Private You Belong in A Museum

[Makai Dashiell]

NABOO

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Balun Dashiell , Kellan Dashiell , Phoebe Dashiell

With Myra Arceneau Dashiell busy managing the crisis at Arceneau Trade, getting new trade lanes together and re-charting old ones, Makai had tossed himself into the role of the singular care of Phoebe. That was on top of his duties at Aina Holdings, but mining work was different than being in charge of ensuring trade occurred. Everyone was relying on the hyperlanes and the Arceneau transports to deliver on time and within the parameters in the contracts.

Recently he had been house hunting for a 'summer home' out in the Lake Country or perhaps in Theed proper. With his work in the Royal Naboo Republic, he thought it may be a good idea. Phoebe could spend her summers at The Farm, Danger's massive estate, but in times like this, times of high work load, it didn't make sense to have his daughter spend a summer all but alone. Perhaps next year.

Today he was meeting up with his brother and young nephew, Kellan. Makai hadn't seen Balun in some time but Kellan was often in his care. Work typically kept himself and Bale apart. Plus he knew Balun had been charting some unknown planet with their father. Kellan he was welcome to watch, a built in playmate for Phoebe and it often gave him a bit of a break from having to constantly watch Tuskie the Tusken Raider or playing with My Little Ropo figures on the floor.

Today was the Rori Museum of Natural History and his daughter was already excited to visit the Crystalfly Gardens and spend time with Kellan once again. Lingering just outside the entrance, Phoebe was able to spot the pair first, taking off running.

"KELL!!!"

Makai chuckled and slowly followed after, shaking his head.

"Hey Bale."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

YOU BELONG IN A MUSEUM.
INVENTORY: Spacer Apparel.
TAGS: Makai Dashiell & Pheobe <3.
PRESENT COMPANY: Kellan Dashiell (3 years old).

Balun had returned from Naboo just over a week ago, and the time away from his son had weighed heavily on him. The separation had been the longest they'd ever endured, but it had given him a new perspective. While the distance had been difficult, he realised that small doses of separation could foster a child's sense of independence, helping to ease the anxieties that often came when their parents were absent.

Three weeks had been far too long, though, and Balun was determined not to let that happen again. Since his return, Kellan had been by his side every step of the way. The previous day had been a quiet one at home, spent in the comfort of each other's company—watching cartoons, enjoying good food, and playing with the toys Balun had picked up while in Royal Naboo Republic space.

Today, however, would be a different kind of day. Balun and his brother, Makai, had arranged a playdate for their children.

Kellan and Pheobe were more than cousins; they were fast becoming the best of friends. Balun couldn't have hoped for a better companion for his son, especially since he didn't know anyone else with children. Without Makai and Pheobe, Kellan would have little interaction with kids his age. While Luna, the Merqaal, and Chip, the Droid, provided companionship, there was something irreplaceable about the sound of children laughing and playing together.

"Phee Phee!" Kellan called out excitedly as he spotted her, attempting to say her full name but settling on the nickname for now. Balun smiled fondly, shaking his head in amusement as Kellan dashed over to her, with Balun quickening his pace to keep up.

Makai had been a lifesaver while Balun was away. Though he hadn't said it outright, Balun trusted no one more than his brother and his wife, Myra, when it came to caring for Kellan. Their father had many admirable qualities, but Balun was navigating fatherhood with Makai by his side, which only seemed to bring them closer.

"Hey, brother," Balun greeted with a grin as he approached Makai, extending his hand for a firm shake. The two clasped palms with a satisfying clap. "Thanks for the invite... and for everything else," he added, walking beside him as the children rushed ahead, their excitement filling the air.

"Speech".
'Thought'.​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

NABOO

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Balun Dashiell , Kellan Dashiell , Phoebe Dashiell

"Anytime. How was the trip with Dad?"

By now the kids had reached the turnstile-type barrier that granted admission, effectively blocked by the technology. It gave them both a chance to regroup with the two, Phoebe looking at them with an exasperated expression as if to say hurry up. Paying the admission and finally granted access, they were greeted with a standing map of the locations of exhibits.

Phoebe, too smart for her own good, had spotted the object of her desire, pointing at the image of a crystalfly and looking back at himself and Balun.

"Papa look. Crystalflies."

"I see them. Don't worry we're going to see everything at the museum. Maybe Kells wants to see the fossil garden first? I know its exciting but we gotta think of others too."

Makai was laying the groundwork now for Phoebe, especially if they were to welcome more children into their life in the short future. Last thing he needed was a very difficult first born who demanded her way constantly plus a crying newborn who didn't understand the word 'wait'. Taking it stride, Phoebe nodded, looking impatient but not demanding they had to see the crystalfly garden now.

"Lead the way Kells, you pick where we go first."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

YOU BELONG IN A MUSEUM.
INVENTORY: Spacer Apparel.
TAGS: Makai Dashiell & Pheobe <3.
PRESENT COMPANY: Kellan Dashiell (3 years old).

Balun couldn't help but smile to himself as he joined his brother, watching Kellan and Pheobe race ahead, their laughter echoing in the air. The simple joy of spending time with family, free from the weight of his responsibilities as a Force User and an entrepreneur, was something he cherished deeply. This was a rare, precious moment—a break from the constant pressure of the galaxy's demands.

"The trip went well. The discovery of the Nythera System is still mind-blowing," Balun remarked, his voice tinged with the awe that had stayed with him since his return. "I wasn't exaggerating when I told you how rich those planets are in minerals. You really need to see the results of our planetary scans. Galacian Mining could make a killing out there." He spoke briefly about the trip he had shared with his father, Judah Dashiell, but refrained from diving too deeply into work mode. The kids were with them, after all, and it wasn't long before Kellan had already dubbed him "boring" for talking about business to anyone who would listen.

His attention returned to the children, and a quiet chuckle escaped him as Makai playfully suggested that Kellan might have inherited his love for fossils, as if an interest in rocks ran in the family.

"Okay, Uncle Mak!" Kellan called back with enthusiasm, his face breaking into a wide grin as he suddenly took on the responsibility of leading the group. Balun watched with pride as his son dashed ahead, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over him. Time had passed so quickly, and though Kellan was still just three years old, Balun couldn't help but marvel at how much his little boy had already grown. Three years ago, he could never have imagined himself as a father. The thought of it had never even crossed his mind, let alone the fact that he hadn't even known about Kellan's impending arrival until after it had already happened.

Kellan turned back toward Pheobe, his curiosity piqued. "What's a Crystalfly?" he asked, clearly intrigued by the creatures his cousin had been so excited about, his innocent curiosity evident in his tone.

Balun shifted his focus to his brother, gratitude in his voice as he spoke. "Thanks for keeping an eye on the kid," he said, his gaze softening. "It wasn't easy being away from Kellan. Between you, Myra, and Vesha, you all did me a massive favour, and I won't forget it. There were risks in finding that ghost system, and Kellan loved spending time with you all." The sincerity in Balun's words was clear—he knew how much his family had helped him during that time, and he was deeply thankful.

"Speech".
'Thought'.​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

NABOO

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Balun Dashiell , Kellan Dashiell , Phoebe Dashiell

"I have free time when Phoebe goes to bed, in between catching up on Aina business. Feel free to send the scans anytime. I can start looking at and deciphering the data. Of course some of it you can really on experience with feet on the ground but it will give a rough idea. Sounds like you two had a great time though."

Unlike Balun, speaking about work potential was fine with him. So long as he didn't have to hop on a datapad or give hard numbers, it was fine. There was an ability to keep an eye on the kids and speak of other things. Besides, it had to do with his upbringing. The lazy days of playing on the beach with Myra Arceneau Dashiell as their parents sat near a fire and talked business. The birthday dinners where after dessert cigarras were lit, Danger and his father sharing concerns of the state of the galaxy. Being 'babysat' while sitting on on Arceneau Trade board meetings.

He had grown up in the business. Listening to it. Working in it. His children would have much of the same experience.

"No problem. Myra is away on business so it was all me...I appreciate the chance to experience wrangling two of them before we have another. I love having Kellan over. He's welcome at any time. Gives Phoebe someone else to play with, I think I get old quickly."

Makai chuckled, shaking his head.

"Anything next for you?"

Phoebe followed along, curly little head craning up to look at the ceiling from time to time. She was between Kellan and Papa and Uncle Bale, as Kellan had all but leaped head to take them to the fossil garden.

"Crystalfly." Phoebe said it again, in case Kellan didn't hear. "...they're pretty an' fly 'round."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

YOU BELONG IN A MUSEUM.
INVENTORY: Spacer Apparel.
TAGS: Makai Dashiell & Pheobe <3.
PRESENT COMPANY: Kellan Dashiell (3 years old).

"Well, when it's convenient, take a look at the two neighbouring planets we've dubbed Kathos and Velkorran," Balun said, his tone serious as he spoke to his brother. "One's a gas giant, and the other is rich in minerals. Both of them immediately made me think of you. Dad can sift through the Nythera system for all the scrap he wants, what with the Nebula turning it into a graveyard for broken vessels. But those two planets? I want you to get in there first before someone else does." Balun knew the immense value those planets could hold in the right hands—Makai's hands, specifically.

"Like a bird?" Kellan asked, his voice tinged with curiosity as he slowed his pace and glanced back at Pheobe. He had grown momentarily distracted by the people around them. Visitors were passing by, and for a fleeting moment, it seemed as though he had only just realised how many strangers were nearby. His eyes widened slightly, noticing a group moving a little too close for comfort. A soft tension appeared on his face. Realising how far ahead he had gotten from his father and Uncle Makai, Kellan quickly doubled back, heading to where Pheobe stood, seeking the comfort of their proximity. It was as though they were safer together, a pair who could look out for each other.

Balun's gaze followed his son, and he noticed the subtle change in Kellan's demeanour—the unease that had crept into his face. It was an instinctive shift, the way his son looked around at the unfamiliar faces, anxiety creeping in. It could be a typical response for a child of his age, wary of strangers. But Balun couldn't help but wonder if there was something more lingering beneath the surface. He remembered his own childhood—how he had been withdrawn, isolated from his peers, choosing solitude over companionship. His Padawan Clan had been filled with others making friends, but Balun had stayed apart, except for Kellan's mother, of course.

As his son moved back toward Pheobe, Balun's thoughts lingered for a moment, his eyes softening. He turned to Makai, his voice quieter now, filled with sincerity. "It meant a lot to me, all the same," he said, his gaze never straying far from his son. "There's no one I trust more than you and Myra when it comes to Kell." His words were heavy with meaning, the weight of the unspoken truth behind them clear.

Kellan was special, not just because he was Balun's son, though that bias was undeniable, but because of his heritage. Kellan's mother had been Sithspawn, a creation of Sith Alchemy. That made Kellan half Sithspawn, half human. Makai and their father likely wouldn't fully grasp the significance of this, but Balun knew. He understood the risks that came with it—the lingering pull of the Dark Side. He had made sure his son was surrounded by those who cared for him, those who would teach him compassion, virtues that would counter the darkness that loomed over his bloodline. He wanted Kellan to grow up with a sense of balance, to learn what it meant to fight against the very nature of his ancestry.

"Speech".
'Thought'.​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

NABOO

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Balun Dashiell , Kellan Dashiell , Phoebe Dashiell

"The museum and spending time with Kellan should wear out Pheebs, so I'll have more than enough time to look tonight. Sounds like an interesting place though already. Can't wait to visit, although I'll probably have one of my assistants do that well before me. Not that I don't want to, just logistically it may be a might be a stretch with this hyperlane disaster going on. Arceneau Trade is busy...."

They had crossed over into the exhibit with fossils. Some indoors and outdoors, right now on the indoor portion it was the typical large re-created species of all sorts. A large land-dwelling one and a massive fossil of a lake creature suspended from the ceiling. Most patrons were engrossed at reading the plaques, the excited shouts of children as they spotted a favorite.

"Appreciate the sense of trust." Makai paused, giving his brother a teasing smile. "Especially since Kells gets to live the life of one of us non-special citizens while he's hanging out."

Meanwhile, Phoebe and Kellan and stopped to look at a display of a bunch of little fossils set up as a diorama. With their fathers talking, Phoebe was able to press her face against the glass little kid style. Trying to excitedly get a better look.

"Umm...a bird? Yes. No." Little shoulders shrugged. "Its a crystalfly" As if that sealed the debate.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

YOU BELONG IN A MUSEUM.
INVENTORY: Spacer Apparel.
TAGS: Makai Dashiell & Pheobe <3.
PRESENT COMPANY: Kellan Dashiell (3 years old).

"Ugh—this hyperlane mess is a galactic nightmare," Balun muttered, his frustration palpable as they trailed behind the younglings, who were bouncing from one exhibit to the next. "Dashiell Retrofit's lost several transports so far. Just disappeared, like they never existed—full of new merchandise, custom-made equipment!" The exasperation in his voice was clear as he spoke, the last words hanging in the air. He took a moment to regain his composure, glancing back at the kids to ensure they hadn't overheard his outburst amidst the din of other visitors around them. "And no one seems to have a clue as to why it's happening," he added, his voice quieter as he met his brother's gaze.

Meanwhile, Kellan was completely immersed in his own world, swept up in the excitement of the day. His attention was wholly captured by Pheobe as they explored the exhibits together. With a burst of enthusiasm, he copied his cousin's movements, eagerly pressing his face against the glass of the Crystalfly display, trying to get a better view. When his eyes finally landed on the creatures Pheobe had called Crystalflies, he instantly understood why she adored them so much. The tiny, delicate insects flitted gracefully around their enclosure, their wings shimmering in the light, vibrant colours flashing as they danced in midair. Beneath them, a meticulously crafted garden bloomed, filled with an array of fossils, each one carefully placed for visitors to admire. The fossils, though lifeless, seemed to be brought to life by the graceful flight of the Crystalflies, their presence adding a burst of life and color to the exhibit.

Kellan's eyes widened in wonder as he watched them fluttering about, a look of pure awe crossing his face. "Woah…" he whispered softly, his voice filled with amazement. "They're awesome."

"Non-special citizens, huh?" Balun chuckled softly, then fell silent, his gaze following the children as they continued their exploration. The thought of how quickly time was passing hung in the air. It wouldn't be long before Kellan's Force sensitivity would disrupt that "non-special" aspect of his life and bring with it challenges of its own. Balun had already begun to introduce Kellan to the basics of the Force, explaining it to him in child-friendly terms. He spoke of the Force as a spiritual guide, one that would help him understand his uniqueness and the importance of virtues like peace, responsibility, compassion, and stewardship. Balun knew Kellan's abilities would eventually emerge, and when they did, restraint and self-discipline would be essential.

"Are you telling me you don't typically feel normal?" Balun teased his brother, breaking the silence with a lighthearted question, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Speech".
'Thought'.​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

NABOO

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Balun Dashiell Kellan Dashiell Phoebe Dashiell

"No, not a clue yet. I think most of us are more focused on getting the hyperlanes pieced back together. Let the scientists see if the issue is something as simple as an overly expansive galaxy or matter shift...all of which are beyond my scope. All I know is people are sitting on product and are pissed. Hence the mad scramble with all the shipping companies."

The crystalfly exhibit seemed the be the most popular. Makai stood back so Phoebe could enjoy the display along with several other small children who had their faces to the glass. It was adorable to see, lined up excitedly chattering away, pointing out to their parents or caretakers if one of the crystalflies did something noteworthy.

There was more to the exhibit, including a garden they could walk through. A chance to burn off more energy for both Phoebe and Kellan. Makai was thinking it would only help him in the long run with an extended nap time. No doubt both kids would crash hard after bouncing across the museum all day long.

"Pheebs, Kells...come on, let's go check out the crystalfly garden. You can't touch them now..."

Moving forward, the pair raced forward to enter the netted off gardens as he and Bale continued to talk.

"I'm not sure what baseline normal is. Everyone has their own interpretation. However by most standards....probably not."

Phoebe entered the crystalfly garden itself, the insects fluttering about. Landing on bushes and flowers. Resting on trees and logs. An elaborate setup to mimic the outdoors. Absorbed in her wonder, her little head craning up to look as best she could, although they seemed to be landing everywhere and not just in the higher portions.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

YOU BELONG IN A MUSEUM.
INVENTORY: Spacer Apparel.
TAGS: Makai Dashiell & Pheobe <3.
PRESENT COMPANY: Kellan Dashiell (3 years old).

"No, I suppose I get it, totally," Balun agreed, his voice soft but filled with understanding. He too, struggled to comprehend what it meant to feel "normal." No matter what he did in life, there always seemed to be an undercurrent of dissatisfaction, a feeling that he was never doing enough or being good enough at whatever he was striving to accomplish. Others often told him he was too hard on himself, but that didn't make it any easier to shake the habit of self-doubt, a cycle of self-sabotage he had yet to break free from.

"A whole garden!" Kellan exclaimed, his voice brimming with excitement, as he turned to follow Pheobe after his Uncle Makai called out to them. The entrance to the garden, a netted barrier, seemed to momentarily give Kellan pause. He hesitated, his small steps faltering as he surveyed the threshold, unsure of what to expect. But as Makai and Pheobe moved forward without a second thought, Kellan quickly dashed after them, not wanting to fall behind. Balun trailed behind, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched his son, shaking his head in silent amusement at the boy's eagerness.

Once they were all within the netted enclosure, Balun moved closer to his brother, his presence offering a quiet support. He gently nudged Kellan, encouraging him to explore alongside Pheobe. It was a small, almost unnoticeable gesture, but to Balun, it felt monumental. It was a lesson in independence, a reminder that his son didn't always need his father by his side. Kellan was learning that he was capable, that he could achieve things on his own, even if they were small steps. These were moments Balun had never fully appreciated before becoming a father, moments that felt infinitely more profound now that he had someone to guide and encourage.

"Kellan asked me about his mother the other day," Balun said quietly, his voice tinged with a quiet weight as he glanced at Makai. The children had wandered ahead, still within sight, giving the brothers a moment to talk. Balun had kept this conversation to himself until now. Makai, one of the few people in his life who had come to know Nouqai Veil a little better than most, was the one person he felt he could share this with. Until this moment, he hadn't mentioned to anyone that Kellan had spoken of his mother.

"Speech".
'Thought'.​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

NABOO

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Balun Dashiell , Kellan Dashiell , Phoebe Dashiell [NPC]

"Come on Kels." Phoebe was prodding her cousin to come along and join her down the path. She had noticed Kellan had hesitated. Perhaps scared if the crystalflies? There were a lot in the little garden. Some flew close to them while others rested on plants, wings slowly flapping as if they were sunning themselves and enjoying the day.

Makai hung back slightly from the kids, letting them explore with a small touch of freedom. Iced blue eyes never left the pair, not to mention his nanny waited patiently in the wings, the droid more or less a security presence today rather than a child minder.

"Kellan asked me about his mother the other day," Balun said quietly, his voice tinged with a quiet weight as he glanced at Makai.

He made a small noise of disapproval. Not at the fact his nephew asked where his mother was. More the mother in question, the abandonment of the small child. Naturally, his thoughts had only been shared with his wife. It wasn't his place to interfere or give his opinion. Balun was doing fine and Kellan seemed to be thriving.

"How did that go?"

 

[Balun Dashiell]

YOU BELONG IN A MUSEUM.
INVENTORY: Spacer Apparel.
TAGS: Makai Dashiell & Pheobe <3.
PRESENT COMPANY: Kellan Dashiell (3 years old).

"It wasn't great", Balun replied honestly, his brows flattening as he turned away from his brother to look back towards Pheobe and Kellan, his words hushed, speaking quietly so that attentive little ears didn't overhear them; "I've been battling with how to approach the subject ever since he came into my life, only to go with my first instinct which was a blatant lie".

Kellan, meanwhile, was paying no attention to the two adults and was instead happily focused on Pheobe when she encouraged him to follow on after her. As if revitalised by her fearlessness, Kellan picked up the pace and ran several feet to join close behind her as they wandered down the stone path, the Crystalflies fluttering all around them in a blend of rainbow colours.

"I told him she had died" Balun finally spoke the words to his Brother as they dawdled some distance behind the younglings, "That she loved and adored him before she passed...-Which she would have, if she were the same person I fell in love with, when he was born" he added, as if trying to add some sense of justification or ease to the fact that he had lied to his own Son. Yet Balun knew precisely what he had done.

To make matters worse, he had spoken to Valery Noble and she had even advised him against it...-Going so far as to convince him right up until the moment that his Son had asked and the words had just left his lips in the shock of the boy's question. The random choice of timing, the suddenness of the question and the horrific past that Kellan knew nothing about.

"I know it's karked up, and it's going to bite me in the arse one day...-But I have to protect him. Not a day goes by that I don't wonder when that ball is going to drop and she's going to try and take him again".

"Speech".
'Thought'.​