Open Naboo A Fair Day in the Middle of Nowhere

Varia Shinyuza

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Naboo was often held the bountiful jewel of the Mid Rim, and with good reason. It was a cultural hub of the area, crowned by the city of Theed, which was recommended on almost every galactic travel guide. Varia had even been a few times herself, but currently she was on the opposite side of the planet in the southern hemisphere. She had landed on the outskirts of a small city of about 30,000 that acted as the local trading center for the surrounding farmers. As she predicted from orbit it seemed the perfect place to offload her cargo of pesticides she had picked up on Corellia. The portly dock master's kind eyes glanced suspiciously at the laser cannons mounted on the wings of the ISFT-21 as Varia made her way down the starship's ramp, pushing her goods on a gravlift. The man's face settled into a more genial mood as his eyes fell on the dark blue Twi'lek and her R3, rolling along just behind. "Welcome to our fair city, weary traveler. My name is Guthose." His eyes fell upon the barrels stacked on the lift. "I suppose you're looking to sell then? I would've known about a scheduled delivery." He regarded her with curiosity.

The soft clanking of Varia's black combat boots was silenced by the emerald grass as she transitioned to the soft earth. The Twi'lek completely ignored Guthose as her head swiveled back and forth, scanning the simple yet elegant buildings in front of her. Behind her, the verdant fields stretched to the horizon. The white and green R3 made a high pitch trilling noise and bumped into the gravlift. Varia stopped and looked down at R3-N2, her small nose scrunched up in an annoyed expression. "What are yo..." She started before looking up at Guthose, who gave a helpful smile. Varia nodded meekly. "Oh, yes, I am. I was told this would be a good place to try to sell these pesticides." She looked away, and hoped her dark skin hid any blush in her cheeks. Guthose held his hands out to the sides. "Whoever told you that was certainly correct." He began to walk forward, taking a closer look at the cargo. "In fact, I could take these off yours hands for a fair price."

A few minutes later Varia was walking down a road made of beige bricks packed together so tightly the seams were nearly invisible. The new pouch of credits jingled merrily, attached to her black capris pants at her hip. It was a decent amount but as Varia ran the numbers in her head, removing the original price she paid for the goods as well as the fuel it took to get them here, she realized the profit wasn't all that much. "We didn't make a lot R3, but that's better than flying out here and paying for the fuel out of pocket." The astromech's clear head dome spun around to face her and a low beep warbled from his speaker. "Hey! There is no 'technically' about the success of that sale." Varia snapped back. R3 made a dismissive whistle before trilling in a low tone. Varia pulled a datapad from her light grey jacket, and began updating The Bloodied Lylek's manifest. "Well, that man back there said some kind local farmers festival was being held in town so... I thought we'd check it out." A soft, flat beep emanated from the droid as his head dome rotated to look as some passersby. Shadows fell over them as a large, fluffy cloud drifted in front of the sun as a cool breeze flowed between the buildings. Varia closed her eye and took a deep breath, a small smile coming to her face. "I knew you wouldn't be fond of the idea, that's why I didn't tell you." She reached down patting R3 reassuringly.

The festival was a bigger ordeal than Varia had suspected. The high street was lined with colorful stalls, selling local produce, traditional cuisines, and sweet treats. Hundreds of people bustled about, mostly humans but with a noticeable Gungan presence. Children ran around, wielding sticks with vibrant ribbons tied on the end that trailed behind them in dancing arcs. The next thing she noticed was the smell, all the different foods combined together into a heady aroma that she decided was agreeable enough. "We came all this way, we may as take a look around."

Varia: Twi'leki

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Kanan Marek

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The streets and thoroughfares of the Naboo city were bustling with life and trade. This was the hub of the local farming community, and those passing through would be perplexed to discover that the city’s population was only 30,000, particularly today.


The local festival was in full swing, and large crowds of all ages and races had flooded the streets in the hopes of a good time. The streets were lined with stalls, and vendors were making sales left and right. There was something to offer everyone—from clothing, to fresh produce, sweet delectables, and hot food right out of the oven. Even the local farmers would be hard pressed not to make a purchase or two.​

Kanan himself was gradually being pulled in to making a purchase by the smells of various foods that filled the air. The streets were congested as he made his way through the town. Usually this would be an annoyance, a hinderance; but today, he was in no particular hurry. Stumbling upon the festival by chance, he had decided to take a look around. The color, chatter, and laughter that surrounded him was hard to pass up without taking a moment or two to enjoy.​

The children most of all we’re having a good time. They ran through the streets as if they had just escaped their parents, laughing and waving ribbons through the air. Their vibrant faces only added to the festival’s ambiance, and Kanan made no complaint when several of them nearly ran into him. As crowded as the streets were, it was nearly impossible not to run into someone at some point.​

The smell of food had become too hard to resist at this juncture, and when Kanan spotted a vendor selling deep-fried nuna legs, there was no need for further debate. That was where he would make his way next.
 

Varia Shinyuza

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Varia returned her datapad to her pocket, and walked into the crowd, R3-N2 following along at her side. The effects of the festival seemed to magnify when she merged into the masses. All the stalls' banners shouted over each other, vying for her attention. The Twi'lek shrunk a little as her right palm settled on the dome of her R3 companion. The astromech unit made a soft beep as his photo-receptor spun around to face Varia. "Yeah, I'm doing fine. There’s just a lot more people than I’m used to." She said as her head moved back and forth, examining the crowd.


The faint sounds of music could be heard from down the street, barely audible over the din of the crowd. Varia began to follow the notes that drifted to her and the song became louder. A pair of human women in long flowing gowns of green and yellow were moving in time to the tune. The Twi’lek smiled a little as she caught sight of them. She didn’t want to push her way through the crowd that had gathered around them so she skirted to the side, with her eyes still contentedly watching the dancers. They moved their bodies in dramatic sweeping motions that were complemented well by the wide sleeves and skirts.


As Varia continued moving around the audience, it was only because of R3’s intervention she didn’t run right into a stall. The little droid had simply trilled at her first. When that didn’t seem to get her attention, he moved a bit ahead and cut off her path. Varia stopped abruptly as her knee collided with R3-N2’s chassis. “Why?” Was the only thing the Twi’lek could manage as she gripped her leg. She looked up and saw the fried nuna legs hanging from the stand she had almost toppled over. The vendor looked down at Varia with a look she couldn’t read. “Uh, one nuna leg please.” She said sheepishly holding up a credit chit. R3 let out an exasperated boop.


@llamallove

Varia: Twi'leki
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Kanan Marek

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Kanan couldn’t remember the last time he had eaten deep-fried nuna legs. Nuna, sometimes referred to as “swamp turkeys” by the locals were native to the planet of Naboo. Caught locally and without the delay of shipment, these nuna legs were bound to taste better here on Naboo than they would if acquired anywhere else.

Navigating the crowds was far more difficult than he had expected, and he narrowly avoided a collision with several people. The deep azure twi’lek in front of him was not so lucky. An R3 unit darted directly into the twi’lek’s path, and subsequently her knee made impact with the astromech. Gripping her leg, she muttered something to the droid, presumably her own. Her voice was drowned out by all of the surrounding chatter. Kanan did hear her next words, however, and being in an unusually good mood due to the festival and surrounding vibrancy, he decided to take pity on the twi’lek and her injured knee.

“Make that two,” he told the vendor, stepping up to stand beside the R3 unit as he extended a credit to the vendor for payment .

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Varia Shinyuza

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Varia looked up at the man with long dark hair. "Oh, thank you, sir." She said quietly in a rylothian accent, giving him a small smile. Her hand returned the credit to her pocket and accepted the nuna from the vendor. She held the section of meat gingerly in her fingertips, looking at it from every direction. Living aboard a starship didn't leave a lot of room for such humbly prepared foods. Most of Varia's diet was vac-packed, dehydrated, or both.

Fresh food was always more fragrant and holding the leg so close to her face filled her nostrils with the succulent aroma of cooked meat and local spices. Varia tried to take a small bite but a large piece of the skin ripped away with it. She covered her mouth with her left hand as she chewed, looking away from the brown haired man. After a few moments of processing the morsel the Varia turned back to her mysterious benefactor.

“Sorry, I’m not used to eating foods that are so…” Her lekku twitched back and forth a bit as she searched for the right word. “Fresh.” Varia concluded. She looked into the man’s brown eyes, examining them with a vague expression of curiosity on her face. A couple seconds passed before the Twi’lek shook her head. “But I should probably introduce myself. I’m Varia.” She said, pointing to her chest with her thumb. The astromech droid between them let out an annoyed whistle. “Oh, and this is R3-N2.”


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Kanan Marek

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The vendor took the credits, only too pleased to have made two sales instead of one, and the twi’lek and Kanan were given their prized food at last. It looked even more delicious up close (if that was possible), and Kanan did not hesitate to take a bite or two out of the nuna leg.

Their food now paid for and secured in their hands, Kanan was able to get a good look at the azure twi’lek. Her eyes were a brilliant shade of orange, outlined by the faintest specs of sapphire. Her expression was cold, distant even. She was probably not the type to allow others to get too close. Kanan could respect that.

“Varia,” he repeated in greeting, glancing back and forth between her and the droid. “R3-N2. I’m Kanan. I can see your friend here is not lacking in personality.” He gestured toward the astromech.



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Varia Shinyuza

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Varia eyed her R3 droid dubiously. "Personality... That's certainly one word for it." She took another bite and turned her gaze back to the crowds as she processed it. The dancers nearby had just finished their routine and their audience applauded. Foot traffic in the area temporarily increased as a large portion of the gathered people moved on, dispersing in both directions the street flowed.

The astromech made a sarcastic beep but Varia ignored him, instead looking back suddenly to scarred man next to her. "I'd guess you're not from around here either, Kanan. So, what brings you to a place like this?" She gestured vaguely with the nuna leg at the surrounding festivities.


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Kanan Marek

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The dancers no longer entertaining the nearby spectators, the crowds began to press past Varia and Kanan. Kanan was forced to step to the side momentarily and allow the heavy flow of people to pass. The festival only seemed to be attracting more people every passing moment.

The twi’lek’s astromech beeped beside them. A sarcastic comment of some sort by the sound of it, but its owner instead directed a question toward Kanan. “You would be correct,” he confirmed, giving a slight nod of his head to the twi’lek. “As it happens today... I’m just passing through.”

That felt strange to say. Usually a Ranger’s work was never done, but today he had a few hours on his hands as he awaited to depart the planet. “I’m leaving later on a shuttle.

“And what brings you here? Business?”
he guessed. The twi’lek’s fiery eyes gave the impression that she had been around and seen her fair share of the galaxy.

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Varia Shinyuza

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The Twi'lek nodded her head. "Yes, well, of a sorts. My parents taught me to never fly with an empty cargo hold, it's a waste of fuel." She explained. Varia closed her eyes and a took a deep breath of the heady scents in the air. "I just stopped here to drop off some goods." The astromech next to her made a low trill and she looked down at him. "Well, it would have been rude to leave right away." She said in her Twi'leki tongue, seeming to forget about Kanan.

R3's photo-receptor swiveled up to look Varia in the eye and produced a short series of warbling beeps. The Twi'lek seemed to shrink a little, poking the tips of her index fingers together. "The dock master told me how special the festival was and I said I thought it sounded fun, I couldn't just walk back onto my ship and take off after that." The droid remained motionless for a few moments before turning away and giving a curt whistle. "Oh come on, don't be like that."

Varia let out a sigh before remembering Kanan, she looked up at him with a sheepish smile. "Uh, sorry about that." She crossed her arms, looking down at the astromech again. "Like you said... personality."


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Kanan Marek

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There was no telling wether this transaction the twi’lek spoke of was legal and above board or not, but Kanan reminded himself it did not matter. They were two people passing through, and neither of them were working at the moment.

Varia and her astromech, R3-N2 were conversing back and forth. Kanan only caught bits and pieces of what was spoken over the sound of the festival, but it sounded like a lively conversation. The droid seemed dissatisfied with its owner’s reasoning and briskly turned away, soon disappearing from view among the crowd of people.

Kanan chuckled at Varia’s words that followed this exchange. “It appears your companion has abandoned you. He doesn’t seem very happy, does he?” Kanan’s nuna leg now consumed, he tossed his trash into the nearest disposal, brushing his hands off and turning toward the twi’lek.

“Well, shall I walk you back to your ship to join your droid or are going to explore the festival some more?” he asked.

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Varia Shinyuza

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Varia continued looking towards the astromech, even after he rolled out of view. After a few moments lost in thought, she turned her fiery eyes back to Kanan, a hint of sadness visible on her face. "R3's right though. We really don't have time to lose and the ship should be fueled up by now." She gestured to Kanan. "You're welcome to escort me their though."

Varia turned to walk after the droid, waiting for the man to fall in beside her. As they made their way through the crowds, the Twi'lek scanned the people they passed, as if she was looking for someone. "So, you said you were waiting for a shuttle. Do you know where you're going next?"

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Kanan Marek

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Kanan nodded, understanding her desire to get back to her ship and her droid. “The festival is getting a bit crowded now anyway, isn’t it?” he agreed, falling into place alongside the twi’lek.

He observed that Varia’s eyes scanned their surroundings, specifically the people. He had to wonder wether she was looking for someone specific or if she was always vigilant and aware of her surroundings. Both suggested an interesting history.

“Yavin I believe,” he answered, scratching his beard as his thoughts drifted to his work. It was a straight-forward enough mission: locate and arrest a government official who had secretly been embezzling credits for years and then had skipped town right before his trial. With any luck, he would not prove to be much of a challenge.

“And what about you?” Kanan refocused his gaze on Varia. “Where are you headed?”

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Varia's eyes stopped scanning the crowd, instead looking into the distance. The Twi'lek remained silent for several moments before turning back to Kanan. "I'm looking for someone..." Varia paused, not sure how many details to give. She decided she didn't have anything to hide from this man. "My sister." She continued. "The trail currently leads to Nar Shaddaa."

Varia shrunk in on herself as she thought about Shunti, about what she must be suffering in Varia's place. If only she hadn't been so careless, Shunti would never have been in this mess. Varia looked at the ground. "I have to find her." She said more to herself than to Kanan.

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So she was looking for someone—her sister. Kanan appreciated Varia’s forthrightness, particularly since this must not have been a subject she could discuss easily. A missing sister. There was no detaching yourself from the emotions that accompanied that relationship.

Another emotion could be seen in her eyes as well, a surprising but an emotion familiar to Kanan: guilt. Somehow, in some way, this twi’lek felt guilt over her sister’s disappearance. “I am sorry to hear that,” the Ranger frowned, unsure of what to say next. Comforting someone was not one of his strong suits, but thankfully it did not appear that Varia was looking for comfort.

Clearing his throat, he continued. “Nar Shaddaa you say?” Nar Shaddaa was a planet known for its crime, its villainy, and its filth. Locating her missing sister on such a planet would not be easy, but it was not impossible.

“Perhaps I could be of some help,” he offered. “If you would like. I’m a Sector Ranger—perhaps I could do some digging in our archives, see if anything comes up. Ask around. Anything I learned I could relay to you.”

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Varia looked up at Kanan suddenly, a spark of shock running across her face. It passed quickly as her eyes ran up and down Kanan, seeing him with a new light. "I could tell you weren't like the people around us, the scars spoke to that fact well enough." She said as she examined the ravaged flesh framing his lips. "But I didn't realize you were a ranger..." Her hand moved up as if to touch the scars on Kanan's face.

The Twi'lek's hand shot back down as she faced forward, hoping the blush didn't show in her face. "Sorry, I'm sure it's a sore subject." She let out a sigh, and grabbed a datapad from the pocket of her jacket and pressed a few keys. Varia looked back up into Kanan's eyes. "Her name is Shunti Shinyuza." She held the datapad out, it displayed a picture of a purple skinned Twi'lek that shared Varia's fiery orange eyes rimmed in blue. "If you can find anything, please let me know."

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Kanan Marek

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It was evident by her reaction that Varia was surprised by Kanan’s offer to help in the search for her sister. He did not mind; he wanted to. It was his job, after all, and more importantly... a woman was missing. This twi’lek’s sister. Varia was worried over her sister, and who could blame her? It would be miserable to go day in and day out, wondering where your loved one was and if they were even alive.

“No need to apologize,” Kanan assured her. Varia pulled a data pad from her pocket and soon had pulled up an image of her sister, a purple twi’lek with eyes similar to those of her sister’s. “Shunti Shinyuza,” Kanan repeated to himself so he would not forget. The image he would not forget. He never forgot a face. In his line of work, he couldn’t afford to.

“I will relay any information I might dig up. You have my word,” he promised her sincerely.

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As the pair stepped off the high street, the crowds thinned out quickly. Varia gave the man a genuinely warm smile. "Thank you, Kanan. I really appreciate it, R3's the only friend I have right now." She let out a sigh, turning to watch the road ahead. "It'll just be nice to know someone else is looking for her."

The sounds of their footfalls echoed off the buildings as the din of the festival faded into the distance. The twi'lek remained silent for awhile, watching a flock of birds drift lazily across the pure blue sky. The pair emerged onto a road that ran along the edge of the city. Rolling green hills reached all the way to the horizon, seeming to ripple as a breeze rustled the grass. Varia closed her eyes as the pleasing susurrus washed over them.

She took a calming breath and her mood lifted a bit, as she reminded herself that being sad and worried would only make her coming quest harder. "I'd offer to give you a ride, but Yavin is more than a little out of my way." Varia smirked. "I'd also have to clean up the ship a bit before taking on passengers."

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“Well, now you have one more,” Kanan stated, offering her a small smile of encouragement. He extended a hand. The handshake served as both a farewell and a sign of assurance. Assurance that Kanan would do everything in his power to help locate Varia’s missing sister.

Kanan took a moment to examine and appreciate the landscape around him before returning his gaze to the twi’lek standing beside him. “I appreciate the offer anyway,” he chuckled.

“I hope our paths will cross again. Good luck on your journey.” Giving her a gentle nod of the head, he took a step back and allowed her to pass freely to her ship and awaiting droid.

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Varia took the proffered hand and shook it, giving the man the biggest grin she had made in months. "Thank you, Kanan, for everything." She turned to look at her ship, The Bloodied Lylek. The ISFT-21 sat just where she left it, the sunlight shimmering off it's charcoal hull. R3 stood at the top ship's ramp, watching the pair expectantly. He made an annoyed, warbling, whistle as Varia started walking towards him. "What are you talking about? We left like 30 seconds after you." She responded, giving the astromech a bemused smiling.

"Besides, this 'waste of time' helped more than you think." She said to the droid, glancing back at Kanan. R3 made a curious beep before disappearing into the Lylek. When Varia reached the top of the ramp, she turned around, looking into the man's dark brown eyes. "I hope we meet again too." She said offering a small smile. "Sooner rather than later."

After the hatch slid shut, Varia made her way to the cockpit, pulling her jacket off as she went. She hung it on the back of her pilot's seat before she dropped into it. R3-N2 was already there, plugged into the I/O socket. The twi'lek's hands moved in a practiced precision as she brought The Bloodied Lylek to life. As the engines spun up, a soft hum permeated the ship. Varia's eyes turned to the viewport and she looked out at Kanan. She offered him a final wave as the Lylek began to rise into the air. A flipped switch retracted the landing gear as Varia slowly pushed the throttle forward. As the ship began rushing to the sky, Varia turned to R3. "Next stop... Nar Shaddaa."


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