fandomtownies | Caritas to the Docks: Late Saturday Night

Caritas to the Docks: Late Saturday Night

Jack, with Kelso - or whatever he was actually called - in close attendance had left Caritas and were walking the streets of Fandom, heading towards the ocean. Jack was relieved that they'd left. There'd been too many ears to overhear, and he didn't want to share this with anyone. Whatever the truth was, it was his and his alone.

"How did you find out about this place, anyway? How did you find me?" Jack was watching Kelso out of the corner of his eye while they walked.

[details of conversation NFB, please.]

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"Oh, you'd be amazed what you can find in the files of people who think they're protected." Kelso smirked at him conspiratorially. "Torchwood isn't as secure as they think."

Jack glanced around, making sure no one was in earshot, before he replied. "I know I'm in their files. What-." He stopped, suddenly hesitant, but finding out was the whole reason he was here. Steeling himself, he asked the question. "What do they say about me?"

"This. That. The other." He flashed a smile at Jack, then said more carefully, "Your origins, of course. That would be this. Some of your contacts, among them a man named Ten and certain Time Agents. That. And the other... well. That's why we're contacting you." Kelso shook his head. "You've been a very naughty boy, Jack."

Something inside of him froze, but he didn't let it touch his expression. "Well," he drawled, smirking as he brushed a hand against Kelso's hip. "Being naughty is kind of what I'm known for." Keep him interested, and he'd keep talking. It had always worked in the past.

"As we have ample evidence of." Kelso's smile wasn't meant to reassure anyone. "Still, you're not part of that organization yet. So you can't be held responsible for all of their actions."

"You're saying I can be held responsible for some of their actions." Face devoid of expression, Jack looked at the ground as they walked. "What sort of actions?"

"Actions that led to the disassembling of a network that helped aliens take shelter on this planet." Kelso gestured around them. "It's ideal; just high-tech enough to be tolerable, but low-tech enough to provide concealment. Good resources, liveable environment... if you don't mind isolation from your own kind, Earth is your hiding place. Until, of course, certain agents of a certain organization make that all. Fall. Down."

And it could have been worse, some of what he'd imagined had been worse that that. But it was bad enough. "So what's your role in all this?" He couldn't help a cyncial snort, but he cut it off as quickly as he could. "Valiant freedom fighters, smuggling aliens to safety on a new planet? Risking life and limb for the betterment of alien kind?"

"Money. Do you have any idea how much some of them will pay?" Kelso's eyes danced. "Now, mind, it's not a bad line of work in and of itself. Interesting people. Some challenge to it. But the cold hard cash makes up for the risks, and the travel takes you to the better parts of the galaxy. Mr Levin was *quite* perturbed on behalf of some political machine he favours, but me? I miss my pay cheque." He shrugged. "If Torchwood were no longer a factor, we could get it up and running again."

"Now that I believe." Jack was silent for several minutes, head bowed in thought. He looked up as they approached the docks. "Is that him?" he asked, pointing to the figure leaning against a post at the end of the dock.

"My fellow traveller, yes. Dour sort. Don't be put off by his manner. He's got the goods." Kelso lifted his eyebrows. "Last chance to turn back in ignorance, young Jack. Leave well enough the hell alone."

And for one moment Jack was tempted. But he'd come this far. "Kelso, I'm disappointed. I thought we were going to seal our association." He threw a cocky grin at Kelso and strode out onto the docks, doing his best to project absolute fearlessness.

"There's the Jack Harkness I've heard of," Kelso said admiringly. He paced behind Jack, and when they were within range of the boat, called, "Our visitor has deigned to join us, Mr Levin. Come out and be a gentleman, if you can."

"And this would be Jack Harkness, live and in person, then, would it?" He glanced briefly at Jack before turning his attention to Kelso.

"We weren't followed." Kelso smiled and leaned against the railing, and gave Levin a satisfied grin. "Mr. Harkness is ever-so-eager to assist us."

Levin shot Kelso a disapproving look. "Is that right." He looked to Jack. "I guess I can understand that," he said, holding out his hand. "As should be apparent by now, I'm Mr Levin, and I think we can help you."

Suddenly wary, but willing to play along, Jack took the proffered hand, letting his grip linger before releasing it. "I can't help wondering what I'm going to have to do to repay your generosity."

"Nothing." He focussed past Jack's shoulder, meeting Kelso's eyes. "Nothing except be yourself."

Kelso pulled out a tiny injector and very casually put his other hand on Jack's shoulder, aiming the needle at his neck. "And you're so good at that, we're asking you to stay. Indefinitely."

Jack caught the movement out of the corner of his eyes and jerked away, but it was too late, the sharp pinch of the needle followed by sharper pain as it tore out of his skin. "What?" But it was already taking effect and he felt his knees sagging under him.

"Well, that was easier than anticipated." Kelso grabbed Jack before he hit the ground, and pulled one arm around his shoulders, patting his face cheerfully before hauling him after Levin onto the boat. "Everything else ready, I hope? Shame to drug him if the other efforts are stalled."

"Everything is under control. And we're done here." Levin laughed as he guided the boat away from the docks and out to open water before turning to follow the curve of the island. "I told you he wasn't a threat. Not now, not ever."

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Caritas to the Docks: Late Saturday Night

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