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Chapter 39 – Too Much Sugar
The Doctor and Pete rode in the back of a limo. They were joined by Aemilius and Adriano. Michelle had arranged a safe point for them to pop to in Washington, DC, then the limo had picked them up. They were on their way to see Howie at the hospital.
"Feels strange riding in a car. I've gotten use to popping wherever we need to go." The Doctor complained.
Pete nodded his head. "Yeah. I feel the same way. I imagine a ride on the Bullet would be…."
"Long. Geez. Granted, I would like to do that again. That was interesting. Genie slept through the entire thing."
Pete nodded, "Yeah. Well, I suppose this is how everything feels to you, now. Your ship you had, you just popped around in it, right?"
The Doctor relaxed in his seat and smiled at the thought of his TARDIS. "It disappeared here and reappeared there. Similar. I've used watches like these before. But, they also had time in them. Rose has asked me not to put that in these. She's worried I'll do something similar to what Jake and Jack did."
Pete nodded his head. "I have to say I agree with her on that. Now, for them, it was just continuous? They just missed five months?"
The Doctor nodded his head. "Yes. That's the reason they were so surprised when they reappeared. Seeing how much the children had grown, and then there was Sam." He laughed, "I'm sure that was strange to them. Particularly Jake."
Pete reached over to the bar and poured himself a drink. "Drink, son? Aemilius? Adriano?"
The Doctor shook his head. "Nah. Thank you. I'm on a bit of a break."
Aemilius smiled at him. "Thank you, Pete. Just some water for me and Adriano. We're on duty."
Pete nodded his head and handed all three of them a water bottle each. Pete asked the Doctor, "A break? What brought that on?"
He sipped his water. "I drank entirely way too much when we were gone to Plentitude. Rose and I talked about it, and she has concerns. So, she's asked me to take a break."
Pete nodded his head. "I see."
Aemilius looked surprised, "A break? For how long? We have planned you a party."
Adriano held out his hands, "Man. Really?"
The Doctor shook his head. "Not now, guys. We'll talk about that later."
Pete looked confused. "What are they on about?"
The Doctor sipped his water, "Don't worry about it."
They rode in silence for a little bit, then Pete spoke again. "There is something I want to ask you about. Director Smith."
Worried about what it could be, The Doctor looked back at Pete. "Yes, Director Tyler?"
"You found a hole in the Planetary Defense. How much can we actually detect with our technology?"
The Doctor ran his hand through his hair and groaned. "Oh, Pete. I knew I would have to tell you at some point. It's just a very small part that you can detect at this time. Ships have ways of staying off the radar. In fact, I'd be willing to say that you are really only seeing the ships that want to be seen at this point."
Pete nodded his head. "That's what I had guessed. Your ship, it can detect other ships?"
The Doctor thought, "Yes. All the way out to Alpha Centuri. What's on your mind?"
Pete shook his head. "See, that won't do. I wanted to chat with you about changing that. I know you don't want us to have technology before we are ready for it, but what if we got just that? Just for Torchwood to use on the Space Port. That way we would be able to be see more of what's out there? Be better informed."
The Doctor rubbed his beard and thought. "I see your point. Well, the majority of the ships are just going to be passing through this region. They don't need to be contacted by anyone from here otherwise they are going to think the planet is ready for them to begin visiting. And they are not. You understand what I'm saying?"
Pete nodded his head. "I do. But, do you understand what I'm saying?"
The Doctor sat his water bottle down and rubbed his hands together. "Oh, this makes me uncomfortable, but I do agree with you. Thomas' team would have to be trained to talk to these people. Well, it's not so much training as it is a different mindset. You don't own the space around where your planet is. Well, not really. Anyone passing by needs to feel free to just pass by. There's a major lane that sits right behind the asteroid belt. Ships come through here all of the time to refuel off of Jupiter and Saturn, pick up some metal out of the asteroid belt, and continue on their way. If Thomas saw them doing that, he would have to know to just let them. They've done it for centuries. And it actually prevents the gas giants from getting too large."
Aemilius nodded his head. "It's true, Pete. I used to fly cargo with my father. Many years ago. I've been through here a million times."
The Doctor smiled, "And that was how long ago, Aemilius?"
Aemilius thought, "At least 350 years ago. Poltoius used to race down through here in his younger days. It's no surprise to me that Legate got his Dad's piloting skills. Wow. Poltoius used to make you sick he flew so fast. Did you ever fly with him, Adriano?"
Adriano smiled and pointed, "Once. Only once. Geez. And I've made it a point never to fly with Legate. He is worse I hear."
The Doctor chuckled. "I didn't know this about Poltoius. Did he have a ship of his own?"
Adriano nodded his head. "Oh, yes! It was a beauty, too. After his son was taken, and he thought he had lost Legate, he changed."
Pete asked, "Stopped flying?"
Aemilius shook his head. "No, he got worse. He crashed the ship. Flew it right into the side of a meteoroid. Summus transported him out just in time. That happened right before we left were we serving before. I can't blame the man. You two are both fathers. I imagine you can guess what he might have been going through."
The Doctor nodded his head. "I can. Damn. Poor bastard."
Pete asked, "I've never heard about his son who was taken. How old was he?"
Aemilius sat back and rubbed his chin. "Legate is what now?"
Adriano thought, "He's young. I think he's … 72, 73? Somewhere there?"
Pete looked back at the Doctor and smiled. "How about that? I'm younger than Legate!"
Aemilius thought, "Yeah. Lenox would have been very small. Poltoius had always trained the boys to become part of the Guard from the time they could walk. As a father does, of course. Lenox was very good. He could walk where you couldn't even hear him. He was like a ghost. Amazing child. Did you ever meet him, Adriano?"
Adriano shook his head. "No. He was about the same age as your son, Pete. That's the reason Summus put them together. Poltoius requested it after he met the family. I'm telling you, you couldn't have anyone better with your son. He is determined that he's never going to let it happen to another father."
Aemilius nodded, "Yes. He had a very hard time when Tony was taken back at the White House. After reviewing that, it's amazing Poltoius wasn't killed."
The Doctor asked, "What of Poltoius' mate? A wife?"
Adriano shook his head. "No. He lost her long ago. I'm not sure how. It was only him and the boys since I've known him."
Pete put his glass down on the bar. "Interesting."
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The Doctor and Pete walked into Howie's hospital room. The light from the beautiful, sunny day shown through the windows. Howie was sitting in a chair in the corner of the room, now wearing his robe. Miles Richfield sat in a chair near him, while Doctor Smith stood between them. Both of them were speaking with Howie.
"Excuse me? Is this is a bad time?" Pete asked.
Doctor Smith shook his head, "Not at all. Please come in."
Howie exclaimed. "Yes! You wouldn't believe the addle-headed sawbones is saying about me, Pete. Get over here and talk some sense in him. Cop a squat."
The Doctor looked confused at Pete. "Cop a squat?"
Pete pat him on the back and smiled, "It means to sit down."
Pete sat down on the side of the hospital bed, and the Doctor stood next to Doctor Smith and shook his hand. "Good to see you again."
Doctor Smith nodded his head. "Indeed. I'm glad to see you. All of the tests show your experiment has done an amazing job, and has cleared out his veins just like you thought it would, but…"
The Doctor braced himself, "But?"
Howie groaned, "And it's a big ass but."
Doctor Smith showed the Doctor the tablet he was holding. "Well, you can see it here. I don't know how his heart even managed to continue beating through everything. It's extremely weak."
The Doctor nodded his head. "Yes, I saw this last night when I reviewed it. Could a transplant help?"
Doctor Smith nodded his head. "That's my recommendation. But, the stress of the Presidency is too much. I'm recommending-"
"Oh, stop beating the Devil around the damn stump and just say it. You want me to stop being the President of these here United States! You think it's going to kill me because I've got the heart of a puny, acorn calf. Do you hear this shit, Pete?"
Pete nodded his head, "Yes. Howie, I have to say that I agree with him. I spoke to Rose and Jack's about it last night."
Howie tossed his arms in the air. "This is just shit. You know? This is a democracy. We'll vote on it. Who's in favor of me remaining at my post?"
Howie raised his hand.
The Doctor said, "All opposed?"
Pete, the Doctor, Doctor Smith and Miles raised their hands.
Howie grumbled, "Ah, half of those votes don't count. You're not even Americans. You other two probably aren't even registered."
Pete rolled his eyes. "Howie, you are impossible. Ugh!"
Miles looked at the two Doctors standing together. "Doctor Smith and Doctor Smith? Are you related?"
The Doctor chuckled and shook his head. "No. Just a common name. Howie. I've looked at all of this stuff. Doctor Smith is right, you can't continue to do this."
Howie sighed, "Is that what you really think? I won't make it any secret that I trust your judgment over anyone else's in this room."
Pete, Miles and the other doctor looked back at the Doctor. He crossed his arms and looked at Howie. "Then I'm saying, no. Let it go. Let someone else do it so you can enjoy your family. You can see Jacob grow up. Howie, this is going to kill you if you continue."
Howie groaned, "I ran on this platform. I'm not a quiter!"
Pete interjected, "This is for health reasons, Howie! I don't think the American people disagree with this."
The Doctor shrugged his shoulders, "It's really none of their business. This is up to you."
Miles chuckled. "Begging your pardon, sir. But the American people have a funny way of deciding what is, and what is not their business."
Howie raised his eyebrows. "That's the gospel."
Miles spoke, "Howie. We've known one another a long time. There are still duties you can perform using your status as a former President. You can still make a difference."
Howie sighed. "I'll have to talk to my Caroline about this. I'm not deciding anything without her input. Where is she anyway?"
Miles pointed at the Doctor. "That bodyguard took her back to his place to rest. What was his name? Something strange."
The Doctor smiled, "Adriano."
Howie's eyes got huge. "You left her alone with Adriano? She loves that man. He can talk her into anything."
Pete held his hands up, "Hang on a minute? What?"
Howie smiled, "Oh yes. She's got a thing for him. I know it. I trust she won't do anything, but I'm sure he didn't have to work too hard to get her to leave. It's that dark, handsome, Italian thing he has going on with him."
The Doctor laughed as he looked at Pete. "Adriano? Italian?"
Howie smiled, "Yes. That's what we're saying."
Doctor Smith shook his head. "I've got to go tend to some other patients. Think about what I've said, Mr. President."
Howie held out his hand. "See! Mr. President. They won't call me that anymore if I give this up."
Doctor Smith walked out of the room as Miles pointed out, "Howie, you are always going to be called Mr. President. Every former President has been."
The Doctor pointed at Miles. "Howie. I need to give you another injection. Is that alright?"
Howie waved his hand to dismiss Miles. "Yeah, hell. Miles won't care."
The Doctor walked over, put the injector to Howie's throat and pressed the button. He leaned against the window.
Miles looked at Pete, "Has he always been this damn….."
"Stubborn? Oh my God, yes. I knew we were in for a fight to try to talk him about of this."
Miles sighed, "Indeed. You know, Howie. I find it interesting that you've known Pete and myself for so long, but will openly admit to our faces that you prefer the judgment of this man here! What the hell?"
The Doctor looked up and realized Miles was pointing at him.
Howie smiled, "That's simple. You two are a couple of dunder heads. John is my wheel horse. Rose's Belvidere has nothing to gain from me being a civilian, again. Whereas you two do."
Pete looked offended, "Like what?"
Howie pointed at him. "Don't think I don't know what's on your mind. You're going to want me to come negotiate things with your weird aliens."
Pete whistled and waved his hands. "Miles….. no…. he's on drugs. I have no idea what he's on about."
Miles rolled his eyes. "Oh, hell. I've got security clearance. I've sat in on all of the meetings. I know what you guys do. I was there when you popped onto that ship, Doctor Smith. That was ballsy! Damn. I wouldn't have done that."
The Doctor smiled proudly at Pete. "Ballsy! Nice! I've never been told that! Ballsy. I should tell you some of the other things I've done." He sat up straighter, "And to think Director Tyler cussed me out over that stunt."
Pete shook his finger at him. "I believe that was more of a father in law cussing you out, son. Don't make me do it again."
The Doctor laughed under his breath. "You're the head of the family, Pete. That's your call."
Howie looked at him curiously, "You're just going to roll over and take that?"
The Doctor smiled at Howie. "Well, of course not. But, it makes him happy."
Pete ran his hand through his short hair. "Ugh! That's what I thought. Damn it."
Howie was laughing at them arguing at one another. "I'm glad to see that Rose went and found herself a man who Pete can argue with. He loves that. And someone needs to keep him in his place. He's always been the one in charge, and it's good when he's not. Jackie has always kept him in his place, but now he has you. He's needed you for a very long time, John. Give him Hell."
The Doctor smiled as he looked back at Pete.
Howie asked, "No one has said anything about my Jacob. How is he?"
The Doctor looked at Miles and took a deep breath. "Jacob is with Summus. He's taking him on a space walk."
Howie looked shocked, "A space walk? A real one?"
The Doctor smiled, "Yes. I needed Summus to do something for me, and Jacob would be safe to help. Summus has trained people for many, many, many years. He's in safer hands than even my own in this moment. Jacob is so incredibility excited. He's loving it."
Howie laughed, "I bet he is. My astronaut. Wow! Thank you."
Pete and Miles smiled and nodded their approval.
Miles spoke, "So, Howie. You'll talk to Caroline and make your decision?"
Howie sighed, "I've made my decision. I just need to talk to Caroline to ensure it's what she would agree with." He pointed at the Doctor. "Caroline and I have been married for a long ass time. The way you stay happy is to always keep our lady happy. Don't make any big decisions without her. Besides, she's smarter than me and will know what to do."
The Doctor nodded his head, "I completely agree."
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The Doctor, Pete, Aemillius and Adriano popped back into the grand entryway of the island home.
Pete rubbed his hands together. "Well, maybe we got through to him. I'm going up to hang out with Tony."
The Doctor nodded his head. "I'll be up in a bit to check on him. I need to go find my children. Seems like everyone went everywhere."
Aemillius laughed, "Sam is in the main sitting room. Licis is with him and Genie."
"Oh! Thank you, Aemillius. Adriano. I've heard on good authority that Caroline would greatly appreciate it if you would return with her to Howie when she's ready to go. Do you mind?"
Adriano smiled, "I don't mind at all. It's what I do."
The Doctor unbuttoned his jacket and walked into the main sitting room. Licis sat on the sofa holding Sam. Genie was sitting next to him watching something on the telly.
The Doctor smiled, "You watch too much telly, young lady."
Genie jumped off the sofa and ran to jump in his arms. "Daddy! You're back! That wasn't long."
He held her kissed her cheek. "I'm glad. I wanted to come home and spend some time with you and Sam."
Genie covered her face and smiled, "Sam is sleeping, and mum told me I should try to get you to meditate."
She smiled at her. "You know how to meditate?"
Genie held her hands out, "Well, of course I do. My mum and I used to do it all of the time. I can show you how."
The Doctor looked impressed. "Well, thank you, my Sara Gene. But, I think I already know how."
"Mum said you didn't. She said it would be good for you." Genie demanded.
The Doctor laughed at her. "Any problems, Licio?"
Licis laughed, "They are best behaved children I've ever had the pleasure of keeping an eye on. I don't believe Sam has even cried."
The Doctor smiled, "They are both amazing."
Licis smiled, "Go on and change. I'll keep an eye on them until you get back."
The Doctor smiled at him. "Cheers. Alright. I'll be right back down."
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The Doctor stood in his closet. He had just finished changing into his jeans and a black t-shirt. He was hanging back up his suit when he heard his voice.
"Hey there, brother!"
The Doctor turned around to see Tony Tyler standing in the doorway of the closet. He stood on both of his legs equally. Pete watched him, smiling proudly.
The Doctor smiled in surprise. He knelt down and held out his arms. "Take a few steps. Let me see."
Tony limped over to him. "It's just rather tight. It feels like it needs to be moved."
He got to the Doctor who wrapped his arms around him and laughed. "You are doing brilliant! Wow! It doesn't hurt?"
Tony smiled and shook his head. "No. It was sore this morning and I started to move it. Then I tried to stand on it and it was alright. Daddy helped me walk when he got back just now."
Pete laughed proudly at him. "Yes. Sorry to bother you while you are dressing. But, we were excited."
The Doctor laughed, "It's alright. Thank you for bringing him to let me see. Now, Tony. Don't try any stairs for a few days. Use the lift. You like playing in it anyway."
Tony smiled at him. "Okay."
"Okay." The Doctor repeated as he sat him back down on the floor gently. "Go on and walk to your Dad."
He beamed as he watched Tony walk back to Pete. Once he covered the floor, Pete playfully grabbed him in his arms and kissed him. "That's my boy! Well done." Pete carried him out of the room, "See you later, son!"
The Doctor stood and smiled. He heard Rose in his mind. 'You feel happy. What's going on?'
'Our little brother just walked in here to see me. He's doing great, Rose.'
'That's wonderful! I'll tell Mum. She's right next to me.'
He turned off the lights and walked back down the stairs in his bare feet. Rose spoke in his head, 'Mum is very happy. She's crying.'
He rolled his eyes.
Rose continued, 'So, you are back at home?'
'Yep!' he popped. 'Our daughter is going to show me how to meditate. You can't seem to keep your hands to yourself when we do it. I'm sure I'm going to like your way a lot better.'
'You are making me blush. Jack is complaining.'
He teased, 'Especially, when I can touch you. In all of my favorite spots.'
He could feel his own face getting warm. Rose giggled, 'I think you like that I can't keep my hands to myself.'
'Oh…. I love it. My body is craving yours right now. If you were home, I'd have you shouting again.'
He could feel her blushing and giggling. 'Jack asked me to tell you that he's going to vomit.'
He chuckled, 'Do you know what, Rose? I'm craving a taste. A very unique taste in my mouth. When you get back home, I need you to let me have a few moments alone with you.'
'I'm yours. As soon as I return. I'll help you with that.'
He smiled, 'My stress level has already reduced. I'm going to play with our rotten children. See you in a bit.'
He walked back into the sitting room. "Alright! Changing of the guard! You two are all mine!" He walked over and picked up Sam out of Licio's arms. "Thank you, Licio."
Licio smiled down at Sam. "Sam would be so honored to know your son carries his name."
The Doctor smiled down at Sam who was sleeping, "Sam saved his life and Rose's, at the expense of his own. It only seemed right."
"What is his full name?"
"He is Samuel Alistair Peter Tyler-Smith." The Doctor told him as he smiled down at his son.
Licio laughed quietly. "Sam was Samuel Alexander."
The Doctor looked surprised, "Now, I didn't know that. My name is Alexander. I asked Lance and Lewis both and they couldn't remember."
Licio tickled Sam's chin. "They wouldn't have known. I originally was going to be a record keeper like Luce. But, he had more of a memory for it. When I got my Marksmen approval, and then was asked into the Royal Guard, I just moved there. Sam and Lewis were always together. He was like the fifth of our quad."
The Doctor laughed. Genie wrapped her arms around his leg. "Daddy. I'm so glad you are home."
He rubbed her back.
Licio smiled at her. "I'll see you later. I think I'll go look at this beach we're on. Please let me know if you need me."
"Thank you, Licio." The Doctor said as he smiled at Genie. "Alright. Let me put your little brother down and you can show me how you do this mediation. I'm all yours, Genie."
He looked around the room. There wasn't anything to put Sam in. "Huh. Where to put the little brother?"
Genie looked around the room. "He should have a cot in here."
"Yeah, he should. Ah! I've got it." He walked over and pulled a large pillow off of the couch. He tossed it on the floor. "Hand me that blanket just there."
Genie took the blanket and lay on the pillow. He sat down on the floor, next to the pillow and lay Sam down on it. He wrapped his tiny body up in the blanket. Sam stretched his little arm out and yawned.
Genie knelt down and smiled at him. "He looks so comfy."
The Doctor smiled, "He does. Should we send a picture to your mum?"
Genie giggled. "Sure!"
He smiled. "Lay down there next to him then."
Genie shook her head. "No. All of us. You lay down too."
He smiled. "Better idea. Alright."
He lay down in the floor and Genie positioned her head next to his. He held the phone out and took their picture. Genie giggled as she sat up. "Send that to Mummy. She'll love it."
The Doctor nodded as he sent the picture. "There. Alright. You and me. Are you sure you want to meditate? We could play Candyland."
Genie stood up on her knees and put her hands on her hips. "Mummy said you would try to get out of it."
"Sweetheart, it's just….strange."
Genie rolled her eyes at him. "Daddy. Just try it. It will help you relax. You eat too much sugar. That's what makes you act so mad."
"I'm mad?" he asked, pointing at himself.
"Proper mad, Daddy. But, we love you anyway." Genie teased him.
"Well, there's that." He smiled.
Genie sat down in front of him. She patted his legs. "You have to cross your legs, Daddy. And get comfortable."
"I'm an old man, Genie. I am sure that's two different things that you are instructing me to do."
"Oh, Daddy. Stop complaining." Genie told him as he crossed his legs and sighed.
He looked beside of him at Sam sleeping on the pillow. "Alright."
Genie sat in front of him and took his hands. Their legs touched one another as they sat. Genie told him. "Alright. You have to be very still. And very quiet. Then you will hear your mind be quiet. It makes a sound."
"Little One, Daddy's head is never quiet." He told her.
"That's because you eat too much sugar." She fussed at him.
He laughed quietly, "Oh the gods. I am sent a cheeky daughter to fuss at me about eating sugar."
Genie looked at him and put her finger to her lips. "Shhh…. You have to be quiet and close your eyes."
He sighed again. "Alright."
They sat there and held one another's hands for a few moments. The Doctor looked at her and couldn't help but smile. She was so cute with her long braid down her back and serious expression on her face.
He spoke in her mind. 'Little One. Can you hear me?'
She smiled, 'Yes, Daddy.'
'What musical instrument is found in the bathroom?'
Genie opened her eyes and looked at him. "What?"
He pointed at her. "Ah. You said we have to be quiet. You didn't say we couldn't talk in our minds. You should practice that anyway. Now, back to it."
Genie rolled her eyes and took his hands again. She closed her eyes.
He laughed under his breath. 'Alright. Answer my question. In the bathroom, there is a musical instrument. What is it?'
'Is this in all bathrooms?' Genie asked.
'All of the ones in this house. I think.' He said.
She thought for a moment. 'Daddy, I have no idea.'
He smiled, 'A tuba toothpaste.'
She let go of his hands and opened her eyes. "Daddy!"
He laughed at her. "What? That was a good one!"
She laughed at him. "You are so silly."
He laughed with her.
"Mummy is going to be cross if we don't at least try this." Genie warned him.
"Okay. Back to meditating." He nodded his head.
She shook her head at him and took his hands again. They closed their eyes. After a few moments, he opened his eyes and looked around the room. Then he looked at her again. He smiled at how still she sat and how serious she looked.
'Genie.' He said in her mind.
She smiled, 'Yes?'
He bit his lip and asked, 'Why do bananas have to put on sunscreen before they go to the beach?'
Genie giggled, 'I don't know, why?'
He smiled like a loon at her, 'Because they might peel!' …"Ha!"
She laughed at him. "You need to eat less sugar, that's the reason you can't do this."
He smiled at her. "So, your Daddy is a lost cause?"
She stood up and put her hands on her hips. "For the moment, yes. Let's play Candyland instead. I'll tell Mummy we tried."
He laughed at her. "Well, we did try."
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