A/N: SO! I haven't written in years, but my new Terra Nova obsession has changed all that. I have a pretty good story developed, and hope it will turn into something great. Please review, for writing without an audience is just not as fun :) Enjoy!

Chapter 1: Reconstruction

Holding hands, Mark and Maddy, along with the crowd of returning colonists, stared up at the wreckage of the gates of Terra Nova. They could see the broken security gate, the pits of charred ruins from the shelling – scars from the recent attack and occupation on their beloved colony. Maddy smiled and tightened her grip on Mark as the crowd of returning merged with those who had been hostages within the walls of Terra Nova by the Phoenix Group. People laughed, hugged, and cried; the sounds of hope and perseverance. Mark never let go of Maddy as people continued to welcome them all home. He even snuck in a kiss on her cheek, just relieved that they were together and not separated by the craziness that had occupied the last week. She shot him a girly grin, ignoring Josh walking next to Mark, rolling his eyes. In that moment, even knowing of the months of rebuilding and recovery ahead of the colony, Maddy felt such peace. Her family and Mark were safe and at her side, and that was all the comfort she needed.

Mark felt much the same as Maddy. But, looking around at the destruction, the soldier in him knew the long process it would take to get this colony back on its feet and able to defend itself again. If Phoenix or the Sixers decided to make a run at them, Terra Nova wouldn't be able to do much to stop an attack. Adding that to the fact that he was sure that during the occupation much, if not all, of the crops and food supplies that Terra Nova sustained itself with had been destroyed or taken. So on top of rebuilding, with one thousand hungry mouths to feed, they would have to make new crops and find other food sources for the time being. Great, he thought.

Later that night, Maddy found great comfort in snuggling into her own bed, even next to the wiggling Zoë, struggling to fall asleep. It was amazing how three nights out in the jungle could make one appreciate a bed so much. She softly rubbed Zoë's back to soothe her into sleep while she herself quietly lay awake. Mark was almost always at the forefront of her thoughts. Usually, she was worrying about him, like when he and Taylor's camp hadn't been heard from after the Phoenix Group came through the time fracture. Tonight, though, she just thought of how amazing it had been to have him over for dinner again, like simpler times.

Her father had managed to gather a few of the pre-packaged meal hand outs that Phoenix had been giving out to the hostages and had left behind after Hope Plaza, their anchor to 2149, had been destroyed and they made the mad dash for the Badlands. With that and some of the food they had left in their house, the Shannons managed to make a pretty decent meal for them all and Mark. Skye had been there, too. Josh seemed to become closer to her after Kara's death. Not in the boyfriend/girlfriend way, but mostly like a support system. Maddy was glad, she liked Skye and knew that she cared for Josh, and hopefully would help him heal his emotional wounds.

Mark had been strangely quiet at dinner. Afterwards, in private, he had shared his thoughts and worries on how it would be a long time before he believed Terra Nova would be fully functional again. His concerns were of her safety and well-being and of course, all the time he would undoubtedly be gone on patrols and rebuilding duty.

"You're tiring yourself out before its even happened!" She had told him, smiling and trying to lighten his dismal mood on the subject.

"You're right," he had answered with a half laugh and continued, "Maybe I just need a distraction…" he winked.

She had been happy to be his distraction. No harm in having a little make-out session on the porch, right? In bed, Maddy smiled thinking about it. She touched her lips and in the dark felt a blush warm her cheeks. He loved her, and she loved him. They had only said it to each other the one time before he had left to prevent Lucas and his conspirators from making it out of the portal. Yet, she still felt like her heart might explode from happiness at the memory of those words leaving his gorgeous mouth.

The next morning, Maddy was awoken by the sound of hammer pounding and Zoë simultaneously groaning, pleading for more sleep. Commander Taylor would waste no time in getting the colony back up and running it seemed. Maddy got up and dressed, knowing she'd never get back to sleep with all the noise. When she walked into the living room her mother was putting her ID tag over her neck and making ready to go to the infirmary.

Elisabeth saw Maddy enter the room and gave her a hurried smile, "Good morning Maddy! Your father's already left to help Commander Taylor sort out all this rebuilding. And," she paused to sip her last bit of coffee, "I'm off to the infirmary. It seems we've already had a few reconstruction mishaps." She ended with a sigh.

As she walked out the door she stopped to plant a kiss on Maddy's head.

"Bye, Mom!" Maddy called after her, and then walked over to Josh's door.

Peeking into his room, Maddy could see him still sleeping, his body haphazardly tangled in his sheets. She smiled and rolled her eyes. Her big brother could sleep through a Carnotaur attack. Maddy then walked back into her and Zoë's room. Her little sister had a pillow over her face, uselessly trying to block out the noise. After several minutes of coaxing, she managed to get the six year old out of bed and ready for the day.

"What are we going to do today, Maddy?" Zoë asked as she stuffed a piece of toast that Maddy made for her into her mouth.

"Let's go see if we can be any help outside."

"That sounds boring," Zoë complained, giving Maddy a particularly pathetic expression.

"Well then, maybe your school is open and you can stay there and play with your friends. How does that sound?"

"That sounds like a lot more fun!" Zoë giggled, taking Maddy's hand and leading her out the door.

Thankfully, the school was indeed open. Many of Zoë's classmates were already there. It was more of a daycare setting at the moment, kids of all ages were running around. One of Zoë's teachers explained that it was easier to do this so that all adults were available to help out with the rebuilding.

Maddy walked out of the school building, not sure where to head next. She was eager to help, but couldn't think of anywhere in particular where she could be useful.

While still thinking of where to go next, she was distracted by the sudden familiar sound of combat boots crunching on the gravel pathway. She wasn't disappointed when she felt armored arms slide around her waist. She quickly whipped around and planted a quick kiss on Mark's lips. He dropped his arms and looked around quickly before turning back to her and smiling. PDA was a definite 'no-no' for soldiers. But he didn't mind bending the rules for Maddy once in awhile.

"Where are you off to this morning?" He asked, mirroring the megawatt smile she was flashing at him.

"Well, I haven't decided that yet. I want to help but I'm really no use at the infirmary, unless I want to almost barf again. And I'm positive that I would wind up in the infirmary anyways if I were to help build something…" she took a quick breath before speed talking about other things she was sure she wasn't any help with before Mark stopped her with a light touch on the shoulder.

He laughed, "Okay, I see your point. Maybe we should put you in a padded cell in the brig if you're such a danger to the colony."

Her only answer was a playful push to his chest plate and a playful pout.

"But if you want to help, I do know something that would be right up your alley."

"Oh yeah?" Maddy answered, her curiosity piqued.

"Half of the botany lab was blown away by the shelling. Unfortunately, two of the twenty-six casualties were two heads of the botany lab and their assistants are having trouble identifying all the plants and specimens that were scattered during the explosion. Plus, it turns out one of my buddies assigned to the project isn't so good at identifying poisonous vs. non-poisonous, and well…I'm sure they would benefit from your expertise and organizing skills…" Mark schmoozed her a bit, making her blush slightly.

"That actually sounds perfect, Mark!"

"I thought you might be useful there," he smiled and offered his arm like he had in the market the day he asked her permission to court her. "C'mon, I'll walk you there, I have a few minutes before I have to report to Taylor for patrol."

She settled for his arm even though she would rather intertwine her fingers with his, but she had to keep reminding herself, No PDA while he's in uniform! Ugh…

Once they reached what remained of the botany lab, they quietly surveyed the mess. Mark showed her to one of the lab assistants to offer her help. They gladly accepted and Maddy waved a goodbye to mark. He began to walk away, but then solemnly remembered something. He walked back to Maddy and whispered a reminder. She sadly nodded her head. Lieutenant Washington's funeral was tonight.

So what do you think? More Maddy/Mark interaction to come. Rated T for now, but who knows? Cute stuff will come, along with some action. Stay tuned!