fandomhigh | Galactic Field Trips, Monday

Today, class had been alerted to dress for warm, rainy weather, and informed to visit the bank and trade some dollars for Imperial credits if they were so inclined. Lana met them at the portal wearing armor again, but this time in grey and black.

"Today we'll be visiting Kaas City, on the planet Dromund Kaas," she explained. "It's the capital of the Sith Empire, and the city I was born in. It's probably best today if we stick together for the most part, and definitely be as polite as you can. Sith can be temperamental, and it's easy to get lost."

She led them through and into a plaza that was, as promised, warm and with rain drizzling down. "Dromund Kaas is largely jungle, and extensive long-term experimenting with the Force by some very powerful Sith have contributed to an almost continuous high-level lightning storm." She nodded at the sky. "Kaas City is almost entirely powered by lightning captured by giant spires throughout the area."

She led them toward a vehicle as she continued. "We'll be taking a shuttle tour of the city to view it from the air in a drier environment. Our guides will be able to point out the architecture and tell you something of the history. Then we'll sit in on a public audience with Empress Acina, after which we'll be taking the shuttle to the spaceport and heading into space to visit Vaiken Spacedock." Because she'd listened. "Vaiken is where most trade with non-Imperial merchants is done, and it also boasts a rather nice cantina. Today there will be a fashion show from both Imperial and off-world merchants, and you'll get to see some of how Sith tend to dress." Look, there was a reason she kept a file of the things on her datapad, and it wasn't for inspiration. Sometimes you just needed to remind yourself it really had been that bad.

"You should be able to wander Vaikan without issue, so long as you stay on the main level. If you get lost, simply head for the center." She nodded to the shuttle pilot and waved them all in.

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"I prefer to think of it as being honest," Watts countered.

"Your honest nature is charming," Steven replied, grinning cheekily.

"I like that that is true, for you," Watts said, offering Steven a smile.

"It's very true for me," Steven said. He motioned towards Llewellyn's hand, indicating he'd like to hold it. "May I?"

Watts nodded, moving his hand so Steven could take hold of it.

Steven took Llewellyn's hand, covering it with his own but as discreetly as possible. "You being honest is safe for me. Keeps me from getting lost. So yes, I like your honesty."

“Even when I am rude?” Watts asked, thinking about how he’d made Steven sigh earlier.

"I'd rather know if I've done something wrong than be left guessing," Steven said. "Trying to guess is horrible."

“All right,” Watts nodded. “I do not set out to be rude,” he felt compelled to add.

"I didn't set out to be unhelpful," Steven replied. "You're not mad at me, are you?"

“No,” Watts frowned slightly. “Whyever would I be?”

"That's my point exactly," Steven said. "I'm not upset with you either. Sometimes things are said in a way that's not perfect. To me the important thing is saying when it's gone wrong and understanding no harm meant."

Edited 2023-05-15 20:59 (UTC)

“And you would tell me, then, if something I said were hurtful?” Watts said.

"I would," Steven said. Then, since Llewellyn seemed to be wondering, added, "I didn't like that I did something unhelpful for you. That was the problem, not what you said."

“Ah,” Watts nodded. “Well. That is a relief. That my words weren’t hurtful.” Just because they had an agreement to be honest didn’t mean he wanted to be rude or hurtful when delivering said honesty. It was just that he didn’t always consider how his words could be taken until they’d already left his mouth.

"I was disappointed in myself," Steven said, "not hurt. I promise."

“Well, you needn’t be,” Watts said, giving Steven’s hand a squeeze. “You meant to help.”

"Two out of three isn't bad," Steven said. "How are you feeling now?"

“Much more grounded,” Watts said. “Figuratively speaking, of course.”

"Good," Steven said. He smiled. "The breathing does help. Not just looking at me."

“I have said it before,” Watts reminded him. “That you are a very soothing presence as far as I am concerned.”

Steven smiled. "Didn't think of that. Guess I always picture it after. Like when you're home after a hard day. Not in the moment of something bothering you. I'm glad though. That I can be."

"And you would tell me if it were too much," Watts affirmed.

"I would," Steven promised. "Right now you are firmly in 'never enough.'"

Galactic Field Trips, Monday

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