IX: Preparations

Deroh and Cesera walked, arms linked, around Monument Plaza while Rebecca roamed the outlet mall searching for a gown to wear for the Emperor's reception.

"I hope you're enjoying your stay here, Ces." Deroh said quietly, "I know it doesn't nearly compare to the quiet-openness we have back on Corellia."

Cesera shook her head and gave a reassuring smile to her husband, "No... I like it. Granted, this city is probably a hundred times bigger and busier than I had imagined, but this area seems nice," she said, "For a short visit, it's alright. I...don't think I could imagine myself living on this planet though."

"Why's that?" He asked, leading them to an empty bench and taking a seat.

Cesera sat down beside him. "It's far too crowded. You have no real space of your own, no privacy..."

Deroh shook his head. "It's not as bad as you think it is. The crowds are something to get used to...but living on a Star Destroyer for months or years solves that." Deroh wrapped an arm around Cesera's shoulders, " Besides, there's more things to do here. It's not quite so lonely like back home. I'm sure Rebecca would enjoy the nightlife."

Cesera shrugged. "I'm sure she'd fit in better here. But for me...I need the quiet. This place...it's much too busy for my liking. The population, the noise... I don't think I could handle it long term."

Deroh sighed, "That's too bad. I was hoping you and Becks would stay up here for a while..."

"A while?"

"Well...maybe a few months? Unless I'm reassigned off of Coruscant sooner."


Cesera shook her head, indecisive. "I...I don't know, Deroh.."

"Hey, my apartment is plenty big enough for the three of us. And there's plenty of opportunities for Rebecca here."

Cesera leaned closer to her husband,  "If she chooses to pursue them. And what about her, anyway?" She checked her wrist chrono. "She's been shopping for almost two hours. Hasn't she found anything suitable yet?"

"Doubt it, " he chuckled, "From what you've been telling me about her, Becks will probably find the most polished thing she could find...within reason of course. Kriffing fashionista."

"Within reason, hm? Just what exactly is she looking for?"

"Oh I gave her a list." He began counting on his fingers, "at least knee length or longer, nothing too bright, no slits up to the thigh, no low fronts, no strapless..." he paused, "I can go on."

Cesera shook her head, rolling her eyes, "That's quite alright, dearest--I get the picture. With all of those specifications, are there any gowns left for her to pick from?!"

"Hey, men are pigs." He smirked. "Especially officers."

She giggled quietly. "You're one to talk," she whispered, nudging him with her elbow.

He smirked and pinched her side. "Your fault, angel. Not mine." He teased, then turned serious again. "Anyway, I don't want Becks getting the wrong kind of attention. I already told her not to accept comm frequencies from anyone, and...."he paused, "Oh kriff I only hope she isn't in that mall maxing out my credit chip getting everything in the damn outlet. "

Cesera closed her eyes. "You brought that upon yourself. She's seventeen. Let her wear something age appropriate. And if it takes 500 credits to do so, let her." she opened her eyes and glanced towards the mall. "Speaking of...here she comes now." Deroh looked in the mall's direction as Rebecca walked towards them holding two large shopping bags.

"Well, at least my wallet survived." He chuckled. "I see you made out alright there."

Rebecca smiled at her parents and sat down beside her father. "Yup! There was a lot to pick from. Even with all of your...limitations."

"Oh good," he grinned, "At least you won't kill me for making your life difficult. What'd you pick out?" he asked, reaching for the nearest bag to view its contents.

"Oh no you don't!" She said, yanking her purchases from his reach. "You're not allowed to see. I want it to be a surprise!"

He slumped back against the back of the bench, defeated. "You sound like your mother," he muttered.

Cesera beamed, "Of course she does. I reared her up well." She smiled at her daughter, "I'm pleased you found some nice gowns, dear. Will I be able to see them?"

Rebecca nodded, "Once we're back at the apartment." She lifted one of the two bags." There's three...you can tell me what looks best!"

"Great!" Her mother beamed.

"Oh, so you'll show your mother but not me? That's real fair." He shook his head and took notice of the other bag. "What's in that one?"

"All of my accessories!"

"You need that huge bag for a pair of shoes?" Deroh questioned, raising a brow.

"Not just shoes, Daddy. Three pairs of heels, then there's jewelery sets for my gowns! Each gown is different and these cannot be mix and matched. You don't want me being introduced to so many important people while dressed like a fool, do you?!"

"Bah...I give up." He  shot off the bench and started back to the apartment. "You women are too complex..." he muttered, walking off. Cesera and Rebecca exchanged looks and giggled amongst themselves at they trailed along behind.