Leyna was unable to get back to sleep, thinking over everything Atun told her and how Tynan had been acting since this journey began. He never wanted to talk about his previous relationships, even though she had told him about hers. She tried to tell herself that he hadn't wanted to make her feel bad due to the fact she had only dated Reko Viya beforehand, however she had never been certain.
Then there were too many times she let him control and belittle her without realizing he was doing it, though looking back now was like being splashed by ice cold water. While she previously acknowledged he made her feel naïve due to not being as traveled or educated, she lied to herself by saying it was normal for her to experience such emotions or think that and he hadn't meant it that way at all.
In hindsight, she saw the truth of the matter: he had meant it and used her desire to please him to convince her she needed to do everything for him and not talk to anyone he didn't approve of, especially when concerning their relationship because it was "private" and while some parts were, others perfectly harmless to share.
The only ones who treated her like equals had been Gaur and Atun, complete strangers and while she had recently learned their journey was a masquerade, she realized she'd been rather harsh with her accusations to Atun when he showed an insane amount of trust in her.
She always wanted to meet a Chiss and now she didn't know if the offer to join still stood or not. Regardless, she would apologize for lashing out. Just because she had been hurting was no excuse to wound those around her. After all, he had just been doing his job.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at her door and she jumped to her feet. She opened the door and felt herself start to cry when she saw her mother Hana on the other side. "Mama..."
"Hello, sweetheart." Hana hugged her. "I am so happy to see you."
"Mama, I am sorry how I left. Now Papa is gone and-"
"Don't you dare blame yourself, my dear. If you hadn't departed, you may have been taken too and I would have no hope."
"You and Papa were right about Tynan. He wasn't what he seemed."
Hana kissed her cheeks. "I wish we hadn't been, I know you cared deeply for him. What will you do now?"
"I don't know yet. I had an offer from a friend who is a passenger on this cruiser, though I would have to see if it is still on the table."
"And what would you be doing with this friend you seem very fond of?"
"Nothing inappropriate." Leyna felt her cheeks color at her mother's teasing. "Besides, we haven't known each other that long and Tynan just walked out on me."
Hana chuckled softly. "I didn't know your father for very long before we settled down and had you, but I will let you keep your own council. I received permission to come and talk to you when the Imperials located my records and where I was staying. All of us refugees from the countryside are being offered housing and employment in town or at the factory on Agaris. I will be staying with the Viyas and helping in their bakery, which I hope won't make things awkward if you ever wish to visit."
"No, Reko and I parted on good terms. I wish you would consider relocating to Agaris, Mama. They have much better security."
"I promise I will think about that. Nothing is finalized yet. However, I do want to stay on Lysatra to see if the Empire can find any trace of your father. I know the odds are slim, yet I cannot leave until I know one way or the other." Hana hugged her again. "I must return, my dear. Is your comm number still the same?"
"Of course."
"Then I will be in touch when it is safe to do so."
"I will miss you, Mama."
"And I you, sweetheart." Hana embraced her one last time and then walked down the hall of the cruiser to her uniformed escort and they disappeared together from view.
Leyna stood there for a few minutes before she decided to look for Atun. She started with the dinning hall and then observation room where they often met unintentionally on previous occasions and was relieved when she found him at the second location. "I'm sorry about earlier."
"I accept your apology. Your distress is understandable, considering all that has happened."
"My mother stopped by a few minutes ago with an Imperial officer to assure me she was doing well and where she would be till it's safe to use comms again, so that's some good news."
He inclined his head. "I am glad to hear you have some reprieve."
"Thank you."
"Any word of your father?"
"My mother said the Empire is looking into it, along with all the other kidnappings I'm sure. She knows the chances aren't in her favor, she just hopes they find out one way or the other."
"Hope is important. When allowed to flow, it continually helps the positive come into our lives from sources we don't always expect."
"Is that a Pantoran saying or an observation?"
"Both. Have you considered my previous offer?"
"Yes. I want to help in any way I can, though I am not certain how I qualify."
"We can discuss that later. Are you hungry?"
"A little."
"Then let's grab something to eat before the rush after take off. They recently announced we're clear to resume our journey."
"That's good timing considering my mother left not too long ago."
"I am certain they deemed it prudent any visitation should happen prior if they wish to stay, since some of the displaced citizens asked to move and the Empire arranged passage for them aboard our starship to go as far as Agaris."
"I told my mother I would prefer if she were there. She promised to think about it."
He nodded as they began to walk together to the dinning hall. "Good to hear."
