Unto the Universe
Chapter Forty-Two: Vampires of Venice: City of Canals
By Lumendea
Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who or any spinoff material, and I gain no income from this story, just the satisfaction of playing with the characters.
AN: Posting early as I'm going to see my family this weekend! I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the kickoff to a Ninth Doctor era rewrite of Vampires of Venice!
….
The TARDIS materialized with its usual wheezing sound in a corner of a busy dock, tucked under a small outcropping. There was little space, but the time ship just fit and a moment later, Rose Tyler stepped out with an excited grin. Dressed in a Renaissance period dress, or rather a lighter and easier to clean replica, she looked around in excitement. The dress was red and gold, according to the Doctor, a fairly popular combination for the era. She'd pulled her hair back in a series of braids that were tucked under an old-fashioned hair net made of red thread with small gold accents. Rose liked the look. It wasn't as bejewelled as women in Renaissance-era portraits, but Rose doubted everyone always dressed up so much. She'd still been very giddy when she opened the wardrobe to find a dress so similar to the paintings she'd admired.
Jack stepped out behind her. He'd also gone for period clothing and she did have to admit that it rather suited him. In a black doublet with an embellished jerkin, he made a striking figure and Jack had happily grabbed a hat that matched the outfit. The Doctor, of course, hadn't bothered to change which made Rose smile in amusement. That was one thing they didn't have in common. Rose might not have been much for spending the time on makeup beyond her eyeliner and dressing up in her home time, but she loved the opportunity when they travelled in time. There was something much more satisfying about it. About becoming a part of another place and time when you knew that at the end of the day you could go home to the TARDIS.
"Welcome to Venice," the Doctor said as he leaned against the TARDIS. "One of the worst located cities in the world. Ridiculous in every sense of the word. It was found by refugees from nearby Roman cities who were fleeing waves of Germanic and Hun invasions. So they, brilliant apes they were, picked a marshy lagoon as their new home. Now, you have this." His smile widened. "One of the most powerful cities of the Renaissance thanks to its navy and location on east-west trade routes." He paused. "Though 1580, its power is beginning to decline, but it remains a power centre in Italy. And thankfully Casanova isn't born yet."
"Why?" Jack asked, "Worried about him taking a shine to Rose?"
"No, actually I owe him a chicken. Rather not have to worry about that."
"You owe Casanova a chicken?" Jack asked. He was grinning in amusement.
"Long story. We had a bet," the Doctor grumbled.
"Which body was this?" Rose asked with a teasing smile.
"Take a guess."
Rose studied the Doctor for a moment and tried to imagine which one would get himself into trouble with Casanova. The answer to that was, of course, all of him would get himself into trouble with Casanova.
"Sixth," she guessed. From what she's heard, that proud and vain Doctor would easily butt heads with the famous lover. "I'm guessing a boasting contest of some sort started." She gave him a tongue touched smile. "Only real question is: should I be jealous?"
"Good guess," the Doctor answered, leaning closer to Rose with a soft smile of his own. "But no, it had nothing to do with a woman."
"You two are teasing me," Jack groaned. "You know that right?"
The Doctor smirked, wrapping an arm around Rose's waist and kissed the crown of her head quickly. Rose beamed up at him, absolutely gleeful that they were here, both physically in Venice and in a happy relationship. And ever since that odd day last week that they'd realized they'd forgotten, Rose had felt better. More in control, less anxious about her new role and just better. The Doctor seemed to be similarly affected and hadn't panicked when she'd wandered off at a market yesterday to look at handicrafts while he and Jack browsed ship parts.
They were about to go on their way when a small and thin older man dressed in the black clothes of a clerk stepped out into the street to block their path. He carried a book and had a haughty look. With a speed that surprised Rose, he moved in front of the Doctor.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Papers, if you please. Proof of residency, current bill of medical inspection."
The Doctor looked put out but held up his psychic paper. "Here, everything should be in order."
"Oh, I am sorry, Viscount." The man bowed a little, looking a bit nervous.
"No harm done," the Doctor replied easily. "Though why the inspection. Seems a bit much for such a busy trade city."
"Checking for aliens. Visitors from foreign lands what might bring the plague with them."
"The plague," Rose repeated. "Here? Now?"
"Don't worry, Viscountess," the inspector said quickly. "No, we're under quarantine here. No one comes in, no one goes out, and all because of the grace and wisdom of our patron, Signora Rosanna Calvierri." With a reverent look, the man touched a seal embossed on his large ledge book.
"Interesting, I thought that the plague died out in Venice three years ago. 1575 to 1577 wasn't it?" The Doctor smoothly plucked the psychic paper from the clerk's hands.
"Here yes, but out there it still ravages the people. Signora Calvierri has seen it with her own eyes. Streets are piled high with bodies, she said."
"Did she now?" The Doctor smiled. "Interesting." He nodded to the man. "Thank you. Don't let us keep you. Keep up the good work protecting Venice."
The inspector nodded deeply again and moved off, leaving Rose and Jack to step closer to the Doctor. Rose was torn between excitement at a potential mystery and being a touch disappointed that she wouldn't simply be able to drag the Doctor and Jack around to view the magnificent buildings of Venice.
"What was that about the plague?" Rose asked. "You look worried."
"Well, Venice did have a plague in recent years. Hard to avoid a plague outbreak in this era, but the worst is over. And the Italian plague isn't due to start until 1629. This should be a time of decent health in Venice and most of Europe." He shook his head and smiled. "Probably nothing. Likely just nationalistic paranoia. After all, a city, even a city in this era, doesn't immediately bounce back after a run of the plague. And with Venice being a major trading hub, makes sense they'd be very paranoid about inviting the plague back in."
"He called you Viscount," Jack said. "And Rose Viscountess. Dare I ask what I am to the happy couple?"
"Rose's brother," the Doctor answered. He smirked a little and offered Rose his arm. "So, mind the flirting."
Rose laughed and the cloud of worry that the talk of the plague had cast over her eased. "Any local artists that I should know about?"
"There are still several artists of note living in Venice at this point," the Doctor answered. "Though, none as famous as da Vinci. He did 60 years ago in France at this point." He chuckled at the dreamy expression that took over Rose's face. "But you've already met him."
"And he was wonderful!" Rose gushed. "I still can't believe that he let me help with the London The Madonna of the Rocks! I still can't believe that I was one of the artists who helped with that. I've always loved it, but to find out that I was part of it!" Rose's face already ached from grinning. "He was just so wonderful! And Florence! It was all so amazing and he was so lovely with showing me around."
"Should I be jealous?" the Doctor asked, but Rose could tell he wasn't serious.
"Oh, you gushed over Charles Dickens," Rose teased. "I'm allowed my celebrity. And besides, I'm pretty sure that he was gay. He was clearly only interested in me as a model and fellow artist. It was nice."
"Why wasn't I part of this visit?" Jack demanded. "Sounds like he and I should have met."
"Before we met you, Jack," Rose explained with a smile. "And not everyone gay in history would sleep with you."
"Harsh, Rosie," Jack sighed dramatically. "Very harsh." He smirked. "I probably could have convinced him."
"Maybe," the Doctor chuckled. He glanced at Jack. "I daresay, Leo, would have liked your symmetrical face."
Jack preened and the Doctor rolled his eyes. Rose laughed happily, the sound drawing a few looks from dock workers. She nodded to them, hoping to reassure them that all was well and most hurriedly went back to work. Her eyes moved around them to the buildings, admiring all the small flourishes and artistry built into the very buildings. Even the simplest buildings had stucco with designs stamped into them above the doorways.
Rose had been to Venice in her own time, years ago, during her trip to Italy with Sharon and Shareen. It had been lovely, but insanely busy with tourists and modern shops had been built into the lower levels. Here, there were still shops, but nothing sleek or modern. While still crowded, it was nothing compared to the future. Everyone was moving around and going about their business while her eyes took it all in.
They reached a canal and Rose beamed at the sight of one of the elegant bridges that were scattered across Venice. In this era, even the most basic and necessary public works were statements. Topettas and gondolas were using the canal below the bridge and paying little mind to the foot traffic around them. There were small docks built all along the canal and the traditional boats were docking and undocking in a smooth dance that spoke of the city's comfort with water.
Beyond the gate was a grand house, more of a palace that even had a small courtyard beyond heavy iron gates. Rose paused to watch after a procession of figures in white caught her eye. Jack and the Doctor stopped as well just before the iron gates swung open.
There were others around them gathering to watch. Rose was surprised by the interest and watched as the girls all lowered pale lilac veils over their faces and held white parasols above them. They were led out into the street by a woman cloaked in black At the rear of the party was a man dressed in fine purple and golden clothes.
"The Calvierri girls," someone near Rose whispered. There was awe, jealousy and maybe a touch of fear in her voice. Rose glanced around but wasn't sure who had spoken.
Suddenly a dark-skinned man came rushing out of the alley. The woman in black moved to intercept him.
"What do you want?" the woman in black shouted. Rose couldn't see her face clearly from across the narrow canal, but there was confusion and anger there.
"Where's my Isabella?" the man demanded. He twisted around her and rushed to the nearest of the girls.
"What are you doing?" the woman in black called. "Get away from there."
The man began lifting up the veils of the girls one at a time, moving between them at rapid speed. Rose noticed the escort moving forward. Then the man seemed to have found who he was looking for. A beautiful young woman with dark skin tried to retreat from him as her veil was lifted, but he grabbed her arms.
"Isabella? Isabella, it's me." There was worry and desperation in his voice.
One of the other girls moved sharply, lunging forward and knocking the man down. She loomed over him as Isabella was drawn back by the others.
"Girls, come along," the woman in black called.
The group's escort loomed over the upset man and said something too faint for Rose to hear. Then he swung around, making his cloak whirl as he went to follow the procession of women.
"Isabella! It's me!" the man called after them desperation and grief in his voice. Two guards were walking out of the palace to pull the man up.
"I didn't like the look of that," Rose said.
"Me neither," the Doctor said. He grabbed her hand and gave it a gentle tug. "Come on, this way."
They hurried down the street to the next bridge and away from the curious crowd. As they crossed, Rose caught sight of the man who had been trying to get to Isabella turning into an alley. Immediately, she sighed in relief. When she'd seen those guards, she'd been concerned, but apparently, he had only been firmly turned away. The Doctor released her hand and hurried into the alley after the man, leaving Rose and Jack peering around the corner.
"Who are those girls?"
The man turned at the Doctor's voice. Suspicion and nervousness crossed his face. He hesitated to answer, sizing up the Doctor for a moment.
"I thought everyone knew about the Calvierri school."
"Not everyone. Just arrived in the city," the Doctor replied with a shrug. "Here's the thing though, parents will do all kinds of things to get their child into the best school. Move house, change religion, lie, and bribe. So, I'm very curious as to why you are trying so hard to get your daughter out of her school."
"Something happens in there. Something magical, something evil. My own daughter didn't recognise me. And the girl who pushed me away, her face, like an animal."
"I think it's time this Signora Calvierri and I met."
"Who are you, sir?" the man asked.
"I'm the Doctor." The Doctor beamed at the man.
Rose huffed and came around the corner. "I'm Rose and this is Jack." She smiled warmly at the man. "What is your name?"
"Guido," he answered. He nodded deeply to Rose. "I am a boat builder here in the city." He swallowed. "The Calvierri School seemed an answer to my prayers. My daughter, Isabella, is seventeen. I can offer her so few prospects so I took her there. She was accepted, but…" Guido swallowed thickly, his despair filling the air. "They took my world."
"So let's get your world back," the Doctor said. He wasn't smiling. There was steel in his blue eyes and Rose nodded her agreement. "I need to get inside that palace and take a first look. See what we're dealing with." He looked at Guido. "Can you help with a distraction?"
"Yes, sir."
"What about Rose and I?" Jack asked.
"I want you to stay with Rose outside." The Doctor grinned. "Just in case I need rescuing. And keep a lookout for anything unusual." His eyes jumped to Rose. "And depending on what I find, best to keep some of our faces unknown."
Rose hesitated for a moment. "Alright, just be careful."
"I will be," the Doctor promised. He kissed her forehead gently, mindful of where they were. "But there's something wrong here."
"Agreed," Jack said. He nodded and shifted closer to Rose. "We'll be ready."
"Good lad." The Doctor grinned and turned back to Guido. "So, you up for causing some trouble?"
"Why would you help me?" Guido asked, a flicker of suspicion on his face.
"I know what it is to lose a child," the Doctor said simply. "If can spare you that, then I will."
Rose swallowed and Jack shifted at her side, but they both stayed silent as Guido studied the Doctor. Whatever he saw in the Doctor's face made him exhale in relief and nod in agreement. Grinning, the Doctor told them the plan and Rose hoped that his 'quick look' wouldn't turn into a disaster.
They backtracked to the House of Calvierri entrance with Rose and Jack breaking away from the other two to watch around the back. The Doctor gave Rose one more smile before she went with Jack. There was something wrong here, something unsettled in the air that he couldn't put his finger on. While he wasn't an expert in the noble families of Renaissance Italy and knew that fortunes turned quickly during this era, the name Calvierri didn't ring any bells.
Guido headed for the gateway where two guards waited. "You have my daughter," he shouted. The two men grabbed him. "Isabella!
"No, you're not coming in. Just stop there," one of the guards snapped. "Look, we've told you."
The Doctor took the opportunity and moved quickly. The guards didn't even notice him and Guido managed to not look his way as he shouted for his daughter. Using the sonic screwdriver, he opened the mechanical cellar door. At least it was fancy enough that the sonic worked. He was inside as he heard the guards again order Guido to leave. At least they hadn't arrested him.
All things considered; it was a nice cellar. The vaulted roof was a bit of a surprise and it was oddly clean and warm. Three large ornate doors led off the room rather than the one he expected. But what really caught his attention was an ornate mirror of gold on the opposite wall. Walking closer, the Doctor frowned at the mirror.
"Bit random to have you hanging here." He studied his reflection and chuckled. "Still not sure about the ears." Rose insisted he was handsome, but he didn't see it.
"Who are you?" a strange voice said behind him.
The Doctor looked in the mirror behind him before he turned. There was no one in the reflection so he was expecting someone in the corner. Instead, there were five young women in old-fashioned white chemises standing behind him. Their hair was loose and they appeared to be ready for bed despite the early hour. He glanced back at the mirror. Still no reflections.
"That's an impressive trick," the Doctor said. He grinned at them. "How are you managing that? Can you turn it off and on? Only asking because otherwise, this mirror is a bit useless to you if you can't."
"I'll ask you again, signor. Who are you?" the woman asked, all together.
"Oh just got a bit lost," the Doctor said. "No one interesting. But you ladies are very interesting." His smile widened. "Pale, and I'm sorry if I offend, creepy women who don't like sunlight and don't cast reflections. That gives me an interesting idea."
"Leave now, signor, or we shall call for the Steward," they said as one again. Then they all smiled. "If you are lucky."
"Hive mind of some kind too. Any chance that you'll tell me the plan?"
The girls began to advance on him, their teeth transforming into needles. The Doctor took a step towards the staircase, still smiling despite their threat.
"Someday, someone other than the Master will tell me the plan," the Doctor said. "Love to stay and all that, but I think it's time for me to go." His grin widened. "This was not what I was expecting. Love a surprise me!"
Rushing up the stairs, the Doctor laughed and headed straight for the door. Thankfully, the girls didn't follow him up and the Doctor's mind spun with questions as to just what Venice was dealing with.