Sarai woke early, much earlier than the others in the apartment, and used the quiet time to meditate, both on the events of the past couple of days as well as what the next steps might be. She recalled that Grandmaster Satele Shan had some experience with disorders of the mind, and thought she'd get in touch with her about the Castellan restraints and Jurin. When she'd pondered that issue for a while, she turned to her morning check of her family. Magdalane was much more rested these days, making her pregnancy easier and Felix less stressed. They were still sleeping, as were Aric and Maura, though Maura didn't seem settled. Must be the thought of the dinner tonight that has her a little anxious, she mused. She didn't have to reach out to know what was going on with Miriah, the waves of emotion were washing over her- not her usual sensual waves. These were pure love and devotion, and were coming in equal parts from Corso as well. The intensity of it brought happy tears to Sarai's eyes. Their new addition was already loved. She turned her attention to her youngest grandson, and saw that Devin was awake, playing with his newly discovered force ability, moving small objects around his room. His concentration is amazing in one so young, she thought. He'll be much like his grandfather, she thought with a smile. Ian, you would so love this.
Miriah woke and smiled into her husband's dark eyes. "Morning, sugar, "she whispered, just before his mouth was on hers. He pulled her closer and was content just to kiss her, running his hands up her back to cup her face, his hands gentle. She could feel his love flowing through her as he explored her body, not able to feel their second child yet but anticipating the sweet little belly he remembered from when she was carrying Devin. Logan, he thought, and kissed her again, loving her response.
"Devin is awake," she told him, "but I expect more pampering later." He grinned at her, thinking of ways to keep her happy, and rose to get his son. When Corso walked in the room, Devin was indeed awake and making his miniature pod racer levitate next to the bed. Startled at his dad's appearance, Devin dropped the toy and grinned at his father, who got him dressed and out to breakfast.
Corso went to Miriah and told her what he'd seen, a wide smile on his face. Miriah shook her head, amazed that her son was able to use force ability so young. The subject of her thoughts ran to her, his arms stretched up, wanting his mom. Before she could lift him, Corso scooped him up, giving his wife an admonishing look. "Don't do that, cyare. He's too heavy. If no one is around, sit and let him climb into your lap, but don't lift him." Devin hugged her, giving her kisses, then scampered off to play.
Maura appeared with the twins, yawning and shuffling to the kitchen. Miriah followed, concerned about her sister. "I'm ok, " Maura responded to Miriah's questioning look. "Just wish this whole mission was over. Other than seeing Diedre tonight, I really don't want to get all dressed up and socialize again." She poured caffa for herself and for Aric, who had joined them in the kitchen. He kissed her as he took the mug.
"You're doing so well with it, Maura. This should be the last one we have to go to, at this point there's not much we can learn with Jurin in the state he's in. His contact wouldn't be able to communicate if he's there anyway." He leaned on the counter. "Besides, I want to see you all dressed up again," he told her, making her blush and Miriah laugh. "How are you today, Spitfire?" he asked, looking at his petite sister in law. He noted that she was still thin, still a little pale, but the grin on her face reassured him.
"I'm feeling good, slept well, hungry for breakfast," she told him, moving to start cooking. He took her shoulders and spun her toward the table.
"Sit, relax. I can do this," he told her. "You too, honey. I've got it, and if I need help I'll call Corso." The women shrugged at each other, but sat as he'd asked. It wasn't long until the table was filled with food, everyone sitting to enjoy and eat. Corso noticed that while Miriah had said she was hungry, she was only picking at her food. He saw her get very still and leave the table suddenly, and he knew what had happened. He gave her a few minutes, then joined her in their room with a package of crackers and hot sweet tea. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, shaking, when he entered and sat beside her.
"Sorry, sugar," she said, glancing up at him to see his worried frown. "I was really hoping to not do this with Logan." She smiled weakly, then ran into the refresher again. He waited until she seemed spent, then helped her back to bed, propping her up and urging her to sip the tea. When her face had regained some of her normal color, he handed her a cracker and watched as she nibbled it cautiously. When a lone tear traced down her face, he gently wiped it with his thumb, and pulled her head to his shoulder, holding her against him.
"Stay here and rest, kitten. Sip the tea, gotta keep hydrated." He kissed her gently, and made sure she was comfortable before he left to check on their son. She watched him go, wishing he'd stayed with her but knowing he was needed out there. She was feeling a little better and was thinking about getting up when Sarai came in.
"My dear, how are you feeling now?" she asked, sitting beside her youngest daughter. "Can I get you anything?"
"I'm feeling better," she told her mom. They'd been estranged when she'd gone through this with Devin, she remembered. "It happened with Devin, too. I'd felt a little queasy all week but thought it was just being here and everything that's happened." She started to stand but the dizziness made her sit again. "I can't just sit here and be useless. Help me up, Mom."
"No, Mir. You need to take it easy, there's nothing going on in the apartment that needs you right now. Let this pass, then when you're stronger you can help out." She patted the clammy arm of her daughter and left her to rest, seeing her sink into the pillows with her eyes closed.
Magdalane came in after a bit, ostensibly to give some force energy to her baby sister but also to get a moment's peace from the cheerful chaos that reigned in the apartment. The noise followed her into the room, and Miriah opened her eyes to see Mag's smile. "What's going on out there?" she asked.
Mags laughed. "The Kilo squad members who aren't on duty at the moment are playing with the kids, and having a blast. Colonel Jurin is laughing with them. Garza's at her office, while Aric and Corso are still researching the restraints. Mom is on the holo with Grandmaster Shan, Maura is making lunch, and I am here to check on you. How are things now? Need more tea?" Mags crossed over to the bed to lie down beside her sister, her son visibly moving inside her, making Miriah smile.
"How did we get so blessed, to have so many babies," Miriah said, reaching out to touch her nephew as he kicked and played. "I had no idea, Mags. No idea at all that I was expecting Logan."
"You've been so busy, Mir, and you said you two were trying. With the amount of exposure, you can't have been too surprised," she chuckled, making Miriah laugh too. Maura followed the sound of their laughter and bounced on the end of the bed.
"Ugh, Maura," Miriah groaned. "No bouncing! I just got to sit up without nausea."
"Oh, sorry, baby sis. I was just excited to see you both resting. I made lunch, and the guys are feeding the kiddos now." Maura looked at both of them, happy that they were all together. "I think I'll wear the dark maroon gown tonight, what do you guys think?"
They enjoyed discussing their evening attire, settling on each outfit before being interrupted by children wanting a mama hug before naps. Devin latched onto Miriah's neck, snuggling, and fell asleep there, exhausted from his play. Corso took him to his bed, and returned to Miriah, their bed now sister-free. "Now, beautiful, what pampering would you like?" His wolfish grin had her giggling, and they didn't hear Sarai approach until she spoke.
"Kids, I have been speaking to Satele at the temple. She would very much like Jurin to be transported there," she told them, seeming uncomfortable. "I know it's not ideal, but I feel that we need to transport him ourselves, given that I'm sure he isn't safe on a public shuttle or really on a military one right now." She glanced up at her daughter. "Mir, can you fly him there?"
Corso looked at his wife, and knew what her answer would be. She couldn't refuse a mission of mercy, no matter what it cost her. He sighed and nodded when she lifted her silver eyes to his, the look in them telling him all he needed to know. He was going, he told himself, and he'd take on most of the flying so she could rest. He wasn't happy about it, but when he turned to Sarai, they presented a united front.
"Of course I will, Mom. When? Will first thing tomorrow be okay?" Miriah asked, knowing she was in no shape to fly right now. The look of relief on Sarai's face was immediate.
"Perfect, dear. I'll let Helena know. Thanks, hon. I know things feel unsettled, and I hate to ask it of you." She hugged her daughter then, and left them. Corso waited until Miriah was settled against him to speak.
"I'll be with you, we'll leave Dev here with his aunts and uncles. I'm assuming Sarai will go, and it might be a good idea to take Aric. Felix needs to stay with Mags, no question." He pulled her close. "Dancer is fueled and ready. Maybe you should stay here tonight, cyare. Get some rest before flying." He shifted to look at her face, seeing the disapproval before he realized what he'd said.
"Don't make me go through this again, Corso Riggs! I will not break, I am not delicate, and I do know my limits. I understood it to a certain degree with Devin, since he was our first, but not this time." She frowned up at him. "And don't you forget, I flew pregnant with him more than once." She jumped up, and immediately went down, as much from the sudden change as anything. She looked up at him from the floor, and managed a silly grin. "Ok, I didn't say I'd be graceful at it." He peered at her over the side of the bed, shaking with laughter.
"I love you, Miriah, never forget that," he told her, helping her up and pulling her into a hug, holding her there against him, cherishing their togetherness.
Maura was reading over her data pad, looking at the list of dinner attendees for the evening, when Aric found her. "Getting ready for the evening?" he asked, seeing her nod but not lift her eyes. "You'll be great, honey, and we'll all be right with you."
"I know," she replied, "but I want to do well, represent the group well. This dinner is with the Senate delegates, and they'll know if even one little detail is wrong or missed." She sighed, put the data pad down and motioned her husband closer to her. He eagerly sat beside her on the sofa, putting his arm around her. She put her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes, thinking she'd rest a few minutes there in Aric's warm embrace. He felt her fall asleep, and eased her down until she was stretched out beside him, and he was content.
At the dinner, Corso could barely keep his eyes off his wife, the deep purple of the gown she wore was perfect for her, he thought. They made it through the cocktail hour part without incident, and Miriah held up well until they sat to eat. He saw her pale, and with sheer willpower, force the nausea away. Sarai gave her a little force push, and that allowed her to at least eat a few bites. Her color had returned to normal after a few minutes, and while she ate little, she wasn't sick again. They'd proceeded much as the dinner two nights before had, and when it was over and the dancing began, Mirah was ready for home and bed.
Corso could see her fatigue, and after making their way through the crowd, steered her to the taxi stand instead of the ballroom. Maura watched as they left, knowing that Miriah had lasted as well as she could and that her little sister was going to be flying tomorrow. Aric put his arm around his wife's waist, whispering in her ear, "I'm still right here with you, hon, so is your mom. We've got this." She smiled at him as he led her into a dance, and knew that soon they'd be on their way back as well.
Sarai observed the crowd, using her force abilities to try and figure out who Jurin's contact might be, if they were even here. She felt all the usual emotions, the petty grievances, the jealousy and drama that went with any social function, but nothing that would lead her to believe there was a spy here. She'd been able to speak to Garza's daughter Diedre, and was glad to know she was well. Sarai observed her daughter and son in law as they danced, and was lost in thought when her mind alerted to the fact that there was no sign of Garza herself. She must have stayed with Jurin, Sarai mused. Well, that would have been prudent, but I wish she were here.
Aric felt Maura's relief when they started for the taxi stand, her heavy gown and dress shoes making her movement slower than ususal. She was carefully stepping over the edge of the mat there when he caught her arm in his, offering his support. She smiled up at him, grateful that he was always there, always steady. "You know, " he told her, "if you wanted to make a run at this, if you wanted to hold office, you'd do well, hon." She laughed and turned to him.
"There is nothing attractive to me about this life, sweetie. You would hate having to go to these things all the time, and honestly, I would too. I am happy with my life, Aric, just as it is. I love you." She put her head on his broad chest, and he hugged her to his side.
"I love you, Maura, more than I can even tell you," he replied, kissing the top of her head, ready to get them home. Sarai stood nearby, and could feel the solidity of their emotions. So lucky, she thought, that her daughters were happy.