Character
Sometimes, certain events seemed to capture everyone’s attention. Ines Pen-Ar-Lan had worked meticulously to orchestrate a consistent and overwhelming flow of information directed at her friend and last true hope of rooting out the corruption that might have been allowed to surface after the Empire's fall.
News of the situation on Ord Mantell had been spreading rapidly over the past week. News flashes, encrypted messages from old Rebel contacts and smugglers whispering of opportunities to make a killing - it all pointed to the same planet. They said that tensions were reaching a boiling point. That the Empire might make a potent but desperate grasp at power. Blockades, assassinations and strategic strikes against essential facilities. The plans forged by the former Admiral Lowlan Lyne were threatening to become reality.
Even after the fall of the Empire, an ever increasing number of systems fell under the harsh rule of Sith, Warlords and Mandalorians. Now, another system found itself on the brink of collapse. Someone had to do something and just as it happened, a leak indicated that Admiral Lyne was preparing to make a move in the Mantellian regional capital of Tarabast within the week.
***
Blaster cannons and small-arms fire could be heard in the distance. Dull echoes of war and destruction rumbled from beyond the mountains to the east while sharper cracks carried easily across the lake to Tarabast. The provincial capital was one of the planet's larger cities, but so far, it had been spared from the intense skirmishes fought between rogue Remnant elements and the new planetary government. But the conflict was never far away and many civilians chose to stock up and only make essential supply runs when absolutely necessary.
The city itself was controlled by the planetary government. They had guards stationed at the Council House, the Court, the spaceport and in the former Imperial Barracks. Meanwhile, men and women loyal to their fallen Empire had found hideouts in warehouses, old casinos and the grand basements of the commercial district. Government patrols accompanied by walkers and droids walked with nervous steps, often closely shadowed by an equal amount of disguised Imperials. It was only a matter of time until the conflict would spread into Tarabast itself.
Civilian ships such as cargo freighters, personal starships and public transport liners were still allowed to enter - in fact, the spaceport was one of the few places that remained somewhat busy. Security was rigorous and everyone entering or leaving was checked. It was, however, also the only viable way to get in or out of Tarabast. Vast hangars received ten civilian ships at a time with passengers being funnelled towards a central checkpoint before being allowed to move into the rest of the spaceport.
Observant blue eyes watched another group descend from the landing ramp of their ship before being ushered towards the checkpoint. Two wore plain but formal clothes while the others carried heavy cases and wore some sort of corporate uniform. A bunch of credits were being waved around and discussions were getting heated. The girl might have chuckled at the unfolding scene had a nasty cough not interrupted her. She shook her head weakly whilst her attention shifted to the latest ship to arrive.
