Title: Terra Nova: New Earth – New Hope

Summary: This story takes place after Lieutenant Alicia Washington sacrifices herself to create a diversion that in turn, enables the escape of the Shannon family and the settlement's Sheriff's eventual return to Earth 2149 to thwart plans for the Lucas Taylor led Phoenix Group. Alternative Universe.

Pairings: Alicia Washington & Original Female Character. Elizabeth & Jim Shannon.

Rating: M for mature readers.

Disclaimer: No profit is gained by the telling of this tale. All characters other than original remain the property of Creators Kelly Marcel & Craig Silverstein; Amblin Television, Chernin Entertainment, Kapital Entertainment, Siesta Productions & 20th Century Fox Television. This story includes a female/female relationship so be warned!


Chapter 7

After making several purchases at the Markets, Colbie packed items into a knapsack then ran over to the training area behind HQ. She smiled widely at Lieutenant Washington and greeted the family members of her unit.

Once the two hours of instructions concluded, Colbie spoke with a few people before being left alone with Alicia.

"You ready to roll?" enquired the younger woman.

"I certainly am."

"Excellent, I have a Rover parked over by the gate."

Two minutes on, the pair was travelling along a dirt road and Colbie asked, "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes and you?"

"Soundly and you look great this morning. I really like the way you teach survival skills. You're especially patient with children and use language they understand."

"Thanks and it's vital the newcomers fathom the importance of what to do if lost outside the fence."

"I couldn't agree more and where are you taking me?"

"A place called Snakehead Falls. It used to be in a restricted zone, but that was due to the fact the Commander didn't want people seeing Lucas' equations etched on the rocks."

"Obviously he was taunting his father."

"Yes. I escorted two teams out here weeks ago and removed the writings. We shouldn't encounter any wildlife during the daylight hours."

"Are you referring to Acceraptors and Howlers?"

"I am and it sounds like you've done your homework."

"Juliette helped me study up on dinosaurs of the Cretaceous Period years ago."

"Tell me more about her. I mean I know she was a talented Physicist, but I'd like to hear about her personality."

Reaching over, Colbie rested a hand Alicia's thigh, "All right. We met in 2140 while I was CO of a protective detail at a science convention in Chicago. Our eyes locked one morning during breakfast and it was all over for me. I found her intelligence and beauty impossible to resist and she reeled me in."

"That sounds so romantic and wonderful."

"We married three years later and Claire was born two years after that. Juliette was a fantastically patient mother and Claire adored her. She had a wicked sense of humour and was the most generous person I ever knew."

Alicia pulled off onto a side track and followed the many turns in silence before coming to a halt. She pointed towards a rock outcrop and explained, "The Falls are just beyond that point. To reach the top we have to climb quite a distance, but I thought we could leave that for another day and just enjoy the river banks and water."

"I like the way you think, it sounds very relaxing."

"Thanks and it is."

Grabbing their bags and rifles from the back, Colbie got out and waited for her date to join her. She followed closely and gasped in wonder as they approached the waterfall, "Oh my god, it's magnificent."

"It's paradise Colbie."

After passing over a knapsack and a sonic rifle, Colbie gushed, "It certainly is. I've never seen such beauty."

"I'll set up some senor detectors while you ready for the water."

Realising Alicia was giving her privacy to undress, Colbie raced towards the shoreline and put down her gear. Stripping down to a dark blue bikini, she strolled into the lake then dove under the crystal clear surface. Enjoying the underwater swim as opposed to a holographic simulation, she relaxed and stroked to the top. Her breath hitched dramatically when a black bikini attired Lieutenant ambled into the water. A hot desire released itself upon her and she struggled to concentrate as every well-toned muscle of Alicia's body moved in perfect synchronicity.

Pert breasts were amply covered and Colbie couldn't help but stare. A smirk tugged at the corners of her mouth before she commented, "By god you are a stunning woman Lieutenant Washington."

"I'm glad you finally took the time to notice me."

Opening her arms, Colbie embraced the goddess before her and noted, "I've always admired your physique and thank you for sharing this spectacular place with me. The water is so refreshing and cool."

"You are more than welcome and I'm going to kiss you now."

A silly grin graced Colbie's face, "Yes please."

Moving closer, Alicia seized waiting lips in a gentle, undemanding smooch. Colbie separated her lips and groaned when a tongue slipped inside her mouth. With delicate, explorative probes, the kiss intensified and both women dragged fingertips over back muscles.

When Alicia's touch encountered raised scar tissue, Colbie flinched and withdrew. Gazing into pools of brown, she apologised, "Sorry, but no one has ever been this close to my imperfections."

Running her hands through damp hair, Alicia questioned, "Why are you apologising?"

"I'm not ready for you to see my past."

"I'm not following you Colbie, and I've seen your scars before. They don't bother or repulse me."

"I know you saw a small section, but my whole back is covered."

"Then why haven't you had them removed?"

"They are there as a reminder," answered Colbie with a grimace.

"Okay and I can see you are getting agitated, so let's take a swim." Diving underwater, Alicia swam over to the waterfall and resurfaced. Disappointment met her as she turned around and watched Colbie step onto the bank then pick up a towel.

By the time she reached her, Colbie was fully clothed and sitting on a blanket. To her relief, the Colonel stretched out her right hand and gripped Alicia's.

"Sit down and I'll tell you everything there is to know about me," Colbie promised.

Reaching for her towel, Alicia wrapped it around her torso then sat beside Colbie, "Take your time and I'll listen."

With a smile, Colbie began, "As you know the work done on formulating two way transportation in the time stream was closeted. It was vital it remain a secret from the Phoenix Corporation and it did. Two and a half years ago Weaver started eliminating renowned Physicists worldwide."

"Shit."

"Dozens were found murdered in Europe, Canada, Australia and the United States. At the time there was no proof linking the assassinations to Weaver; that came later. Juliette and her team were presumed to be safe while building a second Gateway and were under constant surveillance."

"Where was the work being carried out?"

"In an installation seven miles from Hope Plaza and the two domes were connected by an underground tunnel."

"Is that how you and your unit escaped Jim's bomb in the Plaza?"

"Yes. Along with the fact we'd managed to place damping fields around the departure section prior to his arrival. The force of the sonic bomb was lessened considerably, but there wasn't enough time to protect the Gateway before Phoenix soldiers showed up to assist Weaver with the shipment."

Pulling her legs up, Alicia rested her chin on her knees, "How did you know about the bomb?"

"We received a coded message from Jenny."

"So you had communications with her for some time?"

"Only when the portal was open; a permanent link was only established the day before Hope Plaza was destroyed."

Anger washed over the Lieutenant and she snarled, "So basically you could have stepped in sooner and saved the thirty four people here from being killed by that madman Lucas?"

Alarmed by Alicia's mood change, Colbie protested, "It wasn't that simple. The missive wasn't sent until two hours before Jim's arrival. There was barely enough time to organise the damping fields. We were flying by the seat of our pants and well and truly under the gun."

Standing abruptly, Alicia started to tremble and lashed out, "What! Your unit was the only team available? Why didn't they deploy other troops and save us for Christ's sake? Those people could have been saved and I wouldn't have been shot."

Getting up, Colbie attempted to calm down the Lieutenant, "Again, you have to understand fractions of the government couldn't trust any other units not to include sympathisers to Phoenix's cause. It was a case of not having time to arrange an alternative solution."

"That's bullshit and I'd like to go back home."

Taken aback by the sting in the words, Colbie asked, "Why are you taking this out on me?"

"You could have been here sooner."

"That's not true and if you settle down and listen, I'll explain why."

Near hysteria, Alicia responded, "I've heard enough. The new government knew about Phoenix yet waited until the last moment to act. You didn't have to watch your fellow soldiers and citizens slain or be shot in the head."

"No I didn't and I'm sorry you had to experience that." Collecting her weapons and kit, Colbie walked off and headed for Terra Nova without looking back.

When she reached her quarters, she undressed, showered then pulled on a fresh uniform. Gathering up several drink containers of water and pieces of fruit, Colbie made her way to Novam Spem and commenced working on the south west fence line.

As the Colonel entered the fourth hour of physical labour, she collapsed and was overcome with anguish. She bawled for ten minutes before getting to her feet and taking some water onboard.

-o-

Katrina looked to Alicia with confusion and asked, "Aren't you due back on duty in two days Lieutenant?"

"I've rostered myself back on and relieved Guzman so he can spend some time with his daughter Tasha."

"That's mighty generous of you ma'am."

"Yeah I'm Mother freaking Theresa, report!"

"There's been no activity other than Colonel Adams travelling over to Spem seven hours ago."

"Oh."

"Permission to speak freely ma'am?"

"Go ahead, you'll only tell me anyway."

"Wash, we've been friends for seven years and I know when you are hurting, so you want to talk about it?"

"Not really. It's something I need to figure out on my own. I've acted like a brat and inflicted pain on someone whose actions don't deserve to be questioned."

"Maybe you should go over and check on Adams, she hasn't checked in for over an hour."

The corners of Alicia's mouth curled upwards, "That obvious hey?"

"Honey, she stormed out of here looking fit to kill and everyone knew you two had a date."

"How, she only asked last night?"

"Wash, you know nothing is kept secret around here."

"Yeah I do and I'll take a drive."

"Before you leave you need to check your survivor guilt at the door. Word is out about Adams losing her wife and child and she has carried around that grief until yesterday. You have something to do with that Alicia, but don't make the mistake of blaming her for what happened here at the hands of Lucas and his demented followers."

"How did you get to be so smart?"

"I'm observant. Now go make amends with that fine chunk of woman."

Giggling at her friend's words, Alicia embraced her and said, "Thanks."

"If I wasn't straight, I'd be all over her."

Stepping back, Washington noted, "I'll keep that in mind in case I see your eyes wandering over to the dark side."

Katrina roared with laughter as the Lieutenant exited the room.

-o-

Colbie was seated on the bottom railing of the fence when she saw the headlights of a Rover approach. Glancing at her watch, she realised she should have radioed Riley seventy two minutes ago. No doubt the Sergeant had sent somebody to make sure she was okay. Putting down an apple core, Colbie stood and waited.

Alicia stepped out of the vehicle and moved into the spotlight, "Evening ma'am, just ensuring you haven't been eaten by a Slasher."

With a crooked right brow, Colbie stated, "You could have radioed and saved yourself the trip."

"Then I wouldn't have been able to apologise without the entire base finding out we'd had a disagreement."

"Under the circumstances it wouldn't have mattered. I have enough responsibilities to worry about without being accused of contributing to the horrors that occurred here or the agony you endured."

Inching closer, Alicia looked into dull blue eyes, "It was wrong of me to blame you like I did. I realised the timing was all wrong and in the end, you were following Brass' orders."

"I was trying to tell you that."

"Can we start over?" enquired Alicia as she moved into Colbie's personal space.

"No. I don't think that's wise."

"I'm sorry for hurting you."

Tears rolled from the corners of Colbie's eyes, "For over two years there has been this hole in my heart that was left by the loss of my family and when I got to see how courageous, kickass and sassy you are, I began to heal. I opened up to you today and wanted to tell you all, but you shot me down."

Reaching out, Alicia wiped the teardrops away with the palm of her hand, "I know and I wasn't thinking clearly. Since Lucas shot me I have been reliving that moment every time I close my eyes. When you were living with me I wasn't having nightmares, but they began again when you moved out. I felt like I was losing my mind and along with the fact I thought you were married, the frustration of not being able to pursue a relationship with you made it impossible to be around you."

"You should have spoken to me."

"I tried to that night we were all at Boylan's."

"Aww that was my fault we didn't have any privacy."

"I just assumed it was for the best then gave up on the idea."

Smiling slightly, Colbie took hold of Alicia's hand, "I've finished this section of fence and would like it if you had dinner with me. I'd like the opportunity to give you the rest of my explanation."

Squeezing Colbie's fingers, Alicia consented, "I would too."

"Give me a hand to load up my tools then we can be on our way."

"Not a problem."

-o-

Stepping out of the ensuite, Colbie dressed in three quarter length black shorts and a white singlet. She made it into the living area before there was a knock on the door. Opening it to Alicia, she giggled when she spotted the Lieutenant was holding a bottle of distilled whiskey.

"Are you planning on getting me drunk?" she queried while closing the door.

"No. It is a gift for the host. I don't like turning up empty handed."

Taking the alcohol, Colbie leaned in and captured smiling lips in a brief kiss. "The cook appreciates the thought."

"Dinner smells wonderful," responded Alicia while following Colbie into the kitchen.

"I've made stuffed cabbage leaves with parmesan potatoes. The fresh produce here is amazing and has reignited my desire to cook."

"The same thing happened to me."

"Would you like a glass of wine?"

"Yes please and I see you've decorated."

"I got stuck into it when the last of my belongings arrived the other day."

Taking a seat at the counter, Alicia scanned the far wall, "Juliette was very beautiful?"

"She was and Claire had her blue eyes." Pointing ahead, she added, "That picture was taken on her first birthday."

Getting up, Washington walked over to view the large frame closer and smiled at the image of Colbie, Juliette and a curly haired blonde with dimples blowing out a candle. "There were both stunning Colbie and I gather you weren't the birth mother."

"I was, but we used Juliette's eggs. We had planned on doing the opposite when Juliette was finished her research."

Spinning around, Alicia strolled back to the bench, "I've felt the pain of losing two parents, four grandparents and way too many friends, but never a lover or child. I can't begin to fathom the depths of how difficult that must have been for you. I mean, I saw what Nathaniel went through with Ayani and it broke my heart just as a witness."

"It's hard to put into words Alicia. I can best describe it as an emptiness and sorrow that remains with you. It has been with me for so long it is now a part of me that I don't notice as much."

"I can relate to that and am glad you are capable of discussing your feelings with me."

Handing over a chilled tumbler of fruit wine, Colbie opened the oven, "Would you like to dine outside?"

"I would."

Colbie busied herself with preparing two plates then asked her guest to accompany her to a table set up with lit candles out back.

"This wine is really nice," commented Alicia while taking a seat.

"It's expensive and from Tom's private stock. Juliette once told me I should display my romantic side more often and not care about the cost of showing how I feel," replied Colbie as she set the two dishes down and took the chair opposite Alicia.

"You should lower your stoic military wall on occasion."

Smirking, Colbie admitted, "My barrier helps me operate efficiently."

"Mine does too and it's nice to be able to let go every now and then."

"I agree and I like this side of you."

"You do?"

"I find you amusing, intelligent and absolutely sexy."

Blushing, Alicia tried to hide it by eating. After swallowing, she commented, "Oh … my … god, this is delicious Colbie."

"Thank you and you are awfully cute when you blush."

"And you are simply charming. Does this mean I'm forgiven for my behaviour this afternoon?"

"You certainly are and I really do like you Alicia. I hope our second date goes much better than the first."

"We're off to a great start and you are a gracious host."

Giggling at the compliments, Colbie took a sip of her drink. Both women chatted about their childhoods during the meal and once the dishes were taken care of, the couple settled on the couch with fresh drinks.

"Thank you for a wonderful dinner," praised Alicia.

With a wink, Colbie suggested, "It's your turn next."

"It would be my pleasure and can I ask you something?"

"Sure, go ahead."

"What made you change your mind about me?"

"I was a little harsh on you over at Spem and realised afterwards why you attacked my character at the Falls."

"Fair enough."

"When I first arrived here I kept hearing about what a fine person and loyal soldier you were and wanted to know more about you."

"Thank you for the kind assessment."

"I'm not one for regrets Alicia and I didn't want to miss out on being with you. You're so beautiful, witty and possess a tremendously infectious laugh. The first time I heard it I nearly fell over."

"Oh you are such a sweet talker and I just about suffered a coronary when I opened my eyes and saw you in the clinic."

With a short chuckle, Colbie reached for Alicia's left hand and her demeanour became serious, "When the twenty second Physicist was murdered Alpha 1 was assigned to the around the clock protection of Juliette and her team. There were five techs and assistants as well as four scientists and of course, Juliette. They were sequestered in the same apartment building so it was easier to keep watch over them. Back then I commanded a sixteen soldier unit that was split into teams of four so as to be able to rotate through eight hour shifts."

Gripping tighter, Alicia waited for Colbie to continue.

"A private nanny was hired to care for Claire while Juliette and I were working. There were no threats for over two months then one day as I was entering the apartment I was notified a small pyrosonic bomb had been located on the ground floor and the timer was counting down from elven minutes."

"Oh dear god Colbie," uttered Alicia, realising where the story was headed.

A single teardrop escaped the confines of Colbie's left eye, "I ordered the building be evacuated while Sergeant Withers worked on disarming the bomb. I called out to Mable the nanny and she walked into the living room and told me Juliette had taken Claire downstairs to the laundry room. I informed Mable to get out as fast as she could and I ran to the elevator. We lived on the twenty second floor and it took two minutes to reach the lobby. The utilities room was down another level so I pushed Mable out of the lift and pressed the down button. The place erupted around me and I blacked out."

Alicia started to cry and she put down her drink.

"When I came to I was trapped inside the elevator car. I had several cuts and knocks but managed to pry open the door with my knife. I think I was saved from serious injury because I was still kitted up and wearing my helmet. The doors only slid back a little way and I had to remove my armour to make it out."

Taking a drink, Colbie pulled Alicia into her arms, "The next level was in ruins and I radioed McQueen for a SitRep. We'd lost three men and the others were assisting with the injured. Emergency services were on the way and I attempted to gain access to the laundry room."

"What a complete disaster."

"I didn't find out until later that the ten floors above had been destroyed and two thousand and ten people lost their lives."

"Oh god the Renaud Building; I remember reading about it on a news report sent through during a communications link. The authorities said they had no leads on those responsible."

"They didn't, but we did two days later. When I dug my way to the laundry room it was a flaming inferno. The fire sprinklers hadn't activated, so I had no choice but to find a way in. I located the fire hose, turned it on and dragged it to the doorway. I doused three feet of flames before the roof collapsed and hit me with metal reinforcements. I was knocked unconscious."

Alicia wrapped an arm around Colbie's neck, "That's how you got the scars?"

"Yes. When I came to I was in hospital with third degree burns to my shoulders and back. Jackson was at my bedside and when I pushed him for answers, he broke down and told me Juliette and Claire were found two feet from where I was hurt."

Sobbing harder, Colbie resumed, "My two girls had been burnt to death before I could help them. They perished instantly when the bomb exploded and I sought revenge for them and my team mates and every single person who died that day."

"I'm so sorry you went through that."

"Thanks. I spent two days in hospital and refused to have the scars removed. I was too traumatised to lose that reminder and during the investigation, a leak inside my own unit was uncovered."

"Freaking hell, no way Colbie!"

"Private Thomas O'Donnell was passing on information. He'd joined the team two months earlier and didn't know anything about the circumstances of our pursuit of the Phoenix Group. The security footage was recovered in the wreckage of the building."

Alicia lifted her head and asked, "O'Donnell was captured on camera?"

"Yes and the bastard even spoke to my family in the lift. The coward fled the city and I eventually tracked him down in New York two days before arriving here."

"Oh Colbie, no wonder you walked away from me when I accused you of not doing enough."

Cradling Alicia's head, Colbie stopped crying, "Shush, you didn't know what I'd been doing beforehand."

"What happened to O'Donnell?"

"He was hauled back to Chicago and interrogated."

"Did he cough up the last of the Phoenix names?"

"He handed over seventy two and confessed to having been recruited by someone high up in the government, but had no idea who it was. He had no name and never met them in person. He also told us there were another one thousand and forty members."

"Jesus."

"I'd never contemplated revenge before, but that changed with that man's actions."

"I now understand why you gave me the opportunity to extract mine on Lucas."

"It would have destroyed you if you hadn't Alicia."

"I believe so and did you execute O'Donnell?"

Colbie nodded, "With my bare hands. I wanted him to suffer and before he drew his last breath, I tossed him into a fire."

"Did it make you feel better?"

"Not that much, but it did help. So did shooting O'Shea by firing squad shortly before departing on the mission to here. Once Weaver was dead, the pain eased a fraction, but it will never go away."

Sitting up, Alicia rose and picked the bottle of wine up off the low table, "I need a drink."

"With all the executions I've been involved in over the years, the last three actually gave me a sense of closure."

"I'm glad you have found some peace."

Needing to steer the conversation away from such a heavy topic, Colbie asked, "Do you have plans for tomorrow?"

"No, I'm free."

"In that case would you like to stay for breakfast?"

Black brows crept upwards and Alicia grinned, "Are you inviting me to sleep with you?"

Getting to her feet, Colbie took the glass from Alicia's hand, "Would you like to?"

"You shouldn't answer a question with a question."

"Nor should I tease you. It's late and I happen to have a spare toothbrush and pair of pyjamas and would very much like to hold you while falling asleep."

Disappointed, Alicia posed the question, "No sex then?"

"Actually, I was hoping for an enormous amount before sleeping."

Gulping, Alicia smiled, "You could have mentioned that first."

"I could have, but I wanted to give you an out in case you needed one."

"That's sweet of you, but I have wanted you since you introduced yourself to me in the Infirmary."

"You have?"

Kissing along the column of Colbie's throat, Alicia purred, "Oh god yes and it's not been easy keeping my mind off you and all the delicious things I've wanted to do with you."

Leaning back, Colbie suggested, "How about we turn off the lights and you take me to bed to do whatever you've been thinking about."

"I think that's an ideal way to end our second date."

"I'm all yours Alicia and want you to take me."

With legs suddenly unable to stand, Alicia buckled slightly before whimpering.

Colbie took pity on her and switched off the nearest light, "Let's go. I want to see the rest of you and on that point, I definitely enjoyed the view I received at the waterfall."

Taking Colbie by the hand, Alicia ushered her towards the main bedroom. The other woman was a willing follower, but cursed the instant her comms sprang into life.

"Alpha Charlie, this it Terra Nova base," broadcast Sergeant Riley.

Begrudgingly, Colbie answered, "Go ahead base."

"Sorry to disturb you ma'am, but two children have been reported missing – over."

"I'm on my way – Alpha Charlie – out." Pulling Alicia into her arms, Colbie traced an index finger along her top lip, "I'm sorry about this, but duty calls."

Nodding, Alicia suggested, "I'll meet you there."

"No, I'll have all the help I need. Go home and gets some sleep."

"Seriously Colbie, nobody knows this place better than me and if the kids are OTG we'll need to track them down A-SAP."

Grinning, Colbie consented, "See, this is why I like you so much; you are logical."

Breaking free from the embrace, Alicia headed for the door, "Thanks and I'll see you soon."

"All right then we can continue where we left off," replied Colbie with a wink.

-o-

After interviewing two near hysterical parents on vid comms, Alicia ascertained that Miles ten and Brady six had been at Outpost 3 with their folks picking up some data chips that were part of Doctor Robert Stanley's research of the wetlands. The two children had gone to use the toilet and after not arriving back after ten minutes, a search of the washroom by their mother had proved fruitless.

"We'll be there as soon as we can Doctor," promised the Lieutenant before terminating the link. Turning to Colbie, she added, "Ready to roll when you are ma'am."

"You handled the parents well and let's move out."

In total, six Security soldiers and four Special Forces soldiers left the compound and raced to Outpost 3.

When Colbie exited her vehicle she sent Charlie, Jerry and Nate to check the perimeter for any sign of the boys while Washington and the other five Security personnel entered the building.

After finding no shoe prints to match the size of the two children's sandals but copious evidence of wildlife activity around the air filtration system, Colbie joined up with Alicia and the Stanleys inside the bathroom located deep within the labyrinth of hallways connecting each underground section of the research facility.

"Report Lieutenant!" she said.

"The vent grill has been displaced and haphazardly closed ma'am. It appears the two lads may have gone exploring."

Looking to the Scientist for information, Colbie enquired, "Where do the outlets lead to?"

"They branch off into three different sections three feet along. The one on the left will take you outside to a cooling system and straight ahead will lead you to the filter room. The right tunnel ends in a vast storage room."

"Dickson and Sterling go back outside and check the cooler. Walsh, you and I will take the filter and Washington, you and your team have the storage room. Mister and Missus Stanley, I suggest you stay here in case your boys double back through the vents or the hallways."

A worried Janice Stanley sobbed, "They should have reached the end well before now."

"We'll find them ma'am. It's possible they got tired and are resting some place and lost track of time," replied Colbie in a soothing tone. Griping Alicia's left forearm, she asked, "Can I have a word in the corridor?"

"Yes ma'am." Washington followed her superior outside and noted the concern etched on her face, "What is it Colonel?"

"I didn't want to mention this in front of the parents, but my scanner isn't picking up any life forms within a two hundred yard radius from this location. Coupled with the fact we found damage to the air vents topside, I don't have a good feeling about this."

"Then my guess is the kids are in the storage room, it's four hundred yards out."

Smiling at the conclusion, Colbie conceded, "Your local knowledge is absolutely invaluable Lieutenant."

"I am just happy to help ma'am," retorted Alicia with a slight smirk.

"This information calls for a change of plans; we'll all head there first then double back if we have no success."

-o-

As the group of soldiers approached the sealed entrance of the storage section they all heard the sound of metal on metal followed by a garish shrieking.

"What the hell?" muttered Walsh while peering inside through the double glazed door window.

"Crap," uttered Washington as she looked over his shoulder. "This is bad. It's a juvenile Ovosaur eating the cables for the nickel and the air vent is shut."

"If the young found its way into here, you can bet mommy and daddy are close by," pointed out Colbie. "Okay, we need to stun it then take it outside for the parents to find on their own accord. Walsh seems you are up front already, open the door and I'll shoot it. Once it is down, Dawes, Walsh, Dickson and Sterling carry it outside to the tree line. Meanwhile, the rest of us will continue to look for the boys."

Placing a hand on the door handle, Walsh counted to three then opened it as the Colonel took aim. The three foot dinosaur turned its head to the right and glared at the intruders. It reared up and launched towards them as Colbie fired. The animal went down mid-air and the other four soldiers moved in swiftly to remove it.

Stepping inside when the coast was clear, Colbie yelled, "MILES, BRADY ARE YOU IN HERE?"

A frightened voice replied from the far left corner of the room, "Over here."

Washington and Adams made their way over to a stack of metal containers and discovered the two kids clinging to one another and seated on the floor.

Colbie moved in and knelt beside Miles. Taking hold of him, she soothingly stated "You're okay now. Your mom and dad are waiting for you. You are both very brave and did the right thing in finding a hidey hole."

Nodding, the boy snuggled into his rescuer's neck and held on tight, "Brady hurt his leg. We didn't mean to be bad, but we heard the Ovosaur in the wall tunnel. Dad is gonna be mad at me for letting it in. It pushed us over and I put the lid back on best I could then we chased after it down the hall. It scared us when we got to this room with all the boxes and we hid. The door was knocked shut by its tail when it was eating those wire thingies."

Alicia picked up Brady and he wailed, "I was so scared it was gonna eat us too. I wet my shorts, mommy won't like that."

"Shush, it's all right honey. You are both safe now and no one is angry with you. When we reach your parents, I'll take a look at your leg."

Carry the children out, the two women shared a glance and Alicia saw the tears in Colbie's eyes. She wanted to say something, but the veil of authority quickly fall over the other woman's face, so she held back.

Minutes later two very relieved parents hugged their sons and Alicia examined the elongated cut on Brady's left leg. He cried as she applied antiseptic then used the wound repair spray.

"All fixed little guy," she announced while repacking her med kit.

"Thank you," he blubbered.

"You're welcome, but next time; don't follow a dinosaur no matter how cute it is."

"I won't."

Colbie turned to Sterling, "Let's get everyone topside and move out. I don't want to be around when the Ovosaur wakes up."

"Yes ma'am."

"Walsh, secure the grill then join us at the entrance."

"Right on it Colonel."

Alicia escorted the Stanley family out while Colbie stayed behind for a moment and radioed base with a SitRep and to order a maintenance crew to attend the outpost in the morning to repair any damage that may have occurred to outside air vents. Once she'd spoken to Riley, she and Walsh walked to the main gate and the pair climbed into a Rhino as a large roar pierced the still night air.

As the vehicles sped away, two adult Ovosaurs approached and collected their wayward offspring.

-o-

Once the Stanley family was delivered to their house, Colbie delivered a short debrief then dismissed everyone involved in the search unless they were still on duty. She then walked home alone. She sat outside, stared up into the starry sky and was overcome with a longing for her lost child and wife. Tears rolled down her face and sharp shards of pain slashed into her chest.

"I miss you Baby Girl," she whispered. Her eyesight lowered when boots on gravel caught her attention.

"I thought you might want to talk," offered Alicia as she sat down.

"Thank you, but I'm okay. I just got lost in an old memory."

Reaching out, Alicia took hold of Colbie's left hand, "I understand and I'm here for you."

Standing, Colbie pulled her hand away, "Uhm, I appreciate it, but I think it would be best if you went home."

Stung by the statement, Alicia nevertheless got to her feet and looked into sorrowful eyes, "I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah sure." Without further comment, Colbie went inside and a frustrated Alicia strolled off to visit a friend.

-o-

"So she basically closed off from you?" enquired Nathaniel in between sips of coffee.

Nodding, Alicia answered, "It was obvious she was thinking about her daughter."

"You'll just have to give her time Wash."

"I release that and am willing to wait."

"Good and you look tired."

"It's been a long day and thanks for the chat."

"You are always welcome to seek my counsel, you know that."

"I am grateful, goodnight."

-o-