Nova's eyes widened as the furry fist came flying toward her. She reacted immediately, and would try both to sidestep the strike, and to deflect the brunt of the blow — though even if she had somehow gotten her forearm up in time, it would have been pulverized easily. Thankfully, Rahullu's fist halted in mid-air, just shy of Nova's nose.
She realized then that she had managed only the beginnings of a single step back, and had only barely begun to raise her fist in self-defense. Without missing a beat, Nova looked at Jendu and winked, while tilting her head to indicate the Wookiee. "And he's my friend."
She began to laugh in spite of herself, before turning to face Rahullu again. "Hell. For a second there, I thought I was about to get spaced."
Nova had always been able to protect herself successfully, even as a child growing up in the dangerous vertical cities of Nar Shaddaa. And though her Imperial naval training had included basic hand-to-hand combat as well, what she had learned in Flight School clearly paled in comparison to a Wookiee's ferocity.
She shook her head, and leaned back against the bulkhead. "It's true though. Once we're on the inside, I won't have this."
Nova quickly drew her blaster. Then she absent-mindedly spun the pistol and holstered it again, before narrowing her eyes thoughtfully.
"Why not, Rahullu. It's best that we all be prepared for whatever may come."
