Faction Jhaessa Prime: A World Unveiled

[Balun Dashiell]

Jhaessa Prime: A World Unveiled
Location: Nytherra System, High Republic Space.
Inventory: Spacer Apparel, Lightsaber.
Tags: Sibylla Abrantes

This thread is open to The High Republic,
and those interested in exploring the growing trade hub, or the surrounding lands.

Port Meridian, Ilyndraal.

Balun Dashiell stood at the edge of the landing bay where he was expecting the new High Republican Ambassador of Mandalore, Sibylla Abrantes to arrive. They had not yet met one another and typically it would have been the Senator Auren Vellisar to make such high profilific meetings, however Auren had suggested that Balun make a bigger effort in getting his name and face out there among the Nobility of Naboo, as well as those ascending the political ladder as the Royal Naboo Republic continues to transition into a greater intergalactic Nation of Systems.

Jhaessa Prime's development had so far been spearheaded by Dashiell Incorporated™, under Balun's overwatch. He, however, was the youngest of the three Dashiell men most familiar to the larger corporate galaxy, and given his inexperience compared to his father and brother, he had been extremely fortunate to have Judah Dashiell 's guidance in times of need or uncertainty. His father had warned him at the start of the endeavour, when the Nytherra System was first discovered hidden within a massive and destructive nebula —a gigantic spatial storm that had torn starships asunder and kept the four planets within, untouched by a sentient hand, for likely countless centuries. Together, Balun had led a team comprising his father, Judah, Emilia Locke , and Dominique Vexx on an exploratory mission, utilising a combination of the Force and the latest sensory technology to traverse the storm, unaware of what they would uncover.

Today, the Capital City of Meridian has taken its initial shape and is consistently expanding its perimeter as more and more corporations invest their interest in doing business with Dashiell Incorporated™. The financial magnitude was beyond measure, and profits would not start to come in for some years yet, not unless other big names and enterprises caught wind of the prime real estate on offer. Balun's vision was to see Jhaessa Prime become a corporate wonderland, a trade centre for all commerce running through the neighbouring systems, utilising his family's name to help sell the endeavour.

Naturally, the approval of another high-profile member of the High Republic Senate would only serve to bolster Jhaessa Prime's image.

Custom Planet Submission.
Meridian, Capital City of Jhaessa Prime.
World Lore Sub-Faction.

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Location
Interacting with: Balun Dashiell
Items: x x x x x

The shuttle touched down with a graceful hiss, its stabilizers drawing back as the landing struts settled into the duracrete platform of Port Meridian. Through the glint of the viewport, Sibylla caught her first glimpse of Ilyndraal's skylines. So unlike Naboo but were beautiful in their own way.

As the ramp lowered, Sibylla descended with measured grace, the hem of her slate blue diplomatic gown catching a faint breeze as the blasterproof fabric caressed her ankles -- she had learned the hard way that her wardrobe required redundancies to keep her safe.

"This world wears its aspirations plainly," she murmured to Corde Tsabin, her Deputy Ambassador, as the dusky woman fell in step beside her.

"I can certainly see the appeal," Corde replied, her ever watchful light eyes scanning the wealth of solarium glasteel towers and green spaces.

Sibylla responded with a brief smile, only to pause briefly at the bottom of the ramp to catch the gaze of the one waiting for her. She was expecting a delegation from Senator Auren Vellisar. Balun Dashiell was it?

This meeting was more than a diplomatic courtesy. It was a measure of potential. For Jhaessa Prime, for House Abrantes, and if Mand'alor should take interest, an opportunity. Sibylla moved forward again, and then offered Balun a courteous nod.

"Senator Vellisar's deputy, I presume?" Sibylla asked with a soft and courteous smile.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Jhaessa Prime: A World Unveiled
Location: Nytherra System, High Republic Space.
Inventory: Spacer Apparel, Lightsaber.
Tags: Sibylla Abrantes

This thread is open to The High Republic,
and those interested in exploring the growing trade hub, or the surrounding lands.

"Senator Vellisar's deputy, I presume?"

Balun Dashiell smirked. He couldn't help it, and even had to raise a hand to stifle a chuckle in response to Sibylla Abrantes question. He was dressed casually, lacking both a suit and the formalities that a lady such as Lady Abrantes was likely accustomed to, but this was very much his style. Standing on equal footing with those around him, not one to find comfort in flash suits or lavish parties but rather meetings face-to-face with the true nature of the Galaxy in plain sight, void of the facade that a Jedi Temple or grand convention centre might otherwise portray.

"I'm sure Auren would be pleased to think as much, but no, I hand-picked him for the representation of Jhaessa Prime, actually", Balun replied, the smirk still present as he approached, stepping in to meet her halfway and offering his hand in greeting—a gesture of respect and welcome. "I can understand the assumption, however, given my age, it's not common to find someone so young in my position", he added, offering a considerate thought while trying to look at the situation from Senator Abrantes' perspective.

"Balun Dashiell", he introduced himself and turned to step aside, extending a hand in silent invitation for her to join him in walking towards the entrance of the Port. "Usually Auren would be the one to meet with political parties, whereas I'm accustomed to meeting with corporate delegates, yet it's his opinion that allowing the Republic Senate to familiarise itself with me and my way of doing things would be beneficial for the future of Jhaessa Prime" he explained, speaking plainly.

"From the planet's discovery, to the construction of Meridian...-Everything here was kicked off by myself, backed by my Company and my family's larger corporate enterprise, Dashiell Incorporated. Auren came on board initially as the Civic Overseer on the High Republic's behalf, and after some time, I pulled him aside to discuss a greater role that he might play in the planet's future" he elaborated some, sparing the Lady Abrantes much of the details for the sake of first impressions.

"I see you have an assistant with you" Balun lowered his head, an informal yet respectful bow of acknowledgement towards Corde Tsabin; "Would you like anyone else to join us, or shall we walk the streets of Meridian. I hoped to stop somewhere for a Stimcaf and let you soak in the day-to-day life here".

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Location
Interacting with: Balun Dashiell
Items: x x x x x

Sibylla took Balun's hand with a warm handshake, her expression softening with a graceful smile. It was a bit amusing, seeing as how they were both rather young by galactic standards for their positions. Then again, Naboo had always been known for their early appointments of their elected officials.

"Then I must offer my apologies, Mister Dashiell," she said lightly, now even more curious. Balun had been the one to select Senator Auren to his position? Then who was Balun Dashiell?

The more he explained, the more it became clear that Jhaessa Prime had been a world supported and backed by a corporate entity, Dashiell Incorporated.

Intriguing.

She walked beside him without hesitation, her hazel eyes taking in the skyline ahead with quiet interest. The city was still finding its shape, but there was promise here. Ambition, too.

"I've found the best way to know a place is to walk it," she continued, her tone thoughtful but easy, although it would require that there be security in place, especially in the wake of her recent assassination attempt. She was still a Sovereign of Naboo Candidate, and the Royal Houses all had eyes on her to see what would happen next.

A quick glance back to Corde confirmed that, then a nod. Yes, there should be security in place, just in case. That would have already been coordinated with Senator Auren's office. They would go on ahead.

"Very well, Master Dashiell," she said, looking ahead again to Balun. "Show me what you've built. Let's see where your vision has taken root."

A pause, then a curious arch of a delicate brow.

"So, how is it that Dashiell Incorporated managed to bring Jhaessa Prime to what it is now?"

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Jhaessa Prime: A World Unveiled
Location: Nytherra System, High Republic Space.
Inventory: Spacer Apparel, Lightsaber.
Tags: Sibylla Abrantes

This thread is open to The High Republic,
and those interested in exploring the growing trade hub, or the surrounding lands.

​

"Very well, Master Dashiell," she said, looking ahead again to Balun. "Show me what you've built. Let's see where your vision has taken root."

"No apologies needed, Lady Abrantes. Really".

Balun offered a warm smile, dipping his head in gladdened approval as he turned to walk side-by-side with Sibylla Abrantes and her aide, Corde Tsabin. From the Hangar that their diplomatic shuttle had settled within, Balun would lead the pair through the larger transportation hub, busied with all kinds of people seemingly coming and going from the Capital.

"As you can see, our Star Port, aptly named Port Meridian, has been juggling consistent traffic since day one. We're currently in the Commercial District of Meridian City, a prime location for the Port given its proximity to the markets and malls." Balun explained as they walked, passing shopping stalls and cafes, dining options for visitors and travellers between their flights. "I've been trying to find other corporate investors to take an interest in Jhaessa Prime, setting up shop for the long term to drive our economy further..." he waved a hand in dismissive gesture, not yet ready to get into the nitty-gritty of the financial side of Jhaessa Prime's funding concerns.

A group of Port Staff passed them by, only to falter as they recognised Balun and greeted both him and Sibylla Abrantes politely before moving on their way. It was still an odd feeling being such a known face in Meridian; Bale had known nothing of fame before taking on the massive endeavor that was this project but with the livelihood of so many new settlers having placed their trust and future in his hands, coming to Jhaessa Prime to live and work, they now looked to him as though they knew him well. Better than he felt he knew himself sometimes.

The impostor syndrome often played its part, leaving him in doubt about his ability to succeed, yet at the same time, he was too deeply invested to step away. Having the bonus of being passionate about Jhaessa Prime also helped a great deal.

"Dashiell Incorporated was created by my Father, Judah Dashiell . It's a corporate conglomerate, an umbrella shell, if you will, comprising all of our individual companies, such as my own Dashiell Retrofit and my brother Makai Dashiell 's Galacian Mining Corp. Where Jhaessa Prime is concerned, my father's influence and guidance have been instrumental in my progress. From being a co-signer and guarantor for loans, to asset collateralization in the worst-case scenario, there's also funding that comes from my Company's profits and personal credits wherever I can cut corners and keep the weight on my shoulders alone".

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Interacting with: Balun Dashiell
Items: x x x x x

Sibylla quietly walked beside Balun Dashiell , taking in the movement and noise of Port Meridian with rapt attention. There was life here, real life, not just polished words or empty buildings. The city felt young, yes, but rooted in something more than just ambition.

"How fortunate for you, Master Dashiell," she said lightly with a subtle wry tone she'd perfected for courtier discussions, "that the stars aligned to grant you both vision, family, and the good sense to place your port beside a proper cafe and dining options."

She offered a small, knowing smile, the kind that didn't demand agreement but dared one to offer it. He had designed it so to show off to potential investors in a streamlined and perfected manner.

"Too many cities rise in a flurry of credits and clever speeches, only to find themselves quite friendless when the novelty wears off. But here..." she gestured with a tilt of her head to the crowd, to the port, to the scaffolding catching sunlight in the distance "...there seems to be a steadiness I would not have expected."

As he spoke of his father, his family, and the weight he bore, Sibylla took a moment to muse upon it, perhaps more than she dared, thinking of her own wandering thoughts and desires concerning duties and matters of the heart, and unable to help herself in wondering how Lysander was doing.

After a moment, she took a breath then turned to looked at Balun with a sidelong subtle arching of one brow just so.

"You speak of loans and guarantors with all the tragic romance of a Naboo opera," she mused. "But I suspect your burden, while heavy, is chosen. A noble thing, though rarely comfortable."

Rarely comfortable indeed.

However, it also begged the question.

"While Jhaessa Prime has seen a significant investment from your family... how is it sustaining itself outside of it?" Were there natural resources to exploit and export? Refineries or factories? Just how was this world working its way to being self-sufficient without outside funds?

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Jhaessa Prime: A World Unveiled
Location: Nytherra System, High Republic Space.
Inventory: Spacer Apparel, Lightsaber.
Tags: Sibylla Abrantes

​

Balun smiled to himself as his eyes glanced briefly to the ground. At the same time, they walked, taking a moment to consider Sibylla's question concerning Jhaessa Prime's financial upkeep and continued maintenance. "There is no shortage of quality resources we're able to pull from the land itself, thankfully. Minerals, for example, that are worth their weight in credits on the galactic market," he began to explain, his mind moving to think of the Crystal caves that they had found, and the mineral deposits spread out across the land, detected by sensor scans as they had entered Jhaessa Prime's atmosphere for the first time.

"Then there are also the neighbouring planets, though they are few. Kathos, the first planet closest to Nytherra's Star, is a volcanic world that is just as rich in metals. The nebula that shielded these planets from discovery for so long also created something of a graveyard for old, decrepit starships. Incidentally, Both Mining and Salvaging are particular areas of expertise in my family..." He smirked as he glanced back at her, offering something of a coy look as though the situation had somehow all fit into place so perfectly. If only it had been so miraculously easy. He had struggled, but Balun figured it couldn't hurt to act like he was a born natural. 'Fake it until you make it. '

"If you don't mind me asking, what led you to enter politics?" He soon asked Sibylla Abrantes , curious to understand more about her story, especially given she appeared to be around his age group and in a position of prestige similar to his own. "Unlike myself, I imagine that you're not so impulsive as to dive into something head first, without considerable planning and experience backing your endeavours", he chuckled afterwards, assuming his own expense, a compliment for Sibylla while simultaneously insulting himself. Or rather, in his perspective, being honest about himself.

"And while we're in the privacy of our own company, feel free to speak plainly," Balun offered as the pair stepped out into the open air once more, finally leaving the Starport now and moving out onto the sidewalk of the main street that led further down towards the central city. Balun raised his hand and flagged down a landspeeder as soon as he could spot one. Once the vehicle had pulled aside, he opened the door and gestured for Sibylla to enter ahead of him.

"After all..." He said as he moved to get into the back seat of the landspeeder next to hear whilst their droid pilot awaited their destination, "It's not as though this is an interview or anything. You're welcome to just be yourself. No holocams or recording devices, I promise" he encouraged her before leaning forward and tapping the droid on the shoulder with an open hand: "Unity Park, thanks".

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Sibylla Abrantes]

​

Balun Dashiell

Sibylla gave a quiet laugh as she slid gracefully into the landspeeder, smoothing her skirts with one hand and casting Balun a sideways look, her smile wry.

"Oh, I assure you, Mister Dashiell, if this were an interview, you'd know. There'd be footnotes, follow-up questions, and a rather more dramatic outfit involved."

She settled in, gaze drifting to the street outside as the speeder eased into motion. The city passed by in sun-washed tones, still young, still finding its shape. A world growing into itself.

"Hmm...I suppose you could say I entered politics by proximity. My father served in the Royal Republic Defense Force for most of my early years. After his retirement, he transitioned to diplomacy to be Naboo's Ambassador to Enarc. I spent more time in consular halls than I did in playrooms."

There was no bitterness in her tone, only the memory edged with something contemplative underneath.

"If one is to walk a path," she continued, "House Abrantes sees to it that you walk it properly. Tutors, training, every goalpost marked and measured. I was expected to excel, so I did."

Her fingers traced the edge of her seat, thoughtful now. Then her eyes flicked back to him.

"And what about you, Mister Dashiell? Was your path also paved by family? Or did you take a few detours along the way?"