"Can I help you two with anything? You look a little lost."
Ianto's heart jumped when he turned to see a gorgeous American in an RAF uniform. He couldn't quite fathom why but the man seemed eerily familiar. Eventually he managed to stammer out, "We need some dates and times. I don't suppose you could direct us to your best navigator?"
The man smiled warmly, "That depends. Who are you?"
"Intelligence. I'm Ianto Jones and this is Toshiko Sato. We're under orders from Major Evans." Ianto was glad his compulsive knowledge of all things Cardiff was paying off.
"Allow me to help in any way possible. The name's Captain Jack Harkness." Ianto and Tosh's eyes went wide at the name but Ianto remained calm enough to shake the man's hand. The Captain led them over to a young officer introducing him to Tosh.
While the two spoke, the Captain leaned over to Ianto, "Would you like a drink?"
Ianto hesitated just enough that the Captain gently clasped his shoulder, "I insist."
Once they had their drinks and sat down, Ianto nervously launched into the history of the building and its architecture. The Captain listened politely with a bemused smile on his handsome face, "You certainly know Cardiff."
Ianto took a sip of his scotch, "That's my job."
"May I ask what you're working on?"
Ianto's eyes darted around the room and he shook his head, "I'm afraid not."
"What am I thinking? Of course you can't." The Captain laughed and patted Ianto's hand, "It must be something quite important to keep you working at a party in the middle of the night."
"The war never stops." Ianto replied somberly.
The Captain took a drink of his scotch, "I suppose you're right. That's why we have to enjoy these moments because you never know what's coming."
"Well put." Both Jack and Ianto looked up to see a young woman tapping her foot in frustration, "Jack, I was hoping we could have some time together since you're leaving tomorrow."
Ianto noticed Jack cringe slightly as he stood to softly tell her, "I already told you, I need to be here with my men."
As the Captain pulled her aside, their voices became inaudible. Ianto couldn't believe that he was actually feeling a twinge of jealousy toward the young woman. He had only known this Jack for an hour, yet he couldn't bear to be torn away from him. To wash away the thoughts, Ianto drowned the rest of his drink. However, he perked up when he saw the woman leaving and Jack returning to him.
The Captain sat down looking relieved, "Sorry about that, she's rather persistent. Do have anyone back home?"
Ianto thought to his Jack and wondered what he would say to that question. Ianto could just imagine Jack looking lost and saying he had no one. Often when they were together, Jack never seemed to be with him entirely. He was always drifting to another person, another time. Suddenly, Ianto felt a great swell of pity for the young lady the Captain just dismissed.
Lost in his thoughts Ianto replied, "Yes, there is someone but I know he doesn't think of me that way."
It took a second to realize what he had said but when it clicked Ianto looked up at Jack, startled. He began to panic until the Captain quietly replied, "It's alright, I understand."
Their eyes met and an intense moment of empathy passed between them. Ianto felt the Captain gently slide his foot next to his. Through the slight contact, Ianto's heart jumped. Unfortunately, they were interrupted by Tosh, "Well, I have everything I need. Ianto, may I have a word?"
They both quickly snapped out of their reverie and stood to greet Toshiko. Before leaving with her, Ianto shared one more look with the Captain. Once Tosh had led him to an empty corridor, Ianto started, "Did you get what you need?"
Tosh nodded nervously, "Yes, it should work. Ianto, what the hell is going on? Why did he say his name is Captain Jack Harkness?"
Ianto crossed his arms and sighed, "When I first started at Cardiff, I researched Jack. I couldn't find anything but while I was digging I found information on an American pilot from WWII. I assumed it was just a coincidence, but here's the thing: tomorrow he disappears. Right after the Cardiff Blitz, he vanished never to be heard from again."
Tosh leaned in closer and in a hushed voice asked, "Are you saying this is not an accident?"
"I don't know, but I have a very bad feeling like we're being manipulated. We need to find a place to leave your equation so that Jack and the others can find it."
Tosh pulled her laptop up to her chest, "First I have to write it out in pen."
Ianto looked around anxiously and then remembered the old man from earlier. He led Toshiko over to him and smiled politely, "Hello sir. Mr. Manger, wasn't it? My friend and I are in desperate need of a pen. May we use the one in your office?"
The elderly man returned the smile, "Of course, young man. Follow me."
Once in the office, Tosh rushed to the desk and started taking out her notes. Ianto turned to Billis, "I'm terribly sorry but we need just a few minutes of privacy. I'm afraid our work is of a confidential nature."
The old man nodded and left the room. What Ianto didn't see was his scowl as he closed the door. Tosh took out her laptop, quickly running out of battery life, and finished the calculations needed to bring them back. It took several attempts with the fountain pen but she was able to write out everything. Just as she had closed her computer the door opened, "I do hope you have enough ink. I just remembered that I was running low."
Ianto jumped in surprise as Tosh stammered out, "There was plenty. Thank you very much."
As they were quickly leaving the office, the old man stopped them, "That is the most unusual attaché case I have ever seen. Where did you find it?"
Tosh tensely answered, "London. It's from London."
Ianto put his hand to Tosh's back and rushed her from the room. Once clear of the man, she placed the computer back in her bag as her hands trembled, "Where should we leave it? I saw a power box outside; we could put it in there."
"No, that's too risky. We have to find a way to have it delivered to Jack."
"That's impossible!"
Ianto thought for a second and then answered, "The Hub. Torchwood has been down by the bay for over 100 years. They should have someone there tonight."
"But you know what happens tonight, it's too dangerous."
Ianto sighed, "I know that the Cardiff Blitz is not an ideal time for a stroll but it is our best shot. You have to stay here."
Tosh grabbed his arm, "What? Absolutely not! I will not let you go out there by yourself."
Ianto took her hand in his, "There's no reason both of us should go. I know these streets better and can blend in. You stay here. If I don't make it back, take shelter in the basement and then when you can go to the Hub. Contact Stanley Griffin, he's the current head of Torchwood. They will take care of you."
Ianto took the paper with the equations and placed in his breast pocket. He then grabbed his coat and started for the door. Toshiko rushed after him, "You can't go out there alone."
"Where are you going?" Ianto and Tosh turned as the Captain addressed them.
Ianto straightened himself and answered, "I need to deliver a message. It's of the utmost importance."
Jack stepped closer to him, "I don't think that's a good idea. I just received word that we're on high alert for an aerial strike."
Ianto replied firmly, "I have no other choice."
Impressed with his determination, Jack nodded his head, "Alright, but I'm coming with you."
Ianto started to protest but the Captain interrupted, "I insist."
Knowing that he couldn't talk him out of it, Ianto agreed. Before they stepped outside, Tosh grabbed Ianto into a strong embrace then pulled back and kissed him on the cheek. Ianto whispered, "I'll return, I promise."
