5

The Doctor looked out of the TARDIS doors feeling a little disorientated as she realised she was back on solid land, on Earth. Early 21st century. She thought of Ada and Noor and hoped she had done the right thing - making them forget her. She sighed as she stepped out into the field knowing she had to find Yaz and the lads. She looked up at the Sun hoping that she had time on her side.

Xxxxxx

"What if the Doctor doesn't come back?" Yaz folded her arms across herself as she looked around. Graham sighed.

"She's not going to abandon us. This is the Doc."

Jack looked away for a moment, remembering a time when he had been left behind. He had always known that back then Rose was the Doctor's priority. In his Ninth incarnation the Doc had barely given him a second thought. He hoped that regeneration had changed that part of the Doctor's personality. He could see Yaz and the two men she travelled with were happy to be together and all seemed to have a faith in the Time Lord, just as he had. He hoped that the Doctor hadn't become quite as ruthless as he had been in his 9th incarnation. He had liked him but had found the 10th version of the Time Lord more. He knew it was Rose's and then Martha's influence that had made the Doctor more human. He hoped that at least that aspect hadn't changed.

"If I know the Doc, and I've known her."

"Old on! You thought she was a bloke!" Graham laughed.

"Told you. It has been a while." Jack shrugged. "She will be trying her best to put things right." He stepped away from the car. "In the meantime."

"We find that scumbag." Yaz snapped as Gwen and Donna exchanged glances .

"I like her." Gwen rolled her eyes as Jack spoke.

"You are a married man, remember." She nodded over to Ianto who was talking with Ryan. Jack nodded, smiling.

"I know. Don't worry Gwen. I know how lucky I am. Cmon." He headed away as she shook her head slightly. It was Graham who took charge.

"Yaz, you and Ryan stick together. Find Barton. Donna, luv you go with them. Ianto, Gwen, we need to find out why he's not entirely human. Can you do that? Jack , son? Stick with me ok?"

"Ok." Ianto glanced at Jack who nodded.

"I know Jack is the Torchwood boss but this is my family ok. And that scumbag has nearly killed me, my grandson and the girls while this Master bloke has been leading us a right dance and I for one ain't aving it."

"Ok, what do you think we should do?" Jack asked, feeling odd that he was deferring to a man he barely knew and who was not the Doctor.

"Find this Master fella."

"NO!"

Graham turned sharply as a familiar and distinctive voice caught his attention.

"Doc."

Jack smiled before hugging the Doctor tightly.

"Put me down!" She gasped. "Bit smaller than I was! Jack! Looking well. Donna, still getting into trouble."

"Always." The red haired woman smiled. "Could you find trousers that fit? Ankle flappers?"

The Doc pulled a face "I like them. Anyway! Distracting me ain't gonna work. No. You keep away from the Master. You don't know him."

"What!" Jack was incredulous. "This lot might not but I do!"

"No Jack. You think you do. It was one year. One year that would have stretched into eternity if it wasn't for Martha Jones. She's safe? Isn't she?"

"Yes." Donna nodded. "She's ok."

The Doctor smiled. "But one year."

"The year from HELL."

"Yes I know. I was there. But that's one year. One! One in over two thousand. Trust me, not even the tip of the ice berg. I grew up with him. We know each other." She tapped her temple. "In here. And if I don't find him; he will find me." She walked away as the rest of the team fell silent. It was Graham who broke the silence.

"Well, you heard her. Let's put a stop to this."

Xxxxxxx

The Doctor closed her eyes, taking a breath to calm herself the way Bill had once taught her. She had no idea why it worked but it did. Her brain seemed to run faster than her hearts at times leaving her whirring from one unfinished thought to another. It wasn't until she felt a hand on her arm that she focused.

"You ok?"

"Yes." She smiled slightly. Ryan raised his eyebrows.

"Don't say you are if you're not. My Gran used to do that. I always knew she was lying. So, don't Ok. It worries me, us more than if you tell us the truth." He watched as she nodded once.

"I'm not ok. But I will be. Barton has to be stopped. He's got some link with these creatures. I dunno how or why but." She raised her hands. "RYAN! You are a GENIUS!" She ran off in the direction of the aircraft hanger knowing the guys, her family would follow.

Xxxxxxx