Title: 105 Steps

Characters/Pairing: Ducky, Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper (of Torchwood)

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Gen

Written for challenge no 69 'Interruptions' for ncis100drabble

Spoilers: Only ones for the first episode of Torchwood series one. It's also been mentioned in series 3 Doctor Who too. None for NCIS.

Warnings: Character Death (remember, this is a Torchwood crossover;))

Notes: Crossover with Torchwood. Beta'ed by periwinkle27, so if there are any major mistakes - holler and I will correct as soon as possible. The title comes from Torchwood. There is a sign at the Hub stating there are 105 steps from the Hub to 'street' level. You can do the math regarding the analogy can't you?

Feedback is pathetically craved


105 Steps

The gunshot was incredibly loud and incredibly close. Ducky was near enough to catch Jack Harkness as he fell; a blossom of red marking Jack's sky blue shirt.
There was far too much blood.

He gently laid NCIS’ guest to the floor. Jack’s second, Gwen Cooper, Ducky remembered, joined him at Jack’s side.

“He’ll be alright. Give him a minute,” she stated fiercely, contrary to what had happened. “or five.” She smiled at Ducky, but he noted that it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Ducky took Jack’s hand into his. “I *know*, Miss Cooper.” he murmured, loud enough for only her to hear over the cacophony of the personnel from two agencies working to catch the perp who had gunned down one of their number.

If the situation wasn’t so dire, Ducky would have laughed at the comical way that Gwen’s big dark eyes became even larger than normal with surprise.

“How?” she asked, just as quietly.

Ducky looked down at the possible guest for his ‘table’. “It is a very long and involved story,” he sighed. “Perhaps when we are done, you will do me the honor of joining me for tea and I will tell you all about it.”

She smiled shyly. “Proper tea?” she asked wistfully. He nodded, chuckling. “I’d like that.”

Ducky glanced down at Jack. There was a semblance of color in the downed man’s cheeks. It was a hopeful sign.

“Come along, Jack,” Ducky murmured, gripping the cool hand he held. “I am not having you wake up on my table. It would be most unseemly.”

With a hoarse gasp, Jack opened his eyes and gripped Ducky’s hand tightly.

“Damn, that hurt!” he groused, resting his head on the ground. “Hey gorgeous!” he said with a winning smile. He glanced to his other side. “Hey Gwen!”