#i’m watching rise of the cybermen and. um

[hobgoblinns]

i know almost every s3 and 4 dw episode off by heart but i don’t watch s2 anywhere near as often so when i do it’s always like “oh my god a shot of ten that hasn’t been permanently ingrained into my memory yet!!!!”

[reachingforthevoid]

Dr Who: The Dalek Invasion of Earth

This serial, which I rewatched on 9 and 10 December 2022, is a story of which I am very familiar. I watched the Peter Cushing version of it several times as a kid, and read the 1977 novelisation by Terrence Dicks numerous times. I first watched the original version of it in my 20s and I recall liking some parts of it, but being less generous with others.

That’s a neat summary of my views on this rewatch. A lot of it is great, and overall it holds up well. As many others have noted, some of the direction is terrible. Most obviously, that occurs in the mines when Ian “hides” in a place that looks like the people and Daleks passing by must be able to see him… and, yet… The other production point that jars is the stark differences between the pokey sets with the requirement for close acting and lots of styrofoam, and the expansive exterior filming where everything breathes.

But, um, the less said about the Slyther the better. It’s one of those things that probably seemed great on the page, but less so in the execution on screen. Full marks for everyone acting as though it was terrifying, though.

This story does two monumental things for the first time in the show’s nearly sixty year history: brings back a monster, and farewells a travelling companion.

The Daleks are pretty good in this. The Dalek rising out of the Thames remains an effective cliff-hanger. I can only imagine the excitement of seeing that for the first time, and thinking are they back? Really? In London? And it’s fantastic to see the Daleks rolling about several tourist locations, and in their space ships and bases built on Earth. The Daleks are in perpetual motion, which accentuates their otherworldliness and thus their appeal. The robomen are an interesting idea, and I’m far from the first to note that they’re almost a prototype of cybermen.

Susan’s farewell is way better than I remembered it. Her relationship with David actually builds throughout the serial, rather than suddenly appears out of nowhere. Her dissatisfaction about her nomadic life is mentioned before this serial begins, so again it makes sense. I was struck by how perceptive Barbara was, and how clueless Ian was. The Doctor notices more than he lets on, too, and I do wonder if the character’s continual returning to Earth is partly because of losing Susan there… despite his noble sentiments.

As for the tale itself, the fact that it was written and made barely twenty years on from World War Two, and during the Cold War, shines through. The resistance, the camp, the mixed reactions to the invasion, the mass deaths from the plague… all of it rings true. The people we meet are mostly worn down by the ten years of horrors they’ve endured… and yet, there are enough of them who struggle on. While it’s hardly a paragon of diversity, the serial includes women in more than mere support or caring roles in the resistance (and Barbara mucks in fantastically), and (I think) Dr Who’s first disabled character appears.

The music is pretty much perfect, and the rebel attack on the Daleks saucer station in London works because of it.

This serial truly is cinematic in intent and — occasionally — in execution. No wonder it’s a favourite.

[sibsteria]

miss stark [bucky barnes]

[this is extremely cringe]

There's a stigma around the name 'Stark', some positive, some negative. I try to keep out of the spotlight but it's becoming impossible as my powers were exposed during the battle of New York back in 2012, it's like people are learning new things about me everyday, and news articles aren't too reserved with their opinions and comments. My brother says to make light of it and embrace my differences, and in his words- 'stick it to those nosy, cunty little pricks' but it's incredibly hard. Wanda, Vision and Steve are my best friends and are the only ones I have a true connection with, Tony aside. Most of my time is spent in my room with Wanda or in the gym, training, I don't like most social situations. I get along with the team, don't get me wrong, but if I had a choice of preferred company it would be Vision, Wanda or Steve. My loyalty is what makes me a good Avenger, except from my powers, Tony knows I would give my life to save anyone on the team and he hates it. I know Tony would give his life for me and it worries me when we are on missions. I'm terrified of losing the only family I have left. My best friends outside of the team are Pepper, Happy and Phil, they are the closest thing I have to family apart from Tony. I've known Phil the longest, then Happy, then Pepper, they take care of me well.

James Buchanan Barnes is joining the team today, as expected, Steve is the one who will be showing him around. I have a strong feeling to camp inside my room but I know Steve wants me to meet Bucky, I can never say no to his puppy-dog-eyes. I think I've showered three times this morning from nervousness.

*

''-this is Y/n, one of my best friends, oh you'll love her Buck.'' Steve approaches me with his companion. ''Introduce yourself Y/n/n!''

''Hi.'' I gave meekly, waving. Steve nudges Bucky and he snaps out of a strong gaze, dunno what that was about.

Bucky coughs ''Um, hello.'' he blushes.

Steve seems impressed with his actions and ushers Bucky to the next room. When they are gone I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

I think back to Bucky and his attributes. He was blessed with attractiveness, I'd seen photos but oh my, and from what Steve had said, he seems to have a lovely personality when you get to know him and he accepts your friendship. After the Wakandans fixed his memory, he and Steve were more connected than ever, and he seemed in a rush to introduce us both. Must want his two best friends to know each other.

*

''Hey.'' I hear from my left. I look over to see C3PO himself- Bucky.

''Hey, you doing alright on your first day?'' I ask, feeling like I'm prying, but I have a genuine concern and interest in his health. I set down the book I was reading.

''Yeah, pretty boring to be honest, Steve talks a LOT.''

''Oh, we know, that's why half of us are asleep with our head on the desks at briefings.'' He laughs.

''You're the first person to ask if I'm okay, you know.'' He smiles at me.

''Well I do care, no matter if Tony says I'm a heartless bitch.'' I jokes, Tony called me that once because I stole Thor's last poptart packet.

''I thought I would feel awkward around everyone and not make friends at all, but I feel genuinely comfortable around you?''

''I feel comfortable around you, surprisingly.''

''What are you reading?'' He asks, glancing at the book I had set on the table.

''Harry Potter and The Prisoner Of Azkaban.'' I smile at my favourite book.

''Not read that one, any good?''

''THE BEST!'' I shout. ''I'll lend you my Harry Potter series, you NEED to read them.'' I usher out excitedly.

''I will, come by my room and drop them off later, my room is labelled 'BARNES' on floor 88.'' He tells me.

''Wow, my rooms on 88 too, labelled 'MISS STARK'.'' I say in shock.

''Wait-Stark?'' He questions.

''Oh, Tony's my brother, you didn't know?''

''Now I do.'' He laughs.

''Jesus, with all the talking Steve does I'm surprised he hasn't mentioned it.'' Bucky lets out another laugh.

''I mean he might of but it's hard to listen when you feel like you're submitting to a comatose state.'' I burst out laughing at his comment and my eyes scrunch up in my joy.

''You're making him sound like the poppy field in the Wizard Of Oz-'' I cut myself off with another laugh.

''I watched that will Steve the other day.'' He laughs.

''Nice.'' I calm my laughter ''I laugh too much.'' I state.

''I like your laugh, never ever stop laughing.'' He says.

*

Wanda and I are busy cooking in the kitchen, I can hear Thor's roaring laughter from the living room.

''I'll be right back, I need to grab something from the store.'' Wanda explains.

''Okay. Safe journey.'' I laugh at her.

''Always is душо.'' She leaves the kitchen.

''Heard your laugh, it got me enchanted.'' I hear from next to me.

Surprise, surprise, it's one of the cybermen- it's Bucky.

''Enchanted to commit suicide?'' I joke.

''Nope.'' He hops up onto the counter.

''Careful R2D2, don't break the counter.'' I say masterfully chopping veggies, managing to flip the knife multiple times.

*

Dinner is awkward. Bucky is staring at me, Tony is staring at Bucky and I'm looking at Steve urging him to help me, which obviously does not convey itself across.

''Okay, dinners over, to bed all.'' I usher everyone out of the kitchen and start collecting plates, a few minutes into washing up I feel a presence behind me. I turn around to see Bucky leaning on the island, staring at me intently.

''Okay, what's with the staring Tin man?'' This made him stifle a chuckle.

''From what I've gathered, you're not like your brother.'' He approaches me.

''Yeah no shit, Iron Giant.'' I feel a laugh in my throat but stop it rising, he smirks.

''You're sweet, kind, not including now-'' I cut him off.

''Oi-''

''Not to mention you are hotter than my arm on a sunny day.'' I hitch my breath.

''Guessing that's pretty hot hm?'' I give out in a breath.

''Burns the skin...'' He puts his hands on my waist. I could feel my heart beat increasing by the second. He leans down until I can feel his breath on my neck until I hear footsteps echoing and I push him away.

''Get to bed scoundrel, we've got business tomorrow.'' I hear Tony tell me.

''I'm 28!'' I shout after him.

''I'm 48! I'm superior!'' He sasses.

''Yeah well Steve is 100! He doesn't tell me to go to bed!'' I sass back.

''Want me to make HIM tell you!''

''I'm good!''

*

I drop Bucky's books I promised him infront of his door and knock. He opens it a few moments later.

''Thanks, see you tomorrow.'' He says with joy.

''See ya.''

I head to my own room

'MISS STARK'

[theroseandcrown]

The Rose & Crown: Chapter Five

Rating: M Chapters: 5/24

Summary: Clara and the Doctor find themselves on the trail of the mystery surrounding their memory loss. What will they find when they follow the clues?

Read this story on another platform: Archive of Our Own Fan Fiction WattPad

Clara had always been impressed by the selection of clothing available to her in the ship’s wardrobe. The items she found in there consisted of such created by the TARDIS herself or those that had been left behind by the Doctor’s previous companions. Either way, they excelled in their knowledge of well-fashioned taste when it came to providing her with disguises to accompany him on his travels. Whether it be the year nineteen hundred or forty thousand, the old gal certainly knew how to treat a girl. Although, this time she may have outdone herself a bit. Having searched for quite some time through the ever-changing, ever relocating closet, her heart jumped when she saw the dress. Champagne in colour, the floor-length fabric was entirely embroidered with tiny sparkling silver patterned jewels from the modestly draped straps over her shoulders to the tips of her clear heeled shoes. Gazing at her finished form in the mirror, the dress seemed to embrace her with an ethereal glow. A part of her shook the thought that a particular dress of this nature might be too fashionable for a girl such as her. She exited the wardrobe and headed for the control room where the Doctor told her to meet him. Hesitating for only a moment to regain her confidence, she lifted her skirt above her shoes and climbed the metal staircase towards the heart of the TARDIS.

“Finally!” the Doctor exclaimed after hearing her soft footsteps approaching from behind. “You’ve been down there nearly an hour!” He spun around to face her. “What on Earth took you so-?” And then he saw her, truly saw her. Her presence in the room suddenly cleared him of all thought and speech. He had travelled with her an uncountable amount of times. From the past to the future and beyond even that. And yet, she always remained the same Clara to him no matter what version of her he was with. Always his impossible girl. There was no one else he would rather have by his side. He cared for her more deeply than he would ever dare to admit. All the dangers he put her through, all the incidences in which he thought he’d lost her had been more unbearable each time. He fought to keep the feelings he had for her from himself and anyone they ever encountered together from the moment he first laid eyes upon her in his previous form. He felt that somewhere buried deep inside his stubbornness, she would never accept him in this body as she did with his last. This furrowed old man he had become could never compete with the love she still carried in her heart for his younger self. It was better this way. Emotions are dangerous. There were far too many enemies in the universe willing to take advantage of a weakness so great.

Something inside of him was freed from its forgotten place as she approached him, a feeling he thought he would never have for anyone else. He couldn’t tear himself away from her magnificent grace. She could light up every star in the sky or power an entire world with just the look in her eyes at that moment. He could feel the electricity emanating through the air in the palms of his hands. The deafening silence in the room could only be tamed by the delicate sound of her shoes tapping along the metal flooring. He watched her approach until she was but an arm’s length in front of him. “You look, uh…” were the only words he could manage.

“Is it too much?”

“No, um-”

“It’s too much, isn’t it,” she responded nervously, beginning to feel foolish.

“No, no! Well, I mean, it’s not bad. For a girl who can’t even tie a tie correctly. But I suppose the dress will have to do,” he humoured her in an attempt to maintain a hold over his emotions.

“Thanks.” She knew that was the closest to a compliment as she was going to get. She noticed he’d taken the time to groom himself in her absence. A characteristic he hadn’t seemed to have adopted very often in this body, if at all. And yet, something about the way he looked in his tuxedo warmed her from within as if she were standing beside an open flame during the dead of winter. All the anger she felt earlier in the day and the past several weeks had melted away leaving no trace of its former existence. The warm feeling inside of her began to grow more intense as she stepped closer, their shoes nearly touching. “I could say the same about you,” she pointed out, slowly reaching up to straighten his tie.

He watched her every move. His hearts raced at the sensation of her fingers grazing along the outside of his collared shirt. He gazed down at the top of her head as she perfected his slightly skewed necktie. The closer she was to him, the more he could feel the electricity making its way throughout his body. There was something different about her, something he hadn’t noticed before. Not strange, per se, a rather enjoyable feeling actually. A warmth about her. He felt the tiny hairs on his arms rise underneath the sleeves of his jacket. A very faint, almost entirely unnoticeable connection to his telepathic abilities could be detected. Is she somehow reading my mind?

“Well!” He nervously pulled away from her grasp and quickly moved to the console. He feared he may have endured her closeness for too long. If she had been reading his mind, there was no doubt he might have let some thoughts slip by he shouldn’t have. Trying to distract himself, he made a few adjustments to the computer. “Shall we?” he asked, extending a hand towards her. He could sense her reluctance, possibly having to do with the day’s previous conflict between them. The look of uncertainty in her eyes. He knew he had tampered with her trust in him. There was only one way to make it right. “Clara Oswald, I would be deeply honoured if you would accompany me as... my date,” he requested, offering a bent arm for her to accept if it pleased her. Clara smiled. The same smile that drove him into the deepest parts of his sanity. Accepting his offer, she interlocked her arm in his and prepared to be transported to the next adventure. Matching her smile with his own, he pulled down on the lever and sent the time machine to its instructed coordinates.

Prima Nova

The TARDIS materialized into the medium-sized vacant room. The door opened and the Doctor poked his head out from within to examine their new surroundings. Once it was decidedly safe, he exited the box as Clara followed closely behind.

“Well, this is exciting!” She took hold of his arm with her own. The anticipation of what was out there sent a sense of thrill throughout her body. Each time they encountered the unknown together, there was always a feeling of excitement mixed with a small amount of fear of what they might come across. But this time felt different. Being with him made her truly feel like a part of his life again. “It’s as if we’re solving our own mystery! Just the lot of us. Like Sherlock Holmes!”

“Yes, well, if only Sir Conan Doyle had known the true identity of whom he really based his main character on, I’d bet he would’ve looked a little more green, and had scales, and was actually a woman,” he replied, remembering his past adventures with Vastra, Jenny, and Strax. Back when he felt the universe didn’t need him to be the Doctor anymore. Back when he had given up all hope. “Besides, their mysteries were nothing but child’s play in comparison to what I’ve seen in my lifetime. Imagine the pair of them encountering an army of Cybermen back in their day. What a great story that would have been to tell the kiddies.”

They approached the extraordinarily large double doors to the room in which they were standing. They were over a storey in height and several arm lengths wide. A questioning look appeared on his face as he took out his sonic-screwdriver and attempted to scan the door. Other than being made of wood, in which the screwdriver lacked in its abilities, there was nothing he would usually be concerned about. Except that these doors appeared brand new as if they had just been installed, unlike the other walls in the room or the ancient relics hosted inside of it.

“Doctor? What is it?” Her grip on him tightened with concern.

“This door. It’s unusually large for a room this size, don’t you think?”

“Maybe they’re just really tall people?” She couldn’t help the smile that formed.

Frowning at her humour, he placed his ear to the wood and listened for any sounds. Glancing towards her, he opened the door. The light from the other side brightly filled the space all around them. In the next room, they could see hundreds of well-dressed normal-sized people chatting and mingling amongst each other while oblivious to their entrance. Shutting the door behind them, he led her into the crowd to blend in as if they had been there all along. “Now remember,” he warned, continuing to lead her through the mixed mass of aliens. “We’re here to find out what happened to us, not to dilly-dally. No distractions. Look for anything you might remember.”

Clara frowned. All these people enjoying themselves and she was stuck with the Time Lord, Slayer of Fun. Doing as he asked, her eyes scanned the room for anything that would jog her memory. She didn’t recognize any of the other guests nor the room they were in. Nothing out of the ordinary, besides being surrounded by aliens of course. However, she supposed that to them it was she who was the alien. She noticed a strange object hanging from the ceiling high above the guests’ heads. An orb-like structure encased in shaded glass. “What’s that?” she asked, pointing upwards.

“Brain scanner,” he responded, having already noticed it the second they entered the lobby. “It detects ill-intent.”

“What would they need a brain scanner for at a party?”

“I’m not sure yet.”

She could feel him pulling her towards the next room where they were greeted by a well-dressed man of a species she was not familiar with. He stood eagerly behind a host’s station. A badge clung just below his lapel were inscribed with the words Xarbanka, Maître D’.

“Ah! Mr and Mrs Smith!” he addressed them, extending a scaled hand towards the Doctor. “So good to see you again! Mrs Smith, you look absolutely stunning this evening!” He returned his attention to the Doctor. “Better keep a good eye on her tonight, sir!” he boasted with a friendly smile.

“Will do,” he replied, trying to keep the thought of having no memory of this man at rest.

“Oh, I almost forgot!” the man added, retrieving a lightweight box from inside the station. “This arrived earlier today with strict instructions to deliver to you personally upon your arrival.”

“For me?” The Doctor raised a questioning brow. “Who sent it?”

“They didn’t say. It was accompanied by this.” The man pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to him.

Taking the note, he opened it to observe its message. For Mr Smith, from a friend. Glancing towards the Maître D’, he placed the note inside his pocket and released the clip holding the small box shut before hesitantly opening the lid. Inside were two identical pairs of what appeared to be ordinary reading glasses. Upon examination, he found nothing peculiar about them. Removing them from their case, he promptly placed them into his jacket pocket and nodded his gratitude towards the man. Turning to Clara, he noticed she was experiencing the same confusion as he. “Well, shall we head for the refreshments, dear?” A smile formed on his face as he played along with his new role. They parted ways with the man and headed towards the entrance of the next room where the sound of live music was heard playing.

“That was a bit strange,” she whispered. “Were you expecting a package here?”

“No, which means whoever sent it must have known we were going to be here at this exact moment.”

“So, Mr Smith, eh?” She tried to hold back her laughter. “They get a lot of caretakers to come to these things, do they?”

“And, apparently, their wives,” he teased.

“Hmm, Mrs Clara Smith. Doesn’t sound all that bad. Better than Mrs The Doctor. Doesn’t have quite the same ring to it.” She let out a small laugh.

“My, aren’t we chipper this evening,” he noted, addressing her sudden adjustment in mood from earlier. The more they immersed themselves into their surroundings, the brighter she had become. He could feel the happiness resounding inside of her now seeping into him. “To what do I owe this new change? Surely you haven’t forgiven me for everything already,” he prodded, yet remained hopeful the answer would be, ‘Yes.’

“I dunno.” Clara thought about it. It was as if she didn’t even remember being so cross with him. As if it happened ages ago. Whatever feelings she felt before had been replaced by something else, something warmer. Something she wasn’t so sure she had control of. Whatever it was, she liked it. She liked the way she felt around him now more than ever. The thoughts and feelings she still clung to of his last form were slowly being replaced by his new one. “I suppose it doesn’t matter. You’re here now,” she added. As they entered the next room, her grip on him tightened. “Doctor!” she nearly gasped his name. “I’ve been here before. I remember this room from my dream.” She looked around the structure to observe the walls and flooring. It was the same as the nightmare she experienced right before the spectre attacked her. It sent shivers down her spine seeing this place again. Her eyes searched the room for the ghosts she had seen before only to find it was vacant of them. Even the people were different from those in her vision.

“Do you recognize anyone?” he asked, taking in all the details they might have been missing.

“No, you?”

“Nothing.” He strained to discover a clue, anything that might jog his memory of having been there before. He noticed a second scanner atop the ceiling and assumed there was one in each room.

As Clara examined the unfamiliar faces, she couldn’t help but wonder it if was possible they had been wrong. That there wasn’t anything there to find. Had they come all this way for nothing? She continued to observe the guests paired with their partners and dancing to the rhythm of the music. So carefree, so unaware of anything out of the ordinary. Just simply dancing and enjoying the company of one another. Feeling safer, for the moment, she turned to him. “Would you care to dance?”

“Good thinking! Blend in, gather details. Surely one of these people holds the key to our memory!”

Shaking her head, she smiled and determined that he would always be the same old Doctor to her no matter how hard she tried to tame him. A part of her loved that about him and wouldn’t change it for anything.

He took her hand and led her onto the dance floor. Facing her, he realized how long it had been since he had done this even if it were to simply gather data. Trying to recall exactly where he was supposed to put his hands and who was supposed to lead, he decided to go with his instincts instead. Under any other circumstances, he would have felt the flutter of his hearts beating. But this time, something about her was different. She placed the palm of her hand in his, the other wrapped around his back to which he mirrored. As he held her hand, he felt an overwhelming sense of emotion as he detected the vast amount of electricity emanating from her soft delicate fingers entwined in his own. He tried to hide his concern and concentrate on his objective, finding those responsible for all of this. Yet he couldn’t keep his mind focused on anything else. What was different about her? What was he missing? Stay focused, Doctor. Don’t lose yourself in her eyes. You are here for a reason. His mind teetered between studying the room and her gaze. He could feel her pulse in the palm of his hand, though it was strangely foreign. Far too fast to be her own. It’s nothing, she’s just excited. You mustn’t get distracted.

He could feel his muscles tense as her body drew close to his. Her head rested on his shoulder. The hand he claimed around her back found its way to her waist while the other held onto hers firmly. The same warmth he felt before in the TARDIS began to rise within him. The electricity from her hand deepened as if it were connecting to every fibre in his body. What is she doing to me, he wondered? Trying his hardest to stay on task, he began to distract his senses with observation. He counted the tiles on the floor, the number of beverages being passed around, anything even remotely relevant to their reason for being there. He noticed a few of the guests had their attention turned towards them. Did he know them? Did they know him? Could they be involved or was he just feeling paranoid? Before he lost himself in her arms, he attempted to de-escalate the intensity of their embrace. “I feel we are being watched,” he finally spoke, breaking the silence of the moment.

“By who?” she asked, slowly lifting her head off his shoulder.

“Usurians, behind you.”

“What’s a Usurian?” She started to look in their direction.

“Don’t turn around!” he ordered quietly, closely monitoring the other guests as he waited for just the right moment. Seizing the opportunity, he spun her around to the rhythm of the music. His dominant hand retained its grasp on hers as her back became flushed up against him. His other hand slid across her front and held her midsection firmly, pulling her even closer. He ignored the small gasp that escaped her lips. “There, just in front of you,” he whispered into her ear. “Do you recognize them?”

Clara, trying to swallow the surprise that overtook her from his sudden intimacy, glanced in the direction of which he was speaking. “No, I don’t think so.” She hardly even looked at the suspected guests, being too distracted by his closeness. Her free hand found its way to his and placed it gently atop his own. She could feel herself breathing more heavily as he applied pressure to her abdomen.

The Doctor, not ready to eliminate the Usurians as possible suspects, scanned the room again looking for more clues. Suddenly, and quite unexpectedly, a powerful surge swept through him originating from the hand resting securely upon Clara’s body. A telepathic connection he hadn’t felt in a very long time. It was so unbelievably strong, it pulled him out of his reality entirely.

He opened his eyes to find himself in an undetermined space, relocated from where he last stood as if he had been teleported. Darkness had formed all around him. Am I dreaming?  Far off in the distance, he saw a small light. Approaching slowly, he shielded his eyes from the intense glow emanating from it. As he drew closer, more finite details of its existence began to occupy the void surrounding him. Light particles circulated from its main source. The closer he stepped, the more he could hear it trying to speak to him. He heard the sound of its heart beating faintly, then louder until it beat like a drum deep in his soul. Yet there was something different about it. Something only he would be able to feel. There were two. Two distinct heartbeats originating from the same source. No, it can’t be! How is this possible?! He found himself being drawn to its life force, unable to stop himself from stepping closer until he could nearly reach it. The light burned his eyes yet he could not look away. His hand reached out, ready to succumb to its will, until his fingers made their first contact with it. Then there was a flash of light.

The Doctor opened his eyes once again, gasping and breathing heavily. He searched his surroundings thoroughly. He was back in the ballroom. His hand was still clenched around Clara’s as the other pressed her tightly against him from behind. Panic came over him. He quickly released himself from her and stepped away as the music came to an end. He saw her turn to face him, her eyes conveyed worry and concern for her friend. He couldn’t shake the vision in his head of what he saw, for what he feared was happening inside of her. He tried to even conceive of the possibility. His mind raced, his hearts beat rapidly in his chest. No, this isn’t possible!  Yet everything he knew and felt was pointing to only one answer, that his Clara was with child.

“Doctor?” She stepped closer only to watch him step even farther away. His eyes were wide with fright. “Doctor, what is it? What’s wrong?”

His mind burst and flooded with a thousand thoughts as if it were a shattering dam. So many questions, so little answers. It all started to make sense and didn’t at the same time. The electricity and warmth he felt just being around her, a warmth he thought to be the deep feelings he carried for her, was, in reality, the tangible emotions of the life form growing inside of her. Emotions they now shared. If Clara was upset, the child would imitate her distress. When she became elated, so would the child. And if she were to experience pain or suffering...

“I-I’m not sure.” He kept his distance. The words he wanted to say were lost under miles of thought. She came closer, the look of fear on her face as she did when they were in real danger. He couldn’t move, not because of the couples dancing all around him and trapping him where he was, but because his legs would not allow him to. As she stood in front of him, her hand reached for his. “Don’t,” he stopped her firmly. He couldn’t bear their touch again. Not now. Not when his mind needed to repair itself of its malfunction. They stood in unbearable silence, the music having long since ended as the musicians adjusted their pages for the next set. “I think I’ve had quite enough dancing for one evening,” he told her, trying to keep the worry off his face.

Clara was confused and mildly hurt. Had she done something wrong? Why was he so flustered, she wondered? The music started to sound again yet neither one of them yielded their positions on the floor. She hardly even noticed the young man approaching her side.

“Excuse me, Miss?” the man addressed her.

She turned to him, nearly forgetting the Doctor’s strange behaviour. She was taken aback by his youthful features. Not young enough to be a boy but certainly not too old either. He appeared human, but so did many others who either were or simply used a type of cloaking device to possibly hide their true race from potential enemies.

“I was just wondering,” he continued shyly, “if you would do me the honour of sharing this dance with me. If it pleases you.” He looked towards the Doctor. “Of course, that is if you do not mind, sir?”

“Well, actually,” he started, trying not to show his infuriated demeanour over the sudden interruption between them. “We were just about to-”

“I’d love to.” She took the arm of the young man.

“Clara, we really should be going,” he insisted, attempting to lure her back to him.

“I’ll only be a minute! I’m sure you can ‘handle things in my stead,’” she replied, turning his own words against him.

Impossible woman! The Doctor attempted to remain unaltered by her unexpected leave of him. He removed himself from the crowd and leaned against the wall, crossing his arms in disapproval as he watched them from a distance. He could see the young man take her into his arms and pull her close to his chest. She appeared to be somewhat taken with him, laughing and smiling in his direction. He could feel himself becoming jealous but tried to ignore it. Of course she would feel an attraction, just look at him! He’s everything I’m not; young and handsome. While compared to him, I’m nothing but a frustrated emotionless old man.

He attempted to distract himself by continuing to observe the room around them. Maybe he had been wrong. Maybe they were too late. Or just maybe there was nothing there for them to find. But why the brain scanners? What could be so crucial there to require them? And even more importantly, who sent him the glasses? Who had known he was going to be there on this exact night? His eyes drew back to his companion. The young man’s hand had found its way to her waist, her head rested just slight of his lapel. “Will this song never end?!” he mumbled to himself.

As he continued to watch them, he couldn’t help but think of the child developing inside of her. Was she aware of its presence? Could she feel it within her or was it simply too early to detect? The dreaded thought of how it came to be was secondary to his greatest concern, that the child was of Gallifreyan decent. The list of possible fathers was too short to deny being responsible for any part of it. But how had this happened? There must be some sort of an explanation, he thought. The song finally ended and the young pair made their way towards the refreshments.

“May I offer you something? Some champagne perhaps?” asked the young man.

“That would be lovely, thank you.” She watched him head towards the bar to attract the attention of the bartender.

“I hope I’m not interrupting anything, am I?” she heard the voice of the Doctor say behind her. Rolling her eyes, she turned around to face him. “My my, what a lovely couple you two are!” he added.

“Doctor,” she replied, now slightly annoyed with him.

“How old is he? Twelve? Thirteen? Ages, not my area.”

Ignoring his jealous comments, she decided to change the subject. “Did you find anything?”

“Oh, I thought we were here to dance and party!” Behind her, he saw the young man returning with two filled glasses in his hands. “And drink!”

“Champagne, for the lady,” the young man offered, handing her a glass.

“Thank you.” Accepting the glass from him, she raised it to toast the gentlemen.

“That other one must be for me then?” the Doctor asked the boy, his temper getting the better of him.

“Doctor!” she hushed him, lightly smacking his arm. “Behave.”

He watched her bring the glass to her lips. A sudden unexplainable protectiveness came over him as he removed the drink from her hand before she could take a sip. “No, I don’t think so. We wouldn’t want you to get all sloshy.” He handed the drink back to the young man. “Don’t let her appearance fool you. She’s a terrible drunk. Absolutely the worst! Now, if you’ll excuse us.” He grabbed her arm and dragged her away from the confused man.

“That was incredibly rude,” she scolded.

“Oh, I’m sure he’ll forget all about you. Plenty of other sultry girls here to choose from.” He felt her rip her arm away from his grasp. Surprised, he turned around to see her face. He could only describe the look of shock and hurt in her eyes.

“Is that what you think of me then?” she asked as tears started to form at the brim of her eyes.

“No, of course not.” He realized he had let his jealousy take control of him. “Clara, I need to speak with you,” he implored, extending a hand towards her apologetically. After a moment, she wiped the tears from her eyes and took his hand. He took her to a less crowded area of the room and made sure there was no one listening in. He looked into her eyes, still damp from tears. He didn’t even know what to say or how to begin. He brushed the loosened hairs from her face and wiped the remaining tear still clinging to her cheek. “Clara, I-” he stopped himself and ran his fingers through his hair. Why is this so difficult? Just tell her! He sighed heavily and regained his thoughts. “Clara, I need to tell you something.” She did not reply, only gazed into his eyes awaiting his next words which only made it harder for him to speak. At last, he found the courage to tell her the truth. “This may be difficult for you to understand right now, but you… you’re-”

“Welcome guests to the Prima Nova Biannual Charity Auction Ball!” a woman suddenly shouted from the top of the stairs. The guests cheered and clapped at her entrance.

The Doctor was frozen in thought by the interruption. He knew that voice. It sent a cold chill of unavoidable fear down his spine. There was only one person he knew of who had power over him such as that. He glanced towards the sound of her voice hoping he was very wrong about the thoughts invading his mind.

“I’ll be your host this evening,” she continued, descending the stairs. “But you may call me... the Mistress.”

[thelittlesttimelord]

The Littlest Timelord: The Death of the Doctor Chapter 34

TITLE: The Littlest Timelord: The Death of the Doctor Chapter 34 PAIRING: No Pairing RATING: T CHAPTER: 34/? SUMMARY:  The Doctor’s death is looming on the horizon and Elise is growing every  day. What the Doctor doesn’t know is that he has 200 years to teach Elise all he knows. Amy, Rory, and River let Elise in on their secret,  because River knows she will keep it. What will Elise do when he’s gone?

[A/N - Last chapter before the series finale!]

Craig paced the living room floor with Alfie in his arms as the Doctor worked on the Cybermat. Craig yawned. “I'm knackered. That thing was eating up the electricity?”

“And transmitting it up to the Cybership. But why? Why do they need power? Why are those conversions not complete yet, and what are they doing up there?” the Doctor asked.

“You said you were going to look at its brain.”

“No, I had to wipe its brain. Now I can reprogram it and use it as a weapon against them.”

Craig sat down next to the Doctor on the couch. “The Cybermat came after us?”

“No, after me.”

“They sent it after us.”

“After me. Because of me, you and Alfie nearly died.” The Doctor stopped working on the Cybermat. “Do you still feel safe with me, Craig?”

“You can't help who your mates are.”

“No. I am a stupid, selfish man. Always have been. I should have made you go. I should never have come here.”

“What would have happened if you hadn't come? Who else knows about the Cybermen and teleports?”

“I put people in danger.”

“Stop beating yourself up. If it weren't for you, this whole planet would be an absolute ruin.”

“Craig, very soon I won't be here. My time is running out. I don't mean Exedor. Silence will fall when the question is asked. Don't even know what the question is. I always knew I'd die still asking. Thing is, Craig, its tomorrow. Can't put it off any more. Tomorrow is the day I…” The Doctor looked back and saw Craig and Alfie asleep. He stood up and covered them with a blanket.

The Doctor and Elise waited for the sun to rise before leaving Craig’s house. Elise had spent the night crying in her father’s arms as he tried to comfort her. She knew this moment was coming, but she wasn’t ready to say goodbye to him yet.

“Safe mode. Clever me. Come along, bitey.”

They made their way to the department store.

“Morning!” Val greeted them.

“Morning. Teleport's still fused. They didn't repair it. So, the Cyberman last night. How did it get down here, how did it get out? And why, why, am I asking you?”

“You found the silver rat?”

“But where are the silver men?”

They went into the changing rooms.

“Secondary teleport. No, there is no other teleport. They must have had a back-up system. Something complicated, something powerful, something shielded. Something like a door? A door! A dyscillium-bonded steel door disguised as a wall.” The Doctor entered one of the changing cubicles and opened the door disguised as a mirror. “That is cheating. So, it didn't teleport down, they climbed up.”

Elise was about to follow the Doctor into the tunnel when he stopped her. “Stay here.”

“But…”

He cupped her face. “Please.”

Blue stared into green until Elise finally agreed.

The Doctor kissed her forehead and stepped back into the tunnel.

Elise left the changing rooms and found Craig. “Craig?”

“Oh! Elise! Where’s the Doctor?”

Her silence told him everything.

“Oh god. He went off alone, didn’t he?” He handed Alfie to her. “I’ve got to help him!”

“I know. You’re a good friend, Craig Owens.”

Craig ran off, leaving Elise alone with Alfie.

“Hello, again Alfie.”

Alfie whined.

“I know you like being called Stormageddon, but I’m not calling you that.”

Alfie started wailing.

“Alfie, shhh. It’s okay. Daddy will be back soon.”

But Alfie kept crying.

Elise tried bouncing him. “Oh, um. What if I sing? Yeah. Why are there so many, songs about rainbows, and what’s on the other side…?”

Singing didn’t help either. If anything, it made Alfie cry even louder. Elise had no idea what to do.

The Doctor and Craig stepped out of the elevator.

Craig ran over to Elise, who handed Alfie over to him. Alfie gurgled.

“That was another review. Ten out of ten,” the Doctor told him.

“The Cybermen. They blew up. I blew them up with love.”

“No, that's impossible. And also grossly sentimental and over simplistic. You destroyed them because of the deeply ingrained hereditary human trait to protect one's own genes, which in turn triggered a…a…a. Yeah. Love. You blew them up with love.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

While Craig was distracted, Elise and the Doctor made their way back to Craig’s house to clean up.

Craig entered the kitchen as Elise and the Doctor were coming in from the backyard.

“See, I do come back,” the Doctor said.

“How did you…?” Craig asked.

“Time machine. But even with time travel, getting glaziers on a Sunday. Tricky.”

“You went back in time? That means you used up your hours. What about Exedor?”

“What about you being in trouble with Sophie when she comes back? I couldn't let that happen.”

“We made quite a mess. Sorry about that,” Elise told him.

“You used up your time for me?” Craig asked.

“Course I did. You're me mate. I notice Stormageddon's very quiet and happy.”

Alfie giggled.

“Oh, he prefers the name Alfie now. And he's very proud of his dad.”

“He calls me dad?”

“Yes, of course he does now.”

Alfie gurgled.

“Yeah, I know. He's a bit thick, isn't he?”

Craig laughed. “Oi, shut up, you two.”

“Well, now it's time. I have to go.”

“Doctor, I know that something's wrong. I can help you.”

“Nobody can help me. I hope Sophie won't mind. I need these.” The Doctor picked up TARDIS blue envelopes. Everything was coming full circle.

“Where are you going to go?” Craig asked.

“America,” the Doctor said.

“Utah to be exact,” Elise added.

“Sophie'll be home any second. Are you sure…?” Craig asked.

“I can't miss this appointment, Craig. Goodbye, mate.”

Elise kissed Alfie on the head. “Goodbye, Alfie. One day. One day I’ll come back and we’ll see the stars.”

“Wait there. One second.” Craig left and came back with a Stetson. “From Sean's stag.”

“Wow.”

“You ride 'em, partner.”

“Oh, thanks.”

“Bye.”

There was a knock on the door.

Elise and the Doctor slipped out the back door and made their way to the TARDIS.

“Well then, old girl. One last trip, eh?” the Doctor asked.

Three stopped playing to watch Elise and the Doctor.

The Doctor approached the children. “Hey. I'm the Doctor. I was here to help. And you are very, very welcome.”

The Doctor and Elise entered the TARDIS and took off.

[the-doctors-strays-blog]

Broken

@justctraveler, continued from ryanxsinclair

“Ryan! Ryan– are you alrigh’?” After making sure the floating snake-like mechanical thing was dead, she practically collapsed next to her friend, checking him over, concern filtering through her eyes. “Y’hurt? Knew we should have brought Yaz and Graham along.”

Ryan had thrown himself out of the way of the metallic snake, feet twisting under him in the confusion, and, falling back, his head slammed against the wall. “Wha’?” he mumbled, vaguely aware of the Doctor’s face in front of him, almost comprehending what she was saying.

“M’head’s poundin’.” He grabbed to her arm to try to stand, but gave up when it felt like there was a knife going through his skull, and collapsed back down to the ground. “Whoa, okay, m’not okay.”

The Doctor turned her head back to look at the pile of metal on the ground, eyes lingering a moment, before focusing back on her friend.“Hey- hey. just take it easy, would ya?” she gave him a small look. “Seems like y’banged your head pretty hard. Stay there. Try and relax a little, yeah? See if y’feel a bit better in a couple of moments. I’m gonna go scan our friend.”

She turned and pulled the sonic out of her pocket, moving over towards the mechanical snake & scanning it. If her theory was correct - and she hoped it wasn’t - then they had stumbled upon more than what it had seemed on the surface. And something she really, really didn’t want to face again.

“Might just be a lone survivor. God I hope it’s a lone survivor and nothin’ more. If I have to face the Cybermen one more time – I swear,” she mumbled under her breath, then looked at the results.

She was back beside Ryan in a moment.

“Still hurts?”

Ryan ran a hand against the back of his head, wincing. It hurt something wicked. But it was his difficulty focusing in on anything that was more worrying.

It was like the time he and his mates had finished a whole case of beer each on a dare - the whole room seemed to be shifting around him, edges and objects looking not quite… right in a way he couldn’t quite put his finger on, his stomach twisting dangerously and bouts of nausea rising that he quickly swallowed down. “Yeah, but m’okay,” he risked saying, for just opening his mouth felt like he was daring his uneasy insides to give him their worst.

Balancing between the Doctor and the wall, a hand on her shoulder and another on a pipe that ran along the wall, he found his feet. Standing. He let out a slow breath, gradually beginning to feel stable. He kept a hand on the wall, just in case. “If it’s alone…” he paused, loosing the thread of what he was going to say and having to search about in his mind for a moment before he found it again, “how has it been… um… I mean, it didn’t look like it was runnin’ low on battery. If there’s enough power for one, could be more, couldn’t there?”

That was a good point. Damn Ryan and his good points. Well, she preferred to have companions who could make good points, so it was a good thing. But still. She really didn’t want there to be more than just one. She pushed those thoughts away for now though, watching Ryan closely as he pushed himself up. With a hesitation, she stepped backwards, and pulled out her sonic again, scanning him, and checking the results. “You… Ah.” She took a deep breath. “You’re really not okay.”She gave him a small look, lowering the sonic. “Y’hit your head. Pretty hard. This can wait. We’re going back to the TARDIS and giving you a bit of time to recover. I won’t take no as an answer.”

“I can scan for more while we’re there. Yeah? Come on. Can y’walk by yourself?” She asked, turning and moving back to the creature, using her legs to lift it up. She stuffed it under one arm, as she moved back to the other and studied him.

“M’not arguin’,“ he said, using the wall to help him as they made their, thankfully short return to the TARDIS. His hands fumbled with the lock and the door. It looked like the key was almost in the lock, but it felt like trying to do something while looking in the mirror, perception and reality not quite matching. When finally, he got it open, he stumbled inside and left the door open behind him.

“This is probably when it would be good to tell you I’ve had concussion a few times. You know m’sort of clumsy, ‘cos of the dyspraxia. Apparently when you’ve had a few it’s real easy to get another,“ Ryan said as he sank back against one of the golden, crystal columns of the ship, resting his arms against his knees.

“Oh- you’re not?” The Doctor paused in her step, frowning a bit at thelack of arguing. She was so used to past companions doing so. She gave a small shrug and a nod, motioning in the direction of the TARDIS. No arguing. Good. Nice. It was nice to not have a self-destructive companion. She shifted after him, glancing around and keeping an eye out, giving him all the time he needed. And when they finally got in the TARDIS, she moved inside, pushing the door closed behind her and giving a small nod, placing the mechanic snake on the console. She pulled some analytical wires out of the bottom and shoved them towards the metal, allowing them to stick to it, as she listened to Ryan. She gave a small shake of her head, and looked back towards him.

“Then y’know exactly what t’do, yeah?” She gave a small smile and a nod, before quickly finishing it off and turning, moving towards him. “Sit on the floor. I’ll grab you some water, yeah? Just relax. Y’fine.”

“Yeah, sit ‘round and twiddle me thumbs, which I can’t do when there are those things out there, can I?“ he looked up at her, shaking his head and instantly regretting it. Too much movement, it felt like his brain was swishing around inside his skull. Nausea clutched at his throat and he swallowed it down. Moments stretched to hours and back into seconds, and though the Doctor had just left to fetch the water it seemed that she’d been gone forever and yet it was also so easy to forget she’d left at all. “Those people we saw before, they’re in danger, yeah?” he said to an empty room. “Those… um…“ she’d said what the creatures were called, he was sure of it. “Those…”

Where had the Doctor gone? She’d been there, moments before.Where… She’d just been there. The empty room glowed with flashing lights and clangs of sound, then, for Ryan, everything flickered to dark and he sunk down to the floor. Unconscious.