Concordia
Today was a day like any other in the mines of Clan Black Axe.
The slaves worked without rest, supervised by gruff and abusive overseers.
Many of them had been captured after the destruction of their clans on Mandalore.
They had been stripped of their freedom and honor, condemned to a life of exploitation and suffering.
But they were not the only ones.
There were also members of other species, such as Twi’leks and Wookiees, although the latter were fewer in number.
While this was happening in the mines, about five kilometers away stood the clan’s main city.
The situation of its inhabitants was not much different from that of the slaves, as they were exploited in weapons factories and logistical supply centers through exhausting work shifts.
Due to the Mandalorian Civil War, the demand for weapons and ammunition had increased enormously.
The lives of the civilians were almost as harsh as those of the slaves.
Although they could return to their homes after shifts lasting more than sixteen hours, they barely had enough time to rest before returning to work.
Their existence had become monotonous.
Some tried to flee or rebel, but they were executed by the leaders who controlled the entire settlement.
In a watchtower near the main gate, two soldiers were playing a strange card game similar to poker, though with different rules and denominations.
They did not care much about their duties.
They had been guarding that position for years and had never encountered any problems.
For the past few months, they had simply spent their time playing cards while waiting for their shift change.
As they laughed and enjoyed themselves, an alarm suddenly sounded from the sensors placed around the perimeter to detect wild beasts that attacked miners and merchants.
“Damn beasts… They never let me play in peace, especially when I was about to win,” one of them grumbled in frustration.
He stood up, grabbed a pair of binoculars, and looked toward the area indicated by the sensors.
“WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!”
In the distance, roughly five kilometers away, a massive army of droids was advancing in a rapid and orderly formation.
Despite the rough and rocky terrain, the machines maintained perfect discipline as they moved forward, overcoming every obstacle in their path.
Warriors riding enormous wolves could also be seen moving along the flanks of the army, keeping pace with the formation.
“Idiot, stop sitting there! Sound the alarm! An invasion is coming! Notify the garrison, now!”
Combat Ship
“Brothers, prepare yourselves. We will strike from the rear. Our army has already been spotted by the enemy. The battle will begin very soon,” I said firmly.
Everyone was ready.
I would command this group, while Efi’s mother would lead the second squad.
The ship would not land.
Instead, it would descend to a safe altitude for the wolves to jump, while everyone else would use jetpacks.
“Easy, Ragnar. We’re here. You’ll finally get to show your strength,” I said while patting his head.
The enormous wolf seemed restless.
The ship began to shake.
We had reached the outskirts of the city, and the anti-air defenses had already opened fire.
They were not particularly powerful, but they made the deployment more difficult.
“Prepare yourselves. The hatch will open in one minute,” announced the pilot.
I mounted Ragnar.
Those with wolf companions did the same, while the others adjusted their helmets and prepared to jump.
I was already wearing mine.
I gave Ragnar a few pats on the neck.
This would be our first battle together.
I had never brought him on bounty hunting missions due to his size and the lack of a suitable ship, but this time we would fight side by side.
The hatches began to open. This story is hosted at g.com.
The roar of the cannons grew louder, and powerful gusts of wind slammed against my helmet.
“We’ve reached our target, brothers…”
“Forward.”
“A great battle awaits us.”
I leaped from the ship while riding Ragnar.
We landed on top of a massive building crowned by a giant glass dome.
That was our objective.
It did not take long before enemy soldiers began arriving from all directions.
Ragnar bounded from one structure to another with incredible agility.
Blaster fire soon echoed throughout the area.
Within moments, we were only a few meters away from the enemy.
I jumped from Ragnar’s back and charged forward with my spear, deflecting every blaster shot aimed at me.
I used the Second Form of the Spear of Fenrir and infused it with the Force, greatly increasing the weight and power of every strike.
Each swing of my spear cut down an enemy.
Beside me, Ragnar tore soldiers apart with his fangs or crushed skulls beneath his powerful claws.
The rest of my team was doing the same.
They were true engines of destruction.
Their wolves showed no mercy, leaving bloody scenes in their wake.
“Azmar, we’ve reached the south gate of the Capitol,” Efi’s mother reported through the communicator.
“I’m already near the north gate. Begin the operation. Don’t give them time to reorganize or call for reinforcements.”
“Understood.”
I looked at my companions as we advanced through the chaos of battle.
“Warriors, forward!”
“Our objective is close!”
I had already lost count of how many people I had killed.
Behind us, a river of blood was forming.
We reached the north gate.
Our objective was clear: reach the great dome where their leaders were gathered.
We entered through the passageway.
Ragnar took the lead alongside the other wolves.
Every enemy that appeared was torn apart.
After a few minutes, we arrived near the center of the Capitol.
The sounds of battle echoed throughout the structure.
Ragnar and the wolves were the first to enter.
Immediately, they began searching for their prey.
As I stepped inside…
I realized my mistake.
Efi’s mother was locked in a fierce battle.
Only six of the ten warriors remained standing, along with three of the five wolves.
The others lay dead.
“Damn it… I should have moved faster.”
I was furious with myself.
I had severely underestimated the enemy.
Because of my mistake, we had lost four Dark Wolf Guardians.
There was no time for regret.
My fury began to distort the air around me.
They noticed our presence…
But it was already too late.
I split one of them in half.
The other barely managed to dodge, but lost an arm in the process.
“You damned dogs of Clan Fen’ruus! How dare you attack us?!” shouted the leader of Clan Black Axe.
“I’ve already called for reinforcements from Clan Vask. They’ll arrive any moment, and you’ll all become food for the swine!” he growled.
“Ha… ha… ha…”
A cold laugh escaped my lips.
I had no desire to talk.
I charged straight at him.
I infused my spear with the Force.
Its blade darkened.
The pressure it emitted was overwhelming.
Blaster bolts were fired at me, but I deflected every single one.
I reached the first guard.
He tried to activate a flamethrower.
I severed both of his arms before he could use it.
The second guard froze in shock.
A moment later, his head hit the floor.
“You demon! Clan Vizsla will never let you live!”
“I don’t care who stands in my way…”
“They will die.”
I hurled my spear.
Dark.
Powerful.
Unstoppable.
It pierced straight through him.
His body was pinned to the wall.
His eyes…
Filled with horror.
Every enemy was dead.
Ragnar sat nearby, licking the blood from his fur.
Efi’s mother approached, her helmet removed.
“I’m sorry… I arrived too late,” I said.
“This is war. No matter how many plans we make, there will always be losses.”
I nodded.
“Let’s complete the mission.”
“Secure the bodies of the fallen. When the battle is over, they will receive a proper funeral.”
“Sir, all gates have been captured. The anti-aircraft cannons are being deployed. We are awaiting the enemy ships,” reported the officer in charge.
I took a deep breath.
Then I looked toward the horizon.
“Prepare yourselves.”
“We’re heading to the front lines.”
“We’ll give Clan Vask a proper welcome.”