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Chapter 12 – Snot Soup

Tony and Pepper popped back to their high rise apartment at the top of Stark Tower in New York. Exton appeared right after they did. Jarvis turned on the lights in the sitting room, where they arrived.

Tony sat down the bottle of Scotch on the bar and shook his head. "Lance said he would be right here. What is the hold up, Exton?"

Exton shook his head just as Lance popped into the room, holding a beautiful teenage Genie's hand. Tony pointed at her, "Holy shit! Gene?"

Genie smiled, "That's one dollar for the swear, Uncle Tony."

Tony shook his head as he walked up to them. "Nah, Lance. How do you know this is really her?"

Pepper groaned, "Tony."

Genie looked back at Lance, "I would prefer you to be like this. It is truly me, Uncle Tony."

Tony crossed his arms and looked at her. Pepper stood next to him. "Tony?"

He waved his hand. "I'll handle this, Pepper. Uncle, huh?"

She smiled, "I have always called you that. You witnessed Dad signing my adoption papers. You and Jack."

Tony shook his head. "Anyone could have gotten that information."

"You call me Gene. Never Genie. Often, Gene the Lizard. It makes me mental."

He grinned and nodded. "You could have got that from an interview. That doesn't mean that it's really you."

She looked at Lance and leaned over to whisper something in Tony's ear. "I am your tenth man."

Tony's eyes grew huge. "Holy fucking shit! It is you."

Genie laughed, "And that's three dollars you owe me."

Tony laughed and embraced the young woman. "Oh my God. Pepper, this is really her!"

Pepper laughed, "What did she tell you?"

Tony looked at Genie's face and smiled. "Something, I'll tell you a bit later. Wow. What are you doing here? Are you alright?"

She laughed. "I am."

Pepper took her hand and smiled in relief. "Are you on your own?"

"No. Samuel, Arles and Tony are all with me. They are at Jane's. We thought it would be better if just one of us came to talk to you both. Besides, Jane wouldn't allow them to leave until they have finished eating. I don't believe she knows what she's asking with those guys." She looked back at Lance. "But, she took the news rather well."

Tony looked at Lance. "So, she knows?"

Lance nodded. "Yes. Finally."

Tony put his hands on his hips and smiled at her.

Genie looked at Pepper, "My gosh, you are still so lovely!"

Pepper grinned, "Well, thank you. Wow. Genie? I can't believe that you're here."

Genie embraced Pepper. "Oh, I'm so glad you guys are here."

Tony shook his head. "We're not in the future?"

She held her hands out, "Oh! Yes! Of course you are. You, Pepper and Soli were back on Plentitude when we left. That's the reason Soli isn't with us."

Tony smiled and looked back at Pepper. "How about that? This wasn't Soli's fault."

Genie crossed her arms. "It was Samuel's fault. Oh, we're in a mess."

Tony shook his head. "Gene. You just need to tell John. He's a very understanding man."

Genie shook her head. "There are other things going on. I'm not sure where we are as far as Mum….and him…..and just everything. Time is such a frightening thing to mess with. I don't know what would happen if he knew we were here. If he saw us. He's told us such stories. I know that we can't touch our counterparts that are already here."

Tony nodded. "Makes sense. But, I still don't like John not knowing."

"Samuel can usually tell what is a fixed point, and what is not." Genie told them. "I have to go with what he's saying to keep everything from really being messed up."

Tony agreed. "Well, his party is tonight…so, he will be occupied with that."

Genie sighed, "He's told us stories where he can tell when someone had moved in time. I'm not sure if he really can or not."

Tony grinned. "He can. As far as I can tell. You're not going to be able to keep this from him. Gene, I'll talk to him with you kids if you need me to."

She shook her head. "Let's see what Samuel says….first. We don't want to mess up something. Okay?"

Pepper held Genie's hand. "All of you, come here and stay until we can get you back. Soli is the only one that is here, and we'll just explain that you are….friends from out of town."

Tony agreed. "Yes. That will work. Lance, go bring the others here."

Lance shook his hand. "My thanks." He typed on his wrist and popped away.

Genie looked back at them. "I'm so sorry about all of this."

Pepper smiled. "Everything will be alright."

Genie breathed out a sigh of relief. "Thank you. Really."

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The Doctor woke up and felt eyes staring at him. He opened his eyes and saw six year old, Tony Tyler lying in the bed, facing him.

"Are you finally awake John?" The little boy asked.

The Doctor laughed and rubbed his face. "I am. Where is your sister?"

Tony sat up and groaned, "Why? You want to kiss her?"

The Doctor laughed, "I always want to kiss your sister."

"Gross!"

"She is an excellent kisser." He teased him.

Tony pointed at him. "That's just….disgusting!"

He sat up and stretched his back. He had been sleeping for 4 hours and 37 minutes. "Where is Rose?"

The small boy rolled his eyes. "Off. Being a girl. Ashena showed up, so her and Mum went someplace to get their hair done."

"They are getting their hair done? With Ashena's glowing hair?"

"Maybe it was make-up. I don't know. Genie went with them. Tony came and got Soli. It's boring downstairs, so I came up here."

"To wake me?"

"Lewis told me to. Blame him."

The Doctor laughed. "Alright. Fair enough."

"Lewis told me that Poltious is making something you have to have. So, when you wake up. Go downstairs to their flat."

He sighed, "I need to do that anyway. Is Legate there?"

"Yes. And he's playing the guitar for Arles and Samuel. I think Sam likes it."

"I believe that's the first time you have spoke about Sam and smiled."

"Ah, he can't help that he's annoying. He's a baby. Aren't they all that way?"

The Doctor rolled his eyes. "I don't know. You were a baby. Were you annoying?"

"Rose says I still am. D'uh."

The Doctor laughed and stood up. "Rose says they are getting their dresses sorted. And checking on last minute stuff. Why is she involved in this?"

Tony groaned and fell dramatically on the bed. "Girls are so strange. Just toss something on and let's go to the party, already! Jacob already has his suit on!"

"Girls are different. They take a while, but it's so worth it. They are always so lovely when they are done."

Tony complained, "Are you going to start talking about kissing again?"

The Doctor laughed as sat on the side of the bed and Tony climbed on his back. They went together down to Lewis and Lance's flat. Tony knocked on the door.

"It's open!" Lewis yelled.

The Doctor opened the door and walked in. Lewis and Legate sat on the sofa together. Both of them had their legs propped up on the table in front of them. Legate wore a pair of shorts and had two ice packs on each of his legs. Legate had Genie's Goofy doll in his lap, and his guitar sat next to him on the sofa. Lewis held Arles in his arms and smiled down at him.

Samuel sat in the floor, rolling a football. As soon as he saw his father he held his hands above his head and shouted, "Da! Da!"

The Doctor sat Tony Tyler down and lay down on the floor in front of his son. "And we finally say my name when we're awake."

Tony sat down next to Samuel. "He's been saying it all day. And I'm 'Nee.' Tell him, Sammy."

Tony rolled the ball back to Samuel. The baby laughed and pushed the ball back to Tony. "Nee!"

The Doctor kissed Samuel's head and stood up. "And how are you two?"

Lewis looked back at Legate. "Between us, we have one good leg."

Legate chuckled. "We're talking about sharing it."

The Doctor laughed. "Got a bit of ice there, huh?"

Legate smiled, "Yes. Doctor Genie has iced me up. She was very helpful. Wait until you see what Poltious has."

The Doctor walked into the kitchen. Poltious handed him a bowl of soup, which the Doctor rose to his nose and smelled. "Oh wow. Is this?"

Poltious smiled. "Legate's favorite. Gueaita. Yeah. I took my ship out to get everything for it."

The Doctor sat down on the stool and moaned, "Oh the gods. I've not had this in centuries!" He started to eat the soup and moaned. "Oh this is perfect. Thank you, Poltious."

Poltious chuckled and put the dish towel back on his shoulder. "You're welcome."

Lance walked into the kitchen. "Is that Gueatia?"

Poltious nodded, "It is. I'll make you a bowl."

Lance rubbed his hands together and smiled. "Yes! I've not had this in years! I think you were the last one to make it then!"

Politous laughed. "Probably so. It's the only thing I really know how to cook."

Legate called from the sofa. "That's not a bad thing."

Lewis laughed, "It's really not. It is perfect."

"Say the legless pair." Lance teased.

Poltious grinned.

The Doctor chuckled and sipped the soup. "This is brilliant."

Poltious leaned on the cabinet, "Good. You're both here."

The Doctor and Lance looked up. "What?" They said at once.

"I've made a decision that you both need to know. I've already spoken to Legate and Lewis about it."

Lance shook his head. "What is it?"

"I'm not going to do the Trials."

The Doctor sat back, "Well, why not?"

Poltious shook his head. "I don't need that rank. Ashena and Lenox have asked me to work with them to get all of those children back to their proper homes. That could take years, but I know I can do it. Maybe find some more, with their help. I know what it was like when I thought I had lost Legate. This is what I feel like I need to do."

Lance nodded. "I understand."

"I know this puts you in a bad position though, Lance."

Lance shook his head. "It doesn't. I've decided that I won't do the Trials, either."

The Doctor threw up his hands. "Lewis!"

"I'm out of this!" Lewis insisted.

Lance laughed. "I've had a lot of time to think about it. I'm not ready. I know I'm not. I want to wait."

The Doctor groaned. "You both are ready! Damn! Poltious, you are…. Over 400 years old."

Poltious grinned and stirred the soup.

Lance shook his head. "He's way older than that, John."

The Doctor groaned. "Damn it. I knew it. How old are you?"

"You have to tell me how old you are first, John."

He shook his head. "Well, I have no idea."

"Neither do I. I believe I was in early 500's when Legate was born. Lartius has always helped me keep it quiet."

The Doctor groaned and went back to his soup. "This is your decision, guys."

Lewis came into the kitchen, on crutches. "Well, I know you won't agree with me, John. But I think it's for the best."

The Doctor looked back at him. "How's that?"

"I was sure of the Trials when you and I started them. But, if there is any doubt, it's always a good idea to wait. That's what everyone has always said. After doing them, I have to agree."

Summus' booming voice called from the sitting room. "And Lewis speaks the truth!"

He walked into the kitchen with a huge smile on his face. "How are you all?"

The Doctor smiled, "What are you doing here?"

Summus shook the Doctor's hand and pat Lewis' back. "It is a surprise. Forgive me for not announcing my arrival before now. So, Poltious and Lance are waiting on the Trials."

Lance sat back and nodded. "I am."

Poltious smiled, "Yes. We both are."

Summus nodded and crossed his arms. "I respect that. It's not something to take lightly. You have to be completely committed to it, otherwise, you can't expect to be successful. And I hear that Lance has a beautiful distraction?"

Lance blushed and went back to his soup. "That was some of my reason."

The Doctor chuckled, "Does she know?"

"She does. Finally. And it was never in a way I had planned to tell her."

Poltious smiled, "But, she's alright with it?"

"I hope so. She's…..processing. That's what she said. So, I offered to come here and give her some space. I needed to see Jack anyway."

The Doctor nodded. "Processing? That doesn't sound like it went very well."

Lance sipped his soup. "She seems alright, but….well….it was just too much at once. Summus, I might have a different answer tomorrow."

Summus laughed, "I doubt it. If she hasn't run yet, she won't."

Poltious grinned. "So, how did you tell her?"

Lance shook his head. "Oh, please don't make me answer that."

The Doctor laughed. "Rose brought it to my attention that I never told her. That she figured it out."

Lewis smiled, "How did she do that?"

"She stepped inside of the TARDIS. My ship. And she knew. It was rather hard to deny it at that point."

Lance nodded, "Rose is a special person though."

The Doctor nodded. "So is Jane. It's just a different environment here. Rose was always so accepting with anything. She just took a deep breath and we went on with whatever."

Lance asked, "Is that the norm for people of Terra in the Prime Dimension?"

The Doctor smiled, "No."

Summus pointed at the pot on the stove. "Is that Gueaita?"

Poltious laughed. "I'll get you a bowl, Summus."

Summus rubbed his hands together excitedly. "Oh! Brilliant! I've not had that in years! Cheers!"

Jack Harkness walked into the flat. "So, this is where everyone is!"

Lewis turned and called from the kitchen. "Poltious has made Gueaita."

Jack walked into the kitchen. "Gueaita? Gross. Why would you do that?"

Poltious laughed, "There's always one that doesn't like it."

Jack shook his head and made a face of digest. "It's a texture thing for me. Slimy. It's like eating a bowl of snot."

Lance held up a spoonful to tease Jack. "And it's the perfect consistency-"

"Of a bad cold." Jack finished. "No, thanks."

They all grinned and laughed at him. The Doctor handed his bowl back to Poltious. "Could I have another bowl, please?"

Poltious took the bowl and refilled it.

Lance wiped his mouth and sat the bowl in the sink. "That was perfect. Thanks, Politous. Jack. Do you have a minute? I need a quick word."

Jack nodded. "As long as it doesn't involve this snot soup. I'm all yours."

Lance laughed and pat Jack on the back. They walked out of the flat together.

Lewis sat down on the stool where Lance had gotten up from. He leaned the crutches against the wall. "I hate crutches."

The Doctor went back to his bowl, "It's not forever."

Lewis groaned. "Well, I'm not going to think about it. Oh! The thumb drive that Lance found. It had the list on it. We moved 84 families, and only 47 where on it. So, I've already sent the guys out to tell the extras that they are safe. They are back at home."

The Doctor nodded. "Sounds good. Where are the 47 now?"

"They are on the resort island for now. None of them wanted to leave Terra. Surprisingly. Four of the families' ships are still in the Space Port. That really surprised me. But…."

"But?"

"The Florosi that had this thumb drive, has disappeared. And….their ship is also gone from the Space Port now."

The Doctor groaned. "Damn it. They left. There's no telling where they are now."

Lewis grinned, "You forget who you are talking to. When all of you lot were out alerting the families, I had Jake go to the Space Port and tag all of the ships with trackers."

The Doctor looked impressed. "That's brilliant!"

Summus nodded as he ate his soup. "Well done, Lewis."

Lewis smiled, "We'll know in a few hours, or days, where he ran off to. Maybe find out who had hired a Vesuos to come to Terra. I've looked over the list and there's no one there that stands out to me. But, you need to have another look at it."

The Doctor nodded as he continued to eat his soup. "I'll have a look."

Lewis smiled, "You'll have a look?"

"Sure." He told him. "Why wouldn't I?"

"You told Pete you were completely out of this-"

"That was when it was a human problem. This is an alien vs. alien problem. That's my department. I'm in." He explained.

Lewis looked surprised back at Poltious, who was smiling. "Told you. You owe me some money, Lewis."

The Doctor chuckled, "Where's Pete?"

"Pete went back to Torchwood to run background checks on the remaining 47 families. I have to say, your idea about starting a school for these children, could be the solution to a lot of problems."

He finished his bowl and rubbed his hands together. "Quauthin are a thriving race of proud people in the Prime Dimension during this time. King Lartius as already accepted defeat that they are a dying race but I refuse to believe it. We can solve several problems by bringing these children out. It will keep them safe, while they develop their talents in a safe environment. They can have the option of going to the Academy later if they choose. Who knows? It might save more than a few lives."

Lewis nodded, "One can save the entire galaxy. Yes. The reason we all became Quauthin. It's true."

The Doctor shook his head. "Well, it's not my reason. I just wanted to be able to go out with my wife without someone having to be with us. Plus, I like to know what's going on."

Poltious shook his head and laughed under his breath. "There's other reasons. I know you too well to believe that's it."

Lewis looked at Poltious and nodded his head. "And you're right."

Summus finished his soup, "But, they are not to be spoken of. Yes. So, there's a party tonight?"

Meanwhile, in the hallway, Lance closed the door and looked at Jack.

Jack rose his eyebrow, "And what's this about?"

"The way you travel in time….."

Jack looked down at the device on his arm. "Yes. I have this Vortex Manipulator."

"But, it's not reliable."

Jack nodded. "It is now. Well, sortof. Doc' rebuilt it. Why?"

"How many can you take with it?"

Jack narrowed his eyes. "What has happened?"

Lance crossed his arms. "You don't know?"

"I want you to say it. I'm here this time, so I think I know what you are about to say."

Lance nodded. "I need you to take me, umm….18 years into the future. I have to speak to John and Rose."

Jack grinned, "They are alright, yeah?"

Lance smiled, "They are fine. Just really frightened about how John is going to react. I want to know why."

Jack shook his head. "Maybe that's not the best idea-"

Lance pointed at Jack. "Maybe it's not, but….I'm sworn to protect this family. I need to know what the hell is going on. Even if it's not now."

Jack unwrapped the leather cover and nodded. "Alright. What date did they tell you?"

Lance told Jack the date. Jack punched it in on the Vortex Manipulator and looked up at Lance. "Ready?"

Lance took Jack's hand. "As much as I'll ever be."

They popped away.

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