15 A Popping Good Time.
The Doctor returns to Ommera in the Grand Baking room.
"We're just about to sample some of my goodies," Ommera says excitedly.
"I've just arrived at the right time," the Doctor says to cover his caution. "Could we let the chef try them out first?"
"Of course," the Chef booms, beaming, "my pleasure." The chef cuts for himself a small piece of the pancake. When he puts it in his mouth he begins to look alarmed. "Popping candy in a pancake?" the chef declares. "I've never heard of that before! But it's very nice!"
"It should be ok to try some," the Doctor says, much relieved.
Both the Doctor and Ommera cut slices from the pancake, and sample it.
"Yes, very unusual," the Doctor says.
"It will catch on back home," Ommera says, pleased.
The distraction has done its work. Ommera isn't worried about home being undermined or destroyed now. The Doctor is happy for her.
"Come on missus," the Doctor jibes. "We should get back now."
Ommera puts her arm around the Doctor.
Ommera looks into the eyes of the Doctor.
"That's the best day out I've had, ever!" Ommera says just quietly.
Ommera rubs noses with the Doctor.
"That's our special greeting on Slint," Ommera says quietly and smiles.
"That's really nice. Ready to go?" the Doctor says brightly.
The Doctor is trying not to dwell on the intimacy. He knows that if he gets close it will be harder when the time comes to part company.
THE END
Information note: The next episode is called "Lateness".
To search for it, please search for "scarifiers" as scarifiers try to start mining Ommera's home planet, Slint. Just what she feared.