Maura had packed their gear the day before, so when the alarm sounded to wake them, she was up and moving before she'd really opened her eyes. She glanced back at the bed where Aric was still sprawled, and had to smile. He looked so peaceful, she almost rejoined him, but heard the sounds of awake babies from the monitor. She went down the hall, only to see that her mom had already changed and fed them, and was sitting in the floor with them, cooing and talking. This day is going to be full of surprises, I guess, she mused.
Sarai looked over her shoulder at her middle daughter. "Hope I didn't wake you, these sweeties were awake when I got up so I took advantage of being here and got them sorted out." Maura told her that was perfectly okay with her, and went back to grab a quick shower. I'll miss this, she thought, the quiet mornings, a shower with water instead of sonic waves. She sighed, then jumped as Aric opened the shower door to join her, rubbing sleepy eyes.
"I always miss this on the ship," he mumbled. She had to smile. " I heard the water, then thought, Maura's in the shower….mmmmm my Maura's in the shower…."
"I was just thinking this was one of the things I miss on the ship." He pulled her to him, then tilted her hair back under the flowing water, grabbing her shampoo. While he rinsed the suds away he bent to kiss her exposed throat, and up to her mouth, and suddenly the shower was secondary. They stayed as long as they dared, knowing the twins would be getting restless soon. Aric got dressed first, and grabbed her for one last hug.
"Ready for the grind, sweetheart?" he said softly in her ear. She nodded, and quickly gathered the things she wanted to add to her gear bag, stuffed them in and made her way down the stairs. Like Aric, she wore cortosis weave under armor gear, black long sleeved tee with black pants and her favorite soft boots. When she rounded the corner off the stairs she saw Aric with a child on each hip, bouncing and singing some silly song to them. Her mother was sitting nearby, grinning at her son in law and grandchildren. This, she sighed to herself, this is what makes going on the ship again worth it. He put the babies in their carry seats, and rounded to growl in a low voice to Maura, "Damn woman, you look almost as good in that as you do out of it."
She blushed a little, and wondered what had gotten into him. He was usually more reserved around her mom, but last night, and this morning? Maybe he was just beginning to finally realize she'd healed from the pregnancy and labor, she thought. Whatever it is, I'll enjoy it. She knew once they were on their ship he'd shift into military form again, at least around the crew. He had relaxed a little more even there, since it's hard to be the hard voiced Cathar lieutenant when you have your baby girl grinning up at you, she smiled.
Tanno Vik strode into the room, "Where are those babies?" she heard in his rough voice. He laughed when he saw them, and they both smiled at their sometimes babysitter. He made silly faces, and delighted in their giggles. Vik and Aric started carrying gear to the shuttle outside, including the extra baby stuff.
Maura turned to her mom, who'd been quietly watching the activity. "Mom, are you going to Mags house or back to Tython?"
"Oh, back to Tython, dear. I've neglected my acolytes long enough, but I've enjoyed being here, and loving on the twins." She hugged her daughter, and told her to be safe, then she was gone to the spaceport. Maura thought she seemed a little down, but figured it was hard for her mom to say goodbye. She turned her attention to the twins, who were quietly watching her move around the room, Colin with his fingers in his mouth and Calliegh waving her arms. They really are good babies, she thought, as she picked up a seat in each hand and started out to the shuttle. Halfway there, she met Aric and Tanno, who took the babies from her and followed her to the ramp.
Maura walked up the ramp and stopped, turning to look at her house. We'll be back here soon, she thought, as she turned to the shuttle and took her seat on the bridge.
Miriah was outside, sprawled in a deck chair, when Risha found her. "Stayed up too late last night?" Risha smirked, seeing the satisfied look on her friend's face.
"Try most of the night," Miriah answered, but her smiled belied any annoyance. "But Corso seems more energized than tired, he's off out there somewhere," she pointed to the pasture. "Thanks, by the way, for steering the guys to the spa day, it was wonderful!"
"Don't know what you're talking about, and you're welcome," Risha replied, as she pulled another deck chair over next to her friend. "Can I talk to you about something, kinda, personal?"
"Sure, but there's really no way I can be any quieter, Rish, the man has serious skills."
"Gee thanks for that mental image, kitten," Risha snickered, "but this is about me." Miriah straightened in her chair, noting that her friend had an unsettled look on her face. Risha took a deep breath, slowly released it, and asked, "How do you know for absolutely certain, that a guy is The One?"
Miriah studied her friend. "You've met someone, Rish? Someone who makes you question your usual operating method? I'd say that sounds like your first clue."
"I'm afraid I'm deluding myself. I see what you and the farm boy have, and I have to admit that sometimes I'm jealous," Risha kept her eyes down, "I just, for once in my life, want something real."
Miriah saw her friend's obvious discomfort, and told her, "I want that for you, Rish, cause it's the most wonderful feeling in the world. I know my reputation is that I had a lover in every port before I met Corso, but the truth? I had only been with two others before him, but it was to my advantage to let the rumors persist. Kind of a shield, if you will, that didn't let anyone get too close. Fortunately, Corso saw the real me through the illusion, but not all guys look that far. If you want this one to see the real you, you'll have to show him the real you, not the persona you usually project."
They sat quietly for a few minutes, Risha pondering her friend's words. "Maybe you're right," she finally said, "but who's the real me?"
"Risha, you are a brilliant strategist and engineer, who grew up learning the ways the galaxy operated. You have a gift for seeing possibilities. And, you're my best girlfriend." Miriah grinned at her as Risha laughed. They sat in companionable silence for a bit, then Risha looked at her friend.
"Two, really? Now I have to look at you differently, I'd admired your ability to hit it and move on," Risha looked at her," and now, only one for the rest of your life? Not sure I can do that."
"Yep, only one, but oh my stars what a one he is!" Miriah grinned wickedly at her friend. "Remember that the next time you hear me in the night- serious skills, I'm telling you." Risha jumped up, threw a pillow at Miriah, and stalked off, muttering under her breath, "Wonder if I can get psychotherapy via holonet."