Private Familial Matters [Judah Dashiell]

[Balun Dashiell]

After bidding Judah Dashiell goodnight and closing the bedroom door behind him, Balun made his way to the bed. He settled himself sideways across the mattress, his back resting against the cool wall. With a practiced motion, he unfastened his datapad from his belt, activating it to check his holomail for any updates from the Maldra IV facility.

As he skimmed through the messages, his thoughts drifted to Nouqai Veil , whom he had left back at the Nest. He had helped her escape from both the Sith Order and the Lightsworn, and now, his mind wandered to how she might be handling her newfound freedom in his absence. His best friend's well-being weighed on him—was she struggling to adjust, or had she found some peace? The question lingered as he stared at the screen, the flickering glow of the datapad barely registering against the current of his thoughts.

Balun had slept exceptionally well, far better than he had in a long time. The bed he'd been offered was a luxurious haven, a stark contrast to the stiff bunk back at the Nest on Maldra IV. The comfort it provided was the kind that only credits could buy. As they strolled along the forest path, Balun couldn't help but grin at his father's question. He turned, his expression full of satisfaction. "Yeah, that bed was comfortable as chit!" he said, his voice brimming with approval.

Perched on his shoulder, Luna clung to his robe, her claws gripping tightly but harmlessly, thanks to the thick fabric protecting his skin beneath. The Merqaal, usually so in tune with her surroundings, seemed utterly captivated by the vibrant sights and sounds of the wilderness around them. Up ahead, their trusty BB-model Astromech, Chip, rolled along the path, sensors sweeping the area and scanning for any nearby life signs, ever watchful.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"I've forgotten how teenage boys speak."

Judah rolled his eyes a little. Yet it was good Balun Dashiell had a comfortable evening, despite the fact that he himself did not. In the old salvager's mind, it was critical Balun enjoy the company of the family. It was very evident arguing with the boy wasn't going to change his stance on the fighting and view of the lightside Force users. All he could do was hope to be a more positive influence and remember every teenager rebelled against their parents. Makai did. Balun would be no different.

For now, Judah continued to need to know more about Balun.

"So, you have a girlfriend? Boyfriend? A crush of any sort? I don't think I've asked you that yet. I imagine fighting and moving around the Tingel Arm would make it difficult to find someone, but if I know teenagers, they typically find a way to make it happen."

Shadows stretched across the vibrant green grass as they drew closer to the trees. The stone cottage was a bit of a hike but not totally isolated. It was placed just inside the forest, almost a world away from the mansion complex down in the Cove.

 

[Balun Dashiell]

"So, you have a girlfriend? Boyfriend? A crush of any sort? I don't think I've asked you that yet. I imagine fighting and moving around the Tingel Arm would make it difficult to find someone, but if I know teenagers, they typically find a way to make it happen."

"I had a girlfriend for a while, but that was last year," Balun said, casually revealing both his preference and the fact that he'd had a relationship before. He hesitated for a moment, then continued, "I thought I'd found someone new. I was really into her, but she's not around anymore. She was my co-pilot aboard the Liberty's Edge, the freighter I came in on to Celestia Station."

As he spoke, he shrugged, an attempt to downplay the lingering disappointment in his voice. Iona Starchaser had been awesome—someone special—but life had taken them down different paths. He understood when she explained that she needed to focus on other parts of her life, and he never held it against her. They had parted on good terms, but that didn't make it any easier.

"Thankfully, working with the Coalition isn't all about constant fighting," he began, a hint of relief in his tone. "Honestly, there's more exploring than combat. We spend a lot of time discovering new worlds, meeting with people, and showing them that the Coalition is really looking out for their best interests. Scouting missions, negotiations, diplomacy—it's a mixed bag. There's a lot to do, and it keeps me busy," he admitted, with a slight smile. "But if you're asking whether I spend my downtime partying? Not really my thing."

Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

There was a nod. He reached out and clasped Balun Dashiell on the shoulder, giving a small squeeze. Heartbreak was rough at any age but add in the fact that, at least in his eyes, Balun was still a kid and it made things a little worse. Judah had seen teenage heartbreak first hand and hoped he wouldn't have to intervene as he had done previously. Yet he wan't above meddling in Balun's affairs if push came to shove.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Who knows what will happen? You're still very young, perhaps she will come around again. With so much occurring in the galaxy, its hard to know which way to turn at times."

Truth for no matter what age in life one was at.

"No, I didn't mean partying. However, it wouldn't be an issue. Partying is a natural part of being your age. You should go to a few, experience some fun. Just don't get arrested. I'm not bailing you out over some idiotic antics. There were some great parties in the military when I was your age and a little older. Probably had too much fun that would have horrified my mother."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Balun chuckled softly, more at his own expense than anything else. "Yeah, I've had a drink or two before, but I guess to go to a party you need friends, and... well, I don't exactly have many of those," he admitted with a self-deprecating grin. "The only real friend I've got is Nouqai Veil. We grew up together in the Order. We both left for our own reasons, but we've always had each other's backs."

He conveniently left out the fact that Nouqai was once tied to the Sith, or that she had been captured and held prisoner by the Lightsworn. Balun knew Judah Dashiell wouldn't need much more reason to disapprove of anyone important to him. Just the mention of her past as a Jedi was probably enough to stir doubt.

"As for girls... I'm not in a hurry," Balun continued, shrugging slightly. "I liked Iona, but I never said anything to her. We were crewmates, just getting to know each other. I didn't want to come off like a dick by saying something awkward. As long as she's happy and doing what she wants, that's good enough for me. I've got to keep focusing on my own stuff, you know?"

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"One close friend is better than five or ten not so close friends. I think you're choosing wisely. As for this Iona girl, if she likes you I'm sure she will hang around. I'm sure everything will work out fine in the end. Just stay in touch with your friends once in awhile. Don't let the idea of family get in the way of cultivating your relationships."

Judah wanted Balun Dashiell to continue a normal, regular life. Being a Dashiell was one thing, and they werent abandoning the teenager. Once he was settled and more secure in his role, the old salvager expected things would calm down. That Balun would be more free to focus attention else where than just finding out what it meant to be a part of a family.

Walking along the path in relative silence, the stone cabin set just inside the woodline was coming into view. Quite a contrast from the beach homes along the cove but still just as stunning. Maybe even more so since Bale liked nature and herbs and the like. He would certainly enjoy being set back into the quiet woods.

"What do you think? Plenty of room for a garden. Far enough away from the main house to sneak these girls over you're talking about."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Balun shifted slightly as he responded to his father's question, his expression softening. "Well, if we're talking about friends, Nouqai Veil is definitely my closest," he admitted. He hadn't mentioned her much before, but if there was anyone outside of family that he was truly close to, it was her. "We grew up together in the New Jedi Order. We both left for different reasons, but in the end, neither of us felt it was where we belonged," he explained. Despite the different paths they had walked since leaving, they had never let go of their connection. Their friendship remained steadfast.

There were things Balun didn't share, details that didn't need to weigh down the conversation. Judah didn't need to hear about the complexities of the Sith or the eternal struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force—concepts that had reshaped the very fabric of his and Nouqai's lives. And even if Judah understood, he likely couldn't fully grasp the significance of their bond, one that had endured despite the diverging Force alignments they followed.

A small smirk crept onto Balun's face. "Now that I think about it, I bet she'd love to meet you and Makai," he mused aloud, imagining the scenario. The thought of introducing Nouqai to his newfound family sparked a flicker of curiosity. She had no family of her own, created by the Sith for their purposes, and he had always been careful not to delve too deeply into discussions about the Dashiells with her, wary of how it might affect her.

As they neared the cabin nestled among the woods, Balun's eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering across his face. The stone cabin, surrounded by towering trees, was a stark contrast to the towering skyscrapers of Coruscant, where technology dominated every aspect of life. The rustic, old-fashioned architecture of Joiol exuded a charm that felt comforting in its simplicity. It was a world away from the sleek, high-tech marvels he was used to, but it carried a warmth that resonated with him.

"Wow," Balun breathed as they approached, a genuine sense of appreciation in his voice. "It's beautiful." He glanced over at his father, grinning broadly. "Not what I expected for someone as successful as you, but I love it!" The homely, down-to-earth feel of the cabin was unexpected but exactly the kind of place he could see himself feeling at peace.

Judah Dashiell

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"I'd love to meet her, especially since she is important to you. Just tell me when and where."

Judah wondered if this was another Makai and Myra Arceneau Dashiell situation playing out. Two childhood best friends, both too stupid to realize they were in love with one another? Well, Myra hadn't been oblivious, just the half-Galan. Was Balun Dashiell following in his half-brother's footsteps in being clueless? He wouldn't know until he met this Nouqai Veil and got to see the two interact. For now, he was amusement that just crossed his features at the mention of the 'best friend'.

His feet slowed as they reached the stone cabin. Again, most of the design had been helmed by his son and daughter-in-law. Judah had just been told her was getting a place to stay and was on board, ready to get off Celestia Station and on to solid ground. He had no reason to hide away ; not when the kids needed him soon to watch his first granddaughter. Add in the fact Balun was now present in his life and being settled outside a space station was wise.

"What do you mean? It was originally a guest cottage - business folks coming to stay over. I think the design lends itself well to the forest, nothing to do with wealth."

Joiol was also a place trusted associates could potentially stay if business or personal relationships demanded it. Guest houses were dotted on the property, just in case a larger event drew in multiple families or individuals.

"However, yours if you want to stay here. You're welcome to stay in the guest room too, but I'm aware at seventeen you might want to stretch your wings a little."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

As they walked side by side, Balun glanced over to meet his father's gaze. At first, surprise flashed across his face, but it quickly melted into a warm, appreciative smile. "No, I'd love to call this place home," he replied, enthusiasm coloring his voice. "I've got no issue being closer to you all." His tone carried genuine excitement, reflecting how fortunate he felt about Judah Dashiell 's generous offer. "Being here, surrounded by nature and the wilderness... I love it" he added, his voice alive with passion as he looked around at the rugged landscape.

Of course, there was still the matter of the Tingel Arm Coalition. While serving, he would need Maldra IV as a secondary base, a place to return to during his duty. It would be a second home, though it lacked the personal connection that Joiol now offered. Unlike Maldra IV, Joiol wasn't tied to military life or influenced by governmental factions. Living here would bring him closer to House Dashiell, and he could easily envision himself settling down full-time if his obligations to the Tingel Arm ever waned. The prospect of forging a new path, one free from the weight of his current duties, was enticing.

Judah had given him that chance when he reached out after discovering he had another son. It was an opportunity to embrace a life different from anything Balun had known. Judah's hope for him was clear: he wanted Balun to avoid the dangers that came with military service and life as a Force User among the Aquilian Rangers. Judah's distaste for the Jedi was evident, but Balun had come to understand it was more than that—his father simply wanted him to be safe and happy. Adjusting to the idea of having someone care about him in that way, looking at him with genuine paternal concern, had taken time, but Balun now felt a sense of comfort he had never known before.