Quinn squeezed his red rimmed eyes shut, and took the Time Lord's hand. He couldn't say anything. "Come on you two," Rose said impatiently, "We've got to go pick up Alice and then we're going home and have supper. You too Quinn, no arguments!" The three of them walked back into camp together causing more tongues to wag. Quinn returned to headquarters briefly and promised to be there in an hour, and they went on to get Alice.

Chapter 34 Aliens

Quinn was a changed man after that. With the guilt gone, and after Rose had put several good meals into him, he was back to his old, sweet, practical self.

The tent city is gone now. There are rows of homes with paved streets and parks, a community and civic center, two schools, merchant buildings and restaurants, even a theater. Work on their first city was progressing. Along with all those same amenities, there were apartment buildings and office spaces, manufacturing complexes, shopping venues, a hospital, and a large public park right on the ocean shoreline.

All of it empty, waiting for the colonists to come. When the last building was done, President Sinclair had a ribbon cutting and congratulated everyone in the community for all their hard work. The homes they had built for themselves now belonged to them free and clear.

A celebration was in order and the whole community was invited to a party. There was just enough room for everyone in the civic center. It was December and the weather outside was much too cold. That means the decorations were set up for Christmas. It was beautiful with all the lights and evergreen garland with red bows.

Alice was delighted with everything. It was her first Christmas. There was food and drink and dancing. Everyone was having a great time. Alice first, and then Mary finally got that daddy daughter dance he had promised. Then he asked Louise if she would like to dance. He had to talk her into it, but Rose could tell you how persuasive his smile could be.

She smiled at them as they danced around the floor. Rose was thinking he was such a good man, when Quinn touched her arm startling her. She laughed and shook her head. "You really must stop doing that!" He just grinned at her, delighted with her response. "Will you dance with me Miss Rose?" "Oh, I don't know. The gossips will have a field day!" "I don't care and neither do you. Dance with me." Rose smiled, "An honor sir."

When the song stopped. Before they knew what happened, Rose had stepped aside and Quinn found Louise twirled into his arms by John. They looked up to see Rose and John walking away. "Nicely done Mrs Smith." "Couldn't have done it without you Mr. Smith." They both smiled at the couple who were standing there unsure what to do.

The music started again. Quinn looked at Louise, "Would you like to dance?" Louise smiled and gently pulled back a lock of hair from his eyes. "I would be very pleased to dance with you." Rose and John watched them start to dance from the far side of the room. In fact, they never left each other's arms the rest of the evening. There were strong emotions coming off the couple and Rose knew they were falling in love. She was so happy for them both. They would heal each other's hearts, and give Mary a father again.

When the party was over Rose asked Quinn, Louise and Mary to come by the house the following weekend. They were planning a small Christmas gathering. They all agreed to come and said their farewells. Quinn escorted Louise and Mary home, and then, stayed the night.

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The Time Lord sat on the couch, nervous about letting more people know who they were. "Are we really going to do this?" Rose heaved a sigh going over her reasons again. "Look, Quinn already knows, and despite what he said, he does have questions. Louise is my friend.

They are spending more time together and they are going to talk. I would rather she hear it from me than Quinn. Doesn't that make sense to you?" "I suppose so. What if she freaks out? What are we going to do then? She could tell the whole community."

"Louise is a shy, down to earth sort of person. She is not going to freak out. The worst that will happen, is she won't want to see us, or let Alice see Mary again." His brows knitted together as he frowned. Rose scowled back, "It's a risk we need to take. Now lighten up."

They all came together promptly at 5 pm. Rose had taken pains to decorate the house as cheerfully as possible. The tree in it's usual corner had the star on it glowing brightly. There were candles and centerpieces for the tables and one on the mantle. They had pushed the couch back and put a dining table in front of the fireplace.

He had made a miraculous meal as usual and the wine was perfect. Everyone was having a great time when they moved to the living room to chat. "Alice, why don't you show Mary the dollhouse in your room?" Alice looked up and asked Mary to follow her. When they were upstairs Rose asked her guests if they wanted more wine. When their glasses were full Rose sat next to her husband and began.

"Louise, there is something we wanted to tell you. You're our friend and I feel you have the right to know." Louise looked at her puzzled. Rose continued. "There are a lot of rumours about us in the village and I know you're curious." She hesitated, swallowing hard trying to find the perfect words.

"You mean about John being an alien?" Louise was matter of fact. Rose's eyes grew wide and she turned pale, looking at her husband. "I didn't know they were saying that." Louise continued, "You told the town council. They can't keep a secret to save their lives. Especially Tony and Millie."

The Time Lord and Rose were near panic. "When did this happen?" Louise thought a moment, "Just after the inquest. A lot of people in that crowd wanted answers to those questions and it was getting ugly. They let the truth leak out slowly so everyone could get used to the idea.

John, your practical suggestions with the planning commission saved the town a great deal of money and time. Rose, your work at the preschool is outstanding. Everyone knows how much you both love little Alice. But most impressive were Rose's words at the inquest. They made quite an impact.

Mrs Henderson and the kids are in therapy by the way, and doing very well. You were so right. Everyone has treated them with patience. You both have shown a great deal of human kindness and have been judged accordingly."

Rose and the Time Lord were stunned. "No one said anything or treated us any differently at the party last week." "Of course not, nor will they." Quinn was amused by their shock. "You thought it was still a big secret didn't you? Well, the cat's out of the bag and you are just as welcome, now as ever."

"It seems I've been afraid for nothing Rose." He smiled relieved and looked up at their guests. "I guess there's only one thing left." He grinned at Quinn. "Would you like to see my ship? I'm very proud of her." Quinn's eyes brightened at the thought of one of his unasked questions being answered.

When the Time Lord and Rose went to the blue box in the corner they looked at him as if he were mad. He laughed, "Everyone looks like that, until you get in." He opened the door and they walked in. Then, out. Then, in again. "Go ahead, say it." he grinned. Quinn and Louise said it together. "It's bigger on the inside."

Rose mouthed the words as they said them and put her arm around Louise's shoulders. "Oh, you think this is good? Wait till you see the swimming pool." They took the couple on a tour of the Tardis. Beaming with pride at their reaction.

Quinn had lots of questions. "How is it possible to be bigger on the inside? How fast does it go? What's the power source? Why is it a blue box? How many people could fit in here?" Louise was just dumbstruck taking it all in.

When the tour was over they returned to their wine in the living room. Rose was breathing a sigh of relief. "I'm glad it's out. No more worrying about telling someone, and them freaking out." Louise finally did have a question. "Rose. If you don't mind me asking." She looked tentatively at John, hoping not to offend him. Alice...She's half human?"

"Well, Yes, More or less. Are you worried about Mary and her being friends?" "To be honest I was a bit afraid when I first found out. Afraid of the unknown. But then I remembered how Alice had defended Mary to Susan at the sandbox. Susan is older and bigger than Alice, but that didn't matter to her.

When she stayed with us that terrible night, she never let on how afraid she was to Mary. I could see it in her eyes, but she was so brave for you. How old is Alice?" Rose had a sheepish grin when she said "Six".

Chapter 35 Gallifrey