Note: I do not own Torchwood or their characters.

This is where the entire story is AU now I will not follow Season Two Three or Four. Radio plays or books.

The first part of this chapter will focus on Gwen and her ability to adapt to the new employees. I know that I prefer Ianto/Jack but even though I am not fond of Gwen she is the one who always challenge Jack so she will be challenging Ianto now he is the leader.

Chapter One

It had been around two weeks since Jack had left and Ianto could tell that it was going to be a while until everyone was at ease with each other and it could take time to get used to the new rotas and training schedules. Tosh was eager to get to know the new people broaden her social life and her skills. Rosanne knew what it was like to be the new worker in the hub and sympathised with them. They were familiar with Torchwood and Ianto but not with the layout or the little more laid back style. Owen and Gwen were the most vocal about the changes Ianto was implementing Gwen because it meant she really had to prove herself now she couldn't get by on making mistakes and doing what she wanted. With Owen it wasn't because of what Ianto had implemented but because he had spent around three years with the old style of command and it was hard to adjust. He had made sure after the first time he had offended Ianto with complaining that he apologised and assured the young leader that it was more because he was used to the old system but he would try his best to get used to used it. Since then Ianto didn't take it to heart but snapped back bringing some sarcastic humour into the otherwise tense and stressful time.

The newcomers knew that they had their work cut out for them. They did not diminish their abilities and knowledge and Ianto had made it clear he did not want them too. It had ruffled feathers to begin with Gwen's mostly. Tosh had accepted help and information when it was offered Rosanne was the same. After their first meeting Tony and Owen had managed to forge a friendship and tomorrow James would be joining them. Owen had taken Tony to his last meeting with James so that the two men could meet and see if they were compatible. Which luckily they had been and for that Owen was happy. Owen also understood that they all had different expertises that if they worked together they were unstoppable.

Gwen thought she had learned a lot since she had started and suddenly she was being tested on her firearms which Jack taught her the computers medical and archiving again. She was back to square one the rookie even though she had been there longer than them. Everyone avoided going into too much detail about One but all she could gather was that training there was rigid and to a very high standard. A lot higher than at Three because they were trained before going to their respective areas or in the field. Jack taught as he went along he believed that people would learn better and quicker if they were out in the field getting the experience. One trained and trained and only if you were good were you allowed in for further training. All of them had degrees in one or two subjects that were relevant to their areas. She had noticed that nearly all of them had made appointments with Mel to talk and she had taken the longest too because she thought there was no need to. Jack had left them that was all there was to it. He hadn't told her but had told Ianto and she was jealous at that. She felt inferior that there was no point to her being there and on top of that Rhys was getting more and more distant from her. But she hadn't made an appointment because she believed she could deal with it alone. Watching them one by one head into the conference room; which had been turned into a meeting room now it wouldn't fit all of them at any one time not afraid to say they weren't coping or that they need help. She waited until everyone had gone for their turn before quietly climbing the stairs and knocking on the door. Mel waved her in getting a new folder and waited for her to start talking.

Ianto had watched the changes and had seen the struggles that they had all gone through but he was glad that now they were getting it and they were able to work together. Two days ago they had done the first transfer with UNIT so Marc and Rick had more work to sort out but they had worked with Ianto so they picked up his new system very quickly and with the extra hands they got with everyone chipping in when there was nothing to do it was going rather quickly. On one hand Ianto wanted to work on the archives over months maybe a couple of years to get it perfect but realistically he knew that it couldn't happen they needed to be able to access the information quickly if they needed to. On the other hand the quicker the archives were sorted and the information uploaded onto the server everyone could work on more projects and research which could be helpful in the long run.

Ianto had spent most of his time in Jack's office. Paperwork calls to the government and Her Majesty. Rodney spoke to UNIT for him so he didn't need to talk to them. He had gone through all the files in the safe and decided that he would visit Alice and let her know Jack wanted him to take care of her while he was away. He also hoped by asking her to help him with Flat Holm and the safe compounds she could see that her father was good as well as bad sometimes. Ianto knew he wasn't perfect but he was trying to make up for what he had done in the past. Ianto knew that there were things about Jack he didn't want to know but he was concerned with who he was now in his lifetime.

Considering how much help Ianto gave Jack with his paperwork Jack wasn't helpless when it came to it. Ianto just demanded higher standards very high standards. He would admit to taking over Jack's paperwork without permission Jack did have a good standard just not Ianto's standard and had to learn all over again. He had made sure that all the agents understood his standards when it came to paperwork he was determined to bring Torchwood back up on top but in a good way. He wanted to make sure they gathered enough information to create accurate and reliable knowledge on what came through the rift to arm future generations.

The one thing that threw everyone through a loop was that Ianto had decided to rotate teams in the field. Four would go out at any one time and Ianto would decide who was on point. Four would go out whoever was on point wouldn't go out the next time and someone else would go instead and someone else would go on point it meant that everyone would be on so many cases then stay in the hub and everyone got a chance at fieldwork and hub work. He made sure everything was adhered to and so far everything was working and he made sure he was the last one on the rotation for fieldwork so he had enough time to get the hub the way he wanted it.

Harry Edward Adam and Johnny worked together to get the hub up to standard of course it took time but the plans were already in the works. Small projects first and then the larger ones. They took in everyone's requests and needs. Like Tosh Rosanne and Rodney got workstations that were mainly centred on the computers they used. Tosh's was the largest. Jen and Kate had desk with a surface area between the separate computer areas to work on the weapons. And so on all the areas were designed on the people that would be using them. They started in the main hub so that everyone could get back to work as soon as they could. Everybody else chipped mainly sorting and cleaning but getting the areas ready for improvement meant it could done a lot quicker than usual.

Hidden rooms were to be turned into work rooms where everyone could go if they needed peace and quiet or they research projects they needed extra space for. Larger rooms were to be made into guest quarters mainly for non threatening lifeforms until help could be given. The cells will get an upgrade also.

Ianto just hoped when Jack came back that he didn't disapprove of all the changes he had made. All the changes that were happening. He hoped that he would understand why he had made all the changes and accept them in time.

Ianto made sure all the files were safely locked away and got his things together he was going to visit Alice see what he could do to start to mend the relationship between her and her father. He had chosen a day where Gwen wasn't meant to be in the office so she couldn't ask where he was going. As much as she tried not to contradict him at every turn she still did at times which caused everyone to wonder why Jack hired her. But she had come in saying she had work to do. He found it a little strange she was the one that wanted says off and one day she had she was there. It was like she couldn't bear not being in the loop she had to know everything.

He headed out to the office heading towards Toshiko. Owen was with her coordinating how they would introduce James to everyone and the tests tomorrow. Owen wasn't going to give him a test in first aid since he was a doctor but he knew that Tosh Kate and Jen Marc and Rick would be showing him the main ropes tomorrow.

"I have to go out for a couple of hours. If something comes up give me a call and we will go from there." he murmured to them. Tosh knew that there was no point in asking where he was going because she wouldn't get an answer and it wasn't because he was being secretive but because if she needed to know he would say where he was going. Owen narrowed his eyes but said nothing his thoughts were running along the same line as Tosh's if they needed to know they would.

"Alright if something comes up we will call you and then we can handle it." Owen told him. Ianto nodded and headed towards the cogwheel.

"TOSH AND OWEN ARE IN CHARGE UNTIL I GET BACK." he shouted across the hub so most of them would hear. The cog wheel door shut before anyone could question it. They looked a little puzzled but went back to work Gwen on the other hand turned to Owen and Tosh.

"Where is he going?" she demanded.

"Didn't say but he is the leader now it's up to him what he does." Owen told her turning back to the screen looking at the schedule that Tosh had planned out.

"What if we need him?" even the other could tell she wasn't worried about that she just wanted info.

"You heard him we are in charge and we have been here long enough to know how to handle our job. And if we needed to know where he was we would." Tosh didn't even take her eyes on the screen. They wanted to get James integrated as quick as possible so they could all finally settle down but all the tests were long and tiring so they were trying to figure out how to do it so it didn't take long but he was at his best for each.

"But-"

"But nothing Gwen he has gone out we do not know where so get on with your work. It's about time he left this place he's the only one that hasn't in two weeks." Owen snapped Tosh put a hand on his hip to try and remind him to be nice. They had become closer after that night but only so far as very close friends nothing more. They hugged and kissed each other's cheeks more but Rosanne knew she had nothing to worry about.

"I was only asking." She said sullenly turning back to her work.

Owen sighed. "Gwen you asked we told you; you carried on. We don't know where he has gone so how can we answer you?"

"No need to snap."

"And there is no need for you to be nosy but you are so we are even." He turned away ending the conversation. She scowled but carried on with her work. Tosh smiled at Owen winking at him and reset the schedule again so they could work it out.

Ianto sat in the car for five minutes debating whether or not it was a good idea but he knew he had to try. Ianto knocked on the door of the address he got from Jack's memory tin. He hoped he could changes Alice's mind so Jack could be the father and grandfather he desperately wanted to be.

The door was opened by a woman in her late thirties and Ianto could see how much she looked like her father.

"May I help you?" She asked him.

"I'm Ianto Jones and I work with your father." Her eyebrows shot up he could see that she didn't think Jack spoke about her. "Jack went away a little while ago and I've been keeping an eye on his finances and transactions and he told me about you so I wanted to make sure you were okay." She looked doubtful but Ianto pulled out his Torchwood ID. She stepped aside to let him in.

Stephen was in the kitchen eating his lunch.

"Who's he?" he asked his mother. She seemed to be struggling with what to tell him.

"I work with your Uncle Jack; he's gone away on some business and asked me to check on your mum from time to time. I'm Ianto."

"Stephen nice to meet you."

"Go and tidy your room before we go to the cinema." His mother told him, she didn't want him hearing anything about her father.

"How much has my dad told you?"

"All of it." he noticed how she seemed to be surprised that her father talks about her to someone. "I'm the only one that knows. But I think that's because he doesn't want anything to happen to you so the less people know the safer you are."

"Coffee?"

"Please." He sat down at the breakfast counter. And thanked her when she placed the coffee in front of him.

"He regrets it you know." He said out of the blue. He looked up at her. "Regrets never being there. Always having to work because of the hold they had over him. Regrets he wasn't there to watch you grow up. To be the dad he wanted to be. The dad you deserved. He hates not being able to be a granddad to Stephen and knowing the only way he can support you is financially." He watched a myriad of emotions crashed over her face.

Stephen came back into the room asking for a carrier bag for his bin. "So where's granddad Jack?" he asked Ianto.

"Granddad Jack?" Stephen asked Ianto.

"Where did you hear that?"

"Last time he came round you called him dad so he must be my granddad." He said as though it was obvious.

"He's visiting the states." Ianto lied he didn't know how much they knew and didn't want them to worry.

"When he comes back can you tell him he has to come visit?"

"Of course." Stephen ran back to his room. Leaving two stunned adults at how intelligent he was.

"He wants to be around you know. He hates he is not getting older and hates he'll have to watch you grow old and Steven. But he wants those happy memories. He keeps me at arm's length because he can't watch another lover die a young death."

"It just hard seeing him sometimes I don't hate him I could never hate him. He saves the world. But he was never there for me and I hold some resentment. The fact that I can't call him dad in street because of our safety and the fact he looks younger than me hurts. You know." She told him.

"I know, sometimes I think that maybe it would be better if he didn't see me to old age. At least he wouldn't have the pain of watching me grow old and he can't with me. But then I come to my senses and realise that the little bits of normal we get he cherishes." He said back.

"When he comes back give me a call and we can meet up for the day." She handed him her mobile to put his number in. Giving her his to do the same.

"I will confess there is another reason why I came round." He said as he finished his coffee.

"And that is?" she was curious now.

"I wanted to try and change your mind about your father. About who he is."

"And you can tell me?" he could tell she was sceptical.

"May I have another coffee and get comfortable?" He asked conveying how long it could take. Knowing that she wouldn't be able to get it out of her head until she hear she nodded and poured him another cup and pointing him in the direction of the living room.

She called up to Steven to let him know that they would catch a later showing of the film because she needed to talk to Ianto and he stayed upstairs getting started on some homework.

He then spent the next three hours explaining some of the main points she needed to know and some that she didn't but thought she should know. Tears were spilled and laughter shared. One morning would not change her views on her father overnight but at least now she understood a little better. Ianto was adamant that Jack hated having to make the ultimate decision but it has always being thrust upon him and despising himself and who he has become because of the decisions he has to make. He had also told her a little about himself like what happened to Lisa how he had recently discovered his empathic ability.

"My sister is aware of my job and certain other aspects since we talk every day I was wondering if at some point you would be willing to meet her. You two are in the same boat so to speak. I would recommend a friend of ours who is at the moment our full time therapist but I do not want you to think that I believe you need counselling but I wanted to offer the options to you." Ianto said after a little time had passed and they had gained the composure.

"If your sister has no objection I would like to meet her but I will hold off on the counselling. I would like to get my head around what you have told me today first." She said quietly.

"I understand but I hope you will remember this is only what I know. Things I thought that you needed to know and some that I thought you should know but Jack may have others things he would like to tell you things that are not my business. I know there are things in his past that he is not proud of and doesn't want to tell me and I accept that because of his long lifetime there are many things he would have had to have done and not wanted to. It's his life right now that I am interested in the person he is my lifetime." He had to make that clear that he isn't forgetting the bad things that Jack has done just accepted that Jack didn't want to do them but had no other option. "And I also wanted you to have some of my background to show that your father believes in second chances otherwise I wouldn't be here now."

"I do get that but I have had my entire lifetime dealing with it so it may take some time but I promise I will try to be more open minded and allow him around more." She promised after hearing the important parts she knew that she needed to know the rest. "Thank you for trusting me with some of your life too."

"Thank you. He really loves you. At Christmas he was like a child but as soon as he realised that there was nothing from you his mood just bottomed out and he was heartbroken. I don't like to see him like that especially when he is trying to change."

"I know it seems callous but I thought if we keep as much distance as we can it wouldn't hurt so much but it does doesn't it." she was so desperate to protect Steven and herself that she forgot just how much it must hurt him but she had always believed and been taught that he didn't have many feelings.

"Jack understands your reasons he does truly. But you are still his family and he will always love you and want to protect you. I am the same with my sister. She is older and married but I will always do whatever it takes to protect her and her children." Ianto reassured her.

"I know. As much as I would like to talk some more I did promise Steven I would take him to the cinema." She stood up picking up the empty mugs and led the way back to the kitchen.

"I think I have given you enough to think about. I do have to get back to work before everyone wonders where I am."

"You didn't tell them?"

"It is not their business Jack never told them and I won't betray his confidence. Do you really want an entire base knowing about you and talking about why Jack never told them? And one of them would want to come round and get to know you so she can get dirt on Jack." He said honestly. Gwen would want to visit and get mad that Jack never told her. The others would understand but he wasn't going to take that chance.

"When you put it like that I'm rather glad you didn't tell anyone. If I am ever ready to let people know who I am I will talk with dad first."

"Thank you for allowing me to explain Alice. I will talk to my sister and see when you two can meet up it might be a case of me taking you to hers she was in an accident a few weeks ago and is still recovering. She has proved she can still do what she wants but if she is looking after the kids I would rather she stay at home."

"That's okay I hope she gets better soon Ianto." Alice had to admit she liked the young man. He wasn't afraid to tell her what he thought and he had readily told her he loved her dad and it didn't matter how old Jack was. He could tell he was loyal and trustworthy and if her dad trusted him so could she.

"She will make sure of that. Perhaps I could call you maybe call by. I do not know when Jack will be back but I hope I can take care of you until he returns." He stood at the counter again while she filled her dishwasher.

"For a young man you have an old soul." She said as she turned to him. In truth she was grateful even when she did not see her father she knew deep down that he would always protect her but now he was not there but Ianto was.

"So I have been told. I hope you and Steven have a good afternoon. I will call you soon." He held a hand out for her to shake which she took without hesitation.

"Thank you for coming round and telling me. If I had known perhaps it would have saved years of hurt."

"Now you do know and the future can change. Goodbye Alice tell Steven I said goodbye."

Alice saw him to the door and watched until he drove away. If Jack had ever said anything like that to her she may have understood but she could admit that sometimes she never gave him the chance. Shutting the door her mind was working overtime trying to process all she heard today. Maybe talking to Rhiannon would help. Another outsider's opinion might help her understand and finally accept her father for who he was now. He still felt as though he had to protect the world that included herself and Steven he may not have been the perfect father but at least he was trying.

A/N: It's been many months since I wrote and I am sorry. But at the moment life is good. I got job and I will be going to uni in September so I am going to try to at least get a small story written in that time. Plus I have had writers block it's so hard to write when you haven't kept up with the fandom and there are already so many stories and storylines you don't want to accidently write something similar to someone else's. So I hope this is original and reads well.

Have fun

Rhoda