It felt almost jarring for Jack to be told so outright he wasn't human. He didn't know what he was. Human once, maybe but what now? He wished he knew. "Yeah, well if you know what I am, besides being a fixed point, answers on a postcard."

He was almost flippant with his words, but his intention beneath them was real.

"Yeah?" Jack said, almost surprised that the TARDIS could achieve such a feat without the Doctor's knowledge. But no, the Doctor sometimes didn't notice things right in front of his nose. He supposed it shouldn't surprise him.

"Well don't worry. Your secret's safe with me. I won't tell him. It's not like he calls for regular chats anyway, is it."

Stupid really, but he wished the Doctor did. Wished he'd at least stay in touch, just to let him know he was okay.

"Oh I've got the perfect thing," he grinned. "And something you're used to! Full of time. Vortex manipulator good enough for you?"