Chapter 18

'Shun of a Son'

'When the Clock Strikes One, You Will Be Visited by Three Spirits'

'Shuttle Awaits'

It is midnight. The bells chime. The entire house is bright and bustles with life after several hours of sleep. It is Befana Eve. A grand 3-meter Endor pine tree stands in front of the huge bay window in the drawing room. The tree is decorated with ornaments from across the galaxy. Some of the ornaments are new, but most have been handed down through the years. Hildegaard hangs one special ornament near the top of the tree close to the Jedi topper.

The Palpatine family exchange gifts. Everyone is happy and smiling between sips of eggnog spiked with Corellian brandy. Dantius is able to skip his medication this evening. The gag gifts sparks much needed laughter in the house. Dantius is the last to open his gag gift. He carefully breaks the seal on the gild tissue paper. His sister rolls her eyes.

"Rip it! We don't want to be here all night!"

Dantius looks at the item then stares at his sister.

"A brush?" Are you trying to say…that I don't brush my hair?"

"On the contrary, dear brother. You go through brushes like water to maintain that coif of yours."

"It's really small." What am I going to do with it?"

"You don't recognize it, do you?"

"No…"

"You idiot! It's your baby brush."

"You wrapped my old baby brush? Ede, I know it's a gag gift and all…"

"You could have fooled me."

"You could have managed three credits for a new one at least. I know you're spending all of the family money on your wedding…but…."

"You have no sense of humor."

"I do so."

"I was being creative."

"Cheap."

Their bickering delightfully amuses Mrs. Palpatine. It brings about a normalcy to the house. She laughs. It is the first time he has exhibited natural sibling behavior since he has come home.

"Okay, you two…enough. Dantius, it's time for to give your real gift to your father."

"Oh! Yes…"

He gets up and reaches beneath the tree to retrieve the gift. He playfully knocks into his sister as he reaches over her to hand the silver package with green satin ribbon to his father.

Mr. Palpatine accepts the ornate box. He is at first speechless. Dantius braces himself to listen to what his old man has to say. This will have to wait because the doorbell rings. The clock strikes one.

The servants are busy having their own Befana Eve midnight celebration in the staff gathering room in the back of the house. Dantius immediately gets up and goes to the front door. It may spare him any criticism his father has in store for him. He turns the knob and opens the door. A booming and jovial voice greets him.

"Happy Befana Eve! Look who it is! Hello, Stranger."

"Hello Uncle Fred."

"Hey! You've grown since I last saw you." He turns to the woman accompanying him. "Hasn't he, Bess?"

Aunt Bess is just as jovial and charming to boot.

"Oh, he has! My word, Dantius, you've become quite the young man." She grabs his face and gives his a big smooch and embrace. Dantius does not know how to respond. His aunt senses this. Honey, I'm not going to bite you; you can give your Aunt Bess a bigger hug than that. See? Was that so bad?" She pats his face. Hmmm, I bought some vitamin E skin cream. We need to get some color into you…and you're too young to be so serious. You're like an old soul. Smile; dear…it's the holidays."

Uncle Fred sets a shopping bag on the floor of the foyer. One of the gift boxes sticking out at the top obviously contains a bottle of whisky, Whyrren's Reserve to be exact. Uncle Fred begins a boxer's dance and feint, startling Dantius.

"How's that right hook of yours, champ?" He pretends to spar with Dantius. Dantius smiles nervously and backs away. "You missed your calling, son. You could be the shock-boxing champion of the Galaxy. 'The Theed with Speed.' This kid gives a mean upper cut. Almost broke my jaw when you were younger."

Dantius is a bit embarrassed. He does recollect almost knocking his uncle unconscious many years ago. Everyone jokes about it now except for the old man. It was not so funny back then.

"Sorry about that."

"Hey, you were six. Didn't know your own strength."

"I've decided not to go around punching people. It just gets you in trouble."

Aunt Bess waves dismissively. "Serves your uncle right for getting in your face. You knocked him out cold that day."

Uncle Fred tries to lessen the severity of the incident.

"'Almost.' I wasn't down long."

"It wasn't one of my best moments."

Fred pats Dantius on the back.

"All is forgiven."

Aunt Bess walks through the foyer towards the drawing room to greet the rest of the family. Mr. Palpatine meets Fred and Bess halfway. He is still holding the silver box.

"Hello, Fred! This is a surprise."

"Well, living on Coruscant, I rarely get to see my older brother and his two amazing children."

"I take it you're staying through the holidays?"

"Only if there is room at the 'inn' for us, that is."

"Of course there's room! You're always welcome here."

He pats his brother on the back. The fact is that Mr. Palpatine is surprised that his brother has returned to spend the holiday with him. He has in the past accused Fred of interfering with the way Dantius was being raised. This came shortly after the tragic death of Fred's young son many years ago. Fred had not always shown much affection for Dantius. It was only in the last few years after leaving Naboo, years after young Timm's death. It was a way for Fred and Bess to cope with their loss. Naboo proved to be a depressing time during summers by the lake and then having to deal with the holidays. Coruscant proved to be just the change they needed. The bustling metropolis kept the couple busy. The close-knit communities near Theed were sad reminders why they left Naboo. The beautiful sounds of children playing at the lake country estates were far removed now that they are on Coruscant. Bess still had to be involved with children somehow. She volunteered at the local refugee center to help families affected by wars and poverty in their former home worlds. Fred found his outlet as the director of the Galaxies Art Pavilion. It took a bit longer for him to agree to set up an award and foundation in his son's name there. Fred admires all the holiday decorations.

"You throw the best Befana Eve parties…each year you top yourself."

"You hate my parties. You've always considered them a bloody bore"

"They are…which gives me great pleasure to laugh at all the stuffed shirts who return each year and who are too serious to have fun on such a joyous occasion."

"You have no respect for commerce or scholars."

"Oh, I do, I do, dear brother. Just not for the crowd that's due here later today. I wised up. So, where's the bride-to-be?"

"She's in the sitting room."

As Uncle Fred and Aunt Bess walk into the sitting room, Dantius remembers to close the front door. He is about to rejoin the others when his father corners him in an alcove near the cloakroom.

"Dantius, one moment. I just want to say that this is the best gift you've given me. It means a lot that you put so much though into it. Thank you, son."

Dantius is almost at a loss for words. He stutters a bit.

"You're…you're welcome, Father."

Mr. Palpatine gives his son a warm embrace. This was unexpected. He allows his father to hold him close. As they part, Dantius exhales. The anxiety has subsided.

The day he went into town to buy more epoxy to repair the figurines for Son'ya, he suddenly gets some creative ideas for Befana Eve gifts. He did not have much free time to shop around town for ready-made gifts due to his heavy exam schedule, and then there were the distractions of hanging around those radical friends of his.

The project was elaborate but he was able to stay in his dorm room to study afterward. Dantius compiled a chronology of holographs of his grandfather. Dantius wished that he had that kind of father and son bond with his own father. Still, he is chuffed by his father's sincerity and gratitude at receiving the gift. His father is the most vulnerable he has ever seen him in a long time. Perhaps things will get better.

He follows the rest of the family into the sitting room.

His Uncle Fred has always been the upbeat younger brother, even during hard times and family tragedy.

As the long day progresses, more guests arrive bearing gifts and offering holiday greetings. The house has a continuing flow of well-wishers.

Later in the afternoon, the family prepares to greet the guests arriving for the evening festivities. Dantius looks at the time on the large clock in the foyer. He decides he can stay and tolerate the stuffy old colleagues from his father's club. He did not expect, however, to see Lyall. Then again, it made sense that his sister's fiancé would be at the party.

There is much fanfare upon the handsome royal's arrival; even the old fuddy-duddy's from the Theed Club perked up. Dantius is on his way to help greet arriving guests. His father reminds him to 'schmooze' with the guests, especially the brethren from the Theed Club. There is a sudden commotion from across the room. Dantius hears something that almost sucks the life out of him. He hears the words clearly.

"This is surely the best gift of the night." Mr. Palpatine is oblivious of his son's presence when he deals this ego-killing remark. He holds up a magnum of champagne. The bottle is one of twelve from a private collection belonging to the Royal House of Naboo. The rare Corellian Hills Estates champagne has an estimated value of 3,600 credits.

"Now that's a gift! Splendid."

Mrs. Palpatine sees the expression on her son's face as he slowly backs away toward the foyer and the staircase. At this same moment, Mr. Palpatine looks around the room and calls his son.

"Dantius? I've got wonderful news. Where is that boy? He disappears at the most inconvenient times. Ah! There you are!" He sees Dantius standing in front of the open doors of the drawing room about to head up the stairs. Mr. Palpatine excuses himself. He summons Dantius aside in the hall. They whisper but it is still audible. "Dantius, I've got some wonderful news. The committee had a brief discussion. They want to meet you. This is your chance to shine. You'll finally get into the fraternity."

Dantius stares at his father. There is no response.

"Did you hear? They're willing to have an audience with you."

"That's of no interest to me, Father. They want another you. I'm not you."

He retreats upstairs. His sister catches up with him and follows him to his room.

"Dantius, where are you going? Everyone wants to see you. Dantius!"

He gathers his things and heads back downstairs. His mother catches up with him on the landing between the first and second floor.

"Where are you going, dear?"

"I thought I told you. I've been invited to Hoth on a ski holiday."

"I was hoping you would have changed your mind once we all got together for the holiday. You'll hurt yourself out there on the slopes."

"Mother, I'll be fine. If you haven't noticed, I'm quite grown up now. Besides, I already have my ticket."

"Well…can't you wait a bit, dear? Everyone wants to see you. It's been such a long time since our friends and relatives have seen you."

"Tell everyone I apologize but my transport awaits."

"Were you going to leave without saying goodbye to your own mother?"

"No, I was planning to see you before I left…honest. Don't make me feel guilty about leaving."

"Well, you have a wonderful time, and I beg you to please be careful. The mountains of Hoth can be unforgiving. Dress warmly." She points to him. "Wait right here. Don't move." She disappears up the steps to the second landing then returns with something. "Oh, and wear this hat I knitted for you." She takes out a tube and begins to apply a white creamy substance on his face.

"Mother!"

"Your skin is terribly sensitive. I want you to use this before you go out on the ski trail." She stuffs the tube inside his rucksack.

"I will, mother, I promise."

"Call me if you need anything. Or just to say, 'hello.'"

"Mother, no one calls their mother while they're on a ski holiday with friends. Don't I have enough strikes against me as it is?"

Hildegaard fusses over her son anyway, ignoring his protests. She sweeps his hair away from his face. He stops complaining when he senses that she is terribly concerned for his safety as if she is seeing him for the last time. He allows her to have this moment with him. She gives her son a long warm embrace then a kiss on his forehead. He can sense her deep concern for him.

"I love you, son."

"I know."

Back downstairs, the party continues. Copley happens to be waiting in the foyer at the front door. He is wearing a gold lame double-breasted blazer and a white chauffeur's hat. As Dantius slowly approaches the door, Copley discreetly whispers to him.

"Your mother suggested you would need a ride to your shuttle."

"Yes. I completely forgot about that part of the trip. Thank you."

"Well, let's go. And, as the saying goes, there is nothing worse than to be late for one's own holiday...or is that 'funeral?' Anyhow, we should be on our way. "

He helps Dantius with his baggage from the hall closet. Dantius glances across the hall at the festivities in the drawing room. His father is busy chatting with guests. Servants are weaving back and forth through the room with trays of hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Mr. Palpatine pats Lyall on the shoulder. The old man does not notice that Dantius is standing in the foyer. Dantius hoists his rucksack over his shoulder and exits the house. The waiting landspeeder is a shiny black stretch limousine. Quite ostentatious for a short ride to the spaceport but he cannot concern himself with that now.

Copley hops into the driver's seat. Arthos is in the front passenger seat but does not speak. The ride over to the Naboo Spaceport hub is relatively quiet at first. Copley decides to start a one-way conversation with Dantius who is in the backseat and momentarily distracted. Dantius looks out of the passenger window as the vehicle passes familiar landmarks of the exclusive lakeside town. Copley continues to chatter away about anything and everything just to avoid the deafening silence.

"So…going on a ski holiday, are we now?...I'm more at ease on a horse than on a pair of skis…can't seem to keep my balance. Yes…and such a pity you are leaving home just as festivities are just starting. Your family is going to miss you."

"I don't think so."

"Oh, my dear boy, how could you ever think that? I hear your father bragging about you constantly."

Copley is surprised when Dantius finally responds.

"Does he talk about Lyall?"

"Oh, goodness, gracious, yes! You should see the way his face lights up when someone mentions his name. He is smitten with that young man. He's the golden boy alright….like a second son…"

Copley gets carried away for a moment. Arthos gives the chatting driver a sharp jab in the ribs. This causes the vehicle to swerve out of the lane but Copley is able to regain control. He can see Dantius in the rearview mirror sitting quietly in the back seat. There is an awkward silence. Copley immediately attempts to refocus his attention on Dantius.

"Although…he has only one son…that means the world to him. No one can ever change that. You know, master Dantius, people tend to misjudge one another…no one is perfect. Your father has been known to make mistakes...from time to time. I'm sure he'll come to his senses. He's quite forgiving and fair-minded, you know...for an aristocrat."

The landspeeder eventually comes to a slow stop much to the relief of everyone in the vehicle.

"Well, young Master Dantius, we're here. My word! What a turnout. Lots of students like you are waiting to board the shuttle. We had better not tarry."

The night air is quite frosty and much colder than earlier in the day. Dantius gets out of the vehicle and pulls the new red wool hat from the left pocket of his parka. He puts it on as Copley retrieves the luggage from the trunk. Arthos stands beside the trunk and whispers to Copley.

"Bell'affare! … Ti scureggia il cervello."

"Oh hush! He knows I didn't intend to hurt his feelings."

Arthos stays near passenger door as Copley acts as valet for the evening. Copley and Dantius make their way to the boarding gate. Dantius takes out his boarding data card to present to the gate attendant. An intergalactic skycap offers to take the larger bags on a trolley for storage in cargo.

"Bags, sir?"

Dantius relinquishes his bags then offers the man a tip. He looks around nervously.

"Uhm, Copley, you're free to leave at any time. I'll be alright from here."

"Oh, no, Master Dantius, I have strict orders from your father to make certain that you board safely."

"I'll be fine. You may leave now…really."

"Very well, sir. Enjoy your ski holiday."

"Thanks, C.P."

Copley heads back to the landspeeder. He turns and sees Dantius take his place in line. Perhaps he should have stayed by the boy's side. Copley gasps in horror as he sees someone sneaking up behind Dantius. The person flicks the tassel on his red wool cap until it falls in his face. Copley starts to head back towards his charge...

"How rude! Our boy has just been attacked by a bully. He is too frail to defend himself. Where is security when you need them? Someone should give that miserable little creature a talking to forthwith. Run over there and use your stun gun on him, Artie."

Arthos tells him to calm down.

"Attenti…"

Copley and Arthos stand in wait. Dantius takes a deep breath as if attempting to control his temper. He turns to his 'tormentor' and suddenly relaxes. A wide smile creeps across his face as the tension disappears. Boone is standing beside Dantius on the queue as other passengers board the shuttle. He doubles over laughing.

"Ha! You were about to kick my ass, weren't you?"

"Maybe."

"Cute hat…did your mommy make it for you?"

"Yes." Dantius straightens the hat on his head.

"Oh! You're serious…Hey; it's cool, man…really…." He giggles.

Dantius is embarrassed.

"Shut up."

"So, did your family spaz because you ditched them early on Befana Eve?"

"They were okay with it. How about you?"

"My parents are fine. If it gets me out of the house without costing them a fortune, they're glad."

"How was Alderaan?"

"It was ok…typical family drama. My mom wanted to spend the holiday at home on Corellia but my Dad took us all to Alderaan to see his relatives. My mom's not too keen on my Dad's side of the family. She thinks they're a bunch of snobs. She only agreed to go because an art dealer wants to put her art work on display at the Royal Gallery there. It would be the first gallery on Alderaan to feature artists from Corellia."

"Oh, I didn't know that your mother is an artist."

"Yep. We have a lot of craftspeople in our family. I've got an uncle who's a winemaker."

"Is it any good?"

"My mom's art or the wine?"

"I'm going to go with the wine for now."

"No, it's crap but it'll give you one hell of a buzz if you don't mind the three-day hangover."

"I see."

"My family starts celebrating the holiday the week before. I finally got rid of my hangover this morning. How about you?"

"We were all clean and sober."

"Is that good or bad?"

"Bad, now I can have some fun."

"Good then I have the perfect gift for you." He reaches inside his duffle bag and pulls out a bottle wrapped in red tissue. He looks over his shoulder at Dantius then turns away. He steals a shiny green bow from another gift in the bag and slaps it on the base of the bottle before presenting it to Dantius.

Dantius stares at the bottle then turns it around.

"Gee, thanks…but I didn't get you anything."

"You can make it up to me later."

"Shall I unwrap it now?"

"Sure."

Dantius strips the tissue from the bottle and stuffs the paper and bow into his pocket. He reads the label, 'Nomad Mountain Misty Creek Merlot.' Dantius knows a little about wine. His father keeps an impressive wine cellar. This label is one he has never heard of before however. Just because he had never heard of it does not mean that it is not good. He didn't want to come off as a wine snob like his father. It's probably from a little-known private winery that never leaves exports outside Corellia. He smiles at Boone. No one had ever given him a gift before that was not involved with the Palpatine family. This is his first truly personal gift he had ever received.

"Thanks, Boone. This is very nice of you."

"You're my friend, right?"

"Right."

"Right on."

They inch up in the queue as they continue their conversation. Someone shouts from the back of the line.

"Hey! You can't jump the line, dude!"

"I'm with my friend."

"So? Get in the back like everyone else!"

"Okay, alright! Lighten up." He continues to chat with Dantius. "So, D.P., who's the skinny dude with the gold jacket?"

"What?" Dantius stuffs the wine in his rucksack.

"The guy standing with the little dude…near the black stretch landspeeder. Is that your chauffeur?"

"Sort of…He drove me here."

Boone chuckles

"He's watching you, dude."

Dantius turns to see Copley waving to him. He discreetly waves back.

"My parents think boarding a charter shuttle is dangerous. He won't leave until this ship teleports me off this rock."

"That's a cool ride you've got. Is he going to be here when you return to school?"

"Probably."

"Can I hitch a ride back to campus when he returns to pick you up?"

"Sure."

The angry student in the back of the line yells at them again.

Hey! Dude, back of the line! Okay?"

Boone grunts back between clenched teeth.

"Alright! " Boone finally steps out of line. He pats Dantius on the back. "I'll see you onboard, dude."

"Yeah, you're about to start a riot."

"Save me a seat."

"Our seats are assigned." He shows him his data boarding card.

Boone points towards the growing line forming behind them.

"Right-o! Okay, soooo…I'll be all the way back there standing with that bunch of losers."

"I'll be inside waiting."

Dantius finally boards the shuttle and checks his data card to locate his seat. The seat is the fifth one from the aisle in the center section consisting of eight seats four rows back. The seats are big and plush. He stashes his rucksack in the overhead compartment. He can see outside the window.

Meanwhile, Copley and Arthos watch as the shuttle lights begin to blink as it receives the last of its young passengers.

"There they go, Art, Theed University's 'best and brightest' off to indulge in some off-campus debauchery and high jinks."

Arthos sighs and then quips, "Se quella nave si scontra, perderemo 15 percento dell'università studenti migliori ed i più intelligente."

"Arthos, that's a terrible thing to say! Once again, your calculations are off; one third of that fifteen percent are jocks. In the event the unspeakable, the losses will be greatly reduced. It's the five percent that would be a true loss. You know, this is the greatest generation. Copley begins to sing wistfully, 'I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way….'

Arthos shakes his head then gets into the speeder.

"Dio mio!"

Dantius is about close the overhead compartment when he peers across the aisle near a set of double seats at the window. He can see out onto the shipping bay. He smiles as he watches a couple kissing. It is Sigrid. As she boards the shuttle, Dantius can see Finis Valorum stepping away and waving goodbye. Dantius' smile drops immediately to a frown. He stands frozen in the aisle oblivious to anyone around him. He abruptly snaps out of his trance.

"Excuse me! I believe I have the window seat."

The voice is rude and loud. Dantius steps aside.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

A tall jock from the university grav-ball team stuffs his gear in an empty overhead compartment. He brushes pass Dantius to take the window seat. Dantius removes his parka and hat then returns to his assigned seat.

Dantius watches as the jock in the window seat adjusts his seat into a semi-reclining position then inserts the ear buds to his music device Dantius never thought of purchasing a music device of his own, but there is music on the plasma for his personal listening pleasure. He flips open the plasma screen at his seat and begins fiddling with the controls. He decides to adjust his own seat after observing the jock in the window seat. He programs the music selection then closes his eyes. A few minutes pass before someone drops something into the seat to his right.

He knows the scent only too well. It is a nauseatingly sweet eau de toilette. Dantius never gave much thought about who would be sitting beside him on this long flight. He prays to himself, 'If she has to sit next to me for the duration of this flight, please, god, make her lose her voice.' He pretends to be asleep.

Someone leaps over the row of seats and sits beside him.

"Hey, man, I made it!"

Dantius opens his eyes and breathes a sigh of relief.

"Why do you do crap like that? Geez, Boone!"

"'Cause I knew you would freak." Boone cackles.

"You're wearing her perfume?"

"It's just hand cream. Smell." He thrusts his fist under Dantius' nose. Dantius pulls away.

"No! Get away from me!"

"Heh…heh…heh! But seriously, man, she's coming to sit with us."

Dantius lets the back of his head hit the headrest on his seat. He looks at Boone suspiciously.

"I bet you were in charge of the seating."

After a short time passes, the shuttle fills up with passengers. Magnus arrives and sits with Fern and Roman in the row in front of Dantius and Boone. Dantius had no idea that Fern and Roman had been in their seats all this time. Magnus is busy chatting with some other people he knows and putting away his baggage. He has not seen Boone or Dantius yet.

Boone cranks his seat back in line with Dantius' seat then continues their conversation.

"Dude, so talk to me…who was your ride with the blinged-out jacket?"

"He's our stable manager and he's in charge of training the servants in daily protocol. My father decided to get as much use out of him as possible. Actually, he used to be a polo player before his knees went bad."

"And now he's your chauffeur?"

"Yes…sort of."

"Dude, you are awesomely rich. So, we're still getting a ride back to campus, right?"

"Of course. He'll do whatever I ask him to do."

"Can we borrow the limo for parties?"

"He gets a little fussy. We'll see."

Someone joins them.

"Hi, Boone. Hi, Dani."

Dantius sighs heavily. Boone points to Son'ya.

"What if we don't invite Son'ya?"

"Where am I not being invited, Boone?"

Dantius rubs his face. This is going to be a bumpy ride.