Open Event Social Pod Racing Observartion

[The Storyteller]

.

Theed was positively bustling with activity.

In the weeks leading up to the races, locals and foreigners alike had poured into the capital in droves - eagerly awaiting the festivities to come. The streets and stone archways were decorated in colorful streamers and banners, while the faces of competitors were projected in the Palace Plaza. Betting was already heavily underway, and excitement was at an all-time high.

As one could expect, small boats and pleasurecraft had flooded into the Solleu to get as close to the action as possible. Hundreds watched from within Cafés or their own covered balconies across Theed, while even more congregated to the banks and bridges of the canals - unconcerned by the risk of rain rumbling in the skies above.

One of Theed’s many outdoor spaces - situated just overlooking the canals - had been designated for just the occasion. Tables and seating were scattered across the greenery, with boat-access to the river only a few paces away. An outdoor bar was manned by multiple droids and local attendants, while Holo-projectors provided coverage of every angle of the races for viewers to enjoy.

The boom of fireworks in the distance - coupled with the voice of announcers from the distant starting line - signified that the races would just shortly be underway.

Observation/Social occuring concurrently with this event!​

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

Cremek was positively brimming with excitement, sure, taking time to enjoy the festivities when he could be doing something more productive for his order might have been frowned upon, but cremek had believed getting out once and a while was paramount to a Siths mental strength.

He had made sure to hide himself and his true nature well, making his way to his seat, he politely sat down, for once, cremek was not here to cuase any trouble, unless he felt like he needed to, heck, he was even willing to drink with a jedi as if this place was neutral ground, as it might as well be, considering the local authorities were everywhere, and would swiftly put both him and his potential foe down if they tried to start something here. "oh how exciting!" he took his grimoire out, setting it on his table, the sith historian giving a content sigh, while most would not find this a suitable place to work, cremeks mind always was soothed by humming of engines and swooping of pod racers, always was like music to the historians ears.

 

[Aska Ryun]

If there was one thing Aska could always count on to ease her mind, to allow herself to kick back and relax while having a couple (dozen) drinks, it was watching the races. Be it televised or in person, it didn’t matter. So long as the racers were fast, the drinks were strong and the wrecks were catastrophic, she felt content. Even leaving her weapons behind on her ship didn’t bring the same sense of nakedness it usually had in the past.

”Correllian whiskey, neat,” Tossing a few crowns on the bar with her order, Aska turned and leaned her elbows on the counter while watching the first few moments of the event on one of the massive holoprojectors. As she watched, she soon saw “Flyboy” waving to the crowds. ”Son of a bitch,” she chuckled with a smirk. It had been awhile since she had seen her recurring Pilot-for-hire but him being here came as little surprise. As the short glass was placed before her, the clone casually picked it up and shoved off towards the railing overlooking the canal.

The racers all prepared, the roar of their engines were deafening as it reverberated down the waterway. Even if she shouted down to him, he wouldn’t hear. Hell, she hardly noticed the bookie droid approach her.

“Bets, ma’am?” it asked with it’s mechanized voice.

”Sure, why not,” she replied, plucking her card from her chest pocket and flipping it up for the droid to take, her eyes never faltering from the action below. ”Thousand crowns on Flyguy,”

“I believe you mean Flyboy, ma’am,”

”Yea sure, whatever,” Taking a sip from her drink, Aska cared little on whether or not she won the bet. Still, given the pilot, she liked her chances.

@The Good Doctor

 

[Jonathen Baize]

Jon had always been a fan of podracing, following it ever since he was a kid. It had been a no-brainer when he scored free tickets to the race on Naboo. The ISC and Empire were no longer at war, but he still wore nothing that would mark him as an Imperial soldier; today, he was just another guy. He wore a pretty casual blue shirt and tan pants.

Naboo was just as nice, if not nicer, than he had imagined. In fact, it clashed a little with the usual settings for these races. Regardless he was excited to be here!

He had placed a small bet on the Red Baron. He hadn't followed the racer at all, but he had a good feeling, and sometimes that's all you needed. Jon had never been much of a gambler, but it kept it a bit more interesting and if he was going to soak up the whole experience since he was here.

With beer in hand, he watched as the races all took their positions, feeling the sound of the pod racers in his chest.

 

[Trenton Reed]

The Hyperlane Herald journalist has arrived not too long ago, he previously wrote a parody about the city of Theed allowing a Podrace in it's city limits not too long ago, he said he would be here and he is. He is wearing a nice outfit, he has a microphone in his hand and has a camera droid at his side.

Trenton was supposed to be here with Senior Correspondent @Voren Dhur (@Nor'baal), who is very experienced and someone who the younger journalist could learn a lot from.

The race has yet to start but will be soon, but Voren isn't here. Taking the initiative he would see about interviewing some of the people in attendance. He would then get in front of his camera droid bring a microphone closer to his mouth, the camera is rolling "Hello there everyone. Trenton Reed on the scene at Theed, just about ready for the big podrace to begin." he said smiling. "Before the race begins, I am going to see if we can't ask some of the spectators a few questions." Trenton, with his camera droid still rolling, would walk over to one spectator.

With the camera not rolling. He would stroll over through the lively outdoor to one lady. @Tulos "Excuse me Miss." he said while smiling "I'm Trenton Reed with the Hyperlane Herald. Mind if ask you a few questions on camera?" he asked, not knowing who she is.

 

[Aska Ryun]

Aska continued to watch, eager for the race to begin, and consciously made the decision to ignore what was going on around her. It wasn’t easy, given her profession. If you don’t have eyes on the back of your head, you wind up dead. Fortunately, her absolute disregard for practically everyone that wasn’t herself made it slightly easier. Though as the reporter approached, her demeanor changed. She could feel his eyes on her, hearing the footsteps as he approached. She counted each, knowing exactly when he was about to speak. Great.

She heard the question, but continued to stare out at the platform where the racers and their crew. With an audible sigh, she plucked a cigarra from her other pocket and proceeded to light it before turning to face the man, leaning one arm on the stone railing. She looked him over briefly, almost as though she half expected him to be preparing to pull a blaster or similar on her, then glanced over at the hovering camera drone. Taking a pull off the cigarra, blowing the smoke up and away from them both, she stared silently for a brief moment.

”I suppose I’ve got the time. What’d ya wanna know, kid?”

@The Good Doctor

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra was furious at himself for missing the deadline of the qualifications for this race. Some of these racers clearly hadn’t raced before - he would know, he was an avid competitor himself. However, he wouldn’t miss this for the world. He arrived in casual attire, for once not flanked by a security detail. He still didn’t get back in touch with his parents since returning from the unknown regions. This was perhaps the first non-work break he allowed himself.

The Thorne grabbed himself a drink and walked over to the platform to view the race. He knew it was a long shot, but he had invited Dash (@Alhon ) in case he wanted to come. This wasn’t exactly the other Knight’s scene, but it was perhaps easier to drag him to this than a Huttball game.

 

[Silvi Velt-Morata]

It had been a long time since Silvi had shown her face to the galaxy, it felt like. Since her last holo broadcast, she had kept herself out of the galactic spotlight, fleeing to Unknown space and, temporarily, finding solace in a person she hadn't expected to find so far from the Core. However, with the promise of an event at her alumni that included podracing, she found herself going back to her academic roots, and coming back to Naboo.

The city of Theed always held a special place in her heart. Its' natural beauty, combined with its' tenacious history, made it a compelling place for aspiring leaders and historians alike, and she found herself allured by its' casual and airy way of celebrating such a simple thing as a race.

She would have raced, herself, but not this year. For now, she was content to sit back and watch the events unfold, shamelessly sporting a short wrap skirt in a light linen, a pale blue blouse, and simple flats. Snowy-white hair was still kept in a short pixie cut, but for now disguised under a long black-haired wig, and a dusting of silver eyeshadow highlighted bright blue eyes, sharp in their sere way, a black face mask wrapping around the lower part of her face.

She turned towards the bets dealer with a hand on her hip, tilting her head towards the viewing screen.

"I like Flyboy. I might bet on him." And without another word, she would set down a fifty-credit chit and turn back to the race, wishing not for the first time to have been down there at the starting line, feeling the rumble of an engine in her chest, the crackle of plasma and the whine of the repulsors with the wind in her face.

One day, but not anytime soon.

 

[Trenton Reed]

"Sounds good" he replied when she said she has time. Trenton was too optimistic and energetic to be put off by Aska's gestures, not that he would understand the body language. Now that she accepted, Trenton would turn around and hold the microphone closer to him again as he would speak, after making sure the camera droid is now rolling, the camera droid would move it's camera to face which of the two is speaking.

"Thank you for your time Miss. Anyways, first question: What world are you from?" and then if she answers anything other than Naboo he would then ask "What excites you about Podracing, to come all this way to watch this big race?" he asked with enthusiasm.

While asking that question, Trenton caught something of much interest in the corner of his eyes. Looking, he found one Ezra Throne (@Sreeya). He was in the tabloids when he went over the the Jedi. The son of the ISC President? After this he will be sure to get a quick interview with him. It would be rude to just cancel the quick question answer with the lady he's with right now though.

@Tulos

 

[Aska Ryun]

Taking another draw from her cigarra, Aska silently wondered just how naive this young man was to the true nature of the galaxy that he remained so upbeat, so optimistic. Especially working for a news platform, the galactic events hadn’t yet beaten him down when it's thrust in his face every day? ”Must be new to this,” she mused. One day the galaxy would tear him a new one. Let’s see him stay so cheery and up beat after that.

”Nar Shaddaa,” she answered, half truthfully. It was home enough, more so than anywhere else she’d visited in the past, despite everything. ”It’s nothing like this place, that’s for sure. Here you can actually breathe…” she added before ironically taking another drag from her smoke.

As he asked his next question, she watched as his eyes darted over to another young man. This particular young man not only sparked interest from Trenton but Aska as well. She didn’t need the tabloids to tell her who he was. ”Wonder if daddy’s gonna make an appearance too,” Of course, it was obvious the reporter wanted to harass and berate the Thorne spawn and she wouldn’t stop him. Still, he stuck around for an answer. The more faces on his reel, the better she supposed.

”You ever been in danger before, kid? Real danger? You come to respect it. These guys down here, they’re risking life and limb to entertain you and me. And if they crash and burn? Now that’s entertainment,” she finished with a smirk and a devilish glare into the lens of the camera drone. ”Yea, let’s see you use this,”

@The Good Doctor

 

[Voren Dhur]

Naboo.

Voren sighed, breathing in the disgustingly clean air.

He missed the smog of the Core.

Locals here saw themselves as better than everyone else, and the planet reeked of wealth, privilege and self-entitlement.

They probably had free health care.

And daft hairstyles.

Accompanied by his camera droid, Voren had arrived planetside earlier today. A Stinger-class yacht serving as his home and base of operations, purchased at his own expense as his new ‘home away from home’.

Being a ‘Senior’ Correspondent had some benefits, after all.

Stalking into the pod-racing observation deck, he flashed his press pass at a gruff-looking security guard, who proceeded to pat him down.

”You ain’t allow this.” the guard pointed at the Bryar pistol at his hip.

”But what if I want to shoot someone?” Voren asked flatly.

The Guard looked non-plussed.

”See? I need it.” he walked past the confused guard, and clocked his fellow reporter.

Trenton was new to the team, but he seemed like a good guy.

A little….green, for sure.

But so was Voren back in the day.

He walked over to the man, and the young woman he was interviewing, and interjected ”Whats the best crash you’ve ever seen?”

Filth.

That’s what the public wanted.

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

closing his grimoire book, cremek would continue to eye the pod racers.

Part of him excused his fascination with pod racing as a game of natural selection, yes.. natural selection, totally not an excuse for him to have a good time once in a while, he took out his signature drink, "rancor fury" from out of his cloak, setting it on his table, before lifting his mandalorian mask off, and placing it next to the bottle, this was going to be quite the show, and he wanted to see it with his own eyes.

the bitter taste of the fury touched his lips, the mando-sith downing the shot glass he had provided for himself like it was coffee.

"lets see just what these lads can do.."

 

[Jayna Thorne]

There was little chance Jayna was going to miss out on the festivities. While she didn’t follow Podracing with nearly the fervor dedicated to Huttball, the heiress was a fan nevertheless - in large part due to her Twin competing from time-to-time. Moreover, it had been entirely too long since her last visit to Naboo - and she was eager to explore her old stomping grounds near the Academy once again. The fact that the races were taking place in Consortium space meant that Jayna was practically given exclusive tickets to the event.

Jayna stepped out from her transport parked at the street corner - beginning to make her way into the venue. She opted for somewhat more casual attire - sporting a gray skirt and long-sleeved, black blouse. Her dark hair was styled down, while a string of diamonds dripped from her fluted ears. Knowing that cameras would inevitably pan in her direction, the heiress wasn’t entirely convinced by the concept of dressing down.

For the moment, Jayna skipped over the betting booth and waltzed right over to the bar. She snagged herself a snifter of Brandy. She gripped the glass between her fingers, taking a small sip before approaching the platform overlooking the Solleu and racetrack. Her silver eyes drifted through the crowd, spotting a few familiar faces. Aska Ryun immediately caught her eye, receiving a smirk and tip of glass from the heiress. She didn’t have any intention of saving the legendary mercenary from Hyperlane Herald vultures, and was simply pleased to see the reporters pre-occupied. Which just meant she’d have more time to enjoy the races uninterrupted.

Her gaze continued to flick around the area - casually drifting from person to person - before snapping back to one in particular. Her eyes went wide as saucers, lingering until a tilt of Ezra’s head in one direction allowed the heiress to catch a glimpse of familiar, silver eyes. Eyes that only belonged to members of her own family.

For weeks, Jayna hadn’t been able to contact her brother - and her parents were characteristically dodge about everything that had happened after ‘The Pulse’. She didn’t need to know the context to understand that something was seriously wrong with her brother - a feeling that continued to gnaw at her with every passing day. It was clear that Ezra was avoiding them and didn’t wish to be found, but Jayna wasn’t going to miss the opportunity upon seeing him.

With renewed sense of purpose, Jayna cut her way through the crowds - turning her shoulders to avoid bumping into anyone in her path - until she came to a pause only a few paces behind Ezra. She’d likely reach him before he noticed her approach, but there would be no mistaking the voice that called out just beyond his peripheral vision. “Ez?”

@Sreeya @Tulos @theaveragejedishadow @Nor'baal @The Good Doctor @Killa Ree @lizziie @Raydo

 

[Kalique Baize]

Squeezing her way through the crowd came a blonde woman dressed perfectly casual with black hotpants, a ripped denim jacket and a white top and with a latte in her hand, headed for the Imperial Commander who was blending into the crowd just as well.

"Oh this queue was long...but seems like I've still made it". She took a seat next to him, a warm smile on her lips. "Okay sorry...you have to tell me again. Why is this Red Prince the best bet again?". This absolutely wasn't her world, but she was eager to learn, and since he had already won the tickets, she was obviously hyped to get into it.

"Some of this vehicles look like they might fall apart at some point..." she mused as she took a sip from her latte, attentively scanning the racers who just got into line. "The Flyboy looks as though he knows what he does though...but this Milk'N'Honey one's speeder looks fast" she observed, wondering who actually had the best chances.

@Raydo

 

[Dash Pavan]

Dash wove between the groups of spectators, praying this place was the right one. He had not exactly listened to all of Ezra's directions and felt like he had walked the length of the canal looking in different venues. He tried to peer over people's shoulders for any sign of his boyfriend, bouncing along in a casual khaki green set that was as comfortable as it was standout.

Some folks had definitely dressed up more than he expected and it seemed like a day at the podraces was a thing here. If only someone had told him. He at least had a glitzy yellow ear stud from Commenor markets and some suave shades, not that the weather looked too promising. Dash was trying something new today, he better not get drenched for it.

The raspberry lollipop in his hand was probably meant for kids, but this was the first proper downtime they'd had since the mad dash to Mortis and the heaps of bad news. The Rhinnalian was throwing caution to the wind, stepping outside the usual to take up Ezra's invite. Podraces were fun he supposed, and this frozen red circle tasted amazing.

He was pleased to glimpse the back of Ezra's head and squeezed between two bodies to get closer (@Sreeya ). Dash was surprised to see Jayna there too, apparently surprising her brother (@Altaris ). He knew the siblings had not spoken since Ez ran off and he was glad to see them reunited. They had a close bond, Dash knew, and if he could not get his boyfriend to reconcile with his parents then this was the next best thing.

He hung back and let them have their moment, guarding his lollipop fiercely from nudging elbows.

 

[Layla Tamm]

Layla wasn't lost, she was just unaware of the sort of trouble she was going to get into by being on Theed. Though it wasn't her presence on Theed, as much as her presence at the event.

The fact that she was a little tipsy was the only thing keeping her from straight up having a meltdown. How as she to know the difference between regular ale and whatever a speager-bomb was. So she walked over to the counter where the bets were being taken and placed down the hundred credit chit that was a great big chunk of her stipend, having spent most of it on restocking her medical kit.

"On Rya please."

Carefully putting away the bet slip, she suddenly noticed the server who had showed up with a refill for her drink. Still unaware of what she was drinking, she took a sip and took a quick picture to send a message to Maura.

> (18:04:23) Swagawan69420: Where are you?
> (19:13:45) Laaaayla: This Theed ale is the best! You need to try it!
> (19:14:02) Laaaayla: Image_003454.png
> (19:14:15) Laaaayla: They call it a spaeger-bomb!​

So focused was she on messaging with one hand and a drink in the other, that she didn't even notice a she bumped into someone (@Alhon), almost spilling her drink. More glad at not spilling the drink that she was sorry at disturbing someone it took her a moment to remember her manner.

"I'm sorry, please excuse me...." She stopped as she recognized who she had bumped into, the face recognizable from the various gossip tabloids he and his boyfriend were featured on.

"You're Dash McSmash!" She stopped in horror, shocked that she had used the name the tabloids used for him to his face, face turning a darker shade of blue in shame. "I'm so sorry Knigth Pavan, it's just you read these names and seeing you in person and.....Please don't tell anyone I said that."

@lizziie

 

[Roalik Novarish]

Roalik was never a fan of this type of sport. He just never saw the point. He supposed there could be some flying experience gained this way, but it was still such a specific skillset that was required to win this type of contest that he chose to ignore, up until now.

Coming to Naboo, for him, was a cultural experience. He did not enjoy the races, and he definitely did not enjoy being surrounded by a squealing mob, drinking and gambling for fun. However, this experience could yet prove to be valuable. Meeting new and different types of people, observing the ways in which they choose to behave, and perhaps even managing to learn something from this entire unpleasant event.

He wandered aimlessly, scanning the faces of the contestants. Some of them chose... Unique nicknames. He himself did not feel a connection to such things, although he understood the appeal of being someone else, even for a short while. Disconnecting from past and heritage, and having a name that represents nothing but who you are. Then again... Flyboy? 'Whatever works for them' he said to himself.

As he examined the pilots, one of them caught his eye. A fellow Chiss. It appeared her name was Rya. And she didn't have any fancy nicknames to add. He just might join the bets. But first, a drink. If he's here already, why not act local?

"A glass of Tsiraki please, if you don't mind" He said, sitting at the bar and raising his hand to be noticed.

 

[Cremek "Krayt" Candorus]

Cremek had completely drank his rancor fury at this point, bored now, he placed his mandalorian mask on his face and pulled his hood up, then he walked up to the bar and leaned.

"Pardon me, but do you have any rancor fury?"
Cremek was absolutely delighted when the waiter told him they did, when cremek was buzzed, he was a much friendlier person, much more well mannered too, funnily enough. he would place what he had to bet, then give a good chug of his rancor fury, lifting his mask to do so.

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra was not pleased with how crowded this place was getting. A part of him missed his old life of having a private Thorne box everywhere. In fact, there was a private viewing platform just for them as Naboo was an ISC planet. But that created the chance of running into his family and he had no desire to see them. Thus, when Jayna’s voice rang out, his ears twitched to almost flatten.

He glanced over at his twin. The two had been incredibly close growing up, and they told one another everything. This was the first time Ezra detached from his entire family - including her. It was because he couldn’t bear to crush her with the reality of their parents. Jayna adored Pops and finding out Raze was a part of him would destroy her.

“Hey Jay,” He muttered quietly, “Where’s your army of girlfriends?” Ezra asked with a scoff, walking over to pull her into a one armed hug. He may have been avoiding his parents, but he had no qualms with his sister. Ezra was also not the type to make a scene, so he would play it cool in public and act like he hadn’t put her through an emotional roller coaster.

@Altaris

 

[Silvi Velt-Morata]

She had just ordered something needlessly fruity and colorful, fully intent on taking a deep drink, when a familiar figure greeted her eyes. For a moment, her heart fluttered in her chest, and she suddenly felt a surge of anxiety and excitement, something they always inspired in her. They were always beautiful; ever since the first time she met, she fully believed it. Her cheeks flushed a pale rose, and she rose from her seat, raising her hand in a wave as she spotted the familiar figure at the bar.

"Jayn-!" she was about to fully call out, a light smile on her lips as she tugged down the facemask and raising a hand to give a warm wave, freezing the greeting halfway when she realized her attention was diverted to someone else... someone else she was familiar with.

Her face flushed even deeper when she recognized the other Thorne twin, and abruptly turned away, hiding her face with a hand and feeling her blush deepen as a cold dash of embarrassment rolled down her spine. After the last time they met up, she wasn't sure if she was ready to meet up with Ezra again quite so soon.

Heart pounding, she turned her head away to take a deep sip of her drink, hoping she wasn't heard, though she was rather loud, but still occasionally glancing at the pair of them out of the corner of her eye. She desperately hoped she wasn't interrupting anything, and tried to focus on the race displayed on one holoscreen, hardly able to taste the drink she was practically inhaling. It looked like they needed space, so she'd do her best to melt into the crowd.

@Altaris @Sreeya