Trust in the Future
Aristodemus du Couteau, The Young Heir
Location: Kashir
Attire
Location: Kashir
Attire
Arist smiled widely. His trip to Kashir had proved more than enjoyable, and it had opened up a considerable number of possibilities. The planet itself held a fascinating culture or rather, a cultural acceptance of thievery. Laws on the matter were non-existent, and for most, it was a point of pride, a wild place where theft was considered the ultimate form of expression. Arist walked along the market street with a heightened sense of awareness, eager for the possible excitement such a place promised.
His own experience with thievery was lacking in most respects, but in one area he excelled spectacularly: sleight of hand. Arist had spent countless hours perfecting his magic tricks, most centered around deft hand movements, clever distractions, and the occasional burst of minor pyrotechnics. He was certain that no sabacc dealer worth their salt would ever trust a deck Arist had touched after one of his card flourishes.
A small crowd of adults blocked much of the street, forcing Arist to sidestep. As he did, a flicker of unease passed through him. On the other side of the crowd, two older teenagers lingered, watching. Then came the faint brush of movement against his clothing. Arist smoothly quickened his pace with a light skip forward, his hands adjusting the folds of his attire as his eyes flicked to the teenagers, who were already slipping away into the bustle.
He narrowed his eyes and felt along his pockets. He didn’t need physical confirmation to know what had happened, but his suspicion was confirmed when his fingers met empty space where both of his credit chips were gone. Still, he had expected this. Arist was well aware his defenses against skilled thieves were lacking. His lips curled into a lopsided smile, and with a small shrug, he continued down the market street.
The royal palaces here on Kashir are the target, he thought. You’ll make everything back and then some, Arist, believe in yourself.