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]

That is one relief. If Martha was able to be hero in her own right, April definitely wouldn't want her forgetting any of those memories.

"The team supports each other too... right."

[fractured_agent]

"Of course. I can't say who will be active duty by the time Martha would be ready, but I like to make sure everyone works well together. Team building activities and such. It's not always chasing Weevils into the sewers." Torchwood has never had much spare time for having a life outside of being Torchwood, but ever since Gwen reminded Jack of the importance of the human factor, he's made sure to keep up group cohesion in a positive, constructive way.

[slayers_desire]

"Clark..." April looks at her husband, to see if he has any further questions. She knows Martha will be home soon... and while she is still having doubts, she is having trouble denying her this opportunity.

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark is still just trying to accept the idea of letting Martha do this. Rationally he knows that she'll make her own choices, whether he likes it or not. Emotionally it's harder to do that than it should be. "Can you promise us that she would return to us safely?"

That's another question Jack had been hoping they wouldn't ask. But he won't lie. "No, I can't guarantee it."

[slayers_desire]

"The JLA doesn't really promise the parents of our heros that they would be returned safely." There is a certain risk in everything. Every job. Every path.

[fractured_agent]

"I wouldn't offer her a job if I didn't think she could do it," Jack says. "Torchwood doesn't waste resources training an operative if they won't make it a week. We want the best there is to offer, and that means a long-term investment. I would never do anything to endanger her beyond what I'd ask of any other field agent. Martha has great potential, and I can let her exercise that potential in a place where she won't be limited by being 'lesser' than her peers."

[slayers_desire]

This is so tough to hear. To have the knowledge that their daughter would have been limited... if she had stayed with the JLA. In this world.

April is more mad at herself right now. For not thinking bigger and better for their youngest.

"When would you want to start training?"

[fractured_agent]

"She can start learning some essential skills now, the earlier the better, but I wouldn't need to bring her to the Hub just yet," Jack says. He can tell they're both upset, and he expected as much. "Right now she has a special opportunity that most Torchwood agents don't get. Most recruits come in after they've earned a degree that's useful to the Institute. Martha's still a blank slate, so to speak. I'd encourage her to finish her schooling before taking her on as a field agent. She would have at least four years to prepare for the job without any of the associated dangers."

[slayers_desire]

"To still go to university..." And grow up a little bit more.

[fractured_agent]

Jack nods. "She could specialize in whatever skill she'd like to contribute. The team always needs a medic, for instance. Or we could use someone skilled with technology, weapons and defense, vehicles, even diplomacy. She wouldn't have to complete a degree to be hired on so long as she has the necessary skills, but I'd encourage her to see it through regardless, so she has something to fall back on after she's retired." And maybe by planning for the future, it would help ease the Kents' worries about their youngest.

[slayers_desire]

April really can't find any real reason to deny Martha this opportunity. "I really think... we should talk to Martha about this. And see what she wants to do."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark can't either, besides parental protectiveness. It doesn't make it much easier though. "She should be getting home soon."

[slayers_desire]

April reaches over to take her husband's hand in hers. She feels that protectiveness too.

"This is... very scary."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Clark gives her hand a squeeze, glad that at least they're both together in this, despite the fear of letting a child go into danger. "Maybe she'll turn it down." He knows even before he says it that Martha is not likely to say no. It's not in her nature.

[slayers_desire]

"If she did, I would have serious doubts she was Martha. Perhaps a clone..." April is trying to lift his mood.

[fractured_agent]

"Or a shapeshifter," Jack says, only slightly too serious to be joking.

Clark pretends not to pick up on that, though. "She definitely got the famous Kent stubbornness, that's for sure."

[slayers_desire]

"Good thing I was too stubborn myself not to be scared away by yours."

[fractured_agent]

Martha arrives home a few minutes later. She drops her backpack to the floor near the door, not looking up. "Mom, I'm home," she calls out before she notices that not only is Clark home, but they have company. "Oh, hey Uncle Jack! I didn't know you'd be stopping by."

"Martha," Jack says with a nod and a smile. "Good to see you."

[slayers_desire]

"Hi sweetie." April smiles softly, seeing her daughter again. She takes Clark's hand again, promising herself that she won't get weepy over this.

"Sit down for a second. Uncle Jack wants to talk to you about something important."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

"Is something wrong?" Usually that sort of talk means something's happened, and her parents look upset.

"Nothing's wrong, exactly," Clark says, not wanting to worry her. "Come and sit down."

Martha takes a seat in one of the armchairs, not sure why they're all behaving so strangely.

[slayers_desire]

"Uncle Jack just want to talk to you about an opportunity. He believes that you have potential to be a valuable member of Torchwood."

[fractured_agent]

It takes Martha a moment to realize what she's hearing. "Torchwood? Really?" she asks, excited by the idea.

"Eventually, yes," Jack says, leaning forward a little. "I've been watching you grow up, and I think you have what it takes to be an excellent field agent after you've had some training."

[slayers_desire]

"It will take hard work. And dedication to your training, especially what you decide to take in post-secondary education."

[fractured_agent]

"I won't get to start right away?" Martha's disappointed by that. It's such a tease, telling her that she could have a job at Torchwood and then making her wait.

"You're still young," Jack says. "You have a lot to learn yet, and refine your skills before taking them to the field. I know you have the drive to be an excellent agent, but you have an opportunity to train in a more specialized field first."

[slayers_desire]

"Torchwood is a more effective team because of each specialization the other team members bring to the field."

"Your father and I want you to face this opportunity ready for the challenges that it might bring... and that means time to train and study."