Private A New Frontier - Jhaessa Prime [RNR]

[Balun Dashiell]

A NEW FRONTIER - JHAESSA PRIME.
Judah Dashiell | Dominique Vexx | Emilia Locke | Open
The B/N-1138 Light Freighter - Departing from Naboo, Theed City.

​

The B/N-1138 Light Freighter stood ready on the polished permacrete of Theed City Hangar, its sleek hull gleaming beneath the soft glow of Naboo's morning light. Fully stocked and meticulously prepped for departure, the scout-class vessel waited with a quiet hum of anticipation, engines cycled for ignition at a moment's notice. Outside, Balun Dashiell stood with his arms loosely folded, his gaze fixed on the hangar's entrance as he awaited the arrival of those who had signed on for this daring expedition.

This mission was no simple jaunt across the stars. What awaited them on the fringes of Royal Naboo Republic space was a vast and turbulent nebula, a churning celestial tempest that had claimed more than one ill-fated crew. Starship systems notoriously faltered within their roiling clouds, and conventional navigation was next to useless. But Balun held fast to a slender thread of hope—he and the Order of Shiraya had the Force at their side, and with it, the rare gift of Instinctive Astrogation. Where sensors failed, the Force could guide them.

For the Royal Naboo Republic, the stakes were clear. The Royal Intelligence Bureau and the Spacers Guild needed clarity on the hazards within their borders; there could be no blind spots in their surveillance, especially not so close to home. For Balun, this mission was more than duty—it was a chance to give back to the Republic that had welcomed him into their fold, both as a Spacer and as a member of the Order. Yet there was another layer, a more personal ambition woven through his commitment. Any valuable salvage recovered could be claimed for Dashiell Incorporated™, with potential breakthroughs for Dashiell Retrofit™, his thriving enterprise in ship restoration and innovation. It was a rare opportunity where duty and business converged.

Their crew would be small—an intentional decision given the dangers ahead. Balun had made sure his father, Judah Dashiell , was informed, though Judah had wasted no time insisting on joining the mission himself. Makai Dashiell , his brother, had been told as well, not as a participant but as a safeguard; if anything went wrong, custody of young Kellan Dashiell would fall to him. It was a grim reality Balun tried not to dwell on. Iona Starchaser would no doubt have plenty to say—and none of it approving—but for now, Balun consoled himself with the thought that what she didn't know couldn't hurt her. Judah's objections, too, had been softened somewhat with the promise of untapped riches and corporate spoils hidden in the nebula's heart.

As the last rays of daylight angled across the hangar, Balun's gaze sharpened. Soon the others would arrive. Soon, they would lift off into the unknown. And soon, they would all learn whether this mission would forge them into legends—or break them against the storm that waited at the edge of Naboo Republic space.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

NABOO

Bag slung over his shoulder, Judah walked into the hangar towards the vessel. Not having much going on at the moment he had signed up for the trip. A little bonding time with the youngest despite the fact they would be joined by a few others. Part expedition. Part potential to expand the business. According to Balun the trip was potentially fraught with hazards. Having spent his youth as a fighter pilot for the Galactic Republic, astronomical hazards weren't a major concern.

A great pilot and, he hated to say it, a smart droid could navigate hazards. It would still be dangerous but the old salvager was confident they would be fine for the most part.

"Hello Son."

Giving Balun's shoulder a squeeze, Judah disappeared up the ramp.

Emilia Locke | Balun Dashiell | Dominique Vexx​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

The narrowly-tailored alabaster jacket clung to Dominique as she casually strode across the hanger. Its purity made her lilac shades and hair stand out all the more vibrant by comparison. Small, golden daggers hung from her ears and swayed ever so as she moved, with two bulky men that trailed after. A crate was suspended in the air between them. Obviously they were strapping, strong men because what they had to carry was so heavy. It was certainly not an excuse to bring her own strong-arm in case something unplanned occurred.

She took her time approaching the ship, as it seemed Judah had arrived and was greeting his son. Many would consider her a heartless monster, but she wasn't the sort that ruined familial greetings whenever she could.

"Mister Dashiell," she called out once they seemed to reach a natural breaking point in their conversation, discerned by cadence and body language. Vexx then immediately added in a slightly different tone so as to distinguish one from the other, "Mister Dashiell. Pleasure seeing both of you here. I hope you don't mind, I took the liberty of bringing one of our latest sensor modules along. No better place to test it than a nebula that befuddles all current models." Would it give them a clearer picture? Would it uncover a deeper secret? Dominique honestly didn't know. She'd told them both nothing but the truth -- it was an opportunity, and one they would benefit from should it work. Even if it failed, none of their plans changed.

"I hope both of you have kept well these days." The well-being of Dashiell Incorporated had been of considerable interest of late. Nothing was better than a thriving partner.

Balun Dashiell | Judah Dashiell | Emilia Locke | Open​

 

[Emilia Locke]

//: Dominique Vexx //: Balun Dashiell //: Judah Dashiell //:

​

The soft click of her boots was nearly swallowed by the cavernous acoustics of the hangar, but Emilia made no effort to announce herself. She walked without fanfare tailored charcoal jacket swept open over a utility-cut blouse, hair tied back in a simple twist, and a small data case slung against one shoulder. The moment she saw the B/N-1138, she knew Balun had chosen well. Sleek, practical, and armed just enough to say we're serious without shouting it.

She arrived just in time to see Judah Dashiell disappear up the ramp, leaving his son at the base of it. She slowed her pace slightly.

“Mister Dashiell,” Emilia called gently, just enough to draw his attention without interrupting whatever unspoken weight he might still be carrying. Her tone was warm, but not overly familiar.

She turned slightly, eyes drifting across the hull of the freighter before adding, “I've been looking for an excuse to work more closely with the Naboo Republic, and this sort of frontier risk is exactly the sort of thing that builds reputations—and trade lanes.” she smiled warmly.

Only then did she notice the slow, confident approach of Dominique Vexx across the hangar floor. White coat, personal muscle, and a crate between them.

Emilia shifted her stance just slightly, welcoming but not deferential. As Dominique spoke, she inclined her head politely.

“Director Vexx,” she said smoothly. “Opportunities like this tend to attract the best-positioned among us.”

 

[Balun Dashiell]

A NEW FRONTIER - JHAESSA PRIME.
Judah Dashiell | Dominique Vexx | Emilia Locke | Open
The B/N-1138 Light Freighter - Departing from Naboo, Theed City.​

"Hey, Dad," Balun greeted, his smirk warm with genuine affection as he approached Judah Dashiell . There was something grounding about having his father along for this mission—something that made it feel less like work and more like an adventure. It had been far too long since the two of them had shared time outside boardrooms and business deals, and now, standing side by side on the cusp of the unknown, Balun felt like he could breathe. Out here, there were no corporate titles, no public expectations—just father and son, like the old days back on Joiol. Of course, the bonus of flying the B/N-1138 together didn't hurt either. Between the two of them, there was more than enough piloting experience to make this voyage count, and with luck, it would be profitable on more fronts than one.

The sound of approaching footsteps broke Balun's train of thought, drawing his gaze to the unmistakable figure of Dominique Vexx , flanked by two imposing men hauling a heavy crate between them. She didn't waste time with pleasantries—her straightforward mention of the sensor module immediately caught Balun's attention. His head tilted, brow arching with interest as he stepped toward the crate.

"Really…" he drew the word out with unmistakable curiosity, eyes narrowing as he studied the container. "I'd love to get a look at that beauty—whenever you're ready, of course." He gestured toward the freighter, offering her full control over where the module should be loaded. "There's plenty of room onboard, and seriously, thank you for volunteering your time for this. It's no small thing, heading into the unknown like this. I'm sure you've read the briefing, but still—I want everyone to be absolutely certain about their choice to be here."

As he turned slightly to welcome her aboard, a flicker of movement at the edge of his vision drew his attention back to the hangar entrance. Another figure approached—one he hadn't expected to see. Emilia Locke . Balun straightened subtly, momentarily caught off guard. Of all the invitations he'd sent, hers was the one he hadn't truly anticipated being answered. But the potential? That was enormous. The Dashiell and Locke families already had a strong business relationship through her husband, John Locke, and Balun himself had signed off on more than a few purchases from Locke & Key Mechanics. Emilia, however, remained somewhat of an enigma—until now.

"I imagine the Royal Naboo Republic will be very grateful for your assistance, Mrs. Locke," Balun said with a polite nod, his tone respectful yet open, "as am I. It's a pleasure to have your company." He gave a small chuckle, his voice light with optimism. "Who knows what we'll find out there—but perhaps it's the start of something bigger. Maybe this mission lands the Locke's a more permanent seat at the Naboo table, hm?"

It was a tantalising thought, and the excitement of the unknown pulsed through him like a current.

He stepped back, casting his eyes over the crew now assembled. A capable group, if small. The kind of people who didn't scare easily.

"Well," Balun said with a grin, turning toward the loading ramp of the freighter. "Let's get underway, shall we?"

~ Custom Planet Development Minor Faction ~​

"Speech".
'Thought'.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Please, just call me Judah. It's going to be a long trip and difficult to discern which Dashiell you're referring to."

It wasn't a boardroom or business negotiations, so such formalities to him were unnecessary. Especially when one was spending days on a ship together that certainly wasn't a type of luxury liner cruise where the possibility of running into one another frequently was low. Besides, Judah suspected everyone knew one another well enough to call him Judah.

Sensor crate on board, Miss Vexx and Miss Locke finally aboard, the assignment could get underway. Judah didn't know how he felt about his son leading the entire thing, the flying part, but it seemed the worst that could happen would only be certain death. To be frank, he didn't even know why his son was obsessed with finding the planet. Perhaps a bit of wanderlust in him. Or a way to get out some of that Jedi heroism in him in a more constructive manner.

"You know we could have hired the Starchasers for this, right?"

Balun Dashiell | Emilia Locke | Dominique Vexx​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique smiled over at the younger Dashiell as he took interest in her offer. "Certainly. I can trust in your discretion regarding a product still in development; I see no reason you can't examine it as much as you'd like." It was proprietary technology, and it was newly built; ordinarily a non-disclosure agreement was customary, but when you already had a budding relationship sometimes you offered perks -- dispense with a little of the red tape.

"I'm quite certain, Mister Dashiell. I'm well acquainted with risk; with risk comes reward, whether monetary or enlightenment." Obviously, the former was preferred, but information could be power and that brought its own financial benefits. "I hope I can be of some service." Vexx was hardly a Mandalorian or a Jedi or even a palace guard. If things went horribly wrong, officially her only skill set would be in talking their way out of danger. Unofficiailly, Vexx had other skills that might be useful, along with a collection of gadgets.

Golden eyes regarded Balun and then Emilia from behind lilac glareshades as they spoke of building trade relations. During their exchange, she gestured for the large men to take the equipment inside as she lingered with the duo still outside of the ship.

"Mistress Locke, a pleasure. This enterprise should give us time to get to know one another," she replied with an inclusive look to Balun at their side. Together the four of them could be quite the influential bloc.

But they couldn't stand out there all day talking when there was a perfectly fine ship awaiting Balun to pilot, it seemed. Dominique smiled and nodded slightly in reply to the man's enthusiasm to get underway. "By all means." She wouldn't dally with the journey ahead of them waiting; there'd be plenty of time once they climbed aboard.

And once they had, Judah voice a thought regarding their jaunt that caused a corner of her mouth to hike just a bit. They very easily could have hired the Starchasers, but then they likely wouldn't have this wonderful opportunity to get to know one another. There could be meaningful bonds formed during this trip. Even if they didn't materialize right away, introductions were the first step in every relationship.

Judah Dashiell | Balun Dashiell | Emilia Locke​

 

[Emilia Locke]

//: Dominique Vexx //: Balun Dashiell //: Judah Dashiell //:

​

Emilia followed Balun's glance with a slight smile, lips tugging just enough to show amusement when he straightened at her approach.

"Mrs. Locke?" she echoed lightly, one brow arching. "Now I know I've stepped into the diplomatic sphere. I'm starting to wonder if I should've brought my formal attire."

The jab was gentle, but intentional just enough to ease the edge off formalities without undermining the moment. She offered her hand in return, firm but relaxed, and added, "It's a pleasure, Balun. And if this expedition is half as promising as it sounds, I imagine the Republic won't be the only party taking notice."

She gave a short, approving nod toward the crate being guided into the ship. "Director Vexx's presence certainly adds weight to that."

As Dominique approached, Emilia met her with the same steady composure she'd maintained throughout their last encounter, this time offering a faint smirk in place of pleasantries.

"The pleasure's mutual, Director," she said, her voice warm but even. "And yes I suspect this venture will offer ample time to compare notes."

Though Emilia wouldn't presume familiarity, she didn't fear standing beside the likes of Vexx or the Dashiells either. She was here because she chose to be and because the future of one truth, there was potential for credits to be made. Her position was an investment, not a performance.

As Judah reappeared near the ramp and offered his dry remark about the Starchasers, Emilia allowed herself a quiet laugh under her breath, stepping aside to give the older man room.

"I'm sure the Starchasers would've charged hazard pay and then some," she remarked. "Besides, you can't buy this kind of personal equity."

Her eyes swept across the crew again, brief but thoughtful. "There's something to be said for who chooses to be here, rather than who could be paid to."

As the others made final checks and crossed into the hold, Emilia lingered a moment longer at the base of the ramp, eyes sweeping over the freighter's silhouette with a pilot's instinctive scrutiny.

Fast profile. Balanced thrust lines. She's not built for a brawl but she'll dance circles around anything that isn't.