Thurston's Field Notes: The Hub

Body discovered in temporary depot unit 002, Hub area of Valley IV. Positioned in a semi-seated posture. Clear slash wounds visible on thighs and wrists, with deeper stab wounds at the waist. The fatal injury is located at the neck. Preliminary assessment indicates death resulted from severe hemorrhage due to a severed carotid artery caused by a sharp weapon. The victim's protective gear remains largely intact, with all four wounds precisely targeting gaps in the armor.

Based on previously gathered intelligence regarding high-risk targets within the Bonekrusher Clan, the deceased is likely "Guillotine" Gabbi. His moniker stems from the terrifying power of his great axe, said to be capable of cleaving even armored vehicles... Which suggests his killer must possess considerable combat experience? The attacker, armed with a sharp weapon and remarkable agility, first inflicted a severe waist injury, crippling Gabbi's ability to wield his axe, then targeted the wrists to further neutralize his offensive capacity... Then finally striking the legs to eliminate any chance of escape.

But ... something doesn't quite add up.

If the attacker could precisely strike armor gaps, why not deliver a single, immediate killing blow to the throat? Why expend three additional strikes during high-speed combat?

One theory: the attacker may be a revenge-seeker. Someone intimately familiar with Gabbi's gear and fighting style, rather than a naturally superior combatant.

Gabbi served numerous leaders: assassination, kidnapping, robbery... He was likely employed by Nefarith long before she rose to prominence. The list of those holding grudges against him must be extensive.