25
Hesha was incensed, running down the steps of her palace while her security had kittens the size of cows, running to try to shield her form any would be assassins. Ianto handed her the baby first, not a second thought there, more worried for Jack who was clearly in pain from the jarring to his back from the steel steps and Malcolm emerged with Max in his arms, racing for the safety of the palace with Hesha so Ianto and Jack could get out slowly, let the press see everyone was still OK, move quickly without outward concern to the safely of the doors that closed behind them.
She ushered them to her private room vastly different to Ianto's snug little library. It was huge, white, stark and glistening with glass and marble and chrome. Damn. Ianto was immediately on edge as Max rushed to touch the nearest thing with his little hand splayed out.
"Maxi, no!" he gasped rushing to snatch his hand back as she laughed and assured him that nothing was valuable in here, her own little sweetie enjoying the pretty glass. This room was child proof, an illusion.
"Right" Ianto flopped back, wanting as Owen paced about nervously, relived he and Toshiko had come on this trip as back up in Jack's plane with their own little bundle of joy. Not for baby back up of course, no, if course Jack didn't need help with… let's just move on form that momentary thought eh? As I was saying … Owen checked Jack and agreed that he was OK, some bruising and no doubt a more careful range of movement for a few days. Mac was unharmed, as was their little Max. Ianto refused to be checked, snarling that he was not harmed, only angry.
"We can see that buddy" Owen snorted as he watched Ianto glare at the child circling a bow full of glass balls. He could see the child dropping one to see if it bounced and again Hesha whispered to them that it ws fine. They were fake too … it was OK.
Borik entered and paused to kiss Hesha lovingly, a good man to his queen before he addressed the other royal couple I the room "We find no sign of the shooter. Only the bullet in the plane. It is damaged and cannot fly… the other can once refuelled if you…"
"No. No … that is what they want. To conquer by fear, intimidation. No. a retreat would be a surrender. We can't" Ianto said as he looked over at Jack "besides… they were fools that missed. They will desperately try again and show themselves to our guards, right? Mine and yours working together can finish this?"
"Ianto ... you are always a man with a glass overflowing. So positive." Borik sighed, looking to Jack "and you?"
"I have to agree with Ianto. If we run … we can never stop running. I would be a sign of… well .. surrender or weakness like Ianto says. No. We have to continue, albeit more carefully" Jack nodded.
"Then we settle down, have a meal and you rest. You will be exhausted and although is it morning here, it is evening in your part of the world. You will be tired.., come. We will show you to your rooms" Hesha motioned for Borik to lead the way and He led them along the hallway to a large quarters that included a master bedroom with a bassinette, a bedroom for the Max and their nannies and a bedroom for Toshiko and Owen with their little one. Malcolm was surprised to find another bed in the room for the extra baggage and coats that was like a dressing room so he could sleep near them instead of in the staff quarters. He accepted it gratefully.
Ianto's phone was going off and he checked it, glancing at Jack "Johnny. You best call Granny"
"Shit" Jack griped "Go on … tell him as calmly as you can not to crash the plane or something."
Ianto nodded, knowing that private plane was needed to get back unless they were willing to wait for repairs to the plane that got shot. Just little hole… Nope … wanna get a plane sorted now. Ianto secretly did want to run but the thought of the private plane there anytime he wanted to leave was going to satisfy him for now.
He would endure.
As always.
.
.
.
.
"It' like a role reversal" Jack said as he sat on the edge of the bed watching Ianto fuss on the baby, her little sniffling showing that she was almost asleep.
"At least we were not a bomb with mass casualties. I could not live with us being responsible for loss of lives" Ianto smiled as she finally succumbed and he settled back in the bed to find Max waiting to snuggle in. Jack stood to get his robe off, padding over to turn off the main light before racing for the bed and snuggling in with a kiss over the head of their child.
They wanted their children with them tonight, the world outside not as friendly a place.
Even with Malcolm just outside the door.
Jack kept the gun under his pillow.