Sorry for the delay in updates! I've been out of town and crazy busy the last few weeks. Hope you enjoy the appearance of everyone's favorite potato head. :)

"I don't think this is a good idea, Doctor," Clara said doubtfully as she and the Doctor closed the door of the Maitland's house behind them.

"You worry too much," he replied. "And Strax is very responsible. I'm sure Artie and Angie will be just fine with him. And honestly, it was either him or an Ood."

Clara gave him a look.

"I know! But it's hard to find a babysitter on such short notice," the Doctor said. "Now come on, we're running late."

Clara took the hand offered her and headed out, but a part of the back of her mind fretted. They had willingly left a potato-headed, dim-witted Sontaran nurse babysitting her young charges. Would this backfire? Would Artie and Angie run roughshod over him? Would he lack any tolerance for their shenanigans? She couldn't decide which of them was most likely to be tied up at the end of the evening.

When the concert ended, she all but leaped to her feet. The Doctor, although used to her wild extremes of energy, blinked up at her.

"Well!" she said crisply. "That was lovely! Thanks so much for bringing me! All right, off we go." And she grabbed his hand yet again and all but dragged him back towards the Maitlands, leaving the Doctor shaking his head confusedly in her wake.
.

They entered the house to be met with deathly silence.

"What is the meaning of these pitiful earth weapons?" Strax demanded, emerging from the living room brandishing several foam darts meaningfully. "They bend! They soften on impact! How are your young supposed to learn how to inflict the most damaging and painful wounds on their enemies?"

Clara eyed him warily. "They're foam darts. They're supposed to bend."

"And? Who bought these? I must see him and make a complaint at once."

"They're not supposed to inflict harm," Clara said slowly. "They're for fun."

Strax looked at her uncomprehendingly.

"Strax," Clara said, "where are the kids?"

He straightened up proudly. "They are in the backyard sharpening sticks to be used in combat training. At least if they've finished piling up the grenades I provided." He noted their frowns. "Don't worry, they're only stun grenades."

Clara turned and poked the Doctor, who was trying to back away quietly, square in the chest. "Rule!" she cried. "Sontarans are not allowed to babysit!"

"Quite right," he said, then headed off to the backyard at a run.