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Chapter 15 – Meeting with Ashena

Queen Ashena walked into a room with the Doctor and Lewis onboard her ship. The walls were brushed silver and everything about it reminded them they were among royalty. Queen Ashena's hair was wrapped in an ornate crown and cloth that matched the robes she wore.

A servant brought in a tray of drinks and light biscuits for them. The Doctor glanced back at Lewis when he saw the tray sat down on the table between the chairs they sat in.

'Oh no. Nibbles at a meeting. Something is really wrong.' He told Lewis telepathically.

Lewis grabbed one of the biscuits and tossed it in his mouth. 'At least I'm properly fed and can think clearly. I'm starving.'

'Why haven't you ate on the ship?'

'I just kept putting it off.'

'Are you feeding Arles?'

'That's what I've been doing! All he does is eat!'

'Oh. Must be growing then. Eat, when the baby eats.'

'Sleep when the baby sleeps. Trains when the baby trains. Fight when the baby fights. Got it.'

The Doctor laughed. "So, your Majesty-"

She groaned, "Oh, please. Call me Ashena, John. That's the reason I brought us in here, so we could actually speak."

The Doctor grinned. "Of course. So, what did you need to see me and Lewis about?"

She sat back. "Several things, actually. First of all, these attacks. There were two more this morning."

The Doctor shook his head. "What? Where? I've not heard of this!"

"From our information, which I'll have sent to your ship to review, a small craft came into orbit with the colonies on Achorix and Bachorix."

The Doctor sighed. "There's nothing there that would promote an attack."

Lewis shook his head. "Those colonies aren't even well established."

Ashena sadly replied. "From the primary reports, there are no survivors in either one."

The Doctor rubbed his face. "I'm sorry, I hadn't heard of this. Why would someone attack these places?"

Ashena shook her head. "We had just sent assistance to both colonies and it is thought, by some of my advisors, that the fear of the plague may have played some role."

The Doctor shook his head. "I just can't see this. Lewis?"

Lewis considered, "The plague threat could be used in this instance, but not the others. I'm not ready to believe that is why."

Ashena asked, "Any idea who is behind it?"

"No." The Doctor told her seriously. "And it's rather odd, too. It's not something that happened in the Dimension where I came from. I'm afraid I'm rather at a loss along with everyone else."

Ashena nodded. "I accept that."

The Doctor shrugged his shoulders. "It's true. Ashena. I have no reason to lie to you. Or the Andromean people."

Ashena leaned forward to pick up a drink. "Thank you for your honesty. You're one of the very few that I trust with some of the information that I plan to discuss."

"What's wrong?" Lewis asked.

Ashena sighed. "The outbreak of the disease that took my father and brother. Now, with the destruction of the station that was being constructed has left our allies with questions."

Lewis nodded, "As to your wellness?"

Ashena sat her cup down. "We've already lost so much trade. No ships want to approach the Andromeda in fear they will be infected."

The Doctor shook his head. "This is unfounded. There is no reason to assume there is any sort of outbreak there."

Lewis ate another biscuit. "Well, it makes sense. The Queen hasn't been home in months. Have you?"

Ashena sighed. "I haven't. That was exactly what I was told was a reason given."

The Doctor nodded. "I can issue a statement of health. As Princeps, I'm sure-"

"It will not work. The name Doctor Johnathon Smith is still associated with the attack of the Jeclaonides, and young Tony Tyler being taken."

The Doctor groaned. "Damn it."

Lewis tossed another biscuit in his mouth. "Samuel could do it."

Ashena nodded. "That was my thought. You name him as Princeps. You certainly can't do it any longer that you properly own the hospitals."

The Doctor reached forward to make himself a cup of the liquid they were drinking. "I've thought about it. But, I haven't mentioned it to him."

"Then that is settled. And there is another problem."

Lewis rose his eyebrow. "You're full of good news, aren't you?"

Ashena smiled. "I think I would rather discuss that problem with the Doctor who will declare if I'm well or not."

The Doctor looked back at Lewis and then at Ashena. "Would it be something you would prefer to discuss with just me?"

"No." She smiled. "I believe I'll wait and have it be part of the exam. When do you expect to speak to Samuel?"

"As soon as he returns to the ship. He and his wife are shopping on the surface."

"Samuel has taken a mate! How wonderful!" She smiled. "Oh, I am pleased that some good news has come from this meeting. How is he recovering?"

The Doctor grinned. "I believe he's going to be fine."

"Splendid." Ashena sat back. "Samuel, I understand, is from the future. Along with your Arles and Genie."

The Doctor nodded. "Yes. The time line has split and there are now two of each of these persons."

"So, fathers of three are now fathers of six."

Lewis grinned, "The expression that they grow up overnight, couldn't be truer in our case."

Ashena rose her eyebrow. "I'll remind you that we are behind closed doors, there is only me here, and you said you are honest with me."

Lewis rubbed his chin.

Ashena continued. "Legate, being named the heir of the Quauhtin people? He's also one of two, isn't it?"

Lewis glanced back at the Doctor.

The Doctor took a deep breath. "You can understand why that wouldn't be something the Quauhtin would want known as common knowledge."

"Absolutely! But wow! What a dream situation for a Kingdom. Two heirs? The same man?"

Lewis sipped his tea. "We hope we only ever need the one."

"But, still! What an amazing thing to happen. Please extend my congratulations on his choice to be heir, to both Legates and Lartius."

The Doctor nodded, "The heir and the spare. Yes. It is something that the Quauhtin kingdom will deny if anyone speaks of it."

"And you know you don't have to worry about that with me. Like I said, this is a meeting that I knew we couldn't have over open space transmissions. I had to see you both in person. I know all of this is extremely sensitive information. I believe that Logan has been told, but he refuses to tell me. He simply said that he couldn't be 100% sure, and didn't want me to make decisions, based on his lack of knowledge or understanding."

The Doctor grinned. "Logan is a good advisor."

"We're molding him into one. Even if it's just someone for me to…toss my hands up to after a long day. He is very kind and patience."

Lewis smiled. "We all need that."

Ashena smiled, "Yes. Well, I won't keep you gentlemen. I actually have several other meetings to attend to while I'm here. But, speak to Samuel. I can work into my schedule for an exam at his earliest convenience."

The Doctor stood up and bowed. "I'll let him know."

Lewis and the Doctor walked out of the doorway and several aides rushed in to attend to Ashena.

The Doctor walked with his hands in his pockets next to Lewis. Several Quauhtin walked behind them.

Lewis spoke to him, telepathically. 'So, Samuel is the Princeps without even his consultation.'

'You're getting that, too?'

'That's exactly what she said. Makes sense. I don't know of another Doctor anywhere.'

The Doctor shook his head. 'And his name being so far from mine, does nothing but help him. Makes me wonder how much of young Arles and Samuel we should let people know about.'

Lewis sighed. 'That is something to consider. Have a chat with Rose and see what she thinks.'

The Doctor nodded.

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The Doctor and Lewis transported back to the Doctor's ship, and went to the Observation Deck to find Rose. Young Samuel was running all around the large, open room and laughing. The Doctor smiled when he saw him. "And who is this guy?"

Samuel stopped running, stood up unsteadily on his feet, and then fell on his backside. He laughed. "Daddy! Sam go!"

Genie spoke from the top level of the play system. "No, Sam. You say, 'Sam is going.' It's better."

The baby threw his hands over his head and babbled just as Rose, holding a sleeping baby Arles in her arms, walked over to meet them.

Lewis took Arles from her and kissed his sleeping face. "And he's still asleep."

"That didn't take long." Rose told them.

The Doctor kissed her lips quickly. "Yeah. Just a quick meeting. Is Samuel still here?"

"No. He and Karen have gone down to the surface already. Why?"

The Doctor sighed. "Well, if you see him, tell him I'm looking for him."

Rose grinned, "What has he done?"

Lewis chuckled.

The Doctor and Rose looked at Lewis in surprise.

The Doctor asked, "What do you know?"

Lewis laughed and shook his head. "Oh, these children of ours. I'll just say, I've told him to tell you. And….rather handled it. Well, one of the problems."

Rose asked, "There's more than one?"

"Handled it? What was there to handle?" The Doctor asked.

Rose waved her hand. "Oh gosh. I don't think I want to know."

Lewis kissed Arles' sleeping head and smiled. "And I've already said too much."

Baby Samuel ran over and hugged Lewis' leg. "Papa!"

Lewis smiled down at him. "So, we're skipping over walking and going straight to running?"

Samuel let go and ran back to the play system. "Nee! Nee! Down, pleze."

Lewis nodded towards the play system. "I have this lot."

He walked over and shouted up at Genie. "Hey! Are you on patrol up there, or are you going to slide, young lady?"

Genie covered her mouth and giggled.

Rose smiled at Lewis' complaining. "What in the world is Lewis on about?"

The Doctor shook his head, "I don't know. First thing he's said about it."

"Where is Genie? At the school?"

"She's on Photoria with Legate. They were, flying around Jupiter or something when there was an attack. Legate diverted and took her there."

Rose put her hands on her hips. "Diverted? Photoria is further away than Earth would be from Jupiter."

The Doctor grinned, "Yes, it is. Which makes me think they were headed there anyway."

"Why wouldn't she just tell us that's where they were going? What's the big deal?"

"I don't know. But, I do know that in addition to you being a grandmum, you are also a mother in law."

"What? Legate and Genie gone rogue?"

"No. But Karen tells me that Samuel has made the Promise of the Child."

"What is that?"

"It's a way that people can marry. It's an Andromedan tradition that isn't used often. It's a rather, old tradition. Still valid, though. Our Samuel, is wed."

Rose shook her head, "Why would he do it like that?"

"I don't know."

"He is probably so hurt right now. Confused. He's probably looking to make something, permanent in his life. I suppose….?"

The Doctor nodded, "Yeah, maybe."

"Wait. How do you know this?"

He grinned, "Karen told me. She thought I was asking about something else, and I just let her talk."

Rose rolled her eyes. "You are a bad."

The Doctor laughed just as baby Samuel caught himself from falling by wrapping his arms around his Dad's leg. "Daddy! Up, pleze!"

The Doctor picked Samuel up and kissed him. He could see the sweat on Samuel's brow. "You are working hard, young man."

Samuel laid his head on his Dad's shoulder and started to suck his fingers.

Rose smiled and rubbed the little boy's back. "Do you think that's what Lewis is talking about?"

The Doctor glanced back at Lewis who was throwing a ball up to Genie, and still holding Arles in his arm. "Maybe."

Rose nodded. "Well, I'm not going to worry about it, until I know what I'm worrying about. I'm rather at my limit."

"Why?"

"Oh, Samuel getting hurt. And has no one told Mum about Tony doing a runner?"

The Doctor shook his head. "I'm not telling her!"

"Well, I'm not!"

He pointed at her. "You're the daughter."

She groaned and tucked her hair behind her ear. "So. This is why we have Dad. He'll handle it."

The Doctor laughed, "If he hasn't yet, I doubt he will-"

"And just what are we going to tell her when he doesn't show up to this party of hers? Gosh. She's determined to….well…"

"To what?"

Rose stopped and looked up at him. "Fix him up."

The Doctor nearly doubled over laughing. If he hadn't been holding Samuel, he was certain he would have. "Oh, shit."

Rose laughed with him. "You know how she is!"

"Yeah, I do. In fact, I should probably tell you something." He said quietly.

She rose her eyebrow at him. "What?"

He cleared his throat and told her quietly, "She offered to fix me up, if you and I didn't work out."

Rose looked shocked, "No, she didn't."

He laughed and bounced on his feet as he rubbed Samuel's back. "Yes, she did. She really did."

Rose put her hands on her hips. "Well, that's just like her! What did you tell her?"

He rubbed Samuel's back. "I thanked her. Of course. And then, backed slowly away-"

"And?"

He grinned at her and Rose could feel his playful attitude. "Ask her to save the numbers-"

Rose playfully pushed him. "Oh, stop. You did not."

He laughed, "Nah, I didn't. I knew it was going to work out. And if it didn't, I didn't want anyone else. I only wanted you."

She smiled up at him. "I love you, too."

He kissed her lips quickly. "So, having said that, may I take the only other lady in my life out on a date?"

"Tonight? It's rather late."

"It is. But, I think she's getting overlooked by babies and baby adults."

Rose looked back at Genie who standing on top of the play system deck, holding the ball, and waiting on Lewis' attention to go back to her. He had gotten distracted by baby Arles who had woke up and was coo'ing.

Rose nodded. "Yeah. That's fine. Poor kid."

The Doctor looked back at baby Samuel and smiled, "Well, this one is asleep."

Rose smiled, "Is he?"

The Doctor grinned proudly. "Worn himself out running. I love it."

He put Samuel in Rose's arms. He snuggled into her shoulder and continued to sleep. "Mum's sweet boy. Do you want me to talk to the other Samuel?"

"Nah. Lewis has told him to tell us. Let's give them the opportunity to do that."

Rose nodded. "Okay."

"And, something I want you to think about. Samuel Bennett, not having my name. There's no way things I do will affect him."

Rose looked confused. "Yeah?"

"What do you think about these other children? Should that be something we're concerned about?"

Rose shook her head. "I'll give it a think-"

"Yeah, give it a think."

She rubbed Samuel's back.

He reached in the pockets of his suit's jacket. "Ummm. Hang on. I have one here."

He pulled out a pack of sweets from his pocket. "Ugh. That felt like a flower."

Rose laughed. "The thought counts. I'm going to put this one to bed, and have a glass of wine. A tall glass."

He grinned, "Right. Relax. I'll be back later for the vampire shift."

Rose rolled her eyes, "Our son is not a vampire."

He kissed her lips again quickly. "Mind your neck."

"Mind your pockets."

She walked out of the room.

He laughed. "My Sara Gene! What are you doing?"

Genie looked down at him. "Watching Papa, Daddy."

He started to eat the sweets he had found in his pocket.

Lewis stood next to him. "Jelly Babies?"

The Doctor held the bag out for Lewis to grab a handful. "Yeah."

Genie pointed at him. "Daddy! You're eating sweets!"

He shrugged his shoulders in complete disconcern. "Papa is, too."

"It's nearly bedtime!"

"We'll give you some." Lewis smiled.

Genie crossed her arms. "Mum would not be happy. Daddy, you and Papa eat too many sweets."

Lewis grabbed another handful. "That means she doesn't want any?"

"That's what I'm hearing." The Doctor agreed and tossed some in his mouth. "More for Papa and Dad!"

Lewis laughed as Genie slid down the long slide and stood in front them.

"And there she is!" The Doctor announced.

Genie looked confused. "What?"

"Lewis, or rather, Papa. Have you ever in your life met a better, older sister to two boys in your life?"

Lewis smiled, "I have not. This one is the best one I've ever seen."

"And I worry that she doesn't even realize how special she is!" The Doctor said as he stood behind Genie and put his hands on her shoulders.

Lewis tossed another sweet in his mouth. "Genie. We're both so proud of you."

Genie rose her eyebrows in suspicion. "And you're going to tell me it's time to go to bed, aren't you?"

Lewis laughed. "Hardly."

The Doctor knelt down in front of her. "Would you like to go to the surface? I promised you we would buy a lot of dolls, or whatever you want."

Genie laughed and clapped excitedly. "Yes!"

The Doctor took her hand. "And we're off to the toy shop, Papa. Do you need anything?"

Lewis tossed another sweet in his mouth. "Blocks. I like to play with those."

Genie pointed at him. "Blocks for Papa! Yes! Let's go, Daddy!"

The Doctor smiled back at Lewis. "And we're off."

"I'll keep an eye out for Samuel. Let him know the Queen is looking for him." Lewis told him as he held Arles in his arms a bit tighter.

"Cheers." The Doctor called as he followed Genie out of the room.

Lewis looked back down at his sleeping son and smiled.

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