Private Catching Rides on Kesh

[Iona Starchaser]

Heading off Kesh went smoothly. Once Balun Dashiell mentioned the transponder codes, she had grown a little worried that someone may be looking for this vessel and put an alert out to traffic controls. So far, at least in this sector, that hadn't been the case. She was much more happy once they were in hyperspace and relatively safe for the moment.

Once they were in hyperspace, Iona went for an unofficial tour of the Liberty on her own. Not that she was poking around into private places or trying to find things. She had other things in mind ; that was checking out what they were working with. Or specifically, what she was working with. Iona hadn't been lying that she was good at maintenance or things of that sort. She was great at it. Loved doing it.

First thing was first, checking out the spare parts on hand. There was a little maintenance locker in the massive cargo space she was currently rifling through and cataloging on a small scrap of paper she had found. She was being watched by the droid, Chip, and she didn't mind, instead talking to the droid as she did her cataloging.

"You know Chip, a good maintenance closet means the difference from being dead in the water and getting attacked by pirates or being able to fix things and continue on. Not saying this ship isn't in good shape. Its in great shape. However....things happen. Especially if what Balun was telling me about this place being a home and base. Lots of wear."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Once the Liberty's Edge had jumped into Hyperspace, Balun remained in the cockpit, kicking his feet up atop the dash and reclining the pilot's chair back to take a much lazier-looking position. At the same time, Luna stayed on his lap, snuggled up against him. Iona Starchaser had wandered off within the Freighter, and he had decidedly left her to get a feel for the place while his attention turned to the Merqaal, giving her a scratch behind the feelers.

The little critter had three feelers on either side of her head. She could sense the vibrations of others within the nearby vicinity, a unique trait of her kind. "She seems alright, huh?" he whispered to Luna, who lifted her head to gaze at him. She understood his words through the Force Bond that they shared, Balun having an innate attachment to the natural worlds, specifically animals. Luna gave a light chirp, a back in her manner of being, and soon began to purr as she did when she was affectionate; "Yeah, I like her too," Balun grinned, soon leaning his head back against the headrest and closing his eyes.

​

Chip's movements within the ship were loud and difficult to miss; the BB-Model Astromech's body rolling against the durasteel flooring created a metal rumble as it followed Iona around curiously. It was a curious droid, intelligent yet highly curious about their new crewmate. Giving an energetic whirl, the droid said hello as it rolled up alongside the woman who appeared to be rummaging about one of the maintenance lockers.

"You know Chip, a good maintenance closet means the difference from being dead in the water and getting attacked by pirates or being able to fix things and continue on. Not saying this ship isn't in good shape. Its in great shape. However....things happen. Especially if what Balun was telling me about this place being a home and base. Lots of wear."

The droid's head tilted sideways, the monoscopic looking back at the locker momentarily before staring back up at Iona. //Unit Balun's mechanical aptitude is... suboptimal, to say the least// The droid responded in binary, sounding a series of clicks, whistles, and vibrations from its audio vocalizer. The little droid had tried to teach Balun how to fix his Starfighter back when the pair had been on Targonn, but it had taken the young man an awful long time to follow Chip's instructions; //It is a relief that you possess the necessary skills for repairs. We have sustained multiple blaster impacts, and I harbour concerns for the integrity of my components should further damage be incurred without adequate remediation//.

 

[Iona Starchaser]

The droid's head tilted sideways, the monoscopic looking back at the locker momentarily before staring back up at Iona. //Unit Balun's mechanical aptitude is... suboptimal, to say the least// The droid responded in binary, sounding a series of clicks, whistles, and vibrations from its audio vocalizer. The little droid had tried to teach Balun how to fix his Starfighter back when the pair had been on Targonn, but it had taken the young man an awful long time to follow Chip's instructions; //It is a relief that you possess the necessary skills for repairs. We have sustained multiple blaster impacts, and I harbour concerns for the integrity of my components should further damage be incurred without adequate remediation//.

Like any good Starchaser, Iona was fluent enough in binary to understand. She had been at this since she was a young girl, so it had been easy to pick up along the way. Useful too, especially if she wanted to spend her Jedi 'career' out in the hyperlanes. Now she was able to get all the gossip about Balun Dashiell from the little droid as she worked.

"Unit Balun isn't gifted with the hydrospanner huh? You should give him a break, seems he tried holding things together the best he knows how. Then it all fell apart, if I'm getting the right impression."

Or maybe she had the wrong impression. It seemed he had tried with the clan and it didn't work out. Balun didn't seem too hurt by it but she could read between the lines, he had been looking for a replacement family. Maybe he'd get there some day.

"So there is damage now that needs remediation? When I offered to work for my passage he dismissed the idea of anything needing fixing. If you show me maybe I can repair it in hyperspace. If not,when we get to that Nest place I can most likely do it there. Wouldn't want you to have to worry about your components Chip."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

//Analysis of Unit Balun's behavior indicates a compassionate nature and benevolent interactions towards this unit. However, auditory recordings suggest internal conflict. Unit Balun attempts to project an image of control, yet his private vocalizations towards organic lifeform Luna reveal underlying anxieties. His apparent unawareness of this unit's auditory capabilities suggests a degree of emotional distress. Historical data indicates Unit Balun's prior affiliation with the Jedi Order, though it appears this was not a volitional choice. Abandoned on Coruscant with no memory of origin, Unit Balun exhibits signs of psychological distress related to his identity. Further observation is recommended.//

The BB-Model Astromech responded without much consideration of speaking on subjects most personal to Balun Vale. Instead, he spoke as though Chip's analysis was based on fact, without an ounce of uncertainty about his findings. Truthfully, Balun would have been mortified to have heard the little droid speaking so honestly about his personal life, but by this point all life within the cockpit had fallen silent, save for the subtle snoring of the Merqaal who slept soundly on the young man's lap.

//Diagnostic and repair procedures were executed upon Unit Balun's Tri-Wing S-91x Pegasus Starfighter. Analysis suggests the vessel holds sentimental value, as it was salvaged and refurbished in collaboration with an elder Jedi, designated Julius Sedaire. Unit Balun refers to this individual as his 'Master,' however, their documented interactions are limited. The veracity of this claim remains inconclusive. Analysis of the Liberty's Edge indicates all systems are functioning within optimal parameters. However, vessel logs confirm unauthorized acquisition by the technologically advanced manufacturing conglomerate, Locke and Key Mechanics.//

Chip would soon turn away from Iona Starchaser and begin rolling down towards the Liberty's Edge's cargo hold, the largest space within the Freighter where all supplies, vehicles and transport was stored. //Scanning of the Liberty's Edge indicates a comprehensive engineering station onboard. Should you require fabrication of tools or supplies for future missions with Unit Balun, this unit can provide access and assistance. Would you like a demonstration of its capabilities?//.

 

[Iona Starchaser]

Iona listened carefully as she finished making the final notes on the maintenance closet. They were missing some vital components that if they had one hand, would make her sleep a little easier at night. Some of these parts were pricey. This made sense that they were missing. Some were small and inexpensive ; she would start their first. Many could be easily salvaged and she could rebuild and recondition them while they were in hyperspace.

Only if Captain Balun Dashiell wanted her to, of course.

"Further observation it is then."

She would keep what Chip told her close to her chest. She didn't want Bale to be self-conscious that the droid told her so much about his personal life. Some she had gathered through observation. Most Chip had laid out plainly. It was clear the little droid was concerned about Unit Balun in some capacity.

Supply list was ripped from the notebook and placed her in pocket. Iona would put the piece of paper in 'her' room so she could keep what they needed front of mind. This way when they stopped somewhere it would be easy to refer to it without putting Balun on the spot, making him feel as if he had to pay for it or go out of his way.

"Teach me your ways Chip."

Following Chip, she nodded, reaching back behind her head and gathering her long black hair into a pony tail. It appeared they might be doing some real work. Or maybe she would just be watching the droid. It was difficult to say.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Chip gave a loud and joyous whistle, Iona Starchaser agreeing with his analysis and conclusion of the little droid's human master. The BB-Model Droid rolled on down the Freighter's corridor, straight off the edge of the top step, and bounced with a loud clatter of metal against metal as it cleared the three stairs leading into the large cargo hold.

The first ground vehicle within sight of their entrance into the massive hold was the heavy transport, a mobile infantry carrier built for moving across battlefields. It could carry an entire squad of troopers and was manned with an anti-personnel heavy blaster cannon atop the roof of the driver's cabin. //This armoured personnel carrier is in factory-new condition. No maintenance or repairs are necessary at this time//, Chip exclaimed, his upper half swivelling to look back at Iona as the droid's body continued rolling ahead.

They would both continue on, moving past the ten or so Swoop Bikes, variable models and makes, speeder bikes that had originally been meant to be sold individually. //Unit Balun has allocated a speeder bike for each member of Clan Terentatek. His designated preference is the Mobquet Flare-S model located closest to the boarding ramp// The little droid pointed out and, after that, presented its conclusion.

//Due to the mission's current status, Clan Terentatek has not fulfilled their quota, resulting in a surplus speeder bike units. You are authorized to select one for your personal use//

There wasn't any other significant cargo on deck, but rather an ample space, leaving the rest of the Hold open for Iona Starchaser to make of as she wished. The cornerstone of the Hold, however, was the Engineering Station located at the far corner, to the right, as one would board the Clifford-Class Freighter. This station was state-of-the-art, as the Ship had been on show for prospective wealthy Locke & Key Mechanics backers the day Balun had stolen her. The company had gone the distance to equip her with all the bells and whistles to appeal to the tech-savvy financers.

//It is suggested that you personalize this station to your specifications. Unit Balun has not allocated resources to this section of the vessel therefore it is logical to designate it as your personal domain//

 

[Iona Starchaser]

"Oh...uh...thanks?"

Iona wasn't sure she was interested in a speeder bike. It was a great offer but she wasn't sure settling in and claiming speeder bikes was her style. Nor did she think a speeder bike was her style. She had never ridden on one, much less tried to navigate on one. It didn't seem like a great time to just randomly start either.

Besides, she wasn't sure Chip was authorized to approve her to do much beyond necessary repairs. Despite what the bossy little droid seemed to think.

Looking over the Engineering Station, it was a dream come true. The vessel was well equipped to ensure it ran smoothly just with this addition alone. Iona wondered who they stole the vessel from. Someone with a great deal of credits to run a crew. No doubt there was someone who was a mechanic or engineer of some sort who had been on board this thing. Or had planned to be on board.

"Thank you, but I won't be claiming any part of Unit Balun's ship. Its his to do what he wants with. I'm just aboard to assist. I don't want to step on his toes or get in the way of what he had been doing. The Clan and such. I agreed to help and follow, but I'm very aware this isn't my vessel. I will though, Chip, get the engineering station up for when we inevitability have to part ways. This way when Bale gets his feet under him and his confidence back to be a leader, everything will be good to go."

A pause.

"Makes sense, right?"

 

[Balun Dashiell]

//Negative. Assessment indicates Unit Balun would benefit from companionship to mitigate potential for irrational decision-making. Though demonstrating trust is not his primary function, he has granted you unrestricted access to the Liberty's Edge. This suggests a high level of confidence in your abilities//

The BB-Model Astromech Droid, with its single, large reticle, communicated in a unique binary language of whistles, clicks, and mechanical chirps. Iona, understanding the challenge Balun faced in understanding the Binary dialect, provided the droid with a more relatable life form to converse with. Her role in facilitating this communication was crucial, and her less cynical nature was a refreshing change from Balun's usual demeanour.

//Positive assessment. Unit Balun's actions indicate a lack of concern regarding resource misappropriation during his recharge cycle. This suggests a significant level of trust in your integrity. Observation: Unit Balun has acquired an additional companion. This unit expresses satisfaction, as prior analysis indicated a deficiency in Unit Balun's social interactions//

Chip agreed, seemingly focusing on Iona's newfound position aboard the Liberty's Edge. While the little droid did not share the same emotional connection to the environment or the people around it, the astromech did have advanced heuristic systems. Over the decades of Chip's existence, its personality had developed over time with experience and further learning, increasing its digital library of knowledge and understanding to simulate emotional responses that sentient beings would comfortably respond to.

//Analysis of Unit Balun's physical condition indicates optimal health and fitness. Additionally, access to interstellar transportation capabilities presents numerous opportunities for prosperous existence. Recommendation: Organic individual Iona Starchaser should maintain association with Unit Balun//

 

[Iona Starchaser]

Iona was amused at Chip's assessment of Balun Dashiell . It was clear the little droid had quite a bit to say but no one around to listen before her. It was endearing in a way, the unit felt some responsibility towards 'Unit Balun' as was referred. It made her wonder about the other members of the Clan, and what role they had played in Balun's life. Or even in Chip's life.

Perhaps she would have more answers when they reached this base called 'The Nest'.

"I will maintain association with Unit Balun, don't worry. No plans on leaving the Liberty's Edge quickly. The Force has called me here so here I will remain. There's a reason we have run into one another. What that reason is remains to be seen. Its still too far early to tell in my opinion."

Light green hand came and patted the dome of Chip affectionately, as if to thank him for his insights. It seemed her new Captain was an interesting one, if the droid was to be believed. Layered. She barely knew anything about him in this moment, so the journey would prove enlightening. If Chip was to be believed, Balun could sorely use the companionship.

"In addition to Unit Balun, I think Unit Chip will also be a good companion on this journey."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

//Negative. Your logic pathways appear compromised. Unit Chip's programming is incompatible with the organic reproductive cycle of Homo sapiens. However, Unit Iona's genetic matrix aligns perfectly//

Chip would respond. The little Astromech had been suggesting something more intimate between Balun and Iona Starchaser and, in splendid droid fashion, had neglected to consider the embarrassment that this might cause for Balun Vale, who was fortunately still asleep at the helm of the ship. His feet kicked up on the dash and Luna curled up against him.

As if right on queue to save Balun any further shame and the droid any further damage, a brief alarm rang across the cockpit, waking Balun up and alerting him to their imminent arrival. He quickly dropped his feet and leaned in, causing Luna to scramble up on top of the dash so as not to be squashed while Balun's hands ran fluently across the controls, deactivating the alarm and preparing to pull the Liberty's Edge out of Hyperspace.

Turning briefly to his right, he leaned over and activated the Ship's internal comms; "Heads up, we're about to come out of FTL. We've arrived at Maldra IV" Balun spoke into the mic, his voice echoing throughout every section of the Heavy Freighter.

Glad to be home, Balun pulled back on the throttle and killed the hyperdrive. The Hyperspace route they had been taking suddenly receded, and the star lanes slowed and returned to their static positions, dotting the blanket of darkness that was deep space. Ahead of the ship, the enormous glowing orb of Maldra IV encompassed the entire reach of the cockpit's transparisteel window, and leaning back into the pilot's chair, Balun smiled to himself as he set about guiding the ship down towards the world's atmosphere.

Pulling on the headset hanging above his station, Balun spoke into the mic to announce their arrival to the Aquilian Rangers at home in the waiting Base on the surface; "Liberty's Edge, hailing the Nest. Incoming on four-five-one. Dash. three-eight-two. How copy?".

It didn't take a moment for a reply to come through the comms, to which Balun smiled. "Copy that; see you soon", he concluded. The Liberty's Edge would lurch forward as Balun turned her nose towards the world's atmosphere and commenced their descent down through orbit and into the clouds.

 

[Iona Starchaser]

Iona snorted back some laughter. In the binary black-and-white thinking if a droid, there was no friendship. Chip wasn't a protocol droid so she doubted he had the advanced programming to recognize subtle patterns in sentient interactions. It was amusing to hear, although she wasn't going to chastise the droid for such suggestions. Balun Dashiell was cute but there would be no 'reproductive cycle' worries going on.

"I'll keep the advice in mind, Unit Chip."

Lucky for her, the alarms went off signalling they were coming out of hyperspace. Their approach towards this 'Nest' had been uneventful beyond getting to know Chip better, and she had been thankful for the peace and quiet. She was concerned about this home base of sort though. No place crawling with soldiers could stay hidden from the enemy for long - just how well hidden was it to prevent unwanted attention?

To say she was a little nervous was an understatement. She had only been in minor scraps, not all out wars. It was a small possibility but one that was in the back of her mind either way. Balun seemed unconcerned but then again, he seemed to thrive on this type of lifestyle. All she wanted to do was travel the hyperlanes and help people.

"Look's like we're approaching Chip, come on."

Iona made her way to the cockpit, sliding into the co-pilots chair. She immediately started to check the readouts, the status of the vessel as they entered the atmosphere. Chip was right, so far well maintained.

"Sorry Captain, Chip was giving me a rundown of the cargo space and the tools at my disposal to keep this vessel running."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

"Sorry Captain, Chip was giving me a rundown of the cargo space and the tools at my disposal to keep this vessel running."

"No worries. I'm glad you're getting to know the Ship," Balun smirked as he glanced to his left, where she had quickly assumed the co-pilot's mantle. By this point, the edge of the transparisteel screen had begun to glow a faint orange as the ship had begun its descent down through orbit. A low rumble was felt across the floor as space turned to sky, gravity taking its toll.

"I'm Logging coordinates for the Nest now; they should come up on your navigation screen," Balun said, providing Iona Starchaser with the location of the highly secretive base's coordinates. Though many people would have called it a reckless gamble, it was a show of good faith. Balun had been given a good feeling about her, and he always went with his gut.

The Nest was only some clicks from where they were now, and the entrance into the underground Hangar was imposing. A sprawling sentient-made tunnel that connected the surface with the hive-like construction beneath the ground. "We'll be heading underground shortly. Try not to brick yourself," Balun chuckled lightly as the Liberty's Edge shot down beneath the clouds and Maldra IV's landscape came into view. Miles upon miles of open wilderness.

Forestry, grassy plains, and a surprising lack of settlements gave this place the perfect excuse for a covert centre of operations.

Having already announced their arrival, the mouth to the underground entrance had been opened. The massive bulkhead door was made to withstand the collision of the unwanted craft and receded into the earth as the Heavy Freighter dove down into the gaping darkness. The absence of natural lighting would soon be replaced by synthetic lighting, and for a time, it would appear that the tunnel ran for miles.

That was until they eventually reached the Hangar. The vast upper basement level was utilized purely for countless vessels, starfighters, Personnel transports, and numerous other craft that lined the Hangar Floor, all part of the Tingel Arm Coalition's Fleet. It was a truly impressive display.

"Some of these craft aren't currently in use, but were salvaged from what was left here when we found the place," Balun explained, glancing to Iona once more. "The Nest is sort of a home away from home for the Coalition, used as a staging ground for operations this side of the Rim," he added, all while maneuvering the Liberty's Edge around and priming the gear for their inevitable landing.

 

[Iona Starchaser]

Iona was thankful that Balun Dashiell had mentioned they were diving towards the earth to enter. Otherwise she would have worried the other had some type of suicidal thoughts, even their speed and trajectory. Eyes struggled to adjust in the tunnel for a moment, until they were thrust out into a larger space. A landing pad, filled with other vessels.

"Very fascinating. Why so deep underground? Is this Collation aggressive? They have many enemies? Or was this just an easy picking? Abandoned and taken over for use? It seems very deep underground, able to withstand orbital bombardment."

She realized that was a lot of questions but something like this was beyond her. It was all very new to her. Even more new was the fact Balun was taking her down here. They barely knew one another - she didn't even know what planet he hailed from yet. Still, she didn't expect any issues from the teenager.

Iona could feel Liberty's Edge start to settle down, they had finally landed.

"Anyone else here? Or we have the run of the place?

 

[Balun Dashiell]

"A few of the Aquilian Rangers and I found this place; pirates and outlaws lived there. The base had already been built, but it was a mess, and most of the technology had already been scavenged by the time we found it. We cleared out the criminals, and I suggested we put it to use. The Coalition had the funds and the resources to refurbish the place. You could say they own it now, but I have free reign to come and go. I guess this is what you'd consider to be my home at the moment," he explained as they had begun to shut down the Liberty's Edge, and Balun had started for the cargo haul, grabbing his backpack towards the loading ramp.

Balun gestured for Iona Starchaser to accompany him as the loading ramp hissed, the cabin depressurised, and the underground hangar's cooler air flowed into the ship's interior, causing his tunic to waver against the breeze.

"There's something like eight or nine underground levels. This is the first, closest to the surface," Balun described as they started down the loading ramp and out into the open of the vast Hangar; "Unfortunately, it's not just us here. You'll see Rangers and Rebels coming to and from this base. Maldra IV is near the mouth of the Tingel Arm, so it's a good staging and rearming position en route to other priority targets". The Nest was home to some and a frequent stop-in for many within the Tingel Arm Coalition's militia.

After stepping out into the hangar, Balun saw several people walking on the floor, either working on their ships or preparing to leave. Additionally, a variety of droids, ranging from whimsical Pit Droids to the more imposing protocol models, were used for the hangar's maintenance and cleaning duties.

"Some of these people may even know about the Wardens of the Sky, by the way" he glanced back to Iona with a faint grin. He hadn't forgotten who she was really looking for. "Anyone who's got a bone to pick with the Empire has likely heard of them, but as you say, knowing them is a different story. Still, I figured it might be a good place to start. We also have a residential level, our housing for Coalition Personnel and any guests...-If they are lucky enough".

 

[Iona Starchaser]

"Maldra IV is a great trading hub, so this place is even more of a good find. Hidden gem, I bet the pirates and criminals fought hard to give it up. I know I would have. This is a very fascinating base and ingenious one. I look forward to poking around as much as I can before I need to leave. I'm aware there are security concerns so I will be respectful."

Iona walked out of Liberty's Edge, leaving her bag on the ship. She was more comfortable in her small bunk on board then staying in dorms or guest accommodations in the Nest. Just a personal thing. She already imposed on Balun so it was just easier to keep everything in the vessel and use it as her home base for the time being.

"Yeah, they might, who knows."

Iona was taking her cues from Balun Dashiell at the moment. She was an intruder here and if she was reading between the lines, they may not take well to intruders. Best to stick close and appear as a guest until things were more clear. Until folks realized she wasnt some kind of threat to the operation as a whole.

"Your home huh? So you come here often?"

 

[Balun Dashiell]

"Honestly, you should be fine if you drop my name. I've got high-level clearance. There are only a few Aquilian Rangers in the Tingel Arm Coalition, and I'm one of them. I may be a new recruit, but it gives me some privilege around here. Plus, I'm partly responsible for clearing out this place and handing it over to the Coalition. Originally, I considered it a good base for the Clan, but...-Well, you know," he explained to Iona Starchaser as they walked together through the large Hangar. Sure, he was taking some liberties by bringing her there, but if she was going to be a part of his crew and co-pilot, she needed to be clued in on what was going on in his life.

"A lot of our travelling will be done on behalf of the Coalition. They're my priority these days. We're out here trying to keep the Imperials from claiming any more worlds and oppressing good, innocent people," he continued, wanting Iona to know what she had signed up for.

"I understand if you decide to back out, but I wanted to be upfront with you. I never thought I'd be taking on a life like this, especially considering I didn't particularly appreciate sparring back on Coruscant, but it seems there will be a fight for the Outer Rim. I have the skills, so I feel like I should use them for the right reasons," he concluded. Balun didn't want to force Iona into a fight she might disagree with. Thinking about it now, he probably should have let her know sooner. It hadn't crossed his mind until now. Idiot.

"And yeah, I don't have anywhere else to go", he replied to her final question relatively simply, stating the fact. Thanks to the Coalition, Hurikane had a Jedi Temple now, but like back on Coruscant, Balun didn't feel like he belonged in a Temple. He thought he learned best out in the field, tackling life as it came his way.

 

[Iona Starchaser]

Iona paused, unsure of how to answer Balun Dashiell . She didn't want to offend the teenager, especially since he gave her a ride with no questions asked. Besides, they were becoming fast friends and she didn't want to jeopardize anything that was budding between them. She lived a solitary life outside the Starchaser family, and she was quite close to her cousin Kaia Starchaser . Beyond that...

"I don't know Balun....Look...I don't think Jedi need to be warriors. I think it goes against everything I've been taught. I don't think I could fight. Help people? Yes, sign me up."

She was a clear product of growing up in old Levantine Sanctum space. A former hodgepodge of Jedi and lightsiders ans their teachers. Folks who had drifted this far to spread their word and create small Enclaves to train others. Several still existed, small schools and Temples scattered about the Tingel Arm.

"Sorry. I think you're looking for someone to fight a war with you. Thats not me. Thats not my philosophy. I still want to be friends with you. I understand why you feel you need to go on this journey. It is admirable. Yet it does not align with my vision of the future."

Iona sighed and looked up at him.

"We're still friends right? I like you."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

"I don't know Balun....Look...I don't think Jedi need to be warriors. I think it goes against everything I've been taught. I don't think I could fight. Help people? Yes, sign me up."

He hadn't yet realised it, but Iona Starchaser 's approval meant a lot to him. He understood what she was saying, and why. But he also felt the need to backtrack in order to avoid losing any of her respect or disappointing her; "Don't get me wrong, I've never killed anyone, and I have been going out of my way to try and avoid it. I get that fighting doesn't sound like a good time; it's just that these people need help, and I can help do that for them. It's not like we want to go out there and kill everyone; a lot of our assignments are running supplies for those who need medical attention or have been starved because the Imperials have cut off supply lines," he tried to explain.

"The Core Worlds have the Galactic Alliance, but out here in the Outer Rim Territories and the Tingel Arm, there's almost no one willing to stand up to the bad guys out there, to stop people from walking over the innocent. Is that not what being a Jedi is about? Keeping the peace and discouraging the oppression of sentient rights?" He asked Iona, curious to understand what her opinion of the Jedi was, exactly.

"I'm sorry I didn't say any of this sooner, and I don't want you getting caught up in something you don't believe in or feel strongly against", he soon apologised, his words genuine as he glanced back to her as they walked through the Hangar.

"Sorry. I think you're looking for someone to fight a war with you. Thats not me. Thats not my philosophy. I still want to be friends with you. I understand why you feel you need to go on this journey. It is admirable. Yet it does not align with my vision of the future."

"Nah, I didn't bring you here because I want you to fight with us. There are plenty of ways to help people in the Outer Rim and trust me; I get it; it wasn't until I met my Master, Julius Sedaire , that I came out here, to begin with. I hated sparring with other students, let alone getting caught up in possibly violent situations. I need you to believe me when I say I have no intention of killing anyone. Even on Coruscant when the Dark Empire invaded, I did everything I could to disarm the Dark Jedi who were attacking the Temple..." his voice trailed momentarily as he thought back to the horrific fight that had been brought to the heart of the New Jedi Order and the Galactic Alliance. He had seen what people like that could do, or at least the worst that they could do if they were left unchecked. Much of his experience during the invasion had fuelled his desire to help the Tingel Arm Coalition.

Iona sighed and looked up at him.

"We're still friends right? I like you."

Balun physically paused, his pace slowing as he possibly misinterpreted her words. That or he was overthinking them. "Well....-Yeah, of course. I like you too" he smiled a little awkwardly as he said it. For some reason he felt like a wamprat staring at the thrusters of a primed starship, the moment that he had said it. It was uncomfortable, but it wasn't untrue. He simply wasn't used to offering other people such honest and evident gestures of affection. If anything, he had been avoiding it.

 

[Iona Starchaser]

Is that not what being a Jedi is about? Keeping the peace and discouraging the oppression of sentient rights?

"Our job is to protect and defend. Where I have a problem is that when Jedi become weapons for a government, like your Tingel Arm. Or the Galactic Alliance. We aren't soldiers. No Jedi should be leading the charge, aligning themselves with governments, being their representatives. We should be helping every innocent sentient who needs it. So I do agree with delivering food and supplies behind enemy territory."

Slender shoulders shrugged. She had nothing against Balun Dashiell and his vision or his interpretation of how Jedi should be seen. There was so much gray area in some of the teachings and philosophies that she could see where he was indeed coming from, aligning himself with a larger cause. He was also raised by the New Jedi Order.

"Both of us are products of our upbringing. I don't think there is a right or wrong answer in this situation. I've seen Jedi argue for weeks on end about this. So if the great Masters who taught me as a child can disagree, then I feel there is no real solution beyond finding common ground. Helping people is our common ground."

Shoulder playfully bumped into him as they walked.

"So this is your home huh? You have a room here? Let me see it. I want to see what else I can deduce about you from it."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Balun nodded a little. He did understand how she felt; at one point, he felt the same, but after meeting Julius and becoming an apprentice, he had wanted to impress the old veteran and give Julius Sedaire a reason to want to keep him around. So far, it hadn't worked. "I don't want you to think less of me..." he replied softly as they left the Hangar and headed towards the central pillar comprising numerous turbo-lifts that would take them further down into The Nest.

"I feel like the Aquilian Rangers are more of a peacekeeping force like the Wardens of the Sky, people who travel throughout the Outer Rim Territories and bring whatever help we can, depending on the people's needs. That's my official role, since leaving the New Jedi Order. I don't know if that changes anything" he shrugged a little as they reached the turbo-lift and he pressed the call button, turning to glance back to Iona Starchaser as they waited.

"The floor below this one is Residential. I have a room, but it's a bit of a mess. I didn't exactly plan on bringing someone back with me," he smiled warily. 'Especially a Girl'. "I'm just warning you now," he added. Balun had spent his spare time working on his lightsaber and parts for his Starfighter. He had recently completed work on his K-16 Bryar Pistol, modifications that he had studied via the Archives and then set to work on his own. "Honestly, I spend most of my time on the Liberty's Edge. This place is home to me, but mostly because I have nowhere else to go. My room's more like a workshop I guess with a bed for me and Luna. Unless we've got an urgent assignment, I've been doing more exploring and trying to get to know the Outer Rim more, lately".