Doctor Who – The Altered States of America
Episode 1 - "The Happiest Place on Planet Earth"
Chapter 1
Although she would not readily admit it, Martha enjoyed the running. There were many, many days amongst the constant prodding of cadavers and pouring over forgotten texts that she longed to be doing…something. Aside from the obvious interests of the "indoor hobby" known as practicing medicine, Ms. Jones was a fan of local and non-local sights. Shopping was an obvious fancy, but so too was watching the teaming hoards, as they moved towards their respective destinations. The motion of the masses, however, eventually became troublesome. In the end, she would always return to her own important pursuance, pleased to know that the final result of her endeavors led towards the greater good, resolved that her existence would be much more of a "largo," than an "allegro."
With "him," however, the motion was mostly nonstop. Almost immediately, beginning with those moments on the moon (yes, that moon), Martha became accustomed to running. Running with Shakespeare; running from Daleks; running for her life from a sentient sun- being in a futuristic space station – different locales and residents, but always running. This was much more motion than the medical bookworm Martha Jones was accustomed to, but it wasn't entirely unwelcomed. It was a change of pace; it was exciting, and just what the soon-to-be doctor ordered. Today, however, was quite different. Today, Martha was waiting.
For what felt like an eternity, Martha leaned against the control panel of the TARDIS, waiting on the Doctor to emerge from his wardrobe room, looking for some random tidbit or accessory to make today's mystery outing more exciting. "A ridiculous concept" she thought to herself, simply because every outing with the Doctor was overflowing not only with excitement, but usually fair degrees of stress and anxiety as well. "Next trip to the flat," muttered Martha, "I'm self-prescribing."
Fortunately for the exasperated Ms. Jones, her celestial tour guide exploded from the over-over-sized closet, wearing his standard blue suit, t-shirt, brown trench coat, and…a rather large pair of cartoonish mouse ears. Proud as can be, the Doctor exclaimed "Today Martha Jones, I'm taking you to the happiest place on Planet Earth! Today, I'm taking you to Disneyworld!"
"You have got to be kidding," sighed Martha. "My family would drag us to that terrible Euro-Disney every other year as a child, and that was more painful than a botched root canal!"
Flitting about the TARDIS' control room like a highly caffeinated squirrel, the Doctor explained "Ah, but this isn't just any Disney; this is The Disney." He continued to ramble on, in a manner which would make you uncertain if he were talking to you, himself, or quite possibly the TARDIS. "The year 2525, and the Disney Corporation has purchased the entire lower portion of Florida, stringing out a series of 27 different parks, with literally thousands of rides, games, attractions, and snacky-type places. We could go to the Magic Kingdom and ride the 'Martian Matterhorn' coaster; we could visit the partially submerged island of Marinus and attempt to resolve the underwater adventure of the lost keys – which is somewhat confusing, in a 'been there, done that' sort of way. Or…OR, we could even trek to the always amusing 'It's a Small Universe' ride and check out Planet Earth's view of the denizens of the galaxy. They even have charming miniature Cybermen, who aren't anywhere near as menacing at 10 centimeters."
"Doctor, PLEASE!. I'm beginning to wonder if Time Lords even need to breathe," said the mentally exhausted Martha, cutting the Doctor off just prior to another burst of words. "Are we going to actually step outside, or does this storybook not have any pictures?" "Right! Allons-y!," he bellowed, bounding out of the TARDIS. "Martha Jones, welcome to…to…..the……….happiest place on Planet Earth?!" Confused and startled, the Doctor trails off mid-sentence, as approximately 200 military rifles draw bead on his forehead.