XIII: Funeral Furies

Rebecca, dressed head to toe in black, returned home by herself from her mother's funeral. Moving through the house, she walked out the back door, leaving her shoes on the steps and sat down on one of the swings. She set her hands in her lap and lowered her head, closed her eyes, and let the tears flow down her face, her thoughts full of guilt and shame.

She was pulled from her thoughts some time later when she felt a few drops of water fall. Turning her gaze towards the sky, she outstretched her hand, feeling a few more raindrops come down. The blue sky was being overtaken with dark rainclouds, and Rebecca realized now was the time to retreat back inside. Walking through the kitchen, she made her way to the foyer to go upstairs when she stopped, hearing an argument going on from inside her father's office. Curious, she pressed her ear to the door to hear.

"....You think that speech you gave at my daughter's grave makes up for what you did, that I can just forgive you for what you did to her and move on? Well forget it! You may have fooled everyone else at the service but you can't move me so easily. I--"

"I don't give a bothan's ass what you think, Elsa. Everything I said in that eulogy was true. Everyone at that service knew that-- everyone except you. You're too stuck up in your own ego to realize that.

"You killed her!"

"I LOVED her! What in kark's name would make me want to kill her?!"

"You tell me! You're the one who sent a laser blast through her chest."

"Oh shove off, Elsa. The coroner already debunked your theories. Stop grasping at straws to save your weak arguments.

"You MURDERED my daughter! You shot her in cold blood! I may not be able to convince the authorities of this, but I can assure you-- you'll pay for what you've done to my family!"

"And what, prey tell, do you expect to do? Contact the high command and have me stripped of my rank? That won't get you anywhere."

Tears streamed down Rebecca's cheeks continued to listen from the door, unable to pull away as there was the longest of pauses.

"No, but I'll make sure you don't harm anyone else I love ever again." Her voice then turned from hurt to almost sinister. "You can consider Rebecca under my custody as of tomorrow."

"WHAT?!" He shouted. His tone turned angrier as well. "You leave my daughter out of this."

"She won't be yours much longer, Deroh." She sneered. "I intend to fight over child custody. After what I have to say, you'll be the one grasping at straws."

"The girl is seventeen. In half a year she'll be a full adult--she can live on her own--hell, she can come back to Coruscant with me!"

"Not after what I have to give." she smirked. "Consider this your murder sentence, Admiral. I knew you were scum when I first laid eyes on you. I couldn't convince my sweet Cesera of that eighteen years ago before you got married, but I'll be damned if I let you ruin another of my flesh and blood!"

Rebecca heard a loud bang as her father slammed his fist into his desk. Unable to bear listening anymore, she scampered upstairs to her room, slamming the door and throwing herself onto her bed, crying.

"I'll settle this in court, Elsa. And I be damned if I let your wretched hide take my daughter away from me."

XII: 'Till Death do We Part...

"Don't you see?! You don't have to spend your life miserable here at home waiting. I know you've been reading that journal for face value, seeing my diagrams as mere pictures like a children's book. It doesn't have to be this way. Come with me, let me train you! Rebecca you have so much available talent, so much potential! Don't squander it!" He shifted his stance trying to keep his grip on her, however when he moved, a shiny cylindrical object that was hanging on his belt under his brown robe caught her eye.

"You...you're a Jedi, aren't you!" She yelled, horrified, continuing to struggle against your grip, "That's why you're calling yourself an outcast-- because our armed forces are supposed to be hunting you down. It all makes sense now. Why in kriff's name should I join you?? You're a criminal!"

"Because I can sense the good that you could do for the balance of the Force. There's far too much darkness thanks to the Emperor and his robotic slave! The rest of our kind need you." Desperate, "The Force needs you!"

"LET GO OF HER!" Cesera yelled, running through the snow towards them, aiming her blaster to Korban's chest. "Unhand my daughter!" She stopped a few feet back and held her aim, trying not to have her arms shake with nerves.

Korban looked from Rebecca to Cesera, "My dear lady, I have no intention of hurting your sweet daughter--if she listens to reason, that is."

Cesera glared at him, gathering more courage by the minute, "I'm going to start firing if you don't listen to reason and get away from her."

Korban shook his head then raised his free hand. Using the Force, he ripped the blaster out of Cesera's hands and dropped it in the snow at his feet. "Lady Okins, this affair does not concern you. This is between myself, and your lovely daughter."

"Over my dead body!" Cesera yelled, lunging at the Jedi.


Deroh Okins stepped out of the dry cleaners', saying goodbye to the shopkeeper. "I'll be back for my uniform in about two weeks. No rush, Rehmy'." He grinned. "Happy holidays to you." he buttoned up his coat and headed down the street towards home. The snow continued to fall, making his travel all the more difficult. As he continued down the road, making it past the town outskirts, he happened to glance down at the snow, noticing a set of footprints also aimed towards his house. The kriff? No one else lives out here for miles. Who's do these belong to? He continued closer to home and as if to answer his question, he happened to glance up, frozen in horror at the sight before him. 


Rebecca was pushed into the snow as her mother lunged at Korban. As she got to her knees and watched the sight before her, she couldn't help but think everything was happening so fast. And then things became normal paced again. She got to her feet to see Korban latched onto her mother in a threatening manner.

"Child, don't you see..." he began, his tone no longer sounding like an encouraging mentor but rather a desperate tutor, "...she's trying to hold you back! Now listen to me, child, and listen good. I don't want to hurt your dear sweet mother, but you are leaving me with little to no choice. Now, will you join me or not??" He demanded.

Rebecca shifted her glance helplessly between mother and Korban, unsure what to say or what to do. Before she could give her response however, she noticed a black clothed figure moving closer. She wiped the snow from her face to get a better look, and gave a huge sigh of relief upon identification.

"Daddy!" She exclaimed.

Deroh Okins motioned for his daughter to duck down to the ground and quickly unholstered his blaster from his belt, firing a warning shot straight up in the air to get the Jedi's attention. He turned to Korban and aimed the barrel at the Jedi's head.

Cesera quickly scanned the area and finally caught sight of her husband. "Deroh please..." she cried out to him. "Stop him..."

"Cesera, duck down!" He shouted and waited a few seconds for his wife to lower her head slightly, seeing as she was unable to do much else while in Korban's grip. Without uttering another word, he took careful aim and fired, hitting with precision that the bolt grazed the side of the Jedi's head, leaving a vertical blood mark down the side of his face.


Korban shook his head a few times to regather his bearings, realizing the situation could not be salvaged, turned to Rebecca and said with a cold sneer, "I see that was your decision. For now, at least. You haven't seen the last of me...."

Rebecca stared at him in horror, not missing a single detail as the next few moments seemed to occur as if slow motion:

Korban reaching into his robes. A flash of blue light. A loud humming sound. A bright blue light saber beam puncturing right through her mother's chest. And her mother's lifeless body dropping into the snow.

XI: Dangerous Confrontations

Late in the morning, Rebecca snapped awake. She quickly rolled out of bed and rushed to her calendar. The current date, December 23rd, was circled in bright colors. Getting excited, the seventeen year old got dressed as quickly as she could and practically threw herself downstairs and into the kitchen where her mother was cooking.

"Daddy's coming home today!!" she exclaimed, practically jumping up and down in place, unable to fully contain her excitement.

Cesera smiled, "Yes, love, I know! Now calm down before you hurt yourself!"

"But I can't! When is he supposed to arrive?....Now?"

"No, not yet." Cesera laughed, "in about..." she looked over at the chrono at the oven,"two or so hours from now. He said he had to make some stops on the way in."

Hearing that news calmed Rebecca down ever so slightly, "Oh. I guess that leaves me time to eat something." She said. Walking past her mother, she went over to the bread box for some toast when she happened to look out the window. "It's snowing! YES!" she turned completely around and dashed to the main hall closet. Opening it, she snatched out her scarf, earmuffs, boots and coat, and quickly put them on. Cesera followed her daughter to the front door.

"But Rebecca-- you haven't eaten yet! You can't go outside now."

"Not hungry anymore, Mom!" the girl exclaimed, going out the front door and into the snow. Cesera watched from the front windows. Shaking her head, she turned back and returned to the kitchen.

Rebecca walked through the snow towards the base of their driveway. Moving onto the snow covered grass, she started to form large mounds of snow together, attempting to make a sculpture. Taking a few steps back, she tilted her head, examining her work, making sure she was satisfied with her creation thus far. She then knelt into the snow and rolled enough of it into a ball to form the head.

After she finished her first sculpture, she began making another one of the same size. By now the snowfall was becoming heavier giving her more material to work with.

"That's a nice snowman." Said a strange voice behind her. Rebecca turned. Standing at the gate was a man in old, tattered looking tunic and pants under an even more tattered brown robe. The man's face was buried in the over sized hood yet she could still feel his gaze on her.

Rebecca gave a small smile. "Thank you, sir." She said.

The man nodded. "You're quite talented, Rebecca."

Rebecca stared at him for a minute. "You know my name? Have we met before?"

The man chuckled, shaking his head, "in person face to face...no. However I feel I've known you for years."

"I don't understand. Who are you?" Rebecca asked, "and...can you please take off your hood? I'd feel better if I could see your face."

The man reluctantly lowered his hood and looked back at her. He had brown eyes and short brown hair with tiny spots of grey showing in various places. From first look, he appeared to be in his late twenties to early thirties, however he had a worn down look to him.

"What's your name?" she asked.

"Korban." He said.

"And how do you know me...if we've never met before?"

Korban rubbed the back of his neck. "It's a bit of a long story..."

Rebecca looked at him inquisitively. "I've got about two hours to spare."

"It started about nine years ago. There were caves along the Coronet City coastline. Well, I had been living out of one of them for some time. I guess you can say I've been a social outcast for a long time." Korban chose his words carefully, "There were many others like me who lived in some of the other caves and in the woods nearby, who had been...arrested by imperial troops. Their makeshift homes and personal belongings were being destroyed. Well, I've heard these troops were getting closer and closer to my cave...so in order to preserve my way of life, I wrote down everything I knew into a journal. I had planned on burying the book and then returning for it sometime later but fate had other plans...."

Rebecca raised her brow at him, brushing snow out of her face as Korban continued.

"...a little girl with red hair, around eight or nine years of age, happened to wander into my cave as I was looking for a good hiding place for my journal. I had just enough time to conceal myself when this little girl finds my book and starts flipping through it, almost immediately lost in its contents..."

"Little girl...red ha--" she paused, realization hit her, "That was me, wasn't it. The journal I found...was yours?"

Korban nodded, forming a smile. He put his hands on the gate and leaned forward. "I knew once you started reading through it that that book was meant for you...the...Force made it so."

Rebecca blinked, not understanding. "The...Force?"

"Yes. The Force surrounds us. It's in you and me, and everything. It surrounds us, penetrates us, makes things grow. Some individuals have more strength in the Force than others. You for example, are stronger in the Force than others."

Rebecca shook her head, "I don't feel any strength from this so called 'Force'. You're crazy." she said, turning to go back to her house when Korban reached out and grabbed her arm, stopping her.

"Only because you are untrained. I know you've been reading that journal. I can help you understand the ways of the Force...to use this power the way you've been destined to...."


Cesera put her roast in the oven and checked the chrono. When is that girl coming inside?! She headed to the front door and opened it, "Alright Rebecca, time to come inside an..." She noticed Rebecca all the way at the gate to the driveway with a male figure. She squinted, trying to make out the man's face through the snow. She took a few steps outside to get a better look. Then the man's face came into view. Why does that man look familiar? Where have I seen him before....

Suddenly it struck her, and she ran back inside to the kitchen. She tore through several drawers until she finally found what she was looking for: an old piece of paper. More specifically, a "WANTED" poster dating back nine years. Taking the paper with her, she returned to the front door, and studied man's face again, checking it with the image on the sheet. To her horror and dismay, she realized who she was staring at.

She gasped, barely making out "Oh dear Maker..."Cesera quickly looked around the house for a weapon. She stopped at her husband's office, standing in front of his blaster cabinet. Finding the key hidden in his desk drawer, she unlocked the glass doors and took out the first hand blaster she could get her hands on. She examined it quickly, having never used the weapon before in her life, then ran outside into the snow...

X: First Encounters

The Imperial Palace, the tallest and largest structure on Coruscant shined brightly in the night sky. Tonight, the Emperor was to be hosting one of his elite receptions inside one of the splendid reception halls. Down at the streets and platforms below, speeders and other transports arrived one after another as many of Emperor Palpatine’s closest personal and military advisors arrived with their company for the event.

Among the many guests to arrive, Deroh Okins stepped out of his speeder sporting his official dress uniform. Outstretching his hand, he helped Rebecca out of the vehicle, wearing a dark green halter floor length gown, her wavy red hair half up in a bun. Once out of the speeder, Rebecca looked up in awe at the magnificence of the Imperial Palace.

“This is the Imperial Palace?? It’s so much grander than I had imagined…” Rebecca said.

Deroh smiled, taking his daughter’s arm. “Just wait until you’re inside.” He said, escorting her inside the palace, “When it comes to his personal residence, his Majesty the Emperor spares no expense.”

Rebecca nodded, taking in all of the sights. “How often have you been here?”

“I get called to report in every once in a while.”

“And you’ve never gotten lost through here?” She asked, surprised.

Deroh shook his head. “Not that I recall. Every time I’ve been here I’ve gone straight from a landing platform to the Emperor’s throne room. It’s a pretty direct route.”

As they entered the reception hall, Rebecca stopped to take in the view. The room was packed with dignitaries, politicians, high ranking officers, members of the Emperor’s circle.

“Daddy, do you know all of these people??” She asked.

Deroh scanned the room. “I know a few. Mostly officers.” He led her slowly through the crowd, pointing out several familiar faces. “There’s Admiral Denbur, he shares the naval office with me right now…over there there’s Moff Tarkin chatting with Admiral Daala…”

Rebecca nodded. "Is the Emperor here, too?"

Deroh led his daughter onto the dance floor and began waltzing, occasionally looking through the crowd of dancers and socializers, "It's his gala, I'm sure he's around here som--" he paused, "I think he's over there. Look," he said, pointing over the crowd," See that tall man in black? With the black mask on the other side of the room-- That's Lord Darth Vader, my boss. The Emperor is no doubt walking with him."

"Darth Vader is your BOSS?! You never mentioned that to Mom..." she exclaimed, wide eyed in shock.

"That's because your mother would no doubt have a heart attack due to the news," he replied, twirling her. "And don't tell her about it either."

Rebecca smiled, "I won't. I promise. What's he like for a boss?"

"There's no tougher supervisor in the entire galaxy, lets just put it that way." He said, choosing his words carefully.

"That sounds difficult..." she said as she stopped dancing, the song ending.

Deroh lead her off of the dance floor and back through the crowd, "You have no idea."

Rebecca hesitated, "are you going to introduce me to him? I'd still love to meet your boss, Daddy..."

"No, absolutely not." He replied, shaking his head. "Lord Vader isn't one to be known for his social graces. He's here because of the Emperor--and besides, the man is not someone I want you associating with. He's....always in the foulest of moods-- I don't want you getting yourself hurt."

Rebecca tried not to look upset and quickly scanned the room for the mask moving about high over the crowd. "Alright, Daddy. I understand. She paused, I'm going to wander around...grab a drink. I'll be right back," she smiled.

Deroh smiled, " Alright, sweetheart. Just don't accept any comm frequencies from any of these hot-shots."

"I won't," she laughed, going deep into the crowd and out of sight.



"I sense your discomfort, my friend." Emperor Palpatine said to his apprentice. The two Sith lords walked out of the crowd to the end of the room.

"No, my master."

"You cannot hide it from me, my apprentice. I know you all too well."

Defeated, Vader replied. "I have never enjoyed events such as these, my master. I am better suited in more...commanding locations, overseeing the fleet."

The Emperor shot Vader a dark look, half hidden under his hood. "It is I who will decide where you shall be at all times, Lord Vader. And it matters not to me if you are enjoying your surroundings."

"Yes, my master."

"Good. Now, I must take my leave of this formal function for I have other pressing matters to attend to." The Emperor stated, giving a wicked smile to his servant. "You, my friend, will remain here and oversee this reception. Make sure everything runs...smoothly."

Vader tried his best to hide his displeasure, "As you wish, my master." The Emperor nodded, turned slowly and left the reception hall through a side door. Once the Emperor had gone, Vader turned back towards the crowded room, arms crossed, and began watching the guests chat among themselves. Eventually growing impatient of eavesdropping on the conversations of countless dignitaries and their wives, the Sith lord retreated to the nearby balcony to vent, setting his hands on the railing and settled for looking out at the Coruscant skyline.

"Credit for your thoughts, Lord Vader?" asked a quiet voice behind him. Turning slowly, his gaze set on the young red haired woman standing before him with a wine glass in her hand.

"What do you want of me?" The Sith lord snarled, resting his hands on his belt.

The woman shook her head. "Nothing, my lord," she stuttered, "I--I just noticed you here by yourself and thought...." she paused, lowering her head, "I'm sorry...I didn't mean to disturb you."

Vader stared at her for a long moment before responding, the harshness in his tone diminishing a bit, "It is...alright, milady. I can see you have meant no harm."

"Rebecca gave the slightest of smiles, "Do you always attend these parties by yourself?"

"No, milady. If I had my own way, I wouldn't attend these functions at all. My place is aboard my Star Destroyer, not playing babysitter for the Emperor's guests." He said, trying to keep his anger in check.

Rebecca nodded, "I see. This is my first party. My father doesn't usually get invited to one of these events." She said, brushing a stray hair behind her ear.

"Are you not a member of nobility, Milady?" Vader asked, intrigued. "Who is your father?"

"Admiral Okins, Lord Vader." she said, then covered her mouth. "Oh...I'm sorry. I never introduced myself. My name is Rebecca," she curtsied.

"A lovely name," he replied, becoming more engaged in conversation, "I know of your father well, young one. His promotion to admiral was most deserving." He paused, looking back to the reception hall briefly before returning his gaze onto Rebecca. "You are...enjoying yourself? All of the wealth of the Empire is here for you to enjoy tonight."

"I'm trying to. This party is full of strangers. Aside from my father, you seem to be the only other person I feel I know...and I haven't even met you until just now." She said quietly.

"Milady, a woman of your beauty should not fear such an occasion as this." He approached her and gestured to the reception room. "Surely there are others attending this reception that would make better company than myself..."

She shook her head, "Like I said before, my lord. I don't know anyone else. I'm much more comfortable being away from the crowd in this instance," she said, taking a sip of her wine.

Vader stared at her, intrigued that she would rather spend the evening with him rather than inside with the other guests. He was about to comment when Admiral Okins' voice was heard from inside the reception hall.

Rebecca turned to the door quickly, then back to Vader. "I'm sorry, Lord Vader-- I'm afraid I must be going..my father is calling for me."

Darth Vader nodded. "As you wish, milady."

Rebecca gave another curtsy. "It was a pleasure meeting you, my lord." Flashing one last smile, she quickly ducked back into the party.

Vader watched her go intently. "The pleasure, milady, was all mine..."

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.

VIII: Surprises

"My sweet Rebecca, you've grown up so fast," Cesera beamed, touching her daughter's cheek with her palm. "It seems like only yesterday when..."

"I know, Mom...since you brought me home from the medical center. I've heard this every year on my birthday," Rebecca rolled her eyes. "Besides, you're burning breakfast!"

"I am no-- oh kriff," Cesera exclaimed, rushing back to the stove to flip the pancakes over. "I'm sorry, sweetheart, but I can't help it.The last seventeen years really did fly by."

"Thanks for reminding me, Mom. Now...please tell me this birthday won't be a disaster like last years?"

"It won't, I promise. Grandma isn't coming over. No fights, squabbles and temper tantrums. Today will just be the two of us."

Rebecca paused, "Daddy isn't coming home?"

Cesera shook her head sadly, " I'm sorry... he's half way across the galaxy..."

Rebecca sank into one of the kitchen chairs, pulling her knees up to her chin. "Is Daddy ever going to come home...permanently? He only came home for a week last time...and that was last year."

Cesera sighed, flipping breakfast onto two plates. "I can't say for sure when he's coming home. His missions are unpredictable. I can only hope it's soon, dearest." She said, setting the breakfast plate onto the table in front of her daughter.She then quickly turned away so Rebecca couldn't see the smile forming on her face.

Too late. Rebecca eyed her mother suspiciously. "Mom..."

"Yes, Dear?" Cesera asked with a pure innocent tone.

"You know something, don't you."

Cesera shrugged. "I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about...."

~~~***~~~

"Did you leave the light on downstairs when we left?" Rebecca asked her mother as they returned home later that evening. 

Cesera didn't look at Rebecca to ensure her facial expressions wouldn't tip her daughter off. "...of course I did..."

"Apparently not." Rebecca shook her head. As she approached the front door, she noticed a figure moving around in the kitchen through the window. "Holy sweet maker..." Rebecca muttered to herself as she flung the door open and ran inside, into the kitchen and nearly tackle-hugged the man inside.

"YOU'RE HOME!"

Deroh grinned, clutching Rebecca tightly as he struggled to keep his balance. "Just in time, it seems. Happy seventeenth birthday, Becca."

Cesera closed the front door behind her and made her way into the kitchen, smiling at the two hugging. "I was wondering when you'd be getting in."

Deroh let go of his daughter and embraced his wife, "I'm sorry! My scheduled shuttle broke down and I had to wait three kriffing hours for maintenance to repair it."


Rebecca looked back and forth between her parents. "You knew Daddy was going to come home today, didn't you?!"

Cesera laughed, "Of course I did. Why tell you and spoil a birthday surprise, right?"

"I suppose so...but I still don't forgive you."

Cesera shrugged. "Can't please everyone, I suppose."

Deroh chuckled at the exchange, then turned to his daughter. "I bet I know something that'll please you greatly."

Rebecca's eyes widened. "What, what?" she smiled, taking a seat at the kitchen table.

"I've been invited to one of the Emperor's shindigs in two weeks time." He grinned, "And... I can bring a guest. Would you like to come along?"

Cesera, surprised by the request, gave her husband a confused glance, "Since when do you get invited to those fancy engagements?"

"Since I was promoted last month. You're looking at an Admiral, baby." Deroh grinned.

Rebecca's eyes widened. "Congratulations, Daddy! That's awesome news!"

Cesera gave Deroh a kiss, then smiled. "Admiral Okins... that has a nice ring to it. I wish you would've told me that sooner..."

"And ruin the surprise? Never." Deroh retorted by mimicking his wife's words earlier, "Now...would you both like to accompany me to Coruscant? It sounds like it'll be a fun evening."

Rebecca nodded excitedly, "Yes please! I've never been to Coruscant before..."

"We'll come along, but take Rebecca to the party, dearest." Cesera smiled. "It'll make for a wonderful father-daughter evening."

"Sounds good. I'll event take her shopping so she has something nice to wear. Appropriate of course, but nice." Deroh nodded.

"I can't wait" Rebecca beamed.

Deroh grinned and leaned forward, kissing his daughter on the forehead. "Happy Birthday, Becks."

VII: Family Rifts

Rebecca woke hearing voices coming from downstairs in the kitchen.Getting out of bed, she quietly crept downs the steps towards the kitchen, stopping just around the corner upon hearing her mother on the comm talking with her grandmother. Why they were talking that late she had no idea, and Rebecca was about to return to her room when she heard her name pop up in the conversation. Huddling against the wall, she listened in.

"Rebecca is doing fine, Mother," Cesera answered.

"Good, good. Now what's this I heard about her school? The last time I spoke with her she wouldn't give me straight answers." Elsa replied.

Cesera hesitated before answering. "Well...I pulled her out of public school last week."

"What?! Why?"

"She was having problems, I guess. It's...hard to explain."

Rebecca continued listening as her grandmother spoke. "Problems? What kind of problems??"

Cesera shook her head, trying to figure out what to say. "Well, she's been disturbing the other children...I don't know. Incidents of some kind. But her teacher had to make reports to the chancellor. We had a conference together and decided it was best to pull her from school."

 "Cesera honestly.The girl is thirteen years old. She needs an education. What were you thinking?? You're just going to let her waste away?"


"I've hired a private tutor for her. She isn't going to go without some form of schooling."

"And...have you discussed this with her father? I think he deserves a say in this matter, don't you?"

Rebecca huddled onto the floor, listening to the disapproval in her grandmother's words.

"I haven't heard from Deroh in weeks." Cesera replied, not at all liking where the conversation was evolving to.

"Cesera...sweetheart. I don't like this one bit." Elsa said, "Especially since that husband of yours isn't around..." 

Cesera interrupted. "Honestly, Mother. What do you have against Deroh?! Every time his name comes up you're constantly bad-mouthing him."

Rebecca leaned closer to the doorway, waiting for her grandmother's response. There seemed to be the longest of pauses until Elsa finally spoke.

"He abandoned you! He's not around to care for you or Rebecca, he doesn't call, write...I can go on."

"Deroh has NOT abandoned Rebecca or myself. He's an imperial officer, loyal to his superiors. He simply goes wherever he's called. It's his job! Why can't you just accept that?"

Rebecca listened to the argument for a few more minutes as tears started pouring from her eyes. Unable to bear listening to her grandmother nitpick on her father any longer, she quickly scurried back upstairs to her room and clutched her stuffed ewok, crying into it.

Some of Elsa's harsh words echoed in her mind. 'Cesera, it's been years since he left Corellia. You don't even know if he's even alive...'Rebecca pulled a small card off her bedside table, and read it over and over, hoping it would make her feel better:

 Dearest Beckeroo, 
 You've hit your first milestone birthday, kiddo. Congratulations! I only wish I could be there with you and your mother to help celebrate this special occasion. You're growing up so fast, and I truly apologize for not being able to share those memories with you. 

The mission I'm on is coming to a close, and our ship should be returning to the sector within a few weeks. I'm sorry I've barely talked to you or your mother after all of this time. Work on these Star Destroyers isn't easy, but I think about you and Mother all of the time. 

I miss you and Mother very very much, and am counting down the days until I can return home to you both. After all, I've got years of birthdays I have to make up for. Hope you're prepared for lots of fun.


Happy Thirteenth birthday Becks. I'll see you soon.
Love, Dad.


Rebecca rubbed tears from her eyes and curled up in bed. "I miss you too, Daddy...."

VI:The Journal

"Grandma, can I go look for some seashells??" Rebecca pleaded, looking up at Elsa, "I don't wanna build sand castles anymore."

Elsa glanced around the beach quickly, then nodded to her granddaughter, "Can't you wait, sweetie? Your mother should be returning with lunch any minute now."

"Please??"

Elsa sighed, reluctantly nodding her head, "Alright-- but stay close to our spot. I don't want you wandering off, understand? Stay where I can see you."

"Okay, Grandma!" Rebecca smiled, grabbing her drawstring bag and starts wandering towards the shoreline searching for seashells. Taking a small plastic sand shovel from her bag, Rebecca began sifting through the sand, examining every seashell she came across. Occasionally, she turned towards her grandmother, who promptly gave her a smile and a wave when the two made eye contact.

However, when Rebecca glanced away from Elsa, something caught her eye far off in the distance. There appeared to be an opening in the cliff at the edge of the shoreline. Rebecca took a few steps closer, then quickly turned back to her grandmother's seat. She couldn't continue, she was being watched. Instead, she kneeled down onto the sand and began searching for more seashells, glancing up discretely for her chance to go exploring.

At last, her moment came. She saw her mother returning to their beach chairs with lunch. While Elsa was distracted, Rebecca grabbed her bag and made a mad dash towards the cave.Once safely inside, she got a good look around. The cave appeared to have been a former hideout, or living space at one time. Broken furniture covered the floor, as well as blaster marks covering the walls. Near some of the scorch marks, there appeared to be some traces of red. Rebecca took a step closer, trying to figure out what it was to no avail.

Upon turning to leave the cave, she took one step and immediately drew back her foot, realizing she had stepped on something other than the rocky cave floor. She knelt down and removed some of the small debris and picked up a leather bound book. Opening it, she flipped through a few of the pages. It appeared to be an instructional book of some kind. Rebecca began flipping through more pages, curious of the book's contents.

Time began to fly by quickly. Rebecca, completely engrossed in the book, had forgotten what she was supposed to be doing this whole while, and upon hearing her mother and grandmother calling her name from a distance, the girl quickly stashed the book in her seashell bag, adding more shells to the top to effectively hide it, then scurried out of the cave to rejoin her family.

What she failed to notice about her new treasure was the name "Korban" scratched into the bottom back cover.

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.