Introduction
The darkness rolled away as the light of dawn pushed back on the horizon. The first morning sun began spreading its rays as it pierced the clouds. The ripples of light spread, as light and dark separated into distinct beams, like fingers griping the clouds, the sun continues to rise. The gray, dances in between the ripple, bending and spreading as the clouds dissipates with the sun's heat.
The colors split as the natural atmosphere acts as a prism, spreading color across the planet's morning. Light from this wonder spreads across the lands. Touched by light, the colors run across the natural features painting a beautiful scene. From afar, a view of a pleasant serene painting only masks the actual darkness that lays below.
In the outer rim, a new day has begun; the back-water world comes alive. Targis-11-99, a failed settlement that has been forgotten, deemed insignificant to the rest of the galaxy after the war. The failure of the empire and unsteadiness of the rebellion's new republic have left this world to fend for itself. Targis's population consists of refugees, aging combatants, smugglers, criminals, and generally anyone looking for a place outside the reach of who so ever is ruling these days.
The ill-equipped protection force patrols the streets, kicking and shoving along what or who was left of the canteen's patrons from the night before. Mostly regulars, of different species trying to make the best, or worst, of their current situation enjoy a drink because it can't get any worse.
At least that's what the sign on the canteen says. Nazaf's Canteen "It can't get any worse." Not sure if the sign means to describe the life and living conditions or a direct reflection on the actual swill that's being peddled. Most of the inhabitants of Targis either farms, or work for the factory that produces most of the basic requirements for its inhabitants or they run salvage missions for profit.
The one working spaceport, a mile away from the canteen usually sees traffic from locals. Traders venture out for neighboring system, to add to their credit stacks, or the salvage crews scrapping what's not tied down. Not many from outside the system have a reason to visit the spaceport. The random ships that passes this system, solely on the fault of a malfunctioning navigation computer or a captain, who's had a little too much corellian ale, usually whizzes by without a second thought.
Most of the tech used comes from salvage. The recent war has left some unclaimed prizes floating around. Easy profits for an enterprising individual with a ship, a crew or what could be recognized as a crew and a whole lot of … well I want to say courage, but it's teetering between ignorance and well, stupidity. What can be said; Targis isn't known to get the pick of the litter. You would be lucky to have an individual who can string along a full sentence in basic.
The one attractive quality, there is flowing water; Targis weather cycle provides more than enough water for its inhabitants, unlike other planets. The down side, there are an abundance of insects like life forms, that have mass populated the world. Its rumored history, Targis was once a young planet populated and balanced, enough prey for predators.
That all changed when outside species attempted to colonize the planet. Mistakes were made which upset the balance of the ecology. The current inhabitants know the two seasons. When it rains and when it does not. Not saying that the local gas giant provides enough sun for a growing season but the distance from the planet does not provide enough radiation to dry up the rain fall, but does provide enough heat to keep liquid water. That brings us to the other season known locally as the bug storm. For the most part it is tolerable because the buildings were designed to be water and almost bug proof. This season has perks as certain species enjoy the freely available snacks?
That said the bug storm has been steadily growing as a source of protein to residents This directly influences the black-market condiments trade making it very profitable. Bugs alone though a good source of nourishment, if you can get past the crunch are a bit under flavored, after you get past the fact that you are eating a bug. Let's be honest it is something you never really get used too. Hence the locals had to get creative. This gave rise to the seasoning trade, eventually enterprising criminals assumed control of this new market.
The local population is very diverse; the war has displaced many across the galaxy. It is a melting pot, more like a hodgepodge of just, well... individuals fleeing from strife. It has worked for the past 5 standard years, a few lessons learned, and adjustments were made. Is it perfect? No, but it's becoming home for many.
The basic life needs are provided by the planet's resources. Everything else is gained by the meager trade, or gained from salvage, and like everywhere else in the galaxy through the black market. Targis is no stranger to organized crime. It is a locally known fact, or more local legend, that it was first discovered by "pioneers". In other words, pioneers loosely translate to scoundrels, pirates, thieves, you get the idea.
The story states that pair of "Pioneers" was venturing to the outer rim rapidly and dropped out of hyperspace looking for a new area to store and their goods. Someplace where their competition would not be able to locate, hence allowing them to corner the market and also reap the benefits of the local workforce. They jump-started the local economy with the rise of trade and increased the population by inviting enterprising individuals.
The reality is, they were pirates running from the empire, dropped out of hyperspace, hid on the planet with their stolen goods, brought more like-minded individuals that destroyed and exploited the resources. There was no local government or police force to stand in their way. The local population was powerless to stop them. The trees and wildlife were destroyed by over-harvesting for raw materials and food.
After over exploitation, and an increased refugee, the pirates decided to take advantage of the new comers, setting up scams to relieve the new arrivals of their stores. The local gangsters became the politicians, to help legitimize their claims. A truce was settled as the criminals now created and controlled the law. Lawlessness and violence are still a way of life. The facade of a government and police force was established, as each of the new government official's aka pirates, gangsters had themselves carved up the planet into territories.
The citizens of this backwater world did not have much to say as to how things operated. Settlements were setup to act as communities with protection, or safe havens. The reality was they were setup to give a false sense of protection as the local officials, who would control all aspects of communications, trade, shelter, and food. Any attempt to challenge authority was dealt with swiftly, death was a well-known result. Everything belonged to the community, and the community belonged to the gangster ergo. local government officials.
There was however, certain individuals that operated outside of the established centers of law. Carving themselves their own path. Not an easy thing to do but, if you have enough will, guts or moxie, it can be done.