1 December 2009

They've got the dimension cannon finally working. I'm not sure what to think about it though. They've been letting me help once I've finished my studies for the day. I'm really starting to pick up English now because I'm speaking it all of the time.

Let me give you an idea of what my day is like now:

I get up, and get ready to go to the hub with Rose and the Doctor, eating breakfast and the like.

Once we get to the hub, we head to the lab where the dimension cannon is where I start working on school work like English and Mathematics on my computer while Rose and the Doctor work with the others to get the dimension cannon up and running.

We break for lunch. When we return, the Doctor has Rose and me meditate for a while. He says that it will help us.

I then do more school work, but this is interesting stuff like learning about computers from Toshiko or biology from Owen.

Once I'm done with this, I get to help Rose and the Doctor with the dimension cannon for a little bit. They say that I need to understand a little about how it works if I'm to be able to use it. While we are working on it, we talk about time. There's a lot that I don't understand yet, but they say things will become clearer once they can turn on the dimension cannon and I can see what they are talking about.

Once we are done at the hub for the day, we go to the gym so that Rose can work on getting her leg back into shape. I'm also taking a class in gymnastics. There are other kids in the class, so I get a chance to talk to kids my own age. I think they want me to have friends, but I don't feel comfortable around them yet.

Then we go home and we cook dinner and do whatever around the house needs to be done.

Rose wants to turn on the dimension cannon today, but the Doctor wants to wait until tomorrow. He says that it's late and he wants to look over things one more time before they actually turn it on.

2 December 2009

Rose wasn't home when we got up this morning and I don't think the Doctor was happy about it. In fact, when we got to the hub this morning, Rose already had the dimension cannon turned on and was staring into it. I looked at it because the swirls and all looked so pretty at first. Then I realized that I could see things.

Once Rose realized I was there she asked me, "Mai Li, what do you see?"

I looked at her, surprised that she knew that I could see things in it. I glance at the Doctor, whose hand is on the switch to turn it off, but is now turning toward me with Rose's question. "I'm not sure what I'm seeing. I think I saw Mama, but…"

"Come, take my hand Mai Li. Show me what you saw."

"You'll be able to see it too?"

"Yes…"

I go up to her and take her hand. I don't know how, but she shows me something in the swirls and I know that this is the present time. There is no detail in it, but I know what it is. She then follows the swirl back in time, back to the time when Mama died.

Is this what you saw, Mai Li? she asks. She doesn't speak, but I know she's asking the question. It's like when she told me to hide back at the abbey.

"Yes. How did you know?"

Because it's an important point in your time-line. Now, let's go ahead and let the Doctor turn off the cannon for now. He's worried that it's not going to work right and he wants to check it out.

I let go of her hand and she turns to the Doctor. "Go ahead and turn it off, Doctor. I checked it out when I got in. You can check it out if you like, but it's working just fi-"

"You had to go and turn it on anyway, didn't you! You couldn't wait one more day to make sure everything was done correctly! Of all the stupid…"

I look at the Doctor, surprised by his outburst. I thought this was what they were trying for. I turn to Rose.

Rose says, "Let's go Mai Li. You don't need to listen to his ranting because he didn't get his way and I'm not going to sit still for it either." She takes my hand and we leave the lab. "I've been working with the dimension cannon long enough that I think I probably know more about how it works than he does. Now, I need to start working on the program changes if I'm going to be able to contact his original."

"Original?" I ask.

"Yes, Mai," Rose replies. "We're originally from a different universe. One where the Doctor is the only Timelord left in existence because of a war."

"So, you're aliens? But what about your mum and dad?"

"My dad died when I was a baby. I was raised by my mum.

"On this world, Peter Tyler married Jackie, but I was never born here. His wife was killed by the Cybermen. Then the Daleks created a hole in the void that the Cybermen used to cross from this world to my world. I was trapped here when the hole was closed – along with my mum and Mickey.

"When the stars began to go out, I found a way across the void. We fought the Daleks again to save all of creation. The Doctor that was left here with me grew out of the original Doctor's spare hand."

"Will I ever understand what you're talking about?"

"I'll explain how the Doctor and I met and all of the rest of it, but it's going to take time. You heard a little of it when we first got back from Tibet – Tony likes to hear about my adventures."

I think about what she is saying and about what we did this morning. Frowning, I ask, "The dimension cannon can be used for other things than just seeing time can't it?"

"Yes," she replies. "With enough power it can be used to cross into other universes. In the past, it has done this and created more problems, but I think I've figured out how to do it without harming the fabric of reality. That's why I've incorporated the changes I have into the design. Most of it now is just reprogramming it."

"I don't understand," I say, confused by what she is saying.

"You will with time," she replies. "You're just beginning to learn about time and space. You know how we've shown you that coral-looking thing?"

"Yes."

"Would you believe that she's going to grow up to be a space ship?"

"You're joking!"

"Just wait and see! She's already bigger than when we started." Rose laughs a bit. "You'll just have to trust us on it for now. And you can't tell my mum. She didn't like it the first time I went travelling the universe."

"You've been to other planets?"

"Yes."

"Have you ever seen a place where there's a city inside a huge, glass dome?"

"No, but if it's where I think you're talking about, it may not exist anymore."

"Why?"

"Because it sounds like the way I've heard the Doctor describe his home world."

"What happened to it?"

"It burned."

"Oh no! No one survived? What happened to his family?"

"All dead. He's the only one who survived in our universe. The 'last of the Timelords'…"

"And now he's got you to love."

"And I love him – both of them – him and his original – but he's still afraid of losing everything again. And yes he knows that I love him."

"Are you going to get married to the Doctor?"

"I don't know. It's up to him right now."

I smile. "Mama told me that Papa asked her to marry him the day he graduated from university. Maybe he's waiting for the right time?"

"Maybe…"

Rose goes to one of the computers and starts to work on the program for the dimension cannon – at least that's what I think she's working on.

9 December 2009

Things have settled back down, but there is a change now. Every day, as part of my lessons on time, I spend some time studying the dimension cannon, mostly by looking into it and trying to understand what I'm seeing. Rose really knows a lot about it.

We went to London this past weekend. Rose and the Doctor had a meeting to go to and they wanted me to talk to a Dr. Anderson. She wanted to know how I was settling in. I told her that I've been learning a lot from Rose and the Doctor and that I'm not afraid of my dreams now.

I'm not sure what the meeting was about, but they've been really busy since we've been back in Cardiff. Rose said that they're going to try to send a message to their home universe soon. I try to stay out of the way right now, doing my school work and helping when I can. Rose always stops what she's doing when I want to talk to her, but I know she's busy so I don't interrupt her all of the time. Gwen and Toshiko see how busy they are and have invited me over a couple of times. Rose said it was okay when I asked her.

11 December 2009 – At Gwen's Place

They ran a test on the dimension cannon today. Everything seemed to work the way Rose said it would. The Doctor went over to talk to her and then things got scary.

The Doctor carried her over to medical. They wouldn't let me get close, saying I'd only be in the way.

He seems to be worried. He's been talking to Owen and they've been taking blood samples and stuff.

I don't want Rose to die! I know they told me that she wouldn't, but it's so hard to believe that everything's going to be alright.

Gwen came over to me while I watched from the rail and said that she was going to bring me to her house tonight. I don't really want to go, but Rose and the Doctor talked to me about what might happen as Rose changes. Rose wants me to go with her, so I will; but I'm not happy about it!

I didn't know people could change like that. The Doctor said that she's becoming more like him. I asked him why and he wouldn't really say. When I asked Rose, she said it was so that he wouldn't be alone.

Gwen did let me check on Rose before we left, though. The Doctor said that she was doing okay. I asked him about the tea that I saw and he said that it was helping her. He let me give her a kiss before I left and then he kissed me on the forehead and gave me a hug before I left with Gwen.

12 December 2009

I had to wait to come back until Gwen was ready! But we're finally back. Rose and the Doctor aren't in medical now. Owen said that they're in the bunk room and that I'm not to wake them. I told him that I just want to make sure Rose is okay. He smiled and told me to be quiet.

I opened the door and peeked in. The Doctor was holding her hand, even while he's sleeping. I smiled. I knew that the Doctor wouldn't be sleeping if something was wrong so I went into the kitchen to study. Once Rose woke up, Owen sent us all home.

13 December 2009

When we came back, Rose and the Doctor sent a message using the dimension cannon. Something replied – three somethings. They said that one response, the first one, was from the Tardis that they're growing and that one response was from the original Tardis in the other universe. But what about the third one? Rose smiled, I think she's got an idea, but she's not saying much about it.

What I think is that they found another Tardis, but they don't want to get their hopes up too high because of what it could mean.

Maybe the city in my dreams is real! Maybe the Doctor's home didn't die here. I think it would be nice if it hadn't. We'll be able to visit. I think it'd be great to see other places like that!

I had trouble settling down to study the rest of the day, just because I want to know more, but the Doctor said nothing would happen before tomorrow.

When will tomorrow get here!

14 December 2009

I had trouble sitting still on the way to the Hub this morning! Rose smiled when she saw me fidgeting.

Then I heard a wheezing and whining sound. Rose smiled when she heard it and left the Hub to check it out. The Doctor followed her and I followed them both.

There's a blue box in the plaza! They walked up to it. It looks like it's made of wood, but I know it wasn't there when we got here this morning. It even says 'Police Public Call Box' on it. Anyway, they walked up to the door and knocked. A man came out. He looks about the same age as the Doctor, but he's got curly hair and his clothes look like something worn a long time ago. I let them take him inside so I could check out that box.

First, I walked around it; it's really not big at all. Then I touched it. It feels like it's humming with power, like the Tardis that Rose and the Doctor are growing. Then I tried to open the door so I could have a look inside, but it was locked! I knocked on the door, but no one answered. I wish I knew if there was anyone else in there, although I don't see how.

Finally, I got bored and went back inside. They're all in the conference room and it looks like they're getting ready to go someplace. I know they won't let me go, but I want to see what they're doing!

Rose sees me as the leave and comes over to me, saying, "I know you're curious, Mai, but you can't go with us right now. We'll talk when we get back. Right now, we're showing the Doctor what we do here."

"But I thought…"

"They both are, Mai, just from different universes. It seems that Gallifrey might have survived here."

I nod. I hadn't really believed that Rose and the Doctor – my Doctor – were from another universe, but I guess seeing really is believing.

"Will our Tardis look like his when it gets bigger?"

"It could. Its chameleon circuit should work though," Rose replies.

"We'll explain about it later, Mai," my Doctor says. "We've got to go for now." He kisses me on the forehead and tousles my hair.

They leave to do what it is that they do.

14 December 2009 - Gallifrey

When they get back later, they have backpacks and duffels. The Doctor hands mine to me and says, "You're going to be staying with Gwen while we're gone, Mai. Rose and I need to go to Gallifrey to explain what happened with the darkness."

"But I want to go too!"

Rose says, "It's a business trip, not a vacation, Mai. I need you to stay here. Besides, Gwen and Toshiko offered to take you Christmas shopping." She hugs me and kisses the top of my head. "Now, we've got to go."

They get distracted giving instructions to everyone so I head out to wait at the Tardis. I don't want to stay here bored out my skull and itching to know about another planet. I know they've got to come up here if they are going.

The other Doctor gets to the Tardis and unlocks the door, staying outside while he waits for Rose and our Doctor. Realizing that the door is now unlocked and the other Doctor's back is to me, I open the door just enough to get into the Tardis, pushing it to after I'm inside. I turn around and look at everything around me.

It's HUGE! How can all of this even fit in here? And there's a door on the other side. I'm going to go through it. I don't want them to see me quite yet.

But this place is…

When I walked through the outside doors, I saw what can only be a control console. It's got six sides. There are knobs and buttons all over it. And there's a glass column in the center of it.

As for the rest of the room – and it is a room. It's as big as a cathedral! Imagine that! Inside of a small blue, wooden box! I don't know how they fit all of it inside! Anyway, there are six metal trusses holding up the ceiling, it looks like. And there's a parlor off to one side with bookshelves and a chair and a lamp – it looks homey.

When I walked through the other doors, I ended up in a hallway. There are doors all down it. Just how big is this place? I don't want to get lost, and it seems like I can if I go farther in, so I'll stay here. I can peek out and see what they're doing when they come in.

The other door's opening up! I turn around, putting my back to the door so they can't see me, but I can still hear everything.

I hear Rose say, "Hello."

Then the other Doctor says, "What the hell?" I wonder what happened?

Then my Doctor says, "I had to explain to my Tardis that she did not need to open when Rose entered. It's like she wants to greet her sister."

"Shall we get started then?" the other Doctor asks. They do something with the console.

I peek around the corner of the door a bit. The column's moving now. I duck back when the other Doctor looks toward the door.

Rose asks, "What is it?"

"I left that door closed when I left here."

They know I'm here! I don't know whether to run further into this place or to turn around and face Rose and the Doctor. I know she's going to be upset with me – and disappointed.

My Doctor calls, "Mai Li? Please come in here. It can't be anyone else. She's always been fascinated by the Tardis and… What?"

"She's fascinated by Timelords too," Rose adds. "She probably decided she wanted to see the planet. And when she found out that we were invited she took advantage"

I go back into the control room. I'm ready to argue with them to make my point that I need to go with them.

"Mai," Rose says, "You owe the Doctor an apology. We should take you back home right now. We made arrangements with Gwen for the next few days so you need to apologize to her also."

The other Doctor smiles as he says, "Perhaps you should contact them and let them know that she is safe. She might as well come also. She can spend some time at the Academy. I daresay that they can keep her busy and out of trouble."

Looking at the other Doctor, I say, "Thank you, sir! I am sorry that I stowed away, but I wanted to have an adventure! Everything that I've heard from Rose and the Doctor – it sounds so exciting and romantic."

I watch the Doctors look from one to the other and at Rose as they burst out laughing. Rose shakes her head at them and asks Mai Li, "Did you bring any clothes?"

"I brought what you had packed for me to take over to Gwen's. My bag is just on the other side of the door. I can call Gwen if you like."

"Use my phone," Rose says as she hands it to her. "It's got the range." Rose and I look at both of the Doctors as they continue to chuckle and Rose adds, "I can see that this trip is going to be entertaining, at least for you two. Perhaps I should get Mai settled while you get yourselves under control so that we can park the ship in the right place?"

"She knows us pretty well, doesn't she?" the other Doctor comments as he continues chuckling.

"Better than you would believe," responds my Doctor soberly, before he starts chuckling again.

The Tardis lands and we get out. I was hoping we would be outside so I could see if this was the city I've dreamt about so much. We are met by a woman as we exit. She does a double take as she sees Rose for the first time, like she can't believe what she is seeing.

"Romana!" says the tenth Doctor as he walks up to her in greeting. He takes her hand and pulls her into a hug. "I didn't know you were Lady President… Congratulations!" he says as he recognizes the symbols of her office.

"Rose, this is the Lady Romana."

"Hello. He's told me all about you. At least he did once I cornered him about previous companions." Rose says as she reaches to shake Romana's hand and give her a hug. "Anyone who can put up with him is special," she adds with a smile. Both Doctors look at her and shake their heads. Taking my hand to draw me forward, Rose adds, "This is Mai Li. She didn't want to be left behind, so she stowed away. I hope there won't be any problems because of it."

Smiling in response, Romana looks at the Doctors. "If you could come this way," she tells them, showing them the direction they are to go. "And no, Mai Li won't be a problem… She's not the first stowaway the Tardis has had. You can come along too, Doctor," she says indicating their Doctor.

Once my Doctor realizes where we are headed, he whispers to Rose with a grin on his face, "We're being taken to the council chamber. I wonder who's Castellan and Chancellor."

We reach the council chamber. It's big and it's got windows that I can see out of. I go over to one and look out. It is my city! Only then do I turn around and notice the tables and chairs arranged in rows around a central raised platform. There is also a table with a larger central chair flanked by two smaller chairs. There are additional chairs to the side as well as a second table with chairs on one side, facing the other table and chairs. My Doctor greets the others, "Chancellor, Castellan." He takes their hands and shakes them as he greets them.

"Doctors, Rose, Mai Li," Romana says as she indicates the second table, "Please have a seat." She takes a chair from the side placing it opposite them at the same table.

"Our Doctor has provided us with a report on his findings concerning you two," she says. "We also have a copy of the transmission you made. By the way, your conclusions are correct; there is no damage to the fabric of reality.

"The Academy is reviewing the design work; it is extremely advanced. I understand it's your work, Rose?"

"Yes. Why?"

"It's much more advanced than anything on Earth up till now. The knowledge could easily disrupt the flow of history."

"I know; that's why we've kept it quiet. Only the Doctor and I have full access."

"As for you, Doctor," Romana continues indicating Rose's Doctor, "we have questions about you as well. We have questions about how you came to exist and about your home universe."

"It's a long story… I'm fairly sure it goes back to the Time War. I think the final events of it may have caused the split.

"I was helping to defend the Eye of Harmony," he says as he thinks back. "The Daleks overran our position. I died… regenerated… Rassillon… I… I was the only one who could end it… I watched Gallifrey burn." I look at him as if seeing him for the first time. No wonder he doesn't like to talk about his home. He sounds like he's crying inside. Rose takes his hand. After a couple of minutes he goes on. "So, what happened here?"

"We were able to keep the Daleks from gaining access to the Eye," responds the other Doctor. "It's taken a long time to rebuild."

Romana breaks in before the Doctors get too involved in discussing the split. "Doctor," she says, looking toward their Doctor, "you may leave. You can discuss things in detail with each other later to work out your theories. Right now we need to determine the appropriate action to take to enable Rose and her Doctor to be able to return home in a reasonable time."

Turning to Rose and my Doctor, she continues, "Do you know anything about the recent breakdown in reality? We were able to track it to an origination point in the Medusa Cascade, but then it stopped before we could determine the cause. It seemed to be inter-dimensional."

"It was the darkness," says Rose, breaking into the conversation. Romana looks at Rose in query. "The timelines converged on Donna Noble and the Doctor. The Daleks had created a reality bomb..."

"The Daleks! But they have been either destroyed or contained… I can see that there is a great deal to be learned from both of you. It could take months if we use normal debriefing techniques."

What's a Dalek?

Romana asks, "Would the two of you consent to a memory scan? It would speed up the process tremendously."

"A 'memory scan'? That sounds an awful lot like a psychic probe," the Doctor says. He's not happy about what she has just asked at all.

"It uses the same equipment," Romana responds, "but the procedure is very different. It is slower, but does not risk damage to the brain. We have been using it therapeutically now for several years. ...The Time War left a lot of scars. We needed to be able to access the memories that were causing them so that they could be healed.

"We already had the means to access the information with the probe. All we had to do was adjust the protocols and increase the safety mechanisms to remove the chances of physical damage to the brain. The process is now slower, but it is safer. The only damage that occurs now is in the memories that are brought to the surface and there are support mechanisms in place to help the patient to deal with them."

The Doctor looks at Rose and says, "It's up to you. If you want to try the technique, then we'll do it."

Rose asks, "Do you trust her?"

"I trust her not to knowingly harm another."

Rose goes on, "I… think… we need to.

"I've learned a lot about your people – just by learning about you. They're good people, by and large." I don't think the Doctor agrees with her at all right now. It's like – I don't know – but he's not happy. "They need to understand what has been happening so that they can make informed decisions."

My Doctor turns to Romana and asks, "Who would be the physician involved? I am assuming that there are healers involved with the procedure."

"My husband is the leading physician for the technique. He would be my choice."

"And he is?"

"Galen. His name is Galen. I believe you knew him before the war."

"Yes, I knew him. He's an extremely gifted healer.

"You married him after the war?"

"No, I married him during the war," Romana says, smiling. "We have a daughter. She's about your age, Rose. In fact, I've agreed to allow her to be involved with you… as an unofficial guide – her idea. She's infatuated with the Doctor… our Doctor. I've decided to indulge her this time.

"Actually, she wants to learn English as well, so I want her to practice that as well."

"We'll do it," says Rose, looking at her Doctor. "We'll agree to the scan."

"You're sure?" asks the Doctor as he turns to her.

Rose replies quietly, "As I said, I think we need to. Unless you don't think we should."

"I agree, I think we do. Even with… Never mind." He looks at me and adds, "We'll need to make sure Mai Li is cared for while we're being scanned."

Smiling, Romana responds, "That's not a problem. She can spend some time at the Academy. I daresay they'll be able to keep her out of mischief. And it would be an adventure for her."

There is a knock at the door. A young woman enters, "Mother?"

She looks just like Rose! Exactly like Rose! I glance at Rose again – she doesn't seem to be surprised. I wonder if she somehow knew about the woman. When I look at my Doctor, his expression is curious, like he didn't know about her at all, and wants to learn more.

"Rianna," answers Romana, "this is the Doctor and Rose Tyler… from a different universe." Everyone looks from Rianna to Rose and back again, comparing. To Rose, she says, "When I met you, I wondered at how much you look like my daughter. Now, I see that you are nearly identical."

Rose gets up and goes to Rianna, saying, "Hello, Rianna, I'm Rose. Nice to meet you." She takes Rianna's hand and shakes it, then gives her a quick hug.

"H… hello," she answers tentatively. She looks toward her mother with a look that asks 'why do we look alike?'.

Romana smiles, saying, "You could be twins."

"Rianna," Romana continues, "could you show them to their quarters?"

"No problem, Mum."

She leaves with us in tow. She makes small talk all the way to our quarters.

We find our things already in our quarters when we arrive along with dinner. Rianna shows us around, showing us the bedrooms, sitting and dining areas, and the bathrooms; and then leaves us saying that she'll be back in the morning.

"It's well appointed," says Rose as she explores the rooms, taking her bag into one of the bedrooms. As she comes back out, she says, "Mai, why don't you take your things into one of the bedrooms?"

"I get it," I say. "You want a few minutes alone." I head into a bedroom with my things.

"There are some things we need to discuss, Mai," Rose replies.

"These are official apartments, normally assigned to visiting dignitaries," my Doctor replies as Rose comes back out of the room. I take my things into one of the bedrooms, drop them on the bed and come back to listen at the door just as fast as I can. Maybe he'll ask the same questions I want to ask!

"Rose, you weren't surprised when you saw Rianna," he adds.

"No. I… knew… that if one existed, the other did… Something the Tardis showed me. It's like she is who I would have been if the Timelords had survived the Time War… The changes I'm going through… I think they're part of it."

"You've known…"

"No, Doctor, I suspected, but I didn't know. I hoped. I hoped it was true. You need so much not to be alone."

"So," he replies, "the Tardis decided to set things right." A couple of minutes later he says, "First you, then Jenny."

"Your daughter, created by a machine. I think the Tardis is telling you that you need a family… to anchor you… to help you be even better."

"You may be right."

All of a sudden, Rose asks, "Can you tell us apart?"

"Hmmm?" he replies.

"Can you tell me apart from Rianna? From what I've seen, we're identical, like you and your original."

"Yes, you seem identical… But when I look into her eyes, I see innocence. She has been protected her entire life. When I see her, I see you as you were when we first met.

"You have grown so much since then. When I look into your eyes now, I see the events of your life reflected. You have had to make hard decisions, knowing that you have to live with those choices, she hasn't. Those choices have made you who you are.

"You've known… joy… rage… grief… love. They've shaped you, made you who you are today.

"More than anything else, I see your love when I look into your eyes."

Everything goes quiet for a few minutes and I peek a little further.

They're kissing! I doubt they'd even notice me if I continue to come out of the room, so I creep up to the door of the living area.

"Tomorrow's going to be a long day," the Doctor continues when they finally stop. "We should eat, and then get some rest." Noticing me looking into the room, the Doctor says, "You can come back in if you want, Mai, instead of hanging about the doorway."

15 December 2009

We are eating breakfast the next morning when there is a knock at the door. I get up to answer it as I really want to visit the Academy. Rianna is there so I ask, "Are you going to bring me to the Academy today? There's so much I want to see! I've never been on another planet before…"

"Mai!" Rose chides. Both Rose and the Doctor have smiles on their faces when I turn to look at them, though. "Let her get in the door first before you interrogate her about Gallifrey." Turning to Rianna, she continues, "She's excited at the prospect of learning about this place… Come on in, we're just finishing."

"I was asked to show you to medical on my way to the Academy."

Nodding, the Doctor rises from his seat and leads the way to the door. As he reaches the door he says, "Allons y!"

"Doctor, she's supposed to be learning English, not French."

"It's still an Earth language." He smiles again as we start out.

A man meets us when we reach medical. I think he's the healer we were told about. Galen, I think Rianna's mum said. "I've got them, Rianna. You can go ahead and go to your classes after I'm done scanning Mai Li. She's expected at the Academy this morning." I grin when I find out that I'll get to go to the Academy.

Turning to Rose and the Doctor, he continues, "Hello. I'll be in charge of your medical needs while you are here as well as the memory scans. If you'll come with me we'll get started." He leads us on to an examination room.

As we enter the room, the man says, "We'll start with Mai Li, so that she can be excused to go to the Academy. Just step into the scanner. It'll give us a base-line for your medical history." Seeing the apprehensive look on my face, he adds and smiles in reassurance, "There won't be any needles or anything else. It's just a scan." Once I step into it, he pushes some buttons. A couple of minutes later, he looks up at me and says, "That's it. You're done now. You can go with Rianna. They'll have everything you need at the Academy… You'll be staying there while Rose and her Doctor are busy with everything we've got to do."

Rose adds, "You'll be with kids your own age. Go and have fun."

"They're Timelords too?" Mai Li asks.

"Yes, they're Timelords too, or they will be once they grow up," the Doctor replies. I nod, satisfied, as I leave with Rianna.

When we get to the Academy, Rianna brings me to an office. There is a woman in the office who smiles and says, "You must be Mai Li, Rose Tyler's ward. I'm Marenaluntisseptima. I handle new students." She turns to Rianna and says, "You may go, Rianna. Your instructors know why you are late to class this morning and understand the need."

"Yes, ma'am," Rianna replies, turning to leave.

I watch Rianna leave and then turn back to the administrator. She is getting up from behind her desk and coming around it. "Come with me," she says, smiling. "We'll get you set up. We have robes for you to wear in your quarters, but first, we need to evaluate what you know so that we can tailor your education to your needs. If you'll follow me, we'll get started." I follow her into a room. There's a computer station set up. "If you'll sit down, we'll get you started." I sit down. "The computer will function like those you are used to. Remember, this is just to learn where you are at in your studies so there are not necessarily right or wrong answers. We'll be using the results to set your educational programs to what is best for you."

I nod and say, "I understand. The Doctor does that when he wants me to start learning something new." I sit down and start the computer.

When I get done, I go back through the door and into the office. The woman brings me to my room and introduces me to a couple of students who seem to be my age. She asks them to show me back to her office after lunch.

I think she wanted a chance to go through my tests, because when I got back she started to ask me about time. I told her that I started to have dreams that came true a little over a year ago. We talked about the tests I took some more and then we went to a place with a big ring, the Untempered Schism she called it, after lunch. It reminds me of the dimension cannon back in Cardiff. Marenaluntisseptima – Jeez! The name is so long I think I'll do like the other kids and call her Mar. – Anyway, she had me look into it. I think it works like the dimension cannon too, as I see things in it like I do in the dimension cannon.

One thing especially caught my attention. I saw Rose and the Doctor standing here, facing away. They were surrounded and being attacked by these robot things. Rose's eyes glow and she raises her arms and they dissolve into dust I think. I know it's not the past because we haven't been here before, but it's not the very near future either. I think it's a few years from now. Anyway, after all of the robots are gone, she falls. I hope she'll be alright.

When I start looking around again, Mar asks me what I saw. I told her about Rose and my Doctor being here and fighting the robots. She asked me what the robots look like and I told her I didn't know how to describe them so I draw their outline in the dirt.

She knows what they are! She said they're called Daleks and that they kill any life not like their own. I tell her that the Doctor and Rose have mentioned Daleks before, but haven't really described them.

Then we get back to what I saw. I tell her that I'm pretty sure that what I saw happens a few years from now and about Rose's eyes glowing and about anything else I can think of. She says that she'll contact a visionary to see if we can learn more. In the meantime, we head back to the Academy, talking about other dreams that I've had.

16 December 2009

The next day, right after breakfast, Mar asked me to come to her office.

When I got there, I was introduced to Katenicialinasoptican – she said to call her Katen. We talked about my dreams, what I've seen in the dimension cannon, and now what I saw in the Untempered Schism. We also talk about what I think they mean. When we are done, she walks me to my class and speaks to the instructor.

The other students wait until she leaves and then come over to me.

"What did the Visionary want with you?" Ken asks.

"Yeah, what did she want? She only comes here if there's a chance… Are you a visionary? Can you see the future?" Amalie asks.

"She seems to think so," I reply. "So does the Doctor. They've been teaching me about time."

"Wow!" says Amalie. "They'll probably want you to go…"

"I can't. Rose says that I need to be raised as a human and she's right. Now is not the time that I'm meant to come and stay, but in a few years… In the meantime, Rose and the Doctor are helping me a lot." I realize that there is truth in what I'm saying as I'm saying it – that this is what has to be.

"Did you realize that you already talk like a visionary?" asks Ken

"I just talk like myself, that's all."

"No, I didn't mean that as an insult, Mai Li. I just meant that you don't have to learn to talk like a visionary 'cause you already do. I think that's some of what they teach."

The instructor comes over to us and says, "We've still got some time before lunch. I know that it's very interesting for us to have a visionary with us, but we need to get back to our studies."

"Yes, ma'am," I reply as I head over to my computer station and start to work.

This afternoon we went to the arboretum. It's set in a park and is enclosed in a building with airlocks. They say that this is so that contamination of the local plants does not occur. We saw so many different things! I asked one of the attendants if I could have a few seeds from this one beautiful flower that I saw. It seems to glow when it is breathed on and smells absolutely wonderful! He said that the plant is actually rather innocuous and gave me a few seeds to take home. He also said that it's a plant that's native to Gallifrey. He even gave me a pot to use to plant it in along with some soil.

After I asked for the seeds, a few of my classmates decided to ask for seeds from a few plants as well. I think they were afraid to ask until I asked first. Once we got back, our instructors asked us to start logs for the plantings and let us go ahead and plant them.

That evening, Ken, Amalie, and I were talking at dinner.

Ken said, "I think you're the first to ask something like that on a class trip. How did you know they'd give you some seeds?"

"I didn't," I reply. "But I thought there was a chance, so I asked. They could've said no."

"But they didn't," says Amalie. "Instead they gave you seeds, a pot, and soil. They even gave the rest of us seeds and stuff."

"Maybe they just wanted someone to ask who could see the beauty of that little flower – or any other flower for that matter," I say.

"It's possible," Ken adds. "Anyway, Teach has decided to turn it into a science lesson.

"So, we have tomorrow afternoon off. Would you like to go with Amalie and me to see the city?"

I smile. "They'll let us explore?"

"Yes, they let us explore. We're able to shop too."

"I've got money… I was going to go Christmas shopping with Gwen and Tosh…" My smile fades as I realize that I broke a promise by stowing away. "Rose was right, what I did by stowing away was very bad manners."

"So, we'll go with you instead, that's all. Anyway, I doubt that the shops will take human money," Amalie says.

"But we do get a stipend while we're at the Academy. We can check with Teach tomorrow, explain the situation," adds Ken.

"Yeah! Considering your family is the guest of Lady President Romanadvoratrelundar…"

"But the Doctor called her Romana."

"From what I've heard, they travelled together for a while…"

"So did Rose," I reply. "At least until she got stuck here. From what I've heard she worked for years to get back to him, only succeeding when the stars started to go out."

"Wow!" says Ken.

"She helped stop that?" Amalie asks.

"From everyone I've talked to, she did. I don't know how, you'd have to ask her and the Doctor. I've heard that she used the dimension cannon for it, though."

"What's that?" asks another kid who has been listening. "I'm Jalat, by the way. I want to go with you tomorrow, too."

"I'm not sure about everything it can do, but part of it reminds me of that ring thing here…"

"The Untempered Schism?" one of the others asks.

"I think that's what she called it."

17 December 2009

I have been walking with my new friends, seeing the city while I shop for Christmas presents. They've been showing me where to find things. As we walk out of a shop that sells tools Ken says, "I know where there's another tool shop, maybe you'll be able to find something there."

I reply, "The only thing they had that looked interesting was a sonic screwdriver, but the Doctor's already got one – and he likes the one he's got. Rose has got one too, but she built it on her own. Besides, I was thinking maybe a pair of earrings or a bracelet for her."

"Who else do you need to get gifts for?" Amalie asks.

"Well, I've found something for Gwen, Toshiko, Owen, and Ianto at the hub. I've found something for Mr. and Mrs. Tyler, too. I know it's just something small, but they'll understand. So that leaves Rose and the Doctor… And Tony."

"Who's Tony?"

"He's Rose's little brother. He's two years old, but he already knows his alphabet and numbers. He loves to hear Rose's stories about her travels with the Doctor."

"And you said that the Doctor likes to build things and to tinker, so a tool would be good for him – if you can find the right one," Jalat says.

"That's why I suggested the other shop," says Ken. "They've got a better selection and I've heard from some of the older students that their prices are good."

"If it's the one I think it is," someone else says, "there's a toy shop around the corner from it. You'll be able to find something there for the little kid – Tony, I think you called him."

I look at her and see a couple that I know about half a block away, behind her. It looks like Rose and the Doctor! I say, "Excuse me, but I think I see Rose and the Doctor. I'll be back in a couple of minutes. I just want to say hello." I walk over to them.

"Rose! Doctor!" I yell as I get close.

They turn toward me. Rose smiles when she sees me. "Mai!" she replies. "We weren't expecting to see you!"

"We've got the afternoon off, so Ken and the others are showing me the city."

"So you're starting to make friends?"

"Yeah! And they tested me at the…" I stop a moment, trying to remember the name of the place again.

"The Untempered Schism…" Ken says softly in my ear.

I about jump out of my skin! I didn't realize that they were following me! I turn toward him and yell, "What did you sneak up on me for!" The Doctor smiles; he seems to be amused by what happens.

"We just want to meet them too," Ken says.

"You didn't have to scare me though!" I'm still mad at him, but remember my manners so I say, "Rose, Doctor, these are some of my classmates – Ken, here, who likes to sneak up on people…"

"It's only the first time I've…" He shuts up as he realizes I know more about him than he thought and Amalie looks at us curiously.

"And Amalie, Jalat, Sisana, and Fehnir." They each nod as they are introduced. I continue with, "Everyone, this is Rose Tyler and the Doctor, well the Doctor who's from a different universe, not the one who's from here…"

Everyone says hello to each other and the Doctor shakes their hands.

When I finally remember what I was saying again, I say, "Anyway, they tested me at the Untempered Schism and said that I'm a visionary."

"I can't let you stay here yet, Mai. It's not yet time. You're human and you need that side of your psyche developed. I know you'll end up living here, but not yet."

"I told them that. I think they still want to talk to you about it though. Katen… Katenicia… Oh, I can't even remember all of her name! Anyway, she's the Visionary who tested me and she said that she's going to teach the classes on the nature of time for us while I'm here. Our first class with her is tomorrow morning."

"So, you're enjoying your time here?" Rose asks.

"Yes, Rose, very much; and I'm learning a lot too.

"That's good. So what have you been learning?"

"The same regular stuff that I get at home, but it's different being here! Oh! We went to the arboretum yesterday and they gave us some seeds to plant."

"I don't think they would have, Mai, if you hadn't asked for some first," Jalat adds.

"That did help, didn't it?" I reply.

"I thought you wanted to go shopping," comments Fehnir.

"Then let's not keep you," says the Doctor, smiling as he takes Rose's hand. "Mai, I know that the Academy has questions for Rose about her work, so she'll probably be visiting there in the next few days. In the meantime, just enjoy yourself."

The Doctor turns away from us and starts around the corner with Rose while I turn back to my friends. Ken says, "She talks like a visionary too! That 'not yet time' comment…"

"So why don't we go finish shopping?" Amalie asks. "After all, that's part of what we've been doing."

"Are they married?" Sisana asks.

"No," I reply. "But I think the Doctor plans to ask her soon. He's making something, but I don't know what. He hasn't let anyone see. Why do you ask?"

"Because they seem… close… very close… almost like they belong together."

"They love each other, Sisana," I add. "And they're great friends. Now, let's go."

18 December 2009

The next morning, Katenicialinasoptican, the visionary, is here with us teaching us about time. She asks me and the rest of the class a question about paradoxes and causality and once I understand what she was asking, I reply, "A paradox can create a causal nexus."

"How?" she asks as she sees an administrator walk into the room with Rose Tyler. Looking at the others, she adds, "The question is not just for Mai Li. You've all had sufficient training to understand the concept. So, can anyone state how a paradox can create a causal nexus?"

I think about it for a bit and wait for someone else to answer, but no one does. I say as I continue to think about it, "An event that creates a paradox is a causal event. A causal nexus is the point in time or space or even an individual where subsequent events and previous events converge. A paradox would create a causal nexus by creating an alternate timeline, or sequence of events, that wouldn't have happened except for the paradox.

"One thing I don't understand, though, is why people don't remember what happened once things are set to right again. The Doctor said that it's a function of being time aware and of physical distance from the causal event, but I don't see how and he couldn't explain it. He said that he's witnessed it and that it's like being in the eye of a storm. Only those in the eye have the chance of being aware that anything even happened."

Katenicialinasoptican says, "Essentially correct, Mai Li, although there is more to it than that. However, deeper understanding will come as you receive more training. As to your question, different races respond differently to remembering corrected paradoxes. Most do not remember anything at all, while time-aware races are much more likely to remember. Even those with no awareness at all may remember if strong emotion is involved, though it may seem like a dream.

"Miss Tyler, would you care to add to our discussion? Perhaps you could add to our comparison of paradoxes and causal nexuses? Or perhaps share your experiences with them?"

Rose smiles and says, "So you wish to add to my understanding as well, I see." The visionary smiles.

"Well, what Mai said is correct about them being related, but they are also unrelated. While a paradox creates a causal nexus, a causal nexus is not necessarily caused by a paradox. And a paradox happens because of a decision while a causal nexus determines the future events to take place based on a decision to be made." She looks at all of us, seeing the confused looks going around the room.

"To make it clearer, let me give you a couple of examples.

"While I was travelling with the Doctor we went back in time to watch my mum and dad get married. This didn't cause a problem as we didn't interact with anyone; all we did was watch the wedding. But then, he took me to when my dad died – I didn't want him to have died alone. The thing is, we went back twice. The second time I ended up saving my dad's life instead of letting him die. This created a paradox. It was righted, but not before…

"That part's not important. The thing is it was my decision and then my actions that created the paradox. The events that came after were caused by the paradox. Once the paradox ceased to exist, time reverted to its natural flow once more."

I look at the visionary and see that she is sitting and listening closely to what Rose is saying. I don't understand how she could have seen her dad's death, but I can ask her about it later, so I stay quiet, just like everyone else – I want to hear more.

Rose continues, "For another example, I've got the recent darkness – when the stars were going out." I look around and see the others nodding. "Using the dimension cannon, I was able to trace timelines for events and people. They all converged on a woman named Donna, but something had happened that split her off from what needed to be as she needed to be with the Doctor for everything to work out and she wasn't where she needed to be when she needed to be there.

"I was able to locate the causal event that changed her life and found that she needed to make a left turn, literally, to end up meeting the Doctor instead of a right turn.

"I had to set it right and the only way to set it right was for the Donna in the time line where I eventually found her to die. I had to talk her into sacrificing herself in that reality so that all of reality could be saved – including the Donna in the reality she was supposed to be in. We ended up succeeding, but I'm still coming to terms with what I had to do. I couldn't even say who I was because it would have changed things."

Rose looks directly at the visionary. "I'm still coming to terms with what I had to do." Everyone goes even quieter, if that's possible.

The visionary says, "I'm sorry. I know the burden isn't light, but it's an important duty."

"That's what I told Donna when I realized that she would have to die," Rose says very quietly. Everyone stares at Rose, waiting for her to say something else.

We realize that she's not going to say anything else after a few moments and start to look at each other when the administrator says, "Miss Tyler, we should go prepare for your presentation. You'll want a chance to eat something before everything starts."

"Of course," Rose replies and turns to us. "I hope I've helped your discussion. I need to go now."

"Indeed you have, Rose Tyler," the visionary says. "I think I begin to see why she needs you as a teacher right now. I hope to speak to you again before you return home."

Rose leaves us and everyone starts talking at once. Katenicialinasoptican calls us to order so that we can continue discussing time and what we have learned about causal nexuses. I'm thoughtful because I didn't know about her dad. I know she had to have been talking about in her original universe, but I really didn't know that she watched her dad die too. "Her dad and Donna – in that other universe – were really brave," I say.

The others look at me, but Katenicialinasoptican says, "Yes they were. To realize that you must die and face it with dignity takes great courage, especially when one isn't able to regenerate.

"Now, we really must continue our discussion. Jalat, what have you learned today?"

She goes on to ask each of us what we have learned until Teach comes in to take the class back. Katenicialinasoptican takes her aside and speaks to her.

We got to watch the presentation!

Rose really knows the dimension cannon! I don't think most of us, meaning students, understood much, but I think she did really well. There were some questions asked by a few of the older students, like 'How do dimensional relationships relate to time relationships?' and 'Why did you choose Chronon energy to power it?', but she answered them with no problems. They didn't let us stay for all of it so I was a little upset about that.

When we got back to our classroom, everyone started asking me about the dimension cannon. I told them that I don't know much about it at all compared to Rose and the Doctor, but they didn't care; they wanted to find out what I do know. We were still talking about things when classes ended for the day.

A little later, at dinner, Ken asked me why I looked worried. I told him that something was going to happen to Rose and that I needed to see her.

I don't think he believed me, but there wasn't anything I could do about it as we aren't allowed to just leave. I know, because I checked to see if I could see her and the Doctor and they told me that Rose was still at here, talking to the cardinals. They also told me that students weren't allowed in the auditorium this evening because of the sensitive nature of the discussion.

I just wish I could shake this feeling of foreboding…

19 December 2009

Katenicialinasoptican came to get me this morning. I hadn't even eaten breakfast yet. Once we left the dining hall, she told me that Rose had collapsed last night, but that she was doing better this morning and that she was taking me to see her.

On the way, she asked me about myself and about Rose and the Doctor. I think she asked because she wanted to take my mind off of things. I was surprised to find myself telling her as much as I did about us, but it helped me.

The thing is, the way she talked about the Doctor, I wonder if she knows him?

Anyway, once we got to the hospital, she took me to see the doctor they call Galen – only he's not called a doctor, he's called a healer. He took us to see Rose, but said not to wake her, and showed me the readings on the monitor. I asked him what they meant, so he explained and said that she's going to need time to rest and that I shouldn't wake her.

After I gave Rose a kiss on the forehead, he took us to the Doctor. He was sprawled out on a sofa in Galen's office sleeping, but he woke up when we walked in. He said, "Hi, Mai, Katen! Rose is sleeping."

"Galen allowed her to see Rose first, Doctor," the visionary says.

I look up at her and ask, "Is it okay to call you Katen, like the Doctor does?"

She smiles at me. "Yes, Mai Li, and it's certainly better than 'hey you' or 'Fred'." She turns back to the Doctor and says, "Doctor, I came to tell you that I am setting up a training regimen for Mai Li and for Rose Tyler. I must admit, though, that her theoretical knowledge of the mechanics of time is far in advance of my own after watching her performance. I understand that she developed her own symbology and formulae to work with it?"

"Yes, she did. That's part of what makes her work so unique.

"Why didn't you put a stop to the inquisition when you realized just how advanced her knowledge of time is?" the Doctor asks.

"It wasn't my place. One does not interrupt cardinals."

"Even when they're wrong?" Katen looks away from him a moment. "And to think that there are still people who wonder why I left…"

"Doctor, I'm sorry… I know I should have said something. I watched her from her initial presentation up to the point that she sat down and stopped speaking. I didn't realize…

"What did happen, Doctor?"

"The interrogation triggered a biological crisis."

"A biological…? But she's human, isn't she?" Katen asks.

"Not entirely any longer. She is becoming Gallifreyan in physiology…"

"How…?" Katen asks.

"She merged with the vortex through the Tardis…"

"No one has ever done that before! We can't even handle that energy! We'd die!"

"And regenerate," replies the Doctor. "Yes, I know. That's what happened when I took the energy from her because she couldn't release it."

"We'll speak more later. Right now, I think Mai Li needs some reassurance that Rose will be alright."

The Doctor looks at me and smiles. He opens his arms and says, "Would a hug help?" I run to him and throw myself into his arms. He folds them around me and I feel safe, just as I do when Rose hugs me, except she can't right now.

While he is hugging me, I tell him about the feeling I got last evening at dinner that I couldn't shake. After a while I feel better and he promises that I'll be able to visit or call whenever I want, but that Rose should be released later that day.

I don't know how or why, but I feel better when he finishes the hug.

23 December 2009

Everything settled into a routine the rest of the time I was at the Academy with the bulk of the academics in the morning, field trips and individualized study in afternoons, and evenings are left to us, but we normally end up talking after we finish our homework. And I thought the Doctor and Rose were hard on me with all of the homework! Ken and Amalie go on with their duty to their houses, but it gets boring after a while. Some of the homework is boring too, especially the history.

The Doctor does send me messages about Rose though. They help. At least I know that she's going to be alright for now.

The Doctor stopped by this morning. He said that we'll be going back home tomorrow and that I should pack tonight. He said that there's a reception tonight that he and Rose have to go to. He frowned when he said that it's formal, like he's not happy about that. I'll have to ask him about that later.

Anyway, Teach asked him to tell us about his travels. He told them how he and Rose met me. I didn't realize that he cared that much about me. I thought he went along with Rose taking me in because she wanted to, not because he cared about what happened to an orphaned kid.

24 December 2009

Last evening, Ken, Jalat, Amalie, and the others surprised me with a party. I don't know where they got all of the food and the cake, but everything was great! We danced and talked until it was time for bed.

This morning, everyone was there and helping me pack, when the Doctor, the one from here, came to get me. I was crying when I left because I'll miss them. They're the first people other than Rose and the Doctor to ever accept what I can see without thinking that I'm not normal. I'm not sure the others at the hub realize that I can see the future at times and I'm not sure that they would understand. Rose said that they wouldn't judge me on it, but after everything that happened when Mama and Papa died, I'm just not sure, so I don't say anything.

I figure that they'll eventually find out, but I want them to get to know me as a person first.

Anyway, I hugged them all as I left. The Doctor said that we're going to drop my things off at the Tardis before we go to get Rose and my Doctor so he can give me a tour!

He had me drop my stuff off by the rest of the things going back with us and then we headed into the Tardis.

We went through the door that I hid behind to come to Gallifrey and I found out just how big the Tardis is on the inside! We were in a hallway that stretched a good distance with doors to either side. There were bedrooms, a dining room, a conference room, and other normal rooms, but then he opened a set of doors and we entered a huge room that he called a cloister room. It had this thing in the middle, at the bottom of stairs coming in on all four sides. There was a rounded set of doors that he said opened up. He said that it was the link to the Eye of Harmony, whatever that is, and that it was dangerous to open it, so he wasn't going to.

Then we went into other areas of the ship. There was a huge library, a swimming pool – I didn't know you could have one on a space ship! – Even a garden. But I think that my favorite room is something he called a 'zero room'. He let me go in. It smells like roses and is so peaceful! I decided to try to meditate for a few minutes and sat down. A few minutes later I found myself floating a few inches off of the floor, just like the abbot at the monastery is said to be able to do! It was so peaceful that I didn't want to leave when the Doctor said we had to go.

Anyway, I thought Rose looked tired when we went to go get her and my Doctor and headed back to the Tardis – and they didn't let her carry anything either!

When we got back to the Tardis, they got to help set the course and then I got to push the button that made us go! I know it wasn't much, but it was an important part. I could see how happy Rose and my Doctor were to be on the ship – Rose didn't seem quite so tired and the Doctor, well he seemed to be at home working the console.

I can't wait until our Tardis grows big enough to travel in! I want to go everywhere!

When we finally got to London – it would have been much faster in the Tardis – Tony, that's Rose's little brother, grabbed my hand and dragged me to see the Christmas tree. I couldn't help but smile, his excitement was rubbing off on me. Mrs. Tyler smiled as we came in and said that tea would be ready soon. That night, I told Tony about my adventure before he went to sleep.

25 December, 2009 - Christmas!

He asked her to marry him! And she said yes!

But that was just at the end of a really great day and I had to make sure that I got it in. So, here's what happened on my first Christmas with Rose and the Doctor.

We got to London on Christmas Eve in time for tea. Other than Tony wanting to show me everything, it was a quiet evening – and Rose still looked tired! I did get a chance to ask the Doctor about it and he said that she would be fine provided she took it easy for a few more days and got plenty of rest. I know they told me, on Gallifrey, that she'd had another crisis, but I didn't think she'd be so tired afterwards. I think something happened between Rose and the Doctor last night, too. They haven't talked about it, but they're not talking like they normally do and Rose looks sad, but maybe it's because she's so tired.

So we opened presents on Christmas morning. One of my presents was from Katen. The Doctor said it's a recording device that I can use to record my journal on and that it's used by visionaries to help them to understand what they see. He said this way I won't have to try to remember everything in my dreams so that I can write it down.

He liked the laser spanner that I got him.

Tony loves the robot dog that Rose and the Doctor got him! Tony hasn't left it all day, even taking a nap with it. Mrs. Tyler isn't sure about it, but Mr. Tyler likes it nearly as much as Tony – especially when they got it to play fetch. And it talks! I'm still not sure how they got it in the house as I didn't see it in the car. The Doctor said that it's programmed to protect and to teach. Evidently it's got some sort of projector built in.

I'm a little jealous of him getting the robot. I think it'd be great to have one. Instead, I got clothes, the necklace recorder from Katen, a tablet computer that will link in to classes on Gallifrey with a holographic link, a necklace and earrings, and my own set of basic tools – including a basic sonic screwdriver of my own.

I'd rather have the dog.

Rose fell asleep while we were opening gifts this morning. The Doctor seemed disappointed, but I caught him playing around with one of the popper things a little later. Rose's mum wasn't happy at all and cornered the Doctor about it in the kitchen. I think he told her about the crises because a little while later she came out and she was crying. She was checking on Rose every little while too – that'll drive Rose bonkers later. Anyway, Rose looked a lot better when she woke back up this afternoon.

We started popping the poppers after Christmas tea and the Doctor offered to pull one with Rose. You should have seen her face when a ring dropped out and on to the table! And then he asked her to marry him!

She was crying and smiling and went outside. The Doctor followed her. I went over to the window and watched what was happening. They held hands and then I think she told him yes because then they started kissing like they couldn't stop.

I'm staying with the Tylers for the week between Christmas and New Year's so at least I get to play with the dog too. Tony calls it Dog and it answers to him like that. It's amazing! It even tells stories at bedtime so I go up and listen too. The only problem with the robot dog is that it can't go up and down the stairs on its own. It's helping me to learn to speak English better too. It calls Tony 'Young Master' and calls me 'Young Mistress'. It even calls Mrs. Tyler 'Mistress', and you should see the look on her face when it does!