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Chapter 41 - Cards and Santa

Rose sat in the suite. She had just finished pumping and was putting the machine away. She mumbled, "That is instant relief. Wow."

Friday spoke, "There is a call for you, Rose."

She rebuttoned the Doctor's oxford that she wore. "Put it on the screen in here, please."

Jake's image filled up the screen. As soon as he saw her, he smiled. "Well, hey!"

She laughed, "I'm so happy you rang. Happy Christmas!"

"And you!" He said as he lifted a glass of champagne to the screen. Jack sat down next to him and clanged his champagne glass to Jake's.

"Happy Christmas, Rose!" Jack said.

She laughed, "What are you lot doing?"

They glanced at one another and smiled, "Celebrating!" Jake told her.

"Celebrating what?" She asked.

Jack leaned up and pointed at the screen. "Christmas! Hopefully, the Doctor took all of the trouble with him."

She nodded her head. "It does seem to follow him. That's for sure."

Jake laughed. "Oh, we've had our share of it today. Explosions at the White House. Having to move the President and his family."

Jack added, "Dealing with the Wanker. Tell the Doctor, we've got him on a short leash. Not to worry."

"Is everyone alright?"

Jack waved his hand, "Of course they are. Jake, me and Lewis have this. Go on and have your space adventure with that good looking man. I'm trying to talk him into putting on a kilt for you."

She covered her mouth and laughed, "Oh my gosh. Could you even imagine?"

Jack narrowed his eyes as he poured himself some more champagne. "Oh, I have. I won't deny it. It's nice."

Jake rolled his eyes. "That's not all. Jack and I want to take you to a shop next time you are on Plentitude."

Jack got excited. "Yes! Thanks, man! Rose. He told us what he got you for Christmas."

She blushed as he held her hand to her face. "He bought one of everything in the shop."

Jake nodded his head. "I'd expect nothing less."

Jack waved his hand. "Anyway. What did you get him?"

She smiled, "I found a Police Box. Like his TARDIS. He was shocked."

"Damn, I bet he was." Jack said. "Ask me what Jake got me."

She pulled a blanket off of the back of the sofa and wrapped it around her. "I really have no idea. Do I want to know?"

Jack smiled proudly, "Men's lingerie."

She giggled, "That doesn't surprise me."

Jack laughed, "Yeah, there is this shop on Plentitude that sells it."

She shook her head. "Well, you can get that on Earth. Didn't you know that?"

Jake held up his hand. "Hang on, you can?"

Jack sat down his champagne glass and grabbed a tablet. "You are full of it, Rose."

She smiled proudly, "I'm not. You guys didn't know that?"

Jake shook his head, "No."

Jack looked surprised as he looked at the screen on the tablet. "Oh wow! How do you know about men's lingerie?"

"I worked in a shop for years, idiots. How do you not know?"

Jack was busy clicking the tablet. "Oh yes. Thank you, Rose. Oh, wow. We're going to have another Christmas, Jake. Medium, right?"

Jake shook his head, "Anyway. We wanted to call and see how you were doing? Seems like a lot going on."

She smiled, "I'm fine. Thank you for checking on me."

Jake asked, "You're alright with being away from Pete and Jackie for Christmas?"

She shrugged her shoulders, "Of course. I'm with the Doctor and the children. I'll see Mum and Dad when we return."

Jack was engrossed in the tablet. "That can't even be real. Does that look real to you?"

Rose giggled as Jake rolled his eyes at Jack. He grabbed his champagne glass and sipped it as he continued to look on the tablet. "Where is, John?" He strained out the name.

She laughed, "He's in the Control Room. He said there is a prisoner onboard. Why?"

They looked at one another and then looked back at her. Jack shook his head. "Some guy from Torchwood."

Jake shook his head. "Seriously, it's nothing you need to know about."

She groaned, "I feel like all of you are in on something."

Jack laughed, "We are. I'm going to get your husband some of these crotchless pants. What do you think he'll say?"

She rolled her eyes, "He won't wear them. It will be good for a laugh."

Jack laughed and nodded his head. "Oh yes. Do you need some more lube?"

Jake pointed at Jack. "We should get Logan some of those pants."

"Yeah!" Jack said.

Rose giggled, "We're good with lube. He was surprised about all of that."

"Oh, you just wait. We're getting him another box together." Jack laughed.

"Oh my God." Rose laughed.

The door opened and the Doctor walked into the suite. Both Jack and Jake held their champagne glasses up to him and smiled, "Hey!" They said together.

He looked at the screen and smiled. "You nutters. What are you two doing?"

Jack laughed, "Us? Why, nothing. Just telling Rose about some, clothing shop we're going to take her to on Plentitude."

He rolled his eyes and waved his hand to dismiss them. "Ah. You lot." He walked into the bedroom. Rose watched him and laughed.

"You guys are mad. I love it."

Jake pointed at Rose. "We've got your back, Rose."

Jack winked at her. "And your front."

Jake pointed at him, "And her sides!"

They both laughed hysterically. She laughed at them. "I'm going to go now."

They continued to laugh. Jack said, "Bye, love you, too!"

She laughed as she ended the transmission. "Those guys." She whispered as she got up and walked into the bedroom. The Doctor was moving things and looking for something.

"They are knee deep in a bottle." He remarked.

"I'd say up to their necks." She giggled. "What are you looking for?"

"I've lost Sam's rabbit. Do you know what happened to it?" he asked.

She smiled, "I seem to remember you put it in your pocket."

"Did I?" He stood up and ran both of his hands in his pockets. After a moment, he pulled it out. He smiled and shook his head. "I'm losing my mind, Rose. How did I forget that?"

She giggled, "You just have a lot going on. Where is everyone?"

He walked over to her and took her hand. "Funny you ask. I came to get you. We're starting a tradition."

She smiled, "I love that. What is it?"

He bopped on the end of the nose and smiled. "Just you see."

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Rose held the Doctor's hand as they walked onto the Top Observation Deck. The stars shot past the large, domed window overhead. Laughter could be heard from the Zero Gravity room. It made them both smile. He looked back at her, "What until you see this. It's alright, he's fine."

They walked to the doorway of the Zero Gravity room. The Doctor called down. "Hey. I'm here."

"Daddy!" Genie shouted from deep below.

"And I have Mum!" He shouted down.

"Mummy!" several adult voices called with Genie.

Rose laughed, "They are mad."

Poltious floated up from the bottom. He grabbed the doorway and held onto it. "Tony has him. They are down at the bottom."

"Tony?" the Doctor asked surprised.

Tony floated up from the bottom, holding Sam in his arm. "Yes. Tony. What the hell? Do you think I can't hold a baby? Haven't we covered this?"

Poltious pushed off from the doorway and floated back. Tony held onto the doorway and smiled, "Alright. Ready?"

Poltious nodded his head. "Go ahead and let him go."

Tony let go of Sam and gently pushed his bum towards Poltious. Sam screamed with laughter as he floated to Poltious. Poltious caught him easily and kissed his face.

Rose put her hands on her hips and looked at the Doctor. He was smiling like a loon. "And this is acceptable?"

He looked confused, "Ugh. Yeah?"

She threw her hands up, "No! Give this child to me! Geez."

Poltious floated to the doorway and handed him to Rose. She groaned as she walked away.

Tony pointed at the Doctor and laughed, "I told you she wouldn't like that."

The Doctor sighed as he put his hands on his hips. "It's lining up to be one of those days."

Tony laughed as he called below him. "Gene! Get your ass up here!"

Genie's voice could be heard from below. "That's a swear!"

He rolled his eyes and groaned. He whispered, "Damn it."

She appeared under him and floated up. She grabbed the back of his shirt to keep from floating any further away. She pointed at him, "That's two swears. Tony. Shame on you."

He shook his head. "Whatever, midget Lizard. Put it on my tab." He took her hand and pushed her towards the Doctor. He helped her through the doorway and to get on her feet.

She smiled up at him. "Daddy! Did you come to play some more?"

He smiled as Poltious and Tony climbed out of Zero Gravity room. "I wanted to show you something. Then, it will be time to go to bed."

"What did you want to show me?"

Tony pat her on the head as he walked away, "Lizard girl."

She showed him her fist and made a face. The Doctor took her hand and led her over to where Rose was sitting. Logan and Lance sat with her.

Tony slapped Logan on the back, as he sat down next to him on the table top. "Loverboy! I'm surprised you are away from your Princess."

Logan smiled, "She was tired, so she has already turned in for the night."

Rose held Sam and smiled at him.

The Doctor clapped his hands together. "Alright! We have to stop for a moment to refuel. We have to be rather alert, too because this part of space has someone that might be passing by."

Genie sat down next to Rose, "Who?"

He chuckled, "Oh, someone you might have heard of. There are many stories about him. But, Tony asked to tell you his favorite."

They looked back at Tony. He shrugged his shoulders and held out his hands. "Well, I don't remember all of it. I'll need help. Alright?"

Genie nodded her head. "Sure!"

He bit his lip and nodded his head. "Alright. It was the night before Christmas, and all through the…..ummm…"

Genie smiled, "Space Ship."

Tony nodded his head. "Yes. Not a creature was stirring, not even a …. Ummm… what?"

Genie giggled, "A little girl named Gene."

They all laughed. Tony continued. "A lizard named Gene. Right."

Genie tossed her hands up. "Ugh!"

"All of the stockings were hung by the chimney with care. With the hopes that St. Nicolas, soon would be there."

The ship slowed down and stopped. The stars dotted the blackness of space above them. They all looked up at it.

Tony smiled, "Then what to my wondering eyes should appear, a miniature sled and eight tiny reindeer."

They continued to look up and saw a streak of light come from the bottom of the ship and twist around the top of the Observation Deck, before shooting off into space.

Genie gasped and covered her mouth. "Mum! I've got to get to bed right now! That was Santa!"

They all laughed as she ran out of the room as fast as her legs would take her.

The Doctor smiled and said quietly, "I owe you one, Tony. That was a brilliant idea."

Tony laughed, "Pay my swearing fees for this trip and we're even. I've left my wallet back in New York."

Rose looked confused, "What was that?"

Poltious smiled, "An empty weapon canister. My son shot it to loop around the ship."

Rose stood up and giggled. "You guys are great. What a memory for her. I'll tuck her in. Sam needs a new nappy." She kissed the Doctor's lips quickly and walked out of the room holding the baby.

He watched her leave with a look of longing on his face.

Tony chuckled at him. "See, Logan. That's the look of a man in trouble. What did you do, John?"

The Doctor rolled his eyes. "Ah, nothing. Logan, how did you Mum like her surprise?"

Logan smiled, "She loved it. Told me I shouldn't have done it and that sort of thing."

Tony nodded his head as he crossed his arms. "So, you already gave her the house? Cool."

Lance and Poltious pat the Doctor on the back as they left. Lance said, "We're going to play cards in the Control Room. Licis is talking shit he can't back up. Join us. John? Tony? Logan?"

The Doctor shook his head. "I've been in enough trouble for one day, gentlemen."

Tony groaned, "I left my wallet in New York. I'll play if you can take it on credit."

Poltious smiled, "That would work. Sure!"

Logan shook his head. "Legate has warned me about you guys."

Poltious pointed to himself, "Us? Nah. Surely he was talking about someone else."

"Alright. Maybe a bit later."

Lance clapped his hands together in excitement. "That's what I'm talking about. See you later."

They walked out of the room. Logan was left with the Doctor and Tony.

Logan sighed. "I should probably go, too."

Tony pointed at Logan and smiled. "I'm glad we have you on your own for a bit. John and I thought of something we want to try. But, we need to know what you think."

"Alright? What's this?"

The Doctor explained Tony's idea to copy the fighting knowledge from someone's brain into Logan's. His reaction was not what the Doctor expected. "You both should mark this date and celebrate it annually. You've finally lost your minds."

Tony looked back at the Doctor and smiled, "That's not 'no', John."

Logan rubbed his face. "Guys. I appreciate it. I really do. I just don't think it will help."

The Doctor groaned, "Damn it, Logan. You can do this. I've seen it."

Tony nodded his head. "There's no way you can play soccer, or football, or whatever and do so well at that, and not be able to fight. This isn't going to scramble your head, kid."

Logan sighed, "It's safe?"

Tony looked insulted. "Dude. Would we do it otherwise?"

Logan thought, "Probably."

Tony looked at the Doctor. "How about that John? He knows us."

The Doctor sat down on the tabletop with Logan. "It's safe. I'd do it to Genie."

Logan nodded his head and thought. "Could we keep it between ourselves? Not tell Ashena?"

The Doctor groaned as he crossed his arms. "This isn't good. You are already keeping stuff from your girl."

Tony sat down next to him on the tabletop. "This is really not good. Must be serious."

The Doctor chuckled, "It must be. I thought you two were just dating and as you said, 'Having fun'."

Logan looked confused, "I didn't say that."

Tony shook his head. "No, he said they were sleeping together and he was perfecting his craft."

Logan covered his face in both of his hands, "Oh good God. Tony!"

The Doctor laughed at his embarrassment. "Right. That is what I heard. Cheers, Tony."

Tony shrugged his shoulders, "Well, that's what he said."

Logan shook his head and dropped his hands. "Alright. I'll do it then. Who's head are you going to copy into mine?"

The Doctor rubbed his finger on his lip. "We had thought, Lewis. But he's not with us. I'll have to give it some thought."

Tony pointed at the Doctor. "John. Where is that machine? In the hanger?"

"Nah. It's in the transport queue. Timon will show you how to put it in the hanger. Go ahead and start with it."

Tony jumped off of the table top. "And I love being abducted by aliens! Best Christmas ever, John!" He shouted as he walked out of the Observation Room. Logan and the Doctor laughed.

The Doctor laughed, "I don't think I've ever seen him happier."

Logan laughed.

The Doctor looked back at him. "What are you doing tonight?"

He shrugged his shoulders. "No idea. I thought about finding Legate and seeing what he's up to."

"He's in the Control Room. I need to go up there, myself. Come on."

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Logan and the Doctor walked into the Control Room. Lance was standing with Licis and Poltious at screen on the wall. He turned to him, "Brilliant! I was just about to call for you."

"What's up?"

Lance pointed at the screen. "The computer has three other systems and one other ship that might be affected by this plague. Have a look and see what you think."

He put on his glasses and clicked a few things on the screen. "Nah. They weren't near it long enough for it to cause problems. The type of ship that is has consent shielding at umm… 72-74%. Go ahead and contact them to make them aware, but tell them I don't think it's a problem."

Lance nodded his head. "Right. I'll take care of it. There is also this. The Queen sent over the codes to Clagl's ship. So, when we find it, we can take control if needed."

He sighed and nodded his head. "Good. Any luck?"

"No. I hope we can get closer and we'll be able to pick it up. It appears we will have to have a search where they disappeared. We'll be finished refueling in just a few moments and can get underway again. Timon says the engines can run at 90% if we want."

He nodded. "Yes. Do it. We need to find them as soon as possible."

Logan asked, "Is there any treatment for this plague?"

The Doctor shook his head. "No. There's not."

Logan looked back out the main window in front of them. "Damn. That sucks."

The Doctor pointed at Lance. "Get us underway as soon as possible. Safely. I need to go help Rose. Let me know if I'm needed here."

Lance nodded his head. "We'll do. Logan. Want to play cards?"

The Doctor smiled back at Logan. "Feeling lucky?"

Logan shook his head. "It's been a strange day."

The Doctor chuckled. "Go easy on him, Lance. He's young."

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