1
Ianto hurried along, the soles of his shoes clipping the edge of the walkway as he headed across the thin strip of water they laughingly called a stream. This thin trickle of water was supposed to be some sort of green belt, the concrete gardens with cacti the only things to survive out here beyond the glass and air conditioned buildings. His wide brimmed hat was like a Stetson, strange with the three piece suit but the cowboy boots did resemble the top part. In this heat, you had to protect yourself, especially with pale skin.
Ianto glanced up and cursed softly, cutting it fine as per usual and he slid into the airlock as the doors were slowly closing, reaching back to snag the only other man that would still be out in this. Owen yelped as he found himself yanked through the door moments before they slammed shut.
A soft thump to the doors told them someone had not made it and Owen shook his head as he yelled "run for the secondary."
The secondary lock. A subpar one that always refused to lock completely and you could scramble into even if you were already starting to smolder. They would make it in time, this airlock he and Ianto had entered locking at least fifteen minutes before the flares stared.
Now I will take a moment to explain these flares. This planet has a small window of calm. Five hours each day where the fares die and you can walk the surface of the planet… if you dare. It is still bloody hot, believe you me. Then the flares begin, these bastards can fry you in a matter of moments if you are too close to one. Think lightning strikes with flames. Like that. The buildings are spaces close by each other, those without inner walkways and a lot of the living area is actually under the surface of the crust, the deeper you go the cooler it is, the centre of this planet apparently cool. Some say, even ice.
This was not Ianto's first choice of assignment but when you fuck up a major client's file you end up here… like their version of the western front. Ianto didn't like to talk about his cock-up, especially as it was not his but his project manager's fault and as with anything involving management… Ianto took the hit. He was given a generous stipend for this, the manager also ensured Ianto got a new rank and extras as well for falling on his sword for him and Ianto knew when this was over he would also be assured a great position at a place of his choice.
Well… that's the official version anyway… the fact he is an undercover agent here on an assignment is something that only a select few know.
Owen?
Well… Owen is Owen and he cocks up on a daily basis but Ianto is fond of him. Think Harry Potter and Ron Wesley. Yeah… like that. Hermione? Well… Toshiko was working over in the Tech building, thanks for thinking of her.
Jack? Not in Ianto's line of vision yet… he comes later.
And as for Draco? Well… Gwen comes later too, OK?
Right, enough with the Harry Potter references, you know that was a bit silly but the easiest way to let you understand the mindset here … this place is other worldly and Ianto is the smartest man in the room… whatever room he is in.
"come on, conference room" Ianto sighed as he handed Owen the satchel he had been carrying and Owen grinned, shouldering it with his natural swagger before motioning Ianto forward like he had been holding him up. Ianto rolled his eyes and they left the airlock to enter the inner sanctum of their main place of work.
Ianto entered the conference room with his usual straight back and confident walk to hide the fear he felt every time he opened those doors and entered the one place he was in charge. Everyone turned to watch him walk to the head of the table and motion for them to sit before he settled into his own seat with a soft sigh. He finally removed the hat, letting the small ponytail fall between his shoulder blades unseen as he placed the hat on the back of his high backed chair. Most of the others in the room had shaved heads… cooler out there and Ianto's thick head of hair showed he was not a local, as did Owen's.
Ianto tried not to sigh. Five more months. Five more and he has paid his debt and can leave this fucking hell hole forever. Smile, nod and get on with this bullshit. They were so close.
"OK… report?"
"The third sector is getting hit hard, we may have to evacuate that valley all together" came a tepid response. Not that Ianto could blame them, they were all fed up, tired and hot. The air con was set to a soft decline so those coming in from the heat were not assaulted with the cold but for those who were in there for most of the day already, the dip was not welcome.
Ianto drummed his fingers on the table and sighed, glancing at Owen who was spinning a pencil in the end of his nose like that was the best answer.
"Well… get me the numbers" Ianto muttered, flicking through more papers.
"There are more than 300 souls over there" someone warned "We might not have the space."
"Then we make it" Ianto said without looking up.
How he would come to wonder if Owen's snort was an omen.
