"Told ya."
Zoe crowed with a little triumph in her voice as she pointed at the bright streak flashing across the night sky.
"Boy you called it Zoe."
Came Jim's voice from behind her as the Shannon's stood there in front of their home looking up at the sky. The velvety darkness over the mountains surrounding the colony was pierced by the streaks of bright light as the meteor shower Maddy had predicted earlier made its presence known. Folks in ther colony watchin g the light show were happy to see the awesome display overhead and allowed themselves to relax and enjoy it.
Jim stood on the porch with Elizabeth and his two older kids. While his attention was diverted overhead, still sensed someone approaching in the darkness.
"Come on up Reynolds."
He said as the approaching shadow came up more confidently and stood along side Maddy. She smiled happily and kissed him before they turned their attention back to the sky. Eventually. The bright streaks thinned out as the meteor shower died away. Mark turned and whispered something in Maddy's ear. Looking at him. Her face alight. She nodded, then turned her face guiltily to her folks..
Jims stood there with his arm around Elizabeth and both were looking at the younger couple. Jim with a raised eyebrow. And Elizabeth with her head turned slightly with a small smile.
"So Mark. What do you have in mind?"
Jim asked. Though he liked the boy. He didnt want to trust him completely with Maddy.
" Wanted to know Sir, if Maddy would like to accompany me OTG."
Mark had replied confidently. Both stood there with their arms around each other. Looking expectantly at her parents. Jim had heard from Taylor and Wash about the dayflower date in the meadow the day the colony had gone dark. And while Jim had wanted to shoot Mark for putting Maddy at risk. He couldnt help but respect him for his efforts in keeping Maddy safe. So had held his peace and allowed them to date.
"Is this another trip to see some dayflowers?, or something more serious Son?"
Elizabeth asked this with some humor.
"No Maam. More like a science and scouting expedition. Plus a trip out to inspect a remote base thats been inactive for some time. Plus the dayflowers wont be around for another nine monthes."
Was Marks answer.
"Maddy?"
Jim asked.
"I want to go dad."
Maddy answered. Looking anxious.
"There wouldn't be any other science experiences we woulkd need to know about would there?"
Eliabeth had carried the next question. Both she and Jim were having a hard time keeping a straight face at Maddy and her sweet hearts discomfort. Even in the semidark. They could tell Maddy's face turned a dark shade of pink and Mark seemed to have a rock in his boot as he shifted about uncomfortably.
Taking a final glance at the sky. Seeing the meteor shower was now ended. Looked toward Elizabeth with a grin. Which turned evil. A look that Elizabeth countered with a knowing look at him. A silent admonishment to behave, knowing he would still give Mark a hard time. Regardless. Turning back towards the their daughter and her man. She smiled at them and said.
"I have no objection to you going Maddy, and I'm sure Mark is more than up to the task of being your protector. I'm not going to be annoying and tell you both to be careful. Just dont have too much fun."
Pausing a moment. He thought for a moment, then spoke to Maddy.
"Maddy, I know you and Mark have a lot to get planned for this trip. So you and Mark go spend some time together. I wont hunt Mark down in the morning if you dont come home tonite. I promise."
Jim had finished speaking with a dead pan innocent look on his face while it was all Josh and Elizabeth could do to keep a straight face. Maddy stood there with Mark's arm around her waist biting her lip and trying not to giggle. Zoe who had been standing in front of the group dividing her attention between her dad and Mark and Maddy while occassionally glancing up at the sky for any more streaks. Finally asked.
"Mom. Why is Mark taking Maddy away?"
"She's vollunteered for a field trip and since shes almost a big girl, were just telling her to be careful, and Were sure Mark can protect her. Its ok "Z". She'll be back soon."
"Ok." She answered. A little quizical, before yawning. Taking her fathers hand she headed into the house leaving Elizabeth standing there facing her older daughter and her suitor. Josh had spied Skye approaching and walked out to her. Elizabeth watched Josh leave, then focused her attention back to Maddy. Smiling, she addressed them both.
"When you both are finished in the morning, stop by the clinic. I have something you might need if your going to be together for several weeks. Some things are inevitable so you mighyt need this."
"Mom." Maddy huffed. That blush never seemed to go away for long, reappearing.
"Maddy. I was young once too."
Elizabeth answered. That slight smile bloomed to an evil smirk.
Stifling a slight giggle. She walked up to Maddy and kissed her. Giving Mark a hug. She spoke again.
"I was a mother before I was 25. I wasnt' even married to Jim at the time. But I had graduated from Med school. And incurred your grandfathers wrath. In the end. It worked out. But while your here. We both hope you can take your time about considering what you do with your lives before the kids start coming. They are a commitment that will not go away nor should they. Mark."
Turning her attention to Maddy's beau.
"I know out there you will both want to enjoy each others company in every conceivable way, with no one else from the colony near by, it would be easy to forget your selves. But if anything should happen. I expect you to stand by your commitment to Maddy."
Finishing she looked at them. And they both nodded quite nervously. But Elizabeth could sense the excitement they were trying so hard to hide.
"Goodnight you two. Just dont make me a grandmother too soon."
With a wave. She turned and walked into the house, leaving Her daughter and Mark standing there holding each other. When the door shut. They turned into each other and hugged. Then turned and headed into the darkness to Mark's quarters.