The Snowmen- Part 1

Drax Three

It had been three weeks since The Doctor came and told us about the Pond's deaths. Amy and Rory's deaths had done a number on my body from the guilt. I haven't had a wink of sleep since. Jack had started to notice that I hadn't slept, but thankfully Amelia Rose was blissfully unaware.

I had never really asked The Doctor how long Time Lord's can go without sleeping, but since I was still fine after three weeks, I figured I was fine. I didn't want to go to sleep, because every time I would try, I got nightmares from The Angels Take Manhattan, but instead of the angle's getting Amy and Rory, they got Jack and Amelia Rose.

I was reading a book on the couch. Jack was next to me, doing some paperwork and Amelia was upstairs in her room doing… whatever she was doing. My cell phone started to ring. I sighed, put the bookmark back into it's spot, closed the book and got up to answer my cell.

"Hello, Susan Jane Harkness's phone."

"Oh, good. I finally figured out how to work this. I don't know if I said my name, but I am Vastra. I need your help."

My eyes widened. "Vastra… as in Silurian?" At Silurian, Jack's head snapped up and stared at me.

"Yes."

"How did you get my number?" I asked.

"The Doctor gave it to me incase we needed anything."

"Why do you need my help?" I asked, starting to pace around the livingroom.

I heard a yell, that was not Vastra's, coming through the phone. "Remember to ask if he has any grenade's. I'm running short."

I heard Vastra yell back, "Susan is a girl, Strax! I doubt she has any." Then she said in a quieter tone, "Sorry about him. He's a Jadoon, not really bright."

"I heard that!" Yelled Strax.

I laughed briefly. "So, you need my help?"

"Yes. The Doctor's retired."

My smile fell. "He's on a cloud and refuses to help anyone, am I correct?"

Vastra sighed. "Yes. He told me you were good at assessing the situation, but he didn't tell me that you were that good."

"Did he tell you how I… assess the situation?" I asked, curiously.

"All he told me was that you were from a different universe than this and that universe aided in helping you assess."

I briefly closed my eyes. "You need help convincing him to save people again."

"Yes, that is correct."

I glanced at Jack who was watching me carefully. "Alright. We'll be there within the hour."

"Very good. I will be waiting for you, Mrs. Harkness." Vastra hung up.

"The Doctor's in trouble?" Jack asked, putting his pen down.

I sighed and sat back down on the couch. "Sort of. He refuses to help anyone. He just sits up on a cloud and watches."

"Uh, a cloud?"

"Yes."

"Well then, let's go slap some sense into The Doctor." Jack said, standing up.

Earth, England, 1892

Jack, Lia and I appeared in an alleyway. I looked at my vortex manipulator and said, "Yep. Earth, England, 1892." We were in clothing that fit the style of the time. Jack wore black trousers, a wing tipped shirt (white), a red vest, a victorian cutaway black coat, a pearl black tie, with a pocket watch with a chain. Jack also had a black umbrella with a brown wooden handle.

Since I knew there would be running, I vetoed a dress and skirt. I wore white campaigner Leggings in khaki, dark royal blue shirt, and a black tsarina coat which I buttoned up completely so that my shirt wasn't showing at all. The coat went halfway down my legs. I also wore black leather gloves and a silver teardrop necklace. My short red hair was washed and combed back sleekly.

Lia opted for brown riding pants underneath a creamish green skirt that went down to her ankles, brown riding boots, a brown corset over a silk classic camisole. She wore her red hair down, but with a hair tie on her right wrist. Her shoulder's weren't covered, as the time wanted, but I didn't care that much.

We walked out of the alleyway and into the bustling streets of London. It was daytime. Jack checked his pocket watch. "Hmm, Strax should be here with the carriage in three, two one."

As if by magic, a carriage pulled up next to us. Strax lifted his head… he was in all black robes with a hood on so no one would notice him being a Jadoon. "Well, hop in. Mistress is very anxious to meet you."

Jack, Lia and I glanced at each other. I shrugged and said, "Of course, Strax." I climbed into the carriage followed by Lia and then Jack.

A faint, "Hiai!" came from Strax as he started the carriage moving to Vastra's house.

Jenny was carrying in a silver platter with four cups of tea as Vastra paced back and forth in her study. "I've tried everything I can to get that… stubborn man off his cloud and back to investigating, but nothing seems to work!" Vastra was complaining. She had been complaining for the past five minutes. She turned to me. "You're of The Doctor's own kind. Could you help him?"

I swallowed. "I don't think he rather likes me at the moment."

Vastra looked confused. "Why ever not?"

"I have… a certain amount of, let's call it, foreknowledge." I said, not really feeling like explaining the concept of the telly to a Silurian. "I kept some foreknowledge from him and that directly led to him living on top of the cloud over Victorian London."

"Ah." Vastra said, picking up her tea cup and sipping it. "That complicates things."

"Yes it does." I agreed. "But I also know that he will get back to investigating soon. When is Christmas?"

"Three days." Vastra replied, taking another sip of her tea and placing it on the small table beside her chair. "Why? Have you got something in mind?"

I smiled. "Oh I think the universe is far ahead of you."

Jack, Lia and I all sat around the telephone that Vastra was currently talking into, while I was trying not to laugh. "How refreshing to see you taking an interest again. Was she nice?" Vastra asked in a knowing tone.

The Doctor sighed. "I just spoke to her."

Vastra rolled her eyes. "And made your usual impact, no doubt."

"No, no impact at all. Those days are over."

Vastra let out a slight laugh. "You can't help yourself. It's the same story every time. And it always begins with the same two words."

"She'll never be able to find me again. She doesn't even have the name. Doctor. What two words?" The Doctor asked, clearly irritated.

We heard a bang of wood against wood and then a woman's voice, " Doctor? Doctor who?"

I had my hand over my mouth and was laughing, trying not to let The Doctor hear me… he didn't know we were here yet and I doubt he would appreciate us trying to get him back on his feet.

A smile flashed over Vastra's face and she let out a loud laugh. "Of course, Doctor. Good night." Vastra hung up the phone, still laughing. "Oh that was the most fun I've had in weeks! I think that girl will do him good."

I smiled. "Me too."

Vastra rang for Jenny who, after a minute, came bustling into the study. "You rang, Ma'am?"

"Jenny, it appears we have business to take care of." Vastra looked at me. "You're more than welcome to join us, Susan. We have a meeting with Simeon."

I stood up. "Of course." I turned to Amelia. "And I think it's bedtime for you, Miss."

"Mum!" Lia protested.

"No buts." I turned to my husband. "Could you stay with her, don't worry, this will be a quick errand."

I trailed behind Simeon as he walked down the alleyway, not to close that he would notice me, but not to far that I couldn't keep up. We planned that Vastra and Jenny would step in front of him soon. Just as I finished that thought, Jenny and Vastra moved silently from the shadows to stand in front of Simeon.

Simeon noticed the weapons on the women and turned the other way to face me, hands on my hips and a disapproving glare in his direction. He turned slowly around to face Vastra and Jenny.

"Well, Doctor Simeon, you're out very late tonight." Jenny said snidely.

"Almost makes you wonder what you've been up to. But then, I have often wondered about the activities of Doctor Simeon and his exceptionally secretive Institute." Vastra retorted.

"Well, I am honoured this evening. The veiled detective and her fatuous accomplice."

Jenny curtsied. "At your service."

"Who's the third?"

"That's none of your concern." I said in an dark tone.

"You realise Doctor Doyle is almost certainly basing his fantastical tales on your own exploits? With a few choice alterations, of course. I doubt the readers of The Strand magazine would accept that the great detective is, in reality a woman." Simeon lifts Vastra's veil to reveal that she is a Silurian.

"And her suspiciously intimate companion."

Vastra sniffs in defiance. "I resent your implication of impropriety. We are married."

Jenny looked him up and down in clear disappointment. "More than can be said for you, eh, dear?"

"Now then. This snow is interesting, don't you think? The ice crystals seem to have a low level telepathic field. Almost as if it can detect and respond to the thoughts and memories of the people around it. Memory snow. Snow that learns." Vastra said. During her speech she picked up snow with her right hand and inspected it, crushing it under her fingers and let it fall from her hand.

"How fascinating." Sneered.

"I hope it's listening to the right people. It could be a terrible weapon in the wrong hands, don't you think?" I said, causing Simeon to turn to me and glare.

"I think winter is coming. Such a winter as this world has never known. The last winter of humankind. Do you know why I'm telling you all this?"

"I am intrigued." I said in the most monotone voice I could conjure.

"Because there's not a single thing you can do to stop it."

"Perhaps I can't, but I know a man who can." Vastra said.

Simeon turned back to Vastra. "I look forward to meeting him." Simeon leaves.

"Do you mean the Doctor? He won't help us. He never helps any more, you know that." Jenny said. "No matter who asks him." I winced. I knew Jenny was talking about me.

"Yes, my dear, I do. So pray for a miracle, because I think we are going to need him."

Lia was out with Jenny doing errands while Jack and I talked in the kitchen. Vastra was in her study, not to be disturbed. We were in the same clothes as yesterday.

"Snow that can learn?" Jack asked, taking a sip of his coffee that had to be cold by now. "Why do I have a feeling that this is one of those episodes?" Jack asked rhetorically.

"Because it is." I replied and giggled when Jack's head made contact with the table. "And it might be a Christmas Special." At the word 'special', Jack lifted his head and let it drop on the table again. "Jack," I sighed. "You're going to give yourself a migraine."

"Of course it had to be a 'Special'." Jack groaned. "I should have foreseen this as soon as Vastra said the word Christmas. Something always happens on Christmas."

"That's just bad luck." I said. We talked for a bit longer and stopped suddenly when the door to the kitchen opened and Lia entered.

"Mum, Vastra want's you in her study." I stood up and Jack did the same until, "No, Dad. Just Mum."

I gave an apologetic smile to Jack and said, "Thanks Lia." I walked into Vastra's study and closed the door behind me. My heart's stopped briefly as I laid eyes on Clara. "Yes, Vastra?"

"You will ask our guest questions while our guest gives a single word response." Jenny looked at Clara. "Only one word, do you understand?"

I blinked. "Of course."

Clara looked at me and was silent for a couple seconds, then said, "Why?"

"Truth is singular. Lies are words, words, words. You met the Doctor, didn't you?" I stared into Clara's eyes, trying to make myself forget that this version of her dies.

"Yes."

I swallowed. "And now you've come looking for him again. Why?"

"Take your time. One word only." Jenny said to Clara.

Clara is silent for more than a minute. "Curiosity."

"About?" I asked.

"Snow." Clara said, more clearly now.

"And about him?"

"Yes." Clara breathed.

"What do you want from him?"

"Help."

I stepped forward one step. "Why?"

"Danger." Clara said, fast.

"Why would he help you?"

Clara thought about it, then, "Kindness."

"The Doctor is not kind." I said.

"No?"

"No. The Doctor doesn't help people. Not anyone, not ever. He stands above this world and doesn't interfere in the affairs of its inhabitants. He is not your salvation, nor your protector. Do you understand what I am saying to you?" I asked, my arms were crossed now.

"Words."

"He was different once, a long time ago. Kind, yes. A hero, even. A saver of worlds. But he suffered losses which hurt him. Now he prefers isolation to the possibility of pain's return. Kindly choose a word to indicate your understanding of this." I said.

"Man." Clara said, a bit forcefully.

I swallowed. "We are the Doctor's friends. We assist him in his isolation but that does not mean we approve of it. So, a test for you. Give me a message for the Doctor. Tell him all about the snow and what fresh danger you believe it presents, and above all, explain why he should help you. But do it in one word. You're thinking it is impossible that such a word exists, or that you could even find it. Let's see if the gods are with you."

Clara sat back in her chair and thought. And thought. And thought. Then, one single word came out. "Pond."

I froze, even though I knew she was going to say that. "Very well, Miss. Oswald," I smirked, "Or should I say Miss. Montague."

At that name Clara froze. "How?" She asked, her breathing increased at being caught.

I smiled, reassuringly. "Don't worry, I won't tell Captain Latimer." Jenny and Vastra exchanged confused glances, which Clara caught. "You work very well with the children. I wouldn't want to see you sacked and the children one less of a friend."

Clara smiled up at me, amazed that I would keep her secret. "Thanks."

"One last question Miss. Montague," I said, looking at Clara pointedly. "Does Captain Latimer have a job vacancy?"

Clara looked confused as she answered, "Yes."

"What job?"

"Cook."

I entered Captain Latimer's study, behind the maid, Alice, who said, "Mrs. Harkness is here for the job interview, Captain Latimer."

Latimer looked up from his open book and put a hand on the page he was on and put his quill in the ink holder. "Ah, thank you, Alice. You may continue with your chores. So, Mrs. Harkness, you are looking to be employed?"

I nodded my head. "Yes, Captain Latimer. I was hoping for a position as your cook."

"I see." Latimer stated, standing up and pushing his chair in. "May I see your credentials?"

I took out my psychic paper from my bag. "Of course." Latimer reached his hand forward and I handed him the psychic paper. "It should all be in order."

I saw Latimer's eyes widen. "Is that references from William Gladstone, the Prime Minister?"

I nodded. "I was his personal cook." I lied.

Latimer looked it over one more time before handing the paper back to me. "What happened to make you leave?"

"I had my daughter. I took too much time off."

Latimer turned around and walked over to his window and looked out of it. He was silent for a few minutes. "Very well. I trust you will be able to find your domain."

"Thank you, Captain Latimer." I said.

"Dinner will be at six sharp. Think of this as your first test. If the children like the food, you can stay. If not, well…." Latimer trailed off.

"Of course, Sir." I said and backed out of his study and went to find the kitchen to start preparing for dinner.

I finished setting the dining room table by setting down the bowl of lasagna. I knew that Victorian London didn't have that many food choices, so I decided to add some of the present day ones. There was lasagna, bread and butter, salad, dressing, and a rare red wine in a small basket of ice.

The children came in first.

"Are you the new cook?" The boy, Digby, asked. He stared up at me with an inquisitive expression on his face.

I nodded my head. "Yes, Mister. I am Mrs. Harkness."

Digby nodded and took a look at the food on the table. "What is that?" Digby pointed to the bowl of lasagna.

"Lasagna." I replied. "A personal favorite of mine."

"I've never heard of it." Francesca, the girl, said, staring curiously at the dish.

"You wouldn't have. I invented it." I lied, smiling at the girl.

Francesca's eyes widened as she stared up at me. "Really?"

I smiled warmly at her. "Really." I replied. "I better go back to my domain and get the desert ready." I said and turned around and walked out of the room.

Before I left, I heard Digby ask, "Desert?"

As I finished washing the dishes, I heard the sounds of screaming. Clara! Digby and Francesca! I threw down my rag on the counter and ran to the Entrance hall and almost collided with Captain Latimer as he was talking to The Doctor, Jack and Amelia, asking them how they got in the house.

"Jack!" I said, excitedly. I ran up to him an we kissed.

"Remind me again why you had to go off and get a job if it was only going to be for a day?" Jack asked me.

"I wanted something to do?" I stated/asked.

"It's okay. I am your governess' gentleman friend, and we've just been upstairs kissing!" The Doctor said. I sighed.

"Captain Latimer. In the garden, there's snowmen! And they're just growing out of nowhere, all by themselves. Look!" Alice runs to answer the front door.

"Good evening. I'm a Lizard Woman from the Dawn of Time, and this is my wife." Vastra said, not so subtle.

Alice screams and runs back into Strax. "This dwelling is under attack. Remain calm, human scum."

Alice screams and faints.

The Doctor looks at Latimer. "So, any questions?"

Latimer turned to Clara. "You have a gentleman friend?"

The Doctor walked up to Vastra. "Vastra, what's happening?"

"The snow is highly localized, and on this occasion not naturally occurring."

"It's coming out of that cab parked by the gates." Jenny said.

Strax spoke up, "Sir, one pulver grenade would blow these snowmen to smithereens."

"They're made of snow, Strax. They're already smithereens. See, Clara? Our friends again." The Doctor said.

"Clara? Who's Clara?" Latimer asked, feeling really confused.

"Your current governess is, in reality, a former barmaid called Clara." The Doctor explained.

The ice governess appeared on the landing half way up the stairs. "That's the way to do it!"

"Meanwhile your previous governess is now a living ice sculpture impersonating Mister Punch. Jenny, what have you got?" The Doctor asked.

Jenny throws a little ball that creates a forcefield at the top of the stairs. "That should hold it." Jenny said.

Strax came back from scouting out the rooms on this floor. "Sir, this room. One observational window on the line of attack and one defendable entrance."

The Doctor nodded. "Right, everyone in there. Now. Move it. You, carry her." The Doctor said to Latimer.

"Nice to see you off your cloud and engaging again." Vastra said, walking by The Doctor.

The Doctor glared at Vasta. "I'm not engaging again, I'm under attack."

Vastra stopped and turned around to look at The Doctor. "You missed this, didn't you?"

The governess batters against the force field. "Shut up." The Doctor said as we made our way into the study.

"Strax, how long have we got?" Jack asked Strax as Lia went to stand next to Clara.

"They're not going to attack. They made no attempt to conceal their arrival. An attack force would never abandon surprise so easily, and they're clearly in a defence formation." Strax replid.

"Way, aye, aye. Well done, Straxie. Still got it, buddy." The Doctor says and kisses the Sontaran on the top of the head.

"Sir, please do not noogie me during combat prep." Strax says, embarrassed.

"So there's something here they want." I said.

"The ice woman." Clara put in.

The Doctor snaps his fingers. " Exactly."

"Why's she so important?" Lia asked.

"Because she's a perfect duplication of human DNA in ice crystal form. The ultimate fusion of snow and humanity. To live here, the snow needs to evolve and she's the blueprint. She's what they need to become. When the snow melted last night, did the pond?"

Clara shook her head. "No."

"Living ice that will never melt. If the snow gets hold of that creature on the stairs, it will learn to make more of them. It will build an army of ice. And it will be the last day of humanity on this planet." The Doctor said. The doorbell rings. "Stay here." And The Doctor walks out of the room.