THE VIGILANTES OF SHADOLA
Posted by Kiie Cristal on Year 15 Day 44
Onboard the Trading II Lightsabre Playground in system Dreighton (-100, 250).
Veritas News Inc. -- Shadola
THE VIGILANTES OF SHADOLA
With origins deep within the Shadola Sector, The Mandroxan Cartel was formed on 14 Day 303 as a result of Zarthra Zoid`s lifelong ambition to become independent. A former leader of the Armed Forces of Alissma (AFA), he has since dropped that close affiliation and disappeared amongst the underworld. We recently had a chance to meet up with Zoid on his secret base located within the Shadola sector.
Despite the mercenary label and mystery surrounding the group, Zoid wanted it to be known that his group is more of an extended family.
"We welcome anyone within our ranks, and encourage those interested to partake in the Mandroxan trials. The trials are a way to separate the simple minded from those with the stamina and perseverance to survive and succeed in our family", explained Zoid.
As we sat within the dimly lit hut, we could hear the low rumble of a speeder outside. Zoid shifted his eyes towards that direction, raised his stoucker from his crushed leg to prepare himself and used his metallic cane to stand up, approaching the window. He peeked outside then grinned and slumped back down beside me at the table.
"Speaking of which, here comes an Acolyte, Aylee Stewart, undergoing the trials now", said Zoid.
I could barely make out the silhouette of a figure as it approached the partially open doorway. Eventually a slender and determined woman walked in, partially bloodied on her chest, hands and arms. She was carrying a torn appendage which I eventually recognized as a Nexu tail. The human walked over to the nearby bar counter and threw her trophy up onto it.
"The priest unfortunately is not at home at this time", said Zarthra as he grinned at the acolyte. The recruit then grunted something barely audible, grinned at her leader and left the room.
"You see, we believe in rewarding members handsomely for anyone that completes the trials. Currently we pay 10 million credits to anyone that finishes all five phases of the trials."
Despite the fact Zoid has been successful in establishing the Cartel, it hasn`t always been smooth sailing. He recounted how Cartel members were actually sought and killed when he first left Alissma. Initially he felt that the AFA felt threatened by their presence, but eventually they realized that the Cartel could benefit them in other ways. They`ve since been called in on secret missions and confrontations where a strong political presence by the AFA was discouraged by leadership. Recently, we`ve heard rumors that the citizens of Shadola actually hail the Cartel as vigilantes or bodyguards, seemingly enforcing the law behind the scenes in a unique manner that has left the crime syndicates and bandits of the area in disarray.
Although it was concluded that Zarthra Zoid and his clan drifted from the public eye and was no longer a presence, it seems that Zoid`s unique approach in law enforcement and mercenary services has earned him a noteworthy reputation by both the citizens and leaders of Alissma.
