The Doctor is an idiot.

He knows this.

He's a coward too.

He ran away from his responsibilities, his duty to his companion, and dare he say it, to his friend.

He only meant to leave for an hour or two at most. Ask the Sisterhood of Karn about Faith's timeline…. The group of immortal women had been close allies of Gallifrey, and now that his home is gone—are the only real credible source of information on time, besides himself.

What he wasn't expecting from them was a prophesy.

'The lost child of faith shall witness the end, and watch the start of a new beginning. The death of an age shall come and they shall witness it all'

What does that even mean?? The Doctor still doesn't know… but he does know that it's an ominous sign.

Most prophesies he's heard are, after all. The whole profession is practically based in ominous forebodings and terrible circumstances. It's no wonder the lot are always so gloomy.

But he's lost so much… And in the end, he's still a coward.

There was a time when he wanted to die, many times during, and right after the War. But he doesn't want that now.

He doesn't want to watch his friends die, or to die himself.

So he ran. He dawdled. He stayed away in the hope that if he left Faith with Rose… to their normal lives… lives that he could never have…they could all forget. Live out their days and be happy.

He wouldn't ruin another life so young.

The Doctor is a coward, but he's also selfish.

He stayed away, kept himself in check for so long, met other people, danced through problem after problem with the manic energy of someone trying to forget something too good to be forgotten.

He knew he was spiraling. That the war had torn him up and spit out what was left of his shredded mind and body. Five hundred years in time lock is a long time to be fighting, he hadn't given himself time to heal.

Then the fixed points he kept stumbling on with Faith made it worse. Reminding him, reminding him. Always reminding him.

the War… the people he'd lost…. The people he sentenced to death… the children… his children… his family.

Faith's bright outlook and naïve take on life just made his own depravity that much more obvious in comparison.

He knew he needed to sort himself out before he got them both killed. Urged the prophesy into being all the faster with his brash and desperate thrashing, in his attempt to run from his pain.

He needed to stay away. He should have stayed away forever. Never came back… for her own good.

But…

He missed her.

She was, and is, a bright light in a dark and unforgiving universe, and it draws him like a moth to a flame.

He didn't want to face the prophesy— any prophesy. Those never end well and the prophets are all nosy busybodies who could hang as far as he cares—

but the Tardis urged him back time after time. Constantly reminding him of Faith and constantly chiding him on his behavior.

So he comes back.

And Faith, oh, his little, sweet, funny, too considerate human. She was just as he left her, all those years ago. Too long for the mayfly life of a human, comparatively short for his race… but it feels like the longest millennia of his life. He wanted to run to her, to see her smile and laugh, and just hear her voice again, to talk with her— but no. He couldn't do that. She couldn't know.

So he puts on his mask of a smile, and turns his attention to Rose.

Faith was mad, he knew. Hurt; he could see it in her eyes, in the way she folded in on herself and closed herself off. In the way she kept her distance and kept herself in her own little world. Completely ignoring him, and doubling her polite mask for Rose.

This wasn't the same open Faith he remembers spending time with….

But that's to be expected. He pushed her. And now with some—ok, a lot of afterthought— he realizes just how cloudy his sense of judgment was that day—those weeks— the months and years right after the war.

It was stupid.

He was stupid.

He's an idiot.

A fool.

A complete moron.

…but Faith is not.

How he convinced himself that she wouldn't notice, he doesn't know, but she does notice. She always notices, even if she says nothing of it.

He didn't realize how much she took in until she started rattling off facts, and he's certain there are plenty more she could have supplied, too.

The both avoid each other. Both pretending because this is Rose's first trip.

Because that's all he knows how to do: Run.

Faith wouldn't look at him. Didn't catch how often he glanced at her. Nor how carefully he made sure she didn't wander off too far… though she did end up wandering off when he was checking on Rose.

He forgot that she always manages to do that.

Nearly scared him half to death too.

Rassilon, that girl could wonder when she had a mind to. If she wasn't properly distracted she'd take the first path she could find, the only warning—if anything— being a brief 'ooh this looks cool' and then she'd be gone. Most companions at least made an effort to stay nearby… not Faith.

He won't forget the time they landed in that French town in the 1700s. She wandered off while he was distracted and didn't show back up for a good three hours. He'd been worried sick!

This felt like that all over again… but when she came back, it was so so so much worse then her shouting and being angry.

She had been crying. Her eyes red and puffy. That's when he truly realized how much of an ass he's been. How much his brashness hurt her that day.

Yet she still tried to keep up her mask. Weak and broken as it was. Staying calm. Taking the blame for his own stupid actions. His cowardice.

So he apologized. Meaning every single word, even though the mere words aren't nearly enough.

No, he vows to himself, he'll make it up to her. He won't leave her like that again. Never.

No, even when he tried, he couldn't forget his short— horribly short— time traveling with Faith. His mind replaying the events over and over and over. Finding all the contradictions. How little she says when she speaks. Replaying what he's said to her, wondering what she might have said in response if she was with him on other adventures….

Faith does not make sense.

He doesn't go back a second time, but he does for her.

He was going to leave forever…

But he couldn't.

He forgot about her art skills. Intrigued to know how she got them, why and where.

She drew him once, oh so long ago. Why didn't he ask her about it then?

her fascination with the different people around them was also a pleasant reminder. She has always been odd— different, from the very beginning.

She isn't like his other companions. She doesn't ask questions if she can help it. She isn't scared off by the strange, but fascinated by it.

And now she's so closed off that she probably won't answer any questions he may ask.

Even Rose only gets short, vague answers. Truthful, but hardly giving any insight into her life.

Why didn't he know she was religious? Christian too. But which branch? Why would someone who seems so smart believe in something like that? Not that it's a particularly bad thing… he just didn't think she'd take that side. Aliens and time travel alone should disprove some of what she's been taught.

And her cartwheel stunt earlier. It's a fairly simple move, sure, but the amount of control and self confidence she did it with… that alone speaks volumes.

Just who exactly is Faith McSweet— no, just Faith. After all the effort he put into learning her last name, it still doesn't feel right.

Speaking of her name, why doesn't it hold any power over her?

That's one reason he likes knowing his companions names, they are real and tangible and speak of the time they are made of…

Faith's name doesn't. Like his chosen title. Like any of the other Time Lords or Ladies. He hadn't noticed at first. Having just been around so many of his own people before meeting her. Now, after years of traveling, it's so glaringly obvious—

"Would the owner of the blue box in private gallery fifteen please report to the Steward's office immediately. Guests are reminded that the use of teleportation devices is strictly forbidden under Peace Treaty five, point four, slash cup, slash sixteen. Thank you."

The words cause the Doctor to stop in his search for the girls. Cutting his absent minded thoughts to a halt and pushing his speculations on Faith to the back of his mind.

With an annoyed huff, he turns back around to look for a crew member, grumbling about how they better not be doing anything to his ship.

———

Little does the Doctor know… Rose is questioning much the same thing, off in one of the viewing galleries, absentmindedly playing with the odd metal ball the 'adherence of the repeated meme' —or whatever they were called— gave them.

Well, gave the Doctor, and he handed off to her.

Who are the people she ran off with? She doesn't know anything about the Doctor.…And Faith never says anything. Faith's been living in her appartment for weeks— had it been a month?— and Rose doesn't even know where the girl is from!

Same goes for the Doctor though. Where's he from exactly? What's his real name?

Sure, Faith's not a 'bad' person…

neither is the Doctor… at least she doesn't think he is.

But still! She should know them! She's traveling with these people for goodness sakes!

"Earth Death— in —twenty five minutes." The automated female voice announces overhead for the second time. Reminding Rose of the fact she doesn't want to acknowledge.

"Oh, thanks." She scoffs back up at the hidden speaker. Heart aching with the knowledge of all the history that's about to be lost. The hollow weight in her gut hitting her when she thinks about being one of the only humans left, besides Faith.

That trampoline doesn't count. No matter what she says.

Oh god, this is all mad.

No, she shouldn't think on that.

she'll talk with Faith and the Doctor later. And this time she won't let either of them wriggle out of giving her answers.

Heaving a sigh, Rose puts down the metal ball, not aware of what it is.

Picking up the plant pot instead. Just what has she gotten herself into?

Considering all the weirdness she's been exposed to in the last two days, and who exactly gave the gift, she lifts the small plant up, "Hello? My name's Rose…. That's a sort of plant. We might be related….." she says softly,

then it hits her, "I'm talking to a twig." She deadpans. Setting down the plant while contemplating her possible insanity… that and her situation.

———

Meanwhile, Faith is speed walking down one corridor after another, humming 'it's the end of the world as we know it' ….or more like repeating the one chorus of the song she actually knows from her parents' singing of it. Which consists of those words, and the next section of 'and I feel fine' or was it 'and I'll be fine'? She can never remember.

But of course she'd get that particular song stuck in her head. She blames the Doctor. His words earlier are what put the song in her head. End of the world indeed.

Peaking her head through whatever door will open automatically for her—

—no way is she going to press the buttons. Who knows which one leads to an airlock, and she is not in the mood for a spacewalk deep-fry, thank you very much—

—she wanders blindly, looking for her companions.

She's lost.

And right after she marched away looking all cool too…

"Earth Death— in —twenty five minutes."

Letting out a frustrated growl, Faith speeds up into a light jog. If she focuses on something else, she can just almost forget about all the cuts panging with every step she makes. Almost.

Still, she's had worse.

She's not a little kid anymore.

She doesn't cry at the sight of her own blood like she used to.

Plus, she grew up with cats. These cuts aren't much different from cat claws… maybe a little deeper, but not too bad.

"Doctor…! Where are you!" She groans, not yet willing to resort to shouting—

pain jolts through her hand. With a yelp, Faith drops the sparkling hunk of metal. glaring down at the offending robot corpse and it's stupid sparking limbs, shaking out her smarting hand.

Picking it up again with an annoyed grunt and a few choice words including 'just' 'all' 'die' and 'stupid robots'… she continues, Now holding the stupid piece of junk more carefully.

Hiding it behind her back and slowing to a determined walk whenever another person happens to walk by. Though she does stare a bit, seeing different species was both interesting and mind boggling.

So far she's passed a a small green impish… thing… a bird-dinosaur-humanoid-ish couple, someone who looked suspiciously like a dark elf, and straight up bumbled into a woman—at least she assumed they were a woman— with red tentacles for hair, pure white skin and similarly red markings on her face. they had both been going around a corner, so there really was no stopping it.

Faith nearly had a heart attack in all honesty. She was fine with other intelligent species when she had time to mentally prepare herself, but this was like a wild Pokémon jumping out of a bush and her brain just sort of short circuited.

The young woman had been very nice, all things considered and accepted Faiths apologies graciously, even light heartedly. She had very sharp teeth…but a pretty smile.

So that could have gone worse… plus she was still semi-human looking?

Faith is just glad it wasn't the insectoid pair she'd bumped into. Those two still put her off…just a bit.

Heck. She's glad there aren't any Ood on board either. Even knowing they're nice, they still kind of scare her.

But really, Why is this place so darn big?? She's passed three separate elevators and who knows how many viewing galleries, not to mention a bar, a café, and a posh looking restaurant.

Several times Faith caught herself looking at the different people as if they were shadows, imagining their lives and relations… imagining what it would be like if and when they disappeared. Then she did the same with herself and her family back home.

She'd left behind a few half decent paintings. A small fingerprint to show she existed. Not what she wanted sure, but she had something like that back home. Faith has nothing like that here.

Do these people have anything like that?

Even then, those fingerprints don't properly show the person in life…

We are all just shadows in the end. She caught herself thinking, while looking at the doomed earth out one of the many windows, before shaking herself out of that.

Just because we are shadows, doesn't mean we have to be that way today. People don't have to disappear today.

Faith searches for another couple minutes, painfully aware of the time ticking by. Finally she decides to try for a better plan of attack then just searching willy-nilly.

Maybe she could go back to the Tardis..? The Doctor might be near there?

Thinking that, Faith closes her eyes, trying to find the blue box through their link, only…

No… the Tardis is in a different place now.

probably got locked up because of the no teleport rule.

Actually, didn't the speaker say something about that earlier? Faith never really listens to intercom messages… they just end up too garbled to understand, so by the time she's deciphered half the message the other half is done and the words she knows are useless anyway.

Well, regardless, her plan to find the Tardis is down the drain. she's betting that the Doctor and Rose are back in that first room…

…which she can't seem to find

Faith doesn't find them. Not really.

In the end, it's their angry yelling that finally finds her…

the sound kind of makes her want to turn around and stay lost.

Arguments are a lot less entertaining when you're actually there and know the people doing the yelling….

Anyway, She's probably going to end up standing to the side awkwardly until the fighting stops…

Great.

steeling herself for the inevitable. Faith gingerly presses a button to open the door, The muffled voices becoming comprehensible with the automatic swish of the door…. And so she reluctantly steps into the cage for the ongoing shouting match.

"—Tell me who you are! You're as bad as Faith!!" Rose shouts, and Faith reals back like she's been slapped, blinking several times in astonishment. As bad as her?? The Doctor is way worse! She overshares all the time!

….wait. She had been sort of actively not sharing since coming here. More in an attempt to smother her homesickness then general secretiveness.

Has she really been that bad about sharing information?

…yes, yes she has.

But Rose asked such pointless questions… and it really didn't matter. It was all gone anyway.

Quickly setting down the crushed robot near the door, Faith approaches Rose,

"Rose…" Faith starts, reaching out her hand. Knowing that Rose is going to lash out. Feeling it in the air and bracing herself for the inevitable.

"And you!" Rose whirls on Faith, said girl quickly retracting her hand, not ever really expecting to form any physical contact.

It's just as Faith predicted.

Rose's eyes burn angry and accusing, but there's fear shining there too.

Faith watches warily, Cataloging the other girl's reactions and body language. "Yes, me?" She replies slowly, taking a step back and trying not to appear threatening.

So Rose does know what kind of situation she's put herself in. It's like hitch-hiking, Faith not so much thinks, as the idea flashes through the back of her mind.

Rose has put her life in the hands of two near complete strangers, and she's only just now thinking of the implications of that.

"You're just as bad as him! You lived in my house for a whole month and I don't even know you!" She yells, "—I bet you knew about his ship changing our minds and getting in our brains and didn't say a thing!!" Well, yes, she did know that.. but it was kind of hard to miss? "Where are you even from, huh!? Who are you?? Both of you?!"

Before Faith can answer, the Doctor speaks up first, obviously just as agitated as Rose, "This is who I am, right here, right now, all right?! All that counts is here and now, and this is me!" He snaps, storming to the window to glower down at the dying planet below.

"Yeah, and I'm here too because you brought me here, so just tell me!" Rose yells. Crossing her arms and stomping over to the other side of the room when she gets no answer. Sitting with her body turned away from the two defensively.

Both leaving Faith in the middle feeling slightly shellshocked.

Slowly, Faith moves to the window. For a minute she compiles her thoughts and words, looking out into space and not seeing it. The anxiety from the yelling keeping her from thinking completely clearly, but she does the best she can. The past adventures with the Doctor helping marginally in this case.

she starts fiddling with a hair tie. "The Doctor is right…. This is who we are right now…and if we aren't comfortable speaking about where we're from, it's kinda rude to pester about it… but it's also true that we shouldn't travel without knowing anything about one another…."

But what can she say without bringing up things she doesn't want to talk about? Things that will satisfy Rose, and the Doctor would be equally comfortable —theoretically. If you subtract the domestics— to talk about…

Turning to face Rose, and noting she's gotten the Doctor's attention too, Faith starts her list, hands playing nervously the whole time, "My favorite color is purple, but I can't wear it because it makes me look as pale as a vampire. I most associate myself with a Rabbit, and my favorite genre is fantasy... I hate timers, they make me panic—"

she definitely sees the irony of that, traveling with the Doctor practically insures death timers

"I can't and haven't watched anything horror related, and I leave the room if there's too much suspense,"

again, the irony of being stuck in the Doctor Who universe,

"but for some reason I'm an adrenaline junkie. Oh. And I found reality really boring until a bit ago." With that, Faith finishes her tirade.

Rose blinks, not understanding, "you—what?"

In embarrassment, Faith covers her face with both hands, face going red, "shut up!" Then she lowers her hands crossing them over her chest, face still rosey, "you wanted to know to know who I am… that tells you more then… then anything about where I'm from… or who my family is ever will." She shrugs self consciously turning back to the window as she starts to fidget with her hands again… something both the Doctor and Rose notice but don't comment on.

They both look at each other behind Faith's back.

It was a sweet effort… if a bit… odd?

Definitely not something either of them would have thought of.

Neither were quite sure how to take her announcement. Other then the fact that it had broken the tension in the air, leaving both of them a little baffled.

The Doctor let's out a quiet sigh, shaking his head as he eyes his two companions, feeling his shoulders relax. Really, the two girls are just so different.

And once again Faith has avoided giving away anything about her past. Saying so much, yet nothing at all…

Rose snorts, the last of the tension leaving as she jumps up to stand between Faith and the Doctor.

Faith's fidgeting gets even faster as her ears turn as red as her face.

The Doctor raises an eyebrow as he catches some accidentally projected thoughts, quiet, almost a whisper, but definitely there. 'Stupid stupid stupid! Bad idea! Why would they want to hear—

He frowns slightly as he blocks out her— Faith's, embarrassment and admonishing thoughts… a human shouldn't be able to project like that… then again, she also shouldn't be able to feel the Tardis's telepathic field either, and yet he's seen her communicate with his ship… nearly as easily as he does. Or as close to as a human can manage.

just another one of her oddities…

"—Earth Death in twenty minutes— Earth Death in twenty minutes—"

"Yeah thanks…" Faith murmurs sarcastically, glaring at the ceiling.

Rose snorts again, grabbing the girl's arm good naturedly and giving it a squeeze. Neither notice when Faith sucks in a quiet hiss through her teeth. Rose pressing unknowingly on one of Faith's deeper cuts.

"at least one of you two says something, even if it isn't much." Rose says, moving her hand down to grab Faith's and starting to swing their arms back and forth "An' anyway, it's like my mate Shareen says—"

Faith wrinkles her nose for half a second at that name. She didn't like Shareen…. Then again she was really drunk the one time they met.

"—'don't argue with the designated driver.'" Rose quotes, "Anyway," she continues fumbling with her pocket and taking out her flip phone, still holding onto Faith's hand with her other, "s' not like we can call a taxi."

Faith eyes the phone as Rose turns it on and messes with a few buttons.

She's seen Rose's phone plenty of times, but still, it always gives her a fond pang of nostalgia whenever she sees the thing…. In the kind of way someone might look at internet explorer… it's old, slow, and basically useless, but you remember using it as a kid, and so it has some sort of value regardless… even if you aren't sure what that value is.

"There's no signal…" Rose states after a second, holding up the device like that will help somehow. There probably wouldn't be any signal even if they were on earth. Faith's never got any. Then again, she can't remember if hers actually had a SIM card in it, or if her mom only gave it to her for playing solitaire, and snake. "we're out of range, just a bit…"

The Doctor heaves a sigh, understanding the unsaid apology and deciding to offer his own… even if it does have a double motive. Best to get both girl's numbers in case of an emergency. Knowing him, he'll need it at some point… Especially with Faith's habits.

"Tell you what," he holds out his hand, gently taking the phone from Rose while simultaneously ruffling through his pockets to find his sonic and a compatible chip and battery— nope, not the rubber duck. Why does he still have that in there?? Never mind he'll clean out his pockets some other time.

Deftly he takes the phone apart as the two girls watch curiously "With a little bit of jiggery pokery…." He mumbles concentrating on what he's doing; because believe it or not, it actually takes some brain work to redesign primitive human tech so that it's compatible with the alien tech he's putting in.

"Is that a technical term? Jiggory pokery." Rose questions playfully, smiling with her tongue between her teeth.

…and just like that Faith is stepping back and away.

The Doctor glances up at Rose then follows Faith with his eyes, but she's distanced herself again. So he focuses back on Rose for the moment." Yeah, I came first in jiggery pokery. What about you?" He says, glancing briefly up, again.

Rose grins, not noticing Faith's sudden retreat, "Nah, I failed hullabaloo." They both laugh, a silent agreement that the argument is over and there's no hard feelings.

"And…There you go." The Time Lord proclaims as he finishes up his work, having also added his own contact for emergencies and memorizing hers. He hands the phone back to Rose while showing her the full bars.

Now to do the same with Faith's.

With hardly a glance up at the Doctor in thanks, Rose quickly dials her mum, stepping to the side and starting to pace slightly as the phone dials… "mum?"

The Doctor watches her until he's sure the call has connected properly, then turns his attention to Faith.

"Alright, now's your turn." He states as he joins her, holding out his hand expectantly.

She glances up at him over her shoulder, eyes guarded, he can practically see the gears in her head turn, taking half a second too long to respond, before she's shaking her head and taking a step back. "No… sorry. I don't have a phone." Her lips quirk up apologetically as she stuffs her hands in her pockets.

Incredulous, the Doctor raises his eyebrows "you don't have a phone?" He repeats, arms crossing.

"No." Faith shakes her head again.

"Twenty-first century girl and you don't have a phone?" He states again, watching her carefully. She doesn't give any obvious signs she's lying… but really? No phone? In her day and age that's almost sacrilegious.

"Yep. Not much else to say." She shrugs giving a 'what can you do' sort of look. Almost too innocent to be natural. "Oh, that's right. One sec." she adds, clapping her hands together and running off before he can say anything.

Wait… is she limping? Why would she be limping?

"No. I'm fine. Top of the world!" Rose says to her phone with a disbelieving laugh, catching the Doctor's eye and getting a grin out of him too.

Faith runs back, holding something that's sparking, one finger in her mouth. "It zapped me again when I picked it up." She explains simply, holding out the scrap metal to him.

He raises his eyebrows, "And when did this happen?" He asks, sonicing it dead— or more dead anyway— immediately dropping the scrap to the floor once it stops sparking.

Grabbing Faiths wrist gently so her can examine the light burns on her hands.

She tries to pull away but stops at his disapproving look. "When I got lost. There were a bunch in the vents…" she explains, her sleeve rides up and Faith tries to pull it back to her wrist…. but not before the Doctor catches sight of the blood and pushes the sleeve up farther.

"Tell me what happened while I start these healing" he orders sternly, already using his screwdriver to speed up the healing process.

She opens her mouth to start, but Rose comes over just then, "That was five billion years ago… she's dead now. Five billion years later, my mum's— What happened to your arm??" The other girl gasps, mum and time travel implications forgotten as she rushes over. Examining the scrapes along with the Doctor as Faith starts blushing again, covering her face with her free hand,

"Its really no big deal. They'll heal. I'm fine—" She waves off flusterdly, trying to step away but unable to with the Doctor holding her in place like he is.

"No you aren't! You're bleeding" Rose states, taking in Faith's appearance from up close now that her own drama has calmed down, "and your clothes are a mess! How'd you get all these cuts all over the place!?"

"Honestly It could've been a lot worse. Really I'm fine." Faith says again, trying for a smile that falls flat, her dimples showing more prominently with how her lips are pressed in a tight line.

"Jeopardy friendly, you are." The Doctor states, still sonicing at the different cuts. Stimulating her cells to heal faster.

Honestly. They'd been here for less then half an hour. He lost sight of her for ten minutes tops.

"Not really… they're just scratches." She says actually managing a quick grin this time. Feeling fangirl giddiness at the Doctor's words… though really, it should be directed at Rose… and not nearly this early on.

Rose let's out an incredulous laugh, shaking her head, "Nah, I agree with the Doctor. What happened??"

"Well—" once again Faith gets cut off as the whole station shakes violently, nearly throwing the three off their feet. Faith's face pales.

It's started.

Now the clock is really ticking and there's no more time for fun and games. Not that there really was any time to start with…

"What was that??" Rose asks the Doctor, who's already moving towards the door.

"Honoured guests may be reassured that gravity pockets may cause slight turbulence, thanking you." The steward's voice broadcasts,

"Trouble." States the Doctor, "C'mon. Faith, you can tell us what happened along the way— leave that. Whatever it was It's just scrap now." That last part is also directed to Faith, who'd crouched down to pick up the spider remains, but quickly catches up with the other two a second later.

—————

I glance over at the Doctor as we walk, the only sound being that of our footsteps, and the hum of the engine, now a more frantic whine then the gentle drone that it was before that quake.

I told him and Rose about my encounter with the spiders… the Time Lord's face had immediately darkened, especially when I mentioned how they'd tried to kill Raffalo and how I got hurt.

Then he got his thinking—more like brooding— face on. he hasn't said much past that. Asked a question or two, but nothing I can really give a definite answer to without relying on knowledge I shouldn't have… basically just right out giving everything away.

In the end, no one likes a spoil-sport know-it-all who just gives all the answers.

Especially the Doctor with his love for mysteries.

Honestly I enjoy the unknown adventures better. Even if it is scary, being put in life threatening danger and not knowing how things will play out... There isn't the weight of responsibility. The tug of guilt waiting to hit, like a train you can just see in the distance.

It was weird. Those adventures… He'd grab my hand, and the worries and fear would melt. They'd still be there, in the back of my mind pumping me full of adrenaline…but they became almost invisible… actually, it was sort of like that in The Library too. But sort of different too…?

"Well, whoever it is doin' this— we'll stop em." Rose states with all the confidence of a six year old commenting on how to achieve world peace.

Now I can at least say that the Doctor's adventures aren't quite that simple.

And I haven't even been on the truly hard ones yet. Turns out those are the ones actually mentioned on tv.

At least that's my ongoing hypothesis. Seeing as I've only been on two of those adventures so far.

"Yeah, but first we have to figure out who 'they' are." I remind her, having decided that the best course of action is to act only on information I've gathered for myself, instead of foreknowledge. My memory just isn't that good.

Though it surprisingly hasn't slipped any farther over the months I've been here…. I should have lost more details, surely…. But it's just about the same?

Well, memories of the show are anyway. Anytime I think about what I was doing right before I was taken here, my thoughts get all jumbled and I get a headache.

Absently, my fingers trace my phone case, fiddling with the device in my pocket… the lie I said earlier making my stomach squirm and boil uncomfortably.

It's half true… I don't have a flip phone and haven't for ages… I just have one I shouldn't have.

Thankfully the Doctor didn't catch sight of it. I'd had it tucked in the elastic of my pants earlier, a —probably bad— habit I've had for ages. It just feels like it'll get stolen if I leave it in my pocket… if it's touching skin at least I know it's there.

Plus it's easier to hide that way. Like a super spy.

But it did just save me from an awkward —and potentially volatile— explanation on why I have 'future tech', and haven't said anything about it… or the fact that I'm not actually from the same year as Rose…

I do plan on telling them… just not now. And that's only if the Doctor actually turns out to be trustworthy.

What if it's like one of those dark fics, and he turns out to be a controlling narcissist with a god complex and too much power as it is?

Someone painfully close to becoming the Valyard… whatever that was again. It was bad though. I remember that. Like how crazy Ten acted with 'the Waters of Mars' episode.

No way am I putting my trust in a crazy megalomaniac.

And sure, he hasn't acted like that yet…but he proved— less then an hour ago— that he's willing to make decisions and act on them, without actually consulting me, even when they directly effect and involve me.

Wait, are we still on earth time??

This is the longest half-hour ever if we're still on earth time.

My gosh I want to get my phone out and check the time—

There's a light tap on my arm and I flinch slightly, blinking up into curious blue eyes. "Sorry, what?"

"Rose was just sayin' that you two could go scope out the gatherin' for anyone suspicious, then while you do that, I'll do some investigatin' on my own. 'Divide and conquer'." He says the last but in a silly voice and a roll of his eyes, though there's a grin on his face.

I nod, still half in my own thoughts, "Ah. Alright. I'm not going near the mafia boss though." Saying this, I pass by Rose who's stopped to look at me in confusion.

"The 'mafia boss'? Which is that then?" The Doctor asks conversationally, a slight grin on his lips.

Without answering, I look back at Rose, giving an amused raise of the eyebrow and a grin when she doesn't move. "What?"

She shakes her head, "Nothing… just wondering the same thing as the Doctor." Saying this, she starts to walk again, catching up with us, "was that the blue one in the chair?"

"Nah. The skin flap." I clarify, before adding lightly "…Though I don't really wanna talk to him either." I Wrinkle my nose at just the thought, I can still feel the ghost sensation of their saliva dribbling down my cheek.

Ugh, yuck!

Involuntarily, I shiver, "Yeah, no thank you."

Rose laughs, "wait, so how's she a mafia boss??"

I shake off my grimace just as fast as it came, shoving the thought of Moxx spit into a mental burning trash can, and give Rose a conspiratorial smile, as I now play at nonchalance. "Well, lots of money…. past tense third husband, probably dead first and second husband…." I let my sentence trail off while giving an exaggerated grimace and shrug, "she gives bad vibes, and does potentially dirty business. So mafia boss."

Doing a little twirl, I head for the door that'll take us to the party, "It was either that or 'black widow', but…" I hesitate for a second, I haven't talked about them since the library… not really.

But Rose is right… I shouldn't keep everything to myself. And I love them. I don't want them to be forgotten. "…my friend liked that superhero and my brother liked that type of spider when he was little, so I'm not gonna tarnish the hero, or the spider." I finish off with a shrug.

They're such useless insignificant facts, but it feels like I've just exposed something precious.

Pressing the button for the door, I plan to head in, but Rose stops me, "you have a brother?"

Of course she'd latch onto that…

I smile teasingly, feeling sick inside at the memory of him, one of my very best friends, the idea that I'll never talk with him again, never listen to his silly rants on video games, or how good music can make or break a game or movie, or hear his extremely rational advice, or lose an argument because his side is too well thought out and I just can't— I refuse to let it show, letting out a giggle, acting like it means nothing at all, "All of that, and that's the part you're interested in?"

Turning, I stride in without another word, I let the quiet chatter of different languages and the general noise of the gathering overtake me. I'm here. I'm right now. Don't think on the past.

"This is the Bad Wolf scenario…." I hear one of the guests say, but can't quite tell from where. The hairs on the back of my neck rising. So Bad Wolf does happen.

Maybe she can send me home. Or at least undo this stupid transformation and make me fully human again. That is, if I can survive that long.

Quickly scanning my surroundings, I note where everyone is, like a mental radar, and then take in the positions of the windows and where the best spots in the space station would be for protection against the sun… the hallways.

But even that's iffy since there are some windows there too, and plenty of glass doors to reflect stray beams of light…

Rose walks up at my side, scoffing, with an indulgent shake of her head, "You say the weirdest things, you know. 'Mafia boss' and 'black widow' honestly. You don't know that her husband's are dead. You just came up with that."

I nod with a cheeky smile, noticing the Doctor watching us and deciding to bring him into the conversation too, "All the best people say weird things. And we don't know that they aren't dead either. Also, Have you heard him talk?" I jab a finger at the man, feeling like my feet are slowly but surely coming back under me after my earlier fall.

"Oi!" He butts in, in mock offense— though there's a twinkle shining in his eyes. I good naturedly elbow him in the side, and he just as quickly musses up my hair. "You two are just a bundle of laughs." He says sarcastically, still trying to mess with my hair,

Laughing as I try to bat him away and fix the tangled brown mess, I address Rose over my shoulder "—I'm sure you'll start too— if you keep hanging out with us.— Ahh! Stop it!—then you'll fit right in with us weirdos!." I end with a manic smile, dancing away from the Doctor's reaching hands, but that all drops away into a mask of politeness as Jabe approaches…

I take a step back so that the Doctor is the closest one to her.

Noticing my change of air, he looks around and spots her across the room as well. Clearing his throat, the Doctor pretends like he wasn't just behaving like a 12 year old, Starting to sonic a tech panel on the wall, "anyway, that wasn't a gravity pocket. I know gravity pockets and they don't feel like that." He finishes up his job, just as Jabe reaches our group, "What do you think, Jabe? Listen to the engines. They've pitched up about thirty Hertz. That dodgy or what?"

Lifting my hands to my ears, I close my eyes to hear better over the crowd and noise, while Jabe flounders for what to say. The noise has picked up. Grinding and fast, stuttering every couple seconds, but those stutterings are getting faster too….

"It's the sound of metal. It doesn't make any sense to me." She finally gets out.

I open my eyes, lowering my hands again. Jabe's attention is still solely focused on the Doctor, fluttering her eyelashes and smiling prettily. Huh. Didn't notice before, but It looks like she's got sparkly gold dust over her nose and cheeks… Pollin? Natural skin—er, bark tone? no. That's not important right now.

Tugging on the Doctor's sleeve I wait till I've got his attention and his eyes are on me, "Doctor, whatever that sound is, I don't like it." For once I let the panic show through my voice. Anxiety playing across my features. I really do hate timers. And space. Cold, dark, unforgiving, space.

He glances down at me and my fidgeting hands and gently takes one of them in his and squeezes before letting go again, focusing on Jabe. "Where's the engine room?"

I take in a deep breath and let it out. We'll be fine. I'm not some damsel in distress. He doesn't need to baby me.

Thinking that, I look for Jack— I should probably call him the face of Boe— and River, I might as well get them caught up on the situation…

but as I step away towards them, I find my hand caught again—And turn to give a reprimanding look at the Doctor. I don't want to hold hands. Especially not with him right now. I've got other things to do!

"I don't know….but the maintenance duct is just behind our guest suite, I could show you… and your wife, and sister."

I blink at Jabe's words. She clearly indicated me when she said wife. "I'm not his sister, or his wife." I state bluntly, playing dumb and taking her to mean me for the sister role.

"She's not my wife either." The Doctor states, letting go of my hand, and nodding in indication back at Rose. "Neither of them are. And We're not related." His voice gets a little hard at that. A wall going up.

Did he have a sister? A brother? What was his family like? No. That's none of my business.

"Partners?" Jabe presses, one eyebrow lifting,

Well that's about as far as I want that to go. Too far down that rabbit hole for me. "Friends. We're friends. Nothing more nothing less." I state, giving both her and the Doctor a stern look, daring either of them to say anything more on the subject.

Jabe, thankfully, has the selfawareness to look ashamed. "Of course. Please excuse my rudeness," the tree woman gives a slight bow of the head and I mirror It, though before I can say anything, Rose pipes up. Apparently through being ignored.

"Well whatever I am, it must be invisible. Do you mind?" She steps in between Jabe and the Doctor, backing up towards the rest of the room, "Tell you what, you two go and—pollinate. I'm going to catch up with family. Quick word with 'mob boss' Michael Jackson." And with that, she marches off, only sparing a glance to make sure I'm ok.

When our eyes meet, she gives a subtle nod of invite, but I shake me head with a smile.

I really don't want to talk with Cassandra.

"Don't start a fight." The Doctor calls after her, but she just waves him off. So he turns to Jabe with a smile, offering his arm like a proper gentleman "well then, I'm all yours."

I raise an eyebrow.

Guess that's my cue to leave.

…So I start wandering back towards Jack and River. Hearing Rose yell "And I want you home by midnight." As I walk away.

"—Earth Death in fifteen minutes—Earth Death in fifteen minutes—"

I freeze.

Right. Fifteen minutes left.

Gosh, I hate timers.

Speeding up, I glance hesitantly at The Face of Boe… his eyes are closed. I'm kind of glad for that. It's hard to figure out how to talk to him...

Quickly, I grab River's arm to get her attention, not really thinking—

that is until there's a dagger at my throat. And my hand is pressed behind my back in a way that would be very painful if I wasn't so flexible.

"Oh, it's you, Darling." Just as quickly, the knife is sheathed and gone from sight, and I'm being turned around so I can see River's concerned face scanning me for any accidental injuries. "are you alright? You really shouldn't sneak up on me like that. I could've hurt you— Darling, how did you get all these cuts!?"

"I'm— I'm fine. Don't… you don't need to worry, really!" I try to reassure, sounding like a broken record. Note to self: don't get obviously injured. And definitely do not approach River from behind. "—and Sorry… I won't do that again…" I stutter, taking a step back and rubbing at the spot on my neck where the sharp metal had pressed, yet not broken the skin.

I shake my head to get back on track. I had a reason for coming over here. What was it? Right, "um, can I ask you…? uh, can you watch out for Rose for me? There's foul play going on and she's the type to get stuck in the middle of it…"

"And you aren't?" River asks, crossing her arms,

Biting my lip, I consider that…. I don't exactly have an answer, so instead I glance over at Rose…. She's already talking with Cassandra, one of the woman's … nurses? Wheeling the Last Human over to the window so that she can look below while they tal— oh gosh wait, is that her brain under the skin stretcher?!??? It is. I'm going to be sick. That is just gross….

No no no no. I've got to think calm and rationally. Forget the brain, and the frightening number of surgeries, and the blood bleaching, and just the skin in general.

Rose will definitely be safe if River is helping her out. I need River to make sure there isn't any horrible butterfly affects that leave Rose dead.

Thinking that, I turn back to River, staring pleadingly into her blue eyes, "Please?"

She stares back evenly, "Does this have to do with your foreknowledge?"

My heart gives a little jolt and she sighs, "really dear, you're too obvious. I'll keep Rose out of trouble. You just try and stay out of harms way yourself."

I nod, smiling at her concern, starting to step away, "And in a few minutes, help get everyone out into the hallways please."

"Alright… but Faith?" River calls reluctantly,

I turn back around "yes?"

Putting her hands on my shoulders she gives me a pleading look, her eyes looking almost heartbroken, "stop with the sugary polite act? It's just strange having that directed at me."

I blink, not sure how to respond…so I just shake my head slowly, a half smile ghosting on my lips, "but… I don't….know how… I should act around you yet…?"

She closes her eyes in frustration— or maybe pain— and rubs at her face as she lets go of me, "I know— just— Open. Carefree. Over dramatic. Take your pick. You're always polite—well, mostly. I just—" she lets out a tired sigh, "I just hate it when you treat me like all the other strangers."

There's a moment of silence before I finally speak up, nodding slowly "Alright…" a grin spreads over my face, "but I make no promise."

A smile spreads on her face too, and her eyes look just a little lighter, a little younger, "Good. I wouldn't want you to. Now get moving."

As I turn away, I glance at Jack— Boe— whatever— to see his ancient eyes open and watching me. I don't change course, still heading for Rose. I don't have much time… but I do try to project my thoughts.

'Jack, you know what's going on, right?'

Gosh I hope this works. I'll be a bit disappointed if this doesn't work.

'I do, indeed.' Comes his voice. Calm and deep. It still makes my heart jump a little when I hear it in my head.

'Good. Then can you get River caught up?'

'Of course, I will.'

I nod just slightly, even though I don't think he can see it 'Thanks. Then I'm gonna go check up on Rose and then go find the Doctor…. Hopefully.' Knowing me I'll just get lost and this will all be over by the time I find him… that's what happened in that one French town anyway….

'He and his pretty partner—

'Really Jack?' I cut in, sure she's beautiful—but right now?

He laughs and it fills my head, 'Not nearly as beautiful as you or professor Song, Fairy, don't worry. The Doctor and Lady Jabe are making their way to the engine room… knowing you're sense of direction, when it comes to instructions, I'll show you the way.' Saying that I find images of the hallways pushed into my head, a perfectly detailed map of where I need to go sent right into my head like I've known these halls all my life.

'Thank you Jack—Oh! And just in case, stay away from the windows!'

'I know, young one, I know…' the last words sound age old and weary, his presence fading from my mind, tired and old. I feel a slight pang of sympathy.

how tiring are telepathic messages to send for him? All the ones on the show were so brief… and he is old. Very old….

Back on track, I dodge around the insectoid couple I'd seen earlier and let out a sigh as I spot Rose— and Cassandra… so much for avoiding her.

Hiding my unease, I plaster on a friendly smile as I come up on Rose's side, "Hey, just thought I'd check up on you. I met this really nice lady and the face of Boe, I think you'd like them…" I can practically feel Cassandra's eyes on me… calculating how much I'm worth.

"Oh? Are you and… Rose was it? Friends?" I stiffen slightly, but try not to let it show, Turning to face Cassandra with a smile, even though my stomach is twisting into knots,

"Yes, we're friends."

"Did you want a word a recommendation with my surgeons too? I was just suggesting it to Rose here, but you could use it too. Both of you have a little bit of a chin poking out, you know." My heart starts to speed at the mere mention of surgery— of needles.

I feel Rose stiffen, obviously getting ready to lash out, but I grab her hand and squeeze, smile still in place, "thank you, but no thank you. Though it's… kind… of you to offer."

"Honestly, it doesn't hurt at all." She states flippantly. Of course it would hurt. It always hurts even when they tell you it won't— I take in a shuddering breath that goes unnoticed by the other two.

Rose scoffs, letting go of my hand, crossing her arms over her chest, "I'd rather die."

I turn to give her a meaningful look "Rose…" I state warningly, but she just stares back, eyes full of passion and rage.

"I mean it! I'd rather die. It's better to die than live like you… like a bitchy trampoline."

Cassandra gives a miffed huff, rolling her eyes, "oh, well. What do you know." And just like that, Rose is dismissed.

Then Cassandra is eyeing me again, "I have a lovely little Surgeon who would make you into the daintiest thing, and as I said, it doesn't hurt at all. You really should try it."

I replace my smile, feeling Rose about to explode.

I need to get her out of here. Now.

It feels like I'm dancing with fire, but I've done that before. I guess sometimes it helps to have persnickety extended family.

Smile a little more brittle, I try not to let my voice tremble with my next words. I should pity this woman. I certainly don't hate her… "Again, thank you but No thank you. I had a rather painful surgery when I was little and developed a bad phobia. I'm afraid even seeing your nurses set me a bit on edge."

So much for the last couple months of keeping my business to myself. I'm just over sharing everything today.

Cassandra eyes me again, thinly veiled distain showing on what's left of her face. I can practically hear her labeling me a mongrel. "oh I see. That's… quite a tragedy. And here you could have been…so much thinner."

"I can assure you, I'm perfectly happy as I am. Thank you for your concern though… now if you'll excuse us, I think Rose and I should be going. Thank you for your time." I grab hold of Rose's arm again, but she isn't having it…

"W— no! Faith you can't just let her say things like that!" I try to pull Rose away, but she's not having any of it. Yanking her hand out of mine and walking back to Cassandra.

I bring a hand to my face. This is like watching a slow motion train wreck.

Oh Lord, just this once let her not stick to the script!

"Oi, listen here! We were born on that planet! and so were our parents! and that makes us 'officially' the last human beings in this room, 'cos you're not human. You've had it all nipped, and tucked, and flattened, till there's nothing left! Anything human got chucked in the bin. You're just skin, Cassandra. Lipstick and skin. Nice talking. Let's go Faith." Saying that she turns on her heal and starts to walk for the door, grabbing my hand as she goes.

No!

No! No! No! That was what I was trying to avoid and now Rose just got me involved too!

Right before we go around the corner I send a desperate look River's direction, one I hope she sees and understands.

The second we get to the corridor Rose let's go of my hand, agitation pouring off her in waves as we walk "Agh! That—that woman—that stupid trampoline! She just makes me so mad!! Like she's looking down on everyone and everything! And Faith, you! How could you just stand there and listen to her like that!?"

I let out a frustrated huff of my own, "yes she's annoying. And just looking at her makes me want to cringe away,"

"Then—"

"But," I cut Rose off before she can really get started, "I also pity her. For whatever made her that way, and for whatever bad decisions in life lead her to the point she's at. I was giving her a chance, Rose. Because maybe she hasn't experienced kindness in years, and just having a little directed at her will help. I don't know."

Rose looks at me skeptically "Faith, there's no way that's gonna work. She's just— she's mean. I'll bet you whatever kindness she had was nipped and thrown in the bin ages ago."

I sigh. Knowing exactly how unlikely she is to change like that. Just getting people to say something different has been an uphill battle. "Maybe so, but that doesn't mean I have to be mean right back. Kindness is all I can really give…" I hesitate for half a second before adding, "and I scare myself when I get mad and lose my mental filter."

Laughing, Rose links our arms, in better spirits now that she's ventted some of her frustration off, "I can't imagine that. Your too quiet and nice… then again, you were really yelling at that living plastic thing." She laughs again and I laugh with her, though mine is hallow…

That wasn't anger. Passion, yes. Desperation, definitely. But I was just trying to be heard. The more excited I get the louder I get and the Nestene wasn't listening.

"You know, she was being rude, yeah… but she was trying to help in her own odd way." I say once Rose's giggles have died down, not wanting her to hate Cassandra too much. She's horrible, yes. But she's also sad…

Rose scoffs "yeah, turn us into freaky skin flaps like her."

I wrinkly my nose, "Oof, yeah. That's just horrible. Don't make me think about that." I squirm uncomfortably at the thought and Rose laughs at my obvious discomfort.

"Were you serious about that phobia thing?"

"Yeah, I can't look at needles or my brain just shuts down. I basically revert to a hysterical four year old. What's even worse is when doctor's yell at you and tell you that you're a 'big girl' and shouldn't scream. It's not like I'm trying to do any of that, it just happens." I cringe, throat getting tight and heart beat getting loud in my ears at my own mention of needles.

The thought causing my chest to tighten in frustration, both at myself and the doctors. I should be over this by now.

"Wow, that's… I'm sorry." Rose says, looking curious but also unsure how to respond.

I nod, taking a calming breath and pushing away from those thoughts "Yeah, but I'm kinda lucky, I knew this one girl who had a phobia of rain storms and—" cutting myself off, I step in front of Rose as the Adherents of the Repeated Meme appear from one of the doors lining the hallway. My heart rate increasing for a completely different reason now.

"C'mon. I don't think the Doctor is down this way." I murmur, keeping my eyes on hooded figures and starting to turn us around.

The cloaked androids step menacingly closer… I freeze. They are taller then us, definitely strong enough to knock us out, and currently, they want to lock us in a room to die.

We obviously can't go forward, I don't know how fast they are, or if we can outrun them. Not to mention I have an oblivious Rose with me.

Sweat beading on my forehead, I grip Rose's arm just a little tighter.

She looks between me and the disguised robots in confusion, "Faith? What's the matter? What's going on?"

"We need to get somewhere more populated. Fast." I tell her quietly, about to make a dash for it.

Thankfully, a familiar voice comes to the rescue. "There you ladies are, I've been looking just about everywhere for you two." The repeated memes take a step back, apparently having a witness was against their orders. I let out a breath, turning to River, noticing three more hooded figures disappear through different doors behind River as well.

So we would've been trapped either way.

"Wait, Who are you…? Faith, who is this? Why's she wearing that mask?" Rose asks bluntly, as River meets us, taking us both by the shoulder and escorting is back down the hallway, "let go. I said, who. Are. You?? I'm not going if you won't tell me. Rose states, again when neither of us answer immediately.

"Uh…This is—"

"Hush now, you've made yourselves into quite a target. We'll discuss this once we're back on the main observation deck and away from prying ears, shall we?" River and her magical power of deflection to the rescue.

Rose looks to me, "Faith..."

I smile reassuringly, posture relaxing. "You can trust her. She's one of the people I was telling you about earlier.

"The assistant?" Rose asks, and I feel River's hand tighten on my shoulder,

"You did not tell her I was his assistant." River grits out, in the exasperated voice she reserves for the Doctor. Ohhh shoot.

Ding dong. I am so dead.

"Uhhhh… haha..hello…" I stall. Obviously guilty.

"Then what are ya?" Rose asks innocently. Probably saving my life, judging by how River finally eases her grip.

"Just an old friend…Definitely not his assistant." River states,

It's silent for a second, but I can't help it, I start giggling, "I can't believe this is happening."

Rose laughs slightly too, sounding much less hysterical then me. "I know right?"

No, no. Rose, you don't get it.

The Rose Tyler and The River Song are both walking with me… Together! It's just not something you ever expect to happen. Maybe at a Con—not that I've ever been to a comic con— but even then.

About Half the fandom would love to see this… the other half, probably wants to see them in a cage fight…along with several other companions.

I keep the giddy smile on my face, all the way back down the hallway….

"—earth death— in —ten minutes—"

…Until we catch the smell of burning.

The steward.

Raffalo…!!

I sent her in there hoping she'd get the steward out of there in order to investigate..!

I take a few steps forward, pulling away from River's hold, one hand coming up to my mouth in horror before I'm running. Barely even registering the surprised shouts of the other two.

Dread turns my heart ice cold as it plummets into my stomach. No, no. Please no. I saved her. She was small, just a plumber. Tell me I saved her. Tell me I saved him. Both of them. Tell me that the room was empty when it burned.

I round two corners, then three. Following the acrid stench and the plumes of smoke…

Until I'm standing outside a heavily smoking room, white light still burning the wall black from the small window at the top of the door. My breath comes out in pants, mixed with the occasional cough thanks to the thick murky air. The small blue workers are gathered already, chattering agitatedly among each other right outside the door.

Quickly, I skid to my knees, not caring about the road rash I just gave them as I stop by the small people, "was the steward inside? Raffalo? Are they dead??"

After a second of stunned confusion, and chattered words I can't make out, one of the taller short ones steps forward, the same height as I am while kneeling. I can't see their eyes thanks to the helmet they're wearing, but their black lips are pulled into a frown.

Their voice is hard to understand. Very high pitched and fast. They say something, but I shake my head slowly after a few seconds, waiting for my brain to catch up, but giving up. "…. I'm sorry, I don't understand. Can you please repeat that?"

Before they can answer, however, there's the patter of running footsteps, "Hold on, get back!" The Doctor calls as he rushes in, all the little ones beginning to chatter among themselves again and ignoring me.

I get up and rush over, hovering nervously as the Doctor pushes through the small crowd, starting to sonic the panel by the door.

"—sun filter rising—sun filter rising—"

Jabe rounds the corner a second later, "was the Steward in there?!" my heart jumps, at her question. Please no, please no…!

"You can smell him." The Doctor states darkly. Killing what little hope I had and making me sick all at once. I knew what that smoke could be, but to have it confirmed…

I cover my mouth with the sleeve of my jacket, both to keep out the smoke, and keep down the bile.

"Faith, have you found out anything? Where's Rose?" He barely glances at me, turning and striding back down the hallway.

I'm quick to follow, "She's fine, I was just with her— the repeated meme guys tried to corner us in the hallways, but we got away." Well, River and I got Rose away.

Brows drawing together the Doctor puts his hand on his chin, "So they're in on it too…" he looks back to make sure I'm still keeping up, but doesn't slow down when he sees I'm beside him, "We found another one of your little spiders."

I bite my lip "I don't like this. Like really don't like this."

The Doctor just hums in agreement,

"I'm sorry… miss Faith, was it?"Jabe asks, space-tree-buzzy IPad in one hand, metal spider monstrosity in the other.

I blink, eyebrows raised, taken aback that she's actually addressing me instead of the Doctor "Um—just Faith, but yeah. That's me?"

"I was just wondering… what species are you exactly?"

Whatever I was expecting, it was not that. "I'm sorry, what?"

She fidgets, looking uncomfortable, "It's just, forgive me, but I had my metal machine scan you along side the Doctor earlier…" she trails off,

My heart drops, mouth going dry. But after a second I nod jerkily. It's fine. I'm still human. "And what did your scan say?" I'm kinda surprised how calm my voice comes out. Like it's someone else's instead of mine.

"That's the odd bit." She says, sounding intrigued now that she knows I'm not going to yell at her for violating my privacy, "It refused to admit that the Doctor exists, but you… it wouldn't, no— couldn't identify you. It's like there's something blocking the scan… and when the scan finally did go through, it was as if your data had been corrupted somehow…" she looks back down at the data displayed on her screen, different chirps and whirrs coming up from it.

"Hmm… that is odd… I'm normal. Born and raised human, so there really shouldn't be any problems…" I say, trying to sound as pleasantly confused as I can manage.

The born and raised part is true enough. And there shouldn't be anything to block her scan… unless River was talking about my bracelet earlier, instead of referencing some future tech I get later, like I though she was...

Which, now that I think about it, would be out of character for the spoilers expert.…

But there really shouldn't be any problems. I should register human. Sure, maybe I've been a little more achey recently, like a slow spreading ache traveling across my skin and into my bones… and maybe my wounds have been healing just slightly faster then normal… and yeah, I think and comprehend things fast… but couldn't all that be related to the Tardis connection? Like how she's keeping me from getting seriously sick?

It's only been a few months, for goodness sakes! Surely I couldn't be that far gone…

Then again, the future Doctor had said a few more days and it would be irreversible….

But that was science. And even then it's a genetic mutation. It should be slow, shouldn't it??

Regardless, I'm hoping for some sort of supernatural time bending miracle to completely stop the change.

They happen every once in a while…even in this universe. Just look at the Empty Child episode— actually I could potentially use those nano machines… but I need to stay normal until I can sort it out from myself. I don't want the Doctor, or anyone else finding out until then…

As for miracles… I'm basically counting on Bad Wolf bailing me out and sending me home…

If I can survive that long.

Preferably in the form of this all being some elaborate dream where no real time has passed and my family doesn't even know I've been gone.

But maybe that's stretching it just a little bit too far.

Whatever the case is, I should still be mostly human.

"She's right." The Doctor pipes up, making me stiffen, which 'she' is he talking about? "Faith's been sick a few times while we've been traveling, and all her scans've come back saying she's 100% human." I bite my lip, walking just a little bit faster.

Guilt stings my insides. My conscience telling me I should stop lying and just tell the truth. Stop hiding things. I asked the Tardis to hide any anomalies… and she agreed for whatever reason. I couldn't be more grateful…but really, it's all lies. Everything about me in this world is fake and I hate it.

It's fake… but having the Doctor know I'm turning into a fake Time Lady is even worse.

Let him think I'm actually normal for just a little while longer…

I might not tell him about the mutation, but maybe I'll explain the dimension shift and time difference. That should be ok… not the immunity problem though. Not unless it gets really really bad.

We enter the observation deck, the large wave from the sun now dangerously close to both us, and the earth.

As soon as Rose spots us she runs over from her place by River, and the Face of Boe, "thank goodness! What were you thinking running off like that??" Rose demands, not even waiting until she's in front of me to start scolding,

I smile sheepishly, I guess I shouldn't've just run off like that, "Sorry, I had to go check up on something."

"Oh yeah? Right in the middle of a—" she struggles for the right word, waving her hand before settling on "an infestation!"

"She was checking up on us." The Doctor explains as he walks by, indicating himself, and Jabe… who's been busy for the last minute or two typing away at her scanner…

Actually, I was checking up on the dead, but sure, they don't need to know that.

"The metal machine confirms. The spider devices have infiltrated the whole of Platform One." Jabe announces, still looking down at her whirring scanner while holding the inactive spider with her other hand. an outbreak of worried murmurings follows her words. While this is happening, the Doctor casually waltzes over and snatches the robot out of her hand.

I stand back as I watch Rose naturally drift to the Doctor's side, asking a question and receiving an answer, all too quiet for me to hear, but I'll bet it has to do with what's going on here. Again, Rose is being a better companion then I'll ever be.

"How's that possible?" Cassandra asks, playing the part of a worried victim just a little too theatrically. "Our private rooms are protected by a code wall! Moisturize me, moisturize me.

"Summon the Steward!" Calls the Moxx, from somewhere in the crowd of party goers.

"I'm afraid the Steward is dead." Jabe informs them all solemnly.

Wait, I could use this time to restart the engine or whatever and save us some time… and hopefully lives…

that is, if I can figure out the controls…. Would it be similar to the stuff in The Library? Could I even pull that off without the tech manual literally right in front of me? It's been weeks. Months!

Maybe I could do it? I won't know till I try.

"Who killed him?" The Moxx asks again, I'm not fully paying attention now. Running through the corridors that Jack melded into my mind earlier. Making sure that I absolutely positively won't get lost.

"This whole event was sponsored by the Face of Boe. He invited us. Talk to the Face. Talk to the Face." That gets my attention. Cassandras grating voice practically refuses to be ignored.

"You know," I state… slightly louder then I'd intended, all eyes zeroing in on me. M

My hands start to sweat, and I cross them over my chest in case they decide to start trembling too. "you're protesting quite a lot." No. I should stop. She'll get caught regardless. "Pushing the blame on others….It makes you look pretty guilty." Too late. I've said it now. I just have to butt in, don't I? Why do I do this to myself??

Regardless of my social anxiety and other misgivings, I don't miss the way Cassandra twitches at my words… or how her eyes search for an escape.

The Doctor points at me, offering a brief smile, congratulatory and proud, "she has a point." There's a bubble of warmth in my heart and I feel just slightly giddy despite myself.

That's why I did it. Recognition…. In the end I still look up to him. Years of hero worship don't just disappear… even if I'm still not 100% happy with him.

"—But let's not jump to conclusions— Easy way of finding out." He lifts up the spider for all to see, "Someone bought their little pet on board. Let's send him back to master." He sets the spider down…

I don't wait to see what happens, slipping silently away while everyone's attention is on the Doctor and the spider.

I remember this part clearly enough… not to mention Cassandra's made it obvious enough with her own actions.

No one stops me, no one follows me… and soon all I can hear are my own footsteps echoing softly off the marble flooring. The whine of the engine as it fights to work, now that the spiders have sunk their claws throughout all of its systems, hums in the background. Besides that, and the quiet elevator-like music, it's silent. Like I'm the only one on the entire station…

It's the second of calm right before everything falls and shatters.

It's a lonely feeling.

It doesn't last.

There's a loud explosion then another and another. Each followed by a tremendous shake.

"—Safety systems failing—" an alarm starts blaring. More emergency warnings playing over the speakers.

Whatever artificial gravity they're using fails. my feet leave the ground. One heart dropping moment where I know this is going to hurt, then I'm thrown into the nearest wall, weightless for a second. My arms shoot up to cover my head, and my shoulder hits hard, taking the brunt of the damage.

Gravity reestablishes itself a split-second later, sending me sprawling and disoriented as I grapple for a stable handhold. The last of the tremors easing away. I stay frozen for a second, waiting for more, before I straighten up and rub at my aching shoulder with a hiss, finally able to get to my feet. I prod at the spot for a second assessing the amazing of pain, before deciding it's fine. Thank Ming the Lord that I'm alive, no bones are broken, and nothing's dislocated—

"—Heat levels rising—"

Blowing out a breath and pushing the pain to the back of my mind, I start moving faster, avoiding newly fallen debris; display cases, furniture, and broken glass, I remove my jacket, tying it around my waist as I move.

Behind me, there's the sound of pounding footsteps, I glance back just in time to see the Doctor skid around a corner, full on sprinting towards me. There's a full second of panic as instincts kick in and say to get the heck out of there— he is chasing me!!—before he's slowing down and matching my much slower speed, and logic catches up.

"You left!" He accuses, sounding genuinely insulted.

"Yeah I did." I say, in the blunt way I'd address my sister when she said something obvious, "Rose and Jabe were there to watch you be clever. I though I'd try and save time. Where are those two anyway?" I finish looking around for the two women, it's not like the Doctor to speed on ahead without people, even though he can.

"Had them stay behind to get people away from the windows— that was Rose's idea. Jabe offered to help." He answers, I raise my eyebrows, well that's new. Was it Rose's idea, or River's influence?

Wait, wasn't something supposed to happen to Rose? Get her trapped. Did I stop that? Probably.

Really not the time to think of the consequences of that.

"Oh, those two are gonna get along great…" I say aloud. They didn't exactly hit it off before.

…At least Jabe didn't call either of us a prostitute, like she did on the show.

"Why didn't you just have Jabe come? Rose could've handled the guests—or vise versa. Get an extra set of helping hands." I ask, the Doctor, dodging a fallen chair and watching the Doctor do the same,

"You're doing it again." He tells me, an unreadable expression on his face,

"Doing what?" I scrunch my face in confusion, dodging some shattered glass,

"Taking yourself out of the equation." He states disapprovingly, "And might I add, that having you wandering off all the time does not help me solve the problem." I blink at that, face slack. But Rose and Jabe and all those others were there? Why would me going off hinder him?

"Sorry, didn't think anyone would miss me." I state. And it's true. Why should they miss me?

"Well I did." He says decidedly. Still sounding miffed that I left in the middle of his big reveal, "Anyway, thought I'd find you, bring you along as my 'helping hands'. Since you aren't going to just stand around and watch me be clever. —You were right by the way. The last human was behind it all along. The Adherence of the Repeated Meme were decoy robots to cover up her trail."

"Well… that's a surprise." Refusing to the repeated Meme and trying to act like I didn't see that coming, "though, for my part, It was pretty obvious." I add, a bashful smile sneaking it's way up.

"It was, wasn't it?" He agrees with a grin, grabbing my hand as he runs a bit faster, tugging me along.

"—Earth death— in — five minutes—"

I grip his hand just a little tighter as we fly down the corridors, breath coming in heavy pants. Were the air systems damaged too?

"Do you always….have to cut it….so close to the timer??" I ask, his cool hand more or less grounding me from my inevitable spiral into panic mode,

"it's more fun this way." He says with a manic grin, "—I thought I did pretty good with Krakatoa."

"Only because….I sped you up! —and even then… we almost didn't…make it!" I retort between breaths, feeling my skin start to sweat as the temperature goes from pleasantly cool to just a smidge hotter then lukewarm.

"But we did!" He says, like a giddy schoolboy, "Couldn't've done it without you!"

"Now that's….not true!" I say, trying to look admonishing, but failing when I have to concentrate on my breathing and focus on where my feet are going. He did it without me before, has been doing it without me or anyone else for however long he's gone.

"…Maybe," he admits more seriously, though I'm surprised he didn't say something along the lines of 'party pooper' to my comment. He sure has the look of saying it. "but you definitely helped. Don't sell yourself short. You're important."

Am not. I don't answer. I'm not important. Not here anyway.

We enter a maintenance door and I watch the Doctor's back as he leads the way, letting go of his hand in the tight space. Steam starting up from different pipes and billowing around us, large bundles of wires and foil wrapped insulation lining both the walls.

The humidity doesn't help my slowly overheating body… or my shirt. Which is well on its way to reeking.

I'm definitely going to need a shower after this is all over. Not that that's anything new. Adventures have a tendency of that. Adrenaline and exercise are not conducive for staying clean and smelling nice.

The Doctor stops at an outlet, holding the door open for me to step through.

I do, with a grateful nod at his chivalry, and step into a massive chamber. White strips of lighting illuminate the space dimly— sort of giving it a Star Wars or Tron feel. The ceiling stretching stories above and three giant fans whirring above a maintenance bridge leading over to the main terminal.

I take in a breath, then wrinkle my nose, the air is stale and dusty, smelling like metal and grease, the wind coming from the fans too warm to be pleasant.

Stepping closer to the edge, I lean towards the chasm below, unable to see the bottom without getting closer then I'd like. Guess that answers my question about how big this place actually is.

"Oh, and guess where the controls are." The Doctor asks rhetorically, causing my to drift back over to where he's standing.

Not waiting, he tears off the metal covering of a nearby emergency panel. Finding the lever underneath and pulls it down, the fans slow, but speed up again the second he lets the switch go, the lever returning to its original upright position.

I look between the lever, the fans and the Doctor, ignoring the 'heat levels rising' and 'heat levels critical' warnings, along with the very annoying little siren that won't stop bleeping… and stride over to the switch, taking my jacket and wrapping it around the lever before pulling down.

"Faith, you can't—"

I let out a huff of annoyance and let the lever go back up. "Well someone's got to do it." Honestly it wouldn't take much to convince me not to do it. Just the anticipation of burning pain is enough to put me off. But as I said. Someone has to do it.

"No, Faith. You can't. The heat's going to vent through this place. You could stand it better then someone like Jabe, but not for long. It would kill you." He says again eyes scanning mine, worry lining his face.

I swallow dryly, "Well then, you'd better hurry. The faster we go, the easier it'll be right? I'll… I'll give you time to get across, so don't you dare go wasting it." With that threat delivered, I pull down the switch and feel the heat increase.

The Doctor, after half a second of hesitation, turns, talking as he goes. "What were you planning on doing? To help save time?" I know what he's doing and decide to play along.

I shrug, concentrating on his words. Trying to ignore the steady rise in temperature. "I don't know. Find some spiders to trash? Scope out this place and see if I could do anything? Basically wing it."

He laughs, just past the first fan, now concentrating instead of talking.

The temperature now stifling. Sweat starts to drip down my face, stinging my eyes, but I cants wipe it away because I need all my strength to keep the lever down. Stupid Doctor and his stupid super strength.

The lever is starting to get hot… each second ticking by like thick molasses .

I can feel my head getting foggy, the air now burning. My hands too, are showing the first trickles of pain from the cloth covered metal.

I can't hear the alarms over the ringing in my ears and my heavy panting breaths.

"H…hate to hurry you… bu…but I'm gonna be trouble…in troub… in trouble if you… you don'..!" I call, eyes closed, not sure if I'm even speaking coherently.

My own voice sounds far away, my legs wobbly. I use my weight to hold the lever as I sink down on my haunches.

So hot. All I can feel is heat and pain—

goosebumps break out over my skin and I'm shivering, even as the heat burns my palms. The fabric of my jacket turning sticky. Melting in the heat. My throat feels so dry. I think I'm going to be sick. The world is spinning, but not like it has before.

There's a voice, sounding far off… like it's under water.

The heat starts to recede…but then it's too cold, I'm shivering worse now… I can't see… are my eyes still open?

the last thing I hear is that muffled voice calling to me…

And then… nothing.

———————

A/n first of all: I hope you are all safe and well. My school is temporarily shut down because of the virus and quarantine notice... ah yes. Italy is a fun place to be right now... but hey, it's thanks to this unexpected break that I'm actually able to write and post this lol. So there's a small blessing in desguise? My goodness third year is crazy exhausting! so in general I'm having to put this on hold and focus on my projects...

I'm praying for safety, both for all of you, and your loved ones. It's really crazy, but I hope we can all stay strong and persevere. This illness won't last forever, so, as the title says, let's all have faith, and do our best. Love to all of you. Xoxox