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

[fractured_agent]

Jack has had a long time to come to terms with his immortality. And now that he knows there's nothing even the Doctor can do about it... his only option is to live with it. He literally can't do anything else. And part of that means sending friends in to die, knowing that the risks will never be the same for him. He would die for them thousands of times over - has done, even. But he can never take every bullet for them, no matter how much he tries.

"Well yeah, of course I would," Martha says.

[slayers_desire]

"We know you will do your best." April is proud of her, and that Martha will optimize the most out of this opportunity.

[fractured_agent]

"I don't want you to give me an answer right now," Jack says, and holds up his hand as Martha opens her mouth to protest and say yes. "But now you know that the offer is on the table. Finish high school, pick a degree that might be useful with or without Torchwood, and go to university for at least four years. Learn as much as you can. And when you have your diploma, then I want your answer."

((bedtime))

[slayers_desire]

"In addition to taking university, if you want any other training, you just have to let us know."

[fractured_agent]

"Like what?" Martha wants to know, thinking about her sports career in kickboxing.

"Well, for one, Torchwood field agents need training in psychic shielding," Jack says. "Now, I'm sure your mother has introduced you to the idea before, so it'll be nothing new to you. But you'll need to get in the habit of having your shields up all the time. You never know when you're talking to a telepath, and while some are friendly, Torchwood can't take the chance that none of them will use your thoughts against you. It's happened before."

[slayers_desire]

April knows the advantages of having psychic training. The fact that Martha will need her shields up all the time will be something she will have to get used to.

"I am sure we can help you train your shielding abilities."

[fractured_agent]

It's also one of the bigger benefits of waiting. She gets four years to train her shields without worrying about having to test them against a malevolent telepath, where immediate employment with Torchwood would have no such guarantee. "Torchwood also requires every agent, in the field or not, to be experienced with firearms," Jack continues.

[slayers_desire]

"You will have to find others to help you train with firearms. Like Uncle Ed. Or Uncle Jack."

[fractured_agent]

"Dad, don't you know how to use a gun?" Martha asks Clark.

"Only a shotgun," Clark says, still looking uncomfortable about the idea. "And not for use on people."

Martha herself hadn't thought about that before. "I'll have to shoot people?"

"If all goes well, no," Jack answers. He's gone through this with recruits before, like with Gwen. Most police in the UK don't use guns either. "But it's better to know how in case it does become necessary."

[slayers_desire]

"Your firearm will be your only form of defence and protection Martha."

[fractured_agent]

"Can't I just knock them out instead?" Martha asks, biting her lip.

"Sometimes that's possible," Jack says. "But not always. You need to know how to defend yourself if the situation arises, because there won't be time to learn when your life is on the line."

Martha slowly nods, looking a little disturbed still, but accepting the wisdom of that.

[slayers_desire]

"We understand your hestitation about using firearms. But it is something about the job you will need to be comfortable with, if you decide to serve with Torchwood."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Martha's beginning to realize that this job offer, while it's a dream job, is not going to be all fun. And it's a good thing that she's figuring this out while she still has time to think about it.

"We aren't excited about this job, but whatever you choose, we will support you," Clark tells her.

"Thanks, Dad."

[slayers_desire]

April smiles softly, knowing that Martha will soon face the reality that not all dream jobs are 'easy' or 'fun'. But she is sure her daughter will give her passion into the path she chooses for herself.

"Since you have time to go through university and everything, before you choose, it will be your choice also if you want to tell your siblings about the opportunity presented to you."

[kalel_ofkrypton]

Martha looks worried by that. A lot of her siblings have gone on to join the Justice League, but the JLA's highest rule is to value all life above all else. Torchwood doesn't adhere to the same rule, and she's worried that they might think less of her if she decides to go into a job where she might have to kill someone.

"Can we just... keep it between us, for now?"

"Of course, sweetie," Clark answers.

[slayers_desire]

"I thought you might want to have some time." April can sense Martha's concern for what her other siblings may feel and think.

[fractured_agent]

"Thanks, Mom. I appreciate it."

Jack nods, glad that she's going to consider it over time like he asked. Joining Torchwood shouldn't be a rash, spur-of-the-moment decision. And unlike many of his recruits, he's known her family for years. He would hate for her to join unprepared and have something happen to her. "Take your time. There's no rush to decide, and if you choose to decline, your brothers and sisters never have to know."

[slayers_desire]

Martha seems to happy about this information. And April knows it is the first step of saying goodbye to her youngest. Her nest will be empty soon.

"After all, there is still university classes to consider too."

[fractured_agent]

Clark gives April's hand a gentle squeeze. This is harder on both of them to see their last child getting ready to step out into the world on her own. But he's still proud of all their children, no matter what careers they choose.

"What should I take?" Martha wonders.

"Anything you think might be helpful," Jack tells her. "Torchwood has employed people of all kinds of professions over its lifetime. Doctors, beat cops, researchers, even a botanist or two. Our strength is in our wide variety of talent, since we never know what we're going to encounter from day to day. But whatever you choose, make sure it's something you enjoy. Don't pick a career path you hate just to make sure you get the job."

[slayers_desire]

Everywhere around her are memories of the family together. Now, they are all separated, in different places and different paths. It is a little bittersweet.

"Was there anything you were considering before hearing this news?"

[martha_kent]

"I was thinking about being a police officer," Martha says, although slowly as she thinks about it. If she'd chosen that path, she would probably have to use a gun then, too. But Martian Manhunter is with the police, and he works with the Justice League too.

[slayers_desire]

"Well you can still take courses directed to that path. I am sure police studies would benefit you."

[fractured_agent]

"One of my top agents was a beat cop," Jack agrees. "I might actually be able to get in touch with her if you want a consult from someone who did it before herself."

[slayers_desire]

"That would be a good idea. Thanks Jack."

[fractured_agent]

"Get in touch with me if you have any questions," Jack says with a smile. "You know how to reach me."