Private The Holiday

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Judah Dashiell

Myra leaned back in her chair, her gaze fixed on Judah as he spoke, her expression thoughtful. The way he spoke of Balun with a mixture of regret and uncertainty reminded her of her own complicated feelings when Danger and Alric had first taken her in. It took years to find her place, even with people who were eager to give her one.

When he finished, she nodded slowly, letting a small, encouraging smile touch her lips. "You know, it's okay to mourn the 'what ifs.' You wouldn't be the man you are if you didn't care about what could've been. But... I don't think that's where you need to focus now... at least, coming from the perspective of one whose own life got flipped on its axis young."

She tilted her head, studying him. "Balun's not a kid, Judah. He's a young man almost grown, and from what I've heard, he was raised to be independent in a way most people can't even imagine. Jedi or not, it sounds like he's had to navigate life without you for a long time. And yeah, that's hard. But it also means you're not starting with a blank slate, you're finding common ground with someone who's already built a lot of who they are."

Her fingers drummed lightly on the table as she collected her thoughts. "When I first came to my mama and Alric, I didn't even talk. For years, I just... didn't know how to be part of their world. And they didn't push -- they just gave me the space to figure it out while letting me know they were there when I needed them."

She leaned forward slightly, her tone gentle but firm. "It's not about how you would've raised him or the things you didn't get to do together. It's about now. Who he is, who you are, and what you can build from here. You don't have to have all the answers, Judah. Just be there. The rest will come."

Her smile widened, warmth radiating in her voice. "And if he's anything like Makai, he'll come around. Maybe not in the way you expect, but he'll come around. Just give it time."

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah waited until she was completely finished speaking, taking in her experience and words. If anyone would know what it was like to suddenly be thrust in a family it was her. If he was being honest, there were times he wondered if Myra Arceneau Dashiell ever really found herself completely comfortable in the family. Obviously she was loved and wanted, but something about her words and her admission of trying to find her place in everything made him wonder. Not that he would ever ask.

Reaching out, he gave her cheek a gentle, affectionate pat.

"I thought you said you were worried about being wise enough to be someone's mother?"

He smiled before giving a small shrug, dropping his hand.

"Looks like life is giving me another exercise in patience. Here I thought I already proved myself on that front. Thank you though, for the advice and perspective Myra."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Judah Dashiell

Myra's nose slightly scrunted when Judah gave her cheek an affectionate pat. Her eyes turned into little squinty amused slits, a hint of fondness in them, before the young woman went back to drinking her water.

"Happy to be here if you need to chat anytime," Myra reassured him, her grey eyes reflecting her genuine offer. She took a moment to observe the figures outside, her gaze panning over the enormous windows that overlooked the deck and onto the sea. Little figures in the distance would reveal there were four out there. She could recognize Makai, her mama, and what appeared to be Bale. The newest one must either be Makai's mother or the Jedi Historian, which if she recalled correctly, would be Judah's significant other again?

"Looks like we got a few more in." She gestured, nodding outside.

 

[Azula Tindara]

"A pleasure, Miz Azula," Danger said smoothly. Her expression remained polite and welcoming, her emerald fire eyes crinkling with the faintest hint of a smile.

Azula tilted her head and smiled back. Everyone knew of Danger Arceneau's reputation. It would take time to form her own opinion. Perhaps she would see more of Danger's personality here amongst close friends.

Judah held her in high regard and that was important to her. Azula imagined that if Danger cared about Judah, then she was going to be the one being appraised.

"Oh, sorry Azula." A small pause, wondering if he should introduce someone he was literally meeting for the second time. He didn't even know what to say now. It was best to focus on her question in regards to the food. "Depends on what you would like...sides are done. Octopus is pretty much done. Steak is done if you like things on the rarer side,otherwise give me a moment.... Nuna is almost there. I've got warmers and tricks up my sleeve so don't feel obligated to eat immediately if you don't want to."

"Don't be sorry," Azula said. She stepped around the cooking area so she could face Makai as she talked to him. Danger was asking Balum about himself.

"You can call me Zuly. Rare steak is perfect. We Togruta evolved from carnivores and I have more stomachs than you. But maybe it would be polite to wait for the others? How have you been? Getting everything ready?"

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah smiled and followed Myra Arceneau Dashiell 's gaze out beyond the home. It was an expansive view of the ocean, those gathered on it for the dinner. He spotted the bonfire already roaring and one of the girls running past everyone as they patrolled the beach, away from the boring conversations of the adults.

"Looks like Azula is out there."

Being a blue togruta made her easier to spot amongst the others.

"I suppose I should join the main crowd. You feeling up to joining us? I can walk with you? Or do you prefer to sit here in relative comfort?"

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Azula Tindara | Thessa Kai | Danger Arceneau | Lady Falentra | Balun Dashiell

"So you're trying to tell me you need two steaks in a subtle manner? I hope by now, spending time with Dad, you see subtlety does not work."

Makai pushed two steaks off to a cooler part of the grill. Things were nearly done, he was trying to hold off until more joined them. He wasn't sure if this was a more formal sit down dinner - there was a large table set up - or if this was a grab, eat, and talk situation. When he had planned the dinner he didn't quite think of the exact style of formal sit down versus relaxed gathering. Considering the mixed crowd, he personally thought relaxed gathering was more the way to go but he would wait and see.

"We can wait for the others, at least wait til all the proteins are finished. Would I consider it rude? Not necessarily, its just family and assorted significant others."

How have you been? Getting everything ready?

"I'm fine, busy. Just trying to get a lot done in a compressed amount of time. As for getting everything ready, are you referring to my Sith space project or the baby?"

Makai assumed the baby but one could never tell. As for the impending arrival of his daughter, there was still a lot on his 'to-do' list. Ellie being sick had put a hold and damper on a lot of planned baby-centric projects. Not that he was going to tell the family this - he hadn't even told his wife.

"Sith project will go well into this kids toddlerhood, so on track I would say. As for our little girl, slowly, yes. As I mentioned, compressed amount of time."

Flipping a nuna, he looked to the togruta.

"What about you...How are you and...whatever it is you do?"

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Location: Dashiell Family Estate, Tirtha Cove, Joiol.
Wearing: X.
Non-Playable Characters: Luna.
Interacting With: Myra Arceneau Dashiell , Makai Dashiell , Persephone Dashiell , Thessa Kai , Judah Dashiell , Azula Tindara , Danger Arceneau , Lady Falentra

"Oh, sorry about that," Balun chuckled sheepishly, his hand rising instinctively to scratch the back of his head. The gesture was as unguarded as his tone. "I guess it's still a habit when meeting other Force users. I was taught it was respectful, Jedi or not, but—well, old tricks die hard, right?" He flashed a self-deprecating grin and shook his head, as if amazed at how naturally his response had come, drawn from a lifetime of training and reflex.

His awareness of Azula Tindara wasn't something others in the room could share. Balun sensed the distinct aura of control that surrounded her, the kind possessed by someone who had spent years honing their connection to the Force. It wasn't a boastful presence, but one of discipline and intent—a reflection of her mastery, though she didn't need to say a word about it. The Force communicated its truths between users, an unspoken language neither could silence without deliberate effort. Here, in a place where their abilities were more anomaly than norm, there was no reason to hide.

Balun's own presence in the Force had always set him apart, a stark contrast to his family's mundane talents. It was a distinction that sometimes felt isolating, yet it only strengthened his resolve. He longed to fulfill his potential—not as a Jedi, nor as a Sith, but as a Force user seeking precision, purpose, and the chance to wield his abilities for the galaxy's greater good. Whether through quiet acts of service or on the battlefield, Balun yearned for a mentor, a guide to help him bridge the gap in his training. The Tingle Arm Coalition had filled a void for a time, but now, though surrounded by work and family, that part of him felt incomplete.

His musings were interrupted as he turned his gaze back to Danger Arceneau , a soft smile breaking across his face. With a subtle nudge of his head, he motioned to the small creature perched on his left shoulder. Raising his arm, he allowed Luna to climb into the crook of his elbow, where she settled hesitantly. The Merqaal tilted her head, ears slightly pinned, her wide eyes fixed on Danger as if gauging whether she was friend or foe. Though a touch wary, Luna remained calm, trusting in the safety of Balun's arms.

"This is Luna," he said, his voice tinged with affection as he glanced down at the little creature. "I rescued her from a smuggler in the Outer Rim. She's not used to being around so many people, so she's a bit timid. But she's friendly—won't bite," he added with a reassuring grin. The bond between them was unmistakable, the kind forged through shared trials and unspoken loyalty. Luna had been his near-constant companion since that day, rarely leaving his side.

When Danger shifted the conversation back to him, Balun offered a casual shrug, his smile lightening into something more reflective. "As for me, I'm nothing special," he said modestly. "I'm just glad to be here, finally getting to know my family. Before this, my life was with the New Jedi Order. I left them when I was fifteen, struck out on my own for a while, and later served with the Aquilian Rangers and the Tingle Arm Coalition. Met some interesting people, seen some things..." His words trailed off, a shadow briefly flickering across his expression. The battlefields he'd walked, the lives he'd witnessed changed or ended, weren't details he was eager to recount. Instead, he let the silence linger, allowing the weight of unspoken memories to settle before turning his focus back to the present.

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Judah Dashiell

Myra's gaze softened as she watched Judah, her head tilting just slightly as she posed her question.

"So, how are things with her? Feeling better?" she asked, her voice carrying that quiet curiosity that always came when she was trying to tread carefully around someone's heart. "I know you told me it was hard to reach out after Makai's ma... so I hope things are working out for you now."

Her words lingered in the air, light yet weighted with meaning. She leaned back, fingers wrapping around her glass of water, more for something to do than out of thirst. Memories flickered in her mind, of the times when she'd been unsure, fumbling through her own emotions, and it had been Judah who had reached out. He didn't pry -- he just offered a steady presence when she needed one most.

Now it was her turn to do the same.

She studied him quietly, noting the lines on his face that seemed deeper now, the way his ocean-blue eyes held a mix of weariness and something else -- hope, maybe, though buried deep. Judah had carried a lot over the years; she knew that much. It made him careful, maybe too careful, about letting anyone else in.

"I just..." she started, then hesitated, her smile turning a little wry. "I don't want you to close yourself off again, Judah. I know it's not easy, but you deserve to be happy. And if she makes you happy, that's all that matters, right?"

Her tone was warm, encouraging, but there was a thread of determination in it, too. She wasn't about to let him retreat into himself -- not if she could help it. "You're a good man. And you've been there for everyone else. So it's okay to let someone else be there for you, too."

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Balun Dashiell Makai Dashiell Azula Tindara
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

While Miz Tindara busied herself chatting with Makai over the finer details of the food, Danger turned her attention to young Bale and the peculiar little creature perched on him -- what had he called her? Luna. The Merqaal's antics drew a soft chuckle from the Queen of Trade as she shifted from his shoulder to the crook of his elbow with all the flair of a creature that knew it had an audience.

"Well now, a pleasure to meet you too, Miss Luna," Danger drawled, her voice honeyed and smooth as she gave a slow, graceful twirl of the water glass in her hand. The subtle sparkle of her jewelry caught the light as she raised the glass for a sip, her feline green eyes never straying far from Bale. Her warm smile lingered, but her gaze? Keen, watchful, and sharp as the twin suns of Tatooine.

As Bale began to speak, revealing bits and pieces of his story, Danger listened with a practiced ear. Her mama, Colette Arceneau, had taught her well -- how to read people, pick up on the nuances of what was said and unsaid, the subtle cues that told you more than any words could. It wasn't the Force, but it might as well have been for how effective it was in her line of work.

So, a Jedi upbringing until about fifteen, then striking out on his own. Not bad, all things considered. Shame he couldn't have the childhood Danger would have wished on any youngling. A life like that came with its fair share of hardship, no doubt, but it wasn't the past she was overly concerned with -- What truly determined the grit of a man was how they acted and composed themselves moving forward. Life could knock you down plenty, but what mattered was whether you got back up and how you stood when you did.

"Is that so?" Danger mused, her smile turning curious, almost playful. She tilted her head slightly, a soft wave of auburn hair spilling over her shoulder.

"Sounds like quite the adventure you've had so far. But tell me, what're you lookin' at doin' for yourself now? What's the next step for a young man who's already seen so much of the 'verse?"

Her tone was cordial, but there was a genuine interest there too. In her line of work, she always met folk with storied pasts -- and if there was one thing Danger loved, it was uncovering the stories worth telling.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Keeping his gaze at the scene before him outside the massive window, he wasn't sure how to answer. Silence stretched on for a long moment, daring not to look in the direction of Myra Arceneau Dashiell .He hadn't expected questioning to head his way, not now. Judah expected much of the focus to be on the impending arrival of the newest member of the family.

"I don't know."

He wasn't avoiding the question. Judah truly didn't know. He wasn't sure. Azula was fine for the most part yet there were days where it felt he was trying to force a square peg into a round hole. Two different worlds perhaps. Which wasn't always a bad thing yet at the same time a problem all in itself. He had to give Azula credit for showing up here though, for mingling with the crowd.

Gaze finally drifted back to Myra and he gave a small smile.

"Being happy is great but not the end all, be all. There's more to consider, life is never that easy." He paused, quick to reassure her. "I'm not closing myself off or going anywhere, despite an itch to do otherwise. While its great to have someone there for you - it truly is, one of the best things - doesn't mean it is for everyone. Or will happen for everyone."

Shoulders lifted in a small shrug.

"As I've told you before, I've sacrificed one success for the other. It's okay. I think I am slowly making peace with it. One will never have everything they want, its the nature of life."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Judah Dashiell

Myra stayed quiet as Judah spoke, her eyes steady on his face, catching every shift in expression, every weight behind his words. She mulled over his response, turning it over in her mind like a stone in her palm. When he finished, she gave a small nod, her lips pressing together in a faint, contemplative smile.

"I get that," she said softly, her tone thoughtful. "Life's never as simple as wanting something and just... getting it. And yeah, I know being happy isn't the only thing that matters, but..." She trailed off, her gaze shifting to the view outside, where the ocean stretched endlessly, a reflection of the storm of thoughts rolling in her head and everything that happened to get her and Makai where they are now... and the steps and risks they had to take to try to make it work despite already being so hurt.

Her voice softened even more when she turned back to him. "I just don't want you to lose sight of what's still out there for you, Judah. Being content, letting people in, sharing something, anything, with someone else... that counts too. Even if it's messy, even if it doesn't always make sense."

She paused, her hand curling around her glass of water, the condensation cool against her fingers. "You say you're making peace with what you've given up, and maybe that's good. Maybe that's enough. But I still think you deserve more than just peace. You deserve something that feels right, something that makes all the other sacrifices worth it."

Her smile turned faintly sad, but there was hope in it too.

"You've got time, Judah. And you're not alone, no matter what you feel like you've missed out on. You've got us, you've got me, and I'll always want you to have the best, even if it's not perfect."

 

[Judah Dashiell]

"Not sure messy and not making sense will work is something I want at this age, to be honest. I have what, a good twenty-five years left? Good years, active years. I'm not sure I want to bother with complicated. It sounds exhausting."

Not that he was one of those guys that were reaching middle age and thinking death was around the corner. He was just being realistic of how many years he would be reasonably active. How man years he could keep up the pace he was at now. After that, everything seemed like it would just be icing on the proverbial cake.

"Selfishly, I really need someone who just fits in seamlessly. Which, being realistic, will never happen. It wouldn't even happen if I started looking twenty years ago. As I mentioned, I've made peace with it. I've got a healthy family. You kids seem alright. Business is good."

Friends? Well, he didn't seem to have any at the moment beyond his ex-wife but that was fine. Navigating that was more than complicated within itself - although they recently went shopping for the granddaughter together. Baby steps.

"Not pushing Azula away, I just don't expect it to last. My relationship with her has already created a number of problems, not exactly the foundation to kick off on."

Myra Arceneau Dashiell

 

[Azula Tindara]

As for our little girl, slowly, yes. As I mentioned, compressed amount of time."

Flipping a nuna, he looked to the togruta.

"What about you...How are you and...whatever it is you do?"

"I'm good," she replied. "I got concussed a few weeks ago so I've been taking it easy."

Azula didn't know if Makai knew about the kidnapping attack. She would have to check in with Judah, she thought as she glanced towards the house.

He cared about his family a great. Judah had spent too much of his life ignoring his own happiness and pouring his energy into his work and raising his son.

She grinned at the steak that had been set aside. The meat could rest for a while. She didn't want to be first to start.

"I've been working as security for private shipments. More of a fixer than anything really.

"How long until Myra is due now?" Azula asked. She glanced to the side as she tried to do the mental arithmetic herself.

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Judah Dashiell

Myra listened carefully, her fingers tracing the rim of her water glass as Judah laid it all out. His words carried the weight of someone who'd spent a lifetime thinking about others but had finally started taking stock of his own needs. She couldn't fault him for that, stars knew she understood how exhausting messy relationships could be.

Still, something about the way he spoke tugged at her. The way he'd resigned himself to peace over passion. It wasn't necessarily wrong, but it didn't sit quite right either.

She leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand.

Her lips quirked into a small smile. "Well, it's not selfish to want peace. After everything you've been through, I think you deserve a little quiet. But don't sell yourself short. You've still got a lot of years ahead, and maybe someone comes along who's a little messy, but they make life feel full instead of exhausting."

She paused, her gaze softening. "As for Azula... maybe she doesn't last, maybe she does. But if she's here now and you're not pushing her away, maybe there's something worth figuring out. Doesn't mean it has to be forever, but it doesn't mean it's nothing either."

Myra gave his hand a light squeeze, a flicker of mischief in her smile. "Besides, if you can handle mama in talking out what to get for the baby and not come out of it worse for wear, you're fine. If that isn't complicated and still somehow working, I'd say you're managing better than most."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Location: Dashiell Family Estate, Tirtha Cove, Joiol.
Wearing: X.
Non-Playable Characters: Luna.
Interacting With: Myra Arceneau Dashiell , Makai Dashiell , Persephone Dashiell , Thessa Kai , Judah Dashiell , Azula Tindara , Danger Arceneau , Lady Falentra

Balun cradled Luna gently in his arms, his gaze soft as he watched her sit quietly, her attention fixed on Danger Arceneau . A faint smile crossed his lips as he noticed her demeanor—calm, composed, and absent of fear. There was a trace of caution, as there always was with Luna, but it was subdued. Her time at the family estate seemed to have helped her adjust to this more social way of life, a far cry from the wary days they'd spent navigating untrustworthy streets.

It warmed him to see her slowly opening up to others, especially those who mattered to him. Danger, though still more of an acquaintance than a friend, was significant because of her connection to the family. To Balun, anyone important to his family deserved his trust and effort in return. It was a principle he held close, and Luna's ease with Danger felt like a small affirmation of that.

"The old man probably thinks I've had one too many adventures," Balun remarked, his tone laced with dry humor. A subtle smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he held Danger's gaze. There was something about her—a quiet, unshakable confidence that demanded respect. She didn't seem the sort to suffer fools lightly, and that only deepened his intrigue.

"He never cared much for the Jedi upbringing," he added, his smirk widening slightly. "Not that I blame him. At the moment, I'm trying to steer clear of any conflicts. Dashiell Retrofit needs my full attention now that I'm out of the Tingel Arm Coalition. I gave Dad my word I'd put everything into it, and I mean to keep that promise." His voice took on a steady resolve as he continued. "The company's focus is refurbishing old tech—starships mostly—and turning them into state-of-the-art vessels. We've landed some private contracts already, but with the orbital shipyard, it's going to take years before it starts turning a real profit. That's part of the gamble, though, isn't it?"

Dashiell Retrofit, a subsidiary of Dashiell Incorporated, remained under Judah Dashiell 's watchful eye. Balun didn't mind; if anything, he found it comforting. Knowing his father was there to guide him through the corporate galaxy gave him a safety net. The transition from a Jedi's life to the corporate world had been a steep learning curve, but he was adjusting. Living full-time on Joiol had given him the opportunity to learn from his family and see firsthand how the business operated.

"Outside of work, though?" Balun's expression softened, a contemplative edge creeping into his tone. "I'll probably stick around here. My Jedi days are behind me. Sure, I'd like to train more in the Force—it's still a part of who I am—but I don't have a teacher. And honestly?" He gave a small shrug. "I'm not too eager to ask anyone. I'll just practice when I have the time, between work and hanging out here with Judah and Makai."

The thought brought a sense of calm, a quiet certainty that he was where he needed to be—for now.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Balun Dashiell
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger leaned forward slightly, her fingers loosely clasped around the cool glass in her hand. Her emerald eyes sparkled with keen interest, taking in the way Balun spoke, the quiet determination underlining his words, how he pet Luna. She could see the traces of Judah in him, not just in his features, but in the way he carried himself, the way he talked about his work with a mix of pride and practicality.

"Well now," she began, her voice low and honeyed with just the right touch of drawl, "it sounds like you've got yourself a good head start there, sugar. Retrofits and upgradin' old vessels, that's the sort of business that can really stand the test of time if done right. There's always someone lookin' to make somethin' old run like new. I've known plenty of entrepreneurs who did exactly that -- Silk Holdings under the Merrils, for one."

She paused, letting her words settle as her gaze shifted briefly to Luna, then back to Balun. "As for that Force training of yours, well, that's another path entirely, ain't it? Might be it finds you when the time's right, or when you've got the mind to seek it out. But in the meantime, you're doin' somethin' real tangible, and that's somethin' to be proud of. Folk know the 'verse could use a few more who can balance vision with good, solid work."

She offered him a knowing smile, warm and yet appraising, as though weighing the measure of the man before her. "You keep on with that focus, Balun, and I daresay you'll make more than a name for yourself."

 

[Balun Dashiell]

Location: Dashiell Family Estate, Tirtha Cove, Joiol.
Wearing: X.
Non-Playable Characters: Luna.
Interacting With: Myra Arceneau Dashiell , Makai Dashiell , Persephone Dashiell , Thessa Kai , Judah Dashiell , Azula Tindara , Danger Arceneau , Lady Falentra

Danger Arceneau 's words resonated deeply with Balun, stirring a quiet sense of validation that he hadn't expected but warmly welcomed. Though it was their first meeting, a part of him found himself seeking her approval. Judah and Makai had spoken of her with a kind of respect and fondness that painted her as a significant figure in their family dynamic, even if she was currently distanced from their father. Knowing she approved of his plans for the immediate future drew a genuine, appreciative smile to his face as he met her gaze.

"Thanks, Danger. That means a lot," he said, his tone infused with sincerity. Her acknowledgment carried weight, and he valued it more than he let on.

Balun's expression brightened further as he shifted the conversation back to Dashiell Retrofit. "When I pitched the idea to Makai and Dad, I didn't think they'd go for it," he admitted, chuckling lightly. "I mean, compared to their experience in the corporate world, I barely know anything. But they've been incredibly supportive, and I'm doing my best to learn and keep up. Honestly, I'm just grateful they're giving me this chance to contribute to the family business." His smile lingered, a testament to his earnest gratitude.

Luna, nestled in his arms, suddenly caught sight of movement—a butterfly fluttering around a bush near the house. Her posture shifted, and she climbed nimbly up to Balun's shoulder, balancing on her hind legs as she stared intently at her newfound quarry. Her focus was almost predatory, and Balun couldn't suppress a grin as he followed her gaze.

"You've got an eye for excitement, huh?" he murmured to her, his tone amused. With a gentle motion, he scooped her into his hand and lowered her to the ground. She darted off, her small form disappearing into the shrubbery in pursuit of the butterfly. Balun chuckled softly before straightening and returning his attention to Danger.

"Dad would probably tell you I've been looking forward to meeting both you and Azula," he said, his voice warm as he stepped back into the conversation. "I'm really glad we've had the chance to get together like this. It's great to put a face to the name and finally introduce myself properly." His expression grew thoughtful, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "If you don't mind, I'd love to hear more about you. Dad's mentioned that you're a very successful businesswoman, but he hasn't gone into much detail about your work. I'd be interested in learning more about what you do—if you're open to sharing, of course."

His tone carried genuine interest, the kind that came from a desire not just to connect, but to learn from someone who had clearly achieved so much.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

Interacting with: Balun Dashiell
| Dress x | x | x | x | x | x | X | X |

​

Danger gave a small, knowing smile, watching how Balun's face seemed to bloom under the praise and compliment. She had meant them; she could see the credits in the endeavor and wanted to give credit where it was due on the idea. It was one of the many reasons why Danger enjoyed investing in young entrepreneurs and their companies. As long as they had a good pitch, the numbers worked, and there was a demand and a market for them.

Danger let out a throaty chuckle, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her glass, and cast Balun a warm, knowing look.

"Well..." she drawled, her tone rich with pride and just a touch of nostalgia, "Arceneau Trade wasn't always the galactic powerhouse it is today. It started small, real small. My grandaddy built it up on Tatooine, hustlin' trade routes and, well, sneakin' a little contraband past the wrong eyes when the need arose in the wake of the Gulag Plague. Ain't no denyin' the man knew how to work every shadow and contact to his benefit."

She paused, her emerald eyes glinting with something sharper than nostalgia, the glimmer of ambition and grit that had carried her through decades of triumphs and trials.

"After my daddy passed, it fell to me. Took it upon myself to make Arceneau Trade the biggest company I could. I dug my heels in and set my sights high. Took what was a humble trade business and started expandin'. Shipping, exports and imports, fuels, mining ores, refineries, all that good stuff. From there, it was a hop, skip, and a hyperlane into manufacturin'. Ships, armors, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, terraforming, detoxification services -- why, even green energies. You name it, Arceneau Trade had a hand in it."

A pause, then Danger gave the barest hint of a smile," That's how I met your father in Levantine Sanctum space at the time. He was pitchin' his droids, and I was there to present on building a large Arceneau Trade and fuelin' station."

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Judah offered a small smile at the 'messy' comment but kept quiet. He wasn't interested in messy or complicated in the slightest. Maybe their age difference had something to do with it - Judah could have tolerated such things in his younger years. Now he just wanted to relax and have someone to share the highs and lows with. Just seemed to be proving extremely difficult to turn it into fruition.

Myra gave his hand a light squeeze, a flicker of mischief in her smile. "Besides, if you can handle mama in talking out what to get for the baby and not come out of it worse for wear, you're fine. If that isn't complicated and still somehow working, I'd say you're managing better than most."

Hand squeezed hers and he laughed. It seemed Myra Arceneau Dashiell had heard some of the goings on between himself and Danger. The Trade Queen was much more practical and was more on the side of caution on case something happened to their granddaughter before birth. Judah, more excited, had plans laid out for some time, possibly because of slowly trying to pull everything to Dashiell Incorporated.

"Listen, I'm trying to tell her that this little one can't have everything. I'm very proud to be welcoming a granddaughter but I am also aware you kids have mentioned having a larger family. I have to ensure all the others feel just as special as this first one. I've resigned myself to the fact this one will most likely not have the passion for salvage and planned her assets accordingly."

Judah paused, growing serious.

"I want your Ma to be a little excited though. To go a little crazy with this baby. Its been a rough year for her. For you too."

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing \ Gear : X | X | X | X | X
Interacting With : Azula Tindara

"Yeah, taking it easy seems like the wiser thing to do. Would have thought Empire of the Lost space would be a little safer but with refugee movements and criminal overlords are everywhere. Nice to know you've made it out alright."

Naturally he knew about the Mek-sha incident. His father had informed him the moment they had arrived on Celestia Station, giving an update and a note he had planned to relax for some time after. Relaxing for his father seemed to be time spent with the Corporate Interest Guild, but either way, things were on the mend.

"Private shipments. A good industry. Can be dangerous so I imagine you remain busy."

Fixer seemed an odd choice of words - considering it meant illegal activity often times. He was a little concerned anything would reflect back on his father and the business, but would keep his mouth shut for now. Second meeting after all.

"How long until Myra is due now?" Azula asked. She glanced to the side as she tried to do the mental arithmetic herself.

At that moment, Rue brought up a sea snail shell for him to inspect and add to the bowl he was keeping watch over. A bounce of excitement, a shy wave, and she was off again. Makai reached over and placed the item in the bowl with her other 'treasures' before answering Azula.

"Not much longer. We're keeping the exact date under wraps just for safety reasons. Soon though, I'll have to rope Dad into helping me paint the nursery and put some things together so I don't drop the ball on that front."

Exact date under wraps more to keep his father from freaking out, but safety was also a big concern. One of the reasons he chose Joiol to settle on as well, relatively quiet agricultural world. The nanny biot too would play a role in security, along with their droid personal assistants. Either way, it would be a long time before his daughter would go off planet to a public event. Even taking her off world, plans were in place to keep her behind the scenes.

"I won't keep Dad away from you for long...so, don't worry if you have plans."