A Runners Run-in with Reptilian Races

[Bohatei Chorva]

"Yeah. The old captain was probably the closest thing I had to a father. Dude even called me his son when he was on his way out." Bohatei smiles nostalgically, his expression lighting up.

At her question about his ship, he nodded with a big smile. "Of course. It's a Ghtroc 720 light freighter under the name 'Contact V'. It's still mainly using the stock parts, nothing really overly changed around. But I've managed to learn the whole dang thing like the back of my hand. You'll be surprised what you can do once you know the limits and what you can do with a ship once you know what can be moved or bypassed." He smiles as he explains, going into a similar tirade to Draco's earlier discussion about her own vessel.

 

[Draco Miles]

Draco smiled, glad to have so much in common personality wise with Bohatei Chorva and wanting to show off a little more. She got up from the table and held out a helping hand for him to stand up

“Alright, so I know I said we won’t be going into my bedroom, but I have some plans I want to show you with a project I’ve been working on. Maybe you could give me a hand in streamlining some parts, eh?”

She seemed genuinely excited to spend this time with the new apprentice and give him a friend to talk to when he was feeling lost or confused

She took him to the bedroom to show him the plans for her power armor, wanting him to give her some insight on how to get certain materials, and thoughts on what to add!

 

[Bohatei Chorva]

"Oh, yeah, sure!" Bohatei nodded with a smile, stretching in the chair for a moment before standing up and letting the drake lead on to her room. Once they arrived, he took a extensive look over the plans before taking a pen to it with permission from Draco. His handwriting had a clear contrast to her own, but he did his best to make it legible.

That's the cost one pays for constantly doing things digitally, after all.

He makes a number of changes, explaining each one as he went.
"Really clever move usin' the droideka's shield module. Here, you can lower the frequency it operates on and set up a couple of these points around the armor to match the frequency to draw it in." Bohatei hummed. "This'll let it fit to your form as you move, rather than the dome they're known for."

Motioning to the various bits of bulk around the armor, the Zabrak would spread out the components responsible. The main culprit for this was the in-built sensor array, most of it's parts centralized in the torso area. He moves the various scanners across multiple parts of the armor. "Let's spread out this array some, ease out the burden on the suit." He explains, tapping where he moved them with the pen.

Bohatei's brow furrows slightly at the sheer amount of different parts. "All of these would be a bit of a nightmare to consistently supply power to, even with a small-scale reactor in-built. It'd all need a supply to keep it spun up." He advised, circling each of the more advanced functions. "Instead of focusin' on making it a everything-in-one type deal, why don't you make the parts interchangeable? Have a thruster setup on the back like those... whatchamacallits, those guys with the T-visors." The Zabrak hummed, unable to recall the name of the group. "Anyhow, it ain't important. By makin' em all a similar design on the back, you'd free up alot of juice to extend the use of the suit."

The Zabrak would keep going for a time, mainly advising her on the design of the suit as well as how the electronics are wired.

 

[Draco Miles]

Listening to what he had to say on the shielding solved her problem on how to change the frequency on the droideka module, and got that form fitting, almost completely invisible look she wanted.

She hadn’t even thought of how the array sensors would act being so closely bunched up like that! Now knowing how quintessential it was to keep them apart would make sure she had an accurate reading of the battlefield and movements of enemies.

Jet packs… cloaking… and shielding… she knew the reactor could output the power to keep them going, but didn’t realize the toll it’d take on the suit and how it’d be constantly overheating. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. She took this advice and nodded, all of these could be interchangeable to keep power usage to a minimum, and not all of them were needed at once too.

She watched in wonder at the Zabrak work and his comments on how to better the longevity of the suit, smiling widely and glad to have such a valuable team member! After the revisions were made and she had this armor streamlined, she hugged him

“Ah, thank you so much, Bohatei! I’m glad I got your opinion on this, otherwise it probably would’ve exploded a couple times before I got to wear it…”

 

[FreelanceGarbageMan]

“There ya’ are. That should also help with the efficiency of the shield. Won’t make it any tougher, but running it should help not eat up all of the reactor’s juice.” Bohatei smiled lightly as he explained, his idle hand twirling the pen in his hands as he thought. It was calming to the Zabrak, being able to work on technology for a new compatriot.

Soon enough, the previously bulky form of the armor had taken a slimmer and more mobile looking shape. It also was a bit more cost effective, in terms of raw material needed to assemble it. On the other hand, the changes meant things were a bit more complex.

Then again, with their clearly elegant choice of design, the Zabrak didn’t think expenses were too much of an issue for the drake’s master.

Speaking of whom, Bohatei jumps a little at the sudden embrace, surprised by it in his focused state as she wrapped his arms around him. He smiles for a moment, returning the hug soon after. “It ain’t nothin’, Blues. Besides, you’re the one offerin’ me a meal. Least I could do is give some technical advice!” He smiles.

(( THIS IS THE MAIN USER FOR BOHATEI, I MADE AN IOS POST AND FUCKED IT UP AAAAAAAAA ))

 

[Draco Miles]

(Makes sense lmao)

 

[Draco Miles]

Draco was loving the slim design just for the fact that now she could keep her fighting style instead of relying on new weapons to be manufactured! Though the biggest issue now was GETTING said materials… but she knew where. She’d have to kill her former master for it though

“Ah, speaking of which, let me get your plate”

She took a covering off of a silver platter to show steaming food, steak and asparagus, what Bohatei Chorva wanted, and Draco’s just steak dish, all perfectly prepared by a neutralizer servant

 

[Bohatei Chorva]

Bohatei seemed definitely happy with the results of his work, setting the pen aside and turning to face Draco with a nod. The fact he had been able to cut down so much of the suits bulk made the Zabrak pretty proud of himself judging by that grin on his features.

A grin that only got bigger when he saw his food. Seeing the steam rise from his dish, the Zabrak took his plate with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Blues.”

Spearing a bit of the greens then cutting off a chunk of the steak, Bohatei bit down on the food and hummed blissfully. His expression practically lit up, having been used to his own mediocre cooking skills. After he finishes the mouthful, the Zabrak beamed happily.

“That is really good!”

 

[Draco Miles]

“I know, right?! Those neutralizers really know how to make one hell of a meal!”

Draco was grateful for all the work Bohatei Chorva had done for her, she couldn’t help but smile with him as she ate, albeit much faster than him, to the point where it seemed she was just wolfing it down as fast as she could! But in reality she did savor its taste, and loved it as much as she did the first time she had it

 

[Bohatei Chorva]

“Well, those buckets of bolts sure are built fir it. Truth be told, I ain’t that good at cookin’ myself. Never really got the hang of it, y’know?” He shrugged as he spoke, turning on the chair with his food in the Zabrak’s lap. The plate was warm, and Bohatei always was drawn towards things that were nice and toasty.

The clink of cutlery follows as he cut up another piece of asparagus and steak, biting into it with a pleased hum after. He was quite a bit slower than the drake, but seemed to be taking his time and enjoying the meal. “What about you, Blues? Ever tried your hand at cooking a proper meal?”

 

[Draco Miles]

“Ah… nah, not really, only every cooked over a fire for survival or something, nothing fancy like this”

Her cooked meals were during assassination missions that took multiple weeks to complete on one planet. She’d basically be given her orders then just dropped onto the planet to go fight and survive, so at least if she ever got stranded, she’d be fine

“Have you ever meditated before, Bohatei Chorva ?”

 

[Bohatei Chorva]

"That's fair 'nough. We just.. never really had any reason to cook up somethin' nice and fancy. We just made pretty average food. Threw somethin' together with what we had 'n that was that. Never was the main cook myself, but I've picked up a thing or two."

Bohatei smiles as he spoke, recalling their Trandoshan cook who could make even the barest of supplies taste much better than it had any business being. He was also a great source of comfort to the troubled Zabrak youth, and often sought him out to ask about anything, really. They spent many hours just talking to each other, partially to blame for Bohatei's love for conversation.

And his restlessness too, most likely.

"No, I can't say I've ever really tried it. Apparently it's really popular with you Force-users, though. Apparently it's also helpful for other people to practice it. Calmin', or somethin' like that. Why do you ask?"

 

[Draco Miles]

“Reason it’s so popular among force users is because it strengthens your power. Using the force is all about the mind and how to apply it, so one needs to meditate to learn how to be stronger in the force. Would you like to try to meditate with me?”

Draco was not the greatest of teachers, but she’d be damned if she didn’t at least try! Should Bohatei agree, she’d have him sit in the middle of the room directly in front of her and instruct him to close his eyes, then let his mind free to try and think about nothing

 

[Bohatei Chorva]

Bohatei was curious about the effects that Meditation had, a curious eyebrow raising as the drake explained the many benefits for a Force user strengthening their mind via meditation. The Zabrak nodded attentively, trying his best to understand it. “I think I got it. So by meditating, you’re focusing everything you’ve got to use the Force better, right? I think some meditation might be good in that case. Try and get some practice in at least.”

Joining Draco on the floor and crossing his legs, Bohatei would do as instructed and close his eyes for the drake. Of course, the next parts were where he struggled. Having been taught to live in the moment, freeing his mind and thinking about nothing was very difficult. So instead, he does the next best thing.

Bohatei focuses on his breath, feeling his chest and lungs rise and fall as he does his best to meditate.

 

[Draco Miles]

“Close enough… now that you are calm, focus on your past. Reflect on it, learn from it, think of new ways to solve problems, how the force could help you achieve it”

Draco was peering into Bohatei’s mind yo make sure he didn’t mess up too badly, and made sure he wouldn’t go on a rampage should his powers come out of line. Her eyes stayed affixed to him, focusing on every aspect of him and how his body reacted to certain parts of meditation. Would it tense up and react? Or would it stay calm and cool?

 

[Bohatei Chorva]

Bohatei remains still on the floor, resting his hands against each other in thought. He listens to Draco's words and explanation, putting into practice with reflection over himself. A slow and deep breath follows, narrowing his focus.

A juncture in his childhood. The taste of blood in his mouth and the embarrassment of defeat in his mind.
The place where he abandoned his dreams.

The Zabrak focuses himself on that moment, recalling the futile efforts on his part that led to his eventual decision to work as a cargo hauler. Pushing freight from one place to the next. With his crew gone, all he had was himself and the ship he called home. Bohatei remains still and calm, his breathing slow and collected as he meditates.

"What is.."

For a moment, he ends up reaching out to the Force only to hesitate. Bohatei's expression scrunches up slightly, as if he felt something out there. But as suddenly as he felt it, it was gone again.

"Gah, damn it." He huffed, narrowing his eyes after losing sight of it.

 

[Draco Miles]

Yes! Yes he had it! He was reaching out to it! Just a little furtheee— Goddamnit… Draco sighed with him and shook her head, patting Bohatei Chorva on the shoulder to comfort him and giving a thumbs up

“Close, but no cigar freight boy. Give it another try, try to focus on a more intense situation, one more dire. Like your life, or someone else’s, is in danger. You first need to be extremely calm though, so let’s focus on keeping you calm for a little longer before trying”

One more try couldn’t hurt! Draco was persistent like that, willing to throw herself at the wall over and over until it shattered and she broke through to victory. Nothing can stop her! And nothing could stop Anyone else if they tried hard enough

 

[Bohatei Chorva]

Bohatei’s expression unfurrows after opening his eyes again, the emerald orbs blinking at the light. The frustration is brief and quickly forgotten, a gentle hand upon his shoulders grounding the Zabrak in reality as he looked up and nodded his head. “Almost had it.” He replies with confidence, renewing himself to try again.

Bohatei closes his eyes.

He submerged himself in thought, recollecting the past and his failures. The Zabrak focuses on that moment again, the yelling of a referee and the feeling of the mat underneath his feet coming to mind. A dull ache in his hands and feet, and exhaustion stripping Bohatei of his strength.

A moment that he inspires himself never to repeat.

His resting palms tighten, his brow furrowing as the Force is once again within his mental grasp. The Zabrak reaches out into this inner glow, that sensation and dull hum filling his mind.

Bohatei holds himself to it for a while this time, although it slowly fades away again.

“Ya’ got any other pointers, Blues?” The Zabrak inquires, tapping his foot lightly as he tries to understand why it keeps escaping him. Each time he reaches out, it slowly leaves him. “It’s like tryin’ to catch water in my hands. It keeps slippin’ away once I got it.”

 

[Draco Miles]

“A bucket, you must use. Creative in the force, you must be. Many paths, one must take”

She spoke like Yoda and hunched her back like the little Green man, obviously getting a chuckle out of her impression but hoping to have given Bohatei Chorva inspiration, though she’d reiterate it for him

“There is never only one solution to a problem. Go at it from different avenues, if pull does not work… why not Push?”

 

[Bohatei Chorva]

Bohatei looks a bit confused at Draco’s change in mannerisms, a soft laugh leaving the Zabrak at his teacher’s silliness. It helped him feel better about his trouble to see her offering him advice with the problems he was having.

Even if the method of delivery was lighthearted.

“Alright, alright, grandma.” Bohatei smirks, closing his eyes again so he can focus. “I’ll see if I can’t force it then. Pun… fully intended.” He chuckles, his expression focusing again after.

He presses his way into the Force again, taking a deep breath and holding it as Bohatei tries to push his way into the inner glow. This time, he holds it for a bit longer before suddenly losing it and taking a few breaths.

“Okay, pushin’ it isn’t the way too go.” He sighs after a moment, looking back up.

“How do you do it?”