Universal Impact

Chapter 3

The Name Which Changed History

8th March 3033

The TARDIS

River's POV

We did a scan a couple of days ago and found out it was a girl. Since then, we've been trying to figure out what her name should be, but no luck so far. The only thing we've been able to agree on is her middle name: Amelia, to honour her grandmother. Any discussion we have about her first name ends up turning into an argument.

I got out of bed and made my way to one of the kitchens. I entered upon finding my husband leaning against the sink, grinning.

I crossed my arms and asked, ''What are you suggesting?''

He paused for dramatic effect and said, ''Emma. On Earth, it means universal and complete. In Gallifreyan, it means lasting peace and the bringer of hope.''

Emma. It was music to my ears. The name itself was simple, direct, but meledous. The meaning was confident and strong-willed. I blinked, surprised that he didn't suggest another ten syllable name like the other times we've discussed this.

''It's... perfect. Emma Amelia Song.''

''It has a nice flow to it,'' he pointed out.

''I couldn't agree more with you. Should we tell my parents?''

''I was just about to say that,'' he said, walking off to the control room.

I went back to our bedroom and changed clothes. We had landed by the time I entered the control room and we went out.

. . .

I gladly took a mug of tea from my mother's hand as we sat in the fold out chairs on the deck. My father, along with my husband, were in the lounge watching a football match.

''How are you feeling?,'' she asked me.

''Alright. I mean, apart from being tired all the time. Thank God the morning sickness is over. That was one of the worst things I've ever been through.''

''That's good. Have you decided on a name yet?''

''Yes. Her name is going to be Doctor picked it... he said it means universal and complete. It means lasting peace and the bringer of hope in Gallifreyan. We spent ages deciding on her name and he kept suggesting names that no one could pronounce, The only thing we could agree on at first was her middle name, which is going to be Amelia.''

''Oh, River, you shoudn't have. So... Emma Amelia Song. I love it. I'm going to be the proudest grandmother in the universe... even though I'm 24.''

''I think you'll get used to it... I can't believe it... I'm going to be the mother of the Doctor's child. I'm... absoultley terrified.''

Amy took my hand and rubbed it reassuringly. ''You're going to do fine. I promise. You're going to be the best mother in the universe. I just know it. I have complete faith in you, River. Everyone does. The only thing you need is faith in yourself so that you can be the best mother you can be.''

. . .

I found the Doctor looking at the screen four hours later in the TARDIS.

''What are you looking at?,'' I asked him.

He turned around and said with a innocent look on his face, ''Nothing, dear.''

''Is there a prophecy about her?''

''Er... yes. Why?''

''I... had a dream about it last night,'' I said, beginning to tear up for no reason. I put my hand up to my lips, covering them and began crying uncontrollably.

''I'm sorry.. I just... these stupid hormones...''

He put an arm around me and led me to the kitchen. Once we entered, he went over to the table, pulled out the chair and I carefully sat down. He crossed to the stove and put the kettle on for tea. He came over and sat across from me.

''What was the dream about?,'' he asked in a calm and understanding voice.

I wiped my tears on my pajama sleeve and then took out the paper with the prophecy. I handed it to him and he looked at it for a second, then got out his copy of it and compared the two.

''They're.. they're the exact same.''

I cried more, but he grabbed my hand gently and rubbed it reassuringly.

''Just because a prophecy was made about her doesn't mean it's entirely true. I will protect her until my dying breath. I will not let her suffer because of the mistakes I've made. I will not let her out of my sight and I will not lose her like I have so many others. I. Will. Not.''

I gave him a look of dominant confidence, but skeptisism. I carefully got up from my seat, walked over and we embraced briefly before I retired to bed.