6
"Report" Jack demanded and Toshiko turned to him.
"Still radio silence from the palace and the government quarters but the civilian channels are buzzing. And it's all bad. There is a definite overthrow still in progress with casualties on both sides. Lives, structures… it sounds fierce down there." She replied "I suggest a wide berth around it and we keep going, we don't need to supply up … can do so at Venga Duo down the line."
"I concur" Ianto said softly as he leaned over the flight desk, looking at the weird symbols and circles that seemed indecipherable but clearly was as easy for him to read as a children's book "the Space Docks have a smattering of vessels docked, the Away Vessel sending back these recon photos is too close. Call them back, I fear an aggressive response to our presence."
"Agreed, I already ordered it "captain Donahue cut in. still shocked that this man could read the system that was so advanced "I think we've seen enough and I do not want to give the order for my vessel to enter shark infested waters."
I concur" Ianto repeated, straightening up as he looked over the table at the vessel's captain "this is a shame. All that work, bloodshed and we did warn them that forcing them underground would not end well. You have to flush out and kill any cancer or it will simply wait to…"
Jack watched Ianto stop talking and grimace before looking down at the table again as the table's surface changed and new symbols and circles swirled. Jack sighed then Ianto looked back up and Jack filled the space left in the room "… wait to strike twice as viciously then the first time."
"Agreed" the Captain nodded.
"All I have been able to find so far is that the name of the new overlord is Hartman. Looks like it's bloody and fierce, a lot of flesh on the ground" Toshiko was giving a rundown on what she could work out from all the chatter down on the planet's surface "This Hartman is cruel and relentless."
"We've lost one of the away vessels" someone shouted with alarm, "they are being pursued."
Ianto and Jack watched as the other two vessels moved as fast as they could, the two following them seemed hell bent on catching up to them, the one of their vessels swung to face their chasers. They watched as it flew at one, forcing it into the other and then swung out of the blast zone.
"Now that… that is a Flying Monkey" Ianto pointed at the screen.
"Rhys Williams, yes. He is old school, a mechanic onboard now but back in the day he was flight." The Captain supplied.
"I like him. Ballsy" Jack nodded.
"He almost cost us an away vessel, almost got himself killed" a woman spluttered from behind them and the Captain turned to look at her.
"Gwen, your mate is Militarial, you knew this when you signed up for this mission with him. You can do all the blustering you like, he had a purpose, was born and bred for it."
"I still don't' have to like it" she spat with anger.
Jack and Ianto shared a look as they had known friends who had voiced hatred like that for something beyond their control. Bred to perform this task, it was in their very DNA.
Like it or not.
Killers are sometimes born to kill
.
.
"What did you make of her?"
"Whingey and sort of… clingy too" Ianto replied.
Jack laughed "I mean the vessel. Not that mad woman."
"Sorry. She, the vessel is sound, she sings true and I don't' hear any murmurs in the engine of the crew. I think we are perfectly safe, bar a meteorite storm we will be OK. I like that Rhys, can't stand his woman."
Jack nodded "I like her moxie."
"Well… bully for you."
Jack snorted with mirth as they walked on in companionable silence.
Each in their own thoughts.
.
.
"We have enough supplies to get to our destination with no stops so don't think this resupply was necessary. It's just some fresh fruit and things might be less, that's all. And there are other ports along the way." Jack was softly explaining to Steven who sat with wide eyes listening.
"So, they didn't follow the away Vessels back to us?"
"No solider, they are gone. Fuel is still at capacity and we are able to fly on" Jack crooned, pulling him close "don't worry. We are on it."
Steven cuddled into his grandfather and felt safe.
They were still going to get to their promised new world.