Arranging for a job offer [futureverse, for slayers_desire]

[fractured_agent]

The little yellow farmhouse looks just the same as it always has, perched on the flat plains of Kansas amidst miles of cornfields. Though it's nowhere near a beach, the small agricultural community of Smallville has always reminded Jack Harkness of Boeshane, a tiny little place out in the middle of nowhere, with neighbors who looks out for each other and stay close together as a community with a shared, tragic past.

The year is 2041 - he double-checked, just in case something went wrong with the Nexus again, or his vortex manipulator. The little piece of tech was never meant to last more than a century without maintenance, but it's served him well so far.

Jack looks the same as he always has, plus a single gray hair or two, his ancient gaze the only sign of the two thousand plus years he's already lived. It's warm in Kansas this time of year, but he doesn't seem to mind the heat from his wool greatcoat, one of his only constant companions, as he walks up the dirt road towards the Kent farm.

Comments

[slayers_desire]

The house seems so quiet these days. After years of having her children around her, they were all gone onto university (or other ventures) now.

There were many pleasant memories though... ones that always made April smile.

[fractured_agent]

By now, of course, Jack has known the Kents for a long time, and he knows April will sense him coming long before he sets foot on the porch. But he's nothing if not polite, and knocks on the front door to announce himself anyway, before coming inside. "Anyone home?" he calls out.

[slayers_desire]

She did indeed sense a familiar friend approaching the farm. And she heads out of the kitchen to give him an official invitation inside.

"Hello Jack, come on in."

[fractured_agent]

"Hey there, gorgeous." Always good to see old friends... he doesn't have many of those left, so the ones that he does are treasured all the more. "How's it going?"

[slayers_desire]

"It has been quiet." April smiles softly. She pats a seat on the sofa for him.

[fractured_agent]

Jack hangs up his greatcoat near the door and comes to join her on the couch. He's visited often enough over the years to be comfortable in their home, so there's no awkwardness between them. "Feeling the nest getting emptier?"

[slayers_desire]

"My babies are all grown up." Her voice is soft and sad, but proud.

[fractured_agent]

"People talk about how hard it is raising kids, but the hardest part is letting them go." He understands completely. Although he also knows that will make the conversation he came here for harder, as well. "You've been an exceptional mother. Anyone would be proud of the job you've done."

[slayers_desire]

"They are doing amazing things. Their own destinies to discover."

[fractured_agent]

He's seen how some of her children have gone into the family business, while others have forged their own paths, all of them finding their place in the world. Jon as a mechanic and superhero, Laura as a doctor, Wil as a writer, and now the twins are on their own journey of self-discovery.

But there's one who has yet to leave the nest. "How's little Martha doing?"

[slayers_desire]

She can sense he is focusing on Martha for a reason. "Almost ready to leave home herself. Just trying to find the right path..."

[fractured_agent]

"Still as stubborn as ever, I bet." He's heard of some of her struggles growing up as the only non-super in the family, and her drive to prove herself. It's a quality that he admires, so long as it isn't taken too far.

[slayers_desire]

"She wants to prove that she can do anything her siblings can, even without powers."

[fractured_agent]

"Does she still have her sights set on the Justice League?" He knows that April can probably tell he isn't just asking because he's interested in her life, and he respects her enough not to hide it. He's lost too many friends through being manipulative. Even his own daughter was wary of him for a long time because of it. And everyone else's lives are too short to push everyone away.

[slayers_desire]

"She wants to be a hero. And has studied with a few JLA members..."

[fractured_agent]

He's not sure how April will react to what he wants to ask. So he tries to ease into it, without trying to sound like he wants to steal her daughter away. "She's learned a lot of useful skills growing up."

[slayers_desire]

"Jack... stop beating about the bush. Why is Martha on your mind?"

[fractured_agent]

Well, there we have it. Time for full disclosure. "I'm always on the lookout for new talent. I'd like to offer her a job at Torchwood, once she's done with school."

[slayers_desire]

"Torchwood? Isn't that dangerous..." April is instantly hit with worry.

[fractured_agent]

Jack won't sugarcoat it for her. She knows his job better than most, and it's her daughter's life at stake. "Yes, it is. But so is being a member of the Justice League, especially for someone without the natural advantages many of its heroes enjoy."

[slayers_desire]

"You really think Martha would be suited to help Torchwood?" She just wants to know more right now. And really wishes that she wasn't hearing this alone.

[fractured_agent]

"Not right now, but she has a lot of natural talent that would be useful to the Institute," Jack says, now making sure that she knows there's plenty of time to decide. He isn't going to whisk Martha away as soon as her high school diploma hits her hand. And he especially won't say anything to Martha if the Kents don't want him doing so. "If she began training in college, she could be a top-notch field agent by the time she graduates."

[slayers_desire]

"She would be really honored to hear you think so."

But April is still nervous. "can you tell me more about her duties?"

[fractured_agent]

Well she hasn't thrown anything at him and told him to get out, so he takes that as a good sign that she's at least thinking about it. Or hearing him out, at the very least. "That would depend on her specialty. All Torchwood agents are required to be certified on handguns and self-defense, and be capable of going out in the field to track down alien lifeforms or artifacts. I need people who are hard-working, dedicated, work well solo or in a group, and most of all, think quickly on their feet. We never know what we'll be facing day to day, so creative problem solving is a must."

[slayers_desire]

Strangely, it is hearing that Martha would have to handle a handgun that makes her the most nervous.

Most of the qualities that a Torchwood agent needs, seems to fit Martha though. And she had to fight back those nerves.

"You came to me first?"