A/N – So the chapters seem to be getting bigger, just a warning, this is about 6500 words, it was completely unintentional. There are more words in this than most of my university assessments. I am trying to include more dialogue, I am honestly awful at making conversations not feel stilted, so if that is the case, let me know. Mira is finally showing her Aussie side in this chapter, and she is finally talking! Wow! Thank you to everyone who has liked and followed this story~ I also absolutely love when people review, so let me know if you like how this story is progressing.
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When Mira awoke, she realized something strange—there was no pain. Her ribs, her wrist, even her freshly burnt hands had healed completely. How long had she slept for her body to mend so thoroughly? Deciding to put it aside for now, she got out of what she now considered her bed and looked around her room. What she saw made her tear up. It reminded her of her childhood bedroom. Soft fawn walls reminded her of her childhood home in Sunset Hollow, stars scattered across the top like a cosmic border, one above her bed reminding her of the Southern Cross. Her bookshelf was lined with her favourite stories—everything from Matthew Reilly thrillers to the whimsical pages of Daisy-Head Mayzie from her childhood. She smiled when she saw the bookends shaped like koalas; Mum would get a kick out of this, she thought, laughing under her breath. There was no mistaking that this was her room—crafted with care and understanding by the TARDIS.
She could see her giant window showing the Pillars of Creation, her favourite galaxy. The breathtaking view stirred something deep in her chest, reminding her that she was somewhere extraordinary now. Mira's chest swelled with warmth, a sense of belonging that was almost overwhelming. "You really outdid yourself this time, Old Girl," she murmured, patting the wall fondly.
Facing the windows was a desk that she must have put her laptop bag on, as it was sitting on the desk waiting for her to open it. Should I watch a show now? No. Not the time.
She opened the bedside drawer and tilted her head in surprise. Well, that's... one way to pass the time. Mira chuckled softly to herself, her lips curling into a grin. Leave it to the TARDIS to anticipate her needs—even ones she hadn't expected to be addressed. With a soft chuckle, she closed the drawer. "Always thinking ahead, aren't you?"
She spotted two doors, one of which she knew she had entered through. But the other was unfamiliar. My childhood room didn't have two doors. Opening the second door, Mira stepped into a wardrobe that seemed to stretch on forever, filled with clothes in every style and colour. She stood there for a moment, taking it all in. There's no way all of this is for me. Her fingers traced the soft fabrics, each one more luxurious than the last. A part of her still wanted to retreat into oversized clothes, the kind of clothes that made her feel hidden. But this… this was different. The TARDIS hadn't just given her any wardrobe; she'd given her clothes that made her feel like herself. No more squeezing into ill-fitting sizes, no more worrying about what didn't flatter her. Just…her. Mira exhaled; her chest tight with gratitude. "Thanks, Old Girl," she whispered. "You really know how to make a girl feel special."
Through the wardrobe, she spotted the large bathroom, and her face lit up at the sight of the giant shower. Oh, thank God. She felt a little gross, still catching faint traces of burnt flesh on her skin. Without hesitation, she picked out some fresh clothes—her hand pausing over fabrics she never would have dared touch before—before heading into the shower.
Mira walked into the bathroom, surprised by its size and the luxury it offered. A spacious shower dominated the room, with rows of shampoos, conditioners, and soaps she didn't even recognize. Guess the TARDIS wasn't sure what I'd like. She couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of it. Normally, she'd grab whatever was cheapest at the supermarket. But now, she had choices. A lot of them. Her hand hovered over the bottles before she picked one at random. I'll figure it out eventually.
As she stepped into the shower and the water cascaded over her, Mira felt the dirt, sweat, and lingering smell of burnt skin wash away. The warmth wrapped around her like a familiar embrace, soothing both body and soul. She leaned back, closing her eyes as the water coursed through her hair. I don't know exactly who I am anymore, she thought, but at least I can feel like myself for a while. This was her time—no running, no chaos. Just the sound of the water and her own thoughts.
Slipping into her fresh clothes, Mira gently patted the wall as she left the bathroom. "Thanks for everything," she whispered, knowing the TARDIS was listening. "You always know what I need." Mira finally felt like herself again—though she wasn't sure exactly who that was anymore. At least she didn't smell like burnt flesh.
She headed to the console room, ready to see what the next adventure held. As she entered, it hit her—she had slept through the Unquiet Dead. Rose was still wearing her period clothing, and the Doctor was still in his jumper. A flicker of disappointment settled in her chest—not because she missed the adventure, she wasn't particularly fond of this one—but because she had been left behind. They hadn't even thought to wake her.
"So, how was meeting Charles Dickens? Spread some holiday cheer, did you?" Mira asked, her tone edged with an unmistakable hint of passive-aggression.
"Well, he saved our lives, and seemed to enjoy the TARDIS dematerializing," the Doctor replied, blinking in surprise as if he hadn't expected Mira to be standing there. He completely forgot about me.
"Don't you think it's time to take Rose home? She probably wants to see her mum." Mira added, her voice softer now as she turned to Rose. "Shouldn't you be getting out of that outfit Rose? I'm sure your mum will comment on it if you walk home in it." Seeing her meekly nod her head, she nudged the Doctor toward the controls, gesturing for him to start the ship as Rose went to her room to change.
"I'm really disappointed, Doctor. You didn't wake me—or even leave a note. Maybe you thought I needed the rest, but what if I woke up while you were gone? I'd have been frantic trying to figure out where you and Rose were. I don't even know my way around Cardiff—what if I got lost trying to find you?" When he bowed his head in shame, Mira felt the tightness in her chest ease—just a little. At least he understood. For now. "All I'm asking is that next time, just let me know. I know I'm slowing you down. I'm not as fit or quick as I should be, and maybe that's why you didn't wake me. But being left behind like this—it hurts, Doctor."
"Oh, Mira, you're not a burden. You saved Jabe—risked your own safety to save everyone on that ship," the Doctor said earnestly, clearly rushing to convince her. "I need to check your hands, make sure that the burn cream worked."
Mira held out her hands, already aware that the cream had worked its magic. As she held out her wrist, her bracelet dangled, reminding her of Sofia. Whilst her hands no longer hurt, she hissed as the Doctor grabbed them.
"Where did you get this?" He demanded.
"I told you, I got a bracelet from one of my students that teleported me here." Mira was slightly scared at the look on his face.
"This is Gallifreyan, no one should know Gallifreyan." His face grew thunderous with Mira's answers.
Realising what had set him off, Mira quickly rushed to calm him. "We don't know what Gallifreyan really means. We just guess, copy symbols that look pretty. My student probably found a website with Gallifreyan designs and had it engraved. It's nothing serious."
The Doctor sighed and released her wrist. "So, you don't know what the Gallifreyan means?" Seeing Mira shake her head, he felt relief. "It means traveller. The Gallifreyan on the bracelet."
"Well that makes sense, it helped me travel here. It does worry me that I can't take it off though. Every time I try, all it does is hurt my wrist." Concerned for her once again, remembering that he was checking her for injuries, he held out his hands for her wrist. As the Doctor gently checked her hands, Mira's thoughts wandered. Maybe it was time to step back. She couldn't keep feeling like the third wheel in someone else's story. Every adventure seemed to end with her hurt or left behind and they didn't even miss her last time. She wasn't saving anyone—just getting in the way. Maybe some time away would help clear her head. Not forever—but long enough to feel like she could keep up, long enough to stop feeling like she was holding them back. She needed to stop being a burden. He rotated them, watching Mira for any signs of pain. Finding none, he let her go just as Rose came back into the room. He blushed slightly; a colour Mira hoped to cause more of. Where did that thought come from? The Doctor quickly moved around the rotor, activating the console to take Rose home, internally cursing himself for getting distracted.
The Doctor and Rose walked out of the TARDIS, chatting and laughing. Mira lingered behind, watching their backs as they disappeared into the sunlight. They fit so well together, moving in sync like a team. And her? She was just… an afterthought.
"How long have I been gone?" Rose asked the Doctor.
"About twelve hours." The Doctor smiled down at her. Mira shook her head at the two, starting to head over to the wanted posters for Rose. She wondered if her mother was concerned about where she was, if she had placed wanted posters for her. She wished she could talk to her parents, just for five minutes. Just to let them know she was okay. Maybe this was the universe telling her she didn't belong. She was just taking up space on the TARDIS, only to sit on the sidelines, slowing them down. No matter how much she wanted to help, it felt like she was just... in the way. She sighed before shaking her head and taking down a poster. She walked back over to the Doctor just as Rose had gone around the corner.
"You might want to check on Rose, Doc. Look at this." Mira pointed at the date on the poster. She watched as his face went pale before he sprinted off. Knowing she wouldn't be able to catch up, she walked in the direction he and Rose had gone in. As she walked, she looked at the buildings, they reminded her of council houses where she lived, they were here too. I don't think Jackie ever earnt a lot of money, a council house may be the only place she could live, then again maybe they bought it before Pete died.
She walked to flat 48, grateful that she could at least remember the location. She walked in to hear, "Prove it. Stitch this, mate!" A loud smack could be heard, Mira swore, from space. She gently ushered the Doctor out of the apartment to give Rose and her mother some privacy to catch up.
"She hit you good huh?" Turning his face to the side, she could already see a slight bruise forming.
"Nine hundred years, never been hit by a person's mother." The Doctor sulkily replied.
"Well, you have a hell of a bruise forming. Better not get hit by her again—you wouldn't want to damage that pretty face." Mira smiled before letting go of his face. As she watched him rub the forming bruise, it struck her—Jackie hadn't hit him that hard in the episode. What had changed? "Blimey, Jackie's got a solid swing, huh? Could put some of the footy blokes back home to shame," she joked, the edge of her accent slipping into her words as she grinned at the Doctor.
"Anyway, Rose will be out soon. You two might want to turn toward Big Ben—something interesting could happen." She winked before walking away to look at the Thames, it was just as beautiful as when she visited London when she was 16. She walked far enough away from the Doctor and Rose that she could only hear the cadence of their voices. One episode without her and they are already close. What would happen if I left? Would their relationship turn out like the show? Do I want it to change from the show?
Mira's heart skipped a beat as a loud horn and a thunderous sound split the sky. She watched the 'alien' ship crash past the Tower Bridge and hit Big Ben. And so, it begins.
She saw the Doctor and Rose start to run towards the stairs to get down to the street. Luckily, she caught both of them before they could, physically holding on to both their jackets. "There is no way you could get close enough to the ship with how backed up London will be. The TARDIS cannot get close as it will stand out, go inside, and watch the TV like a normal person." She turned slightly, muttering to herself, "Not like back home, where we'd be lucky to get news coverage on anything that isn't Sydney or Melbourne." Her tone was dry, laced with the familiar Australian frustration about the major cities overshadowing the rest of the country.
Rose headed off to her mum's place without any issue, not commenting on Mira's sudden personality change.
"So, guessing from the hint you gave me, this is one of your episodes?" Seeing Mira nod her head in agreement. The Doctor put his hands in his pocket. "I didn't leave you behind because you were a burden, Mira. Yes, I should have left behind a note, but after you were hurt on the two adventures, I took you on, I wanted you to get some sleep, to heal. And your worry about the TARDIS leaving without you is unfounded. She would never take off without you, she likes you too much."
Mira blushed and looked at the ground, missing the soft look the Doctor aimed towards her. "Go inside Doc, watch TV, be a normal human for an hour, I need to talk with Jackie and then I'll meet you in the TARDIS. You will know when." She slightly pushed him to get him to move to Rose and Jackie's apartment. She took a deep breath before following him. She knew it was important to talk to Jackie. She was a mother worried about her daughter's safety—her daughter who had been missing for a year without a word. Mira knew her feelings about Rose were unfair. Rose was young, impulsive, and still growing, much like the students she taught. She decided to focus on what mattered, which was trying to explain the truth to Jackie. Resolving to put her feelings aside, Mira went into the now busy apartment.
"Ms Tyler, could I have a word with you for a moment? I have been travelling with Rose." Mira watched Jackie look at her in confusion before nodding. Jackie led her to a bedroom, one of the only place in the apartment not crowded with neighbours.
"Who are you then? You're not a friend of Rose." Jackie said, her voice sharp and defensive, the anger over her daughter's disappearance simmering beneath the surface.
"I'm a friend of the Doctors. I have been travelling with both him and Rose for a while. What I am about to say to you Ms Tyler will not make sense to you, but I promise it's true." Mira met Jackie's eyes, knowing this conversation would be hard. Jackie crossed her arms, the tension clear as she waited for an explanation. "Rose didn't know a year had passed. We've been traveling in space and time, and to her, it's only been two days."
Jackie scoffed in disbelief, rolling her eyes at the absurdity. "I know it's hard to believe, Ms Tyler, but Rose has been to places you can't even imagine. We've been travelling in a box, a TARDIS, shaped like a retro Police box. We've both seen things that most people never will. We have seen aliens, saw the end of the world. And to her, it has only been two days." Mira tried to keep calm; she knew Jackie's reaction was all too familiar. Her own mother would have reacted the same way—maybe even worse. But that didn't make it any easier to explain.
Jackie scoffed, her disbelief plain. "Aliens? Time travel? That's all a load of nonsense, love."
Mira took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. She understood the disbelief—she would have reacted the same way before all of this. "I know it sounds impossible, but I've seen things beyond imagination. Rose has seen the end of the world. And the Doctor didn't mean for her to be gone for a year. He thought he was bringing her back after 12 hours, not 12 months."
Jackie's body stiffened, and Mira could feel the hostility rolling off her. "You're not filling her head with all this, are you? All this Doctor stuff—it's dangerous."
"The Doctor isn't a bad person, Jackie. I've been looking out for Rose, making sure she's safe. And Rose is stronger than you think. She's choosing this life, and I know you're worried, but she's learning and growing in ways we can't even begin to understand." Mira kept her voice calm but firm, slightly lying to Jackie, it was not the time for her personal feelings. "What I'm saying, Ms Tyler, is Rose is growing up. She's going to see more, learn more, and that's not something we can stop. You want her safe. I do too."
Jackie's voice cracked as she responded, "She's just a kid, running off with some bloke in a box."
"I know," Mira said softly. "But every kid grows up and leaves one day. She's seeking something bigger, something meaningful. But you've raised her well, Jackie. You've taught her to be brave." Mira softened her voice, trying to convey her empathy to Jackie. "I'm not saying she won't get hurt—this life isn't without risks. But I'm with her, and I will do everything I can to protect her, to make sure that she comes home."
She left the room without Jackie, leaving her to consider her thoughts, heading to the TARDIS like she had promised the Doctor. Jackie was only trying to protect her daughter, but what would she do when Rose really left for good? How could she prepare her for that? Maybe, just maybe, Jackie could find comfort in knowing that someone else was there to look after her daughter, even if that someone was Mira.
Mira pulled out the TARDIS key from under her shirt as she walked toward the ship. The chilly air bit at her skin, and she welcomed the warmth of the TARDIS as she stepped inside. As usual, the interior still filled her with awe, even after all this time. Running her hands over the console, her mind drifted to the past few days.
Do I try to save Indra this time? I couldn't save Gwyneth because I was too exhausted, but I saved Jabe... maybe I should ask the Doctor about Moxx. Hopefully, Jabe managed to keep him safe.
She sat on one of the seats, her feet dangling off the edge since they couldn't quite touch the floor. Waiting for the Doctor felt like an eternity, and her mind kept circling back to the moral dilemmas she faced in their travels. It wasn't always clear who could be saved or how, but she was determined to try.
Finally, the Doctor burst into the TARDIS. "About time! Do you have any idea how tiring it is talking to mothers about their daughters?" Mira teased, trying to lighten the mood.
The Doctor gave a small smile but didn't engage, too preoccupied with his own thoughts as he prepared to head to Albion Hospital.
"It's not an alien, by the way, if that's what you're thinking," Mira said, swinging her feet as she watched him rush around the console.
He paused for a moment, surprised by her insight, but quickly resumed setting their course. With a thump, they landed at the hospital.
They stepped out of the TARDIS, realizing they had arrived in a storeroom. The Doctor unlocked the door with his sonic screwdriver and humorously shushed it as it creaked open. As they wandered the hospital halls, they suddenly found themselves face-to-face with a room full of Red Berets. Watching each other in shock for several seconds before soldiers grabbed their weapons and aimed it at the duo. They heard a commotion in the room around them, making the soldiers look around in confusion and slight fear.
"Defence plan Delta! Come on. Move! Move!" Shouted the Doctor at the Marines. While the Doctor took charge of the situation, Mira noticed a woman cowering by a desk with a cut on her head. Recognizing her as Toshiko Sato, Mira immediately crouched down beside her and pulled out a first aid kit.
"I swear it was dead!" Toshiko stammered, still in shock.
"Coma, shock, hibernation anything. What does it look like?" the Doctor asked urgently.
"It's a pig... dressed to look like a mermaid," Mira answered while bandaging Toshiko's head. "A pig from Earth that these soldiers are probably about to shoot."
Toshiko and the Doctor exchanged a look of disbelief as they scanned the room for the now-deceased pig. Mira couldn't help but feel sad for the poor creature. It had been a victim of the Slitheen, modified beyond recognition, and even though it was suffering, its death still felt tragic.
She watched as the scene around her continued in the same vein as the episode. Whilst she was sad that the pig would die, it would be in agony from the modifications that the Slitheens did to the poor creature. She was sure that the 'mermaid' would not live long either way. After all Victorian mermaids never did.
"I just assumed that's what aliens look like, but you're saying it's an ordinary pig from Earth." Tosh said whilst looking down at the now dead pig.
"You were right Mira. More like a mermaid. Victorian showmen used to draw the crowds by taking the skull of a cat, gluing it to a fish and calling it a mermaid. Now someone's taken a pig, opened up its brain, stuck bits on, then they've strapped it in that ship and made it dive bomb. It must've been terrified. They've taken this animal and turned it into a joke." The Doctor ran his hand down his face. Sad about the loss of life. Mira stood silently as he took her hand, guiding her out of the room. The sight of the pig weighed on her, but she couldn't dwell on it for long. There were bigger mysteries to solve.
As they walked away, Mira heard Toshiko's voice behind them. "So, it's a fake, a pretend, like the mermaid. But the technology augmenting its brain, it's like nothing on Earth. It's alien. Aliens are faking aliens. But why would they do that? Doctor?"
As the TARDIS hummed back to life, Mira stayed by the Doctor's side, sensing his quiet grief. When they landed, she gently stepped back, already anticipating Rose's return with Mickey and Jackie. She silently hoped the TARDIS could handle Jackie's inevitable scepticism.
"All right, so I lied. I went and had a look. But the whole crash landing's a fake. I thought so. Just too perfect. I mean, hitting Big Ben. Come on, so I thought let's go and have a look." The Doctor said to Rose, his back to her but hearing the door opening.
"My mum's here." Rose said, walking up to him.
"Oh, that's just what I need. Don't you dare make this place domestic." The Doctor said, pointing at Rose.
"You ruined my life, Doctor. They thought she was dead. I was a murder suspect because of you." Mickey angrily yelled at the Doctor. More aggressive than Mira remembered from the episode, but then again, an actor wouldn't have gone through it physically and experienced the mental suffering he had. Mira hit her head with the palm of her hand. She had forgotten to tell Jackie to leave off Mickey.
"You see what I mean? Domestic." The Doctor turned away from the people in the console room, facing towards Mira.
"I bet you don't even remember my name." Mickey spat at the Doctor.
"Rickey" The Doctor retorted.
"It's Mikey."
"No, it's Ricky."
"You think you know your own name? How stupid are you?" Mira sighed at the two 'alpha males' bickering, rolling her eyes before stepping up and swatting the Doctor on the back of the head. What am I doing? she thought, surprised at her own boldness. She had only known the Doctor for two days, and already she was acting like they'd been friends for years.
"Be nice, Doctor. You were late, and Rose's mum gave him a hard time." Mira scolded. The Doctor dipped his head in acknowledgment, though she knew it wouldn't soften his stance on Mickey. Still, it was a small win.
The three watched as Rose followed her mum out of the TARDIS shouting at her before quickly returning.
"That was a real spaceship." Rose asked the Doctor, slightly surprised that it was real.
"Yep." He replied
"So, it's all a pack of lies? What is it then? Are they invading?"
"Funny way to invade, putting the world on red alert." Mickey jumped into the conversation.
"Good point! So, what're they up to?" The Doctor said, pointing at Mickey. Slightly surprised that the ape actually made a good point.
The Doctor headed to the underside of the TARDIS, pulling apart wires to get the response he wanted from the monitor.
"So, what're you doing down there?" Mickey asked the Doctor
"Ricky." The Doctor condescendingly replied.
"Mickey."
"Ricky" Smack. Mira's hand landed on the Doctor's head again. "It's Mickey," she corrected firmly.
"I suppose not."
"Well shut it then." Mira held back from hitting the Doctor again, realizing she might be overstepping. I really hope I'm not kicked out before I choose to leave. No coming back if that happens. Instead, she settled for glaring daggers at the back of his head as he went on, rude as ever.
"Got it! Ha, ha! Patched in the radar, looped it back twelve hours so we can follow the flight of that spaceship. Here we go. Hold on. Come on." The Doctor finally smiled and pulled himself up to watch the monitor. "That's the spaceship on its way to Earth, see? Except. Hold on. See? The spaceship did a sling shot round the Earth before it landed."
"What does that mean?" Rose asked him.
"It means it came from Earth in the first place. It went up and came back down. Whoever those aliens are, they haven't just arrived, they've been here for a while. The question is, what have they been doing?"
"Trouble," Mira muttered, half to herself, feeling the weight of the situation settling in. With a sigh, she realised she would have to talk to Rose. While the Doctor and Mickey argued, Mira quietly pulls Rose aside, her voice calm but firm. Rose looks at her with suspicion, arms crossed.
Mira took a deep breath. Treat her like a student. "Rose, can I talk to you for a second? I want to clear the air about something."
"Clear the air about what? You've barely said two words to me, except when you're telling me off! You think you're better than me or something?" Rose snapped at Mira.
Mira's hands rose defensively. "No, no. That's not what I'm saying. I don't think I'm better than you, Rose, not by a long shot." She paused, taking a breath, choosing her words carefully. "Look, I know I came off a bit... harsh earlier. That wasn't fair of me, and I'm sorry for that. But I need to talk to you about something important."
"Yeah? What's so important? What have I done that's so wrong now?" Rose asked defensively.
Mira took a deep breath. Doing a lot of deep breathing today, aren't ya? "It's not about being right or wrong. It's about how we treat people. Rose, I feel like you've been giving me the cold shoulder. It's stung a bit, like I'm just… well, invisible."
"I wasn't ignoring you. I've got a lot going on, alright? We're busy. Besides, it's not like I asked for you to come along!" Rose snapped back.
"And I didn't ask you to come along either! I was here first, but you don't see me trying to push you out like you've been doing to me." Mira tried to calm down, she had yelled. She didn't mean to do that. "I'm not trying to step on your toes. I really am just trying to get by, the same as you. I've never done anything like this before, just like you haven't. But Rose, your mum… she had no idea where you were for a year. Can you imagine how that must've felt for her?"
"Don't bring my mum into this." Rose clenched her fists, ready to take a swing at Mira. Mira clenched her jaw, willing herself to stay calm. Not the time to snap, no matter how tempting.
"I'm not trying to upset you. But think about it, Rose. For us, it was two days. For her, it was twelve months. She didn't know if you were dead or alive. That's... that's a big deal. And she loves you more than anything, she was terrified." She paused, carefully watching Rose's reaction "I know you care about her. And if you'd been in her shoes, how would you feel?"
Rose sat in silence for a moment, her fists unclenching, but her frame still holding much frustration. "I didn't mean for it to happen like that... It's not like I knew."
"I know you didn't. But maybe, just… keep that in mind. Your mum's going through hell, and she needs you. And maybe... I need you, too. We're in this together, Rose. You don't have to like me, but we're a team, whether we asked for it or not." Her voice softened; she really was just a child. "I don't want us to feel like we're against each other. I'm here if you need me, for anything. I want to help. Just... don't shut me out."
Rose chewed her lip, looking down at the ground. Mira could see her words setting in. "I guess I didn't think about how much I've hurt people. I just… I didn't ask for all this, y'know? I just wanted an adventure."
Mira smiled at her. "I hear ya. It's bloody amazing, right? All this stuff with the Doctor, travelling everywhere. But… there's always a price, y'know? Sometimes, the people we care about get caught in the crossfire. Wanting the adventure's fine, but we gotta keep in mind the people we leave behind, and the ones tagging along."
Rose bowed her head in shame. Realising that she was in the wrong.
"We'll figure it out together, okay? We don't have to be best mates, but we can have each other's backs." Mira put her hand on Rose's shoulder, comforting her. She knew that she had caused Rose enough strife for today.
Rose and Mira walked back to hear the tail end of the conversation between the Doctor and Mikey with the commenting about how the Doctor had changed.
"Ok boys, time to head to the scene of the crime. You'll finally be able to say what you have always wanted to say Doc." With a smirk, Mira ushered the trio out the door, pulling out her key to lock it behind her as they were swarmed by Police cars. Mira could see Saxon on the side of the armoured personnel carriers and felt a chill run through her. He can't be here already? Then again 18 months would take him to before this date.
She could hear Jackie calling out for Rose. Mira grimaced, remembering how the Doctor had been captured because of her. Hope it was bloody worth it. Mickey ran off as soon as the lights turned on. Well, that didn't change. She rose her hands over her head and smiled as she heard the Doctor talking.
"Take me to your leader." The Doctor grinned at the police surrounding them. They were quickly ushered into a black car
"Well, you were right, I finally got to say my favourite line." The Doctor said, turning to Mira. All she did was smile in response. Anxiety gnawed at Mira, her mind racing with dark thoughts about what was to come. Who do I save? How do I make the right choice? She could not hear the Doctor and Roses conversation, nor when it ended. She didn't hear the Doctor asking for her opinion, didn't register his concern when she didn't respond. How can I save Indra? She realised that she could hear a heartbeat. She wondered why that was. It certainly wasn't her own, it was too fast. Vaguely she could hear deep breaths. She slowly realised her head was on someone's chest with one of her ears covered. With a start she realised she must be on the Doctor's chest. There was a distinct lack of breasts and a leather jacket that smelt delicious.
Mira shot upright, muttering apologies for spacing out, barely acknowledging the Doctor's concerned questions. And quickly opening the door realising that the car had stopped. I didn't even get to ask what the importance of 10 Downing Street is.
She pushed passed the door, ignoring the paparazzi surrounding them. The flashes of cameras felt disorienting, but she kept her focus. Stick to the plan, Mira. Don't get distracted.
Realising that the Doctor and Rose had come in, she smiled at them and walked over to Indra Ganesh knowing that he would be wanting to start soon.
"Ladies and gentlemen, can we convene? Quick as we can, please. It's this way on the right, and can I remind you ID cards are to be worn at all times." Mira stood slightly back with the Doctor and Rose, feeling an odd sense of detachment from the whole scene. I'm just an observer here, aren't I? She watched as the Doctor was handed his ID card, then surprisingly, she was given one too. She blinked in confusion.
"Here's your ID card. I'm sorry, your companion doesn't have clearance." Indra stated to the Doctor and Mira.
"But why did I get a card? I'm a companion." Mira muttered, furrowing her brow in confusion. Since when am I not part of this?
"I'm not sure ma'am, but I was told to give you an ID card. And sir, you are the code nine not her. I'm sorry, Doctor. It is the Doctor, isn't it? She'll have to stay outside."
Seeing the Doctor start to argue, Mira pressed her fingers gently against his wrist, leaning in to whisper, "I'll stay with Rose, keep the ID card off."
It's fine, right? It's just one moment where I don't follow him inside. She pulled back and noticed Harriet grabbing hold of Rose and pulling her to the side. With a smile, she wandered over to them.
"That's right. Don't look round. Harriet Jones, MP Flydale North." Harriet led Rose and Mira to a hallway, away from the rest of the crowd heading toward the cabinet room. I wonder what MP means. "This friend of yours, he's an expert, is that right? He knows about aliens?"
"Why do you want to know?" Rose asked, her face twisted in confusion as she glanced down at Harriet's hand still gripping her arm.
Mira could sense Harriet's emotions bubbling to the surface, and sure enough, the MP burst into tears. Seeing Harriet unravel like that tugged at something inside Mira. God, I'd cry too if I found the Prime Minister's dead body hollowed out like that.
Instinctively, Mira moved Rose aside and embraced Harriet in a comforting hug. She's going through hell, isn't she? Despite knowing Harriet's future choices, Mira found herself respecting the strength it took for Harriet to hold herself together in this crisis. This woman is so much more than what history will reduce her to.
"They turned the body into a suit. A disguise for the thing inside!" Harriet sobbed into Mira's shoulder. What am I doing? I'm no expert at this... just winging it, I guess.
"It's all right. We believe you. It's, it's alien. They must have some serious technology behind this. If we could find it, we could use it." Rose responded, her tone growing more focused as she began to rummage through the nearby cupboards. Mira's gaze followed Rose. That body's got to be here somewhere, right? A few moments later, Rose opened a cupboard, and sure enough, a lifeless body tumbled to the floor. There he is—Tony Blair, huh? Well, that's going to make headlines.
"Oh my god, is that the- "Rose was suddenly cut off by Indra storming into the room.
"Harriet, for God's sake. This has gone beyond a joke. You cannot just wander. Oh, my God. That's the Prime Minister!" Indra gasped, stumbling back in shock. Here we go. Mira's heart quickened as she prepared herself for what was about to happen next. She quickly moved over to stand by Indra. Stay calm, Mira. Don't show fear. This isn't your first encounter with an alien, remember?
"Oh! Has someone been naughty?" Margaret purred as she walked into the room. Mira clenched her fists, feeling the ID card in her hand. Timing is everything. As soon as she unzips that suit…
"That's impossible. He left this afternoon. The Prime Minister left Downing Street. He was driven away!" Indra shouted at Margaret, still shocked at body in the room.
"And who told you that, hmm? Me." Margaret stepped forward, her hand already reaching for the zipper in her hairline. A bright flash of light engulfed the room as the skin suit peeled away, revealing the monstrous green form beneath. Margaret's giant talons closed around Indra's neck.
Without hesitation, Mira threw the sparking ID card at Margaret, watching with satisfaction as the Slitheen seized violently, the electricity coursing through her alien body. It worked! Now, move!
She rushed forward, pulling Indra free from Margaret's grasp. "Go! Get out of here! Now!"
The others stood frozen for a moment, shock evident in their wide eyes, before they snapped back into action. Mira quickly ushered them out of the room, her heart still racing. This is far from over, she thought, guiding them to safety. We'll be back—there's no stopping it now.
She knew they would be returning to prevent World War Three.