'You know, I've been thinking…' Rose looked up from her spot on the bed, placing the book she was reading beside her.

'Mm, good for you…' Came the reply from the chair facing her.

'Shut up!' Rose calls over, but a mere shrug of the shoulders is her only reply. 'I was thinking, we've had some pretty depressing stops, the last few times. Maybe we should go somewhere fun.'

The Doctor looks up from his book and turns to stare at her fully; she nods a bit and smiles. 'Fun how? Fun where?'

'I don't know, like a party…or a play? Theatre? Somewhere light hearted.' Rose informs him. She's getting rather tired of being put through the emotional wringer. It's starting to take a toll on her. Now, she wants somewhere fun, somewhere that won't require the three of them to be saving people all the time.

'But you don't know where?' The Doctor asked and Rose went off in thought.

'I gave you options…always quick to shoot them down but never offer your own,' Rose grinned, but it quickly vanishes as she becomes serious. 'The only reason I'm suggesting it, is because it's been pretty emotionally taxing the last few times. I mean, Donna wanted to go home just hours ago…I just thought maybe we could go somewhere where the world doesn't depend on us. So we can have a good time…'

'I agree with you on the last part.' The Doctor nods and gets up. He sits on the end of the bed and looks over at Rose. He doesn't want to have her continuing to go through the emotionally devastating trips they seem to have taken as of late. Continuing to see her in that much pain only causes him to break.

'Somewhere fun…' She reiterates. 'For all our sakes.'

'Yeah, yeah that does sound good,' The Doctor agrees and Rose crawls over to him. She swings her legs over the side of the bed and rests her head on his shoulder. 'I'll think of something fun.'

'I'll let Donna know in the morning.' Rose informs him and he nods.

'All right.'

'Thank you.' Rose says softly, pulling him down for a deep kiss. She breaks it and it leaves him rather dazed.

'What for?'

'For agreeing with me.'

'You make a good case. Besides…I can't continue to see you so broken up all the time.' The Doctor admits and Rose tilts her head in surprise.

'Really?' Rose inquires and he nods.

'Yeah, I can't bear it.'

'This'll help.' Rose promises and he smiles, keeping her close to him. Now, the task fell to him as to pick a place that they could enjoy. That in itself is tricky. Rose, he knew, would be happy anywhere. She's just that easy going. It was Donna. Would she even go for something like that? This is going to keep him up at night, figuring this out.

Rose turns from her side to her back, covering her eyes as the lighting increases. She yawns and sits up, turning her attention to the small seating area, the Doctor is laying on his back, staring off into nothingness. Rose pushes back the covers and walks over to him. He turns to her and smiles as she kneels beside him.

'You look like you're thinking of something.' Rose comments and sits on the floor.

'Yeah, all night. Figured it out.'

'Figured what out?' Rose leans back a bit.

'Where I'm going to take you and Donna.' The Doctor enjoys the smile that breaks out on Rose's face. Her eyes light up and she embraces him.

'Tell me where!' She demands, as she pulls away.

'No. You'll find out when we get there,' He smiles as she pouts, but nevertheless, she springs to her feet and heads for the door. 'Where are you going?'

'I have to let Donna know!' Rose called out as she disappears around the corner. The Doctor sits up and stares at the door for a bit before getting up himself and deciding to go to the console room.

Rose continues her light jog down the halls as she tries to find Donna's room. She delighted, elated that the Doctor thought of somewhere to go. Finally this was the opportunity they needed to just relax and have a nice break. No one would need their assistance; they could enjoy each other's company and just be themselves. And Rose wouldn't actually mind if this little trip could be a date, well, as much as it can be.

She finally finds Donna's door, but it's still shut. She hesitates for a moment as she decides what to do. She's so excited that she wants to share the news with Donna, however if she's still sleeping, she doesn't want to wake her up. Rose is quiet for a few minutes as she tries to decide what to do. Deciding she can't contain her glee any longer, Rose knocks softly and takes a step back as she hears shuffling and the door opens.

Donna looks a bit surprised and rather tired as she studies Rose, who stands before her, still dressed in her own pyjamas. Donna inwardly grins, no wonder the Doctor finds her attractive, who wouldn't?

Rose instantly feels guilty as Donna rubs her eyes and tries to appear somewhat put together.

'Rose, is everything okay?' Donna inquires and ties the belt on her robe tighter.

'Yeah, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you.' Rose replies.

'Oh, I wasn't sleeping. Been awake for a bit. I'm just still tired.' Donna admitted and stifled the oncoming yawn.

'Oh, well, sorry to interrupt the quiet,' Rose tried and thought about how to phrase the next part. 'Um, I know we've been kind of hitting some pretty emotional taxing places as of late.'

'You think? I'm getting rather tired of that.' Donna interjects.

'That's why I convinced the Doctor to take us somewhere fun.' Rose informs her and Donna frowns at the statement.

'Fun? How do you mean fun? Like alien fun?'

'Well, I don't know. He hasn't actually told me where we're going yet.' Rose admitted and Donna narrows her eyes.

'He's going to take us to some alien planet.' Donna reiterates and Rose shakes her head.

'No, I don't think so…' Rose goes off in thought and wonders where exactly he might take them.

'You say that, but you don't know for sure,' Donna quips and Rose nods her head in agreement. 'Well, where is he now?'

Rose ponders the question for a moment, trying to think of where he would be. Not in his room anymore. She's certain that once she had left, he would as well. It only leads her to the logical conclusion. 'I'm betting the console room.'

'I figured. Let me get dressed and I'll join you.' Donna replies and Rose grins. She notices her door has now appeared beside Donna's and Rose motions behind her.

'I'll get dressed as well, and we can go together.'

'That's fine, I won't take long.' Donna and Rose separate and head into their respective rooms.

Rose doesn't know what to wear. Where are they going? Is it formal, informal, casual or semi formal? What should she do? Rose studies the remaining clothes in her closet as she tries to decide. She settles on a pair of black pants, so what to pair with it? She hums and haws as she decides on just wearing a jacket with it. It's still on the casual side, but there isn't much she can do about that.

She steps back out into the hall, noticing that Donna's door is still shut, Rose leans against the opposite wall. She's finding it hard to keep her excitement at bay; she can't remember the last time they've done something like this, without it having turned into stopping some kind of evil.

The sound of the door opening rouses Rose from her thoughts and she smiles as Donna steps out of her room as she smoothes her shirt down. Donna turns her attention to Rose and smiles, looks like they were both unsure of what to wear. Except, Rose had been smart, she chose pants. Donna looked at the skirt she was wearing. Maybe she should change into something more functional.

'Ready?' Rose asked, and together they started down the hallway.

'I don't know why I'm feeling nervous.' Donna admitted and Rose turned back to her.

'I'm feeling a bit anxious myself. It isn't often we go off on something like this,' Rose paused to ponder something. 'After all, he still owes me a trip to Barcelona.'

'Barcelona? Why not just take a plane? Course, with this box, it'd probably be faster.' Donna replies.

'Oh, no. Barcelona the planet, not the city.' Rose smiles.

'Oh…' Donna looks down momentarily. 'Why haven't you gone yet?' Donna watches as Rose stops, and she does as well.

'I um…' Rose becomes quiet, twisting the end of her jacket, and remembers the incident like it was yesterday. 'I said no…I wanted to go home instead.' Donna notices the softness in Rose's voice, how her voice cracked slightly.

She doesn't understand what has changed in Rose's demeanour. It's like she's remembered something awful. Donna doesn't want to pry; they are still warming up to each other. What if it's something personal, like back at Vesuvius? No, if Rose wants to tell her, she will. Donna won't pry the information out of her, but it must be another episode between the Doctor and herself, one that Donna can't possibly understand. She has so many questions to ask her, how long has she been travelling with him?

'Rose, can I ask you something?' Donna resumes walking with Rose.

'Sure.' Rose smiles as they turn another corner.

'Just how long have you been with the Doctor?' Donna questioned and Rose inwardly smiles.

'Since 2005.' Rose replies and Donna blinks. Rose is remembering their first meeting and Donna notices the small intimate smile that spreads across her face.

'That long…?'

'Yeah. It has been awhile I guess.' Rose agreed and Donna smiled. No wonder she marvels at them. Look how long they've been together. Of course, she still wants to ask more of her. But she doesn't want to push it.

'Are you sure you're having a good time with us?' Rose watches as a pensive look etches itself across Donna's face.

'Yeah, I mean…it hasn't been dull that's for sure. Yeah, I am glad I came.' Donna concluded and Rose grinned. Together, they round a corner and spot the console room. What they don't see is the Doctor, they exchange puzzled looks and continue walking. Still nothing as they enter and Donna looks around. Immediately, Rose goes over to the open grating and kneels down.

'Doctor?' Rose calls down, he sticks his head up and it causes Rose to fall backwards from the surprise.

'Sorry…' He replies as Rose gives him an unimpressed look. He hauls himself out and Rose widens her eyes in surprise. Slowly a huge smile breaks out onto her face.

'What are you wearing?!' Rose questions and Donna comes over to join them.

'Rather fancy. Even for you,' Donna looks down to the footwear, same old shoes. 'No, I take it back. That's you all over.'

Rose can't take the smile off her face. The suit he's wearing more resembles one he'd wear around the late 1910's. It's so formal, even for him. She can't take her eyes off of it. It suits him; rather well, she can't help but notice.

'Yeah, we all know my choice of footwear isn't going to change,' The Doctor remarks and he smiles slightly as he steals a glance at Rose. Her grin is from ear to ear and he loves how she still continues to marvel at even the smallest of things. 'What you both are wearing, isn't going to cut it. You'll have to change.'

'Change? Where are you taking us, Spaceman?' Donna demands and the Doctor smiles.

'Somewhere formal, so go find something that will fit the period of 1917.' The Doctor replies and Rose nods, curiosity gnaws at her. She reaches for Donna's hand and leads her back into the hallway.

Donna doesn't know what to think, although, seeing Rose in such a state of excitement, is starting to rub off on her. It's almost as if she revels in the mystery of not knowing where they are going. She lets Rose continue to lead her down the twisting hallways for sometime until they reach a set of pine wood doors.

'I guess you've never been here before, have you?' Rose inquires and Donna shakes her head.

'I don't even know where here is.'

'This is the Wardrobe Room.' Rose reaches for the matte black door handle.

'A what?' Donna mind doesn't grasp what Rose has just told her. Donna gapes at the vastness of the room before her. Rose walks in, seemingly unfazed, and walks towards a spiral staircase.

Donna gingerly takes a few steps inside. She can't believe the sheer volume of clothes amassed over time.

'Sorry about the mess. It's been like this since I can remember. It's organised chaos to him, I'm sure.' Rose informs her as she waits by the stairs.

Donna doesn't know how to respond to that, so she stays quiet, continuing to look around her, it's only when she hears the footsteps on the stairs that Donna begins to follow Rose down to another level. On this level, it appears to be more organised. It's also full with a lot of women's clothing. Donna just can't believe what she's seeing. Rose has already gone up to a rack and Donna follows her. It is period clothing and Donna frowns.

'Wow…' Is all she can manage to say. Rose smiles and begins to slide clothes along the rack. She picks out a heavier black pea styled wool coat. It's trimmed with mink fur along the cuffs and hem. She drapes it over the side of the chair, next to the stairs as she continues to look.

Donna manages to find something that catches her interest, a beautiful sapphire coloured dress and she pulls it off the rack, holding it up to herself. Trying to decide if this is something she'd want to wear.

'Donna, that's beautiful.' Rose has her attention on Donna, Donna makes a bit of a face.

'Do you think so? It's heavy.' Donna indicates and Rose feels the fabric between her fingers.

'Yeah, that's silk. But it will look good on you.' Rose reiterates and she has a dress in her hand as well.

'That's not bad. It's colourful.' Donna observed and Rose smiled.

'Well, let's see how they look on.' Rose takes one last look at the dress and she heads up the stairs to try it on, while Donna remains on the bottom level.

'Rose, are you finished?' Donna calls up and she watches as Rose leans over the railing, nodding.

'I'm on my way down.' Rose calls down.

Rose starts down the stairs, hauling the dress up so she doesn't trip and feels her jaw drop as she sets her eyes upon Donna.

The blue of the dress compliments Donna's features. The evening dress is heavy silk with metallic bullion. There is also an ivory silk underskirt edged with bullion lace, which has short sleeves. There is a brooch placed on the left shoulder.

'That's beautiful Donna.' Rose smiles and Donna nods slightly.

'Thanks, it's not so bad on.' Donna confirms and equally likes the dress that Rose has picked. It is an iridescent purple chiffon, calf length tunic with an inverted 'V' hem at the front and pointed back trimmed with metallic bronze fringe. The undress is dusky blue jacquard with a rather stylized chrysanthemum pattern. There is a small train at the back trimmed in fur with metallic bronze lotus leaves, coupled with the same trimming for the V neck bodice and a long shoulder down short kimono sleeves. There is a bronze lace trimmed inset with gold print on crème chiffon overlay; a crushed wide chocolate velvet ribbon sash is tied at the back, in a bow.

'How do you like this one? It is too busy?' Rose inquires as she bends down to put on the shoes she's decided to wear.

'No, it suits you. It really does. Kinda bohemian.' Donna confirms as she slips on her shoes. She picks up the coat she decided to wear. It's a rather larger styled wool coat, doubled breasted, ruched along the sides. It has fur along the neckline and hem.

'Hopefully this will work.' Rose picks up the coat and walks up the stairs to the main level.

'I am not changing again.' Donna stated adamantly and follows Rose out of the room and back into the hallway.

They continue to walk down the halls until they eventually find the console room again. Rose heads right over to the open grating and Donna sets her coat on the chair.

'Hope this works for you.' Rose calls down and the Doctor pokes his head up.

'Much better. Where's Donna?' He likes the bohemian look on Rose. She can personalise anything.

'Right here, Spaceman. Now, do we get to know where we're going?' Donna crosses her arms.

'Step outside and find out.' The Doctor replies and Rose frowns. She goes over and takes her coat, putting it on and she joins Donna at the door. Rose looks back to the Doctor who is standing by the console and grinning. She flashes him a crooked grin and Donna goes down and opens the door. Rose feels her jaw drop and she rushes to join her.

Together, the two of them step out onto a cobble, snowy road. Big flakes fill the night sky settling themselves on the road, street lamps; it quickly accumulates wherever it lands. Rose turns back to the Doctor as he steps out and locks the TARDIS behind him. Rose embraces him tightly and he smiles.

'So you approve?' The Doctor asked and Rose nods vigorously.

'Oh, yes!'

'Donna?'

'Did all right, Spaceman. But really, where are we?' Donna crosses her arms and waits.

'We're in Moscow, November 1917. Moscow! It isn't like a usual city, it's more than just buildings erected. No! It has soul; it has its own life. Russia has time and history etched into every stone. Its history is strong and rich.' The Doctor gestured around them. He pauses as Donna turns to him, Rose is still clinging to his arm. They want to know why he chose Russia. 'I thought we should go see the infamous Russian Ballet. Tamara Karsavina is the star tonight.'

'Prima Ballerina, Doctor.' Donna corrected and he shrugged.

'We're going to see the Russian Ballet?' Rose repeated and the Doctor nods, causing her to smile widely.

'Yeah, Karsavina is going to be performing one of the roles that made her famous, Medora in Le Corsaire.' The Doctor took Rose's hand as they started to walk down the nearly empty street. Rose watches the people stroll along, enjoying the scenery, the atmosphere. However, she catches just as many people in uniforms, they appear to be in the army. She frowns.

'Doctor, why are there so many men in uniform?' Rose points to a small group of them. They don't look like soldiers that are fighting in the army. It is still 1917, and the war isn't over yet. Yet somehow, they don't look like soldiers from the front lines.

'Well, Tsar Nicholas just abdicated in March, so they're part of the Red Army. The Red Army now has control of many key places in Russia.'

'Lenin leads them, right? They're Bolsheviks?' Rose questioned and he nods.

'That's right.'

'You've brought us right in the middle of a revolution?' Donna states, and narrows her eyes.

'No, course not. It's a revolution in progress,' The Doctor corrects. 'But it's fine. The White Army is still around.' The Doctor assures them, Rose doesn't really care. She will gladly take the danger with the attempts at normalcy. Donna, well, she's a bit different. She wants the promise of safety, and that just simply can't be promised. There's always the chance that something can go wrong, but Rose guesses that you just come to accept that over time. She has.

They continue their walk through the Moscow streets, the snow adding a comfortable feeling in the air as they approach the Moscow theatre. It's a marvellously grand building. It drips with opulence and Rose finds herself staring at it in disbelief. Its axial symmetry plan coupled with exterior ornamentation, drew the crowds to the building. It had to, because it's so grand. There are marble friezes, columns and lavish statuary.

There are gilded galvanoplastic bronze busts that depict many of the century's greatest composers that are positioned on the theatre's front façade. There are also statues depicting Russian liberators, they look very new. Lenin and Trotsky are a few of the faces that Rose recognises. There are also the remnants of some busts that have been destroyed. Rose wonders if they belonged to the monarchy through the ages.

The Doctor holds his arm out and Rose takes it, they start up the stairs trying to catch up to Donna, who is waiting at the top. Rose hopes that Donna likes it just as much as she does. The Doctor steals a look at Rose, whose eyes are as big as saucers as she continues to drink in every detail of the Theatre.

When they've reached the top, Donna smiles slightly at them and turns to head inside. Rose bites her lip in anticipation and holds her breath as they enter the interior.

The interior consists of interweaving corridors, stairwells, alcoves and landings. Rich with velvet, gold leaf, and cherubim and nymphs, the interior is characteristic of Baroque sumptuousness. The vast and richly decorated foyers allow the Theatre patrons to mingle during the intervals. The vault of the avant foyer is covered with delightful mosaics in stunning colours on a gold background. Rose stops and finds herself staring at the grand staircase that is before them. The staircase is built in marble that appears to be in various colours, the double stairway leads to the foyers as well as different levels of the auditorium.

Even Donna has stopped to take in the magnificent opulence that is spread before her. She can't believe the dedication it took to complete something so grand. She's at a loss for words. Donna takes a quick look back to Rose, who seems equally at a loss. Her eyes are big, and she is staring at the staircase. The Doctor takes her hand and leads her over to where Donna is standing, when he approaches her, he takes her hand as well. He leads them up the grand staircase and together they stand on the landing to observe the foyer beneath them. To their right and left are stairways, each into an auditorium.

Once more, the Doctor leads them up the stairway on the right and they walk into an auditorium just as grand as the foyer. It is red and gold on the inside, the lighting is provided by an immense crystal chandelier. The chandelier is placed against the backdrop of the brightly coloured ceiling. The horseshoe shaped auditorium resembles an Italian style. There are a vast number of red velvet seats, too many to count. But they are numerous in number, well over a thousand. The house curtain is a magnificent painted canvas that imitates a draped curtain with gold braid and pompoms.

Rose covers her mouth; truly, she has never seen anything more stunning. And it's on Earth. She has seen some stunning things while on her travels, but nothing compares to this. The planning and dedication for this to come from a thought in someone's mind, to her walking in the Theatre, is almost impossible.

'It's…I mean…' Rose tries to form a sentence to describe what she's seeing.

'Rose is right…I mean, all of this is, is so…' Donna trails off as they continue to walk down the aisle. Taking their seats in the middle of the auditorium.

'Grand? Opulent? Lavish?' The Doctor asks and Donna just nods.

'Take your pick.' Donna informs them. They are forced to stand up as another couple shuffles by them and into their seats. Rose turns behind her to look at the doors as more people begin to enter. They file through the aisles, finding their seats and a murmur settles into the air as everyone begins to chat.

'At least they are trying to keep some sense of normalcy.' Rose observed the affluent crowd.

'What do you mean?' Donna inquires.

'Well I mean, their king has just abdicated and their country is on the brink of civil war.' Rose remembers and Donna sits back thinking.

'Where is the king now?' Donna asks and the Doctor thinks.

'I honestly don't know, Alexander Palace?' He responds but in truth he isn't sure, Nicholas has been under observation for some time, his whole family has, but whether they remain at the Alexander Palace, or if they have been moved, is something he never explored in depth.

'Why did he abdicate?' Donna wonders. Why hasn't the next in line stepped forward? Or a relative if there is no next in line.

'Oh, it was many factors.' The Doctor informs them and both Donna and Rose turn to face him. But he remains quiet, not elaborating further.

'Such as…' Donna motions with her hand.

'Where to start?' The Doctor wondered aloud, mostly to himself.

'Start at the beginning. Not the beginning, I mean what factors led him to abdicate?' Donna clarified and Rose repositioned herself, closer to the Doctor so she could hear.

'In 1915, Nicholas was at the front lines; he left his wife Alix, or Alexandra, in charge of the government at Petrograd. Authority appeared to have collapse, strikers and mutineering conscript soldiers appeared to have been running the government.'

'Didn't she try to stop it?' Rose asked, but the Doctor shook his head.

'No. It was a British Ambassador that promised change for the demonstrators once Nicholas returned. But he actually made no effort to solve the problem and stayed as far away as possible.'

'So it left the court open for…well, I guess anything. Like an uprising.' Rose surmised.

'That's right. By the time 1917 rolled around, the army had taken fifteen million men from the farms. That caused food prices to soar. Then the winter dealt the railway systems, which were already overburdened with supplies, the final blow.'

'Wasn't anyone telling Nicholas this? I mean, wasn't he in communication with his government?' Donna questioned.

'When you're married to an overbearing and domineering woman like Alexandra, who knows what she actually told him. She could have glossed over fundamental details.' The Doctor informed them.

'So, what happened?' Rose wondered.

'Food shortages hit Petrograd. People started breaking into shops to get supplies for their families. The police shot people from the rooftops and that led to riots. The people began to call for Alexandra's fall. Even the police questioned their loyalty to the regime.'

'And Nicholas still didn't come back?' Donna questioned, surprised at how severely things had gotten back home.

'That's the funny thing. His Cabinet begged him to come back. But the information relayed to him, five hundred miles away, actually stated that everything was under control. So, he ordered that the demonstrators be dealt with.'

'That's…' Rose tried to imagine the chaos that the city fell into, but she can't finish her sentence.

'It only got worse from there. All of the Regiment Guards, supposedly loyal to the regime, started abandoning the monarchy and joined the revolutionists. Even the Preobrazhensky Regiment of Guards. That order was the oldest and was founded by Peter the Great,' The Doctor looks at both Rose and Donna, who are staring at him, quiet, waiting to hear more. He lowers his voice, trying not to draw attention to himself. 'Order broke down and the Duma formed a Provisional Government to try and reestablish order. But it's hard to change the tides of a revolution once its taken hold. So, the Duma and the Soviet formed a decision that Nicholas must abdicate. He agreed because he had no generals, no loyal troops and his family was in the hands of the Provisional Government.'

'So, who is leading the country?' Donna inquired and the Doctor frowned.

'At first the throne passed to Alexey. Then, Grand Duke Michael. But Michael wouldn't accept the throne until the people were allowed to vote through a Constituent Assembly on whether or not they wanted a monarchy or a republic. But now, it's a shared power between the Provisional Government and the Soviets. It'll be a power struggle for some time.'

The three of them are forced to get up again as more people shuffle by them to take their seats. The show must be starting soon; Rose turns to the auditorium doors and notices that a steady stream of people continues to pour the doors.

'Well, Rose is right. At least they're to maintain some sort of a normal life.' Donna remembers what Rose had said earlier.

'The autocratic system may be gone, but that doesn't mean the aristocrats can't try to cling to a sense of the familiar. It's the only life they've known.' The Doctor agreed and turns to Rose, who is studying their surroundings and the people who chat amongst themselves.

'Do they even care?' Rose drops her voice as she leans in to the Doctor and questions him.

'It's still new to them. I imagine that they assume that things may just go back to being normal. That the reality of not having a monarchy, especially one that's ruled for three centuries, hasn't sunk in yet.'

'They're in for a rude surprise. I mean they want the wealth spread among the people. They aren't going to stand for the upper class much longer.' Donna observes.

'They'll leave,' Rose says suddenly. 'They'll flee. They won't stay. And they won't give up their wealth for the rest of Russia.'

'Maybe…' Donna responds, and her attention is drawn to the ceiling as the lights begin to dim indicating the show is about to start.

Rose takes the Doctor's hand in hers as a hush falls over the audience. She gives him a smile and he returns it. She looks brilliant; the colours of the dress suit her immensely. He's glad she mentioned the idea to do something fun, low-key.

The curtain rises and out steps the Prima Ballerina, Tamara Karsavina. Rose thinks she looks stunning. Truly beautiful and the costumes are gorgeous.

Rose is absorbed in the play, and yet, something catches her eye. There seems to be shuffling occurring behind the curtain. She frowns a bit as she tries to concentrate on the ballet. She starts to notice a murmur behind her as the patrons have started to notice it as well.

A man stumbles onto the stage, interrupting the performance. Everyone is silent as they wait to see what will happen. He has trouble keeping his balance, and Rose figures he must be intoxicated. He's wearing the same uniform that Rose saw on the men when they first approached the Theatre. He's part of the Red Army, which causes Rose to swallow nervously. Why is he here?

'You self entitled bastards! Flaunting your money, while the rest of Russia starves to death!' The man yells into the crowd. 'Why don't you help us?! You support the former Tsar, and for what?! He led to the break down of Russia! Him and that German woman!'

The audience is silent, Rose looks to the Doctor, but he too has a pensive look on his face and remains quiet. A creak in a chair draws everyone's attention as an older man stands up. Ignoring his wife's pleas to sit down.

'You lump us all together, sir,' The man states firmly. 'And yet, you do not know what we do for those who are in the most dire of circumstances.'

'You support the Tsar, that's all anyone needs to know. Together you all stand for the very idea we want to destroy.' The man responds and quietly he reaches into his pocket. Before anyone can react, he's drawn a pistol and shot the man in the head. He slumps down back into his chair and his wife lets out a horrific shriek. Taking the hint, the rest of the audience scrambles to their feet and scream. On stage, more men from the Red Army pour out from behind the curtain, confused until the man points to the body.

The gunfire is deafening as bullets are launched into the crowd. The Doctor takes Rose and Donna's hands, trying to lead them out. However, as they reach the aisle, the rest of the crowd is constantly knocking into them. Rose's hand slips from the Doctor's as she lost in the crowd. More and more people push past her as they try and reach the doors. Rose is falling back, closer to the stage and she's worried that the gunfire will hit her. She can't even see the Doctor anymore, or Donna, nor hear their voices as they try to call out to her. The man in front of her drops to the ground, dead and she steps over him as she makes her way for the exit. Smoke is filling the room, making her vision hazy as she is finally able to make it onto the grand staircase. But still, she can't see the Doctor or Donna.

The patrons continue to push themselves into her and before she knows it, she's being pushed down the stairs and into the foyer. Mass panic is directing the crowd now as they make their way to freedom. Hoping that they will be left alone once they are in the streets. However, the Red Army has followed them into the staircase and the barrage of bullets launch themselves at the crowd again. Screams fill the foyer again, reverberating off the walls and Rose is pushed into the streets.

She desperately tries to separate herself from the crowd but finds that she can't. She still can't see the Doctor or Donna and she tries to call out for them. Her voice lost among the sea of terrified screams. The Red Army men continue their pursuit of the patrons out into the streets, continuing to open fire. Rose runs through the street, continuing to be pushed by a man as he tries to get away. She stops to catch her breath, panting and it causes the older man to as well. She tries to see if she can spot the Doctor or Donna but still nothing. A gunshot rings out in the night and the man who had been in front of Rose staggers backward and into her. As he falls to his death, Rose isn't able to move out of the way fast enough. He collapses onto her, pinning her under him and her head makes hard contact with the snowy ground. Instantly she looses consciousness, and a small pool of blood begins to form. Colouring the snow an angry shade of crimson.

A few hours have passed, and the madness has subsided. The Red Army has dealt with those responsible for the random shooting and the police have arrived to cart off those who didn't make it. They are speaking with the witnesses when a man passes by the crowds, and the police, on his way to the train station.

As he continues on his path, he notices the body of a portly well to do older man. The man shakes his head as he passes by, but abruptly stops as something catches his attention. There, underneath the man appears to be a second body. Curious, the man bends down and notices that the skin is not a shade of grey, but still rather warm as he takes the hand. Faintly, there is weak grip from the hand. It's delicate, slender and feminine. The man bends down and pushes the deceased body off of the young woman.

She looks like she belongs to the aristocracy, and her dress is very expensive in appearance. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a handkerchief, he wipes the blood off of her face. He leans down and puts his ear to her face. There is a faint breath on his cheek. She is indeed alive, but it appears she's had a rather nasty fall, judging by the blood from behind her head. She has no identification on her; he has no idea who her family might be, nor where she might live. Ever so carefully he scoops her up into his arms and walks towards the train station. As a doctor, he can help her and since he's on his way out of town he can give his undivided attention to her. If she doesn't live in Tobolsk or have family there, well, then he will pay for her fare back to where she lives.

'Any luck, Donna?!' The Doctor runs up to her, frantic. But she merely shakes her head.

'I've looked everywhere. I've turned the entire Theatre upside down.' Donna informs him and his look becomes even more desperate.

'She's not anywhere on the TARDIS. Donna, did you speak to anyone that the police spoke to?'

'Yes, Doctor. I spoke to anyone who would give me the time of day,' Donna confirms and feels her heart ache for him. He seems to be so utterly lost, unable to focus. She goes up to him and places her hand on his shoulder. 'We'll find her. Doctor, we will. She's still here.'

'This is all my fault!' He turns from her.

'It isn't anyone's fault. Now, focus!' Donna informs him. He turns back to her and she has her hands on her hips.

'But what if…I mean…all those bullets?'

'Stop! It won't do us any good to worry about things like that.' Donna reiterates and he hesitates before nodding.

'Right. You're right. Okay, we'll start looking around the building, then.' The Doctor stated and loosened his tie. There is no trace of her. It's like she's vanished into thin air. He and Donna each take a side and try to piece together the last moments of Rose.

The constant swaying is starting to get on her nerves; it's only aggravating the pain in her head. Rose slowly opens her eyes, the sinking sunlight assaults her eyes and immediately she closes them again. She lets out a groan and lifts herself to a sitting position. Again, she tries to open her eyes and tries to focus. She looks like she's in a train. Confused she looks around, she's alone and she hopes that the Doctor and Donna are somewhere close by.

The sound of a sliding door opening draws Rose's attention to the door as an older man with gold rimmed round glasses, a receding hairline and a long beard enters. He is tall, but stout and he maintains an air of incorruptibility. He has a kind face and smiles when he notices that she is awake.

'Ah, good afternoon my dear!' Rose breathes a sigh of relief, as she can still understand him. That means the TARDIS can't be too far away. She hopes.

'Hello…' Rose says apprehensively.

'How are you feeling? You've been out for nearly the whole day.'

'Good…I think. My head hurts…a lot.' Rose rubs her temples.

'Ah yes, well that will happen with the connection you made with the ground.' The man sits on one of the train seats. On the table, he is leaning his elbow on, are a wide array of medical supplies.

'What happened? The last thing I remember is the Red Army shooting at the Theatre…' Rose closes her eyes as she starts to remember the events.

'Ah well, I was hoping you could tell me. Far as I can tell, the gentleman who was on top of you was shot. He must have fallen on you. I don't know how long you were there for.'

'I was seeing the Ballet…with my friends. My friends! Sir, did you see a man and a woman with me? Or near me? The man has hair that kind of goes everywhere,' Rose gestures to her head. 'And the woman, she might have been shouting a lot?' The man's face becomes thoughtful.

'No, I'm sorry, but you were alone. I didn't see anyone with you. It was a rather isolated street.'

'Oh…' Rose looks down; she's getting a nervous feeling in her stomach.

'What's your name, my dear?' The man inquires and Rose looks up.

'It's Rose.'

'It's good to meet you Rose. My name is Dr. Evgeny Botkin.'

'It's nice to meet you,' Rose extends her hand and Botkin shakes it. 'Um, I'm sorry, if you don't mind me asking…where is it we're heading?'

'We're heading to Tobolsk. I must rejoin my employer. I'm afraid my little trip to Moscow was longer than I expected.'

'Tobolsk?! But I need to get back to my friends!' Rose cried out and tried to get up. Botkin stands places his hands on her shoulders, keeping her seated.

'I'm afraid not. Until I am confident that you have recovered. There may be underlying issues. I would like to keep you for observation. We'll be arriving at Tobolsk within the hour.'

Rose remained seated and looked out the window. She is going to Siberia. How is she ever going to let the Doctor know where she is? How is she going to get back to him?

'Dr. Botkin, my friend is a doctor too. I'm sure if I was sent back he can look after me. If you would be so kind as to send me back with a letter explaining my condition.' Rose tried and Botkin took off his glasses, giving them a quick clean.

'My dear, I saw no one around you who matched the descriptions you gave me. Now, I know you'd like to remain hopeful, but how do you know that they are not one of the casualties?'

'I…guess I don't…' Rose admitted and hugged herself.

'I cannot in all good faith send you back to Moscow, only for trouble to befall you. My spirit would be wracked with guilt. Once I am sure you are safe, I will pay for your ticket back to Moscow.' Botkin assured her and Rose gave a small nod. She feels sick because Siberia is so far away. How is she going to alert him to where she is? It's not like she can just pick up a phone and call him, she can't write him a letter, where would she address it to? Where would she send it? How is she going to get back to him…?

The Doctor is waiting outside the police station for Donna. She's in there trying to get information to see if maybe they had run into Rose, seen her or anything. Any clues that might help him piece together where she might be. It's nearly been twenty-four hours now. He can't think straight; all he wants to do is to find her. They haven't slept, and he knows Donna is getting tired. She wants to continue to help him, that's why she's in there asking. He just…can't.

He looks up as Donna walks down the stairs and to where he is standing. She looks exhausted. He'll have to take her back to the TARDIS. She needs to rest.

'Well?'

'Well, I asked them if they had found all the casualties from the shooting. He told me they did. I asked if they were able to identify all those they found. And…they told me they did. I described her to them…and they didn't come across anyone who matched that description.' Donna informed him and watched as he put his face into his hands.

'We're going back to the TARDIS.' The Doctor tells her and starts to walk towards the main street.

'What do you mean? Why are we giving up?' Donna quickens her pace to catch up with him.

'We're not. I have an idea. You can rest while I figure it out.' He looks back to her and she frowns.

'I'm not tired.' Donna states.

'It's been nearly twenty-four hours,' The Doctor counters. 'You're running on adrenaline.'

'What about you?' Donna asks softly.

'Sleep is the last thing on my mind.' He informed her, but Donna shook her head.

'Are you okay?'

'No.' He confesses.

'Stop blaming yourself.' Donna tells him as he stops to unlock the TARDIS. He turns to look back at her, wanting to say something, but he can't find the right words, and so he doesn't. He pushes the TARDIS doors open and steps inside.

Donna instantly feels tired the moment she steps inside. He was right; it was adrenaline, now all she wants is sleep.

'Go…you can rest. I'll be fine.' The Doctor is bent over the console and Donna frowns.

'I can help.' She states and he looks up to her.

'I know, but it'll be easier for me if I do it on my own. I'll come get you if I find anything.'

Reluctantly, Donna nods and walks towards the hall. She hesitates and turns back to the Doctor. She feels terrible for him. She knew that he'd pull apart worlds to get Rose back.

Rose continues to stare out the window as the train pulls up to a snowy town. For so long there had been nothing but barren fields. Forests, and certainly no people. Dr. Botkin has been company enough. He is a very nice man, and still very loyal to the former Tsar. But he never told her who his employer is.

Botkin watches the young woman as she stares out the window into nothing. She is clearly not from around these parts because of how she addresses him; he gathers that she must be a foreigner. She is not Russian. Certainly it is such a long way to travel to see a ballet, especially when there is so much turmoil threatening to tear a part the country. It teeters on the brink of civil war.

The poor girl looks so lost and depressed. These friends of hers must be very important. He shuts his book and watches as she draws her knees up to her chin, resting her cheek on them. Such odd behaviour for a young lady of standard, although he guesses the uncouth manners can be overlooked. It has been quite the day for her.

Rose watches the train station draws closer to her window. She closes her eyes and tries to stop the tears from falling. She misses him already.

The train slows to a halt and she watches as Botkin stands up and approaches her. She brushes some of the hair from her face and takes Botkin's outstretched hand. He smiles kindly to her and Rose looks down. She can't pretend that she'll be okay, because in reality, she isn't sure how she'll cope. She's in Siberia, alone. And she has no idea where in Moscow the Doctor is, how to reach him or how get back there.

'Come my dear…it won't be so bad. My employer is very nice and will treat you with the utmost kindness while I ensure you are healthy.'

'I'm sure they are…I just…need to know if my friends are okay.' Rose responded quietly.

'We live in hope. Especially during the difficult times we are facing. As soon as I know you are well enough, I will take you back to Moscow. And I will help you find your friends.' Botkin informs her and he is delighted to see Rose's face light up at that promise as they walk down the aisle.

'Do you mean that?'

'Of course. I am a man of my word. Since you have not mentioned any family, I understand the importance of finding them.' Botkin steps on the train station platform and extends his hand once more. Rose takes it and grounds herself on the platform. She looks around and feels the wind bite into her skin. It's beyond cold here!

Botkin goes back up to the train to collect his suitcase and rejoins Rose who is staring at the landscape.

'Come along my dear, the coach is waiting.' Botkin leads the way to through the station and to a very expensive looking stagecoach. Botkin greets the driver and then he opens the door for Rose to get in.

She takes one look back, over her shoulder, hoping and listening for familiar sounds of either the TARDIS or the Doctor shouting her name. But there is nothing. Just the howling sound of the wind. She climbs into the spacious coach and sinks into the leather bench when she sits. Botkin follows her in and sits at the opposing side. He sets his suitcase on his side and smiles at her.

'It will be just a short journey to the Governor General's house.' And Rose nods at Botkin's statement. At least she knows who his employer is. Rose leans her head on the heel of her hand and stares out the window.

She must have fallen asleep because the next thing that knows, Botkin is gently shaking her awake. She turns to look at him and he points out the window. There is a stunning house, constructed in the classical style, sprawled before. There is beautiful symmetry and proportion and although it seems to have influences in Baroque architecture, this house seems to have its planar qualities, rather than sculptural volumes.

The carriage continues its way along the driveway and up to the front entrance of the house. Rose has never met a Governor General before. She is rather intrigued. She takes in the house, as much as she can, as the carriage halts. A man in a very crisp looking suit opens the door; he smiles at Botkin and frowns as he sees Rose.

'Ah, Sergey, this is Rose. She'll be under my observation for a few days.'

'Good Evening, Miss Rose.' Sergey extends his hand and helps Rose out of the carriage.

'Hello, it's nice to meet you.' Rose smiles and Sergey frowns at the accent in which she's spoken to him in. Sergey smiles slightly before he reaches to take Botkin's suitcase.

'Come along, Rose.' Botkin motions for her to follow him into the house. She does and stares at the commotion going on. The house is busy! So many people dashing about the foyer, and Rose shakes out of her daze as she trots to catch up to Botkin. He is walking along the wall, past the drawing room and into the hallway.

As he comes across an ornate door, he stops and knocks. There is voice behind the door that beckons him to enter. Botkin opens the door and Rose remains put, unsure of what to do. He motions her forward and Rose sheepishly enters.

The room is simple enough. Not decorated that would show the taste of the Governor General. The room has carpeted floors, beige coloured walls and a rather large looking desk positioned behind large windows. The sinking sunlight streams through casting an orange glow in the room. But the air is heavy with the smell of smoke; it's like a thick curtain that has descended on the room. But Rose looks past that.

The green leather chair is facing the window, so Rose doesn't know who is in it. She lingers in the doorway, unsure of what to do.

'My dear, old friend. I'm glad to see you've returned safe.' A voice informs him.

'Of course, sir. Trouble is there, but I was lucky enough to avoid it.' Botkin nodded his head in agreement.

'Who have you brought along with you?' The man sees Rose's reflection in the window.

'Ah, yes,' Botkin motions Rose to come closer and she nods, she stands beside Botkin and holds her hands in front of her. 'Sir, this is Miss Rose. She had a bit of a run in with the Red Army while at the theatre in Moscow. She was injured; I hope you don't mind that I brought her here. Just for observation.'

'Injured, you say?' The man's voice is soft as he considers what Botkin has told him. The man turned the chair around and Rose inwardly gasped. One, because he looks like King George V and two, because the man has the kindest, sensitive, and gentlest velvet blue eyes she's ever seen. And yet they bear great hardship as well. Anxieties and thoughts, a lifetime's worth, all there behind them. So much like the Doctor's…

Rose remained stoic as she inwardly studies the man before her. His face bears signs of fatigue and listlessness, but they seem to disappear by his enduringly sad and wistful smile. His hair is greying at the temples, and there is much grey now evident in his reddish-brown beard. She grew more concerned as she noticed that his face has become weathered and wrinkled, with hollow cheekbones.

He is wearing a khaki soldier's shirt and officer's belt. So plain for a Governor…

'Thank you for allowing me to stay here.' Rose smiles and she melts as she sees his face break out into a genuine smile. It seems to be something that he has denied himself these days, because his face does light up when he smiles.

'Indeed, the more the merrier,' He replies and stands. Rose is surprised to see that he isn't a very tall man. He stands in front of Rose and looks her up and down. 'I welcome you, Rose, to the Governor General's house, my name is Nicholas.'

Rose tries to hide her shock, surprised that she is standing before the former Tsar…it has to be because he looks so similar to King George V. The 'handsome twins…' that's what they were called, she remembers.

She doesn't know what to say, she's speechless. 'Your…majesty…' Rose manages to get out.

'Ah,' He lets out a soft chuckle. 'That won't be necessary. It's Citizen Nicholas Alexandroviсh Romanov now. The rest of the world, power, politics, affairs of the state, are no longer apart of my thoughts.' Nicholas informs her and Rose automatically nods her head, still trying to recover from the shock of meeting the Tsar Nicholas.

'It is still an honour sir…' Rose replies and he lets out a soft laugh.

'You are kind,' Nicholas smiles, Rose feels herself returning it, it's infectious with him. She just wants to sit with him, have a conversation, and learn all she can about him. 'If you don't mind my saying, your accent is odd. I take you are from abroad. England?'

'Yes, I am.' Rose replies, she starts to twist her dress. Unaware that Nicholas has a gift for languages and he can speak English, even without the help of the TARDIS.

'An awfully long way to travel to see a ballet. Didn't the threat of civil war deter you? Or the Great War?' He inquires and crosses his arms.

'Oh…well…I was here visiting one of my friends. She…she lives here.' Rose lies, hoping that would be a good excuse.

'You've never been here before?'

'No, I haven't.'

'Then I am sorry your first time has become such an unpleasant experience. Especially the Red Army, for I have heard they are the worst culprits.'

'The ballet was wonderful.' Rose attempts to take his mind away from his country's troubles.

'Which one did you see?' He inquired and lights up another cigarette.

'Oh, um…Le Corsaire, with Tamara Karsavina.' Rose recalls and Nicholas nods thoughtfully.

'A wonderful ballet. Tamara is wonderful, she is very talented.'

A soft knock at the door and Sergey enters the room. 'Supper will be served soon, sir.' And Nicholas nods in understanding. Sergey departs, leaving the door open.

'How has Alexey been? I apologise for my delay in Moscow.' Botkin cleans his glasses as Nicholas walks towards the door with him.

'Good, there have been no flare-ups. We are doing our best to ensure he remains careful,' Nicholas informs him and Botkin nods thoughtfully. 'Rose? I hope you will join us for supper.'

Rose lingers in the room before she jogs to catch up with them. 'Are you sure? I mean, I won't be intruding?'

'Nonsense. I would welcome a change at our table.' Nicholas informs her and she inwardly can't believe it.

The three of them continue to walk down the hall until they have reached a formal dining area. There is a long table placed in the middle of the room, the wood is dark and polished to a high shine. The table has been for nine people, with beautiful china and expensive glassware.

Nicholas takes his seat at the head of the table, putting out the cigarette he had been smoking, and lighting up another. Botkin sits at the seat on Nicholas's left. Rose lingers in the archway. Unsure of where she should sit. Botkin stands and pulls the chair out beside him.

'Here Rose. We certainly won't make you have supper there while you're standing.' Botkin's comment draws a light laugh from Nicholas. Rose goes over to the chair Botkin has pulled out for her and she sits in it.

The sedate atmosphere is broken when Rose hears footsteps pounding on the floor. Nicholas turns his attention to the archway and Rose witnesses a young boy enter, followed by a brown spaniel.

'Alexey, what have you been told about running?' Nicholas questioned and put out the cigarette.

'Sorry Papa, but I was only playing a game with Joy.' Alexey informed him, the spaniel barked at her name being mentioned. Rose watched as the young boy's eyes became expressive; they were the blue like his fathers. But his eyes are bigger. She remembers suddenly the condition in which Alexey suffers from. Haemophilia. How she aches for him.

'Take care of your physical condition.' His father reminded him and Alexey looked to the table. He looks back up and stares at Rose who smiles slightly at him.

'This is Rose, Alexey,' Botkin informs him. 'She's joining us from Moscow.'

'Is she your daughter? Why did you bring her here, Dr. Botkin?' Alexey's inquisitiveness draws a hearty laugh from Botkin.

'No, no, Alexey. She is not my daughter, but rather my patient. For the time being.'

'It's nice to meet you.' Rose says and Alexey continues to stare at her.

'Why do you have an accent?'

'Alexey…' Nicholas warns.

'Oh, well, I'm from… from England.' Rose clears her throat.

'But that's so far away!' Alexey says and widens his eyes.

'Mind your manners.' Nicholas interjects, but his attention is turned to the doorway as a younger woman comes bounding into the room.

'Papa!' She greets him and places a kiss on his cheek.

'Anastasia, the guards have informed me of your behaviour. It's hardly good form to play tricks on them. It is becoming aggravating to them.' But he smiles affectionately at his little imp.

'But Papa, it's only in jest. Besides, they could use a laugh. They're much too serious.' Anastasia responds and it makes Rose smile. The infamous Anastasia.

She has inherited the blue eyes from the family and they are cornflower blue in colour. With long dark hair and an impish smile. She seemed to be less graceful, and didn't exude a formal exterior. She's more of free spirit, a tomboy, not one to be bound by conventional behaviour of a former Grand Duchess.

'Anastasia! Anastasia! Look, we have someone new at the table!' Alexey excitedly points to Rose.

'Hello, it's nice to meet you.' Rose smiles.

'And you, I'm Anastasia.'

Footsteps are heard as four more women enter, one of them, bound to a wheelchair. A younger woman, who has a gorgeous complexion of peaches and cream skin, a wonderful full mouth and lustrous thick light brown hair, pushes the wheelchair. She had the biggest grey blue eyes that Rose has ever seen. She stops the wheelchair at the right side of Nicholas and the young woman takes her seat beside the woman in the wheelchair.

'Thank you, Mashka.' The older woman says kindly to the young girl who pushed her in.

'Alexey, I heard you running around with Joy. Please take care.' The younger woman scolds. Rose can tell she's a natural mother, and has a loving heart. She's devoted to her brother.

'But Maria, it's only a game.' Alexey pouts and the older woman looks over to him. The other two women sit beside Alexey and Rose quietly observes them. The woman closest to Alexey is beautiful, very feminine and yet somehow vulnerable. She has a round face, with a slightly turned up nose, high cheekbones, light chestnut hair and blue eyes. Rose thinks that she is has a gentle and timid charm, much like her father. Faintly, as Rose continued to study her, she hears that her name is Olga.

The woman sitting beside Olga is taller than the rest of the family, including her mother. She is willowy and has the most elegant and aristocratic appearance of all the sisters. She has a fixed almost challenging expression in her eyes.

She is a beauty as well, with pale, marble like skin, lovely dark chestnut hair and wide tipped up dark grey eyes. But she is reserved and less spontaneous than her sisters, Rose also notices that she hasn't smiled once since she entered the room. In her mind, she appears to be stuck up, but that could hardly be the case. Nicholas addresses her as Tatiana.

The family falls into familiar conversation after Botkin has introduced Rose to the rest of the family. And dinner is then served. The sisters all wish to hear of Botkin's trip to Moscow and so he begins to tell his tale. While Botkin tells his story, Rose turns her attention to the woman in the wheelchair.

No doubt this is Alexandra, the overbearing woman. A woman who hovers over Alexey, ready to swoop in and stop whatever fun he is attempting to have. Rose notices that she looks achingly tired and appears to have aged prematurely. No doubt from the stress she has had to endure over the course of her life.

Her hair has turned grey and she is very thin. There seems to be a perpetual look of strain and anguish in her blue eyes. Her sharp nose indicates to Rose that she is cold. Her thin taut lips rarely lent themselves into a smile, instead they seem to have a perpetual mournful expression on them. She is a very serious woman, Rose realises.

'So then, Rose, where in England are you from?' There seems to be no accent in Alexandra's speech, unlike the children. Another indication to Rose that she can speak English without help, like her husband.

'London, Ma'am.' Rose takes a sip from the glass with water. This dinner is so hearty.

'I have not been to London is some time…' Alexandra states, and she remembers fondly the times she spent there with her grandmother, Victoria.

'It is very different.' Rose replies softly.

'I can imagine.' Alexandra responds.

Rose falls quiet after that, allowing the family to continue their conversations while Rose eats. The weather, the girls' day, what Alexey did, are all topics of conversations. The family is lively, especially Anastasia, her mimicry of the guards' voices, their conversations has the entire table in an infectious laughter, except for Alexandra, and she simply shakes her head at her daughter's antics. Rose can't get over how much of a prankster Anastasia is. The life of the family, and Rose thinks that it's quite the responsibility for such a young girl. Ensuring that the family remembers to laugh. She keeps the family's spirits high, and she doesn't seem to mind that the task has fallen to her.

It seems, when she acts like this, that she is more herself than when she is forced to conform to the standards set by her mother. She pushes the boundaries and ignores her mother's chiding nature as she presses on with her stories. Rose instantly likes her, and hopes, in time, she can get to know her better.

The room she had been given is rather plain. Just a bed, night table, vanity, wardrobe and a small wingback chair but the windows are large, giving Rose a picturesque view of the landscape spread before her. She doesn't have a lot of time to study it as a knock on her draws her away from her thoughts.

'Come in.'

Anastasia enters, holding something over her arm. She appears like she is ready for bed and glides across the floor to Rose.

'Here. Mama said we're about the same,' Anastasia presents Rose with a loose fitting nightgown. 'I hope it fits.'

Rose takes it and holds it up. It's light cotton, white and rather roomy, not what she's used to wearing on the TARDIS, but then again it is 1917. 'Thank you, I'm sure it will be fine.'

'You're welcome. Tatiana wanted me to tell you she thinks your dress is beautiful.'

'Oh, really? Thank you, I'm glad she likes it.'

'That's Tatiana, always about fashion,' Anastasia remarks. 'How long are you going to be staying for?'

'Honestly, I'm not really sure. Dr. Botkin wants to ensure I don't have any underlying issues. I had a run in with the Red Army, and split my head…I think.' Rose rubs the back of her head and winces as her fingers connect with the tender areas.

'The Red Army, weren't you scared?' Anastasia inquires and Rose ponders the question. 'I'd like to see them for myself.' Anastasia declares.

'They're interesting people, that's for sure.' Rose agrees and Anastasia flashes her smile.

'Well, I should go. I have to join my family for evening prayers.'

'Oh! Right, okay. Well, thank you.' Rose holds up the nightgown and Anastasia nods before she turns to go. Shutting the door softly behind her.

Rose draws the curtains and undresses, gently placing her dress on the arm of the chair. She slips into the nightgown and marvels at how billowy it is. She twirls in it, it's like a dress! She stops, as she's suddenly remembered something. Any moment, she hopes the Doctor will come through the door…but it doesn't happen. She crawls into the bed and draws her knees to her chin.

She misses him, everything about him. She's never been apart from him for this long. And she guesses he's taking this even harder than she is. Desperately she wants him in her arms…she hopes he'll find her soon.

The sound of a frustrated yell, followed by something smashing against the wall awakens Donna from her sleep. Frowning, she hears something shatter again and quickly throws back the covers. She darts from her room into the hall, but doesn't see anything. She jogs through the hall until she manages to catch sight of the console room and runs towards it.

She sees the Doctor, bent over the console, gripping it with bruising force. His knuckles are white. Then she notices that there is snow on him, still in the process of melting, indicating he's just gotten back from somewhere. Cautiously, Donna approaches him, still trying to think of what to say to him. Clearly, he still hasn't found Rose.

'Doctor…?' She stands a few feet away from him.

'I can't find her! I've tried everything! Going back in the timeline, multiple times, everything! I've been at every different angle in that damned theatre and I still didn't find her! I've caught glimpses of her, but then she's lost in the crowds. I've waited in the streets, the foyer, and the stairs, everywhere! Nothing! Why can't I find her?! I can do anything!' He yells into the emptiness of the TARDIS and Donna closes her eyes. She never knew he had this desperation in him. Of course, it's Rose. The woman who he loves. And he's tearing apart the fabric of time trying to get her back.

Donna doesn't know what to say. She quietly ponders over her words, trying to think of something that he wants to hear.

'Doctor…listen to me. This is a tragedy, I know it. I can see it in your eyes. But use it as a source of strength. It's difficult, I know, this whole experience is for you. But please don't lose hope. Because if you do, then that will be the real disaster.'

Slowly, the Doctor turns to look at her and Donna can't believe what she's seeing. He looks like he's at the end of his ropes, stressed and becoming more and more frantic. Donna closes her eyes, she doesn't know what else she can do for him, say to him. She can see he's desperate for Rose, he wants her, craves her. This is a man who is used to getting what he wants, and now…the one thing he wants more than life itself, he can't have.

'But…what happened to her?' His voice, it pleads for an answer. It's like the anger has drained away, and now all that's left, is fear. Fear of the uncertainty. This is one mystery he can't seem to solve and it isn't sitting well.

'She's fine, I know it. And I know you know it. We can find her. Even if we have to knock on every house, building, business whatever, in all of Moscow, hell, all of Russia, we will find her,' Donna states firmly and places her hands on her hips. 'So pull yourself together.'

The Doctor lets go of the console and straightens up. That's Donna…he's so glad he still has her to set him right. 'Thanks Donna.'

'Any time, Spaceman,' Donna nods her head. 'Now, going over your little trips back in time, what did you see?' She sits on the console chair and the Doctor sinks down beside her, putting his feet up on the console as his features cloud over in a pensive look.

Rose awakens in the morning, stiff and sore. The bed is lumpy and her head is pounding. No doubt from the fall. She tilts her head as she notices a set of clothing have been placed on the chair. Frowning, she gets up and goes over to it. It is a long black skirt, floor length and a white blouse. What is it with the black and white theme? She thinks back to Farringham…black and white all the time. This is shaping up to be no different. But Rose can't complain, and so, she puts on the skirt, her shoes and the blouse. She feels like a schoolteacher and she frowns at her reflection. Well, it's a step up from being a maid.

She opens the door and looks around, but doesn't see anyone. Just the odd servant carrying things. She walks through the halls until she's come back into the foyer, but it is still rather quiet. She spots Botkin walking towards her and she smiles as she sees him. Finally someone familiar.

'Good morning Rose.'

'Good morning.'

'I was just coming to see if you had awakened. I would like to examine your head, if you don't mind, before the family finishes with their Service and we sit for Sunday brunch.'

'Oh, right. Sure, of course.' Rose follows him down the halls until they have reached the west back-end of the house. Inside a room is a makeshift office, medical supplies are organised as best as they can be. The equipment is kept in designated spots and he points to the medical table and Rose sits.

He checks the back of her head thoroughly causing slight pain as he ensures that the healing is occurring properly. Once satisfied, he asks her a serious of questions to ensure that there is no swelling of the brain.

'I would say you are on the right track to making a full recovery.' Botkin looks up from the notes he's been writing in a leather bound book.

'That's good. So…how long before I can head back to Moscow?'

'In a week or so. There is minor swelling and that should continue to decrease as the week goes by.'

'Oh, that's great…' Rose tries to hide her disappointment, she is ready to leave now, being stuck here for another week…she isn't sure she can take it. How is she going to get word to the Doctor? She doesn't know where he is, or even how get into contact with him. She can't send a letter address to a big blue box.

'Everything all right?' Botkin notices that Rose is staring off.

'Oh, yes. I'm sorry. Everything is fine…'

'I know you're worried about your friends. But fear not, they are well. Believe that. Can't you send a letter to them, letting them know of your condition if you're that worried?'

'I…don't know her address…' Rose sighs and Botkin nods.

'Well, that will be a problem,' Botkin agrees. 'Remain cheerful, for there is much we have to be thankful for.'

'You're right. I'm sorry.'

'There is nothing to be sorry for. I understand the want to find those you care for. And you will, I will help you.' Botkin reassures her. Rose offers a meek smile in return. She just knows how desperate the Doctor must be getting, and she doesn't want that for him.

Rose is surprised to be allowed to join the family for brunch once their morning prayers had been completed. It is much the same as last night. Conversations about the weather take a strong hold on the conversation; his family and the food were close seconds. Rose can see that this is when the family is at their happiest. Even the guards constantly walking through the house, the grounds, checking on the family, seemed to be ignored by them.

Rose found the behaviour odd, it is almost stalkerish in behaviour, but she tries to put it out of her mind, clearly the rest of the family isn't concerned with it, she shouldn't be either. Although, she can't seem to stop watching the watchers.

'Rose, I have a question to ask of you.' Rose is sipping from her glass when she turns her attention to Nicholas, who has just lit another cigarette. Slowly, she lowers the glass.

'Yes…what is it, sir?' Rose looks him deep in the eyes. He seems to bear his suffering in quiet solitude. No one really knows the inner workings of his mind, it amazes her how truly similar he is to the Doctor.

'I would wonder if you could take up the task of teaching my children English.' Nicholas exhaled and cloud of smoke shrouds his features.

Immediately there is noise at the table.

'No! Papa, you know I hate to go to studies! I am simply not cut out for it!' Anastasia cried but her mother hushes her. She continues to mutter under her breath, something about not being able to concentrate.

'Really, Papa? I can learn English?!' Alexey seemed to be rather excited. Tatiana, Olga and Maria remain silent.

'Your father and I have decided that while we have a native speaker with us, we would like you to learn. We value education in this family. We have been deprived of it since we arrived in Tobolsk.' Alexandra states firmly and Anastasia becomes silent.

'The honour is mine…sir,' Rose tries to formulate the words carefully. 'But I was hoping to return to Moscow…to ensure my friends are safe…they don't even know where I am.' Rose tries to keep her voice from shaking.

'It won't be for long. I just want my children to continue their education. In whatever way possible.' Nicholas puts out the cigarette.

Rose feels terrible. This family is being held captive, in their own country, for effectively doing what was asked of them. He abdicated in favour of a new government. She bites her lip as she feels the family's eyes bear into her. She's torn, she wants to help them, but she misses the Doctor. Oh, how she misses him.

'What do you say, Rose?' Alexandra inquires and Rose looks over to her.

'I…sure…I'd love to.' Rose says quietly and Alexey erupts into cheers. Anastasia groans loudly and rests her forehead on the table. Earning a scolding from Alexandra.

Once the brunch is over, Rose remains seated in the dinning room. She doesn't know why she's agreed to this. All she wants to do is go back to the Doctor. Maybe she could stay for a few months and then they'd be satisfied with that and let her go. She rubs her arms as she tries to think of a way out of this. All she wants is to go home, so how can she do that? If she can somehow get in touch with him…Rose closes her eyes. What is she going to do?

She tries to cheer herself up, it won't be so bad…the family is nice, the children are friendly…It's just for a short time…then she can figure out how to get back to the Doctor.

Rose looks over her shoulder as she continues to pack her clothes into the loaned suitcases. She can't believe this is happening. They are moving again. And she still hasn't found the Doctor, nor heard from him. It's April of 1918…they've been separated since November of 1917…

Rose quietly shuts the door and tries to stop the tears from falling. It seems to be all she's been doing. She goes over to the little vanity and stares at the numerous letters she's written.

After the first month, she tried writing letters back to Moscow. When she gave them to be delivered, the man had stared at her. He just went off on a tangent, by the time she got a word in. He wasn't listening. She had to forcibly tell him to just leave the letters throughout Moscow. Anywhere, it didn't matter. He looked at her like she was crazy. Maybe she was, for thinking that it would work. What she had hoped was the Doctor would stumble upon them. In every one she'd written her location. Because she knew him, and she knew he wouldn't give up until he had her. She can still understand the family, it tells her he's here. Somewhere… and yet, it still hadn't given her any sense of relief.

But as the months rolled on and there wasn't any sign of him…Rose began to wonder if he was ever going to find her. She's trying hard not to lose hope…but it's becoming so hard not to. Especially since they are on the move again. Rose sits on the bed and stares out of the window. She has been having a good time here, despite her isolation.

She does enjoy teaching the children, for they are delight. Of course, Alexandra was insistent upon seeing what Rose plans on teaching them every week. Overbearing indeed, she didn't understand how Nicholas coped all these years. However, it really isn't her business…

She loves each of them to bits, especially little Alexey. Well, he's not little, a young man really, but she adores him just the same. She can see why all his sisters dote on him. But in reality, he loves to be around Anastasia.

Truthfully, she feels bad for the sisters, held captive by their country, the girls informed Rose that they had never had opportunity to make friends while their father was still Tsar due to their overbearing mother, and thus, have no one to write to now. Except maybe their grandmother and beloved aunt Olga. Instead they seemed totally bonded to themselves, but that didn't mean they didn't have the occasional tiff or petty rivalries.

They are lively girls, full of energy, curious about life and always wanting to go in different directions. Rose especially liked how, when they would leave her letters under her door to her room, they would have them signed as 'OTMA', the first letter of each of their names. It's almost as if they accepted their collective anonymity. They appear to have given up vying for their parent's affections, for they are too engrossed with Alexey's health. He has been the centre of attention since he was born.

Through teaching them to the best of her abilities, of course leaving out the fact that she hadn't finished high school, Rose got to see each of the girls in a wonderfully different light.

Olga is quite like her father in terms of her gentle exterior, but she is also the most serious and thoughtful out of all the sisters. She is a melancholic dreamer who adores poetry and music. Unlike her father, who she never saw lose his temper, Olga struggles to control her outbursts and could be rather impetuous and capricious. Due to her fierce intelligence, Olga got rather outspoken on occasion, and sometimes her words stung. But there is nothing Olga loves more was than to go for long walks with her father, not that it was far in the grounds but it didn't matter. She seems to be the most aware of how cruel the outside world has been to their family. Often writing about the experiences in the writing exercises Rose assigned to them.

Tatiana did indeed loves clothes, as Rose learned. She wore them with grace and elegance, as well as a slightly coquettish air. Rose noticed that she is the daughter that is much like her mother. She is reserved, inscrutable, less open and spontaneous than her sisters. That makes her less inclined to smile. Rose noticed that Tatiana is a romantic idealist and a dreamer, but she never let that get in her way of her practical talents. She is focused and opinionated, she lets that drive her decisions.

Rose couldn't help but notice that while Tatiana is younger than Olga, Tatiana is more forceful of the pair. Because of that, Olga often deferred to Tatiana for advice and her judgement.

She has natural talents in organising and is a splendid housekeeper. Due to that, Rose observed that Alexandra relies the heaviest on her, often when she is indisposed, clearly making her her mother's favourite daughter. Rose knows Tatiana lives in fear of disappointing her mother, which breaks Rose's heart.

Now Maria, clearly is the artist in the family, she has a gift for painting and watercolours. She has a truly loving heart, and due to her nurturing skills, poor Maria is often stuck inside with her ailing mother while the rest of the family, including Rose herself, often went out to enjoy themselves in the garden. She is stoic, but has tremendous reserves of energy, often; she and Rose would help carry the ailing Alexey from room to room when he simply couldn't.

Rose realised that Maria is the most comfortable when she is among ordinary people. She likes talking to them about their families, children, lives and their homes. It is her natural openness. Rose even caught her showing the guards at the house her photo album. She had shared them with Rose only a week after she began instructing them. And she had wanted to know all about Rose's life. She has the warmest character that Rose had even met in another person.

And then Anastasia. Where to begin with her? She has a forceful personality and sometimes struggles with sisterly anonymity. She is a quirky girl, awkward, noisy and unconventional. Her love of life is so infectious, she takes risks and looks at everything like an adventure, and because of that, she is quite active. Since she is the shortest of all the sisters, she is not as graceful as they are.

She is always restless; Rose found it next to impossible to get her to concentrate on her work. Her thoughts are chaotic and undisciplined. Even though she is a poor student, and Rose continues to do her best with her, she admires her self-possession and natural intelligence. Her observation of others is unparalleled in the sense that she captures the idiosyncrasies and speech mannerisms of those around her. She is the clown, and Rose knows that the family appreciates the lengths at which Anastasia will go to ensure that her family laughs. Often she insisted on having Rose join her, and the two of them developed their own comedy routine.

She is a fearless girl, and ensures that she remains herself, even during this imprisonment.

Rose loves Alexey. She aches for him because of his condition and the life he's been cruelly denied because of it. The pain the swelling of the joints caused him broke her heart, that often when he was stuck in bed, moaning from the severe pain, she'd sing songs to him, read him stories or recall the wonderful adventures that she and the Doctor had. Fantastical stories that he loved to hear.

Caring for him became second nature, so much so, that the sisters were glad to be given the break. Even Alexandra silently approved of her commitment to him. She was responsible when the family had come down with a case of German measles, Rose remained unaffected and tended to Alexey on Alexandra's orders. He held her hand as she told him stories from the stars, and he hung on to every word.

He has a natural charm and empathy that he had gotten from his father and that often shone through. Rose is able to see that he is bright and inquisitive boy who has quirky originality, much like Anastasia. Alexey's studies with Rose was often interrupted due to the bouts of haemophilia, but when he was there, his natural intelligence was dissipated by a lack of concentration. But he was able to grasp the English language much fast than his sisters. In that respect, he was quite proud.

Much like Anastasia, Alexey didn't like to remain sedentary, which makes him restless. He prefers to be outside playing, even with his mother hovering over him. Alexandra has an obsessive nature about her son, her Baby's, health, seeing it as another crusade, and another cross to bear in her difficult life. It didn't seem to bother him as much as it did his mother.

Now, however, he had injured himself in an act of defiance against the illness that haunted him, by sledding down the stairs of the house. He had fallen and injured himself severely. Anastasia is currently taking care of him, his mother, too frail to take up the task.

A knock at the door draws Rose away from her thoughts and a small part of her hopes it's him. The door opens quietly to reveal Maria, a small smile on her features and Rose smiles.

'Hi Rose…'

'Maria, is everything okay?'

'Yes. I actually came to see if you are okay.' She admitted and Rose motioned her to join her on the bed.

'Me? Why, of course I am. What gave you the thought that I wasn't?' Rose frowns and Maria points to the letters on her vanity. Rose feels her cheeks redden.

'Who is he?'

'What makes you think they're addressed to a man?'

'We've seen you take the letters to the mail carrier. And sometimes we see you crying when you come back.' Maria informs her and Rose is taken back.

'Oh…' Rose manages to get out. Wondering how she's going to explain her way out of this one. Of course, this is Maria, and she genuinely cares about Rose and her life. 'Yes, they are addressed to someone…'

'Is he your husband?' Maria wonders and Rose shakes her head.

'No. No, definitely not,' Rose maintains. 'He is…well, he's my…' Rose trails off trying to think of the way to answer her.

'A lover?' Maria answered, her voice is quiet.

'Yeah…yeah I guess he is.'

'He's who you are trying to find in Moscow? With your other friend?' Maria inquires and holds Rose's hand.

'Yes, he doesn't know I'm here. And if he comes here, I'll be gone.' Rose says quietly.

Maria doesn't get the chance to answer before another quick knock on the door draws both girls' attention to it. Nicholas is standing in the doorway and smiles affectionately at the girls.

'Maria, have you finished with your tasks?'

'No, Papa.'

'Then off you go I must speak with Rose.' Nicholas informs her and Maria stands heading out of the room. Rose stands as well and folds her hands in front of her. Unsure of what they need to talk about.

'Is everything all right, sir?'

'Will you join me for a walk in the garden?' Nicholas asks as he lights another cigarette.

'It would be my pleasure.'

Together they walked the grounds, minding that they stayed out of the servants way as they continued to prepare for the journey.

'What is going to happen to Russia?' Nicholas wonders a loud and Rose looks over to him. Rose knows, but she can't honestly answer him.

'I wish I knew…' Rose responded. She turns to look back at the garden, knowing that Nicholas does not allow anyone into his thoughts. He remains inscrutable, enigmatic and a riddle to those around him. Certainly to Rose. But there are signs that Rose can see, of a man conflicted, hiding his inner most thoughts. Sometimes he slowed his speech down, looked down at his boots, and shrugged his shoulders shows an insecure and self-conscious man. Alexandra certainly spent their married life trying to instil him with a backbone.

'I wish to extend my gratitude for taking up the challenge of instructing my children.' Nicholas tells her and she smiles.

'They are wonderful.' Rose informs him and he nods.

'This is not the life I wish for them.'

'No, no one does. But they make the best out of their circumstances.' Rose says and Nicholas offers a small smile.

'We have had to let a lot of loyal staff go,' Nicholas informs her as they stop and study the workers. 'We have been allowed to take you with us to Yekaterinburg,' Rose doesn't know what to say. She didn't even know that they were considering not taking her. The reason they are being forced to relocate is because the White Army is getting dangerously close to the Royal Family. 'But we have decided that you will remain here with the girls and Alexey. To watch him as he recovers, and once he has, the rest of you will join us at Yekaterinburg.'

'Are you sure?' Rose manages to get out.

'Alexandra insisted you stay with him. He's quite taken with you, Rose. You indulge in his games, tell him these fantastical stories to take his mind off his pain and treat him like a man. You don't fuss over him like his mother and sisters do.'

Rose is quiet while she ponders her words. 'I am touched you wish me to take care of him.'

'His sisters will be there for help, should you need it. But Maria will be coming with us.' Nicholas tells her as they start to walk back to the house. He offers his arm to Rose and she accepts it. He has grown fond of this wayward woman who turned up in their lives and vastly improved it. Like a sixth child, and a fifth daughter. Why not? She fit in wonderfully with his family.

Rose takes a quick glance at Nicholas; this is a sweet man who certainly was not ready to be Tsar of all the Russias. He takes pleasure in the simple things of life, his family, being the most important and his religion. He once told Rose, that Russia looked for a scapegoat when he had been forced to abdicate, and he gladly played the role if it meant the Russia can be fixed of its troubles. And yet, it seemed to create more. But those were thoughts that Nicholas simply doesn't have anymore. He is a citizen now, not a Tsar, and that sits just fine with him.

Of course, what Rose doesn't know is how drastically their lives will change at Yekaterinburg. How their sense of security will change with the arrival of a man connected with Lenin, and the final decision about what to be done with Nicholas and his family. It will all come to an end in July. Reunions will be had, on all sides.

Oh, she's so excited. Finally somewhere warm. Finally! Rio? Maybe, anywhere hot. Aruba, Jamaica, Cuba it didn't matter to her. The TARDIS lands and eagerly she pushes open the door and steps out into the bright sunlight.

This is interesting; there isn't any humidity in the air, it's a nice day, but there is a touch of coolness in the air. She frowns as she turns around. The surroundings begin to come clear as she turns around. They're on some sort of train station. Why a train station? The others join her and they, too, look around.

'This isn't Rio, is it?' She states flatly.

'Um, no. No it isn't. Funny…I set the coordinates to Rio…somewhere warm actually.' He trails off, rather embarrassed.

'So then, where are we?' She crosses her arms as he dashes back around the corner. After a few moments, he returns, with a grave look on his face.

'Not Rio…' He confirms and watches her face turn into one that is unimpressed.

'Is that a train?' Everyone turns to look at the man who has been staring at the tracks. There is a faint noise in the distance, it sounds like an approaching train.

'So then, where are we?' The woman asks.

'Ah, well, that is a good question isn't it…anywhere in the world we could be…and we're right here.'

'Doctor, stop being cryptic, where are we?'

He clears his throat slight before answering. 'Yekaterinburg.'

'Ye, what? Where is that?'

'It's in Russia, Amy.' And Amy turns to Rory, who is still squinting in the distance, noticing that smoke has emerged in the horizon.

'Why have you brought us to Russia, Doctor?' Amy demanded an answer.

'Well, it's May, so that's nice and warm isn't it…?'

'That's not helping.' Amy replies and the Doctor is about to say something when the roar of a train is heard off in the distance, before pulling into the station.

The three of them frown and slowly back away out of sight. Unsure of what to expect as the train slows down and is quiet.

'Who do you think is on board?' Amy whispered and the Doctor shrugs.

They quietly watch as the door opens and a man steps out, he holds out his hand and a young woman steps out and onto the platform, followed by another woman, and then another. They look similar and Amy guesses that they must be sisters. They remain quiet as they are given luggage and place it beside them.

Slowly a young boy emerges from the train, he looks pale and sickly, unable to stand as he carefully makes his way down the steps. He goes over to the sisters and they hold him up.

And then, another woman emerges, but this time, she keeps her head down, so Amy can't see whom it is. She's blonde and doesn't resemble the rest of them.

The Doctor leans forward, pressing his hands on Amy's shoulders as leverage as he struggles to see the woman.

'Doctor? What's wrong? Do you know them?' But he ignores her questions.

The blonde still has her head turned away from them and on the train as she's given more suitcases. She places them on the ground as she straightens up and the Doctor lets out a soft 'no.'

Amy widens her eyes at what she's seeing. It's Rose. But how is that possible? What is she doing here?

'Alexey? How are you managing?' She inquires and the boy shakes his head. 'All right, so then I will carry you. Olga, Tatiana, Anastasia, can you manage the luggage please?' Rose asks and the girls nod their heads. Rose bends down and Alexey weakly shuffles over to Rose and collapses on her back. She grips his legs and gets to her feet as Alexey wraps his arms around her neck, resting his head on hers.

'Thank you, Rose…' He says and she smiles.

The Doctor stares wide eyed at the scene before him. Here she is. If she's in Yekaterinburg alone, and it's May, than is has to be 1918. And right now, the other him, he's in St. Petersburg looking for her.

'Doctor, what's going on? Why is Rose here? Where are you?' Amy demands an answer. But he remains silent for a few minutes more. Suddenly he's on his feet and running back to the TARDIS. Confused, Amy and Rory are on their feet, chasing after him and witness him run into the TARDIS.

They follow him in and he's frantically searching for something. Dashing from place to place.

'Doctor, slow down. What's going on?' Amy calls over to him. He stops, holding a blue envelop in his hands and he looks down at it. 'I know you don't like talking about her…but what's happening?'

'In November 1917, Rose and I, and Donna, went to Moscow, to see a ballet. The reason we went…what was the reason? We'd just been having some pretty hard stops the last few times…so we decided to do something fun.

'Of course, in 1917, Tsar Nicholas just abdicated and Moscow was overrun with Red Army soldiers. They interrupted the performance and started shooting into the audience. Rose got separated from Donna and I…and then she just disappeared. I am still looking for her. Right now. In St. Petersburg. I couldn't find her in Moscow…Donna and I…turned Moscow upside down looking for her. Little did I know she was with the Russian Royal Family…'

'Wait…but…something bad happens to them in Yekaterinburg.' Rory remembers.

'Right…but there are two survivors.' The Doctor informs them, Amy remains quiet. There is still so much she doesn't know about his life; events like this just solidify it for her. 'We're going to St. Petersburg. Amy, I'm going to need you to deliver a letter to a man in a brown coat. I know you know what he looks like, think back to the picture you caught me with.'

Amy meekly nods. 'Right, so then, what are we waiting for?'

This is the street, she's pretty sure. It matches in spelling, but she doesn't see anything. Not that she can to begin with, the hooded jacket makes it difficult to see, but the Doctor was insistent she not reveal herself to him…the past him. It's rather confusing.

As she sits in the park she catches sight of the redhead the Doctor said would be with him. She's carrying a brown bag in her hands and walking towards a bench, where the Doctor is sitting. Carefully she gets closer, sitting a few benches away where she can ensure she won't be seen. She wants to know more about him.

'Donna…that took awhile.'

'Shut up, Spaceman. I didn't know what half the stuff was on the menu. So here you go. Eat it and like it or…' He holds up his hand to cut her off.

'It's rice!' He looks in the bag.

'I know what it is, I picked it out.' Donna sits beside him. Donna feels terrible for him, he's stressed, frustrated and tired. He's got dark circles under his eyes and his fuse is getting shorter and shorter. Donna knows that he sleeps, but he hasn't, not since that night in Moscow and it's May now. He so desperately needs it, but he won't, not until he has Rose in his arms.

They turned Moscow upside down looking for her. They covered the entire city, east to west, north to south but nothing. She had a hell of a time calming him down that day. He has quite the temper under that smile.

But now…he seems calmer as he eats, staring off into nothing. It's almost like he's planning the next move.

'It's good.' He looks over to her, his mouth full and Donna smiles.

'Thank you.'

Amy decides that this is the best time to deliver the letter, and she adjusts the hood making her she can't be seen and gets up. She strolls over to the two of them and, at first, they don't look up.

'Letter here for Mr. Smith.' Amy states and the Doctor's head shoots up. Amy is taken back by the expressive brown eyes he has.

'Do I know you?' The Doctor inquires, handing his food to Donna, who is equally confused.

'No, but this is your letter. John Smith, right?' Amy questions and the Doctor nods. She pulls out a blue envelop and hands it to him. He turns it over in his hands. It's the same colour as the TARDIS…what is going on?

'Who are you?'

'I can't tell you that. But you'd better hurry; she's waiting for you. She's okay, Mr. Smith, she's okay.'

'You've seen her?' Amy aches as his voice holds so much emotion.

'Yes, yes I have,' Amy reassures him and his face breaks out in a smile. 'Well, take care. I'll see you around.' Amy takes off running, back the way she came.

'Wait!' He calls after her and starts to pursue her. Amy picks up her pace as she spots her TARDIS and dashes inside.

By the time the Doctor rounds the corner she's gone. With no trace she'd even been down this alleyway.

He frowns and walks back towards the park, studying the envelope intensely. It's the same colour as the TARDIS, where did she get it? It didn't sound like Rose underneath that hood…

Donna is waiting at the entrance to the park and stares at him. He's still engrossed in that envelope. 'So, what does it say?'

Without saying a word he turns to show Donna the envelope and she frowns at the simple statement written.

Yekaterinburg. House of Special Purpose.

Rose holds Alexey's hand tightly as he's fallen asleep, finally. It's been a very long week. The swelling of the joints, coupled with the previous injury is pressing on the nerves in his legs, making it impossible to sleep. He had only wanted Rose to be with him, and she obliged. Giving the family a much needed break and some time together. She yawns, it's very late at night and she wants to back to her own room. But she also doesn't want to leave him.

Things had changed since they arrived at Yekaterinburg two months ago, and not for the better. At the Ipatiev House, life is uncertain. Together, they don't know if they are going to live to see another day. Life had become very dull, with only walks in the garden as a source of fun. Spirits were becoming low. Alexandra and Alexey continued to battle various bouts of illness. When he was well enough, Rose would play games with him, he'd bring out his little tin trucks and together, they'd make up stories for them. Rose and the sisters would often exchange riddles as a source of fun, Rose usually lost, but she didn't mind. They always got a good laugh from the answers each of them gave.

Nicholas became more withdrawn, writing religiously in his diary, a life long habit, Rose had guessed. Sometimes he would tell stories to Rose of his younger days, how he loved being in the military with his friends, how carefree he used to be. Those were simpler days that he longed to return to. His first love had been a prima ballerina, Rose found out. He told her of his bear of a father Alexander III, a man who had ill prepared him for ruling Russia. And in some cases, Rose imagined that he might harbour feelings of resentment towards him. Of course, that was the inner thoughts of Nicholas, and no one was permitted to know what he thought.

Alexandra seemed to sink further into her sickness, now often bound in a wheelchair. She became heavily reliant on numerous drugs and opiates to relieve the pain. All of which were prescribed by Botkin. Most days, Alexandra stayed in doors, reading from scriptures and praying.

Around forty-five guards continuously stand watch over them. The previous guard in command, a man who Rose only remembered as Avadeyev, was a brutish Bolshevik and a heavy drinker. He had constantly hit on her, and then got angry when she rebuked his advances. Thankfully, Nicholas had intervened many times, saving her from him. She was not sad to see him go.

The family was, in a small sense. He allowed them a bit more freedom. The girls enjoyed speaking to him when he wasn't such a boorish oaf. They were allowed to walk, play, and enjoy the outside garden longer than what they were told. And he let Alexey play with arrows, shooting them out the window of his room. So, Avadeyev had good and bad qualities. Even Dr. Botkin didn't mind him, when he wasn't drinking, for he allowed Botkin to treat Alexey without a scrutinising eye.

Due to the constant state of uncertainty, Rose hasn't thought about leaving, or wanting to go. She misses him still, with everything in her. And Donna, god she misses her too. Rose brushes away tears she hadn't realised started falling. He'll find her. He has to…he wouldn't forget her…

'Blondie, you need to go. You are not to be out of your room during the night.' Rose looks over to the man and narrows her eyes.

'I am watching over him tonight, Yurovsky.' Rose challenged. She despises this man even more than Avadeyev.

'I am ordering you to go.' Yurovsky motions to his gun.

'Why can't I spend the night here?'

'Because you'd be conspiring. And because I told you no. So get out.' He reiterates and Rose loosens her hand from Alexey's grip and stands up. She shoots him a dirty look and he takes her by the arm and marches her back to her room. Shutting the door behind him.

Yakov Yurovsky is the replacement for Avadeyev. And he is not a drinker, like his predecessor was. He is a tall well-built man, with high cheekbones and a shock of black hair. His beard is neatly trimmed and a curled mustache completes the look. He looks cultured, almost dapper and he has an air of importance to match. Yurovsky is highly intelligent, vigilant and motivated. He stepped in an ordered a clampdown on the way the Ipatiev House was being conducted. He seized the jewels and valuables from the family, unaware that Alexandra had the girls sew many of them into their clothing, even some into Alexey's. But that hadn't stopped Yurovsky from doing a detailed inventory on all the goods the family had arrived with.

He conceals a brutal nature, Rose thinks and she is positive he is a high-ranking Bolshevik from Moscow. Of course, what she doesn't know is that he is part of the Cheka. And the close conversations he is having with Lenin, about what to do with the former Tsar and his family. A plan is being finalised and is nearing completion. It would set the world aghast.

Rose lies in bed and ponders her life in Russia so far. It's too hot to consider sleep anyway, and she doesn't bother to change. Nicholas had seemed pleased that Yurovsky had taken such a proactive approach in documenting their valuables. But she doesn't think that he suspects anything else, and as such, the days passed on as usual.

Alexandra just seemed to be ailing quicker, as did Alexey. During the recreational times, both often were laid up in bed, with one of the sisters staying with them. Usually it fell to Maria. Rose would try to keep the sisters' spirits high while they walked around. Yurovsky denied them many of the luxuries they had previously enjoyed. Like interactions with the guards. The sisters enjoyed conversations with them about the outside world, but thanks to that Bolshevik, the fun ended.

Even poor Nicholas is being denied the luxury of smoking. The crude tobacco that is much loved by the lower class, doesn't sit well with him. Now, when the nuns came by with milk and eggs from the local church, they would try to give him the tobacco that he had been accustomed to.

Rose finally closes her eyes, the heat becoming too much for her. All she wants is to go home…it can't be much longer…can it?

'What just happened?' Donna cried as the console continues to spark with force.

'I don't know, I input the coordinates…I just don't know!' The Doctor stares at the console with disbelief.

The TARDIS gives a rough shake that sends Donna backwards, the Doctor loses his balance but manage to hang on as he stares in confusion. Why won't the TARDIS land? It's almost like…she's waiting…for something.

A frantic knock on the door rouses Rose from her sleep. She gets up and quickly goes over to the door. Dr. Botkin is at the door, only half dressed, and he looks anxious.

'Dr. Botkin, what is it?' Rose feels dread in the pit of her stomach.

'Yurovsky informed me that the White Army is quickly approaching. The situation at Yekaterinburg has become unstable. I am to wake the others. We are preparing to leave.'

'Okay, I'll go get Alexey.' Rose dashed to the hallway and runs into Nicholas, already fully dressed and instructing some of the staff.

'Rose, I trust you've heard?' Nicholas puts his hand on her shoulder and she nods. Something still didn't sit well with her, it's so early in the morning, couldn't they have waited? Nicholas doesn't seem as concerned as she does.

'The White Army?' Rose responds and Nicholas nods.

'Yes, we need to ready the others.' Nicholas heads towards Olga and Tatiana's room, knocking lightly.

Rose turns and heads towards Alexey's room. She catches sight of Yurovsky standing in the foyer, looking rather impatient as he stands with another man Rose has never seen before. A new man appears in the doorway and locks eyes with Rose, he gives her chills and so she quickly looks away.

She heads into Alexey's room, surprised to see Anastasia there already. She's neatly dressed. With the camisole sewn with the jewels, she looks tired but she smiles as she sees Rose enter.

'Anastasia…'

'I heard Yurovsky force you to leave. And I didn't want him to be alone.' Anastasia replies and Rose lets out a soft sigh.

'We have to get ready. Something is happening in Yekaterinburg.' She can't stop this feeling of dread as Anastasia gently shakes Alexey awake. Rose goes into the hall so that Alexey can dress when she catches sight of Nicholas flagging down Yurovsky. He approaches Nicholas with an unimpressed look on his face.

'What about our personal belongings?' Nicholas inquired.

'It's not necessary right now,' Rose could see Yurovsky struggled to remain polite as he escorted Nicholas down the stairs. 'We'll get them later and bring them down.'

Again, that comment didn't sit well. When would later be? Anastasia pokes her head out through the door and Rose reenters the little room. Alexey is sitting on the bed, looking unwell; his bandaged leg is clearly seen through the fabric of his pants.

'Rose, what's going on?' Alexey inquires, his voice is heavy with sleep, but there is a hint of pain in it as well.

'The White Army is in Yekaterinburg. Our safety is threatened, we are being relocated.'

'Again?' Alexey sighs and Rose smiles.

'Hopefully, it will be the last time.' Rose tries to reassure them. Anastasia sits with him, looking strangely calm.

Rose decides to take another look out of the room and peers around the corner so she can see the foyer. Now, the whole family is standing there. Alexandra is leaning heavily on Olga's arm. Nicholas is standing beside her, with Tatiana's arm in his own and Maria's hand in the other. Dr. Botkin stands alone, next to Alexandra's lady in waiting, who is clutching a purple pillow to her chest. Rose doesn't see Yurovsky anymore just the two men from earlier. He orders them to move outside, Nicholas looks back and up to where Rose is, giving her a short nod. He must have suspected something, but he continues to be led outside.

The two men don't bother with a head count, so they don't notice that three of them are missing. This is becoming a dangerous game, Rose needs to get the other two to safety. But where to go? She starts to think of acceptable hiding spots where they won't be found. There are a lot of guards roaming the grounds; she will have to be careful.

Rose goes back into Alexey's room and tries to remain calm. Anastasia is eyeing her, something isn't right.

'We have to go. Something isn't right…I'm going to find you a safe place to hide while I find out what's going on.'

'Why can't we stay here?' Alexey wonders and Rose shakes her head.

'It isn't safe. We need to find another place.' Anastasia cuts in.

'Oh, okay.' Alexey nods and Rose bends down in front of him, with her back towards him. He positions himself on her back, wrapping his arms around her neck and Rose takes a hold of his legs. She ensures she doesn't touch the bandaged one.

'Anastasia, I need you to be keeping an eye out for guards, okay?'

'Right, but where are you going to take us…?'

'I'm figuring it out now.'

'Where is everyone else?' Alexey questions and Rose tries to form an answer, to be as gentle as she can.

'We'll worry about that later, Alexey.' Anastasia answers for Rose and she gives her a smile.

Together, they carefully walk down the stairs, Anastasia checks around corners and halls, but she doesn't see any guards. She continues to stay ahead as she looks out the front door. The grounds are quiet, but she can hear the voices of guards. Rose follows Anastasia through the door and onto the grounds.

It's dark outside, making seeing anything rather difficult. The ground is muddy because of the extensive rain. Every step that Rose takes she sinks in a bit, the extra weight isn't helping. However, they tread as carefully as they can across the grounds, having to stop and press themselves against the house as a few guards move past them. They are all heavily armed. Excessive for them, Rose understands the need to push back the White Army…but still…

They continue to walk until they reach a small courtyard. Another door to the basement of house sits a few steps away from there, but Rose thinks that it would be an obvious hiding spot. She hears the voices of the guards drawing closer and she starts to panic. Anastasia grips Rose's arm, as best she can and Alexey holds on tighter.

Quickly, Rose surveys their surroundings and she catches sight of an old feed box. She nudges Anastasia and together they start to lightly jog towards it. Alexey lets out soft moans due to the pain, and Rose whispers quiet apologies.

Anastasia quickly climbs in, hiding her horror at the rotted wood and cobwebs. She stands up as Rose turns around and she lifts Alexey into the box with her.

'Stay here…I'm going to see what I can find out. Be quiet…okay? Don't make noises, no matter what you may here.' Rose lowers the lid and quietly steps away. She quickly hides herself by the side of the box as more three more guards appear and stand by the door that leads to the basement.

'I'm telling you, we're missing three.' One says.

'Don't let Yurovsky know, he'll blame us. Where's Ermakov?'

'Yurovsky probably knows already, and is waiting for us to say something. As for Ermakov, he's drinking himself stupid. If he continues like this, he won't be able to do it.' Comes the reply.

'Did you hear that German bitch?! Demanding chairs to sit on?!' A voice cries out.

'I'm more surprised that Yurovsky actually sent Nikulin to get them.'

'He's trying to keep them in a false sense of security. But I was still pissed he sent me to get them.'

'Are anyone else's nerves shot?'

'Mine are, hand me another cigarette.'

'Me too.'

Rose swallows nervously, what are those guards planning? What's going on? She peeks around the corner and notices that they are all huddled against the basement door. She assumes the family is in there and she observes the guards finish their cigarettes and are joined by another man who she guesses to be Ermakov.

'You useless drunk.' Comes a comment.

'Shut your fucking mouth, Nikulin. Is it time? Is it time?' Ermakov asks excitedly.

'We were waiting on you. So, yes. It's time. We can join Yurovsky.' The guards begin to pile down the stairs and shut the door.

Rose takes one last look around her and quickly sprints to the door, crouching down. The air is musty; she can smell it, as she presses her ear to the door. But she also hears the muffled voices from below. Nicholas is speaking. At first she can't hear him until Yurovsky asks him to speak up.

'Well, here we all are,' Nicholas informs him. 'What are you going to do now?'

'In view of the fact that your relatives in Europe continue their assault on Soviet Russia,' Yurovsky pauses slightly. Rose knows he must mean Wilhelm. 'The presidium of the Ural Regional Soviet has sentenced you to be shot…' Yurovsky's voice got louder at the end.

Rose covered her mouth; this is some sick joke…it has to be.

'What? What?' Is what Rose hears Nicholas say in response to that statement.

'So, you're not taking us anywhere?' Rose hears Botkin's voice next. She imagines the astute doctor cannot begin to comprehend what was just spoken to him.

'I don't understand…read it again…' Nicholas demands.

'…In view of the fact that the Czechoslovaks are threatening the red capital of the Urals, Yekaterinburg,' Yurovsky continued where he had left off. 'And in view of the fact that the crowned executioner might escape the people's court, the presidium of the Regional Soviet, fulfilling the will of the Revolution, has decreed that the former Tsar Nicholas Romanov, guilty of countless bloody crimes against the people, should be shot…' Yurovsky finishes.

Rose leans away from the door, pale and sick…how could they decree something like this? Didn't they understand? He wasn't ready to be a Tsar! He's a simply man who only wishes to spend his remaining days with his family. Nothing more! He doesn't want the throne back and surely won't be a threat to the Soviets…he wouldn't. That side of him is gone now…

Rose realises what will happen next. She gets to her feet and begins to run to the feed box. They'll hear everything. She slips in the mud, covering her entire left side, but still she pulls herself up and runs as quickly as she can to Anastasia and Alexey.

She throws open the shabby wooden lid and climbs in. Anastasia having to make room as Rose takes her place in the middle of them.

'Listen to me…both of you. It's going to get loud…cover your ears.' Rose instructs and they do so.

The unmistakeable sound of gunfire erupts and surrounds the little box. Anastasia cries out and turns herself into Rose's neck, with Alexey following suit. Rose wraps her arms around their heads and covers their ears again. Rose feels her tears falling down her face. She feels the breath of Alexey and Anastasia on her neck in shallow intervals, followed closely by their tears. Sadly, they don't even know what's going on. And now Rose has to inform them. And she cries too, because it isn't fair that these two wonderful children are now orphans. She's angry that this kind family has been torn apart.

Silence falls on the grounds and the children pull away from Rose, but she pulls them back for a tight embrace. She sees in Anastasia's eyes that something has been connected, but not Alexey. He doesn't know yet.

Slowly, Rose lifts the lid and peeks out. She witnesses the guards pile out, covered in innocent blood. Most are quiet, but as Ermakov has a wide smile on his face, he actually enjoyed it. Even Yurovsky is silent as they form a small group steps away from the basement.

'I know there are three missing.' He states.

'We'll find them, and we'll kill them.' Ermakov informs him.

'Can it wait…? I need a drink…after all that…' One guard says and Yurovsky nods.

'Fine, we'll take a fifteen minute break. They can't have gotten far. They're still in the house somewhere. Then we'll back the truck up. I seriously hope it'll be able to hold the bodies of nine people.'

'Definitely didn't look like it was that stable…'

Rose lowers the lid as she sees the guards begin to break apart and wander off. One silence has fallen again, Rose lifts the lid and sees no one around her, she climbs out, awkwardly as the long skirt makes it difficult. She holds the lid up and stares at the two children, Anastasia is holding on to Alexey who is clinging to her.

'Stay here…I'll be right back. Then we'll have to start moving. We have a fifteen-minute window, okay? Stay quiet.' Rose lowers the lid and carefully makes her way to the basement door, which has been left ajar.

It reeks of smoke and the metallic smell of blood. Rose can't steady her breathing as she descends the stairs. She slips on something wet and nearly loses her balance but she manages to grab onto the thin iron wrought railing. The flickering light of the one light bulb manages to mask the horror below, and it's only when Rose reaches the bottom of the stairs does she understand the full magnitude.

It is a mess, of blood, body tissues, brain matter and the smell…Rose covers her mouth in horror and immediately feels sick. Some of the bodies even have bayonet wounds.

Alexandra was shot, point blank range, spraying the wall with…Rose doesn't even want to know…

Olga and Tatiana lay in a corner of the room, each with bullet holes in their heads and stab wounds from the bayonet. But poor Olga had a gunshot wound in her jaw and Rose felt the tears in her eyes. Little Maria was lying dead on the floor by another door, and she imagines that Maria would have been pounding on it before her life was taken from her.

Botkin has a wound to the stomach as he lies close to Nicholas, reaching out, as if to try and protect him. He too sports a bullet wound to the head. The maid, Demi, lies slumped in the corner; multiple wounds are in her chest. Rose cries out at the sheer horror of it all.

And there, in the middle of the mess and entangled bodies is the man who wanted nothing more in life, than his family, with multiple shots to his chest. Rose sinks to her knees and bites her lip as she tries hard not to fall into complete hysterics. Her breathing becomes uneven and she has to close her eyes to mentally focus on trying to steady herself. But it's of no use. She can't stop crying. She covers her face with her hands and breaks down.

Rose lets out a scream as she feels something touch her thigh. She looks down and stares in complete shock as the hand that touched her belongs to Nicholas.

Rose moves closer to him and bends over, so he can see her clearly without the struggle on his body. He reaches up and places his hand, covered in the blood of his family, on her cheek. But Rose doesn't mind and she covers his hand with her own. This man became a second father to her over the months she was with him, and she feels her heart breaking at the loss of him

'Baby…and…my…Imp…' Nicholas coughs violently; a trail of blood escapes the side of his mouth. 'Are…they…safe…?'

'Yes, yes sir they are…I'm going to get them to safety. I'm going to protect them…' Rose manages to get out.

'Ah, good…thank you…' Nicholas manages a weak smile. 'You've become my…fifth daughter…a part…of my…of my…family…'

'I'm so honoured you think so.' Rose's eyes glass over with tears.

'Certainly…this…is not how…I pictured…the end…' Nicholas smiles slightly. 'What will…become of our…poor Russia?'

'Russia is lost…she stands on the brink of civil war…' Rose feels terrible to inform him but he closes his eyes briefly before he reopens them.

'You are…a blessing…to my family…I'm sorry it ended…like this…'

'I'm so sorry I couldn't do more…' Rose confesses and he manages a weak laugh.

'You have…you have my children…' Another violent coughing fit wracks him. 'You are…keeping them safe…from the Soviet hands…I can ask for…no more…'

'I don't know what…to tell them.' Rose whispers and a pensive look falls over Nicholas's eyes.

'Tell them…it was…God's will…so…that Russia…has a chance…to thrive…'

Rose nods and smiles weakly. 'I will…' She promises and Nicholas strokes Rose's cheek with his thumb. Rose knows he's fading…tears threaten to fall with vigour as she tries her hardest not to cry.

'Pray for…our souls…for now…we meet our maker…at peace…knowing that we will be reunited…someday…' Nicholas closes his eyes and opens them once more. 'Give…give…my love…to them…'

'I will…I will, sir…' Rose nods, and he smiles affectionately at her.

'Ah…that's my girl…' His hand goes limp on Rose's face, and she continues to hold it there, not wanting to believe that it is the end.

Minutes pass as Rose suddenly realises that she need to return to the children, their window is getting smaller. She gets up and as she passes Alexandra's body, she notices a rather thick, heavy looking book. She bends down to pick it up, trying not to look at her deceased body and holds it to the light. It's the family's album, covering everything from Nicholas' mother and father's times, Nicholas' childhood and his own family's lives. Rose holds it to her chest as she runs up the stairs and back to the little feed box.

There are still no voices from the guards and Rose breathes a sigh of relief as she continues her light jog to the box. She lifts it to see Anastasia and Alexey still clinging to each other and gasp at the sight of Rose's face, still covered in blood on the one side. The blood of their family.

'Rose…what happened down there…?' Anastasia manages weakly.

'We need to leave. Our window of opportunity is closing.' Rose avoids Anastasia's questions and it only confirms to her that she may be without a family anymore.

Rose manages to get the weak Alexey onto her back and steadied Anastasia as she climbed out. Rose motioned for her to take the album and she did, solidifying that her family is no longer with them.

Together, the three of them creep along the grounds; Anastasia remains a bit a head of Rose to ensure she can spot the guards, giving them a chance to take cover. They can hear the voices of guards off in the distance and the sound of a roaring diesel engine, Rose believes belonging to the truck that will take the bodies away.

They manage to reach the wall that surrounds the house and desperately try to look for a way out. Rose spots a group of shrubs and silently leads them over there. She carefully places Alexey down and Anastasia sits beside him.

'I'm going to see if I can spot a way out. Keep low, and no sounds, okay?'

'But Rose, what about the others? Mama and Papa?' Alexey questions and Rose bites her lip.

'Not now, Alexey, Rose is trying to concentrate.' Anastasia breaks in and Alexey falls silent.

Rose turns and walks along the wall, pressing herself to it as guards pass her, off in the distance. She frowns, as she can't seem to spot anything. She's beginning to get desperate, and she does her best to remain calm. Panic is contagious, and it can spread like wildfire, namely to the children.

Rose is so engrossed with studying her surroundings off in the distance, that she doesn't hear the approaching footsteps. She places her hands on her hips and tilts her head, wondering what she could do and where she could go.

She tries to scream as she feels a hand wrap itself around her mouth and instinctively she starts to struggle. It isn't until the figure spins her around does she fall silent. Rose widens her eyes and feels fresh tears fall from her tired and strained eyes.

She throws her arms around him, tightly and he lifts her off the ground in a tight embrace. He places his hand on the back of her head and he can hear her breaking down. How is this happening? Is it real? It's been so long…

'I didn't think you were ever going to find me…' She whispers

'It took a bit of help, I'll admit…' And he sets back on her feet, concerned that her right cheek is stained with blood.

'I'm so glad you're here…'

'Me too.'

'We need to leave…we're being hunted by Bolsheviks.' Rose informs him and he nods.

'Right, well, I parked the TARDIS over here, let's go.' He takes her hand in his and didn't realise how much he's missed her until that moment. Because everything in his life is slowly coming back together and it's been so long.

He leads her to the TARDIS but she abruptly stops, pulling him back and points to a group of shrubs.

'What about them?' He watches as she bends down, confused he frowns until he sees a young boy reach for her and she gets him on her back. Taking firm hold of his legs and he wraps his arms around her neck. A young woman emerges as well, clutching something to her chest. Both look scared and exhausted. 'Oh, Rose…'

'Rose? What's going on? Where are Mama and Papa?'

'Alexey, not now…I'll tell you later…' Replies the younger woman.

'Where's the TARDIS?' Rose looks over to the Doctor, whose eyes are darting between the three of them.

'The two survivors…it was you…' The Doctor can't believe his eyes, that his Rose, is responsible for the two survivors of the Yekaterinburg massacre.

'I'm sorry?' Rose questions.

'Never mind, let's go!' The Doctor informs them and together they run for the TARDIS, seeing it the distance.

'Yurovsky! I've got them! This way!' A voice rings through the night and Rose looks over her shoulder. Ermakov aims his gun and begins to fire at them. Anastasia screams and the Doctor moves her closer towards him, quickly glancing back.

'Almost there!' He shouts and Rose grins. They are going to make it. Rose hears a bullet whiz by her ear and she cries out.

The Doctor pushes ahead and opens the TARDIS doors, the guards managing to gain good ground. Gunfire continues to ring into the night air, he pushes Anastasia in first, ensures Rose and Alexey are in before he takes one look back and steps inside. The bullets hitting the TARDIS doors, Yurovsky, Ermakov and the other guards manage to reach the TARDIS just as she starts to dematerialise.

Collective they exchange looks and stand in the spot where the TARDIS used to be…they are going to be in serious trouble when Lenin hears of this folly. They don't dwell on the subject long. They still have work to do…

Messy work.

Rose carefully sets Alexey down on the console chair and Anastasia sits beside him, together they are quiet, observing the box that is so much bigger on the inside. Donna has Rose in a tight embrace whispering words to her that the Doctor can't hear. Slowly, she pulls away and goes over to the children. She kneels down in front of them and together; they fling themselves at her, both vying for her embrace.

'Rose…it's not true is it…?' Alexey beings to cry.

'Shush…it's okay…'

'But Mama, Papa…and Olga and Tatiana and Maria…' He sobs into her. Donna feels tears of her own start and the Doctor puts his arm around her shoulders.

'They went to be with God…Alexey…' Rose tries to remain calm, even just a bit, for him.

'But I don't want them to go…' He responds.

'Oh, I know…Alexey, I know…' Rose kisses his head. 'I know it's difficult to see beyond the sorrow, but you'll see that looking back on the memories you had with them, all the laughs you shared, will help comfort you tomorrow. Because when someone you love becomes a memory, that memory will become a special treasure. There are others behind the veil, that are so happy to see them.'

They continue to cry into her as Rose keeps them in a tight embrace. She turns to look at the Doctor, who has an unreadable expression on his face, but his eyes show sadness, perpetual sadness and heartache.

'We have to go to Crimea.' Rose informs him and he nods, going over to the console and imputing the coordinates.

'What's in Crimea, Rose?' Anastasia manages.

'Your grandmother.' The children pull away and stare at her with amazement. She had to inform his mother. The children fall silent as they each cling to Rose when she sits in between them.

The Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna reads the information that indicates that her son and daughter in law had been murdered. Along with the children. She crumples the letter and throws it to the ground. At seventy years old…she didn't think it was possible to feel so many emotions at once.

She doesn't want to believe it, she wants to take it as more Bolshevik lies, but something in her gut tells her it isn't. How is she going to know for sure?

She abruptly stands up as an odd sound fills the room, sending loose papers flying across the room. There appears, out of nowhere, a blue box. She's about to call for the guards, when the doors open and two figures appear in the doorway. One of them runs towards her, and she recognises it to be her granddaughter, Anastasia. A woman accompanies the figure that remains in the doorway, and Maria lets out a cry of surprise as Anastasia embraces her and Alexey emerges. The blonde woman holding his hand is proper mess.

She's cover in mud on the one side; she's dishevelled, with blood on her face and red puffy eyes. Maria holds out her free arm and Alexey slowly walks towards her, and she embraces him tightly.

'Oh, my grandchildren! Where are the rest of you…?'

'Your son, daughter in law, and three of your grandchildren have been executed by order of the Soviets.' The woman states coldly.

'What do you mean? They are dead?'

'I'm afraid so.'

'I don't believe you.' Maria informs her with her haughty attitude.

'I witnessed the aftermath,' Rose walks towards her and whispers these words in her ear. 'The blood on my face belongs to your son.'

Maria takes a better look and instantly fills with dread and heartache. 'No! No! How could they?!'

'I'm sorry, Ma'am.'

'Who are you?'

'My name is Rose.'

'You… you are the Rose that my Nicky wrote about…?' Maria watches the girl's face soften at the mention of her son.

'Yes, and I am here to offer advice. Leave Russia…go anywhere. You must…civil war is coming. And Russia…will be consumed by the Reds.'

'How do you know this?'

'I'm from the future, and I travel in time.'

'Russia is lost?' Maria questions.

'Russia is lost, controlled by the Soviets for a very, very long time.' Rose repeats.

'I will take your council.' Maria swears and Rose smiles.

'Thank you,' She bends down to the children's level and again they embrace her tightly. 'Goodbye, Anastasia, and Alexey. Be good…'

'Goodbye Rose…' Anastasia whispers through her tears. 'Thank you…'

'Rose, please don't go…' Alexey sobs.

'Alexey…do you remember the stories I used to tell you, when you were sick?' Rose asked and Alexey nods his head. 'Well, that man in there, is the Doctor…and I am going to go on more adventures, so the next time we meet…I can tell you new ones.'

'Okay…okay…' Alexey nods. 'Promise they'll be good ones…'

'I promise,' Rose hugs him tightly again. 'I promise I'll only go on the best ones, just for you.'

Rose gets up and backs towards the TARDIS, as she lingers in the doorway, she feels the Doctor place his hands on her shoulders and she covers his hands with her own.

'Rose, please come here. I wish to thank you.' Maria calls over and Rose obliges.

Rose stands in front of Maria as this old woman who is bearing the death of her family as best she can, hugs her. With surprising strength. Maria reaches to her ring finger and takes a ring off. She opens Rose's hand and carefully places it in there, closing her hand around it.

'I can't…' Rose breathes and tries to give it back.

'You will, for I do not want it back,' Maria smiles. Rose opens her hands to reveal a stunning sapphire ring. White gold, with a huge oval cut sapphire placed in the middle, surrounded by diamonds as if to frame it. The sapphire is so dark, that it looks black in the light. 'Sapphire was my Nicky's favourite gem…' Maria informs her.

'I can't take this…'

'You will, to remember my family by. And to know how you were able to save my grandchildren from a horrible fate,' Rose just looks stunned, at Maria who then waves her hand dismissively. 'Off you go, my dear. Leave an old woman to her grief…'

Rose nods her head and embraces each of them once more before she turns on her heel and goes back into the TARDIS. Together, Maria, Anastasia and Alexey stare wide eyed as the magical blue box slowly fades from their eyes.

It's been quiet, since they left. Rose knows that they want to ask her what happened but are unsure of how to go about it. She doesn't really want to talk about it anyway. She hurts too much and she wants to be alone. She stops fingering the ring and slips it on her middle finger, standing up, she looks over to where the Doctor and Donna are, trying their hardest not to stare.

'You know…I think I'm gonna head for a shower…' Rose smiles weakly and heads down the hall. Once she's disappeared, Donna turns to the Doctor.

'Go after her, Spaceman.'

'But that activity is usually done alone…' The Doctor states and Donna rolls her eyes.

'You prawn, she doesn't want to be alone…she's just saying that so she can be alone.'

'What? But you just said she doesn't want to be alone…' The Doctor is confused at Donna's logic.

'She wants to be away from us. Alone, but she wants you to follow her.'

'How do you know?'

'Because I do…so go on…' Donna gives him a shove in the direction of the hallway.

The Doctor awkwardly heads down the hall, not believing that Donna would be right about this situation. As he continues to wander the halls, he hears the sound of quiet crying and he quickens his pace. He finds Rose sitting against one of the walls, knees drawn to her chest, crying.

He sits beside her and wraps his arms around her; she leans into his embrace as she continues to cry. After some time has passed, she becomes quiet and pulls away.

'I grew really close with them…all of them.' Rose starts.

'I know Rose, I saw it in their eyes…'

'Why did it have to happen…?' Rose whispers and closes her eyes.

'I wish I had a better answer to give you other than a political one.'

'But he was fine with not being Tsar anymore…he was fine with it. He just wanted to spend his days with his family…' Rose informs him.

'I know…and I'm sad that the Soviets never saw it that way. They were scared of what could happen if he remained alive…'

'He became a father to me…Doctor…' Rose looks up to him. 'Not some parallel universe cheap copy…but one like…well, one like my real dad…if that makes sense.'

'I know what you're getting at…and I'm sorry you had to lose him.'

Rose nods and smiles slightly. 'Thank you…for not giving up on me…'

'The thought never entered my mind. I would have turned all of Russia upside down until I found you.'

'Looks like we can't even have a relaxing trip without me finding trouble…'

'Ah…that's my fault…I should have known better,' The Doctor sighs. 'But you did scare me quite thoroughly.'

'How'd your temper fare?' Rose questioned.

'Ask Donna…' Rose raises her eyebrows. 'Not well…' He confesses.

'Doctor…'

'I'm used to getting what I want…you know cause I'm smart, I can figure anything out…do anything…' The Doctor stares off. 'But not being able to find you, even after all my usual tricks…didn't sit well with me.'

'I hope you weren't unbearable to be around.' Rose informs him and the Doctor shrugs.

'I'm great to be around, mostly. Almost all the time. Except for those few times…Donna had to set me right.'

'I bet she did,' Rose gives a small, crooked smile. 'You look exhausted…' Rose observes, and all she's met with is a short nod. Months of not sleeping had taken their toll…well she'd ensure that he'd sleep, but she guesses she won't be met with much resistance.

The Doctor embraces her tightly and Rose hungers for his touch after being denied it for so long. She can't wait for her life to return to normal and the ache in her heart to dull. She steals a quick glance at the ring on her hand, she'll never forget the months when she became his daughter and how she was able to save two of his children. Who both went on to live great lives, even in exile. Maybe, she could convince the Doctor to take her to visit them…because she already misses them terribly.

Hi guys!

I'm so sorry it's taken so long to get this written. And boy is it a long one! I really took care when writing this, doing a lot of research, so mostly everything follows the actual timeline, except the end, obviously. The conversation that Yurovsky has just at the end in the basement, is actual fact. Same with Alexandra demanding chairs to sit on.

I hope it's all that you've been hoping for. I'd love to hear feedback on it, anything you want to say. I also hope the length is okay, let me know if you think I should break it up. I don't really want to, but you're the audience.

Thanks for reading my original chapter guys. And I'm sorry for mistakes.