Three
Pacing outside of the TARDIS, Jack felt a wave of despair and fear he had not felt in over a century. Ianto was lost without Jack to protect him, bad enough he had come to grief in the casino he had been thrown down a rubbish chute, who knew what sort of danger he was in?
Now it was getting dark, and he felt his throat tighten; what he should be doing was looking for him. A catalogue of horrible possible scenarios invaded his mind again. His heart began to race and he stopped and pressed his forehead into the TARDIS. He felt a momentarily calm and realised the TARDIS was singing to him.
'If there is one thing I know is that Ianto is a very resourceful young man. Look at how he dealt with his situation at the Casino. He managed to persuade them he was no threat,' the Doctor interrupted Jack's contemplations.
'It's hard when I know he's so vulnerable.'
'You know you should give your young man a lot more credit.'
Jack took the Doctor's comments under advisement as he pondered both the Doctor's words and the song of the TARDIS.
'What do you think Ianto would have done once he was in the sewers?'
'He would work his way out,' Jack replied as he felt himself becoming a little calmer.
'Exactly. He loves puzzles and if I recall correctly he had torch in his fanny pack,' the Doctor reminded him.
'Have you made any progress?' Jack asked.
'The TARDIS has felt a sense of him and she tells me he appears to have come to no harm.'
'If she can sense him can she tell us where he is?' Jack looked hopeful.
The Doctor shook his head. 'The dunes are strongly reflective. The best I can work out he is to the west and from the weakness of the field either to the outside the city or at its very edges.'
'That's a start,' Jack said, looking in that direction. 'Do we have any maps of underground tunnel openings?'
'Here.' The Doctor handed Jack a pad with some coordinates.
'No, I want to see the map of where he was thrown in and any corresponding openings,' Jack said, heading back into the TARDIS. As he arrived back at the console he found the map he needed.
The sun was beginning to dip down behind the small low hills when Ianto could see a place he could rest.
He was sort of torn. Part of him was annoyed at the growing piles of rubbish because he hated fly tippers. For some reason, he never understood people from the mainland thought the island would make a good rubbish heap. Apparently, the cost of the ferry ticket there and back even with a trailer was less than taking rubbish to a designated dump. To him it was unfathomable because the tip was the place for rubbish. But what really made him mad was that some of the loads were good stuff, like furniture. This was such waste when there must be loads of people who needed stuff.
But as of right now he was grateful because it meant there was bound to be a load of furniture, hopefully including a sofa, where he could rest. He struggled to think what this double feeling meant but nothing came to him so he stored the feeling away to ask Jack later.
At last he reached the rubbish El Dorado where everything you could imagine had been dumped; from old vehicles, piles of black sacks of rubbish and discarded furniture feet high were strewn about.
Hot and sticky, his feet aching, Ianto sat down on the first sofa he came across. After resting a few moments, he stood and placed the comatose Stinky on the sofa and looked around.
He had a terrible thirst and began to search. He was about to give up and get back to Stinky before it was getting dark when he found a tap. Disappointingly no matter how hard he pressed the button on the top there was barely a trickle. There was nothing for him but hold the button down and suck the tap of every drop as best he could.
The sun was completely gone when he made it back to the sofa. As he sat down Ianto recalled something from a documentary he had seen. If he recalled correctly no matter how hot a desert was in the day time it would get really cold at night. Using his torch, he found several large pieces of flat cardboard and dragged them back to the sofa. Here he made himself a sort of tent with the sofa on the inside.
Waking, he poked his head out from under the cardboard and he saw the sky above was filled with stars. He took in a sharp breath as he always did when something really caught his attention.
In the distance, he could see the city but the contrast couldn't be more complete. He had seen star fields before but this was simply the most spectacular for all the right reasons. 'Why,' he wondered, 'would anyone go to such a place like the city when they had something so amazing right over their heads?'
He laid back to really take in the view and stroked Stinky, who began to make a soft growling that vibrated against his hand.
The decision he had to make came into his mind. What he really needed to do was talk with Myfanwy but she was just too delicate. Stinky snuffled, maybe Stinky could help?
'I need your help. I've tried talking to loads of people but I don't how to start. You see, it's awkward.' Ianto took a huge breath. 'It's about the way we practice which is very hard to talk to people about because this is private between me and Jack. Jack has asked me for something. I had better explain. We've done a load of practising and it's been awesome but there is something I used to do but I forgot.
'You see, when I was the other Ianto I bottomed Jack all the time. Jack tells me he is a power bottom and he hasn't had anyone bottom him since all that time long ago when we was with Torchwood.
'Apparently, I was a natural top and he loved it because he had to be in control all the time and he liked it when I took control. Jack tells me I really enjoyed it very much which is confusing. The problem is someone did cruel things to me long ago and all I can sort of remember was it hurt.
'We've come close several times but each time I think I'm going to hurt him. Jack has been so patient. He said he would leave it to me to say yes or no. We do loads of things I like and this is the only thing he has every asked for. I think I've been a bit greedy but it's hard to do this. I love Jack he is everything to me. I'm everything to him. He still looks after me because I need help, not as much as used to but I still need help.' Stinky snuffled and pushed his head end into Ianto's armpit.
'I know you're thinking Jack should never have asked considering what happened to me but he misses me bottoming him. He said he had been really trying hard not to miss it but it hasn't worked, and as time goes by he finds he misses it more and more which makes not thinking about it even harder. He asked me so nicely but said he would abide by my decision. I had to look that up what it means is he will agree to what I say.'
Stinky shifted position and Ianto gave a small laugh. 'You are right. How can I say no when I've not even given it a try? This is not just about me. But maybe I will really enjoy doing this to Jack. I should give it a try at least once and if I don't like it then I can say no.'
Ianto looked up at the stars stroking Stinky 'Thank you very much. Just so you know, you are special don't you ever forget it. I promise I won't ever let you come to harm again. When we get home, I'm going to make Stinky heaven just like I did for my ferrets. I promise you can eat as much rubbish as you like; in fact, I know just who to call. Our local chip shop, Nemo and Chips, will have loads of waste fat to throw away that you will love.
'Did I tell you how much I love sausage eggs and chips? It was what I always ordered but then Nemo and Chips opened and I fell in love with fish and chips. Now it's very hard to choose. Nemo and Chips is a naughty name.' Ianto chuckled. 'First I was a bit worried they was serving the real Nemo but Mr Singh explained that clown fish are too small for a fry up.
'Then Jack explained it was a play on words with Nemo being a fish and all so I did get it. And his curry sauce,' Ianto enthused. 'It's finger licking good. Now I always have chips on the way home from town. Jack says I will get as fat as Marigold. Do you know there have been 17 Marigolds and all of them has been as pink and fat as the first Marigold? I was so sad when she died because she was special. Jack tells me I spoke out loud for the first time when I saw her. She had loads of babies and Mr Morgan then his son and grandson always allowed me to name the one he was going to keep for breeding. I always named each one Marigold so there will always be a Marigold in Mr Morgan's field.' Ianto yawned and within moments returned to sleep.
Waking just as the sun started to come up, Ianto stood and had a good stretch. He was less tired but he had a raging thirst.
Sucking as much water as he could out of the tap he figured he would need to find a much better supply. He counted up the number of taps he had come across.' If there were those there just had to be others,' he reasoned.
Picking up Stinky, he noticed its skin was all crackly. "I knew you eating all that rubbish wasn't going to be good for you,' Ianto panicked but as he checked he realised the skin was loose.
Stinky started to roll around in his arms so he placed him on the ground. Wiggling around Stinky shed what looked like shell.
'And I suppose you are hungry again,' Ianto said and the creature stretched and sneezed.
Checking Stinky over, Ianto saw he had gotten bigger and he had changed colour. So, he had shed his skin like Nagini. Ianto shuddered as he thought of his friend's pet. Huge bloody monster now needed six of them to move him about.
Nagini had given him nightmares after he had helped move him to his new tank, because the snake had been so strong it had taken all his strength to just keep hold of the tail end. He had gotten very worried what might happen if Nagini got out. But Jack explained it was too cold for it to do any harm because snakes need to be warm because they are cold-blooded.
He had no idea what that meant but he did understand that snakes go all slow and dopey in the cold. Ianto agreed this was great because if anyone ever saw Nagini they would know being dopey and slow was a good thing.
Normally he was okay with snakes and Nagini had been so cute when it was little, flicking its tongue and curling around his hand. But it just kept growing and growing and it shed its skin once a year. Perhaps Stinky was a snake. Ianto gave him another look over. Nope. Stinky was more grub like and segments filled with hair. Maybe this was just a stage and eventually Stinky would turn into something else like a butterfly. No matter what he/she was, Stinky was getting heavy and if he was to do much more walking he needed something to help him carry the little rascal.
'Stay here and don't move.' Ianto stood and started to look about.
Walking around the dump he searched. As there were no bags he would have to make something. A promising pile beckoned and he found a roll of fabric. Pulling the fabric free he saw it was wide enough to be perfeck. Using the small knife from his fanny pack he cut a length off and knotted the ends.
'Good Stinky,' Ianto said when he returned and saw the creature had not moved. Stinky squealed with delight at seeing him.
Placing the sling over his shoulder Ianto spread out the fabric and placed Stinky inside. Ianto chuckled at how perfectly Stinky fitted. Most importantly now he was hands free and could carry a bottle of water with him. Once he found and filled one he told himself. Making his way to the edge of the road to pondered his choices. He supposed he could wait until someone turned up to dump more rubbish. He squinted down the road towards the city. Or he could make his way to the buildings he could just make out in the early morning haze. Hopefully he could use his magic paper to get something to drink. At the very least there would be rubbish for Stinky. His mind made up he put one foot in front of the other.
Jack watched the sunrise, exhausted. A search of the most logical sewer openings had revealed nothing. The only good news was Ianto was somewhere to the west, at first unmoving but was now back on the move. Was this above or below ground Jack wondered? Why he had thought this was a great idea was beyond him. 'Giving Ianto the time of his life,' he heard himself reply. He let out a huge sigh. As always nothing was ever simple when the Doctor was involved.
Hot and sore-footed, Ianto finally reached the ramshackle buildings he had seen kilometres before. He was in a serious mood because adventures were not as much fun as they had been made out to be. In all the adventures Jack had mentioned there was nothing about being desperate for a drink and so hot you wanted to take off your clothes. Not that he had but he was tempted, bloody tempted. The only good thing was Stinky was very still. Maybe heat made creatures like Stinky all dopey and slow.
Much to his relief he came across a tap, at the back of the very first building. Turning it on he found just couldn't drink fast enough so he laid on his back so the flow of water went directly into his mouth. He drank and drank until the water flowed over his face. For several moments he just lay back enjoying the feel of the water running over his face when a noise caught his attention.
Sitting up and he wiped his eyes clear and saw a very thin being shouting down at him.
Before he could offer an explanation Stinky became animated and began hissing and growling at the being.
'I'm sorry but I was very thirsty.' Ianto held on to Stinky who was struggling to move.
'Water cost me money, you got money?' The being spluttered and moved forward to poke Ianto in the chest with his claw. As he did Stinky escaped Ianto's grasp and leapt up at his outspreaded claw.
'If you don't want people drinking your water your tap should have a lock.' Ianto caught Stinky and held him tighter.
'Tap had lock but someone broke lock, maybe you?' the being shouted.
'I would never.' Ianto tried to hold Stinky who was snapping and snarling.
'Maybe you did, you pay me for lock and water,' the being demanded.
'I can come back later and pay for the water but not the lock.'
'You pay now,' the being held out its claw.
'I think it's very mean you won't let thirsty people drink. That's unfair and nasty.'
'I give you unfair and nasty. Water is expensive, I not have water for lowlifes like you and their nasty guard worms.'
'I don't know what Stinky is but he is not a guard anything,' Ianto corrected the man.
The being viewed Stinky. 'I disagree, you swap worm for water. I could use something fierce to guard my shop.'
Ianto lifted his chin and began to move away. 'Never! He's mine. I'm going to take him home and make Stinky heaven where he can eat as much rubbish he likes.'
'Enough, you go!' the being bellowed when Ianto didn't move fast enough.
Holding Stinky close, Ianto ran as fast as he could and didn't stop for several meters. As he came to a skidding halt he realised he had done some running. But in truth he could do with less running, he was now all out of breath but at least Stinky had gone quiet again.
'Good Stinky. Nasty man wanting to take you away for water. I don't care how thirsty or hungry I get I would never give you away.' As Ianto stroked the creature he could swear it was now purring.
Reaching the next set of shacks, Ianto sniffed the air and his stomach rolled. The area was really run down. There was not shops but a row of stalls which reminded him of the Farmers Market back on the Island.
One was frying up some kind of long things on sticks. The smell of food was making Stinky very agitated and Ianto was as starving as Stinky was. He waited until the old shabby woman had finished fussing around and held up the magic paper.
'Cash only,' the woman said, not looking at the paper.
'I can come back later and pay you,' Ianto explained.
The old woman stopped what she was doing and stared at him. 'No money, no food.'
'She's a hard one she won't budge unless you hand over some money,' a very ramshackle individual who seemed to be wearing the remnants of several articles of clothing covered with filth, spoke.
'I do have money just not on me.' Stinky started sniffing with more vigour so Ianto backed up slightly to show the man his paper.
The man took the paper and read what he saw. 'Hungry man with important, precious hungry worm.' I don't see how this will get you anywhere.'
'I managed to get food and a drink but the woman won't read it.'
'Not won't, laddie can't,' the man explained.
Before Ianto could say more Stinky sprung out of the sling and in a move as fast as lightning careened into the food stall. The old woman began to scream as Stinky crashed about, devouring every edible morsel he could find.
'I am so sorry.' Ianto raced into the stall and struggled to get a grip on Stinky. As he did the old woman began to beat his back with a large spatula. The woman also let out a large string of invectives that from the tone Ianto reasoned were curses. Before he could get a better grasp Stinky dived head first into the pot filled with pink meat.
'Naughty Stinky!' Ianto reached into the pot in an effort to get yank Stinky out. But the creature was slippery with grease and kept sliding out of his hands. After a desperate struggle, he managed to get his fingers into one of the segments and pulled Stinky out.
Holding onto Stinky, who was still thrashing about, Ianto saw the stall was a wreck, the boiling oil was on the floor, scraps of any food Stinky had missed seemed to have clung everywhere. The stall, which had been rickety to begin, now began to collapse.
Ianto jumped sideways as the remains of the stall shifted and disintegrated into a heap.
Ianto finally got Stinky under control when a strange quiet seemed to descend.
Then a strange sound, growing in scale, seemed to be come from within the heap of the ruined stall. His eyes widened as the old woman threw off the debris, screaming like a banshee and wielding a large cleaver.
Ianto felt someone touch his elbow. 'Better scarper or you will end up as the meal of the day.'
Reasoning there was nothing he could do to save the situation Ianto turned and ran.
Ianto ran until the wailing seemed fade and his lungs were fit to burst. Stopping he forced breath into his lungs.
As he caught his breath he swore he could hear someone laughing. He straightened up to see the tramp laughing so hard he had tears. 'Oh, that the best entertainment I've seen for months.' The man slapped his thigh.
'I think Stinky is growing which makes him hungry. That's why he was so naughty,' Ianto tried to explain.
'Strange creature. I've never seen a worm like that.' The tramp reached forward to touch Stinky, who hissed.
'Stinky behave,' Ianto admonished.
Stinky blinked its beady eyes looked up at Ianto and was quiet.
'I found him in the sewer. He was so hungry he tried to eat my shoes,' Ianto explained.
'Here I saved you this.' The tramp held up several sticks of food Ianto recognised from the destroyed stall.
'Did you steal those?' Ianto's stomach rolled over in hunger at the very sight of food.
'Yep but it was a choice of steal or starve. Well, if you're not going to eat them.' The man went to take the offered sticks back.
'I'll take one and I'll come back and pay later,' Ianto reasoned and took one of the offered sticks.
'Suit yourself.' The tramp quickly ate the sticks clean.
Finishing his own morsel in three bites Ianto saw they were no nearer the city than the day before.
'Why is it that no matter who far I walk I don't seem to get any closer to the city?' Ianto said in exasperation.
'That's the security field keeping us out,' the tramp said.
'That's a bit mean because that's where I have to go.'
'It's to keep the likes of us out.' Ianto looked at him.
'That's not nice. I need to get back to Jack and Stinky needs food.'
'Can't you go back the way you came?'
'I was thrown down a rubbish chute and it was too high and steep to climb back up,' Ianto explained
'Once you're in the sewers you end up in the desert with no way back. If you try to enter the city you can't pass through the security field,' the tramp explained.
'That's daft,' Ianto declared. 'People have to get in and out how do all the trucks and buses get in?'
Before the tramp could answer Stinky began to wiggle and Ianto knew what that meant. 'Stinky is hungry again. The stall was just a snack; he needs any kind of food rubbish.'
'That I can help with,' the tramp said and led Ianto to a rubbish collection area.
On reaching the first bin Ianto opened the lid and Stinky threw himself in head-first.
The bin was rank with rotten food stuffs and despite having eaten the stall's complete inventory they could both hear Stinky really going for it. After half an hour, the noise in the bin stopped. Ianto climbed in and picked Stinky up. Stinky released a huge purple-tinged belch and went limp.
Snuggling Stinky back into the sling, Ianto look towards the city again. 'To finish my adventure I really need to get back to the city.'
'The only way to pass the barrier is in one of the official vehicles. And to get on one of those we need to have a pass.'
'Where do we get one?' Ianto asked.
'Not that easy. It's not just money. People like us are excluded.'
'And what is wrong with us?' Ianto bristled.
'We look and smell like the very beings they think will stain the good name of their city.'
Looking down at himself Ianto understood the point. His shoes and his lower legs were caked in the filth from the sewers. His top half was covered with stains form the many nasty rubbish bins he had had to dive into to help Stinky and every part of him was covered in a layer of dust and which was very gritty. The tramp beside him didn't look that much different.
'There has to be a way. I have to get back into the city and find the TARDIS,' Ianto said.
In the distance, they could see several beings waiting in line under a sign. As they watched a bus drew up and the beings boarded.
'I don't have any money but I sort of have a pass,' Ianto said thinking out loud.
'The magic paper. Let me see,' the tramp said.
Ianto showed him his physic paper which now said, 'UNIVERSAL PASS.'
'It's worth a try,' the tramp shrugged. 'The worse that could happen is we will get thrown off.'
'I've got a plan. A really good plan.' Ianto narrowed his eyes in a devious manner and started to make his way towards the bus stop.
Reaching the bus stop the pair stood waiting with others trying not to notice that the other passengers were standing downwind.
At last a bus arrived and the doors open.
Ianto and the tramp stepped up to the driver's window.
'Rare worm for the zoo place and two keepers,' Ianto declared.
'No Animals allowed,' the driver declared gleefully much to the delight of the other passengers.
'I have a pass.' The driver huffed and Ianto handed him the paper. The driver glared at the paper then Stinky then handed the paper back.
'Sit near the door,' the driver said. 'And keep that creature quiet and under control because I will throw you off no matter how important that creature is to the Oro De las Dunas Rare Creature Menagerie.'
The boarded passengers groaned and opened the nearest windows as Ianto and the tramp settled by the door.
Arriving at the bus centre, Ianto tried to work out where he was. Reading the huge garish signs, he recognised one. It was an advert for the sand sculpture, 'Arena Del Baile Incredibles'. At last a place he knew. Pointing towards the main boulevard, they headed off.
Ianto's feet hurt. He had had enough of this adventure. He was tired and hungry, very hungry in fact. The only good thing was Stinky was all quiet. The tramp was now long gone leaving Ianto on his own and much to his dismay the magic paper was missing.
There was nothing for it but to keep walking and see if he could remember where the TARDIS had landed. All he could recall was a fountain. He stopped walking midstride. He had been so silly. What he needed was a map.
Looking around it didn't take long to find one on the side of the street. It was great because it had a, 'You are here', arrow. Examining it carefully saw there was a park with a fountain. He had a deep think trying to recall any plants. Yes, he vaguely recalled plants and he traced the route with his finger. He felt the thrill of excitement. He was nearly there.
Entering the park, it was with some relief he saw the TARDIS. He was about to knock when he heard a shout. Turning, he saw Jack running towards him.
'Thank God your safe.' Jack threw his arms around him.
'Don't squash Stinky,' Ianto said.
Jack drew back to see Ianto was carrying some kind of grub.
'I found him in the sewers and right now I am so hungry I could eat a dumpster full of fish and chips.'
'Of course you are,' Jack said. 'Let's get you inside and you can tell me everything.'
'I'm so proud of myself. I managed to finish my adventure. Once I was back in the city I thought it would be hard to find the TARDIS but then I found a map.'
Jack tried to hide his confusion but before he could ask Ianto to explain the TARDIS door opened.
'Well done you found us,' the Doctor said, stepping out the TARDIS door.
'I have had such an adventure,' Ianto told Jack and the Doctor.
'I expect you have a lot to tell us,' the Doctor said.
"I have, but first I need something to drink, and eat. We also need to make sure we have buckets of food for Stinky and then I need a sit down,' Ianto said, exhausted.
Looking, both Jack and the Doctor took a better look at the creature Ianto was carrying.
'I found him in the sewers. He gets very hungry,' Ianto explained.
Ianto settled down within the kitchen unit while he Jack dialled up a huge glass of water.
Drinking it down Ianto found a huge plate of fish and chips in front of him, followed by another.
'Tell me about Stinky?' the Doctor asked as Ianto cleared the second plate.
'I found him in the sewers when he tried to eat my shoes. I think Stinky is a baby cause all Stinky does is sleep and eat. Stinky was more little when I found him but he grew. This morning he shed his skin like Nagini.'
'A Burmese reticulated python Ianto helps his owner with,' Jack explained.
'Nagini was lovely when he was little but now he so huge I just help with the tail end.'
'Stinky?' The Doctor brought Ianto back on topic
'When I first found Stinky he was all pale then after he had eaten loads of rubbish, he went all limp. The next day he shed his skin and he's gone a sort of dusty yellow colour. Stinky just loves rubbish which is lucky because there was loads and loads all over. But best was buckets of fat. He has doubled in size so I made this,' Ianto pointed to the sling, 'to help me carry him.
'He is very special. I'm going to take him home. I'm going to call Mr Singh and ask him if I can give Stinky all his old oil. Stinky will just love that,' Ianto said now attacking a banana split.
'And you found him in the sewer,' the Doctor double-checked then scanned Stinky with his sonic screwdriver.
'He tried to eat my shoes and he was all bity but I figured he was very hungry cause there was not anything else to really eat.'
'Jack, remember the message?' the Doctor turned to Jack.
'Listen, the last thing on my mind over the past two days was any message,' Jack said, not taking his eyes of Ianto.
'Precious and important cargo,' the Doctor said quietly.
Jack blinked not sure what the Doctor was talking about.
'A most valued precious cargo, a child.'
'Are you saying that this creature was the cargo we were looking for?' Jack stated.
'As Ianto said all he does is sleep and eat,' the Doctor pointed out.
'And Stinky is clever. He listens.' Ianto held Stinky up to check the small creature was still comatose.
'The Veelvakass are very intelligent,' the Doctor said.
Ianto looked proudly at Stinky. 'I told you, you was special.' Stinky sneezed. Ianto helped Stinky plunge into the first bucket of several Jack had prepared and lined up for just this moment. 'Did I tell you Stinky wrecked a food stall and an old woman chased me with a cleaver?' Ianto said as Stinky slurped his way to the bottom of the second bucket.
'What!' Jack said, startled.
'Yeah, he was so hungry and the lady wouldn't read the magic paper. Stinky ate all her food then the stall fell down.'
'You had better start at the beginning,' Jack said.
'It all started when I got in a mood because I thought you was all lying about being on an adventure. I was following on behind Amy and Rory. I was in such a grump I walked into the Casino and found a Nemo machine. I met Flibby Tintissi and he helped me win the Jack Pot. I was so excited because I knew then you had all been sneaky because the Nemo machine and the Jack Pot was dead giveaway. Then I found another game called Black Jack which got me into trouble. The nasty people who were going to make jam said I cheated and then took my winnings then instead of taking me to the never-ending buffet which is where I thought they was taking me and then threw down a rubbish chute…
Having showered and rested Ianto joined the Doctor, Jack, Amy and Rory around the console.
'Adventures are very tiring,' Ianto told them yawning.
'They sure are,' Jack agreed, holding on to his hand.
'I even done some running. But when I did run I realised running in adventures is not as much fun as it sounds.'
'And now we have to do something both sad and wonderful,' the Doctor told him.
'I know. I have to say good-bye to Stinky which is sad but I'm happy that I found him and can take him home. Home is the most important place there is.' Jack kissed Ianto's hand.
The Doctor began to work the console when Ianto interrupted. 'We can't go yet I have to go back and pay for the food I ate, a bus fare and get a new stall for the old lady and replace all the food Stinky ate.'
'But before we do that there is something very important I need to give you. As you have completed your very first adventure and rescued Stinky I now award you the status of a full companion.' The Doctor placed a simple door key with string around Ianto's neck.
'Wow I was not expecting anything like this,' Ianto said his eyes glowing.
The Doctor now held out a mobile phone. 'This will allow you to call the TARDIS or Jack anywhere in the Universe.'
Ianto took the phone but looked confused. 'It's great I can call Jack and talk to the TARDIS but I really enjoyed working things out. This adventures would have been so boring if I could get rescued by making a phone call.'
The Doctor looked serious. 'I can think of a time when you really needed this.'
Ianto threw his arms around the Doctor. 'I will only use this if I am in real trouble,' Ianto assured him.
'You know the TARDIS would love you to visit more often.'
'I will. I promise I will come and tell her about every adventure I have,' Ianto said.
'Sometimes life is the real adventure,' the Doctor told him.
'Then I will come and tell her all the boring bits.'
'Excellent.' The Doctor rubbed his hands together. 'Let's go put things to rights.'
'Yes, some beings were very kind and I really feel bad that Stinky wrecked that poor woman's stall. He was very naughty eating all her food,' Ianto said.
'He is a growing boy,' the Doctor winked and got the TARDIS moving.
The TARDIS control room now empty, the Doctor busied himself checking everything was in order. There was nothing like the peace at the end of turmoil where everything turned out right in the end. As he worked he felt a sense of something. Looking around the console room he could swear the colour of the room had changed subtly. He looked closer, yes there were areas of turquoise blue and pale pink.
'I recognise smug when I see it. Is there something you need to tell me?'
His suspicions were confirmed when all he got back was a self–satisfied nonchalant hum.