| Author |
Topic:
The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) Updated 2/9
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Stroja
Registered:
May '08
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Date Posted:
6/24 5:36pm
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) Updated 16/6
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Don't wear a cape! You'll get sucked into a speeder engine!
This story started off a bit more serious than I expected, but Hector's antics as the Enforcer are just plain fun. I hope he retains a good bit of his bumbling as he grows - it has a nice Hancock feel to it.
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Causality - A Far-future saga: http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=28556597 Will engage in repartee for gourmet food.
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Robimus
Registered:
Jul '07
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Date Posted:
6/25 12:11am
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) Updated 16/6
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Well I'm a few chapters in and think its really good. I like how you have the Compnor aspect to the story and how Hectors force skill are developing. I'll try to get all the way caught up in the near future. I love story's that show how the citizens of the Empire were by and large normal people, only really guilty by loose association. Keep up the great work! I'm an OC lover myself.... 
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I am forever seeking the damutek of Hooley Krekk
Oh, woe! Oh, misery! Oh, unhappiness. Hooley Krekk where are you?
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yodas_waiter
Registered:
Oct '06
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Date Posted:
6/26 3:14am
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) Updated 16/6
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Stroja: Thanks! I thought it was important to show that Hector wasn't born a crime fighter and that some bumbling was necessary to show this and I'm glad you've enjoyed that aspect.  I will try to keep as much as possible, but the last couple of chapters get a little dark, so the aspect will be played down a little
Robimus: Thank you! I'm pleased you like the COMPNOR bit, that took some research  Glad that you also appreciate my depiction of Imperial society. On one hand, I want to show them as normal people, but on the other, I want to show how what that kind of society can twist the morals of some people, like Hector.
Ok, here I am with an update filled with more Enforcer heroics. Enjoy!
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Chapter 12
A Time for Thrilling Heroics
‘Did you have a productive day?’ Al asked Hector as the young Imperial emerged from the refresher.
‘Very productive, just check the HoloNet,’ Hector said and sat down stiffly in his sofa. He had been very stiff and sore when he had returned home from his heroics but his pain had subsided in the shower and several bruises were already starting to fade. Hector activated the Holo-screen and flicked to the news channel.
‘…and coming up: one of the oddest speeder chases Coruscant has ever seen,’ the news-anchor. On the screen flashed some shaky amateur photography of Hector hanging behind the speeder.
‘That’s me!’ Hector shouted excitedly and pointed to the screen.
‘I can see that,’ Al said, sounding unimpressed yet slightly concerned. Hector ignored him and sat glued to the screen.
During the next twenty minutes, Hector sat through reports on the unveiling of new weapons, of the subjugation of some species on a dead-beat planet and on infrastructure developments on Coruscant before it got to the interesting part.
‘Now,’ the anchor said. ‘Some of you viewers may remember that we earlier reported on a strange vigilante that was haunting the lower levels using the alias “the Enforcer”,’ Hector threw up his arms in frustration but couldn’t be bothered to make a fuss about it. The news-anchor went on: ‘Well, it turns out that our friend is not as shy as we suspected. An unidentified being matching the description of “the Enforcer” appeared out of nowhere today to apprehend a group of robbers that pulled of a daring hit on the Core World Bank at the Manarai Heights. This resulted in a break-neck speeder chase through the air-lanes which was caught on film by a witness,’
Now they showed the amateur footage which was very shaky, but it was still possible to make Hector out fighting on the speeder with the Xexto and the Nuknog.
‘The speeder would later crash on street-level,’ the anchor said over the footage. ‘The robbers were found unconscious next to the wreckage of the speeder alongside the stolen credits. Authorities failed to apprehend the mysterious vigilante who disappeared without a trace. This is what a representative of the Manarai Heights law enforcement, Captain Darko, had to say about the situation,’
The picture changed to a formidable looking man with a shaved head and a neat moustache wearing the dark blue uniforms that were for the law enforcement officers.
‘We are still looking into what exactly happened here today but my experience tells me that the truth is much more mundane that you guys make it out to be,’
‘But what do you make out of the various witnesses that say he hung behind the speeder in a grappling hook or supposedly flew up the side of the building?’ a journalist asked.
‘That sounds incredible,’ Darko said, scratching at his moustache. ‘Too incredible in my opinion. Seems to me that we have a case of illegal use of a jetpack,’
‘Haven’t you got anything to say to this mysterious individual that stopped the robbery?’ the journalist asked.
‘No, I have nothing to say at all,’ Darko said firmly. ‘We are more than able to handle our tasks here and we do not, I repeat, do not need the help of some mysterious vigilante. Besides, there is still the possibility of him being involved in this heist, so I wouldn’t be so quick to call him a hero,’
Hector switched off the holo-screen and punched a pillow angrily.
‘Once again, sir, I told you…’
‘I know, I know!’ Hector said angrily. ‘But if anything, this is making me more determined. I am going to show them that I am a true patriot!’
‘Sir, don’t tempt fate,’ Al said tiredly. ‘No one is appreciating your handiwork and I don’t think they ever will. You are too alien for them Hector,’
‘I am not alien, Al!’ Hector shouted angrily. ‘I’m human and an Imperial citizen. I am doing good deeds and people will eventually come around and I realise that! Just wait and see!’
Hector marched off into his bedroom and shut the door behind him.
****
Over the course of the next couple of days, Hector sat in front of the HoloNet, anticipating any news on which he could act upon. But there was nothing, the planet-wide news was too big for him and the local issues were often quickly resolved.
Despite his best attempts to avoid people, some still came to visit him, among them Belle and his parents. Hector’s father insisted on dragging him to the recruitment office but Hector managed to stall him but Belle was harder to avoid. She would not take no for an answer and dragged Hector out to a café for some caf and a cake. She would do this several times during the week, saying that she and Hector needed to “catch up on some things” but Hector tried to make these engagements as short as possible. He could no longer take any interest in Belle’s gossip or general musings as before. Not when he had a taste for a wholly different life. It seemed like Belle took the hint because she visited him more infrequently until Hector was left all by himself by the end of the week, scouring the HoloNet for any happenings.
‘Sir, this cannot go on,’ Al said, unable to see his master behaving like this.
‘Please Al. Leave me alone,’ Hector said, staring dead ahead.
‘Sir, I am programmed to make sure that you keep your well-being and…’
‘And there is no problem unless I say so,’ Hector said, turning around and facing Al, his face worn with tiredness. ‘Al, I don’t want to hear another word of this,’
‘Sir, if I may…’
‘Or I will deactivate you,’ Hector went on.
Al looked at Hector through his golden photoreceptors before making a slight bow and leaving the living room. Nothing much happened for the next until one day, a news flash appeared as Hector sat and ate his breakfast in front of the screen.
‘We have some breaking news!’ the anchor announced dramatically, interrupting a story covering the opening of a new exhibition dedicated to Imperial High Art. ‘There seems to be a hostage situation in the Financial District, more precisely, the TaggeCo skyscraper. Authorities are already at the scene, trying to resolve the situation but much more than that, we don’t know. We will keep you updated as this progresses…’
But Hector was already off the sofa and in the bedroom, getting changed.
‘I take it something has happened,’ Al said, standing by the door.
‘Yes it has and this time, I cannot do wrong,’ Hector said.
****
Hector ran along the rooftops as fast as he possibly could. The Financial District was not far from where Hector lived. Landing on a rooftop from one of his massive jumps, Hector could now see the TaggeCo skyscraper. On the walkways below, there was a vast crowd of onlookers which the authorities at some points had trouble containing. Hector could see several Imperial AT-ST walkers, a rare sight in the capital, lined up near the entry of the building. Hector could also see countless stormtrooper’s marching to and fro, taking up positions and aiming their blasters up at the building. Several large cannons were positioned around the building.
‘Wow,’ Hector said in awe. Despite being a member in COMPNOR for most of his teenage years, he had never seen such a mighty demonstration of the Empire’s strength in real life such as this one. He would really need to do something extraordinary to emerge as the hero in this situation. Hector moved onwards, jumping from building to building, getting ever closer to the skyscraper. Sometimes, he had to take cover as a flying craft, TIE-fighters, came in low. Hector wasn’t expecting a warm welcome if he was discovered this close to the scene of the crime.
Finally, Hector reached the last building and could take in the full sight of the glass and steel tower which stretched on high above him and that’s when it hit him, Hector had no idea where the hostages were being held and searching through the whole building was no option. Hector looked at the building intensely but he could see nothing that gave any indication of which floor the hostage-takers where on. Hector sat down and thought about what he could do next. He did not want to return back home. How ignominious it would be!
As Hector shook his head at his current predicament, he glanced upwards at the building and could see several small forms making their way down the front of it. He realised that they were Imperial troops attempting to catch the hostage-takers off-guard. Hector had already missed his chance at heroics. He punched the ground in disappointment but he would not leave yet. Hector felt compelled to stay rooted on the spot and watch the Empire’s finest do their job. He saw as the twenty stormtroopers slowed down and started to place out something on the windows in front of them. Suddenly, there was a muffled bang and several of the windows were blasted open. The stormtroopers seemed unfazed and started to fire into the building but their fire was returned quickly. They had never any time to climb into the building and find protection and were thusly cut down as they hung from their lines, some falling to the streets below. The hostage-takers made short work of the stormtroopers and within seconds, everything grew quiet. Now Hector had his chance, once again.
‘Just follow the destruction,’ Hector said to himself as he jumped down from the roof and onto the walkway. Hector pushed his way quickly through the crowd and could hear cries of surprise. He came towards one of the cannon and leapt onto it to get a better look of the surrounding area.
‘You there! Freeze!’ he heard someone shout and looking down, Hector could see several stormtroopers standing by the base of the cannon and aiming their blasters at him. ‘This area is restricted for civilians. Leave or you will be shot,’
‘I am no civilian,’ Hector retorted before jumping high and landing in mid-stride, now pushing onwards towards the entry of the skyscraper.
‘Command, command, come in,’ the stormtrooper officer said as he watched Hector run away with his unnatural speed. ‘We have an unidentified individual within the siege parameter,’
‘Can you give a description of him?’
‘Well…’ the officer said, hesitating slightly. He wasn’t sure if his commanding officer would believe the description and think of him crazy. The officer took a deep breath and carried on: ‘..the individual is humanoid, roughly 1.80 metres and is wearing a black armour with a gold visor and a black cape,’
‘You fool!’ the commanding officer shouted through the comlink. The stormtrooper officer winced inside his helmet. ‘That description fits the one of the “Enforcer” who’s suspected of being behind the robbery of the Core World Bank at Manarai Heights. He should be apprehended immediately!’
‘Oh…’ was all the officer could say.
‘Where is he heading?’ the commanding officer demanded.
‘Towards the skyscraper,’ the officer replied.
‘Then he is surely behind this kidnapping! Get him and I will alert all other units. Move out! Now!’
****
Hector sped towards the entrance unaware of all the stormtroopers moving in from the sides and taking aim. Suddenly, a hail of blaster rained down upon him. The onslaught caught Hector by surprise and he fell forward. Hector hurried to get back up on his feet but he felt a heavy foot on his back which pushed him down to the ground. Above him, he heard several blasters clicking.
‘Individual known as the “Enforcer”, you are hereby under arrest for…’ the stormtrooper standing above him started to say.
‘No! You don’t understand!’ Hector shouted. ‘I foiled the robbery! I’m a good guy’
‘Good guys don’t wear black! Good guys were white!’ a witty stormtrooper retorted and several chuckled alongside him.
‘Explain your business here,’ the first stormtrooper demanded, adding more weight onto Hector’s back.
‘I’m here to help. I’m here to save the hostages,’ Hector coughed.
‘We don’t need your help,’ the stormtrooper spat. ‘We’re taking you into custody. Boys, set your guns to stun,’
Hector heard the clicking of the guns as everyone changed their fire settings. He had a small window of opportunity and he had to take it. Hector stretched out his arm and in a split second, he gathered all the power he could and focused it towards the stormtroopers. He felt a jolt and could hear shouts of surprise. The weight was off his back and Hector shot up. Looking around, he saw five stormtroopers lying scattered across the walkway. Hector ran up to one of the stormtroopers that tried to sit up slowly and grabbed him by the head.
‘Whaa…?’ the stormtrooper said in a daze.
‘I’m so sorry,’ Hector said quickly. ‘I had to do this. I must save those people. I didn’t want to hurt you. Please don’t think of me as a bad guy,’
Hector let go of the stormtrooper who slumped together and Hector moved quickly towards the entrance. Glancing back, he could see several stormtroopers in hot pursuit of him. Looking forward, he could see an Imperial walker making its way towards the entrance and aiming its blasters towards Hector.
‘Oh fr-,’ Hector uttered as he jumped to the side, narrowly avoiding a massive explosion. The Imperial walker shifted around quickly on its two legs and aimed its big head towards Hector as he ran towards it. It fired again and Hector jumped once again to avoid the blast but the force of it pushed him upwards and forwards and Hector impacted upon the side of the Imperial walker.
He managed to hang on and now dangled from the side but managed to pull himself up on top of the head just as a hatch opened and one of the pilots emerged. Using his power, he brought the hatch down heavily on the head of the pilot. Hector sprung forward, lifted the hatch and shouted down it: ‘I’m sorry!’ before closing the hatch on the other pilot that was clambering upwards. Hector reached for his grappling hook and threw it upwards.
It caught on something and Hector jumped upwards just as stormtroopers swarmed around the walker and fired towards him. Hector soared up several floor and the stormtroopers below him turned into specks. Reaching the top, Hector kicked outwards so he could swing back towards the window and break through it. But Hector hit the glass hard and it knocked the air out of him.
‘Come on,’ Hector sighed impatiently as he stretched out his palm and focused on the window. Cracks appeared, going out from the place on the glass which Hector’s open palm was hovering above and spreading throughout the glass. Within seconds, the window collapsed at Hector jumped through the cascading shards and ran down the corridor past various desks and monitors.
He quickly found an elevator and the same problem from before appeared once again. Where should he go? Hector had no idea which floor it was on. He was on the 138th floor and he knew that destruction was above him but that was still a good 200 floors to go through. The odds of finding the right one wasn’t good and Hector knew he had some very annoyed stormtroopers following him.
‘Don’t think! Act!’ a voice urged him.
‘How?’ Hector thought.
‘Do something!’ the other voice, his voice, retorted. Hector slammed a button in front of him, thinking it was the only thing he could do. He waited impatiently for the repulsorlift climbed the various levels to get to his floor and when it finally arrived, he stepped into it and pushed a floor number at random.
‘There, I did something. Hope your satisfied,’ he said aloud, but nobody answered him. He watched on as the repulsorlift climbed higher and closer to the 384th floor which was the floor number he had pressed. As it came closer, Hector pushed himself close to the wall. The repulsorlift reached the 384th floor, the doors slid open and the tranquil, female voice barely had time to say: ‘Three hundred and eighty…’ before the whole repulsorlift was ripped apart by blaster fire.
‘Not good!’ Hector shouted over the carnage. The blaster fire stopped suddenly, giving Hector the opportunity to leave the uncomfortable position and leap out of the repulsorlift. Glancing quickly as he jumped out, he could see several beings, some humans and some aliens standing in a semi-circle around the elevator with blasters trained at it. They quickly readjusted their aim but Hector managed to find cover.
‘Come out! We are twelve and you are alone. This is a fight you cannot win,’ someone shouted out to Hector.
‘I wouldn’t say that if I were you,’ Hector said, cockily. ‘You are surrounded and I’m just here to make it end as smoothly as possible. Give up or face the consequences,’
‘No. We will not give up until our demands are met!’ the voice said with steely resolve in his voice.
‘Then what are your demands?’ Hector asked, buying himself some more time as he thought about his next move.
‘We demand the right to have practice our religion in peace and not to fear Imperial retribution,’
‘And what would these beliefs be?’ Hector asked.
‘The belief in the Force,’ came the answer and Hector could feel his blood boil.
‘That is treasonous,’ he said. ‘No one will ever agree to your terms of religious freedom,’
‘Then we will do what we must. If the Empire can’t guarantee us religious freedom, then we can’t guarantee the security of the hostages or any other citizens in the capital,’
‘I can guarantee you one thing,’ Hector said and stretched his hand out towards some rubble. ‘You must go through me before you do anything,’ and with that he threw the rubble in the direction of the hostage-takers. He heard shouts of surprise and several burst of the blaster and as Hector shot up, he saw two hostage-takers knocked out cold. He leapt up onto to some collapsed metal girders and ran along them as the hostage-takers gathered their wits and started firing after Hector.
‘Get him!’ someone shouted.
Hector took cover behind some overturned furniture and as he looked up, he saw two hostage-takers climbing clumsily over the rubble to get to him. Hector stretched out his hand and pushed one over with his power. The sudden disappearance of his comrade confused the other hostage-taker and it gave Hector an opportunity to leap at him and force him down to the ground. A swift punch and the grunt was knocked out. Hector crouched down as he heard someone giving orders to the remaining hostage-takers.
‘Protect the hostages! Don’t let him get close to them!’
Four down, they were now eight. With his power, Hector believed it to be no problem. Emerging from behind the rubble, Hector could hear the shouts from farther down the corridor and it was there he believed the hostages to be. He advanced slowly down the corridor when suddenly blaster fire erupted from the doorway. Hector threw himself to the ground and rolled over for protection. He looked around to see if there was something he could use and his eyes settled on the metal girders he had recently run across.
Mustering all the power he had, Hector strained himself to the utmost as he focused his powers on one of the girders. The girder started to shake and move out of its position. Hector’s breathing grew quicker and it got intolerably warm inside his armour but Hector kept his focus and the girder slowly rose from its position and was now floating in mid-air. Hector smiled and with a forceful motion of his arm, he let the girder fly through the air like a projectile and with great satisfaction, he heard it crash through the doorway with many shouts of pain and confusion.
Hector stood up and moved towards the doorway. Dust was all over the place and Hector felt an involuntary shiver but he had a job to do and he had to concentrate. He walked through the smashed doorway, over the girder and the four unconscious beings lying beneath and emerged into a large room which seemed like some sort of conference room. As the dust dissipated, Hector could see a group of forty or more hostages cowering alongside the remaining hostage-takers.
One of the hostage-takers, a large, bald human looked up in fear and said, with a quivering voice: ‘What are you?’
‘I am the Enforcer,’ Hector said and thrust his arm sideways. The remaining three hostage-takers were lifted off their feet and smashed heavily into the walls. Hector then thrust his arm forward and he man grabbed his throat and made a gurgling sound. As Hector advanced on him, the man slowly lifted off his feet and hung in mid-air, still holding his throat.
‘The kidnapping ends here. You will release the hostages and await your arrest here. Understood?’
The man nodded stiffly and gurgled something. Hector opened his palm and the man fell to the floor.
‘You’re…you’re…’ he coughed as he massaged his throat. ‘You are strong in the Force!’ he exclaimed and looked up at Hector.
‘What did you say?’ Hector said and turned around, looking down upon the man.
‘You are strong, so strong. Where do you come from and why did you fall?’ the man asked and looked at Hector with a look of wonder and fear in his eyes. Hector moved in closer and lifted his foot, swiftly kicking the man across the face. The man collapsed into unconsciousness.
‘I have not fallen,’ Hector said coldly.
-----signature-----
Padawan to Sionnach-Airgid Author of Chyler databank entry Nominated Best New Author in Before the Saga 06/07 The Enforcer (SW Super-hero tribute): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28028864/p1/?2
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Alexis_Wingstar
Registered:
Sep '06
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Date Posted:
6/26 5:22am
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) Updated 26/6
- Date Edited:
6/26 5:27am (2 edits total)
Edited By:
Alexis_Wingstar
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Sorry I got behind reading this. I just read chapter 11.  It's a good thing Hector's name isn't "Tim", or he'd be "Tim the Toolman"  
I don't know why he's complaining about being called "The Enforcer", it's a cool name, and easier to say quickly... he didn't get to say his complete rendition during any of the action
You're doing a great job with the action sequences. It's almost Jackie Chanesque... oooh oooh! I just made up a new phrase I think! LOL
Um, did I miss something, or did Hector inadvertantly take off with the loot?
I'll read chapter 12 later, because I don't have time right now... I'm looking forward to it.
-----signature-----
"Change. It can be good. It can be bad. It can be expected or come as a thief in the night. Invited or not, it always comes."
~Koria
"Tender Shadows", co-written w/ The Musical Jedi
Padawan to DarthIshtar
Failed member of CA (Challengeholics Anonymous)
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Jedi_Trevor_GulDan
Registered:
Dec '03
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Date Posted:
6/26 10:10am
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) Updated 26/6
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I just got through the entire thing, and let me say, WOW!!! What a great story. Your POV of Hector shows that even with the best of intentions, someone else may see that you are not doing what is right..
Great story! Keep it up.
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Alexis_Wingstar
Registered:
Sep '06
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Date Posted:
6/26 9:34pm
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) Updated 26/6
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Hector is correct. You can't fall when you never left the ground. Since he was never taught among the Jedi, then he'd only use his insticts and feelings to use the Force. You can only "Fall" if you aspired to climb.
Ok, it's late, I'm tired, and I've no idea if that made any sense.
Well, here's something that does... Great update. 
-----signature-----
"Change. It can be good. It can be bad. It can be expected or come as a thief in the night. Invited or not, it always comes."
~Koria
"Tender Shadows", co-written w/ The Musical Jedi
Padawan to DarthIshtar
Failed member of CA (Challengeholics Anonymous)
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Stroja
Registered:
May '08
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Date Posted:
6/28 7:59pm
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) Updated 26/6
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Now he just needs to dodge a stormtrooper or two-hundred on the way out, and call it a day.
-----signature-----
Causality - A Far-future saga: http://boards.theforce.net/Message.aspx?topic=28556597 Will engage in repartee for gourmet food.
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yodas_waiter
Registered:
Oct '06
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Date Posted:
7/4 6:24am
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) Updated 26/6
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Alexis: Jackie Chanesque? That is high praise indeed I cannot truly claim that my action sequences have taken any inspiration from Jackie Chan (though I have seen many of his movies thanks to a friend that's crazy about Jackie Chan) but I'm glad that you're enjoying the action sequences
And silly me, I missed out a word No, Hector doesn't take the loot, he drops it at the sight of the stormtroopers. I thought I had written that but apparently not. Thanks for pointing that out and I will correct it later on.
Jedi_Trevor_GulDan: Thanks! That was one of the main hooks that mdae me write this story. I'm pleased that you like it
Stroja: Hehe, indeed. However, I think they now understand that you don't mess wit the Enforcer
Also, I'm just going to say that I'm going on holiday and that the story is going to be on a two week hiatus. I was hoping that I could finish it off before I left but there was too much left to write. But chapter 12 is a good place to leave the story for now. It's the end of the second act and the final act is about to start.
So in two weeks time, I'll be back and continue the story. Until then, take care everyone
-----signature-----
Padawan to Sionnach-Airgid Author of Chyler databank entry Nominated Best New Author in Before the Saga 06/07 The Enforcer (SW Super-hero tribute): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28028864/p1/?2
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Darth_Leia_6669
Registered:
Apr '03
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Date Posted:
7/7 12:22pm
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) On 2 week hiatus
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I’ll admit, I decided to check this out on a lark. I’m not big into the whole superhero thing, but the concept for this sounded intriguing. I’m so glad I did!
You have developed this character very well, as well as the minor characters here. As far out as the whole thing is, you have done a great job developing the storyline and showing the Imperial brainwashing that Hector’s generation was raised with. I found it especially amusing to see his reaction when Al compared his powers with the Jedi. And I felt that choosing ancient Sith armor was a rather appropriate given who he is trying to serve! Not to mention his inadvertent discovery of the Force Choke!
Poor guy, I can almost feel sorry for him. He is so misunderstood! Trying to be a hero and getting branded as an accomplice in the heist he helped stop. I have a feeling that things aren’t going to be any easier for him for so time to come!
As Hector is described as having great potential, I have to say the same for this story! If you have a PM list, would you be so kind as to add me? With as many possibilities as I see for this, I can’t wait to see what does end up happening!
--later--
6669 
-----signature-----
SOTH: When Worlds Collide http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=28532068&brd=10476 Chapter 11 up 8-18! Master to Lisbev! "And the worms ate into his brain" -Hey You, Pink Floyd Check my profile for more stories and art!
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yodas_waiter
Registered:
Oct '06
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Date Posted:
7/23 4:23am
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) On 2 week hiatus
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Darth_Leia_6669: Thanks! I'm glad you're liking the story despite superheroes not being your thing. I'm also pleased to hear that you like the development of Hector and even the minor characters. I find character development to be hard so I'm glad it's going well here
Ok, I'm back from my holiday but the week has been hectic so the update is a little late. This is just a short chapter, a break in between all the action. Hope you still think it's alright.
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Chapter 13
Unfair Judgement
In the days after the dramatic ending of the hostage crisis, Coruscant was abuzz with discussions about the Enforcer and his actions. The authorities had been quick to condemn his involvement in ending it but they were quickly drowned out by the statements of the hostages who could not stop praising the Enforcer.
For once, the HoloNet went against the official story and ran with the angle of “The Enforcer: The Empire’s New Favourite Hero!” It even went as far so that the authorities retracted their statements and thanked the Enforcer for bringing the situation to a bloodless conclusion. They even said that the assault on the stormtroopers and the AT-ST crew, which they had accused the Enforcer of, was the result of a misunderstanding and apologised for it. It was also announced that the Enforcer was cleared from any suspicions of being involved in the bank robbery since it had emerged that none of the robbers had acknowledged him as being in on the plan.
People were now wildly speculating in where the Enforcer would appear next but Hector decide to lie low after his latest escapade and the Enforcer wasn’t seen for a week. This didn’t curb the people’s and (more importantly) the medias enthusiasm for the story and in the coming week, many emerged claiming to be the Enforcer and thus, the media-circus continued.
‘Can you believe all this?’ Hector laughed as he switched of a program where various experts were discussing if the Enforcer was the first of a new generation of Imperial soldier.
‘No, I honestly can’t,’ Al said.
‘I told people would warm up to me! I told you,’ Hector gloated, taking a sip from his drink.
‘True, but maybe it’s time to quit…while you’re ahead,’ Al said.
‘Quit?! Now?!’ Hector said loudly in disbelief. ‘They love me. I can’t quit now! I’m their hero!’
‘So what is the next step?’ Al asked.
‘I don’t know,’ Hector shrugged. ‘I guess I will keep up with my regular scum-busting, but not for a while. I’ll lay low for a while, just to up the demand for heroics a bit,’ Hector said and winked. Suddenly the door suddenly slid open and his father, mother and Belle entered the apartment.
‘Hey, what are you doing here?’ Hector said, looking utterly surprised.
‘We want you to come with us, dear,’ Corinna said.
‘Well, I’m kind of busy right now. Maybe another time…’ Hector said impatiently, motioning towards the holo-screen.
‘No, you have to come with us now,’ Belle urged Hector.
‘Why…?’ Hector said, looking confused and worried. ‘Has something happened?’
‘That’s exactly problem,’ Janus said. ‘Nothing has happened. You’ve been in here for several weeks and none of us have seen you,’
‘I’m fine everyone, really,’ Hector chuckled as he breathed a sigh of relief. He was worried that something serious and bad had happened.
‘Well, good,’ Janus said. ‘Then you can come with us,’
‘No, but I…’ Hector started to protest.
‘Boy, don’t cause a fuss. If you haven’t realised it already, this is an intervention,’ Janus said harshly.
‘Hector, please come out with us. It would make me feel more relaxed,’ Corinna pleaded.
‘Wait,’ Hector said slowly. ‘Do you really think I’m still an addict?’
Everyone glanced at the glass of liquor Hector held in his hand. ‘I thought that was why you took away the black boxes from my door, because you could trust me again?’
‘Well, you’re a tricky one, Hector,’ Janus said. ‘Besides, your behaviour hasn’t alleviated our suspicions,’
‘I can’t believe this…’ Hector said, with a look of indignation on his face.
‘Oh, come now,’ Corinna said, laughing slightly and walking up to Hector to hug him. ‘We are worried for and we miss your company. Won’t you come with us?’
‘I…’ Hector hesitated but he felt Al come up behind him and lay a hand upon his shoulder.
‘Perhaps this once, sir…’ Al whispered into Hector’s ear. Hector turned his head around and looked at his servant who nodded his head stiffly. Hector then faced the others and with a slight sigh, said: ‘I suppose,’
‘Good!’ Corinna beamed and pulled Hector into a tight embrace. ‘Now get yourself ready, dear. We’re leaving in five minutes,’
****
‘I forgot to ask,’ Hector said, pulling on his jacket as Al closed the door to the apartment behind him. ‘Where are you taking me? Some place fun I hope,’
‘The Brock’s are holding a do for Caleck,’ Belle said. ‘He recently got promoted,’
‘Brock?’ Hector asked to which Belle nodded. Hector turned around sharply and moved back towards the door.
‘Oh no you don’t,’ Janus said and caught Hector.
‘It’s the Brock’s, dear,’ Hector’s mother said. ‘What is wrong?’
Hector and Belle glanced at each other quickly and Belle laid her hand reassuringly on Hector’s arm but said nothing.
‘Nothing’s wrong, mother. Let’s go,’ Hector said with little enthusiasm.
****
The familiar silvery doors of the repulsorlift slid open and revealed the extravagant apartment which belonged to the Brock family. The Viralte’s and Belle stepped into it and were immediately greeted by a golden droid servant.
‘Welcome to the Brock residence,’ the droid said. ‘Can I be of service?’
‘Sure you can!’ Janus said cheerily. ‘What drinks do you have on offer?’
But Hector didn’t stay around to hear the extent of the Brock’s liquor cabinet and walked into the crowd of people that were mingling about. Hanging overhead was a banner with the flashing text of “Congratulations Caleck!!!” and the Imperial seal occasionally popping up next to a picture of Caleck in his COMPNOR uniform.
‘Doing alright?’ Belle asked.
‘I’ll manage,’ Hector said, tearing his eyes away from the banner.
‘Hey, I didn’t want to really take you here but your mother and father insisted,’
‘Did you tell them…?’ Hector said quickly and grabbed Belle tightly around her arms.
‘Ouch Hector! No!’ Belle said, shaking off his grip and hitting his hands away. ‘Of course I didn’t,’
Hector breathed a sigh of relief.
‘I still haven’t thought of an appropriate lie to tell my father so I can avoid going down to the recruitment centre,’ Hector said, ruffling his hair in frustration.
‘You haven’t?’ Belle hissed. ‘What have you been doing all this time,’
‘Business,’
‘What kind?’ Belle demanded.
‘My own kind,’ Hector shot back.
‘I’ve lost count over how many times I’ve been past your apartment only to hear Al saying that you’re unavailable and unwilling to say exactly what you are doing,’ Belle said. ‘And somehow, you’re surprised when we suspect that you’ve fallen back into your addictions,’
‘Look Belle, I don’t want to talk about this. Not now,’ Hector said through gritted teeth.
‘Hector…’ she shook her head.
‘I’m still going through the motions, alright!?’ Hector said loudly in frustration. Several guests stopped in mid-conversation to see what was going on. ‘Can’t I get some peace and quiet, please? Is it too much to ask?’
‘Hector, I’m so…’ Belle said quietly, seeming to regret pushing Hector so far but he didn’t want to hear any of it.
‘Whatever…’ he said dismissively and pushed his way past her. Hector walked quickly up to a bowl of punch and grabbed a glass forcefully. He poured the drink into it, downed it in one go and then made the motion to fill his glass again. Looking up, he saw several of the guests glancing at him and whispering to each other.
A sudden sense of fury took hold of Hector. He had risked his life for the Empire more than most people in the room but since no one could know the Enforcer’s true identity, he was still treated with disrespect for past mistakes. He was also angered that these people respected Roderick, who was in no way a better person than he was. Hector felt disgusted by the Imperial aristocracy, of the shallow people with twisted values who are somehow allowed to judge others indiscriminately.
Angrily, he banged his half-full glass down onto the table.
‘Sure,’ Hector said loudly. ‘Go ahead, gossip about Hector Viralte and what a failure he is. If it gives you any satisfaction, then I’m happy for being at your service,’ Hector stretched out his arms and took a mock bow. ‘Because I don’t need to hear this from people like you, sitting in your ivory towers, uninterested in life beyond these parties! Don’t hate me for experiencing life. I have been out there, in the thick of it and I know that that will make me great one day. So go ahead! Gossip! See if I…’ but Hector was unable to end his rant as someone grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the table. Hector was pulled to the edge of the party and pushed hard up against the wall.
‘What the hell was that?’ Roderick Brock rumbled, his face inches from Hector’s.
‘I did not come here to be stared at and judged by a bunch of aristocratic fossils who couldn’t be interesting if their lives depended on it,’ Hector said angrily. He looked over Roderick’s shoulder to the guests who were still casting occasional glances at Hector but who were slowly resuming their original conversation.
‘If I had known it, you wouldn’t be here at all,’ Roderick sighed. ‘You’re turning into a pathetic mess Hector. Get a grip,’
‘Yeah well, whose fault is that, huh?’ Hector said with an undercurrent of rage in his voice. ‘If you just had let me join the army…’
‘No way,’ Roderick said.
‘Why do you want to ruin me?’ Hector asked.
‘It is nothing personal,’ Roderick hissed impatiently. ‘I’ve told you what I think,’
‘That’s your problem, it’s never personal and you don't think,’ Hector said. ‘I’m not going to forget this. I am going to show you,’
‘Sure Hector, sure,’ Roderick said and patted Hector rather condescendingly on the shoulder.
‘I will,’ Hector said, his blue-green eyes flashing vividly in the light. ‘I will,’
There was something in that look that unnerved Roderick and made it unable for him to come with a sly remark. It was as if those eyes were holding back some barely contained power, something that made Hector’s threat seem like a serious one instead of one made in jest. In those short seconds, Hector seemed to have the potential to be larger than Roderick, larger than life itself. But the fire in Hector’s eyes burned out quickly and Roderick managed to collect himself.
From the middle of the room, shouts of: ‘Speech, speech, speech!’ came and Caleck Brock, impeccable in his uniform climbed up onto a chair. Roderick looked at his younger brother, then cast a quick glance at Hector which Hector met. The seconds seemed long but then Roderick broke eye-contact and moved away from Hector and into the middle of the room.
‘Thank you, thank you,’ Caleck said, holding up his hand so that everyone would quieten down. ‘I’m glad to see that so many of you have come here to congratulate me on my achievement. Thank you! It warms my heart!’
A cheer rose and people applauded politely.
‘Thanks,’ Caleck smiled and went on: ‘But it was very close that I never came this far. As some of you may know, I ran into some trouble whilst on an…assignment in the lower levels of Coruscant for COMPNOR. A situation involving aliens got out of hand and things got dangerous. It could’ve ended unhappily if it had not been for the timely intervention of a true Imperial patriot, the one they call the Enforcer!’
‘Indeed,’ Roderick said and materialised next to his brother. ‘We, as a family, owe this man a lot. He’s a true hero that saved my brother and if I ever get to meet him, I will reward him greatly. To the Enforcer!’ Roderick cried and held his glass aloft.
‘To the Enforcer,’ the guests echoed and also held their glasses aloft.
‘May we some day come face to face with each other,’ Roderick said before downing his drink. All the while this went on,
Hector watched on bemusedly and couldn’t keep the smile off his face.
‘What are you smiling at?’ Janus said brusquely, appearing at Hector’s side with a glass of liquor in his hand.
‘Oh, just the ironies of life,’ Hector said.
Janus grabbed a piece of spicy bread from the tray of a passing droid.
‘I see what you mean,’ Janus said as he put the piece of bread in his mouth. ‘To think that you once held so much promise. It is really ironic, boy,’
‘That’s not…’ Hector sighed and shook his head.
‘What?’
‘Nevermind…’
-----signature-----
Padawan to Sionnach-Airgid Author of Chyler databank entry Nominated Best New Author in Before the Saga 06/07 The Enforcer (SW Super-hero tribute): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28028864/p1/?2
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Darth_Leia_6669
Registered:
Apr '03
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Date Posted:
7/24 12:09pm
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) Updated 23/7
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The ironies of life indeed! I really liked how his family thought he needed an intervention. But to have everyone toast him and can’t even say anything! At least the media likes him, well, for now at least. But I’m sure even that could change at any time. 
Glad to see you back. I hope your vacation was enjoyable!
--later--
6669
-----signature-----
SOTH: When Worlds Collide http://boards.theforce.net/message.asp?topic=28532068&brd=10476 Chapter 11 up 8-18! Master to Lisbev! "And the worms ate into his brain" -Hey You, Pink Floyd Check my profile for more stories and art!
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imperial_Warlord5
Registered:
Dec '05
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Date Posted:
7/24 5:04pm
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) Updated 23/7
- Date Edited:
7/24 5:07pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
imperial_Warlord5
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Hector felt disgusted by the Imperial aristocracy, of the shallow people with twisted values who are somehow allowed to judge others indiscriminately.
lols that exactly as he was when thinking of the rebellion 
ironic that he now hates the aristocracy hes apart of
and im have a feeling mr "im not letting u join the army" gonna suffer 
loving it so more soon and if there a pm add me
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yodas_waiter
Registered:
Oct '06
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Date Posted:
7/31 2:37am
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) Updated 23/7
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Darth_Leia_6669: Yeah, Hector seems to get the short-end a lot Thanks, my vacation was very enjoyable but my return has meant that I have been swamped in work 
imperial_warlord5: Yes, Hector seems to be burning quite a few bridges and maybe something will happen to Brock or maybe not...I won't spoil 
Again, sorry for the slow updates and the slow responses but DRL has really had me by the throat for the last two weeks I've found very little time to write. An update will be coming soon. I promise.
-----signature-----
Padawan to Sionnach-Airgid Author of Chyler databank entry Nominated Best New Author in Before the Saga 06/07 The Enforcer (SW Super-hero tribute): http://boards.theforce.net/the_saga/b10476/28028864/p1/?2
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Alexis_Wingstar
Registered:
Sep '06
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Date Posted:
7/31 4:25am
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) Updated 23/7
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Sorry it took so long to reply to this. It keeps getting better. I like how Hector's family cares for him. It may have been a bad choice to take him to that party, but hey, no one's perfect.
I love the irony of how Roderick looks down on the very one who saved his brother's life... without realizing it of course.
-----signature-----
"Change. It can be good. It can be bad. It can be expected or come as a thief in the night. Invited or not, it always comes."
~Koria
"Tender Shadows", co-written w/ The Musical Jedi
Padawan to DarthIshtar
Failed member of CA (Challengeholics Anonymous)
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yodas_waiter
Registered:
Oct '06
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Date Posted:
8/5 3:32am
Subject:
RE: The Enforcer (SW Super-Hero tribute, OCs, Action, 0 BBY) Updated 23/7
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Alexis: Thanks! Yeah, the small ironies of life can be a little annoying sometimes, especially in Hector's case.
Ok, new update time. Moving into serious terriatory now. Hope the transition isn't to jarring. Enjoy!
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Chapter 14
Turning Point
‘How was the party, sir?’ Al asked as Hector stepped in to the living room.
‘I don’t want to talk about, Al,’ Hector said, throwing off his jacket and moving quickly to his bedroom as he loosened his collar and unbuttoned the shirt.
‘Bad then, I guess,’ Al said as Hector shut the door behind him. Within a minute, Hector entered the living room again, this time carrying his dismantled armour in a suitcase.
‘I’m going out,’ he said succinctly.
‘Whatever happened to “upping the demand for heroics”?’ Al asked as he eyed the suitcase.
‘Changed my mind, Al,’
‘But sir…’
‘Not now Al!’ Hector said impatiently and held up his hand to silence the droid. ‘Not now. Just watch the news,’
‘Sir?’
‘Put on the news and you’ll see,’ and without any further explanation, Hector moved towards the door and disappeared into the hallway. Al let out an electronic sigh and activated the holo-screen and had it on in the background as he did his chores.
****
Al was so anxious that he decided not to rest and recharge and instead, he stayed up all night, glued to the HoloNet. However, for most of the time, if was the bland night-time broadcasts which only offered small snippets of information and there was none concerning the Enforcer. It was only when the sun started to rise and colour the living room in a shade of flaming orange that the first reports started trickling in of sightings of the Enforcer. Once the morning anchors took their place, the air-waves were full of reports concerning the Enforcer.
‘We’re finally getting some official word in to back up several reports from witnesses that have been coming in all night…’ the news anchor said before pausing and leaned over to listen to something somebody said off-camera. ‘Alright,’ the anchor said and clapped his hands together. ‘Seems we’ve actually got some footage of the Enforcer in action. Can we roll it?’
There was a small pause before the screen went blank. It came back to life and it showed a blue-grey security-cam recording of a hallway in some building. Suddenly, several beings could be seen running down the hallway and far off in the distance, a black blur was seen.
‘Alright, what we are seeing here is apparently the Enforcer in pursuit of a gang of thieves,’
Al saw the thieves running in panic and tearing up some doors to get away from Hector. A sudden force seemed to push them over and within the blink of an eye, the black form of the Enforcer was on them.
‘Having apprehended the crooks…’ the anchor went on as the pictures showed the thieves flying through the air and getting punched up. ‘…the Enforcer discovered that the building was filled with illegal aliens and he alerted the authorities,’ the recording went into fast forward and showed stormtroopers marching several aliens through the corridor but Hector was nowhere to be seen.
The news anchor went on: ‘It turned out to be a very productive night for the Enforcer overall. Not only this, but he managed to stop several muggings, a break-in and apprehended several spice dealers according to reports from the law enforcement office who thanks him for his efforts…’
‘Damn right,’ Al heard someone say behind him.
‘Sir!’ Al cried, relieved to see Hector back in one piece.
‘Hey Al,’ Hector said and yawned. ‘I’m beat, so I’m going to bed,’
‘But sir…?’ Al said, indicating towards the screen.
‘Everything is fine,’ Hector said tiredly. ‘I didn’t blow my cover,’
‘But sir…?’ Al repeated.
‘Not now, Al,’ Hector yawned again, this time more widely and noisily. ‘I really need to go to bed,’
And without further ado, Hector walked to the bedroom and closed the door behind him.
‘Hmm…’ Al hummed worriedly, looking between the HoloNews still reporting on the Enforcers escapades and the bedroom door.
****
Al saw very little of Hector during the coming week as Hector would only sleep for a couple of hours before setting out again and spending all day fighting crime. Al would only find out about his activities by watching the HoloNet and he was forced to once again, ward off Belle and Hector’s parents when Hector was out. Despite all the hard work Al was doing, Hector paid him little attention as he arrived home to take short breaks before setting out again. Al grew increasingly displeased over this and when a week and a half of it had gone, Al had had enough and confronted Hector was he was on the way out.
‘What is it Al?’ Hector asked impatiently. ‘I’m in a hurry,’
‘Have you got an appointment?’ Al asked.
‘No,’ Hector said. ‘You know what I’m doing. What is this, Al?’
‘Sir, you must stop,’ Al said forcefully.
‘No, I must not,’ Hector sighed and tried to push his way past the droid but Al grabbed him forcefully by the shoulder and shoved him back. ‘Al, you’re out of line!’
‘No sir, I am not. You are the one who’s out of line!’ Al said, increasing the volume in his vocoder, forcing Hector to shut up and listen. ‘It stops here, sir. I don’t care what your motivation’s are, whether they are noble or not, but it is clear to me that this endeavour is ruining your life!’
‘Al, really…’ Hector snorted but Al ignored him.
‘After I heard of your conduct at the Brock party, I realised that you have gone too far,’ Al went on. ‘You are alienating the very people that can salvage your reputation. Why?’
‘Why? I’ll tell you why, Al,’ Hector said, all fired up. ‘My new life has lent me some perspective. I have realised how shallow and hypocritical that world, the one of my friends and parents, is and I will have not part in it anymore! Those people are useless, a waste of air yet they are free to judge and rule simply because they got money. They look down on me simply because I have had experiences beyond theirs! To me, they can keep that illusion. I don’t care. I know what real power is,’
‘And when you get pushed out of that illusion, what then?’ Al asked.
‘I don’t understand,’ Hector said slowly, deflating somewhat as he realised that his little speech hadn’t won Al over.
‘Whether you like it or not, this illusion that you are rebelling against is what has put you in this position in life,’ Al said and indicated around the apartment. ‘What will you do when you are finally ostracised from this illusion. Where will the credits come from? How will you get food on the table? This vigilante business isn’t paying for itself and its personal cost is very high,’
‘What do you mean, “personal cost”?’ Hector asked.
‘Hector,’ Al said and leaned closer to his master, who was taken aback by the unusual usage of his first name from Al. ‘You are losing your friends and family,’
‘So? They do nothing for me,’
Al sighed and shook his head and then looked deeply into Hector’s eyes.
‘If that is what you think, then you are lost,’ Al said. Hector’s lip grew thin and he narrowed his eyes.
‘I don’t need this from you!’ he shoved Al to the side and moved towards the door. ‘I don’t need help from anyone,’
‘Sir, if you exit through that door, you will find that I will be of no further assistance to you,’ Al said sombrely. Hector looked at Al for a while before turning around sharply and leaving the apartment. As the door shut behind Hector, it left Al all alone in the in the living room, slumping together in sadness and disappointment.
As he left the apartment complex, Hector strode with quick and aggressive steps. He was now alone in this vast city and no one was there to help him. Of all people, Hector had never expected Al to ever back away and now he felt a big emptiness inside of him, but as he realised that, he quickly hardened and filled that emptiness with anger.
‘Let them abandon me,’ he thought as he found an alleyway. ‘I’m more than capable of taking care of myself,’ Hector threw on his armour and with the help of his grappling hook, he started to ascend the side of the building above him. Looking over Coruscant, he saw how the setting sun reflected vividly in the millions of windows, colouring the city in amazingly flaming colours.
‘This city won’t turn its back on me,’ Hector thought and tightened his fist. ‘I will make it mine,’
And with that, Hector jumped off the roof and descended down the levels.
****
The evening started out fairly mundanely. Hector stopped several muggings without meeting any real resistance. The thieves had nothing against his powers. Blasters proved useless as did escape. Hector would always be there, catching them with his grappling hook, throwing them into a wall or landing right on top of them. Those that did try to fight back found that it was impossible to target him because of his swift movement. After a mere couple of hours, more than a dozen crooks had experienced the Enforcer’s brand of justice and it was shaping up to be his most productive night yet.
Hector was sitting on the edge of a rooftop, taking a quick breather before jumping back into the fray when he suddenly heard a commotion below him and saw several individuals brandishing blasters running out into the streets from a storage facility.
‘This looks good,’ Hector smiled to himself as he stood up slowly to get a better look. There were three beings running out and they were looking over their shoulders and within a minute, four other beings ran out and shouted: ‘Don’t let them get away with the stuff!’
‘Stuff, huh?’ Hector chuckled. ‘Intriguing,’
Blaster shots went off and Hector decided it was time to make an entry. He threw out his grappling which caught a pipe which ran above the street and he swung across and dropped down, into the middle of the street, between the two groups. Everyone ceased firing and looked at the odd figure that had appeared suddenly from nowhere. Hector was crouched, letting his cape cover him and he rose slowly, revealing his whole armour and his signature golden visor.
‘Frak, it’s the Enforcer!’ Hector heard someone shout. Turning around, he saw the three beings running away but just as Hector made a move to follow, blaster shots impacted near him.
‘Get him! He can’t interfere!’ a gruff voice shouted.
‘Sounds like a bet to me,’ Hector said and turned around. They were now aiming squarely at him but as Hector ran towards them, he weaved and dodged their shots and one by one, the crooks stopped firing as the watched on with a mix of wonder and fear as Hector closed in on them. He jumped up into the air and landed upon a man and knocked him out. Seeing their comrade down forced the remaining crooks into action and they brought up their blasters again and aimed at Hector, but he was quicker than them and using his power, he pulled their blasters away from them. The remaining beings, a Bothan and two humans glanced at each other before deciding to high-tail it, but they didn’t get far before their blasters came flying through the air and knocked them on the back of their heads.
With the four crooks out of the action, Hector turned around and started to pursue the three remaining crooks. He threw out his grappling hook and swung up to the rooftops. There he ran across them and looked down to the streets. Within a few minutes, he saw the three beings running quickly through the streets, appearing between the glowing halos of the street lights and the neon signs. Hector raced them and when he was slightly ahead of them, he jumped down and landed on a neon sign. It burst into sparks and flickered out of life, leaving that portion of the street in the dark. The three crooks stopped in their tracks.
‘What is going?’ one of them shouted nervously. The neon signs flashed suddenly, its electric blue colour temporarily lighting the street and through it, they saw the silhouette of the Enforcer standing on the sign.
‘Run!’ another shouted and they all turned around but the neon sign flickered again and the street was again immersed in darkness. They could hear someone following close behind and as one of them, a human, looked behind him, he could see the Enforcer closing in as the neon sign flickered back to life.
‘Split!’ the human shouted as he looked at his friends. The light from the neon sign disappeared and suddenly there were shouts of terror close by. When the flickering light returned, the human found that he was alone and neither his friends nor the Enforcer could be seen. Darkness again and then light. Suddenly, a form appeared in front of him and the electric blue of the neon sign was reflected starkly in his golden visor.
‘Please! Mercy!’ the human shouted when he felt a strong hand grip his throat and lift him from his feet. ‘No! No! Take it! Take it all!’ the human gasped, digging a packet out his pocket and throwing it the Enforcer.
‘I don’t need no stinking payoff,’ the Enforcer growled but a sudden flash from the neon sign illuminated the street and Hector saw clearly who he was holding by the throat.
It was Tarman.
The realisation shook Hector and he dropped Tarman to the ground who crumpled together and lay there wheezing and massaging his throat. Hector bent over and picked up the pack and saw that it was spice. Spice. It had all started with spice and it had started Hector down his current path. Had he not taken it, his life would’ve been much different. People wouldn’t be talking behind his back and he could hold his head high. Instead, he was skulking the lower levels, anonymous and unappreciated. No one would ever thank him personally for his deeds. All this just because Tarman brought a packet to a party seven years ago. The same man that now lay in a heap at Hector’s feet, gasping for air.
Everything went black before Hector’s eyes and he realised that his mask made it possible for him to avenge the pain inflicted on him by Tarman. Hector’s heartbeat increased and he breathed faster as he bent down to pick up the packet.
‘Please, just take it,’ Tarman coughed. ‘It’s worth a lot of money,’
Hector picked the packet up and weighed it in his hand before bending down and foisting Tarman up forcefully to his feet. The scruffy man winced and held up his hands to protect his face.
‘No, please don’t hurt me. I haven’t harmed anyone!’ Tarman pleaded and that was final straw that sent Hector into a rage. He yanked at Tarman and pulled him closer to his face.
‘You lie,’ Tarman could hear the Enforcer growl through his visor before throwing Tarman forcefully to the ground. Shouting in fear, Tarman tried to scramble to his feet but Hector brought down the packet of spice heavily onto Tarman’s head, splitting the packet and spreading spice everywhere. Hector grabbed Tarman by the scruff of his neck, forced him upright and landed a quick succession of punches in his stomach before pushing him backwards. Using his power, Hector pushed Tarman off his feet and the man landed in a pile of garbage.
‘How very fitting,’ Hector said spitefully.
‘Whaa…’ Tarman said in a daze.
‘Now, look here,’ Hector said, leaning in close to Tarman. ‘You stop dealing in this junk. It ruins lives, you hear me?! It ruins lives!’ Hector grabbed Tarman and shook him about. Tarman’s face was a mix of confusion and fear but suddenly, it all seemed to disappear and he looked deeply into the golden visor.
‘Who are you?’ he asked firmly and in panic, Hector punched him and left Tarman unconscious. As he looked around, the flashes from the neon sign revealed that a crowd of onlookers had gathered in the street. Not willing to be seen anymore, Hector ran for the darkest alleyway he could see.
****
Lying down on a rooftop, a million thoughts where racing through Hector’s mind. Had he let his voice slip and thus allowed Tarman to recognise it? Was his treatment of Tarman fair? Hector had accepted the spice from Tarman and even continued using even when Tarman wasn’t around. Was he really pleased with this life? He had tried to make it meaningful, it was meaningful, but it wasn’t what he had wanted, not by a long shot. Hector looked at his gloved hands and saw the blood and spice that was spattered on them. He took off his helmet and looked deep into the, now dirty, golden visor.
‘Potential, huh? Is this really my fate?’ he asked it aloud but no answer came. ‘Answer me!’ Hector demanded, but to no avail and he threw it away in frustration.
Looking up at the city lights, the traffic and the stars above, Hector had never felt so alone. He had no one to turn to. Not his parents, not Belle and no longer Al. The people of Coruscant loved the idea of the Enforcer, as a heroic citizen rising to the occasion defending the true faith but the man behind the Enforcer would get no love at all if he revealed himself. Reluctantly, Hector realised that his charade had ultimately failed. Al had been right all along. He was no hero. Standing up slowly, Hector walked over to his helmet and picked it up. As he put it on, he thought: ‘Time to go home and restart my life,’
When suddenly, from the street below him, he could hear shouts of anger and pain. Walking to the edge of the roof, he looked down and could see three individuals standing around a fourth which was lying down on the ground and kicking at him. Deciding that it was time for one last intervention, Hector leapt off the roof and landed only a few metres from the group.
‘What was that?’ someone asked and the three ceased with their kicking. The individual groaned inhumanely as the three others turned around and faced the direction from which Hector was coming. They had to strain their eyes, but finally they saw him, emerging through the steam coming through a vent in the street.
‘It’s our old friend!’ Hector heard one of them shout and he recognised it as the voice of Caleck Brock.
‘What is going on here?’ Hector asked and through the dim light, he could see blood on the street. ‘What have you done?’
‘Nothing serious,’ Caleck said and moved closer to Hector, swaying slightly. ‘This Ithorian here failed to show us the proper respect which comes with the uniform and we decided to teach him a lesson,’
Hector stretched out and pulled Caleck towards him roughly and looked into his eyes, which were unfocused and through his helmet, Hector could smell the alcohol on Caleck’s breath.
‘You’re drunk,’ he said in disgust
‘We’ve only had a good time,’ Jet Paskis said in an apologetic tone as Hector moved closer to inspect the Ithorian. It was bruised badly and a lot of blood was coming out of its two mouths located at the side of its face.
‘You’ve almost killed him,’ Hector said, unable to hide his outrage.
‘Well, finish him off then,’ Caleck said, missing the tone in Hector’s voice. Jet Paskis and Mardik Thosson started to chant slightly under their breath urging Hector do kill the Ithorian. Hector looked around them before settling his eyes on Caleck.
‘Go on then,’ Caleck said impatiently. ‘Strike one for the Empire,’
‘I will not,’ Hector said and stood up straight.
‘You what?’ Caleck blurted.
‘You’ve assaulted a sentient being, almost killing him. I will arrest you,’
‘You WHAT?!’ Caleck shout in anger and confusion. ‘We’ve done nothing wrong. It’s an Ithorian. They’re barely sentient,’
‘I will apprehend you,’ Hector said determinedly.
‘You will try!’ Caleck shouted and the three young adults jumped all onto Hector at the same time, wrestling him to the ground. They all managed to hold down his arms, leaving Hector unable to channel his power. Suddenly, Hector felt a pair of hands on the side of his face that were yanking at his helmet.
‘Let’s see who hides behind the mask,’ Caleck said greedily through gritted teeth.
This made Hector panic and he started to thrash about and he managed to get an arm free. He brought it up and elbowed some in the face who fell back. With a person now off his back, Hector moved more freely and managed to release himself of Jet’s grip. With only Caleck on his back, Hector stood up and managed to shake the teenager off him. But Caleck had barely hit the ground before he threw himself at Hector’s midriff, but Hector dodged the attack and hit Caleck across his cheek. Caleck scrambled to his feet and moved next to Mardik, who was holding a bloodied hand over his bleeding and broken nose, and Jet who were advancing slowly on Hector. Hector backed up, but soon came across a wall. Turning around, he saw now that the three teenagers were now close.
‘Nowhere to run now,’ Caleck said, massaging his cheek.
‘Oh, not good,’ Hector said. ‘You won’t like me with my back up against a wall,’
‘Get him!’ Caleck shouted and they all descended upon Hector at once. Stretching out with his hand, Hector used his power to make Mardik fly across the street. Suddenly, he got pushed up against the wall and both Jet and Caleck pummelled his stomach. Despite being winded, Hector managed to jump free of his attackers and landed a few metres behind him. They turned around and ran right at him but with a flick of his hand, Hector sent Jet flying into the wall.
Realising he was all alone, Caleck skidded to a halt and started running in the opposite direction but Hector caught up with him and forced him to the ground. With his face pressed towards the cold asphalt, Caleck heard the Enforcer his into his ear: ‘You are scum, Caleck Brock and I am going to make sure that you are incarce…’ but the rest of the Enforcer’s sentence was cut off as flashlights suddenly appeared.
‘You there, freeze!’ the voice of a stormtrooper floated towards them and before Caleck knew it, the Enforcer was off his back and had disappeared into the dark.
‘Are you alright?’ a stormtrooper asked as he came up to Caleck.
‘Of course not,’ Caleck said angrily, wiping the blood off his face and the dirt off his uniform. ‘We were just assaulted by the Enforcer,’ he said and spat blood on the street.
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