torchwood- fractured souls

8/10/2019 Torchwood- Fractured Souls

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TORCHWOODFRACTURED SOULS

BY LOUISE POND

1


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BACK TO BASICS

The day was beginning. Gradually brightening up the sky and the habitants below whowere shrouded within blocks of concrete and wood. Hidden in between vast majesties of

rolling green and dirty mountaintops, some with sheep drifting about and cows moaningto be fed, their hunger being heard for distances far beyond. From there stood giant andstark cliffs that existed along the Welsh coast. The chill of the wind howling a whistle thatherded a flock of seagulls to the breadth of the ocean. Their beaks dug into the grainy, wetsand as they rummaged for bits of leftover food abandoned by tourists or locals on theirdaily stroll. A striking and sturdy figure stood confidently on the verge of a hilltop thatwas so high it looked like it had been stretched by giant fingers from above the clouds.Hands in pockets, his gaze of the sights before him cleared his mind and the only soundof the rolling waves held him in a peaceful stance. This figure, this impossible, mysterious

and terrifying man was Captain Jack Harkness. Just a name to hide the secrets he didntwish to share. An identity that wanted to be left buried in the depths of his mind. His soft,blue coat flapped noisily in the wisps of the wind. Oxygen levels were lower up here but

Jack didnt need to care. He came to the heights others couldnt possibly be without dyinghorribly and loudly. Up at these heights he could just be. Exist in this world withouthaving to think but just to feel at peace. Jacks confusion over his immortality hadescalated since he discovered that the reason he is immortal is not what the Doctor hadthought but something in his blood. And now he wasnt the only immortal man on theplanet now. There was Rex. He felt he had a responsibility to stay close to him. To maybe

give advice on how to avoid certain ways of dying or how to not freak out after puttinghis life into the terrifying perspective that it now was. Rex hadnt been in touch for awhile. His now endless life continued to be with the CIA but with Rex volunteering for themore volatile and risk associated missions. Jack had argued over this decision manytimes and insisted that Rex shouldnt take his immortality for granted and abuse it in away. Hepromised Rex he would at some point become insane. Unsurprisingly, Rex hadntlistened.

So Jack had found himself back in Wales where some of his best times on Earth had been.After the global catastrophes, he found himself wanting to reside in a familiar location

and remind him of the memorable work his Torchwood team had achieved. The many livesthey had saved. But also the many deaths they had caused. No life without death. For agood long while, Captain Jack debated whether to secretly reignite Torchwood or leave it todie. But after some insistent persuasion from Gwen, his view had been changed. Eventhough Torchwood brought death and devastation, it also brought hope and protection forthe planet and Jack has always defended the Earth with countless deaths and a lot ofscreaming. The Rift was still active and there had been no one to deal with the creaturesand technologies that continued to fall from it. The Rift needed to be monitored and dealtwith if necessary. And it needed its two best heroes to do it.


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As the yellow sun hung in the sky, Jack made his way swiftly back down below to anabandoned military base on the outskirts of Cardiff as Torchwoods new base of operation.Nothing could ever live up to the old base under Roald Dahl Plass with its history, thewater tower and that beautiful invisible lift. Jack smiled as he remembered. Always

moving on. Jack hurtled the new and improved SUV which Gwen had secretly beenkeeping in an old storage unit not far from her old house through the bending roads thatsnaked within the rolling hills. It had taken Jack a while to find a suitable location wherehe and Gwen could work without anyone knowing about it but hed succeeded, and it wasshaping up quite nicely. Alongside that finding, hed also promised Gwen andRhys thathe would find them a house which would guarantee they would be safe. That was a lie ofcourse. Nowhere was safe. Jack did his best though much to Rhys annoyance. He haddiscovered a secluded but cosy three bedroom house that sat resided next to a small lakethat was not too far from their new base but far enough that they would be hard to find.Gwen had seemed happy with her new home but Rhys was disappointed that Gwen and hecould have had more of a say about where they could live without a helicopter blastingthem out the front door.

With the SUV in pristine condition, Jack had arrived back at base in less than fifteenminutes. It had taken him a long period of time to produce the same level of quality thatthe SUV had possessed before it was stolen and then harboured away in a garage foryears. If Gwen and himself were going to be saving the world on a regular basis andprotecting people from the Rift then Jack wanted to do it in style. Not to be driving aroundin some boring and dyer vehicle that had a lack of character. Reluctantly, he made

himself a coffee and took his command at his chosen work station. The Captain sat in avast space, the sound of water dripping always echoing from somewhere. Computers andcables protruded from the centre outwards. The entrances and exits were reinforced withsteel doors that could be activated by a unique numeral code that Jack had devised in caseof hostile or unwanted visitors. There was a trapdoor where Jack had inspected and decidedthis was where he would keep the aliens and beasties that were abandoned by the Rift. Thevaults were built by his own hands and hed bought all the medical equipment for the newAutopsy room even though it was just him and Gwen. This preparation had taken monthsbut Gwen was happy to wait once she saw the base completed. Her mouth had failed to close

after her first glance. After the explosion of the Hub, Jack had no idea that his petPterodactyl would have surprised.

Astonishingly though it had and Jack had discovered that it had been injured, spotted bya group of tourists in Mexico and retrieved by UNIT after photos of the prehistoric creaturewas flagged online. Jack had come across the photos as well which was hard not too if theywere on the internet, contacted UNIT through a private number and demanded it betransported over to him. Gwen knew none of this but Jack was waiting to surprise hersometime soon. That day was spontaneously today.


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2

A SURPRISEPainting was creatively challenging and the fumes were making Gwen feel nauseous.Recently, Gwen and Rhys had discussed decorating their bedroom. The annoying thingabout being on the run is that you never get to stay still long enough to make a house ahome; fill it with colour and treasured objects that make you smile. The sparkly light thathung in the centre blinded her eyes. After dreaming about Torchwood for so long, Gwenwas ecstatic that it was alive again except everyone else thought it was still dead. Sheliked knowing things others didnt and shed admitted this to Jack who had accepted it

and dealt with it. It meant they knew each other better than they ever had before. ButGwen still didnt know who Jack was. She knew he had a brother and that his namewasnt even Jack Harkness. Even after all this time and he still couldnt tell her. Sheguessed there were things he didnt want people to know. And it wouldnt change herperception of him or how she felt about him because shed seen him make the mostharrowing decisions; she knew he had sacrificed his own grandson to save the Earth butthat still didnt stop her from loving him and wanting to protect the Earth with him. JackHarkness had done many things in his endless lifetime, some she knew and some shedidnt but shed accepted that and moved on.

The feeling of nausea was becoming overwhelming so Gwen had slipped out of the newlyformed nursery and hopped downstairs to consume a much needed coffee. Rhys was in thekitchen dancing around with Anwen looking disturbed and annoyed. Rhys was cooingat her and kissing his daughters forehead with gentle ease. Gwen just stood there,smirking. Noticing her, Rhys handed Anwen over to her and flicked the kettle on.

Nice dancing, Im sure Anwen appreciated it, didnt you sweetheart? Mocked Gwen.

Anwen giggled and threw her hands into her face and twirling her Mums hair.

Rhys was grinning as he poured milk into the brewing coffee, Ill have you know that

that was not my proper dancing that was my trying to amuse my baby dancing, Iveseen you do it loads of times.

I have not Gwen lied.

You can try and deny it but Ive seen it with my very eyes and it was atrocious He heldout the steaming mug of coffee out to his wife. She softly placed Anwen on the floor witha mass of toys surrounding her.

Gwen sipped and browsed inside the fridge, Shes growing so fast, its terrifying, shell

be running away from us before we know it.I know, lets just hope Jacks not around when she does.


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Gwen punched him lightly onthe arm, Oi, Jack knows the rules, when hes aroundAnwen he can only use the range of words that we proposed were appropriate.

Only teasing, but with Jack its limitless, its like he doesnt even realise Anwens there.

Gwen closed the fridge and frowned at her husband, Course he knows she there, its like asickness he cant help himself.

Rhys laughed, So what do you think of the nursery, its coming along nicely dont youthink?

Gwen grimaced, I dont know, you dont think the rainbows are a bit much?

Of course not, shes eighteen months old, shell love it.

I hope so.

Rhys noticed Gwen looked exhausted and like she was slowly slumping forward andeventually fall to the floor. He motioned her into his arms and hugged her tightly. Hesmelt her luxurious hair and the familiar scent of cinnamon wafted through his nostrils.

Why dont you have a bath, Ill keep an eye the terror, you just relax Rhys suggested.

That would be lovely, maybe next time you could join me Gwen replied into his chest.

They separated and Gwen pulled Rhys closer and kissed him lovingly. Anwens gurglesprompted her to pull away, Its alright, Mummy will give you kisses too. Aftersmothering Anwen with kisses she headed upstairs when her phone beeped and Rhys rolled

his eyes. She rushed back in with immense energy and had a huge grin on her face. Shepicked up the phone, read the screen and her grin grew wider.

I got to go; Jack has a surprise for me.

What about your bath?

Ill have it when I get back, Ill see you later, will you be OK looking after her?

Course, I hope the surprise isnt of the naked variety Joked Rhys.

Gwen hopped down to Anwen and kissed her forehead then Rhys, Ill get back as soon as Ican.

Rhys nodded, knowing she wouldnt, I know you will.

Thank you She kissed him again, hurrying to the front door, blowing a kiss to Anwenas she passed.

The journey to the new Hub or Hub two Rhys liked to call it was a marginally pleasingdistance away from anywhere but close enough for her to get home without interruption.The guilt of leaving Anwen made Gwen sigh and her continuation of guilt towards Rhys

had motivated her to make her work away from them both worthwhile. Save the world.


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Protect people. Catch a few aliens- the usual. Or and try to not get killed, that was alwaysat the top her to do list. Every day.

Lazily, Gwen parked her car in the spaces that Jack had specified were only for the SUV,her car and the vehicles belonging to guests Jack was fond of. They had to hide them away

to prevent any passers by allowing their curiosity to lead them into a dangerous andfrightening new world. She looked up at the frail and history soaked building anddreamt of standing next to the water tower and waiting to be lowered down into the base.That was a magnificent and overwhelming place to work. Nothing would ever compare tothat.

She strode to the entrance, entering a code and placing her thumb print over a red glasssquare that was secured onto the side of the steel door. Granting her access, the door slidopen and the blue haze from the multiple computers and the yellow lights that hung fromabove always made her squint. For a moment, she couldnt see Jack but then her visioncleared and she spotted him. He was typing away, smiling at her presence and a smirkmanifested from that which Gwen knew that he was up to something.

What are you up too?

Jack turned to her and his expression blazed as he looked at her, frowning mockingly, Iam up to nothing.

Whats this surprise you were talking about then, Iwas about to have a relaxing bathwhen you called me in Gwen said, yawning.

Ive found an old acquaintance, one I thought wed never see again, come with me Hetook her hand and led her into the darkness.

Jack, cant you just outwardly tell me who this acquaintance is instead of doing thiscryptic malarkey; I have a hard enough time figuring you out?

Just stop your complaining and stand here Jack motioned her in a shrouded section ofthe base, their shadows casting a blackness to their faces.

Jack told her to close her eyes insisting she do so and when she did all she could hear was a

rattling of some mechanism; a rolling sound like a winding. It stopped abruptly and shefelt Jacks warm hands pull her forward. She thought she could hear flapping anddecideda bird had snuck its way in.

Now open your eyes.

Gwen obeyed and the sight in front of her made her gasp, smile and laughsimultaneously. The pterodactyl was whooshing and gliding around in the open anddark space. There was enough light slicing through gaps in the walls to illuminate thePterodactyls skeleton. Gwen was speechless and watched Jack as he admired the creature.After allowing some moisture back into her mouth she asked, How did you find him?


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I was skimming around online, found avideo that someone from China had posted of aPterodactyl and discovered UNIT had taken possession of him. I called them up and toldthem to have shipped here. To be honest, I think they were glad, this beauty wouldve takena lot of space.

But how is he not dead, is it a she or a he? Gwen enquired.

No idea, Ive never had much of a chance to have a look and to answer your first question,I have no clue. Some of the soldier boys did say he was injured but Imthinking the blastradius didnt reach as high up as we thought Jack guessed.

The creature took a swoop towards them and they quickly backed away, Can we reallykeep it here, I mean what how are we going to feed it? Ianto always dealt with the guestsand extinct creatures.

Jacks head lowered and his grin died, I guess we will have to manage it, theres no oneelse He muttered.

She put his hand in hers, Well do it together.

A few hours had flung by and still no Rift activity. Gwen was tapping on her keyboardwhen her mind deliberated how Jack had restored the old Torchwood Rift detectionsoftware. Not holding back she gave her wonderment a voice, How did you manage to gethold of our old Rift detector tech, theres no way it could have survived a blast thatpowerful?

Jacks expression was firm, he sat at what he proposed was his office but it was really justa table with a larger chair then hers tucked behind it, Youre right, it couldnt but theTorchwood software has always existed on the server which means all of Toshscalculations and masterful creations would still be stored onto its memory. All I had to dowas find someone as clever as her, unsurprisingly difficult and get them to create existreplicas of our old kit explained Jack with a confident grace.

Right, so where did you find this person, Im guessing they were human? Gwen raisedan eyebrow.

Of course they were, I just wormed my way into UNIT thats all; the new head of theScience Department- Kate Stewart; lovely woman, great-

Dont swerve, take it back She interrupted abruptly.

Right, anyway she knew about me, had a few recent encounters with the Doctor, I said Ineeded help and she offered it.

And thats it; a top highly secure government organisation just lets you wade throughtheir doors without any questions asked?

Yeah, you know how persuasive I can be, dont act so surprised you know me too wellsmirked Jack.


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Gwen laughed, Im just messing and unfortunately yes I do, bugger.

Their joking dissipated gradually, the base falling into silence that made Gwen wanted toshout or swear but once she realised it was a comfortable silence and in no way awkwardshe relaxed her muscles and was rather grateful for the peace.

Jack lifted his head from his desk, You wanna see some newgadgets, well theyre reallyjust clones of the old ones but they have had a few improvements thrust upon them?

Oh yes, let me see the beauties!

Delicately, she stroked and rubbed the grey and shiny gadgetry, her hands becomingsweaty and sticky. Gwenfelt curious about something and felt she had ask, Any luckfinding anything else out about your blood, is any of it making any kind of sense?

Heavily, Jack exhaled and Gwen wandered if he was annoyed at her, Not at all, I thought

I knew what it was that made me immortal. The doctor explained it to me but I guess hedidnt think it could have anything to do with me personally. Im more confused than Iveever been He replied without energy.

I can try and help if you want proposed Gwen, her heart aching for his misery.

Its much appreciated but Ive already taken an opportunity. I thought if I want to findout why its my blood thats caused my immortality then I need someone with the medicalperspective to test it who also happens to be stunningly attractive.

Gwen frowned, mentally shifting through people they knew, encountered and only one

person sprung to mind; extremely intelligent plus the looks of a goddess.

Martha.

Got it in one said Jack, laughing.

So whens she coming then?

Pretty soon, Im expecting her anytime soon.

Gwen turned back to her computer screen, scanning for any unusual energy traces or

reports. A piercing bleep radiated into her ears, startled she picked herself up and drewcloser to where the annoying sound was being emitted. Jack had picked up the new Riftmanipulator and analysed intensely, A faint trace of Rift energy located in QueenStreet.

Frantically, Gwen grabbed her leather jacket on, car keys and some other shiny silverpieces of tech were shoved into a black bag, Any idea what it could be, any visuals?

Not yet but thats one of the busiest and populated areas in Cardiff, it wont be longbefore something pops up online, lets go.


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3

AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE

The SUV zoomed and roared aggressively as Jack floored the accelerator to the point whereGwen thought his leg might make a hole in the car. This wasnt the best time to be swungviolently with a seatbelt digging into her flesh. Jack was focused on the road so Gwendidnt want to distract him. Pullingthe portable Rift detector out a rucksack, she followed

any reports on sightings of tentacle creatures, historical figures or impossible lookingobjects but there were none. Just a hazy image of salivating Weevil, Jack she let Jack seethe picture and her expression contorted into a firm and serious tone.

Well, I was wandering when Id see of these guys again commented Jack cheerfully.

A vibration filtered through Gwens blue denim jeans, she moaned and slipped her pulsingmobile into her hands. A text from Rhys, asking whereAnwens favourite teddy bear was.She couldnt remember. Her mind was filled with Weevils, Rift energy and Jack. But itshouldnt be. She was a mother now. Her first priority should be her daughter but now itwasnt, it was stoppinga Weevil from ripping people on Queen Street apart.

Everything OK? Jack detected a hint of unease.

Yeah, just Rhys asking something about Anwen.

Do you need to get back; I can drop you off on the way if you want?

No, its fine, if I can help stop this Weevil from killing at least one person then thats whatIll do, Rhys will just have to look for Rainbow drops himself.

Rainbow drops?

Anwens new best friend.

Gotcha.

Mounds and clusters of people filled Queen Street live a beehive. Shopping bags wereflung and dropped as they screamed and screeched the savage and brutal looking animalin front of them. It snarled and roared, its teeth snapping and dripping with saliva. AndyDavison was pushing terrified and shocked passers-by as far away from the Weevil as hecould manage. He encountered these buggers before so he was taking absolute care inensuring that it didnt harm a single person near to it. He shouted to his colleagues and


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was relying on his friend Gwen Cooper to help put this situation right. Please everyone.Move as far back as you can, we dont want to antagonise the thing now do we?

But what is it? A frightened tall man in a black suit whispered.

Oh you know, there are no barriers when it comes to love. Just two different speciescoming together to create a whole new form of life, isnt that nice?

The eyed wide, sweaty man just stared, his face a mess of confusion and anguish. Thenhe ran, arms flailing and his voice screeching.

Drops of rain drummed onto the top of his police cap and Andy grumbled. A loudspinning wheel erupted from behind; Andy turned swiftly and brightened as he sawGwen and Jack Harkness approach. Gwen saw him and ran up to him, hugging him inthe process.

Andy, thank god youre alright, how many are there? Gwen shouted over the spatteringof raindrops.

Just the one.

Jack was holding his arm in the air; a brown wrist strap thing was holding his gaze.People around him looking at him in curiosity.

Really, only one? Gwen sounded disappointed.

Fortunately yes, Ive had a whale of a time trying to keep everyone back, even though

they know this thing could rip their heads off they still want a good old look explainedAndy.

Ok, me and Jack will take it off your hands, just make sure everyone stays away, wellneed some space subduing it. She patted him on the shoulder.

Right you are, go do your thing.

Gwen smiled and raced off to Jack. Andy saw him wipe out a small canister andhandcuffs; he wandered if hes stolen them from the station. Gradually, they edged closerto the Weevil, Jack coming to the front and Gwen behind. Instantly, Jack pulled the

canister open, a mist rolled from it and the Weevil began to sway limply. At thatmoment, Gwen threw the handcuffs round its wrists and popped a brown bag, possibly apotato sack over its head. It was carried to the boot of their slick, black mode of transport.Jack wiped his hands and slapped Gwen on the arm. She grinned at his soundless words.And then Jacks head fell to Andy. Andy quickly looked away and walkedover to hiscolleagues on the other side that were frozen at the sight they had just seen. Their mouthswere open and eyes unblinking. Andy felt a warm hand on his shoulder. The Captain.

Andy, good you see you again, Im going to need you to collect all of the witnessesrecording devices; mobile phones, cameras, anything they couldve used to record whatjust happened.


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Uh, OK but why exactly? Andy asked.

Do you really want to have to explain to everyone who is going to watch those recordingswhat a Weevil is and to tell you the truth Id rather people didnt know that Torchwood stillexists, you know what will happen if they do Jacks gaze grew dark and intimidating.

Andy looked at Gwen who was speaking into her mobile, probably talking to Rhys abouttheir daughter, Alright, Ill get my colleagues to see to it.

Good man, thank you.

Jack walked off; hands in pockets, Andy stopped him, Look after her. Jack stopped andshifted his body round, My first priority He continued on his way.

Doesnt look that way from here snipped Andy and gulped soon afterwards.Thankfully, Jack ignored him jumping back into his big black metal box. He beeped at

Gwen to hurry herself up; she scorned and flapped her hand at him. Andy could see Jackrolling his eyes and smirked. Soon after, Gwen jogged back over, wiping her wet hairfrom her face, Andy, thanks for doing all this.

Its my job, whats wrong with the Captain?

Oh nothing, hes just sulking because he wants to leave and Im not letting him Shescowled.

Just stay safe or relatively in your case, I worry about you just be careful.

I will do and thanks again, we have to meet up sometime soon, message me OK?Thats an order is it?

Too right it is She joked, running to the SUV.

Bye then He shouted.

She waved and slammed the door shut, her annoyance at Jack firmly stated.

Back at base, the Weevil was making a rollicking bashing in the vaults down below.Gwen suggested sedating it but Jack was already on it, the noise penetrating in brainuntil all of his thoughts banged like a bass drum. A buzzer popped and Gwen lookedaround the empty space. She brought up the CCTV camera overlooking the entrance.Martha Jones was standing with a silver case and a rucksack. She looked elegant andrelaxed. Beautiful as ever. Gwen let her in and rejoiced in the reunion that was about tounfold. Martha strolled in, trepidation on her face followed by a smile as she saw Gwen.

Gwen, good to see you again She greeted, hugging Gwen in a warm embrace.

You too, its been so long.


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I know, I wish I couldve visited you sooner but Ive been busy, a lot of changeshappening.

Dont worry about it, we know yourealways busy saving the world and Jack mentionedyour freelance now, was it the combat look that enticed you or did you just get bored of

following the rules?

A bit of both really.

They laughed and Gwen offered her a coffee, Martha gratefully accepting. As door in thefloor slammed open and Jack appeared, a little out of breath and drinking a bottle ofwater. He raised his head, caught Martha in his eye line and stopped, staring at her.Martha stood up and ran to him. He caught her in his arms and held her tightly, closinghis eyes and grinning like a boy whod just bought a new comic book. Gwen respectedtheir moment and neatly hung Marthas jacket that shed draped on the chair onto their

coat stand. Pulling away, Jack kept his hands around Marthas waist and lookedintently into her eyes.

How are you Jack? She said, solemnly.

Im doing OK, we both are, and hey what about you, hows Mickey Mouse. You know Ialways you two would make a great couple Jack extracted himself from her, took her bythe hand and sat her down.

Hes doing fine but wants me to ask you to stop calling him that, its catching on andnot in a good way.

What about the freelance work; caught any good aliens and by good I mean hot?

Martha turned to Gwen, He never stops does he? Gwen shook her head, protruding asmile, folding her arms.

I dont know about hot but we did manage to capturethese orange and green type lizardcreatures that had three legs and no ears, well not that we know of.

Blimey, I wish wed come across some of those, the only extra-terrestrial weve encounteredis a Weevil. Wished Gwen.

The three of them laughed, Jack made each of them a coffee and crossed his legs onto hisdesk, stretching back onto his chair.

Im surprised you found us, our new base isnt exactly easy to find which is the point butstill Gwen commented.

I came by helicopter actually; Im still officially a member of UNIT so I thought it wouldbe the easiest way of finding you. And dont worry I didnt tell them anything aboutwhy Im here, they have no idea Torchwoods back in operation reassured Martha, gettingcomfortable.

That would probably be best; I knew I could rely on you. So do you wanna get started?


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Martha nodded in agreement, Absolutely.

Come this way if you dare Jack winked and motioned for her to follow him.

What are you actually going to do? Queried Gwen.

Landing at their medical bay which was basically just a metal slab with some medicalequipment stashed to the sides. It was laughable really, I like what youve done to theplace.

No you dont, but Ill take what I can get Jack sighed.

So any explanation? Persisted Gwen.

We know that theres something in my blood that made me immortal so I need a trustinggenius to tell me if theres any abnormalities or some evidence that can give me somemuch needed answers He answered, rolling his sleeves up.

Ill need you to take your shirt off Martha instructed, rifling through her medical kit.

I wander how long youve been waiting to say that.

Rolling her eyes, Marthaprepared a large syringe that would extract Jacks blood. She wassecretly terrified of what shed find.

He lay back, grinning and smirking the whole time even when the needle pierced hisskin. Gwen stood by his left side, her hand rubbing her chin.

Enjoying the view?Not really unless you get turned on by blood and needles Gwen grimaced as bloodbegan to flow through a long tube and into a bag.

Why dont you go home, Im sure Rhys and Anwen are missing you.

No way, I want to see if Martha finds anything.

The tests wont be completed for a couple of hours maybe longer Martha added.

Exactly, go home and relax.

But what if the Rift, what if something comes through?

If it does then me and Martha can handle it, stop excuses, now go, thats an orderdemanded Jack.

OK fine, Im going, good luck with him.

Im sure well manage smiled Martha.

Yeah, seeyou Gwen mumbled, unable to take her eyes off Jacks blood as she walkedaway.


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Surprisingly, it was only early evening when Gwen arrived home. One of the few timeswhen shed actually get home at a reasonable and normal hour. She stretched as shehopped out of the car, her back clicking as she stood up straight. Im getting old she

thought. Wonderful.

Im back she yelled as she came through the door.

Rhys emerged from the living room, his arms crossed but with a smile, This is rare hemuttered.

Shethrew her shoes off, I know, we werent busy so Jack told me to bugger off.

Well, that was nice of him.

I know She said, kissing him longingly.

Rhys wrapped his arms around Gwens waist, the screams of their daughter cutting shorttheir greeting.

Gwen made her way into the depths of plastic figures and colourful cubes. Anwen waswailing on the floor, clapping her hands together. Awaiting a response from her parents.

Hello sweetheart, whats wrong with you then, hey Gwen cooed, scooping Anwen up intoher arms.

Shes been a nightmare all day, your Mum rang, spoke to Anwen and then when youre

Mum hung up she wouldnt stop screaming. I had to read her three books just to stop thebuzzing in my ears moaned Rhys.

Maybe shes having a bad day Gwen kissed her daughter all over her face.

I just about to start making my famous lasagne Rhys replied, rubbing his bellyproudly.

Gwen looked up at him wide eyed. They hadnt eaten lasagne for years. God, how shelonged for its taste.

O my god, we havent had that in, well what feels like decades gasped Gwen, excited.

I know, thats why I thought today would be that special day where we remember the dayswhen we actually had the time to cook.

But I feel bad though, youve been dealing with this screamingbeing all day, my motherand now youre cooking, I am so lucky.

Well I dont like to boast but I am pretty good but youve been out there saving the worldand catching aliens, compared to that Ive been kind of lazy today.


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No you havent, youve been amazing. You work all week, you look after our devil childand still find the time to cook; thats bloody remarkable Gwen enthused, placing Anweninto her high chair and wrapping her arms around Rhys muscular body.

You never give me this many compliments, what have you done? He joked, arching an

eyebrow.

Nothing, I just wanted to tell you how brilliant you are thats all but hey if you canthandle it then I wont bother She started to pull away.

Rhys pulled her in closer, I never said I couldnt handle it, Im finding this rathermarvellous, and youve just seemed so stressed lately I thought work would have made itworse not the opposite.

Well, doing the job I do I know how important life is and Ive seen what can happen so Iwanted to let you know how much I appreciate you being my husband.

If this is what I get then Im all for it, why dont you have that bath you were desperate forearlier?

I might well do, but dont start cooking yet, I want us to do it together like we used tooonly this time well have another pair of hands.

Right then, we I think Ill just have a wonder for the real Gwen whilst you do that.

Gwen poked him in the stomach; Rhys prodded her back as she leapt up the stairs,giggling.

Later that evening, a lasagne was attempted by both Gwen and Rhys who managed toonly slightly burn the now charred topping. They ate hungrily allowing Anwen to try asmall spoonful. She spat it out immediately then smiled gleefully at her parents. Rhyslooked glum that once famous dish was not a success whereas Gwen just laughed thewhole time. Gwen wrote a note on the fridge reminding her to call her Mum after dinner.She managed to remember to phone every other day since she went on holiday. Shed feltguilty that to her it these calls were becoming a chore. Gwen swore at herself for being soselfish and arrogant. Her Dad had gone and Gwen, Rhys and Anwen were the only

family she had left. Gwen couldnt let her down.Eventually, after Rhys reminding her, the call to Mary was finally made. She hadntsaid much but Gwen tried to extend the conversation. Her eyes welled as she listened tohow miserable and empty her Mum sounded. Anwen was banging a piece of plastic fruiton the table, Gwen shushing her and stroking her daughters hair. Mary endedthe callrather abruptly to which Gwen was disappointed and the pressure of all of her guilt eruptedinto a silent wailing of tears. Gwen wrapped her arms round her head as she rested herhead face down on the table.


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Anwen stared at her mother with curiosity and confusion. She thought she was playing agame. Rhys turned from the washing up and pulled up a chair next to his wife. Pushingher hair away that as sticking to herface, Comehere.

She fell into his arms; Rhys was smiling at Anwen over Gwens shoulder trying to

reassure both of the women in his life that everything was alright.

What did your Mum say?

Gwen looked up at him and shook her head, Oh nothing, thats the thing she hardly saidanything; asked about you and Anwen but I think, I dontknow she just sounds sobroken and lifeless and its because of me sobbed Gwen, her eyeliner streaming down hercheeks.

Rhys brushed her tears away with his thumbs, Hey, of course its not, your Dad had aheart attack, lots of people have them, you werent responsible for that.

I know but I stopped the miracle, I brought death back to the world and let all those peopledie.

You did what was right, those people were meant to be dead, the miracle was just forcingthem to live but you saved them. If it werent for you, they all would have been burnt alive,they would have been in unimaginable pain but theyre not. Theyre at peace because youwere brave to say no, what you did was the most courageous thing Ive ever seen anyone doincluding Jack. You were brave enough to put an end to the miracle when no one else could.That makes you one hell of a woman.

Listening to Rhys voice made Gwen grab his hands and hug him so tight that she was onthe verge of suffocating him. Then she kissed him and nearly killed him again. Anwenbegan to scream for attention with Gwen gave her by cradling her in her arms.

4

CRAZY HAPPENINGS


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How much are you going to take? Jack asked as a third bag was pumped full of hisblood.

Just one more, I want to be able to test as many samples as I can, Im going to need to digreally deep admitted Martha.

Hey, if you wanted to get inside of me you only had to ask Jack teased.

Moving on from that; hows Gwen doing, I know she said shes fine but-

Jack huffed, Shes gettingthere, shes been through a lot, too much of it is down to me butshes damaged, shes going to need a lot of time to heal.

Do you think bringing Torchwood back is going to help her, it could just be putting herin more danger.

Look, I didnt force Gwen in anything but the truth is she is a part of Torchwood andTorchwood is a part of who she is, she cant help that. She knows what the risks are and sodo I which is why my main priority is to keep Gwen and her family safe. Thats why Icame back here.

Nothing to do with the Rift then?

No OK maybe a little but it needs monitoring, always has and always will. The policedont know how to deal with the things that come out of it. Ive had hundreds of yearsworth of experience scavenging and containing the creatures and technology that areblown out of it. The world needs me to protect them from it, Gwen too.

OK dont have a tantrum, I just making sure you were making the right choice, I care alot about both of you Martha placed the bag into her case and carefully pulled the tubefrom Jacks arm, placing a cotton pad onto the hole in his arm.

Thank you, Im sorry I didnt mean to snap at you I just want people to trust that I knowwhat Im doing. Ive placed protective shields into Gwen and Rhys phone lines; Ivetriggered their house with an alarm that sounds if anyone unknown steps from withinten metres from their house. Ive even got an invisible bubble covering their house Jacklisted proudly.

You serious?

Oh yeah, thats how good I am.

Where the hell did you get something like that? Said Martha, hands on hips.

I had to search nearly an entire galaxy but I found one, made a good price for it too.

But what does it do exactly?

Thats the beauty of this thing; its power is contained ina small hexagonal ball thats the

size of a marble. All you have to do is place within the centre of where you want the barrier


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to sit and shrouds you in a protective sphere that is impenetrable to any living thing Jackblazed with joy.

Wow slurred Martha, getting caught up in Jacks smile.

I know, arent I amazing? Jack beamed, soaking in his own ego.

Raindrops drummed on the windows of Gwen and Rhys bedroom. This being Wales was aconstant companion to its habitants. Rhys grumbled as he rolled over, Gwen was aware ofthis as she her eyes were open. She was staring out into the abyss of darkness, imagingsnarling beasts and blazing tentacle aliens gliding towards her over the mountains. Thethings shed seen had sent her imagination into overdrive. Tiredness had left her even

though her body was exhausted. She could feel Rhys cold feet against her leg. Turningfrom the window, she longed for his warmth so she shuffled herself to his body wrappingher arms round him. Rhys rolled over and let Gwens head to rest onto his chest. She heldonto his rugby t-shirt, shaking as the cold flooded through her skin. But not just thesinking temperature but fear. Fear of who she was becoming, what Torchwood wasmoulding her in too. She shivered and sank deeper into her husbands embrace.

Morning came with a dullness and the smell of damp grass that wafted through the

chilly air. Birds chirped as Gwen put the rubbish out but she couldnt see them. She couldnever see them. Her perspective on the world around her made Gwen think that the birdsmight be invisible. Not entirely impossible. Shed seen stranger things but in this caseshe wouldnt. The clock in the kitchen said nine oclock. Christ she thought, licking jamoff her fingers. Fumbling around, she scooped up her bag, car keys and kissed Rhys andAnwen goodbye.

You going to be alright with her again? Muffled Gwen, checking her pockets.

Yes of course, and anyway your Mums coming back today, she offered to babysit so

that I can go back to work? Rhys remindedwhilst spooning porridge into Anwens tinymouth.

Oh yeah, right well Ill see you later then. Have a good first day back.

I thank you, arent you going to be late. You look like youre going to self- combustobserved Rhys.

You know that actually happened to someone once they-

Gwen stopped the words from coming as she saw Rhys roll his eyes in the direction ofAnwen.

Uh, sorry, Im going, Im gone she raised her hands.


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See ya Rhys bellowed.

Jumping into the car, Gwen cursed as her phone sounded. Atext from Jack We need you.She let the car roar and the gravel spat from under the spin of the wheels as she reversed.

Cowering behind his desk, Jack and Martha were staring intensely at some energyreadings theyd picked upa few hours earlier. Even though Gwen was late, Jack knew thathe couldnt just expect her to be able to come to his aid like the old days. She had adaughter so he knew how chaotic her life had become. He tried to make it as easy aspossible for her. Or at least he hoped.

Gwen camejogging in, waving her hands in the space between them, Sorry, sorry Imlate.

Dont worry about it, were just glad youre near now, come have a look at this.

Gwen maneuverering herself between them, she peered at the papers scattered outwardsbelow them, What am I looking at?

Energy readings we picked up a couple of hours ago. It was like a spike that lasted forjust a fraction of a second and then just disappeared Martha deducted.

Is it the rift? Gwen looked to Jack.

No thats the thing, it took me a while to realise what type it was. Its Artron energy.

I need a little bit more than that Jack.

Its the kind of energy you give off when youve travelled in time. Like radiation exceptits harmless. Martha and I absorbed it when we travelledin the TARDIS and the samething happens when I use my vortex manipulator so unless the Doctor decided to make hisnext visit to Earth the shortest or my buddy Captain John Hurt made a flimsy return, Ihave absolutely no clue as to what or who could have caused it Jack said, folding hisarms.

Then lets go and find out, you got the location?

Jack and Martha grabbed their coats and trailed behind Gwen, Weve got coordinates, we

just need to follow them.

Theyd been driving for hours, Gwen had fallen asleep in the front seat and Martha eyeswere drooping as she scanned the laptop that was resting on her lap.

Hey Martha, not you too. You dont want to leave me talking to myself. So of the thingsI say, boy it would get heated in here Jack yelled.

Martha jumped as Jacks word hit her like a brick, Huh, Im fine, fine and conscious Sheforced herself to blink and shake her head forcing her tiredness to leave her body.

Were nearlythere; it looks like its coming from one of the mountains up ahead.SaidJack, looking further out of the windscreen.


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Thats great just great, Im wearing some of my favourite shoes, how I hate this daymoaned Martha.

Hey, you should have known if youre going to work for torchwood then you need to beprepared for anything Jack waggled his finger at her.

Well I didnt think climbing up a mountain would be included in our investigation.

Youd be surprised, do you think shes really asleep or do you think she just couldnt bebothered to talk? Queried Jack.

Be fair she must be exhausted; being a working Mum is difficult in normalcircumstances but with Gwen it must be even more tiring. Not only does she have theguilt of leaving her daughter but she also has to contend with saving the world. And ifshe makes a mistakethen it could mean someone dying or an alien race invading. I dontknow how she does it, I dont think I could do both Martha looked pitiful and glanced at

Jack.

Shes tough, stronger than a lot of people; if she couldnt cope she would tell me. Ive saidif it ever gets too much she can take a step back or I can.

But she wont though will she. Like you said, Torchwood is the one job you can never quit;the only way out of it is to die. Martha was tapping at her keyboard, rapidly.

A lot has changed since then and Im going to make sure that that never happens toGwen, thats why Im here, why Im sticking to the same corner of the Earth informed

Jack.Martha smiled reassuringly just to let him know that she respected what he was doingand the difficult decisions he may have to make in the future. The bag on Gwens lap waswhispering a low beep; Jack pulled over, unzipped it and stared at the device tracking theenergy spike.

We got it, its not fair from here, and well have to make the rest of the way on foot, letsgive those shoes of yours a purpose.

Martha rolled her eyes, making her way out of the car.

Jack nudged Gwen; she didnt respond so he began poking her with a gradual increasedforce, she groaned with her eyes still closed, Stop pokingme, I get enough of that fromAnwen.

Sorry, but were here, well not at the exact spot but as far as we can go by car.

So youre saying we have to walk the rest of the way?

Afraid so, hey if you get tired I can always give you a piggyback.

And crease that precious coat of yours, like you would Gwen finally opened her eyes,rubbed the sleep away and opened the door.


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Hey I would, you think I only have one of these babies?

Gwen joined Martha up ahead and so they began their treacherous descent, Jack alreadyflirting and annoying Gwen because he kept moaning about how his ankle was aching.She wanted to punch him.

Time passed at a painstakingly slow rate but after three hours which felt double that theyreached the very top of the mountain. It had become mid-afternoon so the sky was clearand fresh. Jack flipped out his energy tracker and let it bleep continually around the edgeof the mountain and then inwards towards the centre. The bleep was only faint and didntincrease in volume until he wavedthe device over a random spot on the left side, Here it is,artron energy, just a tiny little whiff of it but its there.

Martha was scanning the grass and rocks beneath their feet, Well, theres no signs ofextra-terrestrial presence but hang on, She bent down a few inches from Jacks boots,

Footprints, the shape seems to be that of a military or converse shoe but looks humanunless theres an alien out there who likes the comfort of the human boot or they lookhuman and therefore dressing like them Martha murmured.

Gwen was looming over Jack and looked pretty unstable, swaying about like she wasgoing to fall over, The probability that its a human is marginally larger than the culpritbeing an alien who likes to wear human shoes.

Martha and Jack looked at each other, their encounters with the doctor reminding themthat he always wore human clothes and footwear. No words were spoken. Jack looked round

for any square indentations on the grass that would prove the Tardis had landed here. Nota trace. His head turned back to Martha and he shook his head. She stood up and sighed,But if were looking for a human, how are we going to find them?

Good question, I suggest we-

Jack was interrupted by Gwens ringtone, she mouthed an apology, putting her phone toher ear, Andy, hi, why what is it? She nodded and frowned, Ok, ok, well get there assoon as we can, we might be a while so dont expect us anytime soon, Ok, ok bye.

How on earth did you get a connection up here? Said Martha.

Bit if alien wizardry courtesy of Jack Gwenpointed at him.

Martha nodded.

We need to go, Andys just taken a girl into custody who was in the possession of somevery futuristic pieces of kit, he said some bloke was trying to steal her bag, Andyintervened, took a look inside and there they were Gwen summed up.

Right then, well forget my plan, it looks like a bit of luck and irony may be on our sidetoday, come on ladies lets go meet ourselves a time traveller, boy have I missed those Jack

wrapped his arms round each of his friends waists because he just couldnt help himself.


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5

A DOOMED FUTURE

The day had become night by the time the gang arrived at the Cardiff police station. Theydidnt come straight from there tiring adventure from earlier that would be ridiculous;Gwen and Martha had both specified hotly to Jack. Their hair was damp and sticky,feeling like strands of spaghetti. Clothes were lavered in dirt, drops of mud and rainwater

caked their jackets, tops and jeans. Shoes were inexplicably devoured by the duration offeet pounding over wet grass, cracks of rock and dust weaving its way into the opencrevices in their shoes. Accept for Jack, whose military coat, shirt, braces and trousers werecrisp and sickeningly clean. His shoes had attracted bits of dirt and mud on the bottombut everywhere else was reasonably untouched by the earth. Haphazardly, Gwen andMartha had demanded that Jack drop them back at base to clean up. Eventually, theymade it and blundered their way through, Gwen acknowledging past faces, Jackdismissing all of them and Martha trailing behind, her head slightly bowed. Not surewhere her authority stood in this part of world. Jack noticed Andy up ahead and greetedhim with a nod. Andy broke off his conversation about the varieties of biscuits, wavinghis colleague away as the Torchwood gang approached.

Shes through here Andy gestured for them to follow.

As they swept down the corridor, Andy caught a glimpse of this new but dazzling womanwalking beside Gwen, he turned to Jack and nudged him, indicating Martha. Jack raisedhis eyebrows.

Where did you get this one then? Andy whispered, licking his lips.

An old friend; shes a doctor, used to work for UNIT, now shes afreelance alien hunter

and sometimes aids Torchwood in some of its more complicated investigations.

I thought all of your investigations were complicated?

Im talking off the scale.

Right.

We can hear you, you know Gwen commented.

Andys eyes darted across the walls, embarrassment filling his cheeks, Damn, shes inthere. Shed seemed a bit odd when I spoke to her, there was just something about her that Irecognised.


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Like what? Jack queried.

I dont know, just about the way she spoke I suppose, look there was just somethingfamiliar about her.

The three of them didnt respond; to Andy they looked to be contemplating what he wassaying, trying to understand.

Do you think you know her from somewhere? Gwen offered.

No, not that Im aware of, shes not ringing any bells.

Gwen frowned, her thoughts attempting to tackle who this girl could be.

They reached a door; Andy tossed them the girls bag and let them investigate. Marthagrowing aware of Andy staring at her, Gwen noticed and winked at her, Andy, youcouldnt get us a couple of teas could you?

He was entranced for a moment but then blinked and shook his head, What, I meanyeah, oh by the way the rest of her stuff is in the bag over there, He indicated to atransparent plastic bag to their left, Gwen giggled, Martha and Jack gazed over thedevices he was holding. Gwen rifled through the other bag and gasped at the object thatshed spotted, buried beneath papers and documents, Jack.

What is it? He said, passing the cold objects into Marthas hands.

Jack stood in front of Gwen as she pulled a vortex manipulator; it was similar to Jacks in

size but the colour was darker and it looked newer and less used.That is impossible Jack said, his eyes frantic.

Obviously not; how on earth did she get one?

I dont know.

What do you think these things are then? Marthasaid, growing impatient.

Specifically not a cluebut its definitely future technology, Ive been there, Ive seen it.Question is; why would a teenage girl be in possession of all of this?

We better find out Martha replied.

She sat on a plastic chair which she hadnt sat on since she was a toddler. This type ofplastic had run out and was longer manufactured. The sensation reminded her of theschool bell, spilling yoghurt on the front of her blue cardigan, noise of the teacherscreating a bubble that enabled her to isolate herself from them. The walls that encircled herwere grimy and dark, a hanging light sparking on and off. It buzzed and crackled. Dooropened; its creaking breath made her heart rate increase. A pounding in her chest.

Someone entered, their face shrouded by the blackness. They walked into the light; it was


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her, the one she was looking for. She started picking bits of skin off her fingers andobsessively licking her lips. The woman sat opposite, smiling at her. Oh, that smile. Somuch warmth and empathy. Another approached from behind, another female.Recognisable face; what was her name? Only met her once when I was little. Name

beginning with N or M. M definitely M. Maggie- no, Marcie- no, Martha- yes, that wasit. Martha, Martha Jones. Good friend of Captain Jacks. Martha sat beside Gwen andintroduced herself. Gwen followed but she hadnt needed to bother. Her name was alwaysknown to her, she was so proud of that name. Gwens presence made hot, sticky tears blurher vision, she tried to pull them back in but the realisation of when she was was toooverwhelming.

Look dont worry, youre not in any trouble. Wejust wanted to talk to you about theserather impressive gadgets we found in your bag Gwen said, placing the girls bag on thetable, pulling out the various gadgets.

Can you tell us your name? Martha asked, sweetly.

What was the name you thought of before, what was the name that was agreed? Shewanted to pick her name, cover her real self. Hide your identity, Amber Davies shemuttered.

OK, Amber thats great. Can you tell us where youre from?

Amber looked from Martha to Gwen, Im not an alien if thats what you think, Imhuman She retaliated; knowing she couldnt truthfully answer their questions, there

wasnt time.We know that, we never thought you were, we just meant where are you from, where wereyou born?

Why do you need to know all of that?

Weve been given the use of police facilities which means we have to follow police procedureand ask all the boring questions, sorry Explained Gwen.

Why dont we get those out of the way first? Martha suggested.

I havent got time; we have to go, get Jack and tell him that something is coming,something that is going to destroy the future if we dont stop it Amber burst out, voicetougher.

Wait, hang on, wheres all this come from; how do you know Jack? Gwen said, confusedand a little bit terrified.

I already told you, I havent got time to answer your questions. Wait hang on, Ok maybeI can answer them if it means we can get on with things but Ill do it at a really fast paceso youll have to keep up, She took a deep breath, I was born here in Cardiff in the future

and yes, I do know Jack and about Torchwood, have done for years. The devices you areholding are from the future, dont try and operate them, you might very well blow off


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your own head. Now please, just trust me and Jack get in here. I know youre watchingbehind the glass, She turned to the glass, And listen to me; we have to goright now Shesighed and slumped back into her chair, rubbing her forehead.

Gwen and Martha were speechless and quite impressed at how a young girl could be so

tough and authoritative towards Jack and the fact that she knew so much.

The creaking of the door made Amber place her hands in her lap as she waited for CaptainJack Harkness to make his grand entrance as he always did.

Finally, you took your time, now can we please go? Amber thundered, storming her waythrough the door. Jack grabbed her arm, his face looked hard and dark, Tell me who youare, why have you got a vortex manipulator in your possession? he ordered.

Jack, let her go Gwen threw in.

Why dont we just listen to what she has to say, we havent got any reason not to trusther have we? Martha added.

Give her a chance proposed Gwen.

Jack took a breath, Fine, but were taking you back to the hub.

Thats what I wantedto happen in the first place snapped Amber.

Jack marched out of the room, his intolerance at accepting that other people knew morethan him was etched across his face in a hardened stare and jaw clenched, his teeth almost

breaking.

Deep in the soil and dirt, a carbonised shell was glowing and warming, its incubationperiod almost complete. Layers of earth embedded it into its crust. This being did notknow of time and how much had passed. That was not its concern. Whatever time of year,decade or millennia ceased to matter. For it would devour and eat and crunch and chompon the moving flesh above.

Amber sat in the SUV; Jack and Martha in the front and Gwen in the back with her. It

was slightly unnerving that she was sitting in a vehicle that she knew in the futurewould amount to a metal chunk of debris if she didnt stop what starts right now at thisvery time. Shed had to be careful not to say too much to Andy, she knew him rather wellin the future but theres no way she could let him or anyone else know how.

So what exactly is going to happen and why do you need our help? Jack sneered, lookingthrough the rear view mirror.

Gwen scowled at him and looked out the window, ashamed of his brass and colddemeanour spreading out like when a liquid is spilt, I cant exactly explain it in here can

I, its too complicated to just come out with it, I have documents, things I need to showwhilst I conduct my explanation Amber grunted.


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Jack, just let her talk when we get back,this whole situation must be terrifying for herGwen said.

Alright, Ill be quiet.

Like that would ever happen Gwen muttered under her breath.What was that?

Nothing, I was coughing, clearing my throat.

Jack looked at her suspiciously and looked at Martha who was grinning, Amber too.Eagerness overpowered Gwen the sudden realisation that the girl sitting next to her wasfrom the future. Gwens future. She knew what her city, her home was going to look likeand become. Shed cursed at herself to hold back and think about the repercussions but hercuriosity was too strong.

Whereabouts in Cardiff do you live?

Amber grins faded in an instant, Sort of on the outside.

Does your family know where you are; Im guessing they know that you can time travel.That would be a pretty big secret to keep hidden? Continued Gwen.

Whats with all the personal questions?

Sorry I didnt mean sound nosey, I was just curious.

Amber looked at Gwen, her tone softened, Its OK, I just dont like talking about myfamily.

Thats fine, you dont need to apologise smiled Gwen.

Amber returned the smile and relaxed a little, she glanced out the window at the rainpattering against the glass, her hands made a rhythm on her legs and she started to huma tune. As it reached Gwens ears she turned and frowned, I recognise that tune, whats itcalled?

Immediately, Amber stopped, cursed her subconscious for humming, Just a tune I picked

up, I dont know the name.

Gwen shrugged, Sounds familiar, its going to be bug me now.

It was just something I picked up thats all Amber tried to deter Gwen from the tune thatcould lead to too many complicated conversations. How stupid shed been.

The four of them stayed close together as Jack opened the entrance into what he called theHub but it was really just an old building that was trying to be something that is wasnot and never could be. Martha separated Amber from Gwens side, taking her to whatlooked like a medical bay. Silver and cold instruments and containers and needles lined

in perfect alignment.


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You know this isnt exactly comforting Amber admitted.

I know Im sorry but its precautionary; Jacks orders Martha contributed, hesitantly.

But look at me, Im not a threat to you, I came here because I need your help. Why does he

think that everyone who knows him cant be trusted?Because the majority of the time theyre cant be. What I want to know is why do youneed our help specifically, couldnt you have contacted UNIT? They have far moreresources and firepower then us Jacks voice boomed from behind her, god how she hatedthat. Gwen was standing behind him, looking sheepish.

I couldnt have gone to them, like theyd listen to a teenage girl asking them for theirhelp.

Youd be surprised, theyre far more open minded then you might think Jack defended.

It doesnt matter, its your help I need, no one else, I can only come to you Amber stated,her frustration building.

OK, Im going to need you to lie back andlet my good friend Martha conduct some tests;the more time you spend refusing the less trust youre going to earn from us, so what is itto be?

Fine,how long are they going to take?

Ten minutes, tops Gwen mumbled, coming towards her.

And what is it are you looking for exactly? All theyll tell you is that Im human sobasically youre wasting your time here but hey go right ahead Amber raised her handsand fell back, her fingers wrestling in her lap.

Jack blatantly had a problem with her; Gwen and Martha could clearly see that. Heemphasised this further by yanking the slightly better looking vortex manipulator fromher wrist. She groaned and tried to pull it back from his grasp.

Youll get it back later. Youstill havent told me how you got this

Would you like me to stay with you? Gwen offered.You wouldnt mind?

Coursenot; I always like a distraction when there are needles involved.

After the squinting and eyes bulging out of their sockets at the sight the blood, the testswere complete. Gwen supported Amber as she slid off the surprisingly comfy chair. Herlegs crisscrossed towards Jack as he sipped coffee and twiddled his thumbs.

Are you going to listen to me now? Fumed Amber.

Jacks eyes followed her as she stood in front of his desk; her face a mask of fury. Gwensat on the edge of a seat behind her, smiling at Martha as she approached.


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Where do you want to start?

Well, we could start with you giving me back my bag.

Jack stood, walked silently, Ambers bag in his right hand and his gaze fixed on her face.

He held it out to her; Gwen snatched it, unzipping the bag.Theres a bunch of aliens who are going to invade your future if we dont stop them atthis present time, which is why Ive been trying to get you to hurry up and listen to me.We dont have a lot of time, this species spread like a wild fire. We need to contain it assoon as possible.

That still doesnt explain how you have a vortex manipulator and how you know aboutme.

It was given to me by you and dont ask me to explain its far too boring Amber

gruffed.

You dont understand I wouldnt just give a vortex manipulator let alone go travellingacross half the universe to buy one Jack acknowledged.

Gwen watched them both snip at each other which made her head pound and hit her withan unwelcome painful bash. Martha seemed rather intrigued at seeing this unknown sideto Jack.

Gwen interjected, Jack, can I have a word?

Jack ignored her for a time but then smiled, Sure.The duo entered a darkened section of the Hub that wasnt the Hub; Jack held his hands inhis pockets and Gwen had her arms folded, What the hell are you doing?

She is way too knowledgeable that Id like and stubborn quipped Jack.

I think youre just annoyed that someone knows more then you but if what she says istrue then we havent got time for your petty tantrums. Look at it from her point of view, ifshes from the future then right now she must be terrified and you are probably making itworse Gwen scolded.

Look, I dont want to take any chances, I need to know I can trust her.

Well then, let me talk to her and then we can see if the information she gives us is true.

Alright, you have fifteen minutes. If youre not done by then then Im resuming myapproach.

Fine, do what you want.

Many attempts were made to get answers that vaguely make any sort of sense butunfortunately Amber wasnt divulging much at all. She kept saying the words; paradox


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and something about punching a hole in the space/time continuum. Due to her constantinterrogation, Amber had made herself perfectly comfortable on the only softly paddedseat in the place. God this girl was stubborn and she reminded her of someone. Marthahelped out where she could but had to make various trips back to the lab to analyse Jack

blood. Jack was undecided between the two to define which was more important. Gwen hadbeen waiting for Amber to respond to her latest question; Amber had taken the childishdecision to ignore her. Gwen didnt have any idea where Jack was but she had an idea thathe was probably looming around somewhere trying to figure Amber out.

Amber, the longer you ignore me the longer Jack is going to keep you here She explainedcalmly.

Amber looked like she might explode with rage, Like hes going to stop me, he mightthink hes better than everyone else because of what hes seen and what hes done and Imcertainly not going to abide by his rules. I came here to save the future and you dontlisten to me and help me then you and every single living thing on this planet is going todie. Isnt it funny how he has a tantrum when someone standsup to him? Its got to bewhy he likes you so much.

I understand this must be really weird for you and I can imagine youre under aninsane amount of pressure so Ill compromise; if you tell me what connects you to Jackthen I will make sure he agrees to help you, how does that sound?

OK but I cant tell you every little thing, it cause a major-

I know a paradox, I heard you the first few times cut in Gwen, eager to move away fromall the scientific babble.

The reason I know Jack is because.he knows my parents, has done for years Amberstrained.

OK, well if you told him their names do you think hed remember them?

Youre talking as if he hasnt seen them for ages noted Amber.

Well, I just didnt. its just I know Jack and I know that he doesnt always stick

around. He has a habit of running away a lot Gwen fretted.Well not this time, its been nearly twenty years since he first met them and he stillvisits although the gaps do tend to get longer sometimes.

Your parents must be very special.

They are very much.

Amber sat back down again and balanced her head on her hand. Gwen looked at her forquite some time, a strange feeling of pain of seeing Amber in a state of misery andhelplessness. She composed herself.


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What about the vortexmanipulator; you said Jack gave it to you so Im guessing it was tojump back into the past so you could try and prevent the events from the future fromhappening, right?

You are very good Amber smirked.

I try.

Is that it, no more questions?

Thats right no more questions. Ill go and grab Jack and then we can go and save theworld.

Amber kept smiling as Gwen trailed off. She saw her gesture to Martha who proceeded tokeep her company. Feeling uncomfortable, Amber squirmed and flailed wildly on thesofa. She tried to stop once Martha sat down but her restlessness needed to be dealt with.

Her stomach gurgled and moaned like one of those orange bat like aliens her and herparents encountered a couple of months before the everyone died.

Do you want me to grab you something? Your stomach sounds hungry?

Err, well if you wouldnt mind. Its been a while since I had anything or if you thinktechnically then its been fifteen years since I last ate Amber surmised.

Well then, I better make you something big, any suggestions?

Im not fussed. Oh but I cant have anything with nuts, Im allergic she remembered.

OK, Ill be careful not to make your face into a raspberry.

Casually, Amber laughed and relaxed back into the sofa, leg raised and arms foldedacross her chest. Martha searched the Hub for Jack but found Gwen stocking up ongadgets and technological equipment that she remembered could nearly blow your headoff.

Hey, do you know if Jack keeps any food here? Ambers hungry.

Oh well, Ill ask Jack.

Thanks, oh shes allergic to nuts so.

Oh ok,Anwens allergic tooso I think I have some experience in checking labels. .

That must be a nightmare imagined Martha.

It is said Gwen glumly.

Standing in the black corridor of the vaults Jack heard Gwen and Marthas conversationechoing through into his ears. There was something odd about the girl; it was like shedidnt fit. She had too much mystery to her that unnerved even Jack. Gwens faint

footsteps grew louder. He shunted his thoughts to a door in his head, turned and had a


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smile plastered across his face ready. The growl of the Weevil hed been observing hung inthe air like a bite.

Jack just a heads up Ambers-

I know I heard you; Ambers allergic to nuts, so no giving her nuts, I got it.Ooookkay; are you alright?

Fine, whyd you ask?

Youre standing in a darkened corridor with a Weevil; its freaking me out a little bit.Well actually no thats a lie; itsfreaking me out a lot Gwen stammered; the piercing ofthe cold attacking her voice box.

Sorry I just like to watch Barbra here, its kind of a hobby Jack shrugged off.

Yeah a disturbingone.

Jack dismissed her reply, Whyd you come down here?

I just wanted to know when we were going to go alien hunting, theres no point wastingtime.

You think this is wasting time, Im observing Barbaras behaviour, trying to analysehow she responds to sounds and.. so on, you get what I mean Jack shifted his eyes toGwen, darts back to Barbara, just to see if she believes what hes saying.

She sighs, Jack, we need to go, we need to start doing our jobs and investigating thesealiens that Amber is talking about. We could change the future, save it even. Thats whyyou need to stop pissing about down here.

HUNT IN THE WOODS

Reluctantly, Jack was strolling behind Gwen and Martha like a sulking child. He wouldsigh unconvincingly and Gwen would grimace. Martha was trying to contain heramusement by biting her tongue but still the sound of a giggle escaped her lips.


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Amber thought she would annoy Jack some more; shed needed some entertainment whilstthey paved their way through the woods. Hunting these creatures was a very exhaustingactivity.

51stcentury immortal man- has the charisma of an arrogant millionaire and the ability

to resort to childish sulking modes at regular intervals; such a hero Amber spat.

Do you want us to help you because my patience is wavering here, Ive got a perfectly goodbottle of gin to be getting acquainted with at home Jack thundered.

Go and sulk some more, I dont think weve heard your best sigh yet, its verydisappointing.

Right, children, stop it, you two have got to-

A wisp of a purple mass swept passed Gwens vision and sent her falling. Landing

amongst the crunching autumn leaves, she saw Ambers flesh being shredded; herscreams poisoned the peaceful silence. Martha looked at Gwen in despair, a six fingeredclaw burst through Marthas head- Gwen screamed that time. Jack was wrestling with oneof the creatures; it had one huge canine tooth that curved upwards from the back of itshead, Jack was cursing, punching the creature in the guts. Bubbles of flesh burst from thecreatures skin and melted Jacks flesh away. Gwen tried to stand but somehow shecouldnt get her balance; she couldnt see any blood, she felt only a slight twinge in herlower back but nothing to disrupt her coordination and balance.

In a flash,Jacks head had popped from his spine and was being grizzled and chewed on

in the creatures jaws- it chopped and gulped. Gwenscheeks were bathing in her tears, shescreamed and swore. The creatures didnt recognise the sound or seem like they evennoticed her. Ambers fingers were moving slightly; Gwen noticed and tried to crawl over toher lacerated body. She felt something behind her, a sharp pain and then-

7

NOTHING BUT MIND

Gwen blinked; the warmth of the duvet against her feet soothed her shaking. Suddenly,she sat up. The sun was rising, flooding her bedroom with yellow and orange. She turnedher head to the left- Rhys; already up. She felt disorientated but she swung her legs out,


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slide her warmed feet into her cream coloured slippers and journeyed into Anwens room.Gwen looked into the cot, Anwen was still sleep. Gwen stroked her soft, peaching smellingskin and jumped at the sound of Rhysvoice. She grumbled.

Morning, Miss Jumpy He said, sipping some tea.

Gwen frowned at him at first like she was trying to work out who he was, but then shesmiled, stood in front of him and hugged his belly like he was a big, soft cushion.

You OK, I dont normally get a hug this early in the morning, you been brainwashed orsomething? He whispered.

I had a nightmare. But it seemed so real I could feel everything thetemperature.the smell of sea air and bacon and.. Her voice trailed off as sheremembered the screaming and blood.

And what?

We were looking for these creatures, they came out of nowhere, and, and they killedeveryone; Jack, Martha and Amber she mumbled into Rhys shirt.

Gwen, it wasnt real, none of it happened. Youre safe, everyones safe; Jacks alive.Somewhere, Marthas probably alien hunting. But I dontknow who this Amber personis although its a good name though, dont you remember that was one of our name choicesfor Anwen, thats probably where you got the name from Rhys reminded, strokingGwens hair.

Her eyes shot open and she remembered. Thats who she was; Amber was Anwen, mydaughter. I knew she resembled someone. Gwen took a big sigh and rubbed her head.Anwen cried and made her way over to the screaming bundle. You never can tell withdreams.


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torchwood- fractured souls

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