Carving Circles
Chapter 1: The Beloved Lady
Rory lied in bed, staring at the ceiling. He looked over at Amy, who had managed to fall asleep. As quietly as he could, Rory slipped out of bed, dressed himself in casual clothes, and headed to the console room. From a distance, he could tell that the Doctor was rummaging around.
"Ah! Here it is, dear," the Doctor told the TARDIS. "As the human expression goes: 'Why is everything always in the last place you look?'"
"I don't know about most people," Rory said. "But when I find something, I usually stop looking for it." He approached the Doctor.
"But you're not like most people, are you, Rory? Is that why you're awake?"
"After the day we've had, I'm finding it difficult to suppress the centurion's memories."
"Would you care for a sedative?"
Rory shook his head.
"How about a search of 'Rory Pond' throughout history to help pass the time?"
"You would really let me do that?"
The Doctor smiled. "Of course not."
"Actually, I already satiated that curiosity with Google. I didn't find anything interesting, though there was a Rory Williams who was doctor in New York. He funded his medical training by teaching Latin. I think I'll just take a look at what's out there. Do you know where we are?"
"The planet Nud-Lezl, perhaps a few million years in the past, near the Torajii system. It should be morning."
"Anything I should worry about?" Rory asked as he opened the TARDIS doors.
"No, the lifeforms at this time shouldn't give you any trouble."
"What kinds of lifeforms are here?"
"Go out and see."
Rory closed the doors behind him as he noticed he was standing near the bottom of a long canyon seemingly carved out of white stone. Rory hiked to the top of the canyon to take in a different point of view.
After admiring the scenery, Rory continued walking around. He noticed that many of the canyon's visitors looked alike. Olive-colored oval faces seemed to lean against a triangular crest. Tiny black eyes laid towards the sides of the face with what Rory presumed was a mouth in between. A gill-like slit ran along the chin. There were also a scattering of other species in the area, presumably tourists. They paid little attention to a figure that kept in the shadows, wearing a flowing robe and a hood that concealed everything. Several natives, however, took notice and accosted the robed individual.
"Let me pass!"
"What's the matter, Shribb?" one of the natives asked. "You claim to be trying to integrate into society again. Integrate with us."
"What's going on?" a tourist asked.
Shribb began to feel some muscle spasms.
"Stay out of Muliz business, stranger. You have no stake with us."
"You've given us a stake," Rory said. "What has Shribb done to deserve harassment?"
A native grabbed Shribb's hood and yanked it off, revealing a metal eye socket with a crystal eye and lines of metal across Shribb's cheeks.
A look of shock flashed through Rory's face before he quickly recovered and noticed that Shribb was wavering.
"Even you recoil when looking at her!"
"It doesn't matter," Rory said. He noticed that Shribb was falling and he lunged forward to let Shribb fall into his arms.
Some of the Mulizes backed away.
"She needs help!" Rory cried.
"She's better off dead."
"Is there a medical facility around here?" Rory asked.
"Not for that."
A different Muliz finally spoke up. "She lives several times down the canyon over there. There is a cave there."
Rory positioned Shribb in his arms, carrying her. "Is anyone going to help me?" Rory waited for a few seconds before running towards where the last Muliz pointed.
"How will you find her home?" a tourist asked.
"I don't know yet. If I can't, I know someone at the bottom of the canyon who can help."
Rory quickly hiked down the canyon with Shribb in his arms while trying to limit any jostling. "Hello?" he occasionally cried. "I need help!"
Eventually, a Muliz peered out from a cave entrance. He ran towards Rory when he noticed Shribb. "What happened?" he asked.
"She collapsed. I don't know what's wrong with her," Rory said. "She seemed weak in the moments before she lost consciousness. Who are you?"
"I'm Faran. Please, bring her in here."
Rory followed Faran into the cave, which appeared to be a typical dark and bare cave until they reached a room that held a bed. An array of technology, seemingly powered by the planet's version of a portable generator, reminded Rory of a hospital.
Faran gestured towards the bed and Rory set Shribb on it. Faran then hooked Shribb to several machines.
"What's wrong with her?" Rory asked.
"She's been ill for a very long time. I am trying my best to keep her alive, improve her health." Faran took out a syringe-like contraption and drew some blood.
"Those mechanical parts of her . . ."
"They're how I'm prolonging her life."
"I have a friend at the bottom of the canyon. He's an expert on these kinds of things. Perhaps he can take a look," Rory suggested.
Rory noticed what seemed like skepticism on Faran's face. "He won't judge you or her. He could be helpful."
"Please bring him here, then."
...
Rory noticed the Doctor grimace as soon as the latter stepped outside the TARDIS.
"What's wrong?"
"Some kind of pulling in my head. It's like something is calling for me."
"Where's it coming from?"
"Never mind that. I can ignore it for now. First, let's see this woman."
Rory guided the Doctor to the cave and the Doctor scanned Shribb with his screwdriver.
"It's not an illness you know, Rory," the Doctor said.
"I know everything about it," Faran said.
"I figured you would," the Doctor responded. "What you've done so far, it's impressive. Are you medically trained?"
"Yes, I was a medical practitioner and instructor before I took a leave."
"Is there anything you can do, Doctor?" Rory asked.
"This is terminal."
"That's what everyone says," Faran interjected.
"But you found a way to prolong her life," the Doctor noted.
"I am doing my best. I am hopeful for a cure one day."
"Then keep doing it. She deserves the best, doesn't she?"
"Yes."
The Doctor looked down at Shribb, as did Faran. Rory noticed a plaque that commended Shribb on an achievement. He noticed that Shribb's full name was Shribb Alessa Piscin.
"Is that all? That's it?" Rory asked, turning to the Doctor.
"There is one thing I could use in addition to my technology," Faran said. "I have heard of an herb that helps in these conditions. Unfortunately, I cannot make what is known to be a dangerous trek alone, nor can I leave Shribb alone."
"Would you be willing to watch over her, Doctor?" Rory asked.
"You want to go with him?"
"I'd like to help."
"Let's go back to the TARDIS. You'll need provisions."
The Doctor and Rory walked back to the TARDIS. The Doctor was silent, but kept on looking at Rory.
"I know, Doctor. It's self-centered to relate this situation to me caring about Amy and letting that guide my decision."
"You never need to explain yourself for helping other people, Rory, and even if you did, there are worse reasons. But, I've been on this planet before, millions of years in the future. There are stories, legends, of a man who tried to save his wife by replacing her body parts with machines. She still died, Rory."
"Legends have a way of being distorted, especially after millions of years."
"I know, but I wanted you to be aware."
Rory nodded. "I won't get my hopes up."
"All right. While you're off with Faran, I'll stay with Shribb and try to figure out what's wrong with the star."
"What do you mean?" Rory asked.
"It's dimmer than it's supposed to be."
The Doctor and Rory soon returned to the cave and Rory and Faran set off.
In the distance, two figures watched.
"I believe they will enter the Solstice Forest. Send the horde. I grow impatient for the remainder of the star's power. It is time to act."
"The horde has failed before, Seefin. I am also nearly finished my analysis."
"Dispatch an observer on the other side. If the horde fails, my legion will assume the task of killing the foreigner."