I own nothing other than bits of the plot and Brianna

Chapter Two

"Bree, wake up."

I groaned and rolled over, ignoring the voice calling out to me. I was nice and warm; I didn't want to get up but there was a strange rumbling noise that kept going. Groggily I opened my eyes, blinking up at Taylor confused. He was standing over me worriedly, one hand gently grabbing my arm to help me upright once my eyes had adjusted to the brightness of the room. I realised belatedly that the growling noise was coming from my stomach and hunger hit me almost immediately.

"What's wrong?" I asked tiredly.

"Are you alright?" He asked concerned, "You were asleep when I got home and it's morning now."

I blinked, my brain taking a few moments to process his words in my sleepy state, "I guess I was more tired than I realised."

I went to get out of bed but Taylor stopped me, "Why don't you stay home today?" He suggested, "The doc said you should take it easy."

"I'm pregnant not an invalid." I told him but I smiled at his worry, "I'll take it easy I promise." I said reassuringly when his worried look didn't cease.

"Alicia's on pool duty with you." He told me helping me out of bed.

I ran a hand through my hair, wincing as my fingers tugged on the knots, "She's the best soldier you have; don't waste her abilities on keeping an eye on me."

He looked like he wanted to protest but nodded nonetheless, "How long will you be at the pool for?"

"I'm just taking the first lot from the orientation down; classes don't start until tomorrow." I said, hopping up onto a seat when Taylor refused to let me into the kitchen. I watched as he served out some fresh fruit, sliding it across the counter to me, "You are happy about this, right?" I asked, looking down at the bowl in front of me.

"I couldn't be happier." He said honestly. I looked up at him, "We're having a baby." He said with a wide grin.

I felt relieved beyond measure. I was about to inhale the fruit in front of me when I remembered something from my conversation with Elisabeth, "What's a population control officer?

"In the future a family is restricted to two kids; there's a section of the police that's sole job is to make sure no one has broken that law and to inspect any families that may have had another child." He explained.

"Well, I hope you realise we're having at least three kids." I said, looking down at the fruit again with a smile.

He smiled, "Yes dear."

"Good answer."

When Taylor had reluctantly agreed to let me leave the house I was well and truly full; after the fruit he'd given me toast and some juice, watching as I ate it all. It was kind of nice not having to cook but if he was going to make me eat so much then I'd have no choice but to take over the cooking for the next nine months.

A few people smiled as I walked through the town but since I wasn't receiving hugs accompanied by high squeals, I was going about with the belief that only the four of us knew. Elisabeth, I knew, was professional enough that she wouldn't let anything slip about the pregnancy to her husband however much she might want to and I was grateful about that. I didn't want people knowing straight away; I was a little anxious about the news getting back to the Sixers too soon so the longer we could keep it between family the better.

I was currently on my way to meet the orientation group who were beginning with swim lessons; Taylor and I had made it mandatory for all new settlers and we'd found it a great way to get everyone acquainted with one another; after a few days each group would swap so they everyone got lessons in survival as well as swimming. But as I walked I couldn't help but notice three kids that looked very similar to Elisabeth and her husband; if I hadn't of noticed this similarity then I doubt I would have gotten involved; one of the kids, a teenage boy was quite loudly declaring his lack of interest in attending orientation to his two sisters.

"What group are you in?" I asked when I came closer. Since I was one of the orientation leaders, I needed to know where he would be.

The boy gave me a displeased look but answered, "Taylor's group; I wasn't aware the Commander cared that much to take orientation." His voice was too close to sarcastic for my liking.

I narrowed my eyes warningly, "The Commander isn't taking your orientation group; I am."

The sneer on the boy's face faded immediately, "Sorry ma'am." He said, shuffling his feet and looking over at his sister for help.

The teenager seemed quite content to let him get himself into trouble and instead addressed me a little curiously, "Does that mean you're his wife? I've heard a few women say he's married."

"We've been married for almost two months." I confirmed, liking the way the boy shifted nervously. "Are you in the same group as him?" I asked her, my eyes flicking down to the little girl next to her.

The girl nodded, "We were all put together; Zoe's a bit nervous about going outside the gates."

Indeed the little girl was clutching her big sisters hand, looking up at me with wide eyes. I knelt down so I was eye-to-eye, "You want to know a secret Zoe?" When she nodded curiously I continued, "You won't be going outside today or for the next few days."

"Why?" She asked me innocently.

I smiled, "Well, I don't really like going outside the gates either but I do love teaching all the kids here how to swim. Have you ever been in a pool Zoe?" She shook her head, "Well, today you'll get to see the pool and tomorrow, you'll get to go for a swim."

"Really?" She asked, her voice a mixture of nerves and excitement.

I nodded and stood back up, looking at the boy, "Are you going to bother showing up?" I asked a little too bluntly; it's what I got for spending too much time around soldiers.

His jaw clenched and he stuck his chin up defiantly, "No ma'am."

His sister sighed agitatedly as he walked away, "I'm really sorry." She looked like she wanted to be anywhere but here.

"It's fine; you're Elisabeth's daughters, right?" I asked, indicating for her and Zoe to follow me.

She nodded, "I'm Maddy and you know Zoe." The little girl waved up at me, "Are we really going to be swimming?"

I grinned at her worried look, "Don't worry; you'll be in small groups when you learn so the teacher can help you."

When we got to the rest of the orientation groups I led them over to my designated spot where other newcomers were already waiting. Alicia was standing in my place and I gave her a pointed look, one she purposefully ignored.

"I thought I told Taylor not to waste your ass-kicking talents out by the pool?" I said to her in greeting, standing next to her.

She shrugged, her eyes still flicking across the mass of people, "We both decided I should get used to baby-sitting before poop comes into the equation."

"Oh, I plan on Taylor being in charge of all poop and pee." I said conversationally, "I figure I'm cooking the kid for the next nine months, he can change the nappies."

We both grinned at the idea of Taylor 'I'm Commander hear me roar' changing nappies, "He's going to be a good dad." She said with a rare smile.

"You're going to be a good Aunt." I grinned.

"If I wasn't on duty, I may have hugged you for that." She muttered when we realised people were watching us curiously.

She began calling out a list of names from the sheet she had in front of her; the name Josh Shannon was met with silence and I saw Maddy sink slightly in the crowd. Alicia pursed her lips when he didn't check in but continued without making a fuss much to Maddy's relief. When everyone but Josh had been ticked off we headed down to the pool; it was strange to see it so deserted but I'd given the other teachers the day off since classes were cancelled.

"Alright, can everyone hear me?" I received nods from the crowd and continued, "This is where we will be for the next few days; learning to swim. If some have parents that aren't here today, they are more than welcome to come down and hop in the pool with us tomorrow or you can let them know that we take adult lessons on the weekends when most of the professionals have days off." I paused letting the words sink in.

I went on about class sizes, the strokes they'd be learning and even discussed the option of having more lessons once orientation was over. There were a few that were definitely interested in the public access the pool had in the afternoons on the weekend, especially on days that were quite warm. As I talked, I took a mental note of those that seemed nervous about getting in the water and those that were excited; it definitely helped to keep the worried ones in mind before getting them in the water.

When I declared the orientation session over some looked disappointed that they weren't getting in today but perked up when I said classes started the next day. They were all murmuring to each other as we walked up to the colony, little kids clutching their parents hands as they anticipated their swimming lesson for the next day.

We had just reached Command Central when Alicia began tossing out orders, shoving me behind her as rovers began to fly in. It took me a moment to notice the giant dinosaur storming behind a rover until the sonic cannons stopped it from coming any closer. The newcomers had immediately fled for cover and I noticed Maddy and Zoe hiding behind a stand with Elisabeth. As the rover pulled in to the colony dust flew up and it was no surprise to see Taylor step out of the rover.

I sighed but before I could go up and ask him what the hell he was thinking Mira stepped appeared through the dust, other Sixers surrounding her and holding guns out. I took a few steps back, paling at the sight of the man from my attack; he noticed me immediately and sneered, taking a threatening step closer. Alicia moved in front of me, her gun aimed straight at him despite the other possible targets around her.

Mira noticed me as well, a smirk coming to her face, "Hello Taylor and Taylor."

I flinched, not particularly liking her presence. Taylor stepped forward, trying to take Mira's attention away from me, "What are you doing here Mira?" He did not sound pleased at all.

She tsked, scanning the rest of the crowd before her eyes dropped back on me, "This is no way to treat company."

I didn't take my eyes off of her or the man behind her watching me, "Have your men lower their weapons." Taylor demanded, clearly not impressed by the looks I was receiving.

"You first." Mira retorted.

"You're out numbered."

Mira raised an eyebrow, "Then what are you so afraid of?"

Taylor clenched his jaw and crossed his arms over his chest, "Came here for a reason."

"You got one of my people." Mira pointed out unimpressed

"Carter got shot while he was trying to steal and power off our brig." Taylor barked.

Mira didn't back down, "We know he's alive and in your brig."

"You know this how?"

Mira didn't look too pleased at revealing that much, "Maybe we still have a few friends here in Terra Nova."

"Maybe I'll have a sit down with carter, have a little chat about your friends." Taylor looked a little too pleased at the idea.

I jumped as a guy behind Mira shouted angrily, "We want carter back you son of a bitch."

There was immediate chaos; both the Sixers and Taylor's soldiers began pointing their guns at each other with more enthusiasm, shouting at each other. I didn't dare move, unreasonably worried that if I did someone would take aim and shoot me. I knew that wouldn't happen; I was apparently worth too much to the Sixers employers. So I stayed where I was while they continued to shout until Mira and Taylor began calling for everyone to stand down.

When everything was quiet Mira spoke, "A trade; I want Carter, medical supplies and ammo." As she spoke, two men behind her pulled out a large crate and opened it, revealing ore.

Taylor smirked, his arms still folded over his chest, "You can have your man, you can have the meds but no ammo; no way."

Mira didn't look surprised, "Can't blame a girl for trying."

"Guzman get carter out of the brig; have medical bring out some supplies." Taylor ordered, keeping his eyes on Mira.

Everyone immediately followed orders being barked out; Guzman didn't look happy about his but did as he was told. Mira and her group didn't move away from their rovers, keeping guard around the crate of ore that they had dumped out on display.

Alicia gently tugged me away from the Sixers and up to the infirmary; I saw Elisabeth talking with her husband and she didn't look particularly impressed by something. By the time Alicia and I reached the pair Jim had just sighed and nodded, taking Zoe by the hand and wrapping an arm around Maddy as they walked away. Elisabeth smiled tiredly when she saw us and indicated for us to follow her. When we got inside Taylor was already there, urging the other doctors to hurry with preparing the goods for the Sixers; I knew why Taylor was doing the trade but I didn't particularly have to like it. Elisabeth went to join the other doctors, pulling out various medicines to place in the crate for them. I didn't listen as Taylor went to speak with her but I'll admit I was curious what the doctor had asked him.

"You need to go home." Taylor said firmly when he saw me standing inside next to Alicia.

I rubbed my head, "Who's going to be with me?"

"Reynolds." Alicia nodded and disappeared outside to get Mark.

I sat down at one of the seats, smiling up at Elisabeth when her part was done, "Are you feeling alright?" She asked concerned.

"I'm just tired." I admitted, "Dealing with the Sixers is never fun."

"Is the Commander normally so overprotective of you?"

I realised she had heard my conversation with Taylor, "It's a long story." I muttered. "Let's just say I haven't had the best experience with the Sixers."

She nodded wearily and said goodbye once Mark arrived; I got up, noticing the way Mark followed my every move and it didn't surprise me that Alicia or Taylor had told him. I knew he was like a younger brother to Alicia and we all trusted him; he was generally a good guy. He stayed next to me as we walked, his eyes scanning the trees around the path as we walked; I sighed and wondered why we had to deal with Sixer crap this early in the day; it was only lunch time after all.

"You want any food or are you going to stand outside the house on duty?" I asked Mark once I'd pushed open the door.

Despite being on duty he smiled, "I'll come in and sit with you."

I was grateful that he was coming in; I didn't want him standing outside, it would only make me nervous, "So who told you?"

"Taylor." He admitted, "Congratulations." He beamed.

I smiled, "Thanks Mark."

"Why don't you go rest?" He suggested, looking just as worried as Taylor had this morning.

I waved the suggestion away, "I'm fine; the Sixers are just annoying."

He nodded but the concern didn't fade; I distracted myself by making dinner. It was early but I figured I could leave it on low to cook. Mark stayed near the front door, occasionally wandering out to see what I was doing before returning to his post. I had almost done with dinner when his comm sent out confirmation of the Sixers departure. I felt immediately relieved; the bastards were annoying even though this was the first time since my attack that they'd appeared. I guess they wanted to see who came through the portal.

"Aren't you off duty now?" I asked after cleaning up.

Despite no longer being on duty Mark had stayed with me. He shrugged, "Yeah, why?"

"You know you don't have to stay here, right?" I asked when he made no move to leave.

He grinned, "I'm well aware but I'm staying just to be sure."

I rolled my eyes, "What is it with the men here?" I muttered to myself, "Come on; I want to make sure Taylor isn't getting snippy."

I was fairly certain I heard Mark mutter "he's always snippy" but he smiled innocently when I looked at him suspiciously. While the words were definitely true, it was odd to hear it from Mark. When we'd reached outside Command Central the two rovers ready to be taken out didn't leave much room for comfort. I groaned when I saw Taylor ready and geared up to go OTG; why couldn't we ever have one day where he wasn't going OTG?

"What's going on?" I asked once I'd caught up to him.

He turned to me, now beside the rover, "We've got a group of kids OTG; it's getting dark."

I sighed, "Be careful." I muttered because no matter how much I wanted him to stay here, I knew it was his job as Commander to ensure those kids got back home safely.

He kissed me gently and squeezed my hand before hopping into a rover. I waved weakly at Jim who was seated beside him and I'd just begun to turn away from the rover when a hand stopped me. I turned back to Jim with a questioning look, well aware that Taylor had narrowed his eyes warningly at the man.

"I know it's a lot to ask but would you mind sitting with our girls?" He asked hesitantly. He was just as aware as I was the look he had received from my overprotective husband.

I smiled reassuringly, "No problem."

He smiled in return and turned back to face the front. I could see Elisabeth in the back of the rover and she smiled in thanks, having heard the conversation. Mark was still standing behind me, no doubt having heard the conversation when he began to walk next to me down to the Shannons. The market place was deserted save for a few people who were rushing home, ready for the day to be over. Mark was silent as we walked, still scanning across everything even though he wasn't on duty but every now and then I looked over at him, surprised by the nervous look on his face.

"You okay, Mark?" I didn't know what he was nervous about.

He nodded, "Fine."

"You're going to have to do better than that." I told him amused.

He blushed, shifting his eyes around nervously, "It's nothing...we're near the Shannons."

I eyed him curiously before a sly smirk crept onto my face, "Do you like Maddy Shannon, Mark?"

His blush deepened, "I don't know her!"

"So?" I grinned, "You like her!"

"Will you be quiet?" He hissed, glancing at the house we were approaching.

I held my hands up in surrender when we reached the door, "Secrets safe with me." I paused, "And Alicia."

He didn't get a chance to reply; I knocked quickly, still grinning at Mark. I had barely seen him interact with girls aside from those that he worked with and Alicia. It would be good for him to spend time with Maddy.

The girl in question opened the door, looking worried and nervous, "Hi, Mrs. Taylor."

I winced at the name and Mark laughed, "Bree's fine." I told her.

"Sorry." She blushed, "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Your parents didn't want you to be alone while they were outside the gates." I explained, smiling at Zoe when she appeared at Maddy's side, "So we offered to wait with you guys until they get back."

Maddy looked instantly relieved. "Thank you." She opened the door to let us in, "All I can think about is..." She stopped herself from finishing her sentence, glancing down at Zoe.

I smiled in understanding, "Don't worry; I hate it whenever Taylor or Alicia goes OTG."

"Alicia?" She frowned, leading us into the kitchen.

"Lieutenant Washington." I explained, taking a seat at the bench, "How are you holding up?"

She glanced over at her little sister who was drawing, completely oblivious to the tension in the room, "I'm okay; it's just like Josh to do something stupid on his first day here." She sighed agitatedly, "Will he be okay?"

I hesitated before answering, "It depends what area they've strayed into. Taylor and the others should find them though."

Maddy smiled weakly and we all waited in silence; it was a nerve wracking experience but I was glad I wasn't alone. I could tell Maddy was glad we were here and every now and then I would catch her glancing over at Mark and blushing lightly before looking away and shaking her head, muttering to herself. It didn't surprise me that she was trying to stop looking over at him; it was hardly the appropriate situation to be eyeing a boy but she just couldn't seem to help herself. She was so absorbed in trying not to look at Mark that she jumped when the door finally opened; she launched off her seat and over to her parents. They all looked exhausted and her brother was covered in more than a few scratches but otherwise unharmed. The moment Jim set his eyes on Mark he narrowed them, sizing the soldier up; I was fairly certain that he wouldn't have been pleased if Mark was here without me.

"Thank you." Elisabeth said quietly, walking me to the door.

"It's no problem." I smiled, "Good night."

Taylor was waiting for me outside, still wearing his OTG gear. I smiled and leant up on my tippy-toes to kiss him, wrapping my arms around his neck. I smiled against his lips as his arms circled my waist and he gently kissed me back.

"I'm glad you're back." I murmured, pulling away but keeping my arm around his waist.

His arm went around my shoulders, keeping me against him, "So am I."

"Are the kids going to be okay?" I asked worried.

"Some have a few bad injuries but they'll live." He told me, "Are you okay?"

"I'm glad the Sixers are gone." I said quietly, "Why was Carter here?"

He hesitated before answering, "He may have tried to shoot me..."

"What?" I exclaimed, "He tried to shoot you and you're only telling me now?"

"I didn't want you to worry." He said soothingly, "The doc said you need to be calm."

I sighed, feeling anything but calm, "Promise me you'll be more careful."

"I promise." He kissed the top of my head before pushing open the door.

"Good." I muttered, walking inside. I paused when I got to the kitchen bench, "Is it too early for cravings?"

He shrugged, "Why?"

"I really want dino-meat."

"So you can tip it over my head again?" He asked dryly.

"There is an appeal." I teased. "I was thinking more about eating it."

"Yeah, that's not going to happen."

A/N happy new year everyone. Thanks for all the reviews; please let me know what you think. Hope you enjoy.