"I'd forgotten how messy a nursing mother can be," Nathaniel teased as he rolled Alicia on her back watching a dab of milk run down the side of her breast that he promptly licked off. She seemed fine with him bringing Ayani with him, as she never mentioned her for the twenty-four hours he'd been home. Instead, they talked about the colony and rearing kids together. She told him she didn't want to wait more than a year to get pregnant again and he didn't want to spoil his delightful homecoming so agreed. At this point, he'd have agreed to anything just to keep her smiling and naked in their bed.
The day before when they finally escaped to home, he opened their front door for her and Jade after being gone for over seven months. In the bedroom, he looked around noticing a few changes along with the crib and bassinet, making the room look crowded. He watched Alicia carefully put their sleeping daughter in the bassinet and turn to him. She watched as he scooped his wedding ring from the shell and slip it back where it belonged. He looked up and saw her watching. Rounding the bed to her side, he pulled her against him and lowered his head for another intimate kiss. This time his hands wandered under her top and soon his fingers found the snap to her pants and the zipper magically parted.
"Wash, I want this time to be like our honeymoon."
Her hands played over his bare chest, where she pulled it from the hem of his pants, "As I recall, our honeymoon had a no clothes clause."
He grinned wickedly, "You remembered. I love you Mrs. Taylor," his voice lowered to a rough growl. "You're my only woman and don't ever forget that." That was the closest he would come to mentioning Ayani until the next day when he told her in private every detail he could remember of his time in the future.
The afternoon passed with them entwined on the bed, skin on skin. When they talked at all, it was him asking questions about her pregnancy and noticing every detail where her body changed.
Jade let out a wail. "I'm learning her cries," Alicia rolled off him and climbed out of bed. "I'm betting on a poopy diaper. She hates pooping on herself and at such a young age. Maybe she'll be a clean little girl, unlike her mother as a child." Alicia pulled the tab back as Nathaniel joined her. He followed as his wife carried Jade to the changing table where a pile of diapers and wipe container was prominently displayed. He watched as she cleaned the mess up, but didn't diaper. "Bath time again, you want to do the honors?" Alicia waited for his response.
"Where do you bathe her?" memories of taking care of Lucas at that age were flooding back.
"Bathroom sink," she went to run the water and he picked his tiny daughter up, half afraid he'd hurt her and carried her in to the bathroom. He watched the sink fill and when Alicia moved aside, he carefully submerged her to her chest, supporting her head and neck easily with one large hand. "Wash cloth and baby soap. Her towel is here," Alicia, pointed to the towel that was much smaller than theirs hanging on a hook beside the larger towels. With a kiss to his lips, she declared, "I'm getting hungry. She has a bed in the living room when you're done," she slipped out to make supper.
Left alone for the first time with his baby, he started bathing her. She smiled up at him and he was sure it was because she was getting used to his touch and liked it. Her dark eyes looked at his face and he knew he was whipped. Within a few hours, she could get him to do anything, just like her mother.
He dried his daughter and put a diaper on her. Looking around for clothes, he pulled drawers out until he found in the top of Alicia's built in dresser a space filled with small things. It was a warm summer afternoon so he pulled a pink t-shirt that looked too big, but would be easy to get on. It covered to her feet that were kicking in the air. "Now Daddy needs to dress in something," he spoke to her. He didn't really want much on so grabbed briefs and a pair of loose workout pants leaving his chest and feet bare. The smell of food was drifting into the room and his stomach rumbled. Scooping Jade up with more confidence, he followed his nose.
He saw Alicia wearing one of his t-shirts and hopefully nothing underneath. He found the basinet he spotted when he came in and laid Jade inside. Slipping his arms around his wife, he squeezed gently so not to hurt her healing stomach, "I don't plan on ever being gone so long again."
"When are you going to learn to take me with you," she said it halfheartedly, letting him off the hook from a serious answer.
"When our last child has a job and we want to escape the grandkids. We'll build a cabin near a good fishing spot."
"How many kids do you think we can handle at our age?" she pushed away from him as she turned off the stove and started setting the table.
"If we hurry, I'm thinking a houseful as a legacy for both of us to pass on to the colony, say four or five," he was serious. After seeing Jade, he wanted to duplicate her again and again. He divided the food onto the plates and carried them to the table while Alicia made a quick trip to the basinet to check his bathing efforts.
"Do you think you ended any future invasions?" she wanted to talk battle strategy and felt left out again.
"I hope so. Did you get a chance to read my abbreviated report?"
"I scanned it. Did Malcolm make the portal inoperable?" she had many questions.
He nodded, "That's why I rode back with him and arrived last. After our guests leave, I'm having Malcolm disassemble the terminus." He was thoughtful for a moment and continued, "Mira wants herself and the Sixers to be allowed to return to the future, even not knowing where they might pop out."
"And what did you tell her?"
"I would think about it. She won't be happy here not knowing what is happening to her daughter. It's been almost a year since we destroyed Hope Plaza. I'm seriously thinking about taking them to the portal in the middle of the night and having Malcolm reconfigure to our future and letting them leave. They've caused us enough trouble."
"And Lucas?"
"Oh no, he's way too dangerous to be given access to the future. He stays here. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with him. Have you seen him yet?"
"I went to the brig for the first time early this morning. My armor covered the signs of just having a baby. I didn't initiate conversation and the Sixers were a surly bunch. Carter threw out a few insults. I ignored them and focused on Lucas. He seemed surprised to see me.
Lucas couldn't believe his eyes when the Lieutenant descended to stand on the other side of the barrier and look at them. He stood up and went to stand opposite her, "Washington, how did you survive my shooting you?"
"The same way you survived Skye shooting you."
He smiled, "I'm relieved you didn't die. Now, I'll get another chance to improve my aim."
"What makes you think you'll be getting any kind of chances?" she kept her features and voice neutral.
"Because my father has a weakness and I'm it. He won't kill me or let me go. He'll try and rehabilitate me," he ended with a secure smile.
"I don't have your father's weakness and I'm not letting you live," she had the satisfaction of seeing the smile slip off his face.
"I don't think my father would like you killing his only son. Remember your time OTG. He'll kick you out for good, like he did me."
"I doubt it, because we are married," she smiled at his look of pure surprise.
"Mom, you can't kill your stepson," his expression morphed to a smile again.
Alicia saw craftiness in his eyes, "Lucas, I would have been one of your biggest supporters, but I don't take kindly to a child's rage when he couldn't outsmart his father. I see firsthand what years of hatred can do to a person in you. You're too far gone to try and save. For the sake of the colony, you will be executed, and all the families you hurt will get the opportunity to watch you die." With her last statement and nary a glance to the others, she turned and left.
Nathaniel was silent as she finished her story.
"I don't want him near Jade. I'm afraid what he'll do to her," a mother's protectiveness reared its head.
He looked sad and stared down at his plate, "I know," he said softly.
Alicia reached over and placed a comforting hand on his arm, "Enough talk of Lucas. We'll deal with him later. He can rot for a long time. I'm in favor of sending the Sixers to the future or they'll forever be a thorn in our sides."
"I'm leaning in that direction," he took her hand and brought it to his lips, "Have I mentioned I'm happy to be home?"
"Not in the last ten minutes," she rose, grabbed up their empty plates and started the water. Looking out the window, she saw a group walking slowly past the house. She saw Jim Shannon with a small group of people she didn't recognize outside of Elliot and Ayani. She saw him point to their home and knew he was telling them who lived in the last house on that side of the colony. He turned to walk down the road that cut across the colony with his entourage in tow. She watched as Ayani looked back several times until they were out of sight. Her heart started pounding fast and her hands were shaking. She kept them moving so Nathaniel wouldn't notice. Did she hear something about them being here for two long weeks and hoped she wasn't a wreck by the time they left. Turning away from the sink, she went to clear the table and saw Nathaniel had gotten up and was back to staring at his daughter and thankfully missed the scene outside.
He looked up when she joined him, "Am I prejudice or is she the most beautiful baby ever?"
"Let's put it this way, Daddy, you better get a lot of target practice in between now and when she's fifteen and the boys start hanging around."
"Oh no, twenty five at a minimum." He looked shocked, causing her to let out a peel of laughter.
"Bet she gets her first kiss by some little boy by the time she's three."
"I'm putting out a notice for all fathers to keep their lecherous little boys away from my princess."
"I know of one lecherous man I want giving me attention, and right now," to make her point she stripped his oversized t-shirt off allowing him to see his guess that she was naked underneath was right. She headed for the bedroom, "Don't forget Jade."
He was still sporting a silly grin as he entered the bedroom, pants tenting in anticipation of another round of wrestling in their large bed. She was in the shower as he heard the water running. Putting the baby in her bassinet, he quickly stripped and joined her.
They spent most of the next day performing a repeat of the day before. Nathaniel was lying on his back, Alicia snuggled against him. He thought back to their short honeymoon before rushing off to rescue Guzman and how most of it was in this bed. He was glad Erick made it sturdy for the pounding they gave it.
"You haven't told me the details of your month in the future." Her statement diminished his pleasure as he switched gears from sex to what he knew she was really asking. He filled her in almost day to day as he remembered the month he'd rather forget.
"When did Ayani kiss you the first time?"
Nathaniel thought, "Right before Elliot and I went on a speaking tour and visited the copier plant."
"I want details," she pulled a few lower stomach hairs.
"Ow, okay, you win. We were having supper alone without Elliot. I was telling her about you. That's when she kissed me and I admit to kissing her back, but not for long."
Alicia felt her heart bleed at his admission. It was not unlike him admitting to cheating and in a way he did. She pulled away from him and got out of bed. Rushing to the bathroom, she composed herself. Looking in the mirror, she had to admit Ayani was prettier than she was and felt plain compared to the blond beauty with her large green eyes and willowy frame. She wanted the details, but they hurt all the same. She knew if Ayani were to walk through her door at that moment, she'd deck her and demand she leave her husband alone.
Nathaniel knew he'd upset her and didn't want to ruin what they had going for them, but also suspected she wasn't done interrogating him. The door opened and she rejoined him on the bed.
Alicia wanted the rest, "You said she kissed you twice. I want the details of the second kiss. It was obvious, talking about me caused a jealous reaction in her and she wanted to know if she still had any sway over you. Unfortunately, you told her yes with your actions."
"I don't think that was what happened, Wash. I was there. Don't let this come between us, please. It's you I love, not her."
"It is BETWEEN US, Nathaniel. The only way we can deal with it is for you to come clean, now, the other time," she folded her arms over her bare chest as she leaned against the headboard.
Sliding up so he was at the same level as her, he sifted through his memories until the other occasion surfaced. "The second time we were talking about Lucas and I willingly kissed her even though I knew it was wrong. Again, I broke it off and left. A few days later, we made contact with here. I didn't spend any more time alone with her outside…" he trailed off remembering her insinuating Wash was fooling around to produce a child that didn't look like him and her knocking on his door late that night to apologize.
"Tell me, Nathaniel," she had an edge to her tone.
"It's not important," he slid his hand over her bare stomach. "How's the incision doing?" he changed the subject.
"Almost healed, now back to Ayani."
"I've already admitted what I did and I'm sorry," he sounded like he was brushing her off and not in the slightest contrite and she felt anger boiling.
"You don't sound sorry. You admitted you freely responded. Part of you wants her and who else do you want?"
"I don't know what you mean, Wash," he felt she was overreacting and for the first time regretted telling her anything. "You know how I feel about jealous women, can't stand them."
"Oh, so now I'm jealous because I protest to that woman coming on to you, and what about you!"
"Me?" he shouted and sat on the edge of the bed.
"You responded to her advances, and now she is here and you admitted still having supper with her after you knew what she was after," her voice rose to match his as she rambled everything back at him.
Nathaniel got out of bed and started dressing, "I've said all on this subject I'm going to. It's in the past so drop it."
"Until the next time when you tell me to DROP IT again... and you don't tell me to drop anything. I think you still want her on some level and can't bear to leave her in the future so had her come here with the idea you could make two women work, well Mister, it won't. Do you plan on sending her back?" her voice stayed loud and Jade woke with a cry. Alicia rose and picked her up, bringing her to her breast where Jade latched on and forgot about making noise.
"Of course she's returning to her time. It wouldn't hurt you to be nice to her while she's here and I didn't bring her here to have sex with me. I could have done that in the future," he sat on the bed and pulled his socks on.
"I don't think you got that through to her, we had words while getting food last evening," she settled back in her spot, propped on her pillows, baby at her breast.
"What did you say to her?" Nathaniel spun around to watch her face.
"Who says I started it? You always assume I am guilty, especially where your precious Ayani is concerned."
"Oh for crying out loud," he snarled, "Stop playing the victim and tell me what she said."
"She asked me flat out if I loved you and said her years with your counterpart made love develop into something we could never have. She thinks love is a contest and the woman who can prove the most love wins. It's a game I'm not playing," she held a level gaze at him.
"The person you just described is not my Ayani," he pulled his boots on. "She came here to see Lucas."
"I shouldn't have to remind you that she's not 'Your' Ayani or your wife. Maybe she can stick around to see Lucas pay for what he did here."
"Damn it, Wash, I'm asking you to be polite. There is nothing between us. Don't make me order you. Also, just because you think Lucas should be killed, remember he is my son."
"You're just as he told me, he's your weakness and you'll let him live to harm again."
He walked to the bedroom door, "I'm going to find someone who doesn't want to fight to talk to. Think about that while I'm gone."
"You can't face a few simple questions without running off to find someone else. Some marriage this is, get out," she lowered her head so he couldn't see the tears. A minute later, she heard the door slam and let the tears flow freely. After giving in to self-pity and a good cry, she took the edge of the sheet and wiped her eyes then put Jade to her shoulder to burp her, still sniffing. Putting the baby back in her bassinet, she took another shower and dressed. All her insecurities that he didn't really want her and she wasn't good enough to be his wife resurfaced and she felt deserted.
"Fuck it, I don't care if it's not good for the baby. She'll learn soon enough men will drive her to drink," she went for her bottle kept in the kitchen cupboard, up high. She'd been good while being pregnant and didn't have one drink, even when loneliness drove her to Boylan's for company. He would pour her a juice and never tried to pawn alcohol on her.
She looked around the empty house. Was she overreacting to what he told her? Maybe it was something that would never happen again or as time went on he'd find company in other women and find a way to blame it on her. In her deep funk, she sipped her drink after moving Jade to the living room and placing her on the cushion beside her where she sat, sipping her brandy. She looked at the baby who was awake and moving her arms and legs. It was a warm evening so Alicia just had a diaper on her.
"I don't care how badly your Daddy treats me; you'll always have him wrapped around your finger. Salute," she raised her glass to the baby and took a larger gulp, letting the burn soak into her throat.
Nathaniel walked across the colony with long strides like he was in a hurry to be someplace, but in reality he wasn't heading anywhere in particular just burning off his anger. The picture of a naked Wash nursing their baby was an image he couldn't shake as he walked. Why did she have to be so argumentative and assume Ayani would cause trouble? He got a message from Shannon that morning, he was taking Elliot and Ayani OTG on a tour and would be back that evening. He wandered towards the gate hoping they were back and he could talk with Jim. He went back to mulling over the argument with his wife. This wasn't how his homecoming was supposed to go. His wife was expected to be courteous and kind to all visitors, including Ayani. He figured Wash was overdramatizing any conversation she had with Ayani and probably misunderstood Ayani's question.
"Aren't you even going to say hi?" Elizabeth was smiling at him. He had walked right by her.
"Sorry, mind's elsewhere," he stopped and backtracked.
"I would think you and Wash would still be getting reacquainted."
He made a slight face, "She isn't taking Ayani being here well."
"I can't say as I blame her. If Jim brought another Elizabeth home, I'd be furious." Elizabeth could guess they'd had a fight.
"Ayani is here for a vacation and not interested in me," he defended her.
"That's not what Jim says and he is a professional when judging people. He told me she is still interested in you and would most likely be a problem for Wash."
Nathaniel listened to her, unlike moments before when he brushed his wife off, "What makes Jim think that?"
"He sees the way she looks at you and got a good look at her glaring at Wash yesterday after supper when he was heading to the market to take them off your hands. I don't want Wash hurt, Commander."
He sighed, "It's probably too late for that. Seems like her and Ayani had words and she tried to tell me what you just did. I told her she was overreacting."
"Women's intuition is hardly an overreaction. Jim called and he's a few minutes out. He wants me to meet him, Elliot and Ayani for supper in the market. Why don't you and Wash join us. That way you can see for yourself if what Jim and your wife say are true."
Nathaniel nodded, "I need to go home and make amends don't I?"
"If you said one cross word to the woman who just gave birth to your baby, yes; and Commander, a heartfelt apology doesn't hurt even if you think you're in the right."
Without a word, Nathaniel turned and jogged back the way he came. He entered and stopped just inside the living room where their eyes met. He cleared his throat, "I ran into Elizabeth and told her what you said about Ayani. Seems like Jim has the same opinion as you," he stopped talking and scuffed his feet on the floor; coming to a decision approached the couch.
Alicia sipped her brandy, waiting to see where he was going with his dialog. To her surprise, he dropped to one knee in front of her. He took her glass and with a single motion downed the remaining liquor. Setting the glass down, he took both her hands in his, "Alicia, Wash, I'm just a dumb soldier. I did wrong when I kissed Ayani and am begging you to forgive me. I promise to never do anything like that again. I love you so much and even a minor fight like we just had is tearing me up. You are the love of my life, let me prove it," he brought both hands to his mouth and kissed the back of each hand.
"I reacted badly to what you were trying to tell me and yes, I am jealous that you would kiss or touch another woman, even a wife from the past. I don't know if I can compete with her."
"You don't have to, Wash. You are my wife and I'm the one who did wrong, not you." He leaned over for a kiss. "Forgive me?" was whispered against her lips before claiming them.
It felt so right to restore their bond that she slipped her hands to the back of his head and pulled him closer. He finally drew back and murmured, "If we have to fight, I don't want another person to be the cause like this again."
"Me either."
"We've been invited to join the Shannon's and Ayani and Elliot in the market for supper. I think we should go. I want you to know, I am on your side," he rose and pulled her up for a tight hug.
"So when I tell you Ayani is sizing the situation up, you'll believe me?" she wanted confirmation.
"I know those kisses were to try and get me back. I'm just sorry I put you in the middle of it and then told you to suck it up."
"It will be easier on me knowing I have your support and fidelity, Nathaniel."
"Always, my love, always," he kissed her once more before she went to apply her makeup. He waited by Jade and sat with his index finger in her grasp.
Alicia returned and he saw she had changed clothes and was wearing the expensive jewelry he gave her as a wedding present. In her hands were the diaper bag and a green sundress for Jade. "You know, fussing with Jade is like playing with a doll I never had as a girl. I missed a lot."
Nathaniel, holding the bag she had handed him laughed, "I much prefer my dolls to be alive and naked in my bed and I plan on having a makeup session for our first real fight since our wedding."
"You better be on your best behavior for that to happen tonight," she warned with a hollow threat.
"Yes Ma'am."
Nathaniel drove back the way he'd just run. Parking in front of the Command Center, he opened the door for his wife, reaching in to take his daughter and leaving her to carry the bag. He looked around the market for Jim and company.
Ayani watched the rover park and figured who it was before he got out. She saw how attentive he was to Wash, like a dotting husband and remembered their early years together.
Elliot looked away from what Jim was saying to see Ayani looking in the distance and followed her gaze, "I see Nathaniel has come out of hibernating." All eyes turned to watch them approach.
Elizabeth noted with approval that Wash was dressed in a tight tank top of bright coral and her diamonds were sparkling. She was back in her tight shinny leather pants with their low cut design.
"Sorry we're late," Nathaniel dropped in a seat across from Ayani on purpose so he could surreptitiously watch her face. "Wash took forever getting ready."
"Blame it on me."
He grinned as she slipped in the chair beside him and teased her, "You thought I married you for love? Oh no, it's to have someone to blame for my tardiness."
"We've ordered a family style supper of a Gallasaurus roast and mashed potatoes and salad for six," Elizabeth ended his teasing.
"Good, I'm starved," Alicia spoke up. "Making milk for this kid is keeping me famished."
"Lucas did the same to me," Ayani joined the conversation. Ayani turned to Nathaniel, "Speaking of Lucas, when do I get to see him?"
"I'll work a visit in before you leave." Food arrived and the Shannon's and Taylor's were surprise Josh was serving.
Jim grinned at him, "If I knew you were so talented, I'd have had you serving us years ago at home."
"Funny, Dad. I'm working three jobs right now."
"I didn't know you were working for Chad," his mother chimed in while watching him set food in the center of the table from the large tray he'd sat down. "I haven't seen much of you lately."
"And I've only seen you once since I've been home and that was when you came to greet me. We still need to have a talk, make time." Jim didn't care he was speaking in front of strangers and the command team.
"I'll find time when you do," Josh emptied the tray and went to bring the smaller one holding water.
"Your son, I surmise?" Elliot asked Jim.
"My son who moved out of the house the day after I left with the army," Jim grumbled and glared at his son, who smiled as he passed the water out and set a pitcher on the table before moving to the next table.
"Actually it was the same day," Elizabeth would know the day forever when her firstborn spread his wings.
"He could have stayed and helped you and Maddy."
"He did a fine job while you were away. Now that you're back, he's working even harder, I wonder why," Elizabeth mused.
"You never told me how Lucas moved out of your home, Nathaniel," Ayani noticed he was looking down at his daughter he was holding again while the Shannon's were talking.
He looked around the table, "He was eighteen and displeased me so I gave him the boot."
"What in the world could he have done to anger you enough to kick him out?" Ayani was sure if she'd been around, that never would have happened.
Before Nathaniel could artfully brush her off, Alicia spoke up, "Lucas drew a pistol on him and brought Philbrick here to take over. Nathaniel killed the General and banished Lucas from the colony. Normally I wouldn't tell this to anyone, but that story is all over the colony so you'll probably hear of it soon enough." She was aware Nathaniel was looking at her and she turned to hold his gaze. Silent communication passed between them while Ayani and Elliot processed what they just learned.
"You weren't kidding when you said Philbrick was trouble in your time," Elliot broke the silence.
Nathaniel broke his gaze from Wash's and turned back to his guests, "I don't know Philbrick's involvement with the people who attacked us. That's one of the questions Lucas is going to answer one way or another. I think they recruited Lucas because he was young and pliable. I'm going to also find out what they offered him."
"Is this going to be a typical brutal Nathaniel Taylor military interrogation?" Elliot knew his methods well.
"He set himself up as my enemy. He's going to get a good dose of what being my adversary entails," Nathaniel smiled at his wife as she sat a full plate before him.
"Let me have her after I get my plate," Alicia spoke softly to him.
Ayani knew Nathaniel kept secrets about his job from her, but to learn he used certain methods to extract information that Elliot described as brutal upset her. "Nathaniel, perhaps if you were to talk reasonably with Lucas, you'd get more information."
Nathaniel leveled his gaze at her, "Okay." He pulled his radio, "Taylor to Reilly."
"Go ahead, Sir," a woman's voice promptly answered.
"Take two, no three large men and bring a bound Lucas to me. I'm eating supper at the food court."
"Yes, Sir."
"You mean he's coming here?" Ayani was almost speechless to see what amounted to her dead son again.
"Ayani, don't get your hopes up. He's not the good kid you watched die," Nathaniel felt a stab of pity towards her.
Meat cut up, Alicia took Jade without a word. She wasn't thrilled about Lucas seeing her baby and hoped he wouldn't make the connection.
"This is going to be interesting," Jim commented to the group. He looked around, "Josh," he yelled.
Soon the young man was at his side, "What can I get for you?"
"I just wanted to tell you Lucas is coming into the area and for you to give him a wide birth and see if Skye is here and warn her."
"Right, Dad," Josh glanced at the Commander before he hurried off.
"Josh and Lucas have a history," Jim told Ayani.
"Not good I take it," she was seeing that nobody seemed to like Lucas.
"He beat the crap out of my son who tried to stop him from hurting Skye. Then he tortured both of us. He's not a pleasant young man."
Ayani looked back to Nathaniel, "You let me think Lucas' crimes were just against you."
"Oh no, he has a made several enemies," Alicia spoke up. "He shot me, stabbed Nathaniel and hurt Skye by smashing her head into the hood of a transport."
"Where did he shoot you?" Ayani was shocked.
"I shot her in the head," a voice behind Alicia spoke and she gripped her daughter a little tighter. She hoped Reilly stopped him short of striking distance. She heard the sound of movement and he was escorted by three men, massive bruits in uniform. They told Lucas to stand where everyone could see him. The colonists instinctively moved back, but gathered to listen to the exchange. Nathaniel didn't order them away. To show Lucas he wasn't affected, he continued eating, as did the Shannon's and Alicia.
Lucas looked carefully at the dead ringer for his mother, "Dad, did you go and find me another mother?"
"Yes, Son. Wash told you I married her."
"No, I mean the one who resembles my dead Mommy."
"I take it Mira informed you?"
"We have nothing better to do all cramped in that tiny cell except tell our life stories and molest the women," Lucas let a bitter note creep in.
"You're being monitored. Any of you touch a woman and you'll be dragged outside the gate and executed on the spot," Nathaniel shoved a mouthful of mashed potatoes in and shut his mouth. Swallowing, he continued, "This is Ayani Taylor from a different timeline. Your counterpart got his wish in Somalia and was killed. She wanted to see what a turd you grew into."
Lucas smiled at her, "Mom, that's what I'll call you."
"That's fine with me, Lucas." Ayani had been hoping he would address her. "So what brought you to be standing before us shackled?"
"It's a long story. Maybe you and I can take a walk and I'll tell you all about my hard life after my real Mom was murdered and Dad stood by and did nothing but watch her suffer and die."
"Maybe he had no other options."
"I was there, I saw him do nothing. All he had to do was choose her. He wanted me and now he's paying for that choice, right Dad?" Lucas spun his eyes off Ayani and noticed for the first time what was in Wash's arms. A grin spread across his face, "Washington, is that a baby in your arms. Don't tell me the old man knocked you up and had to marry you. You made it sound like he wanted you for his wife when we all know he really wanted from you was an obedient dog."
"That's enough, Lucas," Nathaniel ordered.
"Looking at the dress, I'd say I have another sister. Speaking of sisters, why hasn't Skye been to see me?"
"Because I've found better company." Skye spoke up from the small crowd and Lucas spun his head to see her standing next to Josh.
"Still with your little friend, I see. You could do much better with me," Lucas' face never lost its smile.
Josh put an arm around Skye's shoulders, "I'd say I'm the better man here. You're the loser in cuffs and residing in my Dad's jail," he taunted.
"Josh," Jim threw out a warning.
"Bucket, really, you had to find a boy. Anytime you need a man, you know where I am."
Nathaniel finished eating and took his daughter back. Standing he went to stand in front of his son, careful to stop out of kicking range, "This is Jade, your half-sister. I don't know what your final destiny will be, but my wife doesn't want you near our baby and I agree with her. You're never going to change, Lucas. You're a reprobate and I wanted Ayani to see what her son might have become if he lived. Now she can rest easier knowing he died before going bad. Take him back to where he belongs," Nathaniel looked at Reilly.
"Can't you get him professional help?" Ayani was amazed at what a good-looking man Lucas turned into, and would hate to see him harmed. "I know he's done wrong, but surely nothing that warrants death."
"I disagree with that," Alicia finished her plate and pushed it back. "People have died because of him."
"But he didn't kill anyone directly?" Ayani countered and the two women sized each other up.
"He did shoot me and that's attempted murder," Alicia didn't back down.
"So he can do jail time for it. Where did you get shot?"
"The head, point blank range. He pulls his shots or I'd be dead."
"Wash also had her hands bound behind her back when he did it," Jim defended his friend, "so she was hardly a threat anymore."
"You were threatening him?" Ayani picked up on Shannon's last word.
"My goal was to do as much damage as possible, yes."
"I don't understand, what was Lucas doing that you had to go against him? He was living in the forest where Nathaniel banned him, wasn't he?"
Nathaniel spoke up, "I didn't exactly divulge everything in my narrative to you and Elliot in the future. Everything I said was true, but I left the Lucas part out. It was he that led the Phoenix here. He made the portal go both ways and escaped to the future. Instead of staying there, he came back with an army to destroy this colony and me. He'll be tried for war crimes and the people who died as a result of his actions."
"So Ayani's child dies and hers lives," Ayani gestured at Alicia and resentment flashed in the look she gave the other woman. Nathaniel quickly spotted the nuance in her face he'd overlooked before. He knew Wash and the Shannon's probably saw it also.
Nobody spoke. It was clear she wouldn't see reason nor had she lived through the occupation. Nathaniel looked at Jim, "Shannon, what's on the agenda for tomorrow?"
"I was going to turn Elliot over to you in the morning and start interviewing the prisoners." He looked at Alicia, "Wash, any chance I can get you to help me?"
"If it's done in the Command Center where I can keep an eye on Jade, sure."
Jim nodded.
Nathaniel stood and put a hand on Alicia's shoulder, "We need to get Jade home. It's her time to eat again," he noticed she was awake in his arms. He looked at Elliot, "You're on your own. Most people take evening walks on nights like this. Did you see the moon last night?"
"I did. I think I was a little kid last time I saw it. Yours is much closer."
"A walk under that moon with a beautiful woman does funny things to a man, you ought to try it. See you after breakfast, which is either here or in our soldier's mess, whichever you prefer."
"I understand one has to pay for the meals eaten here," Elliot didn't own terras.
"You're our guests. The colony is picking up the tab for your stay so all meals are free and I've got tonight's, Jim," he saw Jim fishing for coins. He headed for the payment booth and handed over twelve terras.
Dinah Powers came up behind him to wait her turn to pay, "Good to have you back, Commander."
He thought he recognized the voice and turned anyway, "Ms. Powers, I'm happy to be home."
"Let me see her, please," Nathaniel shifted Jade so Dinah could get what he was sure was her first glimpse. "She's just beautiful, looks like her mother."
"That she is, excuse me," he made a break for it when he saw Guzman with Debora Tate and made a beeline for them. "Guz, Debora," he greeted as they were about to claim a small table.
Guzman grinned at him packing his daughter around, "Let me see her, Commander," he reached out and took the baby. "Been a long time since I've held one this small. Get to see her, Deb?"
"I got to hold her at Wash's baby shower the other day," she smiled down at the baby. "Hard to believe Skye was this small once."
"Or Tasha," he handed Jade back. "They grow up so quick, Commander, relish your time."
"Don't I know it. You got everything under control?"
"Security is increased and a delegate is assigned to everyone. I think most guests were OTG today and did the walking tour yesterday, so we're ready to start training in the morning."
"I'll take Elliot myself. What are we going to do with Ayani?"
"I was going to volunteer to keep her occupied," Debora added.
"Good, you up to it?"
"I'm almost back to normal, just a few weak spells. I used to know Ayani, remember?"
Nathaniel thought back, "Of course you did. This Ayani is identical up to Somalia so you two should have lots to catch up on."
"There you are, I thought we were leaving," Alicia appeared beside her man.
"I haven't had a chance to say hi to everyone."
"Let me have Jade and you can stay and visit all night. I'm going home."
He laughed with Guzman and Debora as he followed his wife. No way was he not collecting on his makeup fight.