Hally sat out in the garden, enjoying the rare warmth of the sun on her face. She had brought her journal out with her, along with a cup of tea she hadn't touched yet. The sun was shining, the air was calm, and she was armed with everything she needed to do the task Alina had set for her.
This time, Alina had set her a slightly different task. She'd even given her an entire week to complete it. Of course, the deadline was tomorrow, and Hally was no closer to completing it than she had been on the day it was given. She had thought about it, really tried, but after about five minutes, she always gave up.
Nothing felt right.
Names.
Hally wasn't too sure where to begin.
She'd even tried wriggling out of it, trying to come up with a plethora of excuses for Alina.
"Well, I don't want to think of names in case she doesn't suit it. You know, I can't name her Jane if she looks like a Violet. I'll pick once she's out."
"Out…"
Hally waved her hand. "You know what I mean."
"Make a list then. A selection of options."
Hally had pulled a face, but Alina had insisted.
And now here she was, sitting in the sun, having created a nice little environment for herself—tea, journal, sun—but still nothing came to her. She knew why. She was going to have to put some actual effort into this, but it was hard. The Master would know. He'd have ideas, preferences. Huh, a thought hit her suddenly. What if she picked a name The Master didn't like? Fuck. Something else to stress about.
She knew she wanted a name that blended a little bit of both Time Lord and Human. Or maybe a Time Lord name she could adapt to sound more human. But that was easier said than done. A lot of Time Lord names weren't exactly adaptable.
She mulled over a few names, ones she'd heard in passing, names from Earth and others from Gallifrey. But nothing felt quite right. They were either too grand or too simple, too heavy with history or too modern, nothing met the perfect mix of both.
This had led Hally into a hole of thought.
Her own name.
Where had it actually come from? Obviously, technically it'd been given to her by The Doctor and Rose. They had given her the name. Except… technically they'd only given her that name because they'd already known her name… The thought felt dizzying, a loop she couldn't escape. How had it first come about? Time didn't really work that way.
A name with no true origin. She'd have asked The Doctor but… obviously not. So instead, she did the next best thing and she Googled it. She knew it would only bring up things of Earth origin, but she was still intrigued.
Hally name meaning.
She hit enter and scanned the results. Most were generic baby name websites, the kind of thing expectant parents would browse in their spare time. Huh, she supposed that was what she was supposed to be doing rather than Googling herself. She clicked on the first link, the text loading quickly.
Hally
Origin: Norse
Other Origin(s): British
Meaning: Army ruler, commander
Hally is a girl's name of Norse origin and a variant of the Old Norse name Hallie. Flowing from the Old English name Harold, meaning "army ruler" or "commander," Hally is a name that will fit just right for your little fighter. While Hally and its definitions have a victory-in-battle vibe, it also conveys strength, leadership, and a warrior's spirit.
Her eyes drifted down the page to another section.
Famous people named Hally
Halle Berry
Hally Saxon
Hally Pancer
She snorted. This was getting dangerously close to Googling herself, which Jack had told her never to do. Ah well, it seemed she'd become famous enough to include on baby name websites. How wonderful. She scanned it again, making a face.
"Victory in battle vibe," indeed.
She didn't miss the link between her name and the name The Master had chosen for himself while parading around as Prime Minister. It could've been a coincidence, but then again, almost everything The Master did was meticulous. She rolled her eyes at the idea of him trawling through name-meaning websites purposefully to spite her.
Still, this exercise had given her an idea. Maybe she could find a name with a meaningful connection? Or perhaps something that linked to The Master…
That gave her pause. Curiosity piqued, she typed in another search.
Koschei name meaning.
She expected there wouldn't be much, but to her surprise, a result popped up.
Koschei is a character in Russian folklore, often called "the Immortal" or "the Deathless." He is an evil, immortal man who uses his magic to threaten young women. Some of his supernatural abilities include: Shape-shifting, controlling the elements, casting spells, and flying by turning into vapour or the wind.
She snorted. "The Deathless" wasn't exactly a stretch.
But no… definitely not useful for what she was supposed to be doing.
She sighed, scrolling through a few more websites and making the odd note. The sun continued to warm her face, but the names still eluded her. Another thing to overthink.
Hally stood outside the door, hovering uncertainly, inwardly cursing herself. She was nervous, and she hated it.
Maybe she could just pretend she'd gone in.
Alina would never know.
She could easily tell her she went inside and did the whole class—stretching, breathing, mingling with other pregnant women, the works.
But Hally sighed, knowing that was a lie she wouldn't get away with. Alina would know. She always knew. Plus, the two black UNIT cars parked outside would probably report back if she didn't go in. There was no way around it.
She should've taken Alina up on her offer to come along with her. Why was she always so bloody proud? Doing this alone was far scarier than she'd expected.
Hold on. No.
This wasn't scary. That was stupid. She'd fought Daleks, Silence, and werewolves for Christ's sake. She could walk into a room full of pregnant women.
She could do this.
Hally huffed, squaring her shoulders, and finally pushed open the door.
The room hadn't filled yet, but it was warm and already buzzing with voices. About half a dozen women were chatting easily among themselves, looking annoyingly comfortable and at ease. Hally paused for a moment, taking it in.
She'd take Daleks and Cybermen any day over this.
This had been Alina's idea.
Obviously.
Encouraging Hally to "integrate" outside of UNIT, meet other people. "You could take a pregnancy class, meet other pregnant women. You'll have something in common," Alina had said, adding a light tease. Hally had pulled a face at the suggestion but reluctantly agreed to a pregnancy yoga class. At the very least, it'd keep her body moving.
Alina had booked it for her, of course.
Joy.
And now, here she was.
The room was warmer than expected, and Hally was already regretting wearing her long-sleeved zip-up. She'd chosen it for the high neck, which helped hide the UNIT collar she wore. The biodampener she could pass off as a necklace, but the collar looked more mechanical, something she didn't want to have to attempt to explain.
The soft murmur of voices filled the air, light laughter mixed in. Hally hovered awkwardly by the door, nerves knotting her stomach. Two of the women looked over, noticing her lingering presence, and gave her warm smiles. She forced a smile back, though it felt stiff and unnatural on her face.
A tall woman with long, dark hair tied up in a ponytail and a gentle presence approached. "You must be Hally. I'm Mara, welcome to the class."
"Thanks," Hally managed, her voice quieter than she'd intended.
Mara gave her an encouraging smile and gestured toward an empty yoga mat. "Feel free to settle in, we'll be starting soon."
Hally nodded and moved to the mat, sitting down cross-legged like the others, a feat in itself. She felt their eyes on her, a few curious glances that made her stomach twist tighter. They all seemed so... normal. So at ease. Meanwhile, Hally felt like an imposter. An alien, pretending to be human. It was as though they could tell.
But of course, they couldn't.
Mara welcomed the group with a pleasant, gentle tone and began leading them through light stretches. Hally followed along, surprised that once she forgot about the room full of new humans, she found it strangely calming, the slow pace helping ease the tension in her back. She focused on her breathing, on the way her body felt.
Her mind drifted inward for the first time in a while. She checked in. The little life stirred, wriggling happily. Hally smiled to herself. She could feel her daughter, content and active, happily nestled.
After the class ended, the women began to chat and mingle. A couple of them approached Hally, folding her into their conversation with ease. "How far along are you?" one asked, her tone friendly.
Hally hesitated. "Seven months," she said, knowing she couldn't exactly blurt out that she was somehow almost ten months pregnant.
"You're looking beautiful," another woman said with a genuine smile.
"Thanks," Hally replied, offering a small smile in response.
"How are you finding it?" another asked.
Hally let out a soft laugh. "Heavy."
As she'd arrived home, slipping her shoes off, her phone buzzed with a call from Alina.
"So? How was it?"
Hally smiled to herself at Alina's edge of impatience. "Weird, but... okay." She admitted as she moved through into the kitchen.
"Great! I'm booking you in for the next month."
Hally huffed, but her tone was teasing. "Fine. It wasn't that bad, I suppose."
Alina laughed on the other end. "I know it's strange, but I think it'll be good for you. When I was pregnant with Robbie, I started feeling slightly crazy compared to everyone else. It was nice to be around people who wouldn't look at me weirdly when I burst into tears because the vending machine ran out of Sprite."
Hally snorted. "Now that, I can't imagine."
"Ah, our favourite patient finally arrives. And with babysitter in tow. You know I can handle this without you looming, Jack." Owen clipped, his eyes sparkling as Hally and Jack stepped through the door of the medical lab Owen was temporarily set up in. UNIT were being careful, bringing her in for scans at least once a week.
"You know me." Jack quipped. "Got to make sure the worker bees are doing their bit."
Owen rolled his eyes. "Right… so that would make you what…? Queen Bee?" He cocked an eyebrow towards Jack as he set up the scanner, moving it closer to the side of the bed.
There was a short laugh as Martha appeared in the doorway, leading off to a side room. Shooting Owen a knowing look. "God. Don't start." She shook her head at the both of them, her mouth curved with a smile.
Owen chuckled to himself before motioning towards Hally. "Alright. On the bed with you."
Hally sat herself on the edge of the bed, leaning back and shuffling herself until she was lying down on it. "Always so charming, Owen." Her gaze moved towards Martha, her eyes softening as she looked between the pair. "So… is one doctor not enough anymore…?"
Owen snorted, shaking his head. "Oh, well, I could have done this on my own, but Martha wanted an excuse to come down and flirt with me." He offered a fake shrug, sitting himself down and grabbing the scanner. Martha moved around to Hally's other side, pulling a metal table up next to her, the bloodwork kit already prepped.
"Or, maybe, I just wanted to come and see Hally." Martha offered her a smile, gently taking her arm and wiping inside the crease of her elbow with a wipe, before priming the needle.
That got a small smile from Hally as Owen adjusted the screen. "Alright, baby time," he said, grabbing the monitor, waiting as Hally shifted her clothes out of the way before placing it against her skin.
A slight sting in her left arm told her Martha was taking the bloods.
For the first time, Hally felt her gaze shift over towards the screen, chewing the inside of her mouth as Owen moved the device across her abdomen slowly, bringing up the image on the screen. Owen must have noticed because he offered her a small smile, bringing his hand up to point at an arcing curve on the monitor.
"See that? That's her noggin."
She snorted. "Is that a technical term?"
"It is actually. Yeah." He quipped, turning back to the scan. "Judging from our estimations… and her size… we're looking at about two months to go?"
"How have you been feeling?" Martha's voice cut through Hally's thoughts, drawing her attention back to her left where Martha had just finished taking blood samples.
Hally blinked, refocusing. "Alright," she said, then added, "A bit tired, but nothing out of the ordinary."
Martha nodded, scribbling notes in the file she held. "Any nausea? Pain? Bleeding?"
Hally shook her head. "No, nothing like that."
"Good." Martha offered her an encouraging smile, but there was a professional sharpness in her tone as she added, "If that changes, though, I want you to text either me or Owen straight away. You might start to experience 'practice contractions' in these later stages of pregnancy. But, since we're not entirely sure what your labour will look like or exactly when it's going to start, we're being extra cautious." She gave Hally a meaningful look. "Any contractions or bleeding, you let us know, okay?"
Hally nodded. "Yeah."
Martha turned to the clipboard on the counter and flipped a page. "Now… I wanted to have a little chat about a few things, planning-wise." She gave Hally an encouraging smile, knowing she was broaching a topic that Hally would likely want to avoid.
Hally adjusted herself on the table, glancing briefly at Jack, who was chatting quietly with Owen in the corner, Owen having finished her scan a few moments ago. She turned her attention back to Martha and nodded.
"We're planning for you to give birth here, at UNIT," Martha began. "We have the most advanced equipment, so it makes the most sense for you and the baby. If everything goes according to plan, it'll be me and Owen delivering, with Alina as a backup."
Martha must have noticed the slight change in Hally's expression, the twitch of her lips at the mention of Alina.
Martha smiled slightly. "She'll mostly be here to support you. But we'll have her on hand in case anything goes sideways. But as she's the most experienced handling… well, to put it bluntly, handling you, we think it'll help everyone having her around."
Hally's mouth curved up into a small smile, a quiet breath of amusement escaping her. "Agreed."
Martha paused before adding, "As for anyone else in the room, that's entirely up to you. You don't have to decide now, but if there's anyone else you'd like there, just let me know."
Hally nodded, her teeth worrying her bottom lip. She glanced over to where Owen and Jack were standing, Jack's tall frame leaned casually against the wall as he spoke with Owen.
"Have you asked him?" Martha's question pulled her attention back.
Hally's brow furrowed slightly. "No… should I?"
Martha's eyes gleamed with a hint of amusement. "Harkness."
Jack's head snapped up at the mention of his name, his attention drawn away from Owen. "Mm?" He shifted his focus to the two women.
"When she gives birth, will you be there?" Martha asked, her tone light and casual, as if she were inquiring about the weather.
Jack blinked, his gaze flicking between Martha and Hally. "If… if she wants me to be," he said carefully, his usual confident demeanour softened.
Hally met his eyes for a moment and nodded, her voice quiet. "Yeah…"
Martha grinned, a knowing look crossing her face. "Sorted, then. Anyone else?"
Hally let out a soft breath, her gaze dropping briefly. "Not unless you can magically send an invite to my husband."
Martha's smile faltered for a second, her eyes softening. She hummed softly in understanding but didn't press further.
"We're aiming for a natural birth," Martha continued, her tone shifting back to practical. "So far, there aren't any expected complications, but things can change. As for pain relief, we're planning on going minimal. We don't know how certain medications will react with your biology or your daughter's."
Hally nodded again.
Martha gave her a moment before moving on. "Have you given any thought to how you'd like to labour? Any preferences on positions, or maybe a bath? Water can be helpful, especially in early labour."
Hally shifted uncomfortably, her response more of a hum. The thought of planning every little detail was certainly not a welcome one.
"I know," Martha said gently. "We don't need to plan everything now. But we can prepare for a few options, and when the time comes, you can do what feels right."
Hally exhaled softly, grateful for the flexibility. "Okay."
Martha offered her another reassuring smile. "Great. Last thing, I promise—delayed cord clamping. Some people prefer waiting a minute or two after birth before clamping the cord to allow more blood flow to the baby. It's a small thing, but it's your decision."
Hally paused, her fingers drumming lightly on the edge of the table. "Is it better for her?"
"Some studies suggest it can be," Martha explained, her tone thoughtful. "But then again, those studies are based on humans. It's not critical, but it can be beneficial."
Hally considered it for a moment longer before nodding. "Alright, let's do that."
Martha scribbled a final note and looked up with a satisfied expression. "Okay, I think we've covered all the basics. But if you think of anything else, you can always let me or Owen know."
As the conversation lulled, Hally shifted slightly on the bed, her mind wandering. After a brief pause, she spoke, her voice hesitant. "Do you… hear from him at all?"
Martha stilled, the question hanging in the air between them. She took a moment before answering, her voice quieter, more thoughtful. "The Doctor came to say goodbye… before he regenerated."
Hally blinked, surprise flickering across her features. "He did?"
Martha nodded. "Yeah. I don't think I'll hear from him again."
Hally frowned, her brow furrowing. "But… it's not like he's dead, dead."
Martha shrugged, her expression softening. "You know what he's like. He drifts… disappears when he wants to. I don't think anyone's heard from him since you got here."
Hally looked down, her fingers tracing a faint pattern across her pregnant stomach.
Martha reached out, her hand resting gently on Hally's arm. "I can try to reach out, if you want?"
Hally quickly shook her head. "No. I don't want to reach out. I was just wondering… but no, we don't need to."
Martha gave her a soft smile, her hand squeezing Hally's arm gently. "Okay."
29/03/2011 – 18:43
Subject: Re: Project Update: Temporal Stabilizer
From: Hally
To: O
Hi O,
Thanks for sending over the specs for the temporal stabiliser. I've had a look at the initial design, and it seems solid. One question, though—on page 3, where it mentions the flux capacitor modulation, are we running those calculations based on the earlier Time Shift Model, or have we moved to the updated matrix?
Let me know so I can adjust accordingly.
Hally
29/03/2011 – 18:59
Subject: Re: Project Update: Temporal Stabilizer
From: O
To: Hally
Hi Hally,
Good question! We're using the updated matrix now—it'll be more efficient with the power consumption, especially once we integrate the flux capacitor into the final build.
I'll send over the revised calculations later this evening. Shouldn't take too long.
Best wishes,
O
29/03/2011 – 19:34
Subject: Re: Temporal Stabilizer Query
From: O
To: Hally
Hi Hally,
I noticed you mentioned the energy output discrepancies in your notes—good catch. We might need to tweak the harmonics before we finalise the stabiliser.
Let me know if you need help running simulations for that. I've got some free time during lunch tomorrow if you want to compare notes.
Best wishes,
O
29/03/2011 – 20:02
Subject: Re: Temporal Stabilizer Query
From: Hally
To: O
Hey O,
Thanks! I think you're right—those harmonics are a bit off, and they could cause problems later down the line. I'll run a couple of simulations tomorrow morning and share the results with you. If you're still free, we can take a look at them together afterwards.
By the way, I saw your note about the energy recalibration. I'm not saying you're a genius, but it's close.
Hally
30/03/2011 – 09:45
Subject: Re: Harmonic Adjustment
From: O
To: Hally
Hi Hally,
Flattery will get you everywhere.
But yeah, let's run those simulations. I've got some ideas for how we can boost efficiency even further, maybe throw in a few curveballs to see what sticks. I'll send over my notes.
Also, with you placing yourself on the temporal management device project, it looks like you're stuck with me for a while.
Ahem. No sign-offs? No "Best wishes," "Kind regards," or even a "Cheers." Is that a new trend, or just a Time Lord thing?
Just thought I'd mention it—If you're looking to blend in...
BEST WISHES,
O
30/03/2011 – 15:17
Subject: Re: Harmonic Adjustment
From: Hally
To: O
O,
I guess we're officially partners in crime for the foreseeable future. Could definitely be worse.
Also, 'temporal management device'? It's a collar. Just call it a collar. And I didn't bring myself on, that was all Osgood
I'll take a look at your notes when they come in. And hey, you keep tossing around all these brilliant ideas, I might have to start calling you "Genius O" instead of just O.
THE KINDEST OF REGARDS,
Hally
30/03/2011 – 21:47
Subject: Re: Late Night Thoughts on Harmonics
From: O
To: Hally
Hi Hally,
"Genius O"? I could get used to that.
By the way, I was up late thinking about that harmonic resonance problem—it's definitely solvable, but I think we might need to adjust the frequency at key points. I'm attaching some new data to play around with.
Well it won't be a collar for long if you get your way. We can rename it the 'Temporal Management Patch'.
No need to shout your regards,
O
30/03/2011 – 21:55
Subject: Re: Late Night Thoughts on Harmonics
From: Hally
To: O
Hey Genius O,
Anyway, I'm looking over the data now, and you're onto something. I think with a few more adjustments, we can make the entire system smoother.
Yours most sincerely,
Hally
31/03/2011 – 02:13
Subject: Re: Early morning adjustments.
From: O
To: Hally
Hey Hally,
I ran the numbers on our last adjustment, and you were right—much better. I'm thinking we could submit our final work for review by the end of the week. What do you think?
Also, if you ever want to discuss this in real time (or throw around more compliments), feel free to text me.
Questioning the sincerity,
O
31/03/2011 – 09:56
Subject: Re: Early morning adjustments.
From: Hally
To: O
O,
I agree, we should have the project wrapped up by Friday if we stay on track. And about texting—since you've been so helpful, I guess you've earned my number for those project-related emergencies. 07700 900394
In eternal gratitude and high esteem,
Hally
06/04/2011 – 19:02
Subject: Re: Temporal Device Streamlining Thoughts
From: Hally
To: O, Osgood
Hi O, Osgood,
I've been thinking about our latest discussion regarding the TMD and the sedative. The arterial route has always made sense for quick access, but I came across some research on spinal pathway sedation that might be even faster. It could allow us to relocate the patch away from the neck altogether, making it easier to hide and still just as effective—possibly even more so.
I've attached a few papers on spinal sedation and its applications. Let me know what you think. If we move in this direction, we won't have to worry about placing it over the artery, and it could potentially address the issue with residual neural activity post-sedation. Plus, O, this might help with your ongoing circuit board size issue?
Yours in scientific collaboration and mutual admiration,
Hally
06/04/2011 – 19:13
Subject: Re: Device Streamlining Thoughts
From: O
To: Hally, Osgood
Hey Hally, Osgood,
I went through the papers—this could actually work, and it's a clever way to bypass the artery placement problem. If we move forward with spinal sedation, we'll need to run some simulations to ensure it doesn't interfere with telepathic energy or external energy pickups. But from a preliminary glance, this seems promising.
I'll keep you updated once I've done more testing. Osgood, let's check how it would affect our energy capture systems and whether any modifications would be needed.
P.s Hally, it's 7 PM—time to log off and stop working. ;)
P.P.s. It's not the size of the circuit board that's important…
I think I preferred the lack of sign-off,
O
06/04/2011 – 19:29
Subject: Re: Device Streamlining Thoughts
From: Hally
To: O, Osgood
O, Osgood,
Thanks for reviewing the papers! Glad it's looking feasible. I agree we should check the telepathic interference—if it picks up any extra energy, we could have more trouble than we started with. I'll wait to hear how the simulations go.
And O, point taken. Thanks for the reminder to clock off.
Ps. You can log off now too.
Yours in enthusiastic anticipation,
Hally
08/04/2011 – 08:21
Subject: New Thoughts on Circuit Compression
From: O
To: Hally, Osgood
Hi both,
Just ran a few more simulations based on Hally's spinal sedation suggestion. Good news—no major interference with telepathic energy so far, though I'd like to run a few more tests before we get too excited. The patch idea seems to be holding up as well, so we could compress the technology further without losing too much efficiency.
I'll tweak the design to accommodate a larger circuit board as we don't need to limit ourselves with size constraints now. Perhaps size was an issue...
Let's touch base again once Osgood has weighed in. Also, Hally—don't let us keep you up late again thinking about this.
Waiting with bated breath and questionable patience,
O
08/04/2011 – 11:06
Subject: Re: New Thoughts on Circuit Compression
From: Hally
To: O, Osgood
Hey O, Osgood,
Woo! I've been thinking about how the larger circuit might impact energy distribution—we might want to adjust the flow pattern a bit. I'll mock up a few diagrams tonight and send them over in the morning. No late-night work, I promise this time.
Also, O, stop being so concerned about my work hours. Pretty sure you're just as bad as I am.
To infinity and beyond,
Hally
08/04/2011 – 16:17
Subject: Re: New Thoughts on Circuit Compression
From: O
To: Hally, Osgood
Hally,
No arguments there. I'll make sure to send any last-minute work thoughts your way after 9 PM, just to keep things fair.
I'll take a look at your diagrams when they come in tomorrow.
Only as far as the next wormhole,
O
44 7700 900 744
Hey, figured I'd shoot you a text. This way we can stop spamming Osgood's inbox! O.
Hally:
Ha! Good call. I'm sure she'll appreciate it.
O:
We're heading to lunch, you coming?
Hally:
Can't today, got an appointment. Enjoy without me!
O:
Appointment? Anything exciting?
Hally:
Not exactly... but necessary!
O:
FYI—you left your water bottle on your desk. Shall I keep it safe or is it now an office orphan?
Hally:
Oh no, not the water bottle! Yes, please keep it safe—I'll rescue it tomorrow.
O:
Hey, didn't catch you before you left, have a good weekend!
Hally:
You too! I'll be here... drowning in Amazon boxes.
O:
Oh? Sounds dangerous. Should I send backup?
Hally:
Haha, only if they're good at unpacking baby stuff. I barely know what most of this stuff is.
O:
Do you need a hand? I've got two.
Hally:
I'm alright, you probably need both of your hands more than I do. Plus, spontaneous tears are frequent and embarrassing (apparently it's NORMAL). But thank you.
O:
Well, if you need a break from the boxes—or the tears—I'm just a text away.
Hally:
Thanks, O. 3
Hally was home, halfway through snacking on a box of cereal when her phone buzzed on the counter. She glanced at it, seeing Alina's name flash across the screen.
She swiped the call open and held the phone to her ear. "Everything alright?"
Alina's voice came through, the familiar sounds of the city in the background. "Have you bought clothes yet?"
Hally rolled her eyes, popping a mini-Weetabix into her mouth. "I've bought basically everything else."
"Right. Ok," Alina replied, tone amused but persistent. "Well, I'm sending you shopping with Jack. He'll be there in forty-five, ok?"
Hally pulled a face. "Seriously?"
"I know you're making a face," Alina hummed. "It'll be good for the both of you."
"Both of us? Is this a therapy exercise for me or him?"
"I'm multitasking," Alina quipped, her voice light but firm. "Stock up on everything you need. You're running out of time."
"Yes... I know." Hally huffed, placing the box down with more force than necessary. "Thank you for the reminder."
"You're welcome," Alina said sweetly, before hanging up.
Forty-five minutes later, Jack pulled up outside her place, looking about as thrilled as she felt. He gave her a sideways glance as she locked the door behind her. "We could say we went," he offered, raising an eyebrow.
Hally huffed, making her way to his car. "No, she'll know. She always knows."
Jack sighed in defeat. "Baby shopping it is then."
Alina had sent Jack a list of shops to visit, not leaving anything to chance. When they finally parked, they both mooched about, not fully engaging. Hally had bought most of the essentials already—ordered it, unpacked it, arranged it. But Alina had insisted she physically go out to buy the rest. Things like newborn clothes, onesies, tiny socks.
But with every item she touched, the reality of an actual, tiny being coming into her life grew heavier, and Hally found herself avoiding the weight of it. She wandered around aimlessly, looking at clothes but not really seeing them. Maybe she could just pick up a couple of baby grows, something simple, and call it a day.
Jack was doing much of the same, picking things up, putting them down. They moved around each other, orbiting but not making contact.
He eventually chuckled from across the aisle, pulling Hally's attention away from a display of toddler books. When she turned, she found him holding up a pair of tiny white slippers. He placed them in the centre of his palm, their minuscule size almost ridiculous.
"Crazy anything is ever this small, isn't it?" he mused, his lips twitching into a faint smile as he looked up at her.
Hally stepped closer, her eyes falling on the little shoes. Tiny shoes. For tiny feet.
And suddenly, there was water in her eyes again. Great.
She blinked rapidly, trying to force the tears away, but Jack noticed almost immediately. His brow furrowed. "Oh, shit, are you gonna cry?"
"No!" she said quickly, blinking faster, but a single tear betrayed her, sliding down her cheek. She wiped it away as fast as she could.
"Oh, shit…" Jack repeated, his face shifting into mild panic. He awkwardly moved to put the slippers back on the shelf, but Hally made a small whining noise, stopping him in his tracks.
He froze, still holding the slippers. "Oh… do you want them?"
"I don't... I don't know..." She let out a teary laugh, brushing at her eyes with the back of her hand.
They both felt the presence of someone else before they saw the unassuming store clerk approach them, a knowing smile on their face. She offered Hally a packet of tissues. "We get tears all the time. Don't worry about it," Looking between the pair of them, with a knowing smile she added. "Oh, the both of you will have a beautiful baby."
Jack opened his mouth, probably to correct her, but Hally beat him to it, simply nodding and thanking the clerk. Clarifying would encourage her to stick around.
Jack hadn't really moved, still standing there, slippers in hand, looking at Hally like he wasn't entirely sure what to do next. She let out another laugh—a mixture of amusement and tears. She reached out to take the slippers from him, but before she could, he pulled her into a hug.
His arms wrapped securely around her, pulling her into his chest. He was careful not to squish her, his chin resting gently on the top of her head as he held her close. And he just held her, silently, in the middle of the shop.
Hally closed her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips. She was about to tell him she was okay when she paused. Maybe he needed the hug more than she did. So she relaxed into him, wrapping her own arms around him. They stayed like that, holding each other for probably longer than was socially acceptable in public.
Eventually, Jack let out a deep breath and loosened his hold, stepping back slightly. They both pretended not to notice the puffiness of the other's eyes.
Jack cleared his throat, trying to shift back to normal. "Start by the socks. I'm gonna go grab a basket."
Hally nodded, chewing the inside of her cheek as she turned to look at the options properly. They went through the store together, falling into an easy rhythm. Jack would pick things out here and there, while Hally found herself running her hands over soft blankets, letting herself enjoy it for once. Everything was adorable—tiny outfits in pastel colours, little hats and mittens.
More than once, Jack had to remind her to focus on clothes when she kept getting distracted by stuffed animals and baby comforters.
They moved on to another shop, checking off items on Alina's list—nappies, a baby bouncer, a car carrier. Hally found herself absently browsing the bathing sets when Jack hummed thoughtfully beside her.
"You know," he began, breaking the comfortable silence, "you'd get all this from a baby shower."
Hally cocked an eyebrow at him, turning her attention away from the shelves. "A what?"
"A baby shower," Jack repeated, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "It's where you invite your friends over for cake and fake prosecco, play weirdly awkward party games, and everyone fawns over your giantness. And, of course, they bring gifts."
She laughed, shaking her head. "You're not exactly selling it to me. I don't need a baby shower." Her face twisted slightly at the idea.
Jack frowned, turning to look at her more intently, his eyes studying her. He seemed to be considering something, weighing his next words carefully.
Hally shot him a knowing look. "No, no, no," she said, wagging a finger at him. "I know that look, Harkness." She made her way toward the checkout, pulling out her card to pay for the pile of items they'd gathered. "That's the look you get when someone has told you no, but you've already decided you're going to do it anyway."
Jack gave her a face, feigning innocence. "Well… no… I was just thinking, maybe it would be nice if we threw you one."
"I do not have the time or energy to organise-"
"No, I'd do it. I'll organise it."
She paused mid-pack, her hands stilling as she stared at him. "You? You're going to organise a baby shower?"
He grinned, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Yeah. It'll be a surprise."
"Apart from the fact that I already know it's happening…"
Jack waved a hand dismissively. "Details, schmetails. You're having one."
She groaned, resuming her packing. "No… I don't need one."
Jack's smirk widened. "So it's not that you don't want one…"
Hally rolled her eyes, hefting up the shopping bags, which Jack immediately took from her to carry as they made their way back to Jack's car. "It just seems kind of insane."
"Why?"
She shot him an exasperated look as they walked. "Well… because of this whole situation," she said, gesturing vaguely to herself, her neck, the world in general. "It doesn't look great if I'm now hosting parties."
Jack snorted. "You're not. I'm hosting you a baby shower. There's a difference. We'll invite everyone. It'll be nice. A chance to hang out without trying to save the world or keep you from getting thrown in jail."
Hally rolled her eyes again, but this time there was a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You're impossible."
Jack's grin was triumphant. "So that's a yes?"
She huffed, giving in. "Fine. But don't make a giant fuss. Minimal fuss. And only invite people we actually like. No awkward party games. Understood?"
Jack gave a sharp salute, his grin stretching even wider. "Yes, ma'am."
Hally wasn't entirely sure how Jack had roped her into this. She sat in her bedroom, arms crossed, waiting for the all-clear to come downstairs, having already threatened to banish him from her life if he so much as thought about bringing her something embarrassing to wear, like a ridiculous sash or something. Jack had sworn minimal fuss. The occasional laugh floated up the stairs from the kitchen. Hally resisted the urge to sneak down and peek.
Finally, there was a knock on her door. "Alright, come on down!" Jack called, his voice brimming with excitement.
She rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the small smile creeping onto her lips as she made her way down the stairs. When she reached the kitchen, her eyes widened in surprise.
Her kitchen was decorated with soft pastels—pink, yellow, and mint green balloons bobbed gently against the ceiling. A table had been carefully laid out with finger foods: sandwiches, cupcakes, cheese platters, fruit trays, and a couple of jugs of mocktails. Bottles of non-alcoholic prosecco sparkled on the counter. His effort continued out into the garden, where he'd set up multiple picnic blankets, chairs and many more balloons.
Jack stood by the counter, grinning like a child who had pulled off a successful prank. "Surprise!"
Hally shook her head, trying to suppress a laugh. "I thought I said no fuss."
"This isn't fuss, it's ambience," Jack replied, completely unfazed. "Come on, get out there."
In the garden, a handful of familiar faces greeted her with smiles and laughter. Ianto handed her a drink—she couldn't help but notice his amused expression. "Congratulations, Hally," he said warmly. "This was all Jack's doing, by the way. I'm just an innocent accomplice."
"Sure, you are," she replied, taking a sip. "This is... actually kind of lovely."
Martha was chatting with Gwen and Tosh over by the picnic blanket, while Owen hovered around the food, no doubt eyeing up the cupcakes. Alina, Osgood, and even Kate make a brief visit.
As people milled about, the casual atmosphere felt... nice. It was strange, and she wasn't quite sure what to do with herself.
"So, Hally, are you ready for your first awkward game?" Jack announced, standing near the garden table.
Her eyes narrowed at him. "You promised."
"I said no awkward games," Jack said, holding up a calendar he'd printed out. "This one's just fun. We're guessing the baby's due date! Even more fun because it really is anyone's guess. Everyone's got a square. Closest guess wins."
"Of course, you found a way," she muttered under her breath, but she allowed him to explain the game to the group.
As people started marking their guesses on the calendar, Jack sidled up to her with a knowing grin. "You know, for someone who regularly stares down Daleks and saves the world, you're really terrible at handling attention."
Hally rolled her eyes, but there was a glimmer of amusement in her voice. "Saving the world I can handle, gifts and party games… kill me."
He snorted. "Ok, well you might actually like the next game because we're not involved." He grinned. "But only because getting baby photographs of either of us would be… a stretch, even for me."
The game itself was simple enough—Jack had asked everyone to submit a baby photo of themselves beforehand, which were then printed out and pinned to a board. The goal was to match each photo to the correct guest, but what started as a casual guessing game quickly turned very competitive. Martha circled the board, studying each photo as if it held the secrets to the universe.
Hally watched, amused, as arguments erupted over the smallest details, Jack egging them on mercilessly.
Martha leaned in close to one photo, her brow furrowed. "I swear this one has to be Alina. Look at the cheekbones!"
Tosh, overhearing, scoffed. "No way, that's clearly a younger Owen. He's got the same nose!"
Owen shook his head vigorously. "Nope, that's definitely not me. I'd know if I was that cute!"
Gwen, standing next to Ianto, gave him a sidelong glance. "Ianto, do you even remember what you looked like as a baby? Or are you just pretending to know?"
Ianto shot her a grin. "Actually, Gwen, I do. And if you think that's me, you're way off. That's definitely you in that dress."
"Ha! I bet it's you!" Gwen shot back, crossing her arms.
"This isn't fair, Alina is going to cheat!" Owen whined, pointing accusingly at Alina, who was studying a photo with a look of intense concentration.
"How?! How am I supposed to cheat at this?" Alina protested, waving her hands in mock exasperation.
"You'll tell me you know that's Ianto because of the way he sneezes or something like that!" He huffed bitterly.
"It's a photo, Owen." She crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm not psychic!" Then she frowned, looking at the photo again. "… it is Ianto, though…"
Jack leaned in to Hally, whispering. "You should see them when we play charades. This is practically peaceful."
Silence slowly rippled through the group, a sudden hush. Hally, following their gaze turned behind her to see what had them all so suddenly forget their bickering.
At the edge of the garden stood River Song, her presence immediately radiating. She wore her trademark grin, the one that promised mischief. With her hands resting confidently on her hips, she surveyed the scene with a playful air.
"Well, well, well," River called out, her voice carrying across the garden with a melodious lilt. "Seems my invite got lost in the vortex."
Jack's eyes lit up, and with a laugh, he called out, "You're not here with more strays, are you?"
River raised an eyebrow. "No strays today, Captain. Just thought I'd drop in."
Hally's hearts leapt at the sight of her. She hadn't expected to see River, well, perhaps ever again. She had figured that maybe River had been angry with her after Demon's Run, or maybe she had just been dropping her off and leaving for good. But there she was, smiling warmly as she approached.
"River," Hally breathed, genuinely pleased. "I didn't think..."
River grinned and pulled her into a hug. "Oh, darling, did you really think I'd miss this?" She pulled back slightly, looking Hally up and down. "Well, you're positively glowing."
Hally rolled her eyes. "So they all keep saying."
River chuckled, reaching into her bag and pulling out a small box, tied with a deep red ribbon. "For you. But, might I suggest opening it when you're not surrounded by people." She leaned in closer, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. "I know how you Time Lords can blush."
Hally's face warmed anyway, making River laugh. She took the gift, her curiosity piqued, but she tucked it away for later, deciding not to risk the embarrassment. "Thanks," she said softly. "I didn't think I'd be seeing you..."
River's gaze softened. "You should know by now, sweetie—I always show up when I'm needed."
Noticing the expectant looks from the group, Hally cleared her throat awkwardly. "Oh, umm, everyone... this is River," she said, gesturing toward her. "She's... uh..." She paused, trying to think of the simplest explanation. "Another time traveller."
River laughed, flashing a mischievous grin. "Among other things."
Hally pointed around the group, introducing each person in turn. "Well, you've met Jack and Ianto, then we've got Gwen, Tosh, Owen, Martha, Alina and that's Osgood."
Jack, apparently now an expert host, clapped his hands together and pointed to the cardboard box in the corner. "Right, now that River's joined the party, let's get back to the fun. Advice cards! Don't be shy."
Owen smirked, picking up a card. "You really think she can trust our advice?"
Jack wagged a playful finger. "Keep it short, Alina," he teased, and the others laughed.
As the afternoon drifted into early evening, the laughter and chatter slowly faded, replaced by soft farewells, hugs were exchanged, promises of 'see you tomorrow'. One by one, the guests departed until only Hally, River, Ianto, and Jack remained.
Ianto and Jack began tidying up the aftermath. Jack grabbed the empty bottles while Ianto folded up the picnic blanket, the two of them exchanging light-hearted banter as they moved around the garden. They waved Hally off when she offered to help.
"Nope," Jack said firmly, shooing her toward the lounge. "Sit. Now."
Reluctantly, Hally allowed herself to be ushered inside, River following close behind.
In the lounge, Hally sank into the sofa, the comfortable cushions swallowing her up. River sat next to her, folding her legs elegantly in front of her, watching Hally with a quiet intensity. There was always a glint in River's eyes that Hally couldn't quite read—amusement, maybe, but something deeper, too.
After a moment of silence, Hally broke the quiet. "So," she began, unsure of how to frame the question, "What's… how have things been?"
River's smile dimmed slightly as she leaned back, her gaze softening. "Complicated. As usual."
Hally nodded, unsure where this was leading. "Are you alright?"
River studied her for a moment, her smile turning slightly sad. "I'm fine. Everyone is fine. But I'm more interested in how you are." She tilted her head.
Hally hesitated, then nodded. "I'm… doing better." A pause. "River... I'm sorry. For what happened." She kept her gaze levelled on River. "For what I said, to your parents. It shouldn't have been me to say it. I shouldn't have been the one to tell them. Especially not like that. I'm sorry."
River's eyes softened, and she nodded in understanding. "I know. You are forgiven."
Hally swallowed. "Still... I'm sorry."
A quiet settled between them before River leaned forward slightly. "There's something else I wanted to talk to you about."
Hally glanced over, frowning. "Oh?"
River's expression grew more serious, her voice softening with gravity. "It's a long story… but it starts at Lake Silencio…"
River told her, she told her from the beginning, about the Lake, the spacesuit. The Doctor's death.
Hally's eyes widened. "He was... shot?"
River nodded, her gaze steady. "Yes. By me."
Hally blinked, shock hitting her like a wave. "You?"
River continued, her voice calm but laden with the weight of it. "I tried not to. But... it ripped time apart. All of time was happening at once."
Hally frowned deeply, trying to wrap her head around the concept. "I feel like I'd remember that..."
River chuckled softly, shaking her head. "No. Only a few of us do. The centre of the storm."
Hally blinked, processing the information.
River's eyes fixed on hers. "You were there. I asked for your help."
Hally's frown deepened. "What?"
River hesitated. "I asked you to help me save The Doctor." She paused, letting the words sink in. "And you said no."
Hally stared at her, silent for a long moment. A strange, uncomfortable knot twisted in her chest, but she said nothing. Finally, she muttered, "Well... time seems to be fine now."
River nodded. "Yes." But there was something in her voice, something unresolved.
Hally caught the hint, her brow furrowing. "What are you getting at?"
River sighed, her expression softening with concern. "He isn't dead. The Doctor survived. But the universe thinks The Doctor is dead. That he died on April 22nd, 2011. And we need to keep it that way... for a little while at least."
Hally stared at her. "Why are you telling me this? Why not just let me think he's dead along with the rest of them?"
River smiled faintly, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "We agreed that you were dealing with enough."
Hally let out a soft, irritated snort.
River's expression grew firmer but still gentle. "You have to stop doing this. The both of you. This cycle." Her voice, though kind, held an edge of warning. "It might have been a different timeline but it was still you. Would you help me save him, now, if I asked? What if he had died? He could, you know. And where would you be?"
Hally remained silent, her jaw clenched.
River continued, her voice soft but resolute. "You're family. But this... this stubbornness, from both of you. It could rip the universe apart."
Hally's eyes flicked up sharply at that.
"Is this what you want for your daughter?" River asked quietly, her gaze unyielding but compassionate. "To never know her grandfather? Don't you see? They orchestrated this. The two of you, so stubborn, so easily manipulated. He's vulnerable alone, there are some things he mustn't face alone."
Hally's scowl deepened, frustration sizzling under the surface. "What happened to 'we're too dangerous together'?"
"Yes," River agreed, nodding. "But you're more dangerous at war with each other."
Silence fell between them, heavy and unyielding. Hally looked away, her thoughts swirling. The weight, the implications of River's words hung in the air like a storm waiting to break.
River leaned forward, her tone softening. "I'm not saying now, but one day. He might need you more than ever and you'll have a choice. An impossible choice. But he can't stand alone."
Hally shook her head. "You stand with him then."
"Not this time." River added softly, a sense of finality to it. She took in a deep breath, shifting to rise to her feet. Her expression was unreadable as reached out to give Hally's hand a gentle squeeze. "I might not see you for a little while," she said softly.
Hally felt a pang in her chest and despite the turn their conversation had taken, rose to her feet to pull River into a loose hug. "Well… take care of yourself." Hally cleared her throat. "Take care of him." She couldn't help the slight eye roll. River gave her a final nod before with a flip of her vortex manipulator, she disappeared.
Hally stewed for a few moments before Jack poked his head into the lounge, a mischievous grin already spreading across his face. "Do you want to help pop balloons?"
Hally raised an eyebrow, a slow smile creeping onto her face. After the conversation she'd just had... "Oh my god, yes."
In the kitchen, Jack grabbed a pin and handed one to her. The satisfying, sharp pops filled the space as the remnants of the celebration slowly deflated around them. Each balloon was met with a small, playful competition—Jack trying to pop more than her, and Hally trying to keep up despite her growing belly getting in the way.
They shared a laugh as the last balloon burst, a small explosion of confetti fluttering to the floor.
"Thank you, Jack," Hally said quietly, her smile turning soft, more genuine. "For all of this."
He grinned back at her. "You're welcome."
Her mind drifted as she took a seat at the dining room table. The way she'd said, "We agreed that you were dealing with enough."
There was no mistaking who "we" referred to.
The Doctor had spoken to River about her. They'd discussed her. Discussed what to tell her. Yet, he hadn't come himself. The knot of anger and sadness twisted tighter in her chest. Fine. She didn't need him here. She could do this on her own.
River wanted them to 'make up', but how could she even think about that when he wasn't here. If he wanted to fix things, he'd have to come to her. She wasn't going to chase him, not now, not when she was pregnant. She was carrying his granddaughter. The first Time Lord child to be born in god-knows-how-long. He should be here, no matter what was happening between them. No matter their disagreements.
He should still be here.
She was pulled out of her spiralling by Jack, who paused in the middle of sweeping up the confetti. He glanced at her, his playful grin gone. "Are you okay?"
Hally blinked a few times, swallowing hard. "Yeah."
Jack didn't buy it. "It's alright if you're not, you know."
She gave him a half-hearted glare. "You've been spending too much time with Alina."
He chuckled, leaning on the broom. "Probably."
Hally shook her head and sighed, her voice softer now. "I'm okay. Today was nice. It really was. It just…" Her words faltered for a moment before she found them again. "It just made it hard to ignore who wasn't here."
Jack's eyes softened with understanding. He set down the broom and crossed the kitchen to her, taking her hand in his. "I know," he said, his voice gentle. "But you've got this, Hally. We're all here. Every step of the way."
She squeezed his hand but couldn't stop the doubt from creeping into her voice. "I just... I really can't see how I can do this..."
Jack's eyes were steady, filled with unwavering confidence. "Of course you can. You're the strongest woman I've ever met."
Hally looked down at their joined hands, her throat tightening as a rush of emotions hit her all at once. She wanted to believe him, needed to believe him. But through every single second of it, UNIT and The Doctor and the life inside her, there was only one person she wanted to see.
She closed her eyes, a breath falling from her lips.
She could practically feel him, hear him. She could pretend. For just a second, that it wasn't Jack's hand holding hers.
"You are so beautiful." He would say, a low whisper, the rasp in his voice, kneeling in front of her. He'd press his forehead against hers, his hand against her stomach. "There is nothing in this universe… more important than this." Just the three of them.
She let out a slow exhale, opening her eyes.
Jack was watching her. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "Thanks, Jack."
Once the house had emptied out, Hally made her way upstairs, carefully carrying the pile of gifts she had collected. She deposited most of them in the nursery, moving to open River's gift in the bedroom. She unwrapped it cautiously, only to snort a derisive laugh when inside she found a bright pink, unapologetic vibrator nestled in the box.
Hally shook her head, a mixture of amusement and relief washing over her. She was very glad she had not opened that particular gift downstairs in front of everyone. With a bemused sigh, she stashed it away in her bedroom drawer, semi-amused and half-wishing that it wasn't a subtle reminder she wouldn't be seeing The Master for a while.
Turning her attention to the advice box, she picked it up with intrigue. She knew she was supposed to wait until after she'd given birth, but patience had never been her strong suit. Her fingers hesitated for a moment before she finally lifted the lid and began to sift through the handwritten notes inside.
"Sleep when the baby sleeps. Trust me, you'll need it more than you think. Also, don't be afraid to let people help. Just don't go asking me to change any nappies. Owen X"
"Cherish the little moments. They grow up so fast, and you'll miss the days when they were this tiny. Don't be too hard on yourself—you're going to be amazing. Lots of love, Gwen."
"You'll be great. Just remember, you're stronger than you know, and it's okay to ask for help. Lean on the people around you when you need to—and never underestimate the power of a good nap. Martha."
"Trust your instincts. You're going to know your baby better than anyone else. Also, don't forget to take a moment for yourself when you can. You deserve it. Love from, Toshiko X"
"Make time for the small things— the quiet moments. These are the memories that last forever. And remember, you've got all of us behind you. Love, Ianto."
"You've faced down more terrifying things than a baby— you've got this. I have nothing but faith in you. Try and enjoy it and always, always remember: you've got people who love you. Lots of love, always, 'Uncle' Jack ;)"
"Breathe. One step at a time, one day at a time. You're going to do amazing. Your daughter is incredibly lucky to have you as her mother. Don't forget, you can always call me. - Alina"
The office hummed with the usual Wednesday morning energy. The smell of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air as people moved about, going through their daily routines. Osgood was behind the glass walls of the meeting room, deep in discussion with Raj. Nadia typed steadily at her desk opposite, while O sat engrossed in reports, flipping through data with a focused frown.
Hally was at her own desk, staring at a new set of results from a test Osgood had run. She scanned the page, looking for anomalies, but her mind was distracted. There was a session with Alina later that she wasn't exactly looking forward to—today, Alina wanted to chat about 'her childhood', which no doubt meant talking about The Doctor. And she just didn't want to.
A dull twinge pulled her out of her thoughts, making her exhale sharply as she shifted in her seat. Sitting was never comfortable anymore. Kate had mentioned that she could start working from home for the next month or so, or stop working altogether but Hally had waved the idea away. She could still walk and sit. Staying at home felt too much like waiting.
She adjusted herself in the chair again, cramping slightly. Her attention drifted back to the results in front of her, but the cramp came again, sharper this time. It began low in her abdomen and radiated upward, forcing her to inhale quickly, wincing.
"Ow..." she whispered under her breath, not loud enough for anyone to hear—except Nadia, who glanced up from her monitor.
"Are you okay?" Nadia's concerned eyes peered over the top of the screen.
Hally nodded, biting down on the inside of her cheek. "Yeah..." she replied, though her voice betrayed her pain.
The slight tremor in her tone caught O's attention. He looked over, and now both he and Nadia were watching her, their faces clouded with apprehension. She could feel their eyes on her, both waiting, ready to jump at the slightest word.
"Umm... I think I'm okay," Hally tried to reassure them, her words forced through clenched teeth. The cramping had lessened, though a dull ache still lingered. It had been just one wave of pain. Martha had said it might happen?
But she could see the exchange of looks between Nadia and O. He rose from his desk, moving around to her side, his expression filled with concern. "Do you want to call Martha?" he asked gently.
Hally shook her head, trying to wave him off. "It's fine. I can just text her. It was only onc—"
Her words were cut off by a sudden, sharper wave of pain, far worse than the first. It gripped her hard, forcing her to gasp and tilt forward.
"Nadia, get Osgood. Tell her to call Jack. Now," O's voice was steady, but urgent, and Nadia jumped from her seat, rushing into the meeting room behind her without hesitation.
"Okay... breathe now, just breathe," O murmured, kneeling beside her as he rubbed gentle circles on her back. Hally's hand shot out, grabbing his, clutching it tightly as if somehow squeezing it would make the pain go away faster. The pain intensified, pulling another pained whimper from her lips.
"Ow, ow, ow..." she whispered, her breath hitching with each wave of pain. It was deep, almost unbearable.
And then something inside her shifted—something more urgent, more awake. She could feel it. Feel her.
A surge of awareness spread through Hally. She didn't need anyone to tell her. She could feel her.
She's coming.