CHAPTER FIVE

Tom was gobsmacked by the Singularity Scapel. He just couldn't believe such a thing could exist. Not to mention all the amazing diagnostics gadgets that Torchwood had. Owen's database of extra terrestrial biology and physiology was just….. Well he was at a loss for words.

He knew from Martha that these things existed, but didn't really allow any of it to sink into his life too much, official secrets and all that, but now he was a part of it, with a centuries worth of learning ahead of him. It was both exciting and terrifying at the same time. It was all way too much to take in all in one go and after spending three hours in the autopsy bay with Martha and Owen he was somewhat relieved to hear the word lunchtime. He needed a few minutes to get his head around everything he had seen today and there was so much more to come.

Tom trailed behind, gazing around the Hub and smiling in wonderment, somewhere up in those girders of steel was a pteradon. He'd had the shit scared out of him earlier in the day as it swooped down to check the newcomers. Apparently it belonged to Ianto who had named it Myfanwy. Tom was just boggled at the craziness of it all. A bloody dinosaur at the office. He couldn't help his childish wonder, but also knew all too well the seriousness of the job he had just signed up for. He would be helping the team, fixing their cuts and scrapes, carrying out post mortems on alien bodies, fighting new diseases from other worlds and he now realized just how truly amazing his wife was for doing this for UNIT for the last decade.

Lunch was set up in the boardroom. Gwen had ordered a variety of Pizza's and soft drinks and she and Mickey were already chomping down meat feast when the three doctors walked in. Tosh was still at her computer. Gwen had taken a plate of food to her desk as she was reluctant to leave her work.

'We do eat way too much takeaway, but don't worry you'll be running most of it off chasing weevils around. I've actually lost weight since starting this job." Gwen smiled at Martha. "Normally we don't have cola though, because Ianto makes the best beverages in Wales."

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Lunch for Jack and Ianto involved freshly made ham, cheese and pickle sandwiches and coffee in the small staff from at Flat holm. It was a quiet gathering of Jack, Ianto and Helen who run the facility. Ianto had brought some cakes and biscuits for the patients and staff, and Jeff was currently assisting Suzan in sharing them out. Helen was smiling at the younger Welshman.

"Thank you for the treats, everyone loves them as always. Its very thoughtful Mr Jones." Helen had always referred to him this way and Ianto didn't see the need to change that.

"Its my pleasure, anything to bring out a few smiles."

Helen a tall Jamaican woman, raised in Birmingham with a curious mix of both places in her accent had taken on the job almost 20 years ago now. Her hair was now kissed with silver and for once she had all her braids combed out, so it was loosely tied over her left shoulder. Ianto always found her to be a magnificent beauty both inside and out and unbeknown to him she felt the same of him.

"You'll read a story to Penny today?"

"Of course, I know she loves them."

Penny Thorpe, a wisp of a thing, some seven going on 200 years old absolutely adored Ianto. Her encounter with the rift back in 1809 had left her blind, but her hearing was so acute she had to wear noise cancelling headphones during the day when everyone was awake and moving around. Tosh had adapted a microphone that was used to talk to her dampening the damaging high frequencies that caused her so much pain. Penny was a delightful and intelligent little girl and Ianto actually had hope that she would one day be able to leave the Island and live outside in the real world with a little help from Torchwood. He had yet to ask Jack, but knew he would when she was a little older. She listened to all the books Ianto gave her and spent most of her time learning as much as she could. Ianto called her his lucky Penny, because unlike most of the other residents of this tiny hospital Torchwood had been able to help her and she hadn't suffered the hideous pain and disfiguring injuries that had devastated so many of the others in their care. Poor Jonah Bevan had spent the final three years of his life just screaming until Owen had stepped in and put him to sleep. It had been one of the hardest things that Owen had ever done.

Ianto slipped out of his musings.

"….. so how much of a budget cut do you think we will face?"

Jack shrugged. "It wont be much because I fund this place from my own private resources. Its just hiding that money from the tax man, its getting more difficult. We're also looking into moving you all to the mainland. Ianto is going to be in charge of that because he knows what he is doing and he'll consult with yourself and Dr Harper so all needs are met as best as we can."

Helen looked slightly horrified. "Jack, are you sure that's wise?"

"We have to have you nearer, mainly for the protection of the patients. Honestly, I should have moved you all long ago. Don't worry it will be secure and spacious and we will make sure its as comfortable as possible."

"Well you've looked after everything so far, so I will trust your judgement. Will it be soon?"

Jack looked at Ianto who replied to the question. "I honestly don't know for sure. There are a couple of properties I am looking at, but obviously we may also buy some land and just build something and then disguise it. I want to be absolutely sure no one harasses the patients or your staff for that matter." Ianto picked up his mug and took a swig of his coffee. "I'd like it done with in the next four to six months."

"Gosh, I won't know what's hit me, we've been on this little island paradise for so long now."

Jack reached across the well worn wooden table top. "We'll look after you all I promise."

Helen managed a small smile. "I know."

AN: so the stage has been set….. Now the actual story telling starts… I hope.