41
It was time, they were ready to go and overly excited. Everyone stood to see them off, kisses and waving as they got underway. It was fine weather, the windows open with the mesh coverings letting the breeze through the front carriage everyone was in.
Ianto and Dean were lopping along, also enjoying the day as Jack watched them from his ATV, slowing as Frank signalled that he wanted on the train. He clambered from the back of the ATV to the engine's side and then into the cab. Abner moved slightly so he could stand next to him, the Weevil liking the controls.
Clever man. Abner was quite fond of him.
It was two hours in when they slowed, a large bend in the rails coming up and Jack stopped to watch at Thomas chugged around the bend, Ianto racing ahead.
No Zs. It had been a pristine run so far and Ianto almost could not believe it. Jack knew he was on edge and searching for dramas to quash, the only drama at the moment coming from inside the train as an argument broke out between Kev and Sean over who should take point.
Seems Alpha team is number one team. Bravo see themselves as the secondary team. Of course, this is something that had been discussed. Tango were supposed to be back-up security, to sweep and form a protective line if need be.
Ianto was unconcerned with the voices drifting on the air as he knew Kev was bored and needling Sean for something to do. Ianto knew his brother was always bristly when challenged but it would all come to nothing once they stopped to eat and all would agree they wanted off the train at the same time.
Which they did.
Tables materialised on the grass, even a cloth that everyone found funny as they settled to eat. Jack watched his love pace the perimeter as Dean and Frank ate, then swapped out to sit and pick at a ham sandwich that he clearly did not want.
Too nervous.
They were soon underway again, right on track … pardon the pun….and Scotland was nearing as they slowed to let Jack and Ianto do a recon.
They moved to check the distances like they were not really looking for the house, Torchwood House. The old estate manor where they had left it of course … not like it was going to grow feet and walk away but it still felt like an accomplishment to sight it, both men feeling relief.
"Looks intact" Jack said as he sat on the ATV peering down at it from the hillock.
"I don't smell any Z, will go sweep to be sure" Ianto informed him, then took off.
The gardens looked decrepit. It was a little spooky with overgrown plants, some dead pants and the mist settling in the back yard was almost ethereal. Archie loved this place, the Loc behind the manor no doubt teeming with fish these days and Ianto allowed a moment of memory to filter through from one of his trips here with Yvonne when the old shit was out on said lake fishing and refused to row in to shore, even for Yvonne who screamed and stomped her feet like a child.
Old shit.
Ianto knew the train would be about half an hour away so he returned to Jack and told him there were no sign of Zs, it was derelict up top.
Who knows what lies beneath.
The train came to a stop and they unloaded the vehicles then preceded down to the manor, Kev allowing Sean the lead as he trusted Ianto's' eyes and knew when to let a hardhead win. Ianto was grateful.
Kev was a good man and a good friend.
Yes. Solomon could learn a lot from him.
They stood outside the huge doors and knocked, feeling foolish as they did so but knowing any Zs inside would immediately race for them. After waiting an excruciatingly long time they agreed there was no movement and they broke the lock, Ianto entering like a wraith to check.
"Smells of dust and old books" Ianto muttered "Nothing else. No Zs. No people. First section secure."
"The defence grid?" Jack called out as he finally entered to let the others pour past him.
Ianto stood in Archie's office looking at the wall of lights flashing, blinking and some steadily screaming in bright red.
"Some are intact, I do see breaches though. Shit. Looks like some levels are not secure, could be bleed through. No water damage or fire alarms. Air filters are still registering so I go … it's still working down there. The generator is still ticking over after all this time." Ianto sighed.
"Judoon, built to last" Jack supplied as he came to stand next to Ianto and peer at the switches "might have another few years in it yet. Shame. Once we breach that outer wall we will shut it all down."
"Only the locks and defences. Anything remaining trapped will still survive until they run out of food or whatever. Why we do NOT want to be in there at Zero Hour. Anyway … we both know whatever is down there can never get out. Zs are bad enough, some of these inmates in the mix would be the End Days."
"Agreed" Jack squared his shoulders.
Time to move forward.
Do or die.
Time to go to the REAL entrance doors.