Disclaimer: I do not own the characters as they belong to Russell T Davies and the BBC but I do get to play with them. However, Cerys and Cy are mine.

Notes: This is the next part of my stories set in the 'Time can be rewritten universe'. It is for the longliveinato bingo card challenge and this is loosely based on the prompt – road trip. It follows on from the story - Did you say Camp? I don't seem to be able to write short stories so this has ended up in short chapters; I'm expecting around 5.

We'll take the High Road – part 1

The next morning, at 7.30 sharp, they sat for the first time all five of them together in the boardroom.

'How do you do this?' Cerys asked as she took her first sip of Ianto's special brew. 'And what is that other flavour? It adds something to the taste.'

'That's hazelnut,' Ianto explained. 'I thought you'd like it.'

'He always knows,' Cy said. 'It's uncanny, like he's got some sort of coffee ESP.'

'So on to more mundane matters,' Jack said, asserting his authority. 'Archie has apparently located an alien device. At the moment he has it under lock and key but he's not happy about keeping it so wants us to take it from him. It's not safe to fly it as we don't know what it will do, so, Cerys, you and Ianto are off on a road trip to Glasgow. Ianto can fill you in on everything you've ever wanted to know and you can meet Archie, which is always an experience. Ianto, you'll need the 'box' just in case this device is unstable. Then if it explodes the 'box' will absorb the impact, however large it is. This should be a simple retrieve and return for you both with an overnight in Glasgow. You'll be able to share the driving. Ianto, take the spare SUV rather than your car as it's safer. Right, Ianto is already packed. How long will you need?' Jack asked Cerys.

'I always have a bag packed so I'm ready to go now. At least it's a straightforward route. I assume it'll be M4, A449, A40, M50, M5, M6, and the M75 into Glasgow.' She turned around her ipad. 'Google maps!' she explained. 'Glasgow can be a bit of a pain, I believe. Where's Archie based?'

'Not far from the Burrell Collection. There's an old World War II series of bunkers under the far end of the park. Archie and his assistant work there,' Jack said.

'So is there a rift in Glasgow as well?' Cerys asked.

'No, but sometimes things appear in Scotland and Archie also needs to be there to keep an eye on Nessie,' Ianto explained.

'Sorry, did you say Nessie?' Cerys replied, incredulity obvious in her tone of voice. 'As in the Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster.' She looked around the room. 'Aww come on, you can't be serious. Johnson, they're having me on aren't they? You'll tell me the truth.'

'It's true,' Johnson said matter of factly. 'She fell through the rift some time ago into Cardiff Bay just after Torchwood Cardiff started. It was a difficult job but they got her out of this area and took her to Loch Ness because of its size and depth. False records of sightings going back centuries were planted in the records. Sometimes she gets a bit bored and amuses herself by playing with the public. Archie tries to visit her every month to have a chat. She loves to read and watch TV so we've had a cave system dug out for her. We can't just send her back and she could live a long time. We've not much idea about her species, only what she's managed to tell us. It's taken a long time to teach her basic English. She can now manage conversations in broad Glaswegian! It's a pity you haven't got time to meet her. I believe she likes meeting new people. She was especially taken with Ianto here.'

Cerys once more looked around at everyone with obvious glee in her eyes. 'Can I say that I already love this job?' she said. 'And I am so going to bend your ear back on this trip, Ianto. You must know everything about this place, working in the archives.'

'It's true,' Jack said proudly. 'He does know everything.' Cy muttered something under his breath.

'Oh yeah,' said Jack, grinning even more. 'He knows how to keep his boss happy too!'

'Thank you, Sir; I don't think they require any further information about my skills,' Ianto said rolling his eyes. 'If you're ready, Cerys we may as well get going. We've got at least a seven hour journey and we'll need a break for lunch. I'll take the Torchwood credit card, Jack as we'll need to fill up the SUV. I've booked us into a hotel; two rooms, of course, and I think that's it.'

'Okay team off you go and do whatever. Cy, I expect reports on our recent meremen encounters and yes, I will make myself available for tests. Oh and the blowfish PM as soon as you can. Johnson, I'd like you to do a weapons inventory including alien tech and you need to give Cy here his official training. Lastly, Cerys, here are the keys to the SUV. I just need a little time here with Ianto.' The others smiled as they left.

'Don't be too long,' Cerys said.

'He'll be quick,' Jack said. 'I promise.'

When the others had gone Ianto looked at Jack. 'Don't tell me twice this morning wasn't enough for you, Jack. I've got to drive a long way.'

'We still haven't had our talk, Ianto or sorted anything out. You do know that I'm not sending you up there because I want to avoid it don't you?' Ianto took Jack into his arms and hugged him tight resting his head on his shoulder briefly.

'Oh Jack, don't worry. I know it makes sense for me to go with Cerys and we'll only be away overnight after all, then we'll be able to discuss things properly. Perhaps I'll be able to order us some kilts to get married in. You'd look good in a kilt!'

'Well, I have got the legs for one,' Jack said unashamedly boasting. Ianto kissed him again. 'I'd better get going, Jack. I'll phone you when we get there. We're going to pick up the artefact early tomorrow before we drive back down. I love you; be good when I'm gone.'

'You too; see what you can find out about Cerys. And take care with this artefact; we don't know what it might do.'

'I'll be careful, Jack. I know what I'm doing; I had a good teacher after all.'

'Are you ever coming,' Cerys yelled over Ianto's comm. He suddenly breathed heavily and then said, 'finished now! I'm on my way.' He smiled at Jack. 'Well I've got your reputation to maintain,' he said laughing. 'I'll see you tomorrow, Cariad.'

Jack watched him go and felt his stomach flutter. He needed to see Cy for those tests. He began to walk down the stairs to the medical bay.