Podrace The Dantooine Open - Quarter Final Race [Swoop Bikes]

[Ova Ziss]

OOC Information Here

Slice of Life and Preparation Thread Here

Pilots: Naamino Zuukamano | Diarch Rellik | Valery Noble | Eleena Salwa | Wilhelm Vonreg | Dani Stellaris | Azurine Varek | Mr. Usher | Trayze Tesar | Eupheira Besserit
Crew and Helpers: Vera Noble | Diarch Reign | Saul Whesai | Aadihr Lidos
VIPs, Merchants, Media & Others: Ova Ziss | Serena Harth | Kinley Pryse | XaraXunia
RP Open to Any Character

Image Credits: HotPot.AI
The Dantooine Open: Quarter-Final Lap​

The sun was shining brightly today as Dantooine Space Station's grandstands, VIP vestibules, and swoop racing track were full.

One of the VIP vestibules opened up its roof, revealing Governor Ova Ziss, who stepped onto a raised platform. He was dressed in his evening best, and beaming at the size and enthusiasm of the crowd. His crowd, for once!

"Welcome! Welcome, to the Dantooine Open Quarter-Final Lap! ARE YOU READY TO SWOOP, DANTOOINE?!"

The crowds raised the roof, cheering and whooping and hollering with great enthusiasm. The swoop jockeys and "jockey bunnies" in the Cornerstone Plus Club bar would be cheering and lifting their liquor, too. Those inhabiting the club would be the folks who were unfortunate enough to miss out on the Dantooine Open Grandstand Tickets, but fortunate enough to make it onto the station. Space ship traffic was a disaster out there: the station had to hire some Rodians to carefully ease some very large, very expensive, highly unique ships into the hangar bay and the overflow docking bay, which was already starting to get full.

There were over 300,000 people present for the whole weekend: enough to make a Jedi Master nervous. Word on the street was that the number was increasing, and not decreasing.

"Before I begin, I would like to say a few brief words."

"This race was made possible by the Diarchy, N&Z Corporation, and the engineers at United Industrial. So, thank you, sponsors!"

There was a smattering of applause.

"I know that I've only recently become your Governor", Ova said, addressing the entire crowd and the racers who were about to race. "But I have big plans for Dantooine. And I've been asked to say a few words, on behalf of...myself."

"People of Dantooine". He gestured at the crowd. "You've put up with piracy, corruption, threats, and shellings for too long. We say, NO MORE!"

Cheers and applause. Ova can feel the flash of a few news cameras on his face, and knows that his speech is being recorded for all time. I'll make sure I do things right this time.

"A new order rises on our planet. No, not a Sith Order, or even a Jedi one", Ova began. "I speak now of order, for all people, for all races, FOR ALL! Human, alien, even criminals. We inhabit the same planet, we breathe the same air, and it is time that we worked together. This is why I have sunk a substantial amount of my own money into these swoop races. This is a chance for us to have fun, to forget the dramas of who owns which planets, and to build our wealth and prestige, together."

"But, my friends and colleagues, there exists a group which does not wish for you to receive order, or even fun." Ova's voice became low and serious. He gripped the podium. He wanted the crowd to hang on his every word. "There is a group which exists solely to subjugate you. This group hides in the shadows, steals your money, hurts your loved ones - and then, lies to your faces. Until now, this enemy was thought to be a mere criminal element; a fringe faction, which has no bearing on the politics or the inner-workings of Dantooine. This fringe group was ignored, and even appeased! With MY kyber crystals!" Ova jabbed a fist at himself. Some members of the audience gasped. "It is only recently, that the Diarchy has become aware of an organized conspiracy - against all inhabitants of the entire Tingel Arm."

"This conspiratorial group, is called The Fifth Wing. You may have heard of them. They are, in short - intergalactic terrorists."

"These terrorists seem to be responsible for death, destruction, chaos, and oblivion no matter where they go. They've destroyed planets. Destroyed entire planets. It is through their instigations that the Sayu Ni Temple Enclave was wiped of all useable kyber crystals. If you are wondering why your taxes went up under my predecessor government, it is because the Fifth Wing attacked the Sayu Ni Temple...and gave me this."

Ova ungloves his left hand and holds it up for the crowd. It is cut deeply along the middle. Dozens of stitches dot Ova's thin hand.

"I know that somewhere in this crowd, the FIfth Wing members are watching and waiting. They may even be planning an attack on this very swoop race. We won't let them. We will repel them, we will defeat them, and we will CRUSH the Fifth Wing conspirators like the dogs that they are."

Ova pointed directly at the news cameras, as if he himself was pointing at the Fifth Wing, and the crowds went wild. They were loving it, or so Ova thought.

"Violence cannot be met with more brutality. Grief cannot be relieved with more loss. Abandonment cannot be eased with more isolation. That is why today, before you all, in front of the Fifth Wing whom I know are watching this assembly, I am announcing the founding of the CSILLA TRUST. This organization will help to repair the damage inflicted by notable Warlords and terrorists, such as the insufferable Marlen Sularon, who is sitting somewhere in that crowd right this moment."

"We will show compassion where there was previously none in this galaxy. We will send an entire team of engineers to Csilla. We will have the courage to look at the damage inflicted by the Fifth Wing, and to potentially reverse it. Where the enemy aims for disharmony and division, we aim for truth and reconciliation."

Ova's voice echoed all across the bandstands, and well into the station.

He allowed for deliberate, long pause. Then, he gloved his hand again.

"Now, let's meet our ten quarter-finalist racers!"

"RACERS! MOUNT YOUR VEHICLES!"

The track crew would bring out the swoop racers one at a time. Serena Harth and her camera crews would be permitted to descend on the track, taking pictures and holovid of the competitors, and perhaps asking them some questions before the race. The racers' pit crew members (or, the station personnel) had brought their swoop bikes out and put them at their position on the track.

At pole position was Naamino Zuukamano , who had set blistering times during the qualifying laps. He was a boy in his early teens who was clean-cut, muscular, and who had a serious expression. The crowd enthusiastically clapped for Naamino, many being aware of him from when he was merely swooping in qualifying races.

Two other notable VIP racers would be Valery Noble , the Grandmaster of the Jedi Order (at position two); and Diarch Rellik , the co-leader of the Diarchy (at position four). Both of these racers seemed to be attracting under-the-table bets. Another mysterious individual, who was a favorite among Sith, Hutts, and criminal types was Wilhelm Vonreg , known as "The Crimson Baron" (position 5). He was a veteran of numerous New Imperial Order military campaigns, and was known to fly really, really fast.

The race was already marred with drama when hackers working for an unknown criminal organization (which could have been the Hutt Cartel) hacked Wilhelm Vonreg into the running, which knocked Dani Stellaris out of her forward position. Hackers working for a second, unrelated criminal organization (which was almost definitely some Space Wolves from the Diarchy) hacked Dani Stelaris right back into the forward position, making sure that she received at least #6.

The racers would be staring ahead, waiting for the go-signal. Ahead, in the very first section of the track, were boost pads. The racers who could reach them first would go flying ahead, kicking up smoke, debris, and rubber against the racers behind them.

A group of enthusiastic (yet blasted-out-of-their-minds) pirates had gathered around the sixth and final lap of the track to jeer Dani Stellaris and any other Jedi who was there to support Dani or Valery. The sixth section of the track was filled with up-and-down hills, so that the pilots can demonstrate good yaw control of their bikes. There were mercenaries, bounty hunters, pirates, and a whole bunch of people there who looked rough enough that they could kick security's keisters in a fight, but not smart enough to know that they were disruptive. They had also (allegedly) produced real Swoop tickets, so nobody could kick them out.

On the fourth lap of the track, a group of enthusiastic and rowdy (yet blasted-out-of-their-minds-also) Executives had opened up the window of their VIP vestibule. They were prepared to shout encouragement at the Jedi racers, while spitting vicious insults at Wilhelm or anyone else who looked like they were "on his side".

An attractive, female human flagwoman stepped onto the track with two checkered flag.

"RACERS, START YOUR ENGINES!"

BRUMMMMM BRUMMMMM.

There is a whir all around the grandstands as the racers kick up the repulsorlift on their swoop bikes, and then begin roaring on their throttles. This is it!

The crowd begins counting along with Ova.

"THREEE! TWOOO! ONE!"

The flagwoman drops the checkered flags, and the swoop bikes dash off towards the first section of the track - the boost pads.

Spoiler: The only acceptable music in this situation

Spoiler: Okay, okay, maybe there is two

 

[Ova Ziss]

Picture Credits: HotPot.AI

THE STARTING LINE
​

[ The racers had an opportunity to prepare their swoop bikes and chat with their pit crew ]

[ Serena Harth had an opportunity - but only a brief one!- to get a quick scoop or a quip from the racers before they took off towards the boosts! ]

[ The racers may have reacted to the announcement by Ova Ziss concerning the CSILLA TRUST , his dislike of the Fifth Wing, his public slander of alleged Warlord Marlon Sularen , or his plans to restore the Braxant Run to glory. ]

[ Racers might try and psyche each other out either during the speech, or on the track before the starting light ]

[ Perhaps the racers might want to acknowledge someone in the crowd ]

[ There was a VERY BRIEF window of a time for racers to implement a planned sabotage / sabotages, if that is an option for them. ]

[ Racers, you may now roll here! ]

 

[Lyssara Thrynn]

(note : ooc Nyva Shei views, not lyssara for now)

I walk confidently down the corridor leading to the VIP lounge, the precious ticket given to me by Governor Ova Ziss firmly held in my hand. My green skin, radiant under the soft lighting, and my piercing, determined yellow eyes capture every detail of the refined atmosphere of the evening. Dressed in a sumptuous black evening gown luxurious and elegant I embody the characteristic grace of my Mirialan people, marked by subtle tattoos that tell our history.

Each step I take on the polished floor echoes softly, betraying the grace and confidence I have acquired over the years. The excitement of the guests and the murmurs of conversations create a backdrop that accentuates the solemnity of this unique moment.

As I approach the Governor, I notice the presence of his evening attire and the warm smile that lights up his face. I take a deep breath, letting the thrill of the moment wash over me, then slow my pace to devote my full attention to this precious instant.

Arriving by his side, I slightly bow my head in a sign of respect and let my yellow eyes meet his. A discreet smile appears on my lips as I gently clutch the VIP ticket a symbol of the privilege granted to me. I made a polite shake of my head for say hello with a smile. I am happy to be here.

"Governor, I am honored to be here tonight. You invited me, i am here now, lyssara join us later. "

My words, simple and sincere, resonate with all the pride and gratitude I feel to be among these exceptional figures. I remain by his side for a moment, savoring the warmth of this contact, before blending into the elegant atmosphere of the evening ready to embrace each moment with the dignity and determination that define me.

I am determined to watch the race once the guards let me through, because they saw the ticket signed by the governor they let me through of course I join him after his big announcement and the launch of the pod race. I came with the trident and parked at the hangar.

Ova Ziss

 

[Ova Ziss]

Picture Credits: HotPot.AI


The Starting Line​

Governor Ziss is shaking hands with numerous diplomats, media personalities, and financial sponsors. When Ova sees Lyssara and Nyva coming up to him, he smiles genuinely for the first time. "Ah Nyva, so nice of you to join me. And Lyssara! Pleasure to meet you, I have heard so much. Please, come into my VIP box, make yourselves at home. Everything on the menu is complimentary today."

Governor Ziss hugs them both warmly. The holo-news would snap photos of the meeting with their holopads, leading to some wild speculations.

Ova extends a gloved hand to Nyva, helping her to walk up and into the box. He is then joined by numerous others who will be coming along with him to the Diarchy's VIP boxes. There, Ova would hold a reception after the speech, and the Diarchy and their friends would watch the race unfold.

Governor Ziss and the Diarchy's race officials would take any business from the track grandstands to his VIP box instead.

There are specialty VIP boxes for each of the ranking members of the major and "moderate" factions in the galaxy. The grandstands are full, but rumor has it that there is still room in the Cornerstone Club on Dantooine Station, where those of lower social stature are watching the race around large holoviewers while cheering on their favorite racers.

Most of the VIP figures - those who weren't racers - were leaving the starting area now. The last to leave would be the media, the raceway staff, and then the pit crew, although they were given a lot of leeway as to how long they spent near the track.

In a short amount of time, only the racers and flag girl remained.

The swoop bikes roared and hummed as the racers readied themselves.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Jedi Jumpsuit | Wedding Ring

Valery tightened her grip on the controls, feeling the vibrations of the swoop bike as its repulsorlifts roared to life beneath her. The air around the track shimmered with heat from the powerful engines, the thunderous hum of competing swoops blending with the deafening roar of the crowd.

Her bike — a rugged, battle-scarred machine that had seen more action than most would expect from a Jedi — lurched forward slightly as she revved the throttle. The weight of expectation pressed down on her shoulders, but she didn't mind. She welcomed it.

Then came the countdown.

"THREE!"

She exhaled, steadying herself.

"TWO!"

Her fiery gaze locked onto the first stretch ahead, the boost pads glinting like promises of speed.

"ONE!"

The checkered flags dropped.

With a fierce growl of her engine, Valery launched forward, the sheer acceleration slamming her back into the seat. The world blurred for an instant, speed whipping past her as the repulsorlifts sent up a plume of dust and debris. She felt the power of the machine beneath her, raw and untamed, but she had complete control.

The first stretch was all about positioning. She leaned forward, shifting her weight slightly as she maneuvered through the initial charge, threading the needle between the racers who had hesitated even a fraction too long. The boost pads loomed ahead, and she aimed straight for them, pushing her swoop to its absolute limit.

As she hit the first pad, the sudden burst of speed ignited through her bike like a spark in a fuel line. The force of the acceleration pulled at her, but she gritted her teeth and held steady. Smoke and repulsor energy flared behind her as she surged forward, carving a path through the chaos of the pack.

She wasn't here just to compete.

She was here to win.

 

[Dani Stellaris]

She was more than happy to be at the line again. The swoop went through a little of her own touches to make sure it was tuned to her skills and her style of flying. A bit of taking down the compensators, so she could feel the gravity as she ran through the course. That and modifying the governor and computer control unit. She was more than happy to have a swoop given to her and really needed to get her own. Maybe after her next water run to the Outer Rim… Could be good, plus moving through some of those worlds with a new swoop? Definitely a good look, and some decent practice.

Legs on either side of the swoop, and her helmet on, she nodded over to her faithful droid, Mack, with his white and green trim, and nodded, the nod knocking her windscreen/sunscreen over her eyes. The green-and-black pearlescent look of it was prepped specifically to keep wind off her face and out of her eyes, while the lens was merely brightening everything she’d see. It’d help with her reaction time.

She wasn’t a Jedi, she wasn’t going to be using something like a sensory deprivation mask. That would be more trouble than it was worth. Her skills with the Force, cursory at best. Helping to heal people, even if everyone knew it was just to uplift someone’s spirit, more than actually close wounds.

Maybe one day, with the Shiraya she’d learn.

A deep breath in and out, and she was finding her zone, the one she knew all too well. As a racer, that meant getting ready to hop off the line and speed forward. There were so many folks that seemed to be a bit too VIP for a race like this, but who was she to speak?

Two…

She had this.

One…

Flag down, course open, the blonde from Naboo, was back in her element. Moving quick, she saw a few others ahead of her on the line, but she was jockeying for position, keeping close on the tails of everyone. Her droid had beeped a small command, and the hidden projector in her backpack lit up, flashing blue-and-yellow ‘fireworks’, her colors of choice in her real racer, her Z-95. It was extra weight, but it was so worth it.

Time to hype the crowd as she went for the booster pads.

 

[Azurine Varek]

Need For Speed

Outfit: Clothing | Glove | Right Arm | Talisman | Visor
Weapons: Lightsaber (hidden in arm compartment)

The engines roared to life beneath Azzie’s grip, the vibrations running up her arms as she leaned into the handles. Her bike, which she had aptly named Pheonix—a Guardian Crotch Rocket speeder she had purchased from Caltin Vanagor a while back which she had painted with swirls of flames resembling that of the firebird—hummed beneath her like a beast eager to break free.

She shot a glance at the other racers lining up beside her, their bikes gleaming under the bright Dantooine sun. Most of them were the usual suspects: familiar faces from the professional circuit. Then there was Valery Noble , the Jedi Grandmaster, sitting at the second position.

She knew she was the underdog, the wildcard in a field stacked with prestige. But she'd never been one to back down from a challenge, and she sure as hell wasn't about to start now. Some good-natured rivalry never hurt anyone. Especially when it came to her master. In the pit, Aadihr Lidos 's figure was a steady presence, watching with the intensity of someone who knew exactly what she was capable of. He wasn’t the kind of person to shout or wave flags, but she could feel his belief in her like a force in itself.

Besides, she thought, everyone always loves an underdog.

The flagwoman’s voice boomed through the speakers, and Azzie’s heart skipped a beat. This was it. The signal was coming. The track ahead was a mix of danger and opportunity, and the boost pads right out of the gate? They were hers.

The countdown began.

“THREE!”

She adjusted the visor on her face that she had gotten from Jonyna Si 's company to maximize her vision at high speeds and gripped the handles tighter. Her pulse steady, her violet eyes narrowing as she focused.

“TWO!”

Her breath slowed, syncing with the beat of her racing heart. Time seemed to stretch, each second a universe of opportunity.

“ONE!”

The flagwoman’s signal dropped, and Azzie’s instincts kicked in. The Crotch Rocket shot forward like a firebolt, and the world became a blur of speed. She could feel the wind biting against her face, but there was no time to feel it, no time to react. Her focus was locked on the track ahead, on the boost pads just a few meters out. She watched as the other racers surged forward alongside her.

She didn't just see the track—she felt it. The vibrations of engines, the shifting currents of air, the raw heat of repulsorlifts churning against the metal surface. But most importantly, she focused her aura sight, distilling it into something more precise—like a radar.

Azzie leaned into her bike, adjusting her trajectory with microsecond precision. Some were angling for the best approach, others closing in fast, already jockeying for dominance. She shifted her weight, her bike dipping just enough to thread between Dani Stellaris and Valery in a razor-thin gap, careful to avoid the colorful display of fireworks. Then, with a twitch of her fingers, she gunned it.

The speeder practically exploded forward as she hit the first boost pad dead center. The acceleration whipped her back into her seat, but she gritted her teeth and held firm. She ducked forward, eyes locked forward. Smoke and debris kicked up behind her as she shot ahead, the roar of the crowd swelling like a tidal wave. Even as she soared ahead, Azzie knew the real fight was coming. The pack wouldn't stay behind for long. She could already feel the competition closing in, feel the presence of her master just behind her.

She tightened her grip, her smirk widening.

Come on, then. Let’s see if you can keep up!

Ova Ziss | Will add others in next post​

 

[Mr. Usher]

ROLLING START!
TAGS: N/A​

---

Mr. Usher was ready to show the people of Dantooine he was more than just a menace - he was menace with style, speed, and savvy. He had spent weeks finding the perfect swoop racing outfit to hide his fleshy self and make his great debut!

He waved to the crowd, pretending in his mind the cheering was all for him. He even brushed consciousness with XaraXunia - a complicated relationship between the two hive minds that had accidentally overlapped via consumption and digestion.

He scanned the crowd for the scientist that had, unknowingly, helped Mr. Usher found a more human side to play into, instead of driven by hunger, but the crowd was too chaotic to make out any one face.

Mr. Usher climbed atop the swoop bike, seeing the faces of several he had made less than positive first impressions on - those like Azurine Varek , Valery Noble , and, well, pick any Diarch.

"You all haven't seen anything yet! Get ready to breathe swoop fumes all lap!" The husk in the swoop racer's outfit taunted.

"THREEE! TWOOO! ONE!"

Mr. Usher pulled full throttle and-

...

A lackey of the cartel hat planted a thermal detonators on the swoop bike's ignition and disabled both the breaks and the steering.

The Hutt would enjoy watching the meat-men burn to death once more.

From the sidelines, audiences gasped as one of the swoop bikes detonated, hurling a flaming ball of scrap end over end forward from the initial burst of momentum. The pilot inside would later be recovered, found to have burned to death in the horrific vehicular malfunction.

The crowd then cheered.

It wasn't a swoop race without a few crash-outs!

~Exit Race~​

---

 

[Diarch Rellik]

TAGS:OPEN Ova Ziss

Casually walking and waving to the fans in the crowd as Rellik moved to his bike. The aura of the track was beautiful and energetic as people from all over the planet came together to celebrate the riders. His leather boots singeing across the tar racetrack was a unique feeling to be sure. Perhaps next time he would wear more ride appropriate shoes.

Mounting his vehicle and grabbing the handle bars the Diarch came to a fascinating conclusions. - He should have practiced a bit more before entering an event this big. - Having a small moment of trepidation he thought about how embarrassing it would be for the Co-head of the faction to die in a motor accident.

"Too late now, only thing left to do is be smart, calculated and aggressive." With the determination that can only come from realizing there is no backing out, his leather gloved hands white knuckle gripped his handle bars.

Taking one last glance to his pit crew, he saw his brother. Diarch Reign - The energy he gave off was something only an older brother could do - unlimited confidence in his sibling. With a big smile on his face and a calm breath coming through. Rellik reached out his arm and gave Reign a big thumbs up.

The countdown had begun. Looking back forward and lowering the visor on his helmet it was time to lock in.

THREE!!

A deep breath, not bothering to look who was at his sides

TWO!!

Only victory ahead

ONE!!

Blasting off as fast as he could was a mistake!!

With a slight speed wobble as the race began Rellik was now behind. Having to get his bearings he wouldn't be able to hit any speed boosts until he knew how to really handle the swoop.

OOC: If we still want to do interviews or anything similar we can "Go back in time" a little bit - am open to the idea and happy to do it!