Rose thought that they would be ambushed the minute they walked back into the giant arrivement lounge. But instead, nothing. As before, they weren't given a second glance, they were just a couple come to buy something from the famous Great Shop of Gratia. That didn't put her at ease though. She still felt that they were all secretly watching them as they crossed the room to the lifts. The Doctor didn't seem to notice. He strode confidently towards the giant boxes cut into the walls. They entered, and Rose got a sense of déja-vu as the Doctor, yet again, shouted happily "Jackets please!" and the lift shot upwards. As before, she fell over, and the Doctor helped her up, laughing. It didn't feel like they going back to the scene of hostility and weirdness they had been forced to leave the day before. It just felt like they were going on a shopping trip together, to buy jackets. Rose knew that couldn't be further than the truth, however, and it made her feel uneasy.
The doors opened. Rose saw the same organised rails of jackets in different shapes and styles. They stepped out, and there was the same Customer Service desk, with the same young woman standing behind it, looking amazingly bored. Rose hadn't known precisely what the plan was, but she hadn't thought that it would be to simply walk up to the desk and engage Ace in seemingly pleasant conversation. But that was precisely what the Doctor did.
"Well, Ace, long time no see?"
"Can I help you sir?"
"Yes, in fact you can. You can tell me what is going on here, and who is behind it, thank you, please, nicely."
"I'm sorry sir, but I don't understand what you mean. Have you a jacket you wish to return."
"No. No I haven't. But I have a friend I would like to reclaim, thank you.
"Doctor, what the hell are you doing?" Rose hissed in his ear, as Ace looked at the Doctor, and then at the microphone on her desk. "Are you trying to get us kicked out again?"
"I'm not precisely sure", was the not very comforting reply. "Now, can I have some service here please!" he suddenly shouted, ringing the bell on the desk.
Ace appeared to make up her mind. She reached for the microphone, ready to call security and get this man removed. But before her fingers were able to grasp it, she stiffened.
"Oh great!" shouted Rose. "That's precisely what we wanted!"
"Shh!" hushed the Doctor. "Look!" He pointed at the rest of the shop. Previously, it had been full of Gratians, calmly buying jackets. Now it was full of Gratians, standing as if to attention, their eyes glassy and fixed. Rose looked at the girl standing next to her, and back to the small, green individuals dotted around the shop. The similarity was uncanny.
"Oh dear," was all she could think of to say.
The man was still watching the screen. He lifted the microphone to his lips, and spoke, clearly and plainly, "The one in the long brown coat, and the human wearing the pink jacket are dangerous. They must be escorted to the containment room. Immediately." He replaced the microphone, and watched with satisfaction as what he had ordered took place, like clockwork.
Rose watched with horror, as every single Gratian in the shop advanced towards them, arms outstretched. The Doctor did not appear to share her feeling. As they advanced, he looked excited, practically elated. "Come on!" he shouted with relish, "Take us to your leader!" The Gratians appeared only too happy. They grabbed the Doctor and Rose and began to push and pull them roughly towards a large, grey door at the back of the room. Rose wondered how she had failed to notice it before. It was so formidable looking.
"You always were a fool, Doctor", the man stated as the door closed on the Doctor and Rose, "and that will now become your downfall." He stood, and went to greet his guests.Wow! Long chapter. I had a lot to say…