Daughter of Torchwood

The Slitheen

The Torchwood team didn't gather in the conference room until the following morning, the atmosphere charged with a restless energy as they waited for Starla's update.

Toshiko caught Starla's eye, offering a quick, supportive nod before her fingers danced across the console. A crisp electronic chirp signalled the start of the recording. Starla took a breath, the transition from the alien-hunting shadows of Cardiff to the mundane hallways of high school still feeling surreal. Her voice remained calm and methodical as she laid out the events of her Monday.

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The first day back after summer was always the worst, but the dread felt lighter this year with Maria and Luke by her side. As they walked toward the school gates, the familiar sights of Park Vale felt different with her new life and her new secrets, simmering just below the surface.

Sarah Jane pulled up to the kerb to drop Luke off. "Hiya," Starla greeted with a warm smile.

"Oh, hi, Maria. Hi, Starla, " Sarah beamed, leaning over to press a quick kiss to Luke's cheek, "Have a brilliant day."

As she drove away, a group of boys standing nearby erupted into snickering. Starla's eyes narrowed, her protective instincts flaring as she shot them a sharp glare.

"Why were they laughing?" Luke asked, his expression one of genuine confusion.

Starla sighed inwardly; she sometimes wished that alien scanner of his had come with a 'street smarts' upgrade.

"First day, and your mum is kissing you goodbye? It's a bit embarrassing, Luke," Maria explained gently. She stopped in her tracks, her brow furrowing as she looked at a gleaming addition to the campus, "Wait, that's a bit flashy, isn't it?"

"Brand new science and tech block," Starla noted, "It went up over the summer. Construction was incredibly fast."

"It was in the morning paper," Luke added, his mind already cataloguing the architectural details.

They navigated the crowded corridors to the assembly hall. "I'm feeling anxious," Luke admitted, sandwiched tightly between the two girls on the wooden bench.

"Me too," Maria whispered, "New school, new faces. It's a lot."

A boy they didn't recognise sauntered over, "Budge up," he said easily. Starla shifted along, making room. He turned to Maria with a grin, "Are you new today?"

"The two of us are, yeah," Maria said, gesturing to Luke, "I'm Maria."

"Clyde. I'm new too," he joked, leaning back, "I'll probably just hang around with you guys until I meet some cooler people."

Luke missed the sarcasm entirely. He sat up straight and extended a hand for a formal shake, "How do you do? I am Luke Smith."

Clyde blinked, then let out a short laugh, "That was a joke, mate. Now I actually mean it."

Starla hid a laugh behind her hand, enjoying the break in tension, "He's just nervous. I'm Starla."

"Good morning, everyone," the Headteacher, Mr Blakeman, announced, stepping up to the lectern to command the room.

"Good morning, Mr Blakeman," the students droned back in unison. Suddenly, a loud fart echoed through the microphone. The hall descended into chaos as students roared with laughter. Mr Blakeman didn't even flinch, continuing his welcome speech as if nothing had happened.

Once assembly was over, the groups were split up. Starla headed to her morning classes, while 10B, Clyde and Luke's form, was led away for a private tour of the new high-tech wing.Lunchtime finally arrived. Starla and Maria scanned the canteen for Luke but were instead intercepted by Clyde, who slid into the seat opposite them. "Can I sit here?"