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.