New Life, New Friends

by kirstyrob14

"Abigail Harkness. I'm working for the government." I said holding up the piece of psychic paper that had been in my pocket. The man nodded, turning his attention to the Doctor. Abigail Harkness, ex-time agent, con artist extraordinaire. While working a con with her 'brother' some new and interesting people pop up, who are they and what will it mean for her and Jack?

1. The Empty Child pt1

THE EMPTY CHILD

"Hey, look!" I shouted behind me as I pointed at some sort of time capsule like device. Looking down at my monitor which had been scanning the blue box, it was giving off huge amounts of time energy, so big it was causing the scanner to overload slightly. I frowned as I began to flick switches, trying with all my might to make sure my main monitor didn't blow up in my face. I moved a few levers and turned a few dials before I sighed in relief as the levels dropped to a safe monitoring level. I twirled in my chair hands in the air, celebrating my tiny win over the astronomical energy, the amount power it had and how it hadn't managed to destroy my computer. Though my celebration was cut short when I noticed the one person that needed to see the ship and energy wasn't actually here. The frown reappeared on my face as I moved out of my seat to begin my climb towards the back of the ship.

"Jack?!" I shouted as I slowly wandered towards the bed at the rear of the ship. My hand fell down to my holster gripping my trusted blaster tightly, but refraining from removing it from the holder... just in case. I used my free hand to push my light brown fringe from my eyes, where it insisted on lying. The rest of my hair was tied up in its typical ponytail, leaving my face clear and making my aim as good as it could possibly be. I glanced around again, my bright blue eyes taking everything in, determined not to miss anything that could be a threat... Even if we were in space, nowhere near any other alien craft. I took another step forward, ducking under some low hanging multicoloured wires.

"Jack, get your ass out here!" I yelled as I tugged at my hood trying to release it after it had got caught on a hanging piece of metal. It quickly let go of my hood as I glared at the offending piece of scrap. My leather jacket with the grey fabric hood was my favourite piece of clothing and the only jacket I had, completing my simple yet badass jeans, t-shirt, boots, and holster look.

Shaking my head I turned back to the job at hand. Waking up the idiot I lived with.

"Oh god. How many times do I have to shout?" I muttered to myself before turning up the volume, "JACK!"

I heard a thump and a couple of curses from the area the bed was and started sniggering to myself. Serves him right for ignoring me. I turned and headed back towards my seat, knowing full well he would follow demanding to know why I had awoken him, especially after his extra long night shift yesterday. I sighed as I used one hand to shift the fallen wires and metal so I could pass by safely, he always did extra long stints yet never allowed me to do any in return. I didn't get it. I never understood why he wouldn't let me take a slightly longer shift so he could sleep a little while longer, it wasn't fair on him, and he always seemed to let me lie in.

I took my seat and absently began to swing around in it as I waited. I may be seventeen but still enjoyed twirling on any chair that allowed it; it distracted me, calmed me down, allowed me to clear my head and forget what had happened, why I was always so jumpy and gun ready. My past. The thing that haunted my mind and always seemed to control my future... or it had, until I met Jack. My pseudo older brother. We were in a similar situation when we met, meaning we got along famously.

I kept twisting and turning my chair as I thought over my past, exploring my memories. Only to jump up as I felt a hand cease my movement. My hand automatically went to my gun, and in a flash I had it out pointing at the person's stomach.

"Whoa, whoa! Take it easy." I heard a familiar American accent say as he tried to calm my trigger happy self down. I closed my eyes, realising I had once again overreacted. I dropped the gun back into the holster and fell into my seat, sighing.

"Sorry." I muttered as I began flicking switches to get an image on the screen. I felt Jack's hand on my shoulder as he gave it a reassuring squeeze. I sighed again, turning to look up at him.

"Now what was it I was so rudely woken up for?" Jack asked, not bothering to bring up the encounter that happened not two seconds ago. It seemed to happen so often it wasn't even worth mentioning anymore. Jack knew why I did it and how much I hated the fact I did do it. It wasn't easy to control my reactions and I was grateful he never brought it up.

"Well, we've got a suspected time agency ship on our radar. It's giving off way to much Aryton energy to not be a time travelling ship and I don't know any other agency or person who owns or can use a time travelling device." I relayed to him as I twisted back to the screen, showing him both the picture of the box and a chart of the energy levels being given off by the ship. Jack whistled as the energy levels spiked again. I instantly flicked a few switches, calming down the scanner.

"That's a lot of energy." He breathed, before smiling down at me. "Nice job kid." He praised before rubbing my head. I grinned in return; pleased he was happy with my work. He released my head a few seconds later and walked over to the captain's chair, as I had duped it, at the very front of the spaceship we had commandeered - not stolen. I followed him over, standing beside him as he programmed the flight path that the Chula 'war' ship was going to take, through the vortex and straight to the middle of the London blitz. World War Two. Britain vs. Germany. In my opinion, the best time period there was or is. The perfect place for our con.

It was a simple con, get a ship from a junk yard, make it look worth something, throw it at a time agent, ask them for money, they give it, bomb falls on it destroying the evidence that it was in fact a worthless piece of junk. Brilliant, self cleaning and a great way to get back at the agency. Gotta love the war.

"So..." I drawled out before continuing, "Is it an agency ship?" I wasn't too sure in all honesty, it definitely was a time traveller's craft, but I had never seen anyone like that before. It was unique. Or well, unique and new to me. I figured if I didn't know Jack would. He seemed to know everything about the agency and aliens; I was more up to date on the weapons and spaceship models.

Jack glanced back at me before turning back to the screen, "It must be. No other ship would give off readings like that." He justified although looking slightly unsure, I nodded, giving him a pat on the back before I moved back over to my area. I started to tidy up my few belongings that I had abandoned around my desk, not wanting to look like a slob if Jack managed to get one of the time agents back to the ship. I flung a few gadgets into my backpack and tied it up before heading over to the 'bedroom' and tossing it on to the bed. I returned back to my desk and turned off my screen before I moved across so I was beside Jack when we released the space junk. He grinned at me when I reappeared back beside him and gestured to the switch I knew would throw the space junk at the ship.

"Care to do the honours?" He asked getting out of his chair to allow me to sit down. I smiled practically jumping into the seat that I only got to sit in on special occasions. I heard him laugh slightly at my antics although he never said a word against it. I looked up at him moving my hand to the switch.

"Ready?" I asked as my hand hovered close to the switch, slightly shielding it in case Jack decided to annoy me and just hit it himself. He nodded while sighing, telling me to hurry up, I complied. Quickly, I pushed up the switch, allowing the hunk of junk to fly towards the unsuspecting victims of our con. I smiled as I watched it fall before leaning back into the more comfortable than it looked chair, looking up at Jack who had taken to leaning against the seat. He smiled down at me as I grinned up at him.

"Take it we're going back to London." I said through a yawn. I hadn't noticed how tired I was, with all the energy and problems with the blue box and with the workout session I had done earlier. It had been at least 18 hours since I had slept, and with all the screen reading, ship searching and weight lifting I was exhausted. Jack laughed a little at me before stretching over me and pulling down a lever. He pushed a button before moving back so he was no longer covering me.

"You should go to bed." He said pointing towards the rear end of the ship. I frowned and shook my head.

"I'm fine, you can go. I'll set the coordinates and fly us there." I offered as I began to put in the times and dates. I felt his hand on my left shoulder and glanced up at him. He was frowning slightly as he looked me in the eyes.

"Go to bed." He repeated, putting on his 'big brother' voice, basically saying 'you better do as I say or else'. I groaned and sank further into the chair, not wanting him to have to fly us. Jack just sighed and bent over picking me up and swinging over his shoulder in a fireman's lift. I began to struggle, trying to get him to release me. He just chuckled at my wrestling and continued to carry me through our home. Once he had got as far as the bed, he threw me down before glaring at me. I glared back not at all perturbed by the look he was giving me. It was almost an everyday occurrence.

"Stay here and sleep. I'll fly us back to London." He said firmly, trying to act all mature, key word being trying. The smirk on his face gave away the fact he wasn't actually too concerned although firmly suggested the idea that I did go to bed and slept for a while. I dropped my glare and smiled softly at him. I lay down placing my arms behind my head and crossing my legs over.

"How about instead I lie here and talk to you while you fly... And before you say anything, I'll be resting." I compromised staring up at the ceiling. Out the corner of my eye, I could see him shake his head at my suggestion although there was a small fond smile on his face. I grinned at the roof, knowing that the head shake meant he had no argument against the idea. He walked away without another word, although I swear I could hear him chuckling as he walked over to his chair. The seat gave its familiar creek as he sat in it, he coughed once before starting to flick switches to power up the engine.

"Jack?" I yelled once I felt the jolt as we began to move.

"Yeah?"

"Remember to set the right date this time. 1941, not 1841."

"Shut up Abigail!"

I took a deep breath in as I climbed onto the roof of our ship. 1941. I had been here so many times I knew the events like the back off my hand. I loved it. The only problem was the males in this time, all desperate and young, heading off to war, meaning I often got hit on by the young strapping solider that was working with Jack who was posing as an American volunteer. I played his younger sister, due to the fact I looked similar to him and I had an American accent. The British authorities bought it, so who were we to try and change it.

I glanced around taking in the sight of the barrage balloons and dull lights. We had been here for about a month now, waiting for those agents to arrive and try and find the Chula ambulance. This job took a lot of patience, which is something Jack and I don't have much of, but with all the sights I had to see and the RAF and all the war for Jack, we lived through it. But even with the long months we have to wait each time, I still find London during the blitz an interesting place. The alleyways, the houses, the underground, the shelters... They were all amazing things to see, and then there were your classic sites. The parliament building, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham palace... Not to mention Big Ben, which just so happens to be the place we had tethered up our invisible ship.

We'd started placing it next to really obvious sites after I had once parked it in a random location and nearly lost it. Jack hadn't talked to me for a whole five days after that incident, especially since it had cost us a con and meant we had no stuff for a week. I quickly learned to not do that again. I hated being alone, and I hadn't felt more alone in those five days. Jack and I had lived together for a while and going from having a normal talkative, flirty, brother, to someone who wouldn't even say hello... It felt like I was alone again. Jack had apologised afterward, saying he had overreacted. I agreed a little, but at least it taught us a lesson.

I sat down on the hidden ship just enjoying the site of the huge clock. It looked magnificent, even if it was in the centre of a burning London. A burning London that was fighting against the Nazi enemy who were threatening the life's of so many Jews just because they believed something different. A burning London that was standing up for not just themselves but others. It wasn't just Big Ben that looked magnificent, it wasn't the whole of burning London. No. It was the whole of burning Britain that looked magnificent! From John O'Groats to Portsmouth. The whole of Britain fighting against a huge German army! Ahh, Britain the home of the brilliant British!

I glanced down at my vortex manipulator (VM). Nearly time for the first lot of German bombs for the day. Great. Sighing, I hauled myself up and headed down into the ship. I had promised Jack I would meet him for it at door of the base he was based at for the night. I typed in the command into my VM to be transported on to the ground so I could run to the house I knew he was in. I pushed the enter button and in a flash I was on the streets of London.

I looked around trying to get my bearings. I was right beside Tower Bridge. Fantastic. I had to run about a mile now. My vortex manipulator had been suffering some technical difficulties and often sent me to the opposite place of where I wanted to be.

I turned and headed towards the bridge before breaking into a sprint, I legged it across the bridge before turning left then right. I headed down an alleyway. I appeared out the other end and turned trying to position myself. I took a deep breath in before running in an easterly direction. Running like mad, I turned into another alley. I ran faster knowing there was a wall I would have to jump over. I put a foot on one wall, using it for leverage. I held onto the top of the wall and began to haul myself over. I leapt of the other side and broke into another sprint. Turning left when I got to the end. Turning right. Right again. Left. Right. Left. Alleyway. Wall. Left. Left.

Stop.

I fell to my knees taking deep breaths in. One mile in six minutes. Not bad. Not ever going to be done again. I'd rather be in the middle of the blitz. Slowly I sat up a little, still breathing hard, and I tried to stand. My legs were both numb and on fire. It felt horrible. I made my way inside slowly, trying to ease the pain in my legs. It wasn't working. The door was open and so I headed in, ignoring Berny, the solider who stood just inside the door. I headed straight for the stairs and began to climb through the pain in my legs. I pulled my jacket closer and zipped it up as I continued onwards, knowing what the soldiers here were like and how overprotective Jack had become. Not that I minded or anything.

I came to a halt in front of the door I knew the soldiers hung out in while on their patrol, checking my pockets for everything I needed. Music system from 22nd century, check. Pointless gadget, check. Gun in holster, check. Vortex manipulator on arm, check. Psychic paper, check. Knife that I shouldn't have but makes me feel safe that's hidden in my boot, check.

With my last minute check complete I opened the door and walked in smiling pleasantly at everyone in the room. Just as the Air Raid siren went off. Jack looked up at me when he heard the door open, smirked, then continued what he was doing. George, on the other hand...

"What are you doing here? This is a restricted area. No members of the public allowed." He relayed. George was one of those stick in the mud officers, hated breaking the rules, even for dear old me.

"Oh, Georgie, I thought I was more to you than that... I believe you called me your golden girl last time I saw you." I teased, pouting at him. He stuttered and choked, and began blushing. The other soldiers in the room began to laugh, including Jack. I also chuckled a little while winking at the embarrassed young man.

"Tha... That was highly in, inappropriate." He stuttered. I smirked and walked over to him adding a little bit more sway in my hips. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I leaned in closely.

"Inappropriate? You don't know the meaning of the word... At least not yet." I whispered saucily in his ear. He gulped, my actions and 51st century pheromones just increasing the act. He began to rapidly stutter and breathe slightly heavier. I smirked and took a step back dropping my arms before pouting and giving him the puppy eyes.

"So, can I stay George? Please." I asked softly. He stuttered a little more before a prompt 'yes' came out. I grinned, turning away from him and heading over to the corner closest the window, where Jack and Algy were standing. I smiled at them once I arrived and immediately sat down on the chair Algy evacuated for me, muttering a quick thank you.

"I think you broke George." Algy informed me. I glanced back at the man I had just seduced slightly, before turning back and shaking my head. The idiot was still stuttering. I knew my pheromones worked wonders but that was certainly something I had never seen. Clearly the guy had been out of the game for a tad too long if he had been affected that much by a little harmless flirting. I leaned back in the chair with a sigh.

"I must be a little too hot to handle." I said with a slight chuckle. Algy joined in. I glanced over at Jack who hadn't said anything yet. To be honest, I had fully expected to have been reprimanded a little and then for the two of us to have a laughing fit at ol' George's face, but he hadn't spoke to me. He looked up at me and I realised why he hadn't said anything, he didn't know what to say. He was in limbo, between laughing and telling me off. He had a frown on his face but his eyes were dancing with amusement. I just grinned and tilted my head to the side, gesturing to George who was still broken. That won it.

Jack began to chuckle along with the two of us before it turned into a full blown laughing fit. The three of us just enjoying the moment. We quickly sobered up though when George himself came over, handing Algy a letter and walking off. That started the fit up again, especially since the blush that had disappeared immediately reappeared when he glanced at me. I grinned back at him, making him go a darker red.

Algy quietened down a moment as he read over his new orders, he groaned before handing it over to Jack. Jack glanced at his before smiling and heading over to the window. He picked up the binoculars of the windowsill and began to watch for enemy planes. I sat and watched him for a while before changing and looking at Algy who looked like he was leaving. I tilted my head a little, confused as to why he was leaving. I was about to open my mouth to ask when I was cut off by some officer.

"Get those lights out, please. Everyone down to the shelter."

Ahh, Air Raid. Of course. We all had to leave and head down to the shelter, forgot about that rule. I looked up at Jack who hadn't moved from the window and now had a stupid grin on his face. I frowned and looked down at the table, thinking through all the different grins he had and trying to match that one to another.

"Jack? Are you going down to the shelter?" Algy started as he headed over to stand beside Jack at the window. "Only I've got to go off on some silly guard duty." So that why he's leaving. "Ah, barrage balloon, eh? Must've come loose. Happens now and then. Don't you RAF boys use them for target practice?" He asked as he picked up his jacket. I also stood up and wandered over to window, wanting to see what all the fuss was about. I peeked over Jack's shoulder looking at the escaped balloon.

"Excellent bottom." Jack muttered just loud enough for Algy and me to hear. I frowned trying to find the persons he was talking about, now being able to match the grin to his 'you look like my type but even if you weren't I don't mind' grin.

"I say, old man, there's a time and a place. Look, you should really be off." Algy stuttered, thinking Jack was talking about him. I glanced down... he could have been. Jack though just smiled and turned to face the two of us.

"Sorry, old man. I've got to go meet a girl. But you've got an excellent bottom too." He amended. I laughed a little as Jack turned, smacked Algys ass and swept out of the room, before coming to my senses and running after him.

"Oi! Harkness!" I yelled down the corridor to him. He turned so he was walking backwards, grin still on his face.

"Yes Abi? Are you wanting something?"

"What am I supposed to do while you're doing god knows what to the poor girl?" I asked although there was a slight grin on my face too. He just winked and turned around.

"Whatever you want...just don't come home for a couple of hours."

I strolled down the streets, hands in my pockets. Being careful to avoid both bombs and soldiers who would force me to a shelter. I wandered down another alleyway, hoping something fun or interesting would pop up. It had been a while since I had had to run for my life, I was beginning to miss it. I passed a few bins as I walked, ignoring the squeaks of mice or rats I knew most likely were hiding in there. Continuing onwards, I exited the alley, appearing on some street.

It looked like one of those well off streets. I could see an Anderson Shelter in almost every garden, a lot more than some streets had. Most of the poorer people that couldn't afford one had to go to a public shelter which were overcrowded and smelt quite bad. I could sympathise with those few who had to hide down there rather than up here. Though it offered more protection, it took longer to get to and had limited space. Not to mention the fact that people inside them could argue over pretty much anything. I'd been in one of those fights before, it was horrible. They don't stop until a solider comes over, and even then sometimes they don't.

Sighing I turned my gaze to the floor, continuing my lonely walk. I didn't look up until I bumped into someone. I slowly pulled my eyes away from the ground and sized up the person I had walked into. My eyes widened when I realised it was a little girl. Not much older than five or six. She had dirt all over her face and tears running down her cheeks. I let my defences fall and stared at her pity in my eyes. Kneeling down so I was eye level with her, I gently and slowly pulled my hands out my pockets and began to wipe some dirt and tears off her face with the pad of my thumb.

"What's wrong?" I asked gently. She snivelled a little, wiping her nose with the back of the hand. I smiled reassuringly, encouraging her to talk to me so I could help. She stared me down, trying to work out if I could be trusted. We looked at each other for a good few minutes before she finally opened her mouth.

"I can't find Nancy or Bobby." She relented. I smiled at her, wiping off a few fresh tears, before standing up and offering her my hand. She took it hesitantly but gripped it tightly.

"I'll help you find them if you want? I'm Abi by the way." I added realising how rude I was not to introduce myself. She smiled a little and nodded.

"I'm Annie." She greeted. I squeezed her hand a little before I asked her the next question.

"Do you know where they could be? Nancy and Bobby, I mean." She nodded her head and then explained her whole situation and what the girl Nancy did for all the homeless kids on the streets of London. How she fed them and gave them a small home, not to mention hope. While Annie told me all this, my grin increased. The girl was magnificent! Eventually, Annie got around to telling me all she knew about where 'dinner' was. Glancing around, I looked for a street name.

"Abi. How far away is it?" She asked me after I had sighed and given up on looking for a name. No signs. I looked down at the young girl and smiled lightly.

"Not far, I'm sure. Everything's going to be ok." I lied. I honestly had no clue where I was or where the dinner thing for homeless kids was going to be. The only way to find out would be to scan for life in the houses and that would scare Annie, with the alien technology and all. Sighing and running my free hand through my hair, I glanced around again. I would have to do it the old fashioned way. The old look around technique.

Tugging Annie's hand I lead her down the street hoping for some kind of magical sign to pop up. Annie was only little and needed someone that could look after her, Nancy sounded like that kind of person. I had to find Nancy. My thoughts seemed to have controlled my pace, feeling my hand being pulled backwards as Annie's little six year old legs failed to keep up. I slowed down keeping pace with her, rather than pulling her along and torturing the poor kid.

I turned a corner looking in every window we passed and down every street. Just wanting to find Nancy or some other homeless child that could take Annie to Nancy. We walked for a good ten minutes trying to find people when all of a sudden two loud whistles could be heard in the distance. The pressure Annie had been applying to my hand was instantly gone as she ran down the road, heading directly towards the noise. I grinned and ran after her, laughing at the excitement and happiness radiating from the girl.

"Slow down Annie!" I yelled, worried she would hurt herself. She ignored me and continued, running as fast as her short six year old legs could carry her. I held pace with her easily, slowly jogging beside her.

Soon the young girl slowed down and began looking around, trying to find the right house, not that she would be able to see over any of the walls surrounding the homes. I stopped alongside her also looking around for any signs of movement on the street. None. The street was empty. The only sound that could be heard was the dropping of bombs on some of London's greatest landmarks.

"Annie!?" Someone yelled. I froze on the spot, hand flying instantly to the gun strapped to my waist. Turning slowly, ready to defend myself or Annie if it was a threat.

On the otherwise of the street was a boy, quite tall with sandy blonde coloured hair or it would have been if it wasn't for the dirt covering his face like it had Annie's when I'd first met her. He looked around thirteen. He had his arms out and knelt down so he was at around Annie's height. I tilted my head, confused as to what he was doing, only to nod in understanding when Annie instantly fled into him, seeming to take comfort in the little action. I watched as Annie once again began to cry. My anger spiked as tears flowed down my new friends cheeks. Who was he and why did he hurt Annie? How did he hurt Annie? Why was she crying?

My hands tightened on the gun as I hesitantly crept forward. I glared at the boy as I edged my way over, hoping that would be enough for him to let her go and leave us alone, not wanting to take out my gun with Annie being so close... Not that I would miss. I just didn't want to scare her. Once I was close enough, I began to hear parts of their conversation.

"You ok? That girl over there don't hurt you did she?" He asked. My glare heightened. How dare he suggest I hurt her! I would never! I watched closely as the child began to check Annie over for any injuries I may have caused, finding none he looked back up at Annie's face.

"Nope. Abi helped me." Annie informed him, turning to smile widely at me. I gave a small smile in return, focusing mainly on the boy, not her. He glared at me a little as he noticed my watching him. I glanced over at Annie, giving her another once over, before glaring back at the boy. I didn't like him. He seemed to notice my dislike or unease with him and walked towards me, causing me to roll my eyes.

"Thanks." He bit out. I smirked a little, crossing my arms across my chest. I hadn't expected that.

"You're welcome." I returned out if politeness, before turning my back on him and walking over to my younger friend. I smiled softly at her as I kneeled down to her height again.

"Are you ok with him?" I whispered, nodding my head to the boy behind me. She smiled and nodded, causing me to relax slightly. That meant he wasn't a threat to her. Good.

"Good. Ok... Well... Best be off then. It was nice to meet you." I said, returning to my full height. I stuck out my hand for her to shake, a common way to end meetings... Or so I'm told. Annie just stared at my hand before looking up at me. I frowned as she turned on the puppy eyes and looked between the new comer and me.

"Please can she come for dinner with us? Please Bobby?" She begged taking my offered hand and pulling me with her over to the boy, now named Bobby. He looked me over once, his eyes flickering over my gun and landing on my chest. His eyes stayed there for longer than I would have liked, before his gaze finally landed back on Annie. She smiled hopefully at him, unleashing the full potential of the puppy eyes. He seemed to falter for a moment before he finally sighed and pointed towards the house I'm assuming dinner was being held. She screamed in happiness before hugging the boy. She then started to pull me towards the door, ignoring all my protests on how she didn't have to and I was fine with being on my own. Of course the younger girl didn't listen and just continued her personal mission of repaying me for helping her. I sighed and decided to make life easier for her, walking with her rather than against her. She smiled back at me before opening the door of the house.

I stepped in, followed by both Annie and Bobby. Bobby shut the door behind him before squeezing past Annie and me, muttering about telling Nancy about having one more mouth to feed. I looked down at Annie who smiled at me and shrugged before grappling my hand and tugging me down the lobby into a dining room. I gasped as I walked in, not expecting quite that many children to be in Nancy's care. I was about to scan the room when I felt a pressure on my hand. Looking down I saw Annie pointing at two empty chairs at the end of the table. I smiled and followed her over, sitting beside her. From there, I was constantly distracted by her babbling on and on about whom everyone was and what was for dinner, where she lived who with and who Bobby was.

I listened intently taking everything that she was saying in. I was so used to her ever flowing speech; I was caught off guard when she stopped. I looked around; searching for a reason for her to shut up, only to see Nancy had began to carve the meat that had been set at the top of the table.

"It's got to be black market. You couldn't get all this on coupons." The boy, Annie had told me was called Ernie, rambled as I watched navy carving the meat. She looked up at the boy a slight scolding glare present in her features. I took a good look at her, brown hair, slightly dirty face, looked young but her eyes held more age than they should for only looking around sixteen, seventeen.

"Ernie, how many times? We are guests in this house. We will not make comments of that kind. Washing up." Nancy scolded, causing all the other children around the table to laugh at his predicament. I chuckled a little, but not wanting to draw attention myself, I kept it quiet.

"Oh, Nancy." Ernie sighed as he took his seat. I smiled watching the older girl; she was like a mother to these children. They looked up to her. Followed her. She had somehow gained all their trust and love. She was amazing.

"Haven't seen you at one of these before." Nancy said, drawing my attention back to the current situation. She was talking to a boy sitting beside Ernie; I bowed my head a little, not wanting or needing attention drawn to me. I watched the boy through my fringe, he pointed at Ernie before pinning the blame on him.

"He told me about it." The new boy said, causing Nancy to raise an eyebrow slightly but none the less, she continued to slice the food.

"Sleeping rough?" Nancy asked, glancing up. The new boy nodded his head, muttering a 'Yes, Miss.' Nancy smiled slightly before handing him the plate of meat.

"All right, then. One slice each, and I want to see everyone chewing properly." Nancy explained as the plate got passed round, I followed it, having mot realised how hungry I actually was.

"Thank you, miss." A boy, Jim, said gratefully.

"Thanks, miss." This time said Ernie.

"Thank you miss." Repeated the new boy.

"Thanks, miss!" Said a new person. I stated at him as all the children gasped and jumped away from the table. Taking in their reaction I reacted too, jumping in front of Annie fists held up, ready for a fight or to cause a distraction for the children to escape. I saw Bobby nod gratefully as he also got ready to fight. Everyone remained like that until Nancy's calming tones soothed everyone's panic.

"It's all right. Everybody stay where you are!" She yelled out, everyone -including myself- ignoring her orders. No one trusting her judgement of the man. The strange man grinned. He wore a medium length leather jacket with huge lapels; the clothing had clearly seen a lot of action. Under this was a dark coloured v-neck T-shirt, and on his bottom half was a pair of black work like trousers. His key features were defiantly his nose and ears, seeming too big for his face yet suiting him... All in all, he looked like a strange, old, U-boat captain.

"Good here, innit? Who's got the salt?" The U-boat captain asked, his northern accent clear as he talked. I watched him closely, not willing any harm to come to any of the children here.

"Back in your seats. He shouldn't be here either." Nancy insisted. The children and I all glanced at each other before following her orders and retaking our seats. The man looked over at me, his eyes widening slightly before he regained control over his features. He had clearly noticed my dress sense was not from this period, that or he may have noticed my pheromone levels. All in all, he knew I wasn't from here. He turned his confused gaze from me and back to the children. He began to pile up his plate as he talked.

"So, you lot, what's the story?" He asked, picking up some apple sauce. I watched him carefully, fully expecting him to attack us.

"What do you mean?" Ernie asked as he picked up his knife and fork and began to eat. I turned to glare at the boy. Didn't he know not to talk to the suspected enemy? He could give away valuable information!

"You're homeless, right? Living rough?" U-boat captain asked, turning my attention back to him. He gave me a strange look, seemingly asking me the question. I left my expression blank, not giving anything away. Like I'd been taught. The man just shrugged and picked up his knife and fork.

"Why do you want to know that? Are you a copper?" Jim asked, I glanced at him, nodding my approval of the questions. That was the questions every one of the children should be asking not just him.

"Of course I'm not a copper. What's a copper going to do with you lot anyway? Arrest you for starving?" The man joked causing everyone, but Nancy and I to laugh. "I make it 1941. You lot shouldn't even be in London. You should've been evacuated to the country by now." He continued. I looked him over once again. Noticing this time his relaxed position. He was at ease here. Not at all afraid. Good. Less chance if him being a REAL threat.

"I was evacuated. Sent me to a farm." One boy admitted. I didn't look at them, my full attention on the stranger.

"So why'd you come back?"

"There was a man there." The boy answered vaguely. I tensed, frowning. Glancing over at the boy, I could see the fear in his eyes. He glanced down quickly under my gaze and began eating again. I looked down too, sighing, feeling sorry for the boy.

"Yeah, same with Ernie. Two homes ago." Jim informed the group, pulling attention away from the younger boy. I looked over at Ernie, who didn't seem as put out over it.

"Shut up. It's better on the streets anyway. It's better food." Ernie said to Jim. I smiled at the bond the two homeless boys seemed to have formed. They were like brothers, bickering and joking with the other. I looked over at Nancy seeing her frowning slightly, like she wasn't proud of what she was doing or that the boys relied so heavily on her.

"Yeah. Nancy always gets the best food for us." Jim agreed while shovelling some more food into his mouth. A smirk appeared on my face, that's exactly how Jack ate. He didn't eat it. He inhaled it. It's a wonder how he isn't the size of Britain. Forgetting about the possible threat for a while, I began to pick up some food from the table. I quickly grabbed the bowl of mash and followed some on my plate, snatching the butter from the centre and putting a medium sized chunk on. I picked up my fork and began to mush it together.

"So, that's what you do, is it, Nancy?" Stranger asked from the end of the table. I looked up, glaring at him. It was a great idea. Brilliant! Who was he to say otherwise?

"What is?" Nancy asked, getting defensive of her actions. I was also ready to defend her, even after only meeting her less than half an hour ago.

"As soon as the sirens go, you find a big fat family meal still warm on the table with everyone down in the air raid shelter and bingo! Feeding frenzy for the homeless kids of London Town. Puddings for all, as long as the bombs don't get you." He rambled quickly. I frowned at his tone. It didn't match the awe in his eyes. That was weird. He was weird.

"Something wrong with that?" Nancy retorted, still not seeing the hidden compliment, which to be fair was hard to see if you didn't know what to look for or how to read people.

"Wrong with it? It's brilliant. I'm not sure if it's Marxism in action or a West End musical." He rambled quickly again, giving off the impression he did that a lot. I looked around at all the children at the table, aside from Nancy and I, they all looked dreadfully confused. I noticed Annie screwing up her nose as she tried to understand a word the stranger had just said. She opened her mouth, clearly about to ask 'what?' But I just shook my head at her, talking her to drop it. Thankfully she did.

"Why'd you follow me? What do you want?" Nancy asked, now both confused, defensive and slightly angry. Not a good combination in a woman. I grinned at her, showing my support for her, I was most definitely on her side. The strange man though didn't seem concerned over riling the girl up and continued to talk and ask questions.

"I want to know how a phone that isn't a phone gets a phone call. You seem to be the one to ask." He explained seemingly oblivious to the girls increasing anger, I pulled my gaze from Nancy to him. Confused and wanting to know what he meant by 'phone that isn't a phone'. Noticing my look he gave me a slight shrug of the shoulders, saying he wasn't going into any more detail.

"I did you a favour. I told you not to answer it, that's all I'm telling you." Nancy defensively replied, anger clear in her voice. I frowned, glancing between the two. They'd met before?

"Great, thanks. And I want to find a blonde in a Union Jack. I mean a specific one. I didn't just wake up this morning with a craving." The strange man asked, causing the children to giggle. I noticed Nancy stand up and make her way round to the U-boat captain's side of the table. "Anybody seen a girl like that?" He continued as Nancy reached his side. He looked up at her with a grin on his face which quickly turned into a frown as she took his plate away, I chuckled at the action. Nancy gave me a slightly amused look, and the weird man glared slightly. I just shrugged.

"What have I done wrong?" The man asked frowning at Nancy as she walked away from him with his plate. I grinned as I watched.

"You took two slices. No blondes, no flags. Anything else before you leave?" She asked, once again, back at her spot at the head of the table.

"Yeah, there is actually. Thanks for asking. Something I've been looking for. Would've fallen from the sky about a month ago, but not a bomb. Not the usual kind, anyway. Wouldn't have exploded. Probably would have just buried itself in the ground somewhere, and it would have looked something like this." He rambled as he took out a note book and pen. I snorted as he missed Nancy's subtle attempt at telling the person to leave, but watched as he held up a picture... Or well scribble. I narrowed my eyes a little before the widened in realisation. He was a time agent! He was looking for the Chula ship. I peeked around at the people in the room. No one else had reacted but Nancy. She had tensed slightly as she stared at the terrible drawing. It was tensely quiet as everyone took in the drawing until a knock at the door made everyone jump.

"Mummy? Are you in there, mummy?"

I stood up, getting out of my seat and headed over to the window where the weird man was staring out off. The pair of us stared out until we noticed a child in a gas mask came up the window and place his hand on the glass. I crouched down slightly placing my hand on his, feeling sorry for him. Smiling reassuringly I stood up and was about to make my way to the door when the sound of Nancy's voice reached my ears.

"Who was the last one in?" She nearly yelled, her whole body was practically screaming panic. The way she kept glancing around, how tense she was, the way she spoke. She was terrified. Terrified of a child. Well, I suppose I did ask for something interesting.

"Him." Ernie said pointing at the strange man, who by now was looking at Nancy just as confused as me. The two of us shared a glance. Something strange was definitely going on around here.

"No, he came round the back. Who came in the front?" She asked, this time being more specific. My eyes widened, that had been Annie and I. Looking over at Annie, I realised she was about to take the blame. Not on my watch.

"Me." I said. My sudden words and my American accent drawing all the attention to me. Everyone giving me confused and scared glances. Nancy just ignored them, turning her intense stare at me. I stood up straighter, smirking when I saw her back down slightly. It was nice to know people still found me threatening.

"Did you close the door?" She asked, fear still evident. I frowned thinking back.

"Umm."

"Did you close the door?" She repeated. I glared, not liking the tone she was using on me but didn't say anything. We stared at each other before a child's voice cut through our stare off, gaining both our attentions for very different reasons.

"Mummy? Mummy? Mummy?"