January, 3980 ABYOrd MantellAge 21
Rain sliced through the neon haze of Ord Mantell's spaceport district.Steam hissed from vent pipes along cracked concrete, mingling with the acrid scent of burnt fuel and rust.
Alexander's boots splashed through oily puddles.His hood was pulled low, shadows masking cold, calculating eyes.This was no place for mistakes.
The underworld throbbed with danger; mercenaries, smugglers, and killers prowled the alleys like predators.
One hand brushed the familiar grip of his blaster beneath his coat.
From the shadows, two Dark Troopers stepped forward, blocking the narrow street.
"Looking for someone? Or just lost?"Their voice hissed through the steam, coated in menace.
"Passing through," Alexander said, steady and cold.
Boots slapped the slick pavement with threatening rhythm.The troopers activated a holoprojector.
"We've found the subject," one said.
A hologram flickered to life, revealing a high-ranking Imperial officer."Good. Sending transport droids. Confirm your sector."
Before they could reply, metal flashedA blaster shot cracked through the rain.
The taller Dark Trooper's body crumpled silently against the wet wall.
Alexander's gaze was steel, cold, and unyielding as he stepped over the fallen droids.Rain dripped from his brow as he moved deeper into the alley, senses razor-sharp.
He knew reinforcements would come. They always did.Good. Let them come.
Up ahead, a narrow passage yawned between stacked cargo crates, his only way out.
A hiss echoed behind him.A second blaster shot whistled past, scorching the air where he'd just stood.
Without breaking stride, Alexander dropped into a crouch, sliding behind a crate.His hand whipped to a hidden blade strapped to his thigh.
The alley was a cage, tightening with each second.
High above, in the gloom of a vent shaft, a watcher spoke softly into a comlink."Subject engaged. Backup en route."
Alexander's breath stayed steady, controlled.A predator, calm, ruthless, always two steps ahead.
They think they can catch me.Let them try.
From the shadows, he prepared to strike again.