Private You still kicking, old timer?

[Valkren Calderon]

“Commander Calderon is down! I repeat, the Commander is down!”

The words echoed out from behind his helmet’s visor- the communication system almost completely drowned out by the mix of persistent ringing and garbled static He’d wince, eyes fluttering open to witness the mix of blood and mud beneath him. With a gasp, he’d fight for air- pushing his gloved hands before him to lift his armor clad body up onto his knees. As he did this, everything came into view. The battle torn horizon of Ord Radama filled his vision as the ringing finally settled, which was soon replaced by another mix of unwelcoming sounds.

Rangers shouting, blaster bolts zipping by his position and into the terrain around him, and the rumble of machinery close by.. He’d crane his head about, lifting a single hand away from the mud beneath him in order to allow his body more freedom of movement. More rangers came into view, some doubled over with their own wounds and injuries, others sprinting forward to take their own positions past the streaks of red and blue bolts that harrowed their advance. Before long, his vision was obscured once again by the large body of an Bengal Battle Tank, it’s turret rotating to get a better aim ahead just as it's path narrowly squeezed by the commander. A shockwave was soon to follow as the tank ceased its movements, moving its barrel for one last readjustment- before letting a single round fly towards the source of the hostile fire. This forced the commander back onto his hands again, prompting another wince. He huffed for air, but ended up spitting up a mixture of blood and saliva into the inside of his helmet.

He felt weak..

Tired.

As he gasped for another breath, he’d force himself to rise to his knees. The commando only hoped for one last look at the skyline ahead if he was to be cut down here by an enemy position- however, the horizon of Ord Radama had seemingly vanished..

It was just gone.

The sound of blasters and crude machinery, gone. The emplacements and bunkers ahead that were previously raining hell upon his people, gone. Suddenly he wasn’t even on his knees in the muck of Ord Radama- he was just there, standing in the dark. Was that it? Was he dead?

“No, not yet.” The voice rang out from somewhere behind him, prompting the man’s eyes go wide with realization.

That voice-

It took him mere moments to spin about into the other ‘side’ of the darkness, to come face to face with a ghost.

Roo?

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Location: Midvinter, Unknown Compound.​

Then, his eyes were open. His body now alert to the jolt of suddenly being awake, the old soldier shot up from his resting place at his desk. The tide of darkness that previously plagued his sight was overtaken by a dim light cracking through the window ahead of him- just providing enough illumination to have stirred the aging soldier and display the messy room he rested within. With a quick motion of his bare arm, he’d wipe clean the drool and ash that had masked the right side of his beard. After doing so Valkren would look down to the over spilled ashtray that was a result of his obvious alcohol and exhaustion induced nap.

A deep sigh was released, soon followed by the man pinching at the bridge of his nose with a single hand. Valk’ would close his eyes, attempting to find some meaning behind the repeated dream- or nightmare at that. How long had it been? He couldn't even recall when the last transmission that he had received from an on-mission Roona Osmari- One of his squadmates, and his partner..as far as he was concerned at least. It had been years since their last communication, during which both of the pair were members of the same Antarian Ranger special forces team.

Valkren had been her superior.

Once their relationship came to light, like many of his friends had warned him it would, the top brass was sure to separate the two into different units. This put a strain on the two's relations with one another. However, like most couples, they had planned to get through it all. This was exactly the case until Osmari's squad was sent on a mission that was unlisted to Commander Calderon's view.

That's the last Valkren heard of Roona.

His eyes opened once more, squinting past the fingers that gripped the bridge of his nose to the table below him. Below the ash and dried liquor rested a mix of papers and data pads, each of which contained another piece of information that seemed unrelated to the next. Those that weren't stained or covered in debris could be identified as wanted documents, reports on criminal activity, and Antarian Ranger movements within certain patrol routes. Valkren gritted his teeth, practically staring a hole right through the table at this point. He had gone over the same information ten times through- acquired more and more info as new faction leaders came into play, and new criminal organizations began to mobilize.. Yet, none of it had turned up anything regarding her.

After years of using Antarian Ranger manpower and Silver assets to search for one woman, he gave up.

He didn't want to say that he ran, but if he was being honest- he definitely ran.

Valkren wasn't sure what to do anymore back then, he picked up whatever he could and went to one of his oldest friends: Valae Heavenshield . She helped the only way she knew how to at the moment. The generous healer had provided a place on Midvinter for the hiding soldier to avoid the shadows of war and combat, and that's just what he did. He 'retired' essentially, as much as someone that had spent his entire forty-five year old life around war could. He helped the Heavenshields with their property when he could, but for most of the time he'd remain in his own abode. Calderon had never intended for others the view him as an introvert while here, as he really wasn't. He just didn't have much to say anymore.

With a sudden outburst and animalistic growl, he'd swing his hand down from his face and swipe the ashtray from his desk. He was standing by now, his chest rising and falling with every breath as he stared down the shattered bowl in the corner of the room. The commander caught himself rather quickly, letting his breathing slow as he glanced back to the papers and pads that hadn't been sent into the oblivion with his barbaric move. He placed two fingers down on a data pad that held a profile regarding a certain bald hitman on it. With a quick motion, he'd expand the picture. He let his fingers tap against the pad idly as he thought, could this really be the first move?

Is this how he'd find her?

"Maybe it's time to stop being such a coward then, big guy."

With a quick motion, he'd scoop the pad up and lumber towards his bedroom- hoping to find some kind of clean clothing that would be better than the stained tank top and old trousers he was sporting.

Tags: Valae Heavenshield

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae stood at the kitchen window, her eyes fixed on a point in the distance – a point she couldn't quite see, but she could feel. The force was quite telling; every subtle – and not so subtle – vibration of emotion flowed to her, flowed through her. The healer's lips pressed together into a thin line. Her friend was in pain.

When Valkren came to stay on Midvinter, she'd arranged for him to stay in a cabin set on the very edge of the Jorunn family property. It was a place her husband's father had once used for hunting, far enough from the town and the ranch to be in the wilderness... but not so far that civilization was completely forgotten. It would keep the soldier close, but distant enough that he could keep to himself if he wished. It had been Valae's hope that he'd come around after a bit of time and space had given him the opportunity to heal.

But, she knew all too well that some wounds just didn't want to close. Certain hurts bled, they never healed into scars that could be forgotten until they were seen. And Valae felt for the former Antarian Ranger, keenly.

Nearby, a large pot of hearty soup bubbled away on the stove and a kettle steamed.

"What are you cooking?"

Valae snapped from her thoughts and turned to see her teenage daughter, Alva Heavenshield , standing there with her nose crinkled up. "Oh, just some soup." She answered with a smile.

"Why?"

"To eat, of course," Valae said with a chuckle. Her daughter had inherited her looks, but her father's valkyri blood. The cold ran through their veins and kept them going, but they disliked warm drinks and soups. Having been born on Tatooine, Valae practically lived by the hearth or by the stove. She missed the warmth of the twin suns. And the cold here seemed to go right to her bones. "I'm goin' out to the cabin today, want to ride with me?"

She watched as her daughter's eyes lit up.

***

With the soup in a container to keep it warm, and a thermos full of fresh-brewed caf, the two set out into the snow. Valae stood back while Alva fetched the horses, the girl was far more comfortable around the beasts than she was... and she had a way with them that was truly special. Since she'd come to Midvinter, Valae had managed to ride well enough... but it didn't feel quite confident enough to command a horse. That's why she only rode when her husband or Alva were there to help.


"How long is he going to stay there?" Alva asked, eyeing her mother as they ushered the horses on towards their destination. "I mean, it's odd... right? Staying there all alone." Her tone was curious, not overly judgmental. But Alva couldn't truly understand, not yet – and hopefully not ever.


"He'll stay as long as he needs," Valae answered as she squeezed the reigns in her gloved hands. "I haven't seen him 'round the ranch lately, so I thought it'd be nice to pay Valk a visit."

***

When they arrived, Valae dismounted and felt her boots sink into the snow. Her feet would truly appreciate the roaring warmth of a fire, but the smoke from the chimney came up in weak drifts. She'd bid her daughter to go gather a bit more wood after tending to the horses, and Valae moved to the wooden door, where she knocked with a fist.

"Hey," she called. "You home?"

Valkren Calderon

 

[Valkren Calderon]

Valkren didn’t realize the pair had been heading down the snow-laden path that led to his cabin. He had moved from his previously cozy living room- which was now quite the mess- into his bedroom. Sounds of items being tossed about and grumbles from the soldier were traveling amongst the decent sized cabin. It seemed as if Valk' was simply asking himself a series of questions as he readied his 'gear.'

The main question being: did he really want to do this?

After so many years away from combat and any kind of adventures, he was bound to be thrust back into the things that he tried so hard to avoid if he went through with this.

She's worth it.

He didn't know what had happened to Roo,' but whatever it was- he just needed to know.

Across his bed was a mix of familiar yellow and white plating, a body suit that looked way too small for the hulking figure, a mess of different items of clothing that he seemingly tossed from his drawers, and the single data pad that still possessed the face of his old acquaintance. It wasn’t long that before Valkren had all these contents packed into a bag and rolled directly into the living room.

Not more than a few seconds later, the now fast-moving man was hurrying back into the living room. Passing by the bag that lay on its side, only to rush into the kitchen to do the literal bare minimum to start a pot of coffee up. He’d need plenty of energy considering his heavy case of sleep exhaustion- though it had been quite long since he’d cleaned the coffee maker. Suddenly the ex-commander jolted at the sound of a knock at the door- followed by a very familiar and welcoming voice.

"Hey, you home?"

Valkren had almost accidentally tossed his coffee mug clean over his shoulder after being spooked by this sudden arrival- tossing bits of hot liquid from the container up onto his shirt and neck.

"Ah! Kark- Give me a second!" He'd move to slap away any of the coffee that had jumped to his tanktop, before setting the mug down on the counter. Valk' began to take off on a quick jog back by the door into his bedroom- ripping the tanktop off over his head in order to throw on a cleaner shirt for better presentation.

Didn't want the world to know that he was just doin' the least out here.

Eventually he'd return to the front door, swinging it open and moving himself in the doorway. A wide grin would grow across his face as he saw Valae Heavenshield . With this came the usual rush of emotions he'd always had when he saw her. Valae had been one of Valk's closest friends, and one of the few still around. She had been there at the beginning, when he first joined the Rangers and the Silvers. She had been there through Ord Radama, the death of Arisa- Even the 'revival' of Jyoti.

Suffice to say she was family.

He couldn't lie, with the state he was in at the moment, seeing Valae caused a mess in his head. Yet, it was one mess that he could control- as he always enjoyed seeing her. Hell, he often felt bad for her sticking out her neck for the aging soldier. Valkren didn't know the details on how he was allowed to stay here, but he was sure it couldn't have been easy for her.

"Val- what brings you out this way?" He kept his smile, lifting one of his thick arms out to offer a welcoming hug; the other arm being used to prop open the wooden door beside them.

Whether or not the embrace was returned, he'd speak up once again- craning his head to either side past the door. He didn't quite seem to see Alva yet. Cocking a brow, "You come out here alone, ma'am?"

Valae Heavenshield

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae listened at the door, not meaning to pry – but the sounds that came from within the cabin hinted at a frenzy of motion. Fast, heavy footsteps back and forth. And swearing, which made her chuckle. "Sure thing," she called, allowing Valkren the time he needed.

The door opened soon enough, and her friend was framed there in the doorway. A matching grin would find her face at the sight of him. And the swell of emotions was mirrored for a moment in the force, before passing into stillness again. They'd been through quite a lot. The healer was thankful for the soldier's steady presence during her time as Grandmaster, as unexpectedly as the role fell upon her shoulders following the apparent death of Arisa Yune.

Family. The feeling was mutual.

"Oh, I just thought I'd stop by with some lunch," she said with a nod, and held up the basket of bread, fruit, and container of warm soup. And in the other hand, the thermos of hot caf. Valae would swing an arm around Valk's waist to return the embrace.

"No, sir," Valae said as she straightened up again and moved past Valk into the the cabin. "Alva's here, she's fetching some wood for the fire – and will be along shortly."

Valae set the food down on the table, took off her heavy traveling cloak and draped it over the back of a chair, and turned to look at Valkren. It would be nice to catch him alone for a moment before Alva came in. And so, she gave him a kind yet piercing look. "How are you holding up, soldier?"

She really did want to know.

Motioning for Valk to come join her 'round the table, she set about pouring two cups of the hot caf. It was nice to enjoy a warm beverage with another human, her Valkyri fellows seemed to prefer blue milk, cold as ice.

"You been alright?"

Valkren Calderon

 

[Valkren Calderon]

A feeling of warmth flooded through him as he spotted the basket of goodies that Valae had brought along with her. His smile could only soften at this and the return of his embrace. As they left the hug, Valkren would step aside to let his old grandmaster by- before leaning back outside to glance back and forth to see if Alva was on the way back or not.

As he turned back inside he'd close the door behind him, leaving a small crack in it so Alva could push through easily once she had returned with firewood. The large figure would move into the living room in order to follow Val, suddenly stopping as she whipped around behind her own chair to look up at him.

Then came the question. Valkren couldn't have been surprised honestly, considering the amount of time he had spent out here alone he was sure that Valae surely would've come by to check. To be truthful, her visits were one of the few things that kept the ex-ranger commander from going off the rack fully. Perhaps she already knew that though.

He let a rather long and quiet sigh escape his lips as his shoulders dropped suddenly. It looked as if the soldier's posture and composure changed suddenly at the second question, this one coming off abit more intense than the last. He slowly settled into the chair after moving to chair back to allow easier acess.

As he settled, his hands traveled across the table and rested idly- eventually starting to fidget with one another as the man fought for the right words.

"I thought it'd get better..Thought it'd be different."

He glanced over his shoulder, assuring Alva wasn't standing in yet to hear before he glanced back to his friend.

"I'm super appreciative of everything you've done for me here Val.. I could never repay you."

He looked back to his hands, now still.

"There's something that's still weighing on me." He'd let a hurt chuckle escape, shaking his head in the process.

"Listen to me. You'd think I was never a soldier at this rate." His voice shook slightly at this response. He wanted to lie to her, and hide all the feelings that were arising. Yet he knew she could look right through him. There was no point.

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae watched her friend closely. His reaction to her question wasn't unexpected. She took in the subtle things, the way his shoulders rounded slightly. And his hands seemed to search for a purpose – or maybe a distraction.

"Don't even think of trying," she said, waving away his mention of repayment. He'd never owe her a thing as far as she was concerned. But still, his words did warm the heart.

The healer offered the soldier an encouraging smile.

"You're as much a soldier as you ever were, Valk," she said with a firm nod. However, she knew what he meant. The Antarian Rangers went out to battle in full armor, protected. Now, he'd left the battlefield and armor behind. Vulnerable. Valae took a small sip of her caf and paused in thoughtful silence for a moment.

She canted her head slightly as if listening.

Alva was still in the woods surrounding the cabin. Her daughter's presence in the force was steady, intent on her task. Valae reached out and instinctively gave Valk's hand a small pat.

"Go on," she said in a gentle tone and gave him a soft nod. "Tell me what's on your mind."

And as she waited for him to speak, she topped off their cups of caf.

Valkren Calderon