Six weeks later

Jack lazily awoke to a tangle of bed sheets, scattered clothes, and the smell of coffee wafting into the room. He hurriedly dressed, entered the kitchen area, and wrapped his arms around his partner's waist while nuzzling his neck.

"Why so early?" he asked as he nuzzled Jen's ear.

The Time Lord smiled as he unwound himself from Jack's embrace. "We have a meeting with the Conservancy at ten. Now sit down before you get burnt. The coffee is hot." He placed the two mugs of the steaming brew on the table.

Jack slid onto his chair, pulled off a slab of bread from the cutting board, and put it on his plate. He began to slather it with blackberry jam. Jen served him a side of scrambled eggs and bacon, and then joined him.

"You got back late! I felt you slip into bed next to me, but I figured you were exhausted." Jack raised an eyebrow as he wolfed down his food. "Did the Conservancy give you any trouble about…you not being your old self?"

Jen laughed as he set up his plate. "I must admit that some of the old timers, the traditionals, were creeped out, had a bit of a hard time putting it together. They thought I was a shapeshifter imposter so it got a bit intense. Most did not know that I was Gallifreyan. I had to pull information from the Library of Species to find documentation to explain the process of regeneration. The fact that my fingerprints remained the same helped."

"You could add an "s" to your name, if that helps them with the gender change," Jack suggested. "Jens is a Nordic name on Earth."

Jen laughed.

"Really, it is form of John. Means "god is gracious," Jack smiled. "It suits you."

Jack got up and stood behind his partner, his hands lightly on his shoulders. "What about you," he asked softly. "How are you handling the change?"

"I was already a trained soldier and scientist," Jen replied. "Not a typical girl, but there are some things I miss…"

"I miss the breasts," interrupted Jack as he reached down and brushed his hand across Jen's chest.

"You would," Jen laughed as he attempted to retaliate.

Jack gracefully dodged his hand, and went to the counter. He poured himself another cup of coffee and then sat down. "Seriously, how do you feel?"

"I feel fine. I don't miss the hormonal swings, but sometimes I feel the depth of my emotions are somehow suspect to outsiders, especially the traditionals. Men are expected to keep such things hidden," Jen paused and smiled shyly. "As for the other adjustments, I have your considerable knowledge to draw from, and you are an enthusiastic teacher."

Jack grinned and winked. "My favorite subject." He cut off another piece of bread. "Only a few of them knew we were together. Did they have a hard time knowing you were with me?"

"Some did." Jen looked up at him and frowned. "Only a few of our friends know what happens to you…when you are badly hurt." He took the Captain's hand. "I want to keep it that way, Jack. The Cartel has both of us as targets. Too many Collectors, too many people with an agenda even in the Conservancy. Too many willing to let you lay your life on the line, before doing their part."

Jack squeezed back and let go. "You worry too much."

Jen rolled his blue eyes and continued. "The Conservancy wasn't happy with our decision to stay as independent contractors, they like more control. However, they will provide us with a team when necessary," Jen smiled broadly. "And we have discretion on choice of team members and assignments."

"Good!" Jack sat back in his chair. "The less bureaucracy the better."

Jen nodded and handed his partner a sheaf of papers. They pushed the breakfast dishes aside, and reviewed the variety of pending assignments and profiles of possible team members. Finally they narrowed down the pile to three possible assignments and six candidates to interview.

Changing the subject Jack asked, " Have you heard from Toshi? Is the trip going well with the Doctor?"

"No, no messages." Jen began to clean up the dishes. "Toshi has proven she can handle herself in an emergency. She thinks well on her feet, and she can handle change. My father promised to be a little more thoughtful in his choices of itinerary."

"A year is a long time," muttered Jack as he began to wash the plates. "It is especially long since she has the same accelerated aging trait as you. She'll be all grown up by the time we see her again."

"A Gallifreyan education is essential," said Jen. "She'll probably know a lot more than me when she is done." He finished wiping the last dish and put it away. "I almost forgot. There is a sealed letter for you on top of the communication console. They gave it to me last night when I left. Apparently it was sent to the Conservancy since it was your last posting."

The Captain walked over to the console, ripped open the letter, and read it. He took in a sharp breath, frowned, and sat heavily in a chair nearby staring at the paper.

Jen turned to the older man. "Jack?"

The Captain said nothing and continued to stare.

"Jack, what's wrong?"

Jack took a deep breath, " The cryogenic chamber is leaking. I need to go back."

"Back where?"

"To Earth, I need to go back to Earth."

Jen walked over to the older man and placed his hands around his shoulder and leaned down. "Why, what's wrong?"

"I need to go back to get Gray."

"Who is Gray?"

"Gray," Jack looked up with troubled eyes. "My brother, Gray."

Readers: The next story is simply called "Gray". I'm working on the plot and character development now. If you would like an automatic notice of a new chapter, check the "follow author" at the bottom. The will automatically send an email with the chapter link when I post. Thank you to those who posted reviews and offered advice. I am deeply grateful for the support.