Chapter 20: Future Revelations

Toshiko was sitting some way away from the instrument Jack 4 had produced to such devastating effect. The four other Jacks were struck dumb in amazement at the sight of it; they were treating it like a holy relic. She could see it was a sonic device but her own attempts at sonic technology had not produced anything so sleek and compact. She wanted to get up and handle it, to take it to pieces and so understand it but she knew from looking round the table that she'd never get the chance.

Jack gulped and was the first to find his voice, "How? Where did you get it?" He tentatively reached a hand to touch it but stopped quickly.

"He gave it to me. It was his dying wish that I keep it safe. He showed me how to operate it and made me promise that I would use it in only the direst of situations. If he were still here, I am sure he'd agree that this is a dire situation." Jack 4 waited, knowing the question that would follow.

"Dying wish?" asked Jack 3. "When? How?" He was leaning forward, his eyes fixed on Jack 4's face. He was desperate for news of The Doctor, any news.

"To tell you that, I need to explain a little of the events over the next few hundred years. And I think it would be helpful if we perhaps had some refreshments as it may take a little while." He turned to Ianto, "May I ask you to make some more of your excellent coffee? I promise not to start before you return," he smiled, seeing Ianto's momentary expression of regret at being sent from the room and interpreting it correctly.

"Of course," said Ianto, rising from his chair. "Would everyone like the same as before?" They nodded and he left with Gwen, who had offered to help. Ten minutes later, they all settled down again. Ianto and Gwen had made and brought the drinks and they were now spread around the table.

Everyone looked to Jack 4. He explained, for the benefit of the Torchwood team, about The Doctor's regenerating ability and that he could only do this 12 times before he died. He went into the many and varied ways in which the sonic screwdriver could be used, some of which were news even to the other Jacks. With the occasional interjection from Jack 5, he told of the changes on Earth following a Dalek attempt to destroy all matter in every universe when the Earth had been physically moved to the Medusa Cascade, an attempt that was only foiled with the combined help of The Doctor's companions and Torchwood. That one undeniable and devastating attack on the planet had galvanised world leaders and Torchwood had emerged as the most appropriate organisation for policing the alien threat. New branches in strategic parts of the world had been set up in the 2010s under the leadership of – Jack Harkness. By 2030, UNIT and other quasi-military forces had also been put under Torchwood's command.

The Doctor had supported the expansion of Torchwood provided Jack was its leader; he did not trust anyone else. He had liaised with Jack, providing help in combating threats over the following centuries. Their relationship had deepened into a even closer friendship based on their shared history and long memories. The Doctor had regenerated on numerous occasions, his final one occurring in the late 23rd century. His final incarnation had been his most fulfilling and adventurous, battling many old foes and some new ones. It had also been the one in which he had finally found love and companionship with River Song. But, finally, his body had started to fail and in 2367 he knew he had less than a year to live. He chose to spend this with his old friend, Jack, who took a leave of absence from Torchwood after 469 years' service. The two had retreated to Jack's isolated home where they had reminisced, argued and generally enjoyed one another's company until finally, at the age of nearly 1260, The Doctor had died. His final gift had been the sonic screwdriver – a replacement he'd made for the one he had left with River Song the last time he'd seen her – to his one-time companion and long time friend. Jack had returned to Torchwood and was still there heading up the world-wide organisation.

Hope I got all the stuff that links with Dr Who right - I tried my best. More coming soon.