Miriah left the celebration and made her way home, the detail happy to escort her. So far, no one has asked where Corso is, she thought, and turned to the detail captain. "I'm tired, and won't be going out again. Thank you for your time this evening." The captain saluted and turned on his heel, dismissing the detail, and with a weary sigh, Miriah closed the door. This place seems so big without Corso in it, she thought, and instead of eating, she sank onto the sofa in the family room, exhausted. She closed her eyes against the nagging headache and before she knew it, was asleep, her body too weary to go on.
Corso woke to the roaring thunder outside. Well, it is spring, he told himself, and settled further under the covers. He really had no plans for today, and the weather would force him to be inside anyway, so he lay still, listening to the patter on the windows and roof. I suppose I didn't think this through very well, he told himself, when memories of rainy mornings in this very bed with his wife started parading through his head. Finally he gave up and went to the shower, letting the hot water relax his tired muscles. He'd really overdone the work the day before, and was having trouble even shaving his face, his arm muscles were so sore. He went from the refresher to the kitchen, and grimaced at the charred remains of the casserole dish he'd left on the counter to cool, and pulled some orobird eggs out. He looked at them and put them back. Even though he was hungry, he had no energy. Making his way to the fireplace in the kitchen area, he built up the fire that had gone to almost ash overnight, and when it began to crackle, he sat back with his caf, sipping slowly, absorbed in memories that he couldn't escape.
Lana had just fed Jaren and was now getting breakfast for Tali, who was cooing at the baby. When they sat down, Nico joining them, Lana knew true happiness. She could feel the joy in the force singing around them, and Tali was happily eating and talking about school. She was winding down when Lana saw her face change. "What's wrong, honey?"
"Why didn't Mr. Corso come back?" she asked, and Lana thought back to the celebration yesterday, trying to remember if she'd seen Corso.
"I don't know, Tali. Wasn't he at the big party yesterday?" Lana looked at Nico, who was trying to recall.
"I can't say," he replied. "It was all such a loud, big event. I thought I saw him, but now I'm not sure."
"He wasn't there," Tali said with conviction. "And the 'Mander, she is hurt."
"She did get hurt, Tali. Remember we talked about her brain being bruised," Lana agreed. "And that she would need a little time for it to heal, even with the force healing that Master Magdalane did."
Tali nodded. "But her heart is hurted, too," she said softly, and Lana tried to reach out to her friend, knowing her force was still in recovery. She could feel that Miriah was dimmer than usual, but figured it was related to her concussion. Still, maybe she needed to check in. She helped Tali get her things together and kissed both her and Nico on their way out. Nico would be making a short run today to the orbital station with some supplies, and she knew she could stop by the office if she wanted. She had just showered when Jaren was awake again, and sat on the sofa to soak in some quality time with him.
Devin hurried to the office, anxious to talk to Aric and Maura. He knew his mother was still somewhat in shock, and he wanted to discuss the future. He would be taking on Miriah's role in missions, he was determined on that front. He saw Solasta on her way into the secure area and invited her to meet with them. They decided that Devin would call when he got his aunt and uncle together, and feeling a little more settled, he made his way into the executive wing. Maura was already at her desk, and Devin asked her where Aric was. "He's with Caitlin and Coleen right now, but as soon as school begins, he'll drop by here," Maura told him.
"Good, we have some things to discuss," he said, and hurried to his own office to start on the day's work. He didn't have to wait long for his uncle, and Solasta was with him. "We have to hurry, I'm not sure if Mom is planning on being in the office today," Devin said. "I am taking her place on missions, and I wanted to sound this out with you all before I broach the subject with her."
"The Commander mostly wanted you here for planetary defense," Solasta said, thoughtfully stroking her chin with her fingers. "At the moment, we currently have almost as many force users as military, it seems. So defense of Odessen, combined with the improved shield, should be a moot point."
"Agreed. Uncle Aric, how will this go down with her?" Devin knew his uncle had seen the immediate effects of his dad's leaving.
Aric was conflicted. While he definitely didn't want Miriah put in danger like she had been all these years, he also wasn't sure how she'd feel about her child taking her place. It made sense, tactically. Emotionally, he just wasn't sure. Finally, he said, "Logic would say this is the best option, but we have to be aware that Miriah's been dealt a few blows lately, and may not receive it well."
"She'll see it's the best plan," Maura insisted. "Besides, it's not like we have another mission that we're working on. With Malgus injured, and the Empire's losses in this conflict, we have some time on our side here."
"Did you send the Republic forces home?" Aric was referring to the defense ships that had been delayed.
"Yes," Devin said. "What happened in Carrick Station?" Aric described the scene and what Miriah's decision had been, and nodded. "Excellent," he replied, and clapped his hands together. They started out and ran into Lana coming down the hallway. After ooohing over the baby, Lana pinned Devin in her gaze.
"Where's Corso," she asked, and Devin deferred to Aric.
"He's on Dantooine, working with troops there." Lana narrowed her eyes, and waited, and Aric told her the truth softly, and Lana felt the air in her lungs rush out.
"No wonder Tali's upset," she murmured. "I can't believe it." She sat in a chair that had been left in the hallway, and Solasta took the baby carrier from her arm, setting it and the sleeping Jaren in the floor beside Lana. "I must go to her."
"She's not come in yet," Aric said, and keyed the relay in his ear. "The detail hasn't seen her, but it's still early and she's battling a head injury as well as the past few weeks of non stop travel and such."
"True enough," Lana said, wiping her eyes. Blasted hormones, she thought, standing up and retrieving the baby carrier. "I'll check in on her, then."
"Let us know if she needs anything," Aric said and watched the new mother walk down the hall with Solasta. Turning to Maura and Devin, he said, "That's the only other person who needs to know the truth. From this point forward, Corso is doing Alliance work on Dantooine." They both nodded, and Devin took a deep breath. He'd let Lana visit with his mom and then go and see her.
Corso stood and clicked the holo. He waited while the encryption went through and saw Miriah finally on the other end. She must have just gotten up, he thought, looking at her messed up hair and sleepy eyes. "I'm so sorry, darlin'. I thought it was later there."
Miriah squinted at the chrono on the wall. "No, you're right. I just slept late. How's the ranch?" They chatted for a few minutes before Corso asked the question he wanted to ask.
"How are you, really?"
"I'm tired, and the headache is still here," she said, and he could see more in her eyes. Maybe I should just leave it at that, he thought, or we'll both end up in tears. "I need to get to work, though. At least make an appearance at the office." He heard the door chime and the HK unit announced Vice Commander Okarr.
"Go, love on the baby and reassure Lana," he told her, and leaned close to the camera. "I love you, Mir."
Miriah couldn't answer, she just waved and disconnected. He sighed, sitting back. She doesn't believe me, he thought. She can't see that because I love her so much, I had to force a change. Pushing up to stand, he made his way back into the kitchen and sat by the fire, wondering how he could tell her without words that he loved her more than ever.
Lana paused at the door to look over her friend, and Miriah bent to see the baby. "He's growing," she said, a happy grin on her face.
"He is, and he's a great baby, but I'm concerned about you," Lana said, following Miriah into the family room.
"I'm going to be fine with a little time. I admit, it takes a little longer to recover from these things as I get older, but I will recover." They settled on the sofa and Lana handed her boss the baby's bottle while she took Jaren from the carrier. Once the infant was in Miriah's arms, happily having his feeding, she told Lana what had happened on Corellia and on Carrick Station. Lana could see her friend struggle to blunt the emotions, and when Miriah gained control. "So, that's it. I have to prove that I've changed, so Corso will come home."
"I hate this," Lana said. "I'm mad at him, even though I know he thought he had to do this. It only hurts you both." Miriah gently burped the baby boy and transferred him back to the carrier, his eyes closed already.
"I hate it, too, and I hate that I forced him to take action. But honestly? I probably wouldn't have taken him seriously otherwise. I mean, he's been pushing for me to step back for over a year, and nothing's changed. Once he made me realize that I'm the only faction leader who's actually involved in a lot of these fights, I had to admit that I've taken it all on."
Lana sighed. Miriah was the strongest person she knew, and being able to be painfully honest was one of her many qualities, even if it made her own position weaker. "So, what happens now?" she asked.
"I imagine Aric and Devin have already formulated a plan going forward, I'd expect no less. They're giving me time to come around to their way of thinking on my own, I suppose." Miriah laughed softly. "It's a time thing. Corso has to know I've made changes, and it can't just be words."
"But that would mean another offensive, or another mission, or problem. Hopefully, we're at a good long break between those right now," Lana said, and saw Miriah nod.
"Then it may be a bit before Corso comes home. That's all I can do, though."
Corso clicked off the holo and sat back. Flowers were easy, he thought. But for now, that may be all I can do. He checked outside only to see the rains continuing, and headed out to the porch swing. Once he was there, he let his mind wander for an hour before another idea came his way. He took out his datapad to compose a love note to his wife, and was struck mute. What can I say that I don't tell her all the time, he wondered. Sighing he put the device away and gave in to the sleep that he'd not gotten the night before.
Miriah got a shower and got dressed, and then decided that she didn't really need to go to the office today anyway, and with thick socks on her cold feet, wrapped up in a blanket, she resumed her spot on the sofa with the holofeed going, going through frequencies in search of something other than the news to entertain her. She settled on a show that made no sense to her , and was immediately asleep again.
Mags came to see Devin mid afternoon, and when she'd learned that Miriah had stayed at home, went immediately to check on her sister. Letting herself in, she heard the holo and made her way to where her sister lay sleeping. Force checking her, she was satisfied that the rest was helpful and not an indication of a worsening condition and was on her way out again when she heard Miriah call her name. Sitting at her sister's feet, she saw Miriah sit up.
"Mags, how can I show Corso I'm changing things? Lana made me realize it might be some time until we have another mission." Miriah's face, showing Mags that she had been crying again at some point, made her think.
"You staying home to rest today would be one thing," Magdalane said. "In the past, you would have pushed on anyway."
"True," Miriah said, and yawned. "Is the concussion making me so tired?"
"Mir, you've been running on fumes for a couple of years now. The brain bruise is just forcing you to let your body rest. Do what your body tells you to do."
"Will you stay here with me for a bit?" Miriah asked, and Mags slipped her boots off, and got settled on the sofa with her sister.
"No place I'd rather be," Mags said, and they both eased into a relaxed evening.
Devin was home before he remembered that he had wanted to talk to his mom. He could feel she'd been subdued and resting all day, and hated to disturb her. Still, we need to get a plan in place, he thought. Tomorrow, maybe Mom will feel better and we can sit down together. He helped Mia with the children and when he tucked Meridia in, she took his face in both her hands. "Daddy, Mimi needs me to see her," she told him, and he grinned.
"We'll see what we can do tomorrow," he told his daughter.
"Promise?" she asked, her eyebrow arching just like her grandmother's.
"Promise," he told her, kissing her forehead.