Chapter 1

Out With The Old, In With The New

The President's Private Office.

10 Downing Street.

Jack Harkness, director of The Torchwood Institute, sat at a beautifully polished desk, next to Harriet Jones, soon to be former president of The People's Republic of Great Britain. It was the monthly meeting, where Jack would brief Harriet on all Torchwood matters, and bring her up-to-date with ongoing investigations, and on the outcomes of previous missions.

'. . . And as you probably saw, the Judoon landed at City Airport and took our interplanetary drug dealer to The Shadow Proclamation for processing and rehabilitation,' Jack finished reading. He closed the folder on the desk. 'On a personal note, the Williams' are doing well, and little Melody gets bigger every time Amy brings her in for a visit.'

'Oh, how lovely,' Harriet replied. 'And what about Pete and his family, how are they doing after their ordeal? It's been what, six months now?'

Harriet was referring to the incident where Tony Tyler had been kidnapped by Yvonne Hartman, a former director of Torchwood, and Pete had been forced to choose which one would survive and which one would drown. Blue Watch had saved the day, but Hartman had escaped, and Rose very nearly put a bullet in the head of Yvonne's accomplice, which would have been first degree murder.

'They seem to be doing alright,' Jack replied. 'I know it took Jackie weeks before she could go in the shower cubicle without having a flashback and panic attack. But Alice has worked her voodoo on them, and I think they've come through it stronger and even closer.'

'Well, at least something positive came out of it . . . I'm just sorry Yvonne got away, and that she hoodwinked us all with that secret cell in the Defence Minister's offices.' She picked up her cup and saucer and sipped her tea.

'To be fair, Harrie, that was William Abberton who set up C4, even before you took over the presidency . . . talking of which, I suppose this is going to be our last meeting . . . Well, as president and director, anyway.' Jack also picked up his cup and saucer, and had a drink of his fresh ground, Columbian coffee with roasted hazelnut.

'Yes, I suppose it is, and can I just say Jack, that I have enjoyed these little meetings. It always seemed an escape from the humdrum routine of day-to-day business.'

'Likewise, Harrie . . . What are you going to do with yourself?'

'Back to my little cottage in Flydale I think. I'm afraid I've rather neglected my garden over the years, although my neighbour has managed to keep the lawn under control.'

Jack gave her his boyish smile and laughed. 'And I wonder who I'll be meeting with in here next?'

'I see Charles Beech is ahead in the polls,' said Harriet.

'Ah, Beech. Yes, I've read his profile . . . What's he really like though?' Jack asked in a conspiratorial fashion.

'Well, I have to say, although he was leader of the opposition, I rather liked him,' Harriet began. 'We had some lively sparring matches on the Floor of the House.'

Jack gave a single laugh. 'I remember seeing them on the news.'

'He honed his skills at the debating society at Cambridge you know, but unlike previous leaders of the opposition, off the Floor, he was always pleasant and friendly.' She put her cup on the desk and leaned forward. 'I'll let you into a little secret, now that I'm retiring . . . Before President's Question Time, sometimes we used to compare notes so that we could make a good show of it.'

Jack looked surprised. 'Harriet! You old scoundrel.'

'Wellll, politics is more about showmanship than statesmanship these days . . . And not so much of the old if you don't mind.'

Jack just laughed. 'So you think we'll be alright with Beech then if he gets in?'

Harriet nodded. 'Yes. He'll be a bit wet behind the ears when he starts, but he's sharp and quick to learn. He's nobody's fool, and I do think he really cares about the country and the people who live in it. Hopefully, he'll want to continue our "Golden Age",' she said, air quoting the last part.

Jack put down his cup and stood up. 'Well Harrie, I must be getting back to my office. It's been an absolute pleasure.' Harriet stood, and they had a long hug. 'And don't be a stranger.'

Harriet came out of the hug and dabbed at the tears in her eyes. 'Good luck with the new president Jack, and thank everyone at Torchwood for their hard work and support over the years.'

'Will do, Harriet. Bye.'

'Goodbye Jack.'

Back in his office, Jack was sitting at his desk on the top floor of Torchwood Tower, when, through the glass fronted office, he saw a familiar figure approaching. He stood and moved towards the door and opened it for Sarah Jane Dalton to walk in.

'Sarah Jane!' He kissed her on the cheek. 'Have a seat. Would you like some coffee?'

'That would be nice. Thank you.' She sat on one of the plush, white leather seats against the wall and looked out over the O2 Arena and the River Thames.'

Jack went to the coffee percolator and poured two cups of coffee. 'You said you've made some progress with your investigation?'

'Yes. Your head of psychology is of the opinion that Yvonne Hartman would not try to leave the country. She has too much invested in her revenge to do that.'

'So she's gone underground then?' Jack asked.

'Sort of,' Sarah Jane replied. 'Because Hartman is a psychopath and sociopath, Alice says she is intelligent, but will have a grandiose sense of self-worth, thinking she is smarter than the rest of us. She taunted you before, when she plotted to kill Andy, and force Peter to make a Hobson's Choice.'

'That's right. She even used a factory unit in sight of the Tower,' Jack recalled.

'Alice reckons that's a character trait . . . She wants to make it personal. And then, one of your researchers downstairs said something interesting . . . When I asked her where she thought Hartman might be hiding, she said "in plain sight".'

'But surely, that's just an old adage,' Jack said.

'It is. But then I remembered John saying that if you wanted to hide a book, you'd put it in a library.'

'And I'm guessing you know which library our book is in,' said Jack with a smile.

Sarah Jane nodded. 'We have a psychopath who discovered a secret organisation called The Forge. She eliminates the head of that organisation . . .'

'William Abberton,' Jack interjected.

'That's right. Yvonne assumes control of The Forge and discovers they've infiltrated the Ministry of Defence with a department called C4, a department which seems to be trying to create the ultimate soldier. Torchwood uncovers the secret, C4 gets closed down, and the government calls for an enquiry . . .'

'And?' Jack asked, not quite sure where she was going with it.

'If the government are looking at C4, where is the last place someone would look for the head of C4?'

Jack's eyes went wide with realisation. 'The government!'

'Exactly. So I contacted an old acquaintance of mine who works in the press office at Westminster, and asked him if he'd noticed anything unusual in the last few months, personnel changes, policy changes, that sort of thing.'

'And he came up with something?'

'Nothing specific, but three months ago, just before the election campaign started, the leader of the opposition, Charles Beech, called a surprise meeting of the Shadow Cabinet.'

'And I'm guessing it wasn't to discuss the campaign strategy.'

'A complete change of the party's focus and policies. My contact seems to think that either Beech came across some information which influenced his opinions, or . . .'

'. . . Someone has influenced Beech,' Jack finished for her.

'Hartman has already demonstrated a talent for using disguises.'

'You think Yvonne Hartman has taken the place of one of the Shadow Cabinet?'

'Either a Shadow State Secretary, Minister, or Under Secretary. Beech is ahead in the polls and is expected to win. Even if he doesn't, someone working for the opposition could still influence debates and sow seeds of doubt in The House.'

'To what end?'

'She's tried to kill the head of Spec Ops, as she feels he betrayed her. She tried to destroy the former Director by making him choose between his wife and his son . . .'

'. . . Because she feels he stole Torchwood from her . . . I see where you are going with this. She now has The Forge, so she'll try to destroy Torchwood itself.'

Sarah Jane nodded. 'For her, the ultimate grandiose sense of self-worth, is to take on the whole of Torchwood.'

'Does your contact have any ideas who Hartman is impersonating?

'No, but he said the Under Secretaries of State do a lot of important work, including piloting Bills through Parliament, and carry out a wide range of representational and other duties. They take important decisions on individual cases and narrow issues.'

'How many are there?' Jack asked her.

'Small departments will have one, but larger departments will have three or four.'

'That's quite a few suspects to keep an eye on,' Jack realised.

'And that's just the Under Secretaries. He also said the second tier of Ministers, the Ministers of State, number the same. These Ministers are more experienced and powerful. I ran all this past Alice, and she thinks Yvonne will impersonate one of the Under Secretaries. Less conspicuous but able to spread rumours and doubt.'

'Good work, Sarah Jane. We are going to have to narrow down that list if we want to stand a chance of fighting the government.'

The Downing Street Press Briefing Room.

9 Downing Street.

It was the day after the general election, and the results were in. The People's Republic of Great Britain had a new administration. After three terms in government, and being hailed the architect of Britain's Golden Age, Harriet Jones had decided it was time for a younger person to have their turn. There had been a party leadership election, and a new party leader campaigned hard for the presidency. However, they didn't have the charisma and popularity of Harriet Jones, and the party lost by a small majority to the opposition.

The newly elected President, Charles Beech, adjusted his tie nervously as he addressed the press. Beech was six feet tall, well built man in his thirties, with a head of wavy, unruly, brown hair. His physique, and his slightly crooked nose, harked back to his days as an undergraduate at Cambridge, where he used to play rugby. His nose, though, seemed to enhance his handsome looks. On graduating, he'd become an enthusiastic member of one the opposition parties during Harriet Jones's tenure, and quickly rose through the ranks, culminating in him being elected their leader.

Behind him, the Home Secretary, James Montgomery, was a bit of a dark horse. He was four inches shorter than Beech, and was slightly built. He was in his late forties, and had grey, receding hair. His thin features, with aquiline nose and thick rimmed glasses, gave him an owl-like appearance.

Beech cleared his throat, nervously. 'Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here today. It is an honor to address you as the newly elected President. Our country faces many challenges, and I am committed to leading with integrity and transparency. Today, I want to discuss our plans for national security and public safety, two of our top priorities.'

The reporters murmured, taking notes and preparing questions. The President glanced nervously at his notes, then continued. 'As you all know, the safety of our citizens is paramount. We will be enhancing our counter-terrorism measures, investing in new technologies, and ensuring that our security agencies have the resources they need to protect our nation . . . Now, I'll open the floor to questions.'

A seasoned reporter, Sarah Jane Dalton, raised her hand and the President nodded to her. 'Mr. President, Sarah Jane Dalton, London Gazette. What are your plans for addressing the preliminary findings of the public inquiry into the discovery of a secret cell operating within the offices of the Ministry of Defence?'

'Excellent question, Ms. Dalton,' Beech responded. 'Due to the serious nature of the inquiry, I will be calling for a thorough review of security screening of all MP's and staff in the Houses of Parliament . . .'

Montgomery stepped forward slightly, his eyes scanning the crowd with a calculated intensity. 'If I may add, Mister President, we will also be conducting a review of all privately owned organisations employing armed security staff. For full transparency and impartiality, the Torchwood Institute will also be included in this review.'

The President nodded appreciatively. 'Thank you, James. Your experience and expertise will be invaluable as we move forward.'

Sarah Jane continued. 'But wasn't it Torchwood which uncovered the secret cell in the first place?'

Beech looked to his Home Secretary. 'James, would you like to take this one?'

Montgomery nodded. 'Transparency and accountability are at the core of our approach. We will establish oversight mechanisms to maintain public trust. Rest assured, our primary goal is the safety and security of our citizens,' Montgomery replied. 'If I may add, Mister President, we are also establishing a new task force to address emerging threats. This task force will work closely with agencies such as Torchwood to ensure a comprehensive approach to national security.'

The President nodded in agreement, his confidence bolstered by the Home Secretary's authoritative presence. 'Thank you, James. We are committed to protecting our nation while upholding the values of transparency and accountability. Next question, please.'

A younger reporter raised his hand and was acknowledged. 'Mark Thompson, BBC News. Could you elaborate on the nature of the threats this new task force will be addressing? And how do you plan to coordinate with organizations like Torchwood?'

Beech hesitated slightly. 'While I cannot comment on specific incidents, I can confirm that we are taking all reports seriously. The task force will be equipped to handle any threat, terrestrial or extraterrestrial. Our priority is to be proactive rather than reactive.'

'And let me add, Mister. Thompson,' Montgomery said, looking at Beech for permission. 'That the task force will not only address these threats but also work to understand and mitigate them. By doing so, we can prevent panic and ensure the public remains informed and protected.'

The press conference continued, with more questions and answers. The President's nervousness gradually eased, buoyed by the Home Secretary's unwavering support. 'Thank you all for your questions. We have a lot of work ahead of us, and I look forward to keeping you updated on our progress. Together, we will ensure the safety and security of our great nation.'

As the press conference concluded, the President and the Home Secretary stepped away from the podium, exchanging a brief, glance. 'You've done well, Mister President. Our plans are just beginning,' Montgomery whispered.

Beech smiled. 'Thank you, James. Together, we'll make this country stronger than ever.'

10 Downing Street.

Robert Williams was an up-and-coming member of Parliament, who quickly gained recognition for his progressive views and exceptional media skills. He was known for his dynamic and modern approach to politics, leveraging social media and other digital platforms to connect with younger constituents and promote his forward-thinking policies. He was a youthful and vibrant figure, standing at an average height with a lean, athletic build. He had dark hair, often styled in a modern, slightly tousled look which added to his approachable and dynamic image. His expressive brown eyes were warm and engaging, often lighting up during discussions and media appearances.

His ability to articulate complex issues in an accessible manner had endeared him to a broad audience, making him a popular figure among the public and a key voice for progressive causes within Parliament. His media savviness and charismatic presence made him a formidable advocate for change, often pushing the envelope on social and economic reforms. His stylish wardrobe featured well-fitted blazers, crisp shirts, and occasionally jeans, which reflected his progressive outlook and connected well with his younger supporters. His easy smile and relaxed demeanour made him a charismatic and relatable presence both in and out of Parliament.

Alice Robinson, Under Secretary for Diplomatic Affairs, spotted the Foreign Secretary heading towards the Cabinet Room in Number Ten, and she walked briskly to catch up. 'Robert, do you have a minute?'

Williams turned to face her. 'Alice, always a pleasure. What's on your mind?' he asked with his youthful smile.

Robinson furtively looked left and right, then lowered her voice. 'I need to talk to you about Torchwood. Their unchecked operations are becoming a serious liability. Just look at how they exposed that secret cell with no regard to how public trust in the government would be affected. With your influence, we can steer public opinion and media scrutiny towards their activities.'

'That's a bold move,' Williams told her. 'They have a very popular and successful television show. What would be your angle?'

Robinson smiled. 'Transparency and accountability of course. The television program is strictly edited, avoiding showing many of their procedures and the equipment they use. We position ourselves as the champions of public interest, demanding Torchwood operate under stricter government oversight. The media will eat it up, and you'll come out looking rather good.'

Williams rubbed his chin as he considered the proposal. 'You have a point. If we play this right, it could solidify my standing in Parliament . . . OK, I'm in.'

'Excellent. I'll provide you with all the necessary information. Let's make sure the public knows what Torchwood is really up to when the cameras aren't there.'