XXVII: News from Home

Aria Brisard gave a big stretch as she returned to her quarters after a long duty shift on the Star Destroyer Exactor. Sitting down at her desk, she glanced at a stack of work she had yet to complete and sighed. The chrono read 2100 hours, plenty of time to at least clear two or three reports before it was time to turn in for the night. Aria reached for the first report and as she picked it up, an envelope that was stuck to the bottom of the pad fell down to the table. She picked up the letter and immediately recognized Rebecca's handwriting. She ripped open the envelope, took out the letter and began reading:

Hey Aria,
Sorry I haven't really been writing very much. Things have been fairly busy here in the unwanted laps of luxury. Ever since I turned twenty-one I haven't had that much time to myself. Nana constantly takes me out insisting I get the most high ends of everything...it's almost driving me crazy. She's doing this on purpose, I know she is...and I think I know why.


There's this new man in my life. His name is Ariam Vorru. Have you of him? He's the elder son of Moff Vorru, Corellia's ruling governor. He's tall, handsome, he--

Aria was interrupted from her reading by a knock on the door to her quarters. "come in."

The door opened and Deroh Okins took a step inside. "Brisard?"

Aria quickly stood at attention. "Sir."

Okins waved her off. "At ease, Brisard. It's just a social call." He walked over to her and handed her a package. "I brought you more supplies. You said in your comm call last week you were running low."

"Right, thanks." Aria said, taking the package and placing it on her desk. "But you didn't need to come all this way just to deliver this, sir." She said. "We're not exactly around the corner from Coruscant.

"Well, I have a conference with Captain Sardo at 0700 tomorrow morning. Felt it was better to drop it off now rather than send it through the carrier."

"I appreciate that, Admiral. I was actually planning on sending a letter later this week. You have good timing." Aria smiled.

Okins chuckled. "For once." He started to leave when he stopped and turned back to her. "One more thing. I haven't received anything from Rebecca in over a month. Have you?"

Aria nodded. "I actually just received the latest one from her today. In fact, I was reading it as you came in."

"How is she?"

"From what I've read, she's doing alright." Aria said, picking up the letter she was reading. "It seems her grandmother's been keeping her busy."

"Figures." the admiral scowled. "I hope she's treating her alright."

"well Becky hasn't been complaining...too too much at least. Though it seems..." she quickly silenced herself, realizing this wasn't the best thing to say to the admiral.

"What?" he asked, crossing his arms. "Though it seems what?"

"She said she's got a suitor." Aria said, waiting for the storm to come.

"Kriffing hell." Okins sighed. "This guy got a name?"

"Vorru. Ariam Vorru."

"Vorru?" Okins asked. "Surely she could do better."

"Is there something wrong with this man, sir?"

"Well the Vorru's are known for being manipulative, greedy, they play by their own rules and show little regard for others unless it really benefits them in some way." He shook his head. "Not the type of man you'd want your daughter dating."

"Very untrustworthy."

"Right." He nodded. "I hope she knows what she's getting herself into. Keep me informed?"

"I will."

"Good. With a man like Ariam Vorru, you can't be too careful." He shook his head and headed out of Aria's quarters. Aria watched the admiral leave with growing concern for her friend. After letting Okins' words get fully absorbed, she returned to her seat at her desk and finished reading where she left off:

--he's tall, handsome, rich...and my goodness, Aria. He has the most charming smile I've ever seen. He flashed one at me while I was standing up and I thought my knees would give out! Okay...maybe not that bad, but I think you get the idea. Ariam's taken me on three outings so far: a dinner, a walk on the beach, and to one of his father's high society galas. Very fancy. He even introduced me to everyone as his lady. However these courtships are supposed to go, he seems to be taking things rather quickly. I'm not really sure if that's a bad thing or not. My only question is....what do I do if the man I'm seeing has immensely more interest in me than I do in him? He knows...or claims to know so much about me, yet I know virtually nothing about him. I'm sure I'll figure things out. 

How are things on Exactor? I'd love to hear what's going on! 
Becky 

Aria leaned back in her chair and froze when she saw the last line on the page.  
Oh, and Aria? Please don't mention anything about Ariam to my father? He can over-react about men so easily...and I don't want him to know until I think there's something official to tell. 

XXVI: Night's Tender

"I still find it hard to believe that a lady like yourself has never been courted before." said Ariam as he walked with Rebecca along the boardwalk.

"I've been well-sheltered once I turned thirteen." She replied. As they approached one of the many benches on the edge of the boardwalk, she sat down and patted the seat next to her for him to follow suit. "My father never even allowed boys into the house, even if it was a supervised visit."

"Your father?" Ariam asked, taking his seat beside her.

"Yes." She brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, "When I was sixteen one of the local boys asked me to a formal at his academy. Suffice to say, I didn't go and was also never invited on a date since. Daddy can be very...intimidating."

"Does he still reside with you and your grandmother?" Ariam asked, hoping the answer was no.

She shook her head. "After mother died, he returned to Coruscant. I haven't seen him since..." she said, looking out at the water.

"What does he do there?"

"He's an admiral in the Imperial Navy." She grinned at him, "one of the best, so I've been told."

"I bet. Admiral....Okins, is it?" She nodded. "Do you think he'd approve?"

"Approve of what? Rebecca asked.

"Why, us, of course." He said. "If he's as protective as you make him out to be."

Rebecca smiled. "I'm not a child anymore, Ariam. At twenty-one, I'd like to think I can date whomever I want."

Ariam grinned and tilted her chin up with his index finger. "I like the sound of that." Matching his eyes with her own, he moved his hand and stroked her cheek gently and smiled when she started to blush. "Tell me, my dear...are you enjoying yourself?"

Rebecca stared back at him growing more flustered by the moment. She nodded, as his caresses were keeping her from coming up with an answer. "Ariam, I..."

"Mmm good...," he interrupted. "So am I...," he mumbled as pulled her into a kiss.

XXV: Dinner for Two

Ariam led Rebecca to the balcony seating of a beach-side and pulled out her chair for her to sit down. "Here we are, Milady."

Rebecca sat down as he pushed her chair in. "You didn't have to go through all of this trouble... a table inside would have been perfectly fine."

"Oh no...there are far too many prying eyes." He said, sitting down across from her. "I thought a more private setting would be better for us."

"It does have a lovely view..." she said, looking out over the beach. "But really....you didn't have to...not on my account."

"Now now... I insist." He said, flashing a smile before flagging down the waiter. "Your best wine. And leave the bottle." He turned back to her. "A man is allowed to splurge now and then...given the right reasons, of course."Ariam watched her for a few moments, noticing her fidget and stare idly at the water. "Rebecca, are you alright?"

Rebecca snapped out of her state and idly brushed her hair behind her ear with her hand. "I'm fine," she said, shyly. "I've.. never been on a date before..." she bit her lip and lowered her gaze to her lap, embarrassed for her admittance.

Ariam gave a small smile before reaching over the table and placing his hand over her own. "Now...we all have to start somewhere, don't we? It's nothing to be upset about."

Rebecca glanced up and saw his smile, then returned one of her own. "I suppose you're right."

"Besides, we don't have to call this a date. We can make tonight....a friendship affair, starting at the very beginning. That's where all relationships start, do they not?" He gave one of his debonair grins. "How's that sound?"

Rebecca nodded, "I like the sound of that, Ariam." She smiled, feeling a little more comfortable.

"Excellent!" he nodded to the waiter as the wine arrived at the table, leaving two glasses of wine and the bottle. Ariam lifted his glass and clinked it with her own. He then cleared his throat and chose his words carefully:
"A toast...to my beautiful young lady, and to our friendship. May they both forever be...fruitful."