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wintercompanion2008-03-25 11:16 pm
sarkywoman.livejournal.com) wrote in wintercompanion2008-03-25 11:16 pm
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sarkywoman: Just My Luck (Jack/Doctor, Jack/Ianto) [PG]
Title: Just My Luck
Author:sarkywoman
Challenge: Luck
Rating: PG
Spoilers/warnings: Minor spoilers from the start of series 2 Torchwood and 'LotTL' Doctor Who.
Summary: A lucky week in Torchwood from the Captain's Log and various other useful documents.
Notes: The Captain's Log layout is based on the one at BBC America and the other documents loosely based on stuff in the Torchwood UK site. The Doctor/Jack is nowhere near as explicit as it normally is in my stories and the Jack/Ianto is only hinted at. But enjoy, anyway.
Just My Luck
10th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Nothing major to report. Some alien involvement suspected at a research facility just outside Cardiff, but any extraterrestrials involved were long dead or just gone by the time we closed the place down.
Technology: The research facility, which is linked financially to the suspicious Venus Clinic in Cardiff, contained a range of alien technology, both mechanical and chemical. We’ve brought it back to the Hub for full investigation, though we have little information to report as of yet. Will make note of Toshiko’s findings. Additional tests have also been possible due to the accidental spillage of one of the test tubes down my pants (yeah, yeah, laugh it up, guys. I could have been seriously damaged!). Dr Owen Harper is conducting tests on the biological effects of the solution while I’m stuck in quarantine. At least we know it can’t kill me.
Rift Activity: An increase in energy spikes gives minor cause for concern. We’ll have to be more vigilant.
Security: Ret-conned the science staff at the research facility. The guards posted there saw little of us and nothing of the top-secret work, so there was no need to deal with them too.
Staff: Team have handled the quarantine procedure quickly and efficiently, incinerating my favourite pants to stop further contamination. Owen is enjoying poking me with long sterile rods far too much. Needs to get out more. On that note, I’m becoming increasingly worried about Toshiko’s workload. I’ve known for years that she adores this job and nearly everything it entails, but it seems unfair that she should deal with all alien technology mostly on her own. The skills involved mean that the rest of us are little use in the area, but after a huge haul of alien tech like today, Toshiko will most likely be working all through the night. Must look into expanding the team, sharing the workload a bit. She’ll protest, but it’s for her own good.
*
11th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: A minor Hziak incursion I’m told, but apparently Ianto was able to reason with the team leader and they’ve since departed Earth. I knew Ianto had a talented mouth.
Technology: Toshiko has made some interesting finds with regards to our collection from the research facility. So far all the machinery seems to be used for chemical purposes. This had led her to believe that the true interest lies in the chemical solutions we procured from the facility. She and Owen are now analysing the chemicals and the possible effects of the spilt solution on my biology. Yes, I’m still in quarantine. Hence the reason for two log entries in two days. I’m bored out of my mind. Owen has noted minor alterations in my cellular biology, but isn’t able to pinpoint anything definitive yet. Whatever reaction is taking place, it’s still happening, and Owen won’t be able to assess the results until it slows down enough for him to take a look at. I feel fine, though. And I look handsome as ever.
Rift Activity: Gwen reports less activity than yesterday, though still more readings than is really acceptable. I’ll definitely look into it when I get out of this room.
Security: The Hziak are humanoid enough that Ianto could just pass off the group as illegal immigrants being sent home. We don’t think anyone saw the spaceship.
Staff: Only Gwen has visited me today. And even then it was just to update me on everything that’s been happening in the Hub. She suggested she write the log, because she was more aware of what was happening out there at the moment, but I refused on the grounds that making these notes is the one thing I can do in here. Well, the one socially acceptable thing.
*
13th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Weevils. Hundreds of Weevils. Lucky thing I got out of quarantine yesterday or my team would have been done for. Not that I’m a one-man army or anything… well, let’s face it, I practically am. Fought them off with stun-guns, tranqs and weevil-spray as long as we could, which turned out to be long enough. The weevils stopped arriving around the same time we started to tire. Their attack patterns were abnormally ferocious and organised, necessitating lethal methods in a few cases. We tried not to hurt them though and we took in as many as we could. The cells are full to bursting. We’ve had to open another floor.
Technology: Toshiko and Owen are still analysing the alien chemicals produced at the research facility. All theories are estimates at the moment though, since neither of them can get a clear reading of the chemical’s properties. Whatever it was though, it didn’t do anything to me. Owen’s medical checks show no indication of any change in my cells. We’ve agreed that’s a little odd, what with his results being so erratic the other day, so further check-ups might be necessary over the next few weeks. I hate physicals, all that prodding and poking. There’s only one Doctor I’d want doing those things to me, and it sure isn’t Owen.
Rift Activity: Dropped to within normal parameters for no reason whatsoever. Very strange. Welcome, but strange.
Security: Slightly difficult to cover up an army of Weevils rampaging over Cardiff. We’ve ret-conned the closest witnesses and given some bullshit to the suspicious masses about hallucinogens in the water supply. Not everyone is buying it, and I’m not surprised. Cardiff has been the site of some seriously freaky phenomena, there’s only so long we can keep the population in the dark about the truth.
Staff: Gwen sustained minor injuries in the battle against the Weevils. She’ll be fine, but I expect her husband will still punch me in the face next time I see him.
*
16th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Nothing certain, though I have my suspicions. Something strange is going on. At the moment I have too little evidence to present any theories without sounding extremely paranoid, but as soon as I’m sure I will record it.
Technology: Amongst the alien equipment taken from the facility Toshiko located something immensely useful. It is some sort of analysis machine, not for people or chemicals, but for technology. She’s already used it to catalogue half of the equipment we didn’t understand. The device really is a major find.
Rift Activity: So little it’s almost stopped. We can’t find an explanation for it.
Security: No problems to report.
Staff: Toshiko’s workload has been eased dramatically by the use of this new machine. We’re being cautious with it so far, but it looks like it could soon become a common tool in the Hub. Owen thought he had found something odd in my blood again, but later checks showed this to be an error.
*
17th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Another life-stealing entity destroyed by my infinite supply of life. Quick case, no casualties.
Technology: Interesting results with regards to the alien chemical solutions we found in the lab we shut down. Although different test tubes contain different solutions, Toshiko has identified one as a drug. She believes it would raise endorphins and serotonin, effectively elevating a patient’s mood. There is a difference between this and human drugs, however. The effects do not seem to wear off. The mood elevation is either permanent or there’s an antidote to stop the effect. This confuses me. Why produce a drug that permanently cheers you up? It wouldn’t be marketable more than once. Although, if you charged everyone enough, one dose to each of the population could make you a fortune. Hell, at a couple of quid it could be quite profitable. Still no results from the chemical I was exposed too, though. It could have been inactive.
Rift Activity: Nothing and still no reason for the quiet. Unnerving.
Security: Ret-conned one witness from today’s mission. Took her out for dinner and slipped it into her drink. Soon staff are going to think I’m a date-rapist if I keep slipping things into women’s drinks.
Staff: Finally got a chance to see how pleased Ianto was that I was out of quarantine.
*
19th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: A sort of half-humanoid, half-slug creature was slithering through the shopping centre. It almost shot Gwen with a Xaan taser, but the tech was dodgy and it fried itself instead. Lucky for us. Rhys is pissed off enough with me, without Gwen getting sizzled like crispy bacon in the line of duty. Also put down telekinetic rat (see ‘Technology’).
Technology: Confiscated the Xaan taser. It’s pretty much dead, but there are still some vital components that could be reconfigured by a twisted or curious mind. I’ve put it into secure storage level 2. That way it’s accessible if we need it, but not easily reached by inquisitive employees. Owen has ascertained the purpose of another chemical solution that we obtained from the research facility. He tested it on lab rats (without my permission, I might add) and found the solution actually enabled telekinetic ability in the subject. The ability varied from the rat being able to bring its food to its mouth without movement, to a psychic tornado that nearly destroyed the Hub. Destruction of the rat was necessary, as was a stern lecture to Owen about safety protocols.
Rift Activity: Not so much as an old shoe through the Rift. Considering a holiday while it’s quiet. Somewhere nice and hot where Ianto has no choice but to wear less clothing.
Security: Strangely enough, nobody seemed to witness the slug creature in the shopping centre. It went straight through the middle of the store in peak shopping time, but nobody saw it. Not a single person. There were no perception filters on the creature, believe me, I checked.
Staff: Owen is in a bit of a strop after I reprimanded him for the incident with the rat. In a petty attempt at revenge, he’s stopped running tests on me. I’m relieved. He wasn’t finding anything anyway. I’m pretty sure the chemical I was exposed to was inactive.
*
21st March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: I don’t know if it’s alien in origin, but something weird is happening. I’m still not taking action in case it’s all in my head, but my instincts are telling me something’s wrong. Recent log entries will show the slow decrease in alien phenomena as well as the increased ease of the cases. Perhaps the team is becoming more efficient, more experienced, but I doubt it. Errors are still being made, we’re still narrowly escaping serious disasters, but we seem to be having a lot of luck. I’m aware that attributing this to paranormal causes might seem a little paranoid, so I’ll leave it there. For now.
Technology: Another one of the chemicals from the research facility has been analysed. Owen has theorised that it stimulates the eyes and an extrasensory area of the brain, resulting (we suspect) in X-Ray vision. These experiments are of great concern to us. Modifying humans in such radical ways… I know it happens eventually, but it isn’t supposed to happen in the twenty-first century.
Rift Activity: Nothing. The Rift Manipulator might as well be some severe interior decorating statement.
Security: No problems. A tourist came into the reception, but Ianto sent them on their merry way with pamphlets.
Staff: Owen’s still grumpy with me. Not that you’d notice, what with him being naturally grumpy.
*
22nd March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Today we faced a whole bunch of half-human, half-slug-creatures like the one we encountered the other day. Still uncertain as to their origins, but they were all wielding Xaan tasers. Lucky for us that they seemed to have a dodgy weapons shipment because they all backfired. It’s a little strange, because Xaan weaponry is normally very reliable and durable. When Gwen and Ianto went to mop up the stray members of the slug-man squad they found those members had functioning tasers. Ianto was wounded in the leg. It could have been so much worse. Had I expected the weapons to be functioning I would never have let Gwen and Ianto face them alone. They could have been killed.
Technology: Had Toshiko looking at the malfunctioning Xaan tasers. She can’t find anything wrong with them. By all rights they should have fried us. She says the only possibility she’s concocted so far is every individual’s weapon misfired at exactly the same time in a freak coincidence. She’s no more convinced by that theory than I am.
Rift Activity: Considering removing this section from the log, since the Rift seems to have gone for the early retirement package. Toshiko will be running tests later this week if we can find the time between slug-men and weevils.
Security: Another interesting point. Nobody saw the army of slug-men. Not a single person. I’m starting to wonder if there are drugs in the water supply, chilling out the people of Cardiff so they don’t even notice taser-wielding slugs.
Staff: Ianto is refusing to take time off for his leg to recover, so I’ve insisted that he at least stays in the Hub until he’s all fixed up. That way he can still help out with most of his normal duties, but he won’t be in field missions and he won’t have to drive to work. Also means he can stay with me and I can play nurse. I think Owen’s got a stethoscope I could borrow…
*
24th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Again, I don’t know if it’s alien. But I’ll make a list of occurrences.
1. Owen dropped a scalpel while dissecting one of the dead slug-men. It went through his shoe and for a moment I thought he’d lost a toe. But the scalpel had gone between his toes.
2. Toshiko accidentally tripped one of the security protocols and unlocked all the cell doors. But nothing escaped because all the aliens were asleep.
3. Ianto dropped a tray with 5 mugs of coffee and a plate of biscuits on it and nothing spilt.
4. One of the Xaan tasers malfunctioned due to Toshiko’s analysis and fired across the Hub. At the same time, Gwen tripped over her shoelace and the laser’s path went directly where her head would have been.
This cannot be normal. It’s like we’ve become invincible or ridiculously lucky.
Technology: Have instructed Toshiko on the security measures necessary when dealing with Xaan weaponry. Even supposedly broken Xaan weaponry. Just makes it more dangerous in my opinion.
Rift Activity: Toshiko ran the Rift tests today. It’s complicated stuff and it took her a long time, but she couldn’t find any anomalies. It’s like the Rift is still what it’s always been but for once it’s just being quiet.
Security: Gwen and Owen had a massive argument about Torchwood protocol out in the open. As it happens, the only passer-by was deaf and heard nothing. Another instance of peculiar luck.
Staff: I’ve asked to see if anyone else has noticed our run of good luck. Ianto pointed out that he had been shot in the leg and considered himself less than lucky for it, even when I said he could have been killed instead. Gwen said she had a massive row with Rhys this morning (which explains why she’s so tetchy). Owen ran out of petrol on the way to work and Toshiko’s laptop exploded. So my theory of good luck is apparently disproved. Although, it must be noted that all of these incidents happened away from the Hub. If something strange is going on, it could be centred here. But that wouldn’t explain the massive weapons backfire of the slug army yesterday, so I’m not sure. As usual, I’ll keep updating if anything else happens. Maybe I’m getting paranoid in my old age.
*
26th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Invasion of aliens who were surprised to find they couldn’t survive in our atmosphere. Weevil got sick after eating a woman’s handbag and the woman got away. Xaan bomb planted in the Hub but only I was killed, after which I rounded up the Xaan bastards and threw them back into the Rift. Also, I’m not sure if this counts as ‘alien activity’ because I have no idea if she’s human or not, but I went to see the Tarot girl for a reading. The outlook was ridiculously optimistic. Much wealth, knowledge, love and happiness is supposedly coming my way. The girl was as confused as I am. She says she’s never seen such a positive reading, and she’s been doing this for a long time. She warned me to be on my guard. Nothing good comes for free.
Technology: Toshiko and Owen are doing well analysing and cataloguing the chemical solutions. They’ve found cures for illnesses, mood enhancers, chemicals to give extrasensory perception, telekinetic powers and special kinds of vision. It’s a good job we stopped the research facility when we did or they could have made a damn Superman with this stuff. Still no suggestion of chemical effects on me though. Perhaps whatever’s causing all my good luck has countered the effects.
Rift Activity: Dead. As in ‘quiet’, not ‘Night of the Living…’
Security: Again Torchwood’s professional stealth is aided by coincidence and dumb luck. Not so sure that’s a new development.
Staff: Ianto’s leg is healing very fast. Not exactly faster than possible, but faster than Owen expected. Wouldn’t be the first time Owen’s been wrong though.
*
27th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Nothing. Not so much as a weevil or a false alarm.
Technology: Cure for the common cold and various other human diseases, super-supplements for nutrition, holographic communications devices, indestructible programmable invisible surveillance units… The list goes on. [cross-ref. Storage ZH056398.) At this rate it’s safe to say that Torchwood is prepared for the twenty-first century, especially since alien activity seems to have dwindled to nothing. I’m still uneasy. This is unnatural good fortune. It can’t last.
Rift Activity: Nothing.
Security: No problems.
Staff: Content, relaxed, unharmed. Ianto’s leg continues to improve.
*
[POST-QUARANTINE REPORT]
RE: Harkness, Jack, 474317.
Author: Harper, Owen
This report covers test results and ongoing examinations of Captain Jack Harkness after he was contaminated with an unknown chemical substance, possibly alien in origin (cross-ref. #L-21-3-11). Quarantine procedure was immediately implemented, though specific attention to patient’s wellbeing was not as urgently addressed as it would normally have been, due to Jack’s unique condition.
Initially there seemed to be no evidence that the chemical had effected Jack in any way, his tests all came back normal. We were considering the possibility that the chemical was in an inactive state. However, further examinations of Jack’s cellular activity on the second day showed erratic results. Some sort of reaction was taking place, but whatever it was, it was occurring too quickly to be monitored and, strangest of all, it was leaving no discernable product from the reaction. It was a phantom reaction – I could see things changing, but afterwards everything seemed to be exactly where it started. Due to this lack of comprehensive evidence, I was forced to allow Jack out of quarantine after almost three days. Nobody else has shown any signs of a similar alteration, so whatever might have happened to Jack is unlikely to be infectious.
I have three theories: -
1. The chemical reaction was reversed for some reason, quickly and with no lasting effect.
2. The chemical would have had an effect if tested on someone other than Jack. Jack’s unique condition could have prevented a proper reaction.
3. The product created by the reaction is undetectable by any equipment I have and its effects are not immediately visible in Jack.
Personally, I’m hoping it’s One or Two.
*
SECURITY LEVEL 12
INCIDENT REPORT #2008/231
Author: Jones, I
Reports of the past few days (and the Captain’s Log too, I expect) will show the team has been experiencing an unusual course of good luck. While this isn’t exactly something to complain about, no silver lining comes without a cloud so Jack has requested we all stay on our guard. His suspicions were proved well-founded today as the source of our run-of-luck was made clearer to us.
I was in the process of cleaning up (which is not easy when on crutches), when I heard a strange noise outside the Hub. I’ve heard it twice before: Once during my time at Torchwood One during the Battle of Canary Wharf, then again at the Hub before Jack’s mysterious disappearance last year. Suffice to say, hearing it again worried me and I immediately informed the team. Jack wasn’t concerned. He left the Hub and returned a few minutes later with a man he referred to as ‘The Doctor’.
I have little doubt that this Doctor is the same Time Lord hunted by Torchwood since its construction. I asked Jack if this was the case and he confirmed my suspicions. Torchwood’s chief enemy was present in the Hub and no action was being taken against him. I resolved to observe the situation until a suitable approach could be chosen.
The Doctor informed us that our string of good luck was being caused by Jack. He had detected some sort of reaction taking place in the energies around him and apparently, being amplified by close proximity to the Rift. Further examination with the ‘sonic screwdriver’ informed us that the chemical spilt on Jack on 10/03/2008 was a crude Luck Enhancer. It had been ineffective at first, but its effect was gradually growing in radius and potency. The Doctor suspected the luck field was spreading even further than anticipated, as far as his ‘Tardis’, since his intended destination had been nowhere close to Cardiff in 2008. The reason Owen’s tests had not picked up on Jack’s luck-infection was due to the fact that being preternaturally lucky was in itself extremely lucky so the luck solution prevented Owen getting accurate readings, in case we were able to stop it.
The Doctor said that he was able to create an antidote for the luck. We did not see why it was necessary to end our run of luck until the Doctor explained that this simple formula was corrupting Universal Forces and could possibly tear apart the fabric of reality until all existence was shaped by the will of Jack Harkness. I suspect I was the only one to see any appeal in the idea.
It was at this point that we received word of a weevil infestation, a Hziak incursion and a Xaan invasion. The Doctor claimed that these events occurred because theoretically it would be luckier for Jack if the team were distracted and unable to cure his luck. This being noted, Jack was forced to stay behind with the Doctor while Toshiko, Gwen and Owen went to deal with the threats to the citizens of Cardiff. Jack was extremely displeased at being forced to stay on the sidelines, but the Doctor seems to exert a power over him that he is unable to refuse. I would suspect psychic manipulation, but knowing Jack it’s more likely unintentional sexual manipulation.
Which brings me quite neatly to the next event. Since I was still unable to assist in field operations due to my injury, I had to find something to do around the Hub. Jack asked me to organise all the chemicals we had located so that the Doctor could analyse them. I did so, then left them to their work and went up to tidy reception (note: does the invisible lift count as wheelchair access or should we invest in some sort of ramp through reception? Very difficult to get up the steps on crutches.)
Not long after my exhausting trip upstairs, Jack called me back down. I went down to find him holding the Doctor firmly at arm’s length. Apparently out of all the test tubes, the only one to leak was the one for Libido Enhancement and it had spilt onto the Doctor. Jack suspected it was down to his luck field.
I wasn’t able to assist Jack in restraining the Time Lord due to my injury, but Jack insisted I was only there as moral support. Support which indeed proved necessary. Jack seems particularly enticed by this alien. I imagine this attachment is why Torchwood 3 is not under orders to capture the Doctor.
Jack managed to tie the lust-ridden Time Lord to a chair, though the alien continued to make obscene pleas that tested Jack’s willpower. Whenever he seemed likely to surrender to the Doctor’s requests, I would clear my throat and remind him of the situation at hand.
The Doctor had almost finished a cure for Jack’s ailment, it was up to us to finish it so that we could avoid the permanent warping of reality. Everything that’s been occurring, the equipment we found, the inactivity of the Rift, it’s all been due to Jack’s luck infection. I only sustained my leg wound because I left Jack’s side back when the luck field was smaller. When I returned to him, the wound started to heal very quickly. Luckily.
We managed to finish the solution and I administered it to Jack. It will take a couple of days for the normal order to reassert itself. The Doctor remained in a sexually-aroused state for just over thirty minutes before the solution wore off naturally. Although Jack was clearly tempted, he did not allow himself to take advantage of the Time Lord. They parted on good terms once they had assisted the rest of the team in their damage-control around Cardiff.
Further enquiries as to the nature of Jack’s relationship with the Doctor have not been welcomed. I have attempted to mask professional curiosity as sexual jealousy, but met with no more success. Suffice to say I will continue subtle investigation, though my viewpoint on the Doctor has been somewhat mellowed by today’s events. Could it be possible that Jack’s opinion on the Doctor is the correct one and up until now Torchwood was acting on misinformation?
*
[PRELIMINARY ARTEFACT LIST]
Located on 10/03/2008
Author: Sato, T
Although the collection of alien equipment we located at the research facility was overwhelmingly impressive, much of it has ‘gone missing’ since we were visited by the Doctor. Jack denies the alien’s involvement, but not very convincingly. Still, using my notes I am able to give an almost-complete list of items we found, followed by a brief statement on each one.
Mechanical Diagnostic Device – v.useful, has been able to provide clear instructions for any mechanical object placed inside it so far.
Luck Solution – highly dangerous, exploits probability statistics and brainwaves to shift the course of events in the user’s favour. Long-term use can lead to irreversible damage of space and time and dimensional barriers. (Item confiscated by the Doctor).
X-Ray Lens – while not employing radiation in the same way as human X-rays, the object can be worn like a contact lens to enable the user to see through to the skeleton and through most objects. Lead remains an exception. Will not be used until the power source can be identified as harmless.
Cure for the Common Cold – a surprising find. Owen was hoping to win awards with it, but it doesn’t belong in our century, apparently. (Item confiscated by the Doctor).
Sanitisation Scanner – it cleans and disinfects somehow using a beam. I’m currently researching this device. It could be of great use to Owen, like other stuff we found.
Lust Solution – works in a similar fashion to the Pheromone Spray (cross-ref item #2006/561), drives the user into a sexual frenzy. Evidence that it works on non-human species (cross-ref CCTV footage #29/03/08-subject:doctor). Due to its effect on the user rather than people exposed to the user, we can assume it is intended as a sort of date-rape drug. (Item confiscated by the Doctor).
Mood Enhancer – like an anti-depressant, acts to elevate user’s mood. Different to human drugs in the sense that one dose would seem to cause a permanent effect. I expect the Doctor would have stolen this too if not for the fact it was hidden down the back of my desk.
Other Chemicals – unfortunately Owen was researching the other chemicals we had from the research facility. This is unfortunate because he left his notes out on the table and the Doctor took those along with the solutions. Telekinesis-inducers, X-Ray Vision-inducers, Psychic Enhancers, Cures for various other human diseases, Super-supplements for nutrition. Those are the few things I can remember we definitely had in our possession. (Items confiscated by the Doctor).
Holographic Communications Devices – I’m tinkering with it now. Jack seems to think it’s a cute toy, but we’re not all as blasé about these futuristic gadgets as him.
Indestructible Programmable Invisible Surveillance Units – would have been extremely useful. (Items confiscated by the Doctor).
[Message for Toshiko Sato from Capt. Jack Harkness]
I want this re-written without references to the Doctor immediately, then I want the original and this message brought back to me without delay. That’s an order.
*
31st March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Primitive life-forms laying eggs in sleeping humans’ eyes and ears. Was able to detect their alien life signals and take them out using a combination of chemicals lethal only to the creatures.
Technology: Toshiko has finished cataloguing our finds from the research facility, though some of it seems to have gone missing, no doubt a result of erratic Rift activity.
Rift Activity: Back to its usual unpredictability with three spikes this morning alone. Almost like it’s making up for lost time.
Security: Had to ret-con all victims of the alien infestation. Seventeen in total.
Staff: Ianto’s wound mostly healed, though his recovery seems to have slowed. He’s showing an extreme interest in a past relationship of mine. I may have to tell him to back off. I don’t want to though. I want to be able to trust him. But it’s hardly personal, I just wouldn’t trust anyone with this. Likewise I’ve spoken to Toshiko about referring to unnecessary persons in her tech-cataloguing.
*
From: admin
To: Jack
Subject: INSTANT MESSENGER TRANSCRIPT
Date: Tuesday 1st April 2008 11.02am
GWEN: (11.02am) Jack, are you in your office?
JACK: (11.02am) Yeah, why?
GWEN: (11.03am) Just checking. Haven’t seen you this morning
JACK: (11.04am) Been busy. Come up and see me now if you like. It’s only a staircase away
GWEN: (11.04am) Were you here all night?
JACK: (11.04am) I live here
GWEN: (11.05am) You know what I mean. Have you been working all night?
GWEN: (11.08am) Not answering is as good as a yes
JACK: (11.09am) What if I have? It’s a 24 hour job
GWEN: (11.09am) You’re always telling me not to let it slip
JACK: (11.10am) That’s you. You have a normal life to keep hold of. I don’t. This is my life
GWEN: (11.11am) Ianto says you cancelled on him
JACK: (11.12am) Remind me why we aren’t talking face-to-face?
GWEN: (11.12am) I’ve got reports to finish now. I’m getting behind. You can come down and talk to me if you like
JACK: (11.13am) Not sure I want to discuss this in the middle of the Hub
JACK: (11.13am) Not sure I want to discuss it at all, actually
GWEN: (11.14am) Ianto says you cancelled
JACK: (11.14am)You said already
GWEN: (11.14am) Why did you?
JACK: (11.15am) Busy.
GWEN: (11.15am) Come off it Jack, it’s not been that busy in here
JACK: (11.16am) Tired then
GWEN: (11.16am) So why work instead of sleeping?
JACK: (11.16am) Who says I was working?
GWEN: (11.17am) Scroll up, you dopey bugger
JACK: (11.17am) :P
GWEN: (11.18am) Just the sort of maturity I’d expect from an immortal Captain of a top-secret alien-hunting organisation
JACK: (11.18am) XP
GWEN: (11.18am) Jack, get serious. We’re worried about you
JACK: (11.19am) Why?
GWEN: (11.19am) You’ve been miserable since the Doctor left
JACK: (11.20am) If I’d wanted to go with him I would have
GWEN: (11.21am) No you wouldn’t. You’re too devoted to your duty
GWEN: (11.25am) Hit a nerve, haven’t I? You wanted to go but you didn’t
JACK: (11.26am) What makes you so sure I wanted to go?
GWEN: (11.27am) I saw you kiss him goodbye. I’ve never seen anything so passionate in my life. You love him
JACK: (11.30am) Voyeur
GWEN: (11.30am) Jack, you love him. Why did you let him go?
JACK: (11.32am) Twice I’ve done it now. I thought it would get easier
GWEN: (11.33am) Let me guess. It doesn’t?
JACK: (11.35am) It’s tougher each time
GWEN: (11.35am) So why do it?
JACK: (11.36am) I have responsibilities to you, to Torchwood, to this planet.
GWEN: (11.37am) You have a responsibility to yourself
JACK: (11.37am) Don’t be so cliché
GWEN: (11.38am) What if he doesn’t come back?
GWEN: (11.38am) How would you feel knowing you had turned down the chance?
JACK: (11.39am) Just stop it Gwen. Now.
GWEN: (11.40am) I don’t understand how you could do it
JACK: (11.41am) I barely can. You’re not helping
GWEN: (11.43am) Do you think you’ll ever go back to him? And not come back, I mean
JACK: (11.44am) You said it yourself – I love him. I won’t deny it, I can’t deny it
JACK: (11.45am) I didn’t go with him this time. But every time gets a bit tougher. Who knows whether I’ll resist next time?
JACK: (11.47am) I shouldn’t have said that
GWEN: (11.47am) I’m glad you did. It’s nice to hear the truth from you, Jack
JACK: (11.48am) Don’t talk to the others about this. Especially Ianto
GWEN: (11.48am) Of course. But one thing…
JACK: (11.48am) Yeah?
GWEN: (11.50am) Tell us when you’re leaving. Don’t just run
JACK: (11.50am)You’ll try and make me stay
GWEN: (11.51am) No, but we might kiss you goodbye
JACK: (11.52am) All the more reason to go!
GWEN: (11.53am) lol, trust you to see it like that. Anyway, I’ve got to get this finished
JACK: (11.54am) Damn straight you do, lazy employee.
GWEN: (11.54am) :P
JACK: (11.55am) It still counts as insubordination over chat, you know.
GWEN: (11.55am) XP
JACK: (11.56am) That’s it, I’m coming down there.
Author:
sarkywomanChallenge: Luck
Rating: PG
Spoilers/warnings: Minor spoilers from the start of series 2 Torchwood and 'LotTL' Doctor Who.
Summary: A lucky week in Torchwood from the Captain's Log and various other useful documents.
Notes: The Captain's Log layout is based on the one at BBC America and the other documents loosely based on stuff in the Torchwood UK site. The Doctor/Jack is nowhere near as explicit as it normally is in my stories and the Jack/Ianto is only hinted at. But enjoy, anyway.
Just My Luck
10th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Nothing major to report. Some alien involvement suspected at a research facility just outside Cardiff, but any extraterrestrials involved were long dead or just gone by the time we closed the place down.
Technology: The research facility, which is linked financially to the suspicious Venus Clinic in Cardiff, contained a range of alien technology, both mechanical and chemical. We’ve brought it back to the Hub for full investigation, though we have little information to report as of yet. Will make note of Toshiko’s findings. Additional tests have also been possible due to the accidental spillage of one of the test tubes down my pants (yeah, yeah, laugh it up, guys. I could have been seriously damaged!). Dr Owen Harper is conducting tests on the biological effects of the solution while I’m stuck in quarantine. At least we know it can’t kill me.
Rift Activity: An increase in energy spikes gives minor cause for concern. We’ll have to be more vigilant.
Security: Ret-conned the science staff at the research facility. The guards posted there saw little of us and nothing of the top-secret work, so there was no need to deal with them too.
Staff: Team have handled the quarantine procedure quickly and efficiently, incinerating my favourite pants to stop further contamination. Owen is enjoying poking me with long sterile rods far too much. Needs to get out more. On that note, I’m becoming increasingly worried about Toshiko’s workload. I’ve known for years that she adores this job and nearly everything it entails, but it seems unfair that she should deal with all alien technology mostly on her own. The skills involved mean that the rest of us are little use in the area, but after a huge haul of alien tech like today, Toshiko will most likely be working all through the night. Must look into expanding the team, sharing the workload a bit. She’ll protest, but it’s for her own good.
*
11th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: A minor Hziak incursion I’m told, but apparently Ianto was able to reason with the team leader and they’ve since departed Earth. I knew Ianto had a talented mouth.
Technology: Toshiko has made some interesting finds with regards to our collection from the research facility. So far all the machinery seems to be used for chemical purposes. This had led her to believe that the true interest lies in the chemical solutions we procured from the facility. She and Owen are now analysing the chemicals and the possible effects of the spilt solution on my biology. Yes, I’m still in quarantine. Hence the reason for two log entries in two days. I’m bored out of my mind. Owen has noted minor alterations in my cellular biology, but isn’t able to pinpoint anything definitive yet. Whatever reaction is taking place, it’s still happening, and Owen won’t be able to assess the results until it slows down enough for him to take a look at. I feel fine, though. And I look handsome as ever.
Rift Activity: Gwen reports less activity than yesterday, though still more readings than is really acceptable. I’ll definitely look into it when I get out of this room.
Security: The Hziak are humanoid enough that Ianto could just pass off the group as illegal immigrants being sent home. We don’t think anyone saw the spaceship.
Staff: Only Gwen has visited me today. And even then it was just to update me on everything that’s been happening in the Hub. She suggested she write the log, because she was more aware of what was happening out there at the moment, but I refused on the grounds that making these notes is the one thing I can do in here. Well, the one socially acceptable thing.
*
13th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Weevils. Hundreds of Weevils. Lucky thing I got out of quarantine yesterday or my team would have been done for. Not that I’m a one-man army or anything… well, let’s face it, I practically am. Fought them off with stun-guns, tranqs and weevil-spray as long as we could, which turned out to be long enough. The weevils stopped arriving around the same time we started to tire. Their attack patterns were abnormally ferocious and organised, necessitating lethal methods in a few cases. We tried not to hurt them though and we took in as many as we could. The cells are full to bursting. We’ve had to open another floor.
Technology: Toshiko and Owen are still analysing the alien chemicals produced at the research facility. All theories are estimates at the moment though, since neither of them can get a clear reading of the chemical’s properties. Whatever it was though, it didn’t do anything to me. Owen’s medical checks show no indication of any change in my cells. We’ve agreed that’s a little odd, what with his results being so erratic the other day, so further check-ups might be necessary over the next few weeks. I hate physicals, all that prodding and poking. There’s only one Doctor I’d want doing those things to me, and it sure isn’t Owen.
Rift Activity: Dropped to within normal parameters for no reason whatsoever. Very strange. Welcome, but strange.
Security: Slightly difficult to cover up an army of Weevils rampaging over Cardiff. We’ve ret-conned the closest witnesses and given some bullshit to the suspicious masses about hallucinogens in the water supply. Not everyone is buying it, and I’m not surprised. Cardiff has been the site of some seriously freaky phenomena, there’s only so long we can keep the population in the dark about the truth.
Staff: Gwen sustained minor injuries in the battle against the Weevils. She’ll be fine, but I expect her husband will still punch me in the face next time I see him.
*
16th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Nothing certain, though I have my suspicions. Something strange is going on. At the moment I have too little evidence to present any theories without sounding extremely paranoid, but as soon as I’m sure I will record it.
Technology: Amongst the alien equipment taken from the facility Toshiko located something immensely useful. It is some sort of analysis machine, not for people or chemicals, but for technology. She’s already used it to catalogue half of the equipment we didn’t understand. The device really is a major find.
Rift Activity: So little it’s almost stopped. We can’t find an explanation for it.
Security: No problems to report.
Staff: Toshiko’s workload has been eased dramatically by the use of this new machine. We’re being cautious with it so far, but it looks like it could soon become a common tool in the Hub. Owen thought he had found something odd in my blood again, but later checks showed this to be an error.
*
17th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Another life-stealing entity destroyed by my infinite supply of life. Quick case, no casualties.
Technology: Interesting results with regards to the alien chemical solutions we found in the lab we shut down. Although different test tubes contain different solutions, Toshiko has identified one as a drug. She believes it would raise endorphins and serotonin, effectively elevating a patient’s mood. There is a difference between this and human drugs, however. The effects do not seem to wear off. The mood elevation is either permanent or there’s an antidote to stop the effect. This confuses me. Why produce a drug that permanently cheers you up? It wouldn’t be marketable more than once. Although, if you charged everyone enough, one dose to each of the population could make you a fortune. Hell, at a couple of quid it could be quite profitable. Still no results from the chemical I was exposed too, though. It could have been inactive.
Rift Activity: Nothing and still no reason for the quiet. Unnerving.
Security: Ret-conned one witness from today’s mission. Took her out for dinner and slipped it into her drink. Soon staff are going to think I’m a date-rapist if I keep slipping things into women’s drinks.
Staff: Finally got a chance to see how pleased Ianto was that I was out of quarantine.
*
19th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: A sort of half-humanoid, half-slug creature was slithering through the shopping centre. It almost shot Gwen with a Xaan taser, but the tech was dodgy and it fried itself instead. Lucky for us. Rhys is pissed off enough with me, without Gwen getting sizzled like crispy bacon in the line of duty. Also put down telekinetic rat (see ‘Technology’).
Technology: Confiscated the Xaan taser. It’s pretty much dead, but there are still some vital components that could be reconfigured by a twisted or curious mind. I’ve put it into secure storage level 2. That way it’s accessible if we need it, but not easily reached by inquisitive employees. Owen has ascertained the purpose of another chemical solution that we obtained from the research facility. He tested it on lab rats (without my permission, I might add) and found the solution actually enabled telekinetic ability in the subject. The ability varied from the rat being able to bring its food to its mouth without movement, to a psychic tornado that nearly destroyed the Hub. Destruction of the rat was necessary, as was a stern lecture to Owen about safety protocols.
Rift Activity: Not so much as an old shoe through the Rift. Considering a holiday while it’s quiet. Somewhere nice and hot where Ianto has no choice but to wear less clothing.
Security: Strangely enough, nobody seemed to witness the slug creature in the shopping centre. It went straight through the middle of the store in peak shopping time, but nobody saw it. Not a single person. There were no perception filters on the creature, believe me, I checked.
Staff: Owen is in a bit of a strop after I reprimanded him for the incident with the rat. In a petty attempt at revenge, he’s stopped running tests on me. I’m relieved. He wasn’t finding anything anyway. I’m pretty sure the chemical I was exposed to was inactive.
*
21st March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: I don’t know if it’s alien in origin, but something weird is happening. I’m still not taking action in case it’s all in my head, but my instincts are telling me something’s wrong. Recent log entries will show the slow decrease in alien phenomena as well as the increased ease of the cases. Perhaps the team is becoming more efficient, more experienced, but I doubt it. Errors are still being made, we’re still narrowly escaping serious disasters, but we seem to be having a lot of luck. I’m aware that attributing this to paranormal causes might seem a little paranoid, so I’ll leave it there. For now.
Technology: Another one of the chemicals from the research facility has been analysed. Owen has theorised that it stimulates the eyes and an extrasensory area of the brain, resulting (we suspect) in X-Ray vision. These experiments are of great concern to us. Modifying humans in such radical ways… I know it happens eventually, but it isn’t supposed to happen in the twenty-first century.
Rift Activity: Nothing. The Rift Manipulator might as well be some severe interior decorating statement.
Security: No problems. A tourist came into the reception, but Ianto sent them on their merry way with pamphlets.
Staff: Owen’s still grumpy with me. Not that you’d notice, what with him being naturally grumpy.
*
22nd March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Today we faced a whole bunch of half-human, half-slug-creatures like the one we encountered the other day. Still uncertain as to their origins, but they were all wielding Xaan tasers. Lucky for us that they seemed to have a dodgy weapons shipment because they all backfired. It’s a little strange, because Xaan weaponry is normally very reliable and durable. When Gwen and Ianto went to mop up the stray members of the slug-man squad they found those members had functioning tasers. Ianto was wounded in the leg. It could have been so much worse. Had I expected the weapons to be functioning I would never have let Gwen and Ianto face them alone. They could have been killed.
Technology: Had Toshiko looking at the malfunctioning Xaan tasers. She can’t find anything wrong with them. By all rights they should have fried us. She says the only possibility she’s concocted so far is every individual’s weapon misfired at exactly the same time in a freak coincidence. She’s no more convinced by that theory than I am.
Rift Activity: Considering removing this section from the log, since the Rift seems to have gone for the early retirement package. Toshiko will be running tests later this week if we can find the time between slug-men and weevils.
Security: Another interesting point. Nobody saw the army of slug-men. Not a single person. I’m starting to wonder if there are drugs in the water supply, chilling out the people of Cardiff so they don’t even notice taser-wielding slugs.
Staff: Ianto is refusing to take time off for his leg to recover, so I’ve insisted that he at least stays in the Hub until he’s all fixed up. That way he can still help out with most of his normal duties, but he won’t be in field missions and he won’t have to drive to work. Also means he can stay with me and I can play nurse. I think Owen’s got a stethoscope I could borrow…
*
24th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Again, I don’t know if it’s alien. But I’ll make a list of occurrences.
1. Owen dropped a scalpel while dissecting one of the dead slug-men. It went through his shoe and for a moment I thought he’d lost a toe. But the scalpel had gone between his toes.
2. Toshiko accidentally tripped one of the security protocols and unlocked all the cell doors. But nothing escaped because all the aliens were asleep.
3. Ianto dropped a tray with 5 mugs of coffee and a plate of biscuits on it and nothing spilt.
4. One of the Xaan tasers malfunctioned due to Toshiko’s analysis and fired across the Hub. At the same time, Gwen tripped over her shoelace and the laser’s path went directly where her head would have been.
This cannot be normal. It’s like we’ve become invincible or ridiculously lucky.
Technology: Have instructed Toshiko on the security measures necessary when dealing with Xaan weaponry. Even supposedly broken Xaan weaponry. Just makes it more dangerous in my opinion.
Rift Activity: Toshiko ran the Rift tests today. It’s complicated stuff and it took her a long time, but she couldn’t find any anomalies. It’s like the Rift is still what it’s always been but for once it’s just being quiet.
Security: Gwen and Owen had a massive argument about Torchwood protocol out in the open. As it happens, the only passer-by was deaf and heard nothing. Another instance of peculiar luck.
Staff: I’ve asked to see if anyone else has noticed our run of good luck. Ianto pointed out that he had been shot in the leg and considered himself less than lucky for it, even when I said he could have been killed instead. Gwen said she had a massive row with Rhys this morning (which explains why she’s so tetchy). Owen ran out of petrol on the way to work and Toshiko’s laptop exploded. So my theory of good luck is apparently disproved. Although, it must be noted that all of these incidents happened away from the Hub. If something strange is going on, it could be centred here. But that wouldn’t explain the massive weapons backfire of the slug army yesterday, so I’m not sure. As usual, I’ll keep updating if anything else happens. Maybe I’m getting paranoid in my old age.
*
26th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Invasion of aliens who were surprised to find they couldn’t survive in our atmosphere. Weevil got sick after eating a woman’s handbag and the woman got away. Xaan bomb planted in the Hub but only I was killed, after which I rounded up the Xaan bastards and threw them back into the Rift. Also, I’m not sure if this counts as ‘alien activity’ because I have no idea if she’s human or not, but I went to see the Tarot girl for a reading. The outlook was ridiculously optimistic. Much wealth, knowledge, love and happiness is supposedly coming my way. The girl was as confused as I am. She says she’s never seen such a positive reading, and she’s been doing this for a long time. She warned me to be on my guard. Nothing good comes for free.
Technology: Toshiko and Owen are doing well analysing and cataloguing the chemical solutions. They’ve found cures for illnesses, mood enhancers, chemicals to give extrasensory perception, telekinetic powers and special kinds of vision. It’s a good job we stopped the research facility when we did or they could have made a damn Superman with this stuff. Still no suggestion of chemical effects on me though. Perhaps whatever’s causing all my good luck has countered the effects.
Rift Activity: Dead. As in ‘quiet’, not ‘Night of the Living…’
Security: Again Torchwood’s professional stealth is aided by coincidence and dumb luck. Not so sure that’s a new development.
Staff: Ianto’s leg is healing very fast. Not exactly faster than possible, but faster than Owen expected. Wouldn’t be the first time Owen’s been wrong though.
*
27th March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Nothing. Not so much as a weevil or a false alarm.
Technology: Cure for the common cold and various other human diseases, super-supplements for nutrition, holographic communications devices, indestructible programmable invisible surveillance units… The list goes on. [cross-ref. Storage ZH056398.) At this rate it’s safe to say that Torchwood is prepared for the twenty-first century, especially since alien activity seems to have dwindled to nothing. I’m still uneasy. This is unnatural good fortune. It can’t last.
Rift Activity: Nothing.
Security: No problems.
Staff: Content, relaxed, unharmed. Ianto’s leg continues to improve.
*
[POST-QUARANTINE REPORT]
RE: Harkness, Jack, 474317.
Author: Harper, Owen
This report covers test results and ongoing examinations of Captain Jack Harkness after he was contaminated with an unknown chemical substance, possibly alien in origin (cross-ref. #L-21-3-11). Quarantine procedure was immediately implemented, though specific attention to patient’s wellbeing was not as urgently addressed as it would normally have been, due to Jack’s unique condition.
Initially there seemed to be no evidence that the chemical had effected Jack in any way, his tests all came back normal. We were considering the possibility that the chemical was in an inactive state. However, further examinations of Jack’s cellular activity on the second day showed erratic results. Some sort of reaction was taking place, but whatever it was, it was occurring too quickly to be monitored and, strangest of all, it was leaving no discernable product from the reaction. It was a phantom reaction – I could see things changing, but afterwards everything seemed to be exactly where it started. Due to this lack of comprehensive evidence, I was forced to allow Jack out of quarantine after almost three days. Nobody else has shown any signs of a similar alteration, so whatever might have happened to Jack is unlikely to be infectious.
I have three theories: -
1. The chemical reaction was reversed for some reason, quickly and with no lasting effect.
2. The chemical would have had an effect if tested on someone other than Jack. Jack’s unique condition could have prevented a proper reaction.
3. The product created by the reaction is undetectable by any equipment I have and its effects are not immediately visible in Jack.
Personally, I’m hoping it’s One or Two.
*
SECURITY LEVEL 12
INCIDENT REPORT #2008/231
Author: Jones, I
Reports of the past few days (and the Captain’s Log too, I expect) will show the team has been experiencing an unusual course of good luck. While this isn’t exactly something to complain about, no silver lining comes without a cloud so Jack has requested we all stay on our guard. His suspicions were proved well-founded today as the source of our run-of-luck was made clearer to us.
I was in the process of cleaning up (which is not easy when on crutches), when I heard a strange noise outside the Hub. I’ve heard it twice before: Once during my time at Torchwood One during the Battle of Canary Wharf, then again at the Hub before Jack’s mysterious disappearance last year. Suffice to say, hearing it again worried me and I immediately informed the team. Jack wasn’t concerned. He left the Hub and returned a few minutes later with a man he referred to as ‘The Doctor’.
I have little doubt that this Doctor is the same Time Lord hunted by Torchwood since its construction. I asked Jack if this was the case and he confirmed my suspicions. Torchwood’s chief enemy was present in the Hub and no action was being taken against him. I resolved to observe the situation until a suitable approach could be chosen.
The Doctor informed us that our string of good luck was being caused by Jack. He had detected some sort of reaction taking place in the energies around him and apparently, being amplified by close proximity to the Rift. Further examination with the ‘sonic screwdriver’ informed us that the chemical spilt on Jack on 10/03/2008 was a crude Luck Enhancer. It had been ineffective at first, but its effect was gradually growing in radius and potency. The Doctor suspected the luck field was spreading even further than anticipated, as far as his ‘Tardis’, since his intended destination had been nowhere close to Cardiff in 2008. The reason Owen’s tests had not picked up on Jack’s luck-infection was due to the fact that being preternaturally lucky was in itself extremely lucky so the luck solution prevented Owen getting accurate readings, in case we were able to stop it.
The Doctor said that he was able to create an antidote for the luck. We did not see why it was necessary to end our run of luck until the Doctor explained that this simple formula was corrupting Universal Forces and could possibly tear apart the fabric of reality until all existence was shaped by the will of Jack Harkness. I suspect I was the only one to see any appeal in the idea.
It was at this point that we received word of a weevil infestation, a Hziak incursion and a Xaan invasion. The Doctor claimed that these events occurred because theoretically it would be luckier for Jack if the team were distracted and unable to cure his luck. This being noted, Jack was forced to stay behind with the Doctor while Toshiko, Gwen and Owen went to deal with the threats to the citizens of Cardiff. Jack was extremely displeased at being forced to stay on the sidelines, but the Doctor seems to exert a power over him that he is unable to refuse. I would suspect psychic manipulation, but knowing Jack it’s more likely unintentional sexual manipulation.
Which brings me quite neatly to the next event. Since I was still unable to assist in field operations due to my injury, I had to find something to do around the Hub. Jack asked me to organise all the chemicals we had located so that the Doctor could analyse them. I did so, then left them to their work and went up to tidy reception (note: does the invisible lift count as wheelchair access or should we invest in some sort of ramp through reception? Very difficult to get up the steps on crutches.)
Not long after my exhausting trip upstairs, Jack called me back down. I went down to find him holding the Doctor firmly at arm’s length. Apparently out of all the test tubes, the only one to leak was the one for Libido Enhancement and it had spilt onto the Doctor. Jack suspected it was down to his luck field.
I wasn’t able to assist Jack in restraining the Time Lord due to my injury, but Jack insisted I was only there as moral support. Support which indeed proved necessary. Jack seems particularly enticed by this alien. I imagine this attachment is why Torchwood 3 is not under orders to capture the Doctor.
Jack managed to tie the lust-ridden Time Lord to a chair, though the alien continued to make obscene pleas that tested Jack’s willpower. Whenever he seemed likely to surrender to the Doctor’s requests, I would clear my throat and remind him of the situation at hand.
The Doctor had almost finished a cure for Jack’s ailment, it was up to us to finish it so that we could avoid the permanent warping of reality. Everything that’s been occurring, the equipment we found, the inactivity of the Rift, it’s all been due to Jack’s luck infection. I only sustained my leg wound because I left Jack’s side back when the luck field was smaller. When I returned to him, the wound started to heal very quickly. Luckily.
We managed to finish the solution and I administered it to Jack. It will take a couple of days for the normal order to reassert itself. The Doctor remained in a sexually-aroused state for just over thirty minutes before the solution wore off naturally. Although Jack was clearly tempted, he did not allow himself to take advantage of the Time Lord. They parted on good terms once they had assisted the rest of the team in their damage-control around Cardiff.
Further enquiries as to the nature of Jack’s relationship with the Doctor have not been welcomed. I have attempted to mask professional curiosity as sexual jealousy, but met with no more success. Suffice to say I will continue subtle investigation, though my viewpoint on the Doctor has been somewhat mellowed by today’s events. Could it be possible that Jack’s opinion on the Doctor is the correct one and up until now Torchwood was acting on misinformation?
*
[PRELIMINARY ARTEFACT LIST]
Located on 10/03/2008
Author: Sato, T
Although the collection of alien equipment we located at the research facility was overwhelmingly impressive, much of it has ‘gone missing’ since we were visited by the Doctor. Jack denies the alien’s involvement, but not very convincingly. Still, using my notes I am able to give an almost-complete list of items we found, followed by a brief statement on each one.
Mechanical Diagnostic Device – v.useful, has been able to provide clear instructions for any mechanical object placed inside it so far.
Luck Solution – highly dangerous, exploits probability statistics and brainwaves to shift the course of events in the user’s favour. Long-term use can lead to irreversible damage of space and time and dimensional barriers. (Item confiscated by the Doctor).
X-Ray Lens – while not employing radiation in the same way as human X-rays, the object can be worn like a contact lens to enable the user to see through to the skeleton and through most objects. Lead remains an exception. Will not be used until the power source can be identified as harmless.
Cure for the Common Cold – a surprising find. Owen was hoping to win awards with it, but it doesn’t belong in our century, apparently. (Item confiscated by the Doctor).
Sanitisation Scanner – it cleans and disinfects somehow using a beam. I’m currently researching this device. It could be of great use to Owen, like other stuff we found.
Lust Solution – works in a similar fashion to the Pheromone Spray (cross-ref item #2006/561), drives the user into a sexual frenzy. Evidence that it works on non-human species (cross-ref CCTV footage #29/03/08-subject:doctor). Due to its effect on the user rather than people exposed to the user, we can assume it is intended as a sort of date-rape drug. (Item confiscated by the Doctor).
Mood Enhancer – like an anti-depressant, acts to elevate user’s mood. Different to human drugs in the sense that one dose would seem to cause a permanent effect. I expect the Doctor would have stolen this too if not for the fact it was hidden down the back of my desk.
Other Chemicals – unfortunately Owen was researching the other chemicals we had from the research facility. This is unfortunate because he left his notes out on the table and the Doctor took those along with the solutions. Telekinesis-inducers, X-Ray Vision-inducers, Psychic Enhancers, Cures for various other human diseases, Super-supplements for nutrition. Those are the few things I can remember we definitely had in our possession. (Items confiscated by the Doctor).
Holographic Communications Devices – I’m tinkering with it now. Jack seems to think it’s a cute toy, but we’re not all as blasé about these futuristic gadgets as him.
Indestructible Programmable Invisible Surveillance Units – would have been extremely useful. (Items confiscated by the Doctor).
[Message for Toshiko Sato from Capt. Jack Harkness]
I want this re-written without references to the Doctor immediately, then I want the original and this message brought back to me without delay. That’s an order.
*
31st March, 2008.
Log entry by Captain Jack Harkness, Torchwood 3.
Alien Activity: Primitive life-forms laying eggs in sleeping humans’ eyes and ears. Was able to detect their alien life signals and take them out using a combination of chemicals lethal only to the creatures.
Technology: Toshiko has finished cataloguing our finds from the research facility, though some of it seems to have gone missing, no doubt a result of erratic Rift activity.
Rift Activity: Back to its usual unpredictability with three spikes this morning alone. Almost like it’s making up for lost time.
Security: Had to ret-con all victims of the alien infestation. Seventeen in total.
Staff: Ianto’s wound mostly healed, though his recovery seems to have slowed. He’s showing an extreme interest in a past relationship of mine. I may have to tell him to back off. I don’t want to though. I want to be able to trust him. But it’s hardly personal, I just wouldn’t trust anyone with this. Likewise I’ve spoken to Toshiko about referring to unnecessary persons in her tech-cataloguing.
*
From: admin
To: Jack
Subject: INSTANT MESSENGER TRANSCRIPT
Date: Tuesday 1st April 2008 11.02am
GWEN: (11.02am) Jack, are you in your office?
JACK: (11.02am) Yeah, why?
GWEN: (11.03am) Just checking. Haven’t seen you this morning
JACK: (11.04am) Been busy. Come up and see me now if you like. It’s only a staircase away
GWEN: (11.04am) Were you here all night?
JACK: (11.04am) I live here
GWEN: (11.05am) You know what I mean. Have you been working all night?
GWEN: (11.08am) Not answering is as good as a yes
JACK: (11.09am) What if I have? It’s a 24 hour job
GWEN: (11.09am) You’re always telling me not to let it slip
JACK: (11.10am) That’s you. You have a normal life to keep hold of. I don’t. This is my life
GWEN: (11.11am) Ianto says you cancelled on him
JACK: (11.12am) Remind me why we aren’t talking face-to-face?
GWEN: (11.12am) I’ve got reports to finish now. I’m getting behind. You can come down and talk to me if you like
JACK: (11.13am) Not sure I want to discuss this in the middle of the Hub
JACK: (11.13am) Not sure I want to discuss it at all, actually
GWEN: (11.14am) Ianto says you cancelled
JACK: (11.14am)You said already
GWEN: (11.14am) Why did you?
JACK: (11.15am) Busy.
GWEN: (11.15am) Come off it Jack, it’s not been that busy in here
JACK: (11.16am) Tired then
GWEN: (11.16am) So why work instead of sleeping?
JACK: (11.16am) Who says I was working?
GWEN: (11.17am) Scroll up, you dopey bugger
JACK: (11.17am) :P
GWEN: (11.18am) Just the sort of maturity I’d expect from an immortal Captain of a top-secret alien-hunting organisation
JACK: (11.18am) XP
GWEN: (11.18am) Jack, get serious. We’re worried about you
JACK: (11.19am) Why?
GWEN: (11.19am) You’ve been miserable since the Doctor left
JACK: (11.20am) If I’d wanted to go with him I would have
GWEN: (11.21am) No you wouldn’t. You’re too devoted to your duty
GWEN: (11.25am) Hit a nerve, haven’t I? You wanted to go but you didn’t
JACK: (11.26am) What makes you so sure I wanted to go?
GWEN: (11.27am) I saw you kiss him goodbye. I’ve never seen anything so passionate in my life. You love him
JACK: (11.30am) Voyeur
GWEN: (11.30am) Jack, you love him. Why did you let him go?
JACK: (11.32am) Twice I’ve done it now. I thought it would get easier
GWEN: (11.33am) Let me guess. It doesn’t?
JACK: (11.35am) It’s tougher each time
GWEN: (11.35am) So why do it?
JACK: (11.36am) I have responsibilities to you, to Torchwood, to this planet.
GWEN: (11.37am) You have a responsibility to yourself
JACK: (11.37am) Don’t be so cliché
GWEN: (11.38am) What if he doesn’t come back?
GWEN: (11.38am) How would you feel knowing you had turned down the chance?
JACK: (11.39am) Just stop it Gwen. Now.
GWEN: (11.40am) I don’t understand how you could do it
JACK: (11.41am) I barely can. You’re not helping
GWEN: (11.43am) Do you think you’ll ever go back to him? And not come back, I mean
JACK: (11.44am) You said it yourself – I love him. I won’t deny it, I can’t deny it
JACK: (11.45am) I didn’t go with him this time. But every time gets a bit tougher. Who knows whether I’ll resist next time?
JACK: (11.47am) I shouldn’t have said that
GWEN: (11.47am) I’m glad you did. It’s nice to hear the truth from you, Jack
JACK: (11.48am) Don’t talk to the others about this. Especially Ianto
GWEN: (11.48am) Of course. But one thing…
JACK: (11.48am) Yeah?
GWEN: (11.50am) Tell us when you’re leaving. Don’t just run
JACK: (11.50am)You’ll try and make me stay
GWEN: (11.51am) No, but we might kiss you goodbye
JACK: (11.52am) All the more reason to go!
GWEN: (11.53am) lol, trust you to see it like that. Anyway, I’ve got to get this finished
JACK: (11.54am) Damn straight you do, lazy employee.
GWEN: (11.54am) :P
JACK: (11.55am) It still counts as insubordination over chat, you know.
GWEN: (11.55am) XP
JACK: (11.56am) That’s it, I’m coming down there.
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And: I have attempted to mask professional curiosity as sexual jealousy, but met with no more success. I love how backwards that seems, and yet so IC.
Mmm, lust-crazed Time Lord.
The bit with Gwen at the end was sweet, too!
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Just Jack's luck that him being lucky could destroy the universe. LOL
Thanks for the fic.
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HA! (I do! I do!)
"...knowing Jack it’s more likely unintentional sexual manipulation."
LOL!
"I have attempted to mask professional curiosity as sexual jealousy, but met with no more success. "
ROFL - SO IANTO. Oh gosh that's brilliant, such a nice little twist on what you'd expect.
Poor Jack. :(
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My favourite part was the last conversation. I would have loved it had Jack gone with the Doctor. Next time he may.
Too bad you can't describe a passionate kiss in the Captain's Log...
I couldn't help noticing how much of their luck was necessary because they were either extremely unlucky or clumsy, like Owen dropping the scalpel, Tosh accidentially opening the cells etc.
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I find that on the BBC and BBCA sites, they get the voices right between 50 and 70% of the time-- but this is 100% perfect, and I love the way you manage to tell a whole story through these different media.
Your Jack/Ianto and Jack/Ten interactions are great too (I can't get me enough of them!). :)
Just one minor nitpicky niggle because I'm a grammar Nazi:
Initially there seemed to be no evidence that the chemical had effected Jack in any way
It should be "affected" here, not "effected" (affect=verb, effect=noun).
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(I'm going to be sneaky and say that Owen made the mistake not me, though I thank you for pointing it out and I'll try to remember).
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Again Torchwood’s professional stealth is aided by coincidence and dumb luck. Not so sure that’s a new development.
Yes. Just yes.
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*Snort* perfect sarcasm! I found the structure really interesting, though it would have driven me mad writing it myself. And I would have more description of a lust crazed time lord hahaha ;). But it had the full lightness of touch and real conversations, so yes, lovely. xxx
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Apparently out of all the test tubes, the only one to leak was the one for Libido Enhancement and it had spilt onto the Doctor. Jack suspected it was down to his luck field. If the luck filed had been slightly more powerful maybe it would've spilt on Ianto too. *sigh* *goes to read kinky threesome fics*
^^