Rukisa had slept fitfully, and finally rose. She had replayed the call from Mandalore in her head all night, and was thankful that they were nearing the sector where she'd find her prey. She had figured out sometime during the long night that she was not doing this for the credits, but because Mandalore had requested it of her, had told Rukisa that she had immediately thought of her for the job and was grateful for the assistance. She's part of the Alliance now, she reasoned, and as such, would want to recover a valuable asset. Sighing, she rubbed tired eyes and told the engineer, who was on watch, that she'd take over on the bridge. Settling into the pilot's seat, she wondered again if she was doing the right thing.
Miriah had so much fun baking and decorating Tali's birthday cake. They were meeting at the park this afternoon, and she had just finished, the flowers not quite as elaborate as those on Caly's wedding cake, but they were very pretty, if she said so herself. Corso had admired it already, and she fitted it into a large cake box, pushing it to the back of the counter. Tali deserves it, she thought. Corso had gotten Tali her very own Jedi robe, and hoped she'd like it. Miriah had kissed him when he brought it in, so it must be okay, he thought. They met on the sofa, both relaxed and happy. James was in Tali's class, so they would see him, as well as Merida and Declan, who had been invited. Miriah briefly wondered if Tali would be okay with the crowd, but decided that as long as she had an adult she knew around, they could help. She snuggled against her husband and was content.
Lana had rested all morning so that she would be able to enjoy the party and not be exhausted. She walked behind Nico, Tali skipping up ahead, her grin reflecting the joy in her heart. I'm so glad, Lana thought, that she's ours. Nico must have read her thoughts, and turned to look at her over his shoulder. "Making it okay, hon?" he asked, and she nodded. It was warm and clear and an almost perfect day for being outside. Soon, Lana knew, it would start to get cooler until they were inside all the time. She smoothed the maternity top over her belly, and hoped that she could still work and do all the things Tali wanted her to do, once the baby was born. They had yet to settle on a name, though they'd discussed it at length. Nico said he had no preference, and she had briefly entertained calling their son by her father's name, but wasn't sure about it yet. She had even searched the holo net but still hadn't noted any she liked. Maybe later, she told herself, as they entered the park and Tali saw the tables that Caly had set up.
Alec Ranin had thoroughly enjoyed his two days on Odessen. He had shopped the multitude of shops and stalls, and had enjoyed the cantina in the evening. Today, he wanted to go see the area outside the base, and Aric had arranged for him to see the annex. He was surprised and almost afraid when his host was none other than the former Eternal Emperor. Shaking his hand, Arcann could see by the other man's expression that he'd had no idea who he was meeting. Arcann turned to Shae and smiled, seeing her chuckle in response. They walked Alec to the livestock barns and they waited while he was shown one of the crop fields. When the reporter returned, he was beaming widely. "This is all so smart," he told Arcann. "When you provide your own food, it doesn't matter who will sell to you or what their prices are."
"Odessenites have always had to find a way," Arcann replied. "From what I've been told, this was all just rock and trees."
"Indeed," Alec said, and thanked them both for the tour. On the way back to the base, he wondered if he could lend his network of contacts to broaden the message of the Alliance. He'd broach that when he talked to the Commander again about living here. Taking a deep breath, he thanked his escort and made his way to the park, enjoying being outside.
Miriah followed Corso, and the detail fanned out around the perimeter of the park as they made their way over to where the tables were set up for Tali's party. James saw them and ran to his Papa, squealing in delight. Miriah laughed as Corso tossed him in the air, and realized she felt calm, relaxed, even out in the open. It's been a long time, she thought, since she'd been at ease outdoors. She felt the heat on her face and smelled the flowers along the fencing, and closed her eyes. This is wonderful, she told herself, and felt Corso's arm go around her waist.
"Don't look now," he said, "but that reporter is here." He squeezed her closer to his side and saw the detail guards question the man. He figured he'd always be tense around someone from the outside. When the guards let him pass, he relaxed a fraction, but vowed to keep an eye on Alec Ranin.
Aric had slept late, later than his usual dawn wake up, anyway. Maura had cooked breakfast and he ate, contented. Today, he thought. I'll talk with Torian today. I want more info on Ty, before my daughter ends up brokenhearted again. Maura could tell something was cooking in his brain. "What are you planning," she asked, her eyes narrowed.
"Nothing," he replied, but Maura stared him down. "Fine, I want more info on Ty, and I'm going to talk to Torian. He's on duty today, so I won't have to find him."
"Aric, I know that you think no one is good enough for your little girl, but Corso accepted Torian. Maybe it's time to rely on the fact that we've taught our children well and trust Coleen's decision." Maura knew the moment the words were out of her mouth that she'd said the wrong thing, and wasn't surprised when he chuffed.
"Really, Maura? After the whole Sy Saresh thing, you think she can make a good choice?"
"She knew things had gone badly and came to us for help. That shows maturity, and the famous Jorgan stubbornness. Can't we just see where this goes?" she asked, knowing full well that her husband's innate protectiveness kept him from being anything less than vigilant when it came to his family.
"I'm not interfering," he protested. "I just want information. I'm not even going through official channels to get it, either." He stood and drew her into his embrace. "I promise, hon. I just want to make sure they're both safe." She sighed against his chest and nodded.
"I know." Maura rested her head against Aric's chest, hoping that all their children were happy.
Rukisa and her crew managed to disable and board the Alliance ship with ease, since the dissidents who had taken it had no idea of tactics and the ship itself, and she had struggled with who would fly it back to Odessen. She knew she'd not be seen as an enemy, that wasn't what bothered her. It was that she pay the proper respect to Mandalore and her request. Therefore, after much thought, she decided the only way this could be done was for her to pilot the large vessel. She had hand selected a minimum crew and her own ship would follow them. Taking in a deep breath, and absently fingering the small horn above her left ear, she slid into the pilot's seat. She took a few minutes to familiarize herself with the controls, surprised at the responsiveness and agility of the ship. When she was satisfied, she messaged her ship. "Prepare to jump, I've already loaded the coordinates."
"Aye, Captain," her second in command said, and she could almost see his wry grin. She took another deep breath and took the yoke of one of the Alliance's new ships in her hands, watching the panel of gauges as the stars elongated in front of her.
Tali had taken James by the hand and they'd run to the swings. She was outside, she had her mama and daddy and friends, and she didn't think her heart could contain so much happiness. The 'Mander had even made her birthday cake! She hadn't known what a birthday party was until Mama had told her last week that she was going to have one. She could see her parents with the rest of the grown ups, and in her joy, her force exploded within her, causing her to have a brilliant aura of light around her. Feeling the force shift, her mama started toward her, and for a moment, Tali thought she'd done something wrong, until she saw the smile on Mama's face. "Tali, sweetie, are you having fun?" she asked. Tali could only nod, her profound sense of finally belonging settling around her shoulders.
Miriah and Merida had felt Tali's joy as well, but Merida now settled on her Mimi's shoulder, her eyes getting heavy. Corso looked on, the mirror images of his wife and granddaughter's faces making him grin. Mia had offered to take her, but Miriah was content, and Merida was having nothing else. Still, Mia loved seeing them together. "She's attached to her Mimi," Mia said softly, and Devin nodded. Miriah had taken a seat on a nearby bench, watching the children playing, when Alec approached the group. Instantly, the detail materialized around Miriah, but she remained calm, knowing that even asleep, Merida would feel her emotions in the force.
Alec stopped in his tracks when the detail formed up, putting his hand in front of him. "Whoa. Sorry, I wasn't paying attention."
Corso look at Devin, who gave a brief nod. "We aren't outside like this often," he explained. "I'm sure the guard just reacted." He saw them stand down as Alec took a few steps away, and when all but two had resumed their previous positions, he went to Miriah's side.
"Sorry about that, my detail tend to be over protective," Miriah said, seeing Alec's embarrassment.
"I've so been enjoying Odessen, and I wanted to thank you again for allowing me to visit," Alec replied. "I actually wanted to schedule a meeting with you before I leave."
Miriah felt Corso flinch beside her, but kept her emotions even and her face relaxed. "Of course, I'm sure I can talk with you tomorrow morning. I'll send Aric for you when I've got a few minutes."
"That would be great," Alec responded. "I look forward to it." He waved to the group and started back to the base, his stomach still churning with the anticipation of the next day. He knew the words he'd rehearsed but there was no way for him to figure out the Commander's reaction to his request. Not paying attention, he grunted when he ran into someone, and was on the stone walkway before he could react.
Theron was walking, part of his exercise routine, when he encountered the reporter around a corner, and the collision had the other man on the ground. "Here, let me help," he said, extending his hand to the man.
"You're Theron Shan," Alec said, wonder in his voice. When Theron only nodded, Alec took the offered hand and stood, brushing off his pants, giving him a few seconds to compose himself. "Thank you, and I'm sorry. I was preoccupied."
Theron realized who the other man was, and immediately stiffened. "No problem," he said, and before he could say something that the reporter would twist and broadcast, he hurried away, his workout pushed to the back of his mind.
Miriah gently placed Merida on a nearby blanket, and stood. "I wonder what Alec wants to talk about," she asked Corso.
"No idea, but he needs to remember he's the outsider here, and I worry about him taking advantage," Corso replied, putting his arm around his wife's shoulder. The party went on, but Corso's thoughts were locked onto what the reporter was up to, and he made a mental note to get Aric's opinion.
Aric found Torian at his post in the smuggler hangar. He was watching the ships being unloaded, noting anyone unfamiliar or anything that just didn't look right, and Aric had come to trust the young Mandalorian's instincts. Torian greeted him warmly, and Aric took a position at his side, knowing Torian would still be working. "I need to ask you about someone," he said.
"Sure," Torian said, and Aric explained what he wanted to know. "Ty's a good guy," he answered. "His mother used to mend the tattered clothes I had, and sometimes when it was cold, she would bring me into her home. She was kind and loving to all, and Ty picked that up. He was made fun of some, because he'd rather be friendly than cruel."
"Sounds like he had a good role model," Aric mused.
"He really did. I loved Shar, his mom, and held him when she died. We were both part of the hunt by then, and she just got sick while we were gone and passed before we got back. He was devastated. Mandalore the Great, the one prior to the current Mandalore, took him under his protection, and we grew apart, since I was still the son of a traitor." Aric was watching Torian's body language carefully, and saw him tense for a moment then. Both were quiet for a minute. "He will love Coleen as she deserves to be loved. As I love Caly." The last statement was made in a soft voice, and Aric could hear the sincerity in his tone.
"Thank you, Torian. I value your honesty."
"Pleasure to help," he replied, and Aric slowly made his way over to the cantina. Maybe, this guy will be all she needs, he thought. He ordered a beer and sat back, his mind reliving Coleen's birth and her growing up, the baby of the family, the twins a few years older. If she marries Ty, he thought, then only Calleigh will be single. He wondered about that for a minute before standing. Without conscious thought, his feet took him to the med center, where his daughter was always on duty.
Sarai held Maura's hand. "Your children are happy, your husband adores you. I always relied on your steadfastness, Maura. You always did the right thing, no matter what." Maura could see how frail Sarai was and felt tears gather in the corners of her eyes.
"Mom, you're feeling better, right?" she asked, and anxiously inspected her mother's face.
"I'm comfortable, but Maura, I'm not long for this part of my life. I'm okay with it, I'll be one with the force." Maura felt the tears running down her face then.
"I don't want that," she finally choked out, and Sarai smiled at her.
"Sometimes we can't have what we want, sweet daughter. I love you, now and always." Maura dissolved into tears at that, and Sarai felt her own start. She was stroking Maura's auburn hair when she realized she was almost done. Only Mir and Mags left, she thought, and closed her eyes.