ID Chapter 6

Things were rushed around the Torchwood Insitute. Every ship in the small fleet, including Jon and Rose's ship "Voyager", was inspected thoroughly, tested in flight, then inspected again. This all was in preparation for their departure. The fleet would be taking off on a test mission, then Voyager would be leaving. Or so everyone was told.

Rose felt more alive than she had in years. Not that she hadn't been happy, she had the man she loved, their incredible daughter, her Mum's family, a challenging career where she made a difference, everything she could ask for... except the stars. And now, she would soon live amongst them again, and then there were the Krillitanes.

The effect that the new danger had on her was not lost on Jon. It was just like old times - but better. Neither of them doubted that they would defeat the Krillitanes, their only concern was Arianna's safety. But they had a plan for that. Jon had been working on a special modification to their living quarters.

It was the night before departure. They had had dinner at Pete and Jackie's. It had been bittersweet. While jovial, there had been an underlying current of tension. Jackie did her best to be cheerful, but it was obvious she was worried. But Rose, on the other hand, had difficulty containing her exhilaration. Arianna chattered non-stop to Tony about all the places she wanted to go, and Tony wished he were going, too. Jon and Pete were studiously upbeat. At last it was time to go home and get what little sleep they could before the big day. Jackie held Rose tightly, blinking back tears.

"You sure you've got everythin'? You got enough stuff to keep Ari occupied? You gonna have enough food..."

"Mum, it's alright, everything's packed, we're good to go!" Rose assured her mum, hugging her back, knowing nothing she could say would make her mum feel better. She hated doing this to her again, but she had to get her daughter to a safe environment where her brilliance would be encourage and cultivated instead of being a cause for ostracism - or worse.

"Jackie, I promise I'll take care of them." Jon embraced them both, and the three of them stood, silent except for Jackie's muffled sobs. Then, Jackie sniffed, wiped her eyes, squared her shoulders, and stood tall - well, as tall as she could.

"Alright then, you'd best be off. Get some rest, you'll need it tomorrow."

"You'll see us off, yeah?" Rose asked.

"Wild horses couldn't keep us away, could they, Pete?" Jackie smiled bravely at her husband, who slipped his arm around her and replied, "We'll be there. Take care."

The drive home was quiet, even Arianna was uncharacteristically silent. When they arrived home and got out of the car, they stood for a moment, looking at the huge old house that had been their home for almost four and a half years. Arianna was holding one of Rose's hands, Jon walked around and took the other.

"It's really happening, isn't it? We're finally leavin'."

"Yep-p."

She looked at the house. "I'm gonna miss this place."

"Weell... it'll still be here when we come to visit. Who knows, we might retire here."

"Retire? Us?!" Rose's laughter filled the night air. "I just don't see that happenin'. We'll be travelin' 'til the day we die."

"Probably." Jon admitted. "Shall we try to get some sleep? Big day tomorrow, launch, Krillitanes, averting world domination, you know..."

"Life as usual." Rose grinned.

Neither of them slept much that night. They'd been so busy preparing for this event that they'd somewhat neglected each other. That night they made up for lost time, making love slowly and exquisitely, and holding each other and having pillow talk until nearly dawn, when they finally fell asleep in each other's arms.

When the alarm went off later that morning, they groaned. Jon reached over and slapped it off, laughing.

"Well at least you won't have that going off every morning now," came a small voice.

"Arianna, what have we told you about sneaking in on us when we're in bed?"

Jon rolled over and looked at her sternly, careful to stay under the duvet. Arianna stood there, completely dressed and ready to go.

"You told me not to come in while you're sleeping. The alarm went off, so you're not sleeping!"

Rose propped herself up on an elbow. "Well, would Your Highness please leave so we can get dressed?"

Arianna rolled her eyes. "It's not like I've never seen you two naked before. I see you sneaking in the bathroom all the time."

"Enough - please wait in the kitchen for us!"

Arianna sighed and obendiently left.

Both of them giggled while they dressed.

"Once we get our TARDIS grown, we'll finally have some privacy," Jon promised.

"Can't wait!" Rose grinned.

As they drove to the launch pad, they saw the fleet taking off.

"There they go," Jon mused, "the Human Race, off into space, starting a journey that will last until the end of Time."

"Really? To the end of Time?"

"Yep-p. Been there." He flashed her a grin.

They parked the car, and the three of them entered the building and were ushered to the prep area, where they donned their flight suits and waited. Pete and Jackie arrived, and walked them out to the vehicle that would take them to their ship. All their luggage and supplies had been loaded the prvious day, the ship was fueled for takeoff, there was nothing more to be done except say their goodbyes.

Jackie was more restrained than she had been the previous night. "You'll call me every week, won't you? I want to talk to my granddaughter, too! And you," she said, addressing Arianna, "make sure you listen to your mummy, and don't get into too much trouble!"

"I won't, Grandmamma." Arianna promised very seriously, "and you take care of Grandpapa for me."

"I will," Jackie promised, hugging her granddaughter.

Pete and Jon shook hands, hugs were exchanged all around, then they were off to the ship.