Disclaimer: I own nothing except for the character of Lauren and the plot line. And the writing from the attachment was taken from the 'Torchwood Mission' game over on /torchwood.

Spoilers: Everything, right up to the end of season 2.

A/N: This story takes place three months after the events of "Exit Wounds", and discounting everything that came afterwards. The remaining members of Torchwood are reluctantly looking for new team members, and Jack has someone particular in mind. They can only bring themselves to recruit one person - not a replacement for Tosh or Owen, just someone to keep the numbers up. But when a somewhat unwanted acquaintance shows up, it turns out that what Jack, Gwen and Ianto thought they knew was wrong. Very, very wrong.


Lauren Valentine opened her email inbox, expecting to be faced with a pile of useless spam and a junk folder full to bursting. She scanned the new emails - one from her sister, one from work . . . And, oddly one from a withheld address. This kind of thing usually went in the junk folder. She was about to delete it when that annoyingly curious part of her brain made the mouse click open instead. She frowned as she read the subject - 'Recruitment - Seriously, read it.'

Hello.

Just wondering, have you seen anything like this before? Because I was kind of counting on you having contacted us by now. Reply to this soon, please.

Regards,

Captain Jack Harkness.

There was an attachment - why hadn't she noticed it before? God, she needed to pay more attention. She clicked on it, and up popped what was best described as the digital equivalent of a leaflet. She'd seen one copy of it before, in paper form, littering the Bay.

The Torchwood Institute currently has vacancies for Freelance Operatives to help us in our line of the most impressive candidates need apply. Ability to cope under pressure is a experience is not essential. No agencies please. If you wish to join Torchwood, apply now.

She was intrigued - seriously, seriously intrigued. So she replied. Her fingers flew across the keys as she typed.

'Captain' Harkness,

In answer to your question, yes I've seen that before. I thought it was a joke. If you're serious, I'd be delighted to meet you to discuss this 'recruitment' - perhaps over a drink?

- Lauren.

There was a reply in her inbox less than a minute later. This 'Captain' had dropped the formality pretty quickly, and the address was no longer withheld.

Lauren,

I'm serious. And I would love to discuss this over a drink. How does Bar Reunion at eight sound?

- Jack

She was going for a drink with someone she'd met less than ten minutes ago over email - boy, did this scream ITV weeknight drama.

Jack,

It sounds great. I'll wait for you by the door - just keep an eye out for a girl with bright red hair.

- Lauren.

ITV drama or not, it wasn't like if he did turn out to be a creep she'd have any trouble getting rid of him. And Bar Reunion wasn't exactly going to be a ghost town - it might be a Thursday night, but that never mattered to the regulars.

Lauren,

Red hair? Hmm, someone has a rebellious streak. You'll fit in well around here. I'll be the guy in the WWII coat.

- Jack.