The Scarman Enigma

[|Scarecrow|]

Tyrant Marcus Scarman quickly shut down the computer terminal as a sharp rapping noise came from the doorway to his quarters. He turned around and straightened himself up; it was difficult trying to play the part of someone who was used to the finer things in life. Marcus had always been a bitter, brooding man it had given him a permanent grimace. He put on an amicable smile and got out of his seat.
Enter,
The doorway slid back into its berth and a security officer walked in, smiling politely.
Ive found something that belongs to you, He said, a hint of amusement in his tone, I found her wandering around near main engineering, she was quite lost.

A young girl appeared from behind the security officer, a mischievous grin plastered across her face. With a wave of disgust, Tyrant Scarman realized that she was Heather Scarman, the Senators daughter. She ran playfully around the security officer and disappeared behind the bed.
I bet you cant find me!
Oh my god, where did Heather go, The security officer called after her in mock surprise. He looked over at Marcus and grinned, mouthing shes all yours.
Tyrant Scarman gathered himself and nodded thankfully. The officer turned around and exited the small guests quarters, the door clicking shut neatly behind him.

Heather Scarmans head poked out from under the bed near by. She grinned cheekily and clambered up to her feet. She then launched herself at Scarecrow, almost knocking him over. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and hugged him tightly. He winced in revulsion and tried to remove her without causing her harm. She refused to let him go however and clambered up him until he was forced to sit back down. Sitting in his lap, she looked directly into her eyes. Her smile slowly faded as she looked at her Daddy. Something wasnt right; there was a cold emptiness in those eyes that shouldnt have been there. She looked at him, half puzzled, half fearful.
Wheres my Daddy?
He looked back into her suspicious hazel eyes, feeling a burning sense of loathing rising inside him.

Before he could act however, another knock came from the door; only this one seemed sharper and more urgent.
Enter, He growled, straightening himself as Heather leaped from him and ran into the bathroom.
The door clicked back into its berth and two armed men walked in. Marcus could instantly tell that they were something different from the regular marines and security personnel that wandered about the ship. His heart skipped a beat as the third person walked into the room. Captain Wade stopped in the doorway, standing with her hands on her hips, her blaster on plain show.
The Fleet Admiral would like a word with you, She said, her tone guarded.

Marcus rose gently, mesmerized by her gaze. He then smiled; an apologetic smile.
Of course, right away, I wouldnt want to keep him waiting. Do you know what its about?
Victoria said nothing, but simply stood in the doorway waiting for Marcus to walk out of the guest suite. Heather Scarman suddenly burst from the bathroom and ran behind Victoria, hiding behind her leg.
Wheres my Daddy? I want Mummy, Daddys acting strange.
Victorias manner changed abruptly as she turned to face the frightened girl. Here now, whats the matter?
She wrapped her arms around the small girl and hugged her. Heather began to cry.

Marcus saw his opportunity. He vaulted the double bed and drop-kicked the first boosted soldier. The man fell back into the wall with a crash, punching his way through the slender wardrobe door. Landing squarely on his feet, Scarecrow then swung a devastating punch at the next soldiers temple, knocking him flat with one blow. He grabbed the falling mans carbine and turned on Victoria. She had a brief second to take in the horror of the scene. Her two Sadukar Soldiers were down and the Senator had abruptly turned into a madman. He stood in the doorway, a deranged look in his eyes. His neatly parted hair was tussled and messy and his well pressed suit had become creased and untidy. The carbine in his arms was a complete contrast to his attire. He lifted the rifle up above his head and brought it crashing down towards her.

Heather screamed and Victoria dodged. She rolled to the side, hand reaching for her blaster. A loud crack rent the air as Scarmans carbine fired. The blaster exploded in Victorias hands, scorching her palm and forcing her to yell in surprise. Warning klaxons began to wail as the deranged Scarecrow charged at her, wielding the carbine as a club.
Caution, weapons fire detected; guest quarters.
All the while, the petrified Heather had backed herself into a corner, tears rolling down her cheeks as she screamed for her life. Scarman swiped at Victoria, catching her shoulder in a glancing hit. Pain lanced through Edges left arm as the club came battering down. The blow knocked her off balance, toppling her over. She couldnt protect herself from the next blow.

The butt of the carbine came crashing down, smacking into the top of her skull like a battering ram. Her vision was knocked from her as her head bounced off the solid metal decking, white pain boring into her mind. She yelled in anguish as another blow struck her in the ribs. Winded and blinded by a red haze, Victoria rolled over and tried to get up. Only to feel the flat sole of Scarecrows leather shoe kick her in the back. Her face hit the deck, splitting her lip. Her vision returned momentarily, just in time to see blood beginning to pool on the metal gridwork beneath her.
Heather was still screaming in the corner. Victoria wanted to cry out, to protect the innocent young girl, but her body was broken. The last thing she saw before passing out was the evil of Tyrant Marcus Scarman as he turned on the little girl and lifted the rifle above his head.

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| S C A R E C R O W |

"See you space cowboy..."