Issue Seven Hey folks? You miss me?

THE TWO JACKS! We bring you EXCLUSIVE interviews with JOHN AND CAROLE BARROWMAN and the real Captain Jack, MATT RIPPY!

PLUS! We talk to Trevor Baxendale about his Torchwood novels! Editorial Contents

“Hey Jack: is that a missile in your 4-5: Inside the Hub- All the latest Torchwood news pocket or are you just pleased to see me?” 6-11: TORCHWOOD TALES: The Barrowmans

Welcome to one of the most exciting 12-13: A Salute to Jack issues of The Hub I’ve ever produced. Firstly, apologies we did not release on the previously ad- vertised date of 1st September. I have been in Devon for a week and didn’t get as 14-17: TORCHWOOD TALES: Matt Rippy much time to edit as I thought. It probably didn’t help I purchased “The Walking Dead Season Two” on DVD… And the large amount of reading 18-21: Episode Guide: Captain Jack Harkness The Hub Issue Seven I had for some Sixth Form courses I’m taking… Editor (Captain Jack): Matt Powell Assistant Producers (Gwen and Ianto): 22-28: Fiction: 21st January. 1941 This issue has been such fun to produce and it all started with the Bar- Louise Mills, Debs Forrest Copy Editor: Lisa Moran rowman’s interview. I remember the night when I had Debs email me saying she’d got them. We were over the moon. I couldn’t believe that we’d 30-37: Trevor Baxendale Article Writers: got them at first! Jack is a character we all love and adore. I go into more detail about why I love Jack in “A Salute to Jack” later in the issue but it’s 37-44: Fiction: The Lightning over Neath Park Interviewees: fair to say he’s one of the most iconic Science Fiction characters in the 21st Century. John is one of the people I had in my mind from the start 45: Next Time Fiction: to interview in The Hub, (alongside all the team and Russell T Davies) and I’m so happy we’ve got him. The Hub would like to thank... DWImage2005, John and Carole Louise securing Matt Rippy was the icing on the cake: this would be the Barrowman, Matt Rippy, BBC Books, Jack issue. We’ve also released this in conjunction with the release of the Trevor Baxendale, new Torchwood novel “Exodus Code” which I can’t wait to get my hands on. I’d hoped to obtain a preview copy but sadly we’re not at that level yet. COPYRIGHT DETAILS Though we do speak to John and Carole about the book giving us a few “The Hub” is a non profit, Torchwood Fan- zine. No Copyright Infringement intended. teasers. We’ll be reviewing the book in the next issue. Torchwood (C) Russell T Davies, BBC and Starz. Images used without permission. No On top of these stunning interviews we speak to Trevor Baxendale, writer money is made from the release of this fan- of various Torchwood and Doctor Who literature, in a brand new feature zine. called “The Writers Tales.” In future issue, we’ll be speaking to Joseph Contact Us! Lidster and a whole range of writers both on screen and through the books. Accompanying the interview is a look at his work in Doctor Who Twitter: @RTPProductions and Torchwood in a similar “Torchwood Files” style. Finally we bring you Facebook: http://www.facebook. three exciting, unique fictions: a real Captain Jack fiction, a Jack fiction com/rtpproductions and a brand new Torchwood universe as well as the regular features! Email: [email protected] Midnight is a Doctor Who/Torchwood convention happening on 13th-15th December 2012. Guests in- clude... Enjoy this issue: I’m so proud of it. And look out for a huge Torchwood - DAVID TENNANT (The Tenth Doctor) announcement later this month over on our blog and twitter! - BILLIE PIPER (Rose- FIRST CONVENTION EVER!) - Eve Myles (Gwen) Yours truly, - Gareth David Lloyd (Ianto) - Barnaby Edwards (Daleks) - Phil Ford, James Swallow, Gary Russell, Tony Lee (Writers)

More guests are to be announced! Tickets are very limited and the event is at the Hilton NEC, Birmingham,

For more details, visit www.starfury.co.uk (tell them we sent you!) You think you’ve seen it all? You think you know the FULL story?

EXODUS CODE TOUR this october: The biggest event in Torch- THE TRUTH IS OUT: wood at this point is Exodus Code which is OUT NOW! Meet the writers at these events!

EXODUS CODE TOUE! With the release of Exodus Code only a week away from release, John and Carole Bar- rowman will be heading on a tour of the UK to sign copies of the books at various stores. These are: • Friday 14th Sept – Water- stones, Argyle Street, Glasgow (6.00-7.00pm) PROJECT: • Saturday 15th Sept – WH Smith, Arndale Centre, Man- chester (2.00pm-3.00pm) 2001 • Sunday 16th Sept – Wa- terstones, Bluewater (1.00- 2.00pm) • Monday 17th Sept – Wa- terstones, The Hayes, Cardiff (5.00-6.00pm) • Thursday 20th Sept – Forbidden Planet, Shaftesbury Avenue, London (6.00-7.00pm) WATCH OUT FOR THE EXCITING REVEAL: THIS MONTH

I hope to be attending the Manchester signing, (or I’ll http://reversethepolarityproductions.wordpress.com order a signed copy.) Please tell them about The Hub! We certainly will be. Read our preview of Exodus Code during the exciting interview just over the page!

Meanwhile, the audio edition of the book is to be released. The book is produced by Audio Go. Reading the book is actor Dan Pirrie who is known for his role in the recent Doctor Who epi- sode “The God Complex.” The audiobook is available from the 13th September as a seven-disc set for £14.99 (or on download, price TBC.) playing certain characters in the from us driving to Cardiff, trying we decided on the title and by book such as Renard the grand- to decide what we’d like as our su- then we were really attached to it. father was Billy Connolly, I could per powers. Out of that came the see him so clearly, Tanan was Tom idea that the twins’ imaginations I heard or read somewhere that Hiddleston aka Loki from Aveng- would be their superpowers and John had an idea of who would ers, and Simon, I could only see as that they would be able to to bring play Em if Hollow Earth was to John Barrowman. I think it was to life their drawings. become a film or TV adaptation, the tennis shorts that gave that JB: It made sense that they might if this did happen who do you away. So you can imagine my ex- also be able to put themselves into have in mind for all the char- citement when I learnt just which paintings too…. ones they create character John would like to play and famous ones by real artists. I acters of the story? And would if he had the chance. think a few days after that trip we John direct it or star in it? sat down with cocktails in Cardiff So without further ado, here is the and outlined the big plot points. JB: We’re thrilled to have sold interview with Carole and John CB: It was about 30 or 40 pages of the option for the TV rights for Barrowman. Enjoy! notes. “Hollow Earth,” but it’s too early to JB: Then Carole took all the notes think about casting or directing. HOLLOW EARTH and returned to her study in However, Carole would definitely Milwaukee where she does the be on the writing team and I’d like writing. to play a dad on TV at some point TORCHWOOD When you put together the ideas so I’d like to play Simon. for Hollow Earth, how much CB: If something happens that we didn’t plan for…which can happen CB: And your production com- plotting and planning were a lot… pany, Barrowman Barker Produc- involved for the story? Where JB (interrupting): Then she calls tions will also be involved. Tales: John and Carole did the idea come from and why JB: Right. me in the middle of the night, Scotland and why the title forgetting that we have a six hour CB: I’m always right… Hollow Earth? time difference… JB: Ha! CB: I’ve only done that once or Barrowman CB: For some reason we do most The Bone Quill is your second twice… of our best brainstorming when JB: Yeah, right. Hollow Earth novel, does this we’re travelling together and that CB: OK. Three times. Anyway, as continue on with Matt and Em, With Anything Goes, I Am What I It all sounds very intriguing and as many of the questions as they was certainly the case for “Hollow to the title, it had nothing to do are they older in the story, for Am, The Selkie, and the children’s with all the hype of 2012, I can’t could. Earth.” with any of the conspiracy theo- when the binding is meant to novel Hollow Earth under their wait to read the book and hope JB: And we need lots of sugar… ries. In fact, we had no idea that take place? belt, and with the sequel The Bone Torchwood really can save the day. Since I’ve been reading Hollow sweeties for inspiration. any of these other sites and refer- Quill out in 2013, the Barrowman Earth, my initial thoughts, when CB: Of course! The idea for the ences existed until after JB: The sequel takes place almost collaboration continues to excite On the 7th June I contacted Car- the book was first announced twins’ super powers came immediately after the end of “Hol- us with their new Torchwood ole Barrowman about an interview was that this was the title of the low Earth” and it continues Matt, novel Exodus Code which is out in to promote Exodus Code, which new Torchwood novel. My the- EM and Zach’s story, as well as September this year. she happily agreed to. Over the ory being, that the name Hollow Solon’s in the Middles Ages. month that followed, seven pag- Earth refers to a conspiracy theory Set after Miracle Day with an es of edited questions were sent on the internet that the Earth is When is this book due for appearance from Rex Matheson, off. A month later I received the hollow and that aliens come from release? our immortal CIA agent, Gwen responses from both Carole and inside our planet and not from CB: Right now it’s slotted for a and Jack are back saving the planet John. It made for entertaining outer space. Which is why Car- February/March 2013 publication against another alien threat, which reading. ole explains the reasons behind date in the UK. takes Jack to Peru to the source of Hollow Earth being the title of the the problem, and Gwen to Cardiff Carole and John Barrowman had book. discovering something alien in the taken time out during their breaks Torchwood software. in signings of Hollow Earth at Also while I’ve been reading ComicCon, San Diego to answer Hollow Earth, I saw a few actors What prompted the idea for TORCHWOOD AND fierce determination…and he has although the story moved state- CB: When we had an outline for What research did you do for the writing a children’s novel, was it DOCTOR WHO his coats. side there is a wish for it to re- ‘Exodus Code’ both the outline storyline of Hollow Earth? something you always wanted to turn to its roots. What are your and then the final manuscript had do? What was your first memory of John: When a straight guy is thoughts on that? to take that long journey. JB: Carole’s got a degree in history JB: We’re always looking for our Doctor Who and what creature faced with a scene, what was JB: I love Cardiff too, but I also so she researched the historical next project together when the scared both of you? their reaction to the scene with loved that Jack travelled across the As an actor you have to take background, but we both love art one we’re working on is coming to JB: My first memory is of the Au- you? Do you ever detect a hint of Atlantic…he’s been almost every- work wherever it comes, but if so our collaboration on that re- a close, and given we’re both kids tons. Department store dummies nervousness from them? where else in the Universe after Torchwood never came back, search has probably been happen- at heart, it was a natural choice. still scare the hell out of me. JB: Never. They’re acting and in all. In ‘Exodus Code’ the Torch- would you ever take another role ing most of our lives. For example, CB: They should. They’re every- that particular context so am I. It’s wood novel Carole and I have similar to Jack Harkness or not? the first painting the twins ani- The place Auchinmurn was where…I was terrified of Davros. not John kissing those men, it’s collaborated on, Jack spends some JB: I consider myself an entertain- mate into is George Seurat’s ‘The named after a family member, The whole half human, half ma- Jack. time in the States again. er…and I love to work. I’ve always Bathers of Asnieres’ and it’s at the are there any other Barrowman chine thing really freaked me out. got lots of exciting projects on my National Gallery in London. Years family members dotted within I would hate to see Torchwood schedule, including the upcoming ago when I was in the musical. the pages? And is this place on John: What is it about playing John: We here that Jack is “the disappear from our tv screens. US book tour for “Hollow Earth’s” “Phantom of the Opera,” it was in Captain Jack that you love the Face of Boe”: can you give any Bearing this in mind, would release in October and the UK the theatre just around the corner the map for Scotland? truth in the matter? you do more audio books for tour for “Exodus Code” in Sep- from the National. Carole was CB: Lots or references and Easter most? How much of you can you JB: David Tennant and I have Torchwood, to keep the flame tember. visiting at the time and between eggs. The Abbey’s housekeeper is input into Jack, and how much speculated off and on for years shows on matinee days we’d meet named Jeannie after our Auntie of Jack is in John these days? burning, or would this need to about all of this. We’re just as THE FANS ASK... at the National. We loved that Jeannie. She was Murn’s sister and JB: I love everything about playing go through RTD also? interested as every other fan of the painting. we have great childhood mem- Jack. Fans know how much he JB: Anything related to the Torch- series to see where Jack might end CB. When I left after that trip John ories of time spent with both of changed my life and I’m grateful wood universe must travel a long John Bond asks John: If Torch- up. Maybe Jack loses his head over bought me the print and to this them. to his creators, Russell Davis and journey of approval that includes wood got remade into an alter- someone? day it hangs in my house…I think JB: Carole’s middle name is Emily Stephen Moffat for that. I’d like to RTD, BBC Wales and Starz. It’s not nate reality and you were still CB: Ouch. the personal connection to the and Emily was our Gran Barrow- think over the years some of me possible to publish anything about Jack which actors would you like painting was another reason we man’s name. has infiltrated Jack’s person and Torchwood or Jack without their on your team and why? included it in the book. I also vis- vice versa. I do own quite a few of John: For many people Torch- approval…If and when I’m need- JB: Great question. I’d need to ited the real Auchinmurn, which his coats. wood belongs in Cardiff and ed to play Jack again, I’m ready. really think longer about this, but is Cumbrae Island off the coast of Largs, and loved it. When we were Carole: Is John anything like kids we’d go there on holiday. Jack? CB: John has Jack’s loyalty and his I’d probably want to have David she coming to Gallifrey...would hanging out with Jack again. What Tennant back on my team some- love to have her on a panel? about you? how. We know each other well and CB: Have I been invited? I’d love JB: Love to hang with Jack…and always have a great laugh when to be on a panel. My challenge is you…always suck up to your big EXODUS CODE we’re together. always to be able to balance these sister. events around my teaching sched- CB: You do remember I’m sitting Pauline Buckingham asks John: ule at Alverno, my family commit- right here. The blurb for the book and the fact this is If they made a Doctor Who mov- ments and my writing time. 2012 made me feel this was almost an end ie would you consider appearing Lisa Hoefer asks: I’d like to of days kind of storyline. in it as Captain Jack? Melissa Horrocks asks John: Do know if John and Carole think of JB: As with all our collaborations, the idea for “Exodus Code” came from lots of deep JB: That would be a resounding you think Torchwood will ever publishing the book worldwide deep thinking and quite a bit of general ‘yes.’ be made into a computer game? as Torchwood’s shown in many silliness. JB: Another great idea. I’d play it! countries besides the UK/US/ CB: And sweeties! Oh, and it does have Kirsty Price asks John and Unfortunately those designs and Canada/Australia? something to do with the end of the world, decisions are someone else’s area Carole: Where did the idea come CB: These decisions are up to pub- but we think you’ll be surprised by how… of expertise. from to make one of the charac- lishers and completely out of our JB: Shush. Spoiler! ters deaf? hands. Our UK publisher, BBC CB: Neither one of us can re- Books, holds the book’s rights. Is Exodus Code after Miracle Day and Mickie Newton asks: If a new JB: I’d like Torchwood and Cap- member exactly how that evolved does it feature Rex Matheson? series does happen (and I really tain Jack to be available every- except that we thought it would CB: The novel is set after Miracle Day. Rex where! be cool to have a character whose hope it does) and if you were makes an appearance. physical difference made him asked, would you consider writ- The Selkie was a first look at how somehow stronger. So we cre- ing one or two of the episodes? How does the writing partnership work? ated Zach to be one of the best well you both work at writing CB: Indeed we would. JB: Our partnership is a collaboration of communicators among the three JB: Oh, yes! We’ve already got lots together for a fictional story and two creative minds, of lots of ideas and children. of ideas. the illustrations for the comic general plot lines, but Carole does all the JB: He’s also very much the were superb. Would you write writing. peace-keeper…although that may Lorraine Mundy asks: Any more another comic book? CB: We don’t disagree often but when we change… Torchwood novels planned? JB: We’ve been asked many times, do, it helps that an ocean separates us. CB: Shush! Spoiler! CB: We’ll have to see how well but we’ve not been able to fit it in JB: Yeah, because then you can call me in “Exodus Code” goes over with all to our schedules. the middle of the night and wake me with Ric Miller asks Carole: When is of you, but I’m certainly up for CB: Some day, we hope... your questions…

RELEASE DATE: 13TH SEPTEMBER

It starts with a series of unexplained events. Earth tremors across the globe. Women being driven insane by their heightened and scrambled senses. And the world is starting to notice – the number one Twitter trend is #realfemmefatales.

Governments and scientists are bewildered and silent. The world needs Torchwood, but there’s not much of Torchwood left.

Captain Jack has tracked the problem to its source: a village in Peru, where he’s uncovered evidence of alien involvement. In Cardiff, Gwen Cooper has discovered something alien and somehow connected to Jack. If the world is to be restored, she has to warn him – but she’s quickly becoming a victim of the madness too... to do with his time with the Time Agency from the 51st Century. I doubt Barrowman could pull off a A Salute to Jack younger self credibly. Maybe it ties A Tribute to the Immortal Time Agent by Matt Powell in, that reference was in a Moff episode after all. Did the Silents fall?” Torchwood is a program that over until his final episode, The Parting The actor/singer/entertainer/ it’s six year history has seen a lot of the Ways, and was killed. presenter/writer/everything was I also agree with this. Carole of change: the major change to the perfect choice for the char- summed up my opinion: “So are “monster of the week” stories to Or so we thought. acter. John manages to play this you thinking he knew the doc long, cinematic multiple part tales; funny yet dark character who can then lost his memory, but the a change in location in recent Moments before the Doctor’s re- flirt with anything that walks his reason why he was so comfortable episodes; the change of Torch- generation Jack was brought back way. I absolutely love John: he’s a with him so quickly could be due wood’s presence in the world. But and left behind. What a perfect very giving person and a highly to subconscious memory?? That if there’s one thing that has never point to leave a character to go in amusing one. In panels at con- could really work!” However I changed is Jack. his own direction? They grasped ventions he lights up the stage don’t see who they could cast as that opportunity and eventually with humor. John is also a firm Jack! Captain Jack Harkness was pulled together one of the greatest favorite with the fans: he’s a lovely brought to the world of television continuations a character could person to meet at convention. At The writing is also vital to Jack. in 2005 joining the Doctor and have: his own spin off show! His Collectormania, he was gave time Recently I’ve been writing for Rose in one of the scariest sto- own team! A brand new exciting to all his fans and was generous Jack, (SPOILERS!) and he is such ries of Doctor Who history: The backstory that still marvels fans to and lovely! His stage presence a brilliant character to write for. Empty Child/The Doctor Dances. date! There are many reasons why at conventions is so amusing as The writers manage to pull off this From the moment he appears his Jack is so amazing. Over the next well! Take the Nerdist Podcast for flirty alien ass kicker who has such flirty nature and strong wit cap- few pages we take a look at why example: he flirts with everyone in a deep back-story. The backstory tured the hearts of millions. Jack Jack is so amazing plus some of the audience, (even admitting he’s created is so unique and is almost ended up staying with the Doctor your favorite moments from Jack’s not actually gay- he just does it to a fan fiction godsend. Thank you long life… touch women’s boobs…) and gets Russell (T Davies) for giving fans into hilarious conversations. Go this treasure chest that bares Bar- There are many reasons why Jack and check it out! rowman’s face. There’s also a real is so brilliant and such an icon- fun nature about Jack, which is so ic character. A key point is that Recently a rumor has sparked fun to play with. Again, a small Jack is a character like no other around the potential of Barrow- teaser for the future, from person- on television: he’s an out of time man being recast. (See insert.) For al experience the role of a flirty figure who could, at any moment, me this seems stupid! I headed character is so enjoyable to play. be a serious, kick ass character over the Whovians United page while the next he’s flirting with the to ask what people think of this In conclusion: Jack is an iconic closest thing too him. rumor… Paul Devine instantly and amazing character who makes commented that it was a “huge Torchwood what it is. He’s the At the end of the day, it’s bad joke” with Carole-Ann Park- bread to the butter; the ink to the a all down to two to er commenting they could make printer; the… I don’t know. John: hings: the writing it work at all. However, Alan T if you’re reading this, thank you and, of course, Butcher added an interesting new for making Torchwood what it is John Barrowman. perspective on the situation: “Well today. Your acting is amazing and the only really big mystery about you’re one of the nicest people I’ve Jack (putting aside how did he be- ever met at a convention and you come a big head in a jar) is about are such an inspiration. On behalf his missing memory of a time well of the Torchwood fans, we salute before we first saw him which was you!

Nerdist Photo: http://instagram.com/p/NRPni9JGhZ/ - @trekkiebeth http://www.nerdist.com/2012/07/nerdist-channel-panel-sdcc-saturday-noon-go/ together wacky shows for family You have an extensive film and was lucky to be a part of some- and friends. But I got my start per- TV guest appearance career how thing special. Cath Tregenna’s forming for the public at a local did you get the part of ‘Real’ script is so beautiful. Made my job community theatre when I was Captain Jack Harkness? Did you easy… TORCHWOOD aged 13. There I learned about The get offered the part or did you High School for the Performing have to audition? If so what did How did being in Torchwood and Visual Arts in Houston, TX you have to do for the audition and being part of that episode and auditioned – made it in and and how did you hear of the differ from other roles and other Tales: Matt Rippy studied there for four years – it productions you have been in- part? was during that time I began to volved in? believe I might do this for a living. I had just returned from Bulgaria where I was shooting Steve Mil- For a start, anything with John ner’s remake of Romero’s Day of Barrowman will be unlike any- When you where growing what thing you’ve ever done! He’s got or who inspired you to do what the Dead and the very next day was asked by casting director such a great energy – every day you do now? Andy Pryor to come in and read a felt like coming to a playground. My older brother Steve. He was scene or two for Torchwood. I felt Many jobs feel more like work but the funny man, I was always the a little out of it, and not really pre- this was pure playtime! It was also sidekick. Together with my friends pared. I had to do a cold reading, different because – despite being Trey and Gene we made hours which is always nerve wrecking. classified as a romantic lead type of video – silly shorts and music I love to do loads of research for actor – I rarely get to do romance video spoofs and whatever came every audition and really soak up stories. Go figure. to mind. Now my friend Trey is a the script, but there was no time cameraman and sound operator for it on this occasion. I read a You film career is quite varied is for TV and I’m an actor. We are couple of scenes cold which were there a particular role you prefer planning to shoot a short together put on tape and that was it. I got playing? next year. Ah, nice to know some the call the next day. When I read Like most actors, I just want a things never change! the full script, I was so excited – I good script with an interesting absolutely loved it. And I knew I character on an interesting jour-

Of course we all know Matt Rippy screen! He has been touring the For anyone that may want to as the real Captain Jack Harkness UK with Reduced Shakespeare follow your footsteps into acting but that isn’t all he is known for Theatre company, where he is how did you get into acting? Did or all he should be known for. He part of the team that shows you you have any education/training has been in a host of Films and the entire history of sport in one at all? TV programs; The Dark Knight fast passed theatre production. As family legend has it - accord- (2008), Hell boy 2 (The golden When we caught up with Matt he ing to my mother - she found me army 2008), Day of the Dead was busy doing his stage shows practising crying in front of the (2008), Beyond the Sea (2004), with the rest of the guys from the mirror when I was 7 years old… Goodnight sweetheart (The Yanks Reduced Shakespeare Theatre so I guess I got started early! My are coming 1996), Doctors (a rea- company, but he was more than family loved putting on goofy little son to be cheerful, 2000), Torch- happy to answer some questions skits when I was a kid. We had a wood (Captain Jack Harkness, for us, and took time out his very wardrobe closet which was dedi- 2007), BoneKickers, 2008) and busy schedule to do so. In his own cated entirely to costumes and old Secret Diary of a Call Girl (2010) words he was happy to be put in clothes from the 50s and 60s and to name but a few! the hot seat.. jewellery and weird props. If we were bored, we’d often just horse His acting skills have seen him around with all that stuff and put take the stage as well as the big ney. candid shots. So many of the old You came to the UK in 1994 and When you all come with the My tattoo. The initials SWR on my Well, the Cardiff Rift is quite photos are posed and therefore joined the Reduced Shakespeare ideas for the productions what wrist. My brother, Stephen Whit- famously unpredictable and I’m If you could star in any film/ slightly artificial, so I look for the Company, how did you come to is the creative process you go ney Rippy, 1962 – 2003. not sure I trust it to get me where TV program in the world what pictures captured while the subject join them? through to create the show we I’m going. But if I could, I’d go to would it be and why?! wasn’t looking. I also read first- I was asked to audition and was see on stage? I mean how do you Would you like to work with the grassy knoll outside the book hand accounts of what life was depository building in Dallas, TX Big question… hmmm. I suppose cast. Ha, fools! take the complete works of say the cast of Torchwood and John like living in Cardiff during the at 12:15pm on Friday, 22nd Nov, I’d be happy to star in anything di- Shakespeare or indeed the histo- Barrowman again? A lot of fans rected by Christopher Nolan! And war. As an actor, I am trained to You are currently touring Eu- that sent me questions for you 1963. empathise – and it’s impossible to ry of sports and downsize it to fit would love to work with my hero rope with the Reduced Shake- seemed to want to know if you’d not be moved by the stories from the show? Out of the Torchwood charac- – Mark Rylance. Hey, an actor can speare Company with the new work together again! that period. I was less concerned I’m just a performing monkey dream… I’d love to be Robin to his Batman, ters who would you be and why! about preparing for the romantic show ‘The Complete World of for the boys – Austin Tichenor or Bonnie to his Clyde, or Hit-Girl (Other than Jack!) aspect of the story. We’ve all been Sports (abridged)’ for those of and Reed Martin are the writing Going back to Torchwood, What to his Kick-Ass! In closing, I just Gwen. I have no idea why. in love-at-first-site at some point readers that may not know what partners. However we do continu- did you think when you first want to say that doing Torchwood in our lives... I sure have! that involves could you give us ally update and modify the script. read the script for the episode changed my life. Shooting it was Do you get recognized a lot as the low down on what you do in We scan the news for the latest and was there a way you pre- amazing. But the real influence on real Captain Jack when out? the show? scandals and often stumble across Do you have any stories from on my life comes from the fans who Not really. I’m quite lucky to not pared for the episode to help you We are a 3-man comedy troupe new gags during the performance. set that you could share with us? have contacted me via email or on be recognised. I have a few friends get in character? infamous for reducing long boring The scripts are never nailed down, I’ve seen some behind the scenes facebook and twitter. I hear from who get recognized in public and I love research. The first thing I do topics into short sharp comedies. but rather evolve and develop over footage from that episode and so many people, from all walks of it seems like a weird thing to wrap is start digging – online and at the Our Complete Works of William the years. I throw in my tuppence it looked like you all had lots of life, who were touched by Torch- my head around. I can’t imagine library. I read books; I save web Shakespeare (abridged) and The worth but the real writing is done fun. wood. I’ve met so many wonderful what it would be like to have pages and gather as much infor- Complete History of America by my cohorts. Their writing Ah yes, stories abound - but my people – many who have become paparazzi follow me around Tesco mation and as many images as (abridged) ran in London’s West is kinda like if you put Monty lips are sealed! Suffice to say that I friends – just because I did a job watching what I buy in the frozen possible. In the case of this Torch- End for 9 years! When I opened Python, Saturday Night Live, The was lucky to share it with some of on telly. But it wasn’t just anoth- goods section. I’d hate to have to wood episode which takes place The Bible: The Complete Word Goons, Morecombe & Wise and the nicest and most professional er gig for me – it was something alter who I am and how I behave in an actual real place and time of God (abridged), we had more the Marx Brothers into a blender and talented cast and crew I have special. Special to me because my just because the world is watching. – Cardiff during the war – I was shows running in the West End and pressed frappe. ever worked with… I hold Torch- brother who passed away in 2003 I’m a total bonehead and would able to find a ton of material. The than Andrew Lloyd Webber! A wood close to my heart. was in the military for a short like to keep it that way. photographs really help. I look at cupla years ago Reed and Aus- Other than your current tour while and may have been gay, or the way they stand, they way the tin, the writers and directors of for the Reduced Shakespeare at least bi-sexual, and sadly I will hold themselves – especially in the Reduced, began looking for Company do you have any new never know the truth. I thought of their next reduction – they asked projects on the horizon? my brother throughout shooting themselves, what do people take Well, I love working with the Torchwood. Every day I reflect- more seriously than Shakespeare, Reduced and hope I can do it until ed on the goofy videos we shot History or The Bible… the an- I am too old to do a prat-fall and together as children and on how swer? SPORTS! So we are now get back up again. But in addition, Steve would have loved the fact currently performing The Com- I have just re-joined forces with that I had managed to get myself plete World of Sports (abridged) my London agent and we are on on television and was living our in the West End through August a mission to return me to tv and dream. And I know he would have 25th. We cover every sport ever film… so stay tuned! My dream is loved this episode. I dedicate my played in the history of the world, to tour with the Reduced to exotic performance in Torchwood to my from archery to wrestling, from locales around the globe while brother. Stephen Whitney Rippy. basketball to bocce ball, from the also shooting TV sit-coms and Rest in peace, brother. Neanderthals who fist hit a rock feature films – also on location in with a stick to Neanderthals like exotic locales around the globe! FAN QUESTIONS John Terry. It’s been a real treat to Not too much to ask, eh? return to London and play a show about sports during the London If you travel via the rift (The one 2012 Olympics! What a summer! The thing(s) of which you are in Torchwood) where would you proudest? go and why? the dance hall. she follows Bilis to his office as he outside to find somewhere to hide offers to make her a cup of tea. It’s the paperwork and peels off the CAPTAIN JACK For Toshiko the shock of while she’s there that she discovers plastic sleeve from the photo to discovering that the man she had that the Bilis Manger that Owen see that only half the equation has called Captain Jack Harkness was and Ianto have seen in the photos come out. But she’s disturbed by not who she thought he was reels is exactly the same man who is the air raid siren and stows the even more when he gives himself a in the back room. Ianto orders photograph in the meter cupboard HARKNESS new title of Captain James Harper her to leave in case it’s Bilis who outside of the building, praying An episode guide written by D.J. FORREST of the 71st, a posting to which the is responsible for Jack and Toshi- someone from the hub will find other Captain expects to be sent to ko’s disappearance, not wishing it. She goes back into the building straight after this one. As they ex- for Gwen to disappear too, and through another door as the main “I’m Captain Jack Harkness, is as it should be. The SUV is not 1941, they still hear Gwen call cuse themselves and walk through instructs her to come back. ones are locked. Safely inside 133rd Squadron.” parked out front and instead of their names, yet although they a door leading off the dance floor, Owen feels that Gwen would she shelters in the basement with a bright day, its night time and a can’t see her, its plain to note, Toshiko demands to know why be better keeping an eye on Bilis, Jack and the other party goers. Episode 12 of Series 1 is the large poster on a wall tells of the that one call from Gwen and it’s the officer has Jack’s name. It see what he’s up to, but she listens While Jack keeps a look out, she first episode of a two parter, 1941 Kiss the Boys Goodbye party enough for them to turn around. comes as a shock to learn that her to Ianto and leaves. Owen decides uses her grandfather’s birthday which concludes with Jack giv- for 20th January under way in the own boss had taken the identity of to go to the dance hall himself, as card to write the last few equation ing everything he has to save the building they just left. Jack realis- As Jack and Toshiko re-enter the airman for his own purposes, after working with the equations numbers and a note written in her city in Episode 13 – End of Days. es that the SUV hasn’t been stolen, the building, they head to the but refuses to tell her why and discovers it’s not enough to open own blood, carved from the rusty However in this episode entitled they have. bar where Jack buys them both a for what purpose. Later on he’s the rift, and one vital piece is miss- coffee tin to form the permanent Captain Jack Harkness, we see drink, however he has no currency quizzed by Toshiko who is wor- ing. Having an idea, a hunch that ink for the message: Tell my family a little portion of Jack’s past. In After the credits, the scene for that era, but a young airman ried about the impending attack Bilis might be behind the rift ma- I love them. And stows the card the opening sequence before the opens up in present day Cardiff, by the name of George, steps in on Pearl Harbour by the Japanese. nipulation, Owen heads to Bilis’ inside the coffee tin, replacing the main credits roll, Jack and Toshi- and Owen is awoken from his and offers to pay, on the deal that She asks him again about the Cap- office in search of the vital clue. lid and puts it on the floor, hidden. ko drive to the Ritz Dance Hall slumber on the sofa in the Hub to he can have a dance with Toshi- tain and why this era seems to suit Eventually the all clear is given in Sage Street after reports of old the sounds of incessant bleeping ko. However before either Jack or her boss so well. Back in 1941 and Toshiko sits and the party returns upstairs. time music can be heard echoing coming from the rift monitor pro- Toshiko can think about this, he He confesses to have served his with a navigational officer who through the building that has been gram that Toshiko developed to whisks her into the centre of the time in the war of 1941, and that gives her wind speeds and weath- There is no sign of Bilis Man- derelict since 1989. They enter via alert Ianto of any new movement. room and dances the foxtrot with he stole the man’s identity because er reports which help to work ger when Owen reaches his office. the main double doors and face A list of equations crawls up her. Jack laughs at the situation it was a good cover and he knew out her final rift readings to send He is searching for the missing hazard tape and partially wrapped the screen but its beyond Ianto’s but is soon silenced by a local lass that Jack Harkness died. He goes home. Jack sits with the Captain piece that will unlock the rift. He pillars and dusty furniture, a comprehension and all attempts asking why George is dancing with on to tell her much later about and notices he’s a nervous man, unlocks a safe hidden underneath staircase that has levels of graf- at contacting Toshiko and Jack are a Jap? As Jack steps in to rescue Captain Jack Harkness, about the troubled by his feelings and senses a rug behind the desk. It’s emp- fiti and fly posters and an empty thwarted, their lines are dead. Toshiko, George takes offence at training exercise the next day, that he’s sexually repressed. Al- ty! Suddenly all the clocks begin dance hall that once held many Owen, going through his usual the intrusion, when Jack suggests about how Jack and his squadron though he can’t prove it and won’t to chime which startles Owen, celebrations in its day. They cross bouts of grief, missing Diane in his own way that George dances go out on a sortie and are sur- force the issue, it’s interesting to but it’s the grandfather clock that the empty dance floor to the other Holmes who retook to the skies with him, George snaps and prised by two formations of Mess- see whether when the squadron fascinates him the most, when he staircase heading out as they hear in the hope the rift would take shoves Jack twice before punching erschmitt, that he destroys three leader makes a gentle move on our opens up the cupboard housing music playing back up the stairs her back to the 1950’s whence him in the face. It soon peaks the of the enemy, his men listen to his Jack, that its not to test the waters, the pendulum he sees the disk that that they’d just left and find they’ve she came, in Episode 10 – Out of interest of his squadron leader whoops of joy over the radio, then to see if he feels the same way. belongs to the rift manipulator crossed into another time line Time, hopes that the equations on who breaks up the fight before it everything goes quiet. He can’t When they were interrupted by a and stows it into his bag. Gwen caused by a temporal shift, cour- the screen will be enough for him properly starts. He instructs that bail out as his whole plane is on young couple, the squadron leader had been outside of the building tesy of the rift. It worries Toshiko to open the rift and get her back. George apologise to them both, fire but his men all make it back to rose and left, having his answer, when she saw Bilis leaving quickly who is keen to leave, realising that Ianto doubts this would work and the squadron leader also apolo- safety. and leaving Jack to wonder what at the bottom of the street and ran in 1941 the Japanese bombed Pearl knows Jack would be dead set gises to Jack for the liveliness of he would do next. after him, but he’d disappeared Harbour. Despite Jack stating he’ll against the rift being used in this his men. He introduces himself Back at the Hub and Owen when she reached the corner. She look after her, it still doesn’t fill her way, and the consequences for the as Captain Jack Harkness of the desperately tries to find a way of To save the paperwork from sees the cupboard for the meter with confidence. city would be devastating. But 133rd Squadron. It catches Toshi- opening the rift in order to bring fading Toshiko takes herself to open and wonders as she looks When they return down the Owen is hardly likely to listen to ko and her Jack off guard. Before Toshiko and Jack back, but still Bilis’ office to photograph the inside what had gone on. She staircase they originally climbed Ianto. they can answer further, Bilis Ianto feels it’s the wrong thing to equations and is interrupted by sends equation to Ianto but it’s still to reach the dance floor, after Manger interrupts snapping them do. While Gwen searches in the Bilis. He has an idea about who not enough. As she returns to the passing Bilis Manger at the door, The story runs parallel to the in a photo which will be picked up derelict dance hall for clues as to she is and the reason behind building she sees Owen’s car and they realise that not everything different eras, in the sense that on the Hub monitors by Ianto who Jack and Toshiko’s disappearance, the photograph. Toshiko heads wonders where he is. He meets while Jack and Toshiko are in is searching for information about her in the hallway as he’s about to a woman. It shows how although in Everything Changes when to open up about his feelings, and leave, stating he’s not found any times have changed, that feelings WPC Yvonne investigated the so at the end, when our Jack is equations. Gwen keeps looking. between two people are just the mysterious Captain, and men- seated beside Toshiko, unable to same then as they are now, al- tioned how he’d gone missing in help the squadron leader, does the Jack explains more about the though very repressed in the 40’s. World War Two. Indeed, at this man come across the dance floor. other Jack Harkness, it breaks his time, the conman we’d grown to Aware of the reactions of his own heart to know that there’s nothing As the rift opened up and know, had taken off with the 9th men, the people he works with, he can do for him. Toshiko ran towards the light Doctor on a few adventures of his the locals, he puts it all to one side, encouraging Jack to do the same, own. But here we learn the truth and takes Jack by the hand and Gwen in the meantime has he stepped away tearfully from about the real Captain Jack, and leads him into the centre floor. All found the final equations in the the squadron leader, telling him the reason why he hadn’t returned other people step out of the way, basement behind an old filing he had to go as it was his duty, but for duty was because his plane had they look aghast, but then their cabinet, as Owen reaches the Hub mid way he turned back and both been hit by the Messerschmitt. eyes soften to two men, and re- with his prize. Ianto tells her that men beautifully kissed with a mix- We also have a taste of how it felt gardless of their feelings, there ap- there are still numbers missing, ture of emotions. As Jack pulled for Toshiko, out of her comfort pears no animosity on that night, heard she tells them that they were away, and ran towards the light, he zone, and in an era when the Pearl and when the rift finally opens, above the Hub. who scored out, but Toshiko had left turned for a final time, to see the Harbour disaster was less than 12 both Jack’s give in to their feelings, moved to the a message for her family, written Captain stand straight and salute months away, and if they didn’t as a way of saying goodbye. It’s Another connection with Doctor UK in 1994 and has appeared in in blood. They can only expect him before disappearing forever. get back to present day, she would a heartfelt moment and one that Who was the graffiti on the stairs several films and dramas from Se- something terrible has happened, have been as persecuted as her grabs at the heart strings. with the words ‘Bad Wolf’ embla- cret Diary of a Call girl, Ultimate Owen feels there’s no choice but Jack and Toshiko step from grandfather, a decoder at Bletchley Bilis Manger’s moments are zoned in a shock of stark colours Force, The Dark Knight, Hellboy to open up the rift and bring them the building into broad day- Park. brought to the fore in the next and staggered capitals on the wall. 2, Doctors, and Jonathan Creek to back. light and are greeted by Gwen episode, but episode 12 paves the name but a few. who hugs them both unaware of There’s also the power struggle way, sets the scene, and brings to Ianto takes control and be- where they’ve been and what has between Owen and Ianto, while question how a man can slip from Ciaran Joyce who played Smiler, comes a stronger more deter- happened. It closes that chapter Jack is away, it’s who fights to be one time to another as easily as was last seen acting alongside mined character, showing certain with Bilis Manger smirking in the in control and do what is right, crossing the road. He’s a mysteri- Dani Harmer in the hit tv show leadership qualities by insisting derelict dance hall, ready for phase and how Owen will not listen to ous man with links to Torchwood, for CBBC The Story of Tracy Owen didn’t open the rift. Owen two. reason and has a price to pay for as the clues were in his desk draw- Beaker. proved he would take the risks and In the Hub Owen is completing opening the rift. Gwen has a less- er, and the rift manipulator disk chances he’d continuously strived his wound patch up, announc- er role in the story, but still plays was swinging on the pendulum in at. Being shot in the shoulder ing that he was right in opening a part. the grandfather clock. And what QUOTE! UNQUOTE! wasn’t enough to stop him putting the rift to bring them back. Jack is it about the time pieces? TOSH: “Why does that man in final piece of the rift manipula- slopes into his office and pours But the story is more to do with have your name?” Jack remains tor. out two glasses of brandy, handing Jack coming face to face with the ALIEN TECH silent. “I’m lost enough here with- out you holding back on me.” one to Toshiko, who laments that man with whom he took the name The interesting thing to note was JACK: Jack turns to face her. As Jack sat with Toshiko at a the squadron leader would have of. He feels helpless in the fact that aside from the use of the GUEST STARS “It’s not my name it’s his. I took table and felt helpless at the fate of been proud that Jack had taken that he can’t change time, they’re Vortex Manipulator and the Rift his name. I just never realised he the Captain, the squadron leader his name “...because here you are, caught up in the moment, but in- Machine itself, no other alien tech Murray Melvin has appeared in was so hot.” He laughs. walked over, took Jack by the hand saving the world.” stead of sitting back and watching was used in the episode. several films and theatre produc- and led him across to the centre of the events, he forces the man to tions since the 1950’s. His most TOSH: “Jack!!” JACK: “I know too much.” the dance floor. He’d admitted to RATING: 10/10 open up about his feelings, about DOCTOR WHO recent comedy short film that aired in 2011 was The Grey Mile TOSH: “Then...share.” our Jack, that he was frightened, The audience ratings for the epi- his fears, about doing the right CONNECTIONS he showed his vulnerability, but thing, especially where Nancy is that featured Paul Shane, and was JACK: “You wouldn’t want that. sode sat at 1.232 million a rise of As Toshiko and Jack arrived in he had to remain strong for his involved, and about his men who about two retired ex criminals liv- Trust me.” 406 viewers tuning in to see the Sage Street and parked up out- crew. Our Jack had told him he Captain Jack story. It didn’t disap- he rates highly. Yet he’s scared by ing in a nursing home. It’s also an side the dance hall, there were TOSH: “Why him?” had to tell his team what to ex- point. There were a lot of key mo- his own feelings, he’s frightened interesting fact to point out that three posters depicting the VOTE JACK: “It was convenient.” pect, because if he didn’t, they’d ments within the programme; we and can’t share his feelings with the year that Murray was born was SAXON campaign. Jack didn’t TOSH: “Well if it was to take his never make it. Although he’d not learnt that Captain Jack Harkness anyone. When he meets Jack, and exactly the same date as when the react to this at all, and why would identity to steal then....” danced with Nancy, had not pas- was not only a conman, something Jack also explains about going to Ritz Dance Hall was built – 1932. he, his leaving coincides with the JACK: “He dies. In battle.” sionately embraced her as he held we learnt in Doctor Who, but that fight a war with his best friend, end of Episode 13 – End of Days, TOSH: “When?” her close, it was evident he never the name he went by, belonged to knowing the pain and hardship Matt Rippy who starred as the when the hand in the jar activates JACK: “Tomorrow.” would have, as his love was not for another. This we heard mentioned involved, he forces the other Jack squadron leader Captain Jack and the sound of the Tardis can be Harkness is an American actor body language gave him away, his Jack rallied his thoughts as the he hated the Captain. arms crossed infront of his chest corporal looked up at him clearly “Sorry Captain Harkness.” 21st of January 1941... his jacket undone, his hair shaved. in pain. He closed his eyes and let out By Louise Mills Unlike the other men he was stuck “Get stuffed! I’m not saying sor- a breath and moved his foot and up and was trouble. ry to you.” waited. Jones whipped his hand “I heard you didn’t do much Jack smirked and applied more away and balled it into a fist and Jack struggled to sit up in his “A Captain has to warn their to the NAAFI. talking last night Captain” He pressure to his hand. “Do you swung at Jack but Jack was faster bed, the sounds of the screams men, let them know what they He walked out of the hangar smirked. Some of his own squad want your hand broken Jones? and blocked the attack. still echoing through his mind as are up against” He knew that the where the men where living, those laughed at the joke, but others Because I will break every bone “You really don’t want to start the calls by the young man to his stark reality of war would scare like him that didn’t live around started to scatter out, not wanting in your hand unless I hear what I with me, it’s a very bad idea.” Mum was so clear over the radio them even more than they were Wales but had been drafted in to to get caught in the cross fire. want.” Corporal Jones swung again and and the vision of the young man already, he wasn’t going to risk help. Keep it together Harkness, Jack turned the tin over in his He was aware that the other Jack landed him with one simple being shot in the face mid flight by undoing what he’d spent weeks on don’t lose it now. He repeated the hand and then with lightning man could easily try to kick out at punch, effective as it knocked the the Messerschmits, shortly after building up. words like a mantra as he made precision it threw at the corporals him but with his hand trapped he other over, unbalanced, George he’d had to bail out of his own his way through the training feet. knew he was reasonably safe from was at his side any excuse for a plane. He pulled out his uniform now ground. A make shift gym had “PICK IT UP” any attack. scrap. He struggled to get his breath- neatly folded up on a chair in the been set up in the corner, vari- Jack held his ground he was He kept his eyes trained on “Nice right hook Captain.” He ing under control, in the day he corner of his room, no one shared ous other bits of kit where lying stood about two feet away now; him. “Didn’t hear anything did said looking down at Jones. could just about get from hour to his room, he was the Captain. He around, practice aids and devices. the tin landed at the young man’s you George?” George walked for- Jack rolled his eyes. “You so hour concentrating on training his had a small dark wooden desk, He ignored the name calling, feet. ward, his hands in pockets non- much as look at me funny, so men, his squadron of men, but it a dark wooden wardrobe for his it was nothing he hadn’t heard “You pick up it Captain, sure chalant as usual. much as breathe near any of my was at night that the nightmares clothes, his bunk and a chair; before at his last posting, he knew you’d really like me to bend down “No Captain I didn’t, reckon you men, my squad and I will make plagued his mind. Yet this time he didn’t need much else it was that men would react badly and wouldn’t you?” Jack’s temper flared should apply more pressure.” He sure you’re finished. You see I his dreams had been muddled by a temporary accommodation he knew those that would just hearing the corporal’s blatant dis- stood back and watched with an was under the impression we thoughts of the mysterious Cap- after all he was moving on soon. shrug it off. Lost in his thoughts regard for his rank. impish smile on his face. were meant to fight the enemy not tain James Harper, if that was his Getting dressed he fastened the he felt something whistle past his “You really are a nasty bit of “I think that’s a very good idea.” ourselves.” Jack turned around and name, he was sure Toshiko had buttons of his jacket, made sure left ear, it brought him back to the work, trust me Jones you are not He applied more pressure, he beckoned to George to follow suit. called him Jack but maybe he’d his uniform was neat and tidy, if a present, he swung around, clearly my type or anybody else’s for that knew if he put much more on he’d “I need breakfast and you didn’t misheard her. job was worth doing it was worth somebody either didn’t have a very matter, now PICK THE GOD- break bones. Just above a whisper see any of that right?” After all the time he’d spent doing right. good aim or they’d missed on pur- DAMN TIN UP.” Jones said sorry. The two men walked out of the with the other Captain, he wished He left his room, locking the pose. He frowned, bent down to Corporal Jones narrowed his “Not loud enough.” hall and across the gravel path to he could have had longer to speak door behind himself, he made pick the black boot polish tin up, eyes knowing he was out ranked. He heard the younger man suck the NAAFI. to him, to find out why he was so his way down the corridor, he standing straight he looked among He bent down to pick up the tin, in a breath; he knew he was in “See what?” He grinned. keen on him treating each night was staying at the base where he the group of men now assembled his fingers closed over it he shout- pain. “Sorry.” “Thanks for the help back like it was his last. He puffed out could make sure his men trained in the hall, he cleared his throat. ed out in pain as Jack’s heavy boot Jack sniffed in “Hmm George there.” his cheeks. and were prepared correctly. He “Somebody should be more stamped down on his hand. what do you think, did that sound George shrugged. “That’s ok “Get a grip of yourself Hark- was pleased with how they had careful with their kit, we’re all on Jack kept his face impartial. right to you?” George grinned at Captain I was coming to warn you ness.” He told himself out loud. progressed from boys with no rations you know even this stuff The others had all backed off now. the captain, he licked his lips. as it happens that some of the men Today was important; he’d spend idea and didn’t know one end of is hard to get new.” He held the George had run into the room, but “He didn’t address you by your had heard about what happened the early part of it going over last a plane from another but with small round tin up in his hand and he stood back, he’d only help if he correct name, bit rude really.” last night. You know at the end minute small things with his men his help and encouragement they scanned the room. “Clearly one of thought the Captain needed the Jack liked George he was a but well you didn’t really need my and then they were going up on were ready, well as ready as any- you wants to say something, have help. good lad, he was the most promis- help, I’d have broken his hand, he’s a sortie, the last one for the men body would ever be for war, it was you never heard of the concept of Corporal Jones tried to yank ing of them all, he could fly better a bully and nobody likes a bully.” before they were posted elsewhere. a cruel mistress after all. conversation?” his hand free, he would learn this than any of the rest and his aim He grinned. “As my Mum would He got out of his bunk bed, and He rolled his eyes as he got wolf His eyes settled on one of the lesson the hard way. was perfect, he could be a pain in say, treat others how you’d like to stood up stretching, his back still whistles from some of the other corporals, he wasn’t in his squad “Well well it seems I have you the damn ass trying to keep an eye be treated and be prepared to take pained him sometimes but like RAF service men and soldiers on he was with another and he’d had at a disadvantage, so I think you on him but deep down he was ok. what you give out.” everything else it was war time site. He sighed inwardly of course issues with him before. He was a were about to say sorry, because if “You are very right, Corporal Jack grinned. “You often speak and he knew it’d be fine for now. news of the dance and kiss had bully nothing more nothing less you don’t I’m going to break your Jones didn’t, see you’re gonna have of your mother, she should be very But something else bothered him, clearly got around but he held his and Jack hated him. He raised a hand and it’ll be nothing you don’t to work on saying sorry.” proud of you; you have done well he could still hear the Captain. head high as he made way through brow at the young man, his whole deserve you jumped up little boy.” Jones sucked in another breath so far.”

Jack inhaled the smell of warm stamps, but right now he didn’t George was tall, had a shock of could without anyone overhearing thought things were back on so to he walked through the back of the food wafting through the air, it care how they’d got it as long as he messy brown hair, with pale skin his conversation. speak, she’s a nice girl but if you building, out onto the airstrip, the made him realize he was really could eat it. He smiled a full meg- and brown eyes but he attracted “Looks its all-right Jack, I think don’t wanna see her and she won’t smile on Jack’s face was resound- very hungry now. With ration- awatt smile at the older woman. trouble like a magnet. He was I understand. I can wait, I know listen to you, write her a letter ing as he saw the lines of Super- ing in force the girls would cook “You are a saint, and as the originally from London and had you don’t want to mess me around or something.” He shrugged and marine Spitfire’s that were spaced what they could get, they’d set up saying goes, what you don’t know been drafted into the help along and I respect that but I meant watched Jack’s plate wondering if out and ready to taxi out later that a small garden behind the build- can’t tell.” he winked at her but as with many of the others that now what I said last night, after you he’d lose his appetite enough to day for their last training sortie. ing to grow their own vegetables he’d done so Nancy had heard his stayed or worked at the base. kissed me goodnight, I do love give up the second bit of bacon. He made his way towards the and had been quite successful in voice and turned around, another Jack had come to think of it as a you and I will wait.” Jack snarled as he ate his egg. spitfire at the very front of the their efforts. So the men never misunderstanding she flushed red full time occupation making sure He was so taken aback by her “A dear John letter, come on, do formation and ran his fingers over went without fresh vegetables but and walked over. George didn’t get into any major admission that he’d not noticed you really think that’s my style?” the surface of the plane he could it was the simple things like real “I’ll serve Captain Harkness, trouble, and of course that was her slipping extra portions of ba- They ate their breakfast in silence reach from the ground. He smiled eggs and meat that Jack missed the Joyce, you serve George out, looks how he’d met the other Captain con and a sausage on to his plate. as Jack thought about the idea of at it like an old friend. He started most. He smiled as he picked up like he’ll expire if we don’t feed when Jack had to step in to split She gave him a small wink and penning a letter to her. Maybe it to climb the ladder that allowed the tray and made his way towards him soon.” Joyce frowned but up a fight. He was quick with turned around to get his drink. could work once and for all and he him to get access to the cockpit. the counter, the dried egg powder didn’t want to start a fight with his fists but it didn’t make him a “There you go, that’ll set you up could move on to his next assign- The spitfire was a large plane, 11 wasn’t too bad but it didn’t taste her, she’d been crying when she’d bad soldier it just meant Jack had nicely for the rest of the day now.” ment and not have to worry. foot high and 29ft long with a the same as real egg and it lacked arrived. to keep a closer eye on him than Jack smiled at her as he walked Jack looked up from his empty wing span of 36ft it was easy to be imagination. It was either scram- Jack stood rooted to the spot. any of the others. He sometimes away, George followed after him plate. intimidated by the size of it, but bled egg or nothing. Please don’t let her think I was wished he would be more like and sat down at the same table. “Are you coming with me to run Jack loved his plane, he treated His heart sank when he saw winking at her. She smiled at Tim, quiet, well mannered and an “Oi how comes you have more the checks on the planes? It’s gon- it well and knew everything he Nancy stood with her back to him; him, she was pretty attractive he impeccably good navigator. bacon that me?” na be your job after I’ve gone.” needed to know and more about he knew it was her, even in uni- couldn’t deny that and she had George flew the best and his “Take if you want it that badly.” George frowned he didn’t like it. form. Her blonde hair gave her a good heart that was one of the aim was faultless but his navigat- Jack hadn’t meant to snap at the the idea of Jack moving on, he’d He’d tried to pass on his knowl- away, now neatly tucked up into a reasons he’d been drawn to her in ing was awful but he was improv- younger man but he was angry got used to him, grown closer edge to his men but just had to bun and fixed under her hat. the first place, but now she was ing. at himself for not setting Nancy to him and respected him, even hope they’d have as much respect He wondered if she’d heard labouring under some misunder- “I think she’s just pleased I’m straight about their situation or when he was pulling him out of for their planes as he did for his. about what happened after she’d standing that they where more not in jail and earning an honest lack of. “All right Captain keep fights or talking him down from He looked over his shoulder and left and then he’d recalled her tell- than what they were. living.” your hair on.” losing his temper, he was likely the saw his crew now all running the ing him she loved him. He’d really “Look about last night..” she cut Jack liked that he was honest, George didn’t care if he was best friend he’d ever had not that same checks. George was stood not wanted to hear that admission over the top of him. sometimes he could be quite sar- the captain or not his changes of he’d ever tell him that it just wasn’t on the ground next to his own but that’s what he thought was “I heard what happened after castic with it but he knew his place mood where starting to get on his how he was. He got up from the plane just behind Jack’s. another fault of the mysterious I left, it’s all I’ve heard all morn- and he’d not really crossed the line nerves. He sipped at his cup of table picking his and Jack’s empty “You know what Captain, you Captain, after he’d pretty much ing Jack..” she started to ladle the with it. tea and studied Jack’s line of sight plates and cups. look at your plane like it’s your made him go and say goodbye scrambled egg onto his plate. “I turning in his chair he saw Nan- “Sure thing Captain, I’ll be right lover.” Jack knew he was teasing properly. wasn’t sure if I wanted to know The NAAFI was a long build- cy giving him a small wave. He along.” but he was also partly right. Jack liked her, but he’d have to why you’d kissed another man but ing at the end of the gravel path lifted his hand and waved back but Jack stood up; he tried to read “You know what George not move on soon enough and he’d then just as I was thinking about way, behind it was various other wished he hadn’t when he saw the the troubled expression on the you’re not far wrong there, you see not wanted her to develop deeper you, and wondering what I should smaller hangars that backed onto look of rage on the Captain’s face. other man’s face but George was a the secret to being a good lover, feelings for him, he knew deep do, you walk in and you make the landing strip. The inside had “Its all right I know she’s your girl closed book. He’d lost his Dad at or in this case, the secret to not down he didn’t want her and he’d my heart skip just hearing your various posters up along the walls don’t panic.” He made himself an early age and was full of rage having your ass blown out of sky is been trying to let her down gently voice.” Her voice had dropped to around where tables were situat- busy eating his food before it went when he came to the training to know now to handle your lover, for a while now but everything a hushed tone and her face was ed. Some depicted ‘Your country cold. ground that first day. He’d been how to make her perform how he’d tried seem to make her like red again. needs you’ whereas others where Jack stabbed at the lone sausage volatile. Jack had lost count at you need her to but also having him even more. Jack reached over the coun- various advertising ones, soap and with his knife and fork. “She’s not the number of times he’d pulled the skills to coax the best out of “You’re in luck today Captain we ter and touched her arm gently. so on. As the two men walked into my girl though that’s the problem.” him out of a fight, he didn’t seem her too, to attend to her needs and managed to get some extra bacon, “Look Nancy you’re a real nice girl the building they headed for the Through a mouthful of food to respect anybody’s boundaries, make sure you’re careful not to best you don’t ask how.” and you have a kind heart.” He’d serving hatch where a group of George spoke. “I thought you Jack taught him the hard way not damage her.” He smiled at the news, he knew glanced sideways and a few more NAAFI girls where neatly dressed looked a bit funny when she was to cross his and he hoped George George shook his head at the some of the lads had been dealing men had come in since they had, in their uniforms. talking to you, but then you went respected him for it. captains animated speech, Tim on the black market for ration he wanted to get away as fast as he and touched her arm like that, I Jack gave Nancy a small wave as stood half way up the ladder to his own plane and was blushing to his than what I can give you. Maybe hand into his jacket pocket pulling the mountains of the Welsh coun- eh!” out another three of the enemy roots as he eyed the Captain. if things had have been different out the sealed envelope. “Look I tryside. Jack was showing them The other men all agreed. Jack planes, then knowing they’d be out “Aww look you made Tim blush maybe we could have been all that know it’s highly strange for me to how to fly in battle how to tilt the had a heated debate with the base, numbered if they didn’t turn tail how sweet.” One of the others you wanted. ask you to do this but would you wings to avoid being hit and he but he was too far away to tail his the Messerschmits turned and left, called out. I wish you all the happiness take a letter to Nancy for me?” He watched as they all soon started to men back and even if he ordered but the small squad chased them “Shut up and get on with your in the world because simply you really hoped he’d agree. show him that they were ready for them to he knew they’d not go. off making sure they didn’t come checks, make sure you’re fully deserve it. All my love, Jack. X” George pulled a face. real battle. Soon the sound of battle filled the back, it was only when they were equipped to fly today, this is your “What now? Don’t we have to They’d been up in the air for air, bullets being fired from all safe to turn around did George last drill before it becomes the real Jack let the air out of his lungs be up in the air soon?” an hour when Jack felt the blood parties, they did what they had start to look for his team. thing so no half measures, your he’d been holding without realiz- Jack handed him the letter. drain from his face, his hands been taught in practice. “This is gonna make the best life will depend on how you han- ing it as he folded the letter up and “No not now, later on when we gripped the spitfire’s controls as George watched in awe as Jack story for down the pub boys.” dle your planes one of these days.” wrote her name on the envelope, come back, my new posting will he saw two formations of Mess- took out one, two and three of the He was still celebrating but putting it into the pocket of his be in soon, well I’m leaving with erschmits in the distance. He German opposition, he listened something was missing, he After giving George the go jacket he got up from the table. the other men in the next few days knew he had two options, one of to the captains whoops of joy as scanned the horizon for Jack. ahead to set his plane up for him, After that day’s flight exercise he and I don’t want to have to hand it them he’d never ever do, he was the planes started to fall with the “Captain? You did a blinder there.” he went back to his room in the knew he’d be leaving in the next to her myself. Please?” He added confident of his men’s abilities and small squadron firing and doing He’d heard Jack’s whoops for joy base, his mind focused on writ- few days, his next post would be more desperately. George smiled he knew they had a half decent all they could to take out the Ger- but then he’d gone quiet and he’d ing the letter to Nancy, she was a through and he’d be gone, she’d taking the letter making sure he chance of taking some of the man opposition. not heard anything since, it was problem he didn’t want to have have time to read the letter after made good care of putting it his German planes down before they Jack pumped the air with his Smiler who came back to him to deal with later on. He pushed he’d left, he wanted to avoid any jacket pocket. reached Cardiff and could do any fist, shouting his joy at removing over the radio, and he’d been at the open the small window and sat tears from Nancy. He gave his “She better not slap me for giv- damage. He was reminded of the three of the Messerschmits but back of the formation seeing it all, down at his desk, pulling out some room one last glance and for rea- ing this to her in your place.” he words spoken to him by the mys- then as he’d dipped to fire at one helpless to do anything. paper and a pen, he began his sons he couldn’t work out he was grinned. terious Captain and he was right, at an angle to him he’d been hit, “I think his plane was hit, looked task. He sat back in the chair half nervous as he headed out to the “Thank you George, maybe hang his men did have to know what to Jack tried to level up the wings pretty bad, but sure he would have an hour later and read it aloud to air strip. around and make sure she read it expect. but something wasn’t right, the bailed.” George felt sick, as he himself. The group of now uniformed for me yeah..” George rolled his He spoke in a calm and meas- smoke was filling up the small braved a look over as he dipped men were waiting for him. He eyes. ured way, a pep talk. cockpit area. The radio was dead his wings to see the countryside “Dearest Nancy, found George loitering around “You’ll be wanting me to kiss her “Men in the distance is what he couldn’t call for help and even and below them he saw a plane While our time together over at the bottom of the ladder of his better at this rate.” I think to be two formations of if he could he wasn’t risking his free falling so close to the ground, the last few weeks has been enjoy- plane. Jack ignored the retort about German Messerschmits planes, men. but he couldn’t see the captain. If able, I am writing to you as I find “Can I talk to you?” Georges’ staying away from her and turned now they won’t be expecting to see His head was fuzzy now as he he had bailed he would be some- I can’t seem to be able to think eyebrows shot up, the Captain to walk back to his plane. us but again we weren’t expecting tried to lift the emergency exit le- where he was convinced but never straight when faced with you. As didn’t look very happy about “Come on, time we were up in to see them. However, this is what ver, he’d bail like he had in the past having had to bail he didn’t know you know my posting to another something. the air, no time like the present, you have trained for, this is what but as he looked up flames licked for sure. location will be coming through “Sure what is it?” while we have good light.” we do, and we take out the enemy at the edges of the glass sealing “We need to get back to base.” any day now, and I could be Jack walked on a bit a further and make damn sure that whatev- him to his fate. His whole plane posted anywhere in the country. away from the planes and waited After getting the all clear from er happens, we do what we have was on fire and falling fast, As the small formation of While I find it hard to explain how for the young man to catch him the control room all of the men to do to take them out before they “Well they say a Captain always spitfire’s landed back in Wales I feel about you, I have enjoyed up. taxied down the runway and reach Cardiff. So you do what I goes down with his ship..” The the men all climbed out, but they our time together. You have a “Captain I swear I don’t know were up in the air. The sound of taught you and we’ll be just fine. I funny thing was that even though were greeted by Major Williams, kind heart and your beauty and anything about how those ciga- the engine and the rotary blades have faith in you, we can do this, Jack knew he was going to die he a short fat balding man. George good nature will one day mean rettes got around.” Jack laughed; mixed with the sound of the wind they may outnumber but not in wasn’t scared, he’d done what he didn’t hear what he was shouting the world to a man, who will look he waved away what George was as they flew in a V formation. Jack spirit.” could and now he’d just have to about taking risks, he only heard after you and take care of you and talking about with his hands. preferred that formation, it meant He dipped one wing and with see what the next chapter held for him make a back handed com- you will want for nothing. But “I knew that was you all along they stuck together with George a rush of adrenalin he felt his eyes him. ment about the fact Jack had lost I can’t be that man, I have tried but that’s not what I want to talk on one side of him and Tim on become sharper, he was in battle Death was it so bad... maybe he another plane. The blood boiled to tell you in recent days that we to you about, would you do me a the other, with that formation they mode. wouldn’t die.. he mused before he his veins and he lashed out his fist can’t have a relationship, not the favour?” were a force to be reckoned with. “ Whose with me boys?” George passed out. connecting with the man’s face. way you wish me to be with you, it George licked his dry lips, “De- The sky was perfect, the early was first to respond. “You stand there and act like wouldn’t be right and I will not see pends what you want?” afternoon sun shone through the “Lets give ‘em hell, send ‘em George and Tim formed a your some big deal but our CAP- you be used. You deserve better Jack sighed and slipped his clouds that hung to the edges of back to where they come from smaller formation together taking TAIN could be dead out there for all you know and you don’t to look for him. He kicked at the here, but whatever happens, he is even care. You don’t care that we side of the metal Anderson shelter a good man Nancy.” She smiled at chased away two formations of that sat near the NAAFI, he kicked him. German planes, you aren’t even at it over and over until he slid “I know that.. I just I need to asking us if we saw him bail out? down the side of it, he’d never had know what’s in there.. Please can I All you care about is figures and many friends before, nobody back see it..” how it looks on paper.” home liked him much he was a He handed it over somewhat Tim and Smiler pulled him jack the lad and had always been reluctantly and waited for her to back, knowing what his temper in trouble but Jack had looked out read it. She opened up the en- was like and how close he was to for him and made sure he’d done velope and pulled out the letter, the captain. Major Williams had his duties and his job. her hands shook and tears rolled seen worse in his career and knew At first he’d rebelled but after down her face. with emotions running high he’d a while he enjoyed what he was “Oh George what if he’s died.. I just put his foot in it, these were doing and he respected Jack for can’t do it.. you read it!” boys fresh out of training and he’s putting him through his paces. He looked at her like she’d lost been insensitive. He reached into his jacket pocket her mind, he didn’t want to be the “How bad was Captain Hark- for his cigarettes and lighter, but one that was reading the possible ness’ plane?” his fingers found the envelope that last thoughts of Jack but sighed Smiler wanted to give a precise Jack had given him. He pulled it and did it anyway. Tim stood by description. “It was on fire, and out of his pocket and sat looking the truck waiting to go and search falling fast, I’m not sure if I saw at it, he wasn’t sure what to do, for the fallen plane. him bail or not.” maybe he should wait for him to “George are you coming or George watched the major come back, maybe he’d have to what?!” He wanted to go but he intently. He was itching his head, stay for a while if he was hurt but also had promised Jack he’d look “I’ll have a team go and recky he’d told him to give it to Nancy. out for Nancy, a promise he’d see near where it came down, if he’s He pulled himself up off the through to the end. out there we will find him boys.” ground and went in search of “No you guys go, you’re better he smiled at the small group, two Nancy was was stood outside at knowing where it would have of them still holding the angry watching the men get ready to go come down anyway.” He walked young man. “I’ll let it slip what and locate the fallen plane. Tim with Nancy back inside. “I’ll get you did today and put it down to was at the front of them, he’d you a cup of tea to settle your inexperienced and high emotions know a location by now. nerves.” but if you ever do anything like She turned to look at him, her Nancy smiled through her that again I’ll have you out of here face streaked with tears, he wasn’t tears. faster than you can count to five, sure if he should give it to her, “Thanks George for looking after do I make myself understood?!” maybe it was best not to, after all me.” He grinned at her. George nodded but said noth- what if he had gone down with “No problem Nancy, he’ll be ok, ing. As the Major walked away the plane.. he was about to shove you just wait and see.” He wasn’t Tim and Smiler let go of him. it back in his pocket but it was too convinced he was talking the truth “Just don’t do anything mental... late. but if it made her feel better than yeah?!” Tim was well versed in “Is that my name on there?” she it was worth it. how to handle himself he’d gone asked her voice lower than nor- to a private school he’d taken stick mal. from a lot of the boys about that “Um.. yes but I’m not sure I but he knew what George was like should give it to you.. after what.. when he was in a rage. well you know..” He’d never really George had to believe that the asked what it was Jack had written captain had bailed, he couldn’t and now he wished he’d looked think of him as dead not for one but she held her hand out for it. moment, he had to calm down He chewed his lip. enough to go on the recky party “Look I don’t know what’s in than the hardware or setting. stuff. A few years ago, around the time when THE WRITERS TALE: How much preparation, notes, I was writing Wishing do you make for each book or Well and Something in like RTD do you just write? the Water, I was also Not a huge amount, but I do like writing a hell of a lot TREVOR BAXENDALE to jot a few reminders and work of comic strips for from the synopsis that was agreed Doctor Who Ad- Trevor Baxendale is an author Comics, Doctor Who annuals, Big for myself, or fanzines) it wasn’t with the publisher. I sometimes ventures and short who has written several Doctor Finish Doctor Who Audio Stories until Virgin started to publish breakdown the next chapter or stories for Torch- wood Magazine and Who novels featuring the and Big Finish Bernice Summer- original Doctor Who novels in the section into a rough list of objec- sundry other things. Eighth Doctor, past Doctor Ad- field Series. 1990s, many of them written by tives or key moments. I was writing every ventures, New Series Adventures, fans, that I realised I might be able evening, all week. The Darksmith Legacy, Decide I spoke to Trevor recently about to have a go myself. Writing for Doctor Who and I went for nearly your Destiny, Torchwood novels, his involvement within the Doctor Torchwood, are you given any two years on 5 short stories, Short Trips, The Who Universe and also about the Did you start out writing fan fic- kind of briefing as to what you highs and lows of being a writer. tion on Doctor Who sites before hours or less sleep can and cannot do with the char- a night. I was you went professional, or how acters, etc? a wreck by the Have you always did you start? Not specifically. BBC Books hire had a passion end of it! It was Not on websites – I’m a bit older you because they trust you and slightly easier for writing, than that! – but certainly in print- because you pretty well know when my kids when did you ed fanzines. I wrote a few short the rules already. They will only were small; I get the bug for stories for the DWAS Merseyside stop you doing something if it seem to have writing and can Local Group fanzines in the 1980s. clashes with what they already less time than have planned, and that’s usually you remember ever now. Nev- What was the first book that established in the early stages of the first story er. I don’t really the commission. Otherwise it’s a you wrote? inspired you to write? Have you always been a fan of understand what it is. Wanting to matter of common sense. If you’re Yes, I’ve always Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Doctor Who and which if you write but not being able to start writing a book featuring Amy and enjoying reading Burroughs. It had a profound until the end of the day – some- Rory or Gwen and Rhys you’re not have one, was your favourite stories and it’s effect on me at the age of 11. After times the end of the evening – is going to be able to kill them off or Doctor Who as you were grow- natural (or so that it was probably comics that not good though. I tend to find it’s permanently maim them. ing up? I always as- inspired me to make up stories all about preparation. If you’re too and write them, and draw them. I’ve always loved Doctor Who. sumed) to want My family were already regular tired and you’re not ready to write, to tell your own. Marvel Comics, DC, superheroes, On a slightly more personal then it won’t come easily. and of course the British adven- note, because writing is such viewers, but Jon Pertwee was the I started out Doctor when I started watching wanting to be a ture comics of the 70s – Warlord, a lonely profession, does your Were the Daleks one of your Action, and the incomparable and as a child. So Tom Baker was the comic artist and family understand your need to ultimate enemies of the Doctor, still wonderful 2000AD. first Doctor I saw right from the so wrote and write, by locking yourself away start of his time, and that always or your favourites? drew a lot of my in your den or wherever you The Daleks are iconic to Doctor What is it about the sci-fi genre has a big impact. Matt Smith is own superhero write, or do/did you find it hard my favourite now. I genuinely Who, and always top of the list. It that you like, that compels you stories when I especially if you have children don’t think anyone has captured was a privilege to be able to write was a teenager. to put pen to paper? who demand your time? that mercurial, unknowable alien Prisoner of the Daleks. So they would I’m not sure it’s the sci-fi genre It’s very difficult because it is quality as well as him since Tom. have been my itself that compels me to write – something you have to do (I once But I’ve said before that I tend to What advice would you give to a first stories. The but in that particular field it gives heard a writer defined as ‘some- find the one I’m watching is my budding author trying to make illustration side the writer the chance to be really one who cannot not write’.) But favourite! it out there as a serious writer of of things never creative and to put characters it is solitary, and not very fam- really took off, in extraordinary situations. It’s sci fi or any genre? ily-friendly. I work full time so How often do you have writer’s though – and although I contin- all about the characters and the I really don’t feel qualified to an- Official Torchwood Magazine, any writing I do is only spare time block and how do you combat it? ued to write short stories (mainly adventure for me, though, rather swer this! I’m still trying to make it myself! Doctor. I’m also a regular contrib- write for magazines/newspaper my own which I am working a team from the utor to the comic strip in Doctor etc? on to have published at some year after Alex Who is your favourite com- Who Adventures, featuring Matt I had a couple of pitches reject- point this year if I can. I won- killed the staff panion of the Doctor, you can Smith’s Doctor. ed by Virgin in the early days of dered how many you might have off on new years choose up to 3? I don’t have an overall favourite original Doctor Who novels in the received in your time as a writer. Day 2000 would Doctor –it’s generally whoever Donna, Tegan, Sarah (Jane). No 1990s, but was sufficiently encour- And also even as a professional you consider a I’m watching, or writing for, at the particular order. Sarah is the com- aged by the feedback to try again writer do you still receive rejec- storyline idea time! – when BBC Books took over the panion paradigm. Donna was, for tions even now? from that? licence after the Paul McGann me, the most ‘real’ person. Tegan Oh yes. Some pitches are rejected, I would Are you allowed when you write TV movie. Steve Cole, the com- fascinates me - what makes her some are accepted. Some are put consider it, Torchwood to elaborate any on missioning editor at the time, was tick? I’ve a tremendous soft spot on hold – and then never come of course, kind enough to get back to me on for Harry Sullivan though, and the the information about the char- to fruition! Some are rejected but because I’m the pitch that (eventually!) be- wonderful Ian Chesterton. acters? Are you given a full bio then reworked and accepted. It’s a writer and came The Janus Conjunction, my of each character? hard at first, but you get used to it. I don’t like first Doctor Who book. But I had When you’re writing about a Yes you can elaborate a bit, but You win some, you lose some. But to refuse never written professionally before group of characters, do you fa- not wildly. Obviously it will be you always keep trying. the chance and was a complete unknown. vour one more than the others? checked and vetted and if it’s not of work! I Inevitably, I think – but I do try to right or they don’t want it, out it Are you writing anything at the certainly wouldn’t rule In the books you’ve written to which balance it as fairly as the story de- goes. I was never given any biog- moment? out ‘past’ Torchwood adventures. date for Doctor Who and Torch- mands. If you’re writing a Torch- raphies. As a professional writer I’m always involved with Doctor episodes have been wood novel, for instance, you have you should come into the project wood, what adventure would you Who Adventures, writing the Is it always best to have a liter- your favourites. Same with Doc- to make sure everyone in the team with a good understanding of like to write next for either? comic strip whenever I can. It’s ary agent or can you cut out the tor Who? where the boundaries are; these is fairly represented. It’s the profes- Any! Obviously I’d love to do an- a lot harder than people think, middle man and go straight to That’s a toughie! And too hard to sional thing to do. aren’t your characters after all so other Dalek book – I think there because it’s only 4 pages and the the publisher? Being an un- answer, really. I’m sorry, I’m use- you shouldn’t be seeking to change is more to be done with Dalek X. less at favourites. I enjoyed series guidelines are stringent given the known writer, I am finding it Who is easier to write about in what you know about them al- I deliberately didn’t kill him off at 2 of Torchwood much more than age-range of the readership. It’s a exceedingly difficult finding any- Torchwood? ready, or add major bits of history. the end – it doesn’t look good for series 1, though, if that helps! skill and a discipline. Sometimes one willing to take a chance on Jack, no contest. What a character! You’ve got your own characters in him, it’s true, but he swore to get they can be a bit lightweight or an unknown writer unless you He’s so full-on, larger than life and the story too – you can do what his revenge like all good villains throwaway, but sometimes they If someone wanted to have their with loads of backstory – but also, you like with them! should… I’d definitely like to write can be wonderful. It is profoundly happen to be a celebrity. book signed by you, do you I have managed without one so despite all we know about him, a book for the Eleventh Doctor, satisfying when you get it right. appear at any conventions etc, or far, but I’m not sure if that would quite a mystery. I found Gwen When a book becomes an audio because Matt Smith’s portrayal is There have been some very fine can they send the book to your work out well outside of Doctor the hardest, I think. I could never version, how much involvement so wonderfully vivid and unique. stories in DWA, and there are Who etc where I am a known agent or publisher to be passed really get on her wavelength; I felt do you have on the edits made I liked the character of Rex in some I’m hugely proud of. I love writer. I would recommend get- on to you, for a signing? no empathy at all with her. for it? Torchwood: Miracle Day; I’d enjoy DWA; I’ve learned a hell of a lot ting an agent if you are serious The publisher will pass them on I think I was offered Wishing Well writing a novel with him in. about writing, editing and pacing about writing. There’s plenty of to me for signing. I have appeared Have you written about any oth- to abridge for the audio version, doing those comic strips. at book launches and other events er Doctor other than Tennant’s but I didn’t have the time and was When you write, do you have stuff on the Internet about how to go about this – lots of literary and signed, but not very often. I’m 10th? Was he easier to write for, happy for someone else to do it. total peace and quiet, or is there If you had a super power what agents have websites and guid- more than happy to sign books if as in his character of the Doctor, These things are usually always on a special piece of music that would it be? asked. It’s a privilege and a pleas- a very tight schedule! Prisoner of inspires you to write certain ance, but you only have to walk or have you another favourite? Invisibility. But then I sometimes into a bookshop to see what a ure. the Daleks was better – the first scenes? I wrote Doctor Who books for the think I may have that power al- crowded market it is already. But Doctor Who audio book to be re- If I do play music then it is usually BBC before the new series started ready… there are many smaller, independ- (Please turn over for a look at leased complete and unabridged! Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, or in 2005 – four for Paul McGann’s ent publishers and most have sub- Trevor’s work in Doctor Who and Metallica. Draw your own conclu- Eighth Doctor and one for the If there was a chance of writing mission guidelines (even if they Torchwood Books!) How and where did you start sions! Generally I end up writing Fifth Doctor, Peter Davison. I’ve about the lives of characters be- will only accept them via agents) as a writer? How did you put with the TV on in the background written short stories for the First, fore the present group of Torch- on their websites. Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Doc- yourself on the map as it were, (like now) or in silence. wood cast, ie, before Owen, To- tors and an audio drama featuring for people to follow your work? shiko, Ianto etc. Where Jack had In series 1 and 2 of Torchwood Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Were you a journalist at first, or I have written a sci fi series of novel to feature the death of a seem at first glance. But the village companion, although the death is is about to get a rude awakening. retroactively prevented through the use of a Temporal Orbit by the The Doctor and his friends dis- Doctor. Sam knows there’s a cub- cover they aren’t the only Time byhole above the ‘P’ of the TARD- Travellers in the area, a crack IS outside Police Box. The concept commando team is also prowling of a ‘temporal orbit’ first occurred the Wiltshire countryside, charged in DW: Doctor Who. Humans with the task of recovering an ap- travelled out into the galaxies pallingly dangerous artefact from using star charts and technology the far future -- and they have left behind by the Daleks after the orders to destroy the entire area, 22nd Century Dalek invasion. should anything go wrong. The Doctor “parks” the TARDIS in a ‘temporal orbit’ to spend time And then there are the wasps, working on a cure for the Janusian mutant killers bringing terror and radiation sickness. Technically in death in equal measure. What is the time that it takes him to get to their purpose? How can they be the TARDIS while on Janus Prime, stopped? And who will be their monsters. And he knows that on across countless solar systems. Sam dies of radiation sickness, next victim? treasure, or visitors just making sometimes they can still be there And now the future of our galaxy The Janus Conjunction: which means the Doctor travelled In the race to stop the horror that a wish. Unless something alien when you wake up. And when the hangs in the balance... The Doctor back in time along his own time has been unleashed, the Doctor and terrifying could be lurking horror is more than just a memo- finds himself stranded on board a Plot: The planets Janus Prime and line and then parked in a temporal must outwit both the temporal hit inside the well. Something utterly ry, there is nowhere to hide. starship near the front line with a Menda are diametrically opposed orbit. squad, who want him out of the monstrous that causes nothing in orbit around a vast Red Giant Even here, today, tonight... in but death and destruction. But group of ruthless bounty hunters. way, and the local police -- who the most ordinary of homes, and star. But while Menda is rich and want him for murder. who knows the real truth about against the most ordinary people, Earth Command will pay them fertile in the light of the sun, Janus Notes: the well? Who wishes to unleash the terror will strike. for every Dalek they kill, every Prime endures everlasting night, The origin of the psi-weapon and the hideous force it contains? A young boy will suffer terrifying eye stalk they bring back as proof. its moon causing a permanent the Time Agents is revealed in What terrible consequences will visions... With the Doctor’s help, the bounty solar eclipse. EDA: Emotional Chemistry. follow the search for a legendary ...and his family will encounter a hunters achieve the ultimate prize: They are the same Time Agents treasure hidden at the bottom? No deathless horror. a Dalek prisoner - intact, power- When the Doctor and Sam ar- mentioned by Magnus Greel. one wants to believe the Doctor’s Only the Doctor can help -- but less, and ready for interrogation. rive on Janus Prime, they find The Doctor claims to have been warnings about the deadly horror first, he must uncover the fear- But where the Daleks are involved, themselves in the middle of a war a sailor in 1933, during his stay lying in wait - but soon they’ll some secret of the Deadstone nothing is what it seems, and no between rival humans colonising on Earth and tells Fitz he cannot wish they had... Memorial. one is safe. Before long the tables the area. The planet is littered with dance a jig, “but I’ll show you my Notes: The Doctor’s Gladstone will be turned, and how will the ancient ruins, and the Mendans tattoo if you’re lucky.” Notes: The Doctor also takes bag contains Gobstoppers, Fizz Doctor survive when he becomes are using a mysterious hyperspa- He insists to Anji he can think and Martha to Vega Opsis System, the Bombs, Jelly Babies, an Eagle com- a prisoner of the Daleks? tial link left behind by the planet’s sleep at the same time. Italian Renaissance, and to the former inhabitants. But what is its ic from the 1950s and a psionic Frozen Castles of the Ice Warriors. Notes: Koral’s unique ability, of beam locator. The Doctor speaks being able to extend blades from true purpose? The Deadstone Memorial: The story was released as an audi- The Doctor and Sam must piece to an image of The Master in a obook on 2x CD read by Debbie her fingers, may be a reference to together a centuries-old puzzle. mirror in the Tardis and demands Chazen. the “Razorgirls” of the sci-fi novel Plot: There is no such thing as a to know who he is. Neuromancer. (It might also be How can Janus Prime’s moon good night. weigh billions of tons more than it Prisoner of the Daleks: a reference to X-Men as Wolver- You may think you can hide away ine and Lady Deathstrike among should? Why is the planet riddled Eater of Wasps: in dreams. Safely tucked up in Wishing Well: other characters can also do this.) with deadly radiation? As the bed, nothing can touch you. Plot: The Daleks are advancing, violence escalates around them, their empire constantly expanding The Daleks have visual records of Plot: The Tardis lands in the sleepy But, as every child knows, there Plot: The old village well is just a all the Doctor’s pre-Time War in- will the time travellers survive to village of Marpling in England. as are bad dreams. And bad dreams into Earth’s space. The Earth forces discover the answers? curiosity - something to attract are resisting the Daleks in every carnations. The Doctor was able to calm and peaceful as any other vil- are where the monsters are. tourists intrigued by stories of lost prevent himself growing a beard Notes: It is the first BBC Books lage in the 1930’s. Or so it would The Doctor knows all about way they can. But the battles rage during his five-day incarceration through sheer concentration. The Lightning at Neath Park By D.J Forrest

around his waist, tweed trousers around the Neath park area for as (They say that in a parallel tucked into over size work boots long as he could remember. Bar- universe it mirrors everything and a cotton scarf looped around ney Davies, his old drinking bud- that happens in our own. Yet in his dirty neck. His out of shape dy had passed on beneath the oak this particular universe the lives Panama hat sat beside him on the tree with its spreading boughs and bench, revealing a mop of greying hanging branches of canvas that of those who work in Torch- black hair that had denied the use hid them from the public on sum- wood 3 are somewhat different. of a comb for years and sat greasy mer nights, while young couples The Undertakers Gift: Although Toshiko Sato and and limp on his head. Alastair canoodled below them. Despite Owen Harper are no longer was pushing sixty if not more, but his age, Alastair could climb trees Plot: The Hokrala Corp lawyers there, the effects of the 456 did Something in the Water: age was irrelevant on the streets and would often sit watching the are back, and they’re suing planet not wipe out Ianto Jones and amongst the boxes of homeless world from his vantage point. Earth for mishandling the twen- rob Jack of a base, although it huddled under the arches, or the Heart of Stone: Plot: Dr Bob Strong’s GP surgery ty-first century! An assassin has did rob him of a grandson and benches along the Neath Park. He’d been busy watching young has being treating a lot of coughs been sent to remove Captain Jack alienate him from his daughter. Scott Thomas and his fair lady Plot: A single touch could turn and colds recently, far more than Harkness! And, a record num- It hadn’t always been like this friend as they made out below you to stone... forever! The Doc- is normal for the time of year. Bob However, they still have ber of aliens have been coming though. Alastair came from a ter- him. He’d pleasured himself no tor, Rory and Amy are surprised thinks there’s something up but Gwen but also two new Torch- through the Rift - it’s been a busy raced row of houses along Manger end till the early evening light to discover Moon rocks scattered he can’t think what. He seems to wood members. Madeleine week in Cardiff. Now, there are re- Road, where under the tarmac lay had given his location away to around a farm. But things get have caught it himself, whatever it Harker, a twenty year old med- ports of an extraordinary funeral the original cobbled stones that the young girl, who briefly saw even stranger when they discover is — he’s starting to cough badly ical student with knowledge cortege in the night time city, with he‘d ran along and played marbles a grimy face peering through where the moon rock is coming and there are flecks of blood in his mysterious pallbearers guarding a beyond her years and a pen- with his mates and had cycled the tree branches at them and from - a Rock Man is turning hanky. rotting cadaver that simply doesn’t chants for heavy metal music over and courted along in his day. screamed. everything he touches to stone! want to be buried. Torchwood and Charles James (CJ) Mitch- It had only been the last twenty Can the Doctor, Amy and Rory Saskia Harden has been found on should be ready for anything, but ell, a young drifter for whom years or so that he’d drifted onto It was after she’d ran, kicking find out what the creature wants a number of occasions submerged with Jack the target of an invisible Jack Harkness knows more than the streets after financial difficul- at Scott, who groaned and rolled before it’s too late? in ponds or canals but alive and killer, Gwen trapped in a forgot- he lets on, who is a computer ties when his mother passed on, over gripping his own tackle, that seemingly none the worse for ten crypt, and Ianto Jones falling hacker, and harbours a secret and the council had reclaimed the he’d seen the lightning strike hit Notes: H G Well and two of his wear. Saskia is not on any files, ex- desperately ill, could a world of house, slapped an order on the the Neath bandstand in the centre novels are mentioned, The War of cept in the medical records at Dr that only Jack knows about. suffering be the Undertaker’s gift door and bulldozed the terrace of the park. He’d jumped drop- the Worlds and The Time Ma- Strong’s GP practice. But Torch- This is Torchwood 3: Parallel to planet Earth? to make way for a new shopping ping the Meths bottle a few inches chine. Although he features as a wood’s priorities lie elsewhere: Universe) complex. Neath was still waiting from where the girl had once lain. companion in this novel, no image investigating ghostly apparitions Notes: The team use Abbadon, The for the complex, the pile of rubble, Scott yelled as he saw the bottle of Rory is used on the cover. Amy in South Wales, they have found Alastair Lukash glanced down Alien Sleepers and the Pharm to overgrown mounds of soil and de- appear and scrambled to his feet, pretends to show little interest a dead body. It’s old and in an at the grubby glass bottle in his prove the success of the TORCH- bris that became the waste ground pulling up his trousers and glanc- when Rory tells her the Doctor advanced state of decay. And it is grubbier right hand as he sat on WOOD Three. Harriet Derbyshire of replayed video games where ing into the tree unable to pick took him to the moon, saying still able to talk. the memorial bench dedicated was interested in the abduction of kids fired nerf pellets and catapult- out old Lukash. He jumped again “Been there, done that.” Although to a World War 1 veteran. He Francis Morgan. ed stones and grass clumps at each when he heard the second crack she admits she was joking, the Notes: Features the whole Torch- was wrapped up against the chill other. of lightning and turned, his finger Doctor and she did visit the moon wood cast. morning with two warm jackets Interview by D.J Forrest and thumb still holding the zip of in NSA Apollo 23. Book Overview by Louise Mills tied with hessian rope knotted Alastair had lived in and his jeans half way up. white lab coat embroidered with flippantly as he slipped his arms ”No thanks they’ll make me sick £60 fine for that.” he remained on his hips as if he owned the There had been a lot of light- a skull and flaming fire snaking into his great coat held out for him and I don’t really wanna have to dead pan. entire city. ning recently, not always a crack of through the skull on the back of by Ianto. stick my head out of the window.” Jack laughed, and while he “He has a point Jack, what are thunder, but the arcing across the it from a band she followed, and a “I don’t go looking for trouble, it she smiled. “But thanks for the waited for the team to gather their we looking for?” park had occurred several times in hand stitched embroidered Torch- just finds me.” Mitchell collected offer.” She stared out of the side kit flipped open his VM to take Jack climbed up the steps of the past month, then nothing for a wood logo on the front. Her attire up his ID and weapon, checked window at the cars and the houses readings from the park. If the lo- the metal structure slowly taking few weeks before lightning again. was black with black eye liner, a the magazine and slipped it inside that improved as they neared the cation was correct, they had to go in each step as if it were to rattle few studs on her lip, tongue and his coat, into the shoulder holster park. “Odd how the closer to the through the arch and head straight whatever was in the bandstand. Alastair stared as the flickers of over one eye, a scary looking he preferred than the clip on the park we go, the better the houses for the bandstand in the centre. Nothing reacted. He stepped light arced across the park picking twenty year old who on the inside back of his belt. are .” He turned on his heels and began inside the bandstand itself and out people as they walked their was a gentle but hardworking, take Maddy raised a brow at CJ as Jack glanced over his shoulder to walk ahead of them felt the chill air catching him but dogs, ran from trees screaming of no crap kind of person. She had she pulled her bag over her shoul- to where Maddy was looking and “I’ll plead ignorant, say I’m not it wasn’t alien, it was just the cool faces in branches and used them a distinct American accent like der. “Just a walk in the park eh... spied the mints in CJ’s hand. Welsh and couldn’t translate the shade from the roof and the res- to secure the lightning for an Mitchell but had never lived in the famous last words.” ”So that’s where that packet went. sign.” CJ smirked and walked on pite from the glaring hot sun. anchor. country; her accent came from CJ turned to look at her. “Don’t I thought you said you were after Jack, the kit in one hand. “Check underneath to see if the amount of TV shows she’d sat tempt fate. The sun is shining posting those where the sun didn’t Maddy shook her head at him. there’s anything there, anything at As Scott and Alastair stared, in front of over the years and her and the day is hot, last thing I shine Ianto.” he smirked sitting Ianto tutted. all.” He barked as he glanced up the fingers of light remained ability to mimic those around her. want is trouble.” he lifted the kit back around in his seat. and around the decorated metal connected to the people out in the and walked out to the black SUV. CJ gagged and spat out the It was a hot day and the sun railings, with swirls and leaf like park but there was worse to come, “The park? Sounds like fun, “Who’s driving this week?” mint and discarded them onto the beat down heavily on the Capt. designs. He tilted his head and something was moving within the count me in.” She was glad of Maddy raised a brow. floor. The coat tails didn’t fly behind looked into the very roof. “Aha.” bandstand itself, something was the excuse to be honest. That “Not me, you complained last ”If I recall I did post it where the him as he walked, more clung to Maddy was about to check coming...... was the thing about working in a time as you had to adjust the seat sun didn’t shine, they just didn’t the ends of his trousers. He saw underneath when she heard Jack base below ground, the chance to when it was your turn to drive, it’s stay there very long” Ianto smiled the bandstand a few hundred exclaim. “Aha as in you’ve found Captain Jack Harkness had experience the sun on your face not my fault my legs are small.” seeing CJ react in the rear view yards away. It was quiet, no band something and I won’t have to been staring at the same spot was limited to a few brief spells if Jack handed the keys to Ianto mirror. practice. From where he was he crawl on my hands and knees, on the monitor for the last forty you were lucky, of outdoor activity and climbed into the passenger Maddy laughed and shook her could see nothing but the roof and injecting myself with anything minutes. It hadn’t moved. It was a during the daylight hours. She seat, buckling up. He pulled on his head. rails and steps leading up, if there dodgy under there?” static flashing red blip that hadn’t clomped over to the hook by the sunglasses. “You know they are winding you was something there, it was either CJ straightened up and saw moved from the Neath park and lab exit and exchanged coats. Her It had been a while since the up right?” invisible or so damn tiny he’d need Jack stand on the railing and begin it concerned him. Of all the blips boots caught the attention of the rift had been active, although wee- Jack glanced back to look at a nanoscope to pick it out. to climb. on the radar system, this was Captain. Biker boots, with straps vils were still causing trouble by Maddy from the vanity mirror on Maddy pulled on her sun glass- “I guess if you lose your balance something of a mystery. Usually all the way up to the top, black and breaking into Ann Summers and the visor. “You think?” Yet his eyes es as her head phones played a tin- least we’ll be spared the worry of the sirens would ring out across also customised. He shook his stealing dildo’s. Cornering weevils were hidden behind the sunglass- ny rendition of something heavy funeral costs, although I’m sure the base, the alarms would swirl head but smiled. She was definite- clutching vibrators and listening es. and loud in her ears. She used Ianto has a suit already on stand- in red to white beacon lights and ly original. to their heightened growls had She made a face at Jack. her hand held scanner to take by.” force the underground base into tickled the team when recalling “Glad mints make me feel sick...” readings around the large metal Ianto shot CJ a dirty look and a semi amusement arcade short CJ Mitchell glanced up at Jack. the events of that evening even she laughed. “...and knowing bandstand. On the other side stepped into the bandstand to of cash machines and music. He “Just so long as this isn’t a ploy more so writing up their reports Ianto.. I dare say he did do what of the large park young children assist Jack as he tried to reach the got to his feet and glanced over at to have me taken over by another for the archives. What would he said.” were playing on slides and swings object above his head in the centre Ianto Jones, Maddy Harker and CJ mad alien who wants to blend into future Torchwood agents make of and watched from a distance at of the roof. Mitchell quietly filling out reports this dimension by using me as a that in years to come? CJ unbuckled his belt and got the group of people with their kit ”No but it’d be a hit for ‘You’ve of past events and pulled his coat portal.” He sighed shrugging on CJ climbed in after putting the out of the car as Ianto parked up. boxes and handheld gizmos. CJ been framed.’” Maddy grinned as from the stand. “Who fancies a his jacket hanging over the back of kit in the boot and buckled up. He He spat out the taste of the mint set down the kit box on a bench she concentrated on Jack gripping trip to Neath Park?” his chair. Mitchell hadn’t forgot- found a packet of mints stuffed and tossed the packet and discard- and looked over at Jack. hold of the railing with one hand ten the last encounter with alien into the back seat and opening the ed mint under the car. “So what are we looking for?” and balancing on one foot to reach Maddy glanced up, pen in creatures at Cardiff Castle. wrapper further popped one into “You’re disgusting you know Ianto began wished he’d gone up to the centre piece in the roof. hand, her bright orange hair in a Jack hadn’t either. his mouth and sucked on it, then t h at .” for a lighter jacket as the sun Jack Harkness ignored the semi Mohican, long on one side “We’re just going for a walk. I’m held the packet open to Maddy Ianto looked at CJ as he rained heavily upon them, he comment, and looked to Ianto and skimmed to a size 1 on the sure you can manage to stay out who shook her head, pulling a climbed out. “That’s littering you glanced over at Jack who was tak- below him. “I can’t quite reach it.” other. She wore a customised of trouble doing that.” He replied face. know, you can get an on the spot ing in the scenery, with his hands ”Give him a ride on your shoul- paused. “I want a full update on small if it was? Was it a piece of that had jobs, he wasn’t sure if any ders, then he’d reach it, he’s only to please and all keen to discover She held her hand out to him. “I whatever it is you did while we tech used for teleporting from gotta hop onto your back from new worlds and what this Earth think it’s that I wear nail varnish were at the car waiting on you, de- one place to another, like a trans- of them would be involved but there” Maddy called over to Ianto. could still throw up from a rift maybe and have short nails..” tailed to the last speck.” He strode mat? But why up there, and what they had or did currently work Ianto moved in front of Jack and storm. He often wondered after I was fine getting my door open.” back into the Hub as soon as Ianto was that pulse, like a heartbeat, for Parks and Gardens, he tilted acted as a foot rest, giving Jack the the 456 what the rift would still Ianto was half in the car when he parked up. perhaps it was mechanical, like his head to listen to the group. added height he needed to prise throw up, and that perhaps the rift glanced through the side window Maddy got out of the vehicle the workings of a clock, cogs and “What’s he going to be attacked by the solid black magnetic object like anomalies would still open up to see Jack deal with Maddy. As and took the box from the boot. wheels, timers. He dismissed a a giant ice cream selling maniac?!” from the roof of the bandstand. It somewhere else, it wasn’t com- CJ pulled the door open to climb “I’ve got the safe box CJ, I’m bomb, they were too volatile at the CJ pulled a face at Maddy. “I was a tight fit and didn’t want to pletely unthinkable. He walked in he interjected. gonna firewall it right off.” she best of times, and their life span won’t be attacked. I’ll be fine. I just let go. back to the car with them. ”Your clothing has nylon threads made her way into the base. Ianto wasn’t too great. No, his vm would think....” He could see Jack wasn’t “I’ll have to clean off the boot Ianto dug out the keys for the running through them, and wool, waited for CJ to get out before he have detected a bomb, wouldn’t it? buying into it. He picked up the marks later on.” He muttered. CJ SUV and popped the lock. CJ that sets it off. And we’ve been locked the SUV up, he was already He strode out of the office. readings and handed them to the laughed out loud. Mitchell lingered at the bandstand standing beside a metal bandstand thinking about the park, what “Maddy, scan the device, just in Captain. “Only you would come out with staring at the metal structure, watching our leader pull a mag- council owned it and which alien case it’s a bomb.” “There’s trace elements of a a comment like that Ianto.” mostly at the peeling paintwork netic item from the roof.” they knew worked for the Parks Maddy’s pen that had been in metal not from this planet. I took Jack Harkness allowed himself from the railings and while the ”I just tend to feel static when Dept. that they knew they could her mouth fell out. scrapings of the metal, which was a smirk before returning to pull team made their way back, took others can’t, I’m just weird what trust. “Funny you should say that, why I took so long coming back to the solid black object from its out his box of kit and took scrap- can I say?” She grinned “It’s noth- cause there I was sat looking at the car. I just want to check it out. moorings. He pulled a face as ings of the metal exposed beneath ing new.” CJ Mitchell watched Maddy go it, and I was thinking and so I I mean you’ve already removed he removed it and jumped down the paintwork. He popped them Jack pulled open his door be- before he lifted out the kit with did all the basic risk assessment the box, so whatever could come from Ianto letting go of the strut. into the box and sealed it in a fore looking back at CJ. his scrapings. He grabbed his scans and it’s not flagged it as any through, can’t anymore.” he point- He landed with both feet on the bag, and closed the kit. He was “What were you doing back at note pad and pen and took his kind of bomb, hand grenade or ed to the box doing nothing much wooden floor. The box felt heavy about to walk back when he saw the bandstand?” scrapings to the lab coating them anything else that may kill us all.” behind the firewall. in his hand but it was just that, a the burnt grass and scorch marks ”Nothing.” CJ replied before in a substance to show up under she smiled and picked up her pen Jack read the data scribbled in box metal in structure cold and dotted here and there around the buckling up. the microscope. He began noting again. “It’s images are interesting short hand and handed it back. with sharp defined edges. Similar metal structure. A small pile of “I just hope no one saw us, they’d the different elements that were though, look at all the lines and “Alright, but take Ianto with you. to a transformer for a toy train dust sat beside some burnt grass have thought we here nuts, mind involved in the metals, whether shadows.” She pointed towards And keep comms on at all times.” set. He felt a tiny pulse come from and although he couldn’t put his you we’re all used to that by now.” some were different alloys, or tin, the screen that had magnified the He turned back to Maddy. inside it. finger on what it was, a strange Ianto joked. whether it was rust or pigmenta- readings. “Amazing, cause if you Ianto looked up at Jack. “Oh CJ Mitchell held the kit box and familiar odour rose up from Jack climbed into the vehicle. tion in the skin of the strut, or if scanned an iPod or something wonderful I get to baby sit him.” open for the object. Whatever it the ash on the ground. He quick- He hated it when CJ was quiet, but anything alien had touched it. He of similar size, you’d see nothing He sighed heavily and tossed his was at least it wouldn’t affect any ly walked back to the car as he if something was on his mind and jotted everything down. like that, it’s very likely from the pen down on the desk resignedly. of them on the journey home to heard Maddy shout and stowed was beneficial to the investigation Maddy typed in a series of f utu re .” He didn’t want to go but he knew the Hub if it were contained. the kit into the boot. then he’d ask him later. He buckled codes, the blue and red lasers CJ got up and checked the the look and he knew he’d be “So what are we going to do with Maddy had pulled open the car up and waited for Ianto to drive sprung up around the device and computer data for any similar fighting a losing battle; he picked it?” door and whipped her hand back them back home. the firewall, the scanner started to readings and frowned. up the print out of names and ”Well I vote we take it back, from the static shock. “Ouch... search for any info it could find, “Jack? I’m going to head back photos of the aliens that worked put it straight into the firewall, damn it.” She’d felt it travel up her As they neared the Hub he in- while the device itself was now to Neath Park. I think we should for the Parks and Gardens and and scan it to see what it tells us.” nail. “I always get that with car stilled his authority to the others. stuck in a void space, it had no monitor the bandstand.” tucked it under his arm. Maddy threw in. She enjoyed doors.” “Maddy, I want that box fire- effect on the hub or them. She sat Jack tilted his head sideways at “I can do something while I’m her job as the scientific officer, Jack frowned and looked at her walled and scrutinised fully, I want tapping away at the keyboard, so Miguel. there, see if I can spot the aliens testing alien artefacts they found hand. “Are you alright? It’s nor- to know what it’s doing here and far so good she thought. “What have you got to back up that work for the council.” He by suspending them in a virtual mally after we’ve built up the static where it’s from. Ianto, I want a full Jack paced his office. Why this decision?” didn’t bother with his jacket this reality, which couldn’t harm them from the tyres on the road do we report on Neath Park also check Neath? What was so special about Maddy frowned at him. time. or affect them but they could still get the shocks. We’ve been out of with the Parks Department to see that park? He returned to the “Is that a good idea I mean what CJ turned to protest but Jack’s scan and probe it. the vehicle a good hour or so. Is who we have working here that monitors but the blip had gone, if you’re attacked by something?” decision was final. He sighed, Jack popped it into the box that anyone else feeling the same?” He came through the rift at any other it had to have been the box they’d She looked up from scanning the snatched up his data, collected the CJ held out to him and dusted his saw CJ quietly load the box into time that we don’t know about. retrieved. But what was it, a relay, device. probes to be inserted around the hands. the boot. Perhaps this is a docking station; a device for collecting data from Ianto jotted down a few names bandstand, and glanced back at “Job done let’s go home.” He Maddy shrugged. “Is it not nor- perhaps someone we know left that point? Was it a portal, pretty that were on their list of aliens Ianto. smiled at his small team. All eager mal because I get it quite a lot?” this item here. And Miguel.....” he “Come on then, or do you need woman I kind of want to get there anomalies around the bandstand, files to see if anyone else had de- CJ Mitchell had stepped foot in- to give Jack a goodbye kiss?” in daylight.” CJ growled as he any interference within the last tected something similar, then had side the bandstand. He’d been on Maddy watched them leave, got in and buckled up, and read few hours. The burn marks on downloaded a few songs from her the outside before. But something with a smirk. through the data and checked the the grass still bothered him, but iTunes account onto her iPod. was trying to latch onto him. A “Try not to kill each other probes to make sure they were whereas before when charred “It’s awake and it’s pissed off that static build up. He couldn’t hear yeah?” She knew the resentment fully functional. bodies had been struck by an it’s all secure.” She read down the what Jack had sent in the comms. they both felt for each other. As Ianto got into the SUV, started it unknown entity, nothing had been readings, some she could under- He glanced over at the probes. they left she looked back at Jack. up and swung out of the car park reported about the ashen remains. stand from the years of jargon Their dials were flickering to full “I’m scanning it with all our faster than he normally would but “What do you think that box she’d read from other data. power for radiation of some de- scanners to get a complete image, still at a safe speed. thing is?” He talked while he gree. He felt the tickle of the static I think that we only see lines and “Oh you can shut up about driv- climbed the steps of the band- ”Well I don’t know if it’s going course through his body. shadows as it can’t give us a com- ing like a woman; at least the car stand. He took hold of the metal to make a difference but there are “Ianto....we have to get off the plete image from one scan.” will stay on the road.” strut to his left and pulled his two aliens that work for the Park bandstand.” A voice came through the hand away quickly. and Gardens, and one of them is He called making a run for it comms unit attached to them both “Are we due a thunderstorm any flagged as being in charge of the but it was as if he were trying to ‎”I’m driving.” CJ held out his “Ladies we do still have time soon?” He flexed his fingers park here, but he’s got a clean rap wade through gloopy treacle on hand for the keys after stowing the open comms and we can hear after the static shock. sheet but who knowS what they a recall dog lead, and was being kit in the boot. everything.” Jack smirked pulling Ianto looked at CJ and frowned. really get up to.” forced back by the static radiation “No you’re not, last time you out his wallet and placed £20 on “No it’s meant to stay nice till “And the other one, OW?” CJ pinning him to the middle spot. drove you hit another car and the desk in front of Maddy. He the end of the week, high pressure sucked on his finger after being He threw his head back staring at scratched the paint work.” placed his hand over the mic and they said” He noticed the ashen zapped again. the ceiling, the entire bandstand Jack placed his hand on Mad- looked at Maddy. mounds and the scorch marks in “A few misdemeanours but was alive with electricity. And he dy’s shoulder reading her mind “£20 says the first punch is with- the grass and took photos of them. nothing that would involve a had a horrible feeling he knew and smiled reassuringly. in the first half hour of arriving at He collected the ash with a metal major invasion but like I say, who what he’d stepped into. “It’s called team building, besides the park.” scoop from one mound and sealed knows what they get up to when He looked horrified at Ianto. its good for them. And I want the She looked up at him with a it inside a clear plastic bag. He they’re all together. Like Jehovah’s “ITS A PORTAL...SOMETHINGS team to get along.” grin. “You’re so on.” She took out hoped it wasn’t what he thought it Witnesses, they’d sit separate from COMING THROUGH. GET ”Yeah but you know they’ll her own money and matched the was, but this was Torchwood and everyone else, mix with their own BACK...GET BACK AND CALL end up getting in a fight at some bet. mostly anything was just exactly kind.” He stood up and stared JACK. FOR GOD SAKE HELP point?” She glanced up at Jack. CJ saw the park loom up ahead what he thought it was. at the bag of dust. “Did you see ME.” “I’ve got all the photographs of and saw the mints in the car park. “Did you get a static shock?!” those scorch marks, what do you the device up, do you want to Obviously the park attendant was “Yeah.” CJ began to set up the think caused those?” see them?” She smiled, keen as off today. He saw the bandstand probes along the railings, securing “Hopefully nothing to what I’m mustard. She watched the images roof over the hedge and climbed them with plastic ties and hoped thinking caused them.” layer over each other to make a out once Ianto had parked up. He they’d stay on and not cause a “That’s what I thought you’d say.” complete image. pulled open the boot and lifted out distraction. “You see nothing was a good the kit. “The metal is alien. That’s what Jack Harkness pressed his enough resolution before but “When did you pass your test I don’t understand why have a comms as he stared at the box when you add them together, Ianto? And they say I’m a bad bandstand with alien metal in the sending readings over 90% on the you can see all the workings of driver.” He closed the boot and middle of Neath park. What’s monitor and rising. the device, see on the surface the strode into the park as Ianto stuck so special about this park?” He “Ianto, CJ, what’s happening indents. I think they are buttons, his fingers up at CJ with a smirk. jumped again as his skin connect- back there? What did you do?” but you’d have to have small hands “I passed my test fair and legally, ed with the metal. “OUCH.” ‎”CJ got a static shock twice to work that, then the inside, did you ever take a test? Or did now; he’s setting up the probe instead of Earth tech where it’s all you just cut out your own license Back at the Hub, the box was monitors around the outside.” wires and circuit boards this is all from the back of a cereal packet?” throwing up readings onto the Ianto pressed his finger against his lines of construction, kinda looks The park was quiet, few people screen. Something had awoken it. ear to hear Jack. He could hear like a face if you squint at it.” She were around, and the play park “We have action Jack.” Maddy the static build up over the system squinted. was empty of children. sat forward in her chair, up until and could just make out Jack’s CJ took readings with the the box became alive, she’d been voice. ”Fine, but quit driving like a hand held device to detect any downloading data from the UNIT It had been the first time that NEXT TIME...

FANDOM! We celebrate the fans of Torchwood looking at cosplay, con- ventions and audio seasons!

PLUS! - Interviews - Exodus Code: REVIEWED! - Fictions - Features and more!

THE HUB returns in the AUTUMN!