21
Ianto did not witness the meltdowns, neither did Jack who agreed it would hurt more to be disembarked by Engine Room Crew who enjoyed the looks of horror and disgust from the toffs as they filed past, then realised they were being greeted by far worse.
The Outpost Crew had turned out in full dress, looking like something form a Space Horror Movie complete with weird weapons on display. Seems the Old Man had stirred them up and they were ready to have some fun.
"Wait" a woman said with horror, "My pets, where are my little munchkins?"
"Your two fluffs are in quarantine" the Old Man told her imperiously, "As you own then you are too. Take her to one of the holding cells and lock her in with those things. I think within a week we will know if they are contagious!"
She shrieked as she was hauled off and the Old Man watched the Chula Ambulance get hefted up into the open Cargo Bay. He was glad to be rid of it, it had sat for years and he even threw in the equipment that had been in it as he saw some little faces at windows looking out and waving on the lower levels of the vessel which came to the same height as his high office. They all looked lovely wee things.
Torchwood was the largest Ship he had ever seen, lush and so pretty. Mainframe had threatened to fry his Outpost if he tried to hack her again and he found that amusing to find such an advanced AI capable of playing.
He almost wished he was going but he was too old and loved this place too much. His son however, was a different matter. The Captain had happily accepted his son and daughter-in-law into the passenger manifest, his heart heavy as his granddaughter waved excitedly, too little to realise she would never see him again.
His sister's girl went too, her wife and their three hatchlings eager to take part on what would be a future beyond anything he could offer. He had comfort in the two children that stayed with their families, the comfort also that they were going together and the Captain had assured him there would be no cost for their tickets. It was a relief to find the handful of crew also dumped were happy to keep to themselves, it was almost as if they were not there after a while.
Jack watched the large screen as their new passengers came onboard, Ianto's hand warm on his shoulder as Ianto leaned in to whisper "Their kids look cute."
"Yeah, they are armed too" Andy called back with glee, "Little savages!"
Jack laughed, "Well, it will stir things up a bit."
"That was nice of him to let us have so much tat for the children's Hold" Toshiko said as she sat at her workbench, "Mainframe is working on some flights to play them from Sol 3, will be good so they can grow up seeing where they came from. She will include the rivers, great lakes and some of the old cities and famous landmarks they can pretend to fly amongst."
"I know you would make it perfect" Jack smiled, and then he pointed with shock, "What the hell is that?"
"I believe it is a goat" Ianto canted his head, "Good garbage disposals. We have some little ones on the Farm Level, that is a large breed. Ah … Angora? I believe their fleece can be harvested like sheep, spun to make clothing."
"Really?" Jack asked with interest as another large fuzzy goat appeared.
"We have a farm level?" Owen asked as he leaned against Tosh's desk, "really?"
"Yes, Level eleven" Ianto informed him.
"Huh, I'm gonna go look" Owen said as he took off and Andy shot from his chair then froze as he remembered where he was.
"Ah…permission to leave the bridge sir."
"Go on then, go find some baby animals to squeeze" Jack grinned as he watched Andy take off. He watched Andy's second bow and take his place, the reptilian hands adjusting the controls to suit Hr different hands.
"We disembark in T minus Twenty Sir" Hr said.
"Thank you Ensign Kllllllllib" Jack said hopping he had drawn out the L long enough and Ianto's' gentle squeeze reassured him that he had. Jack resisted the urge to reach up and cover said hand with his own knowing Ianto didn't realise what he was doing.
Since their fright it seems an unspoken agreement had been reached that thy move forward with the mission with matching footfalls. It felt….nice.
"I can't wait to get out of here" Ianto said softly and Jack grunted his agreement as Ianto looked down at the controls in the Captain's chair, "Looks like the final Cargo Doors are sealed now Captain. We just need the say so from Mainframe that the outer hull doors are sealed and we can blow this popsicle stand."
"My gods, I've not heard that one since I was a small girl" Jack said jokingly and Ianto blinked then snorted with mirth as he shook his head. Toshiko glanced over in time to see Ianto grin widely at Jack before schooling his features to the usual bland stare once more.
Things had certainly changed.
As Torchwood floated gently into the black Gwen stood with her hands clasped together to hide her anger.
This was not the end of things.
Not by a fucking long shot!