It wasn't until they were all inside that he really looked at them…and well they were a mess. Donna was still wearing bloody jeans and they all were covered in dust from the blast. And he couldn't miss the exhaustion on their faces.

He moved them away from Earth and then smiled broadly at them, winking at Anna who seemed a bit unsure. She looked like someone who didn't quite know the procedure but was willing to learn.

"All right," he told them. "I think we could all use a good clean up and some rest. We can figure out where to go when everyone is up again."

Jack just smiled easily and walked away, his steps sluggish. Donna waited though, looking from the Doctor to Anna but the Doctor shooed her away gently.

"You go on. I'll explain everything…well not everything because that would take a long time…but…just go get some sleep."

Donna smiled at him and nodded. As she walked away, without looking back she called out, "Love you space man."

This wasn't new; it was a familiar exchange now. In the beginning it had been hard to let those three words out but she had shown him that he didn't need to be afraid of them. He also thought it helped that he wasn't in love with her, so his hearts remained his-he looked at Anna- mostly.

"Love you Donna."

When his eyes found Anna's he saw a gentle amusement in them. "All right, head that way, don't worry she will take care of you. If you want to explore you can go in any room that the door opens. And if you need anything I will be around."

"Okay," she agreed and began to walk away. "Goodnight, Doctor."

"Goodnight, Anna."

She disappeared from sight and the thought crossed his mind to escort her, but she didn't look like she needed him so he flopped down on the seat.

DW

He had said that 'she' would take care of her, and while she couldn't fully understand she realized that she was the ship. And while there weren't any pictures or words she felt a wisp of information calling her in the direction she was supposed to go.

She didn't try any doors, waiting until she felt the call to stop and she reached for the door handle in front of her. She swung it open, the light coming on as she did, and saw a large room. It was clearly a bedroom…her new bedroom…and she loved it.

The walls were a pale blue, and it held a large bed, a desk, a dresser and a couple of chairs. Stepping in and opening the two doors inside she found a large bathroom and a closet full of clothing.

Well, she supposed, a shower would certainly be welcome, and she searched the dresser finding pajamas. Once she was in the bathroom, already stocked with everything she could want, she let the water wash away the traces of the night.

She breathed in the coconut shampoo and smiled. This was strange, beyond strange but it felt good here, like she was welcome.

Once dressed again, and having located a pair of slippers she placed her hand on the wall. She didn't know if was going to be received but she still gave a quiet thank you. She walked back to the door, her mind to wild to rest, and looked out into the hall. She took a right.

DW

The TARDIS didn't need anything done, and he suspected that she wouldn't take it well if he tried, but he wasn't sure what to do with himself. Aside from a shower, that is. He should sleep, but his mind wasn't going to let that happen so he didn't try to fight it.

Instead he rose, to make a familiar trip before he would clean up. He came to Jack's room first, opening the door slowly. Often he would find him awake and Jack would flash him an understanding smile and a few words would be exchanged, but tonight there was only darkness and the slow stead breathing.

He closed the door behind him with a smile, and moved on. He did this because he couldn't help himself. Checking on them made him take comfort in the knowledge that he had kept them safe another day and that he wasn't alone.

He reached Donnas room next, and opened the door to find the room dimly lit. She wouldn't tell him what adventure had caused the sudden aversion to complete darkness but it had been recent.

She was asleep, on her stomach, her right arm hanging off the bed. He moved in with the stealth of practice and tucked it back under the blankets. He brushed aside her hair and kissed her temple before retreating.

In the hall he realized that if Anna stayed, and he hoped she did, he would be adding her to this trip. But tonight he feared that it was too soon. He didn't want to scare her so he went to take his shower.