Fic: Unprepared
Title: Unprepared
Author: badly_knitted
Characters: Ianto, Jack. OCs.
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Nada.
Summary: Ianto is about to find out that alien jungles really aren’t anything like the ones back on earth.
Word Count: 1357
Written For: Prompt 103 - The Jungle at fandomweekly.
Disclaimer: I don’t own Torchwood, or the characters. They belong to the BBC.
A/N: Set in my Ghost of a Chance ‘Verse.
When Ianto came out of the shuttlecraft, he was dressed in what he would usually wear for hiking, with a few modifications in deference to the fact that he wasn’t in Wales, or even on earth. A loose cotton shirt over a t-shirt, a hat to provide shade from the blazing sun, sturdy boots, and his trouser legs tucked inside his socks to prevent anything creeping up his legs inside his clothing. You never knew what nasty little critters might be lurking on alien planets.
He’d also loaded himself down with the multitude of accoutrements he considered necessary for a long trek through unfamiliar terrain. As well as a large backpack, he had a couple of water canteens, something that looked a lot like a machete, and an alien pistol in a holster at his hip, just in case they were attacked by dangerous predators. From long experience, he knew it was better to err on the side of caution.
In contrast, Jack was dressed in loose trousers and t-shirt, on account of the heat and humidity, and had a lightweight bag slung over one shoulder. He frowned at his lover in bewilderment. He knew Ianto liked to be prepared for all eventualities, but he couldn’t help feeling that perhaps this time he was going a bit over the top. This wasn’t a full-scale exploration of an uninhabited world; they were just here for a bit of sightseeing, and perhaps to trade with the locals.
“Are you sure you need all of that?”
“Of course!” Ianto replied, sounding a touch exasperated. “We’re going hiking in a jungle; who knows what’s out there? I know we’re immortal, but basic precautions still need to be taken. I’ve got water to keep us hydrated, food supplies, salt tablets, medical kit, insect repellent, flashlights, waterproof matches, a machete to cut our way through the undergrowth, and a gun in case we run into anything dangerous. I just hope that’ll be enough.” Apprehensively he eyed the thick mass of trees and undergrowth surrounding the clearing where they’d landed. “I’ve never been in a jungle before.”
“Honestly, it wouldn’t make any difference if you had; we’re not on earth, remember? This isn’t like exploring the Amazon rainforest. All you’ll be doing lugging that lot around is making yourself hot and tired.”
“D’you even know how to get to this jungle village? I have a compass, and a scanner with a remote link to the shuttlecraft so we can find our way back afterwards. I’m not going in there unprepared,” Ianto insisted stubbornly. He’d always prided himself on dressing appropriately for whatever situation he was facing, and on being ready for anything.
Jack sighed and shook his head. “Suit yourself. Come on then, let’s get going. I’d prefer to reach the village before the sun sets.”
“Are there nocturnal predators then?”
“Not that I’m aware, there’s just more to see in daylight, and blundering about after dark isn’t much fun. Besides, we don’t want to be late for dinner; that would be rude. Sunset is when the locals have their big evening meal.”
As Jack strode forward into the jungle Ianto hurried after him, deciding it would be safer if they stuck close together since Jack was unarmed and didn’t seem to be taking the potential dangers seriously.
Pushing their way through the undergrowth, they soon reached a narrow but surprisingly well-maintained path that wound its way among the trees, twisting and turning to avoid obstacles such as rock outcroppings, fallen trees, pools of water, and tangles of thorny growth. The ground beneath their feet was surprisingly even, except for the occasional exposed tree root that had to be stepped over.
Insects, or something of the sort, flitted about in whatever sunbeams managed to reach through the dense canopy far overhead, and Ianto could hear the cries of the native wildlife, although he couldn’t see anything that might be this planet’s equivalent of animals or birds. Perhaps they lived out their lives at the tops of the trees, or they might just be shy, avoiding what they saw as intruders in their habitat.
Unencumbered by baggage, Jack was setting a brisk pace, making it hard for Ianto to keep up, burdened by the heavy backpack. He was fit and healthy though, and he didn’t want to make a fuss, so he kept quiet until they’d been walking for about three hours. Finally, he broke the silence that had fallen between them.
“Do you have to walk so fast? I didn’t realise this was a race.”
Pausing at a bend in the path, Jack looked back at him. “Getting a bit winded, are you? I did tell you not to bring so much.”
“No, actually you didn’t, you said to suit myself.”
“Ah. Well, we can rest for a bit if you want, but there’s only about another four miles to go before we reach the settlement; we should be there in another hour or so.”
Ianto took a drink from one of the canteens, then offered it to Jack, who refused, claiming he wasn’t thirsty, which was hard to believe. Then again, Jack wasn’t sweating the way Ianto was. He was more accustomed to hot climates, having been born on a desert planet. Growing up in Wales really didn’t prepare one for hiking in the tropics.
Sighing, Ianto shook his head. “No, I’m fine. We should just keep going.” Four miles was nothing; he could manage that easily.
“Right, off we go then.”
For a moment Ianto just glared after Jack’s retreating back, then he set off again, hurrying to catch up. The last thing he needed was to get left behind.
A little less than an hour later the surrounding trees began to thin out a bit, and the path grew gradually wider; Ianto realised they must be approaching their destination. He didn’t really know what to expect from a settlement deep in an alien jungle. Maybe primitive huts made of sticks and grass, something like that, but…
“Here we are!” Jack said, stepping into an immense cleared area, at the centre of which was a group of truly massive trees. Bridges and walkways stretched between them, elaborately carved wood and stone buildings nestled around their bases, and the branches were filled with treehouses that were anything but primitive. Even the trees themselves appeared to have been hollowed out to create living spaces for the townsfolk, because this was no quaint primitive village; it was a city. Talk about the urban jungle.
There were people bustling around, coming and going, both on the ground and up among the trees. Basically humanoid, and as tall as Jack and Ianto, they were slender, dark-skinned, with long, silvery hair, and slanted golden eyes with catlike pupils. Their clothing consisted of short, sleeveless tunics, with decorative belts, while their legs and feet were bare. Several of them approached to greet their visitors.
“Welcome to Ivrashai,” one said, speaking Galactic standard. “Do you come to visit or to trade?”
“Perhaps a little of both,” Jack said with a smile. “We have trade goods back at our shuttlecraft. I’ve brought a few samples with me.”
“Then you and your companion will be our guests for tonight. Tomorrow we will talk trade, but for now perhaps you will join us as we go to bathe before the evening meal. It is traditional, and you will find it most refreshing after your long walk.”
“With pleasure.” Jack turned to Ianto. “Just leave your stuff here; you won’t need any of it, and no one will touch it.”
Ianto didn’t question the sureness in Jack’s voice, he was only too happy to dump his burdens right where he stood, rolling his shoulders to ease the soreness that had developed over the last four hours from the weight of his backpack. As they followed their hosts towards a series of pools beneath a waterfall, he glared at Jack, and muttered, “Why didn’t you tell me about all of this?”
Jack shrugged. “Would you have believed me if I had?”
Ianto sighed, admitting defeat. “Probably not. Jungles on earth are nowhere near this civilised.”
The End
Author: badly_knitted
Characters: Ianto, Jack. OCs.
Rating: PG
Spoilers: Nada.
Summary: Ianto is about to find out that alien jungles really aren’t anything like the ones back on earth.
Word Count: 1357
Written For: Prompt 103 - The Jungle at fandomweekly.
Disclaimer: I don’t own Torchwood, or the characters. They belong to the BBC.
A/N: Set in my Ghost of a Chance ‘Verse.
When Ianto came out of the shuttlecraft, he was dressed in what he would usually wear for hiking, with a few modifications in deference to the fact that he wasn’t in Wales, or even on earth. A loose cotton shirt over a t-shirt, a hat to provide shade from the blazing sun, sturdy boots, and his trouser legs tucked inside his socks to prevent anything creeping up his legs inside his clothing. You never knew what nasty little critters might be lurking on alien planets.
He’d also loaded himself down with the multitude of accoutrements he considered necessary for a long trek through unfamiliar terrain. As well as a large backpack, he had a couple of water canteens, something that looked a lot like a machete, and an alien pistol in a holster at his hip, just in case they were attacked by dangerous predators. From long experience, he knew it was better to err on the side of caution.
In contrast, Jack was dressed in loose trousers and t-shirt, on account of the heat and humidity, and had a lightweight bag slung over one shoulder. He frowned at his lover in bewilderment. He knew Ianto liked to be prepared for all eventualities, but he couldn’t help feeling that perhaps this time he was going a bit over the top. This wasn’t a full-scale exploration of an uninhabited world; they were just here for a bit of sightseeing, and perhaps to trade with the locals.
“Are you sure you need all of that?”
“Of course!” Ianto replied, sounding a touch exasperated. “We’re going hiking in a jungle; who knows what’s out there? I know we’re immortal, but basic precautions still need to be taken. I’ve got water to keep us hydrated, food supplies, salt tablets, medical kit, insect repellent, flashlights, waterproof matches, a machete to cut our way through the undergrowth, and a gun in case we run into anything dangerous. I just hope that’ll be enough.” Apprehensively he eyed the thick mass of trees and undergrowth surrounding the clearing where they’d landed. “I’ve never been in a jungle before.”
“Honestly, it wouldn’t make any difference if you had; we’re not on earth, remember? This isn’t like exploring the Amazon rainforest. All you’ll be doing lugging that lot around is making yourself hot and tired.”
“D’you even know how to get to this jungle village? I have a compass, and a scanner with a remote link to the shuttlecraft so we can find our way back afterwards. I’m not going in there unprepared,” Ianto insisted stubbornly. He’d always prided himself on dressing appropriately for whatever situation he was facing, and on being ready for anything.
Jack sighed and shook his head. “Suit yourself. Come on then, let’s get going. I’d prefer to reach the village before the sun sets.”
“Are there nocturnal predators then?”
“Not that I’m aware, there’s just more to see in daylight, and blundering about after dark isn’t much fun. Besides, we don’t want to be late for dinner; that would be rude. Sunset is when the locals have their big evening meal.”
As Jack strode forward into the jungle Ianto hurried after him, deciding it would be safer if they stuck close together since Jack was unarmed and didn’t seem to be taking the potential dangers seriously.
Pushing their way through the undergrowth, they soon reached a narrow but surprisingly well-maintained path that wound its way among the trees, twisting and turning to avoid obstacles such as rock outcroppings, fallen trees, pools of water, and tangles of thorny growth. The ground beneath their feet was surprisingly even, except for the occasional exposed tree root that had to be stepped over.
Insects, or something of the sort, flitted about in whatever sunbeams managed to reach through the dense canopy far overhead, and Ianto could hear the cries of the native wildlife, although he couldn’t see anything that might be this planet’s equivalent of animals or birds. Perhaps they lived out their lives at the tops of the trees, or they might just be shy, avoiding what they saw as intruders in their habitat.
Unencumbered by baggage, Jack was setting a brisk pace, making it hard for Ianto to keep up, burdened by the heavy backpack. He was fit and healthy though, and he didn’t want to make a fuss, so he kept quiet until they’d been walking for about three hours. Finally, he broke the silence that had fallen between them.
“Do you have to walk so fast? I didn’t realise this was a race.”
Pausing at a bend in the path, Jack looked back at him. “Getting a bit winded, are you? I did tell you not to bring so much.”
“No, actually you didn’t, you said to suit myself.”
“Ah. Well, we can rest for a bit if you want, but there’s only about another four miles to go before we reach the settlement; we should be there in another hour or so.”
Ianto took a drink from one of the canteens, then offered it to Jack, who refused, claiming he wasn’t thirsty, which was hard to believe. Then again, Jack wasn’t sweating the way Ianto was. He was more accustomed to hot climates, having been born on a desert planet. Growing up in Wales really didn’t prepare one for hiking in the tropics.
Sighing, Ianto shook his head. “No, I’m fine. We should just keep going.” Four miles was nothing; he could manage that easily.
“Right, off we go then.”
For a moment Ianto just glared after Jack’s retreating back, then he set off again, hurrying to catch up. The last thing he needed was to get left behind.
A little less than an hour later the surrounding trees began to thin out a bit, and the path grew gradually wider; Ianto realised they must be approaching their destination. He didn’t really know what to expect from a settlement deep in an alien jungle. Maybe primitive huts made of sticks and grass, something like that, but…
“Here we are!” Jack said, stepping into an immense cleared area, at the centre of which was a group of truly massive trees. Bridges and walkways stretched between them, elaborately carved wood and stone buildings nestled around their bases, and the branches were filled with treehouses that were anything but primitive. Even the trees themselves appeared to have been hollowed out to create living spaces for the townsfolk, because this was no quaint primitive village; it was a city. Talk about the urban jungle.
There were people bustling around, coming and going, both on the ground and up among the trees. Basically humanoid, and as tall as Jack and Ianto, they were slender, dark-skinned, with long, silvery hair, and slanted golden eyes with catlike pupils. Their clothing consisted of short, sleeveless tunics, with decorative belts, while their legs and feet were bare. Several of them approached to greet their visitors.
“Welcome to Ivrashai,” one said, speaking Galactic standard. “Do you come to visit or to trade?”
“Perhaps a little of both,” Jack said with a smile. “We have trade goods back at our shuttlecraft. I’ve brought a few samples with me.”
“Then you and your companion will be our guests for tonight. Tomorrow we will talk trade, but for now perhaps you will join us as we go to bathe before the evening meal. It is traditional, and you will find it most refreshing after your long walk.”
“With pleasure.” Jack turned to Ianto. “Just leave your stuff here; you won’t need any of it, and no one will touch it.”
Ianto didn’t question the sureness in Jack’s voice, he was only too happy to dump his burdens right where he stood, rolling his shoulders to ease the soreness that had developed over the last four hours from the weight of his backpack. As they followed their hosts towards a series of pools beneath a waterfall, he glared at Jack, and muttered, “Why didn’t you tell me about all of this?”
Jack shrugged. “Would you have believed me if I had?”
Ianto sighed, admitting defeat. “Probably not. Jungles on earth are nowhere near this civilised.”
The End