Jim Shannon tried to stifle his yawn as he walked out of the M-7 model house. For some reason, even back in 2149, whenever a storm past he always felt tired the next morning. Even after having a full night's sleep, he still felt tired. Liz often teased him about being old and 'feeling the storms in his bones'. Jim usually responded with something to even the age playing field and in the end Jim still lost the argument.
Jim walked along the dirt roads of Terra Nova toward Taylor's hut. His boots slid a fraction with each step through the mud. Knowing that the storm probably put some team behind their plans, Taylor would have some use of Jim for the next few days.
"Mr. Shannon."
Jim suddenly felt the urge to sigh heavily, but bit it back as well. He looked over his shoulder. Mark Reynolds, his elder daughter's boyfriend, was walking down the road toward him. Jim had nothing particular against Reynolds. He was a good young man, good soldier. His only strike against him was dating Maddy. It was a father thing.
Mark stood even at Jim's height. His dark hair was short, as was accustom with Taylors rules for his soldiers. He wore his off duty uniform, consisting of camouflage pants and a medium green tee shirt. He walked down the road and stopped beside Jim.
"Morning Reynolds." Jim said, trying to be courteous.
Reynolds nodded. "Good morning sir. If you have a minute, sir, there's something I would like to talk to you about."
Jim held back a groan. Knowing Mark, it had something to do with Maddy. "I'll give to Taylor's cabin."
The two continued toward Taylors hut with Mark talking.
"Sir, Maddy and I have been…dating for some time now-"
"That's a fact I am fully aware of Reynolds." Jim replied.
Mark nodded and swallowed. Jim cop senses started talking to him. Mark was nervous. Averted eye contact, fidgeting, swallowing, even sweating. Reynolds was nervous about something. And that something couldn't be good for himself.
"Sir with…with your permission I'd like to ask for Maddy's hand." Reynolds explained.
Jim froze, literally. He stopped dead in the street staring at Reynolds. It took a few seconds before responded-shout, actually. "WHAT?"
Reynolds, to his credit, remained calm. In fact, he seemed more confident as he repeated himself. "I wish to marry your daughter, sir."
Jim opened his mouth to speak, but each time his did no words came to him. For the first time in his life, he was at a complete and utter loss. Marriage? Jim just about had a heart attack when Reynolds had asked to date Maddy. But marriage? He still wasn't used to her being out of the house on an expedition, let alone letting her leave for good. Good god she wasn't even eighteen yet.
"I understand that you think Maddy's too young-"
"SHE'S SEVENTEEN!" Jim snapped.
"I'm willing to wait until she turns eighteen."
"That's three months away." Jim replied.
"Mr. Shannon, I will wait until you think Maddy is ready. I don't care how long I have to wait." Reynolds explained.
Jim looked at Reynolds closely. He stood tall, meeting his eye finally. He could see the determination in his stance. The fact that Reynolds had come to him at all still impressed him. And the fact that he even said he would wait. Hell Jim felt like saying Maddy would never be ready and he bet his life that Reynolds would still wait. Damn.
"Shannon!"
Jim turned. Never in his life had he ever been so glad to see Washington. The Lieutenant came jogging up toward them, looking rather apprehensive. Somehow that wasn't doing anything for Jim's nerves.
"What's going on?" Jim asked.
"Taylor wants to see you, now. Both of you." Wash explained.
Jim frowned and glanced at Reynolds. He had the same confused look as well.
"It's an emergency." Wash said.
Wash led the way to Taylor's platform hut. Jim jogged up the stairs behind Wash. Reynolds was close behind them. Jim entered the hut first. Taylor was standing behind his desk. His arms were pulled back behind him. He looked up as Jim, Wash, and Reynolds entered the room. Taylor was a man who didn't like to show too much emotion in a crisis. Jim had learned to read Taylor like everyone else. And what he was reading by Taylor's stance wasn't good.
"What's happening Taylor?" Jim asked.
"Last night's storm knocked out communications throughout Terra Nova. Our tech crew finally got them working again." Taylor explained.
"Cut the crap Taylor." Jim said.
"Sometime during our transmission blackout, we received a transmission from science outpost four during the storm requesting help." Taylor continued.
Jim felt his blood turn to ice. Science outpost four was Maddy's outpost. "Did they say what happened?"
Taylor said nothing but started the transmission. Jim watched the screen on Taylor's desk. A young man stood at the console, looking terrified as he spoke.
"This is outpost four to Terra Nova. We request immediate assistance. We're under attack by slasher's. I repeat, request immediate-" suddenly a slasher leapt into the screen and landed on the scientist. His screams were cut short when Taylor ended the transmission.
"I have two Rhinos gearing up to head out there. Wash, you're in command until I get back. I have a feeling I know what you're both going to say but I'll ask anyways-"
"We're going with you." Jim answered.
Taylor looked behind Jim. "Reynolds?"
Jim looked over his shoulder. He'd forgotten about Mark behind him. Mark nodded. "Yes sir."
"Gear up, we leave in five." Taylor ordered.
okay so i'm hoping this doesn't seem weird. i feel liek i'm not really getting mark's character.
