Author's note: I know this chapter took longer than the others and for that, I sincerely apologize. My main goal for this story is to have quality first and foremost and as such I may not be able to fulfill my other goal to have two chapters released a month. I wanted to also take a chance to give an announcement for my current followers and anyone giving this their time, I have gone back to add the good ole SW intro crawls to each chapter both to give some context to each chapter and because I felt like it was quite the missed opportunity. It doesn't change much with the narrative but it's a good reason to give each chapter a look, it also gives readers a good idea of what is going on. With that being said, I hope you enjoy this chapter. More is to come! May the force be with you, always!
On the road, after a restive stay at Senth's farm and with newly regained strength, both Jedi Master Kyle Katarn and Polina are on their way to the nearest city within the treacherous planet of Ord Mantell. As Kyle and Polina continue their travels, the Jedi Master finds himself in deep thought, considering the state of the galaxy and what to do next with the newfound truths...
As the water flowed freely, a chorus of creatures called out and the gentle, cool breeze brushed against Kyle's face for a brief moment while he sat beside the flowing river. Amidst this tranquil and serene setting, the Jedi's mind was filled with a tumultuous mix of thoughts. The New Republic lay in ruins, the Jedi Order had been fractured or possibly eradicated entirely, and he found himself on a familiar yet altered planet.
Kyle struggled to make sense of it all, a confirmation of Polina's accounts he had previously doubted due to her years of isolation on Jakku. It felt as if he were a man lost in time, unsure of what had transpired, how much time had passed, or if he was trapped in a never-ending nightmare.
"What guidance would Luke offer at this moment?" he pondered.
"Perhaps he'd say something like, 'You must have faith in the Force, Kyle,' or deliver a sermon," he replied to himself with a sardonic tone, a subtle dig at Luke Skywalker.
Although his ailing connection to the Force had improved, every attempt to glimpse the greater aspects of the Force yielded emptiness and faint, untraceable echoes. The Force wasn't proving to be a reliable guide at this moment.
"Well, that's disappointing," Kyle murmured, gazing at the river's unceasing flow, uncertain of his next move. Ord Mantell City seemed to be the best option, even though it wasn't a place he wished to linger in for long. Worlport was more distant, requiring several days of travel, a luxury he couldn't afford.
Taking a deep breath, Kyle fought to maintain his composure, even as the uncertainty of his situation threatened to engulf him. He had to remind himself that, despite past moments of hopelessness, he and his allies had always prevailed. But in this place, he lacked allies and friends, and an overwhelming sense of solitude hung over him.
"Hey, I filled these up!" a voice interrupted Kyle's contemplation of Ord Mantell, and he turned to see Polina approaching with two metal canteens.
"I still can't believe there's so much water," she remarked with a mix of excitement and skepticism, her years on Jakku having left her unfamiliar with such abundance of water.
"You spent your entire life on Jakku?" Kyle inquired.
Polina paused for a moment, her gaze fixed on one of the canteens, her expression shifting from melancholy to a genuine smile as she remembered her past.
"I remember a different life, somewhere else," she began, "but it's all so blurry. All I know is that we crashed on that planet, and we've been stuck there ever since."
Kyle raised an eyebrow in surprise as he listened to her, asking, "Your parents?"
"I never knew them," Polina replied dispassionately, indicating her reluctance to delve into her memories of them.
Polina raised her canteen to her lips, ready to drink from the river.
"Hold on a second!" Kyle exclaimed, reaching out with the Force and swiftly snatching the canteen from her grasp. Polina's reaction wasn't one of annoyance or anger but rather astonishment. Kyle reached into his belt and retrieved a small device from one of its pockets.
"Always make sure to check the safety of the water," he explained, demonstrating a device no larger than his hand. He took a drop of water from the canteen and placed it on a flat glass surface on the device. Polina watched with keen interest as the device's screen turned yellow, displaying some text.
"Yep, the water has a high level of bacteria and a dense population of morsik," Kyle declared, wiping the water off the scanner and returning it to his belt.
Polina gazed at him with wide eyes. "What was that thing?" she asked.
"A diagnostic screener, it analyzes material both organic and inorganic and can give a rough readout of their data or molecular makeup," Kyle replied casually, while reaching into his pocket once more. He noticed Polina's bewildered expression.
"Basically, it tells you what's wrong with things," he said, pulling out a slim cylindrical device with a white body and a blue cap on top.
"And what's that thing?" Polina inquired again.
"Just watch, kid," Kyle instructed. He removed the blue cap with a deft motion of his finger and dropped a white tablet into the canteen. He did the same for his own. Within moments, a foam began to form on the water's surface, accompanied by rising steam. Polina watched the process with fascination.
"These are water purifiers," Kyle explained as he then sipped from his canteen. Polina did the same though she rapidly chugged on her own, almost finishing half of it.
"Don't drink it too quickly," Kyle cautioned. "I only a few more tablets left."
"Sorry, mister J—" she began but corrected herself, "Kyle."
Chuckling softly, Kyle gazed out at the forested green hills of Ord Mantell, his view obscured by the undulating landscape. He estimated that they had a few more hours of daylight left, and they needed to continue their journey. He wasn't certain how far it was to Ord Mantell City, but he hoped that once they crested the hill ahead, they would have a better view.
Closing his canteen and securing it to his backpack, Kyle stood up, stretching his arms as he attempted to regain focus.
As they prepared to resume their journey, Kyle noticed Polina gazing at the flowing river with a distant look. She stood silently, her canteen in hand. "Kid, we need to keep moving," Kyle urged, walking over to her and gently tapping her on the shoulder. She looked up at him with a curious expression.
"What if you can't find anymore?" she asked, "What if you're the last Jedi left?"
Kyle paused, gazing at her incredulously before offering a reassuring smile as he knelt down to her level.
"Polina, being a Jedi isn't just about using the Force or wielding a lightsaber," Kyle began. Polina looked at him, puzzled but attentive. "It's about living by certain principles, like rules, you could say. These principles guide us to protect the innocent, help those in need, show compassion, be brave, and be what the galaxy needs – a defender of peace. As long as people uphold those ideals, calling themselves Jedi or not, then there will always be good in the Galaxy. I may be the last Jedi for all I know, but our spirit and message will never fade even if we do."
Polina's confused expression gradually transformed into one of understanding as she hung on Kyle's words. "So, if I do those things, if I protect the innocent and do good, could I also become... a Jedi?" Polina's eyes lit up with hope as she posed the question.
Kyle regarded her with a thoughtful expression. "From a certain perspective, yes, anyone can be a Jedi." He stood up, towering over Polina, and continued, speaking with sincerity. "But to be a true Jedi, you need training, an understanding of the Force, and a commitment to those guiding principles. It's not an easy path." Despite the seriousness of his words, Polina's smile remained intact.
"I want to learn, I want to be like you!" Polina declared with confidence. Kyle pursed his lips and studied Polina closely. He knew the complexities of being a teacher, with both successes and failures in his past. He recalled Rosh's fall to the dark side and Jaden's resilience against it. Luke had taught him that instructing wasn't straightforward, but learning from failure was crucial. He also knew that he needed a way to keep the girl focused, at least until he could find her a safe place.
"Alright, kid, it won't be a walk in the park. Are you sure you're up for it?" Kyle asked, although he already knew the answer.
Polina responded with a puzzled look, "A walk where?" Kyle let out a sigh but then chuckled. "Never mind about that."
He crossed his arms and emphasized the commitment needed. "I'll teach you what I can, but you must be prepared. It might take years, but if you work hard, you can become a great Jedi. I'll do my best to help you along the way."
Polina's eyes sparkled with excitement, her chin held high as if she was ready for her first lesson. Kyle smiled as he considered what to teach her first. "Come over here," he gestured as they moved closer to the river's edge. Kyle asked, "Lesson one – tell me, what do you see?"
Polina observed the water and the green surroundings. "A lot of water, lots of green, and that's about it."
Kyle acknowledged her observations. "That's what you see, but now tell me, what do you feel, what's around you?" Polina tried to sense her surroundings, feeling the cool breeze, hearing distant animal sounds, and the constant flow of the water. But she struggled to grasp anything beyond that.
"Just a bunch of noise, I don't get it. What's the point?" Polina's impatience was typical of a new student.
As Kyle approached the river, he explained, "What I feel is not just the river's flow, but the energy within it, the various life forms residing there, each with its place and pulsating spark." Kyle knelt down once again on the stony riverbank, rearranging a few stones to reveal a small flat insect crawling across the muddy terrain. Polina watched in wonder.
"Every living creature has its place, and we have our place too. We're all part of the natural cycle of the Force, where we find beauty," Kyle elaborated. Together, they observed as the insect ventured into the water, only to become prey to a lizard-like creature lurking in the underwater growth. Polina squirmed, feeling sympathy for the little critter, while Kyle remained unfazed.
"We also encounter death, a natural part of life. Without it, there's no life, and without life, there's no death and beyond. It's a cycle we maintain, ensuring balance in the Force." Kyle rose once more, his gaze shifting to Polina. "In the world, there's both good and evil, light and darkness. If we were to try to control this river, to save the insect from being eaten, we'd disrupt the cycle. The lizard would starve, the insects would overpopulate, and life would ultimately suffer. The Force would be unbalanced, leading to dire consequences."
Polina contemplated Kyle's words and asked, "Like what?" Kyle recalled various examples but chose a simple one to avoid overwhelming her. "I knew someone who believed they could use the darkness for good. It granted them power but corrupted their mind, almost leading them to kill my friend." Though he left much unsaid, his eyes conveyed the unspoken truths unknown to Polina.
"In the end, they returned to the path of light. But such temptations can affect even the best of us, Polina. The dark side provides power when you indulge in your darkest impulses – selfishness, greed, anger," Kyle said, gazing at the river. "But it twists you, and you may come to regret it. But it's never too late to choose the path of redemption. What matters is what's in here." He pointed to Polina's chest, emphasizing the importance of one's heart. Polina looked at her chest and then back at Kyle, struggling to fully grasp everything but sensing its significance. At that moment, she knew that Kyle was a genuine Jedi, a man with wisdom and experience.
"That's it for today's lesson. I'll teach you more later. Just stay close and don't gulp down all your water, alright?" Polina responded with enthusiasm, "Sure thing, master!"
"It's still Kyle, kid" he insisted. He hadn't quite gotten used to formal titles.
"Alright, Kyle," Polina agreed with a bounce in her step, moving a bit ahead of Kyle. He stole one last look at the river, taking in a deep breath, fully aware that many challenges still lay ahead. He had plenty of questions for Polina, but this lesson would help her maintain focus for now. The good thing was she seemed ready to listen to him, at least for the time being.
"Let's go, Kyle!" Polina cheered as she waved for him to follow. With a smile, the Jedi Master kept close behind. They trekked up the dirt road, ascending to the crest of the hill. At the top, they were greeted by the sight of towering structures and an array of ships bustling in what Kyle assumed was Ord Mantell City. While Polina felt like they'd been walking forever, Kyle hoped to find reliable transportation and, with luck, any remaining Jedi.
Kyle still had his doubts about Polina—whether she'd heed his guidance and if venturing into the city was a wise decision. He recalled Senth's warnings. Suddenly, Kyle addressed Polina with authority, "Polina, when we get there, stay close to me." She looked at him with confusion but nodded, her smile still in place.
"I mean it, kid. Anything could go wrong, and I need you to follow my lead, got it?" Kyle added firmly, his tone reflecting a newfound sense of authority. Polina swiftly picked up on her master's shift in demeanor, lowered her gaze, and replied promptly, "Yes, ma—Kyle..."
Kyle didn't relish giving orders, but he understood the necessity of safeguarding the young girl, especially as they ventured into potentially hazardous territory. With that in mind, he knew he had to conceal his lightsaber, hiding his true nature—a lesson he'd learned all too well.
The labyrinthine streets of Ord Mantell City pulsed with an eerie vitality, as if harboring secrets and dangers too wicked to fathom. Market stalls lined the cobblestone walkways, their wares illuminated by flickering neon signs, and an exotic parade of beings from every corner of the galaxy swarmed like a carnivorous hive. Yet, lurking in the shadowy corners and concealed alleyways, an assortment of ne'er-do-wells and malevolent figures slithered like serpents, waiting to pounce upon hapless prey.
The galaxy teemed with predators, those who would strike without remorse as soon as you turned your back. Polina knew this well, and she shadowed Kyle like a specter, her gaze never straying from his form. Her senses tingled with unease.
For Kyle Katarn, this dystopian tableau was all too familiar. He had trod the treacherous paths of Nar Shaddaa, navigated the perilous streets of Corellia, and delved into countless other cesspools of the Galaxy's darkest facets. The menacing glares from brutish Trandoshans, cunning Weequays, and a slew of other alien miscreants failed to even register on his battle-hardened psyche. With a resolute stride, he moved through the heart of Ord Mantell City, Polina clinging to his side like a lifeline, her anxiety palpable. They had barely crossed the threshold into this unforgiving city, and already the weight of countless unseen gazes bore down upon them, an unsettling prelude to the impending danger that loomed like a shadow over their every step.
"Get yourself some Jogan fruit, fresh from off-world," the raspy, bird-like voice of an Ishi Tib trader pierced through the bustling crowd, his bony fingers brandishing a round, purple fruit adorned with intricate white patterns. Polina's gaze fixated on this exotic sight, an enigma to her untraveled eyes. The vendor noticed the child's wonder and locked eyes with her.
"Astromechs, new stock!" bellowed a deep, guttural voice, belonging to a bulky Abednedo alien. Polina was well-acquainted with such figures from her days on Jakku, but to Kyle, they remained intriguing anomalies, inviting his probing curiosity.
"You there, young one! Delectable Mantell mix, fresh from the ovens!" called out the Ishi Tib trader, relinquishing the tantalizing fruit to reveal a pair of bags containing multicolored, bumpy spheres that captured Polina's fascination. She tugged on Kyle's hand, her youthful excitement evident.
"Kyle, Kyle, they're giving out that!" Polina's voice brimmed with enthusiasm. The Jedi promptly retracted her, his response curt.
"Perhaps another time," he addressed the vendor, who dismissed them with a disdainful snort. Polina's disappointment was palpable.
"They're not 'giving it out,'" Kyle grumbled with a trace of annoyance. "They're trying to empty our pockets, and I doubt they'd appreciate the New Republic credits I'm carrying." His reference to his currency did little to alleviate Polina's hunger pangs.
She remained silent, her gaze lowered, wrestling with her predicament. The pair had wandered for what felt like an eternity, surrounded by an abundance of tantalizing food stalls, none of which she could sample. It hardly seemed fair.
Kyle, meanwhile, doggedly pursued his goal, scouring the streets for any sign of Jedi or an energy resonance akin to the Force. The sprawling city offered no solace; its inhabitants were equally reluctant to offer assistance.
"Excuse me, do you know where I c—" Kyle's efforts to seek directions were met with indifference, the passersby ignoring his queries. He persevered, "Have you any idea where th—" Once more, his attempts fell on deaf ears.
He sighed in frustration, a sense of foreboding overtaking him. He glanced at Polina, her uncertainty mirrored in her eyes. With an awkward smile, he attempted once more to connect with the Force, yet found only emptiness.
"We'll find something, don't worry," Kyle reassured, though his own conviction wavered.
Suddenly, a youthful voice called out from behind, tapping Kyle's opposite shoulder. "Hey mister, looking for directions?" asked a young human boy, his attire modest, with a brown vest and a blue cap. Kyle regarded him with a stern expression, arms crossed.
"Depends. Are you charging for directions?" he inquired incredulously.
The boy smiled, "You could say that. I can give you directions for 10 credits, and I can even be your personal guide for a little extra." His gaze shifted to Polina, who cowered behind Kyle, peeking at him timidly.
"A young entrepreneur, I respect that. I don't have many credits, but I got some items of value that would fetch a fair price. Surely, they'll be worth more than 10 credits," Kyle responded, still unimpressed.
"Sorry, mister, we only accept credits," the boy replied.
As the boy and Kyle continued their negotiation, Polina clung tightly to her mentor. She observed the various signs and vendors around them, then cast a wistful look toward the Mantell mix trader. Her belly rumbled, and the hunger weighed on her, a constant reminder of her privations on Jakku. She didn't want to keep hunger at bay any longer, but she also didn't want to disappoint her Jedi master.
"Hey, you there," a voice beckoned her.
Polina searched the clamorous surroundings in confusion, the cacophony of the crowd making it difficult to pinpoint the source.
"Over here!" the voice called out again. This time, a taller boy with fair skin and curly red hair appeared, wearing a plain white shirt with an orange vest. His clear blue eyes fascinated Polina, who had never encountered such pristine features.
"I heard you need directions. I can get you wherever you want to go for free. Just follow me!" the boy said with a confident smile, gesturing for Polina to join him. Uncertain, Polina hesitated. She remained by Kyle's side, but her stomach's insistence grew louder, causing her to clutch it and groan.
The boy noticed her distress and revealed a small bag from his belt, opening it to reveal the same multicolored spheres she had found so enticing. "Mantell mix, want some?" he offered. Polina couldn't resist any longer. She let go of Kyle and reached out to take the bag. She eagerly plucked a sphere and savored it, savoring its crunchy texture and sweet taste, her face lighting up with delight.
"I have more, but you need to follow me. I can take you to your destination afterward. How does that sound?" the boy proposed, still wearing a friendly smile as he extended his hand to Polina. She glanced at the Mantell mix, then at the boy's hand, and finally back at Kyle.
"I really shouldn't. I have to stick with—" Before Polina could finish her sentence, the boy grabbed her hand and pulled her away, guiding her into the maze of the streets.
"Hey, what are you—" Polina began, but the boy quickly interrupted.
"Relax, we'll get some more and return to your dad without any problems," he reassured as he raced through the crowd with ease.
Meanwhile, Kyle reached an impasse with the boy he had been negotiating with, who remained obstinate about accepting only credits. "You hear that, Polina? Everything in our—" As Kyle looked down to speak to Polina, he realized she had vanished completely. Panic coursed through him, his every sense sharpening.
"See ya, mister!" the boy in the blue cap taunted with a laugh as he dashed past Kyle. Enraged, the Jedi sprinted after him, navigating the bustling streets as he shoved aside anyone in his path.
The chase was on, and the boy proved swifter than Kyle had anticipated. They darted through crowded intersections, bypassing vendors and shops, leaving surprised onlookers in their wake.
Meanwhile, Polina clung to the red-headed boy as he led her farther than she had expected. Fear gripped her as she realized they were venturing too deep. She called out, "Wait, I need to—" Her words were cut short as the boy tightened his grip, causing her pain.
"Ouch, stop, Kyle!" she protested as she was forcibly pulled into the darkened alleyway.
Kyle, in relentless pursuit, closed in on the blue-capped boy. The kid seemed taken aback by the Jedi's determination, unaccustomed to such tenacity from his previous victims. With a sudden burst of energy, he pushed toward an alleyway, hoping to elude the relentless stranger.
But Kyle had reached the limit of his patience. He reached out with the Force, and just as the boy was about to slip into the alley, he was abruptly yanked back, as though caught on an unseen obstacle. He fell to the ground, his body wracked with pain.
The boy struggled to rise, only to find the imposing shadow of his pursuer looming above him. Kyle effortlessly seized the boy's arm and lifted him up, paying little heed to the boy's futile resistance.
"Let me go, let me go!" the boy squirmed, but Kyle held him firmly.
"Where did you take her?" Kyle demanded, his voice growing louder, drawing the attention of passersby, though most continued on their way.
"If I tell you, will you let me go?" the boy stammered, fear flickering in his eyes.
Kyle maintained his stern expression, his patience waning. "You don't want to test me, kid. Tell me where she is."
"The name's Alexbre, mister. I don't know... Fleck is the one who takes them. I was just supposed to distract you."
"Takes them where?" Kyle's voice was firm, his scowl deepening. His eyes bore into the boy, who cast fearful glances around.
"Hey, anyone, please help!" the boy raised his voice. "Anyone, pl—" Suddenly, a whooshing sound cut through the air, and a brilliant blue light materialized inches from the boy's face, startling him into silence.
"Let's try this again," Kyle said in a grave tone.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Ord Mantell City's nocturnal underworld laid claim to the streets. Blinding lights draped every corner of the main thoroughfares, casting long, dark shadows in the alleyways. These labyrinthine passages concealed treacherous hazards and witnessed the unfolding of countless illicit dealings. The Dusking alleyway, colloquially known by the city's riffraff, held a notorious reputation as one of the last places to catch a glimpse of the fading sun's bluish rays, a solitary gleam from the Bright Jewel ornamenting the alley's dead-end. From afar, the clustered structures stood as silent sentinels, bearing witness to the activities of Fleck and his compatriots, all belonging to the notorious gang known as Goro's Hand.
The gang members occupied various niches within the Dusking's dark embrace. After a day of thieving, extortion, and general misdeeds, it was now their time to unwind, basking in the dwindling sunlight. Among the assembled criminals, Fleck, one of the younger members, sat with his back against a towering, decrepit metal generator, fiddling with a bolt as he anxiously awaited his partner in crime.
"He should've been back by now," Fleck muttered, voicing his impatience to the disinterested junk surrounding him.
"Relax," came the muffled voice of a masked, older member of the gang, emerging from his makeshift seat, fashioned from scavenged ship parts and discarded machinery.
"You know how he is, probably got sidetracked picking pockets of some other unsuspecting mark," he chuckled before resuming his seat.
"Maybe, but he doesn't usually take this long, Deng... we could have secured a hefty ransom by now," Fleck grumbled, tossing the discarded bolt aside.
"Nah, I doubt Goro will bother with a ransom. There's word of a Zygerian slave trader offering good credits for our catch. He'll probably go that route," the masked Deng replied, his tone casual.
"Well, I still want my cut," Fleck insisted, crossing his arms in frustration. Suddenly, his attention was captured by a silhouette approaching the alley in the distance. His expression shifted from a hopeful smile to one of confusion as the figure drew closer, revealing a bearded man in a white shirt, brown vest, dark blue pants, and a holstered blaster pistol. He was nonchalantly escorting none other than Alexbre, the missing partner in their criminal endeavor.
"What the kriff?!" Fleck gasped in shock as he beheld the sight. Deng was similarly taken aback as he noticed the commotion, his makeshift chair clattering against the debris, drawing the attention of the other criminals nearby.
The stranger's deliberate steps carried him closer to the chaotic scene. He firmly held Alexbre by the back of his shirt, displaying a detachment that bordered on audacity. Deng, a blaster now drawn, and his fellow gang members, armed with a motley assortment of blasters and makeshift weapons, prepared for an encounter.
"That's close enough," Deng warned, forcing the stranger to halt, his grip still firmly fastened to Alexbre.
"Now, mister, you seem a bit lost or perhaps not quite in your right mind. How about you release the kid and walk away? Place the blaster on the ground, along with your bag, while you're at it," Deng demanded, his blaster aimed with lethal intent. "This is Goro's Hand territory."
The stranger offered no immediate response. He maintained a cool composure, seemingly scrutinizing the masked criminal and his cohort. Fleck, growing increasingly uneasy, soon realized the man's identity; he was the same person from whom he and Alexbre had stolen their latest haul. Anxiety welled within him as he inched away slowly, trying to distance himself from the impending confrontation.
"I don't care about whatever shady dealings you've got going on," the man finally spoke, his expression unwavering. "But this young one here, along with another named Fleck, kidnapped a child I'm responsible for. I'm here to propose an exchange."
Deng's blaster remained unwavering, aimed squarely at the stranger. "I don't know what you're talking about, mister," he retorted, voice dripping with menace. "But if you're not gone from our turf by the time I count to three, we'll turn you into a pincushion. How's that for an exchange?"
The stranger remained undaunted. "I'd strongly advise against that, friend..."
Deng and his fellow gang members erupted in laughter at the stranger's audacity, finding his demands and threats both amusing and preposterous. How could an outsider dare to challenge Goro's Hand?
"We'll just blast you away then," Deng sneered, readying his blaster with menacing intent.
"Wait, please, Deng, hold on!" Alexbree's trembling voice pleaded as the stranger maintained his grip. Deng and the others hesitated briefly, Deng offering the scared boy some scant reassurance.
"Don't worry, we'll deal with him first," Deng chuckled, echoing the mirth of his fellow thugs. Fleck and Alexbree exchanged fearful glances, their hope dwindling.
The stranger seemed unfazed by the gang's threats, Alexbre for his part continued to express panic as the situation escalated. His captor's blue blade had etched vivid terror into the young criminal's mind.
"He's a-" Alexbre struggled to find the right words.
"What are you waiting for, Al? Speak up," Deng pressed impatiently.
"One of those guys the boss used to work with, with the light swords!" Alexbree finally blurted out, the revelation drawing surprised and worried glances from Deng, Fleck, and their compatriots.
"I've got a bad feeling about this," Fleck muttered with a gulp, a sentiment shared by those around him.
"Shut up, Fleck!" Deng snapped as he kept his blaster trained on the unyielding stranger.
The stranger's gaze shifted toward Fleck, a smug grin tugging at his lips, as if he had stumbled upon a priceless treasure.
"You can have my share; I'm out of here!" Fleck exclaimed, making a desperate dash back into the alley, heading toward a sliding door near the dead end. But just as he took his first steps, he felt a powerful unseen force seize his neck and drag him to the ground. Astonishingly, it was not the gang members who restrained him but the stranger, using the Force to control Fleck's movements. The gang made a feeble attempt to rescue their comrade, blasters aimed, but their resolve wavered as they faced a formidable opponent.
Fleck lay sprawled at the stranger's feet, panic etched across his face. He opened his eyes to meet the man's piercing stare, the same man they had attempted to deceive and swindle.
"Wait, wait!" Fleck pleaded, clutching himself in a defensive posture while still on the ground. "I know where she is. Goro has her. They're going to sell her to a Zygerian or something!" He spilled the truth, desperate to avoid the stranger's wrath.
The stranger chuckled at the spectacle before him, then turned his gaze to Deng.
"It appears you're down two now. My offer still stands, at least until my patience wears thin," he declared with unwavering confidence.
Deng gritted his teeth, sweat trickling down his brow beneath his stifling mask. He clung to his blaster, hand trembling, torn between confronting the stranger and the potential peril Goro might unleash. A showdown with this enigmatic figure was far from a guaranteed victory.
"Look, whatever your name is, I go—" Deng began to speak, but the stranger interrupted.
"It's Kyle," he offered.
"What?" Deng replied, bewildered.
"Name's Kyle," the stranger reiterated.
Deng weighed his options, sweat glistening on his forehead, his grip on the blaster tightening. The tension thickened as it became evident that a confrontation was imminent.
"If you want to play it that way, then..." Kyle began, his hand inching toward his holstered weapon.
Deng's grip on his blaster grew firmer, and he contemplated seizing the moment and shooting Kyle, despite the stranger's inexplicable abilities. Yet the knowledge of Kyle's true identity loomed, preventing him from taking rash action.
"Stop!"
The sudden, commanding voice disrupted the mounting tension. A figure emerged from the open sliding door, silencing the gang members and the approaching confrontation. This slender figure, bald-headed and with slender pointed ears, featured distinctive patterns on its head and face. With a patterned cross running from the top of the head to the right eye, it was unmistakably a Sakiyan.
"I assume you must be Goro?" Kyle inquired, his hand still hovering near his holstered blaster.
The Sakiyan offered no immediate response as it descended a ramp to join the confrontation. Adorned in a dark red long jacket and a collar with an intriguing device, the figure displayed a commanding presence. Its measured steps, intricate patterns, and distinctive gait spoke of authority. It surveyed its men, then, finally, stopped beside Deng, hands in pockets, and cast a critical eye over Kyle.
"You assume correctly, I am Goro," the Sakiyan confirmed, enunciating the R's in its thick accent. "And you are..."
"Kyle," Goro completed the introduction, a note of curiosity coloring his words.
Goro studied Kyle, appraising him from head to toe, sparing only a cursory glance for the two terrified gang members, Fleck and Alexbree, who had sought refuge in their midst.
"What do you seek, Kyle?" Goro inquired, his tone revealing his intrigue.
Kyle maintained his unyielding demeanor, extending his proposal. "The girl you're holding is not yours to sell to a Zygerian slaver. I'm willing to return your two ruffians here, and you bring the girl out. We can part ways amicably; I have no intentions of lingering on this planet for long. After this, you'll never see us again. How does that sound?"
Goro raised an eyebrow, frowning with bemusement. He regarded Deng, who met the boss's gaze with a mixture of apprehension and determination, his blaster still raised. Goro pondered his options, aware that Kyle held potential and powers that the gang did not possess. He then gave Deng and by extension his other men a calm gesture to lower their blasters, they did so.
"I couldn't care less about these two," Goro declared, his gaze returning to Kyle. "They're nothing more than two street sleemo's I keep for easy pickings. You, on the other hand, pose a significant problem for my business, and I can't allow that."
Kyle sighed, his hand still hovering near his holster, his unease growing. He probed the Force for any hint of danger but found only elusive fragments yet again.
"However, I also recognize a profitable opportunity when I see one," Goro continued, a hint of craftiness in his eyes. "To avoid troubles that could cost me dearly and to seal a mutually beneficial deal. Tell me, Kyle, will we cease these childish games and engage in a truly profitable arrangement? I can return your girl and add a little extra, provided you're not afraid to perform a simple task, as I know your kind does."
Kyle displayed a hint of confusion before assuming a more calculating expression. He felt a gnawing uneasiness but was no stranger to such dealings. He contemplated his options, recognizing that these individuals possessed more information than they he did, yet they also were not aware of his own lack of much knowledge of this planet and even this galaxy. He acknowledged the potential for manipulation, even as the ominous cloud of uncertainty loomed. Goro had a menacing presence, but Kyle was not one to back down easily.
"Lead the way," Kyle finally replied, the balance of power hanging precariously in the now dimly lit alley.