Chapter 44.
(Harry POV)
Then Dad got us moving again and then landed us.
Then we headed out and Dad Checked for damaged there was none left after we repaired it. Then we headed out and found these machine like Angels, Aliens and then we found a window and looked out.
"Right," I said.
"Attention all passengers, The Titanic is now in orbit around Sol 3 Also known as Earth Population Human, Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Christmas," PA said.
"Titanic in space," I said.
"I know, Right, Come on, Let's get changed," Dad said as we went back to the Tardis and got dressed into a suit and I had my Phaser Ready just in case, Vortex Manipulator and Sonic ready to go in my Jacket and we headed out again.
"Ready," I said.
"Let's go," Dad said.
Then We started heading in.
Then we saw something.
"Max Capricorn Cruiseliners, the fastest, The Furthest, The Best and I should know Because my name is Max," It said.
"Bit full of himself," I said.
"Hm," Dad said. Then we started again.
"Merry Christmas, Sir," A Crewman said.
"Merry Christmas," We said before heading in.
Then Dad stopped by one of those angel things.
"Evening, Passenger 57, Terrible memory, Remind me, You would be?" Dad said.
"Information, Heavenly host supplying tourist information," It said.
"Good so, tell me, Cos I'm an Idiot where are we from?" Dad said.
"Information, The Titanic is en route from the Planet Sto in the Cassavalian Belt," It said. "The Purpose of the cruise is to experience primitive Cultures,"
"Titanic, Who thought of the name?" I said.
"Information, It was chosen as the most famous vessel of the Planet Earth," It said.
"Did they tell you why it was famous," I said.
"Information, All designations are chose by Max Capricorn, President of Max, Max, Max, Max," It said Glitching.
"Sorry, Sir, We can handle this," A crewman said. Shutting it down. "Software problem, That's all, Leave it with us, Sir, Merry Christmas,"
Then we started moving again when the was Glass Shattered.
"Oh, For Tov's Sake, Look where you're going, this Jacket is a Genuine Earth Antique," He said.
"I'm sorry, Sir," she said.
"You'll be sorry when it comes off your wages, sweetheart," He said walking off. As Dad helped her.
"Bit full of himself too," I said.
"I'm the Doctor, By the way, My Son Harry," Dad said.
"Astrid Sir, Astrid Peth," Astrid said.
"Nice to meet you Astrid, Merry Christmas," Dad said.
"Merry Christmas, Sir," Astrid said.
"Just Doctor, Not sir," Dad said.
"You enjoying the cruise?" Astrid said.
"Yeah, We Suppose, Dunno, It doesn't quite work a cruise, on your own," Dad said.
"Not really on your own Dad," I said.
"What about you, Long way from home, Planet Sto," Dad said.
"Doesn't Feel that different," Astrid said. "Spent 3 years working at the spaceport diner, Travel all the way here, And I'm Still waiting on Tables,"
"No Shore leave?" I said.
"We're not allowed, They Can't afford the insurance, I just wanted to try it, Just once, I used to watch the ships heading out to the Stars, and I always Dreamt of, It sounds daft," Astrid said.
"You Dreamt of another sky, New Sun, New air, New life, A whole universe teeming with life," I said. "Why stand still when there's all that life out there?"
"So you travel a lot?" Astrid said.
"All the time, Just for fun," Dad said.
"Not that it works," I said.
"You must be rich though," Astrid said.
"Haven't got a penny," Dad said.
"Stowaway," I said.
"Kidding?" Astrid said.
"No," I said.
"No," Astrid said.
"Oh yeah," Dad said.
"How did you get onboard," Astrid said.
"Accident, We've got this sort of ship thing, we were just rebuilding her, He left the defences down, Bumped into the Titanic, Here we are," I said.
"Bit of a party. We thought, Why not?" Dad said.
"I should report you," Astrid said.
"Go on then," I said.
"I'll get you 2 a drink, on the house," Astrid said walking off.
Then we went and sat down at a table.
"Something's tickled them," I said.
"They told us it was fancy dress," She said. "Very funny, I'm sure,"
"They're just picking on us," He said. "Because we haven't paid, we won our tickets in a competition,"
"I had to name the 5 husbands of Joofie Crystalle in by the Light of The Asteroid," She said. "D'you ever watch By the Light of the Asteroid?"
"Is that the one with the twins?" Dad said.
"That's it, It's marvellous," She said.
"But we're not good enough for that lot, they think we should be in steerage," He said.
"Oh, Can't have that, can we?" I said. As I used my sonic to open the Wine Bottle spraying it all over them, Then put it away.
"Did you do that?" She said.
"Maybe," I said.
"Oh, we like you," She said.
"We do," He said. "I'm Morvin Van Hoff, This is my good woman Foon,"
"Foon, Hello, I'm the Doctor," Dad said.
"Harry," I said.
"I'm going to need one," Foon said. "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 67 Now activated, Red 67," PA said.
"Red 67 that's us," Foon said. "Are you Red 67?"
"Might as well be," I said.
"Come on, Then," Morvin said. "We're going to Earth,"
Then we started heading out.
"I got you 2 that drink," Astrid said.
"We've got you a treat come on," Dad said. "Red 67 plus 2,"
"Quickly sir, please and take 3 teleport bracelets if you would," He said.
"I'll get the sack," Astrid said.
"Brand new sky," I said.
As we put them on.
"To repeat, I am Mr. Copper, The ships historian, And I shall be taking you to Old London Town in the Country 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," Copper said.
"Excuse me, Sorry, but where did you get all this from?" Dad said.
"Well I have a first class degree in Earthonomics, now stand by," Copper said.
"And me and Me , Red 67," A small red guy said coming over.
"Take a bracelet please, sir," Copper said.
"But hold on hold on, What was your name?" I said.
"Bannakaffalatta," It said.
"Ok, Bannakaffalatta, But it's Christmas ever down there, late night shopping tons of people and he's like a talking conker, No offence but you'll cause a riot cos the street are going to be packed with shoppers and parties and," I said as we were beamed down. "Oh,"
"Now spending money, I have a credit card in Earth Currency, if you want to buy trinkets or stockings or the local delicacy, which is known as beef, but don't stray too far it could be dangerous, any day now they start boxing," Copper said.
"Very good," Bannakaffalatta said.
"It's should be full, It should be busy, Something's wrong," Dad said.
"But It's beautiful," Astrid said.
"Of course, it is," I said.
"But it's a different planet, I'm standing on a different planet, they're Concrete and shops, Aliens shops are real, Look no stars in the sky, and it smells, it stinks, oh thank you," Astrid said hugging dad.
Then I saw someone, It was Lily.
"Be right back," I said.
Then Headed over.
"Lily," I said.
"Harry," Lily said hugging me. "Where have you been?"
"Around, Where is everyone?" I said.
"Scared," Lily said.
"From what," I said.
"Up above," Lily said. "You know, Christmas day, that Star, They're thinking another one is coming this one,"
"So everyone else has gone somewhere else," I said.
"Yeah," Lily said.
"Nothing should be happening this year though, got a ship in orbit which is just passing by nothing else. Here take this, I'll be able to get you anywhere with that," I said.
"You better," Lily said.
"Well do, just be careful," I said. "Catch you later,"
"You better," Lily said as I was beamed up.
"I was talking," I said.
"Yes, I'm sorry about that, Bit of a problem," Copper said. "If I could have your bracelets?"
"Apologies, Ladies and gentlemen and Bannakaffalatta, We seem to have suffered a power fluctuation, If you'd like to return to the festivities, and on behalf of Max Capricorn Cruiseliners, free drinks will be provided," Crewman said then left.
"That was the best, the best," Astrid said hurrying off. as Dad took my bracelets too.
XXX
We were back where we were before we beamed down, Where we were Enjoying the setting and then Dad went over to a painting and manged to get it changed.
Where I went over and saw 3 red dots heading for us.
"Dad, What is that?" I said.
"Meteors," Dad said.
"Yea and the Shield are completely offline," I said Heading over to the window.
"Is that the Bridge, I need to talk to the Captain, There's a meteoroid storm coming in Bearing west 0 by north 2," Dad said.
"Who is that?" Captains aid.
"Never mind that, You've meteoroids coming in and no shielding," Dad said.
"You have no authorisation, you will clear the comms at once," He said.
"Yeah, just looked Starboard," Dad said.
"If you could come with me, sir," The same crewman said taking dad somewhere as I followed.
"You've got a rockstorm heading for this ship and no shields," Dad said.
Then He tried to tell people but got taken off as Astrid, Foon, Morvin, Copper, Bannakaffalatta and that guy who given Astrid check then we got hit and threw over the place till another 2 hit us again.
"Dad, Astrid," I said.
"Fine," Dad said.
"Astrid," I said.
"I'm okay," Astrid said. as I got her up.
"It's stopping," Dad said.
"Well there was only 3," I said. "How much damage did we take? Bad name for ship,"
"Either that or this suit is really unlucky," Dad said.
Then Dad checked someone who was dead.
"Ladies and Gentleman, And Bannakaffalatta, I must apologise on behalf of Max Capricorn Cruiseliners, We seem to have had a small collision," He said.
"Small," Morvin said.
"If you call that small, you are blooding stupid," I said.
Then He went and opened the door.
"NO don't," I said as he got sucked out into space and I got to the Control panel and put up a forcefield. "Got it,"
"Oxygen field stabilised," Computer said.
"Everyone okay," I said. "Astrid?"
"Foon? Morvin, Mr Copper, Bannakaffalatta?" Dad said.
"Yes," Bannakaffalatta said.
"You what was your name?" I said.
"Rickston Slade," Rick said.
"You all right," Dad said.
"No thanks to that idiot," Rick said.
"He just died," I said.
"Then he is a dead idiot," Rick said.
"Keep talking you join him," I said.
"What happened? How come the shields were down?" Astrid said.
"It was no accident," I said.
"How many dead," Astrid said.
"Doesn't matter, Astrid, We're alive, just focus on that, We will get you out of here," I said.
"Astrid, Look at me, I promise," Dad said. "Now if we an get to reception, We have a ship we call all get onboard,"
"Dad, Not going to work," I said.
"What, Why?" Dad said.
"She out there," I said.
"What is it, What's wrong?" Astrid said.
"That our ship there," I said.
"Where?" Astrid said.
"That box, the Blue Box," I said.
"That's a spaceship," Astrid said.
"Oi don't knock it," Dad said.
"Bit small," Astrid said.
"Bit distant and that's bad, if she adrift she lock on the nearest centre of gravity and that is Earth," I said.
Then Dad and I went over the the panel again and called the bridge.
"Deck 22 to the Bridge, Repeat Deck 22 to the Bridge, Does any one read me," I said.
"This is the bridge," A guy said.
"Hello sailor, good to hear you what's the situation up there?" Dad said.
"We've got air, the oxygen field is holding but the captain, He's dead, he did it, oh my Bot he took down the shields," He said.
"Alright, Calm down, What's your name?" I said.
"Midshipman Frame," Frame said.
"Nice to meet you sir," Dad said.
"What's the state of the engines?" I said.
"They're um hold on, Ah," Frame said.
"Are you hurt," I said.
"I'm all right, Oh my Vot they're cycling down," Frame said.
"That's a Nuclear Stormdrive right," I said.
"Yeah," Frame said.
"The moment they're gone we lost orbit," I said.
"The planet," Frame said.
"Yes, If we hit the planet the Nuclear storm explodes," I said.
"Wipes out life on Earth," Dad said.
"Frame, Fire up the engines containment field and feed it back into the core," I said.
"Thats never gonna work," Frame said.
"It will till we reach you, The Engines will keep going, Do what ever you have to. To keep those engines online, You got that," I said.
"Yes sir," Frame said.
"Are you saying someone's done this on purpose?" Copper said.
"Shut it," I said.
"First things first, We're gonna climb through this ship, 2 We 're gonna reach the Bridge," Dad said.
"3 We're gonna save the Titanic, then 4 , We going to find out why? Got it, Now let's move," I said.
"Hold on a minute, Who put you in charge," Rick said. "And who the hell are you too anyway,"
"I'm the Doctor and that's my son Harry, We're Timelords, We're from the Planet Gallifrey in the constellation of Kasterborous," Dad said. "I'm 903 years old,"
"And we're the people who's going to save your lives and all 6 billion people down on Earth," I said. "Got a problem with that?"
"No," Rick said.
"Then on that case, Allonsy," Dad said.
As we started heading.
"Careful," Dad said.
"Damn she took a beating," I said.
"It's rather Ironic but this is very much 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," Copper said.
"No, It's not, It's about peace and thanksgiving," I said.
"What are we on about my Christmas's are always like this," Dad said.
"Host," I said.
"Strength of ten, If we can mend it we can use it to fix the rubble," Dad said.
"We can do robotics' both of us," Morvin said.
"Get to work, But just be careful, There is something about these things I don't like," I said.
"We work on the milk market back on Sto its all robot staff," Foon said.
"It's blocked," Astrid said.
"So what do we do," Dad said.
"Shift it," I said.
"That's so you, Rickston, Copper and you Bannakaffalatta, Look can I just call you Banna it's gonna save time," Dad said.
"No Bannakaffalatta," Bannakaffalatta said.
"Time we are running out on so tough luck. Cause I am," I said.
"There's a gap in the middle see if you can get through," Dad said.
"Easy good," Banna said.
"This whole thing could come crashing down," Rick said.
"Oh Rick, Did you get my message," I said.
"What Message?" Rick said.
"Shut the hell up," I said.
"Bannakaffalatta Made it," Banna said.
"I'll go next," I said,
"Be right behind you," Astrid said.
Then we got through.
"Astrid try and get that bigger, I'm going see how Frame is doing," I said. Then Heading out to the Panel. "Frame, you there,"
"Yes, I'm still here," Frame said.
"How's the engines?" I said.
"They're holding for now," Frame said.
"Any other lifesigns apart from us," I said.
"I still scanning," Frame said. "Hold on got another call," Then Cut it.
"Astrid, how we doing," I said.
"Clearing it," Astrid said.
"Dad how is it your end?" I said.
"Fine," Dad said. "Coming along, Check with the bridge,"
"Frame, You back, How's things," I said.
"Harry, I've got those lifesigns all over, but they're going out one by one," Frame said.
"What was the last thing you heard people saying," I said. "Are they losing air,"
"No, One of them said it was the Host, it has something to do with the host," Frame said.
"Seal the Bridge, Don't let them in, Back as soon as I can," I said Rushing back over. "Dad stop them working on that host now. I just talked with Frame and life signs are going out one by one, It's not the air. I think Its the host that doing, They killing whoever survive the crash,"
"Morvin, Foon turn it off," Dad said.
"Copper, Rick, Get through now," I said.
"Harry tell them it's the host," Dad said.
Then I ran for the panel. "Frame, it's the host they are the ones killing people who survived don't let them in," I said.
"Doctor he's stuck," Astrid said.
"Morvin grab my hand," I said. Getting him through," Got him, Dad come on," getting my Phaser out and setting it for kill.
"Information override what's the origin of your command structure?" Dad said.
"Information, Deck 31," It said.
"Thank you," Dad said getting through.
"Copper, Drop it," I said.
As he did killing them.
Then we got through to the kitchen from the looks of it.
"Morvin, look food," Foon said.
"Oh great someone's happy," Rick said.
"Don't have any then," Morvin said.
"Frame, It's Harry, You there," I said.
"Yes sir, But I've got host outside, I've sealed the door," Frame said.
"They've been programmed to kill why?" Dad said.
"That's not the only problem Doctor, Harry, I had to use a maximum deadlock on the door which means, I'm sealed off even if you can fix the Titanic, You can't get to the bridge," Frame said.
"Got it, What's on Deck 31," I said.
"That's down below, It's nothing, It's just the host storage deck that's where we keep the robots," Frame said.
"What's that? D' you see, the panel black, it's registering Nothing, No Power, No heat no Light," Dad said.
"100% shielding what is that?" I said.
"I'll try intensifying the scanner," Frame said.
"Good man, Keep engines going," I said.
"Saved you some," Astrid said. "You both might be a time kind from Gaddabee but you still need to eat,"
"Yeah thanks," Dad said.
"Though you look good for 903," Astrid said.
"You should see me in the mornings," Dad said.
"Ok," Astrid said.
"Doctor, It is way past midnight, Earth Time Christmas day," Copper said.
"So it is, Merry Christmas," Dad said.
"This Christmas thing, what's it all about?" Astrid said.
"Long story," Dad said. "I should know, I was there, I got the last room,"
"But if the planet's waking up can't we signal them? They could send up a rocket or something," Copper said.
"They don't have spaceships," I said.
"No I've read about it, They have the shuffles, Space shuffles," Copper said.
"Shuttles, but it takes too long to prepare them and everything they will need to even get here," I said.
"Copper, this degree in Earthonomics, where's it from?" Dad said.
"Honestly?" Copper said.
"Just between us," Dad said.
"Mrs Golightly's Happy Travelling University and Dry Cleaners," Copper said.
"You laired to the Company to get a job," Astrid said.
"I wasted my life on Sto, I was a travelling salesman, always on the road," Copper said. "And I reached retirement with nothing to show for it, Not even a home, And Earth sounded so exotic,"
"Yeah, Suppose it is," I said.
"How come you know it so well," Astrid said.
"We were sort of homeless," Dad said.
"Since our planet was lost, we ended up on Earth, Stayed with some friends," I said.
"The thing is if we survive this, there'll be police and all sorts of investigations," Copper said. "Now the minimum penalty for space lane fraud is 10 years in jail, Well, I'm an old man,"
Then there was banging.
"Host, Move it," I said.
As we went on but we ended up with a large hole in the floor.
"Crap," I said.
"Is that the only way across," Rick said.
"On the other hand it is a way across," Dad said.
"The Engines are open," Astrid said.
"Nuclear Storm drive," I said. "Soon as it stops, the Titanic falls," I said.
"But that thing, It'll never take our weight," Morvin said.
"You're going last mate," Rick said.
"It's Nitrofine metal, it's stronger than it looks," Dad said.
"All the same, Rickston's right, Me and Foon should go la" Morvin said falling down.
"Morvin," Foon said.
"I told you, I told you," Rick said.
"Shut up Rick or I will stun your ass and leave you for the host," I said.
"Doctor, I rather think those things have got our scent," Copper said. As I went and sealed it with my sonic.
"Got it," I said. "I'll go,"
"Careful," Dad said.
"Always," I said. As I made it over. "All right next person come on,"
Then Rick came over.
"Open the door," Rick said.
"Not yet," I said. "Come on, Move it,"
Then as they were starting to come over they stop banging. But Foon.
"Where are they?" I said.
"They're stopped," Astrid said.
"Gone away," Bannakaffalatta said.
"Why would they give up," Dad said.
"Never mind that keep coming," Rick said.
"His right for once, Come on," I said.
"I'm afraid we forgot the traditions of Christmas, The Angels have Wings," Copper said.
"Information Kill," It said.
"Arm yourselves," Dad said.
As I shot the one nearest me. Then I had to change the setting to kill them, Then Shot a second one. Then shot the one that hurt Dad.
Then Bannakaffalatta turned out to be a cyborg and EMP the host.
"EMP," I said.
"It took out the robotics, Oh Bannakaffalatta that was brilliant," Dad said.
"We have to recharge him," Astrid said.
"We can't there is no power conduit near here," I said.
"It's drained all his power," Astrid said.
"Damn it," I said.
Then Copper got what Bannakaffalatta used for an EMP.
Then One that fell on the walkway.
Then Dad got it to answer him. Then Foon showed up out of no where and took the host with her as she fell.
"No more," Dad said.
"Come on," I said as we opened the door and got to a power conduit.
"Harry get them up the reception 1. Sent out that SOS," Dad said. "Astrid take this, Powered up, it'll take out Host within 50 yards, but it needs 60 seconds to recharge, Harry you got your sonic,"
"Where are you going," I said.
"Something down on deck 31 and I'm going to find it," Dad said.
"What if you meet a host," Astrid said.
"Well, I'll just have some fun," Dad said.
"You better come back," I said.
"I will," Dad said.
"Once I get them to reception, I'll head for the Bridge," I said.
Then We got through and then encounter 3 more host.
"Astrid," I said as she used the EMP. "Alright let's move,"
As we headed on to the reception, Where I got it open and there were some in there too.
"Astrid again," I said.
As Astrid got them.
"Alright, Astrid, Get that SOS out. Copper keep an eye on the host," I said.
Then I left and secured the room and then headed for the Bridge.
XXX
I got there, But it was bad, I couldn't get in.
"Frame open the door," I said.
"I can't," Frame said.
"Okay, Back up," I said Setting my Phaser high enough to burn through and make a way in. Once I did that big enough for me to get in I crawled through and move something in front of the door. "How's the Engines,"
"Bad, I don't know how much longer we got left," Frame said.
Then An alarm left.
"What now?" I said.
"The Engines have failed," Frame said.
"How much longer can we hold this orbit," I said.
"Not long, 2 minute max," Frame said.
"Is there a second storm drive," I said.
"Yes but it will take to long to power up," Frame said.
"Divert power to it now," I said. "It's our only chance," As there was a smash as Dad showed up. With 2 host. "Dad,"
"Midshipman Frame, At last," Dad said.
"But the host," Frame said.
"Controller dead, They revert to the next highest authority, And that's me," Dad said.
"There's no power, The ship's gonna fall," Frame said.
"Dad, there is a second storm drive but it will take to long to power up," I said.
"What's your first name," Dad said.
"Alonso," Frame said.
"You're kidding me?" Dad said.
"Why?" Frame said.
"There something else I've always wanted to say," Dad said "Allonsy Alonso,"
"WOW! Dad Is this your way to fire it up," I said.
"Maybe," Dad said. "Crap, Yes, Can you get me Buckingham Palace, Listen to me Emergency code, Security Code 771, Now get out of there,"
Then the Engines come on.
"Dad, There back online, Go," I said.
As Dad pulled up.
"YES!" I said.
"HAHA," Dad said.
"Used the heat of re entry to fire up the Secondary Storm Drive," I said.
"Unsinkable, That's us," Dad said. "Teleport, She was wearing a Teleport bracelet,"
Then We got into Orbit again and then we headed down to the Others where Dad.
"Copper, The Teleport, Has it got Emergency Setting?" Dad said.
"I don't know they should have," Copper said.
"She Fell, Copper, She fell what's the emergency code," Dad said.
"Let me," Copper said.
"What the hell are you doing?" Frame said.
"We can bring her back," Dad said.
"If a passenger had an accident on shore leave they're still wearing their teleport. Their molecule are suspended and held in stasis, So if we can just trigger the shift," Copper said.
"There," Dad said.
As Astrid. Starting coming.
"I'm falling," Astrid said.
"Only halfway there," I said.
"Come on," Dad said.
"I keep falling," Astrid said.
"Feedback the molecular grid, Boost it with the restoration matrix," Dad said as it sparked, "No, no, no, Need more phase containment,"
"Doctor," Copper said.
"If I can just link up the surface suspension," Dad said.
"Doctor She's gone," Copper said.
"I just need to override the safety, I can do this, I can do it," Dad said.
"Dad, There's not enough power for it," I said.
"I can do anything," Dad said.
"Stop me falling," Astrid said.
"The system is too badly damaged, dad, There is nothing we can do," I said.
"Astrid Peth. Citizen of Sto, The woman who looked at the stars and dreamt of Travelling, Now you can travel forever," Dad said as she started heading out the window. "You not falling Astrid, you're flying,"
XXX
"The Engines have stabilised, We're holding steady till we get help and I've sent the SOS," Frame said. "A rescue ship should be help within 20 minutes, And they're digging out the records on Max Capricorn, Should be quite a story,"
"They'll want to talk to all of us, I suppose," Copper said.
"I'd have thought so, yeah," Frame said.
"So what you say, Let's go find the Tardis," I said.
"Then Let's go, Mr. Copper, I think you deserve one of these," Dad said.
As We put on a transporter bracelet and Beamed down to Earth.
Once we were down.
"What now?" Dad said.
"I'm going to head back, Jack can't handle Torchwood, all by himself," I said.
"Be careful," Dad said.
"I should be telling you that more than me, See you later Dad," I said. Setting the Vortex for Cardiff and beamed back.
That's all for this chapter.
More to follow
Stay tuned and safe.
Love Y'all
PEACE!