Lost Boys

Interlude

“Feeling any better?”

                Jack sat on the steps inside the Tardis, feeling the hum of energy through the wire mesh. He clutched a mug between his thick fingers, watching the steam float upwards, evaporating into the air.

                “I’ve felt better. Then again, I’ve felt a hell of a lot worse.” The Doctor sat down beside him and folded his arms across his knees. Jack looked down at the cup in his hands and chuckled. “You know, we go into your memories, watch people die, watch the world pretty much end, and then we sit down and have tea.” He raised his mug and took a sip. “How very British.”

                “Good point.” Said the Doctor with a smile, “They must be rubbing off on me.”

                The Tardis hissed around them quietly as the two men sat, facing the white wooden doors that led out into the Doctor’s memories. Jack nodded towards them. “So is there much more for me to look at?”

                The Doctor sniffed. “’Fraid so.”

                “And is there any chance you’re gonna tell me why we’re watching this?” The Doctor rested his head on his knees and pouted thoughtfully. Jack raised his eyebrows. “Thought not.”

                “Right now all I need you to do is watch. Watch and listen, and remember. But-“ The Doctor’s voice suddenly changed to a lighter tone and he stood, “right now the best thing you can do is get rid of that hangover. It’s been hours, how long were you drinking for?”

                Jack shrugged. “I dunno… maybe two… three months?”

                “One day, you’re going to be very old and wise. Right now you’ve only got the first half right.”

                “Hey!” Jack stood up, laughing. The Doctor smirked, making his way back to the control panel. The captain drained his mug and placed it on the console.

                “Oi.” Shouted the Doctor. He waved a hand vaguely in the direction of the mug. “You stain her, Jack Harkness, you can clean her.”

                Jack picked the mug up and began walking away. “Whoops, sorry. Didn’t realise you were so house proud.”

                He turned and made his way to the corridor. The Doctor turned to watch.

                “Three hours, understand? Three hours to sleep this off, and we’re back in there.”

                “Got it.” Came the reply. The captain waved his hand as he disappeared deeper into the Tardis.

                The Doctor looked into one of the display screens, a frown of concentration on his face. Suddenly he screwed his face up and doubled over, clutching his stomach in silent pain.

                “Just a bit longer.” He whispered into thin air, and forced himself to stand upright again, as if it had never happened.