Running Away from Gallifrey

Chapter 2: The Deca

Theta and Koschei ended up joining a group consisting of eight other Prydonian students. They came to break the news to Missy after one of her classes, rushing her to the room they gathered in to greet them, she was surprised to find her roommate among them.

Despite being a group of just ten members, it didn't take long for Missy to become an honorary member. After all, she was there to just tag along with Theta, Koschei and Millennia. The other members didn't really bother with her, but they seemed to get along for the most part.

Ushas, the designated club leader, cleared her throat. "Let's begin the meeting." They were all huddled together in Professor Borusa's room, the only place that would have them. "Has everyone decided what they will be majoring in?" Theta was quick to raise his hand with enthusiasm, causing her to sigh. "Sigma. Speak."

"I created a do-hicky-"

She sighed, cutting him off. "That's great and all, but it has nothing to do with our meeting."

"Engineering!" shouted out Drax.

Magnus, another member, started mumbling to Mortimus. "I was thinking about majoring in TARDISES."

A toothy grin came from the other Gallifreyan. "I've always found history to be fascinating."

Not long after, there was a bunch of discussions throughout the room as Ushas started to realize no one was listening to her orders. Then again, what did she expect? They were the rebels of the school with big plans after graduation.

Koschei turned to Missy with a smile that made her hearts beat furiously. "Cosmic Science is my speciality. We already know that. What about you two?"

Theta blinked. "I honestly didn't really think of it." He shrugged it off as if it was not a big deal despite his family getting on him about it in the first place, wanting him to have a place in society as a Time Lord following tradition like any other family on Gallifrey. "Maybe a Doctorate."

Usahs overheard, shooting him a look. "You can't be serious?"

"What?"

"You really are an idiot."

Rallon came in, scratching his head nervously. "I'm with Thete, I haven't really thought about my major yet either."

"I'm following after Professor Borusa. He's pretty cool, especially since he lets us use his room for our meetings." Jelpax exclaimed with a grin.

Millennia came over to her roommate with a smile. "I'm going after my Temporal Engineering degree despite my families wishes." Coming from a wealthy family that saw no need for their daughter to attend the Academy because of fortune, Millennia decided to go after a degree anyway. "What about you, Missy?"

She still remained silent, giving a nervous look, something Koschei noticed quickly. She never felt comfortable discussing anything that might involve her family, even in the slightest. However, with most eyes on her, Missy replied. "I...was thinking about...the Chancellery Guard."

Suddenly, the whole room went silent as everyone paused, looking at her. The Chancellery Guard went against everything they stood for as rebels. They were order, security and a life on Gallifrey.

Not a moment after, Theta and some of the members started to break out into laughter. "That was a funny joke, Missy! You really got us there!"

She was very serious about it.

"Can I speak with you in private?" Koschei asked her. Missy nodded and they left the room together, finding themselves walking down the hallway. "Are you really thinking about joining the Chancellery Guard?"

"Yes. My parents want me to." He could tell it wasn't something she wasn't quite sure about herself.

"But do you want to? That's the question."

Unlike Millennia, Missy was one to follow her parents rules despite coming from a rather wealthy family herself. Sure, Dvora had that rumor of 'madness' tainting it's name, but it was still the most powerful Newblood House on Gallifrey, striking fear and awe in hearts everywhere.

However, when it came to their children's future jobs in Time Lord Society, most parents didn't care what it was as long as they attended the Academy and became an honored member of society - even if they were doing monitoring duty. But some parents were strict with their children, and those were the ones to watch out for. After all, she couldn't risk her future, nor taint the Dvora name more than it already has been. She wanted to make a name for herself. She just wanted to BE herself.

Missy sighed. "It's something I want to do, not just because my parents want it, but because I want to for myself! No one decides my fate but ME!"

"Good," Koschei said, glad to see her fighting spirit shining through. "Then be careful. It's a dangerous job all around. It's more than just standing beside the President and making sure they are safe." He warned her.

Missy couldn't help but crack a smirk. "Is that concern I sense from you, Oakdown?" It actually touched her heart despite her teasing tone.

Instead of giving her a typical sarcastic reply back, Koschei actually lightly cupped her cheek, making her stare into his blue eyes as her breath was taken away. "I'm serious, be careful."

They were stuck like that for a few more minutes as Missy realized his truth, wanting to have the courage to lean in and kiss him, letting him know all the feelings she had been developing for him these past years. But she couldn't, so she nodded. "Okay, I promise."

And with those words of reassurance, Koschei dropped his hand, making Missy miss his touch, wondering if he felt the same about her as she did about him. Even in the slightest.

"You're one of my best friends. Now, let's go check on Theta. I have a feeling Ushas is probably close to attacking him again."

Her hearts lurched, reminding her that the possibility of Koschei ever feeling that way about her, much less her having the courage to tell him, was very slim to non-existent.

After classes ended for the evening, Millennia and Missy were together in their dorm room. The Brightshore girl had made them some drinks as they talked about everything that happened in their day. It was easy to talk with Millennia. She was the kind of person who always had a cup ready and willing to listen if you needed to talk with her about anything, which was a rarity.

"So, the Chancellery Guard?" she asked. "Did your parents put you up to it?"

She was perceptive as always. Missy nodded. "Yep… but it's also something I've decided to take up for myself." Millennia was quick to understand, sipping her tea quietly as the blonde changed the subject. "How do your parents feel about Temporal Engineering?"

"They think it's pointless as usual, but aren't making too big of a fuss about it as well, so rather good." She chuckled.

"Lucky." Missy wasn't sure how to feel about pursuing a field in the military. Then again, it didn't help that she didn't know much about the Chancellery Guard yet. The classes for it didn't start until she was at least 150 due to age requirements, so she was getting her general education out of the way at least.

Noticing the brief look of turmoil on her friend's face, Millennia spoke. "You still have time to back out of it if you want. Besides, Theta and the rest of the Deca think you were joking about it."

No one joined the Chancellery Guard unless they were determined to spend the rest of their life serving and living on Gallifrey for the sake of Time Lord society, following their rules. No chance of escape.

Missy was quick to put on a confident front. "I'll keep them thinking that for awhile then."

Either way she looked at it, she had no chance to run without getting caught, whether rebelling against her own parents or Gallifrey itself. So, she might as well go along with it and face the challenge ahead of her, no matter what it may bring.

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This story is also up on Ao3 too. Thanks for reading!