Double Drabble: Problem

[bk_forever]

Title: Problem
Author: badly_knitted
Characters: Ianto, Jack.
Rating: G
Written For: Challenge 595: Gadget at tw100.
Spoilers: Nada.
Summary: Some alien gadgets defy explanation.
Disclaimer: I don’t own Torchwood, or the characters.
A/N: Double drabble.




Weird alien gadgets were Torchwood’s stock in trade; they certainly had enough of them randomly falling through the Rift. Some were easy enough to identify, weapons, explosive devices, or spacecraft components that Jack recognised, but most were a complete mystery and Torchwood agents soon became accustomed to taking precautions when handling such things.


First scan for radiation or the presence of potentially dangerous alien microbes, bacteria etcetera. Next, using either gloved hands or a set of tongs, place the item in a containment box; seal the lid, and transport the new arrival back to the Hub for testing and, hopefully, identification.


Taking sensible precautions, however, didn’t always guarantee safety; the devices were often unpredictable and their effects bizarre.


“Okay, now what?” Ianto said, scowling at the latest gadget to be dropped in their metaphorical laps.


“Good question,” Jack replied, tentatively poking the thing with a stick he’d found.


The stick melted. Never mind that wood shouldn’t melt; the tip just went all runny and the effect spread rapidly. Jack let go fast before it could start melting him; it had already melted Ianto’s metal tongs.


“Why would anyone invent a gadget that melts everything?”


Storing it might be a problem.



The End

Comments

[raynewton.livejournal.com]

Very good question. It must have a purpose where it came from. Possibly the best solution would be to disintegrate it. Where are Star Trek's phasers when you could use one?

[bk_forever]

I think you're right, and I'm sure Torchwood has some kind of tech that would do the job.

Thank you!