FYI The time frame for this Torchwood story occurs after Torchwood Series 2, Episode 1 (Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang) and before Series 2, Episode 6 (Reset). Each section begins with title in bold uppercase letters. ***********************************************
THE PHONE CALL
Jack called UNIT and placed a request for verification of Mr. Thomas Scott's employment and security clearance level that very afternoon. Later around 10:00 p.m. his office phone rang. The caller ID confirmed it was from UNIT.
"You guys took your sweet time calling me back; I expect better from you considering all the times Torchwood 3 has saved your collective asses," Jack complained.
"No need to be such a drama queen Captain Jack Harkness," a female voice said.
Visions of her leapt to his mind: When he came back to life after traveling through the Vortex clinging to the outside of the Tardis she was leaning over him; helping him hold the door closed against the Futurekind on Malcassario; her escaping from the Valiant using his Time Agency wristband; laughing in the Master's face when she was returned to the Valiant for execution, then explaining how one word (Doctor) would save the earth. Being held by her as he broke down and wept after the Master was defeated; her standing at a rail in the Roald Dahl Plass just before he returned to Torchwood.
Martha Jones. Jack was briefly overwhelmed by mixed emotions upon hearing that lovely voice again. He cleared his throat and forced lightness into his voice. "Martha? Dr. Martha Jones! Suddenly I hear the voice of a nightingale. What are you doing calling from UNIT?"
"I work for UNIT Jack; I'm part of the medical team here in London," Martha said. "Walking down the hallway this evening I ran into one of our liaison officers and he was muttering 'Bloody Torchwood; they think we're at their beck and call.'"
Jack laughed. "Let me guess, that would be Sergeant Robert Simmons, am I right?"
"Lieutenant Simmons now; how'd you know that? No, wait; let me guess you dated him, right?"
"Yeah years ago; we met at a security conference, had a few drinks, a few laughs, a tumble or two between the sheets,"
"Oi! Too much information Captain Jack," Martha said as she interrupted him. They both laughed.
"It's great to hear your voice Martha. How are you?" he asked.
There was a definite pause before she responded. "I'm doing pretty good; you know, moving on," Martha said.
"Good, I'm glad to hear it," Jack said.
"How are things is Cardiff, how's your team?" Martha asked.
"Fine, watching the rift and saving the world," he replied.
"Great. Listen, I told Lieutenant Simmons I'd call bloody Torchwood for him and relay the information. Mr. Thomas Scott does work for UNIT, has for several years. He has top secret clearance and knows about the Doctor and about Torchwood 3 in Cardiff. Still has a small private practice as well and all of his clients are legit. Is that what you needed to know Jack?"
"That's it, Martha," Jack replied.
"I'll e-mail his file and photo to you Jack. It's been great talking with you," Martha said.
"Thanks Martha; great talking to you too." Jack relaxed and realized he really did enjoy talking with Martha. "Hey, if you're ever in Cardiff stop by and I'll give you the grand tour," Jack said.
"Will do, take care Jack; bye," Martha said and then she rang off.
************************************************************
THE TESTS
At 10:00 a.m. the next morning Jack was walking with Annie down to the firing range. "After the experiment this morning, if you're not too tired, you can arrange for Mr. Scott to meet you here in Torchwood," Jack said.
"Hopefully I'll feel up to meeting with him after this morning," Annie said.
"Nervous?" Jack asked.
"Nervous, no; actually I'm a little scared Jack. So many things could go wrong, I could hurt someone," Annie replied. Her grip on Jack's arm tightened.
Jack stopped walking and turned to Annie placing both his hands on her shoulders. "Remember scared it a good thing. It means you're aware of your surroundings and you'll be careful."
Jack and Annie resumed walking down the hallway to the firing range. "I've seen how Owen and Tosh have set up the firing range; there are protective barriers and safety equipment galore. Plus the minute you or I think things are going wrong we'll stop the experiment."
Turning the corner they arrived at the firing range. "Good morning Annie, Jack," Owen said. He was wearing what looked like a white jumpsuit. Glancing at the PDA in his hand he said, "Your blood pressure is up a bit this morning Annie; not unexpected. I'd be a little nervous too under these circumstances. Come take a look at how we've set things up," Owen said as he walked ahead of them and entered the firing range.
Normally the firing range simply consisted of a table at one end containing the safety goggles, hearing protection head gear, guns and ammunition. The other end of the firing range held the targets which could be stationary or move on a track and a sand butt to stop the bullets.
"As you can see we've set up a clear, bullet-proof wall between our control area and the test area. In addition there's fine metal netting applied to the wall that is grounded so any energy hits will be discharged harmlessly into the ground. Our equipment has additional shielding against any energy surges and magnetic fields.
All of us including you, Annie, will be wearing these ever so stylish jumpsuits made of the same material used to protect NASCAR and Formula one race car drivers as well as protective goggles and headsets. Tosh and I will be in the control area and Jack will be in the testing area with you. The lovely Ianto and Gwen who don't have to wear these stylish jumpsuits will observe and video record the tests from the main floor of the Hub.
We've altered the target area by putting up sand bags for you to hit and we've doubled the size of the sand butt to absorb the energy. Do you have any questions?" Owen asked.
"No, it looks like you've covered all the bases," Annie replied.
"Good, in that case if you'll step behind the curtain over there Tosh will help you into your jumpsuit while Jack changes out here."
"Over here Annie," Tosh said and she led Annie to the curtained-off area. Tosh was already dressed in a jumpsuit. Annie stepped behind the curtain, removed her outer garments and sat down on a chair. Tosh brought her a jumpsuit. "Your suite is a little different from ours," she said. "There are sensors inside your suite that will help us analyze the flow of energy and your vital signs as well. We'll remove the wrist monitor for now and put it back on after the tests."
After Tosh helped her get into the jumpsuit Annie said, "I feel like an astronaut." Tosh and Annie looked at each other in their jumpsuits and giggled.
"Sorry to break up your fun ladies, but it's time to get down to business," Jack said as Tosh and Annie joined him and Owen in the control area. Jack had donned his jumpsuit; he still managed to look handsome. "Ready Annie?" asked Jack as he offered her his arm to hold on to.
"Ready as I'll ever be," she said holding on to Jack's arm. They walked into the test area and Owen closed the door behind them.
"Can you hear me Jack?" asked Owen over the intercom.
"Loud and clear," Jack replied.
"Ianto and Gwen are you ready?" Tosh asked.
Ianto and Gwen appeared on her monitor. "Everything's ready up here," Gwen confirmed.
"Alright then, boys and girls," Owen said, "start recording. Annie, Jack will guide you through the tests we've set up. The moment you or Jack feel something is wrong, just say the word and we'll stop. Whenever you're ready go ahead and start."
"Annie," Jack began, "we'll start with you generating an energy field while I'm holding your hands. Take your time. Remember your emotions at the time the energy fields appeared. Once you've generated it maintain the field for a few minutes and then turn it off."
"OK Jack; here goes," Annie replied. She closed her eyes and thought about how she felt when she fell asleep with Jack in the board room. 'I felt safe and happy with Uncle Jack. I wanted to hold on to the moment forever.'
Annie felt a tingling and warmth spread throughout her body. It traveled up through her hands and wrapped around Jack's body as well. She opened her eyes and saw that they were both enveloped with her energy field.
"That's it Annie," Jack said as he grinned at her. "Now hold it for a few minutes. Owen, are you guys getting all the readings you need?"
"We've just about got the lot; Annie hold on just a little bit more," Owen said as he glanced at his monitors. "Tosh, you have the readings you need?"
"My tests are done in 3, 2, 1; OK we're good," Tosh said.
"Annie, go ahead and turn off your energy field at your own pace," Owen said.
"Just like you did it the other night, Annie," Jack said encouraging her.
She thought of the energy field as a light with a dimmer switch, slowly turning the dimmer down until the field was gone. Opening her eyes she saw Jack was grinning from ear to ear.
"That's my girl," Jack said as he hugged her. "Do you feel OK?"
"I feel fine," Annie replied. "I really do feel fine. What's next?"
"Next you generate the field again, but alone," Jack said. "We want to see if the readings are different from when you're in contact with another person."
"Right," Annie said. She successfully generated the field alone, held it for a few minutes and then turned it off.
"Well done Annie," Owen said. "Let's take a five minute break. I want to get another baseline reading with you at rest before we go on to the next test."
Jack brought a chair over to Annie. "Take a load off kid," he said. He squatted next to her chair. "Still scared?" asked Jack.
"Not as bad as before," Annie admitted, "but those were the easy tests."
"Yeah, those were the easy tests. The next tests we want you to try are generating an energy ball. After which we want you to create the energy ball again and hit one of the targets at the end of the firing range."
Annie looked toward the various stacks of sand bags. Looking back at Jack she said, "When I threw that bolt in Los Angeles, I passed out for five minutes Jack. Is that really a good idea?"
Grasping her hand he replied, "I'll be right behind you; if you fall I will catch you."
Annie blinked. "You do realize you just used song lyrics to reassure me?"
"No I didn't," Jack replied. "I'll have you know that Cyndi Lauper stole those lyrics from me," he said in earnest.
They looked at each other for a moment. Annie punched Jack in the arm as she said, "Bullshit!" and they laughed. "You hit like a girl," he said.
"If she hits like a girl, how come you're rubbing your arm?" Tosh asked as she walked up to them.
"Just trying to build up her confidence," Jack replied.
Tosh made a slight humph noise in her throat. "Annie we're ready to start the next tests if you are."
Annie and stood up and said, "Yes, I'm ready. Let's do this."
Tosh removed the chair and closed the door behind her.
"OK people let's go," Owen said over the intercom. "We're recording, so Annie you can start when you want."
Jack was standing behind Annie. "I'm right here Annie. Go ahead."
Annie nodded, closed her eyes again and remembered the incident with the Weevil. Placing her feet slightly apart she put her hands out in front of her like she was holding a basketball. Jack saw the ball of energy form between her hands.
"You've got it Annie. Hold on to it," Jack said as he looked over at Owen and Tosh. First Owen looked up and nodded and then Tosh did the same.
Turning back to Annie Jack said, "We've got the readings Annie; go ahead and turn the energy ball off."
Annie, who hadn't opened her eyes, focused and turned off the energy ball off slowly. She could feel the energy dissipate.
"Annie, you OK?" Jack asked. Annie could feel Jack standing close behind her. "Do you feel faint?"
Opening her eyes, Annie said, "I'm surprised; I don't feel faint at all. Perhaps it's because I had better control over turning the energy ball on and off."
"She could be right," Owen said over the intercom. "Her vitals are fine; let's go for the energy bolt."
"I'm game," Annie said looking over her shoulder at Jack.
"You're sure?" Jack asked.
"I'm sure," Annie said. Jack briefly squeezed her shoulder and then stood behind her – just in case.
Annie turned and focused on one of the sand bags stacks. Keeping her eyes open this time, she positioned herself as she had for the energy ball. 'All I have to do is focus and pull my energy together,' she thought to herself.
Everyone saw Annie form another ball of energy, pull the ball back towards her body slightly and then she threw the ball toward one of the sand bag stacks. On impact the energy ball didn't just knock the stack over but actually busted a couple of the sand bags apart sending sand into the air.
No one moved; Annie looked as if she had frozen in place when she threw the ball. As the sand settled she blinked a couple of times and looked at her hands before letting her arms fall to her side and turned to find Jack right beside her placing his arm around her waist.
He looked worried. "Are you alright?"
"I'm a little shaky, but I don't feel faint," Annie replied.
"Let's get you out of here," he said as guided her towards the door in the protective wall.
They were met by Owen, who brought a chair over. "Sit down for a moment Annie, so we can get another baseline." Annie set down; while Owen ran some quick checks. Jack took another look at the sand bags and started to worry.
"Annie, your vital signs look normal; any dizziness or headaches?"
Owen asked.
"No, just a little shaky," Annie replied. "Did you get all the data you needed?"
Nodding his head Owen replied, "We got tons of data. The rest of today will be spent analyzing it. As your doctor I recommend you go have a good lunch, take a stroll outside and then rest."
"Sounds lovely; I'll just go change into my street clothes; back in a moment,"
Jack watched Annie walk over behind the curtain. While he changed out of the jumpsuit he asked Owen, "What's your gut reaction to what we just saw?"
Owen looked at Jack and said, "Even without analyzing the data, I'd say Annie's energy abilities are getting stronger."
Yeah they are," Jack agreed with a pensive look on his face.
"Jack, I know you're frustrated; we all are," Owen said quietly. "We still have one extraordinary thing in our favor."
"What do we have in our favor, Owen?" Jack asked desperate to hear some positive news.
"We still have Annie," Owen replied. "Yes her body is changing, but her mind and spirit haven't changed. As long as we can communicate with Annie, we've got a shot at helping her."
"Thanks Owen," Jack said. "You're right we still have Annie."
"Oi what's does a girl have to do around here to get someone to take her to lunch?" Annie inquired as she walked towards Owen and Jack.
"All she has to do is ask," Jack replied as he smiled at Annie. "What would you like for lunch?"
"Hmm, a place with a nice atmosphere and a great curry," Annie replied.
"I know just the place," Jack said to Annie. "I'll check in with you and Tosh later," he said to Owen.
"Bye Owen, bye Tosh," Annie said as she and Jack headed out the door.
************************************************************
THE LUNCH
"We can drive over to the curry house Annie if your pain level is too high," Jack said as they were exiting through the cogwheel door.
"My pain level's about a 3 or 4 right now, so I'd rather walk," Annie replied.
"As you wish," Jack replied holding the front door of the tourist office open for her to walk through.
While walking over to Mermaid Quay, Annie pulled out her mobile phone and called her lawyer's private line. Hearing his voice mail click in Annie said, "Hi Thomas, it's Annie. Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner but something's come up. I can't meet you in your office; would you be able to meet with me in Cardiff? Call me back as soon as you can. Thanks. Bye-bye."
"You didn't tell him much," Jack commented as they approached the curry house.
"Well, I don't think it would have been a good idea to leave a message saying 'Hi Thomas, it's Annie. Listen I've started generating energy fields and throwing energy bolts so I'm in Torchwood 3 getting all sorts of tests done. Hopefully I won't blow anything up. Cheers,' do you?"
Smiling Jack said, "You're right; not the kind of message one should leave as a voice mail. Let's go eat."
A few minutes later Jack and Annie were enjoying lunch at the curry house. The sun was out and just a few white clouds dotted the sky so they decided to dine in the patio area. Annie had chosen Tandoori lamb chops with Pilau rice and Nan bread while Jack had selected Tandooried king prawn pan fried in a spicy massala sauce with Aloo Chat and garlic mushrooms. Although they appeared to be eating in silence, Annie and Jack were talking.
'You're right you know,' Annie thought.
'Right about what?' Jack thought back.
'My abilities are getting stronger; I can feel it,' Annie replied. 'Is it time to panic?'
Shaking his head Jack thought 'No; Owen pointed out to me you're still you in mind and spirit even though you're body is changing. He said as long as we can communicate to each other we're still in the game.'
'Bright fellow that Owen,' Annie thought.
'One of the reason why I hired him,' Jack thought back.
Annie's phone started ringing. Picking it up she saw her lawyer's number displayed. "Thomas is calling back," she said as she opened her mobile phone. "Hi Thomas, thanks for calling back so quickly." Annie listened for a moment. "No, I'm not ill Thomas; a situation has arisen that I'm dealing with and the people I need assistance from are located in Cardiff," she replied. Annie looked at Jack while she listened to Thomas again. Finally she responded, "Yes the people are from Torchwood. No, they're not hurting me they're helping me. No, I'm not being held against my will Thomas," she said.
Jack could hear Thomas' voice rising and Jack put his hand out in a give me the phone gesture.
"Hang on a moment Thomas, I want you to talk to my friend," Annie said before handing the mobile to Jack.
"Who is this?" Jack heard Thomas say. "Thomas, this is Captain Jack Harkness," Jack replied. "Miss Halliday is not being held against her will. In fact, we're at Mermaid Quay finishing a lovely lunch together."
"Oh God, not you," Thomas responded. "I've heard about you and your Torchwood Captain Jack and I have half a mind to call in UNIT to get Annie out of your clutches. If you harm one hair on her head,"
"Thomas, I would never harm Annie," Jack interrupted. "She's family to me."
"I know for a fact that she doesn't have any family left since her husband and son died," Thomas replied in a raised voice. It was loud enough that Annie could hear him.
'Tell him I'm your godmother,' Annie thought to Jack. Jack raised his eyebrows at her, but took her suggestion.
"You're right Thomas, but I'm not claiming to be a blood relative; Annie is my godmother," Jack said.
"Your godmother; Annie is your godmother? She never mentioned it to me," Thomas replied.
"Well she doesn't like to brag; besides outside of Torchwood and UNIT, who would believe her? The point is I consider her family and I'll do whatever is necessary to help her and protect her," Jack said. His last statement seemed to reassure Thomas.
"OK, I believe you, Captain Jack. Tell Annie I'll be out there by this evening. We'll discuss this further in person," Thomas replied.
"I look forward to meeting you. We'll see you this evening then; goodbye," Jack said and then terminated the call.
"I think he's sweet on you," Jack teased as he handed the mobile back to Annie.
"No, we're just very close friends," Annie replied as she put her mobile away. "Shall we head back?" she asked.
"Whatever you say Godmother," Jack said with a straight face.