Do You Remember The First Time?

[Daxton Stormchaser]

Five years ago I hacked young, innocent Daxton Stormchaser into pieces on a planet far, far away.

Warm sunlight crept slowly across the floor, lazily stretching over the bed and everyone in it. I push the pretty little zeltron off me with the tangle of sheets and blankets, my feet hitting the cool tile as I make my way to the 'fresher. Pausing in the doorway, I turn to address the charming young woman currently glaring daggers at me as she struggles to gather up last night clothes. A grin played across my lips.

"It was fun and all, but you need to be gone. Now. Don't be here when I get back. Understood?"

The blistering spray of the fresher felt good, washing the last bits of drowsiness from my brain. Last night was quite a blur, like most of my days since I'd been here. Since I'd taken on the fabulous life of a rich mans' son. Tonight there'll be a gathering with my "parents" and the cities elite to celebrate young Daxton Stormchasers' miraculous return from oblivion. Sure to be a fun time for all.

I entered the now empty room to find that the servants have been in - bed made, everything put into order and a fresh robe laid out on the bed. A small serving tray sitting on the desk with an assortment of breakfast fruits and a carafe of stimcaf. Nothing to do today but relax until showtime. I poured myself a mug of the hot, bitter drink and stared out at the skyline of the city.

I had met Daxton while he was out exploring the galaxy. A nice enough kid, if a little naive. Who am I kidding? The kid was brought up in bantha wool, knowing nothing of the real world. An easy target, who happened to have strikingly similar features to my own. Pale skin, green eyes, a shock of red hair he told me he inherited from his mothers' side - apparently the family trademark, something that happened every other generation. Blah de blah blah. Boring facts like these I soaked up like a sponge, hanging on every word and lavishing him with as much attention as I could stomach... I'd always had a way with people - call it natural charm, call it dark magic (and on some back worlds, they do), call it luck or the Force, but swaying people oh so subtly just...happens. Dax was no exception. Neither were his parents, who were so stricken with grief that a nerf could have taken their sons place and been welcomed with open arms. They didn't care that their real son was bleached bones in the desert, all they cared about was having the heir to their fortunes back. Someone to carry on the illustrious Stormchaser legacy.

That someone is me. Of course, my new attitude was blamed on my travels, on the hardships I had surely endured out in the galaxy far from Mummy and Father. Any bad behavior on my part was quickly taken care of. As long as I smile, make nice with the right business associates and kiss the right asses, I'm set for the rest of my life. Sure, it's not as fun as being on the run or living from scheme to scheme, but it makes for a nice retirement plan.

I finish the last of my caf, popping a bit of fruit into my mouth as I scan the datapads neatly stacked beside the plate. Business to go over, a note from Father saying I should prepare something to say tonight...Bleh. I toss everything into a drawer, heading back to the fresher. Standing in front of the mirror, I force the most sincere smile humanly possible onto my face, letting my eyes give off just a hint of sadness before starting the story I've told my reflection a dozen times...

[Daxton Stormchaser]

"...I'd like to thank all of you for joining us. It truly warms my heart to be surrounded by loved ones on such an emotional day."

I rested my hand on the back of Mummys' chair, smiling warmly at the gathering of ...well, not MY loved ones. Most of them were mere acquaintances, business associates and the like. Removing the handkerchief from the breast pocket of my suit, I gently dabbed at her wet cheeks.

"Oh mother, please don't cry. I'm right here, safe and sound. No need to get upset now."

She nodded up at me, taking my hand and kissing it. I hated the feeling of those withered lips on my skin...It took all my strength to not slap her away. Taking up my glass, I planted a small kiss on her wrinkled cheek before venturing out into the mix of people here. Older business men wearing suits that cost more than a families yearly wages. Young women who could be mistaken for their daughters laughed and hung on their every word, hoping to use their beauty to land a rich spouse. Elderly ladies, faces caked in make-up, trying to project some kind of youthful appearance. Disgusting, but they are the upper crust of society. Waiters walked through the crowd with plates of finger food - grabbing something round and cream-filled off a tray, I stuffed it into my mouth as another person comes up to shake hands and congratulate me on my amazing experiences in the Outer Rim. Nod, laugh, pat on the back, move on to the next person. Repeat.

I stop at the bar for a glass of Corellian Reserve, before going to the large glass doors that lead out onto the balcony. A chilly rush of air puts a smile on my face as I step out into the brightly lit night. Everything was passing these people by - they stayed in their own insular little community, never experiencing anything new, always following the well worn paths their parents, grandparents, had tread for them. Paid for and paved for them. I leaned on the railing, taking a long drink of the warm, golden liquid I had in my glass. It was boring. I could feel myself getting duller and duller - would I eventually become like Father Stormchaser, working my life away until the days when all I do is sit around and gossip like an old hen? Something had to be done, but what? Do too much, and lose it all. Too little and life remains bland.

I want more. More of the life I had before, the life I had slowly started to lose as I took on the life of Daxton Stormchaser. If I arranged a sabbatical, I could blame it on today; I could take weeks, months away from things here, but still have access to things when needed. Add a little spice this life. Another drink of Reserve, draining the glass. I stare out at the bustling skylanes, making plans for my future as rest of the universe speeds past...