Card 0 – The Fool

Description – This card shows a young man setting out upon a journey. He is facing the viewer rather than his direction of travel. He strides confidently into his future unaware he as a the edge of a precipice. His travelling companion, a white cat, is attempting to warn him but the fool is oblivious

Meaning : The Fool is unpredictable and full of surprises. He represents the unlimited potential and spontaneity inherent in every moment. There is a sense that anything goes - nothing is certain or regular. The Fool adds the new and unfamiliar to a situation. The Fool also represents the complete faith that life is good and worthy of trust. He may be seen as too innocent, but his innocence sustains him and brings him joy. He believes in himself and follows his heart.

Ianto Jones stood dry mouthed on the pavement. The tall glass skyscraper took his breath away and sent butterflies dancing in his stomach. He could not believe that he was about to start work at the Torchwood Tower, he was going to be a member of Torchwood, albeit as a lowly archivist. His attention was caught by an attractive and shapely woman standing on the traffic island, obviously on her way to the same place as he was. The woman was tall with beautiful mocha skin, she wore a short purple skirt which complemented her skin tone and made Ianto's heart beat just that much faster. A short bespectacled bloke on the other side of the road spotted her and waved a hesitant greeting, 'Hey, Lisa.'

The vision waved back, unenthusiastically, 'Simon'

Lisa, her name was Lisa. The butterflies increased their efforts and Ianto watched breathless as Lisa crossed over and gave Simon an air kiss near his cheek. Ianto felt himself bristle and without thinking stepped off of the kerb to...he wasn't sure what really. Introduce himself to the goddess of Torchwood Tower, punch Simon to the floor or, more likely, trail pathetically in her wake wishing he had the guts to say hello.

A strong arm swept across Ianto's chest and he was pulled sharply backwards as a taxi, its horn blaring, missed him by millimetres. An intoxicating scent surrounded him and a warm breath gusted against his neck.

'Wow, man' a soft American voice, 'that was close. You might want to check the traffic before stepping into the road.'

The near miss had left Ianto shaking and, without thinking, he leaned back against the broad chest of his saviour. The arm across his torso tightened in response and for a micro second Ianto felt safe and protected in a way he never had before.

Reluctantly he pulled himself free and turned to face his rescuer. Bright blue eyes sparkled complementing a bright grin that lit up a very handsome face. 'Bloody hell,' exclaimed Ianto, involuntarily,' is everyone who works at Torchwood fucking gorgeous?'

The grin morphed into something more licentious, 'Why? Who else gorgeous have you met?' The blue gaze swept over Ianto appraisingly, 'I haven't seen you before and believe me I would remember. What's your name, pretty boy?'

Ianto blushed, the man's voice made him feel like he was being touched intimately, 'My name's Jones, Ianto Jones,' he stammered, 'today is my first day.'

'And you have already spotted someone else gorgeous?' the man cocked a well shaped eyebrow, 'you are a fast mover, Mr Jones. Who was it then?' Ianto turned back to look at the entrance to Torchwood Tower. The woman, Lisa, was standing staring curiously at him. 'Oh I see,' said his new friend, 'well, you don't aim low do you? That's Lisa Hallett, the PA to Yvonne Hartman the director. Rumour has it she is as much of a queen bitch as the Rottweiler she works for.' He gave Ianto an admiring look, 'even I wouldn't tap that and I'm...well...me'

'Yeah, who are you exactly?' asked Ianto curiously. He knew he had led a relatively sheltered life up to this point, thanks to his over protective parents, but he had never encountered anyone like the larger than life man before him.

'Jack Harkness,' the man reached out and shook Ianto's hand, 'Captain Jack Harkness, Director of Torchwood Cardiff; where you should be by the sounds of those gorgeous Welsh vowels.' He was still holding Ianto's hand, his thumb brushing gently across the back making Ianto's skin prickle.

With an effort Ianto retrieved his hand and dragged his gaze away from those blues eyes that seemed to hold so much mischief and promise. He glanced at his watch, 'oh ffyc! I'm going to be late'

'Oh' Captain Harkness seemed disappointed, 'I was hoping we could go for coffee. Get to know each other...better.'

For a moment Ianto wavered, the promise in Jack's eyes was something he wanted to explore, just at that moment a slim brown hand appeared on his shoulder and he swung round to stare into the smiling face of Lisa Hallet.

'I'm guessing you must be our latest newbie, Ianto Jones?' she purred. 'I'm Lisa Hallett; you have an appointment with my boss in about ten minutes. She is not very forgiving to people who keep her waiting.'

Ianto glanced at Jack whose face was cold and closed, miles away from the seductive charmer of minutes earlier. Lisa's hand tightened on Ianto's arm, 'come with me Mr Jones, you don't want to screw up on your first day.'

'Speaking to me counts against him as a screw up does it?' Jack Harkness' voice was sharp enough to cut diamonds.

'Oh, I'm absolutely certain it does, Captain' replied Lisa smoothly as she steered Ianto back into the road towards Torchwood Tower. As he stepped off the kerb, towards his new life, Ianto turned back to catch one more glimpse of Jack.

But the Captain had gone.