Meetings

by Type 40 Tardis

After meeting Sarah Jane the Doctor's life is forever changed. Alternate universe and timeline.

10. Chapter 10

Chapter 10

After lunch they were each making plans for later when Sam's cell phone rang. Looking down at the phone he said, "I'm sorry, I have to take this." as he walked away from the group. Once he felt he was sufficiently out of earshot of the others he answered, "Detective Shreeves. Yes, but…I know but…I see. No, that won't be necessary, they have a complete medical facility here. Right away, I'll have a messenger send it this afternoon. Yes I understand. No, I'll take care of it. A week? There's no way that I can wrap this up in a week!" he said a little too loudly, earning him worried stares from the group of his newfound friends. He turned away and tried to reason with his superior again. "You've got to give me at least three weeks. Fine, if two weeks is all I can have, I'll do my best to produce results. As I said before, you'll have it this afternoon." he finished shutting the phone quickly before his superior could put any more limits on him. He looked to the group of smiling faces he had just left, who now looked at him with worry and concern. He walked back to them.

"What was that all about Detective?" the Doctor asked, leaning closer to Sarah.

"We should probably have a meeting with the Brigadier." Sam simply said.

"It's that serious?" Harry asked.

"I'm afraid so. Let's see if he's available now." Sam said as he walked away from them. They looked at one another wondering what was going to happen next.

As the group started to leave, Sarah stood up from her chair and swayed a bit. The Doctor reached out to steady her.

"Let's get you back to the Tardis. You should really be off your feet." he said looking into her eyes, which appeared to be having trouble focusing. He knew it was too soon for her to be up, but she was so adamant this morning.

"I'm fine." she smiled trying to pretend everything was fine. Sarah knew he wasn't buying it. "I'll go back after we find out what's going on. I promise." she said crossing her heart. "Let's go." she said pulling his arm.

The Doctor let himself be pulled, then wrapped his arm around her waist. He knew Sarah was right. More than likely, this concerned her. He looked down, proud of her determination, but sad that this wasn't over for her. They had arrived at the Brigadier's office. Mrs. Greene smiled at the pair when she saw them. She motioned with her hand for them to go on in.

"Ah Doctor, Miss. Smith please take a seat. The Detective wants to tell us something. Go ahead Detective." he said. It seemed the Doctor, Harry, Benton and Miss. Smith had welcomed him into their little group. He hoped it wouldn't backfire on them.

"The call I received after lunch was from my superior. He's given me two weeks to solve this case." he started.

"And if you can't?" the Doctor asked.

"The case will be reassigned. So we have two weeks to get to the bottom of this and solve this case, or prove there's an alien intelligence behind it, and prove to 'your' superiors that this falls under UNIT's jurisdiction. But right now I'm really going against everything I swore as a cop and divulge some inside information to you." He stopped looking over the concerned faces around him."

"I hope you know by now Detective that we're all on the same side. We've trusted you with some of our secrets, surely you know you can trust us." the Brigadier explained.

"Yes Brigadier, I do. The Court Order has just come through for a sample of Sarah's blood. They believe it will be a match to the blood sample they found outside Martin's door." Sam explained.

"But we are all witnesses. Miss. Smith was here on the base when the murder was committed." offered the Brigadier.

"I'm sorry but thanks to Martin's ranting and ravings in his reports, they believe that you will say anything to protect Sarah, including lying about her whereabouts." Sam said as he watched the Brigadier turn a shade of red. "I believe you Brigadier. I know you're reliable witnesses. But that idiot Martin really screwed things up." He turned to Sarah and said, "I'm sorry Sarah, but I need that blood sample." He then looked to the Doctor and smiled. "I seemed to have forgotten my notes in the office you gave me. Could you and Harry handle the blood sample? I'll be in the office updating my notes. That's not a problem is it?" he asked, still smiling.

The Doctor returned the smile. "I'd be happy to take care of that for you. Harry would you care to help?" the Doctor asked.

"I'd be honored." Harry said rising from his seat. "I'll bring the sample to you myself." Harry said to the Detective who was now leaving the office.

Sarah and the Brigadier were looking at each other wondering what was going on. "Doctor, what was that all about? Forget it, I don't want to know." the Brigadier said, deciding in this case ignorance was bliss.

"Come along Sarah." the Doctor said as he helped her from her chair. She looked at him with confusion on her face, but he only smiled. "It will be all right. I promise." he whispered in her ear as they left the office, leaving the Brigadier alone in his office bewildered.

"Mrs. Greene." the Brigadier said into the intercom.

"Yes Sir?" Mrs. Greene answered.

"I need the budget projections from each of the divisions and aspirin." he replied. Budget projections, something normal to do. He never thought he would see the day when he would look forward to budget projections.

"Right away Sir." Mrs. Greene replied.

The Doctor, Sarah and Harry had reached the Tardis and were in the Infirmary. Sarah was sitting in a diagnostic chair. She hated needles and wished nothing more than to be safe and sound in her own bed right now. The day had taken its toll on her and she was feeling it. She was having a hard time staying awake.

The Doctor and Harry had noticed Sarah's withdrawal from the conversation and were watching her with concern. Harry was helping Sarah remove her jacket. The Doctor pulled up a stool as he rolled Sarah's blouse sleeve up. Sarah was more asleep than awake now. "Harry will you hold her arm? I don't want her to jerk her arm away." he asked as Harry placed himself at Sarah's side.

"Sarah, just a little sting." he said as he inserted the needle into her arm. She jerked slightly but Harry was able to keep her arm still. She was still more or less asleep. "All done." the Doctor said as he removed the needle. He placed a bandage across the injection site as Harry held her arm up.

"What now Doctor?" Harry asked. "Switch the sample?"

"No, not switch the sample. Alter it. Switch around and remove a DNA Marker possibly." the Doctor said with a smile as he took the sample over to the Tardis' medical computer.

"So you believe the blood the police found was Sarah's?" Harry asked.

"Definitely. Whoever this is, is determined to set Sarah up. He's not going to make the mistake of being sloppy now. We'll just have to throw him a curve ball. We'll keep Sarah close by at all times, forcing him out. Hopefully forcing him to make a mistake. I'm sure he didn't count on us cutting off his access to Sarah so soon. We just have to make sure that one of us is with her at all times.

"Be with who at all times?" Sarah asked sleepily from the diagnostic chair she was in.

"You." he said as he approached the chair. "I don't want you alone. Whoever this is will be watching for his next chance. We're not going to give him one, are we?" he said as he reached across to push back a stay lock of her hair from her face. Sarah looked confused. "I think you should get to bed. Get some sleep and I'll bring you dinner in bed. How's that?" he asked with a smile.

"Great, but unnecessary." she replied weary. "But I'll do it. If you promise we can maybe see a movie." she bargained.

"Deal. Come on, let's get you to bed." he said as he helped her up.

"I know my way. You stay here and do whatever you need to do." she looked at him with a conspirators' smile. Sarah turned gave Harry a small wave and was gone.

"All right Harry let's get to work." the Doctor said after Sarah was out of sight.

After thirty minutes the Doctor and Harry were satisfied with the sample that remained, minus a few genetic markers that would have pointed a finger at Sarah. Feeling very pleased with themselves they headed to the office that Sam had been given. When they arrived outside the shut door, they could overhear a disagreement going on.

"Captain Barstow I don't know who gave you that information but it was false. I am here simply doing the job you assigned me to do, not conspiring with the enemy. Excuse me for asking Captain, but when did everyone here turn into the enemy?" asked an upset Detective Shreeves.

Captain Barstow was thinking back to the strange call he received at the station. A man had called an hour ago claiming to have witnessed secret meetings between the Detective and several UNIT personnel. Meetings he claimed that had taken place at a bar down the road. The caller claimed they were all very chummy as if they were best of friends.

"Listen Shreeves, I like you. You've always seemed like a good, dependable sort of cop. You don't have one single blemish on your record." Captain Barstow started. He ran his hand through his thinning hair. He had only taken the appointment of Captain a year ago. He had a full head of hair when he started, and now he was losing his hair, almost completely bald. He was forty nine years old, a slightly overweight and now balding man. He didn't want to dress down his men unfairly. "You are here to find out 'if' and 'how' Miss. Smith murdered those people. And we have the murderer of one of our own to find. The press as well as my superiors want to see progress. If you are unable to get results, tell me here and now so that I can reassign the case. I won't have you running around here as if you're on holiday! You're here to work! Now, where is that blood sample?" Captain Barstow yelled.

"I've already sent it by messenger to the station. It should be there any minute. He said he had a few deliveries ahead of mine to make." Sam lied, what he hoped sounded convincing. "As far as the call you received, I don't know what they're talking about." Again another convincing lie he thought, remembering last night with Harry and Benton. He would have to be more careful. "All the calls that come into the station are automatically logged, who was it?"

"That's the one thing that makes me wonder about the truthfulness of the call." he said looking Sam in the eyes, trying to read deception that he didn't see. That meant he was honestly telling the truth or he was a very good liar. Either way the whole incident was strange.

"What do you mean Captain?"

"There was no record of the call. None whatsoever. That shouldn't be possible, not with the technology we have in place, but it happened. According to the logs, I never received a call. Do you have any ideas?" he asked, once again trying to read any dishonesty.

"No, sorry Captain." Sam replied.

"I've got to get back to the station. I want to see results Shreeves. Remember two weeks, and then we'll have to review your status with the force. This is serious Shreeves, four people and one of our own are dead. Find the killer!" Captain Barstow looked accusingly at Sam before slamming the door behind him.

Outside the door, the Doctor and Harry came out of a janitor's closet after Captain Barstow passed. Both moved quickly to Sam's office and entered. "We were on our way in, when we heard your Captain through the door." the Doctor explained. From his pocket he produced the modified blood sample. "Since the sample is supposed to be already on its way there, I have a suggestion."

"I could use a good suggestion Doctor." Sam said down heartened.

"Harry go get Sergeant Benton. Get the sample ready as if you were sending it by messenger." the Doctor said, firing off orders.

"Here you are Doctor, the good Sergeant is heading towards us." Harry said.

"What's going on Doctor?" Benton asked.

"Do you have any 'less military' clothes here?" the Doctor asked.

"Yea, I keep a set in my locker. What do you need?"

"Go get changed. We need to take a little trip to the Detective's station. His Captain believes the sample of Sarah's blood is already in transit to him. So we can't have it arrive 'after' he gets there, can we Sergeant?" the Doctor asked with a smile.

"I'll be right back." Benton said, running from the room.

"Thank you again Doctor. After he gets the sample and the Police Lab determines it wasn't Sarah's blood, then what?" Sam asked.

"I've been thinking about that. In order for anything else to happen, Sarah has to be alone. Alone and without an alibi. I don't know what he has planned next. But it more than likely will be something he can pin on Sarah. So we constantly keep Sarah with one of us at all times. With any luck this will put a kink in his plans and force him out into the open. And then we have him." the Doctor finished with a smile. He turned to the door when they heard footsteps approaching. Harry and Sergeant Benton walked in.

"Is this what you had in mind?" Benton asked. He had changed from his uniform into a pair of khaki colored twill pants and a long sleeve white shirt.

"Perfect Sergeant." the Doctor said clapping his hands together. "Ready?"

"I stopped into reception and had them print out a delivery sheet. Just to make it professional." Harry added.

"Wonderful Harry, thank you. You know I think hanging around me is finally starting to pay off. You really seem to be getting more intelligent." the Doctor said with a smile.

"Thank you Doctor." Harry started and then said in an accusatory voice, "Wait a minute. Doctor!" he said to the Doctor's back as he and Benton left the office, heading for the Doctor's lab and his Tardis.

Sam was trying unsuccessfully to hide his smile. Harry gave him a dirty look and then stormed out, heading for the Sick Bay.

After their trip to the Police Station, the Doctor quietly opened Sarah's door to find her sleeping peacefully. He carefully closed the door and went back to the console room. It sounded like an easy plan, keep Sarah guarded. He decided to go over things with the Brigadier. As he locked the Tardis door, he discovered the Brigadier was awaiting him in his lab. "Why Alistair, I was just coming to see you."

"If it's about your plan for Miss. Smith, the Detective has filled me in." the Brigadier said. "Doctor the reason I'm here is, I was wondering about your plans for tomorrow. Will you and Miss. Smith be joining us for Thanksgiving?"

"I'd forgotten all about it. Yes, we'd be delighted. From what I've gathered from Sarah, it sounds wonderful. We're honored that you want to include us." the Doctor said with a huge smile.

"I've also invited Detective Shreeves. When I asked him his plans for the day, he said he'd probably get something from the Mess Hall. He seems to be a nice young man. Dr. Sullivan told me what happened with his Captain this afternoon. Whoever this is, they seem to be one step ahead of us all the time. If we could just find out when he'll strike next. Any ideas Doctor?" the Brigadier said as he leaned against the work bench.

"I'm afraid your little dance would be the most likely place to strike, if not the next." the Doctor confessed.

The Brigadier had a feeling he was going to say that. "I should contact the PM and cancel it then." the Brigadier said with a sigh.

"I have a better idea." the Doctor said as inspiration suddenly hit. "You said security would be tight, but it would be easy enough for a Tardis to slip in, since it doesn't need a door. I think we should let the Prime Minister witness his arrival first hand Alistair." the Doctor said rubbing his hands together.

"What do you have in mind?" the Brigadier asked, for the first time in weeks with a small amount of hope that all this would resolve itself.

"I say we bug every room, in every building as well as the outside of UNIT. We record everything and there you are Alistair, the proof you need. But we keep this on a need to know only basis. We'll put everything in place on Friday evening, after everyone has left for the weekend. We keep the group installing everything small. Just Benton, Harry and our friend the Detective. I'm not even going to tell Sarah. Can I count on you for help too Alistair?" the Doctor asked.

"Of course Doctor. I want this nightmare to end. But won't running all those cables be obvious?"

"We're not going to be using the usual cameras and microphones. We'll be using Time Lord technology. They're the size of a quarter, and as clear in audio and video as any Earth theatrical production to date. I'll hook up the feed through the Tardis' computer. The second the Tardis picks up anything unusual, it will alert me through a small remote box, giving me the location as well as a small display with the live feed. I think we might just have him this time Alistair." the Doctor said with a smile.

"I hope you're right Doctor, I hope you're right. I have to go. Do you need directions for tomorrow?" he asked.

"No, I know the way. What time do you want us there?"

"The others are arriving around one." the Brigadier replied.

See you there. Goodnight Alistair." the Doctor said with a smile. He was glad to at last have a plan. He left the lab and entered the small alcove and unlocked the Tardis door. He decided to get the Tardis started on dinner and check on Sarah again. Keeping Sarah in the dark was going to be hard.

Thursday morning arrived early for the Doctor. He hadn't been able to slip away from Sarah the night before, and he needed to get the supply of surveillance equipment together. Thankfully everything he needed had been in two storage rooms and he had been able to gather it all together in three boxes. He placed them in a storage hole under the central console. He had just replaced the panel when Sarah popped in the room.

"Whatcha doin?" she asked, peering over his shoulder.

"Just checking the wiring." he lied, avoiding her eyes while pretending to search for something. She had a bad habit of reading him a little 'too well'.

Sarah found a small set of needle nose pliers on the other side of the console. "Are these what you're looking for?" she asked holding them up in the air.

"Yes!" he said ecstatically, hoping to hide the truth from her. The Doctor took the tool from her hands and slipped it in his pocket and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Shouldn't you still be asleep?" he asked looking into her eyes, noticing how red her eyes were and how dark the circles were under her eyes.

"I couldn't sleep any longer. Happy American Thanksgiving Day!" she said as he leaned down and gave her a kiss, and she seemed to glow. "Are you as happy as I am?" she asked smiling and squeezing him back.

"Happy Thanksgiving back and yes, I am very happy. I'm always happy when we're together. Are you looking forward to Thanksgiving with the Brigadier?" he asked, leaning back to look into her beautiful green eyes. Red or not, he decided they were the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen.

"I'm looking forward to being there with you. What time do we have to leave?" she asked.

"He said to be there at one, so it all depends on whether we drive or take the Tardis. Do you have a preference?" he asked, excited to be attending a social occasion with Sarah, their first. His first official statement to the world, assuring anyone watching that they were together, a couple.

"Why don't we take the Tardis then. Do you think the Brigadier will care?" she asked smiling.

"No, we'll park her out front." Then an idea occurred to him. "We'll park behind Harry's car. Then when it's time to leave, I'll throw him the Tardis key and tell him to back her up so he can get out. Think of the look on his face." the Doctor said smiling.

"Ah, but there's a flaw in your plan. At lunch yesterday when you went to get Sam the rock, excuse me I forgot, 'core sample' from Zein Six, they all asked. And I didn't think you would care so I said yes." she said quickly.

"You said yes to what?" he asked.

"They all wanted to come with us. They're waiting for me to call and tell them what time to be here." she finished quietly. "Are you mad?" she asked.

"Of course not. I could never be mad at you. Call them and tell them to be here at twelve, forty five." he said with a smile as Sarah turned to leave. He grabbed her hand and pulled her back in his embrace. "Have I told you I love you today?" he asked, smiling a smile he reserved only for her.

"As a matter of fact, no, I don't think you have." she answered, moving closer till their faces were only a few inches apart.

"Oh, no! Please forgive me, how can I make it up to you?" he said pulling her even closer.

"Well, I could be swayed by a kiss and your unending promise of love." she said speaking quietly as she tilted her head allowing him easy access to her mouth.

"You have it, I'll love you, always." he said as he moved in and kissed her tenderly at first then, then a long and passionate kiss. "I'll love you always Sarah, always." he said as he ran his fingers through her hair, pulling her in for another passionate kiss, before letting her go.

"I love you too, always." she said, leaning forward to give him one more quick, yet strong kiss. She backed up, letting her hands run down the length of his arms, refusing to let go before she reached the end of his fingertips. "I've got to go, ah, I…I've got to take a shower and make those calls." she said as she backed out of the room blushing.

"Me too." he said to the place she last stood. "I won't give you up Sarah. Not to anyone or anything." he said as he patted the console in which the secret surveillance equipment hid. He decided Sarah had the right idea, take a shower, a long, cold shower. He had a feeling he would be taking a lot of them, he thought as he walked to his bedroom, fighting the urge to stop at Sarah's room as he passed it. He would be a good boy, he decided. A very good boy.

At exactly one o'clock the Tardis appeared at the side of the Brigadier's house. One by one its occupants filed out. Benton, Harry and Sam acting as if they had known each other all their lives. The conversation on the way there ran the gambit of comparing everything from family dinner horror stories of things gone wrong to the woes of the school lunches they ate in their youth. Now that they were outside of the Tardis they were throwing a football, embracing not only the American holiday, but the American sport as well, tossing it from one to the other.

Sarah stood holding a canvas bag of six bottles of wine while the Doctor locked the Tardis door. She said when the group was outside of earshot, "Why do I feel like we're their Mom and Dad? And why do I think they'll be in trouble before the day's up?"

"Probably because in this group, we are the responsible pair. Scary isn't it?" he whispered into Sarah's ear, earning him a conspirators' smile.

Up on the long, wraparound porch the Brigadier and his wife, Doris were coming outside, obviously alerted to the fact that their guests had arrived. Due much to the carryings on of 'the boys' as Sarah had come to think of them. The Brigadier was waving for them to come in. The Doctor took the bag holding the bottles of wine from Sarah, and took Sarah's hand as they climbed the steps to the porch.

"Well I'm glad the two of you could make it." the Brigadier smiled. "Miss. Smith this is my wife." he said as the two women embraced.

"Please call me Sarah. I've tried to get the Brigadier to, but you know military men." Sarah said as she took in Doris Lethbridge-Stewart. She was a plump woman in her fifties with red hair peppered with hints of grey. She seemed to have a wonderful warm soul, Sarah liked her immediately.

"And you must call me Doris. The military and all their rules! It just gives me a headache." she said, smiling at her husband who returned the smile.

"And of course you remember the Doctor." he said.

"I'm honored to be invited to your lovely home." he said as he bowed and kissed her hand. He stood and said to the Brigadier, I thought you might be able to use these." the Doctor handed the bag to the Brigadier.

Looking inside the bag, the Brigadier nearly dropped them in shock. He had just viewed a news story describing this very same bottle of wine had recently sold at an auction for ten thousand pounds. And now, he had a bag holding six of them. He was speechless. He was grateful when his wife spoke on their behalf.

"Thank you Doctor. I'd be honored if you would call me Doris also." she said taken in by the Doctor's glow. As Alistair had told her, he was indeed a changed man. He had a glow of happiness around him now, that was sorely lacking the last time she saw him. From what she had been told, it was all because of Sarah. She was happy for the both of them. "Please come in, it's colder now than it was an hour ago, I bet it snows before the day is out."

The two couples were turning to go inside when they heard wood crackling. All four turned around to see the trio had been playing football and attempted a tackle, with the wooden fence. Harry, Benton and Sam looked like youngsters that were afraid of a beating. Each bowing their heads, hoping that one of them would be brave enough to say something, anything.

It was Sarah that broke the ice by saying, "I'm terribly sorry Doris and Brigadier. We can't take them anywhere." she said which earned her a grin from all. She stepped to the edge of the porch and shouted, "Boys, get up here and apologized to the Lethbridge-Stewarts and then fix that fence."

To everyone's surprise, they climbed to their feet and came to the bottom of the steps and said in unison, "I'm sorry Brigadier, Mrs. Lethbridge-Stewart."

"Brigadier, if you'll direct us to the wood, we'll be happy to fix your fence." Benton said. He knew he'd never live this down.

Everyone on the porch exploded into laughter. "Come inside gentlemen. Don't worry about the fence. It was coming down anyway. I've just hired someone last week to replace the fence, using 'stronger' wood. Don't worry about it." he said still trying to stop laughing at their embarrassment. "Maybe after dinner we can 'all' play a little game of touch football. Now come on in." he said, waving them in.

"Go inside and get by the fire Sarah and warm yourself up." Doris said. She could see the Doctor wrapping his arms around her to keep her warm. "I'll watch your 'boys'." Doris said laughing at Sarah's previous comment.

The Doctor and Sarah entered the house. It was big and very gracious, but it was also everything a home should be. The colors lush and the furnishings were oversized, plush and inviting. Scattered all through the room were photographs of every stage of their lives. Pictures ranging from each of their childhoods, as well as their children, family trips and holidays.

Looking around, Sarah wondered if they knew how precious this all was. To have such wonderful memories all around you, all the time. Sarah stood in front of the roaring fire with the Doctor as he rubbed his hands up and down her arms to warm her up. They turned to see everyone coming in the house. The Brigadier took their coats and Doris was excusing herself from the room.

"Doris, could you use some help?" Sarah asked.

"That would be wonderful Sarah." she said as she stopped and put her arm around Sarah's back as they walked toward the kitchen.

As soon as the Doctor thought the two women were out of listening range he said, "I've gathered the equipment we'll need. It should go fairly quickly. All we have to do is position the cameras. It's a shame we can't do it early tomorrow. I'm sure Sarah will be sleeping late tomorrow. She's still not fully recovered and today will exhaust her, allowing her to sleep late." the Doctor finished looking back towards the kitchen, determined to keep Sarah in the dark.

"We were talking about that on the way to you Doctor." Sam said.

"We thought we would lead Sarah to believe it wasn't safe for us to drive tonight because we had been drinking." Harry explained.

"And that we would sleep it off at UNIT. That is, if it's all right with you, Sir." Benton finished, asking for the Brigadier's blessing.

"Sounds like a splendid idea. Would you like me to help?" asked the Brigadier.

"We'll knock it out Brigadier. I'll be sure to keep you up to date. I don't think Sarah would buy you coming back to UNIT to sleep it off." He could hear the two women returning. He stood when they came in the room and asked, "Can I help?"

"No I think I have it under control. But thank you Doctor." Doris said with a smile as she offered everyone a glass of sherry. "A little something to warm the soul." she added.

The Brigadier stood once everyone had a glass and raised his into the air. "To wonderful friends." he said which followed a chorus of 'To wonderful friends.'.

"I'll be right back." Doris said as she started to leave the room.

"Would you like help?" Sarah asked.

"No, stay and enjoy yourself." she answered with a smile. Sarah was a sweet girl. Doris decided it wouldn't take much more for her to care for her like a daughter. From the little Alistair had said, she suspected Sarah needed a mother. And from her figure, she decided that putting some meat on her bones wouldn't be a bad idea either. Sarah was a lovely, warm person. The Doctor needed someone to fill the void in his life that he allowed few other people to see. They were perfect for each other. Doris came back to see Sarah sitting on the couch next to the Doctor, both lost in each other's eyes. She smiled and met Alistair's eyes, both noticing the Doctor and Sarah.

"Here my dear." he said rising and taking the tray of hors d'oeuvre from his wife and sitting them on the large oversized coffee table.

Doris had done a great deal of the meal ahead of time and was now simply waiting for the turkey to catch up. The group spent the next ninety minutes debating the news and how it was slanted to fit what the networks thought the public wanted to hear. The topic then switched to various television shows and their opinions on reality television. Doris excused herself and five minutes later announced dinner was ready.

The meal was set up buffet style and every inch of space on the large buffet as well as another table next to it was covered with filled dishes. Sarah had never seen such a large amount of food, obviously cooked with so much love. After the long meal, everyone felt like they needed some exercise.

The Brigadier's house was located in a sparsely populated area with the nearest house three miles down the road. The men decided they would play a game of touch football. Sarah and Doris decided to take a walk. The Doctor caught the Brigadier's eyes, relaying a look of concern. The Brigadier remembered what the Doctor said earlier about making sure Sarah was with at least one of them. He agreed and didn't want to put his wife in the way of possible harm either.

"Doris, it's awfully cold outside, why don't you and Sarah play a game inside?" he said with a look that through the years, Doris was able to read well.

"He's right Sarah. Didn't Alistair tell me you were just getting over a virus?" she asked Sarah.

"You're right. Maybe we can take a walk another time." Sarah said a bit sadly.

"There will definitely be another time. I've had a wonderful time. I'm so very glad you came Sarah." she said reaching forward and hugging Sarah.

"I'll be looking forward to it." Sarah said with a smile. She really did feel comfortable around Doris. "So what do you want to do?"

"How about Scrabble?" Doris asked.

"I love Scrabble." Sarah said, then asked, "But don't you need help with the dishes. After such a lovely meal and company, I'd love to help you."

"No Sarah, don't worry about it. The dishwashers are both going and everything else can wait for tomorrow. Let's find that Scrabble board." she explained as she put her arm around Sarah leading her to the cabinet on the far side of the room to retrieve the Scrabble game.

Almost two hours later the men came in, much to Sarah's surprise, clean. "I thought you were going to play touch football. But you're all clean. What gives?" she asked, curious as to their actions.

"We threw the football around a few times, then the Brigadier wanted to show us his own personal firing range." Sam said excitedly, jealous of the Brigadier.

The men settled around the fire getting warm while the Doctor placed himself at Sarah's side and kissed her cheek. "How are you feeling?" the Doctor asked seeing the tiredness in her eyes.

"Fine, don't worry." Sarah smiled.

"Doctor, could I get you some sherry to warm you up?" Doris asked, touched by the tender way he treated Sarah.

"No thank you. I'm fine." he smiled at Doris. "So how's it going?" he asked in her ear.

"Too soon to say yet." Sarah answered.

He looked at the alphabet tiles on Sarah's tray. She had the tiles, R,T,A,S,M and E. She moved them around in different configuration. Then suddenly a light bulb went off in the Doctor's head. "I need these a second." he said taking the tiles and laying them on the large coffee table for all to see.

"What is it Doctor?" asked the Brigadier.

"Sam, when they found Martin's body he had spelled out, M R T A S E, right?" he asked and looked at the Detective.

"Yes, why?" Sam asked, wondering what the Doctor was getting at.

"What if that's not his name. What if that's just an anagram?"

"But why, why use an anagram?" Harry asked.

"Because he needed outside help. He would have to worm his way into the people's lives he would eventually destroy. When you meet someone new, what is the one personal thing you share with them to gain their help?" he looked around the row of faces, stopping at Sarah's.

"Your name." Sarah answered.

"Exactly. He can't very well say, 'Hi, I'm an alien that will more than likely kill you after I've used you all I can.'. No he would say, 'Hi, my name is so and so and I want to be your friend.'. But he would have to be careful, because if someone would ever slip up and say his name aloud then the game would be over, unless he used an anagram." he said excitedly. Then his face changed to one that closely resembled fear.

"What is it Doctor, what's wrong?" Sarah asked, scared herself now after seeing his reaction.

He looked around the circle of faces, each waiting on the details of his epiphany. "We know he's a Time Lord, a Time Lord that has it in for me and anyone I care about." he said looking back at Sarah. "A Time Lord that likes to play mind games and doesn't care how much death and destruction he causes. A Time Lord named," the Doctor rearranged the tiles quickly and spread them across the table for all to see, "MASTER."

The Brigadier took a large drink of his wine, swallowing quickly. Doris moved forward taking her husband's hand and squeezed it. Benton was turning white. Sarah, Harry and Sam were looking confused.

Sarah spoke first. "Who is the Master?" she asked, now frightened by the others reactions.

The Doctor decided she didn't need the full story, an abbreviated one would do. "He renounced the Time Lords ages ago. He is my antithesis. What I try to repair, he tries to destroy. Because I've been given the Time Lords blessing to travel in space and time, occasionally doing them a favor along the way, he despises me. Like me, he travels in space and time, but 'always' to add to his own person gain, always to his own advantage. He tortures and torments to entertain himself. He takes the misfortune of others and turns it into his amusement. I have fought against him and all he stands for as long as I can remember. Because of his last act of aggression on the Earth about five years ago, the Time Lords captured him as well as his Tardis. But he used his powers and escaped. When he was put on trial on Gallifrey, he swore he would get me."

He turned to Sarah and said, "I'm so sorry Sarah. It was the Master setting you up, to hurt me. I'm so terribly sorry. When I think of all you've gone through because of him… I, please say you forgive me." he said, speaking only to her now. Her opinion was the only one that mattered to him.

"There's nothing to forgive. It wasn't you. It was him. You are not responsible for his actions. Stop blaming yourself." she said as she took him in her arms, hugging him as hard as her body would allow. "I love you, always." she whispered in his ear.

To which he replied in her ear, "You are my everything Sarah. I'll always love you.". He hugged her back as much as he dared. The pair separated. "Doris, I can't thank you enough for helping us come up with the answer. Brigadier, you're a lucky man." he said making both parties blush.

"Doctor, we have a tradition here that I'm hoping you'll want to take part in. As a way of getting in the spirit for the Christmas holiday that will soon be upon us, we usually pop a Christmas movie in. It's an old movie, but we think a good one. It's an American movie called, It's A Wonderful Life. Have you seen it?" he asked, hoping to change the mood of fear that had taken over the room and its occupants.

"No, I don't believe I have. Have you seen it Sarah?" he asked holding her hand, gently squeezing it.

"I don't think I've seen the whole thing, just bits and parts. I'm game if everyone else is." she smiled, trying to trick the Doctor into believing that she wasn't worried. She looked quickly across to the others, hopefully avoiding the Doctor reading too much into her expressions.

Harry, Benton and Sam were all saying yes. The Brigadier stood and told them the television was downstairs in the family room. As they prepared to go downstairs, the Doctor pulled Sarah back allowing the others to go ahead of them.

"What's wrong?" Sarah asked.

"I just want to know if you're really all right or you're just pretending to be all right." he said looking deep into her green eyes.

"I'm all right. Let's go get lost in the movie, okay?" she said smiling and wrapping her arms around his waist.

"If you're sure." he said as she shook her head yes. "Let's go." he said. Sarah kept one of her arms around his body as he placed one of his own around her. The pair joined the others to settle in and watch the movie.

Two hours later with the credits of the movie rolling, the Brigadier stood and turned on the lights. Harry, Benton and Sam were sound asleep. The Doctor and Sarah stood and stretched. "Brigadier and Doris, we would like to thank you for a wonderful day." Sarah said. She then looked over at the sleeping trio, "I think it's time we got the boys home. Don't you?" she asked the Doctor.

"Yes, but I'm not reading them a bedtime story, not after the way they acted earlier." he took part in the tease.

"Come on boys, wakey, wakey." Sarah said clapping her hands together. "Thank the Brigadier and his wife for a lovely time and get your coats, we're going home." she said with a smile. "Thank you again, for everything. It was all so wonderful." Sarah said to Doris as she hugged her.

"I'm so glad you could come. It was wonderful meeting you Sarah. We'll definitely be doing this again." Doris said returning the hug. She was sad to see Sarah leave.

The Doctor had brought her coat and helped her on with it. "Thank you Brigadier, I had a blast. Everything was great." Sarah said as she reached out and hugged him.

"You're most welcome Miss. Smith. We'll have to get together again." he said while he hugged her small frame. "Let me walk you to the door." he said to the group.

The others said goodbye while the Doctor took Sarah's arm and helped her down the stairs. She seemed a bit shaky before. He was sure it was because she was exhausted, even if she wouldn't admit to it.

They entered the Tardis one by one and stood in the console room discussing how delicious dinner was. In a few minutes the Tardis landed back at UNIT. The discussion turned to each man deciding that he had drank too much wine to be on the road, especially since the streets were more than likely icy. Benton said he knew just where they could sleep at UNIT. They thanked Sarah and the Doctor for bringing them, and each gave the Doctor a knowing smile before leaving the Tardis. The Doctor had whispered in Harry's ear as he walked them to the door, "Eight o'clock, tell the others.".

"So," the Doctor said with a smile to Sarah, "did you have a nice time?".

"No, I had a wonderful time." she said covering her mouth, trying to hold back a yawn. "So, did you have a nice time?" she asked repeating his question.

"Yes, it was very, very nice." he said moving forward and wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her close. He held her close for a time, lost in thought.

"Thinking about the Master?" she asked, guessing his thoughts.

"Sorry, I couldn't help it. I can't believe it didn't occur to me sooner. Of course it was the Master. No one hates me more." he explained running his hands up and down her back. His body seemed to have a mind of its own recently. It would automatically do what was needed to soothe and comfort Sarah.

"Don't worry." she said into his chest. "We'll catch him."

He loved the way Sarah spoke. Always so confident in him. He had never had anyone love him the way Sarah does. Sure there had been the occasional relationship at the Academy, but he always had the feeling they had given him attention because of his intelligence rating, not because they actually felt anything for him. That was the problem with Gallifrey in general though, no emotions. He had equated it to a television show called Star Trek. In it was a race of aliens called Vulcans. Their race had eradicated emotions entirely. From what he could tell, the Time Lords could teach them a thing or two. Of course not everyone behaved this way. But at least ninety five percent acted the same as robots, snotty robots. He smiled at the thought of Sarah's terminology.

"I think you could use some rest." he said pulling back and looking into Sarah's bright green eyes.

"I think I would like some alone time with you. Do you think that might be possible?" she said putting her lip out in a little pout.

He never stood a chance, not when it came to doing something that was so easily in his power. "What did you have in mind?" he asked moving his hands up and down her back.

"Well…I was thinking that maybe we could catch a movie." she said.

"We just saw a movie. But you want to see another?" he asked with a big smile.

"Yep. Any chance?" she said reaching up and giving him a quick kiss.

"What do you have in mind?" he said as he steered her toward the Tardis' hallway and toward the entertainment room.

"Well I was thinking Runaway Bride. Do you know it?"

"Heard of it. Have it and would be happy to watch it with you." he said giving her a little squeeze as they entered the entertainment room. "What can I temp you with?" he asked as reached in for another kiss. Sarah feigned shock putting her hand over her mouth. "Very funny. Though maybe later…." Turning back to the counter he pointed to the contents.

"You're not going to believe this, but I'd love some popcorn and some pop." she said joining him at the counter.

Yes, he was screaming inside. She was eating something he didn't have beg her to eat. She was somehow still not putting on weight since starting to eat three meals a day. He needed to strengthen her immune system and to do that she needed to put on some weight. And if it took one movie at a time, then that's what he would do. He scooped her some popcorn from the machine and loaded it with butter before handing it to her with a smile. "Go get comfortable and I'll bring the drinks." he said reaching across the counter and giving her a quick kiss.

He quickly retrieved their drinks and started the movie. Halfway through, the snacks had been discarded and he and Sarah were no longer watching the movie. Sarah was on his lap and he was kissing every part of her that wasn't covered in clothes. His kisses were getting more passionate and she was returning the kisses with more urgency. "I love you Sarah." he said in a whisper as he kissed her ear.

"I love you too. I love you so very much." Sarah said, as she was trying to catch her breath. She knew if they didn't stop soon, they wouldn't be able to. And as far as she was concerned at this very minute, she didn't want to. But the decision was taken away from them, for at the very peak of their passion the Cloister Bell rang and continued to ring.

"I know it's the Master. Who else would have such lousy timing? I really, really, really hate him!" the Doctor screamed to be heard above the bell. They untangled themselves and ran to the console room. Once again the Tardis was warning of another approaching Tardis. But this time the Tardis was reacting to an actual landing inside the Tardis itself.

The Doctor looked to Sarah at his side. "Sarah, I don't know what's going on. I want you to promise me you'll go to your room and stay inside. I mean it! Stay inside your room. I'll come and get you when I can." He reached forward and gave Sarah a quick kiss, turned her around and said, "Run Sarah! Remember what I said." He turned back to the newly materialized Tardis, only after he was sure Sarah had left. He heard her door slam and turned back to the new arrival.

A Tardis bearing the insignia of none other than the High Council was standing before him. Stepping from the Tardis were two members of the Sacred Order Of Guards.

The Sacred Order Of Guards were one of the more prestigious groups on Gallifrey. To be accepted into the Order, you must prove your alliance to the High Council through various tests of both physical as well as mental endurance. While there were hundreds of members of the Sacred Order Of Guards, only a handful were chosen to guard the High Council members and their buildings. Because of their elite status, many had an air of smugness about them that the Doctor disdained. Following the guards stepped Councilor Batin. He looked about as he stepped from his Tardis. "Well Doctor, I see you're still holding on to this 'antique'." he said, though the Doctor was sure that wasn't the word going through his mind.

"Did you come all this way to talk about my decor Councilor or was there another reason?" the Doctor asked, hoping he wasn't in for more trouble. Trouble that he didn't need.

"No actually. I have some information for you, something you've been looking for. One of our operatives in a neighboring galaxy believes the Master is involved in the trouble you've been having." he said lacing his fingers together, awaiting his thanks and gratitude.

But instead of gratitude the Doctor explained, "I was going to send a message to you tomorrow. From what I've put together tonight, I came to the same conclusion. Did your operative tell you why, why now?" he asked, noticing the wind taken from his sails at the revelation that he had already figured out the identity of the Time Lord.

"Only that the Master was under the impression that due to changes in your 'lifestyle', he would finally be able to break you. He speculated that perhaps even to cause your death, at your own hands. What is this change in 'lifestyle' he spoke of?" Batin questioned. "Does it involve the Earth girl you mentioned in your reports?"

When the Doctor didn't answer right away he added, "I am aware that many ambassadors become 'infatuated' with those they are sent to defend. These little 'trysts' are a way to pass time. Then when you are once again serving Gallifrey, they simply disappear, go back to their own lives. I myself don't approve of this, but I'm aware that it occurs. If my information is correct, it would appear that you have crossed the line. You are their protector Doctor. Nothing more, nothing less. Of course there are no laws governing this sort of thing, but there wouldn't be. Would there? You cannot form an equal relationship with a people that are so far removed from your own race, your own intellect. Several of the High Council felt that you may need reminding." Batin finished and looked into the Doctor's eyes. Eyes that were now full of fury. For once he was glad to have brought guards.

"Are you finished?" the Doctor asked, his voice now sounding very low and furious.

"I am simply reminding you of your duty to Gallifrey as well as the High Council." Batin added with a small smile.

"You are right about several things." the Doctor said stepping closer to Batin, both guards stepping closer to their charge. "Let's talk about equality for a moment. Did you know that I am twenty eight point four points ahead of you on the Gallifreyan Intelligence Rating? I am much better suited for your job than you are. Maybe I should bring forth a motion to replace you, since I am more in keeping with the number guidelines as brought forth in Gallifrey's bylaws. No?" he said enjoying the obvious discomfort he had brought to Batin's face.

"There are no laws governing who I have in my life, whether they are in my life one minute or one lifetime. I follow the laws of time, that part of my life you 'may' control. You do not control who I do or do not spend my time with, or give my hearts to. That upsets you doesn't it? Emotion is a dirty word with you, isn't it? But when I spoke of taking your appointment, that got your hearts pumping didn't it? The sad thing is Councilor, you're missing such a large part of your life, all the joy, all the happiness." The Doctor stepped back, allowing the guards to step back from Batin slightly.

"I think you're assuming too much Doctor. I will not mention this to the High Council. But remember this, you will not be able to keep this secret for long. What will become of her the next time someone wants to destroy you? Your decisions do not only affect you. She will be put in danger again and again, because of you Doctor. Think about it Doctor. It is always easier to be responsible for faceless, nameless humans than the one who depends on you and you alone to save her. Goodbye Doctor." Batin said as he and the guards returned to their Tardis and dematerialized.

The Doctor realized Batin was right in many ways. Granted, it was something to take into consideration. It was also something to talk to Sarah about. But not tonight. Tonight he would enjoy being with Sarah. The Doctor left the console room and went to find Sarah and attempt to explain things to her.

Sarah ran to her room breathless. Who was it the Doctor didn't want her to see? Or maybe it was someone who he didn't want to see her? She walked to the farthest corner of her room and sat on the floor. She pulled her knees up to her chest and wrapped her arms tightly around her legs. What if it were someone from his past? Someone that decided they had made a mistake and wanted him back. Someone from his own race. She looked around the room taking in every detail, every detail that he had picked out, picked out just for her. Surely he wouldn't have gone to so much trouble just to turn her out.

Perhaps it was another Time Lord. He may be embarrassed to admit she was there, that could be it. She couldn't be the one that kept him from his race. She wouldn't be. I know he cares for me, perhaps even loves me as much as he says. But if being with me is an embarrassment, then he should let me go. It would break her heart, but she had to do what was best for him. She saw the door opening. It was the Doctor. She decided to not make any sudden decisions, not yet anyway. Sarah was surprised to find tears running down her face. She didn't even remember crying. She looked up to see the Doctor bending down and wiping away her tears with his hands.

"What's wrong Sarah?" he asked, shocked to see her this upset and hiding in the corner. "Come here." He said helping her to her feet and holding her close. She was cold to the touch. He walked her to the overstuffed chair, sat her down and placed a blanket around her. "Better?" he asked.

"Yes." She lied.

He could see the fear in her eyes. "Is this about our visitor?" he asked on his knees in front of her.

"No. Yes. I don't know." Sarah stammered. "I'm sorry, it's none of my business. I'm tired, maybe I should just go to bed." she said, then tried to get up.

But the Doctor was hearing none of it. "I know you're tired. I can see it in your eyes. Normally I wouldn't ask that you ignore your body, but I'm hoping you'll give me a chance to explain. Please?" he asked tilting his head to the side and giving Sarah a small smile.

"You really don't have to. You're entitled to your privacy." Sarah said, attempting to stand again only to be blocked by the Doctor. Sarah looked down to her hands that were resting on her lap, trying to convince them not to shake.

"Don't you want to know who that was?" he asked.

Sarah thought to herself that maybe she didn't want to know. She kept looking at her hands, trying to keep her emotions in check.

"Well, I'm going to tell you anyway." he said as he tilted her head up, so he could look into her eyes and hopefully alleviate her anxiety. "I had a visit from Councilor Batin. He came to tell me that the Time Lords had information linking the Master to our problems. Then he tried to tell me how to live my life. As well as who I could see and be with." he said, stopping to gauge her reaction.

It was worse than she thought. They weren't going to banish him from Gallifrey, they were telling him to stop being with her. She could feel the pressure building up inside. The small voice that had once screamed at her on a daily basis was back. How could she be so stupid, it screamed. He is a Time Lord! How did she even let herself entertain the thought that she was good enough to be with him? Stupid, stupid, stupid!

"Sarah?" he could see it wash over her. The panic was very real and claiming her once again, taking over her body. "Sarah, can you hear me?" he said taking both of her hands in his.

Sarah could hear him, it took every bit of strength she had, but she could hear him. "What?" she asked in a shaky voice.

"Sarah, nothing is going to change, nothing. There are no written laws in Gallifrey prohibiting dating you. And there never will be. Remember I told you how they are, they like to give orders and they expect everyone to bow down and say thank you. Thank you for stopping me from doing something stupid, like being the happiest I have ever been. Let them carry on till the 'turtles' come home." he said, with a smile.

"Cows come home." she corrected him, smiling.

"What?" he asked, confused.

"The saying is, 'till the cows come home'" she answered.

"Well, I knew it was something with four legs." He smiled, the special smile he only gave her. "The reason I wanted you to hide was, I didn't know if it was the Master, the Time Lords or heaven only know who else. I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that had I known who it was, I wouldn't have had you hide. Because I would have." he added, reaching out and pulling the blanket tighter around her. He could see her trembling. "I wouldn't have wanted both of us to be lectured to tonight."

"The problem is, he did make one point. As long as you're with me, there will always be someone around who might or might not, try to take advantage of our situation. Like now. The Master is only hurting you to get to me. The murders, the police accusing you, it's all because of me. I would completely understand if you wanted to walk out that door and never see me again." he finished, looking down and praying she wouldn't leave him.

"I could never leave you. This isn't your fault, it's the Master's fault. All of it. As far as the future, I'll handle whatever comes along. But only if you want me. I never want to become a burden for you. I love you too much for that." she said, reaching forward and kissing him on the lips.

The Doctor passionately kissed her back and reached forward, pulling her from the chair and settling her on his lap. "Sarah don't ever doubt that I love you. I'll love you always." The Doctor reached forward and used his thumbs to wipe away the tears that were falling over her cheeks. "You're still cold, aren't you?" he asked as he felt the chill bumps on her arms and legs.

"Don't worry. I'll warm up soon." she stated.

"It's time you had a very warm bath young lady." he said, first helping Sarah into a standing position and then joining her. "Want me to wash your back?" he whispered into her ear grinning.

"No, but thank you." Sarah replied with an equally large smile. "I'm sorry I behaved badly." she said looking into his eyes for forgiveness.

"There's nothing to forgive. I chased you away without giving you a reason. It was completely my fault." he said pulling her close, giving her a hug and a kiss before turning her around, facing the bathroom. "Go, have a warm bath. Do you need anything?" he asked.

"No, I'm fine." she said, stopping and turning back to answer his question. "Breakfast in the morning?"

"I want you to get a lot of rest tomorrow. Remember the dance is in two days." he said turning to leave.

"Two days! I completely forgot. I don't have a dress!" Sarah exclaimed. To say nothing of the money to buy it either, Sarah thought.

Turning back around, the Doctor said, "It's not a problem Sarah. Don't worry. I'm sure you'll find everything you need in the wardrobe room." He smiled, opening his arms just in time to see Sarah running across the room and throwing herself in them.

"Doctor, you're the best. Thank you so much." she said with all the enthusiasm she could muster.

The Doctor embraced her tightly before turning her around to once again facing the bathroom. "Remember get plenty of rest tomorrow. I'll bring you breakfast in bed. Now, bath!" he tried to feign annoyance, but she could see through him. "Goodnight." he said as he slipped from the room.

The Doctor decided that a quick shower and then climbing into bed sounded perfect. The Time Lords were forcing his hand. He decided to step up his plans with Sarah a bit. With any luck, stifle any new laws put into play before they could affect him. Twenty minutes later, he was in bed and sound asleep, dreaming of Sarah.

The Doctor was up by five, delivering all the surveillance cameras to all of the rooms, even placing them outside in every location possible. Making it easier for everyone to jump in and get the cameras installed quickly before alerting anyone to their location. He headed back to the Tardis to check on Sarah and fix them both breakfast, when a sudden thought occurred to him. No he decided, not just a thought, but a marvelous idea on his part. Once it was in his head he couldn't stop smiling. He would get what he needed, no what 'they' needed tomorrow. Till then, he would focus on the task at hand and try not to give away the surprise to Sarah.

He quickly made breakfast with the help of the Tardis, placing everything on the cart. After a quick trip to the greenhouse to retrieve a perfect pink rose for Sarah's breakfast, he arrived at Sarah's door. He lightly knocked and peeked around the corner of the door to see Sarah was just awaking. "Too early?" he asked her.

"No, I'm starved. Come in." she said as she sat up in bed, stifling a yawn.

"Are you sure you don't want to wait a bit, maybe get a little more sleep?" he asked as he approached her side. He felt her forehead to satisfy himself that she was well.

"Quit worrying, I'm fine." she said taking his hand in hers.

"Sorry, I can't. It comes as part of being in love with a Time Lord. You 'are' still in love with me?" he asked while placing his face close to hers.

"Yea, sorry. Still stuck with me." she said reaching forward to kiss him.

"Ah never stuck. I chose to be tangled in your web of love." he said as he crooked his fingers and feigned an attack of Sarah by what he referred to as the tickle spider. He tickled her till tears were in her eyes. "I love you, always." he said, now almost on top of her after the tickling. He held her head tenderly in his hands and passionately kissed her before standing and moving away.

"So is that all I get?" Sarah asked, as if insulted.

"Fraid so. That will have to do you till lunch." he said as he placed breakfast in front of her. "Think you'll make it?" he smiled.

"Probably not, but I'll tough it out." she said, trying to see what the Doctor was hiding behind his back. "What's that?" she asked, pointing to his hand.

"Oh this?" he said pulling the pink rose from behind his back. "Pretty isn't it?" he said twisting it back and forth between his fingers. When Sarah didn't answer, he said, "Oh did you want it?" he asked.

"Only if you can spare it. I mean if you're really attached…then I wouldn't want to come between the two of you." she replied, playing the game.

"No, I'm only attached to you. A perfect rose for my perfect love." he said as he handed the rose to Sarah, brushing his hands along hers a little longer than necessary.

"It's beautiful. Thank you." Sarah said grabbing a quick kiss from the Doctor.

"Let's eat. I have to do a little rewiring today, giving you plenty of time to rest up for the dance." the Doctor stated, telling her the truth in a roundabout way.

"I've got some reports for the Brigadier to catch up on anyway." she said and could see the Doctor getting ready to protest. "I will do it on my laptop from the confines of this bed." she said hoping to satisfy his request for rest. He immediately shut his mouth which earned a smile from Sarah.

"So, is it a big job, the rewiring?" Sarah asked as she ate.

"Kind of, a little complicated anyway." the Doctor said, avoiding Sarah's eyes as he pretended to be caught up in his food.

"Well, why don't you just work on the wiring and don't worry about having lunch with me. That way you can get finished faster and we can be together sooner." she reasoned. "Besides, I need to go to the wardrobe room and find something to wear for the dance."

"Sounds like a plan." the Doctor said looking up and smiling at Sarah. With the extra time, he could be sure they were hooked up perfectly. With any luck, alleviating any middle of the night adjustments.

The two finished their breakfasts with each going their own way. Sarah catching up on the reports the Brigadier was expecting from the Doctor, and the Doctor and the others installing and linking the cameras with the Tardis. The day went by very quickly and soon the others were shocked to see Sarah enter the Tardis console room.

"So what's going on?" Sarah asked shocked to see the group assembled in the Tardis.

"They just came by to see if we wanted to go out for pizza or something." the Doctor said thinking quickly.

"We had such a great time yesterday that we thought we might all get together again." Harry said hoping to back the Doctor up so Sarah wouldn't suspect anything.

"There's a great little pizza place a few miles from here. It's called Grand Pizza, Sam's never been either. Do you want to go?" Benton added building upon the Doctor's original story. He looked at Sam who was attempting to look innocent.

"Sounds great. I'll go get my coat." she said smiling as she left the room.

The Doctor looked to the group assembled in his Tardis and let out a big breath as he leaned heavily against the central console. "Well, it looks as if we're going to get pizza. Who's driving?" he asked smiling his thanks to the group.

"We all have two seaters, so I guess that leaves you." Harry said, looking at the doorway as Sarah returned.

The Doctor stepped forward taking the coat from Sarah's arm and helping her in it. "We'll be going in Bessie. Hungry?" he said, looking down at Sarah to see if she suspected anything.

"Starved, let's go." she said taking the lead and heading out the Tardis doors as the others followed. The Doctor locked the Tardis door and put his arm around Sarah's back leading the group to his car. Soon they were on their way to dinner, carefully picking their way along the icy roads.

Once they arrived at Grand Pizza the conversation turned to the various jobs each had before their final career had been chosen or achieved. The Doctor was grateful for his newfound friends and especially grateful they had volunteered their entire day to helping him set up the surveillance equipment. Looking at Sarah's face and the smile that was on it, warmed his hearts. This is what she needed, him as her protector and friends around her that she could depend on. Friends that he could depend on was a wonderful accident too, he decided. Sarah was trying to get his attention.

"Doctor? Are you all right?" she asked, her face full of concern.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just thinking, processing things." When her smile turned to worry the Doctor added, "I just wondered how I could get the Brigadier to change this to a casual dress party."

"Amen to that Doctor!" Benton replied. "Stacy's really looking forward to tomorrow night."

"So you asked Miss. Winters did you?" the Doctor asked.

"I remember her. She seemed really nice." Sarah added, happy that the Sergeant wasn't going stag.

"Thanks for the advice Doctor. Unfortunately poor Harry here also took your advice." Benton said grinning ear to ear. "Tell him what she said Harry." he said fighting back the laughter that threatened to escape his lips.

"When I asked her, the first words from her mouth were, 'Will the Doctor be sitting at our table?' I swear to you. When I told her I didn't know, she said that maybe I'd see her there. Can you believe that, I threw myself on the grenade for you and she turned me down. I've been turned down before but not like that. You better watch your back Doctor." Harry finished, shaking his head as if to clear it.

At this point Benton and Sam were laughing almost uncontrollably, gasping for breath. Harry was trying hard not to join them, before finally giving in and laughing. The Doctor and Sarah were smiling, but neither joined in the laughter. Both knew that this woman had a serious problem, at the very least possibly unbalanced and at the worst seriously troubled. Both hoped this wouldn't become a problem. The Doctor more so because of a surprise he had planned for Sarah.

"So Sam who are you bringing?" Harry asked, knowing that the Brigadier had added him to the list.

"One of the file clerks. Her name is Greta Brumley. Do you know her?" he asked.

"No. Do you know her Benton?" Harry asked.

"Yea, I think we've spoken a few times. So you don't have a date?" he asked Harry.

"I know someone. She's really very nice. I met her a few weeks ago. She works in the Records Room. I sent her an instant message this morning asking for copies of some time sheets. Anyway, she asked me to let her know if I came across someone needing a date to the dance. Interested?" Sarah asked.

"Yes, very. But don't you think it's too late?" Harry asked, desperate at this point not to be the only one there alone.

"No of course not. If you gentlemen will excuse me." Sarah started, as they all rose to stand as Sarah waved them down, "I'll call her after I go to the little girl's room. Be back in a second." she said as she bent down and kissed the Doctor quickly before slipping away.

"Before Sarah gets back, two things. One, did you get all evidence that we had installed the surveillance equipment put away? No one must know what we're up to."

"Yes, of course Doctor. We returned everything to its place. Nobody will be the wiser. What's the second thing?" asked Benton.

"Too late." he said as he watched Sarah approach. "I'll tell you later." he said quietly, being careful to not let Sarah overhear. "What's the good word?" he asked, knowing the answer already if Sarah's beaming face was any indication.

"She's expecting your call later on. We thought it might be best if the two of you at least spoke before the dance. She said to call, no matter what time you get in. Her name is Brenda Darvey." she said as she wrote. "This is her phone number. This is her address. Don't forget to call her." she said as she handed the paper to Harry.

"I don't know how to thank you. You're a lifesaver. Thank you Sarah." he beamed, making Sarah blush.

"What would we do without her?" the Doctor added as he put his arm around the back of her chair and leaned forward kissing her lightly on the lips. "You know, you look cute when you blush." he whispered in her ear..

"If we don't get going, my whole body will be blushing from the cold." Sarah quietly added as she looked out the window. "How are you guys going to get home tonight in this weather?" she asked, concerned for her friends.

"I was just wondering that myself." Benton replied as he too looked out the window. "There's a warm front that's supposed to come through tomorrow. That should take care of the ice. I guess it's another night at UNIT boys." Benton said as he stretched and looked at his watch. Do you know it's only seven thirty?"

The Doctor met Sarah's eyes and she nodded her consent. "Why doesn't everyone stay the night in the Tardis? We'll watch movies. Now, how can you turn down an offer like that on an icy and cold night?" the Doctor asked with a smile.

"The men looked at each other before Harry answered for the trio, "You can't. We would be honored to sleep over. Thank you Doctor and Sarah. Is everyone finished?" he asked. When everyone mumbled yes, Harry added, "Pizza is on me tonight, I insist." he said as he retrieved the bill from the waitress and walked to the register.

"That was a wonderful thing you did for Harry tonight." the Doctor said as he helped Sarah on with her coat.

"Matchmaking is in a woman's blood. We all want everyone to be happy and in love. Besides, Brenda seems to be really nice and Harry deserves someone wonderful. He's been a good friend to us. As a matter of fact, they all have." she said as they met the others at the door.

After a slow trip home on the icy and treacherous roads, Harry excused himself to call Brenda. Sam and Benton were choosing a movie. Sarah and the Doctor were playing host and hostess, getting everyone's drink and candy orders. Harry returned from the console room, entering the entertainment room with a big smile on his face.

"So, did you work everything out? Do you like her?" Sarah inquired.

"Yes, she's perfect. Thank you again Sarah. I can't wait for tomorrow night." Harry noticed Benton and Sam snickering and knew that if he didn't stop talking about Brenda now, they'd badger him all night. "So what are we watching?" he asked the pair on the left sofa.

Benton and Sam caught a look from Sarah who was standing just behind Harry and decided that they would forgo their teasing. "How do you feel about a double feature, Mrs. Doubtfire and The Birdcage?"

"Sounds great. Thank you." he said taking a soda from Sarah's tray, then when the Doctor had passed, "for everything." he whispered in her ear and kissed her on the cheek.

"You're welcome Harry." she said and moved away to finish passing out the drinks as the Doctor started the movie. He joined Sarah on the center couch and settled in to watch the movies with his friends.

Shortly after midnight both movies had ended and everyone was tired. The Doctor walked each to their respective rooms before walking Sarah to hers. "Here we are." Sarah said as the pair entered her room.

The Doctor held Sarah in his arms and kissed her passionately before allowing her to speak again.

"That was wonderful." Sarah replied breathlessly. "I think you have kissing down to an art." She reached forward claiming another kiss.

"You're not so bad yourself." he replied and then pulled back. "I better go, I need to go into town and check on something in the morning. Will you be all right, here by yourself?" he asked with a smile.

"What are you up to Mister?" she asked trying to read his face, searching for a clue.

"I don't know what you're talking about." he said, though he was sure it wasn't very convincing.

"Okay we'll play it your way. For now. Don't worry about me, I'll probably be spending the day in the wardrobe room anyway, looking for a dress. But I'll miss you." she added, pulling him forward again.

"And I'll miss you. I promise I'll get back as quick as I can. I love you, you do know that don't you?" he asked reading her face.

"I had my suspicions." she answered teasing him as they walked to the door. "I love you too." she said as he kissed her with one more deep and passionate kiss. She could swear she could hear her heart pounding as they kissed. Once they parted, she blew him a kiss as she shut the door. Sarah leaned against the door for the longest time, just thinking of the Doctor's kisses. After a bath she settled into bed. Sarah's last waking thoughts were of the Doctor and all the love he had given her and how extremely lucky she was to have been found by him. Her Doctor, her hero and the love of her life. Hours later Sarah could be seen, asleep on her side, as she clenched her pillow close to her face, smiling. She would once again be having happy dreams thanks to the Doctor.

"Doctor where are we going?" Harry asked. "The least you can do is tell me where you're dragging me. You know I was in the middle of a wonderful dream. She was blonde, petite and built like a…" Harry started, with his eyes closed and smiling from ear to ear.

"All right, I'll tell you! Just don't tell me about your…dreams!" the Doctor exclaimed.

"Fine, but did I mention she was an acrobat?" Harry asked, earning him a dirty look. "So tell me already. Where are we going?"

The Doctor had reached the city by now and was pulling into a parking place in front of a small storefront. "A jewelry store?" Harry asked, shocked. "Why Doctor, I didn't know you cared so deeply for me. Were you thinking a bracelet or maybe a watch?" he said extending his bare wrist.

"Ha, ha! I need to get something for Sarah, and Heaven help me, I need your opinion." he said as they went through the door.

"Are we talking about an engagement ring?" Harry asked incredulously.

"Yes, I believe that's what you call it."

"May I help you Sir?" An older gentleman with a kind face stood before them. He was immaculately dressed in a navy suit.

"Yes, I believe you can. I'm interested in purchasing an engagement ring." the Doctor said with a smile. The Brigadier was correct he thought while looking around, this was a nice jewelry store. "Are you Mr. Wrenn?" he asked as he extended his hand.

"Yes Sir, I am. I'm sorry have we met?" he asked, looking puzzled.

"No, my friend Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart recommended you. I'm the Doctor."

"Ah yes, the Brigadier. A nice man, he and his wife. Let me show you our engagement rings." Mr. Wrenn said, leading him to a display case in the back of the store.

As they approached the case, the Doctor was shocked at the large assortment of rings. This was going to be harder than he thought. He knew one thing for sure, he wasn't going to get Sarah a small ring. She deserved the biggest diamond that he could find, but knew that wouldn't be practical. That's why he brought Harry along, to be the voice of reason. "You have so many." he said.

"Is there anything in particular that you're looking for Doctor?" Mr. Wrenn asked. "Perhaps a particular shape of the Diamond."

"I like a marquise cut, do you think Sarah will Harry?" the Doctor asked, remembering a quick search of diamond cuts he'd found on the internet this morning. He turned to find a still astounded Harry with his mouth slightly ajar.

Harry was in awe of the Doctor and his emotions. He was so sincere with his feelings when it came to Sarah. He realized the Doctor was awaiting his response, so he said, "Yes, I'm sure she would. I'm sorry Doctor I'm just in shock. I didn't know you were thinking of marriage." Harry explained.

"I love Sarah, so why not? I know this is the right thing to do Harry. Sarah is my destiny." the Doctor explained.

"Yes Mr. Wrenn, I'd like to see the marquise settings I believe." he said smiling at the jeweler.

"You know I just finished a new design with a marquise setting in the center. The stone is a bit large, but I can show it to you if you're interested." Mr. Wrenn said.

"You designed it yourself?" the Doctor asked.

"Yes. Most of the rings we have, are purchased from the larger jewelry manufacturing companies to keep down the cost to the customer. But my family have been jewelers for the last four generations, so occasionally I design a few special pieces that are one of a kind. Just to keep my skills sharp, you understand. Because of all the mass jewelry manufacturers it doesn't pay to do it often. But sometimes I just can't help myself. Would you like to see it?" he asked, with a twinkle in his eyes.

The Doctor knew this would be the ring without seeing it. This man truly believed in his work. And it would be one of a kind, just like Sarah. "I would be honored to see it." the Doctor said with a huge smile.

Once the jeweler left the room Harry leaned forward to speak quietly to the Doctor. "Doctor," Harry started, "this ring will more than likely cost a small fortune. I'm sorry if I'm being nosy, but do you have enough money? If you need a loan, I would be happy to…".

"Thank you Harry, but a loan won't be necessary. I have been UNIT's scientific advisor for six years. I wasn't aware till this morning that the Brigadier has been depositing my earnings into a bank account. When I asked his advice about a jeweler he told me about the account. He arrived at UNIT early this morning to give me a bank debit card. So I think I'm covered. But it means so much to me Harry that you would be willing to help. Thank you Harry, I won't forget this." he said reaching forward and shaking Harry's hand energetically.

Mr. Wrenn had returned carrying a small black velvet box. "Here we are Doctor. I hope you like it." he said as he opened the box to reveal the ring.

It was the most beautiful ring the Doctor believed he had ever seen. It had what the Doctor estimated to be a two carat marquise diamond in the center. Surrounding it were a band of baguette diamonds. On the outside of that on the left and the right sides of the ring were smaller baguette diamonds. All were set on a twenty four carat gold ring. The Doctor looked over at Harry who was staring at the ring in amazement. "It's absolutely beautiful Mr. Wrenn. I'll take it." the Doctor said decisively.

"But Doctor, you haven't even asked the price yet." the jeweler said.

"It doesn't matter Mr. Wrenn. It is truly beautiful, a work of art. I'm sure you'll be fair. Is it ready to go now?" he asked the startled man.

"Yes, but let me polish it again. Oh and Doctor, I had originally decided to design a wedding band that would fit just underneath the stones. What I had in mind was a plain gold band with a slight 'V' shape that would fit underneath the diamonds in the engagement ring. Would you like me to do that? Of course if you would like something different, I'd be happy to supply you with whatever you need." the jeweler explained.

"Yes Mr. Wrenn, I would be honored if you would make the ring you described. I'm sure it will be perfect" the Doctor said.

"I'll be right back Doctor." the jeweler said smiling at the ring's good fortune. He didn't design many pieces anymore, but the ones that he did felt like his children. He always wanted them to go to good homes. So many of his customer's were people that just purchased the pieces to go with a particular outfit. People didn't appreciate what receiving a piece of jewelry really meant, what it meant in his day anyway. But this piece was special. He was sure the Doctor and his fiancé to be were special people as well. He could see the man was smitten. This ring would see much love, he decided as he finished polishing it and put it in a new box.

"Here we are Doctor. I hope you and your young lady enjoy it." he said as the Doctor handed him a debit card. The jeweler went to his register and ran the transaction through. It was approved immediately. The Doctor signed the receipt and thanked Mr. Wrenn, shaking his hand before the pair left the store.

"All right Harry, I have the ring. What else do I need?" the Doctor asked, happy that things were going so smoothly.

"When are you going to ask her?" Harry asked.

"I plan on asking her at the dance. Do you think that's appropriate?" he asked sincerely.

"Yes it is, she's going to be thrilled." Harry said, happy for his friends now that the shock was wearing off. "I think you have everything you need. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"You already have Harry. Let's grab something to eat, it's the least I can do." the Doctor said as he crossed the street to go to a small diner on the other side of the street. Both men entered and had a mid morning snack before returning to UNIT.

Across the street, stepping out from behind a construction sign loomed a dark figure. "So Doctor, you think you're on your way to happily ever after. Beware, in every fairy tale from here to Gallifrey looms a villain. I am that villain Doctor. Before the night is over, you will lose your princess. And with any luck, your own life." he said before stepping back behind the construction sign that seemingly disappeared in a flash of light along with the sound of laughter.