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Chapter Chapter 7 - A Meeting with Lewis

Rose sat at the bar inside of Lewis' flat. She had the strained look on her face and still wore her jeans and jumper from the day before. The light from the windows showed that the sun had started to rise out of the ocean. She rubbed her face and groaned. "I don't know if I can take many more nights like this Lewis."

Lewis sat a pint of beer in front of her and began to drink one himself. "You're made of leather-"

"Are you calling me a cow?"

He laughed at her. "No. I heard it someplace. Is that where leather comes from? What is that?"

She sipped her beer, "Oh, don't worry about it. I had no idea two children could scream as much as those two boys did."

Lewis sat down and propped his feet up behind her in the bar stool she sat in. "Legate was a screamer like that. He never slept. I think he just….passed out from exhaustion."

"I'm not entirely certain that's not what Arles and Samuel did."

Lewis nodded his head. "I'm grateful to Jackie."

"You know. That annoys me a bit. After we're up, all night with them, she walks right in and they both….settle down and go right to sleep. What is that?"

Lewis sipped his beer. "Maybe they are frightened of her, too."

Rose laughed under her breath. "Maybe that's it. Let's agree now. Next time, we're calling Grand."

"Or threaten them with Grand." Lewis suggested and laughed.

Rose sipped her beer and laughed with Lewis. "Yes. We'll do that."

He smiled and leaned against the wall. "You know, John is back. Been back for a while."

She nodded her head. "Yes, I know."

"I was thinking….maybe Arles was so upset because he missed Lance and Jane. But, I wonder if Sam was cross because he missed John?"

Rose sipped her beer and shook her head. "I don't know."

"I know you're cross-"

She held out her hand. "Just, don't."

"Don't?"

"I just…don't even want to talk about it."

"Still cross?"

She shook her head. "No. And, I really don't understand why. I should be…livid. But, I'm not. Don't you dare tell him that!"

"Make him sweat a bit more, huh?" Lewis smiled, "You, Rose Tyler, left him in space and told him to find his own way home. I still can't believe you did that."

"And he made it back. How about that?"

"Have you also told him to stay away? Not come home?"

She shook her head, "I don't want to talk about this."

Lewis looked surprised and rubbed his chin. "Wow. I guessed right."

She looked back at him, "He didn't tell you that?"

"No. I've ask him about it, but he refuses to tell me anything."

"What has he said?"

"He's asked if you are alright. And then just as quickly reminds me that he doesn't want me to talk to him about it."

"Well, it's really-"

"None of my business. Yes. I get that. But, I just want to remind you of a conversation we had, about a month ago."

She looked back at him and could tell a lump had grown in his throat. "About what?"

"How long we, me and you, have known one another. How I had to, stop being so angry about what had happened."

"You're telling me that I need to stop being angry?"

"Well….hear me out. I'm going to….mess this up a lot because I'm not exactly certain, how I want to tell you this. What comes out next, is just going to come out. Alright?"

"Alright."

"You said that I need to stop being angry… and I have no idea how you knew that, but…."

"How could you not have been?"

Lewis nodded and looked into his beer. "You know. Samuel, is really amazing."

Rose wasn't following what Lewis was talking about.

"When he repaired my leg, he also fixed the part in my head so I could start to telepathically speak to the Guard again."

She looked confused, "Yeah."

"I haven't told anyone but, I remember everything now. Everything about that day. How she looked. What we talked about. And John was right. I really wish I didn't."

"Oh my God. Lewis."

He shook his head. "I tell you that, because if you were to ask, I would tell you that it is none of your business. It's just….so much easier, not to talk about it. But, what I really want to say to you is to remember, how quickly something as good as what you two have, can change. And you never see it coming. I've trained my entire life to protect the most important people in the galaxy. But, even when it matters that much…."

Rose could feel his sorrow. "Lewis, it wasn't your fault."

Lewis took a deep breath. "I suppose I, just….I want someone to know that I remember. And I can't even explain why. Not that this is parallel to you and John's trouble or anything. I just…it's been on my mind and I wanted to tell someone."

She took his hand in hers. "You know I'm here for you, Lewis."

He looked back at her and smiled painfully. "I know you are Rose. That's the reason I wanted to tell you."

"You remember everything?"

"All of it. We were driving her car. The one she had. It was raining and just….terrible weather. I remember telling her that it might be better to just, park the car someplace and pop to where we were going. So, we agreed to look for a place to get off of the road. I told her I would come back later to get it, and take it back to her place. We talked about selling it, since we really needed something bigger for the children. But, then how we really didn't need anything. I was holding her hand, and the bracelet I wore got in the way of laying my arm between the seats. You know, the way you do."

She nodded. "Yes."

"And so, I took it off. I was going to put it on the other arm. But, we went into the curve and….there were lights. Blinding lights. I can remember being in the air. And then everything flying around in the car. I remember thinking how I just wanted it to stop. It hurt. Then it did stop. I called for her, but…."

"She didn't answer." Rose finished his sentence.

He sipped his beer and sighed. "I remember that I didn't really hurt at first. I thought I was fine. Then… Everywhere. It was the worst pain. And then John was there. And, Exton. I think it was him. And I remember hearing Lance's voice, but I couldn't understand what he said. But, I was glad he was there. John said he was with her and they would take her up to the ship first. I knew she was hurt. John put me to sleep and then I woke up in hospital. Days later. And they told me I had a son."

Rose shook her head. "Torchwood reviewed the accident and determined that the other-"

"I've read the report. But, it's wrong in a few details. I've debated if I should even bring it up."

Rose looked at her friend. "I wouldn't. It won't make any difference. I think it would be best to let it go. Move on, Lewis. Let the past, be in the past."

He sipped his beer and nodded his head. "I agree."

"Lewis. I'm so sorry-"

He turned and pointed her, "Now, I didn't tell you that for you to begin to feel sorry for me."

"Okay."

"The way people look at me, has only begun to return to normal."

"We all miss her."

Lewis looked back at Rose and said seriously, "I bet, everything I've ever had, even my son….that no one will ever miss her more than I do. Not ever."

Rose covered her mouth as a tear dropped from her eyes. "Quite right." She said softly.

"Do me a favor, and fix this with John. I'm looking at you guys as a distraction at the moment. It makes me think everything is alright. She's just….out. Maybe at work or something."

"Lewis, that's not healthy." Rose told him

"That's how I've decided to manage this. To hell with if it's right or wrong."

Rose nodded and sipped her beer.

There was a knock at the door.

"Come in!" Lewis shouted.

Rose quickly wiped her tears and began to drink her beer again. She listened as the door closed and someone walked in.

"Where are you?" Legate asked.

Lewis leaned over the back of the stool to look at Legate, "In here, mate. Fancy a pint?"

Legate laughed when he arrived in the kitchen. He was wearing a thick coat and had snow in his hair. "Beer before breakfast?"

"If you only knew the night we had with the boys." Rose insisted.

Legate smiled. "Living up to my legacy, huh?"

Lewis swore in Quauhtin, "And hand me another one."

Legate took off his jacket and hung it on the back of the stool that Rose was sitting in. He pulled up the sleeves of the jumper he wore and they saw the tattoo of the lighthouse on his arm. "You want another one, too?"

She shook her head. "I better not. I've been told by Grand, that I'm to go to bed."

Lewis smiled, "And so have I. We are just calming our nerves a bit."

Legate picked up Lewis' glass, turned it sideways and poured the beer into it. "How deep in are you?"

Rose held up one finger. "First one."

Legate grinned and handed Lewis back his drink, "Is that a proper first one, or one of Pete's 'first ones'?"

Rose smiled, "I'll never tell."

Lewis laughed. "And the lady's secret is safe with me."

Rose held out her hand. "May I see this tattoo of yours'?"

He held out his arm so Rose could look at it closer.

"A lighthouse? Why?"

Legate rubbed the side of his head and Rose could feel him become extremely uncomfortable. He cleared his throat. "There's a cell key in there, and I needed something to hide it. I had wanted a tattoo for a while."

"But, why a lighthouse? That's the one here, isn't it?" Rose asked.

"Well, something wonderful happened to me there."

Rose grinned. "Sounds like a good story."

He smiled, and Rose could feel his heart leap. "It is. But, not one I can tell for a while."

She sipped her beer. "As soon as you can, I would like to hear it."

"Oh yes, ma'am. I promise you'll be one of the first." He grinned.

Lewis had drunk half of his beer. "A lighthouse? Wasn't you the one that wanted a lighthouse here on the island?"

"I don't even remember-"

Lewis pointed at him. "You do! And yes, it was you!"

He sighed and crossed his arms. "I think they are nice. What's the problem?"

Rose giggled, "Maybe we should talk about obsession with Batman."

Lewis laughed. "I need to tell you that story."

Legate covered his face. "Oh, please don't."

"You even have a Batman symbol on the lighthouse now. My Genie thinks it's brilliant." Rose smiled.

Legate looked smug. "Yeah, well. Kids like that sort of thing. Right?"

Lewis finished his beer and looked back at Rose. "See, the Batman story and Legate-"

Legate waved his hand. "Please…..please. If you want to tell her, I'm fine with it. Just, don't…."

"Force you to be here, too?" Rose asked. "Legate, you've become so shy over the last few years. I can feel your embarrassment from there."

Legate stepped back and cleared his throat. "Umm. Sorry."

Lewis shook his head and laughed. "Legate, why are you so nervous around Rose?"

"I'm sorry. I'm really trying not to be."

Rose shook her head. "It's this empathic ability I have. I'm sure it makes everyone uncomfortable. I apologize, Legate."

He shook his head. "No. It's not that. I just…." He ran his hand through his hair and sighed. "I just….can't talk about it."

Lewis shook his head. "You need a drink, man. Calm down."

Legate nodded and crossed his arms. Rose could feel he was torn between staying and just excusing himself and leaving. He felt more nervous than she had ever sensed from him.

"Have one, Legate." Rose smiled.

Legate shook his head. "Nah. I….need to keep a clear head."

"What the hell for?" Lewis asked.

Legate shook his head. "Umm….we'll get into that in a bit. Rose, Genie said to tell you that she is fine. Samuel told us all that-"

"There's no reason to worry. Yes. He rang me last night."

"Well, he said he had spoken to John."

Rose held her hand up, "And he's been explaining it to me." She started to drink her beer again.

Legate looked back at Lewis curiosity.

'What is that about?' He asked Lewis through their telepathic connection. 'Has he been on the ship this entire time he's been back?'

Lewis shook his head. 'She's told him to stay away. I only wish I knew what he did.'

'He pushed her into a sleep and Tony put her into a pod. She wanted to stay.'

"Phh….damn-"

Rose pointed at them. "Hang on. What is this?"

"Nothing." Lewis insisted.

Rose narrowed her eyes at Lewis. "You two are talking to one another in your damn heads. Is John in this conversion, too?"

Legate shook his head. "No ma'am."

"Well, both of you. I don't want to talk about it." She insisted.

Lewis propped his head on his fist. "Adriano is in the nursery. He says Grand is still rocking Arles, but Samuel is sleeping."

"Ugh." Rose was annoyed. "Well, I'm going to sleep. I imagine I'll have a taller problem to deal with once I wake."

Lewis grinned. He knew she was referring to John. "Most likely."

She stood up and kissed Lewis' cheek. "Thank you for the company."

He grinned, "Thank you."

"Always here for you, Lewis. And I understand what you were trying to tell me."

"At least one of us do." Lewis rubbed his face.

She looked at Legate. "I'll see you later."

He smiled warmly at her. "Certainly, Rose."

She left the flat, closing the door quietly behind her.

Lewis leaned back against the wall and groaned as he crossed his legs he still had propped up in the chair Rose had just left. "So, Legate the Third. I like that. Sounds….Royal. The name of a King!"

"Ugh." Legate took a bottle of water out of the refrigerator.

Lewis laughed at his moaning and then became serious. "So, that aside. How are you doing? Being here? Out of your own time?"

"I've always wanted to be in two places at the same time. Just like you have always told me, Lewis, be careful what you ask for."

Lewis chuckled, "Very true. How is everything in New York? Genie is busy?"

"She's so happy. She already has eight students that have applied."

"Eight?" Lewis said in shock. "Really?!"

Legate nodded. "I told her it must be some sort of record. She's sleeping now, but will be working like mad now to find some instructors. She told me planning on asking Arles and Sam."

"They need something to do. That sounds like a good plan to me."

Legate sipped his water.

"Right. New York is a few hours behind us. So, what brings you here this morning? I'm sure it's not about how terrible of a sleeper my sons have both begun to be."

Legate shook his head. "It's not."

"Then come over and sit down."

He shook his head. "I'd rather stand. And….out of arms' reach if possible."

"What?"

Legate took a long drink of water and then sat down the bottle. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"What has you so worked up, Legate?"

Legate opened his eyes and became very serious. "I came here to inform you I'm leaving the Quauhtin."

"You're what?" Lewis was shocked. "You just made Praetor!"

Legate nodded, "Yes. I'm aware of that."

"You can't come in here and declare 'Claudo'….or the end of your career!" Lewis insisted.

"How much have you had, Lewis? I need you in a sound mind-"

"Not enough for this! Have you spoken to Lartius?"

Legate groaned and threw up his hands. "That's all that's in my head lately!"

"So, he's driving you so mental you're leaving your position?"

Legate rubbed his face and took a deep breath to gather his thoughts. "Okay. Lewis. I really need to talk to you about some things. And I'm sorry in advance, but I can't tell you everything."

"Why not?"

"Ummm….well."

Lewis nodded his head. "Has to deal with the future?"

"Yes. Indeed. And the present. Umm. I spoke to John, and he's certain that we're going to be here for a long while. Lartius is insisting that I come back to the homeworld to begin to take over."

"What?" Lewis asked in shock.

"I've explained to him that I can't. And I'll explain to you why I can't, too. But, I can't tell you everything."

Lewis looked confused. "Start explaining then."

"I returned with Jack, under your and John's instructions, under the direction to protect the ones in the crash. I remember how thin we were all spread back during this time."

Lewis nodded. "Who's with them now?"

Legate shook his head, "Ugh. Talbot. Anyway. That's just the point. There are things that they could expose the others to. Without meaning to, that could mess up the time… whatever. I don't understand any of it really."

Lewis shook his head. "I don't either. But, you make a good point."

"Right."

"But, you are coming in here to quit?"

Legate shook his head. "I need stay with them."

"Even if it means quitting."

"Yes. I can't be pulled away from that assignment."

"Oh. Well, that's easy enough. I can sort this entire thing out real quick. I do not accept your resignation. We'll work out your position with them, and Lartius will just have to wait for you to take over."

Legate closed his eyes and shook his head. "This is not going the way I planned."

"You're not making a lot of sense."

Legate rubbed his face and groaned. "Damn it."

"I thought Lenox-"

"Ah. Now that there's two of me, he's backed out. Completely! I can't go take over the rule of a kingdom! No matter what Martiea says."

Lewis looked shocked. "Martiea has gotten involved?"

"She feels that Lartius and Poltious are too reckless. There….is an argument….I don't know."

Lewis chuckled, "Oh, I bet there is. Lartius was arrested in a bar fight. You were there!"

Legate shook his head. "I don't remember this."

"Your forehead was cut. John says a deep cut to your skull!"

Legate shook his head. "No. I don't remember that happening."

Lewis sighed. "Well, that's weird. Another beer, man."

He turned and got Lewis another bottle from the fridge and handed it to him. Lewis spoke as he poured it. "Apparently there are now two streams of events. That's what John is saying."

"That makes sense. Wait….are you talking to him, now?"

"Yeah. Need to stop?"

"Please. Let's get this sorted, then we'll bring John in."

"Fair enough. So, let me get this straight. You have came here to quit in order to continue your agreement and terms for which I, future me, sent you back."

Legate nodded. "Yes. Well, not in so many words, but yes."

Lewis narrowed his eyes. "What's really going on, Legate? That's not it."

Legate sighed. "Why wouldn't that be it?"

Lewis sipped his beer and thought. "Well, let me have a think."

Legate had feared this. "No, you really don't have to think about this too much-"

"Ah. Hush. Umm. You were instructed to return? Or you returned on your own?"

Legate crossed his arms and thought. "Does it matter?"

"You volunteered." Lewis realized. "Why?"

Legate had become extremely uncomfortable. "I can't really tell you that."

Lewis sipped his beer and narrowed his eyes at him.

"Before, you have one more thought. Remember that I have resigned as a Quauthin!-"

"That I won't accept-"

"And I know I can't call on the Ancient Rights because you were my Primus, but….I have stopped being a Quauhtin and now need to speak to you as Lewis."

Lewis pointed at Legate. "YOU?! Are asking me for this? What in the hell? Is the planet going to explode over something you've done?"

Legate ran his hands through his hair nervously.

Lewis covered his face. "Okay. Give me a bit. The son of Poltious is asking for my help." He exhaled and collected himself. Legate rocked on his feet as Lewis drank the rest of his beer. After a few moments, Lewis was ready.

"Okay. We'll continue. Legate?"

"Yes?"

"You volunteered to come back to this time-"

"Yes, to protect the Genie, Sam, Arles-"

"Or, was it one in particular?"

Legate's eyes got huge. Had Lewis figured it out?

Legate shrugged his shoulders, "One. Four. You know it's all numbers-"

"It's Genie! My Genie!"

"Why does everyone's brain so straight to that? I've seen all four of these guys grow up. I know they need someone from their time, here. Someone who knows that Arles and Sam are the worst in the world at slipping out and gate crashing any party they can find. That Tony is gay, has the worst temper I've ever seen, and completely obsessed with football! And that Genie's health is rather fragile, but she'll never admit it, or take care of herself!"

Lewis crossed his arms and sat back. "Tony is gay?"

"Ugh! Lewis, I really don't know how much I can tell you."

Lewis snapped his fingers. "Something has happened. Besides the entire thing with Pete and Jackie."

Legate felt as though someone had kicked him in the stomach. He nodded his head and sighed. "This might have been a mistake to come and talk to you."

"Poltious." Lewis realized. "What happened to him?"

"I don't know. He's not there. In the future. I just….really needed to come back and speak to him."

"You're talking to him now, aren't you?"

Legate nodded his head. "He's….helping me with this….conversation."

"That worries me. Does he know about whatever this thing you can't tell me about?"

"Yes. And, I feel as though I might have made a mistake coming to tell you this much."

Lewis waved his hand. "Forget it. What is said here, will remain between us. The three of us."

Legate put his hands on his hips and nodded. "Thanks, Lewis."

"So. Praetor. I'm not accepting your resignation-"

"But, I have to stay with them-"

"Well, Tony Tyler is with Poltious now."

"I know. I've been speaking to him about it. He seems hell bent on revenge. I can't believe John allowed him to go. If he had known about his temper, I know he wouldn't have allowed it."

"Do you think he can do it?"

"No one protects, or fights for anything, like a man fighting for his own family. How often have you told me that?"

"That's true. And he has Poltious."

Legate shook his head. "There's so much of this that didn't happen. Two streams of events. Does John think we'll remember both?"

Lewis thought for a moment, "He says you will."

"Poltious went back to Lenox, to help take those children that were taken back to their homes. But, now he's off with Tony. What if he doesn't return from that-"

"Just wait a bit. This is now the concern of a son over his father."

Legate sighed. "This is all messed up."

"Did you return to try to prevent losing Poltious?"

Legate looked back at Lewis. "In the beginning, no. But, after I had gotten here, I realized I might be able to."

Lewis sat down his beer and stood up. "Me and you will go see John."

"Why?"

Lewis pointed at him. "Because…..he's Primus with me and he has to agree to this."

Legate exhaled slowly in relief. Had he really managed to inform Lewis of everything without him finding out about Genie and his relationship? He couldn't blow it now.

"Agree to what, exactly?"

Lewis grinned and put his hands in his pockets. "You are so wound up. As far as your status as a Quauhtin, I am putting you in charge of the security at the school, and thus, the older children. That will keep you there, and you can pull in help as needed."

Legate nodded. "That could work."

"As far as Lartius, you are now on Special Assignment at the school. Not only as the Quauthin in charge, but also as the trainer and scout, for any future Quauthin that you might find. Serve the Kingdom that way."

Legate grinned. "Well, that's what I do now. Well, back at home."

"And that's what Lartius needs. Martiea is just cross with him about this bar fight. Give it some time and it will pass. Especially, with Poltious off doing something that keeps Lartius in the castle."

Legate chuckled. "Thanks, Lewis."

Lewis pointed at him, "And always remember, that I'm Lewis first. Primus second. You can ask me for help, no matter what without resignation. Why did you go straight to that?"

Legate shrugged his shoulders. "I believe that I might have over thought it."

"Over thought it?"

Legate bit his lip. "Yes."

"Are you sure? You don't need to tell me anything else-"

"No! I've already said entirely too much." He insisted.

Lewis nodded. "Umm. Alright." He took the remote transporter control out of his pocket, and the two men disappeared.

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