Title: Beginnings
By: ninefics
Characters: Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, Suzie Costello
Rating: All ages
Warning(s): None
Spoiler(s): No; set pre-series
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction. I am not affiliated with the television series Torchwood, nor any of the cast and crew. No harm is intended. It's all just for fun.

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She stood in front of a rather shabby looking door that proclaimed itself to be a tourist information centre. It was the correct address, but hardly seemed the place she expected to find high-level technological research being conducted.

She brushed lint from her skirt, checked her makeup in the reflective surface of her mobile phone, and knocked.

A young man opened the door. "May I help you?" Steady gaze, spotless suit -- nothing about him suggested "tourist information" so perhaps she was in the right place after all.

"My name is Suzie Costello. I'm supposed to meet with a Mister Harkness?"

"Captain," he corrected, and stepped aside to let her in.

The "Captain" was standing next to the counter, one elbow propped on it. He was ridiculously dressed in what she could only describe as "Military Retro." Oh, well. Scientists were a curious lot.

"Miss Costello," he said and extended his hand. His grip was firm, sure, and friendlier than she'd expected. He was also, judging by his accent, American. "Pleased to meet you."

The young man gave them a sideways glance. Captain Harkness raised an eyebrow and got a brief nod in return. An entire conversation in a matter of seconds; one that Suzie didn't understand but certainly caught.

Whatever they'd "discussed" in those quick movements had been in her favour.

"Miss Costello, if you'd come this way, I think we might have an offer for you." Captain Harkness ushered her through a doorway that she assumed lead to the office or possibly their research facility. Nothing could have prepared her for the truth.

She agreed to work for Torchwood roughly ten minutes after her tour of the Hub began.