Miriah swayed in Corso's arms, the lighting low and the music soft and romantic. "I don't want to go back," she murmured, and felt Corso kiss her head. They moved in time, and after a few seconds, he whispered back.
"I wish we could just have this. That we always had days like today." He closed his eyes and savored the feel of his beloved held against him, and briefly wondered if she was serious. Instead of questioning her, he just continued to dance with her. This job was one of great stresses and responsibility, but he knew there was no one better for it. After another song, he lifted her in his arms and took her to bed, one more intimate time together before the Alliance claimed her again as theirs.
By morning, Corso could see his wife was resigned to resuming her work, but it made him sad, seeing her eyes. "Darlin', I'm sorry I kept you up late," he told her as they walked inside the detail.
"I'm not," she replied, a hint of her usual sass in her eyes. She took his hand and wove her fingers with his. "I need you like air, sugar. Sometimes I think you're the only thing that keeps me sane." She smiled at him, but he saw her eyes were still sad, and wished he could just take her away, grab her up and run like everything out of the secure area and outside. He could almost hear her giggle as they would speed away. Sighing, he helped her into her desk chair and took his own, but he glanced at her often during the morning, hoping to see a little bit of happy in her face.
The holo on Miriah's desk chimed. "Right on time," she said as she switched it on. The reddened face of Chancellor Rans came into view.
"Commander Riggs, we have some reports of skirmishes on the edge of our border with the Empire. Are you receiving similar reports?"
"None," Miriah said. "We have made it crystal clear what will happen."
"Yes, well, Vowrawn and his cronies seem to think that we cannot stop them."
Miriah's right eyebrow raised. "Can you?" she asked.
"Not really. The Senate seems to be increasingly indecisive… will you shut up?" she directed behind her, and Miriah glared at the image. "I'm sorry, you have someone here who seems to be desperate to speak to you." Rans moved away from the viewer and Miriah was astonished to see Leontyne Saresh. Her former nemesis was disheveled, and the fear on her face was clear.
"You've got to take me back," she whispered hoarsely, glancing over her shoulder.
"What? You're free there, why would you want to come back?" Miriah saw the other woman blush heavily.
"Free? I can move about my quarters but that's all. I have no friends left, and no one talks to me. And," she leaned closer to the camera, "the food is terrible. At least on Odessen, I felt safe."
"Saresh, there's no way we could get you here. The price on your head is too high to risk a return trip," Miriah said, some part of her feeling sorry for the twi'lek. "Besides, at least on Coruscant, you are not in a cell."
"An apartment, a cell, makes no difference," she replied morosely. "Oh well, at least I tried. I understand." Rans came back into view and motioned the nearby soldiers to take Saresh home.
"Sorry, Commander, she insisted to the point that I was afraid she'd harm herself." Rans looked down at her datapad. "If we encounter any more issues, if they get any closer to the Core Worlds..."
"Chancellor, I'm sure that your Senate would be willing to assign troops and ships then," Miriah said, and saw the Chancellor slowly nod. With a sigh, Miriah continued. "If not, then call. We'll see if we can lend a hand." With a grateful nod, Rans' image blinked out, and Miriah sat back in her seat. With all the resources they have, they still have no idea how to defend themselves, she thought.
Aric strode into the office with hot beverages. It was the first time he'd seen Miriah since the power grid sabotage, and he thought she looked sad. Not sick, as she'd been in the bunker. He wondered what had happened, but Corso gave nothing away, standing to take the carrier from his hands. "I brought some fruit and cookies as well," he said, and saw a glimmer of a smile from his sister in law. "It's a lovely day outside, maybe we can get you out for a little people time?"
Miriah nodded thoughtfully. "I'd like that," she said softly, and took a cookie from the bag.
Lana had planned on going to the office, but was so ill that morning she decided to have a late start. As she entered Miriah's office, she could tell that her boss knew at once what her news was, and Miriah ran to her, taking her in a hug. Tears came to her eyes then, and she cursed the hormonal changes. "I just found out, and you were off yesterday," she started.
"Lana, you are so deserving of some flexible time," Miriah said, her own eyes shining. "Believe me, when we're gone and our children remain, they won't remember that we did our jobs well. They'll remember their time with you. Tali and your new little one deserve that."
"I knew you'd understand," Lana replied, and followed Miriah to the desk. Miriah told her of the strange conversation with Saresh, and they both chuckled. "I guess she realizes that even being somewhat free in the Republic has it's limits."
Caly went to her mom's to cook, and was surprised when Torian met her with lunch from the cantina. "You're taking a break?" she asked, and he nodded, his eyes sparkling.
"I'm on your mother's protection detail this afternoon while she's out on the base," he explained. "I'm not sure if it's an attempt to flush out our force using spy or if Aric's just finally realized that the Commander is wilting under such strict confinements." He didn't see the flash of worry cross his wife's face, and by the time he met her eyes again she appeared calm. "Did you see your parents this morning?" His question carried a gentle edge.
"No, I came a little later. Mom seemed good yesterday, though. Maybe the time off helped." They ate in companionable silence, and when Torian rose to leave, he kissed Caly several times before she sent him off with a smile. As he walked away, she worried about her mother. She, too, had seen the pallor and the dampening of her innate spirit. She figured so much had gone on that she was always tired, but even rest didn't seem to invigorate her. She could see the detail forming up and ran to them, bursting through to see Miriah smiling at her.
"Caly, love. What's wrong?" she asked, and Caly could only throw her arms around her mother, squeezing her tightly. Finally, she lifted her head.
"Mom, I just want you to be safe. Will you please do that? For me?"
"Of course, sweetie. Everything will be fine," Miriah answered, and for that moment she looked as she always had, her strength and confidence giving her the bearing of the Commander. Caly took comfort from it, and felt that she could take a deep breath again.
"Torian is with you, I know he'll be on alert." She waved as she saw his blue eyes over the black armored shoulder of the nearest detail trooper.
"We'll be fine. Back soon, I promise," Miriah said, and kissed her daughter's cheek. With that, the detail moved forward and Caly let them flow around her, watching them as they entered the elevator before she turned to go back to her parent's home.
Aric led the detail out into the bright sun. The air still has a bite, he thought, and was glad that Miriah had worn her coat. They stopped so that Miriah could greet people, shaking hands and such. After a half hour, when he thought Corso would go mad watching everyone who approached Miriah, he led them into the mess hall, where he could see Miriah heading for the line. It's amazing, he thought, after all this time being the Commander, she just thinks she's a regular person. He saw Corso take their trays and when they were seated, he saw Maura and went to get his own lunch. He was a little surprised to see Torian sitting at the table when he returned, and frowned.
Miriah saw Aric's face and patted his hand. "I asked Torian over to tell him that we are loving the fact that Caly is keeping us in wonderful dinners," she explained, and Aric nodded. Torian swiftly rose and went back to his observation post, and Miriah resumed her meal. At least she's eating, he thought, and saw that Corso seemed relaxed, so he decided to not worry. Mir needed this, he told himself, despite the risk.
Lana had met Nico and Tali at school and joined the group at the table. They chatted and laughed, and Lana even managed to eat a light meal. Tali was growing sleepy when she leaned over to whisper to Miriah, who smiled at her. Lana wondered what they'd shared, but she had a feeling the news of her brother was still so new Tali wanted to tell everyone. I can't be angry about it, but I hope she's not getting ahead of us, she thought. Taking Tali's hand, they said goodbye and made their way home, basking in the good feelings.
Miriah sighed and looked at the large chrono on the wall. "I suppose I need to get back to the office," she said, and leaned on Corso.
"Only if you want to, darlin'," he told her, putting his arm around her. She stood and waited for the detail, then they made their way to the office.
Coleen had the baby in a sling across her chest, and was thankful that Caitlin was sleeping peacefully. She exited the child care facility and promptly bumped into someone, dropping the bag of baby supplies. Flustered, she tried to bend to grab the bag's strap, but Caitlin fussed and she stood back up. She had gotten the baby settled and almost jumped in surprise when the bag was placed on her shoulder. She turned quickly and saw someone she recognized. "Su cuy'gar," the tall, dark haired man said, a smile on his face.
"Su cuy'gar," she responded, and in fluent Mando'a, continued. "Bic b andramte at ret'tug'yc" (It's nice to see you again.) She remembered the man from when they had only just arrived and had entered the school by mistake.
"Gar jorhaa'ir ciyitiryav?" (You speak Mando'a?) he replied.
"I do, we were all taught as children by a friend of the family, but I haven't used it in a very long time," Coleen said, blushing slightly. "I see you've settled in, then."
"Odessen is a beautiful place," he answered. "My name is Tyvark, but please, call me Ty."
"Coleen Jorgan," she told him, smiling. It's easy to smile at him, she thought. "And this is Caitlin."
"Mesh'la buir, mesh'la ik'aad," he murmured, (Beautiful mother, beautiful baby.)
"Well, I'd better get her inside," Coleen said.
"Maybe we can have caf sometime?" Ty said, and saw the hesitation in Coleen's face. "I just think you're the nicest person I've met so far, and I'd love to get to know you."
Coleen was going back and forth in her mind, wondering what she should do. She couldn't deny the little thrill of being attracted to someone, and in the end, that was what swayed her. "Yes, I'd like that," she said, and saw his whole face light up.
"Excellent. Tomorrow, this time?" he asked, and she could only nod. "Akay, 'kay va nakar'tuur. (Until tomorrow.) He looked over his shoulder to watch her as she went into the secure area and almost ran into Torian.
"Vod, (brother), what are you doing?" Torian said, but his tone was filled with amusement.
"I just met my heart's desire," Ty responded, and Torian followed the path of his gaze to Coleen.
"Cuyir gar gra'ave?" (Are you crazy?) Torian asked, his eyes big. "Do you know who she is?"
"Coleen," Ty said and smiled.
"Coleen Jorgan. Her father is Colonel Aric Jorgan," Torian said, and Ty's smiled dropped a little.
"That is a little intimidating," Ty admitted, but he still watched with wistful eyes as the flame haired woman made her way into the elevator. "But you know what they say, nayc nilha, nayc baryatr na." (No risk, no reward.) They laughed together and Torian shook his head. His friend would find out, soon enough.
Aric was on his way to his office when one of the intel techs ran to him, datapad in hand. "What's up?" he asked, and took the offered device. He read the message and then read it again before handing the datapad back to the tech. "I'll take care of it," he said, and then closed his eyes, running his hands over his face. Wearily, he made his way down the executive wing, dreading having to relay this but knowing he needed to. He saw Miriah at her desk, and took the chair across from her. "Mir," he said softly, and Miriah lifted her head to look at him.
"What's wrong, Aric?" Her tone brought Corso's attention to them, and he stood at Miriah's side.
"Saresh is gone," he said, and Miriah looked at them both.
"Dead?" Miriah finally said, and Aric shook his head.
"Disappeared. If she were captured or killed, the bounty wouldn't still be on the boards. She's just nowhere to be found. With as busy as their spaceport is, she could be anywhere by now." He sighed and sat back, his face worried. "Just another threat. We're monitoring all comms and there's no one landing here that isn't our ships. Also, we're putting additional troops at the smuggler's wing hangars. She will not get back to Odessen."
Miriah was almost convinced, but she knew how wily the twi'lek was. "I hope so, Aric. I don't want to be responsible to the Republic for her safety." She sighed heavily and cleared her desk. "I can't do this anymore today," she stated and stood.
"Understood," Aric said and followed them back to their apartment.
"Caly cooked, why don't you get Maura and eat here?" Corso asked, and saw Miriah head to their bedroom.
"Are you sure? Mir seems exhausted," he replied.
"She'll be okay after a soak and a glass of wine," Corso said. "She needs to eat anyway."
"Okay then, back in a few," Aric said, and Corso followed Miriah's footsteps. He figured she was running the tub, but when he found her, she was lying on the bed, her eyes closed. He gently shook her shoulder but she didn't stir. She looks too pale, he thought, and shook her a little harder. Still, Miriah didn't respond, and he didn't wait any longer. Hitting the hallway at a dead run, he headed for the med center.