How Could He Simply Say No? Chapter 7: The Sontaran Stratagem, a doctor who fanfic

Something caught his eye as he walked by his desk. It appeared to be something wrapped in a brown piece of cloth. It must belong to Rose; he had never seen it before. Her clothes that she had been wearing earlier are piled beside the desk. He had finally been able to get her up and out of the hallway, but it had taken some convincing. He's never seen her that upset before, the only time he could remember was when he informed her that she could never see her mother again.

He brought her to his room, figuring she craved a sense of the familiar. He had been right. He saw her shoulders slump at the familiarity in the room. She turned to him and had hugged him tightly.

Now, she is trying to pull herself together, and she's been in there for some time. He quickly steals a glance at the door, but it doesn't open. Curiosity getting the better of him, he picks up the piece of cloth, turning it over in his hand. The cloth loosened around its contents and something came tumbling out. They are photographs; he bends down to pick them up and frowns. They are old ones, in black and white, some in a sepia tone of people, some he'd never seen before. Others…well, some of them are of Rose while others are Rose with various Romanovs.

He began to flip through the photos, while a smile began to form on his features. She wasn't kidding when she had informed him that she had grown close with them. If he didn't know her, he would have assumed she was apart of the family. There are many of her and Nicholas together, a father and a daughter.

'Do you like them?' A voice calls over to him softly. His head snapped up and he looks over to Rose who is standing there.

'Sorry…I didn't mean…' Rose holds up her hand and he falls silent. She glides across the floor as she comes to stand beside him. She still looks unwell; her eyes look tired and strained. But she smiles as notices the picture he had stopped at.

'That was the last day we spent together. Later that evening, he, Alexandra and Maria left for Yekaterinburg.' Rose inwardly smiles as she studies the picture. Whoever had taken it had caught them in the midst of a conversation, Rose is looking up to him, while he continues to stare into the distance, but there is a smile on his face and he has Rose's arm tightly in his own.

'A walk in the garden. That's nice.' He replied and flipped to another picture.

'I didn't realise that we had been caught playing,' Rose informs him. The Doctor looks back to the photograph, Alexey is lying on his stomach playing with toy trucks, while Rose is seated on the floor across from him. She is pointing to the trucks on the ground and Alexey has a wide grin on his face. 'You know, when he was sick, I told him stories of you.'

'You did?'

'Sure. All the amazing adventures you go on.' Rose continued to stare at the picture.

'You mean we go on.' He corrected and she looks over to him.

'I still miss them.' Rose says sadly and he puts his arm around her shoulders.

'I know you do, but you'll never forget them, and they'll never forget you.' He picks up her right hand and indicates the ring on her middle finger.

'I wished I could have saved them all.'

'Yeah, it would have been nice. But just remember, we can't pick and choose who we want to live and who has to die. Their deaths, sadly, were still a fixed point in history. Although they never did say who saved them. That's why I was so surprised it was you. You saved them Rose.'

'Yeah…I did…' She replies quietly and he kisses her head. She just continues to stare at the photos, wishing she could visit them again.

'Come on, you need to sleep. It's been a long day.'

'You're one to talk.' Rose counters and places a hand on his cheek. He looks as he did in 1969 when he saw her. Tired, worn down and still desperate. He closes his eyes at her touch and nods.

'Got me there.'

'So then come here.' Rose takes the photographs out of his hands and carefully wraps them in the cloth again. She lingers before she gingerly sets them down on his desk. She has plans to add them all to her photo wall in her bedroom.

Strangely, the Doctor picks them up again and heads towards the bed, curious, Rose follows him and watches as he sits. Rose climbs into the bed and kneels at his side, resting her head on his shoulder.

He unwraps all the photographs again and studies them. He lets out a sound of laugh as he turns to show her one and Rose playfully hits him. Rose is poised in the middle of the photo, while all of the sisters are surrounding her. They are all making faces at the camera, even Rose.

'What spurred that on?'

'I can't even remember now…' Rose looks off in thought. 'Most of them were taken by Dr. Botkin.'

The Doctor turned to her and smiled, who would have thought that losing Rose in Russia, while devastating for her and hell for him, gave her some of the greatest friends and a man who had come to think of her as a daughter. He couldn't argue that, nor would he.

Once they had looked at all the photographs, and there were plenty, each with their own story, Rose carefully wrapped them up again. Together they both gave in to their desire for sleep, together in each other's embrace.

'Ah my girl, couldn't sleep either?'

Rose looks up and immediately smiles at whom the voice belongs to. 'No, sadly not. Too many thoughts.'

'I'm afraid I know the feeling.' He sits beside her and Rose closes the book she had been attempting to read, strangely she couldn't focus on it. She wonders if she should even be in this room. It is his private study…

'I'm sorry.' She says suddenly. He turns to look at her but smiles. Rose thinks he looks a bit pale, almost grey…something is wrong with him.

'You are most welcome any time. You should know that by now,' He informs her and she smiles sheepishly. And yet, she can't tear her eyes away from him because he looks so unwell. 'What are you trying to read?'

Rose holds up the book for him and he inspects, squinting at the title. 'An excellent read. You must finish soon, I should like to hear your thoughts on it.'

'I will, and I'd like that.' She embraces him, because she wants to ensure he's real, because he certainly doesn't look like it.

Nicholas embraces her tightly, odd behaviour from her tonight he muses. Ah, but he enjoys this girl very much. He has never met another person who seems to understand him as she does. Not even Alexandra knows him that well. It strikes him as odd, since they have only known each other for a short time.

Rose's eyes snap open when she feels warm on her chest, through her clothes almost like warm water has been splashed on her. Confused she pulls away and she pales at the sigh of him, and she gasps at the horror. Looking down at her own dress, she lets out a cry of surprise and backs away. There's blood all over her dress, she touches it and it is still fresh. Perplexed, she looks over to Nicholas and covers her mouth. He's standing there, looking dazed with bullet wounds in his chest. But he doesn't seem to notice it, for he smiles affectionately at her.

'What's the matter, Rose? You look like you've seen a ghost.'

Rose awakens with a start, shooting straight up in the bed, panting. What the hell had that dream been about? She wipes the cold sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand. What the hell was that? She's shaking now…so she attempts a few deep breaths to calm her nerves. It isn't working; she's still so shaken. Why did she have to lose another father? Deciding she'll be unable to get more sleep Rose pushes back the covers, carefully so she won't wake the bed's other occupant.

Stealing a quick glance over to him, she smiles. He hasn't moved and she lets out a sigh of relief. He certainly can be a heavy sleeper when he wants to. She quietly tip toes across the floor and pulls the door open, not really sure where she's going to end up.

He doesn't remember when he had been that utterly exhausted and woke up feeling so much better. It had to have been some time ago, because he truly didn't remember. Oddly, though, Rose wasn't beside him. Which made him wonder how long he had been asleep for. He hoped not long, but he didn't see any evidence that would show Rose had been in the room recently. Slowly he sat up, stretching and instantly felt the need for more sleep, but that could always wait. The craving would dissipate after some time. He decided to search for Rose in the mean time.

As he wandered down the halls, he didn't catch sight of her in her own room, the kitchen or the library. Knowing the last place where she would likely to be, he headed towards the console room. Rather surprised at what he saw.

Rose and Donna are sitting together on the console chair chatting. Rose is still in her pyjamas, and he couldn't help notice how tired she still looked. He must have just walked in on part of their conversation because Donna has the photos, that Rose had shown him earlier, in her hands. He remains a few feet from the console room, ensuring that they couldn't see him; he'd like to know what happened as well. And he isn't sure if Rose would continue if he joined them.

'Are you kidding? He fell on you?' Donna repeated.

'Yeah, knocked me out. By the time I came to, I was on a train heading for Siberia.' Rose nodded.

'Who took you there?'

'Dr. Botkin.' Rose smiled, as Donna's look became one of indifference.

'A doctor? You just can't seem to escape that profession, huh?' Donna began smirk.

'Apparently not.' Rose agreed, but she smiled.

'So, what next?'

'We arrived in Tobolsk, and he took me into the Governor's House, where I met former Tsar Nicholas.'

'You didn't!' Donna leaned forward.

'I did,' Rose points to the photo of her and Nicholas in his study together. 'He was a very sweet man.'

'And you just hung out there?' Donna inquired.

'At first it was so Dr. Botkin could ensure that I didn't have any other underlying problems with my head,' Rose ponders further. 'And then, Nicholas and Alexandra asked if I wouldn't mind teaching the children…course I didn't finish high school.'

'I trust you didn't tell them that?' Donna wanted to confirm.

'That's right…and then…I'm not really sure. I looked after Alexey a lot when he was sick. And I guess it just escalated from there…' Rose thought. She wasn't really sure what had happened to earn their trust.

'What were they like? I mean, if you don't mind my asking.' Donna watched as Rose's eyes fell to the floor in contemplation.

'Like a regular family. Strict, I mean Alexandra was the picture of an overbearing mother. The girls…they sort of stuck together. It was like they understood that life revolves around Alexey, because of his illness.'

'Did they care about what was going on in the rest of Russia?' Donna frowns.

'Yeah, Nicholas did, for sure. I think it was always on the back of his mind. But he was the type of person who didn't allow you to know what was on his mind.' Rose informed her, but sometimes, even for a brief moment, Nicholas would confide in her. They were few and far between moments, but it showed her a man who was conflicted. All of his anxieties would come out, and he seemed so human to her then. Once he had decided it was enough, he would shut himself off again. Pretend like nothing had happened. It was so odd that he had the same tendencies as the Doctor did, maybe that's why she understood him so well, connected with him so well, knew what to say to comfort him, because she had, for lack of a better word, practice.

'Hn, sounds like someone we know…' Donna replied and smiled when she watched Rose's features break out into a grin. Her grin told Donna all she needed to know.

'Thank you…' Rose said suddenly and Donna's features knitted into one of confusion.

'For what?' She inquired and Rose simply smiled kindly at her.

'For taking care of him, dealing with his temper, I know he isn't easy to deal with when it comes to missing companions.' Rose stated and Donna shook her head.

'Who are we kidding Rose? He just wanted to get you back.' Donna said simply.

'No, he would do the same if it were you.' Rose countered.

'Maybe,' Donna thought. 'Probably with less enthusiasm and passion.' But Rose only shook her head indicating her disagreement. Donna didn't press the matter further. After wrapping up the photos again, Rose became quiet and thought about everything.

'I think I'll go get dressed…' Rose vocalised her thought and Donna nodded in agreement. 'Thanks again Donna, for listening…'

'Any time Rose, any time.' Donna informed her and was taken back when Rose fiercely embraced her. Donna figured she really appreciated having another female onboard. Some things, the Doctor just couldn't relate to, and that's why Rose enjoyed having the company she did.

After Rose had left Donna sat quietly and thought about the adventure that she had just been on. Donna didn't have long to think before the Doctor entered, looking rather dazed.

'Morning Donna.' He looked over to her and smiled slightly.

'Morning. Everything okay? You look rather dazed and confused.' Donna observed and he shot her a look.

'I'm all right.' She didn't need to know how great a kisser Rose is.

'How long had you been eavesdropping for?' Donna inquired and smirked as he froze.

'How'd you know?'

'Well, since I was facing the hallway, I saw you approach and then back off.' Donna informs him and he rubs the back of his head as he tries to come up with a plausible response.

'I just wanted her to talk about it. I know she feels like she's just lost members of her family. I just thought, you know, you could make her feel better. If she couldn't connect with me, then I'm glad she could with you.'

As if on cue they hear a voice down the hall and both turn to look at the hallway. Rose comes into view and they both frown. She appears to be having a conversation with herself. It isn't until she tucks a piece of hair behind her ear that they realise she is on a mobile. Rose stands in the middle of the hallway and she stops to ponder a question asked of her, before she continues to walk into the console room, standing beside the Doctor. She passes the mobile up to him. Donna is confused, since when did he have a mobile? Or Rose for that matter?

'Who is it?' He frowned as he takes the mobile from her.

'You'll see. Go on, say hello. Don't be rude.' Rose chides and just stares at her.

'Since when did he start carrying around a mobile?' Donna leans into Rose and whispers.

'It isn't his…it's a friend's.' Rose whispers back.

'Hello?' The Doctor suddenly looks concerned. 'Martha?' He listens to the conviction in her voice and smiles. Same old Martha Jones. Sounds like they have a small trip to make. Where else, but Earth? It seems they just can't stay out of trouble for long.

Martha stands around in a dirty alleyway waiting. How long did it take to get here? She frowns slightly and crosses her arms. She takes a look over her shoulder, back to the main road. Still nothing, and she had to report back soon. She fingers the ring on her finger nervously. He promised he'd come, so what's with the delay? Her thoughts are soon eased as she hears the familiar sounds of the TARDIS surround her and she grins. Finally.

At first no one comes out, it's a few minutes before the door opens and the Doctor pokes his head out, looking one way and then the other, spotting Martha. Rose brushes by him and quickens her pace to greet her. Martha and Rose embrace tightly, swaying a bit in each other's embrace.

'Martha, it's so good to see you!' Rose says and her voice is full of glee.

'Rose, I missed you!' Martha responds and she smiles, until she notices another woman shyly follow the Doctor out and walks beside him. Martha frowns slightly.

The Doctor stands in front of her and they look each other up and down before embracing each other. He pulls away first and smiles.

'Martha Jones.'

'Doctor.' Martha grins.

'You still haven't changed at all!' He exclaimed and it drew a laugh from Rose and Martha.

'Neither have you!' She countered.

'Martha how's your family?' Rose inquired and the Doctor's expression sobered up.

'Yeah, are they okay?' He asked and Martha gave a thoughtful nod.

'Yeah, they're recovering. Still.'

'What about you?' The Doctor questioned and before Martha could answer, Donna joined them.

'Hello, I'm Donna.' Donna stuck her hand out and Martha shook it. The Doctor tensed slightly, although he isn't really sure why.

'Donna? It's nice to meet you, I'm Martha.'

'Oh, so you're the Martha Rose has told me all about,' Donna remembers and Martha smiles as she nods. 'Quite the adventure it sounded like.'

'It really was…'

So, who's the lucky man?' Donna inquired and Rose looks down to Martha's left ring finger. A huge grin broke out on her face as she embraces Martha tightly.

'What man? Lucky what?' The Doctor questioned, rather confused. Donna hits him on the arm and points. Rose breaks their embrace.

'She's engaged, you prawn.' Donna states and Martha wiggles her fingers on her hand, in the Doctor's face, to emphasise.

'So, Martha, who is he? What's he do?' Rose can barely contain her excitement.

'Rose you'll appreciate this. Actually you may not believe it,' Martha takes a deep breath. 'It's Tom. Tom Milligan.'

Rose feels her jaw drop. 'Shut up. It is not! That's amazing! I knew he had a thing for you back in the day,' Rose informed her and Martha grinned. The Doctor and Donna exchange looks, obviously missing something. They aren't privy to a key piece of information. 'Is he still working in paediatrics?' Rose wondered.

'Yeah, he still is,' Martha nodded. 'Working out in Africa right now, and yes, I know. It's odd that I'm engaged to a doctor that travels to distant places.' Martha waved her hand at the similarities.

'Is he skinny?' Donna inquires and the Doctor shoots her a look. Rose stifles a laugh.

'No…he's sort of…strong.' Martha smiles to herself.

'He is too skinny for words! You give him a hug, you get a paper cut!' Donna cried and Rose couldn't contain her laughter any longer.

'Okay…' He broke in.

'What about you, Rose…?' Martha smiles slyly.

'What about me, Martha?'

'That's quite the pretty ring, but you're wearing it on the wrong finger. Did he mess up?' Donna starts to laugh this time and Rose turns a shade of red. The Doctor understands the meaning of her words and instantly throws his hands up as he tries to think of something to say.

'Oh…no…' Rose stammered. 'It was a gift.' Her face is hot; Rose steals a look at Donna. She's rather enjoying this.

'A gift? That's a beautiful gift.' Martha still can't take the smile off her face, and Rose is still bright red.

'Thank you.' Rose manages a weak smile. There is a silence that descends on the little group. The crackling sound of a voice breaks the silence and Martha looks her belt.

'Dr. Jones, report to base, please.' The voice calls out. Rose frowns.

'Just a sec,' She informs them and reaches for her walkie-talkie. 'This is Dr. Jones. Operation Blue Sky is go, go, go,' Martha smiles at them and turns to walk back to the entrance of the alley. 'I repeat, this is a go.'

Rose, the Doctor and Donna exchange looks and then decide to follow Martha until they reach a road. There are soldiers; Jeeps rolling down the road and a rather large lorry barreling down the busy road.

There is a soldier standing close to Martha, but he's facing a small group of soldiers. 'Unified Intelligence Taskforce, raise that barrier now!' He instructs and a group of soldiers enter a large industrial factory. 'Leave your safeties on, lads, it's non hostiles!'

'All workers lay down your tools and surrender!' The voice on a bullhorn calls out to the factory.

'Greyhound Six to Trap One. B Section, go, go, go! Search the ground floor, grid pattern Delta.' Martha calls and her orders are carried out. Rose and the Doctor exchange worried looks. What's happened to her?

'What are you searching for?' The Doctor ventures and Martha looks back to him.

'Illegal aliens.' She replies nonchalantly.

'This is a UNIT operation! All workers lay down your tools and surrender immediately!' The voice of a man is heard over a bullhorn.

The UNIT soldiers force the workers to their knees with their hands on their head. All appear uneasy, but remain silent while Rose, the Doctor and Donna look on with mixed emotions, confused as to what's going on.

'B Section mobilised! E Section, F Section, on my command!' Martha yells out and abruptly takes off.

Rose can't believe what she's seen and she turns to the Doctor, rather concerned and worried for Martha. 'Doctor…what did we do…? Is this because of…well…' Rose doesn't want to remind him of the Year That Never Was but it seems to be coming together. And not in a good light.

'Did her time alone turn her into a soldier?' The Doctor wondered aloud. This is rather concerning, Martha may not have changed on the outside, but something had fundamentally shifted within her.

Martha is gone for some time before she is eventually spotted by the little group and she strides up to them, a confident smile on her face. The Doctor frowns and studies her name tag.

'You're qualified now? You're a proper doctor.' He smiles and Rose grins.

'Congratulations, Martha!' Rose says and Martha nods.

'Thanks. UNIT rushed it through, only a bit. When they found out I knew you…well they were dying to have me aboard,' Martha shrugs but she leads them across the grounds. 'We're establishing a field base on site. They're dying to meet you.'

'Wish I could say the same.' The Doctor muttered and Rose looked up at him, and she takes his hand.

They continue their walk across the grounds until they come across a lorry, Martha leads them in through the rear and Rose looks at all the equipment. Even Donna finds herself staring at everything. There are computers, monitors and communications equipment. And they look state of the art. Martha approaches an officer and he smiles as he sees her. They shake hands and Martha takes a deep breath. 'Operation Blue Sky complete, sir. Thanks for letting me take the lead,' Martha turns back to the little group. 'And this…this is the Doctor. Doctor, Colonel Mace.'

'Sir.' Mace salutes but the Doctor makes a bit of a pained expression.

'Oh, don't salute.' He says.

'But it's an honour, sir. I've read all the files on you. Technically speaking, you're still on staff. You never resigned.' Mace informs him and the Doctor nods slightly. Oh right, he had forgotten…mistake on his part.

'I'm sorry, Doctor, you work for them?' Rose inquires and he turns to her.

'Yeah. A long time ago, back in the 70s, or…was it the 80s? It was all a bit more homespun back then.'

'Times have changed, sir.' Mace states.

'That's enough of the 'sir.'' The Doctor reiterates and the man nods.

'Come on though, Doctor. You've seen it. We've all been, or most of us have been, on the Valiant. We've got massive funding from the United Nations, all in the name of Homeworld Security.' Martha states simply.

'A modern UNIT for the modern world.' Mace adds.

'What, and that means arresting ordinary workers? In the streets? In broad daylight? It's more like Guantanamo Bay out there,' Martha and Mace turn to face Donna. 'Donna, by the way. Donna Noble and Rose Tyler, since you hadn't bothered asking. And we'll have a salute.' Donna informs Mace and he turns to look at the Doctor. Rose feels a bit awkward and the Doctor simply nods at Mace.

'Ma'am,' Mace salutes at Donna, who grins, before he turns to Rose. 'Ma'am.'

'Thank you.' Donna replies, rather satisfied. Rose is red and she nods a bit.

'Tell me what's going on in that factory.' The Doctor demands answers.

'Yesterday, fifty-two people died in identical circumstances right across the world, in eleven different time zones. 5am in the UK, 6am in France, 8am in Moscow, 1pm in China…' Mace is cut off abruptly by the Doctor.

'You mean they died simultaneously?' He questions.

'Exactly. Fifty two at the exact same moment worldwide.' Mace restates.

'How did they die?' The Doctor inquires.

'They were all inside their cars.' Mace informs him. A pensive look crosses the Doctor's features.

'They were poisoned. I checked the biopsies. No toxins. Whatever it is, it left the system immediately.' Martha broke in.

'What have the cars got in common?' The Doctor asked.

'Completely different makes but all fitted with ATMOS. And that is the ATMOS factory.' Martha informs them and everyone takes a look over their shoulders.

'What's ATMOS?' Rose questioned, the Doctor closed his mouth, and Rose assumed she had asked the question he was going to.

'Oh come on, even I know that. Everyone's got ATMOS.' Donna says dismissively. Rose and the Doctor look at each other and then back to Donna. Instantly Donna forgot who she was talking to. Rose hasn't lived on Earth for sometime and the Doctor…well, she'll just leave it at that.

Deciding that they could get a better view from inside the factory, Martha leads the little group back to factory and up along a catwalk. She stops and they can see the whole of the factory floor.

'Stands for 'Atmospheric Emission System.' The ATMOS in your car reduces CO2 emissions to zero.' Martha informs them and Rose widens her eyes. The Doctor frowns.

'Zero? No carbon? None at all?' He finds that rather hard to believe.

'And you get a sat-nav thrown in, plus twenty quid in shopping vouchers if you introduce a friend. Bargain.' Donna states and Rose turns to her. It still sounds too good to be true.

More footsteps are heard on the catwalk and everyone turns to see Mace as he approaches them. He stands beside them and over looks the factory floor with everyone.

'And this is where they make it, Doctor, shipping worldwide. Seventeen factories across the globe but this is the central depot, sending ATMOS to every country on Earth.' Mace states and Rose grips the railing, leaning forward slightly.

'And you think ATMOS is alien?' The Doctor clarifies and Mace nods thoughtfully.

'It's our job to investigate that possibility. Doctor.' Mace motions for them to begin to follow him and they do.

They pass by a group of soldiers who are rounding up the workers; Rose and Donna stop together and look at the guards in the midst of their job.

'Come on, everybody, up the pace. We haven't got all day.' The soldier informs the workers. Rose and Donna have to jog to catch up with the others.

Mace leads them away from the factory assembly line and into a more posh area of the building. He opens an office door and leads the group inside. On a desk, the ATMOS device has been taken apart and lies on display. Mace stands before it, addressing the group, but not taking his eyes off the machine.

'Here it is, laid bare. ATMOS can be threaded through any and every make of car.'

'You must've checked it before it went on sale.' The Doctor surmised and Martha nods her head in agreement.

'We did. We found nothing. That's why I thought we needed an expert.' Martha has a sly smile on her face.

The Doctor, oblivious to her comment, slips his glasses on and starts to examine the device. 'Really? Who did you get?'

'Honestly?' Rose questioned and he glances up to see the rest of the group staring at him with meaningful looks.

'Oh, right! Me! Yes! Good.'

Martha simply shakes her head and smiles, together; she and Mace leave the room. Hoping that he'll find something worthwhile.

Once the door has shut, Donna frowns as if a question has just crossed her mind. 'Okay, so why would aliens be so keen on cleaning up our atmosphere?' Donna inquires and the Doctor looks up.

'Very good question.'

'Maybe they want to help…get rid of pollution and stuff.' Donna trails off slightly, as if the thought is absurd.

'Doctor, how many cars are in the world…? Off hand?' Rose wonders.

'Eight hundred million.'

'Think about it.' Rose says and she grows fearful, the Doctor widens his eyes.

'Right, eight hundred million. Imagine that. If you could control them, you'd have eight hundred million weapons.'

Two UNIT soldiers have been tasked with searching the lower levels of the ATMOS factory, a job that hasn't yielded much information. The lights on this level are shoddy; it has forced them to look at the map issued to them by the light of a flashlight.

'Harris, we should head back. There's not much down here. Should be just boiler rooms, generators.' The one man says but they press onwards.

Around the next corridor, the lights flicker to life. Impressed, the soldiers turn off the flashlight and stop as they notice two unaccounted factory works standing guard by a door.

'Aye, Aye…what's this then, Grey?' Harris calls over to the second soldier. 'You two, all personnel have been ordered to evacuate. Building's under UNIT control.' He calls down to the workers, but they make no effort to move.

'This area is out of bounds.' One worker calls to them, but his voice is monotone.

'Excuse me, sunshine. I think you'll find that we're in charge.' Harris states coldly as they approach the men. But they don't move, instead, they continue to stare straight ahead. 'We can do this the easy way…or the hard way.' Harris states and reaches for his gun.

Abruptly, the two men step aside and one opens the door for the two soldiers. 'It's open.'

'Come on.' Harris informs Grey and together they walk into the room.

The room is rather dark; the only source of light is coming from an eerie green like on the opposite side. Harris manages to find a light switch with his flashlight and turns it on. Poised in the middle of the room is a large covered container, they exchange confused looks and cautiously walk towards it.

'What the hell?' Harris questions.

Grey reaches for his radio. 'Greyhound Sixteen to Trap One. We found something. Basement corridor, north side, grid Thirty Six. Request backup, sir.'

Getting closer to the container, they observe steam rising from it. 'Looks like something's boiling inside.' Harris attempts to open it, but Grey bats his hand away.

'Don't touch it!'

'Come on, Steve. We get first rights on this. That means promotion.' Harris states but Grey shakes his head.

'Just leave it alone. Wait for back up,' They freeze as they hear a loud clanking sound. 'What the hell was that?' Grey demands and their attention is drawn to container.

'Came from inside.' Harris observes, rather nervously.

'Could be just the machinery.' Grey attempts to explain it off, but two more loud clanks indicate otherwise.

'Is someone in there? Hello?' Harris yells and bangs on the lid. 'We gotta get this open.'

'We should wait for the others.' Grey responds, adamantly.

'You could suffocate in there!' Harris points out.

'Greyhound Sixteen to Trap One. Request immediate assistance. Repeat: immediate assistance. Over.' Grey calls into the radio.

Harris has now tried to remove the lid from the container but it won't give. He frowns. 'How do you work this thing? Come on.'

Suddenly, the lid rises straight up, revealing a green, slimy substance bubbling away. Wanting to get a closer look, Harris and Grey lean in for a better look but immediately draw back, coughing.

'Oh!' Grey holds his nose. 'It stinks.'

'What the hell is that stuff?' Harris demands.

A human like creatures rises from the slime and reaches for Harris. It appears to be human shaped but it has not fully formed its features. Harris draws back in haste and draws his weapon.

'Identify yourself! Identify!' Grey reaches for his radio again. 'Greyhound Sixteen to Trap One declaring absolute emergency, sir! Repeat: absolute emergency! Over!'

Harris has his pistol trained on the creature but watches it with fascination. 'Can you hear me? Can you understand me?' Harris attempts to talk to the creature, and it tilts its head. He turns back to Grey. 'Look at its neck,' Harris points to a cord running up its back, connecting at the neck. 'It looks like an umbilical cord.'

'Well, don't get too close.' Grey states, but Harris shakes his head.

'I think it's harmless. I don't even think it's properly alive.' Harris surmises. Together they both watch the creature submerge itself back into the green ooze.

'It's gonna drown!' Grey cries but Harris continues to stare at it.

'No, I think it breathes this stuff, like some kind of embryo.'

'What do you mean, an embryo?' Grey questions.

'Someone's growing a body. A human body.' Harris states.

'Excellent skills of deduction,' A new voice causes both soldiers to aim their guns at the newcomer. The newcomer is a short creature that is completely covered in armour, complete with a domed helmet and a staff. 'I would rate you above average, soldier. Well done,' The creature turns to Grey. 'Whereas you, you smell of sweat and fear.'

'Yeah?' Harris lowers his gun. 'Well, we're not the ones that gone out of school early, sonny. So stop playing Humpty Dumpty and tell us who you are.'

'Is that a reference to my height?'

'Short answer, yes.' Harris grins.

'A pity. Words are the weapons of womenfolk. I must judge you unfit.'

'Oh. What are you going to do, bite our ankles?' Harris questions dismissively.

The creature fires a bolt of energy from his staff at Harris' legs and he drops to the floor in pain.

'I'm warning you!' Grey shouts to the creature.

'A proper soldier gives no warning. Fire! I order you. Fire!' The creature demands and Grey attempts to do so. But the gun only clicks in response. 'The room is contained within a Cordalaine signal exciting the copper surface of the bullet and causes expansion within the barrel, rendering your guns useless. And your radio signals have been blocked.'

Getting desperate, Grey raises the gun to strike a blow but the creature fires another bolt from the staff. It hits Grey in the legs and he drops to the floor.

'My legs! I can't feel my legs!'

The factory workers from earlier enter the room and the creature turns briefly to them before settling his attention back on Harris and Grey.

'I apologise for disabling you. Death has more honour but you are needed for the stratagem,' He calls to the workers. 'Prepare them for processing,' He turns to Harris. 'You spoke of promotion, now you shall serve a greater cause.'

'Who are you?' Harris asked.

'Indeed, know your enemy. I am General Staal of the Tenth Sontaran Battle Fleet, known as Staal the Undefeated.' Staal removes his helmet.

Grey begins to panic. 'Help up! Oh, my god, help us!'

The Doctor is still examining the ATMOS device, with Rose now sitting on the table beside him as he hands her parts he's taken off. She kicks her legs out in front of herself and holds her hand out as he places another piece of equipment into her hands. Donna has disappeared and Martha stands a few feet away, quietly observing.

Mace has just rejoined them and the Doctor glances up slightly, figuring Mace might like to know what he's found.

'Ionising nano membrane carbon dioxide converter, which means that ATMOS works. Filters the CO2 at a molecular level.' The Doctor informs him, but Mace is just nodding his head.

'We know about that. What's its origin? Is it alien?'

'No, but it's decades ahead of its time,' The Doctor notices something and immediately feels on edge. 'Look, do you mind? Could you just stand back a bit?' Rose frowns a bit and then notices what has set him on edge.

'Sorry, have I done something wrong?' Mace questions, he is confused at the statement that had just been spoken to him.

'You're carrying a gun. I don't like people with guns hanging around me, all right?'

'Doctor…' Rose warns. She understands his dislike for them, but he could have been a bit nicer.

'If you insist.' Mace walks away. Martha walks up to stand beside him; a bemused look is on her face.

'Tetchy.'

'Well, it's true.' The Doctor states defensively.

'He's a good man.' Martha informs him.

'People with guns are usually the enemy in my books,' The Doctor goes back to working on the machine. 'You seem to fit in just fine here.'

'Doctor!' Rose cries, that comment was uncalled for.

'If anyone has gotten me used to being in this type of an atmosphere, it was you.' Martha states coldly.

'Oh right, so it's my fault? I'm sorry I asked you to do that, then.' He informs her, but still doesn't look her in the eye.

'I'm not sorry. So don't you be. You got me the job.' Martha says and Rose notices something.

'Doctor, look at Martha.' Rose places her hand on his and he turns to look over his shoulder to Martha.

'Am I carrying a gun?' Martha asks and the Doctor looks her up and down.

'Suppose not.'

'I may not have been travelling with you, but that doesn't mean I didn't pick up certain lessons from you,' Martha's voice is quiet. 'Besides, it's all right for you. You can just come and go. You too, Rose. But some of us have got to stay behind. So I've got to work from the inside and by staying inside, maybe I stand a chance of making them better.'

'Yeah?' The Doctor's face breaks out in a smile. 'Now that sounds like Martha Jones.'

'Well, I did learn from the best. In the short time we had together.'

'Well…' The Doctor looks away as Donna enters the room.

'Oi, you lot. All your storm troopers and your sonics, rubbish! Shoulda come with me.' Donna states, conviction in her voice. Rose tilts her head.

'What have you been doing, Donna? Where have you been looking?' Rose questions and Donna smirks.

'Personnel. That's where the weird stuff's happening, in the paperwork. Cause I spent years as a temp, I can find my way around an office blindfolded, and the first I notice is an empty file.'

'Why, what's inside it? Or what's not inside it?' The Doctor wonders and Donna just places her hand on her hip.

'Sick days,' Donna holds up a file. She opens it and turns it around to face the group. 'There aren't any. Hundreds of people working here, and no one's sick. Not one hangover, man flu, sneaky little shopping trip. Nothing. Not ever. They don't get ill.'

'That can't be right.' Mace walks over and takes the file from Donna.

'You've been checking out the buildings, should've been checking out the workforce.' Donna states simply.

'Ooh, I can see why he let you come along,' Martha grins. The Doctor and Donna exchange looks. 'You are good.'

'Super temp.' Donna shrugs, internally she's beaming.

'Dr. Jones, set up a medical post, start examining the workers. I'll get them sent through.'

'Come on, Donna, wanna give me a hand?' Martha asks as she heads towards the exit. Donna falls into step.

'Count me in.'

Mace, the Doctor and Rose follow them out, but head in a different direction. Together, the three of them walk along an open corridor that is parallel to the work area.

'So, this, this, ATMOS thing, where'd it come from?' The Doctor wonders and Mace looks at him like he has two heads.

'Luke Rattigan himself.'

'And himself would be?' The Doctor inquires and Mace leads them back up to UNIT field base. He sits at a computer and pulls up the profile on this Luke Rattigan. Rose leans forward so she can study the information better.

'Child genius. Invented the Fountain Six search engine when he was twelve years old. Millionaire overnight. Now runs the Rattigan Academy. A private school educating students handpicked from all over the world.' Mace informs them.

'A hothouse for geniuses, wouldn't mind going there.'

'Course you would.' Rose snorts and Mace looks at them both, rather puzzled.

'I get lonely.' He tells Mace.

'Mm.' Rose stares at him with an unimpressed look on her face as she presses her lips together. Immediately he realises his error and grins guiltily. He didn't mean to imply anything.

'Sorry Rose.'

In the factory, Martha has set up a makeshift medical area, and has begun to set up her supplies. Donna has just returned from the storeroom and has set down another supply box of medical equipment. Something has bothered her, and she wants to know what to do.

'Do you think I should call my mum? About the ATMOS in her car?' Donna questions, she can't hide the uneasiness in her voice.

'Better safe than sorry.' Martha agrees.

'I'll give her a call.' Donna begins to leave but Martha has thought of something.

'Donna,' She stops at the mention of her name. 'Do they know where you are? Your family, I mean that you're travelling with the Doctor?'

'Not really. Although…my granddad sorta waved us off. I didn't have time to explain.' Donna states and Martha chooses her words carefully.

'You just left him behind?'

'Yeah.' Donna says quietly.

Martha starts to nod. 'I was never actually travelling with him, but we did have a few great adventures. It's infectious, the way he lives his life. I couldn't get enough of it. My family started to notice the changes and pretty soon, my association with the Doctor got them into trouble.'

'Yeah…Rose sorta…mentioned it.' Donna acknowledges, but she certainly didn't tell her much.

'I imagine she did, and knowing Rose, she kept it as light as she could,' Martha's expression darkens. 'They were imprisoned. They were tortured, my mum, my dad, my sister. Understand, it wasn't the Doctor's fault, but you need to be careful. You know the Doctor, he's brilliant, he's wonderful, but he's like fire, stand too close and people get burned.' Martha warns.

'What about Rose?' Donna inquires.

'I don't really know. I know she has family, a mum I know for sure,' Martha goes off in thought. 'But she didn't really talk about it all that much.'

'Between you and me, she got lost in Russia for eight months in 1917,' Donna lowers her voice. 'This is sort of the start of things again…our next adventure since she came back.'

'How did she get lost?' Martha wonders. 'I'm guessing you know who didn't take it so well?'

'Surprise attack by Bolsheviks. And no, he didn't. Took it terribly.'

Martha lets out a sigh, it only confirms things that she knew long ago, out of habit, she twists her ring as she goes off in thought. 'Well, she is all he has.'

'Which can make him all the more dangerous.' Donna fears. Both of them fall silent, thoughts swirling in their minds.

Rose, the Doctor and Mace continue to meander around the ATMOS factory until they have reached a docking bay. The Doctor suddenly realises something and turns to Mace.

'You're not coming with me. I want to talk to this Luke Rattigan, not point a gun at him.'

'It's ten miles outside London. How are you going to get there?' Mace questions and the Doctor ponders the question for a moment.

'Then get me a Jeep.' He states.

'According to the records, you travel by TARDIS.' Mace replies matter of factly.

'Sir, think about that statement for just a second,' Rose cuts in and Mace turns to her. 'If there is a chance it's hostile aliens, don't you think it'd make more sense to keep a time travelling machine out of their hands?'

'Good point Rose.' The Doctor agrees and Mace ponders the statement given to him.

'I see,' Mace smirks a bit. 'Then you do have weapons but you choose to keep them hidden. Jenkins?' A man comes dashing forward.

'Sir!'

'You will accompany the Doctor and Rose. You will take orders from him.' Mace instructs and Jenkins nods.

'I don't do orders.' The Doctor cuts in.

'Any sign of trouble and get Jenkins to declare a Code Red. And good luck, sir.' Mace salutes and the Doctor's face becomes unimpressed.

'I said no salutes.' He repeated.

'Now you're giving orders.' Mace states and he turns to leave.

'A bit cheeky, you are.' The Doctor watches Mace walk off into the distance.

Rose and the Doctor spot Donna jogging up to them.

'Doctor, Rose.'

'Oh, just in time to join us. Come on!' The Doctor reaches for her hand. 'Come on, we're going to the country,' He tugs Donna along, Rose watching her, she's quiet, something has happened. She needs to do something. 'Fresh air, geniuses, what more could you ask?'

'I'm not coming with you. I've been thinking. I'm sorry…I'm going home.' Donna informs them. Rose nods her head in understanding, knowing what she needs to do, while she's here. The Doctor looks rather sad, upset that their short time together has to end. He lets go of her hand and watches her.

'Well, if that's what you want. I mean, it's a bit soon. I had so many places I wanted to go with you both.'

'Doctor.' Rose cuts in.

'Not now, Rose, I'm saying goodbye,' He gets his thoughts back on track. 'The Fifteenth Broken Moon of the Medusa Cascade, the lightening skies of Cotter Palluni's World, the diamond coral reefs of Kaata Flo Ko, Rose you'd love it there,' He pauses and puts his hands on her shoulders. 'Thank you. Thank you, Donna Noble.'

'Um, Doctor…' Rose tries again.

'In a minute Rose,' He replies and Donna looks over to Rose. Rose shrugs and Donna nods. 'It's been brilliant. You've…you've kept me level so many times…' He smiles as Donna nods in agreement and her face breaks out into a grin when she sees the lights come on. 'You're…you're…you're just popping home for a visit…that's what you mean.'

'There it is.' Rose commends.

'You dumbo.' Donna informs and Rose stifles a laugh.

'And then you're coming back.' The Doctor confirms with her.

'Do you know what you are? A great, big, outer space dunce.' Donna states and Rose starts to laugh.

'Yeah…' The Doctor draws his speech out.

'Ready when you are, sir.' Jenkins informs them and Donna looks over.

'What's more, you can give me a lift. Come on,' Donna gets in the Jeep, followed by Rose, and the Doctor. Jenkins gets in the driver's seat and starts the engine. 'Broken moon of what?' Donna raises her eyebrows and Rose begins to laugh again. The Doctor sighs a bit and turns to them.

'I know. I know.'

Martha has just donned her lab coat, as she is about to interview a worker. She goes behind the makeshift office and is a bit taken back by the worker. He is staring straight ahead, not moving and not saying a word. She sits in a chair across from him and clears her throat, but the man doesn't even twitch.

'And your name's Treppa, yeah? Is that Polish?' The man doesn't answer Martha. 'Listen, we're not checking passports. It's not about that. But did you come across from Poland just to work?' Martha wonders.

'I came to do my job.' Treppa's answer is in a monotone voice.

'Okay. I need to listen to your heartbeat,' Martha puts the stethoscope on her ears and breathes on the end, to warm it. 'This might be a bit cold. Lift.'

Treppa lifts his shirt and Martha places the stethoscope to his chest. She frowns as she hears the heartbeat because it's very rapid. Confused, she takes the stethoscope away and tries again.

'Are you on any medication?' Martha questions.

'I'm here to work.' Treppa answers her.

'How many hours a day do you work?'

'Twenty four.'

'You work twenty-four hours a day?' Martha's question goes unanswered. 'Down,' Martha instructs and Treppa lowers his shirt. 'Mr. Treppa, have you had any form of hypnosis?'

'I'm here to work.'

'Okay,' Martha is slightly creeped out. 'Um, if you could just wait here…' Martha makes a brisk exit.

Martha increases her speed across the ATMOS factory plant floor and into a hallway. Heavy footsteps are heard behind her and she stops, the soldiers stop as well.

'Dr. Jones?'

'Not now, I'm busy.' Martha says curtly.

'Just one question. Do you have Security Clearance Level One?'

'Yes, I do. Why?' Martha questions, finding it rather odd, but she brushes it off.

'Colonel Mace wants to see you.'

'Oh good, cause I want to see him. Where is he?' Martha inquires and the soldiers turn on their heel.

'Come with us.' Martha does as she told. However, what she doesn't know is that these guards are Harris and Grey. And they are no longer themselves.

The Jeep rolls to a stop on the corner of Donna's street. Rose gets out first, followed by the Doctor and then Donna. For Donna, she can't believe she's back here, it seems like it's been forever. All the things they've done together, Adipose, going to Pompeii, helping the Ood and searching for Rose in Russia, it feels like a lifetime ago. She turns to Rose and the Doctor.

'I'll walk the rest of the way. I'll see you back at the factory?' Donna asks and they both nod.

'Sounds good, Donna.' Rose gives her a quick hug and heads back towards the Jeep, the Doctor having already climbed in, sticks his head out the window.

'Bye!' He calls out and Donna waves, watching as Rose climbs in next.

'You two be careful!' Donna points her finger at them and Rose sticks her hand out the window, giving her a thumbs up. Donna watches the Jeep until she can no longer see it. Slowly she turns to her street again, and starts to walk home. Already catching sight of her granddad, it causes her to choke back a sob.

Martha feels like she's been walking forever, they've walked these corridors for what feels like ever. The guards have not said a word to her and she wonders why Mace would be down in the basement of the factory to begin with.

'What's he doing down here?' Martha questioned the guards.

'He asked to see you.' Is her reply.

'Why? Has he found something?

Grey and Harris don't answer her, they open the door at the end of the corridor and together, they walk inside. Martha follows them and looks around in puzzlement. She catches sight of the bubbling container and the realisation begins to sink in. Martha starts to panic and tries to run out of the door. However, Grey and Harris step in her way, stopping her from exiting. The doors to the room slam shut, and Martha is now trapped inside.

Her screams echo down the corridor and reverberate off of them as the lights slowly start to turn off, one by one.

Donna and her granddad are sitting at the kitchen table enjoy a nice cup of hot tea. He's excited to see her to have her back home. But he always knew she was destined for greater things, and he's so proud she is able to experience all that the universe has to offer her.

'I said so, didn't I? Aliens. I said they were real. I just didn't expect them in a little blue box.' He confesses.

'It's bigger on the inside.' Donna informs him and he sits back in the chair, as he contemplates that thought.

'Yeah but is it safe, then? This Doctor, are you safe with him?'

'Yeah, because I know what he'd do if I ever got lost anywhere,' Donna remembers Rose's words to her. She may be his lover, but that didn't mean he wouldn't show the same attention and desperation if she ever got lost. Donna believed that. 'He's amazing, Gramps. He's just…dazzling,' Donna straightens up. 'And never tell him I said that.'

'No.' He agrees.

'I trust him with my life.' Donna realises. She does, she would. Always.

'Hold up. I thought that was my job.' He smiles at her, but gives a little frown to show he's a bit disappointed.

'You still come first.' Donna reassures him.

'For God's sake, don't tell your mother.' He informs her but Donna's features cloud over as she ponders the thought.

'I don't know. I mean, this is massive. It's sort of not fair if she doesn't know.'

Her mother has perfect timing, because right after Donna finishes that sentence, her mother walks into the kitchen with laundry.

'Doesn't know what? And who's 'she,' the cat's mother?' Sylvia begins to fold the laundry, but she eyes Donna suspiciously as she does it. 'And where have you been these past few days, lady? After that silly little trick with the car keys? I phoned Veena and she said she hadn't seen hide nor hair.'

'I've been…travelling.' Donna says meekly. She detests the way her mother continues to treat her like a child.

'Oh, hark at her, Michael Palin. Are you staying for tea? Cause I haven't got anything in. I've been trying to keep your granddad on that macrobiotic diet, but he sneaks off and gets pork pies at the petrol station,' Sylvia turns to her dad as he tries to protest. 'Don't deny it. I've seen the wrappers in the car. Oh, I don't miss a trick,' She sets a piece of laundry down and Donna exchanges a smile with her granddad. 'Now then, what were you gonna tell me? What don't I know?'

'Nothing. Just…nothing.' Donna changed her mind. Her granddad was right; her mother didn't need to know. She wasn't sure if she'd even believe it, she'd take Donna for being nuts. She catches her granddad's stare. It's meaningful and she knew she made the right choice. But he slyly beams at her.

'Good. Right, then. You can sit there and cut out those coupons. Every penny helps. This new mortgage won't pay for itself. Dad, kettle on.' Sylvia instructs and he gets up.

'Yeah, kettle on.' He gives Donna a quick wink as he strolls by.

Jenkins turns down a small, narrow road as the three of them continue to drive towards the school, driving further and further into the country. Rose feels like she's missed this part about being at home, the normalcy. Every now and then she craves it, but the cravings never last long.

'UNIT's been watching the Rattigan Academy for ages. It's all a bit Hitler Youth. Exercise at dawn and classes and special diets.' Jenkins informs them.

'Turn left.' Rose's attention is drawn to the voice and notices the ATMOS system in the Jeep.

'Um, Ross…?' Rose starts, and the Doctor takes over the line of questioning.

'Yeah, um, one question. If UNIT thinks that ATMOS is dodgy…'

'How come we've got it in the Jeeps?' Jenkins finishes and they both nod.

'Yeah.' The Doctor says.

'Ha, tell me about it,' Jenkins shakes his head. 'They're fitting as standard on all government vehicles. We can't get rid of them until we can prove there's something wrong.'

'Turn right.'

'Drives me around the bend.' Jenkins confesses and turns the Jeep into the school's driveway. The Doctor grins.

'Oh, nice one.'

'Timed that perfectly.' Jenkins agrees and smiles as well.

'Ha. Yeah. You did.' The Doctor nods, he watches Rose stare out the window.

'This is your final destination.'

Everyone climbs out of the Jeep and walks along the pathway. Rose can't help but notice the uniformity of everything. Students in red sweat suits are running past while a man, who she assumes is Luke, stands and looks over the grounds. The Doctor, Rose and Jenkins walk up the pavement and approach Luke.

'Is it PE? I wouldn't mind a kick around. Got my chaps on.' The Doctor informs Luke and he turns around.

'I suppose you're the Doctor?' He questions.

'Hello.' The Doctor smiles.

'Your commanding officer phoned ahead.' Luke states

'Oh, I haven't got a commanding officer. Have you?' The Doctor watches as Luke turns his attention from Jenkins and settles squarely on Rose. She doesn't seem to notice, she's too busy watching the students. 'Oh, this is Rose. Rose? Say hello.'

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

'And this is Ross.' The Doctor points to Jenkins.

'Afternoon, sir.'

Without warning, the Doctor takes Rose's hand and dashes up the front stairs with her. 'Let's have a look, shall we Rose? I can smell genius…in a good way.'

Many of the students are working on advanced projects. The Doctor enters into the lab pulling Rose along with him and smiling broadly. Rose hangs back at the door as the Doctor continues to wander around as many different things are catching his eye. Jenkins and Luke have joined them at the lab, Luke taking particular interest in the Doctor's reactions.

'Oh, now…that's clever! Look Rose!' He turns to her and already has his glasses on. Rose can't help but smile warmly at his excitement. 'Single molecule fabric. How thin is that?! You could back a tent in a thimble. Oh! Gravity simulators! Terraforming, biosphere, nano tech steel construction! Ha, ha, this is brilliant! But you know with equipment like this, you could, oh, I dunno…move to another planet or something.'

Luke approaches the Doctor and smiles wistfully. 'If only that was possible.'

'If only that were possible,' The Doctor removes his glasses and gives Luke a dark look. 'Conditional clause.'

'I think you'd better come with me.' Luke says between gritted teeth. For a split second, Rose thought Luke was going to hit the Doctor, but had somehow managed to restrain himself.

Luke leads them through the hallways of the school until they've reached a staircase located on the backend of one of the wings. Walking up them, they arrive at a grand set of double doors. Luke opens them to reveal a rather large bedroom, which Rose assumes belongs to Luke.

He leads them inside and everyone follows him but Rose catches sight of an odd device in the corner. Luke turns to face them, and he looks rather annoyed.

'You're smarter than the usual UNIT grunts, I'll give you that.'

The Doctor turns to Jenkins who seems unfazed by the remark. 'He called you a grunt! Don't call Ross a grunt, he's nice! We like Ross! Look at this place…' The Doctor begins to wander around the quarters.

'What exactly do you want?' Luke asks, exasperated.

'I was just thinking, what a responsible eighteen year old. Inventing zero carbon cars? Saving the world…' The Doctor trails off.

'Takes a man with a vision.'

'Except you haven't thought of the problems that vision will cause.' Rose interjects and Luke shoots her a look.

'How do you figure?'

'It's a blinking vision. Cause ATMOS means more people driving, more cars, more petrol, end result; the oil's gonna run out faster than ever. The ATMOS system could make things worse, Rose is right.' The Doctor responds and Luke panics slightly.

'Yeah, see, that's a tautology,' Luke says quickly. 'You can't say 'ATMOS system' since it stands for 'atmosphere emissions system.' So you're just saying 'atmospheric emissions system system.' Do you see, Mr. Conditional Clause?'

'Boy, I'm starting to think it's been a long time since someone told you no.' Rose rolls her eyes and Luke just makes an annoyed face at her.

'Say what you want, but I'm still right.' Luke replies adamantly.

'Not easy, is it? Being clever. You look at the world and you connect things. Random things. And think, 'why can't anyone else see it?' The rest of the world is so slow.' The Doctor says and Luke nods meaningfully

'Yeah.' He replies quietly.

'And you're all on your own.'

'I know.' Luke deflates at the thought.

'But not with this!' The Doctor pulls out the ATMOS device from his coat pocket. 'Cause there's no way you invented this thing single-handed. I mean, it might be Earth technology, but that's like finding a mobile phone in the Middle Ages,' The Doctor throws the device at Jenkins who, in turn, catches it. The Doctor begins to stroll towards the mysterious device. 'No, no, I'll tell you what it's like! It's like finding this in the middle of someone's front room,' The Doctor points to the strange device behind him. 'Albeit, it's a very big front room.'

'Doctor, what is that thing?' Rose walks closer towards him, Jenkins following her.

'That's just it, Rose. It just looks like a thing, doesn't it? People don't question things, well you do, cause you've been with me for so long, but other people, no, they just say 'oh, it's just a thing.''

'Leave it alone!' Luke shouts at the Doctor who is now standing in the device, he holds up his hand and Rose stops in her tracks.

'Me, I make these connections. And this to me looks like…' He presses a button. 'A teleport pod. Instantly, he has disappeared.

'Doctor?' Rose calls out, but there is only silence. She turns to Jenkins. Where has he gone?

The Doctor reappears in a large spaceship. It is dimly lit with hazy purple lighting and there are many other Sontarans milling around the ship.

'Orbit now holding at 555.3, sector 270.' The computer voice informs him and he turns around, freezing in his tracks.

'Oh…' The Sontarans all turn to notice him; General Staal raises his staff angrily.

'We have an intruder!' Staal shouts.

'How did he get in? In-tru-da window?' The Doctor grins but the Sontarans remain stone faced. Seconds pass before the Sontarans begin to charge towards him. 'Bye bye!' The Doctor presses the button on the teleport device again, starting to run just as he teleports away.

He reappears at Rattigan Academy, still running and grabs a firm hold of Rose's hand, spinning her around with such a quick force, that she almost lost her balance and struggled to get into pace with him.

'Ross, get out! Luke you've got to come with me!' He stops and turns around just as Staal appears. Grabbing his Sonic Screwdriver, the Doctor aims it at the teleport pod and disables it. 'Sontaran!' Staal raises his staff. 'That's your name, isn't it? You're a Sontaran. How did I know that, eh? Isn't that worth keeping me alive?'

'I order you to surrender in the name of the Unified Intelligence Taskforce!' Jenkins calls to Staal, he has his gun prepped and aimed.

'Well, that's not going to work. Cordolaine signal, am I right?' The Doctor looks to Staal quickly before turning back to Ross. 'Copper excitation stopping the bullets.'

'How do you know so much?' Staal demands and Rose rolls her eyes. His ego is getting quite the workout today.

'Well…'

'Who is he?' Staal addresses Luke and he shrugs in response.

'He didn't give his name.' Luke informed Staal.

'But this isn't typical Sontaran behaviour, is it? Hiding! Using teenagers, stopping bullets?' The Doctor states, rather mockingly. 'A Sontaran should face bullets with dignity! Shame on you!' The Doctor chides. Rose knows he's going somewhere with this, but he's teetering on the edge.

'You dishonour me, sir!' Staal shouts.

'Yeah, then show yourself!' The Doctor demands and Staal takes the bait.

'I will look into my enemy's eyes!' Staal removes his helmet, revealing himself to the people in the room. Rose widens her eyes. Underneath is a brown domed shaped head, and there doesn't appear to be any visible neck.

'Oh, my god…' Jenkins manages to get out.

'And your name?' The Doctor inquires.

'General Staal, of the Tenth Sontaran Fleet. Staal the Undefeated!' Staal announces proudly.

'Well, that's not a very nickname. What if you do get defeated? Staal the Not Quite So Undefeated Anymore…? Never mind.'

'He's like a potato, a baked potato…a talking baked potato…' Jenkins stammers.

'Ross, don't be rude!' Rose tells him and he glances over to her.

'Yeah, quit it. You look like a pink weasel to him,' The Doctor muses as he picks up a racket and begins bouncing a small ball upon it. 'The Sontarans are the finest soldiers in the galaxy,' He leans on Rose. 'Dedicated to a life of warfare,' The Doctor twirls the racket and looks at Rose. 'A clone race, gown in batches of millions with only one weakness…'

'Sontarans have no weakness!' Staal declares.

'No, it's a good weakness!' The Doctor insists and Rose stares at him.

'Aren't you meant to be clever? Only an idiot would provoke him.'

'And only an idiot wouldn't see what he's trying to do, so shut up.' Rose states and crosses her arms. Luke gives her a dirty look.

'Right, see, the Sontarans are fed by a probic vent in the back of their neck, that's their weak spot. Which means, they always have to face their enemies in battle…isn't that brilliant? They can never turn their backs!'

'We stare into the face of death!' Staal informs them.

'Yeah? Well, stare at this!' The Doctor throws the ball into the air and hits it with the racket. The ball flies past Staal, who looks confused until the ball bounces of the wall and hits him back of his probic vent.

The Doctor grins briefly before he grabs a hold of Rose's hand and runs out the door, Jenkins following behind them, stealing quick glances behind him. He witnesses Staal collapse to the floor. Luke rushes over to Staal, frantic.

'What has he done? What has he done?!'

The Doctor, Rose and Jenkins run through the halls and out the front door, he skips a few of the stairs, it causes Rose to miss the last few. She lets out a cry of surprise and lands on her feet before the Doctor is pulling her in the direction of the Jeep. Jenkins hops in and the Doctor pushes Rose in and he climbs in after her. Jenkins starts the engine up and aggressively turns the wheel to the left, and steps on the gas. The force of the Jeep launching itself throws Rose into the Doctor.

'Middle…' Rose replies as pushes herself into a sitting position, but the Doctor merely smiles.

Luke bends down to help Staal up, but he puts up his hands. 'Don't touch me!' He struggles to get to a standing position. 'A Sontaran would rather be court marshalled than show pain. I must return.'

'But he broke the teleport!' Luke informs him.

'Ha! Primitive sonic trickery!' Staal declares and he points his staff at the pod, there is a whirring noise and a beam emits from the staff. 'The device is now repaired.' Staal states and enters the teleport pod, and Luke joins him. They teleport back to the Sontaran ship.

Once they have arrived, Staal strides across the room and he becomes rather angry. 'Our presence is known. Soldiers, we move to a war footing.' Staal declares and another Sontaran joins him.

'I see you face the battle open skinned, sir. Might I have that honour?'

'You may, Commander Skorr.' Staal agrees and turns his attention back to the windows that show Earth in the distance.

'Thank you.' The Sontaran removes his helmet and looks identical to Staal. Luke appears to be confused and his eyes dart between the two Sontarans.

'How…do you tell each other apart?' Luke questions.

'We say the same of humans.' Staal replies dismissively.

'Tell me, boy, how many ATMOS devices have been installed?' Skorr questions and Luke looks off in thought.

'They've gone worldwide, but only about half.'

'Which means four hundred million cars converted. A fine arsenal.' Staal commends Luke.

'Is it sufficient to trigger the conversion?' Skorr inquires and Luke nods vigorously.

'More than enough, yeah. And the test signal proved that it works. Fifty two deaths in the same second, man, that is just so cool!' Luke comes giddy.

'Is the temperature significant?' Staal wonders and Luke turns to them, rather confused until it dawns on him.

'No. That's…that's just a phrase. I'll get my people ready. Just tell me where and when.'

'Have we infiltrated UNIT?' Staal questions and Skorr nods quickly.

'The process is about to begin.'

'Then you'll see it completed, Commander Skorr. Get to it!' Staal orders.

'Yes, sir!' Skorr walks to the teleport command controls and teleports away.

Luke has settled for staring out of a window that faces Earth below. Staal is talking to Sontarans behind Luke and after a few moments, he joins him. 'We can never come too soon. Take your last look, boy.'

'It was never big enough for me.' Luke admits, not hiding the disgust in his voice.

'I like your ambition.' Staal commends and places a hand on Luke's shoulder. Luke suddenly remembers something.

'That doctor, he was in a UNIT Jeep. It should have ATMOS installed.'

'You said you didn't know his name!' Staal abruptly shouts to Luke.

'I don't! He just said 'doctor.' Does that mean something?' Luke replies defensively.

'There is an enemy of the Sontarans known as the Doctor. A face changer.' Staal says bitterly.

'Do you mean he's an alien too?' Luke questions, but Staal ignores that question.

'Legend says that he led the battle in the last great Time War,' Again Staal's voice becomes embittered. 'The finest war in history and we weren't allowed to be a part of it! Oh, but this is excellent! The last of the Time Lords will die, at the hands of the Sontaran empire, in the ruins of his precious Earth!'

'We have the Doctor's vehicle.' A Sontaran approaches Staal.

'An ordinary death for such a remarkable enemy…but proceed.' Staal replies.

The UNIT Jeep continues to speed down the road, heading back to London, Rose doesn't like the ease in which they've escaped. It's way too easy, something is going to be coming after them, or something will happen. She tenses slightly and watches as the Doctor reaches for the radio.

'Greyhound Forty to Trap One. Repeat: can you hear me? Over.'

'Why is it not working?' Jenkins wonders.

'Remember what the Doctor said? It's the Sontarans, they're jamming the signal.' Rose informs him.

'Exactly. If they trace that, they can isolate the ATMOS.' The Doctor replies and Rose looks down to the ATMOS device, rather nervously.

'Turn left.' It states.

'Try going right.' The Doctor says.

'It says left.' Jenkins repeats.

'I know. So go right.' He states. The Jeep violently swerves, tossing Rose into the Doctor once more.

'I've got no control, it's driving itself! It won't stop!' Jenkins cries and the Doctor takes out the screwdriver. He begins to fiddle with the ATMOS. Jenkins attempts to get the doors open, but they don't open. 'The doors are locked!'

'Ah, it's deadlocked, I can't stop it!' The Doctor states and Rose turns to stare at him.

'Turn left.' The ATMOS instructs and the Jeep jolts again, swerving left.

'The sat-nav's just a box, wired through the whole car!' The Doctor remembers.

'Doctor, it appears that we might be taking a swim.' Rose points a head to the oncoming problem.

'We're heading for the river!' Jenkins cries out in disbelief.

'ATMOS, you're programmed to contradict my order?' The Doctor questions.

'Confirmed.'

'Anything I say, you'd ignore it?' The Doctor studies the distance that they have until they reach the river.

'Confirmed.'

'Then drive into the river! I order you to drive into the river!' He commands.

The Jeep continues to hurtle towards the river, but it abruptly skids to a complete halt, mere inches away from the river. The Doctor, Rose and Jenkins all pile out of the car, running as fast as they can.

'Get down!' The Doctor yells and together the three of them throw themselves to the ground. The Doctor covering Rose from the impending explosion. The sat-nav emits a small bang that lets off a shower of sparks and smoke, but nothing more. The Doctor slowly gets up and turns to look behind him, Rose peeking out from under him. 'Oh, that was it?'

Rose couldn't help but notice how disappointed he sounded.

'Right, looks like we'll be walking the rest of the way…' The Doctor helped Rose to her feet and she smiles.

'Nothing wrong with a good walk. Lead on.' She takes his head and he leads them towards London.

Back on the Sontaran ship, the Sontaran watches the blinking light of the UNIT Jeep disappear. He turns to Staal.

'ATMOS terminated. Mission accomplished. The Doctor is dead.'

'Then prepare the weapons. Is the operative in place?' Staal questions.

'Yes sir, she is advancing the great Sontaran cause, sir.' Skorr's voice is heard and Staal smiles.

'You sure this is it?' Rose questioned and the Doctor nods his head.

'Yes, positive,' The Doctor rings the bell and Donna answers the door. Surprised to see both the Doctor and Rose standing on her front stoop. Looking rather dishevelled. The man who gave her a lift home is still with them and he smiles at her in the background. The Doctor smiles when he sees Donna. 'You would not believe the day we're having.'

While Rose is bringing Donna up to speed on the events that have transpired when she was at home, the Doctor begins to examine the little blue car that Donna has. He forcefully taps the ATMOS device and then opens the bonnet. Rose and Donna agree to try and reach Martha back at the UNIT base, and Donna is on her mobile. Jenkins, feeling left out, suddenly has an idea. Rose joins the Doctor as he is examining the engine.

'I'll requisition us a vehicle.' He states and the Doctor looks up from under the bonnet.

'Anything without ATMOS.' The Doctor states.

'And don't you go pointing your gun at anyone.' Rose adds and he nods quickly before running off.

'Ah, you beat me to it.' The Doctor replies and Rose merely shrugs.

'It's fun to give orders…sometimes.' She slyly smiles.

Rose and the Doctor are so engrossed with examining the engine that they don't hear Donna's front door opening and closing again. It isn't until a voice addresses them that they look up.

'Is it him? Is it him? Is it the Doctor?' He spots the Doctor under the bonnet. 'Ah, it's you!'

'Who?' The Doctor questions and both he and Rose lean back. She gasps and the Doctor can't believe his eyes. 'Oh…it's you!' The Doctor and Rose join him and Rose smiles.

'What, have you met before?' Donna questions, not really wanting to believe in the coincidence.

'Yeah, Christmas Eve. He and this lovely young lady disappeared right in front of me.'

'And you never said?!' Donna cries and looks back to her granddad, before she turns to Rose and the Doctor.

'Well, you never said,' He replies simply and turns back to the Doctor and Rose. 'Wilf, sir. Wilfred Mott. You must be one of them aliens.'

'Well, yeah, but don't shout it out,' The Doctor looks over his shoulder and smiles. He shakes Wilf's hand. 'Nice to meet you properly, Wilf.'

'And your name, my dear?' Wilf turns to Rose who offers her hand to him.

'My name is Rose, it's wonderful to meet you again.'

'Rose, what a beautiful name!' Wilf exclaims and shakes her hand. 'Ah, alien hands.'

'Oh no, I'm human. As human as they come. Only he's the alien.' Rose points to the Doctor and he shifts awkwardly.

'Ah, well, I beg your pardon then Rose.' Wilf smiles kindly to her.

'Donna, anything?' Rose tries and Donna shakes her head in frustration.

'She's not answering. What's it, 'Sontiruns?'

'Sontaran.' Rose corrects and Donna frowns, mentally pronouncing the name.

'There's got to be more to it. They can't just be remote controlling cars. That's not enough,' The Doctor watches as Donna redials the number. 'Is anyone answering?'

'Doctor, I'm getting worried.' Rose states and he nods in agreement.

'Shush you two, hang on,' Donna interjects. 'Martha, hold on, he's here.' Donna hands off the mobile to the Doctor.

'Martha? Martha, tell Colonel Mace it's the Sontarans. They're in the file, Code Red Sontarans. But if they're inside the factory, tell him not to start shooting, UNIT will get massacred. I'll get back as soon as I can. You got that?'

'Code Red Sontarans. Gotcha.' Martha snaps the mobile shuts and grins darkly. She turns quickly as she hears the sound of footsteps.

'Dr. Jones, found anything yet?' Mace questions but Martha simply shakes her head.

'No, sir, nothing to report.' Martha informs him and watches as Mace walks by her, none the wiser. Once more, she smiles darkly to herself and goes in the opposite direction.

Rose and Donna watch as the Doctor starts to sonic the ATMOS device once again. Donna frowns.

'You've tried sonicing it before. You didn't find anything.' She points out and the Doctor glances to her briefly.

'Yeah, but now I know it's Sontaran, I know what I'm looking for.' The Doctor informs her.

Wilf joins them under the bonnet and tries to form the worrying thought that he's had on his mind for some time. 'The thing is, Doctor, that Donna is my only grandchild. You gotta promise me you're gonna take care of her.'

'Oh the contrary, Mr. Mott, Donna takes care of him.' Rose responds and Wilf turns to her, rather confused.

'It's true, she's really good at taking care of me.' The Doctor agrees.

'Oh yeah, that's my Donna,' Wilf's face breaks out into a huge grin. 'She was always bossing us around, even when she was tiny. 'The Little General,' we used to call her.' Rose feels her face break out into a grin. Donna catches sight of Rose and rolls her eyes.

'Yeah. Don't start.'

The Doctor is busy concentrating on a specific part of the ATMOS device with holes in the grid pattern. He doesn't respond and is only vaguely listening.

'And some of the boys she used to turn up with…a different one every week. Yeah, who was that one with the nail varnish?' Wilf questions and Donna sighs.

'Matthew Richards. He lives in Kilburn now…with a man.' Donna states and Rose wipes the smile off of her face.

Spikes suddenly shoot out of the holes in the device; everyone jumps back from the surprise.

'Whoa! It's a temporal pocket! I knew there was something else in there. It's hidden just a second out of sync with real time.'

'So, what's it actually hiding, then?' Rose wonders and they hear the sound of footsteps on the ground. Although, no one bothers to look up, their heads remain together under the bonnet.

'I dunno, men and their cars!' Sylvia states. 'Sometimes I think if I was a car,' She stops mid sentence and widens her eyes at the recognition of the man in the brown coat. 'Oh it's you! Doctor…what was it?'

He waves a hand without looking over to her. 'Yeah, that's me.'

'You met her too?' Rose questions and the Doctor nods.

'Have you met him as well, Sylvia?' Wilf questions and she scoffs at the question.

'Dad, it's the man from the wedding! When you were laid up with Spanish flu. I'm warning you, the last time that man turned up, it was a disaster.'

Gas abruptly shoots out of device.

'Get back!' The Doctor yanks Rose behind him and she instinctively covers her mouth. What is going on?

'A converter has been activated!' Skorr informs him and Staal feels rage well up inside him. He marches over to where Skorr is stand and crosses his arms.

'Show me where!' He demands and Skorr pulls up a projection of Earth, it zooms in until England has been projected and zooms in further until London has been magnified. Luke frowns at the image.

'London…that's Chiswick!' He cries and the Sontarans become confused.

'Who could have such knowledge?' One asks and Staal's anger boils over.

'Only the Doctor! He survived!' Staal shouts, but a new thought overcomes him and he smiles slightly. 'Excellent! Then battle will be joined, glorious warfare!' Staal turns to his men. 'Tenth Sontaran Battle Fleet, we move to the final phase. Prepare the subjugation of Earth, for the glory of Sontar!' Staal throws his arms up in the air and the Sontarans begin to march into formed lines, donning their helmets and gripping their guns in their hands. They begin to march through the corridors.

'Announcing Battle Status One. All soldiers to positions. Repeat, we are now at Battle Status One. Rejoice!' The computer voice fills the ship.

The Doctor continues to sonic the car as it continues to spurt gas and emit the odd spark.

'That'll stop it!' The Doctor says and the screwdriver finishes whirring as the smoke dies away. The Doctor then rushes back to the bonnet to inspect it again. Rose continues to keep her mouth and nose covered, but she joins him. She's about to ask if he's figured it out, when she's abruptly cut off by Sylvia.

'I told you! He's blown up the car!' She states angrily. 'Who is he anyway?! What sort of doctor blows up cars?!'

'Oh, not now mum!' Donna cries and crosses her arms. Her mother narrows her eyes at Donna.

'Oh, should I make an appointment?' Sylvia questions and she stalks off back towards the house in an obvious huff.

'Doctor, that wasn't exhaust fumes. What was it?' Rose continues to stare at the engine with the Doctor.

'Some sort of gas. Artificial gas.' He informs her.

'And it's aliens, isn't it? Aliens?' Wilf questions.

'But if…if it's poisonous…then we've got poisonous gas in every car on Earth.' Donna states worriedly and Rose swallows a lump in her throat.

'What are we going to do? How are we going to stop it?'

'I'm working on it.' The Doctor stares intensely at the engine, frowning as he tries to work everything out.

'If it's not safe, I'm going to get it off the street!' Wilf tells them as he gets into the car.

'Wait, Mr. Mott, the car isn't safe!' Rose tries to talk him out of it and Donna rushes to the car. But in the middle of her sentence the open car door abruptly slams shut, trapping Wilf inside. The locks all click into place and Rose begins to yank on the passenger door handle. The car turns on and smoke begins to pour from the exhaust pipe.

'Hold on!' Donna cries and starts to pull the door handle. 'Turn it off! Granddad, get out of there!' Donna bangs on the window, and Rose pulls the door handle.

'I can't! It's not locked! It's them aliens again!' Wilf insists and begins to cough.

Rose and Donna both pull the handles, while Donna becomes more and more frantic. Rose watches as the thick smokes slowly seeps further and further into the car.

'What's he doing? What's he done?' Sylvia calls as she starts to head back to the others.

'They've activated it!' The Doctor cried.

'Doctor, help us! Gas is getting in!' Rose calls to him and he joins her at the passenger door. He desperately tries to sonic the door open as Rose continues to yank. Donna pulls the handle as far back as she can.

'Doctor! He's gonna choke!' Donna cries in desperation.

'It won't open!' He calls to her. Donna ignores him and tries harder. Wilf coughs violently. He quickly leaves Rose's side and runs down the street.

'Doctor!' Rose calls over to him.

He studies the entire street; every single car on the street has begun to spit the poisonous fumes into the atmosphere. He darts back to the car. 'It's the whole world…'

'Help me…' Wilf manages weakly.

'Doctor, hurry!' Rose cries and he dashes between the engine, ripping out wires but it only does nothing. He tries to get the door open as well as stopping the gas at the same time.

'Doctor! Please! Do something!' Donna pleads.

Wilf collapses inside of the car, the Doctor stands beside Rose, watching as she and Donna continue to bang on the windows, yanking the handles as far as they could. He stands there powerless, unable to stop the world from being consumed in the fumes. The smoke billows around them, Rose and Donna start to cough but continue to help Wilf. Rose turns to the Doctor who stares at her, unmoving and unsure of what to do.

Hey guys! I made it, just in time for the holidays!

Another chapter checked off. I hope you guys like this one as much as the others. I'm uploading this in between family coming over so I apologize for errors and the likes.

I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season. I'll be writing the next chapter starting Thursday at work.