Torchwood Nova Scotia; Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada

Luc Sarkisian paced. The situation was insane. In order to consider possible solutions, he had to make assumptions based on scientific concepts that couldn't even be evaluated with current understanding and technology. As Eryn had pointed out, the fact that it happened proved it was possible. String Theory and parallel universes was the only idea that made any kind of sense. But it didn't explain what caused the situation. If the barrier between two universes was damaged, the damage on both sides would get worse. Much like a failing dam. Like a dam, they needed to be able to find and assess the damage to repair it.

When his mobile rang, he reluctantly answered it. He didn't have anything resembling a solution. "Sarkisian."

"How are you doing?" Jack asked.

"I don't have an answer for you." Luc rubbed his temples.

"We may have more information."

"We need it."

Jack explained the information he received from Gwen.

"If that's the situation, we have a temporary fix. Anwen needs to allow the Rift to do what its going to do. Short of another alien space ship, we will have to deal with it."

"Luc." Anwen sounded tired. "The Rift randomly abducts people. If I do that, people will die."

"If we're right, and it's a breach of the barrier between universes, if you don't release the Rift, both the universes could be destroyed."

"There has to be another way."

"When I find one, I will tell you. For now, release the Rift."

"I'm stepping into the hallway," Jack said.

Luc heard the speaker phone chance and faint footsteps.

"What do you have?"

"Nothing. I have no way to apply the scientific method. I need to be able to find and view the problem. Right now, we have effect and no possible way of determining cause."

"You need to keep looking."

"Pending Anwen releases the Rift, and it works, I don't know how much time we have. I will make a list of every organization and government agency we need to contact. Eryn has been looking for hobbyists and even conspiracy theorists with science backgrounds. If this really is what we think it is, increased research is absolutely necessary. I don't have the knowledge, experience nor resources to investigate String Theory, parallel universes or the consequences of collisions." Luc sighed.

"All four of you need to go back to school." It wouldn't help the current situation, but it would have long-term value. "If you need paperwork or someone to discuss your unique situations with a university, call me."

"Yeah. When Gwen is back on her feet, I will have Eryn call. Kailen and me won't be an issue. Any of the area possibilities would beg. Eryn and Aman will need to figure out their majors and everything."

"Get some sleep."

"I don't know if I can. I instructed a kid to let people die. How do I live with that?"

"We don't have a better option. Its not your fault."


Torchwood Three

Bree Nelson was relieved when the call finally ended. What happened on Cardiff Docks had everyone on edge. While a London bureaucrat might question Gwen's capabilities, most who knew her in law enforcement did not. She started off as a constable in Cardiff. Some knew about local accomplishments. A few knew she participated in ending Miracle Day. From varied comments, she suspected different law enforcement officers in different places knew more about Gwen and Torchwood than she did.

Her mobile beeped, reminding her of a message that came in while she was talking to the Birmingham bomb squad. Jodi was canceling again. The reason sounded good. An injured police officer needed help tomorrow. The commute was nearly three hours one way. Bree couldn't help but wonder. Jodi had canceled more plans in the past month than she kept. The reasons always sounded good, but she couldn't help but wonder. Long distance relationships were difficult. Jodi's mother wasn't making it easy. If she wasn't positive Jodi had no interest in men, she'd worry her mother's matchmaking was part of the problem.

She sighed. She sounded paranoid. Jodi was not cheating on her. It was the three hour drive. They discussed Jodi moving. It sounded possible. There was a lot to think about, discuss and do before it could happen. After two years, she wanted it badly. Seeing Gwen and Rhys together reinforced the idea. They could even get married. Although she suspected Jodi wasn't ready for that. Mrs. Hsiung still had ideas about finding Jodi a husband. Which made the topic difficult to discuss.

The conference room door opened and Jack entered. He looked as tired as she felt. It had been a long weekend. With Gwen in the infirmary, and the kids at the hub instead of school, she suspected it would be a long week.

Jack walked around the table. "How's Birmingham?"

"Still there." Bree rubbed the back of her neck. "The explosives were impressive, but nothing abnormal. Sayer, from the bomb squad, asked about Gwen. He said he still owes her a beer from some type of bet."

"Easier than London?"

"Yeah. Sayer wanted to make sure Birmingham was safe. He didn't care about gender, politics or arse-kissing."

Jack smiled. "Sayer is a friend of Andy Davidson's."

"He didn't mention that." Bree shook her head.

"We have a temporary solution for the Cardiff Dock situation. If you need a break, now is a good time."

"I need to check on Gwen. She must be going crazy stuck in the infirmary."

"She's still sleeping most of the time," Jack assured.

She nodded. "I still need to check."

"Ianto needs help. He has paperwork and the kids are distracting him."

"Paperwork." She knew she should offer to help with the kids. "I can do that."

Jack chuckled as she left the conference room.