A Change of Fate

[TWD26]

Episode I Opening Crawl
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Spoiler: Theme Song

Kal Glider​

The blazing sun blasted down upon the red sands of Kibo, bringing unbearable discomfort to even the most seasoned moisture farmer. Yet, this was every day life that the backwater planet Ord Cestus provided, and to the young Kal Glider it had become a symbol of his lost dreams and hopes.

He hated the idea of becoming a moisture farmer and instead yearned to be among the stars as a freighter pilot, it was a simple yet admirable dream that was taken away by circumstances outside of his control. Now he spends most of his days working among the Glider Farm, in hopes of paying off the debt that his father owed to a local gangster, Higo Sunstrider--in hopes of getting his little sister to somewhere better. So everyday for the past three years he's spent maintaining what his family has started.

"Blasted Power Converters.... They go out every kriffing day," he scoffed as he wiped the sweat dripping from his forehead, "Sena, grab the patch-in droid, and have it look over the binary."

"Yes Sir," called out his sister who took off running towards the home--her golden blonde hair shining in the bright Cestian sun. Kal couldn't help, but smile as she took off. Funny, even in a bantha's hole like this she's still happy. I think it's time we head into town and take our mind off things, besides I need to sell some of this water.

"I'll be back for you, you piece of scrap," he said glancing back towards the Vaporator with a bit of a smirk, as he set off to pack his things in preparation for their journey to Barrens.

​

 

[Outlander]

"Prepare for contact." Bria said across the ship's internal comms. This wasn't her usual freighter; just a borrowed civilian light transport from the Void. It would do them fine for infiltration purposes. Ord Cestus was largely off their grid; at the moment at least. However, a local gangster, Higo Sunstrider had outgrown her territory somewhat, expanding outwards to some of the nearby planets. And he became a large enough threat for them to dispatch a group to fix it.

The ship skimmed down through the atmosphere quickly, coming down towards their target.

 

[Brayden Kore]

Jedi Knight Brayden Kore, had gotten a holotransmission about a potential force sensitive on the planet Ord Cestus and, when he asked why he of all people were sent when they had literally dozens of other knights more suited, they simply said that they couldn't spare more than just one at the time for this mission, and given the gangs on the planet he was more trusted for the mission. Once the planet came into view after coming out of hyperspace, he simply sighed, he wasn't particularly a fan of kids, given how they were generally not very helpful and more trouble then they were worth on more than one occasion. However, finding force sensitives to be trained was pivotal for the Jedi to survive so he reluctantly accepted the mission, though he had to be honest he was dreading the return trip more than anything.

Those thoughts changed however, once he landed on the planet and was introduced to the harsh atmosphere of where his mission was directed, "Perfect, reminds me of Tatooine." He groaned as he left his ship, parked in one of the few ports that were available to him, and was immediately accosted by something called the off worlder tax by what looked to be Twi'lek, he was roughly his height but far broader, likely muscle. "Well, I'm actually a local here to find my cousins on their moisture farm." He had hoped using reason and a little bit of a lie would work, and it had as the muscle appeared to think he looked similar to someone he knew, "Oh yeah, i bet I know the punk you're talking about, in that case the On Worlder tax will be fine, it's just a hundred credits lower." His shit eating grin did not amuse Brayden, as he waved his hand casually in front of the alien, "You don't want my credits. In fact you want to take the credits you have and donate them to an orphanage." Without missing a beat, "Yeah, I don't want your credits. I need to go donate to an orphanage anyway." With little more than another exasperated sigh, Brayden continued on his way leaving the hanger bay.

 

[TWD26]

Kal Glider​

The red sand stretched for miles, leaving no end in sight. Even the most simple journey into town could prove deadly if your transport broke down, whether it was the blistering heat or cunning sand vipers there is always something to keep one on their toes. Yet, it wasn't the environment that had Kal concerned, it was Barrens.

It was the largest port this side of the Kibo Sands, anything or anyone that wanted to leave this burning rock would have to go through Barrens. Most of the visitors were local farmers and scavengers just trying to make ends meat, yet there was a small few that saw the possibility of taking advantage of a situation--one of those vary men was Higo Sunstrider.

Sunstrider had risen from the local dredge to achieve the status of Crime Lord through extortion and ransom. If there was someone or something to be exploited. Sunstrider would find a way. Kal owed a rancor's sum of credits to Sunstrider and everyone knew it.

To make matters worse, rumors had begun to surface of his sister's aptitude in the force--something he tried desperately to keep a secret. If Higo found out, surely he would attempt to kidnap his sister and take her for ransom or sell her off to the highest bidder. It was a dangerous situation that Kal himself felt was out of his hands, yet he had a plan.

The speeder cruised into the crowded port entrance. various starships dotted the sky as they came down for landing. It was a lively place, one that surely beat the desolate farm. As Kal and his sister stepped foot into the busy marketplace, hushed voices could be heard.

"Did you hear about the robed man that appeared in the starship hangars," a haggardly woman coughed towards her companion, "Supposedly he convinced old Ki'vik to donate to the orphanage, how peculiar is that?"

The woman's companion nodded and kept his head low, motioning for her to do the same, "Sunstrider's men are about, it's best to be quiet."

Just great, we get to Barrens and craziness just has to be brewing. I just need to keep my eye on Sena and stay low--grab those power converters, sell the remaining water and get out of this place. Kal slid his hand into his jacket, making sure his concealed blaster was still there. A small smirk formed on his face as he felt his hand press against the warm metal--he just hoped he wouldn't have to use it.

"Stay close to me Sena, we'll only be here for a few seconds."

TAG: @Outlander and @Brayden Kore

 

[Outlander]

The transport edged over the port. The Barrens, the locals called it. Bria had attempted to gain clearance to land, only to have a local air craft controller swear at her and tell her to 'Just land wherever'.

She did just that, pulling down in the closest bay to where they believed Sunstrider was held up. The dust blew out from beneath them as they set down, engines rapidly cooling as the ship settled.

Bria exited the cockpit, checking on her team. Each was clothed in full armor with various loose garbs concealing their appearances. Bria was the same, with her armor concealed by a large, dark cloak and work garb.

As the ramp descended, the team moved out, each acting like a civilian to the best of their abilities.

 

[Brayden Kore]

According to the data-pad, Brayden pulled out from his cloak, the boy and his sister lived somewhere out in the Red Sands, where that was exactly he had no idea, but he was currently setting his data-pad to download the map of the area, as he had forgotten to do so on his way here. The irony of being intelligent and doing a task, never done before is the realization that you hadn't done something, but that it was so obvious it should have been done. Thankfully it would not be long until the map was directly transcribed from the encrypted server to the Jedi Library directly to his data-pad, it should give him the time needed in order to find a place to purchase a speeder so that he may make his way to his destination. However, something was urging him to take his time, and wait, this bewildered Brayden at first but conceeded it to be the will of the force. As such, he decided to instead visit the local cantina and see what he could learn of the local scourge that, that thug had likely worked for.

As he made his way towards the port cantina he noticed it was a particularly busy day with hundreds about, and as he looked up into the sky he saw another freighter come into sight, it was around the size of his, but looked far more civilian which concerned him. This wasn't exactly a trade port so why would a civilian come to this particular part of the planet, he narrowed his eyes in contemplation, and decided he'd be extra cautious. After such thoughts he found his way to the entrance and strode inside where his favorite tune had been playing, a group of Bith were playing what could only be called, "The cantina song" after that little joke to himself he chuckled and made his way to the bar, swiftly removing his hood. He had no reason to worry about his identify here so far from the core worlds, and besides this planet wasn't known for imperial presence so it was doubtful he'd meet any danger above that of a simple thug or merc at the most. "Something mild please, I am kind of working after all." The sly smile he gave the hostess caused a blush from the woman as did the generous tip he gave her ahead of time, and she was quickly back with a drink ready for him. 'Alright I'm here, so if something's going to happen I might as well, entertain myself as I wait for it.' This was his excuse to indulge in some shameless flirting with the hostess who he deemed to be a cute human, though a little young for his tastes as he learned her to be recently turned eighteen, and currently working to get herself off planet.

 

[TWD26]

Kernak ​

Another day, another problem was the way Kernak saw the world on Ord Cestus. He hated it here, the heat and the sand were enough to drive the Snivvian mad, but it wasn't like he had much of a choice to leave--if he even tried, Higo would have him hunted down.

Kernak saw himself as a self proclaimed artist and writer, with aspirations to travel and explore the most exotic sites for inspiration. Yet, a few lavish expenditures and lack of profit on his transnovel series Galactic Girl left him stranded on Ord Cestus with little hope of leaving.

Kernak witnessed the brutality and force that Sunstrider forced upon the citizens in the Barrens and the Kibo region, and with it he saw an opportunity--if you can't beat them, join them. So now Kernak has found himself passing the days extorting and bullying the citizens under Sunstrider's order. When he had received word that a robed man had landed in Barrens he was ordered to investigate--no outlander would sulk about without consulting with Higo first.

His search led him around the port to the local cantina, it was crowded with most of the regulars, attempting to drown away their pains. Kernak pushed his way through the crowd and towards the bar, where the robed man flirting with the hostess--he wouldn't tolerate that. He slipped his blaster up towards the side of Brayden and replied, "Greeting's Outlander, why don't we have a talk?"

TAG: @Brayden Kore

 

[Brayden Kore]

Brayden sighed as he felt the cold metal press against side, and looked up at a near by clock, "It took you all two hours to find me sitting in this Cantina, that's just disappointing." Deftly pushing a few more credits towards, the girl he smiled, "Thank you for the lovely conversation I hope this helps make a dent in your venture." She smiled back a little confused unsure exactly what he meant by waiting to be found and why he wasn't afraid of one of the local thugs now holding him at blaster point. After he finished with the girl he slowly moved to get up from his stool, and when he turned to accommodate the man holding him at gun point he began to push some subtle influence into his mind, giving him the impression more so than just his physical presence that he was a very powerful and very dangerous individual. "So what do you want and make it quick, I don't want to be here any longer then I need to be to be honest." His tone was almost mocking, and he seemed to be a far cry away from being worried or scared he'd be killed or shot.

 

[TWD26]

Higo Sunstrider​

Running a criminal empire was tough, and most days provided a new surprise to be taken care of. It was these daily minor inconveniences that Sunstrider hated the most, he was above dealing with trivial things and just wished his men would take care of the problems for him.

When he learned that two undocumented parties had arrived at the port town of Barrens he had no choice, but to send men to investigate why they were here. He had sent one of his most loyal servants to deal with the robed figure, yet it was the group of newcomers that intrigued Sunstrider the most--something didn't feel right.

"Still no word on the whereabouts of the group," Sunstrider barked--his hands clenched into fists, "Send six of our soldiers to investigate, if they're here for me--they'll surely be looking for the hideout."

The rodian standing at the door stood up straight and nodded--quickly making his way out of Sunstrider's office. Higo turned towards the viewport, letting out a soft sigh as he looked out the window--maybe he was just paranoid?

TAG: @Outlander

 

[TWD26]

Kernak​

This outlander had some nerve attempting to push Kernak around. The snivvian watched as Brayden made his way from the bar and out into the middle of the crowd--Kernak's blaster following the jedi's movements. A few of the patrons watched the exchange, but went back to their drinks, if anything was going to go down they wouldn't want to be drawn into the middle of it.

A feeling of a creeping surge of energy swooped into the thug's mind, bbut he did his best to push the thoughts away. Some sort of force user huh, he's not going to take me over, Kernak thought to himself as he attempted to intimidate the jedi. "You didn't pay the off worlder's tax, so I'm afraid you're going to have to pay up and let me know what you're doing here or...." his nasally voice trailed away for a moment as his black eyes appeared down towards the blaster, "I think you get the picture."

TAG: @Brayden Kore

 

[Outlander]

Higo Sunstrider​

Running a criminal empire was tough, and most days provided a new surprise to be taken care of. It was these daily minor inconveniences that Sunstrider hated the most, he was above dealing with trivial things and just wished his men would take care of the problems for him.

When he learned that two undocumented parties had arrived at the port town of Barrens he had no choice, but to send men to investigate why they were here. He had sent one of his most loyal servants to deal with the robed figure, yet it was the group of newcomers that intrigued Sunstrider the most--something didn't feel right.

"Still no word on the whereabouts of the group," Sunstrider barked--his hands clenched into fists, "Send six of our soldiers to investigate, if they're here for me--they'll surely be looking for the hideout."

The rodian standing at the door stood up straight and nodded--quickly making his way out of Sunstrider's office. Higo turned towards the viewport, letting out a soft sigh as he looked out the window--maybe he was just paranoid?

TAG: @Outlander

Bria pushed her way through the crowd, nudging others aside and squeezing through where she could. The group had dispersed throughout the street, making their own way, but keeping visual contact at all times. There was a surprisingly diverse population here; with aliens she recognized from across the Rim. Although, she didn't have much of a chance to explore this phenomenon. She cut her eyes up towards the end of the street. Six men, each geared in various exposed weaponry and apparent gang paraphernalia. It didn't take a hyperdrive engineer to tell that they where Sunstrider's men.

"Cut left, past the stalls, alleyway." Bria said under her breath, the team picking it up across their open comms. She didn't need to look back to know her team was complying, each discretely making their ways to the place she'd described. She trusted her team to do good work; only veterans had accomplished her on this one.

The crowd surged and pulsed, carrying her through it partially on momentum alone. The gang members came closer and closer; but she was already nearing the alleyway she'd described before. A cursory glance inside revealed none of her men. Good. Bria didn't join them, instead leaning against the corner of the rough building leading into the alley, tracking the group as they moved down towards her position. As they got closer, she locked eyes with one of the members, cut a smirk, and raised a pair of rude gestures. That got their attention as she slipped down the alleyway and bolted.

 

[Brayden Kore]

Brayden sighed, he had hoped some light usage of force persuasion would be enough to convince the thug to leave him alone, however it appeared he was not just a run of the mill punk doing what he was told, he had some basis of intelligence. Using this against him would be his best chance so he decided to convince him using his most undervalued skill, charm, "Look, you're obviously no fool." Smiling all the while, "But if you had to be perfectly honest with yourself even this close, do you think you have a chance?" The smile hadn't left his face, he may have been trying to be nice but that didn't take away from the fact that Brayden could be a right smug bastard.

"Besides I can't tell you why I'm here, against my mandate." Using the presence he already had in the man's mind he read some surface thoughts, "You're not a bad person you know." His voice dropped an octave and he tried to put on a comforting face, "You do what you can to survive which is more then most can say these days." Lowering his arms down from their raised surrender position he continued, "Oh, and that boss of yours. I have a 'feeling' he's not going to be in power much longer either." This came from a slight disturbance he could feel on the planet, as if there were suddenly a lot of tension between strong willed individuals. 'I have to find that child before things, turn otherwise I'll have to deal with this boss myself.'

Before he could worry about that however, he had to take care of his current situation without having to slay the man in public, and though normally he took no issue with the task, he did not feel that the man was nonredeemable. He just needed a push in the right direction to know that he could still turn things around, he just need the chance to do so, and hopefully he would take the opportunity that he was giving him now, "In fact, you have a chance to prove that you're not a bad person now, if you'll take the chance." Now was the choice he was giving him, he knew that all attention would be taken off his left hand as he extended his right slowly in a peaceful offering, meanwhile his left went behind his back like how some officers will stand. It was a harmless way to stand but it gave Brayden access to his saber in case the man chose against helping him and reacted poorly. He may not want to purposely harm the man, but he'll protect himself without second thought.

 

[TWD26]

Sunstrider's Goons​

The various criminals moved about the area, attempting to make contact with their unwelcome guests. Shuffling through the scores of citizens was a trifling task, and their target's shenanigans weren't making their lives any easier.

"Look, there's one of the punks," a slimy barabel hissed--pointing towards a woman who had taken to a back alley.

"It could be a trap, Larson and Ki'gen go take a look, the rest of us will divide up and keep a look out," commanded the twi'lek captain as he scanned through the busy crowd.

TAG: @Outlander

 

[TWD26]

Kernak​

Kernak couldn't help, but consider what the jedi was saying. To some degree, the man was correct--Sunstrider was slowly loosing his grip on his territory. It was a gradual process of declination of spice trade and paranoia that brought Sunstrider's gang to a crumbling halt. There was too many incidents and loose ends laying around for someone to not eventually strike, and today was the day.

No matter what Kernak did it would be in vein and he knew this. He was done working for Sunstrider, but that didn't mean he was going to help this stranger. No, he was going to simply watch the events unfold and then vanish and build his own criminal empire. He eyed the jedi with his bulbous black eyes, his fingers sliding off the trigger--his hand dropping to the side. "Best find what you're here for and get out of here, just in case Sunstrider does manage to survive--things won't be friendly if that happens."

The thug slid his pistol into his holster and glanced about for a moment, before moving off towards the exit.

TAG: @Brayden Kore

 

[Brayden Kore]

Brayden was actually shocked, sure he was going at talking to people, talking was easy, and sure he could convince people he was right about stuff, but almost never was he able to talk himself out of a fight. Usually when it came to convincing someone to not fight he'd usually end up doing what was fondly called, "Aggressive Negotiating, or Negotiating with a Lightsaber". This was much easier, he simply talked sense to the guy using a little help from the force but nonetheless it worked, smiling to himself and at the man who withdrew his blaster he sighed with relief, and brought his hand back around to his front no longer needing his lightsaber. "Don't worry friend.." With that his eyes narrowed intimidatingly to the point an almost eerie gust of wind came down the into the ally way as they both left the cantina, "He won't be alive by the time I leave this planet." His voice almost echoed as he said this.

In fact if he'd turned to look at the Jedi again, he'd have disappeared completely having already left once again heading off in search of the family with the force sensitive girl, and it was around this time he heard some light commotion. Sticking to the roofs he saw a woman a bit shorter then himself, well heard her might be the more apt description, but soon saw her give the two finger salute to who he could only guess were sunstrider's men. 'This is pretty much the closet thing I've had to a lead in a long time, here we go.' With that final thought he followed the armor clad woman whose cloak near completely hid this fact from plain view. This intrigued him as he followed her, and the gang members that followed, this would be his best chance to get some information on whom he was looking for, plus after his conversation with the last henchman he could use some combat right about now.

 

[Outlander]

Sunstrider's Goons​

The various criminals moved about the area, attempting to make contact with their unwelcome guests. Shuffling through the scores of citizens was a trifling task, and their target's shenanigans weren't making their lives any easier.

"Look, there's one of the punks," a slimy barabel hissed--pointing towards a woman who had taken to a back alley.

"It could be a trap, Larson and Ki'gen go take a look, the rest of us will divide up and keep a look out," commanded the twi'lek captain as he scanned through the busy crowd.

TAG: @Outlander

The two thugs looked at each other, shrugging. "Sure thing boss." One said, nodding his head in confirmation. They made their way to the alleyway, looking inside uneasily. At the end, they saw the woman running away at a breakneck speed. they looked towards each other, making sure they where on the same page before charging into the alley. They where hallway down before the shadowed figure grabbed out from the walls, restraining the two before swiftly choking them, pulling their now unconscious forms out of sight.