The Christmas Poison

By Lumendea

Chapter Two: The Workers

Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who or any of the spinoff material and I gain no income off of this story, just the satisfaction of playing with the characters.

AN: Happy Christmas! Also, my sixth book The Iron Hammer is now available. If you enjoy my fanfiction, I'd really appreciate you checking out my original fiction.

The TARDIS landed with a soft thump and the Doctor scowled slightly, glaring at the spot where his mallet used to be. Rose ignored the look. She wasn't giving him the mallet back, not even for Christmas. Besides, it wasn't in the lovely painting she'd done of the current console room that she was planning to give him later as his gift.

"Are we at the factory?" Rose asked. She moved over to the screen as the Doctor tapped it.

An image of grey warehouses, gravel and paved paths, and UNIT trucks met her sight. Rose nodded. "Yeah, think we're in the right place."

"You doubted?" The Doctor huffed.

Rather than replying, Rose leaned up to kiss his cheek quickly before heading to the doorway. She stepped outside with a bit of caution, just in case there was anything dangerous nearby. The TARDIS had parked near a backdoor into one of the buildings and Rose looked around. A moment later, a couple of soldiers came around the corner and froze. They blinked, their eyes locked on the TARDIS and Rose. She smiled and waved as the Doctor stepped out of the blue box.

Then Sharon and Shareen came around the corner behind the soldiers. Both of her friends grinned and slipped past the stunned soldiers. Dashing forward, Rose grinned and was met with beaming smiles by Sharon and Shareen. Her friends hugged her tight, chattering about how much they'd missed her, and Rose returned the sentiment. They stayed that way in a tangle of arms for a long moment before Shareen finally pulled back. She coughed lightly and straightened her white medical jacket, blushing a little. Sharon shook her head fondly and looked past Rose.

"Hello, Doctor," Sharon greeted. "Sorry to bother you during Christmas."

"No problem," the Doctor said. He was actually smiling a little. "Might have saved me from Jackie's roast or something."

"Nah," Sharon said. "She wouldn't know how to cook alien flesh."

The Doctor blinked in surprise before laughing. "Now I'm going to have that nightmare, thank you very much."

"Doctor, you remember Sharon and Shareen," Rose said. "I hate to say it, but they're part of UNIT medical now."

"Right, good to see you." The Doctor nodded at them both in turn. "So why are we here?"

"Come with us," Sharon said. "Kate is waiting. Probably best to let her and Malcolm explain." She took Rose's hand and tugged. "And sorry about this again, Rose. For what it's worth, Kate did hesitate to call you in. It hasn't been that long since you left."

"Oh, I don't know," Rose said. "We've found plenty of trouble on other worlds in the meantime."

The mobile command unit was a familiar sight to Rose, though it was connected to a proper building this time. Inside were rows of computers, small makeshift offices, and a wall of screens for communication. Soldiers were positioned around the room, but Kate was at the center of it all with Malcolm next to her, reading something off of a tablet. She was fairly unchanged, though her greying blonde hair was a bit shorter now. Malcolm had a bit more grey in his hair as well and his glasses were new with thicker lenses.

"Ma'am, Rose and the Doctor are here," Sharon said as they entered.

"Doctor!" Kate greeted. "Rose, good to see you both." She gave Rose an apologetic smile. "Shareen said you were already home, I'm sorry to pull you away from your family."

"It's fine," Rose said. Grinning at Malcolm, she gave the man a quick hug. "Good to see you, Malcolm."

"You too," Malcolm agreed. He pushed his glasses up further. "Thanks for coming." Then his eyes widened and he thrust out his hand. "Doctor! Always good to see you, sir."

"Hello, Malcolm," the Doctor greeted. He shook Malcolm's hand with only a touch of amusement.

Rose moved closer to Kate and looked up onto the screens. "You in charge today?"

"I'm in command of the operation," Kate said. For a moment she looked proud, but then she looked between them and sighed softly. "Dad's in Japan for a training exercise. He sends his apologies for not being here for this." Kate smiled sadly. "And groveled for missing Christmas. I'm afraid that UNIT was happy to take him up on his offer to run training programs though he refuses to take back command."

"Give him our love," Rose replied with a smile. "And glad to see a good mind in charge and one I can trust not to stab me in the back." Rose glanced around. "No Benton then?"

"No, he's retired again and ran off to York. We can contact him if we need to, but he told me that I'd better not need to and I quote 'I'm not getting pulled into a vicious cycle like the General of retirement and returning.' He was quite happy to forget that he'd been retired before and has already been through a cycle."

Rose laughed. She couldn't help it. She could hear Benton saying that. "Sounds about right."

"So what is going on?" the Doctor asked. "I'm assuming you're not going into the hostile takeover business, Kate." He stepped closer and eyed the tablet in her hands.

"No, Doctor." Kate's shoulders tightened and she shifted to business mode. "Last week, fifty-two people died in identical circumstances, right across the world, in eleven different time zones. Five a.m. in the UK, six a.m. in France, eight a.m. in Moscow, one p.m. in China."

"You mean they died simultaneously?" the Doctor asked.

"Yes, fifty-two deaths at the exact same moment, worldwide. We received a communication from a freelance reporter just before her own death."

"How did they die?" Rose asked.

"Inside their cars," Kate said. "We believe they were all poisoned. Our medical teams, including Sharon, double checked the biopsies. No toxins still in the system limiting our ability to track it." Kate touched her tablet and the screens brought up a logo that said ATMOS. "The only thing in common about the cars was that they were all fitted with the ATMOS device. Hence, why we're here at the factory."

"What's ATMOS?" The Doctor asked.

"It Stands for Atmospheric Omission System," Malcolm said. "If installed into a car, it reduces CO2 emissions to zero."

"Zero?" the Doctor repeated.

"No carbon?" Rose asked. "None at all?"

"No," Malcolm said. "Granted in the wake of the massive carbon dump via diamonds a few months back-"

"The diamond exchange is still angry about that one," Kate interjected. "Not even engagement rings are holding the market steady now."

"Yes, well even after that, the technology has proven very popular," Malcolm said. "People trying to make sure that greenhouse gas levels don't get so bad again." Malcolm pointed at the screens and images of the outside of the factor reappeared. "The problem is that we can't figure out how the thing works. We've been trying for over a month now and then these strange deaths linked to people who were investigating ATMOS."

"So you think it's alien," the Doctor said. He nodded. "I suppose that is your job."

"This is the main factory," Kate said. "There are seventeen factories across the globe, but this is the central depot, sending ATMOS to every country on Earth."

"I think I need to see this ATMOS," the Doctor said. He was frowning now and looked at Malcolm. "You've got one?"

"Right through here," Malcolm said. He led them out of the main control room into a side lab. "I'm thankful you came, Doctor. We've been working on this since before it went on sale." Malcolm shook his head. "At first, I hoped that maybe it was just someone trying to be helpful, but after the carbon dump it just isn't as necessary."

"What do you mean?" Rose asked.

"Well, there's research going into carbon-based batteries to replace lithium and with renewable energy getting better and better, a device that builds more reliance on cars seems to do more harm than good."

Malcolm gestured to a small smooth device on the table. "ATMOS can be threaded through any and every make of car." Malcolm shook his head. "Personally, I hate driving."

"I remember," Rose said fondly.

"You bring up a good point," the Doctor said. He bent over and studied the device. "Reliance on cars… would make humans use up fossil fuels faster, but also there are eight hundred million cars on the planet."

"I don't think I like where you're going with this," Rose said.

"I don't like it either," the Doctor said. "But think about it. With this thing in a car, you could make it a weapon. What could you do with eight hundred million weapons?"

"I don't want to think about it," Rose said. She shuddered and looked at the small device. "So… how does it work?"

"Still need to figure that out," the Doctor said. He leaned closer to it. "Definitely not human technology. I'll grant you that."

"We need to know what is going on, Doctor," Kate said. Her arms were crossed over her chest and she was glaring at the sleek device. "As you said, these things are everywhere."

"Have you issued any alerts?" Rose asked.

"We considered it, but no," Kate answered. She shook her head and sighed. "Obviously, we're concerned, but if it is a weapon then we don't want to give the aliens in charge reason to trigger it."

"Christmas is a big travel time," Rose said.

"Less by car," Kate said. "And late Christmas Eve… we're hoping to do this as quietly as possible."

"Christmas Eve," the Doctor said thoughtfully.

"Yeah," Rose groaned. "Something always happens on Christmas."

A soldier walked into the room and saluted to all of them, his face pale as he tried not to look at the Doctor. In return, the Doctor scowled and pointedly looked back at the device.

"Ma'am, everything is in place."

"Good," Kate said. "Give the signal. Focus on moving any remaining staff out and ensure that we get any files and machinery. I want this calm and neat, no reason to frighten anyone."

"Yes, ma'am."

Kate tensed as the soldier left and looked back at the Doctor. "Please excuse me, Doctor. We'll keep you informed if we find anything."

"Any idea how many workers are inside?" Rose asked.

"No," Kate said. "Our lookouts didn't see anyone come in today. The factory is still running, but most likely with the last swing shift before closing tomorrow."

She sounded confident and Rose relaxed. Being called in on Christmas Eve was an unpleasant time to be called in. There was no doubt that Jackie would grumble about it tonight at her party, but Rose could live with it.

"Our cover story is that we're investigating a bomb threat," Kate said. "Something sent by supporters of green energy who think that ATMOS is distracting from the real environmental problems."

A sharp alarm sounded from outside and Kate turned towards the door. Glancing between Kate and the Doctor, Rose decided that having her eye on UNIT was a good idea. They were a lot better under Kate, but still, there were civilians involved. The chill of the outdoors hit Rose and she tightened her coat around herself.

Soldiers were escorting people in jumpsuits out. There were dozens of them, maybe even a hundred, all marching in a line. Rose looked at Kate only to find surprise and anger on the other woman's face. The soldiers were herding the workers away from the main building with similar expressions of confusion but were acting professionally.

"Why are there still so many workers?" Kate asked. She was frowning at the building. "It's four o'clock, Christmas Eve. This place should be all but shut down for the holiday." She brought up her radio. "All units, be careful with the civilians. Round them up for medical checks peacefully. The cover story now is that we are concerned about possible radiation sickness from the bomb."

"Yes, ma'am."

"I don't understand it," Kate said. She looked towards Rose. "We picked today despite the fact that everyone would rather be home to avoid frightening the workers."

"The factory must keep going through the holiday," the Doctor said. Rose jumped, not realizing that he had followed them. "It happens."

"Yes, I suppose so," Kate agreed. "But I don't like getting civilians involved."

The Doctor's shoulders relaxed slightly and he almost smiled. His eyes still darted around between the armed soldiers, but he didn't say anything. Rose stayed close to his side, brushing her fingers over his hand for a moment in silent reassurance.

"Just make sure that all workers get a medical check and I want Doctor Costello on standby for counseling if needed." Kate shook her head and glanced towards Rose and the Doctor. "I don't like it. Something is off here. There are just too many workers for a holiday swing shift."

"Agreed," the Doctor said.

"I'll go and just peek in," Rose said.

"Be careful," the Doctor said.

"I will be, you figure out that ATMOS thing," Rose said.

The UNIT soldiers were happy to take her to where the UNIT medics were checking people over. UNIT had set up the mobile medical bay and pulled out the inflatable sides that always made Rose giggle when she saw them. Still, they did greatly increase the interior size. There were a few people with geiger counters scanning the workers as they came in. Rose didn't know if this was just for the cover or if they were looking for something else. The first workers were being shown into small curtained off areas for their evaluations. Rose spotted Sharon escorting a man to her station, but hesitated to interrupt.

She lingered in the doorway for a few moments, watching the workers. They were very quiet and still. For the first minute, Rose chalked it up to shock and worry that they'd be late home. But they didn't start whispering. They just stood calmly under the watch of the UNIT soldiers. Yet, they also weren't acting fearful of the soldiers. She was about to step closer to one when one of the curtains was harshly pulled back.

"Rose!" Sharon called. "Can you come over here please?"

Rose instantly went to her friend. Looking at Sharon in confusion, she waited for an explanation, but Sharon just nodded at her patient. He was sitting on the edge of the table, holding his shirt up. The man stared ahead blankly. He was barely blinking and there was no emotion on his face. Sharon was holding a stethoscope in her hands and extended it to Rose. She opened her mouth to ask, but Sharon nodded pointedly towards the man. Taking the stethoscope, Rose put it on and gently touched the end to the man's chest. A rapid heartbeat met her ears. It was steady, but far too fast. Looking at Sharon in alarm, her friend nodded.

"That's not normal," Rose said. "Even the Doctor's double hearts don't beat that fast."

"Yeah, let me check with the other doctors."

Rose nodded and stayed with the man, waiting for him to react. Sharon told him to put his shirt back down and he did. Smiling at him, Rose tried talking with him, but he only gave short answers with no emotion. It was the same for all of the workers. Every single one was in some kind of haze. Sharon and the others stayed calm, but Rose could hear them discussing long-term repercussions of the rapid speed of their hearts.

Returning to Kate, Rose found the leader of UNIT frowning at Doctor Martins, the current medical head.

"You're sure?" Kate asked.

"Yes, ma'am, all of the workers show the same lack of clarity and accelerated heart rates," Martins said. "I'd like to have a few brain scanned just to see what is going on."

"Well, it explains why no one was seen coming in today," Rose said. "They probably just hire immigrants who don't have local families to worry and keep them in that haze. They work, sleep, and eat here."

"We'll focus on getting them counseling," Kate said. "And into housing for the time being. Doctor, any thoughts?"

"Low-impact chemical control," the Doctor said. "It'll wear off over the next few days if you keep them away from the factory. They were dosed with something."

"I'm glad to hear that it will wear off," Martins said. His whole face relaxed with relief. "But I'd like to get them away from here ma'am."

"Do so, take them to the old UNIT base outside of London for now. That will put some distance between them and the factory," Kate ordered. "Staff will arrange for better housing as soon as possible."

"Yes ma'am," Martins agreed. "I'll have to send some of the doctors with them."

"Understood, just make sure that at least five remain on site." Kate sighed as Martins hurried out and turned to look at the Doctor. "Well, that dispels any doubts about this being for hostile purposes."

"Most likely, yeah," the Doctor agreed.

…..

Two UNIT soldiers were finishing the last sweep of the factory complex. Their UNIT uniforms were marked with the names Harris and Gray. The lower levels were lined with sleek metal and were lowly lit. Gray was looking around curiously at the area and then looked down at a small map in his hand.

"We should head back. There's not much down here. Should be just boiler rooms, and generators," Gray said calmly.

Harris strode forward into a corridor without even looking at Gray. Overhead, the lights flashed on. "Aye, aye. What's this, then?" Harris asked.

There were two workers standing alongside a door at the far end of the corridor. Harris scowled at them, tightening his grip on his firearm as he swaggered forward. "You two. All personnel have been ordered to evacuate. The building's under UNIT control."

"This area is out of bounds," one of the workers replied with an expressionless face.

"Excuse me, sunshine?" Harris raised an eyebrow. "I think you'll find we're in charge. We can do this the easy way, or the hard way."

Then the two workers looked at each other. It was a long odd silence exchange before they stepped aside and one opened the door. "It's open," the worker said.

"Oh. Come on," Harris said to Gray, nodding forward.

They walked into a large room and were hit with the stink of chemicals. As the lights came on, a line of vats was revealed alongside strange stretchers. Gray stopped and hung back, but Harris marched forward.

"What the hell?" Harris asked softly. He knelt down to examine the nearest vat.

"Greyhound Sixteen to Trap One. We've found something. Basement corridor, north side, grid thirty-six. Request backup, over."

"It's like something boiling inside," Harris said.

"Don't touch it!" Gray said.

"Come on, Steve. We get first rights on this," Harris said. "That means promotion." He was a smiling a little.

"Just leave it alone. Wait for backup." A sudden bang from inside the vat made Gray twitch. "What was that? The machinery?"

"No," Harris said. "It came from inside." There were two bangs from inside the vat. "Is there someone in there? Hello? We've got to get this open."

"We should wait for the others," Gray protested.

"Someone could suffocate in there," Harris said. He began fussing with the vat top while Gray called in for assistance once again. "How do you work this thing? Come on."

An alarm sounded overhead and the lid was pulled up by the pulley system above to reveal a bubbling green liquid. The stink in the room increased and Gray wrinkled his nose. The two soldiers had only moments to gape at the mixture before a naked body devoid of any features emerged from the liquid. It tried to grab Harris, but he stepped back.

"Identify yourself! Identify!" Gray yelled. "Greyhound Sixteen declaring Absolute emergency, sir. Repeat, Absolute emergency. Over."

"Can you hear me? Can you understand me? Look at its neck. Looks like an umbilical cord," Harris said. He took a step forward.

"Well, don't get too close," Gray said.

"I think it's harmless. I don't even think it's properly alive," Harris said. The being slipped beneath the surface of the liquid once again. "I think it breathes this stuff, like some kind of embryo."

"What do you mean, an embryo?"

"Someone's growing a body," Harris said. He nodded to himself. "A human body."

"Excellent skills of deduction," a new voice said behind them.

The two soldiers spun around, their weapons raised. Behind them was a short armoured figure with no neck. Its hand had only three fingers and its face was hidden by a rounded helmet.

"I would rate you above average, soldier," the alien said to Harris. "Well done. Whereas you, you smell of sweat and fear," he said to Gray.

"Yeah? Well, we're not the ones who got out of school early, sonny," Harris sneered. "Now stop playing Humpty Dumpty and tell us who you are."

"Is that a reference to my height?" The alien asked.

"Short answer, yes."

"A pity. Words are the weapons of womenfolk. I must judge you unfit."

"Oh, what you going to do, bite our ankles?" Harris laughed.

The alien brings up the small stick like device in his hand and fires a shot at Harris' ankles. The other man's legs collapsed under him, shock filling his face. Gray shook his head, his fear showing on his face.

"I'm warning you!" Gray said.

"A proper soldier gives no warning. Fire. I order you. Fire." Gray pulled the trigger, but his weapon failed to fire. "The room is contained within a cordolaine signal, exciting the copper surface of the bullet and causing expansion within the barrel, rendering your guns useless. And your radio signals have been blocked."

Lashing forward, Gray tried to hit the alien with his gun as a club. The alien, however, calmly zapped him. Gray's legs collapsed under him and the two workers entered the room.

"My legs. I can't feel my legs," Gray gasped.

"I apologise for disabling you. Death has more honour, but you are needed for the stratagem," the alien said. "Prepare them for processing. You spoke of promotion. Now you will serve a greater cause."

"Who are you?" Harris asked.

"Indeed, know your enemy. I am General Staal of the Tenth Sontaran Battle Fleet. Known as Staal the Undefeated." The being reached up and removed his helmet, revealing the potato-like head of a Sontaran.

"Oh, my God, help us!" Gray shouted to the workers, but they did not react.