The explorers arrived at the Amazon village, where they were met by a surprising sight. A woman named Phoebe, who looked identical to Finn, only with longer blonde hair, appeared, carrying a one-year-old baby girl.
The baby's eyes were curious, darting around to take in the new faces, and her tiny fingers clutched at the fabric of Phoebe's attire. Phoebe approached Malone and handed him the baby, introducing her as Thalia. Malone held Thalia carefully, a mix of emotions playing across his features as he looked at the little girl – his daughter.
Finn, in the meantime, was absorbed in her examination of Phoebe. She approached her, touching her face, amazed at their striking resemblance. "What a thing genetics is," she blurted her eyes wide with amazement as she studied Phoebe's features.
Queen Selena greeted the explorers warmly, her eyes lingering on Challenger a moment longer. "Welcome back," she said, her voice carrying a melodic tone. "Since your last visit, much has changed. We are no longer at war with the men's village. Instead, we've chosen the path of collaboration and mutual respect."
Challenger smiled, acknowledging the progress. "That's wonderful news, Selena. Unity always brings strength and prosperity. I'm glad to hear of this development."
She then leaned in a bit closer, her voice a sultry purr, "I'm glad to see you again, George Challenger."
Drawing back, she addressed the entire group with a gracious smile, "Come, we have prepared festivities in your honor."
As the group settled, an Amazonian woman named Hippolita approached Roxton with a suggestive smile. She subtly ran her fingers over the muscles of his arm, saying, "John Roxton, it's been a while."
John, maintaining his composure, replied, "Hippolita, good to see you," subtly shifting back to maintain distance.
Hippolita leaned in slightly, her voice laden with direct suggestion, "Last time you were here, we didn't get the chance to finish what we started. Perhaps you would like to join me tonight?"
John, maintaining a firm but polite tone, responded, "I appreciate the offer, Hippolita, but I'll be fine. Let's all just enjoy the festivities."
Hippolita raised an eyebrow, "Why so dismissive, John?"
He met her gaze squarely, "I have other engagements."
A smirk played on Hippolita's lips as she guessed, "Marguerite? But she's not here."
John replied firmly, yet politely, "It doesn't matter if she's here or not. My commitment to Marguerite remains the same."
Hippolita asked, "Why?"
John answered, "Because I love her, and my loyalty is to her and her alone, regardless of where I am or who I'm with."
Hippolita nodded, her expression a mix of disappointment and understanding. "What a pity," she said. "But, while as a woman, I may feel disappointed, as an Amazonian, I respect your loyalty to a woman."
Veronica and Ned were absorbed in a playful scene with little Thalia. The small clearing they were in echoed with the child's giggles as Ned made funny faces and Veronica gently tossed her in the air, catching her safely in her arms. The sun filtering through the leaves dappled their faces with light and shadow.
Veronica smiled warmly at Thalia, "She's so full of life Ned! And she's got your eyes."
While handing him the baby, Veronica looked into Malone's eyes and asked, "So, how does it feel, having a child?"
Malone looked at Thalia, then at Veronica, and said, "It's a strange beautiful feeling. However it would be a thousand times more beautiful if it was with the right woman."
Veronica smiled softly at his words, her eyes meeting his with warmth and understanding. "Well, who knows what the future holds?"
Finn approached them with a sense of awe and a touch of hesitation, her eyes wide with wonder. "Can I... can I hold her?" she asked.
Malone gently handed the baby to Finn, who cradled Thalia in her arms with surprising tenderness. After a moment, Finn looked up at them, a hint of bewilderment dancing in her eyes. "This is just... surreal. I'm holding a one-year-old baby in my arms who is technically my great-great-grandmother. How weird is that?"
"Extremely." Veronica agreed.
"The perks of time travel, huh?" She chuckled softly, shaking her head in amazement.
Finn glancing at Malone and Veronica added, "You know, as much as I hate to see Vee hurt, I'm actually kinda glad you had this little indiscretion, Ned." She gave him a teasing wink before looking down at the baby in her arms. "Without it... I wouldn't exist."
Malone got confused, stuttering, "Well I..."
But Finn cut him off, smiling, "Just promise me one thing. One day when you have kids of your own, promise me Thalia will always have a place in your home."
Veronica interjected warmly, "Of course, she will. She'll be part of our extended family."
Finn smiled at Veronica and said, "Vee, you're really something. Not everyone would be this cool about it all. Thalia is lucky to have you in her life too."