Bounding from the T.A.R.D.I.S. like a bat out of Hell, Lucy Blake crashed into the door of the flat she shared with her twin sister. Luckily, Juliet had forgotten once again to lock the oak front door which came open upon Lucy's violent shouldering of it. Juliet had heard the noise and came hurrying into their small foyer, her face a mask of concern. Wasting no words, Lucy rushed over and enveloped her twin in a tight embrace. Lucy was not one for wanton displays of emotion; she was controlled in her compassion. Juliet looked over her twin's shoulder and saw the man she traveled with, the Doctor. He looked quite forlorn, like something had gone horribly wrong and he was to blame. Juliet could feel the anger rising in her. She had accepted Lucy's convictions after she'd "fallen out of a window", or whatever it was she insisted. Lucy had said that while her life was often occupied with danger, it did not rule it. But Juliet knew now that something had changed inside Lucy, because there was no way her sister was crying into her shoulder. No, it had always been the other way round with these two. Glaring at the well dressed man before her, Juliet pried Lucy away from her.

"Lucy, what's happened? Where did you go, what's wrong?" Juliet tried to make sure her voice was level, calm. It was her turn to be there for her sister, just like when she'd given her blood. Lucy took a moment to regain her famous composure. She closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, focusing. Now that Juliet actually had a moment to look at her, she found that she almost didn't recognize her. There was the scar from her "window" accident. But there was something else; evidence of a recently broken and healed nose. There were also faint discolourations round her wrists, like there were tiny, almost invisible scars there too. However, the biggest change of all was the way she stood, the way she looked at Juliet. And Juliet was now looking back and forth, from Lucy to the Doctor. There it was. She looked like him. Somehow, she looked like he did, that measured, careful stare, like she knew everything there was to know and yet still craved more. At long last, Lucy seemed to finish. "We went several places since I last saw you, Jules. Ireland for one, round the 1800's. Um, we also went to the future and met an old friend of the Doctor's. Then we went to the really far future, this place called New Earth."

"Lucy, is that really necessary, we don't need to tell her about all that." The Doctor cut in.

"Like Hell, she doesn't! She's my sister and I deserve to know where she's been and why she's been hurt!" Juliet said, pained. Lucy held up her hands for silence and the two behind and in front of her quieted.

"Doctor, I'm not going to go over every single detail, but she is right, she does deserve to know what's been going on, and at any rate, I promised I would. So anyway, on this new planet, well, I got kidnapped. These people thought I was a terrorist or something and well, let's just say it was shades of the Inquisition. But we got away, and we actually sort of helped to overthrow a tyrannical government. Then we went to a different future with this girl, it was just random this destination. And the people there were even worse than the ones on New Earth, I think, just from what the Doctor's told me." Lucy looked back at him, at the most wonderful man in the universe. He hadn't told her the whole story, she knew that. She still wasn't sure exactly how Coryn had died, or why. The Doctor had refused to talk about that day, except to say that it was one of the worst of his long life. Lucy knew enough about him to leave it at that. She turned back to her sister. "Anyway, er, the girl we were traveling with, Coryn her name was. And, er, she died. Those people killed her. And I just, just wanted to come see you before we left off again. You know, you said to keep you posted." Lucy almost laughed when she thought of how she'd picked up Coryn's favourite phrase, "you know?" Even her mother had said it. But then she thought of the young girl, lying still, utterly motionless on that cold table, dead, and Lucy couldn't laugh anymore. Juliet was tilting her head to one side, biting her lip and looking down, the twin's shared trait of consternation, of frustration, of contemplation. Lucy let Juliet think for a while; it was a lot to take in. After a while, Juliet sighed and stepped forward again, holding her arms out wide. Lucy stepped into them and she and her sister once again held each other tight. Lucy was grateful that the Doctor let them be. He began walking round their flat, not really engrossed in anything, still within earshot of the twins.

Eventually, Lucy decided enough was enough and pulled away from her sister. They smiled at each other, practised, knowing smiles. They'd been through so much together. The Juliet gasped, "Oh!" she exclaimed suddenly. Lucy frowned and the Doctor stepped forward, ready to take action. "Wait, but, you two can't leave yet, I almost forgot!"

"Juliet, what is it?"

"Lucy, Mr. Thorough has been looking at collections over the past couple of weeks. Oh, he picked yours to be in London fashion week! I had to tell him that you were ill, and that's why you couldn't see him in person. But Lucy, it's tonight, I've been trying and trying to get hold of you on your mobile!" Lucy frowned, pulling out the device. Indeed, she had about twelve text messages and eight phone calls and as many voice messages waiting for her. Oh, Juliet, she thought. Lucy rolled her eyes and said,

"Tonight? It's tonight?" Juliet nodded, pressing her lips together, looking quite sheepish. Lucy turned round to the Doctor and said, "Well, do you fancy a fashion show tonight?"

The Doctor was tugging at the cuff-links of his double-breasted thoroughly black tuxedo. He had been like this the entire walk from the T.A.R.D.I.S. to the tents of London fashion week. It was already early March and unseasonably warm. Lucy's collection, being presented on behalf of Thorough Threads Inc, was going to take place in the main tent. Several British and American celebrities were rumoured to be there, but Lucy didn't care about that. She wanted the Doctor to see what she'd been working on for months prior to meeting him. Lucy took one step ahead of him, placing herself directly in front of him. He frowned down at her and said, "I look ridiculous, don't I?"

"Impossible." She replied. She reached up to straighten his tie and looked over his shoulder to see Juliet finally catching up with the two of them. Running, or even walking briskly as they were doing, was strictly out of her repertoire. She stepped up to the Doctor's shoulder, eyeing him keenly. "He cleans up nice, don't he?" she jabbed at Lucy, who only smiled in return. Without another word, Lucy led the way forward and showed her twin sister and the Doctor to their seats; front row for family and friends. She rushed backstage to ensure that the models all looked spectacular. Having always been a short girl, Lucy at first didn't realise how astoundingly tall all these models were. The shortest one there was six feet! She shook her head, writing it off as the height (no pun intended) of superficiality. She adjusted a few garments here and there, offered a few make-up and hair tips to the various artists and finally pronounced everyone ready. She could feel the models' eyes on her every second. Whatever for? Did they hate her collection that much? Did they love it? Lucy stood at the front of the line, ready to go out and announce the fruit of her labours when she noticed it. The models all had one silver eye. She looked at each and every one of them to make sure, and sure enough, each right eye was like true silver. That was no fashion statement. Nowhere in all of her notes about this collection had she written, Oh, I'd like all the models to have silver right eyes. Just stick some contact lenses in them; I think it'll really enhance the mood of the performance. Lucy shook her head, disbelieving. No make-up artist would take it upon himself to alter the designer's wishes. And even if he had, surely he would notice that her collection consisted mainly of gold, champagne, black and turquoise, not a hint of silver anywhere! Lucy told herself to take calming breaths, to ask the make-up people about it later, because they were calling her name now and there was no time left.

Lucy Blake stepped out of the curtain that separated the backstage from the runway. The Doctor looked up at her from his chair and couldn't help noticing how stressed she looked. He was sure that no one else would notice because she was so adept at hiding her feelings when she wanted to, but he was clever. He cast a glance at Juliet and saw that she too was frowning at her sister's expression. But of course she would notice; they were identical twins. He looked round himself and saw everyone else's smiling faces, no hint of concern for the harrowed designer. He whipped back round to Lucy, who presently started speaking. "I came to Mr. Thorough years ago with a collection I'd made completely by myself with about 8,000 pounds total. I was utterly shocked when he liked what he saw, and am still utterly shocked and completely flattered and humbled to be standing here now. I've been a million places over the past few months and it's good to be home, and to be here with all of you lovely people. So, without any further ado, I dedicate this show to my twin and bid the rest of you to enjoy it thoroughly." She offered a wave and a wink to the audience and the Doctor smiled, admiring the way she walked in those heels. The black patent leather stilettos were hardly the best thing about her ensemble however. She looked the spitting image of a 1940's Hollywood actress. Her high-wasted pencil skirt had white buttons that fastened it and she wore a black pin-striped vest over a dark grey three-quarter sleeved shirt. She'd admitted to the Doctor that she'd made it herself, and he later wondered why she hadn't featured it in her collection. Her hair was all done up in a tight chignon, with mother-of-pearl clips holding it all the way round. He looked for her coming back to her seat, but Juliet leaned toward him and informed him that she waited backstage and would walk out with the models at the very end.

The first model that came out was dressed in a chiffon champagne empire waist dress with several layers of tulle underneath. The sleeves and bodice were black velvet and she wore a cap of black velvet with black, gold and turquoise feathers coming out of it, Robin Hood style. The Doctor noted that she had a curious right eye, yes it was silver. He smiled as she turned back and then looked expectantly for the next one. She was wearing a black cocktail dress that had a corset-style bodice threaded and accented with champagne silk. Her shawl was a shimmering gold material the Doctor couldn't name. He frowned as she got closer to him. She too had a silver right eye. This one looked down at him and her lip curled upon seeing him. It was the most flickering of images and then she had turned round again and was stomping up the runway. The Doctor didn't even pay attention to the rest of the models save their eyes and their strange behavior. Each one had a silver right eye and each one moved in a slightly robotic fashion. At first the Doctor couldn't tell if this was affected, a part of the show, but he was sure that the angular turns and sharp movements were not intended in Lucy's elegant collection. No doubt, this was what had Lucy worried. No doubt, she too had noticed their peculiarities. The show lasted only five minutes and there was Lucy at the back of the line applauding with everyone else. Many had leapt to their feet and the Doctor saw that Lucy managed to look appreciative and humbled at the same time, shoving her anxiety to the back of her mind. She rushed to the Doctor and Juliet as soon as she could. Juliet made to step in front of the Doctor and intercept her, but Lucy side-stepped her at her rapid pace and nearly skidded into the closest guest. The Doctor grabbed her elbow, pulling her safely toward him.

"Did you notice it too, Doctor? Did you see how queer they all are?"

"Lucy, what are you talking about? That was brilliant, it was, you were phenomenal, and so were they!" chimed in Juliet. She was still a bit indignant at being ignored by Lucy. Lucy in turn threw a pained glance at her sister and then hurriedly turned back to the Doctor. "Yes, I noticed it. And I think I know what they are. Come with me." He led the way to the backstage area of Lucy's fashion show. Juliet was still miffed, but her mouth hung open upon discovering what lat before them.

Crouching behind the curtain, the three could see everything without being seen. Juliet looked like she was about to be sick, and Lucy and the Doctor were twin masks of terror. On the ground before them were the three hairstylists and the five make-up artists, dead. The models were all standing around, seeming to be debating something. But they didn't look like models anymore. They had stowed away Lucy's collection, back on the racks they were transported on. Lucy would have thought they were naked except for the steel and scale like material covering them. No, maybe that wasn't material…maybe that was true form! Looking closer, she saw that their legs, arms and parts of their faces (the forehead, cheekbones and jaw line) were covered in greenish-silver scales. Their torsos and necks were covered in ribbed steel. Lucy could also see, from the ones that had their backs to her, that they had ridges on their backs, like their spines were sticking out. Each ridge looked bone-hard in fact and Lucy was sure that she would never want to come in contact with. The nearest lizard-soldier-model lifted an arm of one of the male hairstylists. She sniffed it and pulled back her lips to reveal sharpened teeth. She was about to bite down when someone entered the vicinity. It was Mr. Thorough and he was holding a bottle of champagne, looking like he wanted to celebrate. The sight that met him caused him to drop the unopened bottle, which then shattered on the floor. "W-who are you? What have you done with-? Good God, what's g-going on here? Where is M-miss Blake?" Simultaneously, the lizard models titled their heads to the right, staring at him as though intrigued. The tallest one advanced toward him as he started to back away. A slightly shorter one stepped behind him and pinned his arms to his side. Mr. Thorough's eyes widened in fear as the tall one continued to approach him. She reached up and with a mad grin, twisted his neck which gave a sickening snap, and he then went slack. Juliet clapped a hand to her mouth to keep from crying out and Lucy grimaced. Though not always on the best terms with her boss, this was in no way the end she envisioned for him. Lucy was sure that the goal here was food and also sure that the nine dead people would not sate the eighteen beasts. Trying not to think of them "sharing" Lucy nudged the Doctor, silently urging him to do something.

The Doctor stepped out from behind the curtain, sonic screwdriver at the ready, prodded by Lucy whom he could feel behind him. He heard slight whimperings from Juliet, who looked about ready to turn tail. "Stop!" he cried, holding the screwdriver aloft, not knowing whether or not they knew him and that this was not a weapon. The tallest one stepped forward and curled her lip the same way she had done during the show. "A man dares command me? Do I have that right?" And the Doctor's suspicions were confirmed.

"Amazonites." He announced as much to Lucy and Juliet as to no one in particular. Lucy vaguely remembered the Doctor rattling them off on a list of aliens he'd once met but had never tangled with. She quickly explained to Juliet that they were part lizard, part woman and were much like the legendary Amazons on Earth, save for their cannibalistic tendencies. The tallest Amazonite curled her lip again in response. "But you're a long way from home, aren't you? Has your planet already run out of men to feed on?"

"Our appetites crave more exotic flavours." One of the Amazonites offered. The queen as the Doctor took her to be, batted the one who had spoken away with a wave of her enormous hand.

"This one is smarter than the average male. I was overthrown by a rebel party of Amazonites. Tyranny has its setbacks and rebellion is one of them. Those who remain loyal to me travel with me. We hoped to traverse many distances and gain the strength of unknown races. It appears we made a mistake coming to this planet. Those who are not over-fed are scrawny weaklings, none of whom will aide us in our quest." She gestured first to the rotund Mr. Thorough and then to the skinny-jean wearing hair and make-up stylists.

"But there are three women here. Surely you weren't going to eat them?" asked Lucy, sensing that the Amazonites would soon grow tired of talking to a man.

"No, we weren't, Earth girl, but we also could not leave them alive. They are pathetic excuses for women, as are you. You allow men to rule in your stead but are not fit for eating."

Lucy opened her mouth, about to protest when the Doctor stopped her. He shook his head, advising her not to contest the testy queen. But it was Juliet who acted. She had been silent and almost perfectly still the whole while. She had been slowly edging her way to the exit, where all present thought she would surely make a run for it. Instead, she grabbed the fire-extinguisher off the floor and aimed it at the queen, letting fly the frigid foam. The queen shrieked and shivered and slowly slumped to the floor, unmoving. The other Amazonites were standing stock still in fear and confusion. This tiny Earth girl had taken down their queen? One right after another turned and bolted out of the back flap of the tent and into the unusually warm night. Lucy, Juliet and the Doctor were quick to follow them and just barely caught them escaping in a ship that bolted out into the sky. Onlookers would mistake it for a green-tinted falling star.

The Doctor whipped round to face Juliet, still not sure if he was angry or relieved. "What did you do?" he asked her, trying to keep his voice level.

"Lucy was saying that they were part lizard. I couldn't exactly see a way out of this, especially one that didn't involve you getting eaten and so it just clicked. Lizards are cold-blooded. I'm sure they were hanging round here because of how warm it is. And then I remembered that fire extinguishers are quite cold and I just, I dunno, I just fired. I didn't really expect it to work." The Doctor stared open-mouthed at Juliet for a while. How like her sister she was proving to be. Had he once thought her dull? No, not dull, impossible being Lucy's twin, but certainly not capable of the cleverness that Lucy so often exuded. He stepped toward her and she flinched as he wrapped her up in a tight hug. Lucy was laughing, still half-amazed at the whole situation. When the Doctor let go of Juliet, Lucy rushed over and squeezed her tight, rocking back and forth like they had done this afternoon. The twins let go of each other and looked up into the night sky, holding hands and smiling curious smiles.

"So, ladies," the Doctor said, hands in his pockets, rocking back on forth on his trainers, "How does an after party sound? A little celebration for an expertly crafted collection and a clever dispatching of a hostile alien troupe?" The girls laughed and the Doctor looked back and forth between them. Despite Juliet's own spark, despite their shared dark past, despite everything, it had never been easier to tell them apart. Lucy's eyes were infinitely deep and even when smiling, a bit sad. He couldn't even see her scar in the dark, but there was something about the set of her jaw that suggested battle and gritty resolution. Juliet's smile was easier, more carefree. Her entire being was less tried than Lucy's. The Doctor looked again at Lucy's face, loving her reluctant smile, all the while hating the fact that he had helped cause this cynicism. Sure, it had always been there, she had always been the more thoughtful of the two. But there was no denying his part in her, what could it be called? Callousness? No, never, callousness, not Lucy. Perhaps it was whatever made up the parts of he himself? But Lucy's grit was different from Martha's soldier-like discipline. Lucy's wisdom was different from Donna's brief experience as a Time Lord-human hybrid. Lucy's unyielding desire to help was different from Rose's compassion. And what was it everyone kept saying? That she was designed to survive? The idea he'd had before leaving the most recent trip to the future solidified just a little bit more. Almost no time had passed and Lucy said, "I've got a better idea. Juliet, I'd like to introduce you to the stars." Juliet grinned at her sister and then at the Doctor who nodded. The girls were practically skipping behind him as he led the way back to the T.A.R.D.I.S.