Chapter 8

"So, let's get this straight." Rose said back in the TARDIS. "Those fake Dalek things… hypnotised me and Jack?"

"That's my guess, yeah." The Doctor replied. "And I also think, I don't know how they did it though, it only works on humans because I didn't hear anything."

"But how?" asked Jack. "And besides, we have no means to call for help from the Time Lords or anybody and no weapons. How the hell are we supposed to beat these things?"

The Doctor didn't reply and was just staring into space. "Doctor?" Rose said quietly, resting her hand on his jacket. He looked up.

"There's only one way out of this, isn't there?" he said sadly. Rose nodded. "Well then. Better get a move on before things get out of hand and they come over here again and start causing more trouble than necessary. You'd better get back." The Doctor added.

Rose and Jack backed down the stairs as the Doctor turned his attention to the panel. His accomplices shielded there eyes as a bright white/gold light shone behind him. They looked back squinting and saw he was facing them again but the light still waving in the background. He did not speak to them as he hurried down the steps and out the TARDIS doors and didn't notice them running behind him to catch up.

The Doctor didn't slow once, the power of the TARDIS running through his veins. Rose held her side, supporting a stitch; Jack was just ahead of her, gasping for breath. They had come further out. He didn't remember coming this way.

But then the hill appeared in the distance.

The Doctor climbed it easily and halted at the top. Rose and Jack came up on his right and left sides. Their eyes widened at what they saw. Down below there were thousands of the ugliest aliens Rose had ever seen. They looked mutated as if still recovering from a horrific battle (which Rose reminded herself there sort of had).

All of their Dalek-like visors looked up at the trio, side by side. "I know who you are," the Doctor called down. His voice had changed. "A race new to existence. The Thals; the Kaleds. And the Graske."

Silence.

"You don't have a leader. You're disorganised. And that makes you dangerous. I can't let you live free."

"I can speak for us!" Came a voice. It was strangely sharp for a monster. The aliens parted to reveal a slightly bigger one. It was a disgusting greenish colour and the light from the sky reflected on its slimy flesh. The Doctor frowned down at them. "You are not responsible for this planet. We are!" it roared.

"Many years ago this planet was peaceful. I know that feeling can never return here. But with you free in the universe other species will be at risk."

"But -"

"I AM TALKING!"

"What are you going to do?" It shouted up at him.

"Divide you! You leave me no choice. You're race must be destroyed for the sake of all those who seek peace."

The aliens like they had before, started to turn into atoms. First, one by one, and then in numbers. When the space was empty, nothing left, the Doctor crumpled. Rose knelt down quickly next to him and turned him around gently to face her. His eyes pulsed faintly with the white glow and then they closed.

"Doctor? Doctor wake up. Jack help me get him to the TARDIS."

Jack crouched beside her and pulled the sonic screwdriver out of the Doctor's pocket. He examined it, set it and then held down the button. The TARDIS materialised before them and Jack went to unlock the door. He returned and helped Rose carry him inside. They lowered him gently into the chair and stood back. The Doctor started to mumble to himself and Rose only made out, "Breathe… got to breathe…"

"You can do it Doctor," she said. "You can't die on me." Jack held her hand.

The Doctor breathed in deeply and then out. A white gas poured quickly out of his mouth and the TARDIS closed. He breathed slowly and then opened his eyes. Slowly he pushed himself up, sitting straight. He smiled at Rose and Jack. "We did it then." He said.

"Yeah," Rose agreed.

"You did great, Doctor." Jack commented.

"Rose, you know what's gonna happen don't you?" he asked her.

She nodded. "Yeah."

"Well, er, that's not gonna happen this time. My time's up. I've had one too many regenerations in my lifetime."

"But… you could go to the Time Lords -"

"They won't help me no matter what I say. And besides it's too late." He made to stand up and winced. He ignored the pain and staggered over to the controls, Rose and Jack at his heels. The Doctor fiddled with some of the buttons and knobs and then lent against the panel. The engines started. "I've set the TARDIS to take you both home. Jack, to make it easier -"

"I'll stay with Rose." He finished. The Doctor nodded. "Rose…"

She practically collapsed in his arms, crying. He hugged her tight. "You can't go… you can't…"

"I'll always be watching over you." He smiled. She stepped back a little and looked into his eyes. "I'll never forget you. You're my world. My Doctor. Forever in my heart." She wiped her eyes with her sleeve and smiled. He fumbled in his pockets and then turned to Jack. "Where's my screwdriver?"

"Oh, sorry." Jack apologised handing it to him.

The Doctor passed it to Rose. "You need it more than he does." He grinned.

"Are you saying I can't look after myself?"

"No, no, not at all. Just incase you get into a sticky situation. Get kidnapped, you know."

"Thanks," she said pocketing it. "For everything."

"You're welcome." He replied. "Thanks to you as well." He faced Jack. "Our second goodbye."

"Yeah," Jack said. They shook hands and then hugged. "I owe you a thanks too. You saved me from who I nearly was. Who I was becoming."

"No problem." The Doctor stepped back and looked at both of his friends. "Oh nearly forgot, don't even think about trying to bring me back somehow." He told Rose sternly. "That goes for you too." He added to Jack.

"Cross my heart," Jack promised.

"Bye," Rose said. "I love you."

"I love you too. And Jack." The Doctor grinned. He looked at his watch. "It's time." He said sadly. He gave one last grin at his friends.