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Chapter 43- Lance's Problem

Lance and Jane sat at a corner bistro in Miami, Florida. She could see the sandy white beach beside of where they sat in the mid-day sun. The open area allowed the breeze to blow in. She tossed her braid behind her and smiled back at Lance.

"I've never been to Florida. I've always wanted to come here." She smiled.

He looked around, "It's hot. I didn't realize it would be so warm. It's not this warm at home."

"Where is that island? I thought it would be in the Caribbean."

He shook his head. "I don't know. There is another one, near….hmm….I can't remember where. But, we all moved to this one because it had the same time as London. It made it easier."

She sipped her water. "So, it's in the same time zone as London."

He nodded. "Yes. The other one wasn't. It was…. Almost ten hours behind, I think. It made it difficult."

"That must be in California."

He pointed at her, "California. I've heard of there! Tony has a home there."

She rolled her eyes. "Everyone has heard of California. The Beach Boys. Surfing…."

He smiled. "Surfing. There's something that Legate thinks he can do. He looks like a…..boneless chicken out there. I'm waiting for him to break his neck. I'm not looking forward to calling his father, nor his grandfather, to tell them about that. Oh, that boy."

She giggled, "I'm sure it's not that bad. You know, they say the best surfing in the world is in…."

He rose his eyebrows at her, "Where?"

"Lance. You can't be this terrible at geography. No one is! I'm going to buy you an atlas."

He laughed as the waitress sat down their order. Jane had a turkey sandwich with pasta, and Lance had a chicken carbonara.

Jane rolled her eyes at him. "I think you are just, messing with me."

A man wearing swim trunks, walked over to their table. He wore a muscle shirt and had a very short hair cut. "Excuse me, ma'am. I would like to ask for your number."

Jane shook her head. "I'm sorry, no."

Lance looked surprised. Was this the custom here?

The man walked away.

Jane looked at Lance in surprise. "Can you believe that guy?"

"I find that rude. I mean, obviously, you are here with me."

Jane nodded her head. "It is rude. What an ass."

Lance reached out in his head, 'John. Need some help on customs here.'

'Okay. What's up?' The Doctor replied.

He explained what happened. As Lance and the Doctor where talking, the man came back to the table. Jane looked back at him and sighed.

"Are you serious? I'm trying to eat with my date here!" She insisted.

"I'm just asking for your number. You might want the company of a real man later."

Lance stood up and the man got right into his face. "Well, she won't be ringing you then. It's clear the lady doesn't want to speak to you. Just take a walk. Don't embarrass yourself."

The man slapped Lance in the chest. "Maybe you shouldn't embarrass yourself, mate. What is that? English? Is that what you are?"

Lance rolled his shoulders back. "Does it matter?"

"Maybe it does to her-"

"Clearly not. She's here with me."

The man pointed forcefully at Lance. "But, she's leaving with me."

Lance shook his head and grinned. "No, she's not."

The argument had gotten the attention of the restaurant. The owner rushed out and stood behind the man. "We do not want any trouble here. You will have to leave-"

The man pushed the manager down. "I'll leave when I'm good and ready."

The waitress had taken Jane's hand and quietly moved her away from the situation. The man pointed at Lance's chest. "And I'm not ready."

Lance asked, "When will you be ready, then?"

"After I've hit you-"

Lance stepped back and put his hands on his hips, "Alright. Go on then. Hit me. But, I'm going to warn you. That's not the wisest-."

The man punched Lance in the chin. Lance didn't move. The crowd in the restaurant gasped.

Lance looked at the man. "Finished then?"

The man became furious and charged Lance. He grabbed him around his waist and threw him on a table. They broke out in a fight. The crowd all watched as Lance hit the man's ears with both of his fists, kneed him in the stomach and kicked him to the ground. Lance straddled the man's chest, and had punched him twice in the face when a policeman grabbed his fist.

"Police! You're under arrest!"

Lance stopped and held up both of his hands. The policeman stood him up and put handcuffs on him as Jane watched in shock.

"Lance?"

He shook his head. "It will be alright."

Jane pointed at the other man who the police also had arrested. "It was him! Lance was only defending himself! Let him go!"

"We'll have him down at the station, lady." The policeman told her, and marched Lance out of the restaurant.

Jane started to cry in anger. As they walked the man who had caused all of the trouble next to her, she kicked him in the groan. "Fucker! You did all of this!"

He doubled over and the police had to carry him out.

The policeman pointed at her. "Easy lady. Or we'll arrest you, too."

Lance was already out of the door.

Jane turned to the waitress and began to cry. "I don't even know what to do."

The waitress held her as she sobbed.

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Tony, the Doctor and Lewis transported down to the castle on the Quauthin homeworld. A page bowed to them as soon as they materialized and smiled warmly at them.

"Welcome. King Lartius has asked me to show you to the main hall. Please, follow me."

They walked behind him as they passed through the beautiful castle. Carvings were everywhere they could see. Green vines grew against the walls and gave the impression of both a very old castle, and a very new one. As they rounded a corner, there were workmen putting in a large, stained glass window. They all stopped and bowed to them as they walked by.

The page turned to them and smiled, "Forgive us. We are working on this wing. The King is just through there. Enjoy your stay."

They walked into a large room with a very high ceiling, stonework pillars and huge windows that showed the three suns in the sky. The town just below was very busy with the small speeders rushing to and fro.

Ashena, Licis and Summus stood with King Lartius in the room. And to The Doctor's surprise, Lenox was also there with another member of his colony. He could tell by the clothing he wore.

King Lartius smiled as they walked in. "Welcome! Oh wow! Lewis! My dear, Lewis!"

Lewis laughed and rushed to his King. They embraced one another tightly. They were so happy to see one another.

"I hear you are a father! What is his name?"

Lewis smiled, "Arles. Forgive me for breaking with tradition."

Lartius shook his head. "The decision was yours to make. I support it, fully. I hear it is to honor his mother. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing, Lewis. She must have been amazing to have caught your eye."

Lewis nodded, "Without question." He turned and held his hand out, "May I present, Primus of the Prime Guard of Terra, Princeps of Plentitude, Jalikapo, Andromeda, and Nimiset. Guardian to the Queen Ashena and associate to her father, the King Clagl. Advisor to the leaders of Terra, and my One. Doctor Johnathon Smith."

The Doctor laughed at the huge title. "Geez. I didn't know when he would stop. It is a great honor to meet you, King Lartius. Just brilliant. Call me John. Please."

King Lartius smiled and shook his hand. "It is my honor to meet you. And Tony!"

Tony laughed as the King walked over and embraced him tightly. "It is so great to see you, my dear friend. Did you bring your Princess?"

Tony smiled, "She's on the ship. She'll be down after this so you can meet her."

Lartius pat his chest. "I look forward to it. We have much to discuss."

The rest of the room enjoyed a warm welcome. Hand maidens and servants brought in refreshments as they spoke and introduced one another. Lenox's companion, Julian, was the second in charge on the Photoria. He was also a Quauhtin warrior and upon further conversation, was in the service as Lenox's Primary Guard.

Ashena looked amazing. Dressed all in gold robes, her hair wrapped in a white cloth, she seemed tired from all of the dealings she had managed in the last few days. She quickly found herself with Tony whom she asked, "Princess? Do I know this person?"

He smiled at her. "Pepper. I believe you met her. Red hair?"

"Oh. I have heard you speak of her. Tony, maybe you need to think about a future with this woman. I've never seen you smile so when you mention someone."

Tony laughed and nodded his head. "I'll take it under advisement, your maje-"

"Oh goodness! I'm Ashena. Please, don't 'your majesty' me."

He teased, "Can I call you, Shenny?"

"You have always made me laugh. Everyone. Let's get this meeting started. Please. Take a seat."

They all sat down at a round table together. The servants walked out and closed the door to the room behind him. On the table where assorted sweets and biscuits of odd colors and flavors. They all made themselves a small plate and sipped some odd hot drink while Lartius began.

"First of all, thank you all for coming. The Queen Ashena, and I have been talking about the situation over on Andromeda. Her idea to bring you all together to discuss this was in an attempt to keep it away from anyone that might be listening to any radio communications coming from either of our planets."

Ashena nodded. "Yes. The Arions we have captured, have confessed their intentions to transport more children from our world."

The Doctor put his elbows on the table. "More? That means they had some."

Ashena looked back at him. "They did. We have them now, and are interviewing the children to see what else we can charge the Arions with. However, according to Soler, they are not the same Arions that had him. Which leaves us with a problem."

Lewis sat back and sighed, "They are still out there."

Ashena nodded. "Yes. It was our intentions to charge them with the boy's murder. That would allow us to prosecute them more harshly."

Tony shook his head. "I don't agree with that. If his father hears he's been killed, it's going to destroy him."

Summus pointed at him, "I agree with you, Tony. Which is why I have postponed that announcement. Instead I have launched ten crafts to find the other Arions, or Magneer. There has been no mention of him except to the commanding officer of each squadron now. They are to make contact with Magneer, and explain the situation."

The Doctor looked surprised, "Really?"

Ashena nodded. "This is of extreme importance. We can't allow our world, or any other, to live in fear."

Tony asked, "I don't understand how you fit into this, Lartius."

Lartius sighed, "Because they have now been spotted here. A patrol caught sight of them only two days ago. A small craft. They fired on us, and they were destroyed. Thank you for that heat reading sensor, Tony. Hell of a thing."

Tony grinned back at the Doctor.

The Doctor pat his arm, proudly.

Lartius nodded, "It's brilliant. We wouldn't have detected them otherwise. The planetary defense system that you set up with Legate, has saved us. All of our thanks."

Lenox chuckled proudly. "My brother is proving to live up to the honor of his name."

Lartius smiled, "Indeed."

The Doctor waved his hand. "Well, hang on. If they are now spotted on two planets, this is no longer a matter you can legally handle on your own."

Lartius groaned, "Which is why we are keeping it secret. The Shadow Proclamation has very strict rules with this, but I don't feel that they would give us much say in this matter. As long as it's only a matter on Andromeda, they do not have to be notified."

The Doctor sat back, crossed his arms and shook his head. "This is a dangerous game you are playing. Why?"

Ashena spoke. "We've seen it on our world already. As soon as it becomes known that they are talking children, we have people seeing them everywhere. Nothing invokes emotion like a lost child."

"But, they could send someone to help."

Lartius shook his head. "No. That's the last thing I want here. Very few of our people are even left. This will force them to leave for sure. Every year, we have less and less attend the Academy. We are a dying race now. I don't want to invite more trouble."

The Doctor groaned.

Lartius held his hand out, "And my grandson. Lenox. He has asked to speak to you, Queen Ashena."

Ashena smiled warmly at him. "Of course. What is it?"

"All of these children you will recover from these Arions, will need to go someplace. If only for a temporary period of time. I would like to offer our colony. We can work with officials from your world, and our own, to help them get back home."

Ashena nodded, "This is very wise. Safe from harm. Why would you do this?"

"Our planet is set up with similar defense systems to this one, and your own. But, there are no castles…no media….no huge hospitals….just a trained town of adults who only have the children's best interests at heart. Our small hospital is a simple cottage. Very warm and welcoming to small children. We feel it would be better suited to the situation."

She smiled. "Yes. That would be wonderful. Thank you so much, Lenox. Please let me know whatever you will need."

Lenox pointed to the Doctor. "And I would like to ask you, John. To come and oversee the care of the children, when they are delivered to us."

The Doctor nodded his head, "I'd be happy to."

Ashena spoke, "There are seven now, which we will send to you immediately. They are already overwhelmed with everything. Summus, please see to it."

Summus sipped his hot drink. "It has been done. They will be there later tonight. I'll send another ship tomorrow. Just tell me what you need as far as supplies."

Lenox pointed to the man next to him. "My second in command, Julian, will help me with that. Also, any children who are not able to return to their homes, we would be happy to allow to remain with us. These children will need someone to care for them. Both their injuries seen and unseen. I'm sure Tony has already stumbled into that with the child he is caring for."

They looked back at Tony. He nodded his head. "Soler has really been through it. He doesn't talk about it, but I think he….is reflecting his present environment. He seems very happy, he's gaining weight finally, and we've only hit a few bumps along this road. The Quauthin of the Prime Guard have prepared me a report, which I'll share with you, Lenox. I've not read the entire thing as yet, because they keep adding to it, but what I have read has been extremely helpful."

Lartius asked. "What would you recommend after caring for this child?"

"Lenox would be better suited to ask that. Or Pepper. She's the one that really cared for him that first week. She told me that they drew a lot of pictures together."

Lenox nodded, "Art therapy, yes. Good idea. Continue that."

"It opened a lot of discussion, that I don't believe they would have had. He also has become extremely protective of her. John calls him his …. Honorem Quauhtin."

Lartius chuckled. "Appropriate."

"He's a great kid. Lenox advised me to reassure him that he's safe, spend time with him, and play games. When he asks the tough questions, just to be honest with him."

Lenox asked, "Has he talked about it?"

Tony shook his head. "No. Not to me. I don't think he's ready yet. We've managed to keep him distracted by his new environment. Once it becomes more familiar to him, I think he will open up."

The Doctor added, "He has been spending time with our Nanny. She is educating him. He has had no education to speak of at all. He couldn't even count. That's something you will need to be prepared for, Lenox."

Lenox nodded. "I haven't thought of that. I'll get things in place. Thank you."

Lartius sat back and pat the arms of his chair. "My wife is back on Jalikapo. I'll join her tonight for a meeting there with their Queen. Her mother. They have already sent five units here to help us keep watch for the Arions. Last year we had ten Rixalarians from there and as of yesterday, they have sent thirty to the Academy."

The Doctor looked surprised, "Rixalarians training to be Quauhtin?"

"It only made sense. Their natural abilities will serve them well. I'm going to look for a few new instructors, just for them, to help them develop their abilities even more."

The Doctor looked impressed. "We need to chat, later."

Lartius chuckled, "Certainly."

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Jane sat on a bench in the busy police station. She couldn't believe she was there. How was she going to get home? Who should she even call? John and Lewis were both out of town. She didn't even know their numbers. She didn't even know Lance's last name! How could she have let herself get caught up in such a whirl-wind romance?

"Stupid. Stupid woman." She thought to herself as she looked at her hands that she nervously rubbed together.

Someone sat next to her and laid their arm on the back of the bench.

"Are you alright?"

She looked next to her and saw Legate. Overcome with relief, she embraced him. He laughed and held her.

"I didn't know how to ring you." She told him.

He smiled at her. "Oh, don't worry about that. Lance notified us. I brought some help."

Just as he said that, another man who Jane had only seen on a million posters and ads, knelt in front of her and smiled warmly. He offered his hand to her. "Hello, Jane. I'm Pete. I'm sorry we're meeting like this."

Her mouth gapped open. She hadn't thought that the famous Peter Tyler would come to help Lance out of such a situation. She offered him her hand and was unable to speak over the shock of him being there.

He chuckled. "Out of all of these guys, I didn't expect I would ever have to come bail Lance out of jail."

She suddenly found her voice, "Mr. Tyler. It wasn't his fault! There was this guy-"

Pete nodded and chuckled, "Oh, I know. And you kicked him? Are they pressing charges against you?"

She groaned and rolled her eyes. "They've mentioned it."

He nodded proudly. "We'll be out of here in a bit. Don't worry about anything. Legate. You're with her."

"Yes, sir." Legate said.

Pete stood up and buttoned his jacket to the suit he wore. He turned around and nodded to Bassanio and Aemilius. They walked over to a policeman, who immediately took them through a door. No doubt to where they keeping Lance.

Jane sighed. She looked back at Legate, who was holding a tissue for her. "Need this?"

She took it and groaned. "This has been a hell of a day."

He nodded, "It's a problem with Lance. He seems to get arrested wherever he…..goes. I've never told Pete about it. He's skilled at being at the wrong place, at the wrong time."

"I swear, this was not his fault." She said as she wiped her eyes.

Lance sat next to her with his arm on the back of the bench. "It never is. He… he is a magnet for trouble. He probably hasn't told you about Epsilon Olympia 5, Pertinax or even…."

She looked at him, completely confused. "What?"

Legate bit his lip. "Right. Well, nevermind. I'll let him tell you about that. Similar to this."

She sighed, "I can't believe this. I don't even know how I'll get back-"

"Do you need to return? I'll take you back….wait….Lance says he will. Just give him a moment."

She dropped her hands and looked back at Legate. "What do you mean that Lance says he will? Did he call you?"

Legate didn't know how to answer. "Ummm…."

"Well, I didn't think about that. They do give them one phone call. I suppose that's how you knew he was here."

Legate nodded his head. "Yes."

"Gosh. This just….I can't even believe this."

"Don't worry about Lance. I've known him a long time. He's fine."

"He's probably locked in a jail cell with that ass from the restaurant."

Legate shook his head. "No. He's in a little room. He says there is a table and a police officer who has asked him a million questions. He's eating….donuts."

"Donuts?"

Legate shrugged his shoulders. "He's fine. I'm telling you. Lance is a good guy, but…this is just a problem with him."

"Getting arrested?"

"Yes. It's a problem with a lot of us. Surprisingly." He turned to her and quickly added, "But, he's trained to withstand torture. So, don't worry-"

"The actual hell?! They aren't torturing him!" Jane said a bit too loudly.

The entire police station got quiet and looked back at her. Legate looked around. "We're practicing for a play. Might as well. You know….to pass the time."

The police station went back to the loud, busy sounds of everyone doing a million different things at once.

Jane sighed and laid her head on Legate's shoulder. He kissed her head and held her. "Jane. It's alright."

Meanwhile, the police chief walked with Pete Tyler and the two Quauthin down the hallways. "It was a simple fight. The restaurant owner hasn't decided whether he wants to press charges or not."

Pete nodded his head. "Well, that would be difficult to do. This man, and the lady he was with, are both protected by the President of Great Britain. They have immunity, as a matter of national security. I'm sure you understand."

Pete reached in his jacket and pulled out a bit of paper. He handed it to the chief, who looked it over and nodded. "Well, that settles that. He's free to leave then. He's just in here."

The chief opened the door to a small integration room. Lance sat at a table. He stood up when Pete walked in the room. Pete walked over and shook his hand. "Hey, Lance."

Lance smiled, "Hey, Pete. Thanks for coming."

Pete looked around and asked the chief. "We need the room for a bit."

The chief nodded and left them in the room together.

Bassanio looked around and unplugged the back of a camera that sat in the corner of the room, filming everything. He looked at his wrist and nodded. "You're all clear."

Pete smiled and laughed under his breath. "I always thought I would have to get John out of jail first, out of you lot. I never would have guessed it would be you."

Lance chuckled and ran his hand through his hair. "It's a problem I have. I am grateful you are here."

Pete looked at the paperwork they had put on the table for Lance to fill out. He hadn't written anything down on it. Pete nodded and crumbled it up. "Legate is with Jane. She's just outside."

Lance groaned. "Damn. I can't believe this happened. I've been staying close to my primaries to prevent something like this."

Pete smiled, "I think she's a keeper. If you can….get over this secret you have."

"That's a big problem at the moment."

Pete nodded his head. "There's always a problem. But, I hear she sent the guy that attacked you to the hospital."

Lance looked surprised. "She did?"

"Severe testicular trauma. Stand away from her when you finally tell her, mate. Or, find a cup."

Lance rubbed his face and laughed. "Wow."

Pete laughed, "Let's go. Let's not keep her waiting."

Lance nodded and walked out of the room with Bassanio. Pete tossed the papers in the trash. They walked back down the hall and opened the door to the room with all of the activity. He saw Legate sitting next to Jane, whisper that she needed to look up. She rose her head and a smile spread across her face. He walked over to her and embraced her.

Legate pat him on the shoulder. "Pete has a car waiting. Come on."

Lance held onto Jane's hand and the group walked out of the police station. There were three black cars waiting to receive them. Jane couldn't believe it. In the middle of the motor pool, was a stretch limo. Bassanio held open the door for them and they all climbed inside.

As they departed the station, Pete poured himself a drink. "Lance? Bassanio? Jane? Legate?"

They all accepted the drink that Pete made.

Jane suddenly remembered, "Legate? If you are here, who's watching Arles?"

He smiled, "He's with his Grand."

Pete chuckled, "Getting spoiled. Ridiculously. Jackie loves those children. She's asked for me to have us all pop back to her."

Lance held Jane's hand, "Umm…I need to get Jane back to her-"

"I'm not arguing with Jack's. Neither are you." Pete insisted.

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The Doctor walked back into his suite. He could feel that Samuel was asleep, warm and cozy. He saw the back of Rose's head as she sat on the sofa. He smiled as he felt her happiness at his return.

'He's been sleeping since you left.' Rose told him in his head.

He walked over and gently sat down next to her. She held Samuel, curled up in his favorite blue blanket, sound asleep in her arms. The Doctor looked back and took a pillow from the edge of the sofa. He propped it under her arm to help support Sam's weight.

"Better?" He whispered.

She nodded, "Shhh….I want to see if he'll do it again."

He wrapped his arm around her and kissed her cheek. 'Ashena asked where you were.'

She spoke in his head. 'I just felt like I needed to be here. You didn't need me for that meeting.'

He tucked her hair behind her ear. 'I can feel that. Why are you so worried?'

She shook her head. 'It's stupid, really.'

He held his lips to her head, 'Your feelings are never stupid.'

'Are you certain, that he is alright? He just seems to be doing everything so fast. Talking? Crawling? Trying to walk? Isn't this early for this?'

'Well, how old was Tony?'

She sighed, 'I don't know.'

Sensing she was rather upset about it, he took his screwdriver out of his pocket and scanned Samuel. He flipped it around and looked at it. 'He's fine. Rose, he's fine.'

She kissed Samuel's head again. 'I don't know why I feel like this.'

'We worried the entire time you were pregnant, that he wouldn't be alright. For you to be able to sit here and hold him, and he's fine….baby, we never dreamed this would happen. But, really. He's alright.'

She looked back in his eyes.

He smiled warmly at her. 'It is normal to worry. You are an amazing Mum. That's the reason you worry so much.'

She smiled at him and whispered, "Listen to this."

She brought her lips to Samuel's head and whispered. "Who loves you, little boy?"

Samuel smiled in his sleep and laughed.

The Doctor smiled at his son.

Rose kissed the baby and giggled. "Tell me, who loves you?"

Samuel yawned, "Da."

Rose looked back at the Doctor's surprised face.

She whispered to Sam, "Who?"

Samuel continued to sleep. "Da. Da. Da. Da."

The Doctor laughed, "Well, he can say my name!"

Rose laughed, "He only says it in his sleep. He's been doing it for days. I haven't told you because I thought he would surely say it when he's awake."

He smiled proudly at his son. "Your Da Da does love you. So much."

Rose smiled at him, "Seems fitting that he only says it in his sleep."

The Doctor looked back at her, "Why's that?"

"Because you talk so much in your sleep."

He shook his head, "No, I don't."

Rose laughed, "Oh, yes you do."

"When do I do that?"

"Nearly every night. I look forward to your crazy conversations. It's rarely in English."

He propped his head on his fist and looked at her. "Oh, I don't do that-"

She laughed, "Oh, you do that. Last night, you asked if I wanted chips."

He smiled at her. "I was dreaming about us. We were sitting on the ship at home, eating chips."

She giggled at him. "You don't do it all of the time. Just…."

He smiled in disbelief. "I don't believe I even do it at all."

"Oh, baby. You do. And wow."

He laughed, "What else have I said?"

She smiled, "Oh, gosh. You've always done it, but it's only been recently that it's almost become a nightly thing. You usually are talking to Genie, or me, or someone."

He nodded, "Susan. I'm speaking to Susan."

"Or, someone-"

He shook his head. "No. It's Susan. She has been on my mind more lately. I dream about her a lot."

Rose looked back at him. "I never understand what you are saying to her."

"Why?"

"Because you are speaking Gallifreyan or something-"

"But, I spoke to you before we left in Gallifreyan , and you understood me."

She shook her head and laughed in disbelief. "I did. And I have no idea how that even happened."

He looked confused at her. "Really? So….if I was to say…." He spoke several sentences in Gallifreyan to her.

She shook her head. "I'm sorry. I have no idea what you said."

"Okay, that's strange. Really?"

"Really. I have a theory."

He nodded at her. "Alright, Doctor Rose Tyler…..ummm…Smith. What's your theory?"

She rolled her eyes at him, "Nothing so grand. I think it's something to do with us being joined. I can feel you so much…deeper…when we are….well…making love."

He rose his eyebrows. "Oh!"

"So, maybe it's something I can do in…that moment?"

He nodded and smiled. "Something new to try."

She laughed back at him. "I knew that's what you would say."

"When do you want to test this theory?"

"And I knew that is what you would say next."

He laughed with her.

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

"Put on the screen in here, please."

Jackie Tyler appeared on the screen. "Well, there you lot are."

The Doctor had to be cheeky. "Were we missing?"

"That Lance isn't. Pete just went to Miami to get him out of jail."

The Doctor laughed. Rose looked shocked. "What? Lance?" She looked back at the Doctor. "Did you know about this?"

He stood up and took Samuel from her. "Yes. But, he's asked me not to tell his brothers."

Jackie put her hands on her hips and huffed. "Well, I'm shocked by the entire thing. Who is this woman he's with?"

The Doctor walked around the room, holding Samuel in his arms. "Her name is Jane. Jane Vasquez. She's alright."

Rose shook her head. "She's the photographer I hired-"

"Oh! That's where I've heard that name before. Brilliant!"

Rose shook her head, "Why is that brilliant, mum?"

"Never you mind. Anyway. I needed to talk to you just real quick."

The Doctor walked with Samuel in his arms, over to the kitchen. Rose didn't notice what he was doing. He seemed to be humming at Samuel as he slept.

Jackie continued. "When are you lot coming back? We have that….thing-"

Rose nodded, "Yes. Howie's thing. We'll be there."

The Doctor walked over to Rose and handed her a cup of tea. She smiled at looked up at him, "Oh, thank you."

He looked at her with his eyebrow raised. "This isn't a tux thing, is it?"

Rose laughed, "No. No tux."

He nodded and walked back into the kitchen, carrying Samuel. Rose smiled at him and looked back at Jackie's image. "Mum. We'll be there."

"You wouldn't believe that Pete Tyler. Do you know what he has done now?"

Rose sipped her tea. "I'm rather more interested in what Lance has done."

Jackie threw up her hand, "Oh, I have no idea."

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