Miriah entered the shower, Corso already there. She laid her head on his chest, and his arms went around her waist. "Maura and Aric went home to get ready. Mags says Mom is still resting but is stable." Corso turned to put her under the warm water, and grabbed her shampoo.
"Sarai is tough," he told her, kissing her nose. He rubbed the peach lather through her hair, massaging her scalp. Miriah closed her eyes, loving the attention. "We'll go down once we get some breakfast." He had worried since he'd awakened with her that she was going to slip back into the anxiety-ridden shell of herself, but so far, she had only seemed concerned.
"Mmm," she replied. She had thought briefly about the interview tomorrow, but decided there was no use in worrying. General Daeruun had agreed it would be a good idea, and gave her some possible talking points. She felt as ready as she could be, since she was going to be brutally honest anyway. She was aware that Corso had moved to soaping her body, and relaxed into his touch. This could become one of her favorite things, she mused.
Devin had been aware of Sarai's hospitalization even though he hadn't gotten up. He knew that if his aunt had needed his force, she would have called him. He quietly told Mia what he knew as she cooked scrambled eggs for the children, and dried her tears as he did so. "She's stable this morning, love. She's older, so little things can become much bigger. I trust that Mags and Calleigh have everything under control."
"I surely hope so," Mia murmured, and rested her head back on his chest, his arms around her. "Now, sit and eat, so these two will as well." Devin squeezed her gently and took his seat, seeing the smiling face of his son, but the scowl of his daughter. He told her through their force link that Nana was getting better, and she eventually took a few bites of her breakfast, but he knew the news was bothering the little girl. Taking her hand, he encouraged her to eat, telling her that he would take her to her Mimi later. That lifted her spirits, and Devin wondered if he'd be able to fulfill his promise, knowing that there was suddenly too many things to get done. Sighing, he stood and helped Mia clean up before heading to the executive wing, his all black outfit making him stand out as he made his way to his office.
Lana had been granted permission to do light duty, and she was ready to get outside. Her plan was to take Tali school shopping, and pick up some baby things. Nico had already repainted the small room they had designated as the nursery, relieving Tali's anxiety about sharing her room. Now, she almost skipped into the bedroom, waiting on Nico to get ready. He grinned as he saw her. "Excited about getting out?" he asked her, and saw her blush.
"More than I ever thought I'd be," she admitted, and he took her hand.
"Let's go get some breakfast first. I'm starving," he said, and they met Tali at the door. Going into the cantina area, they settled at a booth and ordered the breakfast sandwiches that Caly had introduced to the base. They arrived a few minutes later, steaming hot and mouth watering. Even Tali ate most of one, which Lana thought was pretty good for such a small girl. She's growing, Lana thought, and leaned over to kiss her cheek. As they left, and Tali skipped ahead, Lana pulled Nico close.
"Her arrival on Odessen was a year ago today," Lana said. "I'm thinking that maybe we use that as her birthday."
"Great idea," Nico said, beaming. "I wondered if there was any official record of her birthdate." Lana shook her head solemnly. "Well then, we have a party to plan! Should it be a surprise?"
"Oh, no." Lana said. "She wouldn't enjoy that. I'm thinking we invite her classmates and those still in the child care facility to the park. We can have cake and they can all run and play."
"Good idea. We'll talk to her about it later, see what she thinks." They were at the elevator when Devin came in, and he stopped to hug Lana.
"I had no idea how hard you and Mom worked until I started here," he told her, and Lana laughed.
"It's been difficult at times, but so worth it," she replied. I'll be glad to be back in the center of things, she told herself, and they went outside, the sun shining brightly and the air warm. Lana felt it on her skin and smiled. It's good to be here, she thought.
Magdalane entered Sarai's room and saw her mother awake. "Oh, good. I've brought you some food," she told her, and Sarai smiled.
"I am a bit hungry," she replied, and Mags set up the rolling table for them both, assisting her mother to a sitting position. Mags had brought several different things, and she was glad when Sarai picked an egg sandwich and started to eat. She didn't talk, but she did observe Sarai, and she felt reassured by the color of her skin and her appetite, her eyes clear and bright. When they'd finished, and Sarai had indeed eaten more than Mags thought she would, she took Sarai's hands in hers, letting her force cover them both. After a few minutes, the light faded and Mags smiled.
"Better today, but still some infection. I'd like you to stay today on the antibiotics here, okay?" Mags prepared for the argument that was surely coming, but Sarai just smiled serenely.
"I'll be good, I promise. As long as you keep bringing food."
Miriah and Corso was finishing breakfast when she heard Mags through the force. "Mom is doing better this morning. Mags said she ate well and seems in good spirits. Let's go there first, then we'll go to the office."
Corso nodded, and was thankful for the good news. "Sounds like a plan, darlin'. Anything we could bring?" He saw his wife concentrate and then shake her head.
"Mags says no. Let's get going." The detail gathered around them and they set out for the med center. Along the way she heard greetings and well wishes, and was glad to be back on Odessen. The detail stopped and Devin made his way to her side, and they again set off. Leaving the detail in the hallway, Devin and Corso followed Miriah into Sarai's room, relieved when the older woman was sitting up and welcoming. Maybe I was wrong, Corso thought. I hope I was.
The reporter docked with the orbital station and was met by the captain there. He was taken to a waiting area, given refreshments, and his ship was thoroughly scanned. There were others of his ilk there, but he just observed them, not wanting to do anything that would prevent this interview from taking place. Not to mention, the fact of actually setting foot on Odessen was exciting to him. He leaned back in the chair and studied the facility, noting the smooth operation, the uniformed troopers in their green and black. He felt their pride of place, and smiled. He knew that the Commander thought it was a trap, but he had no such intention. He only wanted to present a united front, one that would hopefully keep the Republic Senate approving operations led by the Alliance. After half an hour, the captain approached him. "Colonel Jorgan will be here to take you down to the planet in about fifteen minutes. Feel free to eat and rest until then." Nodding his thanks, the reporter suddenly felt too fidgety to sit, and stood, looking down at the planet, anticipation making his nerves sing.
Coleen had taken Caitlin to the child care facility, and now entered her classroom. It was clean and shining, and she smiled. She arranged the chairs and tables, and stocked her little cooler with snacks and juice, making sure she had accommodated allergies. She had her lesson plans done and filed, and they'd been approved by the headmaster. All is in order, she thought, and decided to meet Ty for lunch. Taking out her datapad, she saw the message about her Nana and gasped. Forgetting lunch plans, Coleen hurried across to the secure area and down to the med center. There was no other family in the room and Coleen was shocked to see how small her grandmother looked in the bed. "Come, Coleen. Sit. Tell me of your plans for this young man I've heard about." Coleen turned shocked eyes to her Nana before crossing to sit beside her. Sarai took her hand, and Coleen felt calm. It must be her force, she thought.
"I've not decided if I'm going to marry him," she blurted out, and saw Sarai's eyebrow raise.
"So, you have thought about it, then." Coleen nodded, swallowing hard. "Hon, if he's worthy, if he loves you and you love him, what's the problem?"
"I don't trust myself, Nana. Not after Sy," she said, her voice soft. "How can I when my instincts were so wrong before?"
"Look at what you got out of it, Coleen. Something so beautiful, so precious. Sometimes, our mistakes are just ways of learning." Coleen closed her eyes, letting the calm wash over her.
"I think Dad hates him," she admitted, and Sarai laughed.
"He'll be fine. As long as Aric is sure that Ty loves you, he'll move mountains to make him feel welcome. Your dad loves you, so much." Sarai's eyes drooped and Coleen stood.
"Thanks, Nana. I hope you are feeling better and back home soon." Coleen bent to kiss her cheek, and left, her heart and her head full.
Lana picked out all the things she wanted for the new baby's room, and they had moved on to clothes for Tali when she had to sit down. Nico was by her side in an instant. "Need to go home?" he asked her, concern in his eyes.
"No, I'll just sit for a few minutes. Tali is enjoying this, and I hate to not give her as much time as I spent on the little one." They had found the right sizes and now Tali was carefully picking out the things she liked and bringing them back for her inspection. Her smile when Lana approved all of her picks made Lana's heart happy. When they had finally finished and started back to the apartment, Lana realized she was really tired. It was then that she was notified of the reporter's arrival. She knew Aric was going up to meet with him on the station and bring him down, but she was a little worried about the whole thing. With Sarai in the med center, Miriah can't possibly focus on this now. Nico was carrying all the bags, but knew she was thinking over something, and when they arrived at the apartment, he led her to the sofa.
"Rest. I'll get you a snack." Lana sank into the cushions and sighed. Her mind wanted to be at the office, preparing for this interview, but her body was content.
Aric strode out of the shuttle and followed the captain's pointing finger to the reporter he was sent to bring to the planet. As he was walking over, the man stood and held out his hand. "Alec Ranin," he said.
"Colonel Aric Jorgan here, I'm to take you down to Odessen." They entered the shuttle and launched before Alec spoke.
"I'm honored to see Odessen," he said, and Aric nodded.
"It's a beautiful place, and we have everything ready for you. Our techs are testing the network feeds today, and the Commander is ready."
"I'd looking forward to meeting her." They had entered the shield and were on their descent, and in only a few minutes were touching down on the surface. Alec could see people waiting for them, and took a deep breath.
Aric saw the welcoming committee and grinned. Maura stood front and center, Solasta at her side. Torian was there, as was Arcann. He briefly wondered how the reporter would feel with the former tyrant as a security guard, but realized he didn't really care. Alec was introduced and all shook hands, then Torian and Arcann escorted him to his room. Marua walked with him to the executive wing, and Aric resumed his daily duties, but his mind was on the interview. And his daughter.
Ty sat across from Coleen. "I've thought about you all morning," he confessed, and Coleen blushed. He took her hand in his, and she met his gaze. "I'd like to take you to dinner."
"I'll see if Caly can babysit," she replied, and he shook his head.
"No, bring the baby. She'll be fine, and then you won't worry." Coleen stared at him for a moment, wondering if the longing she felt in her heart was really love.
"Are you sure?" With Ty's smile, she relaxed and was able to enjoy the sunshine and snack. Ty had a busy afternoon, and she didn't want to keep him. When he stood, he lifted her hand to his lips.
"See you after shift," he told her, and as he walked away, he looked over his shoulder at her, making her feel special. I don't know what to do, she realized. I need to talk to Mom. With that decided, she went back into the secure area to find her.
Miriah had gone back to the med center at lunch to check on her mother, who was sleeping peacefully. With a sigh, Miriah turned and Corso caught her in his arms. "We can go have lunch at the cantina," he told her.
"I'm not hungry," she told him, but then her stomach growled loudly, and she giggled. "Oh, well, maybe a little bit."
Corso laughed and pulled her along, and once back in the detail, they were sitting at the cantina in minutes. Miriah saw Maura and Aric, and they made room for them. Aric told them about the reporter, and Miriah related to them that Arcann had already messaged her that he sensed no deception or hidden agenda with him. Miriah was quiet, but Corso saw that the plate in front of her had been cleaned, and was content with that. When they stood, Miriah heard Merida clearly in her head and laughed, turning to take the child in her arms. Corso stood back, a smile on his face but his mind wanting to capture these moments, because he knew the next crisis was only around the corner.