Magdalane was glad to see Aric's grinning face when she stepped off the troop transport. "How was it?" he asked her, taking her bag. Stay calm, she told herself. No one could possibly know that Arn stayed with me last night, even if we only talked and kissed. Clearing her suddenly dry throat, she followed Aric up the path.
"I'm glad I went, I saw things I had no idea about, both in the cave and from Devin." Aric nodded, he'd wondered how his nephew had kept from just leveling the place. "How is Mir taking the news of Malgus escaping?"
"She seems resigned, and is glad you are all okay. Why didn't Arn come back with you?"
Mags knew she blushed but kept her head down, hoping Aric was too busy observing the troops around them. "He's going to seal the cave and make sure the prisoners are taken care of," she replied.
"There were a lot of them?" Aric was suddenly focused on her words. He had not been aware of the danger his sister in law and nephew had faced.
"Quite a few who we didn't have to take out, patrolling around the ruins," Mags affirmed. "It was...a lot more than I had anticipated, going up against the monsters in the ruins and then the lieutenants that Maglus left behind. I've not been in any conflicts, Aric. Not even when the Empire was at it's strongest." Mags felt the heft of her words, she and Felix had been primarily on diplomatic missions, and the sudden thrust of battle had shaken her badly.
Aric's face turned grim and he nodded. "It's going to get worse before it gets better," he murmured. "Mir says that Devin noted changes in Malgus, and she thinks he's not being controlled by the Emperor any longer. Is that what you think, too?"
"I think so," Mags admitted. "The whole thing opened my eyes to what Mir faces every day, and it's terrifying, to be honest."
Miriah held onto Devin, the strength of his hug telling her more than his words ever could. "It's not good, Mom. And we have no idea what relic was stored there."
Corso patted his son's shoulder. "Thank you for going out there, Dev. I sure didn't want your mom to."
Miriah finally loosened her hold on her son and stood back. "I think we need to get started back to Odessen," she said, taking Corso's hand in hers. "We need to show a united front to the Alliance, and make sure we are ready for anything."
"I hate to say it, but I think you're right," Maura said, and put her packed gear trunk on the floor with a thud. "Not the break you both wanted, but you should be used to rolling with the punches by now."
"I'll send word to get the ship ready, we can take off in a few hours and be home in a couple of days," Corso said, taking out his datapad. He could feel the regret in Miriah's glance, and hated that work had butted in on their time together. When he'd finished his message, he tugged Miriah into his arms. "I'm sorry, darlin'. I had meant us to have days lying in the sun and enjoying the peace, but it didn't quite work out that way."
Miriah burrowed into his chest. "I love spending time with you, wherever we are. And, we have a lot of hyperspace back to Odessen." She smiled up at him, and their connection felt stronger than ever.
Mia had taken to watching the smuggler area as the ships unloaded passengers and goods. The planet had opened up to immigration again, and she was able to get a look at the new settlers as they presented their credentials and approvals to the checkpoint troopers. No one I recognize, she told herself, sitting back in her seat with a sigh. Thank the force. She'd received no more surprise gifts or notes, and finally, she felt like she might be able to just let the whole business of her family go. She checked the chrono on the wall and stood, if she took her time, she'd arrive at the school just in time for the children. Their Life Day break, starting tomorrow, would be as fun as she could make it. As she crossed the war room, she saw Lana waving at her.
"Mia! I have news!" Lana said, out of breath from running across the large space. "The Commander and everyone who is gone from here is coming home! They've just taken off from Dantooine."
Mia felt her face stretch in a broad smile. "Excellent news! I'm heading to the school, come walk with me." The women made their way out to the courtyards, chatting together. Mia felt whole being relax. This is a wonderful day, she thought.
Kira woke to delicious smells, feeling more rested than she had in months. Rising slowly, her belly harder to move around, she pulled on the soft robe at the foot of the bed and made her way into the kitchen, greeting Ian with a hug from behind. "Something smells wonderful," she told him and he laughed.
"Aunt Mir must have stocked our fridge, I found her cinnamon rolls this morning," he told her, turning to put the plates on the table. Kira poured the cold juice into her glass and sat.
"We'll have to thank her," she said, and took a large bite. "Ooooh that's so good!"
Ian grinned at her. "Aunt Mir is a good Commander, but she is a great cook." They enjoyed their breakfast, and when they were both refreshed, Ian stood. "I'm going to check in with the temple, but Life Day is only a few days away and I'm sure the classes are out."
"Life Day! I'd forgotten it was so soon," Kira said, rubbing her bump.
"What are your plans today?" he asked, taking her hand.
"I really don't know," Kira admitted. "I hadn't thought much beyond a hot shower and a soft bed last night."
"Take today to relax, then. I won't be long, and then we can do something together." Ian kissed his wife, and felt contentment fill his mind. This is where we belong, he thought, and saw that Kira was smiling as he left.
Miriah pulled her thick hair into a loose braid and looked in the mirror. Not too bad for an old woman, she thought. She picked up her datapad, which had downloaded many messages from the secure holo feed at the ranch before they'd lifted off, and now sat on the sofa in the lounge. She had figured out that Mags had made progress in her new relationship with Arn, but didn't want to tease her sister about it. She'll tell me when she wants, Miriah told herself, but she couldn't help smiling at the lightness in her sister's step. Felix has been gone for two years, she realized, and took a moment to miss her brother in law. Still, it was good that Mags was happy. Satisfied with that, she settled in to work.
Corso was with Aric on the bridge of the ship. "What are you hearing about the Alliance News Network?" he asked, knowing Aric was getting reports every few hours about Odessen.
"It's going well, and the residents of the base love knowing more about other planets in the Alliance," Aric replied, turning form the nav comp. "I admit, I enjoy it, too. Way more informative about our way of life than any other reporting. It seems unbiased, too. I guess we'll see how that goes, but so far, so good."
"I wasn't sure it would work, but that's good to hear," Corso said, sitting heavily in the jump seat. "I wish we'd had our beach getaway, but Mir mentioned about apartments being avail on Carrick Station again."
"Already purchased one," Aric said, grinning. "It a good thing to have a place to go to."
Corso frowned at his friend. "What do you me an?"
Miriah appeared behind Corso. "Yeah, that."
Aric blushed. "Well, when we started the Alliance and needed to go to other planets, I thought it might be a good idea to have a little stash of places. When Missy got stranded on Nar Shaddaa, I started buying apartments on planets we might need to go to."
"Where all have you got these little hiding places?" Miriah asked. She tried to sound stern, but the smug grin of her brother in law almost had her smiling.
"Oh, around. You know the one on Nar Shaddaa. We have one on Coruscant, Tattooine, Yavin, Alderaan, Manaan and now, Carrick Station." Miriah was stunned, she'd had no idea that any of this was in place.
"Aric, pleases tell me you didn't purchase all that property on your own." Miriah was up and pacing now.
"No, I set up a shell corporation, and used the interest on the haul from Arcaann's treasure ship. It's all well hidden, with no obvious ties to the Alliance."
Corso's face lit up and he chuckled. "Are they all as nice as the Nar Shaddaa place?"
"No, some are nicer. Carrick is a little smaller than the rest, but I also have one on Drommond Kaas, haven't seen it yet so not sure about it, but it's there if we need it." Aric turned his attention the controls, and Corso and Miriah shared a look of disbelief.
Miriah put her hands on her hips, deep in thought. Finally, she lifted her head and met Aric's gaze. "Well then, I guess we should be thanking you, Aric." Her eyes lit up when she smiled at him and Corso just shook his head.
"Always full of surprises," he said, but Aric knew they were both relieved. Rather pleased with himself, he stood.
"Let's have dinner. We're good here in this hyperlane for a few hours." Together they made their way to the galley.
Devin had called Mia before the hyperdrive engaged, eager to see the children. They talked and laughed, and he could see that Mia was more herself than she'd been in a while. When they ended the call, he realized that what he was seeing was Mia letting go of the tension she'd been feeling about her old family. With that, his heart also felt light, and when he joined the others for dinner, he pushed the darkness of Malgus into the back of his mind and enjoyed the meal.
Caly slumped onto the sofa. This is supposed to be easy, she thought. If we weren't trying, I bet I'd be pregnant by now. Moody and tired, she plumped the pillow and lay her head down. She'd wrapped herself in a warm blanket and felt herself getting drowsy. Maybe I should talk to Mom, or Aunt Mags, but that would ruin the surprise. She was almost asleep when the message came through about her family on the way back to Odessen. She debated for a second, then let it go, figuring she'd answer any message later. Torian was on duty until midnight, and she didn't need to cook. Letting go and falling asleep, she knew she would be okay, even if she was temporarily disappointed.
Alec Ranin had also gotten word that Malgus had escaped capture on Dantooine, and that the Commander was on her way back to Odessen. He wanted to run the story, but hesitated. Not enough facts were known, he told himself. It would be pure speculation. But it was news, he told himself. Pacing around his small studio, he went over the items he knew to be true, but in his heart, he knew it wasn't enough. With a great sigh, he put the idea away. It was too soon to test the boundaries.
Miriah yawned and stretched her arms over her head. "I'm ready for bed," she announced, and stood. The holo that was playing was fairly new, and she could see Corso was enjoying it, so she made her way to their quarters. Dressing in warm pajamas, she slid into the bed, her eyes closing quickly. Some time later, she felt Corso's warm embrace and snuggled to him, not really waking enough to speak. She slept soundly until she began to dream and thrash about, waking Corso immediately.
"Shhh, darlin', wake up, you're okay," he crooned to her, and when her eyes flew open, it took a minute to orient herself to where she was. Corso held her as she trembled, and when she was able to take a deep breath, she turned to Corso.
"Malgus. He is indeed no longer controlled, by anyone. Or anything. And he plans to destroy both the Alliance and the Republic," Miriah said.
"We won't let him do that, though," Corso said softly. "He isn't counting on us all fighting back. And we will, you know that, darlin'." He held her close to his chest before lying down with her, gently stroking her back.
"We will, and we will win," Miriah finally responded, and he heard the conviction in her voice. Finally, he thought, she sounds like my Mir. "But I may have to be in that fight."
"Whatever it takes, my love. We're all in." He didn't know if he was ready for her to be in danger again, but he recalled what Aric had said to him months ago, when he was still on Dantooine. Aric had said that every day we're alive, we're in a fight. Not to the same extent every day, but then the next day isn't promised to anyone either. He told me that to make me see that I was wasting precious time by being away from Mir, but whatever comes, we face it together. He was going to tell her those very words, but realized she'd dozed off again and simply held her as she slept.