Chapter 22: Supper

Over pizzas and associated extras – including, at Jack's insistence, coleslaw for Ianto – the discussions ranged far and wide. At various times the conversations included: Jack 2 being pestered by Gwen and Owen with questions about his wife; Jack 5 sitting with Jack and Ianto talking about the Dalek invasion and re-organisation of Torchwood; Toshiko and Jack 3 discussing sonic technology during which she told him how they would meet; Jack 4 explaining to Gwen and Ianto about the Weevil home world and their return; Jack 3 asking Jack about Antellier Caroo and getting reassurance that nothing like it ever happened again; Owen telling Jack 2 about opening the Rift and its consequences; and Jack 4 explaining to Ianto that Myfanwy would one day have offspring. It ended with an hilarious account of Jack 3's recent (to him) attendance at the Woodstock Festival.

With the pizzas eaten and litter strewn all over the Boardroom table, Jack decided to establish some order again. "Right, everyone. It's coming up for 9.30. What do you want to do now?"

"Is it that late? I need to get back to Rhys," said Gwen hurriedly. "Sorry to rush off." She looked at Jack, "Is it okay if I go?"

"Of course it is. You have a good evening." She said quick goodbyes and left, stopping at her desk to collect her bag and exiting the Hub.

"Would it be possible to see a bit of Cardiff? I vaguely remember the changes to the Bay and would like to see them properly," asked Jack 2.

"I'd be happy to show you," volunteered Toshiko.

"Could I tag along?" asked Jack 3. His attitude had lightened with the revelations of the evening and he was not as gloomy or angry.

Owen laughed, "Not in that clobber, you can't!"

Jack 3 looked down at his clothes. "This is the latest fashion I'll have you know."

"Not for 2008! You'll have to borrow something of Jack's. Even that's better than what you've got on now."

"Thanks!" said Jack, smiling at the back-handed compliment. "It might be best if Jack 2 changes as well. Afraid his suit is just a bit old-fashioned. Want to show them, Ianto?"

Ianto led Jacks 2 and 3 to Jack's quarters and found them each a shirt, trousers and boots. It was a warm evening so they didn't need jackets; Ianto knew that Jack would be unwilling to lend anyone his greatcoat. When Jack 2 emerged he was indistinguishable from Jack; Jack 3 could only be identified by the length of his hair and his moustache. Toshiko took Jacks 2 and 3 out to see the sights of Cardiff Bay, telling them they would have to pretend to be twins. They were laughing, trying out names for themselves as they left the Hub.

Jack 5 looked speculatively at Ianto. He would have liked a quiet walk around the Bay himself, in the company of the young man, but recognised that Ianto was uncomfortable in his presence. Instead, he asked, "Owen, how about you and I find a bar and have a drink?"

"You don't drink," retorted Owen. "Not much of an evening if you're on water all night."

"Oh, I've changed. Whisky's my tipple now."

"In that case, you're on," responded Owen. "Want to join us?" he asked of Ianto, Jack and Jack 4.

"Not me, thanks. If it's all right with you, Jack, I'd like to check some facts on your records. Update my personal database," said Jack 4.

"You go ahead," replied Jack. He turned to Owen, "I still drink water so I'll leave you to it, thanks all the same."

Ianto hesitated. He'd have liked some quiet time with Jack but recognised that was unlikely to happen this night. On the other hand, he didn't want to go home either. He decided to join Owen. "I'll come," he said.

Jack 5's smile of delight lit up the Boardroom. "Great. Owen, if I remember correctly, you know all the best watering holes. Lead on!" He led them from the room. By the time the three reached the cog door, his hand was resting on Ianto's shoulder.