Aahh... so not a single review then this time? :) Do you want to make me cry? :DD Ha, anyhow, I won't wait until someone decides to tell me how or if they liked it.. I'd even appreciate a review telling me what you didn't like and how I can improve myself, just saying :)

So, since I've been hard-working and had a good flow within the last days, here is chapter 10! I cannot wait to post it because I've already translated it...so... maybe this time...

Chapter 10

On the next day Ianto didn't see much of Jack. He had to turn to his obligations and guests, and to take counsel with his generals about his politics. Ianto spent hours in his room and so he discovered the well stocked closet, with clothes that Jack must have chosen for him surely – there were many red shirts there, what conjured a smile to Ianto's lips. So he hadn't forgotten that red was his colour...

When Ianto had the feeling that he couldn't stand it any longer in his four walls, he walked unchallenged through the facilities of the castle. No one seemed to prosecute him for having so much idleness – maybe it was because of his well-groomed appearance, because the common slaves wore just ordinary clothes without special decorations. During his tour of the vast area, which belonged to the castle, Ianto had lots of time to think. He felt that, for the first time in a long, long while, he finally had the time and peace for this.

In these quiet moments, that belonged solely to him, he thought of the people he had known and loved. He was aware that they hadn't been simply taken away from him, but that they had just lived their lives without him. They may have lived, to some degree, in peace. Ianto was glad that they did not have to witness the impending destruction of humanity. But what made his heart severe was the thought that he would never see any of them again. He would never be able to talk to them again, to hear them laugh, to embrace them. He missed them all terribly, yes, even his inquisitive sister and her annoying, spoiled brats. What would he have given if only he could travel back into the past? To tell them everything he should have, to make everything right...

How much time he had spent with Torchwood, first in London, then in Cardiff! Certainly, he and his sister had somehow lived in different worlds, but now, thousands of years later, he realized how important it was to take care of his family – to stick together and to be there for each other. He wished he had spent more time with her instead of trying to save the world. What had been the use of it, anyhow? That they had defeated or imprisoned all aliens? It seemed like it had been pointless, in retrospect, because the human race was still threatened.

...

Ianto's mood was not the best in the early evening, but to meet Jack in his chambers had at least some effect on his bad thoughts and made them almost disappear. Jack greeted him with a passionate kiss, and the hot blood shot in Ianto's cheek; he put his arms around Jack's back and looked at him with a mischievous smile on his face.

"What are you doing?", he asked suspiciously, for he realized that Jack currently buttoned a noble crimson robe – as if he got dressed up for a special occasion.

"Well, tonight there will be a feast held in your honour! I have arranged it this morning. You have 10 minutes, then I'll pick you up", Jack smirked with his unique, charming grin. A laugh escaped Ianto's mouth, that quickly infected Jack, and he also had to laugh happily.

"What? What is it?", he asked, laughing. Ianto wiped a tear from the corner of his eye.

"You can't be all there! You can't just do that! I mean, who knows me anyhow? It isn't important for anyone that I'm still alive, only for you and me!"

The grin on Jack's lips changed into a small, gentle smile. He mildly placed a warm hand on Ianto's shoulder, leaned towards him and looked him deeply in the eyes.

"Yes, Ianto. It is important. Everyone should know how to treat you. You'll be on the same rank as the generals, and I'll appoint you as my consultant. If we perform our invasion in the slave institution soon, you will need authorisation in this operation."

Ianto was surprised and speechless, as this plan returned to his consciousness – of course, soon the peace and tranquillity would be over, and soon he would have to act again. By a fortunate coincidence he had been saved, but there were so many people who he wanted to help, who he needed to help. With a serious expression, he blinked briefly, to make the images of Sirrah and Isri disappear.

"Of course...", he heard himself mutter, but as Jack pressed his lips to his mouth and kissed him longingly, those gloomy thoughts vanished again.

...

The ceremonial hall was lit by several candles and log fires, the long wooden table generously covered. Ianto could not count how many guests of honour were present, but he estimated their numbers at least to be 50. With big eyes he saw the noble people, their beautiful, ornate clothes, their proud faces. Their jewellery glimmered in the candlelight, their chatter and laughter filled the air of the hall. Jack sat at the end of the table and looked at the crowd with a knowing smile in his eyes. He had become very silent; Ianto sat a seat away from him.

Again and again servants flitted from one person to the other, offering them food. Ianto could not remember when he had had such a extensive and delicious meal the last time. For weeks he had to live of some grub, whose name he didn't even know, or what it was. He helped himself a few times, but eventually he had to instruct the servants to offer him no more food, otherwise he would burst.

Jack got up and pledged a toast to Ianto. The sudden attention that was concentrated on him, made Ianto blush – he had the feeling that he practically evaporated. He was embarrassed to be in the thick of things.

"Against all hope, I have found a good old friend again, who has always been a faithful companion. We have known each other a very long time ago, and I'm glad to have him back at my side. I hereby appoint Ianto Jones to my fifth general and to my personal consultant. Let us wish him all the best for Ianto! Here's to you!"

"Here's to you!", cried the guests and drank to Ianto's health. Ianto lifted his glass and nodded once in all directions, still as red as a tomato. He glanced at Jack and saw how he looked at him with a strange expression; a gentle shimmer was in them, that made Ianto's inside feel like a searing lightning, like a destructive earthquake. He swallowed hard and then raised his glass to Jack, who returned the gesture with a wink.

...

The next few days Jack and Ianto spent a lot of time together with the generals in the meeting rooms. While Ianto and the first general tried to locate the planet where the slave institution was placed, Jack consulted with the others – how many weapons and soldiers they needed for this combat, how they should proceed...

With the first general Ianto stood before a kind of computer that looked similar to the devices of an airport's control tower. They were able to see planets in the distance like little white dots on a black screen. Ianto tried to give the general directions of the flight, and all which he could still remember from his voyage from Earth to the unknown planet. Finally, they had detected a small planet that met all criteria. The solar system, having a red shining sun in its centre, and also the weather on the planet matched. When the general made a scan of the surface they finally found a bright building, blinking red on the screen; it was placed on the northern side of the celestial body.

"This! This is it! I recognize the outlines of the building", Ianto called euphoric, whereupon the general rejoiced too, happily tapping Ianto's shoulder. The other generals and Jack quickly came to them and looked curiously at their finding.

"Ah, planet Kirion. I think it also belongs to the Shormasi", Jack said. "Very well then! I'd say we make the planned military units ready to fight – how long will it take until we can start?"

"We could leave in the early morning of tomorrow, sir", replied the first general.

A dull feeling captured Ianto – on the one hand he was happy that he could come to help for the others so fast, but that meant he only had one day left to enjoy with Jack. After that their lives would become hectic and unpredictable again. He fervently hoped that their mission would be successful and that they wouldn't have to suffer too many losses. He could estimate neither the power of the Shormasi, nor the armed force of Thalassa.

...

Against Ianto's assumption, the next day turned out to be quite time-consuming and labour-intensive as well. Ianto and Jack visited the barracks and the assault force of soldiers who were to accompany and support them tomorrow. Jack explained them their intention, with the condition of absolute secrecy. He and the generals decided on the weapons and other equipment they wanted to take with them.

Jack showed Ianto the weapons that would be used – some of them he recognized again because he had to practice with them in the slave facility. An ironic advantage that had been granted him, because he would do everything possible to destroy the institution. The few weapons that Ianto didn't know Jack showed him. In the exercise room he demonstrated him how he had to use them; they had a few moments for themselves, as the generals and soldiers discussed strategies and tactics in the hall outside; the door to the room was only ajar.

When Jack stood behind Ianto he gently placed his hands upon Ianto's upper arms, helping him take aim; he put his fingers right on Ianto's, which had a firm grip on the trigger. Ianto had to suppress a smile.

"You have to be careful with the firepointer; it is very sensitive when you are targeting, but therefore very accurate...", Jack said in a low, deep voice. Ianto felt a heat rising within him, and his heart began to throb fast. He had to swallow hard; he noticed the first drops of sweat on his forehead. Why was it suddenly so hot...

Jack was just a bit too close for this environment, he treated Ianto just a little too familiar. But it felt so incredibly good... Ianto sighed wistfully. Had they been in another place at another time... Ianto noticed how Jack's hand led his body gently but firmly, as they took aim at the forehead of a male target made of carton.

Ianto pulled the trigger with exact precision, and he hit the very centre of the head – a fire arrow seemed to rapidly slide out of his gun, and the whole target was consumed by sudden fire.

In wonder and admiration Ianto looked at the weapon in his hands with different eyes. Suddenly he perceived Jack's gentle kiss on his neck. Jack's hand wandered to his hip and he pulled Ianto against him, right against his warm crotch and chest. A wave of pleasure took Ianto, and its hot swells swept over him, his lower body tingled and throbbed. He bit his lower lip, stifling a tortured moan.

Soon, he thought, soon...

...

Deafening turbines filled the pale blue sky with their noise. A squadron of 15 military spaceships, painted in dark grey and labelled with white letters, just left Thalassa's atmosphere and travelled to planet Kirion. Several, almost empty spaceships followed the fleet – they were meant to accommodate the freed slaves and to bring them to Thalassa. On board of the mother ship Ianto was sitting next to Jack and his first general in the control room. The mood was tense, all remained silent, while they immersed into the endless black of space.

It was still early in the morning when they had started, but what time it would be when they had travelled through the different solar systems, they could only guess. Ianto's eyes wandered from the ebullient, colourful planets of the galaxy to Jack, as he seriously contemplated the universe. He remembered Jack's kisses after getting up, as he had held him in his arms long and firmly; he had inhaled Ianto's scent and stroked through his hair... All this time Jack had been so tenderly and cautiously, that Ianto was touched by so much love and affection. He already sensed what depressed Jack, even if he did not confess it: He was scared. Afraid of losing Ianto again and that the mission would fail.

Ianto's hand wandered to Jack's, which was resting on the arm of his seat. He gently took hold of it, and Jack's surprised questioning eyes met his. He looked so vulnerable and amiable... with a reassuring smile Ianto squeezed Jack's hand and gave him a nod. He was glad to see that Jack was able to struggle through to a reassured smile also, despite everything.

...

They approached the gloomy planet Kirion; Ianto could already see from afar the rough, dry surface, the long, stretches of sandy, vast deserts. Bad memories came back to him, he felt unwell. With a queasy feeling in his stomach, he began to secretly utter little prayers. He prayed that they would all return home safely and sound. Jack just gave instructions to the fleet by radio.

"I guess they'll detect us on their security systems and radar soon, we cannot hope that they will not notice us, and we can't make ourselves invisible. So, we hope not for a clever game of hide and seek! It must be a quick, clean action. We land right on the spot and then invade the building. Order is to kill all Shormasi and free the human slaves. Is that clear?

"Yes, master" , "Yes, Ašira, king!", came the repliesof all generals reported back.

Jack and the others in the mother ship started to check their weapons again and to make their combat uniforms ready. Ianto had the feeling that he couldn't breathe, he couldn't think anymore. His whole body was nothing more but nervousness, determination and adrenaline. He was practically vibrating, electrified. He thought of Isri and all the others who were still waiting in the slave institution for their purchaser. Isri's stories were floating in his head, in his mind's eye he saw images of the occupation army that invaded the Earth such a long time ago. Resolutely he held his weapon tighter in his hands.

...

The next minutes and hours felt like a numbing dream to Ianto; the fleet of warships landed on the hot, sandy desert ground, directly in front of the institution. Ianto heard loud commands as he himself ran out of the spaceship, feeling solid ground again under his feet. The red sun gave the scene an even more macabre appearance. Everywhere Ianto saw armed soldiers running, a babble of voices rang in his head.

He ran with Jack's troop to the facility, listening to his own gasping breath, watching every direction, looking for the Shormasi possibly attacking them. They stormed the entrance hall quickly, before Ianto could catch up with the front rows, they had already killed the guard at the front desk. Ianto halted and looked down into the glassy, lifeless eyes, how the dark green turquoise tarnished. Dark, purple sticky blood spread on the floor. Something in Ianto's head began to protest, but he pushed those thoughts aside – now it was time to act, not to think. He began to move again and followed the other running soldiers.

The first responding shots were fired, right before him Ianto saw a few of their men falling to the ground. He did not hesitate but shot several times; burning, dead Shormasi fell down, their corpses smoked and filled the long corridors with fume. For a moment everything was quiet and no enemy was in sight.

"Jack", Ianto panted breathlessly, "The slaves are in the rear areas, there was a great hall. It's not far from here..."

Jack nodded deadly serious and gave his generals the signal to spread out. Quietly the soldiers walked into different directions, the major squadron joined Jack and Ianto, creeping to the main hall. They expected the majority of guards there, because here the capital of the institution was captured.

With cautious steps the squad approached the main hall, a loud babble of voices from many people reached their eyes, it reminded Ianto of a buzzing, startled bee gum. They heard shots ring out nearby – but they realized the Shormasi weren't attacking them – the angry and desperate cries of the people suggested that the Shormasi were killing their slaves. With wide-opened eyes Ianto and Jack looked at each other, they heard the first general call "Go, go, go, go! Before everyone is dead!", and quickly the troop started running.

Their boots caused stamping, echoing sounds in the corridor. The noises grew louder, the shots and cries seemed closer. Suddenly they were being attacked in the fog, they saw the big, muscular statures of the guards. Some of their people fell, but also a lot of Shormasi were being shot, and their bodies burned on the ground, already well ablaze. Then – terrible silence. They only heard occasional whimper of the people in the hall, and the frantic panting of the soldiers.

Jack knelt down beside a deeply wounded Shormasi, who looked at him with his deep turquoise eyes, gasping. Jack grabbed him roughly by the collar.

"Who has caused this? Who?", he asked. A wicked smile spread across the dark lips of the Shormasi. He did not answer, so Jack grabbed him tighter and shook him violently. An eerie, mechanical laughter escaped the dying.

"They will also devour You, Ašira. One day, She has conquered everything..."

His eyelids flickered and were about to close forever. Jack shook the dying furiously.

"Who? Who? Tell me!", he screamed. With a smile, the Shormasi closed his eyes and whispered his answer before he finally died.

"The Czarina..."

TBC

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