Chapter 11
"Stay back Prince Varnia! Jack! That's three of the committee members of the Shadow Proclamation with their bully boys in tow – the Judoon. Let me do the talking!" the Doctor barked at them, "I'll call you if I need you!" His commanding tone brooked no argument. The five people behind him may have bristled at his words … but no-one dared argue the point.
Leaving Jack and his team standing behind him, still shocked at this invasion in their Hub, the Doctor walked briskly towards the group and halted in front of the three representatives of the Shadow Proclamation. Without pausing for breath, the Doctor immediately launched into an enthusiastic greeting, followed by some sort of explanation for what had happened to Ianto. They were all too far away to hear exactly what was being said, but by the expressions on the faces of their 'guests', it didn't look as though the explanation was to their liking.
Jack huffed at the Doctor's back but he definitely was not going to interfere. Crossing the Doctor was never the right thing to do … or particularly wise. Prince Varnia seemed to be of a similar feeling, although his back was stiff with outrage and barely suppressed anger shone out of his eyes. He turned to glare at Jack and the team … who all returned his inflamed gaze with their own suppressed anger.
The Prince scowled at them all, then turned away. How could such an incompetent like him be the head of an important organisation? He organises the kidnap of his own … his former lover … and loses control of the situation! That man was NOT from this time and place and … where have I seen something like that strap on his wrist before? It had beeping, flashing lights …
Pondering to himself he wondered away from Jack and the team and walked over to the couch, his mind returning to Ianto. His sensual touch with the promise of amazing things to come; his brilliant blue eyes that pierce through my heart; his fierce kiss … oh that mind-blowing kiss! And his strong embrace … I could lose myself in his arms. I have had lovers … many lovers, male and female … but he is the one whom I want the most. And he gave himself to me. I had him! Until that stupid Captain sent his stooge to collect him! Well … at least he is suffering as much as I am. That man has bonded with Ianto … probably tried to shut down my own influence on him. But it's too late … his kiss has only strengthened what already exists … our bond.
Jack was still shaking with emotions; his heart breaking with what he had witnessed … the only scene that kept replaying in his mind was when Ianto pulled the Prince into a fierce embrace and kissed the man exactly the same way he had kissed him; the only words he heard over and over again were those three words that Ianto had whispered to the Prince, "I am yours."
"Harkness! Snap out of it! John's done his part in rescuing Ianto, so he can't be taken by the Prince. Of course, none of us knew the Shadow Proclamation would turn up accompanied by some pretty serious 'muscle' Jack. And what exactly are those guns they're totting?" the young medic said to Jack.
Jack brought his attention back to the present and focused on his team who were all staring intently at him; Owen glaring at him because he was blaming Jack for the whole fiasco in which they had become unwilling participants; Gwen's eyes were wide and staring at Jack demanding answers he didn't have and Tosh's eyes showed she was torn between fear of what would happen to them all and fascination with all that the current scenario had opened up for her.
"Pulse guns. Concentrated energy beam. Obliterate an enemy in an instant", Jack answered shrugging on his Captaincy, "they are pretty occupied with the Doctor, so no problem. I'm not entirely sure why they would bring the Judoon with them, but keep them muzzled. Probably the head of the Shadow Proclamation wanted to protect the representatives he's sent. Or, more than likely, just a show of strength … as if we could go up against them!"
"Jack", Tosh interrupted in a quiet voice, "let's go up to your office. We can talk there." Jack caught Tosh's meaningful gaze and nodded. They all walked solemnly up the stairs, leaving the Prince seated on their couch.
Prince Varnia glanced up at their retreating backs, but felt no inclination to follow them. It wasn't wise for him to be anywhere near the Captain considering the animosity he felt towards him. Glancing up at the clock on the wall, he worked out that there was still a little over 20 hours left of the 24 hours they were given by the Shadow Proclamation. But how was he going to get Ianto back? He needed to be on his own. To think. To plan.
Jack sat in his chair, Owen and Tosh were on the couch and Gwen had perched herself on the side of his desk. The ensuing discussion did not go well as tempers were frayed, nerves shattered and accusations began to fly.
Over the next hour or so, the team talked back and forth with each other, in parts, quite heatedly. Gwen rang Rhys to say she didn't know when she would be home and might have to stay over at the Hub. That phone call did not go well judging by Gwen's switch into Welsh in a manner that just screamed at the others 'we're having a damn row over this'. Jack sighed with frustration. Everything was such a mess. Gwen hung up abruptly, muttering in Welsh to herself, her face pale with anger.
Jack walked over to the window for a breather from the conversation, in time to see the Doctor leading the three committee members over to the Tardis. The Time Lord beckoned the young Prince to join them, which he did. The Judoon just stayed exactly where they were; large, armoured and armed Sentinels … with enough fire power to destroy the Hub … possibly a large chunk of the Bay with it. His hands tightened to fists as he watched the Doctor's retreating back, his brown trench coat flapping like miniature wings as he walked … much in the same way that Jack's coat flapped.
How could the Doctor do this to me? How could he betray me? What the hell did he tell Ianto? Everything would have worked out if he'd just kept his nose out of it! Ianto would have denied the Prince, the Prince would have gone back home and … maybe … consulted the Oracle to see if there was another partner for the Prince. Now it's a bloody mess and on top of it all, John has bonded with Ianto! He had better be able to break that bond or I'll break his neck!
Despite Jack's thoughts, there were a dark suspicion within that hinted at the fact that being unable to bond with Ianto, might prove to be quite dangerous for the Prince. He pushed that niggling thought as far down as he could. Ianto was his priority – not the Prince.
Tosh spoke up, "I'll nip down and make some coffee. At least mine is drinkable. And there's leftover food I'll bring up as well. Want to help me, Gwen?" The young Welshwoman nodded and smiled.
Jack and Owen just ignored each other for the time being; Jack still staring down at the Judoon, Owen glaring at Jack's back. Soon Tosh and Gwen had returned bearing trays with mugs of hot, steaming coffee and a plate piled high with sandwiches. They ate and drank in silence, then the conversations started up again … and were no more successful than before their meal.
In the middle of a particularly vitriolic exchange between Jack and Owen, the Vortex Manipulator began beeping and flashing it's lights and everyone turned to stare at it, wide-eyed and expectant.
They remained silent as Jack's fingers ran over the buttons and he was tense as he said, "It's John". Owen rolled his eyes … they had already guessed that much.
A bluish hologram of Captain John Hart appeared before them and Tosh and Owen darted forward to block the view of it through the glass windows. No point in drawing the Judoon up to the office while this was going on. Jack was really grateful that Tosh had disconnected the CCTV.
"Jack! Don't worry, Ianto's fine. I've found a solution." Then he stepped back and the figure of Ianto came into view … except … he looked different.
"I'm just hopping my way back to your Ianto on V-dale Sipora where I left him, a tad sedated, in the care of good friends of mine. Sorry, but I had to knock him out so I could travel to parallel worlds until I could find a replacement Ianto for the Prince. And let me tell you, Jack, it took quite a bit of hopping!"
John moved back and gestured for the man beside him to step forward, "Jack … I'd like to introduce you to … tah dah … Ianto Jones from an alternative reality. Go on then Ianto, smile for the camera."
The alter-Ianto stepped forward and smiled broadly, no hint of self-consciousness in his manner. Jack's heart flipped. He really did look like his Ianto, only his hair was longer and his physique was … well … extremely buffed judging by the tight tunic he was wearing over trousers.
"Hi, I'm Ianto Jones. John has explained everything to me and to be quite honest, I'm very open to his proposal. That I come back with him to Earth and meet Prince Varnia. Who knows? He might like me. John showed me a hologram of him. He is drop dead gorgeous! I can't understand why your Ianto wouldn't want to be with him. You must be something very special, Jack, for Ianto to turn down the Prince. Anyway … there's nothing holding me to my home. I'm a miner and we mine for dialithium crystals. Oh joy! I've got so much I have to give up here in order to, hopefully, become the Prince's Consort … or whatever. No family, they're all dead. No partner. Enough about me. Looking forward to meeting you all soon."
John stepped forward, a huge smirk on his face. "See. I'm damn good, Jack. By my calculations, we'll be back with you all on that delightful rock you call Earth, ready to deliver to Prince Varnia his new Ianto and deliver your Ianto back to you, fairly soon. And yes, Jack … stop pouting … I will be able to break the bond. He might be a bit needy for awhile. Hey! I could stay awhile and help him with the transition! But I'll tell you one thing, Harkness. Your Ianto really loves you … and only you … well, he will once the bond is broken."
He then pulled the other Ianto into his embrace and said, "Gotta go now … don't want to be late for the celebration dinner you'replanning for me, aren't you, Jack? I'll have to wait a little bit until your Ianto recovers. And then wait a bit longer until your Ianto stops screaming and shouting at me! Then my friends and I will break the bond. I said you could trust me, Jack. Okay, later everyone. Hope you've got a lovely 'welcome home and thank you, John' reception waiting for me because you, Jack Harkness, owe me big time!"
Then the hologram ended and Jack automatically saved the message. He then looked up at his team and saw they were upset to say the least. Gwen was the first to voice her concern, "Jack! The Shadow Proclamation! What will they do when they find out about this?" and Gwen glanced nervously to the Judoon downstairs.
"How's it going to work, Jack?", Tosh added thoughtfully, "The Prince has fallen in love with your Ianto. What if John's plan doesn't work and he doesn't fall in love with the other Ianto! Oh, listen to me! I'm talking about two Iantos as if it's the most natural thing in the world!"
Owen stared at his two team mates and rolled his eyes in frustration, crying out, "Oh, just shut it you lot with all the whinging! John has come up with something at least! What the hell have we managed to think up? Fuck all! I say it's worth a shot! At least this other Ianto is actually interested in the Prince! That's got to count for something. If the Prince fell for our Ianto because of his looks, what's to say he's not going to fall in love with the other Ianto? And let's be honest, the two Iantos may look alike, but the other Ianto comes out on top, if we're honest. The longer hair, more muscular build and self-confidence? I'd fall for him if I was that way inclined … which I'm not! The other Ianto would win hands down for me. What do you say, Jack?"
Jack had been thoughtful the whole time this discussion was going on. John's assurances had gone a long way to helping relieve the anxiety eating away at the Immortal. And Owen was right. The team had not come up with any kind of plan. A tendril of envy curled in Jack's throat as he turned to answer the young medic. Wish I'd thought of something like that. Guess I'm too emotionally involved in it all. Well, John, you're full of surprises! Maybe this will work.
"Okay, so I'm with Owen", Jack replied looking at all of them, "and yes, I'm aware there are a few kinks that need ironing out, but basically John's plan is brilliant! And it just might work. First up! We wait for an opportunity to speak to the Doctor about this and get him on board with the plan. Then he can put it forward to the Shadow Proclamation since he's doing all the negotiating with them. Think we'll also need the Doctor to run it past the Prince. He and I are not communicating well at the moment."
"Bloody understatement that is, Jack!" muttered Gwen, then ducked her head as Jack scowled at her.
"I'm more concerned about how the Shadow Proclamation will react when John just 'appears' back in the Hub with the two Iantos!" exclaimed Tosh, worry lacing her tone, "Correct me if I'm wrong, Jack, but I'm thinking they will view John's initial action as kidnapping and as an obviously important person like the Prince is involved, I'm scared they'll act first, ask questions later. Is this likely to happen, Jack?"
"No, because we'll be taking action before John arrives back. The Shadow Proclamation have given their word that we have a 24 hour period to work with and right now, we've got something like 19 hours left. That gives us time enough to talk to the Doctor, have him talk to the committee members and the Prince before John and the two Iantos return. And John said it would take some time before he returns back to Earth. So, if we can just all bury our niggling worries about what might go wrong and focus on this new scenario with confidence, I'm sure we can pull this off! What do you say, team?"
Jack's words had bolstered his own confidence and it reflected in the genuine grin he had on his face as he looked at each team member, one by one, daring them to challenge him. He felt something like excitement build in him as this new development reminded him of his time as a con man.
Owen said confidently, "I'm with you, boss! This will work … I can feel it!"
Tosh spoke a bit hesitantly, "Well, we don't have much choice. You're right, Jack, we didn't come up with any alternatives."
Gwen hesitated, then said, "Yeah, ok Jack. We had just better play our parts well, then. Are you sure the Doctor will be with us in this?"
Jack smiled as he turned and answered, "If it gets him out of this awkward situation, Gwen, I'm sure he'll be with us! Besides, by the deference the committee members have shown towards the Doctor, I think they'll want to tread carefully. They're dealing with a Time Lord and they know that antagonising him isn't a very smart thing to do."
Relieved that the situation looked like it was turning around for them, Jack rubbed his hands in glee. "Okay, I think we can relax a bit now. Keep an eye out for when the Doctor leaves the Tardis. We'll just go over a few points, then head back downstairs."
They all huddled around Jack's desk as he went over with them the plan of action he had for them all. After a quarter of an hour, they all agreed and headed out of the office ready to implement Jack's plan at the first opportunity.
Team Torchwood went to strategic parts of the Hub as casually as they could; Owen to the autopsy bay where he began to sort and tidy through all the drawers and cupboards; Tosh back to her computer when she monitored the recording that was still active; Gwen to her workstation where she took over from Tosh monitoring the Rift.
As they had all dispersed, Jack wondered over to the nearest group of Judoon and attempted to strike up a casual conversation. He knew they were impervious to his flirting, so he attempted to talk to them in a neutral manner, making it obvious he was just passing the time.
After about half an hour, the door to the Tardis opened and led by the Doctor, Prince Varnia and the three committee members followed close behind. Although there was a grim air about the group, Jack could tell by the Doctor's manner that the situation wasn't as bad as it had been.
Even the members of the Shadow Proclamation looked as though some kind of agreement had been reached. There was not the tight air of tension around them when they had first arrived. Whatever the Doctor had said or done, appeared to have appeased them. Only Prince Varnia wore a scowl on his face.
Seeing Jack and his team stand at their various stations, the Doctor nodded to them all, indicating he wanted to meet with them in private. Jack acknowledged the Doctor's unspoken call and indicated to the team that they would all be heading back up to his office. Owen, Gwen and Toshiko followed Jack up to the stairs, the Doctor and Prince Varnia leading the way to his office. The committee members went over to the Judoon and spoke to one of them, presumably the head of the unit.
Toshiko closed the door behind them all as they herded around Jack's desk, the Doctor shaking his head at Jack's offer of his seat. Instead, he inclined his head for them all to come and join him, standing at the floor-to-ceiling glass walls of Jack's office. They duly lined up around the Time Lord and the Prince and peered down at the group below. Suddenly, a white flash erupted in the Hub, exactly the same light that brought them all. The whole group disappeared.
The Doctor turned around, a huge grin on his face and addressed Jack, "All sorted! The Shadow Proclamation has agreed to honour the 24-hour period given us. And Prince Varnia has agreed … albeit reluctantly … to consider the proposition you have for him, Jack!"
The Immortal, along with the members of his team, all looked at the Doctor as though he had gone stark, raving mad. They shifted uneasily where they stood, unable to discern the cause for the Time Lord's turnaround attitude … or the surprising look of confidence on his face.
"What exactly are you talking about, Doctor? I don't follow you."
The Doctor grinned madly at the Immortal, "Yes, you do Jack! You know exactly what I'm talking about! So how long until they come back?"