Public Ariana market stroll

[Cartri Keswoll]

Garos IV, Ariana
​

Ariana market was bustling with citizens looking for good deals, and was known as a place where you could pretty much find anything. One of those people was a young man, who liked to snoop around now and then to see if he could get his hands on anything worthwhile. Cartri swerved in and out of the crowd as he wondered deep into the sellers jungle, his eyes peeled for anything that could catch his eye. He needed to be careful for any enforcement paroling the area, else he'd be hauled back to the orphanage in a heartbeat, or worse, a cell. The fact he was known to the enforcement made things worse for him, since they had caught him red handed a few times trying to borrow some specific equipment. Luckily for him, he mostly got away with most of the stuff he did.

The lad had what looked like a small backpack over his shoulder to carry whatever items he scavenged, so he didn't have the hassle of carrying it in open view once he had something. And soon, he would find something that could potentially be of worth. A stall on the far right was selling miscellaneous item from a time gone by, such as strange helmets and weapons that had long gone past their prime. He stopped close by and examined the gear that was on sale, curious as to what most of them were used for back in their day. Although, their was something he did know, they were sure to sell for a lot of credits. His eyes caught something that looked appealing, a box that showcased some old pins from another time. According to the description, they were rare pins belonging to imperial officers back when the rebellion was at its highest. Collectors were surely going to go crazy for this, and maybe if he got it for free a lot of profit was sure to be made.

Cartri carefully moved to the side of the stall and waited until no one was looking to buy anything, before peaking inside to see the owner with his back turned counting credits. The boy slowly raised his hand at the box, trying to make the five rare pins hover over to him without anyone looking. Everything seemed to be going well as all five safely hovered out of their containers, and were soon lowered into his hands. However, someone from behind had a front row seat of him doing the crime "Hey Rogecale! someone's making a grab for your merchandise here!" a bald, middle aged back shouted as he began to walk over to the boy. The owner turned around swiftly and glared at the kid who had his pins clearly in the palm of his hands "You better drop them be- HEY!" he shouted as Cartri suddenly made a break for it through the crowd.

Loud shouting and disruption was heard as he pushed through the crowd as two men dressed in armour gave pursuit. The enforces must of been nearby to hear what was going on, else there was no way they could of got here already. Cartri shoved the pins into his pocket as he reached the end of the crowd, where a big open space was available for him to run freely. Upon freedom from the crowded area, he kicked his feet and belted away from them at speed. They followed after him for a short time before giving up the chase after realising that the boy was simply to far away.

His legs slowly came to a halt in a near empty street after noticing they had stopped giving chase, his breath panting slightly from the getaway. Even though he got away, they were sure to pay him a visit back at the orphanage after taking in witness statements. It wasn't a waste though, if he hid the object somewhere for a time then maybe he could sell it when the heat had died down. With a small grin to himself after the trouble he just caused, he began to make his way back home, his gaze sometimes looking behind him to see if anyone had tailed him from earlier. For the moment, he seemed to have gotten away with murder...

 

[Kade]

"I told you I would come out here to help you with your droids! And now, only after I make the trip out here, you tell me that you already had people look at them!." Kade ran a hand through his hair in frustration. 'Great! Another client decides to do business with someone else. When will I catch a break?' Kade thought to himself.

"Whatever, don't contact me again, our business is done." Kade said as he stormed off. The teen originally had some spare time between operations for Darkwire and had decided to get a few side jobs done. So thats why he went to Ariana. He was supposed to meet up with a contact about fixing a couple droids for a good amount of credits, and well: that plan was now not going to happen. So with a groan of frustration he was now wandering the markets of Ariana.

The whole environment on the planet was definitely something Kade wasn't used to; yet it was really nice to get away from Denon for a bit. A breath of fresh air every now and then was good for your health. Now that Kade's schedule was cleared up, the teen decided to roam the markets a bit before heading back home.

Sooner or later Kade was at a stall selling spare parts, browsing through some of the wares. When suddenly there was a commotion. Out of Nowhere, something barreled out of the crowd and right past Kade. Soon enough, a couple of guards came up to him.


"Did you see where the theif went?" One of the men asked.

"Yeah, he went that way." Kade pointed in a random direction. The two men thanked Kade and ran off to pursue a false lead. Kade smirked. People were kinda stupid sometimes. He had been around enough authorities to know that lying is the best thing to do when they ask questions...any questions.

Kade smirked as he continued through the market following the path the boy took. Soon enough Kade reached an empty road, where only a single figure stood. He let out a sigh as he walked up to the other teen.

"Hell, you can run." Kade chuckled. "Must've got your hands on something pretty valuble for a merchant to send a couple of guards after you." Kade commented with a sly smile.

Cartri Keswoll

 

[Cartri Keswoll]

From what seemed from no where, a voice from behind stopped him in his tracks. He stood there for a few seconds before slowly turning to face whoever caught his attention, and it wasn't who he thought it was. A boy, slightly older than he was stood before him with a smile on his face "Hell, you can run." he remarked, before letting a small chuckle escape his lips "Must've got your hands on something pretty valuble for a merchant to send a couple of guards after you." commentated the kid, a sly smile spreading across his face.

Cartri didn't really know what to make of him, he looked pretty rough around the edges and seemed to be a little bit too friendly for his liking. Not a lot of people were trust worthy on this planet, or anywhere by that fact, so it was always wise to be cautious with people no matter who they were. The boy slowly folded his arms and glared at him, curious as to what he was doing here "Maybe..." he said with a small grin in the corner of his lips "Who's asking?" inquired the boy to his counterpart.

 

[Kade]

Kade raised an eyebrow at the younger boy's answer. He was right to be cautious: there were a lot of sleazy people in the galaxy and trust was rarely given freely. Kade looked around, checking if any unwanted ears were listening.

"Kade." The teen said flatly as he paused for a moment. "And I was hoping you would show me your skills with another stall." Kade added. "I know some people off world that would be willing to fence your goods, and who are even looking for someone like you." Kade said as he looked back to the boy.

"There's a lot of credits to be made in this galaxy. That is, if you'reinterested." Kade finished.

Cartri Keswoll

 

[Cartri Keswoll]

Cartri looked away from the boy for a few seconds as a couple walk past them across the road, not bothering to even look at them as they hurried along. His gaze returned to him as he introduced himself flatly as "Kade" before pausing to think for a moment. The boy then requested for him to show off his skills once more, this time at another stall.

What was he leading too here? it seemed like he was trying examine and dig deeper into what he did. The boy slowly raised his brow to the comment and let him carry on, letting him explain about the people looking for the stuff he "borrowed" now and then. If that was the case, then he was sure to make a whole lot more than here. However, the prospect seemed to go down a rough road of crime he didn't wish to take part of. He felt a lot more safer here than anywhere else, who knew what dangers lay ahead on that path.

He gave it a thought for a few seconds before deciding to give a response to the hoodrat "It does sound interesting... but I feel like there's more to this then you're telling me" he questioned, his head tilting slightly in in curiosity "What's the catch..." ended the boy who stared at him with an expressionless face. Cartri knew he needed to get away from this place sooner or later, before the orphanage inevitably threw him out onto the streets. However, a life of crime didn't really sit well with him. It needed to be something that could last, and an investment that could actually get him places in this harsh galaxy.

 

[Kade]

There was silence as a couple strolled past, not even willing to spare a glance; something Kade was used to. Living on the streets, you would see countless people pass; not willing to even look down at the people they were stepping on. Kade's attention was brought back by the younger teen's voice. The boy obliviously was skeptical of Kade with good reason, so Kade didnt blame him.

Kade chuckled. "There's always more to it. The only catch is the danger. But danger is always around you." Kade motioned to the world around him.

Ultimately he let out a sigh.

"I work with a group called Darkwire, a syndicate on Denon that works against a corrupt, heavy-handed government. The danger is real, but the payoff is big." Kade said.

"Think about it. Do you want to live here, risking your life for a pile of credits, running from a couple of guards and having to lay low for days on end: or you can run with us, make more credits than you'd ever dream of, and make people's lives a bit easier?" Kade asked

"The choice is yours, either way, I'd like to see your skills, if you don't mind." The hoodrat smiled genuinely.

Cartri Keswoll

 

[Cartri Keswoll]

The sky above them began to turn into a bright orange colour, a tell tale sign of the sun turning in for the night. He looked up to the sky and felt a cold nip of cold air beginning to roll through, so it was best to get somewhere warm soon. As he brought his head back down, Kane made a point of danger being all around them, and he wasn't wrong. Ariana wasn't different to any other city, it had its fair share of crazy and sadistic people living inside its walls. It was a bitter reality Cartri had to accept.

His interest peaked when he began to talk about the group known as Darkwire, which worked against a corrupted government that ruled with a heavy hand. The danger was high, but the rewards were plenty. Cartri's eyes lowered in thought as Kane made another good point, proving again that he may of been wrong about his preposition. He knew earning credits down here was going to be hard when the orphanage finally throw him out, although, if he stuck with a group for a short while then maybe he could go out on his own once he earned enough credits and experience. Maybe it was time to take a real risk for once, after all anything was better than the run down building he stayed in with the other kids he barely knew.

A small sigh came from his mouth as he looked directly at the kid, before giving a slight nod of confirmation "Fine... i'll give it a try. I'm sure the orphanage were plotting to throw me face first onto the streets anyway" joked the boy as he looked around the quiet street and began to slowly walk past him, heading in the direction of the marketplace "Let's go grab some food while we're at it" he remarked while looking to his side, a hand slowly extending over to him "Names Cartri by the way" ended the boy with a friendly smile, who still kept his wits about him for the possibility of a trap

 

[Kade]

Kade looked up to the sky, taking a moment to admire the beautiful orange hue. The teen rarely saw such things on Coruscant and even Denon. It was mostly constant neon lights. The Hoodrat finally brought his gaze back to the redhead: who finally let out a sigh.

'He lived in an orphanage?' Kade thought to himself as the other boy accepted his offer.

"Heh don't worry about it, been on the streets enough to know that it would probably be better than an orphanage." Kade chuckled. The teen's gaze followed as Cartri walked past heading towards the market. The teen motioned for Kade to follow: which he did. At the mention of food, Kade's stomach growled. He let out an embarrassed chuckle.

"Sounds like a plan....and it's nice to meet you Cartri. Don't meet many people willing to give me the time of day." Kade said as he followed along.

Cartri Keswoll

 

[Cartri Keswoll]

He had to admit, Ariana could be a beautiful place when it wanted to be. The weather seemed to be calm and perfect, peaceful to anyone who took a second to take it in. It's glow went in between the buildings as they walked down the street, the pair chatting amongst themselves while they wondered back to the market. Cartri was half expecting the boy to make fun of his misfortune of living in an orphanage, but he clearly didn't seem to mind by the least. At the mention of food, the let out a nervous chuckle and agreed with his preposition, happy that he was giving him the time of day compared to most people.

The thing is, Cartri was almost like him. He wasn't hungry most days, but a lot of people chose to ignore like he didn't exist "No worries, you're not the only who gets that kind of treatment" He said with a small sigh, his head lowering slightly from a bad memory flooding back "Well... in my case there's a good reason for it, but that can be left for another time" explained boy while they turned a corner, leading to a narrow straight road.

Cartri looked back to the boy and was compelled to ask him a question from his point of view "So, what's your story. I bet it's better than living in a run down orphanage for most of your life" he ended with a chuckle, his head looking behind him to double check if anyone was following them

 

[Kade]

Kade nodded, wondering what Cartri meant by: 'Well... in my case there's a good reason for it, but that can be left for another time.' Kade wondered what exactly happened, but didn't press. He followed Cartri as he turned a corner leading to a much more narrow road. The other teen looked back to Kade and asked a question he didn't quite expect. A question about his past. Kade was silent for a moment, debating on whether or not to answer. Soon enough, he did. Kade laughed a bit.

"Me? I'm from Coruscant. Used to be a part of some wealthy business owners; they made droids to sell to the public. Just standard ones...or at least that's what they told me." Kade paused as they continued to walk. Gazing up to the sky for a moment to admire it. A few seconds later he looked back to Cartri.

"One day some crap went down, some bad people got into the facility. They were the kind to blast first and ask questions later...to make a long story short, my parents had me escorted out of the facility through a hidden exit. A few days later, after having no contact I went to find some work. Had to eat somehow..." Kade continued.

"Eventually I found myself on the lower levels. Nasty place. Wandering a maze of alleyways every night. Doing odd jobs for people for food. It wasnt pretty."

"Then one day, I heard a rumor from a wanderer, they said Denon was the place to go. Talked about this group that could help you out, if you have the right skills. So that's what I did." Kade said with a huge grin on his face. "Though I do wonder two things." He rubbed his chin as he walked.

"If my parents were making combat droids, and if they're still alive." Kade said to Cartri just as much to himself.

Cartri Keswoll

 

[Cartri Keswoll]

Coruscant? now that sounded familiar. From what he heard it was a planet covered in one big city, where it had the unique addition of having multiple levels. Cartri always thought it to be a myth the travellers used to spread around, but to his surprise it turned out to be totally real. The boy listened to his story respectfully as they drew close to the market, distant chatters soon becoming noticeable. His counterpart seemed to have had a rough ride getting to this point, losing his parents, fighting for food and in potential danger for most of his life. It was clear life wasn't kind to him.

Cartri felt blessed that whoever left him at the orphanage at least had some intent to keep him safe, although it didn't dismiss the fact they threw him away like trash. For years he felt unwanted and alone, afraid that he would be thrown onto the streets at any point, there was no room for forgiveness.

Kande's story made it look like Cartri had it easy with the free shelter and food he was provided, even if it was some of the worst the planet had to offer "I'm sure they are still around somewhere, wondering the same thing about you..." he said with a small frown, knowing that his so called parents wouldn't give a damn about him anymore. But, he knew this wasn't a time to be sulking and tried to change the subject into something positive "If you made it that far on your own then i'm sure you can do anything" he said with a grin as a small carrier ship flew above them, heading away from the city to another location "Hell, you could fly a ship if you put your mind to it. After crashing it a few times of course" he ended jokingly, before stopping at the edge of the marketplace.

His eyes gazed around the marketplace for any sight of lawman, knowing they'd be somewhere close by "Do you mind keeping an eye out for those guards? they should stick out compared to everyone else down here" the red head mentioned as he began to wonder down the row of stalls, a familiar smell of food becoming apparent "Take your pick of the food stalls, and i'll try and get something for the both of us" he motioned while looking at the different varieties to pick from, his own stomach rumbling from the smell of food alone.

 

[Kade]

Kade smiled greatfully at Cartri for changing the subject. It definitely wasn't his favorite subject to speak about. The other teen commented that since the Hoodrat made it this far: he could survive anything. The redhead even commented they could probably fly starship after crashing a few times .This made Kade laugh, bringing him out of his somber mindset.

'Probably.' He thought as they stopped at the edge of the market. Kade watched as the small freighter zoomed across the sky.

Cartri asked Kade to look out for the guards as he went to get the food. Kade nodded, he was never good at the whole stealing thing even though he was a hoodrat, he usually scrounged enough credits to pay for what he needed.

"I'd say grab whatever, you know. Fruits, meat, ect." Kade said with a shrug of his shoulders. He wasn't a picky eater, living on the streets will do that to you. Nevertheless, he was greatful to the younger teen.

"Don't worry I'll watch your back and distract any guard that comes close." Kade said with a smile as he began to scan the marketplace. It seemed as if the crowd died down a lot since earlier. Kade guessed most people finished their shopping. He would give Cartri a nod before pulling the hood of his jacket over his head and leaning against a wall.

Cartri Keswoll

 

[Cartri Keswoll]

Cartri nodded when he confirmed the choice was his, giving him free range on what they were going to have tonight. While scanning down the rows, Kane stood watch by a nearby wall, ready to ward away some pesky guards if needs be. He stands there for a minute or so before walking over to a food stall next to Kade, which had a mixture of fruits from all corners of the galaxy to choose from. They looked quite fresh, as though the fruit was just picked from the plant and hard a mixture of smells that raised his appetite.

He slowly came to the side and lowered himself down out of view from the customers and owner. His eyes peaked up to see no one being served and the owner idly standing around the shop waiting for buyers. Behind the man was a set of shelves that displayed various tools for his stall, and to his dismay it wasn't going to be there for long. The boys hand went down suddenly along with the shelves, sending the precious tools crashing to the floor in a glorious clatter "Oh, in the name of-" shouted the stall over as he turned around to the tools scattered all over the floor.

The boy soon took his chance and got to his feet, quickly reaching over to grab two large Shuura's from the counter. He held them both in his hands and quickly ducked low once more, before moving away from the counter towards Kade. His lips revealed a smirk after he realised they were all clear, eager to tuck into the tasty fruit "Here you go" said the boy before carefully extending his arm over to him, waiting for him to take his reward "These are pretty good, they don't normally sell them much since they're quite exotic and expensive to get." he commented, taking a big bite out of the fruit to cease his hunger.

 

[Kade]

Kade watched as Cartri made his way to a nearby stall, he was able to avoid being seen by nearby customers and shop owner. Kade scanned the rest of the market to make sure no guards were nearby. And to their luck, there were none to be seen. The Hoodrat turned to watch Cartri again, wondering how the teen would play it out.

Soon enough he got his answer.

With a quick motion of a hand, the ginger used the Force to knock down all the shelves, causing the shopkeeper to turn away from his wares and clean up the mess. In that moment, Cartri used his distraction to swipe a couple of things from the stall.

With a victorious smile, Cartri extended a hand, revealing a fruit. "Thank you." Kade said with a smile and nod. Cartri explained that the market rarely had them as they were exotic and real expensive.

"I don't think I've ever had this. I have to say, you did a very good job acquiring it. I think the group will be lucky to have you." Kade paused as he proceeded to take a sizable bite from the fruit. Instantly was greeted with probably one of the sweetest tastes in the galaxy.

"Wow this is amazing! Good choice!" Kade beamed.

Cartri Keswoll

 

[Cartri Keswoll]

Cartri took another bite out of the tasty fruit and nodded to Kade, who appreciated the gesture "Don't mention it" he said before wiping his mouth of any pieces left behind. It was clear the boy didn't get much food at all throughout his travels, so he was more than happy to provide to the kid who promised great things.

The weather had all but turned cold at this point as the bright sun settled down for the night, sending the city into an urban light show. Cartri looked around him and noticed that the stalls were beginning to close down, along with the valuable customers who need their beauty sleep "It's probably best we get off the streets soon, things get a little crazy at night" he suggested, finishing off the rest of his food and wiping his hand clean of any muck. He kept his eyes peeled for anything suspicious as he looked down the row of empty stalls, the odd person walking past them in a slow fashion

His thoughts soon turned back to the boy on what the next move was, were they going to stay on this planet one more day or exit the planet once and fall. There was only one to find out "So, what's the next play here. We staying for the night or getting of this planet?" he asked curiously, since the orphanage was a no go right now. His earlier chaos had surely caught the enforcers attention, and since he was on a knife edge with them as it was he didn't want to take any risks going back "I don't really have anything to collect or say goodbye too..." he said before suddenly smiling from a thought "Maybe some of the kids, but they'll understand my leave in due time" Cartri said thoughtfully, knowing that some of them looked up to him as a leader and role model, even though he could be considered a bad influence.

 

[Kade]

Kade nodded as he continued to bite at the piece of fruit, soon there was nothing left. A nip in the air caused the teen to instinctively bundle his jacket. Kade nodded again when the boy said they should probably get off the streets. Just then, he noticed a person walk by. They didn't seem to be a normal person because they kept glancing over to the duo.

"I agree it's best we get out of here. I have a bad feeling that we have eyes on us." Kade said as he turned and began to walk; motioning for the other teen to follow. When Cartri asked what the next play was Kade smirked. "We're going to head to Denon, there should be a few shuttles around here right? That's how I got here." Kade said. The teen looked over to the redhead. It couldn't have been easy walking away from everything he knew.

"We could stop by if you like. I don't mind. I wouldnt want you to leave anything behind or leave things unsaid. But thats up to you." Kade said offering a warm smile.

Cartri Keswoll

 

[Cartri Keswoll]

Cartri followed the boy when he motioned him to come over, sticking to the left of him as they walked alone down the marketplace. Although, that soon wouldn't be the case. A rough looking man was walking close by, consistently glancing over to them while they minded their own business "There should be some still around, they mostly run 24/7 throughout the night" he responded, a small glance going over to the man that steadily followed them at a distance.

He didn't seem to recognise the man that was suspiciously hanging around, but it was clear he wasn't out here for a walkabout. His head nodded slowly to the offer of going back to the orphanage, but even Cartri knew it wouldn't be possible "There's no point right now, all they'd do is alert the enforcers and talk them into putting me into a cell for the night. And in terms of belongings, I didn't have much anyway..." he sighed before turning a corner into an alleyway that led straight to the shuttle pads.

The man that had followed them before had yet to show himself as they walked through the dodgy area, his eyes keeping an eye out for anything out of place "If that man follows us down here run as soon as we turn the corner" whispered the boy, knowing he didn't want to take any chances with the people around here.

 

[Kade]

Kade smiled. "Great! I'm sure we can catch one. I'll cover the costs." Kade said as they continued to walk. For a moment the two were the only one's in on the street. Kade coughed as he felt another pang of sympathy for the other boy. To know that the people you lived with couldn't even be trusted...now that's rough. The Hoodrat shook the feeling away with a smile as they turned the corner.

He was about to speak again, when Cartri whispered.

"If that man follows us down here run as soon as we turn the corner"

Kade nodded. "So we did have a tail... Alright I trust you Cartri. If we have to book it, the shuttles to Denon are over there.." Kade said as he looked over to a landing pad not too far off.

"We got this!" Kade grinned at Cartri.

Cartri Keswoll

 

[Cartri Keswoll]

Finally getting a free ticket off this planet was something that Cartri didn't expect by the very least, but even he knew the time had come to take a step beyond the orphanage. Hell, they'll probably be happy once they realised he had finally gone for good.

His face turned to Kade and smirked from his comment "Great, try to keep up with me if you can" Cartri chuckled before his eyes picked up something unusual. As expected, the man had finally wondered his way into the alley behind them and was walking at a faster pace from before "Get ready..." he said before turning the corner, but when they did Cartri began to pelt it over to the pads "Go!" he shouted this time, swiftly running to the Denon transport with speed.

After a few minutes Cartri stopped behind a wall next to the shuttle pick up point, his head peaking out slightly to observe the alleyway in the hopes they lost the unknown stranger. Eventually, his sorry state appeared from the alley and stopped at the end, gazing around from the pair who were out of sight. He appeared frustrated as he turned around and stomped away, angry with himself for letting such an easy target slip through his fingers. Once he knew it was all clear, Cartri nodded to the boy to say they were fine "That's one of many you get around here, it's nothing new to see them pick on kids..." he sighed while lifting himself off the wall.

A ship that was designated for Denon slowly landed onto the pad not so far away, awaiting any passengers that wish to board. Even though it was in the middle of the night, some people had already started to board the decently sized ship "We better board that ship, I don't fancy staying out here a single second more"

 

[Kade]

Try and keep up? Unlikely. The readhead was like a lightning bolt, but Kade nodded nonetheless. Their tail suddenly appeared at a much faster pace than before. As the duo were about to round the corner Cartri told Kade to get ready and as soon as they passed it, he shouted go.

Cartri instantly took off, leaving Kade a bit shocked as he followed, making their way to the launchpad. He grinned wildly as they ran: this was actually really fun. A few minutes of sprinting later led them to a wall near the shuttle. Kade leaned over his legs panting. "Remind me to never go against you in a footrace." Kade joked.

"Its messed up that they get their kicks from bullying kids." Kade said as he finally caught his breath. Soon the shuttle to Denon was landing, and Cartri suggested they board the ship. Kade nodded. He had enough excitement for the day.

He would lead the redhead over to the shuttle where he bought passage to Denon. As they entered the ship and found their seats, Kade turned to Cartri.

"How're you feeling? Nervous?" The Hoodrat asked.

Cartri Keswoll