Private Winds of Change

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra stirred, eyes fluttering open at the soft knock -- well, the attempted knock -- before El-Three's voice cut through the lingering haze of sleep. She barely registered Makai shifting beside her, warmth still pressed against her side, Phoebe's tiny form tucked securely between them in her bassinet.

"Mm?" Her voice was hoarse with sleep, brain struggling to catch up. She blinked, adjusting to the dim light filtering through the curtains, then focused on the droid's silhouette in the doorway.

Phoebe stirred at the movement, a soft little sigh escaping her, but hank the stars, she didn't wake fully. Myra held her breath for a second, then exhaled when the baby remained still.

"What is it?" she muttered, pushing herself up on one elbow, fingers rubbing at her eyes.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

Makai rolled onto his back, grumbling slightly. It was one thing to get woken by Phoebe, she was an infant and was totally reliant on them. It was another to be awoken by his wife's droid. He could tell the difference easily, Thirty-Seven referred to him as 'Sir' knowing his dislike for 'Mister Dashiell' and Ellie was programmed as 'Mistress Arceneau' and he had no plans of changing that.

Phoebe sighed and settled back down and he dared to lean over, turning on the lamp at his bedside to illuminate the room. Brighter now, confirmation that it was indeed, El-Three. Makai silently prayed it wasn't something innocuous that could clearly wait - sometimes it was hard to discern for the droids what now constituted as 'emergency' now that they were on parental leave. Business was far from his mind.

[ I apologize for the disruption but Miss Persephone is currently plotting to abscond on an upcoming trip. Z0U-1 has just relayed the information to myself and feel it is prudent to share. Z0U-1 assures me he would have shared himself but feels leaving Miss Persephone's side once they arrive back at the compound would draw suspicion. ]

Sitting up better, Makai blinked for a moment, looking over the bassinet at Ellie.

"Why am I not surprised?"

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra exhaled sharply, fingers already pressing against the bridge of her nose as a headache threatened to settle in. Of course Persie was trying to pull something like this -- that she could just slip away unnoticed. It wasn't enough that they had given her more freedom, more trust....she still had to test the limits.

"She should know better," Myra murmured, voice kept low, though frustration laced every word. "She's had been grounded before and now she wants to take off again?"

Makai's expression was already shifting into that mix of resigned and mildly exasperated. He ran a hand down his face, scrubbing away the remnants of sleep.

"She should have her biopatch on," Myra continued, glancing toward the droid. "Can we stop her at the spaceport?"

[ Miss Persephone's biopatch is active. I have already begun flagging anomalies in her travel patterns, but I believe it would be wise to intercept before she reaches the terminal. ]

Myra's lips pressed into a thin line, mind already racing ahead. This wasn't just a rebellious teen sneaking out for a late-night adventure --Persie knew exactly what she was doing. And worse, she might of had some help.

"She had to plan this ahead of time," Myra said, glancing toward Makai. "Someone's covering for her, or at least helping her get off-world."

Her chest tightened, concern overriding the initial irritation. Persie had been on her own too long, and it was clear she still didn't fully grasp what it meant to have people looking out for her. Or maybe she did and was just to in her head to think Makai and Myra would care.

She sighed again, forcing herself to take a breath, but the weight of worry settled in her gut like duracrete. "Alright. Let's go get her before she does something reckless."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Persephone was completely oblivious that Zee was even relaying information back home. Most likely due to the fact her musings and broad plottings on how to escape to find her father weren't fully formed. First she had to figure out the information on the datastick. Then correspond via holomail with the private investigator she had hired if there were any anomalies. Persephone was no amateur and knew trying to escape from the watchful eyes of Myra and Makai was going to take planning and time.

Zee drove them back, reaching the compound back with fifteen minutes to spare before her allotted time of freedom was up. The droid dropped her off out front, the home was the center house, the main one right in the compound. Paper bag in hand full of baked goods, Persephone had folded the holoimage neatly into her clutch purse, the datastick in her pocket. Balancing her fancy caf cup with the goods, the door was opened and she entered, using her foot to shut it behind her.

The home was massive, a mansion. Which created a two-fold problem. One sounds could echo ; but that sometimes worked in her favor. Persephone could hear well enough footsteps down the upstairs hallways. Two, there was too much security. It wasn't a normal home with basic measures, meaning moving in-and-out undetected was next to impossible.

No one had called her name yet. Maybe they were sleeping. Which was perfect for her to slip past.

Dropping off the baked goods on the kitchen island, Persephone grabbed a fruit tart and immediately headed upstairs to her room. Time to find out what was on that datastick after all.

Myra Arceneau Dashiell Makai Dashiell​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

Makai merely listened to his wife muse on Persephone's escape. He couldn't comment much on the girls need to go somewhere without them - after all he has ran away to Iron Empire space as a teenager. Granted he had been drug back but the point still stood that he had managed to escape. In his opinion there was something my more at play than wanting to wander off. Persephone had a reason she wasnt voicing and he had yet to figure it out.

Legs swung over the bed and he got up, stretching slightly and watching the concern play out on Ellie's face. He was much more measured - the girl had the security droid and was being tracked. It was more than he could say was being done when he was the same age. Using Arceneau Trade transports like a personal taxi system.

"I'll go find her. Just stay here and try not to worry."

Makai didn't want his wife out and about doing anything overly strenuous considering she was still recovering. Between himself and the various droids it should be easy enough to find Persephone and bring her home. Even if he and Thirty-Seven had to carry her.

Slipping on his shoes and brown coat, Makai barely made it to the door frame before encountering Persephone walking down the hallway, pastry in hand.

"Found her."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra had barely sat up before Makai's voice carried back down the hall, laced with a quiet sort of amusement.

"Found her."

Surprise flowed over Myra's face only for the heiress to shake her head. Well, that took care of the time it would take to find her. Guess they had overestimated her exact step in her proposed escape plan.

Myra swung her legs over the side of the bed, rolling her shoulders as she stood. Her body still ached from Phoebe's birth, but the lingering discomfort did little to dull the sharp edge of her concern. She pressed a hand over her abdomen for a moment, steadying herself, before making her way toward the doorway.

Persie stood there, a fruit tart in one hand, the other clutching her purse. A little too casual. A little too relaxed for someone who had just been caught sneaking back in.

"Welcome home," Myra said, tone even, though her eyes flicked over the girl with the precision of a scanner. "Have a nice trip?"

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Welcome home," Myra said, tone even, though her eyes flicked over the girl with the precision of a scanner. "Have a nice trip?"

Persephone shrugged her shoulders a little, finding it odd she was being looked over as if being scanned into some biometric system. Did she have some type of stain on her shirt? She didn't eat, just a trip to the general store and bakery. Couldn't be that, she was impeccably fastidious about being clean.

"Yeah, it was nice. Not long enough but curfew and all, made it back with what..." Persephone looked at her intellichrono. "...ten minutes to spare. I got you guys some stuff downstairs. Lemon poundcake, chocolate doughnuts, coffee cake muffins....a good assortment since who knows when I'll get to go back and since you guys aren't really cooking right now..."

Understandable considering the situation. Persie had been doing easy ZikZok recipes and leaning into her old tricks when she was out and about on her own. Easy stuff she took back to her room to eat and hang out.

"Alright...going to hang out in my room now...."

Slowly she started inching down the hall to her room.

Myra Arceneau Dashiell Makai Dashiell ​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

Arm slipped around Ellie as she approached, pulling her closer to his side in case she wanted to lean against him. Makai didn't explicitly voice it but his overall goal over the next few weeks was just to let his wife relax as much as she possibly could with a newborn. Given how sick she had been during the pregnancy, he just thought it critical to recovery now - maybe just over cautious as a first time father but no harm in it either way.

"Not so quick. Come in, we need to chat real quick."

In her bassinet, Phoebe stirred lightly, giving a soft little grunt. Lucky for them, no cries yet. Persie looked annoyed and entered the room, crossing her arms, waiting for whatever speech they had planned to start.

Makai looked to Ellie, not sure where to start. Did the accuse her right off the bat? Let her sweat a little?

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra didn't let go of Makai's arm, leaning into the warmth of his side, but her focus remained on Persie. It seemed as if she was confused by Makai's and Myra's line of questioning but Myra didn't pay it any mind. She did keep an ear out if she heard Phoebe, but for now, her gaze was settled upon Persie.

Instead, she exhaled softly and gestured to the chair by the window. "Hey not so fast, kiddo." Her tone was gentle, but there was weight behind the words, the kind that made it clear this wasn't just a casual chat.

"We appreciate the baked goods," Myra started, keeping her voice light. "And I'm glad you enjoyed your time out."

She let that sit for a moment before tilting her head slightly. "But I get the feeling there was more to this trip than caf and pastries."

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"Oh yeah, no problem."

Persephone shrugged off the compliment, wondering why she had been called in to get thanked just for pastries. Yet then the questioning started. One of those questions adults used when they wanted to seem as if they were your friend. Or trying to be clueless. If they had truly been thanking her it would have been done in passing and she would be in the quiet peace of her room.

Time to play stupid.

"I mean, I went into town for some peace and quiet and to get away from Phoebe crying...would have loved to have spend more time out but it was only an hour so...caf and pastries it was? Not like there's a lot to do in this area and I haven't been off the compound in a week....I'm just used to living in a busy area. Staying around people, so thats what I did."

Makai Dashiell | Myra Arceneau Dashiell ​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

Some and by some he meant very little of Persie's story made sense to him. Naturally a teenager would want to be out after a week. There was also some truth to having limited time out, given the speeder drive one had to make to get to the sleepy little village closest to the compound. Yet it didn't explain why Z0U-1 and El-Three had been in communication in terms of absconding.

If Makai didn't know the droids better, he would say they made a mistake. Yet droids didn't make a mistake and beyond that, the ones in their care were well updated and maintained. Faulty equipment couldn't be justified.

"I see....so after your trip into the village you di-.."

He was going to ask if she had plans to go elsewhere, casual as he possibly could. Yet in that moment Phoebe made it be known she was awake, crying out to ensure one of her parents came running.

"..hold that thought."

Leaving Ellie's side, he went to pick up the wailing infant, rubbing her back. Little muffled angry cries echoed throughout the space.

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra shot an amused glance toward Makai as he made his timely escape, conveniently occupied with Phoebe's cries. Ah, so he got out of the first round of questioning --lucky him.

Her gaze drifted back to Persephone, who was still playing the part of the restless teen perfectly. A little too perfectly.

Myra leaned forward slightly, resting her forearms on her knees, her expression calm but perceptive.

"I get it," she said, nodding along. "You're not used to the noise of a crying baby. And I don't doubt you needed to get out for a bit, makes sense."

She let a beat of silence stretch between them, just long enough for Persie to think the conversation was winding down. Then she tilted her head, offering a small, knowing smile.

"But that doesn't really explain why Thirty-Seven felt the need to bring us a report about you trying to leave the planet."

Myra didn't accuse. Didn't push. Just laid it out there, waiting to see how Persephone would react. If she would double down, brush it off, or maybe, just maybe own up to it.

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

"But that doesn't really explain why Thirty-Seven felt the need to bring us a report about you trying to leave the planet."

Persie frowned a little, as if thinking over the situation. Now she wasn't sure if Makky and Myra overlooked any footage or how much 'Zee' recorded. If the droid even did record. Persephone found adults often said one thing but did another, or claimed to do one thing but it was often untrue, just a veiled threat or promise of discipline.

"Hmmm....No. I was talking about the art gallery event I am attending on Belasco coming up soon. I was trying to figure out if that was the only event I have upcoming. I really want to stretch my legs a little and if Belasco is the only thing on my schedule, I want to make it worthwhile. Especially since travel for me will probably be limited for me because of all the war outbreaks..."

A half-truth. She did want to stretch her legs. Spend some time away from Joiol. Just perhaps not for shopping.

Makai Dashiell | Myra Arceneau Dashiell ​

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

Makai could half-hear over the annoyed cries of Phoebe. Rubbing the infant's back, she had quieted down enough to bring her along, to join in the conversation once again. He suspected she was merely annoyed at waking up and not finding that she was comfortably dozing one top of one of her parents. Apparently the bassinet wasn't as appealing.

"So, you're telling us that Zee completely misheard you? That you're only planning a shopping trip?"

The half-Galan was find that difficult to believe. Mainly for the fact that Persephone typically droned endlessly about her shopping trips. Planning them. Talking about where she wanted to go. It was plausible the teenager was merely holding back due to the fact Phoebe had been just born and she was just being considerate. Yet to not even hear a mention of any upcoming plans seemed extremely odd.

"If its just a shopping trip, you won't mind if Bale goes with you then?"

Calling in Balun Dashiell for a favor might be the wisest move. He'd find some way to compensate his younger brother for tagging along with a teenager for a bit.

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

Myra perked a brow at Makai's suggestion, her lips quirking ever so slightly. Oh, splendid idea. If Persie was determined to stretch her legs, then it was only reasonable to start considering an escort for these outings -- especially with the current state of the galaxy. And, well, Balun Dashiell could use the practice.

She turned her attention back to Persephone, watching the girl's expression with quiet amusement.

"Bale's a good choice," Myra added smoothly. "Responsible, experienced with security, and not too overbearing. I'm sure he'll give you plenty of space to enjoy your time on Belasco."

The implication hung there between them. If Persephone was truly only planning a simple shopping trip, then having Balun along wouldn't be an issue. But if she was scheming something more, well...he would certainly make that harder.

"So?" Myra continued, tilting her head slightly. "That arrangement works for you, right?"

She kept her tone casual, almost conversational as if this were just a reasonable next step rather than a carefully placed test. If Persie really had nothing to hide, she'd agree easily. If not… well, Myra had a feeling she'd find out soon enough.

 

[Persephone Dashiell]

Persephone tried not to laugh. Balun Dashiell , really?! She couldn't believe her luck. This was perfect. The teenager didn't view her cousin as overly competent and frankly, he was far too trusting. It would be easy enough to state she was going to sleep back in her hotel suite and then potentially slip out and do what she needed.

Time to act casual.

"Yeah, having Bale go with me is fine. He could use a little culture and I don't think I've hung out enough with him. Hopefully he doesn't dress like a monk the entire time but..." Persephone shrugged. "...I don't have a problem with it."

A pause.

"Are we done talking now?"

Myra Arceneau Dashiell | Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Myra Arceneau Dashiell

With Persephone agreeing, Makai raised an eyebrow a little. Was he looking too much into it or was Persephone just happy with the arrangement? Considering the changes in their home, Makai suspected she may just be genuinely happy to get off Joiol and with a shopping trip. The teenager did mention the state of the galaxy and the potential for a large-scale war outbreak. The crisis in the Hapes Cluster was forefront in the minds of the entire Arceneau-Dashiell household, especially considering their 'safe house' was on Gallinore, chosen due to the transitory mists.

Apparently he had been wrong on that front. He was watching the situation carefully. If things got too bad he was going to speak to Ellie about sending her, Phoebe, and Persephone off to the Farm for safety. That was a bit far away at the moment though.

"Its settled then, you'll go with Bale." A small pause and he nodded, Phoebe hiccupping slightly against his shoulder after her angry stint. "You're free to go for now."

Persephone bounced off down the hall and he looked to Ellie.

"We'll have to warn Bale of her escape plans."

 

[Myra Arceneau Dashiell]

Outfit: x x x x x | Equipment: x x x x | Tag: Makai Dashiell

"Alright sounds like a plan." Myra replied, only to watch Persie disappear down the hall, waiting until the teenager was out of earshot before shifting her gaze to Makai. There was no need to voice her suspicions outright and besides she could see in his expression that he was thinking the same thing.

"Yeah..." she murmured, crossing her arms in musing. "And make sure that he watches her like a hawk."

Because Persie agreeing that easily? That wasn't relief. That was strategy.

Myra exhaled through her nose, rubbing the bridge of it briefly before continuing. "Best also have her droid give us updates. Maybe even set up a backup guard, just in case she's more slippery than we think."

She glanced over at Makai, Phoebe's small hiccups filling the space between them. They weren't being overprotective -- Persephone had made it clear she had a habit of doing exactly what she wasn't supposed to. Myra had no interest in clipping the girl's wings, but she did want to make sure those wings didn't fly her straight into trouble.

And Myra had the sinking suspicion that was exactly what Persie was planning to do.