CHAPTER 8
Jack…
The Captain looked up, wincing at the pain gathering behind his eyes. He was expecting to see Ianto, standing beside him with a mug of fresh, steaming coffee. Instead, there was no one. He sat completely alone in the boardroom – but the voice…?
Jack, it repeated. For so long we have lived for this moment. The capacity to see into the mind of one who has travelled across time. You are a unique being, Jack. So many thoughts. So many memories. So many secrets…
"What are you?! More to the point: where are you?"
As you correctly assumed – we are the Agniton. Though our abilities have evolved since our last visit to earth. It is no longer compulsory to take the thoughts of the human, only the impulses. Our ancestors shared with us the stories of those they fed on. One was of particular interest. We know all about Torchwood, Jack, and all about you…
"So you now take the memories for an added kick?! I've seen and heard stuff in my time, but what you do? That's just twisted!" He raised a trembling hand to his head. Cold sweat was beginning to bead on his forehead. That in itself was weird – Jack didn't usually sweat…
"Jack?"
We know what you have witnessed, Jack. We can see it in your mind. So troubled and lonely. Never aging. Watching those you love, grow old and perish.
"What do you know of love?!" he said through gritted teeth, anger fostering in his voice. "Your method of dining isn't exactly compassionate!"
"Jack?!"
We know a lot more than you think. You are not of this planet, Jack. Not that that it is your true identity. We may consider a detour on our passage home. Yes, a few more people are obligatory to help us restore strength, but to feed from one as unusual as you…well, it is an opportunity not to be dismissed…
How many more would have to suffer? "I SWEAR - IF YOU DON'T LEAVE NOW, YOU WILL SERIOUSLY REGRET EVER SETTING FOOT ON THIS PLANET!" His head was spinning now, every word becoming lost in the tornado streaking through his mind. The Torchwood operative all those years ago, they killed her and took her thoughts. The Agniton knew everything about Torchwood...
Ianto, who had been standing at the foot of the table for the past five minutes, looked hurt and taken aback by Jack's shouting, fear visible in his eyes. He had been on the back end of one of Jack's bad moods before (having said that, he'd been on the back end of Jack full stop) and so, not wanting to risk it, he placed the mug on an aluminium coaster in front of his boss and cautiously retreated.
Jack's eyes snapped open; his breathing was heavy, yet fast. His piercing blue eyes darted around the room and his eyesight blurred with the racing of his pulse. God, what was wrong with him? Then Jack remembered the conversation he had had a few moments previously.
His threat had been useless. The Agniton knew where Jack was, and they were coming for him…