*A/N: This is the sequel to [Terra Nova -The Badlands]. I guess you could read it as a separate story though it'd probably be less fun and you'd be missing some vital background info.. Choice is yours of course ;P*

Disclaimer: I do not own Terra Nova, this is purely a non-profit fan-made story.

CHAPTER 1

HIS hands resting on the railing of the balcony running around the Command Center, Nathaniel looked out over the colony bathing in the fragile light of a setting sun, thinking; It had been one hell of a day. This morning he'd stood on the exact same spot to announce that from now on they'd welcome back a handful of former Sixers into their midst. It hadn't been easy to publicly confess that these had been secretly detained in the holding cells ever since they'd gotten back from the Badlands. Although not of a mind to put the safety of the colony at risk, Nathaniel knew that if their reintegration was going to be successful he'd have to lead by example and show his willingness to give the Sixers a second chance. Now seemed as good a time as any.

However necessary, Nathaniel didn't like keeping things from the colonists nor from his men. As a result, he perfectly understood the very mixed reactions to his speech in which he'd advised caution but promoted cooperation with their former nemesis at the same time. Although he hadn't expected it to be, it definitely wasn't an easy message to sell. Naturally, not everyone was overjoyed with the fact that a group of renegades, no matter how small, were to rejoin them. Though doing what he ultimately believed to be the right thing, a frown nevertheless creased his forehead as Nathaniel remembered the surprised or the occasional downright displeased looks, the restless murmur and shocked silence as he'd gazed down upon the crowd gathered on the square that morning. In a way, it had felt like Howard Milner's banishment all over again.

Even now, hours later, with everyone seemingly going about their usual business, breaking down the market after what had appeared to be a normal and fruitful day, Nathaniel could feel the discord between himself and the colonists. As if, were he to strain his ears, he would still hear the buzz that was going round the colony, repeating the sudden and, more than likely, unwelcome news. Some of his men had looked uneasy as well. Perhaps even doubting his decision. But Nathaniel knew that despite their initial misgivings, which he kind of shared, they'd carry out his orders. He would need their cooperation in keeping an eye on their new colonists for some time to come. To begin with, they wouldn't have the same privileges as the colonists, but they would get the opportunity to earn those back. They were also going to be put to work, to prove their usefulness to the colony. For the foreseeable future they were going to be transferred to pod zero to live there with security guards posted around the clock and at all possible entrances.

He straightened, despite the precautions he'd put into place feeling uncomfortable for a moment. Nathaniel increased his grip on the balcony railing and let out a long breath. Truth be told, he had had trouble enough in silencing his own thoughts that presented him with solid reason after solid reason why this was a bad idea. And yet, what else could he have done? Walk them straight out the gates? Considering the fact that there were only six of them, they were probably going to be a bigger threat if he'd cut them loose, let them live in the wild again. No, he wanted to keep them close, make sure they'd behave. Up until now, they had done exactly that. The colony would have to accept that there weren't a lot of other options available. He would have to accept it. Eventually.

From the corner of his eyes he could see someone approaching, determinedly ascending the stairs. A disappointed groan escaped him when he realized who it was; Major Croft. With nowhere to escape he turned around, making sure not to look in the direction of the stairs as he retreated to his office. Just to give himself a few extra seconds to conceal any doubts he was having, put on his poker face in wary anticipation of her no doubt laying it in to him once again. Knowing the Major she wasn't going to tell him anything he'd want others to overhear. It was bad enough for his own moral to listen to the woman, he felt it his duty not to expose his men and the colonists to it if he could prevent it.

Nathaniel rummaged through some papers on his desk, picking up a random plex to hopefully appear busy enough for Major Croft to give up on disturbing him. Though, he realized with regret, this tactic usually didn't work on her. It was one of the many reasons why he'd made sure to send her OTG on a long term mission only a month after she'd come through the portal on the Tenth Pilgrimage. She'd served under him before, but despite the fact that she was ruthlessly efficient at what she did he wouldn't have picked her for Terra Nova. Unfortunately, his superiors had and he hadn't been able to refuse.

Nathaniel could hear her enter without so much as a knock, which somehow rubbed him the wrong way. Even an apologetic cough would've been enough. He stubbornly waited for her agitated yet determined footfall to stop close behind him, slowly put down the plex first on purpose, then turned around to face her.

"Major Croft. Do what do I owe the pleasure this time?" he asked her with as patient a voice as he could muster.

"You released the prisoners." she simply stated, her hawk like eyes boring into his.

"I did." he admitted calmly, "And technically, they were never our prisoners." His feigned careless attitude seemed to rile her up even more.

"May I ask why?" she demanded, eyes narrowing and not regarding his last comment though it'd been a barely concealed rebuke.

"You may." he answered her pointedly, adding with a deliberate edge to his voice, "But I can't say I'm inclined to explain myself. Again.."

He could tell from her cold stare that she'd gotten the warning. Not diverting his eyes he casually leaned back against the glass desk, tucking his hands uncooperatively in his pockets.

"Sir?" Major Croft repeated after a tense silence, her jaw set and arms demonstratively crossed across her chest.

"We've been over this, Major." he let her know gruffly, stopping her short with one of his intimidating stares when she was about to protest. Immune to her angry glare Nathaniel got to his feet and walked around his desk, placing his fingers on it as he leaned over, "We can either hold on to grudges and have that be the foundation for mankind's second chance, or we can try and show a willingness to work together for the colony's sake. For a future for Terra Nova in which we can put our differences aside and live peacefully alongside each other. Now I for one, rather put them to good use. And I'm sure you'll agree with me that we need every pair of hands we can get."

She adamantly shook her head at this, "They'll never be part of the colony, and you know it. They're Sixers, and Sixers can't be trusted. It's as simple as that."

Nathaniel straightened, tapping his fingers on the glass in annoyance. Why did he feel he always had to verbally beat her into submission every time he'd made a decision? He was open to constructive criticism, a second opinion now and then he could stomach, appreciate even, but the Major's behavior lately was bordering on insubordination. As he cleared his throat to control his frustration he couldn't help but think that in this particular case the saying apparently needed to be tweaked a little; Keep your enemies close, but your obstinate officers even closer. He knew he'd failed to do that. As a result she'd apparently taken on the habit of questioning his every move.

"They chose to return to us." he argued eventually, not entirely able to repress the feeling he unwillingly was dealt the devil's advocate card here.

"They chose to leave first." the Major countered in clipped tones and with acid emphasis.

Nathaniel clenched his teeth, wondering whether being a constant pain in the ass had been in her job description. If so, then she was seriously overdoing it.

"Not much of a believer in redemption, are you, Major?" he grinned a wry grin despite his growing frustration with the woman in front of him.

"I just don't think naive idealism should be the driving force behind governing this colony. Not if it leads to.." she paused, checked the vindictive edge to her voice before finishing the sentence, "To misplaced trust." she eventually snarled, evidently choosing her words with deliberate care.

Nathaniel had to admit, it would've been a lot easier if all of the Sixers had simply gone with Mira on her one-way trip back to 2149 through the portal in the Badlands. But the reality was that not all of them had. And now he simply had to deal with that. They all had to. Including his Major.

"Trusting is not the same as being naive. Besides, they still need to earn that trust and we have a long way to go before that happens. But we do need to give them a chance first." Nathaniel explained, not caring that he sounded as exasperated as he felt.

A disdainful smile briefly curved Major Croft's lips at this before it returned to being the thin, straight line it usually was, "Ah, yes.. Second chances. Your personal religion." she spat and added with a wry expression, "You know, those really aren't going to create the paradise you want Terra Nova to be." she told him, her hands resting on her hips as if in a gesture of mockery as she went on, "Reality is, those Sixers are still a threat."

"And if we let them rot in the brig they won't be?" he retorted, really starting to lose his patience by now. Nathaniel cocked his head at her, trusting his body language would convey the message of just how much he wasn't in the mood to continue this discussion right now.

"You'll regret this decision. Commander." she said defiantly, her voice a sharp hiss and something close to aversion creeping into her eyes before she turned around and stormed off.

"Guess it'll just have to stand in line with the other regrets then.." Nathaniel muttered darkly to himself as he watched her go. Scowling, he sat down behind his desk, roughly shoving aside reports he didn't want to look at right now. His mood hadn't been great to begin with, but it was definitely shot to shambles now. He didn't expect Major Croft agreeing with everything he did, but questioning and openly criticizing every order or policy he'd decided on was really starting to get on his nerves.

Perhaps what annoyed him the most was the fact that part of him knew she had, to some extent, made a very valid a point. He wasn't blind to the potential problems she'd so generously outlined for him. But, just as it prevented him from wanting to expose colonists to any danger, his conscious wouldn't allow him to keep their guests locked up longer than was necessary, however unwanted they were.

He'd spent the better part of the last three months trying to bring those two conflicting instincts together. And in that time he'd constantly been assessing the six new colonists, gauging what threat they could pose, and how sincere they were in truly wanting to join the colony again. In the end he'd decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. For now. But not after making absolutely clear that he'd be watching their every move until they had earned their spot among them.

Malcolm, of all people, had been one of those in favor of reintegration and had tried to convince him that he had to do the honorable thing and keep to his word. Denying them their promised freedom would only breed unrest and create the enemies they had been before. Nathaniel had had to smile at this, as if honor had anything to do with letting old enemies inside their gates. Talking about naivety. Truth was they really needed every extra hand they could get. So, although his doubts and misgivings not completely gone, Nathaniel had eventually caved to Hera, Sergeant Reilly and his Sherriff's less political but more practical arguments. The Sixers were to help out with the repairs and to be guarded at all times. If there was one thing that was going to help mankind survive, better itself, it was to adapt to the situation at hand. Besides, this was probably as good a compromise as he was likely going to get. Like the Major, he'd just have to learn to live with it.

As he rubbed his chin in thought, Nathaniel guessed stranger alliances had been born out of necessity, so there really was no point in regretting he'd promised to take those Sixers back. He leaned back in his chair, ready to call it a day and not of a mind to continue the discussion on his own in his mind, when there was a soft knock on the door. For a split second dreading it was Major Croft again back for more, he raised himself ready for battle when his eyes fell on Hera. She stood somewhat hesitantly in the door opening, long blonde hair glimmering gold in the soft, orange glow of the failing light outside. His heart skipped a beat as their eyes met and she answered the smile that instantly appeared on his face with her own. Nathaniel rounded his desk, relishing the intense moment in which their eyes remained locked and feeling immensely grateful to be reminded of something he definitely didn't regret…

Relief instantly spread through her when she found him alone in his office. Not too long ago she'd seen Major Croft descending the stairs to the Command Center wearing an impressive scowl that had her instinctively worry about Nathaniel's mood. Seeing a similarly dark frown on his face now, Hera somewhat apprehensively knocked on the door that stood wide open. The moment Nathaniel spotted her something immediately changed in the way he'd rather defensively gotten out of his chair. A considerably softer expression on his face he walked around his desk and towards her. As Nathaniel smiled at her, his eyes almost sparkling in the process, she had good hope that any bad feeling caused by whatever he and the Major had talked about wasn't going to linger as far as he was concerned.

There was no real need to ask after what the topic of their disagreement had been, though. Hera but all too clearly recalled this morning's announcement, especially everyone's rather bewildered reaction to it. Seeing that for most this news had come out of the blue, a shocked surprise had rippled through the crowd. Then, when the realization of what the Sixers' reintegration would entail had sunk in, some had started to complain in low grumbling tones that had grown in volume and intensity when it became clear that Nathaniel wasn't going to be persuaded to change his mind. She'd admired his strength in weathering the storm of protest that had swept the square while he stood his ground on the balcony of the Command Center and had calmly and respectfully answered every concern or criticism that the colonists and even some of his men had uttered.

Above all, she'd been incredibly relieved that, despite the fact that the majority of the colonists and soldiers alike had looked dissatisfied with the news, there'd still been that respect for their Commander shining through in their eyes even when voicing their doubts at his decision. Like them, Hera accepted his choice and was strangely proud even he'd asked for, had genuinely wanted, her opinion on the matter when he'd called her to him together with Jim Shannon and Sergeant Reilly. As she recalled how not too long ago she'd not have trusted herself to confidently speak her mind in front of him it was almost surreal how different things between them now were.

It was dazzling to consider just how much her life in Terra Nova had changed in only three months. In fact, it had effectively done a one-eighty. That night preceding their return to the colony after the Badlands mission, she'd felt so insecure and powerless when the turmoil in her heart harboring grief for Wash and love for Nathaniel had finally forced her to confess her true feelings to him. Being around him these past few months, she didn't feel awkward with herself anymore. She could still be shy sometimes, but never uncomfortable. By finding the words and the courage to speak them to him, she'd also found a new part in herself that seemed to have been freed at last from the clutches of her fear to lose everything she'd gained by coming to mankind's new settlement in the Cretaceous.

Blood rushed to her cheeks now Nathaniel's enticing gaze was very close to taking her breath away as it was increasingly wont to do these days. She couldn't prevent a grin from tugging at the corners of her mouth as she made to follow him into the meeting room when he'd subtly nudged his head in that direction after voices from outside had drifted through the doorway and into his office. The fact that he didn't want to be disturbed only reddened her cheeks more. Hera flicked a hurried glance at the two soldiers standing on guard outside. All she could see of them were their vague outlines through slits in the bamboo wall and their long shadows on the sunlit flooring of the balcony.

Next moment Nathaniel had closed the door soundlessly behind them and caught up with her as Hera sauntered further inside, passing alongside the large table set at the center of the room. She turned back towards him, at first with her eyes cast down then finally she looked up and found the same craving anticipation in his. Before she knew it he had lifted her gently to sit on the table. Hera instinctively framed him with her knees, resting them against his hips so neither could move away from the other. He seemed to like being hemmed in like this and leaned forward, his fingers caressingly combing through her hair.

"Commander..?" Hera whispered in an almost pleading tone now every fiber of her being wanted to be even closer than they already were and she didn't know how to stop the desire growing stronger inside of her. He stroked her lips with his thumb in a consoling way as if to reassure her that he was feeling the same pull towards her. He cupped her face with both hands and bent closer so their lips were but an inch apart. She relished these stolen moments between them. Being around him she felt alive, she felt whole for the first time in her life. And even though it was still early days, she wanted them to grow even closer and closer over time. Never let him go again for this simply felt too good..

"Are you free tonight? Can you come to my quarters?" He asked her, his eyes looking intently at her. For a split second her head cleared, her conscious stirring at whether or not to accept his offer that many would view as inappropriate. Picking up on the brief flicker of concern in her eyes Nathaniel soon silenced her worries before she could voice them.

"I'll bring you back before anyone misses you. I promise.." He told her earnestly, rubbing his thumb caringly across her cheekbone. Heart rather than head making the decision for her, she nodded her assent. Hera reveled in the glint of happiness kindled in his bright blue eyes at this, only strengthening her determination to do whatever it took to be with him. To love him. And to be loved back.

There was no need to tidy up before she'd come. Mostly because there wasn't a whole lot to clear away. He'd already removed his holster and placed his sonic pistol in its charger. Buzzing slightly as it greedily re-energized he'd left it behind in his bedroom. Seeing he almost always ate either in his office or at the mess hall whenever he could spare the time, his kitchen was all but devoid of food except for a small basket with oranges and some drinks in the fridge. The few personal belongings that he actually had taken with him through the portal were all neatly stalled in a glass cabinet in the living room. He stood in front of it for a moment, realizing he hardly ever took the time to treasure the odd collection of objects inside, each of which held a precious memory to him.

There was only one picture set in a unadorned silver frame. It was of himself, Lucas and Ayani. Looking at all of their considerably younger faces he nonetheless recognized the lies already gathering in his son's eyes and the almost stubborn reluctance to believe in her child's vindictive nature in his deceased wife's much darker eyes. Nathaniel winced and forced his own to wander over the other objects on the shelf below. There were a fair amount of medals, all of which combined meant less to him than that picture of his former family no matter how much more it hurt to look at the former as he could already see the seeds of corruption and pain that was to destroy each of them and tear apart what bond they'd had in the beginning.

A surge of relief went through him when a soft knock he immediately recognized to be Hera's pierced through his heavy thoughts as if it freed him from the weight of his past that had once again threatened to come down on him. Nathaniel hastened to open the door to let her in. One look at her face that lit up an ivory pale in the weak light of the lantern above her told him she was slightly nervous about entering his personal quarters. It was something about her he found as appealing as ever. He opened the door wide and leaned back to make room for her. Once she'd stepped inside he could see she was straining not to look too curious about the place in which he lived. Though, truth be told, he'd spent less and less time here over the years, and not just because work was too busy. He'd never liked returning to a dark empty house no matter how much he needed the solitary hours in which, like his pistol, he could recharge for the next day.

Pretending to busy himself with pouring them drinks he snuck a peek at her from the kitchen counter as she allowed her gaze to wander and take in the room now she thought he wouldn't notice. He checked his grin just in time when, on turning around not much later, she was still hovering in exactly the same spot, looking almost questioningly in his direction as if waiting for him to give her permission or even an order to sit down on the sofa she stood next to.

"You're right on time." He told her, placing their drinks on the low wooden table and gesturing for her to take a seat. Sitting down close to her after she'd gladly obeyed he leaned back and pointed up when she eyed him with a rather blank and puzzled look at his remark. The moment she looked up too, a surprised gasp escaped her lungs. Her eyes grew instantly wider as they found the spectacular view through the roof window. Beyond the glass, beyond a mass of glistening stars that shone forth in twinkling brightness among a deep velvet dark, a meteor shower had just begun to leave streaks of a fiery gold on the dark night's sky.

More than all the memories his glass cabinet could hold Nathaniel treasured this rare chance that they could truly be together. He was grateful to be away from prying eyes so he could hold her tightly without having to think about the possibility and potential consequences if they were seen. He threw an arm around her and pulled her closer. She didn't protest but settled against his chest, all nerves apparently dissolved. She'd become less and less shy around him, especially when it was just the two of them. It was a considerable change and one he liked very much, never wanting that particular development to be reversed.

"I'd forgotten all about it.." Hera mumbled, her gaze glued to the starry spectacle as she happily stared up at the sparkle-strewn sky, adding in unmistakable awe, "It's beautiful.."

"I thought you might like it." He stroked her shoulder, forgetting to admire the meteor shower overhead as he took in every inch of her now she was so tantalizingly close to him. He'd almost forgotten how good it felt to hold someone. It was heaven to have her cuddled up to him like this, her body warm and soft against his. Nathaniel could feel her breathing as her chest heaved a little every now and then. He could even feel her heart beating softly but excitedly against his own as he cradled her in his arms with her head resting on his chest.

It must have been several hours that they sat there, sometimes talking but most of the time enjoying the sight and each other's company even more so. Nathaniel felt his consciousness slip away and he half suspected Hera to have been carried off to a light sleep but a moment ago. He gently rubbed her thigh on which he'd placed his hand when she'd rested her legs across his lap. He watched with a growing fondness as Hera stirred and opened her eyes sleepily.

"I'll walk you home.." He whispered lovingly in her ear, getting to his feet and lifting her up. She smiled a beautiful silent laugh with her arms tightly wrapped around his neck. Not until he'd reached the front door did he release her and placed her tenderly on her own feet. They made slow progress as they walked through the deserted colony in mutual silence now words wouldn't add anything to their moment together regardless of the fact that it was about to end again so soon. Arriving at the barracks, Nathaniel had to exert some force of will to not scoop her up again in his arms and carry her back to his quarters with him. Only a few lights were on inside the three-storied building and the muffled sounds of those still awake talking with each other drifted outside through one or two opened windows.

"I hope you thought of a wish.." Nathaniel remarked, keeping his voice low and standing closer to her than perhaps he should in such close proximity of his soldiers. Hera seemed to be thinking along the same lines for, although reluctantly, she took a step back towards the barracks before she answered with an alluring quirk of her mouth, "I did.."

"But you're not going to tell me, are you?" He guessed, taking a step back himself though all he really wanted to do was stay. Hera shook her head at him, making strands of long silk hair cascade down over her shoulder. "Maybe someday." She promised rather mysteriously, then turned around after one last affectionate look at him and disappeared inside.

Nathaniel remained where he was a little longer, his eyes still locked on the door closing behind her until its dull thud made him turn around and head back, unable to stop a smile from curving his mouth as he went. Even though he was returning to an empty home, to him, knowing that just a few minutes ago he'd shared it with her, had really made all the difference in the world.

Thanks for reading & I'd love to know what you thought of it! :)