The Dreamweaver touched down just after dawn on the edge of the outpost, it's occupants filled with a sense of purpose. They had brought enough supplies for an extended stay, though none of them wanted that. Aric had personally fitted out the armory, so Miriah knew it was ready. She had pulled her command tunic on for the first time in almost two weeks, and with it, her equilibrium was restored. She felt more like her old self than ever, and when she strode down the ramp, the sharply snapped salutes of the troops there made her feel proud. Corso was close behind her, scanning the area, and pointed to the banner that indicated the command post. Nodding, Miriah made her way there.

Aric had gone first off the ship, securing the area before Miriah came down. Now, he fell in beside Corso as they entered the small doorway. Everything looks like it's in perfect order, he thought, and saw that the major was in a cramped office, topographical maps spread over the desk. "Major Vindo?" Miriah asked, and slender Cathar stood quickly at attention.

"Commander! General Daeruun said you'd be here!" The major almost sparkled with enthusiasm, and Miriah couldn't help but smile. "Thank you for coming here so quickly!"

"Pleasure to meet you," Miriah responded. They chatted about the offensive, and Major Vindo indicated the hottest spots in the area outside the barricades. Miriah assured her that Maura would help coordinate the troops that were expected to land tomorrow, and they parted with a friendly handshake. Miriah started back to the ship but stopped to look around. She could see companies of soldiers, some in formation for briefing, others returning from battle. The med station was merely a tent, and she saw two soldiers being carried there. The thought that they wouldn't have adequate medical care had her feet moving, and Aric raced ahead. This what I was afraid of, he thought, as she neared the makeshift med center.

"I'm a certified medic, how can I help?" Miriah asked, and waved off the salute the captain started.

"We can use some more kolto packs. These guys are mostly superficial wounds, but we've been going through supplies pretty quickly. Aric's relay flashed as he got Torian to round up extra med packs.

"We have two tanks on board, if necessary," Miriah offered, and the captain turned a brilliant smile to her.

"Good to know. I'll be in touch if we have anyone we can't patch up," he told her. With a nod, Miriah turned to see Torian running to her position, a large box in her arms. As they passed, Miriah turned to Aric.

"That won't put us at a disadvantage, will it?" she asked, and Aric shook his head.

"I raided the bunker in the offices," he explained. "They're extra. The ship still has it's normal stock." Miriah nodded, but Corso remained wary, looking all around them, knowing he would only relax when they were back through the air lock of the ship.

Devin had gone through all the things on the large desk, and lay his head on it. He felt Magdalane's even mood, and knew that everything was fine. I wish they were back, he thought, or that we were there. I miss them. He sighed, and reached out to Mia. I'll be home soon, things were light today.

Then why do you seem so melancholy?

Just wishing everyone was home. How are you feeling? Mia had been ill that morning, and he had wondered if they would be welcoming a new little one, but she assured him that was not the case.

I'm okay. Want to meet us for lunch?

Already on the way out, that's perfect. Suddenly his spirits lifted, and he felt that band around his chest release. He was out in the sunshine, the day already quite warm, when he saw his cousin outside and walked over to her. "Coleen, how are you?" he asked, hugging her.

"We are doing very well," she replied. Caitlin gurgled and grinned in her seat and Devin lifted her up.

"She's grown so much," he said, setting her on his hip.

"Two teeth so far, and she's so much happier with solid food," Coleen said. They chatted until Mia was there, and they invited Coleen to come into the mess hall with them. She declined, and the pretty blush she wore told Mia that there was more to the story. They went inside, Declan already fussing, his little body growing so fast that he needed to eat every few hours. Devin quickly gathered food for the kids, and brought it back before going to get food for himself and Mia. When he returned, both children were happily eating and he kissed Mia as he sat down.

"You know, I believe Coleen was waiting on a date," Mia said, and Devin turned a surprised look to his wife.

"Really? Who?"

"I've heard rumors about her and a Mandalorian, one that came with the group before Shae Vizla."

"She deserves some happy," Devin mused, but filed the info away. Sooner or later, it would have to be revealed to his uncle, and he wasn't sure how that would go. Declan reached for him then, and he took the now full and tired little boy in his arms, feeling the love of his family surround him.

Logan sat back in the soft chair, Lucas in his arms. He had been anxious all day, and he now had an idea of why. He wanted to fight, he realized. He wanted to be on Dantooine, lending a hand, doing something. He sighed, but couldn't deny that the baby in his arms made it harder to rush off anywhere. He closed his eyes as he rocked, amazed that just holding his son settled him so much. He didn't hear Lara when she entered, until she spoke softly. "I've read that holding a baby causes different, soothing chemicals to flood your brain," she told him, gently lifting Lucas and putting him in the crib. She returned to him and held out her hand.

"I sometimes feel like I'm not doing enough," he told her once they were on the sofa. "Devin does, too, but he can't go anywhere because then Lana would feel like she had to go back to the office."

Lara looked at her husband, really looked at him. "You're saying you want to go to Dantooine?" she asked.

"I want to help more," he replied. "I want to be with you and the boys, but I need to feel like I'm pulling my weight." They sat in silence, Lara's head on his shoulder, while he puzzled out what he could do.

Miriah left the makeshift med station and started back to the ship. She heard some yips and turned to look into a dark corner. Inside an old crate, there were several ack puppies, and it brought a smile to her face. She almost reached for one, but held back. A pet would be difficult, she thought, but still, she wanted to feel the warm little body in her hands, smell the puppy breath. She stood instead, and was walking away when one of the puppies escaped from the crate, and scampered to her. She saw him out of the corner of her eye and stopped again. The little dark gray dog was so happy, his whole body was wiggling. She knelt, and the pup bounded to her, and she scooped him up, holding him close.

Corso saw the exchange, and knew he was the proud new owner of a puppy. He felt himself smile at Miriah's happy face. It would be worth it, he thought, anything that might give her some way to mitigate stress. "Aric, we need to see if someone owns these little guys, because this one is going home with us."

Aric laughed, and walked over to the nearest troops, who confirmed that the mother was brought in a few days ago from outside and one by one, she'd brought her little ones in, too. They had been feeding them all, and confirmed that the pup was old enough to leave his mother. Aric thanked him and returned to where the puppy was asleep in Miriah's arms. "Well, there you go," he said, telling them the story. Miriah grinned at Corso, who leaned in to kiss her.

"Anything that makes you look that pleased, I'm all for it,' he said, and patted the dog.

Mags had seen the exchange and walked over to the pups herself. Maybe I need a companion, she thought, and then Miriah's pup would have a playmate. She saw a very small puppy, hidden in the back, and at once her heart went out to her. She reached to pick the little one up and was cradling it in her hands when the pup looked at her with so much love she was taken aback, and brought the pup into her chest, rocking a little. There were still several puppies, and they didn't seem to mind being short a couple. With a new energy in her heart, Mags boarded, hoping they could figure out a way to entertain the little creatures.

Aric left the others aboard and had been walking the perimeter of the camp when Torian caught up to him. They walked in silence until they were at a barrier, looking out at small skirmishes near the camp. Aric could see the easily identifiable Imps, but the others were almost indistinguishable from the Dantooine farmers, their clothing giving nothing away. Torian finally turned to him. "How do we know who to fight?" he asked softly.

Corso had told Aric some of the history of Dantooine, and now he sighed. "The ranchers and farmers tend to wear gray, because it repels the insects that fly over." He continued to watch the people he could see, and pointed to a nearby field, which was being tending by several workers, all in gray. "Corso knows a lot of this planet's history, he says that they're pretty pacifist. They'll submit in order to keep their life's work from being destroyed. That's where we come in."

Torian grinned. "Why, Colonel, I think you might just want to go out there with your cannon," he said dryly. Aric laughed, the boy had surely grown more comfortable.

"I wouldn't mind it, at all," he said. "But if I did, then Miriah would want to go. I can't let that happen."

"True enough," Torian agreed. They turned and made their way back to the ship, each wondering how to best end this invasion.

Logan posed his question to his wife. "What if we go to the ranch and just see where I can be useful? We didn't go at Life Day, and James would love all the things he can do."

Lara just looked stunned for a moment. She made her way out of the kitchen and to the sofa before she spoke. "So, we go to Dantooine, and then stay at the ranch while you go to fight?"

Logan went to his knees beside her. "I don't know. I just feel the need to be there. Even if it's just to help behind the lines." He took her hand. "I don't want to go without you and the boys."

Lara looked at him, and saw the turmoil he'd been in. After a long few seconds, she nodded. "How will we get there?" she asked. Logan sighed. He hadn't worked that out yet, and told her so. "Go ask Devin, he'll know if there are any supply ships or other transport available."

Logan grinned. "You are surely the brains of this family," he teased, and kissed her quickly before half running out of the house. Lara grinned to herself. It would be nice to go back, she thought, and maybe by the time we do, everyone will be back at the house. She sat for a few peaceful minutes before rising to start organizing, already packing in her mind.

Magdalane was stirring a large pot. Corso hesitantly approached her, seeing a large orobird in the boiling water. "Mags, whatcha makin'?" he asked.

"This plus some rice and peas and we have doggie food,' she said, a brilliant smile covering her face. He had seen the two pups, and all the adults in the floor playing with them. "I'm so excited. My little baby's name is Tika, that's what Felix told me his childhood pet was named. Now, I'll have one of my own." He couldn't help but hug her.

"I'm glad you're happy," was all he said. Miriah had named the little male pup Smoke, and somehow, it just fit. He saw Aric's eyes meet his and the Cathar stood to cross over to him.

"The barricades are flimsy, at best. If they come at them with an armored vehicle, they'll be toast. I'm hoping the new pets will keep everyone busy and not outside for any length of time."

"Agreed," Corso said. "The troops from Odessen are scheduled to land across from us just after dawn. Then we can coordinate and get back to the ranch." He sat at the table, and Aric saw his concern. "I do not feel comfortable here."

Aric sighed. He'd felt the same way as he walked around. Still, it surprised him to see the Imp forces fighting the Nova Blades, at least until he'd gotten the info that Theron had sent. Now, he wondered about how many farmers were actually left. He made a mental note to see what he could find out, and went to help Mags take the large pot off the burner. We just need to remain together, he told himself.

Logan hugged his brother. "I'll let you know when we get there. And, thanks, Dev. I needed this."

Devin took James in his arms. "Don't let this little guy forget his force lessons," he teased, getting a grin from his nephew. "And don't tell Mom how much we miss her here, she needs to come home when she's herself again."

"I'm sure she misses you guys, too. I think I've gotten at least two messages every day since they left. Did you see the picture she sent?"

"Yeah, and I have a feeling we'll be getting a puppy once Declan sees Smoke, too." They laughed together before sobering, and hugged again, Devin watching them as they boarded the troop transport. He waved, and wished he were with them. Sighing, he turned back to the office, missing his family even more.