57
Things moved swiftly after that.
Photos 'leaked' of Herself with several of the children gathered around her, Zane kissing her cheek gently and one of Ianto scolding a chick with his finger extended, the child's mouth open clearly about to bite it. Yeah… Owen's one. The world saw the 'threat' that UNIT were hunting down. They saw children.
Those who had received the files now rethought their positions and released what they had and the middle pages of the newspapers had daily excerpts and comments on the movement now being known as "Woodies" as a fanbase grew, people rallied and to the extreme horror of a certain Welshman, they became famous.
Herself declared them Royal Subjects under her protection. She also seemed to like visiting and cuddling with them. It was unspoken, but Jack had a feeling those kids were somehow comforting her in her old age. She did seem to leave sprightlier than when she arrived and he knew Ianto had definitely grown stronger than the man he used to know. Did the ray gun thing cure him? Or the baby while it was developing? Were the children themselves some sort or healing crystal to those they love?
Jack did not complain, did not comment on this. He just revelled in the lovemaking that was more … wrestling and biting… these days.
Finally, after the children had various discussions amongst themselves and with Ianto, they agreed to a press conference where they would step out into the world.
And so.
On a bright spring morning a clutch of Torchwood Children stepped onto a stage. Their lineal age was three and a half but physically they looked more like eight or nine. They all wore matching outfits. The boys had black trousers, white shirts and little black waistcoats with gold and silver thread sewn through them like shots of starlight. The girls wore black pinafores with white blouses and matching waistcoats, their hair all swept into ponytails at the back with gold or silver ribbons.
They looked like dolls.
And the men who stood with them, Ianto's three piece suit the same as the boys and Jack in his uniform… looked fucking regal.
Zane stepped forward and spoke. As is the way. He spoke of their fear, their confusion and the fact they were connected in a bond of a type which meant when the babies were being killed, they felt the pain and fear. They 'saw' the deaths.
Little Laurie wept, she was overcome with the memories and ran to Toshiko who cuddled her close at the corner of the stage, the world watching a child be… a child.
Then Jack stepped to the front "I am Captain Jack Harkness. Father to one of these amazing children. I love my son, I adore my son. I am constantly thankful for my son. I will kill anyone who tries to harm him and the other children. Children. Babies. Innocents. This was not their fault, not their doing and I will not allow this to change their right to be children. To live good lives and to grow into good adults."
Clapping and whistling as Ianto also stepped forward.
"I am Lieutenant Ianto Jones of her Majesty's Green Berets. I served my queen and country; I love my queen and country. But I love my son more. This is the dawning of a new age. I new world. This might have been a fuckup of massive proportions … sorry babies, swear jar…. and UNIT have a lot to answer for but it is done. It happened. We cannot exactly kill them all and reset now. Right? Instead… instead let us take a moment to revel in the fact that we will never be the same. We are one step closer to the future evolution of our people. And we are still one people. United… with love and understanding... we shall endure."
Ianto let the clapping die then added "Or we will smite you with our brainpower Alien Death Stares."
Silence.
"Kidding. Wow, tough crowd."
The laughter was light at first, then grow to thunderous applause as Zane lightly smacked his Taddy and shook his head like an old man scolding him. Well… not like Ianto did not warn them, right? Or like he did not put out there the possibility that these mutant children were a new race.
But then… he was always a sly little shit.
And the Queen nodded her approval as she issued a statement of fact, claiming the children as her subjects.
It was done.
They went home to their Western Paradise and let Owen swagger about like he had fixed it all, the children following him like little chicks, emulating his swagger. Each time he swung around they would stand stock still staring at him, then follow with the same silly walk when he headed off again.
Jack held Ianto and watched their world and knew he had to protect it at all costs.
And he did.