Private Free and Clear

[Liin Terallo]

I watch as he unwraps my painting and am relieved that it is appreciated. Some people care little for such things and so one can only guess if a painting of wildflowers would be liked. I am not even sure if I had gotten the colors right. But there is a thing called abstract art and so I always use that as an excuse instead of letting people know the truth about my colorblindness.

"There is no need to put yourself to too much trouble. What you are preparing for the meal is perfect, thank you." I have never eaten in the outdoors before. So this will be a real treat for me. Yet that is not exactly something for me to divulge to them. Afterall, I do not need to give them anymore reasons to pity how I lived in a bubble for most of my life.

And there were many months while I lived on the run that I barely ate in a day. I had to maintain a strict budget and food had to be regarded as an afterthought. It had resulted in my losing of some weight and gave me a slightly gaunt appearance. But I have fixed that with some make-up and clothing that draped me a little more loosely.

I had another sip of my wine being well aware of the small moment of silence. "The chefs' meals on Bastion will probably pale in comparison to yours. And while I admit that their meals are tasty; they seem to lack something that I have yet to figure out."

Tags: Judah Dashiell Balun Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Perhaps if you stayed home more often there would be less rations."

Judah gave Balun Dashiell a pointed look, as if to say he was making his own misery. Yet that was all he would say this evening. The painting he was gifted was small enough to have a space in the center table as a bit of decoration, Judah wasn't quite sure where else to set it. With the gift safely on the table, the old salvager brought the dishes to eat family-style at the table.

"Probably spices?" Judah chuckled, shaking his head. "If my meal tastes better that's perfect, it means you won't be a stranger. Bit confusing when you went radio silent."

Food on the table, the sun was sinking into the ocean. Waves crashed on the beach in the distance, creating a soothing backdrop to their conversation out on the expansive patio. With the clinking of silverware and food being piled onto plates, Judah was helping his grandson first, knowing the growing boy could pack away food.

"Your parents have been well? I wasn't sure how well they would do without you being around."

Liin Terallo

 

[Balun Dashiell]

FREE AND CLEAR
PRESENT COMPANY: Judah Dashiell & Liin Terallo
NON-PLAYABLES: Kellan Dashiell & Vesha Daruun

"Perhaps if you stayed home more often there would be less rations."

Balun glanced back to his father with a faint smile, not so much at the remark itself but knowing the place of consideration and concern that it was coming from in Judah Dashiell . Naturally, he couldn't argue the sentiment, nor could he try to brush off his father's concerns as unwarranted. Judah was right to want a more stable and peaceful life for his son, yet for some reason, Balun couldn't see reason to implement such a change in his circumstances.

Had he over-committed himself? Most certainly.

Jhaessa Prime was growing gradually, and Meridian—the Capital City, was a corporate and economic success. New residents were making the jump to take up a life there daily, and there were numerous businesses that had invested in the City infrastructure. However, there was always more work to be done and only so much that Auren Vellisar could manage in Balun's absence while he was trying to juggle the life of a Jedi and also being a father to Kellan Dashiell .

For Balun, remaining close to the Jedi made sense not only for his sake but also as a safety net for his son, whom he constantly worried about the looming influence of the dark side of the force. Kellan's mother was genetically manufactured using Sith Alchemy, the practice of imbuing the very potent essence of darkness and combining that with the horrific nature of creating creatures or clones able to be influenced by the Sith with ease. While Kellan was a hybrid, half of his Mother and half of Balun's genetic make-up, the boy was still an enigma in terms of what his father knew to expect. The risks, the vulnerabilities. Kellan's abilities in the Force were still yet to take form, and yet there was the physical and pyschological traits that were part of his species, his inheritance from his mothers DNA...

He remained quiet, finishing the last of his cigarra as his father began to serve up dinner at the table. Balun stood from his seat upon realising they were about to eat and moved to stub the smoke out in the ashtray a little distance closer to the side of the house before returning, not wishing to do the meal an injustice by having the constant lingering smell of tobacco hovering around them.

Once he was seated again, he glanced over to Liin following her mention of Bastion.

"Seems you've made a permanent home there, nowadays?" He asked, pausing a moment before following up with the true question that was on his mind: "How is life with the Diarchy, if you don't mind my asking? I'm not familiar with them on a personal level, and only hear the odd tidbit through word of mouth, so never really had anything to go on with regard to forming much of an opinion there".

Jedi Master: Ala Quin
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I offer Mister Dashiell a polite smile before I take another sip of wine before I start to cut into my food with a knife and fork. Small bites are always best for conversation. "I have not heard from my parents since the invasion and occupation. I imagine that they are probably locked away somewhere. Communications are more than likely monitored, so if they are not in prison, then they are probably keeping a low profile. I am certain that I will hear from them when the time is right for them to reach out."

I have my first bite and savor the flavors for a moment or two before I respond to young Mister Dashiell's question. "It is a safe space for me. After the bounty and targetting by so many different kinds of people that were after my research; I needed to be able to find somewhere well protected to lay low in for a while. And fortunately the Diarchy are not prying into my research either. They respect my right to privacy and protect it as well. So I am grateful to them for that."

Tags: Judah Dashiell Balun Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"I doubt they are in prison....the High Republic seems" Judah struggled to find an appropriate word given Balun was present. Perhaps Liin would read between the lines. "classist. I have no doubt your parents are fine. They are always welcomed here or at Celestia Station in the Tingel Arm, should they need a soft place to land."

Judah doubted the pair would leave New Cov but he wanted to extend the offer either way. With Liin out and about more perhaps there was a renewed inclination to leave the planet. Picking up his fork, the old salvager listened to Liin speak of her work and the Diarchy. He wasn't familiar but Makai had met with them once.

"It is good this Diarchy lets you research in peace. Perhaps they are hoping it will benefit them? I know little of their government or ways but I feel that would be the most logical viewpoint."

He paused, mulling over asking the question on his mind but then finally broaching the subject.

"Do you know why a bounty was placed on you? No offense Liin but you barely left New Cov."

Liin Terallo | Balun Dashiell​

 

[Balun Dashiell]

FREE AND CLEAR
PRESENT COMPANY: Judah Dashiell & Liin Terallo
NON-PLAYABLES: Kellan Dashiell & Vesha Daruun

​

Balun grinned to himself awkwardly. He had been mid-chew of a piece of his steak when the mention of the High Republic had come about again, causing him to rest his hands upon the table and lean back a little, glancing between Judah Dashiell and Liin Terallo thoughtfully. Of the three of them, he was the only one currently invested with the Republic, and on multiple levels for that matter. The history surrounding New Cov didn't exactly shine a bright light of warmth upon the present moment. Yet, he hoped that, like himself, Liin would be able to separate their friendship from his professional affiliations.

He chose not to comment, preferring to keep things polite and easy while listening to Liin and his Father talk. Instead, he took another mouthful and savoured the flavour of the meal whilst thinking on the potential motivations the Diarchy might hold for Liin's work.

However the mention of the Bounty that Liin had incurred, suddenly took him off guard.

"Wait, what?" He asked abruptly, turning to glance back across the table to Liin Terallo with a clear look of surprise. He hadn't known about the bounty, and didn't have any friends or contacts within the profession to try to twist someones arm in pulling the contract from public channels; "When did this happen?" he questioned once more, instead more invested in the conversation now that they had switched tones away from the Republic and to the obvious and immediate threat to her livelihood.

"I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's related to your work, given you're hardly the type to piss someone off that much".

Jedi Master: Ala Quin
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I hold plenty of doubt on the supposed good guys invading and taking over a world by removing it's democratically elected leader and government, erasing them, replacing them with their own, gaining access codes to the planet's protective domes to entrench their power among the population of Covie. All potential rebellions for freedom and independence are crushed before they can even take root. But one day that will change and New Cov will have it's freedom once more. History has shown that to be the case many times over. History has a way of repeating. And if I can help it to regain it's freedom; I will.

I keep all of those thoughts in my mind however. It was the appropriate protocol for a guest afterall.

I dip my head in thanks at any rate. No doubt my parents have plenty of connections to help them. And I expect that when the time is right; they will contact me.

"The Diarchy have not asked about any details of my research or what it is even about. They do not pry. And their hospitality is not hinged on my research; but as a repayment for helping to fund it during it's beginning. Diarch Reign visited NCBC on New Cov in what seems like an age ago requesting funding. And I gave it." That day feels like forever ago, as though it were in another lifetime.

The questions of my bounty came up and I had assumed that the answer was obvious. Yet apparently it was not. "The bounty is related to my research, yes. It was ordered by the Black Sun not long after my laboratory's data breach. It is part of the reason as to why I set up decoy laboratories. I did so to fool the hunters. And I believe that so far it has worked. Either that or my bounty is just not worth the effort to those that can accept it. I am certain that there are plenty of higher priorities than a little wayward scientist."

Tags: Judah Dashiell Balun Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"I have zero idea what your research is, yet I am not surprised. I am sure it would be something valuable for any group to have. Credits are always a motivating factor. Power even more so."

Popping a piece of nerf steak in his mouth, Judah leveled his oceanic gaze at the young woman. Liin Terallo was always a bit of an enigma to him. Someone who didn't want others to get too close to her. Or share too much information. He didn't know if it was self-preservation trying not to get emotionally hurt or if she truly didn't want to be bothered.

"Sounds dangerous. I have noghri bodyguards - I can spare two of them to trail you. Very discrete. They keep a distance and only intervene when its life and death. You wouldn't have to worry about paying them, they can stay on my payroll and return to me once their usefulness ends. I just don't think its proper for a young lady to have no security in this matter, especially since it seems Balun is no longer in your employ."

Again, odd Balun Dashiell was even ever employed by Liin. Yet it was all he would say on the matter.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

FREE AND CLEAR
PRESENT COMPANY: Judah Dashiell & Liin Terallo
NON-PLAYABLES: Kellan Dashiell & Vesha Daruun

​

When his father dropped the apparent fact that Balun was no longer employed as Liin Terallo 's bodyguard, he couldn't help but look up and over to Judah Dashiell , wondering whether or not that was another subtle jab at his lifestyle; "Hey, it wasn't by choice. When that business with New Cov went down, I got fired" he chuckled under his breath, glancing over to Liin with a mischevious smirk as though he were poking fun at her.

The nature of Liin's work wasn't something that Balun expected his father would approve of; Judah didn't trust Force Users, and so the idea of empowering everyday people with Force Sensitivity seemed like an argument or a disagreement waiting to happen. "It's all bioengineering and botany stuff. The former, which is mostly way over my head" He lied, albeit convincingly, as this was the sort of work that Liin had been doing previously. She had told Balun about her previous work during a tour of her lab back on New Cov, so it seemed plausible she would continue her earlier research. Not to mention that bioengineering was pretty close to the mark when it came to working with Force Sensitivity, if he had to guess.

Returning his attention to the subject of the bounty, Balun frowned when he heard that the Black Sun Syndicate had been responsible. He had already experienced their hospitality on Sarko IV, a violent ambush that had nearly killed him and his squad during the high-profile mission. "The Black Sun is no joke, they're more than just a gang but a highly financed and well-equipped criminal organisation".

Although Liin felt comfortable that her decoys had worked to evade the bounty, Balun wasn't particularly convinced. The offer of his father's Noghri Bodyguards caused him to glance back to Judah and nod in agreement; "The Noghri would really be beneficial. You won't notice they're around until you need them. It'd really comfort both of us if you agreed to utilise their skills. They're extremely professional and even the most skilled mercenaries would find them a threat".

Jedi Master: Ala Quin
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Liin Terallo]

"No one is going to have my work. I am not going to sell it and I am certainly not going to be giving it away. After my data breach, I started to resort to using pencil and paper. My work cannot be sliced that way. Some of the calculations do take longer to solve; but it is safer that way. Anything done electronically is only partial. And I am not broadcasting my research to anyone either. I am keeping it secret and keeping it safe. If I fail in my research then these safeguards also save me from more public embarrassment." I am well aware that the data breach caused my research to no longer be a secret; but as far as I am aware of; it is not out in the public.

They both offered up some guards for me; and ones that I would not have to pay for. Unlike when I had young Mister Dashiell on my payroll. However accepting such an offer outright could be seen as a bit offensive to those that have offered me sanctuary. Still; I could not deny them some sort of compromise that might put them at ease.

"Thank you for the offer. While on Bastion I have a security detail. At times I even have the two Diarch brothers themselves keeping an eye on me. Varlo Finnall is keeping an eye on me here now from his ship. He is often my escort whenever I am outside of Diarchy space. Bringing other guards to Bastion would almost be an insult as it gives the impression that I do not feel that the protection offered to me on Badtion is enough. However if you would like your guards to tail me when I am outside of Diarchy space; I will appreciate it."

I hope that my response put forth a viable compromise between their offer and my own stance. I cut up another small piece of meat for myself and then proceed to eat it as I await their response.

Tags: Balun Dashiell Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"I think any research is yours sell. Or perhaps go into academia with. Professor Terallo has a nice ring to it...then you're subject to university and government grants. Their whims come along with it. However, it seems you have a handle on things and I am happy to hear things are progressing well once again, despite having to rely on old fashioned methods."

It seemed Liin Terallo was becoming quite comfortable in the Diarchy. So much so she had been offered a security detail. A reassurance for him - although a dark part of him was worried she was being held captive. That perhaps this was all a ruse to make it seem as if she had free will and movements. He would keep an eye out but expected Balun Dashiell would have a better chance of telling than himself.

"Yes, it would please me to have the Noghri tail you. I'll send out the details via message later on, once final details are in place. Thanks for placating an old man...oh and his son. I'll have to visit this Diarchy space soon to check it out myself, to see if you're being treated right. Plus, never know what business opportunity is available."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

FREE AND CLEAR
PRESENT COMPANY: Judah Dashiell & Liin Terallo
NON-PLAYABLES: Kellan Dashiell & Vesha Daruun

​

Though he didn't speak it, Balun knew that if Judah Dashiell had known the nature of Liin Terallo 's work and her success in artificially creating or empowering someone with force sensitivity, he wouldn't truly be encouraging the possibility of selling the research, given his distrust of their kind. Instead, Balun took another mouthful of his steak and savoured the taste.

There was nothing like a home-cooked meal made by his father; Sure Balun could cook for himself, or he could go anywhere and afford a meal, but the comforts of home were always top of the list. Judah had prepared the food, putting his time and effort into cooking it all, and with such a fine taste, the meal also conveyed the knowledge and sentiment that it was made with care for those he was serving. Before finding his family, the Dashiells, Balun had never had anyone to cook for him beyond the meals served at the Jedi Temple back on Coruscant, and those were of a standard variety and expense that, while varying day in and day out, you could still measure the quality by the credits it was worth.

"You know..." Balun smoke up after swallowing his mouthful, "It wouldn't be a silly idea if you two did some work together. I'm sure between the two of you, you could figure out a way to benefit one another. It would also be a little comforting to know that you were in good company, Liin" Balun suggested, raising his fork to gesture from one to the other.

When it came to enterprise and industry, Judah and Liin were two of the most intelligent people he had met. His brother, Makai, also fit into that small, select group, yet he wasn't here to feel the compliment. Truthfully, knowing that his father was somehow more present in Liin's life came as a good idea to Balun, who wanted Liin to see the benefit of having trustworthy, good friends. Her life, despite meeting other people, still seemed lonely, as she had herself told him that she didn't have anyone she could depend upon or truly trust, and Judah was the most reliable person Balun knew.

Jedi Master: Ala Quin
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Liin Terallo]

My eyebrows rose in surprise as Mister Dashiell suggested that I become a professor. Is there not a saying that goes along the lines of: those that do not know; teach? I know that I certainly do not have the qualifications nor the credentials to be a professor. Not to mention there would be no telling of where I would reside for such a thing. It could be too public of a position, however.

"Given the bounty; I am not so sure that such a public position would be wise. It would only signal my exact location to them. And I believe that that is something that I would rather avoid."

I picked up my wine and had another sip from it, allowing for a small moment of silence between us as we all seemed to rather enjoy the well cooked meal. I hope at least that there will be some leftovers for me to bring back with me. I can already feel myself relaxing somewhat to the point where it almost felt as though I was back on New Cov. Only here it was safe to be in the great outdoors without worry about being eaten.

My thoughts were interrupted as Balun mentioned his father and I working together. It seemed as though both wanted to keep close tabs on me. Were they really so worried when I lived on the run for a short while? "But I am not involved any kind of business anymore. I do not believe that I truly belonged there at all. I am certain that in some respects; my parents would agree with me on that." I had no voice in those circles. Even during meetings with the heads of other companies my words fell upon deaf ears as though I had not spoken any at all. I did not have the reach, the contacts, nor the clout that they all did. And that was a good reason to leave it all behind. I had nothing to contribute other than filling an empty chair.

Tags: Judah Dashiell Balun Dashiell