Jen leaned back in her chair observing Jack's body language carefully. He was healing quickly from the trauma with balance and strength returning. Time agents had spotty reputations and she needed to know if she could trust him on her ship. What was the truth about this man?

"What I do know is that you once was a Time Agent," she began. " You may be one of the Doctor's companions, and you heal remarkably well. True?"

He nodded.

"Why were you on Taurus?"

Jack leaned forward. "I was between jobs looking for work. I remember meeting the Sebecians in the market area of Taylaia on Caputo 7. I started swapping stories with their commander, Zarkot in a bar. After he bought a second round of drinks," he continued, "I felt a little dizzy, then woke up gagged and bound in some sort of canvas bag," he shrugged. "Next thing I knew, I was in a Tauran mine." He reached for the soup.

"Taurus is in the Interstellar Nature Trust, and not supposed to be colonized. What was Zarkot doing there?" asked Jen.

Jack took a sip from the mug and set it down. She noted that his appetite had not returned yet..

"Running an illegal mining operation in crystals used for interstellar travel," replied Jack. "He must have been visiting various planets shanghaiing workers for his operation. He and his men take a few at a time, then moves on to avoid detection. There are over three hundred souls enslaved in his mines."

Jen slowly asked, "So why was he torturing you? Surely he needed strong men to work his mines."

Jack took a deep breath. "I led an escape attempt that failed. He wanted to make an example out of me, but when he saw that I did not stay dead…" Jack shuttered and turned away, "he wanted me… for other purposes...and I refused."

Jen gently touched his check to turn his head towards her "So the rumors are true, you are immortal."

Jack shook his head, "No, I suffer and die, but I don't stay dead. After I die, my body resets and I come back." He hesitated. "Something happened to me a long time ago to change me. I was told that I am a fixed point in time, a freak of nature."

Jen could see he was becoming distressed and changed the subject.

She checked the medical monitor. "Let's see if your eyes are healed. Shakira, dim the lights again." Jen began to carefully unwrap the bandages. "I want you to keep your eyes closed while I do this." Jack shut his eyes as she finished unwrapping the last layers. She then touched his chin so he faced her. "Now open slowly to adjust towards the light." Jen examined them. His eyes were clear and a striking light blue.

Jack slowly blinked. "I can see colors and shadows…" He squinted as the shapes came into focus. "Hello, gorgeous!" he smiled as he took in her blonde hair styled in a French twist, blue eyes, and trim shape. As he looked her over, he noted the sandy brown material of the flight suit had protective the qualities and cut found in military issue. "Now you are someone who looks good in a uniform," he grinned.

"Well, that part of your reputation was true!" Jen teased. "Easy soldier, this is not a uniform, and I'm in no one's army. The flight suit is just practical for space travel. Which reminds me, I have something for you over there," pointing a small table with a pile of clothing. "I guessed about the style from old pictures: blue shirt, braces, black trousers, sturdy brown laced shoes, and a grey blue vintage RAF military coat. Kira did the rest."

Jack grinned. He looked around the console room, taking in the layout of the ship.

"Nice design," he nodded. "Compact, efficient,…looks familiar."

"Your injuries are mostly healed so you can shower and change in the bathroom behind the medical bay." Jen pointed to the back of the room. "Towels are on the shelf. Do you need help?"

"No, I can manage," Jack said with a sly smile, "unless you want to join me." He winked. Jen rolled her eyes, then watched him walk toward the shower area. He still had a slight limp.

Jen straightened out the medical bay and put away the supplies as Jack showered and changed. She then walked to the navigator console to check status. All systems go. No evidence of tailing or surveillance. She continued to check communications.

Jack strode into the control room dressed in his great coat, stood at attention and saluted.

"I'm back!" he laughed.

'Cutting a fine figure, too!" Jen thought with a smile.

Grabbing Jen at the waist, Jack lifted her, whirled her around, and placed her back on the floor.

"A big thank you from a grateful captain," he grinned. He took her in his arms and as he kissed her, he was surprised her lips were cool to the touch, and then felt a sharp surge of energy.

Startled, he stepped back. "Wow! What was that!" he puzzled, "Who are you?"

Jen stepped back as he stared at her. She moved over to the navigation console and sat down, motioning him to sit next to her. Jack remained standing.

"Were you really one of the companions to the Doctor?" she asked.

"Yes, it is because of him that I am like I am. Why?"

"When I was fixing your wrist strap, I saw your picture with him, Donna and Martha Jones. Did you know them?"

"Yes, how do you know...why are you asking…?"

Jen stood and silently took Jack's right hand. She placed it on the right of her chest for a moment, and then moved it to the left. His eyes widened as he stepped back.

"Two hearts. You have two hearts!" he exclaimed. "But this is impossible, the Doctor is the last of the Time Lords."

"I am his daughter, another impossible thing," Jen said sadly. " Jack, please sit down, and I'll tell you my story."