The Lighthouse

"Kasius has assembled the worst of the worst," River noted as she, The Doctor, Fitz and Enoch took note of Kasius's guests.

"That is correct, River Song. How could you tell?" Enoch asked.

"I know most of them. My work causes me to cross paths with some…unsavory characters," River said before nudging Fitz by his shoulder. "You see that woman over there? She's Lady Karaba, stay away from her. She's feared by even those closest to her."

"I'm more worried about Senator Gaius Panorian," The Doctor said, pointing to the man who had just walked in.

"You are wise to do so, Doctor. His very sight repulses me. Even his closest friends find his temperament to be that of a diseased, monster child," Enoch noted.

"You know him?" River asked her husband curiously.

"He and I have crossed paths more than once, over many of my faces," The Doctor said with a grimace. "It…did not end well last time."

"It never does with you and tyrants," River noted and The Doctor shrugged.

"You need not worry, Leopold Fitz. You are far more reprehensible than any other creature in this room," Enoch told Fitz, who was looking around uneasily.

"Thanks for that, Enoch," Fitz said sarcastically.

"You are quite welcome. It was a rather fun pursuit, constructing your alias. No longer are you Leopold Fitz, but rather Boshtok, a vile space marauder of unlimited wealth," Enoch said, not seeming to understand Fitz's sarcasm.

"Is the broach really necessary?" Fitz asked as he looked down at the object on his jacket.

"It adds to your reputation, signifying how many enemies you've killed," The Doctor explained and Fitz looked down at it oddly.

"Why can't we just shoot our way out?" Fitz asked.

"Easy there, son. We'd be fine, but I doubt your friends would be able to get out in one piece," The Doctor pointed out.

Fitz opened his mouth to speak but paused, staring at something over Enoch's shoulder. They all followed his gaze, seeing he was staring at a servant who had just walked in. But, as she turned around, they all understood why.

"That is Jemma Simmons. Would you like me to broker an introduction?" Enoch asked and Fitz stared at Jemma for a few more moments before finding his voice.

"Why would I need you to introduce me to Jemma Simmons?" Fitz shout-whispered.

"It's Marauder protocol," Enoch explained.

"I understand its frustrating son, but you need to maintain your cover if you want to get Jemma and your friends out of here," River said softly and Fitz stared at Jemma for a few more moments before turning back to his parents.

"Okay…okay. What do we do?" Fitz asked finally.

"For now, we mingle," The Doctor said, grabbing Fitz by the shoulder as the four of them walked further into the party. "Eventually, Kasius will sell Daisy and your friends to you. Maintain your cover until then."

A little later, Fitz was standing with River, watching as The Doctor was talking to a group of guests, all of them laughing at a story The Doctor was telling them.

"How does it do it?" Fitz asked in disbelief.

"Your father could charm almost anyone. I should know, I was raised to kill him," River said, Fitz turning to her in disbelief. "Long story."

Fitz merely nodded before turning away, his way zeroing in on Jemma, who was now staring out a window, seemingly lost in thought. River saw where his gaze was and smiled softly.

"You really love her, don't you," River said knowingly.

"Is it that obvious?" Fitz asked.

"The look you had on your face when you saw her, it was the same look my father had every time he'd look at my mother," River told him and Fitz was silent for a moment.

"What were they like? My…grandparents?" Fitz asked, the words sounding strange even to his own ears and River was silent for a moment, putting her thoughts in order.

"Sickeningly in love, although it took Mum a while to figure out how much she loved Dad," River said with a fond smile. "My father was the best man I ever knew, second only to The Doctor. He was kind, selfless and loyal to those he cared about. If you were in trouble, Dad would move heaven and earth to help you. Mum was a bit more complicated, stubborn, abrasive, had a hard time letting her guard down. But when she did…you'd never find anyone with a bigger heart."

"But they raised you to kill The Doctor?" Fitz questioned and River almost snorted as she laughed.

"Heavens no. I was…taken from them not long after I was born by people who wanted to kill your father. I found them as a little girl, but they didn't know who I was. Ours is not a conventional family, Leopold, but it's not one I would trade for the world," River said softly, a faraway look in her eyes that spoke of both pain and love. "Now go, talk to her."

Fitz stared at her uncertainly for a moment but her eyes encouraged him to do so. So, silently, Fitz headed over to where Jemma was staring out the window. For a moment, he was silent, as he tried to gather his thoughts.

"Jemma…it's me. Don't turn around, just try to play it cool," Fitz said, turning away so he wasn't looking at her. "Oh, I've missed you so much. You would not believe what has happened. But that's not important right now."

Jemma didn't say a word and Fitz looked down towards her, holding his hat in hand as he tried to figure out what to say next.

"You know, I've realized something. The universe, it can't stop us. Because we have crossed galaxies, we have traveled through time; we have survived the bottom of the Atlantic just to be together. A love like that? That is stronger than any curse. And you and I, we are unstoppable together. And I …I don't want to live another day without you," Fitz said and Jemma looked down, seemingly overcome with emotion. "So Jemma Simmons, will you marry me?"

Jemma still didn't speak and Fitz frowned unsure whether he was supposed to take offense to that or not. Did she hold a grudge over what happened in the Frame work? Was it something that had happened since they saw each other last?

"I know – I mean, I know I said paly it cool, but I didn't mean this cool," Fitz said, becoming concerned when she didn't answer. "Jemma."

When she still didn't answer, Fitz moved to touch her, lightly pulling on his sleeve when-

"Is there a problem?"

Both he and Jemma whirled around as Kree who could only be Kasius walked forward. As her eyes moved and she saw him, Jemma's breathe caught in her thought, staring at Fitz like he was a divine vision.

She hasn't been playing it cool, Fitz realized. She hadn't been able to hear him.

"I asked your servant a question, which she ignored," Fitz said as he turned to Kasius, pointing at Jemma.

"Apologies. My servants are only allowed to hear the voice of their master," Kasius explained, confirming Fitz's suspicions and filling him with rage at the same time.

"Oh, are they? Then why don't you tell me how your guest's needs are met when your slaves can't hear them?" Fitz demanded as he angrily gestured to Jemma.

Kasius looked like he'd swallowed a lemon but still; he pulled out a remote and pointed it at Jemma. He pressed a button and a beep was heard.

"There," Kasius said as he lowered the remote.

"Thank you," Fitz said, fighting to keep his voice polite.

"This one is quite exemplary. In fact, she also traveled through time with the Destroyer of Worlds," Kasius said and Fitz feigned interest. "Which probably explains her flawless complexion."

Fitz fought the urge to pull out a gun and shoot Kasius as the Kree ran a finger along Jemma's cheek and she almost flinched away. What had this monster done to her?

"Is she for sale?" Fitz asked as he eyed Jemma with interest.

"Not independently. She comes as a companion, as she is quite adept at motivating the destroyer," Kasius said and Fitz took a moment to consider this, remembering who he was supposed to be.

"I find the only motivation people need…is pain in its proper application," Fitz said, channeling his memories of his time in the Framework.

Being an evil monster in another lifetime had its advantages.

"A wonderful sentiment," Kasius said as he smiled at Fitz in a way that made his skin crawl. "I should expect no less from a man with such an impressive broach."

Fitz smirked, playing his part as Kasius turned to Jemma.

"I need you to go see what has been reaped from today's harvest."

Jemma's flickered towards Fitz briefly and he stepped aside, watching her go, each step causing him pain. But he had a job to do.

"What? Terran food awaits?"

"A bounty, though the harvest is something else. Earlier today, my men were carrying out the process of Terrigenesis, hoping to produce new Inhumans for my guests. If any were so inclined," Kasius said suggestively and Fitz didn't miss his hint.

"Depends on how many units I have left after I purchase the Destroyer," Fitz said with a smirk.

"I've heard you were a man of expensive tastes. We shall soon see if you have the resources to support such desires," Kasius noted.

Fitz and Kasius shared a smirk before Kasius walked off. Once he was sure Kasius wasn't watching him anymore, Fitz frowned. The man was perhaps even worse than Enoch had told him. And his friends were all at his mercy.

The auction couldn't come soon enough in Fitz's opinion.

Not a whole lot happened this chapter, but I felt the FitzSimmons reunion/proposal deserved its own chapter.

Next chapter deals with the escape, so buckle up.