**Ch 7: The Rise of Ajax**

Six Months Later

Ajax Venator's reputation had grown significantly over the past six months. His name had become synonymous with efficiency, ruthlessness, and an uncanny ability to bring in the most elusive targets. The Vanguard had seen countless star systems, each with its unique challenges and rewards. The galaxy's underworld had begun to respect and fear the mercenary who hunted like a predator and always completed his contracts.

**Flashback: The Dangerous Hunt**

The searing heat of Mustafar enveloped me as I descended through the planet's volatile atmosphere. My ship, the Vanguard, cut through the acrid smoke billowing from the lava flows below. I could feel the intense temperatures even through my armor's heat-resistant plating. Mustafar was a place of extremes, a planet that seemed to be in a constant state of turmoil and chaos—perfect for my hunt.

My target was a rogue scientist, known for his sadistic experiments on sentient beings. The bounty was high, reflecting the danger and moral depravity associated with the mission. I landed the Vanguard on a rocky outcrop, the ground beneath my feet radiating heat. The landscape was a hellscape of flowing magma and jagged rocks, illuminated by the glow of molten rivers.

Activating my camouflage tech, I melded into the environment, becoming a shadow against the fiery backdrop. My sensors picked up traces of the scientist's hideout, nestled precariously close to an active lava flow. I moved silently, my enhanced vision cutting through the thick haze. The mercenaries guarding the hideout were lax, their movements predictable.

I observed them carefully, noting their patrol patterns and identifying the weak points in their defenses. My first strike was swift and silent—an arrow to the neck of an unsuspecting guard. He crumpled without a sound, the arrow's barbed head piercing his windpipe. I collected my arrow, a trophy of the hunt, and continued my approach.

The next guards fell just as easily, my blades slicing through the air with deadly precision. With each kill, I collected a small token—an insignia, a weapon—mementos of my triumphs. As I reached the hideout, I could hear the scientist muttering to himself, oblivious to the carnage outside.

I burst into the lab, my plasma caster aimed directly at the scientist. He barely had time to react before I struck, a swift blow rendering him unconscious. I secured him with restraints and began the arduous journey back to the Vanguard, the heat of Mustafar intensifying with each step.

Upon reaching my ship, I activated the carbonite chamber, watching as the scientist's body was encased in a freezing mist. The carbonite solidified, preserving him in a state of suspended animation. I secured the block, ensuring it was stable for transport.

As I lifted off from Mustafar, the scientist's lab and the guards' bodies were consumed by the flowing lava, erasing any trace of their presence. The bounty was substantial, and the successful capture without casualties further bolstered my growing reputation. The insignia from the guards and a sample of the scientist's research data became part of my collection—a reminder of the hunt.

**Flashback: The High-Risk Negotiation**

The next flashback takes me to Coruscant, the city-planet teeming with life and corruption. My target was a high-profile gangster who had double-crossed several influential clients. The bounty was high, and the target was well-protected in the lower levels of the city.

Navigating Coruscant's underworld was a challenge, but my experience and tech made it manageable. I infiltrated the gangster's hideout, using my camouflage to blend in with the shadows. The thugs guarding him were heavily armed, but they were no match for my stealth and precision.

I struck with calculated force, my blades and plasma caster working in tandem to subdue the guards. Each one fell, a token of their defeat added to my collection. The gangster, confident in his security, was taken by surprise as I breached his inner sanctum. A quick fight ensued, ending with the gangster restrained and at my mercy.

I dragged him through the underworld den, fending off desperate attempts by his remaining thugs to free their boss. The chaos of the lower levels worked to my advantage, allowing me to slip through the maze-like corridors with my captive in tow. Back at the Vanguard, I froze him in carbonite, ensuring his transport to the authorities would be secure.

The payout was massive, and the successful capture added another layer to my reputation. My name began circulating among the elite circles of bounty hunters and criminals alike, marking me as a top-tier mercenary.

### Flashback: The Double Cross

The galaxy's outer rim, with its lawless star systems and uncharted territories, was the perfect breeding ground for the likes of Captain Rhogar, a notorious pirate who had eluded capture for years. His name struck fear into merchants and travelers alike, and the bounty on his head had grown substantially. The wealthy merchant who hired me wanted Rhogar alive, a condition that promised a hefty payout but required extreme caution and precision.

I tracked Rhogar to a remote outpost on the edge of Wild Space, a desolate place where the only inhabitants were those who preferred to remain hidden from the galaxy's prying eyes. The outpost was a sprawling complex of rusted metal and scavenged parts, nestled against the rocky cliffs of a barren moon. The pirate's ship, a heavily modified freighter bristling with weaponry, was docked at the center of the outpost.

Activating my camouflage tech, I approached the outpost under the cover of darkness. The landscape was a wasteland of jagged rocks and deep shadows, the perfect environment for a predator like me. I moved silently, my senses heightened, as I scouted the perimeter. Guards patrolled the area, their movements sloppy and undisciplined—a stark contrast to the organized security forces I had faced before.

I observed the guards carefully, noting their positions and routines. When the moment was right, I struck with deadly efficiency. My plasma caster fired silently, dropping the first guard without a sound. I quickly moved to claim my trophy—a skull, meticulously cleaned of flesh with my wrist blades. Each guard I eliminated added to my collection, their skulls a testament to my prowess.

As I approached the heart of the outpost, the resistance grew stronger. Rhogar's inner circle was more vigilant, their defenses tighter. I infiltrated the complex, blending into the shadows, using every trick and piece of tech at my disposal. The corridors were narrow and dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of oil and sweat.

I encountered pockets of resistance, pirates who fought desperately to protect their captain. My blades flashed in the dim light, subduing anyone who stood in my way. I collected their skulls, each one a grim token of my victories. Their weapons—blasters, vibroblades, and more—were crude but effective. I took the most significant one, a finely crafted vibroblade, a worthy addition to my arsenal.

Finally, I reached Rhogar's quarters. The pirate captain was a hulking figure, covered in scars and wearing a patchwork of armor and trophies from his previous conquests. He had anticipated my arrival and was ready for a fight. The room was filled with wealth—credits, gemstones, and artifacts, the spoils of his plundered raids.

Our battle was fierce and brutal. Rhogar fought with the ferocity of a cornered beast, but I matched him blow for blow. My enhanced strength and agility gave me the edge, and I eventually overpowered him. With a final, decisive strike, I rendered him unconscious and secured him with restraints.

The journey back to my ship, the Vanguard, was fraught with danger. Rhogar's remaining crew, desperate to save their captain, launched a last-ditch assault. I fought them off, my plasma caster and blades cutting through the chaos. I dragged Rhogar's unconscious form through the outpost, the weight of his massive body a testament to my strength and determination.

Back aboard the Vanguard, I activated the carbonite chamber. The process was quick and efficient, the freezing mist enveloping Rhogar's body, preserving him in a state of suspended animation. The block of carbonite solidified, and I secured it for transport.

With Rhogar frozen and secured, I took a moment to survey the wealth I had claimed. The credits and gemstones would add to my growing fortune, but the true prize was the vibroblade, a symbol of my victory over one of the galaxy's most feared pirates.

As I prepared to leave the outpost, the client's treachery became apparent. Surrounded by heavily armed guards, the merchant revealed his true intentions. "You've done well, mercenary," he sneered. "But I think I'll keep my credits and the pirate."

Anticipating this double cross, I had prepared accordingly. With a quick, decisive movement, I activated a concealed grenade, throwing it into the midst of the guards. The explosion disoriented them, giving me the opening I needed.

I moved with lethal precision, taking down the guards and cornering the merchant. "You made a mistake," I growled, my voice modulated by my helmet. "You thought you could double-cross me."

The merchant, now trembling, realized the gravity of his error. "Please… I'll pay you! Triple!"

I secured the pirate in carbonite and turned back to the merchant. "Triple," I demanded. The merchant, eager to save his own life, quickly transferred the credits.

As I departed with the frozen pirate, I reflected on the encounter. It was a harsh reminder of the treacherous nature of my profession. However, it also solidified my resolve and reputation. Word spread quickly about the mercenary who took on entire squads and always got his due.

**Present Day: The Next Challenge**

Back in the present, I sat in the Vanguard's cockpit, reflecting on my journey so far. My ship was filled with trophies from my hunts, each a testament to my skills and victories. The galaxy was vast, and the challenges ahead were many.

A new bounty flashed on my display—a dangerous trophy hunt on a planet teeming with elusive prey and deadly fauna. The contract was from a corporation seeking to secure the planet's resources but plagued by attacks from a native predator. The reward was substantial, but so were the risks.

My predatory instincts surged as I prepared for the hunt. This would be no ordinary bounty. It would require all my skills, tech, and cunning. I geared up, ensuring my armor and weapons were in perfect condition.

As the Vanguard descended towards the planet, I felt the familiar thrill of the hunt. I was ready to face whatever dangers awaited me, knowing that each victory would further cement my legend. The hunt was on, and Ajax Venator, mercenary and predator, was prepared to claim another trophy and secure another victory.

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