Alicia felt like she'd been kicked her in the gut with her guard down. She'd taken a few hits like that sparing with him, but this was definitely the hardest blow and she wasn't sure she could draw a breath. 'Damn, why can't anything ever be simple,' was her first thought when she could think again.

Her reply was concise and Nathaniel didn't miss the change in her tone or subject, "Is Mira going to be with you also?"

'Good,' he thought, she wasn't making a scene, but he had no doubt he ruined his warm reception. "Mira will be the first one through. Take her directly to the brig. I want transportation and housing for the V.I.P.'s. Transmitting information on them now," Nathaniel hit a button and transferred the data to her.

"Got it," was her only reply.

He sighed, "We're gathering here at noon and I expect we'll come through shortly afterwards. Is Shannon there?"

"No."

She wasn't making it easy on him, "I want Shannon at the portal along with Guzman and his units. Shannon is in charge of our guests and seeing them safely to the colony and Guz is in charge of security both in the colony and OTG."

"Yes, Sir," again her crisp reply let him know her mind.

"Look, Wash, I'll fill you in when I get home. Just remember that I love you and can't wait to see you and my daughter." He hoped that partially appeased her.

"We'll be waiting," her tone was still terse.

"I'll see you in a few hours, Taylor out," he cut his end of the connection and rubbed the back of his neck that was tight. The thought of Wash giving him a backrub that she was so good at made him anxious to get home and make amends.

He walked to the transports and looked in the back at equipment that would hopefully keep his colony in modern times for countless generations to come. He also hoped he wasn't making a fatal mistake bringing Ayani to his home and thought back to the one time Christopher, Wash's fiancé and she showed up for a function together. Christopher's hands never left her body and once he saw him grab her butt and squeeze as they were going to the dance floor. He tried to imagine if positions were reversed and her old boyfriend was going to Terra Nova. It wasn't the same he realized. A boyfriend wasn't the same as a wife.

Alicia looked around to see if her conversation was overheard. Luckily, nobody was nearby while she collected herself. Malcolm was monitoring the control panel and she was a good thirty feet from him. How was she going to inform the colony of this interloper. She was sure Nathaniel had a good excuse and knew he mentioned his dead wife to warn her. She could only think of one reason the woman was coming here; to stake a claim on 'her' man. Alicia lifted her head, 'I'm not giving you up without a fight, Nathaniel. I don't care if you drag another Ayani here. She might by your true love, but you made a child who needs a father.'

"This is going to get interesting, Malcolm," she silently walked up behind him making him jump.

"Lieutenant, I'm scared enough out here without you helping the carnivores. Now what is getting interesting?"

"Nathaniel is bringing his first wife back with him."

"The dead one?" Malcolm remembered to shut his mouth.

"Seems like he and I are the dead ones on their side." Somehow talking about it helped.

"What does she want," he saw the expression she gave him, "Oh….I get it. What are you going to do?"

"Show Nathaniel he didn't make a mistake marrying me. They are coming through right after noon. I want you operating the controls. Shannon is in charge of the guests and Guz, the military. I'm going back to the colony." Malcolm watched her walk rapidly to her rover.

The hours passed slowly as Nathaniel paced and got to know all the people going with him for a visit. Ayani showed up with a bag and he went over to her. "I see you decided to come after all."

"You don't sound exactly enthused. Don't worry, Nathaniel, I know you're married and have a child. I want to enjoy myself and your world. I may never get another chance to breathe fresh air or live without a rebreather." 'And scope the situation with your Lieutenant,' she added to herself.

Nathaniel smiled, "You'll love it there. I'll make sure you get a tour," with a pat to her shoulder, he moved on. He finally stopped by Malcolm who was coordinating his scientists. "I hope you get to your Terra Nova, Malcolm."

"When Commander Dawson gets back from your world, he's leading an army to capture General Philbrick. I'll get my chance at returning. I don't see how someone can go to a place like that and want to return to this sewer."

Nathaniel felt a hand clap his shoulder. "We're leaving soon and I've sent for Mira," Elliot informed him when he turned around.

"I need to return to the base for my armor and weapons," Nathaniel didn't want to leave anything from his time behind.

"I'm needed here, but take my vehicle, start code is…"

"378565, I've watched you punch it in many times," Nathaniel grinned over his shoulder as he hurried off. He hurriedly dressed in the clothes he arrived in complete with armor and weapons. When he arrived back at Hope Plaza, Mira was waiting with several soldiers giving her a little space, but she knew not to nor wanted to try anything.

"We're ready," Elliot gave the green light when he saw Nathaniel.

Nathaniel looked at the waiting people and went to Mira, "Okay, Mira, you go first and remember my soldiers might want to use you for target practice. Don't let them."

Mira held up her bound hands, "I'm hardly a threat, Taylor."

"I'll be right behind you," he motioned for her to move.

Jim saw Mira and didn't have to turn around to know the soldiers behind him had raised their rifles. "Welcome back, I have a nice place for you to stay. Reynold's, Dunham, escort Mira to the brig." He watched as Mark took an arm and led her away. He looked back just in time to see the Commander appear.

Nathaniel stopped and looked around. He noticed the gentle breeze rustling leaves and smelled fresh air, the first since his journey through the rabbit hole. He focused on his people and was surprised they were clapping. He smiled and raised a hand, "It's good to be home. We have a convoy coming through in two minutes. Clear the road. Sergeant Thomas, jump on the sidebar of the first truck and lead them down the road a hundred yards. That'll give the rest room to clear the portal." He issued his orders and went to meet Jim who was walking in his direction.

"Good to have you back, Sir," he shook the Commander's hand.

"It's good to be home." He looked around and nodded to Malcolm, who was monitoring the panel a few feet away, "Where's Wash?"

"She traded places with me. I took the morning off when I heard she was going to be here, and of course I volunteered to be Jade's first official babysitter, even if Elizabeth wouldn't let me out of the Infirmary with her." He turned sober, "What's this I hear about your dead wife coming for a visit?"

"Long story. Stand aside," Nathaniel moved out of the way as the first truck rolled by. It stopped when Thomas waved. Soon it moved on and the rest of the convoy made an appearance followed by foot traffic.

Elliot and Ayani appeared together, the final two through the portal and stopped after a few steps and stared, stunned at the pristine world.

"Here, breathe through this for a moment," Nathaniel held a mask out to each of them. They were attached to small bottles.

Elliot pulled his mask away after a couple draws, "Your articulacy didn't come close to accurately describing this place."

Ayani looked around. She was looking for Nathaniel's wife. Jim watched her, seizing her up and figured she was looking for her competition. He stepped forward for an introduction.

Nathaniel saw Jim push in and made the introductions, "Jim, this is General Elliot Simmonds, man in charge of Hope Plaza, and this is Ayani Taylor. And this is Jim Shannon, third in charge of the colony and its only sheriff."

Jim and Elliot shook hands, then Jim turned to Ayani and offered his hand, "I take it things in your world are different than ours?"

Nathaniel jumped in before Ayani could formulate a reply, "In their world, Wash and I are dead as is Lucas."

Jim smiled, "If you'll come with me, I'll escort you to our home." He looked for permission from Nathaniel.

"Go on, but put our guests in front of the Command Center. Also, call a meeting of the colony so I can address everyone when I get there. I need a word with Malcolm."

Soon the area cleared out except for one unit Guzman ordered to secure the area until the Commander and Malcolm were gone. He followed the convoy with his own units to add firepower to the colony if these people were a nemesis pretending friendship.

"Malcolm, I need you to take the control out of the terminus. I don't want the other side to activate to our world and send an army."

"You think that might be a possibility?"

"I think I gave them the idea to rape their past and colonize mine. I don't know who to trust right now, but had to bring a delegation or might be stuck in their future indefinitely."

"I didn't include the information to open the portal at any select destination like just outside our gate," Malcolm didn't know if Nathaniel knew that.

"They didn't ask me so I assumed you may have forgotten to include it. Good job, Malcolm. I'm sure they'll find out the details of the Phoenix selectively appearing where they wanted, but we'll play dumb on how they did it."

"Did you tell them how the Phoenix split our forces?"

Nathaniel grimaced, "Not exactly how it happened. I may have let them think they came through our portal after blowing several people up and scattering our army."

"I won't say a word."

Nathaniel pulled his mini, "I'm sending word to everyone not to give details of our attack from the Phoenix or anything about the Sixers." He finished his written message and sent it top priority to everyone's plexpads and mini's. He ended with, 'Please delete this message after reading, regards Commdr. Taylor.'

"Message didn't go to our guests, did it?" Malcolm read what Nathaniel wrote, then hit delete.

"No, I gave a different frequency to them and told them so they could talk to each other without us hearing."

"Cleaver," Malcolm approved.

"I may not have your IQ, but I stumble through life okay."

"You don't have my intelligence and I don't have your cunning. You see how well it turned out when I tried to get Elizabeth here without her husband."

Nathaniel laughed. "I'll let you get to work and then you can give me a lift to the colony."

Malcolm worked swiftly and within ten minutes had the unit disabled. "I don't have to remove it. I pulled all the connecting wires for power and configuration." Malcolm grabbed his toolkit and they were off to the colony.

The grounds were crowded and the colonist parted for Malcolm's rover, which he stopped near the bottom of the left set of steps to the Command Center. Nathaniel got out and almost bumped into Casey as he rolled his chair to the forefront of the gathering. Nathaniel grinned and grabbed his hand, "Good to see you, Casey." He saw Boylan standing behind the wheelchair and shook his hand also before mounting the steps. He really hoped Wash was inside with his daughter.

He heard the claps of his people as he mounted the stairs. He smiled and waved and disappeared inside. She was waiting for him, sitting at his desk. She gave him a half smile and watched silently as he shed his armor and leather jacket down to his tight black t-shirt showing off his considerable muscles. She let her eyes wander over his torso and the pang of missing him hit her hard. She wanted to rush into his arms, but restrained herself and waited for him to begin.

"I'm back to claim my chair and desk, Lieutenant."

"I don't know. I kinda like sitting in this chair and all the power that goes with it," her smile widened as he rounded his desk and pulled her up and into his arms.

"Remind me what a fool I've been for once again leaving you home," his lips covered hers.

Alicia willingly opened her mouth for his searching tongue and matched his passion, her fingers running through the back of his hair as she arched into him. He pulled her tight with one hand on her lower back and the other grabbing her ass in a hard squeeze. A gurgle from the side of the room broke their long kiss.

"You weren't at the portal to greet me," he sounded hurt.

"I had to come home and get presentable and our daughter ready to meet her daddy," she pulled away, looked down and laughed. "Nice to see I still have that effect on you." She led him to his baby while he admired the view from behind. She was wearing an outfit he'd never seen before, a low cut black tank top with narrow shoulder straps and what looked like black leather skintight pants and the heels of her boots made her legs go on forever. Her hair was down and she had a small strand braided and hanging along the side of her face. A diamond-studded band secured the braid drawing his eyes to the glitter. Her breasts were fuller, but she seemed as slim as before the baby.

"How did you lose weight from having a baby so fast?"

"I ate carefully and only had two pounds to lose and Elizabeth gave me weight control for pregnancy. Also, I did a lot of walking, or stalking as Shannon called it. How did you come to bring a dead wife with you?"

He knew that was coming and was glad her tone was neutral and not glacial or accusatory, "The short of it is I woke up from being shot in the chest by Hooper and she was leaning over me. I thought I dreamed Terra Nova and was waking from a long coma. I learned events differed at Somalia, and you, me and Lucas died while Ayani lived. She fed me supper most nights I was in the future and was an anchor and a friend." He looked down on his daughter who was awake and her large dark eyes trying to focus on this new voice. He reached down and picked her up, all thought of telling Wash about Ayani forgotten, as he got lost in his daughter.

Alicia let him gaze in wonder at the small bundle carefully held in his large hands, "Did you have sex with Ayani?"

Reluctantly he looked away, "No, I admit to two kisses that she initiated and am ashamed I let them linger further than they should have. I have nothing else to confess."

"Do you want her?" Alicia reached out and stroked her daughter's fine dark hair.

"I want you, Alicia, and that's the truth. Twelve years is a long time to fall back into a routine. I did tell her if I never made it home, I'd take up with her. She wanted to renew our relationship, but I told her right off I was married. I suggested she find another man to marry and someone came with her who is interested. I'm playing matchmaker believe it or not. His name is Elliot Simmonds and he wants Ayani. He and I are conspiring against her. You can help if you want."

"What I want is to show you something you left turned on at home," she went back to his desk and picked up a plexpad, "In frustration one night I made this for you. You WILL erase it after you've seen it." The threat was obvious and he smiled at what might be on the pad. "I want you to watch it now, it's not long, sit down." He sat in his chair still holding his daughter and his eyes went extremely wide as his wife pleasured herself on their bed. His mouth went from wide open to a Cheshire grin. When it ended, she reached for the delete button, but he was faster and had the pad out of her reach, his arm extended as far as it would go.

"I need to see it a few dozen more times. Were you going to send that to me in the field?"

"I was, but edited it out of what went to the future. I wasn't sure who all would interlope on your private messages." She reached for Jade so he could stand up from his chair. "You ever even look twice at Ayani or any woman and I'll take my wares to another man without a backwards glance. I like sex and am not going to do without again."

Nathaniel password protected the footage on the pad and put it in his safe. He went to his wife and daughter and engulfed them both in a hug and leaned over for another kiss, "I'm so happy to be home and we are taking tomorrow for us, no company."

"We better go out before Shannon comes in," she reminded him.

"He won't, he knows what I'm capable of in here, remember," he reminded her and she smiled at the shared memory of their interlude on the cot in the back.

He took his daughter and walked out on the balcony after a few moments to allow himself a frontal view in front of the entire colony. Alicia stood proudly by his side and purposely kept her eyes on him and their daughter. She saw Jim Shannon take up residence on the other side.

He'd been inside fifteen minutes and if anything, the crowd had grown. He looked out on his extended family, "It's good to be home as my army found out four days ago. I want you to welcome our guests. I've had Wash send a short bio on them to your plexi's. They are here to learn about our colony and to return home and travel to their past and build their own colony…" Nathaniel told them briefly of his time in the future.

"As rumors have undoubtedly flown around the colony, yes, Ayani Taylor was married to my counterpart in the future. She was kind enough to take care of me in the way of supper almost every night. I am repaying her kindness with a trip to our pristine home, and hopefully she'll find her way to the colony her time is going to build. I want everyone to know, she is not here as a second wife, I can't handle the one I've got," he waited for the crowd to stop laughing and sending cat calls as he leaned over to kiss Alicia in front of the colony and that got another rounds of claps and cheers.

He straightened back up and the audience quieted, "I want to welcome the prettiest baby to ever grace this colony, and that's because she looks like her mother." He looked down at the quiet baby in his arms, "Jade Avery Taylor, welcome to Terra Nova." He leaned over and kissed her head. She started crying and everyone laughed. "How come every time I kiss a baby it cries?"

"Because of this," Alicia reached up and stroked his beard. "Want me to take her?"

"If you can find the off switch, sure," he gently placed the baby in her mother's arms. "I'm starving, let's mingle and get some lunch."

Alicia knew she couldn't put off a meeting with Ayani any longer and resigned herself to the inevitable. She let Nathaniel guide her down the stairs with his hand on her lower back. Jim followed closely not trusting this Ayani with Wash.

The crowd dispersed back to work as the lunch hour had come and gone. Nathaniel noticed several of his soldiers engaging the newcomers and leading them to the market or assigned quarters. He led Wash directly to Elliot and Ayani. When they stopped, Nathaniel settled his hand under Wash's hair on the back of her neck and made introductions.

"Thank you for taking care of Nathaniel," Alicia smiled as warmly as she could at Ayani.

"It was like having my husband home after a long deployment."

"That's why we're going to get you another man to look after," Nathaniel cut in fast. "I don't know about you, but I'm starved." Keeping his hand on Wash's neck, he led the group to the market. Jim decided to hunt Elizabeth down for her opinion and would catch up with them after lunch where he was sure Nathaniel and Wash would be looking for an excuse to be alone.

Ayani was silent, absorbing seeing Nathaniel showing affection towards another woman. It was a hard pill for her to swallow. She thought she was prepared and to make matters worse, this Wash was so kind to her. She focused on what the other woman was saying.

"…is a good spot with shade for the baby." Alicia turned into Nathaniel, "Your turn with the baby, just don't kiss her," she smiled up at him.

"I'll kiss you instead," he leaned over for a peck and took his baby. He sat in the shade and looked down at his little girl again while Elliot settled near him at the small table.

Nathaniel spoke to Wash, "I had all the people coming take enzyme boosters so they can eat our food, I hope."

"We'll find out," Alicia responded and turned to Ayani, "Want to help bring food for these two?"

"Sure," Ayani wasn't thrilled left alone with this Wash, but walked off with her to the vendors. Years ago, the younger version of Washington was the subservient one, while she gave the orders and took the lead with the women in her husband's unit.

"Chad," Alicia approached a vendor, "can you put four plates of fresh salad, Xiphka fish filets and fruit together for me, please."

"I'm on it, Mrs. Taylor," he didn't give Ayani a single glance as he rushed to fill the order.

Alicia turned to Ayani, "We eat simply here, but the food is good."

"I'm impressed with everything I've seen. Nathaniel was non-talkative about you two. I would love to hear how you fell in love and eventually married." Ayani was trying to regain control.

"Not much to tell. We've known each other for twenty years and decided to share our lives here together." Alicia didn't want to disclose too much to what she considered the other woman.

"Do you love him?" Ayani cut to what bothered her most, another woman loving Nathaniel like she did, as his partner and lover. And worse, having Nathaniel bestow his love on another woman.

Alicia turned fully to her, "What kind of question is that?"

"I was married to Nathaniel for almost twenty years. We shared our souls. It's a love that deepens as the years go by and children are raised together."

"Oh I see. It's a contest to see who loves him the most. I'm his wife and the mother of his daughter, not his son who's rotting in the brig." Alicia let her congenial façade slip a little and was conscious she did so, as she had vowed to take the high road with this woman.

Ayani was losing her own natural sociable personality that she was renowned for, but was saved from a reply when Chad sat two large trays laden with food on the narrow lath he used for serving food.

"What are you drinking, Wash?"

Wash looked at Ayani, "Nathaniel and I will have water."

"The same for me and Elliot," Ayani didn't want to have to ask what the choices were.

When Chad added four glasses to the trays, without further conversation they each took a tray back to the table where the men were deep in conversation.

Alicia set her tray down followed by Ayani causing the men to look up and stop talking. Nathaniel smiled at Alicia, a fact not lost on Ayani. Her Nathaniel used to look at her that way.

"Jade likes Daddy holding her while she sleeps." He puffed up as if she only did that for him.

Alicia set his plate and water in front of him, "So what do you think of her looking like me?" She chose to ask that on purpose to show Ayani that Nathaniel loved the looks of his daughter. She took both trays and sat them by her chair on the ground.

"Relieved, and I do have the two most beautiful women in the colony," he smiled down at his daughter and took a bite of salad. "I'll never complain about this food again."

Conversation was directed by Nathaniel who explained the fish and produce they were eating. He punctuated his narrative with anecdotes that kept everyone laughing.

While listening, Ayani kept thinking about Lucas in the brig. A lull in the conversation gave her an opportunity to ask. "Nathaniel, Wash here tells me Lucas is in the brig. You didn't tell me that."

Nathaniel shared a glance with his wife before looking at Ayani. "I showed you the stab wound he gave me. He has to stand trial for attempted murder." He abstained from listing the entire litany of complaints he had against his son.

"I was hoping to visit with him."

"I was aware when I knew you wanted to come that Lucas was part of the reason. I'll make sure you get a chance to visit with him, but I will be present and so will Wash and I think Elliot should be their also." He didn't say she would need comforting after brief exposure to his son. "Remember, Ayani, he's not your son, just someone who was your boy's counterpart. They might have been different people due to circumstances."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Lunch over; Nathaniel wanted to discretely take Wash home. He looked down at his sleeping baby.

"Commander," he looked around and smiled. Seven or eight girls, all under age ten were gathered in a knot and wanted to say something to him. He noticed Leah and Zoe were in the front of the group. He motioned them to the table.

"Girls, have you seen our latest member of the colony?" They all shook their heads, but Zoe nodded and came up to give him a hug, her small arms gripping his neck tightly before she stepped back.

"I'm glad you're back, Commander. I saw Jade at the baby shower."

Nathaniel frowned, "You look like Zoe Shannon, but much taller." He smiled when she giggled. Standing he moved into the circle of girls and dropped on one knee so they had a better view of the baby.

"That's a pretty dress," one of the girls noticed the fancy white infant dress Alicia bought for special occasions, like seeing Daddy for the first time.

Nathaniel fingered the short hem that left her legs bare and at the matching white knitted booties. He stood as the girls all told him they were glad he was home as they rushed off to play. He looked back to the table where Alicia and Ayani had gathered the dishes onto one tray.

"I'll take it," Alicia carried the tray to the disposal for washing.

The girls no sooner dispersed and Skye walked up, seeing her opening before he rejoined the others. She knew the woman was Ayani Taylor and didn't understand why the Commander allowed her here. Didn't he know it would upset Wash.

Nathaniel saw Skye approaching and waved her to him and once again held his arm out for a hug, which she gladly returned.

"What do you think of her?" Skye asked, looking at Jade.

"Words can't describe what I think or feel. Makes me love her mother so much more."

"Then why is your first wife here? Everyone wants to know and keeps asking me like I should know," she clarified.

"She's my friend also. Don't think of her as my wife, I don't."

"Okay," she leaned up and kissed his cheek, "I am glad you're back. Maybe when things quiet down we can play chess."

"Count on it," with a final hug he let her go. He noticed Wash was back and rejoined his guests.

"You seem to be a hit with the younger crowd," Elliot noticed as they gathered for Nathaniel to direct them next.

"He flirts with anything under the age of twenty," Alicia spoke up as she took their daughter who was awake and starting to fuss. "It's time to feed her again, excuse me."

"Where are you going?" Nathaniel wasn't ready for her to be out of his sight after so many months.

"Command Center."

"I'll be right behind you," he watched her walk off, purposely swaying her hips more than usual. He fished his radio out of a pocket, "Taylor to Shannon."

"I'm here," Jim rushed up, his face flushed.

Nathaniel took one look and almost laughed out loud, "How's Elizabeth?"

"She's very good," he knew his friend would pick up on the double innuendo and by the smirk twitching Nathaniel's mouth, it worked.

"I'm going to let you be tour guide for the next couple days for Elliot and Ayani while I take personal time."

"I'd have been disappointed if you didn't assign me to them," Jim smiled at his guests. "I'll start with your quarters and if you're up to it, we'll do a walking tour today and I'll take you OTG in the morning."

Elliot slapped Nathaniel on the back, "Don't do anything I wouldn't," he mumbled into Nathaniel's ear and followed Ayani and Jim.

Nathaniel rushed to the Command Center jogging around Wash's rover and taking the steps two at a time, his company already forgotten. He didn't see her at his or her desks and headed to the back. She was sitting on the cot with her tight shirt up and one side of the cup on the bra undone. Jade was latched on, sucking rapidly. He sank beside her, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I watched the messages twice. You did such a good job keeping me in the loop; I feel I was with you, watching you grow."

"I felt alone and abandoned. This colony was lifeless with you guys gone. The homecoming is moved to Saturday," his hand stroking her bare arm felt wonderful. She opened the other side and switched Jade. She used her free hand to fasten the loose cup, but his hand stopped her. He cupped her breast.

"I hope you're healed enough."

"Don't worry about me, Taylor. You're not going to be able to walk this time tomorrow," she grinned sideways at him. His response was to capture her lips. They left as inconspicuously as possible and Nathaniel drove his family home.