After the Doctor was seated, I told him everything that had transpired, River and all. "So River's still there and without her Vortex Manipulator. We've got to do something."
"Let me see that" the Doctor said hand outstretched. So I handed Rivers Vortex Manipulator over to him. He took it and then scanned it with his Sonic.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Tracing her bio signature. There! Now, all I need is to wire her Vortex Manipulator into the TARDIS console and we've got her coordinates." He got up and I started to follow when the Doctor placed his hand on my shoulder. "This is going to take a while, so rest and I'll come get you once I have the coordinates."
"But I want to do something to help!"
"You will be helping me, by resting."
"Fine!" I lay back down on the cot and closed my eyes. I must have fallen asleep because, the next thing I knew I was being shaken awake.
"Huh? What?" I snapped my eyes open and saw River standing over me.
"Miss me, sweetie?"
"River? But…but how?"
"Just popped in here using this" she said, showing me her Vortex Manipulator.
"But how'd you get that? You gave that to me when we were…"
"Stop right there, Violet! I can't have you giving me any spoilers."
"I don't understand. What's going on?"
"It sounds like you met a future version of me recently. See our time lines are a bit mismatched. What's linear for me isn't linear for you and vice-versa."
"Kind of like with you and the Doctor back on Gallifrey?"
"Oh, so he's filled you in. Yes, exactly like that."
"Why do we keep meeting out of order?"
"Spoilers."
"You know, I really hate it when you use that word."
"I'm sorry, sweetie."
"So, what are you doing here?" I asked, sitting up.
"We're going on a family trip to Barcelona. 'The planet, not the city' as the Doctor would say."
"You know, I've never been to another planet, unless you count a Dalek prison."
"No? The Doctor never took you? This must be quite early for you then."
"Um…just so we're on the same page and there's no chance of spoilers, do you know anything about the Doctor and my trip to Cardiff or visiting Geronimo?"
"Yes. I do know about both of those. But I know nothing about a Dalek prison, so not another word about that."
"Right, sorry. So, how many times have you met me exactly, not counting Gallifrey?"
"Two" she answered.
"Same. But I know for a fact that you meet me sometime in your future and you already know who I am, which leads me to believe that the next time I meet you…you won't recognize me. So not looking forward to the day my own mother doesn't even recognize me. Oh my God, now I know how you felt the first time I met you after the memory wipe. I'm sorry. This is all too much for me!"
"Violet, breathe!" River commanded. So I did. "Good, now listen closely to me. I'm sure I understood you not knowing me. Now, as far as me not knowing you, it's going to be tough I'm sure. But I will get to know you and the strong amazing young woman that you are now. It'll be an adventure, but we'll get through it together. Ok?" I nodded.
"Ok. I'll do my best to stay calm and be patient."
"I can't ask for more than that. Now, Barcelona. How much do you know about it?"
"Absolutely nothing."
"Alright then, Barcelona is mainly comprised of several large bustling shopping centers. I recommend wearing something stylish. Then again, knowing the Doctor, there's going to be quite a bit of running involved. So keep the shoes casual."
"Yet stylish."
"Exactly. Now, go get yourself ready, sweetie."
"Will do" I said, getting up from my cot and heading to my room. Once there, I decided on a red laced tank top, a pair of faded blue jeans and solid black Converse shoes. I put on a pair of red stud earrings, did my hair in a braid and put on some black mascara and coral lipstick. Once I was satisfied with my appearance, I headed over to the console room. River was standing next to the Doctor, her back towards me. She was wearing a white sleeveless blouse, dark blue jeans and knew high black leather boots with a heel.
"I thought you said to wear comfortable shoes, River!" She spun around.
"These are quite comfortable, actually."
"But the heel…"
"Won't hold me up a bit" she interjected. "You look lovely, by the way."
"Thanks. So do you!" River smiled as she turned towards the Doctor.
"Ready sweetie?" he gave her a nod and flicked a few switches.
"Allonsy!"