Rubbing Elbows
"So, this is seriously how you eat?" Kathy asked.
Clare nodded and continued to hold her hands up to the light in her room. It flickered as she drew energy from it, using it to gradually restore her strength without taking too much from the ship. The battle had really drained her and she'd taken some chips from the explosions and impacts. It was slow and not very substantial, but better than nothing.
With the presence of the Guiding Wind crew helping them aboard, she'd managed to persuade Kathy to join her for a little 'girl time', as Martha had called it. They hadn't really had a chance to sit and talk since she'd been able to understand sign language. Clare hadn't wanted her to start feeling left out again, so what better time than now?
"Can you eat normally? Like just regular food?" she asked, signing with her hands while she spoke.
'Not really,' Clare replied. 'I don't have taste buds and I don't have what you'd call a digestive system, so I can't ingest your food. My kind can draw energy from different sources, like the electricity from this light.'
Kathy nodded. "And what's this doing for you? Is it like a light snack or something?"
'Very much so. Electrical energy really doesn't do much. Heat energy is fine, but it makes me woozy if I absorb too much and radioactive sources pack a real kick,' she said.
"You can eat radiation?!" Kathy asked, stunned. "Just when I think I've got you figured out, you drop that on me."
Clare let out a screechy giggle. 'For us though, the best form of energy is what can be drawn from time itself. In fact, it's one of the most important. Being in the TARDIS was one of the best meals I've had for a very long time. It was like living in a banquet.'
"So what do you do when you don't have a time machine handy?" asked Kathy.
'It's… difficult to explain,' replied Clare, doing her best to keep her face neutral. 'A lot of things about my kind are. Most civilisations don't entirely believe we exist.'
"Can't say I blame them. I don't think I'd believe it. Hell, you're right in front of me and sometimes I still don't." She paused. "You're not gonna run out of this time energy, right?"
'Oh don't worry, I'll be fine. My travels with the Doctor have given me enough to keep me going for a long while before I'd need to absorb more time energy again. Sources like this will suit me fine for now,' she said, being sure to keep her smile.
"Well, if you say so," she shrugged. "I guess stop off at a star or something if you're really hungry."
'Ooh that actually sounds lovely! I prefer red dwarves, but I don't mind yellow giants either.'
Kathy laughed, then stopped when Clare didn't. "Wait… are you serious?"
Clare flashed her a grin and a wink. This time, both of them laughed. Clare was quietly relieved to move on from this subject.
It wasn't entirely a lie, what she had said about feeding on time energy. But the truth was, she didn't want Kathy to know the details. Having to take people out of their proper time and consuming the energy of their unlived days. For the first time, she had somebody who didn't know entirely just how monstrous her race was. Perhaps it was selfish, but she didn't want the young human to see her like that.
But it did raise a small concern she'd been having. She wasn't lying, she had stored enough time energy in her body from the TARDIS that she wouldn't have to feed like that again for a long time. She'd had to call on some of those reserves in the last bout to fuel her efforts, but there was still plenty left. She didn't have to worry about it suddenly running out. Yet…
Someone knocked on the door and she smiled at Sec when he entered.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
'Better, thank you. I'm glad we were able to help and that Relgan is okay,' she said.
"It was thanks to both of your efforts we were able to pull it off," said Sec.
"And they'd better not forget it," said Kathy.
"Indeed. We're approaching Earth," Sec told them. "Before we go to Ambassador Relgan's home, we're required to debrief at Solar Alliance HQ. Since we involved ourselves, they want the details about the attack from us as well."
'That makes sense,' shrugged Clare. 'Will they be alright with Kathy?'
"They'd better be," she snapped. "It's not my fault I'm like this."
Sec sighed. "I've said as much. However, they've still informed us that they'll be meeting us with a small armed escort that will remain with us until the debriefing is complete."
"What?!" Kathy stomped her foot. "I helped them! Everybody saw me! It was thanks to me we were even able to get away! This isn't fair!"
"I agree. However, we will be in a military building and we have to abide by whatever they decide while we're onsite." Sec placed a hand on her shoulder. "It won't take long, then we'll be on our way."
She didn't remove the hand, but she didn't look at him either. "Whatever…"
Clare's heart went out to the poor girl. Immediately, she approached and looped her fingers through Kathy's metal hand, giving it a squeeze. She didn't need to say anything, her meaning was clear. Kathy didn't say anything, but she squeezed back when Clare turned to stone in Sec's sight.
The sight of Earth that greeted them was a much different one than Sec knew. For one, there were a great many starships that entered and left the planet's atmosphere. A number of large Solar Alliance cruisers flew by as they patrolled the local space. The planet itself also had some subtle signs of change. The continents looked a lot greener than they had done in the 21st century and a number of new islands could be seen on the ocean the closer they came to the surface.
They were taken to Solar Alliance HQ on arrival, an impressive spire of a building situated on the coast of what Sec knew from the 21st century as the United Kingdom. Despite the military appearance, there were strides to include natural growth as well, with as much of the surrounding area as possible left to grow. Sec even recognised some flora that he knew hadn't existed for a long time on Earth, no doubt thanks to the efforts of the Silurians.
They thanked Marston's volunteer crew one last time once the Mysteria landed before they returned to their crew. The armed escort was waiting for them on arrival. Sec noticed them tense at the sight of Kathy. One even raised the barrel of his weapon slightly. For her part, Kathy kept her head down and Clare remained at her side, still holding her hand. It was impossible to tell how the Cyber-girl was feeling, but Sec trusted them both.
Sec and Marston had managed to persuade the SA to interview them as a group. Sec did most of the talking, while the other two only spoke when questions were directed at them. When asked about their circumstances as to how they had come to be there, Sec informed them of the Doctor's involvement and made them aware of the events in the Tiberian Spiral Cluster and the outer colonies. Sec was surprised that they readily believed his account of the Time Lord.
"He's recorded as being present at the original encounters of our races," explained the interviewer, a Silurian male called Tarag. "We also have access to the old archives of former organisations who documented extra-terrestrial involvement on Earth in the past. The Doctor has more than a few entries."
"He does get around," agreed Sec.
"But the revelation about the outer colonies is a shock. We had our suspicions," said Tarag, "but receiving confirmation of the Cybermen's involvement is a great help. You say their factory was destroyed?"
"Correct. It's how we found Kathy here," he indicated. "She went through conversion, but her mind remains intact."
"And you're certain about that?" asked Tarag.
"You know, I'm standing right here!" she snapped. "So how about you ask me instead of treating me like-!" She stopped when Clare silently gripped her arm, giving it a tug. The two exchanged a look and when Kathy spoke again, she was trying hard to keep her voice neutral. "I mean… my mind is all me. I'm Kathy Peddler. I'm sixteen years old. I was born on the New Dawn colony to… to Kirk and Sarah. I was… converted by the Cybermen, but I got away. There, that's it. I'm not answering anymore of your questions, so I hope you got that all down."
"I did. We'll be sure to verify that." Tarag considered, then added, "Thank you. I… hope your parents are-"
"I said, no more questions," she growled and turned her head to the wall.
The rest of the interview passed with no other incident, although things were notably tense following Kathy's outburst. As such, Sec was relieved when it was over and they were escorted to a waiting shuttle craft to be taken to Relgan's home. Tarag walked with them, assuring him the Mysteria would be in good hands and they would have it fully repaired when they returned. He introduced the engineer who would be overseeing it and Kathy pressed something into his hands.
"Those are some mods I want made to the ship. Think you and your grease monkeys can handle that?" she asked.
"Um…" The man gave the list a glance. "I don't see anything that wouldn't-"
"Good, then get lost. And tell your guys to stay the hell out of our rooms!" she yelled at his retreating back. "They're all locked and believe me, we'll know if you were!"
She caught Sec's eye and gave him a brief nod. Sec returned it, silently grateful. He'd made certain the lock on his room was on too before they'd left, but it was good to have that assurance. He didn't want to deal with any awkward questions that might arise if they found his casing.
They were taking Relgan's personal shuttle, accompanied by his driver, Roberts. He informed them that Relgan himself would be detained at SA HQ for a while longer before he could join them, but that instructions had already been sent ahead that they were to be expected.
The journey was quiet, but comfortably so. Clare was excitedly taking in the scenery, while Kathy sat in a sullen silence next to her. He wished he knew what was on her mind, but there was no sense in trying to make her speak if she didn't want to. Though some new ground had been broken recently, Sec knew that wouldn't be enough to make her open up entirely. Perhaps a change of scenery would do them some good.
Roberts announced they were coming up on Relgan's home. It was a grand affair, built overlooking an expansive lake surrounded by a small woodland. The building itself looked inspired by architecture that Sec vaguely recognised as Georgian, though with plants growing over parts of it that were both Silurian and human in their origin. The result was something that looked as if it was trying to be part of the countryside, rather than intruding on it. The expansive grounds and garden they passed over only added to the image.
A Silurian was waiting to greet them when they left the shuttle. He wore an elegant cream-coloured suit, contrasted by a sharply dark shirt. He was evidently younger than their host and Sec reasoned this must be one of his sons. He greeted each of them with a smile and a handshake, though Kathy kept her arms folded.
"Welcome Sec, Clareaesia and Katherine." His voice was refined and controlled, yet still seemed very natural. He didn't even seem wrong-footed from Kathy's lack of friendliness. "I'm Elthus and I've been asked by my father to help facilitate your stay with us, a duty which I accept most happily."
"Your hospitality is very much appreciated, thank you," Sec responded.
"It's our pleasure, considering what you've done," he replied, with a bow of his head.
"Kathy," the Cyberteen barked.
"I beg your pardon?" he asked.
"Kathy. Not Katherine. I don't go for any of that formal crap," she said. Clare tugged her arm. "What? I don't!"
"No, that's quite alright. Kathy it is," he responded politely.
"Whatever," she muttered. "Thanks, I guess."
"My pleasure." He gestured to the house and started to lead them inside. "So, you're the ones we have to thank for our father's safe return. It was lucky you happened by when you did. You can't imagine what would have transpired if those brigands had gotten him."
"Given his status, I have quite a good idea. It's just fortunate that we came along when we did," said Sec.
"I quite agree. We never imagined Nassau's Fleet would attempt anything as bold as this. Hopefully, this will be just the thing needed to see that they are crushed once and for all," Elthus said. "I'll see to it personally that they'll pay for this."
"I'm sure that'll have them trembling in their boots," muttered Kathy.
Sec glanced at Elthus while Clare scolded Kathy. He didn't show any outward sign that he had heard anything, only glancing back.
"Well, quite," was all he said.
They were led into the entrance hall. A grand staircase stretched out before them, furnished from marble and metal. To their left and right were two separate branching corridors, leading to the other parts of the house. Sec noted that it was quite humid, but given the nature of their cold-blooded hosts, that was to be expected. He also noted a great deal more greenery in the form of potted plants and stretching vines, pointing this out to Elthus.
"Yes, Silurian horticulture is renowned and my father takes great pride in it. If you think that's impressive, you should see the greenhouse," he said.
"I'll certainly make the effort to do so. It's a refreshing sight to see," said Sec.
"I'm glad you feel that way. Now, on that note, access to the house. The entire grounds and house are open to you, barring private rooms of course. Rooms have been prepared for each of you and we shall be serving dinner at six this evening. The only thing to say is that my father has requested you remain inside the grounds, Miss Peddler."
Even behind her faceplate, Sec could sense her glare. "Why?"
To his credit, Elthus was barely fazed. "It's for your own safety. I realise it must be frustrating, but imagine if you were out in the city and somebody saw you. After all, you are a-"
"Yeah, I'm a Cyberman, don't worry, I haven't forgotten! How can I, when everybody I meet seems to remind me every five seconds?! Fine, I'll stay! Not like I had anywhere I wanted to go anyway!" She stomped off with a frustrated yell before anyone could stop her.
Clare started after her, then seemed to decide against it. She looked at Sec and shook her head. For now, it was best to leave her alone. Sec agreed and turned to apologise to Elthus, but he raised his hand.
"Don't worry, I've dealt with similar attitudes from my sister when she was younger," said Elthus. "She's never been one for being confined either. I take it she won't cause much trouble?"
"Nothing beyond some yelling. She might break something as well," Sec admitted.
He nodded. "Not to worry, we can sort out anything like that. As I say, our family has dealt with worse growing up. Now, shall I show the two of you to your rooms?"
The rooms in question were on the same side of a single corridor, with windows overlooking the lake. They were furnished for comfort and aesthetic, including a number of large and small potted plants, rich velvet curtains, a small desk against the wall with a few wooden chairs, a bookshelf and a very comfortable looking bed. Elthus left them, saying if there was anything they needed, ask him or one of the staff.
Sec looked out from the window, staring at the water as the rays of the sun caused it shimmer brilliantly. It was difficult to remember a time when he wouldn't have even glanced at the sight. Though it was safe to say he was getting used to emotions, he still liked to indulge in the simple appreciation of things like this.
There was a knock at his door and Clare glided in to join him.
'We're certainly getting the…' She frowned for a moment. 'What's that term humans use? Celestial treatment?'
"Something like that and yes, I agree. Given Relgan's prestige, it isn't surprising, though it certainly isn't unwelcome," he said.
'It's almost a shame I don't need sleep.' She flopped on Sec's bed. 'This is really comfy.'
"Good to know. It's also my bed, so I'll need you to move at some point," he said teasingly.
'Later,' she replied with a small screech-laugh. 'So, do you know what's happened with Earth in this time? They were part of the war against the Daleks, I assume?'
"They were, along with a few other races. In this region of space, Earth and Mars are part of the Solar Alliance. It's comprised of the sentient races in the Solar System, including humanity, homo-reptilia and the native Martians," he explained. "Earth and Mars are now symbols of interspecies co-operation."
'That can't always be easy,' she reasoned.
Sec nodded. "It wasn't, but the Galactic Federation already helped lay the groundwork by having Mars as a member world early on. Once things calmed down between humans and Silurians after the emergence of the latter, Earth was also offered and granted membership. Now, the two planets exist in relative peace and harmony. It's really quite admirable, given humanity's past, yet here they are." He looked and saw her smiling at him. "What is it?"
'You sound like the Doctor, the way you talk about the history,' she said.
"I do?" Sec gave a small chuckle. "Well, I suppose that isn't entirely a bad thing. The man has a great influence on those around him."
'He does.' A wistful expression came to Clare's face. 'I miss it. Is that strange? We haven't been on our own for very long.'
"No, it isn't strange. Life in the TARDIS had a great impact on the both of us. I confess I miss it, too," he replied.
'Do you really think we'll see him again? The Doctor doesn't seem the sort to look back,' said Clare.
"He isn't. His appearances throughout Dalek history are utterly random, enough to indicate that he really does simply wander. We can only hope that we might, one day, and that Martha will still be with him if he does," he said.
'I miss her too. Aside from you, she was the first friend I've had for a very long time since…' She froze in stone for a few seconds, her expression paused in thought.
"Clare?"
'Never mind,' she said when she unfroze, keeping her features neutral and not looking at him. 'We need more crew.'
"Um…" Sec was derailed by the sudden change in topic, but let it pass. "Yes, you're right. Recent events have shown that at least one more person would help us immensely."
'I would have thought more than one,' she said, tilting her head quizzically.
"So would I, but we don't have much to offer for any who would join. We don't have a great deal of money and our ship is considered outdated by most standards. In addition, we are already quite a collection of eccentric beings. There aren't many who would join us willingly, given that criteria," he reasoned.
'Not many, but far from none. After all, in all of time and space, we managed to find one another. You just never know, really,' she replied.
"A fair point." Sec looked back out at the lake. "At least these surroundings are beautiful. I only hope Kathy will be alright."
'She should be,' said Clare, when she joined him. 'She just needs to calm down first. I'll find her later. Maybe we can get Relgan to make an allowance of some kind when he gets back, if we decide we want to explore anywhere beyond?'
"A good idea," he agreed. "Well, let's just enjoy this moment of relaxation. I'd say it's well earned."
The fancy tile floor practically cracked under Kathy's heavy metal feet. Servants scurried out of her path or cried out and dropped whatever they were holding. She didn't really care. If anything, it only made her even angrier. She stomped out into the garden, kicking open the doors as she did. She ignored the colourful flowers and lush greenery, made for the nearest bench and sat on it, producing another cracking sound.
She glared at the two servants who came around the corner, waited to see if anymore arrived and folded her arms. She stared down at her feet. She was so sick of this! She didn't want to become like this, it had been forced on her. And because of that, she had to live with this every day of her life. The flinching. The stares. The muttering. On board the Guiding Wind, at the base, in this house… from her old neighbours and friends…
"It's not fair," she choked out. "It's… it's not fair…"
The metal sounds and voice box of the helmet distorted her sobs. She hated the sound. The buzzing of electronics and the echoing. It was like she was at the bottom of a well and nobody could hear her.
"Well, so my brother was telling the truth. An actual Cyberman," a voice said, laden with fascination and a Northern accent.
Kathy whirled around. It was another Silurian, a woman. She was dressed in a relaxed manner, with a loose fitting shirt and pants. Her long coat made of leather hung down to her knees, with a hood drawn up over her head. If she were in a more relaxed mood, Kathy would have appreciated someone who didn't look as uptight as everybody else around here.
But her observation, the way she said it, it made Kathy feel angry. She took a few angry stomps towards her and was satisfied when the Silurian stood back, holding up her hands.
"Hey, hold on a moment," she started to say, but Kathy had had it.
"Here!" She stood, her arms wide like offering a challenge. "Now you can have a good, up-close look! That's what you came for, right? To stare at the freak show?! Well here I am!"
"Okay, you're right, that's my bad," she said quickly.
"Damn right it is! You've had your look, now go away!" Kathy spat.
"Okay. I'll go. Before I do, I just want to say, I'm sorry," she said. "I only wanted to say hello. Anybody who's been through what you have, and lived to talk about it, they have to be worth knowing. But I get it. I'll see you around, okay?"
Kathy only folded her arms in response. The Silurian just gave a little incline of her head, a knowing smile and turned to leave.
She had to fight an urge to double take. Kathy had seriously expected her to persist, to ask annoying questions or just stare openly at her in fascination. Or fear. She should have felt glad to see the back of this random woman… so why didn't she?
Something echoed in her mind. Back on the Guiding Wind, when she was with the chief engineer, helping fix them up. Kathy had been doing her usual thing, until the chief engineer, Carol, had said something to her…
Carol gave her a cold look. "You know, kid, I'm having a hard time telling what's keeping you down: your metal shoulders, or the chip the size of the moon you have on them."
"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Kathy growled.
"It means that even if something shitty happened to you, it doesn't give you the right to be shitty to everyone else," she replied.
Kathy blanched at the harshness of her words, but she wasn't going to be kowtowed that easily. "What do you know? Who are you to judge me?"
"Someone who knows when to show their attitude and when to stow it." Carol sighed. "Look, I can't say I understand what you're going through or what you've lost. But at the end of the day, you're still kicking. The way I see it, you can make the best of it or drag down everybody else just because you're miserable."
"I'm not miserable!" she snapped. "I'm just… look, I…"
But she couldn't work out what to say. Everything she came up with just sounded… well, stupid. In the end, she settled for sullen silence and trying to reconnect one of the conduits.
"I get it," Carol went on. "Not everybody's going to be nice and accepting of what you are. Those ones, you can tell to shove it. But if somebody's trying to reach out to you, don't go biting their hand off. All I'm saying."
"Wait." The word left her mouth before she even realised it.
The Silurian stopped and turned to look back. She didn't say anything, only tilted her head curiously.
"I'm…" Kathy searched her mind for something, anything to say. She eventually settled on, "Sorry."
She turned her eyes to the floor, feeling annoyed at what she perceived as weakness. What did she have to apologise for? She hadn't done anything. But then why had she felt the need to? She didn't have long to think, because the woman was talking again.
"It's alright. Like I said, my fault for bothering you. I can go still, if you want?" she offered.
"No! I mean," Kathy said quickly, "I-I mean… you need to show me you're actually sorry! Yeah! This place is boring a-and everybody is way too stuffy. So, you wanna show you're sorry? Take me somewhere fun!"
At this, the woman flashed her brilliant white teeth. "I think I can do that. What's your name?"
"Kathy. Kathy Peddler," she replied. She'd actually asked…
"Nice to meet you, Kathy Peddler. I'm Velra. You want fun? I'll give you fun." There was no hiding the mischievous glee in her voice and despite herself, beneath her face plate, Kathy smiled too.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Hey folks! Here we have a fab long-awaited (and kind of long-ready) chapter by the amazing Alpha where we're finally back on Earth! Some new characters to get a good look at and plenty of wholesome crew shenanigans among the more serious goings on. Have we, er, mentioned how much we love Silurians? Silurians are awesome.
More to come hopefully soon folks, feel free to leave a review as usual and keep an eye on our official tumblr blog theexceptionalsart for more character sketches! Thanks everyone for your continued support and enjoy!
-HH