fractured_agent | Sacrifice [for slayers

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Sacrifice [for slayers_desire]

The city of Cardiff is eerily quiet in the aftermath of Abbadon's passing. Those who died beneath his shadow had their life forces returned once the demon died... all but one.

Captain Jack Harkness lies in the Torchwood Three morgue, cold as stone. Gwen sits at his side, waiting patiently for him to revive. But where he only took minutes to come back from the dead before, there isn't even a whisper of life from him now.

Lost without their leader, who they so recently betrayed, the team drifts in uncertainty.

It's Tosh who finds April's contact information in Jack's antique Rolodex, and gives her a call, not sure if this is a plea for help or a final death notice.

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"How strong a temptation?" Gwen wants to know. "Is it like... a drug, or more like craving chocolate?"

((Funny side note, Owen is going to end up undead in the next season, so this is good practice for him, lol))

"I wouldn't compare it to a drug. I am not addicted to it. I need blood to live."

"Nor would I compare it to craving chocolate. The best way to compare it is... when you walk by a familiar smell of bakery, or sweets, or your favorite food, and it makes you hungry."

"I don't need to consume any other nourishment, as long as I drink my weekly intake."

That's reassuring to them. Wanting something that smells good is something they can all relate to, and is something easily resisted. "Oh, that makes sense," Gwen answers.

Owen finishes his observations of what he can see on the outside. He's sure there's something different about her internally, given her need to digest blood, and the way she can change from a seemingly human form into this one, but he knows studying that isn't an option. "You can just shift back and forth whenever you want, yeah?"

"Yes. My species appears human, except when we take on our vampiric form."

"I have enhanced abilities like speed, agility, strength, sight and smell."

"I also have enhanced healing."

Curiosity sated for the moment, Owen looks at Jack. Now that he's immersed himself in that scientific mindset, it's easier to face his boss without remembering the horrible things they said and did to him today. "What about you? That revival thing a voluntary thing?"

Jack shakes his head. "Nope. It happens no matter what I do."

April stays in her vampiric state, in case any one else is curious.

"He is stubborn like that..."

Jack appreciates April's attempt to make some humor out of it. Sometimes it's hard not to think about the more depressing implications of his involuntary talent.

"You needed help this time," Ianto points out, and he can't stop worrying about what might have happened if April hadn't been able to come.

"We all have moments, where we need to be reminded of the strengths and supports in our life." April speaks from personal experience.

"Gotta admit, it's one of the nicer ways I've come back."

"One other thing you should know... my predatory nature scares Weevils."

"Scares them how?" Tosh asks.

"They can smell me... and during the times I helped Jack round up a few stray Weevils, the weaker ones cowered from me."

"They can tell that I am a stronger predator than they are."

"Made rounding them up a lot easier," Jack agrees.

"You went Weevil hunting without any of us? Sir, you know that's against regulations," Ianto says with a frown. It's dangerous, and even though he now knows that Jack can't die, the idea still bothers him.

"I had backup from a temporary associate. That's perfectly in line with the rules." That aside, Jack is the one who makes the rules.

"Don't feel left out Ianto. I kept a close eye on him."

Ianto is a little pleased by the way she worded that. Whether Jack is truly immortal or not, Ianto cares about him and wants to see him safe. Or as safe as Torchwood ever is, anyway.

"You should come along again sometime," Jack says with a smile. He's been gaining some energy back during this talk, and his color is almost back to normal. He doesn't look like a dead man walking anymore.

"Anytime you want me helping, I will come by. I know you would do the same for me. Or Clark."

"How'd you guys call her, anyway?" Jack asks the others.

"I looked through your desk," Tosh admits. "I figured your friends would want to know you were dead, and April in particular."

"Luckily I was in the city." April makes a small lie. But it is so natural to her, that no one will notice anything weird. (Because she is still not breathing, so there is no visible signs).

That makes sense to Tosh. She didn't recognize the area code, but if it could reach April while she was traveling, it must be a mobile number. "Very lucky," she agrees.

Hopefully no one will ask her where she was when the Demon attacked. But if they do, April is sure Jack will help her cover her tracks.

"It is a beautiful city."

Owen and Gwen both laugh at that. "Oh, now we know you aren't a local," Gwen says.

Jack smiles and looks at April. Doesn't look like they mind you being a vampire at all, does it?

No it doesn't. I am glad they all took it well...

"I do enjoy exploring new places and cities."

I told you they would. He's pretty proud of his team. When he picked them all, he'd tried for people who could handle the unknown without blinking. Jack's Torchwood has no use for people who can't deal with other non-hostile species peacefully.

"Well, for the immediate future, I'd recommend not hanging around Cardiff," Tosh says apologetically. "We don't know yet if the Rift has closed properly or if it'll be more active."

April smiles softly, knowing that the team just worries for her safety. Tosh didn't mean any offense.

"I will be safe."

Jack frowns as a thought occurs to him. "Speaking of which, why isn't my phone ringing off the hook?"

"We... turned it off," Tosh admits, well aware that it's against regulations too. "None of us were in any state to deal with the Prime Minister, or anyone else."

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