Title: Terra Nova: New Earth – New Hope

Summary: This story takes place after Lieutenant Alicia Washington sacrifices herself to create a diversion that in turn, enables the escape of the Shannon family and the settlement's Sheriff's eventual return to Earth 2149 to thwart plans for the Lucas Taylor led Phoenix Group. Alternative Universe.

Pairings: Alicia Washington & Original Female Character. Elizabeth & Jim Shannon.

Rating: M for mature readers.

Disclaimer: No profit is gained by the telling of this tale. All characters other than original remain the property of Creators Kelly Marcel & Craig Silverstein; Amblin Television, Chernin Entertainment, Kapital Entertainment, Siesta Productions & 20th Century Fox Television. This story includes a female/female relationship so be warned!

Chapter 1

Colonel Colbie Adams, Commanding Officer of the Army's Special Forces Alpha Unit, signalled for her ten team members to fall into line and retreat from Hope Plaza. After observing Senior Associate of the Phoenix Group Doctor Weaver being killed by a juvenile Carnotaurus while confronting former Chicago Narcotics Police Detective James Shannon; the battle between her team and responding private army mercenaries was over.

The last of the separatists had been neutralised before they managed to reach Terra Nova's Sheriff and end his strategy to set off a pyrosonic bomb that would destroy the Gateway Portal along with the majority of Hope Plaza.

When five foot nine Adams witnessed Jim Shannon drop the bomb down a chute, she realised her unit didn't have much time to clear the area before it was rocked by an almighty explosion. As Shannon ran towards the Portal, the thirty four year old Military Officer took off at full pace and reached for her comms. She transmitted news of Shannon's success to her superior and waited for a reply.

"Can you be sure?" enquired General Jonas Brass.

There was a loud eruption in the background and raven haired Colbie stumbled slightly as the flooring beneath her combat boots shook, "Affirmative sir, the portal is being eradicated as we speak and thirty Phoenix soldiers have been eliminated along with Weaver and three of his business cohorts."

"Good work, proceed with your mission Colonel - over."

"Understood sir - Adams out." She looked ahead to her fleeing unit comprising of nine men and one woman and made a hand motion for them to regroup at the rendezvous site.

When the athletically built CO reached the team moments later after traversing a serious of corridors, she began, "We are to make our way to the designated departure level and continue with our orders. The explosion has been contained mainly to the Gateway section behind us."

There was a collective, "Yes ma'am," from the heavy breathing soldiers.

"Double time," instructed Adams and the unit pressed onwards.

-o-

Fifteen minutes on, grey haired General Brass greeted them outside the doorway of another underground facility. The barrel chested fifty six year old nodded, "Colonel Adams, I wanted to personally wish you and your team a safe journey."

"Thank you sir."

He handed her an envelope and she pocketed it into one of the front panels of her reinforced body armour.

"All necessary equipment and supplies have been loaded into the Heavy and Cargo Rhinos."

"Acknowledged General and I will make contact once I have a SitRep." Turning to her troop, Adams gave instruction, "Fall out."

In pairs, the soldiers followed their leader through the doors and they silently picked up kits on the other side. Strapping them on, the eleven individuals jumped into four armoured vehicles parked up ahead on the catwalk.

Making herself comfortable in the front passenger seat of the lead all-terrain vehicle, Adams gave the command to advance. She looked at the Event Horizon in front of her and said a few hushed words of thanks to the inventor as the Rhino entered the bright blue sparkling light.

-o-

With barely enough time to blink Colbie held on as the ATV exited into a heavily grassed plain.

"Yee haw!" cheered an exuberant driver, sandy haired Corporal Max Thorn.

"What a rush!" exclaimed Jerry Walsh as he turned to view the other three vehicles materialise out of thin air behind him.

"Any sign of Shannon?" asked Adams while studying a locator map on her PlexPad.

Sergeant Peter Brooks glanced at a handheld scanning device and replied, "I am detecting a human life form moving at a fast pace. Two mikes east north and three mikes from the portal terminus."

"On it," responded Thorn accordingly.

"Sending the coordinates now Colonel," added Brooks.

A display monitor popped up on the dash and beeped.

Engaging her radio mike, Colbie transmitted, "Bravo team flank from the west and Charlie team, take the east."

"Roger that," acknowledged Corporal Charlie Dickson in the second Rhino.

"Roger," replied third driver Corporal Sandra Owens.

Adams gave further directions, "Delta team, head him off from the north."

"On it," responded Sergeant Henry Webb from his Cargo vehicle while breaking off from the others.

Minutes passed and a startled Jim Shannon stopped sprinting and looked around at the four black ATVs surrounding him. He raised his hands in surrender and dropped his pistol.

Colbie gave the signal for the unit to alight from the Rhinos and she approached the sweating man who was trying to catch his breath. "Mr Shannon, don't be alarmed. We are here to restore the balance and take care of the Phoenix Group Army as well as Doctor Lucas Taylor."

With halted speech, Shannon placed his hands on his hips, "How the hell can I believe that?"

"If it weren't true, you would be dead right now."

With furrowed brow, Shannon replied, "That's conceivable, but who are you?"

"I'm Colonel Adams, Commanding Officer of the Army Special Forces Alpha team. Corporal Lewis, please pass Sheriff Shannon a water canteen."

As Jim was handed a container of chilled liquid, Colbie removed her helmet and ran her left fingers through short black strands, "Congratulations on destroying the portal. You did well to survive."

With wide eyes, Jim stopped sipping and asked, "How the hell do you know that happened?"

"My unit and I were responsible for taking out the mercenaries before you had to encounter them at the Gateway."

"Okay that explains why I was only attacked by a few, but how did you arrive here?"

"That's a long story best left until a more convenient time. Right now it's imperative we retake control of Terra Nova. Where are Commander Taylor and his security team?"

"Thirty of them were outside the colony when Lucas and his private army attacked the settlement. Lieutenant Washington had been left in charge, and after twenty six citizens had been killed, she raised the white flag and surrendered. She and the others fought for as long as they could, but were vastly outnumbered. It was all she could do to ensure the survival of the civilians." Tears formed in the thirty eight year old man's blue eyes and he continued, "Wash ended up creating a diversion so I could escape with my family and link up with Commander Taylor. We had to stand by helplessly in the hills and watch through binoculars as Lucas shot her for failing to give up his father's location."

Tilting her head, Adams enquired, "How many enemy soldiers are in the outpost?"

"Twenty are keeping guard over all exit points. The others went off in search of Lucas after he was shot twice by Skye Tate during a ruse we created when Weaver transported back containers of meteoric iron. Word is they were headed north to the area known as the Badlands." Jim looked at the soldiers and noticed none were having trouble breathing in the pure oxygen. He would ask questions later, but for the time being; he bent over and picked up his handgun.

"Understood, Sergeant Brooks please hand the Sheriff a sonic rifle and let's move out."

-o-

The two mile journey was quiet and the vehicles finally halted inside the tree line that was several yards out from the perimeter. Once everyone was standing beside the Rhinos, Adams turned to her team, "Lieutenant McQueen take Private Montgomery and go check out the settlement."

"Yes ma'am."

Colbie took out a pair of digital eyeglasses and scanned the outer fence line before speaking with Jim, "There doesn't appear to be any movement and now that we have some time to wait, you can fill me in on your escape."

"There's not much to tell. The Phoenix Army invaded while I was unconscious for three days after they sent a bomb through with the first five people of the 11th Pilgrimage. My wife convinced Weaver he had been injected with a parasite and she had the cure in exchange for him getting me out of the brig. After that, Lieutenant Washington bought us some time while we absconded through the drainage ditch covered by brush thorns in the fence over at the agriculture centre."

"How exactly was the Lieutenant killed?"

Shannon's voice broke and he closed his eyes to the memory, "That bastard Lucas shot her in the head while her hands were tied behind her back. He murdered her in front of the citizens."

Without any sign of emotion, Colbie stated, "He'll pay for his conspiracy and treason." Gesturing to twenty five year old, dark haired Jerry Walsh, she directed, "Private, take Rhino 1 and drive Sheriff Shannon to Commander Taylor."

"Yes ma'am."

"Once you make contact and explain the situation, I want everyone transported back here A-SAP."

"Understood Colonel."

While climbing into the vehicle, Jim turned slightly and faced her, "Thank you for everything you've done."

The response was a slight nod of the head.

-o-

McQueen and Montgomery returned thirty six minutes later and the Lieutenant reported, "All the townspeople are being held in the concreted area in front of the Command Centre. We counted eighteen soldiers in the square and everyone is sitting down while being guarded."

"How many are there at the Infirmary?"

"Two are on sentry duty outside the entrance."

"Then that is where we strike first. Once we gain access into the compound by hacking into the detection grid with the Phoenix code we obtained back at Hope Plaza, we take those two out then pick off the others one by one from higher ground."

"Yes ma'am."

"We'll breach the perimeter near the south gate then proceed to the clinic. Lewis and I will neutralise the guards while the rest keep watch. Let's move out."

With stealth, the unit made their way to an infiltration point and once the newly erected security network was inoperable, the team cut through the structure with lasers then approached the rear of the medical facility.

Colbie and Lewis checked the suppressors on their rifles before taking out the unsuspecting sentinels positioned in front of the sliding doors. Dragging the bodies inside, Colbie radioed for the remainder of the unit to join her.

Entering the clinic, Adams and her team searched each section before finding Doctor Katseles inside a room operating on a female. He twisted his head and glared at the soldiers, "Who are you?"

"Special Forces from 2149 and we are here to assist."

"Thank god for that, it's been a bloody nightmare. If you'll excuse me for a moment, I'm just about finished here."

Taking a closer look at the patient, Colbie noted the black combat boots and black fatigue trousers, "Is that a member of the security team?"

"Yes, it's Lieutenant Washington. She was shot yesterday but managed to move her head at the last moment and lessen the impact of the discharge. I'm hopeful of a full recovery. I was just removing the last of a hematoma that had developed an hour ago."

"That is pleasing news Doctor Katseles. I'll leave you to your work and advise you to remain here until further notice."

"I can do that and it is good to have you here."

"On me," instructed Colbie to her team without further fanfare and heading towards the main exit.

The unit fell in behind and followed her to a building behind the Command Post. After assigning Private Sterling and Corporal Dickson to breach the structure via the rear door, the rest of the team waited until they were informed by Dickson it was clear to continue.

Moving to the top of the construction next door, the soldiers eliminated the private army before they had time to react. The hostages responded in varying degrees of screams and general panic, but desisted from their behaviour once Colbie and her unit reached ground level.

"Listen up everyone," she began. "My name is Colbie Adams and I am a Colonel with the Army. My unit and I have been sent from 2149 Earth. We are here to restore peace to the settlement and apprehend the Sixers and those serving under direction from the organisation known as the Phoenix Group. If anyone is injured, I need you to make your way to the clinic with Corporal Owens and the medical staff. Owens is a field medic and will assist you in any way she can."

Without speaking, about one hundred and fifty citizens followed the blonde Corporal.

"Can I have Tom Boylan raise his hand please," asked Adams.

The grey haired ex-soldier stepped out of the crowd and approached, "That would be me."

"Thank you Mister Boylan, can you please join us." Turning her attention back to the gathering, she added, "Until the others arrive back, can I ask you all to return to your homes and commence cleaning up? There will be a town meeting once everybody is inside the gate and for crap's sake, someone tear down those unsightly Phoenix flags."

After the populaces showed their gratitude to the unit members then left, Colbie addressed Boylan, "I have a proposition for you."

With raised eyebrows, the bartender responded, "I'm listening."

"When Commander Taylor and the others get back I'll need every person that is able bodied to join in the hunt for Lucas Taylor and his cohorts. I am well aware of your history with the first Pilgrimage and know you are capable of following orders."

"If it means I'll have the opportunity to avenge certain people, than you can count on me."

Reaching out, Colbie shook the man's hand, "I appreciate it and if you'd like to go with Sergeant Webb and Lieutenant McQueen, we have three vehicles and supplies to bring in. On board you'll find medicine, food, clothing and ammunition."

"No worries and thanks for saving our arses."

Nodding, Colbie radioed one of the privates, "Walsh, Adams."

"Go ahead ma'am."

"Be advised hostiles are down and we have taken control of Terra Nova."

"Copy that and we are thirty mikes out from making contact with the others - over."

"Understood - Adams out." Giving instructions for her unit to take up defensive positions around the perimeter alongside the remaining security forces soldiers; Colbie ascended the stairs of the Command Post and inspected the damage and alterations done to the security protocols.

-o-

Once Colonel Adams repaired and recoded the computerised system, she ran a thorough diagnostic on all programs. Satisfied each area of Terra Nova and surrounding outer woodlands were once again under camera surveillance and the senor detectors fully operational, Colbie took off her helmet and wiped the perspiration from her brow.

"Begging your pardon ma'am," said a male voice from the entryway.

Pivoting, Adams met the gaze of Katseles, "Yes Doctor?"

Smiling, the good looking olive skinned male answered, "I just wanted to take the opportunity to voice my appreciation for you and your team's timely arrival. I had a feeling Lucas Taylor's plans didn't include Terra Nova's survival."

"That's very astute of you Doctor. You and your fellow citizens were destined for a life of servitude until the natural resources of this planet were extinguished and anyone rebelling against that decision would have been disposed of."

With a devilish grin, Katseles suggested, "Please call me Javier and I doubt I would have lasted long."

"I'd prefer to keep our relationship purely professional Doctor."

Just then a security soldier joined the duo and saluted, "Private Townsend reporting for duty ma'am."

Returning the formal gesture, Adams addressed the young man bearing several abrasions to his face along with a black right eye, "At ease Private. What is your usual post?"

"I'm with communications ma'am."

"Excellent, you can man the control desk while I do a walk around."

"Yes ma'am."

"Before I leave Townsend, if you get a visual of three black Rhinos approaching the gate let them in and radio me immediately if you capture any outside movements other than wildlife."

"Yes ma'am."

Standing, Colbie moved to the exit and without waiting for a response from the civilian, declared, "I'll speak with you later Doctor Katseles." She walked to the stairs and descended.

As she stepped off the bottom rung, a trio of armoured vehicles entered the compound and she met them in the circular drive. The gate closed as Boylan jumped from the lead ATV. "Mister Boylan I require you to make a list of all supplies taken from the settlement by your uninvited guests."

"Indeed Colonel, but how will that help? We are cut off from 2149 and nothing can be replaced."

"All will be revealed in good time. Get word out to the residents that there is a town meeting here at 1600 hours. Questions will be answered then."

"As you wish and I'll make a start on that list straight away."

"Thank you for your assistance Mister Boylan."

-o-

Colonel Adams stood at attention on the landing of the Command Centre and viewing the remaining population of the Terra Nova settlement when Private Townsend rushed out of the communications room and announced, "Sheriff Shannon radioed with news of his expected return in two minutes ma'am."

"Then I suggest you open up the gate in preparation Private."

"Yes ma'am."

Turning back to the assembled crowd, Colbie commenced her speech, "People of Terra Nova, your Commander Taylor is about to arrive along with some of those lucky enough to escape last night and some of the soldiers who were OTG when this peaceful community was attacked. My team will be heading back out and collecting the others A-SAP."

On cue a transporter drove past the gate and into the compound.

"If you will excuse me for one moment, I need to speak with Commander Taylor in private."

Nathaniel Taylor, handsome, grey bearded and muscular, alighted from the vehicle as did the Shannon family. Instantly the four ATVs drove off for the remaining soldiers, Doctor Wallace and Skye Tate. Without delay Jim climbed the stairwell as did Taylor.

A heavily tanned commander-in-charge approached Adams and saluted, "Ma'am."

"At ease Commander," responded Colbie while retrieving the envelope from her vest compartment. "You have new orders."

"I beg your pardon?" queried a confused Taylor.

"Commander Taylor, you are to stand down as CO once the conspirators have been captured. After seven years you are to take a well-earned vacation for a period of three months. Before you protest, we leave for the Badlands at 0900 hours tomorrow. You and your team need to rest and we will converse again shortly."

Turning heel, the Colonel looked out to the curious onlookers, "I'll keep this short. Until further notice I will be assuming command then after a relatively short duration, Commander Taylor will be back in charge again. Once the splinter colonialist and the Phoenix Group have been apprehended, my unit will be on hand to assist with rebuilding this community."

There was a loud cheer then Colbie ushered Taylor and Shannon inside.

"How the hell did you get here Colonel?" demanded Taylor. "Considering Jim here just blew up the only Gateway to Kingdom Come and severed all links with 2149."

"It's a long story and one I'll gladly tell once the Phoenix insurgents and the Sixers have been eliminated."

"Eliminated?" repeated Shannon and Taylor in unison.

"Each rebel has been deemed to be a traitor to Earth 2149 and as such will be executed by order of President Bell."

Shaking his head, Taylor asked, "Who?"

"There have been some significant changes to the leaders of Earth 2149," explained Adams. "Most were ousted once the extent of the Phoenix Group's corruption was discovered. Investigations unearthed thousands of allies and would-be extremists."

"Son of a bitch," mumbled Taylor. "So where does that leave the Terra Nova project? Obviously a second Gateway exists."

"Not quite and at the moment the repopulation transfers are on hold. The worldwide lottery was rigged and those with ties to the Phoenix Group were given slots on the departures. Until equilibrium is restored, the next scheduled pilgrimages are on hold. For the time being I suggest you both go home to eat and find some sleep. One last item Commander Taylor, I will fully understand if you do not wish to take part in the mission to track down your son."

"With all due respect Colonel, he stopped being my son two years ago and what he has done here is unforgivable."

"I'll take that as a yes and I'm pleased to end this conversation on a happy note. Lieutenant Washington miraculously survived the attempt on her life and is currently recovering in the Infirmary."

An emotionally and physically drained Taylor blurted, "Wash, oh dear god."

"You may want to visit her on your way home," suggested Adams. "And you may also want a doctor to take a look at that wound to your side Commander."

"That's the best news out of this whole sordid horror," commented a shocked Jim. "And I'll ensure the Commander makes it to the clinic."

"Hopefully there will be more to follow and thank you for your assistance. Now go be with your family Sheriff."

-o-

After Tom Boylan handed over a list of provisions to Colbie, she placed a hand of his left shoulder and looked around the tavern, "From this moment on there is to be no illegal activity conducted in this establishment or outside. You will run a fully legit business or lose your trading licence and deed. Is that understood?"

"Yes ma'am, but how did you know?"

"I have my sources and I suggest you take the opportunity to stick to the right side of the law."

"I was only trying to make a living," he offered up as an excuse.

"Yes, but you managed to forge some unhealthy alliances along the way to wheeling and dealing for profit. You will be adequately reimbursed for your services with me."

"That's good to know and a fine place to start our association."

"You'll discover it's less stressful when you don't have to look over your shoulder all the time. Besides, what could you spend money on around here when most necessities are free or were you stockpiling for when you retired?"

A slow smirk formed on the bartender's face, "Blooming hell, how did you know that was my plan?"

"I'll tell you all about it one day soon."

"You'll have plenty of opportunities now you're stuck here too."

"I'm not stuck Mister Boylan; I happily volunteered for this mission."

"That can be another story I look forward to hearing."

"All in good time, goodnight."

-o-

Colbie made her way to the Medical Clinic and was amazed to find Trauma Surgeon Doctor Elizabeth Shannon leaning up against one of the many counter tops. She was studying a PlexPad and the emergency area was overwhelmingly busy. Adams smiled when the attractive, English born medic glanced her way.

"Doctor, I'm surprised to see you here."

"I couldn't sleep and as you can clearly see, my help is urgently required."

"I won't keep you from your work for long. I just dropped in for an update of Lieutenant Washington's condition."

A wide grin graced the physician's features, "I'm glad to say she is doing remarkably well and I'd like to thank you for all you've done for us."

"It was my duty Doctor and I'll leave you to it. Don't overdo it and remember to get some rest."

"Nonetheless, you and your people have been our saviour. I thought I'd relieve Doctor Katseles for a couple of hours before turning in. The rest of the family are asleep, so I'm not missing out on anything by not being home."

"It's been a big day Doctor and I'll speak to you soon." Turning to leave, Colbie stopped and addressed Elizabeth, "Can I ask you to inform your husband there will be a meeting in the Command Centre at 0800 hours tomorrow? That invitation extends to you also."

"Of course and I look forward to learning the truth behind your arrival."

Smiling for the first time since setting foot on Terra Nova, Adams checked in with Owens before departing the building. Returning to the Command Centre, she took up position behind the glass desk with the huge skeletal remains of an Empirosaur's skull underneath. She started reading the daily reports for the past four months and occasionally took notes.

Thirty minutes on, blond Lieutenant McQueen entered the room. Looking up from a PlexPad, Colbie said, "Report Lieutenant."

"All access points have been secured and some citizens are eager to show their appreciation by cooking meals for us."

"I assume many are curious as to our mission, but that will have to wait."

"Have you found anything of interest?" enquired McQueen while glancing at the pile of tablets.

"Only that Commander Taylor keeps meticulous records and his response to his son's betrayal was the correct course of action to take. So far I have found no evidence of any improprieties."

"It must have been difficult for him to separate duty from family," reasoned Matt. "But in the end I think Lucas' brutal and narcissistic avenues helped him decide."

"I agree and it's time you got some sleep too."

"I was just about to relieve Private Townsend over there, he's exhausted."

With a smirk Colbie replied, "I'll trust your judgement, carry on."

"Thank you ma'am and I hope you don't intend on reading files all night?"

"Someone needs to be on hand in case the Phoenix Group finds Lucas and doubles back."

"Do you honestly think that's a viable option?"

"No I don't. I think Lucas Taylor will put as much distance between this place and himself then attempt to travel back to 2149 to make contact with Doctor Weaver."

"If he manages to rebuild a portal he'll be in for a rude awakening if he returns and finds no trace of the Phoenix alliance. President Bell should have them all accounted for within the next few days and prosecution will swiftly follow."

"It's a good thing the experts back home are monitoring for any biosignatures travelling through a time fracture."

McQueen nodded, "I better make a move and send Townsend to his quarters before his head hits the desk."

"I'll check in on you when I do another compound walk by."

-o-

Having relieved each unit member standing guard in the gun turrets on a two hourly rotation, the attractive brunette finally allowed herself a couple of hours sleep before waking and preparing for the conference with Commander Taylor, Sheriff Shannon and his wife.

After showering and dressing in a fresh combat uniform, Colbie sought out some liquid breakfast at Boylan's. Once she had consumed the light green sludge, she went to the Command tower.

At 0746 hours, Taylor made his appearance while a handful of his security team replaced the Special Forces officers still manning posts.

Adams waited for the Commander to finish giving instructions to his people before saying, "I hope you had the opportunity to read your remaining orders?"

"I did and I fully understand."

"Please don't be under the impression I am here to usurp your authority in any way Commander. My mission is to get the Terra Nova project back on track and ensure you are fully rested in the interim. You've worked nonstop since arriving here in 2142 and have earned a break. Your body and mind have basically taken a hammering, so relax with some fishing and forget about the responsibilities of command for a while."

"I think that can be arranged."

"Good. I visited the clinic earlier and received a positive SitRep on Lieutenant's recovery."

It was hard for Taylor not to smile, "I've just come from there and Wash was awake. She is eager to join in with the retrieval of the separatists."

"I am sure she is, but medically I think it best if she sits this one out."

"I told her the same thing and was sworn at."

A slight huff proceeded Adams' next words, "I am well aware you and her go back a long way."

"She's saved my ass too many times to remember. Wash is a fine soldier, a good person. I'm proud to call her teammate as well as close friend.

Colbie was about to comment further when Jim and Elizabeth appeared in the doorway and changed tact with a hand motion towards the three chairs in front of the table, "Please take a seat everyone and we'll get started."

Once all three were comfortable the Colonel resumed, "I will lead my unit out of here at 0900 hours. Commander Taylor, you and Sheriff Shannon will accompany us along with twenty members of the security team."

Taylor dipped his head in agreement, "The enemy number at one hundred and they have a dozen vehicles at their disposal."

"Thank you for the update Commander and to answer one of the questions on everybody's lips, the wooden figure Mira brought back from the Badlands is from the 18th Century."

With a shake of the head, Jim asked, "How could you possibly know that?"

"I came across it in a shipping crate and realised it was evidence that we are not the first humans to travel this particular time stream."

"If that is true," stressed Elizabeth. "Then what happened to them?"

"They must have sailed into the portal while at sea and my guess is the ocean itinerants didn't survive the harsh conditions and local animal population. It's my understanding that the Badlands is a mostly a desert area, is that correct?"

Fielding the question, Taylor replied, "By all reports it is, so I have no idea why Lucas would chose to go there."

"I assume he will heal his wounds without threat of interruption then attempt to repair the terminus back here and figure out a way to return to Earth 2149. I also believe he has gone to the Badlands to search for the boat the wooden figure belonged to."

"But Hope Plaza is in ruins and a bloody ship won't help him get to 2149," pointed out Elizabeth.

"Yes, but he has no knowledge of Plaza event nor does he know the other Phoenix cohorts are being eradicated back there. If he finds out, he will probably hope another Gateway will be built in the not too distant future."

Elizabeth scoffed, "Surely that won't occur. There won't be enough time before Earth is obliterated."

Standing, Colbie took a deep breath, "Since you left 2149 three months ago Doctor there have been significant developments."

"Such as?" enquired Taylor.

"Scientists have discovered a way to slow down the deterioration of Earth's core and atmosphere thus buying more time to reverse the damage done."

"How much more time are we talking about here?" queried Jim with a furrowed brow.

"Two years," replied Colbie before glancing at her watch. "I'm sorry, but the rest will have to wait. We have to make preparations for departure and I need to contact my Commanding Officer."

"How can you achieve that without a terminus or Hope Plaza?" countered Jim. "Oh wait, there has to be another Gateway, right?"

With a slight smile, Adams responded, "Hopefully by tonight you'll have all the answers you seek. Commander Taylor I'll leave you to organise your team."

"Yes ma'am."

Without further ado the Colonel exited and went to speak with Sergeant Brooks. She eventually located him over by the Clinic engaged in conversation with Nurse Jenny Ogawa.

The dark haired beauty smiled in greeting, "Good morning Colonel."

"Good morning Nurse. Can I have a word with the Sergeant?"

"Certainly, I'll chat with you later."

"You certainly will, goodbye." Waiting for the woman to leave, Colbie looked to the sky then announced, "It's a great day."

"It is and the terminus is ready to go. I set it up last night just beyond the tree line. It is one click north of the southern gate."

"Well done and we better make a move. I'd like to speak with Lieutenant Washington before we depart on our mission."

"No worries ma'am."

-o-

Brooks pulled the Rhino into a narrow walking path and turned off the motor. "It's twenty feet behind that rock formation," he explained as Colbie jumped out of the vehicle.

Withdrawing a comms from her left trouser pocket when the pair arrived at the device, she waited for her Sergeant to activate the terminal. Instantly, the Event Horizon sparked into activation and Colbie radioed General Brass on a scrambled frequency, "Brass, this is Adams. Do you copy?"

"Loud and clear Colonel."

"Sir, we have control of Terra Nova and will be under way for the Badlands within the hour."

"Is that where the renegade Taylor and his associates have gone?"

"That's affirmative sir. It is approximately six hundred clicks from the colony and this mess should be cleaned up by tonight."

"I have full faith in you Adams. I look forward to more news – out."

Closing the portal, Brooks straightened up and grinned, "Let's go kick some traitor ass."

"That sounds good to me."

-o-

Approaching the curtained off biobed, Colonel Adams removed her boonie hat and drew back the white material. She gasped when she viewed the heavily bruised and swollen face of the otherwise stunning Alicia Washington. "Sorry to disturb you Lieutenant, but I thought it was time we met."

Deep brown eyes focused on blue and Washington smiled, "You must be the Colonel Adams I get hearing about. It's a pleasure to finally put a face to the name ma'am."

"Doctor Shannon assures me you are ninety percent fit and ready for discharge."

"Yes ma'am."

"That's encouraging because I need you to take command while two units are off colony."

"Yes ma'am. I'm up for that."

"There will be fifty soldiers left behind and once we leave, I want this place locked down and sealed tight."

"Understood ma'am and Commander Taylor told me what you did for us. I appreciate you showing up here."

"Thank you Lieutenant and you should be very proud of your actions. What you did was unselfish, courageous and uplifting. You're a true hero."

With emotions coming to a head, tears rolled down Washington's face, "Thank you ma'am."

Reaching down, Colbie squeezed the other woman's left shoulder, "We will talk tonight and I'll report in every one hundred clicks."

"Yes ma'am and good luck with the mission."

Smiling brightly, Colbie replied, "I'll keep an eye on the Commander for you."

Her comment was met with a beaming grin.

-o-