Author's notes: I want to thank Samantha for pointing out that I've been misspelling a name: it should be Lils, not Lals. Bad author, no cookie! Also, for anyone I confused by the Doctor having his sonic screwdriver, this is an AU story, and in MY AU, things are obviously a little different. Grin!

This section is dedicated to warinbabylon for encouragement, sneak previews, and staying up past her bedtime. Thank you!

All day the Doctor forced himself to stay business as usual, showing no outward sign of his inner excitement. If the Azim were more observant, they might have noticed him moving a little slower than usual, with more care: luckily for him, they weren't and didn't. By the end of the day, he felt that even his patience had been tested, but it was so worth it!

Tegan looked up as he came in, still calm. They got their food and were left alone. Only a few minutes after that did he finally stir.

"Come in here," he whispered, pointing to the bathroom.

She raised her eyebrows in confusion. "Don't you want to eat before we start that?"

He rose and to Tegan's amazement, drew her up and into his arms, holding her tight for a moment before gently nudging her towards the bathroom. "Trust me, brave heart."

She shook her head, but followed him in. "What's going on with you?" she asked quietly. "You're acting odd. Mind you, you do that often, but this is different."

He smiled. "I got an early birthday gift today."

"What?"

The Doctor, still smiling, reached into his shirt with one hand and covered Tegan's mouth with the other. She made a few muffled indignant sounds, but when she saw the sonic screwdriver, her eyes bulged and she reflexively squealed.

"And you wonder why I did this," he commented wryly, wiggling the fingers that covered her mouth.

He waited to make sure that she had hold of herself, then removed his hand. She stared. "How the bloody blazes did you get it!" she asked.

"Lils and Rina. Lils was able to take it from our belongings while the guards were distracted."

"Cripes," she breathed. "And he didn't even know what it is. That's a hell of a present, Doc!"

"Yes, it is, isn't it?"

They stared at each other. "So... now what?" Tegan asked.

"Now we get out of here."

"I know that, I mean... how? How do we do it?"

"Two things. But right now, let's eat."

"Eat? How can you think of eating at a time like this?"

"Normally, I wouldn't: not every day, at least. You know that. But you need food, and on the off chance that Halda or some guards come in here, we need to keep up appearances."

"All right."

"We'll finish talking during our shower."

She couldn't help but laugh.

When dinner was done and they were in the shower, Tegan snatched the washcloth. "All right, out with it," she commanded as she lathered herself up.

He leaned back against the wall, blue eyes dark with thought. "As I said, two things. First: I still have to get the key to the TARDIS. And I have to find the key to Rina and Lils ship."

"Busting them out as well?" Tegan smiled.

"Yes. They're only a few doors down for us, and with what we know of the guards patterns, it will be easy to go to their room and get them out."

She nodded. "And how exactly are you going to be able to get the keys?"

"Rina explained to me where our belongings are stored. It'll be a bit of timing, but I think I can get in and out in one fell swoop. Once I've gotten those two things, it's simply a matter of timing again."

"So when do we go get the keys?"

"WE don't. I do." He took the washcloth from her.

"Now just a minute, Doc," she began heatedly. The look in his eyes stopped her.

"Tegan. Please, please just listen, just this once."

To his surprise, she subsided, though she crossed her arms over her breasts. "Go on, then."

"One person can maneuver easier, faster, and with less chance of being seen than two."

"I'll buy that, Doc. But what else?"

He gave her a wry smile.

"Tell me," she pressed.

"Because if I get caught, I want you to take responsibility for it. Tell Halda you told me to do it. I don't care what you say, but convince her to punish me."

"Are we back to that?"

"Tegan, I mean it. You know what will happen to you. I won't risk you, not until everything is ready for us to try and leave. It isn't necessary."

She sighed. He dropped the washcloth and took her hands in his. "You know perfectly well that normally I'd want you with me. But not for this. Please tell me you understand."

She looked up at him. "I do, Doc."

He nodded, surprising her by leaning in and kissing her. "Thank you."

"So... tonight, then?"

"Yes. While I'm gone try and get some sleep. When I come back, we're going to make our escape."

She grinned. "No argument there, Doc!"