Star Wars: The Alderaan Affair/Part IV - Family Values

Epin ran as fast as he possibly could, trying to get home, as there were punishments for being late. As he got closer, he noticed a person standing outside. He stopped, and cautiously made his way toward the homestead so as not to alert whoever was waiting for him.

"Where in Chaos are you boy!?", the figure yelled.

Epin cringed and stopped dead in his tracks. It was his father, Sadvo. Sadvo disliked his son, and would often take his frustrations out on him. It didn't matter what the reason was, or even if there was one, Sadvo would abuse Epin at every chance he got. Physically, emotionally and mentally, they all came into play, and Sadvo seemed to enjoy nothing more than reducing his son to tears.

Sadvo was a tall man in his late twenties, with an average build, though, he was by no means average. He had short blond hair, and typically dressed in a brown cloak over the top of his brown work tunic. He possessed incredible strength, speed and reflexes. Though it was unknown to anyone but his wife, Sadvo was a former Jedi, which was more than likely the explanation for his above average skills.

Sadvo didn't treat Rena, Epin's twin sister, this way though, in fact, it was the exact opposite. Rena was able to get away with almost anything she pleased. Sadvo would spend as much time as he possibly could with his daughter, and found reasons to not give her things to do, instead having Epin perform Rena's chores for her.

Epin hid behind a stack of crates that were piled just outside the entrance to his families homestead. He wondered if his father would give up his search.

"Boy, I know you are here somewhere. Do not make me come looking for you.", Sadvo yelled.

So much for that, Epin thought. Epin started to crawl away, but was halted when he was grabbed by the neck and lifted into the air. It was his father.

"There you are boy. How many times do I have to tell you the same thing?", Sadvo growled. "When I say something, you obey, without question. Understand?!"

Epin struggled against his father's grip on his neck. "Yeah, I understand..."

Sadvo threw Epin to the ground. "What was that? I didn't hear you.", he said, walking to Epin's side.

"Yes. I understand sir.", Epin said sitting up.

Sadvo kicked Epin in the face, knocking him back down. "Did I say you could get up? No, I didn't.  You will lay there until I say you can get up."

Sadvo noticed Epin's torn clothing and chuckled. "So, got yourself beat up by them Aldera punks again huh? When the kriff are you gonna be a man and stand up for yourself boy?", Sadvo said as he proceeded to step on and off his son's stomach. "Come on. You gonna let people walk all over you?"

"Dad! I...Can't breathe...", Epin pleaded.

Sadvo stopped. "You're lucky it's me. Them Aldera boys might not be so generous.  By the way, speaking of Aldera.  Do you have my credits?"

"Yes sir, in my pocket.", Epin responded.

"Good.", Sadvo said kneeling down and reaching into Epin's pocket, removing the credits.

Sadvo stood and counted them. "Nice work. You actually got more than them hides were worth.  I'm actually a little impressed kid."

"Thank you sir.", Epin said.

Sadvo threw a few credits to Epin, "Here, I'm feeling good today. Now come on.  Inside.", he said, walking toward the house.

Epin collected the few credits, stood up and followed his father.

As Epin and Sadvo made their way inside, Epin's mother Lania, greeted them.

"Epin! Where have you been?  And what happened honey?", she asked noticing his tattered clothes. Lania was a very caring woman, and like her husband Sadvo, dressed in a similar tunic cloak combo, though hers were grey. She, also was a former Jedi, but unlike Sadvo, she was a Historian. This fact was also unknown to anyone. Save, of course, for Sadvo. She too was in her late twenties, with long red hair, and she too, possessed above average skills.

"Heh, our other daughter got herself beat up by them royals.", Sadvo said making his way to the basement stairs. "He's your problem now Lania, I'm going to sleep." Sadvo made his way down the steps. "We've got off work tomorrow boy, so do what you wish, but keep quiet or else.", he told them as he shut the door behind him.

Lania knelt by her son and hugged him. "Oh, my baby boy. Did they hurt you?"

"I'm okay, really mom. Princess Leia helped me.", Epin said.

"Princess? Really?", Lania asked, leaning back.

"Yeah, she scared off Arod and his gang.", Epin responded excitedly.

"She did?", she asked.

"Yeah! We're friends mom!", Epin started. "And after Arod ran away, I walked her to the palace because it was dark, and I wanted to make sure she was safe. Friends do those things for each other right mom?"

"They sure do hun.", she replied, standing up and leading Epin to the washroom. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up, and then we'll eat some dinner."

Epin laughed, "Thanks mom! You're the best."

Lania held back a tear as she ruffled her son's hair. "Thanks baby. I think you're the best too..."