Jack took another two days to regain his full strength. The Doctor urged that he take him for a full physical exam at the hospital nearby. For years he had taken Jack's restorative powers for granted, until he saw for himself the devastation the Captain endured. He also insisted Jen be examined as well. They protested, but yielded to his insistence that they humor him.
The Catkin sisters were agreeable and welcomed the three time travelers into their waiting room where Jack, the Doctor, and Jen took their seats. A variety of patients waited their turn. A Caputian woman large with child sat watching her toddler play with a spindle under a chair. Three Tayloon warriors clustered around another seated with his wrapped leg propped up on an empty chair. They squabbled trying to lay blame on which caused the training accident that wounded their friend. One looked curiously at Jack, and quietly commented to another. Finally Jack was called to the desk. The three were escorted into the hall leading to the examination room at the far end of the corridor.
A small child darted out of the pediatric section as they passed. Jack was startled and tensed as it fastened itself to his leg. The child looked up large green eyes and a broad smile. He relaxed realizing it was Sari, the Catkin child he rescued from the market. She had recovered from her ordeal. Her aunt, an elderly white Catkin dressed in desert wear, rushed to her niece's side.
"Forgive me, sir," she began. "My niece has forgotten her manners."
"No, no," the Captain smiled as he lifted Sari in his arms. "We are friends." He craned his head back looking at her clothing. "I see you are still wearing the scarf."
The child nodded happily. "Thank you," she said shyly and kissed his cheek. Her aunt extracted Sari from his arms, thanking him profusely for reuniting the family. Jack graciously accepted her appreciation, and watched them walk away.
"I didn't know you were so good with children," the Doctor observed as they continued down the hall.
"I've had a bit of experience," Jack replied with a distant look in his eyes.
"Please wait in here." Their novice escort gestured towards an exam room.
They sat down in the available chairs waiting for the doctor.
"I need to excuse myself," the Doctor began. "The Sisters of Plenitude have been given a permit by the Shadow Proclamation to do medical missionary work as long as they do not disturb the normal timelines of the planet. No future medicines or procedures allowed. While I'm here, I'll check with the matron and save the inspector a trip. Be back soon." He left the room and went down the hall to talk to the head matron on duty.
A tall black and silver tabby Catkin doctor entered the room and politely asked Jack to disrobe behind a screen. As the doctor went through the various tests, Jen leaned over and playfully peeked. Jack caught her motion and winked.
After reviewing the information from the tests on his scanners, the doctor said, "You are perfectly healthy, sir, and have many years in front of you."
"That's what they tell me," Jack quipped and began to dress.
The doctor directed Jen behind the screen. She disrobed then slightly repositioned the screen. Jack mouthed "No fair!" as she blocked his view with a sly smile.
As the doctor examined her, he stopped and peered at the results on his scanner. He leaned over and quietly asked her a question. Jack frowned, but could not hear the discussion. Jen nodded to the doctor, and he continued with his exam. Finally he told her to dress.
"You are also in excellent condition, madam," the Catkin doctor said. "We will send the full report to you in three days." He bowed to them and left to go to his next patient.
They met the Doctor as they left the grounds of the hospital. The Caputian suns were high in a cloudless sky, and the red sandstone landscape radiated heat.
"A clean bill of health," he said as they approached Shakira. "The Sisters have compiled with the agreement, although they need to be a little careful with flu shots." He laughed, "Can't get too advanced on inoculations.
Charley greeted them as they entered the cool space of the TARDIS. The spaniel could not contain his joy, and danced around them wagging his tail.
"I should get a dog," the Doctor said wistfully as he bent down to pet him. "Always happy to see you, a dog." He straightened. "So where are you two going next?"
"Judging from that flashing light on the console" Jack observed, "we probably have a back up of offers waiting for us to go through. Something always pops up."
"In that case I need to take a look at the library I gave you. I think adding up the experiences of both of you, and given there will be more than just Ood prophecy ahead, I should lift some of the time locks on the information so it is easier for you to deal with what comes your way".
As the Doctor proceeded to the library, the Captain pulled Jen aside. "What were you and the Catkin doctor talking about in the exam room?"
Jack's eyes showed concern. "You would tell me if something was wrong, yeah?"
Jen nodded, and drew closer to him. She took his hand and placed it on her abdomen.
Jack was puzzled. As Jen smiled, his eyes widened in understanding. "This is good, yeah?" A warm smile spread over his face. "From where I'm standing, this is good."
"Yes, this is very good," Jen replied, placing her hands around his waist.
The Captain swept Jen up in the air and twirled her around before letting her down.
"Doctor!" Jack called out with a grin. "We're having a baby!"
The Doctor stepped out of the library and smiled as he watched them celebrate. It had been a long time since a child was in his life, his grandchild, a child of time. There was much to prepare, much to protect. The Doctor had seen the past and the future, but the timelines of his own family were hidden from him. As he watched his daughter and the Time Agent embrace, he wondered what would unfold, and what would be needed to keep them safe.
Note to Reader: This is the end of this story. I will need to think about plotting out the next one. Reviews and comments welcome.