Content, adjective [kuh n-tent] satisfied with what one is or has; not wanting more or anything else.

Chapter 1

The Doctor stood at the console of his ship, grinning widely at his companion. "What do you think, Rose? Up for a little side trip?"

Rose raised an eyebrow. "Course I am, as long as you promise there'll be no angry rocks rolling after me." She smiled, giving him a pointed look.

He faked a look of seriousness. "I told you that everything, in a sense, had life on that planet. Taking home a pebble as a souvenir- not a good idea."

"How was I supposed to know it had a family? "S just a rock- I thought it was pretty."

He chuckled. "Just a rock, you should hear yourself." Pausing a moment, he scratched his head and gave her another enormous grin. "Maybe you could have sung a Rolling Stones song- woulda calmed 'em down a bit."

Rose rolled her eyes and hopped up onto the jump seat. "Terrible. You really are terrible sometimes," she said, laughing.

They fell into a comfortable silence for a moment. After spending the last two weeks on Ardistentia helping the natives combat a widespread flu-like outbreak, they were ready to move on. Rose had enjoyed learning the customs of the Ardistentians, who looked similar to humans, except their skin was a vibrant red, and their eyes a pale orange.

An unexpected meteorite had fallen in the center of the village, and it contained a harmful bacteria that the inhabitants hadn't encountered- or developed immunity to. When the Doctor and Rose landed, the entire village was struck ill. After an intensive two weeks, they were happy to leave the residents and be on their way. Because of their efforts, not a single life had been lost.

If it hadn't been for Roses' misstep in taking the pebble at the end of their stay, they wouldn't have had to run for their lives at all.

She turned to face the leather-clad bloke who stood at the controls. "So, where are you taking us?"

The Doctor smiled. "You'll like it. I know you will." He flipped a few switched and the console came to life, the engines making their familiar wheezing sound.

After the two weeks of nursing and tending to the villagers, he thought Rose might like somewhere a bit more relaxing. Jennualt came to mind immediately- a calm planet with three small suns that ensured varying stages of daylight continuously in addition to a native species called Kellisttera- small, furry creatures about the size of an Earth housecat that hummed delightful tunes. They had a soft spot for cuddling, and the Doctor knew Rose would be mad for them.

The ship dematerialized. Rose held onto the side of the seat, trying her best to stay put. The TARDIS shuddered briefly. The Doctor flipped two more switches and pulled a lever, but the tremor continued.

"Everything alright?" Rose shouted, her voice trying to carry over the din of the TARDIS.

He didn't answer, just kept moving around the console pressing buttons and flipping levers. Something was amiss- they weren't going to land on Jennualt, as he'd intended.

The TARDIS shook again and they landed with a soft thump. He checked the readings on the console and groaned when he realised where the ship had taken them.

Rose reacted to the groan. "Everything okay?" she asked cautiously.

"Yes and no. Yes, we're alright. There's something wrong with the TARDIS, but I'll sort her out. And no, we've landed on a planet I'd rather not be on. So, a bit of both, to answer your question."

"Anythin I can do to help?" she questioned, scratching the side of her head.

He smiled a tight smile, shaking his head. "No, just need to have a look around and see what needs fixin'. Lots of practice under my belt, so I'm sure it won't take long."

He crawled under the grating, running a hand through his close-cropped hair. Everything looked okay at first glance. He turned slightly, breathing in a strange scent. It wasn't strong- rather weak, really, but it couldn't be ignored. The Doctor carefully checked under and around the console trying to find what caused it.

After a bit of poking, he finally realized the problem. Some of the seals were starting to go. A bit of liquid here and there had just begun seeping into the console, causing the difficulties. It wasn't something he had expected.

The ship was ancient and constantly needed repairs- he was used to that, and could typically make anything work in a pinch- but if the fluid started leaking out of the hydrostatic converter and into the main drive, there'd be bigger problems than a little shudder while they were in flight.

The Doctor sighed a great sigh, his black leather jacket creaking quietly as he moved around. He was in no great hurry to bring Rose out onto the planet that they'd landed on. He wanted to stay on the TARDIS and not have to leave at all; with a little luck, he could find some material in the ship that would work as a temporary seal.

After digging for hours, he had to admit defeat. He'd come across three old Jelly Babies, a tie, some stale candy floss, a wrinkled concert ticket he'd never had the opportunity to use (yet, he told himself), a pair of mismatched shoes, and a bronze archery medal from the 2024 Olympic games.

Rose flipped through a magazine, sitting on the jump seat, her feet resting on the console. She listened, rather amused, as the Doctor cursed quietly, then called out, "Looks like I'll be needin' to step out after all, Rose. I can't seem to find any suitable material on board."

She grinned, slipping her legs off the console; time to explore.

~OOoOO~

Her eyebrows furrowed. "What d'you mean you don't want me to come along. Of course I'm coming along- we're a team. Rose and the Doctor- better with two, remember?" She grinned cheekily, tongue poking out from between her teeth.

He sighed. She wasn't dressed properly. She'd likely not follow the rules. He should say no. He'd promised Jackie to keep her safe, after all.

"Rose, this time I need you to stay here. This planet-"

"What's it called?" she asked.

He sighed. "The name isn't important."

She made a face. "Why won't you tell me? Is it a big long name or something?"

The leather of his jacket creaked as he crossed his arms. "It's called Content. The planet, that is."

Her mouth dropped open. "Content? You're kiddin' me. You're afraid to let me go out on a planet named Content? What's going to happen? Am I going to be too happy to want to come back to the TARDIS or something?"

"No. Not much of a chance of that happening in this place. Just trust me, Rose. Stay here and I'll be back in a mo'."

"Doctor," she pleaded. "I'll be bored here. Let me come along? Please?"

"You might be bored, but you'd be safe." He shook his head. "I'll not risk it. Just this once- listen to me and stay here."

She gave him a pointed look. "I'm a fast runner. I won't be any trouble. Let me go along. Come on- you said you wanted a side trip…"

His resolve weakened at the determined look on her face. "Right then. If you're coming along, pop up to the wardrobe and change quick. TARDIS'll help you find something appropriate. I'll wait here."

She grinned. "M not fallin' for that. The second I go back to change, you'll be on your merry way, locking the door behind you. I'll go as I am, thank you."

He closed his eyes, cursing her reasoning. Why did he always pick humans that were so jeopardy friendly? "Come on, then. Let's get this over with."

Author's Note: Welcome, reader! I've been working on this story for well over a year (I'm not the most prolific writer out there) and have decided enough is enough. I'm a few paragraphs away from finishing this 20 chapter beast, so here is the first bit. I plan on updating on Fridays (so you'll get another chapter tomorrow) and hope you'll come along for the ride.

This is not necessarily a happy story. The norms and social aspects of the planet are not the same as social norms of Earth. I want you to be aware of that, so you can decide right away if this might not be the story for you. I'll always post warnings in front of chapters I feel some may find triggering.

Please let me know what you think. I'm always open to any type of feedback. Thanks so much! Have a fantastic day!