“calm down , calm down my brothers” storm said , acknowledge the man with a quick nod.He let go of the sentry, who fell to the ground , whimpering.We held down our weapons, on the whim of our leader, and the stranger introduced himself as Broesel.He wore the most spectacular array of battle scars that I had seen.He was obviously proud of each and every one of them.He took us into the fortress, and led us to an area that resembled a fighting arena, where 3 others stood.

Storm seemed to know them too , and he introduced them.Their names where Hydra, the leader, Niknod and Zarock.The leader, hydra , wore the traditional helmet of a crusader and he stood tall and confident.He and storm separated from the main group talking fiercely to each other.In the mean time, I observed the other two members.Niknod was obviously a shock trooper, he was built light , and sported a jet pack.But Zarocks appearance was rather awe inspiring.He wore the largest armor set I had ever seen , and without his “t-visor” , I would have sworn him to be a droid.He ,by himself , even without the armor was a mountain of a man , easily 7 feet tall without his boots , he looked down at me , with a rather amused smile.I didn’t like the looks of that smile one bit.It was the , ” Can I turn you inside out , and look at what color your guts are ” kind of smile.A few heated minutes later , hydra and storm returned , storm obviously unhappy about the proceedings and hydra looking equally disoriented.

Then hydra said , ” I have an idea , that may settle this little quarrel , let us decide the outcome of this truce , by the traditional method”.I heard tommo and X sigh , on my helmet link.”If one of your men best one of mine , in a one on one traditional duel, then you will have your way, but if you should lose” he said with a glint in his eye,”you will face this threat alone”.Storm readily agreed saying, ” My men are ready, I trust my life to each and every one of them , and they will prevail.I am sure of it”.

“is that so” hydra said, slowly turning his visor towards me , “even him?”.Storm ,without hesitation said “Yes , he risked his life to save my men , and I will readily place our future in his hands”.

“very well then” said Hydra, ” Your man shall face my undefeated champion, ZAROCK!!”.

It was about then , that my face fell.I dreaded even being in the same room as the man, much less fight him .But a true warrior never questions his leaders , and never looks at the odds , but simply follows orders to the best of his ability.And I would follow Storm.As I stepped into the ring , I began removing my armor , traditional brawl rules stated that no armor was to be used in the match.It was pure, raw strength versus strength.Zarock stood at the other side of the ring , clearly enjoying himself.He probably did this on a regular basis and his over confidence was understood, after all , who could best this giant.I over heard Tommo telling X about how Zarock had once defeated a platoon of armored militia soldiers , with his bare hands.I didn’t question that rumor.I reached down for some sand to strengthen my grip.I looked up to see Storms face, he didn’t seem worried but rather, he game me a confident nod.Tommo and X where looking at me too, tommo had a kind of pity on his face.Like he was sorry that I had to die like this.

“The conditions for victory are : Forfeit!!!” said hydra , and then he slowly smiled ” or death!!!!”.He looked at Storm to see if that had any effect on him , but was rather surprised or disappointed to see that storm had betrayed no change at all , rather  Storm looked more confident than ever.

“You may begin” said hydra.

On the battlefield, I had armor, I had equipment, I had my brothers to protect me.But now, in this arena, I was alone, except for the giant that was my opponent.Zarock looked in no hurry to start,though he was just staring at me with an amused smile from across the arena, I eyed him back.Zarock, muscles rippling, each arm looked strong enough to bend steel.My chances of success where slim.But right then, I didn’t really leave anything to chance.Storm was counting on me.My team was counting on me.

I failed my brothers on geonosis.

I will not fail my clan.

To be continued.