Chapter 13

Making New Friends

The Office of the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Houses of Parliament.

Elizabeth Carter embodied the essence of a seasoned and respected stateswoman with her graceful and composed appearance. She was of medium height with a sturdy, yet elegant build that reflected her many years of public service. Her hair, a soft shade of auburn now streaked with hints of gray, was usually styled in a classic, neat bun or chignon. Elizabeth's hazel eyes were wise and discerning, often conveying empathy and understanding. She preferred timeless, conservative attire, typically seen in well-tailored dresses or skirts paired with tasteful blouses and jackets in muted tones. Her understated jewellery and minimal makeup highlighted her natural elegance and pragmatic approach to politics.

Her ability to find common ground and craft workable solutions was highly valued, especially in times of political gridlock. Her extensive knowledge and calm, methodical approach to legislation made her a trusted and influential figure in Parliament, often sought after for her counsel and insight, which is why Daniel Green, the Under Secretary for Research and Development, was knocking on the dark, oak door to her office.

'Come in,' a cultured, female voice called from inside, and Green entered the office.

It was a blend of modern innovation and classic elegance. Spacious, with large windows that let in ample natural light, offering a panoramic view of the city skyline. 'Elizabeth, thank you for seeing me on such short notice.'

Carter smiled warmly. 'Daniel, it's always good to see you. What brings you here today?'

Green sat down in front of the desk, which had a high-tech, minimalist design. On the desk, was a state-of-the-art computer setup with multiple monitors, a wireless keyboard, and various gadgets like a tablet and a smart assistant device. 'I'm deeply concerned about Torchwood's activities. I believe their possession and use of advanced technologies without proper oversight is a significant risk. We need your expertise to understand and mitigate these risks.'

Carter nodded thoughtfully. Recently, she'd heard whispers of concerns from other members of the Cabinet. 'I've had my suspicions for a while. Their secrecy concerning their specialist equipment is troubling. What are you proposing?'

'We need a comprehensive review of their operations and technologies. With your respected voice in science and technology, we can push for an independent audit and bring their activities into the light.'

Carter leaned back in her high-backed ergonomic chair, which ensured comfort during her long hours of work. 'It's a sound approach. If we can frame this as a necessity for scientific integrity and public safety, we'll have a strong case . . . Yes, I'll lend my support.'

Green smiled. 'Thank you, Elizabeth. Together, we can ensure that Torchwood is held accountable.'

Westminster Academy.

Harrow Road.

London.

The headmaster's office at Westminster Academy was furnished with dark wood and leather chairs, giving it an air of authority and tradition. The headmaster, Alan Thompson was a tall, distinguished man in his late fifties, and was a commanding presence, with neatly combed silver hair and a meticulously trimmed beard. His green eyes were framed by rectangular glasses, which added to his intellectual demeanour. He was wearing a well-tailored suit of charcoal grey, complemented by a crisp white shirt and a patterned tie.

Thompson, sat behind his large desk, flanked by EJ, John and Rose, on one side, and Darren Price, sitting uncomfortably on the other side with his parents, James and Linda Price. Thompson cleared his throat. 'Thank you all for coming. I believe it's important that we address this incident comprehensively and work towards a resolution that ensures the wellbeing of all our students.'

'Let's get on with it then. I don't have all day,' James Price told him.

James Price was a burly man in his late forties, with a stern and imposing demeanor. Standing at over six feet tall with broad shoulders and a rugged face, his appearance was often intimidating. His dark hair was starting to grey at the temples, and he had a perpetual frown etched on his face. He was a strict disciplinarian who believed in tough love and physical punishment as a means of instilling discipline.

Linda Price glanced at her husband. 'Yes, thank you for having us, Mr. Thompson.' Her voice was soft and hesitant, reflecting a lack of confidence and years of suppressing her own opinions

In contrast to her husband, Linda was a petite woman in her mid-forties, with a worn, tired look that spoke of years of enduring her husband's harshness. She had soft brown hair,and wore conservative, understated clothing. Her demeanour was meek and submissive, often deferring to her husband in conversations.. Despite her quiet nature, she loved her son deeply and wished for a better relationship with him, though she felt powerless to change the dynamics at home.

'The incident in question involved your son, Darren, and Eyulf here. A video surfaced showing what appeared to be a confrontation. I presume we've all seen it, but I think it is worth viewing it together before we discuss its content.' Thompson turned his large screen laptop so that everyone could see it.

They watched the video without comment, EJ and Darren looking suitably uncomfortable. James Price occasionally gave his son a disparaging glance, thinking his son should have been able to sort out this puny upstart.

'So, there we have it,' Thompson said, shutting the lid on the laptop. 'Eyulf, would you like to go first and explain what led to this confrontation and what happened from your perspective?' He was known for his calm, measured demeanour and his ability to handle even the most challenging situations with grace and diplomacy. His dedication to the students and the academy was evident in his thoughtful approach to leadership. He listened intently, valuing input from both staff and students, and was known for his fairness and impartiality.

'Yeah, sure. Afram, the new kid, did a really good drawing from memory of a hedgehog he'd seen. Darren took his sketchbook and started making fun of him. When Becky told him to stop, he was rude to her, so I stood up. Darren asked what I was looking at, and I tried to make a joke of it to diffuse the situation,' EJ started. He paused and scratched the back of his neck, just like his father did. 'I told him my best guess was a rude art lover, which by definition would make him an art critic. Thinking about it now, that sounds a bit sarcastic,' he admitted. He looked at Darren. 'Sorry about that. Anyway, later, outside of school, he confronted me again. I didn't want to fight him; I just tried to avoid his punches until he got tired. Eventually, he gave up and we sort of agreed that we'd got off on the wrong foot.'

Price Interrupted 'So you're saying my boy is the bad guy here? He was just having a bit of fun, and this one made him look like a fool in front of everyone.'

Rose bristled 'Mr. Price, it was obvious that EJ was tryin' to defend himself and diffuse the situation. He wasn't the one throwin' the punches.'.

Linda looked at her son 'Darren, is that true? Were you trying to hurt him?'

'I wasn't trying to hurt him,' Darren mumbled. 'I just . . . I don't know. I was angry.'

'Darren, it's important to understand that using aggression to deal with your emotions can get you into all sorts of trouble,' John told him. 'What you did wasn't very nice, but recognizing that is the first step towards making things right.'

Thompson nodded in agreement. 'Exactly. Darren, this kind of behaviour is not acceptable. We need to work on better ways to handle conflicts. Mr. and Mrs. Price, I understand that discipline is important, but perhaps we need to look at how we're addressing these issues at home as well.'

'Are you saying we're not raising our boy right?' Price asked angrily.

'No, Mr. Price. What I'm suggesting is that we might need to find additional ways to support Darren, Thompson said calmly..'Counselling or anger management classes could be beneficial.'

'Maybe that could help,' Linda agreed, nervously looking at her husband. 'Darren, would you be willing to try that?'

'I guess,' Darren replied, looking down at his hands.

'Good. It's important that we all work together to ensure this doesn't happen again. Eyulf, do you have anything you'd like to add?'

'Well, I could have been less sarcastic to Darren. I told him I was sorry for that. I hope Darren can find better ways to deal with his anger. We could even try being friends.

'Friends? After all this?' Price scoffed.

'Sometimes friendship can come from the most unexpected places, Mr. Price,' Rose said, remembering an unscrupulous con man in an RAF uniform, who caught her when she fell from a blimp. 'Let's give them a chance.'

'Well said, Mrs. Smith. Let's move forward with that in mind. Darren, I'll arrange for you to speak with our counsellor. Eyulf, thank you for your maturity in handling this situation.'

'Fine,' Price said grudgingly..' But if there's any more trouble . . .'

'You know Mr Price, I knew someone like you, a long time ago,' John began, remembering an alien in a television set. 'Eddie Connolly was his name. Ex military man. Used to people doing as they were told, at least when it was him doing the telling . . . including his wife and his son.' John looked knowingly at Linda Price. 'One day, his wife, Rita, found the courage to stand up to him, and she kicked him out.'

'What happened to him?' Linda asked.

'He lost everything; his home, his wife, his son . . . Although his son did show him some compassion, even after all the physical and mental abuse he'd suffered, he still loved his dad.'

'Thank you for that little anecdote Doctor Smith. I think we can address any future issues together, Mr. Price. Thank you all for coming. Let's make sure our students learn from this and grow in a positive direction.'

'Thank you, Mr. Thompson,' Linda said quietly. 'We'll try our best.' She turned to John. 'And thank you Doctor Smith.'

John and Rose wondered what she meant by that. Was it a thank you for highlighting how James Price was treating his son, or was it for telling her about Rita Connolly, a woman who had been controlled and manipulated in her marriage?

John nodded. 'We're all in this together.'

'Absolutely. Let's work towards a better future for our children,' Thompson concluded.

John stood and held out his hand towards Thompson. 'Thank you . . . Alan wasn't it? I'm John. A very good meeting I felt.'

Thompson shook his hand. 'Thank you John. It's always encouraging to get parents support.'

John turned to Price. 'Mister Price. Can I call you James?' He didn't wait for consent. 'James, I think we can all take something away from this meeting, eh?'

Price looked at his offered hand and reluctantly shook it. 'I suppose so, yes.'

John smiled at him. 'Good man.' He turned to Linda and gave her an intense look. 'And Linda. I hope you have something you can take away from today.'

Linda was taken by surprise. 'What? Oh, er, yes. Thank you, John. Yes.'

They left the headmasters office, where they noticed three students sitting with their parents, waiting to see the headmaster. They were the three thugs who supported Darren in his antisocial behaviour.

As they walked down the corridor, John thought to Rose. ['Why don't you strike up a conversation with our "shrinking violet", and I'll have a word with Rambo here.']

Rose picked up on his intention. ['Hmm, OK.'] She moved over to Linda.'It's nice to meet ya Linda. I'm Rose by the way.'

'Oh, er, yes. Nice to meet you Rose.'

'Maybe we'll see each other again at the parent's evenin',' Rose suggested. Linda glanced over at her husband, but saw he was being talked at by John.

'Yes, perhaps we will,' Linda agreed.

'Do you know many of the other parents?'

'Er, no, not really. We tend to keep to ourselves.'

'You do, or your husband does?' Rose asked gently. Linda glanced again at her husband. 'Sorry Linda. I didn't mean anythin' by that. Maybe I could introduce ya to some of the other mums.'

'I, I don't know.'

'Oh go on. They're a good laugh, and y'know me now, don't ya.'

'Maybe . . . We'll see.'

'That's the spirit,' Rose said with a smile.

'So, James. What do you do for a living?' John asked to strike up a conversation.

'I work for the Highways Department,' Price replied with no elaboration.

'Oh right. An important job that,' John said, and Price looked at him as though he was being mocked. 'Think about it, the capital would grind to a halt without you and your colleagues doing what you do.'

'Hmm, I suppose.'

'No suppose about it. People drive down the road and don't give a second thought to who fills in the potholes, who puts a new bulb in the traffic lights or street lights. Who gets the traffic lights working again when they break down,' John told him.

'You know, you're right. It's like we're invisible when we're working on the streets,' James agreed.

'Exactly,' said John. 'Not to me though. To me you're unsung heroes, like all the other unseen workers. On the underground, in the bus depots, keeping the wheels of industry turning . . . or is that the wheels of transport?'

Price actually laughed, which made his wife look at him in astonishment. Ahead of them, EJ and Darren had been walking together, talking, and suddenly they both laughed at something they had said. Rose noticed a warm smile on Linda's lips.

'It looks like that unlikely friendship has started,' Rose said.

'I do hope so,' said Linda. 'It's such a worry that they might fall in with the wrong crowd.'

"Or are the wrong crowd", Rose thought. 'Yeah, I know whatcha mean. But EJ's a good lad, and Darren won't find a better friend.'

Linda smiled at Rose. 'Thank you for being so reasonable about all this, Rose. Jim gets so cross at Darren at times, which then frustrates Darren. It's like a vicious circle.'

'Maybe Jim could attend the counselling sessions with Darren,' Rose suggested. 'Y'know, like group therapy.'

'Do you think they would allow that?'

Rose grinned. 'If they don't, I know a woman who will.'