Chapter 1

Amy and Rory stood well back, observing the multitude of sparks flying from the console. They knew full well their alien friend was in the midst of them, because they could hear his voice, but if either of them had been asked to say just where he was along the console, neither of them would have had any idea.

"Okay, I think we're in orbit", the Timelord's voice echoed from behind the control panel. "We should be safe now".

But Amy wasn't convinced. "Can't we just land?"

Now the Doctor's head appeared from beneath the console. His hair was an even bigger mess than usual, and he seemed to look both surprised and disappointed. Not with his companions, Amy told herself, rather with his ship. He thought he had better tell them something. "Land? That's what I'm trying to do. But for some reason the controls have started acting up. Almost like they had a mind of their own! We should be safe enough in this orbit. For now".

Rory seemed as confused as ever. "You know, Doctor, for such an advanced vehicle, doesn't the TARDIS break down rather often?"

The Timelord briskly strode over to the pair. Amy knew that the last comment wouldn't have gone down well. "Rory Pond, that's what I've been trying to tell you. This isn't the TARDIS".

"Then what is it?"

"I don't know. It's like some outside timey-wimey force is trying to get in". Then he smiled, proudly. "But I think I've fixed it now".

The Doctor stood there, waiting for praise and adoration from his fellow travellers. But if he had had a list of things to expect, what actually happened would have been right down at the bottom.

His hands suddenly started to glow. For a split instant, he thought he may have contracted some unknown wound or disease, and be starting to regenerate. But he soon realised that wasn't it. The white light flowed from his hands, and encompassed his entire body. He looked up at his companions who just stood there like nothing was happening. His entire body was glowing, and they didn't seem to notice! He tried to focus on Amy, but she continued to look calmly at him, even as the white light totally obscured his vision.

After a split instant eternity, the light faded from his eyes and he could see again. But he was no longer in the TARDIS. He was in a white room, totally empty except for a small table he was resting his hands on. He wasn't even wearing his normal clothes, but what looked like the most plain white pair of trousers and T-shirt he had ever seen. Gingerly, he moved his hands from the table and walked over to the wall. The room was round and totally silent, and there was no sign of a door.

The Doctor started as he heard a clunk. Turning around he saw a panel in the wall rise to make an entrance. In the newly created door stood a little man. He seemed to be about fifty years old, wore grey trousers and a shiny silver jacket. He had dark hair and was smoking on a particularly pungent cigar. In his hands was what looked like a glowing Rubix cube, like someone had got a set of square lights and stuck them together. He took the cigar out of his mouth and spoke in an East Coast American accent.

"Don't be startled, it's okay. I just need to know your name".

But the Doctor didn't want to play along. "Is this an abduction?"

The little man sighed. "Look, I know this must be totally weird, but trust me, everything'll be a lot easier if you just tell me your name and what year it is".

"'What year'? You mean I've travelled in time?"

The other man coughed. "I know, it takes a lot of getting used to, but if you just answer my questions, we'll get you back. And don't worry. It's okay to be shocked. To most people, time travel's just a load of science fiction".

"Well to me, time travel's a way of life. My name's the Doctor, and are you telling me that humans have invented time travel?"

"Just keep it to yourself. Now you say your name's the Doctor. Doctor who?"

Amy and Rory had been expecting a lecture from the Doctor about just how wonderful the TARDIS was. But he just seemed to stand before them and look at them as if he'd never laid eyes on them before. Concerned, Amy broke the silence. "Doctor, are you okay?"

Their companion didn't answer, but looked around the room they were in, and when he finally spoke, he didn't say anything like Amy was expecting. "Air".

"Sorry?" replied Amy.

"I need a little air". And with that he almost dove straight at the TARDIS door and seemed to wrench it open. At the sight that greeted him, he let out a scream and fell backwards. Slowly he rose to his feet as his companions gathered around him. He stared open mouthed through the door at the stars and the planet earth they were in orbit around. Amy held him on his right side, and Rory on his left. "Doctor, why did you do that?" asked Amy, almost irritated. Slowly their companion turned his head to face her and, like someone in deep shock, managed to choke out two words. "Oh boy!"