"Ianto? Come take a look at this," Gwen called, a troubled but curious look on her face as she tried to make sense of the readings in front of her. Ianto came down the steps, a mug of coffee in his hand. He took a sip as he looked over her shoulder at the computer screen. His brow furrowed deeper the longer he stared.
"Where's Jack?" he asked, setting his cup down and reaching around Gwen to press a few keys on the keyboard.
"Dunno. Haven't seen him all morning." Ianto let out a frustrated breath and put his hands on his hips. They both whipped their heads around as the door rolled open and Jack stepped through, a smile on his face like always.
"Can't leave you alone without this place falling apart, can I?" he said, leaping up the stairs to join them at the computer stations.
"Jack, there's been massive rift spikes in the past few hours. We can't figure out what's causing it," Gwen explained, pointing at the readings on the screen.
"All we know is that there have been abnormal waves of temporal energy being picked up, not just here in Cardiff but everywhere. Whatever is happening, it's big," Ianto said.
Jack's smile faded a little as he rubbed his jaw. "Well, this is going to be fun, just the three of us, huh?" Ianto and Gwen exchanged glances. "I wonder if the Doctor knows about this. I would certainly appreciate his company right about now. Well, not that I wouldn't any other time, I mean—"
"Jack," Ianto interrupted, "the Doctor hasn't been seen since we put the Earth back in its place. As much as we'd all like his help right now, we can't count on it."
No sooner had the words left his lips when a breeze picked up inside the Hub and a light started flashing. Jack's smile returned instantaneously and he laughed, "Speak of the devil!" When the vworps subsided and the blue police box had materialized fully, Jack dashed down the stairs to greet the Doctor as he emerged. Jack caught him up in a hug, still laughing as he said, "Doctor, am I glad to see you. No doubt you've seen what's going on with the rift. That's why you're here isn't it?"
The Doctor pulled away, a strange look on his face. "Yeah…it is, but how'd you know it was me? Well, I suppose the TARDIS is a bit of a giveaway but I haven't seen you since…uh, since I left you on that ship in 200,100."
Jack tilted his head to the side, confused. He waved his hand behind him, motioning for Gwen and Ianto to back up. "You're not…the right Doctor…"
"Am I not? Ah, yes, I may have jumped a little ahead of schedule but the Apocalypse sometimes calls for drastic measures. Besides, if anyone is a man out of his own time, it's you, Jack."
"Wait, did you say Apocalypse? That's what all this rift energy is about?"
"Yup. Revelations, the Devil, seven seals, the whole nine yards. Should be a great time, you coming?" He whirled around and opened the TARDIS door, stepping inside and peeking his head out, one eyebrow raised in question.
"You know me, always up for an adventure with the Doctor. If this is really Armageddon, you could probably use a guy with nothing to lose, huh?" One side of the Doctor's mouth twitched up in a smirk. "Let me just grab a few things." The Doctor disappeared inside his police box and Jack rushed around the Hub, grabbing things and stuffing them into a duffle bag.
"Jack, what's going on? What did you mean he wasn't the right Doctor?" Ianto asked, following Jack around the room, handing him things as he packed.
"He's not the Doctor you met when the Daleks took over, at least not yet."
"You mean he's from the past?" Gwen leaned over the railing and watched the two men scramble to get Jack ready.
"Yeah, that's why it was probably best if he didn't see you two yet. Crossing timelines is dangerous enough, if the Doctor's doing it this is definitely some serious business." He pulled on his great coat and threw the duffle over his shoulder.
"You will come back, won't you?" Ianto said, his voice dropping slightly. Jack pulled him into a one armed hug and kissed his forehead.
"I always do." With one last wave at Gwen, he stepped into the TARDIS and it began dematerializing, leaving Torchwood Three short of yet another member.
Note from the authors!
We are actually a trio of young writers. We call ourselves VWORPatron, Cheekbones, and Hamburger Pie or for short VWORP, Cheeky, and Hammy. Hence the WarriorS not just warrior.
We'd also like for you to know somethings about regarding the timelines just so everyone has some reference. It's been difficult trying to get everyone to fit together so we've had to take some liberties with dates but hopefully everything makes sense. Technically this is taking place in 2016 but we've shifted a few story lines around. And it's time travel, so what are you gonna do?
Anyway, here is everyone's current status:
Supernatural: Early Season 5, somewhere after Lucifer is released obviously and technically before they encounter the first Horseman although some canon details after said encounter may come up.
Doctor Who: Somewhere early Season 2. The Doctor's timeline is pretty wibbly wobbly but as far as characterization goes I'd peg it around School Reunion.
Avengers: Post Chitauri. This one is pretty straightforward and in alignment with the movie verse.
Torchwood: Post Season 2 but pre Children of Earth. In Doctor Who time this would mean Post The Stolen Earth arc but pre End of Time. Our Doctor is jumping timelines so, as you'll find out, our story Jack has experienced things the Doctor hasn't yet. It's all very timey wimey and frankly it makes my brain hurt so I leave most of the time jumping to my co authors. Which is strange since I wrote the upcoming Torchwood segment….
And yes there will be more of Torchwood to come! Do not fret!
Sherlock: Post Reichenbach and Sherlock has returned already (duh) and has been back at 221 B for roughly three years before being recruited for the Anti-Apocalypse Squad (hopefully Tony or someone will come up with something better than that team name though).
And that about covers it. Please, ask questions if you have any, we'd love to answer them. Also, feel free to point out any gaping holes/paradoxes our time jumping has caused or any other concerns; we don't want any of those Father's Day-style Reapers after us. So enjoy the story! Thanks!
We'd also like to thank our followers and readers for your continued support 3
Much love to you all!
-Cheeky, Hammy, and VWORP
