Author's Notes: So, why put the Roma office of Inoltre in the sub-basement of a theatre? Can you think of anything less likely other than a tourism office (which was my original plan) to house a Torchwood variant than a theatre? And yes, the original plan was to put Inoltre Roma under a tourism office. It worked for Cardiff (at least for a while) … mind, Inoltre Roma is not like Torchwood Cardiff. It has no perception filters, no breathtakingly handsome immortal captains, no pternadons, no Rifts. Besides, it appeals to my warped sense of humor. And why bring Inoltre (much less Inoltre Roma) into the picture? For that matter, why create Inoltre, or any of the other Torchwood variants? If the UK has Torchwood and UNIT, and if the US and Canada have UNIT (Sector Seven, as well as Project Blue Book), it's only logical that other countries have their variants as well. 'Sides, it's more fun that way. Also, when my best friend was telling me about Torchwood initially, she likened it to a British version of Poltergeist: The Legacy, only with aliens, rather than supernatural beings. The Legacy had Houses all over the world, and I suppose that influenced me, as well. In this chapter, Inoltre Roma makes its official debut; five members of Torchwood South land in the UK; while the new liaison between Torchwood and MI5 nervously awaits his first mission.
Chapter Three
Across the Pond
Rome, Italy
Four Days Later
Her family had been in Inoltre for generations. On her father's side, the connection to Inoltre was made with her great-great-grandfather, Dario Baldasarre, who married into the Italian sky-watchers in 1885. Her great-great-grandmother was the youngest daughter of the Milanese director of Inoltre … and she, in turn, was descended from one of the earliest members of Inoltre, from its founding days. And, now that she thought about it, she supposed that meant her own roots stretched back to the beginning, in the fifteenth century. Her mother's connection to Inoltre was far more recent, beginning in 1928. Like its British counterpart Torchwood, Inoltre was largely de-centralized … well, at least until after the Second World War. Gioia Baldasarre paused a moment to think about Inoltre in the hands of Benito Mussolini, and shuddered. That was a terrifying concept.
With one last glance over her shoulder … they had a new girl working in the box office, and the previous day, she gave a customer some incorrect information. Fortunately, the woman was extremely patient with rookies, for all that Gioia could tell that she was also exasperated. However, she was being closely observed today. Good. With the customers in good hands, Gioia entered the business office portion of the building, before descending first into the basement (admiring the costumes for the next production), and then into the sub-basement … which housed the Rome office of Inoltre. Her older sister was sitting at one of the terminals, murmuring under her breath. Gioia shook her head with a small smile, before heading over to her own terminal.
In truth, she was hoping to see an email from her former hallmate (and occasional classmate), Natalie Tregarth. In her friend's last communiqué, there was mention of a new network … civilians who wanted to help Torchwood, UNIT, and Inoltre (as well as their counterparts around the world) in their mission. It was called Bulwark, and Natalie heard of it from a doctor who worked with UNIT before the mess with the children, Dr. Martha Jones. Gioia shuddered. They were really going to turn over ten percent of Earth's children to those monsters. It made her wonder who needed protecting from who, at times.
And truly, when she stopped and thought about it, she really liked the idea of Bulwark (or, in Italian, Bastione). She … Gioia blinked as her sister swore in English. That was unlike Ilaria. Her older sister said, switching back to Italian, "She's going to be in England this week … and probably won't be there when I get there next week!" Who was going to be in England this week? Gioia knew about her sister's journey to the UK … Ilaria would be meeting with the head of Torchwood Two, along with Captain Jack Harkness and his assistant Esther Drummond, to discuss the possibility of cooperation between Torchwood and Inoltre. Ilaria elaborated, "Natalia! She will be in England on a semi-solo mission, assisting Dr. Jones-Smith!"
Gioia's first instinct was to roll her eyes at her sister for altering her former hallmate's name. The younger sister had always called Nat by her given name; however, for some reason, Ilaria took pleasure in changing it to 'Natalia.' Maybe because it always made Natalie smile when she did it. Also, and this was just as likely, because her sister was an annoying brat who enjoyed being a pain. And then the rest of her sister's rant caught up with her brain. Gioia frowned … Natalie would be in England? She looked through her Inoltre email, searching for anything from her friend, before switching to her personal email (which she hadn't checked in nearly a week) … and there it was. Natalie tried to avoid using her professional Torchwood email for personal things … and knowing Natalie, this probably counted.
And in truth, she counted herself lucky that Natalie was still speaking to her, after the way she behaved the previous year. Really, she hadn't been angry with Natalie (as such) … more with Ilaria and how smugly she behaved when Gioia finally learned about Inoltre. Ugh … older sisters! They never stopped being annoying! (And really, that was something else they needed to talk about, her and Natalie … they both had older sisters. Gioia had someone to commiserate with now) Which was probably why she said archly, "As I understand it from Nat, they may be there an extra week, depending on how the mission goes." Ilaria slowly raised her head to look at Gioia, who smiled sweetly and reminded her, "I roomed with Nat for two and a half years. Of course she emailed me once their plans were finalized." She hadn't gone so far as to look up hotels and flights, but that would be her next stop.
"Now, now, girls … you mustn't fight. Ilaria, if Signorina Natalie is still in the UK when your business wraps up, by all means, make arrangements to meet up with her. Gioia, stop teasing your sister," their father chastised lightly. Of course, as soon as his back was turned to confer with his second, Gioia stuck her tongue out at her sister, who reciprocated after a quick glance at their father's turned back. Not that it made a difference. Massimo Baldasarre added, "And don't think I don't know that you're sticking your tongues out at each other. Truly. The welfare of the world rests on the shoulders of two overgrown children."
But when he turned around, there was nothing but affection and amusement when he looked at the sisters. He added, "I meant what I said. Finish your business in Scotland, and if your sister's friend is still in the United Kingdom, your time is your own. In fact … Gioia should go with you. I know it's been some time since you two saw each other, and you have many apologies to make." This was said with narrowed eyes at the younger Baldasarre sister, and Gioia flushed, looking away from her father's eyes. It didn't matter how old you were … your parents were still your parents.
"Papa, what if Gioia met up with this Bulwark while I was in Scotland? You've been saying that you wanted to know more about them, and that only so much information can be reflected on websites and in writing," Ilaria observed, reminding Gioia just why she loved her sister so much (that is, when she wasn't being impossibly annoying). Their father looked at them thoughtfully, and Gioia fought the impulse to fidget as the father began to give way to the director. After a moment, however, he nodded.
"I think that would be acceptable. You'll need to remain in Scotland for at least a few days, to make your own necessary connections, Gioia … but then, if Natalie is still in England, you may travel south to spend time with her," their father finally said. He paused, consulted his mobile, before observing, "Yes, by that time, their mission should be wrapped up. Now, Ilaria, I believe that you were working on the latest leads regarding the Families?" Ilaria nodded, her eyes hardening as they did when the Families were mentioned. Gioia swallowed hard. Ilaria's former lover had been dying of cancer when the Obscenity was instigated … she would never forgive the Families for extending the suffering of so many. Nor would Gioia.
TWTWTWTWTWTWTW
London, England
Same Day
The five weary travelers made their way from the jumbo jet and through the tunnel that would take them into London's Heathrow Airport. Two were focused on their conversation, a third was focusing on walking, a fourth muttering under his breath, and the fifth … well, the fifth was trying to do several things at once. Including get some feeling back into his lower extremities, something other than pins and needles.
He ached. How in the hell did people do this on a regular basis? Did they develop asses of steel? Because seriously, his butt ached right now. Well, so did his back and his shoulders and his neck, but the dominating pain was in his butt, after sitting for eight hours in more or less one position. Of course, Jack only seemed mildly uncomfortable … bastard. Jason glanced at his younger brother, aunt, and cousin, and was somewhat mollified to see that they looked about the way he felt. He wanted to be ashamed (especially when he saw the dark circles under his aunt's eyes … Natalie evidently hadn't slept at all), but right now, he was working on getting feeling back into his hindquarters. He wasn't quite sure how that worked … why his ass was numb and hurt at the same time … but that was the way it worked. At least for him.
But did Jack really have to look fresh as a daisy? That just wasn't fair … on the other hand, he supposed he shouldn't be surprised. This was Jack, after all. The immortal captain said as he glanced around, "Someone will be waiting for you once we get through customs. I don't anticipate there being any issues, just do whatever you're told to do. Right now, we're not Torchwood. We aren't tourists, either … if they ask you what brings you to England, just tell them that you're here on business." Jason nodded, and took note of his brother and aunt's expressions. Nat was listening intently. So was Lucas, although anyone who didn't know his brother would have thought that he was just checking out the pretty girls … regardless of the nationality. But Lucas was nearly as good at multi-tasking as their mother was. He swore it had to do with being a medic. Jason wasn't sure about that, but he wouldn't push his brother on it. Lucas was a medic. That meant he could hurt as well as heal, and he could be damn sadistic about it.
"And don't forget that Owen will be on the next flight … literally," Esther chimed in. Yeah, that was something that their grandmother insisted upon. Not that I don't trust you, honey, or Martha, she told Lucas, but I'd feel a lot better if another doctor was at least on the same continent. It was Owen's intention to return to Cardiff for closure. No one was entirely sure what that meant, although Jack smiled a little at the Londoner. Owen rolled his eyes and huffed at Jack. On second thought, no one really knew what that meant and they probably didn't want to know, either! Jack and Owen's exchanges could get a bit … weird. And really, 'weird' was something of an understatement. It was more along the lines of 'whiskey tango foxtrot, over?'
Natalie observed, "I still think one of us should stick around until he gets here." That was the second time she said that, and just as he did the first time, Jack shook his head. Nat, however, just shrugged and said, "Just putting my two cents worth in. Okay, so Martha is meeting us, and then we're heading to this Alicia Yates' home, correct?" Actually, Jason was pleased with this part of the plan. Not just seeing Martha again (although he couldn't deny that he was looking forward to that part), but planning from this Alicia's home. Jason wasn't comfortable with using public, or semi-public, places to do the planning. Too many things could go wrong.
"Actually, that's changed. You'll be meeting Martha at Alicia's house. One of her people will be greeting you. I still don't know if Martha is bringing baby Nightingale or Mickey Mouse … I wouldn't bet against either," Jack answered. Jason was looking forward to meeting the still-unnamed baby (although seriously? What was wrong with them? Their baby was nearly a year old, and they still hadn't named her? Seriously?). He continued, "I don't have any other advice. Just … keep your heads down and look after each other. Not that I really need to tell the three of you to watch over each other." No … no, he didn't.
And then it was Esther's turn to interject, as she rocked up onto her tiptoes to hug first Jason, then Lucas, and then finally Natalie. Jason didn't ask, but he was willing to bet that she said the same thing to his brother and their aunt as she did to him, 'Be safe, I love you.' For his own part, Jason returned his cousin's hug with interest, whispering into her hair, "I love you, too." However, because she would be going to Scotland with Jack, he just had to add, "And I would tell you to stay out of trouble, but you'll be with Jack … so I know better."
Esther laughed as she kissed his cheek and moved onto Lucas. His kid brother scooped her into his arms, kissing both cheeks as he lifted Esther literally off her feet. Jack observed with a mischievous grin, "You do realize that sweeping Esther off her feet is my job, right?" Lucas responded with a one-finger salute as Esther returned his embrace with interest. Natalie murmured something under her breath that had Jack laughing, "Oh, that's cold. That's just cold, Natalie. I need to remember that one."
Their aunt merely shrugged with a small smile, although Jason could tell from her blush that was she was pleased by the compliment. Esther released Lucas to envelop Natalie into a fierce embrace that left the brunette squeaking … but that didn't stop Nat from returning the hug. The two women clung to each other for several moments, and it was Lucas' turn to say something completely inappropriate and totally hilarious, observing to Jack just loud enough for the two girls and Jason to hear, "You know, if they weren't related, that would be totally hot." Jack laughed outright, Jason rolled his eyes, and much to his astonishment (and secret delight), it was Esther's turn to flip Jason the bird behind Natalie's back.
"Just remember, cousin dear," was Esther's rather lofty response, lips curling up into a mischievous smirk, "we are related, and no one is better at pushing your buttons than family." Ouch. Lucas was staring at their cousin warily. Smart kid. Only a fool ignored that tone of voice coming from their womenfolk. In fact, now that Jason thought about it, it sounded a lot like the tone Mama Sophia used just before she let slip the dogs of war (which was becoming more and more frequent, the more she learned about her younger sister's condition before the Atrocity was unleashed against humanity). Even Jack was leery of Jason's grandmother when she used that tone of voice.
"And with that established, we should make our way through customs," Jack observed, laughing as he shooed them toward the lines in question. Jason mentally recalled what Jack told them about what to expect … first there would be passport control, followed by baggage claim, and then finally customs. Once they cleared customs, they would be met by one of Alicia Yates' people, probably one of the newcomers. They were fellow Americans, Jason knew, although he wasn't sure about their names. They would meet Martha Jones Smith at Ms. Yates' home, along with the individual who brought this matter to Ms. Yates' attention. That was something else that was proving to be worrisome, Jason knew … they didn't know who brought this to Ms. Yates' attention: no name was provided. They knew that someone mentioned it to her, and that she in turn mentioned it to Martha. That made Grandfather extremely uncomfortable. Jason wasn't exactly thrilled about it, either. But that was why they were here.
Jack and Esther had someone else to meet inside the airport, and Jason had the sense it was something that had to do with the pilot program Mama Sophia mentioned on the drive to the airport … a program that would create a liaison between MI5 and Torchwood. Technically speaking, Rex was the liaison between Torchwood and the CIA … now, a position was being created to liaise between the British agency and Torchwood. Jason thought it was a great idea, but Jack had his reservations. That was the purpose of this meeting.
The five members of Torchwood made their way to the first stop that would allow them into the United Kingdom, laughing and joking all the way. Rephrase … Lucas and Jack did most of the joking, accompanied by giggles and rolled eyes. As they walked, Jason mentally mapped their surroundings, taking note of the exits and possible threats. It was supposed to be safe, but one thing he learned at a very early age … safety was an illusion. He and his brother were kidnapped when they should have been safe. Safety was an illusion, and the only real protection was to be aware of all threats. No matter where you were.
TWTWTWTWTWTWTWTW
Lucas North sat in the coffee bar of Terminal 1, nervously drumming his fingers against the tabletop. The flight status for Captain Jack Harkness and his assistant Esther Drummond was Landed, according to the last glance at the information screen. Well, they were making progress. Across the table from him, Archie arched his eyebrows with a mischievous grin, asking, "Nervous, are ye?" Lucas glowered, but tried to stop drumming his fingers. Yes. He was nervous. He and Archie drove down to meet the legendary Captain of Torchwood Cardiff, which would be Lucas' first official mission. It would also be the first time Lucas saw Captain Harkness since the Valiant, and while his memories were still spotty …
Well. He remembered enough. He remembered the horror and the anguish in the immortal's eyes as the Master passed down his sentence for trying to save him. He remembered Harkness pleading with him to let go, that he would be fine, that he would always be fine. And he remembered the cascade of false memories that poured into his mind. John Bateman, and killing Lucas North. It was a strange thing, trying to deal with two sets of memories. And in truth, most of what Lucas had been doing in Scotland was to assimilate those two sets of memories. It was one reason he was glad Harkness was flying into Heathrow, rather than Edinburgh. It gave Lucas time to work out what to say … what he wanted to say, what he should say.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. I survived the Master and I survived eight years in that Russian prison. I have nothing to worry about," Lucas replied. Part of it was bravado, but he also meant it. In his mind, he knew that he had nothing to worry about, that he'd survived far worse. And that was when it hit him. He looked at the man who'd spent the last several weeks helping Lucas put memories into their proper place, breathing, "My God. I've been approaching this as if Harkness was my enemy."
"I was wonderin' when ye would work that out. Yes, Lucas, that's exactly what ye've been doing. Jack isna yuir enemy, lad. He can be a ruthless bastard, to be sure, but he's isna yuir enemy," Archie replied with a small smile. Lucas slumped back in his seat, sighing. Archie went on after a moment, "But that's nae the only thing that troubles ye." Lucas opened his eyes to see the older man staring at him compassionately. No, Harkness wasn't his enemy, but that didn't mean that the immortal would welcome this program … or the man Lucas became with his altered memories.
"I've been re-reading what happened during the 456 incursion," Lucas admitted. The compassion in Archie's eyes created a lump in the younger man's throat. The former MI5 agent said hoarsely, "We can't let that happen again. We can't." He knew that was the purpose of this position, but the more he read and the more he researched, the more he felt that this was necessary. There was a soft chuckle to his right, and Lucas glowered at the third member of their party. It wasn't that he disliked the … whatever he was. But after reading about what John Frobisher did, and seeing this man … well, Lucas thought he shouldn't be here in this airport, as he met with Jack Harkness for the first time in years.
"You're learning already, Lucas. Oh, not to worry … I'll leave just as soon as the Baggage in Hall sign lights up for Jack's flight. I don't think … I don't think he's quite ready to see me yet. The wounds are still fresh. And I'm afraid the last time I saw him, I was rather foolish. But I knew you would be nervous, and wanted to remind you that you'll be fine. And Lucas? You need to understand one other thing … even if you did do something that requires forgiveness, one of the most amazing things about Jack Harkness is his incredible capacity to forgive," the Doctor told him.
"Aye, Jack's a forgiving sort … except when he's forgivin' himself. Then it takes him longer," Archie pointed out. His lips twisted into a parody of a smile as he added, "Then again, I imagine that's the point. He can forgive anyone but himself, he's too busy tryin' to live up to yuir … 'example.' He's getting' better about it … startin' to realize that sometimes ye can't save everyone. That lad's done far more good than ill while ye've flitted about the galaxy." The vitriol from the old Scot stunned Lucas.
"That he has. And to say that I'm proud of him would be an understatement of huge proportions," the Doctor agreed, his voice even. His blue eyes were intent on the director of Torchwood Two as he continued, "I'm not here for Jack. Not right now, he's not ready for that. I'm here because I wanted to be here for Lucas." The young man in question blinked in astonishment as the Doctor continued with a small smile, "I was there when a bitter young con artist began transforming himself into a hero. I wanted to be here when another young man began the journey to atonement."
"You talk as if this is something important," Lucas observed, and the Doctor's eyes shifted back to him. It took all of his willpower to keep from fidgeting under the Doctor's gaze, choosing instead to gaze back steadily. A smile lit the Gallifreyan's face as he shook his head. Lucas didn't react, and then the Doctor laughed outright. He really didn't know how to take this being. He looked human (the Doctor snorted and corrected, 'no, you look Gallifreyan'), but he wasn't.
"Oh, Lucas … it is important. More important than you can imagine. The most amazing things can come from the very simplest of beginnings. Even as simple as waiting in a coffee bar, in a busy airport," the Doctor all but crooned. Lucas blinked, and before he really had a chance to respond, the Doctor murmured, "Ahh, and the baggage is in the baggage reclaim. I should be on my way. You are going to be … you have nothing to worry about, Lucas. Trust me on this. As a previous self was wont to say, Time Lord, me. I know these things." With that, he was on his feet and away, leaving Lucas staring at the empty space he'd occupied only a few minutes earlier. Archie grumbled under his breath about hating it when he did things like that. Yeah. Lucas could understand that.
TBC
Additional author's notes: Details about Heathrow's arrival policy came from the airport website directly. I originally planned on using my experiences when I arrived in Italy, but realized that each country is different. It ended up working well, since that gave me the impetus for the final section. Twelve keeps worming his way into my sections involving Lucas, and I'm not entirely sure why. I can't deny that he's fun to write, though, as is Archie.