Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

U.N.I.T had descended on the semi-detached suburban home on a relatively quiet street. Not as quiet tonight though, various neighbors peeking through windows and cracked open doors, a few bold enough to fully stand in front of their homes. The area was already swarming with constables and detectives, lights flashing. All of them were stumped and looking for the only outlet they could think of in regards to dangerous paranormal activity.

Flanked with U.N.I.T paramilitary soldiers, Shirley Ann Bingham leads, hands on the grips of her wheelchair, pushing the wheels along toward the house. She normally doesn’t come to these things roll outs because of a lack of accessibility, but she instantly started chomping at the bit once Melanie had told her the residents of the home had a ramp. “Did you find any additional information regarding the residents? Names?”

Melanie Bush, keeping step next to the Chief Scientific Officer, nods absently. A tablet computer in her hands as she speaks, occasionally glancing up to ensure she doesn’t trip over something or walk into something easily avoidable. “Tricia and Latonya Martin live here with their fourteen-year-old son, Drew, who has cerebral palsy. They’ve lived here for over twenty years.”

Shirley gives a slight nod, smiling a little as she moves her way up the ramp, “can you ensure hypospray protocol is employed? I’m going to do a quick look about, see if it warrants a call to the-” She’s cut off by the sight of the living room, the space able to be seen immediately once she enters through the door of the home.

Dismembered limbs, the walls and furniture completely saturated in blood and entrails, the television is on as subtle background noise. The detectives hadn’t wanted to touch anything, thankfully, even something so innocuous as turning off the blood splattered television.

The appearance of everything causes Shirley’s breath to catch, only for a moment, rendering her at a loss of words. However, it’s the acid spray she managed to catch on the corner of the sofa, burning through the fabric that causes her to bring a hand up, touching the black bud in her ear, “Commander, your presence is required on site. I apologize.”

Kate Lethbridge-Stewart closes her eyes, sighing softly to herself before touching the black earbud in her ear, “no need to apologize. Do what you can in fifteen, I’ll be there.” Bringing her hands up to rub over her face, Kate sighs to herself. She should have known better than to expect a quiet night. “One, single, quiet night in. Is that asking for too much?”

“I don’t think so.” Christofer Ibrahim smiles softly to himself, “you said earlier that you had a feeling something would come up and your instincts are usually spot on.” He keeps his arm wrapped around her, they had been watching a film on her sofa in her living room, eating popcorn while she nestled comfortably against him.

“It always does.” Kate smiles ruefully, mostly to herself. She looks down at her attire, “I need to change.”

“No, I need to change and get into my tactical gear.” Christofer gives a nod to her, “you look amazing already.” She was in a pair of form fitting, medium-light wash jeans and a rust colored jumper. “Comfort has never looked so sexy than with you, schatzilein.” He gives her a wink before walking away.

Kate finds his term of endearment, something she had grown used to hearing while at home and alone with him, pulling at the corner of her lips in amusement. He’s right though, her attire is fine. A pair of brown loafers should match well enough while maintaining a slight appearance of professionalism. She’ll probably be pulling her trench over top anyway, or the thicker green jacket, she isn’t-

“Schatz.” Christofer offers a hand to her, having already returned to the sofa, completely clad in his black uniform, with pads, “you were a million miles away there.”

“Sorry, I-I reckon I’m just a bit tired.” Kate takes his hand, allowing him to help her stand.

“Want me to make you a coffee before we go?” Christofer watches his partner still, wrapping his free arm around her waist, “hopefully this will be quick and...we can come back here and...” He leans in, pressing a tender kiss against her lips, “watch a movie or...something.”

Kate’s head leans back, looking up at her partner’s face, “you and I both know this is going to go on to early morning.”

“Well, something to look forward to, then.” Christofer offers her a wide smile, giving her another kiss, “a car will be here in ten minutes or so.”

“I’m going, I’m going.” Kate laughs a little, trudging towards the stairs, only to see him following immediately behind her, only causing her to laugh softly to herself.

“Detectives, police, and neighbors were treated with hypnospray and a temporal block is in place for the house and surrounding U.N.I.T vehicles.” Shirley informs, motioning around the living room. “Microbial protection surrounding the areas of carnage. If we have it, I’ll use it.” She exhales, “I’ll be working with our team personally with this research.” There’s a minute smirk that plays at the corner of her mouth. Shirley is excited. Not that someone suffered a painful acid death, but with the prospect of discovering new information about the world around us.

“I may even occasionally assist with that. It is rather fantastical.” Kate waves her brow a little, then sighs as her eyes shift around the room, “were there any next of kin for the death inform? I’d like to do so personally. I don’t get the feeling that this was a random attack.” When both Chris and Shirley turn to look at her, Kate continues, “no broken or open windows, no broken door jams. Whoever the killer was, they were let in.”

“Whoever or whatever?” Christofer finds himself muttering, instinctively raising his rifle, but holding his fire when Melanie Bush runs back into the room. Everyone’s attention slips to her.

Mel, realizing there’s a weapon being pointed at her, raising her hands in innocence until he lowers the rifle a moment later, “they found the boy. The son.” She smiles, elated, lowering her hands. Such a tragic circumstance and there’s some bright spot out of all of this. “I mean, yes, his parents are both now deceased in a very dramatic...way, but he’s safe.”

“Safe enough for questioning.” Shirley corrects with a raised eyebrow.

There’s a bit of a commotion as some of the other U.N.I.T agents transport the last victim through the house. Just enough commotion that Christofer notices Kate slip something into her pocket. Something she had picked up from the coffee table. Something she thought no one would miss or would have documented. Christofer averts his gaze when she begins to move in a way that causes him to believe she’s about to look at him.

She’s more observant than that. She should have realized someone would be watching her.

“Allow him to rest. I assume he’s been through much tonight. Take him to the tower. Our physicians can have a look in on him.” Kate calls out, giving orders, “I also want DNA samples taken from him. Full panel, full spectrum, please. Consider soft restraints, but be nice about it.” She licks her lips in thought, “don’t need a shape shifter on our hands.” Kate pauses, tilting her head a little, “Melanie, stay with him, please.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time.” Shirley sighs, shaking her head to herself then looking back up, between the couple, “I’m sorry I ruined your evening. If you’d like, I can give you a bell once the labs have returned or if any additional developments occur before you arrive in the morning.”

“See that you do.” Kate exhales slowly, knowing this could have easily been a video meeting, but then she’d have never seen the book or been able to discretely obtain it. The edition of the book was new, she could tell by the cover. The name stuck out, a name she was very familiar with, and not in a positive way.

Kate bites her lip in thought as a million and one thoughts swimming in her mind at the same time. “Colonel, see that the clean-up crew completely document everything before moving forward with said clean up, please. Can’t tell you how often that team gets ahead of themselves. I appreciate their eagerness, but it shouldn’t outweigh their caution.”

“Actually, I’ll take that quest, ma’am.” Shirley gives another nod, “because of the acid, I’d rather it be handled with extreme caution and that my team actually retain some for testing.”

“Good idea.” Kate nods again, “we’ll take our leave then, but please, don’t hold back anything.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Shirley offers a smile as her boss gives her an affectionate shoulder squeeze.

Christofer escorts Kate to the car they arrived in, driver already in their place. He opens the door for her before walking around to the other side and climbing in. Exhaling softly, Christofer instinctively reaches for her hand, rubbing his thumb against her knuckles once she takes it. How could he possibly breach the subject? I saw you remove something from a crime scene. He’ll die from her glare alone with that one.

Maybe not though. Maybe honesty was the best policy. At least with this.

However, he doesn’t say a word, just sitting there with her, glad they didn’t live far from the crime scene, but also concerned by the idea as well. Christofer doesn’t release her hand and she doesn’t release his either as they arrive at their place. He follows her through the same car door as if a busy highway were on the other side.

Kate leads them into the house, using her key with one hand, “You okay?” She asks him quietly, sensing his unease.

Giving an approving hum, Christofer waits a moment before he speaks, “what did you put in your pocket?”

“What?” Kate asks quietly, almost absently. Doing her best to think of a lie, but knowing it pains her to do so. Especially with him. She doesn’t look at him.

“At the scene, you had...put something in your pocket.” Christofer attempts again, “you thought no one was looking and I saw you.” He swallows, tilting his head to the side a little, “I didn’t say anything to anyone, nor would I, I just need to know what you took...and why you took it.”

A derisive laugh escapes Kate’s lips, “you don’t need to know anything.” She simply can’t look at him.

“I don’t know who else saw...and I need to know so that I can protect you if someone did.” Christofer sighs softly to himself, gently placing his knuckle under her chin and guiding her face in an effort to force her to look at him, which he’s glad she obliges. “I know you only would have done so if there were a good reason for it, schatz.”

Kate swallows, looking into his hazel eyes for a moment before she finds the courage to speak, “it was um...it was a book...by Johnathan James, my elder son’s biological father.”

Chapter Text

“You think this is, what, a personal attack?” Christofer furrows his brow, slowly removing his armor and work-shirt. No sweat, he’ll be able to wear it in the morning when it’s time to go to work.

“How can it not be, is the better question.” Kate bites her lower lip, unbuttoning the waist of her bluejeans and lowering them, removing them one leg at a time and tossing them into the hamper with a gentle, expert toss. Her rust colored jumper comes after, cropped with the upper portion over-sized, another toss to the hamper. During her few days off, though really it seems like only hours these days, she always found washing the dirty laundry to be soothing. She folds the clean, dried clothing absentmindedly and would often listen to classical music while doing so.

If only her child-self could see her enjoyment when she does so, she’d easily shudder.

Christofer is sure to lay the top, still covered in his vest and padding, and the utility trousers onto the chair that stands in the corner, next to the closet. His socks are soon to follow, “Do you-” He pauses, laying down the last garment, leaving him to stand in nothing more than his boxers as he turns to gaze at her, “do you want me to look through the book first?”

Pulling on her thin, silk nightgown after removing her undergarments, Kate takes the action to give herself a moment to answer that question. The closed book on top of the bed they share, at the foot, atop the duvet. She clears her throat, folding her arms over her chest as she exhales slowly, “I um...I saw the name and...” Kate shrugs, her voice is soft, thoughtful, “it was like I was 16 again...”

When Christofer continues to show his interest, Kate continues, “in his lecture hall. I um...” She shakes her head a little, her eyes glazing over slightly as she speaks, “I found him fascinating. He was...a brilliant lecturer... and,” Kate swallows, “I fell for his charm...without knowing at the time that his pursuit of me was a bad thing, called grooming.” She pauses again, a bit longer this time, her eyes finally settling on her partner’s face, “I wouldn’t trade Gordon for the world, of course, he was the greatest thing out of that entire...relationship.”

Chris takes another step closer to her, “I didn’t know.”

“You didn’t need to.” Kate licks her lips, taking a step back as she doesn’t particularly want to be touched at the moment, “I can-”

“No, you can’t. Not yet, at least,” Christofer shakes his head, reaching for the book and looking at the cover once he takes it into his hands. Parenthood: Assisting Your Child Through Crises. “I’ll take care of it, look for any messages on the pages, anything odd.”

Kate draws her lower lip into her mouth, biting it softly, closing her eyes as she absently wraps her arms around herself. She clears her throat, shaking her head as she pushes the emotion down. She has to push the emotion down, not wanting him to see her weak. Not right now, anyway. “Thanks,” Kate responds softly, “I don’t need people realizing the connection just yet, if ever. Too many questions.”

“I’ll take care of it. Have it...fly under the radar when I turn it into evidence.” Christofer nods, nearly starting at her face, “I’ll sleep on the sofa so that-”

“No, I um...” Kate shakes her head quickly, “no. Please, don’t.” She won’t say how she needs the comfort of his closeness tonight. “Read it in the morning, just...let’s just sleep, please.”

“Of course.” Christofer watches her, letting her guide the intimacy of the night, “do you want me to at least put the book downstairs?” He notices an uncertain expression clouding her appearance, she certainly doesn’t want the book in this room, but she isn’t going to make that call. “I’ll take it down, put it on the coffee table, and I’ll be right back.”

Kate gives a subtle nod, not realizing the appearance or reemergence of Jonathan James would be so triggering for her. She’s stared down the barrel of a Sontaran’s service weapon, been on the receiving end of torture by the Vulpreen, been attacked by Zygons on multiple occasions and the only thing that causes fear to develop in her heart is her elder son’s biological father.

She flinches slightly when she feels Christofer’s hand on her upper arm upon his return, he rushed. “Didn’t even realize you left the room.” Kate ruefully smiles for him, shaking her head a little, “I’m sorry, I...” She falls quiet, not knowing what to say.

“Schatz, you don’t need to apologize.” Christofer responds softly, carefully taking her into his arms. His muscular arms envelop around her slim frame, simply holding her. Christofer feels her begin to lean against his chest, “how can I help you, mein geliebter?” He feels her shake her head negatively before a sniffle.

She’s crying.

“I reckon it’s time to deploy Operation Goldener Schatz.” Christofer gently guides her to the bed they share, intending on holding her throughout their entire night if she allows, and normally she unconsciously demands it. “My favorite thing about you isn’t your perfect eyes or the way your legs seem impossibly long despite your actual height or your statuesque figure, though I do think of those things fondly.” He smirks to himself when he hears her huff a soft laugh to herself, “it’s your resilience and the kindness you show others.”

Kate swallows, smiling softly to herself, knowing he’s trying to cheer her up. She clears her throat, shaking her head as she pulls away from him just enough to climb into bed. “You don’t need to do that.”

“Do what?” Christofer takes the opportunity of the brief separation to climb into bed himself, lying next to her.

“I’m fine.” Kate shakes her head a little, repeating, “I’m fine.”

“Of course.” Christofer still just lets her guide the course of her own trauma and the discussion of it. He lazily wraps an arm around her, feeling as she adjusts her position, resting her head on his pectoral muscle. The space between them falls quiet, but he can tell by her breathing pattern that she isn’t asleep just yet. Effortlessly, he reaches just behind him, turning the bedside table lamp off. “If you’d like, I can tell you a bedtime story.”

The comment causes Kate to grin, nearly laugh, amused by her partner, “shut up.”

“You’re never going to believe this one.” Shirley starts, wheeling herself into Kate’s office space, glad the door was open so she doesn’t need to knock. She carefully closes the door behind her once she fully enters, not waiting for Kate to respond. Shirley holds up a thumb drive in front of her, black metal with an etched U.N.I.T logo, “got the reports back from the genetic testing. Had my guys working on it all night, treated them to a proper breakfast and a small bonus as a token of my thanks.”

Kate briefly glances up from the papers scattered on her desk, “what will I be looking at?”

“Drew Martin isn’t fully human.” Shirley’s eyes dance like a child’s, “of course, humans, in general, aren’t fully human anymore, but that’s only ever a fraction of a single percentage.” She hands over the drive to Kate when the blonde reaches out for it.

Kate lifts the lid of the laptop before plugging the drive into the side of the device. She gives herself a moment as she shuffles the papers she was previously looking through, setting them in a neat stack just out of her way, “is that the only round of results to return?”

“No, there’s a few on there.” Shirley shakes her head, “and, thanks to running with the wrong crowd as a teenager, we have the DNA of Tricia Martin, previously known as Patty Johnson before marrying her wife and taking her name. Tricia is also the biological parent of Drew. So, we can account for that portion of his DNA.”

“And the foreign DNA has not been fully karyotyped, I take it...” Kate uses an external mouse with her laptop, despite the device’s touch pad, something Christofer has teased her about plenty of times by now.

“Correct. However, it is displaying humanoid traits.” Shirley continues, folding her hands in her lap watching Kate’s face. This isn’t the excitement and awe she was expecting, this was concern. “We’ve been doing our best to make him comfortable. We had our doctors sedate him last night to help him rest. He’s...” Shirley sighs softly, “understandably, having a difficult time and our providers believe that he’s in a state of shock.”

“Were there any physical wounds?” Kate asks quietly, clarifying the type of wound. She knows the mental ones will probably remain for some time.

“Bumps and bruises, everything minor.” Shirley answers quietly.

Kate continues to look through the provided documentation on her laptop, “Drew Martin’s clothing was also collected, correct?” Seeing the subtle nod from the department head of the Science Division, “the...the dirt behind his nails scraped and...wounds, however small, were-”

“All taken care of.” Shirley tilts her head to the side ever so slightly, “everything is being studied. I just had them put a rush on the blood work because something felt...off about him once I got a look. More than just simple shock.” When Kate furrows her brow with curiosity, Shirley continues, “he...he seems to have an effect on the people around him, seemingly without realizing it.”

“What sort of effect?” Kate leans back in her office chair, casually and comfortably folding her arms over her chest.

“The only way I can explain it is...” Shirley pauses, meeting Kate’s eyes, “serenity.”

Chapter Text

The procurement team managed to equip one of the interrogation rooms with the comforts of a bedroom. It was clear to everyone who was on the case that this boy served no danger to those who came into contact with him and, as far as the police were concerned, they had no idea there were any issues. There was no ‘Next of Kin’ to be named, no wills. They checked.

Kate knocks on the door before opening it, alerting the teenager to her presence, “Good afternoon, Drew. I’m Kate.” The boy lies in the bed, staring ahead of himself, “how are you feeling?”

Drew says nothing, hardly even remembering to blink.

“I’m sorry for your loss. I was older than you when I lost my parents, but I understand what it’s like not having them.” Kate explains kindly, stepping over to the chairs in the room to drag one over near the bed, slowly taking a seat after, “I know how difficult it can be.” She was told that he hasn’t said anything since they recovered him from that house, “however, I want you to understand that we’re doing everything in our power to capture whoever did this.”

The young teenager remains silent, his eyes glassy with unshed tears.

“Drew, I’m the Commander-in-Chief of the Unified Intelligence Taskforce, better known as U.N.I.T.” Kate continues, finally noticing his eyes shift to look at her, “I need your help, if you’d be willing.”

Slowly pushing himself up to a sitting position, Drew scoots to lean against the wall. He returns his gaze to her, showing his interest in an effort to get her to continue.

Thankfully, Kate is a master at recognizing unstated signals. “I’m not going to demand that you speak, but you can nod to signify a ‘yes’ response and shake your head for ‘no’ response. Do you think that’s possible?”

Drew swallows, nodding a little, but enough for Kate to notice.

“I appreciate your cooperation.” Kate nods, folding one leg over the other at the knee and resting her hands in her lap. “I had my team acquire your currently prescribed medications, so they’re getting that sorted for you. All medical professionals, I assure you. The most they gave you without your direct permission was a sedative to help you relax when you were brought in. Otherwise, my team would not give you anything without your knowledge. Do you understand?”

Drew gives another nod.

“Perfect.” Kate offers a half smile, “Do you have any food allergies, Drew?” The teenager gives a negative headshake, allowing her to continue, “are you hungry?” A positive headshake from the teenager, “me too. Do you like pizza?”

Nodding again, Drew also hums his response, almost absently.

“I’ve been wanting some too. Just haven’t been able to find the time to order it...until now.” Kate gives the teenager a larger smile, “do you have a preference in toppings?”

“We would usually get a pizza for each of us, my parents and I.” Drew responds with a shaky voice, a subtle smirk in the corner of his mouth, thinking fondly of the memory. “Mum likes veg, Mater likes pepperoni and sausage, and I like ham and pineapple.”

The teenager’s rough, soft voice is surprising to Kate, but she does her best not to look surprised by the sound of his wavering tone. Though, whether it sounded that way because of his nervousness or his disability, she refused to allow herself to consider. “They all sound good, honestly. I’ve never understood the resistance to ham and pineapple, though I’ve also never tried it.”

Drew nods a little, offering a soft half-smile. There’s something about this woman that causes him to feel as if he can trust her. It also helps that she appears to be more and more at ease as well.

Kate touches the black earbud in her ear, placing their orders with her team. “We’ll need to give them a bit before that arrives, obviously. Have yet to install the in-house chefs.” She offers a soft smile, “I have a few questions, if that’s okay.” Another nod from the teenager in encouragement, “in the house before everything happened, was there anyone else in your house besides you and your mothers?”

Turning his attention from her, Drew stares ahead of himself, towards his toes on top of the mattress he was provided, “why?”

“Because I have a hunch regarding the answer to my question.” Kate replies quietly, “so, if you wouldn’t mind answering.”

Drew nods a little, “but he...he wouldn’t do anything. He’s been around my whole life and-” He stops when Kate holds her hand up to stop him, calm him. “I don’t even...I don’t know what even happened to him.”

“Was that man Jonathan James?” Kate asks simply, noticing the surprise from the teenager. She offers Drew a half smile, “is there a...connection?”

Nodding again, Drew takes a moment before he’s able to speak, “he’s a friend of my mother...and their biological donor...to make me.” He swallows, shaking his head, “he and Mater are both professors. She...wrote the forward in his book and um...he dedicated it to me and someone named Gordon.”

Kate didn’t catch that when she attempted to skim through the book. Too lost in her own mind at the time. She continues presenting her own poker face as she slowly nods in understanding, “have you any idea who this Gordon is?”

“He never said.” Drew mutters quietly, “I don’t...I don’t know what happened...or how...” He licks his lips, shaking his head, “I remember coming down the stairs to show my Mum something and then...nothing. Waking to your soldiers shouting...and pointing their weapons at me.”

“I understand that can be...jarring at best.” Kate watches him closely, “however, with the crime scene that we investigated, we didn’t know that you were alive...much less in the garden shed.” Her tone is gentle, caring, “I apologize for the alarm that it caused you, but I do not regret my team’s actions.”

Drew falls quiet again, the space between them growing still until he finally breaks it, “they’re...my parents, they’re both really dead then?”

“I’m afraid so,” Kate answers quietly, “but it’s believed everything happened very suddenly, and it’s highly unlikely they experienced any pain whilst-”

“I guess that makes it okay then.” Drew mutters sarcastically, his voice only slightly above a whisper, “please don’t lie to me.”

“What do you believe I’ve lied to you about?” Kate continues.

“You don’t know how they died yet.” Drew continues softly, “that’s what the small one with the curly, ginger hair told me. That you don’t really know.” He swallows, “I’d like to see pictures of the crime scene.”

“No, you don’t.” Kate shakes her head slowly, “you don’t want that to be your final memories of your parents.” She notices the gears seemingly turning in the young teenager’s head, but decides not to delve deeper. He accepts her excuse, and Kate finds that reassuring in regard to the teenager’s mental state. Better than expected.

“You seem...distracted.” Christofer gently runs his thumb against her hip as they lie comfortably in bed, his arms around her. This is what she does, when the day is more tough than she anticipated. She lets him hold her, mostly because he does it instinctively, knowing when she needs it.

“It’s-” Kate stops herself, swallowing, “not to sound crass, but it’s...it’s difficult knowing that the person I thought I laid with all those years ago, the person I created a child with, might be even more despicable than I was originally aware of.” Her eyes are glassy, and her voice is only just above a whisper, “and I feel disgusting for...allowing him to touch me in the first place.”

“You might feel that way now, but you know you aren’t, schatz.” Christofer mutters against the top of her head, taking in the smell of her freshly washed and dried hair. “You’re brilliant and beautiful. You’re tenacious, but kind. All things I love about you.”

“I thought I’d...be over this by now, but it all feels just as fresh as...” Kate shakes her head, clearing her throat as she gently pushes away from him, pushing herself to sit up. She brings her hands up, rubbing her palms over her face. Not to rub the sleep, but almost absently, in an effort to rub the thought from her mind. Kate tries to inhale slowly, doing her best to calm her anxious heart.

Christofer has never seen her like this before. Pushing himself up from the mattress to sit next to her, he folds his hands in his lap, keeping his back straight. He doesn’t say anything, simply just being there for her at that moment.

Kate lowers her hands, simply looking forward, “Why didn’t you tell me that he dedicated the book to Gordy?”

“I didn’t notice.” Christofer shakes his head, “I also didn’t think anything of it if I did, to be completely honest. I was more focused on looking for any notations meant for you. Anything odd that shouldn’t be there and was instead added after the publication.” He swallows, still watching her silhouette, “I didn’t realize it would matter.”

“He never once tried to see him after he and I parted ways.” Kate exhales slowly, “not even a phone call to check on his wellbeing. Never went to the courts. Never wrote a letter or an email, nothing.” Her head turns only slightly towards Christofer, “for Jonathan to dedicate a book to Gordy, his first book nonetheless, means he’s up to something.” Kate pauses, “and I intend to find out what it is.”

“And I know you will, but tonight-” Christofer leans in, effortlessly finding her lips with his own, “tonight you must rest.” Another kiss. “I will do whatever it takes to help you do that, even if that means singing you a lullaby.” The comment causes Kate to give a soft huff of a laugh.

“I don’t believe we need to resort to such drastic measures.” A smirk plays at the corner of Kate’s mouth as she leans in, pressing another kiss to his soft mouth. This time more tender, deeper than the one he just rewarded her. “Thank you.”

“For what?” Christofer asks quietly, his long, muscular arm finally reaching out around her small frame, pulling her closer to his side.

“Putting up with my childish insecurities.” Kate licks her lips, nuzzling her forehead comfortably under his jaw.

“No, my love. You were put through a traumatic ordeal at a very young age.” Christofer begins, “and, of course, you can say that several times over with monsters of all walks of life, from all sorts of planets. However, occasionally, the most fearsome of monsters that we face is humanity itself.”

Kate hums softly, indicating her agreement, “understatement of the year.”

Chapter Text

A young man with sandy brunette hair is escorted through the halls of the proud U.N.I.T Tower, flanked by U.N.I.T paramilitary members. Then onto the lift, leading up to the hangar bay offices, exactly as the soldiers were told. He appears cross, frustrated even. He’s dressed in a smart pair of slacks with a matching blazer and a dress shirt with a fun colored tie. He’s put together, to put it simply, truthfully appearing like he could even pass as an employee. The young man keeps his arms at his sides once he’s let out from the lift.

Kate lifts her head, looking to the back of the office space, near the lift, starting to smile to herself. An excited, yet subdued expression. She makes her way toward him, waiting until three quarters of the way up the ramp before fondly muttering, “Gordy.”

Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart allows his mother to hug him, returning it just as much, “you could have just phoned, you know.” He mutters near her ear, releasing his hold after a few moments.

She wasn’t sure he’d answer, to be completely honest. However, he seems positive for the time being, so she won’t admit any of the negativity. “The dogs treated you well, I hope.” Kate gives the soldiers a slight nod to dismiss them, looping her arm through the space in the crook of his elbow to lead him gently toward his office

“They came into the school building as if the world was ending, which I hope it isn’t this time, and scared my students half to death.” Gordon admits, sighing, “so...as I said, a phone call would have sufficed, even a text as a heads-up.”

“My apologies, darling.” Kate won’t admit that she wanted to have a helicopter bring him in, only for the idea to be settled by Christofer. “What was your lesson for the day?”

“Pythagorean theorem. Only just started. We’re in our second day of it.” Gordon responds simply, “Lesson one, learn how to properly pronounce Pythagoras and understand why he was important to mathematics and history.” It’s only half a joke, really. “And it also gives me the opportunity to discuss one of my favorite topics-”

“Ancient Greece.” Kate nods slowly, remembering the boy who tried to convince her, on multiple occasions, that she should allow him out of their home in a toga. Only once, and it could be explained away by its closeness to Halloween. “Have you showed them the photo in the toga yet?”

“I was six, but you’re never going to let me forget that.” Gordon smiles to himself, his cheeks dimpling softly as he does.

“Not on your life.” Kate grins, motioning him toward her office finally, closing the door behind them once he enters. “Is there anything I can get you? Tea, coffee?” She offers, not intending to obtain it herself, but knowing all it takes is a single phone call to cause Christofer to race to assist. “I could probably score you one of those energy drinks, if you’d like.”

“A coffee would be much appreciated. I have a night of grading papers ahead of me.” Gordon slowly looks around her office, the bookshelf and the books contained on it. He’s never been in this space. Turning, he finally looks at his mother’s desk and large, leather desk chair. “That doesn’t look your style. Is it Grandad’s?” A genuine smile fills his face when he notices his mother’s nod, “it’s where it deserves to be, blessing the U.N.I.T halls.”

“Agreed.” Kate nods, lifting the phone to ask Christofer to make Gordon and her cups of coffee. She edges a seat against the front of her desk, placing the wired phone back onto its base. Kate smiles softly, watching her son engage with his curiosity. Something she’d simply never tire of, regardless of his age.

“While I am...fascinated by your office and literature, you wouldn’t have brought me here in the way that you did for a social call.” Gordon walks closer to his mother after finally turning to face her, “what’s going on, Mother?” When it appears that she’s having difficulties finding the words, he places a reassuring hand on her forearm as he comes to stand in front of her. “Mum.”

“What I’m about to tell you cannot leave this room under any circumstances. I will not wipe your memory, it’s something you need to know about yourself.” Kate motions for her son to take a seat in one of the chairs in front of her desk. Her jaw is set, doing her best to remain firm instead of fearful for her son’s sake. “Has your father attempted to contact you in recent months?”

Gordon certainly wasn’t expecting that. He furrows his brow slightly as he begins removing his blazer, setting it on the back of the chair, “yes, actually. I got an email from him...to my work account. Maybe about...a week or so ago, if that.” He leans back in his seat, fully aware of his mother’s trauma via his memories of seeing it first hand as well as listening to her speaking on the phone about it to either a friend or therapist, he was never certain, “I didn’t read it. I didn’t want him to get the receipt that I did. Why?”

“Your father is a...suspect in a murder case.” Kate mutters, averting her eyes from his, staring toward the floor, “and the only reason I’ve become aware of it is that it’s one of our cases.” She licks her lips, “not because of my personal feelings or anything. It just...fell into our jurisdiction of sorts.”

“I don’t understand. Your jurisdiction?” Gordy furrows his brow, shaking his head a little.

“The son of the victims also happens to be your biological half-sibling.” Kate continues, lifting a hand to tuck her hair behind her ear, swallowing, “and there’s evidence that your father was at the crime scene and left around the time the victims were-”

Gordon closes his eyes, lifting a hand to signal for her to stop speaking for a moment. “One thing at a time, please. First, I have another sibling, other than Liam?”

Kate nods faintly, “he’s currently in our holding cells for security. Not a prisoner, but...he’s fourteen, same age as William, and we need to keep an eye on him based on the nature of the crime and...his nature. Your father was-”

“Let’s stop referring to him as my father, please.” Gordon runs his hand through his hair, “he was a genetic donor at the very best.” There were many arguments during his teenage years, many things that he had said just to hurt her about his father. All things he regrets at this point in his life, knowing more.

“He was a genetic donor for the lesbian couple that was murdered as well, literally.” Kate nods slowly. “I do, however, need to check your genetic makeup against your biological half-sibling, if you wouldn’t mind. It’s rather important.”

“And I can help with him, if you need me to. I have a degree in child psychology.” Gordon tilts his head to the side, a subtle smirk playing at the corner of his mouth, “as I’m sure you well know.” He watches as she nods again, the space between them falling quiet before he speaks after a moment, “what do you think you’re going to find in my DNA?” Another pause. “Better yet, what did you find in the boy’s DNA that has you so on edge?” When she looks at him finally, as if she’s surprised that he noticed, he continues, “because this is more than just Jonathan James popping up on the radar again, more than him being a possible murderer. You’re genuinely terrified...though you hide it pretty well, there’s no hiding it from me...or your young lover, I bet.”

“His name is Christofer, you know that.” Kate exhales, knowing full well exactly how observant her son has always been, how serene she always feels when in his presence, how it always helps him pull out certain aspects of herself and her own emotions. More than she’d normally be willing to speak about with anyone. She hears the soft knock at the door, only for the mentioned man to enter with two mugs of coffee.

Christofer gives Kate a soft smile before nodding to Gordon, “good to see you again.”

“Likewise.” Gordon gives a quick nod, “thank you for the coffee.”

“She complains if anyone else makes it.” Chris teases, triggering a blush to fill across Kate’s cheeks as she hits his muscular bicep playfully.

“One time. Susan doesn’t make good coffee or tea, but she could if you taught her.” Kate gives a cheeky smirk as she watches her partner, “get back to your desk, Colonel.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Christofer gives a playful salute as he takes his leave.

Gordon watches as the man takes his leave, closing the office door behind himself before he returns his attention back to his mother, “he’s good for you, you know.” He takes a sip of his coffee, giving her a moment to respond, but speaking when she doesn’t after a moment, “he makes you laugh...and smile, but most importantly, you feel safe with him.”

He was right.

Kate knows full well that her son is right, she finds herself giving a subtle nod. “Back to the topic at hand, please.”

“If your crew is working this particular case, that means Jonathan James...is not of this world.” Gordon takes another sip of his coffee, speaking only after he waits a moment, “am I right?”

“Won’t know for certain until we do our genetic testing.” Kate replies softly, taking a sip of her own coffee, giving her a moment to think of her next words.

“Will this hurt you more if you find out that I am?” Gordy asks quietly, truly needing to know, needing to protect her even though she was the one that needed to know. He reaches forward, gently touching her hand as it holds onto the edge of the wooden desk that she’s edged a seat against, “Mum, what I am or what I am not, is not your fault. What Jonathan James may or may not have done, is not your fault. Understand?” Gordon notices his mother’s glassy eyes and the uncertainty on her face, causing him to finally get up from the chair, embracing her completely. “None of it makes you any less a human...and none of this would make anyone think any less of you, especially the young lover, Liam, or myself.”

Truthfully, she needed to hear that. Kate embraces her son in return, holding him as a tear escapes the enclosure of her eye. Glad she’s able to shield her face from him within their hug. He doesn’t need to know. Kate swallows, quickly wiping her face as they separate, “I can um...I can take your sample in here and I’ll mark it with a generic name to track. I’ll be doing the same for myself. I don’t want them to know that it’s me.”

“Probably for the best.” Gordy flashes a smile, unbuttoning his cuff and starting to roll up his sleeve.

Chapter Text

“How many people am I going to need to talk to about this?” Drew’s arms are folded as he leans against the head of the bed provided to him. “My parents are dead and I didn’t know they were dead until there was a rifle pointed at my face and I was accused of their murder.” He pauses, “I’ve told that same thing like...three times now.”

“That’s how interrogation works, Drew.” Gordon explains simply, “No one thinks you did anything, but they’ll have you repeat things a few times to see if there’s any change in your story.” He shrugs, “just typical stuff, really. Annoying, sure, but it’s just your consistency that proves your innocence.”

“I’ve been here for over a day though. I know that much. They brought me breakfast in the morning.” Drew explains, obviously frustrated, “I didn’t do anything and I’m being kept here as a prisoner for no reason...just to stare at the bloody walls and...I’m not even allowed outside. They brought me a book, gave me none of my meds, and nothing else. No mobile, no telly...” He swallows, his eyes damp, “I want to go to my room...my room. Not this prison cell.”

“So, there is something that...you need to be aware of and I think it would be good to touch on whilst I’m here.” Gordon inhales and exhales slowly. “My biological paternal genetic donor and your biological paternal genetic donor, are the same person, Jonathan James.”

Drew’s head turns to look at the man in the kitchen table chair, “sorry, what?”

“We may have different people that we consider parents, but, genetically, we’re half siblings.” Gordon explains, noticing the slight look of relief mixed with surprise forming on the teenager’s face. “And, as you might be aware, there comes the subject of...who your parents wanted you to go to if anything should happen to them. So...now.”

“I don’t have grandparents or um...aunts and uncles, not like that. Not that could...” Drew swallows, “not that would be willing to-” He hadn’t realized exactly how alone he truly is until that moment, “oh...”

“Yeah.” Gordon watches the teenager as he attempts to rationalize the realization in his head, “their um...their prime suspect right now is Jonathan James, which is the person they’d ask to take custody of you first if things were different.”

“So, what does that mean, then?” Drew asks quietly.

“Don’t know that, but I do find it bizarre that Jonathan decides to make some sort of contact with us both in a very short span of time, completely out of the blue for me.” Gordon pauses, tilting his head to the side, “and it’s probably best for your own safety that you remain with U.N.I.T for the time being.” He offers, “not necessarily stuck in this room, but in this building or with another staffer. Bet I could get someone to give you a tour or something...if you want. Place is massive.”

“It's hard for me to get around without at least my crutches or scooter...” Drew responds softly, “no one asked me about it...and I know I’m just...something that isn’t...a necessity, I guess-”

“But it is. It’s a necessity to you. That’s what matters, Drew.” Gordon offers him a soft smile, “I can see if we’re able to get them from your house or...you can tell me what type they are and I can have U.N.I.T order you another pair.”

“I um...I spoke with the Commander-in-Chief, but...I don’t know. We had pizza.” It’s almost as if Drew is asking if she can be trusted, his eyes meet Gordon’s and there’s a subtle nod shared between them.

“That’s my Mum, believe it or not.” Gordon offers with a light laugh, noticing as the teenager raises a surprised brow, “and, of course, you make that facial expression because you simply can’t believe she could be my mother with her youthful glow and love of pizza.”

“They’re watching me, aren’t they?” Drew whispers, absently glancing around the corners of the room for a camera, and spotting some. “She seemed nice enough though.”

“She is.” Gordon smirks, “believe it or not, U.N.I.T are the good guys...and I’m sure they’d get you whatever comfort from home you’d like...and maybe even a few extras.” He waves his brow suggestively, “I’ll have a word. Is there a particular gaming system you’d like?”

“Ma’am, here are the-” Melanie steps into the viewing room, spotting Kate standing at the two-way mirror, only to then realize she startled the woman, “apologies. The reception down here is rubbish, I tried phoning.”

“That’s okay. What is this?” Kate exhales, taking the file from Mel when they’re offered to her.

“You placed a rush on some samples. The lab rats said that these were quick answers, but complete results will be to you in roughly twenty-four hours.” Melanie explains what the laboratory staff conveyed to her. She shrugs, “it’s more your forte than mine. I apologize.”

“No apology necessary.” Kate shakes her head, “and you could have waited until I returned to my office, but I do appreciate you bringing these all the way down.” She continues to watch through the two-way window, nodding toward the display before them, “things are going well.”

“Rosie was able to divert Donna’s attention long enough for me to make my escape.” Melanie continues, “for as long as she’s been married, you’d think she’d manage to contain herself when speaking to an attractive man.” She exhales, “I didn’t want the new guy to experience that.”

“So you thought to come yourself instead?” Kate raises an eyebrow, amused by the course of the conversation.

“Out of curiosity.” Mel mutters, “Drew seems to be handling this well, all things considered.”

“He does.” Kate nods, “we need to outfit his space more. When they’re finished speaking, I’d appreciate it if you were to make a list with him over what he’d like. What we don’t have readily available, I want you to personally take on the task to acquire everything. If you question something, reach out to me immediately. Am I understood?”

“Of course.” Melanie tilts her head to the side, the space falling quiet for a moment before speaking again, “will you at least tell me the new guy’s name, maybe?”

Kate smiles to herself, “Gordon James Lethbridge-Stewart.” She turns her head slowly to look at Melanie, “he isn’t the new guy, he’s simply doing me a favor. Turns out, as his mother, I have a little pull.” Kate returns her attention back to the occupants of the other room, “and he offered.”

Melanie nods slowly, “I forgot you had children.”

“There are some aspects of my life that I keep private.” Kate ruefully half smiles, “for their sake. I don’t want them to ever be put at risk in an attempt for an enemy to have a go at me and U.N.I.T.” She normally just makes them forget things when she’d spend time with them or fill them with false memories. Kate clears her throat, “doesn’t matter. Just tell Ms. Noble to keep her hands to herself...or she’ll need to deal with me.”

This causes Mel to nearly laugh, simply giving a nod, “yes, ma’am.”

Chapter Text

Christofer holds Kate in the bed they share, pressing a kiss against her shoulder. Their closeness is tender, calming to them both. “Mel said Gordon did a fantastic job with that kid.” He smirks a little, “though I didn’t expect any less from someone descending from you.”

“He bought his trust with U.N.I.T funds, but if that’s what it takes...” A subtle smirk forms in the corner of Kate’s mouth, “I’m guilty of buying my boys’ love myself from time to time. They have an age gap between them, but I did the same thing with both of them when they were coming up.” She licks her lips, tilting her head to the side to watch her lover’s face, “Drew Martin is a good kid who has been dealt a bad hand. He deserves better. If we can assist him with that, I’m going to ensure that we do.”

Dipping his face down, Christofer presses a kiss to the exposed collar bone near him, “I love seeing you in a maternal light.”

Kate hums a soft chuckle, “is that so?”

“Pretty sexy, if I’m being honest.” Chris smirks, speaking against her skin.

Closing her eyes, Kate lifts her head up, allowing his lips more access to her neck.

”Katherine Lethbridge-Stewart.” The professor stands in front of his class, calling attendance. His eyes shift over to the young blonde woman who seems a tad preoccupied with setting up her small desk space within the presentation hall, “Ms. Lethbridge-Stewart?”

Lifting her head suddenly, Kate realizes she’s finally being spoken to, “I’m sorry, were you speaking to me?”

“Your name is rather unique, so...no.” The man smirks, the dimples in his cheeks as prominent as his pearly white smile. He’s handsome, with dark auburn hair, his eyes a piercing blue. Noticing his student’s blush, he gives a nod, “see me after class.”

Not a request, an order. Kate finds herself sitting up a bit, “yes, sir.” She wasn’t fond of taking orders from anyone. Having run from home plenty of time before from both her mother and her father, she wouldn’t take orders from anyone. However, there was something about this professor, about this man. Not just his handsome face, but his tone of voice. Yes, Prof. Jonathan James, on the first day of class, already has a hold on her.

Kate awakens, gasping for breath, staring at the ceiling.

Christofer continues to watch his partner as he lies next to her, his brow furrowing with concern, “you’re safe, Kate.” He uses her name, not a pet name, not anything else. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen, and Chris is more than understanding regarding how to deal with the situation. “We’re in our bed, in our room, in our house.” Stabilize her. “And you’re safe.”

Blinking slowly, Kate does her best to steady her own breathing as she listens to his calm, loving voice. She swallows, “did I fall asleep on you?”

“Yeah, but I enjoyed watching you sleep.” The corner of Christofer’s mouth turns up slightly.

The comment, though Kate knows he means it with the best of intentions, causes her to huff a soft laugh, “that doesn’t sound as romantic as you think it does.”

“But you know I mean it that way.” Christofer clarifies with a subtle nod, reaching a hand up to softly wipe the fallen tears from her wet cheeks, “I don’t know what you’re dreaming of, but I can tell it isn’t a comforting one.”

Her smile fades with a soft sigh, “did I wake you?” Kate swallows, slowly turning to her side to face him, “I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize. You can’t control what you do when you are asleep.” Christofer’s tongue slips out to moisten his lips briefly as he continues to watch her face, “and you need to rest, not just your body, but also your mind. You don’t deserve to have a restless sleep.”

“Neither do you.” Kate responds quietly, letting him hold onto her more.

“Maybe some sort of white noise?” Chris feels himself relax a bit more when she rests her head against his chest, “Is there something U.N.I.T has made that might help?” Anything at this point, anything that would help her truly rest. Even just for a few hours.

Kate thinks for a moment, searching her brain for an answer to his query, “I don’t know if I can risk doing anything that would-”

“Schatz,” Christofer interrupts her, whispering, “just close your eyes. As long as I breathe, you’re safe. Understand?” Hearing a subtle hum of affirmation from the woman in his arms, he smiles as he feels her settle against him more out of comfort. In reality, it’s a comfort to him as well.

Kate lowers herself into the desk chair in front of her team within their shared office space, offering a soft smile when Shirley wheels herself up to her desk, tablet computer in hand, “it’s first thing in the morning. You aren’t allowed to hand me bad news before I finish my coffee.” The comment is said in jest, a soft smirk forming in the corner of Kate’s mouth.

“Drink it quicker then.” Shirley retorts, holding up the tablet computer before handing it over, “the security issue was brought to my attention when I got in.” She quickly draws her lower lip into her mouth to moisten for a brief moment before speaking again, “it isn’t so much a security flaw or lapse, but...it is something you’ll want to know.”

Accepting the tablet computer when it’s finally handed over to her, Kate fully reads through the report before lifting her head and closing her eyes briefly to inhale slowly. As she exhales, she opens her eyes, “have the driver bring the car around, please.” Kate gives a rueful smile, a mix of frustration and disappointment though the manages to maintain a lightened appearance, “this is why I don’t want any files until I’ve had my first cup of coffee.”