Announcement(A)

"Brigadier, what a surprise!" Sarah Jane Smith exclaimed. "Come in. My son and his friends are upstairs—"

"I can't stay long. Is there somewhere we can speak privately, Sarah?"

Sarah gestured toward the parlor. "Have a seat."

The Brig strode around the world. "They were going to call you, but when I heard the news, I insisted on returning from Peru so I could tell you in person."

Sarah shut the blinds. "Does this have to do with the Racnoss vessel on Christmas Day?"

He stopped pacing. "How did you know?"

"I have sources."

"Yes…well," The Brig coughed. "UNIT was called in to investigate, and we found a body."

Sarah stiffened, bracing herself for the words her heart already heard.

"It was the Doctor. I didn't recognize him at first—he looked so young. A trench coat and Converse—like a boy playing superhero. But it was definitely him."

"Ac-oo!"

"I thought I told you lot to stay upstairs." Sarah called.

The three teens ambled into the room. "It was Clyde's idea," Luke offered.

"I don't remember you trying to stop me," Clyde retorted.

"Sarah, like you really expected us to stay upstairs after last time-"Maria met Sarah Jane's eyes and stopped talking.

Sarah cleared her throat. "Brigadier, I'd like to introduce you to Maria Jackson, Clyde Langer, and my son Luke. This is the Brigadier, whom I met at UNIT when I was traveling with the Doctor."

"A pleasure to meet you. I only wish it could be under better circumstances."