Miriah slowly exited the armored transport, straightening her command tunic. Clever cosmetics hid her sallow complexion, but she knew they would do nothing to hide the haunted look in her eyes, so she slid protective shaded glasses onto her face. The detail shielded her from all sides as they made their way to the conference room in Haven, and Miriah knew that Aric was nearby.
Caly had come along, not wanting her mother to be alone. Torian was nervous about it, she knew, but Caly could see her mother becoming smaller, less vibrant every day. She had made some snacks but Miriah hadn't eaten anything. Almost a month, Caly thought. She had talked to her father only once in that time. Shielding her eyes, she saw her Uncle Aric just outside the detail guards, and felt reassured. At least Mom won't be without family, Caly thought, and took in a deep breath, getting a light meal ready from the coolers she had brought with them.
Miriah met with the officials at Haven, and congratulated them on their continued growth and commerce. It was truly amazing, she thought, to see it all built from just a clearing at the base of the high mountains that served as a beautiful backdrop. "It's just so wonderful here," Miriah told them. "The new shipyard is more than we hoped for, and I personally love the chocolate that we get from here." They all chuckled at that, her love of chocolate well known. "Let us know if we can help with anything," she told them, nodding at the guard captain. The plan was to visit Riggsville this afternoon, and it would be quite a trip from here.
Corso had worked in the barns that morning, and now was wrapping up cleaning the ranch house. He had cleaned the kitchen and mudroom, and had moved on to the carpets, his energy beginning to wane. Maybe I should get a new C2 unit, he mused, wiping his brow. Slumping down on the sofa, he grabbed his holo from his pocket, hitting Miriah's frequency for the fourth time that day. It rang over into message mode, and he sighed heavily. I never should have done this, he thought, not for the first time. He made his way to his new speeder and headed to town, intent on a new droid and maybe a beer or two at the bar.
Miriah pulled her plain black coat around her, shivering, as she stepped into the transport. Her long, beautiful fur was stored in her closet, as Miriah found it too painful to think about the look on Corso's face as she slid into it on the Dreamweaver. Caly pushed a thermal container of cocoa into her icy hands, and Miriah smiled. "Thanks, honey," she said, and took a sip. The transport started its lumbering gait and she settled into the seat. Aric reached around her to fasten the restraint, and Miriah thanked him. So many people taking care of me, she thought, but it made her sad.
Caly watched her mother as she settled into her seat. She's clearly exhausted, Caly thought, and saw that her Uncle Aric was suffering as well. She pulled a sectioned plate from the thermal bag, and handed it to her uncle, who gratefully accepted it. "Caly, this is marvelous," he said, digging into the food as if he hadn't eaten in days.
"So glad you like it," she said, and handed another to Miriah.
"Really, sweetie, I'm so blessed," Miriah murmured, and Caly was relieved when she ate most of the food. Miriah knew her daughter was worried about her, and tried to make sure she was giving Caly what she wanted. She couldn't deny that the lunch was tasty and included a lot of her favorite foods, and she appreciated that Caly had gone to so much trouble, so she ate all that she could. Miriah felt full and warm and started to close her eyes. The gentle rocking of the transport soon lulled her into sleep, slumped against the restraint.
Aric observed his sister in law. Truth be told, he thought, I'd punch Corso right now, even though I agree that Mir needs to send others on these crazy missions. He had been listening to Maura and Coleen as they planned for the wedding last night, and wondered if his best friend would even be in attendance. Sighing, he caught Caly's sad expression. "She's doing okay, Caly," he said softly.
"She's managing, but I wouldn't say she's herself, either," Caly sighed. "I just want us all back where we were. I don't know what Dad's doing, and it seems like the boys are so busy with their lives that it just doesn't matter to them."
"They're still upset, too," Aric explained. "I know that I am. You can come to me anytime, you know that, right?" Caly nodded, her uncle had always been a source of comfort to her.
"I just hope Dad doesn't wait too long." Caly sipped her hot tea and tried to relax, knowing they'd be in Riggsville soon enough.
Corso completed his transaction with the droid vendor and headed to the bar, thinking he'd just have one beer and then go home. I'm lonely, he suddenly realized, and that made him stop in his tracks. He'd gone down this road before, years ago when Miriah was in carbonite. He knew from experience that if he went into the bar, he'd be putting himself in a vulnerable position. And, he thought, it wouldn't do for someone to recognize him and send in images to the galactic news stations. He turned back to his speeder and headed to the ranch, grateful that logic had prevailed.
Lana had picked Tali up from school and they were on their way back to the apartment when she had a thought, and instead turned into the florist. "Let's get the Commander some pretty flowers," she told Tali, whose face lit up.
"Yes!" she cried, and took off to look at all that was available. Lana checked on Jaren in his carrier, and followed. At least these might put a little happy in her friend's eyes, she thought. Tali had stopped in front of a display of roses, but Lana knew they'd remind her of Corso, and Tali sensed that. Instead, she pointed to a colorful arrangement of flowers placed in a graceful teapot and Lana agreed. She arranged to have them delivered to the office the next day, and when mother and daughter left, they both felt a little happier, Tali smelling the single white rose the florist had given her.
Miriah emerged from the transport into decidedly warmer air. Riggsville was southeast of the main base, and had a more temperate climate than Haven. She could feel that rain was imminent, and hurried with the detail to the designated meeting area. Once there, she took a short detour to the refresher, and fixed herself up a little, seeing a light of determination in her eyes. Good, she thought. I need to be strong. When she emerged, she felt a little more herself, and graciously received the greetings of Riggsville's town council. After hearing about their commerce and plans for the future, she beamed a smile. "That's exactly what we'd hoped for," she told them on hearing that they had managed to grow their exports. They chatted a few minutes more and then Miriah was taken back to the transport vehicle.
Once inside, Miriah settled next to Caly. "Honey, I so appreciate you being with me today," she said, and saw Caly's face light up.
"Glad to get back out and see these places," Caly responded. "Was this just a casual, scheduled visit?"
"It was," Miriah assured her daughter. "I just like to check in with them every so often, and Haven had their spring festival this past week." Miriah had wanted to attend, but Aric put his foot down about that, especially since he knew Miriah was not in any shape to react quickly. "We should be home soon," she stated as the transport started moving.
"Mom, are you doing okay? Want anything to eat or drink?" Caly saw her mother's face fall as she let go of her Commander role and settled into Mir.
"I'm great, sweetie, thanks again for today." Before Caly could form a reply, she could see her mom falling into sleep, and wondered again how she was managing to function day to day.
Corso tried to call Miriah again, this time at the holo in the apartment, but got no answer. She's just not going to talk to me today, he told himself. Okay, then I'll send her a message. I can do that. He pulled his datapad from his pocket and settled at the worktable in the kitchen. Brow furrowed in concentration, he labored over every word, wanting his heart to tell Miriah how much he loved and missed her. He could tell from the last holo conversation that she was changing, becoming more distant from him, every day. It worried him greatly that he would push her into this version of herself, but he felt trapped. Either he agreed that she would be constantly put in danger, and go home, or he stuck to his plan and when he wanted to come home, their close relationship would be gone. No, he told himself. I'll keep trying, every day. More determined than ever, he worked on his message, even into the wee hours of the morning.
Maura had enjoyed her lunch with Coleen and Calleigh, and had dug into all the items on her list that Miriah had left with relish, enjoying being in the office and working on official Alliance stuff. She couldn't deny that she was also enjoying being in one spot, and her energy had returned with the regular schedule and less stress. She realized she was not even worried about Mir and Aric, out traveling across Odessen today. Given what had happened on the last trip she'd gone on to Riggsville, she was thankful not to be in the back of the transport. Maura glanced at the chrono and stood, stretching. They should be pulling into base in about ten minutes, she thought, and waved at Devin as she made her way to the mess hall for caf and cocoa, then to the military wing to wait for her sister and husband.
Lana stood in her living room, Tali working on some school work and Jaren in his swing. This is so perfect, she thought, and smiled happily. Tali looked up at her mother and smiled as well. "Jaren is happy, too," she told Lana softly, and Lana sat beside her daughter, taking Tali in her arms.
"You are a great big sister," Lana said, kissing the little girl's hair. "Tell me about school." Tali launched into a story of the classroom pet and had moved into a discussion about her friends when she suddenly stopped and her face grew somber. "The 'Mander is back," she whispered. "I hate how she feels so sad."
"Me, too, honey." Lana stood to get their dinner ready.
"Did Daddy go to talk to Mr. Corso?" Tali asked, putting away her work.
"He did. He'll call us tomorrow, it's already late night on Dantooine," Lana explained, and Tali nodded, momentarily satisfied. At least then we'll know if there's anything we can do, Lana told herself, getting Jaren's bottle ready before she sat down with her daughter. The sooner the better.
Devin joined Maura as the transport lumbered into the military hangar, and assisted his sister and mother down the narrow ramp. When Miriah reached her sister, Aric already had her in a one armed hug, one hand holding the caf. Maura handed Miriah the cocoa and got another hug. "We're having dinner at our house," Devin said, and Miriah agreed. "You, too, Caly. I've already told Torian, he'll meet us there." Caly laughed and hugged her brother.
"That's great," she said. "I'll go ahead of you guys and see if Mia needs any help." She waved as she trotted off, and Miriah sighed.
"She's missing her dad," Miriah said, then pulled herself up and pasted on a smile. "Can I bring anything?"
Devin laughed. "She's got it catered in from the cantina, so no, it's all good. Mia knows her strengths, and cooking isn't one of them. She just wanted to do something nice."
"I appreciate it, Dev. From everybody," Miriah said, linking her arm through his. "Let's walk. I want to see the children." Devin nodded as the detail fell in around her and they made their way out of the secure checkpoint.
Corso finally had all of his thoughs in digital form, ready to send. He read through it again, and was about to send it when he saw landing lights. Who is this, he wondered, and stood to watch the ship turn and slowly settle on the ground. It looks like a freighter, he thought, but we don't have anything scheduled for supplies. He continued to watch but no one emerged from the craft and he closed the curtain, heading to bed, forgetting about his message.
Nico landed easily, and settled into his quarters. No need to alarm anyone tonight, he reasoned. Tomorrow is soon enough to get some answers. He had called Lana just as she was helping Tali get ready for bed, and enjoyed talking to them both. He hated to leave Lana with Jaren so young, but she was all for this trip. Tomorrow, he thought, and closed his eyes.