During the next three days, the Captain and Jen work together on their plans. Charts and reports lay scattered on the navigation table while Charlie quietly lay watching them work. Jack sketched out the layout of the Tauran mining complex.
"The complex was built into the mountain with three entry points," he pointed to three spots on the map. " On either side is an entry to the mines. Each section can be separately sealed. The first section of the right tunnel contain the living quarters for the Sebecians; the second is weapon storage, with the third used for other supplies.
"The central entrance here is the transportation port holding the shuttle that brings the crystals to the freighter. The processed crystals are in the second section of this tunnel, packed and ready for shipment." Jack pointed to the last section. "The third tunnel contains the mine and minors. The first section holds the interrogation room, where you found me. It is there because the Sebecians want to miners to hear what happens there to discourage future disobedience. The next section is the entrance to the mine which goes down vertically then branching out as the crystals are mined. The last section is the miner quarters. It is very basic, just bunks and tables. The miners never see the light of day. They are my mission."
Jen reviewed the plans of the site. "We need to disable the Sebecian defense system before we can release the miners. If the Conservancy hits the weapons store and disables the shuttle, the Sebecians will concentrate their fire on them while we can go in and release the minors.
"There is no we about this," replied Jack. "I want you to stay here."
"Jack," she argued, "I was a soldier, and I know search and rescue technique. I would be useful if anyone gets hurt."
"No, I don't want to risk you getting hurt. The Conservancy can handle this. I've worked with them before. They pull the finest soldiers in the galaxy into their force."
"I've worked with them also." Jen argued, "I've trained some of them in search and rescue. I can handle this!"
"So can I." Jack snapped. "Listen, if anything happens, I can't die and you can." He cupped her face, "Please, can't you see, I don't want to risk you." He placed his hands on her shoulders, "Humor me. Please."
Jen said nothing, and walked back to the sketches. They worked the rest of the day compiling maps of Taurus, Jack's drawings of the crystal mines tunnels and defense system of the bunkers, data on Sebecian culture, and intelligence on Zar. Finally the file was ready to send to the Conservancy.
Jack finished typing the report into the computer. "All the information they need. Just need to wait for a reply." He sent the report on its way. "They know me."
Jen said. "Let me show you my favorite place on the ship." She went to the opposite side from the TARDIS door was a comfortable seating area with a low table. "Watch." She triggered her wrist strap, and the side panels drew up to reveal the universe around them.
"Ah, nice." Jack turned to survey the riot of stars and planets above him. "You'll have to teach me that trick. Let's sit over here while we wait for a reply."
"It's been a long day and I need to change into something for comfortable to relax." Jen said. "What about you? I have another robe that will fit you. It is very comfortable."
Jen decided to change into something more comfortable to help her relax.
"No, I'm good in these," Jack declined. "Always in fashion. Would you like some hot chocolate?"
"Sure, I won't take long." Jen left and quickly returned in an indigo Capacian robe embroidered with sapphire stars. Her golden hair hung in loose waves around her shoulders.
"Pretty," Jack grinned as he returned with two large mugs topped with whipped cream.
"You are going to spoil me." Jen smiled at him as she sat down and took a sip. He sat beside her.
"Jack," she began, "I still have concerns…"
He held up his hand to quiet her. "I know, but my mind is made up. This is a good plan." Changing the subject he said, "You know a bit about me, but I want to know about some of your travels, mystery woman."
So while they waited, Jen told him of some of the planets she had visited, and the people she met. Jen described the Spoor Wars and how she became a medic helping the wounded. Although she kept up with weapon training given to her by the imprinting process, she chose the more peaceful support roles in honor of her father: medical, intelligence, and communication. She enjoyed being on search and rescue crews, delighting Jack with her tales of pulling people out of precarious situations.
"One time we had to rescue climbers on Rictor 6 who thought they could be the first to climb the Ice Maiden Mountain, but they forgot that she was also a sleeping volcano," she laughed. "You should have seen their faces when…"
A blinking light on the communications panel indicated a message. Jen stopped and glanced at Jack who quickly went to review the communication screen. Jen was surprised that the Conservancy responded so quickly.
"Our plans were approved," Jack said somberly. "I am directed to meet them on Taurus at these coordinates tomorrow night."
"Do you know your contact?" Jen asked.
"No, I'm not familiar with him, but his credentials look in order." Jack pursed his lips. "He is arranging for a squad of eight fighters to meet me near the bunker entrance while two other teams hit the entrance to the mines. In that way, they will be taken by surprise and less likely to harm the miners. I'm in charge of the miner rescue. Perfect."
"I know the Conservancy," she mused "I trained some of the operatives in field medicine some time ago. Powerful warriors. What was the name of your contact?"
"Statori," he replied
Jen shrugged. No recognition of the name. She rose and began to pace. "I know you are a solider, but I was a soldier too. Let me come with you as back-up." She turned and faced him. "Please."
Jack put his hands on her shoulders and said firmly, "I don't want you involved in this operation, Jen. Kira and you can just bring me to Taurus at night, and I'll wait for reinforcements before going in." He folded her into his arms. " Just stay near by to pick me up."
Jen said nothing. Jack folded her in his arms and kissed her forehead. "It will be fine, just a simple cleanup operation." He touched her face and turned it up towards him. "You have done enough."
Jen looked into his determined eyes, then sadly nodded. "Let me at least help you prepare your clothing. The weather scan shows a clear sky with temperatures dropping below freezing." She smiled weakly, "At least I'll know you will be warm."
Jack nodded. "Let's enjoy the stars for awhile while we can." He returned to the couch and held out his hand. "Come sit by me."
Both settled back so they could see the stars and planets around them. For several hours the Captain told stories of his adventures on different planets with Jen responding with her own until they grew tired. Jen rested her head on his shoulder and looked up at him. Jack looked at her longingly, but then abruptly sat up.
"It is going to be a hard day tomorrow, so I'd better get some rest." He stood up, kissed her on the head, and took Charlie back to his kennel. Jack then walked back to his room, sliding the panel shut.
Jen stayed watching the stars for an hour more thinking about the day to come. The she directed Shakira to shut the viewing panel and dim the lights on the rest of the ship. She looked over the rescue documentation on her pad and reviewed it again looking for flaws. She saved a copy in her computers and on her wrist strap. Trying to remember whom she knew from the Conservancy training, she scoured the Conservancy contact database. Finally she typed in a message and sent it.
It was late. Jen gazed towards Jack's quarters and could see the light was out. She walked over to his gear lay out on the table and slowly fingered the collar on his coat. Turning again she looked where Jack was sleeping, walked over, and quietly slid the panel open.
He was still awake. He propped himself up on one elbow as he watched her enter the room.
"Jen?" he whispered as she bent over to kiss his forehead.
"Your father would not approve…" he said hoarsely.
She lightly slipped in next to him. He shivered as she settled beside him.
"Shhh...," She put her hand to his lips and then slowly trace the outlines of his lips and chin. "The heart wants what the heart wants." She moved her hand tracing the muscles of his chest. Jack drew in a deep breath and closed his eyes. "I see a kind man, a generous man...a brave man," she whispered as she kissed him. "There is nothing 'wrong' with you."
Jack shuddered as her hand moved lower. He quickly grabbed her wrists, and flipped her so he was on top. Their eyes locked for a moment, and then he kissed her neck moving his tongue around the sensitive ear lobes. She arched upward, wrapped her legs around him, and flipped him on his back, straddling him.
"Hey soldier girl," he gasped, "You're strong," as he pushed against her grip on his wrists.
"Remember," Jen teased, "I'm not quite human," and playfully nipped his ear.
Jack quit struggling as she released her grip. Jen bent down in a kiss, probing his lips and mouth with her tongue. He answered her with a kiss that was slow and strong. Jen felt as if she was melting into him, becoming lost in him. They could feel the time lines envelop them as an energy arced between them. Time vortex energy within them connected in a whirlpool of that surged through their bodies as they clung to each other. As the timelines ebbed away like a tide retreating from a lonely beach, Jack gathered her up in a last embrace, until they both fell asleep.