Where was he? The T.A.R.D.I.S. rarely faltered in its course. He had been setting course for the stars around Earth. There was going to be a wicked eclipse and he wanted to see it from space. His course had been set to be on the outskirts of the red planet. But from what he saw through his window was a playground with children that looked to be Earthlings.
Apparently he landed on the Earth.
Opening the door he jogged down the hill. He'd at least have a look around before he went on his way. Maybe had been set down here for a reason. A girl – no, a young woman – sat alone on a swing. She stared down at the ground.
"Hello," he said as he took the seat next to her. "Mind if I sit, cause I already did."
Tina looked over at the man. He was handsome, dressed in black with a quirky smile. His accent had been English.
"Suit yourself," she replied.
"You're in a mood," he said. "No need for that."
"It's been a bad day," she told him.
"Do you know where we are?" he asked.
"Of course I do," she said.
He smiled. "Well I don't. I got lost on my way to…"
"To where?"
"You're gonna think I'm nuts."
"Try me."
"Mars. I was heading to Mars and then my…" he scratched his short dark hair. "GPS went wonky."
"I can get you to Mars."
"Fantastic!" he exclaimed clapping his hands together. "Thank you… What's your name?"
"Tina."
"Well then, how do we get to Mars?"
"Well you just go up the road about ten or so minutes."
The man stared at her for a moment and then began to laugh. Several parents turned to look over at them.
"I told a very funny joke," Tina said. "He's a strange one."
"You have no idea!" He jumped to his feet. "This is fantastic! There is an eclipse tonight, right?"
"I think I remember reading something about it," Tina said.
"Good. You are taking me to Mars because I have to see this. And then, if you want, I'll take you to Mars."
"You're not making any sense," she replied. "Besides, I have no idea who you are."
He turned to face her. "I'm the Doctor."