Chapter 16: The Christmas Invasion

In the Tyler's flat, Jackie is decorating the white plastic Christmas tree and putting presents under it. She looks at the one for Rose and gazes wistfully into the distance.

Meanwhile, at Mickey's work, Noddy Holder is screaming 'Merry Christmas' on the radio when another sound can be faintly heard above it and John's hammering. Mickey tells him to turn it off and then he hears the TARDIS. He runs out. Jackie hears it too and they both meet up in the Powell Estate looking around for the TARDIS. Jackie is saying she knew Rose was alive.

"We are back a bit later than I had planned then?" Rose asks lightly. "How long was it this time Mick?"

"About three months." Mickey smirks.

"Ah well, regeneration sickness is a bit nasty." Ten shrugs. "Least we got back for Christmas."

"Is this the Christmas..?" Donna looks at him curiously and he nods.

The Tardis comes out of the vortex in mid air and bounces off one block of flats, a second and a third before avoiding a post office van and finally crashing into a set of waste bins. The Doctor opens the door, still in t-shirt and leather jacket.

"Smooth." Donna snickers.

"I'd like to see you try and drive it." He pouts. "Especially having just regenerated and still getting used to your own body."

He goes over to the two of them and then starts babbling, telling them to hold on, he has something important to say. Every time they try and say something he hushes them saying he has something important to say. Then he stands up properly and says he knows before wishing them a Merry Christmas. He promptly faints. Rose comes out the TARDIS.

"I suppose you didn't tell me any information that could help in this situation?" Rose asks him. Ten grins sheepishly.

"A good cup of tea does the trick." He tells her.

"Now you sound like my mum." She teases.

"Oi! No need for such insults." Nine mock scowls at her. She slaps his arm.

Rose asks what happened and if he is alright. Mickey says he doesn't know, he just keeled over and then asks where the Doctor is. Rose frowns slightly and tells him the Doctor is right there. Jackie asks what she means that's the Doctor. Screen cuts to Rose's bedroom in the Tyler flat. The Doctor has been dressed in pyjamas and put to bed. Jackie comes in with a stethoscope.

"I'm betting the Doctor didn't put himself in those pajamas." Jack winks at Rose.

"You're just jealous." She retorts. His grin falters ever so slightly, still upset at the Doctor leaving him stranded, but he recovers.

"You bet I am." She frowns at him in concern and he shakes his head minutely.

"Hey, it could have been Jackie who changed you." Donna directed at Nine in amusement. He pretended to gag.

Jackie tells her she took it from Tina's lodger who is a medical student but was asleep. She adds she thinks they should take him to a hospital.

"Probably not the best idea." Martha shakes her head, remembering when she had met the Doctor. Ten smirks at her thinking about the same thing.

Rose says they can't as they would dissect him. She listens to both sides of his chest and says both are working. Jackie asks what she means and Rose tells her he has two hearts. Jackie tells her not to be ridiculous. When Rose insists he does, Jackie asks if there is anything else he has two of.

"Two livers if she really must know." Nine informs them.

"Really?" Martha asks with interest. Both Doctors nod at her.

Rose tells her to leave him alone and then she and Jackie leave. The Doctor exhales some of the Tardis's golden energy, which flies off into space. In the kitchen, Jackie is asking whether the Doctor has a different face or is a different person and Rose snaps how should she know. She apologises for snapping and then says the thought she knew him as she starts crying.

"I'm sorry Rose." Nine whispers. "I really thought I wouldn't have to worry about that for a while." She nods mutely. He kisses the top of her head and she relaxes ever so slightly.

She continues that she keeps forgetting he isn't human.

"You mistake my wonderful, superior biology for being human?" Ten asks indignantly.

"Easily done considering you look so human on the outside." Mickey shrugs.

"Excuse me? Humans look like Time Lords. We came first you know." Nine mock scowls at him.

"So, have you known anyone to regenerate without a head?" Donna asks, remembering something he had said while explaining regeneration to Rose.

"Not personally but you do hear all sorts of rumours." Ten flashes her a grin. "Few people have had different skin colours, knew someone who was blue once."

"Can you change gender?" Rose asks.

"It's been known to happen every now and again." He shrugs.

Rose changes the subject, asking where her mum got a pair of mens pajamas from. Jackie tells her Howard from the market has been staying over.

"Oh brilliant. I'm in Jackie Tyler's boyfriend's pajamas." Nine rolls his eyes.

Jackie keeps talking until Rose spots Harriet Jones on TV. She walks off into the living room and Jackie mutters never mind her. Rose asks why she is on TV and Jackie tells her that she is the Prime Minister now and they are calling it Britain's golden age.

Ten frowns. He hadn't wanted to ruin that, but what she did was unforgivable.

"Good for her." Rose smiles.

Jackie goes on that she keeps telling people her Rose has met Harriet Jones and Rose points out she stopped World War Three with her. On the TV Harriet is being asked if the Guinevere One Space Probe is a waste of money and she says it's wrong. She says the Space Probe represents the country's limitless ambition another man states it is the spirit of Christmas. They say photographs of the Martian landscape should be coming in by midnight. Out in space the probe hits what looks like a rock. A hatch opens and it gets sucked inside.

"Well that looks less good." Donna notes.

"Yeah, I don't think Mars has a hatch in it." Martha frowns.

"I suppose there is little chance it's a nice friendly spaceship." Rose sighs.

"That'd be boring." Ten smirks.

"Says the man who apparently wants a quiet life and is currently asleep." She points out. He shrugs a little, still smirking.

Rose and Mickey walks down the street as Mickey asks if she needs some money. She says if he doesn't mind a promises to pay him back. He tells her to call it a Christmas present. Rose says you forget about things like Christmas in the TARDIS. Mickey sarcastically tells her that's fascinating and he loves hearing stories about the TARDIS. Rose tells him to shut up. A brass band dressed in Santa robes plays God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen.

"Oh, not them." Donna groans.

"Not what?" Martha asks.

"Those robot Santas. Met them Christmas just gone."

Rose comments she is surprised he doesn't give up on her and he points out she can rely on him, he doesn't go changing his face.

"Oi! She can rely on me." Ten protests.

"I know that. It's just a bit of a shock, yeah?" Rose smiles at him and he relaxes, grinning back.

Rose says yeah and then asks what if the Doctor is dying. Mickey asks her to just let it be Christmas, just them and no Doctor. No monsters and no life or death.

"Don't think you're going to get that one." Jack laughs.

"I can hope." Mickey sighs.

Rose says ok and he asks if she promises to which she agrees. Mickey takes her hand and asks what she is going to get for her mum. They walk around the market and Mickey talks about he is round there all the time.

"You got over her telling everyone you killed Rose then?" Jack asks.

"Yeah. That's just Jackie. We get on pretty well now. Mostly bonded over Rose being away so much." Mickey shrugs.

"I suppose saving her from the Slitheen didn't hurt either." Sarah Jane laughs.

The band, which is wearing plastic masks, starts to follow them. Rose notices. They stop playing and one fires a flame out of his trombone, starting a panic. Mickey and Rose hide behind a stall. Rose tells him they are after them.

"I think they are after me actually." Nine smiles sheepishly.

"How can they know you're there?" Donna asks.

"That golden energy I exhaled. Probably got sensed by whoever that spaceship belongs to." He explains.

The tuba fires a blast which demolishes a large tree, sending it crashing onto him. Mickey and Rose flee. Mickey asks what's going on and why they are after them but Rose just hails a Taxi. In the taxi, Rose states they are after the Doctor and Mickey complains he can't even go shopping with her. Then asks who she is phoning. She tells him she's phoning Jackie but Jackie is already on the phone.

"You really should know better. Jackie Tyler is barely off the phone. She's probably telling all the neighbours that you're back. Never seen gossip like in that estate." Ten rolls his eyes.

"Question is, how did they know we knew where you are?" Rose asks. Both Doctors shrug in unison.

Rose groans at her mother to get off the phone as Mickey asks who the Santas were. Rose says she doesn't know but there is nothing important about them so they must want the Doctor.

"You, Rose Tyler, are incredibly important." Jack tells her with a frown. "Don't ever say otherwise."

"Yeah, who took out an entire army of Daleks by herself?" Sarah Jane smiles. "Besides, the Doctor would be lost without you to keep him in line."

"Indeed I would." Nine agrees. Rose smiles round at all of them and kisses Ten's cheek before kissing Nine properly.

"I am here too you know." Mickey grumbles.

"You saved the world by blowing up Downing Street. Not to mention all the support you give Rose. You're definitely important." Martha assures him. He smiles at her happily.

In the Tyler flat, Jackie tells whoever is on the phone not to come round as the place is a mess and agrees to see them on Boxing day. She puts a mug of tea ny the Doctor's bed and leaves. More golden energy is exhaled.

"So close." Ten mutters.

"I'm assuming you don't get the tea then?" Rose sighs in exasperation.

"You know now?" He tries. She rolls her eyes but grins at him fondly.

Rose and Mickey burst in. Jackie, still on the phone, tells someone to leave her a chipolata and Rose urgently tells her to get off the phone. Jackie says it's only Bev who says hello. Rose takes the phone and tells Bev it will have to wait before hanging up. She turns to Jackie and says they need to get out, asking where they can go. Mickey tells her his mate Stan will put them up but Rose argues he only lives two streets away and asks where Mo is living now. Jackie isn't sure but says the Peak District.

"On Christmas eve?" Donna raises her eyebrows.

"Better than waiting for those Santa's to find us." Rose shrugs.

"They'll still be able to track the energy." Nine points out. "Not that you know that." He adds, spotting her glare.

Rose says they will go to cousin Mo's then but Jackie tells her they aren't going anywhere on Christmas eve. Rose pauses and asks where her mum got that tree. It's now green. She points out it's a new tree, asking where she got it.

"Oh no." Donna winces.

Jackie says she thought it was Rose.

"How could it have been Rose?" Jack asks.

"If it wasn't Rose and it wasn't Jackie, it's probably not very good." Sarah Jane states.

"It's only a Christmas tree." Martha points out.

"Those things can be quite deadly." Donna tells her.

Rose asks how it could be her and Jackie explains that Rose went shopping and then there was a knock at the door and there it was. Rose denies it was her and Jackie asks who it was then. They start to back away as the tree lights up by itself and plays music. Rose says 'you're kidding me'. Sections of the tree start to rotate in different directions, creating a strong wind. It starts to move, chopping through a coffee table. Mickey yells at them to get out while using a chair to try and fend it off.

"Nice try Mickey, but you're probably best off just running for it. Wood isn't going to slow it down long." Jack mutters.

"Long enough for them to get out." Mickey shrugs.

"You've come a very long way since that first episode." Jack notes with a smile. Mickey just shrugs.

Jackie goes for the front door while Rose runs into the bedroom saying they need to save the Doctor. Jackie asks what she is doing and Rose says they can't leave him.

"Thanks for remembering me." Ten grins. He was pleased she was still calling him 'Doctor' at this point in time. It had, after all, been rather a large shock to her. Still, it had hurt when she had said she wanted him to change back and he couldn't do that for her.

Jackie calls to Mickey and the spinning tree shreds the chair he was holding. She yells at him to leave it and get out. Rose calls for his help getting the Doctor out and Jackie tells them more to get out of there and to leave him. Mickey tells her to get in the bedroom. Jackie does as the tree heads for them. She and Mickey pull a wardrobe across the door.

"No, now you're stuck in there!" Sarah Jane notes in alarm.

"We would never have dragged the Doctor out in time." Rose tells her.

Rose yells at the Doctor to wake up and grabs the sonic screwdriver from his jacket pocket, shoving it into his hand. The tree smashes through the door and Rose whisper's 'help me' in the Doctor's ear. He immediately sits up, aims the screwdriver at the tree and it explodes. He says it's remote control and asks who is controlling it.

"Oh thank goodness." Martha breathes.

"You woke up sharpish." Rose looks at Ten.

"You were in trouble." He shrugs. "However, i've been woken up too early so I'll need to go back to sleep."

Dressing gown on, the Doctor leads the trio out. Down on the ground, three Santa's gaze up, one holding a radio controller. Mickey asks what they are and Rose shushes him. The Doctor aims the screwdriver at them and the Santa's back away. Then they are beamed away. Mickey asks what kind of rubbish they were if they were chased away by the sonic screwdriver.

"Oi!" Ten glares at Mickey. "It's plenty scary."

"He did just blow up the Christmas tree with it." Jack laughs.

The Doctor states they are pilot fish. Rose asks what and he repeats they were just pilot fish before doubling up in pain. She asks what's wrong and he tells her they woke him up too soon, he is still regenerating. He exhales some more golden energy and explains the pilot fish can smell the energy miles away. They could run their batteries on him for...he tails off in pain again.

"I'm sorry." Rose winces.

"You needed me, never be sorry for that." Nine tells her. "Although for safety purposes I think I'm going to have to add basic sonic screwdriver lessons to the TARDIS lessons."

"Fantastic." She grins at him.

The Doctor says he is having a neuron implosion and needs, then Jackie interrupts and asks what he needs. He keeps trying to say what he needs and Jackie starts listing off things like painkillers and aspirin.

"Definitely not aspirin." Ten states firmly. "That's poisonous to Time Lords."

"Best remember that." Jack mutters. "Would be nice to know these things when travelling with you. Just in case."

Everytime he starts to say I need she lists off more things until he finally manages that he needs her to shut up to which she comments he hasn't changed much.

"I don't blame you for that one." Rose laughs.

"She's trying to help. Besides I need a good cup of tea and Jackie is rather good at those, if only she'd stop talking for ten seconds." Ten smiles.

"Hark who's talking." Donna snorts.

He moves against the other wall, still in pain and then says they don't have much time. If there are pilot fish then he breaks off, pulling an apple from the dressing gown and asking about it. Jackie explains it's Howards. The Doctor is confused, asking if he keeps apples in his dressing gown. Jackie says he gets hungry and the Doctor asks if he gets hungry in his sleep and she says sometimes.

"Not the time. You've just said we don't have much time." Mickey rolls his eyes.

"Yeah, well, who keeps apples in their dressing gown?" Ten shrugs.

"Howard apparently." Martha laughs.

The Doctor falls to the floor in pain and then looks at Rose, telling her the pilot fish mean something is coming before passing out.

"They just the foot soldiers then?" Sarah Jane asks.

"Something like that, yeah." Nine agrees.

Rose puts the suffering Doctor back to bed and mops his brow. Mickey has fetched his laptop. He asks Jackie if he can use the phone line and she yes but keep count. Then she notes it's midnight and therefore Christmas.

"I hate Christmas." Donna throws out.

"How can you hate Christmas?" Rose looks at her astonished.

"Never really seen the appeal." Donna shrugs. "I'd rather be somewhere hot and then given what happen last Christmas." She shrugs again.

"What happened?" Martha asks.

"You might find out, it involves him and I don't know how many of these we are watching." She points at Ten. "If we don't then I'll tell you later."

Rose comes in and Jackie hands her a mug of tea. She asks if there is any change and Rose says he is worse with only one heart beating. On the TV a reporter is saying they expect the first transmission from Guinevere One space probe in the next few minutes. It switches to Daniel Llewellyn saying they are back on schedule, they've received a signal and it seems to be an unqualified success.

"Hmm, that space probe didn't go to Mars." Rose notes.

"But are they there for Earth or the Doctor?" Sarah Jane asks.

"Well, it looks like they were there before we even arrived on Earth, maybe the Doctor is just an added bonus." Rose suggests.

"Just an added bonus?" Ten asks indignantly. She nods, grinning. He huffs playfully.

Someone asks if it is true they completely lost contact earlier that evening and Llewellyn agrees they had a bit of a scare but it was only a blip. The probe is fine now and they should be getting live pictures any minute so he'd better get back. Mickey is looking at his computer and is looking as pilot fish. It says they are harmless but they swim alongside big fish and Rose asks big fish like sharks.

"They didn't seem that harmless to me." Jack mutters.

"Well, harmless compared to the bigger fish." Nine corrects.

Mickey says the Doctor means that they have had the pilot fish and now the bigger thing is coming. Rose asks how close and he says there is no way to tell but the pilot fish don't swim far from the big ones.

"Wonderful. I don't suppose you're going to wake up any time soon?" Rose asks.

"No, I need at least another 12 hours or so." Ten smiles ruefully.

Jackie comments the pictures on TV are funny sort of rocks. Rose looks over and says they aren't rocks. It's an red-eyed ugly alien with a head like a goat's skull. It growls and gurgles at the screen.

"Is that a Martian?" Donna smirks at Ten. He rolls his eyes.

"No." He sighs.

Newsreaders around the world are shown to be talking about alien life existing. A cortege of black cars drive past the White Tower. Llewellyn is let out by a Secret Service officer and greeted by a man in Army uniform with a troop of Red Berets. He is marched in to basement 11 of UNIT.

"Ah, UNIT." Ten smiles.

"You know them?" Martha asks.

"Got stuck on Earth for a bit in the seventies and ended up working with them." Nine explains.

Basement level 11 is a hive of industry. The man who showed him in leads him to a quieter room with Harriet Jones in who flashes her ID.

"I can't believe she still does that. As Prime Minister I think people are going to know who she is." Donna shakes her head.

"It's probably just an ingrained habit by now." Jack laughs.

He points out he knows who she is and says he must have ruined her Christmas. Harriet says never off duty and that they've put out a cover story and Alex informs him they have said it was students hijacking the signal. Harriet explains Alex is her right hand man but she isn't used to having a right hand man.

"It's very useful though." Ten smirks at Rose.

"You calling me your right hand man?" She asks, eyebrows raised. He swallows.

"Not at all."

"That's what I thought."

Llewellyn asks if there is any chance it was a hoax and Harriet states that would be nice. She hands him a cup of coffee and says the transmission is genuine although it's a new species of alien they haven't encountered before. He is surprised she seems to be talking about aliens as a matter of fact and she replies there is an Act of Parliament banning her autobiography.

"Good." Sarah Jane says.

"Although, once humans know about aliens it wouldn't be too bad, as long as she didn't mention the Doctor." Jack shrugs.

The same man as before comes in asking for Harriet and they go out into the main room. He says Miss Jacobs can explain and they do introductions. Jacobs explains the transmission didn't come from Mars but five thousand miles about the planet. So the aliens have a ship and their probe is on board. Llewellyn says that they may not be actual Martians then and the man says Martians look completely different.

"So there are actual Martians then?" Martha asks.

"Yup." Nine nods.

Jacobs says their ship is in flight coming towards them, very quickly. Harriet asks her name and she tells her it's Sally. Harriet thanks her.

"Seems like you rubbed off on her." Rose smiles.

"Na, being polite has always been your thing, not mine." Nine laughs.

At the flat, Mickey says he has access to the military and sees the ship they are tracking. Rose asks if they are coming for the Doctor but neither of them know. Mickey gets a clear image of four of the aliens. UNIT has an even bigger picture of more of them. Mickey asks if Rose has seen them before and she says no.

"You don't want to. They practise slavery, probably what they are here for." Nine informs them.

The alien leader is speaking and someone asks Alex for translation software. In the Tyler flat Rose realises she doesn't understand what they are saying. She says the TARDIS should be translating. Mickey asks why it isn't doing it now and she guesses it is because the Doctor is part of the circuit and he is broken.

"Good guess." Ten nods.

"So is it if your unconscious or just because you're regenerating?" Sarah Jane asks.

"Because I'm regenerating." Nine explains. "I'm in a special healing coma."

The man informs Harriet that the US President is insisting he take control of the situation. Harriet tells him to tell the President that he isn't her boss and he isn't turning it into a war.

Ten has to bite his lip to refrain from commenting.

She goes to Alex, asking what they have. He says nothing yet as translating an alien language will take time. The man in the army uniform asks how far away the ship is and Alex replies about five hours. At the Tyler flat the news is still on and Jackie is sat beside the Doctor asking him what he needs.

"She called you sweetheart." Mickey sniggers at Nine's disgusted expression.

"See, she does care." Rose add, trying not to laugh.

"Delightful." He says sarcastically.

Harriet asks Blake, the man in the army uniform, if they have had a code nine, any sign of the Doctor. He says nothing yet. She says failing him what about Torchwood.

There is an loud, scathing snort and they all look round to see Ten scowling at the screen, more angry than any of them have ever seen him.

"Doctor?" Rose asks tentatively. He doesn't seem to hear her. She looks at Nine who is equally mistified. She calls his name again and he looks round at her, looking like he is seeing her for the first time. He pulls her into a tight hug.

"You prefer UNIT then?" Martha asks. He ignores this.

"What on Earth could Torchwood have done?" Jack asks. He is ignored as well.

Blake pauses and she says she knows she isn't supposed to know about it but if there was ever a need for Torchwood it's now.

"There is never a need for Torchwood." Ten's scowl seems to get even more ferocious. Not even knowing Jack rebuilt it into something good could ever make him forgive what they had done.

Blake says he can't take responsibility and Harriet says she can. Alex comes up and she asks if it has worked. He says it has just about. He begins translating some of what is being said.

"They will die? Who's they?" Sarah Jane asks.

"Don't know yet." Jack reminds her, eyebrows raised.

Llewellyn also asks who will die and Alex says he doesn't know but it's definitely a correct translation. Harriet tells him to reply that it is a day of peace on Earth and they extend that peace to the Sycorax. She also tells him to say the planet is armed and will not surrender.

"Good for Harriet." Rose smiles.

Jackie has fallen asleep by the Doctor's bedside.

"Awww." Donna tries to coo but laughs.

Rose is watching them and then Mickey joins her. Rose says the Doctor wouldn't do this. The proper Doctor would wake up and save them.

"I'm sorry, Rose." Ten mutters sorrowfully.

"I get it, it's just...weird." Rose tells him. "I've had more time to get used to the idea in here."

"At the moment, you aren't in any danger. I'm sure if you were I would wake up again." Nine assures her. She nods.

Mickey notes she really loves him and they hug. Dawn breaks. Sally says they have received the message and the reply is coming in. The Sycorax leader holds out his hand and a blue energy plays over it. They try to work out what it is as the same blue energy plays over Sally's head and then over various other people as well.

"What the heck is that?" Sarah Jane asks.

"Mind control or something?" Donna suggests.

"No, wouldn't leave that blue glow, and I imagine it would affect everyone. This must be something those people have in common." Nine frowns.

They start to walk out. Llewellyn asks what the hell it is and then grabs at Sally. Harriet tells him to leave her or he'll hurt her. The people in uniform ready the guns but Blake tells them to let them pass. Llewellyn asks where they are going.

"Some sort of control anyway." Rose looks at the screen in concern.

A blank faced man is walking along outside the Tyler's flat. A woman is behind him asking what is wrong with him. Rose and Mickey come out and ask Sandra what's going on. She explains that he won't listen, just keeps walking. Rose and Mickey look down to see lots of people walking through the estate.

"What on Earth can all those people possibly have in common?" Jack asks. Everyone shrugs, confused.

At UNIT Harriet says they are all heading in the same direction and Llewellyn asks why it isn't affecting them. Alex informs them it's happening all over the country. People just keep coming out with loved ones and friends begging them to come back inside. A policeman says they are all heading towards high rise buildings as far as he can gather.

"That's who they meant when they said they will die." Rose realises, eyes wide.

Llewellyn realises they are heading for the roof and the policeman outside reports they are at the very edge and he thinks they are going to jump. Llewellyn is begging Sally to come down but nobody responds. The controlled people all line up along the edge of the roofs. Alex tells them it's the whole world not just the country. Along the edge of the Coliseum, on apartment buildings.

"What did you humans send up in that probe?" Nine asks in horror.

"Why do you say that?" Martha asks.

"The Sycorax aren't powerful enough to be using mind control and most other forms of control require parts like a strand of hair or something." Ten tries to explain. "Like voodoo but actual science."

The policeman reports they have all stopped on the edge. Alex tells everyone that it's a third of people ready to jump.

"Two billion people." Donna gasps.

"What can that many people have in common?" Jack asks.

"Blood?" Martha suggests. "Like, by blood type." Ten grins at her in a way she knew she was correct. Being a doctor herself was helpful in many situations.

Llewellyn repeats what the Sycorax said about surrender or die. Mickey asks what they do and Rose says there is nothing they can do, nobody to save them.

"I won't be asleep forever Rose." Ten tells her gently.

"Yeah but I'm guessing I'm not totally convinced you're the Doctor." Rose shrugs.

Alex realises there is a pattern, that they tend to be family groups but not married couples. Llewellyn then realises it must be the space probe and asks if they the medical records for their staff. Alex tells him they do. Harriet takes Blake to the side and asks about Torchwood. He says he is still working on it but they have just lost a third of their staff. She asks if they have what she needs and he agrees they do. Llewellyn and Alex work out it is people with blood group A positive.

"Blood control, well not too much danger then." Nine grins.

"What do you mean, those people are about to jump." Jack looks at him.

"Yeah, but blood control is quite weak. Enough to make it look dangerous but the will to survive is too strong. They can't make people commit suicide." He tells the relieved group.

Blake asks what is so special about that blood type and Llewellyn says it is his fault as he sent some things into space such as maps, music, water and blood. The Sycorax have a vial of A positive blood. Harriet says there is one more thing she can try and calls the Major with her. She gives a speech on TV that the crisis is unique and asking the world to remain calm. She requests the Doctor come to help and Rose bursts into tears. She cries to Jackie that the Doctor has gone and left her.

"I'll never leave you. I promise." Nine vows, pulling her close to him. "Well not completely, I might still regenerate." Rose nods.

"It's a little bit easier to understand you are the same person having spent time with him too." She assures him, wishing this episode would just be over so they could move on to her understanding the Doctor hadn't left her.

Suddenly, all the glass in the block of flats shatters. The Gherkin (St Mary Axe) also shatters, indicating that it is at least city-wide. Llewellyn says it's the spaceship hitting the atmosphere. Mickey goes outside and looks up. He is joined by Rose and Jackie as a spaceship glides overhead. They go back into the flat and Rose tells Mickey to help carry the Doctor. He asks where they are going and she replies the TARDIS. Jackie asks then what and Rose explains that she has travelled with him but is useless now, all they can do is hide.

"You're very far from useless. Keeping me safe is very important work." Ten smiles at her.

"Yeah, but I can't do anything about this invasion." Rose mutters, annoyed.

The Sycorax leader speaks, and Alex translates that the leader of the world should step forward. Harriet says she is proud to represent the planet and Alex translates she should come aboard. She asks how and Harriet, Blake, Alex and Llewellyn are teleported aboard the Sycorax ship. The four are beamed aboard into a massive cavern. More aliens are lined up in galleries. The leader walks up to them and starts to remove it's helmet. Rose and Mickey carry the Doctor while Jackie struggles with half a dozen carrier bags.

"Trust Jackie." Nine rolls his eyes but he sounds far fonder than he would have done two days ago.

"Food isn't a bad idea and if you're lucky she'll bring some tea." Rose laughs.

"I can't believe the answer is a simple cup of tea. What kind of superior biology do you have?" Donna asks in amusement.

"A few other things would work too, but tea is the only one Rose would currently have access to." Ten shrugs. "Regeneration sickness is not fun."

Rose tells Jackie to just leave it and hurry up. The Sycorax leader says they will surrender or all the people will jump. Llewellyn asks if he can speak and Blake points out he is a civilian but he protests that he was the one who sent out the probe. Llewellyn turns to the Sycorax and explains humans are taking their first step to the stars and says they are like children who need compassion. The leader disintegrated him with a whip.

"There was no need for that." Mickey scowls.

"Harriet Jones has been designated the leader so I imagine they will only talk to her." Rose winces.

Blake protests that he was a prisoner and that they must have something forbidding that but he is disintegrated as well. Harriet Jones steps forward and introduces herself. Alex translates that they know who she is and she will surrender or those on the roofs will die. She asks how that will be better and he says half sold to slavery or a third dies.

"Not exactly much of a choice." Jack scowls.

"Not sure they care." Donna notes.

In the TARDIS, Mickey asks if Rose can fly it and she says not anymore. He points out she did before and Rose tells him the information has been wiped, like it's forbidden. Try that again and the Universe rips in half.

"Well, not quite but I certainly wouldn't recommend it." Nine laughs nervously.

"Knowing how to fly the TARDIS isn't forbidden information, it's more other information that came with it that would kill you." Ten smirks.

"So, I can learn to fly the TARDIS?" Rose asks excitedly. He had made jokes about teaching her before but she still wasn't quite sure he meant it.

"Yeah, I suppose so." Nine smiles at her excitement.

Mickey says better not then and asks what they do, just sit there and Rose says that's as good as it gets. Jackie comes in with a cup of tea. Rose sarcastically says the solution to everything. Jackie tells her to stop moaning and that she is going to get the rest of the food. Once she is gone Mickey says they are having a picnic while the world comes to an end.

"Very British." Martha laughs.

"How long does it normally take you to get over regeneration sickness, without tea?" Mickey asks.

"Twelve hours usually, but having woken up once already I'm not sure how long that adds to the recovery time." Ten shrugs.

Mickey comments it's very British.

He and Martha grin at each other.

Then he asks how the screen works and points out if it picks up TV they can see what's going on outside. Rose says it tunes itself. On the spaceship, Alex translates that there is foreign machinery the Sycorax are accusing them of hiding. The leader demands it be brought on board.

"They found the TARDIS!" Jack realises.

"Not good." Donna mumbles.

Jackie is heading back to the TARDIS as it is beamed up. There's an odd pattern on the scanner. Mickey suggests it's a distress signal and Rose says a fat lot of good that's going to do. Mickey asks if she is going to be a misery all the time and she agrees she is.

"At least until he comes round and I can give him a slap." She smirks.

"I suppose I deserve that one." Nine sighs.

"More than that, but mum's now going to actually like you since you sent me home. That's punishment enough for anyone." Rose sticks her tongue out.

Mickey tells her to look at it from his point of view, he is stuck in there with Jackie's cooking.

"Didn't you say you were round at Jackie's for dinner a lot, including sunday dinners?" Sarah Jane asks.

"Yeah." Mickey laughs.

Rose looks up and asks where Jackie is. Then decides she should give her a hand as it might start raining missiles out there. Mickey tells her to tell Jackie anything from a tin is fine. Rose asks why he won't tell her himself and he replies he isn't that brave.

"Not many people are brave enough to face Jackie Tyler." Mickey laughs.

"Especially if you're going to criticize her cooking." Nine snickers.

Rose grins at him saying she doesn't know and then steps outside. She is grabbed by a Sycorax and screams. Mickey hears her, drops the open flask of tea near the Doctor and runs after her.

"Mickey the idiot saves the day by dropping some tea." Ten rolls his eyes.

Rose yells at it to get off her and then shouts at Mickey to shut the TARDIS door so they can't get in. He gets there just before the Sycorax.

"Good thinking." Ten praises Rose.

"Quick reflexes." Jack nods to Mickey.

The tea drips down onto Tardis workings underneath the time console.

Both Doctors wince. "This is why no drinking in the console room." Nine whines.

"You said you needed tea." Rose shrugs.

"Not dropped into my console."

The Sycorax cheer. Rose is pushed towards the others and Harriet catches her. She asks if the Doctor is with her. Rose tells her they are on their own. Tea vapour rises through the floor grating and the Doctor breaths it in, exhaling more golden energy. Alex translates that the yellow girl has the blue box so she speaks for the planet. Harriet protests but Rose says she can.

"You tell 'em Rosie." Jack grins at her.

Mickey tells her not to but she says someone has to be the Doctor. When Harriet protests they will kill her she points out it never stopped him.

"My brave Rose." Nine whispers to her proudly.

Rose tries to get them to leave but they all laugh.

"Good try but I think I need to educate you a little more on the Shadow Proclamation." Ten grins.

"Seems like from this we are learning you really need to tell your companions more." Rose rolls her eyes.

"Well, you're a special case. But you have a point, if you travel with me you should know about the Shadow Proclamation." He agrees.

They say she is very funny and now she is going to die. Harriet and Mickey tell them to leave her alone but they are held back as the leader walks towards Rose.

"Go Harriet. She's naturally very protective." Martha smiles.

Alex translates again but then he is simply repeating what the Sycorax leader says. Alex realises he is talking English.

"The TARDIS is translating again!" Sarah Jane beams.

"'Bout time you woke up." Mickey directs a fond eye roll at Ten.

Rose and Harriet both state he is talking English and the leader says he would never dirty his tongue with their language. They all agree they hear English and then everyone turns to look at the TARDIS as Rose realises it is translating again. The Doctor opens the doors still in the pajamas and dressing gown. He asks if they missed him. The Sycorax cracks his whip which the Doctor catches and pull it towards him saying he could put somebody's eye out.

"They've got no idea what they've unleashed do they?" Donna mock whispers to Sarah Jane. "He's new to that body so his gob is going to be uncontrollable."

"Oi!" Ten protests. "You try having literally no idea who you are. Same core thoughts but brand new body capable of very different things."

"I didn't know talking was an Olympic sport." Donna snickers.

"It should be." Ten sniffs.

"Only coz you'd win every time and you're a sore loser." Rose laughs. "I'm betting that hasn't changed.

"I am not a sore loser." Nine protests.

"Definitely doesn't change." Martha tells Rose. Both of them laugh at the indignant expressions on both Doctor's faces.

The Sycorax starts to say how dare but the Doctor takes a thick club off another Sycorax and breaks it across his knee. Then he tells him to wait because he is busy. He greets Mickey and Harriet saying it's like This Is Your LIfe. He tells them all tea was all he needed and then turns to Rose and asks how he looks. She tells him he looks different.

"Rooose! That's not helpful. You didn't even tell me it was good different." Ten groans playfully.

"Hadn't quite decided yet." She shrugs, amused with his antics.

"You couldn't decide whether I was better looking than him?" He points to his younger self.

"I like how he looks." Rose defends. "But you are pretty." Nine snorts and Ten pouts at her.

"Pretty? How about sexy?"

"No, I think pretty covers it." She teases. He crosses his arms and scowls.

He asks if she means good different or bad different and she hesitantly tells him just different. Then he asks if he is ginger and she says no. He claims he has always wanted to be ginger as he has never been ginger. Then he points at Rose saying fat lot of good she was, she gave up on him. He then realises that was rude and asks if that's the sort of man he is now, rude and not ginger.

"Rude and not ginger?" Pretty good sum up of you really." Donna agrees with a snicker.

"Mouthy, rude and not ginger." Sarah Jane corrects.

"Can't you lot take a break and pick on Jack for a change?" Ten huffs.

"Less fun." Rose grins.

"I'm too dashing to be picked on." Jack wriggles his eyebrows.

"In your dreams fly boy." Donna rolls her eyes.

"Hey!"

Harriet asks who he is and he tells her he is the Doctor as does Rose. Harriet asks what happened to her Doctor or if it is a title that has passed on. The Doctor explains he is him and when she protests it can't be, he tells her that when they were trapped in Downing Street she was most scared her mother would be alone. She believes him.

"I love how you are having this conversation right in the middle of an alien spaceship." Mickey laughs.

"Well, my business is more important." Nine tells him. "Gotta introduce myself."

He asks if she won the election and she admits it was a landslide majority. The Sycorax leader finally interrupts.

"Well, he held out longer than I thought he would." Rose admits.

The Doctor turns to him and the Sycorax asks who he is. He replies that is the question and the Sycorax bellows the question again. The Doctor then bellows back he doesn't know.

They all start laughing at his imitation of the Sycorax.

He continues listing off traits he could have before saying that judging by the evidence he certainly has a gob.

"Most definitely." Rose agrees looking slightly taken aback. During the breaks he had seemed far more talkative than his younger self but this was certainly new levels of talking just for the sake of it.

Then he spots a button, asking how he will react when he sees a great, big threatening button which must not be pressed under any circumstances. He guesses it is some sort of control matrix and opens the base of the pillar. He says there is something under there then puts his fingertip in and licks it.

"Really? You had to lick it?" Rose rolls her eyes.

"Well, how else would I know exactly what it was?" Ten asks innocently.

"You couldn't smell it or something?" Martha asks.

"I chose the 'or something'." He winks.

He states it is A positive with a dash of iron and then realises it is blood control. He hits the button and everyone cries out for him not to. On the rooftops everyone takes a step forward then stops. The blue energy flickers then the people look around, confused. Jason asks what the hell he is doing up there and Sandra tells him to get away from the edge.

"Oh good. All threat then." Jack sighs in relief.

"Pretty much but they are still more powerful than humans and could call backup." Nine informs him.

"You make it sound like they won't." Sarah Jane raises an eyebrow.

"Well, I'm there." He puffs out his chest.

"So full of yourself." Rose rolls her eyes.

Alex calls out he killed them and the Doctor turns to the leader asking if he thinks they are dead. He states they allow them to live. The Doctor scoffs, explaining they couldn't kill them with blood control as the survival instinct is too strong. The leader says that blood control is only one form of conquest, he could summon the armada. The Doctor agrees that he could and then starts quoting Lion King before getting to the point of leaving the humans alone.

"Did you just quote Disney?" Martha looks at him in amusement.

"Well yes, wonderful show the Lion King." Ten smiles happily.

"Big bad Doctor, Oncoming Storm, quoter of Disney." Rose sniggers.

"What's so bad about me loving Disney?" He looks affronted.

"Nothing at all, just I'm used to him," She points at Nine. "Doesn't really look the type to be watching Disney."

"I'll have you know we watched Disney together while I was in that body." Ten smirks at her.

"We did?" Rose looks at him in disbelief. Nine raises his eyebrows at this news. Ten nods.

The Sycorax asks what happens if they don't leave. The Doctor takes a sword from an aide and runs back towards the TARDIS saying he challenges him. There is laughter from the watching crowd and the Doctor notes that struck a chord. He asks if the sanctified rules of combat still apply.

"You're going to have a sword fight with that guy?" Donna looks at him sceptically. "I'm surprised you can hold the sword, you're so weedy, let alone fight with it."

"All muscle that's me. Besides, I'm far stronger than your average human anyway." He shrugs.

The Sycorax says he stands as the world's champion and the Doctor thanks him, saying he has just summed him up as he throws his dressing gown to Rose. The Doctor asks if he accepts the challenge and then insults him. The leader says it's for the planet and the Doctor agrees.

"You have no idea if you can sword fight." Rose raises her eyebrows.

"THe basics of sword fighting always remain the same. I'm sure I'll be fine." Nine grins.

They clash swords and Rose yells for him to look out. He sarcastically says that helps, he wouldn't have thought of it otherwise.

"Definitely rude in this regeneration." Rose states.

The leader is the more experienced swordsman. The Doctor retreats up a tunnel. He presses a button and dashes out into the open air. The Doctor is driven back to the edge, and hit on the nose. Rose starts forwards and he tells her to stay back. If they interfere they invalidate the challenge and the leader wins the planet. The leader knocks the Doctor down then slashes. The sword and a hand fall to Earth.

"Oh my god!" Everyone's head whirls round to Ten, checking he still has two hands.

"He cut off your hand." Rose whispers.

"Well, that's bloody lucky timing." Nine laughs.

"Lucky!" Martha asks incredulously.

"I'm still within fifteen hours of my regeneration cycle. I have enough regeneration energy to grow a new hand." Ten explains.

"Best not let him cut off a second." Donna notes.

"Hadn't planned on it." Ten laughs.

The Doctor states he cut off his hand as if he can't quite believe it. The leader cheers thinking he has won and the Doctor stands up. He says he knows what sort of man he is now, he's a lucky man. He explains he can regrow his hand and does so. Sycorax calls it witchcraft and the Doctor simply says Time Lord. Rose calls his name and throws him a new sword.

"Thanks for that." Ten grins at her.

"Not too put off then?" Nine asks, half amused and half anxious.

"Very but not enough to watch you lose this fight. It probably hasn't even really sunk in yet." She tells him. "I'll get over it eventually." He nods.

The Doctor asks if he is still the Doctor then and she says no arguments from her. The Doctor then says his new hand is a fighting hand and the battle resumes. He disarms the Sycorax and thumps both hilts into it's abdomen, twice. It falls, right on the edge, overlooking London.

"Yes." They all cheer.

"Nice moves Doc." Jack winks.

He states that he wins and the leaders tell him to kill him. The Doctor says he will spare his life if he leaves the planet and the leader agrees. The Doctor asks him to swear on the blood of his people and he swears. He walks away and Harriet cries bravo. Rose follows suit. The Doctor says not bad for someone in his jim-jams as Rose helps him put the dressing gown back on.

"Definitely a good show for someone not used to his own body." Sarah Jane smiles.

He comments it's very Arthur Dent and then finds a satsuma in his dressing gown commenting Jackie's friend does like his snacks. Then he says it just sums up Christmas going through all the presents and finding a satsuma at the bottom.

"Yeah, mum always used to do that." Rose grins.

"Mine too." Sarah Jane agrees.

"We didn't bother, everyone in my family hates them." Martha shrugs.

"How can you hate satsumas?" Mickey asks.

"Just do." Martha rolls her eyes at his mock astonishment.

The Doctor asks who wants a satsuma. The Sycorax leader gets up, grabs his sword and runs at the Doctor's back. The Doctor throws the satsuma at a control on the spaceship hull, a piece of the wing opens up and the leader falls to his death. He says he a no second chances sort of man. Inside the ship the Doctor tells the crowd that he forbids them to scavenge on Earth for the rest of time. He states that when they go and tells others of Earth to make sure they say it is defended. The TARDIS, Harriet, Alex, Rose, Mickey and the Doctor are beamed away.

"Very nice speech." Sarah Jane tells him.

"It is defended." Rose giggles slightly.

"It's over." Martha breathes happily. "Thank god for tea."

Rose asks where they are and Mickey tells her they are just round the corner from the flat. Then he cheers that they did it. The Doctor tells him to wait a minute as he watches the ship start flying away. Then Rose jumps on Mickey's back as they celebrate. Then Rose hugs Alex who looks startled but pleased. Harriet walks over to the Doctor and calls him her Doctor and they hug.

"Hey now, He's my Doctor." Rose smirks.

"Don't like sharing?" Nine asks her with a grin.

"About as much as you do." She retorts. He pulls her closer to him.

Harriet states he is absolutely the same man then asks if there are many more out there. The Doctor tells her there are hundreds of species out there and the human race is drawing attention to itself so they should get used to it. Jackie comes running up and the Doctor mutters about talking of trouble.

"Oi!" Rose playfully smacks his arm.

Jackie says she did it. Alex answers a phone call. Rose replies that Jackie did it too as a cup of tea fixed the Doctor's head. Jackie says she said so and Rose tells her to look at him. Jackie asks if it really is him then gets distracted by seeing Harriet. The Doctor tells her to come her and they have a group hug. She asks if he is better and he agrees that he is.

"See how fond she is of you, hugs and everything." Rose snickers.

"Yay." Nine cheers sarcastically. "Maybe she won't slap me when she finds out her nineteen year old daughter is dating a nine hundred year old alien."

"I think she suspects we already are to be honest." Rose shrugs.

"Suspecting and knowing are very different things." Sarah Jane laughs.

Alex tells Harriet that Torchwood are ready as Jackie tells Rose of for leaving her with all the food. Harriet tells Alex to let Torchwood fire.

"What?" Martha asks, eyes narrowed in suspicion.

"They are leaving peacefully." Sarah Jane protests.

Alex tells them to fire at will. Five green beams streak up into the sky, meet and fire out into space. The Sycorax asteroid ship is destroyed.

"She's sending a message." Jack scowls.

Rose asks what's happening.

"Nothing good." Nine frowns. He had thought better of Harriet Jones.

The Doctor rounds on Harriet telling her that was murder. Harriet defends that it was defence adapted from alien technology that fell to Earth ten years ago.

"Don't think he cares where it came from." Mickey mutters.

The Doctor argues that they were leaving. Harriet says that he said himself they would go back to the stars and tell others about Earth. She apologises but he isn't around all the time, people died in front of her and they have the right to defend themselves. The Doctor says Britain's Golden Age and Harriet says that comes at a price.

"A price to aliens maybe." Jack scoffs.

The Doctor says he gave them the wrong warning. He should have told them to run as fast as they could and hide because the monsters are coming. The human race. Harriet states those are the people she represents and she did in on their behalf. He retorts he should have stopped her. She asks if that makes him another alien threat.

"Threat? You were begging him to come and save you!" Rose yelps. "He saved this planet far more times than you can count and you want to consider him a threat?"

"And I quite liked her before this." Donna states.

He warns her not to challenge him as he is a completely new man and could bring down her government with a word. She calls him the most remarkable man she has ever met but doesn't think him capable of that. He agrees not one word but six. She doesn't believe him and he repeats six. She tells him to stop. Then he goes over to Alex and whispers don't you think she looks tired in his ear. He then walks off with Rose, Jackie and Mickey right behind him,

"Definitely a no second chance man." Martha mutters.

"I must agree you are the most remarkable man." Sarah Jane smiles at him.

"Ah, well…" Ten rubs the back of his neck.

"You certainly are." Rose and Jack agree.

Harriet runs over to Alex and asks him what the Doctor said. He looks flustered and says nothing really. She demands to know what was said and Alex says he doesn't know. Harriet then calls after the Doctor, asking what he said and then apologising. The Doctor is picking himself a new outfit in the Tardis wardrobe, and considers various items of clothing.

"No. Definitely not." Rose tells him as he holds something up against him.

"I must agree." Ten sniffs. "I like my suit much better."

"Wouldn't kill you to change it once in a while." Martha laughs.

"Might do, you never know." Ten tells her.

"At least he changed his jumper once in a while." Donna gestures at Nine.

Mickey, Rose and Jackie are back at the flat having Christmas dinner. Mickey carves the turkey. The Doctor finds a brown pinstripe suit and long brown coat. He leaves the wardrobe past the old hat stand with a long scarf on it. The Doctor enters the flat, he and Rose grin at each other. The dinner progresses to the crackers. He and Rose pull one and a pink hat comes out. He tells her that's hers. Rose says it should be her mum's.

Donna watches the scene a little sadly. She remembered seeing the Doctor's face as he talked about having Christmas on the Powell Estate and how quickly he changed the subject. It was sad to know that in a year linear time he would lose Rose, although she wasn't sure how long it would be for them as time didn't pass the same way in the TARDIS. She had grown to really like Rose in the past two days and really began to see why the Doctor missed her as much as he did. She also understood why he declined her offer of Christmas dinner.

Then she spots Harriet Jones on TV. Harriet is being questioned whether she is fit for office. The Doctor pulls out some glasses to watch the interview.

"Do you actually need those or are they to look smart?" Mickey asks.

"They make me look a bit clever." He grins.

Harriet insists there is nothing wrong with her health and then is asked if she is going to resign. The phone rings and Jackie answers it as Harriet states she feels fine. Jackie tells them Beth says to go outside. Rose asks why and Jackie says she doesn't know but shepherds them all outside. The ground is covered with white flakes falling from the sky. Streaks of light cris-cross the sky. Rose asks if they are meteors and the Doctor tells her it's the spaceship breaking up in the atmosphere. It isn't snow, it's ash.

"It suddenly got a lot less pretty." Donna notes.

"I swear we will never get proper snow on Christmas." Rose complains.

"I'm sure that can be arranged." Nine tells her with a grin.

"Don't tell me you can make it snow?" She asks.

"He can. For a little bit anyway." Donna assures her.

Rose says it's not so beautiful. The Doctor says it's a brand new Earth that can't deny the existence of aliens now.

"Unless you're Donna and missed the whole thing." Ten sniggers.

"Watch it Spaceman." She wags a finger at him threateningly but they both end up laughing.

Rose asks what he is going to do next and he replies do back to the TARDIS, same old life. She asks on his own and he asks if she doesn't want to come. Rose says she does. He asks if she really does and she assures him she does. He adds that because he had changed he thought and Rose says she thought he might not want her along because he had changed. He tells her he would love her to come with him

"No matter how many times I change, I will always want you to come with me." Nine assures her and Ten nods his agreement. "That will forever remain constant."

Rose agrees. Mickey says she is never going to stay and Rose says there is so much to see that she has to. He mutters a 'yeah'. Jackie tells the pair she thinks they are mad to go looking for trouble. The Doctor tells her trouble is just the in-between bits and that it's all waiting and brand new to him as he hasn't seen them with those eyes. He states it is going to be fantastic. He holds out his hand and Rose looks at it saying it still gives her the creeps.

"Yeah, it gives me the creeps too." Martha says, staring from his screen hand to his real one nervously.

"It's just a hand. Perfectly normal." He shrugs.

She takes hold of it anyway and asks where they are going first. He points somewhere then changes his mind and points somewhere else saying that way. Rose looks up and asks that way. He grins at her. The screen goes black.

"Well, that was a long one." Jack notes.

"We'd best get cracking then." Ten says excitedly. He was feeling buoyant about watching Rose accept him as the same Doctor she had travelled with before. He knew how hard it had been on her but when she finally accepted it, he felt on top of the world even just by watching it again.

Nine was relieved that Rose was so happy to be travelling with him again. It was definitely a good thing they had seen this so she knew about his regeneration beforehand but it was nice to know she would accept him as her Doctor eventually, no matter what. He kissed the top of her head as they settled to watch whatever came next.