1 Dougie

Rose closes the door to the TARDIS softly after her final wave to Donna and Jack. Turning to the Doctor, who already has the next destination ready to go, she heads up the ramp and sits on the jumpseat. Dougie is helping pilot by keeping constant pressure on the helmic regulator. The crystalline pulse modulator had cracked in this last hard landing and their next destination is a market that should/ hopefully/ might/ maybe have another one.

"So do you think Donna's going to enjoy this trip with Jack?" she asks the Doctor, a little worried.

Dougie smirks, but keeps his mouth shut. The last couple days worth of 'discussion' about said trip had been highly entertaining.

"What's not to like about the 51st Century? Humans have advanced in nearly every way, they love everyone. It's not like they shag in the streets. She'll be fine. He just wants her to see the time that shaped him," the Doctor answers distractedly.

"That's what I'm worried about; especially since the planet he took her to is entirely designed around a 'Vegas' theme," Rose comments under her breath as the TARDIS wheezes to a somewhat bumpier landing than usual.

"Here we are then, the Mandorian Market on the third moon of Dracos Major, 6523 by Earth reckoning. It's been ages since I've been here. I think I was in my Sixth self, but I remember finding all kinds of helpful bits and bobs," he tells Rose and Dougie enthusiastically.

"And you think you can find TARDIS parts here?" Rose asks, incredulous eyebrow raised.

"Weeeell, I don't usually find TARDIS parts, but I find parts that will work in the TARDIS," he hedges. "Unfortunately, I can't repair the crystal in the helmic regulator, and it's cracked. I'm pretty sure you or Dougie don't wish to spend every flight clutching that button on the Console. So, when we're shopping, be on the lookout for one of these." Fiddling with the monitor, the Doctor shows them a picture of a thin green crystal about the length of a hand. It has very distinctive inclusions within that should make it easier to identify.

"It needs to be at least 17cm long," he says, holding up his hand. "But anything longer is fine; I'll just regrind it. The inclusions are turbidium and are bright gold in the green crystalline matrix—only structure like it," he tells them, grabbing his long coat and leading them toward the doors.

Exiting the Tardis, Dougie follows on the Doctor and Rose's heels into a bustling market filled with all kinds of alien life. They've landed at the edge of a large open square filled with tents and stands. The square is surrounded by taller buildings that are obviously multi-level shops, all with brightly lit signs designating their wares with little moving holograms. It's a bit overwhelming to walk right out into this crush of civilisation, but the constant chatter thrills him.

They have only just begun shopping, all three of them pawing through bins, totes, and boxes of multi-cultural debris, randomly holding up interesting pieces for the Doctor's positive or negative responses. Dougie finishes with his negative pile and is moving to the next shop over when a short pale blue woman runs directly up to him and starts tugging desperately on the sleeve of his robe, babbling so fast even the TARDIS is having a hard time translating.

She's dressed in a short, dark green dress over purple leggings which is topped by a pale green jacket covered in pockets. The pockets are stuffed with things as evidenced by the bulging. She's very short and somewhat stocky, but she has the most delicate and nimble fingers. Rose thinks she must be a musician or something that requires fine dexterity. None of these observations leads to an explanation as to haste or needs.

Rose and the Doctor set their respective piles aside as they rejoin Dougie to see what's up.

Startled, Dougie smiles and pats the small woman's hands, trying to calm her down. If she speaks more slowly, maybe he'll understand. He can palpably feel her need and distress shining across her unshielded mind, and instinctively he wants to help her.

"Madame, please, more slowly. I cannot understand you. Do you require assistance?" he asks her clearly, hoping his unflustered demeanour will help relieve her worries.

Taking a few deep breaths and visibly trying to calm herself, she smiles shakily back at Dougie, who is now kneeling to be closer to her height, which isn't quite two-thirds of Rose's.

"Hoping so, I. Lené you are, yes? Great telepathic needs we having," she tells him in a warm melodic voice. Turning, she points at a large structure visible beyond the nearest buildings. It's a tall white tower with the lit impression depicting a green crescent moon—the hospital.

"Doctor Selpeth am I, of the Hospital. Shift finished, heading home I was, when the miracle of you, great Gnosis showed to me, high above the crowd your head rises," she tells him a bit awed. Her syntax is a little hard to follow, but adds to her charm. "Telepathic children, assistance we are needing with. Refugees to us were brought. No adults do they have. Help them physically we could, if let us they did, but in our minds they grieve. Help them you could, yes?" she asks, relief and hope plain on her delicate features.

Looking up at the Doctor and Rose, it's obvious that Dougie wishes to help. Stepping up to their sides, the Doctor asks curiously, "Dr. Selpeth, do they look like us, the children I mean?" He motions between Rose and himself, a small line of tension visible between his brows.

Rose immediately realises the Doctor's wondering if they are by some miracle Gallifreyan children. Her hearts go out to him, assuming they won't be.

Shaking her head in the negative as she looks between he and Rose, Dr. Selpeth describes the children to him at which point he exclaims, "Cheetah People! Blimey, they're a long way from home."

Nodding in agreement, she turns back to Dougie. "Pleased to help us, honoured Lené? Afraid we are of losing some of them. Weakening they are, continually. Great worry we maintain without staff telepath," Dr. Selpeth entreats him.

Feeling the Doctor's agreement Rose reassures Dougie they aren't going anywhere. "Go, Dougie. You know where we'll be, and who can miss the giant hospital, yeah? We'll come looking if you aren't back at the TARDIS when and if we find what we're looking for," Rose tells him, giving him a quick hug. The Doctor nods at him, wishing them luck, and turns to lead Rose away.

"Dr. Selpeth is a Gnosahn, Rose. Brilliantly talented with their hands, they are. Did I ever tell you about meeting the Cheetah People with Ace? Strange day that was. We…," Dougie hears the Doctor begin as the move away.

He looks down into Dr. Selpeth's earnest golden gaze. "Yes, yes of course I will come. I am Dougron, and I will assist you as best I can. Please, lead the way, and if you would, please also explain to me the symptoms you are encountering." He bends down a bit as they walk quickly toward the hospital, listening intently to the little doctor as she lays out the issues, gesticulating wildly.

A/N: Short little four-part story, with a little fluff and feel goods. I hope you enjoy it. As always, beta'd by the lovely Ashlanielle. All appreciation and reviews are like cupcakes with sprinkles...we don't need them, but we sure do like them. Thanks! :-)