Ask Being Blunt with the Blind

[Kotru Eabrod]

Location // Northern Bay S14, Kemal Station
Participants // @Ninma Calma

Having stopped at one of the many stations along the Triellus trade route, Kotru had stayed close to his ship's hangar bay once landed. He didn't exactly intend to stay long, only enough to refuel his ship, himself then take to the void once again. In the meantime, he would simply people-watch to pass the time.

As he glanced between crowds of pirates and traders alike, one particular figure had caught his gaze. At first glance, they seemed Human in every sense of the word. Plain and fair skin, no unusual features with the only noticeable trait being a thick visor that covered their upper face in an impenetrable barrier of black.

An Aug, maybe? It was hard to tell. In due time though, the idling Iridonian caught a second glance of them as they made a second pass.

Then a third.

'Th' 'ell...? They stakin' someone out..?'

On Ninma's fourth lap of the starport, one particular signature would make itself known on a path to intercept them. It was a steady and grid-like ripple, showing a hardy emotional shell that clad the being as it approached. But behind it, an almost reaching trace which betrayed curiosity that one might not have seen through fleshy eyeballs or photoreceptors.

A voice would catch their attention, addressing them clearly and plainly as they stopped just to the left of the Miraluka. That sense of curiosity poked between the plates of indifference and caution, despite the blunt tone.

"On your fourth lap, stranger. Y'lookin' for somethin'?"

 

[Ninma Calma]

Tag: @Kotru Eabrod

They were lost. Pure and simple. Ninma stood at a loss, trying in vain to read the screen before them. Sadly, their own biology prevented this from being so. Brow furrowing, they tried tilting their head to and fro, and had little success in gleaming even the faintest bit of knowledge from the kiosk before them. They began another loop around the station, empty sockets looking through the displays, and found very little of value. Did no one use physical format? How in the hell did anyone get anything done here?

The Force was in all things, from which they could see, however in this case...they could only see directly through the machine. They rain a hand through their hair, muttering to themselves as to what on the world they might do, or what planet they were even on currently. The people that moved past her puled and rippled through currents, bundles of anxiety, eagerness, too many heartbeats pulsed within the figures about her, so Ninma stopped looking around themselves, and pulled inward.

It lasted all of five second. before a voice broke her out of her trance. They allowed their sense to return, her gaze following the voice, and found that it was speaking to them. Their visor align with the stranger, and with it, Ninma began to walk to the stranger, mystified by the pulses that echoed around the stranger, a Zabrak they believed, their expression worked into one of confusion. Soon They stood before the man, and finally aired their grievances. "I don't know where my terminal is sir, none of the displays seem to be working." They said plainly, though to the Zabrak he might have found that there was in fact, nothing wrong with the displays at all.

Ninma's eyes just didn't work very well.

 

[Kotru Eabrod]

Raised an eyebrow at Ninma's claim, having spent only a few moments finagling with his own terminal to check the fuel levels on his own starship as it had filled up. They could sense the confusion from his form, a subtle and wavy sensation within the Iridonian like an artist who just couldn't keep their pen steady.

"All of 'em, huh?" Kotru inquired, a blonde brow piqued as he would turn and go to move towards his own. A motion with his left hand was given in his wake for the Miraluka to follow him back to the ramp that lead back to his own vessel.

Looking down at the blue screen before him, the Zabrak placed his hand on the display and would start to flick through different menus. His ship's current status, the local net and even a directory. Not that it would matter much to their lacking sight. "Seems ta' work fine f'me. Ya' implant may need a lil' looksie there, if it can't render panels."

Working with the presumption she was augmented, the Iridonian swiveled his head to face them. "Which one you landed at, stranger?"

@Ninma Calma

 

[Ninma Calma]

The man sounded incredulous at their statement, but Ninma did not back down, nor did they intend to as their movements grew more animated. “Yes, all of them, it’s as if they are shorted out!” They stated, running a hand through the lone ponytail that hung from the back of her helmet, fretting and fussing with the single lock, as if it might make all that was wrong in this galaxy right.

They watched the Zabrak reach out, and fiddle with the display, though Ninma’s empty eyes saw nothing. They remained there, watching, their head tilting to the side, confused by this whole affair. The Zabrak spoke as if the machine was fine, yet to Ninma it was not so. Were they being had? What manner of foolery was this? He spoke of implants, and hands went over their goggles, before it dawned on them of what the man spoke of. “I have no implants, but I tell you, this device is broken. I swear it!” They insisted, their own hand moving to fiddle with the panel, that did nothing to convince them that it was working.

Then he inquired as to where they had landed, and in truth, Ninma couldn’t recall. Least, they weren’t quite sure of it. Their hand rose up, pointing in one direction, and began to explain. “I recall coming from that way, but I don’t know where to traverse next. I’ve never been to a place such as this.” They began, a tad weary of the danger that this confession would bring to them, but from what they could see, it would make little sense to do them harm.

@Kotru Eabrod

 

[Kotru Eabrod]

Kotru both sounded, and to their supernatural clarity was incredulous. Doubt radiated from his form in waves, the sensation being Ninma's equivalent to the tilt in the Iridonian's head and his perked up brow. His icey orbs flicked down to the display, flicking back to the directory. Did they have some condition that prevented them from seeing light? What gives?

"Gonna need ta' swear 'arder then," Kotru interjected, tapping the device's rim a few times idly. "'Cuz my eyes are 'ganic an' I'm seein' it jus' fine," When the Miraluka stepped forward, he moved to the side to let them aimlessly swipe at the centre of the screen. After a moment there was a digital chirp, the directory speaking aloud.

"Kwe'ra's Donuts is located on the southeast of the station, opposite shuttle bay three."

"Uh...huh. Sure don't sound broken t'me, either," Kotru would speak up, his voice only mildly entertained at being proven right. That smug warmth on the other hand was far easier to read by Ninma. "Jus' where y'headed? Can figure out which bay ya' need'a head ta'."

 

[Ninma Calma]

This man spoke strangely. Ninma tilted their head at hearing the words of the strange man, their finger tapping their chin, pondering as to what the hell he was on about. But they could almost understand what he was trying to say. "Perhaps...my lack of eyes is the problem then." They muttered, letting out a sigh, just as the directory began to speak. Of course, Ninma had nothing they could say about this whole ordeal.

It listed with it locations and names that they weren't familiar with. They held up the ticket declaring where they were headed. At least that much they could read. "I'm supposed to be on a shuttle to Nar Shaddaa, but I don't know what ship is my transfer. I just know I don't have much time before it departs." They explained, offering their ticket to the man so he could examine it, and maybe guide them where they needed going.

@FreelanceGarbageMan

 

[Kotru Eabrod]

Kotru's natural accent did not seem to play well with Ninma's empathetic sight, the slang and wordplay he employed often twisting or throwing off the way his presence rippled across their senses. When they mentioned the lack of eyes, the Iridonian dipped his head with newfound clarity. "Yeeaaah. Yeah, that'd do it," He commented. "If y'blind, no wonder y'can't see 'em."

At the sight of their ticket, Kotru would step around to get a better angle at the slip of paper. "Lemme take a look'it that," He murmured, taking the other side to straighten it out. And also note the lack of texture along the ticket, what a dick move. "Aigh', looks like Star Tours. Next Nar Shaddaa ship leaves in 'bout an hour, bay seven."

With that clarified, Kotru would step back and give the Miraluka their space back. "Hell, y'can't even read the signs, can ya'?" He mused aloud, hands slipping into his pockets. "Could lead ya, if y'need."

 

[Ninma Calma]

Ninma noticeable elongated their neck, leaning forward almost in utter confusion at what they were witnessing. Was the man lying to them? Being deceptive? What brought forth these changes akin to the coming and going of waves? Furiously, Ninma rubbing at the bridge of their nose, trying to work this out in their mind. Of course, he seemed to not understand what they meant by being blind, but, well, Ninma would leave that unaddressed for the time being.

Regardless, they allowed the man to look the ticket over, and smiled in glee as he explained where the next shuttle would be. They gave an excited tug to their bag, nodding as that sense of loss was lifted to one of hope. They nearly corrected Kotru about not being able to see the signs, but held back the comment. "I would very much like an escort. This place is so very new and...odd to me." They spoke, their hand folding together across their front, head dipping just tad to seem as if they were looking down into the floor, but enough to trace Kotru's movements out the side of their eye. "My name is Ninma, what is the name of my kindhearted savior?" They asked modestly, head moving slowly to study the unusual aura's that Kotru gave off once more.

@FreelanceGarbageMan

 

[Kotru Eabrod]

Over many jobs, Kotru had gotten pretty good at masking his intentions. Such a skill was normally applied to conceal a hidden blaster, or to get close enough to go right for the throat. But right now? He was holding an externally collected and relaxed posture. Ninma's latent senses on the other hand, were a completely different beast that he had no such defenses against. They could pick up the rippling curiosity that directed attention towards them, painted with shades of pity.

To the outside though, there was only an expression of mild amusement judging by the curl in his lips and the loose posture of this Iridonian. Seeing the Miraluka perk up at his reinforcement caused a subconscious twitch in the expression, the curl in Kotru's lips broadening just a little. "Yeah? Remote world or somethin'? Guessin it's ya' first starport," The Zabrak inquired as he started to walk, tapping his foot twice after the first step to draw attention.

After all, they were just blind to him. He kept his hands to himself, and worked with sound instead.

While non-vocal, Ninma could easily pick up the warbling 'laughter' within the Zabrak. An expression of amusement, no doubt internalised at the idea of being called 'kindhearted'. "Kotru," He answered as he walked, hand in his pocket. "Where y'from, Nin'?"

 

[Ninma Calma]

This man confused Ninma, to a degree they weren’t quite used to. Her expression seemed contemplative, pondering the meaning of these changes within the man. They had thought they were used to reading people, but clearly, there had been far more to their gift of sight than they understood. Their thoughts wandered back to that of Lok at Kotru’s words, nodding along with what the man inquired of. “It was remote, yes. There…is just a field in the desert where you board the ship, so..yes, I believe this is the first time.”

They smiled faintly at the odd tapping motions he went about, unsure as to what was occurring there. Maybe he had an injury. Who was to say? Least they had a name for the face. “It’s nice to meet you Kotru, and I’m from Lok. It’s, as I said, quite remote. And hot. I’ve heard Nar Shaddaa is nothing like that. Have you been there? Is is pleasant?” The warble that eminated from with their new companion again threw another wrench into their understanding.

What in the stars were they to make of this?

@FreelanceGarbageMan

 

[Kotru Eabrod]

Kotru listened intently as the Miraluka talked about their homeland, the curiosity within his form seeming to almost retreat into itself, no longer reaching out to her but rather seeming satiated. It was almost like a tangible hunger for knowledge, made visible under Ninma's peculiar form of sight. "Mhm. Prob' ya' first time off-world, too," He mused aloud as he took the lead.

The light tapping was quickly stopped as he started walking, making sure to take it a bit slower for the blind person behind him. After all, if their eyes were shot, they would probably have good enough hearing to listen for his footsteps. "Likewise," He replied, the question about Nar Shaddaa causing him to do a brief double take. "Well. Le's jus' say there is at least one full shanty with a chorus that warns you t' stay strapped at all times," Kotru advised, the skepticism within the Iridonian's mind like a wave of doubt that rippled outward.

"Climate wise, s'alright. But the culture? Y'got some serious Nairas goin' in there both kinds'a blind."

@Alleria

 

[Ninma Calma]

Ninma studied the aura, still not sure what the hell was going on there. But it was no longer her concern. Well, least she thought so. Who really knows. They sure as hell didn't. "It is actually, my parents used to tell me about all sorts of odd worlds, like Kamino, and Bestine, and...Coruscant? I'd like to see those as well." Ninma explained, watching as Kotru slowed his steps. They made no attempt to pass by, nor speed up, just keeping on their approach. "Stay...strapped? I don't supposed you are referring to shoes." They inquired, frowning at the idea. They...did have a blaster they carried, but, it was mostly to appear dangerous.

To actually use it though...

Ninma shuddered at the thought, and quickly left it to die. "What are Nairas? I'm assuming this is another word for...erm, a biological part held in regards for being stout?" They hummed to themselves, feeling a tad icky at having suggested the notion. Then quickly took comfort in the pleasant talk they were having with Kotru.

@Kotru Eabrod

 

[Kotru Eabrod]

"Sounds like they're well-travelled," The Iridonian commented as they walked, hands resting in the pockets of his overcoat. "Any particular reason that ya' decided t'flee the nest?" He would inquire as they asked their own question, sounding not particularly happy with what he was implying. Kotru responded by removing his hand from his right pocket, brushing the fabric of his coat aside.

Beneath the blue fabric was a well-worn holster, a DG-34 Peacemaker pistol sitting comfortably on his hip. "Nope. Folks there are ruthless, and won't hesitate t'screw y'over," Kotru warned. "Be a shame, pretty gal' like you gettin' plugged by some punk."

Realizing that some Zabraki had slipped his lips, he would dip his head. "Oh, right. Yeah, you'd be assumin' right. Callin' you brave 'n all."

@Ninma Calma

 

[Ninma Calma]

The topic of their parents made Ninma wobble a bit, but they simply moved to deflect away from the issue. "Just time to be my own person is all." They stated, perhaps a touch too quickly. The less they dwell on home, the better it would be. They run a hand along their sleeve, feeling the stitching had perhaps a few more months before it became a problem, they shrugged it off. They'd need to get some credits, and soon.

Ninma was snapped back out of their musing by the Zabraks comments, scratching at the back of their head as they were warned of what waited them. "Well..it can't be much worse than home. I suppose I'll just have to do my best. I should be just fine, but thank you for the compliment. I can handle myself." They elaborated, rubbing at their brow at having been called 'brave'.

That comment turned their half smile turn into a frown.

Be brave, for me, for your mother.

"Well, that's not a trait most would associate with us, but, I appreciate the sentiment."

@Kotru Eabrod

 

[Kotru Eabrod]

"Yeah, tha's fair," Kotru was pretty easily deflected, simply wanting to run free being more than enough reason in the Iridonian's eyes. Can't live with them forever, after all. His hand returned to the pocket not long after, once again concealing his firearm and letting him rest his hands comfortably as they navigated the crowd. "I wouldn't be so sure, but that's your decision to make," Kotru advised.

His lips purse when he turned to see the downcast expression from the Miraluka. There was a curious spark, rippling across their senses that is swiftly set aside as his expression turned back. "Look. Y'plannin' to go to the Voa-damned Smuggler's Moon, wit'out any eyesight. That's pretty damn brave."

Taking a left, the pair would soon find themselves at the aforementioned bay seven. The terminal was still pretty empty, a small handful of people waiting around for the ship. That, and probably hoping to snag some poor bastard's window seat.

"So what gives, anyway? Got business there or somethin'?"

@Ninma Calma

 

[Ninma Calma]

The Zabrak seemed to doubt them, perhaps it was a bit of a stretch in his mind that a young Miraluka would be able to make it on their own, and...well, they supposed that was fair. Ninma didn't look like much, they imagined, to a Zabrak. The few that Ninma knew, were rather stout and resilient sorts. "That it is."

"And Lok is the pirate planet, I think I'll do just fine. As you said, I'm a 'pretty girl', so, I have a few things going my way, no?" They retorted, being sure to use their fingers for emphasis on being called 'pretty girl'. Something about that really irked them. But, it wasn't personal. There was a...set value on things like that. Like one would only be seen as that one thing and only that. Finding more people seemingly gathering for the shuttle, Ninma let their gaze wander, trying to pick out distinguishing features of which so that they might better locate these places going forward.

Then the questions continued. "Nope, just, got told by someone that's where you can go to stake out what's yours. I'm, wanting to go on a trip, you see? Find answers in the galaxy for all these things I don't understand or know. That's the hope at least." They shrugged, giving off a sigh. "Won't be easy without credits, so, thinking I'll work it off firstly."

Force knew they didn't have much more to live off of here.

@Kotru Eabrod

 

[Kotru Eabrod]

Kotru notices the twitch in their emphasis as the Miraluka repeated his own line back at him. He was able to read the tone as they referred to it at least, nodding his head.

"Mhm. Never really been ta' Lok, so I dunno what it's like over there," He replied, moving to one of the nearby benches and dropping himself into the seat with one leg folding over the other.

All around them was a number of benches all organized into a row, a holoscreen overhead showing the flight number, it's estimated time of arrival and time of departure. The number matched the one on the ticket. Apart from the rather dull choice of seating, there were at least a few stands on the outskirts of the boarding platform, offering food and drinks to passersby for the trip ahead. Not too far from the docking ring was a desk manned by a protocol droid, the machine currently checking and registering a Rodian's luggage.

"Yeah, I can get that," The Iridonian nodded his head to their explanation, an elbow coming to rest atop his knee. When they mentioned credits, Kotru couldn't help but chuckle. "Hah! Nawh, that'd be best. All sorts'a talents are in need down there, so you'll find one way or another not ta' starve."

"Whaddaya do, anyways?"

@Ninma Calma

 

[Ninma Calma]

Ninma almost spoke further on the nature of Lok. About the harsh life style, the murders, the killings, gangs that one had to pay tribute to, and a great deal of other things. But, they held back. "You're not missing much." They remarked.

Finding the Zabrak sitting down, they gave a look around, before sitting beside Kotru. Ignoring the droid that wandered on by, and most of the people around them. This whole thing just felt, off to them. Sitting here, in the open, just seemed to be asking for trouble, no?

Regardless, they listened on to Kotru, trying to tame the concerns and anxieties within themselves. "Well, I've done alot of work as a medical official. I'm quite good at it, only thing I'm good at I suppose, but the point still stands. Hopefully there will be a need for such things on Nar Shaddaa, so if it is as bad as you say, might be handy." They smiled, crossing their legs together. "What about you? I...see you're armed, but...well most people I knew are armed. Perhaps your a trader?"

They frankly had no idea.

@FreelanceGarbageMan

 

[Kotru Eabrod]

The Iridonian had seemingly gotten comfortable in the bench. One hand hung over the armrest, with one leg folded atop the other. Despite this position, they could still tell the hidden signs of caution beneath the Zabrak's exterior. A slight, tangible tension in his shoulder that was ready to dart for his holster and the way his arctic-colored eyes seemed to move away from the Miraluka every now and again.

Deception seemed to be something Kotru was pretty good at.

"Hah, you'd have no shortage'a work if ya' got a clinic goin'," Kotru remarked with a grin, his blonde brow perking up when they mentioned being a trader. "Nah. I'm a merc'. Usually as a pilot, but I can do on-foot work as well. Pays well, get ta' see the Galaxy... don't really go hungry. Much."

There is a small huff of amusement that escaped his nostrils, an idle hand drumming against his thigh thoughtfully. "Ain't really been that great at medicine m'self. Where'd y'learn?"

@Alleria

 

[Ninma Calma]

Ninma nodded along, content on entertaining themselves. Taking in the ripples and auras, Ninnma kept to their entertained humming. "Well, least I'll have something to do, yea?" They smiled, fiddling with their hands. "I wish I could be a pilot, but, you know...can't see right. Probably would never let someone like me get behind the controls." They shrugged. Then went quiet as Kotru begin to ask about where they got their training from. For a moment, they almost thought of not replying for a time, but decided that Kotru probably deserved a response.

"My parents ran the clinic, so, they're the ones that trained me. It's not that hard really, just remembering biology, disorders, treatments, it's...well saying it aloud sounds like alot, but, yea." Ninma elaborated, shrinking into their seat a tidbit. Their empty eyes settle on the floor, figuring it would probably be for the best if the shuttle got here before they had to dig any further into their memory vault.

@FreelanceGarbageMan