SORRY TO EVERYONE FOR THE LATENESS OF UPDATING, I KNOW HOW FRUSTRATING IT CAN BE WAITING FOR THE AUTHOR TO FINISH WHAT THEY STARTED. REAL LIFE HAS THROWN A CURVEBALL AND I HAVE TO LIVE WITH IT. SO, MY DEEPEST APOLOGIES AND HOPE YOU WON'T BE TOO UPSET. I AM TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH THE THINGS I STARTED ALTHOUGH 'SOMETHING TORCHWOOD' WILL HAVE TO WAIT AS I HAVE TERRIBLE WRITER'S BLOCK ON THAT ONE. ANY IDEAS ANYONE... HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS ONE.

Disclaimer: Don't own any of the characters or concepts…people should know that because if I did own 'em I wouldn't be writing this stuff, so that's as much as I'm going to say about it. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is also purely coincidental.

WARNING: M for serious adult stuff, swearing and slash, although this chapter is a mild one, but you have been warned… so lets add Sean into the equation shall we? You'll see who I mean…So I have a thing about blonds...

Training and Recruitment….

"Loosen up a little, remember what I told you…" James danced away from the clumsy lunge and grinned "You can do better than that!" he faced the panting figure off and put his head on one side. "I think you'd better get back to the rowing machine, you need to improve your fitness before you can master this…"

TW

"That's better! Keep going!" he dodged another attempt to throw him but it had been closer than the last. The man was improving. He noted the sweat pouring off him and called a halt. "That'll do for today. You are improving. Keep up the exercise routine though." He watched as the man threw a towel round his neck and walked stiffly off towards the showers.

TW

"Ooft!" James hit the floor on his back and grimaced as the wind shot out of him. Now that had been a good throw. He was impressed. He rolled and stood upright and held out a hand. "Nice one." Intending to take him by surprise and use the offered hand to get his own back, he was neatly foiled by his opponent giving a sudden pull and a twist. He grinned down at Bond where he lay at his feet, once again on his back.

"You don't get me with that one. That's Jack's trick."

Bond smiled and allowed Ianto Jones to help him to his feet, without trying anything this time. "You've grown wise to that one." he remarked, grabbing a towel and accompanying Ianto to the showers. 'I'm suitably impressed.'

"I live with Jack. What do you expect?" came the dry reply.

TW

"Time to find additions to our little family." Jack announced as they sat round the boardroom table that evening. The team had gathered for a celebratory take-out before heading for home. Everybody was feeling better since the new training and the additional equipment had been approved and implemented. James' suggestions had been agreed upon and financed with the minimum of fuss, especially when M intervened on Torchwood's behalf. They now had protective gear, stab and bullet proof vests and other equipment which should have been standard. Jack privately felt rather guilty about it. He had fought long, hard and fruitlessly for updated equipment and failed. There were some people his charm just didn't work on, antagonised even. Ianto resolved to talk to him about it later. It took someone with M's clout to get things done sometimes.

"So where do we recruit from?" Owen asked, forking noodles into his mouth and sucking a stray one up indelicately. "Its not like we can place an advert in the Cardiff Gazette?" He missed the exchanged glance between James and Tosh at his sloppy table manners and carried on.

"Keep your eyes open people, this is where it starts…" Jack intoned. "We just have to keep our eyes and ears open."

"What chance do we stand? Look at you, you only ever managed to find a few…"

"…because I wasn't looking for more." Jack replied. "Don't forget, Torchwood has only been in my hands since 2000. Before then I was freelance, what I thought didn't matter. But I guess I kept the team small because it was easier to keep a low profile. Trouble is, the Rift isn't quietening down. If anything its getting worse. Soon we might not be able to handle what comes through. If that happens and we're not ready…it'll be my fault. God knows we're stressed enough as it is."

"Well, I know someone who might be up for it from my department." They all looked at James as he spoke. "He's not particularly great as an agent but I think he might do well here. He's struggling to come up to M's standards."

"What makes you think he'd be ok with us then?" Gwen asked.

"He's a good marksman, he's good at unarmed combat, he can speak four languages like a native, he's disciplined but he's a little unsubtle. He's not a diplomat, nor is he a politico. He can do a job but the finer nuances go over his head. Point him at a combat situation and he's more than up to the task. Ask him to infiltrate a gang and he can pull off deep cover without a qualm, but ask him to a presidential dinner and he just looks out of place. I'll speak to M about transferring him if you like. We could work it as a trial period if you'd like to give him a test?"

"Can you get me his file and let me have a look?" Jack asked.

"Sure, I'll pull it as soon as I can get to a workstation."

"How about Andy Davidson?" Gwen asked. "You could do with another copper on the job. Andy's good at what he does. He's no coward, maybe not the best but I've seen him face down a 6ft drunken rugby player with a broken bottle and have him on the ground in seconds.'

'Is this the same Andy Davidson who was your ex-partner in crime?' Jack asked her. 'If so I think I might revise my opinion of him if he can get a guy on his back quite so fast...'

'Thank you Captain Innuendo. Partner in law enforcement, thank you very much.' she retorted. 'and yes, it is. OK, so the guy was drunk, but we had to put up with some shit on a Saturday night. Seen him face a guy armed with a meat cleaver and talk him down too. Maybe not in your league," she shot a look at James "but he'd be a good investigator, like me." She grinned. "And he's always had an eye to joining."

"OK, ask him. Best we can do is retcon him later…" Jack smiled. He remembered not having much time for the Boys in Blue before he met Gwen. Andy had seemed like your typical PC Plod but Jack couldn't argue with Gwen's assessment of the man. Anyone who could face shit like that without running in the opposite direction had to be some good.

"I'll call him tomorrow morning." Gwen was saying.

"Anybody any more ideas?"

Ianto put his hand up, tentatively.

"Yan?"

"When I went through to UNIT the last time for the annual review meeting, I met someone called Bryn Aubrey, he was quite…personable, you know, fellow Welshman, ex-Royal Welsh Fusiliers. He's a Sergeant, UNIT trained…" He caught Jack's look as he said 'personable' and frowned, defensively.

"So, apart from being 'personable', what can he do?" Jack asked, bristling slightly.

"He's a trained soldier and he deals with alien threats…" Ianto shrugged "He's not getting along well there though, he's not the best at taking orders, he thinks for himself too much according to his commanding officer. He's been decorated for bravery twice though. He's a weapons and tactics specialist…"

"You know how I feel about military types and its no great recommendation if he can't take orders."

"He isn't the sort to suffer fools but he's really not that bad. I thought his Commanding Officer was a bit of a prick actually. He was so full of himself. I can see why nobody liked him. Bryn and I got on really well though. He was hitting on me actually…"

"Hitting on you?" Jack was incredulous, jealousy sparking. "You never told me that. And this is a good reason for me to hire him…?"

"Calm down Jack, I never did anything. I never told you because there was nothing to tell. We got on well, that's all. I told him I was spoken for and he backed off, perfectly honourable. But he was helpful and interested in me."

"What d'you tell him?"

"Frankly not a lot. I didn't breach our secrecy. Bryn's clearance wasn't high enough for me to be able to converse freely with him but he's heard of us, just like all UNIT people have."

Jack sighed, catching James' expression.

"You know, contrary to popular belief, military types do know how to handle weaponry…" James volunteered, amusement in his voice.

"OK, give him a call tomorrow." Jack capitulated, adding "But if I find he's useless you can be the one to retcon him, got that? And you might give Martha a call while you're at it, see if she knows any suitable medical personnel might be OK to work with Owen. Unless you have anyone in mind?" Jack looked at Owen who shrugged.

"Me? No, haven't anyone in mind. There was this girl I was at college with, she was a wiz' with medical tech stuff but I have no idea where she is now…"

"Well, if you can remember her name, get Tosh to see if she can locate her." Jack suggested "Lets see where she is first, see if she'd still available, then decide. Meantime, Ianto can still speak to Martha and this Aubrey guy. Right then, if that's it, I think we can all go home."

James reached across the table and took Tosh's hand "You up for a repeat of last night?" he murmured, his fingers stroking her knuckles.

She flicked a glance at Owen, noting that he was eyeing James suspiciously. She nodded "Last night was great. But I'm going to cook for you tonight." She said with a smile.

"I take it you'll not be home for dinner then?" Ianto caught James' eye and they both grinned.

Owen looked at Tosh "How come you've never cooked for me?" he asked, slightly aggrieved.

"Because you've never asked me out?" she suggested and rose to her feet. "Goodnight everyone. If you want, I'll pull that file before we go…" and Jack nodded.

"Appreciate it." He said as they left.

Owen snorted and muttered something about office romances and excused himself moments later. Ianto watched him go and frowned "Looks like someone's not happy."

"Well, James and Tosh seem very…close?"

"Hmm, not sure they're not doing it just to get to Owen. But Tosh seems happy with the arrangement." Ianto grinned. "Can't say I blame her."

Jack allowed himself a smile and nodded. "We were happy." He grinned.

Gwen grimaced "Too much information Jack!"

He laughed and Ianto smirked "Sorry Gwen."

"No you're not. I know you, you're not sorry at all."

"OK, maybe not, but that's no reason to go off on one. Tosh is happy."

"Yeah, but for how long. He has a reputation!" Gwen said.

"We know." Ianto and Jack chorused together. Gwen rolled her eyes and exited the room, muttering about men who couldn't keep it in their pants.

TW

"Jack." Ianto stood across the desk from his boss, two mugs of coffee balanced on the tray he was holding.

"Ianto." Jack responded, reaching for a mug. "Go on, I know you want to talk…"

"Yes I do. I'm not sure you'll like what I have to say though."

Jack sighed "Knowing you, you'll say it anyway."

Ianto took a deep breath. "You have to stop Jack."

"Stop what, Ianto?"

"Stop beating yourself up about things. I know what you're feeling guilty about."

"You do, do you?"

"Jack, please, for once will you stop taking things so bloody personally?"

Jack laughed "Kettle calling pan black?" he quipped.

"Possibly, but that's not the point. The point is, you need to realise you can't accomplish every damn thing with a flash of those teeth and a bit of a flirt! Torchwood has been alone too long, You have been working alone too long…"

"I've had Tosh and Owen and Gwen and you…"

"You know what I mean." Ianto's voice hardened. "You are Torchwood, you have been since 2000. You've been alone at the top for too long fighting petty bureaucracy and losing. How much time can you take up with fighting for Torchwood's funding before you have to give up in order to concentrate on fighting the real enemy?"

"I feel like I ought to have tried harder."

"Of course you do. You're the boss. And suddenly there's M who breezes in and gets done in minutes what you couldn't get done in years? What else could you feel but jealousy and guilt. If it was so easy for her, why couldn't you do it? That's it, isn't it?" Ianto cocked an eloquent eyebrow and stared at him.

Jack sighed and nodded. "I just figure if it was so easy for her, I should have tried harder…"

"As I said, she has the political clout you don't have. You never were a politico Jack, you're not subtle enough. Besides, you're too honest."

That made Jack laugh until he cried, until he had to wipe his eyes on his sleeve and try to stop the hysterical note that threatened to disable him still further. Ianto smiled and shook his head in mock exasperation "I know, ironic for an ex-con man, but its true Jack. You wear your heart on your sleeve as a rule these days. You tend to call a spade a spade and you don't cover up how you feel about someone's ability, or lack thereof. You can give a great blow job but you wouldn't kiss someone's arse to save your life." He added. "Look, it would be more worrying if you didn't care. So quit it with the guilt and accept you can't do everything. OK?"

"OK Boss." Jack sobered. He looked at Ianto and smiled "Thank you. Trust you to put things into perspective."

"I try my best." Ianto grinned and sipped his coffee. Job done, he thought, he'd neatly diverted Jack from descending into a depressive guilt trip. It wasn't fair though, he thought as he sat there, watching his boss drink his coffee, grinning at him across the table. The man didn't deserve to feel any more guilt than he already did. He was Torchwood, he'd fought for it tooth and nail over the years and Ianto believed every word he had said, even if he had laid it on a bit thick. If Jack had fought the bureaucracy much longer, there really wouldn't have been time to fight the weevils and the Hoix and the blowfish and all the other shit the rift had thrown their way over the years. There was only so much you could do before other, more pressing matters got in the way. Besides, even with the extra training, the new protective gear and more personnel, any one of them might still suffer mutilation or death at the hands of something nasty. The future was still uncertain, even with the additions. The odds had improved a little, that was all.

Ianto sat back and smiled. It was easy to see where Jack's thoughts were going, watching him rake his gaze down Ianto's body as he sat there. Well, it was better than having to deal with angst and anger. He relaxed back and allowed Jack a good view, spreading his arms along the sofa back, stretching the cotton of his red shirt (Jack's favourite) across his chest. Ianto didn't object. He would benefit from the scrutiny later. Jack had regained his equilibrium and that was what mattered. Couldn't have the Boss sunk in depression for long. They needed him back to his usual ebullient, flirtatious, devil-may-care self.

Ianto smiled as a particular analogy came to mind. Jack was the original Cheshire Cat, which made Gwen into Alice (she had well and truly fallen down the rabbit hole in the first place), Tosh into…hmm, the Red Queen maybe, Queen of Hearts at any rate, specially at the moment? Owen into the Mad Hatter probably, and himself, the white rabbit, with stopwatch in hand…although he was rarely late…

TW

"So…" Jack surveyed the man sitting across the desk from him. "…you're interested in working for Torchwood?" he surveyed the rugged features, the blond hair, the green eyes. Not bad, all things considered.

"I have to be honest, James suggested this. I'm really not sure its for me." He sighed "but I'm under no illusions. I know I don't quite make the grade where the Service is concerned. I don't want you to feel you're getting second best but…"

"…but you'd rather be up front about it?"

"Yes, I don't want another situation like the one I have now with M. She's painfully polite with me and I know she wants to slate me but she either won't or can't. I'll be called up for review in a couple of weeks and it'll probably happen then. I just don't fit in. I'm ex-navy, SBS. I was fine in combat, exemplary even, I have the medals to prove it although I don't like to shout about them. It was a job. We got on and did it. Then I got pushed into this via a mission I went on. Next thing you know I've been seconded." He sighed. "I'm not a politico, I hate diplomats, I'm not a party-goer. I do recon, extraction, logistics, demolitions..."

"How old are you…Alec?" Jack glanced at the file for a prompt as to the man's name. Alec Trevelyan, distinguished career in the Navy, decorated for gallantry, DSO and bar.

"Coming up to 45." Trevelyan replied "Getting on in life…"

"You're not over the hill yet." Jack grinned, saw the slight blush flushing the cheeks.

No doubt James had primed Alec to Jack's flirting.

"I am as far as the service is concerned. Fitness isn't what it was…"

"Probably a damn sight better than some of ours." Jack paused "Look, I won't lie to you. This is a tough job. We need someone of your capabilities though, even if only for training us. James has been doing a great job but frankly he expects to be out in the field. What would you want out of this?"

"I don't mind being on the training side, with a little field work maybe? You know, just so I don't get bored…?"

Jack laughed "Oh, Alec, believe me, you will not be bored. I can promise you that." He stood and extended a hand "Welcome to Torchwood. Trail basis, three months. How does that sound? Review and come to a mutual arrangement?"

Alec took the proffered hand and shook it, nodding. "Sounds good to me. When do I start?"

"As soon as. Talk to James. We'll find you a place to stay and see where we go from there."

TW

"Well, Sergeant Aubrey, you're a UNIT man?"

"Yes Sir."

"Ianto speaks highly of you."

"Thank you Sir."

"Don't thank me, its his suggestion that you're here." Jack surveyed the good looking young man across the desk from him, sitting rigidly in his seat, eyes front. He could certainly see the appeal. He would have to speak to Ianto about this later. "They tell me you don't take to authority easily."

"Not when its an ass…Sir." he added. "Permission to speak openly Sir?"

"Feel free. We're not in the military here."

"Well…its not about accepting leadership Sir, I can do that. Its about accepting stupid orders that make no sense."

"Sometimes my orders make no sense." Jack said "but I'd expect you to obey them."

"Sir, trust is hard won. I hear your people would go through fire for you."

"You do? Where from?"

"I was privileged to speak to Brigadier Sir Alastair Gordon Lethbridge Stewart once, Sir. He told me a lot about you."

"Me? And how did I enter into the conversation?"

"Ianto Jones had just been to visit and I happened to make comment about Torchwood and UNIT working together. The Brigadier commented that he didn't think we worked together enough." Bryn explained "and when I ventured to enquire why, he said you were a damn fine leader, your people would follow you to hell and back and he was proud to have served with you."

"I see." Jack was thoughtful. "What makes a good Torchwood agent, Sergeant? Do you know?"

"Someone who doesn't give up, Sir. A person who can think for themselves and work well under pressure. A person who is loyal and individual and unique…Sir."

"Hmm, you've been talking to Ianto…or Alastair..."

"Actually Sir, neither of them told me much at all. But Torchwood is pretty unique anyway so I suspect its personnel need to be."

"Your file is pretty impressive. You've been decorated for bravery twice and you've seen action on quite a few missions. Why would you want to change? You don't get medals for working here, you know? In fact if the powers that be know you even exist, you can think yourself lucky."

"Seen my share of what's out there Sir. I know what we have to deal with and I know it won't get any better. If I can make a difference from inside Sir, then I'll take the opportunity."

"Hmm, well, we'll see. Trail basis only. Three months. Then we'll review. That OK for you?"

"Yes Sir." Bryn Aubrey stood and saluted, then thrust a hand out to shake Jack's. "Thank you Sir. I will endeavour not to let you…or Mr Jones…down."

TW

"So, 008, you gonna talk or do I have to torture you for the information?"

Ianto giggled, he couldn't help himself. He was handcuffed to their bed, spread-eagled and naked, as open to Jack as he'd ever been and Jack was unfortunately not cutting it where their role play was concerned.

"What? Ianto? You really are not entering into this, are you?" Jack said, exasperated.

"I'm sorry but its you. You are not cut out to be the villain Jack, I'm sorry. I've heard more believable lines from a TV soap…"

Jack sighed, then grinned. "No matter." He shrugged "I've still got you where I want you."

Ianto shivered. "Now that I do believe." He said, gasping as Jack leaned forward and began assaulting his body with his lips and teeth. Hands roaming over the skin of Ianto's ribs and stomach, Jack's mouth fastened on each nipple in turn, teasing the hard little nubs of flesh mercilessly. His teeth grazed the already sensitised flesh and Ianto writhed under him, gasping and crying out, hips lifting involuntarily. His arms went taught, pulling on the restraints, his back arched, thighs straining. Jack pulled back and admired him. God, he was gorgeous, lying there so wantonly desirous. Jack's hand strayed to the man's rigid cock, playing with the softness of the balls beneath it. Ianto moaned at the gentle contact, gasping and panting. Jack wrapped his long fingers round the thick firm warmth and grasped hard enough to elicit another moan, a growl as he began to stroke up, adding pressure and a slight twist to the down-stroke. 'You have to remember, I am very good at interogation techniques...'

"Not…going…to last…." Ianto gasped and Jack smiled, a satisfied cat-that-got-the-cream grin.

"That was the idea." He said, one eyebrow quirked upwards on seeing Ianto's eyes widen.

"I want…you…in me…"

"uh-uh, not going to happen. I have ways to torture you, my gorgeous Welshman. This is what I want Yan. I wanna see you come undone…"

"Uuuuggghhh…" was the incoherent reply, Ianto's eyes screwing shut as his hips lifted again.

Jack just kept moving his hand, teasing, stroking, leaning in to claim Ianto's mouth in a scorching kiss. Their tongues battled as they always did, arousing both of them still further. Jack's other hand found a nipple and teased it between finger and thumb. Ianto arched into his touch, his hips snapping upwards. He came, explosively, thrusting hard into Jack's hand, spilling over his fingers, crying his name as he came.

"Well, I might lack in acting talent but I more than make up for it in other ways." Jack grinned, watching his younger lover gradually come down from the high. Ianto smiled lazily "With skills like yours Jack, you don't need acting talent…" he admitted softly. Jack laughed and leaned in for another kiss.

TW

"Tosh? Tosh, you OK?" Hands roamed lazily across soft skin and her almond eyes regarded him blissfully.

"Who needs Owen?" she murmured softly.

TW

"I'm in."

"Good. Don't call this number again. It won't be available."

"Understood."

"We'll be in touch."

"Sure you will." The line went dead.

Hmm, what's this then? Someone with a secret? Wonder who? Well, its not all smut you know. I'd like for there to be some plot…