A Son Is Born
Transformations…
Chapter 21: A Son Is Born
They arrive at the colony a couple of hours later, landing at the now familiar hangar. They descend the ramp and walk over to where Thomas is waiting. “Hello, Sir,” Thomas says looking between Saber and Amanda who offers a shy smile in return.
“Hello Thomas, how are things here?” Saber asks.
“Robin is still in labor, although the way Elaine was talking, she may have had the child by now,” he replies.
Saber nods and turns towards Amanda, “Thomas, I’d like you to meet Amanda Kelly. We've been spending time together, and when you called, we decided she'd just come back with me, since she is off from work for the next week.”
Thomas extends his hand to her; she clasps his in return, “Nice to meet you, madam.” Then he adds with a smile, “I see now why he's preferred to stay at Calvary Command rather than here.”
Amanda smiles at him, a slight blush on her cheeks, “It's nice to meet you too, Sir.”
“So, how do you want to do this, Sir?” Thomas asks Saber. “I don't think I could ride Steed back to the estate, so perhaps Lady Amanda can ride with me, you leading on Steed?”
Saber starts to speak when Amanda pipes in, “Could I just try and ride with you on Steed, Saber?”
He looks at her a bit surprised, “I suppose you could. I could let you ride in front of me, to make sure that you don't fall.”
“Then why don't we try that, unless you're not comfortable with that. I'd understand if you weren't,” Amanda replies a little nervous.
Saber shrugs, “That works for me. You're in jeans, so you should be all right. If you change your mind, we can always stop and let you ride with Thomas.”
Amanda nods and Thomas loads up Saber's bag. “Lady Amanda, are you sharing luggage with Saber?”
Amanda looks at him blankly for a moment then shakes her head, “No Sir. I um, don't have any luggage. We left in a bit of a hurry. After things settle down, I'll go and buy a few things.”
Thomas nods and gets into the van as Saber helps Amanda onto Steed, then carefully gets on behind her reaching around to grab the reins. “Please let me know if you become uncomfortable,” Saber says settling into position before they begin their trip.
“I will,” she replies, chuckling.
“What is it?” he asks amused.
“I've never been on a horse before,” she replies.
“Well, hold on then,” he says as he tightens his grip on the reins and stiffening his arms a bit to steady her as they take off towards the estate.
They arrive to little fanfare much to Saber's relief. Thomas takes them in the rear entrance and shows Amanda to her room and Saber continues down the hall to the room that is now his. Thomas tosses the bag onto the bed and Saber looks around, “I just can't get used to being in this room, Thomas.”
Thomas chuckles, “You will, Sir.” He nods towards the door, “The young lady seems nice.”
Saber nods, “She is. I apologize for springing her arrival on you so suddenly.” Thomas looks over obviously amused. “I actually can't believe I invited her,” Saber adds quietly. “It just sort of came out as a logical solution.”
Thomas comes over and places a hand on Saber's shoulder, “Sir, if you are worried about what the others or Elaine or myself think, do not worry. I am actually glad to see you with someone who seems to be genuinely interested in you.”
Saber studies Thomas' face for a moment before speaking, “Thank you,” he says finally showing little emotion.
“I hope you don't think I meant something bad by that comment, I know you loved Sincia. That isn't what I meant,” Thomas says quickly, realizing what Saber was thinking by his expression. “I just actually wasn't sure you were willing to move on, so I am glad to see that you seem to be.”
Saber nods, relaxing a bit. “I should go and check on her before she runs into someone else that could scare her off,” he says lightly, a hint of amusement in his voice. “Where are the others waiting?”
“Most everyone other than Colt, Elaine, Robin and the doctor are in the common room,” Thomas replies.
“Thank you,” Saber replies and goes down the hall and knocks quietly on the door to Amanda's room.
Amanda opens it timidly and smiles, “I wasn't sure where I should wait, so I stayed here.”
“Are you ready for the bombardment of looks and questions?” Saber says a bit nervously, a smile forming.
She nods and smiles, “Sure. This could be interesting.”
He takes her hand and they head down the stairs towards the common area where the room is full of people waiting and talking. April is conversing with Fireball and stops mid-sentence, as she spots Saber coming down the stairs with a strange woman. Everyone turns upon seeing her expression.
Saber offers a smile to the curious on-lookers and he and Amanda come down and sit on an empty couch. No one says anything, but look to him expectantly. Amanda shifts a bit, not sure of how to act until Saber finally takes a breath and laughs, “Have I missed anything?” he asks casually.
April looks at him, trying to form a reply when Fireball bursts out laughing. “I can't believe it, you got her speechless!”
Saber chuckles and April looks between Saber, Amanda, and Fireball, not sure whom to address. “I guess I should make introductions,” Saber says finally, amusement evident in his voice. “This is Amanda Kelly. She is from the village I've been frequenting these past few months.” Amanda nods in greeting, still unsure of the others reactions to her presence.
Fireball comes over to her and extends his hand, “Hi I'm Fireball.”
“Hello,” she replies, clasping his hand briefly, her other hand still tightly intertwined with Saber's. “It's nice to meet you, Fireball.” she says a bit hesitantly.
“That's not his real name, it's a nickname. He used to be a racer,” Saber explains quietly. Amanda nods understanding. “His real name is Shinji Hikari,” Saber adds as an afterthought.
April stands up after regaining her composure, and comes over smiling broadly, “Hi Amanda, my name is April.” She extends her hand and Amanda takes it, “It's nice to meet you.” April turns to Saber and smiles, “Now we know what you've been up to, Saber.”
Saber goes to reply when a door opens and Elaine and Colt come out, both smiling. They both look a bit shocked when they see Saber and Amanda, but recover quickly. “Well, we have a son,” Colt announces proudly.
“Both mother and child are healthy,” Elaine announces. “They are currently resting, as they should be.”
Colt walks over to Saber and smiles, “I wanted to talk to you for a minute, if you don't mind, Saber.” Colt says looking curiously at Amanda, who reluctantly lets go of Saber's hand.
“I'll be right back,” he says quietly to her. She nods and he follows Colt to the room he had just come out of.
“What's wrong, Colt?” Saber asks concern evident in his voice.
Colt smiles, “Nothing's wrong, I wanted to ask if we could name our son after you and your father.”
Saber tries to suppress a look of surprise. “What?” he finally stammers, not sure he's heard correctly.
Colt chuckles, “Has that girl messed your brain up?” he asks amused tapping Saber’s forehead. “Robin wants to name our son 'Richard Edward Wilcox' I wanted to ask your permission before committing to it, but you've obviously been otherwise occupied,” he adds with a smirk, nodding towards the door.
Saber smiles, finally understanding where the conversation was heading. “If that’s the name you want, then I am honored, Colt,” he replies finding his voice once more.
Colt looks at him for a minute and laughs, “Here I thought you were actually working all that time you were gone.”
“I was,” Saber replies, “part of the time. Things just sort of...happened.” Colt grins as Saber continues, “Amanda and I had planned on spending the day together and were almost back to Calvary Command when I got word that Robin was in labor. It would have taken me two hours to take her back to her place, then another four to get here from there, so I just asked her to come along. I don't know what I was thinking, I suppose I wasn't, but it seemed like a logical solution.”
Colt chuckles, watching Saber shift a bit uncomfortably, “I'm happy for you. I hope it works out.” He nods towards the door where Robin and the baby are sleeping, “Would you like to come and see him?” Saber nods, smiling. “I figure if we're naming him after you, you should be the first to see him,” Colt says quietly as they enter the bedroom. Robin looks up and smiles looking tired, holding the sleeping baby against her.
“Hello Robin,” Saber says quietly as he looks at the child in her arms.
“He agreed to the name, Robin,” Colt says as he approaches the bed from the other side.
Robin looks up and nods, “Thank you, Saber. I thought the name was fitting. You have allowed us to stay here, and I wanted to honor the memory of your father.”
Saber nods, “It's an honor, Robin. He's beautiful,” he replies quietly. “You should rest now, you look tired.”
“Now, you'd better get back out there before Elaine and April scare Amanda off,” Colt says quietly.
Saber chuckles, “I guess I did abandon her in the lion's den. Hopefully she'll forgive me.”
“Who’s Amanda?” Robin asks quietly, looking confused between the two men.
Colt takes the infant from Robin, cradling him carefully in his arms. “She’s Saber’s girlfriend. He brought her with him here and evidently it’s been a bit of a surprise to some of the others,” Colt replies, obviously amused. “I think I'll take him out for the others to see, so you can rest, Robin,” Colt says.
Robin smiles at Saber, “I’m glad you’ve met someone,” she says obviously exhausted.
“Thank you, Robin,” Saber replies quietly as Robin hands the baby to Colt before drifting off to sleep.
Saber gets ahead of the new father and child and holds the door for them, following them back out into the room of people. He spots Amanda and goes to her, giving her an apologetic look.
She smiles at him and looks at him with concern, “Is everything all right?” she asks him quietly as he sits down beside her.
He nods, “Yes, everything is fine. They wanted my permission to name their child a certain name.” She looks at him curiously, and he smiles, “I suppose I should tell you that my birth name is actually 'Richard',” he says quietly. “Saber is a nickname my father gave me when I was younger. I liked it better, so that's what I use. The other sounds so formal to me.”
Amanda smiles and nods, “I like either one. I was just curious as to what was going on.”
“Everything is fine, Colt just was a bit thrown off by your presence and wasn’t sure if he should ask in front of you, or the others for that matter.” he nods towards Elaine and April, “Did they give you too much grief while I was otherwise occupied?”
Amanda shakes her head, “Not at all. Ms. Elaine came over and introduced herself. I told her my name and that I came with you from Calvary Command. She just smiled and made small talk telling me to let her know if I needed anything. April was asking where I was from and such, but some of her questions were a bit more direct than I felt like answering, I think Elaine realized this and came to my rescue.”
“I’m grateful for that then,” he looks around and spots Elaine, who comes over and places a hand on Saber’s shoulder.
“I’m glad to see you made it back, Saber. I was a bit surprised by your friend here though,” Elaine says amused.
Saber smiles, and takes Amanda’s hand again. “Elaine, would it bother you if we went shopping for a little? We didn’t have time to gather any clothes for her, before we came here, so I told her we could get her some things once everything seemed settled,” Saber says quietly.
Elaine nods, looking around the room, “Everyone else seems occupied, so I don’t see where there would be any problem. Why don’t you take our car, rather than your horse? It would make it easier to transport anything you buy. You know where the keys are?” He nods. “Dinner will be a little late, perhaps closer to seven, so take your time,” Elaine finishes.
Saber nods, “Thank you, Elaine,” he says, kissing her cheek. “If anyone asks, you can tell them where we went. I’m sure April will be inquiring soon enough,” he adds before leading Amanda through the kitchen and getting the keys as they quietly go out the back door.
Several days pass, Saber and Amanda come back from riding around the grounds. Several visitors have come and gone, including a few from Orb. Amanda dismounts and joins Saber as they walk up towards the house. “I can’t believe the week is nearly over,” she says sounding a bit disappointed.
Saber looks over to her and smiles, “You don’t sound too thrilled.”
“I don’t want to go back,” she says quietly.
Saber chuckles, “I wish you didn’t have to either. I’ve enjoyed having you here,” he replies. “Hopefully, I can still visit you and the children at the school.”
“Anytime you want to. I will definitely enjoy it, and I’m sure the children will,” Amanda says. “They like having you around.” They sit quietly in the kitchen and grab a bite to eat, sitting at the small table. Both seem lost in their own thoughts. “I’m glad that your friends seem to have accepted me; even though you’ve had to endure some teasing because of it.”
“You are welcome here any time you wish, Amanda, just as they are. I just wish you could stay longer, as I’m afraid of fighting breaking out again at any time. I feel that this place is safer than any place close to Calvary Command, but I know that you have your own life and the kids to worry about,” Saber says quietly.
“Maybe one day I can stay for a longer time,” Amanda says. “If I haven’t run you off by then,” she adds with a smirk.
“Funny, I’m more afraid of scaring you off, than the other way around,” he replies honestly.
“I don’t see that happening, Saber. You have been good to me, making sure I felt comfortable and everything. If this is how you are normally, then I don’t think you have to worry about scaring me off any time soon, unless you just tell me to leave,” Amanda says while looking down at the table.
Saber takes her hand, “I don’t see that happening,” he says quietly. After a few minutes he breaks the silence that has fallen between them, “Well, you’re not leaving today, so let’s make the best of it, shall we?” he asks trying to sound cheerful.
Amanda looks up at him and smiles, “Yes, let’s. We’ve gone riding already, but I don’t mind going out again if you want to.”
Saber nods, “We could pack a lunch and go off and see where we end up. There are plenty of places we could have a picnic.”
Amanda grins, “Let’s do that then. It sounds like fun.”
Saber laughs, “All right. Let’s get things together. I think I know where Elaine keeps a blanket we could take to sit on as well.” They get everything ready and before long they head off.
A couple of weeks later, Saber is heading out towards the school from Calvary Command. The route is now very familiar to him and he rides it with ease. The farmers and workers are out in the fields, clearing the summer crops to begin preparations for the fall planting season just a few months away. Saber waves as he passes the workers, they nod back. He sees the school yard ahead and sees the children just returning to the building from lunch. He slows down and dismounts, just outside the school yard, leaving Steed near the gate. He walks casually up to the schoolhouse and opens the door quietly. He steps inside unnoticed by the children, Amanda sees him, but continues giving her lesson, allowing him a very brief smile. He goes and sits quietly at the back until she finishes giving her assignments. She comes to the back after she sets the children to work and greets him quietly.
“How are you?” he whispers, so as to not disturb the class.
She smiles, “I’m doing fine. How are things with you?”
Saber sighs, “Chaotic at home, so I came back to the peace of Calvary Command,” he says wryly.
“I didn’t think it was so bad at your place,” she replies trying not to laugh.
“You were a welcome distraction. I was able to leave and no one worried about what I was doing; now they try to keep tabs on me, it’s irritating. So I decided to come back here for peace and quiet,” he replies.
Amanda chuckles and shakes her head, “I’m glad you’ve come back, no matter the reason.” She turns and looks out at her class, a few of them casting glimpses in their direction and whispering. She gives them a warning glance and the students quickly turn back to their work. “Would you like some dinner after class let’s out? We could talk more then.”
Saber nods, “I’d like that, provided you have enough for both of us without extra effort.” He smiles, “You do know that I am capable of feeding myself, don’t you?”
She grins, “I know, you are. But I enjoy having dinner with you.”
After school lets out, Saber and Amanda are sitting talking over dinner. “I had no idea that you literally lived in a castle, Saber.” She says amused.
Saber finishes the bite he’s on before answering with a smile, “I suppose that was a bit of a surprise to you, wasn’t it?” She nods. “I don’t really think about it anymore, it’s just where I’m from, so it’s normal for me. Although I’m still not used to the idea of being the ‘head’ of the household; that gets a bit tedious at times, so I am grateful for Thomas and Elaine.”
“I’m glad that you couldn’t see my face when we arrived, I’m sure you would have laughed at it,” Amanda replies amused.
Saber shakes his head, “I wouldn’t have. I would have smiled, but I wouldn’t laugh at you.”
“I guess I should have expected something like that though when you mentioned being a nobleman. It’s just that you don’t come off as snobbish, like others that I have met,” she adds quietly.
“I know I’m not like a lot of others in my position, I am much more attuned to being a soldier, rather than dealing with other noblemen,” Saber replies. They sit quietly for a while enjoying the food and company. They finish dinner and go and sit on the couch and he looks over to her, “Well, you know where I’m from, I was wondering where you’re from. You alluded to being from somewhere else, but never said more, so I’m just curious,” Saber asks, watching her for some sort of reaction.
Amanda nods looking a bit nervous, “Well, I lived in Yuma for most of my life. I was born there, but my parents separated when I was young. My father wasn’t in love with my mother; he only married her because she became pregnant with me. When I was fifteen, I came home to find my mother dead.” Saber gasps involuntarily, and Amanda looks down, fighting back tears as she continues, “The police decided that she had taken a bad combinations of cold pills or something. But since I was a minor, I was forced to go and live with the father I had never met. Neither one of us was exactly pleased with the arrangement. We would argue constantly. I finally just left. He never tried to find me. I lived with various friends and managed to finish school. The last family that took me in was moving so I had to find somewhere else to live. My friend’s mother heard about this job from her sister, so I applied and got it. I’ve been here for the last several years.” She takes a deep breath as she finishes, not wanting to look up.
“It sounds like you’ve overcome a lot, Amanda. You have a strong will and resolve, both are admirable qualities. Perhaps that’s why you are good with the children,” Saber says quietly. “If you’re worried that your past will bother me, don’t. It has made you who you are, and I enjoy being around you. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You should be proud of the person you’ve become.” He takes her hand and she looks up and smiles weakly at him. They chat for a while when Saber’s com-link goes off, causing both of them to jump slightly.
“This is Saber, go ahead.”
Commander Eagle’s voice comes over the com-link, “We need you back at Calvary Command as fast as you can get here.”
“What’s going on?” Saber inquires as he stands up getting ready to leave, casting a nervous glance to Amanda.
Commander Eagle’s voice replies, “Sextilis has been destroyed. We don’t know how yet. We’re still gathering data.”
Saber’s face pales, “I’ll be there as quick as I can, Sir. Saber out.” He turns to Amanda, “Promise me you will go to a shelter if things seem to go wrong?” She nods and he embraces her briefly and kisses her. “I’ll be back when I can.”
She nods as he turns and is out the door as she whispers, “I love you”. He stops as he’s mounting Steed and looks back briefly before leaving and taking off towards Calvary Command as fast as he can.
She goes to the doorway he has just left through and stands there as he leaves, her heart pounding in fear. “Please stay safe, Saber,” she whispers as he fades into the distance.
