Chapter 8
Rose's diary.
Entry Date: Friday, 27th April, 2018.
'This working holiday has been fantastic, and Mum and Dad are flying over today for a weekend break to celebrate my birthday. (Have we got a surprise for them!) John's booked a table at In Vino Wine Bar & Restaurant on 215 East 4th Street and then we're seeing The Lion King on Broadway.'
'I can't believe that we've been here two weeks and that we'll be back in London on Monday, back to our old routine. We've made some great friends, and have forged relationships with our American counterparts, which was the idea in the first place, but it won't half be nice to get home and sleep in our own bed….'
Doctor's diary.
Entry Date: Friday, 27th April, 2018.
'Well, the New York branch of the Torchwood franchise is nearly ready to open for business.'
'Rose and EJ have loved it here, and although we could have hopped across each day in the TARDIS, it has been much more fun staying here and soaking up the atmosphere.'
'Pete and Jackie are flying in this afternoon for Rose's birthday celebration tonight, with a night on the town. We can also give them our surprise news….'
Torchwood South Tower.
New York.
John, Rose and EJ walked into the Standby Room of the Special Operations Unit, and felt right at home. There was even a cordoned off square in the corner with yellow and black tape on the floor which denoted the TARDIS landing area.
Jack was on his mobile phone when he saw his friends enter. "Okay, I'll see you when I get back. Bye." He put the phone in his pocket, looking a bit furtive.
Rose sidled up to him and nudged his shoulder with hers. "Who ya talkin' to?"
"Oh, just a friend. I was arranging to meet up for a drink when we get back," he said.
"Oh, just a friend," she said teasingly, giving him that tongue in her teeth smile.
"Ah, the Newbies are back from basic training," Jack quickly changed the subject as Captain Hunter led the Field Agents through the doors.
John greeted the throng. "Welcome back everyone. I hope you're not too stiff from all that physical training. I know I was." There was laughter and murmurings of agreement. "Grab yourselves a drink out of the machines and then find a locker where you can stow your gear. John Weston and myself will issue you with your specialist equipment when you come back."
Gene Hunter walked over to them. "How'd it go Captain?" Jack asked him.
"Really good actually. Although they were at different levels of fitness, they came together as a team and helped each other out. It was quite inspiring actually. They're really motivated to make this work."
"Oh that's brilliant," Rose said. "That's just what we were hoping for."
Charles DeCaprio came into the room with some people who were carrying recording equipment. "John, Jack. Have you got a minute?"
"Of course Charles. What is it?" John said.
"Well, we have some news media here doing a story on our little venture. We'd like to give them some footage inside without compromising security. Can we give them some 'eye candy' that will look good on TV without giving the game away?"
"We could show them the Special Operations status boards and Standby Room, pixelating the faces of the agents of course," Jack suggested.
"Some of the Forensic Laboratories and Engineering Workshop," John said.
"That's great," Charles told them. "And then if we can all meet in the Atrium in Reception for the interview."
"Interview!?" John asked. "What interview?"
"Ah, yes. The media are curious about the celebrity agents from Britain, so I've arranged a little interview to satisfy their thirst for knowledge."
"Oh fantastic," John said sarcastically. "Isn't that just wizard!"
Rose had joined them and lifted EJ up onto her hip. "Oh I don't know John. If we can do Parkinson, I'm sure we can handle a little news item, and besides, we have a secret weapon this time," she grinned and nodded at her son in her arms.
Vitex Luxury Airship.
Somewhere over the North Atlantic.
Pete, Jackie and Tony Tyler were four hours into their flight to New York, when they saw the CNN midday news update on the media screen.
"Oh my God! Pete, Tony, look. It's Rose, EJ and John on the news."
'Well, the British are coming, and they are being welcomed with open arms. All week we've been reporting on the foundation of a new institute here in the very heart of New York'. The video showed the South Tower of the World Trade Centre, and some footage inside one of the laboratories.
'The famous Torchwood Institute is setting up office here in the South Tower, which is locally being called Torchwood Tower. We managed to speak with the Director, Professor Charles DeCaprio from M.I.T, and three British consultants who have been overseeing the project'. The scene cut to the reception atrium with Charles, John, Rose (with EJ in her arms), and Jack.
"There they are look," Jackie said, in case anyone by chance couldn't see them.
"Shhh! Let's listen," Pete said.
"Dr. DeCaprio, How does it feel to be appointed Director of the prestigious institution?" the reporter asked.
"It's an honour and a privilege, which I shall do my best to live up to."
"I understand that you've worked with Torchwood in the past, is that right?"
"Yes, on two occasions. Firstly, when the Cybermen vanished from the Cybus factories. Dr. Malcolm Taylor put together a team of scientists to find out where they had gone. The second occasion was when the oncoming darkness was upon us. The same team came back together to help stop it."
"And it was Dr. Taylor who recommended you as Director."
"Yes, that's right. I must have made a good impression," Charles said with a laugh.
"If I can turn to someone who needs no introduction. Dr. Smith, what has been your role here at Torchwood New York?"
"Hello. I've been helping Charles set up all the technical equipment in the laboratories and workshops, and selecting the scientific staff to operate it all," he said, smiling at the camera.
The camera panned across to Rose and EJ, and before the reporter could ask a question, EJ started to tell them about his holiday. "We went inside the big statue, didn't we Mummy? Y'know, the one that looks like this." He thrust his arm straight up in the air.
"Ooh, isn't he just SO cute," Jackie said, watching the interview in the airship.
The reporter was laughing when she asked her question. "Mrs. Smith, looking as great as ever may I say, what has been your contribution to the set up?"
"Thank you. Well, bein' a senior Special Operations Field Agent that had no special trainin' when I joined, I gave a motivational talk to tell the applicants that they were all on a level playin' field."
"A senior agent?" the reporter said in surprise.
Rose beamed a smile at the reporter. "Yeah, I know. The bad guys underestimate me at their peril. I also orchestrated the selection process here, while Captains McNab and Hunter conducted the interviews from London via a video conference. It was also my responsibility to make sure everyone had uniforms and personal equipment."
The camera panned once again and the reporter checked her notes. "And you are…."
"Captain Jack Harkness, Deputy Director of Torchwood One in London," he cut in with his perfect smile. "I've been setting up all the background electronic office systems that make a big organisation like this run smoothly, as well as the state-of-the-art internal security systems that protect all the high tech equipment inside."
The scene cut to the Special Operations Standby Room with black uniformed agents and pixelated faces. "So very soon, America will have a high tech institution that can offer assistance to military, law enforcement and commercial organisations, as well as keeping us safe from alien invasion. Hopefully, claims of alien abduction by little green men will soon be a thing of the past. This is Vanessa Penfold, reporting for CNN in New York."
LaGuardia Airport.
New York.
Four hours later.
Rose was holding EJ, while she and John looked at the faces coming through the Arrivals Gate. The Vitex Airship had arrived shortly after a commercial flight, so there were a large number of people coming through Customs & Excise.
Rose pointed at three familiar faces that were coming down the corridor.
"Gra'mar, Grumpy, Tony," EJ shouted, clapping his hands. As a joke, Jackie had called Pete 'Grumps' instead of 'Gramps'. The title had stuck, and EJ now called his Grandfather 'Grumpy', which Pete loved.
Rose put him down and he ran into a hug with Jackie, and then Pete. They made their way towards John and Rose and everyone hugged and wished Rose a happy birthday.
"How was your flight?" John asked Pete.
"Smooth and uneventful, just how I like 'em," he replied with a grin.
"Well New York seems to agree with ya, you're positively glowin' Sweetheart," Jackie said to Rose. "We saw ya on the news on the way over."
"Oh, was it alright? We haven't seen it yet," Rose said, trying to deflect her mother's attention from her 'glow'.
Pete grinned. "It was great. Very good P.R for Torchwood."
"Here, let me take your bag Jackie. We've got a limo waiting to take you to our apartment," John said.
"You hear that Pete? They've got a limo and an apartment. That's proper American that is."
After the 20 minute drive, the limo pulled up outside the apartment building, and they stood on the pavement (sidewalk) looking up. John got the luggage out of the boot (trunk) and followed them into the lobby (lobby).
"John, Rose. How was your day?" Carlton asked from behind the counter.
"Fine thanks," Rose responded. "And a bit sad. It was our last official day before handing over the reigns."
"And this must be your parents and your brother."
"And who might you be?" Jackie asked.
"Hello. I'm Carlton, your doorman."
Jackie snorted a laugh. "You're kiddin' me!" She remembered the television series 'Rhoda' from the 70's.
"Mum!" Rose said, slightly embarrassed. "My family are stayin' for the weekend before we head back on Sunday."
"I'll be sad to see you go. You've been a breath of fresh air around here. Do you need some beds? I've got a couple of folding beds you can borrow for the weekend."
"Thanks Carlton. That would be really good," John said.
They made their way up to the apartment, and Pete, Jackie and Tony immediately went to the balcony to look out over the city.
"That's one hell of a view," Pete said before stepping back inside.
"Yeah, we're gonna miss it," Rose told them. "Anyway, let's get freshened up and get our glad rags on. The table is booked for 6:30."
In Vino Wine Bar & Restaurant.
215 East 4th Street. New York.
"... Happy birthday to you." They finished the song and Rose blew out the candles on her cake. John had arranged for a 'Union Jack' cake, and Jack had suggested the shape of a T-shirt. He always remembered their first meeting, and thought that she filled that T-shirt rather well.
"Here y'are Sweetheart. Happy birthday." Jackie lifted a glittery bag with wrapped presents inside.
"Oh thank you," she said, beaming a smile.
John raised his glass of champagne for a toast and everyone followed. "To my beautiful wife Rose. Many happy returns."
"To Rose," everyone echoed. Jackie noticed that Rose was drinking fruit juice. "You not drinkin' Sweetheart? You're not ill are ya?
"No. I'm fine Mum, but EJ has got some news to tell you, and if he doesn't tell you soon he's goin' to explode. He's been such a good boy keepin' it secret."
"Wha? Can I tell them now?" he asked all excited. Rose giggled and nodded at him as she held John's hand and glanced into his eyes.
"I've got a sister," he said proudly. He pointed to Rose's belly. "She's in there at the moment, but when she's ready to come out she'll tell me and I'll tell Mummy and Daddy."
It was a rather unusual way to announce a pregnancy, and so it took a while for them to process the information. When the penny dropped, Jackie let out a squeal that had all the heads in the restaurant looking in their direction. Pete roared his approval and slapped John on the back before shaking his hand.
Jack saw the other diners looking their way and stood to address them. "We've just found out that she's pregnant." The restaurant exploded into applause and cheers of congratulations, a lot of the diners recognising the celebrity couple from the news.
Jack sat back down and grinned at them. "I said this morning that you looked like cats that had gotten the cream. And you young man…." He tickled EJ in the ribs. "I'll have to have serious words with you about keeping secrets from your Uncle Jack."
They finished their meal with an enjoyable buzz of conversation. The news had made a good evening out into a fantastic one. The manager came over and presented Rose with a large bouquet of flowers.
They left the restaurant and made their way to the Minskoff Theatre on 200 West 45th Street, to see the stage production of the Lion King, which they thoroughly enjoyed.
It was late when they got back to the apartment and Tony was fast asleep, being slightly jet lagged from the flight over. EJ was yawning and fighting to keep his eyes open. Jackie and Pete between them got Tony into his 'Space Patrol' pyjamas and into EJ's bed.
John picked up EJ and headed for the couch. "Put the kettle on Love and I'll get his 'jim-jams' on." John quickly got EJ changed and tucked him in next to Tony. He came out of the bedroom and quietly closed the door. Rose had made a cup of tea for everyone and was handing them out.
"I see Carlton has made up the folding bed for us," Rose said. "You and Dad can have our room."
"We'll do no such thing," Jackie said indignantly. "No pregnant daughter of mine is sleepin' on a makeshift bed. Me an' Pete can sleep here."
"No Jackie, please," John started.
"I'll tell you what," Jack said, taking out his keys. "You two take my bed." He threw the keys to Pete. "And I'll crash here. It looks comfortable enough."
"Oh, but we couldn't," Jackie said.
"Ah-ah Jackie. I won't hear another word. We Americans have a reputation for hospitality that I have to maintain," he said with his charming smile.
"Well…. If you're sure?"
"Not another word. Come on, enjoy your tea. You won't get a cup like this out there." He nodded out the window at the city beyond.
It was around 9:30 when Rose padded out of the bedroom in her short, 'nighty-night' nightshirt and slipper socks to put the kettle on. She needn't have tried to be quiet, because Jack was already awake in the fold away bed, finishing a call on his mobile.
"Morning gorgeous," he said with his boyish smile.
"Mornin' Jack. D'ya sleep well?"
"Yeah, I did actually. The beds really comfortable, but the noises from the bedroom kept me awake for a while."
Rose gaped at him and blushed. He just grinned back at her. "I'll have a coffee if you're making drinks."
John appeared in the doorway in his blue and white striped pyjama bottoms, running his fingers through his unruly hair and scratching his head as he yawned.
"Oh, morning Jack. Did you sleep alright?"
"I was just saying to Ro…."
"He slept fine. The bed was really comfortable," she interrupted.
John looked at her a bit puzzled and shrugged his shoulders, while Jack just chuckled to himself. His best friends were so predictable and easy to wind up.
"So what's the itinerary for today then?" Jack asked as Rose poured the hot water into the cups.
"Well, I thought we could take Pete and Jackie to see Torchwood New York and then be tourists for the rest of the weekend," John said as he kissed Rose on the cheek before taking the cup of tea.
Rose took her tea and Jack's coffee and put them on the low table.
["D'ya want to see Jack out of his comfort zone? I've got a score to settle."] she thought to John.
["This I've got to see. Hang on I'll sell some tickets."]
"So what did you wear to bed last night Jack? Did you go and get some pyjama bottoms?" she asked him.
Jack looked a bit puzzled by the question. "Er, no. Never wear them."
Rose lifted a side of the duvet and climbed into the fold away bed with him. "Bodge up," she commanded, as she reached his coffee and handed it to him.
"Wha?" he squeaked. This was his best friend, the wife of his other best friend, and she was snuggling up to him in bed. And he was naked!
"What's up Jack? We're best mates aren't we? It's not like anythin's goin' to happen is it?" She reached around his chest and gave him a squeeze. "Ooh, I don't know though," she said with a mischievous grin.
Jack's anatomy had betrayed him. Although she was like a sister to him, she was a very sexy woman. He quickly reached over and put his coffee on the table and climbed out of the bed with the duvet wrapped around his waist. "Er, I'd better go to the bathroom," he said distractedly as he gathered up his clothes.
["YES!"] Rose mentally punched the air and started to giggle.
["Blimey!"] is all John could think.