Here we are again! Back to another chapter!
I hope all readers have been enjoying the story so far. Just realized that we are almost at the halfway point. I'm so excited! :D
XxXxXxXx
Chapter 35: A Race to the Bridge
The group of survivors moved as carefully as they could through the devastated ship. Broken pipes, railings, and other parts were everywhere. Holes in the ceiling and floor that lead to either other decks on the Titanic, or simply into open space outside. There were many small fires here and there. But none that were too serious to worry about at the time being. Then, there were the many bodies the group came across. Each time, all (save for Rickston) held a collective breath of sadness in mourning for the loss of life before pressing onwards. Each of them in their own way in trying to focus on getting to safety and saving both the ship and the Earth from destruction.
"Careful," the Doctor told the group after he had managed to shove open a door to a stairwell. Wanda stepped into the stairway with him, squeezing past the tight door as she looked around the new area. Steam issued out from a broken pipe that was still attached to the wall. Steel beams were littered all around the floor and up the stairs. The Doctor was already clearing the way up the stairs as everyone else made their way into the area.
"Rather ironic, but this is very much in the spirit of Christmas," Mr. Copper spoke up as they all made their way gradually up the stairs. "It's a festival of violence. They say human beings only survive . . . depending on whether they've been good or bad. I-It's barbaric."
"Actually, I'm gonna have to stop you there," said Wanda, shaking her head at the elderly man. "You've got it all wrong. Christmas is a day of celebration. Of getting together with the family. Of having peace on Earth for just one time of year where everyone gets along, sings together, give each other gifts, shares their wealth, their homes, their love. It's a wondrous time filled with magic."
"What are you on about? Our Christmases are always like this," the Doctor joked in monotone. Scoffing, Wanda hit him in the arm, making him chuckle quietly. Grabbing a piece of scrap metal laying in front of him, the Doctor perked up in cheer when he saw the golden angel on the ground, covered in beams and other debris. "Oh! We've got a host. Strength of ten. If we can mend it—."
"Don't," said Wanda in a strict voice. Everyone looked at her in surprise, seeing the way she glared at the Heavenly Host on the ground. "It's being reprogrammed to kill off any survivors." She turned her gaze to the Doctor. "You were right. Easily hacked and corrupted."
"There's no way," Astrid stated, shaking her head in disbelief. "The Hosts can't harm anyone. It's against their code."
"She's right," Morvin agreed, nodding. "Me and Foon work on the mill market back on Sto."
"We fix up the staff. All robotic," added in Foon, speaking along with her husband. "All robotics from Sto are all built in with safety protocols that keep them from ever harming other living beings. If they tried, their circuits would fry."
"Well, someone found a way around it," disputed Wanda, shaking her head as she looked back to the Host. "I'm telling you, the same person who sent us into those meteoroids also changed the Host's protocols to kill any they see who are not their master."
"But that makes no sense," Mr. Copper interjected. Everyone began babbling, wanting to fix up the robot so they could get through the wrecked ship faster. Wanda sighed in frustration, wishing people would actually listen to her and the Doctor for once when they gave clear warnings of danger. Why must everyone argue against them?
"Oi!" the Doctor shouted, getting everyone to quiet down as he threw sharp looks at all the arguing survivors. "If Wanda says to leave it alone, then we just leave it be. She knows what she's talking about, trust me."
"And how does she know?" Rickston asked, sounding very suspicious now. "The only way she or you could know would be if you helped make this happen. From the way you both think you're so high and mighty—."
"Oh, Rickston, I forgot—did you get that message?" the Doctor suddenly interrupted. The businessman appeared taken back, confused by what the Time Lord was talking about.
"No, what message?" Rickston questioned.
"Shut up!" yelled the Doctor, staring furiously back at Rickston. After the man averted his eyes, going quiet once more, the Doctor then looked to everyone else. "Listen, me and Wanda both saw the Hosts malfunctioning earlier. Clear indication of someone hacking into their mainframes and placing in a bug. I should have seen the signs then that someone was tampering with their systems. But I was too oblivious. I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault," both Astrid and Wanda said immediately, neither wanting the Time Lord to blame himself for what he could not control. Wanda turned to look at the others behind her.
"Look, if you want to fix the Host, then be my guest. Just don't say I didn't warn you when it tries choking you to death when it wakes up," she told Foon and Morvin, as well as the rest. Turning back around, she marched up the stairs past the Doctor, going to the top where a hole was seen through the debris. The Doctor followed right after her with Astrid right behind him. Everyone else sort of glanced at each other before seeming to shrug and follow after the trio.
When the group reached a section blocked off by large beams and metal, the Doctor had Bannakaffalatta squeeze through a gap in the debris first, followed by Astrid who wanted to help the red man in finding a way the rest could make it through. Wanda squeezed right on after Astrid, helping the woman clear the gap from the other side. They had to make it bigger for the other men and Foon to make it through. It was too small for any of them, really. Even the Doctor was too big to fit through. Wanda thought briefly over this, snorting as she just knew if Donna were here the woman would be making fun of the Doctor's lanky body as usual. Glancing over her shoulder, Wanda saw Bannakaffalatta laying on the ground, looking worn and tired.
"Oh, you need recharging, don't you?" Wanda said to the alien, though kept her voice quiet as she knew he did not want anyone else to know his secret of being a cyborg. Bannakaffalatta appeared flabbergasted that Wanda immediately knew what was wrong with him.
"Was secret. You know?" responded the red alien. He pulled up his shirt, showing off the metal body of his and the many blinking lights that made up his systems. Astrid looked over at the man as well, seeming shocked when seeing him lay there and being made of metal.
"You're a cyborg?" asked the waitress, going over to kneel next to the man.
"Ashamed," mumbled Bannakaffalatta sadly, averting his gaze from the two women. Wanda shook her head, walking over to the cyborg.
"Don't be. There's absolutely nothing to be ashamed of," she told the man kindly, even gave him a warm smile.
"Monster," muttered Bannakaffalatta, sounding disgusted with himself. Wanda gave another shake of her head, giving him a stern gaze.
"I know a cyborg who thought the same thing once. Believed himself to be a monster and would never have a place that would accept him," explained the Time Lady. "And now, he's living with a whole town who loves him, cherishing him as their savior, their sheriff. He couldn't be any happier." Wanda beamed, hoping that this story would cheer Bannakaffalatta up somewhat.
"Cyborg savior?" Bannakaffalatta questioned curiously, seeming in disbelief that any cyborg could ever be seen as a savior or hero of sorts.
"Everything's changed now. Cyborgs are getting equal rights. They passed a law back on Sto. You can even get married," Astrid added in, wanting to assure the man that there was nothing wrong at all in being a cyborg. She knew others back on her planet still held prejudices against cyborgs. Especially the older generation. But things were indeed changing. The younger generation, and many who held deep understanding in their hearts, fought for equal rights for all. Not just the cyborgs, but for others as well. Life back on Sto was becoming a much more peaceful place than it had been once before.
"Marry you?" Bannakaffalatta replied cheekily, grinning at Astrid. Wanda snorted while Astrid blushed lightly, but smiled back all the same.
"Well, you can buy me a drink first," Astrid told him, winking slightly at him. Wanda nodded, clapping her hands together with excitement.
"Sounds like a date to me!" she exclaimed merrily. "All rightie, Astrid, keep clearing that path. Bannakaffalatta, just give me a second while I get you recharged." Wanda worked on the different electronics on the man's chest while Astrid continued to clear away the debris from the stairway. Glancing at Astrid, and then at Bannakaffalatta to see how he had closed his eyes in rest, Wanda discreetly pulled out her sonic screwdriver from a pocket on her dress that was hidden in the lining. Always have pockets on whatever one wears. Even on dresses. Especially wedding gowns. She was going to live by that motto for the rest of her life. She chuckled internally at her thoughts, shaking herself out of her wandering mind. Sending a few pulses into his chest, she grinned as she flipped the screwdriver in her hand merrily before placing it back into her dress pocket.
Wanda and the other two jumped when startled by sudden yelling from the other side of the debris. Hurrying back onto her feet, Wanda crouched down next to Astrid, poking her head around a large beam to see the Doctor struggling to get a Host off of Morvin while Foon screamed in panic. The information robot repeated 'kill' as it choked Morvin, banging the man against bars down below the stairwell. Wanda recognized instantly that this Host was the one that had been broken up. It appeared that neither Foon or Morvin wanted to believe Wanda about the dangers of the Hosts. Well, they would have to believe her now after this incident.
"Oi! What did I say about bringing that thing back to life?!" Wanda shouted with sass in her voice, hurrying up in clearing a way for the rest of the others as she knew they would all be in a hurry now in escape from the Host. Rickston pushed her harshly out of the way as he ran for his life, wanting to save his own skin and not even try to help the others. Mr. Copper held Wanda along in clearing the way as the Doctor allowed Foon and Morvin to run up the stairs first, staying behind to fight off the Host from trying to kill anyone else.
"I thought we could fix whatever bug you were talking about!" Foon exclaimed in terror once she had made it up to the top of the stairs, helping Mr. Copper and Wanda clear the way.
"I'm sorry we didn't listen. You were right," Morvin apologized quickly, helping along as well.
"I'm not going to say 'I told you so.' But I bloody hell told you so!" Wanda sassed the two.
Foon came through first, squeezing right past the large beams and sharp metal. One broken beam on top began to fall into the pathway, but Mr. Copper and Wanda hoisted it up together, keeping the path clear for Morvin and the Doctor. Mr. Copper tried getting Rickston to help as well, but the man refused, not giving the slightest care for Morvin or the Doctor. Wanda felt her temper flare, boiling away within her. Gritting her teeth, she hoisted the broken beam in hand way up in the air from the strength her anger gave her. All she could see was red as she wanted to turn around and punch Rickston right in the face. But she knew she had to stay for her Doctor and make certain he made it safely through. Morvin passed next to her leg through the gap. Then the Doctor also made it on through only after getting information from the Host on Deck Thirty-One being the origin of its command structure. The Host tried going through the gap as well, ready to kill them all. Looking down at the damn robot, Wanda lifted the beam up higher into the air before slamming it down onto the robot's head. Smashing its head to pieces and killing it off. Panting in huffing breaths, Wanda turned, facing the stunned looks of the others in seeing how she had held and lifted such a heavy beam.
"Well? What are we just standing around for? Get a move on you lot," Wanda said to the group, marching past them as she knew they needed to hurry. They were all on a tight schedule after all.
Sometime later, exhausted and worn, the group of survivors took rest in a small corridor which happened to have a few trollies filled with plates of food and drinks. Somehow surviving the toll the ship had undergone earlier. Wanda sat down away from the group as they gathered around the trollies to eat. She hunched over on a broken shelf, rubbing at her temples as her head pounded dully. Gosh, would she always have headaches now with the growing pregnancy? Was that normal? Then there goes her stomach feeling queasy again. She really hoped that she would not get sick all the time. Glancing over to the Doctor, she saw him talking with Midshipman Frame about the Hosts and the strange occurrence within Deck Thirty-One. Not long now before they would have to go down there into battle with the main boss of the Heavenly Hosts.
"Here. I've saved you some."
Wanda jerked up straight, dropping her hand from her stomach as she saw Astrid standing before her, holding out a plate of food.
"Oh, uh, thanks," said Wanda, smiling awkwardly as she grabbed the plate from the woman. Astrid sat down beside Wanda, watching as the Time Lady began nibbling on an appetizer. There was a small moan of delight sounded off by Wanda as her taste buds sang in joy. "You truly don't know when you're hungry until you start eating."
"You need to make sure you get something back into your stomach every time you get sick. At least something light at first before you get a proper meal," Astrid remarked, smiling proudly as she knew to be helping Wanda out with the pregnancy. Raising a brow, Wanda munched lightly on a cracker as she gave a small laugh.
"All right. And is this more experience from your old friend's . . . occurrences?" Wanda questioned. She came to a halt when almost saying the word 'pregnancy' out loud. Realizing what a mistake it would be in saying that out loud for the Doctor, who was currently standing not that far away, to hear. That, and Wanda found herself unable to really say or think about that particular word.
"Yes, and," Astrid paused, glancing over at the nearby Time Lord, "I still think you need to tell him. And soon."
"Don't worry. I will . . . eventually," Wanda mumbled as she chewed on a piece of sausage. She looked up when the Doctor final hung up with Frame and walked over to sit next to her and Astrid.
"Mister Frame seems to have deadlocked himself in the bridge," the Doctor told the two once he sat next to Wanda. He reached over, grabbing a small nibble from the plate in Wanda's hand and popped the treat into his mouth, munching away in delight. "Then there's a whole empty pocket on Deck Thirty-One. And now, we have to worry about dodging around killer Hosts."
"All on Christmas Day. How lovely," Wanda muttered sarcastically. She munched more on her shared food with the Doctor, pouting as she realized the more she ate, the hungrier she felt. It seemed she needed greater meals to satisfy her hunger from now on with the little cargo she was carrying around.
She tensed as the Doctor placed an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to his side. She felt her body instantly lean against, comforted by his warmth and presence. Though her body was relaxed by his touch, her mind, on the other hand, felt panicked in worriment of him being able to tell whether or not she was pregnant. Could he sense the child within? He was always good on sensing little things like that. Would the same be said for her situation? Then again, in all these two months of many times of them being . . . . 'close' in their love, he did not mention anything about pregnancy. Perhaps either he did not suspect anything amiss, or he simply could not tell at all. However, she knew he should have been. Her stomach was changing (in small ways), something which she herself had not noticed until after the results from the scan. It was growing more firm, but no bumps forming just yet. And then—no, wait, Mr. Copper was talking.
Wanda blinked out of her thoughts, realizing that the elderly man had come over to sit with them, and had confessed to not actually be a Eathonomics Doctor. Now the Doctor, Astrid, and Mr. Copper were discussing on what would happen to the man once this day was over. Most certainly Mr. Copper would be arrested when the investigation would be run on what happened to the Titanic. Wanda felt sorry for the man, knowing he had lied in being a Earthonomics specialist just to have a chance to travel to see other worlds, as well as earning enough money to get by back on Sto. Opening her mouth to assure the man that everything was going to be all right for him, the Doctor jerked her up when more Heavenly Hosts began coming through a locked door after them.
The group ran together down the corridor, with the Doctor in the lead and Wanda right beside all the way. Each gripping the others' hand in a tight hold to make certain neither one would be left behind. They soon reached a large door, locked upon arrival. With a quick pulse from his sonic, the Doctor managed to open the door for them, locking it as soon as everyone was on the other side of the door. All stared around in amazing when realizing they had entered into the Titanic's engine room. It was like a long, bronze tunnel of a room, with gigantic pipes running up and down the walls of the area. There were small spouts of fires all along the vast room coming from the pipes themselves. Far below them was a large ball of fire, swirling fast around. The main engines of the Titanic. And from the walkway they were standing on, there was a thin bridge of weak looking metal across the great expanse over the deadly nuclear engines below. The only way across to the next door on the other side of the room.
"Is that the only way across?" Rickston questioned in disbelief, staring at the thin bridge warily.
"On the other hand, it is a way across," said the Doctor, feeling just glad that they did indeed have a route of escape.
"The engines are open," Astrid pointed out to them, staring fearfully down at the giant ball of flames below.
"Nuclear storm drive," the Doctor noted in thought. "Soon as it stops, the Titanic falls."
"And we can't have that happen," Wanda mumbled, taking a step towards the thin bridge. Peeking over the edge of the high expanse, she backed away with a gulp, feeling her great fear of heights spiking. "Bloody heights. I hate them. Why can't we ever just be a few feet off the ground? Or just stay on the ground? No. We always have to be hundreds and hundreds and—Morvin, look out!" Wanda snatched her hand out, grabbing the back of Morvin's shirt as he backed over into a weak railing. The metal ground beneath the man's feet bent, almost making him go over the railing to fall to his death. Yanking the man back, Wanda sent him stumbling into his wife instead.
"Oh Tov, that was close!" Foon cried in alarm, hugging her husband with a death grip. Both she and Morvin held fearful, yet relieved, expressions. Morvin patted his chest, getting his heart to settle.
"Thank you. I think you just saved my life," Morvin said to Wanda, nodding his head in great appreciation.
"Just glad that you're all right," Wanda replied, smiling and giving him a thumbs up. She felt the Doctor grab her hand, giving it a loving squeeze. She looked at him, smiling as he held a proud look on his face, knowing she had indeed saved another life.
"It was a stupid effort saving that waste of space. That bridge will never hold Mr. and Mrs. Fatso," Rickston spoke up with a sneer.
"You're a waste of space!" Wanda yelled furiously at the man, shaking her fist at him while her face grew red from anger. This man was truly pushing her buttons.
They looked over their shoulders when they heard marching coming up the corridor behind them. The Hosts were advancing towards them. Rickston pushed everyone out of the way to the bridge, making his way across first. The Doctor turned around, making quick work with his sonic to the door behind them to be certain none of the Hosts could make it inside the engine room with them. Once that was finished (absently undoing his bow tie) the Doctor walked over to Bannakaffalatta, Astrid, and Wanda. Since they were all light and small, they could easily make it across the bridge together. Astrid and Wanda held hands as Bannakaffalatta led the way in front of them. All the while, the loud pounding on the door behind them continued on as the Hosts tried getting inside after them. Mr. Copper started to cross once Bannakaffalatta made it to the other side next to Rickston.
"The door's locked!" Rickston yelled at the Doctor, wanting the Time Lord to hurry over and unlock the door with his screwdriver.
"Keep your pants on, I'm coming over," Wanda grumbled at the man, edging her way over with Astrid, knowing that she could open the door with her sonic just as well as the Doctor could. They both wobbled on their feet for a moment as the bridge settled again, shaking greatly for a moment. Then, everyone froze when the pounding on the door ceased.
"They've stopped," Astrid sighed in relief, hoping that the Hosts had given up and moved on somewhere else.
"Gone away?" Bannakaffalatta questioned in surprise.
"But why would they give up?" the Doctor pondered aloud, staring back at the door behind him curiously. No, this was too easy. The Hosts were programmed to kill anyone by any means necessary. They would never go away. They would follow the orders from whoever was controlling them until they could not function anymore. Robotics like that were stubborn beyond reasoning. They would keep going until the very end.
"Oh, crap!" Wanda exclaimed, realizing with horror what she had forgotten to warn the Doctor and everyone else about. She should have remembered! Especially with the changes she had made to Bannakaffalatta's cybernetics. But she had been so busy half worrying over this pregnancy . . . thing, that she had let the memory slip from her mind. Stupid mind wandering away from what was important. "The Hosts can fly in here! The gravity allows them to—!" She was not able to say anything else as the Hosts floated down from overhead, coming towards them. Everyone gazed up in horror as robotic angels started to take their halos off, ready to use the items as a means to kill.
"Arm yourself, all of you!" shouted the Doctor, acting quickly to grab a large lead pipe from the walkway where he still stood next to the Van Hoffs. Everyone else grabbed scattered pipes as well, holding onto them tightly as the halos were thrown right at them. It was like a game of deadly tennis. Each time the slicing halos came close, each person would swat them away back at the robotic angels. But the Hosts could merely grab the halos once again and shot them right back at the survivors, relentless in killing them all off.
Wanda whipped her head around to look at the Doctor when she heard him crying out in pain. She saw how he gripped his upper left arm tightly, having been sliced by a passing golden halo when he jumped in front of Foon to knock the deadly, flying weapon away, saving the woman's life. Wanda narrowed her eyes as she saw blood dripping between his fingers from the wound. Those damn—they will pay for hurting her Theta! Gritting her teeth in rage, she turned and whacked at incoming halo with all her might, letting out a cry of fury as she did. The halo went zooming right at the Host, lodging right into the robot's chest. It did not kill the Host, only temporally halting it in continuously throwing the golden ring as it tried getting the object out of its chest.
"Bannakaffalatta—cyborg!"
Looking over, Wanda saw Bannakaffalatta open his shirt, showing off his metal torso as he emitted out an electromagnetic pulse. The blue wave of light went around them all, frying the robotics of the Hosts. The robotic angels sparked and jerked in the air for a moment before falling to the engines below. One Host actually fell onto the bridge, out cold and seemingly dead.
"Oh, Bannakaffalatta, that was brilliant!" shouted the Doctor once he realized what the red alien had done. The others (though not Rickston) gave a cheer as well, smiling in joy at Bannakaffalatta and thanking him for saving them. Bannakaffalatta stood there for a moment in shock, appearing as though he were waiting for something to happen after he had done that. But still he stood, completely fine.
"Bannakaffalatta alive?" questioned the red man in confusion. "How?"
"Oh, that was me," Wanda said as she walked over across the bridge with Astrid, finally reaching the other side as the waitress gave Bannakaffalatta a large hug in thanks. "When you needed recharging earlier, I sort of switched around your cybernetics, making it so you could emit EMPs without losing complete power. Just one at a time, though. You'll have to charge up again if you want to do another wave like that." Blinking for a moment in stunned silence, Bannakaffalatta then smiled at Wanda.
"You help? Help Bannakaffalatta?" Bannakaffalatta asked the Time Lady. "Bannakaffalatta savior?"
"Bannakaffalatta: savior of us all," nodded Wanda, smiling kindly at the red man.
"And we are definitely getting those drinks later, Mister Savior," Astrid added, grinning proudly at Bannakaffalatta.
"You're a cyborg?" Rickston asked behind them, looking at Bannakaffalatta in disgust. He even scooted away as though Bannakaffalatta had some sort of disease that he would catch. Wanda gave the man a scoff, shaking her head in disbelief at him.
"He just saved our lives. Can't you even be a little grateful?" she retorted crossly.
"Don't think he's saved us yet," spat Rickston, pointing over to the Host that was still on the bridge, beginning to stand up now. Mr. Copper scrambled over to get back with the rest while Wanda went as fast as she could back onto the bridge, ready to face off with the Host. Hoping that she could stop it somehow. The Doctor sort of jumped around the Host, standing in front of it on the bridge as the robot held up its halo, ready to kill again.
"No, no, no, hold on. Override," stated the Doctor hurriedly. He held out a hand towards the Host, trying to make it halt in its actions. He also held a hand behind him, keeping Wanda at bay in hopes that she would not place herself in danger. "Loophole. Security protocol ten." This did nothing as the Host lifted its hand with slicing ring in hand. "Um, six? Twenty-one. Seven, eight, five, four—."
"Protocol One!" shouted Wanda, pushing her way to stand right behind the Doctor, practically next to him. The Host halted, then slowly lowered its arm that held the deadly halo.
"Information—state request," chimed the robot. The Time Lords glanced at each other, before staring the Host down with hard looks.
"Right. You've been ordered to kill the survivors, but why?" questioned the Doctor.
"Information—no witnesses," answered the Heavenly Host.
Frowning, confused by this, the Doctor raised a brow in disbelief. "But the ship's gonna fall on the Earth and kill everyone. The human race has got nothing to do with the Titanic, so that contravenes your orders, yes?"
"Information—incorrect," stated the Host.
The Doctor shook his head lightly, completely flabbergasted now. Why would anyone do this? What was the reasoning and logic behind it all? It made no sense. "But why do you want to destroy the Earth?"
"Information—it is the plan."
The Time Lord frowned even more. "What plan?"
"Information—protocol grants you only three questions. These three questions have been used."
The Doctor blinked in shock for a second. "Well, you could have warned me." He watched as the Host lifted its arm once more, ready to strike him down.
"Wait!" Wanda exclaimed, holding out her hand. "Does the protocol give three questions to each person?" The Host halted again, lowering its arm once more.
"Information—yes," chimed the robot. The Doctor and Wanda, as well as the others, let out a breath of relief.
"All right. Okay. So, um . . .," Wanda mumbled, thinking quick on what to ask that would make the Host stop killing them. Then it came to her. "Oh! Answer me this, Host, what's the entire number of pi? And that's Earth's pi, mind you. Not Sto's or anywhere else's. Earth's pi."
"What does pie have anything to do with this?!" yelled Rickston in outrage, thinking the blonde was wasting their time and precious moments of living. The Host straightened abruptly, twitching as it began chiming rapidly.
"Information—pi is three point one—four—one—five—nine—two—six—five—three—five—eigth—nine—seven—n-nine—" the robot stated rapidly, its voice going more and more high pitched as it replied to Wanda's question. Then it jerked, sparking as its circuits fried from information overload. It wavered for a moment before falling sideways, plummeting to the fiery engines below, following the same fate as its fellows.
"Brilliant, Wanda! Magnificent as ever!" exclaimed the Doctor, hugging his Wanderer and giving her a kiss as she giggled.
"What did she do?" Astrid questioned curiously.
"She asked an impossible question for any basic information robotics could answer," the Doctor explained after letting go of Wanda. "The number of Pi is an infinite number. Well, practically infinite with having over 10 trillion digits. It could never answer the number fast enough to reply, and the numbers would have been streaming so fast through its processor that, well, it fried everything."
"I saw someone do that in a movie once," Wanda said, giving a shrug as she grinned lightly. "I can't believe that actually worked."
Soon, everyone had made it across the bridge. The Van Hoffs both went across one at a time, making certain to be careful when crossing. Once both were safe with the rest, the Doctor opened the locked door and ran on through with the others just behind him.
"Right, get yourselves up to Reception One," the Doctor instructed the group hurriedly as they jogged down a corridor. They came to a halt halfway down the corridor as the Doctor faced the group. "Once you're there, Mr. Copper, you've got staff access to the computer. Try to find a way of transmitting an S.O.S." Mr. Copper nodded, ready for action as the Doctor turned his attention to Bannakaffalatta. "Bannakaffalatta, get yourself recharged and use your EMP if you run into any more Hosts."
"Right," nodded the red alien, determined to keep everyone safe.
"Wanda," the Doctor continued on quickly, "stay with them and help them open the doors. Now, get a move on everyone. Hurry!" Everyone sort of rushed off, going to do as the Doctor instructed them. Only Wanda lingered behind as she followed after the Doctor as he ran in the opposite direction.
"You can't go to Deck Thirty-One on your own," Wanda disputed, shaking her head as she did not wish to leave his side. "I can give my sonic screwdriver to Astrid. She'll be able to open the doors while I can help you with the rest of your plan."
"No, it's too dangerous," countered the Doctor. He halted in the corridor, turning to Wanda as she walked up to him, staring at him in concern. Placing his hands gently on her shoulders, he kept their eyes gazing steadily at each other. "You've got to stay with the others, make sure they make it through okay."
"Yeah, and then you're gonna run headfirst into danger, almost getting yourself killed, idiot," Wanda retorted. Sighing, she shook her head, already knowing it was useless keeping him here and trying to talk him out of it. He was going to be the idiot hero as he always is, whether she liked it or not. And she knew it was needed to be done, so there was that as well. "Fine, fine. Just let me patch you up before anything else."
"Huh?" The Doctor frowned for a second, wondering what she meant when she touched his left arm. He jerked slightly, hissing from the pain of the open gash through the large cut on his suit jacket. "Oh, right. Forgot about that. Tend to not feel any pain when on the run." Wanda nodded, knowing what he meant by that. Reaching down to the edges of her dress, she ripped a long strip of it off. The Doctor gave a small pout as she wrapped the strip gently around his wound. "Aw, why did you have to do that? I like that dress. Now we'll never be able to get it fixed up."
"I like this tuxedo, too. But you and I both know that we'll have to retire it now." Finishing up her bandage, she tied off the strip. She kissed the bandage lightly, smiling at him in warmth. "There. All better. Now, go run into deadly Hosts and find out what's in the strange spot on Deck Thirty-One. Just be careful, remember it's 'Protocol One,' and don't use up all your three questions in a ramble."
"Got it." The Doctor gave her a quick kiss before running off again.
Wanda turned, hurrying off as well. She stumbled when the ship gave a sharp jolt. She tensed as she knew what the jolt meant. It was the final phase of the engines. Nothing more Frame or anyone else could do as the ship was now beginning to plummet to Earth. They would only have eight minutes now until total meltdown. Hurrying, she ran as fast as she could, ready to catch up with everyone else.
"Wanda, we need to get this door open!" Wanda heard Astrid calling out from ahead.
"On it!" Wanda replied back, finally catching up with the group of survivors as they had gathered around a door leading to Reception One. Pulling out her sonic from her dress pocket, she gave a few pulses to the door to open it. "Bannakaffalatta, get ready. There are Hosts on the other side waiting for us."
"Bannakaffalatta ready," replied the red alien, stepping next to Wanda as he prepared for another EMP attack. And as Wanda had warned, there were three Hosts on the other side waiting for them, holding up the golden halos to kill. Bannakaffalatta thrust out his arms, releasing the electrical wave, frying the Hosts' robotics. The group gave a quick cheer in victory before running once more, in a hurry to get to reception.
Once they arrived there, and with quick work from Bannakaffalatta to kill off more Hosts, Wanda made certain to seal off all of the doors, locking them in for safety. She then ran over to where Astrid was trying to get the computer up for an S.O.S. It seemed the woman was having issues as the computer kept malfunctioning.
"Here, let me," Wanda said, scooting next to Astrid and giving the computer a few pulses from her sonic. The computer dinged, coming back to life. Astrid made quick work in sending out the distress call, though it would take an hour before anyone arrived to help. An hour too late.
"We need to think of something else," Astrid stated in frustration. "We can't just sit here and wait for them while the ship heads for the Earth and the Doctor is fighting Tov knows what's down in Deck Thirty-One."
"You're absolutely right," Wanda agreed, grinning with a nod. Looking at the shelving next to the staff computer, there were many teleport bracelets, charged and ready for use. "Astrid, get Mister Frame on comm, and tell him we need to divert power to the teleport system. Two trips to Deck Thirty-One. And if he tries to argue, just tell him the Wanderer, the Doctor's wife, said to do so, or I'll kick his arse if he doesn't help me save my husband. Got that?" Astrid blinked for a second in bewilderment, confused for a moment about Wanda saying the terms 'husband' and 'wife,' before holding a determined expression and nodded, turning to the intercom to contact Midshipman Frame.
Once Astrid had Midshipman Frame persuaded (with the help of the stern warning from Wanda), the two young women grabbed themselves a bracelet and snapped the black metal bands onto their wrists. Setting the teleport for Deck Thirty-One, the two said a quick goodbye to the others in the reception before pressing the transmit button together. There was a slight jerk and a flash of light as they suddenly arrived into the lower deck. Their destination. It was in a state of chaos, with broken debris, beams, metal, small fires, and dead bodies everywhere. Wanda scooted away from a dead man lying on the floor next to where she had arrived.
"Right. Where to now?" Astrid breathed, gazing around the area, taking in the sights as she hoped they would be able to see the Doctor somewhere.
"Follow me. And be a quiet as possible," Wanda whispered, grabbing Astrid's hand and steering her along as the Time Lady crept forward. She was glad that they had teleported to a hidden pocket within the deck as she knew there would be plenty of Hosts around, ready to kill them. And their boss would be nearby as well, talking to the Doctor and giving away all plans of destruction. Then, sure enough, as Wanda and Astrid peeked around a corner, looking into the main large area of the deck, they heard a man speaking loudly in frustration.
"The engines are still running! They should have stopped!" yelled the man, his voice coming out muffled as though he were speaking through a glass case. Which, in fact, he was. Astrid stared in shock while Wanda narrowed her eyes. It was Max Capricorn himself, the man in charge of it all. Though, he was more machine now than man. He was literally only just a head now within a glass case on top of a large rolling life support system. He looked more like a motorized cart with a head on top for display.
"When they do, the Earth gets roasted," argued the Doctor. He glared at the cyborg while the two stared down over the railing at the burning engines below them. "I don't understand—what's the Earth got to do with it?"
"This interview is terminated!" shouted Capricorn in anger, growing increasingly frustrated that his plans were not working out quite like he had hoped. Capricorn's motorized body turned back around, moving away from the outlook area of the engines. The Doctor hurriedly ran around the large cyborg body, stepping in front Capricorn while holding his hands out. But Capricorn kept rolling forward, making the Time Lord back up in step as he spoke rapidly.
"No. No, no, no, no, no. Hold on! Hold on! Hold on! Hold on! Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait!" the Doctor yelled in rapid fashion, trying to get the man to stop in his tracks. Literally. Finally, Capricorn stopped and the Doctor rushed into stalling, needing to get to the bottom of this all and hopefully figure out a way to stop Capricorn, the Hosts, and the Titanic from falling into the Earth. "I can work it out. It's like a task. I'm your apprentice. Just watch me."
"So," the Doctor held up a finger, staring up to the broken ceiling above as he let his mind wander free, processing everything in fast form through his head, "the business is failing and you wreck the ship, so that makes things even worse. Oh, yes! No. Yes. The business isn't failing. It's failed—past tense." The Doctor looked at Capricorn again, seeing if he was indeed correct in his thought process. He grinned when seeing the disgruntled expression on the cyborg's face, knowing he was right.
"My own board voted me out, stabbed me in the back," Capricorn explained crossly.
"If you had a back," muttered the Doctor as he went to ponder again. "So . . . you scupper the ship, wipe out any survivors, just in case anyone's rumbled you, and the board find their shares halved in value. Oh, but that's not enough. No. 'Cause if a Max Capricorn ship hits the Earth, it destroys an entire planet. Outrage back home. Scandal! The business is wiped out."
"And . . .," Capricorn said to finish the final conclusion, "the whole board thrown in jail for mass murder.
The Doctor's glare darkened significantly as he eyed the cyborg in front of him, feeling fury build up within as he knew the petty reason Capricorn was going to destroy the Earth. "While you sit there," he pointed over his shoulder at the omnistate, indestructible bunker the man had himself hidden in, "safe inside the impact chamber."
"I have men . . . waiting to retrieve me from the ruins, and enough off-world accounts to retire me to the beaches of Penhaxico II, where the ladies, so I'm told, are very fond of . . . metal," Capricorn stated smugly, grinning proudly at his devilish plans of destruction. Completely at ease in killing off all the passengers and crew of the Titanic, as well as an entire planet itself. Unsympathetic towards all the lives he would be ending on Christmas.
"So that's the plan—a retirement plan," the Doctor spate out in disgust and fury. "Two thousand people on this ship, six billion underneath us—all of them slaughtered. And why?" He took an aggressive step at the cyborg as the Oncoming Storm raged within. "Because Max Capricorn is a loser."
Capricorn wheeled forward closer, holding his own heated gaze. "I never lose."
Still looking around the corner, Wanda gritted her teeth as her fists tightened, hating the man even more. Why? Why did it always boil down to greed, power, and revenge? Why must innocent lives always be sacrificed for these deplorable people? Wanda looked to see if Astrid was just as enraged as she felt of Capricorn's actions. But there was no one beside her. Blinking in shock, Wanda looked wildly around, trying to see where Astrid had run off to. Then, Wanda sucked in a breath as she remembered what was to happen next.
She jolted to the side as Capricorn sent out a signal to cancel the engines, sending the Titanic straight for the Earth. A ship leaned slightly more, though not enough for her to lose her balance completely. Stumbling up, she saw the Hosts holding the Doctor, keeping him captive as Capricorn bantered on some more, gloating. Eyes wandering over to a forklift truck, Wanda's eyes widened as she saw Astrid climbing into the vehicle. Oh, no. No, no, no. Wanda had forgotten all about what was to befall Astrid. Why did these things always slip her mind?
"Oh, Host . . . kill him," ordered Capricorn in a singsong voice after he was done gloating to the Doctor. Wanda whipped her eyes over to see the Doctor struggling in the two Hosts' grasp that were holding him as another in front of him grabbed its halo, ready to follow its master's orders.
"No!" Wanda cried out in alarm, though none heard her as Astrid spoke up loudly.
"Mr. Capricorn," the woman announced from the forklift as she turned it on, gripping the steering tight in hand. "I resign." Flipping a lever beside where she sat, Astrid made the vehicle charge forward, going straight for the large cyborg.
"Astrid, don't!" both the Doctor and Wanda yelled together.
Hurrying out from her hiding spot, Wanda ran over to the scene, watching as Astrid rammed the forklift into Capricorn's large wheeled body, trying to push him towards the railing behind him to send him over. Right into the fiery engines below. Though the two vehicles went head-to-head, screeching their tires as neither moved an inch yet in the struggle to push each other. The Doctor fought in the Hosts' grasp that were still holding him, unable to get to Astrid. Wanda saw the one Host holding the halo aiming for Astrid, ready to stop her. However, Wanda knew the golden ring would miss. Not hitting Astrid, but cutting the brake line of the forklift instead. Not killing the waitress instantly. But still sending her to her doom as she would, without a doubt, sacrifice herself to save them all by going in full ramming speed, sending Capricorn and herself over the edge of the level above the engines.
But there was one difference in this universe that Wanda's old show did not have. Her.
Running quickly with full determination, Wanda slammed herself into the Host that was about to cut the forklift's brake line, knocking the robot over. The halo clattered to the ground, not been thrown at all. Wanda heard the screeching of tires as Astrid lifted Capricorn up, ready to toss him over.
"Wanda!" the Doctor yelled in alarm, not paying attention to Astrid's dramatic heroism as the Host Wanda had knocked over began going after her instead. Wanda scrambled up, ducking to avoid the thrown halo that was meant to kill her. The golden ring clanged against the far wall, sailing right back to the Host who had tossed it.
"Ahh!" Wanda let out in a cry as she tripped, falling over behind a large pile of metal and debris, away from the Doctor's or anyone else's sight. The Time Lady fell almost face first, only catching her fall with her outward hands to brace herself. Wanda panted as she turned around on the floor, facing the Host who stood right above her now, holding the halo high in the air to strike her down. Wrapping her arms around her stomach, she slammed her eyes shut as she readied for the impact of the slicing blade. Only fearing for her growing child's life instead of her own. Had she doomed the developing baby?
Breathing in and out rapidly, waiting for death to arrive, Wanda peaked her eye open when she realized that she was still alive. Unharmed in any way. Opening both eyes now and blinking in confusion, she looked up to see the halo had been placed back onto the Heavenly Host's head as the robot bowed its head and held its hand together as if in prayer. Oh. She was still alive. Okay, then. Letting out a breath of relief, Wanda patted her stomach lightly as if to reassure the baby within that everything was fine now. She would make certain to be more careful in the future to keep the growing babe safe.
"Wanda?!" she heard the desperate cry from the Doctor. Letting go of her stomach, Wanda saw the Doctor and Astrid running over to see if she was all right. Both seemed to let out a sigh of relief as the Doctor stepped forward, pulling Wanda up and holding her close to him. He buried his face into her hair, letting out a shaking breath. "Don't do that to me. Not after that damn year."
"Sorry," mumbled Wanda, burying her face into his chest and hugging him in an apology for making him worried so much about her. Pulling away from her Time Lord, Wanda smiled at Astrid, overjoyed in seeing the woman still alive and well. "Mr. Capricorn's been dealt with I suspect?"
"Definitely not getting my job back," Astrid replied, nodding firm in her achieve in ending the terrible reign of her once boss. They suddenly all stumbled as the ship began to fall apart within as the Titanic fell even further now towards the Earth. On a straight collision course with no way back.
"Quick! We need to get to the bridge!" Wanda exclaimed in a panic, running past the Doctor and Astrid, going to the two Hosts who had held the Doctor captive.
"But how are we going to get to the bridge in time?" Astrid asked, in a panic as well.
"Simple," responded the Doctor. He stepped over to the two Hosts as well, knowing what to do. "With the old boss out, there's a new one to step in."
"Who?" Astrid questioned in bewilderment.
The Doctor grinned at her. "Me." Snapping his fingers, the two Hosts hooked either of their arms with the Doctor's. Ready to take him up to the bridge upon his command. Wanda and Astrid came around the back of the robots, wrapping their arms tightly around the necks of the Hosts. Holding on for the ride of their lives, the Heavenly Hosts flew up with great speed from the ground, heading straight above to where the bridge would be. Each robot held out their free arms in front of them, preparing to burst through the floor.
And burst through they did.
The Host made the floor of the bridge break into splinters as they brought the trio up into the room. Midshipman Frame let out a cry of alarm when this occurred, staring with wide eyes at the new arrivals. The Doctor hopped up onto his feet, in front of the bridge's controls in a flash. Wanda and Astrid were a little slower as they tried to step around the busted hole in the floor as careful as they could, going over to stand beside the Doctor as he worked fast on the computer's system and steering.
"Hello, Mister Frame. Nice to meet you," Wanda said cheerfully, shaking the hand of the still wide-eyed and blinking young man. He stared flabbergasted at the trio, unsure on what to think of their sudden arrival.
"But—B-b-but the Hosts—," Frame tried to say, pointing at the peaceful Hosts in disbelief.
"Controller dead—they divert to the next highest authority, and that's me," explained the Doctor very quickly as he worked furiously in getting systems back up and running. Frame shook his head, still wondering why the Doctor was working so hard for an impossible feat. There was no way the Titanic and the Earth could be saved now.
"There's—there's nothing we can do. There's no power. The ship's gonna fall," Frame said in desperation sounding at a loss. In defeat already.
"He's right. What can we do?" agreed Astrid. Just at a loss as the young man was. Both the Doctor and Wanda shook their heads, knowing there was always still a way.
"If there's a will, there's a way," Wanda said with a strong voice. She then beamed after saying this. "Ooh, I like that. I'm gonna have to say that for now on."
"What's your first name?" the Doctor hurriedly asked offhandedly, just trying to think of a way to calm the Midshipman down.
"A-Alonso," answered the Midshipman. The Doctor froze as he held onto the large wooden wheel of the ship, staring at Frame in awe and disbelief. As though he could not believe his ears. Then, it was as though he had received one of the best Christmas gifts in his life as his eyes lit up.
"You're kidding me," the Doctor replied in a quick breath. Wanda snickered, finding it amusing with the expression on the Doctor's face. The Doctor then smiled as he looked back out of the large window of the bridge, seeing the approaching Earth ahead. "That's something else I've always wanted to say. Allons-y, Alonso!"
The Doctor spun the wheel sharply, making the ship aim at high speeds, straight down to the Earth. Everyone within the bridge held onto anything nearby with dear life as they went for the ride of their lives. Astrid and Alonso let out screams of terror while Wanda sort of muttered rapidly 'hate heights' as the quick descent was a very far drop down indeed. Though things got even tenser as the edges of the ship burned from the rapid descent to Earth, and Buckingham Palace came closer and closer into view. The Doctor hurriedly called the palace over the comms, giving a warning to the Queen of their sharp fall, hoping that she might find somewhere safe . . . just in case. But there was no collision whatsoever as the engines were active once more and the Doctor was able to pull back hard on the wheel, making the ship miss Buckingham Palace and fly back up to the sky once more. The ship headed straight back to space where it belonged.
The group within the bridge all began to laugh hysterically. Fill with joy in their success of the day and just happy to be alive. The Doctor reached over, pulling Wanda up to him as he gave her an excited kiss. Making a loud smack once they finished their kiss, the Doctor wrapped an arm around his Time Lady's waist, keeping her close by his side as he steered the Titanic onto a safer course of orbit around the Earth. It would be ready for pickup later once the new transport arrived. Wanda smiled, snuggling into her Theta's side, happy to be with him for another Christmas. Even if there were many bad occurrences, she still felt glad for the few good moments they could share together.
XxXxXxXx
The small group of survivors ended up within Reception One. Chatting merrily and enjoying the life they still shared together. Though they were all still sad for all the lives that had been lost. They held joy in knowing so many more had been saved. Not all was lost. Not all was bad. For the bad did not make the good unimportant.
Wanda smiled as she leaned her head against the Doctor, enjoying the soothing circles he rubbed along her arm, having wrapped his own arm around her shoulders and hugging her close to him. Together, the Time Lords watched with content on the happiness their new friends all shared. Foon and Morvin sat together at a table, smiling fondly at each other and holding their hands together. Each rubbing their noses against the other every so often in affection. Astrid, Mr. Copper, and Bannakaffalatta had gathered around the bar, enjoying a Christmas drink together. Wanda giggled as she saw Astrid blushing repeatedly from the flirting Bannakaffalatta was doing. He was very much infatuated with her. And it seemed that Astrid too found him just as enjoyable.
"Doctor."
The Time Lords blinked in surprise as Rickston stood before them, smiling away in a rather stupid grin as he appeared to be overemotional about something.
"I never said . . . thank you," Rickston told the Doctor, sounding sincere at first before the rest of his sentence ruined the talk of appreciation. "The funny thing is . . . I said Max Capricorn was falling apart. Just before the crash, I sold all my shares, transferred them to his rivals. It's made me rich. What do you think of that?" He smiled smugly at the Time Lord, appearing very pleased with himself. Wanda felt her eye twitch for the millionth time that day with being around that man. Stepping away from the Doctor, she held a very calm expression as she walked up to Rickston.
"Rickston, remember that promise I made you?" she questioned politely, even smiling somewhat. The businessman blinked, appearing taken back, but curious all the same as to what she was talking about.
"No. What was it?" he asked her. Wanda smiled for a second before she tightened her fist and . . .
WHAM!
Rickston fell back onto the ground. Knocked out cold. Wanda stood over him, blowing at her fist as if getting rid of dust on her knuckles.
"Always keep my promises," she said smugly, grinning as she felt proud of herself. Glancing around, she saw everyone staring at her in surprise. "What? It's not like none of you wanted to do the same thing."
"I didn't see anything," Mr. Copper said in humour, turning back around in his seat as he chuckled.
"I didn't see anything, either," Foon said, winking at Wanda as Morvin would not stop snorting and chortling. Wanda giggled, stepping back to the Doctor and cuddling to his side. The Doctor rolled his eyes, wrapping his arm around her once more.
"I highly disprove," he mumbled into her ear.
"Don't know what you're talking about," she teased back, grinning from ear to ear. "Besides, that was the greatest, most satisfying Christmas moment ever." The Doctor chuckled, giving her arm a squeeze in affection. They watched as Astrid glanced at them, seeming to whisper something to Bannakaffalatta before hopping down from the bar stool and going over to the two Time Lords.
"So, enjoying that drink?" the Doctor asked with a cheeky grin.
"Very much so," Astrid replied, grinning as well. "He's, um . . . offered me to come back to Sto with him. Maybe even travel around. Apparently, he likes to take lots of cruise trips. Though, I think we might hold off on that one for a while." She smiled nervously, glancing back repeatedly at the red alien who stared hopefully back at her. She looked to the Time Lords again, appearing to hope for an answer from them. "I had been thinking about asking you two for a chance of travelling in that small blue box. But . . . it is kinda of small. Only enough for two, I think. And now, seeing as a new door has opened for me . . .," she glanced back then looked to the two again, "do you think I should go for it?"
"Of course!" Wanda responded immediately, beaming in happiness in Astrid finding someone for her. Then her smile dropped. "Aww, but I wanted to travel with you, too. There were so many places I wanted us to go to. There were the Flora Gardens. The Milky Way. I mean, literally, it's a planet with a river made of milk. Totally delicious."
"I think she has plenty of time to do that all now," noted the Doctor as he smiled and nodded in approval to Astrid. "I hope for you the best. It was beyond a pleasure meeting you, Astrid Peth." Astrid beamed in excitement, hugging the two Time Lords in a farewell.
"And it was amazing in meeting you, Doctor. And you, Wanderer," replied Astrid. She stepped back for a moment, turning to go over to the bar again when she halted and spun back around. "Oh! I almost forgot. There's an old tradition on Sto. Need to give you it proper." Astrid walked up firmly, grabbing the Doctor by the lapels of his jacket and pulled him down for a hard kiss. Wanda's jaw dropped in shock, unsure of what she was seeing. Then, she was stunned even more as Astrid moved over to her as well, giving her the very same kiss. Then, Astrid beamed at them both, skipping over to go sit next to Bannakaffalatta once more.
"Um . . . blimey," the Doctor muttered, rubbing a hand through his hair.
"W-what was that for?" Wanda stuttered, unsure of what had just happened. She remembered something of that happening on the show as well. Astrid giving the Doctor a Sto 'tradition.' But that had been meant more towards romance than anything else. Did that apply the same here?
"Well . . . if I remember right, Sto would be a close relative planet of Epax," the Doctor mumbled, still messing up his hair as he tried getting his mind around what Astrid had just given them both. He gulped as he knew what kind of 'tradition' that might have meant. But that can't be true . . . can it? "Traditionally . . . when good news was received, close friends would give the other of the news a kiss of congratulations. Or luck. Either one of those. And the news usually involved marriage, or . . . incoming arrivals."
Wanda blinked, unsure of what he was mumbling about. "Huh?"
A red tint grew on the Doctor's face, running his hand down to rub at the back of his neck now. "Incoming arrivals. An announcement of pregnancy."
Wanda felt her breath leave her as her jaw dropped. Completely speechless. Was this a way Astrid tried setting her up into telling the Doctor? She tensed as the Doctor looked at her, seeming to want to ask about why she thought Astrid had indeed kissed them. But she then felt relief as the white light and warmth built up, ready to take her away. Good. She would not have to tell him just yet.
"Sorry, Doctor, looks like we have to cut this conversation short until next time," she told him, smiling as an apology to her incoming departure. "Go ahead and take Mr. Copper with you when you teleport down to Earth. It'll help him avoid jail time, and he'll finally be able to get that house of his."
"Will do." The Doctor nodded, sad to see his Wanderer go. As well as disappointed they could not discuss on why exactly Astrid had given them that traditional kiss. But he shrugged it off, thinking maybe it was just another tradition of sorts. Maybe a 'thank you' in some ways in saving the waitress and everyone else. "Take care, Wanda. Don't let yourself get caught up in too much danger."
Wanda snorted lightly. "Please. As if this day could get any more insane for me." She winced the moment she transported away, realizing that she might have just jinxed herself there.
And jinx herself she did.
XxXxXxXx
Uh-oh. What does that mean I wonder? Though, I guess that's more of what many of you might be wondering. If anyone would like to make a guess at what that might mean or where Wanda might be going, leave your thoughts in a review. Who knows, maybe I'll even give you a fun sneak peek if you guess correctly. If you want, that is. ;)
Reviewers:
X-Lisa-Anne-X: Nope! I wouldn't that cruel to you readers. ;) You can't tease without giving some sort of satisfaction in the end. Glad you're happy about it! Can't wait to see what you think of the new chapter. :)
heroherondaletotherescue: lol He was, wasn't he? ;) I have a confession, I actually hate chicken wings. I know, I'm so weird. But glad you like them. :) Oh yes, it's very much a large dilemma for our dear Wanderer. Who knows when she'll finally get a chance to tell the right Doctor. ;) I really hope you enjoyed the new chapter and that you're having the best day/night ever! :D
Danyael Prince: Yep, Astrid is safe and sound! Unfortunately, no. I'm not going to go that far into the series itself. For this trilogy, it will be sticking with going as far as the Eleventh Doctor. Then in part four which I'm still planning, it will be with just Twelve. Though I really wish I could have been able to do a story with Thirteen. :( Who knows, maybe it'll be a special chapter in the future. Not really canon to Wanda's timeline, but just something fun to read. :)
Authora97: Really? I'm surprised. I thought that was a usual thing for one of these stories. Well, I'm very glad to have made you so happy. :D I'm excited now to see what you think of the rest of it and how it goes. I hope you'll like it!
swimmjacket: It is always nice to get concrete answers. :) I can't wait, either! Guess we'll just have to wait to find out which Doctor she tells. ;) Thank you for such lovely support! I really hope that you'll continue to enjoy the rest to come. Have a wonderful day/night! Take care!
AGBreads: Me, too! XD I'm so excited for you to see the rest of it. I really hope you enjoyed the newest chapter. Until next time!
jaz7: Can't say what is going to happen to the babe. Sorry. :( But I hope you'll like whatever comes of the ending. :) Really hope that you've been doing good lately, and to see you again in the future. Take care!
bored411: Everyone lives! :D Love those moments. I hope you liked it all! I'm eager to see what you thought of it! Until next time! Take care!
PondRiverWilliams: Oh, definitely more than him lived. And they had a very Merry Christmas. :) I hope you enjoyed it! Also, hope to see you again in the future! Take care and have a marvellous day/night.
deadflowersevermorning: Yay! I'm happy you liked! It is so cute. XD I love when he does that. Aww, glad you think she's so cool. :) Well . . . you know as they say. Some things can never be changed. But, you're right, they also can be, too. Who knows what will happen. Can't wait to see what you think of it all. ;) Until next time!
Momochan77: Yep! I think he did. lol ;) I've had a strong dislike for him, too. Agreed! I loved them all as well! :D Hope you enjoyed the new update!
Jupiter'sCigar: Hello! I hope things are well in Australia. :) Besides the heatwave, of course. If there's anything I dislike, it's being too hot. Ugh. Wish I could send you down some of this freeze spell where I'm at to help you all cool off. :( Keeping my fingers crossed for you that the heatwave will pass soon. Aww, I'm just so happy that you've enjoyed the story so much! Thank you for such kind words. I truly hope that you have a wonderful day/night and that you'll be cooling off soon from that heatwave. Take care!
singingKatelyn: Agreed! Love whenever the Doctor gets protective. :) Also agreed on Rickson. I normally don't dislike people, but he's the exception. Don't worry. The Doctor's reaction will be right around the corner now. ;) So glad you're enjoying Third Wanda so much. And the story as well! I'll try my best to keep up in bringing you joy throughout the rest. :) Until next time!
Guest(a): Yep! You are indeed correct. Any time that you noticed in the past or currently of Wanda suddenly being pulled away in very strange times is when Alpha tried getting her out of there. Basically rejecting the Doctor from being with Wanda in every way she could. Alpha is a very tricky person sometimes. lol ;)
QuirkyKim: Nothing wrong with an exciting capslock. haha ;) So glad you enjoyed it! Can't wait to see what you think of the rest. Until next time!
May your days always be sunny and bright, filled with cheer. :) As always, thanks for such wonderful reviews. I apperiate every single one of them. And every single reader out there as well. :D
~Tinker~