Core World Central Command, Coruscant
New Republic Safe Zone
Endover Gardens Towers
"Mr. Needmo, why do you think Mon Mothma invited you to the ceremony?" Ciena asked.
"That's an easy one. The New Republic is not exactly against the project; however, they are uneasy about what will be revealed to the Galaxy. Naturally, there is the Geth angle, which they fear could draw sympathy for the Empire at a time where negotiations are in many respects ongoing and regional battles are heating up. They also haven't quite figured out how this will affect your security going forward. The movements of an Admiral need to be highly guarded, and a young wife and child of an Admiral can be viewed as vulnerable. I believe they are equally concerned about both your safety and their image. I cannot fault them for this."
"What do they want from you?" Ciena continued.
"They want the opportunity to pre-screen the episodes and offer input as to the content."
Thane's face turned red, only not from embarrassment. "You told them no, right?"
"Of course, of course. They were quite disappointed, but once they realized I was not to be swayed, they let it go. I did confirm to them that it is highly likely Geth will be seen in a very honest light, which will make him likeable and the public will sympathize with him and his men. I also explained that it would almost certainly work against the Empire, as the thing that makes him so remarkable is how terrible the Empire was, and he was willing to stay to protect his men and, in many cases, prevent atrocities wherever possible. This is the story told by every single one of his men I interviewed. And I have to admit, Geth's candid moments are quite endearing."
Ciena looked at Thane and shrugged, "Maybe Geth will get all of the attention and they'll forget we exist. Four weeks, four specials, and then it's over." She smiled and Thane nodded. Needmo shifted in his chair and looked at Ard who looked back at him. This did not go unnoticed. "Oh no. What is it?" Ciena asked.
Needmo cleared his throat. "Well, the response being what it is, and with the incredible volume of footage we obtained…"
"Oh, no, don't say it, Mr. Needmo," Thane pleaded. Ciena put her hand on his.
"They've extended the special," Ciena guessed, looking for confirmation from one of the nervous beings sitting at the table with them.
"Yes. They've ordered twelve one-hour spots. You and Geth will have five episodes, and the Rees two episodes. The topics will cycle. The first episode will be you and Thane, the second Geth and his 'boys', third Ciena's parents, and it will start over again. When the Ree's episodes end, it will simply alternate between you and Geth," Needmo clarified. "Your mother asked that I include the truth about her arrest and incarceration. I have spent so many years keeping this private, I wasn't prepared for this. It is possible we could add this content and include it in the rotation, making it fifteen episodes. I asked your mother to spend some time considering the pros and cons, and promised her I would do the same. I worry for her, though your mother assures me only good can come from this now."
Ciena saw the genuine conflict in Mr. Needmo's expression. "Mr. Needmo, I want to agree with you and to protect Mumma." Ciena paused, then added, "But it is Mumma's story - her life. At that time, it was Mumma's bravery and courage - her ingenuity - that resulted in such an amazing reformation that saved many lives. It isn't that she is a hero that matters, it is the example that one person in the most dire of circumstances can do miraculous things. More than anything else, it is about hope. The only reason I am here today is because of one person's hope," Ciena said, looking at Thane and taking his hand. "I know the precise moment I lost hope, and I was racing towards my death from that very second until I woke up in binders in a New Republic medical facility. Without examples like Mumma and Thane, the Galaxy will be lost regardless of who controls the most land and space."
Ard cleared his throat and said, "Thank you, Ciena. I have been trying to express myself to Perre about this, and doing a poor job of it." Mr. Needmo smiled and shook his head. "Perre, Ciena is right."
As if Thane had missed the previous two minutes of conversation, he blurted out, "Well, that's still only five about us, right Ciena?" This was an uncharacteristic angle for the so-called "cynic" to take.
Ciena looked at Thane and shrugged. "That's true. And at least I'm not big and fat when the videos were made," she smiled.
"Well…actually…" Needmo winced as he began to unwrap the rest of the good news. "I am hoping that once the newness of all of this blows over, maybe you'll allow me to do a follow up piece? Sort of a, 'This is where they are now,' special. I know the attention left you a little off kilter today."
"Don't blame Mr. Needmo, me or anyone at the network for that," a somewhat curmudgeonly Ard piped in. "You can thank your good friends who thought it would be hilarious to have all of those screaming teenagers there to, how did the one put it? He said, 'Show them what they've been missing!'"
"Wedge! I am going to beat his-"
"Wedge? What about Leia!?" Ciena cried. There was a brief period of silence. Ciena's expression softened slightly. "Leia wouldn't do anything she thought would be upsetting to us," Ciena said, letting out a deep sigh. "She wouldn't, which means both she and Wedge must have believed we'd find it humorous. I guess… well, I guess it was kind of funny." Thane looked startled and stared at Ciena. "Thaaaaaaane, we looooooooove yoooou! Ooooo oooo Thaaaaaaane, marry my mother!"
"You saw that?" Thane said, a smile and red blotches breaking out on his face and neck. Ciena laughed and nodded. "Well, you did say I was handsome in my uniform," Thane said as he jutted out his chin and tried to affect a cocky air. Ciena knuckled his forearm.
"Thane, sincerely. It wasn't meant to embarrass you. I got the distinct impression they believed you'd be entertained by it. It's not worth a ruckus," Needmo insisted.
"Well, what is done is done," Ciena said, trying to ignore Thane's pretend preening at his reflection in the window. She gathered herself and the more serious tone returned. "Mr. Needmo, I would like to see a couple of episodes before I make any decisions about future filming. Is there any way Thane and I could see whatever is ready to broadcast? We would sign a non-disclosure agreement, of course."
Mr. Needmo didn't offer his consent right away. He went to the Holophone and made a call. A few minutes later, he returned. "The first four have been edited and are in the can. A network runner will be here within the hour with those. Please, I ask you to watch these alone and not to share with anyone that you have viewed them. The courier will return to pick them up tomorrow at noon. Agreed?"
Ciena and Thane both nodded simultaneously.
Needmo stood, along with Ard. "I am sorry, to you both," he said, with some sadness in his tone and expression. "I thought you'd be… less unhappy. I feel silly saying it now. I'm learning along with you. I can simply ask for your patience and tell you my every intention was to make you-"
"Proud! He thought you would be proud! All Perre could talk about was how much he wanted to capture true love and give the Galaxy hope - like you just went on about, Ciena. He - we- have worked so hard to do exactly what you just said. So maybe you have some fans now, and some young girls made signs and have a crush on Thane. For the record, there are a lot of guys who have crushes on Ciena, too!" Thane startled and grimaced at that revelation. Ard continued, "After all of this kriffen destruction how can any of us complain? For the first time in years I wasn't filming the destruction and chaos - the death. We have a chance to tell people it's okay to move forward now. I've worked with a lot of reporters, and I have never once seen one who cares more about the people he is representing than Perre. So when you're watching your videos, maybe you could remember this. I mean, if it's possible to with your becoming famous and all," Ard turned and walked out of the room, down the hall, and out of the apartment. Had the sliding door been slammable, Thane was pretty sure he'd have slammed it right into the next apartment.
Ciena and Thane stared at their feet and finally glanced up at each other. Both were as red as Jelujoobs. Ciena spoke first, "Um…Mr. Needmo, I am so sorry if it seemed as though we weren't grateful for-"
"Ciena, Thane – it's alright. Ard is a little passionate. He's artistic, and many of those types are very…well, excitable. It's the root of their talent, so you learn to give them a little latitude. Rest assured, he was speaking what he feels and believes, but I did not say those things to him. I do understand this is a shock to you. Still, you have to know I would never intentionally represent you or your family in a bad light as you are very good people. That would require taking creative license with the facts. I would never do this."
Ciena walked around the table and hugged Mr. Needmo. "I'm sorry. I have to be completely honest and say I have felt some remorse for the reason I asked you if you'd like to interview us. I know I asked if it would help Thane get the job, and I've been embarrassed for it since that day. It was less than honorable, and it has made me question myself. You have been nothing but honorable and I am so grateful to you for everything you've done for my family, Mr. Needmo," Ciena told him. "It did cross my mind that losing our anonymity might be the Force's way of teaching me a lesson. I need to remember that when things get a little haywire."
"I think we've told a great story here that will resonate with billions of beings across the Galaxy. I feel very…well, I really am proud of the work. I hope you will be, too." Mr. Needmo shook Thane's hand, Ciena gave Mr. Needmo one last hug, and he left the apartment. Thane and Ciena felt like the smallest, most ungrateful people on the planet.
Almost immediately, there was a buzz at the door. Thane could see two military representatives on the security display. He opened the door, after which they promptly saluted. "Admiral Kyrell. We have a message from CWCC," the male soldier announced. Thane took the datapad from the junior officer's outstretched hand. With another quick salute, the man and woman turned in perfect synchronicity and walked away to the lift.
Ciena was standing in the hall looking anxious and impatient. Thane laid his hand on the screen and waited. After moving through two additional layers of security, the message for Admiral Thayne Kyrell appeared. Thane began to read, and as he did he nodded and began rubbing his chin.
"Well?" Ciena asked. "Where? When?"
"48 hours. My shuttle will leave to take me to my base of operations aboard The New Republic Starhawk…. Rebel Victory." Thane looked up at Ciena, eyes wide and awestruck. He looked back down at the screen. "Rebel Victory. They made a new ship and named her Rebel Victory. They are giving it to me." Thane stood there staring at the screen, lost in his surprise until he felt a warm trickle on his cheek. He was almost whispering when he said, "All of those men and women that died. They risked everything for a cause the Galaxy said was hopeless. So many times it was siblings, gone after a few seconds of far superior firepower. We were called terrorists. Terrorists. Yet still so many believed and saw something bigger. They kept coming, until one day there were so many of us we realized we might have a chance. We dreamed – we all dreamed – we'd simply survive to see a sunset or sunrise after each battle. And so many of us didn't. I…"' Thane wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "And almost the entire time, I didn't… I didn't believe like they did. They believed and they died." Thane shook his head. "I don't know if I deserve this."
Ciena felt her throat tighten and heard a sob break through the dam she had constructed with her hand pressed tightly over her mouth. She wanted to smile, to encourage Thane to be proud, and be supportive. But all she could do was cry. She shook her head rapidly and held her other hand up, palm out, to stop Thane from approaching her. Then she left the room.
Thane stared at Ciena walking away. I don't deserve it, but I will damn sure give everything I have to earn it. Only after letting his thoughts sink in did Thane look further and learn that he was heading a roving battle group to support the existing New Republic Fleets. Technically, he imagined his group could be called the "Sixth Fleet".
Thane had a stark revelation. A roving battle group supporting all existing fleets meant he would be positioned strategically throughout the Galaxy, never knowing where he might be from one month to the next, let alone one week to the next. This was not the news Ciena would want to hear.
Ciena! Thane hurried from the living area into the bedroom to find the door to the refresher was closed. He sat on the bed and waited. After five minutes, he leaned back and stared at the ceiling. He imagined the first day on the Rebel Victory and the first jolt of excitement welled up inside. Then, just as quickly, came the apprehension of Ciena being so far away…and their baby.
Finally, the door to the refresher slid open and Ciena emerged. Thane sat up and saw she had, indeed, been crying. Before he could speak she said, "I am so sorry. I didn't expect to react this way."
Thane held out his arm for her to come sit beside him, which she did. "No, Ciena. I am sorry. I am sorry for everything that's happened to bring you sadness and heartache. I'm sorry there needs to be a defense force," Thane said quietly. "Most of all, I'm sorry I have to spend even one night away from you. It will be…very…difficult." He had his head bowed as he took one of her hands in both of his and mindlessly drew circles and patterns in her palm.
"I think I want to go home to Jelucan," Ciena said.
Thane looked up and saw this was not a revelation for her. She sounded and looked resigned to the idea. Thane nodded silently.
Ciena continued, "Neither of us want to live on Coruscant, at least not yet. The only option here is setting up a permanent residence within the safe zone, and I feel like every day we spend here without violence is another day we skirted the edge of disaster."
That comment was a revelation to Thane. He had no idea Ciena felt that way, but now that she said it he had to agree. "I think you're right. What about your job?"
"I'll have to talk to Leia tomorrow. She's already left Coruscant. She spends as little time here as possible right now. I'll understand if my working remotely will be asking too much. Most of what I do could easily be done from anywhere, but there are some important face-to-face interactions as well." Ciena leaned into Thane and put her head against his arm. He reached around and pulled her into his chest. She could hear his heart beating, and she had her first pang of loneliness realizing she wouldn't be able to do this in two days.
"Thane," Ciena said.
"Mmm?" he mumbled.
"You do deserve it. Everyone who has ever known you understands this," she stated.
"I'm probably the youngest Admiral in the history of the Galaxy. They must be crazy. I'll have to prove myself, and I understand why. If I were presented with an Admiral not yet thirty – heck, forty – I would meet him with a raised eyebrow."
Ciena chuckled, "Yes, you would."
"Hey! You're supposed to say wifey things and build my confidence and stuff," Thane exclaimed with mock incredulity.
Ciena put her arms around him, and then they lay back on the bed next to each other staring at the ceiling. It was quiet for a minute.
He's right. I need to support him, Ciena thought. In a quiet voice, she said, "Thaaaaaaaaaaaane! I looooooooove y-"
Before she could finish, Thane popped up and knelt over Ciena, holding her down while he poked at her horribly ticklish sides. "Say it again! Say it again! Go ahead!"
"Noooooo! Stop Thaaaaaaaane! I'm….gonna-" Ciena was laughing so hard she couldn't finish the sentence, but Thane got the gist. It only made him intensify the attack. "Pleeeeease! I'm serious!"
The door buzzed and they both froze. Thane climbed off the bed and held his hand out for her. "I'll make the popcorn. You get the drinks."