Chapter 19: Answers and Questions
Gwen listened to Jack 4 expound his theory about the Rift but she was lost after only a few minutes. The Jacks all seemed to understand it and so did Toshiko, even Ianto nodded occasionally though Gwen thought he was pretending. Owen had zoned out at the much same time Gwen had. At the end of the explanation, she still did not understand why five versions of Jack, all from different time periods, were able to exist in one place and time but accepted that it was caused by the Rift. That was all she needed to know really.
Owen cut short the discussion by asking the most pertinent question, "That's all very well but how do we get you back where you belong?" That brought a lengthy silence. "I hope your silence doesn't mean we're stuck with all of you!" he added.
"Anyone got any ideas?" asked Jack. He rather liked chairing the meeting as it meant he could put others on the spot instead of having to come up with answers himself. He looked around the table but no-one volunteered anything for a while.
Jack 3 cleared his throat. "How sensitive is your Rift manipulator? Could it be used to replicate the conditions?"
Jack was already shaking his head. "No, we've only got basic control over it at present and we don't yet have the technology to adapt it."
"Even with our combined expertise?"
"No, the necessary parts just aren't available." Jack was confident and no-one else pursued the possibility.
"Will this thing with the Z-neutrinos reverse itself, in time?" queried Gwen. She considered it a valid question but Toshiko gave her such a pitying look she realised it must have been really stupid.
"No," volunteered Jack 2, "the phenomenon is basically working one way only. And it only worked then because the grenade exploded at the right – or maybe the wrong – time." He smiled gently, making sure Gwen did not feel foolish for asking the question.
"So we are stuck with you!" interjected Owen, his body language showing his distaste at the prospect. Another silence fell.
"Not necessarily," put in Jack 4, speaking slowly. All eyes turned to him. "I have a way of returning you all, and myself, to our respective times. However, if we decide to use it, all of you, including the Torchwood team, will have to be made to forget the whole incident."
"What is it?" asked Jack, intrigued.
"I cannot say, not until I have an assurance from you all that you're willing to have your memories expunged. Retcon will be sufficient, if you have enough, Jack."
"We have plenty. And I'd be more than happy to take it," he said, smiling as he looked round the table. "While it's been good to see you all, I'll be happier when you're gone." The atmosphere lightened and the rest of those present agreed, one by one, to take Retcon in order to facilitate the return of the four out-of-time Jacks. "What have you got in mind?" asked Jack.
Jack 4 said nothing. He reached into his inner jacket pocket and retrieved a long, thick, pen-like instrument. The rest of the Jacks gasped in astonishment. It was The Doctor's sonic screwdriver.