Chapter 38

Alicia stepped out of the main bedroom and closed the door behind her. She had a small bag slung over a shoulder which contained a small medkit and some other medical supplies that weren't stock standard for emergency medicine as she had dropped by the infirmary on the way home. She had taken a syringe, vials and small transport container as she wanted blood samples from Aayla to see if she could take it to the lab to be tested.

"She's been drugged. I took a couple of blood samples and I'll have to run tests-" Alicia started but Guzman cut her off.

"You just keep that kind of gear lying around?" Guzman asked her. She made a face at him as if he just asked a stupid question.

"I stash medical equipment around the base so if we're attacked not everything will be destroyed in one hit" Alicia said.

"Right, I forgot" Guzman said. He hadn't forgotten but his concern for Aayla was clouding his judgement. The woman was barely breathing when he had brought back to her house. He hated that she was being victimised to imbue herself in their group. If he hadn't overheard her with St Claire he would believe she was an active participant but she wasn't. St Claire was just using her, Aayla was just a pretty puppet to keep them all distracted and it was working.

"We also stopped by the infirmary" Taylor added. he looked to Alicia "So she'll sleep it off?" Taylor asked Alicia nodded.

"Yes, I think it was a sedative and a minor dose but considering her current state of health it was enough to knock her off her feet. I'll of course go have these samples tested just to be confirm it" Alicia said.

"So how did it happen?" Taylor asked, he was placating an cranky and energetic Ethan who was one second using him as a jungle gym and next trying to climb him or sitting impatiently in his lap and yawning. Taylor knew the kid just needed some time to burn off some energy in calmer surroundings.

"I think my drink was spiked" Alicia said. The men looked at her in surprise as they couldn't imagine anyone brave enough to do that Alicia.

"What?" Taylor asked her.

"Sagara got us a round but he gave my glass to Aayla and she took a long pull before she realised it was mine" Alicia explained.

"Did you drink it?" Taylor asked, concern was written on his features. He like Guzman were concerned for the women, they both knew they could take care of themselves but there was a sense of vulnerability in that moment that made them want to stay and protect them.

"Only a little sip. It was rank to the taste so I didn't finish it which is why I need to have these samples tested. Just in case it's something more serious than a spiked drink" Alicia said as she watched Taylor juggle an energetic Ethan trying to calm him as it was well past his bed time. It amazed her how well he handled the boy, Taylor showed no signs of being flustered by Ethan's noisy frustrations. He just carried the conversation on with her and Guzman as if Ethan wasn't really there yet still giving the boy the attention he needed at the same time.

"Guzman" Taylor said, tilting his toward Alicia.

"I'll take the samples, you stay here" Guzman said to her knowing exactly what Taylor wanted him to do.

"Ok, give them to Doc Shannon" Alicia said as she put the vials into the small transport container to keep them safe.

"I'll be back" Guzman said as he took small container from her and left the house.

"Are you feeling alright?" Taylor asked Alicia as they were now alone, if one didn't count the cranky and energetic 15 month old in the room.

"I'm fine" she assured him, he looked relieved at the knowledge. "Do you want me to take him?" Alicia asked gesturing to Ethan.

"No, I think I might just let him run a little wild though" Taylor said, he set the boy on the ground and true to Taylor's word the boy started running and then crawling and climbing around the room. They watched him for a few moments in silence before Taylor turned his attention to Alicia, he had to tell her his plans for Aayla. He had planned on being completely upfront with Aayla about knowing why she was here and that he knew St Claire was using her to spy on him but tonight's events gave him another plan of attack and it was only fair that she understood what was going to happen.

He watched her as she watched Ethan, he wondered if she knew how open her emotions were playing on her features as she looked a mixture of amused, regretful and wanting. He knew she always wanted a family and kids, he remembered her telling him a long time ago when she transferred into his command. He had asked the question as he wanted to know what she wanted from her career and having children tended to impede a female officer's career only due to the time taken off for maternity leave and the pregnancy. She had told him that she wanted to settle down but not until her mid 30s and not until she reached her career goals. Obviously many things came inbetween her goals for life and career as she had neither now.

"I should probably give him a bath" Alicia said, Ethan moved to the living room floor and picked up one of his wooden toys and started playing. It was a good sign that he was calming down.

"I reccomend giving him a few more minutes" Taylor said to her. He was about to say something more but the front door opened and Guzman walked in. They looked to him.

"Doc says it'll take half an hour" Guzman told them.

"Until then take a seat Guzman. We need to discuss the opportunity that this event has provided us with" Taylor said he looked to Guzman and then Alicia who looked lost.

"An opportunity for what?" Alicia asked feeling like she was missing out on something crucial.

"Aayla is a spy for St Claire" Guzman said bluntly.

"What?" Alicia asked, as she already knew that. It didn't take an idiot to realise St. Claire that had placed Aayla right in the heart of Terra Nova's key players.

"I overheard them talking" Guzman said.

"And he relayed the intel to me. Aayla was brought here to throw me off balance and distract me. To what extent and what does St Claire not want me to know? We don't know but Aayla does"

"She hasn't ingratiated herself to us" Alicia said.

"She's not a willing participant, something tells me that once her usefulness is up then St Claire will send her back 2157 or worse. St Claire also asked her about you and your relationship with" Guzman said.

"Me? why am I so important?" Alicia asked as she couldn't understand why St Claire would be bothered with her at all.

"I don't know" Guzman said defensively.

"But Aayla might. I think we should use her being drugged to our advantage. We get her to confess and flip her into a being a double spy" Taylor said.

"We'd be no better than St Claire" Alicia said disappointed that Taylor was willing to exploit Aayla.

"No we are better, we'll be able to protect her and Ethan when we know the truth and can prepare for whatever St Claire has in store for Terra Nova. We can preserve the colony and what we've built, share that with her and her boy" Taylor said.

"So how do you plan to flip her?" Alicia asked.

"We will talk with her, elude that she confessed everything while under the influence of the drug. We know the truth and if she really is over the barrel with St Claire then she will want to help us in exchange for hers and Ethan's safety." Taylor said.

"I don't agree with this" Alicia said.

"The ends will justify the means" Guzman said.

"Doesn't mean I have to like it" Alicia told him.

"But you'll go along with it?" Taylor asked.

"Yes, within reason" Alicia told him.

"I have to back to the festival before St Claire starts looking for me" Taylor said, he rose from the lounge and left the house. Alicia looked to Guzman and shook her head.

Lucas wore a smug smile as he and Amelia slowly walked back to the main square. She had her hand in his and while normally he detested such displays of human contact... well human contact full stop, he had to admit he enjoyed it. It sent a clear message that they were together, the fallout would be bad but then he knew he had secured her safety for now. He just had to keep her close, so he could protect her. He would not leave her vulnerable again like he had with Hooper. Never would he allow anyone to take what was his and Amelia for intents and purposes was his.

"What are you smiling about?" Amelia asked as she couldn't help but notice he looked happier than usual. It was nice to see him smile, he was so handsome even with that smug smile of his.

"Just that you and I are officially together. I didn't even have to date you"

"But-"

"We will date, but there is less pressure on the situation. Don't you agree?" he asked her.

"I guess so" Amelia said wondering if she was making it too easy for him. What if he grew bored of her, but then she mentally smacked herself for getting ridiculous. It's not like they had even had sex yet. Though their kisses were so intense she lost herself in him. She wasn't sure she would ever be ready to take it to that level. But then they had plenty of time.

"You guess?"

"This is all new to me, I'm not very good at this stuff" Amelia said, Lucas dropped her hand and moved in close cupping her face with his hands. He turned her face up to his as he looked down at her.

"And that is completely fine with me. I'm not good at relationships either, so we are on equal footing with one another. We'll learn together" he said.

"Will you dance with me?" she asked, Lucas made a face at her.

"That question is a little out of nowhere" he commented.

"It's just that it's the festival" Amelia said as if it was reason enough. She wanted to enjoy every normal pleasure of a relationship or every normal level she had read about in books and imagined herself doing if she ever had a partner.

"I don't do country dancing" Lucas told her dryly.

"I'm sure they will play a slow song. Please?" she asked.

"We could go back to your place and put on music to dance to" he told her, something he'd much rather do but he knew Amelia wanted to show him off. For what reason he had no idea but he knew better to indulge her. "Or we can chance it that the band will play a slow song" he said, Amelia smiled brightly at him and he knew whatever he did from now on to make her happy would be a worthwhile venture.

Half an hour later,

Taylor stood on the stage beside St Claire and watched the fireworks light up the sky. His speech as always went down well and St Claire stepped forward at the end and gave a small speech herself. It was like she had to have the last word on everything. She made sweeping comments about the growth of the colony and how the town would become prosperous as construction began to expand the colony. Something that was news to him but then it didn't surprise him that she would keep such plans to herself.

He was a stick in the mud when it came to expanding the compound. He knew it was the long term goals of Terra Nova but he preferred to stagger out the construction wasn't rushed and finished to the high standards he expected from the builders. He was comforted by the knowledge that the buildings were of solid construction and could fair any weather without any issues.

"I'm surprised to see your son here Commander" St Claire said, Taylor looked away from the sky and searched the crowd and spotted Lucas standing beside Amelia both of them watching the fireworks display.

"Thanks to you he's free to roam the colony" Taylor remarked to her as he turned his attention back to the sky.

"He's working for his freedom." St Claire said.

"You and I disagree on this topic Ma'am but since you are in charge I see no point in discussing the topic and the outcome will not be changed" Taylor said, he knew he sounded disrespectful and borderline insubordinate but then she had come in taken over his role and now she was slowly taking over the colony. He was just a figurehead for her and she thought he didn't know which suited him fine.

"I know it must be difficult remembering your place but we need Lucas's intellect to be nurtured. If I locked him away he would just go mental. I've seen it happen before" St Claire said, Taylor had no doubt that she knew from experience that locking anyone away for long periods of time would drive them mental. But instead of saying so he remained silent, which he knew she would take as quiet acceptance.

"That was beautiful. I always love the fireworks at festivals" Maddy said to Amelia once they were finished. Amelia turned to her and smiled.

"They were pretty" she said agreeing she could have been petty and said she seen much bigger and more elaborate displays of fireworks but felt no reason to spoil the mood. "So what happens now?" Amelia asked.

"We celebrate a while longer until 10 and then it's time to go home" Maddy said. Amelia had to give the girl credit, she hadn't said anything about Lucas joining them even though she knew Reynolds disapproved. The guy looked at Lucas like he were dirt but then the feelings were mutual as Lucas looked at him the same way. Being Lucas wouldn't be easy but then she knew she would be happy or at least she hoped so.

"Fair enough, we should probably move off the dancefloor" Amelia commented, she looked to Lucas who gestured for her to go first.

"Yeah it's probably a good idea" Maddy said agreeing. They started to move off the dance floor when Adrianna stopped infront of Amelia and the others with General St Claire beside her. Adrianna wore a bright smile but then she would be considering the had made a fat commission off all the artwork sold tonight.

"Amelia, there you are. I was looking for you all evening!" Adrianna said flamboyantly.

"I'm sorry, I didn-" Amelia started but Adrianna cut her off.

"Not to worry, I understand how socially challenged artists can be. It's why you can make such beautiful things." Adrianna said, Amelia left the backhanded compliment alone even though she didn't agree with her. Adrianna turned to General StClaire.

"The reason I wanted to find you is that General St Claire wanted to meet you. General St Claire, this is Amelia Jones the newest artist in my portfolio" Adrianna said making the introductions. St Claire smiled warmly at Amelia and held out her hand.

"A pleasure. I've heard so much about you" St Claire said to her. Amelia took her hand and shook it. Something about the General made her skin crawl.

"I hope only good things" Amelia said once St Claire released her hand. she stepped back to stand next to Lucas for support. General St. Claire's eyes noted the couple and her lips curved into a satisfied smile before she grew serious and looked to Amelia.

"Of course, though your beginnings in Terra Nova are quite tragic, I noticed how they played into many of your abstract works in the brush work and colours" St Claire said.

"I didn't do it purposefully" Amelia said inwardly groaning as she was not even able to describe her work in the context St Claire was.

"Hmm, they are still very evoking none the less. Tell me is abstract your favourite genre?" St Claire asked.

"I'm still learning but I'd like to vary in many genres and mediums but my injury hampers a lot of my progress" Amelia said, Lucas interlaced his fingers with hers and she felt a warmth of comfort roll over her. Something about the way St Claire looked at her made her feel extremely uncomfortable.

"I didn't know the damage was permanent" St Claire said looking stricken by the news. A little too stricken for a stranger but Amelia dismissed it as she was probably over reacting.

"It's still healing. Painting is my rehab" Amelia said feeling uncomfortable discussing herself with the General especially her injuries.

"Well in time it will heal and if not you should allow my personal physcian to see you when she comes through the portal. She has made incredible advancements in the medical technology" St Claire said.

"That's most kind of you but Doctor Shannon assures me I will recover majority of my finer motor functions which is all that matter" Amelia said.

"Well the offer is there. I'd hate for such talent to be hindered and after everything you've been through with your accident and your poor families demise so soon after your 'disappearance'. I can't imagine how you've kept yourself together" St Claire said. Amelia frowned as she wondered what St Claire meant when she talked about her families demise but she stored it away for later.

"I'm no Robinson Crusoe, General" Amelia said, hoping the comment would induce the General to leave. The woman narrowed her eyes at her and looked confused.

"It means she's not the only one who's has had tragic events happen in their life" Lucas explained as he knew the phrase well. St Claire smiled.

"Of course, what a quaint little term. Well, I should leave you two to enjoy the rest of the festivities. It was a pleasure Miss Jones" St Claire said to Amelia, before she walked away with Adrianna.

"Is it me or do the fireworks show get longer every time we have them" Guzman asked as the sounds of fireworks finished. Neither he nor Alicia moved from the dining table to go look as they couldn't be bothered. It wouldn't be last fireworks show. Guzman had stayed behind to hear the results of the drug test. It had indeed been a sedative and Aayla would sleep it off. He also stayed to keep an eye on Alicia in case she had any side effects from her sip of the drink but she was completely fine.

"Longer but I'm sure it's in honour of General St Claire" Alicia said dryly as she looked down at her half empty cup of tea.

"One day you're going to tell me why you transferred out of her unit" Guzman told her. Alicia pursed her lips, something she did when she didn't want to talk about something personal. Obviously it was bad as he knew Alicia had a large capacity to put up with many questionable things. Carter being a fine example of one.

"But not tonight. By the ways thanks for helping out tonight" Alicia said, before she picked up her cup and took a sip.

"No problem, it's been so long since I put a kid to bed. I miss the mayhem" he said. It had been mayhem as the boy had calmed down but once Alicia decided Ethan neeed a bath the boy found a second wind of energy and was resistant to the idea. It had made for a good laugh watching Alicia chase the naked boy around the living room before he stepped in and caught him.

"Yeah well next time we're looking for a baby sitter I'll call on you" Alicia told him with a smug tone. Guzman made a face at the idea, he loved being a father but he wasn't a big fan of looking after people's kids. Though Ethan was fast becoming an exception.

"Ah I don't miss it that much" he said to Alicia.

"You say that now but I saw you get into parent mode. You're not too old, you could settle down and have a couple more kids" Alicia told him.

"No, Gina was it for me. There will be no other woman" Guzman said solemnly. He and Alicia both looked away, een after all these years they both missed her dearly. Alicia missed her best friend while Guzman missed his wife. Gina was the love of life and he had never found an inkling of interest in another woman since. Nor did he plan to, he was content with his life as it was.

"I envious of you for that" she quietly admitted.

"I see the way you look at Taylor" Guzman said to her, Alicia's eyes widened in surprise.

"I expected you to say Carter" Alicia said.

"him too but with Carter there's no challenge, he's just takes you as you are and then takes you for granted. Having a partner is someone who accepts you as you are but makes you feel the possibilities for your life are endless. That even when things are in the crapper, there's still a light at the end of the tunnel and you're not in it alone. Geez, I sound like a woman" Guzman said, he made a face as he hated talking about such sentimentality unless it was with Tasha but that was only because he wanted her to understand what she should look for in a partner. To not settle because she was comfortable and it was easy.

"Would you like a herbal tea?" Alicia asked teasingly. Guzman glowered at her.

"The point being is that you've grown with Taylor as a person and it was all for the better. I know he's been married and how he loved Ayani but he's been widowed for a long time. He's reached that point where he's ready to move on. I can tell" Guzman told her.

"How?" Alicia asked, not able to stop herself from asking.

"The way he talks about you, the way he looks at you ever since you came back. It's like we've all be granted a second chance at life here" Guzman said. Alicia looked at him for a moment before she gave a sigh.

"Yeah well, we'll see and I honestly don't know what I want. Some days I want Carter and Somedays I want Taylor but I feel like I spend all my time wanting people who are never going to be there long enough to give me what I want, what I need" Alicia said, she rose from the table and went to the kitchen and picked up the kettle to refill her cup.

"What do you need?" Guzman asked her. Alicia who had been pouring water into her cup stopped and gave his question consideration before she answered.

"I don't know about need. But I do want a family" she told him earnestly. She held up the jug in offer to refill his cup but he declined.

"You have one already" he told her. Alicia smiled at him and shook her head.

"No, I want children. I want to have a baby and all that womanly woo woo-ness of growing another life within me and holding a newborn that is my child." Alicia clarified.

"Then do it" Guzman told her. She made a face at him.

"It's not that simple and I don't have the half the ingredients" She said, Guzman reared back in his seat.

"Well don't look at me. I'm happy to support you but I'm not helping you in that initial process" he told her.

"I'm not asking for a donation" Alicia told him dryly as she gave a chuckle at how uncomfortable Guzman looked. It was rare thing to make him uncomfortable, she stored the knowledge for later as she knew she could tease him with it another time.

"I'm sure Boylan would help you" Guzman offered. Alicia made a face of disgust.

"I think that would be more horrible than having your child" she told him.

"It's nice boost for my ego to know I disgust you just a little less than Boylan" Guzman said in amusement.

"Yeah well, Boylan would want to do it the old fashioned way"

"Ok don't give me mental images."

"You started it when you mentioned Boylan"

"No, I just asked you what you wanted" Guzman said.

"Yeah and I said I want kids. You're the one who took it to Boylan like it was some natural progression. Anyway, I've had my career and it's over and I've always wanted a husband and kids. But let's face it I'm nowhere ready for either. So let's not discuss it as it's just plain depressing" Alicia said as the rate she was going she would never be married and sure she could have a child on her own but then there was St Claire and whatever she was planning.

Alicia honestly wasnt comfortable making herself vulnerable for 9 months to only bring a child into a broken world. An innocent and vulnerable child. She wondered how other women did it as she always felt that children were a venture for the selfish especially in 2149. Here in Terra Nova though it was completely different as it was a new world that would last for centuries not years and the possiblities were she couldn't have a child in a warzone and something told her St Claire had her own agenda and it was not going to benefit anyone but St Claire.

"I don't know, you have a job with flexible hours and a house. I don't see why you can't have a kid." he said with shrug. The man was so damn pragmatic it sometime made her wonder how he stayed optimistic.

"I said drop it" she told him.

"Subject dropped, though you shouldn't completely give up on all your dreams." he said.

"You just like watching a kid own me" Alicia said dryly, Guzman smiled.

"It's true, I did enjoy watching you try to chase Ethan around the place" Guzman admitted with a chuckle. Alicia scowled at him.

"Laugh all you want but I remember your baby mishaps with Tasha" Alicia told him, Guzman smiled and nodded accepting defeat for now.

"Those were good times." he remarked.

TBC- Thank you for the Reviews and cya all in the future :-)