Private The Silence of Mnemosyne [Judah Dashiell]

[Balun Dashiell]

The Silence of Mnemosyne.
Tags: Judah Dashiell ,
Featuring: Kellan Dashiell (NPC - 4 years old).
Location: Joiol, Tirtha Cove, Dashiell Family Estate.​

​

The Liberty's Edge Clifford-Class Freighter entered the aptmosphere of Joiol with a dulled eruption, an audible boom, the Starship breaching the veil seperating living and breathing matter from the expansive abyss that is space, a sound of their arrival quietly echoing across the clouds as Balun Dashiell sat at the helm of the subtly luxurious craft, a far cry from his typical choice that was the rugged and industrial Nomad heavy-freighter.
The Liberty's Edge was much more comfortable and perfectly fit for the trip that Balun had impromptu made so many months back, grabbing up his Son Kellan, and his handler Vesha Daruun, to accompany him to the world of Mnemosyne, where they had stayed at the Praxeum of the Whills, an Enclave that was well hidden among the mountain rockies of the planet Iona Starchaser had introduced to Balun; the motivations of which he did not look forward to explaining to his father Judah Dashiell .

Kellan sat upright and eagerly watching as the clouds receded with every foot the ship carried them down, their destination a growing ball of nerves and excitement for the youngling who hadn't quite understood why they had left to begin with, yet also too young to bear a significant argument to his father against the venture. The simple knowledge that Kellan would once more be seeing his grandfather, and likely his cousin too, in the near future, stayed the threat of sleep from having taken the journey from him on their flight from Alliance space back home to Tirtha Cove.
Though Vesha Daruun was naturally a more qualified co-pilot, Kellan held the chair parallel to his father, who handled the starship controls as though he were born for it. Kellan didn't understand what half of the blinking lights meant, what the small metal toggles and colored buttons were for, but it all looked mesmerising to him when he was afforded the will to tear his gaze from the view of the outside. The trip could not have progressed quickly enough for the boy of four galactic standard years, having spent months in a place where all the other younglings were foreign to him and all seemed so much better at learning about the Force than he did.

Behind her charge, the Zabraki woman stood upright with one hand placed upon the backrest of the co-pilot's seat while staring off through the transparisteel viewport in the direction of the Dashiell Grounds. Though a synthetic biot, a droid masked by the aesthetics of a sentient being, Vesha played her part with the utmost perfection. She had assimilated into the life of the Dashiell's as she had been programmed for, and with the capability of further learning and adapting to newer experiences, after a year with Balun and Kellan Dashiell, those designated family and friends to her charge were most accomodating to her presence now with the assistance of Balun Dashiell's fiction aiding in the comforts of her sentient companions.

Leaning forward, Balun broke the silence between them as he forwarded the ships' IFF Tags ahead to the Dashiell homestead, giving his father forewarning of their arrival while also speaking to the pair sharing the cockpit with him; "Vesha, my father's going to have questions regarding our absence. Communication hasn't been entirely forthcoming on my part, so should the subject arise, it would be best that he and I have the privacy to discuss the circumstances of our trip" Balun turned to spare a glance back to the Caretaker Biot, speaking in a manner of which would be difficult for Kellan to piece together the facts behind his fathers decisions of late.

"Certainly. Though I would hope the focus is placed on Kellan's reunion with your father, before delving into what I've noticed to be the regular discourse between you and Master Judah Dashiell," Vesha replied, speaking as encouragingly as a Zabraki woman might. The particular culture that Vesha's external identity had been designed, was that of a hardy people from a planet known for its barren and difficult terrain, thus she spoke pointedly and provided a slight curl to the corner of her mouth, a half smile with a hint of what passed for evidence of sarcasm among the living.

"Ya, don't ruin it by fighting again, Dad", Kellan chimed in, causing Balun to snort a quiet laugh under his breath. The boy was entirely ignorant of the complex history, or lack thereof, between Balun and Judah Dashiell, as was by Balun's design. There was no need to spoil the relationship between Kellan and his Grandfather, simply because Judah and Balun often seemed to be stubbornly at odds with one another. Besides, it wasn't like Balun and Judah disliked each other; quite the contrary, Judah loved his Son and so often wanted better for him, while Balun carried his father's stubborn pride and didn't like having someone else telling him how he ought to be living his life. Your pretty standard father-son relationship in today's galaxy, as far as he had gathered.

"Don't go tripping any alarms yet guys, I'm sure he'll be glad to see you both again..." Balun dismissed their concerns while also keeping the words he wanted to conclude with, as thoughts that could do no further harm: 'And reem me for it once Kellan's out of sight'. Fortunately, they were quickly trekking the skies of Joiol, and Balun wouldn't have a great deal of time to overthink their fated return before the Liberty's Edge was banking right, taking a wide angle before coming around the rear of the family grounds and beginning the landing sequence.

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Starchart gently twirled, revealing the aftermath of Artisia. Overlaid with the hyperlanes and planetary markers were indicators of battles and wrecks. Given how hard fought the battle was there was more than enough vessels that had made their fate in or near the orbit of the planet. Judah had already sent his second in command, Mister Zej, to start mapping the area. Work in the area was currently being diverted to Artisia in order to capitalize on clearing the orbit and refining the salvage.

Typing on his datapad, an alert chimed. Security system indicated their was a vessel landing, the Liberty's Edge. Eyebrow perked a little. When Balun Dashiell first left, Judah suspected he had run off to fight somewhere. Not surprising but was surprising was he took Kellan Dashiell with him. At one point it was either himself or Makai watching the boy on a regular basis. The battlefield was no place for a young boy but that seemed the Jedi way. Traumatize them young.

Standing and stretching, Judah left his office to go meet the Liberty's Edge on the landing pad.

---

Meeting the vessel at the landing pad, he waited patiently at the edge as the engines cycled and began their shut down process. Not too long after the ramp lowered emerged the little blue form of his grandson. Kellan's nanny was at the top of the ramp but Kellan was already far ahead, running as fast as his little legs would carry him.

Meeting the boy half-way, Judah snagged him, picking up Kellan and kissing his cheek.

"The favorite grandson returns. You had a good time?" Adjusting his hold on the boy, he continued to joke. "You fly back here all on your own or did you leave your Pa somewhere?"

 

[Balun Dashiell]

The Silence of Mnemosyne.
Tags: Judah Dashiell ,
Featuring: Kellan Dashiell (NPC - 4 years old).
Location: Joiol, Tirtha Cove, Dashiell Family Estate.

​

With an excited hammering of little feet pounding against the durasteel boarding ramp, the cyan-eyed and blue-skinned Kellan Dashiell essentially flew out of the ship and into his grandfather's arms, laughing gleefully as Judah picked him up into a hug, pretending the lad hadn't just collided with him a little too free of care. The sudden vacation had been fun, but he had missed his Grandpa and his Aunt, Uncle and Cousin, who couldn't resemble more immediate family had they tried. The amount of time they had all spent together made it seem like Pheobee was more of a sister than a cousin, but that was one of the best things about being a Dashiell; they were all such a tight-knit group, except for when Dad and Grandpa were arguing.

"Of course he is. I can't fly the ship, silly!" Kellan grinned widely at his grandpa, as though Judah Dashiell hadn't been any the wiser. Sarcasm wasn't easily picked up from the adults at his young age, yet he knew now that Judah was semi-playing with the boy, yet also felt a hint of apprehension, suddenly having to watch what he said lest he caused them to bicker. Younglings could be most annoyingly sensitive to such things, and pick up on conversations the grownups tried so hard to hide, yet to no avail, with ears like Kellan's.

As if on queue, or perhaps summoned by the feeling of a shadow hanging over him, Balun Dashiell appeared at the top of the ramp, both hands carrying a bag slung over either shoulder as he started to step forward down the landing deck. "Dad" Balun greeted Judah, soon cushioning his greeting with the added "Good to see you again". He hoped, against his better judgment, that he wouldn't get the whole 'You'd have seen me more often if you'd stayed, or contacted me regularly', but Balun also knew Judah to be caring in his own lecturing way. He was pretty sure Makai didn't get as much grief as Balun seemed to, however.

"Kell, I'm taking these to the cottage. Go ahead and tell your Grandpa all the exciting things you've been doing, will ya?" Balun suggested to his boy, soon sparing a glance at Judah, offering him a slight nod. It was his way of providing some form of explanation while the kid was still around, yet the knitty, gritty details would be spared for their time alone.

"Okay Da!" Kellan answered, and without missing a beat, still in the arms of his grandfather, set out to begin the tale of where they had all mysteriously disappeared to: "So there's this world kinda like Joiol, but it's called Limo...-Uh, no. Mnemo-something. Mnemoseen?" Already Kellan seemed to have lost himself, yet managed to recover with a bit of a fopar given the world's actual pronunciation. "One of Da's friends, Aina Starchaser...She wasn't there this time but that's how Da knows the place" Another pause as the boy felt certain he had just butchered the stranger's name too, "She's part of this small force temple, but it wasn't like the normal Jedi stuff dad teaches. They were...nice and friendly, not just to us but to everyone who visited. Da said that they teach people, and so I got to join in on a bunch of classes and trips with the other kids".

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Miss Vesha can fly I bet."

Judah would assume, anyway. He suspected any nanny for such a child as Kellan would be able to fly or fly with some sort of guided assistance. Just as nannies were trained in combat and defensive measures in order to protect a child. Yet Kellan wouldn't know much things. At least not until he was old enough and began to get an inkling of how such things worked.

"Good to see you too Son."

Of course, with Kellan present there wouldn't be any explanation of where the two had been. The acknowledgement was there and at least his grandson would be filling him in. Children were a little less filtered. Judah suspected Kellan would let something slip beyond what Balun Dashiell would want. Either way, he wasn't trying to catch his younger son in a 'gotcha' moment. First was the overriding relief they both seemed safe and sound.

Kellan immediately started to tell his tale, excited to share what he had been up to. It seemed quite the adventure at a Jedi Temple. Normal, on the surface. What got him was the fact his son felt the need to hide the trip. Judah was far from entitled from knowing all the whereabouts of the both of them. However it would have been nice to receive a note.

"Whoa, what an adventure."

Carrying Kellan, Judah was taking him back to the main residence. He suspected the boy would at least want a snack of some sort. No boy every went an hour or two without wanting some kind of snack or treat. Especially at this age.

"Sounds like you had a fun time. Did you make any friends? I bet you did. What about your trips? Do anything fun or did you have to do boring stuff like stare at rocks? Well, that wouldn't be boring for your Uncle Mak but you get the idea."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

The Silence of Mnemosyne.
Tags: Judah Dashiell ,
Featuring: Kellan Dashiell (NPC - 4 years old).
Location: Joiol, Tirtha Cove, Dashiell Family Estate.

​

"Yeah, the trips were great!" Kellan exclaimed cheerfully as he was carried towards the main residence, a grin plastered across his face as he was once again the centre of his grandpa's attention; "On one of 'em we camped outside. There were grownups, and we had a big fire and told lots of scary stories. I even heard some animals but they didn't scare me" he proudly explained, as though Kellan had somehow conquered the wilds and was an undisputed explorer now.
The truth of it was, of course, not nearly so exciting; the adults had been babysitting the younglings, and the campsite had been exaggerated for the sake of the children's excitement while shielding them from the fact that the Praxeum Staff had a secure perimeter set up to ensure nothing wandered too close for comfort. "On another trip we even went to Mnemoland. There were animals and rides and stuff. It was wizard!".

Meanwhile, to the rear of the property, Balun Dashiell had arrived at the Cottage, having spared no time in the brisk walk to his home away from home. Upon stepping in through the door, he immediately dropped their bags at the entrance and moved to head for the basement, passing the underground workshop and steering directly for the far wall where bookshelves lined the perimeter. Taking the time to remove a row of datacards and holobooks, Balun then reached for the wall itself and slid a well-hidden panel aside to reveal a cavity containing various datapads, a lightsaber formerly belonging to Nouqai Veil, and a small pouch filled with credit chips.
Reaching for his belt, he unlatched one of the utility pouches and retrieved several datacards, soon to store them in with the rest of the belongings concealed by the hidden compartment. The information contained on the datacards concerned former contacts and associates of Lady Falentra, Kellan's misguided and crazed mother, of whom Balun had hoped they would never have to deal with again, yet the possibility of having to do exactly that was what drove Balun to disappear for a spell, in the first place.

Despite his father's natural distrust of the Jedi, Balun had gained several significant contacts of his own across his years of training and fighting to protect others. He had long ago put out feelers in the hope that should Falentra ever make a move serious enough to make waves, that word might get back to Balun through his informants. It had been during the mission to Katabasis that word had reached him via secure channels that someone matching Falentra's description had been spotted in Miridian, the capital of Jhaessa Prime. Naturally, Balun had scrambled to organise a secure yet discreet team to investigate the rumour, while making Kellan his priority and getting him clear from any known connections for a time until the situation had been dealt with. Unfortunately, the team had found little to nothing, despite how competent the Task-Force was. Perhaps this was further evidence to support the theory that Falentra had gone dark, maintaining a non-presence in the Galaxy.

Balun sighed heavily under his breath. Four years and she remained a threat ever present in the back of his mind, if not forcing him to uproot their lives at a sudden notice. He hated having had to resort to pulling the three of them away from everything, and keeping his loved ones in the dark about it only added insult to injury, but the less they knew, the better they would be, and Kellan had to be put first before anyone else, especially when it came to his mother's involvement.

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Camping huh? And you weren't even scared. Of course you weren't, no Dashiell man gets scared at the sounds of nature." Judah noted the proud tone in Kellan's voice at the mention of not being scared, so he hyped the boy up. "Your Uncle Mak and I used to go camping all the time. We lived on Mon Cala and we would go to little islands no one lived on and hang out for the night. When he got older he would camp with your Aunt. Maybe you and I can go camping sometime."

Once inside the home, Judah let Kellan down to run about as they walked to the kitchen. Balun Dashiell oddly drifted off once the greeting barely left the air. Something was going on there but as to what he had no clue. The younger Dashiell son had a chip on his shoulder and things to work out - in his opinion. Judah thought Kellan would have gave the boy some fatherly perspective but perhaps it hadn't kicked in quite yet.

"A theme park too? Wow, you had a really good time with all these adventures. Kind of jealous, I got to say. You know what I did while you were gone? Work."

Gathering some fruit to cut up for Kellan, Judah chuckled.

"Correction, I didn't just work. I got in a little fishing too."

What Judah noticed was a lack of a mention of Bale. Lots of activities with other children, which was good given Kellan's age. Yet nothing with his father. Didn't mean the pair wasn't together but Judah wondered if Balun had dropped the boy off at Jedi Daycare and did something else. Another odd situation, given normally family watched Kellan. Unless he was trying to expand the boys social circle. Kellan was of that age.

"Something else I need to show you, how to fish."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

The Silence of Mnemosyne.
Tags: Judah Dashiell ,
Featuring: Kellan Dashiell (NPC - 4 years old).
Location: Joiol, Tirtha Cove, Dashiell Family Estate.

​

With the data secured away, Balun had returned to the ground floor of the cottage and set to unpacking their belongings while Kellan was spending some much-needed time with Judah Dashiell . In their absence, the new residence on Jhaessa Prime had been completed, and Balun had been informed that they were free to make the move at their convenience, yet he hadn't quite told Judah about the new place either, despite it having been in construction for quite a while now.

For all the things he hadn't shared, Balun hadn't been intentionally keeping secrets from his father; It just often seemed easier to plan and do things of his own accord without having to worry about anyone second-guessing him. It wasn't Judah's fault either, given the man's protective nature, but Balun spent enough time doubting himself that whenever something did come about, such as his father's difference of opinion, Balun would oftentimes overthink it and begin to question himself further. It was a pain in the ass that was, at times, better off just avoiding altogether.

For Kellan, the subject of work turned his nose up, his face scrunching in a visible grimace; "That's all you and Da' do", he remarked. Apparently, Balun had indeed been busy during their time away from Joiol and the public spotlight, though there was more to it than Kellan realised. Judah had mentioned that he had also been fishing, which suggested his Grandfather did have some fun streak left in him, but the amount of work that both Judah and Balun seemed to do in their everyday lives seemed far too boring for the boy.

On the subject of fishing, Kellan wondered how he'd fare. "I do really like eating fish, but I don't know about catching them. It seems kinda mean," he admitted sheepishly, apprehension in his words for how Judah might react to the truth. Kellan much preferred swimming alongside the ocean's creatures, watching how quickly they could glide through the currents compared to his own ability to swim beneath the surface. Aquatic in nature, Kellan was a gifted swimmer, much like his Uncle, although he wasn't quite as quick as the fish when they were scared of him getting too close. These were the juvenile thoughts of an innocent youngling, one who had yet to be introduced to the joy of hunting and fishing as of yet.

Deeper to the rear of the residence, a door sounded shut, signalling Balun's return from the cottage. Kellan's father had tried to be quick about returning their luggage, while also being considerate of the time Kellan had with Judah one-on-one. Work and travel had become his lifestyle, but he was glad to be able to provide for his son and build the kid a future that he deserved. Oftentimes, while Balun was away, Kellan remained with his Uncle Mak and Aunt Myra, meaning he also got to spend time with Judah while Balun was off dealing with things on Jhaessa Prime or the Republic side of business. The Galaxy was a dark and serious place for adults, but Kellan would remain a child and enjoy his younger years for as long as possible if Balun could help it.

"Back. Sorry, wanted to get rid of those so we didn't have to worry about it" Balun called ahead as he wandered towards the sound of his son's and Fathers voices. He noted that Vesha Daruun seemed to be absent, though that wasn't surprising given that Judah had so affectionately taken to Kellan's company that she hadn't been needed. Balun chuckled softly to himself as he entered the room and saw the pair. Ever a sight to warm the heart if he ever saw one.

"You're pop's not encouraging any mischief I hope", Balun goaded them both playfully, pleased to be able to finally relax and take some weight off his shoulders now that they were home and he could settle for a while.

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Work is important for adults. I'm sure your Pa is doing his best. Right now your job is to be a kid and do all the fun kid stuff that comes your way. Like camping."

Cutting the fruit, Judah wasn't surprised Kellan didn't seem the fishing type. The boy was sensitive and he didn't view that in a negative manner. Young and sheltered, Kellan was simply himself. Given his nature, Judah hoped the boy kept the sensitive spirit and continued on the softer path. Hard to do in such a galaxy but it could be delayed as long as possible.

"No fishing then. Another activity."

Balun Dashiell returned and Judah slid the plate of fruit over to Kellan, wiping his hands off and looking to his youngest son. He seemed a little less tense than when he had first landed. Maybe something more was weighing on the boy. Judah would never know. Balun was tight lipped lately. Most likely because he offered too much fatherly advice.

Just a guess in his mind though.

"Not at all. Just a little fishing but Kellan doesn't seem too thrilled so the idea was scrapped. How've you been? Enjoyed your travels as much as Kellan did?"

 

[Balun Dashiell]

The Silence of Mnemosyne.
Tags: Judah Dashiell ,
Featuring: Kellan Dashiell (NPC - 4 years old).
Location: Joiol, Tirtha Cove, Dashiell Family Estate.

​

Balun's head rose slightly at the mention of fishing, his eyes widening with interest; Unlike his Son, Balun very much followed suit with his Father and Brother in the love of the pastime. "Ah. Yes, the poor innocent fish, absolutely..." Balun grinned at his father, clearly having shared a similar conversation with Kellan before. He gave a lift of both eyebrows as if to emphasise the boy's compassion for the creatures, being somewhat amusing to him, a quiet joke between the adults, as it were; "No, Kellan much prefers to befriend them apparently", he chuckled softly under his breath as he turned to look at his boy.

"What's funny about it?" Kellan asked, clearly missing something, "They share their water, so we should be nice. I love swimming with them!" he reiterated in his own cute logic.

"No, no, you're one hundred per cent right. We should definitely care for all living things around us, especially the fish." Balun lifted his hand as if to apologise, though the smirk on his face only grew with the conversation.

Kellan stared back at his father, looking a little unconvinced, yet his brows flattened in resignation, and he chose not to comment further. Too bright for his little four-year-old self, the boy knew his Dad all too well. Balun's amusement seemed to irritate Kellan, as if he wasn't being taken as seriously as he would have preferred.

"In any case..." Balun continued, returning his attention to Judah Dashiell and finally answering his question, "I would have preferred our vacation not to have been so...Impromptu, but circumstances arose that..." He paused, trying to find the suitable wording whilst also keeping the truth masked from his Son, "Provided a good opportunity for Kellan to see more of the Galaxy. A certain maternal factor," He concluded, looking back to Judah and tilting his head slightly as he held the older man's gaze.

Naturally, Kellan didn't understand the hint that Balun had dropped, the meaning of which went right over his head, yet Judah would understand the motivation behind their sudden trip, having personal experience with Kellan's other half.

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"I'm not much of a swimmer myself but you're right. We do share their water so we should be nice to them."

Judah chuckled slightly, amused by the logic of his grandson. It made sense in the childs mind and he hadn't put together that the same frozen fish from the grocery was also the very one in the sea. Given how Kellan could swim much like his Uncle, it was no surprise the boy had a different perspective on how he viewed ocean life.

"Sometimes its good to get a different view of the galaxy, see whats around besides Joiol. Besides, I think Kellan had a lot of fun seeing the sights and stretching his legs."

Catching the implication, he nodded towards Balun Dashiell , acknowledging the reason for the absence. Judah found the continued presence of Kellan's mother odd. She had quite literally dropped the boy off at the Estate and left without much a care in the world. Now it seemed she wanted to buzz back into their orbit. Judah was suspecting now that Kellan was older and starting to fend for himself the boys mother may be interested in taking him back for her own twisted ways.

"Going to be boring around here Kellan. Just me. Everyone else is off on a trip."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

The Silence of Mnemosyne.
Tags: Judah Dashiell ,
Featuring: Kellan Dashiell (NPC - 4 years old).
Location: Joiol, Tirtha Cove, Dashiell Family Estate.

​

"That's okay Pop, you can come to the new house too!" Kellan beamed at the idea, the notion that his Grandfather might join them in their trip in a few days to Jhaessa Prime to see the newly built Residence sounded awfully exciting to him.

"Oof", Balun murmured under his breath, not having informed his father that their new place had been finished yet. "Yeeaah, Grandpop doesn't know about the new place yet, kiddo..." Balun explained, glancing between the two with a rather amused look, "I was going to mention it once we had settled in a bit more, but there we go, I suppose", he added, looking to his father as if to explain.

Kellan glanced back up at his father looking somewhat concerned and confused; "Is it a bad thing we're moving?" he asked, suddenly fearing he shouldn't have said anything.

"Well no, of course not. It just means we're going to have to travel more often for visits and stuff. But depriving your dear ol' Pop of time with his favorite Grandson is always going to be hard for him" Balun answered with a soft chuckle, providing a wave of dismissal with a lazy left hand, as if it wasn't a big deal.

Judah Dashiell had walked the earth of Jhaessa Prime when it had first been discovered, and he had advised Balun through the process of the construction of Meridian and his Son's grander dream for the planet. It was only natural that Balun would eventually set his sights on living there permanently, given his aspirations.

"Well...-Why doesn't Pop move there too!" Kellan exclaimed as if he had discovered the answer no one else could have possibly thought of; "There are going to be heaps of rooms and beds and stuff!" he glanced back to Judah for his approval. "It's really big!" he added enthusiastically, sounding as though he were suddenly trying to sell his grandfather a used airspeeder.

Balun snickered under his breath, his stray left hand scratching at the back of his neck out of awkward habit, yet he looked to his fathers gaze with a peculiar smile and dipped his head from side to side as if to say 'You could if you wanted to'.

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Balun was leaving Joiol. Makai was leaving Joiol.

Both had perfectly sound reasons. Makai hadn't fully informed him on every idea but security had been top of mind for his eldest, among other reasons. Balun he knew was trying to make a name for himself, plus he seemed involved with the Jedi once again and he was certain a number of their schools were in that location.

Which left him in a lurch. Joiol wasn't going anywhere. Real estate was a sound investment and it was beneficial to have various homes throughout the galaxy while they were doing business.

Kellan seemed to let the loth-cat out of the bag, very eager to share about the new home. It was cute and he wasn't going to crush a young boys' dream. Instead he would have to get a little creative. Young children were perceptive but also easily distracted or placated. Taking a piece of fruit from the boys plate, he offered a small smile.

"No, you wouldn't want an old man hanging around getting in your way. I'll visit a lot - sleepovers. Plus you can visit me too, whenever you like. Our first adventure will be to go camping again."

Happy for both of his sons, Judah was once again at a crossroads. It had been a few great years of everyone being together but it seemed that time had come to an end. Unsure of what he was going to do, or where he wanted to live, it seemed sinking himself back into work was the sensible thing to do. Perhaps move back into his penthouse on Celestia Station.

"How does that sound?"

Balun Dashiell​

 

[Balun Dashiell]

The Silence of Mnemosyne.
Tags: Judah Dashiell ,
Featuring: Kellan Dashiell (NPC - 4 years old).
Location: Joiol, Tirtha Cove, Dashiell Family Estate.

​

"Camping sounds like a good time", Balun remarked, glancing between his son and Judah Dashiell . Family traditions weren't something that Balun had been afforded as a youngling, but it was certainly something he wished for Kellan. Knowing that his Son had the life that Balun always wished for was enough for him. He didn't hold any resentments for his past, but he could still enjoy living vicariously through his Son's youth, comforted by the fact that a loving and supportive family surrounded the boy.

If Kellan was safe, loved and happy, then Balun hadn't royally screwed up as a father like he secretly dreaded. The boy had already been through so much, although it seemed Kellan hadn't been old enough to remember any of it. What the Sith might have done to him as an infant, and whatever impression Falentra had left, seemed to be completely absent from the child he had become. Still, there was always that concern. That fear that something would trigger the boy...

"What about Endor?" Kellan piped up excitedly, "There are bear things that live there, dress like people and live in the trees. They look fun!" he suggested, looking up at his Pop with a sudden vigour that could only come with renewed excitement and the promise of adventure. "Da's been teaching me how to hunt, and about plants and stuff! I could show them how good I am!".

"Survival skills", Balun added, glancing at Judah as if to explain himself. Should anything happen that Kellan find himself needing to survive in the wilds, Balun wanted to make sure that the boy was learning from a young age. So far, it had been basic things like tying knots and memorising plant names, simple things that the kid would be able to grasp at his young age, but knowledge was power, and he wanted his Son to be best prepared for anything.

"I dunno about Endor just yet kiddo" Balun soon responded to Kellan, although he wouldn't explain exactly why he had concerns about that planet just yet, other than to suggest it wasn't safe. "Might be a bit too much to start with. Maybe you and ya Pop and pick somewhere a little more tame to start off with". He glanced back towards Judah, the look he afforded his father was one seeking compliance to this request.

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Ah, so you're hunting but not fishing?"

Amused, Judah wondered if it hit a little too close to home for the young boy. Makai often joked about being part fish and he wondered if some of that verbiage had rubbed off on young Kellan. Either way it was quite the contradictory statement, although Judah wasn't a hunter. It had never been his thing even as a boy.

"Endor is a bit intense, even for me. Plus, we have to remember the Ewoks are real beings like you and me. They may not appreciate us encroaching on their home and staring at them. There are plenty of places to go, an entire galaxy's worth and I guarantee there are far better places for a young boy that likes to swim."

Thinking, Judah figured the same places he took Makai would work for Kellan. It only made sense and the boy may be interested in similar activities his oldest was fond of, such as swimming in wrecks and reefs.

"How about Mon Cala? Its where I lived for a long time. Used to camp on the small uninhabited islands. Besides you know what the coolest part of Mon Cala is? They have vast floating and underwater cities. I think you may particularly enjoy visiting those, we can make an entire day of it before heading off to camp."

The older salvager looked to Balun.

"That is if your Dad agrees."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

The Silence of Mnemosyne.
Tags: Judah Dashiell ,
Featuring: Kellan Dashiell (NPC - 4 years old).
Location: Joiol, Tirtha Cove, Dashiell Family Estate.

​

Balun grinned at his father and gave a simple nod, rather enjoying the two planning for the near future trip that promised to provide his Son with yet another outing in the Galaxy. Kellan was just a boy and deserved to see the beauty of their Galaxy, holding a wondrous and excited view of life around him for as long as possible, rather than the bleak and often brutal reality that was his father's experience. Growing up in the Order had left few illusions about the need for peacekeepers and the regular update of current events, as the Jedi had a duty to keep eyes on the Galactic News, ever conscious of the political landscape. Innocence was a marvellous thing, and something Bale wished to nurture in his Son for as long as he could, knowing that one day Kellan would mature and start thinking like an adult, but not yet.

"Mon Cala?" Kellan echoed his Grandpop curiously, soon imagining the world that Judah Dashiell described. Lots of islands, dotted around a massive, endless ocean with underwater cities and flotillas. It sounded perfect to him! "Sounds amazing!" he added excitedly, his face stretching a broad grin, the boy still being held by his Pop. "When can we go? Is it far from here? How long does it take to get there?" he soon asked, three quick successive questions as his mind raced over the prospective adventure to a world seemingly perfect for him.

Balun chuckled under his breath and interjected, "You've done it now. He's not going to stop thinking about it until you take him", he informed his father. Kellan would no doubt spend the next few days consistently asking Balun about Mon Cala, and urging him to rush his Grandpop in taking him. The smirk on his father's face did not subside as he glanced down, contemplating the next week or two. There was a lot to plan with the move, and still a lot of business that Balun needed to catch up on since their time away. Truthfully, Kellan wasn't needed for any of it, and so Balun didn't see any reason Judah and his Son couldn't enjoy themselves during this time.

"You and Pop can go whenever he decides is the right time, Kell" Balun told his son, soon adding, "But you have to be good and patient. Good things come to those who behave, remember?" he reminded Kellan. The notion of waiting did not appear to be as positive to the boy as it did to his father, but Kellan glanced from Balun back to Judah with pleading puppy-dog eyes, an unspoken request written all over his face.

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"So you just came back from one big adventure and you want to go another big adventure?"

Judah was more amused than anything else. Like any other small child, Kellan was ready and eager to latch on the next big thing. Which this time was a massive camping adventure. An easy one to set up, he had done it a hundred times before. Only difference was instead of now living on Mon Cala and having these items at his disposal there was a need to rent the items.

Again, not a terrible position to be in, there were enough camping and adventure companies on the planet.

"Looking at my schedule...how about we plan for next week? We can leave and spend some time exploring the planet. How long? I don't know. How about a two week adventure? We can spend a week camping and a week exploring the floating cities and underwater cities. Its a very warm planet so pack some swim trunks and bug spray."

He paused, thinking.

"Make sure your nanny is prepared too, okay?"

Balun Dashiell​

 

[Balun Dashiell]

The Silence of Mnemosyne.
Tags: Judah Dashiell ,
Featuring: Kellan Dashiell (NPC - 4 years old).
Location: Joiol, Tirtha Cove, Dashiell Family Estate.

​

"Oh no need to worry on that front" Balun replied, leaning forward against the kitchen counter now as he watched his father and Kellan Dashiell together; "While I know you're more than capable, I'm not packing my Son off to spend weeks away with you and expecting you to do everything" He elaborated with a chuckle; "Vesha will most certainly be available should you need or want anything. While you're all off together, you're the boss as far as she's concerned".

Judah Dashiell would find the synthetic nanny more than accommodating should he decide he needs time for personal relaxation on their trip away. While he had never asked too much about the "Zabraki Woman", Balun sometimes wondered if his Dad had an inkling that there was more to Vesha than spoken about. Perhaps he simply assumed that she was a Force User, but that too was among his personal grievances. Right up there alongside the subject of Droids.

"Next week?" Kellan spoke up abruptly, as if the news had finally sunk in. A week wasn't too long a wait for the youngling. Enough to feel the excitement and dream about the possibilities, yet not so long that it would drag on and take forever to actually get to the day they left for their trip together. "Aw, this is so cool", he beamed to no one in particular as he stared off in thought.

The boy's relationship with the other two Dashiell men was something special, Balun knew. Makai Dashiell was, of course, the favourite Uncle, the father of his best friend and cousin Pheobee and though Bale had never admitted it, the runner-up guardian should anything happen to himself. Makai was very much akin to a second father for the boy, accompanied by Myra Arceneau Dashiell , whom Kell adored equally as much. Should the worst ever befall him, Balun took comfort in the fact that Kellan would still have a perfect family environment, Better than he himself could create for his Son. Yet again, something he'd never admit.

Judah, on the other hand, is the cool and successful Grandfather whom Kellan could pry away from business so that the two could spend time together and Judah could spoil the boy. That was, after all, what grandparents were all about. While his Dad was always focused on teaching Kellan manners, responsibility, and generally trying to educate him, Kellan didn't have to worry so much about copping lectures from Judah.

"What should I bring?" Kellan suddenly wondered aloud, "I know we're going to be swimming and stuff but what else are we going to do there? Clothes of course. Swimming stuff, my datapad so I can read and play games. What else?".

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

"Speech"
'Thought'​

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Apparently a week had sunk in for the boy. A week he could understand and figure out wasn't so far away in the grand scheme of things. Judah found it amusing the lad had gone from disappointment to excitement all in such a short period. Such was the swinging emotions of youth, but Judah was happy to see his grandson was excited for a little one-on-one bonding time.

"Clothes. Your datapad. Swimming stuff. All checks out to me Kellan. You really won't need anything else. I'll provide the boat and all the camping gear."

An amusing thought of a young boy being responsible for all of his own camping gear. He had been camping enough times to know what they would need and for how long. There was also the logistics of spending a few days at a hotel in the city so Kellan could spend some time around other aquatics. Visiting the sights such as the underwater city and any museums he may want to enjoy. Judah would be sure to make the arrangement for after the camping - a reward for roughing it over a few days.

"We will spend some time in the city too, after camping. Plenty of time away from your Dad and any boring lessons Miss Vesha is having you do. A real adventure."

Balun Dashiell​