8
Leaving a team to cap the well and finish securing the house to it's new water supply, Ianto had gone back to check the finalisation of the train. Jack sat easily on the ATV tht had been placed on the tracks ahead of the train so he could race ahead to check, a trailer on board to carry the chainsaw, rail clips and anything else needed for a quick repair of it could be done. Any major damage would halt the entire thing but they knew Tommy was as good at reverse as he was as going forward.
The map of the rails including stations and turning platforms were both on the ATV and in the engine house so if they did need to backtrack and use an alternate route that could sort it out. Bonnie was an excellent driver, her pet project about to bear fruit for them all.
Jack knew by Martha's face that she had not only talked with Kev, she was resigned to the fact she was benched along with Tish and both women were standing to one side holding hands like little girls. He looked over at them from his crouch by his ATV, trying to find word of comfort but knew his excitement would only annoy them more. Hr sent a plea in the bond for some help here, he didn't want to leave the village this annoyed. Not when they were going into hazardous territory. He wanted the last images those on the train had of their families to be loving and positive. His secret fear them might not all make it back despite his bravado.
"Martha!" Ianto called as he went to do some damage control "I understand you are not coming with?"
Martha glared at him silently. Yep. Knows full well whose fault it is too.
"I need new security for that house and with Billy and Sean coming with us on this trip you will be in charge. Also … I am confident of finding some survivors so … full quarantine procedures have to be rehearsed. I know Owen will complain but the young ones have never had sickness or disease in their lives, it's your job to scare the shit out of them with possibilities." Ianto said calmly "And Tish … can you please start the self defence games? Frank will be happy to play a Z if you want to practice some safety protocols for an infestation."
Tish and Martha lit up, this being something that had been talked about, unscripted and without warning drills for the Bigs and everyone thought Ianto and Jack would spearhead it. Tish gasped "Really? This can be our project?"
"I don't see why not" Ianto smiled "And maybe you can choose an apprentice to carry the heavy gear and such … being wilting flowers. Then when you are sure they think they have to be macho and shit … challenge them and beat the shit out of them."
"Thank you" Tish said with the same calm he was exuding at her "That does make things feel a bit better."
"After all … even with a baby strapped to you in battle … I would put money on you every time girls!" Ianto winked, then walked away as the two started talking about some ideas for a tournament or something he would not be taking part in. Had to give them a chance and Wolfing will always win.
He was sure of this.
He had made them so. As had the Maiden of the Light.
"Well, I think we are ready to go love" Ianto said softly as he leaned over the seat of the ATV Jack was crouched down beside, adjusting the straps on the machine gun he had mounted by his knee in case of trouble.
"You OK?" Jack looked up at him from his crouched stance, up unto those fathomless eyes and Ianto smiled softly as he nodded in reply. Jack accepted it and glanced over at the children swarming around the train "So I think we roll first thing in the morning."
"Agreed" Ianto rose and started to walk away, then turned on his heel to add "And tonight you better fill me good and proper because no rompey-pompey out there in the Badlands mister!"
Jack roared with mirth as Ianto jauntily walked away and he went back to final checks, nervousness creeping in as he took stock to the fact they were about to take a fucking train ride like it was a Sunday afternoon.
Into what Ianto called 'The Badlands' not less.