Over the next few years Solasta finished her Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth Forms earning a spot on the Honour Roll each year. Still shy and a little socially challenged, she kept a few close friends but remained focused on her studies during the school season. During the summer breaks she found part-time work at the local farmer's market, and the occasional babysitting job in the evenings. On these occasions she was allowed to take her father's Desler to get to and from work. Even though it could only achieve modest speeds, it still inspired a sense of freedom in her.

When Eleventh Form began the lean, lanky Cathar was in her fifteenth season, and had developed into an athletic and well defined young woman. Her brown straight hair had grown out to just past her shoulders and the markings of adulthood had filled in.

The young men in her classes began to notice her differently as well. A few had asked her out on dates to dances, sports events, or to watch holo's at the theater in town, and she agreed to a few invitations but didn't take particular interest in any of them, or even went on second dates for that matter. Her parents assumed she was too focused on her school work and didn't want the distraction of boys, which was partially true, however she thought she just had boys figured out.

One thing that Solasta had never been without is her keen Cathar sense of smell, and despite reading that Cathar generally found the scents of other species somewhere between pleasant and repugnant, she was accustomed to the scents she grew up with all around her. It would be many years later that she would learn that the article was correct concerning Hutt's and their ranking as 'repugnant'. It was well earned for all aspects of the species and not just their scent.

All the young men who asked her out exhibited the same scents when they approached her; hormones, sweat, soap and shampoos, or an overuse of cologne. Usually it was a mix of all of them, but when the time came to go on the actual date they always ended the same way, or during in the case of a performance at the theater, with the added scent of elevated pheromones of which there was no confusing what they had on their mind, whether or not they fully knew it themselves.

Aisii ensured that Solasta was educated and prepared for what becoming an adult meant, so she knew that physiologically Cathar were compatible with many other races, and with some pairings could produce offspring. The more intimate acts however were not for beginners and partners could end up injured if not educated and prepared. For her, this simply wasn't something that she was interested in yet, so every date ended quite friendly from her perspective and with disappointment or frustration from the young man's.

During this period of time she decided to focus her remaining three school seasons on maintaining her high marks and applying for the Republic Navy Preparatory Course offered at the Carida Military Academy when she graduated Twelfth Form. The course helped bridge the one season age difference between Twelfth Form graduates, who typically were in their Seventeenth Season and the minimum enlistment age of Eighteenth Season for the Republic Forces. It also gave those with marks in the top percentile an advantage with almost guaranteeing an Officer's Commission upon completing Basic Training.

At dinner one evening she shared her plans with her parents and explained that she understood that having already skipped a Form she would graduate in her Sixteenth season and need to wait the two seasons before she could enlist. She could take the prep course in either her Sixteenth or Seventeenth Season and spend the other season working to put away some credits for the future.

Her parents listened to her careful and well thought plan without interruption. When she was done and looked at them for their reaction. Aisii was the first to speak, "Have you considered applying to the Universities instead? They'll only look at your academic standing, and you could be accepted right after graduation without having to wait."

Aisii never regretted the life her and Sandoval had together, but she had hoped that Solasta's path may show her a life more stable and consistent than that of someone who could be redeployed from one end of the galaxy to the other all on a change in a General's mood. Worse yet was the threat of the Sith Empire since the sacking of Coruscant. Despite the Peace Treaty, the Sith Empire had reasserted itself and this had turned the Republic upside down.

Before Solasta could answer her mother, the Commander joined in, "Do you understand the weight of the commitment you are making while completing training, then the years of Active Duty? This isn't going to be an easy or glamorous life, and could come with some serious consequences."

"Dad you served your whole life in the Navy and I know it wasn't always easy for you and Mom. Yes, it comes with risks but so does driving the Desler to work. I've heard your stories of the battles, or the times you almost didn't make it back, but you told me once that we have to help those who can't help themselves, and joining the Navy is the best way I can think of doing that." Solasta explained.

Defeated at his own words being repeated to him, he and Aisii accepted that this was what Solasta had her mind set on, so the Commander simply hugged Solasta and told her he was proud that his daughter planned to follow in his footsteps.

That night after Solasta had gone to her room Aisii and Sandoval talked about the fact they were both approaching their eightieth season and had slowed down considerably over the same time that she had blossomed. It was clear their little girl had grown up and they had better get their affairs in order so they did not leave her unprepared when their lives reached completeness.

A few days later the three of them visited an adjudicator at the Naval Base to go over Aisii and Sandoval's wills. Solasta had always accepted that her parents were older than the parents of her schoolmates, but until that day the reality hadn't sunk in they wouldn't be around forever. It was a short visit so that when the day came she would know where the offices were and who to ask for, whether she came in person or called by holo. Solasta was polite during the introductions and otherwise sat quietly listening to the instructions that her parents had laid out

On the ride home she sat solemnly watching the houses and other speeders pass by until her mother spoke. "Solasta, don't be so melancholy dear. Everyone's time comes to an end, and so will ours. You need to know what to do when that day comes, and when it does, it's okay to let your heart grieve but also promise us that you will celebrate our lives."

Solasta turned with tears in her eyes, "I promise."