Forest Farm, Nature Reserve; Cardiff, Wales

After Ken left to get ready for work, the stress and guilt were too much. John needed to clear his mind. The dark, empty park where he'd met Miriam Morgans and Thomas had been Anwen's favorite. Security concerns made walks few and far between. She didn't leave the space station the last two months. It hurt watching her skin pale and the spark leave her eyes. He'd begged her to leave with him. They had enough Varaxi crystals to live like royalty. But she wouldn't go.

Memories of the last day burned. They'd argued, made up and said good-bye. He'd again asked her why she would sacrifice herself for people who didn't care about her.

"I'm my mother's daughter, John. She didn't start with Torchwood. She started as a constable because she wanted to help people. Whatever was needed to save lives, she did it. Mom once instructed a team member to commit suicide while watching his partner die. She then shot Jack, believing it would kill him, so he didn't have to kill himself. To save the world." A beat. "I'm lucky. I'm sacrificing myself and not you."

He slipped the ring from under his shirt and gripped it against his chest. "I don't know if I can do this."

He'd seen a drug dealer on his way to the park and been tempted. But once he went there, he'd go back to what he was. The pain was preferable to betraying her.

Hughes Flats; Cardiff, Wales

Anwen headed upstairs after breakfast. It wasn't the first time she'd gone up to get air. The roof was arguably safer than the backyard. No one would ask too many questions. She hated lying.

"Morning." John sounded tired, reminding her of Ianto on his first day back. Not good.

"It has been decreed. I'm not allowed to talk to you." The situation was absurd. "I'm used to the male tantrums. Dad. Jack. Trefor at least has a decent excuse." A beat. "What happened?"

"Nothing you need to worry about."

Anwen really didn't like his tone. "Are you all right?"

"You wouldn't understand."

"I know there is more to you being here than what you told me. Maybe I won't understand. I can guess its some type of screwy time situation. Like Terminator. You were sent back to protect me. You gave up everything you had and risk my uncle's wrath." A beat. "You told me a Torchwood woman saved you. Do I really become an adult that could ask this as some type of repayment?"

"Its not that simple."

"Nothing is ever simple. I have no right to keep you here. No matter what I asked or did in the future."

"Do you know why Reese agreed to protect Sarah Connor?"

"Yeah."

"Talking about your future is a bad idea." John disconnected.

Anwen was heading back to her flat when she realized she'd misunderstood. John Connor sent his father to protect his mother and ensure he was born. But Reese agreed because he was already in love with her.

Which explained a lot. And meant there really wasn't anything she could do to help him. She could only imagine interacting with her made it worse. A reminder of what he'd lost.

She could only hope when she was head of Torchwood Global, she'd use the same technology to find him and give him a home. Maybe her future self was already working on it. It was the least she could do after everything.

Forest Farm, Nature Reserve; Cardiff, Wales

When he heard the other person, John pressed his back to a tree. He or she wasn't trying to hide.

"Captain Hart." The familiar voice added to the pain and regret. "I didn't mean to startle you." She stopped moving. "My name is Keara. Keara Montfort. I was hoping you might know who I am. The Prophet knows I'm here." She hesitated. "I don't have money."

He knew her all right. They'd been lovers before she was killed during a search-and-destroy mission. Unable to escape, she detonated the bomb while still in the building. Four months later, he nearly killed himself unable to cope with her death. Which led to Anwen saving him.

One more horror to relive. At least he could help her. Keara was one of Miriam's psychics, and needed to go to the refuge. "Do you have information?"

"Yeah." Keara moved closer.

When he could see her, she looked very young. And different. The Keara he knew was hard and cynical. Like him, she'd seen and done things most couldn't understand. He remembered what Keara had said about her childhood. She'd run away at sixteen. By the time she was eighteen, she was working as an escort. The rich and famous who liked young girls. Something had changed that fate.

"We can have breakfast or lunch back at my place."

She held her hands in front of her duffel back too tightly in front of her and watched the ground.

He reached out to touch her arm and she flinched. "I don't take advantage of children."

Near Hughes Flats; Cardiff, Wales

John really wanted a drink, a real drink, as he poured himself another cup of coffee. He was losing it. He told Anwen the truth. Then he brought Keara home. He was expecting Ken to call. He wanted more than one night. He was probably trying to change. John could understand that.

"I really appreciate this." Keara sounded nervous.

"What's wrong?"

She hesitated. "Why are you being nice to me?"

"Karma. I have a lot to make up for."

She didn't understand.

"What can you tell me about The Prophet?"

"He wants to puppet control of the UK. He was working with a local corporation and that ended badly."

"Do you have specifics?"

"The three buildings Colin destroyed were The Prophet's power base. He's accumulating contacts and blackmail material. He reportedly had plan B in the Liverpool building. If he can't get control, he's going to take out the government."