The end would always the same. A ruin whose debris was scattered about the landscape where a building or town had stood. And if anyone had remained living in the area years after this abandonment. They would have little memory of what was. The question remained: How had things come to this? Arthur Taylor stood at the door to his hut looking out across the meadow contemplating on this as he watched the camp come to life. Only 28 people to look after he thought. Wonder how many used to live here before things went south? He heard someone stirring behind him and knew Alana had awakened.
"Hon. I thought you had proclaimed this as a rest day.? Come back to bed."
Her voice floated out from the nest of bedding at the back of the hut. Chuckling, he replied.
"In a moment dear."
He heard a moan as she settled back under the covers, heard her breathing settle as she faded back to sleep. He turned his attention back to the camp outside his door. He grinned knowing that everyone wouldn't be moving around much this morning. The sun had cleared the treetops burning away the fog and Arthur could see the wildlife moving about amongst the tree. He thought with no small amount of amusement about big dino's considered wildlife being a stretch. With a tired sigh. He turned and joined his wife, quite content to just snuggle in with her. As soon as he'd settled in with her in his arms. He fell dead asleep. Outside the camp perimeter about 200 meters to the northwest in the upper canopy of the tree's. Three people were perched in the top story of a tree, observing and trailing this group since they'd been detected three days ago. Staying on radio silence. They had managed to keep the mother colony apprised of the new groups progress. The leader put his binos down and settled back in his harness against the tree.
"It looks like more like a science and exploration mission than a scouting expedition. Jim."
Jim looked up at his son in law. "Indeed it does Mark. But keep in mind…"
"Couldn't think of a better excuse to camouflage a mission by imitating something else."
Mark finished for him. Jim nodded ruefully.
"I'd say at the pace they've been keeping; they should pass near the colony in two days. Hopefully the council will have decided on what to do about this incursion."
Marks comment everyone quiet for a moment. Ever since they had been forced to cut themselves off from their own timeline. They've been forced to be extra cautious. There had been seven separate incursions from as many timelines. And three of these have been deliberate. One of these had been hostile. And that one had raised serious question of how to address temporal incursions. The mother colony was no longer referred to as Terra Nova, though elder folk still thought of it as such. The population had also swollen from less than 1200 to 3500. And because of that the idea of continuing the practice of holding out the welcome mat had been held with mixed feelings. Besides new blood, they had also benefited from the influx of new technology, but the uncertainty remained. The three other timelines that had affected a deliberate attempt to arrive had opted to trade and resettle people, and there was a bustling community as a result. Jim's own daughter in law had come from one of these divergent timelines and her parents themselves had resettled here. The one thing that everyone here shared was the high degree of uncertainty of the intentions of new arrivals. And sometimes the intentions of their own leaders. A subject that Mark and Jim often dwelt on. Even when things were going good.
Commander Taylor had relinquished governance of the colony to a council and assumed command of the security forces protecting the colony. Now a joint command. Individuals from all timelines had participated and had become confident in the defense of their home. The three scouts remained in their high perch for a short time longer before scrambling down to where their rover was parked. Once down, the third member of their team finally spoke up.
"We could just drop in and say hi to them you know."
Jim looked over at the slender raven head and grinned.
"You just want credit for a first contact don't you Bug? Why don't we go over to Ops April and check in first."
The young lady snorted, reminding both men on who her mother was. Gracie Ayani Taylor was very much like her parents in a more petite package. A fact that amused but gratified all the older Terra Novans.
"I guess we can, but I like the element of surprise. And they don't act malevolent. It almost looks like they're on a sabbatical or something."
"Looks, can also fool you. If they were a real expedition, there's quite a bit of stuff they could've stopped and checked out since we'd detected them. They may have stopped a number of times, but only to rest or check on some landmark. There may have only been once where they actually did some kind of research, but for the most part they're headed in a straight line towards our home. We have to report because they are at best a day or two out from the colony."
Jim's reply seemed to satisfy the younger lady. And she nodded and shrugged out at her harness. Mark who had finished packing and loading his gear on the rover had to stifle a grin. That girl is always in a hurry he thought. Turning to face the bug, he joined in. "As you know, cadet impatience can get you or your comrades hurt, and since you are still being evaluated. It might help to be a little less aggressive."
Jim didn't even hide the grin as Gracie's face twisted into a frustrated frown. She picked her gear and stowed it, then faced Mark again.
"You also said to trust our instincts. And you didn't have to remind me of my status. So you don't need to be an asshole, sir."
The reply sounded a bit snippy even for her.
"For your information alone Grace. It would be a disservice to your folks and you if we didn't."
Jim replied before Mark could say anything. Ignoring the annoyance that radiated off, Mark, who had started checking out the area. He went on.
"It's not to make you feel miserable. It's to see if you learned the confidence and maturity to be an officer. Neither of us has a problem with your technical or tactical proficiency. It's your maturity and the responsibility we're looking at. Both myself and Mark have had our ass handed to us because of bad judgment and unfortunately on some of those occasions people had been hurt or killed."
He kept speaking, though Grace had tried to interrupt. "You may think we're being extra hard. Yes, we are. But we also want you to succeed. If Mark had replied to that comment, you just made you'd be seeing a side of your dad we'd prefer not to see. And yes, it is ugly. And it wouldn't do you well. So don't argue."
Mark finished packing the camp finally chipped in. "Your suggestions of house calls has merit. But there is such a thing as being over eager. And to be honest, there is something about this group that doesn't sit too well with me. But Jim's right. Cool it down a bit."
"Yes gentleman. But this is so frustrating." She huffed.
"You're almost home. Just learn some patience, focus. And before you know it, you'll be doing missions in your own head."
Joked Mark as they got in the rover. As they left. Down in the camp, Arthur woke up. He wasn't sure what the sound was that woke him, but it sounded like an electric motor. Mark made the drive to ops April in a half hour. The commander had stressed that any incursion had to assume that the newcomers were equipped with radios. So all incursions were investigated with stealth. Make visual contact, ascertain the possible route of travel, then fall back to an Ops site to report to the colony by landline. There were four ops sites that were landline equipped. And Mark had brought them to the nearest one. Mark was met by the OIC as he exited the vehicle and asked to report on the new incursion. Mark simply turned to Grace and said.
"Give him the report cadet." Grace simply nodded.
"Captain Guzman. We went out about two days drive and encountered a small convoy of rover size vehicles. Five in total with approximately 20 personnel. They appeared to be loaded down for a long expedition, but their behavior suggested they are not a science expedition. Ever since we started shadowing them, they have been affecting an almost direct route to the colony. They may have used one of their stops to do some collecting, but for the most part, they are taking their time coming to us, sir." Grace finished her report and stood there looking at Captain Guzman expectantly. Mark, Guzman and Jim were a bit amused.
"Am I to assume they have no weapons? They do have arms."
"We didn't see much, sir. A few projectile rifles, and what looked like five of them wearing pistols. But the weird thing is they had were moving like they didn't have a care in the world. They don't look like they aren't even aware of anything mean and ugly."
Guzman raised an eyebrow.
"That's right, sir. In fact, they're in an open camp right now, acting like it's a good day for a picnic. No guards. Nothing."
Mark added. Guz shook his head.
"They must be incredibly stupid or they are using something we don't know about."
Looking at Mark. He went on.
"Take Cadet Taylor and make contact. I'll have two other vehicles shadowing you."
Turning to Jim.
"And I need you to hang back Jim. I have something to discuss with you."
Jim was surprised at that statement but nodded. Mark and Grace wasted no time in resupplying the vehicle and cleaning up. Then headed out an hour after they had reported in. Jim noticed no one followed. Looking at Guz, the captain grinned.
"They're already out there. They knew you had to report the incursion so they kept shadowing them. You can contact the colony and forward the report."
Jim nodded and joined Guzman as they headed to the corner room that held the Como gear. Sitting down at the secondary desk beside, the RTO, Jim, keyed in his code to open a landline call. Without taking his gaze off the screen. He asked.
"Anything I need to share before I relay this to Nathaniel? "
"No Jim. This will be between us for the moment. Let's get this out of the way first."
Was all the reply he got from Guzman. Nodding, he watched the menu/status screen change to the image of their de facto leader. Nathaniel seemed ancient, but those hard blue eyes were still intense. And they looked through Jim as each regarded the other.
"Jim? What's the occasion I wasn't expecting to hear from you for a couple more days. Why are you calling from April? And where is your team?"
"Well, sir. The evaluation is going on as scheduled. I'll let Mark fill you in on our cadet's progress. Two days ago, we'd been notified of an incursion. A portal opened southwest of here, and Captain Guzman here at April notified us to check things out. We were the closest element to the incursion, so we went and checked it out. We found and shadowed a convoy of five rover sized vehicles, heavily loaded. Approximately 20 people with light armaments. We thought they were a science expedition at first, but whatever they seem to be looking for, isn't mineral, plant or animal. They only stopped once to do anything remotely scientific, which was gathering some dark colored rocks. Their line of travel wasn't hurried, but it will eventually lead them near the colony. "
Stopping for a moment. He looked up at Guzman then looked back at Nathaniel's image on the screen.
"Sir, something isn't sitting right with this group. Even Mark said something about it."
"And what does your gut tell you, Jim"
"These people are either hiding something or they have a death wish. They may be lightly armed, but they don't have anything that we could see that would be a deterrent to the wildlife. A family of nyco's could take them down before they even knew what hit them. We were surprised that they had even gone as long as they did without encountering anything. In fact, ever since we started shadowing them, we haven't even seen or heard any sign of the big Dino's."
Jim finished then leaned back, still watching Taylor and waited. Nathaniel was looking at something outside the camera range. Thinking. Without looking up he asked.
"Guz. I take it you just sent a green officer trainee into an unknown situation?"
"That's right, sir."
Came the reply.
"Some kind of graduation exercise of sorts?"
"Well sir. You and Alicia hit the ground running when you started. And you both did good despite a short learning curve."
"That's not even funny anymore Guz. But I guess there isn't any better way to sink or swim.."
He thought a moment and came to a decision.
"Keep me apprised. Do I need to come out there?"
"Not yet Sir. We'll see how the Bug will handle this nest of sleeping hornets."
Jim's answer brought a snort from both Guzman and Taylor. The RTO had a hard time holding back a grin. The Bug had a bit of a reputation.
"OK Jim. Let me know anything new. Colony out."
The screen went dark. Jim got up facing Guz. But Guz remained where he was leaning his left shoulder against the door frame. Facing each other. Jim raised his brows.
"What I was going to ask, isn't too much of a secret. And none of us have been back to the colony in sometime. But as I recall, your daughter, Maddie, was spitting mad about that little edict, the council brought out."
Jim was surprised and amused.
"And you want to know my opinion on it, or you just wanna know what the fallout was?"
"Nope. As I said. None of us had been back in over six months. And we hadn't heard much. But Genie here has a right to be concerned. Right Genie?"
Jim turned to regard the RTO. Genie was a shapely, petite blonde with elfin features who had corporal stripes on her uniform. She leaned back in her chair to regard Jim with a very serious look. Jim started laughing.
"I am going to recommend that you discuss this with Maddie. I want no part of this. And to set the record straight. It was the council and not Nathaniel acting on Dr Wallace's recommendation on reversing the attrition rate. And yes, she was Spitting mad. Even Mark was afraid to go near her for a while."
Genie smiled thinly. Her serious look belied her unease.
"Think I will. Sir. If it's not too much trouble, may I do so at end of shift?"
"That'll be alright."
Guzman answered. Looking at Jim.
"Let's get something to eat. Then we'll wait for the shit to hit the fan."
He told Jim as he led the Sheriff out the door. Jim gave a nod to Genie as he left the room. Her hand already tapping out the code for Colony Central.
It hadn't taken Mark too long to make his way back to the group that they'd shadowed. Coming out of the woods to an overlook and stopping well back from the lip of the cliff. Mark and Grace got out an eased up to where they could just see over the edge. The five vehicles hadn't moved. Sitting in a line formation, with a tent set up alongside each vehicle. It looked like the camp was coming to life, with people working around one of the vehicles.
"Looks like their security forces are up Sir."
Gracie said. Not taking her eyes from the scene. Mark softly agreed.
"If I were to make contact, we might have the shadow patrol come up from behind. At least to provide cover. We need to find them first."
A soft whistle sound floated up from below. Looking over the edge, they found a grinning corporal looking back at him as he scrambled up a crack alongside the ledge to join them.
"Like minds think alike Sir, if we just happened to pick the same spot."
Scrambling up and over the edge and slipping back out of view. He faced the other two.
"We've been here since late this morning, and we knew you were out and about and had been wondering how to contact you when Pagett heard voices up here. What's the word?"
"We make contact. Execute a three-point perimeter. I'll take the head of the column while you two take either side to the rear. And hopefully they won't panic. We leave now. Sound good?"
The corporal nodded, with a smile he turned and scrambled back down to where his team waited with both their vehicles.
Mark and Gracie watched them in the camp for a short while longer, then climbed back in the rover and made their way down the bank to the bottom of the grade. Reaching the bottom. Mark plowed through the remaining brush before gunning it and shooting across the open field towards the camp. The soldiers in the camp immediately reacted. Bringing their rifles up to bear. But holding fire as the three vehicles closed on their position. Mark got about 20 meters away and slowed down angling left until he was ahead of the lead vehicle and parking four car lengths out. The second vehicle turned wide to the right to clear the last vehicle. The passenger held up her hands palm out, clearing the last vehicle the second vehicle angled away and stopped on the third rover, simply turned and matched the angle of the second rover on the opposite side. Mark backed his rover closer to the lead vehicle of the column, then got out. Gracie unlimbered a rifle and sitting with her feet propped on the door frame kept watch into the woods. Mark approached the lead vehicle with his hands away from his body. A slight man was standing to the left of the lead vehicle. He was slender, very light complected, with jet black hair and grey eyes. He watched Mark approach warily. Mark noticed he had his hand behind him. When Mark reached the front of the vehicle, he'd raised his hands, and set them on the hood. All the while keeping an eye on the man. They looked at each other, and Mark finally spoke.
"Can you understand me?"
The man looked blank for a moment, then the woman stepped out from behind him. Moving alongside her man, she asked Mark a question. The same one he asked, but he couldn't understand it.
Oh dear. Mark thought. Holding up a hand. He turned his vehicle.
" Taylor. Bring the Plex."
Still holding his hand up, he returned his attention to the couple. Pointing at himself. He said his name, and looked at them. A couple looked at each other. Shrugged and looked back at Mark.
"Arthur Taylor, thu din in Alanna Taylor."
Mark was mildly surprised at the surname and couldn't help but grin. Gracie, returned from the rover with the Plex and a pulse rifle. Walking backwards, keeping her attention trained on the perimeter. She made her way back to Mark. He stepped back and reached out to take the Plex, turning back, he keyed it on, taking his com he slotted it into the corner of the control side and made a call.
Nathaniel's face fill the screen.
"What do you have Mark?" he asked.
"I have a language barrier, sir, is what I have. The only words I understood were their names."
Glancing up. He gestured for Arthur to come up alongside.
"Commander, Nathaniel Taylor, I would like you to meet Arthur and Alana Taylor."
Holding the Plex, steady towards the two Mark grinned at the surprise he saw on Nathaniel's face.
"Pleased to meet you do you request sanctuary?"
The couple looked at him blankly, then replied with a comment on their own.
"Sir, you may want to have Maddie or one of the other eggs start talking with these folks. Will try and get them back to the colony.."
"Already have a squad headed your way son. Stand fast. One of those so-called eggs is already on board. Nathaniel out."
Mark put his comm back and turned to Gracie. She was leaning back against the hood watching the forest.
" Gracie. I'll go ahead and watch the wood line. You might want to get acquainted with your new distant relatives. She turned and passed the rifle to Mark with a rueful grin. Snagging the plex. She came up closer to the couple and opened the menu.
"There is a translation program on the small Plex, sir."
She pointed out.
"But you were the one craving experience. Have fun cadet."
She stared at him a moment, wondering how she could wipe that smirk off his face. Turning, she looked up at the two who were looking back at her. Quickly putting her hand on her chest. She said.
"Gracie Taylor."
Arthur's face melted into a grin as he looked down to hide it. Turning, he stepped away from the Rover and called out in his language. Just then, Mark had to answerhis com. One of the rovers had reported that when Arthur had called out. Everyone relaxed. Slowly everyone except Marks detail had filtered to the lead vehicle.
Mark told Gracie that they needed to arrange the vehicles into a more defensible position. Gracie had acknowledged him and with the help of the Plex, diagrammed what needed to be done next. Arthur acknowledged. But didn't seem worried about it. Calling all the drivers together, he quickly described what needed to be done, and shortly all vehicles were arranged in a circle. Only Arthur's had never moved. While Marks detachment, and half the expedition kept watch. Mark, Gracie, the Taylor's, and the other half of Taylor's expedition were in the center of the cordon, trying to decipher two separate languages. Surprisingly, Gracie was making progress in building up a syntax, Til sometime in the afternoon. One of marksman called out. He indicated the direction of the colony. Everyone looked that way, spotting five rhinos headed towards them. As they approached. Mark climbed on top of the rover with the sentry that spotted them and spoke into his com. Shortly the column likewise formed a perimeter outside theirs. Troops came pouring out of each and in short order a perimeter of sonic mines had been formed well outside the circle of vehicles. Three people climbed through the circle of rovers and made their way to where Gracie and the two Taylor's were still puzzling out language.
"Good to see you getting a proper education, sis. I was wondering if they were making you into a caveman."
Gracie's head snapped around. "You jealous?"
The other young lady grinned as she answered. "Nope. Only makes my job easier. What do we have sis?"
"Arthur, Alana, Eli din Maya Taylor. Mi sibli."
Arthur and his wife looked at each other and shook their heads. Exasperated. causing laughter from the surrounding people. This was too funny thought the Taylor 's. Gracie with Maya's help quickly got back on track. They had managed to get a rudimentary vocabulary built up, and Maya was able to get across to the newcomers that they were in extreme danger. Which surprised Arthur, and his people who commented that they hadn't seen any large animals. Maya looked at him levelly, and said, simply that they were being stalked ever since they had come through. She reiterated that they had to make for the colony before dark, and it had to be soon. It was important to do so since the worst ones hunted at night. Arthur looked torn for a moment, then came to a decision. He told Maya that the lead rover from their party had to remain on its present heading. It being on a preprogrammed course he was to follow. And if they were to keep it on course it was to remain there. So reluctantly, they left it. Everyone piled into the other vehicles and headed for the colony.
Jim sat with Captain Guzman in OPS April's common room. It had been surprisingly quiet since Mark and Gracie, had left to initiate a first contact, and truth be told Jim was quite content to accept that. He'd shared with Guzman, Gracie's progress and Guz seemed to be satisfied with what he'd been hearing. Catching up with happenings in the colony. Jim soon found out how isolated the folks at OPS April had been. Two months before the governing council had mandated a policy that all colony citizens of childbearing age have at the most five kids if they were able. Within certain time parameters. The reason being there was a projected attrition rate that would manifest itself, when 50% of the population reached, the ages of 55–70.
All families he said already had at least three children and military were exempt from this mandate. A genetic pairing program had been initiated to make matches ideal for healthier families, but the scuttlebutt that reached OPS April had unsurprisingly sounded more stringent and dictatorial. Rumor, even going so far as to require women to leave military service to have and raise kids. A talk with Alicia had straightened that out, but surprisingly. Neither Taylor's had been able to supply an answer on the mandate. The council seemed reluctantly forthcoming on supplying answers to the military. Jim had been shocked at what Guzman was telling him that had come through the grapevine. While, he and Guzman, along with a good percentage of the colonies original complement had settled down to have a few more children. None were approached by anyone in order to have more kids or banned women from military or industrial positions. In an amusing incident Jim mentioned the actions of a fundamentalist group had resulted in them being severely reprimanded for enforcing harsher restrictions on women. Thinking back Jim shared with Guzman a series of rumors going around shortly after that incident that had Maddie and almost all of the younger adult women ready to geld any man who stated his one-sided opinion. Both Jim and Nathaniel were able to trace down the rumor and ended up confining the patriarch of that group for stirring up trouble. It was a very joyful day when that patriarch finally moved his group out of camp, establishing a camp in the High meadows. Then things finally settled down.
Guzman admitted that he wasn't surprised about the "Whacky Saint" turning out to be trouble.
"I guess Genie's had a good laugh at that. I can easily see her maybe having maybe one or two, but not a herd like what that half-baked preacher was demanding. Shame they didn't just banish them into the badlands."
"And only the real tough nuts at that. Guz. most of the rest seemed decent. He did lose quite a few before that exodus. He was trying to make himself the dominant presence in the colony."
"God, help us if he did try."
Guzman said thoughtfully. They heard a sound from the Commo room. Followed by a curse. Looking at each other, then pushing up and away from their chairs. They were in the room just in time to witness Genie grab a large water cup and sling it into the wall by the door as they were entering. Before Guzman could demand an answer. She simply pointed at the screen.
Maddie, Tasha and Skye's faces were framed in the monitor and all three shared identical looks of shock on their faces. Guz looked at the screen and back at Genie. Then back to the screen.
" Tasha what did you say to piss her off?"
Maddy's image worked a few times like she wanted to say something. But it was clear that she had met someone who's temper outclassed her own and found it disconcerting.
" All right you three. What is it you said that lit my Commo officer off?"
Guz glared at the image of the three ladies, daring them to make the situation look like it was nothing. Jim stood beside him. His attention fixed pointedly at Madeline. Who seemed to wilt a little under his gaze. Tasha finally spoke.
"Dad we've been trying to explain the new announcement the council had come up with concerning that attrition rate Malcolm is so fond of grousing on."
"Did this happen to be what the wacky preacher was demanding, or did they just put the new recommendation into law?"
Guz demanded.
"Better yet. You send those recommendations plus the other material. I want Genie to be well read on the subject, not to mention I would like my facility to remain in one piece. We don't hear much out here. And now thanks to what I just witnessed. I'm almost glad we were not there. Considering we have elected idiots."
Jim watched Maddie working on our Plex to comply with the request. He noted all three were very uncomfortable. Guzman glaring at them didn't help. When the material was sent. He looked back at them and told them.
" OK. I'll allow the link to remain open, but please don't piss her off anymore."
Picking up the Plex, he left the room. Jim followed, noticing in the corner of his eye that Maddie sadly hung her head. As Jim around the corner. Genie was the only one left in the room and had never taken her eyes off Maddie.
" I'm sorry Genie. But they are making it sound desperate here."
"Another sexist in a position of trust with a fantasy that he was the one who made a difference when he succeeded in wrecking things even worse than they were."
Hissed Genie.
"Fortunately, I'm tenured, not a resident, but I was hoping to settle here. Now these idiots will have succeeded in pissing my dad off."
"Who's your dad?"
Skye asked worriedly.
"He'll be here soon. I'll make sure you meet him."
Genie replied cryptically. Killing the connection, she took a handset and went to use the facilities. Maddie and her two friends stared at a blank monitor, and each other for a moment. Sadness and shock. A very real thing. palpably hung over them. Maddie sitting at the console, sighed, put her face in her hands with her elbows propped on the console top.
"What storm did I brew up this time?"
She thought.
"Think she's gonna be thinking twice about residency here, Mads?"
Maddie didn't even stare at Tasha's question. Just turned her head enough to look towards Tasha, looking at her with an eye between her fingers.
"Are you kidding? Soval will be pissed."
Skye groaned.
"Mmnnnnn." Maddy groaned herself as she sat up straighter before pushing back and standing up carefully. Her pregnancy obvious. Turning to leave the room. Skye and Tasha flanked her. It was a dark mood she was feeling. Even coming out in the open didn't lighten it up. The 3 made their way to the clinic at a slow pace. Unhurried owing to Maddy's condition. Thankfully the Com center was only five doors down from the clinic. Thought Maddie. Only three more weeks She thought then her babies would be born. Soval should be happy she thought. Her being the first recorded incident of multiple births and with that thought in mind she asked Tasha.
"So what do you think of Genies parents, and what they have in mind for their purpose?"
Tasha shook her head. Not knowing what to say. Skye turned her attention to the foot traffic that they could see in the street. Both her friends seemed reluctant to address the question. They continued moving along the street. Reluctant to break the silence. Reaching the Clinic. Skye opened the door and let Maddie move in ahead of her before falling in line with Tasha. They made their way towards the back of the clinic passing nurses and interns going about their duties. Entering the private exam room at the end of the hall. They seated themselves. Maddie went and used the bathroom. When she came back. She found her mother there with another woman. Tall, willowy with dark honey, blonde hair. She carried herself with a grace an older woman would've mastered. Maddie went up to the biobed and got on. Laying down. She watched the holo display light up over her. Both mother and visitor eyed the data displayed and appeared pleased by what they saw.
"Well, honey, you appear to be right on schedule. As soon as Mark gets back from his babysitting, we can ensure he'll not leave your side for the next three weeks. I know you'd like that."
Elizabeth spoke to Maddie, putting a hand on her arm to reassure her. Maddie smiled. But was still preoccupied with what she had seen in Genies actions.
"Honey is there something wrong?"
Elizabeth had noticed Maddy's mood. And became concerned, putting your hand up on Mary's forehead.
"It's all right sweetheart the babies are all healthy. You don't need to worry."
"It's not that mom."
She finally breathed. Elizabeth bent down.
"What is it dear?"
Lightly brushing Maddie's cheek. She waited.
"If you need to know, Dr. Shannon. We just succeeded in pissing off our only off world security officer. And Genie was pissed. Elizabeth turned to Skye as she answered.
"And how was that made possible? I thought she was looking forward to settling here."
Elizabeth was very concerned now. Looking thoughtful she turned to her colleague.
"Lady Katherine. That's your daughter. What's going on?"
"I'll have to ask her, but I think the reason for the concern can be found here and it's been simmering below the surface quite some time. Am I right ladies?"
Lady Katherine. Looked at the two friends then Maddie. All three assented.
"It's the call for all women in the colony to open their legs and start Poppin babies out mom. Well, it should be rightfully encouraged. The latest the council put out was made to be a lawful order. With recriminations if it wasn't followed. Genie threw a cat fit and almost wrecked the COM room at OPS April. And for once we didn't blame her."
Lady Katherine bowed her head in disgust. Turning and looking at Elizabeth.
"I am aware of your council's idiotic demands Elizabeth. I am of the opinion that the council has become more dictatorial. They should've left that subject alone, but I'm afraid Malcolm has an unrealistic outlook, and how this is to be followed up on."
"All I know is I may have lost a friend mom."
Maddie, soft voice carried up from the bio bed. Elizabeth turned in, reached out to put a hand on Maddy's cheek.
"We'll get that sorted Maddie. Don't worry, just go ahead and rest. OK"
Mary nodded sadly, and closed her eyes. And drifted off to sleep. Elizabeth turned off the bio bed and turning directed the other three to leave. They stepped out in the hallway and moved to an empty exam room. Noticing Skye still had Maddy's plex. Elizabeth quietly asked her to show her the file that had Genie so mad. Without a word Skye opened the file, then handed the Plex over to Elizabeth. Going over to a workstation. She set the Plex down, then moved over to give Katherine room to read. They both perused the file. After a short while reading. Elizabeth raised her eyes and regarded Katherine. Both could tell that neither was very impressed with the authorship. Turning to the younger women, and then beckoning them closer, she quietly told them not to say anything to anyone. Handing the plex back to Skye and asking them to stay close to Maddie. Elizabeth looked at Katherine and gestured to follow. She stepped out of the clinic and made her way to the command center. She didn't know what she was going to say to Alicia, what she'd read was not very conducive to a healthy society. Katherine' herself was having bad vibes about this whole thing as well.
After stopping at OPS April to pick Jim up and then leaving the bases two patrols there. Mark drove back down the trail to catch up with the convoy that had headed back to the colony. Mark also found out about the little spat between Genie and his wife and was very concerned. After conferring with commander Taylor. It was deemed wise to cut off the Bug's, graduation exercise and head in. They over, took the convoy about 5 miles out of the colony, and Jim filled him in on what was going on with Maddie and Genie. The more Mark heard. The madder he got.
"Maddie just wants to be a mother. Not have her pregnancy touted as an example of what is expected of women. I think we got a bigot or two on the council Jim. I thought this was over and done with."
Mark's outburst wrote a note of agreement from Jim, but he held his peace. After reading the colony release, he didn't want to infuriate Mark any further than he already was. The timestamp on the release was less than five days old.
When they arrived at the colony. The newcomers, with what little was learned of their language, were made welcome as guests and sent off to get fed and quartered. Arthur stood by the Rover a bit confused. Gracie and Nathaniel tried to explain as best as best they could a problem that had arisen that needed dealt with, and since it was late, to relax. Nathaniel delegated Grace and Maya to host the new arrivals and turned his attention to Mark and Jim.
"I can see by your demeanor that you heard son."
Mark could only nod. Nathaniel nodded at him in understanding. Dismissing him to go to his wife. That left Jim and the young group commander. Nathaniel looked over at the young soldier.
"I'll take the report now if there was any more than what you've already told me."
"Wasn't much more than that, sir. Mark convinced that group to come back with us, and while he was doing that, I briefed you about the Bug and then, while visiting Captain Guzman, Corporal Forrest went ballistic. She was talking to Maddie on the com. She told us that she was going to call here at the end of shift. But decided to call earlier. Guz made Maddie transmit that file and both of us read it. I cannot blame Mark for being angry."
Nathaniel stood there as Jim reported. Nodding.
"Your wife brought that same report to my attention this afternoon. And I can honestly say Mark, Genie and Maddie have reasons to be upset. If there's anything we can do it better be now."
He turned to the sergeant who commanded the Rhino squadron. He received his report, then dismissed him. Gesturing for Jim to follow, they made their way up the stairs to the Command Center. Inside Jim found Elizabeth, Alicia, Lady Katherine and Soval seated around the conference table. Maddie was laying on a cot against the back wall with Skye and Tasha seated next to her. Mark arrived shortly after and sat at the table.
Taking their respective seats. Nathaniel next to Alicia, Jim next to Elizabeth with Soval and Lady Katherine across from them. And Mark. At the foot of the table so he could be near Maddie.
"To be honest, I had thought this matter had been dealt with. The primary means to encourage families was to be strictly voluntary and amicable. Never to be an edict. Now we banished the prime suspect out to the Meadows, but it seems we have a detractor in the colony who's shown a willingness to enforce this drivel. Now I am not willing to believe that everybody on the council would endorse this and if someone is acting outside his authority, he needs to be dealt with. He's hijacked the program to his own ends and disrupting the future for a large demographic element of our population. Primarily our women. While we need the children, we have never needed a captive breeding program or subjugating our women to forward the long-term health of the colony to their detriment. Ideas anyone?"
"I agree with your assessment commander. My daughter was most displeased with that particular piece of tabloid news. However, this does mean we will have to use caution here. There does seem to be a lot more going on. They may be doing this as a distraction to remove the elder heads of this colony."
Looking at Soval. Nathaniel tipped his head forward in acknowledgement.
"Or someone is harboring a misogynistic case against women over all and is showing a willingness to enforce it."
"Of that I have no doubt, Nathaniel. However. You do have enemies as well as others who have had much influence in this colony's development."
"What we'll do Soval is bring in the council as well as the CSO. The one who has adamantly railed about the attrition crisis. What we need to determine, was who put this out and made it an order. And why it was so important to demand women set their lives aside to become brood mares for their interests."
Looking at Jim.
"You may need help on this one Jim. Take Reynolds with you when you look into this. I won't be able to put him on missions with Maddie so close."
"Will do, sir." Jim replied. He'd been casting worried glances at Maddie. Nathaniel took note and nodded. Going over to where Maddie lay on a cot. He got down on one knee beside the cot and talked to her.
"Young lady. Would it be too much to ask not to worry about this? If you had not in advertently, brought it up. We would never have known about it. So love those babies and know, I'm keeping Mark in the colony to stay near you. OK?"
Maddy had lain there with her eyes closed as she listened to the meeting. Smiling tiredly, she nodded to them then faded off to sleep. Nathaniel got back up and returned to the table.
"We'll rake Malcolm over the coals this time for even suggesting this. But I have the feeling we haven't heard the last of the Whacky Saint. Not by a long shot. He didn't look like he was finished when he left here. So it might be getting too aggravating for him out there by now."
Finishing, he looked over at Jim but before he spoke up. Elizabeth broke in.
"The program itself has merit when it's used as a productive means of carrying out the long-term needs of the colony. With incentives and encouragement to young people to take a life partner and start their own families. And make family a positive keystone in their lives. As Malcolm initially presented it. There's nothing wrong with it. But I've noticed and quite a few others have noticed. Once it got into the council hands. It went South."
"And you think it's the council itself or someone involved with the council Elizabeth?"
Asked Katherine.
"I am a little reluctant to answer that one just yet, but whoever came out with that last edict from the council was expecting it to be obeyed without question. I hate to say this Jim, but it is too uncomfortably close to the family is four law we remembered from our own time period. Just headed in the opposite direction."
Everyone was silent after Elizabeth stopped talking. Then there was a knock at the door. Mark got up and answered it. Gracie and Maya entered with Arthur and Alana behind.
"Is there a special reason you interrupted this meeting but can't wait until morning. Cadet?"
Alicia asked her oldest daughter.
"Only that our lead Guest is seriously concerned about the one Rover he was forced to leave out there, ma'am." Grace answered with as much military decorum as she could muster.
"I am curious why it was on a programmed heading. What is so special about it?" Mark asked.
Turning to the Commander.
"From what I was led to understand, they were following a preprogrammed course and moving the vehicle more than several kilometers would mess up the navigational plan."
Nathaniel nodded at Mark's explanation. And turned his attention to Grace.
"Do they have enough of a command of English to communicate or are we still puzzling it out?"
"Sir. We might have enough of a syntax built up for him to write it out. But the matter seems urgent enough to interrupt. Would Minister Soval, or Lady Katherine have a UT we can use? It should speed things up."
"Young lady. I may point out that there was an agreement made with your father and the council about the transfer of technology between our worlds. An agreement that if followed wisely to allow your community to grow with availability and maintenance. So, I trust this isn't a ploy to snag another piece of technology."
Soval had cut into the conversation, bringing Gracie up short. Maya took over.
"No Minister, but the situation could highlight the need for it. It does seem the matter concerning Doctor Taylor is a real one and me and Grace have gone as far as we can with translating. So would the cause be sufficient in this case?"
Soval's brows rose at Maya's explanation. Glancing at Katherine. She didn't miss the pleased expression at Maya's reply.
"Indeed, it would seem so. However, we do not have one available at this time. It was fortunate for us that the English language spoken here is the same as federation standard from our time. And our next contact is 19 hours away."
Before Maya could reply. A soft sound could be heard from Maddie's cot. Mark quickly moved to Maddie 's bedside. Tasha who'd been sitting beside Maddie quickly moved away so Mark could get near her. She softly spoke to Mark. And when he nodded, she went back to sleep. Mark stood and faced everyone in the group.
"Maddie said to use the Eye. There's a language translation suite in the archives, and there should be a learning program to help you out."
Grace snorted.
"I was wanting to suggest that sir. But was overruled. Counselor Nicholl has a man guarding the entrance to the eye, and absolutely refused me entrance."
Everyone traded looks.
"Reynolds go get that man. Haul his ass up here and take Gracie with you."
Taylor's order came without hesitation. Mark turned to leave with Grace turning to follow. Handed her Plex to Maya as she left. A few minutes later. Both came back with a slightly built man who looked out of place. And was very uncomfortable with facing the military leader of the colony.
"Hello young man. I asked that you be brought up here to explain your actions. Why is a public access source of information suddenly restricted. And why is the council suddenly being so militant?"
The man looked very uncomfortable about it but answered.
"Because it's the will of the council, sir. They didn't have an access pass, nor did they have an appointment. And it can only be approved by the council during normal business hours."
"Is that all? From what I understand you were very hostile towards my daughter in the course of her duties. And from what I've been hearing some of the councils' edicts have become more and more restrictive. My daughter will use the Eye tonight. Right now."
He was interrupted by the man who sputtered.
"If she isn't authorized to, sir, I can't allow her to use it. You will have to address this with the council in the morning."
"We intend to. Grace take Dr. Taylor down there and do what you need to. As for you, I am ordering you to inform your boss to report to my office at 0800 before the Council meets to explain his council's actions."
The man attempted to interrupt. But a look from Taylor and Jim stopped him. He'd nodded nervously and was allowed to leave. As soon as he left, Nathaniel told Mark to contact Ben and have him monitor the man's movement. Mark quickly left to do so following behind Grace Maya, and the Taylor's. Nathaniel stood there a moment watching the door. Turning his attention to the others.
"I think we found our bigot."
Jim nodded trading, looks with Elizabeth.
Grace, Maya, Alana and Arthur wasted no time once they gained access to the eye. Finding the translation program. In short order, they were able to get enough translated to carry on a conversation. Working through the night they managed to accomplish what they needed. Dawn was breaking when they left the eye. Headed up to Nathaniel's office. Grace led the way out the door into the short hallway, leading to the outside of the building when she found herself confronted by two men.
"Miss Taylor. You've been found in violation of the council's edict on fair use and are to be detained. You, your sister, and guests will come with us please. We will not ask again."
One of the men spoke. Then turned to go. Grace regarded them without emotion. Then moved to follow. As she neared the door to the outside, she sensed more people gathered outside and turning, handed off her Plex and file cards to Alana. Beside her, Maya tensed, knowing that what was going to happen next was not going to be good.
As she passed through the door. She sensed movement on either side of her. Feeling someone grab her arms. She acted. The petite raven head exploded into action, and both men rebound away. Reaching for their throats. As they fell away, she launched, diving into a roll. She came up, barreled into the next two bringing her elbows into their chests as several more assailants tried to come in from the side. Trying to bracket her to be intercepted by Maýa. Three more tried to get close, but we're blocked by the previous individuals being smacked back.
"Cadet Taylor you are under arrest for noncompliance. Stand down."
The authoritative voice rang out over the sound of the men still attacking them. Gracie just managed to duck another man when she was blindsided from her left. The impact barreled her into one of the support posts. Blinking back stars, she staggered, trying to evade the hands reaching for her.
Everyone froze at the sound of pulse rifles, charging up. The men who'd been trying to apprehend Grace and her party looked up to Commander Taylor, the sheriff and three other soldiers on the deck above them. Five pulse rifles pointed at them. One of Gracie's assailants snatched out a knife and went to hold it to Maya's throat only to get three pulse blasts to the chest. As he hit the ground, Maya snatched the knife out of the air and drove it into the throat of one of the men behind her.
"OK gentleman. We will do this by the numbers. Face down on the ground. Next man, objects, or dares to lay a hand on my daughters will be carried out the gates."
Taylor addressed the men.
"Your boss was told to be here at 0800, now where is he?" Silence.
"I said, where is he?"
That low gravelly tone and dangerous glance brooked no argument.
"We are acting under the authority of the council commander. You will stand down your man and allow us to complete our assignment. Our job is to enforce compliance. Yours is to ensure the safety the colony. Do you have to be reminded of that sir?"
The little man didn't know what hit him. Grace had recovered enough to catch most of what the councils, spokesman said, and his disrespectful tone towards her father. Trading looks with Maya. She's stepped forward.
"Certainly." Was all she said as she moved.
"About time you acknowledged your place."
The man said, triumphantly, thinking, he prevailed. He never saw her launch herself at him as he gloated up at the commander. The next moment he was aware of was laying on the ground in shock, pain began to make itself known. Gracie kneeled over him with a knee in his groin. She smacked his face and ribs and bloodied him up. Grabbing him by his shirt front and hauling him up, faces inches apart. She spoke.
"Get something straight little man. Your counsel has overstepped itself and little punks like you would've been chucked out the gate. If you even thought all women we're good for was your personal brood sow and toy. You wanna bluster, strut and bully. You go ahead. Just remember trolls don't reproduce."
She slammed him in the face to the ground. She looked up at her father. Nathaniel looked back down at her.
" Bug. Go ahead and finish what you're doing. We'll take it from here."
Was all he said. She nodded, then moved to rejoin Maya and her guests. Moving away from the door, and then up to the conference room. Taylor had a squad apprehend the men. Then after his daughter left, palmed his com and contacted Ben.
"Ben what did you find out?" he asked.
"That we have a touchier situation here than people have let on sir."
"Meaning?" Taylor asked.
"Meaning that the Whacky Saint is more behind this, than we knew. Councilman Nicholl is an elder in his fellowship and has been making plans to take over the colony. We sweated that guy out that you told us to follow last night. He reported directly to Nicholl last night and right after he left Nichol's residence. A group of a dozen showed up and got orders to carry out an arrest."
"We know where that dozen had been. They just tried to swat the Bug. Anything else?"
Not liking what he was hearing. He made a decision. Before Ben could reply.
"Arrest and detain Counselor Nicholl and inform the council that they are to meet at the Command Center in one hour. We are not going to let this stand."
Ben acknowledged. putting away, he made his way along the balcony to look over the market. Which was just coming to life. Jim joined him shortly.
" Fish are in the barrel, sir. Do you want us to sweat them?"
He reported.
"No let them rot for the moment. Let's deal with the council. This is not going to stand."
He said quietly. Eyes still roaming the market.
"Ben come up with anything?" Jim asked.
Taylor nodded, still surveying the market. Not liking what he saw.
" We got a couple spooks eyeballing us and the goings-on. Jim head over to Casey's stall. There's a man over there to Casey's left leaning against the fence. Spring him for me will you?"
"Sure." Jim replied. Before turning and heading back down the stairs. Making his way through the market, making it look like he intended to enter one of the radian lanes. He spied out of the corner of his eye, the figure Taylor had indicated at Casey's straighten up from the fence and duck into the stalls. As Jim made his way past the stalls, he noted two others joined the first. Turning a corner. He kept alert for more shadows, and finding none, palmed his com.
"Taylor, I've been made. One spook turned into three."
He kept moving. Getting an idea. He strode towards the clinic. Noting as he did, two more had moved to intercept him. But his change of direction had thrown them off. Forcing them to break into a run. Holding his pace, he continued to the clinic, allowing them to overtake him. He just stepped up to the door, and was reaching out to open it, when the first pursuer caught up with him, and grabbed him by the shoulder. Jim simply turned his head to look at him and shook his head but made no move to remove the man's hand. finishing his action and opening the clinic door. He started in. His would-be captor. Angered by Jim's dismissive behavior. Tightened his grip meaning to yank him back. Only to have Jim stiff arm him in the throat.
The others had caught up just as the first man went down and attempted to overwhelm Jim. Only to be shot by Mark, who had brought Maddie just a few minutes earlier. Stepping thru the door when it opened and seeing Jim get ambushed. He hadn't hesitated about pulling his side arm and firing at face level. As they fell, Mark stood alongside Jim. Both surveying the area for more threats. Then while Mark kept watch. Jim wasted no time in tying up their friends. A small detachment of security had arrived quickly, showing up at Mark 's call and took the five away to the brig. Jim quickly called Taylor.
"Sir. We have five more bagged. They were expecting this."
"Not surprised. If that one that was bothering Casey is one of them. We'll start with him. The councils just showing up here. Go help Ben find Nicholl and if Mark's nearby, tell him to stay near Maddie."
"Received Jim." Mark replied. Then turned and went back into the clinic. Jim put away his com and moved outside into the street. He didn't get too far when a man stepped out of the clinic and shadowed him. Jim's search took him halfway around the colony to where Ben had a small detachment of security shadowing a bungalow. Alerting Ben. He came alongside and peering around the corner through some tall shrubs.
"Watcha got Ben?" he asked has a shadow fell in beside them. Jim gave the new arrival a quick glance as Ben answered. Never taken his eyes off the house.
"The good councilor was last seen going in here last night, never came out. My guess is, we have a tunnel entrance here."
"OK?" Jim asked. "Makes sense. It's close to the perimeter as it is. So, our fundamentalist friend still wants our colony and our women. Nothing new there."
"Yeah, I get my hands on the leaders. I may just feed the nycko s with them. They've actually been getting worse Jim."
Jim looked at Ben then. Who returned his look with a more serious frown.
"What have they been doing?" He finally asked.
"They started taking our own people Jim. In fact, Maddie, Skye, and about half a dozen other young women, were to be next. I caught one of those three-man groups trying to shake down a house. So, I stopped them. I sweated them, and they told me their mission was to deport our people as punishment. The women were to remain as breeders. He really is one sick bastard Jim. Nicole has our com freqs so I can't even tell Taylor what all I found."
Jim could tell Ben was having a hard time controlling his fury. Then the man who followed Jim spoke quietly."
"If I may young OSU's. My communicator doesn't have the same shortcomings as yours, and with a short word with Soval, that could solve our problem?"
Jim and Ben regarded him a moment, then, looking at Jim, who said. "Can't hurt." Then back at the Vulcan then nodded.
The Vulcan named S'dan quickly pulled out his own Comm and started talking rapidly into it. After receiving a quick response. He closed it and looked at the others.
" I think that should suffice OSU's. Now shall we go cage a Lematya?"
The Shannon brothers looked at each other again with raised brows and amused grins. Then nodded, and the three of them stalked around the corner and began walking toward the house in question.
Back at the Command Center. The councilmen were seated around the conference table when Commander Taylor, Soval and another Vulcan entered from a back room. Taking a quick head count, they quickly noticed one member was unaccounted for. Taylor wasted no time in calling the meeting to order.
"Gentlemen and Ladies. I had thought that a certain matter had been dealt with when we banished a certain individual known as the whacky Saint and the worst of his hard-core followers several months ago. Given that we're are now a melting pot of at least five diasporas of people through the portals. I was willing to accept some cultural differences. But it should not have surprised me that someone would take advantage of our willingness to accept other's differences in culture to further their own ends. On the table in front of you is a hard copy of an edict issued by your authority five days ago literally ordering all women of childbearing age in this colony to set aside their lives to produce children. And to unquestionably accept the attentions of all men other than their husbands. This is made in strongly worded language that demands it be obeyed without question. Further. In checking through those other releases by your offices I found other edicts that are more restrictive, such as permission to use the EYE, and a whole slew of other demands."
He paused.
"Any reason as to why you are putting my colony into a militaristic stance, and putting a significant percentage of our population in jeopardy? I'll let you peruse what we found, but this matter is serious. One other violation I may point out is there is one of you with his or her personal police force. Under the amended bylaws put out when the council was formed, was the security arm is responsible for law-enforcement. Not more than 45 minutes ago, a dozen men tried to arrest my daughters and two newly arrived guests, 20 minutes later, my deputy was jumped by five men at the clinic. What I can tell you in the bylaws there is no statute for sedition. For that is covered by military tribunal."
When the council members made to object. Taylor raised his hand and continued.
" I am not finished. I want to know what the hell is going on and while I am willing to handle this as a gentleman, I would also be appreciative it if you maintain a reasonable, moral high ground. And police yourselves. I will not be pushed aside in my mission to protect and maintain this colony, my family and by extension any family in this colony will not be bullied into an agenda that benefits a few people, and we will not be turned into a hermit kingdom. That is all now I must ask you to review what we have found."
Taylor went silent and watched. As the council started to read over what was presented to them. He didn't have long to wait.
"The commander is right. We didn't issue a third of these so-called edicts. A petite raven headed lady spoke up.
"There are seven edicts that weren't issued by us, sir. I remember that week. We had been swamped by other requests, and there was a lot of going on that we have been dealing with. In fact. This request to have children outside the bounds of a union, and with other men, not the woman's primary would've been struck down if it had been presented to us in Council."
Three other council members agreed with the lady. Taylor looked on with a nod, trading looks with Soval before turning his attention back to the council as they continued to review the edicts.
"So we are to understand that no one in this room is aware of the material presented here. As well as the whereabouts of a certain absent councilman?"
Soval's inquiry had startled everyone. Up to now he had deferred to commander Taylor's authority as a colony elder. His stepping out threw off the council. They looked at each other, then at Taylor before turning back to Soval and agreeing to his question. Soval continued to regard to council. Taylor simply watched. He like everyone else knew Soval's inquiry was geared toward something. Knowing his daughter, and a handful of others of his people had volunteered to remain here, it made sense. Taylor himself did not pretend to understand how and why Soval's people had made their way here to this place in time. But there was a robust portal and the promise of help and supplies so he respected Soval's input on this. Soval remained quiet, simply looking at the assembled group. One of the council members addressed Soval and Taylor.