Hi all. I'd developed this story in my mind for some time. It is a Coronation Street/ Doctor Who crossover of sorts.

I'll be perfectly honest right here, I'm not the biggest fan of Coronation Street, but I just couldn't get this story out of my head. It had to be written down. Don't worry, it's not going to be an author's rant at certain characters, there is actually a story to it. I hope you enjoy it.

On the basis of my character, Rachel, best thing to do is look at my profile under the Professor. That'll give you some information about her.

Disclaimer: Only Rachel Columbus belongs to me.

Tracy Barlow smiled smugly to herself after once again pulling down her rival, Becky McDonald. It was so easy to hurt someone's feelings. So very easy. Especially when they made it clear what upset them. She plastered a sickeningly sweet smile upon her face when she noticed Becky's glare from the other side of the bar. It was just far too much fun. The blonde haired woman turned away, her very aura dark and moody. All Tracy had to do was push Becky a little bit more and she was sure she would leave their lives for good, making way for Tracy to move back into Steve's attentions. She sighed happily to herself as she turned back to her job. The Rovers was busy enough at this time of day, and business had been good, especially since the tram crash. Back to normal, as if nothing had changed. Still, as busy as it was, it was surprising when the door opened and allowed in a new customer. As was customary in a local pub, those closest to the door stopped their conversations and turned their heads to the stranger. There was nothing peculiar about the woman, nothing that sprung to mind, anyway. Her hair shone a bright blonde when the light hit it, her deep green eyes shining in mischief and some kind of knowledge. Ignoring the strange looks she was getting, the woman made her way over to the bar and propped herself against the wood, waiting patiently. From behind the bar, Tracy eyed the newcomer with disdain. What was she wearing? A brown striped shirt under a brown tank top sat hidden under a rather outdated hip length leather jacket. She looked like something from the 80s. Hiding a snicker, the brown haired woman made her way over to the newcomer, a response eager to slip from her tongue. The woman perked up, smiling brightly to the approaching bar maid.

"Hello there." Her voice was cheerful, energetic.

"Um, hi." Tracy swallowed the snigger, deciding to savour the moment. There really was someone out there who had less taste than Becky McDonald. "I didn't realise there was an exhibition in town. Do you dress like that all the time?" The woman looked at her attire briefly and then looked to the barmaid again.

"Why?"

"You look like you've just come from the 1980s. Sorry, love, but times have moved on a bit since then." Her tone was sarcastic, patronising. The newcomer didn't seem to be bothered by the tone, instead deciding to play her at her own game.

"Well, better use a tried and tested model than dressing like the wannabe Princess of Persia. After all, that much jewellery can attract lightning, or didn't you know?" She watched the barmaid's expression change before continuing.

"Yeah, she didn't realise that either until she was fried. Poor thing. I think she had a screw loose somewhere. That explains wearing that much metal in a thunderstorm." She gestured to the earrings and necklace adorning the brown haired woman's features, smiling pleasantly. Tracy shook her head, scrutinizing the woman.

"Oh my God, has anyone heard about an escapee from the Loony Bin? Because I think she's here." The blonde raised an eyebrow and beamed in a strange way, leaning closer.

"Not going to shout anymore about my secret are you? Because this loon may just kill you." A flash of insecurity flitted across the barmaid's face as she backed away from the woman, holding her hands up.

"You can take this one McDonald. I don't need anymore weirdoes around me thanks." She retreated to the other end of the bar. Becky looked to the now relaxing newcomer and laughed, moving towards her.

"That...was brilliant. I didn't think there was anyone who could send Barlow running for cover."

"You should see me when I'm trying. The comebacks are much better. The name's Rae...Rachel. Rachel Columbus." Rachel reached across the bar, which was eagerly accepted by the other blonde.

"Becky McDonald. Sorry, but that is a weird name. Columbus? Isn't that the name of that explorer?"

"Yeah. No relation. Not a very popular name in most parts." Becky laughed.

"I'll say. So, seeing as Tracy didn't ask, what are you having?" Rachel seemed to ponder a moment, setting her eyes on her beverage of choice.

"I've heard this place does the finest ale in the area. Had to come and sample it."

"So you're a tourist then?"

"...Of sorts." Becky raised her eyebrow but went no further as she pulled the pint.

"So, beer drinker?" she asked, not looking away from the glass.

"Not generally, but I find that you can't scrutinize something until you've tried it yourself." Becky nodded as she named the price and handed the glass to the newcomer. Passing over the change, Rachel lifted the pint to her lips and took a long, lingering sip, eyes closed as she swirled the alcohol around her mouth before swallowing. Sighing, she opened her eyes and looked at the glass, deep in contemplation. Becky was trying to hold a laugh at bay as she watched the strange woman.

"So? Verdict?"

"A bit bitter, which is to be expected. A little heavy on the yeast and malt, but on the whole, not a bad drinker." This time, Becky couldn't help it, almost doubling over in laughter. Rachel joined her. She liked this woman. She was down to Earth enough to get along with. Unlike that other woman. Rachel imagined that this Tracy wasn't exactly popular around Wetherfield. She raised an eyebrow as said woman reappeared next to Becky, casting a snarky look at Rachel.

"Um, don't you have other customers to serve?" Becky was still laughing as she glanced at her rival.

"Yeah, go on and do them then. I'm on a break."

"Since when?"

"Since now. You wanted extra time, so go suck up to the other punters."

"Yeah, go and suck up, sucker." Tracy scowled at the woman before turning back to the object of her dislike.

"Wait 'til Steve hears about this. Another argument in the future perhaps?" Becky's face dropped slightly as she looked away, mentally counting to ten. Rachel watched Becky's expression falter a little more with each comment for a moment, before deciding to step in. Although she felt annoyance bubbling underneath the surface, she kept her voice calm.

"Tracy, aren't you standing behind the bar?" Tracy's head whipped around, glaring in utter contempt at the woman who decided the McDonald was worth sticking up for.

"I wasn't talking to you." Rachel sighed, keeping her ire at bay.

"No, but I'm talking to you. Why don't you slink off and serve the customers like a good little barmaid and allow Becky and I to talk, free of vile interruption." She put a certain emphasis on the word 'vile', her deep green eyes beginning to burn. Tracy ignored her, deciding to slander Becky.

"Well, Miss Slippy Womb? Aren't you going to serve the other customers?" Becky looked at the woman, and then glanced at the punters sitting in the booths who decided that it was far more entertaining to watch what was happening behind the bar. Tracy seemed to notice too, smiling at the sniggers and childish whispering. However, she didn't get the chance to say anything else as the newcomer stood to her full height, catching her attention and easily standing a couple of inches taller than Tracy, the expression on her face making her lithe appearance suddenly become intimidating. The sudden change in expression was far more effective at holding the sarcastic young woman's attention than grabbing hold of her collar and forcing her to look at her. Her voice became deceptively calm and cold, her eyes burning.

"Get yourself back to your job. Now. Preferably before you annoy me to the point of no return." Rachel's voice dripped with danger and hidden meaning. Tracy seemed to falter slightly at the expression on the woman's face. It wasn't an expression she was familiar with, and she wasn't quite sure how to combat it. She looked back to Becky and lowered her voice.

"This isn't over, McDonald," she hissed, glaring at the newcomer and walking towards the gathering customers. Becky quickly wiped away an angry tear before looking at the woman she had only just met, thanks shining in her eyes. Rachel winked, immediately relaxing. How was it possible that someone could glare the cow down? Especially someone who had only just arrived? It was official. She liked this woman. Becky cleared her voice and leaned towards the woman.

"Seeing as you're a tourist here, do you have anywhere to stay?" Rachel drank from her glass, stopping only to ponder the question.

"Well, I was just going to find a B and B close by." Becky shook her head.

"After that show, I think I'll be happier with you staying here. just say you didn't have the money for a bed and breakfast." Rachel seemed to think on it a moment.

"I'm not sure..."

"I insist. Don't worry about Steve. I'll handle him. please. It would mean a lot to actually feel like I have a friend around here." The woman smiled softly to Becky, nodding.

"In that case, I'd be delighted." Shaking hands with the barmaid, Becky beamed.

"Rachel Columbus, welcome to Coronation Street."

Ok, that's the first chapter. Constructive Criticism is welcome.