Chapter 24: Torchwood Three; Cardiff, Wales

Ianto carefully set Anwen on one of the new examine cots in the infirmary. He had no idea how to activate the medical equipment. Unsure of what else to try, he opened her wrist strap.

The computer response was immediate. "Stand back. Medical emergency. Releasing nanogenes."

Rhys entered with Trefor as a yellow cloud emerged from a box at the head of the cot and spread over Anwen.

Ianto moved around the cot to keep Rhys from trying to interfere. They stood in silence, watching and waiting.

After the cloud returned to its box, the computer announced, "Patient is sleeping. Do not disturb."

"Explain this to me," Rhys said.

"I can't."

Rhys settled into a chair in one corner with Trefor on his lap.

Ianto headed for Jack's office. All he could think about was the day the hub exploded with Jack inside. The government betrayed them because of the 456. Jack dragged him to the lift and made him leave. I will come back. I always do. The pain and fear returned with a vengeance. He stopped and leaned against the wall.

Telling himself repeatedly it was over lessened the memories' grip. After a few deep breaths, he started moving again. It felt like struggling against quicksand. The past held on and wouldn't let go.

Jack told him to remember the good times, and he tried. Torchwood was Jack's home, and they'd spent many nights together as friends and lovers. The pterodactyl perched overheard, its talons on the metal railing. Ianto couldn't help but smile. Catching the creature had resulted in a connection between them, and earned him the job he'd been previously unable to talk Jack into.

Ianto stopped again as the memories changed. Thinking about the flying dinosaur made him think of what the creature ate. It had a fondness for barbecue sauce. Which lead to memories of Lisa and the day what was left of her went on a rampage. The memories were determined.

When he finally freed himself, he continued to Jack's office. There was work that needed to be done, but he couldn't handle it. Simply walking to the office took what willpower he could manage. Resigned, he sat behind Jack's desk. When the memories gave him another moment's peace, he rested his hands on his arms and fell into a fitful sleep.

Jack lead Gwen into Torchwood through the garage. They found Rhys and Trefor were sleeping in a chair near Anwen in the infirmary.

He hadn't given the infirmary much of a review. He walked through. Arrogance, he realized. He didn't consider his team might need it. The upgrades were impressive. Centuries beyond 2049.

He reviewed Anwen's condition. Controlling the Rift had a serious affect on her brain. Over time, he wondered how much she adapted to it. The system had obviously been designed with her in mind. From the looks of the records, she'd written much of the information herself from personal experience. There was a lot it didn't say. He couldn't blame her for keeping secrets. The job did that to a person.

John stepped into the infirmary with his hands in front of him. "She needs nutrient packs."

"Why do you care?" Gwen demanded, waking Rhys and Trefor. She unholstered her weapon.

"Part of the job."

"Gwen." Rhys sounded half awake. "He saved her life. Twice now."

"He can't be trusted."

Jack said, "Take Rhys and Trefor to the conference room."

She reluctantly agreed.

"You can't stay."

"I know."

"How did you get in?"

John looked up from the monitor. "I'm in the system. Anwen, adult Anwen, said you wouldn't be able to remove it." John held up a hand. "I am not here to cause trouble."

"This isn't about money."

"No." John opened his wrist-strap and made corrections.

"What do you want?"

John turned to look at him. "I want to go home to my flat in London. I want to con the housekeeper into another pot roast. I can't. My home and my life and everything I care about is gone." John closed his strap. "You have your hub, Ianto and whatever bizarre relationship you have with Gwen." A beat. "Be happy."

(To be continued)