Beauty is Stone Deep

"I'm sorry, Martha but I fail to see the validity of your argument," said Sec as he walked through the TARDIS with his friend.

"Oh come on! There is no way that any Dalek could stand a chance against Superman!" she argued.

"I beg to differ. Daleks are adaptable against many different threats. Superman would merely be another one of those threats that would be analysed and eliminated," he replied calmly.

"So you're saying they'd be able to defeat a man who has bullets bounce off him, can shoot lasers and fly?"

"Daleks can do all of those things."

She raised a finger triumphantly. "Yeah but didn't you once tell me that Daleks are vulnerable to sudden changes in temperature, especially if it's cold? And where is Superman's hideout?"

"You… have a fair point," said Sec. "Though he would need to live long enough to take advantage of that."

"You just can't let me have the last word, can you?" she sighed.

"Daleks never concede defeat to inferior lifeforms or lines of argument," countered Sec.

"Oi, watch it mate. I still know how to get one over on you, so-called Supreme Being."

"Indeed?"

"Oh yeah." She grinned wickedly. "You enjoying your little private lessons with Clare?"

Sec's head whipped around to look at her. "What are you implying, exactly?"

"Nothing, nothing at all," Martha replied with false innocence. "Just you're spending a lot of time with her and you know, two people spending so long together. Alone. Anything can happen."

"Martha," Sec growled.

"Honestly, it's a little heart-breaking for me. I thought you and I had something special, but now it seems like you have a new woman in your life." She held a hand to her heart. "I'm hurt, Sec. Deeply hurt."

He glared at her. "Cease talking."

"I'm teasing you, Sec." She laughed and nudged him. "See? You're way too easy to get flustered." She enjoyed another laugh at his expense while he muttered something about her being incorrigible. "But in all seriousness, things are coming along okay with her?"

"Splendidly, yes," he said. "She is quite a fast learner at sign language and I think it's a method of communication that definitely agrees with her."

"And how are you finding it?" she asked.

"Somewhat challenging," Sec confessed. "I don't learn at quite the same rate she does, but I have at least grasped the basics. It's a good thing the Doctor is completely fluent, though I will still endeavour to learn what I can."

"Yeah, you and he will have to be translators for me because I don't know a single bit of sign language." Martha gave him sincere look. "She really has taken a shine to you, you know. It's sweet."

He nodded. "I'm glad she has. She has been through much at the hands of the other Angels. I am pleased to be able to offer her some kind of recompense from it, even if it's only a small amount."

"Believe me, its way more than a small amount." They entered the console room to find the Doctor at the controls and Claraesia looking quite excited. "Oh, here's trouble brewing. What's going on then?"

"Martha! Sec! Perfect timing!" He pressed a few buttons and pulled down a lever. "I was just offering Clare the chance to step outside the TARDIS and see a brand new world."

"That's great to hear!" Martha beamed at the Angel. "Just you wait and see, you're in for a treat!"

"Are you certain you're ready for it?" asked Sec.

'I appreciate your concern, Sec, but the TARDIS is a travel machine and I want to travel,' she answered in sign language, smiling all the while.

Sec still had some concerns, namely revolving around the worry of her being discovered and the reaction from those if they found out what she was. At the same time however, he wasn't prepared to deny her request either. Not in the face of such bubbling enthusiasm. After spending quite a while in just the TARDIS, she deserved the chance to stretch her wings, so to speak.

He nodded in understanding. "Very well, it's your choice. I only ask that we be careful."

Claraesia bowed her head. 'Of course we will be. I will have you looking out for me.'

"Aww isn't that sweet?" grinned the Doctor. "Now then, Clare! You're our navigator, you tell us where you want to go! Past, present, future, all waiting for you."

The Angel practically bounced with excitement. She started to sign her answer a few times, but cut herself when she had another idea. It was like taking a child into the toy shop and telling them they could have whatever they wanted off the shelves. Finally, she settled on a destination.

'I want to go somewhere distant, out in the stars. Somewhere with lots of other races gathered together. I want to see life being lived, Doctor.'

"Your wish is my command. I know the perfect time and place!" They spent a good few seconds holding on for dear life as the TARDIS buffeted about until the sound of it coming into land resounded throughout the room. "And there we have it! Perfect landing and on target. I do love it when that happens!"

"Okay, when and where are we?" asked Martha, her own excitement mounting.

The Doctor gestured like a magician reaching the culmination of his show. "Outside those doors is the world of the 36th century. As for the rest, well… I believe our esteemed navigator should have the privilege."

Claraesia was so excited that she briefly turned to stone more than once in their sight. Each time one of them blinked, she took a few more staggered paces towards the door. Her hand settled on the handle, pausing for a moment. Partly due excitement, partly due to her stone state. Then she pulled it open and stepped out, followed soon after by her companions.

Gleaming white walls and surfaces made Sec initially squint from the previous lighting contrast, but he gave himself a moment for his eye to adjust. They had materialised in the middle of some kind of spaceport, built on the fringes of a larger structure moving towards the centre. Many docking rings accommodating a variety of spacecraft were built around the outside and looking up, the transparent ceiling showed the vastness of the cosmos above.

It contrasted strangely, the cosmopolitan appearance of their immediate area with white surfaces giving a very clean look to everything, along with vending machines, black and red coloured seats and benches and green potted plants that gave some more variety to the aesthetic. Dotted about in places were circular information desks and registration points for arriving crafts.

Taking in his surroundings, Sec could see that the spaceport itself seemed to carry on around a curved circumference either side of them, stretching around to the point he couldn't see the rest. Several arch shaped doors opened towards a larger structure in the middle that was encased in a giant transparent dome, no doubt made of the same material as the ceiling above.

The effect it had on Claraesia was one that Sec found truly heartening. For a long while, she gazed around in amazement, first at the star filled sky, then at the ships coming in to dock, then the many races that disembarked from those ships. When she looked at him, her mouth had formed into an irrepressible grin.

"Wow." Martha stared up in awe. "That really is amazing."

"Oh you've not even seen the best part!" enthused the Doctor. "Come on, let's mingle in with the crowd!"

Sec raised his hand. "Wait, Doctor. Should we not get the TARDIS properly registered first before we leave it? We might get in trouble with the local authorities."

"Nah, it'll be fine. No one's gonna pay any attention to the TARDIS when there's much bigger things to be keeping an eye on. Come on then, let's go!"

Sec was unsure which of the two were more eager to lead the way, the Doctor or Claraesia with the former bouncing on the soles of his feet and the latter practically skipping along. Sec and Martha exchanged a look, shrugged and followed them towards one of the entrances. They waited to pass through checkpoints, stood vigil by imposing, rhino-headed troopers dressed in black armour.

"Judoon?" whispered Martha. "I thought you said they were police for hire."

"Yeah, but they're still a police force regardless," murmured the Doctor. "They're primarily used by the Shadow Proclamation, they're the big bosses. They must have jurisdiction here. Just smile and walk like you own the place, it's what I do."

He did so to one of the troops they passed. The Judoon's response was to watch their group through the helmet that obscured his face. Sec merely kept his head down and Martha shifted uncomfortably while Claraesia mimicked the Doctor, giving her brightest smile to the officer. Again, he didn't react in any way they could see.

Moving with the main crowd, they followed the tunnel that took them through into the main structure. Sec had to squint once again from the light bloom at the end, but was rewarded with another amazing sight.

They had come out in some kind of commercial district. Continuing around them in the same circular structure as before were a great variety of vendors and venues providing all manner of services and goods. Almost every stretch of wall was covered in posters advertising these products, from clubs giving special drinks offers, to a beauty parlour promising dazzling results, to even some theatre venues.

Coupled with the variety of shops were the variety of members of the galactic community. Everywhere he looked, members from dozens of different races bustled past. Human soldiers in a drunken revelry. A pair of Sontarans chanting their battle songs. A poet from Arcateen V reciting their song for any who would listen. And in the middle of it all, both apart and among the crowd, stood the Doctor with that grin he always had when doing what he loved: experiencing it all.

"Core! No, really, that's where we are. Sec, Martha, Clare, welcome to the Core!" He gestured around. "One of the most famous galactic interspecies settlements."

"I can see why," said Martha, staring at a pair of bird-headed humanoids that walked past. "Any reason why it's so famous?"

"Take a look," replied the Doctor, nodding towards something.

Set in the middle of the main entrance way was a large statue and, upon closer inspection, a memorial. The statue reflected their surroundings, beings of different races. Humans, Judoon, Hath, all standing atop the destroyed remains of machinery that Sec recognised at once.

"Daleks," he whispered. He pressed a hand to the surface. "This is dalekanium. Melted down and refitted into this monument."

"Look, there's a plinth here." Martha squinted. "I can't make out the language, it's… hold on, it's changing. Hey, now it's in English. How does that work?"

The Doctor nodded. "Imbued with psychic properties. The writing corresponds to the predominant language of whoever's reading it, like the translation circuits of the TARDIS."

Sec stood alongside Martha to read it.

Welcome, traveller, to the Core.

This settlement is built within the remains of a planet that was destroyed by a Dalek planet-splitter missile, the magnetic core extracted for their purposes. Following the end of the Dalek War, the Galactic Alliance saw fit to establish the Core within the planet's remains, in memory of those who have fallen and in defiance of our great foe.

For even where there is great destruction and devastation, life always returns. May they never be forgotten and may you be welcome here.

Sec stared down at the inscription, gently pressing his hand to its surface. He looked up at the statue, at the defiant and noble expressions of the racial representatives. At the battered remains of the Daleks at their feet.

"Now, that's a look I definitely know." Martha put a hand on his shoulder. "Stop beating yourself up for something that you didn't even do."

"But they…" Sec began, but Martha raised a finger.

"Don't even start. You had nothing to do with this. You can't make yourself responsible for everything the Daleks have done. It's not fair on you." She gripped his arm in a reassuring way. "Besides, did you see the inscription? This is the result of what happened in spite of what the Daleks did."

"Exactly," chimed in the Doctor. "Look around at this place. The planet the Core is built from will never be habitable again, but did that stop them? Not even for a moment. They went right ahead and they showed them that even after such great destruction, there's a chance to rebuild and they took it. Grasped it with both hands and created this!" He threw his arms out. "Purely and simply brilliant! I bet Clare thinks so, don't you Clare? Clare?" He spun on the spot. "Where's she gone?"

A few seconds of searching answered that question. At some point, Claraesia had drifted away from them, completely swept up in her own curiosity. She was moving about and examining everything that caught her attention, including openly staring at the many beings passing by. Many quickened their pace to get away, others shooed her away. Her reaction was that she very briefly turned to stone out of fright, though not long enough for anyone to take real notice.

"Claraesia!" Sec called. She hurried over, immediately looking repentant. "You have to be more careful. We don't know how others might react if they learn what you are."

'Of course. I'm sorry, it's all just so…' She paused to find the right way to say it. 'Full of life.'

Sec nodded slowly, looking back at the statue and feeling less guilt this time. "Yes, it is."

"Amazing, isn't it? Been meaning to come here for ages! Almost did a while ago, but I ended up going to Penhaxico Three instead. Or was it Disneyworld?" he pondered. "Then again, it might have been that time I wound up in Norwich instead which isn't as dull as you might think it is, if you like puppet shows and, you know, mustard."

"I'll take your word for it," said Martha. "So where are we gonna go?"

"Good question. Let's see, there should be a… ah ha!" He bounded towards a nearby map on the wall. "Gotta love a good map. See, the Core is arranged into four areas that all expand outwards in a series of circles all built within each other." The Doctor pointed at each area on the map respectively. "The Mantle is the docking area for the ships. The Crust is all the shops and bars. The Outer Core is residential and the Inner Core is administration. I say we split up, stick around the Crust and meet back up later."

"Sounds good. You and me can head off, Doctor. Sec, you go with Clare." That teasing smile came back to Martha's face. "Be sure to show your date a good time."

"She is not…" He sighed. "Why must you torment me so?"

"Because it's fun."

"Sounds like a good plan. Here, have this." The Doctor tossed a money bag at Sec from his pocket. "Local currency. I forget how much it's actually worth but I think there's a lot in there. I dunno, I've never been great with money."

"Okay, you'd best leave that with me then." Martha said as she and the Doctor set off, with the former giving Sec one more insufferable smirk before she did.

"Think they'll be alright?" she asked once they were further away.

"I'm sure they'll be fine. Those two are good for each other, I feel," replied the Doctor. "He'll keep her out of trouble and I'm sure she'll be taking him towards some interesting sights."

"Almost wish we'd gone along with them," said Martha. "He's not the same hybrid we met in New York, is he? It's really amazing how far he's come." She took another look around at the assembled species. "So this is really built into a partially destroyed planet?"

"Oh yes, it's remarkable what they've done with it. Hold on, there should be… ah, here we go!" The Doctor crossed over to a nearby terminal built into the wall. "This should give us a little view."

He pulled out the sonic screwdriver and pressed it to the screen. The image that seemed to some sort of directory to any nearby venues flickered to a new one.

Martha's eyes went wide at the view on the screen. While it was definitely a planet, a great chunk of it had been completely blown apart, almost forcibly torn away. Shards of debris of varying sizes floated near its vicinity and built within the shattered shell was the unmistakable circular structure of the Core.

"The Daleks… did that?" she whispered in awestruck horror.

"They did. To this and hundreds of other worlds. Either when they've exhausted all of their resources or as punishment for great defiance," said the Doctor solemnly.

"Poor Sec. I hope he's doing okay. I wouldn't want anyone here finding out what his other half is," said Martha quietly.

"He's not stupid, he'll keep that to himself." He patted her on the back. "Hey, chin up, Martha. He'll be okay, now let's have a look and see what this place to offer."

"Yeah, you're right. So, what is there to do here? Where should we go first?" asked Martha when they became part of the crowd again.

"Oh, I dunno. There's a few… oh dear, that's what we don't need." He suddenly kept his head down and took hold of Martha's shoulder. "Just keep walking, don't look up."

"Why, what is it?" Despite his words, Martha looked around. "Is it something dangerous?"

"Not dangerous per say buuuut…"

"Well, well, now don't you two make a lovely pair!" an enthusiastic voice said.

The voice came from a very tall, very thin being around whom the assembled aliens were giving quite a wide berth. It reminded Martha of how back home, crowds would always skirt around people who wanted to stop them and talk about charities or sponsoring a dog. Given that the being was holding what appeared to be a collection of leaflets, the effect was the same.

He, or at least Martha assumed it was a he, was really, really tall, approaching seven feet. Dark eyes with a single white pupil in the centre slanted downward to the nose as part of a bald, glistening head. This, along with the pointed ears, gave him the appearance of some kind of alien elf. The way he moved was with a certain smoothness, almost like a dancer and he wore tight black clothing, which only accentuated how alarmingly thin he was.

"Um, thanks," said Martha unsurely.

"You are certainly welcome and if you want to look even lovelier, why not stop by our humble little parlour?" He handed them both leaflets before they could say anything. "Trust me, you won't regret it. We'll get you going from rags to riches in no time and all without needing any of the latter. We have very affordable prices for people in your particular bracket."

His tone made Martha raise an eyebrow. "What's that meant to mean?"

"Yeah, we might thanks! Go, go," he hissed to Martha, egging her on until they were well away. "Phew, that was close. Last thing I needed was another hour long lecture of how to properly care for my skin."

"What do you mean? What was that?" asked Martha.

"A Glamorian. They see themselves as the most elegant, graceful and beautiful beings in the universe and they want everyone else to know it too," said the Doctor, exasperation evident in his tone. "Last time I came across them, they criticised my taste in clothes, gave me the aforementioned lecture, tried to repaint the TARDIS and then told me to never come back until my aesthetic appeal improved."

"Wow. Bit rich coming from someone who looks like a light breeze could blow him over," said Martha, glancing back at him.

The Doctor gave an appreciative laugh. "Now, let's not get ourselves caught up in appearances, Martha. Contrary to what they think, they're not everything." He paused for a moment. "Mind you, I'm pretty sure Gok Wan would have a few things to say about what he was wearing too."

"Okay that I would like to see. The biggest fashion showdown the galaxy has ever seen!" she announced with another laugh.

"Now, let's see what we can find, eh?" The Doctor did a full circle turn as they walked. "Mind you, I wouldn't mind having something with a little excitement going on."

"You mean another chance for you to save the day?" said Martha. "Come on, Doctor, there doesn't need to be a crisis going on everywhere we go."

Then, they heard a scream and the unmistakable sound of police sirens. Alien police sirens, but all the same.

"That's more like it!" grinned the Doctor.

"Of course," murmured Martha and moved to keep pace with the Doctor while he sprinted for the disturbance.

Sec and Claraesia made their way through the crowds of aliens going about their business. Sec had to admit that it was rather refreshing to be able to move around without having to wear his disguise. Occasionally someone would glance curiously at him, but just as quickly dismiss him. He was just another face among the masses and he was content with that.

Claraesia however was another matter. Though she was even less noticeable in a crowd than he was thanks to her humanoid appearance, she seemed to delight in drawing the attention of others. She would start to move towards certain shops before coming back to Sec. She kept openly staring at certain beings who passed by, always giving them a bright smile as if that was some kind of recompense.

"Claraesia?" Sec said levelly. "May advise that you stop staring so openly at people? I believe you are making them uncomfortable."

Her mouth formed a distinct 'o' shape and she turned her gaze to the ground. 'I'm sorry. It's just been so long. I'd forgotten how much life existed out in the universe. It's all so… amazing.'

Sec took a moment to look around again. "Yes, I suppose it is and it's good you find such beauty in that. All that I ask is that you try to keep that to yourself somewhat."

'Of course,' she agreed, her repentant look gone.

"Good. Well, there is certainly a lot to see and do here. Where would you like to go first?" he asked.

She cocked her head. 'Wouldn't you like to choose?'

"You are, as the Doctor said, our navigator. The choice is yours," he replied.

She clapped her hands and grinned. Those wide eyes of hers set about scanning her surroundings. A couple of times they lingered, but finally did they settle and she pointed. It was a small shop, rather tucked away compared to everything else. The name above the door named it as the Treasures of Time. Of course a being like Claraesia would be drawn to this.

Sec nodded, Claraesia's grin widened and she hurried inside. With a laugh of amusement, Sec followed behind, pausing in the shop's door to take it in while she went off to explore.

Stepping inside revealed it to be a kind of antique and collector's store, the quiet inside providing a welcome change to the hustle and bustle they had emerged from. Rather like the TARDIS, the interior was greater inside than out, with a tall ceiling and several aisles lined with shelves. All of them were decorated with a multitude of artefacts and items from hundreds of civilizations. Light was shone from fixtures at the top that looked more like they had been grown than constructed.

"Aren't they lovely?" an accented voice asked with an odd gurgling sound as it did.

A Raxacoricofallapatorian approached Sec from behind the counter. By the sound of the voice, it appeared to be female and she towered over Sec at around eight feet tall. Despite this and her fierce claws, she radiated a welcoming aura. By the colour of her skin, Sec noted, she was a rather long lived member of her race but this coupled with her voice made her more like a grandmother.

"I got them from the conglomeration of the Malmooth on Malcassairo," she continued. "They're made using a phosphorescent resin they excrete from their bodies and what serve to bring light to their homes. Though knowing that probably hasn't done your stomach any favours, eh?"

Sec smiled politely as she chuckled. "Odder and worse things have been excreted from bodily orifices, miss."

"Aye, that's true enough," she agreed. "Don't mind my ramblings, love. I like to have a little natter with me customers. You'll have to excuse this old thing."

"No need to be excused, miss." He inclined his head to her. "Sec Diagoras, at your service."

"Ooh, what a gent," she said, returning the gesture. "I am Larn Klee Mar Umbala-Year Blathereen and it's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Diagoras."

"Please, call me Sec. I insist, really," he said quickly.

"If you insist then. And who's the absolutely charming dear you've brought in with you?" They looked to see her examining an elaborate vase. "I haven't seen anyone take such a shine to my wares in a long time."

"My friend is Claraesia. She has an… affinity for history," Sec answered.

"What finer thing is there to have an affinity for?"

"Indeed. Have you lived here long?" he asked.

Larn nodded slowly. "Aye, a while certainly. About ten year by me best guess, but I've stopped keeping track at this point. Time doesn't mean much when you reach my age. And you just arrived, I'm guessing?"

"Yes, my friends and I are just passing through," Sec replied.

"Aren't we all? Again, you'll have to forgive me. I like to know people's comings and goings here. The stories I could tell you…" She lowered her head to look at him more closely. "Forgive me curiosity, but I can't say I've ever seen the like of you before, Sec."

"Ah. I-I imagine not," murmured Sec, trying to think of a way to deflect the answer. "Let's just say that… I am the last of my kind. I… would prefer not to discuss it."

"Oh my. I'm so sorry for prying. Nosey old thing…" Larn brought herself to one knee so she could make eye contact. "I understand. Everyone suffered great losses in the Dalek War and even after all these years, they can still be keenly felt. All I can say is don't go quietly into the night, you hear? You live your life no matter what, to defy the death they meant for you."

Sec felt the familiar stab of guilt but at the same time he felt heartened by her words. In a way, he was the victim of the Daleks too. Not in the same way millions of other civilisations were, but in some way at least.

"I shall. Thank you," he said sincerely.

She patted his shoulder carefully. "That's the spirit, love. Oh and what have you got there, my pet?"

Claraesia had returned, holding what was in Sec's opinion a very ugly looking sculpture. It was an oblong shape, about the same size as a small potted plant but nowhere near as attractive. It was oddly shaped, strangely angled and covered in wart-like holes all over its body. Had it been found in a hospital, Sec would have declared it diseased and to be incinerated at once.

"Well, well, you certainly do have unique taste." She took it gently from Claraesia, holding it so they could both see it. "Now, I know what you're thinking: what in the world is this unsightly thing doing among all of these other fine treasures. Well, let me tell you something. See, I acquired this in unique circumstances. The artist who made this told me that he wanted it to represent life: unseemly, nonsensical and at times, yes, ugly. But you see these holes dotted about? They symbolise the different choices and paths we take in life and they can have an impact on how we live our lives. Watch."

She took a deep breath and blew into one of the holes. To Sec's amazement, the whole sculpture resounded in a beautiful, melodious sound as the air came out of the other holes. Not only that but the sculpture itself illuminated a gentle orange, like the glow of a setting sun. Claraesia too was entranced, the glow reflected in her eyes as they stared in wonder.

"Isn't that lovely?" Larn said happily. "Rather like life itself, each one has a different result when you blow into it. Some of them sound absolutely beautiful, others are so foul you wish you'd never done it. But that's life, isn't it? You don't know whether it'll turn out good or bad, but you take a chance and make the best out of what you get." She smiled sadly for a moment. "Yours for the price of ten gold pieces. But since you obviously like it so much, I'm willing to reduce that to eight," she added in a conspiratorial whisper.

She let Claraesia take it, who was obviously eager to attempt to blow into it herself but was refraining and looking beseechingly at Sec. There was no question of what he would do. He pulled out the coin bag the Doctor gave him and counted the right number of golden coins.

"Here, there is no need to reduce the price," he said, giving her the full ten. "I would rather pay it for what you believe it to be worth."

"In the end, the most precious thing we have to spend is our time, but a little money helps matters too. You're a kind one, Claraesia and you, Sec, you have an honest streak in you. Thank you," said Larn gently.

'You're more than welcome and thank you for letting us have this wonderful gift,' signed Claraesia while Sec translated.

"Oh, aren't you a dear thing?" Larn enthused. "And there's no need for that, Sec me love, I can understand her. I've met more than a fair few species that communicate without words in my time. Why, one time when I met some men from the planet Delephorn. Oh, the things they do with their eyebrows, so…" She trailed off and laughed. "But that's a story for another time. You two are no doubt busy, so I won't keep you. Do drop by to see me again if you have the time, would you?"

"We will endeavour to," said Sec. "Thank you again."

"My pleasure. Oh, before you go though, perhaps I can tempt you with something else." She lumbered around one of the aisles. "I've been fixing on that brilliant eye of yours and I think this would complement it beautifully." She came back with a necklace fashioned from a type of blue stone that sparkled like a starry sky. "It's made from star stone and it's one of a set of five. I'm loathe to part with this but for you…" She slipped it around his neck and nodded. "As I thought, it matches your eye beautifully."

Sec had to confess he felt somewhat flustered. No one had ever referred to anything about his physical appearance in such a way and the jewellery was, even by his fairly limited understanding of the concept, quite beautiful. He turned to Claraesia to get her opinion. The Angel frowned thoughtfully.

'It does look lovely, but I think you look just fine without it too,' she signed.

For some reason, getting that from her made Sec feel even more flustered, so much so that he could hardly make an appropriate response verbally.

"So, what's the verdict?" asked Larn.

"I um…" Sec cleared his throat and recovered himself. "I appreciate the uh, the gesture but I feel I must decline. I wish no offence but I have no need of this and would not seek to part you from it."

"Don't be silly, love. I'd rather you be honest with me. You can't blame me for trying though, eh?" She took the necklace back and returned it to its former place. "I'll let you get away then. Enjoy your visit and if you want somewhere fantastic to eat, try the place called Oodies, it's not far from here. Marvellous food and the owner is a real sweetheart. Do tell him hello from me, will you?" she asked, with her face going a slightly darker green.

"We will bear it in mind," promised Sec and they left the shop, re-entering the throng again. "What a pleasant individual."

'She was.' She smiled at him again. 'Thank you for this again, Sec. It was very kind of you.'

"My pleasure and… thank you as well. For what you said about me, I mean," he added. "I know that my appearance is not… very typical of most humanoids."

'That doesn't matter to me,' she replied. 'You do have a nice eye though.'

"Ah… um… you think so?" She nodded with a small smile. "Well… th-thank you. You do as well. Have a nice eye, that is. I-I mean of course, eyes, yes because you have, well, more than one. Of course, yes but you know that because you um have them. Yes, well um… yes."

She was clearly trying to hold back a laugh. 'Thank you, Sec. That's nice of you to say so.'

Sec was spared from any other flustering or embarrassment at having no idea how to best respond to that by something else that drew their attention. A series of words uttered like they were spat out of the barrel of a gun in a harsh, deep voice.

"Bo-Sko-Fo-Do!"

The crowd was parting ways for a squad of Judoon, all of whom were proceeding with all due haste in a particular direction. They watched them go, exchanged a look with one another and a decision was made. They followed them at an even distance towards whatever disturbance they had been called for.

They arrived at what was obviously a crime scene around which a sizable crowd was watching with some distress down an alleyway. The Judoon officers they had been following dispersed, two of them helping divert the crowd, the other two entering the crime scene. The area had been sealed off by holographic tape and a tent had been erected at the centre of the scene. In Sec's mind, that could mean only one thing: a murder.

"That's another one then," someone next to them remarked. A Sontaran was watching the affair with something akin to amusement on his face. "This isn't the first time someone's turned up dead in the Crust."

"Is that so?" asked Sec.

"Oh yes, indeed," said the Sontaran with evident glee. "Even here, it is gratifying to see that death in some form of battle exists outside of war. Very gratifying indeed."

"I… suppose," said Sec unsurely. "But so many races in one place, such a thing cannot be completely uncommon."

"Most certainly but as I and my clone batch understands it, this is only one of a series of deaths that have transpired in this manner and the killer has managed to evade the local authorities. He must be a great and cunning warrior to have managed such a feat." He ran his tongue across his lips. "I would relish the chance to face him. I hope that I will be next!" With an unpleasant cackle, the Sontaran marched off.

"The same as they always are," murmured Sec. He felt something tap his shoulder and turned to Claraesia.

'Sec? Why are we here?' she asked. 'Is there something we are meant to do? I would have thought the Judoon would handle this.'

"They will but at the moment, we are waiting," he answered.

She frowned. 'For what?'

"Simple. Someone is in trouble. Someone has died in what seems to be a series of deaths, which means that certain individuals might be drawn to assist them. I imagine one such individual, if he is not here already, should be arriving right around…" Sec pointed at the tent. "And there he is."

The Doctor emerged from the tent, alongside Martha and a Judoon who appeared to be the commander. The former looked grim and the latter like she was going to be sick. Both of their faces brightened when they spotted Sec and Claraesia approaching them.

'How did you know?' Claraesia asked, looking awestruck.

"I know the Doctor," replied Sec.

"Ah, there you are!" said the Doctor, making his way through the crowd. "Thought you might show up soon. See Commander, these are my fellow operatives I was mentioning. They'll be invaluable to this investigation."

"Very well," rumbled the Judoon. "If they are with you, they will be granted clearance to assist as well. But make no mistake, this is done under Judoon jurisdiction, Doctor."

"Aye aye, captain," he said with a salute. "Come on then, you three! We're off downtown. Well, more like uptown but that doesn't sound as good, unless you're looking for a girl in a white bread world." Humming a tune, the Doctor led the way to one of the transport vehicles.

"Martha," said Sec quietly, "did we just come here on a casual visit only to become involved in a criminal investigation?"

"Yep. What else is new?" she remarked.

"Indeed," agreed Sec and resigned himself to seeing where this path might lead them.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Oh my, okay I took FAR too long to proof read this again (blame it on a busy crappy week and then finally finishing Once Upon A Time) and now it's almost 1 in the morning! Apologies if I miss any mistakes, and will happily fix them if you point them out!

We're pretty happy about this chapter as it's the first of a few-parter bit of plot that was pretty exciting to plan. If you haven't seen why yet, you certainly will next chapter! Also super respect for co-writer AlphaTheGriffin17 and his ability to come up with such detail for a place I now really want to visit. Can't wait to draw it! Speaking of which, apologies for the fact that the promised illustrations have been rather delayed as I kept messing up the one for the very first chapter. However if you do keep an eye on the #TheExceptionals tag on tumblr, they'll be on there eventually along with some little concept sketches of characters and eventually some fun doodles I did.

Also yes, Sec kind of nicked Diagoras' last name permanently. Considering he didn't have one himself, it seemed like probably the only sensible option. He won't always use it but there's something rather awkard about introducing yourself in a formal manner with only a first name, after all.

Anyways thanks again for reading, we're slowing down a little chapter wise but will still be uploading next week!

EDIT: UGH Okay turns out there was a chunk missing, co-worker himself pointed it out and it was an important one so apologies for the re-upload!