Chapter Two
"This isn't England," Captain Jack says as he and Caroline rematerialize.
Caroline collapses with her hand to her forehand, feigning a swoon. Unexpectedly, she does not feel lightheaded at all, but rather completely alert and astounded through her little journey through the Vortex. Still, she cannot have him knowing such things. She is a lady, after all.
"Are you alright?" He asks, kneeling down beside her.
"I am so, so weak."
"You look fine to me. Here, have a looksee."
He pulls her up to her feet and together they take in their surroundings. Caroline has never seen anything quite so unusual. The walls are made of metal intertwined with metal. Steam and heat radiate from piping that goes up and down the walls. Her eyes follow one of the pipes upwards and she sees that the ceiling is made of glass. People-or beings that look extremely like people but with unusual knots on their heads and blue skin-walk back and forth above them.
"Am I dead?"
"No. We just accidently took a bit of a detour. Sorry. I told you this manipulator is a bit faulty."
"Where are we, if not in the afterlife?"
Jack consults his manipulator. "New Earth. Or rather New New New New New Earth. Not too bad. At least we're in New New New New New London."
"This cannot be real."
"You can believe we're still in a hallucination if you like, but I say, regardless, we take a look around. What do you say, sweetheart?"
"I say, if we are going to be spending any amount of time together, you must call me by my proper name."
"And that is?"
"Miss Caroline Bingley."
"Alright, Carol, let's go topside."
. . .
Caroline Bingley is shocked and secretly intrigued by the full variety of clothing and hair displayed by these ungodly creations of her mind.
"How could I possibly dream up such beings?" She says as she gawks unabashedly at a walking, fully clothed cat-person.
"I doubt you could. By the way, sweet—I mean Carol, what time are you from?"
"Time?"
"Year?"
"1813."
"You're taking all of this pretty well for a 19th century woman. I'm from the fifty-first century just so you know. And human, but only just."
"Are you, indeed?"
"You don't believe me?"
"I do not believe any of this."
"Well, believing it or not doesn't make it any less real."
"Can you speak with these beings?"
"Probably. The New Earths always had a penchant for ancient languages." He sees a young man walking toward them. He smiles and nods his head. "Captain Jack Harkness and you are?"
"You cannot just address yourself to strangers." Caroline hisses, horrified.
"I just did."
The young man comes closer and places a hand over his heart.
"I am Donald," the young man appears both confused and intrigued by Jack's attentions. "Is there anything with which I can help you?"
"Can you point us to the nearest eatery? My lady and I are famished."
Caroline makes a distinct sound of displeasure at his calling her his lady. Jack just winks at her.
"The Karmageddon has excellent fish and chips."
"Then that's where we'll go. Care to join us?"
Donald looks flustered but shakes his head. "Got to be at work in a couple of minutes."
"Maybe another time, then."
Donald walks off, leaving Caroline and Jack alone in the midst of a sea of people.
"How dare you be so presumptuous to call me your lady? I have never been so insulted in my entire life! You should address me properly. No more of this 'My lady,' 'Sweetheart', or 'Carol' business! It is absolutely insuffera-"
"Hungry?" Jack asks cutting her off.
She takes several deep breaths, seeking to compose herself. Her outburst has drawn the attention of several people around them. She tries to hide her humiliated blush by drawing out her fan. She nods slowly behind the silk shield. He crooks his elbow, and she takes his arm very reluctantly.
Eyes follow the duo as they head toward Karmageddon.