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.
Chapter 4
Aliens Can't Stop Love
Driving along the bank of Cooper River which cut off the city of Charleston from north and west side, Maggie felt first sprinkle of wet rain beginning to fall. Like most of the 2nd Mass they prepared for winter weather like snow, but since they marched farther south that snow was now replaced with cold wet rain.
Easing on her breaks, Maggie felt her back tire slip a bit before she stopped. Looking behind her, she spotted her boyfriend/partner pull up right beside her.
"What's up?"
"We need to get away from the bank."
Hal looked down at the muddy ground that was beneath his bike. "That's sound like a smart plan. We wouldn't want to give the aliens a trail to fallow back too."
Margret moved some of her wet blond hair away from her face. "Actually, I was kinda thinking so that we don't fall into river with the ground being less stable now."
"Hey don't worry, I would jump in and save you,"he added with a grin on his face.
Sighing heavily she playfully smack his arm. "Not if I drag your sorry ass in with me."
Holding up his hands in defense, Hal pretended to be scared. When without warning a large bolt of lightening ripped over head fallowed by a loud clap of thunder making both of them fall of their dirt bikes. Looking around to make sure that he was alright, Maggie suddenly started laughing as Hal started laughing with her.
"Come on Mason, we better keeping going or else will both be a little extra crispy."
Getting back up on there bikes, Hal took the lead this time by driving closer to the brush. It had only been a week since the 2nd Mass found the ruins of Charleston city and had set up shop at an Amtrak station located in North Charleston city. While they had mapped most of the surrounding area of North Charleston City they still hadn't crossed the two rivers into Charleston it self.
Normally, Maggie was always ready for action. But for once she understood Captain Weavers caution especially after they discovered all those dead bodies along the highway. While Doctor Glass was able to give the time of death of the most of the bodies around a month ago, it didn't hurt to be extra careful considering the aliens wiped out close to 2 thousand people.
Right now they doing some advance scouting and were about 6 miles away from there home base looking for gas, food and any safe way to bring their vehicles over the river. While still keeping an eye on the river, they came to a dirt road with an open field ahead of them that lead to a farm house and old barn.
"Hal, we need to get out of this!" Shouted Maggie over the now driving thunder storm that was getting worse and worse by the moment.
"Agreed, come on lets go!"
Racing across the field they could see the remains of old corn crops, and even a few potato plants that somehow had managed to keep growing despite the weather and neglect from human hands. Going past a 1970's blue and yellow truck, they pulled into a nearby barn that had it's doors hanging wide open.
Riding inside Hal already had one hand on his AK-101 assault rifle before he came to stop. Stopping a little behind him, Maggie fallowed suit with her M4 carbine at the ready as they both scanned the barn looking for anything that moved.
The barn had piles of old straw, tractor parts, tools, and a few bones of dead farm animals that must have died a while ago.
"Clear on your end? Asked Maggie who was still straddling her dirt bike just encase they need to make a quick get away.
"Yeah,"added Hal by flipping his kick stand out and turned off his bike.
Fallowing suit, Margret hopped off her bike. "Come on Mason, lets see if there is anything we can salvage."
"Yes ma'am,"he said knowing it annoyed her whenever he called her that.
Rolling her eyes, she began to check the barn for anything they could take with them. Searching the barn for about five minutes they both met up and dumped what they found on the large table that had a bunch of farming tools hanging above it.
"So we got two packs D batteries, two bottles of motor oil, a old flash light, a Swiss army knife, and a pack of nails. Not really much to be proud of"said Maggie looking down at the small pile of stuff they had had found.
"Hey look at this way,"he said pulling out a small map of the surrounding area,"at least we won't struck by lightening in here."
"Always the optimist aren't you Hal Mason."
"You know it Margret."
Moving closer to him, she watched as Hal began to update their map with a small pencil that he pulled out of his back pants pocket. With the information gathered from other recon and scout units already penciled in, Hal made two more X's going north along the Cooper River of gas stations and grocery stores they had already checked out.
"It's not looking good,"he added by letting out a sigh of frustration.
"Maybe, but don't forget we still have to scout out that air force base,"she added pointing on the map where captain Weaver told them the base should be located at.
Nodding his head in agreement, Hal put the pencil behind his right ear. "True, and most of these bases had their own fuel storage on site."
"But we should be extra careful though. More times then not the aliens have Mechs patrolling any military bases."
At that Hal chuckled a little before he turned around and sat down on the barn's dirt floor. Giving him a curious look, Maggie quickly joined him on the floor.
"What's got you smiling?" She asked still noticing his smirk on his face.
"You don't remember,"he said turning to look at her,"the last time I scouted a military location was the first time I met you."
Staring back at him, Maggie couldn't help but return his smirk."You know for some reason that feels like a lifetime ago. So much has changed since that moment. When I look back and see the person I was, I could never dream my life could turn out like this."
"Well my girlfriend, I wouldn't want to be any where else but here...with you,"he said putting his arm around her shoulder and drew her closer to him.
"Even with aliens invading our planet and nearly wiping out the human race?" She asked gently laying her head on his shoulder.
Grinning he lean down and kissed the top of her head. "Well okay...everything but that."
Closing her eyes she sighed perfectly content at the moment. To be honest, Maggie still couldn't believe anyone could make her feel like this. She had no illusions that without the alien invasion she would more likely would either be dead or back in jail. But instead fate gave her a second chance, and here she was laying her head on the shoulder of the man she loved.
"Hal, can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"How come you never asked what my last name was?" She asked slowly opening her eyes to see him staring back down at hers.
Smiling, he moved a piece of her wet blonde hair out of her face. "To be honest...I never really need to know it. I assumed you had your reasons earlier on, but that was never a big deal then, and it's not now. Is it really so hard to believe I accept you for who you are, totally and completely?"
Staring into his hazel eyes, Maggie knew it was now or never. "Hal I realize that I am 5 years older than you, and that before the war we couldn't have been two more different people. But for the first time in my life I finally understand what everyone was talking about. Hal, I love you."
"I love you too, Maggie. I have loved you for a while know, but knew I had to be patience so that I didn't scare you off."
"Thank you for that,"she said once again getting lost in his gaze as Maggie reached up and put her hand on his cheek.
Tilting her head up, she welcomed the kiss that Hal gave her by closing the distance between them. Deepening the kiss she felt his tongue asking permission to enter her mouth as she was more than willing let him inside. After a few moments of intense kissing, they finally broke apart with the both of them breathing hard.
It only took a second before they crushed there lips against her other and started passionately kissing each other once more. This time she found herself climbing into his lap with Hal leaning back against the table for better support. Immediately his hands went down to her hips to help keep her stable as she could easily feel his erection pressed firmly against core.
Breaking away from the kiss, Hal started kissing the side of her neck, causing her to moan out load from the assault of his hot kisses on her cold skin. Putting her hands into his dark brown hair Maggie felt him cupped her ass before giving it a squeeze.
"Oh god!" She moaned feeling like she was on fire.
It was then she opened her eyes to find herself staring up at the leaking ceiling of a dingy barn, and immediately sobered up from her lust filled haze.
"Hal...we have to stop,"she replied when he started sucking on her collar making her shiver.
"Please Hal, just not here!"
Reluctantly the elder Mason boy pulled his mouth away from her collar. "If you say so."
Maggie could hear the disappointment in his voice and quite honestly she was surprised she managed to stop him as well. Right when he was about to move so that she could get off him, Margret stopped him by putting her hand on his chest.
"Hal don't think you did anything wrong. God knows I didn't want you to stop. It's just that...I've never been in love before and I want things to be different with you. To many times I found myself in some dark dingy place with someone on top of me, and it's not the first memory I want of us,"she added gently resting her forehead against hers.
Immediately a small smile came on his face. "I understand my love. But when we get back to our room, your all mine."
Chuckling, she slowly got off him and offered her hand to him helping him back up. "Wait, don't we have sentry duty tonight?"
It was then, Hal gave her a mischievous grin. "Oh, you don't worry about that Margret. When a Mason wants something they don't let anything get in there way."
Shaking her head with amused look on her face, she started grabbing the gear they had salvaged from the barn and put it inside her duffel bag. It was only then did Maggie realize the storm had past as she tossed her boyfriend the map. Walking past him she made sure to slowly trail her hand across his broad shoulder before getting on her own bike.
"Oh and by the way, my full name is Margret Bethany Walker."
"Well okay Miss Walker, let's go find us a air force base."
15 minutes later, Hal spotted the ruined gates of the Air force base that captain Weaver had talked about having been dropped off her after his return from Desert Storm. Like most of the military locations they found before it looks like a complete mess. With vehicles, airplanes, and other debris strewn all over the place not to mention the structure damage that the entire base had received from battle.
"Well looks like were about to strike out,"said Hal whose enthusiasm about the trip was slowly draining away again.
Parking there bikes behind a flipped over military truck, Hal grabbed the pair of binoculars off his bike to get a better look at the facility. Scanning the top of several buildings that looked like it had been hit with an artillery strike, Hal was at least happy to see no signs of aliens anywhere.
Passing the binoculars to his girlfriend, he let her take a look. "What do you think Maggie? Is worth checking out?"
"Yeah, actually I do,"she added putting down the binoculars,"I've got a good feeling about this one. Plus, we didn't become the 2nd Massachusetts two best scouts by running away every time we faced the unknown."
While Hal knew she was playing to his male ego, he couldn't help but get suckered in by her words. "Okay find, you made your point. Will check it out, but if we can't find anything within 15 minutes I think it's time we head back."
"Agreed."
Taking there assault rifles off there shoulders, the two advance scouts stepped inside a large hole inside the once electrified fence that had surrounded the entire complex. Being cautious they approached the first intact fighter jet. Upon further exploration they could see the fuel tanks had been hit with debris, letting all the Jet fuel out. Going farther down the open air strip they came across a large military truck that been run off inside a ditch.
"Okay, now this is more like it,"added Maggie looking inside to see large boxes of ammo crates inside the truck.
Hopping inside Hal spotted a few crates that dozen or so boxes of .556 ammo inside it. "Nice,"he added grabbing an extra mag or two for her and his rifle.
After 5 minutes of checking out all the intact vehicles and down airplanes they made way over to the building it's self.
"So of last count we spotted 5 serviceable mounted machines we could take and put into action?" Asked Hal, opening the door for her letting her go inside with her M4 carbine at the ready.
"Clear,"she added giving him the go to come inside,"and yeah, it was five."
Walking farther down the dirty and debris filled hallway they came to a large section of the air force base that been hit with a series of bombs. Looking up they could see the sun attempting to make it's way through the large holes the bombs had made before impacting the building causing a large chunks of the walls and floor to be blown in different directions.
"Hal over here,"whispered Maggie spotting the kitchen through a large hole that had been blasted inside the nearby side wall.
Running over to the wall, Hal checked the hole making sure it wouldn't fall on them if they past by it. Once he felt it was good, he ducked inside with his girlfriend quickly fallowing right behind him. While most of the kitchen was mess, they did spot large quantities of spam, baked beans, corn and other canned goods still on there shelves.
"Not bad,"he added grabbing a can of tuna fish and tossed it inside his duffel bag.
Go farther inside the kitchen, Maggie stopped in front of a large series of crates that were tucked inside a pantry. Using her M4's tip, she slowly opened the crates lid off the box. Grabbing her flashlight she looked inside the box to see it was a series of Military rations called MRE's.
"I am not a big fan of packaged meat loaf or beef terriyaki but there appears to be at least 10 more crates full of these Meals, Ready-to-Eat,"said Maggie as she tossed Hal a few of the military rations.
Looking down at the military rations in his hands Hal quickly put them inside his bag. "True, but this food could help fee the 2nd Mass for months."
"I know Mason. Come on, we still need to check out fuel station and armory if at all possible."
Exiting out the kitchen, Maggie took the lead going down the west side hallway. Despite the situation of exploring an ruined military base Hal couldn't help but let his eyes wonder on her body and more important to ass which was directly in front of him.
Suddenly she stopped making him bump into her. "Oops sorry Maggie."
"Eyes front soldier. Will have plenty of time for that later, I promise,"she said turning around and offering him a smile.
"Yes ma'am."
Ignoring his comment they once again started down the hallway making sure to check each turn before fallowing the signs that were directing them inside the air force base. Taking one last left they spotted the words armory plastered above a pair of double doors. Looking down they were greeted with a large gap between them and double doors that was ahead of them.
"It looks jump-able,"said Hal eyeballing the gap that stood between them and the armory.
"Whatever you say jock,"stated Maggie while reaching out and taking a hold of his right hand in her left.
Taking a few steps back they ran forward and jumped easily clearing the distance to the point they almost crashed through double doors. Opening one side of the doors, they both entered the armory. Immediately they saw the whole front side of the east wall and part of roof had either been blown apart or fell down at some point. Unfortunately for them that let most of the guns that weren't in storage usable from the constant weathering.
"That's kinda a bummer,"said Hal looking down at the rusty mini gun that lay on it's side.
"Tell me about it,"replied Maggie at the sight of a few boxes that had grenade shrapnel marks all over it.
Heading towards the back, they did happen to find boxes full of bombs and missiles that were meant to used inside the fighter jets and bombers.
"We could always use more explosives. I am sure Pope wouldn't mind making some more Improvised Explosives Devices."
Exiting out of the armory through the destroyed wall, they could see the fuel storage warehouse that lay about 100 feet away from them. Jogging the distance they managed to reach the warehouse in less than minute. Surprisingly enough, the building lay mostly intact which gave them hope that they might exactly find some gas or diesel fuel inside.
Reaching for the dinner handle, Hal gave it a twist but found it locked. "Looks like will have to find another way inside."
Scanning the warehouse, he spotted a window about 15 feet down from them. "Help me push this dumpster over to the window."
Quickly joining him, together they managed to maneuver the dumpster directly over the window. Climbing up Hal used the but end of his rifle to break the rest of the window shards out of the way so that he didn't cut himself on his way in.
"You be careful Mason!" Shouted Maggie up to him as he shoulder his rifle and tossed her the duffel bag.
"Aren't I always,"he replied back pulling himself up the rest of the way through the window.
Slowly he lowered himself down as far as he could before letting go and falling 5 feet down landing rather hard on the concrete floor. Sitting up Hal felt like he might have twisted his ankle on the landing but other than that was ready to go. Shining his flash light inside the room he could see barrels, military trucks, and two bombers that seem to be in good shape. Walking over to the door that Maggie was waiting behind he unlocked the door and opened it for her.
"Let me guess, that thump was you,"she said with a smile on her face before joining him inside the warehouse.
"Yeah, I managed to get inside find, but didn't stick the landing,"he replied walking with a slight limp.
"Your not hurt bad are you."
Hal could hear the concern in her voice as he smiled back at her. "Nah, just twisted it a little. But your concern over my safety is touching."
Rolling her eyes, Maggie approached the fist barrel."Please, I am only worried that you might slow me down."
Flipping open the barrel's lid she found it full of diesel fuel. "Now that's what I like to see."
While Margret was busy checking on the barrels, Hal went over to the large military truck. With the truck being modern it's engine was no good but when he opened the fuel tank, he could smell the signs of fuel too.
"It looks like these trucks still got some fuel in them too."
"Like wise most of these barrels are good to go, although I am wondering if there is any way we can some siphon all this Jet fuel into gas for our vehicles,"added Maggie examining the large quantities of boxes marked Jet fuel on them.
Limping over to her, once again he noticed her concern looked on her face. "Trust me darling, I am okay."
"I didn't say anything."
"You didn't have too."
Sighing heavily, she turned heading for the exit all the while with a smile on her face. Leaving the fuel warehouse with a spare gas tank, they quickly made through way back towards there bikes just as sun began to set upon them. Filling up there bikes, Maggie set aside the empty gas tank so that the 2nd Mass could use it later.
"Well I must admit...your hunch was right about this one."
"I told you so."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just don't' let it go to your head Margret."
"Come on loverboy, we need to get back to the 2nd Mass with the good news,"she added roaring ahead of him, leaving Hal to try and play catch up.
3 hours later the two advance scouts arrived back at the Amtrak station a little tired, none the less happy over there success both on a professional and personal level. After parking there bikes, they entered the train station to find most of the 2nd Mass was busy having dinner.
"Hey Tector, have you seen the captain?" Asked Hal looking down at the group of berserkers that were enjoying there meal of vegetable soup.
"Not sure. Hey Craz, have you seen the Captain?" He asked calling down his fellow berserker who was busy laughing from a joke that Lyle had told her.
"Nope."
At that Pope let loose a loud belch. "Our fearless leader is currently being checked out by the good doctor young Mason."
Getting ready to leave, Hal noticed that Pope had reached out and grabbed a hold of Maggie's wrist. "Hey, why don't we go back to my tent, for old times sake,"he said while obviously being very drunk.
"I would rather swallow glass then ever go back with you," she said quickly pulling away her wrist from his grip.
Normally Pope would let this go, but in his drunken stupor he didn't care. "There was a time you welcomed my company."
Hal knew better than anyone that Margret could easily handled herself. But despite this, he wasn't about to let anyone, (let alone Pope) talk down to his girlfriend like that. Right before she could say something back to him, he appeared in front of her.
"Back off Pope."
"Oh what's this, letting your little boyfriend speak for you now,"he said trying to get a laugh out of his former berserkers, but when they didn't laugh back he turned his attention back on Hal.
Standing up, John tried to go around Hal but instead he took one step to the side blocking him once more.
"Your trying my patience...boy."
"Come on Pope, I think you had enough,"replied Anthony attempting to pull the drunk man back down to his chair once more, but instead John simply shrugged off his hand.
Whether it was simple bravado or the fact he still remembered the time Pope held a gun to his head, Hal stood his ground.
"You better move or."
"Or what Pope,"added Hal interrupting him,"you will attack me? Anytime you think your man enough to try be my guest asshole!"
Hal didn't need to know John that the right hook was coming as he was easily able to duck the blow before punching him square in the gut driving all the wind out of his lungs. Grabbing him by his belt he tossed him on top of the table sending food and drinks all over the place. Flailing about, Pope attempted to get back up but was restrained by his fellow berserkers as Lyle and Anthony started escorting him out of the mess hall.
Meanwhile Maggie took a hold of Hal's hand and lead them down towards the medical room that Doctor Glass had set up. Once they put some distance from the mess hall and themselves she stopped and turned him around to face her.
"I had that situation under control! I didn't need your help!"
"I know Maggie, it's just...you can't expect me to just stand by and watch either!"
Margret hating being the damsel in distress. She fought hard before and especially after her cancer to not be labeled like that ever again. But when she stared up into his pleading eyes, Maggie couldn't help but let go of her anger towards him.
"I guess I can forgive you...this time. I mean, Pope is an asshole and sometimes he deserves to get his ass kicked, just for good measure,"she said smiling up at him.
Grinning back down at her, he leaned down to kiss her when suddenly Hal's dad opened the door to the medical room.
"Whoa sorry I didn't mean to interrupt,"he said getting ready to close the door once more.
"It's okay Tom. Is Captain Weaver still inside?" She asked with both starting to walk over to the door.
"Yep, Anne's just making sure our good captain is doing well."
Holding open the door for them, the two scouts entered the room to see doctor Glass finishing up with her examination of Weaver.
"I told you, I am fine,"said there gritty but determined leader.
Doctor Glass sighed heavily while holding onto her clipboard. "That maybe the case, but after what happen to you we can't afford to take any chances."
"Point taken,"he said finally turning his attention on them, "I hope you have some good news for me."
Hal turned to look at her as she smiled back at him. "Yes indeed captain. All along the Cooper river we found a lot of nothing with most of the gas stations and stores picked clean. But at the air force we hit the jackpot. We've counted at least 5 heavy duty machines guns we could salvage, not to mention scores of unused bombs. More importantly there fuel warehouse is loaded with diesel, gas and Jet fuel. Not to mention, the tons of canned and MRE rations located inside the kitchen, sir."
Captain Weaver nodded his head in agreement. "Finally some good news. Tom, lets get a few scouts teams on that right away. Use the cover of darkness to help mask our movements and bring as much as we can back here."
"Yes sir,"he said heading out the door with Hal quickly fallowing behind him.
Right when Maggie was about to join, them Weaver held up his hand for her to stop. "Maggie, can I have a word with you?"
Not sure what the tough captain wanted, she turned to stare at him. "I really didn't know what to expect from you when you first joined the 2nd Mass. I think at first I wanted you to earn your strips by showing not just me but everyone that you belonged here. Not only have you proven that to me, you have proven to be a valuable asset to the entire regiment."
It was then the captain held out his hand to her. "Thank you captain."
Making sure that Weaver didn't want anything else, she exited the room. Looking down the hall she couldn't see Hal or Tom anywhere. Going down the hall and back to the mess hall, Maggie saw the brown hair of her boyfriend come running back into the station with his duffel bag in hand.
"What's the hurry love?" She asked noticing he was out of breath.
"I wanted to get back to you as soon as possible."
"I wonder why that is?"
Without warning Hal grabbed her one hand and kissed her passionately right in front of everyone inside the mess hall. A few moments later they pulled apart with her resting her forehead against his. Ignoring the few cat calls and stares the rest of the 2nd Mass was giving them, she gladly took his hand and started leading them towards there room.
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!