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.

I realized I might have changed Hal's birthday, but just roll with me on that one.

Chapter 8

Birthday Surprise

"Hey Hal,"shouted the voice of his little brother Matt,"don't forget your beanie."

Stopping, he turned around and faced his brother. "Thanks Matt. Hey...why aren't you in bed? It's almost midnight."

It was then Hal noticed he had his M1 carbine rifle with him, and immediately he understood what he was trying to do. Sighing, he reached and ruffed his little brother's head.

"Nice try buddy, but you can't come with us,"he said grabbing the black beanie and putting it.

"Why not! I have been putting a lot of time in at the range! Even Maggie says I am getting a lot better!"

Turning around he looked to his girlfriend for help. Bending down, she lowered her hood on hoody. "You are getting better, I wouldn't lie to you Matthew. But how many patrols have you been on?"

"Three,"he said with a small amount of pride in his voice.

"Okay...and how many of them were at night."

Matt hesitated until Margret stood up and folded her arms across her leather jacket."None."

"Everyone including your dad, Hal, and myself put in the time and work in becoming scouts. I know you want to help and that attitude suits you well. But, you won't do any of to us good until you have earned your right to be a scout,"she said putting her hand on his shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze.

Looking down at his younger brother Hal could see the defeat in his face. "Find, I see your point. Just be careful guys."

"We will...I promise."

Walking away Matt turned to look at them one more time before he started jogging back to Amtrak station. Watching his brother disappear behind the barricade of cars they had stacked in front of the entrance Hal turned his attention back on his girlfriend.

"Thanks."

"No problem,"she said with smile on her face,"I understand. After all, he is a Mason and I know how stubborn they can be."

Walking over to her he offered his own smile."Oh really now? I can only imagine where you would have learned that from?"

"Trust me Hal...you don't want to know."

Laughing, Hal and Maggie were about to start patrolling the nearby forest area when suddenly they heard a noise behind them. Immediately they both grabbed a pistol and aimed at whoever tried to sneak up them.

"Whoa easy kids, I didn't come looking for a fight,"said Pope with his hands up in the air.

Slowly Hal and Maggie put away there pistols. "What do you want Pope?"

"Awe come on Mags, here I thought your boyfriend would have taught you better manners by now,"he said with a smug look on his face.

Noticing his girlfriend's angry level rising Hal put out his hand, stopping John from getting any closer. "Make it quick Pope."

Looking down at Hal's hand on his chest, Pope slowly brought his gaze back up. "My berserkers spotted a group of deer heading into the nearby forest. I was hoping you might be able to bag a few and give us some meat for a change."

Shaking her head, Maggie turned away from him. Hal who still had his hand on John's chest leaned in getting into the older man's face.

"I know what your trying to do?"

"Really now boy, and what is that?"

"Unlike you, Maggie is a good person who cares about 2nd Mass. You may have seen her at her worst...but she has changed since then. And I won't ever let you bring her down again. And yes, that is a threat John,"he added by staring into Pope's face who stared back up at him with equal content on his face.

Slowly, Pope backed away from him with a evil smirk on his face. "Remember Mason, I don't take threats lightly. So you better be able to back up your talk when the time comes."

Turning around, he gave him the middle finger before catching up with Maggie who was patiently waiting for him at the edge of the forest.

"What was that all about?"

"Nothing my love, nothing at all."

"Really?" She asked raising an eyebrow when they both entered the forest.

Taking his AK-101 off his shoulder Hal grinned back at her. "I've told you before, I got your back. Doesn't matter who it is, or how many they bring."

"Even against Karen?" She asked quickly turning her head away from his gaze.

Stopping, Hal reached out and put his hand on her shoulder making her face him."And yes, even against Karen. I still haven't forgot what she did you, me, or Ben."

"Good, cause I still haven't forgotten what she did to me either. If there is a next time, I will be ready...I promise."

Smiling down at her, Hal leaned in close and gave her a quick kiss. "Now that's the Maggie I fell in love with."

15 minutes later the two advance scouts had made there way almost a mile into the forest. For the most way they spent there time talking about time before the alien invasion. It was refreshing for the both of them to talk about those times, as they spent most of there free time worrying about surviving the next day.

"Yeah you should have seen my dad's face after my mother told him I punched that girl right in the face,"said Maggie with a amused look on her face.

"I imagine he didn't take it very well."

"Quite the opposite. He was proud of me for sticking up for myself, but disappointed I did it right in front of the principal."

Chuckling, Hal gave her a wide grin. "Yeah I never really had a problem with bullies. But Ben did once. I offered to take care of it for him, but he simply told me he could handle it."

"So what happen?"

"He took care of it. Before the war and before the harness Ben wasn't much of the confrontational type. But that doesn't mean he was one to being pushed around either. So one day he stood his ground and fought the bully to stand still. Afterwords, I might have grabbed the kid by the collar and told him if he ever messed with my brother again he would have to deal with me,"he added looking up into the cold night sky before smiling down at his girlfriend.

Maggie shook her head at him. "You were just being an older brother. If I had a younger sister or brother I would have done the same thing."

"I am so happy I have your approval."

"Smart ass,"she said playfully hitting his arm and making the both of them laugh.

Reaching the edge of an large hill Hal looked down and spotted a pack of deer grazing off the small amount of foliage that was still available during the cold winter.

"You take one on the right, and I will get the one on the left,"said Maggie kneeling down and raising her M4 carbine.

Nodding back at her, Hal took carefully aim at his buck."On three,"he whispered to her,"one, two, three."

Instantly two shots echoed off the country side sending the rest of the pack running for there lives with two bucks dropping to the ground. Staying down just encase there was any possible alien activate in the area they scanned the area looking for any signs of movement.

"Clear on my end."

"Same here."

Standing up, the two advance scouts made their way down the hill to reach there separate kills. Bending down Hal gave the dead buck a strong look. Before the war Hal wasn't much into hunting, and quite frankly he still wasn't. But Pope was right about the 2nd Mass need some meat, so at least the deer was going to be able to feed a lot of hungry people.

"Now comes the fun part...hailing these heavy things back to camp."

"I think I can help you with that,"added the voice of someone who was standing up on a pile of rocks.

Instantly both Hal and Maggie raised there rifles up at the person, until he hopped down from the rocks showing them his face.

"Ben!" Hal shouted running forward and embracing his younger brother into a tight hug.

"It's good see you too Hal."

Pulling back, he smiled back at him. "Man...you look like hell."

Looking down at his dirt covered clothes and arms Ben looked back up at him shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, the rebel skitters don't have the same hygiene problems we do as humans. Although, I think these spikes have help stopped any diseases from spreading amongst the other unharnessed kids."

Shaking his head with an amused look on his face, Hal once again hugged his brother. "It's good your back."

"Unfortunately it won't be long I am afraid,"he added with a somber look on his face,"the one you call Red Eye is still gathering all the Intel, but it's important I meet with captain Weaver and dad."

Pulling back Hal nodded his head. "Sure not a problem, will show you back to camp."

"Ahem,"said Maggie clearing her throat so that the two Mason boys didn't forget about her.

"Sorry Maggie, it's good to see you too."

Smiling, she reached out and took his hand. "Likewise Ben."

It was then Ben gave her a curious look before slowly pulling his hand away from hers. "Well that's...interesting."

"What's interesting?"

Ben chuckled lightly back at her. "Nothing, just making an observation that's all. If doctor Glass's still alive I suggest you let her examine you."

"See Maggie...even Ben can notice you haven't been feeling well,"he said folding his arms across his chest with a smug look on his face.

"Whatever,"she said rolling her eyes back at him,"if it will get you to shut up then I will go and see doctor Glass first thing this morning."

It was then Hal noticed Ben easily picked up both dead bucks by there back legs and dragged them back to him.

"Lead the way brother."

Sure enough, just as the sun starting raising Maggie was inside Doctor Glass's medical office allowing her to examine her.

"So, can you tell me some your symptoms?" She asked taking off her stethoscope and placing it on chest listening to her heart beat.

"Mostly it's been increase of headaches, nausea, and stomach cramps."

"And how long have you been experiencing an increase of these symptoms?" She asked moving around to her back and listening to her breath.

"I think for the past 2 ½ weeks. Although with everything that has been going on I really haven't had time to focus on it. To be honest, it if wasn't for Hal's persistence I wouldn't even be here. Nothing personal Anne, I just don't like doctors that's all,"she said hoping not to hurt her feelings as she general liked the doctor.

Stepping back, Doctor Glass offered her a warm smile. "I understand Maggie. A lot of people don't like seeing doctors because of past experiences. So you wouldn't be the first person that has told me that. But I am glad that Hal was able to finally convince you come. I know your tough, but that doesn't mean we all don't need a little help once in a while."

Maggie slowly nodded her head back to her. "So...any ideas?"

Anne put her stethoscope back around her neck and walked over to a nearby cabinet. "To be honest Maggie, that could be a lot of things. Not enough sleep, poor diet, stress...you name it. But, I think it's important we at least rule out a few things before I proceed with my examination."

"Fair enough. What did you have in mind?"

It was then Anne pulled a small box out of the cabinet and placed it on the table. Squinting, she saw it was a pregnancy test.

"Well I can almost guarantee you I am not pregnant Doctor Glass,"she said with a smile on her face.

"Whys that? I know you and Hal have been intimate on more than one occasion, and all of those symptoms sound like you might be pregnant."

Shaking her head at the doctor, Margret pushed some of her long blonde hair out of her face. "Let's just say a few doctors have told me it would be almost impossible for me to be pregnant aga..." but she stopped herself before she said again as only Hal would ever know the truth about her first child.

"Anyways, ever since then I only get my period two to three three times a year. And trust me...Pope and his gang never bothered to pull out after they were done having there fun with me,"she said noticing her voice was full of disgust just thinking about it.

"While I believe you Maggie, I think it's safe we just rule this out and move on...okay?"

Sighing, she hopped off the bed and grabbed the box off the counter. "Hey wait, don't these things have expiration dates on them?"

Doctor Glass gave her a brief nod. "Yep, that's why I want you use all three of them. So this way if we get all the same result from each of them then we know the result isn't inconclusive."

"I guess it's a good thing I have to pee then."

5 minutes later Maggie came out with all three pregnancy tests and placed them on the counter for Doctor Glass. Walking over to the bed once more the advance scout started to worry about the possibility that she might be pregnant. Shaking her head, Margret pushed those thoughts away.

"So do you owe me an I told you so or what?" She asked letting Anne examined each of them closely with her gloved hands.

Slowly, Anne turned around and looked at her. "Maggie...your pregnant."

"That's not funny doctor Glass,"she said with an angry look on her face.

"I am not trying to being funny. Come over here and take a look for yourself if you don't believe me?"

Hopping off the bed, Margret walked over to the counter looked down at all three of them. Sure enough they all said she was pregnant. It was then she started to panic.

"No, no, no, no! This can't be? They said I couldn't get pregnant again!"

"Again, wait you have been pregnant before?" Asked Doctor Glass with a surprise look on her face.

"It doesn't matter and that was a long time ago. How could I have been so stupid. I told Hal it was okay, that I wouldn't get pregnant. God, I've only been with him for 2 months and already I have ruined our relationship!"

It was then Anne reached and grabbed her by the shoulders. "Margret you need to calm down! You won't do yourself or your baby any good if you keep this up!"

Breathing slowly in and out Maggie finally calmed herself. "First of all...you know Hal is not that kind of person. Second, you have a whole group of people who care about you. Will help you get through this."

"Okay,"she said softly before Anne finally let go of her shoulders.

"Now, judging from your symptoms and lack of a belly, I am guessing your about 1 month or so pregnant. I want you in here for weekly checkups, or I will come by and personal examine you inside your room. Do I make myself clear!"

Nodding back at her she grabbed her rifle and jacket and raced out of the doctor's office. The moment Maggie left the room her mind was racing full of questions and guilt. Things were going so well in her life for the first time in years. Then bam, reality comes crashing all around her once more. Bringing a child in this nightmare of world wasn't fair for anyone, let alone for her. Not to mention she felt guilty about having another child after what happen to her first.

Suddenly Maggie end up running into someone. "Oh sorry,"she said before noticing it was Priya who had a rather annoyed look on her face.

"I just got that all put away,"said Priya looking down at her spilled tool box.

"Sorry,"she added shaking her head and pretending to smile at her friend.

But all she could managed was a half hearten smile, as she bent down and started to put the tools back inside the box once more.

"Maggie, you look like you seen a ghost. Maybe you should go and see Doctor Glass?"

"That's the last place I won't to go,"she said quickly putting the last tool inside her box and closed the lid once more,"good as new. Okay, see you later."

Giving her a confused look, the chief mechanic pushed aside the tool box and race to catch up with her. Without warning Maggie felt someone grabbed her by the hand. Right when she was about to strike back at them she noticed it was Priya, who calmly pulled her into a deserted bathroom.

"I may have only known you for two weeks now, but I know something is wrong with you. Are you and Hal having a fight?"

Maggie shook her head."No."

"Then talk to me Mags. I will listen, I promise. That's what friends do for each other."

Looking deep into her friends brown eyes she knew she could trust her. "Okay, but you have to promise me what I tell you will stay just between us...for now."

"Yeah, you've got my word I won't say anything.

"I am pregnant."

Immediately Priya's jaw drop. "What? I mean wow! Congratulations Maggie!"

"Congratulations, this is terrible news."

"Maybe I must have missed something then, since when is having a baby with the man you love a bad thing?"

Margret shook her head. "It's not that. It's bring a child in this fucked up world we live in that scares me, not to mention I haven't even told Hal yet. I know he's going to freak. Oh and it just happens to be his 18th birthday today too. I can picture how that one goes. Oh hey Hal, happy birthday. Guess what, I pregnant with your child!"

Letting her vent, Priya just stood there adsorbing everything that was bothering her. Folding her arms across her chest she appeared to be in deep thought as the advance scout did her best to calm down once more.

"Granted everything you have told me is cause for worry, but I still think your overreacting. I understand bringing a child in this world is not ideal, far from it. But you know as much as I do, Hal isn't going anywhere unless it's with you. And if that's not enough you have over 160 here in the 2nd Mass who will give you all the support you could ever need,"she said unfolding her arms and embracing her tightly.

While her stomach still felt like it was tied in knots, Maggie did feel a little better. "Thanks Priya, I do feel some what better. But I have to talk to Hal. The longer I wait the more difficult this will be."

"Your right about that. Just be strong and more importantly speak from the heart. Remember, this also will affect his life just as much as it will affect yours."

8 hours later, Hal along with his Matt, and his dad were busy saying goodbye to Ben, who had to get back to the rebel skitters and unharnessed kids as soon as possible. Ben didn't have much to say other than that they were just about ready to strike and would be back shortly when it comes time for them join forces. More importantly, he was acting liaison between the rebel skitters and the 2nd Mass so it didn't leave him a lot of time to stay in one place.

"You stay safe out there you here son,"said Tom hugging Ben tightly before pulling back with tears in his eyes.

"I will dad, you have my word."

"Are you sure you can't stay Ben?" Asked Matt with a disappointed look on his face.

Smiling, he knelt down so that they were eye level. "I am sure little brother. But hey...I've heard how you have been stepping up and getting stronger with each day. If you promise to keep doing that, then I promise I will be back soon...okay?"

"You bet,"he replied with a smile on his face.

"Come on bro, I will walk to the forest."

Nodding back at him, Ben stopped and gave his father and brother one more look before walking in step with him.

"Hey listen, I just wanted to say I am sorry for not understanding what you were going through better. And then with Karen showing up, things between us got even more heated. Regardless of what she did or said, those feelings of resentment were already there for he to poke at. It's important that you know now matter what, your still my brother...and I will always be there for you,"he said as the two stopped and looked into the forest.

Ben reached up and put a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay Hal. This hasn't been easy for any of us. I know things between us hasn't always been good, but I know you still had my back. I will be back and then maybe we can spend some time catching up?"

"Take care,"he said pulling him into a tight embrace.

"I will. Now I suggest you look after Maggie. She's going to need you more now then ever before."

Pulling back, Hal gave his brother a confusing look. None less he ignored his last comment and offered Ben a grateful smile with the rest of Mason's watching him disappear once more. Turning back into there camp, Hal went to his room hoping to find Maggie. Instead all he spotted was her M4 carbine slumped up against the wall with no sign of his girlfriend at all.

"Damn you woman, where are you?" He asked himself trying to think of where she could have gone.

Hal was kinda disappointed they could spent more time together today considering it was his 18th birthday, but with Ben's reappearance everything else was pushed back. In truth he hadn't seen since early this morning, when Maggie said was finally going to see Doctor Glass. Grabbing his canteen off the back of his belt Hal drank deeply from it. Maggie was an expert in hiding in plain sight, something she learned a long time ago when she had cancer and again when she was prisoner with Pope's gang.

"Gun range!" He said out load before immediately shaking his head.

No that would be to obvious. It was then he remembered something she said about enjoying the sunsets and the best place to see that would be on roof of the Amtrak station. Pulling out his pocket watch he could see it was a little past 5, which meant he only had about 15 minutes before the sun would set.

Setting aside his own AK-101 next to her M4, Hal bolted out of there train compartment. Heading back inside the Amtrak station he raced up two flights of stairs before coming to the roof top access hatch. Climbing up the small ladder he lifted up the hatch and closed it behind himself. Scanning the roof top, Hal suddenly spotted Maggie on the west end with legs dangling slight over the edge watching the sun about to set.

Walking over to her he calmly sat down next to her. "How you know I would be here?"

"Come Mags, I am your boyfriend. You've got to give me a little credit here."

Smiling, she kept her gaze towards the sunset. "So what did Ben have to say?"

"Not much I am afraid. Really he was here just making contact and telling us that it was almost time for us to deliver a big blow to the overlords."

Finally, Maggie turned to face him. "He's gone already?"

Hal nodded his head. "Yep, but this time it felt different. Like things were looking up not just for us but also for him and the rebellion. Also I got a chance to talk to him for a little and it was nice to know that things between us are back to normal."

"Well that's good news. Hal...I am sorry we haven't had a lot time to celebrate your birthday, but for what it's worth Happy 18th birthday,"she said pulling out a worn but clean US military combat knife and placed it into his hand.

"It belong to my dad when he was a Navy Seal for 10 years. When he took me hunting the first time he let me skin the deer with it, and promptly gave it to me afterword. It was something I took with me when I ran away and something I made sure to retrieve from the jailor after the aliens arrived,"she said smiling back up at him.

Looking down at the blade Hal made sure to replace his common knife with the one Maggie gave him. Offering her his old knife Maggie simply shook her head, showing him a bowie knife she had on her own belt next to her canteen.

"Thank you Maggie, I will make sure to kill many aliens with it,"he said leaning over and kissing her on the lips.

Sitting there silently, Hal wrapped his arm around her shoulder so they could watch the sunset together. Finally, just as the sun went under the mountains, he leaned over and kissed the top of her head.

"We should head back,"he said yawning a bit,"I don't know about you but I am kinda tired."

Instantly she held onto him even tighter, stopping him from standing up. "Everything okay sweetheart?"

Maggie shook her head. "No, Hal it's not."

"What's matter then. You can tell me anything, remember I love you."

"I love you too."

Lifting her head off his shoulder she stared up into his hazel eyes. "I went to see Doctor Glass like you suggested. And...we found out why I have been feeling sick here lately."

It was then the advance scout was starting to worry, judging by his girlfriends scared reaction. "Please Mags, just tell me. I promise I can handle whatever it is."

Taking a deep breath she turned to face him once more. "Hal...I am pregnant."

Whatever he thought she would say it most certainly wasn't that. Hal was stunned. While they have been having unprotected sex, she told it was impossible for her to get pregnant again after the difficulties she had with her first child. But looking at the scared look on his girlfriend's face Hal knew he had to be strong for her. Taking a deep breath, he reached out and turned her head so that she could look him into the eyes once more.

"It's okay Maggie, I am right here."

"Your not upset or angry with me."

Hal shook his head. "Nope. Maybe surprised, but not angry. I mean why should I be?"

"Cause I told you it was okay for release inside me. That it was practically impossible for me to ever be pregnant again!"

Leaning down, he silenced her by kissing her fully on the lips. Pulling back slowly he stared down into her brown eyes. "Like I said before...it's okay. We have overcome a lot to just be sitting here right now. While I will admit it's not something I was hopping for, and I am not thrilled about bringing a child in this hellish world...I know will find a way to make this work."

Instantly he could feel her relax, as she was finally letting him carrying some of the weight she had been carrying around since this morning. Standing up, Hal gently pulled her back on her feet once more.

"So your really okay with us having a baby together?"

"I am my love."

Smiling up at she reached out and took his hand in hers. "Suddenly I beginning to realize how tired I am feeling. Come on Mason, lets go and get some much need sleep."

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!