Title: Observations on Redundancy

Rating: K

Summary: Post The Lazarus Experiment. The Doctor points out a somewhat annoying, pointless habit of Martha's.

Disclaimer: I don't own Doctor Who. If I did, Martha wouldn't have this habit (as well as other things).

Author's Note: Just a little something I observed about Martha.

Observations on Redundancy

"Right Martha," said the Doctor. "Since you're going to be a full-time companion, there's one particular habit of yours that I'd like to point out to you." Martha raised an eyebrow.

"What?" she questioned. "Do I chew with my mouth open or something?"

"No, nothing like that," said the Doctor. "But as I'm sure you're aware, travelling with me means there's a good chance that you will be at some point kidnapped."

"Too right I do," replied Martha, thinking of the adventures she'd already had.

"Now," continued the Doctor, "I've noticed that in the couple of times you've found yourself in this situation, you've had a tendency to cry out 'Let me go!'. I don't want to sound picky, but can you give me one good reason why your kidnappers would do this?"

"Huh?" said Martha.

"New Earth," said the Doctor. "You were kidnapped so your kidnappers could gain access to the fast lane. They'd hardly throw that away just because you asked them to. Then in New York, when the pig slaves grabbed you. They were created to obey the Daleks. The Daleks ordered them to grab you, so they did. I doubt the Daleks would use them as slaves if they were going to let everyone they kidnapped go."

"Right..." said Martha slowly.

"So instead of wasting time shouting instructions that no one's going to listen to, may I suggest taking some more practical measures?" said the Doctor. "Formulate an escape plan. Eavesdrop on your kidnappers. And only scream when it's really necessary, because you'll be doing a lot of it and I don't want you to ruin your voice."

"Anything else?" asked Martha sarcastically.

"Nope, that's about it," said the Doctor cheerfully. "Although, I am getting a bit sick of that outfit of yours..."

"I'm going to my room," said Martha. She stormed out of the room, leaving the Doctor standing alone.

What's her problem? he thought. Rose would never have done that...


And there you have it. BTW that last line wasn't meant to insult Martha (unless you hate Martha and want it to), but was more a way of pointing out a habit of the Doctor's during Series Three.