The request came, as usual, in the wee hours of the morning. As the door chime sounded, that was Miriah's first thought. She was already awake, and she answered the door in hastily shoved on pajamas, her hair sex mussed and her lips kiss-swollen. She tried for the dignity that she carried as the Commander, but fell short and just was herself as she received the encrypted message. Nodding her thanks, she went to the holo in the family room, where Corso waited, and they sat together as the message went through it's decryption. Finally, the image shimmered into shape, and Supreme Commander Jace Malcom appeared.
"One of our squadrons took out a star destroyer, and reported that the captain escaped from it. We lost him, but that's not the main purpose of this message. Commander, I'm requesting that you speak with General Daeruun. I've sent the time and encryption code to you. No need to respond to this message, just meet with Daeruun. Malcom out." The image faded and Miriah put her head on Corso's shoulder.
"Well, all that drama to schedule a call," she finally said, and felt Corso turn to pull her fully against him. "Shall we get back to what we were doing?" Corso let his hands answer her and they pushed the coming day out of their minds to concentrate on each other. Carrying his wife back to bed, Corso was only concerned with her, but when they were resting, Miriah's head on his shoulder, he wondered why Malcom had gone out of his way to record a formal request for a call. There had to be a reason, he thought, there always is. He felt Miriah relax in sleep, and sighed softly, deciding to just enjoy the fact that she was here, now, and worry about the rest later.
Lana had been pacing around their living area, and saw the flash of the notification on her datapad. Without picking it up, she let her force flare out and felt no impending issues, no spikes of fear or dread, nothing out of the ordinary. Closing her eyes for a second, she rubbed the tight muscles of her extended abdomen, feeling her son move lazily to and fro. She had made another two rounds of the apartment when Nico stumbled into the room, his face at once relieved and concerned. "Lana?" he asked.
"I'm fine, we're fine. Practice contractions," she answered. "I already called into the med center, and they are positive that's what this is. Although, to be false, they are not without pain." She smiled at him then, and he felt his heart slow a bit. "They're irregular and don't involve all the muscle groups that they should to be real ones." Nico made his way to the sofa, and motioned for her to join him. "No," she shook her head. "I can't be comfortable sitting. Sorry I woke you."
"I want you to, love. I want to be involved with everything to do with you and our children." She saw he was being truthful and sighed.
"Sorry," she said. "I was pretty sure they were just the practice ones, even before I called the obstetrics unit." She trailed her fingers over his shoulder and he pulled her hand to his lips.
"I love you, Lana." He didn't say more, but when two more rounds of the apartment yielded no more contractions, she lay against him on the sofa, the soft throw that Miriah had given them covering them against the cool air, and Lana gave herself over to sleep.
Devin had also received the alert of the priority message, and had read the transcript his mother had sent. Nothing, he thought. All this fuss for nothing. He drew Mia closer to him and shut it all out of his mind. As long as Miriah was resting, he knew he had nothing to worry about.
Aric had woken long enough to read the message, but didn't wake Maura. She had spent the day with Coleen and Caitlin, and had fallen asleep immediately after dinner. I'm worried about her, he thought. She tires so easily these days. Maybe I need to get her into the med center, just under the guise of a routine physical. With that decided in his mind, he was able to close his eyes and relax.
Morning saw the base awaken to decidedly chilly temperatures. Lana had worried that Tali was too lightly dressed, even as she herself walked to school in only long sleeves. Pregnancy had surely reset her body's thermostat, she thought with a wry smile, along with a lot of other things. Tali's smile and hug had made her tear up, and she felt a rush of emotion as she made her way to the mess hall to have breakfast with Nico. Probably a good thing I won't be on the front lines in this offensive, she reasoned. I'd cry or have a hot flash and embarrass the Commander. No, I wouldn't, she chuckled to herself. Miriah would just smile and carry on. She made her way inside and to where Nico sat, and enjoyed having a few stolen moments of the day.
Miriah had been cold since she woke, even wrapped in Corso's arms. She had dressed with care, not necessarily for talking with Daeruun but because she knew it would take a day or so for the base's heating units to chase the chill from the air. The apartment wasn't cold, but she knew from experience that she would be cold when everyone else was warm. Corso knew she'd be cold, too, and had the kitchen area cozy when she entered, and a large bowl of oatmeal with fresh fruit at her place setting. He sat with her, and they ate in contented silence, cleaning up in concert and making their way to the door. Smoke had started coming to the office, and he waited as well, his eyes shining with love for his person. Miriah patted his head as the door opened and they emerged into the waiting detail.
Aric saw the detail heading down the corridor and held Maura back a few paces. "You know, with the message we got last night, that we're headed into this conflict. Maybe we both need to get checked out at the med center before we head out."
Maura looked at him thoughtfully. "You may be right. It couldn't hurt, at any rate. I'll make the appointments." She turned her eyes to her datapad, and missed the relief in Aric's. When she was ready to walk again, they followed the detail into the offices. Miriah was getting settled behind her desk, and Aric walked over to rub Smoke's ears. He smiled as the large beast leaned into his leg. This was a good decision, he thought, Corso was right. This dog would die keeping Miriah safe, and I'm lucky he likes me.
"I'm guessing we will meet in the conference room for this call?" Miriah said, and Aric's mind immediately went to the missive from the early morning.
"Why so much for just a call?" Maura asked, and saw Corso shake his head.
"I wondered that, too. I think this is a call to war," Corso said, and his words held weight. After only a moment, Miriah nodded.
"I believe you're right. We need to get our ships prepared to leave at a moment's notice. Ground troops are already on standby. Are you guys ready?" she asked.
"Aric and I will be cleared by medical this afternoon before the call," Maura said, and Aric saw one of Miriah's eyebrows raise. He was standing slightly behind Maura, and made a face, hoping his sister in law would know what he was trying to convey. After a moment, she merely shrugged.
"Good idea. We have bags on the ship already. I sent Mags a message this morning, she said she's ready. Caly and Torian are on board right now, stocking the supplies. Who else goes with us?" Miriah had been debating this, but wanted to get their input.
"I'd have to say that without Lana, Theron's contacts could be invaluable," Corso said, and Miriah turned sharply to him.
"I don't know," she said, and they could see the concern on her face.
"Shae and Arcann are going with the Mando'ade," Aric said. He'd already checked to see where his future son in law would be. "The rest of the families are here. Solasta is already restocking here, and everything else is set."
"But Theron?" Miriah said, and felt a little ashamed. She had said she'd give him a chance, but was she? She took deep breath and let it out slowly. "Okay, yes, I see the potential. Let's inform him." Corso nodded and was typing on his datapad already. "I'll get a little done here, we can meet for lunch and then call Daeruun."
"On it," Aric said, and he and Maura left the offices. Turning to his wife, he saw how pale she was. "I'm going to load our gear. Everything you wanted is in the pile?" There were several trunks beside the door that he'd seen this morning. Maura nodded, and he drew her closer. "Hon, what is it?"
Maura's face cleared and she smiled at her husband. "Nothing. I was thinking about Caitlin and how fast she's growing. Wondering how much we'll miss."
Aric chuckled. "You know Mir, we'll sort this whole thing out in record time, and send the Imps packing." Maura nodded and fell into step with him as they made their way back across the war room, Aric stopping to pick up a repulsor sled. He had just started walking again when he got a message from Miriah. Bring Missy, it said, and he grinned, showing it to Maura. With a lighter heart, he sent Maura to get some things he'd thought of from the shops and took their gear to the Dreamweaver.
When they'd assembled in the conference room, Miriah's eyes widened as she saw Lana try to get comfortable in her customary chair. "How much longer?" she asked.
"Five weeks," Lana said, huffing as she finally hit on a good position. "Then I can let someone else hold him for a bit."
"Dibs," Miriah said, her smile saying so much. Lana knew she was a true friend, and it almost made her tear up again to think of these friends, no, she corrected herself, family, in combat without her. Her attention was diverted by the shimmering holo and the image of General Daeruun.
"Commander, I'm so glad to see you. Darth Malgus is assembling one of the largest attack fleets in history. We need your help."
Miriah nodded. "I figured there was some crisis. Where do we meet?"
"Command center, Carrick Station. Please hurry, Commander. Daeruun out." With the image fading, Miriah sighed.
"Let's get airborne," she said, and the room erupted out into the hallway. Only Lana and Miriah remained seated, Corso standing guard.
"Please be safe," Lana said. "I'll be monitoring comms and doing what I can behind the scenes."
"You just don't have that baby until I get back," Miriah said, patting her friend's arm.
"I'll try," Lana snorted, "but you know that babies have their own time."
"Well at least, take care of yourself. We'll be in touch. Let Devin do what he can." With a reassuring smile, Miriah stood and followed Corso to the door. Lana watched and bit back the tears, taking a few minutes to compose herself before going to get Tali from school.
Maura had followed Aric to the military hangar, her face wan but her lips tightly closed. He'd noticed, all right, she thought. How do I even discuss this with him? The doctor had assured her that she would be fine for combat once the medication had a chance to work, which was soon. She caught Magdalane's eye, and her sister only nodded. She knew, Maura realized. Well, she would have to be briefed, as the command ship's physician. Sighing, she shouldered her personal bag, now filled with different medications and vitamins. Turning, she saw the families gathering, and made her way to Caitlin, who was in Coleen's arms, and kissed her pink cheek. "I'll miss you, so much, Mom." Coleen had tears shining in her eyes, and Maura felt her own well.
"We'll be back soon. I have no doubts." Hugging her girls, she then made her way to the ramp of the ship, where Aric waited for her. He waved and took the bag from her shoulder. She took his offered arm and went into the ship, their home away from home, and took a seat on the sofa across from Torian and Caly.
Miriah hugged Declan and Merida, then James and Lucas. She left Devin for last, and they communicated in the force. Keep me posted, Mom. I'm here, but I can be with you very quickly if necessary.
Son, I have a feeling that Lana will be taking care of a baby very soon, and you'll have to run the Alliance until I return. Don't worry about us. We'll let you know what's happening and we'll be home soon.
I'm going to hold you to that. Hugging her tightly, Devin felt her confidence and clarity. How like her to be fearless, he thought. Smiling, she waved as she boarded, the ramp coming up behind her, and she jumped a little when it clanged shut. Gathering herself, she made her way to her quarters, knowing that Aric and Corso were piloting the ship.
Caly rested against Torian, content. She'd been ready for days now, with meals frozen and her lists of supplies completed. Now, to get Mom and Dad and everybody ready for what's coming, she thought. Torian felt her tense a little and sent her a reassuring smile, and she squeezed his hand. We'll be ready, she thought, and set her mind to the next meal.
Maura lay down, and felt Aric sit beside her. "What did the doc say?" he asked, and felt him take her hand. She sighed, and explained how the virus she carried, from the blood transfusions she'd had after her incident after Caly's wedding, had weakened her but could be contained, and felt him deflate beside her.