Drabble: The Seventh Day…

[bk_forever]

Title: The Seventh Day…

Author: badly_knitted

Characters: Owen, Ianto, Jack, team, OCs

Rating: G

Written For: Challenge 303 – Twelve Days at tw100

Spoilers: None.

Warnings: Random insanity.

Summary: It’s Christmas, and the Rift is apparently in a giving mood…

Disclaimer: I don’t own Torchwood, or the characters.

A/N: Part 7 of ‘The Twelve Days of Riftmas’.


The Sixth Day...

On the seventh day of Christmas, the team had the task of fishing seven very bedraggled beings out of the Taff.

It had to be said that as swimmers, they left a lot to be desired, but they were certainly giving it their best try.

“I’m no ornithologist, but I’m pretty sure these aren’t swans,” said Owen breathlessly, hauling one out of the water.

“Well spotted, Owen,” snarked a waterlogged Ianto. “What tipped you off?”

“Actually, they’re Melicans,” Jack explained, “They’re from a desert planet in the Swan Nebula.”

“That explains why they can’t swim,” Ianto muttered, wringing himself out.

TBC in ‘The Eighth Day…’

Comments

[tardisjournal.livejournal.com]

Awww--seven non-swans! Poor things probably didn't know what hit 'em when they hit the water. Guess the gang will have to haul them back to the Hub to dry them off. *Giggles at the mental image of Ianto using a hair-dryer on a big swan-like thing.*

[bk_forever]

I suspect they don't look much like swans either - but the hairdryer? Probably. I'm sure Jack will loan his for a good cause, and Tosh and Gwen probably have haidryers in their lockers. Owen and Jack can work on towel-drying the other four until the first three are dry. I'm thinking they might not be a sentient race either, but I haven't decided. I still might write the fates of some of the things/people gifted to Torchwood by the Rift. I'm open to suggestions on what Melicans are like!

Thank you.

[too-beauty.livejournal.com]

poor Melicans, coming to water, cold water, I guess!
loved the name!

[bk_forever]

Poor soggy Melicans. The didn't like it, but they had a good try at swimming!

Thank you.

[bluelilacs.livejournal.com]

Poor Melicans. I bet about now they're wishing they lived anywhere but the Swan Nebula.

I can't come up with anything for the Melicans at the moment, but I have a few ideas for the six guys a-laying.

[bk_forever]

Do tell! All ideas are welcome!

Yeah, poor waterlogged Melicans, they've never seen so much water in their lives! Usually at home there are only small pools and springs, the occasional shower of rain... Swimming is a completely alien concept to them.

[lexxiescott]

*snickers* Sounds like the team has caught on. I still just want to give Ianto hugs.

Is this number 200??

[bk_forever]

IT IS! I can't believe I forgot to mention that in the notes *headdesk* Somehow it managed to slip my mind o_O

I think perhaps Ianto has explained to the rest of the team, since they were so slow, so by this point they have a vague idea of what to expect, they just have to work out how to interpret each 'gift'.

Fear not, Jack is providing copious hugs for his frazzled Ianto. *pets Ianto* Poor boy would be hiding under the bed if not for Jack!

[lexxiescott]

I read this right after reading over on AO3, so it was right in front of my mind. :) That's so awesome you made your goal!!!

I, somehow, have a mental image of Jack being very amused by all of this. That grin he gets every so often. Except for how upset it's making Ianto. I know he hates that.

[bk_forever]

I'm sure Jack IS finding it amusing, it's fun seeing what the Rift will drop on them next, except for the unfortunate effect it's having on a very stressed Ianto!

[lexxiescott]

Yeah, that's totally true. I'm willing to bet part of him doesn't want it to end because, while the rift is sending beings from other planets and times, they're harmless and Jack's probably having fun talking with them. It beats dangerous things.

Now if he can only get Ianto to relax a little.

[bk_forever]

It's a nice respite from dangerous things, but it's time-consuming having to deal with something new every day instead of just occasionally. Ianto doesn't appreciate all the extra work involved. Who can blame him? Anyone they can't sent back becomes his responsibility.

[lexxiescott]

That's very true. I don't wonder if Tosh doesn't help out at times though.

[bk_forever]

I think Tosh is mostly involved with trying to work out how to send some of the Rift's gifts back where they belong. It probably takes a while to get the calculations right. Or maybe Torchwood call the Doctor in to transport them.

[lexxiescott]

I was remembering with Tommy and that whole story line. She just has such a big heart, I wonder if maybe she doesn't help take care of them at times.

[bk_forever]

Maybe she does. I'm sure she at least helps with documents for those who have to stay, setting them up with identities and finding them somewhere to live, but perhaps she helps with feeding some of the newcomers too.

[lexxiescott]

She would be so good at the documents. :) I wonder if maybe she helps out when they're at the Hub and then maybe getting them settled in new housing if Ianto's busy with another group. I'd bet on Jack and Tosh over Gwen and Owen any day.

[bk_forever]

So would I. Owen has to do medical checks on everyone/thing first of course. Tosh deals with the paperwork, Ianto finds accomodation and feeds the ones that have to stay at the Hub, and Jack provides transportation.

[lexxiescott]

I think you've got it 100% right with that. :)

[owensheart.livejournal.com]

Oh brilliant LOL poor birds, great drabble.

[bk_forever]

They certainly didn't sign up for swimming lessons! They've never seen so much water, poor things. on their world the most they find is a shallow spring or small stream. Thankfully Torchwood got to them quickly and noner of them drowned.

Thank you.

[timelordshines.livejournal.com]

Hehe. I'm loving this series!

[bk_forever]

Thank you, glad you're enjoying it! There are only four more to post, I'll almost be sad to see it end.

[akawho.livejournal.com]

Poor things, hope the Torchwood team can figure out a way to send them home...

[bk_forever]

I'm sure they'll do their best. Melicans don't belong in cold, damp Cardiff.

Thank you.

[milady-dragon.livejournal.com]

Oh dear, that silly Rift...

[bk_forever]

It's not doing a very good job of sending suitable gifts, is it.

Thank you.

[jedi-harkness.livejournal.com]

Poor Melicans! Hope they didn't get too cold! *shivers*

[bk_forever]

I'm sure they were taken to ther Hub to be dried off and warmed up. Jack made sure Ianto had a hot shower too.

Thank you.