Arcann had been patrolling the perimeter of the base, ever since the Commander had been injured. He didn't coordinate with any of the military officers, he just made his way around the area, using the force to tell him when things seemed out of place. He had just started around a group of shrubbery when he spotted Theron Shan using his holo. Why is he all the way out here, Arcan wondered, and instantly stilled himself. He couldn't hear what was being said, but the being on the holo was tall, robed, and wore a bone mask. Arcann studied Theron's body language, and when the call was disconnected, he saw the man slowly shake his head and turn, heading back into the main base. Arcann decided that Theron was probably just communicating with a source, and while it seemed odd, it wasn't out of the realm of possibility that he just wanted a few minutes of privacy. He shrugged his shoulders and resumed his patrol, dismissing Theron from his thoughts.
Miriah sat at her desk, and could feel her muscles trembling even as she smiled and seemed her usual self on the holo. When she'd assured yet another planetary leader that she was, indeed, just fine, she slumped in the large chair. Corso saw her and rushed in, lifting her in his strong arms and taking her to the small sofa. "It's too much, too fast," he told her, lying her down and elevating her feet. "Time to go home, darlin. I'll let Lana know, you stay there." She nodded at him, her eyes closed. The day had been a normal one, but her strength had blown away like the wind. She'd only returned home late yesterday, having to rest three times from the medcenter to the apartment. Corso had put her to bed immediately, waking her for some hot soup. She'd eaten all she could and had fallen asleep again before Corso had reached the kitchen, waking only when he gathered her into his warm body. I really hope he does that again, I'm freezing, she thought, just as Corso quick-stepped into the office. "Ready to move? Or do you want me..."
"No, no, I'll walk," she told him, but let him help her stand. "I hate being an invalid."
"Aww darlin', you're just recovering. Everyone knows that," he told her, his arm around her, ready to catch her if she stumbled. Aric met them just outside the door with Maura. Since they were only going through the tunnel, he felt comfortable with three guards and two HK units. Miriah managed well enough for the first half, but visibly slowed during the last portion of the walk, making both Corso and Aric reach for her. She brushed them away, but the next step she almost went to her knees. "Enough," Corso growled, and lifted her again. "No one can even see you with all this muscle around you anyway,' he whispered in her ear, and she chuckled. She had yet to have that talk with Aric, the one where she tried to make him understand that he hadn't failed to keep her safe.
Lana was busy, as usual, but when Theron popped his head around the door frame, she looked up in surprise. "Hey," she said, but even she heard the wariness in her tone.
"Got time for a stroll in the sunshine and a snack?" he asked her, and she studied him. Casually leaning on the wall, he looked relaxed and open, a change from his stance even this morning. What changed, she thought, that he's suddenly the old Theron. She shrugged and stood, and he beamed a smile at her.
"I can take a little break," she told him. "The Commander is working from home this afternoon."
"I imagine she's still gaining her strength back," he observed, but Lana felt suddenly protective of her friend, and didn't comment. They went out into the courtyard, and Lana steered them into the mess hall rather than staying outside too long. She knew in her head that there was no other droids or even other people on the rock outcroppings, but her heart wasn't anxious to be exposed, either. When they'd gotten a light meal from the food line, she went to one of the small perimeter rooms to sit, Theron following silently. She took a bite of her salad and waited for him to speak.
"I'm glad you weren't hurt," he told her, taking her free hand in his. She let him, enjoying the feel of his thumb gently caressing her, but felt herself holding back at the same time. Confused, she thought, I'm just a little confused by him lately. With a sigh, she nodded.
"I'm glad that no one died," she said. "Thank the force for Sarai's quick reaction. She was deflecting bolts before I even had my saber powered up."
"She's pretty amazing," Theron replied. "We had a good trip to Iokath, and some long talks with her. She's one of those people that you just feel comfortable talking to."
"She was quite a warrior in her time," Lana said. "Miriah said she was fearless until her husband was killed, then she became a totally different person. Still, she's one of my favorite people." Theron nodded, letting her hand go to eat. She suddenly felt the loss of his touch, and didn't know why it bothered her. "Let's take this back home, shall we? I'd like to have some time with you." Theron's head went up and she could see the familiar light in his eyes, and wondered why she ever thought he'd changed. They quickly dumped their food and dishes, holding hands as the made their way across the courtyard.
Corso's nose was filled with his wife's unique scent, and he opened one eye. They'd fallen asleep on the sofa, Miriah wrapped in a soft blanket, and snuggled in his arms. His body reacted to her nearness, and he shifted so that she wouldn't know, embarrassed that he had so little control around her. She needs this sleep, he reminded himself, and settled in to hold her as long as she wanted. He had drifted, almost asleep again when her voice startled him. "Did anyone find out who was behind it?" she asked, her voice rough and hoarse from her time in the mask. He took a deep breath before pulling her up to his face.
"Aric found something, but we don't really know what it means. It was a tag that had the planet Umbara inscribed on it," he told her, just before claiming her mouth with his own. Miriah grinned when he lifted his head.
"Missed that, sugar." She started to sit up but he stopped her with another kiss, and when he had to breathe, he helped her sit. She pushed herself to stand. "Let me freshen up and we can go get dinner." As her words registered, she saw Corso blush and shake his head. "Aric says no, I take it?"
"Sarai is bringing us dinner, and yeah, he would rather you rest than be at a disadvantage should there be another attack. It's only because he thinks you'd be vulnerable right now, and I have to agree, darlin'."
Miriah stood still, thinking about his words, and truly, couldn't fault the logic. "Okay," she finally said, and Corso felt the momentary tension release from the air around them. "In that case, I'm going to soak." His eyes followed her every move as she made her way to the refresher, and he was sure she knew it. He was considering joining her when the door chime diverted his thoughts and he opened the door to Arcann, holding a large canvas tote with fresh vegetables inside.
"I thought the Commander might like some of these, and the nutrients they hold might help her recovery," he said, as Corso waved him inside.
"I'm sure she will enjoy them, I know I always enjoy the fruits of your settlement," Corso replied.
"How is she feeling?" Arcann asked, and Corso realized he hadn't seen him since she'd been taken from the kolto tank. They chatted for a few minutes, and Arcann left, wishing Miriah well and with instructions to let him know if she wanted more fresh items. When Corso took the bag to the kitchen, he saw a tiny microchip in an envelope. Taking it out, he crossed to the computer terminal in the family room, placing the chip into the reader. It spun for a moment before a briefing came up with Arcann pointing out potential problem areas that he felt should be either reinforced or patrolled more regularly. Corso chuckled, he should have known everyone who loved Miriah would have tried to do something to make her safer.
Miriah lounged in her tub, the jets doing wonders for her sore muscles. She was about to get out, her thirst driving her, but Corso came strolling in with several bottles of icy cold water. "Sugar, you must have been reading my mind," she told him, and he smiled at her.
"I always feel dehydrated when I've been in a tank," he told her, twisting the top from the bottle and handing it to her. "I sent a message to Sarai, she's on her way with food." He watched as she drained almost the whole bottle in one long gulp, and readied another. "I figure you'll replace your blood supply quicker if we keep you fed and hydrated."
"I'll do my best," she told him, and as he gently massaged her neck, he told her about Arcann's visit, and also about his devout determination to keep her safe while she was in kolto. "He's been fiercely loyal, so that makes sense." Corso had progressed to planting kisses along her cheek when they heard the door chime a second time. "That's got to be Mom."
Corso pushed himself upright. "I'll go get things ready, then come back for you."
"I can get out, love. See you in a few minutes," she told him, shutting down the jets. I think I can, anyway, she told herself as he hurried for the door.
Calypso felt so relieved that her family was getting back to normal that she had left Devin's house and gone to her grandmother's, intending to go to bed. Instead, Sarai enlisted her to help take food to her parents. As they walked over, she was vaguely aware of her Nana talking, but she was tired, and only hummed her responses. When they'd entered the apartment, Corso had hugged them, and held onto her for a moment longer than normal. "I can see you're as tired as Mom," he told her softly. "Eat, and then you can crash here." She smiled weakly, and when she turned to toe off her shoes, she saw her mom as she stumbled toward them, and quickly went to her.
"Caly, sweetie," was all Miriah said, but they hugged and swayed with each other, Corso hovering nearby.
"So good to see you up, Mom," Caly said, and when they moved apart, Corso put his hands on Miriah's waist, guiding her to sit.
"Thank you, I know it was you who kept Dad going while I couldn't," Miriah said when she was sitting with her daughter. Caly patted her knee.
"I had help. Uncle Aric said he'd tell everybody that Dad wore flowered underwear if he didn't at least sleep here." Miriah laughed until she had tears running down her cheeks, and Caly joined her. When she could breathe again, she pulled Caly into her arms again.
"I needed that," she said, wiping her face. "I know it's been a not-so-great month, hon, but I'm so proud of you. Have you heard anything?"
Just like that, Caly's face fell. "Nothing except that first message." She'd looked every few hours for the past three weeks, but no one had messaged her, even her so-called friends. She'd noted that, as well as the diverted eyes and sudden path changes of the girls who normally spoke to her every day. Now, she shrugged as her mother pulled her close again.
"I'm here, sweet girl. Whatever you need, okay?" Through teary eyes, she nodded and put her head on her mother's shoulder. When Corso brought them both food, Caly was fast asleep, dreaming of the dance where it had all started.