Chapter 49

Low, fearful murmurings issued softly from Ianto's lips into Jack's sweat-sodden hair. The Immortal tried to make out the words Ianto was saying, but they were running together at such speed, that he couldn't understand. He thought he caught snatches of Welsh which he didn't understand, as well as what he thought was English.

This last seizure had stripped Jack of all semblance of control and despite his absolute exhaustion; he was afraid to allow himself to rest in case Ianto suffered another one … or came back to consciousness.

The Brigadier had long since given up his pretence of reading magazines on a couch that was far too soft for his liking. Instead he sat gazing steadily at Jack. He dismissed the conversation between Martha and Aaron as just medical talk, probably analysing Ianto's latest seizure. He had never seen, let alone been involved, in a seizure as bad as the one Ianto had just suffered. He was not new to seizures having grown up with a brother who was epileptic; however, he had never known one to last as long as it did. Or be as severe as it was. That did not bode well.

The Doctor was nowhere in sight, having disappeared through the wall of the TARDIS. The Brigadier had felt put out by the Doctor leaving, but even he understood that the Time Lord needed to reassess the situation and plan accordingly. He had been prepared to assist the Doctor but it was obvious now that his help was not wanted.

The Brigadier watched now as Captain Jack Harkness leaned into his lover. He noted the blood-shot eyes and slight tremor affecting Jack's hands. Jack really needed to take time out from his bedside vigil of the young man, but it was obvious that he wouldn't welcome that suggestion. The man was exhausted and liable to be next to useless if Ianto suffered another seizure.

He looked around him and there was still no sign of the Doctor. Martha and Aaron showed no signs of finishing their intense conversation. The Brigadier felt a modicum of annoyance at the fact that everyone had seemingly abandoned the Captain; he had been left to maintain his watch over the young Welshman even though it was obvious that he was in no fit state to do so.

The Brigadier knew that at this particular moment, he was probably the last person on the TARDIS … well, anywhere probably … that Captain Harkness wanted near him or his lover. But he recognised a potentially bad situation when he saw one and he would be derelict in his duty if he ignored the fact that plain and simple, Jack needed a break from his lover's side in order to rest. He obviously had not regained sufficient strength from his previous rest. Bracing himself for a bad reaction, the Brigadier stood up and made his way towards the gurney.

Jack's fatigue and fragile mental state was obvious to the Brigadier as he approached the Captain. While the man before him was strikingly handsome, his face now reflected the strain of supporting his lover. It had aged him in the short time that the Brigadier had spent with him, marking his face with lines of stress.

The Brigadier came to stand in Jack's line of sight before speaking to him. It took several seconds before Jack realised the Brigadier was standing on the opposite side of the gurney. He lifted his eyes in query to the UNIT leader, obviously not welcoming him but at least, he wasn't ordering him away from his lover's side.

"Captain Harkness", the Brigadier began in a calm voice. "I can see how completely exhausted you are. Understandable. You didn't get much of a rest before, so I'm here to offer you a break. I know and understand that you really don't want to do that, but I put it to you that if you take the time while you can to refresh yourself, then you'll be better able to sit with him when he recovers consciousness. I imagine he would be quite distressed if he came to and saw the state you are currently in."

The Brigadier's calm voice and conciliatory words gave Jack pause. He found it difficult to be in the same place as the man who had ordered Ianto's torture, his own incarceration and the takeover of his base. The fact that the government had ordered him to do it, Jack fully understood. As a Time Agent he remembered only too well the many times he and John were sent on missions that neither of them wanted to complete. Jack still blamed the Time Agency for the terrible change that had come over his former lover when they worked together. Knowing this didn't ease Jack's state of mind.

Despite his underlying despise of the man, he acknowledged the effort the Brigadier was making and decided to meet him half-way. "So what are you saying? That I look like shit?" he asked in a light tone suggesting he was joking.

"Yes", replied the Brigadier with no trace of embarrassment. "That's exactly what I'm saying. You do look like shit because you haven't rested enough. That's why I came over. To relieve you. A good kip will help you restore you, Captain Harkness. And I assume you want to be in a much better state when Mr Jones wakes up."

Pushing down his affront at the Brigadier's agreement with his flippant comment, Jack nodded, trying to remember the man was trying to help him, not insult him. He put a serious expression on his face before answering the Brigadier.

"It's good of you to make this offer, but I really don't want to leave Ianto's side" Jack explained staring straight into the Brigadier's eyes. "I understand that I look like shit, but I'm really not as bad as I look. He could wake up at any time and I want to be here for him when he does. All going well, I'll transfer him to my old room here in the TARDIS and we'll both rest up."

The Brigadier's eyebrows shot up to his hairline. "You were a Companion to the Doctor?" This revelation came as a surprise to the UNIT leader.

Jack smirked in response. "Yeah. A long time ago. Before Martha was his Companion. Before I became leader of Torchwood Three. There … there was another Companion at that time. But … she's … she's gone away. Anyway … I know the TARDIS will have preserved my room for me. I'll take him there when he wakes up."

The Brigadier noticed the pained look in the Captain's eye before he could hide it, when Jack mentioned the other Companion. Was it sadness? Grief? He chose not to pursue the matter.

"Why wait?" the Brigadier asked curiously. "Mr Jones is laid out on a gurney which can't be very comfortable for him. I could help you wheel him through to your old room, we can lift him onto the bed and you can both rest together in relative comfort."

Jack's eyes widened in shock. Why the hell didn't I think of that? Or the Doctor? He coughed to hide his discomfort at being presented with such an obvious solution. Then he paused. Wait a minute …

"I can't put him in the bed!" Jack replied feeling his heart sink, "There's no restraints and if he has another seizure, I might not be able to restrain him safely."

The Brigadier paused, then said, "Well … we could still take him into your old room, find suitable bedding and lay it under him on the gurney. That way he's bound to be more comfortable than just laid out on that hard, cold slab. You could bring the gurney close to the bed and still be able to get sufficient rest yourself. Shouldn't take long to set up. And if anything happens, you can come and get help pretty quickly, I imagine."

Jack's face lit up and a real smile appeared. "Thank you, Brigadier. That's a great idea. Let's do it!" He was too pleased with the Brigadier's persistence in the matter to be embarrassed by the fact that the man had just made him look foolish … twice.

He leapt up with a new found enthusiasm that swept fatigue off his shoulders as quickly and as smoothly as casting aside his Air Force coat. Jack took the upper right side of the gurney, his eyes on Ianto's peaceful face in repose. The Brigadier moved to the rear, gently pushing the gurney as Jack guided.

The movement of the gurney attracted Martha and Aaron's attention. Martha raised her eyebrow in question to Jack while Aaron just watched.

"I'm taking Ianto through to my old room, make him more comfortable", Jack called out as quietly as he could manage. "And I need to catch up on some sleep as well."

Martha relaxed. "Good idea, Jack! I'm sure the TARDIS will alert us if … you know … you need help or something. And yeah, you really look like you need to have a good sleep."

Jack grimaced at her. "Gee thanks, Martha! Your boss here already told me I looked like shit! Guess you're just being a bit more polite than him!"

The Brigadier thought it appropriate to step into the conversation. "Actually, Jack, you were the one who raised the question of you looking like shit. I merely agreed."

Martha and Aaron chuckled at the pair. Martha was especially pleased that there was no sign of the tension she had feared would come between the two men. She silently agreed with the Brigadier that Jack did, indeed, look like shit. She smiled sweetly at him.

"Actually, Martha, it was your boss who suggested this. And I'm very grateful to him" Jack smirked as he neared the opening that suddenly appeared in the wall. Just before continuing through he winked at Martha and flashed a cheesy grin at Aaron.

The Brigadier allowed himself a small smile. The situation between Jack and himself was starting to ease, and he wasn't prepared to upset the delicate balance that now existed. Jack softly whistled as they moved around the 'hallway' of the TARDIS.

"Okay, Missy" Jack said to the TARDIS, "Enough games now, stop hiding my door! Show us where it is please! A petulant hum could be heard and just to the side of Jack, a familiar red door with a big, shiny, round brass knocker appeared.

"Thank you!" he responded and quickly opening the door, led the way into his room. His eyebrows raised as he realised the TARDIS had expanded the walls to accommodate the gurney. He sent a mental message of gratitude to her which elicited a gentle hum from the sentient time machine.

The Brigadier raised his eyebrows at the how large the room was, but made no comment. On a chest at the far side of the bed was a pile of thick, soft quilts. The two men moved the gurney to the optimum position by the bed, loosened Ianto's restraints, then both worked carefully to place the thickest quilt under Ianto. Jack then laid a lighter quilt over Ianto and placed a small pillow underneath his head, softly moving the wayward wisps of hair that had tumbled onto his forehead. Ianto always liked to look neat … very neat.

He stood back for a moment to look at Ianto. The young Welshman's body seemed more relaxed. Jack turned to the Brigadier and commented, "I can't believe I didn't think of something like this myself. I guess I was too caught up in Ianto's seizures to stop and think of better options. I'm grateful, Brigadier, very grateful. If you could just tell the Doctor where we are, I'd appreciate that."

The Brigadier offered a small smile and said, "My pleasure, Captain Harkness. It's often easier when you're on the outer edge to assess the situation more objectively. I'm a practical man. The sooner you and Mr Jones are fully rested, the sooner we can all be on the move and get this business over and done with. I'm glad to have been of assistance. Make sure you do rest." He then turned and headed for the door.

"Brigadier!" Jack called out to him in a slightly sing-song voice. "You know, my bed is pretty damn big and if you like, you could join me. Resting, of course."

The Brigadier shot around to face Jack, his cheeks colouring slightly … then he saw the mischievous twinkle in Jack's eyes. "Thank you for your kind invitation, Captain Harkness, however I believe I will decline. I'm sure I can find something useful to occupy my time in the main room and I'm not really that tired. I'll bet it isn't very often that someone declines your … thoughtful suggestion, is it Captain?"

Jack pouted at him in mock hurt. "You don't know what you're missing, Brigadier!"

The Brigadier sauntered out the door and threw his parting remark over his shoulder. "No, Captain Harkness. It's you who doesn't know what you're missing." Jack's quiet laughter followed him down the passageway.

Gwen alighted from the train, her spirits high in anticipation of her parents' warm welcome for their maligned and misunderstood daughter. She looked around the platform until she spotted two familiar figures standing stiff and straight like sentinels by the station door, wrapped up in their winter coats against the chill of autumn.

She called out to them with glee, waving vigorously to attract their attention. They both turned to meet their daughter's greeting, their faces sombre. Gwen ignored their subdued appearance and walked quickly towards them.

"I am so glad to see you!" Gwen declared happily, for once her words ringing with truth. It has just been an absolute nightmare for me! You won't believe the horrible things that have happened to me! And don't get me started on that bastard, Rhys Williams! Abandoned me, he did, on our bloody honeymoon! And you'll never guess what else he did to me? He left me without _"

Gwen faltered as she realised her parents were just staring at her with stony expressions on their faces … not quite the reception she had been expecting.

"I'll need to collect your luggage, Gwen" Geraint explained awkwardly. "You don't want the train to leave carrying it all away with it, do you? I won't be more than a couple of minutes." With that he strode purposefully off towards the front of the train, leaving Gwen to face her mother.

"How have you been?" Gwen asked, faintly disturbed by the piercing scrutiny Mary Cooper was giving her. "I mean … I'm guessing it's been bloody hell for you both, what with everything that's happened. I imagine the family have given you hell over all this, because they've certainly spared no quarter for me! I _ I'm just so sorry you and dad have been caught up in this horrible mess. But I'm glad to have the opportunity to explain everything to you both. You'll see how much of a victim I've become, caught up in a web of deceit, betrayal and _"

Mary cut her daughter off, stating in a cold tone, "We'll discuss everything at home. And it's just been awful for us, Gwen, really awful! But there's no need to discuss our private business here in a public place. Come along now."

Mary Cooper turned swiftly and headed for the car park, seemingly uncaring whether her daughter followed her or waited for Geraint. Her shoulders were stiff with suppressed outrage and her eyes held the steely gaze of a woman who had been badly let down.

Gwen watched the retreating form of her mother striding stiffly away. Dismay filled her as she realised it wasn't going to be easy to sway her parents to her side. Mary held the true power within the Cooper household and it didn't appear as though she was on her daughter's side … not yet. Gwen would have to work very hard to regain her mother's approval ... and support.

She sighed as her father approached her. She would have to work on him as she was the 'apple of his eye'. Although at the moment, his gaze upon her was anything but welcoming. Damn Mary! She had got to him really well this time. Gwen would have to work really hard to pull her father out from under her mother's iron grip. And then they could both work on Mary.

The ride home was fraught with tension and although Gwen tried to inject some lightness into the atmosphere with trivial remarks and queries regarding the well-being of relatives and friends. It felt as though she was under a grey, cold rain cloud that wouldn't let up.

At last they arrived back at the Cooper family home and Gwen leapt out of the car, thankful to be out of the stifling air of disapproval her mother exuded. Her childhood home was still pretty much the same, just a few cosmetic changes to the house and garden.

Mary opened the front door while Geraint was at the car retrieving Gwen's luggage from the boot. A deep chocolate whirlwind of curly locks catapulted into Mary's legs, whining with joy at the return of her Mistress. Gwen's heart lightened at the sight of her mother's gorgeous pet that she had acquired from an elderly friend who could no longer care for an energetic, young poodle.

"Down, Chantelle, down!" Mary exclaimed in frustration, in no mood to deal with her pet's boisterous antics. She had too much on her mind. The young pup cowered in dismay, whimpering at the tone in Mary's voice.

Gwen called out gently to Chantelle, "C'mon pet, come to me … oh my, look how you've grown since I last saw you! You're beautiful, really beautiful!" It was while she was petting the young poodle that was in raptures with the attention she was receiving, that Gwen smelt the tantalising aroma of one of her mother's special roast dinners.

Geraint entered the hallway carrying Gwen's bags and headed straight up the stairs with them. Picking up the young dog, Gwen trailed after him while her mother strode briskly down the hallway and into the kitchen to check the dinner.

"She's really upset with me, isn't she", Gwen murmured into the dog's warm wool as her father placed her bags on the bed ready to be unpacked.

"Disappointed, Gwen, very disappointed", her father answered, weariness in his voice. "We both are, sweetheart. And I'm afraid the rest of this day is not going to be very pleasant for you. I'm sorry it's not quite the homecoming you were probably hoping for."

Gwen nodded, sadness in the slump of her shoulders. "You're on my side, though, aren't you Dad? Please don't tell me you're not!"

Geraint looked into his daughter's widened eyes, seeing beyond the artful pose and cocky personality to the little girl inside who knew she had done wrong and was in a lot of trouble. "I'm always on your side, sweetheart, no matter what you do. Your mother is as well. She just has a different way of expressing it. Come on then, I'll leave you to unpack and freshen up. Don't take too long because your mother wants us to gather in the parlour for a talk. And you don't want to keep her waiting." He opened his arms to his daughter and held her as she quietly drew all the comfort she could from her father's loving embrace.

Within an hour, Gwen had unpacked, showered and changed and headed downstairs, her head held high and her mind buzzing with the many things she would tell her parents. It didn't quite work out that way.

Mary Cooper dominated the discussion and informed Gwen tartly of everything that had been brought to her attention about Gwen's shocking behaviour. She then dressed down her daughter, not giving her a chance to get a word of defence in, then began laying down the rules she and her father had decided upon before she arrived.

Gwen was close to tears by the end of it, but her mother's stiff posture made her realise that she would not sway Mary Cooper in any way. Her mother was adamant that Gwen would toe the line while she stayed in their home, or she could pack up and leave. When her mother had finished, it was obvious to Gwen that nothing she could say would paint a better light on the events of the past few days.

Mary Cooper was a true Matriarch in every respect, who dominated her household and although Gwen was like her in so many ways, no-one in their right mind would dare cross such an indomitable woman. Least of all her own daughter.

At the end of the painful lecture, Mary gave her daughter leave to freshen up again before dinner, suggesting she might like to take Chantelle for a walk to the nearby park. Gwen nodded in submission, glad of an excuse to flee the house for awhile. She needed time to process, by herself, everything her mother had said. It had been painful as her mother had not held back on her condemnation of Gwen's behaviour; to Rhys, to her boss, to her work colleagues, to her family and friends, but most of all, to her parents who suffered the backlash of her actions.

The hardest part for Gwen to listen to was when her mother quietly told her how absolutely ashamed she was to know a daughter she had raised with such high principles, could ever have behaved as badly as she had. That cut like a knife into Gwen's heart … she had never wanted to do anything to make her parents ashamed of her. But the truth was, she had done exactly that and now she was paying the price.

To distract her from the heartache she know felt, Gwen turned her mind to Jack. At first, she merely thought maliciously of his incarceration; separation from Ianto; how much he deserved the punishment she had meted out to him. But then … inevitably … images of the way he smiled at her came to mind. That smile … that flirty look … that gentle caress. In short, all the things that had convinced Gwen that Jack desired her; wanted her and loved her as much as she loved him.

One of her favourite sexual fantasies with Jack began to play out when suddenly … WHAM … sharp, stabbing pains hit her head as if she was being physically attacked. Gwen reeled under the onslaught and slid unceremoniously to the ground, moaning in agony. Then the images began … horrific images … and several thoughts battled their way to consciousness before she groaned aloud, unable to even scream. That man … sore spot …this happened on the train … thinking about Jack … it was linked … that man did something … bad …..

Several minutes later, a teenage couple strolling through the park noticed a young dog, in great distress yelping and leaping around what looked like … a body? The two young people sprinted over, relieved to discover the person was alive but seemed to be in a lot of pain and distress. They rang for an ambulance and checked the address on Chantelle's collar so they could take her home and inform the woman's family or friends, of what had happened. Although they were not doing anything wrong, the young couple decided to leave contacting the police to the ambulance drivers. It was more important to get the young dog home and let anybody who was there, know what had happened to the woman.

John left Rhys and Andy, both men somewhat shaken and uncomfortable with what John had done to Gwen. They had listened intently to his explanation of the alien probe he had inserted into Gwen's skull and exactly how he had tuned it into her subconscious. He explained it was part of advanced technology that was used to control prisoners or hostages. Both Rhys and Andy felt very uneasy at the thought of what the probe would do to Gwen. John assured them that there was no real physical or psychological harm associated with the probe; merely some physical discomfort for Gwen.

Better I lied to them than have them worrying themselves sick and blaming themselves for their part in setting Gwen up. Just as well I'm here to dispense some form of justice, even if it's not the kind she actually deserves … a slow, agonising death being mocked and jeered for her treachery. Rhys and Andy … well, they would have just let her walk away without consequences. These people on Earth are far too soft and squeamish for my tastes. Ah well … 21st century people and their funny little scruples …

John was anxious to know how Jack was doing. He pondered a moment. What further role could he take in this business with Jack? Should he be rescuing his former lover? Was he meant to or not? He hated not knowing what was going on with Jack … he needed to know.

He found his way back to the dingy hotel he had booked himself into. He had needed a low profile while he was actively involved in ensuring the future time lines were not compromised. Once he was settled on his bed in the dingy back room he had been given, John flipped open his Vortex Manipulator.

First, he located Jack who appeared to have moved from his original location. That didn't come as a surprise to John. It wasn't uncommon in a military base such as UNIT, to move their prisoners around. Usually blindfolded. A ploy to unsettle them.

One of his friends from the 51st century, a rather charming young Xelogorkian, (with the most gorgeous black fur stripes running down his silky smooth scarlet back that did wonderful things to John when he topped him) had adapted his Vortex Manipulator and added some special features.

Carefully John keyed in the sequence that would send a discreet alert to Jack's VM and give the Immortal the opportunity to either view the transmission, or save it until a suitable opportunity presented itself. He had to be careful with his message in case Jack's VM was in the wrong hands. He began to record …..

"I'm here. I've made contact. Partial completion. Contact me. Essential." He then pressed the buttons to send his transmission.

He lay back on his bed, not expecting to hear anything from Jack for awhile … if at all. It was still early afternoon so he had plenty of time to make plans for the evening … which would probably involve a very charming, very talented and very eager young Welshwoman …..

Ianto woke slowly from his slumber. As he came to his senses, he found himself looking up at a strange ceiling. His body tensed at his disorientation until he felt a calming presence in his mind. The TARDIS. He blinked himself awake and cautiously looked around, feeling somewhat sluggish and sore.

His bleary eyes alighted on the sleeping form of his lover, his fiancé and he smiled. Soft snores were gently pouring out of Jack's slightly parted lips, like the distance rumbling of a goods train passing through the countryside.

Ianto then noticed he was comfortably resting on soft bedding, with a lightweight duvet laying over him. He was still on the gurney, but this was much better. He attempted to rise when he noted restraints held him down. Panic instantly rose in him until again, the TARDIS gently intervened, soothing and reassuring him, impressing on his mind the fact that he had suffered another seizure … a very bad one. Ianto's breathing calmed down as he allowed her waves of comfort to wash over him. He closed his eyes momentarily to help himself relax. Then he opened them again and turned to gaze at Jack again.

Okay … they're only trying to protect me. No need to panic. Standard procedure, no doubt. At least my mind's not floating around in my head so I'm guessing I wasn't given drugs. Good. Poor babe. He looks worse than I feel. I hope we get back to the Hub soon, I want to get my ring back on. I should tell Jack although, I don't know if he's noticed or not. No, he couldn't have noticed. He would have said something … hell … he would probably be bouncing off the ceilings wondering _

A quiet beeping sounded in the room, gentle, subdued. Ianto's eyes widened and he turned his head around staring intently at Jack's wrist that appeared to be shaking slightly. His Vortex Manipulator.

Ianto felt annoyance flood through him. Is that … is that John? What the hell does he want? I hope he's not coming back to plague us … bad enough last time. Besides, Jack was mad as hell at him for helping Gray the last time he was on Earth. Well … Jack will get rid of him so I had better wake him up.

Ianto's voice was still a bit croaky as he called out. "Jack! Jack! Wake up! Your Vortex Manipulator is signalling you. Wake up Jack!"

Jack woke suddenly, eyes wide with shock, then sat up abruptly in the bed. He turned towards the Welshman, panic growing in his eyes. "Ianto? Are you alright?" he asked in a slightly croaky voice, obviously not choosing to trust the evidence before his eyes.

Ianto groaned slightly and his eyes pointed fiercely towards Jack's wrist. "A signal Jack! From your Vortex Manipulator!"

Jack shook his head, held up his hand and ripped the cover open. He frowned slightly at the odd delivery of the message and let his fingers fly over the buttons. Ianto's eyes widened as the air in front of Jack flickered and wavered … then the head and shoulders hologram of Captain John Hart appeared between them.

"I'm here. I've made contact. Partial completion. Contact me. Essential."

Both men listened intently to the strange message, noting the serious expression on John's face. Jack pursed his lips as he realised John had reverted to Time Agent mode to deliver a message he was concerned, might fall into the wrong hands.

Although he understood the reason John was using their old Time Agency method of communicating, he didn't quite understand the message. He looked up into the worried frown of his fiancé and then realised Ianto was still restrained. He immediately swept his legs off the bed and moved to the gurney, his hands working to untie the restraints.

Jack didn't want to tell Ianto the truth, that he had called on John to come and deal with Gwen. Ianto wouldn't approve, in fact, he'd be angry … livid. He couldn't upset Ianto while he was still so vulnerable. Nor did he want that despicable woman to rise to the forefront of Ianto's mind. Not now. But he owed Ianto some kind of explanation and a partial truth would have to do.

"Don't you worry about John. I called him here, Ianto. To try and rescue us from UNIT using Time Agency methods, but the Doctor trumped him! I'll let him know how everything's turned out. But first, I want to focus on you. I haven't even kissed you yet!" He then helped the young man to his feet.

Jack opened his arms wide, his handsome features softened into welcome, love shining out from his amazing blue eyes to his young lover. He was grateful that 51st century conditioning, psychic and Time Agency training enabled Jack to push down beneath the surface, the darkness that Gwen's unforgivable actions had reanimated in him.

A shy smile softened Ianto's tired face but didn't completely eliminate the suspicion in his gaze. He allowed Jack to take him in a gentle embrace, deeply breathing in the pheromones of his lover. Jack's unique scent grounded him and he melted into the Immortal's love.

Something else is going on with John. What's Jack up to? What is the other reason he called him here? What's Jack hiding? He's closed himself off, I can feel it. But … but now isn't the time. I just need him to hold me. I'm tired, so very tired. Make it better, Jack, make it better.

Ianto relaxed into Jack's arms and linked his own around the Immortal's waist. Jack used his forefinger to gently lift Ianto's face that was buried in his chest. Looking into the weary eyes of his lover, he placed the softest of kisses on the young Welshman's lips, infusing the young man with the depth of his love. Jack was not just fiery passion … he was also tender warmth.

"Jack. John couldn't have done anything to rescue us from UNIT. Not one man. Not even him." Ianto stared into Jack's eyes hoping to see what Jack was hiding from him.

Jack chuckled and his blue eyes twinkled. "You do John an injustice! Next to me, John is a one-man army with the sharp mind, technical know-how and personal armoury to bring down UNIT and any other organisation that gets in his way! Believe me, John is that good! Anyway, I'll sort things out with him later. For now … it's just you and me, here in my old room. Let me show you a few things I've left in here. Come on, I've travelled with the Doctor and collected a lot of mighty interesting alien articles … and not all of them involve sex!"

Ianto's laugh starting deep in his chest, rumbled out against Jack's chest. It brought a light that had been missing from the young man's eyes. Jack's heart fluttered in pleasure. He always wanted to be the source of that light in the young Welshman's eyes … he always wanted to be the recipient of Ianto's amazing and terrifying love.

The next twenty minutes Ianto became enthralled at the assortment of alien articles and pictures that Jack showed him. Jack was right. Most of them were of the non-sexual variety. Watching Jack enthuse over each piece he held in his hand, went a long way to Ianto discovering more about his immortal Captain. And … it went a long way to healing the old hurt when Jack had abandoned him and Torchwood, to travel with the Doctor. Jack hadn't just used his room as Orgy Central … he had an eye for exquisite beauty, complex alien gadgets and plain, but well-wrought ornamental items.

Their intimate journey into Jack's past with the Doctor was suddenly and rudely interrupted by the Time Lord himself. A pounding at the door broke them reluctantly out of their reverie.

"Jack! Open up. Now! Martha is here with me and she'll look after Ianto" the Doctor called out in his usual, commanding manner that brooked no opposition.

Ianto frowned at the door. Even though he knew the Doctor meant well, it didn't stop him from feeling like a nuisance to be dismissed … or a child that had to be taken aside and cared for. He knew it was stupid to feel like this and recognised it as just part of the petty jealousy he still harboured in one dark corner of his heart. But his face still expressed his disapproval of the Doctor's manner … and showed his stubborn determination not to be excluded.

Without relinquishing his hold on Ianto's hand, Jack leapt to the door and opened it, frowning at the Doctor. Without so much as a greeting or apology for interrupting them, the Time Lord stepped into the room, followed by Martha who was sporting a huge grin.

Excitement exuded from the Time Lord and his words rushed out in a flurry. "Ahh. You're up! Feeling alright then, Ianto? Good, good. You're looking better. Best to let Martha check you over first. Jack! I don't know what happened between you and the Brigadier but it seems the illustrious leader of UNIT has had a change of heart! He's prepared to let us travel to Cardiff and dismiss his men. Hand control of Torchwood back to you and pull out of Cardiff. So! That's great! I know you're anxious to have your people … umm … set free."

Martha and the Doctor exchanged quick, almost embarrassed glances at each other, both remembering their encounter with Toshiko, Owen and Rhiannon at the hotel in Cardiff. With the way events had played out since freeing Ianto and Jack, neither of them had explained to the Torchwood leader about meeting his team.

"Sooo … if Ianto is up to it, we'll be heading off soon. Best to hold onto something, young man. The TARDIS gets a bit enthusiastic to travel at times. And Jack! I need you to help me pilot. I know the co-ordinates. Often need to 'top up' at the Rift. Oh … and Jack? I hope you didn't use your usual methods to change the Brigadier's mind?"

The Doctor now wore a disapproving glare on his face that Jack recognised as the Time Lord's intolerance of his free and easy sexual manner. Ianto's face expressed first shock, then anger as he turned to glare at his fiancé.

Jack pouted in mock indignation. "No! I didn't behave inappropriately with the Brigadier. As a matter of fact, Doctor, he turned down my invitation to … rest … with me. Purely for medical reasons, Doctor, nothing more!" Jack winced as he felt Ianto's grip tighten in his hand and he attempted to soothe Ianto's ruffled feathers by stroking his wrist with his thumb.

"Alright then, Jack" the Doctor replied, his tone conveying that he didn't entirely believe the Immortal. "Let's get back to the Control room. Would you prefer to stay here and rest, Ianto, til we get back to Cardiff?"

"No. I'm fine" Ianto replied curtly and proceeded to head towards the door, pulling Jack along with him in a tight grip that clearly said to the Immortal, 'you have some serious explaining to offer me, Jack.'

Martha's arm moved out towards Ianto. "Not so fast, young man! I need to check you over. Doctor, it won't take more than a few minutes, so wait until we come out, okay? Oh, and tell Aaron what you need him to do. You know that many hands to the controls make for a smoother take-off and landing!"

The Doctor grunted at Martha as he turned sharply and led Jack out of the room. Ianto sighed and sat down on the side of the bed, succumbing to Martha's medical attention. A tiny glimmer of excitement ignited inside as he realised he would be soon be helping to pilot the TARDIS … a time-travel machine! In response, the TARDIS purred gently into his being, flooding him with her anticipation at having him at the controls. His face coloured slightly at her overwhelming enthusiasm.

Toshiko was resting on Owen's lap, idly watching the countdown for the Time Lock, warm and comfortable. Silence had descended upon them for over an hour, but it was comfortable; the kind of silence where words are not needed. Rhiannon was awake but content to stay in the small room by herself, with the door shut.

Suddenly, her phone vibrated in her pocket. Thinking it might be either John or Martha, Toshiko pulled out her phone, switched it on and looked at the ID. Her chest tightened and a gasp escaped her lips.

Owen turned sharply and asked, "What's wrong, love? Who is it?"

Toshiko's eyes were wide like saucers, her gaze fixed on the ID flashing at her and her body rigid with shock. In a strangled voice she said, "It's Gwen."