Following Rose, I run back into the Tardis.
Her console room set all aglow with the Time Rotor's blue green light. She even brightens slightly when I enter, nuzzling my mind gently with her soothing touch.
…yet somehow the sight doesn't look nearly as pretty to me as it did only a minute ago.
Regardless, I plaster on a smile for Rose.
I'm not going to ruin her first proper trip by breaking down.
Cassandra ruins it enough as is.
I follow Rose up the stairs at a slower pace, the Doctor flipping a switch dramatically just as I reach the top. "Right then, Rose Tyler, Faith McSweet, you tell me,"
he looks over to me and grins, like everything is fine. I give him a tight lipped smile back. Why's he even including me in this? "Where' d you want to go? Backwards or forwards in time, What's it gonna be?"
I look over for Rose's reaction, smile becoming softer for her. Her expression full of slightly overwhelmed awe…. Blatantly ignoring the Doctor when he tries to catch my eye again.
I am Not confronting him in front of Rose.
Glancing between the two of us, Rose finally lands her questioning gaze on me, looking like a deer caught in headlights.
I give her a reassuring nod, hands out in a 'go on' gesture, "it's fine, you choose. I'm happy going just about anywhere."
She nods hesitantly once, then more firmly a second later, turning to the Doctor, "forwards!"
"How far?" He responds, sounding intrigued.
Slowly, I drift closer to the door, deciding that I don't want to listen to them flirt. There's a moment of light jostling— not nearly as bad as my other trips. He must've finally put on the stabilizers.
River would be proud.
River. I haven't thought of her in awhile.
She's nice. Maybe after this I can go traveling with her instead. I bet she'd even slap the Doctor for me… knowing her, probably more like punch him.
That thought gives me some small sense of vindictive pleasure.
No, no. I need all the pieces. For all I know he really was only away for a couple of minutes.
"There you go. Step outside those doors, it's the twenty second century." The Doctor says, and I quickly take that moment to sneak a peak at what 2105 looks like…..
Not terribly different. A little more streamlined, slightly more smoggy—we're probably still in London after all— different sense in style and architecture. Mostly the same though.
And more importantly to me, no cool hover cars yet.
Well, that's a disappointment.
I wrinkle my nose. It doesn't smell terribly nice either. With that, I close the door. Just as the Doctor is asking if Rose wants to go further.
I glance up at the two and catch him staring at me. I stare back, and something passes between us. Though I'm not sure what.
What does he see when he looks at me?
"Fine by me." Rose confirms with a cheeky grin, successfully distracting him.
Grabbing hold of the hand rail, I wait for the shaking to stop again, peaking out a second time. The new Roman Empire just gives me so many questions. Good parts of the Roman Empire? The bad parts too? I kinda wish we were stopping here instead.
"—Ten thousand years in the future. Step outside, it's the year 12005, the new Roman Empire." The Doctor says behind me, but I focus on the view outside the door, and this time it is impressive. There are whole flying islands in the sky!! Like the ones from Castle in the Sky. Whole mechanical cities just floating there! Flying shuttles coming and going. All around us are white skyscrapers, people wearing a mix of odd futuristic clothes combined with a Greek/Roman toga flare.
"Faith, close the door! We're takin' off again. They're'll be a draft!" I glance back, doing as the Doctor tells me and catching Rose's excited grin, quickly mirroring it for her benefit.
I make my way back to where they are. My curiosity satisfied for the moment.
"Right then, as I said! you asked for it." He flicks several switches, "Faith, Rose, hold on!" Just as he says that, the Tardis lurches, setting off the familiar falling sensation of Time-Space flight that I love—when it's not caused by me— my feet leaving the ground for half a second as I quickly wrap my hands around the railing.
Slowly stumbling my way back to my jump seat as the rollercoaster like sensation engulfs me.
That welcome spike in adrenaline taking over. For just this one moment I forget about what the Doctor's done. Just focusing on hanging on for dear life, enjoying it for all it's worth.
…But all too soon we land with a thunk, the Doctor even ringing a lobby bell— that definitely wasn't there a minute ago—and my excitement turns to a lead weight in my stomach.
"Where are we?" Rose asks the Doctor. The Tardis's cool-down warble still echoing off the walls.
He holds out his hand to indicate the door, which she quickly glances at, "What's out there?" She asks again, practically radiating excitement.
The Doctor just nods pointedly to the door, refusing to say anything before she goes and takes a look for herself.
Surprisingly, Rose turns to me for confirmation…
and I plaster on a smile, "why don't you go out and see, we'll be out in just a second!"
That's all it takes, the other girl running out the door.
As soon as she's gone my smile drops and I turn to the Doctor. "So, how long were you gone?"
There's a flicker of something in his eyes, and he looks away from me for half a second "don't know what you're talking about. I was barely gone a minute."
I give him a blank stare, one eyebrow twitching up at the lie. "From my point of view, yeah. But how long was it on your side?" I glance around as if taking it all in, "I notice none of my things are in here— there's a layer of dust over everything, and you've obviously been messing around with the console since I was last in here. Not to mention how apologetic the Tardis feels."
The Doctor winces, starting to fiddle with controls, until the Tardis zaps him and he's forced to pull away and shake out his burnt hand.
When I move towards him, he moves away, always Keeping the console between the two of us…
I let out an exasperated sigh "I'm human, Doctor. Not stupid. So how long? What did I do that made you hate me so much that you'd shove me out the door without even telling me why?"
"It wasn't you." He immediately says. Looking me straight in the eyes with so much intensity that I almost look away on instinct alone. Almost. "I don't hate you. I meant to come back sooner— some things got in the way, I had things I needed to check in on… and I ended up putting it off, just a bit.
"Then what was it? Why did you push me out?" My betrayal is slowly simmering. Hurt turning Ice cold and angry.
"Why do you want to know so bad?" He hedges, and I say the first thing that comes to mind.
"Because you left me without saying anything— and I want to know why." I say, crossing my arms over my chest defensively. I hate saying things like this. My chest hurts.
He gives an exasperated sigh, "I went someplace you weren't allowed to go." finally he moves out from behind the console, only to pass by me. "C'mon, we shouldn't leave Rose waiting."
He's running away from the problem.
I stay where I am for a moment. Feeling very disappointed in the person I thought I was beginning to know.
"You coming Faith?" He asks, and I hear the door creak open.
I don't turn around to face him when I speak. "Yeah… I'll be there in a second."
Slowly, I look around the console room. At a loss as to what to do. I just want an apology at this point. I've been left before. In most cases never even told them that I was hurt.
But this is different.
This isn't being left behind because a friend chose someone else to hang out with. Or not being invited somewhere when practically everyone else is. I'd have been fine with that. I have been fine with that in the past.
No, this was a physical shove out the door, only for him to come back and pick me up like nothing happened.
I knew he needed time to heal after the war. That he came back to Rose more healed then he was on that first adventure. I also know those fixed points were teetering spots for him. Places were he had the option to go Valyard. Like on Mars…
I did what Donna did—does for Ten at Vesuvius. Told him that he can still save a few, even if he can't save them all…
Did I messed that up?
Maybe he just needed that extra time.
It's a very Eleventh Doctor thing to do.
…Then again, they are the same person.
Maybe it was just too much, right after the War… and he ran. I have been acting overly childish… and He's been running for a long time now. So maybe…
Ugh.
I need to stop making excuses for him.
No matter what he thought he was doing, it was wrong. What he did was wrong, and how he handled the situation was wrong.
Slowly I trace the edge of the console, looking up at the soft blue light of the Time Rotor, murmuring to her, "…what am I gonna do?"
She gives me a mental nudge, calm and reassuring. Everything will be alright.
I smile wearily up at her, not sure I believe that, not one hundred percent.
"thanks Beautiful. See you later." Another goodbye pat, and I'm heading for the door. Sending off a quick prayer for the extra safety and reassurance it provides.
Then, with a deep breath, I swing the door open with a creak.
Cautiously peeking around— more out of habit now then general concern of danger.
A good thing too, since the Doctor's parked the Tardis right on the edge of a shelf, just to the side of the stairs that lead down to the main floor of the large open room.
One's whose architecture reminds me of a fancy modern hotel—much lager and more impressive then shown on tv…
And the large floor to ceiling window…. what a view to have.
I take a breath in awe, absorbing the amazing scene of the planet and sun outside. Not CG but real and right in front of me.
Carefully, I shimmy my way around our lovely blue box, and to the stairs on her other side.
Making my way as quietly as I can to the two already standing by the window.
Absentmindedly, I note the light —jasmine?—perfume in the air and the soft hotel lobby-like music playing from hidden speakers— though the music sounds utterly foreign.
All things considered, for how otherworldly this view is, the setting vaguely reminds me of the few real-estate meetings I've been to with mom. It's not all that far off actually. Rich people getting together at a fancy hotel to talk and mingle. Seems things don't change all that much….
I reach the glass, looking down at the planet, satellites hovering above its surface and the sun lighting it up from behind…. Though the sun looks weird..? Not nearly bright enough?
It's too orange and I don't even get an after-image when I blink while looking at it. Do they have a filter on these windows?
—wait. They have to, don't they? 'Sun filter descending' is kinda a key part of this story... I mentally shiver at those implications.
I don't think I can save the steward. I don't even know where to start with that one.
Deciding to save that for later, I look over at Rose and the Doctor, opting to stay where I am, a few feet away from the duo…keeping Rose in between me and the Doctor— yet just close enough that I can still hear the Doctor's words. "This is the year five point five slash apple slash twenty six: Five billion years in your future, and this is the day— hold on—" he pauses to check his watch, all while keeping his arms crossed securely over his chest.
There's a flare of light, and I turn back to the window to see a large shockwave come from the sun, spouts of magma erupting in arcs from its surface, much larger then it was just seconds ago.
"this is the day the sun expands…." I don't take my eyes away as I listen. It's beautiful and mesmerizing. Especially since I'm looking at an object that has always been too bright to look at without going blind.
I Just barely catch his next words, "welcome to the end of the world."
That makes what little smile I had, fall. But it's not my world. I feel a disconnect. That sentence doesn't fill me with any sorrow. I'm just watching as an observer. Something beautiful and sad and ancient. Planets and stars die every day. New ones are born every day too.
Silence falls over us for another minute or two, I don't know if the others even noticed that I'm here. I don't really care at the moment… but then Rose starts asking the Doctor questions… Like the good little companion she is.
I never did do that well. Happy to just wait and observe and figure it out for myself.
Only asking the questions that absolutely stump me. That, or the open ended ones that get the Doctor moving… not that those happen all that often. I'm not that smart.
The two start to make for the corridor, and I pause briefly to whip out my phone for a picture before following behind. Curiously looking at different items up on display along the hallways, all the while Rose asks questions, and I absentmindedly eavesdrop on the conversation while maintaining a couple feet of distance…
that is, until I hear the overhead announcement played out by a pleasant but mechanical female's voice; "Shuttles five and six now docking. —Guests are reminded that Platform One forbids the use of weapons— teleportation— and religion. Earth Death is scheduled— for fifteen— thirty nine— Followed by —drinks— in the Manchester Suite."
I start to snicker, feeling a streak of giddy pleasure as I hurry to catch up to Rose, excitedly tapping on her arm to get her attention— not caring that I'm interrupting the Doctor's spiel. "Rose! Rose! Rose!"
"Yeah..? What is it?" She asks, nonplussed at my suddenly overexcited energy.
"We've been in the future for like fifteen minutes right??"
"Yeah…?" The Doctor makes a face behind her that says he'd argue that point. I ignore him.
"Fifteen minutes into the future and I'm already breaking a rule." I give her the largest manic smile I can muster and start to skip back off to another display case— when she catches my hand,
"Wait, what? Which rule did you break??"
"Religion! They said no religion over the speaker, but they can't very well stop me from being me so there!" I give an evil laugh and make to pull away again but she doesn't let go, instead choosing to walk with me instead, the Doctor trailing behind a few steps now.
"Wait, you're religious? How comes I didn't know?" She asks, seeming genuinely interested. How she didn't notice me bless my food every time we ate is a mystery to me… not that I actually ate all that often around her…. No. Never mind. That makes sense.
though now I'm getting flustered at the contact and the attention. I just found it funny, I didn't actually mean to make anything out of it!
"Oh, um. Well, you didn't ask? An' Yeah. I'm a Christian." I answer her, stuffing my free hand into my hoodie and fiddling with what I have inside the pocket.
"that's not actually what it means by religion." The Doctor pipes up from Rose's other side, and I feel a frown start to form on my face. "There are plenty more branches now. The Headless Monks, The Chattering Order of St Barrel, The Archiphets, Pash Pash, the list goes on. The Catholics have even militarized. Not all of em' are nice n' friendly. That's what it means. No violent religions." The Doctors says, adding his two cents.
I give out a huff. Mr ruin my fun. "couldn't you just let me think I'm circumventing the law?" I turn to Rose leaning my head on her shoulder "Rose! He ruined it! It's not nearly as fun anymore." I say dramatically.
Rose finally lets go of my hand in order to pat me on the back with a laugh. the Doctor scoffing, some comment too quiet for me to hear
meanwhile I take the opportunity for what it is and veer to the side now that my hand is free, looking at the next glass case as soon as I'm able. Sort of still listening to their conversation, but not really.
This case's full of odd alien pieces of pottery, mosaics, an odd looking drawing of people with green skin, three horns on their heads, and five arms. There's also some necklaces and other pieces of odd looking jewelry mixed in.
The little name plaques are just as weird as the contents, but if I don't concentrate too hard on what I'm looking at, I can read it.
It's odd though. Sort of like having a filter over top the original language. It looks English—even if the font is weird— but if I concentrate enough it flickers back to the original unintelligible words.
"Faith," I glance over at the Doctor, who's looking back at me from the end of the corridor, tilting his head in a C'mon gesture. Focusing on keeping my face blank, I'm half tempted to zigzag back and forth to every single exhibit in the hallway, just to annoy him.
Instead, I walk, head held high and decidedly not looking at him as I pass by. That is, until Rose gives me a questioning look. My face immediately softening to something gentler.
She grabs my hand again, and it's much warmer than the Doctor's ever is. I don't pull away this time, and she gives my hand a squeeze. "So what happened to your injuries? And now that I look at you, your clothes are different too." She asks, giving me a once over. Oh yeah. That.
I shrug, swinging our hands slightly "the Doctor healed me up in the Tardis. We took a slight time skip..." Which is true… it's just been a few weeks. I feel a pang of guilt. We left her too… though she did say no originally.
He healed me up after the police gave him a hard time at the station.
Though… he was rather frustrated when the Tardis hid some of my information—after I asked her to— from him… that probably got him suspicious.
Maybe even part of the reason he left me—
But it's better then him finding out and treating me any different then any other human.
Because genetics or not, that's what I am. Born human.
I'll figure something out on my own. There has to be a way to suppress the mutation. Some way to reverse it.
I don't want him seeing me as a fake. Trying to take their place.
And I don't want him seeing me as weak because of my stupid immunity problem either.
"You all right Faith? You're acting… odd" Rose says, looking at our hands before searching my face for something…
I tilt my head a little "…and what do you mean by that?" I ask, neither saying yes or no.
Rose shrugs, shaking her head slightly, "I don't know, just… odd. Did something happen… between you and the Doctor?" I blink, not having expected her to hit the mark so easily.
Almost no one can tell when I'm upset… until I start crying.
Instead I smile, trying to hide the cracks and the hurt. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it." And if I feel a prickle in my eyes— I blink before anything can come of it.
Rose scrutinizes my face for another long second, then nods slowly, "…alright. But if you need to talk, you can always come find me, yeah?"
I'm not sure if she believes me or not, but her words warm my heart, and I squeeze her hand in thanks
Nodding , "Yeah. I'll do that. Thanks." I probably won't, but the sentiment is nice.
Giving me a determined look that says 'you better' she links our arms like we've always been close friends… Calling out after the Doctor; who's walked ahead. "So when it says guests….does that mean people?"
"Depends what you mean by people." The Doctor says back over his shoulder as we catch up.
"I mean people." Rose states, I almost snort at her blunt, straightforward approach. Waving her off with a grin when she gives me a questioning look. "…What do you mean?" She asks the Doctor.
"Aliens." The Doctor states flippantly.
"All aliens are people," I say contemplatively, "but not all people are aliens. The three of us are aliens here, because it's not our homeland, but we're just people when at home." With those words of wisdom, I shut up.
Rose doesn't miss a beat, asking her next question as the Doctor spots a door with a keypad. How he knows where he's going, I'll never know. "Ok, I get that, Faith. But What're they doing on board this spaceship? What's it all for?"
"It's not really a spaceship," the Doctor answers, "more like an observation deck. The Great and the Good are gathering to watch the planet burn."
"But by that, you mean the Rich and the Bored." I drawl out, hands stuffed in my jacket pockets.
The Doctor snorts. "Exactly." With that, he sonics open the door, holding it open for us to go in first.
"What for, though? There's a reason, right?" Rose asks.
Ah, sweet sweet Rose. You obviously don't know how the rich and corrupt think.
""Fun"" The Doctor and I both say together. Him with false cheer. Me with open disgust.
We glance at each other and I let out a huff, walking into the new room and separating myself from the two.
Exploring the new environment before the guests arrive… though it's hard not to listen in as Rose talks. Her voice echoing in the empty auditorium. "But, hold on. They did this once on Newsround Extra. The sun expanding, that takes hundreds of years."
It's a large open space. Decorated lavishly, again with a fancy modern hotel feel.
"Millions, but the planet's now property of the National Trust. They've been keeping it preserved. See down there? Gravity satellites holding back the sun." I take a quick moment to look over, seeing the same satellites I noticed before.
there's a perfect view of the sun and planet right out the large window. A window that starts at the far wall and stretches all the way to the ceiling in three large glass panels. Just far enough so that you can see some more of the space station if you look straight up from the middle of the room.
From my spot in the middle of said room, I take out my phone. Snapping a few pictures while my two companions' backs are turned. I've done this on basically every adventure so far.
I'm sorta worried about running out of storage space, but I'll figure that out when I get to it.
"But—The planet looks the same as ever. I thought the continents shifted and things." Rose asks, perplexed.
There are more display cases in here, mainly for decoration. Marble flooring… Modern lantern themed lights illuminating the space from high above on the sides of the walls, evenly spaced in between large ventilation shafts that have been made to look like black marble pillars….
All in all, it's an architect's symmetrical dream come true.
—"They did, and the Trust shifted them back. That's a classic Earth. But now the money's run out, nature takes over." The Doctor answers Rose back.
I feel slightly left out.
Usually he'd be spending this time telling me these facts. And I wouldn't even have to ask. He'd just start rambling.
No. This is Rose's first. I'm not meant to be here. She's the one who is.
"How long's it got?" She asks back to him.
I look around me again, twirling to see the rest of the giant space platform out the overhead window, and sigh.
I'd personally rather be in a forest.
"About half an hour and then the planet gets roasted." The doctors says,
…Or on a farm. Farms are nice. I miss my aunt's sheep farm— sort of. It was nice when I was 8 and not addicted to the internet. Probably kinda boring now. Four wheelers, and animals are always fun though.
"Is that why we're here? I mean, is that what you do? Jump in at the last minute and save the Earth?" Rose asks.
Someplace in the countryside would be nice…. Long walks and nature trails…. For how big this place is, it's still kinda claustrophobic. Not to mention the whole 'die if the glass brakes'… yeah. Space is depressing. Beautiful in spots, but depressing.
"I'm not saving it. Time's up." The Doctor replies
Now that I look at this place… There's plenty of room in the middle… It's not like I'll hit anything.
"But what about the people?" Rose asks again, still on script—Ugh. I need to seriously stop using that word.
on a whim, I do a cartwheel. Checking over my shoulder to make sure I wasn't caught doing something 'unbecoming' in a fancy place… and there's the Doctor looking right at me. "It's empty. They're all gone. No one left." He says to Rose, eyes still on me.
I give him a sheepish smile and do another cartwheel, just because. Staying in a straight line and keeping control.
Ahhh it took years to master that control. Thank goodness I didn't lose it just because I had to quit.
"Just me and Faith, then…" Rose murmurs, I glance over at my name. Feeling a heavy weight in my chest when she says those words.
It's not my planet. Not really.
I raise my hands in the air again, one foot pointed in front of me… about to do a third cartwheel when a voice snaps behind me, their voice echoing around the space, "Who the hell are you??"
I let out a squeak, quickly lowering my hands and acting like I definitely was not just cartwheeling around a super fancy room— turning to face him—
Blue. He's really blue. And not slimy-blue-makeup blue— teeny tiny scales blue. And his eyes. Wow. They're gold— with slit pupils— like cat eyes—snake eyes? Yeah probably snake eyes— And his lips are black and he's got lines running down his face— they're kinda cool— and that stone in his forehead!— Aaaaand why is he walking right towards me???
"Oh that's nice, thanks." The Doctor says, I tear my eyes away from the blue man— no, the steward— to look up at the Doctor standing right behind me.
"But how did you get in??" The steward demands—and his accent is definitely not English— I can't tell where it's from. It's like the words from earlier but with his voice. Rose doesn't have this problem..?
I put the matter to the side for now. He does not look happy.
Agitatedly looking between the Doctor and I, he continues, "This is a maximum hospitality zone. The guests have disembarked. They're on their way any second now—"
The Doctor and I cut him off, talking at the same time,
"that's me!"—He says
"We're guests!"—I say.
We glance at each other and I raise an eyebrow, nodding in the steward's direction.
"I'm— we're guests. Look, We've got an invitation." And with that he flips out the psychic paper. Just as shimmery as last time I remember seeing it.
I squint at the paper, but although the mirage looks sort of official, it's all written in the weird glyph writing, and I am not deciphering overlay words on paper that's already flickering to start with.
"Sorry, last minute change—" I add into the Doctor's spiel, shrugging and seeming to cringe slightly in apology when the steward looks at me. Adding in a disarming smile for good measure. "invite from the uh —sponsor. You know how it is."
The Doctor nods slightly, going along with it. Still holding out the psychic paper, "—right. Like she says. Look. There, you see? It's fine, see? 'The Doctor and Faith McSweet— plus one.' I'm the Doctor, this is Faith McSweet, and this is Rose Tyler. She's our plus one. Is that all right?"
Right then Rose startles me by taking my hand, and I glance over my other shoulder to see her staring at the steward with a look of intense concentration. I squeeze her hand and she tightens her grip, eyes flickering to me with a lost tone in them— almost panicked.
The steward scrutinizes the paper for a few more seconds, before finally speaking in a strained, yet polite tone, "…Well… obviously. …Apologies, et cetera. If you're on board, we'd better start…. Enjoy." And with a tight and painfully fake shadow of a smile, he walks off.
I immediately start gushing to myself "My gosh that would make the coolest oil portrait. Way too expensive though— I'd use up all my French Ultramarine…. Probably some cobalt blue too—then again I'd save some on Lead White for flesh tones…. And you two are staring at me." I stop mid rant, seeing Rose look at me in astonishment, and the Doctor…? Amusement? Fondness? Interest? No. It can't be. He obviously doesn't care about me.
"He's blue… and you're mumbling gibberish." Rose says bluntly, eyebrows high. Like it hasn't sunken in for the rest of us yet.
I blink, "yeah…I'm talking oil paints. I'm an artist." I look back in the direction the man in gray just walked, "He'd be fun to paint..? Maybe?" I wrinkle my nose when it comes to his attitude, "Bit of a stick in the mud. Then again maybe he's just stressed?"
"Oh this is mental…" Rose breaths out and I decide to give her a moment by distracting the Doctor.
"Um, so— paper thingy. What is it and why did you never use it before now?"
"Wait up, 'Before'?" Rose interrupts suspiciously, the Doctor pulling the psychic paper back out.
I wave her off, "bit of a time skip between when you left the Tardis and I did— apparently it's a habit of his." I snipe out the last bit, shooting him a hard look.
"It wasn't that long, n' I came back." He rolls his eyes at me. He actually rolls his eyes at me! "Didn't think to use the paper back then. Didn't need it either." He shrugs off flippantly.
I grit my teeth, "just like you didn't think to come back sooner? Or didn't think to just ask me Instead of pushing?" There's a flash of— hurt— anger?— in his eyes. A spark of a storm on the horizon.
We stand like that, eyes locked. "so this paper..?" Rose interrupts sounding lost, I blink and the Doctor looks away first.
"It's slightly psychic. Shows them whatever I want 'em ta see. Saves a lot of time."
"Okay…" Rose says nodding slightly.
The steward chooses that moment to re-enter the room, quickly stepping up to a glass speaking unit, as a group of mini-blues file through several doorways and into the room.
"We have in attendance, the Doctor," said man waves,
"Faith McSweet," I bow my head in the steward's direction,
"and Rose Tyler." She gives a strained smile—
"Thank you. —All staff to their positions." He orders, his voice echoing from hidden speakers.
The steward claps three times, the small people finish up whatever they are doing in here— sweeping the room for banned tech..? Just showing that there is actual security? Maybe— "Hurry, now, thank you. Quick as we can. Come along, come along." The steward chides the chattering group, the little people filing out and leaving only two behind as guards for the door.
Very cute little blueberry guards.
"And now," the steward says impressively, using the same voice he used when announcing us, "might I introduce the next honored guest! Representing the Forest of Cheam, we have trees. Namely, Jabe, Lute and Coffa!"
A teal door swishes open with a whir to the steward's left, and in walk three people in fine clothing, almost elven looking, and although I recognize them, it's different when you know for a fact that the people you're looking at are made of wood.
"There will be an exchange of gifts representing peace. If you could keep the room circulating, thank you. Next…" He calls more names after that, and I take in the look of each new group. Each new person, and species. It's like being thrown into a storybook. And in a way, that's exactly what it is.
It's overwhelming. Not so much the actual people or species… but more the crowd and noise of it.
How long has it been since I've been at a party? In a large group that are all talking at once? —not counting the tribe that kidnapped me on Krakatoa— it's been a long time….
But what was the event exactly..? Back in my universe— was it a graduation ceremony? Christmas party? Halloween? I can't— why can't I picture it??
A beautiful red and gold gown steps in front of me….
I blink out of my stupor, following the dress up to two delicate hands holding a potted plant, and up further to a beautiful face made of wood, maple leaves sprouting from her 'hair'
"The Gift of Peace; I bring you a cutting of my Grandfather." Jabe says solemnly.
I quickly take the offered gift with a curtsy and bashful smile. Only taking a second to observe the two men behind her, not wanting to be rude.
Their bark is much rougher then hers, giving them a stoic, old and terribly solemn air, and that's not even mentioning the impressive armor they're wearing.
"Thank you. Yes, gifts. " the Doctor says before I can thank the tree woman.
Stepping forward and starting to pat himself down for something "Er, I give you in retu—Ouch!" He's cut off by my foot stepping on his…
…and if I use a little more weight then I might usually. Well, then… a worthy sacrifice so that the 900 year old dork doesn't embarrass the living daylights out of us.
"Oops." I say innocently to the miffed Time Lord, handing Rose the plant pot.
Twirling around, I give Jabe another smile, my eyes briefly flickering to her two companions as I pull out a small coin purse. From my pocket. "In return, we give you a coin from a civilization long passed. This type in particular is supposed to bring good luck to those who find it." Saying this, I place the useless copper coin in her hand.
Her face holds an awed look as she looks down at the small coin, but takes on a look of distress when she meets my eyes again, "I can't accept this— there haven't been any cash currencies like this in the galactic union for—for—"
"Really it's fine." I cut her off, giving her another placating smile, "These ones are hardly worth anything at all. It's little more then a trinket…" then I change to a deadpan drawl, "and anyway. It's either this, or 'air from our lungs.' And I can't see you really wanting that as a gift of peace."
"Oh... In that case.. I shall treasure it." She says, giving a deep elegant curtsy,
"Though…" she eyes the Doctor speculatively, "I'm sure there's plenty of air to go around."
Wait, what??
In turn, the Doctor grins, "you bet there is." And saying so, he blows softly towards her face. I try not to wrinkle my nose.
"Special gift from me." He says with a wink. Am I really watching this??
Smiling bashfully, —and did some of the flowers in her hair just blossom?? Is she doing the tree equivalent of blushing??— "I will treasure your gifts." She says again, curtsying once more.
…ok.
So…That just happened.
Why do people flirt again??
I shrug off the weirdness, hiding my inner cringe, and mimic her curtsy, "As will I treasure your gift."
Shooting the Doctor one last smile, Jabe and her two attendants walk away.
"How'd you know I was gonna use air as a gift?" The Doctor asks ruffling my hair once they're out of hearing range—not too far thanks to the chatter of the room—, swatting ya his hand on instinct, it takes me a moment to register his words….
Then it hits.
Shoot. I messed up.
"You mean you had something better to give?" I ask skeptically. Praying he doesn't question me.
Scrutinizing my face for a second, he shrugs. "Fair point…Though you didn't have to stomp so hard." He whines, shaking out his foot for emphasis.
"Couldn't think of anything else." I say, shrugging too. Getting a half audible scoff from the man before the next person makes their way to us…..The Moxx? Who knows if that's …his Name or title.
What's a Moxx? What's a Balhoon??
I don't know. Not sure I want to know.
Sorta looks like a big brained, bald, blue, grinch… a short, fat, grinch—
Once again, the steward announces a new guest, but unlike the other ones—who I more or less forgot instantly— this one sticks, and more then that, gets me to perk up. "From the Silver Devastation, the sponsor of the main event! Please welcome the Face of Boe!"
I crane my neck, but unfortunately, I can only really see the top of the glass case from here. Too many mingling aliens to catch a look.
But, Woah.
I forgot he was here! I get to meet Jack—
—in my distraction, the Doctor plucks up my coin purse and— Shoot. This is the spit guy, right??
"The Moxx of Balhoon!" The Doctor says dramatically, in a vague imitation of the steward.
"My felicitations on this historical happenstance." The creature squeaks— Nope nope nope— "I give you the gift of bodily salivas." …By this point I've already inched behind the Doctor's back, just leaning out to tug on Roses arm for her to move—
there's wet splat against my skin… something slimy dribbling down my cheek.
My mouth opens in silent disgust. Rose sharing the look.
I need a bathroom. I need a bathroom right now. A bathroom and soap, this second.
There's a snicker to my left and I stare in disbelief at the Doctor's laughing face. My eyes narrowing as I quickly step forward, grab a fistful of his shirt and use his jumper to wipe off the spit. All while he watches in disbelief. Only pushing me off him once the deed is done
"Oi! My jumper!" He whines piteously.
"Too bad space boy." I shoot back flippantly. Face burning. Completely done with this situation.
Turning and marching off without another word. I need away. I need to find someplace quiet. Someplace where I can think—
"And Where're you going??" The Doctor calls after me.
"Around!" I snap back helpfully. Unable to find any proper words. Disappearing behind a group of socializing aliens. Wiping at my cheek distractedly as I try to find a quiet nook to hide away in for a few minutes.
'What has your mind so upset, little one?' I flinch at the deep voice echoing in my head. Looking around blindly until my eyes land on the extremely large, old wrinkled head.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. Relaxing slightly. If there was some other psychic race here—
There's a deep chuckle— I twitch at the sensation. 'the correct term is telepath, my dear. My apologies for startling you... I believe this is the youngest I've seen you…But I thought you recognized me… Seeing as you spoke my name earlier.'
Spoke? No— oh. He means thought—wait!
'Yes, I suppose I do mean thought… in your case however, a more apt term might be 'projected' …though that is not so much your own fault, as it is your open mind's weak defenses.'
Slowly, warily, I step closer, mind going more or less blank at his words… only now noticing the curly haired woman wearing a mask at his side. He—Jack—the Face of Boe— notices my attention too.
'Ah yes, young fairy,'
Wait? Fairy??
'— a personal nickname I have for you—ah. But 'spoilers'. This is my old friend, and personal guest. I do believe you know of her.' His face nods in the woman's direction and I try to place her… but can't.
Shaking my head slowly when I can't recognize her, "No… I don't think I do…" I finally get out, hands fiddling with my bracelet—I forgot about it again??—, as the woman steps towards me.
"Now that's just mean, Darling Dearest." A woman's voice drawls from behind the mask, and I stiffen, eyes going wide.
"recognizing Jack's face but not mine?" There's a flicker and the mask disappears like it was never there to start with.
The woman in front of me gives a devious smile, "biological suppressor and perception filter. Sort of like yours, only it doesn't just make me appear human and hide my signature. Old grumpy face helped with it, that way his younger selfs won't recognize me before the right time."
Just like that River Song is standing there, her arms open for a hug. "And here I was, going to all the trouble of crashing this old man's party."
My lip starts to tremble, and River's smile falters, lowering her hands slightly as she takes several long strides towards me. "sweetie, what's wrong? Where are we now?" I struggle for a response. Face frozen between a smile and a grimace.
I'm fine.
He pushed me.
It's nothing to worry about.
It hurts.
Everything's ok.
I'm all alone. There's no one around. I have no friends. No one.
I'm ok. I'll be ok.
"River….." I can't even finish what I want to say. Not sure what I was planning to say. Tears fill my eyes and fall down my cheeks. Nose clogging as I lift my arms in a silent plea for a hug.
She quickly closes the distance, wrapping me in her arms. Petting my hair and shushing me gently, all while murmuring sweet nothings, like it will all be alright.
"Captain, what's happened?" She quietly hisses over my shoulder after a moment of mothering, "Names, and in which order I should kill them."
'Ahh. It was only one.' Comes the almost drawling amused voice. That seems to be all he needs to say for her to understand.
"The Doctor. I'm going to kill that man. Whatever he's done now, I'm going to kill him. It'll be so fast he won't even have time to regenerate." She grits out, holding me just a little tighter. Like I'm the only anchor stopping her from doing just that, right here and now.
"I— I don't wanna travel with him anymore." I sob, voice breaking. Trying to stay quiet. Not wanting to draw any attention to us. So far none of the aliens seem to have noticed us— or me crying.
Good. I hate this. Crying in public is horrible. I want to go back to the Tardis— no. Not there. Home. I want to go home.
"Shhh Darling it's ok. What's that man done this time?" River soothes, stroking stray fly-aways out of my face.
"Shove-d me. He didn't -even say anything. just left and came back. Li-ke it was nothing."
Like I was nothing.
And maybe it's stupid. It sounds childish when saying it aloud. He did come back. Others have had to wait.
He did come back.
Some wait for a long time— like Sarah Jane. I only had to wait less then a minute, and here I am, whining like a baby.
River relaxes slightly, a look of understanding on her face as she leans back to look at me, "Ah. The Shoving Incident. Makes sense now." She murmurs, hugging me a little closer. Kissing me on the forehead, Before shifting slightly, voice hard, "Jack. One of these days I really am going to kill him."
'I do believe you've already tried that' he quips back good naturedly. Sending me his own soothing feelings. Safe. Like being Home. Like familial love.
"Hush now you. Spoilers." River shoots back just as fast, squeezing my shoulder as she waves the old face off.
"But…why are you here…?" I ask her hesitantly. That part still doesn't make sense.
"I was in the area and decided to drop by…" she says, arm slipping to my back in a sort of motherly chaperoning way, "Not everything is like your show, you know. You made damn sure of that with your stunt in the library, Darling. Now no more tears. Let's get you cleaned up, there's a good girl." And with that, she ushers me off to a hidden alcove as I wipe at my face.
Finding that the alcove holds a restroom… though the signs on the doors make no sense.
Thankfully, River knows what she's doing and guides me inside. Taking one of the fancy cloth towels and using it to dab at my face, before eyeing me appraisingly.
"You know, if it was me, I would have marched right up to him and slapped him. Then and there."
I let out a wet laugh, "Like you did in that one Cafè?"
She gives me a good natured, but reproving look, "Spoilers~ you're not supposed to know about that just yet. —But yes. Just like that." Saying such, she pulls out some lipstick, applying it to my lips before I can object. "Don't worry, this one isn't poisoned, or a Hallucinogenic."
Turning me to the mirror once she's done, her hands resting casually on my shoulders, both she and I stare back at us. I take a moment to marvel at the lady who's so at ease with me— the remarkable, if dangerous woman. What could I have possibly done to earn this lady's trust?
After a second of that, I turn to my own reflection— eyes red and slightly puffy, the green-gold color of dried moss standing out more vividly thanks to the lights, my cheeks flushed, but not over noticeably— thankfully blemish-free at the moment, though I'm sure that won't last for long… and most of all, the now added color on my lips.
It's a much gentler shade then what River sometimes wears. A light, barely noticeable red.
…It looks pretty.
"alright. There we are. Eyes still a little red and puffy, but besides that, no damage done. Are you feeling any better Darling?"
I nod, stomach squirming in embarrassment. Offering her a weary smile "yeah. Sorry about this."
She bops me on the nose with the lipstick case, making me scrunch up my face, "None of that. You've nothing to apologize for. Now—" she takes out her blue journal— it's newer then it should be??? "where are we?"
"Um, just Home Base and the Library for me." I answer dutifully, my face getting warm.
It's still odd saying that….That I'm important enough for her to include me in her journal. "Um.. is— is that a new journal?"
"Yes, this is my second one." She answers, flipping through the different pages, "Filled up the last with the Library." She gives me a wistful look, noting something inside the book quickly before putting it back in a hidden pocket I hadn't noticed.
She winks when she catches me staring, "Bigger on the inside. Now, you ready to head back, Dearest?"
I nod sniffing twice more to clear my stuffed nose before we exit.
The crowd has quieted down slightly since we left, now only low hushed murmurings as the steward speaks. Already halfway through his speech. "—sider the Earth below. In memory of this dying world…"
"What does the Doctor see if he looks at you right now?" I whisper as River and I slowly make our way back to the face of Boe.
"Oh, a mask, I suppose. In a more human populated area he'd see another face instead of mine. Sort of like a shimmer, but less detectable. Has to be since it's the Doctor we're talking about."
Just as we make it to Jack's tank, the steward finishes, "we call forth, the Last Human; Lady Cassandra O'Brien Dot Delta Seventeen."
The door opens, and they wheel Cassandra in.
Silence falls.
I feel sick.
My stomach lurching at the sight of skin stretched in a metal frame. Eyes and lips moving as she surveys the crowd. Blood filled veins pulsing through the skin that's so thin it's see-through in places.
'So, is this your first time meeting me in person?' Thank the Lord for Jack Harkness and distractions. —he send me a wave of amusement for that, and I quickly focus in on what he's saying, as Cassandra starts her speech.
—"Oh, now, don't stare. I know, I know it's shocking, isn't it?"
"Um, yeah, this is the first." I whisper, nodding my head just slightly.
'I see… I didn't think you looked as young as you appear now when we met…but my mind is old. I am not as young as I was.'
I look that young? What's that supposed to mean exactly?? Do I actually meet him during the London Blitz? That's not too far away, is it?
—"Look how thin I am. Thin and dainty. I don't look a day over two thousand. —Moisturize me. Moisturize me."
He laughs in my head again, 'ahh you ask so many more questions of yourself then you do to the people around you. You should try asking more of them. Including those for the Doctor.'
"I don't really want to ask him much of anything at the moment. I'm mad at him." I say, crossing my arms.
'Mad, or simply hurt? I do not feel any anger in your words. Just hurt, and the need to lash out and regain your balance. To grab back control, if you will.'
—"truly, I am the last human."
I let out a sigh. "You really are too nosey for your own good, you know." Both he and River chuckle at that.
'I think you'll find that every companion of the Doctor is just that.' Jack says mirthfully,
"He has a point Darling. " River adds with a smile,
Speaking of the Doctor, I glance around the room for him, finding him on the other side from me. Looking at Rose as she goes in for a closer look at Cassandra.
As if feeling eyes on him, he turns his head, searching the crowd until his eyes land on me. I wave with a tired halfhearted smile.
My tears having put out whatever embers remained of my hurt. Leaving a numb ache in its wake. I just want an apology and to put this behind us.
—" My father was a Texan, my mother from the Arctic Desert. They were born on the Earth and were the last to be buried in its soil."
He smiles back, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he lifts his hand slightly. Not moving his still-crossed arms. A second later he's looking back to make sure Rose is ok, though now that he knows where I am, I see him glancing back at me too. Checking in to make sure I'm doing ok.
—"I have come to honour them and say… goodbye. —Oh, no tears, no tears. I'm sorry."
I tap River's shoulder to get her attention. Her eyes never leave Cassandra; poorly hidden distain for the skin flap evident. Regardless, she leans in for me to whisper, "I'm gonna head back over now."
That gets her eyes to tear away long enough to look at me. Intense and focused as she silently questions if I'm ok.
"Alright Darling…" River nods slowly, "if you need a break from him, you know where to find me." Saying that, she kisses me on the cheek,
Hesitantly, I do the same to her—which makes her smile—murmuring a quiet "thank you." In her ear.
"It's nothing Dearest. Now go on. Can't keep them waiting." Saying that, she shoos me off.
Expertly, I weave through the guests, slowly circling to the other side of the crowded room without causing a disturbance. All the while listening to Cassandra's speech.
—"But behold, I bring gifts. From Earth itself, the last remaining ostrich egg. Legend says it had a wingspan of fifty feet and blew fire from its nostrils. Or was that my third husband?" A slight titter of polite laughter goes through the room and I snort along with them.
Honestly, it's all Chinese whispers.
—"Oh, no. Oh, don't laugh. I'll get laughter lines."
"Hey." I greet, coming up on the Doctor's side. He glances down at me, then does a double take. Eyebrows scrunched in confusion
"What happened? Your eyes are red. You alright?"
"What? Oh. Yeah. I'm fine." I shrug off, feeling my cheeks heat up. This is why I hate crying.
"But you're not." He states, like it's a sure fact.
It sort of is.
"W—yeah I am." I cross my arms over my chest. Feeling overly exposed under his sharp eyes.
"You haven't been fine since I left you with Rose. I admit, I wasn't thinking straight that day. Hadn't been for a long while before I met either of you. I—
"You don't need to explain." I cut him off before he can really start talking, "I just want an apology." I take in a deep breath.
Bluntly I go on, not meeting his eyes. "I know I don't ask good questions. I don't take care of myself. I don't listen to your rules half the time. And I can be annoying and childish too. I can understand why you wouldn't want to travel with me— and that's fine." I force my eyes back to his face, chin held high as I stare fixedly into his blue-grey eyes, "But don't you dare just push me out the door without a word."
The Doctor blinks, taken aback, "What? That's not it at all. You've been fantastic. There was this planet—Karn— I needed to check— never mind. I'll explain later." He rubs a hand down his face before focusing back on me. "You're right, I owe you an apology."
His shoulders sag, eyes looking impossibly old in that second… all the emotions swimming in them. Not nearly as raw as when I last saw him— yet so sincere. I didn't realize he'd taken a step closer until I notice I'm having to look up slightly more then usual. "I'm sorry, Faith. Really I am. That was wrong of me."
I lower my chin defensively at the words. Expecting yelling. Expecting blame. "…so you did have a legitimate reason… for dropping me off?" I ask, unsure as to how I should go forward. Not having expected him to actually apologize.
Or to look so sincere doing it either.
"Yes. Several actually." He says nodding. The old old eyes vanish, leaving behind a man who's looking like a sheepish young boy "Not that it makes it right." And there's the kicked puppy look that Clara talks about.
I take a moment to take in his words. Nodding slowly. "Alright… I forgive you. Anyways… 'one should never go to bed on an argument' …not to mention I just don't like fighting. —Just…just please don't do it again."
The Doctor nods a few times absentmindedly, Good advice…. And just for the record," he hesitantly slings an arm around my shoulder in a side hug, squeezing slightly, "you're not any of the things you said. I enjoy your company. Wouldn't be taking Rose along except that you wanted her around." He releases me and I take a step back.
Aren't I the extra here? "What?"
He shrugs, watching me, "I've got my human. Don't really need another one— though I don't mind her…. But You want her around so…we'll see just how good she is, eh?" He finishes with a goofy little half smile.
I blink up at him.
His.
His human.
No. He's lying again. I'm not important. Not at all.
But he looks sincere…
The sound of two electronic bleeps has me snapping my head around to look for the source. Breaking our stare off and popping out of the bubble we were both in a second ago.
Cassandra has finished her speech.— shouldn't it have finished sooner??
Two more ringing beats hail the start of the music. My eyes lighting up in recognition as I bounce slightly on my toes, "Oh! I know this song!"
Well of course I do. I found out about it thanks to this episode, after all…. And subsequently memorized all the lyrics.
I grin like the dork I am, starting to sing along under my breath to the lyrics. "Now I know, I've got to…Run away. I've got to…" I Look around for Rose—
only she looks like she's about to drown in the crowd.
Right. First time with lots of aliens— even if they are friendly… mostly anyway.
"Refreshments will now be served..." The steward announces as Rose makes for the door. "…Earth Death in thirty minutes." My smile fades, heart sinking.
Remembering what's about to happen.
Only thirty minutes. Everything goes to hell in less than thirty minutes.
"I'm going after Rose!" I Say over my shoulder, Already running after her; dodging around people as I go.
I hear footsteps following behind me, knowing the Doctor has the same idea as I do— until Jabe calls out to him…and me too? "Doctor, Faith." I only glance back for half a second, not stopping— almost running into someone because of it— not even long enough for her to take her picture.
Simply dashing around the corner after Rose, only catching glimpses of her as she starts running once out the door.
Shoot. Shoot. Shoot. Shoot. What the heck am I supposed to do? I've just been winging it. What's gonna happen?? Why did I put off thinking about this? Stupid procrastination. Who dies again?? Jabe…the steward…. Who else?? There were more, right?? There's almost always more. And Why is there always a timer?? Half an hour is nothing at all! I have daydreams longer then that!
Rose finally stops after the fourth turn, slowing down next to a window.
I hesitate for a second. Catching my breath as quietly as I can. Now what do I do?
Rose probably just wants to be alone right now…
Before I can actually plan out what I'm going to say or do, Rose looks up at me and our eyes meet.
For a second, I just stand there like a deer caught in headlights. Feeling guilty for following her…
But then her shoulders relax, and Rose gives me a tired smile. Motioning with her head that I can join her, before going back to looking out the window.
Not knowing what to say, I slowly draw closer, hand playing with the beads on my bracelet. Deciding to just focus on the view outside instead of coming up with a conversation starter. Watching the slowly moving shock wave move out from the sun... So much further spread then it was before.
"So— um. You seem to be… takin' all of this rather well." Rose pipes up. I glance over at her, watching as she eyes me speculatively.
Shrugging, I focus my attention out the window instead of on her curious eyes. Hands stuffed into my jacket pockets as they begin to fiddle with the inner lining. "Not really, I think we're about equally out of our depth. I'm just… well, disassociating I guess."
Plus I've been dealing with an alien filled universe for months now. This just happens to be the first time I've seen so many different species.
Somehow realizing that I'm disassociating fills me with an empty sort of melancholy. Knowing that to Rose, that's her earth out there. That Rose considers it 'Faith's' earth too.
But it's not.
There's a huff as Rose leans up against the wall, crossing her arms in self comfort, looking out the window. "Well, you're doin' a better job handlin' all this then I am."
I let out a mirthless laugh, "are you kidding me? I went and broke down in the bathroom—like, two minutes ago. You're clearly doing better then me."
"What? Seriously?" She asks, whipping her head to me before getting an odd expression on her face. "they've still got restrooms? Like, with proper toilets an' sinks an' stuff?"
I snort. Happy she's dismissing the whole 'emotions' part of what I just said. "Well yeah. It might be the future— and in space no less, but I think some things stay the same no matter where you go— maybe. Hopefully." I cringe. Thinking on that for a second. Not a pretty thought.
A hesitant giggle brings me back to Rose, who's looking at me in baffled amusement, and I start giggling too. "Look at us. Far future, talking about toilets of all things."
"Oh no." I shake my head with a grin. "That ones all on you for bringing it up."
"Oi! You were the one who mentioned it!" She laughs, slapping good naturedly at my arm.
We giggle for a few more seconds, before Rose catches sight of something over my shoulder, her smile sliding into something more subdued "oh um, sorry. Are we not allowed to be here?
I glance back, seeing a woman who I'd guess to be in her early 30s if she was human…but she's, well— blue. So who knows how her race ages. Either way her features are pleasant and kindly. Wearing an army green jumpsuit and matching cap. Should I know her? Was this part of the show?
She's looking back at us with just as much tension as Rose is eyeing her with. Glancing nervously between us two humans, like she's not sure if she should speak. "…You have to give us permission to talk." I blink. Oh.
Putting on a sympathetic smile, seeing as Rose isn't making any move to say anything, I'll just have to do. "well that isn't fair to you at all. You have permission." I say cheerily.
The lady's shoulders relax, face slowly lighting up and her gold slitted eyes crinkling at the corners, blue scales shimmering in the dim light of the alcove. "Thank you! And, no, to answer your question, you're not in the way. Guests are allowed anywhere."
"Okay." Rose says, still staring past me, at the older lady…
I huff at her antics, immediately switching into polite smiley mode when I turn back to the…engineer? Mechanic? "thank you for explaining, we won't cause you any trouble."
Just like my last future adventure, she looks surprised. Like she's never seen someone be polite before. "Oh. It's— it's no problem."
"What's your name?" Rose finally asks, snapping out of her daze.
"Raffalo." The woman answers back over her shoulder, typing in some sort of code into a key pad on the wall.
"Ra…ffalo?" Rose repeats,
biting my lip, I feel my social anxiety skyrocket at Rose's awkward attempts at communicating.
Plastering a smile on my face and doing my best not to cringe as I reply back. "Nice to meet you Raffalo. My name's Faith, and this is Rose."
Raffalo smiles, "nice to meet you too, miss Faith, miss Rose. I won't be long, I've just got to carry out some maintenance." Saying this, she kneels at a vent, starting to unseal it. "…There's a… tiny little glitch in the Face of Boe's suite… There must be something blocking the system. He's not getting any hot water."
"So…. you're a plumber?" Again with Rose and her blunt questions. I bite my lip again.
Raffalo glances over at Rose with her eyebrows raised, then looks to me, seeming to realize my discomfort. Sh smiles in solidarity, "That's right, miss."
"They still have plumbers?"
"Rose…!" I whine like a school kid whose mum is embarrassing them. Struggling to find something to do with my hands.
"What? it's an honest question." She shrugs and I really really want to slam my face into the wall.
Thankfully, Raffalo doesn't take Rose's bluntness as an offense, laughing at the odd question "I hope so, else' I'm out of a job."
"Where're you from?" Rose tries again.
Ok. I'm done with Rose's intrusive questioning into the life of a complete stranger. Goodbye. I'm going back to the party. This is death by secondhand embarrassment.
" Crespallion." Raffalo answers. I inch around The two and make for the hallway.
"That's a…planet, is it?" I'm not able to stop the cringe this time. Shoulders tensing. Roseee that's exactly how you don't blend in! Shut up. Please, just shut up.
"No. Crespallion's part of the Jaggit Brocade, affiliated to the Scarlet Junction, Convex fifty six." I freeze. Just at the corner. This sounds familiar. But I definitely haven't heard it here. Which means—
"—And where are you both from? …If you don't mind me asking." Raffalo asks, glancing between both Rose and I.
There's a moment of silence as we both look between each other. Silently debating on who will answer this one.
"Oh um. No, we don't mind at all. Er, I don't know…." Rose starts with a shrug, but quickly trails off.
"A long long ways away…." I try when Rose faulters, eyes drifting to the planet down below and think of my own. "Someplace a lot like the earth down there…. Sky was a bit…." I trail off, Rose taking over for me when I lose myself to thoughts of home.
"We just…just sorta hitched a lift with this… this man. I didn't even think about it. Don't think either of us did. I don't even know who he is. He's a complete stranger….." Rose takes a deep breath, recollecting herself.
Raffalo giving us both a look of concern. Something I don't have the words to solve, so I smile. Trying to convey that we will be fine.
It doesn't really work. Not for either of us.
"Anyway," Rose says, snapping out of her own thoughts "don't let us keep you. Good luck with it." She marches up to me, taking my hand and squeezing it, I squeeze back.
" Thank you, miss Rose. And er, thank you for the permission, miss Faith. Not many people are that considerate."
"Oh. Um. No problem. It was nice meeting you. Good luck." I say, nodding my head.
"Okay….See you later. C'mon Faith. Let's go." Tugging on my hand Rose pulls me around the corner
I let Rose drag me down the corridor just a little bit, lost in thought. What happens to Raffalo? It isn't that simple, is it? It's never simple on the show.
This isn't the show though. She could be fine.
She could also die.
I stop in my tracks. Hand slipping out of Rose's. The girl stopping a few steps in front of me, eyes curious.
"Sorry Rose, I… forgot to ask Raffalo a question. I'll catch up in a moment." Saying that, I wave, jogging back down the hallway.
As I run up, hear Raffalo's voice just catching sight of her feet as she crawls into the outlet "Hold on! I if you're an upgrade I just need to register you, that's all. Oh, come back."
Quickly, I run over and drop to my knees
"Ah, there you are. Now, I just need to register your ident. Oh, there's two of you. Got yourself a little—ah!!" I brace myself on the wall, using all of my weight to pull Raffalo out by her ankles, legs, then arms— until she's all the way out.
What— what d' you think you're doing?!" She squeals, but I ignore her.
"Sorry Raff—" I grunt, lifting the metal cover— the clink of hundreds of metallic needle like tallons echoing from inside the grate. I slam the grating on the opening.
"How do you lock it?!?" I yell. Panicking as the first couple spiders slam into the metal, causing it to shudder and bump me back slightly. Red lights glowing from the grating
I glance over my shoulder desperately. Seeing Raffalo watching me in a daze, "help!!"
That gets her moving. Shakily skittering to my side. Her hands shaking as she lifts a device to the first corner, repeating "oh god oh god oh god" under her breath like a mantra.
There's another strong jolt and the cover lifts enough for one to skitter through. Raffalo screams, I push harder on the grate "hurry!!!" Watching as the lone sabotage drone zeros in on me. Starting to clink closer…
Red eyes watching me skittishly, before it jumps. Then it's on me and there's nothing I can do but let out a panicky scream, trying in vein to shake it off of me.
Watching as it jabs at me with its sharp razor sharp talons. Letting out keens of pain whenever it nicks a little too deep, and trying to protect my face.
It's like cat's claws so far. It's legs not strong enough to do proper damage.
Using one leg to try and kick at it once I manage to fling it off my arm, bracing myself with my other foot. But it just jumps back before striking again.
"Oh god miss Faith! What are they?! Raffalo shrieks, more metallic legs trying to squeeze through the gaps around the edge of the metal cover. My jacket protecting me for the most part, but some still cutting through the fabric and into my skin.
Wincing, I reply through gritted teeth "just focus on sealing this thing!!"
Still shaking, she does just that. making quick work of it once she gets started.
The clangs and scratches echoing around the room in a futile cacophony.
As soon as she's done I slide over to her tool box left discarded on the ground— grabbing the largest piece of metal I can find and using it to whack at the drone—
It also tries to escape, dodging all of my swings, but Raffalo gets it from behind. Smashing it with her heavy toolbox. Watching as it's legs spazz and spark for a few more moments, before falling limp.
We look at each other, both of us panting and covered in nicks and scratches. Me bleeding red, her bleeding green.
Both of us collapse in relief against the wall, the clangs of metal still echoing as the robots try to get out. "What…. What were those—those things? Who— who exactly— are you?" Raffalo finally puffs out.
"sabotage droids— I think." I puff back before groaning to my feet and checking myself over for injuries. Wincing at how many cuts I have along my arms and legs. Thankful that my clothes absorbed most of the damage. "As for who I am— I'm just Faith."
"You're—you're not actually a proper guest, are you?"
"Nope." I pop the 'p' lugging off the heavy toolbox And making sure the drone is good and properly broken before I pick it up.
"Then who are you?"
"I'm here to help—if I can anyway. Now can you get this to the steward's office? Tell him it's sabotage. Suspect still likely to be on board though their reason 's unknown." Saying this, I hand her the droid. Striding purposefully back down the corridor.
"But— where are you going!?"
"To find the man who can stop this."
——————
A/n: lol sorry for the wait, I actually had this written out pretty fast, but school started back up before I could read back through it and edit it. :p
I'm now in Third year!! One more year and I'll be graduating my art school! :D omg it's going waaay too fast! (Who let the Master speed up time on me?!?)
Omg, I totally didn't expect the reaction I got for the shoving scene lol! The reviews did help with some inspiration in this chapter, also made me consider Faith's reaction in a different light then I'd thought about it before. There are still some parts I'm iffy about with this chapter, so I may come back later to change some things up.
Thank you all for all your support! Reviews always make me smile! Hope you enjoy and are having a wonderful day/evening! Love you all!!