A/N: The canon timeline will be jumbled up a bit to suit my needs for the story. Some episodes will be ignored completely, while others will have bits used here and there.
The thin light of dawn was creeping through the curtains when the lovers stirred on their final morning. Feeling warm and safe, they stretched, and then curled back around each other to enjoy the quiet while it lasted; today they go back to the Hub, and the apocalypse of the week.
Jack's wrist strap beeped quietly, telling them that it was time to grab a shower and check out; the vacation is over, but they are not overly upset. What happened in the past three days could not be undone, and they have forever to do anything they feel like doing. But right now, Torchwood needs them, and they will always be there.
The three mates enter the hub via the invisible lift, arms tangled together while they laugh at some dry comment made by Ianto. Once it hits the bottom, Ianto disentangles himself and heads for the kitchen; coffee is very much desired by himself and his new mates. He stops for a moment to savor the thought of never being alone again; he feels a gentle stroke go over his mind, and he returns it happily.
The heavy round door rolls open, with its usual loud pomp and ceremony, to admit the three remaining team members. Tosh notices that their leader and his new mates are already there, and rushes into the kitchen to hug Ianto. Pulling back, she looks him over, noticing that he looks well-rested and happy. He smiles at her, handing her a cup of coffee, and then placing the remaining mugs on the ever-present silver tray, he makes his way into the Hub proper. Owen looks up blearily as he reaches for his mug, giving a half-hearted "Ta, Ianto," while Suzie smirks as she gives him a once-over. "I see that you're still in one piece." Ianto blushes, and turns towards Jack's office to deliver the remaining cups of nectar.
The morning greetings thus completed, Torchwood 3 begins its day. Suzie follows along behind Ianto into the office a few minutes later to give her brief on the activities of the past three days. Nodding to Ianto and Jeannie, she begins. "Cooper was hanging about the water tower; the retcon is probably breaking. We decided to let her stew until you lot returned, and just didn't use the lift or the tourist office." Jack looks pensive. Glancing at his mates, he says, "We came in on the lift this morning; no sign of her hanging around. Suggestions?" Suzie's lips tighten a bit. "I say we bring her in, show her around. See if she's calmed down enough to actually listen to us. If not, well, that wasn't the strongest dose of retcon."
Suzie watches Jack share long looks with Ianto and Jeannie; the expressions crossing the faces of all three indicate that a conversation is happening. She puts that thought aside for discussion later when Jack lets out a loud breath of air. "Okay, when she shows up again, escort her down to the boardroom. Ianto will get refreshments, and we'll chat with her." Nodding in agreement, Suzie leaves the office, and heads for the medical bay to discuss her suspicions regarding their boss and his new mates with Owen.
Tosh's head shoots up. "Jack! She's back," pointing to the monitor. "Okay people, it's time to see if PC Gwen Cooper can handle this a second time. Owen, in case she can't, get an injection with the next higher dose of retcon ready, and stand by with it." Owen nods, and having already done that, heads for the boardroom. Suzie takes the lift up once everyone is gathered around the table, with fresh cups of coffee for all.
On the Plass
Suzie watches Cooper roam around for a few minutes before she steps off of the paving slab. Cooper spins around, startled. "Where did you come from?" "I was just there." She points to the slab. "I've been sent to bring you in; over here, we won't hurt you." Watching Suzie's encouraging smile, Cooper slowly makes her way to the slab; when it starts moving, she screams, grabbing onto Suzie for balance. She looks around the cavernous entrance with wide eyes, still holding Suzie tightly. Quietly chuckling, Suzie guides the woman off of the slab and up to the boardroom.
Cooper stops in the doorway, looking at each person gathered around the table. "I've been here before. But then you did something to me to make me forget. Why did you do that?"
Jack says, "Have a seat PC Cooper." She sits in the designated chair, still looking around a bit apprehensively. "Police Constable Gwen Elizabeth Cooper, you've been with the Heddlu for two years. You live with your boyfriend, Rhys Williams, who is a manager at Harwood's Haulage. You have a fairly spotty record, but have been given second chances to prove yourself in the investigative field. The question is, would you fit in here?" Jack waves his hand around the boardroom, "With such a small team, you understand that we have to have the right fit, otherwise we'll fail. And that just can't happen. The future of the planet, and of humanity, depends upon us doing our jobs the right way, the first time." During this recital, Jack's eyes never left hers; she looks around at the people sitting with her before meeting Jack's gaze. "I would like to work here, yes."
Clapping his hands together, Jack looks at his team. "Okay, let's get Miss Cooper set up; Ianto: I believe she has a thick stack of paperwork to fill out. Jeannie: if you could help him, that would be great. Tosh: set her up with a probationary account and keycard. Suzie: set up a time for her to meet you on the range. Owen: set up a medical file, and give her the physical and immunizations." Looking around the table at his team, Jack gave his mega-watt grin. "The rift looks quiet today, so we should be able to get most of that done."
Gwen hesitantly says, "Mr. Harkness? What will you be doing with me?" Jack looks at her. "First off, it's not 'Mr. Harkness'. It's Jack, boss, take your pick. Not 'sir' though. The honor of using that title goes to my gorgeous mate, Ianto." Gwen looks shocked. She looks at Ianto, whose high cheekbones are slightly pink, and narrows her eyes. Jeannie, noticing her reaction, narrows her own eyes. "Miss Cooper. Allow me to welcome you to Torchwood; I believe that Jack has neglected to introduce you properly to the team: Suzie Costello, second-in-command, and weapons' specialist." Suzie nods at her before leaving. "Toshiko Sato, all-around technical genius. She hasn't found a computer system she can't hack." Tosh blushes, and gives a little wave before leaving. "Dr. Owen Harper; he's a snarky bastard, but he is one awesome doctor." Owen smirks at Jeannie before waving at Gwen on his way out the door. "Ianto Jones; he is our archivist. He is a jack-of-all-trades that knows more about Torchwood, and the Hub, than even Jack." Ianto chuckles warmly at Jeannie's pronouncement before nodding politely. "Then you have me: I'm Jeannie Crandle. I help out wherever it's needed. Ianto and I are also Jack's mates; we live here, in a storeroom that we converted into an apartment." Gwen gasps at Jeannie's comment about being Jack's mates. "So, you both are his friends then?" "When I said 'mates', I didn't mean that type of mate. We are life-bonded soul mates. We're a triad; while that is not common in this day and age, it works for us." Jeannie smiles brightly. "So, Ianto and I have a forest or two for you to fill out." With that said, Ianto hands over the first of many forms.
A/N: I am usually one or two chapters ahead of posting, so if any of you have questions or suggestions, please review, or PM me. Thanks!