Cooper Residence
Mackinaw Island

George Jr sat on the porch with Sheldon one evening sipping iced tea from a mason jar and thought 'Just like on Meemaw's front porch back when we were kids.'

"JR, you rarely pay us a social call. What's on your mind?"

Sheldon liked his older brother a lot more since the Choker. He seemed to have matured and realized that not everything could be solved through his massive fists and Sheldon also appreciated how he never tried to curry favor because 'Sheldon's my brother'. In fact, few people knew they were brothers.

"What? I can't pay a visit to my brother and just sit and talk about old times?"

"You could but I would find it odd and disconcerting. Out with it. What's on your mind?"

"It's Tasha…she's gone all religious on me and thinks we're living in sin and something bad's going to happen because of it. She's worse than Mom and her prayer circle. I just don't see the point in getting married anymore. Who passes judgment around here on all the unwed couples? No one."

"Yes, I've noticed that marriage isn't big on anyone's list but marriage means a stable family and the Colony needs that social stability, JR, else we're no better than…hippies!"

"I'm thinking of leaving. Maybe go on out with the Recovery Teams and find another group to start over with. I work the fields and tend the cattle, but dang it, Shel, they're not my fields or my cattle. I never should have left the ranch."

Sheldon sighed and sat back against the wicker rocker and thought over what his brother had said. It was a common sentiment among those who had owned their own spreads, especially among the 'Galveston Gang' as they were known.

"Would we be having this conversation if Tasha weren't quite so…traditional? She was married and had a husband and child. I can see her point given her background."

"You're taking her side?" JR was getting angry. He wanted Sheldon to tell him what to do since he seemed to be the only one who had answers around here.

"No, just trying to figure out what you really want. Is it Tasha or the freedom from being responsible for her and Penny Blossom? She looks up to you, JR. Hell, she talks to you!"

"I just need some time away. Fix it for me to go out on the Recovery team. I just need some time to think things through. I won't just abandon them but dang it, she's driving me nuts!"

Sheldon weighed his brother's words and smiled.

"JR, go to Central Stores tomorrow morning. Tell them you are head of security for Ambassador Winkle's trip to the Republic of Deseret. Draw out appropriate weapons and clothing for at least a week."

"I'll inform Winkle that you and a few others with combat training will be her security. It should tickle her to no end to know she rates 'bodyguards'."

Four objectives accomplished: Winkle got protection, prestige, and 'entourage' and JR got his vacation without emotionally severing his ties to Tasha and Penny Blossom.

They talked easily together for a few more minutes before JR headed home and Sheldon cleaned up the porch and went to bed. Tomorrow would be a taxing day. Every discussion with Winkle seemed taxing lately.

Island International Airfield

Sheldon and Bomber stood watching the Provider fly out of sight.

The route had been meticulously planned and coordinated with a 'General' from the Republic of Deseret's 'air force'. He had been a Wing Commander in SAC before the Choker and knew his job. They would 'escort' the armed Provider carrying the Ambassador from Minnesota airspace to Salt Lake City.

They had already had run-ins with the New Order when 'acquisition parties' met at various army depots and bases. Their spies kept a close watch on the New Order, fearing eventual expansion. They were still dealing with organized marauders and didn't want to be caught with their pants down.

"It's not that you can't fly, Hideki. It's a matter of prestige. Dawn is the actual military commander of our 'air forces' and it's only logical that she – "

"Doc, it's not that. I just don't like her flying into who knows what without me by her side. You rarely go anywhere without Penny. I feel the same way."

Sheldon clapped his friend on the shoulder and laughed. "It's not going to be that way for long."

Previous Evening
Colonial Canteen
(Previously Ryan's)

Sheldon was sitting at a table with Penny, once again watching her push her food around and finally deciding to voice his suspicions in public.

"Penny, you're late, aren't you?" He kept track of everything these days on paper and he'd noted her last visit from whom she termed 'Aunt Flo' was 47 days prior. He kept track of things. It was just what he did.

She reached across and intertwined her fingers with his and whispered, "You're gonna be a daddy, Moon Pie."

People in the canteen started hooting and applauding when Sheldon stood his wife up and kissed her passionately. They all knew Sheldon and Penny Cooper, of course, but they had no inkling what prompted the public display.

"Sheldon, stop," Penny hissed. "I think we need to talk seriously about – "

Sheldon turned bright red but smiled a real smile that made his eyes crinkle. "We're pregnant!" he shouted, hugging his wife tightly to him and whispering, "We have to tell your folks immediately."

Everyone rushed forward to congratulate the happy couple. Every life was precious now. So many had been snuffed out by the Choker.

Penny's parents were equally ecstatic. None of their grandchildren or other children had survived the Choker and now they were about to grandparents again.

Wyatt was already planning a sojourn to a mall on the mainland to scrounge up a bassinet and crib. His wife would have a fit but he was determined to live long enough to see his future grandchild and this was just something he had to do.

"Penny, this changes things. No more Resource trips off-island and definitely no heavy lifting or…"

"Mom! I'm pregnant, not crippled. Other women continue to do what they've always done and – "

"Penny! Listen to your mother. Our child will face enough challenges without you possibly endangering yourself. You will continue teaching and serving in the canteen as long as Dr. Green approves."

"Mooooon Pie…that's not fair," Penny whined.

All three said, "Live with it" at the same time and then laughed.

Next: A prelude to war