A/N: I want to thank each and every one of you for your patience in waiting on this chapter like you have for so many others. I want to thank Cendella for all her help with editing, my girlfriend Tiffany for her constant support. Now on Eureka..

Chapter 9 – Everything makes sense in its own time…

No one had said a word since Alex left the Smart House, no one knew exactly just what to say to all he had explained thus far. Alex and Elise had traveled back in time to save his father from a gruesome fate, which left them all perplexed. To Henry, he was examining the implications of what the future would look like without his best friend to help keep it going. Zane was trying to calculate the numerous quantum alterations that could be altered with the two of them coming back in time. Grace, Andy, Kevin, and Allison were just taking it all in and realizing that their world could be destroyed with the pull of a trigger. Jack on the other hand was wrapping his head around the concept; it was actually becoming a bit more tangible.

Allison looked to Henry.

"What do we do now? If Alex came back two months before, where can we start looking?"

Henry scratched his head; it was a lot to comprehend.

"We need to have Alex explain a lot more. He and Elise are the only ones that have seen what the future is like and I'm only guessing that laptop and data nodes contain details to help."

Elise turned into the conversation; her attention hadn't left the door since her fiancée walked outside.

"Yes, the older you and Mr. Donovan put a great deal of information onto that laptop and nodes. I'm not exactly sure what all was put on there, but I know a few things that were programmed onto it. Once Alex comes back…"

Elise's sentence was cut short as Jack stood, garnering everyone's attention. His eyes were still fixed on the door, but started to drift back to everyone and spoke.

"Why would he feel the need to make such a dangerous trip? It's obvious that I saved him and Allie to let him grow up and have a life, what would make him do something so reckless? Or better yet, what did you all say to him to convince him? I know we all care a great deal about one another, but we know the risks of changing things, why would he…"

This time Jack was cut off in mid sentence by Elise now standing, looking at him dead in the eye. It was obvious that she was upset, but the look on her was more of concern for others and not on petty words.

"The reason why your son came back in time Mr. Carter is simply this: he never knew you. All he's ever had was stories, family videos, and the memories of everyone in this room to go on. It left a lasting impression of a man he wished for so many years to sit down with and talk to. I've known Alex since the two of us were children in grade school, but with how my parents described you, I could see just how important you are to this town and how it had limped along without you. Alex only has what others remember of you and the chance to undo a tragedy that cost him a life knowing a father; he tried so hard to look up to, and be like you is a lot for one man to deal with."

She walked over to the laptop and brought up a video that was played on the monitor. It was Alex's face, and he looked quite wary. He looked to be in the same room that they were all in and it looked quite dark. He looked at the screen and gave a small grin.

~ Hey Dad, it's me Alex… I'm sure by now I've started to explain just why I have come back in time. I can understand why this seems like a farce, but I want you to know I had to do it, not just for me, but for the family. Mom, Jenna, Zoe, Kevin, Andy and S.A.R.A.H, Uncle Zane and Aunt Jo, Uncle Henry and Aunt Grace, have told me for years just how you kept things going and saved them, from just about anything those crazy scientists cooked up at GD. Every time I would ask Mom about you, I could see just how much she missed you. When they told me the story of what happened to you, and that I could help save you, I didn't take a lot of time to think on it. I needed to know you, beyond the stories and videos, I needed to know my old man and have that connection. But with you watching this, it means I failed to change things on the last trip and I am there now trying to explain this all again.

I have placed as much info of what has happened with my time in this laptop, so that I can change things now. Uncle Henry and Zane have filled this thing with all the info that could be useful pertaining to the situation and all possibilities as well. I can't tell you to trust me, but I can ask you to trust me. I need you in my future as I want to be a part of yours. Goodbye Dad, I love you…~

The room went quiet as the video concluded. Allison wiped a tear from her eye as Jack looked on. The rest of them simply stood in silence, allowing Jack to have this moment.

Jo rounded the corner and into the drive of the Carter residence, kicking herself for taking the time to finish some mindless reports. Carter had told her to drop what she could for tomorrow and head straight to the Smart House; there was something important that she needed to hear. It had seemed a bit strange since today all she had seen of him was either in the infirmary with the two unknown visitors or in Henry's office with the usual uncertainty look about him. As she pulled to a stop, she collected her things and out of the corner of her eye saw a man walk past the vehicle. She stepped out after the figure passed, viewing him from behind. He looked like Carter; his hands in pockets it suggested he was thinking about something and it was best to wait inside. She looked back as she got to the outer door; a feeling that seemed a bit off, but at the same time all too familiar.

S.A.R.A.H opened the door and gave her usual greeting, as Jo entered, her full attention still focused on the man outside.

"Can anyone tell me what is going on, cause I think Carter is…"

She turned and saw Carter sitting next to Allison and everyone huddled on the couches with a laptop on the mantle. Jack and Jo locked eyes and she swallowed a bit confused.

"sitting right in front of me."

Zane deadpanned as his fiancée looked to him, completely at a loss for words. It looked like she was more perplexed at the situation and she hadn't heard a thing. Jo sat down next to Zane and looked over the room, and she saw a mix of emotions, then noticed the young woman from the infirmary.

"Hello…"

Elise simply nodded and looked to Allison and Jack. Jo's eyes followed as she tried to form the question that everyone knew was coming.

Zane placed a comforting hand on hers.

"It's a long story JoJo, but we'll get you up to speed soon. Did you pass someone coming inside?"

Jo turned to Zane, still as lost as she had been before coming inside.

"Yeah, someone walked passed the car as I pulled in. From behind, I assumed it was Carter, but something didn't seem right, but as I closed the outside door, I think he stopped by the Jeep. Can someone start making sense here? Who was the guy outside and why does it feel like someone died in here."

Elise began to rise from her seat, when she felt a hand on her shoulder, turning to see Allison smiling. Allison stood and patted her shoulder as she made her way to the door and looked back.

"I'll check on him sweetie, Zane might need a bit of help explaining things to Jo. S.A.R.A.H, door please."

The door opened as Allison stepped through, as everyone else turned to Zane. He took Jo's hands in his and began to speak. Jack still seemed to still be drawn away from all the activity, as if he was mentally solving a puzzle.

Alex stopped, leaned on the Jeep and banged his head against it. He winced in pain and shook his head as he felt a pang move through him.

'Yes Alex, you are not dreaming, you did travel back in time; you did just drop the nuke of all news on those you know and yes, your father didn't believe a word of it. Congratulations, this is the worst situation you have fallen into to date.'

It's not that standing in front of them all and telling them he was Jack Carter's unborn child, or that he had come back in time some twenty years before to save his father from death, it was simply the look in his father's eyes. So engrossed in kicking himself mentally, he hadn't noticed his mother walk up to his left side and touch his shoulder. He jumped slightly and looking at his mother, saw a look of concern on her face he knew only too well and yet, he felt was different than any time before.

"Hi."

Alex let out a stifled laugh as he greeted her in return. She looked at him for a moment, and wondered just how all this was effecting him, compared to everyone inside. She knew how it was affecting her, and she could feel her baby kicking inside her.

"Are you ok?"

Alex looked back up at the stars, wiping the tear that had again formed on his face. It wasn't normal for him to cry since he joined the military, but no amount of training prepares one to meet their dead father, twenty years before he died. He smiled and peered at his mother.

"Can't say I am… I mean I rehearsed this speech a dozen times since I was told all this by Uncle Henry and Uncle Zane, but to say it aloud and see the reactions on all their faces; it's a bit un-nerving, especially with…"

His words were cut short as Allison gripped his shoulder and placed her other hand on the back of his neck. She'd had heart to heart talks with Kevin before and with Jack due to the situations they'd faced, but this time she felt for this young man. A young man, she now understood and accepted as her son. She looked to him in a loving fashion.

"Your father… I know this seems confusing and unsettling to you, but I'm sure you can see our perspective. Not long ago we dealt with a situation that made us question who we could trust, so it may take some time to accept, but we've dealt with things like this before and we can do it again."

Alex looked back up at the star filled sky and took a deep breath; his mother was always right when it came to matters of the family, and he had to accept that she knew his father well enough to know that he would come around.

"I hope you're right, because we have such a short amount of time to find the one responsible and who sent them. I can't make this trip again…"

Allison could hear his voice trail off, his face pointed up into the night above; all she could do was be there for him.

Back inside, Jo's face had gone from complete confusion to utter shock as Zane and Henry both explained the events, starting with Allison arriving at GD after hitting a young man with her SUV. They explained the photo ID and its unique properties that displayed the boy's entire history, from his address to the parents listed on it. Jo gazed at Jack as they told her that the young boy is in fact Jack and Allison's unborn child. Every time they offered more information; Jack's murder, Jack's son coming back to save him, the Bridge Device, time travel; Jo would look to gauge the reaction on Jack's face, but only saw him look to the door.

Grace had taken Elise to the kitchen for a drink and took the opportunity to pull her from the events taking place in the other room for a few moments. After handing Elise a cup of tea, Grace noticed she appeared to be more at ease as she relaxed in her seat, a half smile on her face.

"So, since you came through time with Alex, I'm guessing he told you all that has happened, how we got to that moment and how to fix it?"

Elise peered over at the door and back at Grace.

"He's told me mainly about how his father died, and how Dr. Deacon and Donavan compiled all the information on the laptop to aid him in saving his dad. I'm in the dark on several details, but I love him too much to let him make this journey alone. Sitting around, waiting for word, which I fear would never arrive, ultimately forcing us to go through the process again. Alex told me that since this attempt has been made before, at least six times, that he feels that this has to be the last time. I can't lose him and since he always made the trip alone, I know in my heart that with me here, I can help him somehow, I just have to."

Grace had to admire the young lady's courage and heart, for the situation and for the man she loved. It suddenly reminded her just what Henry did to get her back and she couldn't help but smile.

"Your parent must be worried about you making this trip, how did they react?"

Elise looked into her tea and began.

"They don't know I came, I didn't tell them about any of this, and since we only got engaged the day before, I figure they are thinking we were spending the day alone. My father would not take this well and would voice his objection, but my mother on the other hand would say; Do what you must for love and family."

Grace put her own cup in the sink and turned back to Elise.

"So who are your folks? As a matter of fact, I don't recall your last name…"

Grace could tell by asking that Elise was embarrassed to tell her who her parents were, but after a deep breath, Elise spoke.

"I didn't even think about explaining that to anyone. My parents are Dr. Isaac and Alecia Westvalhen Parrish."

For a moment, Grace was utterly speechless as the names Elise mentioned. Isaac Parrish; the biggest snob at GD had married and had a child. She looked over to the living room and saw that everyone, with the exception of Jack had stopped talking and looked their way after hearing the information. When Elise looked over to see everyone's reaction, Grace placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Elise, it's not that we don't believe you, it's just that Isaac and Alecia can't stand the sight of each other. They can't even be in the same room without starting an argument"

Elise appeared shocked by the revelation and tried to shake it off.

"That's not possible; they told me they were dating heavily before Mr. Carter's murder. How can this…."

Elise stopped her comment short as she saw from the corner of her eye see Jack get up and walk outside. They looked to one another, in silence as if trying to ask for clarification of what just transpired.

Jack stepped outside looking around for the two people that mattered most to him. He had loved Allison since day one, and to hear they were expecting was one of the biggest highlights in his life. Now that child was standing outside their home, at the age of twenty and saying he had traveled back in time to save him. At first he dismissed the notion, but as he watched the video, and saw how it affected Allison, he couldn't look at this as a prank anymore. His own thoughts went back to their trip to 1947 and he would do anything to protect his friends and his love.

No where in the vicinity, Jack called out.

"Allison..!"

Both Alex and Allison turn to face the voice.

"Your father is looking for us, we should go inside."

Alex nodded in agreement, but turned back to look into the night. "I'll be inside in a moment, I just need a little more time."

Allison smiled and kissed his cheek before heading for the bunker entrance. Jack stood watching as she walked over and kissed him before taking his hands in hers. Jack craned his over her shoulder to see if Alex was behind her.

"Where's Alex?"

Allison looked towards the jeep; and Jack immediately noticed a figure leaning against it.

"He's needs a moment. Everything that has happened today, has taken a toll on him and I dare say all of us too."

Jack rested his hands on his hips and nodded. His eyes met Allison's and he could tell his wife knew his thoughts.

"So, do you believe what they're telling us is real?"

Allison took a breath and smiled. "I do. We have traveled time ourselves and know just how it can change our lives. All we can do is have a little faith."

They both chuckled simultaneously, that particular comment having been repeated several times before.

"I know what they say sounds farfetched, but in my heart, I believe him."

Jack's expression relayed his dubiousness of her comment.

"Why do you believe him so much?"

Allison took Jack's hands and placed them on her stomach, feeling the child inside kick.

"A mother always knows when her child is telling the truth. Now, I can't tell you to take a leap of faith, but maybe you should talk to him."

Jack stared out into the chilly night. After taking a deep breath, he kissed his wife on the cheek before heading for the jeep.

Just before stepping inside, Allison turned and smiled at them, thankful that whatever happened, they had this moment. Jack meandered toward the jeep, placed his hands on the hood and gazed at the young man before him.

"You know this jeep has seen its share of disasters…"

Alex smirked and turns to face his father.

"It will see many more, I can attest to that. But it's lasted the test of many years, and I hope many years when I get back."

Jack smiled and tapped his hands on the hood.

"I want you to know, that I'm sorry if I've seemed cold and untrusting, but a little while back there was an incident that caused us to test our trust for each other. But when I look at you, I can see how much you care and how you are determined to stop this tragedy. I saw the video on the computer and heard what you said about this situation, and it moved me. My belief in life is we take care of our family and stress this to my children. I just feel sorry your mother had to instill this to you alone."

Alex could see that Jack was finally beginning to understand things, and as he spoke he realized what his mother, sisters and brother spoke of daily.

"Well, Mom didn't do it by herself; everyone inside helped show just how important that belief is and important to honor it is."

Jack looked at Alex and felt a wave of pride. He was about to comment, when Alex put up a hand.

"Please, I have something I need to say. All my life, I have heard stories about how my father has kept this town going, how he saved it from constant problems and protected it from those that would do it harm. I always wondered what it would be like to stand before you and ask all the questions, a son would bring to their father, but since you were taken from us, I didn't get the chance. I have tried to live up to the standard you laid out and at the same time, be the man that I hoped you'd see me become, and it's hard. When I see how the loss of you has affected Mom, the family, even myself, I wonder how much better everything could be with you in all of our lives. When they told me that I was the only one that could save you, I was scared for awhile. But then I found a message from you in your office and I knew I had to come. I may not have known you at all in my life, but I want to change that."

Jack took a moment and listened to his son speak. It hurt him that his son had to grow up without a father, even with Henry and Zane helping to fill in the gap, and while Allison had Jo and Grace to help; a child needs their father. Alex's words spoke of wanting to know his father and trying to live up to his reputation. It made him proud of just how he wanted to change things. Jack walked around the jeep and stood before Alex. He wrapped his arm around his son's shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze.

"Well, I'm glad that my son, is the one that traversed time to save his old man's neck. But you are not alone in this, your family is here to help, and we're going to secure a future for a father to know is son the right way."

Alex smiled as Jack pulled him back toward the Smart House, the task seemed to be a bigger challenge than at first thought, but maybe with all his family pitching in, it could be done. And it would be good to work with his father and get to know him. He looked at his father and caught him smiling as well.

"Thanks, it means a lot to hear it from you…"

Jack nodded.

"It's a father's duty to help their kids. Now there is one thing you are going to have to do while you are here."

Alex raised an eyebrow.

"What is that?"
Jack opened the door and stepped to the side of Alex.

"Call me Dad…"

The two Carter men laughed as they ventured towards the bunker entrance, Alex froze in mid step, catching the attention of Jack.

"What's wrong Alex?"

A/N: I'm sure many of you are scratching your heads, wondering why I left the ending of this chapter so open ended. The answer is that I kept writing and lost track of time, so I cut some off as the beginning to Chapter 10 and sent this part to cendella to edit. I will have 10 on site in the next few days, since I got it back recently and it will be the pivotal end to the first major part of the story. Cause next we begin the search for answers and clues. As always I encourage you to give thoughts and ideas to keep me thinking, as I do for my other story. Until the next time.