Fruition

Eight Years

"Major, you need to see this." Aric followed Kanner's voice to the main room of the Thunderclap. They were currently docked at Carrick Station, awaiting orders for the next mission. The now identified Eternal Empire had begun a campaign across the galaxy, and Havoc Squad stayed on the front lines. Jorgan rarely saw Nahir and the kids anymore since Coruscant remained blockaded. It wasn't that they couldn't get in, but that the brass didn't want to risk their best squad being stranded if those gates close for good. So far, the Core Worlds had been left in peace, as long as the Republic continued paying for it.

Jorgan had an entirely new squad full of young, somewhat inexperienced soldiers to accompany his promotion to major. Yuun had been snatched up by the SIS in an attempt to get ahead of the assault on Republic worlds. Vik had ditched the first chance he'd gotten, and Forex had been pulled for some sort of morale push. Bottom line, the Republic needed more soldiers, and who was going to say no to M1-4X? Either his enthusiasm or his cannons. It had been fun to tease Nahir about not being her subordinate anymore, but he longed for the days when they shared the Thunderclap.

"We are live outside of the Senate Tower, bringing you updates on the hostage situation in progress." The reporter was Rodian, her star-filled eyes darting quickly over the reports flowing in. Aric's gut clenched at the words Senate Tower and hostage situation. Nahir worked in the Tower. "We have Senator Zorin Krasul now. Sir, can you explain to us what is happening?"

A large Cathar male with a full mane and fierce features took up half of the screen. Aric remembered the man. He'd been in both of Havoc's inquiries and had ended up backing them when they took down that corrupt Chagrian senator a few years back. Now, the senator had grey streaks mottling his bright mane and tired bags that stretched the dots under his eyes.

"As many of you know, the Eternal Empire has placed a blockade around several Republic and Imperial worlds. As it stands, this blockade is a mere precaution and doesn't hinder commerce or troop movements. However, there are a few misguided souls who believe the Republic should openly declare war. Rest assured, citizens, this would only make matters worse. Stunts such as this, taking the senate hostage, will only result in further chaos and ruin for our grand democracy. I urge everyone to think hard about the repercussions of such demonstrations."

"Thank you, sir," the reporter responded as Krasul's screen cut off. "The senate urges citizens to carry on with their daily activities, assuring everyone that the situation is being handled. Back to our man on the scene."

Aric's holo rang, and he rushed into the room to answer it, hoping that it would be Nahir letting him know that she was fine. Khina appeared on the device, immediately shoved out of the way by Amo. "Dad, they are saying on the news that the Senate Tower is locked down, and mom isn't answering her holo." Panic laced his son's voice.

Khina pushed back into the shot, growling at her littermate. "They let all the kids out of school early and told us to come straight home. What's going on?"

"I don't know, yet. Give me a minute to figure it out," Aric replied, carrying the holo back into the main room. "Stay on the line, okay?" Just knowing that they were safe at home eased some of the tension in Jorgan's stomach. At least he could see them; they were fine.

They'd missed their window for relocating the family. The Republic would notice if two of its star commandos up and vanished in the middle of the night. No doubt Saresh would orchestrate a manhunt to make examples out of them. Aric couldn't do that to the kids. So far, Coruscant remained a safe haven, far removed from the upheaval in the Outer Rim. He'd never imagined the threat could come from their own people.

Amo spoke again. "Sisa says they sent us home because the schools could become a target. Are we in danger too?"

Sisa had always been the thinker of the trio, and while Aric didn't want to frighten his children, she was right. He was torn between the lie that urged him to say no, and the knowledge that a false sense of safety could get them hurt in the future. In the end, he settled for a middle ground. "Not as long as you are at home."

"We have movement at the front of the building," the on-scene reporter declared, pulling Aric's attention back to the hostage situation. The human male held one finger to his ear, then nodded. "Yes, I'm getting reports that the situation has been handled. Supreme Commander Jace Malcom is on his way out to make a statement. Stand by."

Aric allowed himself to take a deep breath. He cast a glance at his hollow, watching as his children stared wide-eyed at something out of view. The television, no doubt. At some point, Sisa had joined her siblings, maybe for support, or maybe because none of them wanted to be alone during a moment of fear. He smiled, marveling at how big they'd all gotten, and wondered where the time went.

"I am pleased to inform the public that the threat has been handled. I will not release the identity of the perpetrator, only report that they have been taken into custody and await questioning. Rest assured, we will get to the bottom of this."

Aric forced his attention back to the holo on the ship just as Commander Malcom nodded to one of the reporters. "Sir, can you explain how the culprit was apprehended?"

"We have a former SpecForce commander on staff. I'll not release their name either, but they were instrumental in ending this threat. Next question."

Aric smiled even as Torg slapped him on the back. "Looks like your little woman still has it, sir."

"Is he talking about mom?" Amo interrupted, his fear morphing into excitement instantly.

Khina shoved her brother. "Of course he is. Do you know anyone else who has the skill set to kick ass like that?"

"Hey, watch your language," Jorgan admonished, though his heart wasn't in it. Khina had a point, it had to be Nahir.

Naturally, Amo attacked his sister, and the two settled into a semi-violent discussion of who was right. Eventually, they rolled out of view, and Sisa took up the holo. "We'll see you soon, dad. I'm going to try to keep them from breaking things until mom gets home."

Jorgan laughed, one filled with relief that his lifemate was safe, and his children were back to normal. He didn't realize how much their fear affected him until after the crisis had passed. "Take care of them while I'm gone, Sisa."

Aric decided that it was time to get his connections together and move his family off world. He shuddered to think what that action would imply, but there were too many threats now. Besides, Havoc could do more good out in the galaxy.

Nine Years

Aric paced the room, angrier than Nahir had seen him in years. His nostrils flared as he fought to control his breathing, and his eyes burned with rage. "Damn it, Nahir, it's time." He'd used that exact phrase seventeen times. It was a tick that Nahir had picked up in childhood. She counted anything that could be seen as a pattern. "They had us on Hoth scoping out Imperial relay stations instead of fighting the real threat." He waved his hand towards the window, the same way he did every time he railed about the fact the Immortal Empire was slowly taking over the galaxy.

"Fine," Nahir answered, purposefully keeping her tone calm. "Where do you suggest we go?" Havoc Squad had been unceremoniously yanked from the front lines eight months earlier without an explanation. The new Supreme Chancellor fancied Havoc as their own personal spy team, using them to settle petty vendettas.

The chrono read 0400, they'd been arguing in circles for over five hours. Aric took a deep breath, closing his eyes to the stress this life offered. Nahir studied her mate's face, seeing faint lines around his eyes that were hidden under the fur unless you were close enough. They were both in their forties now, and the last five years had been difficult for everyone. The kii would be ten next month. She hated the idea of celebrating such an important birthday on the run.

Finally, Aric opened his eyes again. "Balkar says the Outlander is still alive, and he's building an army to take on the Immortal Empire. I've talked it over with the squad; everyone's in."

Nahir cocked her head, parting her lips and sucking in to get a handle on his emotional state. The air around Aric tasted of excitement, fear, but above all else, desperation. "You're talking about going AWOL; turning your back on the Republic." Could she do that?

Aric resumed pacing. "This isn't our Republic anymore, Nahir. It's a hollowed out shell that looks like the Republic. The people live under martial law, in constant fear that their world will be next. The senate is more corrupt than ever. Not even the SIS are operational anymore. How can I protect the Republic when it's dying from the inside?"

Nahir realized that Aric truly believed that the only way to safeguard what he loved, was to destroy the threat that held them captive and allowed corruption to fester. She sighed, grabbing his face roughly when he turned to make another pass. Aric closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. "I can't stand knowing that at any moment, I could lose you and the kids because some punk in a chair across the galaxy pressed a button."

Pulling Aric's face closer, Nahir brushed her lips lightly over his. "Alright. We'll go."

"You mean it?" Aric asked, eyes snapping open. When she nodded, he pulled her close, tightening his arms around her. "I have the coordinates. I'll meet with the Outlander and negotiate a spot for you and the kids. You'll be safer there than here."

Nahir buried her face in his shirt. "The Outlander is looking for highly trained warriors, not desk jockeys with baggage." Aric tensed at her words, but they were true. That's how any military leader would see her and their children now. She'd been out of active duty for ten years.

Aric's arms tightened more. "He'd be an idiot to turn down an opportunity to work with you. And I'll make sure he damn well knows it."

Three days later, Nahir received an encrypted message on the encrypted datapad that Aric had given her before he left to meet the Outlander.

Hey there, long time no see major. Have you missed me? Anyway, I'll be at your front door in ten minutes. Greet me like an old friend so that we can get you and your family to safety.

Nahir rolled her eyes. Balkar was a flirt who never seemed to take no for an answer, but Aric trusted him. They'd worked together a few times since that mission on Nar Shaddaa. If a SIS agent had managed to earn Aric Jorgan's trust, then Nahir would hear him out.

Sure enough, Balkar knocked on the door nine minutes and twenty-two seconds later. "Hey, beautiful! Give us a hug."

Nahir complied grudgingly and let him into the apartment. Once the door closed, she shoved away from him. "Playing this one a bit close, don't you think?"

Balkar shrugged, his facade vanishing to be replaced by a seriousness Nahir hadn't known the man possessed. "Can't be too careful. What your husband plans to do really blurs the lines." Nahir didn't need the reminder that they were about to commit treason. They were abandoning their posts.

"I've got four sets of false IDs," Balkar continued, holding out a package. "These won't hold up for long, so get as far away as fast as you can. I know where Major Jorgan went, but do you and the kids have a plan?" Nahir nodded. "Okay, I won't ask. I don't need to know."

Balkar smiled his normal, dashing smile and offered a hand. "It's been an honor working with you and your husband both." Nahir accepted, slightly wary as she remained. "Be careful, Major. The galaxy isn't as accommodating as it used to be."

Nahir saw the man out. He strutted down the hall without looking back, disappearing from their lives. When she opened the package, four new ID chips fell into her palm, along with forged travel papers. She had a smuggler friend who'd been willing to let her and the triplets hitch a ride to the Outer Rim. From there, they would keep in contact with Aric until it was safe to join the so called Alliance.

With a sigh, Nahir secured her firearms. She took one last look around the apartment, leaving it clean as if they would return should the Republic search it. She wouldn't take any indications of rank or affiliation with the military. Just the travel clothes, provisions, and credits that she'd squirreled away carefully over the last five years.

Sisa crept around the corner, silently hefting her small satchel, and blinked up at Nahir. Her eyes were filled with knowledge beyond her years. Eventually, Amo and Khina flanked their littermate, and Nahir marveled again at the fact the Sisa had quietly assumed the mantle of alpha in their little pride.

All at once, Nahir's resolve firmed. She might be turning her back on the Republic, but this was for her children's safety. Aric was right. Coruscant was no longer safe. She squatted in front of the three somber faces and smiled. "Are you ready for our next adventure?" They each nodded in return, and Nahir led them to the door.

Thirty-eight minutes to the spaceport. Nine hours to the changeover, and twelve until Aric's scheduled check-in. After that, who knows? Nahir squared her shoulders. I can do this, we can do this.

A/N: I told myself I'd end here, but man, I really want to carry this on and see where it leads.