Open Naboo Nothing to See

[Kaldar]

Per my OP template, thread is death enabled​

All work and no play made Kaldar a very boring boy. One of the benefits to being a very wealthy Sith was that he could go pretty much wherever he wanted, whenever he wanted.

Running had always helped him clear his head, and the older Kaldar got, the more complicated his schemes became. This translated to longer distances spent running, and by the time he made Champion he was involved in marathon prep.

It was a twofer, really. He got to get out and think, and he got to prep for the Mon Cala Marathon next month.

Today's city was Theed, capital of Naboo. The open, clear air was refreshing as Kaldar finally came to the end of his morning run, the sun still creeping up in the sky as he slowed to a walk outside of a caf shop, throwing his hands behind his heads as he took deep breaths and turned off the hard rock music playing through his EZpods.

Gotta give credit to the Jedi, this EZtech stuff is everywhere. Even all the Sith are using them, he mused to himself as he wandered into the caf shop. Yes, nothing said hydration after a run like caf, but you know what, he'd worry about that later.

 

[Chewy]

Spoiler: Ambience

Track

It was a beautiful day on Naboo. Perfect for inspiring Chewy to create new dishes and combinations of foods. The droid carried a tray of steaming cups on trays, perfectly balanced as all meals should be. The machine did not need the organic sustinance themselves but their counter parts enjoyed it greatly.

Naboo was gorgeous even during its ugliest of times. Theed had wonderful shops, museums and the people were so kind. On what used to be the edge of civilized space, Naboo had come a long way since they were the last stop on the hyperspace routes. It was a veritable oasis and safe harbor for civilized people.

The droid doubted they would come across any dark siders on their trip abroad. Then again, they had crossed paths with a crimson bladed guy on New Alderaan. C1-13U's primary function was to provide delicious sustenance, not analyze the likely hood of a terrorist attack. Technically, Chewy could even be considered a terrorist by the empire.

A new customer entered the cafe while Chewy finished placing hot cups and refilled the creamers at one table. Finishing their service to the present table the petite Crisp-E-O approached the stranger. "Greetings on this beautiful day, friend. We have seating both indoors and outdoors. Please, find a seat and I will be right with you or do you wish to order to go?" It gestured to an array of available sitting options. Only a gungan and a tanned human seemed to be waiting for to-go orders.

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar wandered into the cafe to be quickly greeted by a serving droid.

Ummmm, probably to go. I just want a coffee, he said with a shrug.

Eh, actually I guess I'll sit outside for a bit with my caf, he said, motioning to one of the tables that was right at the entrance where it was partly-outside and partly-inside. Ideal for people who couldn't make a decision about what they wanted or people like Kaldar who wanted it all.

I'll take a vanilla latte with an extra shot of espresso, he said, flicking a glance over to the pair of other people waiting for their to-go orders. They looked normal and mundane enough. The types of people who didn't really seem like they had much going on between their ears.

So, droidy, what's up in the area right now? Anything going on this weekend I should go see? Scuttlebutt in the area? You gotta hear all the news in here, right? he asked. He actually had no idea if the droid heard anything, but it didn't hurt to ask. Worst option was he got his coffee and went on his way.

@Darasuum

 

[Caerllion of Cyfnos]

While he walked through the streets of Theed, Caerllion admired the beauty of the place. He wondered why he never had Naboo before. Perhaps it was because he still remembered the war between the Sith and the ISC. He lost some colleagues at the time and even after peace was made, the Annfyn still avoided these planets.

Which was really stupid, because no one would recognize him. He never did anything important during the war, having preferred to focus on achieving his mastery in genetics rather than suicide fighting for a Mad Empress. However, he still had died his hair brown and was wearing blue eye lenses as precaution.

However, the most recent events in his life made him wander here, with the simple desire of doing some tourism. His coronation was getting near, while things in the Order had become more convoluted in the past days. The Master simply wanted to get away from all that and do something that was relaxing.

He walked in front of a cafe, stopping to give a look at it. The place seemed good and he could drink something. Caerllion opened the door and entered. The interior was clean and the decoration wasn’t ridiculous, then it was enough for him. The Annfyn found a place for himself, then waited for one of the serving droids.

While he waited, his eyes fell upon a male human that was chatting with a droid. Caerllion had the impression that he knew the man from somewhere.

@Darasuum @Phoenix

 

[Chewy]

C1-13U examined the latest customer. Their photoreceptors scanned the man and noted mild perspiration appearing in part across his skin. Their servos made barely perceptible noises as they began to gesture towards the counter only for the man to change his mind about the manner of his drink.

The Crisp-E-O began brewing the latte internally after hearing the order. "Do you want that hot or iced?" Depending on the man's answer, Chewy would provide them with a complimentary separate cup of cool water once they were seated. They did not want the man to become dehydrated or regret visiting the cafe.

The droid returned to the table after a moment with an empty cup. They poured the fresh vanilla latte into the cup at the desired temperature. The customer would be able to smell the gentle vanilla notes wafting up from the liquid along with the light roast beans used to make the drink. The lighter roast provided a slightly higher caffeine content which the droid suspected the man desired.

As they poured the beverage they listened to the query from the human and happily answered. "Indeed, sir." Considerable focus was given to perfectly crafting the drink to the specifications of the customer but Chewy would provide more than just sustenance. It was all part of being the best droid they could be.

The droid opted to go for public events that a tourist might enjoy. "There is the Festival of Expression occurring for the next local week if you are interested in art or the history of the humans of Naboo." Their origins were traced back to Grizmallti and a great deal of history had transpired. There were all types of events within the Festival where bands performed, dance groups showed what they had and much more. But it was not for everyone.

"Theed University is on a break at the moment so many of the students are taking their vacations at this time. You may find many young people running around. Most remain on the planet though they travel across the world with their free time and can sometimes be rambunctious." Perhaps this man was a student of the university. But it was not Chewy's place to question their customer.

"There is narglatch racing on the plains tomorrow and cliff gliding if you enjoy excitement or heights." The man seemed to be a tourist of some sort or at least interested in local events.

The rest of the patrons hardly paid the latest arrival any attention. Some patrons were reading books, discussing art, listening to music through their EZphones, or any combination of the activities. The beauty of Theed seemed to provide a sense of ease and relaxation to all who visited it. The aforementioned Gungan accepted a cup of bubble tea with a wide smile showing his joy. Similarly, the tanned man would get his lavender laced dagobah fog and fresh-baked donut. Since both had made orders to go they soon went about their day and left the cafe.

"Can I get you anything else?" The droid inquired to the man whilst waiting at the table. There were other patrons coming and going so the droid would be plenty busy. But no sense of worry or concern registered in the serving machine's vocabulator.

The droid would eventually leave and be able to serve the newest arrival. Chewy used the same greeting they had hundreds of times. It never got old for them. "Greetings on this beautiful day, friend. We have seating both indoors and outdoors. Please, find a seat and I will be right with you or do you wish to order to go?"

@LouJoVi @Phoenix

 

[Alhazred]

For once, Alhazred was happy not participating in scholarly pursuits .

For the past week, the Jedi had been doing nothing but studying the local wildlife. Bogwings, Doos, Faas, Fambaas, Ollopoms and Kaadus; anything his cousin could get his hands on was worthy of being studied and analyzed. While Alhazred found he did not enjoy the dissection process as much as he thought he would, it was a good experience overall. He learned more about Naboo biology then he could have in any datapad or lecture. But after a week of being hands deep in animal innards and getting bitten, stung, drowned by every life form imaginable, it was good to be in a more 'civilized' area.

Approaching the cafe, Alhazred glanced around. He was an odd sight, being the only Nu-Vaal in probably the entire city. His turban on his head and the DX container on his back holding his hand-sized pulsating tumor-esque spawn certainly drew a little more than a modicum of attention towards himself. But he was used to the looks. And the smell of this place was making his toothless maw salivate, so he had to at least grab a bite to eat and drink.

Alhazred spotted the man sitting outside, who had just been served by a droid. A strapping man, Alhazred felt a twinge of curiousity. True, he was tired and his mental faculties weren't up to snuff at the moment, but if the Jedi taught him anything, it was he needed to be more talkative.

"Excuse me, is this seat taken...?" Alhazred whispered. If the man allowed him, Alhazred would sit down and wait for the droid to ask for his order before talking. If not, then he would find a seat elsewhere.

@Darasuum @LouJoVi @Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Iced, he said, glancing down at his phone as the droid made his coffee, grabbing a seat at the table and kicking back. His muscles were still a bit sore from the run and he stretched his legs out far in front of him.

Kaldar listened to the events that would be coming up, a mixture of art, festivals, and academics, but it was the races that caught his attention.

Narglatch, huh? he said, searching up what the heck those things were on his phone.

Huh... weird. Sounds unsafe, he said. It also meant that it sounded interesting by extension.

No, I'm good, he said as the droid asked if there was anything else, getting that first sip feeling as he drank down a gulp of his latte and letting out a satisfied "ah."

More people passed by, but Kaldar was admittedly caught off guard when one of them walked up to him and asked to take a seat. His eyes flicked up - or rather down - at the short man who approached him. He didn't recognize whatever species he was, and he was... a little hesitant as to a random person walking up to him.

I don't have any money if that's what you want, he said. Well, that wasn't true, but he didn't have any money for this person. He wouldn't stop the other person from sitting, but he was pretty sure at any moment the guy was going to start trying to sell him life insurance.

@Darasuum @LouJoVi @Narzen

 

[Alhazred]

“Then it's a good thing I have some to pay for the both of us” Alhazred chuckled, not picking up any indication he should turn away. Quietly he placed the water-filled DX tank next to the chair and sat down.

If the droid returned to take Alhazred's order, he would state “Please, hot tea, some mineral water with a chiff stone if you have any, and…oh some kind of pastry. Preferably something not gooey but still has sugar.” Alhazred's mind would suddenly recall a particular nasty dissection of a wounded pus-oozing Nuna. True, ending the moribund thing was a mercy for both it and himself, but studying its innards was not appetizing in the least.

“I am Abda-Vaal Alhazred. I am what the youths call an eccentric scholar” The Nu-Vaal introduced himself with a slight chortle. He reached over and patted the DX container with a webbed green hand. “My…spawn has noted I need to be a bit more talkative, and I’ve perceived most humanoids do it best around warm foods”

At being mentioned, the thing inside the container did a few backflips inside the water. Tiny as it was, and blind as its pale white eyes indicated, the thing was quite expressive for only being less than a few months old.

“I hope I’m not too impudent or disrespectful? I’m not entirely familiar with the customs of fair Naboo yet…” Alhazred added, thinking that the person he was speaking to was a native.

@Darasuum @LouJoVi @Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar was all dubious gazes as the scholar sat down, half expecting that he was about to be recruited into a cult or something. Nobody was this friendly. Still, Kaldar didn't actually have anything going on right now, so he supposed he could wait to see how it all played out.

Wow, that name's a mouthful, he thought to himself, not entirely sure what an "eccentric scholar" actually was, although he could see how the description was probably accurate. He seemed like a bit of a weird one. Wait, the "youths" called him that? How old was this guy? And who said "youths?"

His spawn? Some sort of aquatic creature then, maybe. He looked down at the pale little blind thing in the water and just... was at a bit of a loss. Sure it was this guy's "spawn" and for a moment Kaldar was going to ask what it was but then he realized he really didn't want to know about the sexual or asexual reproduction of whatever this things was. Actually, that was the question he wanted to know.

What species are you? he asked bluntly before motioning to the... spawn jar. Does it... talk? Or you know... hear?

He just shrugged when the scholar mentioned intruding. Kaldar could certainly always get up and leave.

It's whatever, he said, taking a sip of his coffee. He was for all intents and purposes on vacation, he could spend a little time talking with... well, not a local, but someone from a place he'd never even heard of before.

 

[Alhazred]

Alhazred chuckled. "I am a Nu-Vaal, descendent of the Summa-Verminoth" To be fair, the man's reaction to Alhazred's species was warrented. While not incredibly rare, many Nu-Vaal who actually dared to leave their home kept to themselves or busied themselves so much into their studies that they ignored most other things. This was part due to their weak vocal cords that hurt after lengths of talking, and part of the inherent xenophobia of the species as a whole.

"And as for my spawn...." Alhazred continued. "Not in the traditional sense. It's still in a early post cytokinetic-embryo state. It can feel the warmth of the water and hear some sounds. It has a natural sense of when its talked about, a capability beyond me. But in terms of dialogue? The thing has only been able to speak with me thus far."

This was not a lie, though it certainly was a deceptive truth. Alhazred had been the only one to communicate with it, but it wasn't due to some inherent Nu-Vaal trait. Alhazred's Jedi training in telepathy, and the close bond between host and spawn, allowed the two to communicate feelings, senses, even mental images and sounds. Most likely any pregnant mother with Jedi training could do the same thing. But instead of being open as a Jedi, Alhazred kept his answer a bit more vague. He preferred to keep his training closer to his chest, especially after the 'Starweird' incident. Who knew what Imperial might be around the corner, or worse, a mad Sith?

"Enlighten me..." Alhazred said, studying the man across from him. "You're a strapping man. Judging by your more athletic build, I'd hazard a guess you are a guardian of this fair city? Or perhaps a huttball participant?"

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar listened and... wow, it was kind of weird. He knew the galaxy was full of strange stuff, but there was definitely a part of him that said "well I wonder if this guy is just hearing voices."

Probably not, right? He was probably telling the truth about the warm water of his spawn speaking to him. Yeah, that still doesn't really sound better, he thought to himself.

Hmm, Kaldar said, not taking his eyes off the Nu-Vaal in that way you did when you thought someone might be a little crazy.

Distance runner, Kaldar said. He was still in athletic clothes and sweating from his run so there was no point - or utility for that matter - in denying it.

Naboo has nice climate and scenery. Good place for long runs, he said.

You're not from around here, clearly. What brings you to Naboo? he asked.

@Narzen

 

[Alhazred]

"Ah! That explains the calves then" Alhazred noted with a wink, as if he really knew what he was talking about. In all actuality, he didn't fully understand human anatomy yet. He did not subscribe to his kind's more extreme studies.

"What gave it away?" Alhazred chortled. "The turban or being the only one of my kind you have seen?" His whispered tone was light, trying to indicate he meant no malicious sarcasm like so many others had done to him in the past.

"Science young one, science" the Nu-Vaal continued. His entire stature had changed slightly. It was almost as if he was excited to talk. "I'm a student of life, and I came to experiment and compare notes with one of my cousins in the more thickened foliage of your world's great swamps. Just got done with a fortnight's worth of....well....open studies might be a good term for it. Only reason I'm here in public is because my cousin is now wishing to dive deeper into your planet's deep underground waters. He swears he will be able to detect and study one of your Colo Claw Fish, and I felt I need a moment away before attempting such tasks..."

Having a drink in hand, Alhazred began to sip at the tea between green face tendrils before continuing. "Some helpful advice from a Nu-Vaal. If you ever find one of us doing something as foolhardy as 'chasing Sando Monsters' or even Summas, know it is not a euphonism or any sort or even a clever metaphor."

@Phoenix

 

[Kaldar]

Kaldar glanced down at his calves. Well, they were pretty chiseled, weren't they?

Kaldar shrugged ambiguously as he asked if it was the look that gave him away. Yes, that was probably what gave it away, but you also never knew. Over the last century or so, the planet had become a destination for people to come and live out there days no matter the species.

Young one? And earlier he said something about... what was it, the youths? How old is this guy? he wondered to himself. Wait, and does he think I'm from Naboo? he realized, listening to the words said by the man. He supposed there was no real harm in it. Ultimately, it made little difference.

So basically you're planning to go get eaten, he stated flatly.

Did you make out a will? he asked, suppressing the desire to ask to be added to it. He felt like he deserved something for helping the man be prepared to pass on to the next life. Heck, maybe Kaldar could just get in and steal whatever the guy left behind before anyone realized he was dead.

Oh, I'm sure that's just unrealistic and silly, he thought to himself.

@Narzen

 

[Alhazred]

Alhazred actually laughed momentarily at the bluntness of the young man. Hearing a Nu-Vaal laugh is, to many, a strange experience. With their vocal cords being poorly developed, it sounded more alien then a lot of alien noises in the galaxy.

"Many individuals consider that is our long term goals!" Alhazred added between his noises of laughter. "Though usually we'd rather be eaten by our gods. Then again, I've come to understand that the Sando monsters guard the Gungun Guds themselves..."

Alhazred sipped at his tea while an idle thought crossed over on his will. As of now, and as tradition, his goods, what little there was, would be transferrred to any Nu-Vaal who would stake claim to it, to be taken back to Vaal. His body would also be taken, but given what the Jedi did with their dead, he wondered if his will needed to be updated. And what would happen to his young? Would it be better to be taken in by the Jedi or his own kind?

"Enough about me" Alhazred changed the subject. He gestured to the young man. "Please, I'm not even cognizant of your name."

@Phoenix

 

[Chewy]

"Yes. Indeed." The droid replied to the first customer's question and comments. When they had nothing else to order Chewy returned to attending to other customers.

It did not take long for the Crisp-E-O Donut droid to find someone new to wait on. It would take a few minutes before Chewy realized that the earlier customer was now joined by another organic of a different species. Returning to the table, the droid greeted them the same way he had everyone before taking the turban touting patron's order. "I think we have something that will be to your liking. I will return shortly with your order. Would you like cream, sugar or any other additions for your tea?" Once they confirmed the order, Chewy turned away from the table and went to fetch the food and drink.

Chewy would return with two trays, one for each manipulator. One tray carried a teapot, steam rising from the spout and the smell of the herbal liquid drifting to the noses of those it passed. The second tray carried not one, not two, but several cinnamon twist sticks. The Twisted Sith Sticks, as Chewy called them, were a new development after his run in with a Sith on New Alderaan of all places. The pastries lacked any filling but had a flaky and balanced buttery flavor that was elevated by the sweetness of sugar and cinnamon. "Please enjoy, friends. Let me know if there is anything else you wish to order."

The droid would begin to leave but pause. Its photoreceptor's fixated on the incubation container. It was a peculiar thing to bring into a cafe but the droid had served stranger things in weirder places. The thing inside the container was moving, so perhaps it was simply a vessel for another patron. It was rude for the droid to assume it was not a customer and thus turned back around. "Does your companion desire anything?" The Crisp-E-O droid gestured with a manipulator to the incubation pack.

@Phoenix @Narzen

 

[Kimi Bastian]

Kimi was not in the greatest of moods, even if she tried to hide it.

Her ship had developed a fuel leak. something to be expected in a Clone Wars-era shuttle, but it had still resulted in her having to stop on Naboo for some repairs. While the shuttle was in the garage, she had decided to take a much-needed caf break. This had been the nearest spot, so she had decided to check it out. Walking into the cafe in her robes and (hidden) body armor, the Togruta instinctively surveyed the situation. A human and a...something she couldn't recognize were talking at a table where a droid was serving them. Curious about what species that was, she silently made her way to a table a few feet away from the conversing beings and sat down, waiting patiently for the droid to finish up with his current order while she tried to listen in inconspicuously on the conversation. There was no exterior sign she was doing so, a skill she had developed through much trial and error.

(OOC: Kimi's saber is strapped to the back of her waist and hidden by the cloak.)
@Darasuum @Narzen @Phoenix

 

[Chewy]

The Crisp-E-O droid would take the order and serve when appropriate before attending other customers. A Togruta entered the cafe and took a seat. Chewy arrived at their table a moment later. "Greetings, friend. What can I get you today?"

@Interdictor

 

[Kimi Bastian]

Kimi half-turned toward the droid as it approached, recognizing it as a Crisp-E-O droid. She had been briefed on its specifications after a terrorist attack that involved a bomb strapped to one of the things. She internally shook herself. Right: her order. "I'll take a black caf and a…what kind of pastries do you have?" Her experience with anything fancy was limited, and her cooking skills (or lack thereof) restricted her from cooking anything even remotely complex, despite her new Padawan's best efforts. The Togruta subconsciously drummed her gloved, organic hand on her bionic arm's covered wrist as she listened to the droid's answer.
@Darasuum

 

[Chewy]

Chewy recalled the information they had on Togrutas. From what the droid had stored in its memory banks they possessed multiple stomachs which allowed for a diverse diet. They had a penchant for consuming meat in more frequency than other species with an exceptionally low case of vegetarians.

"We have all sorts, friend. There are sweet and savory flavors. We have cold cream cakes, freshly baked donuts with fruit fillings and also meat pies with a variety of flavors to choose from. Most of our options are sourced locally here on Naboo by fair trade farmers using organic ingredients. I can fetch a menu though it is not an exhaustive list. Is there anything special I can try making for you?" The droid tried to be as accommodating as possible and provide the best service a Crisp-E-O could give.

While the Togruta thought about their order Chewy began pouring a fresh cup of black caf, directly from their built-in dispenser. The smell of strong caffeinated beverage caused a nearby table to look over. The eye contact with the droid's photoreceptors told them they wished to have a refill on their drink. The droid began preparing one for them as well and would serve it accordingly.

@Interdictor

 

[Kimi Bastian]

Kimi though for a moment as the droid listed options. "I'll have a cream-filled doughnut," she decided finally. Once the droid had finished preparing her drink, she accepted it with a small nod of thanks and took a long sip of her caf. It was really quite good, and the Togruta made a mental note to come here again if she had the chance. "This is excellent," she complimented to the Crisp-E-O. Kimi glanced out the window, watching a speeder zoom past.
@Darasuum