Private One Last Time

[Liin Terallo]

Going through forbidden territory was not easy for me. Not emotionally at least. Yet just as I had travelled through Black Sun territory and others far more dangerous; I had done so while keeping my identity hidden. Fake credentials, a dark wig - even wearing slacks instead of the skirts and dresses that I was known for - all of that was to better maintain my secrecy.

Mister Dashiell had given me co-ordinates to his home for a meeting. I could not risk public transport to such a private location and so I had made the simple request from Mister Dashiell's father for an escort. Such a request was dutily respected and granted, and I know that some day I will pay him back for it. But until then I will limit such favors to the bare minimum, for it will keep my tab to an amount more easily managed.

The transport arrived at his residence swiftly and easily. Although I knew deep down that this meeting was going to be the complete opposite. I have tried to prepare myself for it, yet doing so has only increased my anxiety and nerves. Still, I bury those feelings deep down, preferring to come across as more stoic than anything else.

As the transport's ramp is lowered, I give the instructions for my escort to wait there for me. Afterall I do not expect this meeting to take long. And the easier my escape from it, the better.

I approach his residence quietly, having disguarded my disguise, and allowed myself to distract myself with the architecture. It looks to be far more comfortable than a lot of the places that I had been staying in lately. So I hope that that is never taken for granted.

Once at the door, I hold my breath and give it a knock.

Tag: Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

ONE LAST TIME
The Dashiell Estate, Jhaessa Prime, Ilyndraal.
Liin Terallo

The invitation had been sent, and over a matter of days, Balun had been informed that Liin Terallo was underway for Jhaessa Prime.

Truthfully, Balun had wanted to get Liin to visit the planet for a good while now, not because of it's affiliation to the High Republic but due to it's being largely underdeveloped and holding so much yet to be documented, explored and utilised. Thus far, the Capital City, Meridian, was the sole settlement that had been entirely completed, taking years in its construction, design and settlement by refugees and citizens of the Galaxy seeking a peaceful place to live and do trade. Though he doubted that Liin would ever agree to it, Balun could see a potential life here for Liin and her work, regardless of his feelings toward her recent scientific discoveries.

Kellan Dashiell wasn't home, the young boy having gone out with his caretaker droid, Vesha Daruun. This was by design as Balun sought the privacy to meet with Liin without interruption, no matter how innocent. He had tracked the vessel's progress, having his father, Judah Dashiell , to thank for her discreet flight. Thanks to the technological marvels of Dashiell Incorporated™ and no lack of financing, Liin's arrival was as timely as it was subtle.

Balun answered the door, having already been notified of the ship's arrival. He wore plain civies, a pair of loose fit black pants and a white t-shirt. Opening the door, Liin would be greeted by a smile from her old friend, glad to see she had entertained the invitation if nothing else. "Liin, come on inside", he encouraged her while stepping away from the entrance and gesturing for her to accompany him into the living room.

The estate was, naturally, lavish and large. They would move through the lobby and down the main hallway that entered a corss-section, moving in either direction deeper through the residence. Leading her directly ahead, saving the tour for now, he entered the grandiose lounge with Liin and tow, revealing expensive yet comfortable seating. Several couches and single-seaters facing the wall of Transparisteel that looked out across the beautiful green plains and hills of Ilyndraal.

"Make yourself at home. Would you like anything before I get comfortable? Drink or food?" he asked casually, speaking to a friend and not a former employer or business colleague. He seemed relaxed and pleased in her company.

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 did not release my held breath. Even as the door opened. Throughout this entire journey I had expected a far different demeanor to greet me. The tone that I had read from his messages were short and stern, giving me the certainty that today's meeting was going to be anything but pleasant. Yet what answered the door surprised me. There was no anger or malice. There was no resentment. There was not even an acusitory glare. Instead there was only kindness....

It was not until he led me inside that I quietly released my breath. Although the tension in my muscles remained. So much so that I felt a little stiff instead of poised. But I could not relax. Not yet.

"Some wine, if you have any, please. Or some other form of liquor would be suitable." If anything was going to make this meeting go any easier it would be wine or some sort of stiff drink. If I can numb the emotions, then that would be all the better. "You have a lovely home," I remarked before sitting myself down on one of the single chairs. I was glad for the large transparasteel window, for it offered a terrific distraction with the view.

Tag: Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

ONE LAST TIME
The Dashiell Estate, Jhaessa Prime, Ilyndraal.
Liin Terallo

"Wine, I can do", Balun smiled before moving towards the adjoining room, the living area separated by an open bench and shelves offering a window into the kitchen through the centre. Disappearing into the entranceway to the kitchen, Balun grabbed two glasses, one for wine as well as a bottle so Liin could help herself, and a smaller plain glass for himself, followed by a bottle of whiskey. If there was drinking to be done, Balun wasn't someone to pass up an opportunity to join.

"I'm not a wine kinda guy myself, but I always keep some for guests. Not that I've ever had anyone else stay here outside of the family," Balun explained as he wandered back into the living area and set the bottle of wine and the wine glass on a small table nearest to where Liin had chosen to seat herself; "It's good to see you again. It's been a long time. Obviously, you've been busy, but take some time to relax. I was hoping we could catch up properly," He suggested, soon moving over to one of the couches and almost falling into it with a lazy and carefree demeanour, his bottle of whiskey unopened and safe from spilling any of it.

"Aside from the vid that I saw, which we don't need to get into right away, how have you been doing?" Balun asked as he leaned forward and placed both the bottle of whiskey and his glass atop the coffee table in front of him, soon pulling a packet of cigarro's from his pants pocket and placing one to his lips; "Mind if I smoke?" he asked out of consideration. In most cases, he would just light up, but he wasn't the type to ignore the comfort of others.

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Liin Terallo]

Well there is some wine at least. That in and of itself was a good sign for me, as small as that may be.

"Thank you." I poured myself a glass while he sat down, knowing that it was far easier for someone to say to relax, than it was to actually do it. Especially now. I had been living on the run for a lifetime, it feels like. So relaxing did not come easily for me. It was almost a foreign concept.

I took a sip from my wine while he spoke. The Dashiell's had always been welcoming to me; giving me nearly everything for nothing at all. Yet I always did what I could to ensure that whatever they did for me I would pay back with interest. My pride does not allow me to accept charity so readily, even if the gestures are not meant in that way.

The moment that he touched on the subject of the leaked video, I dropped my gaze. I can feel the lecture waiting patiently to enter the conversation. But for now I just placated the smalltalk that he decided to pursue, wondering if it was some kind of strategy that he was employing.

"You may smoke if you wish." It was his home afterall. And more often than not he did smoke when in my company, as those that had taken up the habit often did. "I am doing...all right, thank you. I have avoided any hunters, as well as anyone trying to get close thus far. I will soon relocate again and stay clear from the holonet for a while." I allowed myself another sip of my wine. "How have you been?"

Tag: Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

ONE LAST TIME
The Dashiell Estate, Jhaessa Prime, Ilyndraal.
Liin Terallo

"Always busy, always needed somewhere for something", Balun chuckled, having answered her redirection, soon lighting up his cigarra and easing back into his seat. "If you're looking to relocate, there's always a place for you on Jhaessa Prime, you know?" he soon replied, cutting straight to the suggestion that the planet, his planet, could offer her refuge.

"This place is safe and always open to you. It's a passion project of mine, though it's progressing slowly. A massive endeavour trying to build a fully inhabited and successful trade planet, and I'm stretched so thin between the Order and my company, but nothing on this world happens officially without my input". Dashiell Incorporated™ was the name on the books, but Balun was the primary contributor, and it was his hard work and dedication that had headed up the development of the world hidden in the nebula.

Contrary to how it might appear, the offer wasn't being made impulsively. Balun had considered how it might work, thought about setting Liin up with a secure place and role in the world, including financing her scientific ambitions with a lab and equipment through the business contacts that he had dealt with in the past.

"Financing wouldn't be an issue; I'm more than happy to go the distance for my friends. Were it something you would be interested in pursuing, just let me know. Your work could continue, protected and unimpeded by political influence" Balun leaned forward again and poured himself a glass of whiskey, only topping it up quarter way, seeing as he was drinking it straight. "It's just an idea, though, never any pressure Liin. An offer with no strings attached, between us".

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Liin Terallo]

"Running a world is never easy," I interject; my knowledge coming from my own experience. But that too was a lifetime ago. There was so much of a difference between back then and now; that it was almost as though I have lived two different lives.

"I will think about your offer, thank you." Although in truth my decision was already made. I had to turn it down. I could not put the peoples' lives here at risk. I was still being hunted, afterall. Hunted by those that wanted to either end my research by any means necessary or exploit it. Not to mention it was within the territory of the foreign occupiers of New Cov. Staying here would be like putting salt in the wound of both myself and other Covie alike.

What will I do after my research is completed? I do not know. In the same manner that I do not know if I will even survive long enough for it to be completed. That will just have to be a bridge to cross later when I get to it. If I get to it, that is.

I have another sip of my wine, using that gesture as a bit of an excuse for my silence. Although my parents would be chastizing me quite a bit if they could see me being unable to properly carry on a conversation. "You will have to forgive me. I have gotten far too used to being alone by myself. I feel as though my conversational skills are severely lacking today." Of course there are some unspoken reasons for that as well. And I am certain that we will be getting to that topic soon enough.

Tag: Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

ONE LAST TIME
The Dashiell Estate, Jhaessa Prime, Ilyndraal.
Liin Terallo

Balun nodded, soon taking another drag from his cigarra as Liin Terallo sipped her glass of wine. Her response to his offer wasn't surprising, expecting that she would inevitably turn him down, albeit politely, as that was her nature. That he had made the offer was enough for Balun. Were she to ever find herself in a desperate position where Republic Space appeared a safe refuge, she knew where to find him.

As for the expectations of social etiquette, frankly, Balun didn't have any. "There's nothing to forgive. We're just two friends here, Liin. I didn't invite you here for a business proposition, but to see how you are and how I might be able to help, if and where possible. Your work seems to have gained a lot of interest..." he replied, encouraging the conversation forward with the fact they both knew to be true.

"I'm not intelligent enough to understand the science behind it all, but I know how it feels to be looking over your shoulder every ten minutes of the waking hour", he spoke softly. If there was any sign of resentment or disapproval, he kept it hidden. Balun didn't want to lecture her, not when he would be painting him out to be a hypocrite in doing so. No, it was concern that drove him, and a need to know more about what she had been dealing with, and whom.

"Are you still under the protection of the Diarchy?".

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Liin Terallo]

He might not have invited me here for business or what have you; but I am not accustomed to lounging around in someone elses home. There is a certain protocol that must be followed. My parents drilled that into me since I was old enough to understand. I have only ever fully relaxed and let loose when I was alone and felt safe enough to do so. And that has not been the case for quite some time. Instead I am constantly on edge.

The wine might help with that. Or maybe it will not.

As soon as he mentioned my work gaining some interest, I tightened my jaw while expecting the lecture to happen next. But it did not. Instead he seemed to show a bit of empathy.

I did not know what to say in my response. I did not need everything to come out all wrong. Nor did I need myself to just divulge everything to him. No one needs to know everything. That could only put them in danger.

"No. I am not within their protection any more. I left them because I did not want to endanger them. They have enough to deal with and their own lives to lead." That all was partly true. What I left out was that history was repeating itself. Once again people were assuming that I was in a relationship with a bodyguard; creating a love life for me that I had not asked for. It was just as embarrassing as it was the first time around. I had to get away from that. "But I am fine. Really. This is only just temporary. And my promise to you will still be upheld."

Tag: Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

ONE LAST TIME
The Dashiell Estate, Jhaessa Prime, Ilyndraal.
Liin Terallo

"Isn't the Diarchy a Government organisation, though? They have their own military and ruling body. I would have thought they could protect themselves," Balun replied, querying the state of the Diarchy of which he wasn't too familiar. It did seem to him that, from what little he had heard, the Diarchy was in a better position to offer her protection rather than require protection from Liin Terallo .

Unless, of course, their agenda aligned with those trying to get their hands on Liin's work.

"So what's your plan then? What will you do now?" He asked, curious to know what Liin had in mind for her future. Balun wanted to know that she would remain safe. While her research was groundbreaking, that knowledge and work had come from her, and if it were all to be destroyed or lost, people might still come seeking the mind that had started it all.

Taking a long, drawn-out drag of his cigarra, he mused over options. Should she call upon him, he would always be there to get her out of a bind, but she so rarely did. It was opportunity and coincidence that often found the two of them in the same place. The Force, working in mysterious ways, incomprehensible to people. What more could he offer, if not a place on Jhaessa Prime?

She seemed determined to go it alone.

"Are there others that can help you?" he asked, wondering what friends she had that wouldn't be compromised by her work, able to lend her a hand and safeguard her until things blow over.

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Liin Terallo]

It seems as though I did not explain myself well enough. But that is okay, for it is not as though he could read my mind. That is, I hope that he could not. Still, I needed to try to clear it up a little for him. "Yes, they are a government that can look after itself. But what I mean to say is; given that there are some powerful people after my research, I do not want to be the cause of yet another war in the Galaxy. I do not wish for anyone's blood to be on my hands. So it is far better to be away from all of that."

I took another sip of my wine. And given that the glass was nearly finished; I poured myself some more to top it off. "And as far as what am I going to do now? I do not know. I will go somewhere quiet, neutral and sparsely populated, and just lay low for a while. It should not be difficult for me to find somewhere that no one knows of me.Your Father has given me some credits to tied me over for the time being; so I will not be without basic necessities."

There are not a lot of people in the Galaxy that I can trust. But the Dashiell's are one of the few. If they had been Covie; I am sure that they would have gotten along pretty well with my parents. But that was not the case. And the Covie often have a distrust of foreigners.

Tag; Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

ONE LAST TIME
The Dashiell Estate, Jhaessa Prime, Ilyndraal.
Liin Terallo

"And what about your research? This synthetic force sensitivity?" Balun asked curiously, wondering what all of her hard efforts and stress had come down to in the end, and where the knowledge goes when Liin Terallo inevitably steps away.

Balun had long ago expressed the belief that the Force would find a way of correcting itself, and the outcome for those who did take on the effects of Liin's research, but he trusted it in her hands more so than any of the military or political minds out there. Liin, he knew, was responsible and kept things as close to the chest as could be, not to see the breakthrough used for harmful purposes. Without her leading the science, that was his concern now.

"Dad's a good man, and he takes care of good people" Balun smiled a little, acknowledging the fact that Judah Dashiell had supported her financially and no doubt encouraged her as well. His father would have had her best interests at heart without imposing on her choices, as Balun had also tried to do.

"Someone put a lot of effort into slicing your security, no doubt trying to steal the data you had on your work. Were you able to lock it all down before it got that far, or do you think someone out there has enough to replicate your experiments?" he asked, not yet willing to throw caution to the wind. One of her laboratories, that which had been secret, had been compromised and Balun was one of the people who had discovered it himself, albiet not through the same means as the Imperials. Then there was the recent broadcast, that of Liin experimenting on herself, which had been leaked publicly.

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 research is all that I have going for me right now. And once that is completed as I suspect that it will be, unless I am killed, I will be able to move on to other things. Or retire somewhere. It is my life's work, afterall. I do not have any other goals in mind.

"I will keep working on my research until it is finished." I took another sip of my wine as I thought of my response for the remainder of his questions. "And no, they will not have enough data to replicate my work. At least not successfully. I have written a lot of my calculations on paper. And that cannot be sliced by anyone. I keep those papers hidden and secure. I also plant false data, just as I did with creating fake laboratories." The only true way that people could steal my research is if they sliced into my mind. Yet so far I have avoided capture from those that were capable. "Moving to a different location will also help to remove the threat of surveillance. This is not the first time that I have been spied on, afterall." And it surely will not be the last.

Tag: Balun Dashiell

 

[Balun Dashiell]

ONE LAST TIME
The Dashiell Estate, Jhaessa Prime, Ilyndraal.
Liin Terallo

He offered a nod in understanding, his shoulders loosening subconsciously, Liin Terallo 's response easing his mind a little. Most people kept digitised documentation, yet Liin was careful enough to put her research on physical paper. As rare as that was, in this case, it would save her a lot of trouble. Balun was quite relieved that her work couldn't be stolen or replicated, given the possible harm that could come of a synthetic army of Force Users, the research used for purposes of war in the wrong hands. The countless billions of people living in the Galaxy had enough reason to turn on one another, without adding another possible weapon to the political arsenal.

"Well, that's something then", he voiced, his words expressing his relief. "There's been no word from the Jedi Order of the High Republic, that's reached me about your work. Thankfully, it appears they've had other concerns between the Imperials and the Sith, which means it doesn't complicate things where I'm concerned".

"If they got wind of it, I'd need to lean on my Master a bit. She's the Grandmaster of the Order now, so I guess that's given me a bit of moving power...-Still, I'm glad I haven't had to run interference," he grinned warily, soon taking a sip from his glass of whiskey. The subject of the Jedi and the High Republic was always a sensitive one, with those like Liin, she having this in common with Balun's father, a great sense of discontent towards their kind. Distrust and doubt of the power they carried, and their reasons for using it, among other things.

"In any case, no ones casting any suspicion or doubt your way in the Republic sphere. You don't need to rush off or try to escape anyone's reach here. Especially not on my world," he concluded. Perhaps she knew this already, but he hoped to alleviate any sense of doubt regarding her safety. It was a regret of his that Liin didn't feel safe or trust the High Republic. Given what happened with New Cov, he didn't blame her. It was completely understandable, but if he'd had his way, she'd still be running the planet today, and they could be working together for the same political power in the Galaxy.

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Liin Terallo]

It did not surprise me in the least that those in the High Republic have not said anything about me or my research. Much in the way that the Sith governments have not said anything either. Or the former Galactic Alliance. Or any of the super powers. To them I am a stranger, a nobody, and my research is nothing for them to be concerned with or to even be bothered with. They do not see it as a threat or as something to exploit. And so that made travel for me all the easier. There is a distinct advantage to most people not having a clue about who someone is.

Bur on the other side of that; I am also as naive and oblivious as to who any of them are as well. I could bump into the top members of their governments somewhere and not know of or recognize them at all. And even if I did, I would not look at them with any sort of awe. If anything I might just look upon them with pity, for I know too well how people in power can so easily be discarded and held in high disregard. More often than not, my words spoken were completely ignored by the other elites, only for my talking points to be spoken by others afterwards and regarded as their own.

It was the kind of environment that I no longer wanted to be in. One can only be stepped on so much before there is nothing left. That was why I shifted my focus to something far more reliable. Science.

"I do not believe that conducting my research here would be a good idea. Just as putting it on hold would also not be a good idea. But I have a plan in mind once it is finished and how to redirect their attention away from it. And hopefully away from me too. It will just take some time." And time seems to be the thing that I ask most people for.

Tag: Balun Dashiell