Sorry this is a short chapter, more coming I promise.
Whatever the Doctor had been expecting it certainly wasn't this. Even Jack looked shocked at this turn of events. The Doctor finally found his voice and tried to keep it even. "Madam Governor why?"
"Doctor, much as I wish it I cannot alter the laws as they currently stand without causing a revolution. This is the only way I can help you and keep the peace here until the population votes for the new changes.
"But Madam Governor, you asking me to violate Rose!"
"Doctor Smith do you really think I would do that? You more or less admited your feelings to me about the young lady in question this morning. You didn't speak it but in your own words I used my foresight and compassion and read between the lines. Do you deny that you love her?"
The Doctor looked taken aback. He turned to Jack but his friend just raised his eyebrows asking the same question silently. There was nowhere to hide.
"Yes Madam Governor, I do love her, more than the universe itself which is why I cannot do what you ask. I can't rape her, I won't rape her."
"Doctor" said Mackenzie softly. "It would not be rape. I spoke to Rose this afternoon and while I will not betray all of our conversation there is something you need to know."
"Doesn't matter" broke in the Doctor. "I can't do this to her. It would kill her trust in me"
"Doctor listen to me. I asked Rose what she would do if we couldn't save her. Do you want to know what she said to me?" Mackenzie continued on before he could answer. "She told me that she would ask you to kill her before any man other than yourself put their filthy hands on her. That's how much she trusts you Doctor. She would give you her body to do what you want with it. You could see it die or you could turn a sinful barbaric punishment into a heavenly promise."
"But I .... Jack what do I do"
"Bloody Hell Doctor, for once in your life give in to your feelings. It's been obvious to me for ages that Rose loves you. She loves me too of course but no more than just a brother but her love for you surpasses anything I have ever seen in my lifetime and I think in yours. Go talk to her Doctor, only you can save her now".
The Doctor still looked shocked but he stood up and spoke "Madam Governor it appears I must attend to another important matter. If you will excuse me ...."
"You are excused Doctor Smith and take my good wishes with you, for the both of you. Sentence will take place at 10am tomorrow. Although the arena is public I will try to make things as comfortable for you as possible. Now if you don't mind I would like to borrow Jack for a little longer. We have some catching up to do and she slid Jack a sly look to which he raised his eyebrow and said "OH".
"Until tomorrow morning then Madam Governor and you Jack well oh whats the point..." he trailed off before disappearing through the door.
Upon his departure Mackenzie took hold of Jack's hand and they sat down. "Jack I need you."
"Um Mackenzie you know I'm up for anything but do you think this an appropriate time?"
"What, ohh no" laughed Mackenzie "I didn't mean that although its very tempting. I recall you had me at hello last time but no I want you to help me with this Doctor and Rose situation".
"But I thought we had it all settled"
"Jack, do you imagine that tomorrows setting is the right place for those two to start a physical relationship in. I don't think either of them are exhibitionists and while the situation is far better than it was previously I am sure they would prefer to do this differently on their own terms and not be forced into it no matter how they feel about each other.".
"So what did you have in mind then Mackenzie"
"Jack how would you like to organise a protest rally?
"What"
"One of the first laws I overturned here was the rule against peaceful protests. I have contacts with several key figures who want change and would be willing to create a legal diversion. You time it perfectly with the sentencing tomorrow and crash the party so to speak..It would help with my plans for this planet and save two wonderful people from an embarrasing situation."
Jack groaned. "Mackenzie your incredible. Right stick me in a tie dye t-shirt, put flowers in my hair but I am not singing 'are you going to San Francisco'. Been there done that and it's worse than Cardiff". Then he takes her hand " now I know its not New Year but I wouldn't mind reliving those memories of 1969."
"Oh yes" she replied before leaning over to kiss him. "I believe it started with a bang".
To be continued