Chapter 23

'Unleashed'

'Tough Love'

'Explaining Away the 'B''

'Flowers from Alderaan'

It was hard to get to sleep that night. The devastating news weighed heavy on his mind. How could this be? It had to be a computer error. Perhaps there was a virus in his GPA data card. It was as improbable as it was incomprehensible. What if it is a mistake? Still, this does not bode well. He knows he will have some explaining to do.

Morning did not change things. He receives a reminder that this is not his finest hour.

Boone has returned from the bathroom they shared. He stuffs something in a duffle near the door. Dantius is in a funk and does not notice that Boone has walked over to the foot of his bed. Dantius is sitting at the side of the bed with his head in his hands. Boone's voice is strangely low-key.

"Hey, dude, you had a bad night? You were turning in your sleep."

"It's nothing."

"Yeah…right. You were cursing up a storm and kicking the wall near your bed. Here…drink this. Magnus thought you might need it."

Dantius looks up. Boone picks up a glass that was sitting on a footstool near the bed. He hands it to Dantius.

"What is it?" He regards the small glass filled with a thick red liquid. Boone makes a vague comment that Dantius does not understand.

"Hair of the rancor."

"Hair?"

"Figure of speech…skin…gills whatever's in that is sure to take the edge off of whatever is biting your ass."

Boone's flippant remark has a serious bite to it. His usual carefree demeanor is gone right now. There is concern and hurt in his voice. Dantius notices.

"Why do you say that?"

"Well, after your acrobatics you took your nightmare on the road."

"Road?"

"Across the room. Are you a sleepwalker? I don't know what demons were tormenting you but you were holding a pillow over my head. Were you pissed because of the money?"

Dantius' hand starts to shake as he tries to process this startling revelation. He is shocked, almost horrified. Boone was his friend. He would never hurt his friend. He stammers as he speaks.

"Wh-what? No. I would never…"

"It's okay. Roman and Fern pulled you off me. Then you passed out…sort of."

"I think I'm going to be sick." He starts to rise from the bed. Boone gently but firmly makes him sit down. He secures Dantius' hand around the glass.

"Drink up. That's an order from Mags."

Dantius complies. He squeezes his eyes shut as he gulps down the bitter-tasting liquid. He winces.

"Oh, god! My face hurts."

"Oh, uhm…there's and ice pack on the night table."

"You thought of everything."

"No…that was Fern. You'll see when you look in the mirror."

Dantius is still reeling from the worst hangover ever but notices something across the room. Boone's bags are packed, sloppily but packed. Dantius points to the items on the floor near the door.

"What's that?"

"Uhm…the guys think I should let you have the room to yourself for the remainder of the trip. I slept in Mags room downstairs the rest of the night. It's cool. I get to be his personal valet since he's temporarily incapacitated and all. The girls even offered to share their room with me. Never thought that would happen. Chicks never fight over me. Ahem..."

His attempt at a joke falls flat. Dantius is full of regret. He does not want to lose his first and only roommate.

"I am so sorry. How can I make this up to you?"

"It's okay, man…we're cool. You're going through a rough patch. Listen, I'm heading downstairs. A bunch of us are going snow surfing. I met some old friends from high school and the Jedi Academy. I'm getting a ride…so…maybe I'll see you later."

Boone backs out of the room quietly and drags his luggage with him. His closes the door.

Dantius sets the glass on the night table. He runs his fingers through his hair.

"What have I done?"

The night before was a blurry memory. Once Dantius left the kitchen and went upstairs to bed, the rest of the night was a total blank. He does not remember changing into his pajamas. He does know one thing; whatever happened last night, whatever he did, it left him exhausted this morning and alienated.

Dantius decides to take a shower. The hot water felt soothing to his skin. Any aches and pains he felt before seemed to dissipate. The complimentary white terry robes were gone. It was most likely a 'midnight acquisition' by Boone. No wonder Boone had trouble closing his duffle bag when he left their room. Dantius has his own robe in the closet but there are still towels on the chrome shelf near the sink. This will suffice. They are warm, thick and quick-drying.

Dantius stands at the sink and wipes the steamed from the mirror with his bare hand. He brings his face closer to his reflection and gingerly touches the left side of his face. The black and blue mark was big as it was painful. How did this happen? It was almost unbearable to brush his teeth because his jaw hurt so much. Fern must have taken self defense classes. That punch was dead on.

Dantius gets dressed and heads downstairs. Everyone is in the breakfast area. They chat quietly. Sigrid is standing in the kitchen talking on the telephone. Boone is conspicuously missing. The talking stops as soon as Dantius enters. There is a long, awkward silence. He is holding the ice pack in his hand. Fern is standing at the refrigerator returning a container of blue milk.

"Sit down, Dani. Have some cocoa."

Roman removes an activities schedule from the unoccupied space at the table. Dantius pulls out the chair and sits down.

"Uhmm…alright. Thanks."

Fern sets a large cup of hot cocoa at the place setting in front of Dantius. A foamy mound of steamed milk rests on top of the beverage.

"Here you go."

Dantius fantasizes that she is saying something else. 'Have some cocoa; we've poisoned it just for you. Drink up, you son-of-a-bitch.' Dantius feels the tension at the table while he is served.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Mags is seated at the opposite end of the table with his injured foot resting on an empty chair. He is holding a cappuccino to his lips.

"How's your jaw?" He takes a sip from his cup.

Dantius starts to lift the wide café au lait cup. He stops for a moment and looks around the table at everyone.

"It hurts a lot but I guess I'll be okay."

"That was courtesy of Fern."

"Wha--?"

Fern leans against the counter and gives him a finger wave. Magnus continues speaking.

"She had no choice. You were a bit out of control last night. You woke up the house. We thought you were possessed. Gotta hand it to her though, she can deliver a mean right hook…knocked you out cold."

Fern comes over to the table and hands Dantius a new cold compress. He accepts it but not without a brief involuntary flinch. He is not sure if she would give him another punch for good measure.

"I don't know what came over me last night but whatever happened, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt anyone."

Magnus believes Dantius when he says that he does not remember anything.

"Boone thinks you're on some type of medication."

Dantius feels a bit defensive and embarrassed. He does not remember telling anyone about this. Perhaps Boone saw him taking it during their first night at the house. How was he going to explain this?

"I uhm…take it for…"

Magnus interrupts him.

"No need to explain."

Son'ya chirps.

"How come he doesn't need to explain? What if I wanna to know?"

Magnus gives her the look of a parent scolding a child. He continues.

"It's personal. That's why." He looks across the table at Dantius. "I probably shouldn't have offered you a drink last night had I known."

Dantius wants to explain but he is afraid they will turn on him.

"It's my fault. I should not have been drinking."

The truth is that he had not taken his medication that night. Whatever ungodly force unleashed last night, it was strong enough to put a hole through his psyche and make him try to harm his friend. But it did not matter. He betrayed their trust. Everyone is being extra cautious around him. Finally Son'ya speaks.

"We're going to the Ice Cavern tonight. You're welcome to join us if you like."

Magnus remains silent. Dantius ponders for a moment.

"What is it?"

"It's a pub and discothèque just outside of the village. It's like the hottest place on Hoth." She glances over at Sigrid who is still on a private call. Sigrid does not respond. He back to towards them. She is in a deep conversation with whoever is on the other line. Son'ya decides to extol the fantastic details about the ever-popular vacation night spot.

The Ice Cavern was a trendy club with an adjoining hotel, catering to the college crowd during semester break period but frequented the rest of the year by celebrities. Whenever semester break season comes around, the celebrities and wealthy make a mad exodus for the wine valleys of Corellia, the exclusive haciendas on Alderaan or the pristine beaches of Yavin 4. The Ice Cavern is a series of carved ice rooms. It is an architectural wonder. The tempered ice walls are virtually indestructible.

There is an atrium in the hotel lobby. One of the most magnificent features is the countless chandeliers, strategically placed throughout the cavern, mostly in hotel suites but also in the entranceways and in the restaurant. Each a unique design made from low-grad pieces of Permafrost crystals and Ultima-Pearls.

The crystal pieces were the unused fragments harvested after the construction of a lightsaber. Since they were of no use to the Jedi they were still too good to throw away. Special craftsmen from Jedi monasteries converted these small pieces into exquisite works of art. The crystals give off a positive energy that influences a good feeling in visitors entering the establishment.

Some critics say the hotel owners had them installed because the crystals drive people to spend money. This response came about when rumors circulated that plans for a casino were in the works. The local Mt. Ison Village Council, which has jurisdiction over the remote outpost, complained that this change would ruin the resort as a winter break haven for students. Parents don't want their children gambling away their savings. The casino would have been built between the hotel and the Ice Cavern Chapel popular for quickie marriages during the off-season after the students left town. The hotel owners decide to put the plans on hold and reintroduce it as an off-season casino when the business and celebrity clientele return.

There is an underground natural thermal spring at The Ice Cavern where the water temperature is a consistent 40 degrees Celsius. The spring pumps the mineral-rich water into a network of Jacuzzis throughout the hotel.

A tasting bar and restaurant is located in the next series of chandeliered rooms with local and intergalactic cuisine such as smoked dried rayboo meat served with a creamy onion dill or lipana berry sauce, deep ice prawns and fish, chowders and delicate desserts like custards and sorbets. There is a full-service espresso bar and a wide variety of ales, wine and spirits.

Entertainment includes billiard rooms, discotheque and concert stage. Since most students cannot afford lodging or the restaurant service, the entertainment rooms offer modestly-priced snacks and prix-fix meals.

Lodging accommodations sell out quickly so reservations are a must, especially if visitors are traveling from the local ski resort. The average cost for a double occupancy room at the Hoth Ice Cavern Hotel is 175 credits per night. The ice beds are lined in waterproofed Wampahide covered with thermal sleep sacks.

Mass transportation service is provided but ends at 6 o'clock in the evening. Many students who get too drunk to make the last land speeder back into town wind up huddled in the Echo Terminal until morning. It is not unusual for some students to bring along a compact cocoon sleeping bag knowing that they will be one of the multitudes camped out on the floor of the terminal.

Son'ya's description of the place sounds inviting to Dantius but, considering the circumstances from the night before, this probably is not the place for him to wile away the hours. He also did not know why she was talking about taking her bikini. She left out the Jacuzzi and thermal spring in her description of the place.

"It sounds great but I think I'll just stay in today."

This is a great relief to the others. No one will feel guilty about him not joining them.

During the next half hour, Roman, Fern, Son'ya and Magnus file out of the breakfast room. Magnus makes his way to the living room on his crutches. They put on their ski parkas. Markus looks back towards the kitchen. Sigrid is finishing up her call.

"Sigi, you're coming with us aren't you?"

"No. I changed my mind. Can I join you tomorrow?"

"Of course. What about tonight? I thought you were coming with us to The Ice Cavern."

"Noo….I can't go."

Magnus waits. The only other person left in the house is Dantius. Magnus is worried about Sigrid being at the house alone with Dantius after the 'incident.' Son'ya turns and sees Dantius sitting alone at the breakfast table reading the events calendar.

"Hey, Dani, did you see your grades yet?"

Magnus lifts one of his crutches and pokes her in the back with it.

"That's none of your business. Move it."

"Hey!"

Magnus ushers her towards the door. He glances back at Sigrid.

"Are you going to be alright?"

"I'm fine." She waves him away. "Go. Go. Have a good time."

Magnus is reluctant to leave. Sigrid follows him to the door and smiles. Magnus nods then leaves. She locks the door. When Sigrid turns around she sees Dantius sitting alone at the table.

"Hey, Dani….You should have gone out with them."

"No….I'm going to stay here."

"The house is going to be empty."

"I don't mind…really."

"Okay."

Sigrid disappears upstairs. Several minutes later she returns and stands in the entrance to the breakfast room. There is a big smile on her face. This is normal for Sigrid. She is usually happy.

"Dani!"

Dantius looks up from the brochure he has just read for the third time. The remaining cocoa in his cup is almost tepid.

"Yes?"

"How would you like to go on a road trip this afternoon?"

"Road trip? What about the Ice Cavern?"

"That place holds no interest for me. Anyway, I'm going to visit my parents. I could use the company."

"Your parents? Are you sure it's alright?"

"Of course. I'm always showing up with company. Please? You'll get dinner."

"Alright. Yes, I will join you. Thanks."

"Great. I have to go out but we could meet at the regional shuttle at 2 o'clock? Do you know how to get there?"

"I'll find it."

"Okay…It'll be a fun trip…I promise."

Sigrid prepares to leave the house. She takes some postcards from the counter she had written during breakfast. As she passes the computer she notices something.

"Oh, Dani, I think that's your GPA card still in the slot. The red light is beeping. You might have a message."

"Oh…thanks."

Dantius walks over to the laptop. He enters his PIN. The voice generated message responds.

'You have one message and one call waiting. Both are urgent.'

Dantius stares at the screen for a moment then presses the 'accept call' prompt. He can barely hear the caller's voice over the pounding in his chest but he knows who it is.

"Hello?" Hello?"

"Hello, Father."

"Why did it take you so long to answer?"

"I uhm…"

"I am looking at your end of semester grades. It doesn't look good, son. How do you explain this? It's not as if you're an idiot…I know you're not. You've lost focus it seems."

"It's a mistake. I'm certain of it. Once I get back to school I will speak to the registrar."

"Well...it all seems to make sense, Dantius. You've met some people who are bringing you down."

"That's not true. Everyone I know studies and works hard."

"Then I guess it's just you. I refuse to reward laziness."

"I'm not lazy, Father."

"Well, you seem to be spending a lot of time gallivanting around Hoth with these friends of yours. A 'B' average is not good enough. I expect better than this from you."

"I just explained to you that it's an error. Why aren't you listening to me?!"

"I beg your pardon; did you just raise your voice to me?"

"No, I just want you to hear me out."

"Well, the grade appears to be set in stone don't you think? It's not going to disappear. This is shameful! I spend good money to send you to the best schools and you repay me with this bloody awful report card? I won't stand for it! Do you hear me? Do you?"

Dantius hangs up. There is no reasoning with this man. He rips the GPA data card from the slot and leaves the room. Sigrid had forgotten something and had gone upstairs; she is on her way back down when she sees him.

"Is everything alright? You look sick."

"I'm…I'm fine." He manages a faint smile. "I thought you had left."

"I forgot my hat. Have you heard? It's freezing out there!" She flashes her trademark grin as she makes her little joke. Well…I'm on my way. You'll meet me at the shuttle?"

"Of course."

Sigrid leaves. The house is quiet. This is the first time since start of the trip that he has been alone. It is a strange feeling. He is getting used to his new friends. He just hopes that he has not ruined his chances of maintaining this bond.

He goes upstairs and packs a tote. He is not sure how long this trip will take but it is best to be prepared. He clears the breakfast table and fills the dishwasher. With one last look around, he grabs the small shoulder bag and leaves. There were some errands he needs to run before he meets Sigrid at the land shuttle station.

It is a sunny late morning but still bitterly cold. The main streets are mostly clear of snow and no new snow had fallen overnight. The air felt good and the throbbing pain on the left side of his face seemed to subside. He does not mind the long walk. It felt good to get some exercise a day after the ski race. A person's muscle could stiffen up otherwise.

People were heading for the ski trails. Only a few tourists were in the quaint shops along the winding, hilly streets. Most of the structures are painted limestone with rich brown slatted rooftops. The restaurants are busy with visitors looking for a full service breakfast. The village carves into the North Ridge facing the great Mount Ison.

Dantius removes one of his gloves to slide his hand in his pocket. It is almost noon. He pulls out the map of the Mt. Ison ski resort and studies it for a moment. He looks around then turns up a narrow snow-covered side street. The snow makes a crunching sound under his boots. After slowing down to look at the various shops along the way, he suddenly stops and looks in another window. It is half past noon when he makes his move. A hopeful smile forms across his face. He is eager to make a good first impression later today.

The door slides open and he is in a fantastic botanical garden. The dark wood interior is accented by stained glass windows and a domed skylight. It is fragrant and warm inside the shop. Dantius opens his parka. Live birds and insects hover over the vessels of plants and flowers absorbing nectar and pollen, dropping some of their bounty on rows of freshly tilled soil. New sprouts appear almost instantaneously.

Dantius slowly navigates the store. A few customers are already there waiting for service. Dantius does not recall ever being in a flower shop. There was never a need to. His mother is an expert gardener so no other flower could hold a candle to her prize winning Felucia orchids and Coruscant Jade roses. Dantius' spirits are buoyed by the good feeling the plants bring seem to bring. He hears someone behind him. It is a soft, inviting voice.

"The Ithorian roses just came into bloom today."

Dantius turns to find an elegant-looking woman standing behind him. She appears to be in her mid sixties with perfectly-coiffed silver hair. She is wearing a burgundy silk knit sweater set with a long matching skirt that reaches her ankles. She has burgundy velour slippers on her small but round feet. The sweater set is embroidered with gold leaves at the neckline and on the cuffs. It is the traditional dress of the region.

Dantius looks over the flowers on display.

"They're beautiful."

"Are you looking for a gift for someone?"

"Yes, I am. I've never done this before so I'm not sure what to select."

"Is it for a sweetheart?"

"No…I'm an invited guest at someone's home. I thought flowers would be a good idea."

"Flowers are always a good choice. Do you have any particular flower in mind?"

"No…not really. Something appropriate."

"Well, look around. I'm sure we have something that catches your eye."

Dantius browses the shop while the friendly woman tends to the handful of customers. Half an hour has passed since he walks into the shop. A tall thinly-built man appears from a back room. He is well-dressed and wears a khaki-colored bib apron over his finely tailored clothes. His short dark hair is parted on the side. He is carrying a large cobalt blue vase with a giant floral arrangement comprised of everlilies, rojos, blueblossums, and purple passions. He sets the vase on the counter and rings up the sale.

Dantius stands behind some potted plants, spying between the leaves. He never sees the customer's face but it is a man and he looks important. He hears some familiar voices behind him but he cannot see who it is because he is standing between a row of Giant blossoms. The salewoman quietly walks up beside him.

"Have you made a decision yet?"

"Well…I think the Ithorian roses are nice, and so are the everlilies. Could I get some of each?"

"The roses can only be purchased by the dozen."

"That's fine."

"May I suggest a lovely deluxe arrangement? That includes roses, everlilies, and snowblooms. We have beautiful Ladalum from Alderaan. Together they would make an exquisite bouquet. How about some fresh greens as an accent?"

"That would be nice. Thank you."

"Victor, wrap this for our young customer, please."

While his order is being prepared, Dantius decides to browse some more. He sees a selection of holocards on a display kiosk and selects one. He uses the stylus on the counter and begins to write. The man at the counter stands waiting for him to write the card.

"I can take your payment now why you're writing. The total is 125 credits."

Without looking up, Dantius takes out his credit card and hands it to the florist. He continues to write. Suddenly the florist returns and slides the card in front of him so he will stop writing. Dantius looks up and the florist speaks. His tone is a bit snobbish.

"I'm sorry, young man, but your credit line has been suspended."

"What?"

"I said…your credit line…"

"I know what you said but that cannot be correct. The account is fine. Try it again."

"I am telling you that there are no funds in your account."

"Just put it through again. There has to be a computer error."

The florist pushes the card across the counter towards Dantius using his index finger.

"There is no error. Your card has not been accepted. Do you have money to pay for the note card you just wrote on? Those aren't returnable you know."

Dantius is trying to keep his composure. It is going on 1 o'clock. He can feel his anger filling up in his gut. Dantius speaks to the florist in a firm voice.

"I need you to try it once more."

The florist lets out a long sigh then snatches up the card and scans it again. As fast as he picks it up, he slams it back on the counter. He places his hand over the note card to make Dantius stop writing.

"I am sorry, young man, but I cannot process this purchase for you. I suggest you return when you have the appropriate funds."

An older customer stands at the other end of the counter. He watches discreetly as his order is being filled.

The older woman who had helped Dantius walks over to address the matter.

"Is there a problem?"

The man behind the counter explains, albeit, in a condescending tone that the transaction was rejected. The woman is a bit more diplomatic and helpful. She has no interest in embarrassing any customer whether they can afford to shop there or not.

"Do you have an account at any of the local banks here on Hoth?"

"No. I just used my card a few days ago. I know it's good."

"Okay…I can let you contact the bank. Perhaps this matter can be resolved quickly. Come with me."

She leads him to a small work station near the vase selection room.

Dantius does not know who to call. He had never needed to contact the bank before. Being a child of privilege, a data bank card was all he ever needed. If he were back home on Naboo, the Palpatine name carried weight. No one asked questions. He could simply make purchases on account. Today, beads of sweat appear on his forehead. This is humiliating. He nervously begins to enter a number. Someone picks up.

"Hello? Yes, it's Dantius…I'm fine, thanks… Would you put my father on the, no…summon my mother…immediately." He pulls off his wool hat, stuffs it inside his pocket then nervously runs his fingers through his hair. "Mummy? Yes, it's me. Mummy, dearest, my card isn't working. They're telling me it's been suspended or some such nonsense…Yes, I'll hold." A few moments pass. He can overhear a faint conversation between his parents. His mother returns to the phone.

"I'm sorry, Darling…I'm afraid it's true."

"Mother! What am I supposed to do? What will I live on? He can't do that."

Dantius is shaken and almost sick to his stomach. He can feel his whole body buzzing with anxiety. There is a long silence, and then he can hear her whisper over the phone.

"You're going to have to sort his all out when you see him again. Where are you?"

He tells her. Mrs. Palpatine does not interrogate him as to why he is in a flower shop. It is irrelevant right now. She does not ask him what he did with the funds he did spend in the past 48 hours. He thinks she already knows. Since early that morning when he spoke to his father, Dantius had a feeling the old man would check the account to find out how he had been spending his money. How could his own father use this as leverage against him? Humiliate him? If this is his father's goal, he has succeeded.

Dantius turns to look towards the counter. Chip Neider and Stig Childsen are in the shop. He quickly tries to shield his face so they do not see him. Finally his mother returns to the telephone. She whispers to him again. Dantius figures that his father has to be close by.

"Danti, wait five minutes then go back and make your purchase. I will cover you until you come home."

"Thank you, Mummy."

"You're welcome…Danti?"

"Yes, Mummy?"

"Don't hang up on your father…you know how angry it makes him."

After several minutes, he returns to the counter. He is nervous as he glances up at the clock behind the counter. He has forty-five minutes until he has to meet Sigrid. The florist seems to be taking his time now. A green flashing light pops up on the scanner. A churning noise starts on a machine. A hologram appears and a new data card materializes. The florist retrieves the data card. He has a surprised look on his face as if he did not expect the process to go through.

"Hmmm…Sir, you have a new card. Please validate it."

Dantius places his hand on a scanner. There is a short beeping sound. The florist goes to the display case to retrieve the bouquet. The kind woman who came to his rescue hands the florist the note card.

"Victor, don't forget the note card for this young man's flowers. I'm going to select a nicer ribbon for this bouquet."

Dantius is anxious to leave the shop by now. He does not see Chip or Stig anymore. Hopefully they have left the shop. The time is passing quickly. He is about to tell this kind woman to forget about the ribbon but she has been so helpful he does not dare. He takes his credit card and stores it deep in his inside pocket. The lady returns and hands him a beautifully wrapped bouquet. He must admit the change in ribbon made a big difference. He notices another ribbon poking through the top of the wrapping. Victor attaches the note card.

"Here you are. I trust it is to your liking."

"It is. Good day. Madame, thank you ever so much."

"My pleasure. I hope to see you again."

Dantius leaves the store. It was a relief to get out of their. Something kept him from putting a hurting on that ridiculous man. It was just was well. He was on his way to see Sigrid. He would not waste this day by getting angry. He looks both ways along the street. He has to get to the shuttle terminal. As he starts on his way he realizes he still has to get another gift.

"Oh no!"

He has to think quickly. He has only 15 minutes to get to the shuttle. If he is late, this would surely be his last chance to win Sigrid's heart.