc, aiming for his opponent's torso. Adrenaline had fueled the rapid succession of counter and attack and as his muscles burned from exertion, Corden knew that Mand'alor had made a mistake to put himself in such a vulnerable position. On the ground, unable to quickly evade or counter, and with Corden bearing down on him, Mand'alor was now at his mercy.

 

[Phil]

His grip remained strong as he felt the boot slam into his hand as he went along the floor. The blade jerked, yet remained in his grip still as he caught glimpse of something heading towards him, and had just enough time to cock his head to the side as he felt the edged weapon scrape into the side of his helmet. His size was also his savior when it came to receiving the hits received from this attacker, and when he turned around and saw the cursed flail coming to him, he stood up and allowed it to slam into him, causing him to take a step back. He was not in his prime of now, so many thoughts running through his mind as he ignored the pain.

Was everything he had done for the best? Were his people beyond saving? Were they to degrade back into their primal ways? Or maybe this turn of events would save them, and maybe even give them a place in this galaxy. Many sought to see their end though, some even unintentional on that. So far, Mandalore... Roxton has done everything he could for his people, but now they were out of his hands now.

"Stand down. I forfeit, you have bested me in close quarter combat."

Regaining his footing, Roxton activated his over shield as it popped off the flail that had stuck to him as it fell to the ground. He then went to brush himself off, noticing the marks and nitches on both fighters. He thought on keeping them as a reminder, but it never hurt to run them through maintenance.

"Were this not limited to close quarters, this would have been a very different fight. But if you think you have what it takes to lead these people because of one fight, as you told me on Mandalore, then you're heavily mistaken. It takes more then brawn to lead a civilization..."

He then went to walk past Corden, not once turning to look him in the face as he approached the front of his desk, pressing his hands down onto them as he looked down. His mind still flooded with thoughts and ideas, mainly due to what has happened so recently.

"Door is behind you. If others ask about your fight, tell them what you want. I have no reason to lie if asked the same. For now, I have something important to do, and I suggest you listen to the mandalorian channels in the foreseeable future."

 

[Vencu]

A multitude of emotions flooded through Corden as he visibly recoiled, shear surprise at the abrupt forfeiture the least among them. He felt unbridled rage and a fresh, powerful wave of hate and contempt grew within him as he watched the man his people called Mand'alor rise from the floor and recover. If not for his initial hesitation, he would have struck the man down on the spot and then moved to take out the droid that stood off to the side, watching the exchange in relative silence.

"Hut'uun." Corden spat vehemently, his unseen glare piercing through both beskar and flesh, "You submit at the moment I gain advantage. What kind of man are you? The terms were clear and yet you dishonor yourself... my point is proven. You are not worthy to lead... you aren't even worthy to be called Mando'ad."

Corden paused briefly before continuing, considering his next words carefully.

"By this day's end, you will select a worthy successor. Refuse or delay and I swear on all that I am that no army of bodyguards will be sufficient protection against the masses I will rally against you."

Without another word, Corden retrieved his gear from the floor and left the room far behind.

 

[Phil]

Aspect observed as Corden had left, the doors closing behind him as the droid turned towards it's master. It's head plates twitched some, then took a step forward.

"Mandalore, Shall I -"

"No, let him go. This fight had no purpose, he is trapped in the past and it is that that will claim his own life. He may seem like one, Aspect and has done a hell of a lot of work for us... but deep down..."

Roxton stopped leaning on the table, turning around as he faced his droid.

"No, it's no point in discussing that him. However, should he ever become a threat to our people and civilization, we'll be there to take him down. I, however, am not Mandalore anymore, I was unworthy of such a title the moment I ordered us to all flee from our homes and allowed the Sith to take them."

Aspect looked at Roxton some, his words confusing as he had never heard such statements from him before.

"What will you do?"

"Onoveus should be my successor, he's more then proved his place among us. But it won't be my call, it'll be the call of the people who decide when I am no longer here to lead them. For now, My Friend, get the equipment ready, my people need to know before our enemies go for us."

Aspect left to do as he was ordered, Roxton looking down at the papers he was looking at before. It was time to face his people, and the departing of Mandalore the Indomitable.

((Follows up with This thread.))