6

"There is a chance of a settlement" Jack told the table calmly "initial flyovers by drone show there to be an intact Wilderness Camp that is being used as a village."

Jack was addressing everyone with a calm that hid the underlying excitement here. They had sent the Security Team to check and now he turned to nod to John who pushed off from the wall he had been lazily lounging back against with one foot up on, like a fucking super model.

"My men and I got close enough to send a drone into the village. There are survivors there, living off the land" John told them all with a look of boredom… not his fault… resting Bitchface this one… "there is solar energy and also it looks like some waterpower from a spring that feeds a creek down to the water. They have crops, livestock and all seem fine. I made initial contact via the radio the drone dropped, their leader tells me they are all good but would like some assistance with medical supplies, etcetera."

"How many souls?" came the question.

"Approximately thirty" Jonh replied, "some babies too. I feel… we feel we have a duty of care to provide assistance. Also, they have no real leader, they are sort of doing it by vote and there seems a general air of… relief that we might provide one."

"So, some may want to come aboard".

"Yes madam. And some of ours may want to leave when given the choice of solid dirt again. Some of the Crusty Population have not embraced the Dweller Lifestyle… are not suited to the Torchwood and her gentle sway in the storms." John blinked slowly "It could be a win-win."

"Also, this could be a good chance to set up another branch of our people" Ianto cut in, rising now aa John stepped back and Jack took his seat. This was the Ianto Show now. "I have thought long and hard on this development. The work of both my Captains has been invaluable to me in coming to the conclusion that we must act. I have spoken with Her Majesty here at length on my thoughts and there is agreement between us that this area can be developed to become part of our lands."

Silence as they tired to get what he meant and Ianot watched Lisa straighten as she stood behind her fucker… I mean… husband's chair. Her eyes bored into him as she got it. Oh. She got it.

"If we sent a contingent not only of survivors wanting off, but our crew members who also want to go as they are loyal to the one we choose as their leader, then we can build a country there. Of course… her majesty is Queen and shall rule all but… it is time to declare. To that end, if we do this, the one who leads shall be known as the Barron of these lands. And shall rule them, answerable only to the crown."

Dwyer had gone deathly still, his hand around the glass he had been about to pick up griping it so tightly it might explode. He dared not look up from the glass.

"My dear cousin… my brother of a kind… Dwyer" Ianto continued, watching the man finally swivel his head to look at him "Would you like to rule a kingdom in the name of the Queen?"

"Me?" he squeaked slamming the glass down and gaping at Into "ME? You would let me?"

"You are of royal blood. Your father, my uncle here is the Queen's youngest son, but he does not want to leave the vessel. Besides… this is a young man's gambit, and it will need a firm hand and a strong will. You have both." Ianto shrugged like it was no big deal "I would be pleased to see you gain the head seat at a table of your own design brother."

He had him, he knew he had him too, those eyes sliding around the table with glee so Ianto added "And of course, you will be answerable to me when I take the throne."

Dwyer rose and bowed deeply, his forehead almost touching the table as he said grandly "You honour me… brother. I accept the challenge with all my heart and soul."

"Good" Ianot settled back in his chair and glanced at the Queen for a moment before sighing lightly and clearing his throat "That brings me to your choice of mate. You will need to produce an heir, as it will become a Lordship, correct?"

Dwyer sat once more, now energized "I shall renounce my bond to Lisa… we have already been discussing this issue actually… how apt. I shall choose from them perhaps, as taking a Custy for a mate might help unite our people. Take your lead there dear brother."

Oh wow… he was going to go for gold.

"Sounds admirable. You shall seek there… if you are dissatisfied, we can always hold a ball or something in the future for some suitable mates for you to choose form but … ah…. Captain Hart?"

"There were about eight unwed women there of childrearing age, some of them well fit and… kind to the eye" John winked.

"Well then. Nainny? Is it OK? I mean… Dwyer earned it with the hard work he had put in over the last few months alone with his handling of the security and such in his sector. His men all say he is a good and fair leader. They are a larger team than on the land… so… we send Dwyer with … say…. ten hand -picked men and women… and a couple of servants. Maybe there, one can become a concubine if desired or something?" Ianto asked with wide eyes.

She looked at her scheming little rat of a grandson and smiled softly with amusement at how cleverly he had done this "You are so much like my dear late husband. You look as devoted to the task of leadership as he was."

"Is that a yes my love?"

"Of course darling, whatever you want." She waved a hand majestically "Dwyer shall be our royal hand for this region. A Barron? Lord Dwyer. Yes, fine."

And everyone as pleased beyond compare as Dwyer rose to turn and bow to his wife one more time. "I shall go now and sign the papers to cleave us."

Lisa held back tears of relief as she not only ensured a cleaving of ownership from the man she had grown to despise, but he was leaving the vessel altogether.

Ianot had saved her, even as she did not deserve it.

Wow.