SMSTSS29: Sailor Who? – By DS Wynne
Disclaimer: SM, R1/2, ST, Doctor Who and other properties belong to their respective owners.
Note: This is a multi-genre story.
Special Note: This story takes place in Series 6 of Doctor Who. C&C are welcomed.
Part 20: "The God Complex"
The TARDIS travels through Time and Space, as it usually does. Rory Williams complains to Ranma Saotome, as he usually does.
"Ugh," Rory said, as he sipped his morning coffee.
"You, too?" Ranma said, as he performs his usual systems check, making sure that the TARDIS main control were kept responsive.
"Me, what?" Rory asked.
"Being with a more aggressive wife, that's what."
"Um, how do you know?" Rory asked.
"Any time that Usagi has gone 'wild', she tends to act like some 'warrior princess'," Ranma said.
"So, how do you deal with it?" Rory asked.
"Well, I sparred with her, in order to work her aggressiveness out of her system," Ranma said.
"What was the result?"
"We ended up destroying a small moon in the process, but Usagi did regain her usual disposition, though."
"Oh, I see…"
"But, in your case, you just got to give Amy a reason to respect you," Ranma said.
"Amy respects me."
"Really? Then why is she spending more time with MY wife than with you?"
"Well, um, they had a shared experience, that's all."
"Keep telling yourself that," Ranma said, as he closes his log book. He then pressed an intercom button.
"Doc, we're ready for reinsertion," Ranma said.
"Excellent," the Doctor said, as he walks into the main room of the TARDIS.
"Oh, you're here."
"Yes, well, I wanted to let everyone know that we have an important case to solve-"
The Doctor looks around the control room.
"Where is Amelia and 'Bunny'?" the Doctor asked.
"In the sauna," Rory said with lamentations.
"They were working out together, earlier this morning," Ranma said.
"Wait, didn't you say-?"
"No, I implied, and you took the bait, Rory," Ranma said, as he dialed the intercom button, and picked up the receiver…
"Hey, Doc has a case, and wants everyone in attendance," Ranma said into the receiver. "Right."
CLICK!
"They'll be up in bit, after they get cleaned up," Ranma said to the Doctor.
"Ah," the Doctor said with realization. "Well, we'll just wait a little bit longer before I tell you what's going on…"
Pause.
"So, how marital bliss?" the Doctor asked, as he turned towards Rory.
"I don't know, anymore," Rory said. "Amy seems so…intense, these days."
"She's a survivor, that's all. Once she unwinds, she'll be back to normal."
"I hope so, Doctor," Rory said. "I hope so…"
The TARDIS rematerializes on the planet "Ravenscala", a planet of giants. However, something was amiss…
"Doctor, why are we in an Earth hotel?" Amy asked.
"That's why we are here, Amy Pond," the Doctor said. He then turned towards Usagi.
"Bunny?"
"According to these sensors, we are in a tesseract," Usagi said, as she read the data. The Doctor had chosen her to map the area, due to the fact that she was an expert navigator, once the Doctor realized that they were materializing into a labyrinth. The question was why said labyrinth looked like a 21st century resort hotel…
"Making matters worse, this place is shifting corridors."
"So, we're going to get lost," Rory said. "Just great…"
"Not necessarily," Ranma said, as he felt the walls. "We can mark each section with a distinctive mark, in order to keep track of the corridors."
"That's assuming that this place is real," the Doctor said.
"But, I think I can help in that regard," Usagi said, as she takes her left hand, extends her claws, and then uses one her finger to pierce the skin of her palm. Droplets of the Moon Princess' blood fall unto the ground.
"Now, go and hide," Usagi said.
Rory nearly jumps in fright, as Usagi's blood began to move on its own.
"What the hell is THAT?" Rory said.
"Xenomorphs—humanoid and otherwise—have complete control over their cells, even to the point of animating them," the Doctor said.
"You mean, like them face huggers from that sci-fi franchise?" Rory said.
"You'll have to be more specific, Rory," Usagi said with a grin. "I tend to do a lot of face hugging myself…and not necessarily in the 'correct' manner."
"Ugh," Rory replied.
"But, seriously, I'm detecting life signs dead ahead," Usagi said, as she scans the area with her Tricorder. "Huh."
"What is it?" Amy asked.
"Two of the life signs are not human, although…"
"What is it?" the Doctor said.
"That second alien lifesign is not 'there'," Usagi said, as she smacks the side of her Tricorder. "But, it's definitely NOT human."
"Well, then, let's find the human lifesigns, then," the Doctor said. "Let's go for a walk, shall we?"
"I really wish you weren't so enthusiastic about these walks of yours, Doc," Ranma said, as he and the others followed the Doctor down the hall…
"So, you are 'The Doctor'," said a Pakistani nurse named Rita.
"Correct," the Doctor said, as he fixed himself some soda water from behind the bar in the lounge of the hotel.
Rita then turned towards Ranma and Usagi, who were sitting at the bar.
"So, you two must be 'Ranma Saotome' and 'Usagi Tsukino'."
"Yes," Ranma frowned. "But, how do you know our names?"
"I know about you three because I am a card-carrying member of LINDA," Rita said, as she pulls out her membership card.
"Oh," Usagi said. "How's Elton doing?"
"He's doing fine, actually, although he's more concerned with being a parent these days.
"We'll definitely have to drop by and say 'hello'," the Doctor said.
"What is…LINDA?" Rory asked.
"LINDA is a support group for the Doctor, silly," Amy said.
"And how do YOU know that?"
"Because, I'm a card-carrying member of LINDA," Amy said. "I haven't met Rita, though."
"Just how big is LINDA, and why haven't I heard about them until now?"
"LINDA is purposely de-centralized and low-key," Rita explains. "As far as everyone is concerned, we're just fans of the Doctor…"
Pause.
"But in reality, we serve as his eyes and ears," Rita said. "I do say that I like the parties we have, whenever we gather to watch the latest episodes of 'Time Inspector' is on the television."
"And that's how we came to be here," the Doctor said, as he sips his drink. "When Rita disappeared, LINDA contacted me about what had happened. It turned out that there was a string of disappearances all over London, and, thankfully, the teleportation signal led us here to…wherever this place is."
"That makes sense, I guess," Rory said.
"Well, any of this makes sense to ME," said a mole-man, as he sat by himself in the lounge. "I mean, whatever I have done to deserve this?"
The Doctor turned towards the non-human.
"I don't believe we've been properly introduced," the Doctor said. "You're from the planet Tivoli, yes?"
"Yes, I am," Gibbis said. "And as I said, I don't know why I am here. What possible use can our captors want with me?"
"I never heard of Tivoli," Rory said.
"Well, I never heard of your Earth," Tivoli said, as he turned towards Ranma and Usagi. "But I have heard of you two and the Doctor"
"You heard of them?" Amy asked.
"Of course. The Doctor is the last of the Time Lords, and these two are Izanagi and the Moon Princess respectively."
"And I have heard of Tivoli," the Doctor said. "Your world is quite famous with its rather unique way of dealing with non-Tivolians."
"What makes his world special?" Rita asked.
"Tivoli is the most invaded planet in the Universe," Usagi said. "So much so, that Tivoli is nick-named 'The Revolving Planet, due to the frequency of the invaders being allowed to take over the planet."
"Why would you allow such a thing?" Rory asked.
"It's called wanting to live and survive," Gibbis said. "Call us cowards, but my world has managed to survive while others have perished."
Don't you have any pride?" said a young man.
"I've been alive for a long time, and prefer to remain that way," Gibbis said. "And who are YOU to judge me?"
"Yeah, what's your name?" Ranma asked.
"Um, my name is 'Howie'," said the young man. He then looked around the lounge.
"Man, this is SO cool. We have a mystery that defies natural law.
"Oh, great, a geek."
"Not just any geek, I am," Howie said. "I work at 'Best Buy' as a member of the 'Geek Squad'."
"Yep, a total geek."
"Ranma, be nice," Usagi said.
"Well, I'm just saying…"
"So, how are you all doing…thus far?" the Doctor asked.
"Well, we're fine, except for Joe," Rita said.
"'Joe'?" the Doctor said, as he looks around the lounge. "Where is he? I don't see him."
"He's a tied up at a moment in one of the rooms here," Howie said.
"He's busy doing what?" the Doctor asked.
"No, he's actually tied up in one of the rooms here," Rita said.
"What for?" Rory asked.
Rita looks at Howie with hesitation…
"Well, you see-"
"I'll tell you," Gibbis said. "Any time one of us began saying the words 'Praise him', that's when the monster comes out to eat the person that says the words."
"Just that one person?" the Doctor asked.
"Just that one person," Rita said. "But, there's more to it."
"Oh?"
"In this place is a room where one can enter," Howie said. "That room, with our own name on it, contains our worst fear."
"And once we are overcome by that fear, that's when we say 'Praise him'," Rita said. "And, for some reason, the person that says those very words not only becomes targets of the monster, but that person actually seeks to be consumed by that monster."
"When that happens, a portrait of the victim appears on the corridors of the hotel," Howie said.
"I see," the Doctor said thoughtfully.
"Why would anyone want to do a daft thing like that?" Amy asked.
"Good question," the Doctor said. He then turned towards Usagi and Ranma. "Any ideas?"
"Nope," Ranma said with a shrug.
"But it does appear that there is some sort of empathic-based device is at work," Usagi said. "It would have to create and simulate the fear of the victims, while instilling a sense of loss within the victim."
"So, is there a way to prevent this…device from affecting us?" Rory asked.
"Not sure, but, the day is young," the Doctor said. "But, I would like the new people—my companions and I—to keep an eye on the people that are already here."
"Then I would like to be paired up with HER," Howie said, as he points to Amy with enthusiasm.
"I'm married to this person here," Amy said, as she thumbs towards Rory.
"Oh. Well, what about her?"
"Me?" Usagi said.
"Yes, unless you're married to HIM," Howie said, as he points to Ranma.
"Yes, I am," Usagi said.
"You know, if you want to 'get with' my wife, be a man about it in the future," Ranma said. "In fact…I'll pair with ya."
"Um, that's okay," Howie said.
"No, I need to," Ranma said. "But not to worry. I'll teach ya how to be pick up women."
"Why are you tell me this?" Howie said, as he looks around the lounge. "I don't need to know how to, er, pick up women."
"Trust me, I can tell," Ranma said. "But it's okay. I didn't start going out on dates until I was your age."
"Really?" Rory said.
"Yeah, Rory, REALLY. My life revolved around martial arts, and while I did get a fiancée at age sixteen, I really didn't know what that meant until late…"
"Not that I need help, but can you give me pointers?" Howie ask. "You know, on how to…socialize with girls."
"Sure, my 'padawan'," Ranma said, as he beckons Howie to follow him. "We can talk while we find this…monster."
"Wait, what?"
"YOU are going to find the monster?" Gibbis asked.
"Why, yes," Ranma said with a shrug.
"That's insane," Rita said.
"No, that's my job," Ranma said confidently. "Not only am I an expert lover, but I am a better fighter."
"You don't say…"
While Ranma searched for the monster devouring people, with Howie in tow, the Doctor begins to unravel the mystery surrounding the strange place. Slowly, he begins to realize something…
"Huh," the Doctor said, as he closes a door that was marked for him. "Odd…"
"What did you see, Doctor?" Amy said.
"Um, never mind that," the Doctor said. He then turned towards Usagi.
"Analysis?"
"Well, here's what we have," Usagi said. "Each room manifests our biggest fears, but these are fears rooted in faith."
"Faith?" Rory said. "But…how?"
"Well, for me, my faith is always in Ranma, but my fear is what happened if Ranma is not there to, well, ground me."
"Which is what?" Rita asked. "Not that I mean to pry, and all…"
"Remember the character Queen Maleficent from 'Sleeping Beauty'?"
"Yes…"
"She'd be a piker compared to what I'd become without Ranma holding me in check."
"Oh."
"Anyway, with that, here is a list of fears that were found so far," Usagi said, as she brought up a list on her personal access data device (PADD). "Amy's fear is that the Doctor will not be there for HER."
"I can't help it," Amy said with a shrug. "He's my 'raggedy Doctor'."
"Well, you should be relying upon ME, Amy," Rory said.
"Not surprisingly, Rory's fear is that Amy would leave him for the Doctor," Usagi said. "Or, for ME."
"What?" Rory said. "Where did you find my room?"
"Remember that drop of blood I spilled?"
"Oh."
"Rory, I will never leave you, okay?" Amy said, as she held Rory's hand.
"Well, it's hard to believe that some times," Rory said. "Praise him-!"
Pause.
"What did I just say?"
"It means that the monster is on its way to meet you," the Doctor said. "Now, for the others, Usagi?"
"Okay, quickly, Rita fears that she will never live up to her father's expectations."
"He was a tough man to please," Rita said.
"Our friend Joe fears success in business, which is an interesting fear to have," Usagi continued. "I don't know what the Doctor fears, since he's keeping mum."
"And I'll continue to do THAT," the Doctor said.
"And Gibbis…strangely doesn't have a room, as far as I can tell," Usagi said, as she and everyone turned towards the mole-man.
"What can I say?" Gibbis said with a shrug. "I come from a race of cowards, remember? We fear EVERYTHING, and are always certainty in that."
"That is interesting in a zen sort of way," Rory said.
Suddenly, there was a roar coming from down the hall…
"Everyone, stand back," the Doctor said. "I'll deal with this creature-"
"No, I will," Amy said, as she steps forth.
"Amy, don't," Rory said. "The monster is coming for me."
"I know, which is why I will stand up for you," Amy said.
"You do not need to play a hero, Amelia Williams," the Doctor said.
"Doctor, stop it," Amy said, as she turned towards the Time Lord. "Haven't you paid ANY attention to our time together?"
"I do not understand," the Doctor said.
"I do care about you, yes. And, if something ever happened to you, I would truly feel devastated. But you've taught me so much about being a complete person that I feel that it's my time to show you who I can be…"
Amy then turned to face the monster, as he rounded the corner of the hallway.
"I guess it's time for the final examination," Amy said, as she stepped in front of Rory. "And if the monster wants what I hold dear to me, especially my husband, he'll have to go through ME."
As the monster approached, Rita sees what the monster was.
"Hey, that's a Minotaur!" Rita said.
The Minotaur roars, as he charges forward.
"Amy, get out of the way!" Rory said, as he begins to realize that, in spite of his fear, his love for Amy was greater.
Curiously, the Minotaur trips and falls at Amy's feet, prompting the Doctor and Usagi to go by its side.
"Doctor?"
"Amy's protection for Rory had cut off the connection this poor creature with its victim," the Doctor said with a sigh. "He's dying."
"Not that I can help it," Usagi said, as she tries to heal the creature…
"No," the Minotaur said. "Do not…heal me."
"But why?" the Doctor said.
"I have been hear longer…than I have a right to be," the Minotaur wheezed. "I was used…to do horrible things…"
Pause.
"Let me go, so I can finally…rest…"
"Doctor?" Usagi said.
"Let him go," the Doctor said.
Usagi sighed, as the Minotaur dies right there in front of her…
Just then, Ranma and Howie appear.
"We heard something," Ranma said. He then looked down at the dead Minotaur.
"Oh."
"What happened?" Howie asked.
"It appears that one of our new friends stopped the creature," Rita said. "So, sad…"
"Well, perhaps we can discuss this over coffee or something?" Howie asked.
"You're serious," Rita said incredulously.
"Why not? It's not every day I can share an experience like this with…someone."
"Eh, fine, but you're buying."
Usagi blinked her eyes, and then turned towards Ranma.
"Really, Ranma?" Usagi said.
"Hey, am I good or what?" Ranma said proudly.
Soon, the TARDIS returns to London, where Amy and Rory receive a surprise…
"THIS is ours?" Rory said, as he sees the new sports car and townhouse in West London.
"Yes," the Doctor said with a smile. "Ranma and Usagi had set up a holdings company for property that we have acquired over the years, and, well, this one is yours as a wedding present."
"Thank you, Doctor," Amy said, as she gave the Doctor a hug.
"You're welcome," the Doctor said with a smile. "I wanted to give you something…as a send-off."
"You're…leaving?" Amy said with a surprise. She then turned towards Usagi and Ranma.
"You…two knew this?"
"Amy, I did," Usagi said, as she turned towards Ranma. "But Ranma didn't."
"Didn't what?" Ranma said.
"Amy, you need to be there for Rory," the Doctor said. "All I wanted for you is to be happy, but not at the expense of your marriage."
"So, you're leaving me, then," Amy said.
"Think of me as a traveler that will make frequent visits," the Doctor said. "Besides, you've already proved yourself as to not need me to be around as much anyway."
Amy wanted to protest, but knew that she had made her choice…
"Okay," Amy said, as she nods her head. "Just…don't make the absences too frequent."
"You got it, Amelia Williams," the Doctor said with a smile.
With a peck on the Doctor's left cheek, Amy turns and walks away towards the new house…
"Wait," Amy said, as she rushed back, to hug Ranma, then she hugged Usagi.
"Take care of the Doctor for me," Amy said to Ranma and Usagi.
"Sure," Ranma said with a broad smile.
"We will Amy," Usagi said. "The Doctor is in good hands."
"I know…Gino," Amy replied, before giving Usagi a deep kiss on the lips, before walking away…
"Wow," Usagi said with a blush.
"Um, thank you, Doctor," Rory said, as he shook the Doctor's hand. "Thank you for everything."
Just be sure to become the doctor you're meant to be," the Doctor said.
Rory nods his head, and then shook Ranma's, and then he hugged Usagi.
"Take care," Rory said, before running to catch up with his wife…
"Well, that's that," Ranma said. "Where to next?"
"Um, Ranma, I was wondering if I could travel with the Doctor…alone, for a while," Usagi said sheepishly.
"What gives?" Ranma asked, as he eyes the Doctor.
"I'll be inside," the Doctor said, as he steps into the TARDIS.
"Well?" Ranma asked.
"Ranma, I realized that without you, I'm nothing," Usagi said. "Seeing the manifestation of my fear has made me realize that I need to find strength within myself, rather than just depend upon you to be there for me."
"You…want a separation?"
"No, just some time by myself, that's all," Usagi said with a smile. "Just for a little while?"
Ranma nods his head, and then kisses his wife…
"I'll see you when you get back," Ranma said with a smile.
"I hope you're not going to do anything rash," Usagi said.
"Naw, it's okay," Ranma said. "I'll hang out in the UK for a while to check in on the kids and our friends."
"Okay," Usagi said, as she hugs Ranma. "I love you, Ranma Saotome."
"And I know," Ranma replied.
And, with that, Usagi boards the TARDIS, and goes off on an adventure with the Doctor…
Tbc.
Next Time: "Closing Time"