New art with a little short story!

This week I am exploring the Outerlands of the Commonwealth. The loosely organized star systems that make up this tabletop setting I am creating. The farther you get from the central worlds, the more lawless things get. All in all, I am loving how all of this turned out. One of the things I am trying is coming up with a story to go with these pieces. I think it will help out a lot in fleshing out the scenes in which these characters occupy. Hope you enjoy! If you like this piece and/or the story, comment below or head on over to my Commissions page to request you own! 

See below for an accompanying short story. 

Sheriff of the Outlands

Ora never wanted to be the law. 

The small settlement of Little Bastion had barely any need for law and order when she was growing up. The most conflict she ever saw were petty disputes over land and property. For that, Little Bastion looked to Ora's father for guidance and moderation of these disputes. For that, he became the defacto "Lawman" of this little Outland town. It was a peaceful life. 

When Ora's father passed, the town looked to her as the clear successor. At first, it seemed like a great gig. Without much happening out in the far reaches of the Commonwealth, being Sheriff was an effortless job that came with a great deal of respect. 

Then reports started coming in from other settlements. 

Joseph's Port was the first settlement to go dark. At first is seemed like a downed transmitter. However, some local traders who came out to Little Bastion confirmed the unthinkable. Joseph's Port wasn't there anymore. The months that followed became more and more worrisome as town after town on the little border planet disappeared. Ora tried to keep the townsfolk from panicking, but even she was scared. 

One dusk, a smoke cloud appeared over the hills to the south of Little Bastion. Taking a speeder out to check it out, Ora saw her worst fears come true. A ship, flying near the ground, was heading right for the town. From this distance, Ora couldn't make out what model of ship it was. One thing she knew for sure, no one on this planet had that kind of tech. Judging by the dust and dirt it was kicking up, it was heading right for Little Bastion. 

​Ora never wanted to be the law. Today, she had no choice...