"Good-morning, dear," Madam Arwen sang as she stood over Elisabeth, her voice cracking slightly due to the imperfections of her artificial voice box.
"I'm nobody's dear," Elisabeth taunted, earning a disgusted look from Madam Arwen.
"You've still got the guts to snark at me, you little thing. Now don't be rude to me, Elisabeth, or I'll have you and your friend ended. Let's put you through some tests, shall we?" Madam Arwen asked, loosening the straps that bound her to the table. Elisabeth felt the warm blood rush back into her hands. She slipped off the table, landing her bare feet on the cold floor. She didn't feel anything strange, anything different yet. But she knew that they, these people had done something to her.
Elisabeth winced as the guard fastened handcuffs around her wrists, and she was jostled forward. She almost stumbled, but kept her balance and stayed upright.
"Hurry. She doesn't like to be kept waiting." The guard ordered, pressing the barrel of her gun to Elisabeth's neck. She moved, always aware of the metal ring that was pressed to the skin of her neck. Elisabeth kicked her gown as she walked. She didn't like it, as it was rather loose-fitting and had the tendency to float around her.
Elisabeth stepped into the next room, standing before Madam Arwen as the guard behind her closed the door.
"Take a seat," Madam Arwen offered, gesturing to the chair in the centre of the room.
"I'd rather stand," Elisabeth remarked, almost wanting to cross her arms, but that would've been embarassing if she were to try to pull her arms in front of her.
"I insist that you sit." Madam Arwen insisted, gesturing once again.
"I'd just like to-"
"JUST SIT!" Madam Arwen barked, and Elisabeth complied. She didn't want to know what this woman was really capable of doing. Those robotic fingers looked like they could tear a man right in half.
Elisabeth shuffled nervously in her seat as Madam Arwen prepared her test. She tapped away on the computer, when a bleeping sound came out of nowhere.
What on earth is that noise? Elisabeth wondered. Madam Arwen picked up a small communication device on her table and began to speak into it. So that was what that noise was. The ringtone of her phone. Elisabeth honestly thought that her choice of ringtone was absolutely atrocious. Couldn't she have chosen something more tasteful?
"Oh, yes, our client. We're about to start, so if it's nothing urgent, I'll just-"
Madam Arwen put down her communication device.
"Now, shall we begin?"
"Madam Arwen, you asked for your tea."
A guard entered the room. She wore the drab, grey uniform of an officer. Like the others, she had several parts of her body replaced by metal. Her face was young, fresh and bright. Her hair was cut short, and she had a bright streak of green hair amidst her raven-black hair. Her hands shook slightly as she carried the cup to Madam Arwen, and she set it down on some papers. Immediately, Madam Arwen shrieked. "Look at what you've done! Lannister, I expected more from you." She moved the cup. "Now get me the sugar."
"Yes, Madam Arwen." The guard crossed the room, retrieving the can of sugar. She returned, pouring spoonful after spoonful of sugar into her tea. Madam Arwen pushed her away in disgust. "That's far too much sugar! Get out, Lannister. You've done enough for the day. And I thought you, an officer, would know better!" The guard backed away, quickening her pace as she left the room.
"Could I get someone to hand me a cloth?" Madam Arwen yelled.
Silence.
"Where are you reliable guards where I need you?"
"Ma'am?" Lannister poked her head through the door again.
"Stay out of here, Lannister." She barked, and Lannister disappeared.
"I'd like to get it done and over with." Elisabeth huffed as she sat back in her chair, her eyes glancing about the room. She was seated in front of a screen, which was now blank. To her left was the desk, and Madam Arwen. To her right were a couple of bookshelves, filled to the brim with reading material. She tried to read the titles on the spines, but she realised that her vision was not as good as she thought. She hadn't noticed it earlier, as this was a rather mild case, it seemed. She squinted, trying to read again. Oh dear. She was going to need a pair of glasses. Why didn't she have a pair on her, if her condition had always been this way?
"I guess you'll need a pair of these." Madam Arwen approached Elisabeth, sliding a pair of spectacles onto her face. She tried not to flinch too hard, but her discomfort was rather evident.
"You read my mind, I guess," Elisabeth presumed.
"I know," Madam Arwen nodded before going back to her computer. She made her final adjustments, and a string of numbers appeared on the screen, which immediately disappeared, in less than a second.
"Now I'd like to you read those numbers back to me." Madam Arwen instructed.
"That's impossible!" Elisabeth cried.
Madam Arwen sighed. "Close your eyes, girl. Try to recall it in your mind."
Elisabeth did as she was told. Amazingly, the image of the numbers came back to her. It was like viewing a photograph in her brain – just as Madam Arwen had said, photographic memory.
"Three point one seven five zero eight two." Elisabeth recalled, still closing her eyes.
"Mm. As we expected. But that's just the beginning of our string of tests."
Elisabeth opened her eyes again, shocked by her own abilities.
"We're moving on to longer numbers now, just in case you thought this was going to be a piece of cake." Madam Arwen warned, clicking a few more numbers into her computer. As Elisabeth continued to follow orders and proceed with the tests, she found that she was getting used to the ability. Recalling anything, it seemed, was as simple as it could be. She didn't need to worry about scanning the material carefully. She was able to absorb most material once she saw it. It seemed that her eyes were a camera, and the images stored in her mind for further reference. And these memories didn't seem to fade, even though Elisabeth thought that they were merely stored in her short-term memory. No, her mind was like the hard drive of a computer, able to seemingly store tons and tons of information. Elisabeth marvelled at how a technological breakthrough was even possible.
It wasn't even a thinking process for her any more. It became a natural instinct, for her to remember everything that she saw.
Madam Arwen was pleased with the results.
"Our client will be very happy with you," Madam Arwen announced from behind her desk.
"Client?" Elisabeth started. "Didn't you say that you had no purpose for me?"
"There's been a change of plans, I'm afraid," Madam Arwen sighed. "Well, I'm more concerned for you, as I'm actually going to profit from this situation. We're transferring you out. And your...your what again?"
"He's not my what...we've only just met." Elisabeth insisted, wanting to make it clear. "And why did you change your mind so quickly?"
Madam Arwen laughed, a guttural, hoarse sound coming from her voice box. "Maybe I've never changed my mind. Maybe all along I lied to you. We're making the trade tomorrow morning. This will be so profitable. And we've got to get your ready. Our client here will not be waiting." She walked over to Elisabeth and pressed a scanner to her head. Pulled the trigger. Elisabeth heard a pop before pulling away.
"What was that?" Elisabeth inquired, turning slightly in her seat.
"Manual erase. I erased the content of the tests from your mind. Now clear your mind and close your eyes." Madam Arwen ordered.
"I...I don't–"
"Do as you are told." Madam Arwen snapped. Elisabeth closed her eyes and prepared for the worst.
"You can open your eyes now."
"What have you done?" Elisabeth asked.
Madam Arwen walked back to her desk, with a cartridge-like cylinder in hand. "Nothing much," She sat down once again at her computer, avoiding the subject. After a few moments, she walked back to Elisabeth. "Close your eyes again."
Elisabeth shut her eyes tight, not wanting to know what Madam Arwen was doing.
"Open your eyes. You'll be on your way back to your quarters."
Elisabeth stood, turning towards the door.
"You're no good, you lot. I hate liars." Elisabeth proclaimed, as she walked away.
"Oh, but everyone lies. Even you do, from time to time, Elisabeth." Madam Arwen reminded. Elisabeth wanted to open her mouth to respond, but she was ordered away by the guards.
"You've had a tough day, haven't you?" The guard asked, as she walked Elisabeth back to the prison.
"Tough? Sheesh. I don't understand how you can work under such a woman." Elisabeth said under her breath. The guard put a hand on her shoulder, getting her to turn around.
"Hey!" Elisabeth protested. "Sorry, I...I..."
"Sorry," The guard replied, removing her hand from Elisabeth's shoulder. She looked around, making sure nobody was around. She turned back to Elisabeth when she realised they were alone.
"Promise me not to tell anyone." She whispered, undoing Elisabeth's handcuffs. Elisabeth looked at her with a puzzled expression on her face.
"There." She finished, keeping the cuffs on hand. Elisabeth shook her wrists, letting the blood flow back into her hands.
"I'm Jay. Jay Lannister. You must be Elisabeth."
"Yes, I am..." Elisabeth's voice trailed off. "What did you get me here for? Madam Arwen's selling me off tomorrow."
"Madam Arwen won't be here tomorrow." Jay stated, getting Elisabeth's attention. "We've been plotting against her. We're destroying the whole thing tomorrow."
"The whole planet? But Jay, you can't–"
"Elisabeth, it's more dangerous than you think. She wants to start a war. She's been treating us like dirt. Always been. She's only ruling over our little planet here because she poisoned the other leaders. She doesn't only have this planet. She has an empire." Jay explained. "We're ending her reign of tyranny."
"You can't just–" Elisabeth protested. "You can't just do..."
"We are going to be free." Jay said, and Elisabeth could hear the promise in her voice.
"And how about me? And the Doctor?" Elisabeth asked.
Jay smiled, as if she had been thinking this through the whole time. "You two will escape. I can guarantee you tomorrow that you'll be free." Her confidence was as bright as the green streak in her hair. Bold and brave, Jay made the perfect resistance fighter.
"How? How do you intend to destroy the Underground?"
"We've set up the explosives already. The lower levels will crumble first." Jay strategized. "Then the upper layers, and finally the whole planet will crumble to dust. Our metal structures should be sturdy enough to allow you and your friend just enough time to escape. With Madam Arwen gone, that's one major pillar of the corrupt government gone."
"But how about you? And the rest of the people?" Elisabeth breathed, utterly shocked by Jay's plan. She was planning to destroy the whole planet – along with the innocent people that just happened to inhabit the planet?
"I'll get to an escape craft. Me and the others. We'll be fine. And as for the people...some of them have already been brainwashed by her. Had computers installed in their skulls for brains. They're at her beck and call. No point sparing the servants. They're programmed to follow Arwen's and Arwen's orders only." Jay answered.
"What if Arwen gets to the craft first?"
"She won't. We kill her first chance we get, when she tries to escape. We'll make it look like an accident, so we won't be held responsible for her murder."
"You were saying the lower levels? Isn't that where the prison's kept?" Elisabeth raised an eyebrow.
"You're going to have to be fast. I'm just warning you. Make a double left after you exit the prison, and then a right to the escalator. You know where your craft's kept?" Jay asked.
"Uh..." Elisabeth shut her eyes, bringing back the memory of being marched down to the prison the morning before. "I think I've got it all planned out."
"Oh, you and the ultra memory. Clever girl. Make use of that whenever you can." Jay almost let out a smile. "Now, I've got to get you back to the cell lest I risk us being caught." Elisabeth turned around again and let her fasten the cuffs again.
"What makes you think I can trust you, Jay?" Elisabeth had to make sure Jay wasn't going to turn on her.
"You don't have much time to," Jay smiled. "But you better."
"Am I going to see you again tomorrow?" Elisabeth asked.
"Maybe, maybe not. If we both survive this, maybe we should...see each other again." Jay assured, leading her back to her cell.
"I retrieved these for you. Good luck, Elisabeth." Jay held out Caroline's wallet and the brooch pin, tucking it into the pocket of Elisabeth's jeans, before closing the door on her cell.
Elisabeth spent the next few hours pacing back and forth in her cell. She wasn't quite sure what to expect, to be honest.
"Doctor, we're in great danger." Elisabeth announced, tapping on the wall connecting the Doctor's cell and hers.
"Yes? Elise, has something happened?" The Doctor answered.
"They're blowing this planet apart. We're going to have to be fast if we want to get out alive." Elisabeth explained briefly, leaning against the wall.
"Then what do you suggest we do to prepare?"
"We spend tonight awake. Or we'll be caught off guard." Elisabeth got out, fear in her heart as she anticipated the unknown.
The walls shook, jolting Elisabeth to her senses. The explosions much have begun. Boom. Boom. Elisabeth could hear the blasts, getting nearer and nearer. Elisabeth crept to the wall, tapping on it. "Doctor?"
"It's happening," The Doctor remarked, and one final blast went off, and the ceiling started to cave in, crushing the bars, bending them. Elisabeth dodged a flying bar as a piece snapped off, creating an exit for her. She climbed out, relieved to find the Doctor's cell in the same condition. Without saying another word, Elisabeth took off for the elevator, the Doctor quick on her heels. There was not much time left, as Elisabeth knew that the metal tunnels couldn't hold up for long. She pulled the Doctor into the elevator, and they shot up, far from where they were. The car jolted and shook, and Elisabeth held her breath, hoping she would make it out alive.
Once the doors opened, she dashed out. Blinking once, she tried to recall the image. Taking the lead once again, she dashed down corridors, not stopping to look back. The tunnels groaned and creaked. Elisabeth opened her eyes and stopped herself in the nick of time, sliding to a stop just in front of a burning pile of debris. She turned, only to find Jay and the Doctor trying to catch up.
"I forgot to tell you, that exit's blocked!" Jay yelled, and Elisabeth started to make her way back out of the corridor. Jay waited, holding up the back.
"Where's Arwen?" Elisabeth inquired, wanting to know more about the situation.
"Dead." Jay reported. "I killed her with my own gun."
"Are you the leader of the resistance?" The Doctor asked.
"We don't have a clear leader." Jay shrugged.
Elisabeth dived to her left as a piece of the ceiling crashed down. "Watch out!" The two behind her tried to react. Jay was faster than the Doctor was, pushing him out of the way as the ceiling gave way, and Elisabeth heard a sickening crunch as the piece landed, crushing Jay from the waist down. Elisabeth turned around, bending down next to Jay, hearing her ragged breaths.
"I can't make it out of this. I think my leg's broken." Jay admitted, reaching out to Elisabeth, taking Elisabeth's flesh hand in her metal one. "It hurts," Jay groaned. The Doctor attempted to shift the piece of debris off, and Elisabeth rushed to help. It was grueling, like trying to lift a train.
"We'll get you out, Jay, we're trying! Just hang on," The Doctor assured.
Jay looked back at Elisabeth with a look of desolation in her eyes. "Leave me. Or..." She struggled, taking her gun from her belt. "Kill me here and now. I can't suffer for much longer."
"Jay, no! We're getting you out of here. After your help." Elisabeth pleaded.
"Elise, we can't stay for long..." The Doctor remarked, trying again with one big heave to push the debris off Jay, but it was futile. He stood up, straightening his back, taking a few breaths.
"Elisabeth..." Jay tossed her gun to her. "Just do it. My job's done anyway."
"I can't. You don't deserve a death like this. You don't deserve to die like this."
"I'm a murderer, Elisabeth..." Jay choked on the smoke. "The least you could do is leave me here."
"Elise!" The Doctor warned, pushing Elisabeth out of the way again as the ceiling gave way once again. When the debris settled, Elisabeth leapt up again, yelling as hard as she could, hoping Jay could hear her, but there was only silence. Nothing but silence and the fires crackling. The Doctor pulled her away, still disoriented from shock. She didn't think she would have to witness a death like this. If only she hadn't noticed the flames earlier, and made a turn back earlier. Jay would've still been alive, had they not stopped for so long. She didn't have to die.
Elisabeth decided that she hated unnecessary deaths.
Elisabeth tried her best, recalling the corridors, but the image of Jay was still fresh in her mind. She could still see Jay lying there, her face covered in blood and soot. Her cracking voice as she begged Elisabeth to release her from life. The desperation in her eyes. The smell of blood and smoke that remained of the aftermath of her death. She fought bravely for the people she cared for and died bravely.
As they ran people screamed, as they were shot, burned and crushed. Such ear-piercing screams. Elisabeth wished she didn't have to hear them.
"Left...I think. We can't be far." Elisabeth's voice wavered. She dropped the Doctor's hand as she ran ahead again. She was so relieved to see the blue box standing there. Refuge. Safety. The faster they got out of this place, the better. It would take her mind off Jay, and the disaster.
Elisabeth had never been so shaken in her life. As the Doctor hammered at the console Elisabeth couldn't do anything but stand there in shock. She felt a deep numbness, a deep emptiness where her feelings should have been. Oh, Jay...I should have saved you when I could... Elisabeth reflected.
The TARDIS whirred as it started off, travelling through the vast void of time and space. There was only silence, silence except for the whirring engines of the TARDIS.
"D-Doctor?" Elisabeth trembled, going up to him, and he reached out to her, but she pulled away, whipping away from him. She buried her face in her hands as she sat in the corner of the room. He followed, sitting on the floor next to her. He could hear her sobbing, as silent as she tried to be.
"Elise, I'm so sorry, I really am..." The Doctor apologised, as Elisabeth lifted her head. Was that shock on his face? He lifted a hand near to Elisabeth's temple. "May I?"
Elisabeth nodded his head, and he moved forward, brushing aside a lock of her hair, his fingers gently making contact with her temple. Except that it didn't feel...normal anymore.
"What have they done to you?" The Doctor furrowed his brow in confusion and shock. "Oh dear," He sighed. "They seem to have implanted a processing device into your head. The thing that enables your photographic memory, I suppose." He moved his fingers over her temple softly, his skin making contact with hers ever so slightly as his fingers flitted about. "I think you may want to take a look at this..." He walked her over to the TARDIS console, letting her see her reflection in the mirror.
A silver-grey stud was in place of where the skin covering her temple should have been.
"I need to sit down," Elisabeth groaned, and the Doctor led her down the TARDIS corridors to a sitting room, letting her sink back onto a soft chair. She took a few minutes to get her bearings, for the images were still fresh in her mind. She let the images sink back into her subconscious, determined to never let her mind bring it up ever again.
"I think...it's best I send you back to Earth." The Doctor suggested.
"I don't know. I don't know where I'm from. I...I..." Elisabeth stammered.
"Maybe a holiday to make up for what's happened? Somewhere pleasant?"
"Perhaps..." Elisabeth nodded. "It'll help me recover perhaps."
"Let's be off then." The Doctor started. "Or do you need a break?"
"The faster I'm able to receive new information the better. Why not now?" Elisabeth said, a smile returning to her face, albeit a shaky one. She presumed that the more information she retained the better. That would make it easier to push the recent horror to the back of her mind, and with luck she'd forget it completely. She got up, wishing for a peaceful, quiet place where she would be able to restore her mind.
A/N: Hello! How are you guys liking the story so far? It'd really help if you'd be able to leave a review on my story- so that I know how to improve on from here, story-wise, writing-wise etc. I'm wrapping up this little 'episode' and moving onto a new one. I'm trying a crossover with the show 'All Creatures Great and Small', but since it'll be a quick two-chapter story I probably won't be putting the story in the crossover category (it'd be hard to find, since the acgas fandom on ff. Net is tiny.) If you've watched the show you'd probably know why I chose this fandom.