Chapter Four

Down To Earth

For a moment Captain Jack was rooted to the spot as he watched the Doctor's slumped body start to disintegrate into a billion electrons before his eyes. He shook himself. Forcing himself to direct all his energies to the TARDIS control panel, he suddenly saw what he had to do. He slammed his fist down hard on the 'Emergency Landing' button. Immediately the ringing of the crystal, which had reached an almost unbearable level, began to lower in pitch and its pulsating red glow subsided. The Doctor's body, leather jacket and all, began to take on its former shape. They were heading back to their last port of call: London, 5.15p.m, 4th October 2005. If Rose had remained for a moment longer staring at the blank wall of the block of flats, she would have been surprised to see the TARDIS once again materialise in the very same place.

-

The Doctor sat up and rubbed his head. Jack gave him a hand and he stood up.

"Thanks, mate,' said the Doctor. 'Not sure what you did, but I think I owe you one."

"I used 'Emergency Landing'."

"Ah. Good move. Sorry – looks like that great-granny of yours is going to have to wait."

"Any idea what that was all about?" asked Jack.

"Something's clearly going on with that little present I made Rose. What, I have no idea. All I know is that I daren't set off in the TARDIS again. The crystal is clearly trying to summon me to that point in space and time. It'll do it again and, as you can see, it doesn't appear to agree with my constitution.'

"Okay..." said Jack slowly. "So why don't we just catch up with Rose now and take the crystal off her...?"

The Doctor shook his head. "Think about it. I made the crystal so that Rose, and Rose alone, could use it. I gave it her in 2005. She uses it in 2016. We can't just go back and take it off her. It creates a paradox and, as you know, paradoxes cause all sorts of problems, like..."

"Chronosynclastic infundibula?" asked Jack

"Right," answered the Doctor.

"Well, we can't just stay here."

"I have no choice. You, however, are a free agent..."

"But surely the crystal will pull me straight back to 2016?"

"No. Don't you remember? The crystal only works as long as I'm in the TARDIS."

"But... I can't just leave you here without the TARDIS."

"I've been to some pretty hostile planets. I think I can cope with London circa 2005. Anyway, I can have some fun. I deserve a holiday. I might drop in on Rose's wedding..."

"And me? Don't tell me. I can guess. I'm the sucker who goes into the future to find out what's going on..."

"Got it in one."

"OK, but I'm gonna have a beer and see you settled in here first."

-

Street lights were just coming on as the Doctor and Jack wandered down the road. Several young people of both genders caught Jack's eye as they hurried home from work. The Doctor came to a halt by a cash-point machine. He took out his sonic screwdriver and drew it swiftly over the slot where the card should go. A moment later he was pocketing one thousand pounds cash.

"Great," said Jack, "but what about the poor guy whose account you're using?"

"Unclaimed lottery prize money," said the Doctor. "If you read the newspapers you'll know it's all wasted on things nobody wants. And anyway, don't you think, all in all, Britain owes me?"

Jack chuckled and slapped the Doctor on the back as they entered the 'Moon Under Water' public house.

-

Two hours later they arrived at a nearby business hotel. The Doctor requested a single room for seven nights. The receptionist was pretty.

"Hey! What's your name?" asked Jack.

"Kit," said the receptionist.

"Hi, Kit. Are you free later?" asked Jack with a winning smile.

"Free as in what?" asked Kit.

"Free, as in 'no charge'!"

The receptionist turned to the Doctor. "Look, do you want to book, or not?"

"Fine," said the Doctor.

"No, no, no!" (Jack had enjoyed a few 'British beers'.) "No. Let's book a double room. Just in case I want to stay over!"

"Single will be fine," the Doctor cut in. "No, on second thoughts, make that a twin. You better had stay over tonight, Jack.'

"Aw, Doc," said Jack, putting an arm round him. "I didn't know you cared..."

"Don't get any ideas. I'm just not having you drunk-in-charge of the TARDIS."

Kit looked curious.

"Any luggage?"

"Nope," said the Doctor. "Oh and, by the way, do you have a computer I could use?"

"Um... I suppose I could lend you a lap-top," said Kit.

"Things are getting better by the minute!" said Jack.

Kit rolled her eyes. "How do you want to pay? We accept Visa, Amex..."

"Cash," cut in the Doctor.

"Cash?" repeated Kit.

"Yes, cash. This stuff." He produced a wad of notes and put them on the counter. "You seen it before, or are you too young?"

Kit gave him a withering look and counted out the money, then turned round and took a key down from a hook.

"Room eleven. Breakfast is eight o'clock 'til ten-thirty. Oh, and I'll be up in a moment with the lap – the computer."