Eyes of Time: The Final Line ✓

Chapter 67: Torchwood - Children of Earth 4&5

[1965 Scotland]

Jack grips the steering wheel, the Land Rover bouncing slightly as he drives over the uneven terrain of the Scottish moor. The landscape stretches out in every direction—empty, desolate, the kind of place where things happen and no one ever knows. Ahead, the headlights catch a group of soldiers standing by a lorry, their silhouettes stark against the dim light. A woman waits among them.

Jack pulls up, kills the engine, and steps out. The night air is cold, damp with the scent of the earth.

Vanessa watches him approach, "This is the location they specified," she says, "A set of instructions, coming through on a wavelength combination designated 456."

Jack's expression doesn't change, "Did they give a name?"

"All we've got is that number. 456."

The wind whistles through the moor as they walk toward the lorry. The soldiers remain still, their presence more ominous than reassuring. Inside the vehicle, a faint yellow glow illuminates stacks of files, transmission reports—paper proof of something unspeakable.

Vanessa shifts uncomfortably as she reads from the documents, "According to our alien friends, in four months' time, the virus will mutate. It's a brand new strain of Indonesian Flu. They claim it could kill up to twenty-five million people. All our research seems to back up their figures. In 1918, the Spanish Flu outbreak killed something like five percent of the human race."

Jack's jaw tightens, "I know. I was there."

She glances at him but doesn't comment, "Well, this time, we're being offered a cure. They'll send the antivirus in exchange."

Jack stares at her, "How many children do they want?"

"Twelve," she exhales, as if saying it aloud makes it worse, "It's like a sacrifice to the ancient gods. Twelve virgins."

Jack lets out a slow breath, "Just twelve? It sounds like a good deal. What do they want them for?"

"They say they'll live forever."

"Yeah, sure," his voice is flat, unreadable, "Why do you need me?"

Vanessa meets his gaze, "Well, assuming twelve children can be found, then we need someone to deliver them."

Jack studies her, waiting for the real reason.

"What, in case the aliens are hostile, you need someone who can't die?"

She shakes her head, "Actually, we need someone who doesn't care."

The words hit him harder than they should, but Jack doesn't flinch. He's good at that.

[Warehouse]

​​Jack faces Gwen, her expression a mix of shock and disgust. His voice is hollow when he speaks.

"1965, I gave them twelve children."

Gwen stares at him, "You just handed them over and hoped for the best?"

Jack doesn't answer. Some things don't have an explanation. The Alchemist glances at him before closing her eyes and breathing in a deep, calming breath.

[1965 Scotland]

The bus rumbles over the uneven terrain of the Scottish moors, its headlights cutting through the darkness. Clem grips the edge of his seat, his breath fogging the cold glass as he watches the endless stretch of land roll by. The other children sit around him, their voices hushed, unsure whether to be excited or afraid. At the front, the man driving glances at them in the rearview mirror, flashing a reassuring smile.