AN: Two weeks later, again. Sorry. I like to leave things ambigious sometimes. Anyway, this is the last chapter. However, no worries…I'm a fair way through the second one and plans are coming together, as are the plans for the third.
/
Two weeks later…
It had been agreed that, after a month of time out –not to mention being captured, getting into trouble and having to run for their lives multiple times- that Jack, Owen and Ianto should return to Torchwood.
"Dad…are you sure you'll be all right?" the youngest Timelord asked, for what must have been about the tenth time.
"Of course I will. I've been on my own before, and the three of you have your own responsibilities. Besides, I'll probably pick someone else up in no time," The Doctor promised, keeping his eyes on the console- not wanting them to betray his true feelings- as he set the controls.
"I bet you will," Jack agreed with a smirk.
"You player, dad. Why not mix it up a little, try a go for a guy this time?" the elder son joked, even though he too looked worried and a bit devastated. Ianto half smiled, and shook his head, deciding to remain silent.
"Besides, you've got those women…er, Twen and Gosh? They need you three."
"'Twen and Gosh?'" Jack repeated, grinning. "It's Tosh and Gwen, Doc."
"Oops…"
The two brothers shared a fond and yet slightly stricken glance. Although their father would most likely visit…they were still going to miss being around him, and his antics, 24/7. The Captain chuckled and shook his head. "But, yeah, Doc. You're right- they do."
"So….where we'll be landing…It won't be too long after you've left, Jack. It'll be in the hub, and fairly early in the morning."
"That's good…that will give us a few hours before the girls come in, to figure things out," the youngest Timelord remarked.
"Survey the scene," the elder brother agreed, nodding.
"Yes…that's always an important thing," The Doctor acknowledged. He'd finished setting the controls, and turned to lean against the console.
"You three are so a like," Jack stated, smiling thoughtfully.
"Well, well, Jack…your observational skills are simply amazing," Owen mocked.
"However, it is very strange…since we aren't children of the tenth regeneration," the younger brother mused. The Doctor laughed and shook his head.
"I warn you again, Jack. As you may have noticed, they are quite different to their human forms- be prepared."
"Definitely. You need to be prepared. Always," the eldest brother agreed firmly. He paused and glanced between the Captain and his brother. "And use protection."
"Atrum!" the younger Timelord hissed, flushing. "Why you always trying to ruin my life, man?" he complained with a smirk, as Jack and his father laughed. Owen smirked and then sighed, his amusement fading. "I'm gonna miss this…" he said, looking crestfallen.
"Me too," Ianto agreed solemnly.
"Hey, hey…we all are, but it couldn't last forever. As I said, you guys have got Torchwood, and we are gonna see each other," The Doctor promised, trying to console his sons; but feeling extremely saddened himself. The TARDIS landed with a soft hiss and a light thump. "Come on," the eldest Timelord said, with a weak smile. He strolled over to the doors, opened them and exited. Jack grinned brightly and bounded out after him. The brothers, however, hesitated.
"Goodbye, girl. Thanks for everything…I swear, we'll see you again soon," the youngest Timelord promised, patting the ship affectionately
"Definitely," Owen agreed. "Look after yourself, and look after dad too," he glanced at his brother and sighed. "We'd better go, Lev."
"Yeah…" the youngest Timelord murmured, as they both left the ship.
"Makin' out with the TARDIS, eh?" Jack teased, with a grin.
"Bitch, no way! As if we could defile her like that; she is beautiful. And not to mention…a ship," the elder brother retorted.
"This place is kind of brilliant," The Doctor announced, with a smile. The two young Timelords and Jack glanced around, 'surveying the scene', and noticing that it didn't look too different since they'd last been here.
"Rift predictor software, computers, rift manipulator, Jack's office, invisible lift, water tower, then there's the armoury, the archives the kitchen, the cells and various other places," Owen remarked, gesturing to the objects or places he'd mentioned that were in sight.
"And, of course…" Ianto paused and glanced around; as if waiting for something. Moments later, he saw what he wanted, as the pterodactyl soared across the top of the wings, screeching and flapping her great wings. "Myfanwy, the Pterodactyl."
"Ooh, she is beautiful!" The Doctor cried appreciatively.
"Definitely," Owen acknowledged with a smile.
"It was actually thanks to human Ianto that we got her…you probably remember that from when they were telling you about their human lives a few weeks ago," The Captain mentioned with a smile. The Doctor nodded firmly. "Okay, on account of your Pterodactyl…this place goes from 'kind of brilliant,' to 'brilliant.'" The eldest brother smiled and glanced at the time; it was four in the morning, so the girls would probably be in between three and five hours.
"So, think you manage to pretend to be 'Owen Harper' and 'Ianto Jones' when it's necessary?" The Doctor questioned, looking at his sons.
"Hmmm…suppose so," the youngest Timelord mused.
"We'll act…we're good at that," Owen agreed simply.
"And, of course, more precautions will have to be taken, when we're dealing with UNIT," Jack announced thoughtfully.
"Good point… some of them already know, obviously; those whom were on the Valiant. However…the ones who don't know, should be prevented from knowing. If any of them give you any hassle, contact me immediately, and I'll set them straight," The Doctor warned them, his expression full of determination.
"Don't worry, Doc. I won't let UNIT do anything," Jack promised him.
"Good, 'cause I don't want some phone call or something saying that one of them has been dissected," The Doctor paused. "Also, boys…give me your mobiles; I'll key in the number of my super phone, and make yours into super phones."
"Super phones," Jack repeated with a grin.
"Sure," Owen agreed with a smile, handing over his phone, his brother doing the same mere seconds later.
"Super indeed," The eldest Timelord agreed, placing a phone in each hand and using them both at once, keying in the number for his super phone. He then shuffled the mobiles into once hand and pulled out his sonic screwdriver. "Hmm…" he pressed the button, and ran the device over each of the phones, the tip of the screwdriver glowing blue. After about thirty seconds, he nodded and dropped the sonic screwdriver back in his pocket. He passed his son's their phones back. "There you go."
"Thanks dad," the youngest Timelord acknowledged.
"No calling any alien rent boys," Jack joked, before grinning. "Although…"
"No, no!" The Doctor cried quickly.
"Really, really not…" Owen agreed, shaking his head. Ianto smirked and shook his head.
"Anyway, I should do…leave you three to sort things out," The Doctor stated, nodding absently.
"You don't have to go yet," the elder brother countered, his tone soft and sad.
"Trust me, I do. The longer I stay, the harder it'll be for me to leave…"
"Dad…, I swear to every God and Goddess, of every culture, in of country, on every planet, in every solar system, in every Galaxy, in every universe….that if we don't see you really soon, we're gonna find some way to haul you back here," the younger brother stated fiercely.
"That's quite a mouthful," The Doctor said gently. He then nodded in agreement. "But I can tell you now…that won't be necessary, because I will be back to see you all really soon."
"You'd better be," Owen murmured. The eldest Timelord nodded sadly, and hugged them all, even Jack- though his didn't last as long, nor have as much emotion in it.
"Boys…look after each other, and Jack. And Jack, you look after them. In fact, just all look after each other!"
"Be careful dad," the eldest brother told him.
"And seriously…we're only a phone call, or time travel away," Ianto agreed.
"Exactly. Besides, they'll go spare if you don't drop by. You know you're always welcome here, Doc."
"I promise you…I will be back," The Doctor paused. "I should go," he stated, a look of anguish flashing in his eyes.
"Yes…" Owen sighed, nodding in solemn agreement. The eldest Timelord hugged both of his sons again.
"I mean it…all of you, be careful."
"You too," the immortal told him.
"See you soon…" The Doctor turned away in anguish and stepped into the TARDIS.
"See ya, Doc," Jack replied with a smile. The eldest Timelord nodded, but didn't say anything more –nor did his sons- and closed the doors, vanishing from sight. Jack stepped up to stand beside the two brothers, and glanced at them in concern. The three of them watched silently, as the TARDIS started to disappear, whipping out wind and whirring loudly as it did so.
"You two okay?" Jack questioned gently.
"Of course," the elder brother announced, looking around.
"Yeah…" Ianto paused, and shook his head. "It's just going to be weird, not being with him, and not being in the universe. Plus…he's on his own."
"Took the words out of my mouth," Owen muttered.
"Hey…I know. He'll be all right, though…. As he said, he'll find a companion in no time whatsoever. And I bet you, he'll be back here within a fortnight," Jack said; in an attempt to console them. The brothers took a seat each. "Yeah…it's just…y'know," the younger brother said vaguely.
"I do," The Captain agreed. He sighed, reaching out and ruffling their hair in a reassuring manner.
"Not the hair," Owen complained, smacking his hand away.
"Uncalled for…" Ianto half groaned, looking quiet displeased. Jack laughed, pleased that he'd gained a reaction.
"So, are you hungry? We could call for pizza."
"Well, I am," the elder brother paused and smirked at Ianto. "But, he's not."
"How do you know that?" Jack questioned, raising his eyebrows. He glanced at the youngest Timelord and frowned. "Is he right?"
"Yes, he is, actually," Ianto replied with a chuckle.
"You see…my brother, is weird, Jack. As a Timelord…for as long as I can remember… he doesn't eat after a certain time. In Earth time, that would be the equivalent of about 10pm," Owen explained. The Captain grinned and shook his head. "That's kind of strange," he told Ianto, but his tone held only fondness.
"You can say that again," Owen chuckled.
"I'll hurt you," the younger brother retorted lightly.
"I would beat you up."
"Now, now…none of that," Jack's tone was teasing, but he was actually a bit worried. He couldn't tell whether they were being completely serious, or not… He'd only known their Timelord counterparts for a short period of time, after all. The elder brother glanced at him in amusement. "You actually think we're about to come to blows!" he announced, snickering; clearly finding the mere notion hilarious. "Ah, Jack…you are amusing," the youngest Timelord commented with a smile.
"I could feed you both to Weevils," Jack warned, taking a chair.
"As if," Ianto said simply. "Besides…dad would kill you."
"Right. Well, I'm gonna order pizza. And Jack, I'll be using the name Torchwood whether you like you it or not," the elder Timelord announced, standing up.
"Go for it," Jack agreed with a smirk.
"That's what I thought you'd say!" Owen said triumphantly, before strolling off to find a phone.
"Uh….my brother, ladies and gents. Actually, I should've just said, my brother, jack…"
Jack chuckled and shook his head, leaning back and relaxing in his seat. "Well, we need to find a way to kill the time between now and when the girls come in."
"We'll find something," the youngest Timelord said, shrugging. It already didn't feel right, he found. Being back on the ground, being confined to one planet. He hoped it'd fade, but he knew…his brother would be feeling it too. They just need to get used to it, to slip into some kind of routine…right?
"By the way, although Ianto Jones was fond of suits… I am not, so I'll probably just be wearing similar stuff to what I've been wearing for the last month," Ianto stated, gesturing to his shirt and jeans. Jack grinned and nodded in approval. "I'm not complaining…especially not if all the jeans are this tight."
Owen strolled back over, after having finished making the phone call and sat back down.
"I thought you'd say that. Besides, I'm wearing a shirt, and it's not a scruffy shirt. So….it's smasual," the younger brother explained.
"'Smasual'?" Jack repeated, raising his eyebrows.
"Smart casual," Owen supplied helpfully.
"Of course," the Captain agreed sarcastically, before smirking and shamelessly checking the youngest Timelord out. "Yo, Harkness! Stop checking my brother out or I may have to hurt you. I mean…I am right here," the elder brother warned, his eyes narrowing. Jack grinned, and reached out and carressed his cheek.
"Dude," Owen warned, sounding amused and pushing him away.
"Seriously though…there is plenty of me to go around. We could even have a-"
"No!" the brothers yelled, cutting across him in unison.
"That would be incest!" Owen announced, looking horrified.
"And we are not into incest," Ianto agreed, shuddering and pulling a face. Jack sighed, in genuine disappointment. "That's a shame…I was gonna invite your dad as well."
"Excuse me whilst I vomit," Ianto told his brother, who nodded sincerely.
"Excuse me whilst I punch Jack in the face," he agreed.
"Aw, shame…" The Captain complained. "It really would be great."
"Moving on!" Ianto declared, clapping his hands together. "So, we're telling the girls the truth, right?"
"It's probably best…They have the right to know, to understand," Jack announced. "However, I suggest we tell own tales, in case there are bits we wanna leave out."
"Good idea," Ianto agreed. "Besides…no, offence, but we'd probably be better about explaining the Timelord thing ourselves, and even then, there's stuff to leave out."
"And if they don't believe us, we'll just get them to listen to our heartbeats. I suspect that will validate what we say," the elder brother agreed grimly. "Man…my human self was such a player…that's …she would slap me," he murmured, randomly.
"She?" Jack repeated, having heard parts of what he said. The brothers shared a look, and saw their own anguish reflected in the other's eyes. They understood. They couldn't talk about their dead loves, or anyone they'd lost back home…it was too painful.
"Oh. Uh…nothing," Owen said evasively.
"Right, sure," Jack acknowledged, deciding to let it go, whatever it was.
"Random thoughts that make no sense, that are then verbalized…" the younger brother invented.
"Exactly," the other Timelord acknowledged, shooting him a grateful look when the immortal wasn't watching.
"Right…" Jack repeated. "What regenerations did you know your dad in?"
"Seventh, Eighth and ninth," the elder brother answered, leaning back in his seat.
"Nine was weird," the immortal commented, with a smile.
"Yeah? The others were weirder…we saw pictures," the younger Timelord chuckled.
"And what regenerations are you two in?"
"Well… We've regenerated a few times along the way; I'm on my third," Ianto stated.
"And I'm on my fourth. Our regenerations haven't been massively different though," Owen agreed, shrugging. They were young for Timelord's, very young...they'd only been in their twenties, when the war hit. The difference was…they'd had the chance to grow up, -although they'd been human and been in stasis- and they'd have the chance to grow further…but none of the other Timelord's(sans their father) would.
Two and a half hours later…
A shriek of an alarm pierced the air, as the Cog door slowly started to roll back, sending a slight rumble through the room. The sounds of footsteps and voices drifted towards the men's ears. Jack stood up with a smile, whereas the brothers decided to remain sitting. The door rolled back completely, revealing the entrance. Tosh and Gwen crossed the threshold, looking around with glum irritation. Gwen noticed them first, her expression becoming one of anger, surprise, and happiness all at once. "Oh my god."
"Jack! Owen! Ianto!" Tosh gasped.
"Hello," Jack greeted with a grin and a wink.
"Uh, hi," the youngest Timelord acknowledged brightly, as he stood up, pulling his brother to his feet, also.
"Girls," Owen greeted with a smile, before giving his brother a slightly irritated look.
"What? I mean…what?" the technician demanded.
"Where the hell have you been?" Gwen half shouted, all of a sudden. Their anger seemed to vanish for a few moments, relief overtaking them as they threw themselves at each of the men in turn, hugging them tightly. However, they were soon angry again.
"Where did you go?" Gwen spat.
"You were gone for weeks!" Tosh cried, looking pissed.
"It's complicated. Pretty complicated. However, we have an explanation for you, and a tale to tell you…if you'll listen. I'd recommend listening…" the youngest Timelord announced.
"Why do you two seem different?" Gwen demanded, placing her hands on her hips and glaring at the Timelords.
"'Cause we are," the elder brother acknowledged with a smirk.
"That'll be explained…if you let us tell you everything," Jack informed them.
"All right, fine," Gwen growled. "This had better be good."
"Right," Ianto said, sighing and leaning against the computers, as Owen sat on a chair.
"You may wanna sit down, this could take a while," the immortal suggested. Tosh and Gwen sat down, following his advice. The three men shared a glance, and begun to tell the tale-with each of them leaving bits out- of Jack finding The Doctor, of Utopia, of how Owen and Ianto were Timelord's, of how they were turned human, The Master, and the year that never was. They had to spend a little bit of time convincing the women that what they said was true, as well.
"So, what happened to him? Saxon….The Master?" Tosh asked, once it was all done.
"His wife shot him, he didn't regenerate," the elder brother announced softly.
"But that's good, right? At least that bastard can't do any more damage," Gwen mused.
"He was our dad's friend, once…and ours," the youngest Timelord responded, his tone equally as quiet as his brother's. Tosh and Gwen remained silent for a few moments, before the technician spoke softly. "We're sorry."
Jack regarded the two young Timelord's thoughtfully, and decided that The Master must have once been very different. Yes, he felt sorry for them and The Doctor…There was no denying that loss was a hard thing. That didn't change how he felt about The Master though. He was glad that bastard was dead. The chances were, though, he wouldn't tell the Timelord's that. "So….you're brothers," the welsh woman announced, changing the subject.
"Yeah," Tosh agreed, gratefully jumping onto the new topic. "It's weird, you two seemed to hate each other as humans."
"It was all in the personality programming," the elder brother stated simply.
"We had no control over that," Ianto acknowledged, shaking his head and sighing.
"No, I don't suspect you did," the Captain mused. The brothers shared a look, and each of them shrugged slightly.
"Now, bitches, do any of you want coffee?" the youngest Timelord questioned. "Bitches?" Toshiko repeated, looking surprised.
"Don't ask," Jack told her quickly, before nodding at Ianto.
"No thanks, dude," the eldest Timelord declined.
"Did you just…turn down coffee?" Jack demanded , the surprise on his face equal to that on Tosh's and Gwen's. "Yes. I'm different now, remember?" Owen prompted. "Plus…I'm no longer a caffeine monster."
"And, well, you know what they say…" the younger brother chimed in.
"Uh, no. I don't actually," Owen retorted, looking confused.
"Neither do I. Damn you," Ianto complained; neither of them noticing the half confused/half amused looks that their conversation drew from the other three members of the team.
"Anyway…okay, so you three want coffee," the youngest Timelord stood and wondered off to find the kitchen. Owen smirked and leant back in his seat. "So, what's it been like since we've been gone?"
"Boring and quiet…" Gwen answered thoughtfully.
"Life and soul of the party," the Timelord announced with a grin.
"No, I think you'll find that's me," Jack corrected.
"Ordinarily I would say something like 'no way'…but in this case, you're right. As humans, my brother and I were really quite boring. And not to mention…twats."
"No, you weren't," Gwen protested immediately.
"Definitely not," Jack pitched in, thinking of all the things he'd got up to with Ianto Jones.
"Matter of opinion," the eldest Timelord replied shortly. "However, as Timelord's, I assure you, we are amazing," he informed, deciding not to mention his affair with Gwen. He really wasn't proud of that…it felt like a betrayal; to the one whom he'd loved and lost on Gallifrey; Kiara. He avoided looking at the others, by allowing his gaze to sweep the room. Ianto walked back in, managing to carry three mugs of coffee in his hands; he gave one to Tosh, Gwen and Jack and then took up his earlier seat.
"As well as missing all three of you…I also missed you coffee, Ianto," the technician said.
"Mmh, me too. Starbucks just doesn't compare," Gwen agreed, after taking a sip. None of them noticed how the two brothers shared a smirk. Jack nursed the coffee gratefully, merely staring at it for a few moments. He took a sip -expecting to taste it's coffee goodness- and spat it out, his face contorting with disgust. The youngest Timelord snickered and shot him an innocent look.
"Ianto…" the Captain begun, ignoring the overly innocent look of the man in question, and the snickers of Owen. "Yes, Jack?" the younger brother enquired sweetly.
"What is in this mug? It's not coffee…"
"Well, technically….It is coffee. Just with the addition of tea," the younger Timelord corrected, looking amused as his brother laughed in what could only be deemed as approval.
"Or as they call it in Gavin and Stacey, a 'toffee,'" Owen announced, once he'd recovered.
"Yes!" the younger brother enthused, as Gwen and Tosh snickered.
"It's unpleasant," Jack corrected. The youngest Timelord stood up and took the mug from him.
"Isn't it?" he agreed, with a smirk. "No worries though, I did make an actual coffee for you," he snickered and left the room.
"You're just lucky it wasn't vinegar," Owen told the immortal.
"Gross," Tosh muttered. Gwen smiled and shook her head. But if she was being honest…she was a little worried; they didn't know Owen and Ianto anymore; not really. There was no telling how different they'd be; especially in a variety of situations. She wouldn't treat them any differently, but she'd certainly be keeping an eye on them. The youngest Timelord came back in with another mug, which he handed to Jack. "Okay, so…that's the coffee," he paused upon seeing the other man's wary look. "Scouts honour!"
"Dude, you were never a scout!" The elder brother announced.
"Why? Why are you always trying to ruin my life?" Ianto retorted with a smirk. He then glanced at Jack. "Honestly though…"
The Captain chuckled, and took a cautious sip of the coffee, and released an appreciative groan upon discovering that it was actually coffee. Gwen's phone suddenly rang, the high pitched trill piercing through the momentary silence. She gave the other members of the group an apologetic look, slipped it free of her pocket and answered the call, a familiar voice came down the line before she could speak.
"Gwen, its Andy. We've found an…well I'm not sure what it is really. I think its alien."
"What is it? And where?" Gwen questioned.
"We've got it locked in the meetings room. It's like a human, kind of…only it's purple, and has animal ears and a tail. It seems scared…I dunno what to do, Gwen! We need you guys!"
"All right…just keep it there, don't go inside, and don't hurt it. We'll be there soon," the welsh woman hung up and glanced at the others. "I'm guessing you heard that?"
"Yes," Tosh agreed.
"Sounds like a Kreechol, from Clovania. They're a peaceful race. It probably just slipped through the rift and wants to go home," the eldest Timelord span off, before Jack could comment. "Exactly," the immortal agreed with a nod. "We can bring it back here, and send a message to the rest of its race, arrange for them to bring a ship, and send it home."
"Yeah, simple really. We'd better go, before the poor bugger gets too scared. The keening noise they make isn't pretty," Ianto mused. Jack grinned, as they all stood up. "Let's get to work guys. Let's send it home!" The three of them were back, the world was safe once more, and they now had a job to do again. They were back, and Torchwood was complete again. It was time for them to get to work; defend the Earth, and rescue aliens. Because that, was what they did.
FIN.
AN: I've already had this typed up in advance, as you may have gathered, due to the speed. The second in is in process.