Rose looked around. She was still in the basement. Except … she was sure that she'd been standing at the other end before. She was also sure that last time she looked, it wasn't filled with machines and computers …
"I made it," she realised. But now what? Just because she was in this universe didn't mean the Doctor was right in front of her. And was she even in the right universe? A feeling of dread came over her as she realised that she had no idea what she was doing. Just then she heard voices coming from behind the giant computer in front of her. She peeked over the edge, and gasped. It was the Doctor! He was being confronted by a large being in a black cape. As soon as she saw him she wanted nothing more than to jump into his arms and never let go. She went to call out to him, but stopped. She could see 2 more cloaked figures bringing out a young dark-skinned woman wearing a red leather jacket. She gaped as she realised what this meant.
Oh God, he's gone and replaced me, she thought miserably. I've just become another Sarah Jane. But then again, when she thought about it she realised that the Doctor did need someone to hold his hand. She didn't want him to be lonely, so if this girl made him happy, she supposed that was alright.
Still, she thought, that doesn't mean he can't have me too. She crouched quietly and listened to what the cloaked figures were saying.
"A blonde girl," said the head figure. Rose may have missed the first part of the conversation, but she could guess who the creature was talking about. It then went on to say that the Doctor had to choose between his memories of Rose and the life of his current companion.
The poor guy, Rose thought. How can they force him to make that choice? While the Doctor thought about his decision, Rose looked on. Her first instinct had been to reveal herself to him, but as much as she loved him, she didn't want to pressure him. But then again, what if he chose the other girl? Then if she did come out, he wouldn't recognise her, and that would just be painful. She tried to weigh up what to do in her head.
I suppose if he loses his memories of me, I can always invite myself along and start over with him, she reasoned. It would definitely be hard, but she didn't want anyone to die on account of her. Her experience meeting her real father had shown her what it was like to have that burden. And I suppose if he loved me once, he'll love me again. But would he? Their relationship had been carefully forged over a bunch of deep, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. As the Doctor had told her, each decision we make creates a parallel universe. If he met her a second time, their relationship might be completely different. She put her head in her hands. This was not the decision a 20-year-old girl should have to make.
But then again, it's not my decision, she realised. It's the Doctor's. I've always trusted the Doctor and done what he's asked of me. And so she decided to look on while the Doctor concentrated on making his decision. While she was waiting, she had a look at the computer screen next to her. It had a number of symbols and pictures on it, all of which seemed to have something to do with the power in the basement. She recalled Mickey trying to teach her the internal workings of a computer, and an idea formed n her head. If she could somehow reprogram this to shut down the power, then no one would have to die. She got to work immediately.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Okay, I've made my decision," said the Doctor. Rose looked up from her work as she heard the Doctor speak. She closed her eyes and crossed her fingers.
"You have presented me with a truly cruel choice," said the Doctor. "Both Rose and Martha have meant a great deal to me. They have both faced many challenges with me. They have both placed all their trust in me. I have fond memories of both of them. And I have no desire to lose either of them." He turned to Martha. "I like you Martha. You've been a great friend to me." Martha smiled, but the Doctor didn't smile back. "However … I'm sorry to say that there is nothing in this world that could force me to give up my memories of Rose." Rose opened her mouth wide. Martha was shattered.
"I'm gonna die because of you!" she cried.
"And I'll carry that memory for the rest of my days," said the Doctor. "I'll have to live every day with the knowledge of what my decision today has meant. But I'd rather remember than not remember."
"But losing Rose caused you so much pain. You could lose it all," temped Martha.
"True," said the Doctor. "But I promised her I wouldn't leave her behind. I promised her I'd remember her. And I intend to do that." He turned to the Demintorians, while an astonished Rose watched from her hiding spot. "Rose Tyler was the best thing that ever happened to me. I can't allow myself to give her up. She meant more to me than anything else in this universe.
And I would cross all of time and space
To have the chance to see her face
Coz when she left it was way too soon
If I could see her again I'd be over the moon"
Tears formed in Rose's eyes at the Doctor's words. She couldn't take it anymore. She stepped out into view.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The little rhyme the Doctor did is from my song I Would Cross All Of Time And Space. I dreamt it!