Within the Mirage Part One

Notes: Finally, a Stella sequel! If you haven't read the two prequels, tough titty. I'm not going to explain them to you. If you have, WELCOME BACK! I welcome you with open arms and an insane smile. This is not going to be as action packed as it's prequels and I don't think it'll be as long…but read it anyway! I know you'll enjoy my subtle 9Rose, not so subtle StellaJack (wait and see!) and as ever, the crazy humour of Eevee. Huzzah!

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"'Tranquillity' doesn't sound very exciting to me," said Stella, idly pinging the bell that was inexplicably attached to the TARDIS console. The Doctor slapped her hand away.

"It's not meant to be exciting, we're going there for a holiday," he said, barely concealing his own disgust that he was landing on a planet called 'Tranquillity'.

"I had enough of boring family holidays back at home," said Stella.

"Stop moaning. There's bound to be some alcohol somewhere about," said Jack, busily helping the Doctor land the ship. They felt it shudder to a halt.

"It is a hot planet isn't it?" asked Rose anxiously. "You can't have a holiday without tanning."

"OK, look. It's a boring, peaceful but beautiful planet with almost no pollution, sunny beaches and alcohol," said the Doctor impatiently. "Sorry Stella, no adventures today, but if you don't like it you can stay here."

"Yeah, like you wanted to land on this planet either," she said irritably. "Of course I'm coming."

"Then let's go," said the Doctor with a forced smile.

It was, as the Doctor had predicted, a boring, peaceful but beautiful planet. They were on some sort of island. On one side of them was lush green, on the other golden beaches, separated only by a thin strip of smooth pebbles. It was hot enough to get a tan without feeling uncomfortable. It was a paradise.

It was also deserted.

"You said there'd be alcohol," said Jack, who already sensed he was going to be very bored here.

"I thought there'd be people," said the Doctor. He paused. "There should be people." He turned back to the TARDIS. "Maybe we landed—" But the TARDIS had gone. "Now where did that get to?"

"Where are you going?" shrieked Stella suddenly.

"Doctor, you're…you're fading away," said Rose, her eyes wide with confusion. The Doctor turned back to his companions to find exactly the same thing was happening to them.

"What's going on?" asked Jack's head. Then they all disappeared completely.

"Tranquillity my ass," muttered Stella.

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Someone's here?

Four of them, and their space craft.

Why would they come here?

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"OK, can everyone still hear me?" asked Jack slowly. There was a mutter of agreement. "Well, that's one thing then. Doctor, where are you?"

"Trying to find the TARDIS," said the Doctor's voice, just before there was a muffled bang. "Ah. Found it."

"Did you walk into it?" accused Rose.

"Of course not," said the Doctor quickly. There was a pause. "Well that's odd."

"What is?" asked Jack's voice. Footsteps could be heard as he tried to make his way towards the Doctor's voice, then a cry of pain and a loud slapping noise.

"Mind my feet!" cried Stella.

"OK, everybody walk towards my voice," said the Doctor. He began humming the Eastenders themetune.

"Eastenders?" laughed Rose, before she too walked into the TARDIS. There were two other thuds as Jack and Stella also connected with it.

"We all here? OK, put your hand out and touch the TARDIS," commanded the Doctor's voice.

Stella reached out a hand and rested it on the wood. Nothing happened for a moment.

Small veins of blue began to span outwards from her hand, slowly as first, then faster, thicker strands that covered the whole ship until it was completely visible.

"Well this is just…" Stella searched for a word. "Neat."

"I guess seeing isn't believing anymore then?" said Rose. "Does it work with people?" She felt the Doctor's hand slip into hers.

"Guess so," he said, as he slowly came into view. She grinned at him.

"So what's causing it?"

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We do have the most beautiful planet in the solar system, or so they think.

But…but surely they know?

Apparently not.

…Find them.

I assure you sir, that will be easier said than done.

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Just a little teaser to get you all back into the groove…

I'm sure you'll all be excited to know that I'm offering the Chubby Chub Chub Chub Award for Master of Observation for this chapter! If you can find the hidden quote from book, film or TV show, you get the Chubby Chub Chub Chub Award to do what you will with. Write it upon your profile or just lie happy in the knowledge that you've won something. Huzzah!

The Grand Quoting Master

Eevee