General Ploket was smiling. His prey had been chased and cornered; now it was just a matter of the kill. A single Earth female and a puny human just hatched were no real competition…still it would be good to hear them grovel for their lives. "You will present yourself Earth female and bring the progeny with you."
Both Sarahs looked at one another in shock. They knew they could continue along the run of cabinets and end up behind the Sontaran, but he would catch them before they had a chance to escape.
But Sarah (a) was already thinking of the end game. She pulled her jacket off and folded and fashioned it into a bundle. Then reached into the diaper bag and pulled out a baby blanket and wrapped her coat in it. She met the other Sarah's eyes and whispered in her ear, "I'll get him to turn around, take the baby and get out."
Sarah (a) adjusted the makeshift 'baby' in her arms and the other Sarah (b) grabbed her sleeve and mouthed, "Thank you." with tears in her eyes. She realized in that moment that as long as this Sarah was taking care of her baby she never had anything to worry about. This woman would give her life to save her daughter.
Sarah (a) stood with the fake bundle in her arms and walked forward defiantly. "Why is it so important to kill this baby, this particular baby?" Sarah asked distinctly.
This female surprised Ploket. She stood proud and strong, she wasn't cowering as he thought she would. Still he would make this a challenge, one that satisfied his hunting spirit yet. "She is the Doctor's progeny."
"So? Why is that so important?" Sarah (a) asked as she bounced her bundle lightly, giving the illusion that she had an actual baby in her arms.
"She must die!" Ploket yelled.
"So you've said," Sarah (a) baited him on, "but why does she have to die?" She walked to the right of the Sontaran making him turn to follow her. She could see the other Sarah stand with the baby and edge toward the door. "If you expect me to hand this child over to you, you better have a good reason." Sarah (a) said loudly. Hoping her voice and attitude would distract the Sontaran from any sound the other Sarah might be making.
"I don't need you to 'hand' the progeny over. I can kill you both together in one shot." He brought the blaster up and aimed it at her.
Over his shoulder Sarah could see the door to the dining room opening and the two Doctors coming through it. The other Sarah locked eyes with her Doctor and the look was one of pure joy and elation. She also caught the look of horror on her Doctor's face. She saw all this in an instant, Ploket none the wiser to the changing situation. She continued on with her questioning, "I want to know why!" Sarah yelled at him.
"Because in the future she will destroy the Sontaran race!" he yelled back. Who was this puny Earth woman to challenge him? He was General Ploket! Did she not realize who she addressed? "Enough! Your time has expired and so has its." He pointed at the bundle in her arms.
Sarah could see the Doctor (9) usher his Sarah and the baby outside the kitchen to safety. Now she just had to figure out a way to save herself.
The Doctor (4) knew it was time, time to save 'his' Sarah. "General Ploket," he called from behind the Sontaran, "we haven't officially met. I'm the Doctor." he said with a smile. "Now what's this about a baby destroying the Sontaran race?
"How have you survived the mighty Sontaran warriors? You Doctor must indeed live a charmed life."
Sarah was looking around everywhere for a weapon of any kind. There was a deep fryer immediately behind her. If only it had oil in it. Sticking out underneath the fryer was a handle. Sarah quietly lifted the pot up to find it had some very dirty oil in it. Apparently the fryer had a slow leak before it had been abandoned. The pan was almost full and while she knew it wouldn't burn the Sontaran it would more than likely blind him and give them time to do…something.
Sarah caught the Doctor's eyes and smiled. This was them at their best. "Sarah, pass me the baby." the Doctor called to her as he held up his hands. General Ploket spun around quickly; ready to fire the gun as the infant was flying through the air. When he didn't see anything pass in front of him, he turned to Sarah.
Sarah seized the opportunity; as soon as Ploket turned toward her she hurled the contents of the grease filled pan into Ploket's eyes. The Sontaran yelled out and fired the blaster. The beam hit a metal bracket on the ceiling above Sarah's head causing that section of ceiling to collapse on Sarah. Sarah fell to the ground; her last conscious moment was hearing the Doctor scream her name.
The Doctor (9) burst through the door. He'd been listening outside, unwilling to do anything to put Sarah (a) in any more danger than she was already in. She had already sacrificed so much today. Both Doctors charged forward, grabbing the Sontaran and after a brief struggle the Doctor (4) hit him with the reflex hammer from his pocket. Madame Vastra and Jenny entered the room, rope in hand and tied up the unconscious Ploket.
The Doctor (4) and his counterpart began digging under the rubble for Sarah. After a few minutes they reached her. The Doctor (9) held back the other Doctor. "Wait, let me scan her for injuries." He pulled out his newly retrieved Sonic Screwdriver and scanned her prone form. After a quick glance he said, "No broken bones."
The Doctor (4) carefully picked up his wife. "I want to get her back to the Tardis and to the infirmary." The Doctor (4) carried Sarah through the kitchen and into the Mess Hall's dining room. As he passed through he found Strax standing guard over the group of Sontarans that were now tied up.
"I will inform Sontaran High Command of General Ploket's dishonorable actions. He as well as his compatriots will be disciplined." Strax said holding a phaser on the group.
"Thank you Strax." he (9) said making eye contact with Strax so that he understood his sincerity. As he walked quickly following the Doctor, he (9) turned and said, "Vastra, Jenny and Strax, I couldn't have done this without you. Thank you." He disappeared through what was left of the doorway.
When he entered the lab he found Sarah (b) and the baby standing next to the Tardis. "Oh my God, is she all right?" Sarah (b) started forward in concern.
"I hope so." the Doctor (4) said as he attempted to shift his load and get his key. Before he could, he found the Doctor (9) there and opening the door. The group entered the Tardis and headed for the infirmary.
Sarah (b) stopped briefly in the console room, transported back in time. This was the Tardis she remembered and loved first. She smiled while looking around and then down at her daughter who was looking up at her. "You are so lucky Hope. You were conceived in a Tardis just like this and you were lucky enough to get your start here. Here with people who love you so very much." She followed behind the others.
When she entered the infirmary the two Doctors were crowded around the Bio-Scanner. Sarah (a) was lying on it, pale as a ghost. She had a gash on her forehead which the Doctor (4) was attending to. The Doctor (9) was applying a towel to the back of her head that was now dotted with blood.
"Is she okay?" Sarah (b) asked as she lightly bounced the baby who was getting fussy.
"She's hungry. She needs her bottle." Sarah (a) said making both me jump. She attempted to sit up but both men held her down.
"Oh no you don't." the Doctor (9) said.
"I'm fine. I need to show her where the baby's things are." Sarah (a) protested.
"No you don't." the Doctor (4) said. "Her things are in the nursery. It's the door next to our bedroom. I'm sure the Tardis will have a bottle there waiting for her."
Sarah (b) approached the other Sarah and reached out and took her hand. "I'll be right back. Don't do what I usually do, listen to what they tell you and do it. I'll be back to check on you soon." Sarah (b) squeezed her hand and left.
"You two can stop panicking now, I'm fine." Sarah protested. They were looking at her as if she were dying. She felt fine, a little tired and a headache, but fine.
"Do you think you could pacify the two of us for just two minutes? You have a cut on your forehead…" the Doctor (4) protested.
"And a cut," the Doctor (9) placed his hand on the back of her head where there was still a small amount of blood oozing, "with a bump on the back of your head."
"So that means you're going to lay still till I'm satisfied that it's safe for you to move." the Doctor (4) insisted. The readout rolled out of the printer at the left of the Bio-Scanner. "Let's see what the scanner has to say." the Doctor (4) said as he scanned the readout.
Sarah rolled her eyes. "You'll be happy to know that she hasn't lost the ability to roll her eyes." the Doctor (9) commented with a smile.
"Yes, we're all very happy about that revelation." the Doctor (4) said as he continued to read.
The Doctor (9) was about to make another comment when he saw the change on the Doctor's (4) face. His face went from jovial to very serious. What could he have seen? His initial scan showed nothing major. Sarah may have a concussion but that would heal. He was about to ask what was wrong when he saw the Doctor's (4) face change again. He was smiling.
Sarah looked over to her husband and smiled back. "See I told you I'm fine. Now let's get out of here." She started to sit up only to be held back by the Doctor (9).
"Yes, you're going to be fine but I need to attend to those wounds and…" he (4) began.
"And then…" Sarah started.
"You have a concussion and you'll be spending time in bed in our room, after we get back to our reality that is. But I have to tell you…"
"I'm well aware of the drill. Stay in bed and rest. You'll bring me my meals and I'm to forget about any reports or anything else for Unit. Does that about size it up?" Sarah recited.
"Well…that's part of what I was going to say. But you'll never be able to guess what I'm going to say next."
"What?" When he hesitated, she asked again, "Well, tell me already or I'm going to get up." she threatened.
"Would you like to be alone?" the Doctor (9) asked.
Before they could answer Sarah (b) was back in the room carrying a freshly diapered and newly fed Hope. "The nursery is beautiful. And where did you get this dress with her name on it and how did you know her name is Hope?"
The Doctor (9) came forward and took Hope from Sarah's (b) arms. "You know I have a feeling you're not going to be out of either mine or your mother's arms for quite some time. So I hope you enjoy being held." The baby cooed up at the Doctor and took his finger in her tiny hand.
Sarah (a) told the other Sarah (b) who had come to stand by her side, "I can't take credit for anything other than her everyday clothes. The nursery was decorated by the Tardis and the dress was a gift from the Tardis. The Tardis knew her name. We were calling her the little angel till the Tardis gave us the dress with her name on it." Sarah (a) explained. It was wonderful to see the joy on the couple's face.
"The Tardis can't take all the credit." Sarah (b) began. "The two of you have done a wonderful job with her. She's thriving, that's plain to see." Sarah (b) clasped her counterpart's hand.
"We can't begin to thank the two of you enough." the Doctor (9) told the pair. "If there is ever anything we can do for you, just name it."
"Well there is one thing." the Doctor (4) said, prompting a confused looked from Sarah (a).
"Anything, just name it." the Doctor (9) said enthusiastically rocking back on his heels..
"Leave us a few diapers." he (4) said smiling.
"Why would we need…diapers?" Sarah (a) asked as the penny dropped. "You mean…we're…going to…?" Sarah asked, her face going from shock to utter joy.
"The scan says you're about three weeks along." the Doctor (4) said, grinning from ear to ear. He bent over and hugged Sarah (a) tightly and gave her a passionate kiss.
"Maybe we should get back to our Tardis." the Doctor (9) said wanting to give the couple time to celebrate alone.
"Isn't your Tardis still recharging?" the Doctor (4) asked as he stood up with Sarah's (a) hand clutching his.
"Yes but…" the Doctor (9) answered.
"It's cold in your Tardis as well as Unit and we have everything you need. Stay the night and have a meal with us. Tonight we celebrate." He (4) looked over at his wife and smiled broadly.
"Am I going to be allowed at this party?" Sarah (a) asked.
"After a bit of rest, yes." The Doctor (4) looked up and told the new family, "Why don't you two pick out a bedroom and get some rest. We'll have dinner at…say seven?"
Looking at Sarah (b) and seeing her nod he (9) answered, "We would love to stay. You're right. I have a family to look out for now." He smiled at his Sarah and his new baby, his perfect family. He wrapped his arm around Sarah as they stared into the eyes of their daughter. "We'll go and find a bedroom." He led his family from the infirmary.
"Are you happy?" Sarah asked as he fussed over the wound on her forehead.
"Of course, why would you ask that? Aren't you?" he asked as he stopped and looked at her.
"I'm thrilled. It's just that when we talked about children it was always something we would do in the future. I know you weren't expecting to have a child so soon."
"If we hadn't had Hope with us the last few weeks…who knows? We might feel differently. But she has brought so much to our lives. It was like she had always been here." he explained as he moved to the wound on the back of her head.
"I know what you mean. I didn't panic once when I was taking care of her. It just all seemed so…natural. God knows I never had anyone to teach me how to properly…well…do anything. But with Hope it was so simple. Do you think it will be the same way with our baby?" Sarah asked as she winced when he touched a tender spot.
"Don't know. But it will be an adventure. There, all fixed up. Let's get you to bed for some rest." he said as he picked Sarah up and carried her toward their bedroom.
"I need a shower." Sarah commented as she noticed how dirty her clothes were for the first time.
"We'll take one together." the Doctor smiled broadly.
"Yea, that'll be restful." Sarah smiled.
"Hey!" the Doctor said as he carried her through their bedroom door. Sarah kissed his neck and all protest died there as he kicked the door shut with his foot.
The Doctor (9) and Sarah (b) had both showered and were now waking up from a nap. The Tardis had left clean clothes for each in the wooden wardrobe in their room. "I can't wait to see her again." Sarah said as she quickly dressed. "I wonder how long she sleeps."
"You could ask Sarah. I'm sure she'll be glad to answer your questions." the Doctor said. He watched Sarah look down at the floor. "What's wrong?" He came up behind her and rubbed his hands up and down her arms.
"I missed so much, time I'll never get back." she answered sadly.
"But," he said turning her around and pulling her chin up to look him in the eyes, "look at all the time we have left. I know that for you it's been a long time but for her it's only been a few weeks. She's going to grow up with us. Something neither of us ever thought possible. She'll have your beauty and everything that makes you wonderful." he said as he lightly kissed her lips.
"And she'll be brilliant and have everything that makes you wonderful too." She smiled up at him.
"God help her." he replied.
"Very funny! Now," she said as she pushed off his chest, "let's go see Hope." The Doctor clasped Sarah's hand as they left the bedroom and headed for the nursery.
The Doctor (4) was putting on his coat as he looked over at his sleeping beauty. It was almost seven but he wanted to let her sleep as long as possible. He couldn't believe they were going to have a baby of their own. Would she look like Hope or something completely different? Would it be a boy? He was brought out of his reverie by Sarah who was sitting up in bed.
"What time is it?" Sarah asked as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.
"Almost seven."
"We're going to be late. I've got to get dressed." she said as she slipped from the bed.
He watched her as she stood with no obvious trouble. "Are you sure getting up is a good idea?"
"I know what you're thinking and no, you're not going to carry me to dinner." She pulled a scarlet sweater and a pair of black jeans from the wardrobe. "They looked so happy with their baby, didn't they?" Sarah smiled at the memory.
"Yes they did and so will we one day." He came up behind her as she brushed her hair. "Beautiful, just beautiful." He kissed the side of her neck.
"Oh you! Let's not keep our guests waiting." she said as she reached behind her and led him from their room.
The next day came quickly and both couples were in the Tardis belonging to the ninth incarnation of the Doctor. "I told you she'd be fine. Aren't you old girl?" he said while stroking the console.
Both Sarahs looked at each other and rolled their eyes and then broke out in laughter. "Yours too?" Sarah (b) asked.
"Constantly." Sarah (a) answered.
"What?" both Doctors spoke as one.
"Nothing, nothing at all." Sarah (a) replied as she exchange a conspiratorial grin with her counterpart.
"We'd better get going." the Doctor (4) said to his wife.
"Yea, I guess we should." She crossed over to Sarah (b) and clasped Hope's tiny hand. "Now, I want you to be a good girl for your Mommy and Daddy." She kissed the baby's tiny hand. "Goodbye." She hugged Sarah (b).
"Goodbye and thank you for giving her such a great start." Sarah (b) replied.
Sarah (a) went to the other Doctor (9). "Think we'll see you again?"
"Who knows? I didn't think I'd see you two the first time. But here we are again." He hugged her and then whispered in her ear, "Thanks for showing me what was possible." Sarah blushed. "Thank you for everything." the Doctor (9) added louder as he let her go.
"It was my pleasure. You take care of them and yourself." Sarah (a) reached up and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"And you take care of him and the little life you're carrying." the Doctor (9) added.
The Doctor (4) took Hope's hand in his own. "I'm going to miss you." he admitted. "You take care of these two." He kissed the top of her head before hugging Sarah (b). "You're going to be wonderful parents, both of you."
The Doctor (4) circled the console and gave his counterpart a hug. "Good luck with your family. I'm glad you found them."
"Me too, me too." the Doctor (9) hugged him back. "Be careful on the way back. Take care of your wife; remember she's carrying your future."
"Will do." he (4) said smiling.
Sarah (a) smiled her understanding and joined her husband on the ramp in front of the door. They turned back and took one more look at the new family before they left.
The Doctor (9) turned on his scanner and watched the pair enter their Tardis. Sarah and the baby joined him. "I just want to be sure they get on their way." He smiled and put an arm around her.
"You were right. They are a special couple." Sarah commented. They watched the Tardis' twin dematerialize.
After returning to their reality the Doctor was unfastening himself from the harness and looking over at Sarah worriedly. "Are you all right?" he said as he hastily threw the harness to the floor. He set about unfastening her harness while he watched her face.
"Don't fuss, I'm fine. I'm just a little dizzy, just like last trip through." Sarah said.
"And last trip through you were also pregnant, but I didn't know it then." he said as he guided her to the door and outside the Tardis. He helped her to a chair in the lab.
"I'm getting better by the minute. You don't need to fuss so." she said as she grabbed hold of his scarf and pulled him down to her. She kissed him tenderly.
"Well look who's back." Harry said as he came in the room followed by Sergeant Benton.
"Everything go okay?" Benton asked, then when he had a closer look at Sarah head asked, "Are you okay? What happened?"
Harry sprang forward. "Do you want me to take a look at that?" he asked, concern etched on his face.
"I'm fine. It's already been looked at and treated." Sarah told him honestly. It was definitely an exam she would never forget.
"Everything went great." the Doctor said smiling.
"I'm glad to see you two smiling. I don't mind telling you, I was a bit worried about you two, letting the baby go and all." Harry watched the pair, there was definitely something going on.
Sarah met the Doctor's eyes and shook her head no. "Tell you what boys," Sarah began, "we owe you two a dinner and after all the Brig and Doris have done for us, I think we owe them a dinner too."
The Doctor smiled and said, "I completely agree. Tell you what, I'll call Alistair and he can call Doris…"
"Their daughter went home this morning so I bet they're free." Benton offered.
The Doctor took out the phone and waited for the Brigadier to answer. "Brigadier, Sarah and I were wondering if you and Doris would do us the honor of attending a very special dinner at The Olive Pit this evening." He listened a few minutes and then said, "Yes, it is. It won't be the same if you two aren't there." He listened again. "Yes all of our immediate family will be there." He smiled up at Harry and Benton. "So you'll meet us there at…" He looked over at Sarah and she held up both hands with seven fingers in the air. "Seven o'clock. Good, we'll see you there." He pressed the button on the phone ending the call. "So, will seven be good for the two of you?"
"Seven is great." Benton replied.
"Do you want to meet us there or…?" Harry asked remembering their last attempt at a meal together.
The Doctor and Sarah were thinking the same thing. "We'll meet you there." they both said at the same time.
After the Doctor and Sarah had received some much deserved rest they were in Bessie and headed for The Olive Pit. They pulled into the lot and noticed a Unit Jeep and the Brigadier's SUV already parked. "Are we late or are they early?" Sarah commented as she looked at her watch. "It's five till."
"Let's not keep them waiting." the Doctor said as he hurried around Bessie and helped Sarah out of the car.
The pair entered the restaurant to be greeted by none other than Guido himself. "Well if it isn't a Mister and a Missus Doctor. Your friends are a already here. Please, this a way." Guido said as he took the couple's coats then guided the couple to a corner in the back of the restaurant. Guido turned as he led them and asked, "How is a your brother?"
The Doctor and Sarah exchanged a smile. "Fine thank you Guido, we just saw him."
"Well you tell him anytime he's in a town to come by and I'll take a good care of him."
"I will Guido." He looked back to Sarah. "I'll tell him the next time I see him."
They reached the table to find everyone waiting. All the men stood up. The Doctor held out Sarah's chair for her and whispered in her ear before slipping away. Everyone returned to their seat. "Doris, I still can't thank you and the Brigadier enough for everything you did to help make our wedding day and everything that led up to it so wonderful." Sarah gushed and then added, "All of you," she looked around the group of faces, "were wonderful. You all made our day so special."
"We were happy to do it Sarah dear." Doris said as she squeezed the Brigadier's arm.
The Doctor returned to the table. "Sorry, just had to take care of something." He looked over his shoulder and smiled. Guido was carrying a tray with six glasses and a waiter was following with two bottles. Everyone at the table with the exception of the Doctor and Sarah was looking at each other. The waiter was pouring champagne in five of the glasses and what looked like orange juice in the sixth glass. Guido handed out the glasses, making sure Sarah received the glass with orange juice inside.
Everyone was looking somewhat curious with the exception of Harry. He had a sneaking suspicion he knew what was about to happen. After a quick nod from Sarah the Doctor stood with his glass raised. "I'd like everyone to join me in a toast." Everyone raised their glass. "To Sarah, the love of my life and soon to be mother of my child."
As one everyone said, "To Sarah." Everyone took a sip of their champagne and then froze as the revelation of the Doctor's words sunk in. Then everyone started talking at the same time. Everyone was full of questions and well wishes.
The Doctor and Sarah heard very little of it as the two smiled at each other, lost in each other's eyes. As their lips met, the world all but faded away. Each knew this would be their biggest and possibly best adventure yet.
Author's Note: Well, there it is. I hope you've enjoyed reading it. Sorry it took me so long to follow up "Pairings". But life has a way of getting in the way. Since my last story I've lost both parents and my brother, changed jobs and had to move more than twenty years' worth of memories. I have another story in mind with a new Doctor and Sarah (not either pair in my current series of stories). Not sure when my next story will be, still waiting on life to settle down a bit. But I wanted to thank everyone who reads this story and those that have taken the time and been kind enough to leave a review. Please review and let me know what you think. May you all be very blessed and have a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year! Thank you again for reading my story.