V: Duty Calls

An imperial shuttle was being prepped at base 658 to take Deroh Okins to Coruscant for his new assignment.
Eight-year old Rebecca clutched her stuffed ewok in one hand as she hugged her father tightly, tears running down her cheeks, "Don't go!" she wailed.

Deroh ran his hand through his daughter's hair, trying to comfort her. "I have to... I can't just blow off a direct order, " he said softly. "It's only temporary, sweetheart."

Rebecca rubbed her eyes, "promise?"

"I promise." He said.

Rebecca clung to him again, "Can I come with you instead?"

Deroh shook his head, " No... I don't think they allow children on their ships. Besides, you have to stay here and take care of Mommy. Can you be a big girl and do that for me?" He asked.

Rebecca nodded. "I think so, Daddy."

"That's my girl..." he smiled, kissing Rebecca's cheek before walking over to Cesera, quickly wiping tears off of her cheeks.
"Come now, love-- don't you start tearing up too..."

Cesera shook her head, holding the rest of her tears back. " I can't help it...who knows when I'll see you again..."

"This transfer is only supposed to be temporary, Ces." He replied, tilting her chin up, " I'll be back here safe and sound before you know it." He gave a reassuring smile.

Cesera gave a heavy sigh, "Alright... I'll be holding you to that..." she paused, straightening his uniform, " I'll miss you...and your new uniform...Captain." she smiled weakly.

"And I'll miss you," he replied, suddenly turning his head toward the shuttle as a fellow officer calls for him to come aboard. Turning back to his wife, he gave her a long kiss goodbye. "I'll comm as often as I can. I promise." Giving Rebecca a hug and kiss goodbye, he grabbed his bag and started up the ramp.

Rebecca moved over and grasped her mother's hand tightly, watching her father board the shuttle and disappear from view. Soon afterwards, the shuttle revved and lifted off the ground, flying off. Rebecca waved, "Goodbye Daddy..." she said quietly, and while watching the shuttle fade into the distance, she couldn't help but feel a small part of her also fade away.

Dear Mother...

 You've always been there when I needed you, 

you've taught me right and wrong, 

watched me grow and mold me
into the woman I am today.

And even though you can't be here now

to see the mother I have become, 

 know that I've learned from the best

everything I learned, all came from you.

I love and miss you greatly. 

Happy Mother's Day.