Faction New Kids On The Block (The Sith Order)

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Korriban
Kor’ethyr Academy
General Student Common Room ​

With an academy as expansive and unusual as Kor'ethyr, there were several dedicated places that students could gather in order to study or socialize when studies had been exhausted for the day. Naamino was not so much a creature of routine as he was one who studied the routines of others, and so in the passing weeks he'd slowly built a mental framework for where his known allies and the few he considered companions were likely to frequent.

The zabrak had just finished a late lunch after intensive combat practice lead by Darth Thaliax that morning. He made his way purposefully to one of the more general and popular common rooms for first years or new initiates. Naami was animated with a rare excited energy that lent a spring to his stride. Staff sent out an announcement to all student data pads that a school wide event was happening soon, a big race mere days away!

So he made his way to where he was certain he could find someone to talk with about it. His thoughts whirled at the prospect of being able to finally get into the pilot's seat in a more real world environment. Simulators were great and all, the practice he'd gotten with some of the training nav equipment on campus was awesome, but he wanted to experience the real deal. He hadn't tried to press the issue with teachers before, understanding that he had a long way to go before he could be independently trusted with advanced military equipment. So this was an opportunity he would not be passing up.

Naami strode through the door of the common room and quickly scanned the room. Stern expression softening imperceptibly as he found someone he recognized. Always cautious, regardless of the circumstance, the boy slowed a bit to further compose himself and so he could possibly get a read on her mood. The zabrak made his way to a desk diagonal to hers and pulled out a chair for himself, cool blue eyes scanning her before he decided to sit down.

" Leshanna " He greeted calmly, making a good effort to stay neutral and not let on that he'd approached her with a motive or enough bottled up eager excitement to power a saber.

Tags:
Open to Sith Students​

 

[Leshanna]

​

Leshanna was seated at a desk within one of the common rooms for initiates and first years, dressed in the robes that marked her as an initiate - her jet black hair pulled back into a braided bun at the back of her head. Her student datapad lay before her on the table; she had been doing some required reading when an official Academy announcement had been pushed into her notifications. Upon opening the document, she read that a school wide event would be taking place in the near future: a race and a big feast!

A frown creased the girl’s forehead; she wasn’t entirely sure if participation in the race was a requirement - like how her initiation trial had been - or if it was something she could sit out or cheer on from the sidelines. She was excited about the prospect of a feast, however. Lesh loved food, especially the food served at Kor’ethyr.

Movement near her table caught her attention, and she looked over to the desk situated diagonally from her to see a rather familiar figure - the Zabrak boy she had dueled in her trials - taking a seat. She caught his cool gaze upon her, and she gave him a smile as he greeted her.

“Hey, Naamino Zuukamano .” Lesh replied in a neutral but friendly voice as her eyes flickered around the rest of the common room, expecting to see his group of friends, but so far saw no one else. “...uhh, what brings you over? I'm surprised you aren't like...training or hanging out with your friends.” she said somewhat quizzically, as if surprised that he would come and sit and talk to her.

TAGS: Open!

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Naamino Zuukamano Leshanna

[ obligatory post theme ]​

Naami's training courses were proving to be a welcome respite.

Not that the young Cathar objected to the fact that the Iridonian boy seemed to want to hang out, but the cat had a problem doing much of anything other than getting mesmerized by a pair of blue eyes and agreeing to whatever Naami was saying -- which he was probably not entirely listening to either. Case in point: He was apparently navigating for the Zabrak as part of some race.

Why was he in a race exactly? Just what was the point of proving one could fly in circles faster than other Sith could fly in circles? The entire spectacle had let's entertain the Sith Lords for their amusement written all over it. It was beyond moronic. The youth had pretty much deleted the announcement as soon as he'd received it, planning instead to study for his next language exam.

But then Naami had been practically animated about it and, next thing he knew, the cat was somehow along for the ride.

Whatever this thing was with Naami, he really needed to get it under control before the Iridonian was the death of him. Was puberty a leading cause of death among acolytes? Statistically, probably not. It was hard to compete with getting fed to dangerous animals, but still. It was probably a risk that he needed to get sorted and then under control.

With that thought in mind, the Cathar had a personal research project that he couldn't get done with Naami around. Ironically, the Iridonian had suppled the cat with the perfect cover for this trip to the library. Not that he really needed one. The orange-haired tabby tended to frequent the library, but ostensibly today's visit had been to gather more information about this ridiculous race and the role of a navigator or co-pilot. Several holobooks on the subject already burdened the cat's arms, which represented far more time devoted to the topic than the boy thought that he'd ever give it.

For Hutt's sake, it was 900 ABY. Pilot droids were a thing. They had been a thing since the gorram Clone Wars!

...or possibly before then. He'd have to research the history and development of the pilot droid to confirm that suspicion, but I digress. There was literally no reason for anyone to strap themselves into a cockpit and engage in some phallic measuring contest that sought to prove whose thruster was the best.

But since he was here anyway, the boy was trying to get a few books on a topic that was far more personal to the boy, given the fact that the Force had recently decided to smack him in the face about a facet of himself that he'd been willfully blind toward. Which, of course, had centered on Naami.

The road to hell was paved by a pair of blue, Iridonian eyes.

"No, I'm looking for reference material on same sex attraction," the boy was saying, talking to the librarian droid even as his eyes were darting furtively around to ensure that there were no ears or eyes that shouldn't be listening. "Like, how do I... I don't know. How do I be gay? Is there something I should be doing? Is there something I shouldn't be doing? How does this work?"

The librarian droid was a relic of stalled processing that had probably contributed to several falls to the dark side in its lifetime. After a moment, it tilted its head toward the Cathar and stated: "The biological process of attraction is discussed in Y'Rbh the Lesser's treatise on anatomy..."

"No, not, like, chemically," the cat spat, rolling his eyes. He couldn't even with this tin can right now. "Like, relationships. How do relationships work?"

"Ah, a topic of a bestseller. We have many copies for young Sith," the droid responded, igniting the briefest flicker of hope in the boy. That flicker abruptly died as the droid pushed a copy of How To Win Enemies and Terrorize People into his hands.

"It has been on Jutrand's Dark Side Times Top Ten listing for three straight months."

The cat was beyond exasperated with this thing. "No, not, like, how does it work. I mean, like, how does it... work?"

How was this not clear?

The droid paused, then departed to retrieve another book. This time, the boy found himself being presented with Darth and Divorced: Relationships in the Dark Side of the Force.

Whatever the boy was searching for, he was not going to find it in the library.

Gathering up both books, purely for refresher reading, the boy gave a low hiss as he made his way from out of the library. "Just what does win enemies even mean?" he wondered aloud.

Whatever, it sounded like something Naami might be interested in. Bestseller, whatever. It'd give the Zabrak something to read while Micah tried to figure out which way to hold a map. Or plot a course. Or do one of any tasks that there was a droid for that.

With a sigh, the boy adjusted his stack of books so that Darth and Divorced was on top, his nose stuck down in the book as he made his way through the halls on a kind of auto-pilot.

As the stack of books with legs meandered through one of the common rooms, he suddenly froze.

Voices.

Naami voices.

Looking up from his book, the boy realized that he'd just very nearly walked right into the Iridonian. Backpedaling quickly as he realized his mistake, and hoping that he might still have a chance to back out of the room before the Zabrak had even realized that he was there.

 

[Gavin Vel]

Gavin panted heavily, the rhythmic swing of his training saber finally slowing as he pushed through the last of his drills in the Academy’s training grounds. Ever since his battle with Darth Reign, he’d taken his training to a new level. Each morning, he was up before dawn, rehearsing the basics until they were second nature. He trained with Darth Thaliax whenever he had the chance, absorbing every lesson, every correction, and spent his free time drilling footwork, angles, and form. He was eager to choose a lightsaber form, but until he earned his own saber, he drilled himself relentlessly, intent on mastering the fundamentals.

Satisfied for now, Gavin grabbed his robe, slinging it over his shoulder as he left the training grounds. He made his way to the common room, still feeling the burn in his muscles as he walked. When he entered, he saw Naamino and a female acolyte he vaguely recognized but hadn’t formally met.

Gavin nodded at Naamino in greeting, acknowledging his fellow acolyte as he threw his robe onto one of the couches and collapsed beside it. His black undershirt clung to him, drenched in sweat, his breathing still heavy. Glancing at the unfamiliar acolyte, he spoke with casual curiosity. “Leshanna, right?”

Settling back against the cushions, he noticed the datapad in her hands, a reminder of all the theoretical study he hadn’t prioritized. He smirked, glancing between her and Naamino. “You know, those theories won’t do much for you in a real fight,” he commented, nodding at the datapad. “You’d do better spending more time with a blade.” he added, gesturing to his training saber lying beside him. It was both a challenge and an invitation—an encouragement to step into his world of action and battle, where instincts and skills mattered more than words on a screen.

For Gavin, this was his own version of reaching out, a small step toward connecting with his peers in his own straightforward, brash way.

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Korriban
Kor'ethyr Academy
General Student Common Room
​

The boy assessed her answer, reading as much as he could into her demeanor and whatever tells were on her face. Before he fully committed to answering though, Gavin strolled in like he owned the place and threw himself down into the kind of lounge unique to muscle bound young men. Naami gave the tip of his chin in greeting but continued to watch the girl.

"Trained all morning,"

He explained in a similarly neutral tone, still trying not to give away how thrilled he was for the upcoming race. At first he ignored the bluster his fellow Rakghoul student brought with, silently noting that Gavin had some kind of point but not believing for a second that reading was unnecessary.

"Saw you over here so thought I'd say hi- haven't seen you much since the trials."

Still standing, he hooked a thumb over his shoulder to indicate Gavin Vel .

"That's Gav- he's got the manners of rancor but fights like four combined."

The zabrak made to smirk over his shoulder at his friend to see how his teasing had landed, at which point he caught sight of Micah tol Powl apparently moments from toppling over under a stack of reading materials.

"Oh Micah, you can have my spot," and he made to offer the boy the chair he'd pulled out for himself- already reaching to unburden him from the stack in his arms.

Tags: Open to Sith Students​

 

[Leshanna]

Before he could respond back to her, another individual walked into the common room and Lesh’s blue eyes turned to watch a rather broad young man waltz over to where she and Naamino were at. She watched the bigger boy as he removed his robe and tossed it on a couch, her gaze hardening slightly as her posture grew a bit more stiff and tense when he said her name, then pointed out something about theories and fighting, gesturing to his own practice blade to drive home his point of view. Lesh was almost acting as if she was expecting something…negative to happen. He reminded her of a couple of bullies she had dealt with back at the orphanage, and though she knew this new arrival wasn’t one of her prior bullies - it was hard to shake off those memories and experiences.

Her gaze snapped back to the boy when he said that he’d been training all morning, finally answering her puzzled question from a moment ago, and her eyes searched his face - trying to get a read on him. Being at the Academy was a completely new experience for her; the people here were not like those she’d grown up with. She was quickly discovering that here, she had to read others more carefully to understand what their true motives were. The idea of unity and working together was a strong point that was encouraged by the faculty of the Academy, but Leshanna was quick to notice things like posturing and testing between students - who would make good friends and allies, and who would be a rival.

Still, she felt something warm in her chest when she heard Naamino say that he saw her and figured he’d come and say hi - that he hadn’t seen much of her since the trials. She felt heat rise into her cheeks a little bit and offered another small smile while her mind jammed in trying to figure out a response.

The Zabrak introduced the bigger guy to her as Gav, and bluntly pointed out that the other boy didn’t have the best of manners, but was a fierce fighter. She looked back at Gav and waved somewhat shyly towards him. Yeah, he certainly looked like he could take a beating. And deliver one. Certainly was a bit…intimidating, at least with outward appearances. “Hi Gav. I’m Leshanna, but…seems you already knew my name. You can just call me Lesh for short, if you want.” She glanced down at her datapad and to the material she had been reading, a small smile on her face. “And yeah - I’d rather be practicing myself but this is required reading and I don't want to fail any of my studies because I was dumb and didn't pay attention to the others things I needed to do."

The girl turned her attention back to Naamino. “Uh…yeah I’ve been kinda hanging out by myself. I wanted to say hi before now but you’ve been busy with training and other things and I didn’t want to bother you.” she offered to the Zabrak, averting her gaze to look back at her datapad as a hint of pink touched her cheeks once more, before something else caught her attention and she quirked an eyebrow to see a pile of books with legs stop and try to back away from the group. The boy seemed to recognize who it was and moved quickly to offer his seat to the newcomer, whom he referred to as Micah, and Lesh was quick to figure out that these two had already formed a friendship; at least, Naamino seemed rather friendly and jovial and towards the other kid.

Leshanna cast unsure glances between Micah, Naamino, and Gav…not used to being around others - though secretly she was rather happy to have some company for once, instead of being alone.

“Did…did you guys get the announcement too? About the race and the big feast? Do you think it's something we all will have to participate in?” she asked them, wanting to hear what the others thought about the upcoming events.

TAGS: Naamino Zuukamano // Gavin Vel // Micah tol Powl // OPEN!

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Naamino Zuukamano Leshanna Gavin Vel

It seemed he'd blundered right into this one.

As the young cat looked up from his book and took in more of his surroundings, he realized that there were other acolytes here as well -- though he wasn't familiar with either of the two that Naami was addressing.

The boy started to try and come up with excuses why he couldn't join them. For one, were they all Rakghoul? Had the cat wandered into a House common room? But his tactical withdrawal seemed to start to fall apart when Naami gave up his seat for the boy.

This was it.

This was his chance to finally stand up to Naami. To look him in the eye and...

...those large, blue eyes...

...

...what were they talking about again?

Oh Sith, Naami was reaching for his books. And Darth and Divorced was just sitting on top. Reacting quickly, the pile nearly toppled over as the cat balanced it on one hand while using the other to pluck out the distraction he'd packed. "Oh, hey! I saw this in the library and thought it looked like something you might like," the boy supplied eagerly, pushing the copy of How To Win Enemies And Terrorize People toward the Iridonian's outstretched hands.

He almost went toppling over backwards himself, as he struggled to keep himself and all the books upright. There was the basic flight systems manual, the basic navigation handbook, and then a biography examining some Wookiee who was said to have been the greatest co-pilot of all time -- surely there was some tidbit of knowledge worth gleaning to help him prepare for his role. Darth and Divorced he tried to discretely hide between the flight systems manual and the biography.

Plopping down into the seat that Naami had cursed him with, the boy tried to keep his books off to one side as the girl brought up the race. "Oh... there's a race?" the boy remarked innocently.

He was totally not looking at Naami right now.

If he did, he wasn't sure he'd be able to keep a straight face.

 

[Gavin Vel]

Gavin’s head snapped over to Naamino when he mentioned Gavin’s lack of manners. Confused, he looked down at himself, sprawled out comfortably on the couch, then back up at Naamino, almost ready to challenge him on it. But then Naamino added that Gavin fought like “four rancors combined" and the flattery was enough to make him forget the slight. He shrugged off the comment about his manners entirely, still not sure what Naamino was getting at. Couches were for lounging, after all.

“Yeah, the whole studying thing,” Gavin began, sitting up and facing the others. “I figure if I keep being a brick shithouse, they won’t flunk me. The Sith need warriors, and that’s definitely me.” He grinned, basking in the satisfaction of Naamino’s compliment as his ego inflated a bit further.

“Besides, I’ll just cheat off Naamino if I have to,” he added with a chuckle. Gavin wasn’t opposed to bending a few rules; cheating had been a survival tactic all his life. A little homework wasn’t going to stop him. As long as he was stronger than the rest, Naamino and others could handle the details and guide him where he needed to go.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed another acolyte, Micah, nervously fumbling with some books. Gavin raised an eyebrow, watching him almost topple over in his attempt to grab one. He wondered what had the guy so rattled; surely, it wasn’t Naamino. Outside of a fight, Naamino was pretty harmless and, in Gavin’s opinion, almost too nice. He figured it had to be his own presence that was making Micah uneasy. Yeah, Gavin thought, that’s gotta be it.

At the mention of the race, Gavin leaped up from the couch, an exaggerated fist pump punctuating his enthusiasm. “Hell yeah, I heard about the race! I’m gonna win it, too!” The idea of a competition, a chance to prove himself, had him amped up. Realizing he might be coming on too strong, he forced himself to calm down. “They better let us race! If they don’t, I might just ‘borrow’ one of the ships and enter anyway. No way I’m missing a shot at glory!”

He began pacing around the room, trying to keep his excitement in check. This new attempt at self-restraint felt foreign, awkward even. Gavin was used to dominating the space, to letting his emotions drive him without a second thought. Holding back, monitoring his energy, all felt strange, but he was determined to adapt—if only so he wouldn’t scare off everyone around him.

Naamino Zuukamano Micah tol Powl Leshanna

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

The zabrak looked confused when Leshanna said she hadn't wanted to bother him but he soon buried the sentiment under contemplation. He listened to her intently even as he made sure Micah was well situated. Her mention of the race seemed to illuminate something in his eyes that no amount of stoicism could hide. Naami was a bit taken aback to see her face flush though, realizing absently that it surely wasn't the sun causing it. Gavin stepped in with a rebuttal soon enough so he had more time to mull on his own answers.

His attention was drawn away from the girl momentarily as Micah got himself settled and handed him a book. He looked at the cover quizzically but gave a slight smile to the kit, appreciating the gesture despite not yet fully understanding what it was. Today he was wearing civvies, just a short sleeved black shirt with basic gray linen pants- borrowed of course from student barracks since he kept outgrowing everything. He tucked his friend’s offering against himself, holding it at his side so he wouldn't lose track of it in the common room.

Then the Rho's innocent sounding taunt struck his ears so that Naami's blend of quiet excitement and anticipation were suddenly turned into bewilderment. He was about to argue, half formed words escaping him.

"You- WHA?!" He blustered quietly at Micah.

But Gavin Vel soon continued his own train of thought, likely capturing the whole room's attention with his antics and cut off any immediate addition from the zabrak. Naami narrowed his eyes at Micah tol Powl as if to convey suspicion but turned to snag a cushion off the couch that the human had just abandoned. He wound up his arm and flung the thing dead center at Gavin's back, aiming true and packing maximum velocity with the it before turning to casually act as if nothing had happened. He leaned against the desk beside Micah and addressed Leshanna coolly.

"Yeah it's for all students. Not required but… was hoping you'd actually be there to challenge me again. Challenge us," and he nudged his companion’s foot with the toe of one boot.

He eyes shone with a kind of icy defiance, he was clearly challenging her but in some kind of friendly way. What with the energy of the room and their collective teen spirit, he'd let on more than he realized how thrilled he actually was to get behind the throttle.

 

[Kivah]

Oh this was an exciting day! Sure classes were a bore, but at least she got a proper adult-sized desk and chair. Though knowing some of the teachers, they'd have been happy antagonizing her with one and then tell her to channel her feelings into the Dark Side. Kivah grinned at the thought as she entered the common room. A bunch of other students were already here but she snagged one of the couches for herself anyway to sprawl across sideways and take up the whole thing. Naami and Micah were doing something cute next to another student she didn't know and a stack of books. Little kitten really liked books for some reason. Gavin, another Rakghoul, was around too. He looked like he'd be fun, but she hadn't really had a chance to get to know him yet. Naturally they were talking about what she wanted to.

The race announcement earlier had her amped up despite her relaxed appearance as she called out to the room, "Hands up anyone who's actually flown before!" She casually lifted her own from where she'd laid it along the back of the sofa and judged the others. The room wasn't full of promise. As for herself, she used to live in a ship before coming to the Korriban Academy. Made sure to fly at least twice a week too. She'd been having visions of Flying the Reaper Kai in the upcoming race, swooping through the mountains and valleys of Korriban as she raced against the other students. Wouldn't exactly have been fair, nor did she really want to risk the home she'd sunk so many credits into, but it would have been fun.

Micah tol Powl Naamino Zuukamano Gavin Vel Leshanna

 

[Leshanna]

Leshanna watched the antics of the other acolytes unfold with growing amusement; the muscle boy, Gav, as he spouted something about being a ‘brick shithouse’ and cheating off of Naamino. Lesh turned her gaze back to the Zabrak to see what he thought about that, before her attention was pulled to the walking book stack who was now looking at Naamino with wide eyes. When the Zabrak boy reached to take the book pile from Micah, the other acolyte practically panic shoved a book into Naamino’s hands. Lesh arched an eyebrow at the amusing scene, and did not miss the fact that the cat-like acolyte tried to hide a different book in the stack…as if he didn’t want Naamino to see it.

Interesting… the girl mused to herself, though she didn’t really think further on it as her attention was pulled once more to the now very animated Gav as he seemed very excited about the upcoming race she had questioned them all about. Lesh snickered as Naamino grabbed a pillow from the couch and chucked it at Gav, the fluffy object hitting the other acolyte with a solid thud before falling to the ground.

Lesh returned her gaze to the Zabrak as he leaned against the desk and looked back at her, a glint of defiance in his eyes as he coolly told her that the race was for all students and though it wasn’t required, he was hoping she’d be there too to challenge him, or them, as he seemed to indicate that Micah would be in the race with him too.

Truthfully, Leshanna felt uneasy about participating in the race; she had no experience flying anything and the idea of racing around a dangerous track was a bit off putting to her at the moment. But with the Zabrak’s challenge fresh in her ears, she was sorely tempted to do it - despite her misgivings. She’d give it some thought before she made a final decision.

But for now she couldn’t help but tease the boy a little bit over the whole situation. She sat back in her chair and crossed her arms over her chest and gave Naamino a small and innocent smile, though mirth shone in her blue eyes. “Challenge you? Hmm. That is a tempting offer Naamino but…I gotta let you win at something, don’t I?” she said softly as a playful smirk danced across her face.

Someone else within the common room called out and asked for a show of hands for anyone who had actually flown before. Lesh looked over in the direction of the other individual, before returning her gaze back to Naamino. "Besides, do you even know how to fly?"

TAGS: Naamino Zuukamano // Gavin Vel // Micah tol Powl // Kivah

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Naamino Zuukamano Leshanna Gavin Vel Kivah

Picking the basic navigation manual off the top of the stack, the cat casually flipped the holobook open.

The one called Gavin seemed even more enthused about the race than Naami was. Certainly, the man was more animated. But the arrival of the lioness introduced the pertinent question.

"Hands up anyone who's actually flown before!"

The girl named Leshanna seemed to direct that directly toward the Iridonian. For his part, the cat just kept his nose down in the book as none of that was his business.

Also, his hand was not raised. That's why he had the manual out. Because not knowing what they were doing had stopped no Naami ever. Or Micah, for that matter. In general, they had no idea what they were doing. That's why they were students. First year students. That summed up where their collective knowledge was likely to be at.

The boy's eyes briefly flickered over at Gavin.

...well, some knowledge bases may be on firmer educational foundation than others.

 

[Gavin Vel]

Gavin barely registered the cushion at his feet before his anger flared. His mind flashed back to the days when an act like this—a challenge, however minor—would have been met with immediate retaliation. His fists clenched instinctively, and for a brief moment, the old Gavin, the one who thrived on dominance and fear, threatened to resurface. How dare Naamino throw something at me? It was disobedient, disrespectful, and in any other context, it would have demanded a swift and forceful response.

But as Gavin’s eyes darted around the room, expecting the others to react, he was met with... nothing. No one laughed. No one sneered. No one even seemed to notice. They continued their conversations as though Naamino’s act was the most natural thing in the world. The room wasn’t waiting for Gavin to explode; they weren’t bracing for a fight. They were just... comfortable.

The realization hit him like a cold splash of water. They don’t see this as a challenge. It wasn’t about dominance or testing boundaries. Naamino had thrown the cushion as a joke—a lighthearted, meaningless act. There was no posturing, no fight for superiority. Just people enjoying each other’s company.

For a moment, Gavin stood there, unsure of what to do with the aggression still bubbling inside him. Then, as if trying to shake off the tension, he latched onto the ongoing conversation.

"I've flown before!" he declared, his voice confident as he puffed out his chest. "Yeah, like land speeders and such. Basically the same thing, I bet." He spoke with such certainty that, for a moment, even he believed it. Of course, anyone with real piloting experience would see through the bravado—flying a starship was an entirely different beast. But Gavin, oblivious as ever, barreled on, convinced of his own competence.

His attention snapped back when Leshanna made a comment, one that Gavin interpreted as a jab at Naamino. The words weren’t aimed at him, but they still ignited his protective instincts. Without thinking, he jumped to his friend's defense.

"You don't have to let Naamino win at anything!" Gavin’s tone was sharp, almost confrontational, though he meant it as a compliment. He pointed at Naamino, his voice rising with enthusiasm. "He’s the best pilot in the room." He didn’t stop to consider how his words might be received—or that he’d just been irritated at Naamino moments earlier. All he knew was that Naamino deserved respect, and Gavin wasn’t going to let anyone suggest otherwise.

"He has the best chance of winning that race!" Gavin continued, his voice full of conviction. Gavin’s inability to read the room, paired with his naturally aggressive delivery, made the moment more intense than it needed to be. To him, he was simply standing up for a friend, showing loyalty. But to everyone else, it was another reminder that Gavin’s social skills still left much to be desired. Beneath the bluster, though, was someone trying—awkwardly—to connect, even if he didn’t always know how.

Naamino Zuukamano Kivah Micah tol Powl Leshanna

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

The zabrak remained leaning casually against the table but his eyes flashed with defiance at Lesh's goading. His gaze found Kivah for a moment, not having seen her before but her question gave him pause. The truth was "no" he'd never flown anything in his life, but he wasn't about to give in to uncertainty- particularly not after Gavin jumped in to defend him. Naami looked at Micah one more time before chiming in, the boy was being weirdly shy right now but he supposed it was a good sign that his nose was buried in a flight manual. Finally Naami shook his horned head at the older Cathar girl in answer.

"Sounds like you're the most worldly of us in that way Kivah . Maybe you can give Leshanna some pointers? Since she seems nervous to get on the course."

His eyes gleamed again with mischief, seeing how his verbal jab would land before calling out to Gavin Vel .

"Oi Gav, you too! Any advice for us first time Aces?"

He turned to more fully acknowledge his friend, amused by the way he puffed up and secretly appreciative the young man had such a high opinion of him. Turning thusly let him keep Micah tol Powl in his view, as Naami was still trying to get a read on what was up with the kit.

 

[Leshanna]

Leshanna was oblivious to the fury that almost consumed the bigger boy, Gavin, as she was still locked into her playful banter with Naamino. She distractedly heard the other boy declare that he knew how to fly, and mentioned something about land speeders. Lesh paid him no mind for the moment, as her focus was on the Zabrak and how he would take her jest. His blue eyes flashed with defiance, and this only made her smirk a little more at him.

The smirk drained away the instant Gavin’s sharp voice came into her ears, and she turned her head to regard the bigger boy with surprise. A flicker of fear flashed over her eyes and her face as the boy’s voice rose a bit higher and he declared, somewhat aggressively, that Naamino had the best chance at winning the race, that he was the best pilot in the room. Tension coiled within Leshanna as she stared at the boy, an internal war raging inside of her. Part of her wanted to be submissive to avoid any further confrontation, but the other part of her wanted to stand up for herself.

To show courage in the face of conflict.

“Dude…chill out. I’m just joking around with Naamino. He gets me.” Lesh finally said to Gavin, her voice oddly steady despite her racing heart. It was the first time she’d ever spoken out against someone who reminded her of her past bullies, and she wasn't entirely sure how he'd respond.

Naamino thankfully spoke up a moment later and her attention turned back to him as he suggested she could take some pointers from someone named Kivah, and made a jab back at her by saying she was nervous. If only he knew the truth to that statement.

Or maybe he did and that was why he said it.

“Pfft. I think we all could use some pointers. I didn’t see you raise your hand when she asked if anyone knew how to fly. I’ll be honest - I don’t. But who knows…maybe you’ll fly a spaceship better than you know how to swing a sword.” another playful jab; she knew he was taking lessons from Darth Thaliax and was improving greatly in his swordsmanship.

Lesh suddenly turned her attention back to the bigger boy, Gavin, and her gaze was bold and direct on him, and perhaps a smidge defiant towards his belligerent attitude. “Actually - yeah! You said you can fly right? Maybe you and the other one, Kivah, can teach us some stuff!”

Tags: Naamino Zuukamano // Gavin Vel // Micah tol Powl // Kivah

 

[Kivah]

"Oh really Gavin?" She was up in a flash, standing on the couch she'd tried lounging on, her tail lashing the air in irritation. "He's the best pilot here? Apparently I'm the only one that even has a clue!" She was glaring daggers at her fellow housemate. Knees bent and hunched, she was ready to pounce and beat some respect into him.

But the others seemed interested in advice... This could be a chance to step up and win some respect rather than going off like a rocket. Drek, her temper had been bad lately. She ran a hand through her hair, pushing it back as she let out a breath. "Fine." She tried to think of a few things that might help as she calmed herself. "Make sure your shields are on, obviously. Shooting each other might be against the rules, but that doesn't mean there won't be an 'accident.'"

She kept her easy perch atop the couch as she continued, not minding how much higher above the others it put her. "Also if you've got them, turn off any crash prevention systems. We'll be close enough in the pack that they'll go crazy trying to keep you in a clear space. They'll also let others bully you about some by getting close. Which leads into another tip. Don't grip the controls as tight as you can. You want to hold them about like you would your saber, maybe a little lighter. Nothing's trying to knock them away. You'll have jerky movements, likely overcorrect, and tire yourself out faster." By the time she'd finished talking, she was pacing along the top of the back rest. "Oh!" She snapped her fingers as she had another thought. "Your belly thrusters are usually the strongest directional thrusters. After, you know, forward." There was more, but she wasn't sure how much she wanted to share just yet. Better to see if they appreciated this and then they could grovel for more.

Micah tol Powl Naamino Zuukamano Gavin Vel Leshanna

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Naamino Zuukamano Leshanna Gavin Vel Kivah

The young kit kept his nose in the book, casually page turning as he mostly tuned out the blustering that was going on.

The back and forth was interesting if only for the admiration that the muscle-head seemed to hold the Iridonian in. Micah agreed, of course, which could be an indication that the thicc Sith lawd might be more perceptive than appearances otherwise indicated.

Of course, Kivah's experience was not to be discounted. The lioness was more than capable. And the boy knew that their Cathar compatriot had some rather unusual friends in some very shadowy places. A fact he kept to himself, wanting to try and get more information on just who these Tsis'kaar were. Who were they loyal to? What were the internal politics to watch out for? Who were the insiders? The outsiders?

Without more information, it was difficult to know the right move to play.

Guesswork made for a poor strategy.

As the girl and the thicc one quipped back and forth, the girl invited the muscle-head to share wisdom with them. But it was the lioness who seemed to offer the perspective of an experienced pilot.

He was taking mental notes, even as he continued to peruse this chapter on the intake manifold sys...

The kit's head came up. His amber eyes regarding Kivah was an expression that said that he was most confused by something that she'd just said. Wait... belly thrusters?

Returning to the basic flight manual, the boy started flipping to the index and trying to decipher just what kind of prattle this was. No, there was no entry for belly thrusters.

Underbelly? Underside? Oh, ventral thrusters, the boy thought, at last registering what the lioness had been referencing.

Turning back to the chapter on the intake manifold system, the boy continued reading.