Fic: Journey Onward 1/6?

[wendymr]

Story: Journey Onward
Author: wmr wendymr
Characters: Tenth Doctor, Jack Harkness; also Mickey Smith, Martha Jones, Ianto Jones, Gwen Cooper
Rated: PG13
Spoilers: Anything up to Journey's End, with perhaps a couple of non-spoilery references to The Next Doctor
Disclaimer: All recognisable characters belong to the BBC; if they're unrecognisable,

Comments

[wiggiemomsi]

Oh, this is brilliant! Jack teaching a lonely Ten how to open up a bit and let friends in. One small step at a time, one small step at a time.

I always did think poor Jack got the short end of the stick, so to speak. He's a great character, with a lot of heart.

Looking forward to the next chapter!

*Hugs*

[wendymr]

Thank you! Yes, one step at a time - it's the only way to get through to him, and Jack knows it. And, yes, Jack's really been treated pretty badly, overall. Abandoned for all that time, and then the Doctor runs away from him again and then treats him so cavalierly. And, finally, a half-hearted invitation to come with him. No discussion of whether Jack's happy in the 21st century or whether he'd prefer to be somewhere else - anywhere but the TARDIS.

Ah well. The Doctor's hurting right now, and Jack seems to be a sucker for being there when he's needed.

[nightrider101]

Well, that was some intense conversation!

I can't say that I agree completely with Jack here. There are a lot of things that he does that I don't agree with. I think the argument was very realistic and very in-character. You described both of them so well, our flawed yet amazing heroes.

He sighs. “I’m sorry.” But it’s not his fault, is it? Why do they all want a piece of him? He can’t be everywhere at once, can he? Though it’s not as if he doesn’t owe it to Jack. Or to Martha, or Sarah-Jane. “Sorry I wasn’t here.”Ouch. :( Normally I agree with Jack, but here I felt for the Doctor. No matter where he goes, there's always something he should do/didn't do/will have to do

[wendymr]

Wow! Thank you for such a lovely, detailed comment! I really appreciate the time you took to post this. And you've been waiting for this story? That's... wow. Thank you so much!

I can't say that I agree completely with Jack here.

Well, you're absolutely right :) Just because Jack says it doesn't mean that he's the author's mouthpiece, of course. The point is that we're all flawed; none of us can get it right all the time and, while Jack does have the Doctor's best interests at heart, he's still human, he has imperfect understanding (as we all do) and I'm sure he also has one or two grudges he's telling himself he's forgotten but no doubt rear their heads now and then.

I really like how you're addressing the issue that the Doctor often pushes his companions away. Yes, they leave him, but he does his own share of showing them to the door.

And that's so very true as well, which is why - much as I loved that scene about companions in The Next Doctor - I know that there's a lot of self-delusion in there. I know why he pushes them away

[helygen]

Oh this is a magnificent start - I can't wait to read the rest! :)

[wendymr]

Thank you! Next chapter coming up soon :)

[lt_kitty]

This is beautiful. Totally looking forward to more. :)

“You couldn’t ask me to do something easy, like changing the Earth's gravitational constant?”

You *sure* you're not a Trekkie? ;)

[wendymr]

I'm not, but my beta-reader is! ;)

And thank you! I'm really glad you're enjoying it so far.

[hab318princess]

That was a brilliant start, loved the conversations with Jack and that they managed to touch the tough stuff too!

[wendymr]

I'm so glad you liked it! This was conversation-heavy, and there'll be a bit more action in some other chapters. I'm glad the dialogue felt right :) Thanks!