Chapter 06

Nonetheless, difficulty in such arrangements now had to be considered. When they first knocked, Sara had only taken the opportunity to open the door thus to slam it shut in their faces, while locking it.

"That won't help." Nova's voice could be heard just as Mark used his key to unlock the deadbolt.

"Maybe not." Sara muttered. "But it did make me feel better."

"How reassuring." John said smoothly. "Am I to take your improved disposition as a sign that you might consider joining us to a dinner engagement we've all been extended an invitation to?"

Both girls looked at him mildly stunned but Sara folded her arms across her chest. "The only thing we're interested in at the moment is going home, back to our flat." She watched the two start to shake their heads. "Oh, then you have my answer at least. What you've both done was deplorable." She started to shake. "Nova nearly died in that Bonfire and it was only so you could obtain a blood sample. Certainly, there were easier ways for men such as you that didn't risk her life…." Since the girls slept through the entire discussion downstairs and left before Dr. Freeman could discuss the entirety of his findings with his patients, they still considered the brothers suspect in the accident and kidnapping that put Nova to such degree of risk.

"Certainly there was." Mark answered. "Which is why you have my word…" He paused, glancing at John. "Our word, that we were not involved in any way with the car crash or subsequent kidnapping." He sighed given their expression. "The methodology was simply not our own. Consider for a moment, if all we wanted was a blood sample, would we need to create such a ruse? Certainly not to the risk or cost of your lives. We have declared you as beneficiaries after all."

"Beneficiaries…" Nova repeated as Sara realized to a degree the legal procedure he enacted.

"Secondary trustees of their estate." Sara managed. "You…why would you name us? We're not related. We…." She pressed her lips together. "We really only just met."

"Have we?" John emphasized, referring to her books only subtly. He allowed a moment for the girls to meander on his meaning. "Nevertheless, we are under particular obligation to keep you both protected especially after what just occurred. Having you named as agents of our estate, if you will, ensures your own safety in lieu of the contract we are obligated to uphold. Something we regard with the utmost severity."

"Then let us see this contract." Sara demanded. "Who is it with?" Both girls had their own distinct dread but they needed a confirmation. At current, they had been acting on Nova's ability to obtain impressions from each of their minds. A dodgy process at best. But now….well, often words were simpler without the political or public dance they made to circumvent matters at hand.

"I think you both know very well who." Mark said with that very distinct air of certainty. Nova pressed her hands together. She couldn't regard it as surprise since she anticipated this answer. Nevertheless, confirmation of his presence lurking in the shadows behind them filled her with a conflict. Would he really be how she saw him in each one of her dreams? Was he near to the Time Lord Victorious Sara described or the Scary Doctor? She shook her head in befuddlement.

"Maybe you should just tell us." Nova said, keeping her voice sure, looking at her friend, who nodded in agreement. This relationship, business or otherwise, had been rocky at its foundation. If anything was to be achieved they needed….transparency, as Sara once mentioned. At least, if nothing else, between themselves.

John gave a small shake of his head, more to himself and Mark than to anything the girls had said. It was going to have to be the hard way until the two understood and believed that they were safe…even from the brothers. "I believe that you call him 'the Doctor' in your books. We have recently started to refer to him as Mr. Doe."

"Like John Doe?" Nova asked, her voice shaking slightly at the absolute confirmation.

"Precisely." Mark deemed the same thing that John had concluded. It was time to tell the girls the truth. The real truth. "Over a decade ago, after we achieved our current positions, we put the pieces together that an individual, with the apparent ability to travel through time, had been 'visiting' Earth for hundreds of years. He was seen in drawings, paintings, even a few sculptures. Especially for historically significant events."

"Pompeii. The Titanic. Nagasaki." John mentioned several more places and times that they had seen evidence of this man. "There were several of him, it seemed at the time. However, since we only ever found reference to a 'Doctor', we considered the possibility that he simply would change his appearance when necessary to avoid suspicion."

The girls exchanged glances. It was really close to what actually occurred in regeneration. The conclusion was logical.

"Finally, there came an…incident…that we were able to see him in person. It was…humbling." Mark continued. His expression was almost constipated at his admission. "We could see from his body language that he wasn't human. The way he moved was quicker than human ability was capable of producing, even from Olympic athletes. From the limited information we held at the time, we were forced to conclude this Doctor was a threat."

Nova sucked in a sharp breath, still feeling a bit faint from the sedative but she wasn't going to mention it. She glanced at Sara, who was suddenly as pale as Nova was feeling herself. "What did you do?" they both asked simultaneously, fear in their tone and eyes.

John nodded solemnly at their reaction. "I see you know him better than we did. I will not go into the details, but suffice to say that the Doctor beat us at our own game. He also somehow knew of our professions and ourselves without us having to say anything. Upon that encounter, he explained many things and conclusions we had formed were wrong. He let us into his ship for several minutes to prove his words."

"Thus, we made a deal. A contract. There was someone he wanted to protect, but couldn't do himself. In return—"

"Who?" Sara inserted abruptly. "Why couldn't he protect them?"

"He said that just being in his proximity made him physically ill. However, this person was a friend, would live a long life, and needed a safe haven." Mark tried again.

He was cut off again. "What's their name?" Nova asked this time. She thought she may know, given the clues, but didn't want to make assumptions.

Mark raised an eyebrow at their second interruption, making clear how rude it was. Nova had the decency to blush, but she really wanted to know. "Very well. I believe he did show up in one of your more recent books, Ms. Morganson. You called him 'Jack Harkness'. It's not his real name, but it suits for the moment."

"Jack can take care of himself." Sara countered.

"Yes. Quite well, it turned out. However, the safe haven clause in the contract is for the lifetime of the protectee, as well as applying to all the successors to our positions. Mr. Harkness will always be able to find safety and shelter on any of our estates."

"What else is in this contract?" Nova asked softly. "What does the Doctor do for his part?"

"The Doctor guards the planet from threats we cannot deal with on our own. I have only had to call him in a handful of times, but each time the Earth would not have survived without him. We have no doubt that without the Doctor's protection, the Earth will be enslaved or destroyed within a year. We will not break the contract." Mark said firmly, with great conviction. It was obvious that he believed exactly what he was saying, and thus would do anything he needed to, to ensure the contract held on their end.

John nodded his own agreement. "The two of you are only the second and third individuals under which the contract applies. Your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing are now our responsibility. You are quite safe. Even from us."

The room went quiet as the brothers let the girls absorb that knowledge. Finally, Nova asked, "Is there anything else you do as part of the contract?"

"As a gesture of courtesy, we ensure that any incident or proof of the Doctor's existence is wiped from all records. Which was part of the reason you got our attention. Your books were disturbingly accurate for things that we had ensured were impossible to find. While most of the details were incorrect, the general overview was true. It was a wonderful way to throw off anyone who still held belief in the Doctor's existence, as well as our own. But we also had to investigate to be sure that all it was were two girls drawing conclusions based on obviously old data."

John took over the explanation. "It was also amusing to audition for the part of myself. We just had to ensure you were not a threat. The events such far have changed things."

Mark picked it back up, "Until such time as those responsible for the bonfire incident are caught and brought to justice, and for a further three months afterward to ensure safety, you will both be under strict guard, for your own safety. However, 'cabin fever' is quite real and we would like to offer an evening out. One of our many scientists has made a breakthrough and is giving a party tonight so that the event may be publicized."

"Having the media see you with us will stem some of the tide, you realize." John interjected with a calm smile. "Calm the flow of public aggression. The less reason the media has to invade your privacy, the more independence we may afford you through the contract. The more public you both are; the more chance you will be targeted."

Nova was still holding Sara's hand, and sent the thought They haven't lied since they stepped into the room. It's all true. To her friend. To let her decide.

Sara was more circumspect. She knew that Nova could discern between a truth and a fiction. It was among one of her many talents gifted with her steadily increasing telepathic ability. That discernment. They often speculated on the amount of Time Lord heritage she might have, given the Doctor's presence was said to be concrete. Nova would often say that the tendency for telepathic ability according to her dreams was better used by females than the males in the population. The question nearly came to the tip of her tongue. They had taken their blood. What had they discovered?

She bit her lip. But then, it would open up to more questions as to their nature. Their origins. The two dimensions they came from. She remembered reading in the Sherlock Holmes tales as well as the television show in her dimension, his lack of interest or knowledge in astronomy. He had no care of it. It was likely John Altamont was no exception until the Doctor posed an appearance, utterly confounding them. Then, they had to adapt and acquire knowledge of the stars. How humiliating. She took a deep breath.

Despite the evident truth they only spoke while in this room, Sara did not know whether she could place her faith in people that were never consistently truthful. That didn't think twice at drugging them to achieve their aims much less come to a studio under false pretenses. She hardly knew what to make of the car crash that left Nova in such jeopardy. The timing seemed too coincidental and calculated. Either they staged the car crash and kidnapping or someone who knew about the brothers' disregard for strange coincidences timed it to frame them. Either proposal was a disheartening one.

At this measure, Sara would rather acquire and trust their own people to protect them…a neutral source, than trying to make a decision here. How was she supposed to check the validity of this contract they engaged? Ask the Doctor when they spotted him? Oh, that would not be a good idea. She recalled Nova's statement to her. That the Doctor was perfectly within his rights to confine them on his ship for the rest of their natural lives and if this contract was true….

"We tell the press, if I'm understanding you, we agreed to stay here for our own safety. That your imprisonment is not really imprisonment." Sara repeated flatly.

"I would define it as a sanctuary." Mark said. "You will be allowed to proceed to the BBC studio to continue your work. However, what independence you acquire is dependent on you." He gave a brief smile at both girls apparent silence. "You do say imprisonment but it is not our long term objective to keep you confined. Surely, we want you to have as much freedom as every civilian seems to cherish. We haven't confined you in cells. You are able to move about the estate within reason." He paused. "Tonight is an opportunity to shine a light on the perpetrator responsible. Public opinion is split at this moment. Many level accusations against us but there are those that believe you two are stirring up the proverbial pot for your own agenda. To increase publicity for your shows." He sighed. "And they say there is no such thing as bad publicity."

"We never believed that." Nova said quietly. "We simply wanted to explain our side. Surely you can admit there were alternatives to your introductions."

Mark then looked at John who seemed to give a shrug, appearing aloof. "Then, I apologize."

Sara gave a brief snort. The comment lacked any remnant of sincerity. "You apologize?"

"Yes. Isn't that what I'm supposed to say?"

Sara clenched her fists as she was presently simmering. "I think you're supposed to mean it too."

"Ah, but Ms. Thomas, you know me. Or you appear to considering the amount of detail you used to describe my character in your books. While I can endeavor to sympathize on an intellectual scale, you ask for empathy. It is not a quality I acquired."

Another strained silence. "Might we have your answer?" Mark asked. "There are preparations that need to be made. Several in fact to ensure our timely arrival." He had to arrange for secure transportation and security, especially where the press was concerned. And that was just getting there. His two guests needed to have lunch since breakfast had apparently been refused. From his observation of Nova, she would require a few hours respite in the afternoon to sleep off the after effects of the drug. Apparently, Sara didn't appear to be suffering from any further fatigue and he pondered whether it had something to do with her transitioning DNA or the radiation she was emitting. Considering the contract they were obliged to act under, neither one could be subjected to any undue tests or examinations. But he had acquired their blood samples for use in research. From what Dr. Freeman was saying, the applications for research alone would be months if not years in the process. The girls weren't going anywhere. Not out of his purview. He could afford to wait.

Sara looked between the two, digesting what they said but also considering the opportunity. She wasn't sure how they would use the venture tonight but from what they alluded to, it was a singular event. Yes, they might have to play along for the moment to ease the burden of the press considering the volatility of that campaign. Public scrutiny had its positive and negative merits.

But for the moment…Sara thought.

"We'll go and try to satisfy the press." She managed. "But it's a relatively free entity. We can't promise anything if what you say is true."

Nova glanced at Sara sensing her friend's mind. Knowing she saw this night as a vague opportunity. But an opportunity for what? "We can attempt to do our best." The red head added simply.

"We are indeed appreciative." Mark said. "Just so you are aware, there will be rules regarding your safety and security. We expect them to be followed at all times."

"And as your escorts, we expect you to remain within a reasonable distance or by our sides at all times." John was quick to add.

"I assume you won't need to follow us into the restroom." Nova tried, feeling somewhat overwhelmed. This evening out already felt suffocating on various levels.

"Oh, I hardly think that necessary, Ms. Morganson. We have hired a diverse security crew, which also include women. They are perfectly capable of seeing you through those necessities." Mark's voice was glib.

Sara simply closed her eyes. It would be a long night and if she was honest with herself, she had no certain plan. Exercising any amount of control within a very limited box….they still seemed to be in the same box. Or I'm just another puppet. She thought briefly of Jack Harkness or truly what his name happened to be. They had never thought to look under the actor or actress names, not that those entirely applied to all circumstance but if they had….

Would we even be in this mess?

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Dr. Freeman saw them through lunch and considering his presence was far more down to earth, they relaxed….slightly. He even went so far as to eat a bit of everything that was on the table, including items he habitually loathed. Nova could tell just by his expression when he sampled the olives. She nearly wanted to laugh at his face as he painstakingly chewed and swallowed.

"Well, that was…unexpected." He managed. "But you see, no sedatives, not even in the sugar for the tea."

"That's alright." Sara dismissed. "I don't take sugar in my tea."

"Speak for yourself." Nova muttered. She could use all the help she could get.

He then tried to ease the tension by saying how much he loved both their books. How simply amusing they were and he often read a few of them more than once after a long day spent at the clinic.

"Which of them were your favorites?" Nova asked quietly.

"Hmm, the Unquiet Dead, I would need to say. I enjoyed the portrayal you did of Charles Dickens combined with the Gelth. All the elements for a Victorian ghost story. I was reminded of the Christmas Carol."

That had been some research. Sara wanted to include more about Charles Dickens than the original television episode had allotted. She had read several of the books. Oliver Twist, Great Expectations and the aforementioned Christmas Carol. She also knew at that juncture, Charles Dickens had been dying and was struggling to end the one book he had been writing that still according to history went unfinished. The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

"'No space of regret can make amends for one life's opportunity misused.'" Sara quoted, her voice a murmur. Nova briefly winced, given another reminder of their home they had been torn from.

"I think I'm full and I'm tired." The redhead admitted as Sara glanced at her with concern but Nova just shook her head. It wasn't the result of any additional chemicals but still the ones in her system. "From this morning. I'm going to take a nap for a couple hours."

There was a pause after Nova had retreated from the sitting room area. "I'll full too." Sara muttered, getting up from her chair.

"Sara," Dr. Freeman started. "I'm sorry that I…."

The brunette turned and just looked at him. "Dr. Freeman, I think I've had enough false apologies for one day, wouldn't you agree?" She closed her door, leaving the physician to simply stand there muttering silently, feeling the slow workings of guilt edge upon him for a situation that he knew was beyond his scope of control.

"It wasn't a false apology." He muttered to the door, knowing that neither girl could hear him.

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That evening saw them to the very financial center of London, a modernized area that was in distinct architectural separation from the more historic counterparts. Buildings that the girls were relatively accustomed to seeing in American cities in contrast to historic London. Nova stared out the window in curiosity. One block had appeared damaged where those structures had been demolished. But she could see the rubble and the placement of a memorial wall, where several hundred names were engraved to the exterior. In bold calligraphy were the words, We Remember…

"Tragic, isn't it?" John asked and Nova glanced back at him. He simply stared at the memorial site. "Several of our associates perished in that calamity."

"The Doctor." Nova tried. "You called him, didn't you?"

"Of course. Once we knew the situation had grown beyond our means of control, we contacted him. But in these situations, there is often collateral damage." Mark affirmed. "However, this could have been far worse." He sighed. "Canary Wharf has often been the epicenter for one attack or other, both alien or domestic in origin. During World War II, the German Blitz bombed this section in particular since it was a dedicated shipping port."

"That's why all the buildings are new." Sara surmised.

"Relatively speaking." John confirmed.

Sara simply pressed her hands into the folds of her simple black A-line dress. At least it was hers and from her own closet despite the circumstances. They didn't want another borrowed outfit but insisted that the least they could do is give them the comfort of their own clothing. At this request, the two brothers didn't protest and sent personnel to collect all their clothing from their flat.

But it was better than the alternative and when they stepped out of the car, they were immediately approached by the waiting media.

"Miss Morganson, Miss Thomas, care to comment on your whereabouts since the crisis at the Bonfire Night?" One asked.

"Miss Morganson, it was reported your condition was critical when you were removed from the fire. Was this in fact a staged production to increase interest in both your shows prior to their release?"

"What?" Nova said, aghast. "No. I was kidnapped, drugged and placed in there. It was terrifying and…."

"Miss Thomas, you were there. Was it true that Miss Morganson had stopped breathing? Was the incident surrounding the car crash related to your investors, John Altamont and Mark Gatiss?"

Sara knew they were watching her and pulled her shoulders back. "I'm not sure what you are implying. John Altamont was present because he was on set when we conducted the interview. His presence at the crash remains a lucky coincidence." The way she said coincidence was not missed by either of the two brothers. "Nova wouldn't be alive if he hadn't assisted in rescuing her in time but at this moment, I'm sure the Scotland Yard and our security would welcome any tips as to the true perpetrators. We do not stage publicity stunts nor think any part of what occurred was at all amusing. In truth, Nova Morganson could have died last night if it wasn't for their assistance." She paused. "We wish to thank them now that we are here for their intercession for their quick thinking and being the heroes we never expected them to be." With that she smiled brightly and extended a hand to Mark who shook it, tightening his grip ever so slightly on hers. The meaning seemed clear. A message of behave, was expressed to her in that brief candid glance. They both seemed to know perfectly well Sara was sporting with words.

Nova grimaced internally as she shook each man's hand for the cameras, thinking of how Sara managed to use coincidence and heroes around these two in almost the same sentence. She knew her friend was mocking them in a way they would understand. At least she hasn't lost her sense of humor….or sarcasm.

"It was our pleasure." Mark said aloud. "Considering the situation, we intend to help in every way that we are able."

"Of course." John agreed. A few more questions came and then requests for a few pictures of the four. Then on photographer asked for a picture with the writer of Sherlock Holmes as well as the newly cast lead. Sara felt her stomach churn but consented. Just one more….

The two simply stood side by side. "Mr. Altamont, if you can take Miss Thomas's arm or put your arm around her…" He suggested.

"Oh, I'm sorry." Sara quickly stepped back. "I think you're under the false impression that Mr. Altamont or Mr. Gatiss are really interested in women. But that's an easy mistake to make." The photographer looked a bit shocked but before John could respond, Sara had rejoined Nova.

"Let's just go inside before it gets any worse." Sara muttered and Nova nodded although wondering if there would be consequences to pay for Sara's barb against the two brothers.

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