Private Free and Clear

[Liin Terallo]

Things are moving ahead better than I had anticipated. At least on one front. My decoy laboratories seemed to have worked. For I no longer feel as hunted as I once was. And that had given me the freedom of choice to stop running. But I did not just stop anywhere. I had secured myself my own private laboratory and sanctuary in Diarchy space. No more backwater worlds and ramshackled buildings. No longer starving myself in order to pay for my travels. No more running. A debt repaid for a debt well spent.

Speaking of debts; it is about time that I repaid my own. This has been the only time that I have been indebted to anyone and I do not wish to keep it longer than I should. I said that I would repay the debt as soon as I am able and I plan on doing just that.

Sitting at my desk I write up an encrypted holo-letter. I may not be on the run anymore, but that does not mean that I am not under surveillance.

Mister Dashiell,

Good news. I no longer require your salvaged vessel and the loaned pilots. Please let me know when and where to drop them off and I will do so. Along with my repayment of the loan plus interest.

Thank you.

Liin.

I send off the letter and then put my datapad away. A sudden thought strikes me, however. In the last message Mister Dashiell had invited me to a family dinner. Would I be walking into that? And if so, would Balun Dashiell be there? I am not so sure of how to handle that. Not with the rumors going around of young Mister Dashiell and I being lovers. And then there is another thing that I should be wary about too. Would young Mister Dashiell be able to sense that I had experimented on myself? And if he does; how would he react?

I will do my best to keep myself composed, otherwise one of my abilities could accidently be triggered and I would be left with a horrible side effect and publicly humiliated. No I must try to pretend that everything is back to normal. And keep my head held high.

Tags: Judah Dashiell Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

FREE AND CLEAR.
Dashiell Residence, Tirtha Cove, Joiol.
Judah Dashiell & Liin Terallo .

"Da, what happened to your face?"

Kellan Dashiell stared up at his father with wide eyes, his little blue head tilted sideways with intrigue as he had never seen his father's skin so dark before. The three-year-old aquatic Son of Balun had never seen the result of violence, having been sheltered from any hint of it since coming into his father's care. Nouqai had at one point almost ruined that for Balun, yet Kellan had still been an Infant, not yet learned to walk and safely secured within Balun's ship the day she had tried to kill the boy's father. Today, however, Kellan was seeing firsthand the result of Balun's choice to enter the First Galactic Kaggath.

"I'm alright, kiddo, it's just a bit of bruising", Balun replied, sugarcoating his injuries with as gentle a tone as he could manage. The truth was that Balun had not made it past the first round, having faced off against the Mandalorian warrior Fenn Stag , a man of clear experience and martial prowess that had, in the end, proven too much for the younger Force User.

Stag had broken Balun's nose, bruised his cheekbone and fractured his jaw. Medical assistance had been provided following the conclusion of the fight, and Balun's nose had been set back into place, now leaving him with the need to take regular pain medication for some time while his wounds healed up. Miraculously, the severity of his jaw hadn't been so great that it had imposed on his breathing, forgoing the need for any serious surgery; however, he had been given strong antibiotics and painkillers to see him through.

He was on cloud nine with the wealth of meds he had been given.

"It looks sore! Did you hit your head on something?" Kellan asked, fixating on Balun's new look as though it were some fashion choice. Were it not for the risk of pain, Balun might have chuckled in response, considering the thought that quickly came to mind: 'A Mandalorian'.

"Yup, sure did, Kell", Balun replied, forcing a smile and doing his best to hide the pain behind it; "Dad was a bit silly. Wasn't paying enough attention at the time", he answered. And from a particular perspective, he wasn't lying.

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Sitting on the couch in Balun Dashiell 's cottage, there was a small smirk as he listened to his son trying to explain away the injuries. Engrossed in his work, he found it an amusing sidebar. He had personally thought his son an idiot for joining such a thing, so hearing his grandson interrogate Bale was the bright spot. Punishment in itself so to speak.

As he checked his messages, one from Liin Terallo popped up on his screen. He hadn't expected to hear from her so soon. Last he knew she was on the run for one reason or another, the details of which he was very murky on. Not that it was his business to pry, more he just found it an odd situation.

Mister Dashiell,

Good news. I no longer require your salvaged vessel and the loaned pilots. Please let me know when and where to drop them off and I will do so. Along with my repayment of the loan plus interest.

Thank you.

Liin.

Miss Terrallo,

Feel free to drop them off at any Salacia Consolidated location. I'm not sure of your current coordinates, so I have sent along a list. As for the loan repayment, please see me in person at my home on Joiol. I owe you dinner after all.

-J. Dashiell

 

[Liin Terallo]

The reply arrived sooner than I had expected it to. Unfortunately his request came with a bit of a hiccup, for I had assumed that I would be travelling with the salvaged vessel. But no matter. I am sure that Diarch Reign would not mind it too terribly if I were to borrow Varlo for a couple of days as an escort. The old guard and I have gotten along pretty well; and Varlo did say that he would be there for me when I needed him to be. And this is one of those times.

Quickly I type up my reply and sent it through:

Mister Dashiell,

Thank you for the information. I shall be there in a couple of days.

~Liin.

Dinner at his place. Either it will go very well, or it will go very poorly. I cannot guess as to which. Perhaps it will even be a bit of both. It could start out well and then end poorly.

Oh, but I am clearly overthinking things! I need to stop that as I have far more worse things to worry about. A dinner is the least of my worries. So I shall endeavor to make the best of it.

Tags: Judah Dashiell Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

FREE AND CLEAR.
Dashiell Residence, Tirtha Cove, Joiol
Judah Dashiell & Liin Terallo

At three years old, Kellan Dashiell took the story surprisingly well. Balun had expected an interrogation from the little Sith-Spawn and some fearful response to his father's battered appearance, but the boy's trust in his father was without question. In truth, Balun wasn't sure whether to feel guilt or relief, glad that Kell was at least experiencing some sense of continued peace and not disturbed by his Father's dangerous hobbies.

Distracted by a plate of sandwiches that Balun had made and removed the crusts, cutting them up into triangles for his Son, Kellan wandered back to the lounge where Vesha Daruun was awaiting him. The Zabraki Woman was probably a bit of a mystery to Judah Dashiell, Balun having somehow fabricated a gifted caretaker and nurse out of thin air for assistance in caring for his son. As far as he had told his Father, he had some advice from Makai, which was true, but his Father didn't necessarily need to know that she was, in fact, a droid. He had a particularly irrational fear of droids...

With the conversation with his Son out of the way, Balun decided to make himself a cup of stimcaf before moving outside of the living room onto the terrace, setting his cup down upon the nearby table. At the same time, he fished for his cigarra packet and lit up a smoke. All seemed to be right in life, especially when Balun was back home on Joiol. This was his family's home, and a place of peace and comfort for Bale, who had been introduced to it first by Judah back when he felt he had nothing to offer. It was his first home. A true home.

Drawing in a mouthful of smoke from his cigarra, Bale allowed his mind to wander to business with Dashiell Retrofit™ and Jhaessa Prime. Meridian, the capital city of Jhaessa Prime, continued to expand gradually outward. The heart of trade that would become Jhaessa Prime's staple in the Galaxy, putting her on the map, and at the same time, Balun had already begun preparing to house Dashiell Retrofit's headquarters there. It was a massive undertaking...-Truly bigger than anything Balun had attempted to do previously, and he was thankful he had his father's support. Especially as the paperwork piled up and Balun's time seemed to be growing shorter by the day.

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

A FEW DAYS LATER

Standing at the grill, Judah kept a good eye on the food in front of him with another eye on the skies. Liin Terallo was to arrive today and as promised, there would be a catch-up dinner. Also as was typical, Judah would be cooking for his guest. It wasn't the first time and any moment he had to indulge into his hobby was a welcomed one. Beyond that, Joiol didn't have many restaurants to choose from, and given Liin's on the run status being in public may not be a good idea.

Kellan Dashiell ran around on the expanse of grass between the homes and the beach, making the most of being the only Dashiell child at the Estate for the moment. He had informed Balun Dashiell of Liin's arrival but the man didn't seem overly excited in one direction or the other. Their relationship was strange to Judah - it was still unclear if they were business partners or more.

He would remain quiet however. Except to ask about the bodyguard thing. Important to know as someone who often took care of the little half-Sithspawn. Plus, it would give him an idea how much danger Liin was still potentially in.

 

[Liin Terallo]

I cannot help but to be nervous. And although I do not seem to be as hunted as I was before, it does not mean that it has stopped altogether. To that end and with Lord Reign's approval; I was able to have Varlo escort me. He is a pilot, while I am not. And he is wonderful at getting me out of public situations. At our first meeting he pretended to be my cousin picking me up for a family reunion. We had both played our parts well and it was a lovely respite from all of my troubles.

Yet this bout of nervousness is not brought on by being hunted. Instead it is brought on by worry about how this visit will go. The rumors that caused me distance myself from the Dashiell family still seem not to be forgotten. And that is most unfortunate. If someone was to ask me point blank how I felt about young Mister Dashiell; I would not have an answer for I truly do not know. And that irritates me greatly for I am used to solving mysteries snd puzzles. Yet for some reason I cannot solve this one. Perhaps it is just too personal.

Varlo landed his ship with an expert hand after following the co-ordinates given. On the way we had discussed him remaining behind to explore the perimeter and to keep an ear out on comm chatter for anything. Afterall I highly doubt that the Dashiell's had set up a trap for me.

I exit his ship with a bundle in my hands; the borrowed credit chips, plus interest. And I even brought along a small framed painting that I had made. It is of Covian wildflowers, though I had been told that the colors are all wrong. Still; it is a secret hobby of mine and there is no reason for them to know that I had painted it. It is just never a good thing to arrive at someone's home empty handed.

I quietly knock at the door and take a step back so that I do not crowd the doorway. One never knows if a pet of some kind might go barging through the door.

Tags: Judah Dashiell Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

FREE AND CLEAR.
Dashiell Residence, Tirtha Cove, Joiol
Liin Terallo & Judah Dashiell

With his son entertained by the endearing company of Vesha Daruun, Balun's assistant caretaker, he had finished his smoke. He returned to the Kitchen, where he found his father preparing some of the evening meal. Liin Terallo was due to arrive any moment now, though dinner was sure to be an hour or so yet.

Judah Dashiell , however, was doing his usual man-of-the-house thing. It was a habit of his, or perhaps tradition was a better word for it? It was challenging to put the right word to the way that his Father had always seemed to take control during family events or when guests were invited over. Balun hadn't decided if this was Judah's way of showing that he cared for his family or making sure that dinner was cooked right and his sons made no mistakes.

"Dining room's all set by the way, everything's laid out and ready", Balun let his father know. Perhaps one less thing the old man needed to worry himself about. Bale was mindful of how much time he had been away from Joiol, active in the High Republic territories and often with Kellan by his side, depriving his father of the company of both his son and his grandson. While he was around, he wanted to make himself at least valuable and not just be a dead weight.

The sound of a vessel could be heard overhead before a low rumble sent a shallow vibration across the residence as what could only be assumed to be Liin's Starship arrived. The Navi personal A.I worn upon his wrist came to life with a dull blue light beneath the jacket of Balun's Spacer Apparel, synced with the security system that Makai had installed, the detection of their guests triggered a personal notification that made him grin to himself.

"That would be them, then", he pointed out the obvious with a soft chuckle. It had been a little while since he had last seen Liin, and certainly not in such a casual and hospitable environment. His father had no idea about their last reunion, nor the business with the Imperials and the laboratory that Balun had somehow come upon by chance, Liin being there by some stroke of luck or design of fate, and barely making it away without getting himself shot in the back. Then there was the whole synthetic Force business....

The whole "Rumours about Balun and Liin dating" thing was something that had escaped him entirely, not once having heard about it.

It didn't take long before there was a knock at the door, causing Balun to turn and move through the living room towards the foyer to greet them. He opened the door with a smirk as he looked to his former employer; "Sorry, Liin, we don't take kindly to Imperials around here". He let the silence hang there as best he could, trying to contain himself. He couldn't help it, though, as his smirk only widened into a grin as he watched her for a reaction. It would be blatantly obvious, even to Liin, that he was having her on.

An abrupt laugh escaped him as if he had been holding his breath, "Hah-Nah, come in. I'm just playing. Dad's in the Kitchen cooking up a storm as always". Balun stepped aside and extended an arm to welcome her inside, "How was the trip? No trouble, I hope?" Balun glanced past Liin towards the ship curiously, knowing well that she did not know how to pilot the bird. "Does your Pilot-friend intend on joining us?".

"Speech"
'Thought'
​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I did not expect Balun to answer the door. In fact a part of me had hoped that today would go as smoothly as possible.

His little jest was enough of a cover for my slight shock. The smirk gave him away as I stood there speechless, unsure of what to say in response. There is plenty that he is not aware of since our last encounter.

The switch of topic was a relief for me. "He is cooking up a storm? I hope that he has not gone to too much trouble." I step inside the doorway with a dip of my chin in thanks, with the bundle in hand. "The trip was uneventful, fortunately. Varlo will not be joining us. He is content with securing the perimeter, thank you." I may bring him some leftovers for the return trip, however. And Varlo will be ready at a moment's notice for me should I need him to whisk me away. And the last thing that I need is to be embarrassed in front of him.

"I trust that you all have been well?" I am unsure of where to go. Should I find the kitchen? Or a sitting room? I just allow young Mister Dashiell to direct me.

Tags: Balun Dashiell Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah was not in the kitchen but still outside, at the grill, watching Kellan Dashiell .Given the home being feet away from the beach, the salvager thought dining outdoors on the back patio would make the most sense. Nothing but expansive views of the little ocean cove they called home, with fishing boats pushing along the horizon. Truly a sight to see and experience.

Hearing the vessel approach and land, it was clear their guest had arrived. Without seeing Balun Dashiell anywhere (strange how he disappeared when prep needed to be done), he could only assume his youngest son was busy greeting Liin Terallo and inviting her into their home. They had much to catch up on. It was going to be tricky to seem as he wasn't interrogating the young woman. Yet he was curious why she had gone on the run in the first place, especially when he could have offered refuge and extensive places to stay. Places far in the Tingel Arm where none would think to look.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

FREE AND CLEAR.
Dashiell Residence, Tirtha Cove, Joiol
Liin Terallo & Judah Dashiell

"He is cooking up a storm? I hope that he has not gone to too much trouble."

"Oh, nah, he's out back. Probably manning the grill, knowing him. He loves it, really," Balun grinned, motioning for Liin Terallo to accompany him as he began to lead her through the family residence. It was extravagant in size despite its comfortable, humble aesthetic; their home had two floors with numerous bedrooms, enough for family and several guests should they require it. Balun's own quarters were thankfully separate from the primary residence; his self-contained cottage Was Located further out in the rear of the vast property, near the edge of the surrounding forest that lined the northwestern perimeter.

Balun gave a slight nod to the mention of her friend forgoing the evening visit, instead choosing to remain on the ship. Perhaps it was Liin's preference, but he wasn't going to ask too many questions lest it be something she wished not to discuss. He knew Liin to be private about her business and didn't want to pry or cross any boundaries that might provoke too much discomfort, given she had just arrived. Save the awkward feelings for later in the evening.

"I've been doing pretty well, yeah. Very busy with the High Republic, much to anyone's surprise. I didn't see things going that way, but it's where I've wound up, and now, while training alongside their Jedi, I'm also working on establishing a new trading colony on a world we recently discovered. A small group of us were the first to set foot on it in Force knows how long," Balun explained as they wandered through the living room, then the interior kitchen, and he moved to open the sliding doors that opened up into the outdoor patio where Judah Dashiell was with Kellan Dashiell and his caretaker Vesha Daruun.

"Grife, I hope you two are getting along," Balun gestured between his father and Vesha, his expression hinting at a mischievous smirk, while trying to hide a sense of underlying paranoia and suspicion. Judah hadn't yet learned that Vesha Daruun was really a Caretaker Droid, as far as Balun was aware. He very much wished for it to remain that way.

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I follow along him as he guides me through. Yet I keep my pace slightly behind his. Afterall I do not know where I am going and it is not often at all that I am in someone else's home. It is a very, very rare thing indeed.

I hold the bundle of credits and wrapped painting close to me, very nearly hugging them to myself as he mentions the High Republic. I tighten my jaw a bit too out of disdain for it is because of them that New Cov has lost it's neutrality and independence. Their invasion and coupe is what sent me and others into exile. But some day New Cov will be free again and I will be able to return home.

All of those thoughts had me lose my focus on anything that he had said. I can only hope that no question was made to me.

It appeared to not be the case, thankfully. For soon we were outside. The aroma of the prepped meal hung heavy in the air. I paused my steps for a moment to observe the goings on and already I feel really out of place in not knowing where to set my bundles down without the child getting after them. So I suppose that I should ask.

"Mister Dashiell. Where should I put these?"

Tags: Judah Dashiell Balun Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Why would we not?"

Judah frowned at his son. An odd one, that kid. Personally he chalked it up in not having a hand in properly raising the boy. It was the only explanation he had beyond it was behavior inherited from an unknown mother. As Liin Terallo came into view, Judah wiped his hands off on a towel to approach, only to stop a little short and raise an eyebrow.

Credits. He hadn't expected her to repay him back. There was no need to, he had agreed to the original terms as a formality. One of those 'sure, pay me back later' when one never expected to be paid back. Judah was certainly not hurting for any form of payment. Now he was in a delicate position to perhaps kindly refuse the repayment.

"Liin, why don't you keep the credits? Invest them in a new business. I have little need for them and I'm sure you can put them to a better use than I." A small pause. "Now please sit, relax. We haven't seen you in some time. How have things fared?"

Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

FREE AND CLEAR.
Dashiell Residence, Tirtha Cove, Joiol
TAGS: Liin Terallo & Judah Dashiell
NPC'S: Kellan Dashiell & Vesha Daruun

​

"Why would we not?"

Balun Dashiell couldn't help but smirk, relieved at his father's ignorance of Vesha's true droid-nature, yet he smoothly played it off with a quick quip at Judah Dashiell 's expense; "Let's pretend that I don't have a clue about your history with Women. Or that I don't appear to have inherited it from you, for that matter," He added, deciding to be generous and not just insult his father in front of their guest but burn himself while doing so. He laughed softly, moving over to where Kellan and Vesha Daruun were standing and pulling up a chair not too far from his Son.

As he sat down, Kellan turned to look back over to his father and grinned. He didn't leave Judah's side, yet appeared to be grateful to see Balun nearby all the same. The moment brought a feeling of warmth to Balun's core as he watched and smiled back at his boy. He didn't say anything to Kellan, not wanting to interrupt the time that he had been spending with his Grandfather, and yet Balun couldn't help but study him in the moment. Reflecting on the past three years that had seemed to have passed so damned quickly.

So far, raising an aquatic sith-spawn youngling had been challenging, though not anything like what Balun had anticipated. In his juvenile age, Kellan hadn't yet shown any fundamental traits that had screamed the need for his father's attention, where the dark side of the Force was concerned. Perhaps that, in itself, was a consequence of the stable and loving environment in which Kellan was growing up, surrounded by a family that truly adored him. Yet there were always those same old worries that came upon his mind in the silence of the night: What if his mother showed up again? What if something in Kellan suddenly changed, something that Balun didn't yet know or understand about Nouqai's side to their Son? The what-ifs that kept him awake for hours on end, still to this day, long after he wished he could be free of her influence, once and for all.

"Now please sit, relax. We haven't seen you in some time. How have things fared?"

Blinking once, Balun's attention turned towards Judah and Liin Terallo as his father questioned her recent state of affairs. A good question, given that Balun himself had an inkling of an answer, yet chose to withhold it. His gaze settled on Liin, remaining quiet and attentive, curious as to what answer she might give; yet he couldn't help but anticipate some form of evasion from the truth. It seemed to be Liin's forte these days, when there was a subject that felt uncomfortable, she danced around it as though any other topic within reach might be the next award-winning article on the holonet.

For someone who didn't understand, or even tolerate the Jedi, Balun wondered how the subject of a synthetic Force-User might sound to his Father. The thought caused him to smirk to himself with enough internalised amusement that his head lifted, as if he were nodding to himself.

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Liin Terallo]

I am dumbfounded. Mister Dashiell is refusing the credits. A Terallo always repays their debts. And yet he is not allowing me to do so. For a moment or two I cannot move as I am unsure of how to handle this.

But then I do figure it out. At least in some respect. I place the credits in front of young Mister Dashiell on the table. "Here. For your son's education." Now what the child would grow up to be; I could not hazard a guess at. Would he follow in his father's footsteps? Or grandfather's? I do not know. Yet I hope that the credits are not slid back over to me. Afterall, I have no children to worry about. And as far as businesses are concerned; I am no longer a part of that field.

Shortly thereafter I place the wrapped painting in front of Mister Dashiell. And only after my hands are free that I finally take a seat. Relaxing is not exactly on my list for today. Instead I came fully prepared for awkwardness and perhaps some discomfort as well.

I fold my hands in front of me and place them on my lap while my posture is poised and straight; if not a little rigid as well. I make note to look at each of them in turn while I responded to his question. "Things are a little better now that I have secured a residence on Bastion. It will never replace New Cov, but it is certainly better than being constantly on the move. And I can continue my research in relative safety. " Now whether Mister Dashiell has heard about my research, I do not know. Yet despite my attempts at keeping it a secret; so many had found out about it and have been trying to gain access to it.

"What about you?" I quickly redirect the focus away from myself. "How are things with you?"

Tags: Judah Dashiell Balun Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Thank you for agreeing that yes, Balun does need to continue his education."

Judah smirked a little, knowing full well Liin Terallo meant the youngest Dashiell present. Either way, he wasn't going to argue with Liin. To try to rebuff her payment once again would be disrespectful. If Balun Dashiell did not want to take the credits, he would merely donate the credits to a charity organization in Liin's name. Simple enough.

"I appreciate the other gift. I am sure it will be a great addition in my office." Small, like a painting or picture. Judah would open it in a moment but he moved to pour a glass of wine for Liin, not wanting to be a poor host. To leave a guest sitting without any sort of refreshment. Water was also nearby if she didn't drink, but if he recalled correctly she wasn't opposed.

"Bastion? Continuing research? That is welcomed news. I am happy to hear you have found your footing once more. Perhaps you will be free then to visit more often now that you have more stability in your life."

Judah paused, continuing on about himself now.

"Same old, Miss Terallo. Salvage. Enjoying time with my grandchildren. Watching Bale act like an idiot from afar. Really, a father's work is never finished..."

A small smile.

"Nothing I can complain about in all honesty."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

FREE AND CLEAR.
Dashiell Residence, Tirtha Cove, Joiol
TAGS: Liin Terallo & Judah Dashiell
NPC'S: Kellan Dashiell & Vesha Daruun

​

Balun couldn't help but laugh jovially, looking between the pair of them as his name somehow became the topic of good humour. He glanced to his father Judah Dashiell of whom Balun couldn't help but feel certain there was an element of half-truths in there somewhere, then soon looking across to Liin Terallo and shaking his head with a smirk, offering her a gentle wave in dismissive gesture; silently reminding her that this was typical behavior within his family and he wasn't bothered in the least. If anything, he was equally amused.

"Look, I may be a few power cells short of a blaster pack now and then, but I'll have you know I'm doing quite well, thank you very much", he reminded his father, a chuckle escaping him as he leaned back into his chair, fishing for his cigarra packet in his jacket pockets.

As he looked to the pile of credit chips sitting upon the table, however, Balun wasn't quite as comfortable with Liin's offloading them onto him. Frankly, Balun himself didn't need the credits, given the profits he was bringing in through his retrofitting business, not to mention the inheritance he still had, some of which had been intelligently invested for long-term upkeep. Investing through the Galactic Bank wasn't particularly the quickest way to make a profit but it had been secure, ensuring a sizeable return within a two-year window before needing to reinvest should he so decide.

"Liin, I would feel more comfortable if you kept these credits in case of emergency need" Balun turned to glance back to her, mindful of the situation he had found himself in when stumbling upon her hidden laboratory, as well as the sudden need for her to leave New Cov so long ago; "The nature of your work is...-Ever changing" there was a notable pause before he found the suitable words without giving anything away that Liin might not feel comfortable with.

Having found the small square carton, Balun flicked the bottom of the packet, forcing several of the cigarra's to be propped up slightly out of the pack, turning two of them upside down before returning them, and choosing a third to place between his lips and soon searching for his lighter, sparking the tip and taking the smoke deeply into his lungs.

"Consider it a donation from the family towards your continued work, if that's what it takes", he added, speaking as he let the smoke bellow from his mouth with every word before finally turning and exhaling the last of it off to the side.

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Liin Terallo]

The little quips and insults between father and son put me at ease a little. And although such jovial behavior is not something that I had ever partaken with my family; it does bring about a sense of relaxation in the air.

I dip my head as Mister Dashiell acceots my painting. Although it will not be until he opens it and looks it over properly that he will see my signature on it. Yet I do not expect that to happen until long after I am gone. For there seems to be little interest in it for the moment.

Wine is poured for me and I graciously accept it. I wrap my fingers around the stem and take a sip of it. My gaze then drifts towards young Mister Dashiell as he too, declines the credits that I had tried to repay. This is an odd circumstance to be in. A debt should be repaid in full and that is what I have done. And yet they both refuse it.

In that respect I just have another sip of my wine, coming up with a little scheme that is sure to work. And that is that I plan to accidently leave the credits behind when I leave. Surely they will not be chasing me down to give them back. Yes, that should work very well!

"I am unsure of where my research will take me. Most especially after it is finished. I still have to take the utmost precautions when travelling. So for now it must be taken at the bare minimum. I made a promise that I would not sell or give away my research." I shift my gaze towards young Mister Dashiell. "And I am keeping that promise."

Returning my attention to Mister Dashiell, I quickly change the subject. "So what is it that you have cooked? It smells wonderful."

Tags: Judah Dashiell Balun Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Attention turned to the small wrapped gift. Judah carefully plucked the gift up, starting to carefully remove the colorful paper. It was well packaged and appeared to be wrapped with care. He hadn't expected Liin Terallo to be the type to go all out on the appearance of such things but just another happy surprise.

As he unwrapped the gift, eyebrow lofted at the exchange between Balun Dashiell and Liin. Personally he always suspected there was more to their relationship. The bodyguard stint was perhaps an excuse to have a relationship without clear, defined labels. Liin was more concerned with her reputation than Balun so making up a story with such a cover would have been wise. Judah was a bit disappointed it appeared not to work out. His youngest son's choice in women before Liin were....extremely questionable.

The painting finally unwrapped, he smiled. A perfect addition to his office.

"Thank you for the gift Liin. Going straight to a prominent place in my office."

As for their dinner overlooking the scenic backyard...

"Nerf steaks and nuna drumsticks. I've also prepared a few side dishes, nothing special. Hopefully it will be to your liking, I can always make something else for our esteemed guest."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

FREE AND CLEAR.
Dashiell Residence, Tirtha Cove, Joiol
TAGS: Liin Terallo & Judah Dashiell
NPC'S: Kellan Dashiell & Vesha Daruun

​

As Balun continued to puff away on his Cigarra, he paused to raise it in acknowledgement of Liin Terallo 's mention of the promise she had made him regarding not selling her work. He was glad that she was keeping her word, given the fact that the creation of a synthetic method of creating Force Sensitives could very easily be used to create an army, in his mind. That was, at the very least, the first use that he saw it being used for, should it be purchased by the Imperials or the Sith.

Once again, however, he refrained from commenting in order to keep his father in the dark and Liin's privacy intact. He didn't particularly feel good about not being open with Judah Dashiell about the subject, but Judah had never been overly open-minded when it came to the Force, and so in a way it seemed as though they were doing him a favour by keeping it quiet. Ignorance is bliss, and all that.

As his father began to unwrap the gift that Liin had brought him, Balun's attention turned towards the painting, watching as he tore the wrapping paper away from it and took a moment to admire the work. Bale smiled to himself as Judah mentioned putting it up somewhere special in the office, which meant that his father appreciated and liked the gift. Art wasn't exactly something Balun was well-versed in, or had any taste of, but he was pleased that his father was made happy by the gesture. Liin and Judah had been friends before Balun was introduced to her, after all, and it was nice to see his father spending time with someone outside the family, while also not being work-related. The old man needed more of that in his life, truthfully.

"Can't beat a good home-cooked meal", Balun chimed in, after his father answered Liin's question regarding the evening meal. This was something that he did particularly miss when he was away from Joiol, which was far too often nowadays. Sometimes it felt as though he spent more time aboard the Nomad, travelling through space from world to world, than he did with his feet on solid ground.

"You wouldn't believe how sick I am of those ready-to-go rations, I am".

"Speech"
'Thought'​