A/N: I do not own nor will I ever own anything by Falling Skies, TNT or Steven Spielberg. I will try to keep most of the characters and important events the same but most of these chapters will be original.

Also as a warning I realize the grammar is poor at best, so if you can read it and enjoy it then that's all I am asking.

Plot change ahead!

Chapter 3

Paradise Lost

"How far behind do we you think we are?" Asked Maggie spotting the morning sky beginning to form over the horizon.

"Not sure,"added Hal from the passenger side,"but if you want to go a little faster I wouldn't be too upset."

Pressing the pedal farther down they started to picking up speed. Giving her boyfriend another look, she spotted the same anxious feeling on his face that was currently engulfing her as well. Behind them inside the bed of the pick up, was there fellow scout Dai manning the 50 caliber machine gun.

"I can't help but think,"she started saying,"like something is wrong,"finished Hal with the same worried look on his face.

Pushing the pedal the rest of the way down, Maggie found herself gripping the steer wheeling even harder. Taking the bend around the large hill, she suddenly slammed on the breaks causing Hal to hit his head on the dashboard.

"What the hell!" Shouted Dai from the back of the truck as he had slammed into the machine gun chest first and falling backwards on the bed of the truck.

Rubbing his head, Hal wanted to start complaining but stopped when he noticed her gaze was fixated on what was in front of them. About 500 feet away, they could see the wreckage of a huge battle that had taken place all along the road. Scores of recently used vehicles lay burnt with debris strewn all over the road and surrounding area. More importantly inside a small ditch that stretched the entire length of the road they could see was the bodies of dead humans all laying face up.

Immediately Hal reached out and grabbed his AK-101 and turned the safety off. "Dai, get ready for anything!"

"I am on it!" He shouted pulling the bolt on the .50 caliber machine gun.

Knowing they had no choice but to press forward, she slowly started moving down the hill. Maggie was forced to avoid first of many ruined vehicles and other large chunks of debris which littered the entire highway. Looking to her left, she was greeted with gruesome sight of all the dead bodies.

"You see that,"she said spotting the new military uniform on one of the dead soldiers.

"Yeah,"he said leaning out through the passenger side window,"Maggie pull over. We need to investigate this."

Getting closer to the bodies, Margret stopped and put the truck into park. Leaving the keys in the ignition she grabbed her M4 and hopped out of the vehicle.

"I got your back,"added Dai turning the machine gun around to cover there rear.

Walking closer towards the bodies the fist thing she noticed was the horrible smell that was coming from them. Putting her hand up to her mouth and nose, she tried to not throw up her dinner from last night.

"What regiment are they from?" She asked looking down at the teenage soldier who had part of his face blown off.

Hal shook his head. "Not sure."

Bending down he started taking a closer look at the man's corpse. Looking under the man's blood stain clothes, Hal found newly printed dog tags. Ripping the metal chain off his neck, he took a closer look at them.

"Private first class John Andrew Smith. 1st continental army, Charleston South Carolina."

Gripping the dog tags in his hands, Hal pounded them into his free hand. Looking down the long lines of dead bodies, Maggie sighed heavily. It confirmed everything she thought. All these people belong to the supposedly new capital of the United States.

"There's hundreds of them, maybe even thousands,"she said turning to look at her boyfriend who had a angry look in his eyes.

She understood what was bothering him and it wasn't just all the dead laying in front of them. Although Maggie had to admit even for her this was a little bit too much. It was clear the aliens had staged this as message not just to 2nd Mass, but to anyone who thought they might still have a chance in defeating them. But it was the idea that Charleston representative to all of them, and more importantly to Hal and even herself. They all new their was a chance that Charleston was nothing more than a ruin city like all the others, but still there was that hope that it could be real. And now they risked losing that hope, and without hope they had already lost the war.

"Come on Hal,"said Maggie in a soft voice,"we still have a mission to do."

Looking down one more time at the dead bodies, he nodded his head in defeat. "Okay."

Stepping out of the ditch, Hal spotted a dead skitter with half of it's body laying under a destroyed semi-truck. Without warning he started to kick the corpse repeatedly in the head until he was completely out of breath. With one final kick he finally stepped away from the body, giving her a frustrated look.

"Feel better."

"No."

"Listen Hal, we need to keep going. Or else the 2nd mass could end up like they did."

"I know Maggie. But what were they doing out here along the road in the first place?" Asked Hal as he slammed the passenger door closed.

"I think the more important question is what made them leave the city in the first place,"added Dai with a worried tone in his voice.

Sensing that both Men were letting there emotions get the better of them, Maggie knew she had to rein them both back in. "Listen, we can ask all of these questions later. Right now, we need to stay focus and find the 2nd Mass."

Taking a deep breath Hal turned to look at her. "Yes ma'am."

Looking down at his old pocket watch Hal, could see it was 2 minutes before 8 am. Closing the lid he once again turned his attention back to looking out the window. Hal didn't have to look to his left to know that Maggie was watching him. He knew she wanted to say something to him, to try and put what they saw into perspective. But that wasn't her style and probably would never be. And quite frankly... he need someone like her in his life to keep him from rushing head long into his problems. Hal knew he could be stubborn and headstrong. Which are good qualities for be a soldier, but not good staying alive. While Maggie could just be as headstrong as he could, she was smart and could detached herself from her emotions, which had proven valuable when she saved his life a dozen times already.

"Hey, I think were here!" Shouted Dai leaning over the machine gun to get a better look through his binoculars.

Taking his attention off the passenger side window, he spotted the long bridge that would take them into the city of Charleston. But as they approached the bridge Maggie was forced to slow down until coming to a complete stop or else they would have drove right off the destroyed end.

"End of the line,"added Maggie keeping her eyes on the ruined city of Charleston that was directly in front of them.

After what they had seen, Hal wasn't surprised to find the suppose safe haven they were promised laying in ruins. He could only image his father's painful look on his face when he discovered the city like this.

"So...what now Mason?" Asked Margret turning her head to give him her full attention.

"I don't know Mags,"he said shaking his head with doubt,"but the 2nd Mass should have beaten us here by now. It's strange, I would think Captain Weaver should have a couple sentries posted to watch the city, while the rest of the 2nd Mass found a place to set up camp."

"That's because young Mason, we were waiting for you to finally realize your surrounded,"said the cocky voice of Pope who along with the rest of the Berserkers emerged from there hiding places.

Never fully trusting Pope, Dai quickly turned .50 caliber on him. "Cut the crap Pope. We need to find captain Weaver immediately."

Raising his hands in the hands, Pope gave him a sarcastic smile. "Well your in luck. The good captain and rest of the 2nd Mass have gone and hunkered themselves inside an Amtrak train station about a mile from here."

"By all means lead the way,"said Hal trying to suppress his anger towards the man who had caused so much trouble for his entire family.

Giving them a slight bow, Pope turned to his fellow Beserkers. "Lee and Lyle stay here. I will personally return our glorious boss his son in person."

"Now you kids remember to stay close,"he said with a grin on his face as he hopped on his dirt bike.

"And you might not want to forget I can easily run your ass over if I really wanted too,"added Maggie causing Pope to roll his eyes back at her.

Maggie being the smart ass she was, made sure to fallow very close to Pope the whole way, never giving him a chance to breath. Sure enough about a mile away they were greeted with Tector and Anthony each manning machine guns. A 10 foot wall that was previously used to dampen the sound of the train station to the local community was being used as a good defensive position. Along the front and back entrance of the station the 2nd Mass had piled up a few dozen disable cars delaying any would be attackers long enough for the rest of the sentries to open up on them. But that wasn't the biggest surprise they would find inside the Amtrak station.

Everyone was acting normal. People were busy unloading the vehicles inside the 1980's trains station while guards were busy patrolling the entire perimeter. It was as if they were never told anything about Charleston and were arriving her like this was any other place to be scavenged. Parking in front of the main entrance, all three of them piled out of the truck.

"Hey if it's cool, I kinda want to get some coffee,"replied Dai who wasn't look very good as it was clear he was still having a hard time after seeing all those dead bodies.

"I completely understand Dai."

"Thanks,"he said clearing his throat and started walking away from them towards a large tent that was being set up between two derailed train cars.

Climbing up the series of steps, they entered the front entrance of the Amtrak station. Despite the fact the world had been invaded by aliens much of the inside of the train station was intact. Albeit paper, and trash was still strewn all about, but much of the damage had been caused when people were fleeing the City. Behind the ticket sales booths they could see people setting up all their food supplies while another booth was being used as their armory. Towards the back of the station, Hal spotted Lourdes holding open the door for a group of men who were bringing in medical supplies.

"Hal!" Shouted the voice of his little brother causing him to look towards the right.

Standing in front of a pair of double doors that was labeled employees only, was his father doctor Glass and Matt.

Instantly his little brother Matthew came racing down the flight of stairs with his arms wide open. Bending down he embraced his brother who instantly wrapped his arms around his neck.

"We were so worried about you!"

"I know, we kinda got delayed with a little car trouble,"he said rubbing his little brother's back.

Setting him down, Hal barely had a second to breath before his father embraced him. "I feared the worst when we lost contact with you."

"I know Dad. But were okay. Besides, Maggie was with me. You know she wouldn't let anything jeopardize her reputation as a scout."

Laughing together, he turned to see her shaking her head with a amused look on her face. "All joking aside, we need to speak to Captain Weaver immediately."

Hal could see his father's facially expression change from joyous to somber instantly. "Matt come lets go and see if Lourdes needs a hand,"added Anne noticing the troubled looks the two Masons had on there face.

"Remember dad you promised to read me Harry Potter tonight."

"I know son. Just make sure you protect Anna and Lourdes," said Tom to his youngest son as Matt suddenly snapped to attention before walking right beside Doctor Glass.

Watching Anna and Matt walk away, Tom turned his attention on the pair of scouts. "Fallow me."

"Tom, I've got to ask you something? What is everyone in such a good mood?" Asked Maggie as they started walking down the dimly lite hall way.

Tom Mason suddenly stopped right in front of the managers office door."It was captain Weaver. He gave he speech of his life, about how we need to all pull together and make the life we wanted out selves. That reminds me, I need to write that down so that future generations can learn about it in history class,"he said opening the door to managers office.

Inside, Captain Weaver was busy looking down at map of Charleston they had found inside the train station. Inside the room was a teenage girl who apparently had given the captain a message.

"Okay, I want double patrols to night along side both flanks. Make sure you tell them, to try and get some sleep in between the shift changes."

"Yes sir,"she said saluting the captain as he returned the salute letting her run out of the office.

Looking up, Dan spotted Tom holding the door open for Hal and Maggie. "I kept telling your father you guys were the best scouts we have. Although, I am sure by know you have figured out Charleston is a bust."

Instead of responding, Hal turned to look at his girlfriend. She had a somber expression on her face, but when he looked into her eyes they still held that same fiery determination he had come to admire. It was only then Hal felt like he could tell them what they had saw.

"Not to far back along US 17 highway we stumbled across a large scale battle that took place some time ago. There was tons of debris, weapons, and vehicles strewn all over the highway. Along the right side of the road are hundreds and hundreds of dead men, women and even children all laying face up,"he said reaching inside his coat pocket and pulling out the dog tags he had pulled off the dead soldier and tossed them on the desk for the captain and his father to look at.

Bending down both Weaver and Tom got a good look at the dog tags. "I am so sorry you had to see that,"added Weaver with a genuine concern on his face,"and I cant' even image what you are feeling now. But the only solace we can take from this is that...Charleston promise of a new capital was at least true no matter how long it lasted."

Hal's father gently ran a hand through his beard. "While it's clear that the aliens had staged this as a warning, what isn't clear is why all those civilians and military left the city?"

Captain Weaver nodded his head in agreement. "As morbid as it might seem we need to get back there and see if we can find out that very reason. Not mention to see if there is anything we can salvage, weapons, ammo, food, etc."

"I agree. And with most of our scouts currently mapping the surrounding area, I volunteer to lead this salvage mission. I am sure Pope and rest of the Berserkers are looking for something to do besides watching the road."

"Alright, but make sure and take Tector and Anthony as well. You have 2 hours and not a second longer you hear me Tom."

"Yes sir,"he replied placing his hand on Hal's shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze before exiting out side the office.

Watching his father leave the office, Hal and Maggie once again turned there attention towards their commanding office.

Dan sighed heavily as he took off his hat. "Is Dai okay?"

"Yeah, he's getting some coffee. I think he need some time to deal with what he had seen,"added Maggie taking a step forward so that she could be standing next to Hal.

"After what you have been through I wish I could give you some time off to rest. But unfortunately right now we need all hands on deck. I want you both to go and get something to eat, and then afterwords I am assigning the both of you sentry duty on the roof. At 6:00 pm you will be relieved for the rest of the night and that is a promise,"he said slightly limping over to the both them and offering each of them his hand.

Hal had turned and was getting ready to leave the office, but stopped when he noticed Maggie had remain still. "Captain I only have one request. Can me and Hal get our own room/tent?"

Weaver gave her a curious look before chuckling to himself. "You know something Margret, I think I can arrange that."

True to his word at 6pm Hal and Maggie were both relieved just when nightfall had started to appear over the horizon. By now the 2nd Mass had already set up bath tents were they could wash up and get clean before changing into some fresher clothes as each person was only allowed a few sets of clothes, (although not including underwear and socks.)

Entering the Amtrak station once more, they spotted front of the building which was wide open now being used as a mess hall. Old benches, tables and metal chairs were rounded up from storage and stretched from one of the terminals on the east all the to the west side. With about 160 people in the second Massachusetts still alive, they had enough seats to comfortable sit all of them.

Looking around at all the happy people, Maggie tried to wrap her mind around everything that happen to her in the last 36 hours. As silly as it mind sound she was more terrified about telling Hal the truth about her past, then the first time they told her she had cancer. Never in a million years she would have dreamt someone like him would ever fully accept her. Just when she thought the day would end perfectly they found all those dead people along side the road, and quickly her great day had soured.

Scanning the small crowd of people, Maggie finally spotted Hal holding two trays of food. Despite the fact she had been walking around the entire day, Hal still wanted to get her food for her. Normally she would have put up more of a fight, but she was too tired both mentally and physically to even try and argue with him.

"Finally,"she said as he set the tray of food in front of her,"what took you so long?"

"You know me. I had to make sure you got shrimp flavored ramen noodles to go along with your canned peaches,"he said setting down his plate of beep flavored ramen noodles and cocktail fruit cup.

Maggie simply shook her head back at him with amused look on her face. "I will give you this Mason, when you are determined to get something you don't stop until you get what you want."

Grabbing a drink of water he grinned back at her. "I got you didn't I."

Sighing Maggie smiled back at her boyfriend. "I am sorry to interrupt you but this might the only time I can get a chance to talk to the both of you,"said doctor Glass staring down at them from the front of the table.

"Okay...shoot?" Asked Hal giving the 2nd Mass's doctor his full attention.

Grabbing a nearby chair she pulled it front of the table they were seated at. Looking around she made sure that no one was listening to them.

"Your father told me about what they found on that highway. While there trip was successful in recovering weapons, ammo, food and some gas they didn't find anything that gave us any more answers then we had before we arrived earlier this morning. I get it. You both are tough and capable fighters/scouts, but that doesn't mean seeing something like that can't scar you for life,"she said leaning in close to the both of them.

Hal turned his gaze on her. Reaching out he placed his hand on top of hers. "I understand your concern Anne. But really, will be okay. After everything we have been through just get here, I don't think we are going to break now."

"Plus,"added Maggie turning her hand around to grip his,"we have each other."

With Hal Grinning back at her, she couldn't help but return his smile."Took you long enough,"replied doctor Glass standing back up,"I thought for sure me and Tom were going to have to lock you both in a room before you would realize that fact."

"No, nothing that extreme. Although, now that you mention it, maybe that wouldn't be so bad,"he added grinning even more as Maggie reached and playfully smack his arm.

Anna shook her head at the couple. "On that note, I think I will take my leave."

Watching doctor Glass leave, they once again returned to there meals and spent the next 15 minutes just talking. For Maggie she couldn't remember the last time she could talk to anyone so freely like she was doing with Hal. It was then she realized she had fallen in love with him, and the funny thing about it was she wasn't scared about that idea anymore.

"Hello Earth to Margret,"said Hal gently shaking her forearms to get her attention.

"Sorry, I must have zoned out there,"she added suddenly finding herself blushing a little.

Hal gave her a curious look. "Right, well I was asking you if you wanted to go to bed. I don't know about you but I am kinda tired after staying up for 36 hours straight."

"Sounds good to me."

Grabbing there plates they quickly emptied them inside the trash cans before heading down the rest of the train station. Exiting outside station they spotted the only remaining Amtrak that had not been damaged during the invasion. Most of it was just filled with seats and dinning compartments but towards the front was 12 small rooms that could be used. Well neither of them asked for one of the bedrooms, they weren't' going to complain about getting one either. Opening the door they could see someone had already brought all of there gear, and personal affects they carried into the room.

Inside the room was a queen sized bed, dinning room table, one window, and a bathroom tucked away in the corner, (albeit without running water.)

"Home sweet home."

"Ha your funny Mason,"she replied taking off her M4 and placed up against the wall.

"I try Mags,"he said quickly putting his own AK-101 next to her carbine.

Putting the rest of there weapons, ammo and gear up, they both started to get ready for bed. Taking off most of her clothes, Maggie was left in her white tank top and red panties as she climbed into the bed. Looking up she could see Hal was only dressed in his dark green T shirt and black and gold boxers before he quickly joined her inside the bed.

The moment Maggie's head hit the pillow she finally realized how tired she was. "Hal do you think we can win this war?"

Scouting next to her, he wrapped his arm around her waist. "Yes I do. The only question is when?"

Chuckling softly she pulled his arm closer to her body. "Always the confident one aren't you?"

"You know it,"he said before kissing the back of her head and letting her get some much need rest.

A/n: These chapters won't be long and I am not sure how long I will make this story but then again I guess that's the fun. Feel free to leave any questions or comments!