Private The New Kid

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Outfit
Belt of Strength, Field Com-Scan Link
Weal & Woe, Rakghoul House Robes

[VIBES]

​

Unusually distracted during the 200 level Sith Naval Warfare course that would otherwise have captivated his attention, Naamino Zuukamano's icy blue eyes kept straying toward a new student in his class. Haro Aven

He technically knew the boy, had been in battle with him even. But there was some nagging suspicion that lingered in his mind, something about the teen and his actions since his rather mysterious appearance at Ozzuk Thren. It wasn't that Haro didn't pull his weight, the guy was certainly useful, and he had an easy charm about him that had ingratiated him with plenty of their fellow students since his arrival on campus. Still, the zabrak couldn't shake the feeling that there was something else under that easygoing and bright eyed demeanor. Buried somewhere underneath his suspicion there might have been a slight prickling of jealousy. Envy about Haro's piloting abilities, defensiveness that he seemed to have an easier time with some of their technical studies than Naami did, more in league with Micah as far as smarts went. Then there was the fact that the boy always seemed so damn sunny. It was rare to see him without some kind of smile or bright look on his face. Something about that just added to Naami's surly brooding on the topic.

Lord Davros, Instructor of Naval Tactics and Fleet Command, wrapped up his lecture and excused his students. The zabrak was in motion before most other people had even put their datapads away. Naami pushed passed a few packing up or exiting peers on his way to Haro's desk where he planted one large palm on the boy's datapad, shutting it to standby mode and looming a bit over the desk with an intimidating air as he did.

"A word?" His voice was low and brusk as he tipped his horned head in a gesture that indicated they ought to take the conversation outside.

 

[Haro Aven]

​

LOCATION: WILD SPACE >> KORRIBAN >> KOR'ETHYR ACADEMY |_.
OBJECTIVE: WIN OVER Naamino Zuukamano |_.

Finally released from their obligations to the classroom and to their instructor, the students of Kor’ethyr eagerly turned their attention elsewhere. The bustle of movement and the hum of conversation quickly filled the lecture hall. Among those voices was Haro’s. The boy was already enthusiastically chatting up a couple of the students sitting close by. One was a tall Falleen girl with long auburn hair pulled back into a tight braid and straight bangs. The other had a cerulean blue pixie cut which complimented their petite frame and similarly blue skin. Both appeared to be rather enchanted by the boy who grinned back at them.

“See, this is why I ask you things, Mel. You obviously know your stuff,” Haro said.
“Yeah, well. You obviously do too or you wouldn’t be here,” the Falleen responded in a dry monotone indicative of adolescent indifference, but she failed to entirely hide the bashfulness that showed in the flush of her cheeks at the boy’s compliment.

Haro’s basic black uniform marked him as a First Year, one of the few in attendance at Lord Davros’ Sith Naval Warfare class today and, honestly, he was just as surprised as anyone else was to be there. When he’d found out his test scores had placed him in a couple courses at this level, even one or two upper division courses, he’d genuinely thought there had been some kind of mistake.

“So, are you going to study with us again?” The blue-skinned alien pressed.
“Oh, uh ye–”

Interrupted by the hand suddenly atop his datapad, Haro jumped and looked up to find a decidedly surly scowl on the otherwise boyish features of a familiar zabrak looming over his desk. Well, as much as Naami could manage to loom. Haro blinked, his eyes twinkling with surprise and reflecting the light of the room like polished gemstones as he registered what was being asked. His bright smile almost returned at the sight of the familiar face but was quickly dampened by the chill he found behind those icy blue eyes. The truth was, it wasn’t the first time he had felt that chilly gaze on him since he’d been at Kor’ethyr. Naami had proven to be among the tightest wound bolts Haro had ever come across. It seemed every effort Haro made to win the boy over was rebuffed by armor of surly suspicion as hard as Beskar. Yet he was determined to find a way, mostly because he couldn’t afford to have any suspicion levied at him but also because he actually really liked and respected the boy.

“Oh, hey Naami,” he began, effecting a sheepish grin as he struggled to maintain his sunny disposition beneath the scrutiny of the zabrak's gaze. “Sure thing.”

He turned to the other students as he stood. They were eyeing Naami testily but neither dared speak up against one of the Badawan Batch, especially this one.

“I’ll catch up with you guys later,” Haro said to them, pulling his bag over his shoulder and slipping his datapad inside. He followed behind Naami as they made their way out of the classroom, his stomach churning with anticipation and his mind racing with possibilities as to what Naami could be upset about. In his nervousness, he decided to double down on the tactic he knew best – kill them with kindness.

“Hey, I’m glad you pulled me actually,” Haro said, trotting up beside Naami’s determined march now that they were out in the open. “I was hoping you might be open to studying for this next test with me since you seem to know way more about the history stuff." he paused only long enough to take a breath.

“I could take a trans-binary deflector apart and put it back together in no time but I have no idea who invented it or how Darth whoever utilized them to win the Battle of Bosthirda or whatever,” Haro rambled with that same pleasant enthusiasm he always seemed to exude.​

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Impassivity and a continued cold burn of intimidation is all he let through his expression, though the boy's eyes were distracting. Naami smirked slightly at the way Haro Aven jumped, relishing his growing reputation amongst his peers. The surly zabrak didn't spare a glance for the girls who gave him askance looks for his intrusion of their thinly veiled flirting. It was amazing that the boy could find the act so annoying when it was happening to others, given how truly hopeless he was at spotting it when it was directed at him.

Haro's good-natured chattering while they walked only served to irritate the teen further. Moon-blue fabric wrappings that he almost always wore on his hands stretched faintly, digging into his skin a bit as he clenched his fists with annoyance. When they were finally clear of the lecture hall, the zabrak took a sharp turn down a less traveled hallway and when they were far enough from the door he whirled on the other boy without warning. Haro was taller, but Naami easily had twenty pounds on him and was stocky with muscle. He gripped the boy's first year robe at the chest and shoved hard to push the boy against a wall with one forearm while his other fist raised to point two fingers in Haro's face.

"Let's get clear on a few things," he growled up at his peer.

He released the shove and took a single step back, content he'd made his first point adamantly clear- Naami could body the kid in a flat out fight without question. There was something primal about that reassurance, something inherently zabrak too.

"I don't trust you," he hissed in a quieter tone.

The goal was not to make a scene, though he was sure a few students were looking but let them. Good. They could learn this lesson by-proxy. Despite releasing his fellow classmate and giving him a little room, Naami still maintained all the body language of physical intimidation.

"And sure, I'll study with you- keep working with you and all that. It's part of the deal. But I see you trying to get close to my people, the ones I actually trust. So I need you to know I'm watching you."

He huffed, finally settling back onto the balls of his feet and crossing his arms into a more neutral position. The sabers on his belt were of course always within reach, an unspoken threat if Haro thought to escalate things between them.

 

[Haro Aven]

Caught off guard by the sudden movement, Haro had only enough time to bring his hands up and brace his wrists against the forearm that pinned his chest. The move was more muscle memory than conscious effort, meant to keep his aggressor from getting face shots on him while also setting himself up to go for the eyes if he needed to retaliate. Naami was clearly the stronger of the two but there was a practiced fluidity and natural dexterity to the way Haro moved that implied that he was not new to defending himself. Haro huffed as he hit the wall then flinched and guarded against the fist coming at his face before he realized Naami was only pointing at him. He did not retaliate though. He honestly didn’t want to escalate things and if the zabrak hadn’t already hit him, he probably wasn’t going to. Probably. So he just listened, keen eyes studying Naami’s with an uncharacteristic solemnity.

"I don't trust you."

The words stung more than Haro expected them to, but that was quickly drowned out by the panic that threatened to overwhelm him. Maybe Naamino Zuukamano was sharper than Haro had given him credit for. Just stay calm and listen, he chided himself. He didn’t know what this was really about yet.

Haro remained against the wall even after being released and kept his hands up, palms out in a placating gesture, until Naami finally signaled an end to his initial tirade by settling back into a cross-armed power stance. He realized he had been holding his breath and let it out, slowly bringing his hands down. He moved away from the wall to skirt around the angry zabrak and into a position that would allow him to get away more easliy if he needed to.

“Alright, Naami. I hear you,” he began, affecting his best placatory tone despite the caution behind his eyes, “And… honestly? I get it. You don’t know me. Why would you trust me?”​

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Haro's instincts to defend himself didn't go unnoticed nor did his deferential posture. Message received, or at least Naami's initial most important message. He watched Haro move, steely blue gaze tracking him the way an irate animal follows the source of its displeasure. But he let the boy reposition with no further physical aggression forthcoming, for now at least. His eyes narrowed as he continued in a surprisingly calm voice, given the circumstances and how angry he seemed just moments ago.

"Good," he said flatly, "because I don't and it's not likely to change."

"Got more to say on the matter or should I continue before you run off?"

 

[Haro Aven]

In defiance of Naami calling him out on his intension to retreat, Haro stopped his passive slinking and stiffened. Clearly ruffled by the question, he narrowed his eyes at the shorter boy but bit back a retort before it got him punched. He would not be goaded so easily. Yeah, Naami was definitely sharper than he'd had given him credit for. Haro frowned, puffing up his narrow chest and standing his ground, but considered his next words carefully.

"Yeah, I do," he answered defiantly. "You don't have to trust me, or study with me, or even talk to me. But your people? They are free to make up their own minds about me." Before Naami could interject, Haro held up a finger indicating he had more to say.

"And I hope..." he paused, compassion creeping back into his tone and softening his eyes as he continued. "I hope I get the chance to change your mind too."​

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

"Mm," came the grunted, noncommittal acknowledgment.

Folded arms fell to his side and Naami walked toward his classmate, then past him as he started to walk along the hallway. He was indicating with body language for Haro to follow, speaking over his shoulder with an air of confidence, clearly unafraid to turn his back to the boy.

"Yeah 'course they are, and I'll be there to watch out for them."

He continued on as if it wasn’t up for debate, not bothering to address the rest. They’d be working together whether either of them liked it or not.

"Where'd you say you're from again?"

He remembered what Haro said, had been stashing every little detail the overly friendly yet somehow mysterious teen let slip about himself. But he wanted to hear it again, see if details changed.

"And how'd a mechanic end up at the Trials of Ozzuk Thren? Alone, no less."

 

[Haro Aven]

Despite himself, Haro tensed as Naamino Zuukamano approached, his hands coming up to defend again as he took a step back and to the side. Pivoting to keep him in his sights, he watched the zabrak pass him by cautiously. He registered the expectation to follow but hesitated, silently rankling at being so blatantly bossed around by this kid. Making sure Naami's back was to him first, he rolled his eyes and trotted to catch up. This time he kept pace a couple steps behind the other boy so he could keep an eye on him in case he tried any funny business again.

"Where'd you say you're from again?"
"I told you, I'm from Coruscant."
"And how'd a mechanic end up at the Trials of Ozzuk Thren? Alone, no less."
"I also told you, my sponsor wanted me to compete. They wanted to see if I could keep up with the other students of Kor'ethyr before they invested in enrolling me..." Haro paused, eyeing the boy with growing irritation.

"You know... you can just talk to me like a normal person instead of shoving me against a wall and interrogating with questions you already know the answer to. I can't imagine the others put up with this ridiculous little intimidation game," he grumbled, letting his frustration get the better of him.​

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

He wouldn't deign to respond to the boy's accusations, unwilling to defend the fact that those few he did trust had more than earned it, and even those he didn't trust per se had put in the time to at least earn his general respect. Micah tol Powl saved his life on their pilgrimage, without the kit Naami would've become just another statistic forgotten in the shifting sands, and he'd since grown reverent of the cathar's brilliance. The zabrak and Gavin Vel had fought it out on more than one occasion and now cared for each-other as only brothers forged in battle could. Naami's begrudging respect and silent awe of Kivah needed no explanation, and though the boy was still wary of Leshanna in some ways, he measured himself against her with an almost superstitious attitude that their journeys to harness great power were inexorably tied.

"That's the thing," he sneered, haughty and condescending as if Haro had unwittingly landed right on the point he was making.

"We aren't just normal people are we? We're the next generation of Sith, leaders and warriors. Meant to strengthen the cause and bring order to the galaxy. More cunning, capable and powerful than normal people."

His tone was derisive, the choice of words making it clear that his suspicion of and actions taken against Haro felt justified. Forming a pecking order and levying accusations, power plays of this nature were strictly business in such a rancor-eat-rancor world. Despite being chosen by House Rakghoul, Naamino's pack mindset really suited the spirit of Tuk'ata more.

Haro Aven could probably also tell that maybe, just maybe, this whole thing was also a little bit personal.

 

[Haro Aven]

Haro blinked, his brow furrowing in contemplation. Naamino Zuukamano didn't seriously believe that the Sith would bring order to the galaxy, did he? They didn't bring order – their hunger for power was the reason for so much suffering. The Sith Order enslaved, oppressed and exploited those with the misfortune of being ruled by them, and they were obsessed with destroying those who opposed them. At least, that's how the Galactic Alliance saw it... But that wasn't Haro's role in all this. He was a student of Kor'ethyr Academy now and he needed to start acting like it. He decided to push on with the conversation.

"Ok... sure. We're not normal people," Haro begrudgingly conceded even though he didn't really see the relevance in Naami's unprovoked lecture, trying to find his patience but unable to clear the attitude completely from his tone. "But like you said, we have to work together, it's part of the deal so... might as well learn how to do that effectively, yeah?" He spared a look around.

"Where are we going?"​

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Having kept Haro in his periphery, Naami stutter-stepped and threw a playful shove at the boy when he was distracted with looking around. He flashed a rare grin so the mischief was more clear, rather than his outright malice of before. Then continued to move, his bearing a bit more at ease now he'd laid down some ground rules and expectations.

"You're walking me to Micah's speeder," he answered with calm confidence, "In the spirit of working together y'know? Practically already buddies aren't we."

If the boy insisted on being so damn friendly with his friends, he was going to make sure Haro knew the zabrak was part of that arrangement.

"So then, what's your sponsor training you up for? And how'd you get scouted? Sounds to me like Coruscant is a rough place to get noticed."

 

[Haro Aven]

Distracted momentarily by his surroundings, Haro was too late to dodge the well-timed shove. He threw up his hands in defense but Naami's stout form connected, forcing an "oof!" from him as he stumbled a bit before finding his footing again. He glared at the back of that horned head but kept walking, brushing out his uniform testily.

"Heh, yeah... buddies," he grumbled under his breath. Beneath the attitude though, there was a spark of gratitude that Naami seemed to be at least slightly less uptight at this point, despite the insufferable posturing.

"It is. More than a trillion people to get lost in, if you can imagine. But you meet a lot of interesting people working in a shipyard. My mentor, Mrs. Khaal, she's pretty well-connected too." Despite the contentious moment between the boys, Haro slipped back into an easy friendly chatter in response to the question. He was a natural at the art of conversation, at making people feel at ease with his words. He may have also been just a little excited to share his story with someone, even if that someone was Naami.

"I met my sponsor when they brought their ship in for repairs a couple years ago. They needed someone who knew their way around a ship so I traveled with them for a while. Guess I impressed them enough to be a good investment." It wasn't a lie. It was just an artful use of the truth to fit the occasion.

"What about you? How'd you get into the academy?"​

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

"Sounds like a nightmare," he commented gruffly, "Not even much of a nature guy myself but-" he just shook his head and listened as his peer continued on.

Naami's face grew serious again, silently noting that the boy still hadn't answered what he was getting trained for- just that someone thought of him as a good investment. Perhaps he'd circle back around on the question again later. The zabrak turned, cutting through an open courtyard chilly from winter air but bright with the cold light of Horuset on this clear day. In truth he preferred more natural environs despite claims to the contrary.

"Test scores mostly, top of my class- top of any class on Wistril in the past decade, or so I've heard. Did a lot of aerospace and nav extracurriculars, got scouted so my aunt convinced my uncle to scrape together enough credits for sign up fees. Now Diarch Reign sponsors me, he's the main House Rakghoul actually."

It was all said in a concise, matter of fact tone. Devoid of any real boast. Naami knew better than to think he was some kind of savant here at Kor'ethyr. He'd been a big fish in the little backwater pond of the colony he grew up in, that's all. It's one of the reasons he'd waited so long to start his tattoos. What good was it to celebrate excellence when compared to average people? No, he had to measure himself against the best of the best.

After crossing through the courtyard, the zabrak paused at an alcove to quickly punch a few numbers into a vending machine stationed there. After swiping his credit chip, the little dispenser drawer hissed open and Naami snagged a wrapped two-pack of protein cubes. Those damn growin pains had started up again and the only remotely helpful remedy he knew of was more protein.

"Primarily focused on military leadership, piloting and commanding. Of course- can't expect to lead without knowing how to soldier so, starting there and working up."

The teen side eyed Haro as he completed the thought, wondering if more of his ambitions would be forthcoming. They'd paused their walk briefly so Naami could unwrap his snack.

 

[Haro Aven]

Haro listened carefully, silently noting Naami's self-proclaimed top marks and the name "Diarch Reign," but what stood out to the boy was when Naami mentioned how his aunt and uncle, and not his parents, had scraped together enough credits to enroll him. Maybe he was just reading into it, but maybe not. Maybe there was more they could relate on than Haro had assumed. He tucked that piece of information away for a future conversation.

He wasn't surprised Naamino Zuukamano had been scouted for outperforming his peers on Wistril, wherever that was. He was obviously bright, motivated, ambitious and pretty powerful in the Force from what Haro could tell, just based on what he had seen so far. He was surprised though to hear that he was primarily focused on leadership and piloting. Sure, the zabrak was constantly vying for a leadership role among his peers but he rarely ever achieved it and he seemed generally better at taking orders than giving them. From what Haro had gathered from the boy's reputation alone, he was respected, even feared, for his capability but also for his reckless aggression. Then there was the fateful crash during the last inaugural trials Haro had heard of through the slithervine. Everyone had to start somewhere, Haro supposed.

Haro decided to take the opportunity to grab a snack too while they were there, selecting a candy bar for himself after Naami had stepped aside with his... protein cubes? Really? Why choose something so bland when there were such tasty options?

"Huh, sounds like you've got it all figured out," he said, genuinely impressed as he grabbed the wrapped treat from the dispenser and turning back to Naami.

"I'd always dreamed of being a pilot, of seeing the galaxy. I hadn't even seen real stars until I left the shipyard a couple years ago, if you can believe it." His handsome youthful features were animated by that bright enthusiasm again, a disarming authenticity behind his glittering crystalline eyes.

"Now I can't imagine life without it," he said, the depth of his reverence clear in every word. Then he paused, looking thoughtful for a moment, and gestured with the candy bar as he spoke.

"So I guess my focus is in piloting too. And engineering. Oh! That reminds me–" Something seemed to suddenly occur to him as he tucked the candy bar away and pulled out a small round object that filled his hand.

"I haven't introduced you yet." He held his palm out flat and the little device unfolded into a bug-like droid. Little wing-like appendages with miniature repulsers unfurled and the droid took to the air to hover between them, the faint blue glow of its eye sockets dilating as it scrutinized the zabrak.

"This is Bodie." Haro positively beamed with pride and affection for the little droid, as only a creator can about his proudest creation.

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

"Mm," Came the noncommittal response to Haro's initial comment.

Naamino listened intently while Haro continued, eyeing the boy's candy bar with more than a little judgment. Such a frivolous use of resource, a nearly empty act of feeding one's self. However, the zabrak remained calm and silent until the moment a droid was revealed.

Suddenly the boy bristled with suspicion as Haro spoke proudly of his companion and the droid revealed itself. Naami's eyes narrowed as he considered the boy, then his robotic companion. He couldn't seriously be this peppy about every damn thing, could he? Even after Naami made it clear what he thought of him. The droid scrutinized him and he openly scrutinized right back, robotic blue meeting ice storm blue while they sized eachother up. Then the teen did something that spoke to his character but might still have been surprising to Haro.

Pressing fists together in front of his sternum, the wrapped cubes crinkling in one hand, he bowed to Bodie and spoke to him as he did any droid, with the assumption that it was at least semi-sentient.

"Well then Bodie, I'm Naamino. I'll be watching you just as closely as I watch your maker."

He warned solemnly, judgmental eyes roaming from the little droid back to Haro as he straightened up. The boy popped one of the cubes in his mouth and brushed past the half-human as he continued their walk. He spoke with a faintly judgmental tone between bites, the implication that Haro was a nuisance perhaps too subtle to fully pick up on.

"Bug huh? Makes sense…"

 

[Haro Aven]

Naami's bow did in fact surprise Haro and he grinned at the exchange. It was the first time Haro had felt a modicum of respect from the other boy since they'd met in the Trials of Ozzuk Thren and it gave him a little thrill, even if it was technically directed at Bodie. Haro kept himself from rolling his eyes at the solemn warning, his smile turning sly instead as Naami brushed past him. In his excitement, Haro completely missed the degrading implication and shuffled into step beside Naami, thinking he was commenting on the efficiency of the design.

"Right? You know, it's funny, it was actually kind of a happy accident that he turned out so much like a bug but when I started to factor in all the things I needed him to help me with around the shipyard, it just made sense." Bodie whizzed around them to bob in the air just ahead, as if showing itself off.

"The miniature repulsers were pretty challenging though, especially considering what I had to work with– making something small enough to fit into the wing compartments and calibrating them to work with the size and all– but I really wanted him to be able to fly." The boy rambled good-naturedly, clearly eager to chat with someone he thought might be interested in the topic.

 

[Naamino Zuukamano]

Resisting the urge to roll his eyes, he marched on and listened to the boy chatter. Naami finished his snack and tossed the crumpled wrapper into the open top of one of the miniature trash compactor units placed around campus. In fact, he practically marched double time as he realized that he was running behind on getting to Darth Thaliax's saber lesson. he hadn't quite over committed per se but two of his days each week were consistently packed back to back and this day was one such example of that.

In truth, the zabrak was tuning Haro out a bit and instead studying his face between focused glances at where they walked. Part of him bristled a little, knowing that Micah would've probably found it all fascinating, the kit already clearly having taken something of a liking to the sassy, wise-ass new kid. He brushed that annoyance down, sealing up any hint of insecurity behind cold stoicism. So long as Micah was happy the zabrak could hardly argue with him working on projects with people who liked the same studies as him.

Idly he wondered where the scar on Haro's cheek came from. He found himself wondering too if the half-human needed to breathe less than the average person- which would explain why he could talk so damned much. Naami even wondered how much of being at Kor'ethyr was part of Haro's true ambition, or if it was largely a means to an end. For example, had it merely been his way to escape the hellish sounding undercity of Coruscant? Naamino intended for time to reveal all and was content to let the matter of his suspicions rest. For now.

They turned the corner to reach a parking bay. The large structure had ample room for hosting speeders of all kind and even a rooptop landing pad for a few small ships as needed. The Cat Carrier wasn't far and as Naami approached he thumbed a fob to let the pilot droid know he was back. The pilot side wing-door lifted open and Naami turned to consider both Haro and Bodie with a cool gaze.

"See ya around, new kid."

Without further adieu or real acknowledgement of the boy's excitment about his droid, the zabrak pulled himself into the pilot's seat after giving Haro a dismissive two finger salute. Before the door fully closed, Haro could probably hear the snooty voice of the Cat Carrer's pilot droid remark.

"Oh wonderful, are we off to take yet another superfluous route to a destination we could reach far more simply and at less excessive speeds?"

 

[Haro Aven]

"I actually got the cognitive processor for him from an old astromech I found in the scrapyard. At least, I think it was some kind of astromech. It was pretty beat up when I found it. Anyway I–"

Haro stopped as Naami turned that cold gaze on him again and he realized too late that he'd been rambling. Despite himself, he looked a bit bashful, the hint of a blush dusting his pale cheeks as he watched Naami climb into the speeder.

"Yeah. See ya," he managed, returning the casual salute.

The pilot droid's sassy remark brought an amused smile back to his face for a moment as he watched the speeder pull away. Then he spun on his heel and headed toward his next class, head spinning about the zabrak and their strange interaction.​

[EXIT]​