Chapter 16
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'Finals'
'Sessions'
'Shuttle Problem Resolved'
'Emotional Baggage'
'No Home for the Holidays'
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Finals week is grueling for every student. For Dantius, his troubles during finals week have nothing to do with academics.
Young Dantius Palpatine has to continue his visits to his psychiatrist. During his follow-up visit Dr. Melfi faces continued resistance in getting him to open up. During each subsequent visit, Dantius opens up a little more. She suggests he close his eyes and relax. He lies in the elevated white leather chaise. She sets the controls to slowly sway him left to right. She does not speak for a good ten minutes. The rhythmic motion releases his inhibitions. By week three, he reveals a bit more about his feelings and experiences.
He is able to keep these visits a secret. There were a few close calls to uncover his secret. The first came the week following his first meeting with his new 'friends.'
Dantius encounters Magnus distributing anti-Trade Federation flyers on the medical school campus in preparation for the big rally at the chancellor's residence. Ordinarily they would have avoided one another. The two chat briefly, neither asking the other about being in the area. Magnus is friendly towards Dantius but he still feels there is much he does not know about this odd person. Dantius, on the other hand makes an effort to be a bit more outgoing. This stems from advice from Dr. Melfi during one of his weekly visits. They do a test run where she asks him to share something that embarrassed him recently. He does not disappoint.
Dantius tells her about the story of the figurines, the kiss, and the humiliating situation which followed in the dining hall. Melfi is intrigued as he goes on to tell her how he and his friends were scanned as potential shoplifters at the university bookstore, the incident with the condoms, and then the mortifying situation in his political science class when he innocently smiles at one of his classmates.
He will later discover that she is one of the Theed cheerleaders on the winter promotional calendar that Boone and Roman picked out for him. The calendar happened to slip out of his open rucksack under his chair. Their friendly non-verbal exchange quickly dissolves. It is not the fact that he had her calendar but that the package of condoms and 'Mood Lube' was also in full view. It looked like a sex fiend's 'value-pack.' The girl's smile quickly transforms into a disgusted scowl.
Dr. Melfi, without a tone of irony asks, "How did you feel about that?" and then the doozy, "Did you want her?"
"No! I don't know. Does it matter?"
"No. I'm just trying to figure where your head was at the time."
Dantius is defensive and feels he is misunderstood.
"She filed a complaint with the Theed Student Grievance Committee. I'm sure you got a copy of that record. My parents must think I'm insane. Can we talk about something else?"
Dantius is beginning to like Dr. Melfi. She tests his emotions as she digs for information but she does make progress. He likes the white leather relaxing chaise too, perhaps too much. He seems to let his guard down and reveals more to the doctor than he ever intended. She never raises her voice to him but never shies away from tough questions. She presses him on their last visit before the semester break.
"So tell me about Son'ya."
Did he mention her? He is so confused by now he does not recall how much he has revealed about himself. He is an open holo-book!
"What about her?"
"You brought her up. She must have had an impact on you."
Apparently he told the doctor of the bizarre dream he had the afternoon after Son'ya came 'a-calling.'
Dantius took a few days longer than he intended in order to complete the figurine repairs. He had to purchase another bottle of epoxy. The original bottle spilt over during that careless accident which left him with the most horrible hallucinations and the worst headache ever. Since he was too embarrassed to return to the university bookstore, he goes off-campus to an art supply shop in downtown Theed. The product is costlier but at least he does not have to face the Twi'lek sales clerk again.
During breakfast the following day, Dantius is fortunate enough to see Son'ya at the table with their group of friends. The last thing he wants to do is meet with her alone.
He walks over to the breakfast table and sets a wooden box lined with red velvet in front of Son'ya. She is about to bite into a vegan breakfast sandwich. He approaches her with no display of anger but is rather business-like.
"Well, here it is. I apologize for the delay but I trust you will find everything is in order."
There is silence at the table as Dantius walks to the opposite end of the table and takes a seat beside Boone. Magnus is the only one to make a comment as he butters a roll.
"Well…That was awkward."
Awkward indeed. Son'ya, for the first time since her friends have known her, has been rendered speechless. She and Dantius have little to say to one another through the end of the semester. When she asks if she has truly been so much trouble, Roman responds with a resounding 'Yes.'
Roman adds that she has brought this on herself. It seems that her ego has been bruised because she was rebuffed in such a public way especially from someone she once considered as a non-entity on campus.
Dr. Melfi records all of the sessions with Dantius so she can analyze his thoughts later. After listening to her patient talk of these experiences, she finally has a question.
"Do you believe you have difficulties with your encounters with the women on campus?"
"No. I don't think so."
"How about women in general?"
"No."
She does not believe him but she tempers her next questions with concern and tact. She is determined to see some progress and honesty in their conversations.
"I can imagine how humiliating it was for Son'ya to broadcast something so private. But now that some time has passed, are you ready to reconcile with her?"
"I don't believe I can get over that."
"How can you heal yourself if you cling to all of these unfortunate experiences? You're punishing Son'ya, and, most of all you're punishing yourself. You will never have a healthy relationship with women if you cannot forgive their shortcomings. You need to pull yourself out of that darkness. So let's work on that, shall we?"
"Yes, Doctor."
"Good. So, how are you planning to spend the winter break?"
This is a question he was not expecting.
"Oh, I've been invited to go on a ski trip."
"Is this with your new friends?"
"Yes."
"Where are you going?"
"Hoth…on Mount Ison."
"Oh, really?" She adjusts her eyeglasses and repositions herself in her chair. This change in his tone sparks her interest. "It sounds lovely."
"Have you been?"
"Not in a long time. I'm sort of a warm weather person. How do your parents feel about you going away this holiday?"
"I haven't told them."
"Don't you think they would like to know?"
"You're telling me I should?"
"Sooner rather than later would be preferable, don't you think?"
"I suppose."
"Dantius, I'm happy for you. This is what you need."
"Yes. I think so too."
"But talking to your parents is one step closer to resolving some issues you are having."
"I know."
Dr. Melfi waves her hand over the timer.
"Well, our time is up. Do you feel any different from our previous discussions, Dantius?"
"Oh yes. I am feeling much better."
"I hope I am helping you. I want you to continue taking the medication I prescribed. I will submit my findings to the dean. You will hear from the Dean's office by the time you return to campus."
"You're going to tell the dean about what we discussed?"
"No. Whatever you say during your visits is protected by doctor-patient privilege."
"Oh. Thank you, doctor."
"You're welcome, Dantius. Take care of yourself. Happy Befana Eve."
"Happy Befana Eve to you, doctor."
This is the first time Dantius has ever said 'thank-you' to her. She considers this a breakthrough. She sees a glimmer of humanity seeping through his cynical veneer. She has hope because there are still many layers to peel from this complex young man.
Dantius is buoyant when he leaves the office. He even exchanges pleasantries with Laodice Nu at the reception desk. There is a bounce in his step as he leaves the building.
He is happy that this is his last appointment of the semester but most of all, he is glad to get a place on the shuttle to Hoth. As it turns out, there was no need for Sigrid's 'secret' master plan to get him on board. Campus jock Doug 'the Boar' Cooha'ki is still on the mend and his own planned ski trip with his teammates was cancelled. His teammates, however, have not changed their plans and will keep their reservation at the rented cottage on North Ridge. Loyalty has its limits.
Dantius still has one problem, his parents. He breaks the news to them in two parts. He makes a call home during finals week.
Mrs. Palpatine is happy to hear her son's voice. She was beginning to worry because she had not heard from him since the last care package arrived for him at the beginning of finals. She thought he would have at least called to say he had received it. Dantius knew he was wrong for not contacting her. This must be what Dr. Melfi was talking about when she said he had to learn to connect with people. Well, he is 'connecting' now.
"Hello, Mother."
"Dantius, you've called...finally."
"Mother, I missed you."
"I was beginning to worry, dear. Your father and I have not heard from you all month."
"I'm fine…it's just been so busy. I've been studying so hard that it slipped my mind to ring you."
This is only partially true. Yes, he was hard at study but he also was preoccupied with his new friends and he had no intention of telling his mother. She would have lectured him on balancing his time between his academics and his social life…or so he thought. In truth, his mother was pleased that he has finally made friends. He had to tell her. She always had faith in him where his studies were concerned. He has always done well in school since he was a child. His father has a different reaction.
"Dantius, what is the meaning of this? You know we have the annual Befana Eve party at the house. It's tradition. You have insulted me for the last time. I will not have you snub the family or our guests this way."
"Father, they come to see you. There's nothing for me to do at these functions."
"There is! You need to network and let everyone know how well you're doing at university. I still don't understand why you didn't make it in the Magnum Ro Tau Fraternity. If you come to the party, the alumni will surely be impressed and reconsider you."
"I don't want to be reconsidered! I don't want to be one of those men sitting around those wood paneled sitting rooms pontificating about the state of the galaxy and reminiscing about their dubious accomplishments as their hair turns white. They haven't done anything for the galaxy. Why do we need them?"
"You will make an appearance and you will be respectful. Do you understand?"
"Yes, father."
With the semester drawing to a close, the students finish their exams and begin making the exodus home. The campus soon resembles a ghost town. Dantius watches as his fellow students are happy to head home for the long respite.
He rudely passes Plagueis as the guess professor bids goodbye to his students at the top of the stairs. Dantius feels no need to exchange pleasantries with this man. He is confident that he has done well and that this harrowing semester is finally behind him. He is out of the building after he completes his philosophy final exam.
A third of the students are still completing their exams. Son'ya is one of those students. She knows the work but she is distracted. She is also worried that if she does not get herself together, she will fail this course. She glances to her left and notices Dantius quietly ascending the stairs leading to the exit door.
Since her moment of indiscretion earlier in the semester, her conversations with Dantius were restricted to the most basic of courtesies. She wants to apologize.
As he starts across campus, he hears someone running behind him. He hears the dull thud of winter boots crunching over the snow and the dead grass. He can hear the person breathlessly trying to catch up to him.
"Dani! Dani!"
It is Son'ya Kuro. She gasps as the cold air fills her lungs. Dantius stops abruptly and turns almost startling her.
"What?"
"Whew! You're a fast walker. Listen, I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I know you're still mad at me. It's just hard to have someone hold a grudge for so long. I've pissed off a lot of people as far back as convent school but no one has ever stayed mad at me for more than a day…well maybe two days. I want to be your friend, Dani. I want you to like me again."
"Again? You never gave me a chance to like you in the first place."
"Can we start over? Come on. I left three answers off of my exam to talk to you. I'm doomed to take that sucky class again. I know I flunked it. I just wanted to tell you that I liked what you did with my figurines. Please?"
Dantius rolls his eyes and then forces a smile.
"Sure. We can start over." There is not much conviction in his voice when he says this but apparently it is good enough for Son'ya.
"Really?"
"Yes. I'll see you on Hoth."
Son'ya returns to her bubbly self.
"Okay."
"Well, I've got go now."
"Okay. Happy Befana Eve! I mean, I'll see you then." She waves and starts walking backwards. Dantius is anxious to get moving.
"Right back at you." Dantius waves then turns away and starts back across campus.
Son'ya walks in the opposite direction smiling and twirling happily.
"He likes me, he really likes me!"
Dantius has a few days before the ski trip. He has agreed to leave campus immediately following his last exam to return home for an abbreviated holiday with his family. He takes the Theed land shuttle for the short trip to the Palpatine Family Estate.
The familiar holiday aromas waft through the air as soon as he arrives at the front door. Muja filled bread with nuts, Otoh seafood chowder which contains no Otoh seafood at all but is made of imported Kashyyyk and Kamino fish and shellfish.
A servant greets him and brings in his luggage. Dantius takes two pieces of luggage from the pile plus his rucksack. He stops the servant.
"Leave these three pieces in the foyer closet. You may take this one to my room."
The servant nods that he understands.
"Yes your lordship."
Another servant helps him with his parka. His name is Jasper Chamberlyn, head butler for the Palpatine household.
"What happened to your long coat, Sir?"
"It needs cleaning. This one will do fine."
Mrs. Palpatine hurries into the foyer to greet her son.
"Dantius, darling, you're home!"
His mother embraces him before Jasper can pull the coat off of him. Dantius wriggles his arms out of the sleeve.
"Yes, Mother. How are you?"
"I'm better now that you're home. Come, come sit with me."
They walk together in the drawing room and sit on the sofa. She touches his face.
"So let me look at you. You look different."
"Different, Mother?"
"You have more color to your face. You've put on some weight…but that's a good thing. You're eating better?"
"I'm eating well."
"Has the food improved?"
He thinks back at all of Boone's experimental dishes he has tried during the semester.
"Sort of…yes, it has."
"You look happy too."
"I do?"
"Well, you usually have that scowl on your face."
Dantius blushes as her soft hands continue to cup his face.
"Oh dear, you are smiling."
Dantius manages a rare smile as he murmurs. His mother makes a fuss over her son. She has forgiven him for his deplorable behavior earlier in the semester.
"Mother! I'm not a child."
"Alright. You're not a child…but you're my child. I just want the best for you." She becomes serious for a moment. "So, let me see that hand." She firmly takes hold of his right hand and examines it. The wound has healed nicely. The dead skin left from the scar is gradually shedding like that of a krayt dragon.
Dantius thought this was going to be a secret but Dr. Melfi mentioned it to Dean Kingsfield and he in turn, notified the parents. His mother kisses his palm then gently rubs his hand.
"It's not as bad as they said it was. Your father called the university about the dining hall furniture. The school is going to conduct a thorough inspection to make sure any defective furniture is removed."
"The cut wasn't that serious."
"Well, it's important to take precautions. Are you taking your medication?"
"Yes, mother."
"I worry about you, dear."
"I'm fine."
Dantius hears a familiar voice. It is his sister Ederlinn.
"Do my ears deceive me? I haven't heard that voice for a long, long time." She appears in the doorway of the sitting room. Dantius sees his radiant sister, the bride-to-be. Her long silky tresses bounce as she hurries into the room and throws her arms around him. Dantius feels a sense of relief that he and his sibling are together again.
"Ede! Hey, sis, how are you?"
"I'm great! Father said you weren't coming home but I knew you would."
Mrs. Palpatine makes room on the velour sofa for her two children can catch up on their individual lives. It has only been a semester but it seems like a year since the siblings were last together. When Dantius was sent home mid-semester by Dean Kingsfield, he spent most of his time locked in his room while Ederlinn was at the house only part of the time. She was busy getting to know her future in-laws.
Mrs. Palpatine watches her two children. This moment makes her smile.
"I'm going to check on the kitchen staff. You two stay and chat."
She leaves the room confident that she is getting her child back. He seems different somehow but better.
Ederlinn sits facing her brother on the sofa. Dantius has an expression of bemusement on his face.
"Why are you staring at me?"
"There's something different about you."
"You really think so?"
"Yes. You seem….almost happy."
"I do?"
"Will you stop doing that?"
"What?"
"Answering a question with a question, you idiot! You do look happy."
He smiles.
"I guess I am. I'm on these meds you know." He is poking fun at himself.
Ederlinn is wary.
"I don't think it's the medication." Without missing a beat, Ederlinn leans in close and shifts her eyebrows. "Who is she?"
Everyone is trying to analyze him lately. Isn't Doctor Melfi enough?
"What? I don't know what you're talking about." Dantius has never been able to hide anything from his sister. His left eye twitches and he squirms a bit. This elicits a sly smile from Ederlinn.
"You're hiding something and I'm going to get to the bottom of it."
"You are, are you?"
His sister pulls back to study him for a moment.
"Yes…you look too happy."
"I am?"
"Cut it out! Who are you and what have you done to my brooding brother? You've taken over his body." They suddenly have a good laugh. Ederlinn hugs her brother. "It's great to see you."
"Ditto."
"Ditto? Someone has surely taken my brother. Father is going to flip."
"Let him flip. He'll have one more thing to be disappointed about." The familiar sullen and irritated Dantius emerges.
Ederlinn becomes quiet. She sees the expression on his face change. He looks tense. She reaches for him but Dantius snaps his arms away and gets up from the sofa. He walks over to the bay window and looks out at the garden. The sky turns a solemn gray. He slides his hands in his trouser pockets. Ederlinn walks over to him and rests her head against his back. She wraps her arms around his waist and whispers to him.
"Cheer up. You've got me. I'll always back you up."
As comforting as her words sound, Dantius knows there is nothing she can do to shield him from a hard-to-please father. He watches a couple of hummingbirds hovering near a nectar dish and several snowy doves searching for food on the ground. The hummingbirds should have migrated to the other side of Naboo by now where it is warmer. Apparently his mother decided that the birds are going to hang around through winter so she keeps the feeder filled regularly. His mother is always nurturing anything or anyone needing a little support in adverse times.
Dantius decides to stop feeling sorry for himself. He turns to his sister. He has a big smile on his face.
"So, how's 'Prince Escalus'?"
"Who? Oh…you're making a joke. Lyall is just fine, thank you very much."
"So what's the reason for the wedding postponement?"
She explains that Lyall's best man is in the Jedi Order and he is currently deployed in Rordis City to monitor the rollout of the new R2-series of Astromech droids due to come off the assembly line. Dantius reacts with indifference. He does not find much value in droids and believes it is a waste of money.
"Ah…I see."
"You're still going to be an usher, right?"
"Uhm...sure. Put me wherever you need me."
This is not what he meant to say but usher is all they are willing to offer him. Dantius tries not to show too much disappointment that Lyall did not offer him a spot as one of the groomsmen. He did not care but he would have liked to have been asked.
During the summer, there were closed-door discussions laying out the pros and cons of inviting Dantius as one of the groomsmen:
Pros for giving him a spot: He is the bride's brother. Cons: He is the bride's brother.
Dantius does not understand what the fuss is all about. Did they think he was going to have a meltdown during the ceremony? Would he say something inappropriate to one of the guests? It was much ado about nothing. He would never think of ruining his sister's special day.
He does not want to waltz down the aisle along side those cackling bridesmaids. He adores his sister but her friends had to go. It would be unbearable to endure the incessantly squealing females who have never experienced a dose of adversity in their over-privileged lives.
They are all attractive but their aggregate I.Q barely totals 120. Perhaps this is too harsh a judgment. Just because they are not concerned about the state of the galaxy like Fern or bring together a group of socially concerned people like Sigrid, they are basically good. However, he does recall them laughing at him when he was a boy. They will all eventually marry well. Some unfortunate souls will agree to marry them. These men will undoubtedly jump to their deaths at Gallo Falls from sheer boredom. Somehow Son'ya and Fern are looking better every minute.
.
Lyall was prepared to sacrifice one of his chosen groomsmen in deference to Dantius. He is saved from making this decision when Mr. Palpatine intervenes. He tells Lyall that Dantius would not make a good groomsman and that the medication would make his son's behavior unpredictable.
Dantius could read the writing on the wall. His father has lost faith in him. Lyall has replaced Dantius as 'most favored son.' Lyall is everything that the elder Palpatine wants in a son, tall, handsome, exudes self-confidence, amiable, smart, and loved by everyone he meets. Mr. Palpatine beams with pride at the very mention of his name. Dantius concluded that if he ever has a son with all of these attributes, he would be proud too.
Dantius is truly happy for his sister. She will have her big, high-profile wedding. Her marriage will be a happy one to a man who worships her.
After spending some time with his sister, Dantius finally goes upstairs to rest before dinner. His mother insists upon it. He is tired anyway. Between exams, packing, and the ride home, he is exhausted. God forbid he if he does not take a nap, he might go insane and slaughter everyone in their sleep. This is the paranoia going on around the house.
When he walks into his room he discovers that his suitcase has been emptied. There is no such thing as privacy when one has servants taking care of everything. Dantius suspects that his father gave the servants secret orders to check his luggage for anything suspicious and report it. He hopes they don't go snooping around the luggage he left downstairs. That is for his ski trip.
He recalls when he packed it back at school. Boone stopped by his dorm. He does not know why people feel they can just pop by to see him without prior notice. He has been meaning to have a chat with campus security.
Boone wanted to make sure Dantius was ready for the trip. He was also curious about the room. Fern and Son'ya told him all about it so he wanted to see it for himself.
Boone knocks on the door. Dantius peers through the viewer. He sees a magnified eye against the lens. Dantius jerks his head back.
"What the…" He opens the door. Boone almost falls forward.
"Hey, Bro. What's up?" He raises his hand to give Dantius a high-five. Dantius does not respond. "Dude…you're too slow. We have to work on your 'coolness quotient.'" He looks around the room. "Whoa…nice digs, D.P. Financial aid sure didn't pay for this."
"How did you get up here?"
Boone is preoccupied with the room. He checks out the clock and slowly responds.
"Oh…I know the guards downstairs. I bring a lot of free grub over. Donuts from the breakfast shift are always a big hit with those guys." He sees an open suitcase on the bed. "So, is that your stuff for the trip?" Boone peels through the folded items.
"Yes. Why?"
"Oh…nothing…well…actually…your clothes are kind of boring, man."
"What do you mean boring?" Dantius sits next to the suitcase and looks through the articles of clothing. He is offended.
"Looks like stuff your grandfather would wear." Boone plops down beside Dantius. He tests the mattress. "Sweet. Want to trade mattresses?"
"I'm sort of attached to this one."
"Oh. Okay. That's cool." He stops for a moment and leans in close, staring into Dantius' eyes. Dantius recoils.
"What are you doing?"
"I thought I saw something."
"What?" He is visibly annoyed and uncertain of Boone's intentions.
"I just thought I saw something in your eyes."
Dantius stands up and looks in the mirror near the door. "What?"
"Pure evil."
"What!"
Boone points and laughs. He slaps his knee.
"I'm joking with you, Bro. Hah! You should have seen the look of horror on your face!"
Dantius has lost all the color in his already pale face. He is not taking this joke well.
"That's not funny."
"I'm sorry. I couldn't resist. Geez, I couldn't tell if you were shocked or paranoid."
"So you stopped by to look at my wardrobe and then taunt me?"
"That was a bonus. No, I was dropping off donuts…really."
"You have a sick sense of humor." Dantius is visibly shaken. His heart is pounding. Boone is amused but also a bit concerned.
"Dude, you need to calm down. You want a paper bag to breathe into? You're hyperventilating."
"No. I'm fine." Dantius composes himself. Boone decides it is time to leave.
"So, finish packing your little 'old folks' wardrobe. I've got to go catch my ride. See you Befana Eve. Cheers, man." Boone walks to the door after giving Dantius a brotherly slap on the back. "See you on the slopes."
"Yeah."
Dantius stands quietly as Boone closes the door behind him. What did Boone really see?
Mr. Palpatine returns home early. It is not quite dusk. The sun makes a late-day appearance and is now setting. He has just left a meeting at Theed Palace. He was there to advise the king and queen on their draft of the New Year's address to Naboo. The servant takes his cloak.
"Good evening, Sir."
"Good evening, Jasper."
"Dinner is about ready, sir."
"Wonderful. I'm starving."
"Hors d'oeuvres again at the palace, sir?"
"Yes…and of course one never has time to eat them if one is working on royal documents."
"Well, you're in store for more substantial fair now. Everyone is home."
"Dantius is home?" The conversation dissolves into whispers.
"Yes, sir."
"How does he look?"
"Quite well, sir…happy even. It's a good sign I think."
"Happy? Well, I suppose that is something to celebrate."
"Yes, sir."
Mr. Palpatine walks into the drawing room. Ederlinn is the first of the family to greet him.
"Father! You're finally home!"
"Ede, darling… you look beautiful. Have you been home long?"
"No, I've been here for hours. Dantius is home."
"Oh, yes. Jasper Chamberlyn told me." He embraces his daughter then steps away for a moment to get a good look at her. "How's my soon-to-be-married daughter?"
"I'm great…listen, Father…" She slips her arm in his as the walk across the room."
"Yes, dearest? You want something, don't you?"
"No, it's not about me. It's just that Dantius is home."
"Yes…"
"I want you to talk to him."
"Oh, I intend to."
"I mean, don't be so tough on him. Father, he's trying so hard. I can tell by just looking at him."
"Don't worry. I'm looking forward to a productive father-son chat. So how's that handsome young fellow you're marrying? I didn't see him at the palace today."
"Lyall's doing fine. He's coming to dinner tonight."
This brings a smile to his face. Mr. Palpatine wrings his hands with glee.
"Oh, well that is good news. I've been meaning to get together with him. We must continue our Sabacc game. I want to win back my 300 credits. A shrewd player that one is. If he weren't from such a good family, I'd swear he was some scoundrel gambler from Cloud City."
"Serves you right for being so confident you'd beat him."
The conversation stops suddenly. Dantius appears in the doorway.
"Hello, Father."
"Dantius, good to see you, son! You look good."
"Thanks. So do you, Father."
"Ready for some real food? We're going to eat well tonight. Holiday food is always best. The roast shaak and duck await us. So, tell, me, how were finals?"
"Fine…fine."
"How do you think you did?"
"I believe I did very well. Exams were never really a concern for me."
"Well, you've maintained a solid 4.0 all through private school. This semester should be a breeze for you."
"I feel good about it…." He slows down as everyone's attention drifts to activity in the foyer. Mr. Palpatine absently pats Dantius on the shoulder. The family patriarch is the first to walk out in the middle of a conversation with his son.
"I know that voice! Is that my future son-in-law out in the foyer?" He greets Lyall. The dashing Viscount Lyall Torsten shakes hands with his future father-in-law.
"Mr. Palpatine, it is a pleasure as always. Thank you for inviting me this evening."
Mr. Palpatine is smitten with the young nobleman.
"Your grace, you're part of the family. I am not Mr. Palpatine in this house."
"And I am not Viscount Torsten in this house. We shall save the formalities for Theed Palace."
"As you wish. And how about a hug for the old man?"
"I would be honored."
"It's so good to see you again, son."
Lyall chuckles as Mr. Palpatine pulls him close for a fatherly hug.
"Now, onto business."
"Yes…There you go. So, when are we going to play our game? After dessert I hope."
"Has this anything to do with 300 credits I won recently?"
Ederlinn jokes with them.
"Of course it is. You both know it."
"What? You think I'm still holding that over your head?"
Lyall smiles.
"Well, I did win fair and square."
The butler announces dinner.
"Dinner is served, Sir."
"Thank you. Lyall, sit next to me at dinner so we can keep this conversation going."
"Oh, of course. I'm honored, sir." Lyall notices Dantius and turns to shake his hand. "Dantius! It's good to see you again. How was the semester?"
"Great. Thank you."
"Wee should talk. I haven't seen you for quite some time."
"Sure; I'd like that."
Mr. Palpatine leads Lyall from the foyer to the family dining room. Ederlinn shrugs with an awkward smile. She feels badly for her brother being shut out this way by their father. Their father calls her.
"Ede, dear. Are you coming?"
"Yes, I'm right here, father." She turns to her brother mouthing the words, 'I'm sorry.'
Dantius trails behind the mini entourage. Dinner would not have been so bad if his mother, well meaning as she tries to be, takes him aside in the anti-room where the servants emerge with the food. She hands her son his medication in the doorway. Lyall happens to witness this exchange as Jasper Chamberlyn leads him to his seat. Mrs. Palpatine holds a glass of water as Dantius takes the two Telezan Anafil II capsules. He takes the glass and gulps down half of the water. She cups his chin in her gentle hand and kisses his forehead. He hands the glass back to her before entering the dining room.
Dantius sits through dinner watching his father's face light up as Lyall speaks. The hearty laughter between the two fills the room. Dantius cannot compete with this. His father is enjoying a lively conversation with the type of son he wishes he had.
Mrs. Palpatine gives up her place at the other end of the table in deference to Dantius. She takes his usual seat. The temporary switch does not change matters one bit. He is largely ignored by his father. Dinner is good so he focuses on that. The seafood chowder is followed by marinated roast shaak.
Ederlinn smile across the table at her brother. She is not participating in the dinner conversation between her fiancé and her father but she is listening. Suddenly she thinks of something to say.
"You know, Dantius is on the grav-ball squad at university."
Dantius does a spit-take then gives his sister a wild look as he wipes his face. Lyall expresses interest now that the topic of discussion is sports. His attention is no longer on the Master of the house.
"Oh, really? I didn't know you were a varsity man on campus, Dantius. Good for you."
Mr. Palpatine sets his fork on his dinner plate.
"Neither did I. Aren't you a bit short for a grav-ball player? I hope it won't interfere with your academic work."
Lyall continues.
"Dantius, I love the game when I have the opportunity to watch. What position do you play?"
"I'm not actually…"
His sister interjects.
"…He's not on the roster…they do that with rookies; right?" Ederlinn looks to her brother to confirm the big fib. He stuffs a piece of roast shaak into him mouth and chews. He could put off answering for the moment.
Lyall folds his arms and leans forward. He has never had a lengthy discussion with Dantius. He truly wants to form a bond with his future brother-in-law.
"Well, Dantius, congrats anyway. I'm a greenputt and polo man myself. My knowledge of grav-ball is limited but I would love to learn more. We'll all have to visit the campus during a game to show our support and team spirit."
Ederlinn raises her knife and fork like tiny pom-poms. She smiles and softly whispers in cheerleader mode.
"Yaaah...team spirit."
Her fiancé enjoys her sense of humor and smiles.
Dantius flashes a scowl at his sister. He could strangle her…figuratively of course.
The meal ends after about an hour. A tray of desserts and beverages are served in the drawing room. As they head into the room, Dantius grabs his sister by the arm and pulls her aside in the hallway.
"Are you insane?"
"What? Oh, I just wanted to send some attention your way."
"By telling them I'm some campus jock?"
She laughs.
"Relax; they'll never have time to see you play."
"I'm not even on the squad!" He watches her giggle. "What's so funny?"
"You, at the dinner table. I thought you were going to choke on your food. You should have seen the expression on your face."
"I don't need this stress, Ede. God! Humph." He sighs heavily then manages a smile. Ede grins.
"See? You're smiling."
"I'm still pissed at you. This is just great. As if I'm not a misfit already, why don't you put a grav-ball helmet on my head to make me look even more of a geek?"
"Now all you have to do is go for tryouts."
"No! I won't do it!"
"Why not?"
"Are you serious? I'll get creamed! Have you seen the size of those guys?"
"You would look adorable."
"You want me to get killed so you can get my share of our inheritance."
"I would never want you to die. I want to see you grow old and your hair turn white."
"What about you?"
"Oh, I'll always look this beautiful." He flips her hair then winks. "Alright, let's promise to never grow old and never die."
"Deal." They shake hands to an old pact they made long ago as children. This was their fantasy that they would never succumb like all of the old relatives who were dying so frequently back then. Dantius would comfort his sister at those somber funerals in which they were forced to attend. They were much too young to be around so much death. The pact was a way to cope.
The subject quickly changes when Ede takes her brother aside before entering the room.
"So tell me about this girl you met."
"Shhh!"
Mrs. Palpatine is wondering why thy have not entered the drawing room. She sneaks up behind them in the hallway.
"Girl? What girl?"
"Nothing, Mother. She's just joking."
"Oh, I thought Dantius was going to tell have another surprise for us."
His mother was still disappointed about the Vernu situation but the idea that her son may have met someone would have given her comfort and hope that he would not be a lonely bitter adult later in life.
The family is finally together in the drawing room enjoying coffee, and hot pera tarte flambéed with a bit of VSOP Corellian brandy. Dantius has two more days of this before he leaves for his ski holiday. The tarte is delicious.