Disclaimer: None of these characters belong to me
Chapter 14
The Challenger Expedition Returns Home-Part 2
Marguerite stared down among the clouds as the plane flew over the plateau. She saw the head of a T-Rex and sighed miserably. She thought all of the wildlife was dead or dying off? Obviously, someone had missed a couple of creatures!
It had been such a long trip already. Marguerite didn't think she ever remembered not wanting to travel somewhere. But Challenger was sure that the cure to Greta's metamorphosis was on this plateau. He had briefly spoke of two poisonous plants, that mixed together, were the cure to reversing the ape-forming process. Marguerite didn't see how any poison, much less two mixed together, were a cure for anything! But, she trusted George Challenger with her life...and she'd put Greta's in his hands as well.
The passage back to London had been stressful. Marguerite kept Greta inside the cabin, as to not draw attention. She also kept away from Roxton.
He had talked of the two of them marrying in a small ceremony, before they left America. Marguerite had nixed the idea, feeling that Greta's time was running out. Roxton even tried to cut some of the hair back on Greta's feet, but it seemed to grow back within the hour. Poor Greta didn't know the difference. She just smiled at her father.
Now, Marguerite was wishing she had taken Roxton up on his offer. Because, if for whatever reason, they ended up stranded on the plateau together, they would have to stay there, unmarried, probably for the rest of their lives this time around.
She tried to push such negative thoughts from her head. They were the reason she was keeping her distance from the man she loved. She could tell Roxton was at a loss as to how to make this all better for her. Marguerite couldn't help but think that everything was her fault. Jessi's death, and that damned Elizabeth Thomas. God, why hadn't she seen through that crazy woman?!
Malone, Veronica and Finn, had insisted on coming along as well. Roxton and Marguerite had told Ned they would understand if Veronica and him did not come, especially with what was going on with Vivian Malone. Marguerite recalled seeing an odd look cross Veronica's face when that was voiced aloud, but she hadn't had the time question Veronica about it. Ned had visited his mother that same evening, and was told by the doctors that Vivian Malone's progress would not worsen. Thus, Malone was in on the trip as well. And since it was always the plan to send Finn away with Challenger, it only seemed fitting that she come along as well. But with all that was going on with the Veronica/Ned/Finn triangle, it made for an uncomfortable set of traveling circumstances, even more so with an half-ape baby.
When they arrived in London, they transferred to a smaller ship, then another, until finally, they reached the tip of South America.
From there, Challenger and Roxton had rented a small plane for them to fly to the plateau in. Marguerite didn't know why, but she found the idea of being able to 'fly into the plateau' as if it were Paris or some other glamorous location, somewhat amusing. And there wasn't much about this situation that was funny.
Marguerite had packed rather heavily. Roxton had warned her that they wouldn't need much luggage, but she had ignored his warning. She could not shake the feeling that they would not be leaving this place again. And if that ended up being the case, she was going to have a better change of clothes this time around!
In the seat beside her, was Greta. She was sitting in a little contraption Challenger had fashioned for her, bless his heart. It was getting warm, so Marguerite pulled the blanket away from her sleeping daughter's body. She breathed a sigh of relief. Only her feet were still hairy.
Marguerite then removed a brush from her pack, and brushed the hair feet gently. Veronica, who was sitting in the aisle across from her, looked over and smiled.
'How is she doing?' she asked.
Marguerite shrugged, then put away the brush.
'About as well as can be expected. She looks as if she doesn't have a care in the world.'
Veronica looked at Marguerite.
'We're going to find these plants, then Roxton and you will leave the plateau, and go home to live happily ever after.'
Marguerite folded the baby blanket, leaving Greta's hairy feet exposed. She glanced back over at Veronica.
'Only Roxton and me, hey?' Marguerite asked, glancing a couple of rows behind Veronica. Finn was asleep and Malone was sitting up near Challenger and Roxton, who were piloting the plane.
Veronica looked away. Marguerite looked around, before broaching the topic.
'Are you planning on not returning with us, once Greta is cured?'
Veronica looked over at her. She then looked behind her at Finn. She still appeared to be asleep. She then glanced up at the three men. They had their backs to them.
'I doubt Ned would've come along, if he knew how his mother ended up in that condition.'
Marguerite glanced back at Finn again.
'What do you mean? What's going on?'
Veronica lowered her voice. She didn't trust Finn anymore.
'Ned's mother didn't 'just' have a stroke.'
Marguerite lowered her voice as well.
'Veronica, what's going on?'
'I hit her, Marguerite. I mean I back-handed her like I would've hit someone attacking me on the plateau down there. She told me she had paid Jack Farrell to break Ned and me up. I now wonder if Finn and her were in cahoots.'
Marguerite now looked over at the still sleeping Finn. Veronica continued talking.
'She looked so angry...but more like horrified. I don't think she had ever been slapped, at least not like that.'
'Well, no, Veronica. A woman like that would never know the back of a man's hand, much less some woman's. Did Challenger see all of this happen?'
Veronica shook her head.
'He came along after. I was ready to let that woman die on the floor of Ned's office. Luckily, Challenger came along and talked some sense into me. It's only because Ned's mother is unable to speak, that we're still together today.'
Marguerite glanced at a sleeping Greta.
'Veronica, I know what you're thinking, and you're wrong.'
'What am I thinking, Marguerite?'
Marguerite smiled at her.
'Quite a lot. You're thinking that you should've told Ned all of this, before he agreed to accompany us back to the plateau. And you're thinking if you had, then Ned would've stayed by his mother's side. You're also thinking he's going to resent you when he finds all of this out.'
'He'll hate me.' Veronica almost whispered. She stared at the back of his head. Malone turned suddenly, catching her stare. He smiled at her. Veronica smiled back.
Marguerite watched the exchange. Malone could never hate Veronica.
Malone turned back towards Challenger and Roxton. Veronica looked over at Marguerite.
'I wouldn't be so sure that Ned isn't aware of how bad his mother can be. Besides, once we cure Greta, he will be able to back home and visit with her.' Marguerite predicted.
Veronica didn't answer. Marguerite couldn't shake the feeling she had, that Veronica had no intention of returning with them. She also couldn't rid herself of the feeling that they may never return to civilization.
'Veronica? You didn't answer my question from before. Are you planning on staying here after Greta is cured?'
Veronica stared at the back of Malone's head again. She then looked over at Marguerite.
'This is where I belong. I can't go back to America or London or anyplace else that is not here.'
Marguerite almost gasped! Finn had been right! God, who would prefer to live in the jungle, when they could enjoy more simpler pleasures? And what about Malone? There was no way he would accept this!
Veronica looked out of her window. Marguerite looked back at Finn, who's eyes quickly closed. Marguerite turned around and shook her head. Finn had heard everything!
She looked down at her baby once more, before staring at the back of Roxton's head. Marguerite then looked away and leaned back in her seat. They were headed back to the plateau and Roxton and her were still not married. They probably never would be.
Marguerite tried to shake off all of her negative thinking. There was no reason to assume that they would not be able to leave the plateau. And once Greta was cured, Roxton and her would marry and live a life of adventure. But, it just seemed like things were never that simple.
****
Challenger felt the controls shake. Roxton looked over at him.
'What's wrong, George?'
'Look!'
The plateau, which before had been visible from air, was now hidden in a mist of fog. There was also a lot of turbulence, though Challenger suspected it was more from the after effects of some storm.
'God!' Roxton hissed, glancing back at Marguerite, who was looking at Greta. This whole thing was reminiscent of their first trip to this place, in the hot air balloon. High winds and clouds kept them from leaving this place for three years. And he knew that that was one of Marguerite's deepest fears...that they would be stuck here again...maybe for the rest of their lives. This couldn't be happening, not again!
Malone, who was sitting behind Roxton, leaned forward.
'What is it? The plane is shaking!'
Roxton's eyes moved from Marguerite, who was now looking up at them, to Malone. He then looked over at Challenger.
'George?'
'Something has happened here...look!'
The cloudy fog had dimmed somewhat and one could see the remains of fallen trees strewn all over the place. Villages were torn up...not to mention there was a lot of dead wildlife, an assortment of dinosaurs. God knows what happened to the humans and other primitive forms of life!
Veronica had moved up so that she was sitting next to Malone. She stared out of a window.
'My God! What happened?! Did the tourists do this? Look at all of the dinosaurs!'
Marguerite rolled her eyes, but picked up Greta, who was becoming fussy. Marguerite suspected the shaking plane had scared her.
'We can only hope it's all of them!' Marguerite quipped, as she attempted to comfort Greta. Finn moved up into the seat Veronica sat in.
'What's going on?' she asked.
Hearing her voice, Veronica quickly glanced back at her, before looking out of the window again. Marguerite gave Finn a knowing look.
'Not much of a nap!' she said.
Finn ignored that. 'Do you want me to hold Greta for a bit? I'm pretty good at calming her down.'
Marguerite couldn't disagree with that. She silently passed Greta over to Finn. The baby immediately seemed at ease. Finn touched her hair feet.
The plane's shaking doubled. Challenger looked over at Roxton.
'I'm going to have to land this thing! Get everyone strapped in!'
Roxton nodded, then looked back at Malone. Malone jumped up and told Veronica and Finn to strap themselves in. Roxton took Greta from Finn and sat her back down in the contraption Challenger had made for her. Marguerite helped him secure her in.
As the plane rushed to the ground, Marguerite's only thought was that once the plane was damaged, their only way of going home, would be gone.
****
Challenger coughed, as he awoke from a daze. There was smoke everywhere, but from just a quick glance around, Challenger could see that the smoke was not coming from their plane. He pulled himself together and looked out of the window in front of him. They had landed in some sort of clearing. Funny. It looked somewhat familiar.
He turned around to see how everyone else was doing. No one looked any worse for wear, but Greta was beginning to cry again. The poor thing. She was just scared. Jessi would've been able to calm her, Challenger thought.
'Is everyone alright?' Challenger asked, choking back his sorrowful thoughts.
Roxton looked Greta over, then touched Marguerite's face. Her hand closed over his.
'I'm fine. Go see to the others.' she said, pulling Greta out of her contraption and laying the baby's face on her shoulder, while rubbing her back to calm her down.
Finn coughed, but waved Roxton away, nodding that she was fine. She looked at Malone, who had stared at her briefly, as if to see if she was okay. Malone then looked Veronica over.
'Are you okay?'
Veronica nodded.
'I'm fine. We're home. I have to find out what or who ravaged this place.'
Veronica got up out of her seat and joined Roxton and Challenger, who were now by the airplane door. Malone stared after Veronica, his expression one of confusion. Did Veronica call this place her home? He knew it was of course, but she actually sounded happy to be back!
Finn watched Malone's expression. She had overheard the conversation that Veronica had had with Marguerite. If they ended up stranded here and Ned found out that Veronica had beaten his mother into the condition she was in, Finn didn't see how their relationship could survive a revelation like that.
Challenger, Roxton and Malone, who had gotten up and joined them shoved at the door. Veronica stood back. It fell off and onto the ground with a loud thud. Challenger jumped out first, followed by Roxton, then Malone, who looked back at the women before doing so.
'Wait here.'
Veronica moved forward.
'Ned, I know this place better than anyone. We'll be fine.'
But Ned blocked her way.
'Veronica, we don't know how much has changed here. And we don't know what has nearly destroyed this jungle. Challenger thinks it was a storm, but who really knows? Just wait here, alright?'
Veronica gave him a soft smile, then reluctantly nodded. Malone then jumped out as well. Veronica sighed, then turned back to face Marguerite, Finn and Greta. Finn moved forward.
'What's going on out there?'
Veronica answered in a clipped tone. 'Ned and the others just want to make sure it's safe. He wants us to stay here until they've checked things out.'
Marguerite began gathering up their things.
'That sounds like quite a sound plan. I wonder if the treehouse made it through whatever this was?' Marguerite wondered aloud, still folding things. She smiled down at Greta, who's eyes appeared to be on everyone.
'Now that the men are gone, I guess we should talk about what I overheard.' Finn said.
Marguerite rolled her eyes and flung down a baby dress. She looked over at Veronica, who's very stance was tense.
'So,' Veronica began, 'you were pretending to be asleep?'
Finn wiped the back of her neck. This was the plateau alright! It was hotter than hell!
'I was asleep until I was awakened by loud voices!'
''Loud voices', yeah right! If you're thinking of using anything that you overheard to your advantage, think again!' Veronica warned.
'Finn, this is not the time.' Marguerite said warningly.
'No, actually I think this is the perfect time, Marguerite. And I don't have to use anything to my advantage, Vee, I...'
'I told you to never call me that again!'
'Fine! 'Veronica', you're the one that's going to blow everything by not telling Ned the truth about his mother, and by not returning with him. There's no way in the hell he's going to agree to stay here! No way! He's got a family paper to look after, and now, no thanks to you, his mother is in no shape to do that.'
Malone stuck his head back in the doorway suddenly. It was obvious something was going on in here.
'Okay, what have I walked in on here?'
Marguerite answered quickly, picking up Greta and walking towards him.
'Nothing that's as important as finding those plants. Is it safe out there?' she asked.
Malone nodded. 'Yeah, actually you should all come out now. I think you'll find the surroundings somewhat familiar.'
Malone then helped Marguerite and Greta out. He looked back at Finn and Veronica.
'We need to stick together now and find those plants, okay? Let the other stuff go.'
Veronica didn't answer, and moved past Ned to jump out. Finn then became the target of Ned's stare.
'Everything is fine, Ned, okay?' she said.
Ned nodded, then waited as Finn passed him and jumped out as well. Marguerite walked over to Roxton, who took Greta from her. He looked at her.
'Recognize anything?' he asked in a teasing tone.
Marguerite's eyes swept over the area. It was the Summerlee Compound, or what was left of it. They had crash landed in almost the same spot, as where they had first found that plane, almost a year ago.
Marguerite then looked at Roxton.
'Where's Challenger?'
'He's in the remains of the compound, looking for anything we can use in our search for the plant.'
Marguerite gave Roxton an uneasy glance.
'Okay, but all we need to do is find the ape lab place that Hargrove had, right? The plants are probably nearby.'
Roxton tried to assuage her fears.
'George really didn't say. But I wouldn't worry.'
Marguerite said nothing, but looked away and nodded. Roxton looked at Greta, who was already staring at her mother. He reached out and touched her arm.
'We'll get through this...'
Marguerite shook her head. 'I bet you ten to one, that that plane isn't flyable anymore.'
Roxton looked at the plane.
'Maybe, maybe not. But there are tourists on the plateau. They got here somehow.'
Marguerite stared at him.
'You're kidding right? You saw the looks of this place while we were in the air. It looks worse in person! Do you really think there are any tourists left to be found?!'
'Calm down before you scare Greta!'
'Oh, Greta doesn't scare easily! And she's not scared now, even though she's this close to turning into an ape! John, I don't want to feel this way! I want to be happy anywhere as long as I have the both of you with me! But the minute Malone helped me out of that plane, and I had to actually step onto the ground with my baby, I didn't know whether I'd have to shield her from arrows coming from some savage tribe, or cover her body with mine from some swooping pterodactyl!'
'Marguerite,' Roxton began a bit sharply, 'you are going to have to pull yourself together. Yes, we will have to be ready for anything, and yes, God help us, we may have to stay here for an extended period of time. But we do have each other...and before all of the trouble began...before you found out I was married, you were perfectly prepared to accept living here for the rest of our lives with our child. Can't you just reach back and find that moment? Find out what made you decide that you could come to terms with living your life here. Please try...for me?'
Marguerite just stared at him, then broke off eye contact and looked at Greta. She was staring at her too, in an almost pleading manner as well. Marguerite decided she had to be imagining things. No daughter of hers would prefer to live like a savage over living as a titled, young lady!
Before she could answer, Challenger called out.
'My God! Quick! Come over here!'
Roxton handed Greta to Marguerite and ran over in Challenger's direction. Malone and Veronica followed him. Finn stood by Marguerite's side. Marguerite looked at her.
'Watch it, Finn.'
'Marguerite, I don't need anymore lectures from anyone, okay? I already feel alone enough as it is.'
'Finn, you are not alone.'
'Oh really? I think if we took a vote right now, as to who Ned Malone should be with, Veronica would win, hands down.'
'Finn! I have no doubt that Malone has never lead you on in anyway, to cause you to think that the two of you have a real chance! Why can't you just let it go?'
Finn didn't answer that directly.
'I've made a decision: if Veronica chooses to stay here, I'm going back to civilization, with or without Ned.'
Marguerite raised a brow, glancing at Greta, who was now staring at Finn.
'So, if Malone chooses to stay here with Veronica...'
'I'm still leaving.' Finn answered. She then turned away from Marguerite and began watching the others.
'My God! They found people over in the ruins there!' Finn cried out, and rushed over. Marguerite slowly walked over as well. She looked at Greta.
'Lesson number one on living on the plateau dear: always beware of strangers.'
But, it turned out the two people that Challenger found, were not strangers. Challenger was grinning from ear to ear, and was shaking the man's hand. The woman stood by as Roxton, Malone and Veronica hugged the man. Finn turned to look at Marguerite as she approached.
'Who is that?' she asked.
Marguerite shrugged, since her view was partly obscured. Roxton turned and saw her, then pulled Greta from her, then pulled on her hand, bringing her closer to the fray.
'You will never believe who's here!' he cried out, bouncing Greta. She smiled.
When Challenger, Malone and Veronica moved aside, Marguerite saw Caroline Hyland, who she could take or leave. As Marguerite wondered when the woman had returned to the plateau, when she had been rescued with the rest of them, her eyes fell on the 'man'. Her mouth dropped open.
'Summerlee?' she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
'Hello my dear. You're looking lovely as always.'
Marguerite closed the distance between them and threw her arms around his neck. Suddenly, it was as if she now knew everything would work out, somehow, someway.
Chapter 14
The Challenger Expedition Returns Home-Part 2
Marguerite stared down among the clouds as the plane flew over the plateau. She saw the head of a T-Rex and sighed miserably. She thought all of the wildlife was dead or dying off? Obviously, someone had missed a couple of creatures!
It had been such a long trip already. Marguerite didn't think she ever remembered not wanting to travel somewhere. But Challenger was sure that the cure to Greta's metamorphosis was on this plateau. He had briefly spoke of two poisonous plants, that mixed together, were the cure to reversing the ape-forming process. Marguerite didn't see how any poison, much less two mixed together, were a cure for anything! But, she trusted George Challenger with her life...and she'd put Greta's in his hands as well.
The passage back to London had been stressful. Marguerite kept Greta inside the cabin, as to not draw attention. She also kept away from Roxton.
He had talked of the two of them marrying in a small ceremony, before they left America. Marguerite had nixed the idea, feeling that Greta's time was running out. Roxton even tried to cut some of the hair back on Greta's feet, but it seemed to grow back within the hour. Poor Greta didn't know the difference. She just smiled at her father.
Now, Marguerite was wishing she had taken Roxton up on his offer. Because, if for whatever reason, they ended up stranded on the plateau together, they would have to stay there, unmarried, probably for the rest of their lives this time around.
She tried to push such negative thoughts from her head. They were the reason she was keeping her distance from the man she loved. She could tell Roxton was at a loss as to how to make this all better for her. Marguerite couldn't help but think that everything was her fault. Jessi's death, and that damned Elizabeth Thomas. God, why hadn't she seen through that crazy woman?!
Malone, Veronica and Finn, had insisted on coming along as well. Roxton and Marguerite had told Ned they would understand if Veronica and him did not come, especially with what was going on with Vivian Malone. Marguerite recalled seeing an odd look cross Veronica's face when that was voiced aloud, but she hadn't had the time question Veronica about it. Ned had visited his mother that same evening, and was told by the doctors that Vivian Malone's progress would not worsen. Thus, Malone was in on the trip as well. And since it was always the plan to send Finn away with Challenger, it only seemed fitting that she come along as well. But with all that was going on with the Veronica/Ned/Finn triangle, it made for an uncomfortable set of traveling circumstances, even more so with an half-ape baby.
When they arrived in London, they transferred to a smaller ship, then another, until finally, they reached the tip of South America.
From there, Challenger and Roxton had rented a small plane for them to fly to the plateau in. Marguerite didn't know why, but she found the idea of being able to 'fly into the plateau' as if it were Paris or some other glamorous location, somewhat amusing. And there wasn't much about this situation that was funny.
Marguerite had packed rather heavily. Roxton had warned her that they wouldn't need much luggage, but she had ignored his warning. She could not shake the feeling that they would not be leaving this place again. And if that ended up being the case, she was going to have a better change of clothes this time around!
In the seat beside her, was Greta. She was sitting in a little contraption Challenger had fashioned for her, bless his heart. It was getting warm, so Marguerite pulled the blanket away from her sleeping daughter's body. She breathed a sigh of relief. Only her feet were still hairy.
Marguerite then removed a brush from her pack, and brushed the hair feet gently. Veronica, who was sitting in the aisle across from her, looked over and smiled.
'How is she doing?' she asked.
Marguerite shrugged, then put away the brush.
'About as well as can be expected. She looks as if she doesn't have a care in the world.'
Veronica looked at Marguerite.
'We're going to find these plants, then Roxton and you will leave the plateau, and go home to live happily ever after.'
Marguerite folded the baby blanket, leaving Greta's hairy feet exposed. She glanced back over at Veronica.
'Only Roxton and me, hey?' Marguerite asked, glancing a couple of rows behind Veronica. Finn was asleep and Malone was sitting up near Challenger and Roxton, who were piloting the plane.
Veronica looked away. Marguerite looked around, before broaching the topic.
'Are you planning on not returning with us, once Greta is cured?'
Veronica looked over at her. She then looked behind her at Finn. She still appeared to be asleep. She then glanced up at the three men. They had their backs to them.
'I doubt Ned would've come along, if he knew how his mother ended up in that condition.'
Marguerite glanced back at Finn again.
'What do you mean? What's going on?'
Veronica lowered her voice. She didn't trust Finn anymore.
'Ned's mother didn't 'just' have a stroke.'
Marguerite lowered her voice as well.
'Veronica, what's going on?'
'I hit her, Marguerite. I mean I back-handed her like I would've hit someone attacking me on the plateau down there. She told me she had paid Jack Farrell to break Ned and me up. I now wonder if Finn and her were in cahoots.'
Marguerite now looked over at the still sleeping Finn. Veronica continued talking.
'She looked so angry...but more like horrified. I don't think she had ever been slapped, at least not like that.'
'Well, no, Veronica. A woman like that would never know the back of a man's hand, much less some woman's. Did Challenger see all of this happen?'
Veronica shook her head.
'He came along after. I was ready to let that woman die on the floor of Ned's office. Luckily, Challenger came along and talked some sense into me. It's only because Ned's mother is unable to speak, that we're still together today.'
Marguerite glanced at a sleeping Greta.
'Veronica, I know what you're thinking, and you're wrong.'
'What am I thinking, Marguerite?'
Marguerite smiled at her.
'Quite a lot. You're thinking that you should've told Ned all of this, before he agreed to accompany us back to the plateau. And you're thinking if you had, then Ned would've stayed by his mother's side. You're also thinking he's going to resent you when he finds all of this out.'
'He'll hate me.' Veronica almost whispered. She stared at the back of his head. Malone turned suddenly, catching her stare. He smiled at her. Veronica smiled back.
Marguerite watched the exchange. Malone could never hate Veronica.
Malone turned back towards Challenger and Roxton. Veronica looked over at Marguerite.
'I wouldn't be so sure that Ned isn't aware of how bad his mother can be. Besides, once we cure Greta, he will be able to back home and visit with her.' Marguerite predicted.
Veronica didn't answer. Marguerite couldn't shake the feeling she had, that Veronica had no intention of returning with them. She also couldn't rid herself of the feeling that they may never return to civilization.
'Veronica? You didn't answer my question from before. Are you planning on staying here after Greta is cured?'
Veronica stared at the back of Malone's head again. She then looked over at Marguerite.
'This is where I belong. I can't go back to America or London or anyplace else that is not here.'
Marguerite almost gasped! Finn had been right! God, who would prefer to live in the jungle, when they could enjoy more simpler pleasures? And what about Malone? There was no way he would accept this!
Veronica looked out of her window. Marguerite looked back at Finn, who's eyes quickly closed. Marguerite turned around and shook her head. Finn had heard everything!
She looked down at her baby once more, before staring at the back of Roxton's head. Marguerite then looked away and leaned back in her seat. They were headed back to the plateau and Roxton and her were still not married. They probably never would be.
Marguerite tried to shake off all of her negative thinking. There was no reason to assume that they would not be able to leave the plateau. And once Greta was cured, Roxton and her would marry and live a life of adventure. But, it just seemed like things were never that simple.
****
Challenger felt the controls shake. Roxton looked over at him.
'What's wrong, George?'
'Look!'
The plateau, which before had been visible from air, was now hidden in a mist of fog. There was also a lot of turbulence, though Challenger suspected it was more from the after effects of some storm.
'God!' Roxton hissed, glancing back at Marguerite, who was looking at Greta. This whole thing was reminiscent of their first trip to this place, in the hot air balloon. High winds and clouds kept them from leaving this place for three years. And he knew that that was one of Marguerite's deepest fears...that they would be stuck here again...maybe for the rest of their lives. This couldn't be happening, not again!
Malone, who was sitting behind Roxton, leaned forward.
'What is it? The plane is shaking!'
Roxton's eyes moved from Marguerite, who was now looking up at them, to Malone. He then looked over at Challenger.
'George?'
'Something has happened here...look!'
The cloudy fog had dimmed somewhat and one could see the remains of fallen trees strewn all over the place. Villages were torn up...not to mention there was a lot of dead wildlife, an assortment of dinosaurs. God knows what happened to the humans and other primitive forms of life!
Veronica had moved up so that she was sitting next to Malone. She stared out of a window.
'My God! What happened?! Did the tourists do this? Look at all of the dinosaurs!'
Marguerite rolled her eyes, but picked up Greta, who was becoming fussy. Marguerite suspected the shaking plane had scared her.
'We can only hope it's all of them!' Marguerite quipped, as she attempted to comfort Greta. Finn moved up into the seat Veronica sat in.
'What's going on?' she asked.
Hearing her voice, Veronica quickly glanced back at her, before looking out of the window again. Marguerite gave Finn a knowing look.
'Not much of a nap!' she said.
Finn ignored that. 'Do you want me to hold Greta for a bit? I'm pretty good at calming her down.'
Marguerite couldn't disagree with that. She silently passed Greta over to Finn. The baby immediately seemed at ease. Finn touched her hair feet.
The plane's shaking doubled. Challenger looked over at Roxton.
'I'm going to have to land this thing! Get everyone strapped in!'
Roxton nodded, then looked back at Malone. Malone jumped up and told Veronica and Finn to strap themselves in. Roxton took Greta from Finn and sat her back down in the contraption Challenger had made for her. Marguerite helped him secure her in.
As the plane rushed to the ground, Marguerite's only thought was that once the plane was damaged, their only way of going home, would be gone.
****
Challenger coughed, as he awoke from a daze. There was smoke everywhere, but from just a quick glance around, Challenger could see that the smoke was not coming from their plane. He pulled himself together and looked out of the window in front of him. They had landed in some sort of clearing. Funny. It looked somewhat familiar.
He turned around to see how everyone else was doing. No one looked any worse for wear, but Greta was beginning to cry again. The poor thing. She was just scared. Jessi would've been able to calm her, Challenger thought.
'Is everyone alright?' Challenger asked, choking back his sorrowful thoughts.
Roxton looked Greta over, then touched Marguerite's face. Her hand closed over his.
'I'm fine. Go see to the others.' she said, pulling Greta out of her contraption and laying the baby's face on her shoulder, while rubbing her back to calm her down.
Finn coughed, but waved Roxton away, nodding that she was fine. She looked at Malone, who had stared at her briefly, as if to see if she was okay. Malone then looked Veronica over.
'Are you okay?'
Veronica nodded.
'I'm fine. We're home. I have to find out what or who ravaged this place.'
Veronica got up out of her seat and joined Roxton and Challenger, who were now by the airplane door. Malone stared after Veronica, his expression one of confusion. Did Veronica call this place her home? He knew it was of course, but she actually sounded happy to be back!
Finn watched Malone's expression. She had overheard the conversation that Veronica had had with Marguerite. If they ended up stranded here and Ned found out that Veronica had beaten his mother into the condition she was in, Finn didn't see how their relationship could survive a revelation like that.
Challenger, Roxton and Malone, who had gotten up and joined them shoved at the door. Veronica stood back. It fell off and onto the ground with a loud thud. Challenger jumped out first, followed by Roxton, then Malone, who looked back at the women before doing so.
'Wait here.'
Veronica moved forward.
'Ned, I know this place better than anyone. We'll be fine.'
But Ned blocked her way.
'Veronica, we don't know how much has changed here. And we don't know what has nearly destroyed this jungle. Challenger thinks it was a storm, but who really knows? Just wait here, alright?'
Veronica gave him a soft smile, then reluctantly nodded. Malone then jumped out as well. Veronica sighed, then turned back to face Marguerite, Finn and Greta. Finn moved forward.
'What's going on out there?'
Veronica answered in a clipped tone. 'Ned and the others just want to make sure it's safe. He wants us to stay here until they've checked things out.'
Marguerite began gathering up their things.
'That sounds like quite a sound plan. I wonder if the treehouse made it through whatever this was?' Marguerite wondered aloud, still folding things. She smiled down at Greta, who's eyes appeared to be on everyone.
'Now that the men are gone, I guess we should talk about what I overheard.' Finn said.
Marguerite rolled her eyes and flung down a baby dress. She looked over at Veronica, who's very stance was tense.
'So,' Veronica began, 'you were pretending to be asleep?'
Finn wiped the back of her neck. This was the plateau alright! It was hotter than hell!
'I was asleep until I was awakened by loud voices!'
''Loud voices', yeah right! If you're thinking of using anything that you overheard to your advantage, think again!' Veronica warned.
'Finn, this is not the time.' Marguerite said warningly.
'No, actually I think this is the perfect time, Marguerite. And I don't have to use anything to my advantage, Vee, I...'
'I told you to never call me that again!'
'Fine! 'Veronica', you're the one that's going to blow everything by not telling Ned the truth about his mother, and by not returning with him. There's no way in the hell he's going to agree to stay here! No way! He's got a family paper to look after, and now, no thanks to you, his mother is in no shape to do that.'
Malone stuck his head back in the doorway suddenly. It was obvious something was going on in here.
'Okay, what have I walked in on here?'
Marguerite answered quickly, picking up Greta and walking towards him.
'Nothing that's as important as finding those plants. Is it safe out there?' she asked.
Malone nodded. 'Yeah, actually you should all come out now. I think you'll find the surroundings somewhat familiar.'
Malone then helped Marguerite and Greta out. He looked back at Finn and Veronica.
'We need to stick together now and find those plants, okay? Let the other stuff go.'
Veronica didn't answer, and moved past Ned to jump out. Finn then became the target of Ned's stare.
'Everything is fine, Ned, okay?' she said.
Ned nodded, then waited as Finn passed him and jumped out as well. Marguerite walked over to Roxton, who took Greta from her. He looked at her.
'Recognize anything?' he asked in a teasing tone.
Marguerite's eyes swept over the area. It was the Summerlee Compound, or what was left of it. They had crash landed in almost the same spot, as where they had first found that plane, almost a year ago.
Marguerite then looked at Roxton.
'Where's Challenger?'
'He's in the remains of the compound, looking for anything we can use in our search for the plant.'
Marguerite gave Roxton an uneasy glance.
'Okay, but all we need to do is find the ape lab place that Hargrove had, right? The plants are probably nearby.'
Roxton tried to assuage her fears.
'George really didn't say. But I wouldn't worry.'
Marguerite said nothing, but looked away and nodded. Roxton looked at Greta, who was already staring at her mother. He reached out and touched her arm.
'We'll get through this...'
Marguerite shook her head. 'I bet you ten to one, that that plane isn't flyable anymore.'
Roxton looked at the plane.
'Maybe, maybe not. But there are tourists on the plateau. They got here somehow.'
Marguerite stared at him.
'You're kidding right? You saw the looks of this place while we were in the air. It looks worse in person! Do you really think there are any tourists left to be found?!'
'Calm down before you scare Greta!'
'Oh, Greta doesn't scare easily! And she's not scared now, even though she's this close to turning into an ape! John, I don't want to feel this way! I want to be happy anywhere as long as I have the both of you with me! But the minute Malone helped me out of that plane, and I had to actually step onto the ground with my baby, I didn't know whether I'd have to shield her from arrows coming from some savage tribe, or cover her body with mine from some swooping pterodactyl!'
'Marguerite,' Roxton began a bit sharply, 'you are going to have to pull yourself together. Yes, we will have to be ready for anything, and yes, God help us, we may have to stay here for an extended period of time. But we do have each other...and before all of the trouble began...before you found out I was married, you were perfectly prepared to accept living here for the rest of our lives with our child. Can't you just reach back and find that moment? Find out what made you decide that you could come to terms with living your life here. Please try...for me?'
Marguerite just stared at him, then broke off eye contact and looked at Greta. She was staring at her too, in an almost pleading manner as well. Marguerite decided she had to be imagining things. No daughter of hers would prefer to live like a savage over living as a titled, young lady!
Before she could answer, Challenger called out.
'My God! Quick! Come over here!'
Roxton handed Greta to Marguerite and ran over in Challenger's direction. Malone and Veronica followed him. Finn stood by Marguerite's side. Marguerite looked at her.
'Watch it, Finn.'
'Marguerite, I don't need anymore lectures from anyone, okay? I already feel alone enough as it is.'
'Finn, you are not alone.'
'Oh really? I think if we took a vote right now, as to who Ned Malone should be with, Veronica would win, hands down.'
'Finn! I have no doubt that Malone has never lead you on in anyway, to cause you to think that the two of you have a real chance! Why can't you just let it go?'
Finn didn't answer that directly.
'I've made a decision: if Veronica chooses to stay here, I'm going back to civilization, with or without Ned.'
Marguerite raised a brow, glancing at Greta, who was now staring at Finn.
'So, if Malone chooses to stay here with Veronica...'
'I'm still leaving.' Finn answered. She then turned away from Marguerite and began watching the others.
'My God! They found people over in the ruins there!' Finn cried out, and rushed over. Marguerite slowly walked over as well. She looked at Greta.
'Lesson number one on living on the plateau dear: always beware of strangers.'
But, it turned out the two people that Challenger found, were not strangers. Challenger was grinning from ear to ear, and was shaking the man's hand. The woman stood by as Roxton, Malone and Veronica hugged the man. Finn turned to look at Marguerite as she approached.
'Who is that?' she asked.
Marguerite shrugged, since her view was partly obscured. Roxton turned and saw her, then pulled Greta from her, then pulled on her hand, bringing her closer to the fray.
'You will never believe who's here!' he cried out, bouncing Greta. She smiled.
When Challenger, Malone and Veronica moved aside, Marguerite saw Caroline Hyland, who she could take or leave. As Marguerite wondered when the woman had returned to the plateau, when she had been rescued with the rest of them, her eyes fell on the 'man'. Her mouth dropped open.
'Summerlee?' she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
'Hello my dear. You're looking lovely as always.'
Marguerite closed the distance between them and threw her arms around his neck. Suddenly, it was as if she now knew everything would work out, somehow, someway.
