Author's Note: My apologies once more, for the delay in writing. This time, a more mundane reason … writer's block. No matter how carefully, how detailed one prepares a Story Outline, fleshing it out can still cause problems. So … I hope that at last I've gained some thread of where I was in the storyline, but let me know if you disagree. My Muse has been awfully quiet lately …..

Chapter 47

The excitement of waking and finding Jack alive and alright, exhausted Ianto and his head fell back unwillingly on the pillows, eyelids losing the battle to remain open as fatigue washed through his body.

"No", he gasped in a voice that dwindled in volume, "Jack … I … want to stay wi_" Then a blanket of unconsciousness wrapped around him, pulling him into a dreamless, darkness that sent healing throughout his damaged mind.

Jack was too relieved to be upset that he had only a few precious moments of Ianto's awareness, before he fell back into unconsciousness. He seemed so … aware … so completely here with me … and there were no barriers. His love just flowed out to me in waves … his stoic façade dropped away … discarded. Please let this be a new level of sharing for us. Of course, I'll have to drop my barriers even more for him. But can I? There's so much he doesn't know about me, so much I don't want him to see … who I was … the things I've done … a cold, heartless person who might scare him enough to run away. I can't risk that. I'll only let him in so far … I won't lose him. Not now. Not when I've got him back.

Ianto's hand lay limply in his and Jack ran his fingers gently over it. He could hear the sound of a heated argument conducted in quiet tones coming from the other side of the control panel. He didn't care. He was with Ianto. For now, that was all that mattered.

For a long time, Jack just stared down at the unconscious form of his fiancé, relieved that the Doctor had saved him from the horrors of torture … and execution. He knew exactly what it was like to endure torture; he still carried the scars of his countless tortures and executions in his mind, in his soul and in his heart. He was more broken than anyone would ever know and immortality did not diminish the severe damage to his whole being, that torture could render in him. His hand gripped Ianto's even tighter.

In a small, dark corner of his mind, guilt gnawed away at him. In spite of the fact that Ianto's life had been saved, Jack couldn't keep the dark gremlin in his mind from whispering things he didn't want to hear … part-time shag … consolation prize … second choice … you can't have her so you're settling for me … you came back for her, Jack, I heard you tell her down in the cells … you only asked me out on a date when you found out Gwen was engaged. That's how much I was worth to you … second-best!

Leaning down close to his ear, Jack whispered, "Oh no, Ianto Jones. You were never a part-time shag, never a consolation prize, never second-choice or second-best! You were always the one I came back for, my first choice. And you've proved to me time and time again that I made the right choice. I don't want you to ever think that you are not the one whom I want to spend the rest of your life with!"

Jack wished that Ianto was conscious enough to have heard his words. But one thing was sure … when Ianto came back around, Jack would make sure that the young Welshman was left in no doubt, as to who really had claim to his heart.

The 51st century man had time to contemplate all that had happened. He wondered how he had let everything get away from him. His team had all the potential to have been one of the best under his leadership. But what had happened? Suzie had fallen beneath his radar and quite literally, had gotten away with murder … and that had only been the start of the tragic fiasco that culminated in her dying twice.

Ianto Jones, the love of his life, had been the love of someone else's life … Lisa Hallet. Again another team member had slipped under his radar and with near fatal consequences for the world … he had hidden a Cyber woman right in his basement.

And Gwen Cooper? Recklessly he had hired her to replace Suzie simply because … she was there. Right place, right time. Stupidly he allowed her out on her first mission without suitable training or explanation as to correct procedures and protocols … and men had died because of her inexperience. Her mistakes had begun to pile up, one after the other, but he had turned a blind eye in the hope that the potential he had seen in her, Gwen's humanity, would add something extra to the team.

And he had also lusted after her and wanted Gwen in his bed … alternating with Ianto. He knew that was the real reason he let her get away with so much crap he'd never have tolerated from any other team member … and the others had known.

He allowed her to get away with not retconning Rhys after the Space Whale incident because at that time, he couldn't bear to lose her. He let his feelings make him lose sight of the fact that allowing Rhys to blunder in had caused more harm than good.

And he had allowed his unresolved lust and feelings for Gwen blind him when he returned from the disastrous year that never was to blurt out a lovelorn declaration to her … that Ianto had witnessed on CCTV.

To top off his incredible litany of stupid mistakes, there had been Gwen's fiasco of a wedding and him running around trying to be the knight in shining armour the young Welshwoman had always envisaged. His lovelorn gazes at her throughout the day and during that dance in the evening, had nearly cost him the love of the man he knew deep down, he truly loved.

And his heart ached when he saw anew the terrible pain he had caused Ianto throughout that time. Jack knew he didn't deserve somebody as wonderful, as beautiful, as truly much more human that Gwen had been, in his life. In a sick way, he knew he actually deserved someone as cold, as calculating and as heartless as Gwen had proved to be. That was what he had been like before he met the Doctor.

Jack shuddered at the realisation of all he had put Team Torchwood through because of his feelings for one, Gwen Cooper-Williams. His blindness with Gwen had literally wreaked havoc in Team Torchwood … and he was to blame for it all. The worse thing about granting Gwen so much leeway was that instead of bringing out Gwen's humanity, it had instead brought out the flip side … her inhumanity.

Bitterly, Jack stared the truth of himself in the face. He had been the worst kind of leader that Torchwood could ever have … even more so than his predecessor, Alex. He had allowed partiality and 51st century morals guide him in a job that had needed him to rise above himself … and he had failed.

"Stop it!" a weak voice croaked out to him. "I can hear you thinking from here. That's what woke me up! Listening to you lamenting about Torchwood … about Gwen … about yourself. Just stop it!"

"Ianto! I'm sorry, I _" Jack faltered, tears that had welled in his eyes spilled over to track down his face. Words failed him now as he looked into the forgiving orbs of stormy blue staring back at him. "How _ h-how could you know that?"

Ianto rolled his eyes and ignored Jack's question. "Cariad! You don't have a monopoly on horrendous mistakes! Me … Lisa … near end of the world? You need to forgive yourself as I forgave myself over Lisa. It was you who told me that … after you forgave me. You don't need to ask whether I've forgiven you or not. You can see that in my eyes."

"Oh, Ianto" Jack chuckled sadly, "I don't deserve to be loved by you. I don't deserve you, full-stop! You're too good for me!" His face deepened into a mask of dejection.

An exasperated sigh escaped from Ianto's full, pink lips. "There you go again Jack, with the negativity. Stop beating yourself up! It's not helping me, it's not helping the team! When I'm better, more myself, there's something very important I need to tell you. It will help you understand that I've changed. There's more to me now, thanks to the TARDIS! But not now … later."

Exhaustion cast it's pallor over Ianto's already pale face. He closed his eyes momentarily. Opening them again he asked hoarsely, "Some water, please Jack. Throat … so dry. So rough. Dread to think what my breath smells like."

A genuine chuckle escaped Jack's lips. A familiar smirk lightened his handsome features. "Well … water I can do. Perhaps I should add some lemon and honey for you? Then I could kiss you without gagging."

Ianto's annoyed eye-roll made Jack smile. "Perhaps I can look at you without gagging, you twat! But yeah, water would be good. No kisses until I've brushed my teeth … or maybe rinsed my mouth."

A mischievous glint lit up Jack's sky-blue eyes. He swooped down suddenly and planted a kiss firmly on his fiancé's lips. Despite his efforts to probe Ianto's delectable lips open with his tongue, the young Welshman kept them clamped shut. An exaggerated sigh escaped Jack's mouth as he pulled back from the stubborn Welshman.

Ianto's eyebrow arched up to Jack. "You should be thanking me that I'm not sharing my furry mouth with you. And water please. Now!"

Jack laughed heartily, which attracted the surprised looks of the others in the room. "Hey, we may not be married now, Ianto Jones, but I'm willing to be there for you in sickness and in health. That means kissing you when your breath isn't minty fresh!"

He pulled out of reach as Ianto made a half-hearted swipe at him with his hand. Jack jumped up and sauntered over to the kitchen area, smirking at the come-back thrown at him. "I'll remember that fighting you off when you want a snog-fest first thing in the morning!"

Jack returned quickly with a glass and a jug of cool water. Ianto was watching him with affection as Jack pulled him up from the gurney. He parted his lips slightly as Jack held him with one arm and the glass of water with the other. He drank in small sips.

For the first time since Jack had discovered Ianto was on the TARDIS, he felt a lightness that the circumstances surrounding their reunion, would normally not engender. However, the gravity of their situation could be cast aside in the meantime, allowing them both to express humour and relief that they were safe … for the time being.

Fatigue overcame Ianto all too soon and Jack tried hard to hide his disappointment. The young Welshman was not out of the woods yet physically and he really needed to rest. Jack couldn't bring himself to think about the emotional and psychological damage Ianto had suffered … even before UNIT got their grubby claws on him, he had still suffered a lot from the team's treatment of him. Except Toshiko. Jack truly hoped that Aaron Matlock would be able to help Ianto navigate some of the dark recesses of his past. He knew he couldn't help him. Ianto slipped into a light slumber.

Jack watched him awhile, listening carefully as his breathing evened out. Then he laid his head across the chest of the man he loved and allowed fatigue to carry him to much-needed rest, lulled by the steadying beat of Ianto's heart. He ignored the awkwardness of his position which a part of him acknowledged, would see him awaken with an ache in his neck and an even greater pain in his back. Jack didn't care … his heart was no longer aching and that was all that mattered to him.

The Doctor cast surreptitious glances towards Jack, biding his time before having a chat. Jack needed to rest, that much was obvious so he continued talking with Martha, Aaron and the Brigadier. Due to the fact that the Brigadier refused to recall his personnel from Torchwood Cardiff until he was given the 'okay' by either the Prime Minister or the Queen, it was decided that there was little point in notifying them yet. They would hold up their 'visits' until Jack had sufficiently rested and they could leave.

"Brigadier" the Doctor began carefully, "It's only a matter of time before Jack begins to react to what has happened to Ianto. And you will be his target!"

The Brigadier looked thoughtfully back at the Doctor. Then a small smile appeared on his face. "I'm a big boy now, Doctor. I do believe I can deal with Captain Jack Harkness. Whether he likes it or not, I am a military man … one that follows orders. And if we get to London and either the Prime Minister or the Queen overrules your instructions, Doctor, then you must realise that I will follow my orders to the letter. If I'm ordered to return Ianto Jones to UNIT to carry out my original instructions, then I'll do everything in my power to carry it out. It isn't Captain Jack Harkness that bothers me, Doctor. It's you. I really wouldn't want to be against you for more reasons than just the fact that you are more of a threat to me than he is. Not to mention the fact that our friendship has already taken quite a battering. But come now, Doctor, let's you and I try and remain positive in the interim. Who knows? This conversation may prove to be redundant. I hope it is."

The Doctor regarded his old friend intently. "I've put you between a rock and a hard place, haven't I Brigadier? I think it's about time I told you why I am intervening in this matter. And before you say anything about my causing a paradox or changes in timelines by telling you, I'm taking this risk because I know you … and trust you. You're already caught up in this now and I have to save Ianto Jones for a very good reason. And that reason has everything to do with saving the Earth … in the future."

He paused briefly, a haunted look appearing in his eyes as the Brigadier waited. "I can't begin to explain to you how upset I was when I heard what Ianto Jones had done. His actions trying to save his girlfriend, which both you and I know was impossible because a partial conversion still puts the cyber mind in control, would have led to more deaths than they already had. They were lucky to get away with only two people being killed by the cyber woman."

The Brigadier was staring at a point just past the Doctor's right ear, as if he were trying to recall an important memory. Then it came to him. "A few years ago, Doctor, I was checking some old records from one of my predecessors, a Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. He shared a number of adventures with you involving both Daleks and Cyberman, didn't he Doctor? But not all of those adventures were here on Earth."

The Doctor looked sharply at the Brigadier. "Alistair. Yes, he did. Though I didn't realise he left records of our time together." The Doctor frowned at this revelation.

"The point is, Doctor" the Brigadier continued, "From what I've read of his records, not to mention the fiasco at Torchwood One that you managed to save us from in the end, you should understand why the government is particularly upset about the Torchwood Three incident. They trusted Jack to not be a repeat of Yvonne Hartman, but Ianto Jones managed to hide a cyber woman in his own basement! Of course the government was going to take sterner measures with Jack and his team! They'd already learnt a very hard lesson from Torchwood One."

The Doctor sighed and said, "Yes, yes, I understand that. But the point is, I know more about consequences than the government. Than any of the Torchwood bases or UNIT. And when I say that Ianto Jones must be released and reinstated back to Torchwood Three along with the rest of the team, then you need to understand that there is a very grave reason indeed that I insist upon this. Of course, I can't explain to you or anyone else, not even Jack or Ianto, exactly what that reason is. But it is imperative. The future of Earth, therefore the whole Universe, depends on it."

He continued thoughtfully, occasionally turning to stare at Jack who by now, was lying down across his lover's chest. "Obviously, I don't condone nor would I ever condone the use of torture for any reason, Brigadier, but I think that Jack's slap on the wrist for Ianto Jones, was a bit too mild of a punishment for the young man. Even though Ianto watched the death of his girlfriend at the hands of his colleagues and he's had to live with the guilt of two innocents being killed, I still think Jack could have done a bit more in the way of a deterrent for Ianto."

The Doctor turned to face the Brigadier fully and had an air of confrontation about him. "Why is it that UNIT feels it's necessary to torture people? This never happened in Alastair's time, did it? There are enough organisations on your planet that systematically torture people for one reason or another. Why UNIT? And is this also how you treat aliens? Is this how you would treat me if you were ordered to, by your government?"

The Brigadier frowned. He hadn't expected this. He didn't shy away from the Doctor's direct gaze, but a few minutes passed before he replied. "No, Doctor. I don't believe I would attempt to capture you, let alone torture you. This has more to do with my profound respect for Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, not to mention his countless reports on his activities with you. You are unique, Doctor. You are the last of your kind. I believe it would be beyond our ability to ever recover from the Universal consequences, if we humans caused any harm to you. You are the one person for whom I would disobey my orders for … but only you."

The Doctor chuckled. "You say that, even though I know you don't really like me very much, do you? But no, disregard that question. It's unfair. Of course I know how you feel about me, but I'm grateful that you're willing to put aside your personal feelings about me for the greater good. I'm also very grateful that Alastair had such an effect on you. I would, however, leave you with one question. The same question I'll put before your government and Queen. Why? Why revert to barbaric torture? UNIT and Torchwood are the spearhead for Earth as she stands on the threshold of a brand new chapter in Earth's history here in the 21st century. It begins soon. With all your technological and so-called intellectual advances, why do you still hearken back to your dark ages?"

The Brigadier was thoughtful. He didn't have the depth of relationship with the Doctor that his predecessor, Alastair Lethbridge-Stewart had with him. But the few times he had been in contact with the Doctor for one reason or another, were usually fairly momentous. This particular occasion was no different. He knew that the Doctor's former friend placed a lot of trust in the Doctor and vice versa. He answered softly, measuring his words as he spoke them. This was one time when he laid aside his official cap as leader of UNIT and addressed the Doctor as a man.

"Because we're afraid, Doctor. It's always because we are afraid. It doesn't matter how much we dress that fear in national security or in alien threat or in punishment for crimes committed. No matter our sophistication here in the 21st century, we are still victims of the primeval emotion that gripped and shaped our ape-like ancestors. Fear."

The Doctor nodded in salute to the Brigadier, conscious of the tremendous gift of self the Brigadier had given him. Perhaps things would not change in UNIT, but perhaps one man would … this man who stripped himself of human arrogance and pride to show him the truth as he saw it. The Doctor knew this Brigadier would never be another Alastair … but he would lean towards his predecessor's way of thinking a bit more. There was hope that this man might be able to achieve more than his military position afforded him. He might be able to make a difference in UNIT as he had always hoped Martha would.

Martha and Aaron wondered back over to the Doctor and the Brigadier. Martha's face was flushed and the glow in her eyes showed the Time Lord that the two of them had shared a very stimulating conversation. Presumably shop even though their particular specialties were vastly different.

"Aaron", the Brigadier began with a smile on his face, "I do hope you are not trying to fish in someone else's pond … my pond?" His eyes were alight with humour but there was still a hint of steel behind his flippant remark.

Martha laughed at the Brigadier's remarks, flattered by his intent. "Don't worry, Sir, he'd be barking up the wrong tree! Besides, it isn't his interest in diverting me that you should worry about." Martha stared pointedly at the Doctor.

The Brigadier followed her gaze with upturned eyebrows towards the Doctor. "Well … if it were ever necessary, Doctor, I do believe UNIT could arrange a suitable … secondment for Dr Martha Jones. Temporary, mind you, and only if the world was ending!" All four of them laughed spontaneously at the Brigadier's comment, which was exactly what the UNIT leader had intended. A moment of brevity before the real world and all its dark implications intruded once more into their lives.

Rhiannon was still sleeping, restless and occasionally whimpering like a child. But at least for the moment, she wasn't conscious or her nightmares so bad, they woke her up. Toshiko turned away from her sleeping form and headed back out to Owen.

"Is she okay?", the medic asked the minute Toshiko returned, sparing her a glance from the game he was currently indulging in.

"Yes, she's okay for the moment" Toshiko answered, her voice strained with the worry and tension that the day's events had brought down on them. Part of her mind was still in shock at how quickly the world of Torchwood had been turned upside down. Part of her felt guilty at how even though she had seen the signs of Gwen trying to intrude on Jack and Ianto's relationship, she had assumed a proper manner and decided not to poke her nose into other people's business. Now she wondered if she had been wrong to do that.

Alerted by the changed tone in her voice, Owen looked up at Toshiko. He immediately stopped playing his game. "Come here, love", he said in a soft tone. His medic radar was on full alert as usual, but it was his heart that was reaching out to the woman he loved. She needed support now. She had done so much to help everyone this day, yet the look on her face told him she thought otherwise.

"We've still got time, love, c'mon over here" he gestured to her indicating his lap. She walked over and sank into his arms, tears pooling in her eyes. "We've done the best we can so stop worrying. I'm sure the Doctor has everything in hand now and at least the nightmare will be over for Ianto … and Jack. And you, my sweet lotus blossom, you have done so much to help us all. Without you, none of what's happening now would have been possible. It's your sheer bloody brilliance dealing with UNIT and getting us to Martha, that's enabled everything to turn out well. I'm proud of you, love. Be proud of yourself."

Toshiko smiled weakly, not totally convinced that her part had helped as much as he said it did. But she was grateful for his reassurances, grateful for his presence in helping Rhiannon and grateful for his love which she had spent so long hoping for. Toshiko was, for the moment, reassured.

"I hope they return before the lockdown finishes" Owen mused into her hair as she sat on his lap, leaning into his comforting arms around her. "Otherwise it's back to playing the poor, helpless saps to those UNIT bastards. I'll bet those poor sods down in the cells are starting to look mighty tasty to Janet and her friends. Hope those Perspex walls hold out if their hunger gets too much for them." He chuckled at the thought.

Toshiko smirked at him, slapping his arm lightly. "Don't be awful, Owen! You saw how young most of those soldiers were. Obviously UNIT didn't deem the takeover of Torchwood a high enough priority to send experienced soldiers. Those poor young men must be scared out of their wits."

"Yeah", Owen agreed, his voice lacking in compassion. "Plus, it makes for one helluva shitty epitaph! Here lie the bones of John Green, who ended his days in the service of his country, in the stomach of an alien. RIP. Not the most heroic ending to their careers, is it?"

Toshiko hit him harder this time, her stomach roiling at the horrible images Owen had just implanted in her mind. "You really are awful, sometimes Owen! I can't believe you could be so callous!"

Owen just grinned at her with unrepentance in his eyes. Then he sobered as his thoughts drifted to Gwen … beautiful, sexy Gwen whom he had lusted after and bedded. He would never have credited Gwen for the horrendous, horrific actions she had taken. Her twisted love for Jack lacked any of the blind purity of Ianto's love when he had tried to save Lisa. Of course, he realised that Gwen had probably never really forgiven Ianto for nearly being converted into a cyber woman. And the fact that he had won Jack's heart instead of her … it must have just burned into her soul and corrupted it until she became far worse than any cyber man. At least they acted out of control. What did Gwen act out of?

Evil, pure evil. She probably was a good person like everyone else with a dark side. He knew he had one. But somewhere along the line, the dark side had taken over and corrupted her completely. Owen shuddered and realised that Torchwood wasn't to blame. Ianto wasn't to blame. Jack wasn't to blame. This fell squarely on Gwen Cooper's shoulders, her actions born of the darkness in her. It didn't have to be that way, but Gwen had chosen to do what she did … and she hadn't cared in the slightest, who she had taken down with Jack and Ianto. He knew one thing for certain. There was no forgiveness for Gwen Cooper in his heart … there never would be.

Gwen sat on the train watching the Welsh scenery fly past her in streaky lines of colour. Her mind was going over the cover story to counteract whatever Rhys had told them. She would play the mistreated and misunderstood new wife to perfection, knowing that even if her mother had suspicions, she would win over her father. After all, she was the apple of his eye and she needed that fact to work for her more than she ever had as a teenager trying to wheedle an extra hour out late from him, or pleading with him to buy her the expensive clothes she craved. Yes, all would be well with her parents. Her father would make sure of that.

The elderly lady she had shared her compartment with got out after only a few stops. Gwen was glad to have it to herself. She relaxed back into her seat and enjoyed the gentle rhythm of the train as it moved alone the line. She closed her eyes allowing herself a few moments of peace and quiet before meeting her parents at journey's end.

The world of reality had long left Gwen's mind. The fact that her parents were in truth, appalled at their daughter's shocking behaviour towards Rhys, whom they had hoped would have been the steadying influence on her, would soon become apparent. They also liked Rhys and felt nothing but sorrow for the way their daughter had used and abused him. Added to the fact were the endless calls from Rhys' parents, ramming home to them the consequences of their daughter's actions. Not to mention their friends and families ringing and calling around to tell them of the 'horrible videos' of their daughter on the net, the 'shocking emails' and whether there was any truth to them. Mary and Geraint Cooper knew their daughter very well and were sure there was a large portion of truth in it. It broke their hearts. They would not be as welcoming to Gwen this time. Far from it.

Cheered by the thoughts that her parents would welcome her back with open arms and tearful commiserations at how badly she had been mistreated, Gwen allowed her mind to wander. Inevitably, her thoughts turned to Jack. Then the daydream of lying naked in the arms of an equally naked Jack began to roll out in her mind … until the most horrendous pain tore through her. Like sharp knives being stabbed into her brain. She gasped for air, the pain so intense it was making it difficult for her to breath. But the worse was yet to come … like a movie projector that had just been switched on, horrific nightmare scenes of alien monsters trying to tear at her, ripped through her mind. She screamed out in agony, alone in the compartment.

Nearby passengers heard her and rushed to the source of the screams. The train guard found a procession of passengers congregated outside her compartment. He ordered them away, except for a man who claimed to be a doctor, then rushed in to to help the deeply distressed woman …..

John looked over at the beautiful, naked young body beside him. Ariana looked so sweet, so innocent as she slept in post-coital bliss in his arms … but she had proved to be a veritable tigress between the sheets. Perhaps not as innovative as a D'hargonite from the 37th century or as long-lasting as a Precta-Falatian from the 53rd century. But as humans go … well, she was good. A serious mood of contemplation took over his own post-coital recovery.

He pondered to himself exactly why it was that he had rushed to answer the call from his former lover, whom he acknowledged he still loved. Always would. There was something indefinable about the man he loved, that would always have him scrabbling in his wake … desperate for any kind of affection … or need … from Jack.

John smirked at the name he had given himself … Captain Jack Harkness. Could he be any more pretentious? That was not the name that issued from his lips those rare times when he reached out in his memory as orgasm gripped him from his previous bed partners. Oh no … the names he and 'Jack' shared so long ago would remain forever in his heart … as would the now immortal man.

But John was worried about Jack. The man had changed … again. From the hologram on his Vortex Manipulator, he had recognised the face of a man he had left back in the 51st century … a ruthless Time Agent. When he saw Jack last, he had changed dramatically into a much milder version of himself. And now he had swung back the other way. Something was wrong. Could it have anything to do with what the bloody Time Agency had done to Jack? Taken away two years of his memories? Possibly.

A tiny hope suddenly filled John's mind. Perhaps if Jack had changed back to what he was, then … John shook his head as the unwelcome memory of what he had witnessed on the vid screen back in the 23rd century, intruded and stamped out the faint hope that he and Jack would get back together. Jack would remain with his team … all his team and save the world for the future. There would be no reunion for him and Jack. Suddenly, the night seemed darker than usual and the warm, attractive body by his side, paled into comparison with what he had lost … a long time ago.

Deep in much needed sleep, Jack failed to notice the body beneath him begin to twitch and shake. The others, engrossed in conversation, failed to look over and notice what has happening on the gurney. Nobody realised what was going on, even when the TARDIS tried to intrude on her Doctor's conversation and warn him. Nobody noticed until a high-pitched scream shattered the relaxed atmosphere that had descended upon the control room.

By this time, Ianto's body had begun to convulse and Jack never awakened until he was thrown onto the grating. Sleep fuddled his brain as he dimly registered the sound of running feet, sharp orders barked out and a nightmare sound of a tortured soul screaming in agony …..