"I can propel myself, you know." She turned back to face her fiance, and made herself smile, though she was irritated by the whole thing. He didn't mean anything by it. She knew that.
"I love you." He smiled when she did. This was so stressful. "Do you want me to get you food, or should we both go?"
"I don't want to be sitting in the corner alone. Do you know how many people are going to come talk to me?"
"All of them?" Dahn offered. "Let's go that way then, but wait. I see Tagge, should we talk to him first?"
"Are my parents with him?" She squinted. "Yours are. Where's my dad?"
"I think I saw him in the corner with Sienar, but. No Sienar is with my dad."
She squinted, pulling out her comm. Where are you, she asked her father. "Let's go to your parents and Cassio Tagge. And Raith Sienar."
"All right. But eating soon, my love. You have to keep up strength." Dahn started to push her forward.
When they reached the group, General Cassio Tagge offered Dahn a firm handshake, letting the women speak amongst themselves. Maia smiled, accepting a hug from her soon-to-be in-laws. "Hello!"
"Maia!" Laira exclaimed. "I was looking forward to seeing you. How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine. I'm trying to tell everyone I don't need this chair."
"Well, I don't know about that. Doctors orders I thought." Laira said. "They want you tended to until the end of the pregnancy, don't they?"
"I feel fine." Maia settled back in the chair. "They say everything looks back to normal."
"That's so good to hear." Mrs. Tagge exclaimed. "We were so worried when we heard." She sighed. "Better to be safe with the chair. Maybe you can relax more this way?"
"The Emperor isn't letting me stay late in the office anymore."
"If only I was able to get that kind of deal." Cassio smiled. "Are you all right other than the chair?"
"I'm fine." She smiled through a sigh, and then nodded at Sienar. "Don't I get a hug? Is this an elaborate test to see how close I can get the chair to someone?"
Raith Sienar smirked. "Clever, not that you ever needed my help in physics." He examined the chair for a moment. "Is that comfortable?"
"Compared to walking, or in general?"
"Either. Both."
She shrugged. "It's fine. I'd rather be walking, as I said."
"But out of comfort or personal preference?"
"Either. Both."
"I think I can make you better."
Tagge chuckled. "I'm sure she will be walking as soon the pregnancy is done."
Dahniel smiled small. "She is tough." He nodded to his son.
Maia squeezed Laira's hand and then let go, nodding to Sienar again. "I still haven't gotten a hug."
Sienar smiled, shaking his head and leaning over the chair to hug her. "Missed you."
"Missed you too. You can't hide away for so long."
"I promise I can." He smiled.
"Well, but not with the upcoming business we have to do." Tagge reminded him. Sienar's face made clear he hasn't forgotten.
Maia nodded, rolling her chair back to Dahn. "And you have to visit whenever you're on planet. That's how this works."
Dahn chuckled. "She wants visitors though, really. Hint hint mom and dad."
"I want to know where my dad is, really."
"Oh, he was over with." Sienar turned to look around. Usually, the tall Eriaduan wasn't hard to spot. "There." He pointed to the corner. "With Admiral Behamout."
She rolled her eyes. It looked like they engaged in quite the conversation. "Do you think if I just stare at him, he'll get startled when he finally notices me?"
"He might pretend not to be." Sienar considered. "But possibly."
Sure enough half of a minute later, Wilhuff checked his phone, then looked around. When he saw her he nodded, blinking twice. It had worked.
"It doesn't look like I'm in trouble, that's good," she observed.
Dahniel glanced over and waved. Wilhuff nodded to him as well. "Agreed. You're fine."
Laira gave her son a side hug. "Don't let her overdo it "
"Where's mother," Maia asked, leaning into her father as he kneeled to give her a hug a few seconds later.
"She had to use the restroom. She had just asked me when you would be coming in." Wilhuff gave her one squeeze before standing straighter.
"What were you two talking about?"
Wilhuff frowned. "Your mother and me?"
Maia narrowed her eyes at him. "You and Behamout."
"Fleet doctrine." He pat Maia's shoulder. "If given the choice between a fleet of large ships and a much larger fleet of small ships, what would you choose?"
She narrowed her eyes further. "Can't we have both large and small ships?"
"As you will have noticed, I agree." He smiled very thin. "As present company knows we invest heavily in both extremes."
"Speaking of," remarked Tagge, knocking his glass to Dahniel's.
Dahniel crushed his lingering discomfort with a magnanimous smile and clinked the glass in return. "Here's to us."
Sienar tapped Wilhuff's shoulder, nodding to Maia's chair. "Can't we do better?"
Wilhuff looked at the chair and back at Sienar. "If you can, by all means."
Sienar shrugged. "We can get her another one in the meantime."
Wilhuff glanced at his daughter. "Is that something you want?"
"Do I have to use the chair?"
"Absolutely." Dahn and Wilhuff said together, glancing at each other once they had.
"Doctor Blumenthal said so," Dahn told her. Maia's typical OB/GYN had taken over care from the doctors who had tended to the emergency.
"Then yes. More comfortable would be wonderful."
Sienar rubbed his hands together. "Let's talk tomorrow about what specs will be best."
"Okay. Thank you." Maia looked down, touching her stomach. "We've got a kick."
Dahn's hand was on her stomach in an instant. "Where?" He asked. He kept missing them. He needed to feel it after the scare.
She watched him, smiling. "Feel it," she whispered.
He closed his eyes, his from exploding as he felt the foot pressing.
"Wow." He whispered.
Tagge smiled at the group. "This is so happy. I hate to leave, but I have to speak with my other guests. Thanks for coming."
"Oh, are Drea and Emmy here," Maia asked.
"They didn't make it." Laira shook her head, swallowing. "Unfortunately."
Tagge sighed as well. "I always tell Conan to bring them."
Sienar rolled his eyes. "I'm sure that helps."
"At least I try."
"Perhaps next time." Maia smiled, and then looked down, tapping Dahn's hand. "It's not kicking anymore."
He chuckled, pulling his hand away. "I love you."
"You can't tell me if it's a boy or a girl before I go," Tagge asked.
"We can't." Dahn said. They had agreed that would let him be the one to insist on the continued secrecy.
Tagge smiled. "All right. Be well, Maia, I will see you soon." He left to greet newly arriving guests.
"The business plans passed my desk today, by the way." Wilhuff commented to Dahniel "I'm glad the partnership is going well." His wife had organized it, but that hardly needed to be stated.
"As are we." Dahniel shook his hand. "No more complications, please, Maia, and then we can all be happy for the next forever."
"No pressure then." Dahn smirked.
"For the next forever? How do you figure," Laira asked. Dahniel looked at her. "Four more months, and then the baby, and then until we die."
Wilhuff nodded. "You heard her. I'll hold you responsible if you fail."
"Believe me, I'd like no more complications." Maia groaned, sitting back in the chair.
Thalassa approached, touching her daughter's shoulder. "What's wrong?"
Maia looked up, shrugging. "Nothing. How are you?"
"I'm well. I missed you earlier. What took you two so long?"
"We're here now." She smiled at her mother. "I don't like not walking."
"I know, my love. When you're finished with the pregnancy, you'll walk everywhere. Maybe spend time back on Eriadu."
"You know you're both always welcome." Wilhuff agreed.
"We know." Maia sighed, keeping a smile up for anyone observing from a distance. "Perhaps once I deliver the baby."
"Probably." Dahn agreed. "But we need to visit Corellia as well "
"We'll set it all up later," Laira said. This wasn't the sort of thing to talk about at a party.
"That's fair." Thalassa said slower, turning to her daughter. "Have you may anyone new yet tonight?"
"Is there anyone new here to meet?" Maia turned to her father. "I don't think I've met your new aide d'camp."
Wilhuff tilted his head. "I suppose you haven't. Would you like to?"
"Is she here," Maia asked.
"Yes. With the junior officers." He nodded to the corner where the bridge crews for his top ships gathered.
"You need to say hello to everyone," Thalassa told Maia, shaking her head.
"Mother, we just got here."
"Even so." Thalassa looked around. "You're very noticeable, you're very important, and you need to socialize."
"You're not free of blame, Dahniel Ivan," Laira said, raising a brow at her son.
"What did I do?" Dahn protested. "We'll go. We'll go."
"And then I'll introduce you to Captain Daala," Wilhuff said.
Dahn smiled, moving to push Maia's chair. "Where do you want to go, first, honey?"
She didn't bother asking to propel herself again. "We have to start by priority or something."
"Okay, so. Senior senators first?"
"It's a military party," Thalassa interrupted.
"I know, mother. Military first. Unless someone pulls me aside."
"I'm just making sure you know."
Dahn took the chair again, walking her to the corner where her cousin sat with Imperial Intelligence Director Armand Isard.
Conan Motti seemed focused on his conversation with the Director and intent on making some sort of point but as Maia and Dahn approached, he smiled at them. "Maia. Are you all right? Did you get my flowers?"
"Of course. Thank you." She had called to thank him, but he obviously wanted to show off for Isard. She was sure he saw right through it, but she kissed her cousin's cheek when he gave her a hug. And then shook Isard's hand. "It's good to see you both."
"Good to see you as well." Isard said. "Any news? In the pregnancy or otherwise?"
"All is well, as far as I know."
"As far as I know too." Isard smiled. "Am I allowed to officially know yet about her?"
Maia's eyes closed some and she nodded. "Of course. But we're keeping her gender private. It's fine right now, Conan knows."
"I know." Isard smirked at Motti, who grimaced. "Of course I had to ask."
It was fine. If he hadn't been told at all, he would have seen it as a slight. As it were, they had told him so late, it was almost over that edge.
She wanted to ask him so many things. If he had told his daughter and her partner not to come, if they were talking, if that's why Drea and Emmy weren't here. She suspected he had sat next to the leader of Imperial Intelligence specifically to stop her from asking any of those questions.
"Now, Dahn, are there plans for if another complication occurs?" Isard asked before smiling to Maia.
"Obviously we have the best care available and ready." Dahn squeezed Maia's hand.
Isard nodded. "I'm glad you two came around." He shifted between his feet. "I hope you've been satisfied with the implementation of our internal research program in preparation for the upcoming annual funding process." Last year, the Emperor had allowed the Senate to perform an audit on Imperial Intelligence and he hasn't been happy with the results. Not furious, but they needed to do better.
"It's clear to us that you're making an effort, we appreciate that," Maia said. "May I ask what success the Inquisitors have had in chasing down the rogue Force user?" Xizor had been asking for the results.
"Well we have leads, but they're not good. Corellia. But as soon as we arrived, activity from our suspects individuals stopped entirely, and as soon as our team left, a new incident occurred on another planet. And then when our team arrived there another incident occurred back on Corellia."
"They're definitely on Corellia, then. How many former Jedi have settled there," she asked.
"If we had that information, the number would be zero." Isard took a drink of wine. "It is at least one, but he could be working with an accomplice on another planet. If our estimates are to be believed, around two others live on Corellia with our main suspect. We have our eyes on one of them in particular."
"Is there anyway I can help in monitoring them," Dahn asked.
Isard smiled. "We can't let private firms use our intel, so we would appreciate your help, but it would necessarily be a one way exchange of information." He tilted his head. "That said, if you could put feelers out, maybe with the Sals, that could help." Isard knew that Dahn's youngest sister had broken up with Ora Sal's son, but still, the contact was there. Sal worked for Xizor himself. Isard always rolled his eyes to think of why the mob couldn't just keep its branches on the same page, but if they needed the Empire, there wasn't much more the Empire could want. Halley had been so scared to leave her boyfriend, but sure enough, Tomas' father had done nothing at all in retribution, and as far as Armand Isard knew, Ora had apologized to Dahniel when they had last spoken that Halley had even considered that she might come to harm.
"I'll call him first thing in the morning."
"Excellent." Isard smiled, looking down at his glass. "Please keep me informed."
"I'll call you after." Dahn smiled. "We still have people to greet. Are you ready to go, Maia?"
"Can you get me some water first?"
"Of course," Dahn nodded, giving her hand a squeeze. "I'll be right back."
"We'll make sure she doesn't wander off." Motti teased, smiling back at Maia. "Anything else interesting happening while you've been off your feet?"
"Does less of a work demand count," she asked."That does sound exciting." Isard mused. "I should try that sometime." His eyes darkened as another agent came next to them and whispered in his ear. "A minute, please." He smiled at Conan and at Maia, and walked off.
Maia looked at her cousin. "I guess Drea's been working a lot."
Conan's eye twitched. "Oh, she has been. More patients than ever. And you know she doesn't love parties."
"I suppose that's probably why she didn't come."
"That's right." Motti nodded, glancing around. "She told me to say hello to you. And to our cousin Rassa, if he were here. He's definitely, without question, running against Jase Valorum for the Eriadu Senate seat."
"I would love to talk about literally anything but Rassa's political career. Is Emmy doing well too," Maia asked. "I know they were both invited."
Motti looked over, blank. "I hadn't heard. But no news is good news, as they say."
She gave him just a little bit of a squint and then looked away, smiling as Dahn returned. "Thank you, sweetheart." She took a drink of water.
Dahn smiled, looking back at the other two men. "Well, I'm sure we'll talk more later tonight. It was so good seeing you both."
"Thank you." Maia smiled and passed Dahn the cup. He placed it in the cupholder as she placed her hands in her lap.
They relocated a few tables down, smiling and waving at people along the way, until a cluster of military people just too senior for Maia not to speak with seemed to shift into her path.
"Maia," Commander Hux smiled. "So good to see you, you've met Captain Fineblaster, but I don't think Major Hamm and you have had the pleasure." He nodded to each man in turn. "And of course, you know Jaime." He squeezed his wife's waist and then nodded to the exceptionally tall woman next to Hamm. "And then this is Erika."
"Hello, Major. Mrs. Hamm." Maia smiled, shaking hands around the table. "I hope you're enjoying your night."
"Oh we are." Erika smiled. "I'm so glad to be here, Ben never goes to these things."
Ben Hamm colored, but he nodded. "It's true, it's about time I came to one." He swallowed. He wasn't comfortable here. "But Erika is right, I'm not a partier."
Maia crouched some in the chair. "There are plenty of non-partiers here. If you need a break, my cousin and Armand Isard are over there in the corner. We just came from there."
"Are you implying they don't like to party?" Hux chuckled. "I can't be too surprised. Motti is usually very composed."
"You mentioned something about a gym routine, that he takes very seriously?" Jaime Hux commented.
Maia laughed. "I'm sure you didn't have to be told about that by me."
"That's true. We've seen it." Fineblaster shook his head. "He takes it very seriously."
"I suppose there are worst things. I'm probably not as in shape as I should be." Maia smiled.
"Oh, please. You are, and even if you weren't, you're pregnant." Jaime said. "How are you by the way? Everyone has been abuzz with wondering how you're doing post-complication."
"I'm fine, thank you so much for asking."
"Of course! I'm sure everyone has been." Jaime smiled, squeezing her husband's side.
"How is everything besides the scare?" Commander Hux asked.
"All well." Maia smiled up to Dahn. "Business as usual, and wedding planning."
"Well, that's exciting at least." Erika exclaimed. "I assume it will be fairly small?" She shrugged. "Or unbelievably enormous."
"It ended up being a lot of people." Maia smiled.
The women nodded. "I assume you're at least having a small reception just for close friends and family?" Jaime offered.
"We are, yes." Dahn smiled now, rubbing Maia's arm and passing her the glass of water.
Hux smiled. No chance that he would be invited to that, even if he was to the large ceremony. All the same it was good that Maia would get something nice like that. She never knew how he felt, and he prefered it that way.. "Well, we were going to see the view from the rooftop, if you two wanted to come along?"
"We might join you later, we still have to finish the rounds," Dahn said.
"Hopefully that goes well!" Hamm commented. "I don't envy having to meet everyone in this crowd." But hopefully, his wife thought, they would in time. Erika didn't know how he planned on advancing while sitting quietly forever.
"So nice meeting you." Erika smiled, taking her husband's hand.
"It was nice meeting you as well," Dahn smiled, reaching out to shake both of theirs.
"Good seeing you both." Hux leaned down to hug her. "Maia. I'm glad you're feeling better."
"So are we." Dahn shook his hand once he straightened out, and propelled Maia away once they said goodbye to Jaime.
They walked through the crowd, greeting over a half dozen other groups of people, from Admirals to senators and business people. After they broke away from a particularly sweaty Scipioan banker, Dahn's stomach rumbled loudly. He blushed, even though only Maia had heard it. "I should get us food."
She laughed, shifting up to kiss him before he could tell her to sit back down. "Set me with my cousin or something?"
"All right," Dahn turned to look around. "Oh, he's in a big group. Is that still where you want to go?" He frowned.
"Well, if you just leave me alone somewhere, someone will come quickly enough."
"That's also true. Do you want me to walk you over or just take your chances?"
"Just leave me against a wall." She turned her head to the side. "One more kiss?"
He smirked small, leaning in to kiss her cheek before her lips. "I love you, Maia." He whispered, watching her for a moment before pulling back
Once he left, Bail Organa approached Maia, followed by five others. Dahn couldn't help but chuckle, they'd been right that she drew a crowd. He maneuvered his way towards the table, smiling when he saw Kele Toppen standing near the pastries.
Kele grinned much wider, approaching for a half hug and pay on the back. "I see us peasants didn't receive a visit."
Dahn shook his hand, smiling. "Kele. It's been a while."
"It has! You're joining the rest of us fathers."
"Please tell me that there isn't a cult initiation rite." Dahn smirked.
Kele shrugged. "When I had my girls, the fathers with boys wouldn't tell me what theirs had been like, so I can't help you until I know the gender."
Dahn laughed. "Well, we're keeping that close to the chest for now. The official announcement will come soon enough."
"Here I am trying." Kele smiled cooler, looking around the room. "Maia looks beautiful and happy. Lucky man."
"I am lucky." Dahn smiled, though it faltered a second later. "I'm glad she's all right."
"What did the doctors say," Kele asked. "What happened?"
"It was a placental abruption." He shook his head.
Kele nodded, watching Maia give Organa another hug. He and her security at the time had gotten in Kele's way more than once. "I'm glad she's all right. And the baby? Do they consider the delivery high-risk now?"
Dahn smiled. They did, and it scared him, but Kele didn't need to know that. "She's doing really well. We're very relieved."
"That's wonderful. It must have been so scary. My girls were worried, but I told them it wasn't right to call and bother you."
Dahn laughed. "I'm sure the switchboard was glad for that. Lunette was horrified by the quantity of calls Maia did receive. But she would have loved to speak with your girls."
"Could she not make it tonight? And your chief of staff, Ross, I don't see him here either."
"They're at a party with people more their level." Dahn smiled. "And they can let their hair down a bit more there, you know?"
"I understand completely." That was the sort of crowd Maia sometimes stooped to engage with back at university. The ex-boyfriend he had helped get rid of, Gubbal, belonged there, or even lower. He wondered what the ass was up to these days. Kele looked back over to Maia. "She doesn't seem to enjoy parties as much as she did at Uni. She's faking."
Dahn frowned. "I think she doesn't love them, but she does enjoy moving socially."
"There's not much further for either of you to move."
"She enjoyed moving in social circles."
Kele just smiled. At Uni, it had been very easy to get Maia alone with a drink in hand.
Dahn shook his head. "Anyway. It was good running into you. We should talk more often."
"We should! I miss you. And I'd like to give Maia a hug."
"Well, if she has an opening, feel free to go over."
Kele smiled, nodding. "Have a good night, Dahn."
"You too, Kele." Dahn finished loading his plate, and moved towards Maia.
He missed whatever joke Maia laughed at, but she smiled at him and then looked to the table he'd come from. "Oh, Kele."
"Yeah, he's hanging around the snacks. His usual place, if I remember right." Dahn smiled up at Senator Organa. "How are you, Bail?"
"Worried about this one." He tapped Maia's shoulder. "Maybe I shouldn't have told you to relax."
"Bail, I'm fine."
"Well, we really should relax." Dahn squeezed Maia's hand. "She's getting more time off. Silver lining."
"True." Bail squinted. "Maia, you do need to relax."
"Why don't we talk about something relaxing," Maia offered.
Dahn laughed. "What would you like to talk about, my love?"
She grinned, raising a brow at Bail. "Remember how fussy Leia was when she was a toddler?"
"Oh my goodness." Bail shook his head, smirking. "I do remember. But she was terrifying. You remember the time she somehow got into the gardener's shed and started the lawn trimmer?"
Maia nodded and laughed, covering her mouth. "Our baby won't do that."
Bail eyed her. "You think that now."
She shook her head. "I wasn't like that."
"You were worse, from what I've heard. Should I call for your parents," Dahn asked.
"I am curious as to what they would say. I don't know if I've heard the story in question," Bail said.
"Oh, there are many stories."
Maia took the plate and ate a bite-size fondue in filo pastry. "I was a great baby and a great toddler."
"But one that got into trouble." Dahn teased. " I'm glad that I'm going to have some help raising our youngling."
"Just don't let Maia talk to her about climbing," Bail observed.
Maia blinked. "That's what Dahn was just talking about, the climbing."
Bail smiled. "I never understood why you didn't climb as a sport."
"I had enough humidity and dangerous rocks at home."
"Sorry to interrupt, Minister." A non-human senator approached with Gial Ackbar, who seemed as confused about why he was being led that way as he was happy to see Maia.
"Hello." Dahn turned to greet Bal Fray'la, the Bothan senator.
"We're just talking about this one being little." Bail pat Maia's shoulder again and smiled to Ackbar. He always tried to be overtly polite given the man's enslavement to Maia's father.
Ackbar smiled. "Senator Fray'la asked me to accompany him here." He glanced sideways, offering the senator a chance to speak
Fray'la cleared his throat. "A group of us wanted to propose a bill to ban experimentation on non-human minors despite their enslaved status. We wondered if we'd have your support."
"Oh." Maia paused, turning to her fiancé as he interrupted.
"I would back it, it's a great idea."
Maia nodded in agreement, glancing at Bail. She rarely even thought about how that must happen, even though it obviously did. "I would have to talk to a lot of people, but it doesn't sound like something I'd have to put into a drawer."
"That's good. Good to hear." Fray'la couldn't help but smile. "And what do you think the timeline is for such action?"
"No one would ask you to start rallying before you deliver," Ackbar interrupted.
Maia nodded, quicker as they finished. "We can draft before the baby comes, maybe start the campaign after my maternity leave?"
She would have sworn that the non-human scowled. "That's sounds like a good plan. When is the youngling due?"
"Four months, if the youngling is not premature," Maia said. It was so difficult not to give Kira's gender away. And it would be more like three and a half months-after the complication, she would likely be premature.
Dahn's face was a picture of excitement. "It's going to be amazing."
"Hopefully, it's all normal from here on out." Maia smiled, sitting back in the chair. "But we can work on the draft in advance, so that it's all ready to go. You said it was a group of others. Do you want to draft it?"
"I'll communicate about it with my associates." Fray'la commented. "But that sounds excellent, in principle."
"Great." Maia smiled wider. Dahn knew it was genuine, but he also knew that others sometimes felt they could never tell with her. "Let me know the best ways for me to help with the writing stage."
"We will be sure to do so. Perhaps on wording to make it more. Palatable. But don't worry we will take care of drafting."
"Okay." Maia took another mini-fondue from the plate. "Thank you for asking me about this."
Dahn nodded, glancing at Bail. The older man clearly thought it was a good idea, but was studying Maia carefully.
"Thank you for being agreeable." Fray'la bowed.
"Would you like me to go back with you, Fray'la," Ackbar asked. He'd much rather stay with Maia and Bail. The other non-human knew that much.
"I think I can find my way to the bar." Fray'la smiled. "Thank you for the offer again. It was good to see you all."
"And you." Maia smiled, shaking his hand genuinely as he turned to leave.
Bail let out a small breath. "I'm glad to see you still care about these issues, Maia. I didn't have reason to doubt, but it has been awhile since we've spoken of them."
She turned to Bail, blinking. "Thank you. I wasn't. That just sounds so obvious, we don't need to be hurting younglings."
"I agree." Dahn inserted. "Thankfully. it shouldn't be controversial."
Ackbar frowned but remained silent, looking troubled.
Maia noticed immediately. "Did I do something?"
"Nothing." Ackbar said. "This shouldn't need debated. Yet it does."
"I'm sorry." Maia shook her head. "I agree, I don't know what to do to change that."
"Well, it isn't your fault, but it is a breeding ground for resentment."
Maia frowned. "I don't know how I can be better."
"It isn't personal." Ackbar sighed. "Forget it."
"I'm sorry," Maia repeated, focused on him now.
He shook his head. "Can I get you anything? Drinks?" He seemed dejected, despite trying to hide it.
"I have water. And I never need you to do that."
Dahn winced. What had happened to Ackbar was awful, but he was upsetting his fiancé. "That's what I'm for. Do you want to stay or go? You're welcome to stay with us."
Ackbar certainly didn't want to go back to her father. "I'll stay here."
Maia took a drink of water and cleared her throat. "Is my dad's new aide d'camp nice to you?"
"She is acceptably nice." Ackbar allowed. "But she doesn't seem very interested in me." He suspected there was something more going on between her and Wilhuff, but that wasn't something to share.
All the same, Maia wasn't sure how to respond to what he did say. "I've heard she's great at strategy. She beat one of my father's formations in a wargame at the academy on Carida."
"And she's pretty. And young," Dahn remarked. "Assuming that's her over there, the redhead all of the junior officers are socially deferring to?"
Maia turned to follow his small nod. "That's her. She's young, you're right. Twenty-three, I think."
Dahn nodded. He had guessed right. "She must be pretty smart if your dad chose her as his aide." He chuckled. "And the red hair didn't hurt."
Maia kept back her wince. "I'll talk to her soon." She took a fondue ball from the plate and held it up for him. "You're not eating."
He accepted the bite with a laugh. "Okay, okay, I'll eat, but you have to eat more too. You're eating for two."
"One and a third," Maia corrected. "And there's enough here to feed a village."
"Or a small planet." Organa smiled small, looking around at the display of wealth and affluence. "I wonder how much good could be done with this money sometimes."
"It would be a drop in the bucket of poverty." Dahn commented. "But maybe we could feed some hungry people."
"We do feed hungry people." Maia didn't know why Bail always brought this up out of nowhere when he was literally royalty.
"Of course we do. More now than before." Bail sighed, frowning and wondering what that meant for democracy. "All the same, we should do more."
"Right." Maia drank a gulp of water, setting the glass back in the holder. She didn't have much to say to that.
Dahn coughed. "Well, it was good to chat with you Bail. Maia, should we be moving along?"
She nodded. "Maybe go back to my father, I can ask him for that introduction."
"Well, I look forward to our lunch next Monday." Bail smiled, reaching forward for a hug.
Maia leaned into his chest, smiling when she pulled back. But this one was put on. "Do you want to come with us, Gial?"
Ackbar paused for a moment. "I have to use the fresher, but I'll be there right away. Please let your father know I won't be long."
"You don't have to come if you don't want to. I can keep him busy."
"No, I do have to," Gial Ackbar said. "Thank you, though. It's better if I just stay near him. Please excuse me."
Maia watched him go and looked down. She hadn't done anything. How was she supposed to do better?
Dahn reached for her hand. "Let me push you over, my love."
"Drink some water first," Bail instructed, taking the glass. "Smile."
She nodded, doing as he said, and set the glass back in the holder. "I'm smiling. I'm fine."
"I'm glad." Bail smiled back at her. "None of it is your fault, Maia. I'm glad you're fine."
"I am too," Dahn admitted, waving to Bail. "We'll talk more soon."
When they moved back to her father, who now stood with Conan of to the side, Wilhuff immediately turned to his daughter. "What happened?"
"Nothing. Can you introduce me to Daala now?"
Wilhuff nodded. "I can." He nodded to Motti and then pecked Thalassa's cheek. "Do you want to come with us, Thalassa?"
"Go ahead, dear, I'll find Laira."
Dahniel looked around, smiling at his son before turning to Tarkin again. Wilhuff shook hands with the Pryscott patriarch before leading his daughter to the corner where the more junior officers sat.
The path parted for them, and Wilhuff led her straight to Daala, who straightened out and saluted.
"Commander Daala, this is my daughter Maia, our Prime Minister, and her fiancé, Senator Dahn Pryscott of Corellia."
She dropped her salute, smiling more seriously now. "Are you feeling better, ma'am?"
Maia nodded, offering her a handshake. "Much better, thank you. The baby and I are both very well. And I couldn't wait for my father to introduce us, I've heard so much about you."
"Not as much as I've heard about you, ma'am. He doesn't stop."
Wilhuff smiled. "She's been an excellent bridge officer, I have the utmost faith in her."
Natasi laughed. "Your daughter?" She raised a brow.
"Well, he did always call me military titles when I was growing up."
"Though she never wanted to do more than play military games." Wilhuff frowned, over at her. "It's not too late, a provisional appointment of admiral might suit you, my love."
Maia laughed, taking an easy drink of water.
"I'd veto that myself," Dahn remarked. "I can't imagine living without Maia at my side."
Maia smiled up at Dahn, offering the water glass. "I think I'll stick with this political appointment, father."
Dahn finished the drink and left for another, kissing Maia's cheek.
Maia watched him go, and then turned back. "In all seriousness, what can we do to make sure women and girls aren't overlooked for military promotions just for being women and girls, father?"
Wilhuff coughed. "That's something we've been looking into, but it's not only systematic. Too often it's both systematic and personal. I've made some changes already." He glanced at Daala. "But there is more change to come."
"I know that's what happened to you." Maia frowned. "It seems like it's connected to the same hyper-masculine culture that promotes so much sexual violence in the military."
Natasi nodded, her eyes glowing with a certain fire. "It rankled to watch so many pathetic people being promoted above me." She nodded to Wilhuff. "I'm just glad that there are people who see what women can do. Your father is one of the good ones."
Maia sighed. She'd never really experienced anything like that, but there were other things, always other things. "Let me know if I can ever help you with anything."
"I will." Natasi nodded. "But I won't need help, now that I have the rank to speak for myself." She smiled. "And your father has been extremely helpful as well. It meant enough that he recognized my skill, and he did and does so much more."
"That's good. That's very good." Maia squeezed her father's hand and then let go. "We should let you get back to running this corner."
Daala laughed. "Thank you, ma'am. Thank you, sir." Natasi saluted again, and Wilhuff returned her salute before turning back to Maia with a satisfied smile.
Maia shifted her eyes from side to side, letting him take the chair and lead her off. "You're Not saying anything, where are we going," she whispered.
"Back to our table. I don't want the other officers thinking I'm too familiar with her. Officers need to respect their superiors."
"That's true," Maia said. "Aren't you supposed to be familiar with your aide d'camp?"
"Of course, but not in the company of those other officers." He shook his head. "Procedure and formality are paramount, Maia."
"I know that, dad." He'd repeated that over and over and over for her entire life. "They respect her because you do."
Wilhuff nodded. "I do. But we're coming back to your husband now." They weren't married yet, but they might as well be.
"What do you want to discuss around Dahn?"
Wilhuff spotted Dahn, "He's going the wrong way. Message him?"
She pulled out her comm, looking down to type. "You don't want to discuss anything, then."
"So long as you're happy with him." Wilhuff commented, trying to avoid seeming emotional or weak. "You can see that he loves you."
Maia nodded, brushing a curl off her face. "I love him."
"I love you." Wilhuff said. "But are you happy? You're marrying the whole family."
"I know that. His parents love me too."
"I'm glad for that." He admitted. "It matters so much. I was glad that your mother and I were such a good match, even if we started as political."
Much earlier than the Empire. So little had changed. "Tagge invited Drea and Emmy tonight."
" I don't know if I'll ever understand why your cousin makes such an issue of them. They're very good together." All the same he wasn't going to try to force those ideas down the throats of the Moffs. There were too many other more important things to worry about.
"He won't speak with me about it. Dahn is coming."
"He loves his daughter." Wilhuff reminder her, smiling and nodding to Dahn as the younger man approached.
Maia was hardly shocked he hadn't given her time to respond. She smiled at Dahn and took the glass. "What happened?"
" I got sidetracked and half pulled into a discussion about Centerpoint Station." He shook his head with a sigh. "But I'm back now"
"What about Centerpoint," Wilhuff asked.
"If I knew if the upgrades were mandated by the Corellian Liberation Movement or by the Empire. And of course I told them that it was the Empire." He chuckled. "Then they asked if I knew who built it and they decided they should throw out the theory that it was the celestials because they thought that was bunk."
"Anyway." Maia took the water glass again. "We can all stay in this corner, right? That's socially acceptable." At her father's glare, she raised a palm. "Before you say anything, remember I was really hurt four days ago."
"For a while." Wilhuff allowed after a moment. She had been hurt. "Is this tiring you out?"
"Yes." She took a drink of water, tilting her head down, and held the cup in her lap.
He frowned, glancing at Dahn before looking back to her. "Can you stay? Do you need to rest more and leave early?"
"I think I have to stay, that's what mom said."
"I know she did but. Perhaps." Wilhuff didn't want to contradict her. "Let's find her and talk to her."
They spotted her laughing with Laira at a table, and Wilhuff left them to go crouch by his wife.
As he parted, Kele moved in to take his spot. "Maia, Dahn. How are you?"
Maia smiled, but there was something holding her back she couldn't place. "How are you? How is your family?"
"They're well. My girls are very excited about you. I was telling Dahn that they tried to have me call you to see if you were all right."
"That's so sweet of them. And Jenn is doing well?" Both Jenn and Kele were with the Imperial Security Bureau. "I know she took leave when your youngest was born, is she back at work?"
"She is. Just got a promotion, in fact." He smiled. "She and I are also hoping for one more child. Maybe a boy. We will see."
"Oh, good luck. And congratulate Jenn for me." Maia narrowed her eyes, turning her head to the side. "Your girls are five and two?"
"That's right." He smiled. "They're miniature, but so smart. Like their mom."
"Do you have a recent picture," Maia asked.
"I do." He beamed, leaning down to show her on his com. He leaned over to hug her while he was showing.
She blinked in surprise but hugged him back, swallowing down sudden discomfort. "Oh, they're so cute. Your littlest."
"She had such a big smile, I know." Kele sighed. "And Linn, my oldest, she likes to watch you on the holo."
"That's so cute." She pulled her head back in hopes he would end the hug.
He pulled away, still smiling at the pictures. "Thank you. But they're so great. I'd love for you to meet them."
Maia smiled. "Maybe after mine comes. Especially if you have a newborn of your own."
"That would be perfect. They could have play dates." He smiled.
Dahn frowned on the side where Kele couldn't see.
"They could." Maia folded her hands in her lap. "It's good to see you, Kele."
"Very good to see you too." Kele smiled. "Let's talk again soon."
"That sounds good." She waited to see if he would go. She felt strange. She didn't know what or why.
Kele offered Dahn a handshake, which the other man returned. "Good to see you both again." He left with a quicker hug to Maia.
"Well. Should we find your parents," Dahn asked.
"My dad is bringing my mom," she muttered, and exhaled, sitting straighter. Now she wanted to stay even less.
"Maia, does Kele usually hug you like that?" He just realized that he never paid enough attention to know.
She glanced at her fiancé and then away just as quickly. "I suppose."
"Seems rude not to ask. Or at least give a heads up." Dahn frowned. "He should be aware of your boundaries. Given the history you two have."
She narrowed her eyes. She didn't know what he was talking about. "History?"
"Sure." He took a sip, narrowing his eyes. "Don't you remember that?"
"What history?"
"You hooked up."
"What?" Maia blinked, tapping the sides of her glass. "It. Must have been really long ago, right?"
"At school." Dahn nodded to her parents as they approached.
Thalassa frowned, dropping Wilhuff's hand. "Sweetheart, you're blanching."
Maia swallowed, and took a drink of water. "I'm tired."
"Oh, sweetie." Thalassa whispered. "Let me feel your forehead."
Maia bowed her head down. She wasn't warm.
"Side room," Wilhuff coughed, glancing around to gauge the number of people who watched them. It wasn't very many, not yet.
"She should go home. She isn't feeling well." Thalassa whispered.
Dahn steeled his expression and moved to the back of the chair, walking her into the room Wilhuff indicated. Her parents followed.
"People will understand, all things considered." Thalassa said, once the door had closed.
"Okay." Maia bit the inside of her lip, nuzzling her head against her mother's. "Dahn, may we go?"
Dahn nodded. It wasn't ideal but he knew it was best for her. "We can leave." He smiled, trying to push Kele away for now, and touched her shoulder. "Stay here and drink some water. I'll say our goodbyes, and bring you to say goodbye to the general."
"Perfect." Wilhuff nodded. "Do you want me to stay with you?"
Maia looked up. "You don't have to."
Thalassa scoffed. "Well, I'm not leaving you."
"Neither am I." Wilhuff commented. "We will still be here after you leave."
"Okay." Maia blinked. "Thank you, Dahn."
He hesitated, and then kissed her cheek before leaving the room.
Thalassa gave her daughter a moment, and then cleared her throat. "What's going on?"
"Nothing. I don't know, I'm just tired."
"Maia, did something happen," Wilhuff asked.
She shook her head, looking down to her stomach. "She's not panicking, she's not scared."
"But are you?" Her father asked.
Maia looked up. "What would I be scared of?"
"I don't know, but you're very pale."
"I'm tired." Maia set her hands in her lap. "I should message Spiekre that we're leaving early."
"Do you want me to take care of that?" Thalassa asked.
"I can do it." She pulled her comm out. Once she had sent the message, she shifted in her chair, and staring at the door. "Dahn's going to take a while, isn't he?"
"Unfortunately so." Thalassa said. "Maybe you should eat something and then it might not seem so bad?"
Maia swallowed. 'The new station won't put up with rape, right?"
He stifled a blink. The military had a rape problem, but where was it coming from right now? "We will not. We're already working on making strong policies to make sure that it doesn't happen." The sort of thing only killed morale, and took many valuable personnel along with it.
"Do you think it can be fixed? Dad. I know you don't like talking about it, but you can't say we didn't promote a more sexualized image of me once I was a teenager, we do that to our girls."
"You were and are an exceptional case." He frowned. "But yes, I will admit it. We do what is best for the Empire in this case. We have to build unity and that's our duty as loyal citizens." Wilhuff swallowed, considering.
She supposed most of what had been done to her had been before the Empire. And then there was that tape.
He sighed again, very small. "It does send a message, I'll grant you that, but for us, we had to consider how powerful your presence would be as propaganda."
"For the terrorists you mean."
"For the terrorists." He sighed. "Maia. Are you upset about who hurt you?"
"No. No, no, we don't have to go back there, dad." It had been so strange that something like that could have been illegally made, and then released when the Empire controlled the HoloNet. When they controlled the HoloNet. Anyone in any power position who had commented or mocked her had been taken care of. Some who were not in power at all had been arrested for comments posted. But years later, it was all a collection of unknowns.
Wilhuff swallowed. He still considered it a personal failing that the individual who had posted the video couldn't be found. The only silver lining was that Maia hadn't stayed with her boyfriend of the time.
"Maia, is that why you're upset? Where is this coming from right now," Thalassa asked.
"I wish that your personal life had stayed personal, you know that." Wilhuff looked down. "Have you spoken with that boy?" At first, her boyfriend Gubbal had been prime suspect, but the truth was that he had an alibi, admittedly one that Tarkin hated to think of.
She looked at him, trying to garner a motivation. "Since I was sixteen? Yes."
"You're still friends then?"
"Why does it matter who I talk to in private?"
"It doesn't."
"It was ten years ago." Maia swallowed.
Her mother nodded. "I'm glad you recognize that. How else would you have ended up with Dahn?"
"It's not like Gubbal and I were ever talking about getting married."
Thalassa shook her head. "I know, Maia. But these things tend to roll out of control."
"It's fine. We really don't have to talk about it." She just wanted Dahn to come back and change the subject.
"I just want you to be happy," her father said. "Why are you unhappy?"
"Why are we talking about ten years ago," Maia asked.
"You brought it up."
"I was. Talking about rape, I wasn't raped, dad."
"I know." Wilhuff looked down. "You need to eat. I'll bring a plate of salad." He squeezed her arm and left the room as Thalassa pulled up a chair. Maia was happy they didn't push her anymore as she ate the salad and when Dahn came to lead her to the Tagge's. They thanked them for hosting them, and after a short while repeating goodbyes and with the parents, they went back to their apartment.
Dahn didn't say much with Spiekre and the other guards in the speeder with them. But once they got back to their room and Maia had exited the hoverchair, he sat beside her on the bed and smiled glumly. "I'm sorry you're not feeling well."
She nodded, her brows knitting. "I should probably go to sleep. Let's not have sex tonight, okay?"
"Okay," He had been hoping she wouldn't say that, but she was so tired. "You seemed confused earlier. When I mentioned Kele and you hooking up."
She shook her head. "I'm fine."
"You're doing the thing with your lip." He pointed out. She hadn't even noticed. "Don't you remember?"
Maia looked up, her eyes answering for him.
"Hell, honey." Dahn leaned over, hugging her. " You were both drunk, I think."
She narrowed her eyes. "What were we doing?"
"Making out." He frowned, trying to remember. Had she been into it? Had Kele? "I'm surprised you don't remember.'
She looked back down, yanking her arm away from him. "Let's go to sleep."
"Are you sure you're okay?" Dahn frowned, taking off his pants and sliding up to the top of the bed.
"I really just want to go to sleep. I'm fine." She swallowed, dropping her shoulders. "I'm tired."
"All right." He frowned. "I love you."
"I love you too." She turned on her side and tucked her head down. "Turn the lights off."
He flipped the button to turn them down to off. "Sleep tight, honey."
Maia pulled the blanket over them both, softly touching up and down his arm. "I love you."
"I love you too. His hand snaked into hers and he squeezed as they fell asleep.
She forced the dark thoughts from her mind. "How many people tried to give you name recommendations tonight? I got some even after telling people we'd already chosen."
"I got about twelve." He smiled small, "But I like the name we've picked."
"So do I. I'm excited to tell the Emperor. Ask permission. Whatever. I know we have to, to name her after a former Jedi, but he'll like it, he won't be upset."
"It will be interesting to see what he says." Dahn whispered, a hint of worry,
"He'll appreciate it."
Dahn squeezed her. "I hope so. I think he'll understand the significance to you."
"It's significant to him too." Maia closed her eyes. "I'm tired, we should go to sleep."
"All right, my love. If you can sleep you should."
She frowned, sitting up. "You're just going to lay here? I don't want to leave you in silence."
"No, don't worry." He held her, hands around her waist like a belt. "You're perfect."
"Fine hair and all." She shook her head. "I hope she has your hair."
He shook his head. "Yours is beautiful. I hope she looks just like you "
Maia blushed, but it was too dark for him to see. "I'm tired."
"Lets sleep." He kissed her head again, yawning.
Maia frowned again, trying to set her jaw, but she couldn't stop her teeth from grinding through this anxiety. It came from Kele. She knew enough to recognize that. But she didn't know why, and all she wanted to do was ask Dahn exactly what hooking up with Kele had entailed. She was too embarrassed and scared to admit she couldn't remember. But she couldn't.