Greetings from Er`edal!

A City Open to All

By Vitruvius Bakara

The Spaceworks landing port is barely visible below through the morning fog, as I slowly bring my Delta down and land in the city of Er`edal. My heart is racing with anticipation, as soon I`ll be exploring what local visitors refer to as Shownar`s Pearl. I`ve recently set up an appointment to interview Eshini`el Sandhawk, architect and founder of this project situated within the Torch Nebula sector. Sandhawk has constructed a unique city in an attempt to assist sentients throughout the galaxy, offering free services to anyone who visits. Join us as we take a sneak peek behind the scenes of a flourishing city whose inhabitants embrace all who enter with utmost respect.

As I hop out of my ship, I`m immediately greeted by a protocol droid and escorted to a nearby office within the commercial district, complete with tourist hotels and bustling streets. There I meet Mr. Sandhawk, who welcomes me with a hearty handshake and a kind, humble disposition.

I begin our interview by asking Sandhawk, Perhaps you can tell me a bit about the city and how you were inspired to build it?

Long before the city of Er`edal, during the time when Chamm II, formerly known as Cirrhugrin, was independent, I advertised a hangar and landing pad open to everyone on the planet. Many freelancers used to visit the planet, and I assume that some found it useful, as well as other sentients who needed free access to such facilities. I visited it [in person] after some time, and realized that it had become a success, serving numerous sentients from around the galaxy. After seeing the large quantity of ships docked there, I wanted to provide the visitors with even more facilities.

The idea of constructing a whole city with various types of service facilities soon began to take shape. I began to wonder how such a city could serve even more visitors. A tourist city crossed my mind, but I didn`t have the necessary skills to present it [to the galactic public]. I believe it must have been the Force that led me to find a small village of social innovators on Shownar II. They wanted to live in a different way, removed from the Galactic War at the far end of the Galaxy. It was also around this time that I met the Gand Gannuk Karnikorr, who happens to be the most amazing story teller I`ve ever met.

With Gannuk`s help, it became easy to tell the story and spread the word of Er`edal, a city built on the idea of sharing. As a healer, she also founded the Hospital of the Healing Force in the northern part of the city.

Sandhawk then hops up as a public speeder bus approaches a nearby stop, and insists that we take a tour of the city and absorb what it has to offer. Upon entering the heart of the city, I`m immediately taken aback by the breathtaking architecture. Fine detail can be seen in each and every building, with hand-crafted ornaments and a mix of traditional and contemporary artwork infused into each structure. I`m also amazed at how clean the city is, immaculate in every way, almost glowing in stature. What`s even more surprising is that many visitors walk unarmed. The architect continues his commentary as we walk the streets:

The commercial district houses the most important banks and the trendiest taverns in Er`edal. The Harryn`s Public Commerce Centre is also located in this district, as well as the Queen of Air and Darkness casino, where some of the most popular shows this side of the galaxy take place and where many VIPs spend their nights.

As we proceed through the district we come across a small dwelling bustling with activity. The sign posted above the entrance reads Contarus Diner. Sandhawk leads the way as we enter the business, which reveals a comfortable interior with many sentients enjoying food and drink. The owner, a Toydarian tea trader by the name of Murgo Contarus, is seen conversing with the customers as if they were family. In addition to the diner, Contarus owns a small transportation company that offers free services around the city. We take a booth near the window and make ourselves comfortable. Taking a moment to peer out into the street, we notice a Jawa charging up his droids at a GNK Power Droid. Sandhawk, pointing towards the droids, leans forward and tells me, A new service we`ve been able to offer is free power. He then continues:

Industrial and cultural sectors are commonly visited districts in our city. The Spaceworks landing pad and the Shooting Star hangar are always crowded, as pilots often stop there to tinker with their ships. When the pilots need assistance, they can always check the Gateway workers compound which assists companies and individuals with providing able-bodied workers. Tourists have often been seen checking out the new exhibits in the Main Museum or enjoying a spiritual refreshment in Pan Ashla`s Cathedral.

Sandhawk walks up to the counter and brings back two full plates. He puts one on the table in front of me. Here, try our Sliders, they`re Murgo`s special.

After completing a brief tour of the city, it was amazing to see sentients of all species freely conversing in good spirit. The peaceful environment of Er`edal was in deep contrast to the hustle and bustle of other cities. I never saw a single sentient exchange a credit for services rendered, and everyone seemed pleased to conduct business in this manner.

In the end, I felt proud to see that there was a glimmering ray of hope within the galaxy where everyone seemed to fully support one another with respect and camaraderie with no mention or evidence of politics, racial discrimination, or greed. It is as if the shackles of our typical materialistic society were cast aside in their quest to reach a higher level of serving one another.

This is Vitruvius Bakara, reporting live from Er`edal.