Chapter 36 – Back At Torchwood (Posted July 29th 2010)
After announcing their decision to adopt the child they'd rescued from the Daleks, the Doctor and the Master returned Martha and Mickey to their home. They dropped Wilf off, promising to bring Matthew and Jenny to visit. They were just going to take Jenny home, then they would go to Torchwood.
"Jenny, where would you like to go?" the Doctor asked.
"Well, can I stay with you for a while? I don't get to see you very often. And I'd like to get to know Matthew a little." she answered.
"Oh, sure, we'd love to have you." he smiled in return.
"Doctor?" Matthew spoke from his spot on the floor.
"Yes, Matthew?" he responded from the controls.
"Jenny's your daughter?"
"She is."
"Does that make her my sister?"
The Doctor looked up from the controls. "Yeah, I suppose it does. We've got a pretty big family, haven't we?" he smiled.
"I've got a brother," Jenny said, "and another dad, both in the same day."
"And I all of a sudden went from unmarried and childless to married with two kids, now how does that work?" the Master asked jokingly.
"Well, it's the same for me, almost. It's something new for all of us. I'm glad it's making everyone happy, though. It feels like we've been a family all along." the Doctor added.
"It does kind of feel that way." Jenny agreed. "So, Matthew, how old are you?"
"Six." he said, cuddling To'mfa.
"No way! I'm six, too!"
"Nuh uh, you're way older than six." Matthew gasped and laughed.
"No, really! I'm six! You've seen enough unbelievable things to know it could be true." she argued.
"She's telling the truth," the Doctor said, "she's six."
"Do you want to play Lincoln Logs with me?" the wide-eyed boy asked Jenny, happy to find someone else his age, even if it wasn't exactly the same thing as playing with other kids.
"Lincoln Logs? What are they?" she asked.
"Blimey, do kids still play with those things this far into the future?" the Doctor asked. "They're like tiny little log pieces that fit together to make things, little cabins and fences and stuff like that."
"I play with them all the time. But mine are at Torchwood."
"We can play when we go to get your things, how 'bout that?" she said to him.
"Thanks!"
"So, I guess the next stop is Torchwood?" the Doctor said as the TARDIS took off.
"Yeah, you'll need to do all the paperwork and everything." Jack said. "Don't worry, I'll be your counselor through the whole thing, since Matthew was my responsibility, and we aim to help adoptive families as much as possible. It'll be great. Take us to the Torchwood base in America, since he's American, that's where we were hosting him."
The Doctor nodded and did as Jack instructed. "Here we are then." The TARDIS landed as the Doctor spoke, and everyone was a little nervous. "According to what Jack told me about how long he'd been gone, we are here at exactly the right time to keep his and Matthew's personal timelines just as they should be at this point."
"Good, we wouldn't want to travel in time or anything, Doctor." the Master said.
"It's for the sake of record keeping, it..."
"Yes," the Master cut him off, "we get that. Come on, oh ye man with the gift of gab, out you go." he shooed the Doctor out, and they were followed by Jack and Jenny, who was carrying Matthew. "Ok, Jack you take it from here."
"This way." he took them into an underground entrance, and led them deep into the heart of Torchwood.
"Jenny, Matthew's room is that way, he knows which one it is, help him gather his things and wait there with him until we're done, ok?" Jack said to Jenny when they came to a hallway.
"Got it." she walked away with Matthew, listening to him tell her all the glorious virtues of Lincoln Logs.
"Master, Doctor, this way." Jack took them the opposite way.
"Is he coming with us today? Doesn't adoption usually take a few days, weeks even?" the Master asked as Jack seated them in a office.
"We're Torchwood, we deal mostly with alien adoptions. Aliens have much faster procedures to ensure children are placed with families as soon as possible, and they have more sophisticated screening systems, which they have lent us so we can be more efficient as well." Jack said.
"Oh, listen to you, all prim and proper." the Doctor sat back in his chair.
"We have profiles on you already, Doctor, you check out fine with proper signatures. And, assuming you provide proof of your marriage, which my witness does so no need to worry about that, the Master will be fine as well. We just have some papers for you to fill out and sign. And, there are some conditions you must be willing to stick to, (and I'm really sorry about this, but I didn't create these rules), or else you can't keep him.
"Whatever we have to do, we'll do it." the Doctor said.
"Yeah, what are your conditions?" the Master asked.
"There are only two conditions you will have to consent to before we can even start the paperwork for the adoption itself." Jack pulled a piece of paper out of a folder. "This is the first one. It says you have to stay on the planet the child was originally found on for two years if the child is enrolled in school. Now, Matthew hasn't started school yet, but he is enrolled in the first grade which is set to start in a few days, so you'll have to stay on Earth."
"You mean, we can't travel? We have to live here?" the Doctor asked.
"I know, it sounds bad, but Torchwood provides a home for you because, as I said before, we handle many adoptions of children to families not from their home planet."
"That's not so bad, I guess. I mean, this will be like a whole new kind of adventure." the Master said happily.
"Can we take like... little vacations, you know, take him to just visit other planets?" the Doctor asked.
"Of course you can, and with you it should be a little easier because of time travel, but," he pulled out another paper, "this is the second condition; you have to have regular visits from adoption counselors. It won't always be me, we all take turns visiting the children we adopt out, but I can guarantee it will be me most of the time, since I'm the one working with you now." Jack explained.
"Ok, we can handle that." the Master said. "I can't believe we're actually doing this."
"I know." the Doctor said. "Who would've ever thought..."
"Ok," Jack said, "just sign these two consent forms, and we can start the adoption paperwork."
The Doctor and Master signed the forms. Jack pulled a touch screen device from the desk drawer, and held it out to the Doctor, who took it.
"This," Jack started, "will help us screen you. Doctor, place your hand on the screen."
The Doctor put his hand on the screen and watched a bunch of boxes pop up. Jack grabbed it from him and began tapping on it. "I'm inputting the case info and everything, listing you and your spouse as the ones adopting him. Now, it's asking to scan your spouse, so Master, will you put your hand on it please?" The Master did as Jack said. A red box popped up, saying that there were no records found on him. Jack reached over and took it. "Now it's asking me for proof of marriage, so I'm giving my signature as a witness to your marriage." The machine made a 'bleep' noise, and Jack smiled. "It accepted it. You're already to sign the adoption papers."
They went through more paperwork and more electronic actions, until it was down to the last signature.
"Now, this is for... security purposes. This paper doesn't actually mean anything, but it's something we have to do in a case such as yours." Jack said.
"And why is our case special?" the Master asked.
"Well, we have at lease one special form that goes with every kind of adoption. This form is for the adoption of an American child by two males." Jack explained. "Even now, homosexual couples can't get married in America. Well, they can, but it isn't legally recognized. So, you have two options."
"What are they?" the Doctor asked.
"One; we could create false documents of a marriage in pretty much any other place on Earth that America will accept as a legal marriage. Or two; we could forget the marriage altogether, and forge the adoption papers, making them say that only one of you adopted Matthew. I know, the first option is perfect, but it takes three days to finalize, and while the adoption will be filed as complete, you can't actually take him until it's done. With the second option, you could walk out of here in an hour as Matthew's parents."
"When does Matthew start school?" the Master asked,
"Nine days."
"So, if we pick the first one, we'll still be there for his first day of school..." the Doctor said. "Master, I know we don't want to wait to have him as our son, but I think we should go with the first option."
"That is preferable, even by Torchwood. Even though neither of the forms really mean anything at all. It's something the government requires of us. Torchwood is way above the government, and they know that, but we like to keep things peaceful, with our organization being so widespread, so we like to play along and let them think we follow their rules." Jack laughed. "But the first option is best because, in case of emergency, in most cases only the parent who is his legal guardian will be notified, leaving the other one in the dark. This way, both of you will be kept in the loop, and it works out better this way."
"I think we should do that then." the Master said, a little saddened.
"I do too." the Doctor admitted.
"Ok, just sign this, and we'll get started right away." Jack let them sign the final paper. "And we're going to get you a house, and you can use these next three days to settle in. And... you will get an income supplement, just like you would for almost any adoption, but one of you will need to get a job. We usually offer to set our clients up with a position in Torchwood, so you should talk about it while I take your file for finalization. I'll be back in a few minutes." Jack stood and left, overflowing file-folder in his arm.
"We have to live in a house." the Doctor said.
"We've lived in houses before, it won't be so bad." the Master rationalized.
"And one of us has to work. Which one should do it?"
"I don't know. I never had a job. Well, Prime Minister, but that's..."
"I'll do it." the Doctor said. "Can you picture that? Me, working a proper job, earning wages and providing for my family?"
"No, I can't picture it. But I do think you'd be better in the workforce." the Master said, relieved.
"Master, things have changed so much. Before, I would never consider any of the things I've done with you, things I've done because of you. It's different, but a good kind of different, and it wouldn't be right without you." the Doctor said, grabbing the Master's hands.
"I know. I'm married to the greatest man I've ever met, and you've given me a beautiful family..."
"It's odd... to be part of a family again."
"It's perfect. Husbands, two kids, and a dog. Even a house." the Master said, smiling.
"Sounds like just what we need." the Doctor said, leaning over and kissing the Master's temple and making him laugh.
"Well," Jack said as he returned, "Everything is ready. You can visit Matthew until the wing closes for the night. And it opens again in the morning. It's going to be a long three days, for all of you, but it'll be worth it in the end."
"Thank you so much Jack." the Doctor said.
"Yes, thank you." the Master said.
"Don't mention it, guys. You're going to be great as a family. And Uncle Jack will come around a lot."
The Doctor laughed walked out of the office with his arm around the Master's waist. They walked down the hall, peeking in the cracked open doors for Jenny and Matthew. When they found them, he was teaching her how to build a garage out of Lincoln Logs.
"Hey, Matthew." the Master said, walking in and sitting next to him on the floor.
"Hi! Are we going? Jenny helped me pack all my stuff. My toys are still on the floor but..."
"Matthew," the Master interrupted, "you're... going to have to stay here for a few more days."
"What?" he asked sadly.
"I'm sorry, it's part of the adoption. But we're going to move into our new house, and get it all cleaned up and ready for you when you come home, and then you'll start school." the Doctor said, stooping down and ruffling the boy's hair.
"But I wanna come with you now." Matthew pouted.
"We can stay with you for a few hours, but then we have to leave." the Master said, almost on the verge of tears himself. "But we'll come back in the morning to see you again, ok?"
"Ok." he said softly.
"Oh, cheer up." Jenny offered sweetly. "You'll all be together soon enough. And just think, Matthew, the next time you leave here, you'll never have to come back."
"Yeah. But I'm gonna miss you guys."
"Oh, Matthew," the Master said, "we're gonna miss you too. But don't worry, the minute we find out we can take you home, we'll come get you. For now," he reached and picked up one of the long, thin, brown pieces of plastic, "will you teach me what to do with these?"
"Sure!" Matthew got his smile back and all four of them spent the next few hours building different shapes and things.
When the time did come that they had to leave Matthew, he started to cry a little.
"Matthew, don't worry," the Doctor said, lifting him up into his arms, "we'll be back to visit you all day tomorrow. We promise."
"Ok." Matthew hugged him, the Master, and Jenny goodbye.
The three left Torchwood and Jack took them to what was supposed to be their house for the next year.
They got in a car and Jack drove them for about half an hour. He slowed as they approached a little house with tan siding. He pulled in the driveway and turned off the car.
"This is your house." Jack said, getting out of the vehicle.
"Our house. That sounds funny." the Master said.
"Extremely." the Doctor concurred.
"Here," Jack said, holding out his hand, "Doctor, Master, you each get a key. Sorry, Jenny, there are only two."
"That's fine." Jenny said. "I won't be staying too long, anyway."
"Ok, come on inside, I'll explain more." Jack took the other three into the house. "This place is already furnished with all the basics. You've got a living room, that's this one." he pointed to the floor where he was standing. "There is a kitchen, complete with a stove, refrigerator, table, all that stuff. There are three bedrooms, one of which has a personal bathroom attached. There is a second, separate bathroom as well. Basement, there's a washer and dryer down there, and there's an attic, and that's it."
"This is so odd, knowing we're going to be living here." the Master said.
"I know, but it's kind of nice, actually. I like it." the Doctor smiled at the Master.
"Both of you are able to operate a motor vehicle, right?" Jack asked.
"Yeah, of course." the Doctor said.
"Then, I have your driver's licenses, which are also your legal forms of ID. This one is yours, Doctor," he handed him the piece of plastic, "or should I say John Smith. And, Master, a.k.a. Mark Smith, this is yours." he handed it to the Master. "Now, when your marriage documents are processed and finalized, we will notify you. But, so you know ahead of time, Master, you're the one that changed his last name. Your papers will say that you were formerly known as Mark Druff, and changed it to Mark Smith upon marrying John."
"Why do I have to be the bride?" the Master asked.
"You were the one in white." Jack laughed. "Plus its not your real name, it's just to keep the government happy. You have social security numbers, a checking account through Torchwood which you will receive info in the mail about soon. Also, here is your first supplemental check; after this they will be deposited right into your checking account on a weekly basis. Master, I think you should plan on being the one that manages those things."
"I think you're right." the Master laughed in agreement.
"The car we drove here is yours too, by the way. I've got my teleport for when I need to get back to Torchwood.." Jack explained. "I suggest you go shopping tonight, buy all the supplies you need for yourselves and Matthew, then use the next two days to settle in and prepare for him to come home. Have you decided which one of you will be getting a job?"
"I am." the Doctor said.
"Do you want to find a job somewhere else, or would you like to work for Torchwood?"
"Well, I'd probably be best at Torchwood..."
"Exactly what I thought. I'll get everything set up, but we won't have you start for about a month, that way both of you can spend time with each other and Matthew." Jack said.
"That's great." the Doctor said happily.
"Also, you will have monthly bills, like for cable television, internet, electricity, temperature control, phone, insurance, those sorts of things, but it is all billed to Torchwood, so you will receive one total bill each month after the first month, because we cover the first one for you, as a thank-you for taking in a child in need of a home."
"This is so wonderful." the Master exclaimed.
"It really is," the Doctor said, "Jack, thank you so much, for everything. I mean it."
"You're welcome Doctor, Master." Jack smiled. "Oh, just a few more things. This is a list of doctors and such in this area that are... affiliated with Torchwood. If Matthew is hurt or sick or something, do your best to take him to a doctor on this list. If you can't, like if you need to call an ambulance or something, let the ambulance take him, his safety comes first, but be sure to notify Torchwood immediately to avoid any... problems it could cause, got it?"
"Got it." the Doctor said, grabbing the list from Jack.
Jack explained a multitude of things, making sure the Master and the Doctor fully understood what was happening and what was to happen.
"And, your TARDIS, Doctor. It's usually our policy to confiscate and hold the adoptive parents' space ship, so they don't try to take off with the child, but I trust you. Now, you can't take long trips, because his age has to match up with how old the records say he is, so just be mindful of that. So, your TARDIS is in the attic, all safe and sound. I delivered it while you were visiting with Matthew, and To'mfa is outside, so make sure to let him in soon. And the last thing... if either of you regenerate, call me. Don't call Torchwood, call me. We'll have to deal with that unique of a situation in a very delicate way."
"We can do that." the Master said.
"Oh, one more thing you should be aware of, Jenny is listed as John's biological daughter, with an unknown runaway mother, and you are her step-father. I have an ID for her too, for when she visits, giving her a more believable age and an identity. You're all citizens of America, and have renounced your citizenship of any other country, as the law requires. Now, obviously, you still have your Diligo-Ortus citizenship, all these documents that we submit to the government are totally false, and they know that, but better safe than sorry."
"Where'd you get the pictures for these Ids?" the Doctor asked, examining his and Jenny's.
"We have multiple security cameras in Torchwood. We just used surveillance images of all of you." Jack said. "So, you're all set then, I should probably get back, they may need me to help file the paperwork. I'll see you two in a few days. If you need anything, there are a bunch of phone numbers next to your phone. And don't forget about your mobile phones. Bye."
"Bye Jack." Jenny said.
"Goodbye." the Master and Doctor said at the same time.
"So," the Master said after Jack pressed the button on his device and was teleported away, "what do we do now?"
"I believe," Jenny said, "Jack said we are to go shopping."
"Then shopping it is. Where did he say the map was?" the Doctor said, and set out in search of the map that would lead them on a totally new adventure.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: yes, I know they're decision to adopt him was sudden, and it may have happened too quickly. I just thought that, since they have been together a long time and he was going back to torchwood soon, never to be seen or heard from again, this was a decision they had to make rather on the spot. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I didn't post an author's note on the last few chapters because I didn't want to ruin it by putting it there. But I do want to thank all you amazing people for reading and reviewing, you're the best =]