Hudson was waiting for him when he returned and hurried to meet him away from the others.

"Nathaniel, the captive had a few interesting things to say. Seems like yesterday the vids were released about Wash being shot, which we knew would. Well, it was the main topic all day on the media, including scenes from your date. The soldier never revealed his name, but we'll match him soon enough. He did say he was with Lucas when they were watching your speech at the coliseum and Lucas was angry that Wash made it back to the colony and married you. He made a comment that he was going to enjoy killing his 'Dear Brother' as he kept referring to him and of course the mother had to be killed also. It was General Hooper who set up the ambush in your hotel at Lucas's order. Vids of your date filled Lucas was a raging fury according to our prisoner. How's Wash this morning?"

"Not good. Something went wrong and she's back in surgery," grief for his injured wife and demented son was heard in his voice and he had the expression of a man carrying a heavy load.

"Sorry to hear it," they turned as the portal sparkled blue, flickered and held steady. Crossing the open expanse of the hanger in long strides they heard, Guzman calling for Commander Taylor.

"Houston Base here, Corporal Guzman. Commander Taylor is almost here, hold on," the technician stepped aside as the officer's arrived.

"Guzman, I'm sending Durwin through first with a pallet. Give him room." Shaking hands with Casey and motioning two privates to push the cart through the portal, Casey went home.

Taylor waited a couple minutes, "Guzman," he barked into the radio.

"Sorry, Sir, just welcoming Casey home. I'll start sending them through if you're ready."

"Everyone I requested, Guz?"

"Yes, Sir."

He thought for an agonizing second, "Send her through first." Everyone watched the misty blue and a woman holding a bundle walked from the past. Taking a few experimental breaths she looked for the Commander and saw him hurrying towards her. "Elizabeth," he held his arms for his son. "Hey Boy," effortlessly snatching him away, and then they stepped aside as the next soldier entered. Hardly paying attention to the new arrivals, Nathaniel looked at his son and for the first time since hearing about his wife, he smiled.

Hudson came over and looked at the baby, "Oh cripes, he does look like you, poor kid."

"Dr. Shannon, meet Mike Hudson, pain in the ass, like your husband," he turned his attention back to his son.

"Are we powering down, General?" The technician called over the low level din of the newly arrived troops.

"Not just yet. I'll let you know."

The arrivals fell silent and all eyes were on their Commander, including Elizabeth. She spoke for the assembly, "General?"

An affirmative nod, "Umm, yeah. Commander there, General here," he finally pulled his eyes off his son, "Elizabeth, there's a couple developments since I asked you to come. I wanted you to check on Wash, but she had a relapse this morning and we found out Lucas wants to kill Thaniel. My idea of surprising my wife will have to wait."

"Commander, how much harder will it be for you to protect your son along with your wife?"

"It'll give Lucas another target. No, Wash would never forgive me if I allowed anything to happen to our son. I can't risk it," he didn't want to put his baby down, but couldn't risk him either.

"She was the one who wanted to bring him. Maybe you can use him to flush Lucas out, make him reckless," her reasoning was making him waffle and holding his son in person was influencing him on the side of recklessness.

"I'd need to talk to Wash first, but she's in no condition now. No," he kissed his son and handed him back. "Shannon on the other side?"

"Of course and he's not happy."

"The situation's changing rapidly here. We got attacked on the base this morning. They tried to get to the hospital. Go home, Elizabeth, one less worry for me." Putting an arm around her shoulders, he walked her to the portal. His comm beeped. "Taylor," hand on Elizabeth's shoulder held her in place.

"Reynolds, Sir. Wash is out of surgery. Turned out to be minor. They suctioned her lung and cleaned out the rest of the blood and tissue they couldn't get earlier. This time they inflated the lung. Her color is better. We're back in her room."

"Hold on Reynolds, Dr. Shannon is here." He held the phone out, but the sergeant could follow every word, "Any questions, Doctor?"

"Without examining her myself, I can't say, Commander."

Not what he wanted to hear. Now the thought of sending one of the best doctors away from his wife…no, he couldn't do it, "I can't let you leave if something is wrong with my wife. She deserves the best care possible. I'll do everything I can to protect Thaniel, but my WIFE comes before him, do you understand, Doctor?" He raised his voice to emphasize his point.

"Commander, your WIFE put her life on the line for my family and myself. I will do no less for your son. Now are we done so I can go to the hospital and visit my patient," her voice switched from authoritative to a silky manipulating tone.

Nathaniel grinned and leaned down to her, "Your witch's tricks won't work on me." He pulled the comm closer, "Is she awake, Reynolds?"

"No sir. They said she'd be out a few more hours. I did overhear the doctor complain about the other doctor removing her port. They had to put another in her other hand and feed her through it."

Taylor actually smirked at the results of her request to have it removed, "Tell the attending, Terra Nova's doctor is on her way to take over, my orders. And before we leave, I agreed to let a couple of you get a physical. Taylor out."

"She's tough, Commander," Elizabeth couldn't help but admire his devotion.

"You think I don't know that. She did something last night she wasn't ready for and never said a word to me because she knew I wanted it," for the first time he felt bad for having sex.

Elizabeth shook her head at him, guessing what he was referring to and shook a finger at him, "None of that while I'm around. She needs to get better and not have her injury reinjured."

He leaned over and whispered, "You realize, you just told a General to keep his hands off his own wife?"

"General, I have no respect for your title and… and you're messing with me," he was laughing at her. "Next dirty diaper is yours, GENERAL."

Ending his conversation with Elizabeth, Taylor ordered the terminus powered down and looked for Hudson. "Hud, can you take Dr. Shannon to the hospital along with Dunham?"

"Be happy to, General," Hudson took the large diaper bag off Elizabeth's shoulder and Dunham grabbed her backpack that was carried through the portal by Guzman. Before they were allowed to leave, Taylor looked around for a box. Finding it, he pulled a rebreather for the doctor and personally put one on his baby.

"Form up," Taylor ordered his troops. Facing them he brought them up to speed on the situation and their duties. A couple privates from the base were to escort them around to the commons and locker rooms and were standing to one side while the General addressed his squadron. Dismissing the briefing, "Guzman stay." Soon they were alone, "How's the colony, Guz?"

"Quiet. Everyone's on their best behavior. We use the threat of the Commander's going to hear about it to keep the younger kids in line," they both chuckled.

"I wish it were quiet here. I feel like I've been gone a month," the Commander motioned for Guzman to walk with him. Entering an office area, "General Caldwell here?" he asked a soldier doing office work.

"No Sir, he got a tip an enemy was holed up near the main gate and decided to see some action. Said something about earning his paycheck, whatever that is."

"Old term. Over a hundred years ago, pieces of paper were issued for payment. We use precious metals at Terra Nova for currency. Makes buying everyday items easier. Have a clean plexpad?" The clerk handed him one and he accessed the info off the one he left in the hospital room and did a transfer and handed it to Guzman, "Transfer this to the troop's miniplexi's. It will keep them entertained and brought up to speed."

On to his next dilemma. Taking half his troops; the small convoy consisting of his rover and two troop carriers, wove through the smoggy side streets of the outlying slums that habitually sprang up around domes. Rebreathers were issued to everyone in need and a box of them carted along for any distressed Sixers.

Mira was waiting. The Sixers placidly followed orders, but their families started to grumble that nobody would show up after three hours had passed and no Taylor. The base soldiers on duty ordered them back as the vehicles pulled into their midst. Taylor got out and grabbed a box of rebreathers to be passed out. One by one, the Sixers passed Taylor's questions. He sequestered each Sixer away from the others and asked tailored questions from what he knew about them. The computer did a profile so all he had to do was add his memories from individual dealings. He took extra care with Carter, but to his surprise the second to Mira passed with no apparent deceit. It was a relief, but he still harbored ill will towards him whenever he thought of what he and Mira did to Wash.

"Mira, everyone passed. The bad news for you is with the attack on the base, you can't take any equipment or vehicles on base for now. You can be relocated to a barracks until this matter with Lucas is settled and that may take some time. No weapons will be allowed."

"Agreed, we need a safer place for the children. There are roving gangs nearby. We came unarmed and your soldiers ran two gangs off during the night, but they'll be back. It's got some of the people nervous."

"One other matter, would you help us against Lucas and the invaders if we need your fighters?" A test to her true intent.

Mira nodded, "We discussed it last night. We're mercenaries with no employer. We want to make the past our future and if helping you insures that end, we'll do it."

"Good, I'd rather have you on my side this time." Not trusting her completely, he changed the topic, "Who's taking care of your daughter?"

"Debora and Skye."


It took three trips with the carriers to ferry the group to a barracks. The Commander, although desperately wanting to check in on his wife, stayed until all were loaded. He personally took Mira in his rover and they brought up the rear. He reinforced on the way for the Sixer's safety, they should remain in the barracks. Food would be provided.

He grudgingly worked through lunch and it was now mid-afternoon when he arrived back to the hanger housing the portal. Several local troops were mingling with his, all wanting to know what it was like living in the past. He stood at the edge of the congregation listening to what his people had to say, standing just far enough away not to be approached. The loudspeaker blared, "General Taylor to headquarters for a meeting." With a sigh that he wasn't through for the day yet, he walked away.

General Caldwell brought the other Generals in the loop with his narrative of cornering a young Phoenix soldier in a shed. Trying to convince him to surrender, a loud explosion knocked them to the ground as the invader set a grenade off in his hand. The base was restricted, but no longer locked down. The talk turned to what they were after. They played the recording of the interrogation Hudson did. It was agreed they would have to stay one step ahead of Lucas. He knew his stepmother was shot and he wanted her dead. He wanted his brother dead and most of all wanted his father dead. One thing the room was certain of, he would try again. Therefore it was agreed Lieutenant Taylor would have to be moved.

Hunger drove Nathaniel to the commissary. He saw Hudson eating by himself and joined him.

"Don't know about you, Hud, but I'm dead on my feet," he wolfed his food down trying not to contemplate it's origin's.

"It has been a long one. Got your people settled?"

Taylor nodded around a bite, "They're camping around the terminus. Used to roughing it. This is a picnic for them; no Carno's to keep things lively."

"Caldwell told me you captured one and sent it to Hope Plaza." Hudson laughed at the thought. "His description of the one he saw started with not trying to crap his pants."

The Commander remembered the incident and just chuckled, then sobered and brought up the next phase to hopefully end his day, "You know what I hate the most about this, waiting for the next nefarious act Lucas is bound to attack with and not knowing exactly what that might be."

"He's been laying low on the media outlets after months of nattering, and we haven't been able to get a lock on his location. He could be here or slipped out of the country," Hudson, while happy to see old friends again would hate to see one killed.

Standing, Hudson clapped Taylor on the shoulder, "I have to get my people in place, see you soon. Say hi to Wash for me."


Nathaniel heard the laughter before he reached Alicia's room. Entering, followed by four of his own handpicked soldiers, including Guzman, his gaze swept the room. Dunham and Reynolds were against the wall and had hands on pistols when the door opened. Nodding in their direction, they relaxed. He turned his attention to the bed. Alicia was smiling at him and held her hand out. He quickly crossed, tiredness evaporating at the way she was looking at him obviously feeling better after her lung inflation.

Taking his hand, she spoke softly, "You continually surprise me, thank you," her fingers squeezed his and they exchanged smiles.

"Your son is just precious, Nathaniel," the cheery voice of Lenore Caldwell broke their moment. When her husband came home and told her the Taylor baby was at the hospital, she rushed them through supper so she could visit. Now positioned comfortably in the only chair, she hadn't put the baby down since arriving. General Caldwell and Elizabeth stood to one side and were visiting while Wash and Lenore talked about her shooting and the baby.

"General Caldwell fill you in on the plans?" He still held her hand, but refrained from kissing. That would come later when they were alone.

"No, they haven't been here long."

"We were waiting for you, Nathaniel," the eavesdropping General cut in.

"We're moving you tonight, back to The Dominance."

"Sure I'm welcome after I bled all over their expensive carpet?"

"We get the Presidential suite." Nathaniel looked around, "It's large enough for all of us. Dr. Shannon, give me an update," his anxiety needed to be assuaged and that was one of the conditions of moving her out of the hospital.

"Wash is improving and can be moved and in fact she needs to start walking so blood clots don't form someplace," the doctor had carefully perused her treatment records.

Looking around, Nathaniel ordered, "Everyone out so I can get her ready."

Elizabeth went to take Thaniel, but General Caldwell beat her to his wife. "Let me take this little critter," he carried him to the hall flanked by Dunham and Reynolds, having been admonished by a protective mother to protect the baby at all cost.

"Wash, we need to get you more clothes if we stay. Everything you packed is pullover. Wear my shirt," he pulled a pair of black jeans as she sat on the edge of the bed. When he found socks in her pack and turned, she was gone and the bathroom door shut. Waiting, he closed the packs and gathered everything in a neat pile. When she emerged a few minutes later her hair was painstakingly brushed out, toiletries in hand which was passed to him.

He had to smile at the simple act of helping his wife dress after his hectic day. "Got Mira and her people stationed in one of the barracks," he pulled the zipper of her jeans up and sat in the chair grabbing a foot and started working a sock on.

"Anything from Lucas?"

"No, we're doing another interview tomorrow and showing Thaniel off." He quickly looked at her for approval, "Unless you veto that plan." He was trying hard to reform and not make all the decisions, especially involving their son.

"That's a good idea. Another attack and I can take him and run for the terminal."

He smiled at her, "And if I ordered you to?"

"I'd have said no way," she smiled back.

"Don't let me fall back into that pattern, okay?"

"I haven't had a kiss for a long time," her way of agreeing.

Putting her foot down, he leaned over and caught her lips.


It was an imposing force that marched down the hall. Nathaniel had his son in the crook of his right arm and left hand holding onto Wash's right. Dunham and Guzman loaded the extra soldiers down with packs and everyone outside the Taylor's had a bag of some sort. The laden soldiers surrounded the family with rifles ready. Reynolds took point and Guzman and Dunham the rear and two others flanked each side while the Caldwell's were directly in front of the Taylor's. People parted as it became obvious the groups would force them to as they caught a glimpse of the famous Commander before the group exited into the night. Three rovers lined the way. Guzman was in the lead with the Caldwell's and the Taylor's took the second with Reynolds driving and Dunham beside him while Taylor, his wife and baby sat in the back with an almost impossible shot for a sniper. The last group of soldier's brought up the rear.

The grandeur of the first suite was for a pauper compared to the ritziest room even General Caldwell had ever seen. It covered a quarter of the massive hotel complex, complete with two sitting areas, two dining rooms and six bedrooms. The master bedroom had Taylor calling everyone to come and see. With another sitting room they passed to the massive bedroom, complete with swimming pool and spa. The bathroom had a whirlpool bathtub large enough for eight or more and a walk in shower that spiraled so no door or curtain was needed. It had at least eight massive shower heads and wall sprayers. Two separate rooms contained toilets and bidets, the most common cleansing method in the twenty second century due to paper shortages.

"I still wouldn't trade this for the green forests of home," Alicia announced as she sank onto the couch in the main area. Lenore had Thaniel again and sat beside her while servers cleared by Colonial Hudson served late night coffee and deserts.

"Put him between us," Lenore did as Wash bid and soon both women munched on chocolate cake. Wash was still on her milk diet and she noticed her husband requested a glass also. He sat across from her on the opposite chair where he had an unobstructed view of her and Thaniel. He watched as his wife pulled Thaniel's shirt up and looked at his side. With a smile to Nathaniel, she announced, "Bruise is gone."

"First of many he's going to have in his life if I have any say in the matter."

"What's that mean, Commander?" Elizabeth was sure she misunderstood his comment.

"I plan on him growing up and living his life at Terra Nova. Now tell me what kid isn't going to get bumps and bruises their," not a question, but comment on the rougher lifestyle.

In the end, Guzman returned to the base to be in command of Taylor's troops while the others took rotating turns guarding the suite while Hudson's people patrolled the halls and main lobby. This time rooftop security was extra tight. The Caldwell's left with a plea from Nathaniel, not too early, Wash needed her rest.

"Elizabeth, we'll take Thaniel, get a good night's sleep," Nathaniel picked up the diaper bag and took it to thenaster bedroom. Housekeeping provided three cribs, one in Dr. Shannon's bedroom, one in the main room and another in the master bedroom. Everyone was under orders that absolutely nobody was to leave him alone. Elizabeth ran her portable scanner once more over Wash's shoulder and told her to let Taylor feed and change his son. The doctor thought about protesting, but remembered their parting when the Commander had to go to the terminal to come here alone. Nathaniel needed his family intact tonight.

"Tired?" Nathaniel helped her to the bedroom and shut the door. He had taken Thaniel first and hurried back.

"Not really, I've slept for the better part of two days. You look exhausted," she asked him to open her bag.

"I am, more mental than physical. Last few days have been hard," he watched her pull out one of the babydolls she bought. It was pale green and had matching panties, "I'm not that tired, though," he assumed she was up to a little fun.

"Nathaniel, I don't have anything to wear except one of these. I can sleep in one, if you let me," she started unbuttoning his shirt she was wearing.

Pushing her hands away, his fingers parted the shirt for her, "I like you sleeping like this," he tossed the shirt onto a chair and cupped her breast on the uninjured side, thumb rubbing over her nipple until it was a small pebble. He felt himself come to life and leaned down and sucked it in his mouth.

She pushed against his shoulder, "Not tonight. I still don't want all the jarring."

"Fine, I'll change and feed our son," with a quick peck to her lips he left her to get ready for bed. Truth be told, he deflated just as fast, was just too tired to put forth a passable effort.

She'd been in the bathroom the entire time it took him to feed, burp and get Thaniel's jammies on and he was beginning to worry. Stripping off his shirt, he made a mental note to send everything dirty out for cleaning in the morning including his still bloody suit. Kicking his boots off, his pants and socks followed. He was about to enter the bathroom when Wash came out wearing her light colored nightwear. His automatic renewed interest kicked in. Brushing by her, he stopped to admire. "I'm going to rinse off, you think about this," he guided her hand to his semi-hard state.

Checking on her baby, Wash eased herself onto the king sized bed, "Put some shorts on in case the Doctor decides to pay us a visit during the night," she instructed when a couple minutes later he returned.

"She wouldn't risk being shot," but he pulled a clean pair from his backpack. "You torment me by withholding. I'm sure our marriage vows are contradictory to your behavior," an automatic adjustment of his crotch and he crawled in beside her, dimming the light as he did. It felt wonderful to be lying down with room to stretch out. Hand automatically reaching for hers, in less than a minute he was breathing deeply and regularly. Alicia lay quietly waiting for the pain pill to kick in, and for the first time since Nathaniel went through the portal, she felt complete.

Voices outside the bedroom door woke her. Reaching for Nathaniel, she encountered space and a cool spot. Forcing her eyelids to open, light was flickering off the swimming pool, morning already. Moving her left arm experimentally, she noticed it wasn't as stiff. A few more days and she'd be packing Thaniel again, but for now let others handle him. The last thing she wanted was to maybe hurt him. Looking over at the crib, it was empty.

Nathaniel slipped in and shut the door quietly. Seeing her awake, he stated, "Doc wants you up and moving when you wake." He started throwing clothes into a hotel provided laundry bag. Taking her bag, not opened from the night of the shooting, he carefully looked inside. Pulling her pumps out, he saw a clear plastic pouch attached, inside it was her earrings. The dress was a bloody mess. He was about to close it when his wife reminded him she had a pair of new panties somewhere inside. Sure enough, under the stiff fabric of her once little black dress was a matching pair of panties. They went into the laundry bag, "I want you to shop when you're up to it."

"Help me dress," she slipped out of bed to his admiring gaze.

"You are going to wear that for me again when you are well and we don't have a room full of people on the other side of the door," he helped slip the short negligée over her head. It was loose enough to guide her stiff arm through the opening before pulling it up and off.

"I want to wear one of your tees. It'll be loose enough to get on," he watched her slip the matching panties off her hips and let them fall and eliciting a moan from him in appreciation. She wandered to the bathroom naked leaving him to find clothing. To heck with it, he followed her.

When she emerged from the privy, he was as naked as her and obviously ready. "Nathaniel, it's late," her hand automatically circled him and she stroked expertly.

"Hey," his hands settled on her waist, "you're using your left hand."

"Doc says light exercise," their lips met, softly at first then with fire only they could ignite in each other.

"Not in here," Nathaniel took Alicia's hand and led her to their bedroom. Turning into her with a question, "bed or pool?" He gave a smile he reserved for her.

Looking at the inviting pristine blue lined pool, without a word she led this time down the steps into the water. They laughed and played in a sexual fashion, taking turns diving under to orally play. Finally, Nathaniel positioned her in the shallow end and waves threatened to slop onto the floor as he took her, holding his body off her in the water. Nothing wrong with her legs, they wrapped around him. With a final thrust he groaned in protest at its inevitable ending. Getting off, he helped her out.

"Hey, Carno wrangler, you forget something?" He turned to see her dripping and the wet sheen making her glow under the skylight.

"No, I was going to try that shower bench with all the different angles spraying us." Alicia had no complaints with the amenities or room service she fondly told him while his mouth was occupied.

While she was drying her hair, he came back into the bathroom fully dressed, "Hurry, someone will be knocking. What were you doing all morning, it's almost lunchtime. You missed breakfast. I have work to do you know. Can't take you anyplace. I get in trouble… you get punished, hear it, Lieutenant."

She turned off the dryer, "Can the chatter," ended his rant, leaving him grinning as he followed to help her dress.

Elizabeth was holding Thaniel watching him down a bottle when they finally made an appearance. Taylor ordered two of his soldiers to collect the bags in the bedroom sitting area and made a call to room service.

Elizabeth wondered what they'd been doing for an hour when Nathaniel told her he was just getting a bag to be laundered ready and check on his wife, who was still sleeping when he emerged that morning, son in arms. Wash looked much better, in fact she glowed. 'I told that horny bastard hands off', obviously he didn't listen. "Wash, I have different pain meds that won't make you sleep all day."

"Good, I'm feeling much better," crossing to her son, she stroked his fuzzy dark hair. He rolled his blue eyes to her. It made her feel good when her baby smiled around his bottle at seeing mommy. "I sent a bunch of clothes for him with Casey. I haven't had a chance to ask Nathaniel why he changed his mind, but am glad he did."

"Oh, and what were you doing in the bedroom?" The doctor's teasing told Wash she knew exactly what they were doing.

The doorbell chimed. "Saved by the bell," Wash smiled and made her escape.

Room service brought a lunch cart piled with sandwiches and assorted side dishes. They took the laundry with a promise to return everything in two hours. The door was still open when the Caldwell's walked in wondering why the door was open. No danger eminent, Lenore crossed to Wash at the table while Elizabeth joined them after setting Thaniel in his crib.

"Wash, I dragged the General, kicking and screaming I might add, to a few shops downstairs we didn't get to visit the other day." She pulled a miniplex and looked around, "Excuse me, young man." Reynolds smiled as the older woman motioned him to approach the table, "Could you find me something to plug this devise into so we can go shopping?"

"Yes, Ma'am," he went to the sitting area and scanned the wall. Hitting a hidden button a screen appeared out of nowhere. Returning, he asked for the miniplex and hit a button on it. The screen flared to life with a wide assortment of garments. The first one up was women's bras and panties. Amidst the snickers of his compatriots, he found the off switch. With a red face he returned the mini to laughing women and made his escape back to his spot along the wall.

Once again Nathaniel found himself off to the side with the men while watching his wife from a distance. He got great enjoyment from Reynolds predicament and laughed at him when their eyes met.

"As you requested, we let you rest this morning, Nathaniel. It's good to see Wash up and about," the General commented before getting down to business. Sitting to the table with the ladies, both men grabbed food.

Wash popped a pill and took a swig of water.

"Pain?" Her husband hoped he hadn't hurt her.

"A twinge, bruising on the bones. It's going to be with me until I'm healed. I need to be useful again."

"You are," his grin let her know exactly what he meant.

He got her military unreadable expression. A clear sign for him to drop it.

"I want you parked on the sofa all afternoon shopping. I'm putting you back in the hospital if you haven't made a large dent in our savings."

General Caldwell got down to business, "Nathaniel, did you see the entire interrogation?"

"That I did," he was still agitated at what the prisoner told Hudson. "Got a chance before leaving yesterday."

"We need to use all the ammo in our arsenal."

Taylor looked away from the screen where the three women were lined up on the couch watching clothing do a three-sixty and hitting a button, moving onto the next item. He and Caldwell positioned themselves against the wall behind them so Nathaniel could watch his wife's purchases and veto any he didn't like. So far he approved of everything she marked, "What haven't we tried yet?"

"A family interview with your wife and son….and," Caldwell paused and lowered his tone, "maybe a few shots of you and Wash being somewhat intimate."

Nathaniel whipped his head to the General who's gaze had drifted back to the apparel dancing on the monitor, "What!"

"Well, Lieutenant Wittenberg was in on the interrogations and picked up on Lucas not liking you moving on with another woman. Rage will make him sloppy. We need to know which country is harboring him and hit it hard."

"Wittenberg, Witte….Ah, I remember now. She's Hudson's second. She married?"

"No, kind of like Wash with you when Ayani died. She takes care of him. Maybe in time he'll realize she's also a woman," the General hoped Hudson found someone soon.

"What kind of shots of me and Wash?" Nathaniel was willing to a point. Naturally a very private man in regards to affection with a woman. "When are we doing this?"

"This afternoon if Wash it up to it." the General laughed softly, "You'll have women all over the world lusting after you, and well who knows what your wife will incite in the men."

"I can imagine and I don't like it," Nathaniel grumbled and pushed off the wall. Grabbing a chair he positioned it behind the couch and sat down. Leaning forward he joined the women in looking at the clothing, no longer pretending to be uninterested. She started to pass over a silk shirt with long tails which the model wore with nothing else on. "I like it, get one," he made his attention known.

Wash took a closer look, "What color?" She ran a finger expertly over the color pad changing the shirt color with each movement of her finger.

"With your dark hair, either white or red," it didn't hurt that the model had dark hair and he could imagine how it would look on his wife. "You can unbutton it. I like it."

"Okay," she ordered one in each color.

General Caldwell slapped him on the back and went back to the base.

Lenore and Elizabeth each ordered select items. Dr. Shannon was awarded with a budget from the surplus and told by Nathaniel to buy clothing for her and family. Lenore found a few items and the ladies had quite a good time shopping via media. Elizabeth learned whatever Wash was interested in, her husband showed attentiveness to. They argued good-naturedly over jeans for him. In the end, Wash got her way. Finally, they came to the end of the selection the stores in the mall attached to the hotel had to offer.

Standing, Wash wondered how she could be so tired after just sitting. Her shoulder was hurting so she headed for the pain pills Elizabeth sat on the table. Following, Nathaniel needed to get her alone and explain the next phase. "Why don't you lie down, I need to talk to you." He took her hand without waiting for a reply and led her to their bedroom.

"I didn't get to feed Thaniel. I want to feed my baby," she was getting tired of being injured and her tone pleading and breaking slightly.

Without a word Nathaniel hurried out. He saw Elizabeth warming a bottle while Lenore changed him. Stopping short, he wisely waited for a clean diaper. Before Lenore could pick him up, he gently moved her aside and scooped his son in powerful arms. "Momma's missing her boy," he held out a hand for the bottle. Turning to go, he looked back to Lenore, "Lenore, you know anything about your husband wanting intimate vids of Wash and I?"

"I know you believe intimate acts should be kept private. Hank wouldn't have suggested it if he didn't think it might work."

With a grin he took his son and yelled into the bedroom, "Honey, wanna make a porn movie," and kicked the door shut with his booted foot leaving the other two laughing and the guards grinning.

"What were you yelling?" Wash queried as Nathaniel settled Thaniel on a pillow with his upper half elevated to suck the bottle.

"New idea to provoke Lucas to make another move and maybe disclose his location."

"I'm quite content to leave our sex life clandestine," she reached out with her injured shoulder and stroked Thaniel's head. His eyes never left her while he drained his bottle.

Nathaniel leaned over and kissed her cheek, "Intimate suggestion only. A little cleavage and me ogling hopefully will drive Lucas mad. Not to mention close-ups of me holding Thaniel for the camera's," he picked Thaniel up for burping and settled on the bed in his son's place. Wash moved so he could recline and settled back on the side of the bed by his thigh running her good arm up to fondle him, resulting in him scrutinizing her face to see if she was wanting more, "Not get enough this morning?" He covered her hand with his.

"Hmmm," she tried to pull her hand away that absentmindedly found her favorite spot.

Laughing, he moaned, "Don't stop," causing her to stop resisting and continued stroking him gently while he went back to a soothingly tap of Thaniel's back. "Wanna lie down? I could slide over," he held Thaniel to his chest and slid at her nod. She kicked her shoes off and dropped Nathaniel's boots off the bed beside hers that he toed off.

Laying on her right side, she had the mobility to lean over and kissed Thaniel, then rose up and caught her husband's lips before settling on the pillow and closing her eyes. His lids closed as the softness of the pillow called him to relax, and soon the small family was slumbering lightly.