59

The children were silent.

Clearly, they were all talking given hands flapping now and then and grins forming, then frowns on others. There seemed to be some sort of argument actually. But it was unnerving for those watching who had no idea why they were all huddled tightly in a circle doing this weird miming thing.

When Ianto strode into the room and forced his way gently into the middle of them it was a relief to some, his voice soft but audible to the rest of the world. "Stop that. I mean it… stop it."

"What's happening?" Jack asked.

"Arguments about who is in charge" came the sighed reply "Seems each clutch wants to be in charge. Apparently, our children do not know the concept of council!"

The children all stalled and Ianto looked down at them. Jack now knew he was arguing with them, just the fingers of one hand brushing against his thigh like there was lint.

Then the children all looked up at him in unison.

"Well?" he finally asked out loud "We can do that… or I will be in charge as the strongest adult! I am the leader of MY clutch too!"

"I am acceptable to being council" one called Lindal said, looking around at his 'siblings'. "I concur."

"As am I, I concur" Anwen nodded, then turned to Zane who continued to stare at his father silently before a single nod of agreement.

All the children relaxed ad Owen said softly "Well thank fuck for that."

"Language."

Owen roared with laughter as thirty children scolded him, and Ianto rolled his eyes with annoyance. Yeah. Only three cells remained. A fourth had been almost obtained but UNIT killed them as the place was being breached. Ensuring the death of all those inside at the hands of some very pissed off adult cuckoos. Until then, Ianto's powers were sort of not thought about. But you know… now it was known.

These creatures were not only loyal, loving and strong… they were vicious.

.

.

Flashback

.

.

Esmerelda swung around the corner and into the hallway with her weapon raised her sight keen and her right foot forward. A true soldier, this woman did not hesitate to continue forward, even though there were two UNIT pricks firing at her. She did not even flinch.

Like it mattered.

Behind her walked Ianto and Sean, the two men shoulder to shoulder like they were lovers on the promenade, all but holding hands. The bullets flying towards them all hitting an invisible wall and falling to the floor like confetti.

Hail of bullets, it took on a new meaning as they tinkled to the hard floor.

Then she fired a single shot.

A man went down at the end of the hallway, his yelp muffled by the gunfire from the remaining bod. She moved the weapon's sights a smidgeon and fired again.

Silence.

They prefer that.

"Fuck" Sean said softly as he slowed "they're killing them."

"I know… we are too late" Ianto choked out, dropping to a knee, and placing his elbows on the raised knee, his head bowed. All around the facility the others did the same until all eight were on their knees, heads bowed as if praying. (Yes, back at the compound there were children doing the same thing, some weeping silently as they felt the deaths of their fellow cuckoos.)

Those trying to attack still finding their shielded with some invisible force.

Then Ianto raised his head and said ever so gently "You heard them. Let's boogie."

Then as one, they rose, strode forward with their weapons left discarded on the floor, one hand extended in front of them like catching something, warding off evil…. the hand was flat, palm out.

Talk to the Hand because the Wrist is Pissed.

Those they encountered fell. All fell, writhing on the ground from unseen force, some screaming as the clutched at their heads, ripping at their faces, their hair, trying to get the bees out of their brains, the stinging so fierce.

Some simply died like they were told to.

It took abut ten minutes to sweep the place, find the children all dead on the floor, mourn, move out.

That night had been silent, broody.

The next day they had decided to bring Anwen's group and the other one led by Lindal into the fold. To consolidate and protect.

Would it be enough, were there enough of them left to defend their compound. Thier lives?

Thirty little ones.

And eight Growns my love… do not forget we stand firm and will defend as well.

Ah… yes Taddy. Eight of you… if each cell chooses two or three, we can simply enhance you in the field, give you our strength as we also learn your fighting techniques. In time… we will be invincible.

You already have become invincible my chick.

We Concur.