"Well, hello," said a flirtatious American voice. Mycroft turned.

"Sorry?" he said.

"Captain Jack Harkness," the stranger said, extending a hand to shake it.

"I'm sorry, I don't think we've met," replied Mycroft, all courtesy and charm.

"We have now," Jack said with a wink. While this was true, Mycroft still wasn't terribly pleased.

"Mycroft Holmes." He evaluated Jack with a look. "While I can see your intentions written all over your face, know that I have yet to determine whether or not I wish to pursue any sort of relationship."

Jack laughed. "You're good." His grin was all-penetrating, and despite himself, Mycroft was attracted to the man. Maybe it was his coat. But there was something in the air…

"Though I admit, I am curious as to why someone of your…sartorial taste would be attending a cabinet meeting." Mycroft scanned the man, ever trying to figure out what he found so attractive.

The man's grin faded. "What did you know about the 456?"

Mycroft was, unusually, confused. "The 456?" he repeated.

"The alien race that communicated on that wavelength."

"I have no idea what you're talking about." Mycroft's voice had dropped drastically in temperature.

"Don't give me that. Everyone in the government knew about the 456." If they hadn't been in public, Mycroft was certain that Jack would have been physically threatening him. "The only question is how much."

"I only fulfill a minor capacity in the government. Plenty of these people have much higher positions than I do. Why don't you talk to them?" Mycroft stood his ground, literally.

"You're Mycroft Holmes. When the government wants information they go to you. You're much more secure than any computer system." Despite his hard tone, this Jack fellow was really rather attractive. "Now I want to know exactly how much you know about the 456 and how long you knew they were coming."

"I didn't know anything about them until they arrived, I can assure you. If I had, do you imagine I would have permitted them to go along with it?"

"Maybe. Maybe not."

"I suppose we'll never know," said Mycroft, and turned to walk away. He felt a grip on his elbow.

"Look, I'm sorry if I got overexcited," said Jack. "I lost good friends to the 456 and that whole nonsense." Jack paused. "You wanna go for a drink? As an apology?"

Mycroft smiled gently. "I would be delighted to accept your invitation."