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Chapter 34 - Lectures, Questions and Sunburns

It was the next morning. Rose, wearing a lovely skirt suit, walked along the hallways of Cambridge University with Lance, Poltious and Jake. Torchwood agents surrounded them.

Jake shook his head. "Everything is alright, Rose. I've got guys that have looked over the lecture hall where you will be. The Dean has also moved the room, so it will be a smaller audience."

She nodded, "Right. Well, a smaller audience. That means I'll have to return-"

"No, not for this one. It will be recorded. That will be a safer option, and the school will be able to sell the lecture."

She giggled. "Whoever thought I would be doing something like this?"

Jake smiled at her. "It doesn't surprise me at all."

They had arrived at the door of the lecture hall. She stopped and looked back at Jake. She took his hand and was immediately flooded with Jake's emotions. He seemed to be barely containing a blind panic. She looked concerned at him. "Jake? Is everything alright?"

He smiled at her. "Of course it is, Rose. I wouldn't let you be here if it wasn't safe."

Rose became uneasy. She nodded, "I need to speak to Lance. Will you excuse me?"

Jake nodded his head and walked into the lecture hall with some agents.

Rose grabbed Lance's hand and spoke quietly, "Lance. Jake is extremely nervous. Is everything alright? Please, just tell me if something is wrong."

Lance looked around and took both of her hands in his. "Rose. Gobbo is on the stage, in the shadows. Licis is in the crowd. John has threatened Jake with, well….I can't tell you what. That's probably what has him wound up. I'm right here with you."

She nodded. "It's stupid. I really don't feel very safe."

"Would you like to leave?"

"No."

"Shall I have John come?"

She shook her head. "No. He's not happy with this arrangement already. He doesn't need any more reason to be."

Lance continued to hold her hands in his. "I can tell them you have become ill. You don't have to do this."

She exhaled slowly. "The Doctor's not even left yet and I'm already having trouble with this. No. I'll be alright. Just stay with me."

Lance kissed her hand. "I will not leave your side." He turned, "Poltious? Everyone in place?"

Poltious listened in his head, "Yes. Rose, I'll be right in front of you. Everything is set."

She nodded and walked into the full lecture hall to a standing ovation. She waved as she walked down the aisle, and shook several of the students and teachers' hands. Lance put his hand on her shoulder to let her know he was there the entire time. She could feel he was alert, determined, and fearless. Her concern disappeared completely as they walked on stage together. She stood behind the podium and looked back at Lance.

He leaned towards her and told her quietly in her ear. "You are under my protection."

She smiled at him. "I'm fine."

He nodded, "I'll stand just here. I can pop you out of here in a second."

She turned to the audience and smiled. The room stopped clapping and took their seats.

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Lance had returned to the island home with Rose. It was the late afternoon and the sun shone brightly outside. The windows to the sitting room and kitchen had been left open to allow the breeze from the ocean to flow through the home. It was cool and relaxing.

"I'm going to make a cup of tea and change." She told him. "Would you like one?"

He shook his head. "No, thank you. I need to go check on Lewis. I'll let John know we're back."

Rose slipped off her heals and carried them to the kitchen with her. She sat them on the top of the cabinet and busied herself making tea. "I've told him. He's at the pool."

Lance chuckled, "Poor guy. I believe we're talking to him at once."

She giggled, "It keeps his mind sharp. Well, thank you Lance. I really don't believe I could have gotten through today without you."

He smiled warmly at her, "It was my pleasure. I'll step outside to see John."

He walked outside and heard laugher and splashing at the pool. He smiled, took off his jacket to his suit and draped it over his arm. He walked down the balcony, slipped on his sunglasses from his pocket and arrived at the swimming pool. On one side floated the Doctor with Sam on his chest. He wore his sunglasses, too and Sam seemed to be sleeping. On the other side of the pool was Legate with Genie and Tony Tyler. They seemed to be having a contest on who could create the largest splash when they jumped into the water.

Lance smiled as they all jumped into the pool together. He walked over to where the Doctor floated. He noticed a beach umbrella had been moved so he was shaded as he lay on the float. He looked up at Lance and smiled, "Well, hey! How did it go?"

Lance nodded, "Smooth. Rose is making tea, and she says she's going to change."

"I probably need to get out and change, too. We have a date tonight."

Lance took off his sunglasses, looked at them and put them back on. "How long does it take to get used to the light here?"

The Doctor laughed, "I don't know. Just keep the sunglasses on when it's bright like this. You'll be fine. It's just a dwarf star."

Lance put back on his sunglasses, "Right."

Genie and Tony saw Lance. "Hey, Lance!" They shouted together.

He laughed and waved back. "Hello, children. Good splashing."

They climbed out of the pool with Legate. Lance noted that Legate was wearing a shirt along with his swimming trunks.

"What's up with the shirt?" He shouted at Legate.

Legate rubbed his chest. "I was surfing before I came out here."

Genie added, "Yeah, badly."

Legate leaned down and threw water at Genie, causing her to laugh.

Lance knelt down, "Ummm. John, I'm not a strategic master like my brother, but something is up."

"What do you mean?" The Doctor asked as he looked at Sam.

"Jake was really nervous through the entire thing today. Rose picked up on it, and it wound her up."

"Huh. He's not said anything."

Lance shook his head. "See, I don't know if he would. He has a lot to lose if you know Rose isn't safe."

Genie called from across the pool. "Daddy! Whose splash was larger?"

He smiled, "Tony's."

Tony celebrated. Genie put her hands on her hips.

The Doctor looked back at him. "Tell me more, Lance."

Lance shook his head. "I could be completely wrong, and I really hope I am, but…. the lift."

"He said that wasn't anything to worry about."

"John. How often does that happen? I looked it up last night and there are safe guards on that style of lift to prevent it from dropping. It's not as simple as a box and a cable. And the explosion?"

The Doctor sighed. "This is good, Lance. I was hoping you would sort this out. Well done."

Lance looked confused. "What?"

He lifted Sam to Lance. "Here. Grab him for a bit."

Lance took Sam in his arms. He woke up and seemed surprised see Lance. "So, you knew about this already?"

The Doctor stood next to the pool, wrapped a towel around his waist, and pointed at Lance. "The point of advancement is being able to do this sort of thing on your own. I had to put you in a position where you see things that aren't correct. I'm happy you saw this." He pat him on the shoulder. "Well done, Lance. I'll be sure to tell Summus." He took Sam back in his arms and looked across the pool. "Genie, Tony. I'm going to step into the house with Sam. Legate?"

Legate waved his hand. "I've got them, John."

He nodded and walked away. Lance, surprised at what he just heard, decided he needed more explanation. "Hang on. John?"

The Doctor continued to walk towards the house. "Walk with me, Lance. He is about to start screaming."

Sam sucked his fingers and had begun to whimper.

They walked into the kitchen and the cool air against Lance's skin felt wonderful. The Doctor quickly walked over to the food replicator and asked for Sam a bottle.

Lance leaned against the cabinet and crossed his arms. "I haven't decided on the Trials, yet."

The Doctor cradled Sam in his arm. He smiled down at him as he grabbed his bottle and sucked it loudly. "You were up all night, and still haven't decided? This isn't that big of a decision, mate."

Lance ran his hand through his hair. "Well. I'll have to leave here. You and Lewis can't administer them."

"See, that's not a rule anywhere I'm aware of. I'm checking into that."

Lance rolled his eyes. "Well, I forget who I'm talking to. Do you think rules don't apply to you?"

He looked up and smiled at him. "You are ready for advancement, Lance. Everyone can see it."

"I've nearly decided that I'm postponing my training. Lewis needs my help with Arles. He's only going to be young once. Where is Arles?"

The Doctor smiled, "He's with Lewis."

"Lewis is drunk."

"Lewis is sober for the moment. I have Luce's assurances."

"I don't want to leave the Prime Guard. I love this assignment. I'm a young man, and feel as though it could wait."

The Doctor sighed, "You are 218. Yes. I suppose it could. But, Lewis believes he could take care of Arles on his own after he recovers."

"Lewis thinks a lot of shit. What happens when he has to go out with Rose, or you? Who has him then? What happens if he….I don't know….meets another woman? I don't want him to….hide behind this child to keep from living his life."

"I don't see Lewis doing that."

Lance pointed at him. "You don't know him. He would do that."

The Doctor looked back down at Sam. "Maybe you're right."

Lance nodded his head. "I know I'm right."

"Is that what you have done?"

Lance looked surprised, "I don't have any children."

"That you admit to. What happened with that woman?"

Lance groaned and crossed his arms. "You have been drinking with the brothers. That's the only time they speak of her. We….didn't work out."

"She has a son-"

"He's not mine-"

"He can phase. Like a Quauhtin!"

"Timon can phase! He's not a Quauhtin! And that idiot, Tony, has figured that out now."

The Doctor sighed, "You've never wondered-"

"Of course I have. But, what good will it had done? She ended up with someone else. He raised him as his own. I didn't want to interfere. It wouldn't have been….appropriate."

"Even if he belonged to you?"

Lance didn't look at him and shook his head. "She would have told me. He's not mine."

The Doctor nodded. "Alright. I see where you get this."

"Get what?"

"Hiding behind a child. I see that. That's what you have done."

Lance shook his head. "No, it's not."

"Yes, it is! You have never went back out with another woman, went to see if this child is yours, Lance. You are hiding from it."

Lance sighed, "I could go out if I wanted to-"

"When was the last time you went out?"

"Summus doesn't allow dating while you are serving in the Guard-"

"Lewis and Arla, Legate and Ginger-"

Lance shook his head and looked down at the floor. "John. You can tell you are my friend. I've hit men for less than this-"

"How long has it been?"

Lance closed his eyes and shook his head. "Since then. I'm putting my focus on my work."

"But postponing advancement."

Lance crossed his arms. "I see what you are saying then."

"Lance. I'm not going to force you into anything, of course. But, Lewis is going to be alright. It is honorable, extremely honorable to make decisions for the good of your family. Especially, the younger generations. Believe me. I've done the same thing. So many choices I made were for someone besides myself. But, it is alright to be selfish every once in a while. Make sure this decision is yours. Not the responsibility that you feel towards your brother, and nephew."

Lance nodded his head. "I'll give it a think."

The Doctor pat him on the shoulder. "All I ask. I'm going to see Rose." He picked up the heels that lie on the cabinet, "And complain about this. Unless these are yours?"

Lance chuckled, "Not my size."

He carried Sam upstairs and walked into the bedroom he shared with Rose. Sam continued to hold his bottle and slurp it loudly.

He looked around, "Rose?"

"I'm just here, in the closet."

He looked back down at Sam and smiled as he walked to the closet. He found her sitting at her make-up table. She looked up at him and smiled. "Hi."

He smiled at her, leaned down and kissed her lips quickly. "How did it go?"

She nodded her head. "It was…..interesting."

"Interesting."

Rose stood up and smiled at Sam. "He's holding his bottle himself?"

He smiled at the baby. "Samuel needs to start eating something besides just milk in the next few days. I talked to Jackie about it, and she said she knew of something. Rice, I think she said. He's growing."

"Samuel?" Rose asked as she took him in her arms.

The Doctor proudly smiled at him, "We had a chat today. He prefers to be called 'Samuel.' He feels that Sam is ….incomplete. Just, half of a name. And he has discovered he is an entire baby. He found his feet."

Rose kissed the baby's head. "Whatever you think, Samuel."

Samuel coo'ed.

The Doctor smiled, "He says he likes the way you say it the best. I think it's because she's Mum, Samuel."

Rose giggled and kissed Sam's face. "This is the best to come home to. My boys."

He rubbed Samuel's back and smiled, "He's had a good day. We've been swimming."

Rose remembered when the Doctor had put the baby's feet in the water on the ship. "And?"

"Still doesn't like it. But, watching his sister and Tony jump into the pool is hysterical."

Sam reached up to grab Rose's face and coo.

She looked back up at the Doctor, "What have you been up to today?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "Not much. Went to some meetings, checked on Pete and Lewis, played with the children…..all while wearing my lovely blue heels." He held up her heels she had left on the counter in the kitchen.

She pointed at him, "You know. Those will make your feet hurt. You should rethink wearing those."

"How much are you shielding me at the moment? How bad do your feet ache?"

She rolled her eyes. "Damn it. This dress demanded those."

He smiled at her as he put them back on the shelf in the closet with the rest of her shoes. "I'm not going to complain. I was just bringing them up here."

"Right." She narrowed her eyes at him.

He stood with his hands on his hips, "I'll rub your feet later, if you like."

"My day is getting better already."

He smiled at her. "We have a date. I want to hear everything about your lecture and such. I've picked you out something to wear already, got someone to mind the children, put Poltious and Lance in charge of everyone, Luce in charge of Lewis..."

Samuel cried.

He pointed at Samuel, "And you, young man, are going to play with Grand. I've already asked her. You cried for two hours this morning because you wanted to see her. She's staying with you tonight."

Samuel clapped his hands and coo'ed.

Rose smiled, "You've thought of everything."

He wrapped his arms around her, "I'm sure there's something I've forgotten."

She whispered, "Then just make it up as you go."

"I'm brilliant at that." He leaned down and kissed her quickly. "Be ready to go in…. an hour?"

She nodded, "An hour."

He took Samuel from her. "And this one needs a new nappy. After I wash the sunscreen off of you, young man."

Rose looked surprised at him. "You have some sun."

"Some sun?"

"Yes. You are pink on your nose and cheeks. Baby, I think you have a sunburn."

He was already shaking his head. "Time Lords don't get sunburns, Rose. Desert planet. I've been in the sun before."

Rose put her finger on his nose.

"Ouch!" He complained and jumped back. He looked at his face in her make-up mirror. "I am pink. Why am I so pink?"

She giggled at him. "Hold still."

He stood in front of her, holding Sam in his arms. She closed her eyes and gently rubbed her fingertips over his nose and cheeks. She opened her eyes to see him standing in front of her, eyes closed and patting Samuel on the back.

"You can open your eyes, Baby." She told him.

He opened his eyes and looked at her. "How is it?"

She smiled, "Now, you are just …. like you normally are. You really don't tan, do you?"

"I guess not. New body. Some of them tanned, some didn't."

She pointed at him, "This one doesn't. Wear sunscreen next time."

He nodded, "Yes, Mum. You know, Rose. I've been thinking. Could you …. make me ….. ginger?"

She laughed and pushed him out of the closet. "Go, change a nappy you nutter."

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