Private Scars of Maldra IV [Balun Dashiell]

[Her]

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"Once a Republic installation from a bygone era, the Nest was abandoned by its original inhabitants during the war against the One Sith..."
-- Excerpts describing " The Nest " .

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Tag: Balun Dashiell

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' Scars of Maldra 4 '
A tale which began in Shiraya's Sanctuary

~

Her's cell was found somewhere in the sanctuary she would eventually come to learn. She just couldn't be sure where it was yet. In the two weeks that she had initially waited for the Jedi Council to meet with them (where the nearby dormitory's played a home-away-from-home before the arrest and subsequent incarceration) scans conducted discreetly by the Ufo hadn't exposed the cell block that Ala Quin had locked Her away in until the Jedi Grandmaster could figure out what to do with the alleged Sith Lord. Not that knowing where the cell was located in Shiraya's Sanctuary would help Her in their current predicament.

She wasn't going anywhere soon.

Not unless what Her said to Ala came to pass.

"Understand this as well: there will be a day when you are standing where you are now. On this day I will walk out of this sanctuary free and you will be opening the door for me."

It was approximately 50 x 50 in square feet. The cell itself was modest at best and certainly hadn't been built for comfort although Her quietly admitted that it was far better than the ones built and owned by the Imperials. No Tunqstoid steel used here, thankfully. Nevertheless it contained a small cot that was attached to the wall via durasteel-grade bolts which served as a makeshift seat, bed or table if it took Her by it's fancy. Nearby a small slit in the upper left corner of the cell served as a grate (for air circulation) and a window simultaneously that was, unfortunately for them, too high for Her to climb up and peek up through the tiny crevice to see what was going on on the other side. However, sometimes in the day (particularly in the morning time at dusk), rays of sunlight cascaded down and into the room which was a common reminder that freedom was just on the other side.

Elusive.

Currently out-of-reach.

For now.

Today it would also serve as venue for a reunion between two opposing sides of a war which came to an end on the killing fields of Maldra IV.

"Balun Dashiell... I would like you to bring him here. It is about a rebellion that happened in the Tingel Arm."

"Your request will be part of my report. Balun will be alerted to his name being mentioned. If he chooses to speak with you, that will be his choice. But I will be following up every conversation you have with him... and we will speak again soon."

It was just as it had been when Her met with Balun's Jedi Master after Ala had first walked into the cell to confront the alleged Sith Lord that she had captured. Her was sat in the centre of the cell in a perfect meditative pose. The only difference between then and now was that Her was expecting Balun today. Therefore their crimson eyes were fixated through the bar grills and on the other side as she waited for the Jedi Knight to enter and to talk about some old scars.

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[Balun Dashiell]

SCARS OF MALDRA IV
LOCATION: Undisclosed.
WEARING: High Republic Jedi Robes
TAGS: Her

​

To become involved with matters of the Jedi Council was not something that the young Jedi Knight, Balun Dashiell, had anticipated prior to the discussion held with his Mentor, Ala Quin . Hierarchy within the Order was important to Balun, not only because it gave it's personnel structure, but also because he trusted in those above him in rank to guide or direct him where it was required. He was not all knowing, all seeing, and all powerful. There were Jedi who were far greater than he, those who had ascended the ranks and roles within the Order earning their place through experience and feats of service and bravery.

He was but a youngling compared to the Jedi Council, and thus found it highly unusual that he was being allowed some small insight as to one of the concerns they had been minding lately; That being Her , someone apparently connected to his past before his initiation to Jedi of the Royal Naboo Republic, now the High Republic, who had made a surprising request to speak with Balun directly.

Having informed the Grandmaster of his intention to visit their detainee, Balun presented himself at the administrators desk and offered his identity, checking himself in officially before being encouraged to walk with one of the fellow Temple Guard, being led to the cell block. It was Balun's first time seeing the inside of any form of Jedi detention wing, specifically under the Order's jurisdiction and thankfully he didn't plan on spending any more time there than was necessary. Though the cells offered humane comforts, it wasn't particularly a pleasant environment to experience and one that was typically only for those who deserved such a fate by their ill-deeds.

Led to the front of the Detention Cell and then left to greet Her in the privacy of their own company, holo-cams excluded, Balun's brows furrowed somewhat as he stood on the other side of the grid, taking in the sight of the woman. "I'm told you wished to speak with me" He said, announcing his presence with the air of his voice; "Balun Dashiell, Jedi Knight" he added, confirming his name for the prisoner before falling silent in study. She had managed to call forth his curiosity, yet he was a Jedi now as opposed to back when he served the Tingle Arm Coalition as a member of their Aquilian Rangers, a time when he had adopted the moniker of a Rogue Jedi. A lifestyle he had left behind.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Her]

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Tag: Balun Dashiell

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"I'm told you wished to speak with me. Balun Dashiell, Jedi Knight."

"Yes," Her replied as Balun finished introducing himself. "I already knew who you are. That is why I asked the Grandmaster to bring you to me and now here you are."

The Force was strong in Shiraya's Sanctuary, and even though Her traversed a different path to the one usually followed by the Jedi, she felt it's distinct strength and power which flowed through them like a conduit that granted insights that others were not afforded. As she conversed with Balun, Her attuned their Force Senses to the Jedi on the other side of their cell, and with them, she intended to gain new insights into a person that she quietly despised.

"You may not know this. But when we learned that there was a rebellion being formed in the Tingel Arm sectors there was a quiet expectation that it was formed in response to the Sith vassal state. Alas, when it finally surface on Hurikane, we were surprised. We hadn't even heard of it before then, and it was so far away from where you first began. Certainly, you were so far away from Thandon. So, we would learn that it was not the Sith Empire that was your target, but instead it was us."

With their eyes closed Her turned their head to the left and dipped their brow as she begun to feel what Balun was thinking.

"What do you think about the Empire of the Lost now, Master Dashiell?"

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[Balun Dashiell]

SCARS OF MALDRA IV
LOCATION: Undisclosed.
WEARING: High Republic Jedi Robes
TAGS: Her

​

"I was sixteen years old, perhaps going on seventeen, when I first joined the Tingel Arm Coalition", Balun replied, certain to point out his youth at the time, compared to the present day, where he had entered into adulthood and now stood in his mid-twenties; "I cannot speak for the Sith Vassal States that may have existed at the time, as I had no involvement or familiarity with them. The Coalition's objective, however, was always centred around defending the freedoms of sovereign worlds, particularly those that had fallen victim to forced Imperial occupation. In that regard, yes, that assessment would be correct," he clarified, providing the perspective of which he had believed and fought for during his time in the Rebellion.

Her 's question regarding his feelings on the Empire of the Lost was an odd one, considering that particular sect of the Empire was, to his knowledge, no longer operating. Likely, many of the personnel who formed the Imperial Machine at that time had moved to merge with others, such as the Dark Empire or the later-reformed Galactic Empire; however, he no longer believed the movements of the Empire of the Lost were a priority following their dissolution.

"Given they are no longer present within the Galaxy, I would consider the question largely redundant, though I will answer it nonetheless. A dictatorship is not a style of governance I believe aligns with the future the Galaxy should strive toward, particularly when sentient rights are suppressed in the pursuit of power and control" Balun paused for a moment, considering his words carefully. He was not as familiar with this Woman, though she presumed to know of him. His time fighting in the Coalition Rebellion was public record, yet the purpose for which she was interested in his part was unclear. "Politically, I am far more inclined to support democratic governance. The Empire of the Lost ruled through oppression and fear, victimising the worlds under their authority, and eventually, intervention became paramount to the safety of the civilian populace".

"Why do you ask?" He queried, intrigued to know Her's reasons and how it related to her current imprisonment; "What relevance does my past with the Coalition have to you or the High Republic?".

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Her]

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Tag: Balun Dashiell

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"Why do you ask? What relevance does my past with the Coalition have to you or the High Republic?"

"Relevance," Her repeated to themselves as Balun became quiet.

As silence entered the cell for a time, while Her prepared their retort, the Force continued to flow through the confined Dark Lord of the Sith as the Jedi Knight on the other side their cell studied them with a sense of curiosity and trepidation. After all this elusive woman was not just an alleged Sith Lord to the former wily rebel but was also an old enemy that he had fought and lost too in a war that had ended on Maldra IV. Yet, as Her attuned their senses to the Force, she learned that this was not the same Bokken-Jedi learner that she had discovered after the Battle of Maldra IV. Balun was no longer the boy he had been back then. He had become an experienced and well trained Jedi Knight that could no longer be roped into the types of things that he had been drawn into in his youth. This made him difficult to trick. Harder to use. On top of this Balun was already alienated by the enigma sitting before him with thanks to the allegations made against Her by the Jedi Council that were combined with their ties to the same Empire that Balun had rebelled and fought against in his younger-years. It would take all their cunning to put Balun to work, Her quietly summarized to themselves.

"I still think about Velran Kilran often," Her admitted to Balun as she broke the unnatural silence between them. As she named the former Emperor of the Empire of the Lost, Her slowly opened their eyes and lifted their gaze up to Balun. Half their face was cast in the shadow of the cell and the other glinted in the cascading rays of sunlight coming through the canopy found in the top left of their cell. "We had plans, you know?"

Digging their fist into the ground beside them Her slowly climbed to their full height, and as she got up, Her said: "We both knew that it would not be an easy thing to defeat the Sith. To conquer the Thandon Star Cluster and eliminate their vassal state. But we also felt that it was necessary. No matter the sacrifice, particularly, after they destroyed Tion. Nothing quite stirs the Imperial jackboot than the prospect of revenge. Retaliation was... Inevitable."

Her turned away from Balun to stare aimlessly towards the cot on the other side of the wall. Clasping their hands behind their back, Her pouted their lips thoughtfully.

"Then you killed him on Lothal."

As the Force flowed through the cell-block the familiar klaxon of an Imperial alarm whirred in the distance. It came from where the nether is. In a place that could only been seen and felt by someone attuned to the Force itself. It was at odds to where both Her and Balun were standing in the Shiraya's Sanctuary amid the tranquil peace instilled by the Jedi and yet distinctly real as the permutations of the Force carried the former rebel and his caught adversary between the space that held the past and the present. As the alarm whirred it was joined by shouting and crying which rung somewhere out there beyond the confinement of the cell and into the not-too-distant past where a boy had fought the Empire and how his rebellion had killed a would-be Emperor above Lothal.

Suddenly the klaxon, the alarms, and the decries of old enemies were silenced when Her begun to speak again. Passing as quickly as it had come.

"This is all relevant, Master Dashiell. The High Republic is in great danger and you are apart of the reason as to why that is. I fear that if you do not make amendments for this then a great calamity will befall Naboo and it will come soon, I fear."

Several lightyears away, in the vast and distance territories of the Outer Rim, it was raining in Lianna City. Rain petered and assaulted the former capital beneath it's ruined skies after the Mandalorian-Sith incursion that had seen to them destroying the city in retaliation for what the Imperials had done to them at Vexis Station and Brosi. Below the fallen skyscrapers and Liann despair an old bust found itself in the wreckage. It was smeared by scorched marks and degradation that comes to such a monument when it is continually assaulted by torrential rain. A fallen monument to a man that had once been a powerful figure before a rebellion had taken him down.

"...And I am the only one who can help you to stop it from happening," Her ushered barely above a whisper she tried to seduce Balun with their powers in the dark-side.

If one were to look closely upon the bust they would see that it used to be a statue of a man that appeared to be crying now in the dirt. Oh, his people had been proud when they had coronated Emperor Kilran. They had raised his monument up on high for all to see until it had been taken down beneath the barrage that had come for his former seat of power after his enemies had finished what he had started, with Her, in the jungles of Felucia before the Tingel Arm Coalition begun their rebellion against the Eggman and his many dead machinations.

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[Balun Dashiell]

SCARS OF MALDRA IV
LOCATION: Undisclosed.
WEARING: High Republic Jedi Robes
TAGS: Her

​

"Sadly, that is the risk one takes when they become a leader of a faction intent on war. Velran Kilran, your emperor, went down with his ship while engaged in Naval Combat. His life was not the only cost of that war, but he was the driving force of Imperial Cruelty across the sector and he can't have been blind to the possibility that any battle could be his last" Balun replied, his words spoken calmly though they were spoken upon a matter-of-fact from the perspective of the Jedi Knight, recalling a time that felt almost like another life from today.

"The leader of the Lothal Protectorate was assassinated during that same battle. I was with him when Rossisai Linsla was shot and killed by an Imperial sniper on the outskirts of forward command. The Tingel Arm Coalition was not the only side to take lives, and if this is the basis of our discussion, we could argue the matter to no end" These weren't memories that Balun had wished to relive, though the nightmares were still frequent. What visions of the past Her had managed to draw the Jedi Knight into were vivid and horrifically detailed.

Balun raised his left hand and closed his eyes, drawing the Force inward. He steadied his thoughts and fortified the barriers of his mind, pushing back against the Sith's invasive influence. Like a tide retreating before an unyielding shore, her grip upon his consciousness faltered and broke. Wrapped in the calm certainty of the light side, he stood resolute, sheltered behind a wall of discipline, clarity, and unwavering conviction.

He took in a slow, deep inhale of air and exhaled before opening his eyes once more and refocusing his attention upon the woman within the cell. She had managed to manipulate his thoughts to the point of removing him from the present, visualising a time he greatly sought to leave in the past, and he was not impressed. Frustration was quick to rise within him, yet Balun banished the emotion by steeling himself within the presence of the Light, now looking to Her, placing priority on this would-be danger to the High Republic that she, conveniently, believed to be able to deter.

"You are a gifted Force User, that much is clear, yet the High Republic has always had opposition" The Jedi Knight spoke once more, seeking to move the conversation away from the mental images that had been etched into his memory. "What Danger might you believe they're in, as convenient as it might be for someone in your position. I'm assuming the answer to this threat is your supposed freedom?" The Jedi Knight scoffed lightly, crossing his arms once more as he eyed her closely. He shook his head in a clear show of his disapproval.

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Her]

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Tag: Balun Dashiell

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"Sadly, that is the risk one takes when they become a leader of a faction intent on war. Velran Kilran, your emperor, went down with his ship while engaged in Naval Combat. His life was not the only cost of that war, but he was the driving force of Imperial Cruelty across the sector and he can't have been blind to the possibility that any battle could be his last."

"There is no denying that he was a cruel man," Her replied as she agreed with Balun and his assessment of the former Emperor. "Cruelty kept the Tion Hegemony in check. Iron fists and will which kept dozens of star systems under Imperial control and order, across a multitude of sectors, that were formerly under the occupation and control of the tenth Sith dynasty before it collapsed into ruin after the Ashlan Crusades."

As Balun fortified his Jedi powers to thwart Her's cunning manipulation she lifted a finger and pointed it at him.

"That control ended when you and your rebellion attacked the Empire at Lothal. This attack not only yielded the deaths of Kilran and the rebel who called himself Fynch but yielded the Outer Rim systems to the authority and tyranny of the eleventh Sith dynasty who formed the Thandon vassal state which exists today. It is partially your fault that the Sith remain in control and without the threat of the Empire that was built to contest that very authority."

"We are both in agreement that Kilran Velran and the administration that he founded on Lianna were cruel, indeed," Her continued to say as she lowered their hand back to the side. "But he was no Sith Lord. Have you seen what they did to Tion, or Lianna, now that the Imperial remnants are no longer in power?"

"You are a gifted Force User, that much is clear, yet the High Republic has always had opposition... What Danger might you believe they're in, as convenient as it might be for someone in your position. I'm assuming the answer to this threat is your supposed freedom?"

"As I explained to the Grandmaster: I will leave this cell with them holding the door open for me," Her replied as she alluded to the fact that (with some degree of inevitably) Ala Quin would personally free them at some point in the future. She continued to speak while Balun was left to ponder about Her's last question about Tion and Lianna. "I also possess no answers that would reveal or expose the conspiracy against the High Republic. What I have are directions or signs which indicate a pattern that will inevitably result in an attack on the planets which encompass the Mid 'southern' systems aligned to Naboo. If I am right..."

Stepping closer to the rails on their cell Her grasped onto them with their hands and pushed their face closer to the gaps between the bars. "What I want from you will not help, trick or persuade the Jedi Council to release me," Her lied to Balun as she sought to draw the former rebel into their web of lies and deceit. "However, if I can persuade you to return to Maldra 4, I think it will get us both closer to revealing the conspiracy which seeks to destroy us all. Imperial, Jedi or Republican alike..."

---

 

[Balun Dashiell]

SCARS OF MALDRA IV
LOCATION: Undisclosed.
WEARING: High Republic Jedi Robes
TAGS: Her

​

"Strange, I distinctly recall the Empire of the Lost defeating us in the war, despite the loss of your Emperor. The Tingel Arm Coalition was devastated, particularly on Maldra IV. The Empire of the Lost was still in power, left to consolidate its ranks and personnel. If they could not recover from the war despite our loss, then it is on them for failing to retain their territory," though Balun knew that they were discussing semantics, the war was in the past now. It had left its share of scars and deep psychological wounds for someone so young as he had been, but time had passed, and Balun Dashiell had gradually recovered over the years. "The war was started because of the maltreatment of the people under Imperial Occupation. I could as easily place the blame on the Imperials and say, Were they not so cruel, then there'd have been no reason for conflict".

"Yet this is all very black and white thinking; blame for the war falls on both sides. What worlds that are now under Sith occupation, neither of our parties is responsible for. You could argue what could be, but things change with time, and we must adapt. It is a fact of life in our Galaxy. There will always be political and militant powers vying for territory and influence," he concluded, his arms falling behind his back as he adjusted his footing, balancing his weight, and shaking his head slowly. Balun wasn't buying whatever it was that Her was trying to sell him. Whether she was trying to burden him with guilt, distract him so that he might be more malleable to her intentions, he could only suspect. Balun remained calm, however, centred and focused on her.

"The High Republic will always face opposition, directly and indirectly, because of its position as a democratic government. Especially since there are few others, and none as successful and widespread as ours. The Jedi Order is ready to act, should the Senate require our support. It is easy to speculate on what could be. Unless you give me some actionable intelligence, I remain unconvinced," the Jedi Knight informed her, stating his position clearly. Balun didn't know her well, and certainly didn't trust her to be genuine in the moment.

"What's on Maldra IV that could be so vital to the High Republic's interests? The Nest, I assume, is either decommissioned or a ruin by now. Unless you and your people have been utilising it all this time after the fact...".

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Her]

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Tag: Balun Dashiell

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"Yet this is all very black and white thinking; blame for the war falls on both sides. What worlds that are now under Sith occupation, neither of our parties is responsible for..."

Her decided not to continue to press the consequences of the Tingel Arm rebellion upon Balun.

Someone less cunning, or someone who was more defensive about the war, might have continued to tug on that thread. To keep pushing the narrative that, as a consequence of the rebellion, the Empire of the Lost fell into disarray thereby leaving the Outer Rim Territories open for Sith tyranny and advance. It was a cunning ruse for the uninitiated, for sure. If Balun could have been led down the path to find his regret and that familiar old responsibility for what had happened then, perhaps, Her could have bent the wily Jedi Knight to their whims to lead him to the ultimate conclusion: that it was, at the very least, partially his fault that there had been no Imperial power leftover to contest the Sith state found in the Thandon Cluster after the rebellion had been defeated in the killing-fields of Maldra IV.

But Her could sense that Balun had made up his mind in spite of the implications of the past and allusions to a conspiracy built to destroy the High Republic. That he had come to peace with the entire affair in these latter years in life. Whether it was because he left such feelings behind as a consequence of a young boy being roped into something that he hadn't fully understood at the time or the indomitable truth that the Imperials were just as bad as the Sith remained elusive to the Dark Lord as she studied him thoughtfully. Either way it was sufficient enough that Balun had been guided to the core of why Her had requested to meet with the Jedi Knight in the first place.

The Nest.

"What's on Maldra IV that could be so vital to the High Republic's interests? The Nest, I assume, is either decommissioned or a ruin by now. Unless you and your people have been utilising it all this time after the fact..."

"After the war we hacked the facility," Her admitted to Balun. "We wanted the information stored in the Nest's databanks. To discover whether or not there were other pockets of rebellion in and around the Empire. Of course we found out that Maldra 4 had been your last stand. The names and contacts of the Tingel Arm Rebellion were, nevertheless, taken into account in the unlikely event that there were still survivors out there to be hunted down and brought to Imperial justice, naturally."

As Her alluded to the fate of The Nest (an Old Republic base that he had restored as a base-of-operations for the rebellion) she put a hand up into the bun that was their hair and produced a cigarette that she had been hiding. As she brought it up to their lips to begin smoking, Her revealed to Balun: "There is information stored in the facilities databanks that I know would be very useful in uncovering the conspiracy that I have alluded to against the High Republic."

Pressing their index finger to the end of the cigarette Her took a drag as it lit up. She made sure to exhale the plume of smoke away from Balun as she continued to conjure ties to their seminal past. There was no point antagonizing him anymore, particularly, with such semantics. "I know what you are thinking," Her admitted as she thoughtfully pondered on Balun's thoughts to all of this. "If there is information, on Maldra 4, that could help the High Republic against this impending threat, then why didn't I bring it all with me when I met with the Jedi Council and show it to them there and then?"

Another plume of smoke exhaled through the slits which served Her as their mouth and nostrils. Afterwards she turned their gaze back to Balun.

"That is what you are thinking, isn't it?"

---

 

[Balun Dashiell]

SCARS OF MALDRA IV
LOCATION: Undisclosed.
WEARING: High Republic Jedi Robes
TAGS: Her

​

"The underground facility on Maldra IV was a facility I helped to finance in its refurbishment and continued operation under the Coalition. When the war ended, and I lost all administrative access to the Nest, I had assumed that it had been sabotaged to hinder any further use by rebel sympathisers," Balun informed Her , feeling no risk in saying as much now with all the time that had passed since his service with the Aquilian Rangers and the Tingel Arm Coalition. If the base had merely been sliced and its systems infiltrated, there was a good chance access could be reinstated, albeit with a little technical expertise on his part. Regardless, this would be provided that Balun felt it worth the risk to return to the site of the final battle between his former comrades and the Empire of the Lost; something he wasn't feeling inclined to do.

"The Council will be made aware of our discussion in full detail, as I'm sure you would anticipate, yet I'm not hearing enough incentive to up and return to Maldra IV. For all that we know, there could be explosive countermeasures in place for exactly that purpose, a trap awaiting someone foolish enough to step into the base," he suggested, a prospect that was entirely believable considering the tactics of deceptive warfare that both the Empire of the Lost and the Tingel Arm Coalition had used against one another back then.

"I'm sure that Republic Intelligence has its own avenues of surveillance, information gathering on possible threats to government, yet the Jedi aren't soldiers or spies. We work independent of government and merely assist when the need is great enough. The Jedi Council retains full oversight over Jedi activities, and were there need for our assistance, the Council would instruct me so," Balun concluded, his attention shifting for a brief moment as he sought his cigarra packet from the inside pocket of his cloak and placed one of the smokes to his lips, soon lighting it irrespective of the live-feed monitoring the cell and corridor of which the Jedi stood within.

"If you want your words to carry weight, you're going to have to give me something permacrete to bring to the Council's attention. They will want specifics, something more than hypotheticals. Otherwise this conversation isn't going anywhere, fast. Not that I mind; I have all the time in the world, but in your position... If you want to help yourself, give me something real".

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Her]

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"The Mandalorian Empire and the High Republic met to establish a formal agreement emphasizing retainer services for defense and diplomatic summits, a direct crisis communication line, mutual non-aggression, and the exchange of ambassadors to foster transparency and peace. This treaty is a practical framework to support stability while respecting the sovereignty and cultural integrity of both nations."
-- A brief overview of the Treaty of Twin Crowns.

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Tag: Balun Dashiell

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"If you want your words to carry weight, you're going to have to give me something permacrete to bring to the Council's attention. They will want specifics, something more than hypotheticals. Otherwise this conversation isn't going anywhere, fast. Not that I mind. I have all the time in the world, but in your position... If you want to help yourself, give me something real."

"You are as sceptical of me as the council are, I see," Her quipped as a blend of cigarette and cigarra smoke turned the arid prison cell into a stench that would not be uncommon to find in a game of Sabacc. "Scepticism is good. It means that after you have established all of the relevant facts and decided what is the truth, or what is not the truth, then the Council and the Senate will have to take the weight of your words seriously. I'll need a good sceptic if I am to convince Chancellor Vexx and the Jedi Grandmaster of the plot that I am alluding too, you see?"

As Her spoke she quietly noted that Balun was a smoker as well. The next time that they would meet she would know that the Jedi Knight also had a pack of smokes on him. That was useful information considering that Sela Basran had made a sincere effort to thwart Her's attempts to smoke while being incarcerated. Turning their thoughts away from thinking about Basran, as well as their gaze (so as to not exhale a plume of smoke in his direction), Her continued to reveal how The Nest was relevant to the concerns of the Jedi Order and their safeguarding of the High Republic from threats such as the Sith Order.

"Before I came to Shiraya's Sanctuary, so as to debrief the Jedi Council about this plot against the High Republic, there was an attack in the Lianna system," Her explained to Balun. "The Imperial Confederation were crushed by this attack. It was led led by the Sith Empire in retaliation for the Imperial invasion of the Dostra system. This counter-attack was done in conjunction with forces of the Mandalorian Empire as well. It is the basis of this connection, between the Mandalorian's and the Sith, combined with other signs and evidence that I gathered during my time working for the Imperials, which will serve as proof of the plot against the High Republic of which I entered this sanctuary in order to convince the Jedi Council about in the first place."

Flicking the end of their cigarette to clear the ash that had been building up, Her took another drag and then lifted their gaze to exhale it up in the air while admiring how the sun rays, which were still cascading through the opening nearby, reflected in the blend of cigarette and cigarra smoke which aired around them; a neat reflection in it's own right as the alleged Sith Lord and wily Jedi Knight found their senses obscured by the blend of toxins that they inhaled while the smoke served to blur the lines between fact and fiction.

"As per the terms of the Treaty of Twin Crowns, the High Republic and Mandalorian Empire are jointed by a signed treaty that they negotiated in good faith to establish relations that were meant to secure peace and security for both people. In the agreements, that were negotiated and signed to abide by, it is a stipulation that both the Republic and the Mandalorian's are to share information that are considered of importance or note to the security and safety of either side," Her explained.

"Yet, these agreements, which were stipulated in the treaty, have been violated by either the Mandalorian Empire itself, or someone of power and influence in the High Republic, who are hiding relevant information and facts from entering into the light."

Is there really a conspiracy against the High Republic, or is this girl talking poodoo?

"For example, it is currently not an established fact in the High Republic, that the leader of the Mandalorian's is a blood relative of the reigning Sith Empress. Mand'alor the Iron is her nephew, I was told, by Talon herself during a summit that I was in attendance of which was held between delegates of the Mandalorian Empire, and the Imperial Confederation, that concerned a war with the Diarchy on Yaga Minor at the time."

"It is also not an established fact, that I think nobody on the Jedi Council are aware of, that a contract has been created which gives the permission for Mandalorian warriors to enter into mercenary work on the behalf of Empress Talon. If both of these facts were established then the Mandalorian Empire would be in violation of the Treaty of Twin Crowns as they would have violated the agreements between them and the High Republic, specifically, concerning Naboo, where it was agreed that the Mandalorian Empire would ensure the defenses and interests of the planet."

"There are only two ways to explain this."

With their free hand, Her lifted one finger. "The first reason is that someone in Theed is preventing this information from entering the public discourse because they do not want it to become known that the Mandalorian Empire is in violation of the Treaty of Twin Crowns. The implications of this are clear and so it must be determined as to whether or not an individual, or a group, are conspiring against the High Republic. This would clear up any idea that an enemy is working with other third parties against the Republic itself."

A second finger raised itself up as Her begun to explain the second reason. "The other reason why these facts have yet to be established is because the Mandalorian Empire have not disclosed their relationship with the Sith Order, specifically, the connection between their leader and Empress Talon. This would mean that the Mandalorian Empire have broken the Treaty of Twin Crowns as per the agreements that they were signed too when the treaty itself was created. I could continue explaining why but I think that the reasons are self-explanatory."

Lowering their hand back to the side, Her turned to look back at Balun. Liars often look away from the people they are lying too in moments like these. It was hard to distinguish whether Her looked away, so that she wouldn't have to look Balun in the eye as she lied, or if she was telling the truth about all of this, and was merely being courteous by making sure not to blow smoke in his face while she explained the ramifications concerning the Treaty of Twin Crowns that exists between the Mandalorian Empire and the High Republic.

"The Nest is relevant to all of this because it is the only surviving infrastructure, that I know of, which can provide accurate data concerning the attack in the Lianna system," Her continued to explain as she connected the old T.A.C installation to the current day concerns. "While I do not think anyone on the Jedi Council, nor anyone else in the Senate, will be shedding any tears concerning the demise of the Imperial Confederation, I do think, however, that will be concerned regarding what the Mandalorian Empire did to Lianna City in conjunction with their allies in the Sith Empire. It was an atrocity against a populace that is antithetical to the morals of the High Republic and was an illegal war crime perpetuated by an alleged ally."

Is all of this a fabrication made up by a genius liar, or could this really be happening?

"Also, it is now important that the Nest be entered and that data is procured for numerous other reasons. The most important, I would think, is the proof that the Mandalorian Empire are in alliance with the Sith Empire, and that they are the allies of enemy combatants who desire the destruction of the High Republic."

Her turned their gaze to admire their cigarette. Was she lying to the Jedi again?

"As I explained to the Jedi Council... I could not bring this to the Senate because I do not know if there is someone, in the High Republic, who are working with the Sith Order," Her admitted in a muttering tone while admiring the embers at the end of the stub. The cigarette itself was almost smoked. Would it be the same for Her?

"There is already evidence, that points to apparently legitimate people who are quietly in league with the Sith Order, such as the Trade Federation of Planets. The Jedi Order, however, are certainly not going to be working with the Sith, and unlike the politicians working in Theed, they would not be so blinded by ulterior motives or politics that could be in design to prevent the revelation of the Mandalorian duplicity with the Sith Order and their leaders."

Her rapped their knuckles against the bar as she made a final point. "I can't prove any of this while I am behind these bars. Besides that the Jedi Council do not trust me. They would trust you, however. The question here isn't whether or not I am a liar, Balun. It is the question as to whether or not you and the Council can ignore the fact that a conspiracy against the High Republic is brewing."

Those crimson eyes turned to look at Balun.

"You have to go back to Maldra 4, Master Dashiell. It is the first step to uncovering the truth about all of this and untangling the enigma of the Sith Order."

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[Balun Dashiell]

SCARS OF MALDRA IV
LOCATION: Undisclosed.
WEARING: High Republic Jedi Robes
TAGS: Her

​

Balun drew in a long, silent yet deep breath as he listened to every word of Her 's; and there were many words indeed. The Jedi Knight crossed his arms across his chest, turning as he dipped his gaze, cigarra between the forefingers of his right hand, held at his side while he frowned in consideration of it all. If the woman was indeed lying, she was certainly making a good show of it.

"Aside from the familial connections, which on their own prove very little, the suggestion that Mandalorians have willingly undertaken mercenary contracts for the Sith does give me pause, particularly in light of recent developments emerging from their territory".

Balun replied pensively, turning back to spare Her another glance before offering a counterpoint.

"That said, it falls to the Mandalorian leadership to clarify whether such individuals are acting independently or with the sanction of their government. I do not follow Mandalorian politics closely enough to judge the credibility of these allegations. They have always been a warrior culture, and unless I am mistaken, our relationship is one of mutual defence rather than direct alliance. The High Republic may call upon the Mandalorians for aid, and they upon us, but I do not believe our treaty grants the Senate authority over their internal governance or the relationships they maintain beyond our shared obligations".

The Jedi of the two was not a politician by any means, and though he could undertake diplomatic assignments, as a Jedi he held the belief that undertaking such an influence over Galactic affairs would be to contradict the Jedi Code, having a clear advantage over others in the ability to feel the emotions of those around him, in a way giving clarity to their intent or ambitions. As such, it was never a path he had entertained in his life.

"As Jedi, we do not impose our values upon others. We respect the right of individuals and governments alike to choose their own path, intervening only when that freedom becomes a threat to others. The same principle applies here. The High Republic has no mandate to dictate who the Mandalorians may associate with. Cooperation with another power does not, in itself, constitute a conspiracy against us. Were they to become aware of a direct and imminent threat to the High Republic, an invasion, for instance, they would, by the terms of our agreement, have a responsibility to inform the Senate. Beyond that, however, what they do outside our borders is ultimately their own affair".

Honestly, Balun disliked politics because of how messy it could be. It was different for the Jedi, as it didn't matter where an incident was observed; the importance of someone's life being at risk meant it was the Jedi Order's responsibility to assist. The same could not be said for the Senate, in which the majority of its purpose and focus was set within the Republic's borders, in Balun's perception of it all, at least.

"You can rest assured that everything we have discussed will be presented to the Jedi Council. What action they choose to take, if any, lies entirely beyond my authority. I serve at the Council's discretion and have no influence over its deliberations," Balun reminded her, while confirming that he would be reporting to them following the meeting. The Jedi Knight had already informed Ala Quin prior, when he intended to meet and speak with the Imperial suspect of interest.

"Should the Council see fit to send me to Maldra IV, I fully intend to clone the databanks before purging the facility of any remaining Imperial influence. I imagine the site has held little value to you since the Coalition's fall, but I could not, in good conscience, leave it compromised. Call it sentimentality if you wish. Despite everything, there are memories there that I cannot entirely bring myself to abandon."

Former Mentor: Ala Quin
Jedi Apprentice: Cerys Dyn
Major Faction: The High Republic
Sub-Faction: Jhaessa Prime
Conglomerate: Dashiell Incorporated™
Subsidiary Company: Dashiell Retrofit™​

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Her]

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Tag: Balun Dashiell

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"Should the Council see fit to send me to Maldra IV, I fully intend to clone the databanks before purging the facility of any remaining Imperial influence. I imagine the site has held little value to you since the Coalition's fall, but I could not, in good conscience, leave it compromised. Call it sentimentality if you wish. Despite everything, there are memories there that I cannot entirely bring myself to abandon."

"Naturally, you must do what you feel is best, Master Dashiell," Her lied to the Jedi Knight as he finished talking.

There was an element of hesitation underlying every that Balun had explained. Most of it were rationale concerns and a long-winded explanation which Her had heard before, more or less, from members of the Jedi Council in the past. The most important thing, concerning the Jedi Order and the information which Her was providing stemmed not from the actual factions or leads that she had contributed thus far since the beginning of her incarceration at their hands, but the underlying motives and plot that they perceived Her to be conspiring against them instead.

To convince a Jedi Knight to return back to a star system where he had lost so many friends and comrades, to the site where his rebellion against Imperial injustice and fascism had been crushed into Maldra dirt, could be loosely trailed and followed to the implications of a trap that Her could have placed for them there in the old Republic installation called The Nest. They would have to juxtapose that line of thinking to the possibility that, perhaps, the Mandalorian Empire were in violation of the Treaty of Twin Crowns, and that they were working hand-in-hand with the ruling Monarch of the Sith dynasties.

For Her these factors could only lead to one possible outcome:

They would have to discover the truth.

One way, or the other.

"Of course, you must rely on your feelings to guide you on what I have told you today," Her continued to lie as Balun listened. "If only your instincts can be honed to discern a course of action. Guidance from the council will certainly point you in the right direction, I trust?"

A cunning smile played on Her's lips as she studied Balun. He looked different from Makai Dashiell . Yet they possessed similarities, certainly, that neither men could be pushed over or played with. For a brief moment Her toyed with the idea of revealing the business connections that she had created with the other Dashiell's ever since the Obredaan Peel. But as soon as the idea came it went away quickly. There was no use in guiding Balun to making that connection artificially. Perhaps, in time, both cousins would discern what they were linked together in more ways than one.

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