Private A Journey Of Purpose And The Force

[Balun Dashiell]

Zhea Nox

​

Naboo. Balun had only visited the tranquil world once before, on a romantic getaway with Lady Falentra . Even now, in the privacy of his thoughts, he stubbornly referred to her by her Jedi name, Nouqai Veil, a vestige of their shared past that lingered like an unshakable shadow.

But this time, his purpose was far different. Recently, Iona Starchaser had introduced him to a scrappy group of rebels. They reminded him of the old Tingel Arm Coalition he had once fought alongside, though this new faction had proven to be much larger and more organized than he'd initially believed. What had seemed like a small group of insurgents soon revealed itself to have a well-structured agenda, with an organized cadre of Force Users woven into its ranks. According to Iona, this group was based on Naboo, still in its early stages of establishing a stronghold. She had even suggested that Balun might be a good fit for their cause, an invitation he had reluctantly agreed to consider, driven by their friendship and his own need to contribute.

However, it was more than just the group's cause that drew him to Naboo. His journey had taken many turns, but his deep connection to the Force remained an ever-present ache in his soul. Six years had passed since he had come close to an opportunity to train under Julius Sedaire , the revered war veteran. Their time together had been cut short by the old man's unforeseen personal obligations, and though Balun had understood and respected his mentor's decision, it had left a void in his life—a gap that lingered painfully in his pursuit of mastery.

Balun had seen many battlefields, had honed his skills in combat and survival across the galaxy. With his family's help, he had even become financially independent, running his own successful enterprise. Yet, despite all his achievements, he could not ignore the part of himself that longed for more—the need to embrace the Force, to complete the journey he had started so long ago. His heart yearned for the fulfilment that only true training in the ways of the Force could bring, and that longing had led him back to Naboo.

 

[Zhea Nox]

ECLIPSE
FOUNDATION CENTRE | THEED
TAG: Balun Dashiell

ULILI E​

It was fulfilling.

Yes, she had helped on Teth for a long time, but it wasn't the same as reaching other points in the Galaxy to bring people relief or hope of a better future. It was what brought her true balance in the Force.

The Kiffar was taking a rest on a crate after managing and loading supplies that need to be shipped out to the Hapes Cluster once more, the squad of black-armoured former Stormtroopers that shadowed her taking a breather as well.
"When will we be shipping out again, Ma'am?" Hobbs, the squad-lead, asked her.
"I think we earned a little break after these past weeks." Zhea said with a tired smile. "Let's take three days then see how we feel."
"That actually sounds great." said Markram, the squad medic.
"Can we go the Lake Country? I hear it's much more peaceful there." asked Avery.
"I don't see why not." said the Sage.
All the men beamed.

Just then, a new kind of presence whispered at the Jedi Master through the Force. Her head snapped toward the doors of the Centre. A young man had just entered, but that wasn't what drew her gaze toward him. It was the searching energy rolling in with him.
"I'll be right back, gentlemen. Don't rush your breather." she said as she hopped off the crate before heading in the direction of what was clearly a young Force User, the Force guiding her in this instance.

Her entire being exuded calmness and balance as she walked up to him with a smile.

"Am I correct in sensing that you were guided here for a reason, hm?"

 

[Balun Dashiell]

The heart of the Foundation sprawled before Balun Dashiell like a labyrinth of untapped potential, its vastness humming with the rhythm of industry. He had just stepped into what appeared to be a massive staging area for cargo and transport—perhaps only a segment of a much larger hangar within the facility. All around him, droids flitted between tasks with mechanical precision, guiding repulsorlift-powered cargo haulers that effortlessly carried tons of equipment between docked starships and their designated storage stations or workshops.

A seasoned mechanical engineer and starship manufacturer himself, Balun took a moment to soak in the organized chaos. Smaller vessels dotted the hangar's expanse, their crews moving methodically—restocking supplies, refueling, or making swift repairs before their next departure. His keen eye traced the contours of their hulls, assessing their design, modifications, and the subtle battle scars etched into their plating.

"Am I correct in sensing that you were guided here for a reason, hm?"

He had heard rumors that the Foundation housed Jedi and other Force-users, so sensing their signatures upon arrival hadn't particularly surprised him. Still, he hadn't expected to encounter one so soon—let alone a Master. And yet, here Zhea Nox was, standing before him, radiating an undeniable presence.

Irony twisted through the moment. She could already sense why he had come, as if his very purpose had preceded him.

As Balun turned to fully face her, his gaze caught on the intricate tattoos adorning her face. She was humanoid, but the markings stirred recognition. He had seen similar patterns before in archives and holorecords—most notably those of the Kiffar, a people known for their distinctive facial tattoos, each unique to an individual and their clan. If he wasn't mistaken, her lineage likely traced back to Kiffu. Though he had never set foot on the planet himself, he had encountered a few Kiffar during his time in the New Jedi Order and had studied their culture in his youth.

Remembering the customs instilled in him during his Jedi training, Balun bowed in respect, acknowledging the depth of her connection to the Force. Her presence was potent—an unseen tide that filled the space around her, unnoticed by those without sensitivity, but palpable to him.

"You are correct, Master...?" He hesitated, the question left hanging as a silent request for her name. But before she could answer, he reconsidered. Perhaps it was more courteous to introduce himself first.

"My name is Balun Dashiell," he said, straightening. "I was once a student of the New Jedi Order on Coruscant, but I left of my own accord when I was fifteen. I've spent the last six years on my own, forging my own path. A friend recently introduced me to the Foundation, and I thought that—perhaps—there might be a Master here… someone less clandestine, who could help me complete my training."

His words lingered in the air between them, an unspoken hope woven into the fabric of his request.

 

[Zhea Nox]

ECLIPSE
FOUNDATION CENTRE | THEED
TAG: Balun Dashiell

ULILI E​

Zhea smiled as the young man's gaze fell on her tattoos.

She had long since grown accustomed to strangers gawking at her appearance. Her own family had differed from the norm, as they did not utilise the typical yellow paint for their markings, but blue. Her hair-colour also strayed from the normal Kiffarian genetics. It was one of the reasons she was sent to the town Shaman to be mentored - she was kissed by lightning, or so the rumour went.

She did, however, graciously wave away the formal yet respectful bow he gave her. She was never one for the rigid traditions of the Jedi. Retain the good nature, not the mannerisms.

"You are correct, Master...?"

"Zhea Nox." she introduced herself fleetingly before he continued to introduce himself. She was careful to keep shock from showing on her face, however, when he expressed his need for a Force Master to help him complete his training. She could relate to walking away from the Order - she had done so herself. Under duress initially, but later, it was of her own volition that she stayed separated from it. It was still troubling in a way, that one so young decided to walk away.

One thing the Kiffar had missed while predominantly working on Teth, was to teach the younger generation the ways of a Jedi and the Force. She had seen two of her Padawans reach Knighthood. If it wasn't for Simon's intervention at the time, she would have seen a third finish his trials. She longed to continue passing on her knowledge - even if she was no longer part of the Order.

"Well, Balun, you thought right." Zhea said. "But, tell me, before I go any further - do you wish to make normal people's hope a reality while also fighting for their safety and freedom - no matter who you have to fight against?" she then asked. She was willing to take him on and finish his training as he so hoped, but she had to know if he would be able to commit to the cause of the Foundation. The Sage had found her calling once more - she'd much rather teach him while working with the Foundation than walk away from the cause in order to teach him.

She sincerely hoped his heart was in the right place and not self-serving.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

The name Zhea Nox held no meaning for Balun. No distant memory stirred, no recognition flickered in his mind.

That wasn't surprising.

Six years had passed since he'd last walked the halls of the Jedi Order. In that time, the Jakku Enclave, Deneba, Svivren—once familiar bastions of Jedi teachings—had faded into mere echoes of a past life. A life he had stepped away from, willingly. He had little reason, and even less opportunity, to keep up with their affairs.

But what she said next stopped him cold.

"Do you wish to make normal people's hope a reality while also fighting for their safety and freedom—no matter who you have to fight against?"

It wasn't a simple question.

It carried the weight of countless battles fought, sacrifices made, and futures yet to be decided.

Balun exhaled, his gaze steady, his expression unreadable.

"I'm no stranger to the fight," he admitted at last. His voice was measured—not boastful, not hesitant, but tempered by experience. "I fought to protect the civil rights of those under the Empire of the Lost during my time with the Aquilian Rangers, under the Tingel Arm Coalition. We waged a war of insurgency—just like what I've heard the Foundation is doing now, against the Dark Empire."

He let the words settle, unhurried.

"I'm willing to fight for the right reasons," he continued. "But despite everything—every battle, every close call—I've avoided taking a life. I've always aimed to immobilize, disarm."

For the first time, something flickered across his expression. A shadow of understanding. Of inevitability.

"But I know that luck won't last forever."

Yet, he wasn't blind to the true nature of her question.

Balun tilted his head slightly, studying her. "What you're really asking... is whether I'm willing to fight anyone."

It wasn't truly a question. He already knew the answer she sought.

His lips pressed into a thin line.

"No. Not unconditionally."

The words were firm, resolute.

"If civilian lives are at stake, I will fight for them. But I can't stand here and give you a blind 'yes.' To assume I would fight anyone, without question, would be reckless." His gaze sharpened. "There are plenty of organizations doing good in the Galaxy—ones that may differ in ideology and approach, but that doesn't make them the enemy".

"I've worked hard to separate myself from the blind bias that's been ingrained across Orders, governments, and cultures. I choose to act based on what I see, what I know."

His words hung in the air, unwavering.

And with them, his stance was made clear.