New chapter update! Sorry I took sometime updating. Been busy with college stuff recently. Anyway, hope you enjoy the update! And please do comment! ^^

Chapter 1: Unexpected Arrival

Lieutenant Washington stood in front of Commander Taylor, giving her report about the new Pilgrimage that had arrived not too long ago. Other than the stowaways, there had been sightings of Sixers near to the portal. They probably had to double the guard in case the Sixers tried to mess with the equipment. She was nearly done with her report when the door behind her suddenly slammed open.

"Commander, I tried to-" the lieutenant heard a member of the security task force begin to say.

"Uncle Nathan!" Lieutenant Washington turned to see a brown-haired girl rush passed her and hug the commander. Both the lieutenant and the security stared in shock and surprise at Commander Taylor.

"It is alright," Nathaniel said. "This is my goddaughter, Serena White."

"… I am glad to hear of your accomplishments!" Nathaniel said, smiling. He watched the nineteen year old girl happily drank from the cup of juice that Lieutenant Washington had brought in for her. "I am sure Terra Nova will benefit with having you here. Your family came with you, right?"

"Yup!" Serena said, smiling as she looked around the place. It looked kind of primitive with all the wood and that huge bone table. But it felt better compared to being in 2149.

"How is Jack doing?" Nathaniel asked. He remembered the happy moments and sad moments he had been through with Jack White. One of his oldest friends, Jack had gone with him into the army. While Nathaniel had been constantly promoted, Jack had been happy with being promoted to being a major in the army and remained at that ranking. He was Nathaniel's constant support, especially when he had lost his wife, Ayani.

"Um… Dad…" Serena said, looking down at the floor. Nathaniel looked at Serena, sensing that something was wrong. "Dad passed away a year after you left." Nathaniel looked at her, shocked at what she was telling him. "Ever since you left, he became very depressed. They dismissed him from the army not long after you came here. I guess he couldn't handle that…"

Nathaniel reached across the table and covered one of Serena's hands. "I am sorry for your lost," Nathaniel said. "Your father was a great man and a very good friend of mine. How is Elena handling all this?" He knew that Jack's wife loves him a lot. Their love and bond between each other had been so strong. Being left alone without her significant other would have caused Elena much grief. Nathaniel knew that because of what he went through.

"Mum has been well," Serena said. "I have been helping out with the bills and all. Besides, I work for a few science institutes. They made sure everything was paid for so Mum could take it easy."

"That is good then." Nathaniel wished that he had been there to help Jack and his family. He should have requested for Jack to be transferred to Terra Nova on the 2nd Pilgrimage instead of waiting for the place to be fully operational before inviting his dear friend.

"Um… Uncle Nathaniel?" Nathaniel looked at his goddaughter. "Is… Um… Where can I find Lucas?"

Nathaniel froze in his seat. He should have expected that Serena would be looking for his son. When they were young, both children had a close bond and were always seen working on a new invention or discussing about something very scientific. Both Serena and Lucas had the same IQ level and easily understood each other. Nathaniel took a deep breath and then said, "Serena, Lucas is missing. He disappeared from Terra Nova not long after he arrived. I am sorry…"

"Oh…" Serena said, looking down at the cup that was in her hands. "I see…" Then, she got up. "I had better go make sure Mum has settled in."

"Of course," Nathaniel said. "Say hi to her for me. I shall drop by when I am free and make sure you have settled in properly."

"Thank you, uncle," she said, exiting the room.

Nathaniel watched her go. He felt bad lying to Serena. But that was all he could offer her for now. If Serena knew what Lucas was up to, she might just join him. And he could not let that happen. He wouldn't let another loved one fall prey to whoever was behind this scam in Terra Nova. Terra Nova was a place for second chances. He wouldn't let anyone destroy that.

Serena walked down the path, frowning. How could Lucas be missing? He is not the type that would take unnecessary risks that could endanger his life. What happened? She stopped walking. Unless something had happened while he was working, that could explain his disappearance. Her hand went up and touched the necklace that she wore.

She looked up at the sky, holding back the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. Lucas… He had been her hope after her father left. Now it felt as if there was no use living since he was gone. She took in a deep shaky breath. She had come here for a second chance; for herself and for her family. She would be strong for them. Pushing aside her grief, she walked in the direction of her house.

"Must you go?" Serena asked.

Lucas continued packing his things into his bag. "Yes. My dad is waiting for me on the other side."

"You could stay with us you know… There is enough room for you here…"

"I know. But I can't burden your family anymore." He looked up from his packing and saw the sad look on Serena's face. He came to stand beside her. She looked down at the floor. "Look at me, Rena." She refused. He cupped her chin and tilted her face upwards. She did not cry. But her amethyst-coloured eyes shone bright with the tears that she held back. She tugged out of his grip, looking away.

Lucas sighed. He had not wanted to leave her. But he had a job to fulfill as well as several other reasons for going. He reached into his pocket, touching the small black box that he had carried out for a few months already. He had hoped that he would be around for her birthday to give her the gift or maybe until she was older to give it to her. Afraid that he might not have the chance to do so in the future, Lucas took out the box and held it out to her.

"For you," he said. "I was hoping to give that to you on your birthday. But I guess that it is better if I gave it to you now."

Serena looked at it and then at his face. She pushed away his hand that held the black box, saying, "A thing can't replace you!" Then, she turned and ran out of the house. Lucas followed her. But stopped when a roar cut through the silence.

Lucas sat up, startled from his sleep. The sky was dark. The only light came from the campfire he built. He clutched the makeshift spear to himself. There was another roar. But it sounded further away than the earlier one. Lucas leaned back onto the tree. He had not meant to doze off. But he was starting to feel tired after staying awake for weeks.

He touched the necklace he wore. The pendant was one half of a heart. On the front, the letters 'HEA' were engraved. On the back was the word 'HOPE'. He was her hope as she was his peace. He remembered what his employers had promised. Once he completed his work here and avenged his mother's death, he could go back and see Serena. They had not allowed him to use the communication system to see how she was doing. If he did, they had said that she would be placed in a very dangerous situation.

He tightly gripped the pendant he wore. He would go back to see her. Even if he had to kill people to make sure the portal worked backwards. He would go to her! He would make sure that they could be together again and nothing could separate them! He wouldn't let anything separate them again.