Phone Calls and Cricket Outfits
Rose Tyler was staring out of the window of her office watching the zeppelins when her phone rang.
"Tyler."
"Uh, Rose…"
The voice sounded unfamiliar, but she would recognise the tone everywhere.
"Doctor? What happened?" She just hoped that he hadn't ended up in Nepal because he had come across yet another big red button that should never, ever be pressed. It wouldn't be the first time.
"Do you know where I can get a stick of celery? Oh, and a cricket outfit?"
"What would you want with a cricket outfit? And you hate celery."
"Yeah, well..."
"Doctor?" she prompted.
"Do you promise not to kill me? And probably restrain Jackie?"
"Why would I have to... Never mind. What. Is. Going. On. Doctor?"
"There were those aliens. With this really fascinating space ship. And even more interesting instruments on their console."
Threatening red button, as expected, she thought. "So you blew something up?"
"Yes." And why did he not sound relieved after that confession? "There is more."
"Just tell me. I'm not going to kill you." No, but there definitely were other options.
A sigh. "I've regenerated."
~o~o~
The next thing the Doctor heard was a loud 'clunk', followed by silence.