XLIII: News from the Homefront

Dear Daddy, 

I haven't heard from you in months. I hope everything is alright. This mission of yours must be really important. With luck you'll be home soon. 

Not much has changed here since my last message. I'm still at that same desk working for the same officers, though I have to admit your office has been occupied by someone else now. He's a young Commander. His name escapes me at the moment, but so far he seems decent enough, though no where near the officer that you are, Daddy. 

I enrolled in a culinary evening class so I didn't have to eat out every night. I have to say, I'm getting pretty good. I even cracked an egg without making a mess! As soon as you get home I'll make you a full dinner spread. You'll love it, I promise. The only downside to the class is my fellow lady classmates. They are under the impression that I'm going to grow old and die an old maid. In the past two months they have tried setting me up with several "eligible" bachelors from all over the city, all of which failed to impress. I have another outing tomorrow night. According to my one friend, Marcia, he's a Nubian socialite. This one's a double date. Apparently Marcia thinks I cannot fetch a man without help, so she and her bo are tagging along. Laughable, isn't it? Luckily the class ends in three weeks, so I won't have to endure this nonsense much longer. 

Aria returns from duty next weekend, so she promised to help me improve on my blaster training. I know you'll be pleased. I haven't really been practicing much in her absence. No one seems to want to help when they see how bad I am. I think they're afraid I'll shoot them or something. I promise though, one day my weapons skills will be as good as yours. I'm trying, I really am. One day, you'll see... 

Be safe out there, Daddy. Every night I'm praying to the maker for your safe return. I miss you so much, and I hope to hear from you soon! 

Love, 
Becky

XLII: Reassignment

"I'm here to see Admiral Okins." said a male voice.

Rebecca swiveled around in her chair to see a tall young man standing at her desk. "Oh, hello." She smiled. "What's your name..." she glanced at his rank, "Lieutenant?" 

"Richard Dakk, at your service." He flashed a grin. 

"Well, Lt. Dakk, the admiral is at a meeting with his excellency, the Emperor. He hasn't returned yet, so please take a seat and wait." She said, then started to return to her work. 

Dakk grinned, then sat on her desk and leaned forward. "This looks like a good spot." He said, then took a long look at her. 

"There's a bench at the wall. You'll be more comfortable over there." She said without stopping her work.  

"But I'm comfortable right here!" He reached over and tilted her chin with his forefinger. "You're a pretty thing. How long have you been locked away in the depths of these offices?" 

Rebecca moved away from his touch and stepped away from her desk. "Almost a year." She opened up the back cabinet and started searching for some files. 

"Well that sounds incredibly dull." He replied. "So, what do you do during your free time, sweetheart?" 

Rebecca shot him a look. "What do you want, Lieutenant?" she asked, not enjoying his prying. 

"How about a date?" 

"No. Now get off my desk." 

"Why not?" He grinned. "I can show--"

"I'm not interested in cocky Nerf like yourself." She interrupted, then paused when the main doors opened and Okins hurried inside. Thank the maker....Daddy, your timing is perfect. "Admiral, Lieutenant Dakk is here to see you." 

Okins unlocked his office door and hurried inside. "Make your case fast, son. I'm in a hurry." 

Dakk gave Rebecca a wink before stepping into Okins' office. "Sir, I request reassignment to the new flagship, Executor. 

"Request denied. Lord Vader is the one to select crew for his personal Star Destroyer. You'll have to put your request through to him yourself. Anything else?" Okins asked while going through his desk drawers. 

Dejected, Dakk sighed. "I believe that's all." 

"Good. Dismissed." Okins said, sternly. "Oh, and don't let me catch you flirting with my secretary again. It's not a good way to earn my good graces if you ever want a reassignment anywhere else. Do I make myself clear, Lieutenant?" 

Dakk pursed his lips. "Very clear, sir." He turned and left the office quickly. 

Rebecca watched him rush out of the office, then walked over to her father. "How did your meeting go, Daddy?" 

"Better than expected, actually." Okins said, packing up several small boxes. "I myself got reassigned."

"Really? Where are you going now?" 

"It's a temporary command aboard the Star Destroyer Aggressor. Unfortunately, it's a year long campaign towards the Outer Rim territories." 

Rebecca's excitement faded. "Wait...a year?? Why so long? What do you have to do?" 

Okins sighed. "It's the nature of the mission. For security reasons I can't disclose the details of my mission for the Emperor. Just know that it's one of great importance." 

"When do you have to depart?" 

"In a week. It's enough time for me to close out my office here. Any appointments I have set up starting tomorrow will have to be transferred to Admirals Mercer and Rollins." He walked around his desk to give Rebecca a tight hug. "Are you going to be alright?" 

"I think so..." she said, quiet. "I'll miss you. This place won't be the same without you, Daddy." She said with a small smile. "Who will strike intimidation into the hearts of new recruits now?" 

Okins laughed. "My fellow admirals will have to pick up the slack." He escorted Rebecca back into the waiting room and locked his office door for the night. "I know this will be a difficult time for you, and me as well, but it could also be the setting stone for my career. Command of a star-ship is nearly every officer's dream." 

"Alright... just promise to comm me. All the time." 

Okins kissed his Rebecca's forehead as they headed back to their apartment. "It's a deal. I'll be back before you know it." 

OOC PSA: Upcoming Content

Hey readers!

I've gotten to the point in Becky's history where related storylines in the twitter feed can start taking place! In the next few weeks, be sure to pay attention to twitter accounts @Elsa_Everon and @AriamVorru. If you're not following them yet, be sure to! They're both going to become increasingly more active as certain plots start developing. These past 20 or so entries on our favorite redhead's past will be referenced plenty in the twitterfeed now. Just something to keep in mind though: the time difference between what you have read here on the blog so far and the current twitter feed is about 8 years. There is still plenty more backstory to come your way soon!!

In the meantime, I've started a new "pages" section to the blog. There's going to be a bar across the top of the screen with links to new content. Right now I'm working on a slightly more detailed biography for certain characters that appear here on the blog and in the twitter feed. Stay turned for more updates!

If you're interested in maybe getting your character(s) involved in the upcoming twitter storyline, feel free to leave a comment here or a Direct Message on @Lady_Everon's twitter page. Only the basic plot points are worked out so there's plenty of time to fill in the details! Or, if you just want some spoilers or to leave suggestions, you can send me a message too. Either way I'd love to hear from you!

Happy reading!
-Becks

XLI: Lost Hope

"Gentlemen, I don't know how much longer I can keep waiting..." Elsa said, sipping her tea. "My Rebecca has been missing for six months now. Do you really think she's alive?"

"Of course!" Ariam bellowed, rising to his feet. "there is nothing to suggest otherwise!"

"Ariam, she hasn't made contact with us all this time. She could be dead for all we know." Fliry said.

"Nonsense, father!" Ariam objected. "Her body was never found with Ulmeran's or anywhere else! She's alive, I know it. Rebecca is here somewhere, and I intend to find her."

Elsa gave the young man a tiring glance. "Really, Ariam. Hasn't this gone on long enough?"

Distraught, Ariam pointed his finger at Elsa. "You may have given up on her, but I haven't. My bride, my future... Kriff, both of our bloodlines are at stake! I refuse to believe she's gone. I love her, and if I have to find her on my own, so be it!" Ariam stormed out of the room.

Fliry shook his head and turned back to Elsa. "Your granddaughter's death is hitting him hard. That is, if we should call it death." He sighed. "I don't want to give up on her either, dear Elsa, but I think it's time to face facts. If she's alive, she hasn't tried contacting us..or anyone for that matter. If she's perished, well... Then her captor did a real good job hiding her from us." he stepped forward and patted her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "I'll do what I can to talk sense into my son...but I think it's time we declare Rebecca lost and try to move on with our lives. It will be difficult, but spending the rest of our years waiting, wondering..."

Elsa set down her teacup and sighed. She began trembling a little as her worst fears began taking over her. After a few moments and deep breaths, she regained some of her composure and embraced Fliry. "One more week... I'll make a public statement and then go into official mourning."

Fliry held her tight. "I'll keep faith that one day she'll return to us, safe and sound."

XL: First Day Jitters

"It was so nice of Aria to help get me this job." Rebecca smiled as she sat down at the secretary's desk. "but are you sure High command won't mind me working on the same floor as you, Daddy? I mean...um, Admiral?" she corrected herself.

"it's fine, Rebecca. Don't worry." Okins said. "I'll have you know we've gone through over five secretaries in the last month. We know you'll be reliable. And besides, you're not just working for me, but for the other offices on this floor as well. I hope you can multitask."

Rebecca looked around her workspace nervously, "I think we'll soon find out either way. What should I do first?"

Okins pointed to a stack of files at the edge of the desk. "Our previous girl had no sense of organization. I guess you can start out by filing these in the proper place. Cabinets are alphabetical and separated by rank. You'll get the hang of it."

"I'll try my best....sir." she said. Calling her father by rank was going to take some getting used to.

Okins grinned. "I'll be in my office if you need me. Just knock." He patted her shoulder, then returned to his office.

Taking a deep breath, Rebecca pulled the stack over and began sorting through, making separate piles on her desk to put away. The whole activity took just under two hours, and by the time she had finished, some of the other officers had approached her with other small tasks to complete.

Late in the afternoon she leaned back in her chair and smiled. Throughout the day her superiors repeatedly complimented on her efficiency and job well done. She felt at ease now that her first day had been a pleasant one. Before rising from her post to check in with her father, she caught a glimpse of the calendar for the following day. The page was covered in officer appointments from morning to late afternoon. Most of the slots were for junior officers, but some high ranking officials were scheduled in between. Facing many strangers made her a little nervous, and she hoped tomorrow would be quick and painless.

XXXIX: Bonding over Wine

Rebecca arrived at Coruscant's Monument Plaza and headed towards one of the many bars located at the mall. She and Aria Brisard were meeting to catch-up over a glass of wine. This was the first time she's seen her friend since leaving Corellia.

When she entered the bar, she spotted Aria sitting at one of the booths towards the corner of the room. Rebecca walked over to her friend and greeted her with a warm smile.

"Aria!It's great to see you!" she said.

"Same here, Becks! It's been a while!" Aria said, hugging Rebecca and then sitting back down. "How is city life treating you?"

Rebecca shrugged and sat down across from her friend. "It's alright, I suppose. I'm still trying to adjust. It's a lot different from living on Nana's estate back on Corellia."

Aria nodded. "The crowds take some getting used to, as well as knowing the good areas to venture to." She smiled. "What do you do during the day?"

"Well Daddy spends most of the day at work, so I've been trying to learn how to cook. Since his culinary skills are dreadful, I feel it's a great way to help contribute."

"That's a good idea. What about on Okins' days off?"

"Oh Aria, those days are few and far between. Though lately he has been taking me to the shooting range. Daddy's been trying to teach me to use a blaster to defend myself...but I can't get comfortable using it....no matter what I try. Between trying to meet his high expectations and the physical weapon in my hands..." she sighs, "I just can't do it."

"Aria pat Rebecca's hand. "It's okay. It takes time, that's all. If you want, I could help you train when I come visit you here...or if you want to come see me on Exactor. We can go at your pace, no pressure."

Rebecca smiled. "I like the sound of that."

"Great! So, what else is going on?"

Rebecca shrugged. "Not much... aside from that I stay around the apartment. It would be nice if there was something else I could do."

Aria tapped her chin, thinking. "Maybe you can find some work?"

"That's what I was thinking. But I've never had a real job before...There's so much here on Coruscant. I'm not even sure what to apply for!"

Aria thought for a moment, then grinned wide. "I think I have the perfect solution. Just leave everything to me!"

For my Dark Lord...

Another year gone by, and what a year it has been...

This has been a rough, but wonderful year for us, Si'hil tha'... We've had our unpleasant arguments, our violent little fits, but we pulled through, didn't we. Most of our time was spent waiting for our tiny Sith prince to be born. Between our excitement, anxiety, and miserable lack of pleasantries, I can clearly say those were some of the bumpiest months of the year. Thank the maker all of that (ok, most of it..) is behind us. Our handsome, healthy baby is the biggest blessing the Force could bring us. 

You've shown me great patience, concern, and rounds of your Sithly humor during my darkest hours, and I continue to thank you for it. Dark as you may be, you're a wonderful husband for me, and an equally wonderful father to our children. I know this hasn't been easy for you, Si'hil tha', my attention divided so much that I haven't tended to you as much as I'd have liked. I want you know that my love for you always remains. Our little family has grown a little bigger, and so has my love for you, with every passing day. 

Happy third Anniversary, 

 Your Si'hari tha'.

(dedicated to @The_Darth_Vader)

XXXVIII: Body Found

A speeder raced towards the Vorru estate. The Dowager Lady Everon sat in the back seat rustling a news article in her fingers stressfully. Events from the last week plagued on the matriarch's mind.

First was the rush meeting She had with Jeref Ulmeran. She recalled the day of the Vorru gala when Ulmeran stopped by her estate, expressing for a second time his desires to take on Rebecca as his bride. At the time she was trying to set Rebecca with Ariam Vorru so she revealed nothing of her devious plans, instead told Ulmeran her precious granddaughter was seeing another man. She did also remember Ulmeran storming out of the estate after being denied his lady prize. That was the last time she saw him alive.

Next was the luxurious gala itself. Much planning went into the guest list and ensuring Ariam Vorru's proposal would go without error. Rebecca's downright refusal shocked her, the Vorru's and everyone in attendance. The invited reporters and paparazzi turned their focus to badgering herself and Ariam about what went wrong instead of questions about the future nuptials. Reports about the failed proposal stopped posting after a few days.

Instead, they've been focusing on a new story, and the mail reason for Elsa's stress. Last week's gala marked the night Rebecca went missing. Coincidentally, Jeref Ulmeran vanished the very same night. Gossip sources claimed the two ran off together, but neither Elsa or Ariam believed a word of it. The Dowager began searches all over the city and countryside where Rebecca grew up, believing her granddaughter simply ran away to a more comfortable, familiar setting. The one mishap in her theory is what happened to Lord Jeref Ulmeran.

However, the news article in her hand answered that question. As soon as her speeder stopped in front of the Vorru estate, she bounded out and inside the home.

"Fliry! Ariam! I have news!" she announced, walking into the parlor. Ariam and Moff Vorru quickly ran from the study and joined her.

" have you found Rebecca? Oh please tell me you have." Ariam said, sinking into a chair.

"no, I haven't." Elsa answered, clearly troubled. "this was in today's post." she nervously handed the article to Ariam. Moff Vorru moved behind his son so he could read it as well.

" Jeref Ulmeran found dead." Ariam Vorru read aloud. "his body was discovered early this morning mangled and dumped in the woods just outside the city..."

"dear Maker..." Moff Vorru said, rubbing his chin.

"keep going... There's more." Elsa replied.

"... Although the autopsy has not been completed, preliminary reports indicate he had been severely beaten, tortured and disfigured. Details on cause of death will be released later."

"who could have done that?" Vorru asked.

"well Jeref had plenty of enemies..." Ariam answered.

"Don't you see?? Ulmeran and Rebecca disappeared at the same time! What if they were together when this happened?? Is my granddaughter dumped in the forest too? Dear Maker...her virtue is still at stake!" Elsa panicked.

Moff Vorru came over to her and patted her shoulder. "Calm down, Elsa. I'm sure Jeref had nothing to do with Rebecca's disappearance. She might just be lying low until this whole matter blows over. I have a feeling she's still on Corellia."

"father is right, Elsa."Ariam said. " We'll find sweet Rebecca before too long, and then we'll stick back to our plan."

"oh Ariam...for her sake I hope you're right..."

XXXVII: Range Day

"Daddy, I'm not so sure about all of this..." Rebecca said as she tagged along behind her father. The two had just finished lunch and were heading to the shooting range.

"Trust me, it's for your own good." Okins replied.

"I don't even know which one I should get." she said. "I don't know anything about blasters or weaponry."

"That's what I'm here for." He said.

As they entered the establishment, Rebecca couldn't help but feel incredibly uncomfortable. The walls were covered in different sized pistols, rifles, canons, and other various weapons she couldn't quite identify. While her father spoke to the employee behind the desk, she walked over to one of the display cases and and looked at the different rifles. The longer she looked at them, the more she wanted to run out of the establishment and head for home.

"Rebecca, c'mon." Okins said, waving her over as the clerk led them to the shooting area. It was a narrow aisle way with a chair and table in the center of the shooting area. Several meters away there was a body-shaped target hanging on the back wall. The clerk set a box of various blasters down on the table and returned to the front.

"Ready?"

"No..." Rebecca said. She stepped forward and peered into the box. There were two smaller pistols and one large rifle. She picked up the smallest of the three and examined it. The weapon was a bit chunky and she wasn't surprised when it felt uncomfortable to hold.

Okins picked up one of the larger weapons so he could demonstrate how to use it. "Here, hold it like this, wrapping your finger around the trigger. Then, you just lift, aim, and shoot." He raised his arm towards the target across the room and fired. "Simple."

Rebecca had jumped, startled from the blaster's discharge. "Daddy I don't know if I can."

"Of course you can. Here, I'll help you." He placed his hands over her own and positioned them on the blaster properly. "Now, aim, and fire." He guided her arm upwards and helped her press the trigger. The discharge made her jumpy again. "Now it's your turn," he said, removing his hands.

Rebecca swallowed. "Okay..." she took a deep breath and took aim. Her hand wouldn't stop shaking from nerves. The longer she stood there, the more the shaking continued. Finally she fired. The shot missed the target completely. She sighed and dejectedly lowered her weapon to her side. While doing so, she heard a loud bang and promptly dropped the gun as her father fell and braced the chair for support.

In her attempt to lower the weapon, she ended up squeezing the trigger and shooting a bolt right into her father's foot.

XXXVI: Blaster Talk

"Rebecca, time to eat." Okins called from the kitchen as he took  a tray out of the oven and set it on the table. Rebecca came in and sat down. She peered over at small paper bags sitting beside the table settings.

"Um, Daddy? What are those for?" She asked, pointing to the bags.

Okins dished out the meal. "Those are 'emergency meal removal bags' in case things go sour."

Rebecca raised an eyebrow. "So they're barf bags."

"No no no....you make it sound so gross when you say it like that."

"Because it is?" She asked, eyeing the meal in front of her. "Do you really not trust yourself with food?"

"My skills are a little rusty." He replied and sat down. "C'mon, try it."

Rebecca hesitantly scooped up some food onto her fork and put it in her mouth. She chewed it slowly, trying to keep her facial expression pretty neutral. After a few more chews, she finally swallowed it and leaned back in her seat.

"Well?"

"It was...oh kriff..." she said, then quickly downed most of her beverage.

"That bad, huh." He asked. She nodded. Okins threw his napkin onto the table. "Well  there's the diner down the next block. Let's just go out."

"Good idea." She agreed. Together they quickly cleaned up from the failed dinner attempt and left the apartment for the landing strip where they grabbed a speeder to the restaurant.

"I was thinking..." Okins began.

"Uh oh..."

"I think it's time you learned to defend yourself."

Rebecca blinked, inquisitive. "You mean...self defense class or something?"

"I was thinking more along the lines of weaponry. It's time you got yourself a blaster."

"...a....blaster??" Rebecca asked, unsure of how she feels about owning a weapon. "This has "Aria Brisard" written all over it, doesn't it..."

"Oh no, she had nothing to do with this. I want you to have a blaster. It's a good weapon and handy to have when you're alone."

"Daddy, I don't like weapons. What good is having one when I probably will be afraid to even touch it, even fire it?"

"We'll have to build up your confidence, that's all." Okins said. "Just think, in time you'll be just as comfortable wielding a weapon as I am." He grinned at his daughter until he saw the unimpressed look on her face. "Okay, maybe not that much. The point is you'll be able to protect yourself. What happened on Corellia will never occur again."

"Do I have to have one?"

"Yes. We'll pick one out after we eat." He said as he landed the speeder. "Tomorrow you and I will head to the range to start practice."

Rebecca sighed and followed after her father, now with little enthusiasm. "Joy."