Still don't own it. Plot's picking up now. Hooray plot!
Rose had almost dozed off against the Doctor and Vashkid seemed to be meditating when the timer gave a rather microwave-like "Ping!" noise. All three started, though Vashkid far more gracefully than the rest, and he glided to his feet. Opening the hatch, he offered them a warm orange glow from his hands. "Thank you for the company." he murmured. "It has been a more enjoyable time than I would have alone." he let them up into the main room, sealing the door behind them. His house was furnished - well, like a humans, without a TV. There was something that could be a radio in the corner, with sofas, a table, and something that looked almost exactly like a human kitchen. Rose was astonished. "May I offer you a drink?" he smiled at them, flashing warm colours, "A treat of this land; I doubt you shall have tried it." he headed to the fridge, opening it, and revealing a cool interior; the Doctor leaned in and murmured to her, "The technology is more advanced than at home. It keeps every single item at it's ideal temperature." as he emerged with what looked almost like a wineskin made from the skin of some fruit. Out emerged three small shot-like glasses, and he poured a golden liquid into each, offering it to them both. The Doctor took his, and touched two fingers to the brown of his nose, which Rose imitated. Looking pleased by acknowledgement of a custom, Vashkid downed his in one.
As the Doctor did so, Rose took a cautious sniff of it; it smelled like sweet flours, apricots and almonds. She swallowed it as had the others; it seemed thinner than water, and left a warm burn like alcohol in her stomach, sweet and delicious. She felt warmth in the tips of her fingers; refreshing her body like a sleep. "Wow. That's amazing." she murmured, and the Doctor looked very happy as they handed the glasses back. "Thank you for the honour. I've always wished to taste the nectar." Vashkid smiled and bowed his head a little. "I wish you well in all your pursuits." he murmured, and it sounded formal. The Doctor placed two fingers on his throat. "May you guard your heart against usurpers." he murmured, and Vashkid looked overjoyed. Too nervous to mimic him, Rose followed the Doctor out the door. In the street, all was eerily quiet.
"Right." the Doctor murmured, after a moment, looking at the sky. Black clouds from the tower were spreading over the town. "I think they plan for rain. So…" he looked at her. "Fancy going and taking a look at the 'creatures in the sand'?" he asked, grinning widely. Rose groaned, "I don't have a choice, do I?" she murmured and he laughed as he took her hand, heading toward the edge of the bubble. They could see, even now in the distance, where the boom had come from was a low ridge of sand. They walked toward and out of the bubble, feeling the heat again as soon as they cleared it. It was a strange sensation and Rose rubbed her chest as they left. They could see the ridge; it looked like a mile walk or so and she groaned at the thought of the walk in this heat. The doctor gave her a nudge, "Cheer up, Tyler." he teased, "It's good for you! I wanna see what's there."
By the time they got there Rose was crazy thirsty. When they reached the ridge the Doctor reached into his pocket and pulled out a bottle of powerade, handing it to her wordlessly. She suppressed her anger in exchange for enjoying a few large gulps of the drink, then handed it back. He took just a sip and then they climbed the ridge to look down at where the explosion had been. Crouched onto the edge, they were silent as they looked down; the explosion had revealed what looked like the opening of a sewage pipe in design, but was huge around, with scorch marks on the innards. Sand was already falling back down into it, and a narrow ladder ran along the near side. He glanced at Rose and she gave him a determined look back as he pulled his sonic out, pointing it into the tunnel. The echo came back for almost a minute when he pulled it back, reading it. "Hm." he frowned. Rose raised an eyebrow as he tucked it away. "Most of it seems to be shielded. This bit isn't very deep, though; and I can read there's a safe passageway more meant for humanoids inside. So." he grinned at her, "Shall I go first?"