Vengeance - Chapter Twenty-Nine
Author: Milady Dragon
3 February 5193 (Earth Standard Date)
Trafusis
The Doctor followed Cadi as she led him and Jack through the crowds, going deeper into the darker sections of the capitol city of Argent, his mind whirling a lightyear a minute over what had occurred on Throneworld.
The three of them had watched until the very end, a large group of people gathering around them to observe the newsfeeds as well. Empress Danielle's speech at the end had been met with cheers, although there was a bit of cat-calling as well. Cadi had pointed out to them that Trafusis, while ostensibly a member of the Human Empire, had quite a few people not very happy with them; mostly anarchists and anti-establishment types, and those who had been touched by some form of criminal activity that the Empire hadn't done anything to stop although that was ostensibly the planetary government's job.
The Time Lord was very worried about Phillip. Not because he'd obviously been hurt in the explosion, but because of the level of power he was now exhibiting. While he hadn't told anyone outright – of course, River knew, but then she was very familiar with his ways, and Jack had guessed it – one of the reasons he'd hung around as long as he had was because he'd been very concerned about how Phillip was going to react to his exposure to the dark magic that had nearly killed him. He'd seemed fine, but this…
He'd been glad to see Merlin on the scene. He'd take care of Phillip and make certain he was fine.
Still, it didn't keep the Doctor from worrying about his friend, and wishing he could be there just to make sure Phillip was coping. Still, they had a job to do, and they were going to do it.
They were moving into a more run-down area of the city. The buildings were huddled together, some of them ramshackle and looking as if they were going to collapse at any second. It was the very definition of a slum; every major city had them, and although the Doctor knew that the Human Empire did try to take care of its residents as best they could he was aware that there wasn't a lot they could do on individual worlds like Trafusis. It had to do with governments and infrastructure, and no matter how affluent a planet was, they still had their poor sections.
They stood out, in Cadi's shipboard gear, Jack's greatcoat, and the Doctor's own ensemble, simply because their clothes were clean and in good condition.
The people were just as ramshackle as the buildings. Worn clothing…worn expressions…these were the poorest of the poor, trying to make their way the best they could. Most of them were most likely petty criminals, doing whatever they could to survive, and to feed their families, and the Doctor's hearts went out to them.
Cadi had done what she could to help these people, by bringing in medical supplies to this doctor she was taking them to meet. She might have also been a criminal, but she was like her fathers in one respect: she was always willing to do what was right, even if it wasn't necessarily legal.
There was a three-storey building ahead that blended in with the rest, with its tatty paintjob and dirty windows. There was nothing to distinguish it from any other structure on the street, except for the rather large man that was lounging on one of the five sagging steps that went up to the peeling green door. He didn't look like much, but the Doctor knew immediately that he was dangerous, and it made sense that if this person was as well-liked in the neighbourhood and as useful as a medical practitioner would be, that there would be some sort of bodyguard to make sure nothing happened to the man inside.
Cadi walked right up to the man, a human with obvious alien DNA mixing with the human. He grinned up at her as she approached, revealing two gold teeth. "Hey, Cap'n," he greeted her jovially. "Been awhile."
She gave him a smile of her own. "Yes, it has, Jem. Good to see you're still around, you old reprobate. How's your family?"
Jem laughed at that. "Doing well. Although I need to cut down on the spouses. They're breeding me out of house and home!"
"Warned you not to get too attached."
"Yeah, you did. Shoulda listened before I birthed fifteen kids!"
Cadi shook her head in what had to have been mock despair. "Is he in?"
"Sure is," Jem confirmed. "Got a patient right now, but I know he won't mind you and your friends waiting." He gave Jack and the Doctor the once-over, apparently liking what he saw. "Got a good lookin' daddy there, Cap'n."
That was a surprise. The Doctor wondered just how he'd been able to tell that Jack was Cadi's Dad; yes, they did resemble each other, but Jack didn't look old enough to be her father.
Jack laughed, and Cadi sighed. "You shouldn't have said that to him. He'll be insufferable for days."
That got another laugh from Jack, and an even louder guffaw from Jem. "Now I know where you inherited it from!" Then he sobered. "Heard about your sister, Cap'n. Was sorry to hear about it. Brina was a good one, and no mistake."
The Doctor was confused at how this man knew about the relationship between Cadi and Sabrina, let alone what happened, and said so.
"Met Brina back during a dust-up about ten years ago," Jem answered. "She saved my arse, and about six others, when a gang war broke out. She and the Cap'n look enough alike that she didn't deny it when I asked. As for how I know: Torchwood does a lot of good, and word gets around. I know Doc B was hoping you'd be around, and he's been keeping his ear to the underground for you, just in case he hears something."
"You saying he has?" Cadi asked roughly.
"Don't know. He hasn't said. But he does wanna help."
Cadi clapped him on the shoulder. "Thanks, Jem."
"Welcome, Cap'n. Take care."
With that, Cadi took the steps up to the front door. She didn't bother to knock, but then the Doctor figured whoever was inside already knew they were there, and anyone who got past the guard on the door would have been safe. Or as safe as anyone was.
The narrow hallway beyond the door was dark, and wasn't nearly as dilapidated as the outside. The carpet was worn, but looked and smelled clean, and the walls must have been washed at some point in the near past. The paint on them was faded into a sort of pale ecru, and were bare. There was a staircase along one wall, and doors were on either side, one closed and the other opened, the only light in the hall streaming in from that open door.
Cadi led the way through the open door. Beyond was a sitting room, with older furniture that seemed well taken-care of; two wingback chairs on either side of a floral-patterned sofa, with mismatched tables separating the three pieces. A fireplace that appeared to have been used in the past had a black iron screen in front of it, with knickknacks on the slightly soot stained mantel. Frayed curtains had been pulled apart at the one window, revealing the street beyond, but were streaked with dirt on the outer side, and the Doctor wondered if the filth was a cover, in order to keep from calling unwanted attention.
Jack made himself at home in one of the chairs, and Cadi took the sofa. The Doctor prowled around the room, unable to sit still, but the place was pretty much bare of any personality. Even the tchotchkes on the mantel didn't tell him much, only that the owner of the house had eclectic taste.
Someone clearing their throat had all three of them glancing toward the door. A girl stood there; the Time Lord guessed she was about fourteen, with light blue hair parted into a pair of pigtails dangling over each shoulder. Her dress was most likely a hand-me-down, and was just a little too big for her thin frame, but she looked healthy, her dark skin freshly scrubbed and her face cherubic.
"Cap'n Cadi!" she exclaimed, running forward and practically flinging herself at Cadi, who was instantly on her feet and wrapping the girl up in a tight hug.
"Adrastea," she greeted the girl warming. "You've grown!" She pulled away, giving the girl a broad smile. "You're going to be taller than me soon."
Adrastea was blushing furiously. "I don't know…"
Cadi draped an arm around the girl's shoulders. "Adrastea, I want you to meet my father, Captain Jack Harkness, and the Doctor. Dad…Doctor…this is Adrastea. She's Doc B's adopted daughter."
Jack stepped forward, taking the girl's hand and kissing it gallantly, causing Adrastea to break out into giggles. "It's a pleasure to meet such a lovely young lady."
"Jack…" the Doctor couldn't help but tease him.
The immortal rolled his eyes. "Why can't anyone just let me say hello?" he asked, sounding put-upon but tossing a wink over his shoulder toward the Time Lord.
That little gesture brought a warmth into the Doctor's chest, right between his hearts. It meant that Jack had, indeed, completely forgiven him for what his last incarnation had done. Yes, he'd believed that was the case, but there had still been that small, niggling doubt that would whisper to him at times that he was there because his son was mated to Jack's grandson, despite all evidence to the contrary.
Cadi chuckled. "How's your dad?"
"He's fine," the young girl answered. "He's ready to see you now."
Taking Cadi's hand, Adrastea led them deeper into the house, past what looked like a fairly contemporary kitchen and into a room that had been fitted out as a study. Bookcases lined the walls, stuffed full of texts and papers; one entire shelf had been set up to hold data crystals, and they glittered like diamonds in the light from the antique lamp on the large, wooden composite desk. A comfortable chair took up space behind the desk, worn black fabric soaking in the lamp's brilliance.
Another pair of mismatched chairs took up the area in front of the desk, with a small table fitted in between them. It was bare, but then a man bustled into the room, holding a tray with a teapot and different types of cups perched on it, which he proceeded to set down on it. "Adrastea, sweetheart, can you fetch the cake from the fridge?"
"Yes, Father," the girl answered, leaving the room.
The man was human. He looked ancient, but his back was straight and he moved like a much younger man. His full, curly hair was messy, and completely white; wrinkles decorated the corners of his eyes and mouth, which crinkled when he smiled at them. His clothing seemed to be as old as he was, but cared for; a light purple tunic over black trousers, and sturdy boots. Old fashioned spectacles were perched on his nose.
"Cadi," he welcomed her, his voice carrying a flat, near-American, accent. He hugged Cadi, who grinned as she hugged him back.
Then, to the Doctor's surprise, she kissed him firmly on the mouth.
With tongue.
"It's good to see you again," he completed once she'd ceased with the lip-lock.
"And you," she said warmly. "It's been too long."
"It has been." He stepped away, glancing at Jack and the Doctor. "I recognise Captain Harkness. But this other gentleman…"
"This is the Doctor," Cadi introduced. "Dad…Doctor…this is Doctor Bruce Banner, but everyone calls him Doc B."
A puzzled look crossed Jack's face, and the Doctor knew he was trying to pinpoint the name. He, however, had no problem, and was reaching out to shake the man's hand quite vigorously, recognising him even though he was so much older than the last record he'd seen.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you," he said, not bothering to keep the excitement out of his voice. "Although, pardon me for saying so, but I thought you were long dead."
The bemused smile that Doc B gave the Doctor wasn't overly surprising. "So, you know me then?"
"Of course I do! I didn't think you were immortal, though." He readily admitted to being confused at how this man could be standing there, still alive after over three thousand years.
"Oh, I'm not. At least, I don't think so."
"Wait a second," Jack interrupted. "I…know your name, but I can't place it…"
"Well, it has been a long time," Doc B allowed. "I'm not surprised you don't really remember. But, you might recall my rather large and green alter ego…"
Jack's brow furrowed, and the Time Lord knew that he was searching his rather patchy memory for the right one.
When he found it, the immortal's smile was pleased. "The Hulk, right?" Then he frowned in confusion once more. "But how is that possible?"
The man who'd once been the Avenger known as the Incredible Hulk shrugged. "I have no idea, really. I age," he waved at himself, "but at an incredibly slow rate. As opposed to you, Jack, who doesn't look as if he's aged a day."
The Doctor wanted to get out his sonic and poke it at Banner, but refrained, not knowing just what he might trigger. But, if he had to guess, he would have thought it had to do with the experimental super soldier serum that the scientist had dosed himself with, which had been responsible for his 'condition'.
But, while the Rogers family line seemed to have a finite lifespan, it appeared that Bruce Banner's had continued much longer than it should have. And there was no telling how much longer it would last.
Cadi looked a little lost. Her eyes met Banner's, who had a distinctively shy smile on his face. "Is there something you'd like to tell me, Doc?" she asked.
"Well, it never seemed to be all that important. Besides, I'd put that behind me. I haven't had an incident in at least a decade."
"It never even occurred to me that you were the same Bruce Banner that my parents knew back in the early Torchwood days. Dad might have misplaced who you are, but Tad hasn't, and Phillip, neither, although he's had more reminders, especially where memorabilia is concerned." She looked a little put out.
Any other sort of recrimination was cut off as Adrastea came back with the cake that she'd gone to fetch.
"Thank you, sweetheart," Banner told her warmly, taking the plate. "Why don't you go up to your room and finish your lessons while I talk to Captain Cadi and her companions."
Adrastea's face turned mulish. "But, Father…"
"I'll be up to visit a little while after we're done," Cadi promised. "Go and do what your Dad says, alright?"
"Okay," the teenager agreed petulantly. She hugged Cadi once more before leaving.
"Close the door behind you, please," Banner requested.
Adrastea did so, leaving them alone.
"Have a seat," Banner invited. "Sorry I only have two chairs…"
"That's fine," the Doctor said. "I don't mind standing."
"Help yourself to tea and cake." He proceeded to pour the contents of the pot into the four cups, taking his own with him when he went to sit in the chair behind the desk. Both Cadi and Jack took one, as did the Doctor, who never said no to tea.
"I wanted to offer my condolences on Brina's death," Banner began.
"Thank you," Cadi said, and Jack echoed.
"I didn't know she'd done work here," Jack continued, taking a sip from his cup.
The Doctor found it somewhat hilarious that his friend had his pinkie out, but refrained from laughing about it.
"The last time was about five years ago," Banner confirmed. "She did good work. It made a real difference how many of the poorer people feel about Torchwood." He shrugged slightly. "Of course, I've always felt that way, but I had first-hand knowledge, and it's always better for people to make their own decisions. Although, I can't imagine Coulson being all that happy about becoming famous, after what had happened on Throneworld."
"He's certainly going to feel like the Empress didn't do him any favours," Jack agreed. "Phillip's always claimed that he did his best work from the shadows."
"I can't keep from thinking this is a good thing, though," Banner said. "Especially if what I've been hearing is true. It's really HYDRA, then?"
"It is," Cadi confirmed. "They were the ones responsible for leading Sabrina into the trap that led to her death."
Banner cursed. "So, they know how to kill a Star Dragon."
Jack took up the story about the crystal they'd discovered, the one that HYDRA had been using to search for reincarnated allies. The Doctor rested a hand on the immortal's shoulder in support; he knew it wasn't easy for Jack to be recounting everything.
Banner was angry, the Doctor could tell, but it didn't seem like the Hulk was going to make an appearance. Which was a good thing.
"You know," the former Avenger said after Jack was done, "I never would have believed in reincarnation back then, but since I've seen far too many things to discount it. They've actually gone and reawakened old HYDRA members? I would have bet good money I don't have that that would have been impossible. But, with magic…" He sighed. "I've come to learn that anything's possible."
"We really need your help," Cadi said, setting her cup down on the tea tray.
"I'll do what I can. Just don't expect the Hulk to come out and play; I'd prefer that not to happen."
"No, nothing like that," Jack assured him.
"We're hoping you can tell us how to find H and G," his daughter went on. "We know they're on their way here."
Banner's expression hardened. "I wouldn't be upset to see those two out of the way. What did they do?"
"They're the ones who sent Sabrina to her death."
The muscle in Banner's jaw jumped at that piece of information. "They're working for HYDRA?"
"They're either a part of it," the Doctor answered, "or they took money to betray Sabrina."
"Okay." Banner rose to his feet, putting his own cup down onto the desk. "Let me put out some feelers and see what I can find out. Where were they coming from?"
"Smuggler's Moon," Cadi replied. "Chances are, we're here before they are."
"You're all welcome to stay here until we get some leads. Cadi, you know where the guest rooms are."
"Thanks, Doc."
"It's not a problem. Hopefully I can find out something for you. Stay here and enjoy your tea, and make sure you eat some of that cake, because if Adrastea gets a sugar rush I'm blaming all of you. Also, there's a vidscreen you can use to catch up on news from Throneworld." He dug around in a desk drawer and pulled out a battered looking remote, handing it to Jack. "There's no dedicated comms, though. I don't really have a use for that sort of thing." Banner shrugged. "Most of the people I deal with can't afford to have anything like that so I didn't see the point. But, if you need to contact someone, I can get you to someone who can."
"We might need to check in with the rest of the family," Jack responded. "So, if you could arrange it at some point…"
"I will."
Cadi stood and hugged him, this time without all the kissing, for which the Doctor was grateful. It wasn't that he was a prude – he couldn't be, not with River Song as a wife – but there were just certain things he didn't need to see, and one of them is Jack's daughter macking on an elderly man.
Not that the elderly didn't need love. They did.
"It was good to see you again, Jack." Banner held out a hand, which Jack gladly accepted.
"You could have contacted us at any time." It didn't sound accusatory; Jack was just stating the obvious. "I know Phillip and Clint would have been glad to see you as well."
"I know, but I'm quite happy here, and I wouldn't have been able to travel anyway. Even though I haven't changed into the Other Guy in quite a while, I'm still not sure I would've trusted myself in such a closed environment as a spaceship." He gave Jack a self-deprecating smile. "Although I did use one to get here in the first place."
"You could always travel with me," Cadi volunteered. "My ship is designed to carry dragons, after all."
Banner didn't say anything to that. Instead, he gave them all a friendly nod, and then was out the door, closing it softly behind him.
"That…was possibly one of the biggest surprises yet in this whole mess," Jack commented, his expression somewhat awed.
The Doctor had been surprised as well. He'd been so very tempted to get out the sonic and see just what was keeping Bruce Banner alive after so long, but it was only the idea that he might trigger the Hulk that had kept that particular impulse reined in. He did wonder if it was the man's alternative self that was unnaturally extending his life, and just how long it would last.
Still, he was perfectly willing to let sleeping dogs lie. From what he could see, Banner was doing good work on Trafusis.
He had to admit, though, that he was intensely curious to know how Phillip and Clint would react to knowing that Banner was still among the living.
The Doctor couldn't wait to tell them.
