Fic: A Song as Old as Time. (12/14)
This is the first long story I started writing way back in 2007, and I've not updated since 2009, however it's always been my intention to finish it, and I've got the next part half written and hope to get the story finished my the end of this month.
Title: A Song as old as time (12 of 14)
FanFic_50 Prompt: Learn
Word count: this part 3k of total 32k.
Rating: PG13
Summary: A chance visit to a bar and the unexpected arrival of an old acquaintance raises a lot questions for Jack and creates a dangerous situation for Ianto.
Notes: This is set during the first series after 1x06 Countrycide, but before 1x08 They Keep Killing Suzie.
part one part two part three part four part five
part six part seven part eight part nine part ten part eleven
Ianto is still asleep when Jack hears footsteps approaching along the corridor outside the room.
The door slides open to reveal the Shipmother. Walking into the room she says, “Are you ready?”
“As we'll ever be. Do you know what they want him to do?” Jack asks quietly, hoping not to disturb Ianto until they are actually needed.
“Nothing. They've decided he is unnecessary.”
“Unnecessary?” Jack says sceptically. How could Ianto's testimony be unnecessary when he was the one who caught Vron, and who'd prevented Grell's assassination?
“Yes. Vron confessed, and the Elders didn't think there was anything to be gained by having to listen to a human.” She doesn't look entirely happy with this, but continues saying, “Grell wishes to speak with you before the execution.”
“He's well enough to carry it out?” Jack asks, surprised. He'd been sure that the wound Grell had received would need a considerable amount of treatment, and possibly surgery before he’d be up to anything much at all.
“No. He's dying, and wishes for this matter to be over,” she says sadly, third eyelid blinking slowly across her eyes.
“I’m sorry.” Despite what Grell had done in holding Jubel’s daughter as security on a debt, Jack find that he actually is. Grell hadn't been a good man by Earth or a good few other planets standards, but he'd tried to do right by the people he was in charge of and had done it under difficult circumstances.
“So am I, but now is not the time for sorrow,” she says pragmatically. “I know what Grell is going to ask of you, and I think you need time to consider it beforehand. As when he asks he will need an answer immediately if he is fulfil his part of it.”
Cryptic and ominous. What a great combination, Jack thinks. “Should I be worried?”
“I do not think so,” she says, trying to be reassuring. “He wishes to ask you to assist him in Vron's execution.”
“Assist him?” Jack asks, liking the sound of what he’s being asked less and less.
“Yes.” She glances at Ianto who still hasn't woken, before continuing quietly. “The method execution for those convicted of treason is beheading, and Grell’s wound is such that the nerves leading to his arm are affected and he will not be able to draw the wire without assistance.”
It's a quick if unpleasant method of execution, and Jack knows his distaste must show on his face as the Shipmother says, “I am not sure what the customs are where you come from, if this is something you feel able to do. But I believe he would not have thought to ask it of you unless he thought there was a good chance that you would agree.”
“What happens if I don't?”
The Shipmother thinks for a moment then says, “I believe he will ask your mate. He wishes for a human to join him in this. You must understand that this is not simply a matter of seeking assistance, this is about making a wider statement. It's about showing the Devor and Humans as allies, that we go forward together.”
It makes sense, but Jack still doesn't like it. But he's not going to put Ianto in a position where he's going to be asked to do this. Because despite the fact that it would be terrible thing to have to attempt to do even if he had time build up his shielding, Ianto would, he's almost certain, agree to it, even if it cost him dearly. The young man's sense of duty and trying to do what is best for the majority nearly always seeming to win out over any kind of self preservation.
“Tell Grell I'll do it,” Jack says, not wanting to think about it further.
“You need to discuss it with him in person, I have only told you this now as I believe it to be the right thing to do.” Looking once again at Ianto, she says, “You are doing this for him, aren't you? If the choice wasn't going to also be offered to him you would have refused.”
“That obvious, huh?”
“That you care greatly for him? Yes, it is.” She puts her hand on Jack's arm. “It is nothing to be shy about.”
Jack laughs. “Believe me, nobody who knows me would ever call me shy about anything.”
“That may be true. But I do not believe you have made how you feel clear to him. You look at him with the longing of somebody who is yet to speak his mind.” A sad look crosses her face. “And believe me when I say I understand longing.”
“It's not that easy.” Jack looks at Ianto with a sad smile.
“It is only as easy or hard as you make it. Now, time is short, and you need to wake him if you wish him to come with you.”
“I know.” It doesn't make deciding what to do any easier though. What ever decision he eventually comes to Jack knows he's got to get the situation with Grell out of the way first.
“Time to get up,” Jack says, placing a hand lightly on Ianto's shoulder.
Ianto wakes with a start as Jack touches him, sitting up and looking around, eyes wide and scared. Seeing the Shipmother, he says, “Is it time for me to tell them what I saw?”
“No.” Jack tries to project a calm that he doesn't really feel, hoping that it will help. “They've already had the trial, and found Vron guilty.”
“I see,” Ianto says sounding torn between relief that he's not going to have to take part in it, and concern for what it means for them. “Does this mean we can go now?”
Really wishing that it did, Jack says, “Soon. I have to talk to Grell first.”
“He’s alright then?” Ianto asks sounding relieved.
“Not really. He needs me to help him with the sentencing.”
When Ianto doesn’t reply, Jack says, “How are you holding up?”
“Still a rather on edge.” Ianto smiles an obviously forced smile, trying to put him at ease. “I’ll be alright once this is over.”
Jack doesn’t contradict him, he knows it wouldn’t do any good. Instead he places a hand on Ianto’s shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze, “Come on, sooner I get this done the sooner I can get you home.”
Ianto tenses at Jack’s touch, and more at his words, “Are you not coming home as well?”
“What?” The question takes Jack by surprise.
“You said you were going to get me home. What about you? Are not coming back with me?” he asks, a worried frown forming. “What will I tell the team?”
“Of course I’m coming back.”
“You mean it,” he says sounding genuinely surprised.
“You really thought I'd lie to you about that?” Jack says, sounding hurt.
Sighing, Ianto says, “I don't know. You keep the truth from us so often, and it's not always when it's something we'd be better off not knowing, sometimes it's things we need to know to do our jobs. I understand needing secrets, but some of the things you don't tell us, I just don't see the point.”
“Do the rest of the team think like that?” Jack asks, concerned that the team might not trust him. The job they do is difficult enough without them questioning or second guessing the decisions that he makes.
“Gwen still finds it part of your mysterious charm, but I think even for her it's starting to wear a little thin. Owen and Tosh I'm less sure about, but if I had to guess I'd say they think you do it to keep us under control, so that we need you. You try to buy our loyalty through ignorance of the dangers we face.”
“Do you think that?” Jack asks, horrified that there's could such mistrust of him in the team and that he's not even notices it. He's not sure any more why he keeps something secret from them, sometimes it's because he's sure they'd be better off not knowing, sometimes it's when it might reveal how long he's worked at Torchwood or the fact he can't die. And sometimes even he's not sure why he does it.
The Shipmother taps her clawed toes on the floor. “I do not mean to rush you, but do you think you could continue this at a later time?”
“She's right, we can talk about this later. If you want to that is,” Ianto says, moving towards the door. “But if it helps I don't think you mean any harm in not telling us these things, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” He smiles sadly. “As I know only too well. So just think before you decide not to tell us something, who are you really doing it for?”
“I'll try.” It's hard though, he's spent too long having to keep so much of his life hidden for so many reasons. Being an immortal time traveller from the future with a very broad definition of love had made living through the 19th and 20th centuries a challenging experience, and often keeping secrets was the only thing that kept him and those he loved safe.
They follow the Shipmother out of the room and along a series of corridors. They pass a few other Devor, mostly guards or crew who operate the ship, which leads Jack to believe that the route they are being taken on is mostly service corridors which aren't used by most of the inhabitants of the ship.
Eventually they reach what what must be Grell's private suite of rooms, the décor reminiscent of what Jack had seen on the monitor in Jubel's ship the previous day.
Stopping in a reception room, the Shipmother says, “Grell is waiting in through there. I will wait here.” She looks at Ianto. “You should remain here as well.”
“You don't have to,” Jack says, not really wanting to leave Ianto on his own yet.
“I'll be alright. Go and do what you need to,” Ianto says sitting down on a chair next to the Shipmother, who is pouring a drink for them both.
“Okay.” Jack nods and then knocks on the side of the door frame, the door itself has been replaced at some point with a bead curtain.
“You took your time. Come in.”
Inside, Grell is sitting propped up in a chair, while a medic changes the blood soaked dressing on the side of his neck.
“The Shipmother told me you wished to see me,” Jack says, knowing that any attempt at pleasantries is unlikely go down well.
“I doubt that's all she said,” Grell says wearily, although the tiredness doesn't seem to be directed at her, more at life in general. “She is a good soul. She wants to do right by everybody. If we had a few more like her life would be so much easier.”
“She did tell me why.”
“And your answer?”
“I'll do it.” Jack doesn't like it, and if there was another option he'd take it, but there isn't and he's got very good over the years at taking the least bad option and living with.
“Good. I don't have the energy to argue this or to make some grand case why it need to happen like this. Yet you deserve an answer for why I ask this. I'm the last Devor who was at Telemer,” Grell says slowly, breath wheezing, as he tries and fails to sit a little straighter. “Those that haven't died in other ways have succumbed to this.”
He nods to the medic who pulls up the sleeve covering his right arm. The scales beneath are thin and cracked, their surface mottled grey and yellow.
Grell looks at Jack with weary eyes. “It is not a good death.”
“I understand.” Given the number and variety of deaths he’s had over the years, Jack knows that while no death is exactly good there are definitely some which are quicker and less painful than others.
“I thought you might.” There's something close to relief in his voice. “I had not planned on dying so soon, but this will give the Devor a direction where as a slow fade into pain and insanity would give opportunity to those who oppose the changes I've brought in.”
“So with treatment you could survive?”
“Not long enough to do what I need to do, just few months, maybe a year. But I wouldn't be able to lead for much of that.” Grell closes his eyes. “There is still so much left undone.”
An awkward silence stretches out between them. Jack can't think of anything that he could say or do to make this any better.
Grell sighs and slumps further into his chair. “I had not wishes to end my time so soon, but I've always taken the chances life gives me. And today I want them all to see Devor and Human united again those who would bring unrest, would would drag us back to conflict with our neighbours.” He opens his eyes slowly, and smile. “I will let this and my death be my last act as leader, that maybe it will inspire them to peace. I can do no more.”
“I know,” Jack says, meaning it. He might not always like how Grell has carried out his role as leader, but he's lead his people in chaos that followed Telemer and brought them from being a backwater nation to one respected and known throughout the sector.
“Then I will leave you to get ready, the ceremony is in under an hour,” Grell says. Then waves the medic back to him.
Realising that their conversation is over, Jack leaves. As he does he can hear Grell and the medic arguing, “Just give me enough me enough painkillers and stimulants to get me through the bloody ceremony.”
“But the long term damage…”
“Doesn’t matter, you know it doesn't,” Grell says irritably. “I’ve got a few hours tops, so just do it, or I'll do it myself.”
“You spoke to him?” the Shipmother asks, getting up from her seat as Jack reaches her.
“Yes, and I said I do it.”
She nods. “If you'll excuse me for a moment, I need to speak with him, as I am not sure when I shall have another chance.”
“Sure, go ahead. We'll wait here,” Jack says, moving closer to Ianto.
“Thank you,” She dips her head, and then hurries over to Grell's room.
“What does he want you to do?” Ianto asks, once the Shipmother has gone.
“To help him to execute Vron,” Jack says, knowing there is no avoiding telling Ianto this, even if he wishes there was.
There's a brief look of horror on Ianto's face, before the well practised unreadable expression takes its place. “Did you agree?”
“Yeah,” Jack replies, trying not to think too closing about it.
“Why did he ask you?” Ianto says, half curious half accusatory. “I helped catch him, they wouldn't be having this trial if I hadn't. Why aren't they asking me to do this?”
“Because Grell wanted it to be me,” Jack says, deciding that this really needs to be one those times where he keeps whole truth to himself. “Because I knew him before he became who he is now. Because I was at Telemer and he wants to draw a line under it before he dies.”
“So this isn't some misguided attempt to protect me?” Ianto asks, sounding like he still doesn't entirely believe him.
“No.” Jack runs his hands down Ianto's arms. “Would it really be so awful if it was?”
“I don't need protecting.” Ianto turns away from Jack. “I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can. I'm not every going to doubt that.” Jack moves round so that he's in front of him again. “But your shielding is shot to hell at the moment. Being so close to death, helping to cause it, you really think that's a good idea right now?”
Ianto shakes his head slowly. “No. It's never the best idea at any time, but right now it would be very, very bad.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
He gives Jack a look that clearly means 'you should know this without being told,' before saying, “I don't think you should do it either.”
“Not really got much choice.” It's not strictly true as he could let Ianto do it or maybe refuse on behalf of both of them, but that's just going to make a bad situation worse for everybody.
“I know.” Ianto closes his eyes and hangs his head. “But I really wish you didn't have to.”
“Me too,” Jack says, taking hold of Ianto's hand. Then, sitting down next to him, he waits for the Shipmother to return.
Part thirteen. http://the-silver-sun.livejournal.com/178787.html#cutid1
Title: A Song as old as time (12 of 14)
FanFic_50 Prompt: Learn
Word count: this part 3k of total 32k.
Rating: PG13
Summary: A chance visit to a bar and the unexpected arrival of an old acquaintance raises a lot questions for Jack and creates a dangerous situation for Ianto.
Notes: This is set during the first series after 1x06 Countrycide, but before 1x08 They Keep Killing Suzie.
part one part two part three part four part five
part six part seven part eight part nine part ten part eleven
Ianto is still asleep when Jack hears footsteps approaching along the corridor outside the room.
The door slides open to reveal the Shipmother. Walking into the room she says, “Are you ready?”
“As we'll ever be. Do you know what they want him to do?” Jack asks quietly, hoping not to disturb Ianto until they are actually needed.
“Nothing. They've decided he is unnecessary.”
“Unnecessary?” Jack says sceptically. How could Ianto's testimony be unnecessary when he was the one who caught Vron, and who'd prevented Grell's assassination?
“Yes. Vron confessed, and the Elders didn't think there was anything to be gained by having to listen to a human.” She doesn't look entirely happy with this, but continues saying, “Grell wishes to speak with you before the execution.”
“He's well enough to carry it out?” Jack asks, surprised. He'd been sure that the wound Grell had received would need a considerable amount of treatment, and possibly surgery before he’d be up to anything much at all.
“No. He's dying, and wishes for this matter to be over,” she says sadly, third eyelid blinking slowly across her eyes.
“I’m sorry.” Despite what Grell had done in holding Jubel’s daughter as security on a debt, Jack find that he actually is. Grell hadn't been a good man by Earth or a good few other planets standards, but he'd tried to do right by the people he was in charge of and had done it under difficult circumstances.
“So am I, but now is not the time for sorrow,” she says pragmatically. “I know what Grell is going to ask of you, and I think you need time to consider it beforehand. As when he asks he will need an answer immediately if he is fulfil his part of it.”
Cryptic and ominous. What a great combination, Jack thinks. “Should I be worried?”
“I do not think so,” she says, trying to be reassuring. “He wishes to ask you to assist him in Vron's execution.”
“Assist him?” Jack asks, liking the sound of what he’s being asked less and less.
“Yes.” She glances at Ianto who still hasn't woken, before continuing quietly. “The method execution for those convicted of treason is beheading, and Grell’s wound is such that the nerves leading to his arm are affected and he will not be able to draw the wire without assistance.”
It's a quick if unpleasant method of execution, and Jack knows his distaste must show on his face as the Shipmother says, “I am not sure what the customs are where you come from, if this is something you feel able to do. But I believe he would not have thought to ask it of you unless he thought there was a good chance that you would agree.”
“What happens if I don't?”
The Shipmother thinks for a moment then says, “I believe he will ask your mate. He wishes for a human to join him in this. You must understand that this is not simply a matter of seeking assistance, this is about making a wider statement. It's about showing the Devor and Humans as allies, that we go forward together.”
It makes sense, but Jack still doesn't like it. But he's not going to put Ianto in a position where he's going to be asked to do this. Because despite the fact that it would be terrible thing to have to attempt to do even if he had time build up his shielding, Ianto would, he's almost certain, agree to it, even if it cost him dearly. The young man's sense of duty and trying to do what is best for the majority nearly always seeming to win out over any kind of self preservation.
“Tell Grell I'll do it,” Jack says, not wanting to think about it further.
“You need to discuss it with him in person, I have only told you this now as I believe it to be the right thing to do.” Looking once again at Ianto, she says, “You are doing this for him, aren't you? If the choice wasn't going to also be offered to him you would have refused.”
“That obvious, huh?”
“That you care greatly for him? Yes, it is.” She puts her hand on Jack's arm. “It is nothing to be shy about.”
Jack laughs. “Believe me, nobody who knows me would ever call me shy about anything.”
“That may be true. But I do not believe you have made how you feel clear to him. You look at him with the longing of somebody who is yet to speak his mind.” A sad look crosses her face. “And believe me when I say I understand longing.”
“It's not that easy.” Jack looks at Ianto with a sad smile.
“It is only as easy or hard as you make it. Now, time is short, and you need to wake him if you wish him to come with you.”
“I know.” It doesn't make deciding what to do any easier though. What ever decision he eventually comes to Jack knows he's got to get the situation with Grell out of the way first.
“Time to get up,” Jack says, placing a hand lightly on Ianto's shoulder.
Ianto wakes with a start as Jack touches him, sitting up and looking around, eyes wide and scared. Seeing the Shipmother, he says, “Is it time for me to tell them what I saw?”
“No.” Jack tries to project a calm that he doesn't really feel, hoping that it will help. “They've already had the trial, and found Vron guilty.”
“I see,” Ianto says sounding torn between relief that he's not going to have to take part in it, and concern for what it means for them. “Does this mean we can go now?”
Really wishing that it did, Jack says, “Soon. I have to talk to Grell first.”
“He’s alright then?” Ianto asks sounding relieved.
“Not really. He needs me to help him with the sentencing.”
When Ianto doesn’t reply, Jack says, “How are you holding up?”
“Still a rather on edge.” Ianto smiles an obviously forced smile, trying to put him at ease. “I’ll be alright once this is over.”
Jack doesn’t contradict him, he knows it wouldn’t do any good. Instead he places a hand on Ianto’s shoulder and gives it a gentle squeeze, “Come on, sooner I get this done the sooner I can get you home.”
Ianto tenses at Jack’s touch, and more at his words, “Are you not coming home as well?”
“What?” The question takes Jack by surprise.
“You said you were going to get me home. What about you? Are not coming back with me?” he asks, a worried frown forming. “What will I tell the team?”
“Of course I’m coming back.”
“You mean it,” he says sounding genuinely surprised.
“You really thought I'd lie to you about that?” Jack says, sounding hurt.
Sighing, Ianto says, “I don't know. You keep the truth from us so often, and it's not always when it's something we'd be better off not knowing, sometimes it's things we need to know to do our jobs. I understand needing secrets, but some of the things you don't tell us, I just don't see the point.”
“Do the rest of the team think like that?” Jack asks, concerned that the team might not trust him. The job they do is difficult enough without them questioning or second guessing the decisions that he makes.
“Gwen still finds it part of your mysterious charm, but I think even for her it's starting to wear a little thin. Owen and Tosh I'm less sure about, but if I had to guess I'd say they think you do it to keep us under control, so that we need you. You try to buy our loyalty through ignorance of the dangers we face.”
“Do you think that?” Jack asks, horrified that there's could such mistrust of him in the team and that he's not even notices it. He's not sure any more why he keeps something secret from them, sometimes it's because he's sure they'd be better off not knowing, sometimes it's when it might reveal how long he's worked at Torchwood or the fact he can't die. And sometimes even he's not sure why he does it.
The Shipmother taps her clawed toes on the floor. “I do not mean to rush you, but do you think you could continue this at a later time?”
“She's right, we can talk about this later. If you want to that is,” Ianto says, moving towards the door. “But if it helps I don't think you mean any harm in not telling us these things, but the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” He smiles sadly. “As I know only too well. So just think before you decide not to tell us something, who are you really doing it for?”
“I'll try.” It's hard though, he's spent too long having to keep so much of his life hidden for so many reasons. Being an immortal time traveller from the future with a very broad definition of love had made living through the 19th and 20th centuries a challenging experience, and often keeping secrets was the only thing that kept him and those he loved safe.
They follow the Shipmother out of the room and along a series of corridors. They pass a few other Devor, mostly guards or crew who operate the ship, which leads Jack to believe that the route they are being taken on is mostly service corridors which aren't used by most of the inhabitants of the ship.
Eventually they reach what what must be Grell's private suite of rooms, the décor reminiscent of what Jack had seen on the monitor in Jubel's ship the previous day.
Stopping in a reception room, the Shipmother says, “Grell is waiting in through there. I will wait here.” She looks at Ianto. “You should remain here as well.”
“You don't have to,” Jack says, not really wanting to leave Ianto on his own yet.
“I'll be alright. Go and do what you need to,” Ianto says sitting down on a chair next to the Shipmother, who is pouring a drink for them both.
“Okay.” Jack nods and then knocks on the side of the door frame, the door itself has been replaced at some point with a bead curtain.
“You took your time. Come in.”
Inside, Grell is sitting propped up in a chair, while a medic changes the blood soaked dressing on the side of his neck.
“The Shipmother told me you wished to see me,” Jack says, knowing that any attempt at pleasantries is unlikely go down well.
“I doubt that's all she said,” Grell says wearily, although the tiredness doesn't seem to be directed at her, more at life in general. “She is a good soul. She wants to do right by everybody. If we had a few more like her life would be so much easier.”
“She did tell me why.”
“And your answer?”
“I'll do it.” Jack doesn't like it, and if there was another option he'd take it, but there isn't and he's got very good over the years at taking the least bad option and living with.
“Good. I don't have the energy to argue this or to make some grand case why it need to happen like this. Yet you deserve an answer for why I ask this. I'm the last Devor who was at Telemer,” Grell says slowly, breath wheezing, as he tries and fails to sit a little straighter. “Those that haven't died in other ways have succumbed to this.”
He nods to the medic who pulls up the sleeve covering his right arm. The scales beneath are thin and cracked, their surface mottled grey and yellow.
Grell looks at Jack with weary eyes. “It is not a good death.”
“I understand.” Given the number and variety of deaths he’s had over the years, Jack knows that while no death is exactly good there are definitely some which are quicker and less painful than others.
“I thought you might.” There's something close to relief in his voice. “I had not planned on dying so soon, but this will give the Devor a direction where as a slow fade into pain and insanity would give opportunity to those who oppose the changes I've brought in.”
“So with treatment you could survive?”
“Not long enough to do what I need to do, just few months, maybe a year. But I wouldn't be able to lead for much of that.” Grell closes his eyes. “There is still so much left undone.”
An awkward silence stretches out between them. Jack can't think of anything that he could say or do to make this any better.
Grell sighs and slumps further into his chair. “I had not wishes to end my time so soon, but I've always taken the chances life gives me. And today I want them all to see Devor and Human united again those who would bring unrest, would would drag us back to conflict with our neighbours.” He opens his eyes slowly, and smile. “I will let this and my death be my last act as leader, that maybe it will inspire them to peace. I can do no more.”
“I know,” Jack says, meaning it. He might not always like how Grell has carried out his role as leader, but he's lead his people in chaos that followed Telemer and brought them from being a backwater nation to one respected and known throughout the sector.
“Then I will leave you to get ready, the ceremony is in under an hour,” Grell says. Then waves the medic back to him.
Realising that their conversation is over, Jack leaves. As he does he can hear Grell and the medic arguing, “Just give me enough me enough painkillers and stimulants to get me through the bloody ceremony.”
“But the long term damage…”
“Doesn’t matter, you know it doesn't,” Grell says irritably. “I’ve got a few hours tops, so just do it, or I'll do it myself.”
“You spoke to him?” the Shipmother asks, getting up from her seat as Jack reaches her.
“Yes, and I said I do it.”
She nods. “If you'll excuse me for a moment, I need to speak with him, as I am not sure when I shall have another chance.”
“Sure, go ahead. We'll wait here,” Jack says, moving closer to Ianto.
“Thank you,” She dips her head, and then hurries over to Grell's room.
“What does he want you to do?” Ianto asks, once the Shipmother has gone.
“To help him to execute Vron,” Jack says, knowing there is no avoiding telling Ianto this, even if he wishes there was.
There's a brief look of horror on Ianto's face, before the well practised unreadable expression takes its place. “Did you agree?”
“Yeah,” Jack replies, trying not to think too closing about it.
“Why did he ask you?” Ianto says, half curious half accusatory. “I helped catch him, they wouldn't be having this trial if I hadn't. Why aren't they asking me to do this?”
“Because Grell wanted it to be me,” Jack says, deciding that this really needs to be one those times where he keeps whole truth to himself. “Because I knew him before he became who he is now. Because I was at Telemer and he wants to draw a line under it before he dies.”
“So this isn't some misguided attempt to protect me?” Ianto asks, sounding like he still doesn't entirely believe him.
“No.” Jack runs his hands down Ianto's arms. “Would it really be so awful if it was?”
“I don't need protecting.” Ianto turns away from Jack. “I can take care of myself.”
“I know you can. I'm not every going to doubt that.” Jack moves round so that he's in front of him again. “But your shielding is shot to hell at the moment. Being so close to death, helping to cause it, you really think that's a good idea right now?”
Ianto shakes his head slowly. “No. It's never the best idea at any time, but right now it would be very, very bad.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
He gives Jack a look that clearly means 'you should know this without being told,' before saying, “I don't think you should do it either.”
“Not really got much choice.” It's not strictly true as he could let Ianto do it or maybe refuse on behalf of both of them, but that's just going to make a bad situation worse for everybody.
“I know.” Ianto closes his eyes and hangs his head. “But I really wish you didn't have to.”
“Me too,” Jack says, taking hold of Ianto's hand. Then, sitting down next to him, he waits for the Shipmother to return.
Part thirteen. http://the-silver-sun.livejournal.com/178787.html#cutid1