Épisode Les Enfants de la Terre : Troisième Jour S03E03 - Torchwood Saison 3

A l'aube du troisième jour, Ianto a trouvé un refuge pour l'équipe recomposée. Un entrepôt abandonné appartenant à Torchwood 1. Les journalistes du monde entier parlent des enfants et des derniers évènements. Ils ont dit « On va revenir demain », soit ce jour précis. Des écoles ont fermé et les gens s'inquiètent de savoir qui va arriver ou quoi.

Dans l'entrepôt, l'équipe se demande quoi faire. Jack laisse échapper (volontairement ?) qu'il est au courant pour le bébé de Gwen ce qui met Rhys en colère. A Downing Street, le Premier Ministre s'exprime à la télé. Il fait fermer les écoles et instaure un couvre-feu pour les enfants. S'il essaye de rassurer la population sur l'absence de danger (en leur mentant pour préserver son image), les gens sont quand même inquiets.

Ianto parvient à faire dire à sa soeur, Rhiannon, qu'il est vivant. Johnny, son mari, ramène une enfant chez eux. Il y en a plusieurs dont sa femme s'occupe pour les parents obligés d'aller travailler. Rhiannon est débordée.

A l'entrepôt, l'équipe fait le bilan de ce qu'ils possèdent, autrement dit, pas grand chose. Gwen a l'idée de se servir de son expérience dans la police pour établir un plan. L'équipe va utiliser tous les moyens pour voler de l'argent ou même une voiture, pour ne plus être démunie. Pendant ce temps, Alice, la fille de Jack, s'inquiète toujours d'être sans nouvelles de lui. Elle sort de chez elle et emprunte un téléphone à une passante pour appeler le commissariat de Cardiff et se renseigner. L'armée trace l'appel et cherche son identité.

A l'entrepôt ils ont enfin l'électricité et Ianto a fait des courses de première nécessité ainsi que des vêtements. Clément McDonald vole un portefeuille et va dans un bar. Il parle tout seul, effrayé par ses souvenirs et la menace toute proche. La patronne appelle la police et Clément se fait arrêter. A l'entrepôt l'équipe fait des recherches sur lui et sur les personnes qui étaient inscrites sur la même liste que Jack et qui sont morts. Gwen fait télécharger le logiciel de lecture sur les lèvres car ils possèdent encore une paire de lentilles de contact spéciale Torchwood.

Gwen appelle Loïs et la retrouve. Elle lui demande encore de les aider. Gwen lui explique le fonctionnement des lentilles et lui demande de s'en servir au MI5 mais Loïs a peur et ne sait pas quoi faire. A l'entrepôt, Jack se demande pourquoi John Frobisher, qui n'est que le secrétaire permanent du Ministre de l'Intérieur, a pris tant de pouvoir et peut ordonner des meurtres. Jack et Ianto ont une discussion sur leur vie et leur mort. Les recherches sur Clément aboutissent enfin. Ianto en fait un résumé à Jack, lui expliquant qu'en 1965, les enfants d'un orphelinat ont été transférés mais que leur trace a été perdue. Personne ne sait où ils sont passés. Jack change de tête. Il demande à Ianto de voir les photos de ceux qui ont été tués en même temps que lui, des photos de cette époque-là. Jack a l'air inquiet. Ianto lui demande s'il les connaissait. Il répond qu'il ne connaissait pas leur nom et part en courant de l'entrepôt.

L'armée découvre la véritable identité d'Alice et de son fils. L'agent Johnson appelle Frobisher pour le lui annoncer. Il lui dit de les faire venir. Frobisher dit à sa secrétaire Bridget Spears, de le suivre au MI5 où ils vont s'installer. Loïs par un mensonge qui la met en porte-à-faux avec elle, parvient à être du voyage. Gwen téléphone à Andy pour faire libérer Clément. Il veut des informations sur ce qui se passe mais elle ne lui dit rien. Gwen va chercher Clément et l'emmène avec elle.

Chez Alice Carter, celle-ci a un mauvais pressentiment. Elle prend son fils et s'enfuit avec lui. L'armée les poursuit. Alice se défend bravement mais ils sont pris au piège et l'agent Johnson les arrête. L'enfant, Steven, est à nouveau figé. Il a le bras levé et pointe quelque chose du doigt. Chez Rhiannon, tous les enfants font la même chose ainsi que chez Frobisher et Clément. Les enfants des autres pays pointent l'Angleterre et les petits anglais pointent Londres et le MI5.

L'instant tant redouté est arrivé. Le ciel s'ouvre, les nuages s'écartent et une colonne de feu en descend, droit sur le MI5 et la pièce spécialement construite. Frobisher monte seul à l'étage sans y être autorisé, dans la salle où monsieur Dekker se trouve déjà. La colonne de feu s'éteint. Silence. Rien ne bouge. Les enfants disent : « On est ici. » tout en continuant de pointer le MI5 du doigt. Un bruit fort comme un grognement se fait entendre dans la pièce spéciale et une voix grave s'élève. Elle dit : « Parler ». Frobisher se présente. Du bruit se fait entendre dans la pièce. Des sortes de pinces énormes apparaissent au milieu de la fumée causée par les gaz toxiques, et une espèce de substance verdâtre éclabousse les vitres. Frobisher, mal à l'aise et ne sachant pas quelle attitude adopter, demande quel est le problème et essaye d'entamer la discussion. Le 456 ne veut pas donner le nom de son espèce. (Ils sont appelés ainsi en fonction des ondes radios qu'ils utilisent pour communiquer). Frobisher demande ce qu'ils veulent. Il montre un certain aplomb malgré sa peur. Le 456 dit qu'il veut parler au monde. Frobisher explique que ce n'est pas possible, qu'il faut passer par des représentants. Le 456 accepte et Frobisher dit qu'il ne faudra pas parler de leur rencontre passée. Dekker est resté muet. Ils sortent de la pièce et Frobisher se laisse tomber au sol pour relâcher la pression qu'il vient de subir.

Les journalistes informent la population qu'une délégation d'élus arrive au MI5 dont le Capitaine Oduya, de l'Unit et le Général Pierce, représentant des forces armées des Etats-Unis. Celui-ci parle avec le Premier Ministre et lui explique la colère du Président que tout se soit fait derrière son dos. L'Unit montre aussi son mécontentement. Le Premier Ministre leur dit qu'ils sont les bienvenus, qu'il peut se retirer... Il essaye encore de conserver une image impeccable. Il négocie habilement pour utiliser un intermédiaire "neutre", autrement dit Frobisher, pour continuer la discussion. Ensuite il téléphone à Frobisher pour lui dire, en lui mentant, que l'armée exige qu'il continue à être leur porte-parole. Frobisher est effrayé.

Plus tard, chez lui, sa femme lui parle au téléphone. On aperçoit Jack caché dans la maison. Gwen est avec Clément. Ses souvenirs lui reviennent en mémoire et il dit que l'homme est revenu, qu'il est comme avant et qu'il vient le chercher. Frobisher reçoit un appel qu'il croit venir de sa femme. C'est Jack. Il lui demande confirmation pour savoir s'il s'agit des mêmes qu'en 1965 et si c'est pour ça qu'ils ont voulu le tuer. Jack le menace de tout révéler si Frobisher ne le fait pas entrer au MI5 pour qu'il puisse parler au 456. Frobisher riposte en lui disant qu'ils détiennent sa fille et son petit-fils et lui fait du chantage avec ça.

Gwen a ramené Clément à l'entrepôt. La rencontre avec les 456 va débuter. Frobisher ira leur parler avec certaines personnes autour de lui dont Bridget Spears et Loïs, et les responsables suivront les échanges par le biais d'une caméra. Loïs va mettre les lentilles de contact avant de les rejoindre et Bridget Spears fait comprendre à Frobisher que le Premier Ministre se sert de lui. Ils entrent dans la pièce. Dans l'entrepôt, l'équipe voit tout grâce au logiciel pour les lentilles. Gwen indique à Loïs qu'il faut être plus près du visage de Frobisher pour comprendre ce qu'il dit. Les 456 grognent toujours et répondent de manière acceptable aux questions de Frobisher, tout en continuant à "vomir" leur substance verdâtre. La discussion continue. Le 456 accepte de ne plus utiliser les enfants. Le Général Pierce fait faire la demande de savoir pourquoi ils ont choisi ce pays. Le 456 répond qu'ils n'ont aucune importance, c'était ce pays ou un autre. Torchwood comprend que l'alien ment par accord avec Frobisher.

Jack revient à l'entrepôt. En parallèle, le 456 dit qu'il veut un cadeau. Frobisher lui répond oui. Le 456 dit qu'ils veulent prendre leurs enfants. L'incrédulité est totale. Clément panique. Il vient de "sentir" l'homme qui les a emmené en 1965. Il dit qu'il arrive et s'affole. Jack entre. Les 456 disent qu'ils veulent 10% des enfants de la Terre. Clément dit que Jack est pareil qu'en 1965. Gwen lui demande des explications. On revoit en flash-back une partie de ce qui s'est passé : Jack disant aux enfants d'aller vers la lumière. Dans l'entrepôt, Jack, sous le regard incrédule de ses amis, avoue qu'à l'époque, il a donné aux aliens douze enfants en guise de cadeau.

FIN

...

Opening credits

EXT DAY London from the sky with lots of bridges

EXT DAY Big warehouses next to train tracks and car park from the sky

INT DAY Warehouse

Close up of crowbar getting rid of a padlock. Door slides open. Ianto leading the way into a really big empty wet concrete and corrugated metal place. He’s all proud.

IANTO : This is us. This is Torchwood. This is home.

Gwen, cross armed, is not impressed, but attempts to twitch a smile.

TV SCREEN

TV NEWS : The children promised tomorrow and tomorrow is here. Our correspondents have been measuring the situation in Australia where so far...

FRENCH TV NEWS: Le President a déclaré avoir ordonné la fermeture de nos écoles.

USA TV NEWS : The Senate have pointed out that we are now living in fear of our children. In fear of what they will say next. In fear of who or what is speaking through them.

INT DAY Warehouse

Close up on lighter. Click, click, whoosh, flamey.

RHYS : Whoa ! Almost lost my eyebrows ! Still, I'm good for something, see ? Old Boy scout !

Ianto and Jack are at opposite ends of what’s left of a sofa. Gwen is standing, rubbing hands together.

GWEN: I'm freezing.

RHYS : Is anyone gonna see us in here ? You know with all this firelighting stuff ?

IANTO : It was abandoned in the '90s. Used to be a Torchwood holding facility, Torchwood one.

JACK : Been rusting away for years.

GWEN : So what do we do ? Just sit here ?

JACK : Worse than that, do I have to stay in these clothes ? I mean, come on. Tracksuit bottoms. Not a good look.

GWEN : Jack, they're arriving today. That alien voice-thing said today and we're stuck in the back end of beyond.

JACK (slaps sofa seat) : Yeah. But we're together. The old team. We're down, but not out, yeah ? (Gwen sits in the middle). We've survived worse than this.

GWEN : Yeah.

JACK : Besides, I don't know how much fighting you should do, in your condition.

Gwen raised eyebrows, Ianto looking sideways at Rhys, and Rhys...

RHYS : What does that mean ?

GWEN (whispers) : Christ. Jack !

RHYS : He knows you're pregnant ? You told him before me, didn't you ?

GWEN : Rhys, he happened to be there, and it happened really, really fast.

RHYS : Last to know ! Last to bloody know ! Well, thank you very much !

He stomps off. Gwen gets up to follow him.

GWEN : Don't be stupid, man. Hey, don't be so... (to Jack) Couldn't you just keep it shut ?

Jack smirks.

IANTO : All together. The old team.

TV SCREEN

TV NEWS : Tension is mounting as the population of the entire planet waits for the next incident.

FRENCH TV NEWS: Le Parlement Europeen semble figé au regard de ces...

US TV NEWS : We've been given no answers, no hope, no assurance that our children will come first if...

TV NEWS : The Government has refused to speculate about the origin of the voice or the importance of the word "tomorrow". Let's take you live now to Downing Street.

INT DAY Prime Minister’s Office

Prime Minister talking to camera, but without the TV Screen pixels effect. Behind him looks mostly red.

PRIME MINISTER : In light of what's happening with our children, we've temporarily closed the schools. As a further precaution, we have introduced a temporary curfew for everyone under the age of 18.

Camera moves sideways, we see the first picture was on a monitor and he’s revealed behind that. Background looks mostly yellow and green. And you can see a camera and a dude with a microphone on a stick and someone with paper and pen.

INT DAY Frobisher house

Holly and Lilly at a table playing on small computer games. Anna watching the TV, where the Prime Minister continues.

PRIME MINISTER (VO) : Keep your children at home, where they'll be safe. The curfew takes effect immediately...

INT DAY PRIME MINISTER’s Office

Prime Minister from the side.

PRIME MINISTER : ...and will continue until further notice.

TV SCREEN

PRIME MINISTER : But rest assured.

INT DAY Frobisher sitting somewhere

Close up on Frobisher looking worried.

PRIME MINISTER : We are doing everything in our power.

INT DAY Davies house

Rhiannon, very bright pink, in the kitchen watching the news past a ton of kids.

PRIME MINISTER : To find out what's going on, to safeguard our children.

INT DAY Bridget staring in close up

Just her face looking stern, then looking down and away.

PRIME MINISTER : And all the people of this nation.

INT DAY Somewhere with lots of people

Assortment of people, many black, some white, and Lois Habiba looking "yeah right" at the TV.

PRIME MINISTER : In the meantime, we are asking everyone to stay calm, and to go about your lives as normal. There's nothing to suggest we are in any danger, and as soon as we find out anything more;

INT DAY Frobisher close up again

John is worried.

PRIME MINISTER : The public will be informed.

Worried John looks down at the floor.

PRIME MINNISTER : And as always...

TV SCREEN

Wonky close up on his eyes.

PRIME MINISTER : I thank you, for your trust, and for your faith.

INT DAY with Lois

Her reaction shot is last, with strings sting of worry now.

INT DAY warehouse

Jack wanders past the fire bin, still in his tracksuit bottoms. Ianto, near camera sitting on stairs, watches him. A whole yellow and black with hints of grey and brown sort of theme to the location. Ianto on his cellphone.

IANTO : Yeah, it's me, listen, I can't talk, just give her the thumbs up. She'll know what it means.

EXT DAY Davies estate

Johnny walking in front of some houses. Whistle. Johnny looks up, a black man on a balcony gives him the thumbs up. Johnny gives thumbs up back.

JOHNNY : Oh, brilliant ! Thanks, Mac !

INT DAY Davies's house kitchen

Rhiannon is feeding many small children. There’s cola in cans and a stock of sandwiches. Many, many children, and loudness, and chaos.

JOHNNY : Mac says, thumbs up, Ianto's alive !

RHIANNON : Is that it ? You daft sod, well where is he, what's he doing ?

JOHNNY : Thumbs up, that was all. This is Eliza, and she's lactose intolerant, so no milk.

RHIANNON : Oh, right. You take your coat off, you go in there and play, all right ? That's it now, Johnny. No more kids ! I'm full to bursting.

JOHNNY : It's a public service ! The schools are closed, people still got to work. Life goes on !

RHIANNON : Yeah, with you making a profit.

JOHNNY : Ten quid a kid. Look, that could be our slogan, ten quid a kid !

INT DAY Carter house

Steven with hand over mouth staring watching TV, Alice on her phone again. The TV is some kids game thing. Phone ringing.

JACK (VO) : This is Jack Harkness, leave a message and I'll get back to you.

Alice hangs up and stares at phone. Then bites nails and stares at TV, spinning phone around still in her hand.

INT DAY warehouse

Table of awesome equipment stash. Messy table. Unawesome equipment.

JACK : So, we've got... Guns, OK, and a pen knife. Laptop, now dead. Credit cards and a phone, which they can trace. Lemsip. Book of stamps. Pair of contact lenses. And fifteen quid.

GWEN : Plus 25p. And some bloody alien thing turning up today.

IANTO : We've still got some of the Torchwood software though. We've lost the Hub, but the software still exists on the server. Trouble is we're gonna need some more equipment, not to mention electricity.

RHYS : And how are we gonna manage that, hidden away like criminals.

GWEN : Well that's it. Brilliant !

RHYS : What ?

GWEN : Criminals. Thieves. Us. Well, they're treating us like criminals, let's be criminals. Listen, I trained with the police, I know every trick in the book ! I've seen the lot ! Come on, boys. You're gonna learn some tricks !

EXT DAY Café

Montage of lets be bad guys. Two people sitting at outside café table, one reading a newspaper. "They’re coming today" "Authorities prepare for arrival". And a bunch of other stuff. Ianto, jacket and tie off, sleeves rolled up, white towel over one arm, comes up to the table.

IANTO : Everything all right ?

CUSTOMER : Oh, yeah, fine, thanks very much.

IANTO : That'll be £15.50, please.

The bloke hands over his credit card. Ianto turns away, ditches the towel, and runs.

EXT DAY bench on street

Gwen chats to some bloke on a bench. We don’t hear what they’re saying. Rhys walks up, picks up the man’s laptop case, and legs it. It’s sort of cute how obvious he’s being.

EXT DAY Café

Jack’s turn to run the credit card con.

EXT DAY Bench

Rhys and Ianto "fight", getting the attention of everyone. Gwen walks up and walks off with another expensive looking laptop shaped bag.

EXT DAY Some street

A bloke is on the phone and fiddling with some machine. Jack is sneaky. Run jump steal the car. Swish speedy car. No longer.

A DRIVER : Hey, come back, that's my car.

INT DAY Carter's house

Phone again. Alice not happy. She puts the phone down, then picks up the bowl and juice glass Steven is finished with and goes to tidy away. Stops. Puts them down again.

ALICE : I'm just going to pop over the road. I won't be a minute, OK ?

He leans on his hand some more.

EXT DAY Carter's house

She walks out into shiny sun. Sees someone across the road with their phone out.

ALICE : Excuse me, could I borrow your phone ? I just want to make a call to my sister, she's a bit worried. It's all this stuff with the kids. And my mobile's not working. Is that OK ?

GIRL : Yeah, sure.

ALICE : I won't be long. Brilliant, thanks.

She takes it and walks away. Dials. Rings.

POLICE LADY : Hello, Cardiff Bay police station.

ALICE (lots of ums and hesitations, but fast) : Yeah, I'm trying to contact Captain Jack Harkness, he works for Torchwood. I know it's not your department, but...

New tone (bleep, bleep, bleep).

INT DAY Ashton Down

The Operative behind his map is now listening.

ALICE : I think he was might have been in that explosion, and I can't get in touch with him. He's got this private number and he always answers it but...

As she talks his computer is getting photos of Jack and a photo of the girl Alice borrowed the phone from.

MALE VOICE : I'll need your name and address.

EXT DAY Carter house street

Alice on phone.

ALICE : I just want to know where he is.

INT DAY Ashton Down

Computer screen close up. "LOCATION CONFIRMED : 2809,165.99’ Zoom in on maps.

MALE VOICE : I'll need your name and address.

EXT DAY Carter house street

Alice lowers the phone.

MALE VOICE : Name and address, please.

She slides it closed.

ALICE : Lovely, thank you very much. Thanks.

She gives the phone back and runs back into her house. Ominous CCTV camera is Ominous.

INT DAY Ashton Down

Still on the blue map. Zooming in more. And more. CCTV of Alice on the phone. Johnson stares through reflected computer screens. CCTV gives them Langham House 27. By the time Johnson walks across the room to hear his report the operative has all this.

OPERATIVE : Name's Alice Carter, maiden name Alice Sangster, parents James and Mary Sangster, which is significant because James and Mary Sangster never really existed. They were placeholder names, used in the early '70s, for personnel that went into deep cover or witness relocation. In other words, the whole ID's a fake.

Computer screen says a lot of stuff. Picture of Alice, picture of her house, lots of writing. Alice Carter (nee Sangster), d.o.b. 05/08/1975. Parents James Sangster, d.o.b. 29/01/1939; Mary Sangster, d.o.b. 09/03/1948. Dependent(s) Steven Carter, d.o.b. 4/10/99. 27 Cromer Road.

JOHNSON : Can you find out who she is ?

OPERATIVE : I'm on to it.

INT DAY warehouse

Probably day. It is dark. You can tell from the lanterns next to the laptop. On the laptop screen there’s the National Grid and the edges of a wallpaper of women in lingerie. Jack is typing.

JACK : Let there be light !

Subtle thematic reminder of Jack playing god. Oh, and the lights go on.

GWEN : Oh, yes ! Britain's most wanted !

RHYS : Hey, how about that ?

Rhys has wiped dirt off the rusty wall until it says HUB2 in big letters.

JACK : Guess that makes you an official member of the team.

RHYS : You can stick it, mate. Get on those computers, and get me home, yeah ?

IANTO (OS) : I see we've got a new car outside. (Walks in with maximum possible bags in hand, wearing a new suit). Nice, very smart.

JACK : Where've you been ?! We thought you'd got arrested.

IANTO : Just buying essentials. Technology's one thing, but let's not forget the creature comforts. Coffee, obviously. Got some do da...

Toilet paper.

GWEN : Thank God.

IANTO : And more importantly... I didn't know your exact sizes, but I reckon I've got a good eye.

GWEN : Oh, brilliant, I am stinking !

RHYS : Nice one !

IANTO : And for you, sir... Army surplus special.

JACK : Oh, you are kidding me !

Jack and stirring music, start with his feet, the boots, the uniform trousers, and most importantly, The Coat.

JACK : I'm back !

Four stripes on the shoulders and all. Everyone has happy and applause. The camera angle has Jack standing in the fire in the foreground.

EXT DAY Street with red post box and lots of railings

A woman stops at the Wait box on a crossing. Clem jogs up beside her. Her purse is sticking out her handbag. Clem looks around and sneaks it out. The road crossing beeps, she crosses, he jogs off along the pavement.

INT DAY Pub

Same pub as Day Two. Clem unpacking the purse on the bar. As he does so the barmaid sees the family photos and the pink beads and goes in back, suspicious faced.

CLEM : Such a long time ago. But it's all coming back. Isn't it ? Cos of that smell... Closer and closer. Happens today, well, it's always today, isn't it ? Same as yesterday. Today and yesterday. I knew they'd come back. Bastards always come back. (Sniffs) I can smell them. Just like last time, isn't it ?

Clem now mixes with flashbacks, children walking, those children walking towards the light.

CLEM : Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop. Stop ! Stop ! Stop ! Stop ! STOP ! STOP !

He screws up his eyes and it stops flashing back.

BARMAID (OS) : That's him...

Clem turns. Sees Barmaid behind two uniformed police officers. Run into pub. With tables. Ineffectual run.

CLEM : No. Oh, no, don't take me, they'll get me.

POLICE : Hold on.

CLEM : No, don't take me, get out of the way !

POLICE : That's it. Come on... you're making it worse.

CLEM : Stop ! Stop ! Stop ! They'll get me, they'll get me.

INT DAY warehouse

Jack on the laptop, with the women in lingerie showing. He types, women go all wiggly and the whirly blue Torchwood background appears.

JACK : And we're in !

Jack is in shirt and braces, sleeves rolled up.

IANTO : Just like the old days !

GWEN : I'll patch into the new channels, see what's happening.

This is Torchwood speak for "I will look at the BBC News website"."World Still Waiting". "Prime Minster Brian Green has announced the closure of all schools, and put into place a curfew of all under 18s." "In a statement to the nation he said :We are doing everything in our power to find out what’s going. And then there’s some more".

RHYS : Black, no sugar, yeah ?

JACK : That's the one.

GWEN : No sign of anything. Empty skies.

IANTO : Right, where do we start, what are we looking for ?

GWEN : Run a check on that Clement MacDonald. See if there’s any change. And those names Lois said, Captain Andrew Staines. Was it Ellen Hunt ? Michael something. All assassinated the same time they tried to kill Jack.

IANTO : Andrew Staines, Ellen Hunt, Michael Sanders, mean anything to you ?

JACK : No, nothing.

GWEN : We need to get inside Whitehall.

Pause of Jack has no ideas. Gwen is the boss, Jack looks good in the coat.

GWEN : Have you got the I5 software, Ianto ?

IANTO : Yeah, it's still on the site, why ?

GWEN : Download it onto the laptop... cos these are not just contact lenses. These are Torchwood contact lenses.

IANTO : But what do we use them for ? Who's gonna wear them ?

GWEN : Well, there's only one person still talking to us.

INT DAY Coffee place

A bloke makes coffee. Phone rings.

COFFEE BLOKE : Hello... Is there a Lois in here ? Lois Habiba ?

LOIS : That's me.

COFFEE BLOKE : We're not a call centre, hurry up.

LOIS : Hello ?

GWEN: Lois, look to your right.

She does. Out the window and across the road Gwen is on the phone and carrying a laptop case.

GWEN : Don't hang up. Don't hang up. I need five minutes. Just five minutes.

Lois stares at Gwen. Gwen looks all Gwen-y back. The eyes work. They’re sat at a table together.

LOIS : I've helped you once. And that's enough. If anybody finds out what I'm doing... It's treason. It's literally treason. Offences like this can be tried without a jury. They could do anything to me.

GWEN : I know but You said they're building something at Thames House. And we need to find out what it is.

LOIS : That's the most secure building in the whole country. I can't exactly smuggle you in !

GWEN : You don't have to. You just...

Sudden silence as someone walks past. Wait. Then Gwen, laptop already on the table, turns it around so Lois will see.

GWEN : Just keep your eyes open. Like this.

Gwen opens the laptop lid. It is already working.. The I5 software is up, giving the view with the round border. Lois sees herself looking down at the laptop.

LOIS : But... where's that coming from ? That's not a webcam, that's you.

GWEN : And to the right. And to the left. And back.

LOIS : Where's the camera ? On your jacket ?

GWEN : In my eyes.

LOIS : Oh, my God.

GWEN : When you wear these, they'll transmit a picture so we can see what's going on. And more than that, we've got lip-reading software. Just look at someone when they're speaking, and it'll translate it. Press enter on that. Go on. (She does). Now it's working. Say something.

LOIS : Like what ?

COMPUTER : Like what ?

LOIS : Oh, my God, that's weird.

COMPUTER : Oh, my God, that's weird.

GWEN : And we can send messages to you. Type something. Go on, anything.

Round edges screen says "Hello Gwen".

GWEN : Hello Lois.

LOIS : You can see that ? In your eyes ?

Gwen takes them out.

GWEN : It's good, isn't it ? (Closes laptop lid). If you wear these, we can find out what's going on. And then, we can help.

LOIS : But I can't. What if they... I don't know, scan for bugs, or something ?

GWEN : Yeah they will but they won't register. I promise.

LOIS : I can't, though. Getting you information’s one thing, but that's putting me right on the front line.

GWEN : You're the only friend we've got left.

LOIS : Even if I get into Thames House, I can't get on to Floor 13, that’s where they're building this thing, but Frobisher only takes miss Spears with him, I'm just the office girl !

GWEN : Well, you'll have to find a way inside.

LOIS : But how ?!

GWEN : I don't know, you'll have to think of something.

LOIS : I can't ! I'm sorry, I've got to go.

Lois gets up and starts leaving.

GWEN : Just take them with you, I am begging you, just think about it.

She grabs Lois and stands.

LOIS : I've really got to go.

GWEN : Please, Lois.

Close on their hands gripping.

LOIS : I can't.

GWEN : Please.

Gwen transfers the lens box to Lois. Closes her hand over it and presses. Lois looks grim and runs off. Gwen sits again, all bite fingers.

INT DAY warehouse

Jack and Ianto on laptops in foreground, fire between, Rhys behind facing away cooking.

JACK : Frobisher's the key to this. He's just a civil servant, he's nothing. What makes him start authorising executions ?

Long pause, Ianto very thinky.

IANTO : What did it feel like ? I mean, getting blown up.

JACK : It wasn't the best of days.

IANTO : No, but... did you feel it ? Or did everything just go black ?

JACK : I felt it.

IANTO : Shit.

JACK : Yeah.

IANTO : D'you ever think that, one day, your luck'll run out ? That you won't come back.

JACK : I'm a fixed point in time and space. That's what the Doctor says. I think that means it's forever.

IANTO : So... one day, you'll see me die of old age. And just keep going.

JACK : Yeah.

IANTO : We better make the most of it, then.

Jack grin a lot.

JACK : Suppose.

Jack turns back to type on his computer. Ianto looks him down and up.

IANTO : Like right now ?

JACK : Ianto, the world could be ending.

IANTO : World's always ending. And I have missed that coat.

Jack very happy grin, half laugh. He turns around, yells to Rhys.

JACK : Rhys, d'you wanna take the car and go to those shops, down by the Wharf ? We need some disks for these things. Should take about... 20 minutes ?

IANTO : 30 minutes.

JACK : 30.

RHYS : I'll go later, the beans are almost done !

JACK : The beans are almost done.

IANTO : Bloody beans.

And turns back to his computer. There’s a picture of Clem up and the computer scans it and some databases and has progress bars.

IANTO : Whoa, that's nice, look at that... face recognition software. And... arrested two hours ago in London. He wouldn't give his name, but that is Clement MacDonald.

JACK : That’s the man from the hospital.

IANTO : Could be useful.

His phone rings.

IANTO : Gwen ?

EXT DAY A street

Gwen walks and talks on the phone, laptop bag back over her shoulder. Conversation alternates with Hub2.

GWEN : I've given her the contacts, but God knows, I think she's too scared.

IANTO : No we've got a little ? New mission for you. That Clem's turned up, in Camden police station of all places, arrested for theft and minor affray. Could you get him out ?

GWEN : How am I supposed do that ?!

IANTO : You were a policewoman.

GWEN : Oh, OK. Bloody hell, anything else while I'm at it ?

IANTO : Fillet steak would be nice.

GWEN : Yeah, don't push it, see you later.

INT DAY warehouse

Jack still looking at Clem photo.

JACK : So Ianto, what's his story ?

IANTO : Well, according to Gwen, it was your classic alien abduction, back when he was a kid. 1965. He was living ten miles outside Arbroath, the Holly Tree Lodge, it was an orphanage.

Jack reacts, and so does the music. Tense little tap tap and a really annoying string drone. We should all be worried then.

IANTO : I looked up the files, the kids were taken away in november 1965, the Lodge was closing down, they were being taken to a second care home called Harbour Heights in Plymouth. Except, that's where the records stopped, there's no trace of them arriving. I mean it was the '60s, a lot of the paperwork's gone missing. But if what he's saying is true, maybe they never got there.

Jack gets up and goes over to watch over Ianto’s shoulder.

JACK : Show me those people.

IANTO : What people ?

JACK : Andrew Staines, Ellen Hunt, Michael Sanders. The ones that were killed the same day as me.

IANTO : Why, d'you think there's a connection ?

JACK : Show me !

Ianto brings up pictures of old people.

JACK : No, no, give me their history, show me them 40 years ago.

IANTO : What for ?

JACK : Just do it !

And now there’s young photos. In uniform. Jack has open mouth of "oh noes !"

IANTO : Who are they, Jack ? Did you know them ?

JACK : I never knew their names.

IANTO : Who were they ? Jack, tell me. Did you know them ?

Jack runs to grab his coat and runs away.

IANTO : Jack !

RHYS : Oi ! The beans are ready !

EXT DAY Ashton Down

Shows the place from above.

INT DAY Ashton Down

Shows computer screens and wiggly lines. Picture of Alice.

OPERATIVE : Alice Carter. I've broken the security wall. You're gonna love this.

More on computer screen. "Alice Carter - Classified. Mother : Lucia Moretti. Torchwood Operative, 1968-1975. Date of birth : 18/06/1945. Date of death : 23/11/2006. Heart Disease. One daughter. Melissa Moretti. Father Captain Jack Harkness. Freelance Torchwood Operative

INT DAY Frobisher office corridors

Frobisher walking. Conversation alternates with Ashton Down. Phone rings.

FROBISHER : What is it ? Any sign of Harkness ?

JOHNSON : Sins of the past. Did you know that he's got a daughter ?

FROBISHER : Since when ?

JOHNSON : Alice Carter. She was put into deep cover way back in 1977, at the request of her mother. Seeking to distance herself from the life of Captain Jack, can hardly blame her.

More on computer screen : "Application to enter daughter into deep cover approved 14/02/1977. Entered deep cover as Alice Carter".

FROBISHER : Who was the mother ?

JOHNSON : Woman called Lucia Moretti. Italian, Torchwood staff, 1968 to 1977. Deceased, heart disease, 2006. Natural causes, that's rare for Torchwood. And now, Alice Carter's got a child of her own, his grandson. Could be useful, what d'you want me to do ?

FROBISHER : Bring her in.

JOHNSON : Just the answer I wanted.

Johnson hangs up, Frobisher does. He’s walked all the way to his office.

INT DAY Frobisher's office desks outside

Bridget and Lois at their desks, Frobisher talks to Bridget.

FROBISHER : Nothing from Jodrell Bank, but we might as well get ready. Bridget, get everything you need, we'll transfer to Thames House.

LOIS : What d'you want me to do ?

BRIDGET : Exactly what you're doing now. Just answer the phones.

LOIS : Well... I could come with you to Thames House. I could help.

BRIDGET : I don't think so.

LOIS : The thing is... Mr Frobisher asked me to come.

BRIDGET : When was that ?

LOIS : He said he wanted me. At his side.

BRIDGET : What for ? Why on earth would he need you ?

LOIS : It was a... private conversation.

Bridget face falls and she lowers the folder she’s holding. Then she slaps it down into her briefcase. Frobisher comes out of his office and walks past. Lois and Bridget go back to their own desks until he’s through. Bridget follows after him a couple of steps, then stops. She turns to Lois.

BRIDGET : You're not the first, you know. Don't go thinking you're the first.

LOIS : Then I can come ?

BRIDGET : Apparently so.

INT DAY Cardiff Police Station

PC Andy, stab proof Police vest on, working at a desk with a glass screen in front. Poster behind him says "Fine-dodgers : we’re coming to collect". Phone rings.

ANDY : Andy Davidson.

GWEN : Andy, listen.

ANDY : You're alive ?

GWEN : Yes, I'm still alive you idiot.

EXT DAY Camden street

Gwen walking, looking around. On cellphone. Conversation alternates.

GWEN : Now shut up, I need some help.

ANDY : We need you ! All those kids saying, we are coming. And that's today ! I mean What's it gonna be ? Like a spaceship ?

GWEN : Aw, Andy.

ANDY : Godzilla ?

GWEN : Just listen, I need you to release a prisoner from Camden police station. The address is Albany Street.

ANDY : What are you doing in Camden ?!

GWEN : Does it matter ?!

ANDY : It does to me, I aye...

GWEN : Yes. I know, I'm sorry. Look, just listen, I've got no ID, so I need you to vouch for me, he's only on minor charges so I can stand bail. You need to phone them, and fax a WC242A. Don't use my name, use Lynda's, I'll say I'm Lynda. Can you do that for me please ?

ANDY : OK.

GWEN : Like now ?

She has reached the police station and is going in even as they speak.

INT DAY Camden police station

Close up of police dude unlocking a metal gate. Also of handcuffs and, pepper spray(?) attached to his belt. Door swings open. Massive and subtle poster at the end of the corridor and several points along it : "Do you have a drug problem ? Ask to see a drug worker." Gwen and the policeman go to Clem’s cell. Policeman opens the door. Clem is inside, upset.

GWEN : Clem ? Do you remember me ?

CLEM (Sniffs. Recognition and reaching out) : Oh !

Gwen goes in and hugs him.

GWEN : It's all right. I've got you.

He sobs.

INT DAY Carter's house

Alice goes down stairs with a big basket of laundry. Steven is in the kitchen watching TV. We can see the knife block on the counter.

STEVEN : It's boring. I want to see aliens.

ALICE : Yeah. Be careful what you wish for. Put some cartoons on.

Opens the back door, goes outside. Dog barking. Stops, whines. Alice stops too. Listening. Birds chirp. She leaves the door wide open, drops the laundry basket, and jogs quickly to the front door. Looks out there. Silence. Absolutely nothing is happening. Apparently it is a scary nothing, for she runs back in and grabs coats.

ALICE : Steven, come on, we're going out, quickly now.

STEVEN : But the telly said we've got to stay inside.

She gets him into his coat.

ALICE : Never mind that, now listen to me. We're going to go out, and you're gonna be quiet, OK ? Don't make a sound. Just like those games your gran taught you, d’you remember ?

STEVEN : We in trouble ? Gran always said, there'd be trouble.

Alice gets a kitchen knife out, and grabs a chopping block.

ALICE : Then do exactly what she said. Just like the games. Nice and quiet. And don't let me out of your sight. Come on.

She runs out the back door... just as soldiers burst in the front ! Black uniforms, helmets, and big guns. Alice runs, Steven behind her, but Soldiers still searching house.

SOLDIERS : Clear ! Clear !

EXT DAY Carter's house garden and neighbourhood

Alice and Steven head for the way out their garden just as a soldier comes out the house. Alice reaches the outer wall and stops just by the gate, swinging Steven round against the wall. Soldier chases. Chopping block to the face. Alice splats the soldier, steals his gun, grabs her kid and runs again. Along the street, groups of soldiers at both ends. She ducks sideways into an alley. They all follow.

EXT DAY Alley

Alice runs, soldiers follow : Johnson steps out in front. Trapped ! Alice stops and raises her gun. Johnson, perfectly calm, surrounded by armed soldiers with their guns up, just stands still.

ALICE : Get out of the way.

JOHNSON : Go on then. Shoot. Let's see what happens. Are you as immortal as your father ? Is the boy ? We can put it to the test.

ALICE : Take me. Let him go.

JOHNSON : No.

ALICE : He's only a child.

JOHNSON: So ? Alice. If we wanted you dead, we'd have opened fire by now. Just put down the gun.

ALICE : Who are you ?

JOHNSON : Put down the gun.

ALICE : If you harm him. I will kill you.

JOHNSON : Understood.

Alice lowers the gun and crouches to put it on the ground, keeping her eyes on Johnson.

JOHNSON : And the knife. Certainly your father's daughter, I'll give you that.

ALICE : Come on, sweetheart.

She turns but Steven isn’t paying attention. He’s standing perfectly still, pointing at the sky.

ALICE : Steven, what is it, what are you doing ? Steven, what is it ?

JOHNSON : What's he pointing at ?

ALICE : Steven, stop it. Please stop it ! Steven Look at me. Steven, stop it !

JOHNSON (turns, looks at the sky) : It's them.

EXT DAY London from above

Dome on the right, tall buildings, river. Then "gherkin" building on the right and Tower Bridge in the middle.

INT DAY Davies's house

Rhiannon hands in the sink. Kids shout.

RHIANNON : I charge extra for cleaning, tell your mum, it's another two quid.

Silence. The noisy kids stop. They’re all pointing the same way, past the kitchen and slightly up. Rhiannon turns and sees them, little Mica included.

RHIANNON : What is it ? Stop it.

They just point and stare. Rhiannon throws the kitchen towel down and hurries away.

INT DAY Frobisher house

Holly, the little one, pointing. Lilly, the older one, also pointing, though her mum has hands on her face.

ANNA : Can you hear me ? Lilly, it's Mum. Just look at me. Just look at me !

EXT DAY London from above again

Bunches of buildings.

EXT DAY London street

Clem is standing pointing. Gwen looks puzzled.

GWEN : What is it ? Clem ?

She looks that direction. He just stares.

INT DAY warehouse

Ianto at the computer, Rhys hurrying over.

IANTO : It's them, it's all of them, the kids.

RHYS : What are they saying ?

IANTO : I don't know, just pointing.

News : China : Children point to the heavens.

EXT DAY A street

Car pulls up, swish one Jack nicked. Jack climbs out.

NEWS (VO) : Yet again, every child has stopped...

ON TV SCREEN

NEWS : Every single child in the world. There seems to be no reports of speech. Only that they seem to be indicating something in the sky.

EXT DAY Davies estate

Rhiannon runs out.

JOHNNY : It's on the news, they're pointing.

RHIANNON : I know, but they're pointing over there. What's over there ?

INT DAY warehouse

Computer screen writes basically what Ianto says out loud.

IANTO : It says, all the children in America are pointing east. And all the children in Europe are pointing west.

RHYS : It's us. They're pointing at us.

EXT DAY Davies estate

Looking out across houses and electric pylons.

RHIANNON : If you go far enough in that direction that's London. They're pointing at London.

EXT DAY London flying again, London Eye, lots of buildings

TV : According to reports, children in London are all pointing towards the centre of the city. To repeat, children in London all seem to be pointing towards the centre.

INT DAY Warehouse still staring at computer screen.

IANTO : They're pointing at Thames House. Come on !

Ianto runs, Rhys follows.

EXT DAY London

Roofs and buildings and river. Thames House.

INT DAY Thames House

In the lobby alarms sound, a bloke, Lois and Frobisher are there.

BLOKE : It's happening !

Alarm sounds. All run for the stairs.

INT DAY warehouse Hub2

Rhys and Ianto running up stairs. Mixes with Thames house.

EXT DAY Warehouse Hub 2 Roof

Ianto and Rhys reach the roof and stare out over London.

EXT DAY London

Column of fire descends from cloud covered sky, punching a blue hole in the clouds.

INT DAY Thames House

Frobisher reaches the lift. Others still steps behind.

FROBISHER : Sorry, you stay here.

BLOKE : Mr Frobisher, you haven't got the authorisation.

Alarm continues to blare. Lois at the back watching the fuss. Frobisher leaves them.

EXT DAY Thames House

Flag flying from the roof, column of fire descending slowly.

EXT DAY London street

Clem is pointing. Gwen stares where he is pointing.

INT DAY Thames House corridor outside Floor 13

Frobisher emerges from the lift, grabs a chair, and puts it in the lift door to keep it there. There’s blinky red lights as well as loud alarms. Frobisher runs.

INT DAY Thames House lobby

Lots of people run. Lois and Bridget stand in the middle of the stairs. Bridget seems to be holding at least three briefcases. Shaky camera of doom. Roar of descending alien column of fire. Everyone runs.

INT DAY Thames House Floor 13

Frobisher runs in. Dekker is there already, staring. They stare together. More shaky camera of doom. Column of fire descends through the ceiling. Pour down and into the Scary Smoke Box. Light so bright the camera has to turn away. Frobisher and Dekker have to hide their eyes. Frobisher peers under his hand, trying to see despite the light. Scary Smoke Box is scary fire box and on the glass on the windows is printed the number 456.

EXT looking at INT DAY PM in an office

Prime Minister stands in the window staring. In the reflection there’s column of fire going into Thames House.

EXT DAY London

A different angle, lots more water, and still a column of fire. Column of fire shrinks down into Thames House and goes out. Cloud cover and hole in the clouds remains.

INT DAY Thames House Floor 13

Frobisher stares into it... and it fades. Frobisher stares into... The Scary Smoke Box. Looking like a box full of smoke. And sadly, this is what it will continue to look like from now on. Frobisher and Dekker look at each other. And look back at the smoke again. Slow roll in towards the glass. Frobisher stares some more.

INT DAY Davies's house

Lots of kids all pointing.

CHILDREN : We are here.

Children laugh and giggle. They unfreeze and are back to normal. Rhiannon and Johnny are the only ones looking worried there.

EXT DAY London street

Clem talks to Gwen. Lots of people in the background are on their phones.

CLEM : It's them. They're back.

GWEN : Come on. You're connected to them, we need to find out how.

Loads Clem into the car.

INT DAY Thames House Floor 13

Frobisher and Dekker stare at the Scary Smoke Box. Frobisher steps forwards very slowly. Smoke. Frobisher and Dekker stare. 456 snarling and hissing. Frobisher scared and jumpy.

456 SYNTHESISED VOICE : Speak.

FROBISHER : My name is John Frobisher. Permanent Secretary to the Home Office, of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. Earth. On behalf of the Human Race...

456 snarling and banging. It pukes on the glass. It does that a lot. Something wormy slams against the puke and glass and spreads it about a bit.

FROBISHER : Is there something wrong ?

Box of smoke looks smokey and puke green now.

FROBISHER : Do you want me to continue ?

456 growling.

FROBISHER : Then... if I could request, for the purpose of communication... We've no name for your species. What are you called ?

456: You call us 4 5 6.

FROBISHER : That's correct.

456 : Then that is our name.

456 snarling and puke. It’s a scary box of smoke and green puke.

FROBISHER : If I could request, on behalf of my government, what is it that you want ?

Silence.

FROBISHER : Can you hear me ? I'm sorry, but I need to know, before I approach my superiors, what exactly do you want ?

Hissing and growling.

FROBISHER : I must ask the 456, officially, your purpose in visiting...

456 : Speak.

FROBISHER : I am speaking !

456 : We would speak.

FROBISHER : With who ?

456 : The world.

FROBISHER : Why ?

456 : We would speak.

FROBISHER : Well, perhaps we do things differently here. But we would consider this to be a diplomatic liaison. Does that make sense ? We are both, in a sense, ambassadors. And according to protocol, ambassadorial procedure is not made public. You wouldn't be speaking to the entire population, but to their elected representatives. That's, that's, that's how it works. That's all I can offer. Is that acceptable ?

456 : Yes.

FROBISHER : Good. Thank you.

456 : Bring them.

FROBISHER : Thank you. (Walks closer slowly). I have one condition. (Right up to the glass now). Does that make sense, d'you understand that ? A condition ? The 456 have made contact with this country before. Many years ago. It would be better if... I mean, given the nature of that meeting... It would ensure the smooth-running of diplomatic relations between Earth and the 456 if that previous encounter was kept off the record. By off the record, I mean, private. Between us. Can you do that ?

456 : Yes.

FROBISHER : Thank you.

456 : Soon.

FROBISHER : I'm sorry ?

456 : Return. Soon.

FROBISHER : I will. Thank you.

He backs up and leaves. Dekker goes diagonal after him.

INT DAY Thames House corridor outside Floor 13

Frobisher gets out into the corridor, turns so his back is against the wall, slumps, and slithers. He ends up on the floor with a thump. Face of complete argh freeze. Dekker joins him in the corridor. They stare at each other. Frobisher tries to pull himself together.

ON TV

TV : The area around Thames House is being cordoned off while the Government has...

INT DAY warehouse Hub 2

Ianto and Rhys stare at the screen.

IANTO : It is all kicking off now. Just when we need Jack.

TV : "Breaking News. Pillar of Fire descends over London. Eyes of the world on Thames House.

TV : ...at Downing Street. These images are from five minutes ago. That's been identified as Colonel Oduya of the Unified Intelligence Task Force and this is coming live that's General Austin Pierce, representing the American Armed Forces, he's heading inside Downing Street right now.

INT DAY Downing Street Meeting

Prime Minister on one side of the table, military men on the other.

GENERAL PIERCE : I have been asked to convey, from the President of the United States, his absolute fury. Is that understood ?

PRIME MINISTER : Very much so.

GENERAL PIERCE : That landing wasn't spontaneous. It was planned, it was prepared, by you. And don't go calling this diplomacy, Mr Green... you have established a court. The sovereign court of Great Britain. In direct contradiction of the statutes of the United Nations.

PRIME MINISTER : We were acting under orders.

COLONEL ODUYA : Did they threaten you ?

PRIME MINISTER : I think we can say, the mere existence of the 456 is a threat.

Oduya’s raised eyebrow of "shyeah" is win.

GENERAL PIERCE : Nevertheless, you have an alien ambassador, on British soil.

LADY IN SUIT : It has to be said, that Britain has claimed no rights of territory or ownership over species 456.

PIERCE : But it's here ! You've damned well got it, right here !

ODUYA : And at every stage of these negotiations, you have excluded UNIT. When we're specially trained to deal with these situations.

PRIME MINISTER : And I apologise. But the President's welcome to enter Floor 13, as is every other leader of the free world, I'd be honoured.

ODUYA : Except that's impossible.

PIERCE : And you know it. We will not move the President into a location that's had no security screening. That would take days to organise, weeks !

PRIME MINISTER : Then I offer to withdraw.

PIERCE : What does that mean ?

PRIME MINISTER : I won't usurp the United States, or any other nation. I suggest that dialogue with the 456 is taken out of my hands. And conducted by the civil service.

PIERCE : They're still British.

PRIME MINISTER : But not elected, with no authority of State. And that's exactly what we need. Middle men. John Frobisher's already spoken to the 456, I suggest he continues.

ODUYA : I'd suggest that UNIT steps in.

PRIME MINISTER : I wish it were so. But the 456 chose Britain. They designated the location. It's out of my control. What d'you want to do, anger them ? Look..; John Frobisher's a good man. And better than that, he's expendable. So what d'you say ?

PIERCE : Do we have your absolute guarantee that you won't enter the room ?

PRIME MINISTER : My absolute guarantee.

PIERCE : Then that's agreed.

ODUYA : Agreed.

Prime Minister smiles.

INT DAY Thames House Lobby

Lois, Frobisher, Bridget, and a bloke sit in a row on a bench. Frobisher is all thinker posed but with more facepalm. Phone ring.

PRIME MINISTER : John ?

FROBISHER : Prime MinIster, Sir.

Gets up and walks. Other three do meerkat pop to watch him walk.

PRIME MINISTER : We've consulted with the military, they've demanded that from now on you become our spokesperson in all negotiations with the 456. Simon can give you a security briefing, thank you.

Hangs up, phone lowered slowly.

FROBISHER : Shit.

INT DAY Frobisher4S house

Anna on the phone talking and carrying stuff. Kids around.

ANNA : Oh, but I'm the last to know. My own husband, and he won't tell me what's going on.

She walks into the kitchen. Straight past Jack. You can tell Jack is hiding, only his coat and his face sticks out and he’s all out of focus.

ANNA : I've got the girls, pointing at the sky, and he won't say ! No, there's nothing, I've been flicking through the news channels, no-one's saying anything..; Yeah, yeah I know. If I hear anything, I'll let you know.

Jack is hiding even less now. And more in focus. She still doesn’t notice.

ANNA : OK. Bye.

Hangs up. Puts phone down. Girls giggle and ow.

GIRLS : Careful that thing will rock.

ANNA : Lilly ! (Walks off screen). Downstairs, please, I want you where I can see you.

Jack walks out and picks her phone up. Pockets it. Leaves through the garden window door.

TV (OS) : The so-called pillar of fire has brought central London to a halt.

Jack closes the door carefully.

TV SCREEN

TV : All roads leading to the river have been closed off, as a result all major thoroughfares have ground to a standstill. Motorists are being asked to stay out of the city centre except for emergencies.

EXT DAY Motorists in the city centre

Gridlocked Gwen is on the phone.

GWEN : Oh, that's so bloody Jack, you should've stopped him ! Well, I don't know ! We're gonna be ages, it's gridlock. Bloody London !

Clem starts having flashbacks. Flashbacks screech apparently.

GWEN : Half the people are panicking and trying to get out, the other half is trying to get in. Look, I'm going to have to go, OK ? Bye. Ey, it's all right, Clem. You're safe. You're with me. You're all right, you're safe.

CLEM : I keep remembering more. It's not just them, up there. It's the man. He's come back. After all these years. I can smell him.

GWEN : What man ? Who is he ?

CLEM : The same man. I knew he'd come back for me.

GWEN : All right. It's time I got you a nice cup of tea. And a hot dog. D'you like hot dogs ? I bloody love 'em.

Gridlocked Road, but not Gridlocked Gwen any more. She puts the car in gear and drives up on the pavement. Obligatory cardboard boxes and really light rubbish. Bystanders facepalm.

EXT DAY Thames House from above

It’s very pretty. The roof is glass. The roof isn’t glass on Floor 13 though.

BLOKE (VO) : I'm recommending we start at 19.00.

INT DAY Thames House lobby

Bloke is looking at his watch.

BLOKE : That Gives us another two hours. Now this is Louise. (OS) She can advise on international diplomatic protocols, same goes for Samuel...

Lois and Bridget sit on the sofas and look over the back at Frobisher.

BRIDGET : There's a creature in that room. It's powerful, and it's toxic, and it's capable of God knows what. I bet you're glad to be trotting after John Frobisher now.

BLOKE : Stuart's the linguistics expert, he can help out, if there's a problem with translation.

Phone rings. Says Anna.

FROBISHER : Excuse me, I'd better take this. I was gonna phone you. God, I wish I was home right now. Look, just tell the girls that there's nothing to worry about.

EXT DAY Street

Jack, leaning on swish car LT56 ZMU. Conversation alternates locations.

JACK : Oh, I'll tell them that, Johnny boy. I'll tell them that their father tried to have me killed, how about that ?

FROBISHER : That's my wife's phone, how did you get my wife's phone ?

JACK : This is 1965, isn't it ? All of this, because of 1965. Frobisher, tell me, is it them ? Have they come back ?

FROBISHER : Yes.

JACK : That's why you tried to have me killed. Along with Andrew Staines and Ellen Hunt and Michael Sanders. All of us dead, so no-one could say anything, is that it ?

FROBISHER : I had no choice.

JACK : Well, I've got a choice... D'you want to hear my choice ? I could blow this thing sky-high. I could tell the world ! Unless you get me into Thames House. I demand to talk to the 456 myself. Think about it. The fact that they've come back proves that they can't be trusted. You need me.

FROBISHER : Captain, we have your daughter and grandson, Alice and Steven Carter in our custody.

JACK : You wha t?!

FROBISHER : I promise, nothing will happen to them. My absolute promise. So long as you agree to say nothing.

JACK : Well, how about I go back into that house, right now, and get your wife ? And your children ?

FROBISHER : Except you won't, cos you're a better man than me. I'm sorry, Jack.

Frobisher hangs up and goes back to the briefings. Jack has Frown Face. He hangs up and broods over the car roof.

EXT NIGHT London

Dark, view of the London Eye, everything lit up very pretty. If this is 1900 it’s a time of year that’s dark by 1900. Sunset times for London September 2009 say it’s only just sunset by 7pm on the 22nd. So probably later in the month not early.

TV : The world is still waiting for any news from Thames House. So far, the British Government is maintaining a policy of absolute silence. And the waiting continues.

INT NIGHT Warehouse Hub 2

Clem is eating a hotdog. Gwen and Rhys kiss, casual smooch as Gwen passes. She’s got her hands full of mug. Coffee for Clem.

GWEN : There you go.

RHYS : Save some for the rest of us, mate !

CLEM : He's your husband ?

GWEN : Yes. Yes, my beloved.

CLEM : Nice house, isn't it ?

RHYS : Well, we do our best ! It's got shower facilities. Just stand under the skylight.

CLEM (Laughs) : I've stayed in worse. (With eew voice) And who's the queer ?

IANTO (yells) : Oi !

He glares, everyone stares, awkward silence is awkward.

IANTO : It's not 1965 any more.

CLEM : He's queer. I can smell it.

Lots of exchange of looks. Gwen and Rhys get casual smooches when Ianto and Jack get plot necessity smooches. Ianto gets called names.

EXT NIGHT London

Some lights on, some off, London Eye up fairly close with a whole lot of people in it.

INT NIGHT Thames House Lobby

Lots of people start moving.

BLOKE : If the support staff could take the stairs, the lift is reserved for Mr Frobisher and his personal staff. Fast as you can. Best of luck, sir.

Frobisher, Bridget, and Lois are left at the foot of the stairs.

FROBISHER : Big moment. History.

Focus on Lois at the back looking worried.

INT NIGHT warehouse Hub 2

Clem lurks, Ianto watches the computers.

RHYS (OS) : What d'you think's in there ?

GWEN (OS) : God knows. That's why we need Lois.

IANTO : No sign of her. Lenses inactive.

They can read that on the computer screen, but Ianto is informative out loud anyway. Gwen is seated at the laptop and Rhys is reading over her shoulder, Ianto watching over the other shoulder. Looks like they’re in a cage cause there’s random yellow grid.

INT NIGHT Thames House lobby

Bloke who just ran up the stairs swings around the top to tell them time.

BLOKE : Two minutes !

Frobisher psychs himself up and walks. Bridget follows.

LOIS : Um. I'm just gonna... Pay a visit.

Bridget sighs.

INT NIGHT Thames House toilets

Cause we go all the classy places on Torchwood..., black marble, and bar soap. Old fashioned radiator. Lois walks in looking sneaky and looking for people over her shoulder. She checks the stalls. No one there. She goes to the sinks and the mirrors. Contact lens box. Unscrews the Right side and gets the lens out. Very carefully puts it in her left eye. There’s close ups. Lens goes on.

INT NIGHT warehouse Hub 2

Computer makes noises and Lois is on screen.

IANTO : Online ! She's doing it !

GWEN : Oh, good girl !

RHYS : I knew she would !

INT NIGHT Thames House toilets

Lois once again with the contact lens. Warehouse Gwen types something. EyeCam Lois gets the message "Thanks !!"

LOIS : Oh, God ! Don't do too much of that.

INT NIGHT warehouse Hub 2

GWEN : Sorry.

RHYS : She can't hear you.

GWEN : I know.

Lois on screen, computer lip reads.

COMPUTER VOICE : Is that you, Gwen ?

GWEN : Yes it's me.

Screws lid back on lens box.

LOIS : Right then. Good luck.

Ianto leans in and types left handed.

GWEN : Oh, don't do that, I hate smileys.

Proper yellow smiley goes ":-)" ":-)". Lois gets her bag together and leaves the bathroom.

RHYS : Took me a while to get used to those things.

IANTO : What, you've used the lenses ?

RHYS : Yeah. That's why Gwen had them.

GWEN : I just took them home for a bit of fun.

IANTO : Fun ?

GWEN : Yeah.

RHYS : Y'know. Fun.

IANTO : Yeah, well been there, done that. It is fun.

RHYS / GWEN : Yeah.

INT Thames House lift

Lois in first, then Bridget and Frobisher, so Lois ends up at the back.

INT NIGHT warehouse Hub 2

IANTO : That's him, that's John Frobisher.

RHYS : Bastard ! Fat lot of good that is, back of his head, how do we know if he's saying anything.

INT NIGHT Thames House lift

View from the lift shaft looking up. One wonders why. Frobisher and Bridget at the front of the lift talking with Lois watching.

FROBISHER : I suppose it's an honour. Given this position.

BRIDGET : Then again the Prime Minister has guaranteed that diplomatically, he can't enter Floor 13, so whatever happens in there, whatever goes wrong... history will say that it wasn't his fault.

FROBISHER : D'you mean he's using me ?

BRIDGET : You don't get to be Prime Minister by accident.

INT NIGHT Thames House corridor on floor 13

Frobisher, Bridget, Lois get out of the lift. There’s scary black wearing guards with guns around. Dekker leads and a bazillion other people line up waiting to follow. Many people. Lois has shifty eyes. EyeCam of Scary Smoke Box.

INT NIGHT warehouse Hub 2

Gwen, Ianto, Rhys and Clem are in the warehouse to talk and everyone else is where they belong or it’ll take forever to type this. Or to put it another way "alternates locations".

RHYS : What the hell is that ?

GWEN : Some sort of tank. There's something inside the smoke.

INT NIGHT Thames House Floor 13

Everyone going in stares at the tank. Because clearly that’s good diplomatic protocol, stare with mouth slightly open at the ambassador. Frobisher and Bridget set up at the main desk. Lois gets a seat at the back. Lois gets her notepad out. EyeCam sees it. Gwen types "Get closer". Lois and the eyecam shake their head.

GWEN : Clem, come and see this. Oh, come on. Don't be scared, it's miles away. What d'you think ?

He sniffs.

GWEN : Anything you've seen before ?

CLEM : Can't smell it from here. Is that what tried to take me ?

GWEN : Yeah, I think so.

Everyone has a seat or place to stand now. Frobisher gets papers in order and stands up. Eyecam shows him walking out to the middle of the floor. In the room Frobisher sees a cameraman focus on him. A monitor shows two views of the room, focus on the Smoke and on the middle of the floor. Live Feed 1 and 2.

INT NIGHT Downing Street Meeting

Military on one side of the table, Prime Minister and suit people on the other, all stare at the monitor.

PRIME MINISTER : Seen anything like it before ?

ODUYA : Never.

INT NIGHT Thames House Floor 13

Frobisher is neatly in the middle of the room, reading from his papers. The camera watches all the different rooms watching Frobisher, Prime Minister and Hub both.

FROBISHER : Thank you If I might bring into session, the first diplomatic congress between the representatives of Planet Earth, and the representatives of the 456. I bring you formal greetings from the United States of America, from the People's Republic of China...

INT NIGHT warehouse Hub 2

They watch the silent screen with Frobisher standing in front of a box of smoke. It’s the boringest view ever.

IANTO : He's got his back to us !

GWEN : Yeah, I can see that !

Types. It comes up on Eyecam. "Need his moth."

FROBISHER : ...from the Holy See of Vatican City...

RHYS : Need his moth ?

GWEN : Shut up !

FROBISHER : ...from the Russian Federation and associated...

Gwen types again "Need his mouth."

FROBISHER : ...of Australia, from the provinces and territories...

Tense reading over the shoulder at Hub2.

FROBISHER : ...and Japan, and the Hellenic Republic, from the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Iraq, from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and it must be stated on the record that any country not named herein does not indicate their withdrawal from this...

Lois, nervously, starts moving around the room to get a view of his moth. Nobody stops her.

GWEN : That's it. Come on, good girl.

FROBISHER : ...reflects only the time span within which this summit has been declared.

CLEM : You've got eyes. You've got eyes in the room.

IANTO : Software's not so good in profile.

FROBISHER : And according to the rules of protocol, as established...

Hub2 Eyecam echoes.

ON PC : And according to the rules of protocol, as established...

GWEN : It's not too bad.

IANTO : It's working.

ON PC : 1960 1968 established by the 1968.

It’s working in that stuttery way that’s not. But near enough. ":-)".

RHYS : You hate smileys.

GWEN : Shut up.

FROBISHER : I must ask you to state whether these greetings are accepted.

Spooky noises only.

FROBISHER : Do you understand me ?

ON PC : Do you understand me ?

Eyecam stares at the smoke box.

FROBISHER : I repeat, according to the rules of protocol, as established by the United Nations in the directives of...

456 : Yes.

Raised eyebrows and tense glances in the Prime Minister’s meeting.

FROBISHER : Then I thank you on behalf of...

ON PC : Then I thank you on behalf of the United Kingdom.

RHYS : Did it speak ?!

GWEN : It hasn't got a mouth, it's got bloody speakers !

CLEM : It hasn't got a mouth !

Gwen types.

FROBISHER : The Russian Federation, the Commonwealth of Australia, the Citizens and territories of Canada and Japan and the Hellenic Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Iraq...

Eyecam message :"Can't hear alien.". Lois writes something squiggly on the notepad.

RHYS : It's bloody shorthand !

IANTO : No, I can read it, it says "yes".

GWEN : This is a nightmare !

FROBISHER : ...and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It might be easier if we take those names as read from now on, don't you ?

456 snarling and banging and puking some more too. Wormy things bang against the glass some more. A woman runs out with her hand over her mouth.

PIERCE : What's it doing ?

ODUYA : I don't know.

Lois writes something. It looks a lot like the same squiggle as the first time. But Ianto has mad keen reading skillz.

IANTO : What's it doing ?

RHYS : What, is that what it said ?

IANTO : No, that's Lois, saying that !

Gwen types "God knows".

FROBISHER : Are you all right ? I'm sorry, but I can't help being concerned, is there a problem ?

456 : I'm sorry, but I can't help being concerned, is there a problem ?

FROBISHER : Do you want me to continue ?

456 : Yes.

IANTO : Yes.

ON PC : Right, then. In the spirit of co-operation...

FROBISHER : We have a formal request to make. We ask you not to use our children for communication. In case certain parties or territories might consider that a violation. Is that acceptable ?

Big long pause.

456 : Yes.

IANTO : Yes.

ON PC : Thank you.

PIERCE : Ask it, why it came to Britain.

PRIME MINISTER : Hardly top of the agenda.

PIERCE : Ask the question.

FROBISHER : And, as a gift, and as welcome to this world, we've prepared a document summarising our culture and history. This document can be made available to you immediately. Though its format remains undetermined. Said format remains of your choosing, though this does not constitute a request for information on, or transfer of, specific 456 technology.

While Frobisher was saying all that a note was being passed in the back of the room. It reaches Frobisher and he reads.

FROBISHER : I have been given a request for specific information. It has been asked... why the 456 chose Great Britain as its chosen point of embarkation.

456 : We came here...

Squiggle writing. The first three lines look a lot like they say the same thing. But the last line is longer.

IANTO : We came here...

GWEN : Because ?

IANTO : That's all it's said !

456 : You have no significance. You are middle men.

Military chuckle.

IANTO : You have no significance, you are middle men.

GWEN : That's a lie, cos it's been here before that's why it's here now. Why... Why is it lying ?

IANTO : It's Frobisher. He's got that thing to lie. They're on the same side. Whatever happened in the past, they're hiding it.

Clem straightens up and sniffs. Outside in the dark Jack in the swish car wooshes around a corner. He parks. And turns the lights out. The 456 are still in a puke green smoke box.

456 : We have a request.

FROBISHER : By all means.

456 : We want a gift.

FROBISHER : Of course. But... what nature of gift...

ON PC : What nature of gift exactly ?

IANTO : A gift.

FROBISHER : Gladly. But what d'you want ?

456 (Growling) : We want... your children. We will take your children.

Hissing and banging and puking.

ODUYA : What does it mean, children ?!

IANTO : We will take your children.

RHYS : What the hell for ?

FROBISHER : I’m, I'm sorry, I think that there might be a problem, with the translation.

Clem is pacing, upset.

CLEM : They want to take them, like they did before. Like the man did. (He sniffs). He's coming back. He's coming back.

GWEN : Not now Clem, just wait.

CLEM : He's coming, he's coming. He's coming. He's coming. He's coming. He's coming. He's coming. He's coming. He's coming. He's coming. He's coming. He's coming. He's coming.

Fire burning in the foreground. Flashbacks on every "He’s coming". Jack, in the coat, right there in 1965. And through the fire in 2009 a figure becomes clearer. Jack. Jack walks out of the shadows.

FROBISHER : By children, you mean... ?

456 : Your descendants. The offspring of the Human Race.

FROBISHER : How many ?

456 : 10%. We want 10%. We want 10% of the children of this world.

Shocked faces and a slow zoom on a puke covered box of smoke.

INT NIGHT warehouse Hub2

Clem is shocked, Gwen is trying to calm him. Jack is impassive, standing straight, almost to attention.

CLEM : He hasn't changed. He's the same. He's the same. He's the same. All those years. How can he be the same ?

GWEN : What's he talking about, Jack ?

JACK : Clement MacDonald. Just another name. It was easier, if you didn't know the names.

GWEN : You were there ? In 1965.

Flashbacks clearer.

JACK : Walk into the light. Go on.

CLEM : He was the man !

GWEN : No, no, this is what he does, you see, he fights them. He fights aliens, isn't that right, Jack ?

JACK : No.

GWEN : Then what were you doing there ?

JACK : I gave them the kids. 1965, I gave them 12 children.

GWEN : What for ?

JACK : As a gift.

END Credits