She once again shot Roger and then Caridee an expectant glance. Neither seemed to notice, or perhaps to be more accurate, they were ignoring her prodding. It had been much the same since they had mysteriously told her they were all leaving her apartment and no she would not get to know why until they got there. There was no help from her security contingent and the brief conversation with Cort told her he knew what was going on and that he wasn’t going to spill the secret.

Eela was exceptionally curious, and more than a little surprised at the secrecy, given recent events. Roger had just assured her that this was likely a good surprise but she would have to decide that for herself.

Agent Mangioni led the way through the Orbital Platform on the CCDA side (which gave her no additional clues other than this wasn’t a ‘Starfleet’ thing. They were in a part near the customs area where people arrived but Eela couldn’t recall having been in this section. They seemed to be in a side corridor.

And then it hit her. Or rather, the presence of someone hit her so strongly she drew in a sharp breath and stopped. She knew who was in one of these rooms, and they weren’t alone, but it was hard for her to wrap her mind around.

Caridee stood before her and took her hands in her own, smiling softly. “I know, you’re confused. It’s okay. It started out as a whim of an idea that I tossed your way over subspace that one day after your arrived on Oed. You looked like you wanted to believe it could happen, and so I asked. I got a yes, but given how unpredictable everything could be, it was like it was with Roger: we didn’t want to say anything ahead of time just in case it didn’t end up happening.”

Eela’s heart was thudding in her chest and she turned her gaze on Roger. “You knew all along too?”

Roger nodded. “Yes. And I think after everything lately, maybe it’s even more special and important. But it’s up to you El. If you don’t think you can do this, see him, you don’t have to. We can give you time to get used to the idea and talk about it later. It’s your choice and he knows this too.”

She looked back at Caridee and squeezed her daughter’s hands before letting them go. Her feet carried her forward and Chuck gestured to the door. She gave him a nod and stepped in.

In the meeting room were two people: a tall dark skinned person who seemed Human at first glance, and the person who had been on her mind for awhile now. He hadn’t changed much since she had last seen him at Dee’s baby shower. He was nervous though, and the person with him seemed to radiate encouragement. “You’re here,” she said, forcing her force to be audible, tears blurring her eyes.

He gave her a beaming smile. “Hey Mom,” Jourin said.

~Eela Dasca, Lt. Gov.