(scene of van attack); Cardiff, Wales
General Trefor Williams wondered at his life sometimes. Impersonating Jack was a complication he could do without. The fact that it needed to be done didn't lessen the annoyance.
"Hold on." John sounded uneasy.
The general pocketed the keys.
"Did anyone mention the CN bond with Anwen?"
"It's permanent?" That could be ugly.
"Yeah." John nodded slightly, his eyes on the dash board. "I have the same telekinetic Rift ability."
"You throw tantrums?"
"No. I have more control under most circumstances." John obviously did not want to be having the conversation.
"Just say it."
"When Gwen was threatened, I reacted like Anwen. I telekinetically threw the guy."
That was more than ugly. "The same as Anwen did to Derrian Talbot?"
"Yeah."
It took a bit for the general to realize what John was trying to tell him. "If I'm threatened, you'll act irrationally?"
"I don't know. When I got to the coffee shop where Ianto was attacked, I made things rattle."
The general couldn't help but wonder what part of John's personality Anwen received in the exchange. That thought stayed with him as they left the van. It made him wonder about Other Keara's intentions. Or if it was an unforeseen consequence.
He'd parked behind the emergency vehicles and approached what appeared to be an impromptu staging area on the bonnet of a police car near the blocked off area of street. The police van was still in the road with punctured tires. From the location and the minimal damage to the van and surrounding area, the general could only assume it was a well-planned attack with the goal of everyone in the vehicle surviving.
"You're cold, Captain Harkness," the detective constable said, barely turning. "Jodi Hsiung was shot like a dog in the street and you didn't turn up for Dr. Nelson. But one of your boyfriends is dinged and you come running."
His father couldn't stand Cowley. "Constable Hsiung wasn't a Torchwood case. Bree needed support." The general took a moment. "A blatant attack on law enforcement over at least one person with genetic modifications is different situation." The general crossed his arms. It wasn't going as he hoped.
"It's my case."
"Torchwood has resources you don't. No CCTV footage, witnesses nor forensics." He shifted. "Hsiung is dead. Cowley was shot. Two constables could have been seriously injured tonight. The safety of your people should be the priority."
The detective constable turned and glared at him. "I know what the priority is."
"Let us help."
"Be my guest." The DC motioned toward the street. "Cameras and mobiles were disabled. The van's tires are punctured, but the van's electronics were shut down remotely."
Advanced technology, the general thought, glancing at John. He nodded slightly. "We need access to disabled devices."
"Take the fucking van. We couldn't find finger prints on the inside."
John Hart stepped into a nearby alcove and flipped open his wrist-strap. A scan of the area showed unusual energy readings. Disabling the cameras and mobiles was simple with the right technology. But it was to advanced for the current time period. It was alien technology. His immediate concern was whether or not it was Torchwood tech. He needed to check and make sure all of his equipment was accounting for. Anwen carried devices capable of disrupting CCTV at times. He doubted she misplaced anything without mentioning it. He would have to ask.
What concerned him was the tactics. In his experience, neither dirty cops nor vigilantes were known for well thought out plans. The precision and speed suggested military. The biomechs that Moss-Probert used to attack Hughes flats were former military and probably didn't know they were biomechs. Which suggested a modification program on unaware subjects that released them back into the population. There could be various reasons, but producing subsequent generation biomechs through the subjects having children made the most sense. Except it didn't explain the really dumb would-be robber or how he got a weapon. Nor explain the attack on Cowley. Unless someone was experimenting on civilians. Dumb test subjects were easier to control.
They needed someone capable of reviewing the DNA test of the gunmen from the coffee shop. How the DNA was modified says a lot about the motivation behind the modifications. It would lead them to who and why. With Moss-Probert gone or hiding, he could only guess that others took advantage. They could be dealing with researchers or corporations that didn't exist when he joined Torchwood. Or it could be additional black ops projects that were buried by then.
Torchwood Nova Scotia; Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada
Kailen Sylla drank coffee and checked hotel reviews while he waited for Luc to finish modifying a drone. Eryn had a few ideas, but there wasn't money for it. They didn't need a four star hotel. Clean and quiet worked. He hoped for decent scenery. There were a lot of options. Niagra Falls was cheesy, but had potential.
Despite everything, he felt good. The insanity of Atmore and Torchwood in general were becoming normal. Rhys Williams was home finally. When Jack was off the island, they were going to get downtime. He and Aman would finish planning the wedding. Eryn promised to shop with him. It would be good to reconnect. Luc mentioned school. Earning a computer science degree sounded incredible. They had so many opportunities. He missed Cape Town some days, but that part of his life was behind him.
A computer notification chimed. He checked the details and the blood rushed from his face. His hand shook as he set down his mug and reached for his mobile. It took three attempts to dial Aman.
"Luc's done already?"
"No." Kailen said quietly.
"What's wrong?"
"Faraji is in Cardiff. I set-up facial recognition for the three most likely your dad would send after Jack."
"Send the information to Gwen. Jack's out of reach."