Three years have passed ...


Conversations

2027

"How about a train set. I saw one in that shop in the High Street. It had points and a shunting yard and loads of trains."

"He's eighteen, Jack, not eight. He's into booze, sex and bikes – in no particular order."

"Is it really that long since Gwen left? Eighteen years." Jack sighed. "Then what do I get him?"

"I suggest you give him – and his name is Dai – some cash and let him spend it on something wholly inappropriate." Ianto paused, "And if that's settled, there's something I need to tell you."

"Yeah?"

"I've had an offer, a job offer."

"You already have a job."

"I know, but this one is special. And it links in to what we've been doing these last two years."

"I'm not letting you go."

"At least hear me out, Jack."

"The answer will still be no."

Ianto pressed on, ignoring Jack's glower. "I've been asked to join the Forward Planning Team for the Dunussion Leader's visit next year. Now responsibility has been given to the United Nations' Dunussion and External Relations Department it wants to make sure the Leader's visit goes off without a hitch. With our experience of dealing with them it makes sense that someone from Torchwood be on the Team."

"Then they should have approached me and asked for a representative." Jack was irritated. "These people! If it hadn't have been for Torchwood the whole First Contact would have been a fiasco. We'd have been at war with the Dunussions not talking about setting up trade and diplomatic links! And why did they ask you? Steve has had much more contact with Denji."

"Steve's not an administrator. He needs to continue being the ambassador's contact not sitting in meetings arguing protocol. I was asked informally and said I'd approach you first. If you agree, then a formal request will be made."

"You make it sound like you'd be leaving but if it's only going to meetings you can carry on here."

"No, I can't. There is so much to be organised it's going to be a full-time job, and anyway it'll be in America. But I'll only be there for a year or so, until the visit is over. Then I'll come back."

"A year or so?"

"Yes. I think Davey'd enjoy a year in another country."

"You want to do it." Jack stated rather than asked.

"Yes, I do. I want to be involved in this. It's huge, Jack. For me, you, Torchwood, the country and the world."

"Okay." He sighed. "I never could say no to you when you really wanted something. Tell them they can have you. But only for a year! This place will be bedlam without you."

"Thank you, Jack." Ianto smiled. "You'll come and visit us, in America?"

"If I can but it'll be busy here now the Dunussions have spread the word about Earth."

"And you love it." Ianto paused. "I'm so proud of what you've achieved this past couple of years. The way you prepared everyone. You were so patient and diplomatic; I saw a whole new Jack Harkness, one I never dreamt existed! When you addressed the UN it was amazing, they just hung on your every word. And seeing you in the welcoming party when Denji, our very own alien ambassador, arrived ... I can't describe it. You deserve all the honours going. I never thought that getting a job here would mean I would be involved in all this."

Jack was embarrassed by Ianto's praise and changed the subject. "I recall that at the time you joined Torchwood all you wanted was my basement."

"Oh, Lisa. Life would have been very different if we'd not been caught up in Canary Wharf."

"It should have been different if you'd had Jenny to help raise your son." Jack paused. "I was a selfish prick back when you met her. I'm sorry if I hurt you."

"It just wasn't to be. If I'm brutally honest, and with hindsight, I know that I only married Jenny because you were besotted with Annabelle. Seeing you with her hurt. Hurt a lot. I couldn't ignore her like I had the others. I suppose I wanted to see how it would feel to have a 'normal' relationship, to have a proper partner and it was good while it lasted. Plus I have a wonderful son as a result."

"He's a lovely kid."

"He is. He looks up to you, Jack, and I'm happy you've been the one to help me raise him. And now I have a new job to look forward to and I have you. Even though you drive me mad most of the time I have to admit you've made me happy."

"I love you too, Jones Ianto Jones."