Anythingdrabble Challenge 118 - A spark of genius

[m_findlow]

Title: A spark of genius
Fandom: Torchwood
Characters/Pairings: Jack, Archie
Word Count: 500 words
Rating: PG
Notes: Written for Challenge 118 - Electric at anythingdrabble
Summary: Jack's new innovations around the hub need a little more work.

'I’m not sure about this, Jack,' Archie said, frowning sceptically at the cogwheel door which served as their main entrance into the hub.

'Nonsense, Archie,' Jack tutted. Torchwood has had electricity powering its lights for decades, long before anyone else. Hell, even Her Majesty had to wait for electric lighting. Of course, she thought it was unnatural, but then again, she was suspicious of steam trains until Albert proved they were the future.'

'I’m not suggesting for a moment that we don’t pursue new scientific endeavours. Why else would we all be here if not for that?'

'Well, I’m here for the paycheck, but don’t let that discourage you,' Jack joked.

Archie raised a bushy eyebrow at him. Jack was an excellent agent when he put his mind to it, but he was also impetuous and full of wild ideas. 'Let’s stay on topic, shall we?'

Jack leaned against the wall. 'It’s a no brainer, Archie. This place deals with all kinds of threats. We need a way to properly shut ourselves off from the rest of the city.'

'The door does close, Jack,' Archie reminded him.

'Yeah, and have you seen how long that takes? The thing weighs a tonne. It takes two people to push it open and it’s even harder to drag it shut. But not anymore. Now it’s fully electrified. With the single touch of a button, it’ll open or shut without any further human intervention. The next step is to hook it up with our other exit points so that we can seal off the entire hub in seconds.'

'And you managed this all by yourself?'

Jack beamed with unrepentant pride. 'I had to cannibalise a few bits from some of those ships we’ve got down in the basement, but yeah. It’s not complicated technology. One day we’ll have enough tech to make it motion-sensored.'

'What’s that?'

'Walk towards it and it’ll open for you.'

'Now I know you’re pulling my leg, laddie.'

'You can believe in aliens but a sensor that picks up movement is too far-fetched?'

'Alright. Let’s say I believe you. I assume you want to demonstrate how it works for me?'

Jack grinned from ear to ear. 'I thought you’d never ask.' He pressed a button on the wall. Overhead, a klaxon went off and the door began to roll, swinging open with flashing lights, and causing Archie to jump back in surprise.

'Good God!'

'Not God, Archie. The future. Step on through and have a go yourself,' Jack said, exiting into stairwell. Archie followed him, tentatively stepping through whilst keeping a careful eye on it.

'This button right here,' Jack said, pointing to it. Archie pressed it and the door wheeled back shut.

'Well, I have to admit, I’m impressed. Does the same button open it?'

'You betcha,' Jack said, pressing it. When nothing happened, Jack pressed it again.

'Jack?'

'Just give me a second. Stupid thing,' he cursed, pushing it again.

'Well, your lockdown works. Now we’re locked out.'

Comments

[bk_forever]

Minor teething problems, Archie; Jack will fix it, lol!