When Klary landed, she noticed that she was in what looked like a medical room. Her equilibrium was a bit off, but as she got herself together, she noticed that a woman stood in the corner staring at her. Klary gave her what she hoped was a disarming smile, but it didn't do much for the situation. The woman stammered out a 'who the hell are you' as she reached for something to apparently brandish as a weapon.
"My name's Klary." Her hands were up in the universal sign of surrender. "Is the Doctor here?"
"You know him?" Before Klary could reply, the woman gasped. Klary glanced behind her and found that the man moving in some MRI type contraption. Klary quickly moved to the woman, blocking her as the man came to a stand. The woman went to a comm. and alerted people that there was a problem. She then turned her attention to the man. Her questions went unanswered though.
"Burn with me." It was in that moment Klary knew exactly where she was and who was beside her. Without a thought, Klary grabbed Abi's hand and pulled her towards the door. It wasn't a moment too soon as Korwin opened his eyes just as they moved. The two women ran as fast as they could, only stopping to hide behind a few crates and pipes.
Klary listened as footsteps approached, and was more than relieved when they went past. The women waited for a bit longer before they stood and made their way back to the med centre. Abi wasn't too keen on it, but Klary knew that the Doctor was probably there. As they approached the room, Klary couldn't help the small smile that graced her lips as she heard the Doctor's voice. Pace quickened, she ran inside and wrapped her arms around him.
"Klary!" He turned and wrapped his arms around her, chin atop her head. As that went on, McDonnell greeted her crew member. He pulled away after a moment but kept his hands in hers. "When did you get here?"
"A while ago. Showed up right in front of Abi. Scared the life out of her." Seeing his expression, she squeezed his hand. "I'm okay. I knew where I was once Korwin said 'Burn with me.'
"Burn wit me."
"That's what we heard Korwin say," Scannell piped in.
"What? Do to think… No way. Scannell, tell him. Korwin is not a killer. He can't vaporise people. He's human!"
As she spoke, the Doctor had picked up the scan results. ""His bioscan results. Internal temperature, one hundred degrees! Body oxygen replaced by hydrogen. Your husband hasn't been infected, he's been overwhelmed."
"The test results are wrong."
"But they're not. I doubt Abi would do anything halfway. It's the truth."
"And who the hell are you and how did you get on my ship?"
"Klary's with me. She back up. Trust me, we need her." Klary gave him a quick smile which he returned before going back to the results. "But what is it, though? A parasite? A multigenic virus? Something that needs a host body, but how did it get inside him?"
"Stop talking like he's some kind of experiment."
"Where's this ship been? Have you made planetfall recently? Docked with any other vessels? Any kind of external contact at all?"
"What is this, an interrogation?"
"Do you have a reason for there to be one?" The woman glared at Klary. The woman took no offense, just sighed. "Look, we're trying to help. Just answer the questions. Do you want him to actually kill someone?"
"We're just a cargo ship." Scannell tried to get her a moment but she didn't want one. "I'm fine. I need to warn the crew." The captain moved to the comms. "Everybody, listen to me. Something has infected Korwin. He tried to kill Abi Lerner. None of you must go anywhere near him, is that clear?" When she had gotten a response she turned back to the Doctor. "Is the infection permanent? Can you cure him?"
"I don't know."
Klary looked away. She wanted to tell her, but it was better for the Doctor to explain. "Don't lie to me, Doctor. Eleven years we've been married. We chose this ship together. He keeps me honest, so I don't want false hope," she paused, eyes moving to Klary. "Although your friend has told me enough."
"I'm sorry."
"Thank you."
"Are you certain nothing happened to provoke this? Nobody's working on anything secret? Because it's vital that you tell us."
"I know every inch of this ship. I know every detail of my crew's lives. There is nothing," she answered stiffly.
Klary sighed, wanting to tell her to stop lying. She really didn't want more people to die because of what she stupidly did. Klary didn't want the Doctor or Martha to go through the pain and terror they would. A part of her wanted to at least take the Doctor's place, but something told her that the Time Lord wouldn't let that happen.
It wasn't much longer before the Doctor and Klary were making their way through the ship and towards Martha and Riley. So far, they had remained silent, with the occasional check in from Martha. Klary was a little confused as to why the Doctor hasn't asked if she knew what was going on. Granted the last few times were less than stellar, but she wanted to help. Klary's thoughts came to a halt though when Martha's terrified voiced came over the comms. The Doctor and Klary quickly rushed to Area 17. As we approached, the Doctor positioned himself in front of the coily haired brunette.
"That's enough! What do you want? Why this ship? Tell me." There was no response, just Ashton putting his fist through the keypad. "Come on. Let's see you. I want to know what you really are." Ashton stepped forward, stopping when he was nose to nose with the Doctor. Klary grabbed a hold of his coat as Korwin reached for his visor. A sigh left her as the man doubled over in pain. He straightened as the computer confirmed the airlock was sealed and walked down into the ship.
The situation defused, Klary rushed to the comms. "McDonnell! Ashton's heading to you." She turned to the Time Lord. "Go try to get Martha back." She turned back to the comm. "He's infected like Korwin."
"Korwin's dead."
Klary turned away from the comms. and went to the Doctor's side. The pair stared out the window, calling for the companion. Klary knew Martha couldn't hear them, but it was something to help her… right? Klary sank to the floor as the pod left the ship and headed towards the sun. She barely noticed that the Doctor was speaking to her until he placed his hands on her knees. "Klary, give me a hint. Please. Tell me Martha doesn't die." She stared at him. In the end she knew he'd try to magnetize the escape pod again and there was nothing she could do to stop him. She really didn't want him to go out there. "Klary!"
"Don't look at the sun."
He gave a quick nod and kissed the top of her head before he called for Scannell. Although the man was confused, he met the duo at Area 17 in record time. It took the Doctor getting into the spacesuit for Scannell to object. "I can't let you do this."
"You're wasting your breath, Scannell. You're not going to stop me."
"You want to open an airlock in flight on a ship spinning into the sun. No one can survive that."
"He'll be fine, Scannell."
"He opens that airlock, it's suicide," he snapped at Klary before returning his attention the the Doctor. "This close to the sun, the shields will barely protect you."
"If I can boost the magnetic lock on the ship's exterior, it should remagnetise the pod. Now, while I'm out there, you have got to hey the rest of those doors open. We need those auxiliary engines."
"Doctor, will you listen! They're too far away. It's too late."
"For fuck's sake, Scannell! Shut up and get those damn doors open! We're not going to lose her. So hop to it." The man stared at Klary before he scampered off to do as told.
The Doctor shot her a glance before he went to place the helmet on. Klary quickly stopped him. She ran a hand through his hair and kissed his cheek. "Please, Doctor. Don't look at the sun. Do your best to keep your curiosity at bay."
"I'll do my best."
With that, he popped on the helmet and went into the airlock. Klary watched as he opened the outer airlock and climbed out. She was terrified for him and Martha. Klary knew that things could change- she'd read enough fanfictions and some things already had- she was worried too much had changed.
"I can't. I can't reach! I don't know how much longer I can last!"
Scannell offered some encouragement but it was drowned out by Klary's. Relief washed over her when she heard him shout and saw the escape pod moving back to the ship. It soon faded when she realised he hadn't entered the airlock just yet. She knew he had looked at the sun. Finally, he came in and Klary rushed to his side. His eyes were shut tight as she helped him out of the airlock, helmet already off and sweat beading on his forehead.
Martha rushed out of the escape pod. "Doctor! Doctor! Are you okay?"
He opened his eyes briefly but shut them as a white light shined from them. Klary was quick to cover his eyes with her hands. She knew if he opened his eyes she'd be dead, but she could care less.
"Stay away from me!"
"What happened?" McDonnell had finally showed up. Klary couldn't help glaring at the woman.
"It's your fault, Captain McDonnell!"
"Riley, get down to Area 10 and help Scannell with the doors. Go!" The man quickly rushed off at his captain's order.
"You mined that sun. Stripped its surface for cheap fuel. You should have scanned for life!"
"I don't understand."
"Doctor, what are you talking about?"
Before he could get far into his reply, Klary hushed him. He didn't need to expend so much energy. Thankfully he listened, leaning his head against her shoulder. "The sun's alive. You know, a living organism. Its heart was scooped out and used for fuel. It's angry… no furious. It wants its heart back."
"What do you mean? How can a sun being alive? Why are you saying that?"
"Because its living in me." McDonnell breathed out. "Humans! You gra whatever's nearest to you and bleed it dry! You should have scanned!"
"It takes too long. We'd be caught. Fusion scoops are illegal."
"Well you shouldn't have done it then," Klary snapped as she began to help the Doctor up. She knew what had to be done.
"Stasis chamber. You've got to take it below minus two hundred." Klary nodded and shushed him. "Freeze it out of me! It'll use me to kill you if you don't. The closer we get to the sun, the stronger it gets! Med-centre! Quickly!" Klary shushed him once again and nodded to Martha. The woman quickly caught on and the two women carried the Doctor to the med-centre with McDonnell trailing behind.
The moment they entered the room, Martha took off to grab an instruction manual. Thankfully for them, Abi was there and the moment she saw the quartet, she jumped to her feet to help. McDonnell attempted to be of some use but the young doctor wouldn't allow it. Klary on the other hand called out to Abi, telling her to set the status chamber to minus two hundred.
"You'll kill him. Nobody can survive those temperatures."
"He's not human. If he says he can survive, then he can. Besides, Klary isn't against it, then it's fine."
"Let me help you, then."
"You've done enough damage."
"Martha. That's enough." She turned to McDonnell. "Look, we aren't happy with you, but help me get him into the chamber." She did as told and stepped aside.
"Ten seconds. That's all I'll be able to take. No more. Martha!" The woman moved to his side. "It's burning me up. I can't control it. If you don't get rid of it, I could kill you. Klary, I could kill you all. I'm scared! I'm so scared!"
Klary ran her hand through his hair, trying to calm him. It was the only way she knew how to help. Klary hated seeing him that way but there was no other way to comfort him. As Martha worked and the chamber began to freeze the Doctor. Klary had removed her hand from him but each scream grated at her. Then without warning, the power shut off. McDonnell rushed off to fix things while Abi and Martha tried to troubleshoot.
"Guys, go. Martha, Abi, you have to vent the engines."
"We can't leave you."
"I'll be fine. The power isn't going to come back on." Klary flinched as the computer alerted them of the impending impact. Thankfully the two women rushed to do as told. Klary on the other hand stepped aside. "Doctor?" The Time Lord faced her. "Look, I know they took your heart." He took a step towards her. "They're giving it back! Please! Just give it a moment. They're giving you your heart back."
The Doctor's head quirked to the side before he turned and left the room. Klary rushed after him, sighing when he collapsed onto the floor. She knelt beside him, cradling the Time Lord to her. They remained that way until he got his barings back. The two then made their way to the Tardis.
The moment they entered the beloved ship, the Doctor went to lean against the console. Klary was unsure of what to do, or say, so she positioned herself on the jumpseat. It wasn't much longer that Martha entered. The coily haired woman gave the companion a knowing smile as their eyes met. It quickly faded when the other woman made a callous comment. Luckily Martha realised her words, and apologised.
After diverting from Martha's concern and the young woman rushing off o the phone, Klary led the Doctor to the kitchen. As he sat down, she grabbed him a bottle of water, watching as he gulped it down. She refused to talk about what had happened, at least not until Martha was off to bed. It wasn't a conversation that either of them wanted to have with his companion around to hear. He was too private for that.
After a shower, Klary moved to the console room. She figured that was where he would be, as it was where he could usually be found. Surprisingly, he wasn't. With a sigh, she began to walk through the ship, hoping to find him. As she walked, the Tardis' halls began to move around. Klary wasn't sure whether it was helpful, she wasn't sure, but she hoped it was.
A few minutes passed before she came across a door. Hesitantly, she turned the knob and entered. Inside was a room filled with red grass. In the far corner stood one person, the only person who would ever be in it… aside from her. Klary moved to his side and remained silent. She wasn't going to push him. It wouldn't have worked anyways. He didn't do anything he didn't want to do. The pair sat in the room for hours in companionable silence. Klary was worried about him, but figured it was best to let him work it out himself. At some point, Klary had fallen asleep. Not wanting to wake her, the Doctor settled in.
When Klary woke the next morning, she found herself using the Doctor's legs as a pillow. The man in question had a book in had and was happily reading. Klary quickly moved away, face warm as she did so. He didn't seem to mind as he stood and helped her up. The pair exited the room and Klary made sure to pull him back towards the kitchen. Although she hadn't been around too long, she'd learned he had a bit of an appetite. With him telling her that Martha would soon be awake, Klary set to making breakfast.
As to the Doctor's word, the companion soon stumbled into the kitchen. Klary had just finished plating the food and Martha gave a very grateful thanks. The trio ate silently, and when they had finished, tried to decide as to where they would go. Martha couldn't think of anything, but Klary wanted to go ice skating. With it decided, Matha helped with the dishes and the trio met up in the console room not long after.
I'm finally back. Boy, has it been a while. Life has seriously gotten in the way. So first of all, I've been working very hard on a few books, one novel and six stories that are part of my series. I was getting ready to head back to England, but ish happened so I'm unfortunately staying in the states for a while longer. I've been modelling and getting my Youtube up and ready. AND, I've been doing a film or two. Oh, and I'm learning a new language! So yeah, that's been me since May. But I'm finally updating! I'm not really amazed with this chapter, but I couldn't see another way of putting it, so here we are. I hope you enjoyed it either way. Let me know what you thought. :}
Reviews:
: so glad you loved it. Hope you like this one.
Spazzy13: thanks so much! I definitely wanted her to feel a lot more real. I love the trope so much and I plan on working on this one for a long while.
Anthaena: thank you so very much. I really appreciate your review and I'm glad the chapters were just right on the info dumps. I tried really hard to make Klary not be completely ruled by her past traumas, as my other OC is very much like that. I'm glad and kind of sad that she's relatable in that instance, but we all go through things.
bord411: oh my golly, thanks so much. your story was one of the firsts I've read and I really loved it. I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter.
Oh, let me know what episode I should do next. Should I have her go back to 12? Or should I do some more 10, but with Martha or head right back to 9? What about 11? I have a few episodes that are specific but the rest is up in the air!