Revelations and Recollections Chapter One
Author: lexia_arcadia (registered for the big bang under pomkeygeekange )
Title: Revelations and Recollections.
Characters/Pairings: Jack, Ianto, Owen, Gwen, Toshiko female O/C. Susie, Katie, The Doctor and Lisa are mentioned but not seen.
Warnings: (character death, non-con, smut, etc) almost none con, dub con , (Brief reference to torture, not so brief references to aliens possessing a team member, references to medical procedures, an original character death is described but not seen. In addition, my O/C is shot a few times.
Rating: I would say R
Current Word Count: 47341
Beta(s): saintmaybe1121
Summary: When Ianto Jones ran into his old friend Jessica Jackson on an awkward night out in the pub, no one was aware what impact she would have on the team. With her she brings her own Rift caused emotional damage, bad memories, cryptic messages and a few revelations for everyone. Meanwhile Gwen is not really Gwen at all and Owen is left to look after a sick Ianto. With that, Cyber men and a lost Glomp it makes for a revealing time in Torchwood. Emotions are running high. But is it all connected and how? Post Cyber woman and Countryside.
Notes: If you have not seen the Doctor who episodes Army of Ghosts/ Doomsday some references may not make sense. Likewise for Cyber woman.
Status: Complete
The lovely erin_giles has provided cover art here. Go throw complements her way as it is so pretty.
Next part can be found here
It was rare that the entire team went out for a pint. Tonight was the rare exception that the entire team was around the same table. However this time Ianto had been persuaded to come out for a drink. At least he with them in person if not in mind and spirit. Jack reflected on this. He supposed it could be tiredness. After the latest alien visitation, dragging ten stone of unconscious alien made of rock back to the Hub would wear anyone out. So it could have been that. Or it could have been Ianto feeling awkward. After the unfortunate incident with the Cyber woman Jack was trying to include him in team activities with varying degrees of success. Not like they were acting much of a team, Gwen was doing her mother hen routine making Ianto more withdrawn, whilst Owen was being openly hostile towards
Him. Jack was uncertain where he stood. The only person Ianto seemingly felt remotely comfortable around was Toshiko. Come late evening, it was a relief when Owen found his own entertainment for the night and Gwen went home to Rhys. He was left with his two shyest, withdrawn and socially awkward team members. Jack was about to launch into a story about his time dating a pair of Hogan twins when he heard the polite cough.
"Hi. Sorry to interrupt." Said a hesitant female voice from behind him. Ianto glanced up and Jack saw a look of recognition in his face.
"Hello" he replied politely.
"Ianto?" She asked. This caught Jacks attention as he turned and
looked around. An embarrassed red head was stood behind him, a red flush to her cheeks.
"Jessica? Jessica Jackson?" Ianto replied looking slightly shocked and surprised. Jessica nodded. "You look so different without the Goth getup”
"Yeah thanks. Whoa, Oh My God someone else actually...," she stopped herself from finishing her sentence and cleared her throat.
"Who's your friend Ianto?" Jack asked. He looked at her appearance and his mind started to form questions. Jack recognised the look in her eyes. He had seen it in shell shocked soldiers in battle. He suspected from her appearance, her dirty clothes that did nothing to hide her figure, that something was not right. He made a vow then that if nothing else he would find the underlying cause of that.
"Jessica Jackson meet Captain Jack Harkness, Toshiko Sato. My workmates, " Ianto made a vague gesture pointing to both in turn.
"Oh," was her articulate response. She nodded showing she understood just what Ianto meant by workmates. "Then I know I picked the right time to approach you . There's something you need to see. "
Jack was not happy that Ianto had just taken Jessica's word for it. However, it was apparent that to Ianto, Jessica's word was enough. The way that Ianto had just accepted this with a quiet "Okay" and calmly started to put his coat on also caused concern to Jack. Jack had concerns about Ianto's decision making of late and so he had insisted that he was going with them. He knew that he would not be able to change Ianto’s mind on this, just like Ianto knew that Jack would not change his mind either. Jack was not about to let any of his team wonder of with a member of Torchwood One after what had happened. Especially after events of late. In a way that Ianto could not explain, Jack's insistence that he was going with them reassured Ianto a little bit. He felt safer when Jack was around. He would never admit that to anyone though. As for Toshiko, her natural curiosity and loyalty meant that she would follow Jack without question.
During the silent gathering of possessions, Jessica could sense Jacks mistrust of the situation. She had expected it even however she was relieved that they had agreed to follow her anyway. She knew that she would be facing some tough questions later but she also knew that she had no alternative. Still it was with some reluctance still that she headed out with the three of them. Jack could tell that to in the way she walked.
A short walk later, they approached an abandoned building near the docks.
"I was looking for a place to crash when I discovered this. Alarm
bells definitely started ringing loudly," she said pointing to a window. Jack and his two team members peered through the window and recoiled with horror when they recognised what they could see.
"Told you it was something you needed to see, " Jessica said with more than a hint of I told you so. She shivered, her thin top doing nothing to keep the cold air out. Ianto noticed and offered her his coat. She accepted it gratefully.
"What, how?" Toshiko stammered shocked.
"Impossible! They should be gone, sucked back into the Void, " Ianto added. He shivered. He told himself that it was because of the cold however, he knew it was not.
"Not all of them." Jessica said. She noticed Jack's look, "I was in Torchwood one. Retcon did not work, worst luck, I get to remember it all. I seriously fucking wish it had. The things they did there, " Jessica looked upset, her face a picture of misery. "We had it drummed into us that the Doctor was the enemy, the monster, the bringer of misery and destruction, well they got it wrong. Torchwood was the monster , " she sounded bitter. Tears streamed down her face. "And I thought it was over and I come across this," Another tear fell down her face, Ianto numbly retrieved a tissue and offered her it. She took it.
"Lisa?" she whispered to Ianto.
"Discovered. Dead. Destroyed. " He answered. He understood the meaning of Jessica's question. She wanted to know if Lisa was responsible for this. "Sophie?" He asked knowing that his question had the same meaning.
"Likewise." Jessica answered. She glanced over to Toshiko and Jack. If they had heard then they were doing a good job of ignoring the whispered questions and answers. Jack and Toshiko were looking at the building, trying to establish what had happened.
Ianto then paced away from Jessica slightly. His normally blank face now wore a look of horror. He closed his eyes trying to block out the unwelcome memories of that time, of Lisa, of everything. He suspected that Jessica was going through the same process as she gasped.
"Jack, what's that noise?" Toshiko interrupted with a whisper.
Jack had heard it and looking at Ianto’s face Jack realised that Ianto had heard it to. The unrelenting thud of footsteps, the distinctive regimented stomp that was getting closer.
"Cybermen," Jack hissed, "we have to get out of here."
Toshiko looked shocked at that.
"Lets get back to the Hub. Weapons. We can't fight them if we are unarmed ," Jack replied. He pulled out his Webbly, out of habit , even though he knew it would ultimately be useless.
Toshiko followed Jacks lead. Jessica seemed routed to the spot in terror and Ianto hesitated, before he reacted. . Ianto took decisive action as he scooped Jessica up into a fire-fighter’s lift. Jessica didn't even notice that they were on the move.
By a wing and a prayer, they reached the Hub without being detected. It was by further unspoken agreement that Ianto carried Jessica in.
"Bloody hell," she murmured.
She was gently deposited on the couch and she started trembling. She had gone pale. "Urgh " She groaned as she felt the bile rise in her throat. Ever efficient Ianto handed her a bin just in time to throw up.
While that was happening, Toshiko was attempting to access the CCTV near the abandoned wear-house and Jack was phoning Gwen and Owen. Neither of their absent colleague's sounded too impressed but never the less were soon at the Hub.
When they arrived, Ianto presented them with coffee, just the way they preferred it.
.
"This had better be good Harkness," Owen barked out.
"Jack, who is that?" Gwen, ever curious asked.
Jessica was now watching Myfanwy curiously from her perch on the couch. Under the Hub lighting, it was plainly obvious to Owen just how unnaturally thin Jessica was. Even without examining her, he knew that she was underweight. Her hair tangled her clothes tattered and dirty made Owen suspicious. .
Jack was pulling the big guns s out of the weapons store ignoring Gwen's questions. Ianto passed Jessica the bin again, and Owen figured he best put his medical training into practice.
"Ianto, " Owen addressed Ianto as he indicated with a tilt of his head towards Jessica and then the medical bay. Ianto nodded, waited until Jessica had stopped throwing up and helped her down to where Owen was waiting.
"What's your name?" Owen asked.
"Argh" She grunted out, seemingly still a bit green and queasy before revealing her name, that she was twenty five years old and she was allergic to penicillin and grapes.
"Okay, I am going to give you something to stop the nausea. Want a quip about feeling a small prick?" he asked trying to put her at ease.
"No, thanks. So are you a doctor then?"
"Obviously, hence the white coat. Won't take long to kick in" Owen said scowling.
Jessica saw the needle and promptly fainted. Owen sighed, exchanged a look with Ianto and give her the injection, poking it none to gently into her exposed upper arm.. By the time she came through, he had scanned her , using the Bakkarin scanner and found a variety of wounds in a variety of heeling stages.
"That's not good." Ianto summed up looking over Owens shoulder .
Just then, the base went into lock down, bathing the base in red lighting.
Hour One.
Jack sighed as he hung up the phone sitting ominously still .
"What a pompous, arrogant, piece of shit , " he yelled as he tossed the phone
onto Gwen's desk.
"But are they going to help,?" Gwen asked cutting him off before he
could go into a rant.
"Yes, they are going to send The Valiant to deal with our uninvited
guests, " he said, "Toshiko, how are we doing getting out of here?"
Toshiko launched into a long complicated explanation that Jack could
follow, even if he pretended he could not. He understood that she could not
over ride the lock down program, and she did not know what had caused it or
why. Yet. So they were stuck in there for six or so hours. That news
did not go down too well.
"How's Jessica?" Jack asked. At least there was a problem he could deal
with. He focused on that part, blocking out the grumbles from Gwen and
Owen about how they had plans.
"Sleeping." Ianto replied from the couch area.
Jack turned around and smiled at the sight. Jessica, at some point had decided that Ianto
would make a good pillow. More specifically his lap. Jack thought it was slightly adorable. Ianto had covered her with a blanket but that was noted not enough to stop her shivering. He was stroking her hair as she whimpered about something. Ianto then grimaced as his hand connected with something. Jack walked up watching him as he searched through her hair.
"Oh, " Ianto announced.
"Oh,?" Jack asked.
He looked over to where Ianto pointed. "Urgh, " Jack concluded.
He gently extracted the creature, his hands brushing lightly against Ianto's, trying not to disturb Jessica. He took a closer look at the creature.
"Bad news is we have an infestation. Good news is its not human. Bad
news is its alien. Good news is it's harmless. At least at this stage. And we
can treat it, "Jack declared.
Ianto had a bad feeling he wood be getting up close and personal with gloves and a fine tooth comb. Apparently, on top of acting as the team’s mother and tea boy, he was to be the school nurse. Ianto thought about asking for a new job description at that moment but decided against it.
"Time to wake up Jessica, " Ianto said sighing as he shook her slightly.
"Its a bloody head louse," Owen declared when Jack presented him with it. Immediately Toshiko and Gwen started to scratch their heads subconsciously.
"Its alien" Jack snapped. "And it's not a head louse."
Toshiko and Gwen stopped scratching.
"Its a egg off a Tralek," Jack added.
Toshiko immediately went to her computer to look up a Tralek in the
database. She twitched when the computer stayed blank and dark, unresponsive.
Gwen immediately ventured near to Jack to have a closer look.
"Its oddly pretty, " Gwen said.
"The mothers are not," Jack said, "they select hosts and lay their eggs. When the eggs hatch they devourer their hosts from the inside and go on to mate. The average life span is roughly ten years and they like cold, wet climates but can adapt," he said. "You have something similar on your planet called parasitoids" he grinned, "but these babies are definitely not of planet Earth."
Jessica had walked up to them in time to hear the last part "Right, so I guess I am baby
food," she said, "great."
"Treatment is good old fashioned removal by picking the eggs out then" Jack trailed of, a mischievous look on his face.
"What?" Everyone asked.
"Treating the infected area with a special mixture," Jack said hedging.
"Which is?" Gwen asked.
"Fish scales, eggs, conditioner and a few drops of Weevil blood." Jack continued. Everyone made disgusted faces.
"Baby food it is," Jessica said.
"Oh the treatment is applied when the host is sleeping," Jack continued on.
"I can cope with that, " Jessica grimaced.
"It will be all rinsed out before you awake," Jack promised apologetically.
"Okay so Traleks are obviously bad but what about the Cybermen? We have to stop them, " Gwen said. This got a general murmur of agreement from everyone who had been thinking the same.
"We can not get out the base. I know we should be doing something but what do you suggest?" Jack shouted. "because until we can get out, their is nothing else we can do. So if any of you have any ideas then let me hear them because I am all out."
Nobody spoke, his outburst shocking them into silence. They knew Jack was right and that was what scared them most.
"The second we get out we will move out." Jack said, "Until then lets deal with what we can." He said quietly.
"Alright then lets do this, " Gwen said sounding more enthusiastic then
everyone felt.
An hour later Jack got of the phone to UNIT to inform them about
a Tralek invasion. The Lieutenant he spoken to had laughed until Jack pointed out the head eating implications. It was lucky they had a laptop, Toshiko insisting on that in case of emergencies after too many lock downs of late. Toshiko had used CCTV to track down the location of the Tralek and Cyberman and was now co-ordinating UNIT to the locations of each. She was glad she was on co-ordination duty. She felt comfortable with computers even though she was not happy about dealing with UNIT. Jack reassured her that she would not actually have to meet any of UNIT which calmed her fears a little. She was also glad that she did not have to deal with Tralek eggs.
Owen was still finding them, using a pair of tweezers and magnifying glass to pluck them out. A tedious and painstaking process that was using Owens’s last bit of patience. From where Jack stood supervising everything on the gantry he could hear Ianto talking to her, although Jack was not really following the conversation. Both Jessica and Ianto were sat crossed legged on the autopsy table, Ianto with a stopwatch and looking silly in his now rumpled suit. Jack made a mental note to find out what that was about later. This had left Gwen to mix the so called treatment. Something she was really unhappy about.
"Why can't Ianto do it?" She kept asking.
"Because he's busy helping with Jessica," was Jacks response, "and
you didn't clean out the Weevil's cage once during Ianto’s time away. "
"Well why can't you? You hate dealing with UNIT." She had tried. She had given him her best puppy eyed look.
"Because I asked you to do it. Last time I looked, I sign your paychecks. Things will get messy so you might as well start learning that now." Jacks response left no room for argument.
Gwen found herself in a storage room of the vaults. She also found
trouble. She was grumbling as she read the recipe sheet via the
aid of a torch. She donned rubber gloves, overalls and a gas mask
and she still felt faintly disgusted.
"Just because the new person gets Ianto all distracted I am left to mix shit. This is not fair, it's not my job." She grouched to herself.
"Makes you feel unappreciated?" A voice whispered to her.
Gwen quickly looked around. She could not locate the source of it but she knew better than to dismiss it out of hand . She pressed her communicator but found it was unresponsive.
"Who, who are you?" Gwen asked tentatively .
"A friend. " The voice whispered back promptly.
"A friend?" Gwen asked uncertainly. She went to pull her gun out only to find it was not there.
"Looking for this?", the voice asked as the gun waved itself in the air.
Gwen froze.
"I can help you. The new girl she's wrong. Ianto is in danger because of her."
"What do you mean wrong?" Gwen asked, concerned for Ianto.
"She walks in without question and Ianto is at her beck and call. Does that not strike you as suspicious?"
"I trust Jack's judgement. Jack let Jessica in." Gwen replied.
"Ah Jack yes. Do you love him?" The voice asked.
"I have Rhys, " Gwen said.
"And Owen on the side, don't even pretend that you're not. But that did not answer my question." The voice whispered in her ear.
Gwen did not respond, her mind racing as she tried to figure out what to do. She started heading for the door to go get help.
"They all find you to be second best. You know that. They mock you, your humanity. And that scares you"
"It would frighten anyone if it was true. " Gwen replied.
"I can make the fear stop," The voice replied.
Gwen did not react as she suddenly felt warm despite the chill in the room. A feeling of peace surrounded her , like being in her mother’s kitchen as a child on a Sunday afternoon.
"I need you to help me," whispered the voice.
"How?" was Gwen's only reply.
Nobody heard Gwen as she cried.
Then she stopped and the tears dried up.
"You humans make it too easy. But now to bide my time. Best to
blend in. Don't worry Gwen, your not going anywhere, you're going to get
exactly what you deserve, because you're so special," The voice whispered to her.
So the body of Gwen had donned gloves, sulkily read through the print out Toshiko had found and groaned again.
Jack ignored the slight squabble coming from the direction of Owens' work area as he checked in with Toshiko. He give her a reassuring smile, a friendly squeeze on the shoulder as she pushed her glasses back up. He looked at the image on the CCTV feed, noticed with an intense feeling of relief that the Cybermen seemed pretty inactive at the moment. Armed police where keeping the area nearby civilian free. Jack hoped this invasion would be unsuccessful and casualty free although he recognised that it was pretty unlikely. He did not want a repeat of Canary Wharf if it could be avoided. Not that there was much that could be accomplished from inside the Hub. The exits were still sealed despite Toshiko’s efforts, but it was positive that the laptop was still online. He decided to worry about how that was possible later on.
"Keep me informed." Jack told Toshiko.
"Will do." She said as she reached for her coffee.
"Good work Tosh, you're doing great," Jack added. He had been reading books about how to become a good manager in the Twenty first century. The book had said to praise staff at every opportunity and it did seem like a good idea.
She did not need to ask what he meant by that. She give him a shy smile and a slight nod. He smiled back as he made his way to autopsy.
"How are we doing over here?" Jack asked.
"Two thousand of the bastards and still going," Owen announced as he pulled another one out, "How on earth did so many cram on one head? And more to the point how did you not notice?" He directed that at Jessica.
"I noticed. Just couldn't do anything about it, " she replied, "was kind of tied up at the time. "
"Sounds kinky." Jack joked.
"It really was not." Jessica replied. There was clearly more behind that statement.
"What happened?" Ianto asked.
"Revenge. Torture. Seemed like Torchwood one had pissed off a fair few creatures. It was open season when they discovered me. " Jessica answered.
"Someone deliberately done this?" Ianto asked. He took hold of her hand to regain her attention.
"Something. Yes. I should have stayed away. But the opportunity was there to get out and I could not stand anymore. I wanted it to stop," Jessica whispered ashamed.
"Yeah, kind of figured that out," Owen pulled another egg out of her hair, "Its done." he announced.
Ianto jumped down off the table and Owen started preparing the anaesthetic. Ianto pulled a comb out of his pocket. When Jessica reached for it, Ianto shook his head as he walked round. He gently started to comb through her tangled hair.
"Ianto you know that I am sorry? This is all my fault " She said.
"I know you are. You always take the blame. When this is done, we will talk about it, " Ianto replied, "close your eyes," he added as Owen came back with the needle and breathing tube.
"Gwen we're ready for that mixture, " Jack informed her over the coms as Jessica fell into welcome darkness. Jack took pity on Gwen when she brought up the mixture. It looked and smelled awful. Jack soon discovered that it did not feel too nice even through thick rubber gloves. Gwen gratefully went away, making sure she was seen heading for the toilets. She would have loved a shower but they were currently out of reach due to the lock down. He took pity on Owen to who was more than happy to go run tests on the pile of eggs. Then Owens professional side returned and forced him to
stay to check that the anaesthetic did not have an undesired effects. Toshiko said that she did not mind the smell that much as it drifted over to her computer, but she was still happy to stay as far away from the treatment as possible. Ianto seemed almost used to it. "I do deal with these things on a daily basis." he pointed out as he pulled on his gloves and apron. The two of them worked in companionable silence as they worked the gloop. Gwen had mixed into her hair, Jack more clumsy than Ianto’s' calm and measured approach.
An hour later Toshiko wondered over.
"They have found the Tralek mother and she is apparently being co-operative," she reported, "And UNIT have taken over co-ordination. They said that they have it under control. So far, it appears the Cybermen are not converting people. They will keep is informed. I also managed to find Jessica's file from Torchwood One."
"Lets hear it ," Jack replied.
"Nothing really to report. She was headhunted into Torchwood after she
did work experience at HC Clements. Her older sister helped secure her Torchwood placement and subsequent employment. There was an incident with a Weevil that finally persuaded them to let her have a part time job there. She worked at Torchwood One full time since the age of eighteen after taking A levels. Let’s see, she was missing, presumed dead after the battle, obviously not since she has popped up today. She has not accessed her bank account since the battle , no surviving family members. Older sister Sophie Jackson also missing assumed dead after Canary Wharf. Jessica was currently engaged to a soldier named Danny Johnson who was killed in action. No criminal record, or driving licence. It also noted that Alex Hopkins had requested both her and Sophie’s transfers to Torchwood three. It was deferred as Sophie was undergoing medical treatment for cancer at the time. Transfer request was later cancelled due Hopkins suicide. I think you may know the rest, " Toshiko reported.
"Yes, yes I do," Jack said. He stepped out of the way to allow Ianto to rinse the mess out of her hair.
Owen had by now had declared that anaesthetic was no longer required and removed the medical equipment.
Jack pulled off the gloves and took the file from Toshiko. "Now I wonder why Alex wanted the pair of you." he murmured to himself, " Ianto?"
"Yes sir?" Ianto replied.
"Any ideas why she would be transferred to this place?" Jack asked.
Ianto thought about this. "Sophie was working on a theory involving the Rift. She seemed to spend half her time looking at Harriet Derbyshire’s notes but Torchwood one didn't have access to everything. " He paused, trying to remember something, " Sophie’s theory was about if the Rifts power could be used as fuel or domestic transport in the future. I believe we have Sophie’s research in the archives sir." Ianto concluded.
"Hum. Interesting," Jack mused.
"Although I believe her interest was more about Harriet herself. " Ianto added.
Jack raised an eyebrow at that. "Well Harriet was an interesting woman. "
"As was Sophie. She was a hero to Jessica especially when she graduated from Oxford University." Ianto recalled. "And wherever Sophie went Jessica followed, they came as a team. Sophie did the research and Jessica would acquire whatever Sophie needed. "
"Acquire?" Jack asked.
" I believe the arrangement was Sophie never asked about Jessica's methods. Jessica made a point about not getting arrested and nobody ever got hurt." Ianto said confirming Jacks suspicions.
"That research sounds fascinating" Toshiko said, her brain already working on the possibility. "I would like to read it."
Jack had suspected as much, he could practically see the cogs turning in Tosikos brain.
"Sophie was also working on another project, she called it a time field. I do not think she got very far with that though, she had her misgivings with what Torchwood would do with it if she was successful. " Ianto said.
"She was right to, " Jack declared as Toshikos eyes light up.
Jack and Toshiko climbed the steps higher up as Ianto turned the hose onto Jessica's hair. Owen went and, for lack of anything else to do, analysed the eggs.
Hour Two.
Owen was sick of the sight of Tralek eggs. He had attempted to cut them, smash them , freeze them, apply heat to them and dissolve them in acid.. Nothing would touch them. He had even applied a bit of the mixture Gwen had concocted to see if that had any effect. Which it did spectacularly.
It sent the eggs into a frenzy, ending in a white foamy fizz that evaporated into nothing.
Owen was still also concerned about Jessica's other injuries. Obviously making sure she did not have her head devoured was priority number one. But , she had obtained some , well horrific injuries. It was a miracle she was as alert as she was he reflected as he dropped another egg into a labelled test tube. He tried another chemical and waited for it to have some sort of effect. The scans had showed her as definitely human, absolutely no mistaking it. Apart from those things which he had assumed were lice. He mused on that and made a mental note to take a blood sample. Maybe they had kept her alert enough for continued host survival , or had some sort of physiological impact on her.
Another egg another test tube, another chemical. An alien chemical this time. He labelled it and examined the tubes for any changes.
"Rinse, lather, repeat." Owen murmured to himself.
Just like the other fifty tubes had proved, absolutely no effect on the egg. The egg floated in a kind of air bubble , the chemicals not touching it at all. Which, Owen supposed was a result in itself. He noted that down.
"So just why did that mixture impact you?" Owen asked aloud.
"Nobody really knows. They evolved. As people come up with answers, they changed and the whole process had to start over again, " Jack informed Owen. Owen turned around and saw Jack at the door.
"So how did you know that would work?" Owen ask
"The markings on them. Same basic recipe but for this particular breed you add Weevil blood. They cannot tolerate it. Weevils are the only creature that they cannot use as a host. " Jack said. Owen seemed like he was about to ask another question. "Come the Twenty sixth century Tralek will be as common as rats in certain areas. Or head lice, people will be buying that treatment with their food shopping." Jack said., we are all finished down there, Ianto mentioned something about injuries?"
"Yes, there is some I could have a look at." Owen said.
Owen paused only to wash his hands and don gloves.
"Could the eggs have affected her?" Ianto asked Owen as he joined Ianto in autopsy.
"We will run some more tests but beyond the obvious she comes up clear for any
effects." Owen said. He was professional as he looked on. Jessica was still asleep, the sedative he had given her doing its job.
"At least physically, mentally we will have to wait and see. ." He said. "From what Tosh has found she should be fine though."
"Thanks Owen, " Ianto managed , his voice cracked.
Bloody hell, Owen thought. Something’s up there. Leave it to Harkness though. Owen thought to himself.
"Right anyway if I am stuck here I may as well get her patched up. That's a potentially nasty wound on her leg for starters. " Owen said.
The scanner had shown that on her left leg was a gauze pad duck taped in place. He suspected that somehow she managed to do that herself, Improvising. It was a stopgap measure for a wound that the scanner had revealed was nothing that could not wait, the wound was healing as Owen had suspected it would. Still Owen felt like he should have a closer look, if only for professional reasons. He hoped that it might reveal some answers about how the Traleks ‘had affected her. He knew that he could ask Jack about it but he wanted to find out for himself. He hated having to have Jack give him answers to medical issues.
Owen removed the tape without too much ceremony. As the scanner had revealed it was a small wound, no bigger than Owens thumb. It was lucky in a sense that it was only a flesh wound but the gauze had stuck and it had become infected. The wound was hot to the touch and was oozing out pus.
"That looks nasty." Ianto said.
"It could be," Owen confirmed, "especially as it has not been treated properly."
Owen sighed as barked out orders for this tool and that device. Even Jack respected his medical authority as his team scattered to find them. He irrigated the wound with saline and then Ianto efficiently passed him the gauze and forceps before he had to ask. He cleaned the pus out and rinsed the wound out again. He did the same for several others until he was certain he got it all clean. He used a device to remove all the remaining bacteria and infection that a human should not carry. The Rift had provided that once again and then used the laser saw to close the wounds up. He aimed another device to fix her broken wrist. Owen had discovered that it worked perfectly well for small bones but was not helpful on fractured ribs. They would have to heal in their own time. Lastly, Owen took some blood samples too run the tests.
"Right, nothing more I can do for her yet, let me know if anything changes." Owen said with a yawn. "I am going to go start on these tests, " he added.
He saw Gwen approaching, shock his head at her in warning which she naturally ignored. As he walked passed Toshikos station, he noticed her staring blankly at her computer.
"Oi Tosh, give us a hand with this would you ?" he called out.
"Huh, oh, oh yes sure." She replied. She got up , picked up her PDA and followed him.
"Gwen is about to put her foot in it again, " he noted once they were out of ear shot.
"She does tend to do that, " Toshiko observed.
They both watched from the safety of the work area. Ianto walked stiffly away from Gwen , Jacks face showing he was not impressed.
"How long till the lock down opens?" Owen asked plaintively.
Toshiko looked at her watch. "Five hours," she sighed.
It was going to be a long night.
Jack thought the same as he watched Ianto walk away. He could
tell the young man was upset and Gwen really was not helping.
"He needs to open up about it." Gwen said , starting to defend herself.
"He will, in his own time. In his own way," Jack answered as he turned
to look at the sleeping Jessica. She was now covered in a blanket to
give her some dignity.
"But it’s not healthy, keeping it all in like that," Gwen protested.
"Gwen, drop it, " Jack said as he turned to find Ianto, "just leave it,
I know you want to help but this is not helping. If you want to do
something useful see if you can find her some clean clothes. "
Gwen could do that, she nodded as she hurried towards the one storage
area still accessible. Jack turned on his heel as he headed in the
direction Ianto had taken. He found him preparing six mugs of coffee.
"Hey, " Jack said, announcing his arrival, "You okay?"
"Yes sir."
"Want to talk about it?"
"About what sir?"
"Whatever has got you so upset."
Ianto shook his head.
"It might help, " Jack said cautiously.
Ianto gave him a withering look.
"Too soon?" Jack asked.
"Yes sir, " Ianto replied.
"Okay, if you do then you know where to find me, " Jack said.
"Thank you sir. Jessica will be asking to look at Sophie’s note."" Ianto said swiftly changing the subject.
"I suspected as much, " Jack considered this, "Under supervision she can . They are to remain here. If Alex thought she was on to something ..." Jack trailed off.
"Thank you. "
"Who is she to you Ianto?" Jack asked suddenly.
" A friend, she, she rescued me from the Daleks. I was about to be exterminated when she threw something at them. They exploded and she dragged me to safety. We hid in an autopsy drawer, " Ianto said as he continued making the coffee.
Jack watched him making it, as if almost on auto pilot. Jack marvelled as he made it exactly the way everyone drank it, adding sugar and milk and flavouring according to taste. He stilled on the sixth cup and put the coffee away. He paused as if trying to recall something, made his decision and poured a cup of milk out instead. He added milkshake powder and stirred it. He noticed Jack watching.
"Jessica," Ianto said simply.
"She won't be awake for a while yet, " Jack said.
"I wouldn't be so certain of that, " Ianto replied.
As if on cue, a scream rang out throughout the Hub. It had all five members of Torchwood three running. Ianto was the first to reach her.
"Switch it off, switch it off." Jessica was yelling. A look of terror on her face. Ianto cradled her.
"Its not real." Ianto said trying to sooth her.
"They're coming to get me," Jessica replied. She kicked her legs out as if trying to fight something off. "Make them stop. "
"Make what stop?" Ianto asked.
"The monsters. The blades. The lights. Make them go away," Jessica begged.
Owen the nearest to the emergency lights flicked them off. Against him, Ianto felt Jessica relax just a little.
"Jessica, your safe, you're okay, there gone.. " Ianto murmured to her.
"They're never gone. They are real," she said in response.
"What do you mean?" Jack asked as he ventured closer to her.
"The light, its painful and it burns. Like fire and ice all at once. They called it the Void. And it screams the most horrible of sounds as battle rages. It was like it was here but not, for eternity and beyond, " She whispered, like a secret to terrible to speak out loud, "It took me and it brought me back. And I think it brought the Cybermen with me. And there was a voice in the darkness telling me to find Torchwood. It said Torchwood would fix me. Fix everything. It said tell Captain Jack I am sorry, so so sorry. It said you would understand someday." She ended.. She closed her eyes and buried her head under Ianto’s chin, taking comfort in his hold.
"What, what did she say?" Gwen demanded to know as Toshiko headed back to her work station. The three men exchanged a look.
"Nightmare," Owen said quickly covering, "Don't you ever get them?"
"No." replied Gwen. She just about stopped herself from adding I cause them.
"That's cos you have your perfect life," Owen sneered, "back home to lover boy."
"Fuck you Owen, " Gwen responded as she stalked away scowling. Tosh tried to hide a giggle.
"That was no nightmare was it?" Owen quietly asked Jack . "The Void?"
"No, " Ianto confirmed.
"The Doctor said they call it Hell. He sent the Cybermen and Daleks to Hell through the Void. And it was. I don't ever want to go back there, " Jessica whimpered, "before I die I am putting myself in a
freezer, cryogenics. The point between living and death, proper Farscape style." She declared.
"That could be arranged," Ianto said.
"Yeah. Just be another one in Torchwoods collection," Owen said sarcastically.
"For real?" Jessica asked. She seemed so hopeful at that, it was
almost heartbreaking. Three pairs of eyes turned to look at Jack.
"Well, yes," Jack admitted, "If you really wanted to, ex Torchwood
employees sometimes are. It could be discussed at a much later date."
He did not commit to it but Jessica seemed comforted by that.
"And no milk there. Or chocolate," Jessica said, trying to focus on the small pleasures of being alive.
"We have both. Come on," Ianto said as he helped her down of the
table. He offered her his arm and she took it, laying her head on his arm
as they walked.
"She's been through the bloody Rift hasn't she?" Owen asked.
"No. The Void is different from the Rift," Jack said "just as bad if not worse. No up or down, no time, just emptiness between universes. And generally no way out. "
"She's our responsibility now I take it" Owen stated.
Jack merely nodded as he started making mental arrangements concerning how
best to help her.
Hour three.
They were officially bored. The back up generator had failed so now not only was there no lights but also no laptop. The staff of Torchwood three plus one where gathered around the couch area, a couple of candles and a torch providing enough light to just about see one another by. If it was not for the circumstances, it would almost be cosy. However, it was not cosy, it was awkward. Toshiko and Gwen were sharing the resident blanket trying to ignore the fact that it was getting colder in the Hub. Ianto had managed to get the blanket of Jacks bed which he somehow ended up sharing with Owen. And what seemed odd to everyone else Jessica had chosen Ianto's spare coat. Not like Ianto had given Jessica a choice in the matter as he had fastened it around her. Nor had she elaborated when she had declared " At least I am used to the coat!" Although everyone accepted that, she did somehow seem comforted by it as she huddled inside it.
"So what happens now?" Jessica had asked.
"We wait," Jack replied.
That got a collective groan from Owen and Gwen.
"If we cannot get out that means nothing can get in right?" Jessica asked.
"Right, " Owen confirmed for her. He yanked the blanket from Ianto. It did not go unnoticed by everyone else. Jessica raised an eyebrow at Ianto who raised it back. Jessica made a gesture and Ianto give a smirk and a gesture back. Jack laughed at that.
"What?" Gwen asked.
Jessica made another gesture in response and Jack clasped his hands over hers. "No Torchwood one code please" He said kindly. "Although I have to agree."
"How do you know the code?" Jessica asked.
"Oh that's a story involving a cute blonde and a bottle of wine," Jack replied, "Strictly professional off course."
"Right," Jessica replied. She rolled her eyes as she said it.
Ianto yanked the blanket back.
"Or that," Jack added.
Jessica shrugged. "Sorry, forgot that three didn't do psychic training."
"You mean you got taught to read minds?" Gwen asked.
"Every Torchwood one employee received at least level one psychic
training," Ianto explained.
"Just so happened some of us were at higher levels," Jessica added.
"So what you're saying is you can read minds." Gwen asked again.
"No, " Jessica replied, "Demonstration?"
"Yeah, " Gwen and Toshiko replied in unison.
Owen yanked the blanket back again. Jessica sighed. The blanket floated out of Owens grasp and wrapped itself around Ianto. Jessica grinned.
"This is going to end in tears." Jack commented grinning but he did not do anything to stop her.
Jessica indicated to Ianto.
"I did not move the blanket, " he confirmed.
"Prove it," Owen demanded.
Ianto placed the blanket on the floor and sat back down.
"Nobody is in touching distance of the blanket right?" Jessica asked.
Everyone agreed. The blanket hovered up in the air and back over to
Owen and Ianto.
"That is pretty cool," Gwen said, " That would be useful to have that
training." She added.
"Not really," Jessica said.
"Not everyone survived the training," Ianto supplied.
"Heads going all explody not pretty," Jessica elaborated.
"Really?" Gwen asked aghast.
"Yes," They replied.
"So you can do that to?" Gwen turned and stared at Ianto.
"No, " Ianto confirmed.
"Why not?" Owen said, " was your head about to explode?" He asked
sarcastically.
"No, they stopped teaching that part before Ianto started. " Jessica
explained. "Too many accidents," her hand snaked out as she started
playing with one of the buttons on Jacks coat, a nervous gesture. She had a weird look on her face, like she was lost in a memory.
"So what else did Torchwood one do?" Gwen asked, "There are obvious
differences." There was no malice in her question, just genuine curiosity.
Both former Torchwood one employees shared a look.
"I mean special code, psychic training, obvious differences, " Gwen blundered on, not noticing the look.
"Gwen...." Toshiko said in warning, sensing it was a bad topic.
"And obviously the location was different, " Gwen went on ignoring Toshiko, "Did you have a Rift? We have a Rift."
"Yeah, you have Weevils and gloves, we had Cybermen and Daleks and invasions every Christmas, you have a Rift , we had a dimension tear you have five people we had over eight hundred, of which twenty survived. You have Retcon, we had to kill any witnesses or put them in mental institutes. Oh, you would have lasted two seconds with us. Why? Because the first thing you realised is that you don't ask fucking stupid questions or you were dead!" Jessica replied angrily before getting up, Ianto’s coat swishing about her feet as she walked away.
"Good one Gwen," Owen commented as Ianto stormed of towards the vaults.
Jack went after Ianto shouting that someone had better find where Jessica had gone..
"Right , that would be me then," Owen commented.
"I'll go with you, " Toshiko said leaving a seemingly shocked Gwen on
the sofa.
Glancing around to make sure nobody could see Gwen sighed and smiled to herself. They are making this too easy she thought. Then she give a clearing of the throat which realised the ball of alien energy inside her. Giving a little wave the energy went off in search of its target.
Walking along full of anger, confusion and sadness , Jessica did not hear Owen yelling. She paused slightly as she felt a sharp pain. It felt like an inset was trying to feast on her head, she brushed it aside with a flick of her hand and the pain went away. She continued on even though Owen caught up with her. It was lucky for her he had as he was able to catch her as she fainted. If the cameras and servers had been working, they would have noticed that briefly a glowing golden thread around Jessica. However they were not, nor did Owen notice as he hurried to check on her.
Jack found Ianto in the vaults. Before making the coffee, Jack and Ianto had secured the Weevils in the cell and had fed them so Jack was not concerned about them. However, it was passed the Weevils and the Glomp that Ianto had ventured, to an empty section in the lower levels.
"You okay?" Jack asked the emotional young man. He could see that Ianto was visibly shaking but trying to get control.
"Yes sir," Ianto replied. There was something bothering him. Jack was not surprised, after the days events that was to be expected. "why am I still here?" Ianto asked suddenly.
"Because we are in lock down," came Jacks immediate reply.
"That's not what I meant."
"I know. You've punished yourself enough. Because you made a mistake, anyone could have made. Because ," Jack sighed, "they're someone I loved, a long time ago whom I would have maybe done the same thing for. And despite what you may think I'm not a monster." Jack replied.
"I don't really think your a monster.. I'm sorry I said that." Ianto replied.
"I know. I forgive you." Jack replied, as he give Ianto a sad smile.
He offered Ianto a hug which to both men's surprise Ianto accepted. As Jack pulled Ianto closer to him, he could feel Ianto relax. Jacks familiar scent and soothing stroking on his back helping to calm Ianto , helping to get his temper under control. If Ianto had shed a tear then Jack did not mention it. Neither of them were sure how long they stood like that when Toshiko entered.
"Jack, we have a situation." she said simply.
When Toshiko lead Jack back up to the main area, he found Gwen floating
in mid air. Really high in mid air. Owen was trying to regain control of the situation that
was happening and Jessica was sobbing. Really Sobbing.
"Someone get me down" Gwen was shouting. She was scared. Or at least appeared to be. Gwen would have been scared if it was indeed Gwen.
"Is this your fault?" Owen was asking Jessica who was getting hysterical.
The more she sobbed the higher Gwen floated.
"Gwen can you get hold of anything ?" Jack asked.
"No." Gwen shrieked. Myfanwy swooped passed Gwen and this give Toshiko an idea.
"Can you get hold of Myfanwy?" She asked.
"Are you insane?" Gwen replied. She floated higher again.
Jack walked over to Jessica who was terrified as she clutched her head. Jack figured that too get Gwen down he needed to calm Jessica down.
"I can't stop it" Jessica sobbed, "hurts."
"Its okay." Jack responded as he got hold of her. Jack looked very fatherly at that moment.
Jessica clutched hold of Jack, like he was a security blanket. He cradled her like she was a
child and rocked with her as she sobbed.
"A giant net, " Jack could hear Owen suggest as Owen and Toshiko tried to think of how to get Gwen down.
"Didn't we pick up a jet pack from the Scullen wreckage?" Toshiko added.
"My head hurts," Jessica whimpered, "Theirs something in my head." She said only the words did not come out. She tried again only to be rewarded, or perhaps punished with an agonising pain in her head. She trembled and clung closer to Jack.
Ianto emerged from the vaults looking visibly calmer. He was holding a bar of dark chocolate. He noticed the situation and broke the bar in half. He threw half to Jack and then waved the other half in the air. Jack broke a bit of and offered it to Jessica. She sniffled and looked up at him confused. Gwen floated down a bit lower. Myfanwy squawked as she sensed chocolate about. As she, swooped passed Gwen stopped the urge to giggle as she went flying up.
"Help." Gwen said.
"I can't get her down." Jessica cried as she clutched onto Jack. Ianto crossed over to them.
"I have an idea. Can you float her along?" Ianto asked.
"I, I don't know." Jessica replied. "Why?"
"I can get Myfanwy distracted so you can land Gwen into the nest. She can climb down from there."
"Your dino has a nest?" Jessica asked. Jack give her another piece of chocolate. "I never tried to move a person before. Hell I didn't even know if I could. It wasn't intentional."
"The Rift is probably enhancing your ability." Jack said kindly.
"And the effects" Ianto added. Ianto waved the chocolate again causing Myfanwy to brush passed Gwen. Gwen felt the urge to laugh again and she floated higher. Jack put his hand over Jessica's ears.
"Gwen try to stay calm. You’re doing great,, just try to stay quiet. The more you panic the worst it will get. " He yelled up to her, "everyone stay quiet" he added.
"Is anyone able to guide me to where I am aiming?" Jessica sobbed.
"Ianto, distract, Owen, Toshiko, help Ianto, " Jack ordered.
The three of them moved away to the centre of the Hub.
"Okay here it goes," Jack telepathically told Jessica, "Can you aim her left?"
Gwen went right and higher up. Myfanwy hovered watching the sceptical confused.
"Other left," Jack told her. He pointed to emphasised the direction.
Ianto waved the chocolate about and Gwen quietly shrieked. Eventually Jessica managed to get Gwen to go left. Myfanwy decided that she did want the chocolate and gracefully landed. It was obvious the telepathy was causing Jessica a lot of pain as Gwen continued shrieking. Jack held her closer trying to offer Jessica some comfort. Owen watched in amazement as Ianto fed Myfanwy the chocolate. Toshiko was trying to watch everything at once.
"Okay Gwen brace yourself" Jack shouted as eventually she floated above the ledge.
"Just drop her down" Jack informed Jessica.
Jessica did and Gwen landed with a thud. Myfanwy sensing a new threat in her territory went up to, explore. She gave a shriek of displeasure when she discovered what was wrong in her nest. She poked at Gwen in warning who tried to stare her down. Myfanwy screeched again as she landed next to Jessica and Jack. She gave Jessica a gentle nuzzle with her beak. Jessica tentatively held the chocolate out and Myfanwy took it. Jessica attempted to stand up and Myfanwy ate the chocolate. This intruder seemed different to her but not as frightening as the one in her nest.
Myfanwy made her mind up. The one in her nest was wrong. The one in her nest should be covered in that nice tasting source. Then she could eat her.
Title: Revelations and Recollections.
Characters/Pairings: Jack, Ianto, Owen, Gwen, Toshiko female O/C. Susie, Katie, The Doctor and Lisa are mentioned but not seen.
Warnings: (character death, non-con, smut, etc) almost none con, dub con , (Brief reference to torture, not so brief references to aliens possessing a team member, references to medical procedures, an original character death is described but not seen. In addition, my O/C is shot a few times.
Rating: I would say R
Current Word Count: 47341
Beta(s): saintmaybe1121
Summary: When Ianto Jones ran into his old friend Jessica Jackson on an awkward night out in the pub, no one was aware what impact she would have on the team. With her she brings her own Rift caused emotional damage, bad memories, cryptic messages and a few revelations for everyone. Meanwhile Gwen is not really Gwen at all and Owen is left to look after a sick Ianto. With that, Cyber men and a lost Glomp it makes for a revealing time in Torchwood. Emotions are running high. But is it all connected and how? Post Cyber woman and Countryside.
Notes: If you have not seen the Doctor who episodes Army of Ghosts/ Doomsday some references may not make sense. Likewise for Cyber woman.
Status: Complete
The lovely erin_giles has provided cover art here. Go throw complements her way as it is so pretty.
Next part can be found here
It was rare that the entire team went out for a pint. Tonight was the rare exception that the entire team was around the same table. However this time Ianto had been persuaded to come out for a drink. At least he with them in person if not in mind and spirit. Jack reflected on this. He supposed it could be tiredness. After the latest alien visitation, dragging ten stone of unconscious alien made of rock back to the Hub would wear anyone out. So it could have been that. Or it could have been Ianto feeling awkward. After the unfortunate incident with the Cyber woman Jack was trying to include him in team activities with varying degrees of success. Not like they were acting much of a team, Gwen was doing her mother hen routine making Ianto more withdrawn, whilst Owen was being openly hostile towards
Him. Jack was uncertain where he stood. The only person Ianto seemingly felt remotely comfortable around was Toshiko. Come late evening, it was a relief when Owen found his own entertainment for the night and Gwen went home to Rhys. He was left with his two shyest, withdrawn and socially awkward team members. Jack was about to launch into a story about his time dating a pair of Hogan twins when he heard the polite cough.
"Hi. Sorry to interrupt." Said a hesitant female voice from behind him. Ianto glanced up and Jack saw a look of recognition in his face.
"Hello" he replied politely.
"Ianto?" She asked. This caught Jacks attention as he turned and
looked around. An embarrassed red head was stood behind him, a red flush to her cheeks.
"Jessica? Jessica Jackson?" Ianto replied looking slightly shocked and surprised. Jessica nodded. "You look so different without the Goth getup”
"Yeah thanks. Whoa, Oh My God someone else actually...," she stopped herself from finishing her sentence and cleared her throat.
"Who's your friend Ianto?" Jack asked. He looked at her appearance and his mind started to form questions. Jack recognised the look in her eyes. He had seen it in shell shocked soldiers in battle. He suspected from her appearance, her dirty clothes that did nothing to hide her figure, that something was not right. He made a vow then that if nothing else he would find the underlying cause of that.
"Jessica Jackson meet Captain Jack Harkness, Toshiko Sato. My workmates, " Ianto made a vague gesture pointing to both in turn.
"Oh," was her articulate response. She nodded showing she understood just what Ianto meant by workmates. "Then I know I picked the right time to approach you . There's something you need to see. "
Jack was not happy that Ianto had just taken Jessica's word for it. However, it was apparent that to Ianto, Jessica's word was enough. The way that Ianto had just accepted this with a quiet "Okay" and calmly started to put his coat on also caused concern to Jack. Jack had concerns about Ianto's decision making of late and so he had insisted that he was going with them. He knew that he would not be able to change Ianto’s mind on this, just like Ianto knew that Jack would not change his mind either. Jack was not about to let any of his team wonder of with a member of Torchwood One after what had happened. Especially after events of late. In a way that Ianto could not explain, Jack's insistence that he was going with them reassured Ianto a little bit. He felt safer when Jack was around. He would never admit that to anyone though. As for Toshiko, her natural curiosity and loyalty meant that she would follow Jack without question.
During the silent gathering of possessions, Jessica could sense Jacks mistrust of the situation. She had expected it even however she was relieved that they had agreed to follow her anyway. She knew that she would be facing some tough questions later but she also knew that she had no alternative. Still it was with some reluctance still that she headed out with the three of them. Jack could tell that to in the way she walked.
A short walk later, they approached an abandoned building near the docks.
"I was looking for a place to crash when I discovered this. Alarm
bells definitely started ringing loudly," she said pointing to a window. Jack and his two team members peered through the window and recoiled with horror when they recognised what they could see.
"Told you it was something you needed to see, " Jessica said with more than a hint of I told you so. She shivered, her thin top doing nothing to keep the cold air out. Ianto noticed and offered her his coat. She accepted it gratefully.
"What, how?" Toshiko stammered shocked.
"Impossible! They should be gone, sucked back into the Void, " Ianto added. He shivered. He told himself that it was because of the cold however, he knew it was not.
"Not all of them." Jessica said. She noticed Jack's look, "I was in Torchwood one. Retcon did not work, worst luck, I get to remember it all. I seriously fucking wish it had. The things they did there, " Jessica looked upset, her face a picture of misery. "We had it drummed into us that the Doctor was the enemy, the monster, the bringer of misery and destruction, well they got it wrong. Torchwood was the monster , " she sounded bitter. Tears streamed down her face. "And I thought it was over and I come across this," Another tear fell down her face, Ianto numbly retrieved a tissue and offered her it. She took it.
"Lisa?" she whispered to Ianto.
"Discovered. Dead. Destroyed. " He answered. He understood the meaning of Jessica's question. She wanted to know if Lisa was responsible for this. "Sophie?" He asked knowing that his question had the same meaning.
"Likewise." Jessica answered. She glanced over to Toshiko and Jack. If they had heard then they were doing a good job of ignoring the whispered questions and answers. Jack and Toshiko were looking at the building, trying to establish what had happened.
Ianto then paced away from Jessica slightly. His normally blank face now wore a look of horror. He closed his eyes trying to block out the unwelcome memories of that time, of Lisa, of everything. He suspected that Jessica was going through the same process as she gasped.
"Jack, what's that noise?" Toshiko interrupted with a whisper.
Jack had heard it and looking at Ianto’s face Jack realised that Ianto had heard it to. The unrelenting thud of footsteps, the distinctive regimented stomp that was getting closer.
"Cybermen," Jack hissed, "we have to get out of here."
Toshiko looked shocked at that.
"Lets get back to the Hub. Weapons. We can't fight them if we are unarmed ," Jack replied. He pulled out his Webbly, out of habit , even though he knew it would ultimately be useless.
Toshiko followed Jacks lead. Jessica seemed routed to the spot in terror and Ianto hesitated, before he reacted. . Ianto took decisive action as he scooped Jessica up into a fire-fighter’s lift. Jessica didn't even notice that they were on the move.
By a wing and a prayer, they reached the Hub without being detected. It was by further unspoken agreement that Ianto carried Jessica in.
"Bloody hell," she murmured.
She was gently deposited on the couch and she started trembling. She had gone pale. "Urgh " She groaned as she felt the bile rise in her throat. Ever efficient Ianto handed her a bin just in time to throw up.
While that was happening, Toshiko was attempting to access the CCTV near the abandoned wear-house and Jack was phoning Gwen and Owen. Neither of their absent colleague's sounded too impressed but never the less were soon at the Hub.
When they arrived, Ianto presented them with coffee, just the way they preferred it.
.
"This had better be good Harkness," Owen barked out.
"Jack, who is that?" Gwen, ever curious asked.
Jessica was now watching Myfanwy curiously from her perch on the couch. Under the Hub lighting, it was plainly obvious to Owen just how unnaturally thin Jessica was. Even without examining her, he knew that she was underweight. Her hair tangled her clothes tattered and dirty made Owen suspicious. .
Jack was pulling the big guns s out of the weapons store ignoring Gwen's questions. Ianto passed Jessica the bin again, and Owen figured he best put his medical training into practice.
"Ianto, " Owen addressed Ianto as he indicated with a tilt of his head towards Jessica and then the medical bay. Ianto nodded, waited until Jessica had stopped throwing up and helped her down to where Owen was waiting.
"What's your name?" Owen asked.
"Argh" She grunted out, seemingly still a bit green and queasy before revealing her name, that she was twenty five years old and she was allergic to penicillin and grapes.
"Okay, I am going to give you something to stop the nausea. Want a quip about feeling a small prick?" he asked trying to put her at ease.
"No, thanks. So are you a doctor then?"
"Obviously, hence the white coat. Won't take long to kick in" Owen said scowling.
Jessica saw the needle and promptly fainted. Owen sighed, exchanged a look with Ianto and give her the injection, poking it none to gently into her exposed upper arm.. By the time she came through, he had scanned her , using the Bakkarin scanner and found a variety of wounds in a variety of heeling stages.
"That's not good." Ianto summed up looking over Owens shoulder .
Just then, the base went into lock down, bathing the base in red lighting.
Hour One.
Jack sighed as he hung up the phone sitting ominously still .
"What a pompous, arrogant, piece of shit , " he yelled as he tossed the phone
onto Gwen's desk.
"But are they going to help,?" Gwen asked cutting him off before he
could go into a rant.
"Yes, they are going to send The Valiant to deal with our uninvited
guests, " he said, "Toshiko, how are we doing getting out of here?"
Toshiko launched into a long complicated explanation that Jack could
follow, even if he pretended he could not. He understood that she could not
over ride the lock down program, and she did not know what had caused it or
why. Yet. So they were stuck in there for six or so hours. That news
did not go down too well.
"How's Jessica?" Jack asked. At least there was a problem he could deal
with. He focused on that part, blocking out the grumbles from Gwen and
Owen about how they had plans.
"Sleeping." Ianto replied from the couch area.
Jack turned around and smiled at the sight. Jessica, at some point had decided that Ianto
would make a good pillow. More specifically his lap. Jack thought it was slightly adorable. Ianto had covered her with a blanket but that was noted not enough to stop her shivering. He was stroking her hair as she whimpered about something. Ianto then grimaced as his hand connected with something. Jack walked up watching him as he searched through her hair.
"Oh, " Ianto announced.
"Oh,?" Jack asked.
He looked over to where Ianto pointed. "Urgh, " Jack concluded.
He gently extracted the creature, his hands brushing lightly against Ianto's, trying not to disturb Jessica. He took a closer look at the creature.
"Bad news is we have an infestation. Good news is its not human. Bad
news is its alien. Good news is it's harmless. At least at this stage. And we
can treat it, "Jack declared.
Ianto had a bad feeling he wood be getting up close and personal with gloves and a fine tooth comb. Apparently, on top of acting as the team’s mother and tea boy, he was to be the school nurse. Ianto thought about asking for a new job description at that moment but decided against it.
"Time to wake up Jessica, " Ianto said sighing as he shook her slightly.
"Its a bloody head louse," Owen declared when Jack presented him with it. Immediately Toshiko and Gwen started to scratch their heads subconsciously.
"Its alien" Jack snapped. "And it's not a head louse."
Toshiko and Gwen stopped scratching.
"Its a egg off a Tralek," Jack added.
Toshiko immediately went to her computer to look up a Tralek in the
database. She twitched when the computer stayed blank and dark, unresponsive.
Gwen immediately ventured near to Jack to have a closer look.
"Its oddly pretty, " Gwen said.
"The mothers are not," Jack said, "they select hosts and lay their eggs. When the eggs hatch they devourer their hosts from the inside and go on to mate. The average life span is roughly ten years and they like cold, wet climates but can adapt," he said. "You have something similar on your planet called parasitoids" he grinned, "but these babies are definitely not of planet Earth."
Jessica had walked up to them in time to hear the last part "Right, so I guess I am baby
food," she said, "great."
"Treatment is good old fashioned removal by picking the eggs out then" Jack trailed of, a mischievous look on his face.
"What?" Everyone asked.
"Treating the infected area with a special mixture," Jack said hedging.
"Which is?" Gwen asked.
"Fish scales, eggs, conditioner and a few drops of Weevil blood." Jack continued. Everyone made disgusted faces.
"Baby food it is," Jessica said.
"Oh the treatment is applied when the host is sleeping," Jack continued on.
"I can cope with that, " Jessica grimaced.
"It will be all rinsed out before you awake," Jack promised apologetically.
"Okay so Traleks are obviously bad but what about the Cybermen? We have to stop them, " Gwen said. This got a general murmur of agreement from everyone who had been thinking the same.
"We can not get out the base. I know we should be doing something but what do you suggest?" Jack shouted. "because until we can get out, their is nothing else we can do. So if any of you have any ideas then let me hear them because I am all out."
Nobody spoke, his outburst shocking them into silence. They knew Jack was right and that was what scared them most.
"The second we get out we will move out." Jack said, "Until then lets deal with what we can." He said quietly.
"Alright then lets do this, " Gwen said sounding more enthusiastic then
everyone felt.
An hour later Jack got of the phone to UNIT to inform them about
a Tralek invasion. The Lieutenant he spoken to had laughed until Jack pointed out the head eating implications. It was lucky they had a laptop, Toshiko insisting on that in case of emergencies after too many lock downs of late. Toshiko had used CCTV to track down the location of the Tralek and Cyberman and was now co-ordinating UNIT to the locations of each. She was glad she was on co-ordination duty. She felt comfortable with computers even though she was not happy about dealing with UNIT. Jack reassured her that she would not actually have to meet any of UNIT which calmed her fears a little. She was also glad that she did not have to deal with Tralek eggs.
Owen was still finding them, using a pair of tweezers and magnifying glass to pluck them out. A tedious and painstaking process that was using Owens’s last bit of patience. From where Jack stood supervising everything on the gantry he could hear Ianto talking to her, although Jack was not really following the conversation. Both Jessica and Ianto were sat crossed legged on the autopsy table, Ianto with a stopwatch and looking silly in his now rumpled suit. Jack made a mental note to find out what that was about later. This had left Gwen to mix the so called treatment. Something she was really unhappy about.
"Why can't Ianto do it?" She kept asking.
"Because he's busy helping with Jessica," was Jacks response, "and
you didn't clean out the Weevil's cage once during Ianto’s time away. "
"Well why can't you? You hate dealing with UNIT." She had tried. She had given him her best puppy eyed look.
"Because I asked you to do it. Last time I looked, I sign your paychecks. Things will get messy so you might as well start learning that now." Jacks response left no room for argument.
Gwen found herself in a storage room of the vaults. She also found
trouble. She was grumbling as she read the recipe sheet via the
aid of a torch. She donned rubber gloves, overalls and a gas mask
and she still felt faintly disgusted.
"Just because the new person gets Ianto all distracted I am left to mix shit. This is not fair, it's not my job." She grouched to herself.
"Makes you feel unappreciated?" A voice whispered to her.
Gwen quickly looked around. She could not locate the source of it but she knew better than to dismiss it out of hand . She pressed her communicator but found it was unresponsive.
"Who, who are you?" Gwen asked tentatively .
"A friend. " The voice whispered back promptly.
"A friend?" Gwen asked uncertainly. She went to pull her gun out only to find it was not there.
"Looking for this?", the voice asked as the gun waved itself in the air.
Gwen froze.
"I can help you. The new girl she's wrong. Ianto is in danger because of her."
"What do you mean wrong?" Gwen asked, concerned for Ianto.
"She walks in without question and Ianto is at her beck and call. Does that not strike you as suspicious?"
"I trust Jack's judgement. Jack let Jessica in." Gwen replied.
"Ah Jack yes. Do you love him?" The voice asked.
"I have Rhys, " Gwen said.
"And Owen on the side, don't even pretend that you're not. But that did not answer my question." The voice whispered in her ear.
Gwen did not respond, her mind racing as she tried to figure out what to do. She started heading for the door to go get help.
"They all find you to be second best. You know that. They mock you, your humanity. And that scares you"
"It would frighten anyone if it was true. " Gwen replied.
"I can make the fear stop," The voice replied.
Gwen did not react as she suddenly felt warm despite the chill in the room. A feeling of peace surrounded her , like being in her mother’s kitchen as a child on a Sunday afternoon.
"I need you to help me," whispered the voice.
"How?" was Gwen's only reply.
Nobody heard Gwen as she cried.
Then she stopped and the tears dried up.
"You humans make it too easy. But now to bide my time. Best to
blend in. Don't worry Gwen, your not going anywhere, you're going to get
exactly what you deserve, because you're so special," The voice whispered to her.
So the body of Gwen had donned gloves, sulkily read through the print out Toshiko had found and groaned again.
Jack ignored the slight squabble coming from the direction of Owens' work area as he checked in with Toshiko. He give her a reassuring smile, a friendly squeeze on the shoulder as she pushed her glasses back up. He looked at the image on the CCTV feed, noticed with an intense feeling of relief that the Cybermen seemed pretty inactive at the moment. Armed police where keeping the area nearby civilian free. Jack hoped this invasion would be unsuccessful and casualty free although he recognised that it was pretty unlikely. He did not want a repeat of Canary Wharf if it could be avoided. Not that there was much that could be accomplished from inside the Hub. The exits were still sealed despite Toshiko’s efforts, but it was positive that the laptop was still online. He decided to worry about how that was possible later on.
"Keep me informed." Jack told Toshiko.
"Will do." She said as she reached for her coffee.
"Good work Tosh, you're doing great," Jack added. He had been reading books about how to become a good manager in the Twenty first century. The book had said to praise staff at every opportunity and it did seem like a good idea.
She did not need to ask what he meant by that. She give him a shy smile and a slight nod. He smiled back as he made his way to autopsy.
"How are we doing over here?" Jack asked.
"Two thousand of the bastards and still going," Owen announced as he pulled another one out, "How on earth did so many cram on one head? And more to the point how did you not notice?" He directed that at Jessica.
"I noticed. Just couldn't do anything about it, " she replied, "was kind of tied up at the time. "
"Sounds kinky." Jack joked.
"It really was not." Jessica replied. There was clearly more behind that statement.
"What happened?" Ianto asked.
"Revenge. Torture. Seemed like Torchwood one had pissed off a fair few creatures. It was open season when they discovered me. " Jessica answered.
"Someone deliberately done this?" Ianto asked. He took hold of her hand to regain her attention.
"Something. Yes. I should have stayed away. But the opportunity was there to get out and I could not stand anymore. I wanted it to stop," Jessica whispered ashamed.
"Yeah, kind of figured that out," Owen pulled another egg out of her hair, "Its done." he announced.
Ianto jumped down off the table and Owen started preparing the anaesthetic. Ianto pulled a comb out of his pocket. When Jessica reached for it, Ianto shook his head as he walked round. He gently started to comb through her tangled hair.
"Ianto you know that I am sorry? This is all my fault " She said.
"I know you are. You always take the blame. When this is done, we will talk about it, " Ianto replied, "close your eyes," he added as Owen came back with the needle and breathing tube.
"Gwen we're ready for that mixture, " Jack informed her over the coms as Jessica fell into welcome darkness. Jack took pity on Gwen when she brought up the mixture. It looked and smelled awful. Jack soon discovered that it did not feel too nice even through thick rubber gloves. Gwen gratefully went away, making sure she was seen heading for the toilets. She would have loved a shower but they were currently out of reach due to the lock down. He took pity on Owen to who was more than happy to go run tests on the pile of eggs. Then Owens professional side returned and forced him to
stay to check that the anaesthetic did not have an undesired effects. Toshiko said that she did not mind the smell that much as it drifted over to her computer, but she was still happy to stay as far away from the treatment as possible. Ianto seemed almost used to it. "I do deal with these things on a daily basis." he pointed out as he pulled on his gloves and apron. The two of them worked in companionable silence as they worked the gloop. Gwen had mixed into her hair, Jack more clumsy than Ianto’s' calm and measured approach.
An hour later Toshiko wondered over.
"They have found the Tralek mother and she is apparently being co-operative," she reported, "And UNIT have taken over co-ordination. They said that they have it under control. So far, it appears the Cybermen are not converting people. They will keep is informed. I also managed to find Jessica's file from Torchwood One."
"Lets hear it ," Jack replied.
"Nothing really to report. She was headhunted into Torchwood after she
did work experience at HC Clements. Her older sister helped secure her Torchwood placement and subsequent employment. There was an incident with a Weevil that finally persuaded them to let her have a part time job there. She worked at Torchwood One full time since the age of eighteen after taking A levels. Let’s see, she was missing, presumed dead after the battle, obviously not since she has popped up today. She has not accessed her bank account since the battle , no surviving family members. Older sister Sophie Jackson also missing assumed dead after Canary Wharf. Jessica was currently engaged to a soldier named Danny Johnson who was killed in action. No criminal record, or driving licence. It also noted that Alex Hopkins had requested both her and Sophie’s transfers to Torchwood three. It was deferred as Sophie was undergoing medical treatment for cancer at the time. Transfer request was later cancelled due Hopkins suicide. I think you may know the rest, " Toshiko reported.
"Yes, yes I do," Jack said. He stepped out of the way to allow Ianto to rinse the mess out of her hair.
Owen had by now had declared that anaesthetic was no longer required and removed the medical equipment.
Jack pulled off the gloves and took the file from Toshiko. "Now I wonder why Alex wanted the pair of you." he murmured to himself, " Ianto?"
"Yes sir?" Ianto replied.
"Any ideas why she would be transferred to this place?" Jack asked.
Ianto thought about this. "Sophie was working on a theory involving the Rift. She seemed to spend half her time looking at Harriet Derbyshire’s notes but Torchwood one didn't have access to everything. " He paused, trying to remember something, " Sophie’s theory was about if the Rifts power could be used as fuel or domestic transport in the future. I believe we have Sophie’s research in the archives sir." Ianto concluded.
"Hum. Interesting," Jack mused.
"Although I believe her interest was more about Harriet herself. " Ianto added.
Jack raised an eyebrow at that. "Well Harriet was an interesting woman. "
"As was Sophie. She was a hero to Jessica especially when she graduated from Oxford University." Ianto recalled. "And wherever Sophie went Jessica followed, they came as a team. Sophie did the research and Jessica would acquire whatever Sophie needed. "
"Acquire?" Jack asked.
" I believe the arrangement was Sophie never asked about Jessica's methods. Jessica made a point about not getting arrested and nobody ever got hurt." Ianto said confirming Jacks suspicions.
"That research sounds fascinating" Toshiko said, her brain already working on the possibility. "I would like to read it."
Jack had suspected as much, he could practically see the cogs turning in Tosikos brain.
"Sophie was also working on another project, she called it a time field. I do not think she got very far with that though, she had her misgivings with what Torchwood would do with it if she was successful. " Ianto said.
"She was right to, " Jack declared as Toshikos eyes light up.
Jack and Toshiko climbed the steps higher up as Ianto turned the hose onto Jessica's hair. Owen went and, for lack of anything else to do, analysed the eggs.
Hour Two.
Owen was sick of the sight of Tralek eggs. He had attempted to cut them, smash them , freeze them, apply heat to them and dissolve them in acid.. Nothing would touch them. He had even applied a bit of the mixture Gwen had concocted to see if that had any effect. Which it did spectacularly.
It sent the eggs into a frenzy, ending in a white foamy fizz that evaporated into nothing.
Owen was still also concerned about Jessica's other injuries. Obviously making sure she did not have her head devoured was priority number one. But , she had obtained some , well horrific injuries. It was a miracle she was as alert as she was he reflected as he dropped another egg into a labelled test tube. He tried another chemical and waited for it to have some sort of effect. The scans had showed her as definitely human, absolutely no mistaking it. Apart from those things which he had assumed were lice. He mused on that and made a mental note to take a blood sample. Maybe they had kept her alert enough for continued host survival , or had some sort of physiological impact on her.
Another egg another test tube, another chemical. An alien chemical this time. He labelled it and examined the tubes for any changes.
"Rinse, lather, repeat." Owen murmured to himself.
Just like the other fifty tubes had proved, absolutely no effect on the egg. The egg floated in a kind of air bubble , the chemicals not touching it at all. Which, Owen supposed was a result in itself. He noted that down.
"So just why did that mixture impact you?" Owen asked aloud.
"Nobody really knows. They evolved. As people come up with answers, they changed and the whole process had to start over again, " Jack informed Owen. Owen turned around and saw Jack at the door.
"So how did you know that would work?" Owen ask
"The markings on them. Same basic recipe but for this particular breed you add Weevil blood. They cannot tolerate it. Weevils are the only creature that they cannot use as a host. " Jack said. Owen seemed like he was about to ask another question. "Come the Twenty sixth century Tralek will be as common as rats in certain areas. Or head lice, people will be buying that treatment with their food shopping." Jack said., we are all finished down there, Ianto mentioned something about injuries?"
"Yes, there is some I could have a look at." Owen said.
Owen paused only to wash his hands and don gloves.
"Could the eggs have affected her?" Ianto asked Owen as he joined Ianto in autopsy.
"We will run some more tests but beyond the obvious she comes up clear for any
effects." Owen said. He was professional as he looked on. Jessica was still asleep, the sedative he had given her doing its job.
"At least physically, mentally we will have to wait and see. ." He said. "From what Tosh has found she should be fine though."
"Thanks Owen, " Ianto managed , his voice cracked.
Bloody hell, Owen thought. Something’s up there. Leave it to Harkness though. Owen thought to himself.
"Right anyway if I am stuck here I may as well get her patched up. That's a potentially nasty wound on her leg for starters. " Owen said.
The scanner had shown that on her left leg was a gauze pad duck taped in place. He suspected that somehow she managed to do that herself, Improvising. It was a stopgap measure for a wound that the scanner had revealed was nothing that could not wait, the wound was healing as Owen had suspected it would. Still Owen felt like he should have a closer look, if only for professional reasons. He hoped that it might reveal some answers about how the Traleks ‘had affected her. He knew that he could ask Jack about it but he wanted to find out for himself. He hated having to have Jack give him answers to medical issues.
Owen removed the tape without too much ceremony. As the scanner had revealed it was a small wound, no bigger than Owens thumb. It was lucky in a sense that it was only a flesh wound but the gauze had stuck and it had become infected. The wound was hot to the touch and was oozing out pus.
"That looks nasty." Ianto said.
"It could be," Owen confirmed, "especially as it has not been treated properly."
Owen sighed as barked out orders for this tool and that device. Even Jack respected his medical authority as his team scattered to find them. He irrigated the wound with saline and then Ianto efficiently passed him the gauze and forceps before he had to ask. He cleaned the pus out and rinsed the wound out again. He did the same for several others until he was certain he got it all clean. He used a device to remove all the remaining bacteria and infection that a human should not carry. The Rift had provided that once again and then used the laser saw to close the wounds up. He aimed another device to fix her broken wrist. Owen had discovered that it worked perfectly well for small bones but was not helpful on fractured ribs. They would have to heal in their own time. Lastly, Owen took some blood samples too run the tests.
"Right, nothing more I can do for her yet, let me know if anything changes." Owen said with a yawn. "I am going to go start on these tests, " he added.
He saw Gwen approaching, shock his head at her in warning which she naturally ignored. As he walked passed Toshikos station, he noticed her staring blankly at her computer.
"Oi Tosh, give us a hand with this would you ?" he called out.
"Huh, oh, oh yes sure." She replied. She got up , picked up her PDA and followed him.
"Gwen is about to put her foot in it again, " he noted once they were out of ear shot.
"She does tend to do that, " Toshiko observed.
They both watched from the safety of the work area. Ianto walked stiffly away from Gwen , Jacks face showing he was not impressed.
"How long till the lock down opens?" Owen asked plaintively.
Toshiko looked at her watch. "Five hours," she sighed.
It was going to be a long night.
Jack thought the same as he watched Ianto walk away. He could
tell the young man was upset and Gwen really was not helping.
"He needs to open up about it." Gwen said , starting to defend herself.
"He will, in his own time. In his own way," Jack answered as he turned
to look at the sleeping Jessica. She was now covered in a blanket to
give her some dignity.
"But it’s not healthy, keeping it all in like that," Gwen protested.
"Gwen, drop it, " Jack said as he turned to find Ianto, "just leave it,
I know you want to help but this is not helping. If you want to do
something useful see if you can find her some clean clothes. "
Gwen could do that, she nodded as she hurried towards the one storage
area still accessible. Jack turned on his heel as he headed in the
direction Ianto had taken. He found him preparing six mugs of coffee.
"Hey, " Jack said, announcing his arrival, "You okay?"
"Yes sir."
"Want to talk about it?"
"About what sir?"
"Whatever has got you so upset."
Ianto shook his head.
"It might help, " Jack said cautiously.
Ianto gave him a withering look.
"Too soon?" Jack asked.
"Yes sir, " Ianto replied.
"Okay, if you do then you know where to find me, " Jack said.
"Thank you sir. Jessica will be asking to look at Sophie’s note."" Ianto said swiftly changing the subject.
"I suspected as much, " Jack considered this, "Under supervision she can . They are to remain here. If Alex thought she was on to something ..." Jack trailed off.
"Thank you. "
"Who is she to you Ianto?" Jack asked suddenly.
" A friend, she, she rescued me from the Daleks. I was about to be exterminated when she threw something at them. They exploded and she dragged me to safety. We hid in an autopsy drawer, " Ianto said as he continued making the coffee.
Jack watched him making it, as if almost on auto pilot. Jack marvelled as he made it exactly the way everyone drank it, adding sugar and milk and flavouring according to taste. He stilled on the sixth cup and put the coffee away. He paused as if trying to recall something, made his decision and poured a cup of milk out instead. He added milkshake powder and stirred it. He noticed Jack watching.
"Jessica," Ianto said simply.
"She won't be awake for a while yet, " Jack said.
"I wouldn't be so certain of that, " Ianto replied.
As if on cue, a scream rang out throughout the Hub. It had all five members of Torchwood three running. Ianto was the first to reach her.
"Switch it off, switch it off." Jessica was yelling. A look of terror on her face. Ianto cradled her.
"Its not real." Ianto said trying to sooth her.
"They're coming to get me," Jessica replied. She kicked her legs out as if trying to fight something off. "Make them stop. "
"Make what stop?" Ianto asked.
"The monsters. The blades. The lights. Make them go away," Jessica begged.
Owen the nearest to the emergency lights flicked them off. Against him, Ianto felt Jessica relax just a little.
"Jessica, your safe, you're okay, there gone.. " Ianto murmured to her.
"They're never gone. They are real," she said in response.
"What do you mean?" Jack asked as he ventured closer to her.
"The light, its painful and it burns. Like fire and ice all at once. They called it the Void. And it screams the most horrible of sounds as battle rages. It was like it was here but not, for eternity and beyond, " She whispered, like a secret to terrible to speak out loud, "It took me and it brought me back. And I think it brought the Cybermen with me. And there was a voice in the darkness telling me to find Torchwood. It said Torchwood would fix me. Fix everything. It said tell Captain Jack I am sorry, so so sorry. It said you would understand someday." She ended.. She closed her eyes and buried her head under Ianto’s chin, taking comfort in his hold.
"What, what did she say?" Gwen demanded to know as Toshiko headed back to her work station. The three men exchanged a look.
"Nightmare," Owen said quickly covering, "Don't you ever get them?"
"No." replied Gwen. She just about stopped herself from adding I cause them.
"That's cos you have your perfect life," Owen sneered, "back home to lover boy."
"Fuck you Owen, " Gwen responded as she stalked away scowling. Tosh tried to hide a giggle.
"That was no nightmare was it?" Owen quietly asked Jack . "The Void?"
"No, " Ianto confirmed.
"The Doctor said they call it Hell. He sent the Cybermen and Daleks to Hell through the Void. And it was. I don't ever want to go back there, " Jessica whimpered, "before I die I am putting myself in a
freezer, cryogenics. The point between living and death, proper Farscape style." She declared.
"That could be arranged," Ianto said.
"Yeah. Just be another one in Torchwoods collection," Owen said sarcastically.
"For real?" Jessica asked. She seemed so hopeful at that, it was
almost heartbreaking. Three pairs of eyes turned to look at Jack.
"Well, yes," Jack admitted, "If you really wanted to, ex Torchwood
employees sometimes are. It could be discussed at a much later date."
He did not commit to it but Jessica seemed comforted by that.
"And no milk there. Or chocolate," Jessica said, trying to focus on the small pleasures of being alive.
"We have both. Come on," Ianto said as he helped her down of the
table. He offered her his arm and she took it, laying her head on his arm
as they walked.
"She's been through the bloody Rift hasn't she?" Owen asked.
"No. The Void is different from the Rift," Jack said "just as bad if not worse. No up or down, no time, just emptiness between universes. And generally no way out. "
"She's our responsibility now I take it" Owen stated.
Jack merely nodded as he started making mental arrangements concerning how
best to help her.
Hour three.
They were officially bored. The back up generator had failed so now not only was there no lights but also no laptop. The staff of Torchwood three plus one where gathered around the couch area, a couple of candles and a torch providing enough light to just about see one another by. If it was not for the circumstances, it would almost be cosy. However, it was not cosy, it was awkward. Toshiko and Gwen were sharing the resident blanket trying to ignore the fact that it was getting colder in the Hub. Ianto had managed to get the blanket of Jacks bed which he somehow ended up sharing with Owen. And what seemed odd to everyone else Jessica had chosen Ianto's spare coat. Not like Ianto had given Jessica a choice in the matter as he had fastened it around her. Nor had she elaborated when she had declared " At least I am used to the coat!" Although everyone accepted that, she did somehow seem comforted by it as she huddled inside it.
"So what happens now?" Jessica had asked.
"We wait," Jack replied.
That got a collective groan from Owen and Gwen.
"If we cannot get out that means nothing can get in right?" Jessica asked.
"Right, " Owen confirmed for her. He yanked the blanket from Ianto. It did not go unnoticed by everyone else. Jessica raised an eyebrow at Ianto who raised it back. Jessica made a gesture and Ianto give a smirk and a gesture back. Jack laughed at that.
"What?" Gwen asked.
Jessica made another gesture in response and Jack clasped his hands over hers. "No Torchwood one code please" He said kindly. "Although I have to agree."
"How do you know the code?" Jessica asked.
"Oh that's a story involving a cute blonde and a bottle of wine," Jack replied, "Strictly professional off course."
"Right," Jessica replied. She rolled her eyes as she said it.
Ianto yanked the blanket back.
"Or that," Jack added.
Jessica shrugged. "Sorry, forgot that three didn't do psychic training."
"You mean you got taught to read minds?" Gwen asked.
"Every Torchwood one employee received at least level one psychic
training," Ianto explained.
"Just so happened some of us were at higher levels," Jessica added.
"So what you're saying is you can read minds." Gwen asked again.
"No, " Jessica replied, "Demonstration?"
"Yeah, " Gwen and Toshiko replied in unison.
Owen yanked the blanket back again. Jessica sighed. The blanket floated out of Owens grasp and wrapped itself around Ianto. Jessica grinned.
"This is going to end in tears." Jack commented grinning but he did not do anything to stop her.
Jessica indicated to Ianto.
"I did not move the blanket, " he confirmed.
"Prove it," Owen demanded.
Ianto placed the blanket on the floor and sat back down.
"Nobody is in touching distance of the blanket right?" Jessica asked.
Everyone agreed. The blanket hovered up in the air and back over to
Owen and Ianto.
"That is pretty cool," Gwen said, " That would be useful to have that
training." She added.
"Not really," Jessica said.
"Not everyone survived the training," Ianto supplied.
"Heads going all explody not pretty," Jessica elaborated.
"Really?" Gwen asked aghast.
"Yes," They replied.
"So you can do that to?" Gwen turned and stared at Ianto.
"No, " Ianto confirmed.
"Why not?" Owen said, " was your head about to explode?" He asked
sarcastically.
"No, they stopped teaching that part before Ianto started. " Jessica
explained. "Too many accidents," her hand snaked out as she started
playing with one of the buttons on Jacks coat, a nervous gesture. She had a weird look on her face, like she was lost in a memory.
"So what else did Torchwood one do?" Gwen asked, "There are obvious
differences." There was no malice in her question, just genuine curiosity.
Both former Torchwood one employees shared a look.
"I mean special code, psychic training, obvious differences, " Gwen blundered on, not noticing the look.
"Gwen...." Toshiko said in warning, sensing it was a bad topic.
"And obviously the location was different, " Gwen went on ignoring Toshiko, "Did you have a Rift? We have a Rift."
"Yeah, you have Weevils and gloves, we had Cybermen and Daleks and invasions every Christmas, you have a Rift , we had a dimension tear you have five people we had over eight hundred, of which twenty survived. You have Retcon, we had to kill any witnesses or put them in mental institutes. Oh, you would have lasted two seconds with us. Why? Because the first thing you realised is that you don't ask fucking stupid questions or you were dead!" Jessica replied angrily before getting up, Ianto’s coat swishing about her feet as she walked away.
"Good one Gwen," Owen commented as Ianto stormed of towards the vaults.
Jack went after Ianto shouting that someone had better find where Jessica had gone..
"Right , that would be me then," Owen commented.
"I'll go with you, " Toshiko said leaving a seemingly shocked Gwen on
the sofa.
Glancing around to make sure nobody could see Gwen sighed and smiled to herself. They are making this too easy she thought. Then she give a clearing of the throat which realised the ball of alien energy inside her. Giving a little wave the energy went off in search of its target.
Walking along full of anger, confusion and sadness , Jessica did not hear Owen yelling. She paused slightly as she felt a sharp pain. It felt like an inset was trying to feast on her head, she brushed it aside with a flick of her hand and the pain went away. She continued on even though Owen caught up with her. It was lucky for her he had as he was able to catch her as she fainted. If the cameras and servers had been working, they would have noticed that briefly a glowing golden thread around Jessica. However they were not, nor did Owen notice as he hurried to check on her.
Jack found Ianto in the vaults. Before making the coffee, Jack and Ianto had secured the Weevils in the cell and had fed them so Jack was not concerned about them. However, it was passed the Weevils and the Glomp that Ianto had ventured, to an empty section in the lower levels.
"You okay?" Jack asked the emotional young man. He could see that Ianto was visibly shaking but trying to get control.
"Yes sir," Ianto replied. There was something bothering him. Jack was not surprised, after the days events that was to be expected. "why am I still here?" Ianto asked suddenly.
"Because we are in lock down," came Jacks immediate reply.
"That's not what I meant."
"I know. You've punished yourself enough. Because you made a mistake, anyone could have made. Because ," Jack sighed, "they're someone I loved, a long time ago whom I would have maybe done the same thing for. And despite what you may think I'm not a monster." Jack replied.
"I don't really think your a monster.. I'm sorry I said that." Ianto replied.
"I know. I forgive you." Jack replied, as he give Ianto a sad smile.
He offered Ianto a hug which to both men's surprise Ianto accepted. As Jack pulled Ianto closer to him, he could feel Ianto relax. Jacks familiar scent and soothing stroking on his back helping to calm Ianto , helping to get his temper under control. If Ianto had shed a tear then Jack did not mention it. Neither of them were sure how long they stood like that when Toshiko entered.
"Jack, we have a situation." she said simply.
When Toshiko lead Jack back up to the main area, he found Gwen floating
in mid air. Really high in mid air. Owen was trying to regain control of the situation that
was happening and Jessica was sobbing. Really Sobbing.
"Someone get me down" Gwen was shouting. She was scared. Or at least appeared to be. Gwen would have been scared if it was indeed Gwen.
"Is this your fault?" Owen was asking Jessica who was getting hysterical.
The more she sobbed the higher Gwen floated.
"Gwen can you get hold of anything ?" Jack asked.
"No." Gwen shrieked. Myfanwy swooped passed Gwen and this give Toshiko an idea.
"Can you get hold of Myfanwy?" She asked.
"Are you insane?" Gwen replied. She floated higher again.
Jack walked over to Jessica who was terrified as she clutched her head. Jack figured that too get Gwen down he needed to calm Jessica down.
"I can't stop it" Jessica sobbed, "hurts."
"Its okay." Jack responded as he got hold of her. Jack looked very fatherly at that moment.
Jessica clutched hold of Jack, like he was a security blanket. He cradled her like she was a
child and rocked with her as she sobbed.
"A giant net, " Jack could hear Owen suggest as Owen and Toshiko tried to think of how to get Gwen down.
"Didn't we pick up a jet pack from the Scullen wreckage?" Toshiko added.
"My head hurts," Jessica whimpered, "Theirs something in my head." She said only the words did not come out. She tried again only to be rewarded, or perhaps punished with an agonising pain in her head. She trembled and clung closer to Jack.
Ianto emerged from the vaults looking visibly calmer. He was holding a bar of dark chocolate. He noticed the situation and broke the bar in half. He threw half to Jack and then waved the other half in the air. Jack broke a bit of and offered it to Jessica. She sniffled and looked up at him confused. Gwen floated down a bit lower. Myfanwy squawked as she sensed chocolate about. As she, swooped passed Gwen stopped the urge to giggle as she went flying up.
"Help." Gwen said.
"I can't get her down." Jessica cried as she clutched onto Jack. Ianto crossed over to them.
"I have an idea. Can you float her along?" Ianto asked.
"I, I don't know." Jessica replied. "Why?"
"I can get Myfanwy distracted so you can land Gwen into the nest. She can climb down from there."
"Your dino has a nest?" Jessica asked. Jack give her another piece of chocolate. "I never tried to move a person before. Hell I didn't even know if I could. It wasn't intentional."
"The Rift is probably enhancing your ability." Jack said kindly.
"And the effects" Ianto added. Ianto waved the chocolate again causing Myfanwy to brush passed Gwen. Gwen felt the urge to laugh again and she floated higher. Jack put his hand over Jessica's ears.
"Gwen try to stay calm. You’re doing great,, just try to stay quiet. The more you panic the worst it will get. " He yelled up to her, "everyone stay quiet" he added.
"Is anyone able to guide me to where I am aiming?" Jessica sobbed.
"Ianto, distract, Owen, Toshiko, help Ianto, " Jack ordered.
The three of them moved away to the centre of the Hub.
"Okay here it goes," Jack telepathically told Jessica, "Can you aim her left?"
Gwen went right and higher up. Myfanwy hovered watching the sceptical confused.
"Other left," Jack told her. He pointed to emphasised the direction.
Ianto waved the chocolate about and Gwen quietly shrieked. Eventually Jessica managed to get Gwen to go left. Myfanwy decided that she did want the chocolate and gracefully landed. It was obvious the telepathy was causing Jessica a lot of pain as Gwen continued shrieking. Jack held her closer trying to offer Jessica some comfort. Owen watched in amazement as Ianto fed Myfanwy the chocolate. Toshiko was trying to watch everything at once.
"Okay Gwen brace yourself" Jack shouted as eventually she floated above the ledge.
"Just drop her down" Jack informed Jessica.
Jessica did and Gwen landed with a thud. Myfanwy sensing a new threat in her territory went up to, explore. She gave a shriek of displeasure when she discovered what was wrong in her nest. She poked at Gwen in warning who tried to stare her down. Myfanwy screeched again as she landed next to Jessica and Jack. She gave Jessica a gentle nuzzle with her beak. Jessica tentatively held the chocolate out and Myfanwy took it. Jessica attempted to stand up and Myfanwy ate the chocolate. This intruder seemed different to her but not as frightening as the one in her nest.
Myfanwy made her mind up. The one in her nest was wrong. The one in her nest should be covered in that nice tasting source. Then she could eat her.