If the Doctor Could Fly: Season 4

by Kitty Midnight

How would episodes or scenes change if the Doctor could fly? It's only a collection of short sections of episodes, but through all the seasons a cohesive storyline emerges as the Doctor discovers more and more about the power of flight. This takes almost encyclopedic knowledge of each episode to appreciate it to its fullest, but that kind of knowledge isn't necessary to enjoy it.

9. Chapter 9: Planet of the Dead

"If that's a sand storm, we'll get ripped to shreds," Christina said.

"It's a storm. Who says it's sand?" the Doctor questioned.

They turned and ran back to the bus.

"Just . . . hypothetically, 'cause I'm curious, 'cause I'm a curious person," the Doctor began, "If I could fly, would you let me carry you on my back?"

She smiled at him like he was crazy. "Not a chance."

"Hypothetically, that's what I thought."

---

"There's nothing we can do! Run!" the Doctor shouted.

He and Christina ran through the Tritovore ship and out into the desert. They sprinted away from the approaching swarm.

"Hypothetically, if I could fly, you would ride on my back whether you liked it or not," the Doctor said. He pulled her arms over his shoulders, jumped into the air, and flew across the desert.

She seemed to like it. He didn't have to ask her to imagine she was weightless. She already imagined it every time she floated by her winch.

The phone suddenly rang, startling the Doctor. He wobbled and almost dove headfirst into the sand.

"Christina!" he shouted, struggling to regain his balance.

She grabbed the phone and held it to her ear.

"Doctor . . . ." Malcolm began.

"Hypothetically, he's busy," Christina said. She hung up.

They finally reached the bus. The Doctor planted his feet on the ground, kicking up a wave of sand as he slid. Christina let go and stumbled.

"At last! Where've you been?!" Nathan asked.

---

The Doctor strode toward the TARDIS, watching the bus fly away. He broke into a run. He jumped as high as he could in front of the TARDIS, floating to give himself a boost, pushed himself up with his hands on the top and leaped off the TARDIS into the air. He flapped his arms hard to catch up to the bus. She noticed him and let him catch up before speeding up again. He chased her and flew around the bus as they swerved in the sky. The bus slowed down and flew beside him. The doors opened and Christina smiled at him.

"We could've been so good together!" she called.

"Christina," he cooed, "We were!" He gave her a quick smile before dodging away and flying back toward the TARDIS.