A tale of Jedi, Rangers and Kings

[Tanith Alde]

Jack Law: Republic Marshal
Rikard : Jedi Knight, Guardian
Donovan Hawk: Republic Marshal



When people seek protection from the Galaxy's infinite dangers, they put their fith in Jedi, Kings, Gods and even money. On the planet of Talasea, In Republic Space, a mysterious cult has sprung up, promising defense against lawless marauders in exchange for people's riches. Their sermons are attracting audiences from miles around, but there is a dark side to this seemingly charitable group, prompting Jack, Rikard and Donovan to investigate. What the trio uncovers could threaten the safety of not only Talasea, but their beloved Republic as well.

 

[Tanith Alde]

A Tale of Jedi, Rangers and Kings.

Chapter 1




Talasea, The Island of Memphis

The locals had risen early, going out to check that their livelihoods had not been endangered during the knight by evil predators. It was a constant danger in this remote area, far from the cities.

The leader of the bandits crouched among the trees and smiled cruelly to himself. Today, the inhabitants of this little group of farms would have more to worry about than animal predators. Today, the real danger came from their own fellow man, rather than the hard to tame wilds around them.

His people had been in position long before first light had shone in the sky. A less experienced leader might have chosen to attack at dawn. Most people thought that was the best time for a daring raid or attack out of nowhere. But the bandit knew his business. Farmers rose early. They were wide-awake at dawn. They were prepared for unexpected danger, even if it were only a fox or marauding wolf. And they often had tools ready at hand, axes, shovels and scythes, that would serve as makeshift weapons in the event of an attack.

It was better, he knew, to wait until they had finished their early morning tasks and were heading in to breakfast. The sun would be up by then and warm on their backs. They'd be relaxed and a little weary from their labor, and looking forward to the hot meal their wies had waiting for them. Their defenses would be down and that was the best time to attack them.

 

[Tanith Alde]

He saw the nearest pair, who had been repairing a fallen hyper-fence stoop down and lay off their tools. A man called a cluser of three a little bits away. He stretched, rubbing his back where muscles had stiffened. The man in the bushes couldn't make out what was said, but he heard the tone. Light, amused, jovial. Just a typical day at work.

The bandit gave a satisfied nod as he saw the men returning to their home, the largest building. The little village was a farming settlement. Mother and father in a large house, their descendents clustered in smaller buildings around them. And one barn for them all. He could even smell the bantha bacon frying in the kitchen from here.

The bandit reached into his pocket and pulled free a whistle. He raised it to his lips, then he blew into it. A loud, piercing blast, and then he stood up, drawing his pistol and yelling as he ran forward.

His fellow scum followed him, charging into the open from three sides of the small village. They were firce, bloodthirsty creatures, horryfing, wearing half armor and carrying lethal weapons. War cries rose into the air as they charged the helpless innocents.