Public Gathering Support

[Vizjaw Tanakt]

Equipment: BR-4 "Baleful Bantha" Blaster Rifle (Primary Weapon), Vizjaw's Beskar-Duster (Armor), Twisted Vambraces (Vambraces)

Every year, the local jawa population of any given planet gather, an event some among them call 'The Grand Swap', a party by most accounts. Today just so happened to be that day, as the various jawa clans of Tatooine had met up in Beggar's Canyon, looking to celebrate this highly anticipated event. Viz had also arrived aboard his organization's massive twisted sandcrawler. The vehicle was much larger than all the other sandcrawlers that were already there, and automatically garnered a lot of attention from other other jawa clans.

Many of them would watch on with both awe and confusion, as the huge sandcrawler's main door would open. The crime boss himself would walk outside, along with a crew of several jawa enforcers. They were all armed with regular blaster rifles, slung across their backs. It was an uncommon sight to see a jawa not wielding an Ion weapon. It showed that they meant business, and weren't afraid of a fight, or deadly repercussions.

Their crew had brought along many tradeable droid and speeder parts for trade, enough to make them look very wealthy compared to the rest of the jawas there. Twisted Sand had gained plenty of attention thus far, Viz simply needed a spot to start talking. He needed all the jawas to listen to his plea.

 

[Mae Tecono]

Mae was doing as her new Master/Teacher had told her. She was branching out and doing her own thing and taking her newly found freedom to the next level. She returned to Tatooine to look for a new ship, or at least a used ship being sold as new. Her selection at the port was vast and her mind was set on something specific to her desires. As she roamed around the market and space port, she heard of a part of sorts. But it was mostly made up of Jawas? She tightened her grasp of the credit pouch she brought with her and decided to give it a go and see where it would lead her. She had been slowly allowing her emotions and thoughts to lead her to her next step in life and this was just another chance to follow her new path. She caught a ride with a small clan of Jawas heading out to Beggars Canyon.

 

[Vizjaw Tanakt]

Equipment: BR-4 "Baleful Bantha" Blaster Rifle (Primary Weapon), Vizjaw's Beskar-Duster (Armor), Twisted Vambraces (Vambraces)

Among the many jawas were a few outliers in the crowd, a human here and there. No mandalorians however, that was certainly good, otherwise things could get messy. Viz himself wore mandalorian armor beneath his regular jawa robes, and stood out quite a bit among the ranks of his enforcers. The crew of criminals would walk toward the middle of the swap, eventually reaching a large tent one jawa was vending in. The merchant would give them a raised eyebrow before asking, <"Can I help you fellas?"> Of course, Viz would be quick to flip him fifty credits, before explaining what he wanted.

Vizjaw's jetpack would roar to life, sending him flying into the air, and landing on top of the guy's tent. It was a tall structure, and the ignition of the jetpack drew even more attention from the various trading jawas. The crime boss looked upon a sea of hundreds of his brothers and sisters. There were a few oddballs among them, mostly human, but the vast majority of them were jawas. He knew such a large crowd wouldn't all be able to hear him, but his beskar helmet could possibly augment the volume of his voice.

The former bounty hunter would dawn his T-visor before giving the crowd one last long look. It was time to rally the jawas of Tatooine to his cause... <"Jawas of Tatooine! Hear my plea!"> He would begin. The voice traveled enough to gain the majority's attention. <"My name is Vizjaw Tanakt, leader of Twisted Sand... Some call us criminals, but do you know who I call criminal? The mandalorians, the tuskens, the local crime bosses, and the mayors across Tatooine! For thousands of years, other sentients have seen us as weak and lesser because of our size. They call us scum and scavengers for our way of life. But I say NO MORE! This planet is our home, all we want is to take back what's our's! I know that many among us are not warriors, but I have witnessed a trait among us than no other sentient in the galaxy has, cunning. If we use our knowledge, we can create power. We can have exactly what we want, no, what we deserve! Tatooine belongs to the jawa, and we are the jawa. I ask your clans to consider my words, and rally behind the banner of Twsited Sand! Please, help us take back our home!">

The crowed was entirly silent for a moment, Viz was unsure how the speech came across, though he did hold out much hope. After all, rebellions were built on hope.

Mae Tecono

 

[Ben Watts]

Ben found himself browsing the various "goods" brought to the Grand Swap. Every year he attended and every year he found something new to add to his ever growing collection back home. A person could find various things brought by the Jawa, they were expert scavengers, and they knew every nook and cranny of Tatooine. For a person who had not left the planet in, oh how long had it been now? Ten or maybe even fifteen years? Had it truly been that long since he had been off world? None the less, the items they found scattered throughout the planet helped him remember what it was like to roam the galaxy. When he had been Jedi Grandmaster and traversed hundreds of planets. Now he had a small little sand hut on the outskirts of the Northern Dune Sea.

It was not an easy life but it was one that he had more than earned for everything he had let happen. He was admiring a brightly colored "jewel" that Ben deduced was a replica of a much more expensive item. The Jawa in front of him was just about to haggle when Ben heard a jet pack roar to life and a smallish figure fly up into the sky. Turning, he put his hands over his eyes to block the sun, and what he saw was quite stunning. A Jawa wearing what appeared to be a Beskar helmet. Now, what a curiosity that was, how did he get his hands on something like that? He was always surprised at the ingenuity of Jawa.

Then came the "Speech". It was unique enough but he had been around long enough to know that all variations of that speech were exactly the same. A dash of oppression, sprinkle on some rebellion, add in a common enemy or in this little ones case a whole litany of them. Combine it all with someone with a bit of charisma and you had yourself the makings of a resistance. But a Jawa recruiting other Jawa to take on the Mandalorians and the crime bosses of Tatooine? Seemed like quite a tall order. No pun intended.

His words, however, did echo true. Ben thought back to a different time when he had sympathized with the Jawa plight. He had once known a young Jawa Jedi who had told Ben all about these things. His heart bled for the transgressions committed against them but what could they do? Not even when Ben had been at the height of his power and controlled the entire might of the Galactic Republic could he have accomplished the very same goal that this young Jawa had set out to accomplish. Well, he could have, but the resulting war would not have been something that he was all that privvy to do. Which, of course, would be the legacy of his rule. An inability to act out of fear of war, which ironically, lead to a huge war. Who saw that coming? Everyone but Ben, apparently.

Stepping forward, Ben spoke in Jawaese, having become quite fluent in it over the years. <"What makes you any different from the countless other people who have taken on the same enemies?"> Ben was not attempting to sow dissent, no, but he found that when questioning the potential head of a rebellion he had to test how committed they were. Painting word pictures was nice but it got a lot of people killed if there was no plan outside of we deserve this and through hope and friendship we can accomplish all! The galaxy was far more unforgiving than that. <"Why should anyone here throw their lives away behind YOUR banner?">

Vizjaw Tanakt Mae Tecono

 

[Vizjaw Tanakt]

Equipment: BR-4 "Baleful Bantha" Blaster Rifle (Primary Weapon), Vizjaw's Beskar-Duster (Armor), Twisted Vambraces (Vambraces)

Many of the jawas at the swap paid close attention to the speech made by Viz, and their reactions to such a speech were better than anticipated. The crowds would whisper amongst themselves as Viz spoke. He could see the pride and passion in the eyes of the masses, but it would be tempered by some degree of worry and uncertainty. He had mentioned that most jawas weren't warriors, and that seemed to be exactly what worried many of them. Other seemed to nod along through the entire speech.

It was true that many organizations had tried to do similar things for their kind in the past, and they had failed. It was an incredibly difficult task, he acknowledged that much. A mysterious individual, a hooded man, would point out such holes in his plan. This guy was no jawa, and while Viz would usually claim he had no say, he actually brought up a good point.

Vizjaw would point directly at the man and explain himself, <"A fair criticism. Those who the jawas of Tatooine supported in the past were different... They assisted us for their own financial or military gain. The CIS, the hutt cartel, they each wanted our wealth, and nothing else. We fight for the jawa, because we are the jawa. We fight, because Tatooine is our birthright. Our banner is one that inspires respect of the jawa people, and shows others that we are not a weak species! Not like they all claim..."> He would notice some of the people in the crowd nodding their heads, but others remained concerned.

Ben Watts Mae Tecono

 

[Siv Dragr]

K A R J R
AFTER THE EVENTS OF THE SPICE MUST FLOW​

BEGGAR'S CANYON, TATOOINE
Tag: Vizjaw Tanakt | Ben Watts | Mae Tecono

Why a desert world scorched year-round by twin suns seemed to be the galaxy's center of criminal activity was beyond Siv Dragr. Tatooine had no valuable natural resources, no strategic position along any trade route, and was such a hellhole to live and work on. Perhaps the latter reason, which had driven off most of galactic civilization for millennia, gave an air of inconspicuity that was attractive to spice cartels and smuggler guilds. Siv didn't really care the reason why, though. All he knew was that it meant more days of his life wasted under Tatooine's twin suns.

Only days ago he'd encountered spice smugglers trying to make the run on the planet, funded by the Hutts thanks to their recent acquisition of Kessel.

But now rumors of something far more sinister were being spread through Mos Espa and Mos Eisely. Whispered conversations talked of a Mandalorian Jawa looking to start a crusade to 'free' Tatooine. Siv didn't know whether or not to take the leads seriously, as they had all the elements of a practical joke rather than actual intel. But when he heard that the annual Great Swap would be happening soon, it warranted investigation. And since he was on-world, and Vren Rook preferred to spend his patrol hours drinking at the Mos Eisely cantina over fieldwork, that task fell to Siv.

A band of disgruntled Jawa's wasn't a threat in it itself, although the aftermarket for spare parts could suffer. But if it gained traction, or more important the attention of the Hutts or Sith, it could be exploited to destabilize the Enclave's control in the sector. Siv himself had established his observation point from a vantage point high in the canyon walls overlooking the Jawa caravans, naturally concealed by rocky precipices. He'd also made sure to place himself well away from the swap so as to further avoid detection. His helmet's rangefinder and some well-placed audiofeed chips gave him perfect audio-visual capabilities from his perch afar.

So far the 'Great Swap' had been uneventful, until a distinctive glint of metal that Siv's eye instantly recognized caught his eye. He had to zoom further in to make out the small figure, but the impossible was true. There was a Jawa dressed in Mandalorian armor. Crudely constructed, but made of beskar nonetheless; Siv knew his people's sacred metal when he saw it. He quickly keyed into the feed nearest, just in time to relay in the squeaks and warbles of the Jawa's speech to the crowd, which judging by their reactions was being well received. Siv's Jawaese was shoddy, but he knew enough words to make out Fight and Home.

Feth. Siv knew Volo Dragr would think he was trying to a pull a prank when he filed the report to Kestri.

 

[Ben Watts]

As much as Ben thought the idea was futile he still held a place in his heart for oppressed people. While most would not even spare the Jawa and their struggles with a second glance, and in all fairness, it was not until Ben had lived among them that he had even considered them intelligent species. Before they had, sadly, been nothing but a lesser being. The guilt he felt for thinking those thoughts was great but it was ultimately the truth. When facing such thoughts it was important to grow and Ben felt as if he had since he had met many a great Jawa since his move here. He had, of course, also met just as many a swindler among them.

<"You will need more than hope and passion to defeat your oppressors."> He could tell the crowd was getting on the mans side so he had to choose his next words wisely so as not to rile the crowd up. He took a few steps forward to separate himself for the crowd and get closer to the main aggressor floating above them. <"With that being said I may be able to offer some assistance."> He was not sure how much he could do but he figured the help and strategy of a man who once lead the Jedi might come in handy when trying to start a rebellion.

Vizjaw Tanakt Siv Dragr Mae Tecono

 

[Mae Tecono]

Mae stood back and tried not to get involved. She was definitely pleased with the Jawas speech as she too had been put down and disregarded for being as small as she was. She had a crew of Zilkin aboard her starfighter, so she definitely had a soft spot for the smaller species of the galaxy. She wanted to step forward and cheer, and offer her assistance, but decided to wait until things developed a bit more before doing so.

Vizjaw Tanakt

 

[Vizjaw Tanakt]

Equipment: BR-4 "Baleful Bantha" Blaster Rifle (Primary Weapon), Vizjaw's Beskar-Duster (Armor), Twisted Vambraces (Vambraces)

To his immense surprise, not only had the jawas of the Grand Swap rallied behind Vizjaw's words, but even some of the humans seemed to be moved by his words. The hooded man was a kind soul, and even offered his assistance in the liberation of their world. The jawa would hardly be able to respond, as he was greatly touched by this human's offer. Rather than jawaese, he would respond in galactic basic "You have a kind heart. Any help we can get is much appreciated." Most jawas couldn't speak any basic, but Viz had mastered a few words and phrases.

Viz would also notice a red haired woman in the crowd, someone who looked like she was enjoying the speech and festivities so far. There was another there as well, the mandalorian watching from afar. Viz could not see him, nor hear him. The jawa was blissfully ignorant of the man's position. He would continue his speech, looking to give some closing remarks, and possibly inspire all the jawas there.

<"See friends! Even the humans among us agree with these words. Our struggle is plain to see, and there is a moral desire to right these wrongs. We must join together in a combined effort to drive out the crime lords, and then the mandalorians! It will not be an easy battle, but when the dust is settled, Tatooine shall be our's once again. We will be respected, and our home will be restored... Now tell me, which clans will stand with me? Who will help us restore Tatooine!?">

Mae Tecono Ben Watts Siv Dragr

 

[Sid Lauron]

Tatooine, Beggar's Canyon
Tags: Vizjaw Tanakt , Mae Tecono , Ben Watts , Siv Dragr ​

The soft jingle of spurs were carried by the wind with each step taken by Sid. The Duros cyborg carried himself in a mysterious manner, the silhouette of his bulbous robotic head against the mirages of the desert surely enough to fill those who may see him with a sense of confusion, perhaps even bewilderment. One might begin to wonder what had brought a bizarre and notably armed man to such a remote location. In truth, it was nothing glamorous. That wasn't Sid's style. In his regular chaotic fashion, the sphere-headed gunslinger had gotten in a fight with a local swoop gang. He didn't actually remember why. Maybe he knocked over one of their bikes. He didn't care much regardless. A gun fight breaks out, Sid shoots several people, the marshal kicks him out of the settlement for getting blood everywhere... A pretty tame day all things considered. Unfortunately, this meant Sid needed to travel to a different settlement to get off-world. It had been several days now.

"Feck," the Duros scowled. "Shoulda' stolen a swoop bike. Mighta' spared me from boredom... Some badlands these are."

Eventually, the scenery did change. As Beggar's Canyon came into view, so did the reassurance that Sid would be out of the sand in no time at all. However, there was something unusual up ahead. Sid's cyborg eye focused in on the canyon ahead, identifying several sand crawlers, more than he had ever seen in one place.

"What in tarnation is going on here?" he asked himself, drawing closer to the crawlers.

It didn't even cross his mind that he may be mistaken for a droid.