Annie shoved the door open with all of her might and Sarah Jane ran out first. Sure enough, two guards had been standing right by the door and were knocked out by the door. Annie saw the Doctor's sonic on a table and grabbed it, pointing it at the remaining guard, trying to look threatening. The Doctor had told her it wasn't a weapon, but the guard didn't know that. The guard was moving towards her, pointing a gun straight at her head. Annie froze, unable to look away or do anything to save herself or the others.
Sarah Jane got the Doctor unchained in seconds, and he snatched the lipstick from her and ran to Annie, touching the two sonic devices to one another. The resulting sound was horrific, and the Mellanine guard doubled over in pain, dropping his gun as he clapped his hands over his ears. Annie was too shocked to move at first, but the Doctor grabbed her wrist and shouted over the din for her to run. She didn't need to be told twice. When she turned around, the sonics lost contact and the noise stopped. The guard recovered quickly and retook his gun, shooting at the TARDIS doors just as Sarah Jane slammed them shut.
"Brilliant work, ladies!" the Doctor shouted. "Sarah Jane! Fancy meeting you here!" the two embraced.
"Yes, well, when you send a young woman to my doorstep in an alien spacecraft, it is rather hard to stay away," she smiled at her dear friend.
"How's Luke?"
"Brilliant as ever."
"Glad to hear it. Annie? Good job! Glad you met Sarah Jane. Now then, let's save the planet, shall we?"
He took his usual place at the console and Sarah Jane and Annie stood by his side, ready to help in any way they could. He began flipping switches and mumbling to himself. The TARDIS lurched into action.
"Now, all we have to do is find out what the Mellanine are doing here and try to make some kind of a deal with them. We need to get the colonists back to their homes and keep the Mellanine from blowing up the planet."
"Oh, is that all?" Annie teased.
"Now, you two stay here while I deal with this," the Doctor said once the TARDIS landed.
"No, I want to help," Annie argued. "I don't want to be stuck here in the TARDIS while you're out there on an adventure."
"Annie's right," Sarah Jane said. "We're coming with you."
The Doctor sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing with them. He did try, though. He didn't want to put either of them in danger again. After a few moments of trying to persuade Annie and Sarah Jane, he gave in. "Alright, fine. Just follow my lead."
"What's the plan?" asked Sarah Jane.
"I haven't quite figured that out yet," the Doctor answered. Annie was beginning to see that this was a pattern with him. She had to admit it was thrilling, albeit rather frightening.
"Alright then, let's go!" Sarah Jane replied.
The Doctor worked on getting the TARDIS into the exact moment of time and space required for their mission. He had to admit that he wasn't always the most precise driver. But this time he was relying on the TARDIS to cooperate. Countless lives were depending on his accuracy. After a few moments, the TARDIS landed with a thud.
"I know I said you two could come with me, but at least let me make sure the area is secure before you get out. I'll signal for you when it's safe." He slipped out the front doors and Annie and Sarah Jane stood close, waiting for the Doctor's signal. The women waited and waited, growing more worried with each moment that passed. They stood in silence, too tense to try to make small talk. Finally, Annie's cell phone rang.
"Hello?" she answered tentatively.
"Okay, the coast is clear. You two can come out now," the Doctor whispered into the phone. "This is the Doctor by the way."
"Oh, thanks for clearing that up," Annie teased. "Where do we go?"
"Down the corridor to the left, second door on the right. If you see any of the Mellanine guards, run. Get out of there. Understood?"
Annie gave him affirmation before hanging up the phone. She turned to Sarah Jane and relayed the Doctor's instructions. They carefully made their way down the corridor and through the door the Doctor had indicated. He was sitting in the middle of a room full of the colonists, talking to them about the realities of their situation and how he needed their help to get them all home safely.
"The Mellanine are soldiers," he said. "They live to fight. There is no way we can defeat them in battle unarmed, but we may be able to reason with them. These are my companions," he motioned for the women to join him. "Sarah Jane Smith and Annie Jameson. They are going to help get you to safety. If you could all go to my ship with them. I'll talk to the Mellanine and see what we can work out. I will get you all home safely, I promise. Now, Sarah, Annie, could you please help these people to the TARDIS? I'm going to see what I can work out."
Sarah Jane and Annie corralled the Colonists to the TARDIS, sneaking through the corridor unnoticed, miraculously. Once they had everyone inside, Sarah Jane tried to explain how the TARDIS could fit them all. The Colonists were amazed, frightened even. Many said it was the work of the devil. Annie and Sarah Jane tried to be as comforting as they could. They were worried about the Doctor. It had been over an hour since he'd left and they'd not seen hide nor hair of him. Suddenly, he burst through the doors of the TARDIS, looking triumphant.
"All right everyone!" he shouted. "Hold on! You're going home!"
He bounded over to the console and started his routine, re-entering the coordinates for Williamsburg, just a few minutes after they had left. The extra passengers shrieked when the TARDIS shuddered into gear. Once they landed, the Doctor stood on the jumpseat to make another speech.
"Alright everyone, calm down. You're home, safe and sound. Now, You can't tell the world about what happened today. No one would believe you. Your world isn't ready for this kind of knowledge yet. But it really did happen - it wasn't just a dream. You were all incredibly brave. You're home safely. That's all that matters. Now, the next few years are going to be full of turmoil for you. Hang in there. Great things are in store for all of you."
Annie and Sarah Jane exchanged knowing glances at the Doctor's remarks. They helped everyone off of the ship and were admittedly relieved when the last person was safely home.
"Alright, Doctor, out with it," Sarah Jane said when they were finally alone.
"Yeah," Annie said, "how did you do it? What did you do?"
"Oh, the Mellanine just needed a good talking-to, is all," he answered vaguely. "I reminded them about a favor they owed me. That took care of it."
Sarah Jane knew she wouldn't get anything more from the Doctor on the subject. She pulled Annie aside for a moment.
"Enjoy this time with the Doctor," Sarah Jane said softly as she put her arm around Annie's shoulder. "The things you'll see...well, there's nothing like it. Don't let him get in the way of who you are. Make sure you are taken care of. And find me someday, if you need too. Understand?"
Annie nodded, not really understanding any of what Sarah Jane had just said. She knew that perhaps someday it would all make sense.
"Thank you for all of your help today," Annie said. "For keeping all of us safe. I hope someday I can think that well on my feet."
"You already can," Sarah Jane told her. "You are the one who figured out that we could take the escape pod, you knew about using the sonic, you never let yourself get overwhelmed. You just have to believe in yourself."
The two women exchanged hugs before rejoining the Doctor.
"Back to London?" he asked Sarah Jane.
"To London," she echoed.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay? I'd love to have you."
"No, I really must get back to Luke."
"Alright then. To London." The Doctor sadly made his way to the console and started inputting the coordinates for Sarah Jane's house. She stood him, putting her hand on his back and leaning into his side. He leant down and kissed the top of her head. It was a tender moment between two dear friends. Annie watched the intimate exchange and began to see what Sarah Jane had been trying to tell her. Before she could reflect on the older woman's words for too long, the TARDIS landed at Sarah Jane's home. Sarah Jane approached Annie again once they had all exited the TARDIS.
"Remember what I said, alright?" Sarah Jane asked. Annie nodded in response. "Find me if you ever need someone to talk to. Us companions have to stick together." The women embraced.
Annie hung back as the Doctor walked Sarah Jane to her front door. Annie watched from a distance as they talked for a few moments. Then the Doctor swept Sarah Jane into his arms and the two held each other tightly. Finally the Doctor released her from his embrace and said goodbye. Once Sarah Jane was safely inside, he walked back to Annie.
"She's amazing," Annie sighed.
"One of the best women I know," the Doctor agreed, staring wistfully at Sarah Jane's house for a few moments. "Well then," he said, completely changing his outward mood, "onward?" He took Annie by the hand and led her back to the TARDIS.
Author's Note: FINALLY finished with the introductory chapters. Now we can really get into the story! Sorry this chapter was total crap. I'm still getting back into the swing of fanfic writing. I have the next several chapters written, so look for an update soon!
