FOUR HOURS LATER.

After talking to Helena, Victor suggested they talk in the observation room. Only a handful of people were ever there. It was originally designed just to be a look out post for the people of alpha to look back on earth and contemplate their return back there, but after Breakaway, most lost interest, and the ones who did go there, didn't stay long.

John set next to Helena, while Lance and Lauren set with one another. Across from them, were Victor, Alan, Sandra, Paul, Tony and Maya. They all shook hands with Lance once they entered the room, anxious to learn all about him.

Lance was struck by Maya's exquisite beauty. When she explained she was an alien from another planet, he was intrigued and hoped to talk more with her once he was actually settled on alpha.

Victor was the first to speak. "So John, what happened out there with those lights? Tony said an emergency alarm went off an was unable to get in touch with you."

Tony nodded. "Yeah John, those lights went crazy and it was about 30 minutes before Alan could get an Eagle up to locate you, and when he did see you, Eagle One was just driftng."

John sighed, looking towards Lance and Lauren before he spoke. "You'll probably think I'm crazy."

Victor shook his head. "I doubt that John, we'll keep an open mind. This is moonbase alpha, remember?"

John managed a smile. "I'll try to make a long story short."

"We're all ears Commander." Alan stated.

"Lauren and I were in route back to alpha after repairing the laser canon. I don't know what caused those lights to become bright and active, but when they did, some sort of tunnel began to form and I started to lose control of Eagle One. I guess I must have hit the emergency button right before we were drawn into that tunnel. What happened when that tunnel close around us, I don't know. We shot forward with incredible speed and that was the last thing I remember at that point.

The next thing I remember, was waking up in a hospital with broken ribs and a chest injury. I had no idea what happened, or where I was, until I opened my eyes and Victor was standing over me."

Lauren set forward. "I woke up on a beach, not far from Lance's house. I had a shoulder injury and a small cut on my forehead."

Their friends exchanged curious glances. "Are you saying you were on Earth?" Paul questioned.

John nodded. "Yes Paul, we were, close to a week, before Breakaway happened. Evidently nothing like that happened here."

Victor scratched his head. "Interesting, like a parallel existence."

"That's exactly what it was. There were two moons in the time frame we were in, which over those few days we lived, moved closer together until they became one. When that happened, we came back to this time."

"John, how did you receive the injuries you have?" Helena asked.

He shrugged as he shook his head. "I don't know. In that time, when I woke and you came to see me, you told me there had been a crash and I was lucky to survive. When I questioned you about Lauren, you had no idea who she was."

Helena gave John a curious look. "I was taking care of you?"

"Yes," John sighed. "Look, for all it's worth and not getting into a lot of detail, Lauren and I ended up back on earth. Why, none of us really know. I spent several days in the hospital trying to figure out what was going on and never came up wtha reasonable explanation. One thing that both Lauren and I experienced, was the uncanny feeling that we had to find a way back to each other before the moons became one."

Lauren looked at Lance. "I spent those days with Lance, my boyfriend on Earth, before I left for my duty on alpha. I woke up on the beach and when I realized where I was an who I was with, I have to admit it freaked me out. Once the shock wore off, and I realized I wasn't dreaming, it still took some time to adjust to what was going on.

I was worried about Commander Koenig and had no idea if he was on Earth with me, or back on alpha."

"No one believed my story about alpha and breakaway. " John continued. " Helena, I honestly thought you were thinking I was crazy or suffering some side effect from the consussion I had. As for Lauren, I guessed where she might be, if she had in fact traveled to Earth with me. I had Victor check out her existence and sure enough she was with Lance."

Lauren looked towards Victor. "It was you Professor Bergman who came to me and Lance and told us about Commander Koenig. You said Dr. Russell wouldn't allow him to leave the hospital and he was worried that if we weren't together when the two moons became one, time wouldn't corrent itself."

Victor smiled. "This is all so fascinating", He looked towards Lance. "And you young man, how did you fare through all of this."

Lance shrugged, was quiet for a moment, not knowing what to say. Up until now, he had only been listening. "In the beginning I was really confused I guess. I kept thinking I was having some kind of crazy dream. When I kept waking up and everything stayed the same, that blew the dream theory."

Everyone laughed. "…But all that mattered," Lance continued, "…was Lauren and I found our way back together. I asked her to marry me and she accepted. "

"Married?" Sandra questioned with excitement. "That is such wonderful news. I am so happy for the two of you."

Lauren smiled at her friend. They had become close after Breakaway, and she looked forward to talking to her and tell her more about her ordeal.

"So, to sum it all up.." John stated. "Lauren and I were transported back to earth because of those lights, before Breakaway. While no one really believed my story, at some point, Helena, you Victor and Lance admitted to seeing the two moons. I walked out of the hospital the afternoon of September 13th.

Helena, you went with me back to Lance's house. As the sun set for the evening, we stood on the deck outside with Lance and Lauren. I remember the two moons becoming one, and nothing happened right away. Then as the light faded, I felt this deep chill, and after that, I'm waking up on alpha.

Why we went back to earth, I don't know. If there was a reason, I could never figure out what it was. Myabe in that time frame, Breakaway didn't happen. Why did Lance end up back here? Why didn't Lauren stay? After a while, you gave up trying to figure things out and just accepted it."

Helena was still looking at John, trying to figure out why she left the hospital with him if she didn't believe his story. Obviously, there was more than what he was telling everyone.

"Earth!" Alan exclaimed. "Wish I had been on that Eagle with you Commander."

John smiled, he wished all of alpha could have had the same experience. "It would be interesting to know what would have happened with you Alan."

He laughed and got to his feet. "Yeah…"he smiled and walked towards Lance and extended his hand. "Let me be the first to welcome you to alpha Lance. Happy to have you on board mate."

Lance stood and shook hands. "Thanks, I look forward to knowing more about you."

The rest of the group stood. "Yeah Lance, " Tony smiled. "Hey, if you ever need a drink, let me know, I've been working on this process for making beer and…."

"Tony, " Maya interrupted. "That's the last thing Lance needs. Seriously, he needs a lot of improvement.." she continued looking towards Lance.

"I'll second that." Alan said with a laugh.

Helena put her arm around John, as slowly he got to his feet. "Okay, that's enough talk for now. My patients need rest."

Victor agreed for the group and he knew him and John would talk in time and he'd fill in the gaps of their story, at least what he wanted him to know. His friendship with John Koenig went back a long way..

As they left, Lauren looked at Helena. "Dr. Russell, would you please allow me and Lance to stay in my room for now. We both feel fine, and we could both use some time alone for awhile."

While she wanted them to spend another few hours in medical for observation, Helena agreed to let them be alone. It was probably for the best. She knews the new had traveled fast about Lance's sudden apperance. Perhaps 2-3 days alone would help him to adjust to his new home.

"Alright Lauren, but I will check up on the two of you later."

Lauren smiled as she gave Helena a warm hug. "Thank you, I promise we'll be okay and take care of ourselves."

Helena hugged Lauren back then Lance as well. They left the room together and she turned her attention back to John.

"Why do I have the feeling you left out some parts of your story John?" she asked him.

He smiled and looked into her eyes. "Because it involves you, the issues we had with one another, the things that happened between us."

Helena narrowed her eyes. "What are you talking about John?"

"Take me back to our room and I'll tell you everything…..and show you as well." Damn how he wanted to take her to bed and make love to her like he did days ago.

Confused, Helena shook her head. Why she agreed to it, she didn't know. "Fine, I guess I can let you away from medical for awhile. I'm just worried about your chest injury."

"I'll be okay Helena." he told her and tugged at her hand.

She followed behind him, and not really sure why, she was both anxious and excited to hear what he had to say. Part of her felt she already knew what he was going to tell her.

Back in there room, John stretched out on the bed. The hour was late and Helena changed clothes before setting on the edge of the bed with John. There was nothing going on in medical so there was no need for her to return.

"So John, what went on between us back on Earth?" she asked. "…and don't tell me that I just took care of you."

John thought for a minute before speaking. "You were different Helena. A stern professional who didn't even know who I was, but I knew you."

"What? Why didn't I know you?"

John raised himself up in bed. "Remember, I was there before Breakaway. We never met until I assumed Command up here. I was really confused when I woke up in that hospital. I had no idea where I was or what happened.

I told you my story of who I was, about being from the future, and Lauren, trying to make you understand that I had to get back to her before the two moons I was seeing became one."

Helena shook her head. "You said I was with you in the end when you returned here. What made me change my mind and go with you."

"It was a number of things. The more you were around me and we talked, this past Helena became more like you. More understanding, a little more compassionate. We argued at times, one time in particular that really changed things between us."

Helena narrowed her eyes. "Like what?"

"It was after Victor brought me the report on Lauren. You came in to check on me, and was curious why I didn't request any pain medication. I told you I didn't need it and was tired of being confined to bed. That started the argument, one thing led to another, and after a brief moment of silence between the two of us…..I kissed you, and it was a deep meaningful kiss Helena.

I told you to leave me alone then, or I would end up making love to you in my bed."

"John, I…." Helena started to say but he waved his hand at her.

"Let me finish…" John interrupted. "You walked away in tears, but you came back later. We talked and for the first time, I felt you were starting to believe me and your demeanor changed. I made love to you that night Helena and after that, things were different between us."

"We made love?" Helena questioned.

John took her hands in his. "Yes, not once, but three separate times. Our relationsip in that time begin to develop into what we have here. At times, it was hard to distinguish between the two of you. I tried to leave the hospital one night to get to Lauren, but you stopped me and we had a huge argument after that.

Later on you came back to my room and we talked. You told me that you loved me and were afraid of losing me. I told you things would be okay and that our future relationship would continue.

That's when you told me you believed me because you saw the two moons as well. The next day Victor brought Lauren and Lance to me. I knew then that everything would be alright. You were against me leaving the hospital with them, but I left despite your wishes. I thought you would follow me, but you didn't… at first. I felt so lost when I left that room, I wanted you with me. I didn't know what was going to happen and I didn't want to be without you. I stepped into the elevator with Lauren and Lance and just as the doors started to close, you came around the corner calling me name. You told me you couldn't lose me and that you loved me.

We stayed together for the rest of that afternoon, and up to the end before I returned here."

Helena sighed as John finished talking. She looked into his eyes. "You know John, there were times while we were waiting to hear from you, that I had….I don't know….feelings that something strange was going on with you. Even now, and after you were brought back to medical, I just wanted to stretch out beside you in bed."

John smiled. "…that's because you did that very thing while I was in the hospital." he told her and pulled her down beside him as he layed back in bed.

Helena moved closer to him, resting her head against his shoulder. "Did we really make love John?"

"Yes," he stated as he raised up on one arm. His free hand loosened the sash of the pajama top she wore, and slipped inside. His fingertips touched intimate places as he leaned close to kiss her.

Suddenly realzing what was happeneing, Helena grabbed his hand and stopped him from going further. John pulled his hand away. He was having that feeling of déjà vu. "Helena, I have missed you and I am going to make love to you. Don't stop me."

"It's not that John, your injuries are…." Helena began.

"….are going to be fine," he told her.

They were both undressed in minutes, making love to one another as if they had been apart forever. When they were finished, John took Helena into his embrace. No words were spoken, none needed to be said. He was back with his Helena, back on alpha where he belonged. Kissing her cheek, he closed his eyes and fell asleep beside her.

TWO WEEKS LATER.

Helena was on her way to medical. John was to meet her there for a check up in about 45 minutes, She had allowed him to stay in their room until she was satisfied he could return to his command. Things had been quiet since his return, but the colored lights were still out there. Sometimes bright, but for the most part, serene and beautiful. No one knew if the moon would ever pass through them completely.

As she rounded the corner, Helena was surprised to bump into Lauren.

"Oh, I'm so sorry." Helena apologized.

Lauren looked up. Her cheeks were streaked with tears and she held a cloth to her lower lip that was bleeding. She wanted to walk away, but Helena caught her arm.

"I'm okay Dr. Russell." Lauren pleaded with her.

"Hmmm, that I doubt." Helena stated. "Come with me and tell me what happened."

The cafeteria was just a few feet away and once inside they set down across from one another. Lauren was obviously upset.

"So, what's going on?" Helena asked. While Lance didn't come across as a violent type, she had to ask. "Did Lance cause this."

Lauren immediately looked up shaking her head. 'Oh no Dr. Russell. Lance would never hurt me."

Again Helena questioned her. "Then tell me what happened to your lip."

Lauren shifted uneasy in her chair. "I was finishing my workout in the gym and a couple of girls came up to me and started asking questions about Lance. One thing led to another and they started in about why was I so special to have a loved one from Earth end up here on Alpha. They made some crude comments about Commander Koenig and myself then things got physical with some pushing and shoving. I lost my footing and smacked the wall. They just laughed and walked away."

"Who were they?" Helena questioned further.

"I don't want to start anything Dr. Russell. I can handle it." Lauren replied.

Helena nodded, she understood. "This could turn into a problem Lauren. If something like this happens again, you need to let me know and I'll mention it to the Commander or Tony and we'll put a stop to it before it gets out of hand."

"Thanks." Lauren smiled. 'You won't tell Commander Koenig will you?"

Helena shook her head. "No, but if it happens again I will. Let me look at your lip."

Lauren moved to Helena's side of the table. It was just a minor cut, nothing that needed medical attention.

"So, what are you going to tell Lance?" Helena asked as they both stood.

With a shrug and simple smile, Lauren told her, "…that I tripped and smacked into a wall. He'll believe me."

Helena laughed. "So, are you and Lance doing okay up here otherwise?"

"We're good Dr. Russell. He is so happy to be working with you in medical, and he spends a lot of time with Alan. They've become really good friends."

Helena smiled. "Well, Im glad you are both okay. If trouble continues or you need someone to talk to, you let me know."

"I will." Lauren told her, then gave Helena a warm hug before leaving the cafeteria.

Helena watched as Lauren walked away. She hoped the problems Lauren had would be a one time incident. John would have no tolerance for it. Checking her comlock for the time, she decided to grab a bite to eat before going to medical. John would wait for her… like he always did.

Lance stood before John making a few notes on his chart. For once John had been early for his checkup. He was disappointed not to see Helena, but Lance had proved himself a capable doctor.

"Well Commander, you're chest injury seems to be healing fine. I noticed you still felt some tenderness around the area, but the bruising is clearing up. Your ribs are doing better as well."

John nodded. "Well, since Helena has me confined to bed rest, I guess I'm not keeping the injuries aggravated."

Lance Laughed. "That's not a bad thing. Let me change your bandage then you are free to go,,,and do whatever a Commander does up here."

John smiled. "Not an easy job, once I'm up and about, I'll show you what my days are all about."

"I'd like that." he told John. "Lauren has shown me around and introduced me to some of her friends. A lot of people have been very gracious to me, some not so much so, but considering the circumstances that brought me here, I should expect it."

John winced as Lance taped the bandage in place. "Well, if anyone starts trouble with you for any reason, please let me know. I'll put an end to it."

Lance nodded and handed John his pajma top. "I will. Alan and I have become great friends. I think he'd have my back in any situation."

"He will." John stated as he got to his feet. "So, are you and Lauren doing alright up here?"

Lance laid John's chart aside. "Yeah, we are. I have to admit there are some things I'm still trying to get used to. But overall, I'm happy to be with Lauren, no matter what the situation. Dr. Russell has showed me so much and I'm still learning new things about medicine. I enjoy having something to do otherwise I'd go stir crazy."

John smiled and shook his head. "I doubt that would happen, life on alpha is never boring."

The two of them shook hands and John left the room. As he rounded the corner to go to the travel tubes, he nearly collided with Helena.

"John.." she said with surprise. "I was just on my way to see you in medical."

"I was early for a change. Lance took care of me, I'm fine." he told her. "But, I'm sure a second opinion might be needed."

Helena laughed while John slipped his arm around her shoulders. "I think that can be arranged." she told him.

John smiled while he kissed her cheek, then they continued down the hall.

Lance was reading a medical book when Lauren entered the room they shared. He had left medical shortly after John did. Dr Mathias had come in and reminded Lance his shift was over. One of those things he still wasn't used to.

"Hey handsome," Lauren greeted.

Lance smiled as he looked up from his book. "Hi babe, how'd your workout in the gym go?"

"It was good." she told him as she set on the edge of the bed.

Laying his book aside, Lance joined her. He started to kiss her, then stopped. "What happened to your lip?" he questioned, lifting her chin with his fingertips.

"Just one of my silly accidents. I tripped on one of the floor mats and smacked into the wall." Lauren told him, hoping the sound of her voice and the innocent look in her eyes convinced him. If she told him what really happened, he would not be happy.

"That's just one of the things I love about you." Lance stated, kissing her tenderly.

Lauren smiled and stretched out on the bed. "You know, between the time you spend with Alan, and in medical, I haven't seen much of you the past few days."

Lance leaned down close to her. He knew she was right. "I'm sorry about that babe. I guess I'm trying to do to much at once."

'It's alright Lance, I'm not complaining. I'm happy you've been able to adjust here as quick as you have. I think you've done better here than when I woke up on earth."

"Perhaps." Lance stated. "The only thing that really matters is that I'm here with you Lauren. It's the one thing I've always wanted."

He kissed her again, taking her into his arms, laying beside her. "So, what can I do to make up for neglecting you lately?"

Lauren lifted her head, gazing into his eyes. "You have to ask?" she questioned.

Lance looked at her and they both laughed. The look in her eyes told him exactly what she wanted and needed. He kissed her again and nothing else mattered for the rest of the afternoon.

Helena knew what John's "second opnion" would lead to as soon as they reached their room, but she wasn't complaining. John pulled her into his arms after they finished making love. Helena let her head rest against his chest.

"Am I hurting you?" she questioned lifting her head slightly.

"No, you're fine." he told her and she lowered her head.

Helena was quiet for a moment then asked, "..so what was it really like being back on earth John?"

John sighed, not really knowing what to say. "Strange for the most part, at first anyway. I was in a hospital for that time up until the last day. I remember the ride to Lance's house on the beach, savoring the view, as if I'd never seen a blue sky, or the ocean, the sound of the waves. I felt so guilty that I was living what we all wanted here on alpha and I couldn't make that happen."

Helena raised her head, then turned on her side towards John. "You shouldn't feel guilty John. You had no control over what took place outside with those lights."

He nodded. "I know, but part of me wonders if during that time, if Breakaway actually occurred. I was waiting for something to happen, and nothing did, just a deep chill then I was back here on Alpha."

Helena continued with another question. "Was I really that different in that time?"

John reached out to brush a strand of hair from over her eyes. "In the beginning, yes. Very strict, professional and unwilling to believe anything I said."

"But I changed…."

"Yes," John interrupted. "It was gradual. There were arguments, disagreements, the dis-believing, and through all of that, I found myself falling in love with you, even having trouble distinguishing between the two of you…"

"You said we made love…" Helena stated.

John nodded. "I never meant for it to happen Helena…it just did. We had an argument and I kissed you, probably with more passion than I should have. I asked you to leave and when you did, I almost called you back. However, you returned on your own, and when you did, I saw something different in you. You were starting to believe me…and I ended up making love to you."

Helena looked thoughtful. "You know, even though the time laspe on alpha was on 30 minutes, there were times when I felt as though something wasn't right, it was like I was there with you, but I never knew why until now. I'm so sorry I didn't believe you."

A single tear fell down her cheek and John wiped it away. "Helena, it was a different time, a complete different scenario. You didn't know who I was, we had never met. I never really blamed you for not believing in me. In the end, you did and that was all that mattered. It was very comforting to have you with me when time changed and I came back to alpha."

Helena managed a weak smile. "I'm glad you came back John, I don't know what I'd do without you. I love you."

John moved closer to her and kissed her lips. "I love you too babe. At least you cared for me when I was on Earth. That meant a lot."

John kissed her again, as he did on Earth that one time. Helena gazed into his eyes when their lips parted. He hadn't kissed her like that in a long time. John smiled at her while she wrapped her arms around his neck. The look in her eyes said it all, what she wanted, what she needed. John would do his best to give it all to her. He kissed her again and they made love once more.

John held her hand close against his chest as she fell asleep beside him. This time he wasn't going anywhere without her. He had his Helena back and he intended to keep it that way. He closed his eyes and fell asleep along side her.