m_findlow

Title: Power struggle

Fandom: Torchwood

Author: m_findlow

Rating: PG

Word Count: 300 words

Characters/Pairings: Jack, Yvonne Hartman

Author notes: Written for Challenge #005 - Imperious at

vocab_drabbles

Summary: Jack makes a bad first impression with Torchwood One’s boss.

‘Mister Harkness,’ Yvonne said, standing up from her desk and smiling as she extended her hand to shake his. ‘How lovely for you to come all this way to London to discuss our continued working relationship. Cardiff’s ongoing rift monitoring activities are important for us. Terrible business,’ she tutted, ‘but I did have my concerns about Alex Hopkins.’

‘Thank you. And it’s Captain, by the way. He glanced around the plush office space and offered her up one of his charming smiles. ‘I see that all those things they say about the glass ceiling simply aren't true.’

‘If you mean to flatter me then I can assure you that it’s not now, nor will ever, work.’

‘Pity. We’d make a pretty good team most likely.’

She leaned forward over the glass desk. ‘Let’s be clear here, Mister Harkness.’

‘Captain.’

‘You work for me,’ she said, ignoring his correction. ‘Torchwood One is… Oh, how do I put it so that someone like you will understand?’ She paused to consider. ‘Like a naval fleet,’ she said after a few moment’s consideration. ‘This office is the head of the flotilla, which makes me the captain. Not you. You are merely a lieutenant, following orders. Is that clear enough for you, Mister Harkness?’

‘Captain,’ he repeated through gritted teeth. ‘And, yes, but let me be clear about something. I’ve done my homework on you, and let’s just say I don’t like the way this flotilla is sailing straight into danger. You're toying with things you don’t understand.’

‘Oh, I hardly think you’re one to judge us on that,’ she said, folding her arms across her chest. ‘I’ve done my homework on you, too. I’ve fired people for less subversive behaviour.’

Jack stood up, fists still balled at his sides. ‘Then consider this a mutiny.’