The two faced each other, and for a moment it was a contest of wills. Neither man showed any sign of backing down however. As if a signal had been given the two fired at the same instant. Slick ran for cover as he fired, and rolled behind a stack of crates. The blaster in his hand was vibrating furiously.... indicating a nearly depleted power pack.
"It seems they train Imperials alittle better nowadays." laughed Braxton.
"You're not walking out of here alive... You know that right?" Slick fired back.
"We can't keep this up all day. My blaster is running a little low..."
Thinking for a moment Slick said, "Yeah, so what?"
"How about a duel? Just you and me Imperial. To see who the better soldier is. I am very impressed with you. Not only did you sneak in under my nose, but you're still alive as well."
"...... All right. A duel then."
With that said, both troopers emerged from their hiding places, and turned to face each other. Both men holstered their weapons, and prepared themselves for this grueling test.
As he stared at his opponent, Slick knew that he was out matched in this contest. It had been an effort just to stay alive during the firefight, and now he had a duel to win! His fingers tensed over the butt of his pistol. He had always been a quick draw, and had won a fair share of duels, but Braxton was faster. The young Imperial was relying on luck to see him through this alive. Sweat rolled down his face as he waited.
"Whenever you're ready." said Braxton with a smile.
Slick's hand shot downwards with stunning speed. He gripped his blaster, and cleared the holster. As he brought the weapon up Braxton fired. The bolt caught Slick high in the right shoulder. His pistol fell from his hand as searing pain ripped through his body. He realized that he couldn't feel his arm as he fell to the floor. With a chilling laugh Braxton approached the wounded Imperial.
"It seems you weren't that fast after all." he said as he placed the barrel against Slick's forehead. As the shot rang out the Imperials world went black.
-----------------------
TRP/PFC Slick/4SQD/1PLT/1COMP/1BAT/1RGT/VEA[LoR]
"Someday we will all be alone. All alone in a combat zone, but the Corps going to bring us home."