Thank you to everyone that followed/favourited this story.
NicoleR85: Glad you liked it. I hope you enjoy this new chapter.
Rab70149: Thanks for the suggestions. I have added Hunger Games to the poll on my profile. Hope you enjoy this new chapter.
I'd just like to remind everyone that I have created a poll on my Profile for you to vote on what show Charlie should participate in during Bad Wolf. I really need help deciding this, so I'd really appreciate it if you could help me out :)
Poll Results So Far
Naked Attraction -
Total Wipeout - 1
Hunger Games -
Ninja Warrior - 2
Outfit: Outfits can be found on my Pinterest profile – Account on Profile (Click on the image to enlarge it)
Disclaimer: I own Charlie, any other OC characters and the book covers. I do not own Doctor Who.
Previously
Ganesh not seeing the danger they were now in continued,
"That's impossible. He left this afternoon. The Prime Minister left Downing Street. He was driven away!" he rambled on looking at the woman
"And who told you that, hmm? Me." Charlie watched in disgust, the two others staring in horror, as the blonde woman reached up to her hairline and started to pull along it, a bright blue light emitted from the gap in her head.
The alien then started to pull the human face down, its large green head popping out. As it continued to remove itself, Charlie began glancing around the room, for anything she could use as a weapon. Sure, there was chairs, but looking back at the alien that had the skinsuit down to its waist, chairs wouldn't do much to a big beast like that.
Once the green alien was free from its disguise, it watched them for a moment and Charlie watched back. When she saw the slightest twitch of movement, she lunched forward and grabbed the back of Ganesh's suit, yanking him back to her Harriett only just missing the Alien's talons by a hair. The three humans watched as the large green beast roared at them in anger for taking away her kill, they backed up a bit as she started towards them. Charlie's gasped when she could suddenly hear pained screams coming from inside the building, and her eyes darkened with rage when she heard the Doctor's scream amongst them.
Wolf Whispers
Charlie glared darkly at the green beast, with nothing else to use, she quickly grabbed a chair and got ready when suddenly the alien began to writhe and screech as what looked like electric volts erupted from its metal collar. Charlie dropped the chair and grabbed the two terrified humans behind her, she pushed them in front of her.
"Go!" she yelled, keeping to the back of them, making sure the alien didn't come up behind them.
Charlie knew she had to keep Harriet and Ganesh safe, but she really wanted to find the Doctor. She needed to make sure he was okay, Charlie took a deep breath and tried to calm her mind. She knew that to protect them, she had to be focused on them and the situation.
The trio ran out the cabinet room and up the corridor, Charlie took notice of the lack of soldiers which made her a bit nervous. Downing street was crawling with armed soldiers so where did they go? Ignoring this for now, Charlie kept her eyes and ears open as she ran behind the pair. They just turned a corner when Harriet stopped,
"No wait!" she panted, "The emergency codes are still in there!" she turned and ran back.
"Are you taking the piss!?" Charlie yelled, chasing after her, once getting Ganesh stay there.
"We need them," Harriet told the redhead, she forgave the language from the young woman given the situation they were in.
They opened the door back to the cabinet room, only to be cut off by the alien who was no longer being electrocuted. Harriet screamed as it roared at them, Charlie grabbed Harriet's hand and yanked her backwards. Once again pushing the older woman in front of her, they ran back the way they came, Ganesh's eyes widened seeing what was following them, he turned tail and ran with the women following them. Harriet stopped to close a door behind her,
"Nope!" Charlie stopped her, "No time. They'll just break it down anyway!"
Just as she finished saying that, the creature chasing them, broke through the large wooden door like it was paper.
"Run!" Charlie yelled. She regretted wishing she could be in Scooby Doo when she was younger as what could only be described as a Scooby Doo chase begun. The humans would go in one door, the alien would check only to find it empty as the humans poked their head out another door. The great green beast snarled angrily as this continued a few times before Charlie came across a locked door. She rattled the door a few times with Ganesh and Harriet pressed against her back.
"Shit!" she muttered; she had no time to kick it down. She looked behind her and saw the alien getting closer. Charlie stepped in front of the others as they coward, the humans glanced about for another exit. There was one to the right of them, but it was currently blocked by the green beast.
The lift to the left of them dinged as the doors opened. Charlie grinned relived when the Doctor stood inside grinning.
"Hello!" he exclaimed happily, bringing the alien's attention to him.
With that distraction, Charlie manoeuvred the two behind her into the next corridor and into a room. The room was medium sized with a few armchairs and a large settee that were beige in colour. There was a desk with a high back chair, several bookcases and a drinks cabinet against the wall, and a folding screen sat by the window, to keep the draughts out.
"Quick hide," Ganesh whispered as he tried to open a locked door before giving up, he and Harriet ran behind the folding screen as Charlie took refuge behind the desk. Just before she hid behind it, she saw there was a large hole puncher sitting on the desk so she quickly grabbed it, it may not have been the type of weapon she was after, but it would do what with its weight and size.
Charlie steadied her breathing, she looked to her right to see Harriet and Ganesh behind the folding screen looking frightened. She gave the two a reassuring smile as she clenched the hole puncher in her hand. It may not do too much damage to the big beast given its size, but if you hit someone hard enough you could seriously injure if not kill them.
Charlie heard the door opening and heavy thuds filled the silent room as the alien entered,
"Oh, such fun," her high-pitched voice cooed, "Little human children, where are you? Sweet little humeykins, come to me. Let me kiss you better. Kiss you with my big, green lips,"
'Not bloody likely' Charlie rolled her eyes, she glanced behind the desk, seeing the beast searching around the room looking for them.
Charlie realised that her position wasn't the best if she had to use the hole-puncher. Taking a risk, she jumped up silently and hid behind a curtain instead, the hole-punch still tightly held in her hand. Charlie's eyes widened in panic when she heard two more sets of heavy thuds enter the room.
"My brothers," the female hissed fondly.
This made things more difficult. Even if she used the hole-puncher, there was no way she could deal with the others and protect Harriet and Ganesh.
"Happy hunting?" one of the males asked.
"It's wonderful. The more you prolong it, the more they stink," the female exclaimed happily.
"Sweat and fear," another male growled.
"I can smell an old girl. Stale bird and brittle bones," Charlie's glared through the curtain, listening as one of them got closer to her curtain.
"And two ripe youngsters, all hormones and adrenalin. One of them fresh enough to bend before she snaps," the female yanked the curtain back just as the Doctor burst through the door holding a fire extinguisher, he quickly sprayed the two males making them screech in pain is it burned their skin.
Charlie swung her arm holding the weapon as hard as she could, smacking the female in the face with a forced no other human could.
"Argh!" the female cried as she staggered back.
Harriet and Ganesh jumped out from there hiding place hearing them cry in pain.
"Out!" he yelled at Harriet and Ganesh who ran over to the Time Lord, standing behind him as he continued to spray the two aliens.
"Who the hell are you?" the Doctor asked the woman he recognised as the one who wanted to speak to him earlier.
"Harriet Jones, MP for Flydale North," the older woman introduced.
"Nice to meet you," the Doctor grinned.
"Likewise," she nodded back, not taking her eyes of the screeching aliens.
"Now that we know each other can we go now!?" Ganesh exclaimed, he wasn't used to aliens and he was terrified, yet the redheaded youngster and the older male seemed to take it in stride.
Charlie started to run over as well, when suddenly the female lunged at her. Charlie tried to doge the attack but missed a step allowing the beast to catch her side with her talons.
"Damn it!" Charlie cried in pain; she could feel the blood already seeping out of the wound as she continued to run to the Doctor.
"Good timing Time Lord," Charlie smiled.
"Nice right hook," the Doctor praised also smiling, he frowned in concern when he saw her holding her waist, "Wha-"
"No time!" Charlie cried, she grabbed the fire extinguisher from him and chucked it at the two creatures, grabbing the Doctor's hand the four of them ran from the room
"We need to head to the Cabinet Room," the Doctor said glancing at Charlie who was running with her hand still on her waist. He could see the red gushing through her fingers. As much as it pained him, he had to get someplace safe before taking a look at it.
"The Emergency Protocols are in there. They give instructions for aliens," Harriet said, running beside Ganesh, the young man kept looking behind him fearing that the Aliens will catch them.
"Harriet Jones, I like you," The Doctor laughed slightly, he was glad the green ones hadn't managed to get the protocols and now they could use them.
"And I like you too," Harriet panted from all the running.
"I'm happy we all like each other," Charlie snarled, "But can we hurry this up!?" her eyes clenched closed and her mouth tightened as the pain in her side grew with each step.
The Doctor's eyes narrowed. He debated with himself whether he should lift the redhead and carry her, but he quickly shot down that idea, Charlie would no doubt have something to say about that and not very nice words either.
The four ran back through the building back towards the cabinet room. Unlike last time, they were able to run straight through, no silly Scooby Doo chases. The Doctor took a different turn and came across a locked door. Using the sonic to unlock it, the four ran through the door and found themselves back in the cabinet room. Charlie bit her lip as they moved through into the next room, Harriet lifted the Emergency Protocols of the table as they entered.
Suddenly there was several loud thuds and growls coming from the corridor. Charlie and Doctor looked out the open double doors and saw the three standing at the other side snarling at the group.
The Doctor quickly grabbed a decanter of alcohol from a small table and held it up with his Sonic pointed at it.
The Doctor grabs a decanter from a side table and stands in the doorway.
"One more move and my sonic device will triplicate the flammability of this alcohol," he warned, "Whoof, we all go up. So back off," the aliens took a few stepped back at the threat.
"Right then. Question time," the Doctor grinned smugly, "Who exactly are the Slitheen?"
'At least I have a name now, I've been calling them green beasts in my head' Mused Charlie as she leaned against the table watching the scene in front of her.
"They're aliens," Harriet supplied rather unhelpfully.
"Yes. I got that, thanks," the Doctor rolled his eyes.
"Observant you are," Charlie shook her head, she tried to keep the pressure on her wound, but she was losing a lot of blood. She wouldn't be surprised if she left a blood trail while she was running.
"Who are you, if not human?" one of the males growled annoyed.
"Who's not human?" Ganesh asked, suddenly scared to be around even more aliens. He seemed to have had his fill of extra-terrestrials.
"Him," Charlie nodded at the Doctor.
"He's not human?" Harriet asked, looking at the man in front of her, "He looks human,"
"Can I have a bit of hush?" the Doctor asked irritated with the chatting.
"Sorry," Harriet looked down.
"So, what's the plan?" the Time Lord questioned, but was immediately distracted by Ganesh who had spoken up.
"But he's got a Northern accent." He rubbed his eyes, severely confused.
"He spends a lot of time in the North, caught the accent," Charlie spoke through gritted teeth. She would apologise later for being a bitch, but right now she had more pressing matters to deal with.
"You're being sarcastic, aren't you?" Ganesh glared, getting a 'Duh' look in return. The man took another look at young woman and crossed the room, kneeling in front of her.
"I said hush," the Doctor scolded, "Come on. You've got a spaceship hidden in the North Sea. It's transmitting a signal. You've murdered your way to the top of government. What for, invasion?"
"Erm, what you doing?" Charlie asked creeped out as to why he was kneeling in front of her.
"Let me see," Ganesh told her, Charlie lifted her hand that was now stained with her blood, away from her waist. Ganesh sucked air in through his teeth as he gazed upon the at least four-inch gash. The scarlet red of her blood stood out against her creamy white skin. Her top was torn on one side and caked in her blood. Ganesh was surprised the woman hadn't passed out yet with a cut as deep as it was.
"Why would we invade this God-forsaken rock?" One of the males spoke.
"Then something's brought the Slitheen race here. What is it?" The Doctor asked, frowning when the Slitheen began to laugh.
"The Slitheen race?" they laughed.
"Slitheen is not our species. Slitheen is our surname. Jocrassa Fel Fotch Pasameer-Day-Slitheen at your service," the male from before spoke again.
"So, you're family," the Doctor nodded, glancing at Charlie and Ganesh who were trying to stop her wound from bleeding. He needed to hurry this up.
"A family business," the female spoke.
"Then you're out to make a profit. How can you do that on a God-forsaken rock?" he Time Lord asked quickly.
"Ah, excuse me? Your device will do what? Triplicate the flammability?" the other male Slitheen asked, catching on to the Doctor's lie.
"Is that what I said?" The Doctor laughed a bit nervously.
"You're making it up," the Slitheen said knowingly, the trio began to growl.
"Ah, well!" the Doctor groaned annoyed he was caught in his lie, "Nice try. Harriet, have a drink. I think you're gonna need it." He tried to pass her the decanter he was holding.
"You pass it to the left first," Harriet told him not taking her eyes off the Slitheen.
"Sorry," he said just as Charlie reached over and took it from him. She opened it and took a large gulp, her face screwing up at the taste. She wasn't a big drinker, but right now she needed it.
"Now we can end this hunt with a slaughter," the Slitheen cried delighted.
"Doctor!" Ganesh called urgently as he helped Charlie into a seat.
"Fascinating history, Downing Street," the Doctor hurried on, "Two thousand years ago, this was marsh land. 1730, it was occupied by a Mister Chicken. He was a nice man. 1796, this was the Cabinet Room. If the Cabinet's in session and in danger, these are about the four most safest walls in the whole of Great Britain. End of lesson," he smirked before lifting a small panel by the door and pressing a button making several metal shutters slam down over the doors and windows.
"Installed in 1991. Three inches of steel lining every single wall. They'll never get in," he grinned.
"And how do we get out?" Charlie looked at him with pain in her green eyes.
"Ah." He closed his eyes cursing himself. They were stuck in there with Charlie who needed immediate medical attention. He just hoped her regenerative abilities would be enough until they could get out of there.
Wolf Whispers
The Doctor rushed over and joined Ganesh at Charlies side,
"How you feeling?" he asked, grabbing her hand and rubbing his thumb on the back of it.
"Seriously?" Charlie narrowed her eyes, breathing heavily. The Doctor smiled sheepishly and got a soft yet pained smile back.
Harriet sat at the table searching through the protocols as Ganesh stood leaving Charlie in the Doctor's capable hands.
"Ganesh, do me a favour," the Doctor called, "Look around for anything we could use for communication, terminal, phone. Anything," Ganesh nodded and started to search.
"Is it healing?" Charlie asked, looking down at the Doctor.
"Doesn't look like it, it is pretty deep though, might take a bit longer,"
"With the amount of blood, I'm losing, I don't have 'longer'," Charlie whispered, frightened. She had never been this injured before, sure whilst travelling with the Doctor she had bumps and scrapes, and occasionally being knocked unconscious, but never something like this. Charlie hadn't felt this scared since the Doctor had freed her almost 8 months ago.
"Don't say that," the Time lord said sternly, "Your going to be fine," he assured both himself and Charlie. He ripped more of her top, cropping it up to her belly button, he then used the cloth as a makeshift bandage. He knew it wouldn't last with how much blood was leaving her body, but hopefully her body would at least slow the bleeding down if nothing else.
"Now, you're going to sit there," he pointed firmly at the pale redhead, "And not move for anything. Got it?" he waited until he got a nod before standing up and helping Ganesh with the search.
Charlie closed her eyes and tried to relax. She had a feeling they would be in there a while, she desperately wanted to help the others, but she was worried that if she moved, then she would bleed out.
"What have we got?" the Doctor asked after several minutes, "Any terminals, anything?"
"No, nothing," Ganesh groaned, opening a drawer and searching inside it,
"Doctor?" Charlie called gaining the Time Lords attention, "Who were the other Slitheen?" she knew the female was called Margret or something, but she didn't know who the two males were.
"Joseph Green and General Asquith," he replied with a dark look on his face.
"God," Harriet breathed, "The acting Minister and the Chief of Defence," with their high,
"The female?" the Time Lord asked.
"Margert Blaine," Ganesh spoke up, "She's a senior member of MI5,"
"Brilliant," Charlie closed her eyes. This was not good. The Slitheen had taken over the lives of three very influential people in the UK, "You realise no one will believe us if we manage to contact someone? If we start yelling about how the new Prime Minister, the Chief of Defence and an MI5 member are aliens, they'll lock us up in a mental ward."
"She's right," The Doctor said, "We need to find a way to deal with this without drawing too much attention,"
"How do they fit inside humans?" Ganesh wondered, looking at the skinsuit on the floor that belonged to the person the Slitheen-Asquith was impersonating before killing the General and using him instead.
"That's the device around their necks. Compression field. Literally shrinks them down a bit. That's why there's all that gas. It's a big exchange,"
"Well what about the Prime Minister?" the young secretary asked
"He's too slim," Charlie commented slowly, "The people the Slitheen are impersonating all have one thing in common. Their all fat."
"Even with the compression field, they wouldn't be able to shrink down that much." The Doctor nodded.
"If Rose were here, I'd bet she'd be making a joke about using the device to fit a size smaller," Charlie smirked making the Doctor laugh in agreement,
"This is not the time for jokes," Harriet said disapprovingly to the two time-travellers.
"Well dealing with stuff like this almost every day, you get used to it," Charlie winced as she shifted in her seat.
"Dangerous life," Ganesh mused as he took a seat at the table.
"Speaking of our favourite blonde," Charlie grabbed the Doctor's hand when he walked past her, "Do you think she's okay?"
"She's with her mum, I'm sure she's fine," he assured with a soft smile before he started to pace the room once again.
"Harriet Jones," the Doctor said suddenly after a few minutes, "I've heard that name before. Harriet Jones. You're not famous for anything, are you?"
"Hardly," the older woman scoffed at the ridiculous notion that she'd be famous for anything.
"Rings a bell. Harriet Jones?" The Doctor frowned, glancing at Charlie who shrugged.
"Lifelong backbencher I'm afraid, and a fat lot of use I'm being now. The Protocols are redundant," Harriet sighed frustrated, she brushed a hand over her forehead, "They list the people who could help and they're all dead downstairs,"
"What about The Brigadier?" Charlie asked the Doctor, "He wasn't down there, was he?"
"Thankfully no," The Doctor answered. He was glad of that too. He had looked for his old friend just before the Slitheen killed everyone.
"What about a nuclear strike?" Ganesh asked, "Or something similar,"
"Well, there's nothing like that in here. Nuclear strikes do need a release code, yes, but it's kept secret by the United Nations," Harriet explained.
"Say that again," The Doctor froze.
"What, about the codes?" Harriet frowned.
"Anything. All of it." The Doctor commanded.
"Well, the British Isles can't gain access to atomic weapons without a Special Resolution from the UN," Harriet said.
"Like that's ever stopped them," Charlie scoffed, she looked down to see the makeshift bandage was soaking with blood. She didn't know what was going on, her abilities should have at least slowed the bleeding down a bit by now.
"Exactly, given our past record. And I voted against that, thank you very much. The codes have been taken out of the government's hands and given to the UN. Is it important?"
"Everything's important," the doctor grinned at the older woman.
"If we only knew what the Slitheen wanted. Listen to me. I'm saying Slitheen as if it's normal," Harriet rolled her eyes, holding her head with one hand.
"What do they want, though?" Ganesh questioned.
"Well it's not an invasion, it's just one family." Charlie said.
"Exactly. They don't want Slitheen World They're out to make money. That means they want to use something. Something here on Earth. Some kind of asset," the Doctor said thoughtfully.
"Like what, gold? Oil? Water?" Harriet suggested.
"You're very good at this." The Time Lord praised.
"Thank you," the older woman smiled.
"Harriet Jones. Why do I know that name?" The Doctor muttered frustrated.
Suddenly an electronic beep sounded through the room, Charlie pulled out her phone from her back pocket when she felt it vibrate and beep.
"Just me," she called, unlocking her silver Apple iPhone 11 and seeing a message from Rose.
"But we're sealed off. How did you get a signal?" Harriet asked bemused.
"Not important right now," Charlie said opening the message.
"Then we can phone for help. You must have contacts," Harriet said to the Doctor
"It's from Rose," Charlie said urgently, cutting the Doctor off from speaking, "You have to see this!" The Doctor ran over to the redhead who turned her phone screen to him. On her phone was the picture of a Slitheen.
Wolf Whispers
Charlie put her phone on speaker letting everyone listen to Rose,
"It was a police officer," the Blonde said over the phone, "Mum was the one who dobbed you in, Doctor. She's sorry about that really," Charlie smirked, she could almost see Rose glaring daggers at her mother. The Doctor rolled his eyes, he didn't particularly care about that right now, "Anyway, the police officer that came over to speak to us, he was the big green thing!"
"Slitheen," the Doctor corrected automatically.
"Whatever," Rose huffed, "We're hiding at Mickey's flat for now,"
"I'm glad your okay Rose," Charlie smiled before she suddenly folded over groaning causing the Doctor to rush over.
"Charlie!?" Rose sounded panicked over the phone, "You alright? Doctor! What's happening?" the blonde ranted. You could hear Jackie and Mickey in the background demanding to know what was going on.
The Doctor sat Charlie up slowly, the redhead was beginning to sweat, her eyes unfocused as she panted through the extreme pain she was experiencing. The Time Lord looked at the blood-soaked bandage and frowned, he carefully pulled the cloth back to get a better look causing Charlie to scream through gritted teeth. They could still hear Rose panicking over the phone, Ganesh and Harriet watching in concern for the young woman that had saved them.
"Oh my god!" Ganesh exclaimed once the Doctor had removed the cloth
"What? What's wrong?" Charlie slurred slightly, "Doctor?"
The man was too busy staring at the large gash in her side to answer her. The wound she had received had grown a green tinge around the opening and the blood at seeped out also seemed to have slight green tinge to it.
"It was the female that attacked you wasn't it?" the Doctor asked urgently as he scanned her with his sonic.
"Yeah, why?" Charlie panted; her face screwed up in pain
"Come on Doctor, females that use poison," the Doctor muttered, searching his brain for the Slitheen's species, "Judging by their basic shape, that narrows it down to five thousand planets within travelling distance. What else do we know about them? Information!" he said urgently.
"They're green." Ganesh pointed out.
"Yep, narrows it down."
"Good sense of smell." Harriet said.
"Narrows it down."
"They can smell adrenalin," Charlie groaned out.
"Narrows it down."
"The pig technology." Harriet nodded.
"Narrows it down."
"The one that was here kept farting," Rose said over the phone.
"Wait a minute. Did you notice? When they fart, if you'll pardon the word, it doesn't just smell like a fart, if you'll pardon the word, it's something else. What is it? It's more like, err…" Harriet trailed off.
"Bad breath!" Rose exclaimed through the phone.
"That's it!" Ganesh nodded.
"Calcium decay! Now, that narrows it down!" the Doctor said excitedly, "Calcium phosphate. Organic calcium. Living calcium. Creatures made out of living calcium. What else? What else? Hyphenated surname. Yes! That narrows it down to one planet. Raxacoricofallapatorius!" he turned back to Charlie.
"Now if I remember correctly, and I'm sure I do," he said confidently, "Female Raxacoricofallapatorions, when threatened, can produce poison from their talons as well as a poisoned dart that is formed in the finger and then fired, and exhalation of poisoned breath."
"What about an antidote?" Ganesh asked urgently.
"Unless I can get her back to the TARDIS-" the Doctor swallowed looking away from Charlie.
"How long do I have?" Charlie asked fearfully, ignoring the exclaims of fear for her over the phone from Rose.
"I can't say for sure, but I'm hoping your system is fighting it and it'll by us some time," The Doctor said hopefully, "I'm not losing you," he whispered, grabbing her hand.
"You're not going too," Charlie smiled, "I've not gone through everything I have just to die by poison," she scoffed, the two shared a soft laugh, "Now come on. Get to work." She instructed. The Doctor grinned and stood up, grabbing the phone from the table.
"Rose, put your boyfriend on," he told the blonde, ignoring her questions about Charlie for now
"Really?" Rose asked dubiously
"Yes," he grounded out
"Fine," there was a muffled sound on the phone as she passed over the phone
"Is that Ricky? Don't talk, just shut up and go to your computer," the Doctor demanded
"It's Mickey, and why should I?" Mickey asked indignantly
"Mickey the Idiot, I might just choke before I finish this sentence, but, err, I need you," the Doctor said through gritted teeth.
There was silence on the phone for a few moments before laughing could be heard from Mickey.
"Can we hurry this up please!?" Charlie shouted, similar yelling could be heard through the phone, most definitely from Rose.
"Alright!" Mickey exclaimed, there was a few more moments of silence before a series of tapping could be heard "Now what?"
"I need you to hack into UNIT," the Doctor said gravely, if they were caught, they'd no doubt be in serious trouble.
"No worries," came through the iPhone, more tapping could be heard "It says password." Mickey said.
"Try Buffalo. Two Fs, one L," the Doctor told him.
"So, what's that website?" Jackie's voice was heard.
"All the secret information known to mankind. See, they've known about aliens for years." Mickey told her "They just kept us in the dark,"
"Mickey, you were born in the dark." The Doctor snarked getting a laugh from Charlie.
"Oh, leave him alone," Rose scolded.
"Thank you," Mickey said, "It's not working!"
"What? That password always works!" The Doctor shouted annoyed.
"What about Sir Lethbridge-Stewart?" Charlie asked, making sure not to move too much, "Can't you call him, see if he can help?"
"If he still has the same number, I guess it's worth a shot," The Doctor nodded.
"Are you cutting us off?" Rose asked, irritated.
"No, I'll just make a 3-way call," The Doctor said and set out to do just that.
"Lethbridge-Stewart," the male gravely voice came over the phone.
"Alistair, It's me," the Doctor grinned, hearing his old friend.
"Doctor?" The Brigadier asked.
"Yeah it's me,"
"God it's been a while," Alistair mused, "I'd ask how you've been, but I doubt your calling me for a catch up. What's going on old friend?"
The Doctor then explained everything had had happened that day.
"Always in the middle of it aren't you?" Alistair laughed, "Who's phone are you using? I don't recognise the number,"
"Charlie's," The Doctor smiled over at the woman.
"New companion?"
"I have two, Charlie Banks and Rose Tyler. Say 'hi' girls,"
"Hi!" both girls called, Charlie though her pain and Rose through the phone.
"Now what can I do for you?"Alistair asked.
"I've got someone trying to hack into UNIT for me. I need to figure out what their up to," The Doctor said.
"Try Buffalo,"he suggested.
"Tried that never worked,"
"Okay what about Shark or Volcano"he guessed.
"Who comes up with these?" Charlie asked. Her passwords usually had numbers and random letters.
"No idea. They seem to love using random words,"he scoffed.
"We're in," Mickey cried happily, "Wait it says password again,"
"Just repeat it every time," the Doctor said.
"Big Ben - why did the Slitheen go and hit Big Ben?" the Doctor wondered.
"You said to gather the experts, to kill them." Harriet spoke up.
"That lot would've gathered for a weather balloon," The Doctor scoffed, "You don't need to crash land in the middle of London."
"The Slitheen are hiding, but then they put the entire planet on Red alert," Rose said, "What would they do that for?"
"Oh, listen to her." Jackie scoffed.
The cabinet room occupants rolled their eyes as Jackie and Rose started to argue,
"At least I'm trying." Rose scoffed back.
"Well, I've got a question, if you don't mind," Jackie said firmly, "Since that man walked into our lives, I have been attacked in the streets. I have had creatures from the pits of hell in my own living room, and my daughter disappear off the face of the Earth," Jackie ranted making Charlie rub her head as she felt a headache brewing.
"I told you what happened," Rose argued.
"I'm talking to him. 'Cos I've seen this life of yours, Doctor," Jackie snarled, "And maybe you get off on it," Charlie raised her eyebrows as she looked at the Doctor. He felt his ears burn and looked down as Jackie continued, "and maybe you think it's all clever and smart, but you tell me. Just answer me this. Is my daughter safe?" there was silence on the phone end.
"I'm fine." Rose stated.
"Is she safe?" Jackie asked forcibly "Will she always be safe? Can you promise me that? Cause I don't think you can. That poor girl that's with you seems like she's really injured, and I don't want that to happen to my Rose"
No one spoke as the Doctor looked down guiltily. Charlie was about to speak up and defend him when Mickey cut her off "We're in,"
The Doctor looked up, ready to get to work again.
"Now then, on the left at the top, there's a tab, an icon. Little concentric circles. Click on that,"
"What is it?" Mickey asked confused.
"The Slitheen have got a spaceship in the North Sea and it's transmitting that signal. Now hush, let me work out what it's saying." The Doctor glared at the phone.
"He'll have to answer me one day," Jackie scoffed.
"Hush!" Mickey shushed.
"It's some sort of message," The Doctor mused.
"What does it say?" Alistair asked, still on the line.
"Don't know. It's on a loop, keeps repeating," The Time Lord said just as Mickey's doorbell rang, "Hush!"
"Really hushing a doorbell?" Charlie shot the Doctor an amused look. She winced again and looked down at her waist. The wound was still a sickly green colour and it was still bleeding, though not as much as earlier, which was good as it meant she was slowly but surely healing herself. She only hoped it would be enough until the Doctor could fix her up.
"That's not me. Go and see who that is," Mickey said.
"It's three o'clock in the morning." Jackie moaned.
"Well, go and tell them that." Mickey snarked.
"Will ya just get the bloody door?" Rose said through a yawn.
Speaking of yawns, Charlie noticed that Ganesh had fell asleep in his chair, not that she blamed him, she was feeling a sleepy herself, whether that was the poison slowly making its way through her bloodstream or if she was just tired, she was unsure.
"It's beaming out into space, who's it for?" the Doctor wondered.
"It's him! It's the thing, it's the Slipeen!" Jackie cried through the phone.
"They've found us." Mickey said fearfully.
"Mickey, I need that signal," The Doctor said sternly.
"Never mind the signal, we need to get outta here!" Rose shouted.
"We can't. It's by the front door," Mickey yelled back, his voice shaking, "Oh, my God, it's unmasking. It's going to kill us."
"Doctor!" Charlie looked at him frightened for Rose and her family.
"There's got to be some way of stopping them! You're supposed to be the expert, think of something!" Harriet exclaimed.
"I'm trying!" the Doctor snapped.
"I'll take it on. You guys just run. Don't look back." Mickey said, it would have been brave if his voice hadn't been shaking so much "Just run,"
The sound of breaking wood, echoed through the phone.
"Get into the kitchen!" The Doctor suddenly exclaimed.
"The kitchen? Why?" Rose asked.
"Just do it!" Charlie snapped, the pain in her side seemed to be getting stronger with every passing minute.
"My God, it's going to rip us apart!" Jackie cried.
"Calcium weakened by the compression field. Acetic acid. Vinegar!" the Doctor exclaimed.
"Just like Hannibal!" Harriet exclaimed back.
"Just like Hannibal. Mickey, have you got any vinegar?" The Doctor asked.
"How should I know?" Mickey asked.
"Because It's your kitchen?" the Doctor shrugged.
"Cupboard by the sink, middle shelf," Rose said.
"Gherkins. Yeah, pickled onions. Pickled eggs," Jackie rattled off.
"And you kiss this man, Rose?" The Doctor smirked, he glanced over at Charlie to see her struggling to keep her eyes open. With the poison in her system, Charlie would be feeling very sleepy. Unfortunately, if she was feeling drowsy, this meant the poison was spreading though her bloodstream quickly.
Over the phone there was a splash, a cry of pain followed by a fart before a small explosion.
"Gross!" Rose yelled disgusted, "I'm covered in that things guts!"
"Hannibal?" Ganesh asked, he had woken up a just before the Slitheen had broken down Mickey's door.
"Hannibal crossed the Alps by dissolving boulders with vinegar," Harriet explained.
"Oh. Well, there you go then," Ganesh nodded.
Wolf Whispers
A little bit later, The Doctor poured everyone drinks from the decanter of port that was sitting. He handed one to Charlie, but she refused,
"I think I'll be sick, if I do," she told him, her breathing sounded a little wheezy making the Doctor frown concerned.
"How you doing?" he kneeled beside her.
"I don't know anymore," Charlie groaned, "Is it getting any better?" she nodded down to her waist. The Doctor looked as saw it was still green and bleeding. Although what worried him most was how green It was, before it was almost a lime green colour but now it was darker almost emerald green. Whether that meant it was getting better or worse he was unsure.
"Honestly? I'm not sure," the Doctor looked down severely annoyed at himself for not being able to help his best friend.
"It's okay, we'll work this out," Charlie grimaced in pain.
"Doctor, you'll want to hear this," Alistair said over the phone. He must have placed his phone near his tv because the speech could be heard clearly.
"Our inspectors have searched the sky above our heads, and they have found massive weapons of destruction capable of being deployed within forty-five seconds," Green said.
"What?" The Doctor said bemused.
"Our technicians can baffle the alien probes, but not for long. We are facing extinction, unless we strike first. The United Kingdom stands directly beneath the belly of the mother ship. I beg of the United Nations, pass an emergency resolution. Give us the access codes. A nuclear strike at the heart of the beast is our only chance of survival, because from this moment on it is my solemn duty to inform you planet Earth is at war." The Slitheen-Prime Minister finished gravely.
"He's making it up. There's no weapons up there, there's no threat. He just invented it," The Doctor scoffed.
"Do you think they'll believe him?" Harriet worried.
"They did last time," Ganesh said.
"That's why the Slitheen went for spectacle. They want the whole world panicking, because you lot, you get scared, you lash out," the Doctor said.
"They release the defence code," Charlie nodded.
"And the Slitheen go nuclear," The doctor finished grimly.
"But why?" Alistair asked, Ganesh lifted the phone from the table, he glanced at its size he had never seen a mobile phone like what he held in his hand before. He shrugged it off, now wasn't the time.
The Doctor stormed over to the door and pressed the button again making the metal shuttered lift revealing three naked Slitheen standing in the corridor across from them. Margaret-Slitheen stepped out back in it's skinsuit, smirking darkly. The Doctor's blood boiled as he looked at the woman responsible for Charlie's suffering,
"You get the codes, release the missiles, but not into space because there's nothing there. You attack every other country on Earth. They retaliate, fight back. World War Three. Whole planet gets nuked," the Time Lord glared.
"And we can sit through it safe in our spaceship waiting in the Thames. Not crashed, just parked. Only two minutes away," Margaret-Slitheen smirked.
"But you'll destroy the planet, this beautiful place. What for?" Harriet asked horrified.
"Profit. That's what the signal is beaming into space. An advert," The Doctor stated.
"The sale of the century," the female Slitheen grinned, "We reduce the Earth to molten slag, then sell it piece by piece. Radioactive chucks, capable of powering every cut-price star liner and budget cargo ship. There's a recession out there, Doctor. People are buying cheap. This rock becomes raw fuel,"
"At the cost of five billion lives." The Doctor spat, disgusted.
"Bargain," she countered, smirking.
"I give you a choice. Leave this planet or I'll stop you," the Time Lord threatened.
"What, you? Trapped in your box?" she mocked.
"Yes. Me," the Doctor went to press the button again when she spoke,
"How's the girl?" the Doctor froze as did Ganesh and Harriet, "Tell me is she dead yet?"
"No, she isn't," The Doctor glared darkly, his hands clenched into fists at his side.
"Has she at least reached the final stage?" Margaret-Slitheen pleaded maliciously, "Oh never mind, I can see for myself that she has," she looked over the Doctor's shoulder smirking.
The Doctor spun around to see Charlie hunched over the table, not moving.
"Oh my god!" Harriet exclaimed, frightened for the young girl
"Doctor what's happened to Charlie?" Rose asked, her voice full of fear for her redheaded friend.
"Charlie," he muttered and ran to the girl. He tried to wake her, but she wouldn't respond. He took out his sonic and quickly scanned her, her heart rate had decreased significantly, and her temperature was through the roof. Blinded by anger, he stood and faced the Slitheen,
"You better hope I never get out of here, because if I do, I'm going to make you regret ever setting foot on this planet," he growled, he took delight in the fear that crossed Margaret-Slitheen's face before he pressed the button, lowing the shutters once more.
"Doctor?" Alistair asked concerned. He didn't know the young woman, but she clearly meant a lot to his friend.
"She's not dying," the Time Lord snarled to himself as he removed his jacket and jumper leaving him in his white t-shirt. He folded his jumper and sat it on the table before putting his leather jacket back on, he then carefully lifted Charlie and lay her on the table, so her head was on the jumper. He stroked her face for a few moments before sitting in a seat beside her. A few hours, that's all they had. If they didn't get out of here within that time, then it wasn't looking good for Charlie.
Wolf Whispers
It was 08:21 according to Charlie's phone. The 3-way call had ended two hours ago and there was nothing left to do but wait. Charlie hadn't changed in the last three hours, still lying motionless on the table. The Doctor had tried to wake her, but nothing worked. Time was getting on now and he feared he'd never see her gorgeous emerald jewels again. He'd never see her smile at him or hear her beautiful laugh again. The thought made his eyes water, he looked away and discreetly wiped away the moisture. The sound of Charlie's phone ringing knocked him from his thoughts, he looked at the caller ID and it was Alistair calling.
"Alistair," he greeted
"Doctor, I've spoken with some of my colleagues and sadly there's nothing I can do. They didn't believe me when I told them about the Slitheen." The Brigadier said irritated.
"Yeah, I had a feeling they wouldn't," the Doctor sighed, "hold on Rose is calling me too," the Doctor switched to 3-way call, "Rose?"
"No," Jackie said, "It's her mum,"
"Oh," the Doctor said, looking awkward.
"All right, Doctor. I'm not saying I trust you, but there must be something you can do," Jackie pleaded.
"If we could ferment the port, we could make acetic acid," Harriet suggested.
"Mickey, any luck?" the Doctor heard Rose ask.
"There's loads of emergency numbers. They're all on voicemail," Mickey sighed frustrated.
"Voicemail dooms us all," Ganesh rolled his eyes "If we could just get out of here,"
"There's a way out," the Doctor said quietly, but loud enough for everyone to hear.
"What?" Ganesh asked.
"There's always been a way out," the Doctor said slowly.
"Doctor, I think she's waking up," Ganesh called, the Doctor looked over and saw Charlie screw her face up and moving her fingers. The Doctor smiled relived, that was the most movement the young woman had done in the last three hours.
"Doctor?" Charlie whispered; her throat felt rough. She slowly opened her eyes, blinking rapidly as they adjusted.
"Charlie," the Time Lord breathed, he grabbed her hand after setting her hone on the table next to her.
"Charlie is that you?" Rose asked hopefully, "I'm glad you're okay,"
"I would say okay," Charlie groaned, "What's happening?"
"Ms, Banks, I'm glad your awake. The Doctor just told us there's always been a way out of here," Alistair said.
"What? Then why haven't we used it," Charlie gasped out.
"Because I can't guarantee you'll be safe,"
"Don't you dare," Jackie threatened, "Whatever it is, don't you dare!"
"That's the thing. If I don't dare, everyone dies," the Doctor said torn.
"Do it," Charlie said softly, squeezing his hand.
"You don't even know what it is. You'd just let me?"
"In times like this, always." Charlie smiled.
"Doctor she's just a kid. Rose told me she still has her father, do you really want to take away his daughter," Jackie pleaded.
"Do you think I don't know that?" the Time Lord snapped, annoyed at the woman trying to guilt-trip him, "Because this is my life, Jackie. It's not fun, it's not smart, it's just standing up and making a decision because nobody else will."
"Then what're you waiting for?" Charlie asked
"I could save the world but lose you." The Doctor breathed, the two stared at each other for a few moments before Charlie spoke
"If you don't do this, you'll lose me anyway," she winced as her waist seemed to burn
"Except it's not your decision, Doctor. It's mine," Harriet said firmly, she would not let the man who did so much to save them, carry this guilt.
"And who the hell are you?" Rose asked, frightened that she might lose her two new friends.
"Harriet Jones, MP for Flydale North. The only elected representative in this room, chosen by the people for the people. And on behalf of the people, I command you. Do it," the Doctor grinned.
"How do we get out?" Ganesh asked.
"We don't. We stay here," the Time Lord told him as he removed the Emergency Protocols from its box.
"Use the password again. It overrides everything," Alistair instructed.
"What're you doing?" Rose asked Mickey.
"Hacking into the Royal Navy," he answered her, "We're in. Here it is. HMS Taurean, Trafalgar Class submarine, ten miles off the coast of Plymouth,"
"Right, we need to select a missile." The Doctor said.
"We can't go nuclear. We don't have the defence codes," Mickey said
"We don't need it. All we need's an ordinary missile," the Doctor said, "What's the first category?"
"Sub Harpoon, UGM-A4A," Mickey said.
"That's the one. Select," Alistair said.
"I could stop you," Jackie threatened Mickey.
"Do it, then." He countered
"You ready for this?" he Doctor checked
"Yeah." Mickey breathed
"Mickey the idiot, the world is in your hands," the Doctor said firmly, "Fire."
The click of mouse was heard,
"Oh, my God," Jackie gasped, unable to believe he actually did it.
"How solid are these?" Harriet asked, looking at the walls.
"Not solid enough. Built for short range attack, nothing this big," the Doctor answered her.
"What about the closet?" Charlie asked, sitting up with help from the Doctor.
"She's right!" Rose exclaimed, "Its like what they say about earthquakes, you can survive them by standing under a doorframe. The smaller the cupboard the stronger it is."
Ganesh ran over to one of the cupboards and opened the door,
"Come and help me. Come on." He and Harriet got to work with emptying the cupboard. Charlie wanted to help, but the Doctor wasn't letting her stand up never mind shift boxes,
"It's on radar," Mickey said, "Counter defence five five six."
"Stop them intercepting it." The Doctor commanded
"I'm doing it now," Mickey said, tapping away
"Good boy." The Doctor smirked
"Five five six neutralised." Mickey cheered; the Doctor grinned and pocketed Charlie's phone before looking at the young woman who looked seriously unwell. she was pale and sweating, her eyes couldn't focus, and she was slightly hunched over.
"Ready?" he asked as he started to lift her into his arms.
"Let's go," Charlie said, leaning her head on his shoulder as he manoeuvred the two of them into the cupboard. Harriet sat furthest from the door, then the Doctor sat beside her with Charlie between his legs and her head on his chest, and Ganesh sat closest to the door.
"Here we go. Nice knowing you all. Hannibal!" Harriet exclaimed as they all closed their eyes just as the missile hit causing the cupboard to shake violently for a several minutes before it stopped.
Charlie let out a grunt of pain as the Doctor helped her out the cupboard,
"Feels like forever since I've had air," the redhead breathed deeply, looking up at the sky.
"Made in Britain," Harriet joked, looking at the steel room.
"Oh, my God. Are you all right?" the solider asked worried.
"Harriet Jones. MP, Flydale North. I want you to contact UN immediately. Tell the ambassadors the crisis is over. They can step down. Go on, tell the news," she instructed.
"Yes, ma'am," he saluted and ran off.
"Someone's got a hell of a job sorting this lot out. Oh, Lord. We haven't even got a Prime Minister," Harriet groaned.
"Maybe you should have a go," the Doctor suggested.
"Me? Huh. I'm only a back-bencher." The older woman scoffed.
"I'd vote for you." Ganesh said quietly.
"Now, don't be silly. Look, I'd better go and see if I can help. Hang on!" she walked down the pile of rubble "We're safe! The Earth is safe!"
"Thank you, both of you," Ganesh thanked and smiled before running after Harriet.
"Doctor, can we go now?" Charlie asked with a pained grimace.
"Yeah let's go," he lifted her and started to walk, "We need a taxi," he suddenly remembered they were driven to Downing street.
"Doctor look," Charlie pointed at the silver BMW that pulled up. It wasn't the car she was pointed at, but rather who was driving it.
"Doctor!" the gravely voice of Sir Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart, called out to them.
"Brigadier," The Doctor grinned, seeing his old friend.
"Figured I'd give you a ride," the man winked and opened the back door to help get Charlie buckled in before the two men took their seats in the front.
"I thought I knew the name. Harriet Jones, future Prime Minister. Elected for three successive terms. The architect of Britain's Golden Age." The Doctor said, watching Harriet speaking to the guards.
"The crisis has passed! Ladies and gentlemen, I have something to say to you all here today! Mankind stands tall, proud and undefeated. God bless the human race,"
"It's good to see you," the Doctor smiled.
"I'm glad you called," Alistair said, "I'm just sorry I couldn't do very much to help,"
"You did what you could," the Doctor protested, "We knew they'd never believe us,"
"Yes, well one more crisis averted thanks to you," Alistair smirked.
"Many more to come no doubt," the two laughed. The Doctor looked behind him when he noticed Charlie hadn't said anything since, they got in the car, he saw that she was sleeping.
"So new companion," Alistair, glanced at his friend smirking, "Is that all she is?"
"What you talking about?" the Doctor looked out the window.
"This girl, is she just your companion? From what I heard over the phone the two of you get along really well and you care for each other,"
"I don't know what you're talking about," the Doctor denied and avoided looking at Alistair who rolled his eyes smiling and focused on the road.
After a thirty-minute drive, Alistair pulled up outside the Powell Estate and helped the Doctor get Charlie out the car.
"Want to come in?" The Doctor nodded at the TARDIS
"Not this time," Alistair said, shaking his head, "Go on, get the girl fixed up. You have my number if you need me," they shook hands and Alistair drove away.
The Doctor all but ran to the TARDIS and into the Med-bay, he lay Charlie down on the soft medical bed and got to work.
Wolf Whispers
It had just gone 2 o'clock when Charlie woke in the Med-Bay. She sat up slowly, holding her head. She felt as though her brain was trying to escape. She frowned when she shifted as she felt no pain from her side. She looked down and saw the gash was stitched up and was no long green.
"I see you're awake," a deep voice came from the door way. Charlie looked up to the Doctor standing there, his arms crossed over his chest.
"Hey, you saved the day," Charlie grinned and through her legs over the bed.
"I had help," he shrugged and made his way over to her, "You okay?"
"I feel great actually, which is surprising given I was at deaths door a few hours ago," Charlie looked down at her waist again.
"Luckily I had some of the antidote on the TARDIS," The Doctor said, "I can't believe how close I came to losing you,"
"You'll never lose me," Charlie smirked, "Thank you for healing me,"
"Your body's doing the rest," he told her, "After the poison was removed your regeneration kicked in again."
"Still, thank you," Charlie smiled, "I wish I could have said hi to The Brigadier though, instead of passing out in his car,"
"Well you have his number," the Doctor laughed, "I'm sure we'll see him again,"
"Where's Rose?" Charlie asked as they walked through to the console room.
"With her mum still. Told her I'd call once you were awake, so I'd better do that or she'll slap me," The Doctor smirked and went to call the blonde.
"Yeah you're probably right," Charlie laughed.
"Oh, and here," the Doctor turned and threw her phone at her.
"You're lucky I caught it," Charlie narrowed her eyes, then when checked her phone.
"Doctor?" she called, "Can we go see my dad? I need to see him," after almost dying wanting to see her dad was a reasonable request.
"Of course," the Doctor smiled softly, "Get the date from your dad we'll land tomorrow,"
"Awesome," Charlie hugged the Doctor before running to call her dad. The Doctor sighed when she left, he thought back to what Alistair had said to him and shook his head.
"She's my best friend. That's all," he muttered to himself, but it didn't sound very convincing, "It's not like her smile makes me smile, or her eyes are so beautiful that I could lose…oh boy," he ground and put his head in his hands. This complicates things.