His eyes scanned the datapad, reading and rereading the message. There has to be a mistake. He answered his wife, "The Alsakans. This says they've sent a fleet in and blockaded the system. The Republic Defense fleet has just arrived and I've been ordered to link up with suqad," he paused, "and the Alsakans have destroyed the hyperspace beacons, so getting out of the system is going to be a problem."
As he spoke, he pulled on his clothes. He was so shocked by this, and more than that. He feared for Calleigh. He was fine fighting a war himself, it was his job, and his talent, but now the war was on their doorstep, again.
For once in his life, Brendon did not know what to do. He was not one to be lost for words, especially under pressure, it was what had made him a good leader in the first place. But this was different, it was personal. If he made a foul up on the battle field it cost lives, but they were soldiers, a foul up here could b the death of his wife.
"I..."he started to say, trying to compose himself, "find Cori and disappear in the lower levels of Coruscant. Getting off world will be very hard, but you can lie low. And take this," he said, handing her a small comlink, "it's a secure line to me."
He looked at her and sat back on the edge of the bed. He had dreaded this happening. He took her hand and fixed his eyes on her, "Calleigh I have to," he said, "it's my job; my duty. Especially now, there's billions on Coruscant, and they're in danger. It's not like I want to leave you in danger, but if I go at least I can make a difference, rather than sitting and waiting."
He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek, before he stood up. As he went out of the door he took a last look back, "Call me if you need me. I'll be there."