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But the Kakari have taken to their new home with gusto. The air is thick with the smells of cooking fires, intermingling with the earthy, gritty tones of the Plains. Carts full of mined ores, stone and lumber wheel in and out of the city gates. Children run around through the streets, with their parents hot on their heels. Day workers and laborers swap stories with their elders, hissing in an odd mix of Basic and their own guttural Kakarit tongue.
Many stop to stare you drive along the main thoroughfare – whether or not they’re staring at the speeder, Arotta, or Sings-of-Devouring-Darkness remains a mystery only the Force could solve.
Passing into the heart of the settlement, your eyes are drawn to a trio of cargo haulers that had landed in the market square. Their reactors still hummed with power as their crews worked tirelessly to unload their cargo. Soldiers in the livery of the MSDF had organized a neat queue, their expressions ranging from apprehension to friendly curiosity.
It is an expression reflected back to them by the Kakari. For an overwhelming majority of both parties, it will be their first time meeting a new species. There is an awkwardness that doesn’t quite nearly go away completely, but it pales in comparison to a very palpable sense of goodwill between the two groups.
One by one, the MSDF hand out supplies, foodstuffs and other amenities to the townsfolk, and taking orders for what they hadn’t brought. You spy crates of food, sacks of ferrocrete, and other relatively low-level amenities being given to the thronging crowds. In turn, carts full of ores and stone are loaded onto the transport. It’s trade agreement that overwhelmingly favors the Kakari, but still allows for them to provide and earn their keep on Amagi without feeling like a burden.
“Hearts and minds,” mutters Arotta.
But her expression is complicated. “Something wrong?”
She grimaces. “Not with me or the Kakari.”
“Then what?”
Arotta glances to make sure nobody’s eavesdropping. Then, in a low voice, continues: “You used your connections with the Archon to get the Kakari their own bit of land. And that’s all fine and dandy since you helped the MSDF get their independence. Nobody denying that.”
“…so what’s the problem?”
She sighs, glancing towards the cargo haulers. With the way her brow twitches, you can tell that she’s carefully considering the next words to come out of her mouth. “Nobody’s got a problem with the Kakarit, per se. They’re more than welcome on Amagi. Only thing is that there’s been some…jealousy from the newer arrivals.”
“Jealousy?” You stare, utterly perplexed. Racking your brain doesn’t come up with any immediate reason for anyone to be jealous…but you recall your earlier conversation with Archon Sanada and it hits you like a sucker punch to the gut. “...oh, Force me.”
(cont.)
