A/N: Well, B's & G's! Wow! Thank YOU for the response to the last chapter. Beyond my wildest imaginings, it was. Coming to the homestretch now…one more chapter after this and this story will be wrapped! Don't worry about Archives now, that new chapter should be up by the weekend. Now this is a long chapter that I tried to explain a little of Ianto's change from quiet Archivist to sometimes cold, calculating Freelance Operative, so enjoy it!

Once again, the Meanie RTD and BBC Cymru own TW and DW, ain't making a cent off of this – and I give you…

Torchwood: Freelance Operative Jones

Chapter Four: Operative Jones Becomes Director Jones

After the chaos that was a controlled evacuation of the Valiant, and staying in some of the most luxurious accommodations that The Crown and London had to offer, Operative Jones was on a flight to his assignment to Australia, only two weeks late as far as the rest of the world was concerned. For Jones, however, it was a year and two weeks. And, as much as his stoic exterior denied it, he still hurt…a great deal. But there was no time to dwell on it – he had work to do and his skewered emotions were placed on a back burner for another time.

Another three weeks later and the assignment in the Outback was complete. All of his Australian associates complemented him on his survival skills while in the deserts. Ianto would simply smile his little smile and think back on the five months that it had taken him to get out of the continent and on to find Martha Jones. It was in this contemplative mood that he found himself in Sydney International Airport ready to check-in for his flight back to London when his mobile rang. He sighed then; it was the mobile Michael Spencer gave him before he left Buckingham Palace. Michael Spencer…he was as good looking as his voice sounded. Tall, brown-black hair, dark brown eyes and the softest hands…that man really knew how to give a proper full body massage!

He had a bit of a shock when he had received payment for his work during That Year. Spencer presented him with the statement in the hotel suite during his recuperation in London; Ianto looked at the other man with nothing short of complete surprise on his face.

'Why?' he asked, staring in disbelief once again at the amount of money in his account thanks to The Crown.

'After speaking with Martha Jones and The Doctor, Her Majesty felt anything less then this amount would be an insult,' Michael answered softly.

'But-,' Ianto began. 'This is almost a tenth of Her Majesty's documented yearly income!' Michael simply smiled as Ianto took in a breath to continue his argument when he sighed and, plopping himself beside him on the couch, silenced the young Operative with a searing kiss. He broke it off a few minutes later and the pair of them were leaning their foreheads against each other, panting heavily from lack of oxygen.

'You are a loyal and trustworthy man. You feel as though you have debts you still need to pay, but they have long since been forgiven. You are a brilliant operative – and a tiger in bed. You deserve the payment. No questions. You are leaving in the morning for Australia, Ianto,' Michael said, his voice rough with passion. 'So, after tonight, I am going to make sure you smile every time you hear my voice on your phone. You don't have to catch your plane at Heathrow until 4pm tomorrow…let's order room service and enjoy a night in.'

Ianto mutely nodded as a smile spread across his face.

Ianto smiled as he answered the mobile, remembering the escapades he and Spencer had on that evening. The massage had only been the beginning. To think, a man that spent most of his time behind a chair could oil wrestle in the nude as well as he did. Ianto's smile grew wider still. 'Jones,' he answered smoothly.

'Operative Jones,' Spencer answered with a hint of laughter in his "business" voice. 'The orders have come in for your next assignment. Captain Jack Harkness of Torchwood Cardiff has not been able to return to his duties as Director of all Torchwoods and has named you as Interim Director until he can do so. The Crown agrees with his assessment so you are instructed to leave the airport now; a military escort will be waiting to take you via military transport non-stop to London. The Queen would like to meet with you to discuss changes to the Torchwood Charter while the Captain is indisposed.'

Ianto was not pleased as he picked up his carry-on luggage and stepped out of line. 'This is not what I signed up for,' he growled into his BlueTooth as he looked for the exit.

'You must take Harkness's place until he returns or a suitable replacement can be found amongst his other operatives. Mr. Archie Cavanaugh of Torchwood Two has already declined the appointment, citing his age and multiple illnesses as being a detriment.' Spencer sighed deeply then. 'Jones,' he said softly. 'You know how badly the Captain suffered recently. It's too early for him…and he hopes you can keep his people safe in his stead until he is fit and ready to do so.'

'And how long is the Captain expected to be indisposed?' he asked as he rode the moving walkway towards the Arrivals area where he found a military attaché waiting with a sign in her hands proclaiming JONES on its front. He nodded to her and she lowered the sign, motioning that he follow her out.

'The Queen was informed that it would six months…quite possibly a year.'

'And was it the TimeLord that passed this information on to Her Majesty?'

Spencer drew in a labored breath. 'Yes,' he answered.

'I need copies of all of Torchwood Cardiff's missions and their outcomes after The Beacons Incident. I will need a comprehensive study of all personnel for all Torchwood branches present – and a list of possible recruits from all government agencies. I specifically want to look at MI5, MI6, SAS, the Secret Service, UNIT, Scotland Yard and Welsh policing institutions. I would also like any open files in the Freelancing and Independent Contractor Divisions of any of these organizations. Make sure that all possible recruits have the proper clearances before I get their information. I don't want to fall in love with someone's CV and then find out they don't believe in Little Green Men. I need all of this information on a flash stick before I board the plane to the UK. Is that acceptable, Mr. Spencer?' Ianto asked crisply.

Spencer chuckled over the phone line. 'All ready done Interim Director Jones. I'll meet you when the plane lands in Heathrow. You'll have a quick Q&A with Her Majesty and will be given seventy-two hours to rest and regroup before you report to Torchwood Cardiff on Monday morning. And, if you are interested, perhaps dinner and a show in the West End again during your leave?'

Ianto couldn't help the smile that crept over his face. 'Sounds like a date, Mr. Spencer. See you in about twenty six hours.'

As he boarded the military Humvee, the attaché tapped him on the shoulder and handed him a plain black thirty-two gig flash stick. 'The information you requested, Director.'

Ianto smiled looking at the drive in his hand. 'Cardiff…here I come,' he whispered.

~~TW o0o DW~~

Walking towards the Tourist Information Centre entrance, Ianto Jones…no, wait. Interim Director Ianto Jones couldn't help the conflicting feelings that came to the forefront. The last time he stood at this door, he was running from his colleagues trying to save what he thought was his girlfriend from their pet pteradon, Myfanwy. He couldn't help but commiserate with Michael Corleone as he looked over the bay towards The Bristol Channel.

Every time I think I get away, something keeps pulling me back!

He had sworn never to return to this place. But, once again, Jack Harkness had sunk his claws in and dragged him back to the site of his own personal Hell.

After reading all of the reports of what happened on The Valiant, however, he had nothing but respect for the Captain. And The Doctor…and Martha Jones's family. So now he was going to Jack's people…with the blessings of the Captain and The Queen. He smirked at that. Owen would probably be beside himself with relief – he never truly wanted to lead. He only wanted the power when and if it could get him something; like access to the Vault. Ianto snorted at that report. It would have been a cold day in Hell before any of them would have gotten the codes out of him to open the Vault…and the Rift. He did laugh at Owen getting shot by Ben. He was so lucky…Ben was an excellent shot – and it only would have required a move to the right of a quarter-inch to turn a shoulder wound into a head wound.

He knew without a doubt that neither Tosh nor Ben would have a problem with him taking over – neither of them would have wanted any part of leadership duty. No, the only anomaly in this entire equation was the former Cardiff PD PC Gwen Cooper. He remembered her after The Beacons…poor thing was a bit of a rabid mess. Tosh had emailed him a few weeks later with the latest gossip, telling him that Gwen and Owen were "at it like rabbits". Ianto laughed at that thinking that it was about time they took his advice.

But as quickly as the affair had begun, it was ended – and then he read the report of Eugene Jones's interesting demise…poor misguided kid. Hopefully he found whatever it was he was looking for in the end. Then there was the report of the three that fell through the Rift from 1953 – and of Owen's descent into madness after Diane Holmes went back into the Rift, leaving the poor sod behind. Ianto smiled grimly at the memory of that report. It would have a freezing day in Hell before he'd ever throw himself into the waiting jaws of a Weevil. But he understood Owen's pain…he still lived with his every day, after all. In the end, we all get left behind, he mused darkly.

He drew in a nervous breath as he walked the last steps towards the door. Michael had picked him up from Heathrow, as promised. And then he delivered him to Buckingham Palace. He wasn't nearly as nervous meeting The Queen as he was now. Afterwards, Michael had done his best to comfort him. And Ianto was very appreciative of the care and concern that Michael put into everything that he did to – and for – the young Welshman. But at that moment he would have given anything for his Crown appointed Minder to be standing beside him, holding his hand.

As he opened the door to the TIC, he was surprised to see all the members of Torchwood Cardiff waiting in the small area for him. He was even more surprised at the warm welcome they gave him.

~~TW o0oDW~~

One year had passed – and everyone had settled into their new roles. Ianto was the Interim Director of all three remaining branches of Torchwood. Torchwood Two in Scotland, Torchwood House in the Scottish Wilds, which was the great repository of all the collected knowledge and Torchwood Three Cardiff, home of the active Rift.

He decided that to run more smoothly, three shifts were needed in Cardiff, each having their own managers that reported to him and three to five field agents that worked with these Shift Managers. Each shift would have an eight hour rotation, so 1st shift would be 8am to 4pm, the 2nd 4pm to 12am, and the 3rd would be 12am to 8am. Each manager would arrive at least fifteen minutes ahead of schedule to discuss with the departing manager whatever happened on the shift and what to look out for. Once he was happy with the general makeup of the shifts, then he had to choose who would lead what shift.

Immediately, he decided that Gwen Cooper would be the 1st Shift Manager. Two of her group were also former police, so they gelled quite well together. She also liaised with the Cardiff Police, specifically her old partner, PC Andy Davis. He was a good bloke and knew how to separate the regular crimes from the "spooky do's" that had Torchwood written all over them.

Rhys finally popped the question, presenting Gwen with a ring that cost him a month's salary – and took Gwen's heart. The next day she came in positively glowing, fanning the ring in the face of anyone that stood still long enough.

The 2nd Shift Manager was Ben Fujiyama, of course. Although he wasn't comfortable in the beginning, Ianto was quite pleased with how quickly he took to the position; his team moved with almost military precision. Under Ben were four Archivists, plus three more that worked permanently at Torchwood House. Using a variant of the filing system that Ianto and Ben had created at Torchwood London, now all Torchwoods were able to collate their information jointly, making it much easier to identify items – and aliens – that came through the Rift.

Owen became the 3rd Shift Manager – because at his heart, he was the Night Owl Shift Doctor. Owen liaised with everything medical – and was actually enjoying his work now that he had three other doctors to talk shop with. He and Ianto had also made sure two additional doctors worked solely on Flat Holm Island. Owen had shown Ianto a letter Jack had left behind detailing all the patients and their care – and their caregivers on the island. When The Queen received a copy of the letter, she made sure personally that everything was taken care of according to Captain Harkness's charter – she wanted Ianto to tell the captain that personally.

Owen's love life improved as well – Ianto introduced him to one of the maids that he had met before the Beacons. They were still with each other after six months and the day before Owen had asked Helena to move with him. He came in that night with two prominent hickeys on his neck – but were low enough that they would have been covered by his shirt collar. If he could be bothered to button the damned thing. The whole evening he was whistling a happy, off-key tune.

Tosh was The Hub's designated IT Manager – and she made the recommendations on who should be hired to help her. She was like a kid in a candy store now that she had four IT specialists that took the bulk of the grunt work off of her, making it easier for her to tackle translation programs that found similarities in alien languages for species in opposite corners of the galaxy. At the moment she was a happy little techie.

Ben and Tosh grew closer still – and three months after Ianto took over for Jack, Ben proposed – and Tosh accepted. Ben asked Ianto if he would be his Best Man. Ianto made sure his calendar would be clear that week of their wedding date.

Ianto hired a number of new faces to work the day-to-day aspects of Torchwood business, but the weekends everyone had off. So UNIT took care of watching the Rift on the weekends, but from the confines of their own base on the outskirts of Cardiff. On this one topic Ianto Jones was firm and would not budge a milimetre. He remembered what UNIT did on The Valiant; he did not believe for one second that they caught all the perpetrators of the crimes that occurred on that airship. And it would be a freezing day in Hell! before he'd willingly let them into The Hub – or give them access to the Archives or their weaponry.

With more than thirty field agents, Archivists, Doctors and support crew working in unison for the protection of Planet Earth, Ianto Jones was proud of his achievements. The Crown was as well, and they continued to ask if he would consider staying on permanently. But each time, Ianto answered in the negative.

Since his position was more administrative then anything else, Ianto tended to drift from Shift to Shift, depending on his own schedule. He tended to work more with Ben and Owen rather then Gwen. It wasn't because of the early time…it was because as far as he was concerned, Gwen was too much light. And he stopped being that a very long time ago. After…Lisa. And his nocturnal activities allowed him to fulfill a promise he had made to himself during The Year That Never Was. There were sixteen UNIT personnel that escaped The Valiant while there was a changing of the guard. He had located and terminated nine of them quietly…and with the full knowledge of The Crown.

The others began to notice Ianto would become more pensive, introverted. Not that he was the raucous center of attention at any other time. But when he would disappear for two and three days at a time on "personal business", he would return and be almost morose. He would continue in this vein for a day or two – and then the episode would pass; until the next time he would leave. Tosh was worried enough to contact Jack and promise that she and others would send progress reports as they could.

Ianto, however, knew nothing of this. All that he could see were his friends and colleagues growing…living after the Hell that was that dreadful year. A Hell they would never remember…never know. They were seeing the light at the end of the tunnel that was Torchwood Cardiff, but this was not what he wanted for himself.

He wanted to be free. Free of Torchwood, free of Cardiff, free of the terrible memories of a once beautiful woman that held his heart lying dead on the filthy floor of an unused storage room – and free of the shadow and memory of Captain Jack Harkness.

~~TW o0o DW~~

So when the report of a Blowfish tooling around in a stolen sports car reached the 2nd Shift crew (Ben (Manager), Bailey(IT), Jaime and Nick (formerly UNIT) and Agatha (Medic)) , Ben shouted up to Ianto that an extra space was available in the SUV – he jumped at the chance without thinking twice.

Jaime was a great driver, but the Blowfish was better. Ianto pulled out his trusty Glock (the one he got off of one of the UNIT personnel on The Valiant) and screwed on his silencer. Leaning out the car window, one shot and the passenger side front tyre of the sports car went down.

'Pull over to the other side,' Ianto ordered calmly as the little car skidded to the curb. Jaime pulled into the opposing traffic lane and Ianto fired again, this time into the tyre on the driver's side front. The Blowfish lost total control of the car and skidded down the quiet residential street before bailing out of the damaged vehicle. The creature rolled down the rain slicked street and ran towards the first house with lights on.

Ianto calmly took aim and fired as the SUV skidded to a halt. The Blowfish fell with a surprised cry and pulled out a gun, rolling over to face Ianto. His silenced Glock fired again; he shot the gun out of the alien's hand.

Bailey, a tall blonde with green-blue eyes and the longest legs Ianto had ever seen on a woman, came running over and passed her scanner over the alien. Nicholas had her covered, aiming his weapon at the downed Blowfish. Ben and Jaime had it covered behind Ianto. 'Registering high amounts of stimulants, adrenaline – and enough cocaine that were he human, he'd be dead of heart failure by now. How is it that he's not jumping out of his scales? This fish is totally wired,' Bailey said aloud, totally amazed.

'Because,' said Ben matter-of-factly. 'The Director hit the alien three centimeters below its clavicle, where a major artery is located on this species. He's bleeding to death internally.' Ben looked to Ianto with a hint of pride on his countenance.

'I…I still have some fight left,' the Blowfish growled.

'No,' said Ianto, pointing his gun at the alien. 'You don't.'

'He's coming back, you know,' the alien slurred. 'And he's not going to like what he finds.'

'Who?' Ianto asked. 'Who is coming back?'

'Trouble follows him wherever he goes,' the alien whispered. 'He creates new worlds and demolishes old ones. He…he is like a dark star. If you get caught in his gravity, he'll make you disappear. He's done it before, you know. Once he calls you, takes you with him, you are never the same.'

Ianto leveled his weapon and fired. The startled look on the Blowfish's face was almost worth the mess of a headshot.

'Whoa!' an all too familiar American accented voice said behind them. They all turned as one and raised their weapons towards the voice. Captain Jack Harkness stood before them – and the second Ianto looked into the Captain's eyes, he knew he'd be sticking around for a bit longer.

'Welcome back, Captain Harkness,' Ianto answered, lowering his weapon. The others immediately followed suit. Jaime and Nicholas went back to the SUV to collect a bodybag for the alien. Ben simply stared at Jack, then bowed to him and held his hand out.

'Welcome back, Harkness-san,' he said respectfully. Jack's face could not hide the surprise as he took the other's hand.

'Mister Fujiyama,' Jack said, letting go the man's hand. 'Had to come back sooner or later. Couldn't miss Tosh's or Gwen's weddings. They'd never forgive me otherwise.' Jack looked to Ianto then. 'I'm sorry I wasn't back sooner…but I hope Mr. Jones here has made a fine example of leadership whilst in my absence.'

'He's done brilliantly by all of us,' Bailey said, almost affronted. Jack turned to her and realized the others were watching what was going on with rapt attention. 'Gail Bailey, IT Person for Shift Two,' the woman answered, holding out her hand. He shook it silently.

The other woman on the team held out her hand to him as well. 'Agatha Morley, sir. Medic for Shift Two.' He did the same to her.

A young blonde man with gray eyes held his hand out next. 'Jaime Wilkinson, Field Agent for Shift Two, sir. Formerly of UNIT; left one week before the Saxon fiasco. Same with Nick over here.'

The dark haired man next to him held his hand out to Jack. 'Nicholas Bradshaw, Field Agent for Shift Two, sir,' the young man said calmly. Jack frowned as he processed the name – and then it came to him.

'Your father was Kyle Bradshaw. The Congo…1969?' he asked. The young man nodded, smiling.

'Dad asked me to say hi,' he offered.

'So…did he settle down and marry his girl?'

Nicholas shook his head, continuing to smile. 'No – still was living in sin with his male PA, Brendon, until about 2007. They got a civil partnership in London. His 'girl' remained his best friend, married that crazy scientist from the Congo job instead. She had me for him and I have six half brothers and sisters!'

Jack laughed out loud at that. He then looked back to the silent Ianto Jones and quieted down. Nicholas silently excused himself, looking to Jones, who simply nodded. 'We've a lot to discuss, haven't we?'

'Yes, sir,' Ianto agreed softly. 'That we do.' Ianto then turned to Ben. 'You know what to do – I'll take the stolen sports car back to The Hub and get one of our support people to take it back to the owner in the morning. Get Bailey to alert Owen and Shift Three. I've a feeling this is just the beginning.' He looked back at the group mopping up the last bit and heading to the SUV. 'See you back at base.'

'Will do, Director Jones,' Ben said respectfully.

~~TW o0o DW~~

On the drive back to The Hub, Jack and Ianto both sat silently in the sports car. Both tyres had been repaired by Jaime and Nicholas before they left with the alien corpse and the others in the SUV. Jack held his open hand out to Ianto as he shifted the car into gear – and was pleased when the younger man slipped his slight pale hand into his bigger tanned one. Jack smiled softly all the way back – and never let go of Ianto's hand until the car was parked in The Hub's carpark.

~~TW o0o DW~~

Jack was more than a little surprised at all the activity that greeted them once the cog wheel rolled back. 'Director,' a cockneyed voice called out. Ianto turned towards the dark haired, blue-eyed man.

'Another call out, Simmons?' Ianto asked. The man nodded.

'Doctor Harper went out directly from his flat. I'm going to meet up with him at the location now. He asked that Fujiyama-san wait until his return so that they can compare notes,' he answered, looking from Ianto to Jack nervously. 'Andy Davis added that this one was most certainly a "spooky-do".'

Ianto then turned to Jack. 'Cedric Simmons, formerly of Torchwood Two, this is Captain Jack Harkness,' he said by way of introduction. Simmons shook the Captain's hand warmly.

'An honor, Sir,' he said quickly then looked back to Ianto.

'Team ready to go?' Ianto asked. Simmons nodded.

'Everyone's assembled and ready for the nod from you, Sir,' he answered.

'Have Owen contact here once everyone is on location. Also, inform Fujiyama-san of Owen's request before you go. Is Monica at her station?' Simmons nodded. 'Good. Then she'll route it up to me in the office if it's important. Off you go then.'

Simmons smiled and saluting both men, dashed back down the stairs towards the carpark. Ianto watched as Nick and Jaime carried the bodybag into the autopsy area. 'Gentlemen,' he called out. 'Check his pockets carefully. He was talking about someone coming after him – following him. There may be a transponder on his person.'

Jaime nodded. 'Righto, Director. Agatha is going to stick around to do the autopsy – then she, Brent and Owen are probably going to mull over the reports for a few hours. I'll make sure you get the list of the decedent's possessions before he gets chopped up and a copy of the prelim autopsy report.'

'Good. As soon as you are done, both of you leave. Tomorrow is another day.' He then looked to Jack and motioned for him to follow. 'I'll be in the office if anyone asks.'

'Sure thing, Director,' Nick called back. 'Have a good night.'

Once Jack entered his former office, Ianto closed the door and motioned for Jack to sit at the small settee against the glass wall of the office. A long, thin coffee table sat in front of it and Jack's big desk was still there – just tucked to a corner. By the steps to the lower level in the back of his office ran a bench where a coffee machine sat. Ianto simply flicked on its switch and turned back to look at the Captain. He looked better…but his eyes were still haunted.

'How long has it been?' Jack asked.

'A year for them,' Ianto answered. 'And you?'

'Five years,' Jack said softly. 'I didn't mean to foist this on you for so long, Jones. But I'm glad that you were here. The Doctor made sure I received the invitation for Ben and Tosh's wedding. Couldn't miss it. And Gwen and Rhys are finally tying the knot?' Ianto simply nodded.

'Two months later,' he supplied. But at a different venue.'

'Good. It's…good that their lives moved on. The Doctor even mentioned something about Owen?' Ianto nodded again. 'Helena?' Jack asked. Ianto snorted at that.

'Surprised you remembered her name,' he explained good-naturedly.

Jack smiled. 'She and Aerys were fantastic that night. Of course…you were better.'

Ianto turned back towards the gurgling coffee machine at that. 'What about you, Ianto?' Jack continued, oblivious to the young man's discomfort. 'Anyone special - ?'

'No,' Ianto said forcefully, cutting Jack off as he handed him a coffee. 'Just the way you like it. Four sugars and two creams. No – I've just been keeping your spot warm so you could take it back once you were ready to do so and I could be free.'

Jack started at that. 'You…you're leaving?' Jack looked at all of the activity in The Hub…all the new faces. The LIFE injected into this once sad outpost. And it was all because of the beautiful suited man standing before him. 'What about you and your Crown Minder…what was his name? Michael?'

'It was always understood that this was a temporary situation. And as for Mr. Spencer, I believe that falls under the category of None Of Your Damned Business, Captain,' he finished a little too forcefully. Taking a cleansing deep breath, he released it slowly while mentally counting to ten. 'Just to let you know, everyone knows about Flat Holm,' he began, changing the subject. 'I got your letter concerning the victims on to The Crown to see if they could offer better back-up and support. The Crown, in turn, has reimbursed you all the money you have spent out of pocket for the facility since its start-up in 2000 and they have hired four more doctors and have made it a bit more hospitable. Her Majesty was quite touched by the instructions you left behind – and wants to assure you that all of the inmates will continue to receive the care they require. And Helen is still the current Administrator of the facility – with a comparable salary to match her hard work and ingenuity.' He walked to the filing cabinet behind the desk and pulled out several bound files.

'These have been updated weekly since I took over as Director,' Ianto continued. 'Personnel files, current financial statements, requisition forms and contact information in the event Myfanwy needs different food or the world decides to go to shit again.'

'Ianto-,' Jack began.

'Ben, Tosh and Gwen have put in for time off for their respective weddings and honeymoons afterwards. I've approved everything; we've more then enough people to cover the gaps. Gwen is the Manager to Shift One. I promised her that if you came back before her wedding, I'd cover that time for her,' Ianto continued.

'Operative Ifan Jones,' Jack said curtly.

Ianto immediately stopped and looked to Jack with embarrassed eyes. 'I'm being a bit of a twat at the moment, aren't I?' he asked.

Jack smirked indulgently. 'Just a bit,' he agreed. He then held his hand out to the young man. 'Please,' he whispered. Ianto put his hand in Jack's, allowing the older man to pull him into the seat next to him. 'The Doctor wants you to travel with him for a bit…he's got a lovely, feisty redhead with him at the moment. Name's Donna Noble… Don't really know what she'll make of you. I don't want to think what she'd do with two men in suits, but I'm pretty sure she'll think of something,' Jack said softly.

'Why would he want me?' Ianto asked, slightly bewildered. 'I killed the only other TimeLord in existence. Why the hell would he want to be anywhere near me?'

Jack squeezed his hand. 'He said it was because you did what he could not. You saved him from making that choice…and quite possibly saved this universe. And he feels he owes you.'

'And I'm feeling another "and" in that explanation somewhere,' Ianto added.

'Tosh, Gwen, Ben and Owen. They've…been sending me…reports. Not of anything bad…just. They are worried about you, Yan. You're…you've never been the same since -,' Jack stopped talking as Ianto snatched his hand away from Jack's loose grasp and stood up, his back to Jack.

'You've never known the real me, Captain Harkness,' he said after a few moments of contemplative silence. He continued to stare out at the work going on in The Hub. 'I died the day Canary Wharf destroyed my life. I was such a different person then. There are times when I wonder if this is a nightmare and one day I'll wake up from it – or if my life before with my shit bastard of a father was the good part of it.' He turned then, looking at his once lover. 'The Ianto Jones you knew…you hired…you slept with…that was never me. That was a construct created for whatever it was you all needed – and it was created solely for Lisa. And it worked perfectly…until you found out about her. Now…what you all see before you is all that I am. And no amount of time traveling with The Doctor, or sexual escapades in your bed or Michael's, or time spent bending a psychiatrist's ear is ever going to change that. I am sorry if you find me lacking, but this is what is left. This is who I am – Freelance Operative Ifan Ianto Jones; take it or leave it.'

'Director Jones,' a female voice called out in the office's intercom system. Ianto tapped the respond button on the phone.

'Yes, Monica? Go ahead,' he answered, his voice not betraying the personal nature of the conversation he and Jack were having.

'The boys have something interesting in the MedBay with the dead walking fish and Simmons has some unusual readings at the police crime scene,' Monica answered.

Ianto sighed. 'Out in a sec,' he answered, tapping the intercom off. He then turned to Jack, his face schooled back into its mask of cool indifference. 'Tell your Doctor that I respectfully decline – and I think you ought to come with me so you'll learn all about your new personnel first hand.'

Jack stood up, slightly confused. 'How are we getting there? Didn't Simmons take the SUV?'

Ianto smiled. 'Jack – we have a fleet of eight now. And several small cars and motorbikes for when the situation calls for something fast yet maneuverable. Come on; let me show you the new Torchwood Cardiff.'

~~TW o0o DW~~

Ianto was not surprised when Jack started began flirting with Cedric and Andy at the crime scene. As they walked back to their respective SUV's, Jack's Vortex Manipulator began to beep.

'Whoa,' said Ianto, taking a step back and away from Jack. 'That never beeps.'

'Same thing I was thinking,' Jack commented as he opened its leather strap and pressed a few buttons…. And the image of Captain John Hart appeared…

And Jack's first day back turned into twenty-four hours of total mayhem for Torchwood Cardiff. And then the bomb intended to kill Captain John Hart went off in the Rift, setting time back to the point he walked through…and everyone got to do a Temporal Do Over.

~~TW o0o DW~~

Ianto flopped onto his hotel room sofa exhausted. After making sure everyone on staff didn't bump into doubles of themselves (because The Doctor said that would be extremely bad), he had invited both the TimeLord and Jack to his suite for a place to stay for the night.

'So,' The Doctor began. 'Jack says you won't travel with me. May I ask why?'

Ianto shook his head…he so did not want to have this conversation now. 'And where is your newest companion? Donna Noble was it?' he asked, trying to divert the TimeLord's line of questioning.

'Decided to stay in her room on the TARDIS,' he answered, flicking a hand over his shoulder towards the Police Box that occupied a large section of Ianto's lounge area. The Doctor leveled clear brown eyes at the young Welshman. 'Why will you not travel with me, Ianto Jones?'

'Because,' Ianto began, his voice low and bone weary. 'I killed your kin…and I've enough guilt on my conscious to last me lifetimes.' He looked towards the windows of the suite and saw the beginning of pinks and reds streaking across the now brightening horizon. 'It is very late – or very early and I am beyond tired. I've meetings to arrange with all of the Shift Managers and UNIT's new High Command. I've got to let Gwen know you are back – but I surmise that Ben has told Tosh, who's told Gwen, who will probably be here within the hour looking for you. I've got to inform my Crown Rep that you're back and that I'm looking for a new assignment. But I want at least 6 hours sleep before I begin dealing with any of this -.'

'I've already spoken to your Crown Representative. I've also spoken to Her Majesty and made a special request. I have your new assignment here,' The Doctor said casually. Too casually. He then put his hand into his inside jacket pocket and produced a sealed envelope bearing The Crown Seal.

Ianto snatched the envelope held loosely within the TimeLord's grasp, then looked up into his face, his own red with anger. 'What have you done with Michael?' he growled.

'Oh,' said Jack, using the same tone of voice as The Doctor. 'I thought it was Mr. Spencer -.'

'And I told you it was none of your damn business!' Ianto roared.

'Mr. Spencer is quite well, Mr. Jones. You were my special request, Mr. Jones. I asked Her Majesty to make me your next assignment,' The Doctor said calmly.

Ianto straightened his back slowly and eyed both men with nothing short of contempt. 'So…you are my assignment?' he asked slowly. The Doctor nodded. 'And what will be the duration of this assignment?'

'Until I deem you fit for duty again. Her Majesty and Mr. Spencer told me of your "special assignments" concerning the escaped UNIT soldiers. You do realize that you are the only Operative that has been able to get close enough to these fugitives to…kill them?'

Ianto's lip curled maliciously. 'Yes,' he gritted out. 'And I still have seven more contracts to fulfill before I am done. If I were to leave now, they would burrow further underground, until eventually they will disappear all together.'

Jack cleared his throat then. 'We located them all and handed them to the proper authorities. Your Crown Minder had no idea of what the end results were doing to you, Ianto. Mr. Spencer apologized profusely – and asked if you would call him.'

Ianto stood straighter at that and balled his hands into fists so tightly that his knuckles cracked. 'As I explained to The Captain earlier…this is all that I am, TimeLord. I am not a good person at heart – at least I am not anymore. You can not talk me down from killing someone or something once I've deemed its termination would prove to be for the greater good. And I am well versed enough in my chosen profession that I do not need a designated weapon to do the job – I can improvise.'

'And yet…how many nights do you think of Lisa before you go to sleep?' The Doctor asked.

The fight left Ianto then and his shoulders slumped slightly. 'Every one,' he answered softly. 'I'm off to bed. I figure we'll be here at least another month before Jack gets the hang of things – then I will be at your disposal. The guest room is on the right – it has two double beds. Enjoy. Order room service if you want. There's no need to worry about the bill. The Crown is covering the expense.'

And with that Ianto left the two men in the lounge, closing the door to his own room rather loudly. After a few moments of comfortable silence, Jack turned to the TimeLord. 'What do you think?'

The Doctor hummed thoughtfully. 'Hard nut to crack…but not impossible. He's suffering from PTSD something dreadful, but he's been able to put his need for constant order into very good use. I looked over some of the protocols he's got running for this new Torchwood Cardiff, and I must say that I am truly impressed.' The TimeLord turned to regard The Captain more closely. 'And what of you?' he asked. 'Are you ready to return to the madness that is a day-to-day occurrence in Torchwood?'

Jack sighed then, looking over to the door that Ianto walked through and closed forcefully. 'Yes…but it won't be the same without him somewhere in my life.' He turned back to The Doctor. 'Wherever you take him – bring him back to me whole and safe. I am holding you responsible if anything untoward happens to him.'

'Well,' The Doctor began, clearing his throat. 'I promise to the best of my ability that I will try to keep him safe. But you do know what I do, Jack. I can't guarantee that he'll be wrapped in cotton wool and stored with the best china.' He cleared his throat again. 'The Queen at least did give you the revised Torchwood Charter – and she's named you Director of all Torchwood again.' He sighed then. 'She did want Jones to remain with you…I would have thought you would have wanted the same.'

It was Jack's turn to sigh. 'It doesn't matter what I want, does it? What matters is what he needs,' he answered and he stared mournfully at Ianto's closed bedroom door.

~~TW o0o DW~~

And exactly one month later Jack was commissioned as the Director of all Torchwood once again. And with Ianto's tutelage, he was able to navigate any and all pitfalls of running a quasi-secret alien fighting organization with thirty-four active field agents and an additional twenty support staff.

Ianto stood on The Plass, olive military holdall on the ground by his feet, three full suit garment bags placed on top. If he was going to travel as The Doctor's Companion, he refused to do it dressed as a hobo. The entire staff was standing along with him by the blue Police Box by the water feature. Jack and The Doctor took his luggage in as he said good-bye to his friends.

Tosh and Ben made The Doctor promise to bring him back by the end of the month. And also to bring him back for Gwen's wedding, because otherwise they'd be Hell to pay (Jack's words). The other women of the staff were also quite emotional watching their suited former Director leave.

Owen and Ben hugged him and shook his hand. Owen had asked for suggestions on getting an engagement ring for Helena. Ianto gave him the names of several local fine jewelry stores – and wished him the best of luck. The Doctor also assured Ianto that the TARDIS would receive the announcement of the engagement and wedding the second the invitations were sent.

And then there was Jack and Michael.

Michael was like Ianto in many ways – one in particular was that he was a man of few words, yet many actions. He kissed Ianto tenderly on his lips, framing his face within his soft, deft hands.

'Don't be gone too long,' he whispered as he kissed the young man's lips again. 'I'll miss you terribly.'

Ianto smiled his small smile at him. 'The Doctor fixed my mobile to do Universal Roaming…literally. Call me any time…if I'm not tied up or fighting for my life; I should be able to answer you.'

Jack kissed Ianto just as tenderly, holding his hand in his. 'I think of you everyday until you return, Operative Jones,' he said smiling a smile he reserved for the Welshman alone.

And Ianto Jones, now Operative Jones again, went on his next assignment. Operation TARDIS…

TBC

A/N: Major OMG, kids! Seventeen pages in Word! Like Major WOW! I hope you guys really like this chapter – and if there are any suggestions, critiques, pissed off responses, please hit that button at the bottom! Next up will be the epilogue – and this one will be put to bed! Thanks to all of you that have Faved and Alerted this story – you guys are the reason I write. Clawdie says hi – and I say Hello – and how do you do. Now hit that button below and Bloody Well Review!

D.