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A New Beginning	By : MarianTheBlackadder Category: S through Z > Terra Nova Views: 2104 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Terra Nova characters, places, or copywrites. I make no money from writting this and it is for pure enjoyment of the writter and the readers of the Terra Nova FanFiction Fandom.

Chapter List
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Welcome Home
            The young woman with pale alabaster skin, and jet black hair kneeled in the garden just outside the somewhat neglected house. She cleared out the weeds that were beginning to choke the flowers, and added a few more plants that she had acquired. She seemed as though her mind wasn’t on her task and was a million miles away. Perhaps that was the reason she didn’t realize that she was being watched.
            “Four days you’ve been back and you haven’t said two words to anyone.” A familiar voice said. Her hands slowed a moment before she continued what she was doing without looking up. He approached her seeing that she was in no mood to banter. He’d known that there was something wrong from what others had told him, and from the fact he’d not seen her. “Rayne,” He said looking down at her. “You don’t usually come in from the field unless you need something, much less stayed longer then a day. Wither I wanted you to leave or not.” She still didn’t say anything and he kneeled down beside her reaching out and taking the trowel from her hands so she couldn’t continue to ignore him taking her hands. She stopped taking a deep breath and sighing. It seemed like she still wasn’t ready to talk and he leaned in a bit closer and said in a soft and gentle voice, “Talk to me honey.”
            Finally she turned her eyes towards him pulling herself back into the present. “Come on, let’s go inside.” He helped her to her feet and took her inside the module.
            Getting some water he walked over and sat down with his glass at the table handing her the other glass. She took a drink before looking down a moment. “It’s nice to just turn on the water and get a clean drink.” She said with a smile.
            “Yeah? Well that’s why it’s preferable to live inside the colony instead of out in the wild on your own.” He half smiled, “But that’s never been enough of an incentive for you to stay, has it.”
            “I can’t do my job from within the gates. You know I can’t.” Rayne said taking another drink.
            Another silent moment passed before Taylor spoke again. “Malcolm said you went by the lab and dropped off a whole satchel of memory cards without a word and then came here. This is where you’ve been since you got back.” He looked into his glass a moment, “Not to mention I haven’t seen hide nor hair of you.” Rayne stayed quiet as though something had happened that she didn’t want to remember but it’s all she could think about. “Did something happen? Was there an animal you couldn’t handle?” He said trying to give her openings.
            “Maybe I just decided it was time to come in for a while.” She said softly. “Just be a normal terranovan.”
            Taylor half laughed, “You can be described a lot of ways but I wouldn’t say normal was ever one of them.” Rayne looked in her glass and set it down and Taylor realized that might have come out wrong. “Rayne I didn’t . . .” He leaned forward and put his hand on her thigh, “I didn’t mean anything by that.”
            “I didn’t think you did,” she said reassuring him. Rayne put her hand over his a moment falling silent again.
            The commander known her for a few years now, and it was like a neon sign flashing to him that something was wrong. “Sweetheart talk to me.” He said in a gentle tone. “You’re not like yourself at all.”
            She fell silent again for a moment before she spoke, “Lucas.” Was the only word she said and suddenly her anxiety spread to Taylor.
            “Lucas?” He asked. “You saw him?”
            Rayne sighed as it seemed the door was open now and she had no choice but to talk. “I was studying. He was hunting. We crossed paths and it was like . . . someone handed him a gift.”
            They both fell quiet a moment before Taylor asked, “Did he hurt you?” He asked.
            Rayne paused before she took the hem of her tank top and pulled it up revealing huge bruises, the size of a large fist, black, red, purple, green a literal rainbow of color. It must have been painful and there was a possibility she had cracked or broken ribs. “You need to get checked over by medical . . .”
            “Nothings broken.” She said putting her shirt back down somewhat embarrassed by this. “I don’t want more people to see me like this.”
            “This isn’t a time for pride, broken bones or not you could have internal bleeding or something else dire.” Taylor pointed out. Rayne just seemed to turn a deaf ear as she looked away from him. He knew there was no arguing with her when she’d made up her mind about something and it seemed she was firmly resolved to be stubborn. “Did he say why.”
            “You know why.” She answered. “The same thing he does everything. The same reason he lives and breathes these days.”
            Taylor sighed shaking his head, “How did he know about us? We’ve been discreet.”
            “Not discreet enough. He knew me by face and by name.” She said. “It seemed like he’d known about us for a while now.” Rayne looked up at him, “He’s insane Nathaniel. So full of hate and rage, there’s almost nothing else left.”
            Taylor reached out and lifted up her shirt again looking at the wounds and deep tissue bruises. It must have been extremely painful. He never wanted her caught up in this between him and Lucas. It was a dangerous place to be. Sky could attest to that, but Sky also put herself in that situation. Rayne hadn’t. “I’d still like it if you went to medical, honey. Everyone who works in the field is required to report for examination, and you’re not an exception. You should have gone the moment you stepped in the gate.”
            “What do I tell them?” Rayne asked. “When they want to know how this happened, what did this to me?”
            He sighed a moment knowing she was right. “Tell them the truth,” He said. “You came across an unfriendly Sixer and got in a tussle with them.”
            “Not certain how true that is, but I suppose it works and is believable.” Rayne admitted. “The Sixers work for Lucas, he isn’t one of them.”
            “I know.” Smoothing her shirt back down carefully he rested his hand on her thigh again. He looked into her eyes, “This isn’t your fault, Rayne. If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s mine. At a very basic level, it’s his. I raised him better then to ever lay a hand on a woman much less do this to her.”
            “I’m not your typical woman, Nathaniel. I’m a zoologist. A field zoologist at that, I’d rather live among wild animals then my own kind.” Rayne explained.
            “You’re still a woman.” Taylor said.
            Rayne sighed, “I suppose I can be grateful that he didn’t take out his frustration on my face. At least I can hide these.” She said motioning towards her abdomen. Taylor sighed and gave a nod.

Results
            “So other than some really bad bruising your sure she’s alright.” Taylor said standing with Dr. Shannon.
            “Yeah. I’ve given her something for the pain, so she’ll be moving a bit easier now until she heals.” She turned towards the commander, “Malcolm said that she’s the colony zoologist. Why would the Sixers do this to her?”
            “I’m sure you’re aware that Terra Nova and the Sixer’s tend to be polar opposites, Doc. We’re not exactly friends.” Taylor answered.
            “But she’s a researcher. Not a solider or even a threat as far as I know. Her research tends to be the reason any of us can live in Terra Nova so we can so-exist with the dinosaurs and other animals. The most they should have done was take her research away and kept it for themselves.” She pointed out.
            “I don’t pretend to know what’s in their heads all the time Doc. If I did, then we would know where their camp was and put an end to their raiding parties and thieving from the colony.” The commander said. “She’s a resourceful young woman, which is why she got away from them and back to Terra Nova before they could injure her further.”
            “You know her pretty well then?” The Doctor asked. Taylor looked at her a moment when she said that. She’d just come in on the tenth pilgrimage and even though rumors flew about the colony quickly as it was, basically a small town and everyone lived in each other’s back yard. They tried to be discreet about their relationship but as recently proved, they weren’t as stealthy as they had hoped. It seemed like Dr. Shannon was incredibly insightful and seemed to understand that they were in a relationship. “Well, other than her injuries she is in peak health. She’s fine.”
            Taylor gave a nod before turning and leaving the office. Just then Jim Shannon seemed to appear from the shadows having been standing just in the next room. The doctor looked at him and sighed a little. “So there is a girl.” He said.
            “Looks like the rumors are true. I just didn’t expect her to be so much younger then he was.” Dr. Shannon said.
            “Well, it is a whole new world and our population is pretty sparse. Not to mention we can’t help who we fall in love with. Something drew them together and it’s really none of our business.” Jim paused, “Unless it starts to affect the security of the colony.”
            “Taylor of all people isn’t going to endanger the security of the colony. It’s been his first priority since day one.” Dr. Shannon said. “You think there is more to this story then they are letting on?”
            “I think there are a volume of secrets that Taylor is keeping to himself and she might be privy to more of them than anyone else.” The cop said.

Back to Life
            “Hey.” Taylor said stepping next to Rayne who was standing at a terminal in the lab. She was by herself today, and Malcolm let her work alone. She tended to work better that way. “You’re doing that thing again.” He said.
            Rayne looked at him, “What thing?” She asked.
            “That, ‘not-eating-anything-but-what-you-get-yourself’ thing.” He said. “You’re back in the colony you don’t have to do that.”
            “Habit.” She said turning her attention back to the terminal.
            “Well, you need to break that habit. Everyone else has to follow rules and you aren’t an exception.” Taylor stated before turning and leaning on the console looking at her. “You coming to dinner tonight?” He asked.
            She arched a brow entering some more information into the computer, “You cooking?” She asked.
            “Don’t worry, the kitchen isn’t my playground. I make a mean BBQ though.” He said.
            “Hmmm, not certain. Depends on what’s for dinner. Mammal, reptile, rodent?” She asked.
            “According to you, reptile. Tastes like chicken to me though.” He said crossing his arms. She didn’t say anything further before leaning a bit closer to her ear, “I’ve missed you.” He whispered.
            Rayne smiled, “Mmhmm. Someone’s already planned dessert I see.”
            “Well can you blame me?” He took her arm pulling her closer before wrapping his hands around her waist. “Been a while since I’ve had dessert.” They both smiled before leaning in and tasting each other’s lips once and then again as Rayne’s hands rested on his chest. The kiss parted and she licked her lips slightly savoring his taste before opening his eyes looking up at him.
            “I guess I don’t have much of a choice do I.” She said with a mischievous look in her eye.
            “I suppose not.” He said suppressing a grin.
            “Let me finish imputing September’s data and then I’ll come over.” She said kissing him again before she stepped back to the terminal. He groaned slightly stepping behind her and wrapping his arms around her hugging her tight leaning his chin on her shoulder before kissing her neck and squeezing her once more.
            “Hurry up.” He said turning and leaving the lab.
            Rayne smiled as she took out the memory card and changed it for another.

Midnight
            A few more hard deep stokes in the throes of intense passion, Taylor held fast to Rayne and she cried out in pleasure as they breathed deep holding tight each other. They began to consume one another’s mouth again before Rayne began to giggle a little. Taylor paused his kisses a moment looking into her eyes, “What?” He asked.
            “I was just thinking about that outing we went on by the lake. The galasaurs having the worst timing in the world.” She said reminding him of the small adventure they had together.
            “Yeah, really killed the moment didn’t they.” He said kissing her again before kissing her neck rolling off to the side of her pulling the covers up over their sweat soaked naked bodies before wrapping his strong arm around her again.
            “I don’t think so.” She said with a smile, “I’ve heard the sounds they make when they’re mating. They’re not much different than ours.”
            “Nice to know we sound like prehistoric turkeys when we’re making love.” Taylor said kissing her cheek.
            Rayne grinned and kissed him back before they looked into each other’s eyes and she held his arm around her. “I’ve missed you.” She said softly
            “I’ve missed you too. Even though sometimes I feel like I should take you over my knee. Going out into the field by yourself for months at a time. No reports, no resupplying at our outposts and check points, and when I do manage to get you out there with a team, you ditch them before nightfall.” He said having a somewhat irritated tone in his voice. “You know it’s against the rules but you do it anyway.”
            “It’s much easier to work on my own. Especially considering you send the fresh recruits off the pilgrimages with me for some reason. Then I have to somehow do my work and keep them alive too.” Rayne pointed out.
            “They’re experienced researchers that come through the portal specifically to assist you.” Taylor responded.
            “And they do. They read and input all the data I collect when I come back.” Taylor gave her a look before she sighed, “Please, Nathanial, don’t give me that look.”
            “You live out there like you’re one of them. An animal or like some sort of wild Indian from the old west. You hunt with a bow and arrow, you run around barefoot, you keep feathers in your hair, and you only wear enough for modesty.” He said on a roll now and it was hard to stop.
            “Because the gear that you wear tends to scare off the wild life I’m trying to study. It’s hard to be quiet and blend in and not seem threatening if everything about me says predator and fear.” She reached up and rested her hand on his cheek, “Please, Nathan can we just . . . enjoy each other’s company? I don’t like it when we fight.”
            “You’re right. You’re right, I’m sorry.” He kissed her, “I’m sorry.” He apologized again. She returned his affections as their kisses started to become more passionate desperately clinging to each other’s bodies, writhing in anxious need for more.

Class
            Rayne sat at a small table with the younger kids, having been asked to come in and teach a little about the animals out in the wild. Rayne liked kids and instantly agreed to the request.
            Teaching them how to make small leather wraps for their fingers that buckled at the wrist so they could safely work and pick up animals. Even poisonous ones, but understandably no one encouraged that. The strips of leather each wrapped around the fingers individually and she helped them stitch the leather in place. Making sure that everyone understood the steps so they could make new ones that fit their hands properly when they grew.
            “Miss Rayne?” One of the little girls asked. “How come we can’t keep animals in the colony?”
            “Well Molly, most of the animals here in Terra Nova start out small like all of you, but they grow into incredible sizes. If we all kept dinosaurs as pets, soon their wouldn’t be any room left for us in the colony and we’d have to move out.” All the kids giggled as Rayne reached over helping one of the boys with his stitching. “You want the leather to close together so there isn’t any opening or space between them.” Rayne pulled it a bit tighter and put in a few stitches, “There you go.”
            Just then the bell rang and everyone stood up, “Okay, we’ll finish these up tomorrow. Make sure you put them in your cubbies.” They did as instructed and waved thanking her as Miss Rayne before disappearing from the room. Rayne smiled stood putting away the supplies that they’d been using.
            “Miss Rayne,” Taylor’s voice said. “Makes you feel older then you are doesn’t it?” Rayne wrinkled her nose at him putting away everything in a box and closing it tight before turning and looking at him. “You’re a natural with children, incredibly good with them.”
            “You’re not going to start this conversation again, right here and right now are you?” Rayne said giving him a look.
            “We haven’t talked about it in a long time; I was hoping you had a change of heart.” Taylor pointed out.
            “The same problems apply as when we talked about it before, nothing’s changed.” Rayne said. Taylor walked closer to her knowing that this was a constant question between them that had been brought up dozens of times over the past few years. “Especially since I’ll be leaving back to the field pretty soon.”
            “Does it matter to you what I want at all?” Taylor questioned seriously. She paused and turned looking at him.
            “Of course it matters.” She said walking closer to him and taking his hands in hers looking into his eyes, “But I’m not ready. I’m just not ready to settle down yet. There is still so much of this world to explore and see. I can’t do that if I don’t leave the colony.”
            “You’d still be able to leave the colony, just with the science teams according to the science protocols. The way you were supposed to be doing things from day one.” Taylor said. Rayne sighed and looked away.
            “Why are you bringing this up now?” She questioned. “What brought this on again?”
            Taylor looked at her a moment before he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of metal and held it up between his fingers. A beautiful silver ring with 3 garnet hearts, small diamonds in between them. Rayne was struck speechless as she looked at her, “This was brought through on the tenth pilgrimage. Been waiting for it since the ninth.”
            Rayne looked up at him still at a loss for words. “This is something I’ve thought about in every direction, and it always just makes more and more sense.” He said. “We’re good together, Rayne.” She started to say something but he reached up and cupped her face in his hands to quiet her so he could speak his peace. “Now I’m sure you have a million excuses you could give me, but I want you to think. Think about what you feel in your heart. How you feel when we’re together. You know this makes more sense than anything else.” She was silent knowing how she felt about him, knowing that he was the one thing she missed most about Terra Nova, even more then hot showers. Of course she loved him. Even when Lucas was tenderizing her ribs, she never stopped loving him. Taylor could see in her eyes what her answer was already, but he was a big believer in doing things the right way.
            He took her hands and kneeled down on one knee looking up at her, “Rayne, will you do me the honor, of being my wife?”
            It all felt like a dream, so surreal and. . . . well crazy. Before she knew what she was saying her answer was already out. “Yes.” She said softly. Taylor grinned and stood to his feet taking her left hand and slipping the ring on her finger. Then he pulled her close and they kissed deeply. Rayne looked up into his eyes not sure what to say. They were officially engaged now.

Joyous Occasions
            “Commander Taylor.” Washington called out hurrying to catch up with him. She put her hands behind her back, “I just wanted to extend you my congratulations, sir.” Taylor paused and looked at Washington, “On your engagement.”
            Taylor half laughed, “It’s only been an hour, does the entire colony know already?”
            “No secrets in a small town, Sir.” Washington said.
            “God Damn it, I wanted to announce it at tomorrow’s colony meeting.” He said with a annoyed sigh.
            “You still can sir; I mean at this point it’s sort of unofficial. If you announce it tomorrow it’s official and no longer rumor.” Washington pointed out.
            “Eh, it’s not the same. I’ll still announce it but not exactly the same show stopping surprise it was going to be is it.”
            “Still sir, its wonderful news.” Washington said. “Terra Nova is about starting a new life for all of us. I’m just glad that means you can start a new life too.”
            “Well, I’m not expecting it all to be wine and roses. There’s going to be a lot of adjustments for us both. We’re both incredibly independent people.” Taylor said seriously. “But, I think we’ll make it work.”
            Washington smiled and gave a nod.

Congratulations All Around
            Jim Shannon came around the corner of one of the most unpopulated areas of the colony finding Rayne sitting between some cargo crates with her plex in hand writing some notes in the other. It was an odd place for a scientist to work but he had a feeling that she hadn’t left the colony like Taylor was concerned she had. He approached her and half smiled, “I guess you’re looking for some peace and quiet?” He said moving to sit down beside her.
            “Over 1,000 people in the colony, there is one commander, and he’s getting married.” She looked up at him, “You can only take so much congratulations without wanting to rip your own ears off.”
            “Ah. You’re not happy that Commander Taylor made the announcement to the colony yesterday.” He said being able to read the signs.
            “I’m not much of a people person, Shannon. He knows that.” She said closing a file on her plex and opening another. “You going to rat on me?”
            “Well, your fiancé is concerned about your whereabouts. Everyone’s asking for you, no one has seen you. I think he might have been worried you went on another field mission. I had a feeling you just needed some time to yourself.”
             Rayne paused a moment looking at the ring on her finger that Taylor had placed there. “He must have asked me a dozen times to marry him.” She said softly, “Seems like it was only a few months after I arrived in Terra Nova that he got that look in his eye.”
            “What look was that?” Jim asked.
            “You’re married, Jim. You had that look in your eye once. Every time you looked at Elizabeth. That look that said you couldn’t see a future without her in it.” Rayne said before she looked at him. “He must have asked me a dozen times since I came in on the 3^rdpilgrimage. After a few months of course, since when we first met we were butting heads like a couple of mountain goats. He doesn’t get along very well with scientists of any kind.”
            “What made you change your mind?” He asked. Rayne looked at him “Why did you say yes?”
            Rayne looked back at the ring that she wore on her finger. She loved garnets. It was her birth month gem, and something about the dark red color always was attractive to her. Taylor had obviously taken it into account when he’d purchased it. “I don’t know.” She answered honestly. “Materialistic I guess.”
            Jim half smiled, “You don’t strike me as the kind of person who places much value on objects and materials.” He said looking at her. “You love him, don’t you.”
            She was quiet for a moment not answering him right away. It was a secret they’d guarded for sometime but now it was out in the open and it seemed she’d had to admit that what she felt for him was more than carnal lust. “Of course I do.” She said softly. “More than I ever thought I could love someone. It was unexpected, it just . . . . sort of happened. Neither of us were planning on it, or looking for it. I think our first time together both of us thought was just a one night stand . . . but then there was another, and another, and we were thinking about each other during the day and didn’t want to be apart.” She looked up at Jim, “It just happened.”
            “That tends to be the way it goes sometimes.” Jim said.
            “Our age difference doesn’t seem to bother anyone.” She said. “Seems like back in 2149 it was still a taboo from the 20^th century.”
            “If you make each other happy, I don’t see why it should matter how old you are. Beyond that it’s not really anyone’s business.” Rayne was silent as though she was thinking of one person in particular that had a problem with her age in relation to the commander. “Has someone been hassling you about it?” He asked.
            “Not the word I’d use.” She said simply and it was obvious she wasn’t going to go into further detail. “I’m fine, Shannon.” Rayne said pulling herself back into the here and now. “I haven’t gone OTG and I won’t. I promised I won’t, and I don’t break my word.” He gave a nod understanding that she just needed some time alone.

Reports
            “She hasn’t left the colony.” Shannon said, “And I’m pretty much sworn to secrecy as far as her whereabouts are concerned.”
            “What does that mean?” Taylor asked.
            Shannon took a moment deciding on the best way to answer that question, “She just needed some time to herself. I think the onrush of attention and well-wishes from everyone in the colony just overwhelmed her a little bit.”
            “Well, Rayne always did tend to live more with her animals then her own kind.” Taylor admitted.
            “What’s her name?” The sheriff asked. “I mean, what’s her full name?”
            “Rayne O’Connell.” Taylor answered.
            Shannon furrowed his brow slightly when he said that as though he was expecting to hear something else. “Then why do I keep hearing people calling her snow?” He asked.
            Taylor half smiled as there were many mixed feelings on the issue. “A lot of people, especially the science staff, gave her the nickname Snow White. The only one I’ve ever seen actually touch a slasher’s face, pet him, and live.”
            “Why did she do that?” Jim said in astonishment.
            “Spite. Proving to me and Malcolm and everyone else involved that they weren’t just mindless killing and eating machines that have to kill everything in sight. She spent a week in my brig for that little stunt. On the one hand she did stop a slasher attack on the team of soldiers and scientists, on the other she disobeyed orders and ignored a direct command I gave to her personally.” Taylor explained recounting how she became Terra Nova’s own ‘snow white’.
            “Sounds a bit stubborn.” Shannon observed.
            “You have no idea. You think Malcolm’s a pain in my ass? He has nothing on Rayne when it comes to that sort of thing. She’s responsible for more than 80% of our interaction protocols with the wild life in this world. Like Malcolm and most of the other scientists, they believe that aggressive behavior towards the animals is unnecessary and our treatment of them cruel. They try to find ways around our outright killing any attacking predators. I’ve never condoned mindless killing of the animals unless it was a life or death situation but they take it a few steps further. To be honest I do believe it’s better to co-exist with these creatures since we are guests in their world.”
            “Does she have a crowd phobia? Like you know a social anxiety of some kind? She really seemed like someone hiding out from the world when I came across her.” Shannon asked.
            “Considering she’s a zoologist that works mainly with animals it’s never been a major cause of concern. She does her work and keeps to herself but I have noticed that large gatherings and crowds does put her on her guard somewhat.” Taylor said. “Rayne has severe trust issues when it comes to overly crowded places. Even though we have an incredibly small and sparse population in this incredibly vast word, she still gets a bit tense in a social setting.”
            Shannon gave a nod but had another question, “How do you think she’s going to react to the size wedding that you two are going to have?”
            “I don’t follow.” Taylor said not quite getting what he was saying.
            “Well . . . You’re Commander Taylor. I mean there’s a whole festival that celebrates your coming through the portal, and you’re a hero to pretty much everyone here. It’s going to be a huge wedding no matter what, the guest list is automatically going to be at least 1,000 people. Everyone in the colony will want to attend.” Shannon pointed out.
            “I suppose that’s true.” Taylor said giving a nod. “But Rayne won’t mind it, the only person she has to worry about and focus on is me.”
            “She’s the bride, everyone is going to be looking at her. How comfortable is she going to be with all that?” He asked.
            Taylor folded his hands together and leaned back in his chair, “I appreciate your concerns Shannon. But Rayne is a big girl and she and I are perfectly capable of getting through this. There are five ladies who already volunteered to help make her wedding dress, and even more who have offered to coordinate and decorate. All Rayne has to do is say what she wants or doesn’t want, or likes or doesn’t like and that’s it.” Taylor said. “I’ll make sure that she has more than enough help to get everything the way she wants it.”
            Shannon looked as though he already knew what she wanted, “Problem is, I think she would want a small ceremony in your office with two witnesses.”
            “Maybe, but as you said the entire colony is going to want to attend and I think it would be good for moral and setting an example for others getting married and starting families of their own.” Taylor said. “Just worry about your family Shannon, and I’ll worry about mine.” Shannon gave a nod before turning and leaving the commander.

Retreating
            Boylin came over to the table where Rayne was sitting and put down a fresh drink in front of her before taking the other chair and sitting next to her. “Not that I mind a paying customer spending all day here drinking, but it seems like you would have more important things to do then hang out here like a bar fly all day.”
            “I’ve gone from hardly existing in this colony to a celebrity over night.” She glanced up at him from her Plex, “This sort of cosmic life change is definitely an occasion for a drink.”
            He smiled, “Here, here.” He said in agreement clinking his glass against hers before taking a drink. Rayne picked up the glass and drained it halfway before putting it down and turning back to her screen. Even Boylin could see that something was bothering her, and she had had a significant amount of alcohol today. “I don’t suppose the commander knows you’re here, does he.”
            “He’s busy with Colony business.” She said quietly draining the rest of her glass.
            “Rayne,” He said cautiously, “I don’t pretend to know you better than I do, and I know enough about Taylor to understand fully what a bastard he can be, but if he’s forcing you to marry him and you don’t want to . . . .”
            “He’s not forcing me.” She said instantly cutting off that thought or line of thinking. “IF I didn’t want to marry him I would have thrown the ring in his face.” She said giving Boylin a look for overstepping his bounds. Taylor didn’t like him, and from what Rayne understood, it was warranted. “You run your games in Terra Nova, and to a point the commander looks away from them. Don’t you think this is a little foolish running a game on his intended?”
            Boylin looked as though he had been properly shut up and gave a nod before picking up his drink and leaving her alone, which was what she had wanted in the first place.

Missing
            “You found her last time Shannon, why have you suddenly lost the ability to track her down now?” Taylor demanded.
            “The last time anyone has seen her was at a table in the back from of Boylin’s bar.” Shannon reported, “She’d been there for hours . . . apparently drinking a lot.” He said wearily, “IS she usually such a heavy drinker?”
            “On occasion, but not so as you would notice.” He admitted.
            “What’s that mean?” The Sherriff asked.
            “She’s mostly Irish and Scottish Shannon. She has an incredible natural ability to hold her liquor. Even that paint remover Boylin sells in his bar.” The Commander sighed, “This isn’t really the reaction I was expecting from a young bride to be. It’s been . . . . a long time since I was married. About 30 years or so since the wedding. But aren’t they supposed to be worrying about dresses, how their hair is going to look, what sort of flowers they want?” Taylor asked a bit confused.
            “I think she’s still warming up to the idea of having a wedding on such a massive scale. It’s still a pretty overwhelming thought I would imagine. Everyone means well but the constant flow of congratulations and well wishes might be giving her anxiety. Have you two spent anytime together since the announcement?” Shannon asked.
            “No, not as much as I’d like. Been extremely busy, and things got a bit more exciting with the Sixer’s then I’d prefer.” Taylor said.
            Shannon thought for a moment, “Maybe you should take her out away from the colony. Just for a day so you guys can reconnect without all the distractions. You know the best places for a small getaway and she knows how to handle herself. It seems like you both need a little time away.”
            Taylor sighed. It wasn’t a bad idea. With just him and Rayne and no one else to bother them or interrupt, things might be simpler and less scary. “I guess a day OTG would be good for things. Washington doesn’t mind being in charge.” It seemed like the best solution except for one problem, “That is if we can even find her.”
            “We’ll find her. She hasn’t been shirking her duties and has been turning in reports. We’ll just find her the next time she checks in with research.”

OTG
            Rayne was bending down in the shallow water of the lake washing her hands and arms after she’d caught and butchered a small animal while Taylor made a small spit to cook it on and started a fire. He watched her when he finished tying the meat to the spit and putting it over the fire and grinned.
            “You know, most people get nervous and worried when they come outside the gates. Not the other way around.” He commented.
            “I think you can attest to the fact, I’m not most people.” She said standing up and putting her knife back in it’s sheath. “You’re not intimidated are you?” She questioned, “Another person being able to survive out here on their own, and a girl?”
            He stood up and walked over to her wrapping his arms around her, “I don’t see any girls here.” He nuzzled her ear slightly when he drew her into his arms, “A full grown woman, however . . .” He said kissing her neck then pulling back enough to find her lips and consuming them hungrily.
            Rayne smiled and pulled back a bit looking up at him, “I’m surprised you haven’t scolded me yet for living in a cave.”
            He turned and looked at their shelter, “Not what I’d call a full cave, it tends to end 15 feet in.”
            “Well yeah, unless you want to share my condo with another living creature with longer teeth and a shorter temper.” She kissed him one more time before she turned and walked over to the fire picking up a stick and moving the logs under the meat so it would cook more evenly.
            Taylor paused a moment as he could smell something in the air. It was a strange scent he wasn’t familiar with. It wasn’t unpleasant, but it wasn’t natural. “What is that smell?” He asked breathing in the air a bit deeper.
            Rayne pointed with her stick towards three empty gourds that were smoking profusely. “Incense.” She said before going back to poking the fire. “Lets call it dragons blood, and go with that.”
            He walked over and sat down next to her when she settled on the log next to the fire. “Incense?” He said, “I realize we’re looking for a certain mood here but this is a bit much isn’t it?” He asked.
            She grinned loving it when she knew something neither he nor the Sixer’s did. “Terra Nova animals, like most, don’t like the smell of burning blood. It triggers their instincts to go the other direction, as in their minds it means that there is a fire or some other such danger in the jungle, or woods, or wherever their habitat is.” She pointed towards them again, “That is my own special recipe that covers everything from Carnos, to Obasours, to . . . Slashers and Ancestral Komodo.”
            “Sort of weird isn’t it? For a zoologist to want to send animals away rather then bring them closer?” He said.
            “I don’t use it often, only sometimes ever once in a while.” She leaned against him slightly with her shoulder, “And since we don’t want to be distracted by curious and deadly animals, I thought I’d take a bit of the worry off and give us some privacy.”
            “Really.” He said with a smile, “Why didn’t you bring this little discovery to Terra Nova? Would help our defenses if it would keep the animals away from the gates and fences surrounding the colony.”
            “Because, like humans, if it’s used to much and too often in great quantities, you get used to the smell and it loses it’s affect. At best it would give Terra Nova . . . . two days before it would stop working.” Rayne explained. She half smiled, “I might be persuaded to give you the recipe in case there is another EMP in the near future.”
            “Really.” He said with a smile wrapping his arm around her, “And how might you be persuaded of that.” Rayne grinned and kissed him softly, before kissing him again as they wrapped their arms around one another and began to kiss more passionately.

Bad Influence
            “Rayne,” Taylor said when he saw her crouching down next to one of the cages in the lab. Her hair was a deep purple color that shined brightly in the daylight. “You’re not going to start that again are you?” He questioned walking closer to her looking at her hair, “How did you even find that pigment here?”
            “Flowers.” She said turning and looking up at him, “Since I’m not going out in the field I don’t have to worry about blending in with the shrubbery.”
            “I still remember it being neon orange when you got here.” He said when she stood putting down her PLEX. The look on his face was one of horror, but she just smiled and walked over kissing his cheek. “It’s just a color, don’t look so shocked.” Walking over she punched the codes on the fridge taking out some samples and taking them over to the computer. “Was my hair the only reason you were paying me a visit today?” She asked.
            Her mood had definitely improved since they had returned, she was much more comfortable around people and with the idea of the event their wedding was going to be in the colony. “Uh, yeah.” He said shaking off the shock of seeing she’d dyed her hair since he’d left her last night. “Haven’t told Malcolm yet, which will most likely make him nice and cranky with me, but there seems to be a large nest my guys came upon on their last patrol. A big one, about 30 feet up in the canopy. Thought you’d be interested in having a look.”
            Rayne’s eyes lit up, “Really? Yeah, definitely.” She said quickly punching in the computer the tests she wanted run on the samples that had been taken before she hurried over grabbing her pack. “Let’s go.” She said hurrying passed him. He chuckled a bit following her out of the lab to the rover that was waiting for them.

Emergency
            The rover skid into the gates nearly hitting them as they weren’t quite open. Taylor quickly bailed out his side of the rover, and ran around to the other side flinging the door open. Doctor Shannon, Washington and Jim all hurried out as they’d only received Taylor’s call to the colony moments ago. He quickly yet carefully picked up Rayne into his arms and turning as the Doctor got to them, and Washington ordered two soldiers to get a stretcher. “Rayne, sweetheart?” He said seeing that she’d fallen unconscious.
            Getting her down on the stretcher, the Doctor quickly began to scan her, “Get her into the infirmary, and onto a bio-bed, NOW!” She yelled. Taylor was fast on her heels as was Washington and Jim.
            “What happened?” Jim asked.
            “She fell, hit the ground hard. She got back up, and brushed herself off and seemed fine. I didn’t think she was hurt that bad. Then all of a sudden her eyes started to flutter back in her head, and it was like all the color drained out of her body.” Taylor said as Jim pulled him to a stop wanting to hear it and to give Doctor Shannon some room. “She was still talking to me a few minutes ago but it didn’t make much sense.” Taylor was actually feeling himself beginning to panic a little bit, “Wash, secure the gates.” He said before turning and hurrying into the infirmary with Jim.
            A little while later, when Doctor Shannon had already told him twice to back up and give them some space to work, things had calmed down somewhat. They’d dressed the wounds on her head that had been bleeding as well as the cuts on her arms and the gash on her leg. “She’s stabilized.”
            “What’s wrong doc?” Taylor asked. “Why isn’t she coming around?”
            “I sedated her, she has a few cuts and bruises but she’s mostly fine.” She reported.
            “Fine? I brought her in, remember, fine isn’t a word I would use to describe her. What happened?” He asked.
            The Doctor was quiet a moment before she turned around, “Clear the room please.” She said in a loud voice. The other doctors and nurses that were in the room or the hallway gave a nod and left. “Jim, you too.” She said. He looked a little surprised but gave a nod before leaving the room as well.
            This didn’t look or feel right and Taylor looked back at her, “What is it? What’s going on?”
            “How far down was her fall?” The Doctor asked.
            “About 15 feet, maybe less. I thought she would be hurt worse but she said she was fine, and seemed fine. She wanted to crawl back up to that nest and keep looking around.” Taylor explained. “Is it her head injury?” He asked, “Is there . . . is there severe damage?”
            “No, no nothing like that.” The Doctor said, “Her head wound looks much worse then it actually is. She’ll have a headache when she wakes up but that will pass in a day or two.” The doctor hesitated a moment, “Commander Taylor, she suffered a miscarriage. The blood on her legs wasn’t from the wounds. She was about 3 months along.” Taylor was speechless as a million things seemed to go through his mind at once. “I think she knew, and she’s been hiding it.” She turned and picked up a small bottle handing it to him.
            Turning it over he read what it was. “Pre-natal vitamins.” It was clear that she was aware of the condition.
            “She’s avoided her last two physicals she was scheduled for.” Taylor’s eyes turned towards the unconscious young woman, a feeling of shock, disappointment, and a little anger that she hadn’t said anything, hadn’t told him. “I think she might have been working up the courage to tell you. Waiting for the right time?” She suggested.
            Taylor still couldn’t believe it, it was hard to digest. “Is she,” He cleared his throat a little, “Is she alright, otherwise?”
            “Yeah, like I said a few cuts and bruises and she’s in for a headache, but other than that she’ll be fine physically.” She replied. She paused for a moment, “I want to keep her for observation for a day or two. Given her tract record with medical situations, I think it might be best to keep her under.”
            He gave a nod and without saying anything, he turned and left the infirmary.

Recovering
            Rayne sat at her lab station writing notes and working on inputting data collected. She hadn’t said much, and her exuberance she had when they had come back from their OTG outing had diminished substantially. For the time being she stopped teaching the younger kids about the local animals, and had restricted herself to the lab. She and Taylor hadn’t talked yet, she’d only been released from the infirmary the day before. Once she was awake, Doctor Shannon had sent a nurse to tell him she was awake. But by the time the commander got to the infirmary, she’d already left.
            Taylor stood at the doorway hesitating a moment before he walked further into the lab and folded his hand in front of him as he watched her work. She knew he was there, but wasn’t acknowledging it yet. “We need to talk, don’t we.” Taylor said breaking the uneasy silence.
            “Dr. Shannon said she’d already spoke with you.” Rayne said simply.
            “Yes. But I think now, we need to talk to each other.” Taylor stated sternly. Rayne sighed stopping what she was doing and turning around standing from her chair. They stood in silence for a moment before Taylor spoke again, “Why didn’t you tell me?” He asked.
            Rayne didn’t answer right away and she wasn’t looking straight at him, her eyes were turned away. “I was going too.” She said softly. “I just . . . wasn’t sure when. It didn’t seem like . . . the right time . . .”
            “The right time?” Taylor said cutting her off raising his voice a little, “The right time was before we crossed those gates into the hostile environment, into the wild.” She closed her eyes a moment swallowing the lump in her throat. He stepped closer to her, “You should have told me, you should have taken better care of yourself then that.”
            There were tears in her eyes almost instantly as she couldn’t draw a breath, she looked up at him, “I didn’t mean to fall.” She said in a broken voice as tears escaped her eyes and slid down her cheeks. Taylor could see how much pain she was in, and that he was hardly helping anything with shaming her, when she was drowning in guilt already. Reaching up he cupped her face in his hands feeling a knot in his own chest as he rested his forehead against hers.
            “I know,” He said kissing her once, “I know honey.” He said wrapping his arms around her laying her head against his shoulder holding her tight as she broke down in tears.
            “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” She said hardly able to get the words out. “I thought I could take care of myself, of the baby. That I’d have this wonderful thing to tell you, and in a moment it was gone, it was gone.” She cried into his shoulder.
            “Shhh, sweetheart.” He said having a hard time not breaking into tears himself. Pain from the loss, pain of being the cause of more of her hurt, pain that he couldn’t spare her the agony she was in.
            “I wanted to have your baby, I wanted to have it so much.” She said raising her head and catching her breath looking up at him, “I was taking vitamins and I was being careful. I just . . . I was being so careful.” She cried.
            “It’s alright.” He said holding her against him again almost tighter than, “It’s alright honey,” Taylor pulled her back and looked into her eyes, “It’s not over, okay? The doctor said you were okay, everything was okay, everything’s going to be alright.” He said smoothing her hair back out of her eyes cupping her face as she nodded calming down, “We can try again, and maybe . . . maybe I could be more involved with it this time?”
            For some reason it struck her has funny, even though she was so upset and she laughed a little. Taylor smiled and kissed her forehead holding her again. “It’s going to be okay.”

To Be Continued . . . .

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A New Beginning