The most important prerequisite for anyone wanting to work for Torchwood was an open mind. So much weirdness surrounded the organisation that anyone who already had their mind made up about the universe and how it worked would never be able to handle the things they’d be expected to deal with.

To start with, the whole ‘aliens are real and have been visiting earth for a very long time’ thing was enough to make some potential recruits crawl into a corner and hide. Then there was the fact that some alien races had three or more genders, or only one, and that was without taking into account how physically, mentally, and culturally different they were from humans.

Most were also technologically superior, so the devices that fell through the Rift were often capable of doing things that went against many of what the majority of humans considered universal laws. Without an open mind, seeing a colleague turned into something else entirely could result in traumatic shock and a nervous breakdown.

That being said, once Torchwood came out of the shadows following the whole 456 debacle, and the existence of aliens became common knowledge, the institute had found it necessary to expand operations. That in turn had led Jack to open its doors to anyone who was interested in a career with them. For a while, interviewing potential recruits had become an almost fulltime job, first weeding out applicants who were completely unsuitable either due to age, physical or mental health, criminal record, or a number of other criteria.

Field agents needed to be physically fit, psychologically stable adults with good eyesight and hearing, who were capable of following orders, but could think for themselves and adapt accordingly as situations changed. Standards of fitness were lower for those who would be primarily doing deskwork, and the computer and tech specialists. A talent for languages was helpful, although not essential.

“It’s a bit like running open auditions for a talent show,” Ianto mused, watching as the latest batch of hopefuls were sorted into groups by some temps they’d employed for the purpose. Aspiring field agents in one group, those with computer skills in another group, those applying for clerical jobs in a third…

Jack nodded. “It’s certainly a varied bunch.”

“What were you expecting? Torchwood is the Next Big Thing. Everybody wants a part of it. I know you wanted to open the field to all comers instead of headhunting from the military, the police, and the emergency services like we’ve done in the past, but you must have realised there’d be a lot of unsuitable candidates.

“Ah, but that’s the point! It removes the mystique if people feel that anyone can apply, and who knows what previously unimagined abilities we might uncover? Borrowing your talent show analogy, just because someone doesn’t look like they can sing doesn’t mean they won’t surprise you by having an amazing voice.”

Ianto inclined his head. “Fair point. Still, some of this lot are obviously underage.”

“In which case, if they show promise, we can keep them in mind for when they’re older. Wouldn’t be the first time.”

“That’s certainly an option. Some of the others are…” Ianto frowned, searching for a polite way to phrase it. “Shall be just say a little past their prime?”

“Age is just a number. I’m not saying we should employ the more… mature candidates as field agents, but some folks prefer their secretarial staff to have been around a bit. You know, age and experience.”

“It depends on the kinds of experience. No good hiring someone who can type over a hundred words a minute but doesn’t know how to use a computer.”

“Just because someone is over a certain age doesn’t mean they’re computer illiterate,” Jack pointed out. “And if they’ve gone to the time and effort to learn new skills, that’s a plus. It means they’re open to expanding their horizons. The only ones we should be automatically rejecting are those with criminal records, and then only the ones convicted for serious crimes, anything involving violence, theft, fraud, hate crimes, that kind of thing.”

“We can’t employ everyone, Jack. We’re not Torchwood Tower, with its eight hundred plus employees.”

“No, but we are expanding, and in time there’ll be branches in all major countries.”

“Who should employ people already resident in those countries.”

“Ideally, yes, but who’s going to train the people who’ll run the overseas offices? We are. We’ll need to send out personnel to help get them set up and running, people we know and trust who have all the necessary skills and can pass them on.”

Ianto sighed. “It’s a bit of a daunting prospect.”

“It’ll be fine. We’ll take things one step at a time, starting with expanding the Cardiff team and training people up to run offices in England, Ireland, and Scotland. Maybe we should set up the English branch somewhere in the midlands instead of London, a more central position might be an advantage, easier access to all parts of the country.”

“Might be wise. London didn’t do too well last time around,” Ianto said, expression sober.

“That was then, and I wasn’t in charge. We’ll do better this time, I promise.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

“You’d better, I’m relying on you to keep me on the right track.”

“That’s a tall order.”

“I’ve no doubt you can handle it. Your organisational skills are unmatched.”

“Flatterer. You’re biased anyway.” Ianto smiled, then turned serious. “Right, let’s go and find out what we’ve got this time, and if any of them have the potential to be good Torchwood material.”

“My money’s on the little old lady with the knitting,” Jack said, grinning. “She might just surprise us.”

Ianto laughed, “I’ll keep that in mind.”


The End