25
"So… what's the deal?" Owen was first to speak as they followed Ianto to a side room, a couple of the high ranking officials following them in as well.
"Right. The rain is not stopping, this looks to be the worst flooding we have ever seen. Early estimates tell us it will be months before the water abates and the topside is safe once more. We are efforting the idea of floating a city so in the future this does not happen. If we can dig out the Torchwood, get her engines fired up and lift her… she will float."
"An instant city" Jack said softly "Can it work?"
"I am of two minds but… yes. I think it will. She can never leave atmo, too old and damaged from her original landing but I am confident that given time… and we seem to have a lot of it… she can rise." Ianto nodded.
"What do you need?" someone asked and Jack turned to find their High Chancellor behind him.
"Patience first sir" Ianto replied sagely "This is an exact science, this old bird will not enjoy this and there is a chance of danger. Everyone will be safe in her belly but her outer skin may be damaged from being down so long so … we will need teams ready to patch holes, pump out sections waterlogged… ensure she floats. Once she floats we can open some of the cargo bay doors large enough for people to use like extra daytime living areas. Large enough for tables, chair... even some small buildings on skids that can be moved. Grass in time? If we do this right, we only have to do it once. Next rains we close the doors and simply… rise above it."
"A Floating City… we never have to worry about the water again, we will simply rise and fall with the rains" a thin, pretty lady agreed that wore the colours and uniform of the Council. Ianto was not as surprised as many to find their people and the Crusty people wore much the same chains of office.
"The Lurkers and the remaining Emergency Site are our main concerns right now. I would like to have the numbers crunched to find out the logistics of travelling to get those still topside stuck over there on that island. This water will take months to recede, too long for families to be apart. Their supplies will not last either I estimate form their figures provided so far to us. With our large away vessels I believe we can bring them home, and then we work on raising the old girl." Ianto said calmly "engineers, builders… anyone strong and able bodied that wants to help… we will find a place for them. I want the Lurkers gone. They killed my mother, who would have been queen. They knew this, it was a tactical move and right now while we are handicapped… I strongly believe in a few weeks they will make a move against us believing us to be compromised. The first thing to go would be that Emergency Site with us too far to aid them… so they think. They are a danger, no matter the length of time, how many have died out there right now… like the typical Space Rats they are, they will breed and come back again. This is our best chance of eradicating these scum."
"I agree" the pretty lady nodded.
"There will be teams for that too… I trust your police force will be released to form a joint security for now? Once things settle we can establish a new order with a melding of our powers and people." Ianto said as more of a statement than question to his voice and everyone automatically nodded. The voice of a leader that commanded, did not make requests when he knew he was right. They would follow. Ianto was becoming the man to hold the reins.
Jack waited until everyone was leaving to slide in close "So… me?"
"With me, of course" Ianto winked, then reached out to snag Jack's hand "always?"
"Of course."
.
.
The Plum rose from the water creating a wave that exploded and rolled away, the huge craft turning in the direction of the Island and Jack was both nervous and relived that they would soon have Alice back with her mother. Even if that really might mean finally giving her back.
The week it had taken to prepare had been a time of joy for Jack, finding his daughter to be clever, witty and so damned cheeky. He hoped they could forge a new future with him being a more involved parental. He now saw where he had been failing, not just her but her mother as well.
As they flew some of the other vessels banked off, heading to the crews that were sealing the above water Lurker Tunnels so they had them trapped. Jack wanted to see that too but did not want to be rude, knowing Ianto would comply but the others on board might not be so happy, the dignitaries in their fine clothing wanted nothing to do with the genocide about to occur there, even if they did green light it. No, they wanted to take up precious seats so they could be first to emerge as saviours. The good guys right?
Plausible deniability.
Jack was OK with that.
As long as they got to kill all the Lurkers.