"Have you spoken with Shannon about taking over my position as second in Command for the Colony?" Alicia asked as she and Taylor packed away the dirty dishes into the dishwasher. She was still trying to garner the courage to tell him. She had no idea how hard it was to say 'Hey, I'm pregnant'. She thought saying ' I love you' for the first time was even harder but she was wrong. As every time she wanted to say it different words came out her mouth. She survived two wars and countless missions and yet she can't managed to say one sentence it was pitiful. She had decided she had to tell him tonight and all through dinner up until now and she had yet to tell him.
"Not yet, I thought I'd wait and see if you might have changed your mind" Taylor replied.
"Well I haven't" Alicia told him.
"You can have it all" Taylor said as he closed the dishwasher drawer.
"I don't want to be Queen of the Colony Nathaniel. I just want you, our family and to keep my military standing as long as I can. We've discussed this" Alicia said. Taylor nodded as she was right. They had discussed it, many times.
"Ok, when do you want to step down?" Taylor asked he knew she brought this up for a reason. He was remaining as calm and casual as he could even though he wanted to know what the secret was between her and Kate. There was also the fact that Alicia had been looking at him like she had something to say but wasn't saying it.
"In three weeks" Alicia told him.
"Ok, I'll talk with Shannon in the morning and get the ball rolling" Taylor said as he closed the space between them.
"Good" Alicia said with noticeable relief.
"Anything else?" Taylor asked her, hoping she would tell him what the secret was.
'I'm pregnant'… "Yeah I love you" Alicia said with an inviting smile. She knew in that moment he could tell something was going on but before he could question it she pulled him to her and kissed him long and hard. Taylor lifted her onto the kitchen counter and stepped between her legs only breaking the kiss to pull off Alicia's t-shirt and his own.
Alicia cupped his face and dragged him back for another hungry and possessive kiss tightening her legs around his hips pulling him closer feeling his arousal rub against her. Taylor groaned from the contact and how Alicia was fire in his arms. He had to move them to the bedroom before he took her on the kitchen counter. Not that it wasn't an appealing idea he just wasn't an exhibitionist and the last thing he wanted was Kate walking in on them. Again.
The last time it happened he couldn't look the woman in the eye for a month. He lifted Alicia off the counter and carried her to bedroom. He threw her on the bed and closed the door before he turned his attention back to her. Alicia in the few seconds he had turned away shed herself of her clothes and was now lying naked on the bed provocatively. He felt his heart skip a beat as he drank in the sight of her.
"Sure you don't want to take a picture? It'll last longer" Alicia told him with a salacious smile. Taylor quirked an eyebrow at her as he kicked off his boots and shucked his pants before joining her on the bed.
Back in the research labs,
"He's kind of cute now that he's unconscious and not licking me" Kate mused as she looked at the tiny primate that was slumbering in his cage. Malcolm chuckled as he was standing behind her disinfecting her back where the primate licked Kate and the marks from its claws. Last thing he wanted was for her to have an allergic reaction.
"Don't tell me you're getting attached to him" he said in disbelief as he finished cleaning her back and helped Kate back into her wrap around dress.
"No, I know he's Dr Haynes's project" Kate said with a pout. Malcolm moved to her side and looked at her face. He couldn't believe it only half an hour ago she wanted the 'little pervert' off her and now she was looking at the tiny primate like she wanted to take him home and keep him as a pet.
"Well he's here to stay. If you want to take care of him you can do so until Dr Haynes's returns to work" Malcolm offered as he cleaned up the table. He knew he was going to regret it but for now he couldn't help but enjoy the smile that lit up Kate's face.
"Really?" Kate asked her tone full of hope.
"Yes, but this is only for a short time and he has to stay in the cage at all times. I don't need him running around my lab making mischief and biting people" Malcolm said. Kate nodded her head in excitement as got up from her seat and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Thank you!" Kate said before she drew him in for a kiss.
Alicia rested her head on Taylor's shoulder still catching her breath. They were both slick with sweat and completely sated, the sex had been intense far more intense than usual. It reminded her of the first time they had been together after she said 'I love you'. It was one of the most intense and intimate moments of her life. She turned her head and placed a gentle kiss on his shoulder before getting comfortable. Taylor's hands slowly caressed her now cooling skin as he held her close. She realised she had to say it, she had to tell him as he was relaxed and she could chicken out of having him pin her with his intense blue eyes, Alicia bit her bottom lip for a second and committed to her decision.
"I'm pregnant" Alicia said she felt the weight of the world lift off her as she verbalised it. She smiled as she had said it. But her victory was short lived when Taylor didn't say anything. She froze and fear gripped her as his silence spoke volumes.
"Nathaniel?" she said Taylor responded with a deep and loud snore. "Un-freaking-believable!" Alicia breathed. Here she was thinking the worst and hoping he would reassure her or at least be excited when he didn't even hear her.
"Nathaniel wake up!" She said as she nudged him, his snoring grew louder and she poked him in again hoping he'd wake up and she'd be able to tell him. She tried one more time and he woke up but mumbled something about monkeys and driving lessons. It was then she gave a groan of exasperation and gave up. Taylor was gone she had sexed the man to sleep as he just rolled onto his side pulling her with him and remained asleep.
She closed her eyes and decided she would tell him in the morning and that was that. No chickening out. She knew that he knew she was hiding something and he hated secrets. So she would tell him. "Tomorrow" she sighed as she relaxed in his arms and allowed herself to fall asleep.
The following Morning,
"He just a tiny fur ball with the cutest little claws and the biggest eyes and yes I'm completely smitten. You should check him out even you'd melt" Kate said. Alicia chuckled as Kate had been regaling her with what had happened with her night and about the tiny monkey that had crawled up her dress and got fresh with her.
"I'm on duty but if you let me know what time. I'll be there. I can make an exception for a cute monkey" Alicia said. She still had unfinished business with Taylor. Kate didn't look disappointed by the answer as she continued to eat her breakfast.
"So how was your night? Did you drop the bomb on him?" Kate asked, she was already dressed in her usual work gear of grey sleeveless overalls with a navy blue shirt her sleeves already rolled up to her elbows. Her red hair tied back into a messy bun.
"Yes" Alicia said annoyed, Taylor had snuck out early in the morning and hadn't waked her. He left a note saying they'd have lunch and that he wanted her to take the morning off. So she her plan to tell him in the morning failed. Now she would have to wait until lunch as she was not going to tell him in the Command Centre.
"And?" Kate asked.
"I told him thinking he was awake but no he was asleep" Alicia said. She was run a hand through her hair that was still out, she was already dressed for work except for her boots and her hair being down.
"When did you tell him?" Kate asked, Alicia gave her a look and Kate smiled and broke out into laughter. Alicia waited for Kate to finish enjoying herself. When she calmed down after a few minutes Kate spoke "You couldn't have told him over dinner?" Kate asked.
"I tried! Do you know how hard it is to say 'I'm pregnant' to him?" Alicia asked her.
"Yeah but I think he knows something is going on. You know, I could do it for you but I think it would be better heard from you" Kate said with a smile. Alicia shot her look.
"Imagine if it was Malcolm and you in this situation and you had to tell Malcolm" Alicia said. Kate paled slightly and Alicia knew she would have just as much trouble but then Kate smiled.
"I'd get Jim to tell him. He has kids makes him qualified to give Malcolm the 'talk'. You know what it's like to be around pregnant women and babies, the joys of pregnancy and fatherhood etc." Kate said.
"Nice try but that is still a cop-out" Alicia stated. Kate smiled.
"Nice pun but come on. We both know Malcolm would have a melt down before being over the moon. I know for a fact my pregnant and hormonally crazy self would not be able to handle the freak out stage. Thus it's easier for me to delegate the telling Malcolm part to someone else. Stress isn't good for the baby" Kate said with an amused smile.
"Why wouldn't you want Taylor giving Malcolm the talk?" Alicia asked feigning innocence.
"I figured Taylor and you would be too busy taking care of me!" Kate said proudly as she had thought of nearly everything. Alicia laughed as it was true. If their current roles were reversed they would be looking after her. Though Taylor would be definitely have words with the scientist about marriage and doing the honourable thing which was rich now Taylor had knocked her up before they even exchanged vows.
"Ok well either way I'm telling him today" Alicia said determined.
"When?" Kate asked as she cleaned up her side of the table. She was finished with her breakfast.
"At lunch" Alicia said as Kate put her dirty dishes in the dishwasher and cleaned up the kitchen.
"Why not now?" Kate asked.
"Because he's in the office surrounded by soldiers" Alicia said. It was enough for Kate to understand that Alicia wanted to share the news privately before they announced it.
"Right, lunch it is. Well I gotta go to work. Good luck!" Kate said as she kissed Alicia on the top of her head and ran out the door. Alicia sighed and placed her head on the table. She was exhausted and she already had 8 hours of sleep. She was glad she had the morning off as she planned to go straight back to bed and just lie there until lunch. It wasn't everyday she allowed herself to be lazy and just lie back and relax. Well lie back she was still stressed over waiting until lunch to tell Taylor she was pregnant.
Carter sat hidden in the tree branches on the east perimeter. He had managed to slip by the phoenix soldiers waiting for their signal to attack. He knew he was there just in time as he remembered the man telling them to move into their hiding position and they'd only have to wait 30 minutes for the signal. Then they would move in for their targets. He just had to slip into the colony and follow the woman from 2016. It was lucky that Mira had given him a good description of what she looked like and that he knew she would be working construction on the east side of the colony otherwise he'd be completely screwed.
He was getting excited at the prospect of meeting the woman. He wondered if she would be just as Mira advertised.
Kate stopped at a half constructed house to see Curran and Escher already setting up the rigs to put the roof on. The two stopped when they saw her and moved to the edge of the frame so they could talk.
"Looking good guys" Kate told them.
"So you finally got over the morning sickness" Curran said. Kate flipped him the one finger salute at which he laughed.
"Hilarious, Curran. Tell me why I keep you on my rotation?" Kate asked him.
"Because I'm incredibly good looking?" he offered.
"No, that's not it" Kate said scratching her head thoughtfully, she then clicked her fingers "That's right I remember now you're cheap labour" she said with a wry smile. Curran laughed. She looked to Escher who didn't find anything amusing. "Escher, how are you this fine morning?" She asked him.
"I'm well and yourself?" he asked.
"Perfect health" She said, the man cracked a smile something that was rare for him.
"Good. We missed you around here" He said, something about the words rang untrue but Kate didn't take it personally. Not everyone was going to be her friend but at least he was polite enough to pretend.
"Well just letting you know, I'm having a half day and I'll be doing the inspections today as promised. I'll send a copy to Baz and he'll let you know if anything needs to be fixed. Sound good?" Kate asked them. Not that it was going to change her plans if they did have a problem with it.
"Sure" Curran said with a shrug. Escher showed no problem either.
"Ok I'll catch ya later then" Kate said with a wave. She continued on walking back to the start where the fully constructed houses were. She pulled out her hand held plex Baz had given to her that morning when she passed the main square and opened up the program she needed and opened the door to the first house.
28 minutes later, in the Research labs.
Malcolm watched the tiny primate in its cage and frowned. If he could prescribe an emotion to a tiny primate he would say that the primate looked forlorn as it was just staring at him with its big eyes now. When he arrived in the labs he found Kate in his office with the primate. Malcolm watched as the primate's disposition had lit up and became active jumping up and down trying to reach through the bars for her.
Kate stayed for a little while before she had to go to work. As soon as she left the primate lost interest and began to stare at Malcolm like it was his fault.
"Don't look at me like that she'll be back at lunch" He told it. He didn't mind talking to the animal as he knew the labs were empty. The primate just blinked at him not doing much of anything. It made a difference from the vicious angry little creature it was yesterday in Dr Haynes's presence.
"Dr Wallace?" Malcolm turned in his seat and saw three men standing at his door. He didn't recognise their faces and paused when he saw one of them carrying a tranquilizer gun that were used for capturing specimens in the field.
"Ah He's called in sick, can I take a message?" Malcolm offered he barely pulled his comm. unit out of his pocket when he was shot in the neck with a tranquilizer dart.
"Get the equipment" was the last thing he heard before he blacked out.
Alicia sighed as she laid in bed. It was near impossible to relax knowing in less than 5 hours she'd have to tell Taylor for the second time that she was pregnant like it wasn't hard enough the first time. She really had to man up at least that's what she told herself when she saw a flicker of shadow cross pass the frosted windows of her house. She sat up and opened the slats slightly and heard chatter.
"In position awaiting signal" one of the men said into his radio. Alicia narrowed her eyes and listened to the radio's response and cursed as it ordered the soldiers to go. She quickly moved away from the window and went to her bed and pulled her side arm from the bedside table. She was about to go for her comm. unit which she left in the kitchen when she heard the front door open. She knew immediately it was not Kate coming home and turned her side arm up to overload.
She listened and she counted the boots entering the house while her weapon made a high pitch squeal as the capacitors were about to overload. She slid open the bedroom door and tossed the gun into the room before she jumped to behind her bed and covered her ears.
The gun overloaded and sent out one large sonic blast that shattered glass and would burst ear drums of anyone who wasn't prepared. She just hoped that the soldiers had been standing close enough to be incapacitated but she wasn't going to risk it. She jumped up from her hiding spot and saw five soldiers struggling to stand as they were disorientated by the blast.
She ran the closest soldier and kicked him in the head and before she moved to the next who had just gotten to his feet and elbowed him in the face followed a solid punch to the solar plexus. She moved behind him pulled him into a strangle hold with one arm and used him as a body shield as his buddies fired at them. She pulled his side arm and managed to fire and hitting two soldiers before she dropped her human shield and dove for cover behind the kitchen counter as the other soldiers fired their sonic rifles at her. She looked at the gun in her hands and cursed as it was a tranquilizer gun and she only had 6 rounds.
Kate was in the fourth house on the list and singing to herself as she slid open doors and closed them. She checked the water and electricity were on and working that the cupboards in the kitchen opened and closed etc. She really found nothing more mundane than this part of the job. Like they didn't trust their work and had to triple check everything.
She was sliding the bathroom door open when she heard a small beep. She turned on her feet and went to the kitchen where she hadn't checked yet. It was also the only place where a beeping noise would be made thanks to the oven timer but it was a different beeping sound. But she double checked it anyway. When she looked at the oven but found it off and started searching the cupboards as something didn't feel right and that's when she found the source.
"Oh fuck me!" Kate cursed as she found a bomb counting down she had only 4 seconds.