ATMOS-PHERE

The device sat on the boardroom table looking innocent enough. UNIT had sent it with instructions for installation onto the SUV and Ianto had taken one look and decided it was suspicious to say the least. He'd seen them on sale on Halfords the month before and hadn't been tempted, or been convinced by the advertisement pitch on the television. He was more than a little surprised to discover that one had been sent to them courtesy of UNIT. Ianto decided to fetch Tosh, after all technology was more her thing and the note from UNIT that came with the device was obtuse to say the least.

'Jones,

Sorry we can't actually find anything wrong with it...... Unfortunately, because it's good for the planet we're expected to use them.... what do you think? Trust I'll see you in London for the conference and please leave Jack in Cardiff!!!

Regards Col A. George.

Col Alan George was someone Ianto had known for a few years now, whenever Ianto was sent to London to smooth ruffled feathers he and Ianto had always managed to find time to catch up for an hour over a pint to discuss the finer points of Welsh rugby. George was some one that you could trust, his instincts were usually spot on and he obviously didn't like the brass telling him what to do with his vehicles. Ianto was frowning when he stepped out of the boardroom and wandered over to Tosh, who looked busy. He hated to interrupt.

"Er Tosh. Do you have a minute?"

She looked up with a faint smile. "What's up Ianto?"

"I was wondering if you'd take a look at this ATMOS thing. UNIT sent it over.... well Colonel George did actually. I think he wants a second opinion on it. He's been ordered to install the things on all their vehicles."

Tosh raised her eyebrows. "Really? They sound too good to be true to me. I read the UNIT report on them, I can't believe they are as good as they on the TV."

Ianto was inclined to agree. "It's in the boardroom."

Gwen, who was at her desk overheard and looked at Ianto. "I've got one on my car; nothing at all comes out of the exhaust that I can see now. I mean I guess something must come out, the free Sat Nav is really good, hasn't let me down yet. All of Rhys' trucks have them fitted; they got them free as a promotional thing from the ATMOS Company."

"Have they had any problems?" Ianto asked.

Gwen shrugged. "I don't think so." She picked up her phone. "I'll ring him and see." It was nice to have a legitimate excuse to ring him during work anyway.

"Thanks Gwen."

Tosh finished what she was working on then went up to the board room and Ianto went to the kitchen, where he found Jack raiding the biscuit tin.

"Tosh is going to look at that ATMOS thing." He explained as he washed his hands. "Coffee?"

Jack abandoned his search for a snack stood there studying Ianto's pert arse as he went about making coffee.

"That would be good. So why doesn't George want me in London?"

"I think he was worried you'd try to snog him again Jack. He'll be having nightmares for months.....that man is straighter than the straightest straight thing and you frightened him half to death."

Jack folded his arms and smirked. "The guy is hot....."

"Straight Jack, what part of that do you not get? And don't go on about categories please." Ianto replied with his usual infinite patience.

"What a waste. Guess I just have to settle for you then, huh?" He snaked his arms about Ianto's narrow waist and breathed against his neck. Ianto continued with his preparations as if nothing were happening not entirely certain how he managed to maintain his composure.

"Thanks Jack makes me feel so.......wanted."

Jack gave him an affectionate squeeze and kissed his neck. He then went into work mode and pulled back.

"So what's this about ATMOS?"

Ianto hesitated as he waited for the coffee to brew. "It reminds me of the arc angel network, they've got huge global sales, and some of the car manufacturers are adding them in as standard. It promises to do everything. UNIT have put it through every test and can't find fault.... that genius kid invented it, which as far as I am concerned means it's not to be trusted anyway. You know me, naturally paranoid. Anyway the logistics head who is now Col George wants another professional opinion that isn't likely to be affected by corporate back handers or government bribes which is why I've asked Tosh to take a peek."

"Don't you have one on your car?"

Ianto began to pour coffees. "No, to be honest I was just sceptical about what it could do and I'm not sticking any random devices on my Lexus, I mean please."

Jack was chuckling with amusement. "One day you are going to let me drive that thing."

"In your dreams Jack. I would sooner let Owen behind the wheel than you." Ianto smiled passing him the favourite striped mug. "I just worry about what's going in the weird genius academy that that boy is running."

"Rattigan's Academy?"

Ianto nodded.

"Maybe I should send you in there as a spy." Jack sipped on the coffee and sighed with delight.

"You only get in by invitation. Anyway I'm not genius material." Ianto picked up his tray of drinks.

Jack raised his mug and stepped aside with a grin. "Don't underestimate the skill involved in making coffee THIS good."

Ianto passed him rolling his eyes. "At least I know where my skills are best appreciated."

Jack followed him to the boardroom where Gwen, Tosh and Owen were gathered about the table looking at the innocuous device. Gwen picked it up and turned it over in her hands.

"Looks harmless enough. Rhys said they've had no problems and that they've actually improved the running of the engines on his trucks, less fuel consumption." She put it back down and reached for her coffee.

"Thanks Ianto."

Tosh was studying her PDA. "I agree with Gwen, but I'll give it a thorough going over anyway."

Owen stretched out on his chair and also grabbed a mug of coffee. "I've got one on my Merc, seems alright, the sat nav hasn't got me lost yet. UNIT being rubbish again?"

Ianto sat down and sipped on his drink. "Just cautious. I think getting a second opinion is never wasted.... remember Saxon's telecommunications network?"

Owen nodded. "Put like that, there's a cheery thought, half the cars in the world are already cleaning the atmosphere and we'll all die from clean air poisoning."

Jack was handling the thing, turning it over in his hands and studying it carefully.

"It doesn't look very 21st century to me. I think I've seen something like this before." He passed it to Tosh. "Let me know what you find."

AN: Might carry this on.... just watched those two Dr Who episodes and wonder what TW were doing about it.......