Captain Quarters, Deck 1, SSV Kursk SR-3, En route to Agessia, December 16, 2197

Miranda face filled the the screen, "Everything went well. I am fine". As she spoke I noticed the stray hairs that rest just above her black eyes. She breathed in soft but somehow labored breaths. "Did you make the pick up?"

"Yeah. The Matriarch is on board. I invited her to dinner-"

"Theodore Thompson-Ramos, I am gone a week and you are already inviting women up to your cabin?" she said with a stern voice. But I heard the chuckle at the edge of it,

"Mrs. Ramos, I wouldn't dream of mixing business with pleasure. Except with you, of course."

"You arse!"

"So when can you get back?" I asked

"I should be out in a day or so, then I'll take a shuttle to Omega."

"Will be waiting."

"Love you."

"Same to you babe."

The moment the screen switch off I let out weeks of tension in a long breath.

She is alright. Everything is alright.

I knew she would be fine. She had the best doctors and done everything to minimize the risk and maximize the chances of success. But there was always a risk, something that lurked unforeseen. And that scared me more than anything. More than pirates, mercenaries, even Reapers. The fear of loosing her.

That's going to be a fun conversation when she gets back. But does she need to know?

A message came through the intercom, "Commander, we are entering orbit around Agessia. The shuttle will be ready to depart in five minutes."

"Understood. I'm on my way."