49

"Dad?"

Jack looked up from the sleepy baby he had just finished changing as Pip entered the room to lean against the bed. He looked over at his sleeping Tad and then back to his Dad "Got a sec?"

"Sure thing Pippy" Jack nodded rising to place his son gently in the bassinette by the bed confident that Ianto would tend to him if he fussed. Sonny was now eight weeks old and Ianto was showing. They had discussed going home but all reports were fine and they had found a new peace in their distance from the drama. He motioned the boy out of the room and into the next one, set up like a private living room and they settled on the sofa.

"One of the Predis … Morpheus … has found …"

"Wait. You renamed one?"

"We do all the time. Do keep up" Pip rolled his eyes "HE has found something."

"OK"

"It appears to be a camp of some kind. He has not approached or shown himself, he is hiding in the bushes watching from a distance but it appears to be two. A mother and child. Their scent is … similar but not familiar. We agree it is not from the village of … those ones." Pip made a face as they spoke of the danger now passed.

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOK?"

"We have all looked and discussed it ... and we…"

"How?"

Pip sighed theatrically "DAD! Gods save us. Through the Predis. Gods, keep up for Godsake man"

"Sorry" Jack grinned, the bond with the Predis had been forgotten and he was surprised to find it strong enough for the other kids to share the pack bond with one.

"The woman is strong, assured and walks with confidence. The child follows her lead. We have been watching for some time … most of the day and think … we think they are alone. The horse drawn cart has a horse hooked to the side with a child sized saddle on it … I think that if they are attacked the child has been taught to high tail it out of there while the mother defends their stuff … gives the child time to escape at her own expense. Maybe the father perished this way? The mother wears men's clothing, holds herself like one. I think … pretends to be one in the hopes that if they come across other people they will not find her vulnerable."

"Possibly, it would be a wise choice" Ianto said as he entered the room with the baby in his arms, settling the bub on the little sheepskin rug on the floor. No drafts up here in space. Even if it is inner space.

"So … where did they come from and where are they going?" Jack asked.

"Came from the east. Heading across the valley, don't think they have a set route, no maps. Just travelling, seeking places to loot. She has a gun, can shoot. Cook … they also know about the local flora. Picking dandelions. They are lithe, not skinny. She cares for her child. They are wary, not wanting interaction and when finding signs of life, the skirt around it."

"Following them for the day" Ianto sighed "really?"

"Well … maybe they told us today. Maybe Morpheus, Neo and … can we not get caught up on the fact they have changed their names … maybe the Predis have been watching them for a few days before letting us know. They don't care like we do, as long as they are not a threat the Predis simply discard them."

"So. What is the decision of the pack?" Ianto asked, Jack seeing amusement in his mate's eyes.

"We want to say hello. There is a large wave of Zs coming from the north that will intercept them within a few days and I don't see a way out for them. Even if they do not want help … a warning to find cover somewhere for a few days might be a good idea" Pip shrugged.

"Good. Good. What I thought too" Jack nodded "She might be quite happy out there with her child, living off the land. Some will have gone a bit feral by now."

"Agreed" Ianto nodded "Who approaches?"

"Well … we think one of us kids. An adult would scare the holly hell out of her. We don't want someone shot do we? Maybe one of us in child form might get close enough to speak to her. Reason with her about finding shelter. See if she is OK or is seeking refuge?" Pip declared.

"Agreed. Who wants to go?"

"We do"

Jack sighed "Twinnies … I love you but both of you might be a bit scary."

"I shall go in human form, Auburn in Wolf form. We will show her both sides of the coin" Autumn said with her serene smile in place.

"Well… OK then. We will watch over you while cloaked. I want the others nearby and a Predi watching that Snarl."Jack demanded as he rose "Holdfast? OK with baby duty? If I have to go down … I might need to be ready for anything."

"well … would be nice if you don't die. You are enjoying the bonding time while breastfeeding Sonny Ianto sighed "But if she is not friendly … I would rather you argue with her than my child be shot."

"What I am thinking. I will let them try first … any sign of anger or aggression and I will have them called back and I will approach with a more… firm approach."

"OK" Ianto sighed as he looked a the little one who was …. "Oh by the Gods. Is he crawling?"

They all looked with shock as the barely two month old child gathered his knees under himself and shoved, sliding his front half across the soft sheep's wool. Seized the toy he wanted and then lay there happily.

"Well. Shit. How advanced are they going to get? Gonna come out speaking three languages next?" Jack snorted with amazement "Come on. Evolution right?"

Ianto looked at the little one now examining the toy and rubbed his belly.

What next indeed.