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Chapter 8 -Security Breach

The Doctor popped into his office at Torchwood. He looked around, rebuttoned his suit and walked out of the door. Michelle was on the phone when he closed the door behind himself. She smiled up at him and asked the person she was speaking to hold for a moment. "It's nice to see you, Doctor Smith."

He smiled at her, "And you. Logan is safe back with Ashena."

She smiled, "He has called to let me know of his arrival. Thank you. Ashena plans to visit us in the next few days."

The Doctor looked surprised, "Does she?"

Michelle smiled, "Logan told her that she needed to get away for a while. I'm surprised he didn't mention it to you."

"He called, but….well…..I was busy. I guess that's what it is about."

She smiled, "He is grateful for that flat on your island. As am I."

"He's a great guy. You've done a hell of a job with him."

She smiled proudly, "One day, we'll say the same about your Sam. Anyway, Director Simmons is on his way up."

The Doctor nodded and walked back into his office, not closing the door. He walked over to the windows and looked over the city of London. It was afternoon, and the traffic showed everyone was trying to get home for dinner. He looked around and slipped his hands in his pockets. He couldn't help feeling a bit uneasy being back there. Rose felt his apprehension as stood looking out of the window.

'Baby, how it is going? You feel nervous.'

He rolled his eyes. 'I'm not nervous, Rose. I've dealt with way worse than this.'

'Say what you want, I can feel that. Do you have anyone with you?'

He groaned, 'I'm a Primus. I can be on my own.'

'Yeah, but there?'

'Rose Tyler. I'm fine.' He smiled, 'Do you want me to go get you some chips after I'm finished here?'

'Oh gosh, yes. That sounds lovely.'

He chuckled. 'The way to my wife's heart, is completely through her stomach.'

Jake stepped into his office. He wore the uniform of an agent and an expression of worry. "Doc'. Nice to see you!"

The Doctor decided to keep it friendly. He held his hand out to the sofas, "Let's have a seat. I need to talk to you about a few things."

Jake nodded and sat down. He rubbed his hands together nervously.

The Doctor asked, "Nervous, Jake?"

Jake shook his head. "Nah. I'm fine. What did you need to talk to me about?"

"Maybe there's something you need to talk to me about."

Jake thought and then shook his head. "Nah. I don't think so."

"You know, Jake. I already know what you're about to say. So….if you want me to start-"

Jake started to sweat. He rubbed his face and shouted, "Michelle. Could you please close the door?"

Michelle pulled the door shut. The Doctor rose his eyebrow back at Jake. "How bad is this?"

"You're going to kill me. I've contained as much as I can, but this…..it just got out."

The Doctor wasn't sure what he was talking about. But, he didn't want Jake to know that. "I know. I'm aware of the hits on the family that you have stopped. All my thanks."

Jake rose up and poured himself a drink. The Doctor tried to mask his concern. He stood up and walked over to the bar. He opened a bottle of the Damn Whiskey and poured him and Jake both a glass. He walked back over and handed it to Jake. He drank it all in one gulp to help calm his nerves.

"The List has been taken." Jake told him.

The Doctor looked at him and sipped his Whiskey. "What was on this List?"

"Anyone that Torchwood has ever created an identity for."

The Doctor's stomach dropped.

Jake continued, "Every alien. Man, woman and child from another world. Their names here. Their addresses in most cases. We've had eight murders, now. And that's the only connection. They have to have it. I looked back through the logs of the identities, just this morning. That has to be what has happened. All of the victims are aliens we have created identities for in the past few months."

"Why just the past few months? Did they not get the entire list?"

Jake shook his head. "No. Only a part. There are safe guards for the entire list. The list in question is only species that were processed within the past few months."

"My Quauthin-"

Jake nodded his head. "There were a few on there. Yes. And several families."

The Doctor couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Families. With minors? Children, then?"

Jake nodded, "Those are the ones that surprised me. They were brutal to those children."

The Doctor sat his drink down and leaned on the cabinet to steady himself. He felt he was going to be sick at any moment. He closed his eyes, "Children. Where are the ones you suspect they know about now?"

"I have men on it-"

The Doctor became furious. "The same damn agents that we can't trust to even protect Rose or my family? The same people that were at Pete's this morning?"

Jake looked shocked, "They were at Pete's?"

The Doctor nodded. "Yes. Legate was shot."

"Jesus. Is he alri-"

"For the moment. They have this list, and I was never told. How long have they had this?"

Jake shook his head. "I'm not certain. Hell, I was only able to sort it out that was really the source of the problem this morning!"

The Doctor picked up the whiskey bottle and threw it. It crashed into the window and broke spilling all over the floor. He turned his head and Jake stood in front of the sofa.

"Right. I know you are upset-"

"You think? No, clearly you haven't had a thought run through your tiny, little brain in some time." He covered his mouth in shock. "Jake. Wow. I can't…. I can't even look at you right now. I need to calm down. Rose will feel this."

The Doctor walked over to the sink and washed his face. His anger was still threatening to overtake him. He leaned on the sink. After a few moments, he demanded, "How long?"

Jake sighed, "A while-"

"How long?"

Jake shouted, "Hell, I don't know! The first attack was about a week ago."

The Doctor turned around, leaned against the sink and crossed his arms. "Jake. I might kill you. You need to just get away from me for a while. Let me think."

Jake nodded his head and walked out of the office.

The Doctor stood leaning on the sink. He reached out to Rose. 'Rose. Can you pop here?'

She suddenly appeared standing in front of him. He quickly wrapped his arms around her.

Feeling his anger, sadness and shock, she asked, "Baby, what's happened?"

He held her tightly, unable to speak. How could Jake have been so stupid? Families. There for a better life. And he hadn't even notified them of the danger they might be facing.

She continued to hold him in her arms and closed her eyes. What she wanted more than anything in that moment, was for him to relax. She could feel he was blocking how upset he was. A wave of calm spread over her. She imagined it move through him.

He leaned back and looked confused at her. "What did you do?"

She pointed at him. "You are so wound up. I've calmed you. Otherwise, I'm going to flip out. Tell me what's happened."

He rubbed his face. "Rose. I….."

"This is bad. New plan. Let's call Dad, Lewis and Jake-"

"Jake is such a fucking idiot! I fucking swear-" He exploded.

"Okay! You are going to calm down, or I'm going to knock you out. You are just winding me up and we do not need that!"

He closed his eyes and exhaled. "You're right." He willed himself to calm down. "I'm….."

She nodded, "Calmer. Yes. I can feel that."

He groaned and looked at her. "Sometimes….being joined…is…."

She smiled, "Good for you. Let's go back home and have everyone meet there."

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The Doctor and Rose returned back to their island home. They were soon joined by Jake, Jack, Peter Tyler, and the rest of the Quauthin Guard. Only Arcite was not there as he had stayed behind with Pepper. They all sat around the table, Lewis and Legate with their legs propped up on the chair next to them. Lance and Poltious stood with some of the others around the table.

Rose started, "Alright. Thank you all for coming so quickly. We have a problem that we need to get sorted….immediately."

The Doctor stood behind her with his arms crossed. They had agreed it was better for him not to scream at Jake in this situation. Rose could feel his temper, and how much he was shielding her, as she continued. "We have a security breach at Torchwood. Everyone that has had an identity created in the past ….we're guessing six months, Jake?"

Jake, standing on the other side of the room, nodded his head. "That's our estimate. Yes."

"Okay. Six months….now has had that information put into the hands of members of these factions that which anyone not from Earth, harm. So, most of you Quauthin-"

Lance held up his hand. "Hang on. We never had identities made."

The Doctor looked surprised, "You didn't?"

Lance shook his head. "No. Lewis eliminated that when Summus left."

Lewis nodded his head. "I didn't want that information falling into the wrong hands. The only one of us here who has any identification is the part of the Guard who were here when Summus was Primus. So, me, Poltious, Aemillus, Adriano….ummm…."

Poltious nodded, "Gobbo. John and Summus. Yeah."

The Doctor nodded.

Rose signed in relief. "Well, that's good news then."

Pete Tyler shook his head. "You and John's information was in my safe. But I burnt it all, along with the paperwork from the Guard. I just didn't feel safe with it being someplace in this climate."

Rose felt the Doctor relax a bit. He said quietly, "Thank you, Pete."

Pete nodded, "Of course. But, that still leaves a hell of a lot of aliens here that have had their identity compromised."

Rose looked down at a file. "From our count here, there are 84 families."

Jack looked surprised, "84?"

"Do you remember more?"

"I think that's too many. Are we certain it goes back six months?"

Jake nodded, "We're certain it goes back four months. We added the other two to be certain."

Lance stepped forward and put his hand on Lewis' shoulder. "Primus Lewis. Primus John. I'd like to request permission to take this over."

Lewis chuckled, "If you want this problem, it's all yours."

The Doctor crossed his arms. "Go ahead, Lance."

Lance looked around the room. "Alright guys, listen up! We've got 84 families to get to safety. Immediately. Each Quauthin will pair up with another one. We'll go in twos. Make certain that your bracelet has the personal shielding at its highest. I know half of us where playing football yesterday and we probably haven't reset it. Legate's injury is a result of that. It's an easy thing to forget. Do it now."

The room looked down at their bracelets and typed in the information.

Lance continued, "Alright. Commander Tyler will divide the list into ten teams. Legate, Lewis and John will remain here."

Legate shook his head. "I can go. I'm alright."

"Sure?"

Legate nodded his head. "Yeah. You need as much help as you can get."

"Poltious. You're with Legate. When you make contact with your family, or individual, they simply at this time have the option to: leave this planet or go to the resort that John and King Clagl have already established. We'll have John and Lewis sort out a solution to the problem in the meantime. Once you have an answer, contact Commander Tyler and inform her as to their intentions. Reassure them that we are working the problem. Alright?"

The men all nodded and clapped their approval.

Rose had been busy making out lists. "Lance and I are on the same page. I have everyone's lists here. It's going to be a long evening. Grab a list and go."

Rose handed each of the lists she had to a pair of Quauthin. As soon as they had it, they popped away. Soon, the room only held Rose, the Doctor, Pete, Lewis with Jack and Jake standing against the wall.

Jack held out his hand. "Got another list?"

Rose looked down. "No. They have them all."

Jack sighed. "I suppose I can go to the island resort and prepare them for a bunch of incoming. I'm out." He popped away.

Jake still hadn't said much. Rose looked back at him. "Jake. You're very quiet."

He shook his head. "I don't have much to say."

The Doctor walked out of the room without speaking to anyone.

Pete sat back and pointed at the chair next to Rose. Jake sat down. "He's taking this entire thing serious, huh? Making us solve our own problems?"

Rose smiled, "Samuel is awake. He's going to him."

Pete nodded, "Alright. Well, Lewis. I don't know if this is talking you into this job or not."

Lewis crossed his arms and chuckled, "Oh, this is a mess. What I don't get, is why hadn't you told us about this before?"

Jake shook his head. "I wanted to handle it on my own. I shouldn't have done that."

Lewis sipped his tea. "Well, we're on it now. The guys will sort this bit out. What we need to do is to figure out a new procedure so this won't happen again."

Pete nodded. "I'll make us all some more tea. Sounds like we have a lot of work to do."

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Jane sat at her desk in her flat at the computer. She edited pictures of the sessions she had taken earlier that day. She had put her brown jumper on, and taken off her shoes. The snow outside was making her cold, or maybe it just was that cool in the flat.

She looked down at her phone. Still no message from Lance. She hadn't expected anything from him for a while still yet. He had told her that he had a long, full day of bodyguard duties to perform. She got up from the computer and turned on the radio. 'In the Waiting Line' by Zero 7 played softly. She started to hum along with it as someone knocked at the flat's door.

Jane became excited. Maybe it was Lance! She opened the door and was surprised to see the Doctor standing there, holding a baby in his arms.

"John?" Jane asked in surprise.

The Doctor smiled pointed at baby. "And Samuel."

Samuel clapped his hands and laughed.

Jane became nervous, "Is Lance alright?"

The Doctor smiled, "He's completely fine. Forgive me for inviting myself over."

She smiled warmly and invited him in.

He stepped in and looked around. "This is nice. Wow. I thought you lived inside of your studio?"

"It's just through there." She pointed through some double doors to the left. Samuel laughed and clapped his hands. "And you are in a good mood."

"Ba Ba Ba!" Samuel told her.

The Doctor smiled proudly at his son.

Jane put her hands on her hips and asked, "How is Legate?"

"Oh, he's fine. He's….helping Lance with something."

"Already? With that injury?"

"I would prefer he stayed off of it a bit longer, but he insists he's alright. I learned a long time ago that Quauthin are the worse patients….. ever."

"He told me they called themselves that. It's such an odd word." She laughed, "So, what can I do for you? I'll admit. I'm surprised to see you here."

"Well, I know I had told Lance to take a few days off-"

"But…"

"Well, something came up. He's having to go deal with. I don't know how long he will be, so I decided to come over and tell you."

She crossed her arms, "That's nice. I appreciate that."

She invited him to sit down on the sofa. "Tea?"

He sat down with Samuel. The baby stood on his knees and jumped. "No, thanks. I wanted to talk to you about a few other things, too."

Jane sat down next to him and held her hands out to Samuel. "Would you like to come see me?"

Samuel held his hands out and went to Jane laughing. She kissed his cheek. "He is so heavy after holding Arles."

The Doctor smiled proudly. "Yeah. He's a bit older. Arles will be right there with him very soon." He relaxed and laid his arm on the back of the sofa. "Ummm…well. First of all. I need to pay you."

She looked confused, "For what?"

"Ummm…Rose told me you and her have an agreement."

Jane smiled and bounced Samuel on her lap, "And she's already paid me. Thank you, John."

"Oh. Hell, she doesn't tell me things like that. I find….money….extremely confusing."

Jane smiled at Samuel, "Your Daddy is so nervous to talk to me. What is that about? You would think I'd be nervous to talk to Doctor Johnathon Smith."

The Doctor grinned, "And yet, you're not."

"You're a person just like me. Should I be?"

He shook his head, "No. You've probably never been in safer company."

"I don't know…..Lance seems to be a really good bodyguard." She teased him.

He chuckled, "Yes. He is. He's one of the few I'll allow to guard Rose. Anyway. Has he ever told you anything about what he does?"

"He said he's a bodyguard. I know he works for you-"

"With me. There is a difference."

"Okay. With you. He also went to Washington to help President Shepherd with something last night."

"Has he ever mentioned Torchwood?"

"Torchwood. He might have, and it's just not something I'm not familiar with."

"Most people aren't. It's classified. But, I feel it's okay if you know. Torchwood is a research and development company-"

"Like what Stark does."

"Right. But, they also handle….people that arrive here from other places."

She looked confused. "What do you mean? Do I need to talk to someone because I'm from-"

He shook his head. "No, no, no." Samuel held his hands back out and the Doctor took him back in his arms. He bounced him on his knee and continued to talk to her. "Torchwood also has a department that handles….ummm….species from other worlds. People without a home, or people who want to come to live here. On Earth."

She looked at him in shock. "Are you teasing me-"

He shook his head. "Not teasing. It's completely true."

"So, aliens. Are really here?"

He kissed Samuel's check. "You would be amazed."

She brought her hand to her mouth and considered this new information.

"The reason I wanted to tell you this is because we've had a security breach. Lance is coordinating getting the people in harm's way, moved, so they will be safe."

"But, Lance is alright. Dealing with these aliens?"

He smiled, "He's highly qualified to do it. I wouldn't trust it to just anyone. I am concerned that because you and he are in a relationship, this may put you at risk."

"Because of these nutters who feel that aliens are all terrible?"

"Well, what do you think about that?"

She sighed, "First of all, I find it extremely hard to believe."

He laughed, "Really? Why is that?"

"Just….living in my own little world. Where everything makes sense."

He nodded and Samuel sat down on his lap and started to chew his fists. "Most people do. But, because of Lance's work, I worry that these people that feel so strongly about this-"

"Nutters."

He nodded, "Yes. Nutters. They might try to cause trouble for you. Hurt you. I would have a bodyguard assigned to you, but I don't feel the risk is that high. Yet."

"Yet?"

"You and Lance have only been seen out in safe places. No one really knows who either of you are. But, you coming to the Presidential Re-election Party tomorrow, will probably change a lot of that. You will have to be very cautious. Be aware of your environment. And…." He reached in his pocket and took out a small silver bracelet. It was thin and very shiny. "This is the same sort of bracelet that we all wear. I wanted you to have it. Now, you can't transport, but it does have a personal shield in it. That way, someone can't strike you, or shoot you."

"They shot Legate."

"He had turned it off because he had been playing football earlier that day. It's something we all forget to check from time to time. It also has a few other things. There's a tracking device in the event you are taken. We can find you. There is also a feature in this that is also in Genie's. If you say, 'Help.' It will alert all of us to come to your aid."

She looked impressed. "Wow. All of this?"

"I really didn't know how to tell you about this. I hope I haven't frightened you."

She smiled, "John. I'm made of tougher stuff than that. I don't scare easily."

He smiled and put the bracelet on her wrist. He instructed her on how to put it on and take it off. As he touched her hand, he could feel she was nervous to be sitting next to him, but also grateful he had brought her the bracelet.

She smiled at him when it finished adjusting to her wrist. "And I'm one of the tribe now."

The Doctor laughed. "One of us. Welcome to the family."

She giggled and looked down at the bracelet.

The Doctor looked at her, "So. Lance?"

She smiled at the mention of his name. "Yes?"

"Is he worth the trouble? Having to wear a bracelet for protection? Knowing he's out, someplace unknown, helping aliens?"

She smiled and bit her lip. "I'm grateful he is. Someone needs to help them. They probably just want a better life for themselves. Their families. To start over someplace."

"So, you're alright with the entire alien thing?"

"I don't see it as a 'thing'. I see it has an act of humanity. When people say 'alien' everything thinks about the Cybermen. But, I don't feel that all aliens are bad. I believe the majority of them just want to be here. Live their life. And…..just like me, they want to be accepted. It's ridiculous that people would want to hurt them just because of where they are from. Haven't we learned anything from our own history?"

He smiled proudly at her. "Well said. We'll see if we can get you a seat in Parliament."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh good Lord. Could you even imagine? No, thank you."

He kissed Samuel's head and chuckled. "So. Even with all of this. Lance's natural ability to get into trouble? You-"

She smiled, "I've not known him very long at all. But, he is….unlike anyone I've ever met. Does he date a lot?"

"No way. I can tell you that in all of the time that I've known him, he's never been out with anyone. He's a man, who is focused on his work. I've not frightened you off, have I? He will break my arm."

She laughed, "You haven't. Thank you, John."

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Pepper sat back at her desk as her last meeting ended. The head of the Department of the Navy had asked to meet with her at the last minute. Arcite closed the door behind the man, and turned to face her. He stood up straight and put his hands behind his back. "Ma'am Potts. Natasha confirms that is your last meeting today."

Pepper sat up and closed a file on her desk. "And not a minute too soon. Geez. I really didn't mean for this, Arcite. I had planned for one meeting, and it just….turned into an all day thing. Thank you for staying with me this entire time."

He bowed his head. "It is my honor. Your safety is of the highest importance."

She slipped back on her heels and stood up. "Let's go upstairs and see what Tony is doing."

Arcite didn't change his posture. "Mr. Stark is not in the building. He's been moved to a secure location with Soler."

Pepper immediately became concerned, "Why? Is he okay?"

"Of course, ma'am. All Quauthin that could be spared are currently working on a special assignment."

She put her hands on her hips. "Where is he?"

"I have been instructed to take you to him as soon as your work is completed here."

"Then let's go." She insisted as she picked up some files and walked over to Arcite.

She held onto his arm as he popped them to the island house that Tony had given her for her engagement gift. They stood outside on the deck around the swimming pool. It was sunset there, and the sun hung low in the sky. The doors and windows were opened to allow the breeze from the ocean to come into the home. She looked around and didn't see them anywhere. But, a wonderful aroma filled her lungs. Was someone cooking? Then she heard Tony's voice.

She walked into the house and stood in the doorway. She couldn't believe her eyes when she saw Tony standing at the kitchen island, cooking something on the large, silver rectangle on top of the island. Soler sat, with his back to her, talking to Tony. He was wearing a pair of blue shorts and looked very tan from the last time she had seen him. Tony's hair was wet.

Tony didn't look up. Whatever he was cooking had almost his full attention. Neither one of the guys had noticed that Pepper and Arcite had arrived. Arcite walked to the other side of the pool to look at the ocean.

"So, the box you brought?" Soler asked Tony.

"Yep? I don't know how long we will need to be here, so I brought something to work on."

Soler nodded, "Who does it belong to?"

"It's mine. It has a lot of files in it from my….Dad. I need to look over a few things before I put it back in storage."

"So, they are your Dad's? The King?"

Tony nodded, "Yes."

Soler rested his face on his fist and sighed.

Tony noticed. "What's wrong, Sparky?"

"I don't have anything of my Father's. My proper Father."

"Now, see. I don't agree with that at all." Tony told the boy and put a plate of something in front of him without looking up. Whatever he was cooking still had most of his attention. "Here. Start with that. See what you think."

"What do you mean? I don't have….anything."

"Magneer was extremely smart. He put himself between all of the Arions when he discovered his ship was going to blow. You are smart like that."

Soli nodded.

"He was also very brave. He knew that had to happen, and he didn't fight it. He saved our ship and the Quauhtin homeworld. You are brave just like him. You stood up to the Arions when they got into the ship. You saved Gene and got her to safety. And, you forget the most important thing he gave you."

"What's that?"

"You are modest. You don't brag to anyone you did these things. People find that annoying. If you ask me, you got the best deal. You got the best of what was him."

Soli picked up his fork. "Did you get anything from your Dad?"

Tony grit his teeth and shook his head. "I try every day, not to be anything like my Dad."

"Why?"

Tony put something else down on silver rectangle. The sound of something frying became loud. "He…..just wasn't a good person."

"Why?"

Tony looked up at Soli and noticed Pepper standing in the doorway. He smiled, "And look who's here."

Soler turned around and upon seeing Pepper, he jumped off the stool and ran to her. "Pepper!"

She knelt down to embrace him. "How are you?"

He held her tightly. "I have missed you."

She smiled at his young face. "And I have missed you. Did you have a nice time with John and Rose?"

He smiled and nodded his head. "I did." He took her hand and led her to the kitchen. "Tony is cooking something he calls...what is it?"

Tony chuckled, "Hibachi. I've not had this in years."

Pepper smiled, "I didn't know you could cook."

"It's an experiment to see if I can. So far, it tastes right." He teased her.

She laughed as he leaned over and kissed her lips quickly. He pointed at Soli. "Go ask Archie if he wants something to eat before he leaves."

Pepper asked, "He's leaving?"

Tony nodded his head as he continued to cook. "John has had a security breach at Torchwood and all of the Quauhtin are working to notify aliens who now have their real identities out."

"Soli is-"

"He's fine. I've never asked anyone for identification for him."

She sighed, "Thank goodness for that."

Tony looked back at her. "So. The question now is…. Do you want chicken or shrimp?"

Pepper grinned. "You're really doing this?"

He held up with the tools in his hands. "I've been doing it for a few minutes now. I think I'm getting it right."

She giggled at him. "Shrimp."

He nodded his head and poured a bowl of shrimp onto the silver rectangle. "Shrimp. Alright. Go, change. I brought you some clothes. They are just in the bedroom there."

She smiled, "Taking care of me?"

"How about that? I'm Pepper's assistant today." He laughed.

She kissed his cheek and then walked down the hallway to change.

Arcite walked in with Soler. "Thank you for your invitation to dine with you. It does smell lovely."

Tony flipped the shrimp. "Have you ever had this?"

Arcite stood next to Tony with his hands behind his back. He looked at the shrimp cooking. "No. What is it?"

"It lives in the oceans here. People eat them. See?" Tony popped one into his mouth. "Ouch. Hot. Let it cool down first."

Soli climbed back into the stool and laughed at him. Tony put some of the shrimp on his plate, next to the fried rice and vegetables that he had made. He pointed at Soli. "Let it cool first. Don't burn your mouth."

Soli nodded and ate the rice. "Tony. This is really nice!"

Tony was busy putting the shrimp onto a plate and turning off the grill he had been using. "What do you say, Arc?"

Arcite shook his head. "I really need to go assist the rest of the Guard. If it were something I could take with me-"

Tony grinned, "Got it! I'll get you sorted! Hang on a bit."

Arcite and Soli watched as Tony pulled some chocolate ice cream out of the freezer, then put a few scoops into a mixer. Then, after pouring milk in with it and mixing it, he told them. "See, this is where most people stop. But, I'm not most people."

He opened the lid and tossed a handful of shrimp into the milkshake. He put the lid on it and blended it together.

Soli watched him and ate his meal.

Tony poured the shrimp milkshake into a glass and handed it to Arcite. "There! People of Terra love that!"

Arcite tasted it and nodded his head. "It's….interesting. Thank you."

Tony nodded his head. "Glad you like it, man."

Arcite continued to sip the milkshake and popped away.

Pepper walked down the hallway just as Tony began to laugh hysterically. "Oh, this isn't a good sign at all. What did you do to him, now?"

Tony looked betrayed, "Me? Would I do something to Arcite?"

Pepper rose her eyebrows at him. "Tony?"

He grinned as he took a bottle of wine out of the refrigerator, "Wine? Eat something before it gets cold. Don't worry about what I'm doing."

She rolled her eyes and sighed.

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