7 Years Earlier

Commander Taylor had been the first to come through the Portal from 2149 and had waited for the last 118 days for more arrivals. With every passing day he found it harder and harder to stay positive, certain that he would end up in this prehistoric world alone for all of time. This strong military man, who had lived through some of the most traumatic battles, had never felt so afraid in all his life. Only hours ago he was ready to give up, that was until the Portal had opened and she had stepped through its brilliant, blue vortex. Professor Jade Sedar, a women whose name was synonymous with Portals, stood in front of Commander Taylor, clearly just as shocked as he was.

She gazed over at him, those brilliant hazel eyes filled with a mixture of hope and unease. "Where am I?", she asked gently, that soft English voice breaking the silence between them. Jade took a tentative step towards Commander Taylor, eyeing him cautiously as she moved. "You are in the Cretaceous Period, on the continent that will eventually become America". He moved towards her and Jade took several steps backwards, tumbling onto the ground as her foot hit a fallen tree. She frantically tried to stand up and it was then that Commander Taylor saw the blood on her right shoulder. He moved quickly towards her, wanting to make sure she was not too badly injured.

"Please", he pleaded with her, "I am not going to hurt you", Commander Taylor reached her and extended his hand out so he could pull Jade from the ground. "How the hell do I know that?!", Jade yelled at him, clutching her shoulder as she lay on the wet ground. Taylor knelt down and gently placed his hand on her arm, "You don't. All I can offer you is my word Professor Sedar. I swear, no harm will come to you as long as I am here". Jade narrowed her gaze, trying to figure out just how sincere this stranger was. Over the last few weeks she had learnt that not everyone could be trusted. The bullet in her shoulder served as a painful reminder of that fact. Yet there was something about this man, a strength of character and warmth that filled her with a sense of ease.

She gazed up into his blue eyes and was struck by the sincerity in them. Jade moved her hand from her shoulder, never breaking the gaze she held with Commander Taylor and placed it in his hand. "Then I guess I have no other choice but to trust you", she said as he pulled her to her feet. Something about this man seemed vaguely familiar to Jade, but she just couldn't put her finger on it. She felt certain they had met somewhere else, an incredibly long time ago. Jade knew that she would most certainly remember such a striking looking man, so why the hell couldn't she recall where they had met before?

"What's your name?", she asked softly as he examined the wound on her shoulder. Commander Taylor flicked his cool blue eyes up at her, "Commander Nathaniel Taylor mam", he replied quickly. Jade went to ask how he knew her name, a sudden wave of dizziness preventing her from speaking. She could feel her legs weakening and her vision began to blur. Jade felt Nathaniels strong arms wrap around her waist just as her legs gave out from under her. "Woah!", he exclaimed, "We need to get your wound treated asap". He scooped her up and began to carry her over to a large tree that was nearby. As Jade lost consciousness she felt his heart beating against her body and she was certain there was something just not right about it. Something that she had felt so many years ago.

Two

"Jade, where the hell are you?", the tall Englishman asked, his voice filled with concern. Jade stood in the dense fog trying desperately to remember who he was, knowing that he was someone incredibly important to her. She watched him move towards her, his tall frame moving elegantly across the floor. This stranger was taller than her, with a slender build and dark, short cut hair. His blue eyes glinted brightly as he watched her and there was a deep affection in his gaze. He wore a dark brown suit and red sketchers with a long trench coat over the top.

"Who are you?", she asked gently, wrecking her brain for some glimmer of a memory. He stood in front of her and placed his hand on her face, a puzzled expression on his face. "What do you mean Jade?", he replied, "We've known each other our whole lives". He smiled and gazed upwards, "Well, you've known me my whole life, which is over 1000 years", he looked back down at her and furrowed his brow. "Please Jade, please don't tell me you've forgotten me. You can't have", he leaned down and gently kissed her cheek, "I'm like you, the last of my kind. We watched my people die in the Time War". He pulled away and gazed intently into her hazel eyes, "You have to remember Jade. I have to find you, before it's too late". He placed his hands on her arms and gave her a firm look, "Now where are you?".

Jade closed her eyes, trying to picture her surroundings. "I'm in a jungle, prehistoric by the looks of it and there is a man", she stopped mid-sentence as she recalled Nathaniel, his strong arms scooping her up and taking her towards a massive tree. Jades eyes snapped open and she eyed the stranger before her suspiciously. She pulled away, placing her hand on his chest, "You haven't answered me. Who are you?". The tall man went to answer but stopped as he saw the shocked expression that had appeared on Jades face.

"Jade, what is it?", he asked gently, placing his hand on top of hers as it rested on his chest. Jade looked up at him, tears welling in the corners of her eyes, "You heart. I've felt that before. Commander Taylor, his heart felt like yours". The man snatched her hand from his chest and pulled her closer towards him. "What?!", he exclaimed, his voice filled with concern. "That's impossible", he spun away from her and ran his hand through his dark hair. "Jade, whatever you do, don't stay alone with that man!", he ordered, turning back to face her. "Just keep your distance until I find you", he stepped towards her, taking her hand back in his. "Swear to me that you will not stay with him Jade. Swear it!", he demanded.

Jade backed away, pulling her hand from his tight grip, "What the hell are you talking about?", she spat angrily. "You are making these demands and I still don't even know who the hell you are!", Jade yelled at him. Her outburst seemed to cut the man deeply and his eyes filled with sadness unlike any she had ever seen before, "Jade", he said taking a step towards her. "It's me, The Doctor".

Jade awoke with a start, her body trembling and sweaty. She looked frantically around where she lay and was confused at her current location. Massive tree branches surrounded her and there were various items hanging from smaller branches. A flicker of movement caught Jades attention and she turned to see what else was in the tree with her. Lying down on the flat surface nearby was Commander Taylor, covered by a light blanket as he slept. Jade rose quietly, a twinge of pain reminding her of the wound she bore on her shoulder. She turned down to see the extent of her injury and saw that it had been neatly bandaged.

Jade moved over towards the man sleeping nearby and knelt down beside him. How could anyone ever ask her to stay away from the very man who had shown her such kindness? If any harm had been intended surely he would have done something by now. Jade shook her head, "You fool Jade", she hissed under her breath, "It's just a stupid dream". As Jade slowly stood up she tried desperately to push that little voice in the back of her mind away. The one that kept screaming that something just wasn't right.

Three

It had been several weeks since Jade had first arrived at this truly prehistoric place and during that time she and Nathaniel had grown incredibly close. He had taken the time to teach her how to hunt and what foods were safe to eat. Jade had tried to explain the concept behind Portals, but had grown frustrated when Nathaniel had struggled to understand what she was saying. "Wait until my son Lucas gets here", he had said light-heartedly. "He's the expert when it comes to Portals and I know he will enjoy spending time with you and picking your brain". Jade had been flattered when told just how famous she was back in 2149. Her books were held in high regard and there were several monuments spread throughout the world to her memory.

The day had dawned bright and clear and Jade sat with Nathaniel, watching the sunrise as they ate breakfast. She pulled several grubs from the large leaf and ate them heartily. "It's weird", she pondered out loud, "I swear that I knew you from somewhere, but for the life of me I just can't remember". Jade looked at Nathaniel and he nodded, "I felt the same and was certain it was because I had seen your images so much growing up, it just felt like I knew you". He turned to face her, his gaze narrowing, "But there is just something more to it and I just can't explain it".

Jade went to reply, but a familiar sound stopped her. She looked at Nathaniel, who had grown suddenly rigid. "Do you hear that?", he whispered, his eyes peering intently into the jungle ahead of them.

"It's the Portal", Jade said, her voice almost hushed as she turned to face the jungle. "You'd better", Jade turned and was amazed to see Nathaniel already half-way down the tree, leaping down to the ground and running of into the jungle. "Nathaniel!", she yelled at him, cursing his lack of caution. Jade climbed quickly down the massive tree trunk, nimbly jumping tot he ground and setting off after her friend. The sound of the Portal growing louder with every step.

Jade tried to see Nathaniel, but the dense jungle foliage made it virtually impossible and she hoped that he would be ok by the time she reached him. "Jade!", Nathaniel called out from ahead of her, "Jade, they're coming through!", he cried excitedly. Jade quickened her pace through the dense jungle and breathed a sigh of relief as she saw that brilliant blue light penetrating through the foliage. She breached a group of bushes, almost running head first into Nathaniel. "Woah!", he exclaimed, "Take it easy Jade". Nathaniel placed his hand on her shoulder, those blue eyes twinkling, "Professor Jade Sedar, I would like you to meet Lieutenant Alicia Washington", he gestured towards his right and Jade looked up at the tall figure standing beside them.

The tall women eyed Jade suspiciously, those dark eyes filled with distrust. Jade moved forward, offering the women a warm smile, "Please to meet you Lieutenant Washington", she said, extending her hand out towards the Lieutenant. The women gave Nathaniel a firm glance, making him sigh, "She's the genuine article Wash", he said firmly, placing his hand on Jades back and giving it a reassuring rub. Wash seemed to relax and took Jades hand in hers, squeezing it tightly as she shook it, "So you are the legendary Professor Sedar?", she asked coolly. "How is it you came to be here Professor?".

Jade turned from her and stared into that brilliant blue vortex, it's swirling light almost hypnotic. For a moment she lost herself in the Portal, her thoughts drifting away to a long forgotten time in her life. One that she was desperately trying to remember. "Jade?", Nathaniels voice was barely audible and Jade struggled to pull her attention away from the vortex. "Jade?", he repeated, his voice filled with urgency and concern. Jade felt his strong hand on her shoulder and the world around her began to spin out of control. She tried to maintain her balance and Nathaniels arms wrapped around her waist as she fell towards the ground. Once again Jade lost consciousness and once again, it was Nathaniel who was there to help her.

Four

Jade stood in front of the large blue object, staring at it in disbelief. She ran her hand over it's smooth wooden surface, taking in every inch of its form. It seemed odd that an old Police Call Box would be here, in the middle of a jungle during the Cretaceous Period and yet, there was something incredibly familiar about that object. For some reason this thing filled her with a sense of ease that she just could not explain and that only served to confuse Jade even more. She tentatively placed her hand on the cool metal lock, her fingers brushing across the slot that a key would slide into. Jades hand moved down to her pant pocket and she was surprised when her fingers touched a metallic object inside.

Carefully Jade pulled the object out and examined it closely, that small key almost daring her to place it into the lock in the door. 'Why would I have a key to a Police Call Box?", Jade thought as she placed it into the lock. 'Probably won't even work', she thought as she gently moved the key. The clicking sound of the door unlocking seemed to resonate all around her and Jade quickly released the key, too scared to push that large door before her open.

"Aren't you going in Jade?", a mans voice queried, startling Jade. She spun around to find a strange man standing before her. Although she didn't recognise his face, there was something familiar about those eyes, so wise and ancient. He wore a tweed jacket with matching pants and had a red bow tie on. He was taller than the other man from her dream, with light brown hair. And yet Jade knew that this was the man who called himself The Doctor. "Why should I?", she asked firmly, eyeing The Doctor suspiciously, "For all I know there is some monster in there and you are just setting me up!".

The Doctor moved towards her, shaking his head in despair, "I would never want to harm you Jade. Never", he gently took her hand in his, running his fingers over hers. "I can honestly say that if anything happened to you, I would die", he sighed and shook his head. "No, that's a lie. Everyone would die Jade", he looked at her, those blue eyes filled with pain, "Everyone would die". Jade stared up at him and something deep inside told her that what he said was true. "I don't understand", she whimpered, "What is happening?".

The tall man gently squeezed her hand, "I've lost you Jade. Someone has done something to you, they've taken you away and I just can't find you". The Doctor pulled her closer towards him, brushing her hair from her small face, "I just need you to remember Jade. Just go into the box and you will remember". He leaned down towards her, those blue eyes fixed on hers, "And then I can find you. Then, I can take you home". Jade shook her head, her face wet from the tears now streaming down her cheeks. "This is just a dream. You aren't real. You aren't real!", Jade pulled away from him, raising her hand in protest as he tried to follow.

"Stop coming into my dreams", she demanded firmly. "Take your Tardis and go!". The Doctor stopped mid-step and smiled, his eyes suddenly brightening, "How did you know it was called a Tardis?", he asked, that brilliant smile broadening. Jade ran her hands through her thick hair, "It's a dream! That's how I know you idiot!", she retorted angrily. The man moved closer towards her, still smiling broadly,

"No", he said firmly. "You know what it's called because helped design and build it", he looked over at the blue box, "And", he turned back to face Jade, "it was where we raised our children".

Jade shook her head, "Stop it! Just stop it! I have no children, do you hear me! NO CHILDREN! NO TARDIS!". The Doctors smile faded and he sighed deeply, "Jade, you are so wrong. Please, you just have to remember". He took another step towards her, "There is a war coming Jade and we need you. More than ever, we need you".

Jade almost leapt from her bed as she awoke, her mind a filled with a flurry of emotions from her dream. In an instant Nathaniel was at her side, "Easy Jade", he said softly, offering her a cool drink. Jade closed her eyes, trying to clear her thoughts so she could focus on where she was. She felt that familiar and strong hand brush her hair from her face and Jade opened her eyes, the site of Nathaniel before her making her feel at ease again. "Thank you", she whispered, taking the cup from his hand and drinking its contents.

"You've had another bad dream", Nathaniel said, his blue eyes filled with concern. "And you kept calling out for a Doctor". Jade gave him a shocked look and handed him the cup back,

"Did I say anything else?", she asked tentatively. Nathaniel seemed to take a moment to contemplate his answer and Jade placed her hand on his shoulder, "Nathaniel? What did I say?".

He sighed and offered Jade a warm smile, "You said that he needed to hurry up and find you before it was too late. That if he took too long", Nathaniel paused, clearly uncomfortable with what he was about to say. "You said if he took too long everything would be destroyed. All of existence would cease and time itself would self-destruct".

Five

The Doctor stood up from his chair, throwing the small glass that he held in his hand in frustration. This had been his second attempt to contact Jade and, like the first, it had been unsuccessful. She had always been a strong willed and stubborn women and normally this trait was one The Doctor had encouraged. That strength and sheer determination getting them out of some very sticky situations. Now however, was not the time for her refuse to listen to him or accept what he was saying as the truth. He desperately needed her help, the situation in a nearby world proving too difficult for him to handle alone.

"Damn it Jade", he spat bitterly, strutting around the main console as he tried to ease his frustration. "If you had of entered the Tardis then everything would be fine, but oh no, you have to be as stubborn as a bull". He paused mid-step and looked at the steps that led to the lower level, wishing she would somehow appear on them. "What do I do?", he asked himself out loud, wreaking his brain for an idea. As if in answer the Tardis engines suddenly stopped and The Doctor felt it stop, indicating that they had reached their destination. Where-ever that was.

Several loud knocks on the outter door made the tall man leap in surprise and he cautiously made his way towards the main door. Once again several knocks rang through the Tardis' vast interior and The Doctor placed his hand on the door, "Who is it?", he asked uneasily.

"Doctor", a familiar voice replied, "I have come to bring you a message". The Doctor shoved the wooden door open, stunned as he gazed at that familiar figure standing before him. It had been several years since he had seen the Ood and thought for sure that he would never encounter them again. The creature tilted its head, that bright orb glowing in the darkness outside. "You seek someone that is lost", it stated, those large eyes void of any emotion. "You wish to find the Light of Time", it continued, slowly raising its hand towards the Doctor and placing it on his shoulder. "We know where she is Doctor. We will tell you how to find her".

Six

Jade watched Nathaniel as he awaited the arrival of the 3rd Pilgrimage, smiling at his excitement. In a few short moments his son, Lucas, would join them at Terra Nova and Jade knew that Nathaniel had been waiting for this moment since his arrival at the Cretaceous Period. Over the last few months the tension between Jade and Wash had eased and she was happy that the Lieutenant had finally decided to trust her. It was not only their bond that had been reinforced during that time, for there was a deeper connection now between Jade and Nathaniel. The rare occasions where they were alone were often spent reminiscing about their pasts and Jade looked forward to those times.

As the portal flickered into life Jade felt her excitement rising, the chance to meet Nathaniels son something she had been looking forward to for such a long time. The first person stepped from that swirling vortex, met by one of Nathaniels team and she saw the Commanders shoulders drop as he realised it was not his son. Jade moved over towards him and smiled, "Don't rush it Nathaniel, he'll be here", she reassured him. As if it had been preordained Nathaniel seemed to instantly light up as the next person came through the Portal. "Lucas", he whispered to himself, striding over towards the son he so desperately wanted by his side.

Jade waited with baited breath to see how their reunion would go. She knew that there was some tension between the two men and hoped that Lucas had left the bitterness he felt towards his Father back in 2149. Her hopes were dashed as she saw the cool look that Lucas gave his Father as he saw him. Lucas brushed past Nathaniel, not even bothering to give the man a greeting or warm word. Jade could see that Nathaniel felt dejected and she found herself angry at the young man who had inflicted such pain upon this remarkable man. She prepared herself for their meeting, determined to give Lucas a stern talking to about his attitude.

As Lucas moved closer towards her something in his eyes and expression changed. That coolness that he so readily greeted his Father wife vanished and a broad smile appeared on his face. "Professor Jade Sedar", he said warmly, taking her hand in his. "I knew we would meet one day. Don't ask me how, I just knew it", he gently squeezed her hand and leaned forward, kissing her on the cheek. "And you are far more beautiful than I could have ever imagined". Lucas turned around, casting a cool gaze towards Nathaniel who eyed him suspicously. "I can't wait to get some alone time with you Jade", Lucas said smoothly as he released her hand and carried on towards the waiting vehicles.

Jade watched the young man as he moved away, uncertain of how to take their first meeting. "He hates me", Nathaniel said from behind her, "He still hates me". Jade turned away from Lucas and offered Nathaniel a gentle smile, "Maybe with time that ice in his heart will thaw. In the mean time", she placed her hand on his face, "You have me", she said reassuringly. Nathaniel turned his gaze away from his son and smiled at Jade, "That I do Jade. That I do".

Seven

Jade stood at the massive gate that led into Terra Nova and smiled. Slowly but surely this place was coming to life and those who were here had come to call it home. Some homes had already been completed and several more were being built, the residents keen to move into their new dwellings. Jade watched as Wash and Tom climbed up the large wooden steps that led to Nathaniels quarters and the command centre. That massive oval building was the very heart of Terra Nova and held a special place in everyones hearts. Truly things here were slowly coming together and every new pilgrimage brought more hope to this wild and prehistoric world.

Only one thing truly concerned Jade. Despite her every effort the relationship between Lucas and Nathaniel was still incredibly strained. She had grown incredibly fond of Lucas, despite his deep hatred towards his Father. Their time together was often spent discussing Portals and Lucas was like a sponge, absorbing all the information that Jade had offered. He was an enthusiastic student and this only served to make Jade that more excited when she spoke to him about Portals. But there was one person that she was far closer to than anyone else. Nathaniel. The man who had never let her down, who had embraced her made sure she always felt welcome at Terra Nova. Jade knew that Nathaniel was the beacon of light in this wild and unforgiving world.

The sounds of the wildlife filled the air and Jade closed her eyes, breathing that fresh air in as she embraced the feeling of euphoria that swept over her. Who would have thought that, two years ago, she would have found herself here, with some of the most remarkable people she had ever had the fortune of meeting. Jades thoughts were interrupted as a new sound echoed through the camp and she opened her eyes trying to locate where it had come from. An almost whining, electronic noise resonated through the air, and Jade found it difficult to find its source. As quickly as that sound had begun it stopped, making Jade think that perhaps it was some random piece of equipment being used to build the many houses on site.

"Jade!", Nathaniel yelled out from his quarters, "You better get up here! NOW!". Jade ran towards the large building and sprinted up the stairs towards the Command Centres door. She skidded through the door almost running straight into Lucas, his gaze fixed on something towards the back of the room. "Lucas", Jade whispered, placing her hand on his shoulder, making him turn to face her. Those green eyes were filled with confusion and it seemed to take him a moment to register that she was standing in front of him. "Lucas", she repeated, this time more firmly, "What is it?".

"Well hello there beautiful!", a mans voice called out, making Jade spin around to face the back of the room. What she saw was the last thing Jade had expected. There, as large as life, was that massive blue, box from her dream. And standing beside it, was the man she knew as The Doctor. He strode over to her, straightening his bow tie, those eyes twinkling mischievously at her. Before Jade knew what was happening Nathaniel had placed himself between her and The Doctor, his gun raised towards the stranger in their presence. The Doctor skidded to a stop and raised his hands in defence, "Hang on there Military man, no need to get aggressive".

Nathaniel reached his hand back and Jade wrapped her fingers around it, squeezing it tightly. "Who the hell are you?", Nathaniel demanded firmly, "And what", he motioned towards the blue box behind The Doctor, "the hell is that?!". The Doctor gazed over at Jade, his head tilted to one side, "You really don't remember?", he asked softly. "Jade, how can you not remember?", he asked, somewhat dejected.

"Answer me!", Nathaniel asked insistently, moving his gun closer towards the man before him.

As Jade watched the strange man from her dreams, something stirred within her memories, making her tighten her grip on Nathaniels hand. He turned to face her, his expression suddenly concerned. "Jade?", Nathaniel lowered his weapon, and fixed those cool blue eyes on her. "What is it?", he moved closer to her, holstering his weapon and placing his hand on her face. Jade felt tears run down her cheeks as a flood of memories enveloped her. She looked up at The Doctor and then back at Nathaniel, knowing she must speak but not wanting to say those words she so desperately needed to speak. "I remember", she whispered softly. "I remember everything".

Eight

Nathaniel stood on the massive deck that surrounded the Command Centre, gazing out towards the dense jungle that surrounded Terra Nova. In one short moment his whole world, everything that he believed to be true, had come crashing down around him. The women he loved so very much was not as she appeared, that she was a time traveller, a carer and protector of all time-streams. He could hear Jade and the man called The Doctor talking in hushed voices inside the Command Centre, every now and then Jade would raise her voice at the man, clearly angered by something he had said. "You can't!", she said in frustration, "It's not your decision to make!".

"Jade please", The Doctor replied, "Just calm down and listen to me", he urged her. Their voices became quiet again and Nathaniel wondered what had been said to make Jade react in such a way.

"A penny for your thoughts", Jade said softly as she leaned against the railing next to Nathaniel. He turned to face her, those hazel eyes red from crying and Nathaniel felt instant anger towards the man inside who had upset her so much. "Who are you Jade? Is that even your real name?", he asked her firmly, determined not to give into his feelings towards her. No matter what, he wanted answers and would not allow his emotions to get in the way. The safety of those who called Terra Nova home was paramount. Jade sighed and placed her hand on his strong chest, closing her eyes as his heart beat resonated down her arm. "My name is Jade and I come from an incredibly ancient world named Chadarin. My people had the ability to manipulate time itself and could create portals that led to other times and time streams. It was our job to monitor time, to make sure no-one ever tried to alter its course. Our allies in this quest were the Time Lords", Jade motioned towards the Command Centre, "That is what The Doctor is".

"I was just a baby when my planet was destroyed, all of my people wiped out in the blink of an eye", she sighed, turning her gaze out towards the jungle as several dinosaurs meandered by. "Fortunately for me my family was on Gallifrey, the world of the Time Lords. We were the soul survivors of a once thriving world, the last remnants of a once great race". Jade turned back to face Nathaniel, "I was raised on Gallifrey and at the tender age of 300 I started teaching their children about time and other such things, that is when I met The Doctor". Jade paused, slowly moving her hand from Nathaniels chest and grasping his hand tightly in hers. "He has been my friend for as long as I can remember Nathaniel. That one constant in my life that I could always rely on", she took a step towards him, wrapping her arm around Nathaniels waist.

"We don't know who is responsible, but someone erased my memories and planted me in the late 20th Century. They created an identity for me and the rest, as they say, is history. My studies into Portals became famous and just as I was on the verge of a great discovery I vanished, snatched away by the very thing I had been so fascinated with". Jade released Nathaniels hand and gently touched his face, "And then there you were, my knight, my rock. The man who would steal my heart, who I would lay my very life down for". She felt his strong arm wrap tightly around her, pulling her small frame against his body, "I honestly don't care if you are an alien, or how old you are", Nathaniel smiled warmly at her, "All that matters is how I feel for you Jade".

Nathaniel leaned forward, placing his face against hers, "I love you Jade", he whispered softly into her ear, "I would die for you".

Nine

The Doctor leaned against the Tardis, still inside Terra Novas Command Centre, watching as Jade said her farewells. Ever since her disappearance he had been searching for he and the day he realised that someone had wiped her memory clear The Doctor thought that all hope was lost. His attempts to connect with her psychically had proven futile and it was only through his mysterious encounter with an Ood that he had managed to find her. Jade had been the women that he could always rely on, above all others and right now, he needed her more than ever. The rumours of a new time war were rampant and The Doctor felt certain that who-ever had taken Jade from him was the one trying to re-ignite the fires of that bitter war. A war that cost him his people and world. A war that took those he cared for away.

He watched as Lucas tightly embraced Jade, those cold eyes almost glaring at the Doctor, so filled with bitterness and hatred towards him. Something about Lucas just didn't feel right and The Doctor was struggling to figure out exactly what it was. Yes, he was Commander Taylors son and The Doctor knew he was unlike anyone else, but Nathaniel was a good man. His son was a different story. There was a darkness in those eyes that concerned The Doctor. "Don't be too long", Lucas said tenderly, those eyes growing warm as he gazed at Jade. "Don't worry Lucas", Jade replied as she gently squeezed the young mans hand, "I will be back before you know it".

Jade moved over to Nathaniel and turned to face The Doctor, "Could we have a moment please?", she asked firmly. The tall man nodded and pushed the door to the Tardis open, striding into its vast interior. Jade watched as Lucas, Wash and Tom left the room, wanting to make sure that she and Nathaniel were alone. "You're not coming back, are you?", Nathaniel asked, his normally strong voice almost trembling as he spoke. Jade turned to face him, shaking her head, "I will tell you this right now Nathaniel. I have no idea what lies in store for me, that is one life lesson I will never forget". She gazed up at him, losing herself in those cool blue eyes, filled with so much love. "What I do know is this, that as long as you are in my life, as long as I feel the love I do for you, nothing and no-one will ever stand in my way from returning to you", she said, her voice filled with determination.

"The only reason I go now is because The Doctor needs my help and I have never let him down before. Rest assured Nathaniel, I will return to you. I swear it on my very heart". Nathaniel smiled, clearly happy with what Jade had said, "The same goes for me Jade. Nothing will ever stand in my or stop me from reaching you. Nothing". A puzzled expression appeared on his face and Nathaniel tilted his head, "How old are you exactly?", he quipped, giving her a cheeky grin. Jade let out a gentle laugh and kissed him on the cheek, "All I will say is this. The Doctor is about 1000 years old and I was born well before him". She moved over towards the Tardis, pushing the door open and revealing its interior. Jade glanced over her shoulder and smiled at Nathaniel, "Take care my love".

Nathaniel watched as Jade disappeared from view, that large blue door closing gently behind her. A large whining sound filled the air and Nathaniel stood in awe as the Tardis slowly faded from the room. In seconds the space where it once stood was empty and Nathaniel felt a pang of concern that Jade was in that object, heading off to some dangerous situation and he would not be there to help her. He sighed, placing his hand in his pant pocket, toying with the round metal object that lay within. Nathaniel slowly removed it and was surprised to see that it was an old pocket watch, intricate carvings etched into its cool surface. He gazed at it for a moment, uncertain where it had come from. Nathaniel did not remember ever owning one and he tried desperately to recall where he may have obtained it from.

He returned his gaze back to where the Tardis had been as his fingers traced the carvings on the pocket watch. Nathaniels thoughts returned to Jade and something deep inside told him that she would return. No matter what, Jade would once again be at his side and then they could truly begin their lives together.

Ten

Wash stood at the main gates to Terra Nova, starring in disbelief at the person who was walking confidently towards her. Those wild curls blew freely in the cool breeze, those eyes shining brightly in the mid-day sun. Jade strode over to Wash and the two women hugged each other tightly, "It's been two weeks. I was beginning to think you weren't coming back". Jade took a step back and motioned to the jungle behind her, "How could I not come back to this?", she said gleefully. Her eyes grew wide and that warm smile broadened, Jades gaze now fixed firmly on something behind Wash. "And I promised someone I would return", she moved quickly past Wash and the Lieutenant turned to see who had caught the young womens attention.

Wash almost laughed as Jade skidded to a halt in front of Nathaniel, never of them wanting to let on to anyone how they felt for each other. She had often been tempted to point out that everyone knew and there was no need to keep it a secret, but it was just too much fun watching them sneak around as they tried to keep their relationship under wraps. Nathaniel smiled as he took Jades hand in his, shaking it firmly, "Good to have you back Jade", he said coolly, trying to hide his true feelings towards her. "Did everything go well for you and The Doctor?".

Jade gave him a wry smile and gestured towards the command centre, "It most certainly did. Perhaps I should", she paused, a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "de-brief you". She felt Nathaniels grip on her hand tighten and his smile broadened, "Sounds like a good idea Professor". Tom approached Wash as Nathaniel and Jade slowly made their way up the stairs that led into the Command Centre, the two chatting away as they made their way inside. "They make me laugh", Tom said in that strong Australian accent, "Everyone knows, but they don't know that we know". Wash nodded, turning to face Tom and offering him a cheeky look, "I think they are trying to protect us, like we would think them weak for having some emotional attachment to each other".

Tom turned his gaze towards the Command Centre, his expression suddenly grieve, "Or maybe they think that it's safer this way. I mean, imagine if the wrong people got wind of how they felt for each other. Anyone twisted enough would use that to their advantage". The statement concerned Wash, the very idea of someone at Terra Nova trying to manipulate anyone, let alone Jade or Nathaniel, was appalling. But deep inside Wash knew that not everyone could be trusted and that one day they would learn that lesson the hard way.