It was sometime after 1300 when Mark finally agreed with Maddy it was time to go. They had gone through the gear and packs again in the
rover to make sure that they had everything. Cronk had given the rover and the weapons a clean bill of health and for the most part. There
was no reason to go but their say so. Mark had remembered to police up both Maddys plex and the medical plex, slipping them into one of
his bags. He had secured his armor behind the seat, along with his pulse rifle, and had been able to find some armor that would fit Maddy if
the need arose. While Maddy had been playing with Zoe. He had slipped off to the supply room and snagged up a few items for Maddy, also
hiding them in his bag. At 1300. While they were in the house playing with Zoe. Mark watched Maddy raise her head from what ever project
Zoe was engrossed in and look at him. Her face inquiring. He nodded.
Elizabeth had come back from the clinic early and had thrown together a meal, and spent as much time being involved as he could with her
family. Josh himself had allowed himself to get treated at the clinic, then went to spend the day with Skye, resting at her house. Shortly after
that visual exchange between Mark and Maddy. Jim and Nathaniel came through the door. One look at Mark told them it was time. They
nodded and sat next down along side them helping Zoe play. It didnt take long til Zoe was ready for a nap. Feeling sleepy, Zoe didn't argue,
but reached out and took Mark's hand to lead him to her bedroom. Mark grinned, knowing this young lady had him wrapped around her little
finger. He let her lead her into the bedroom. Tucked her in for her nap then sang her a song. She was out in short order. Standing up
straight, from by the bed, he found an audience at the door. Jim, Elizabeth, Maddy and Nathaniel stood there smiling at him as he turned
towards them and started walking. He felt happy and content as he joined the other four in the living room. Sitting down. He was quickly
joined by Maddy, while the other three, took their seats around them.
Getting right to business. Mark outlined to Nathaniel what he had in mind for a route plan. He knew it was a late start, so he was planning
to camp near the high meadow, near the top of the first set of ridges in the mountain range to the west of the colony. Taylor was impressed. There
was a hidden camping spot at that location. Where you could drive a rover in and camoflage it, then in the space between the rover and wall
have secure campsite that no dino could get into. Nathaniel had used that spot before, so his logic was good. Taylor mentioned it wouldn't be a
bad idea to hang out at that spot for a day or two, just to kick back and relax. Which had Maddy curious, but Mark seemed to catch on to what
Taylor was implying. The fact that Mark was smiling meant it had to be good. From that camp in the meadow, Mark wasn't sure which way
he could go, but once they got over the mountains, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Taylor nodded. Thought full.
"I was wondering Mark. If your partial to staying out there a while longer. There is the matter of secondary sites that was never decided on.
What I mean is this: Terra Nova proper was never meant to be the only colony. The long range plan that Hope Plaza had established had been
to eventually establish a permanent compliment of 3000 at this colony, then later pilgrimages would have been diverted to a newer established
colony close by. In all they were hoping to have five colony centers established as a baseline to help successive pilgrimages. In a sense, they
were trying to get a larger more genetically stable base to carry on civilization. We obviously cant do that to the extent they had planned, but
it is in our mandate to locate and survey potential sites. So if your game to spending more time out there. This would be a logical extension
to your mission. Also. The outpost itself, that your going to check out first. We had started it when we were establishing the first group of
out posts and research stations. The shell, doors and electronics had been installed and in a sense all we had to do was man the damn thing
and carry out what scheduled research was planned for that area. I haven't told Malcolm you'll be going there because that station was his
baby. There are no food supplies out there other than milrats. and I,m not holding out much hope that the place will be intact. So When you
get there. Make sure you have a secure place. It is unfortunately on the edge of a carnotaur territory. We had got the fence up in time before
some of them attacked. So you understand why I,m not holding much hope it'll be intact?"
Mark nodded. Not minding the idea of more time with Maddy. But this subject of the Carnotaur had him nervous. Even Maddy had started to fidget.
"As far as I know since I never was able to check on it. And am not sure why we built out that far. The place is built with a courtyard. So if you can
secure the rover inside. That would work great for you."
Looking towards Jim. He added.
Jim I know you would definitely have a question or two.
Surprisingly. Jim only shook his head.
"Wouldn't do any good. I'm taking enough of a chance trusting Maddy to be with him, and I have more than your word of Mark's character,
seeing him in action. So when the stories start. Then and only then will I have something to say."
Looking at Mark.
"No cliff hangers please Son."
Mark actually grinned, but looked at Maddy, who dead panned.
"No promises Dad."
That brought a laugh from everyone.
"Well then. I believe its time for your adventure to begin Mark. I had a patrol go up that way this morning and for the most part. The trail is
clear up to that meadow, and theres been no sign of Lucas or sixers, so You shouldn't have any trouble. When your ready to leave that spot
though. Give us a call so we know your over the pass. Alright?"
Taylor had spoke to Mark, looking steadily at Mark. Looking at Maddy, his gaze softened.
"You have a good man there, Maddy. Treat him right."
Maddy smiled as she blushed happily. Getting up. She went to Commander Taylor and hugged him. He recieved it happily. Maddy then went
around to her Dad and Mom, hugging and giving each a kiss. She went and rejoined Mark who had stood up. Wrapping him in a hug. She
turned her attention to her folks and Taylor. All had stood. By silent agreement, they had turned to head towards the house.
Taylor and the Shannons had gathered close to the two as they walked. They was no sadness. Just an anticipation and a little excitement,
because they were finally going to be on their way.
Reaching the House. Maddy and Elizabeth walked in to get some some items Elizabeth had set aside. Mark, Nathaniel, and Jim stood outside
near the rover. Mark just stood there, taking eeverything in he could see. Nathaniel and Jim watched him but understood. When the two
Shannon women came out of the house. Maddy went to the rover and set the bundle she was carrying on the floor of the rover in the back
seat. Done. She joined Mark in looking around. Her parents and the Commander stood silently. This quiet moment lasted for a few
minutes. Then Mark looked at Taylor, sharing a nod. He reached out to Maddy and pulled her in for a kiss. Both turned and got in the rover.
Starting the rover rover up. Mark put it in gear, and with a wave. They were off.
Taylor and the Shannon's watched the rover drive off to the south gate.
Taylor turned and faced Jim and Elizabeth.
"I hope this was a good send off Jim. I know they have a good bond. We can can only hope things work out."
Jim and Elizabeth nodded. They had hugged when Mark had drove off and didnt seem to be in a hurry to break apart.
"Jim. Go ahead and spend some time together. I've got the rest of the day."
Nathaniel addressed Jim.
Jim looked up and across to Nathaniel. Nodding. He turned with Elizabeth and entered the house. Giving Nathaniel a wave as he closed the
door. Taylor returned the wave, glancing in the direction the rover had gone. He took his comm and raised the patrol near the south
gate. Telling them a rover was headed their way and to let them out the gate. He signed off, then went to Boylan's.
