DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own Doctor Who, unfortunately D: I own Odie's plot, and Odie's little settlement of immigrants. I am trying to make this story as accurate as possible, but when many sources contradict themselves, according to Doctor Who, I will ALMOST always take the TV-info as the correct.


The following morning, a great bustle was underway outside Cleopatra's castle. It had woken Odie from her slumber far before she had liked, but in curiosity, she had left the still sleeping Polly behind and walked outside. It was clear as day that fighting had erupted again. Soldiers were running back and forth in a frenzy, with captains and generals bellowing orders in their own fretting. Odie couldn't hear any specific news above the yelling, other than the obvious facts; Ptolemaic forces had taken over part of Alexandria during the fighting last night, and the Romans were going to drive them out.

Odie wasn't exactly eager to help them out with this particular campaign, so she endeavoured to stay as far away from the soldiers as possible, in case they got the bright idea to utilize her gungfu again. Luckily, none of them seemed particularly interested in her, so when the bustle had died down, Odie could walk freely again. She hoped Ben and the Doctor were all right.

As she wandered idly around the sandy courtyard, marvelling at how few soldiers had actually remained at the palace when there was fighting to be done, she noticed a large arena-like circle in the sand. It was just a patch of dirt framed by wooden planks lined up in a great, wide circle, but in the middle stood four wooden dummies.

From the marks in the dry wood, she would guess they were used for practicing with swords. But, she thought with a sly smile, they would make for just as good gungfu dummies. She tapped the wood curiously, wondering how healthy it would be for her foot to make contact with it in the long run. She'd seen what a wooden beam had done to Jiang's foot, and she was not particularly interested in replicating the incident.

"Oh, there you are!" Polly's voice called out to her, making Odie turn around. She looked tired, but otherwise very much alive. She'd probably gotten a good night's sleep, Odie reckoned.

"Good morning. I see the soldiers didn't wake you," she greeted, and Polly shook her head, confused at the comment.

"Did something happen? Did they find Ben and the Doctor?" Odie sighed.

"I wish they had. No, they were just runnin' about because they wanted to push the insurgents back out of Alexandria."

"Oh." The disappointment was palpable, and Odie wetted her lips. She wasn't quite sure what to say. Polly was nice enough and all that, but she didn't know the girl, and somehow she was more difficult to just idly chat with than Susan or Vicki had been. It was probably the age difference. Granted, Susan had probably been 50 or so years old, but by human standards, the two of them had been teenagers, younger than Odie. Polly somehow seemed more mature, even if their age was set apart by a mere couple of years. Did two or three years really do that much?

Unbeknownst to Odie, Polly thought much the same. She hadn't heard much about Odie from the Doctor, but she was important enough for him to wander back and forth in time and space to find the correct place to pick her up. He'd dematerialized and materialized multiple times, trying to get it just right. And something in the way the Doctor looked at her, made Polly think Odie wasn't just another human he'd brought along in the TARDIS. She was something else. She was special. And this thought, that perhaps she wasn't just a normal human being like her, made it difficult for Polly to find something to talk about.

Sure, she could chat about the clothes on sale at the market, or how different the city had seemed to London, but when there was no obvious topic, her mind went blank.

Odie turned around, and Polly looked closer at the dummies she was inspecting.

"Is that for the soldiers?" she asked. Odie nodded.

"I think so. I'm thinking of training gungfu for a couple of hours," she responded, and Polly oogled. A couple of hours?

"Shouldn't we go search for Ben and the Doctor?" she asked incredulously, and Odie jumped a bit at the spot. Polly assumed she was warming up her muscle, though it seemed pointless in the heat surrounding them. Even during night, it had been at least 15 degrees out, and even the morning didn't feel any cooler.

"We just risk missin' them, if the soldiers bring them back here and we're out there searchin' for them. There's no guarantee we'll be able to make it back here," Odie pointed out. Polly knew she was probably right, but it still didn't feel right to just sit there. That was probably why Odie was keeping herself busy. The 'thuck' as Odie's bare foot connected with the wooden dummy made Polly wince slightly.

"Doesn't that hurt?"

"A little, but it's more of a sting than actual hurtin'. I'll get used to it," Odie said. Polly sat down on one of the wooden planks creating the arena. As she watched Odie launch multiple kicks and punches at the dummy in succession of each other, she began thinking.

"How long did you travel with the Doctor?" Odie didn't answer her for a while, and Polly thought maybe she hadn't heard her.

"I dunno. Time gets funny in the TARDIS," Odie answered, just as Polly had prepared to ask again. "For a while though."

"If you got home all right, why did you come back?" She waited for an answer, but this time, no answer came no matter how long she waited. Odie's intent eyes on the dummy made Polly smile. She was concentrating so hard, she probably didn't have time to amuse her with chit-chat. With nothing better to do, Polly just looked around.

Egypt was a gorgeous place. Sure, the fighting she could live without, but the architecture, the people and all the culture around her was breathtaking. She'd still much rather be back in London, but she would be a fool to not enjoy herself while she was in the TARDIS' crew anyway. She wondered how many more sights she'd see in that blue box, and how much Odie had seen on her previous travels. She decided to ask her once she was done training.

With the peculiar feeling she was being watched, Polly looked around, discretely. It was a Roman soldier, standing a ways from them, and to clarify, he wasn't looking at Polly. He was looking at Odie. Looking back to her fellow traveller, Polly could imagine why he'd stare.

From what Polly had noticed, women weren't very active in Egypt at this time, if you ignored the rather obvious royal elephant in the room, and Odie's fighting style was nothing they'd know about in Egypt for another two millennia or so. Adding Odie's peculiar clothes to that, it was no wonder she'd attract attention. Polly doubted flowered skirts and white blouses had invaded the Egyptian fashion scene yet, or would for a while. Then, there was the very obvious option that he just thought Odie was attractive. Polly guessed that could be a possibility.

Polly herself found certain aspects of Odie's looks rather enviable. Her eyes were nice and round, even without any makeup on, and her skin-color looked was beautiful in the sunlight. And she was slim! Polly wasn't exactly chubby herself, but Odie's sort of slim was the kind you only got through physical training and healthy living.

Polly found herself wondering whether Odie ever actually stayed at the bar to drink after hours. She didn't exactly seem the type, but then, looks could be deceiving.

Polly had barely thought this before Odie suddenly turned around. Polly started, surprised, thinking in a brief second whether Odie had reacted to her thoughts. But she was looking straight at the Roman who had been looking at her for the better part of five minutes now.

"Can I help you?" Odie asked loudly, putting hands on her hips, while breathing deeply. How she could do any sort of workout in that heat was incomprehensible to Polly. The Roman approached her, applauding her slowly, as if each clap was a separate entity which needed careful planning. Polly couldn't tell if he was genuinely impressed or not. The smile on his face could imply both.

"Your fighting skill is impressive, dark one," the Roman complimented, with an honest ring to his voice Polly couldn't distrust. "But it would do little good against a swordsman." Odie frowned.

"Not in a straight-up fight, no, but it seemed to work wonders on Ptolemy's men yesterday," she pointed out. The Roman sneered and shook his head in disdain, as Polly came to her feet and stood by Odie's side.

"Insolent dogs, who only knows the hilt from the blade if their master hands it to them," the soldier cursed. "Against a true swordsman, your kicks and punches would not protect you."

"I suppose you have a reason for pointing that out to me?"

"I am Martus, Captain of Pharaoh Cleopatra's personal guard, as issued by the enlightened Caesar." The Soldier nodded at them, and Odie looked at Polly, a raised eyebrow. She shrugged in response. She was just going with the flow here.

"I'm Odie, and this is Polly. Travellers," Odie replied. Polly couldn't help but notice how lame that title seemed compared to Martus'.

"The Pharaoh is taken with you. It is her wish that I teach the two of you the art of the sword, so that you might defend yourself against those who would wish you harm," he explained, and Odie and Polly looked at each other again, obvious surprise in each other's faces. Polly wasn't so surprised he would teach Odie. She seemed like the sort who'd be good at any sort of fighting you threw her into.

"I-I'm no fighter. I think I'd be better served with just watching," Polly pointed out.

"It is not my wish to force you, Miss, but would you at least allow me to teach you a few moves you could use, in case someone attacked you?" he asked. Odie seemed intrigued. She would most certainly accept his offer, and Polly thought to herself. She couldn't keep relying on Ben and the Doctor to be there to get her out of trouble all the time, she supposed. And it was just a little, so she could at least defend herself long enough to look for an opportunity to run away.

"I would like that." Odie grinned.

"Looks like you've got yourself two apprentices, Martus."

"Very well. We shall begin immediately."


The soldiers of Julius Caesar rolled through the streets of Alexandria like a wave, rolling away against the houses. And the soldiers of Ptolemy was the dam which attempted to stand against the wave, and keep it from breaking through. Unfortunately, the Doctor thought, they were making a very good work at it.

"Ah, it's started. Do you see, young man? Like by clockwork!" He was very pleased with himself for making the right call. Ben did not seem impressed.

"That's great and all, Doctor, but where do you s'pose we start looking for the girls?" he asked. The Doctor nodded thoughtfully.

"Well, the obvious course of action is to first help our friend Lucius to his superiors, hm? And when we do, we might ask those same people if they have found Polly. She stands out well enough in Alexandria, I should say," the Doctor said. He shouldn't imagine many Roman women in Alexandria at this time. He rather doubted Julius Caesar would've brought any civilians to Egypt on his mission of intermediating.

"And Odie?" The Doctor's brow knit together.

"We shall hope they are together. Odie might be a bit harder to find..." Their new Roman friend stood by the window, staring down at the bustle with doubt on his features.

"It is not that I do not appreciate your wish to help, Doctor, but I do not see any safe way for you to cross this battlefield," he said. The Doctor felt insulted at this vote of no-confidence from the young man, but he had to agree with him. No matter how young his mind was, this old, decrepit body of his had no way of crossing that scene unharmed.

"I'm afraid you might be correct, young man. I must admit to a certain reluctance to go down there myself." Ben looked at him.

"Then shouldn't Lucius and I go ahead, an' see if we can't get someone to clear a way for you? I'm sure they won't object, when they hear we helped a Roman messenger," he suggested, and the Doctor smiled conspiratorially.

"Oh, they won't object at all, my boy. Our white skin identifies us as Roman citizens, you know. I shouldn't think they would want us stuck behind enemy lines for long," he speculated with a low chuckle.

"Right. Then it's settled. We won't be long," Ben promised, as he took to the door. Lucius nodded.

"Pray for us, Doctor." The Doctor scowled at this idea, and shook his head.

"I shall do better than that, young man. I shall wish you good luck."

Making their way across the street was ridiculously hard. At least, making their way across without getting a limb cut off or accidentally causing a Roman fatality, which Ben was certain would count against their favor. Making their way towards the palace, they eventually came across the line of Roman defense, where a man who was undoubtedly the leader of this regiment was giving instructions to new arrivals.

"Oi! Oi, over 'ere!" Ben called, as he and Lucius approached. The captain turned around, and at the sight of them, his face immediately darkened.

"What are you doing out of uniform, soldier?" he asked sternly, and it took Ben a second to realize he was talking to him. The Doctor had mentioned they might be confused for Romans, but this took the cake!

"What? Oh no, I'm no soldier! Tell 'em, Lucius!" he asked, looking at the actual Roman to his right. The man nodded and saluted the Captain.

"He speaks the truth. I am Lucius, messenger to Mithridates. I come bearing urgent news for Caesar," he introduced himself, and the Captain returned the greeting, before frowning.

"Well then, do not waste time! You should hurry to the palace."

"And so I shall, Sir, but there is an old citizen of our beloved Republic trapped behind the Ptolemaic lines. He goes by the name of Doctor, and I would be dead in an alley had it not been for him and Ben," Lucius continued, gesturing towards Ben. At the mention of the Doctor, the captain's eyes squinted in recognition.

"Doctor," he muttered. The name obviously meant something to him. He then turned towards Ben, the stern expression gone. "Ben, was that your name? You wouldn't by any chance know a fair lady named Polly, and her Egyptian bodyguard, would you?"

"Polly! You've seen 'er?" Ben asked enthusiastically. It took him a second to realize what the Captain had said after Polly's name, and he frowner. Bodyguard?

"Her bodyguard saved my life in the skirmish yesterday. By my knowledge, they are resting safely in the palace."

"That's the best bloody news I've 'eard all day, mate! When we've gotten the Doctor out, could you take us to 'er?"

"I cannot, for I must stay with my men. However, we will not allow a citizen of Roman descent to be found and executed by these Egyptian dogs!" With this announcement, he turned towards the soldiers fighting around him. "Men! We have a Roman man hiding further ahead. We must rescue him!" The soldiers cheered, as they began pressing the Egyptians as far down the street as they could.

"Ben and I shall lead the way the house," Lucius volunteered, as they joined the effort. Ben remained safely behind the soldiers, while Lucius pitched in as best he could. The trip down to the house took considerably less time than the trip up to the captain had. As soon as Ben noticed the colorful canapé, he darted around the corner to reach the door.

"Hurry! We cannot hold them much longer," the captain called. Ben hadn't needed that encouragement, he'd rather get out of there as quick as he could.

"Doctor, you in? We've come with reinforcements." The old man was soon in the doorway, his hands gripping his lapels while he laughed.

"Oh, so you have, my boy. Splendid, yes, splendid work. Well then, let us get going, hm?" The old man quickly left the safety of the house, and mingled with the Roman soldiers, who gradually let up room again. The street narrowed as they proceeded, and the Romans were unable to keep the insurgents away without considerable damage on their side. When one of the Roman legionnaires fell to an Egyptian blade, the insurgent jumped forward and swung his blade down once more. He no longer seemed to care who he hit, so long as whoever it was bled.

"Ow!" Ben cried when the blade caught hold of his arm, and trailed a long gash in his skin. The Doctor was there in a jiff, pulling him further ahead, and another soldier jumped into the space between Ben and the insurgent, shielding him from further assault.

"Ben! Are you all right?" the old man asked.

"He cut me! He bloody cut me!"

"Yes, so I see," the Doctor commented rather dryly. "I will take a proper look at that once we get to the palace. For now, um, wait just a moment-" The Doctor continued his mumbling while searching for something in the pockets of his coat. His face lightened up as he caught something. "Ah, here it is." And up came a small bundle of white cloth.

"You've got bandages in your pockets?" Ben asked, incredulously, as the Doctor began fiddling with his wounded arm.

"Well, of course I do, young man. Now stop blubbering, and stand still," he ordered.

"How did that even fit in there!?"

"Well, when you apply the laws of the fifth dimension to a minor area, and fashion a device which can-"

"Doctor!"

"They're bigger on the inside!" The old man was just full of surprises, Ben thought with no small amount of astonishment. After having tightly bound the wound in the bandages (and having put the remaining cloth back into his bigger-on-the-inside pockets), the Doctor and Ben proceeded to follow Lucius and a soldier towards the Palace. The soldier had been sent from the battle to escort them, just in case any insurgents had made it past the other checkpoints.

"We are not far from the palace now, Doctor," the soldier announced as they proceeded. It was rather a superficial thing to say, as it was obvious from the towering building they were getting closer to the building by the second. It was a structure which was very hard to miss.

"Very good, Sir. Yes, very good indeed."


Back at the Palace, Odie's training had been underway for a while. Polly thought it was rather amazing to be honest. Odie was quick to grasp the concepts, and though her grip on the practice sword was a little clumsy, Polly was sure she did well for a beginner. Martus confirmed this with his compliments to her whenever she did something right. Polly stood up in alarm, when a feint of his caught Odie of guard, and he managed to knock her to the ground. Odie seemed all right though, just annoyed that she hadn't been able to block him.

"Good! You are a quick leaner, but you must remember to always stay on your toes. Even a moment of distraction can prove fatal when your opponent holds a sword," Martus said, and Odie took a deep breath, before nodding.

"All right. Let's try again," she said, as Martus helped her to her feet. She took the 'stay on your toes'-part literally, Polly realized, when she noticed Odie change her posture. Odie moved her feet quicker now than before. Some bustle at the entrance made the training come to a halt, as they all turned to see what was going on.

"What's happening?" Polly asked, as Odie stood next to her. They both blinked when two unmistakable figures came into view.

"Hm? Polly, isn't that-" Odie asked with a grin. Polly nodded. The Doctor's shape was unmistakable in his black frock coat, and Ben was right next to him.

"Ben!"

"Doctor!" The two men turned as the girls quickly ran to them, Odie having given her sword to Martus. Ben's face lit up, as he stepped forward and spread his arms.

"Pol!" Polly practically catapulted into his arms, and Odie smiled as she hugged the Doctor as well. The old man was chuckling, relieved.

"Oh, dear children, I am so glad you are safe. Didn't I tell you, young man? They are more than capable of looking after each other." He directed this at Ben, and Odie grinned at the guilty expression on his face.

"We were so worried about you," she said to the Doctor. "When we realized the TARDIS were behind Ptolemy's lines, we didn't know what to do." Polly nodded, before she noticed a tear in Ben's shirt. With dread, she noticed the bloodied bandage on his arm.

"Ben, you're hurt!" Ben quickly pulled his arm back, attempting to hide it, rather awkwardly, behind his own back. Polly quickly pulled it out towards her again, so she could see the arm properly.

"Oh, it's nothin', Duchess. Just had a bit o' trouble getting through the fightin' is all," Ben said, embarrassed. Odie raised an eyebrow in doubt.

"Yes, dreadful business, dreadful business. I must have a look at that wound of yours, young man. I shall need clean water," the Doctor mused to himself.

"We could ask Martus," Odie said. Ben looked at her, ignoring Polly's examination of his arm as best he could.

"Who's Martus?"

"Oh, he's the captain of Cleopatra's guard. He's teaching Odie to use a sword," Polly said with a smile. The Doctor seemed surprised at this, as he turned towards the girl he still held around the shoulders.

"Really?"

"Yeah. Gungfu isn't the safest way to fight back against Ptolemy's forces. It's always good to know I can protect myself if needed," she answered. The Doctor still seemed in doubt.

"Quite so, my girl, quite so, so long as you remember-" Odie's face darkened, as she nodded.

"I know. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten." Ben and Polly looked at each other, confusion clear in their faces, before looking back at the old man and his charge.

"What are you two on about now?" The Doctor tutted.

"Nothing, my boy. Now, I really must check that wound of yours," he said, before looking at a Roman soldier who approached them. "Uhm, you there. Martus, is that your name?" Odie's trainer nodded stoically.

"It is. You must be the Doctor," he greeted, and the Doctor smiled.

"Quite so. My young companion here has been wounded by the insurgents, so if you might be able to help us get some clean water so I can give him a quick look."

"Of course. Follow me." Polly smiled.

"Thank you, Martus," she said, as the soldier led the four travelers towards the barracks.

"My instructions are clear."

"And what might they be?" Ben asked cautiously. Martus looked towards Polly and Odie with a small motion of the head.

"To aid these two young women however they see fit."

"Would that not be a job for a lesser man than yourself?" asked the Doctor.

"The Pharaoh considers Miss Polly and Odie's wellbeing very important, and so has entrusted me with this task," Martus explained. "We have a considerable number of guards still entailed to her own protection, of course."

"You've met the Pharaoh?" Ben asked incredulously, and Polly smiled widely.

"Oh yes, she's incredible! We talked to her last night, and she was really kind and interesting!"

"Really?" the Doctor asked, looking at Odie curiously. She seemed to think on it for a while, before turning back to the old man.

"She was very courteous... But also a bit scary."


"There. You are fortunate the cut was not deeper," the Doctor said, as he finished his cleaning of Ben's wound. Polly had been fussing about it, murmuring about how it looked like it hurt a lot, and if not for Odie's warning, she would have begun poking at it. The Doctor shook his head in amusement.

"Right. I feel very fortunate," Ben retorted sarcastically, and Polly smiled from her seat next to him.

"I'm relieved it wasn't anything serious," she said, as the Doctor put the remainder of the bandages back into his pockets. A servant girl quickly approached them and removed the bowl of water and cloth they had been provided. Odie nodded her thanks to the girl, before looking back at the others.

"No kidding. Ben, maybe you can join in on my training with Martus, if you'd like?"

"I'd prefer to just get back to the TARDIS." This made Odie look to the Doctor, who steepled his fingers with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Can we?"

"I don't know, my child. We must wait for news from the fighting. We can't very well return to the TARDIS, if it is still held behind enemy lines," he pointed out, and the three young all shook their heads. They seemed as unwilling to venture into the fighting as the Doctor was.

"Excuse me, Sir Doctor?" a soldier called, as he entered the room.

"Yes, yes, what do you want?" he asked, still wondering how to get back to the TARDIS. He had seen wells scattered about Alexandria, which were only built by order of the Caesar when Ganymedes came up with a rather dastardly plot to replace the clear water in Alexandria's waterways with saltwater.

"His awesome majesty, Julius Caesar and Pharaoh Cleopatra demands for your presence." The Doctor blinked, looking up.

"Oh, do they indeed? What for?" The soldier looked uncomfortable.

"I... I do not know, sir, I am but a messenger." The Doctor looked back to his companions, who all seemed somewhat amused. No doubt the idea of him meeting the two regents seemed hilarious to them, though he couldn't see why that should be so outlandish. He smiled.

"Oh well. I must admit, I had meant to meet them at some point. No time like the present, I suppose," he admitted, gesturing for his young friends to follow him. The soldier shook his head.

"I'm sorry, sir, but they only sent for you. Your companions cannot enter." The Doctor came to an immediate halt, his face settling in a displeased scowl.

"Oh, I see..." He turned to look at the others, and Odie smiled.

"That's okay, Doctor. I'll just find Martus and continue training." Polly linked arms with Ben.

"Come on, Ben, I'll show you around," she said, pulling Ben away before he could complain about being kept out of the loop. With a parting pat on his arm, Odie followed them. The Doctor chuckled to himself.

"Very well. Lead the way, young man."

The War Room was rather magnificent, and completely ridiculous, the Doctor thought. Much too pompous. Upon a great throne sat the Pharaoh, Cleopatra, and the Doctor chuckled quietly. Rumours of her beauty were greatly exaggerated. She had the nose of a hawk, the stern expression of an undertaker, lips that seemed like they had been stung by bees one too many times, and which were scarred by the heat. But she did look regal, he had to give her that.

Compared to her, Caesar Julius seemed a sober and down-to-earth ruler, with none of the gold and colour adorning the monarch by his side. Upon his entry, they both looked up from their quiet conversation. The soldier in front of him came to a halt, and the Doctor followed his example.

"I have brought the Doctor," he announced, and with a wave of Caesar's hand, he was dismissed. Caesar sat up straight on the throne.

"Greetings and salutations, Doctor. I hear it is to you and your protégé we owe thanks for the arrival of Mithridates' message," the Roman leader thanked, and the Doctor nodded slightly. He assumed this 'protégé' of whom Caesar spoke referred to Ben.

"I am pleased to have been of assistance, Caesar," he said humbly, bowing.

"I do not know if you are familiar with our situation, but this is the fair Pharaoh of Egypt, Cleopatra, whom we support in this struggle for regency," Caesar announced, extending a gesture towards the woman by his side. And while fair was certainly not the word the Doctor would have used, he made sure to bow in respect. Cleopatra nodded.

"A pleasure, Doctor. Have you yet met with Odie and Polly?" she asked.

"Ah, yes, Your Highness. I must thank you for receiving them in your home. They spoke very highly of you," the Doctor said with a smile. He then turned his gaze towards Caesar, squinting them in concentration. "But I do not think you simply called me in here to thank me, hm?" Caesar nodded.

"You are correct, Doctor. Lucius tells me that you, last night, appeared to know something of the coming battle between ourselves and the Egyptian insurgents." The Doctor frowned.

"Hm, he was awake then, was he?" he muttered to himself, and then gripped his lapels with his lips thinned to a line. "Yes, I did say something along that line. I know something of Roman combat strategies and politics, and it is clear to me that, as you have succeeded in holding Alexandria with precious few men, the reinforcements of Mithridates will be utilized in a similarly clever fashion," he said aloud, taking care not to reveal too much of the future. He had to be more careful. Caesar stood up from his throne, and walked to a table whereupon a large tactical map of Alexandria had been placed.

"We appreciate the praise, Doctor, however the Ptolemaic forces have made certain progress in the past months," he said, as if admitting to a great shame. Cleopatra looked to him.

"It is the fault of the eunuch, Ganymedes. Ever since he was placed in charge of my brother's forces, they have become harder to predict."

"Ah, yes, well, I wouldn't worry about him, your Highness. I am quite certain that problem is going to solve itself." With that comment, he certainly held the attention of both monarchs, had he not already.

"How do you mean, Doctor?" asked Caesar.

"Ganymedes has already attempted to chase you out by filling your waterlines with saltwater, yes?" he guessed, approaching the map. Caesar nodded, pointing to markers on the map.

"Yes. I had wells built to provide clear water." The Doctor chuckled, nodding all the while.

"Quite the correct way to do it, yes. And from the number of men I saw rally to your cause today, I am guessing you have received reinforcements once before."

"Indeed. The Thirty-Seventh Legion arrived at Alexandria's harbor not three days after Caesar had built wells," Cleopatra said, a small smile on her thick lips. Caesar nodded, pointing to the ocean outside of Alexandria's harbor on the map.

"Ganymedes has twice attempted to defeat us by naval means, however Rome has prevailed both times. Now he has resolved to simply bombard us with raw force, and attempt to take the city by foot. It will not work, but it also stops us from gathering our strength for a final confrontation," he said through gritted teeth, and the Doctor smiled.

"And this is why Mithridates' arrival shall be such good news, shan't it? How will he be arriving?"

"Lucius tells us he is on foot. He and his forces are marching over Asia Minor."

"That should lead him to the west side of the Nile River, I believe, and it shall be a most fitting place for the final battle of this siege, hm?"


Days passed with the travelers staying as valued guests at the palace. Odie was steadily learning the way of the sword from Martus, and as his arm healed, Ben would join in at times. Polly and the Doctor were content to merely watch, aside from when the Doctor was called upon by Cleopatra and Caesar. Odie was unsure of what they spoke of in the sessions, as the younger travelers were never allowed to come with the Doctor, but she was not surprised the Doctor had gotten their attention.

One morning, Ben, Odie and Polly were finish a rather fantastic breakfast, with the Doctor once again in the war room, conversing with Caesar and Cleopatra, when they all heard spectacle outside. It was the sound of people yelling, and soldiers hastily gearing up for battle. The three travelers had but to look at each other, before they all left the table and went outside.

"Martus, what's the bustle?" Odie asked, as the guard captain passed them.

"Some Alexandrian insurgents have come under peaceful banner to negotiate." Martus' expression told them exactly what he thought about that. A load of bull.

"Negotiate what?" Ben asked, curiously.

"We are uncertain. They are heading for a meeting with the general right now. The Doctor is also there," he explained, and Polly nodded.

"Then we're going to."

"You've got it, Duchess."

As they approached the meeting, it was clear no one expected this to be an actual peaceful negotiation. A half circle of armed soldiers, all tense and ready to jump into the action, surrounded a smaller group of Ptolemaic soldiers, who all seemed grimly at peace with the situation. It wasn't the faces of men who came under peace, but rather men who fully accepted they might die at any moment. In front of them stood the general of Caesar's forces, and the Doctor.

"The only reason you are still alive, is because our honour demands we give you leave to speak your cause. Do not test me further," the general bellowed, as the three travelers got close enough to hear what was spoken. Agitated murmurs spread throughout the ranks of the Roman soldiers, as Ben, Polly and Odie pushed their way through the circle, so they could see properly.

"And do not think us trifles to sweep aside. We will only speak to Caesar," the head of the insurgents said crossly. The Doctor shook his head in impatience.

"Then you will never be able to say your piece. Believe me, Caesar will hear what you have to say, but not directly. So do tell, what is it you want?" The insurgents conferred for a small moment, whispering amongst themselves, before their appointed spokesman looked up again.

"We propose a trade."

"A trade?" the Roman general asked, suspiciously.

"We would have our Pharaoh, the great Ptolemy, released from captivity, and in return, hand you Arsinöe and Ganymedes." Now, that really sent the whisperings going in the soldiers around Odie, and she looked around. The reactions to the Egyptians' words ranged from disbelief to suspicion to direct outrage.

"It's a trap," she heard the general mutter to the Doctor, who merely held up a hand. The mutterings ceased immediately.

"Why would you want to do such a thing?" he asked.

"We tire of Ganymedes' act. Following him, we will never achieve our dreams. But to be led by our Pharaoh would improve our chances. And Arsinöe is simply looking to take her sister's place as co-regent. We will not have another woman steal power from our Pharaoh." Once again, the tension in the air was released, but this time, it was in clear outrage, as the soldiers felt the insurgents mocking the Pharaoh.

"Watch your tongue, you cur, for you stand in Her Highness, Cleopatra's, shadow!" one of the soldiers to Odie's right threatened, putting a hand on the hilt of his sword. Odie looked to Pen and Polly by her side.

"Two traitors for the price of one doesn't sound too bad," she said with a shrug. Ben nodded.

"But if they hand over Ptolemy, it could boost their enemy's morale." The Doctor didn't need time to think about it.

"I will bring your news to Caesar, and he will decide what to do with it."

"We want an answer tomorrow," the leader of the insurgents said, and Odie not so much saw, as felt, all the soldiers take a step forward in heated tempers.

"You do not make demands!" the general roared, and Odie shrunk back, as she feared this really would turn into a physical confrontation. Once again, the Doctor put a lid on the boiling, as he stepped forward and raised his hands in an amicable gesture.

"I promise you an answer, but I cannot decide the time. Only Caesar can do that." With this final word, the insurgents left the palace courtyard, and the soldiers scattered with disappointment. They really looked like they had hoped the meeting would go the wrong way. The travelers approached the Doctor, whose eyes were gleaming with the thoughts running in his head.

"Doctor, are you really going to ask Caesar about it?" Odie asked, cautiously. The Doctor nodded, while patting her arm.

"Yes, Yes, I am. But I hardly think it will matter either way. We are simply waiting for word that Mithridates' has reached the Nile now. Follow me, children," he asked. He nodded to the general, who returned to his command tent, and a soldier escorted them to the War Room. Caesar was pacing the room, an agitated look on his face, while Cleopatra seemed to be seething in her seat. As soon as the Doctor entered, they both looked up. The Doctor bowed slightly for the two monarchs, and his three companions quickly followed suit. "Caesar, I come bearing news."

"We heard insurgents had approached the castle looking for a trade. What did the traitors have to say for themselves?" asked Cleopatra, and for a moment, Polly shivered. For in that moment, she had seen the terror of the Pharaoh's Wrath underneath the woman's skin.

"They proposed a trade-off, Your Highness. Ptolemy for Arsinöe and Ganymedes," the Doctor replied. Odie had thought Cleopatra would be pleased at the chance of having the general and her traitorous sister handed to her, but she seemed ever more angry.

"The rats. Not only can they not stay loyal to me, but not even to their own general."

"It is out of the question for us to hand them Ptolemy, Doctor. I will not allow it," Caesar said sternly. The Doctor smiled patiently.

"Do not be so hasteful in delivering your answer, Your Majesty."

"Do you have a plan, Doctor?" Cleopatra asked, raising a dark eyebrow.

"Not a plan, per se, Your Highness, but an idea. Whilst they are waiting for news from you, they will remain idle, to a certain extent. Say no to them immediately, and they will simply redouble their efforts to take their leader from you by force. But if you wait, just long enough-" The Doctor's plan occurred to Caesar at that moment, and he nodded in understanding, a small smile dawning on his face.

"Then the messenger from Mithridates will have arrived, and it shan't matter. We shall have all three of them."

"Quite so, quite so," the Doctor said with a heartened chuckle.

"Very well, Doctor. We shall do as you suggest, if only to give our men a less trying battle in the streets."


It transpired as the Doctor foresaw. While Caesar prolonged the wait for the insurgents, they rarely received news of advancing forces, attempting to take over more parts of the city. It was a stalemate. Three days passed since the trade was suggested, when Odie charged into the Royal Archive Cleopatra had allowed the travelers to examine. It was a great room, with wall carvings describing the supposed descent of the first Pharaoh, and the heroics of his descendants. It was probably a bunch of propaganda, but it made for beautiful decoration.

"Guys, hurry out! The messenger has arrived!" she cried with excitement, and Polly and Ben quickly got up from the bench where they had been examining some of the royal scrolls the Doctor had said they might find interesting.

"Smashing!" Ben said joyfully, as he and Polly followed Odie out into the courtyard before the Palace. Caesar was already in full battle gear, and was parading in front of his soldiers, all massed in front of him. Cleopatra stood further back, watching with cursory interest. The Doctor was already out there, and the young travelers approached him, standing by his side as they watched Caesar, along with everyone else.

"Today, we shall finally be rid of the bane of this city! We have stood tall and proud in the face of adversity. We have adapted to and fought whatever foul plan the traitors have concocted. We have shown the whole world, what Romans can accomplish in the face of overwhelming odds. And now, on this day, we shall smite our enemies with the retribution of the Roman Republic!"

"He's certainly inspiring," Polly mused as the cheers of the soldiers rang clear in the tense air. In the oppressive heat, Odie imagined the entire city could feel the tension of the imminent battle. The Doctor nodded.

"Yes, quite so, my girl."

"To the Nile, where glorious battle awaits!" After bellowing this order, the Doctor turned to mount the wagon pulled by two horses, which would take him to the stage for the final offensive of the Siege of Alexandria. He had the wagon brought to the Doctor. "With the strategy we have drawn, we shall be victorious this day. Your plans have worked to the letter thus far, Doctor. Pray that our battle plan will work as well," he said, looking upon the old man from above, and the Doctor nodded humbly.

"I have every faith you will emerge victorious, Your Highness," he said, uncommitted. Caesar smiled.

"You are an honorable and wise man, Doctor. Once we return to our glorious Rome, you will receive the highest honor: a place in my court, and my ear." The Doctor seemed unsure of what to make of such a statement, and Odie smiled, bemused, as the Doctor steepled his fingers.

"You are, eh, much too kind, sir." Caesar left them in the dust, quite literally, and Ben frowned.

"I 'ope he didn't really mean 'is ear."

"I don't think so, no," Polly said with a small smile. Odie turned to the Doctor.

"With the battle at the Nile, Ganymedes' men won't be able to hold the street where the TARDIS landed," she said with a wide grin, and the Doctor nodded eagerly.

"Quite so, my dear." Polly giggled.

"Oh, but it is such a shame to leave now. The Doctor's even been promised a job!" she pointed out with a teasing tone to her voice, and the Doctor scowled. Odie had to hide her own grin behind her hand, as Ben chuckled.

"Yeah, well, I don't fancy stayin' here." The Doctor cleared his throat, attempting to rid his young companions of their amusement.

"Neither do I, my boy. We will just wait for a while until we are certain the battle's begun, and then we'll head for the TARDIS." With nothing better to do while they waited, Odie returned to the training, and Ben decided to join in. Polly and the Doctor sat upon the wooden frame of the arena, watching them. About half an hour later, Odie parried Ben's sword, and slid it out of his hand.

"Cleopatra is coming our way," she said, looking pointedly at a figure approaching them. Ben turned, as Polly helped the Doctor to his feet. The Pharaoh was flanked by Martus and Lucius, and she was applauding them with a small smile.

"You are becoming fine fighters," she complimented the two fencers, and Odie bowed humbly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Martus is a good teacher," she answered. Martus smiled.

"Even the best teacher needs able students. Is that not so, Doctor?" The old man chuckled.

"Oh, quite so, quite so."

"I have come to tell you that Ptolemy's forces have retreated. The Battle of the Nile has begun." This news made the travelers smile, as it had no doubt been the Pharaoh's intent.

"That's wonderful!" Polly cheered.

"I assume you will be going then?"

"Going?" the Doctor asked. "Going where, Your Majesty?" The Egyptian Queen smiled secretively, shrugging in feigned innocence.

"Even with my town under siege, I still hear remarkable things, Doctor," she said. "I hear of a blue wagon appearing as if sent by the Gods, which seems to hold four people with ease and comfort. It is also impossible to enter, or even shift." The Doctor's young friends all looked between each other with wide eyes, as the Doctor steepled his fingers with a concentrated furrow on his brow.

"She knows about the TARDIS!" Ben whispered feverishly.

"That must've been why she was so interested in me and Odie," Polly joined in, as Odie stepped closer to the Doctor and tightened her fist around a piece of his cloak.

"And what will you do with this knowledge, hm?" The Pharaoh shook her head patiently.

"Nothing, Doctor. You have proven a friend to my realm, and a reliable man. I wish you well on your travels, and thank you for all your help," she said, nodding to the Doctor, which in turn made both Lucius and Martus bow deeply. The Doctor smiled graciously, making his younger friends relax as well. They had been worried for a moment there.

"Oh, it was my pleasure, madam, my pleasure indeed," he said, nodding to himself. This human, Cleopatra, had turned out to be very sensible indeed. It certainly warranted another visit at some point, he agreed with himself. He turned to his companions, patting Odie's arm, as she had relinquished her nervous grip on his cloak. "Come along then, children. Back to the TARDIS we go." They all nodded, eager to be getting back to their Ship. Odie looked to the Egyptian Queen, smiling slightly.

"Goodbye, Your Majesty. It was a pleasure to meet you," she said, bowing deeply. Cleopatra smiled.

"You as well, Odie." Martus and Ben were exchanging handshakes.

"Stay safe, and remember what you've learned here," the Roman legionnaire asked earnestly, and Ben nodded with a smile.

"We will." A loud harrumph made them all look up, as they saw that the Doctor was already at the gate leading down to the city.

"I am not much in a mood too wait!" he called grumpily, and Odie grinned, as Polly waved at him.

"Oh, we're coming!" She then turned to the three natives of the time. "Goodbye everyone, and good luck."

The walk back to the TARDIS was uneventful, with all of the insurgents and Roman soldiers occupied at the battle of the Nile. Caesar would be victorious, of course, causing the insurgents to attempt to flee. King Ptolemy would die, reputedly by drowning, in the aftermath, and Caesar would remain in Egypt for a few months after the battle, enjoying the company of Cleopatra. Or, Odie thought, this was what the Doctor said.

"The spoils of war, huh?" Ben mused to himself, as the Doctor unlocked the TARDIS.

"Well, the two of them are a good match, I suppose," Polly pointed out, and Odie smiled wryly.

"Equally brutal in their treatment of traitors, you mean?"

"Something like that."

"Hey, Doctor, how 'bout next time you take us to a more relaxing place, hm?" Ben asked with a raised eyebrow, making the Doctor scowl. And before an argument could ensue, Polly and Odie quickly guided the two men inside the TARDIS, so they could leave Alexandria, and 47 BC, behind them.


What do you guys think? :D I am eager to hear of the first really historical piece I invented on my own. And if I have any history-enthusiasts reading this, please feel free to make corrections, if I make mistakes ^^u

So long!