Life, Love and Death through Time and Space
Chapter Four
by
Sabrina Lonewalker
Grace watched as he manipulated the controls as they followed the signal the TARDIS had picked up. She thought back on that vacation and smiled softly, her face lit with the memory of him making love to her. He had told her so much with himself that he wouldn't or couldn't express in words. Then, abruptly, she was pulled back to the present.
"Grace?" He looked at her. "Yes?" He smiled, "We've landed and I think you're going to need your medical kit. We've landed in the middle of a war." She nodded and got her bag. They stepped out into chaos.
"Where are we?" She asked as they moved out of the TARDIS. He looked around, "Tamillis 4, year 5461. This planet was settled by humans so you shouldn't have any trouble treating them. Come, this way."
He took her hand and led her to a large tent that had been set up. She looked at him, "They know you, don't they?" He nodded, "Yes, I've worked with them before in this sector." A tall man with dark red hair wearing a white coat came up to them, his face lighting up in recognition, "Doctor! You got our message." The Doctor nodded, "Yes, I did. Allow me to introduce my wife, Dr Grace Holloway." The red haired man's face lit up. "Hello and welcome, I'm Chief Surgeon Rhys Darian. We can use all the medical personnel we can get." Grace was smiling, it was the first time The Doctor had publicly acknowledged her as his wife and it felt so good to her.
Grace shook his hand, "I'm a cardiac surgeon." Rhys smiled, "Good, we could use a good one, we're so overwhelmed and have been for awhile now." She looked at her Doctor, "I know, they need you. I'll be fine, here, I can help." He smiled and kissed her cheek, "Be careful, my angel." Grace smiled, "You too, ok?" He nodded, squeezed her hand and headed off to where three men in uniform were waiting for him.
She watched him go then, turned back to Doctor Darian. "Where do you want me to start?" From that point on, Grace was busier than she had ever been back in San Francisco, even on a Saturday night in the ER. In fact, she lost track of time until, finally, Rhys pulled her away from an empty surgery table and made her sit down. "Here, you need this," he said, wrapping her hands around a steaming mug of coffee.
She took a sip and sighed in relief. "How long have we been at it?" She asked. Rhys smiled, "Oh, only about seventeen hours. You are good, Dr. Holloway, very good but now, you look exhausted." Grace gave a tired smile, "I am. Where will we sleep? I know he's probably not back yet."
Rhys smiled, "Actually, he's right behind you." Grace turned and there he was, smiling but also looking tired. She stood up and he pulled her to him. "I missed you." he said simply. Grace smiled, "I know but, we're not done here, are we?" He sighed, "No, I'm afraid not. However, we may have found a way to make them leave." Grace nodded.
They went into the TARDIS to rest and both slept, nestled in each others arms. There were nights when they would just sleep, only wanting each others company and then there were nights when he needed her as only a man can need a woman. Those were the nights she revelled in, feeling him against her, in her and permeating every part of her.
They were on this planet for almost eight months until finally, the Daleks were driven away. Grace continued helping in the make shift infirmary and really made a difference, repairing massive injuries, treating heart patients, doing what she could even when there was no hope. Then, she would comfort the families, crying with them, being there for them to talk to.
When the Doctor came for her the last night they were there, he found her curled up asleep in a corner on a couple of blankets and covered by another that Rhys had put down for her. The scrubs she was wearing had blood all down the front and they were rumpled and creased. He smiled at her and then looked over at Rhys.
The red haired doctor grinned, "She's one of the best surgeons I've ever seen work. You have a real treasure there, Doctor." The Doctor's smile was soft, "I know, I'm very lucky to have her in my life." Rhys nodded, "Will you two be leaving now?" The Doctor nodded, "It's best that we do. Our leaving is one of the conditions for the Daleks leaving. Surprisingly enough, they do keep their word." Rhys extended his hand, "Thanks, I really mean it, Thank you."
The Doctor returned the handshake and scooped the sleeping Grace into his arms and carried her into the TARDIS. He set the auto-pilot and then carried her to their room. He stripped off the bloody scrubs, placed her in bed and covered her gently with the blanket. He smiled as she settled into the bed, snuggling her head against the pillow. He leaned down and kissed her cheek then, he headed back to the control room so that she could rest. It wasn't easy for him to leave her there alone but, he had work to do in the control room that would keep him busy.
End Part Four