This story is in conjunction with PTS's story: We Are No Heroes. And this is no Triumph
which if it is not here in can be found in Archiveofourown. Please read that before this one.
And you can understand what Maddy got herself into
Maddy pursed her lips. "Like... I don't think people are having enough babies."
She was greeted by a sort of stunned silence.
"What? I'm just saying."
Everyone in the house decided at that moment to say something at the same time. Mark had come to where she was sitting
and put his arm across her shoulders. Surprisingly. Maddy's father didn't say a word but raised his eyebrows. Elizabeth
couldn't help but smirk a little at the sight. Maddy seemed to be at the center of a vocal storm as everyone wanted to ask
her the same question.
"And what is the basis of this proposal young lady?"
The sound of Commander Taylor's gravelly voice cut through the noise of everyone wanting to be heard. All eyes turned to
where Nathaniel was leaning back against the open door. Arms crossed. Clear blue eyes highlighting the smile on his face as
he took in the sight of Maddy blushing bright pink, but being supported by her beau. Clearly, she had just realized she was in
way over her head. With no graceful way out. She looked around at everyone. Thinking, but not being able to articulate
a coherent thought.
"So the scientists objectivity just went on hiatus. Dont worry honey, it is one of the projects that Malcolm was working on.
If you like. You and Mark can tackle that project."
Jim commented. Giving Mark a serious look. He went on.
"Just so you know. I am not endorsing hands-on."
Then it was Mark's turn to turn red in the face and drop his head as he shook it. Which brought a small wave of laughter
from everyone else in the room.
Oh God, what did I just get myself into. Maddy thought. Mark simply stood there slightly behind Maddy, his hand resting
in the small of her back, trying mightily to not smirk. He looked down to hide the faint grin. And privately wondered how
Maddy was going to pursue this lead. Still blushing beet red, Maddy could only stand there thinking for a long moment.
Surprisingly, Josh didn't have anything snarky to say. The pointed look from his Dad kind of putting the brakes on his lack of couth.
"I mean..."
"I...Am just saying...Oh hell."
Everyone got quiet. Not wanting to crowd her or question her sanity. Many of the folks were seriously curious to know
how Maddy would address this long range need for the colony. Looking down and shaking her head. She looked around
and finally said.
"The fact of the matter is, we need a stock of younger people to learn and when the time comes, step up and take the place
of the previous generation, ensuring the continuity and regenerative health of the colony. If that younger generation is not
there. The community eventually collapses on itself because there are not enough people who are skilled to maintain it. Also.
Less people means more infrastructure is neglected and eventually fails. And not just basic systems. Security, medical,
food gathering, research, the trades. There simply will not be enough people to fill all the spots needed just to keep the colony
running. We cannot completely depend on the portal. We have to reach a point where we have to start doing some things
for ourselves. To progress beyond a pioneer status and be more self sustaining as the Hope Plaza planners had intended.
That's just the bare bones fact of the matter. I'm not saying that all young people of child bearing age just go off in the bushes
and go for it. We need to create families, starting with the people we have here. Dad I don't know honestly what you
were going off about, I honestly hope this isn't another excuse to give Mark a hard time. But this is a logical and fair subject
that needs to be addressed by the community at large. Not just the governing body."
Maddy finished her mini dissertation and looked around at everyone in the room. Everyone, looked at her approvingly.
Impressed that she was able to make a logical comeback and outlining a much ignored need of the colony. Commander Taylor
most of all was impressed by Maddy's recovery of the situation. The whole time he stayed at his post leaning back to hold the
door up. He traded glances with Maddy's parents. And finding them also approving of how Maddy handled it. Looked back at Maddy.
"As soon as graduation is done, you and your folks meet me in the Eye. Mark, I'll need you there too. It looks like our junior
scientist just talked herself into a job. I am kind of surprised how soon you've gone 'boots down' on research and I am impressed.
But in all it is a problem that needs to be addressed and point of fact. What better way to meet the problem with a younger, fresher
set of eyes. It'll take another load off Malcolm for the time being."
Finished. He turned to Jim.
"Jim you and Elizabeth have a very exceptional daughter there. We'll see how she does. And Mark. As for your desire to
marry this young lady, I'm giving you my blessing first hand. Jim. While I know you think its important to let him know
you are still a major influence in Maddy's life. Don't go overboard. I still want my soldier to be happy and in one piece if
you dont mind."
That last brought a round of laughs from everybody. And Jim seemed to smolder a bit, like he'd been found out. But he
shrugged and agreed. The impromptu party lasted a while longer, then everyone started to filter away into the night. Maddy
sat with Mark at the couch. Leaning against him. She wondered what she had got herself into. She continued to just
enjoy her man cushion as if Mark didn't mind. But her thinking hadn't slowed down. Mark had his arm around her shoulders
and other than looking down at her would divide his attention to looking around the room or watching Commander Taylor
talking with Malcolm, Jim and Elizabeth out the door on the porch. Laying his head down against hers, and smiled at the small
sigh she made. He sensed she was about to fall asleep.
The meeting on the porch had shortly broke up and Jim stepped back inside. Smiling at the sight of his daughter and her
sweetheart cuddled on the couch. He went up to them and kneeled down in front of Maddy.
"Looks like you really stirred things up a bit. And got your self in over your head. Mark. Why don't you and Maddy take off
for the night. I promise I wont kill you on sight."
Maddy stifled a giggle and moved her head up from under Marks. She had a big goofy grin on her face as she looked up at her father.
"You should just admit you like him dad. I doubt I'll find a better man here."
Jim laughed at her, shared a look with Mark.
"I'll trust you two tonight. Go have fun. G'nite."
Getting up, he joined Elizabeth who had been standing in the short hallway to their bedroom. It seemed she always had that small smile on
her face.
"Good night you two."
She said as she turned with Jim's hand in the small of her back. Maddy's smile only got brighter.
"Mark I don't want to move. Lets just sit here for a bit."
Mark quietly agreed and wrapped his arm more firmly. As he sensed her nod off he relaxed even more. Like her.
He had been thinking of what had been discussed, and knew while it was almost funny how Maddy had managed to
get in over her head. But the subject seemed to make an interesting challenge. He was looking forward to what
ever outcome would happen. Smiling to himself, he nodded off.