"Retcon" November 2008

Inspiration comes from:

"Know what happens to all these people?" Jack asked, impatiently, but clearly trying to restrain himself. "They die, Ianto. They all die. I went after the Doctor so he could fix me. 'Cause I'm sick of watching them all die, having to Retcon them, erasing evidence behind me. This ability you find so amusing is a curse!"

Retcon

It didn't happen often, but when it did, Jack was usually in a situation where he could quietly go off and deal with the problem. With his team, it had become more difficult for him to do it discreetly, harder to just give them the slip and meant that he often got into trouble with them for disappearing; but he had little choice, it had to be done.

This time, although not with the team, Jack was with Ianto. Kissing him in fact. The young man had left the Hub in a huff, after another pointless argument with Owen, and after grabbing a coat each for the both of them, he followed him to placate him and smooth things over.

Jack was in the middle of kissing Ianto on the Plass, when he noticed the familiar face, watching him incredulously, and frowning, as if he couldn't believe it. Damnit! Why now? he thought. Ianto noticed Jack had stopped responding to the kiss, and pulled back with a frown. Jack had come out here to placate him; he wasn't doing a very good job because now he seemed to be ignoring him completely!

"Jack!" he grouched. But the older man was too busy looking over his shoulder, so Ianto turned. Standing a couple of yards behind him, was an ancient old gentleman, leaning heavily on a walking stick, who had been out walking his dog, but was now staring at Jack as if he were a ghost.

"Captain Harke-ness?" the old man said hoarsely.

"Shit" Jack muttered, just loud enough to be heard by Ianto, although whether that was his intention, Ianto didn't know.

"What is it? Who is he?"

"An old friend of mine." Jack explained, "Look I've gotta go, I'll see you at the hub in a bit." And with that, Jack patted him on the shoulder, and left abruptly; greeting the old man jovially as "Tinker" and heading off without a glance backward. Ianto trumped back to the hub, still cross, but now for an entirely different reason. Jack had better have a good reason for abandoning him.

I was two hours before Jack returned. Ianto had followed him on the CCTV, watched him go into a nearby pub with the man and come out hours later alone. When he arrived back, he walked in a stony silence to his office and tossing his coat towards his coat stand, he poured himself a large scotch from his glass decanter.

Ianto made his way silently into the room. Without turning round Jack poured the younger man a smaller measure before turning round. "I'm sorry about earlier... I had something to deal with which couldn't wait."

"A drink with old Tinker eh?"

"Er, no. I didn't have any- I never do in that pub, just whomever I take there. I order water and a large lager and the barman knows to lace the drink with Retcon for me. We have a nice little deal going there- he owes me some favours."

Ianto didn't ask, instead he asked what the old man, Tinker had done to deserve Retcon in his drink. "He recognised me." Ianto raised an eyebrow, waiting for his Boss to elaborate, "We were drinking buddies and some, a while back now. Must be a little over 40 years ago..."

"So you gave him Retcon?"

"Yup."

"For being your friend?"

"Think about it Ianto, what would happen if people all around the city recognised someone they met over 40 years ago, who didn't look a day older? They'd start to ask questions. I don't want that- again." The last word was barely audible, and Ianto knew the discussion was over. He was now starting to understand why Jack didn't want to make too many friends outside of Torchwood.

Er, hey guys. It's been a while. I apologise for any American-English spellings- my spell checker won't work to English-UK (anyone got the Mac version of Word, called 'Pages' and know how to change the dictionary, let me know!) Also, tell me any spelling changes and I'll correct them!

Hope you enjoy this, a story along the same lines will be put up as a 2nd Chapter. Inspiration for this... mini series I guess you could call it, is quoted at the top- not sure who wrote it, but if it was you, let me know & I'll give credit where it's due! That's all for now Folks! Carrie ;)

November '08