Feelings of deja'vu.... again... (Tal)
Apr 10, 2020 1:30:58 GMT
Post by Admin on Apr 10, 2020 1:30:58 GMT
Feelings of deja'vu again
www.sw-rpg.net/forums/showthread.php?44946-Feelings-of-deja-vu-again-(Tal)
Alizabeth Moroveston
03-15-2016, 02:21 AM
Pain.
It was the first thing Liz felt as consciousness slowly tugged at her. Her dreams had been haunting. Thoughts of what had happened replayed themselves over and over again. Each time twisting itself into something worse.
She was laying on her back, on the hospital bed. Wires monitored her heart, her breathing, her sleeping. Her face was mottled purple and her left eye still swollen completely shut. The right eye was growing brighter in it's mottled hue, but would open enough to allow her to somewhat see. The cuts on both cheeks, from upper cheek jawline had been sealed and the cut on her left temple as well.
Her body wasn't covered in a gown, but it wasn't needed. Nearly every part of her upper torso was swaddled in white strips of linen. Her upper chest was covered because of the brand over her heart. The word JACK had been fire burned into her flesh. Her two bottom left ribs were broken, several more cracked or bruised. Her wrists, also wrapped in the soft white linen, had scars where she had tugged on restraints. The chain marks still visible beneath the coverings from the pulling.
It had been three days since she had murmured to Tal to please take her home.
Liz slowly felt herself waking up and her eyes tried to open. The pain hit again. She tried to raise her hand but it felt like lead. She managed to open her right eye enough to see light, but even then it hurt. A softly whimper escaped her lips as she managed to speak.
"Taalll..."
*****************************************
Tal Kote
03-16-2016, 03:47 AM
We're alive...
-That thought seemed to echo through the mandalorian's mind several times over. Both he and Liz had survived an encounter with the "mad sith clown" known as Jack Sheetai. But at what cost? Liz had barely walked from that torture chamber alive, and well Tal.... a terrible gash on his left shoulder. Nothing some bacta and bandages could fix up. It had been three whole days since they escaped that world. Tal, himself, had carried Liz to safety. Battered, bruised, and exhausted! But somehow he had managed to save her life.-
-Over the course of three days; Tal had paid regular visits to Liz. The doctors had done all they could with surgeries and bacta treatments. Now the rest was up to her. The last time Tal was in a hospital, he had surgery on his back. And to put it fairly, it didn't go well. Would this be any different... Liz was in a hospital bed now. And here he was paying regular visits hopping that she would eventually wake up.-
-Walking into her hospital room, Tal had dressed himself casually. Three days wasn't enough time to say that hair had grown. What was noticeable was a little scruff appearing on his face. It had been so long, that he nearly forgot the basics of hygiene. Bright yellow eyes looked upon Liz; still laying there unconcious wrapped in white linen. One thing he had noticed was the branding symbol on her chest. The word "JACK" barely noticeable, but he could see it. Yes it was there. Not like the scares on his back from that Zakkeg on Mandalore. This was a different story to tell. This mark was more like a tattoo.-
-Minutes only seemed to tick by while he sat there. Sleep wasn't a thing for him until he saw her move. Wait she moved...? Inching closer to her bed side; the blond mandalorian leaned in closer. His cold metallic prosthetic hand cupped around the hand that she tried to lift up.-
"Taalll..." -Her words were barely a whisper.-
-A small smile came to his face, more relieved then ever.- "Liz..?" -What else could he say. Overall he was just happy that she was alive and well.-
*********************************
Liz
03-16-2016, 03:59 AM
She felt the cold of his prosthetic hand and jerks a moment in surprise. The fear it was Jack's steel clouded her mind till she opened her eyes and saw Tal. "Tal... is it... is it over?" She tried to look around but when she glanced back, all she saw was the worry on his face. Trying to lift her hand she barely made it to his face.
Swallowing against the pain in her throat, she tried to smile. "Promise me we aren't on Naboo. I don't think I can protect you on the way out this time." She wanted to ease the pain she saw in his eyes. Seeing it made her glad he hadn't seen her the first time she had been this bad. By the time she had returned from Drunkenwell, all that were left were scars in places he hadn't seen. Her back, hips, and legs held scars that hadn't been seen to right away. It would have left her hospitalized longer than needed for her check up once home. She didn't want that.
A thought crossed her mind then and panic rose in her voice as she tried to sit up and move. She didn't want to be there. She had to leave before they came to see her. "Tal... please...uhhhh," She winced as tears filled her eyes when the pain across her ribs and chest flattened her on the bed again. Squeezing her eyes against the kick of agony that shot through her body, she choked out the rest. "Don't let them send me away... plleaseeeee." The words were pitiful and small. A far cry from the woman who had taken charge months ago and led them to safety in the wake of a mad hunter. "Promise me... please..."
She went still on the bed hoping if she could ignore her body a moment, the pain would go away. But her fingers were clenched tight enough around Tal's metallic hand that her own knuckles were turning white.
The monitors had started blinking and chirping as Liz tried to rise from the bed. Her heart rate soared and the tug on her IVs sent bells and whistles off enough to bring a nurse into the room. "Who are you? You shouldn't be in here. She needs her rest." She woman hadn't even looked up till all the monitors were once more silent and a shot of pain killers was starting its course through her veins slowly settling her heart rate and breathing.
Then the nurse looked up and blanched. "High Commander, Sir. I am sorry. I didn't expect. Forgive me. You can stay of course." She stood up a bit straighter and tried to smile. She had been doing her duty and wouldn't apologize, but that was no reason to remain clip and rude.
"Sir, I have notified her supervisors, but there is another name, a Mr Faulkner. He is to be notified, along with yourself, Sir, if she were ever admitted. Shall I contact him now as well? We were waiting for her to see the doctor this afternoon but as you are here, you can make the call."
********************
Tal
04-15-2016, 01:54 AM
"You are safe now, Liz..." -The mandalorian's words were soft and comforting; barely even a whisper that could be heard.- "It's over." -Since the incident with Jack Sheetai; memories had played over and over again on what had happened. Tal still had the holo-transmission saved and at times played it since their arrival back. What the sith had done made Kote's blood boil to a certain degree. Sure he was mandalorian, but he wasn't a "one man army". There could of been chaos if the Republic found out that their military leader was dead. Tal had to remember that he had the support of the NR to back him up. Sure Liz was an intern, but the mandalorian had found himself on guard duty several times over in the past. Personalized senate guard specifically assigned to her. That was his job for a solid six months... if not more.-
-His hand clenched slightly on Liz's hand as it jerked. She was still going over the visions of what had happened three days ago.... no it was six months ago. That recovery time from his surgery on his back. How could he forget that?!- "You are safe Liz," -He said once more.- "We aren't on Naboo... we are home." -Telos. Three days was all it took to come back home. And at the time she had been unconscious. It had been enough time for doctors to assess both of their injuries. Of course... Tal had to be the lucky one here.-
It's okay... It's okay... It's okay.... -Closing his eyes; the blond mandalorian moved his head down to her bed sheets.-
"I promise," -The blonds words were shaking; this wasn't from the lack of sleep. It sounded like he was breaking down into tears. He didn't want to see her hurt anymore. Safety was of great importance now. Not because of his mandalorian roots, but he didn't want to see anything else happen to her.-
-At that point he had been ignoring the bells and whistles that came from the machines. Everything from the heart monitor to her IV lines. Yellow eyes lifted up to a nurse who entered in. Taking in a deep breath of air and exhaling; Kote forced a smile to his face.- "You are only doing your job," -He said calmly.- "It's alright." -For a brief moment; Tal's yellow eyes lowered over to Liz. He really couldn't tell if she had fallen back to sleep or not. At least she was resting and back with the NR. Exhaling his eyes focused over to the nurse who brought up Adam. He couldn't really remember the last time he was with him.... other then the times they had missions together.-
"I honestly don't know where Mr. Faulkner is to be honest," -Tal responded calmly.- "The last time I spoke to him was well over four or five years ago. So I don't know if he would answer if you tried to contact him." -Once again his eyes lowered over to her; he alone was surprised that Liz had placed him on emergency contact list. Touching her hand gently with his prosthetic; Tal was simply happy to have her back safely.-
*******************************
Liz
04-23-2016, 06:27 PM
The nurse had seen the look Tal had given the young lady in the bed. This was more than merely another soldier to him. She let her own smile settle a bit more easy and nodded. "Mr. Faulkner will be notified. I will see to it." She nodded and left the room.
Liz had been laying in silence, breathing easier as the sedatives once more took the edge of the burns, cuts, scrapes and bruises she felt over nearly every inch of her body. Once she was sure she could speak again, she opened her eyes as the nurse departed. Looking up to Tal, she tried smiling once more. "If Adam shows up, he's gonna kill us both. You know that, right?" She almost laughed but cut it short with a his of pain as her ribs once more reminded her it was a bad idea.
Soft eyes, glazed with meds and fatigue, looked up at the blonde Mandalorian. Her words were nearly a whisper as she tried to read his expression when she spoke.
"How long have you been the High Commander?"
The look on her face was a mix of pain and confusion. She had been with him several times since she had come home almost a year ago. And they had been out together even more often since his hospital stay for his own surgeries six months ago. But as she looked back, little things started to make sense.
He always picked her up, had her picked up or they met someplace. She had never been back to his place since her return home. Their dates, while being just the two of them, were no longer a sharing of credits. He always seemed to pick up the tab. And the places they went, to try and see, were on the higher end of the scale then they had been previously. She had chalked it all up to him trying to impress her and make her feel missed and welcome her home once again.
She realized now that his rise in station had made that endeavor even easier than before. But it still didn't explain why he had never said anything.
*********************************
Tal
05-10-2016, 01:13 AM
Let's only hope... -Thought the mandalorian.-
-Watching the nurse leave; Kote was unsure that Adam would come around. If he did then it would surprise the blond to an extent. However, he would probably hear an earful anyway from him. Not protecting Liz when he was supposed to. There would probably be a sentence or two that would come up on mandalorian pride and/or honor. Tal really couldn't help it though... he was now the High General of the New Republic. Did he at all have any time for those who were in the government? Well maybe a few... But that was different. Chief of State Adrian would probably yell at him for going out to rescue an intern. This was on his own decision; Tal was risking his own neck to bring Liz back home to Telos.-
"Yeah; he sure like to threaten people doesn't he?" -Tal let out a chuckle recalling the number of times that Adam threatened him if he didn't perform his job correctly. Yes. At the time Tal was a guard dog for the government, but now was much more different then those years ago when Kote followed Liz around like a lost puppy. But now everything was more serious... Tal had something for Liz to where he always wanted to make sure she was safe.-
-Yellow eyes lifted almost instantly when she spoke of his role as High General.... the military leader. It had been nearly a year since she returned and Tal hadn't said anything to her about him being the military leader for the New Republic. He was still young in age, but that never counted for the time that he lied about being a simple Captain when she returned. But this entire time he had kept this secret from her. His head lowered only for a moment.-
"I'm sorry Liz," -Tal said calmly.- "I should of told you when you returned. But I had this gut feeling that you wouldn't want to be around me anymore. I gained this role about three years ago. The previous leader had handed in his resignation to Chief of State Adrian, and about three months later Adrian had approached me with the offer to become the next military leader of the New Republic. Ever since then I've been commanding the army and navy in the war against the Sovereign Galactic Empire."
-It only seemed a lot to process through, but it was the truth. Tal had only abandoned her when he was in the hospital recovering from his spinal surgery. A little more machine now; Liz had accepted his apology. But how would she fair now that she knew he was the military leader?-
**********************************
Liz
05-15-2016, 12:51 PM
"So it's true...." She sighed and closed her eyes a moment. He had been High Commander for three years. So he had been promoted when she was missing. She wondered, now, if that was the news he had wanted to share with her the night they were to go to dinner with Adam. The dinner she missed because the Republic sent her away to recover. The exile had done more harm than good.
But she was home now. And he was High Commander.
She finally opened her eyes once more and looked at him. "You shouldn't have come for me, Tal. now Jack wants war. And it's my fault because you came for me." She felt tears filling her eyes once more. She realized suddenly that she cared for him. She loved him. But he was risking his career, and the Republic, in going after her. "You went alone, didn't you?" She tried to smile, but the pain killers were starting to take affect and she was fighting them.
She knew she should tell him to stay away. She knew his career and the Republic should come first. But she couldn't bring herself to say it. All she could manage was to slide her hand to the edge of the bed. "Please.... stay... even if just for today. I don't know what we will do. But I can't... I can't send you away." She felt the tears slide down her cheeks as she suddenly felt very selfish. "I am sorry... but I'm not strong enough to send you away. But I'll understand if you have to." She hoped he would realize she was giving him an out if he wanted it, or needed it. An out to leave her room for the night, or to leave her life. Despite how confused she was, and how wrong she knew it was, she couldn't bring herself to tell him to go.
*******************
Tal
05-21-2016, 11:43 PM
-Kote knew that he was risking his job to save an intern, and literally he really didn't care. That was something he chose to do... and do alone to add. Of course his position as military leader was important, but so was his desire to keep Liz safe from harm. The mandalorian teachings inside of him out-weighed the military training he received in the New Republic. His blood lineage had told him to save Liz. If the Chief of State or the Intel Director decided to replace him; that would be fine. He didn't care... so long as Liz was safe from harm.-
-Yellow eyes finally lifted up as soon as she said something about him coming alone.-
"Yes," -Tal said calmly; his mechanical hand taking her hand gently.- "It was my decision Liz. I had received the transmission from Jack and left Telos to rescue you. I don't care if I am replaced; I decided on my own to come."
-He inched closer to her. He wanted to comfort her; to have her know that he wouldn't be going anywhere. It may not be right for a military leader to hold such close relations to someone of the government. But he wasn't going to leave. He loved her to much to stay away. Even if it meant him losing his position as High General of the New Republic. He would remain at her side for as long as he should live.-
"I'm not going anywhere; I'm staying here with you Liz." -A warm smile came to his face wanting to reassure her.-
*******************
Liz
06-11-2016, 11:40 PM
She had been looking away from him as he spoke. Liz felt guilty for him risking his life for her own. How could he be ssooo reckless? But then he said he want going anywhere...And she looked up at his face.
The smile she saw made nearly all the guilt melt away. He hadn't done it because she was part of the government, or even just because Jack had sent the message.
Her hand lifted slowly to the Mandalorian's cheek a her own smile soon matched his. She felt her voice catch, again, as she spoke. But this time it had little to do with her sore throat and more to do with emotions. As she shook her head she managed to speak loud enough for him to hear. "My crazy Mandalorian Warrior."
A coughing fit stopped the rest of her thoughts and words for a moment. When she finally managed too catch her breath again, she smiled once more. Trying to ease the pain they both felt from recent events, she squeezed his hand and smiled, this time her voice barely a whisper. "You can stay till you have to report in the morning. I promise I'll always wait for you, Tal."
It had taken them years to finally come too grips with the feelings that had skimmed over them both that first training session before her first mission. But finally, they had found voice and conviction in those feelings. And she knew, now, that they'd never be apart again if they could help it.
*************************************
Tal
06-14-2016, 01:42 AM
-Everything seemed to happen for a reason that brought Tal and Liz together. He wanted to make sure she was safe and happy, and risking his military role in the New Republic was just the start of it. Then again he had done this time and again for her. Kote thought it was his job to ensure that she was safe from harm. It was just how he was brought up as a mandalorian; his mentor back home had explained that if he was ever charged with protecting someone... protect them as if his life depended on it. And here he was protecting someone he cared deeply for. Ever since their training session.... no... their first mission together they had grown close.-
-Yellow eyes lifted up watching her closely; he literally couldn't help but smile.-
"Thank you." -Hearing her coughing he lowered his head.- "Now please rest; you definitely need it after all that has happened."
-His hand remained on top of hers; sitting at her bed side. Kote had not taken a break or slept since she had come to this hospital. And he wouldn't till she was out of bed and walking again. Reporting back to the NR would be on a different time. All he wanted was to make sure she was recovering.-
*********************
Liz
08-31-2016, 05:17 PM
Liz smiled up at him and shook her head. "I'll rest if you do something for me. Please go back to work. But hovering here, not sleeping, not eating, isn't helping anyone." She squeezed his hand and relaxed a bit more back into the pillows as another couch fit grew in her chest. "Please, Tal... We can't let our problems outweigh those of the Republic, please. If Jack is true to his word, things are going to get ugly. You need to be there, hun. Please." She managed to cover her mouth as another small cough coursed thru her body.
Settling once more, she smiled. "How can you protect us if you are here with me?" She closed her eyes a moment and then looked back up and winked. "It's not like I'm not going anywhere. I promise not to get into trouble while you are gone." She hoped her words would resonate enough to remind him he had bigger responsibilities than just her. Maybe if Adam showed up, to help watch over her, he would consider it. But she couldn't wait that long. She hadn't seen or heard from Adam in ages and didn't even know if he was on planet right then. She only hoped, once more, that his Mandalorian instincts would allow him to go back to work and at least see if Jack had made good on his promise of war yet.
*************************
Tal
09-06-2016, 03:00 AM
-She did have a point to be made there. If the New Republic was attacked by the sith because of his arrogance; Tal probably wouldn't be able to step back on Telos grounds again. Sure he had protected Liz from one force user, but there were several out there. And she had made a point... he was the leader; which meant he needed to lead the military. The military high command wasn't going to stand for a High General that was never around. After a moment Tal nodded gently to Liz.-
"Alright," -Tal said in a calm soothing voice.- "You win; I'll go back to work. Just so long as you take it easy okay?" -He offered a gentle smile.-
**************************
Liz
09-06-2016, 03:48 AM
Liz laughed softly trying to keep her body still. She squeezed Tal's hand and smiled. "I am glad. I think we will both heal faster if we aren't sitting here staring and worrying and letting time stand still, hun."
"And I am sure I am well enough to travel back with you, or right behind you anyway. No reason I can't be home to recover. And yes," she nodded, "I will take it easy." Her smile faded a moment as she finished, half whispering as if not really wanting to say it out loud. "I don't want them to send me away again. I couldn't handle being away and alone like that this time."
Blinking back tears she felt coming, she forced a smile back on her face and looked back up at her man. "I can't believe how lucky I am to have you. And to think, just a couple years ago, you were taken from important duties to babysit me on my first mission. And not too happy about it if I recall." She tried not to laugh again. "I remember that first hopeless day in the training gymnasium. I was so helpless when it came to combat. How you taught me anything without driving yourself crazy is beyond me still. But I am glad you did, or we wouldn't be here now. Or," she mused winking, "I wouldn't be, anyway."
It had been his training that had saved her the first time, and his love for her that saved her the second. She knew he had originally thought her a burden, and was infinitely grateful that he didn't any longer.
********************************
END
www.sw-rpg.net/forums/showthread.php?44946-Feelings-of-deja-vu-again-(Tal)
Alizabeth Moroveston
03-15-2016, 02:21 AM
Pain.
It was the first thing Liz felt as consciousness slowly tugged at her. Her dreams had been haunting. Thoughts of what had happened replayed themselves over and over again. Each time twisting itself into something worse.
She was laying on her back, on the hospital bed. Wires monitored her heart, her breathing, her sleeping. Her face was mottled purple and her left eye still swollen completely shut. The right eye was growing brighter in it's mottled hue, but would open enough to allow her to somewhat see. The cuts on both cheeks, from upper cheek jawline had been sealed and the cut on her left temple as well.
Her body wasn't covered in a gown, but it wasn't needed. Nearly every part of her upper torso was swaddled in white strips of linen. Her upper chest was covered because of the brand over her heart. The word JACK had been fire burned into her flesh. Her two bottom left ribs were broken, several more cracked or bruised. Her wrists, also wrapped in the soft white linen, had scars where she had tugged on restraints. The chain marks still visible beneath the coverings from the pulling.
It had been three days since she had murmured to Tal to please take her home.
Liz slowly felt herself waking up and her eyes tried to open. The pain hit again. She tried to raise her hand but it felt like lead. She managed to open her right eye enough to see light, but even then it hurt. A softly whimper escaped her lips as she managed to speak.
"Taalll..."
*****************************************
Tal Kote
03-16-2016, 03:47 AM
We're alive...
-That thought seemed to echo through the mandalorian's mind several times over. Both he and Liz had survived an encounter with the "mad sith clown" known as Jack Sheetai. But at what cost? Liz had barely walked from that torture chamber alive, and well Tal.... a terrible gash on his left shoulder. Nothing some bacta and bandages could fix up. It had been three whole days since they escaped that world. Tal, himself, had carried Liz to safety. Battered, bruised, and exhausted! But somehow he had managed to save her life.-
-Over the course of three days; Tal had paid regular visits to Liz. The doctors had done all they could with surgeries and bacta treatments. Now the rest was up to her. The last time Tal was in a hospital, he had surgery on his back. And to put it fairly, it didn't go well. Would this be any different... Liz was in a hospital bed now. And here he was paying regular visits hopping that she would eventually wake up.-
-Walking into her hospital room, Tal had dressed himself casually. Three days wasn't enough time to say that hair had grown. What was noticeable was a little scruff appearing on his face. It had been so long, that he nearly forgot the basics of hygiene. Bright yellow eyes looked upon Liz; still laying there unconcious wrapped in white linen. One thing he had noticed was the branding symbol on her chest. The word "JACK" barely noticeable, but he could see it. Yes it was there. Not like the scares on his back from that Zakkeg on Mandalore. This was a different story to tell. This mark was more like a tattoo.-
-Minutes only seemed to tick by while he sat there. Sleep wasn't a thing for him until he saw her move. Wait she moved...? Inching closer to her bed side; the blond mandalorian leaned in closer. His cold metallic prosthetic hand cupped around the hand that she tried to lift up.-
"Taalll..." -Her words were barely a whisper.-
-A small smile came to his face, more relieved then ever.- "Liz..?" -What else could he say. Overall he was just happy that she was alive and well.-
*********************************
Liz
03-16-2016, 03:59 AM
She felt the cold of his prosthetic hand and jerks a moment in surprise. The fear it was Jack's steel clouded her mind till she opened her eyes and saw Tal. "Tal... is it... is it over?" She tried to look around but when she glanced back, all she saw was the worry on his face. Trying to lift her hand she barely made it to his face.
Swallowing against the pain in her throat, she tried to smile. "Promise me we aren't on Naboo. I don't think I can protect you on the way out this time." She wanted to ease the pain she saw in his eyes. Seeing it made her glad he hadn't seen her the first time she had been this bad. By the time she had returned from Drunkenwell, all that were left were scars in places he hadn't seen. Her back, hips, and legs held scars that hadn't been seen to right away. It would have left her hospitalized longer than needed for her check up once home. She didn't want that.
A thought crossed her mind then and panic rose in her voice as she tried to sit up and move. She didn't want to be there. She had to leave before they came to see her. "Tal... please...uhhhh," She winced as tears filled her eyes when the pain across her ribs and chest flattened her on the bed again. Squeezing her eyes against the kick of agony that shot through her body, she choked out the rest. "Don't let them send me away... plleaseeeee." The words were pitiful and small. A far cry from the woman who had taken charge months ago and led them to safety in the wake of a mad hunter. "Promise me... please..."
She went still on the bed hoping if she could ignore her body a moment, the pain would go away. But her fingers were clenched tight enough around Tal's metallic hand that her own knuckles were turning white.
The monitors had started blinking and chirping as Liz tried to rise from the bed. Her heart rate soared and the tug on her IVs sent bells and whistles off enough to bring a nurse into the room. "Who are you? You shouldn't be in here. She needs her rest." She woman hadn't even looked up till all the monitors were once more silent and a shot of pain killers was starting its course through her veins slowly settling her heart rate and breathing.
Then the nurse looked up and blanched. "High Commander, Sir. I am sorry. I didn't expect. Forgive me. You can stay of course." She stood up a bit straighter and tried to smile. She had been doing her duty and wouldn't apologize, but that was no reason to remain clip and rude.
"Sir, I have notified her supervisors, but there is another name, a Mr Faulkner. He is to be notified, along with yourself, Sir, if she were ever admitted. Shall I contact him now as well? We were waiting for her to see the doctor this afternoon but as you are here, you can make the call."
********************
Tal
04-15-2016, 01:54 AM
"You are safe now, Liz..." -The mandalorian's words were soft and comforting; barely even a whisper that could be heard.- "It's over." -Since the incident with Jack Sheetai; memories had played over and over again on what had happened. Tal still had the holo-transmission saved and at times played it since their arrival back. What the sith had done made Kote's blood boil to a certain degree. Sure he was mandalorian, but he wasn't a "one man army". There could of been chaos if the Republic found out that their military leader was dead. Tal had to remember that he had the support of the NR to back him up. Sure Liz was an intern, but the mandalorian had found himself on guard duty several times over in the past. Personalized senate guard specifically assigned to her. That was his job for a solid six months... if not more.-
-His hand clenched slightly on Liz's hand as it jerked. She was still going over the visions of what had happened three days ago.... no it was six months ago. That recovery time from his surgery on his back. How could he forget that?!- "You are safe Liz," -He said once more.- "We aren't on Naboo... we are home." -Telos. Three days was all it took to come back home. And at the time she had been unconscious. It had been enough time for doctors to assess both of their injuries. Of course... Tal had to be the lucky one here.-
It's okay... It's okay... It's okay.... -Closing his eyes; the blond mandalorian moved his head down to her bed sheets.-
"I promise," -The blonds words were shaking; this wasn't from the lack of sleep. It sounded like he was breaking down into tears. He didn't want to see her hurt anymore. Safety was of great importance now. Not because of his mandalorian roots, but he didn't want to see anything else happen to her.-
-At that point he had been ignoring the bells and whistles that came from the machines. Everything from the heart monitor to her IV lines. Yellow eyes lifted up to a nurse who entered in. Taking in a deep breath of air and exhaling; Kote forced a smile to his face.- "You are only doing your job," -He said calmly.- "It's alright." -For a brief moment; Tal's yellow eyes lowered over to Liz. He really couldn't tell if she had fallen back to sleep or not. At least she was resting and back with the NR. Exhaling his eyes focused over to the nurse who brought up Adam. He couldn't really remember the last time he was with him.... other then the times they had missions together.-
"I honestly don't know where Mr. Faulkner is to be honest," -Tal responded calmly.- "The last time I spoke to him was well over four or five years ago. So I don't know if he would answer if you tried to contact him." -Once again his eyes lowered over to her; he alone was surprised that Liz had placed him on emergency contact list. Touching her hand gently with his prosthetic; Tal was simply happy to have her back safely.-
*******************************
Liz
04-23-2016, 06:27 PM
The nurse had seen the look Tal had given the young lady in the bed. This was more than merely another soldier to him. She let her own smile settle a bit more easy and nodded. "Mr. Faulkner will be notified. I will see to it." She nodded and left the room.
Liz had been laying in silence, breathing easier as the sedatives once more took the edge of the burns, cuts, scrapes and bruises she felt over nearly every inch of her body. Once she was sure she could speak again, she opened her eyes as the nurse departed. Looking up to Tal, she tried smiling once more. "If Adam shows up, he's gonna kill us both. You know that, right?" She almost laughed but cut it short with a his of pain as her ribs once more reminded her it was a bad idea.
Soft eyes, glazed with meds and fatigue, looked up at the blonde Mandalorian. Her words were nearly a whisper as she tried to read his expression when she spoke.
"How long have you been the High Commander?"
The look on her face was a mix of pain and confusion. She had been with him several times since she had come home almost a year ago. And they had been out together even more often since his hospital stay for his own surgeries six months ago. But as she looked back, little things started to make sense.
He always picked her up, had her picked up or they met someplace. She had never been back to his place since her return home. Their dates, while being just the two of them, were no longer a sharing of credits. He always seemed to pick up the tab. And the places they went, to try and see, were on the higher end of the scale then they had been previously. She had chalked it all up to him trying to impress her and make her feel missed and welcome her home once again.
She realized now that his rise in station had made that endeavor even easier than before. But it still didn't explain why he had never said anything.
*********************************
Tal
05-10-2016, 01:13 AM
Let's only hope... -Thought the mandalorian.-
-Watching the nurse leave; Kote was unsure that Adam would come around. If he did then it would surprise the blond to an extent. However, he would probably hear an earful anyway from him. Not protecting Liz when he was supposed to. There would probably be a sentence or two that would come up on mandalorian pride and/or honor. Tal really couldn't help it though... he was now the High General of the New Republic. Did he at all have any time for those who were in the government? Well maybe a few... But that was different. Chief of State Adrian would probably yell at him for going out to rescue an intern. This was on his own decision; Tal was risking his own neck to bring Liz back home to Telos.-
"Yeah; he sure like to threaten people doesn't he?" -Tal let out a chuckle recalling the number of times that Adam threatened him if he didn't perform his job correctly. Yes. At the time Tal was a guard dog for the government, but now was much more different then those years ago when Kote followed Liz around like a lost puppy. But now everything was more serious... Tal had something for Liz to where he always wanted to make sure she was safe.-
-Yellow eyes lifted almost instantly when she spoke of his role as High General.... the military leader. It had been nearly a year since she returned and Tal hadn't said anything to her about him being the military leader for the New Republic. He was still young in age, but that never counted for the time that he lied about being a simple Captain when she returned. But this entire time he had kept this secret from her. His head lowered only for a moment.-
"I'm sorry Liz," -Tal said calmly.- "I should of told you when you returned. But I had this gut feeling that you wouldn't want to be around me anymore. I gained this role about three years ago. The previous leader had handed in his resignation to Chief of State Adrian, and about three months later Adrian had approached me with the offer to become the next military leader of the New Republic. Ever since then I've been commanding the army and navy in the war against the Sovereign Galactic Empire."
-It only seemed a lot to process through, but it was the truth. Tal had only abandoned her when he was in the hospital recovering from his spinal surgery. A little more machine now; Liz had accepted his apology. But how would she fair now that she knew he was the military leader?-
**********************************
Liz
05-15-2016, 12:51 PM
"So it's true...." She sighed and closed her eyes a moment. He had been High Commander for three years. So he had been promoted when she was missing. She wondered, now, if that was the news he had wanted to share with her the night they were to go to dinner with Adam. The dinner she missed because the Republic sent her away to recover. The exile had done more harm than good.
But she was home now. And he was High Commander.
She finally opened her eyes once more and looked at him. "You shouldn't have come for me, Tal. now Jack wants war. And it's my fault because you came for me." She felt tears filling her eyes once more. She realized suddenly that she cared for him. She loved him. But he was risking his career, and the Republic, in going after her. "You went alone, didn't you?" She tried to smile, but the pain killers were starting to take affect and she was fighting them.
She knew she should tell him to stay away. She knew his career and the Republic should come first. But she couldn't bring herself to say it. All she could manage was to slide her hand to the edge of the bed. "Please.... stay... even if just for today. I don't know what we will do. But I can't... I can't send you away." She felt the tears slide down her cheeks as she suddenly felt very selfish. "I am sorry... but I'm not strong enough to send you away. But I'll understand if you have to." She hoped he would realize she was giving him an out if he wanted it, or needed it. An out to leave her room for the night, or to leave her life. Despite how confused she was, and how wrong she knew it was, she couldn't bring herself to tell him to go.
*******************
Tal
05-21-2016, 11:43 PM
-Kote knew that he was risking his job to save an intern, and literally he really didn't care. That was something he chose to do... and do alone to add. Of course his position as military leader was important, but so was his desire to keep Liz safe from harm. The mandalorian teachings inside of him out-weighed the military training he received in the New Republic. His blood lineage had told him to save Liz. If the Chief of State or the Intel Director decided to replace him; that would be fine. He didn't care... so long as Liz was safe from harm.-
-Yellow eyes finally lifted up as soon as she said something about him coming alone.-
"Yes," -Tal said calmly; his mechanical hand taking her hand gently.- "It was my decision Liz. I had received the transmission from Jack and left Telos to rescue you. I don't care if I am replaced; I decided on my own to come."
-He inched closer to her. He wanted to comfort her; to have her know that he wouldn't be going anywhere. It may not be right for a military leader to hold such close relations to someone of the government. But he wasn't going to leave. He loved her to much to stay away. Even if it meant him losing his position as High General of the New Republic. He would remain at her side for as long as he should live.-
"I'm not going anywhere; I'm staying here with you Liz." -A warm smile came to his face wanting to reassure her.-
*******************
Liz
06-11-2016, 11:40 PM
She had been looking away from him as he spoke. Liz felt guilty for him risking his life for her own. How could he be ssooo reckless? But then he said he want going anywhere...And she looked up at his face.
The smile she saw made nearly all the guilt melt away. He hadn't done it because she was part of the government, or even just because Jack had sent the message.
Her hand lifted slowly to the Mandalorian's cheek a her own smile soon matched his. She felt her voice catch, again, as she spoke. But this time it had little to do with her sore throat and more to do with emotions. As she shook her head she managed to speak loud enough for him to hear. "My crazy Mandalorian Warrior."
A coughing fit stopped the rest of her thoughts and words for a moment. When she finally managed too catch her breath again, she smiled once more. Trying to ease the pain they both felt from recent events, she squeezed his hand and smiled, this time her voice barely a whisper. "You can stay till you have to report in the morning. I promise I'll always wait for you, Tal."
It had taken them years to finally come too grips with the feelings that had skimmed over them both that first training session before her first mission. But finally, they had found voice and conviction in those feelings. And she knew, now, that they'd never be apart again if they could help it.
*************************************
Tal
06-14-2016, 01:42 AM
-Everything seemed to happen for a reason that brought Tal and Liz together. He wanted to make sure she was safe and happy, and risking his military role in the New Republic was just the start of it. Then again he had done this time and again for her. Kote thought it was his job to ensure that she was safe from harm. It was just how he was brought up as a mandalorian; his mentor back home had explained that if he was ever charged with protecting someone... protect them as if his life depended on it. And here he was protecting someone he cared deeply for. Ever since their training session.... no... their first mission together they had grown close.-
-Yellow eyes lifted up watching her closely; he literally couldn't help but smile.-
"Thank you." -Hearing her coughing he lowered his head.- "Now please rest; you definitely need it after all that has happened."
-His hand remained on top of hers; sitting at her bed side. Kote had not taken a break or slept since she had come to this hospital. And he wouldn't till she was out of bed and walking again. Reporting back to the NR would be on a different time. All he wanted was to make sure she was recovering.-
*********************
Liz
08-31-2016, 05:17 PM
Liz smiled up at him and shook her head. "I'll rest if you do something for me. Please go back to work. But hovering here, not sleeping, not eating, isn't helping anyone." She squeezed his hand and relaxed a bit more back into the pillows as another couch fit grew in her chest. "Please, Tal... We can't let our problems outweigh those of the Republic, please. If Jack is true to his word, things are going to get ugly. You need to be there, hun. Please." She managed to cover her mouth as another small cough coursed thru her body.
Settling once more, she smiled. "How can you protect us if you are here with me?" She closed her eyes a moment and then looked back up and winked. "It's not like I'm not going anywhere. I promise not to get into trouble while you are gone." She hoped her words would resonate enough to remind him he had bigger responsibilities than just her. Maybe if Adam showed up, to help watch over her, he would consider it. But she couldn't wait that long. She hadn't seen or heard from Adam in ages and didn't even know if he was on planet right then. She only hoped, once more, that his Mandalorian instincts would allow him to go back to work and at least see if Jack had made good on his promise of war yet.
*************************
Tal
09-06-2016, 03:00 AM
-She did have a point to be made there. If the New Republic was attacked by the sith because of his arrogance; Tal probably wouldn't be able to step back on Telos grounds again. Sure he had protected Liz from one force user, but there were several out there. And she had made a point... he was the leader; which meant he needed to lead the military. The military high command wasn't going to stand for a High General that was never around. After a moment Tal nodded gently to Liz.-
"Alright," -Tal said in a calm soothing voice.- "You win; I'll go back to work. Just so long as you take it easy okay?" -He offered a gentle smile.-
**************************
Liz
09-06-2016, 03:48 AM
Liz laughed softly trying to keep her body still. She squeezed Tal's hand and smiled. "I am glad. I think we will both heal faster if we aren't sitting here staring and worrying and letting time stand still, hun."
"And I am sure I am well enough to travel back with you, or right behind you anyway. No reason I can't be home to recover. And yes," she nodded, "I will take it easy." Her smile faded a moment as she finished, half whispering as if not really wanting to say it out loud. "I don't want them to send me away again. I couldn't handle being away and alone like that this time."
Blinking back tears she felt coming, she forced a smile back on her face and looked back up at her man. "I can't believe how lucky I am to have you. And to think, just a couple years ago, you were taken from important duties to babysit me on my first mission. And not too happy about it if I recall." She tried not to laugh again. "I remember that first hopeless day in the training gymnasium. I was so helpless when it came to combat. How you taught me anything without driving yourself crazy is beyond me still. But I am glad you did, or we wouldn't be here now. Or," she mused winking, "I wouldn't be, anyway."
It had been his training that had saved her the first time, and his love for her that saved her the second. She knew he had originally thought her a burden, and was infinitely grateful that he didn't any longer.
********************************
END