A New Beginning

(PLEASE GIVE FEEDBACK!!! Comment on my story or e-mail me directly at mercilessraven@yahoo.com)

 

Biological Science

            “If you can’t come up with some kind of birth control we’re going to have to talk sterilization.” Rayne said with a sigh looking at Elizabeth. “I have four kids, the colony has limited resources for our family to be using most of.” She was exaggerating a little bit of course.

            “Rayne, it’s not as bad as all that.” Elizabeth said closing the file.

            “You guys have come up with cures for entire diseases in a matter of days since we came to Terra Nova. Why is birth control suddenly the impossible dream?” Rayne asked.

            Elizabeth hesitated for a moment and cleared her throat. “It’s not . . . really a priority issue.” Her brows raised when she heard that and she starred at the doctor. “Rayne, the goal here is to expand the colony and increase population. Obviously, something like birth control puts a damper on that.”

            “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Rayne said frustrated with her answer. She held up her hand showing four fingers, “Four kids, Elizabeth. Four. Are you looking? FOUR! In under 7 years. I’ve had very little down time since I got married.”

            “Like you mentioned before, there is always the old fashioned way.” The Doctor suggested.

            “Doesn’t work! Not for us. Especially now that I’m not allowed OTG at all. We just aren’t very good at staying away from each other, even when we’re mad or fighting.” Rayne looked at her for a moment and crossed her arms, “You cannot honestly be telling me there isn’t anything. Not everyone in Terra Nova is a saint, I’m sure there is promiscuity going on right and left, our population is almost half made up of soldiers and I know the military was big into providing protection in 2149.”

            “Condoms, the old standby.” Elizabeth said honestly. Rayne rolled her eyes in frustration. That moment between wanting to have sex and actually having sex required a moment of sanity that neither Rayne nor Taylor seemed to have as part of their biological make-up.

            “Then we’re going to have to talk sterilization.” Rayne said seriously.

            “You aren’t old enough, Rayne.” Elizabeth said honestly. “With the extreme measures 2149 were going to for population control, the rules are almost completely opposite here as they were there. You know this already, and you know that there isn’t anything I can do about it, it’s outlined clearly in the bylaws.”

            Rayne just looked at her and held up her hand again, “Four, Elizabeth.”

 

All Nighters

            Rayne sat on the floor of her lab, her back against the wall and her Plex in her lap as she sat next to a small pregnant animal that had apparently entered into the active stages of labor. She was monitoring it’s progress and keeping the systems updated as it seemed there were several hours left before the baby arrived.

            Taylor came in and leaned over her desk finding where she was staked out. He folded his hands and chuckled slightly causing her to look up at him. “Midwife?” He asked simply.

            “Sort of. More like observing bystander.” She looked back at her Plex and updated the systems readings before closing the file.

            “I know you have lab assistants that have been trained for this sort of thing. Why are you doing it?” He looked around, “Or at least why are you doing it by yourself?” Taylor questioned.

            “I needed some time to think.” Rayne answered honestly.

            “Oh?” He said his smile fading a bit as he could tell when something was on her mind. “About what?”

            Rayne didn’t answer right away but then decided that this was as good a time as any. She motioned for Taylor to come around the desk and sit down by her and she scooted over making room for him. When he sat down she thought another moment choosing her words. “Willow, Nathaniel, Cory and River. It’s a pretty good list, right?”

            Taylor gave a nod, “I think so. Pretty good Taylor roll call.”

            “So, wouldn’t a four Taylor roster be a good place to . . . . ya know . . . stop?” She questioned.

            Now it was clear what this conversation was about and Taylor had a feeling it had been coming for a while. “You don’t want any more kids.” He said rephrasing her words to what she actually meant.

            “I didn’t say that.” It sounded so harsh when it was said outright like that.

            “It might not have been your exact words but it’s what’s on your mind.” He said looking at her. Rayne sighed not really being able to argue it. “Honey, we’ve talked about this. If we are going to have more kids, we need to have them now. We can’t put it on hold, everything we do is in a high risk situation every day and I can’t promise that I’m going to be around for the next 10 years.”

            “We can’t populate the entire colony ourselves, Nathaniel, we need to let someone else have a chance.” Rayne countered.

            “Rayne,” Taylor looked at her, “Please.” He said seriously. “Having a large family is very important to me.”

            “Our family is twice as big as it we would have been allowed to make it in 2149. Are you certain you aren’t being greedy wanting more kids at this point?” Rayne asked.

            “Well, no I can’t say I’m not. You’re probably right, I am probably being greedy. But, Rayne,” He said turning towards her, “You have been so good at these pregnancies. You have come through all of them with flying colors. You and the children are healthy and strong . . . and beautiful.” Taylor rested his hand on her thigh. “Why shouldn’t we continue having kids as long as we can?”

            Rayne covered her face with her hand and sighed, this was going nowhere fast. She looked up at Taylor who held up three fingers. She leaned her head back against the wall and countered his proposal with one finger. Taylor half smiled and kissed her finger before holding up two of his own this time. Rayne held up the same finger again and he laughed, “Alright.” He said taking her hand and kissing her. “One more.”

            “Promise?” She said.

            “I can sure try and promise. But I can’t guarantee I won’t try to talk you into extending your limit again.” Taylor answered truthfully.

            “Well let’s start with the one and have this argument again later?” She said.

            “Okay that I can agree too.” He said with a grin kissing her cheek and wrapping his arm around her as he settled in to keep her company for a while.

 

Coordinates

            Taylor walked around the sight starring at the tracker but having no luck whatsoever finding what he came to find. He opened the com line, “Rayne.” He said knowing she was listening on the other end. “I’ve been here for three hours and I can’t find any trace of the damn thing.” He said annoyed.

            “It says that it’s there. The tracker is embedded underneath it’s skin. If it’s dead it should either be moving or there should be a carcass.” Rayne replied. “This would be much easier if I’d gone with you . . . .”

            “Maybe, but too bad.” He said after the epic size argument they’d had over it that morning, which resulted in his coming out himself to find this animal that she’d released back into the wild a few years back that had only recently made its way back in range of their instruments. “I’m about ready to call this a day, there is nothing here.”

            The conversation was interrupted by the sound of several sonic charging sounds. Taylor looked behind him to find that he’d gained company, five sixers with sonics and bows trained squarely on him. He narrowed his eyes finding that he was completely over barreled. He switched the com off and held up his hands.

            “Wow,” He heard a familiar voice say and turned to find Lucas standing not too far away starring at him and grinning from ear to ear. “ Now this, I wasn’t expecting.” He said moving a bit closer but staying out of his father’s reach. “I thought if we didn’t get her, we’d at least get a few soldiers, maybe a researcher in training. Never thought I’d see you running her errands, dad.” That’s why he couldn’t find the animal that Rayne had been tracking. It was an attempt to lure Rayne from the colony and into their trap. “How is mom these days?” He asked his words dripping with contempt.

            “She’s not your mother, Lucas.” Taylor said sternly keeping his eyes on his wayward boy.

            Lucas’s smile faded, “You have decided that she is. Otherwise you wouldn’t have married her and spent the following years fucking her constantly so that she popped out brats like little Taylor clones.” Lucas said his anger showing its head.

            “This quarrel has always been between me and you; Rayne has nothing to do with it.” Taylor would have already punched Lucas a few times if he didn’t have several weapons aimed at his head. “She never has.”

            Lucas laughed, “You know dad, I have never been able to understand how you can separate the two. I mean have you completely forgotten that I’m your son?” He questioned.

            “The things you’ve done to her, boy. However you’ve justified it in that head of yours, it’s inhuman. Rather than try to make up for your cruelty, here you are trying to capture and torture her again.” The commander looked at Lucas with disgust crossing his face, “You’ve lost your right to call me your father.” Taylor said seriously. It was enough to set Lucas’ temper off and he ran up punching him as hard as he could knocking him to the ground. Before Taylor could counteract and defend himself, he was stopped cold by the rather clear indication he was still surrounded by armed people who hated him through and through.

            Lucas crouched down beside him, the familiar wide-eyed look that had become part of his very being. It seemed like was trying to calm himself down enough to get  a hold of his rage and emotions. He regained his smile and looked at Taylor. “See, I have you now, father.” He said seriously. “I have you, at my mercy, so easily.” Two of the Sixers moved pulling Taylor to his feet and tying his wrists tight in place behind his back. “The automatic assumption, the reaction one might have, is to just put a bullet through your head, a knife through your heart. Something painful and mortal.” He clasped his hands behind his back, “A few years ago, I may have agreed with you. But now you aren’t the whole issue anymore. Before I do anything to you, I think its best that we keep the family together.”

            “She’s not allowed outside the gates. I’m afraid you’ll have to make due with what you got.” Taylor answered.

            “Oh no,” Lucas laughed, “She has sins to pay for too. Once she finds out it’s us that has you, she’ll come bolting out of that gate and run right to us. You’re better bait then an old tracking chip.” He nodded towards the other Sixers, “Take him.”

            They did as they were instructed and each grabbed one of his arms to take him back to Mira’s base. However, The Commander had other ideas about that and turned looking at him,

“I’m not going to let you hurt her ever again, Lucas.”

            Lucas smiled a moment before turning and looking at Taylor, “How?” He asked. “You’re on the sidelines, and she’s called up to play.”

            Taylor tensed his muscles starting to pull away from his captors but he was quickly subdued when one of the men struck him at the base of his neck with a riffle, knocking him unconscious.

 

Tactical Decisions

            “Lucas really is beyond saving, isn’t it.” Jim said standing with Washington. “He hasn’t killed Taylor yet or there would be a good chance that he’d have attacked the colony already.”

            “I think it’s pretty clear what he wants, Shannon.” Wash replied. “He’s assuming that Rayne will be the next one out of the gate to go out of the colony. Then he’ll be able to snatch her up and do whatever God knows what to them.”

            “Then it’s obvious we can’t let Rayne out of Terra Nova. We have a few hours before word gets out that Taylor is missing, and captured by Sixers. Once she finds out we’re going to have to lock her up to keep her from going.” Shannon said.

            “We have to figure how out to get him back. The only way the hostage situation between us and the Sixer’s has played out is trade or flat our retrieving the abducted. Taylor is our leader, there is nothing that we have they’ll trade him for. We have to get him back ourselves.” Washing explained.

 

Father/Son Chats

            Taylor was strung up by his arms, spread wide apart to make it almost impossible to struggle against the restraints, his feet tied together as well. There were cuts and bruises on his face, and body from where he had been beaten on the trek back to camp for trying to escape or just resisting his captors.

            Lucas came into the small hut and grinned clasping his hands behind his back. He was quiet for a moment before stepping closer never taking his eyes off of his father. “Four brats? A wife that’s younger than your first born. Could we call all this a mid-life crisis?”

            “Weather or not you choose to accept it, they are your brothers and sisters Lucas.” Taylor said simply.

            Lucas’ smile faded a bit, “And how old do they have to be before you disown them. Banish them into the cold and the wild.”

            “You brought that on yourself, boy.” Taylor said. “Hundreds of people in Terra Nova and you insist on jeopardizing their homes and their lives. You had the same chance as every other person that came through that portal. To live here, work hard, make a new world for our . . .” Lucas backhanded Taylor as hard as he could silencing him. He’d heard the speech to many times.

            “Here you are defending their families, when you couldn’t even be loyal to your own.” Lucas snapped. Taylor didn’t respond, there was no reasoning with Lucas. He had tried countless times before but his plea’s fell on deaf ears, as Lucas was convinced that his only goal in life was to destroy and beat his father before finally killing him. “Did she tell you?” Lucas said switching gears. “Your precious, Snow White. Did she tell you I had her?” Taylor starred into Lucas’ eyes when he mentioned it. “Now so Snowy White any more, is she.” Lucas had no idea how much his violating Rayne had hurt them, that it conceived a child whose real identity would be hidden forever. It was just another of the many secrets that Taylor was to take to his grave.

 

Contact?

            “It’s been 72 hours, Shannon.” Rayne said following him as he moved around the monitors and scanners in Taylor’s office and command center. “If his com had just gone dead, he would have been back by now.”

            “Rayne, would you let us handle this? We’ll find him. He’s as bad as you are when going OTG and neglects to tell anyone where he’s going or for how long.” Shannon said to reassure her.

            “He wouldn’t just disappear. He wouldn’t want me and our children to worry. Have you checked the tracer on his tags?” Rayne asked. “What about the Rover? Can you get a lock on it?”

            “Rayne!” Shannon said holding his hand up, “Believe it or not, we are handling this as best we can and we’re checking out all of these things. Go home and take care of your kids, and we’ll let you know as soon as we find out anything.”

            Washington stepped closer to Rayne knowing that pushing her like that was never a good idea, “It’s alright. I’m sure he’s just exploring a little. We’ll tell you as soon as he checks in.”

            The young woman sighed and covered her eyes a moment before she gave a nod and turned leaving the command center. Jim shook his head and went back to the monitor.

            “Jim, don’t do that.” Washington said.

            “Do what? She was hindering our efforts and in the way here.” Shannon answered.

            “Why do you think that her arguments and fights with Taylor are so heated? They are incredibly a like when it comes to getting out and doing things themselves. The worst thing you could do is tell her not to.” She explained. “Especially when she’s already blaming herself for him being out there in the first place.”

            “She’s a scientist and a mother, she’s not going to do anything stupid like go OTG right now.” Jim answered.

            “Maybe we should put a guard on Taylor’s house. Just in case.” Washington suggested.

            Shannon thought for a moment and gave a nod, “Probably a good idea.”

 

Non Negotiable

            Three more days passed and Taylor was in bad shape. Every time Mira and her men came back with the news that they didn’t have Rayne he took it out on his father. It seemed like no matter how are they tried they couldn’t get Rayne Taylor outside the gate, and their man inside couldn’t get close to her.

            Taylor was lying on the floor of the hut, his face bruised and bleeding, his hands tied behind his back and his feet tied together at the ankles. His eyes slid open when he felt something on his hands, and the feeling that someone was cutting his restraints. Taylor jumped slightly but found a hand clamped over his mouth. He rolled to his back and looked up seeing a familiar pair of eyes looking back at him.

            She held her finger up to her mouth and finished cutting his restraints before moving to the restraints at his ankles. Taylor’s eyes turned back towards the door watching for anyone approaching.

            When he was released she started to reach for him to help him up but a guard’s footsteps neared the door and she quickly laid down flat behind Taylor. The guard looked in to make sure Taylor was still where he was left fallen from earlier and Nathaniel stayed still. Satisfied the guard turned and left the hut and Rayne moved fast helping Taylor up and moved him back towards the hole in the rear of the hut where she had entered.

            Once they were out Rayne helped him climb down the veins she’d used to get up the trees. “What the hell are you doing here?” He said in a low voice gritting his teeth feeling a twinge in his ankle where his restraints had been tied extremely tight.

            “Stop complaining.” She whispered, “Hurry up we don’t have much time. “

            “Where is Washington? Shannon?” He asked.

            “Probably back at the Colony being extremely panicked that we’re both missing.” Rayne stopped them next to a large tree and waited in silence. Taylor wasn’t sure what they were waiting for and looked around.

            “What are we waiting . . . .” His words were interrupted by the sounds of screaming, yelling and weapons being fired. Taylor’s eyes went wide looking around.

            “Are they firing at us?” He said not seeing anyone around.

            “No, they’re probably firing at the large carnivore ransacking their village.” Rayne answered as they continued on their way.

            “We’re going to have to have a serious talk about your methods when we get home.” Taylor whispered.

            “Beat me when we get home, right now pick it up!” She said his arm still around her as they hurried through the jungle. Nearly a half a click out, the guards had abandoned their posts and got back to the village to help with the attack.

            “How did you get that thing to attack their village?” He asked.

            “Plundered it’s nest and lead it back to them.” She answered as they came to the edge of a short cliff and she helped him slide down the rocks to a rover that she had under cover. She helped him up into the passenger side before climbing in as well. She hesitated a moment knowing that if there were any Sixers around they were going to hear the motor, but they had to get out of there, and they wouldn’t make it on foot and be found before they got back to Terra Nova.

            “Come on honey, they probably know I’m already gone.” Taylor said.

            “Remember what you told me? About having two parents in a dangerous situation?” She said looking at him.

            “It’s too late to worry about that we’ve got to get out of here before they find us. This is just more incentive not to get caught.” Taylor said. Rayne took a breath and started the Rover putting her foot to the floor as they took off with a jump.

 

Recovered

            Washington and Shannon were still conducting search parties when word came they found the Commander and Rayne on foot making their way back to the colony. It was a huge relief as they had managed to keep the couple’s disappearance from the colony but it wasn’t going to be possible for much longer.

            When Rayne and Taylor were brought back in a Rover and the search and rescue teams where already being called in, they were taken directly to the infirmary where Taylor’s wounds were evaluated and treated.  

            Much to everyone’s surprise, once Doctor Shannon said that the Commander was going to be alright, Shannon arrested Rayne and took her away locking her up in one of the pods. Washington seemed to agree with his decision and backed him up, putting guards on the pod and having her restrained since she had a habit of slipping out of places far too easily.

 

Disagreements

            Taylor woke up in the infirmary the next day looking around. It seemed like he didn’t quite remember all of the mad dash escape that liberated him from the Sixer camp, but the one thing he did remember was Rayne. How could he not? Looking like a jungle rat, bare feet, mud covered skin, her hair tied up and full of brush. It was a way he hadn’t seen her in a long time, and at first he thought he had been hallucinating or dreaming it. But here he was, awake, alive, and well in Terra Nova.

            Dr. Shannon went over his vitals and saw that they had mostly return to normal. Taylor sat up with the doctor helping him even though she didn’t think he should be up yet, but knew that there wouldn’t be any stopping him if he wanted to. “Where’s Rayne?” He said looking around noting she wasn’t standing by. “Is she at home with the kids?”

            Dr. Shannon looked at Wash, and Jim cleared his throat, “No . . . . she’s under arrest.” The Sherriff said causing Taylor to look up at him. “For blatantly going against orders and leaving the colony. I know she probably saved your life, and it was her whole reason for leaving, but she still went against being told absolutely not.”

            Taylor sighed, “I can’t damn her for her loyalty.”  He shook his head, “Is she alright otherwise? When that rover rolled, I was afraid that she was more hurt then she was letting on.”

            “She’s alright. Extremely unhappy with Jim right now, but she went willingly.” The doctor said.

            “I’m sorry sir, it’s just that she was specifically told a number of times and she disregarded . . .” Shannon began.

            “I’m not going to fault you for it, Shannon. She’s been told countless times not to leave the Colony. In this instance it was exactly what the Sixer’s wanted. They’d been trying to lure her out of Terra Nova and that’s exactly what she gave them.” Taylor said. “I’m grateful that she came and got me, but she was reckless. If they’d gotten her they would have killed us both.”

            “We’re just lucky that Lucas has decided he wants her too. There was a time where he would have just been happy to get a hold of you. Looks like they worked you over pretty good.” Washington said.

            “How are my kids?” Taylor asked having a feeling that Lucas wasn’t above making them a target too. “Is everyone alright?”

            “Everyone’s fine, Nathaniel.” Washington reassured him. “Willow, Nathan, Cory and River, they’re all safe.”

            Taylor gave a nod and Dr. Shannon decided that was enough, “Lay down and get some rest commander.” She insisted. Taylor sighed and laid back down on the bed and it wasn’t long before he fell back asleep.

            “That went better than I thought It was going too.” Elizabeth said.

            “She was out of line, Liz. He knows she was.” Jim replied.

            “It’s a double standard, Jim.” Elizabeth said, “He can do things like this whenever he wants, but when she does it she gets locked away?”

            “She never gets locked away, Taylor has turned a blind eye to her behavior far to many times to count. Could you imagine what would have happened if she would have gotten caught when they already had the commander? To their kids? To the colony?” Shannon asked. “I can’t do anything about Taylor, he tends to make his own rules, but Rayne is subject to the bylaws just like the rest of us.”

 

Time Served

            Rayne sat in the nursery with her children while they played, Willow was hard at work on a coloring screen, Nathan was playing with Cory as they played with some small wooden weapons that daddy had carved for them, and River sat on Rayne’s lap as they played with wooden blocks. She had a class today, but instead she took it off and just wanted to spend time with her babies.

            Lucas had been on Taylor’s mind since he returned to the colony. It was the first time he’d seen his boy in years, and he had no idea how far down the rabbit hole that he had fallen until now. Lucas took a lot of pleasure in beating on him whenever he felt like. Tied up and restrained like he was, it wasn’t like Taylor could fight back. But Taylor had taken rough beatings before, he’d been taken prisoner before, none of that bothered him. He could take a punch better than most. What was on the Commander’s mind was what Lucas seemed to think about Taylor replacing him and Ayonie. It was so far from the case, but reasoning with Lucas hadn’t been possible for years. It’s what Lucas believed, and there would be no changing his mind about it.

            Taylor didn’t just see Rayne one day and then forget about his deceased wife and wayward child. In fact, he didn’t even recognize the opposite sex as the opposite sex. He never looked at another woman the way he looked at his Ayonie. Sure he noticed that some were attractive, and were nice to look at or even be around. Washington was one such woman. She was beautiful, they had a lot in common, but she was also his best friend and his subordinate . . . and he just couldn’t put Ayonie aside.

            The first time he found himself noticing Rayne as an attractive woman, he caught himself and was overwhelmed with guilt for a very long time before he was able to accept the fact that Ayonie was gone, and that he was allowed to perhaps have feelings for a woman where he didn’t feel he had the right before. Perhaps the loneliness of being the ‘great Nathaniel Taylor’ of Terra Nova had started to take its toll. No one he could just be a human man around, and he had to be flawless and strong at all times.

            Even after he’d started to see Rayne, he still found himself pulling back from any sort of real relationship with her instead of just an occasional physical fling here and there. However she was like a drug, and as one might imagine the ‘just one more’ excuse to be a prelude to a life of drug addiction, so it was with Rayne. He couldn’t give her up. Then before too long he couldn’t imagine the rest of this life without her in it.

            He hadn’t forgotten Ayonie and Lucas, he never stopped loving them. Taylor certainly hadn’t been actively looking for someone to replace them, and Rayne had never tried to. It seemed like all four of their kids were surprises, they hadn’t planned for any of them. When Rayne had fallen from that clump of trees out of that next that he’d taken her to see and suffered a miscarriage, for some reason it was the first time that the possibility of kids struck him. As though it hadn’t occurred to him that Rayne was in fact a woman who was child barring age. It was a strange thing to overlook or forget until it happened. By the time they were married, the possibility of his becoming a father again was clear and although he had his hesitations at first, he honestly was beyond overjoyed when it was found that they were expecting Willow.

            Things had gotten so bazaar between him and Lucas. For the longest time Taylor held out hope that Lucas was going to come back and be family again. He’d hoped that he would see the error of his ways and want to do the right thing, but it was clear not long after Lucas came to Terra Nova that he had no desires for reconciliation.

            Now, even though there were numerous dangers from the environment itself, weather, creatures, disease, other hazards . . . the biggest threat to his family was a man who was once a part of it. If Lucas did succeed in doing away with both Taylor and Rayne, who would look after their little ones? Who would keep Lucas from going after his brothers and sisters once he’d hit his current targets? Something had to be done, this had to come to a stop. Lucas was only getting worse by the day and there was no consoling him or appeasing his anger.

 

Stargazing

            “Hey baby.” Taylor said climbing up onto the roof where Rayne was sitting looking up at the stars. She’d been observing the animals that flew over Terra Nova at night, but it was hard not to get sidetracked by the immense tapestry of bright shining stars that was a forgotten memory in 2149.

            “Hey.” She said moving over on her blanket making space for him to sit down as she turned her attention back to her Plex taking a few readings. “Willow was sleep walking again.” She said looking at him. “I called Jennifer to come over and stay in the nursery with the kids tonight.”

            “Yeah, I saw that.” He said giving a nod always checking in on the kids whenever he got home first thing. “Have you talked to Dr. Shannon about her sleep walking?”

            “She said some people sleepwalk. A lot of kids who sleep walk usually grow out of it by their late teens.” Rayne said repeating everything that the doctor had told them. “I’d just rather she didn’t sleep walk outside at night. We still have a lot of critters that roll through here.”

            “We’ll have to lock the outside doors of the house at night.” Taylor said, “That way she’ll make noise before she gets out, and we can catch her and take her back to bed.” Rayne gave a nod as the commander sat down next to her and looked up at the view she’d been admiring.  

            “Might pretty night tonight.” He mentioned as Rayne held up her PLEX lining up certain points on her screen taking a capture and then punching in a few readings. “Of course you’re working.”

            Rayne half laughed and looked at him, “Me?” She said, “What time do you call this?” Rayne asked. “2am? 3am?” She asked. “You’re supposed to be home before 11pm.”

            “We were having some trouble with communications out at outpost 5 again. We need to run new powerlines out there, obasaurs have been chewing on them again.” Taylor said.

            “Are you going to take Malcolm’s advice and sink them lower this time?” She questioned.

            “Or, you could give me an alternative. Something to repel animals away from our gear.” He suggested.

            “I could probably do that, but I’m not the head zoologist of Terra Nova anymore. I don’t have the resources to do that kind of research.” She said sliding through the files on her Plex.

            Taylor sighed and gave her a look, as it was still a pretty bitter pill for her to swallow. If he could spare her from it he would, but it was just how things had played out. “You’re still lead zoologist until the next pilgrimage.” He reminded her.  

            Rayne had been doing her best to cooperate and let things go, she’d worked hard to change the categorization of all of the zoology departments files making them perfectly simple for even the most uneducated person to find what they were looking for. She kept teaching, and she helped Malcolm when he required it, but it wasn’t the same. “I know.” She said softly.

            The Commander looked at her for a moment before taking the plex from her hands and putting it aside before wrapping his arm around her and resting his chin to her shoulder. “It’ll be okay honey.” He said gently.

            “What are we going to do about him, Nathaniel.” She asked outright resting her hand over his holding his arm around her tight. “I don’t want to have to tell our kids they have to be careful because their step brother wishes them and their parents dead. Willow and Nathan are getting to an age where they are going to have to know they’re in danger, and I don’t want to tell them why.”

            “I know.” Taylor said having been thinking about that for a while too. About the time Willow, Nathan, and Cory started calling him ‘daddy’ it dawned on him they were growing up and were going to have to know why in a colony like this, they had to be careful around everyone when it was the belief that they could trust each other, and protected each other. “I’ve been thinking on it. I know it’s gone on too long already.”

            “This isn’t a colony matter anymore, Nathaniel.” She said seriously looking at him. “If we make it a colony matter, it’s just going to get our people killed and their people killed.”

            “Courage has never been Lucas’ strong point. He’ll run, have someone else deal with whatever we throw at him.” Taylor said.

            “I don’t think he’ll run. Not now. He’s too blinded by hate. If we give him the opportunity, he’s going to take it.” She said softly.

            It dawned on Taylor that when ‘we’ was being used right now, Rayne was referring to her and himself. “You’re not going to be involved in this.” He said looking at her thinking her a bit insane if she thought he was going to let her.

            “You need me Nathaniel. I can find him without being captured, like I found you. If this is going to be a family matter, then I need to be a part of it.” Rayne countered.

            “He’s my son, Rayne. He’s my problem to deal with.” Taylor said.

            “And you are my husband, and it’s my children whose lives are going to be overshadowed by his insanity.” Rayne sighed and closed her eyes leaning her head against his shoulder a moment. “I never thought I would have a family of my own. I’m not ready to give it up,” She looked up at him, “Not a single one of them.” She shook her head, “All he’s done since day one is take shots at us, and we’ve done nothing but get shot at. I’m tired of being a target, Nathaniel.”

            Taylor looked into her eyes and wrapped his other arm around her kissing her softly, then again holding her tight. A few moments passed when suddenly a flood of meteors filled the sky. Hundreds of shooting stars like fireworks streaking across the night tapestry. It was beautiful and both smiled as they looked up at the awe inspiring view.

            Then they looked at each other, a light in their eyes as they held each other close then found themselves kissing deeply, holding each other in a strong passionate embrace.

 

Pilgrimage Issues

            “There has been no zoologist checked in and the last of the pilgrims have already come through. All we’re getting now is equipment and supplies.” Malcolm said following Taylor. “I’ve sent word requesting an explanation or if the new zoologist is running late, and I’m not getting any replies.”

            “You have a perfectly qualified zoologist at your disposal, Malcolm, do you mind? There are a number of other more pressing matters that need attending to right now.” Taylor said moving to the next monitor that was receiving data downloads through the portal.

            “You don’t understand, Commander. We’ve been preparing for months for a new zoologist to come through the portal and take over the zoology lab. Rayne has turned her research upside down and inside out getting ready for the new PHD to arrive.” Malcolm tried to explain.

            “So, it’s possible that Rayne will have to continue being head zoologist until the next pilgrimage comes through and keep training the interns and assistants until then.” Taylor said as wash came over having him sign some things before walking away.

            “She can’t be.” Malcolm said raising his voice a little frustrated, “She can’t put in the hours that are required, she can’t go out into the field, she’s no longer able to perform the duties that job requires.”

            “We’re going to have to talk about this later Malcolm, it may have escaped your attention but we’re incredibly busy here.” Taylor walked passed him to get an update on the pilgrims processing.

            Malcolm covered his face with his hand in frustration before he turned and stormed out of the Commanders office. When he left Taylor was thinking about the problem too. He knew it was upsetting to Rayne, but he was looking forward to her being able to let go of the reigns a little and just be a mom and teacher. It would be at least another six months before the next pilgrimage. “Wash.” Taylor said walking over and keeping his voice low, “Send a message to Hope Plaza and find out what the deal is with the new Zoologist that was supposed to come through.”

            “Yes sir.” Wash said turning to go and see to it personally.

 

Questionable

            “I apologize, I was having some trouble sorting out my transportation to the portal.” A middle aged man stood before the Commander’s desk having been the last person to come through the portal before it was closed. Just moments actually before it was sealed off. He was carrying credentials and transfer orders identifying that he was indeed their new zoologist.

            “That seems hard to believe.” Taylor said looking through his files. “Since you were selected for a top research position here in Terra Nova they would have seen to it that you arrived at Hope Plaza before the portal was even opened to make certain you were properly prepared to come through.”

            “I got through the portal before it was closed, why are you acting as though I’ve committed some crime?” He asked very indignity.

            “You’ll have to forgive the suspicions John, we’ve had some trouble with unknown numbers such as yourself coming through the portal. We’re not much for coincidence or accidents on this side of things.”

            “I’m a zoologist, not a terrorist.” The man said a little insulted.

            “Well . . . Dr. Bartley, we try not to take chances on those sorts of things.” He closed the file as he stood from the desk, “Reynolds, go find Mrs. Taylor, tell her our guest has arrived.”

            “Yes sir.” The solider said hurrying off to find Rayne.

            “Mrs. Taylor?” The man said looking at the commander.

            “I suppose the technical name would be Dr. O’Connell, but she’s never used her title.” Commander Taylor said.

            “Rayne O’Connell?? That’s who they brought me here to replace?” He said his eyes wide with excitement.

            “I take it your familiar with her work.” Taylor said.

            “I was familiar with her work before she was recruited to Terra Nova. The woman is a genius! She was the top of her class by full lengths and that was up against some really stiff competition. Dr. Masters, Dr. Kelly, Dr. Gene Bowman . . . they were all in her class, and she was way above any of them.”

            “Uh huh.” Taylor didn’t know any of them or really what he was talking about beyond Rayne’s qualifications. For some reason the thought of Jason was lingering in the back of his mind suddenly. “Have you met her before?”

            “No. No I always wanted to, but the opportunity never arose and the next thing I heard she was recruited to Terra Nova and left on the 3^rd pilgrimage. I’ve read so many of her research findings and animal documentation.” The Dr. said.

            “Not so many years.” Taylor said in Rayne’s defiance. Just then Reynolds returned with Rayne, who paused by the door. “Rayne, this is our newest researcher, he just arrived through the portal a little while ago before it closed. Dr. John Bartley, Dr. Rayne O’Connell.” John walked over a light in his eyes as he took her hand and shook it.

            “It’s such an honor to meet you.” He said. “Your reputation precedes you. I’m a big fan.”

            Rayne smiled a little, “Dr. O’Connell would be the official name, but Mrs. Rayne Taylor is what I go by in the colony.”

            “Oh, so you and the commander?” The Doctor asked looking between them.

            “We’ve been married for almost eight years.” Rayne answered.

            There was a silent moment before the Doctor spoke again, “I can’t really be here as your replacement. Surely I’m here to assist you in your work. I mean, you obviously haven’t gone missing, you seem like you’re in peak health . . . . why would you need a replacement?”

            Before anyone could answer, Malcolm was the next to come into the office and grinned from ear to ear, “Dr. John Bartley! What a pleasure to see you again.” He said walking over and shaking his hand. “I was pleased when I received word that you were coming to Terra Nova.”

            “When was that?” Taylor asked looking at the CSO. “We didn’t get a name until he handed over his files.”

            “Just an hour or so before the portal closed. Hope Plaza finally sent me the information we requested.” Malcolm answered.

            Taylor gave him a look that said he would have liked to be notified as soon as he found out, but they had other things to worry about right now. “I can show you to your house, if you’d like Dr. Bartley.” Rayne offered rather graciously.

            “Yes, yes thank you.” He said picking up his pack and slinging it over his shoulder. She smiled a little and turned before heading out of the commander’s office, Malcolm quickly following behind them.

 

Lab Work

            “This is all . . . . absolutely fascinating.” Dr. Bartley said as he and Rayne had been in her lab all morning going over the animals that they currently had in captivity in the compound. “These animals are stuff of myth and legend in the future. Getting to see them up close and personal like this . . . . it’s just amazing.”

            “Well that’s only part of your job here in Terra Nova. The first and foremost concern is discovering new species of animal and immediately drawing up interaction protocols. For our safety and for theirs. We’re trying to coexist with these animals, not start a war or try to exterminate them.” Rayne explained.

            John gave a nod and looked at her for a moment before deciding to ask the one question that had been on his mind since arriving, “Rayne, how come the majority of people here don’t know you’re a doctor?”

            She looked at him thinking that an odd turn of direction for him to go. “I just never used it, that’s all. I’ve never been that fond of titles, Rayne has always been good enough for me. Lets me know people are trying to talk to me.”

            “Well yeah, but you worked so hard for those titles. You have PHD’s in several fields of study and you achieved them at such a young age. I mean, it’s something to be proud of.” John said.

            “That’s where the ‘Mrs. Taylor’ bit comes in. Something I’m proud of. But, I’m still Rayne. Rayne is who I am. It’s my name. People know me and respect me without having to say my titles every two minutes.” She explained.

            “Or to show possession.” The Doctor observed.

            “How so?” Rayne asked.

            “When I got here, the Commander didn’t send for ‘Rayne’ he sent for ‘Mrs. Taylor’.” John said.

            Rayne smiled, “Ah. Well, the last zoologist we had come through the portal . . . . there was a misunderstanding. Dr. Jason Alexander, do you know of him?” She asked. Dr. Bartley shook his head, “We went to school together, and dated briefly. He didn’t know I was married and . . . . there was just a big misunderstanding.”

            Bartley gave a nod as it seemed she didn’t want to go into the whole incident. “Well, I think the commander made it perfectly clear so there is no room for misunderstanding this time.”

            “Good. Because it would be nice to have a zoology department that wasn’t completely filled with the colony’s monthly quota of drama for a change. Our function is to important to Terra Nova for that kind of nonsense.” Rayne said. “So, all of this is pretty straight forward, let’s go out to the dangerous animal enclosure. It’s the most secure part of the lab for obvious reasons.”

            “What are these?” He questioned pointing at the hours on the door.

            “Oh,” Rayne said stopping, “Those are hours for colonist to come in and see the animals that are considered harmless during the day. That’s something I implemented. You don’t have to adhere to them if you don’t want, I know that things can get busy around here and you might not want to have civilians underfoot.”

            He smiled, “Ah. Maybe for the first few weeks until I find my way around we might have to put those on hold.

            She gave a nod, “Okay.” It was disheartening for Rayne as it was a valuable and enjoyable opportunity for the colonist children especially, but she knew that this lab wouldn’t be hers anymore. “Let’s go see those secured animals.” Bartley followed after her as they went down the hallway.

 

What’s the Deal?

            “Do you think it’s because we’re trying this time?” Rayne asked as the test came back negative. “Before it was like falling off a log or stubbing my toe. Now we’ve been trying for a couple of months and not even a glimmer.”

            “Well that’s the popular belief anyway. If you try to hard then nothing will come of it.” Shannon said. “You’ve both had a lot going on. You turning your lab over to Dr. Bartley, that’s a lot of stress right there and that can affect getting pregnant.”

            “Yeah, I suppose so.” Rayne said with a sigh. “Just once we were going to do the ‘planning’ thing and it backfires.”

            “Don’t lose hope yet. I’m sure once things calm down you two won’t have any trouble with this.” Elizabeth reassured her.

            Rayne laughed, “You’ve lived here long enough, Elizabeth. Things never calm down. They just get more exciting by the day.”

            Just then a private came in, “Mrs. Taylor, Commander Taylor wanted to see you if it’s convenient?”

            Elizabeth and Rayne looked at each other before she gave a nod and went with the solider.

 

To Be Continued . . . . .

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