Chapter Thirty-Eight: Return To The Invisible Hand
As River said her last good byes to Juniper and Kamea her master waited impatiently, he was eager to get back to strategizing for up coming battle missions he would receive and get things back to normal. When River walked past him and on to the ship she seemed happy to be returning also which made him even more pleased that she actually enjoyed battle to peace and quite like she always had.
As he walked into the ship he shut the hatch and commanded the pilot to take off and sat down as usual right across from his apprentice/wife. The previous day still bothered him even though River had given him a written apology with no explanation connected but he felt that he would be more forgiving if she told him she was sorry with an explanation. But he assumed his hope was futile.
But to his surprise that thought was dashed, when River looked at him not enjoying the silence between them and she sensed why.
"What happened yesterday I'm sorry for the way I acted and the way I attempted to apologize without a reason as to why I acted that way." she paused to gather her courage for what she was about to say hoping it would not lead to another argument.
"The reason I reacted that way was because for some reason I'm confused about how to react. Some times I feel pushed to do something then I feel like I'm being pushed away and I panic, and yesterday I was being pushed back and I panicked." she said be surprisingly honest but not abnormal for River.
Grievous regarded her and accepted the apology silently. River could tell by his eyes that he had forgiven her actions and she felt a burden lifted off her shoulders, and the rest of the trip was held in a comfortable silence.
When they walked off the ship River walking respectfully behind her master they were greeted with a pleased Count.
"Welcome back General I have been anxiously awaiting your return." he said with that smug air about him that neither River nor Grievous liked.
Grievous greeted him with a humble bow of respect and left to get back to what he enjoyed to the full extent, bossing things around. After he walked off Dooku turned to River with a gleam in his eye.
"And I've been awaiting your return with great anticipation my dear," he said with a smile that only an evil Sith master could love.
She bowed humbly in respect and smiled one of her nice smiles not really wanting to.
"So how are you my dear?" inquired Dooku putting his arm lightly around River's shoulder and leading her from the hanger and away from her master.
River started to grow uneasy under the old mans penetrating gaze but replied not showing it.
"Much better I appreciate the time off I'm fully recovered and ready for battle!" she said enthusiastically.
"I appreciate your enthusiasm and desire of your duty," he said showing his pleasure with another one of those smiles that sent shivers up her spine.
"Anything else happen that I should know about?" he inquired after some time.
"Yes both my master and I found out that we were married before his tragic accident," she said looking at Dooku to see his reaction.
Everything is going as my master predicted... excellent. Thought Dooku before replying seriously, "Very interesting I hope it hasn't hindered your training and promise to your last master," he said looking her in the eye with a look of sheer evil if she knew what it had looked like.
"Oh no I'm still training under him as his apprentice and getting better every day."
"Very good... Please excuse me but I must speak to the General. Good day Mrs. Shakar," he said emphasizing her name as he left her.
She regarded his back until he was out of sight and she slowly made her way to the observatory room to do some much needed catching up with her thoughtful spot.