Nova Vida
It was well after first light a week later when the re-enforcement convoy arrived from Terra Nova. After getting everyone settled.
Ben took Elizabeth and Jim down to the cavern. Adelaide and Athena were both overjoyed to see Gramma and Pa Pa.
As Jim and Elizabeth got reacquainted with their grandchildren, and visited with Mark and Maddy. They watched Mark for any
signs of stress. Mark was also glad to see Jim. When they had a moment Mark sat Jim down and they had a talk about what happened
up to when they found themselves flying for their lives.
"Honest Jim."
Mark opened up as he handed Jim a plex.
"Everyone remembers that night well. And all of us are saying the same thing. Someone had to be using telepathy for us to hear
someone screaming in our heads to load up and move out. I have everything that I could think of on this plex, plus everyone else
that was with us in the coullee when the patrol found us. This should start things off nicely."
Taking the plex. Jim listened to Mark attentively and then asked.
"Thanx Mark, but I want to know also. How are you holding up? You should know by now that I don't bite too deep those I love
and care about, and you,ve already shown me many times that you are good for Maddy and the kids."
Mark looked at him contemplating the question.
"I really dont want to answer that Jim. For the simple reason, I get boiling mad and scared. Those bastards tried to kill my family
and wiped out my command. Even though I managed to get most to safety, I still feel like I didn't do enough. It hurts to think
about it. I,m afraid to leave Maddy and the little ones alone to go to the command center."
As Mark finished. Jim followed along.
"Because your afraid they wont be there when you get back, and you would feel like more of a failure than you are now?"
Mark nodded. Eyes misting over. Looking away from Jim over to where Maddy and Elizabeth were playing with the kids.
He took a moment to watch. Then turning back to his father in law. Said.
"Its overwhelming Jim. How the hell were you able to go out in Chicago and still make it back in the morning?"
Jim sat back and looked at him.
"I already know you have combat experience Mark, but one thing Ben should have told you is it hits harder when your family
is put in harms way. If it had been just you, you wouldn't be beside your self as much. It wouldn't hurt any less, but you
would be able to handle it better. I was a bit surprised when Ben allowed you to keep your people together after coming
back to the colony. Usually when something of this magnitude happens. They separate everyone then start putting the
pieces together."
Mark told him.
"I have an answer for that Jim. Ben felt that it would give me a focus because if I even thought of it alone, I would go nuts.
But the contents of that plex are in your hand. And I should be able to say I did all I could possibly do for now."
Jim nodded.
"Makes sense. In a sense its not too much different than when you had been blinded. You,ll pull thru. So they going to let
you guys go topside any time soon?"
Mark shook his head.
"They still think we need rest, and since we have a threat out and about, they want us safe. I've never felt so damn
caged in my life."
Looking down at the plex thoughtfully. Jim got up and retrieved his plex from his trip bag and went back to Mark.
He sat down and quickly transferred the files to his own. Then looking over at Mark with a small grin. Transferred
a file to Marks.
"When we leave. Then and only then will I allow you to open it. And if its ok. We'll take the kids
topside and you and Maddy can spend some alone time together. Deal?"
Mark smiled sadly and nodded. Not liking the idea of letting his babies out of his sight. After that they went back to
spending time with the kids. Jim seemed to steal the show when first Adelaide then Athena crawled up in his lap,
to be joined by Brian when Maddy put the little boy between the girls.
Mark sat and watched the kids with their grand parents. Maddy sat down across Marks lap and leaned on his shoulder
looking at Mark, then turning to look at her folks. Smiling, she relaxed against him then whispered something to Mark.
Mark looked at her, then smiled. And nodded. Leaning his head back against the headrest of the chair.
he closed his eyes with a smile on his face. Maddy laid her head on his shoulder and pretty soon they both slipped into sleep.