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Chapter 36 – Dinner at the Tyler's

The Doctor stood leaning against the cabinet inside of the kitchen of the Tyler family mansion. He had his fingers in a half eaten jar of jam. He was dressed casually in his jeans and a grey oxford shirt with the sleeves rolled up.

"So, Jackie. You're not cooking?" He asked as he ate the jam off his fingers.

Jackie Tyler stood at the cooker with her back turned to him. "I've ordered take away that they are bringing later. I'm just finishing these fish sticks for the children before they start eating each other."

The Doctor grinned, "I don't think they are going feral-"

His words were interrupted as little Genie, young Tony and Soli all ran through the kitchen, yelling playfully at one another.

The Doctor rose his eyebrows, "Maybe they already were feral."

The adult Arles and Samuel stepped into the kitchen from the outside garden.

Arles asked, "Feral children?"

"I hope no one bites." Samuel insisted.

"I might need a shot." Arles said as he walked over and kissed Jackie on the cheek.

Jackie smiled, "Hello, sweetheart. Get yourself something to eat."

Arles grabbed a fish stick and tossed it in his mouth. "Awe! Hot fish stick!"

Samuel laughed, "Let them cool off-"

"Nah. They taste better this way." He said as he took a few more and laid them on the counter. "Awe! Hot!"

Samuel grinned.

The Doctor laughed and mumbled, "Just like Lewis."

Jackie smiled as Samuel kissed her cheek.

"Hello, Sunshine." Jackie said.

"Hello, Grand. Did you find your toaster?"

The Doctor grunted and shook his head quickly.

Samuel looked back at his Dad. "Well, I'm sure it will turn up."

Arles laughed.

Jackie put some more of the fish sticks on a platter. "I have a very good idea where it is. Don't you, John?"

"I have no idea." The Doctor said as he continued to eat the jam off his fingers.

Samuel looked at his Dad and mouthed, "Yeah, right."

The Doctor smiled, "How was breakfast with the Bennetts? Karen said it went well."

Samuel walked over to the pantry and pulled out another jar of jam. He tossed one to Arles and opened one for himself. "Well, we're now Bennetts, too. Are you really alright with that?"

The Doctor shrugged his shoulders. "I thought it was a hell of an idea. And these humans really feel like their family name is important. So, it's quite an honor."

Arles tossed the lid off of the jam into the rubbish bin across the room and sat at the bar. He started to eat it off his fingers. "I rather like it. Arles Bennett. I would like middle name. If we're changing paperwork, I might cook up one."

Samuel, still wearing his ball cap backwards, shook his head as he ate his jam off his fingers standing next to his Dad. "Nope! That's not how it works. You have to have it picked for you. The most terrible, heinous name ever."

The Doctor laughed under his breath. "You hate your name that much?"

Samuel rolled his eyes, "Could it be any longer? Samuel Alistair Peter Tyler-Smith? Really, Dad? How many people did you owe money when I was born?"

The Doctor laughed and shook his head, "Shit."

Karen walked into the kitchen. "Oh, you guys came inside."

Samuel looked up at her and smiled. She walked over and kissed him quickly on the lips. He whispered, "Find the loo, alright?"

She smiled, "Yes."

Jackie smiled at her. "There are three feral children running about, so watch yourself and don't get ran over."

The Doctor grinned, "Yeah, Soli hasn't even started zooming yet."

Samuel laughed under his breath, "Do you want something, Karen?"

Jackie nodded, "Yes, make yourself at home, Karen. Please get yourself whatever you like."

She sat at the bar beside of Arles. "Thank you. I'm about to pop from breakfast with Mom and Dad."

The Doctor grinned, "I'm glad it went well."

Karen smiled, "It did. He asked me to let you know he'll call you tomorrow with his decision."

The Doctor nodded his head. "It's a big decision. I'm glad I don't have to make it."

Samuel asked, "What is it?"

"He has to pick Navy or Torchwood. He can't do both."

Samuel teased, "How about your decision with that, Dad?"

"Your Grandfather thinks he's going to rope me back in. I'm determined to let these people sort themselves out, themselves."

Arles laughed. "Right. $1,000 he's doing something Torchwood-ish in the next 48 hours."

Jackie laughed without looking back at them. "You lot bet on everything."

Samuel pointed, "I'll take that. He seems determined."

The Doctor rolled his eyes. "Samuel has the upper hand. Karen, you want in on that?"

"No, thank you." Karen noticed they were all eating jam from jars on their fingers. "What are you guys eating?"

Jackie heard her question and turned to look at them. "Are you kidding me, John?"

He shook his head. "What?"

"You've given them brain damage like you have! Completely, barking mad! The lot of you!"

"Eating jam doesn't give one brain damage-"

"No one eats it like that! All three of you are just….disgusting! Ugh!" She took the plate of fish sticks into the other room with a look of disapproval on her face.

The Doctor grinned, "Does she ever not fuss about me eating jam from the jar like this?"

Samuel grinned, "Why do you think we started doing it?"

The Doctor laughed. "My boys. Brilliant. So, Karen. We're talking about names."

"Why?" She asked with a look of shock on her face.

Samuel grinned and pointed at Arles. "For Arles! He's going to change his last name and wants to have a middle name. I told him he couldn't pick it."

Karen giggled. "So, we get to pick it?"

"And it has to be terrible." The Doctor insisted and continued to eat the jam. "Lewis agrees. He's giving me some options now. Oh, that one really bad."

Arles groaned, "This is going to become a thing. I can already tell."

Samuel laughed. "Oh, I have to think of something really good. Karen, what's a terrible name for a guy?"

Karen grinned. "I'd like to know where you got your name, Samuel."

The Doctor pointed at his son. "Samuel was after a Quauthin that died protecting him and Rose when she was pregnant. Although, I found out later that Sam was short for Samson instead of Samuel."

"Samson." Samuel tasted in his mouth. "That would have been worse."

The Doctor smiled at his son's complaining, "Alistair is after a friend of mine from long ago, and Peter is his grandfather."

"Alistair." Samuel chuckled. "He wasn't even called that."

"Well, Rose wouldn't let me call you 'Brigadier'."

Samuel pointed at this Dad, "You're right. That's worse. Remind me to thank Mum."

Rose walked into the kitchen. "And this is where you lot are."

Arles smiled, "Having jam."

"To get Grand wound up." Rose smiled.

Samuel smiled. "And it's working."

The Doctor grinned, "It's the small things in life that are the most enjoyable."

Rose smiled and kissed the Doctor quickly on the lips. "And you taste sweet."

"I am sweet. That's why." He smiled.

Rose crossed her arms and leaned against the other side of the bar. "What are you lot in here talking about?" She reached over, grabbed Karen's hand, and smiled. "Hi, Karen."

Arles continued to eat his jam. "Mum. Please help me with this. I need a middle name and I know you won't let them name me something terrible."

Samuel quickly added, "And thank you for not letting Dad call me 'Brigadier'."

Rose grinned. "Alright. Well, ummm. What do you have in mind?"

Samuel shook his head. "No! No, no! He can't pick or even suggest anything. You and Dad have to sort this out with Papa. I didn't get to pick and it has to be terrible."

Rose laughed, "Is he serious?"

The Doctor nodded, "I believe he is."

Rose looked back at Karen. "Do you see this mad family of ours?"

Karen giggled. "Seems normal to me."

Samuel smiled proudly at her. "Mon Coeur."

The Doctor looked back at his son and grinned.

Rose rubbed her chin, "How about your name, Doctor-"

"Dangerous conversation-"

"No." She groaned. "We could name him after you."

He made a face. "I don't think that works."

Karen smiled, "What is his name?"

"Very dangerous conversation." He insisted as he went back to eating his jam.

Rose giggled at his complaining. "He's Johnathon Alexander Storm Smith."

"Storm?" Karen asked in disbelief.

"That was her!" The Doctor insisted. "She thought that would be a good idea."

Karen looked at Arles, "Are you sure you want to put her in charge of this?"

Arles nodded. "You make a good point, Karen."

Little Genie ran into the kitchen. "Daddy!"

The Doctor knelt down. "What's wrong?"

Genie was very unhappy. "Tony is being-"

"Stop. Are we tattling? Is that it?"

She put her hands on her hips. "Daddy. He is being unreasonable!"

Samuel grinned. "And some things never change."

Arles nodded. "Seriously."

Rose knelt behind of little Genie and put her hands on her shoulders. "Play with Soli. Let Tony realize what he is doing will not win him any friends."

Little Genie ran out of the room.

The Doctor stood back up and continued to eat his jam. "Nicely done, Mum."

Rose smiled, "Well, thank you. Where is Tony?"

"Stark is outside." Samuel told her.

"No, the red bearded, swearing, brother of mine?" Rose asked.

The Doctor continued to eat his jam. "On the ship. He says he's doing something to Stark's ship. I'll go up and get him before dinner."

Samuel groaned and sat the jam on the counter. "What was I thinking eating that? Ugh."

"Sick?" The Doctor asked.

Samuel shook his head and walked over to the sink to wash his hands. "Nah. It's just… too sweet and I'm already full."

"Is it time for your medicine?" Karen asked.

He nodded. "Almost."

"Go on and take it." The Doctor told him. "And drink some water."

Samuel took two bottles of water out of the refrigerator and handed one to Karen. He leaned against the cabinet and sipped it slowly. He closed his eyes and exhaled slowly.

Tony Stark and Pete walked into the kitchen from the outside garden. Lance, carrying baby Arles, walked in behind them with Arcite and Exton.

Tony held his hands out. "This is where everyone is!"

"Eating jam." Rose smiled and walked to Lance to take baby Arles in her arms.

Pete grinned. "All of you are eating jam? Jacks will not be happy."

Karen laughed, "She wasn't."

The Doctor grinned. "She'll be right back. Grab one and we'll really get her wound up."

Pete chuckled. "I have to live with this woman."

"You have a comfortable couch." Arles teased.

"And a guest room, Pete." The Doctor grinned.

Tony laughed, "Hell, I don't have to live with her." He reached in the pantry and pulled out a jar. "Soli! Are you close?"

Soli suddenly appeared in front of Tony with a huge smile on his face. Tony jumped and put his hand on Soli's shoulder to steady himself. "Damn it! Ugh! Son. You scared the shit out of me."

Soli looked concerned, "I'm sorry-"

"No, it's alright. Just….John, I'm grateful for the new ticker."

The Doctor grinned, "He's giving it a good work out. Soli, when you zoom around, appear next to someone instead of in front of them. It keeps them from being able to strike you if they want to fight. Or a frightened reaction."

Tony pointed at the Doctor, "And he makes a great point."

Soli climbed on the cabinet next to where the Doctor stood. "Yes, Primus."

Tony gave them all a jar of jam and instructed them to eat it, or at least look like they were eating it off their fingers.

Arles laughed. "Oh, that's really going to cheese Grand off."

Samuel moved to stand behind Karen, wrapping his arms around her as she sat on the stool.

She asked him quietly, "Are you alright?"

He closed his eyes and nodded. "Yeah."

The adult Genie and Legate came into the kitchen. Genie looked absolutely beautiful in her dress that flowed with her. She turned and smiled at Legate, "They are in here. Daddy. Legate said you needed to speak to me?"

The Doctor rose his eyebrows as he remembered. "Yes! Genie. The island home near Hawaii…."

"Yes? Gosh, I forgot that's even there."

"Well, we have a…" He looked at Soli. "Ummm…."

Lance took over explanations. "We have security concerns with the school being located in New York at the Stark Mansion."

Legate nodded his head. "Oh, that does make sense."

Genie shook her head. "Hang on. Stop talking in one another's heads and speak out loud, please."

Tony tossed Legate a jar of jam. "Right, Genie. Sorry."

Samuel leaned against the wall next to Karen. She stood up and insisted he sit down. He sipped the water he had given her. She rubbed his back and put her hand on his neck. Her touch made him feel better.

The Doctor pointed at him. "Medicine, Samuel."

Samuel took the injector out of his pocket and sprayed it into his neck.

Genie walked over to him and rubbed his back. "Samuel-"

"I'm fine." He told her and took a slow breath. "So, the island…."

Lance continued to explain. "The island home has a dome, no one knows where it is, and it's not even on a map. That's the reason John picked it when he originally built the house. Anyone from space, or even a passing ship, sees it as more water."

"But, Dad." Genie held out her hand. "I have students showing up to move in tomorrow! Do you seriously want to change this now?"

Arles continued to eat the jam. "It's better to change it now, than after you have students underfoot. We could copy the school there, and get rid of the house for now."

Pete rose his eyebrows. "So, you'd just use the school in New York as a decoy?"

"Yep." The Doctor popped. "And then, pop all of the students to the island. They will be safe there with only one Quauhtin."

Legate nodded. "Or none. I mean, really. The only place safer on the surface is the island you live on now."

"Precisely." Lance agreed as he ate the jam off his fingers. "This is actually good, John."

Genie put her hands on her hips. "So, just so I'm clear. Everyone is to think the school in New York is the school, when it's really on this island in Hawaii?"

"Yes." The Doctor agreed.

"I can't do that!" Genie shook her head. "These parents believe their children are in New York."

"Would it be better for them to know the security concerns that New York presents?" Samuel asked. "You wouldn't have one kid there."

Genie looked back at her Dad. "You believe they are coming back."

The Doctor nodded. "I do. And if you have this many children in your care, Genie-"

She covered her mouth. "Oh my God. Do it. Yes. School on the island. I'm fully behind it."

Samuel cleared his throat and sat back. "Hang on. Does it have to be this island? The builders of that home know that location. It's not really secure."

Lance nodded. "That's true."

"What do you have in mind?" The Doctor asked.

"Well, the difference in time was always a problem. I know that's why you moved to the other island in the Atlantic. What if we could copy these structures to another island, in the Atlantic?"

The Doctor crossed his arms and considered.

Arles nodded, "That's true. We could use the land detection sensors on one of the smaller ships to find something."

"There's not a lot to choose from." The Doctor told them.

"Or!" Samuel grinned, "We could copy an island. The entire thing."

Arles smiled at his brother. "Go big or go home? Huh?"

Samuel had recovered. He pat his brother's shoulder. "Exactly!"

Pete looked at them in great interest, "You can copy an island?"

"Why not?" Samuel asked. "It's the same principle. You remember when we copied that mountain on Photoria to better secure that colony, right Legate?"

Legate put his hands on his hips, "That's true! I had forgotten about that. But, we would need a lot of hard drive space."

Samuel sipped his water. "We do. We have Dad's ship, Papa's, Ashena will be in orbit soon, not to mention Uncle Tony's ship! The hard drive in it can be tied into Dad's for a booster."

The Doctor nodded his head. "Impressive, son."

Arles continued to eat the jam on his fingers. "Legate and I will handle this later today."

"What about me?" Samuel asked.

Arles pointed at Karen. "The boss probably won't let you come out and play. You're still recovering."

Samuel looked up at Karen. "Really?"

She nodded her head. "Arles is right. You are going to rest."

The Doctor grinned, "So much more effective than what I could ever do. Thank you, Karen."

Karen rubbed Samuel's back. "You bet."

Genie rose her eyebrows, "Well. Legate, Sammy, Karen, Arles. Life on an island?"

Samuel smiled up at Karen. "We were just talking about that earlier."

Arles rubbed his hands together and smiled, "Surfing!"

Legate became excited. "Hell yeah!"

Samuel stood up and gave Karen back her seat. "Daily surfing, boys-"

Genie groaned. "Oh, that's the only drawback. Ugh. We're going to have rules."

"Phhhh." Arles rolled his eyes. "Okay, Mum."

Samuel crossed his arms and looked at his sister. "You know, I might give up surfing."

"What?" Genie asked.

He smiled at her.

"Gosh, you suck. I can tell that's a lie."

He smiled, "No, you can't."

Arles took a deep breath. "So, we're creating an island-

"If you can't find one." The Doctor added.

"If we can't find one. Then copying a school-"

"And a football pitch!" Legate insisted.

Arles pointed at him. "Yes. And anything else you want, Genie. Give it some thought, and I can take care of it tonight."

Tony nodded, "Could you copy a place for me there?"

"Sure!" Arles insisted. "What do you have in mind?"

"I want Pepper and Soli out of New York. We were planning on moving to that small house on John's island, but if you're copying stuff."

"Want me to copy the small house?"

"Ummm. Copy the house in Malibu, with the workshop contents from New York. I'll give you a hand with this. I'd like to know how you do that. Sounds interesting."

Lance spoke, "I'll help, too. I might want in on this. Genie, have room for another Quauhtin there?"

Genie smiled, "You and Jane are always welcome. Certainly, Lance."

Arles nodded his head. "Okay. Anyone want anything else?"

Samuel rubbed Karen's back. "Sailboats?"

"That's a great idea." Arles nodded and continued to eat the jam off his fingers.

"And the lighthouse!" Legate added.

Genie smiled. "Of course."

Karen looked up at Samuel and smiled, "A lighthouse."

He returned her smile, "A lighthouse."

Jackie Tyler walked back into the kitchen. She immediately saw the Doctor, Arcite, Arles, Lance, Exton, Legate and little Soli all with their fingers in the jam jars. Pete was putting the lid back on Samuel's, but looked guilty as Tony who had opened a jar to smell of it.

"And just what the hell is this?" Jackie insisted.

Samuel laughed under his breath.

Genie covered her mouth and tried not to laugh.

Jackie pointed at Tony. "And you with your nose in that jam. What the hell?"

Tony held his hands out. "This is strawberry! You ordered us dinner for later. Was any of it strawberry?"

Jackie nodded. "The cake was-"

Tony pointed to everyone in the room. "Okay. Whoever sees this get delivered, do not allow the cake to come in."

Arles nodded. "I'll take care of it, Tony."

Tony took his phone out of his pocket and rang someone.

Karen turned and asked Samuel quietly, "He hates strawberries?"

Samuel sipped his water. "Pepper is allergic to them."

Jackie's attention was back on the men with the jam jars. "All of you are just disgusting! I blame you, John!"

The Doctor smiled proudly and bowed. "Yes, Jackie."

Tony ended the call. "Arcite. Could you go to the restaurant back at the tower, and pick up an order for Pepper in about an hour?"

Arcite nodded. "Happy to."

Tony opened the jam jar and smiled at Jackie as he ate the jam off his fingers. "Mmmm. This is great."

Jackie smacked him a dish towel.

Tony laughed, "Awe! Hey!"

Jackie threw her hands up. "I can't even be in here." She stormed out of the kitchen.

Tony grinned, "Oh, that was awesome."

Lance laughed. "Alright men. Good show."

They all threw the jars of jam in the rubbish and washed their hands.

Tony groaned. "That is absolutely gross, John. Why the hell do you do that?"

Soli sat on the cabinet next to the Doctor. "I like it."

"Oh, hell. You've corrupted my son, man. Thanks for that."

The Doctor smiled proudly.

Tony reached in his pocket and pulled out a small, brown bracelet. "Karen, I have this for you."

Karen sat down her water. "Oh, my bracelet."

Tony handed it to Samuel. Samuel took off his bracelet that Karen wore, and Tony helped her put on the new on.

Samuel looked at Karen's bracelet, "That's rather nice."

Tony smiled, "I'm getting better at painting them. I had a few jewels put in there. Pepper likes hers better like that."

Karen turned her wrist to look at it closer. "This is lovely. Thank you, Tony."

Samuel agreed, "Yes, thank you, Tony."

Tony nodded, "I suppose that makes you feel a bit more complete, having yours back."

Samuel clicked a few buttons on his bracelet and made the adjustments that he preferred to wear it with. "It does."

"Makes me feel better." The Doctor insisted.

Samuel grinned, "I have my watch, Dad. It's alright."

"What's with your watch?" Pete asked.

Samuel shrugged his shoulders as he continued to change some settings on his bracelet. "A lot of stuff. I really don't understand why I wasn't wearing it that night."

Tony held his hand out. "Let me see it."

Samuel held his arm out to let Tony see the watch.

Tony grinned and held his watch next to it. "Same watch. Oh yes. That would have been helpful. Damn helpful. I would have found you in five minutes with that on."

Samuel sipped his water. "The only thing I can guess, is maybe the jacket I wore that night, hit it? What was I wearing?"

Karen answered, "A tux."

Samuel looked at her in disbelief. "That's what I thought. Was I really?"

The Doctor rose his eyebrows, "Believe that they are bad luck now?"

Tony took a bottle of water from the fridge. "Hell, I do. I've told Pepper, never again. Oh, Sammy. I have something else for you."

He reached in his pocket and pulled out a small, wooden box. He handed it to Samuel. "I want these back. But, I thought they would be helpful."

Samuel looked at the box. It was ancient with carvings all over it. "This is Quauhtin. Ancient Quauthin."

The Doctor walked over and looked at it. "Oh! Telepathic Joining Rings. Tony, where did you get that?"

Tony sipped his water. "Lartius gave them to me and Pepper."

Karen looked at the box. "What are they?"

Tony smiled, "You will love it. It's….wild. Keep them as long as you like, kid. If you can figure out how they work, let me know."

Samuel sipped them in his pocket. "Thanks."

The Doctor nodded and tossed his empty jam jar in the rubbish. "Okay. Lewis now has Arles a middle name."

Arles groaned. "Oh, I don't want to know."

The Doctor held up his finger. "I, well and Rose-"

Rose smiled, "Oh, that's nice. I really like that."

The Doctor grinned, "But, Lewis told me that we all get a vote and he can change it."

Tony teased him, "Oh, I have some great suggestions."

Arles shook his head, "No, you don't."

The Doctor laughed, "So, everyone think about it let me know, and after dinner, I'll announce our Arles' new name."

Arles groaned.

Pete turned to look out of the window. Someone had just driven up. "Oh! My new car is here. Come out and look."

The kitchen emptied out leaving only Karen, Arles and Samuel.

Karen laughed. "You guys eating that jam. That was such fun. Oh, and I have the wager ready for your bet."

Samuel stepped back and rubbed his hands together. "Brilliant! And go."

"If Samuel wins, Arles has to go on a date with Kelly."

Arles rose his eyebrow. "With Kelly? Well, that's not too bad."

Samuel shook his head. "A proper date. Not what you do."

Arles hummed. "Well. Maybe, we need to rethink this."

Karen laughed, "And if Arles' is right, then Samuel has to also get another middle name."

"Is my name not long enough?"

Karen giggled.

Arles stood up and grinned, "It's all about size, honey."

Samuel grinned, "Says the man with the shortest…name."

"It's all what you do with it. Ha!" Arles laughed as she joined the others outside.

Samuel sat next to Karen and sighed.

"You look tired."

"Nah, I'm fine." He told her. "How are you? Blueberry and all?"

She smiled, "We're fine."

"I was thinking, what it would be like to let my Grand know?"

Karen smiled, "She'll slap you with a dish towel."

Samuel laughed. "I wonder what she'll say."

Karen giggled. "We're waiting. But, I'll let you tell her when we tell everyone."

He smiled at her. "Sure."

Rose walked back into the kitchen. "Karen. Come in here and let me introduce you to Caroline. Howard will be here later."

Karen looked back at Samuel. "Is she serious?"

"If terrible, country music starts playing, Uncle Howie has arrived. And he's going to want to dance with you. Just a warning."

Rose laughed, "Yes, he will. Caroline wants to see you too, Sam. But, I imagine you want to look at the car."

Samuel grinned, "Yes, ma'am."

"It's nice." Rose insisted. "Come on, Karen."

Karen took Rose's hand and walked away with her.

Samuel decided to join the others outside to see the new car.

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All of the men walked around the beautiful, new black Aston Martin Vulcan.

Pete laughed, "And how about that?"

Tony opened the door. "One of 24."

"23, actually. I wanted a red one, but that…well. I got the black one."

Samuel loved it. He stood looking it over, taking it all in. He loved the lines and style of the car. He could imagine himself driving it along a lovely, curvy road with Karen by his side.

His daydream was interrupted by a sudden sensation he was surprised by. His jeans became tighter as he realized he was beginning to get an erection looking at the car. He immediately put his hands in his pockets and cleared his throat.

Arles pat him on the shoulder. "Legate will love this."

"Where is Legate?" Pete asked.

Tony laughed as he sat in the car, "Hiding from John."

The Doctor groaned, "I'm not going to hit him again-"

"Famous last words." Tony teased.

Samuel began feel sick again as a wave of nausea threatened to overtake him.

The car had the men's attention and they didn't notice Samuel go back into the house.

Tony started the car. The loud roar brought a smile to all of the men's faces.

Pete smiled, "Take it for a spin if you want, Stark."

Tony grinned, "I don't mind if I do. John?"

The Doctor looked up, "Where is Samuel?"

Arles looked beside of himself. "He was just here, Dad."

The Doctor pointed at Pete. "Go with Tony, Pete. I'm going to make sure Samuel is alright."

Pete pat Arles on the shoulder. "Arles. Go with Stark."

Arles rubbed his hands together in excitement. "Yes, sir!"

The Doctor and Pete walked into the kitchen just as Legate stepped into the room. He looked at their faces and held his hands out. "I didn't do it."

Pete laughed, "Guilty conscious."

The Doctor asked, "Was Samuel in there?"

"No." Legate told him. "Karen is. I thought he was outside with you."

The Doctor started up the steps that lead to the bedrooms upstairs. "Maybe he went up here."

Pete and Legate joined him as he went up the steps. They walked down the carpeted hallway and found the first loo's door halfway closed.

The Doctor glanced back at them and knocked on it. "Samuel?"

Samuel opened the door. He was pale and his face was beaded in sweat.

They rushed to his side. Pete helped him down to sit on the floor. The Doctor scanned him with his screwdriver as Legate wet a towel to put on his face.

Samuel closed his eyes. "I'm alright."

The Doctor looked at his readings. "Have you been sick?"

"No." He told him and kept his eyes closed. "I feel like I might pass out. Everything is….going black."

"Don't fight it. We're here." Legate told him.

Samuel exhaled slowly. "Oh, this sucks, Dad."

The Doctor took his hand. "I know. Dad's not going to leave you. I'm right here."

Samuel closed his eyes tightly.

The Doctor touched Samuel's forehead and pushed him into a deep sleep.

Pete caught him as he slumped over. "What's wrong with him?"

"Nothing serious." The Doctor said as he put his screwdriver back in his pocket. "He'll be fine. He just needs to sleep."

Legate put the wet towel back in the sink. "How long will he sleep?"

"Probably until morning." The Doctor told them and pulled Samuel into his lap. He typed something on his arm. "I'll take him home. Pete, tell Karen that Samuel had to lie down, so I took him home. I'm staying with him. Legate, you're 'Two.' Bring Karen home later and keep her calm. Insist to her that this is nothing serious."

Legate nodded. "Okay."

The Doctor popped away with Samuel.

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