Chapter Two
Bill knew they'd reached the council building because it nearly took her breath away. Dozens of thin steps led up to a grand entrance much higher than even her favorite local museums. Ornate decorations curled around the pillars holding up the roof, another artistic spectacle covered in red and blue paint. Bill's eyes were frozen up toward the ceiling as she stumbled up the final two steps. The Doctor gave her a smile and then joined in her admiration of the high ceiling.
"The Sensorites have always respected authority figures very highly," he said, lips twitching into a frown. "I just hope they're worthy of it."
Bill turned to him with a quirked eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
The Doctor grimaced. "Usually when there's something strange going on, especially when it affects everyday people, governments are either part of the problem or keen on not being part of the solution."
Bill chuckled. "That is...fairly accurate. A bit cynical, though."
The Doctor bit his lip. "Another side effect of living for two thousand years."
Bill tilted her head. "Or being Scottish." She nudged his arm, earning a small smirk, and then started toward the doors. "Come on; I want to see the 'Telepathy Department'. God, it's like walking into the Ministry of Magic."
The Doctor shook his head with a smile as he followed his companion through wide revolving doors. He was glad she was so excited; he just hoped the magic wouldn't be stifled as soon as they met these famed 'elders'. He never did get along with authority figures.
Bill circled herself, eyeing the high ceiling with a slackened jaw. "It almost looks bigger in here; like the TARDIS."
The Doctor tried to hide the jealous frown that crossed his features, but Bill caught it.
"I mean...they did a good job painting in here; makes it look bigger than it is. The TARDIS is the real deal."
Satisfied, the Doctor approached the front desk. Behind it stood a Sensorite who looked very much like the other they'd met, only this one wore a red uniform and reading glasses. The Doctor steeled his eyes and his voice as he neared the desk.
"We need to speak to the leaders of the Telepathy Department."
The alien behind the desk scoffed. "You and everyone on the Sense Sphere. There have been dozens of inquiries today alone."
The Sensorite started turning away, but the Doctor put a hand on the desk. "I can help. I'm not from this planet, but I do have telepathy. I just need to know the details."
The Sensorite considered him for a moment, but shook their head and turned down to the papers on the desk. "We have the best leaders working on it right now, sir. I'm sure they will find a solution by the end of the week."
The Doctor didn't move. Bill looked around them awkwardly and found a few Sensorites staring. She considered pulling the Doctor away from the desk, but he was already opening his mouth to speak to the poor Sensorite still sitting, trying to sort their papers.
"I'm the Doctor. Trust me. My granddaughter and I helped your people once, a long time ago. I know that I can do something to help, but to do that I've gotta be in the room where it happens."
Bill raised an eyebrow, looking from the Doctor to the front desk attendant. Finally, the Sensorite sighed and handed him two passes.
"Down the hallway; third door on the left. You can go in for five minutes in total."
The Doctor smiled. "I usually only need 3."
He handed Bill her pass as they started down the corridor. "How'd I do?"
Bill smirked. "The Hamilton reference was a bit much."
"I know. It's been going through my head all day."
Bill allowed herself a wide grin as they walked, shaking her head. "So what are you going to tell the bosses?"
The Doctor cocked his head. "What I always tell them. 'I'm here to help; there's no need to applaud.'"
Bill nudged his shoulder. "And if they don't want our help?"
The Doctor's brow furrowed, lips flicking downward. "Well, then we might have some problems. But they'll want our help."
"What makes you so sure?"
The Doctor flashed a quick grin toward his companion as he reached a fist up to the door reading 'Telepathy Dept.'. "I've got charm."
Bill rolled her eyes as the Doctor knocked.