It's Waited Long Enough

[Zandra Tal'verda]

Zandra followed him into the cockpit and sat down in the co-pilot's seat, hand curled over the baby. She was used to flying, being the one to pick the destination, But the baby kept getting in the way. She was starting to remember why she always said she'd never have kids.

"Oi, Cal," She said after a moment, "what should we tell the crew anyway? 'Bout the kid? 'Bout you 'n me? You talk to any of your own family? Or do they all think you're dead still? "

[member="Cal"]

 

[Revenchent]

Now that was the question, wasn't it? Cal laid back in the pilot's chair; brow knit in thought. Was it really the right idea to tell his family? They would have to know he was alive too, of course, and he was not entirely certain that was for the best. Clan Tal'verda was hardy and strong. It could take care of itself, and he was tired of the burden that kind of leadership gave him. He shook his head.

"I haven't spoken with any of them. If I did, they would want me to be Chieftain again. As much of an honor that it was, I don't have the patience or the will for that position anymore. Let someone else make the tough calls for a little while." He waved his hand around to show some form of emphasis. His cheek settled in his calloused palm, and his gaze drifted back to the Echani.

She's mine.

"And the crew...they'll have to know sometime. Personally, I don't think it will matter much to them. What you do in your spare time is your business." He turned in his chair to stare out the cockpit. For a moment, his heart dropped. This might be the last time he would set foot on Mandalore.

The former Commando took pause to take in the scene. Flaky white snow clung to the trees like children clutching their cherished toys. Hills rolled as far as the eye could see, and mountains were cast in holy visage on the far horizon. Despite himself, when he swallowed, he also bit back a sob.

Composing himself, Cal gave his girl a weak smile, and nodded. "It's something to be excited for anyway."

 

[Zandra Tal'verda]

She went silent for a while. Calico was kinda getting her down now. She'd wanted him for so long, waited so faithfully. Why? It wasn't like her to love, and even less like her to wait. And why did he come back? Because he got bored of his old life? What would happen when he got sick of her too?

She shook her head, forcing the thought from her mind. No. no. no. She had to focus on the now. The future didn;t exist and the past was forever gone.

Zandra leaned back in her seat and smiled at her lover. He'd never be hers, not really, not forever. But for the moment, they were as close as two people could be.

"Well, when you do go back to them, promise not to forget about me 'n Bean, k? I mean, Jalaan, or whatever you wanted to name 'im."

[member="Cal"]

 

[Revenchent]

Cal raised an eyebrow. That was a bit of a depressing thought. He was dedicating himself to Zandra, and the baby. IF she thought otherwise; then it needed to be repaired. He leaned forward in his seats, and revved up the ship's engines. it would take sometime before it was ready to dustoff without wasting fuel, and he had a good idea as how to pass it.

"Z, I ain't going anywhere." He gave her a hard look. His eyes were serious, and his tone even more so. "I'm afraid you've gotten yourself stuck with me, and if you start to think otherwise, you let me know. I'll fix it right then."

The ship rumbled and demanded attention, but Calico was still seemingly enamored with the Echani. His lips pursed into a loving smile, and a soft sigh escaped him. "My life was one of obligation. I'm choosing to be with you. Not because I have to, but because I want to, and that's all the difference in the world."

[member="Zandra Fenni"]

 

[Zandra Tal'verda]

That was her Cal alright. Here he was, clinging to her despite it all. He was so stubborn. It was why, out of all the men in the galaxy, he was the one she allowed herself to love.

"A'right Cal," she sighed, returning the smile, "guess I don't got a choice but to drag your dumb ass with me."

One hand rubbed the spot where their son was gently kicking her, while the other reached over to touch her lovers face.

"You kept me waitin' a long time, ya know. Guess you gatta make up for it somehow. "

[member="Cal"]

 

[Revenchent]

The ship growled, and lurched upward as if left the ground. Left Mandalore, and Galaar Tal'verda behind. Cal felt a tinge of sadness, but it was bittersweet, not despair. He brought a hand up to caress the one on his cheek, and turned to look at where he was driving.

"You've got all the time in the world Zandra." He said. The ship shot toward the heavens; to wherever they might be going. Cal had no clue, and he didn't much care. "I'm yours."


[member="Zandra Fenni"]