ryekerb: Yes, I wanted to include that moment together to visit Wash's grave, kind of as a tribute to how important she was to the two of them, also in bringing them together more or less. They'll definitely find something in the next camp, but not sure if it's something good… ;P Thanks for your review!
EFBT: Yeah, as much as I love that blushing phase I hope it'll mature 'realistically' over the course of the story and if all goes according to plan than part 3 should start right off when they've grown eons in their relationship. Loved your description of the triceratops, you do have a way with words, don't ya? ;) And they'll definitely find something(…or someone?) this chapter, hope you enjoy and as always thank you for taking the time to read and review!
Disclaimer: I do not own Terra Nova, this is purely a non-profit, fan-made story.
Chapter 4
THE view from the unglazed window was breathtaking. Hera momentarily forget what she'd climbed that vine intertwined rope ladder for as she gazed over the sea of green stretching out as far as the eye could see. The only brown patch of land were the wetlands a little to the west. Even from this far up she could see the reflection of sunlight on pools of muddy water and the green-grayish islands of moss floating in it. The treetops she looked out on swayed in a warm breeze, though the one the Sixers had built their camp in was too solid and thick to be bothered by it. Realizing a two storied treehouse this size was possibly every child's dream, she hastily redirected her attention to Dunham as he joined them, being the last one to appear through the circular hole in the rugged and creaking wooden floor.
Eying the ceiling with some apprehension Nathaniel eventually made up his mind and nodded in her direction. "All right, I'm going to take a look up there with Corporal Dunham. Check out this level. Shannon, you're with Sergeant Hallows." Next moment the two men ascended the crooked stair leading up to the second level and had disappeared through a similar opening. Motioning for Jim to check out the right side, Hera took a few careful steps, one hand resting on the pulse pistol strapped to her hips. The walls were made out of a skeleton of branches over which a mismatched assortment of canvas was spun. Here and there the thin material had been ripped, causing columns of sunlight to peek inside. Everywhere there were piles of crates, some military kitbags with holes eaten in them by hungry moths and remnants of what must have been matrasses made out of interwoven ferns and vines. Judging by the small amount of items left behind, most of which had long outlived their usefulness, Hera reckoned the Sixers must have left it in a bit of a hurry, going on their path of war and destruction as they had.
Pushing back unwelcome flashbacks of the occupation and all the bad things that had followed when the Sixers had left this camp, Hera took a moment to swallow done the bitterness she tasted on her tongue. Overhead she could hear the floorboards groan a little as Dunham and Nathaniel were making their way through the second level in a no doubt similar search pattern. Resuming her own search she flicked a quick look at Jim who was systematically overturning every possible crate for a souvenir worthy of bringing back with them.
Chastised by his zeal Hera forced her mind to focus on the present and continued her efforts with renewed energy, rummaging through a moldy kitbag and pulling away a tattered canvas to reveal a rusty and very dirty bucket the function of which she didn't want to contemplate. Barely noticing the sounds of something scraping along the floor, assuming it had come from the level above them, Hera didn't notice anything was wrong on Jim's end until she heard his stifled yelp.
Whisking around she could just see how a broad and muscular man had jumped out of a particularly shadowy corner. Without having had the time to react Jim involuntarily had ended up on the receiving end of a bone crushing blow to the head. Having raised his arm in the last possible second he only just managed to stay on his feet. Next instant, however, the man growled angrily, took him by the shoulder pads on his body armor and tossed him across the room. He landed hard on an empty crate which shattered with a resounding crash, causing Hera to instinctively lift her arms in front of her face in protection as splinters flew everywhere. The moment she lowered them she realized those few seconds had been enough for Jim's assailant to come at her instead.
She swiftly released the sonic pistol from its holster and aimed, but he was too fast and knocked it out of her hand before she could shoot. She retaliated by punching him squarely on the side of his jaw. Unimpressed he snapped his head back and simply towered over her. She swallowed hard when he raised his massive fist. Without time to think, Hera leaned back on the balls of her feet as she ducked, making him miss her face by mere inches. With her attacker momentarily open she lost no time in landing a high kick against his fleshy side. She immediately realized her mistake when the man grabbed her ankle and pulled. She almost lost her balance but managed at the last second to make use of the momentum and bend her knee while she grabbed him by a handful of the greasy hair on his round head, slamming the two against each other. He grunted in pain and let go of her.
Swaying slightly on her feet, Hera could hear commotion coming from above as Nathaniel and Dunham no doubt had heard the sounds of fighting and now came rushing towards the source of it. Wanting to shout out to them the words remained stuck in her throat as the man in front of her had already recovered and rammed into her like an overgrown and particularly moody bull, effectively knocking all the air out of her lungs. She staggered backwards, doubled over with her hand clutching her stomach and fell to her knees.
Casting a hopeful glance behind the massive man, she could just distinguish Jim Shannon's slumped form, his body still sprawled on the ground in a weird angle. It didn't seem he was going to get up anytime soon. Worry instantly mingling with the adrenaline rush of the fight Hera tried to deflect the blow when the man roughly pushed her further down before she could stop him. He closed his strong hand around her throat and pinned her down to the floor the next instant.
Gagging and her vision blurring as her brain was being deprived of oxygen she bit down hard in his other hand smothering her face. He retreated just long enough for her to throw him off of her. Rapidly pushing himself to his feet again, Hera, barely standing herself, hit him thrice in his face with all the strength she could muster, letting out a frustrated cry as the last one bore into his cheekbone.
Seemingly impervious to every single blow, he got hold of her outstretched arm and twisted it around. Despite her struggles, he forcefully held her in front of him as either a human shield or hostage, most probably both, now Nathaniel and Dunham dashed down the stairs with great speed, jumping down before reaching the last steps.
Realizing he was trapped now reinforcements had arrived the man tightened his grip on her, clenching her head against his chest with his elbow. Running out of ideas and strength left to fight, Hera desperately stamped on his toes and elbowed him in the stomach as she saw Nathaniel race towards them, his expression livid but determined. Because of the impact of her elbow the man gasped a ragged breath and staggered backwards. Attempting to create distance between her and her persistent assailant Hera tried to take the opportunity to move away but he snatched her wrist and, before Nathaniel could reach them, had pulled her behind him, losing his balance even more in the process.
A shout of surprise left her lungs when he took her with him as the skeleton of interwoven branches snapped; As the canvas ripped and they fell through holding each other in a strange embrace, gravity inevitably pulling them down at a dizzying speed towards the ground.
When she came to Hera could hear voices around her that were vaguely familiar. For a moment she simply listened and gradually recognized who they belonged to. Blinking as she opened her eyes with some effort, the face of Dunham came slowly into focus. He was looking at Jim Shannon who, dabbing with a cloth at a deep cut in his lip from which blood poured freely, was saying in a tense voice, "Are you telling me that despite falling a good eight meters, he managed to get up and run away?"
Dunham nodded, a look of hurt pride on his face, "By the time we got down he was long gone."
"Something must've broken his fall.." Jim theorized, grimacing when he'd pressed the red stained cloth to his lips again.
"I think that something might've been me.." Hera mumbled, filling in the gap of their speculations. Although she'd found her voice it sounded broken, but maybe that was just to match the overall feeling in her body. Her vision still a bit hazy, their three faces suddenly swam closer before her, she could just make out Nathaniel's.
"How are you feeling?" He asked her, his expression taut with concern. Hera tried to smile weakly at him, telling him soothingly, "I'm fine. Sir." Next moment she accepted Dunham's help to sit up straight, wincing when her body protested. She tried not to look in Nathaniel's piercingly blue eyes who seemed torn between protesting and longing to help her himself. "I'll be fine.." She repeated, massaging her lower back and threw a grateful glance over her shoulder at the ferns and moss that had very possibly saved her life. Those and the body armor she was wearing had prevented her from sustaining any serious injuries.
Looking up at the Sixer camp, partly hidden away in the dense canopy, she realized just how lucky she'd been to get away with only some minor scratches, a few light bruises and a sore lower back. She could feel Nathaniel's eyes lingering on her a moment longer, she figured he must've come to the same conclusion. Without uttering a word he stood and reached out to her with both his arms outstretched. Thankful, she clasped her hands in his as he pulled her to her feet. Feeling groggy she managed to keep standing, reluctant to lose his support she nevertheless pulled her hands out of his, but all too aware of Corporal Dunham and Jim Shannon standing nearby.
"Did you find anything?" She inquired, desperately wanting to steer attention away from herself now they all were still looking rather worried at her.
"Nothing. But then we hadn't finished our search when.." Dunham hesitated, not sure how to proceed.
"When we got the crap beaten out of us by one very stubborn guy.." Jim finished the sentence for him, scowling slightly as he no doubt remembered being hurled through the air.
"Permission to take another look? Sir?" Hera asked, looking pleadingly at Nathaniel though she knew what he was going to say even before having formulated her question. She felt like she had to try nonetheless, hoping that it could make up a little for failing him.
"You stay where you are. Corporal Dunham will go." He told her sternly, adding with a jerk of his chin to his sheriff, "Shannon, go with him. Eyes sharp at all times. I'll stay here in case our mystery guest decides to return and give him a warm welcome when he does.." He balled his hands in to fists, removing all doubts as to what that welcome might entail, as the two men immediately left them, heading for the rope ladder and starting to climb it more expertly this time.
Unsteady on her feet, Hera leant against an obliging tree, watching the two of them gradually disappear from sight before she knew she had to apologize to the man standing a few meters away. She turned to directly face Nathaniel, her nails digging in the trunk when pain traveled down her spine as a result of the movement.
"I'm sorry.." She mumbled softly, casting her eyes down in shame. "I'm sorry I allowed myself to be surprised by that.. Overgrown bully.." She told him honestly, her tone growing in frustration and intensity as she added, "Couldn't protect Jim, either-"
Not waiting for her to finish her sentence Nathaniel had crossed the distance between them and wrapped his arms tightly around her. Eyes wide in surprise at first, Hera soon relaxed in his embrace and pulled him even closer. When that had a searing pain shoot through her body she involuntarily let out a stifled ouch. Instinctively reacting to her moment of hurt Nathaniel released her, eyes searching for the affirmation that she was okay in hers. Once he found it, he leaned over and caringly kissed her forehead before letting go. Hera leant back against the tree while he paced up and down, casting a worried look at her occasionally and at the same time keeping watch though she was sure whoever it was that had attacked them wouldn't return.
"Sir!" She called out to him the next moment when she suddenly remembered something, a piece of vital information she'd stored in her head during the fight but hadn't had the time to investigate or share. He hastily came over, supporting her by holding his hands under her elbows, clearly thinking she must've been in pain again. Feeling guilty Hera hastily plunged into an explanation.
"He had a tattoo. It was on his knuckles, or fist, I think.." Her voice faltered as she recalled the moment he'd aimed a deadly punch at her face, trying to picture it more clearly. "It was a-"
"Phoenix.." Nathaniel guessed before she could finish, causing her to fall silent then stutter incredulously, "H-How.. How did you know?"
A cloud passed over his face before he answered, "I knew there was a possibility that the few that fled during our attack on the quarry might manage to survive in the jungle. Just hoped they wouldn't.." He muttered darkly, his brow furrowing in apparent frustration. After a tense silence he added in a low, conspiring voice, "I'd appreciate it if you kept this to yourself for now. The fact that our worst adversary has possibly resurfaced isn't something everyone needs to know. I'm not going to drop that bomb yet. We have to deal with letting those Sixers loose inside our gates first.."
Hera slowly nodded at him, but before she could say anything Jim and Dunham returned. Nathaniel gently supported her as they both took a step towards them, inquiring demandingly, "Any joy?"
Dunham simply beamed and looked over at Jim Shannon who wore an enigmatic smirk on his still bloodied face.
"I'd say so.." He answered mysteriously and revealed an illustrious item capable of more than making up for their previous failed attempts at scavenging those other two Sixers' camps; Lucas Taylor's box…
It was nearing midnight when they finally arrived at the colony, its myriad of small lights like a beacon leading them home. Being able to sit in the back of the rover for a solid two hours had done her a world of good. The painkillers that Dunham had dug up out of the med kit on Nathaniel's insistence had no doubt helped too. Even though she'd refused to need any, she was secretly glad he'd been so persistent about it.
When the rover at last came to a halt on the square she got out surprisingly smoothly, not even her lower back protesting the movement. Just to be sure Hera stretched her body, hands on her hips and leaning backwards. Relieved she no longer felt sore she was about to tell the others the good news when, with a distracted wave of his hand, Nathaniel ordered her and Jim to check in at the infirmary. Half of a mind to object, to assure him nothing was the matter with her, the words failed to pass her lips at seeing the stern and preoccupied expression on his face as he eyed the object in his hands.
A dark indigo shade it gleamed dully in the sparse light spilling out of the buildings surrounding the deserted square. Even though it was probably going to prove difficult, if not impossible, to open, the fact alone that it had belonged to Lucas was enough to rub some salt into a still very painful wound. Moreover, she also suspected that seeing her fall from an eight meter height without him being able to do anything about it hadn't exactly been a highlight on today's mission either. Just as running into a Phoenix soldier, indicating there might be more who survived, was very much an unwanted cherry on top of an unwished for cake.
Settling on a curt 'yes sir' in a soft voice Hera stared after them when he and Dunham took off to entrust the box to Malcolm who, knowing him, would still be at work in his lab.
Wanting to go after him with every fiber of her being, but knowing she shouldn't, she silently led the way to the infirmary. Next to her Jim was busying himself with rather clumsily wiping his face clean of dried up blood, no doubt to spare his wife a reason to fret over him. Hera couldn't help but smile when, having been rather unsuccessful in looking less beaten up, Elisabeth Shannon rushed over as soon as she'd spotted her husband.
After having explained the events of the day, Hera ended up on a bio-bed with a nurse by her side running a number of, in her eyes, completely unnecessary scans. Waiting for them to be over and done with she watched the Shannon couple from the corner of her eyes. Elisabeth expertly stitched the ugly gash in his lip with tender care while Jim tried to talk to her, ask her about her day and other trivial things that brought a smile to her face. Each time the doctor had to silence her patient to make her work easier the love and affection between them was almost something tangible even when no words passed between them.
Looking at the two of them, Hera felt a slight tingling sensation in her chest that had nothing to do with any injury sustained from her fall earlier. She had never really thought about it before but seeing their apparent happiness in the middle of a busy infirmary in which, despite the late hour, numerous nurses and patients were going about their routines and treatments, something close to jealousy had slyly entered her heart. She wasn't sure if she and Nathaniel could ever be this openly in love. Him being the leader of the colony as well as her CO she'd simply assumed they couldn't be. Although they hadn't really talked about it, somehow he'd respected her unspoken rule that they'd hide their relationship the moment others were present. She believed that's what Nathaniel wanted too and even expected of her. And up until now she had been okay with that. But, forcing the envious sensation to pack its bags and leave her heart again, she now wasn't so sure anymore whether she always would be.
Stitching all done, Elisabeth came over to check on her scan results. Hera was glad she hadn't noticed her watching them and even more relieved when she told her there was no need for her to stay the night as extreme luck had apparently prevented her from breaking anything or having internal bleedings. Even though she was now officially okay, Jim held out his hand and helped her of the bio-bed anyway. After he'd kissed his wife goodnight they left the infirmary again together.
They'd only just stepped outside when Nathaniel appeared out of the darkened colony.
"Doc cleared you two?" He inquired, narrowing his eyes as if to say he wasn't going to accept any excuses or lies on this point.
"Yes, sir. We're as good as new." Hera confirmed, instantly more at ease now his tone of voice had been much lighter than before. Having dropped off the box must have temporarily lifted that weight off his shoulders.
"All stitched up and ready for action." Jim joked, showing off the many synthetic threads zigzagging through his lower lip.
"Good to hear.." Nathaniel responded with the corners of his mouth quirking in amusement, though Hera noticed his eyes had already wandered back to her instead of admiring his sheriff's impressive battle wound. Finding it hard to not betray her feelings for him when he looked at her like that, Hera blinked and hoped Jim hadn't noticed.
"So.. How did Malcolm react? Sir?" She probed carefully, not meaning to get his mind back on that particularly touchy track but it was the first question that had popped into her head now she felt the need to break the sudden silence between the three of them.
"Oh.. He uh, well, he wasn't exactly over the moon the be reunited with the damn thing, to be honest. But he did promise me to take better care of it this time."
"With Mira out of the picture, shouldn't be that hard this time around.." Jim offered, shrugging confidently.
"We'll see.." Nathaniel told him, a frown threatening to crease his forehead again as he too undoubtedly remembered the Phoenix soldier they'd encountered only hours before. Luckily Jim was either too exhausted or tactful to press the matter and, after repressing a yawn, looked every inch ready to clock off. He nudged her shoulder, saying with his usual friendliness, "I'll walk you home."
"Actually, I uh.. I need a word with Sergeant Hallows." Nathaniel stopped him short, gesturing for Hera to stay behind with him when Jim had half turned to leave.
"What? At this hour?" Jim burst out with something of an incredulous snort, cocking an eyebrow in surprise at the same time, "Taylor, I'm sure she's deserved some rest by now."
"Colony business always comes first." Nathaniel countered, a rather mysterious smile on his face that made Hera's heart race faster all of a sudden.
"Right.." Jim slowly nodded, clearly not sharing or completely understanding the apparent sense of duty of the man in front of him. "Okay, well, I'll let Zoe know you'll be coming over later this week, then?" He asked, looking at Hera for confirmation who quickly answered him before making to follow Nathaniel who'd already turned to go, "Yes, of course."
"Night, Shannon." Nathaniel greeted him, briefly looking back over his shoulder.
"Yeah. Goodnight.." Jim replied, then added somewhat hesitantly when they were starting down the road leading away from the square, "Uh.. Isn't the Command Center that way?"
"It is." Nathaniel admitted without looking back once more, simply raising his hand in goodbye. Falling into step with him, Hera soon forgot leaving Jim Shannon behind like this, relishing instead Nathaniel walking close next to her as they walked through the quiet night that had settled on Terra Nova. Although she'd been there once before now, it still felt like a very sweet-tasting breaking of the rules when he opened the door and she followed him inside his quarters. Not turning on the lights he guided her gently by the hand to the living room, lit by the soft and pale light of the moon outside.
Her heart definitely beat louder now he pulled her towards him. For a moment she savored the enticing silence between them. Next instant his fingers brushed along her cheekbone before he kissed her with such passion it almost had her gasp for air when they finally broke apart again. He leaned in to her even more, whispering in a voice filled with desire, "Don't go back tonight.."
He held her even closer as she stammered back what her head told her to say though she already knew she would not listen to its advice, "I should.."
"I know.." he replied, planting a soft kiss on her neck, then that sensitive spot where it curved into her shoulder, "But you're not going." he decided, his voice low and too alluring to resist. Feeling his breath on her skin, Hera trembled, not wanting him to stop. His lips brushed her earlobe as he playfully pretended he was going to bite it tenderly. A longing moan passed her lips and Hera felt a burning sensation taking over.
"You're staying.. That's an order.." Nathaniel finally told her, making her smile in something close to exquisite happiness as she longingly surrendered to his touch.
Tonight it was impossible to resist his instinctive desire to be with her. The moment he'd given in to his longing and had held her closer than he'd ever had before was the moment he'd stopped caring about whether it was improper or not. As he kissed her, truly kissed her as he'd wanted too for a long time with more intensity and passion than he would normally allow to escape his controlling grip, the code of honor he expected his men to abide by was far from his mind. How could something that felt this good possibly be wrong?
Nathaniel could feel her tremble at his touch. She didn't seem to want to leave. Even seeming to enjoy it when he made it an order. Without another word passing between them he brought her to his room, leading her by her hand again. He took his time to undress her while she took care of his clothes, both not seeing or caring where they landed on the floor. He followed her as she laid herself down on the bed, crawling in between the sheets himself and letting the strong pull between them be his guide. She was lying down next to him as he leaned over her, resting his weight on one elbow. Nathaniel reached out with his hand and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. About to kiss her, he teased her a little by pulling back when she responded to his mouth hovering tantalizingly close to hers. He gave her a subtle smile, running a finger along the middle of her lips instead. Then, he leaned in to give her a soft kiss in the place he'd just caressed. He moved on to gently touch her shoulder with the tips of his fingers, slowly stroking them downward with a bit more force until they gingerly followed the curve of her lower back. He relished the fire kindled in Hera's eyes at this. Not averting his gaze he went on to run his hand along her leg which she'd wrapped around his waist, waiting a split second in which he held his breath, then moved down along her thigh.
He couldn't resist the temptation any longer. His mind had stopped working and his entire being was filled with his love for her. A quick soft intake of breath at his last caress which passed her parted lips had Nathaniel instinctively increase his hold on her. He'd known taking her to his quarters brought along a risk. First time she'd come over, he'd wanted to share it with her, to not have it be just his private space anymore. It had more value to him as the place where they could be together. And now, it was dark and his world consisted of just the two of them lying entwined in his bed. It was so damn tempting not to let her go home. This could be her home. He hoped it would be one day. As he finally and wholly gave in to his yearning for her, he kissed her back now she lovingly stroked his bare chest, slightly digging her nails in without hurting him in sheer pleasure. One thing stood out singularly clear in his mind: tonight, it would be her home. Their home..
Thanks for reading & I'd love to know what you thought of it! :)