The next day…
"So where do you want to go?" he asked as he dashed around the console in his usual manner.
"Surprise me", Alyssa replied.
The Doctor grinned before pulling lever. He and Alyssa hung on as the ship shook in its usual manner. Suddenly a fog horn blares through the large room. The Doctor and Alyssa look at each other confused before something crashes through the side of the TARDIS. Both the Doctor and Alyssa were thrown to the floor by the force of it, debris showering down on them. The Time Lord quickly got up, coughing from the dust and went over to Alyssa. "Are you ok?" he asked the woman, looking her over for injuries.
"Yeah I'm…." Alyssa trailed off and stared at the large ship's bow protruding "fine" she glanced at the Doctor but he looked as surprised as she was. He helped her to her feet and turns to the console to start repairing the damage done by the ship's bow currently sticking through the wall. Alyssa picked up a life preserver that had been lying on the floor and her eyes widened at the name written on it. "You've got to be kidding me"
"What is it?" the Doctor asked. In response Alyssa showed him the life preserver with the words HMS TITANIC on it. Again he was just as surprised as she was. He continued to seal up the damage in the TARDIS while Alyssa watched.
"You ok now Sexy?" she asked.
I'm fine. Thank you sweetie.
"I don't understand Doctor. How could we have collided with the Titanic? We were in space" Alyssa asked as they stepped out into a store cupboard.
"I don't know. Let's find out", the Doctor replied and opened the cupboard door. The room they walked out in, was wood panelled and decorated with Christmas ornaments. The Doctor and Alyssa head to a window, passing by several people in early 20th century garments.
"Oh that's how", Alyssa said looking out the window to see her home planet below.
Attention all passengers. The Titanic is now in orbit above Sol Three, also known as Earth. Population, Human. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Christmas.
"You wanted to be surprised", the Doctor told her.
"I am", Alyssa said "Very surprised. Can we stay?"
"Yes", the Doctor answered and the empath smiled.
~...~
The Doctor fiddled with the cuff of his shirt while he waited for Alyssa. "Sorry I took so long", the red head said from behind him.
"That's ok Ali" the Doctor turned around "I know…" he broke off when he saw what she was wearing. It was a knee length light grey dress embroidered with sliver snowflakes. "You look …beautiful", he breathed.
"Thanks. And you look rather dashing", the empath remarked.
"Dashing? Really?" the Doctor asked, adjusting his bowtie rather proudly.
"Yep", Alyssa replied "but don't let it go to your head mister", she added.
"I won't" the Doctor promised.
"Good because if you did, I'll highjack Sexy and leave you on Earth for a week", she said.
"Then I won't let it go to my head. I wouldn't want the two of you plotting against me" the Doctor held out his hand and Alyssa took it. They walked out of the TARDIS hand in hand.
"Merry Christmas, sir, mam", a steward said as the pair passed.
"Merry Christmas", the Doctor said. A dark haired man dressed in a tux walked past them talking on a futuristic looking mobile.
"It's not a holiday for me, not while I've still got my vone. Now do as I say and sell" Alyssa shook her head at the man, picking up vibes from him which told her he worked all day, every day.
"Evening. Passenger 57 and 58", the Doctor said after he and Alyssa approached a robotic angel. "Terrible memory. Remind me. You would be?"
"Information: Heavenly Host supplying tourist information"
"Good, so, um… tell me, because I'm an idiot…" the Doctor rambled
"You said it dear", Alyssa interrupted with a smile.
"Where are we from?" the Doctor asked ignoring her comment.
"Information: The Titanic is 'en route' from the planet Sto in the Cassavalian Belt. The purpose of the cruise is to experience primitive cultures"
"Who thought of the name, the Titanic?" Alyssa asked.
"Information: It was chosen as the most famous vessel of the planet Earth", the robot replied.
"Did they tell you why it was famous?" the Doctor questioned.
"Information: All designations are chosen by Mister Max Capricorn, president of Max- Max- Max…." the Host twitches its head as it keeps repeating the name becoming higher in pitch.
"Ooo, bit of a glitch", the Doctor said getting out his sonic but before he could use it, three stewards came over.
"It's all right, sir, mam we can handle this", the Chief Steward assured them as he switched off the Host. "Software problem, that's all. Leave it with us, sir, mam, Merry Christmas" Alyssa frowned as he and the other two Stewards carried the Host away getting the sense he wasn't being completely honest. She didn't have time to dwell on it when the Doctor asked holding out his arm
"Would you care for a dance?"
"Yes Doctor I would", Alyssa replied slipping her hand through his arm. They walked to the area of the room where other couples were dancing and started dancing themselves.
"This is fun. Maybe this tux isn't bad luck after all", the Doctor stated.
"Careful Doctor it's only early. You don't want to jinx it", Alyssa warned.
"No I guess I don't" They continued to dance in silence exchanging smiles. When the song was over, the pair wandered over to the large windows and looked out at the stars.
"I don't think I can ever get used to this", Alyssa commented.
"I'm 903 years old and I've not gotten used to this"
Alyssa looked at him surprised "you're 903? Wow, that's one hell of an age gap between us. I must be like a child in your eyes", she remarked.
"That's not how I see you. When I look at you I see a beautiful, strong, kind woman. Not a child" the Doctor said.
"Really?"
"Really. That's how I see you Ali" Alyssa kissed his cheek.
"I love you Doctor"
"Love you too", the Time Lord countered.
The pair's attention was caught by an argument nearby. The smartly dressed man, the Doctor and Alyssa had seen earlier had bumped into a blonde haired waitress causing her to drop the tray of drinks she was carrying. "Tov's sake, look where you're going! This jacket's a genuine Earth antique"
"I'm sorry sir", the blonde waitress said apologetically.
"You'll be sorry when it comes off your wages, sweetheart", the man said as the waitress knelt down to pick up the glasses.
"I don't like that guy", Alyssa said and the Doctor nodded in agreement. When the smartly dressed man stormed off, they approached the waitress.
"Careful. There we go", the Doctor said carefully picking up broken pieces of glass.
"Thank you, sir. I can manage", the blonde said.
"I never said you couldn't. I'm the Doctor, by the way and this is Alyssa", the Time Lord introduced.
"Hello", Alyssa said politely as she helped to pick up the glass as well.
"Astrid, sir, mam. Astrid Peth", the waitress said introducing herself.
"Nice to meet you, Astrid Peth"
"Merry Christmas", Alyssa added.
"Merry Christmas, sir, mam"
"Just Doctor, not sir", the Doctor said.
"You two enjoying the cruise?" Astrid asked standing up. The Doctor and Alyssa did the same.
"So far I'm enjoying it", the red head replied "how about you dear?"
"Yeah I suppose", the Doctor answered "What about you Astrid? Long way from home, Planet Sto"
"Doesn't feel that different. I spent three years working at the spaceport diner, travelled all the way here and… I'm still waiting on tables", Astrid answered and walked away.
"No shore leave?" the Doctor asked following Astrid with Alyssa.
"We're not allowed. They can't afford the insurance. I just wanted to try it, just once" Astrid cleared a table by the window "Never stood on another world" she walked towards the window and looked out "I used to watch the ships heading out to the stars and I always dreamt of… it sounds daft".
"You dreamt of another sky. New sun, new air, new life. A whole universe teeming with life", the Doctor said understanding how she felt "Why stand still when there're all that life out there?"
"So, you two travel a lot?" Astrid asked.
"All the time. Just for fun. Well, that's the plan", the Doctor said.
"Though it never quite works", Alyssa added.
"Must be rich, though"
"Haven't got a penny. Stowaway", the Doctor said whispering the stowaway part.
Astrid gaped at the pair "You're kidding"
"Seriously"
"No!" Astrid exclaimed.
"Oh, yeah"
"I'm afraid he's serious Astrid", Alyssa admitted.
"How did you two get on board?" Astrid asked.
"Accident. Bumped into the Titanic. Here I am. Bit of a party", the Doctor replied.
"And he promised me somewhere fun so we decided to stay", Alyssa added.
"I should report the pair of you", Astrid playfully threatened.
"Go on then", the Doctor challenged.
"I'll get you both a drink on the house", Astrid said and walked off.
"Now her. I like", Alyssa said.
"Me too", the Doctor agreed.
The Doctor and Alyssa headed back to the dance floor as Wish It Could Be Christmas started to play. When it was over, they wandered around the room. "Hey why don't we sit with them?" Alyssa suggested gesturing to a couple in purple cowboy outfits. A group very glamourous looking people were pointing at them and laughing. The Doctor didn't need to ask for a reason why Alyssa suggested it, he could see why she wanted to.
"Sure" he said and they headed over to the table "Something's tickled them", the Doctor commented as he and Alyssa sat down.
"They told us it was fancy dress. Very funny, I'm sure", the dark skinned woman replied.
"They're just picking on us because we haven't paid. We won our tickets in a competition", the man explained.
"I had to name the five husbands of Joofie Crystalle in By the Light of the Asteroid. Did you ever watch…"
"Is that the one with the twins?" the Doctor said interrupting the woman.
"That's it. Oh, it's marvellous"
"But we're not good enough for that lot", the dark skinned man said mentioning to the laughing crowd "They think we should be in steerage".
"We can't have that, can we?" Alyssa said glaring at them. Her gaze shifted to the champagne bottle and focused. The cork flew out of the bottle spraying champagne all over guest's clothes. Alyssa gave them a cheeky wave when they all gave her dirty looks.
"You did that?" the dark skinned man asked Alyssa.
"You betcha", the red head replied with a grin.
"We like you", Foon said.
"We do", the man agreed "I'm Morvin Van Hoff" he held out his hand to the Doctor who shakes it "This is my good woman, Foon"
"Hello, I'm the Doctor and this is my girl Alyssa"
"You can call me Ali if you like. Most people do", Alyssa said shaking both Morvin and Foon's hands. Alyssa wasn't even trying to sense their emotions but she picked them up all the same. She didn't mind it though as they were both very happy, cheerful people. It made her feel happy which to be honest after the 'year that never was', happy is just what she needed. Their happy emotions were enough to disguise the headache she received from using her gift.
"Ooh, I'm going to need a Doctor, time I've finished with that buffet. Have a buffalo wing. They must be enormous, these buffalo. So many wings"
Attention please. Shore leave tickets Red Six Seven now activated. Red Six Seven.
"Red Six Seven. That's us. Are you Red Six Seven?" Foon asked the Doctor and Alyssa.
"Might as well be", the Doctor replied.
"Come on, then. We're going to Earth"
Morvin, Foon, the Doctor and Alyssa got up and followed other people out to the reception to where a man dressed in a tweed suit was holding up a sign with the writing Red 6-7 on it. "I got you two that drink", Astrid said approaching the time travellers carrying a tray with two glasses on it.
"And I got you a treat. Come on", the Doctor said taking the tray from Astrid and setting it down on the table.
"Red Six Seven departing shortly", tweed suit man said again. The Doctor shows him the psychic paper.
"Red Six Seven plus two"
"Quickly, sir, please, and take three teleport bracelets if you would" the Doctor picked up three bracelets and gave one to Alyssa who put it on.
"I'll get the sack", Astrid whispered.
"Brand new sky", the Doctor said giving her a bracelet.
"To repeat, I am Mister Copper, the ship's historian, and I shall be taking you to old London town in the country of UK, ruled over by good King Wenceslas. Now, human beings worship the great god Santa, a creature with fearsome claws, and his wife Mary. And every Christmas Eve, the people of UK go to war with the country of Turkey. They then eat the Turkey people for Christmas dinner… like savages"
Alyssa tried not to laugh at his explanation as it was completely wrong, for most part. "Excuse me. Sorry, sorry, but, um… where did you get all this from?" the Doctor asked. Even he was a little confused by Mr Copper's information and he was a frequent visitor to the planet below.
"Well, I have a first class degree in Earthonomics. Now, stand by…."
"And me! And me!" a high pitched voice called. Alyssa's eyes widened when she saw a little red skinned alien with spikes on his head rush towards them. "Red Six Seven"
"Well, take a bracelet, please, sir"
"Uh, but, um, hold on, hold on. What was your name?" the Doctor asked.
"Bannakaffalatta"
"Okay, Bannakaffalatta. But it's Christmas Eve down there. Late night shopping, tons of people. He's like a talking conker. No offence, but you'll cause a riot because the streets are going to be packed with shoppers and parties and…" he didn't get to finish his sentence as the entire group vanished from the ship and onto an empty London street.
Alyssa looked around. It was weird to see it so empty. No people rushing about for last minute shopping. "This place should be full of people. Where is everyone?"
"I don't know", the Doctor replied.
"This is beautiful", Astrid said looking around in awe.
"Really? Do you think so? It's just a street. The pyramids are beautiful, and New Zealand…"
"But it's a different planet. I'm standing on a different planet", Astrid interrupted sounding excited "Th-there's concrete… and shops. Alien shops. Real alien shops! Look, no stars in the sky. And it smells. It stinks! Oh, this is amazing. Thank you!" she hugged the Doctor.
"Well instead of just standing around talking, let's go have a look", Alyssa suggested. She went over to a newsagent's booth where an older man was bundled up in winter clothes. The Doctor and Astrid followed her.
"Excuse me sir, I'm sorry if this is stupid question but where has everyone gone?" Alyssa asked.
"Oh ho, scared!"
"Right, yes. Scared of what?" the Doctor questioned. The old man looked at him surprised.
"Where've you been living? London at Christmas? Not safe, is it?"
"Why?" the Doctor pressed.
"Well, it's them, up above" the men points up at the night sky "Look, Christmas before last we had that big bloody spaceship, everyone standing on a roof. And then last year, that Christmas Star electrocuting all over the place, draining the Thames"
Who could forget that? Alyssa thought thinking about that particular adventure where she and the Doctor met Donna, the run-away bride. She wondered what Donna was doing at the moment. I wonder if she's decided to go travelling like she mentioned.
"This place is amazing", Astrid commented.
"And this year, Lord knows what. So, everybody's scarpered. Gone to the country. All except me and…Her Majesty" the man stood proudly and looks at the TV.
Her Majesty the Queen has confirmed that she'll be staying in Buckingham Palace throughout the festive season to show the people of London, and the world, that there's nothing to fear.
"God bless her!" the man salutes "We stand vigil"
"Well, between you and me, I think her Majesty's got it right. Far as I know, this year, nothing to worry about", the Doctor said and then he, Alyssa and Astrid suddenly vanished in front of the older man's eyes.
"Then again"
The Doctor and Alyssa stood in front of the framed screen that was currently playing a video loop of Max Capricorn. They were a little suspicious of the 'power fluctuation' and the Chief Steward's assurances that everything was fine. Despite the man's calm exterior, Alyssa could clearly sense that he was worried. That's how the pair ended up in front of the framed screen. The Doctor opened the frame and changed some settings until the screen showed the Titanic and her immediate surroundings. He frowned when he saw the shields were offline. "I'm guessing they're not supposed to be off"
"No they're not", the Doctor replied looking up at her. He then noticed something out of the nearby porthole.
"What?" Alyssa asked.
"There's meteors headed for us", he replied. Alyssa followed his gaze and sure enough a number of meteors could be seen approaching the ship.
"We've got to warn the Captain"
The Doctor nodded in agreement and went back to the frame. Alyssa watched as he tried to convince the Captain through comms of the danger approaching the Titanic but it seemed that the man wasn't fully listening to him. "Come with me sir, mam", the Chief Steward said as he approached with two other Stewards.
"You've got a rock storm heading for this ship and the shields are down!" the Doctor told the Chief Steward as he and Alyssa where being escorted out of reception, a steward holding onto one of their arms to stop them running.
"He's telling you the truth! Just look out the window", Alyssa put in but the Stewards weren't listening. "Ok fine", she said but before she could use her powers, the Doctor broke free from the Steward's hold and dashed to the stage.
"Everyone, listen to me! This is an emergency! Get to the lifeb…" a Host covers his mouth cutting off his shouting and dragged him off the stage. He and Alyssa were taken through the maintenance corridor, still arguing to the Chief Steward who still wasn't listening to them. By this time Astrid, Morvin, Foon, Bannakaffalatta and Mr Copper had joined them.
The smartly dressed man who Alyssa didn't like came running up behind their group shouting. "Oi! Steward! I'm telling you, the shields are down!"
"Listen to him. Listen to him!" All the while they were arguing the meteors continued to speed towards the ship.
The meteors slam into the ship causing massive destruction and chaos. Down in the maintenance corridor, everyone was getting thrown about as the room shook and explosions went off. The Doctor grabbed Alyssa and held her to him to try and protect her as much as he could. Another explosion went off throwing everyone to the floor.
Then everything stopped. "Are you ok?" the Doctor asked Alyssa looking her over for injuries.
"Yeah, I think so", she replied. After he helped her to her feet, he helped Astrid stand too. Alyssa checked the Steward that hadn't moved. She closed her eyes when she couldn't find a pulse.
"Ev…everyone… Ladies and gentlemen, Bannakaffalatta, I must apologise on behalf of Max Capricorn Cruiseliners. We seem to have had a small collision", the Chief Steward said apologetically.
"Small", Morvin said indignantly.
"Do you know how much I paid for my ticket?" the man Alyssa didn't like complained.
"No and we don't really care", Alyssa snapped at him.
"If I could have silence, ladies, and gentlemen…" everyone ignored him and continued arguing, with the exception of Alyssa and the Doctor. "Quiet!" he shouted and they fell silent "Thank you. I'm sure Max Capricorn Cruiseliners will be able to reimburse you for any inconvenience, but first I would point out that we're very much alive"
Alyssa rounded on the man "That's no cause for a celebration. We may be alive but hundreds of people are dead because you didn't listen to us. We tried to tell you, tried to warn you but you wouldn't listen!" she vented. The Doctor put a hand on her shoulder to try and calm her down. He was just as angry as she was.
"You have my sincerest apologies ma'am"
"Apology not accepted" Alyssa turned back to the group and saw Astrid dabbing a cut on Mr Copper's head. "You ok?"
"It's just a scratch ma'am"
"You don't have to call me mam. My name's Alyssa but you can call me Ali if you like", Alyssa told him.
"If you could all stay here while I ascertain the exact nature of the….the situation", the Chief Steward said before going over to a hatch.
"Don't open it!" the Doctor shouted but it was too late. The Steward opened the hatch and was promptly sucked out. To avoid the same fate, everyone grabbed hold of the nearest fixed object. The Doctor struggled over to the comms and uses the sonic screwdriver on it to replace the shield.
"Oxygen shield stabilised" a computerised voice said.
"Everyone all right? Ali?" Alyssa replied.
"I'm fine", she replied "Astrid?"
"Yeah"
The Doctor asked the others if they were ok and they all replied 'yes'. "You, what was your name?" the Doctor asked the smartly dressed man whom neither he nor Alyssa liked.
"Ah, Rickston Slade", he replied.
"You all right?"
"No thanks to that idiot", Rickston answered.
"The steward just died", Alyssa pointed out.
"Then he's a dead idiot", he countered.
Astrid gasped at how blunt he was being and stepped forward. "Astrid don't", Alyssa said knowing she was probably going to give Rickston a piece of her mind. The Doctor went over to the hatch opening, Alyssa and Astrid following him.
"What happened? How come the shields were down?"
"I don't think it was an accident", the Doctor replied.
"How many dead?" Astrid asked staring at the bodies floating out in space amongst the debris.
"We're alive. Just focus on that. I will get you out of here, Astrid, I promise", the Doctor said turning her to face him but she couldn't tear her gaze away from the bodies. Alyssa moved in front to block her view.
"Astrid when he makes a promise, he doesn't break it. Trust me, I know", she told the woman. "So what's first Doctor?"
"Making our way to reception", the Doctor replied.
"Where the TARDIS is", the empath said.
"Exactly"
"What's a TARDIS?" Astrid asked.
"It's his spaceship", Alyssa explained.
"Yeah about that, I think we're going to have a small problem", the Doctor said noticing the blue box floating away over Alyssa's shoulder.
"What?" Alyssa asked.
"It's no longer in reception"
Alyssa spun around and stared in dismay at it.
"I can't see a spaceship out there", Astrid said moving to stand beside Alyssa.
"It's that blue box", the red head said pointing.
"That's a spaceship?" Astrid asked in disbelief.
"Oi, don't knock it", the Doctor said placing a hand on Alyssa's shoulder. He knew how she felt about the box. He had a bond with the TARDIS being her Pilot but Alyssa also had a special bond with her too.
"It's a bit small", the waitress commented.
"A bit distant. Trouble is, once its set adrift, it's programmed to lock onto the nearest centre of gravity, and that would be… the Earth" sure enough the TARDIS started to head down toward the Earth.
"Ok, we have no TARDIS so we're stuck here for the moment. What's the plan now?"
"For starters we need to assess the situation", the Doctor replied and then went over to the comms. He spoke with a young man called Frame. The Midshipman told him that it was the captain who took down the shields hence why the meteors hit the Titanic. Midshipman Frame also told them worriedly that the engines were cycling down.
"That's a nuclear storm drive, yes?" the Doctor asked.
"Yeah"
"The moment they're gone we lose orbit", the Doctor said and Alyssa looked at him worried.
"Doctor what happens if we hit the planet?" she asked him.
"If we hit the planet, the nuclear storm explodes and wipes out life on Earth", the Doctor replied seriously "but I'm not going to let that happen Ali, I promise" he turned back to the comms "Midshipman, I need you to fire up the engine containment field and feed it back into the core", he instructed.
"This is never going to work"
"Trust me, it'll keep the engines going until I can get to the bridge" the Doctor turned off the comm and faced the group.
"We're going to die!" Foon exclaimed.
"Are you saying someone's done this on purpose?" Mr Copper asked equally worried.
"We're just a cruise ship"
"Okay, okay. Shush, shush, shush, shush, shush. First things first. One: We are going to climb through this ship. B…"
"Two", Alyssa corrected.
"Yes, Two: We're going to reach the bridge. Three. Or C. We're going to save the Titanic. And, coming in a very low four, or D, or that little 'iv' in brackets they use in footnotes…why. Right then, follow me", the Doctor took Alyssa's hand and started to walk away when they were stopped by Rickston demanding
"Who put you in charge and who the hell are you anyway?"
The Doctor let go of Alyssa's hand and walked back to the others "I'm the Doctor. I'm a Time Lord. I'm from the planet Gallifrey in the constellation of Kasterborous. I'm nine hundred and three years old and I'm the man who's going to save your lives and all six billion people on the planet below. You got a problem with that?"
"No", Rickston replied a little surprised by the Doctor's answer. In fact all of them were surprised that he was an alien, with the exception of Alyssa who already knew.
"In that case, allons-y!"
~...~
The Doctor slowly pushed open a metal door and stepped out onto a staircase littered with debris and sparking cables. "Careful. Follow me", he said heading up the stairs, clearing the way. Alyssa followed behind with Astrid, Mr Copper, Rickston and the Van Hoff's. "Rather ironic, but this is very much in the spirit of Christmas. It's a festival of violence. They say that human beings only survive depending on whether they've been good or bad. It's barbaric", Mr Copper said he climbed up the stairs.
"Actually, that's not true. Christmas is a time of, of peace and thanksgiving and… what am I on about? My Christmases are always like this"
"Not any more. Next year we're going to have a nice, safe Christmas. And if I have to hijack Sexy to pull it off then I will", Alyssa said firmly.
"I don't think you'll need to do that. She'll be more than willing to help you. You seem to be her favourite"
"That's because I don't abuse her by hitting her with a mallet", Alyssa playfully shot back.
"She wasn't doing what I wanted her to"
"That's because she was in a mood with you after decided it would be fun to ride the shockwave of a plasma storm. It took me two hours to calm her down"
The Doctor opened his mouth to say something when Rickston spoke up "that conversation sounds fascinating but do you think we could get a move on?"
"He's got a point", Astrid agreed although she was a little interested in what they were saying. It seemed that it their lives were rather interesting.
"Right", the Doctor said and turned back to the rubble. He pulled back a metal plate to reveal a Host. "We've got a Host. Strength of ten. If we can mend it, we can use it to fix the rubble"
"We can do robotics. Both of us", Morvin spoke up.
"We work on the milk market back on Sto. It's all robot staff", Foon added.
"See if you can get it working. Let's have a look", the Doctor said the latter to Alyssa and Astrid. He took the rest up the stairs.
"It's blocked"
"So what do we do?" Astrid asked.
"We shift it Astrid", Alyssa replied with a smile "something I can do easily"
"Are you sure?" the Doctor asked her. He wasn't going to ask her to use her powers because he was a still little concerned over her wellbeing even though she seemed fine.
"Yes. I can do this Doctor", Alyssa replied with confidence "Bannakaffalatta there's a gap in the middle. See if you can get through"
"Easy. Good", Bannakaffalatta answered and squeezed through the opening. The ship lurches sending debris falling down on them.
"This whole thing could come crashing down any minute!" Rickston stated
"Oh, Rickston, I forgot. Did you get that message?"
"No. What message?"
"Shut up!" the Doctor replied.
"Thanks dear. If you hadn't said something I would've", Alyssa said, glad her boyfriend put the unfeeling idiot in his place.
"Bannakaffalatta made it", the red skinned alien called.
"You be careful", the Doctor said as Alyssa prepared to squeeze through.
"I will. I can do this Doctor", she assured him. Alyssa then started to climb through the rubble taking care not to move it around too much and cause a collapse. It didn't take her long to get through to the other side. "I'm through!" she called down.
"I'm coming through!" Astrid called to Alyssa.
"Ok!" she called back. She turned to Bannakaffalatta only to find him on the floor. "What's wrong?" Alyssa asked him concerned. The alien just shushed her.
"What is it?"
"Can't say", Bannakaffalatta mumbled.
"Why not?" Alyssa asked kneeling beside him. For some reason she couldn't sense his emotions even when she tried to.
"Ashamed"
"Of what?" Alyssa questioned.
"Poor Bannakaffalatta" the alien pulled up his shirt to reveal cybernetic components.
"You're a cyborg", Astrid said behind her making Alyssa jump. She hadn't even realised she'd made it through the rubble.
"Had accident long ago. Secret", he told them both.
"No, but everything's changed now. Cyborgs are getting equal rights", Astrid assured him "They passed a law back on Sto. You can even get married"
"Marry you?" Bannakaffalatta asked Alyssa.
"I'm taken sorry", she replied.
"Marry you?" the alien asked Astrid.
"Well, you can buy me a drink first. Come on. Let's recharge you" she presses a button on his torso "Just stay there for a bit"
"Tell no one"
"I promise", Astrid vowed.
"Me too", Alyssa said before turning to the rubble. She held up her hands and focused on shifting the stuff blocking the stairs. Metal creaked as it was moved to make the opening wider. Astrid helped out by pulling some of the smaller pieces out of the way.
On the other end of the rubble the Doctor could see it being moved. Not wanting Alyssa to use her powers for too long, he called down to Morvin and Foon. "Ali's made the gap wider! Come on up!"
"I'm not waiting for Mr and Mrs Fatso", Rickston said pushing past him and Mr Copper to climb through the gap in the rubble.
"Rickston's through!" Alyssa called as Morvin and Foon joined the Doctor and Mr Copper. The Doctor and Mr Copper used piping to hold up their end while Morvin and Foon got through the gap. Mr Copper quickly followed them and then came the Doctor. As soon as he was through, Alyssa let go and sank to her knees.
"Ali", the Doctor said worriedly seeing that using her powers had taken a lot out of her. He should've insisted on her not using them at all.
"I'm fine. Just need a minute", she told him tiredly. The Doctor sat on the floor with Alyssa leaning against him with her eyes closed. As they weren't in any immediate danger, he allowed her to rest.
"Saved you some. You might be a Time King from Gaddabee but you and Ali need to eat", Astrid said approaching the pair with a plate of food.
"Yeah, thanks", the Doctor said taking the plate. He set it down and gently shook Alyssa.
"Hm?"
"Astrid's brought us some food", the Doctor said.
"Not hungry", Alyssa said.
"Ali you need to eat something"
"I will later, I promise", Alyssa said closing her eyes again. The Doctor knew it was best not to push her, all he could do would be to make sure that she ate later like she promised.
"So, you look good for nine hundred and three", Astrid said changing the subject.
"You should see me in the mornings", the Doctor said.
"Actually you wouldn't. He looks a mess in the mornings", Alyssa mumbled.
"Doctor, it must be well past midnight, Earth time. Christmas Day", Mr Copper said joining the trio.
"So it is. Merry Christmas", the Doctor said.
"This Christmas thing, what's it all about?"
"Long story. I should know, I was there. I got the last room", the Doctor explained.
"Of course you were", Alyssa muttered opening her eyes.
"But if the planet's waking up, can't we signal them? They could send up a rocket or something", Mr Copper said.
"We don't have spaceships", Alyssa said.
"But, I read about it. They have shuffles. Space shuffles", Mr Copper said confused as to why she said we.
"It's Space Shuttles. Not Shuffles", the red haired woman corrected him.
"Are you sure?"
"Considering I actually live on Earth, yes I am absolutely sure", Alyssa said.
"Mister Copper, this degree in Earthonomics…where's it from?" the Doctor asked.
"Honestly?"
"Just between us"
"Mrs Golightly's Happy Travelling University and Dry Cleaners", Mr Copper confessed.
"You…you lied to the company… to get the job?" Astrid said shocked that he did that.
"I…I wasted my life on Sto. I was a travelling salesman, always on the road, and I reached retirement with nothing to show for it. Not even a home. And Earth sounded so exotic"
"Hmm. I suppose it is, yeah", the Doctor agreed.
"How come you know it so well?"
"I was sort of…a few years ago, I was sort of made…well, sort of homeless, and, um, there was the Earth", the Doctor said.
Alyssa knew it was difficult for him to talk about what happened to his people. She took his hand "I'm glad you made the Earth your new home. Meeting you was the best thing that has ever happened to me", she said sincerely with a smile. The Doctor smiled back. He was glad to have met her too.
"The thing is, if we survive this, there'll be police and all sorts of investigations. Now the minimum penalty for space lane fraud is ten years in jail. I'm an old man. I won't survive ten years"
Before anyone could say anything there was a banging on a door. "A Host! Move! Come on!" the Doctor shouted jumping up and grabbing Alyssa's hand, pulling up to her feet. They all hurry to the opposite side where the Doctor uses his sonic on the door. With the Time Lord in the lead, the group head through the bulkhead onto a catwalk. In front was a large open space with a fallen strut running the length of it, creating a makeshift bridge. On the far side they could see a door. Alyssa's heart dropped when she realised that the only way to get to the other side was via the strut.
"Is that the only way across?" Rickston asked looking at the makeshift bridge.
"On the other hand, it is a way across", the Doctor said trying to make light of the situation.
"The engines are open", Astrid pointed out.
"Nuclear storm drive. As soon as it stops, the Titanic falls"
"But that thing, it'll never take our weight", Morvin said gesturing to the strut.
"You're going last, mate", Rickston said in his usual uncaring manner.
"It's nitrofin metal. It's stronger than it looks", the Doctor assured him.
"All the same, Rickston's right. Me and Foon should…" Morvin steps on a weak piece of metal near the edge, the railing gives way and he falls.
"Morvin!" Foon shouted. Alyssa held out her hands and concentrated hard. Everyone watched as the man abruptly stopped falling and started to rise.
"how is she….?" Rickston began when the Doctor shushed him. He knew that Alyssa needed to focus. Her head was pounding but she continued lifting Morvin. She couldn't afford to waver, if she did, he would die.
"You did it Ali!" Foon said happily when her husband came up above the strut.
"Not quite", she said "Sorry in advance Morvin!" Alyssa called before launching him as far as she could. He landed heavily on the other side.
"I'm ok!" he shouted happily.
"Thank you Ali! Thank you", Foon said hugging the woman.
"You're welcome", Alyssa said patting her on the back.
"You're brilliant you know that?" the Doctor said proudly when Foon released her.
"Oh I know I am", she said "ok, Foon you ready?"
"Not really", the woman said honestly "but I trust you"
"Ok, here we go", Alyssa said before using her powers to lift the woman into the air. She took a breath and launched the woman. Foon screamed as she flew through the air but like her husband she landed safely on other side.
"I'm ok!" Foon called.
"Well now that they're across, I guess we can go across now?" Rickston asked.
"Go ahead", the Doctor replied "carefully", he added. There's a rumbling as the ship rocks and Rickston is nearly knocked off the strut.
"Oh, Vot help me"
"Just take one step at a time", Alyssa told him trying to stay upright on her feet. It had taken quite a bit out of her using her powers to save Morvin and get him and Foon across the room.
"They're getting nearer", Mr Copper said as they heard the Host chanting kill behind the door.
"Seal us in", the Doctor muttered and used his sonic on the door.
"You're leaving us trapped, wouldn't you say?"
"Never say trapped, just inconveniently circumstanced"
"Oh", Mr Copper said.
"I'm ok!" Rickston called when he reached halfway along the strut.
"Then keep going!" Alyssa snapped swaying a little on the spot.
"Bannakaffalatta, you go next", the Doctor said when Rickston reached the other side.
"Bannakaffalatta small", Bannakaffalatta said before starting across.
"Slowly!"
The remaining group jumped when there was hammering at the door. "They've found us", Mr Copper said looking worried.
"Astrid, get across right now", the Doctor instructed as Alyssa went to the door.
"What about you and Ali?"
"Just do it. Go on" Astrid starts across "Mister Copper, we can't wait" when the man opened his mouth to argue, the Doctor said "Don't argue". Mr Copper nodded and followed Astrid onto the strut. "Ali we need to go"
"Just a second", Alyssa said putting her hand on the door.
"No, you've used it too much already"
"But…"
"No Ali", the Doctor said firmly, pulling her away from the door and towards the strut. The metal starts creaking due to the weight of 5 of them.
"Too many people!" Bannakaffalatta shouted.
"Oi! Don't get spiky with me. Keep going"
"It's going to fall!" Astrid cried.
"Just keep going Astrid", Alyssa said. Everything suddenly goes quiet as the pounding stopped.
"They've stopped"
"Gone away?" Bannakaffalatta asked sounding hopeful.
"Why would they give up?"
"Never mind that. Keep coming", Rickston called.
"Where have they gone? Where are the Host?"
Mr Copper looked up "I'm afraid… we've forgotten the traditions of Christmas. That angels have wings!" Alyssa glanced up with everyone else to see a group of Host gliding down from above. They encircle them.
"Information: Kill", the Host said.
"I don't think so", Alyssa said.
"Ali don't!" the Doctor warned but it was too late. The woman lashed out with her powers. As a result the Host were all knocked backwards, shorting out. All but one falls towards the engines. The remaining one lands on the strut behind the Doctor. He caught Alyssa when she fell backwards. She'd fainted.
"Ugh I hate these damn headaches", Alyssa groaned sitting up.
"Oh thank god you're awake", Astrid said coming over.
"Astrid what happened?" Alyssa looked around and saw she was back in reception with everyone minus the Doctor "where's the Doctor?"
"He went to Deck 31 apparently there's something down there"
"What?"
"I don't know. The Doctor doesn't know either, that's why he's going"
"Then I've got to get down there too", Alyssa said pushing herself to her feet. Astrid grabbed her arm when she stumbled.
"You're in no condition to go anywhere Ali, you've only just regained consciousness"
"I'll be fine Astrid. But how am I supposed to get there quickly?"
"Teleportation", Astrid replied "but I've already tried to get Midshipman Frame to divert power so I could go but he wouldn't do it"
"Let me try. I can be pretty persuasive" Astrid showed her the computer where she called the bridge before. She also gave the red head the teleport bracelet in case she was successful in getting Midshipman Frame in diverting the power "Midshipman Frame this is Alyssa I need you to divert power to the teleport system"
"No way", the young man replied "I'm using everything I got to keep the engines running". Alyssa glanced at Astrid who gave her a look saying that it was the same thing she was told.
"It's only for one trip I need to get to deck 31"
"And I'll tell you the same thing I told Astrid: no"
"Listen to me Midshipman. The man I love has gone down there to face god knows what on his own. He's done everything he can to save all of us. I have to help him, please"
There was a pause before Midshipman Frame said "Giving you power"
"Good luck Ali", Astrid said.
"Thanks", Alyssa said and was teleported away. When she reappeared, she was in the doorway of Deck 31. Up ahead she could hear the Doctor talking. Quietly she crept forwards until she saw the Doctor facing what appeared to be a small four wheeled vehicle with a bald head encased in a glass box. Alyssa recognised him as Max Capricorn. She hid around the corner so she could listen in without being spotted.
"Hold on! Hold on! Hold on! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! Wait! I can work it out. It's like a task. I'm your apprentice. Just watch me. So… business is failing and you wreck the ship so that makes things even worse. Oh, yes! No. Yes. The business isn't failing, it's failed. Past tense"
Oh he's clever Alyssa thought peeking around. "My own board voted me out. Stabbed me in the back"
"If you had a back", Alyssa murmured at the same time as the Doctor said it.
"…So, you scupper the ship, wipe out any survivors just in case anyone's rumbled you and the board find their shares halved in value" Alyssa moved closer making sure to stay unseen. She wasn't going to rush in and use her powers unless she absolutely had to. Besides she still had a hell of a headache from where she lashed out at those Host on the strut. "Oh, but that's not enough. No. Because if a Max Capricorn ship hits the Earth, it destroys an entire planet. Outrage back home. Scandal! The business is wiped out"
"And… the whole board thrown in jail for mass murder"
"While you sit there, safe inside the impact chamber"
"I have men waiting to retrieve me from the ruins and enough off-world accounts to retire me to the beaches of Penhaxico Two, where the ladies, so I'm told, are very fond of… metal"
Ew Alyssa thought getting a rather unpleasant image in her head. She shook her head and tried to concentrate on the conversation going on in front of her. "So that's the plan. A retirement plan. Two thousand people on this ship, six billion underneath us, all of them slaughtered, and why? Because Max Capricorn is a loser"
Alyssa clenched her fist in anger. It made her sick to her stomach that this man, or what was left of him could so easily commit mass genocide for his own selfish gain. "I never lose"
"You can't even sink the Titanic"
"Oh, but I can, Doctor. I can cancel the engines from here" the moment Capricorn said those words alarm started to sound. Alyssa was about to intervene when a she got a strange feeling in her chest which took her off guard. She pushed it aside knowing that helping the Doctor was her top priority over a funny feeling which seemed to have gone as quickly as it came.
"You can't do this!" the Doctor shouted.
"Host, hold him", Capricorn ordered and two Host grabbed the Time Lord by the arms.
"Not so clever now, Doctor. A shame we couldn't work together. You're rather good. All that banter yet not a word wasted. Time for me to retire. The Titanic is falling. The sky will burn. Let the Christmas inferno commence. Oh! Oh, Host! Kill him!"
"No!" Alyssa shouted running forward with her hand raised. She sent Capricorn flying backwards with a blast of psychic energy. He yelled as he went over the edge, falling towards the engines. Another one sent the Host about to kill the Doctor backwards too. The robotic angels let him go allowing him to rush to Alyssa's side as she'd fallen to her knees again.
"You shouldn't have come Ali"
"Someone had to watch your back and save you if you needed it. Which you did", Alyssa said getting to her feet "you're welcome by the way" The Doctor steadied her when she stumbled.
Titanic falling. Voyage terminated. Voyage terminated.
"We've got to get to the bridge"
"How?" Alyssa asked as the place shook.
"With those", the Doctor replied gesturing to the Host. Alyssa clung on tightly as two Host took the Doctor's arms and flew upwards, crashing through the ceiling and into the bridge.
Deadlock broken
"Ah, Midshipman Frame. At last", the Doctor said after making sure Alyssa was ok.
"Uh, but…but the Host!"
"Controller dead, they divert to the next highest authority, and that's me" the Doctor explained approaching the wheel.
"There's nothing we can do. There's no power. The ship's going to fall", Midshipman Frame said.
Titanic falling
"What's your first name?" the Doctor asked taking the wheel.
"Alonso"
Titanic falling
"You're kidding me"
"What?"
"That's something else I've always wanted to say. Allons-y, Alonso! Whoa!" the ship lurches dramatically as the Doctor tries to steer. Alyssa and Midshipman Frame cling onto something on the bridge as the ship continues to fall towards Earth. Alarms sound as they enter the upper atmosphere, then the ship starts to burn on entry. Once into the cloud layer, the Doctor turns on a scanner with his foot to see that their impact area is in west Central London. He uses the comms to call Buckingham Palace and managed to get them to evacuate. Then the trio hears something that makes them overjoyed.
Engines active. Engines active.
The Doctor pulls back on the wheel sending Midshipman Frame and Alyssa into the wall. The Time Lord strained with the wheel and eventually regained control. The trio cheered as the ship levelled off, narrowly missing Buckingham Palace.
"Yes!" Alyssa shouted happily.
Midshipman Frame rang the bell happily "Whoo hoo!"
"Whoo hoo hoo!" the Doctor said joining in. "Used the heat of re-entry to fire up the secondary storm drive. Unsinkable, that's me", he explained.
"You are brilliant", Alyssa said proudly kissing him on the cheek.
~reception~
"The engines have stabilised. We're holding steady till we get help, and I've sent the SOS. A rescue ship should be here within twenty minutes. And they're digging out the records on Max Capricorn. It should be quite a story", Midshipman Frame said as he updated the others.
"They'll want to talk to all of us, I suppose", Mr Copper surmised.
"I'd have thought so, yeah", Midshipman Frame agreed. The older man wandered over to where the Doctor was standing watching with a smile on his face as Morvin and Foon hugged Alyssa, thanking her repeatedly.
"I think one or two inconvenient truths might come to light. Still, it's my own fault, and ten years in jail is better than dying", Mr Copper said to him. Rickston then approached the Time Lord.
"Doctor…I never said… thank you" he hugged the Doctor which surprised the alien very much "The funny thing is…I said Max Capricorn was falling apart. Just before the crash, I… sold all my shares, transferred them to his rivals. It's made me rich. What do you think of that?"
The Doctor's look at that comment said 'how could you still be thinking of money after what just happened?' Rickston's vone started to ring.
"Salvain. Those shares. I want them… he broke off and yelped as his vone suddenly jumped out of his hand. The man watched in dismay as the vone was crushed in mid-air.
"Ooh sorry about that Rickston", Alyssa called not sounding apologetic at all. Instead of having a go at her, Rickston stormed off in a huff.
"Of all the people to survive, he's not the one you would have chosen, is he? But if you could choose, Doctor, if you decide who lives and who dies, that would make you a monster", Mr Copper said as Alyssa walked over along with Astrid.
"Mister Copper, I think you deserve one of these", the Doctor said holding out a bracelet to him. Mr Copper took it and put it on. Astrid also put on the bracelet that Alyssa held out. The Doctor started the machine and they all disappeared.