Miriah was warm and snug in Corso's arms when the urgent call came in, and the day had gone downhill since. Staring at the image of Teeseven on the holo, she took in a deep breath. "Teeseven, you found the ship with Satele Shan and her students?" His responding beeps and boops confirmed his discovery.
"Finally," Kira said, her voice relieved. "Great work!"
Scourge pounded his fist on the holo console. "We need those coordinates now! There isn't a minute to spare!" Teeseven indicated that the coordinates had been transmitted, and the ship appeared undamaged. Suddenly the little droid's attention shifted.
"T7 Alert! / / hostile ship = incoming! / / Evasive maneuvers = engaged!" he beeped.
"Fall back! We've got the coordinates, we'll take it from here," Miriah said.
"Transmission status = degrading / T7..." the transmission faded and Scourge pounded the table again, making everything on it jump.
"Argh! We have to get there- now! The Servants have found their Master!" he said, and Miriah heard the urgency in his tone.
"The Servants? I can't believe there are any of them left," Kira mused.
"The Servants?" Miriah asked, looking from Kira to Scourge.
"They're the Sith Emperor's worst fanatics. They don't even have names, just Servant One and Servant Two, and so on," Kira explained.
"Each time we think we've killed the last of them, more always appear," Scourge said softly.
"We have to get moving. If the Servants are involved, this is even worse than we thought." Kira stood and for a brief moment, she paled, but quickly regained her color.
"I'll call in everyone we have," Miriah assured them. "We'll wipe them out- every last one."
"No," Scourge said, halting Miriah's forward motion. "If Tenebrae has truly cheated death again, anyone we take with us is another potential puppet for him to dominate."
"We can't risk taking anyone else. They won't be able to resist the Emperor's control like we can," Kira said. "I'll get a shuttle prepped. Meet me as soon as you're ready. One way or another, this ends today."
"Wait," Miriah implored. "Get the Dreamweaver ready. My sister, Magdalane will need to go, she can use the ancient shielding technique. I… promised I wouldn't put myself into these missions."
Kira touched Miriah's arm. "I understand. Let's just get started, okay?" Miriah nodded and watched as Scourge followed Kira out. What am I going to do now, she wondered, and startled when Corso took a few steps out of the shadows, putting her hand over her heart. She'd forgotten he'd come with her until that moment.
"Darlin', I get it. You're likely the only one that can beat Valkorion again." His face was resigned, and Miriah wondered if this was the end for them. "Get Devin and Mags. They'll protect you, and I'll be right by your side."
"You want me to go? To put myself out there again?" she asked, and he heard the waver in her voice. "You won't leave me again?"
Corso realized that instant how little trust remained after he'd made the decision to force Miriah to change her behavior. He stepped close to her and bent to kiss her softly. "Mir, there are some things that only you have the skill set to do. I'm never leaving you again, no matter what." Miriah fell against him, shaking. He held her close for a minute before gently stepping back so that he could see her face. "Now, let's get moving. I'll tell Aric, you get Dev, we'll find Mags. It'll be okay." With a quick nod, Miriah straightened her shoulders and forced her face into an impassive mask, and stepped out into the guard detail.
Lana was outside the mess hall, gathering her coat against her, when she saw the detail moving quickly to the secure area. Following behind, she could tell that the boss was agitated, and felt things had significantly changed. When they were finally in the office, Miriah quickly briefed Lana on the mission. "I'll make sure everything is ready," she assured Miriah and ran to her office, her datapad in her hand. I can't believe this was true, she thought. I don't want them to go. I wish I could help, she thought, then no, I can't leave Jaren that long. Sighing, she stopped and meditated for a moment, to clear her mind and focus. Still, the worry was there.
Kira entered the apartment and Ian was on her heels. "I don't like this," he said, and Kira ignored him, pulling her force items from the closet shelf. "Mom can handle this, or Scourge."
Kira turned to look at her new husband. "Ian, this was my mission. My purpose. To rid the galaxy of Tenebrae or Vitiate or Valkorion, whoever he chooses to be today. I have to see this through."
Ian hesitated. It was why she'd come to Odessen, he remembered. "But the baby..."
"Will be fine. I will be careful, and I'll have those around me who can resist the mind control. I believe your cousin and aunt will be among the ones on the ship." Ian hesitated. If Devin was going, there was no reason he couldn't. With his mind made up, he grabbed his own gear and followed Kira. She stopped at the door and turned to him.
"You don't have to do this," she said softly.
"I can't not," he said, his eyes never leaving hers. Finally, she nodded, and they left, both moving with urgency.
Magdalane was getting ready to see a patient when she heard Miriah call out to her in the force. She put her datapad down and moved at a steady pace to the executive wing, and into Miriah's office. "You've found them," Mags said, and Miriah nodded. "I'm going."
"We need you, Mags. You are the only one that can use the shielding technique." Miriah looked so stressed that Mags threw her arms around her younger sister.
"Of course, I'm going with you," she said. In their force connection, she asked Corso is okay with this?
He says he is, Miriah assured her sister, and with a final hug, Mags turned to go. "I'll gather my things, and meet you at the hangar in fifteen, okay?"
Miriah nodded at her sister and Corso ended his call with Aric. Devin had met Mags in the hallway, already knowing what lay ahead. "I'm ready," Devin said to his parents, and they each hugged him. Mom is all over the place, but Dad seems okay, he thought, and walked with them through the tunnel to their apartment. Caly was there cooking, and when she was told, she threw her hand up in front of her, taking her holo out. Torian answered and with a nod, Caly said they'd meet at the ship.
"Caly, honey, you don't have to," Miriah said, but Caly shook her head.
"Nope, no more sitting on the sidelines. I'm going to cook on the ship, and you'll have Torian for whatever else is needed."
"We won't refuse help," Corso said. "As long as you're sure."
"I'm sure," Caly replied, and flew out the door to her apartment. Corso shrugged and Miriah had to smile.
"Mir, I promise, I get this," he murmured, and kissed her again. Miriah finally went to freshen up, and when she emerged, Corso had their gear bags in each hand.
"Ready?" he asked, and she nodded in response, then followed him out of their apartment.
Lana stood at the hangar, watching the flurry of activity around the Commander's ship. What if something terrible happens, she thought. What if I could have made a difference? She felt torn, her family on one side and duty on the other. Miriah told me it would be this way, she remembered. She straightened her shoulders and knew that the Commander would never allow her to go with them, and instead would leave the business of the Eternal Alliance with her. She would be up to the task.
Miriah entered the military hangar and the first person she saw was Solasta. She observed her general officer and saw that Sol looked well rested and strong. "General Dinn, as usual, you have my authority on all military manners in my absence," she said, and saw a smile flirt with the Cathar's stoic face.
"Please be safe," Solasta said. "And return quickly." She glared at Corso for a moment. "All of you."
Miriah held in her giggle at Corso's expression and turned back to Solasta. "We will. I promise." With a sharp salute, Solasta strode back into the war room, and Miriah turned, seeing Lana standing before the ship.
Lana turned to Miriah as she approached. "I know this is something you must do without me, but I couldn't let you leave without at least wishing you luck." They walked side by side for a few steps before Lana continued. "The way this is unfolding...I'm completely disheartened. I never dreamed we'd face Valkorion again, and now you must do so without my help. I hope you know, if I could, I'd be by your side for this."
Miriah stopped and saw the tears in Lana's eyes. "I always appreciate your concern, Lana, and hate making you worry. This will be over soon."
Lana was about to speak again when they both heard a familiar voice. "Good, you're still here. I was hoping I'd landed in time to catch you before you took off," Theron said.
"Welcome back," Miriah said, and involuntarily Corso had moved closer to her.
"I hope there's room for one more on the ship, because I'm coming with you." Theron walked closer to the ramp.
"Wait! Out of the question! You're insane if you think I'd ever agree to this," Miriah said, her eyes narrowing at the man across from her.
"And I can't believe you think I would sit on the sidelines with Satele in trouble," he replied, his tone even but she could see the flash of anger and fear in his eyes. "Whatever the Emperor's doing, I can resist it. I was on Ziost, and he didn't control me then. I sure as hell won't let him affect me now" Before Miriah could respond, she saw Arcann and Senya coming across the deck as well.
"Comander, a word," Senya implored.
"We need to speak with you, before you go," Arcann said. Miraih turned to them and Corso saw her gather herself up.
"Go ahead," she nodded.
"We're coming with you," Senya said. "We helped you defeat Valkorion before, and we won't abandon you now. Whatever this weapon is that he's unleashed, I'm sure it won't have any power over Arcann and me."
"This is just as much our responsibility as it is yours," Arcann joined in. "If there is the slightest chance Valkorion could return, we must do what we can to stop him"
Kira appeared at the top of the ramp. "Sorry to interrupt, but we need to get going."
"We will accompany you," Senya said. Miriah sighed but nodded, and the group went up into the ship.
"I wish you all good luck, and I'll keep our forces here on high alert. Should you need them, just say the word." Lana nodded then, and Miriah hugged her. As she boarded the ship, she took a mental count. Well, for a scaled back mission, this is a huge group. She made her way to the bridge, Corso already in the right seat, and Aric in the jump seat behind him, Miriah looked at the berthing. Well, somebody is going to get the cots out, I'm guessing, but nothing I can do about that. Aric gave her a thumbs up, and she got clearance from flight control, everyone wishing them well as they lifted off.
Kira and Ian had gotten the only remaining room, but everyone else had staked out their spots already. "I'm just going to freshen up," she told Ian, once they'd passed into space. "Then I'll go see what I can do to help feed everyone."
"I'm sure Caly has it covered," Ian said. "Rest if you want." He'd seen the worry in her eyes and knew her anxiety had to be high. He was still so new at the expectant father thing that he really wanted to get some time with Devin on this trip, but right now, he sensed that Kira needed him. He sat in the padded chair beside the bed where Kira now lay, and saw her slip into sleep.
Before he'd left, Devin had quickly kissed Mia and Declan, and then had a force converstaion with Merida. When she was satisfied that all was well, she let him go with a hug. Now, all he wanted was to be the barrier between his mother and Valkorion. I'm guessing that Dad knows Mom is necessary for this, and that's why he didn't protest, he thought. Right now, he could sense the uncertainty Miriah felt, and hoped that before they actually reached the disabled ship, she'd be able to rest and focus.
Miriah ate and talked and when the lighting on the ship dimmed automatically, she found herself a little buzzed on wine and in her husband's arms. I'm scared, she admitted to herself. Of this fight, of Corso leaving again, of risking the life of anyone else. As if sensing her fear, Corso guided her to their quarters. "Darlin', you don't have to be afraid. I love you, so much," he breathed over the bare skin of her back as she undressed. "I was wrong to have asked you to change being who you are. You would have never asked it of me." He kissed the back of her neck and felt her shudder against him. "Do you believe me?"
Miriah turned to him, releasing the rest of her clothes to the floor. "You'll have to show me, sugar," she whispered, and he needed no further encouragement. Later, when she was pliant and draped over him, he knew the little barrier that had remained between them was gone, and she was fully his again.
Theron tried to still his mind, but he knew it was hopeless. He had no way to tell if his mother was alive or dead, and the not knowing was worse. He tried to sleep but eventually gave up, and dressed to pace around the large ship. The presence of Magdalane had less effect on him than he'd have thought, given their previous closeness, though he did allow his thoughts to wander there. Finally, his tired body had been through enough hyperspace to shut down, his feet taking him to the plush sofa, where Aric found him the next morning.