The troupe stared at him in shock and awe. This was not the first time The Doctor had regenerated Infront of them, but it was still hard to adjust. The new Doctor looked around the group, his gaze finally resting on Porsha, whose eyes were brimming with tears. He knew he had to explain, but words felt inadequate. "Porsha," he said gently, "I'm still me. The same person you've travelled with, the same Time Lord who's made all those promises to keep you safe." "I know Doctor but every time you change it feels like I'm losing a friend," she replied, her voice cracking. "I understand," he said, taking her paw in his hand, "But I'm still here. And together, we'll face whatever the universe throws at us." he looked at her "that is if you still want to travel with me?" Porsha was conflicted, she felt a strange mix of grief and excitement. The Doctor she knew wasn't sure if she wanted to or not, she had a lot of traumatic experiences since the Doctor first arrived in this universe, but she had also had loads of great adventures.
Title Sequence
DANIEL CRAIG
HALSEY
DOCTOR WHO
THE MAN WHO WISHES
Buster broke the silence with a cough "Doctor, we need to talk," he said, his eyes serious. The Doctor nodded and followed him into his office. Buster closed the door behind them and leaned against the desk. "What's wrong?" asked the Doctor, sensing the tension in the air. "It's Porsha," Buster began, "Her emotions have been all over the place since you two started traveling together. She's been through so much, and I don't know if she can handle it anymore." The Doctor sighed, understanding the koala's concern. "I'll talk to her," he promised. "But she's stronger than she knows, and sometimes the best way to heal is to keep moving forward." Meanwhile, Porsha sat in her dressing room, surrounded by the costumes of her past performances. Her thoughts swirled with confusion and fear. She had grown to love the Doctor, but his constant regeneration was a stark reminder of the impermanence of life. A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. "Porsha, can I come in?" It was the Doctor. She wiped her eyes and nodded, unable to speak. He sat down next to her, his posture mirroring her own. "I know this is hard for you," he said softly. "But I need you to trust me."
The Doctor took her hand, his new face earnest. "Regeneration is part of who I am, it's how I survive. And I promise you, no matter what face I wear, I will always be here for you." He paused, searching for the right words. "But I also understand if you need time to think, to decide if you want to continue traveling with me." Porsha looked down at their joined hands, the fur on her paws standing on end from the energy coursing through her. "I do want to keep traveling," she murmured, "but I'm scared." "I'm scared that one of these days I will get killed and you will just go downhill. I have seen what your capable of when you angry or hurt, it scares me."
The Doctor's expression softened. "I won't lie to you, Porsha," he said, his voice gentle. "Regeneration can be unpredictable. But I've learned to live with it, to find the joy in the change. And I promise to do everything in my power to protect you, to make sure that doesn't happen." He squeezed her hand gently. "But if you ever feel like you need to leave, like it's too much, I'll understand. Your happiness is what's most important." "Doctor why don't you ever just stop and stay with us?" she asked "Why do you always have to keep running?" "Because the universe needs protecting and I'm the one who can do it," he replied with a sad smile "But that doesn't mean I don't wish I could stay. I just sometimes wish it would stop, and I could enjoy the quiet moments."
The troupe gathered outside, their conversations hushed as they watched the Doctor and Porsha through the crack in the door. They knew the bond they shared was special, and the thought of losing either one of them was unbearable. Suki leaned against the wall, her arms crossed over her chest. She had seen the Doctor go through regeneration before, but this time felt different. "He's going to be okay, right?" she murmured to no one in particular. "He's always okay," Buster said, trying to sound more confident than he felt. Inside the office, the Doctor and Porsha sat in silence for a few moments longer before Porsha took a deep breath. "I'm okay," she said finally. "I'm ready to face whatever comes next." "So, you mean that?" The Doctor's smile grew a little brighter, the tension in his face easing. "I've never meant anything more," he assured her. "Then let's get back to the TARDIS," Porsha said, standing up. "We have a universe to explore." As they left the room, the Doctor turned to face Buster, who had been quietly waiting outside. "Thank you," he said, his voice sincere. "For what?" Buster asked, confused. "For looking out for her," the Doctor replied. "For being her rock when I couldn't be." Buster nodded, his expression a mix of relief and determination. "We're a team," he said. "And we'll always be here for her." The Doctor clapped him on the shoulder, and together they walked back to the stage, where the rest of the troupe was waiting.
The Doctor took in his surroundings with a keen interest, his eyes scanning the theatre with the same curiosity that had always driven him. "So," he said, turning to Porsha, "Where to next?" Porsha looked up at him, her eyes shining with excitement. "Anywhere," she said, her voice filled with hope. "But first, we need to tell the others." The Doctor nodded, and they stepped into the circle of their friends. "We're going to keep traveling," Porsha announced, her voice strong and steady. "The Doctor and I."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the group, quickly followed by cheers and congratulations. The Doctor felt a warmth spread through his chest at their support. "I am glad that I met all of you," he said, looking around at the troupe. "See you soon guys" Porsha said with excitement in her voice, knowing that she was about to embark on a new set of adventures with the Doctor.
As they approached the TARDIS, the Doctor couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia. This wasn't his first regeneration, nor would it be his last. He had lost companions before, but something about Porsha made her feel irreplaceable. "Don't worry," he told her, sensing her anxiety. "We're going to be fine." But the question remained, where would they go next? They decided on a peaceful retreat to the planet of Elysia, a place known for its healing properties and serene landscapes. It was a place where the Doctor had taken companions before to recover from their own traumas. The TARDIS hummed to life, and the console lit up with a familiar glow. The Doctor set the coordinates, and with a gentle lurch, they were off.
The planet looked like a painting, with vibrant colors and lush vegetation as far as the eye could see. They stepped out of the TARDIS into a tranquil clearing, the air filled with the sweet scent of exotic flowers. But the peace was short-lived. In the distance, they heard the unmistakable sound of Dalek drones. The Doctor's eyes widened with shock and concern. "This isn't right," he murmured. "Elysia is supposed to be a sanctuary."
They made their way through the forest, staying as quiet as possible, until they stumbled upon a group of terrified inhabitants. "The Daleks," one of them gasped. "They've come for the crystal." The Doctor's eyes narrowed. "What crystal?" The creature explained that a powerful artifact called the Heart of Elysia was hidden in the sacred forests, capable of healing any wound, physical or emotional. It was the very reason they had come here, but now it was in danger. "Why do The Daleks want The Crystal?" The Doctor asked with urgency. "They seek to harness its power for destruction," the creature replied. "Why do they always survive?" The Doctor thought to himself.
The Doctor and Porsha shared a determined look. They set off into the dense foliage, following the path the creature had indicated. The air grew thick with tension, and the distant rumble of Dalek patrols grew louder with each step. The Doctor's hand hovered over the sonic screwdriver in his pocket, ready to act at the first sign of danger. They moved quickly and quietly, their eyes peeled for any movement. Suddenly, the Doctor stopped, his hand shooting up to silence Porsha. "I've got a signal," he murmured, pulling out the sonic. A faint beep grew louder, pointing towards a hidden cave entrance shrouded in vines.
As they approached, the unmistakable silhouettes of Daleks emerged from the shadows, their gleaming casings a stark contrast to the verdant surroundings. "Extraction of Crystal proceeding as planned," one of them announced in their cold, mechanical voices. The Doctor's grip on the sonic screwdriver tightened. "Not if I have anything to say about it," he replied, stepping into the clearing with Porsha at his side. "ALERT! The Doctor is present!" The Daleks turned in unison, their sensors scanning the new threat. "Yep, that's me," said the Doctor with smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, "Scans detect he is unarmed" one Dalek said "Yep That's me unarmed, Well if you count my mind not being a weapon" said the Doctor with a cheeky grin.
The leader Dalek, recognizing the Doctor's voice, announced, "The Doctor will not interfere!" But the Doctor had other plans. He quickly assessed the situation, noticing the cables snaking from the crystal to the Dalek's ship. "Ah, the Heart of Elysia," he said, his eyes lighting up with curiosity. "What do you plan to do with it?" The Daleks ignored him, continuing their work, but the Doctor's tone grew serious. "You can't have it," he said firmly, his voice echoing through the clearing. "This crystal belongs to the people of Elysia, and it will stay here to protect them." The Daleks were not moved by his words, their only response was a cold, metallic. "Exterminate!"
"Porsha Get Down!" The Doctor shouted, pulling Porsha to the ground as a barrage of laser beams shot over their heads. The Daleks approached, their cold, unfeeling eyes fixed on the new obstruction in their path. The Doctor leaped frogged over a rock, his sonic screwdriver already at work, disrupting their sensors and buying them precious seconds. "Porsha, find the crystal! I'll keep them busy!" He yelled, rolling into a somersault and landing behind a tree.
Porsha nodded, her fear momentarily overridden by adrenaline. She sprinted into the cave, the echo of the Doctor's battle with the Daleks reverberating through the cavern. The cave walls were lined with a soft, pulsing light that grew brighter the closer she got to the crystal. She could feel its power, a warm, comforting energy that seemed to resonate with her very soul. It was a stark contrast to the cold, destructive intent of the Daleks outside.
Meanwhile, the Doctor darted between trees and rocks. He dodged laser beams with a grace that surprised even himself, his sonic screwdriver a blur as it bounced from one Dalek to the next. "Your kindness is your weakness," one Dalek taunted, but the Doctor only laughed. "No," he replied, "It's what makes me strong." "But you would never understand kindness," He said, "You're all about destruction and hatred, but I'm about creation, about making things right."
The Daleks closed in, their dome lights pulsing with menace. "Exterminate!" They shouted in unison, but the Doctor had one last trick up his sleeve. He aimed the sonic screwdriver at the crystal's power source, redirecting the energy into a feedback loop. The ground trembled, and the air crackled with power. The Daleks stumbled, their systems overloading. "Porsha! Now!" He called, his voice carrying over the din of the feedback.
Porsha emerged from the cave, clutching the glowing crystal to her chest. The Doctor's eyes widened with pride. "Good work," he shouted, leaping over a downed Dalek. He sprinted towards her, dodging blasts of energy. The crystal pulsed in her hands, and she felt a surge of strength. "What do we do now?" she yelled over the chaos. "We run," he said, grabbing her paw and pulling her towards the area where the Tardis was parked. "We need to get this back to the Capital City and warn the Council!"
They dashed through the forest, the Daleks' shrieks of anger growing fainter with each step. The Doctor's regeneration energy was wearing off, and he was beginning to feel the strain of his new body. "I'm sorry," he panted, "I didn't mean for this to happen on your first trip." Porsha just nodded, her eyes focused on the path ahead. "It's okay," she said, "We're in this together." The Doctor felt a swell of gratitude for her unwavering support.
They reached the TARDIS, its blue exterior a beacon of safety in the chaos. The Doctor fumbled with the key, his hands shaking. "Come on," he murmured, "Open up." The doors swung wide, and they tumbled inside, slamming them shut just as the first Daleks burst into the clearing. "Take us to the Capital City," the Doctor ordered, his breathing ragged. "But what about the Daleks?" Porsha asked, her grip tight on the crystal. "We'll deal with them later," he assured her, his eyes on the controls. "First, we save Elysia and its people."
The TARDIS took off with a lurch, the Doctor leaning heavily on the console as he set the coordinates. The ship rumbled and groaned, the engines protesting the strain of their hasty departure. "Hold on," he warned, as they plunged through the time vortex. The swirling colors outside the windows made Porsha's head spin, but she focused on the crystal's steady glow. It was a comforting presence amidst the chaos.
Landing with a thump, the Doctor pulled himself up and straightened his tie. "We're here," he announced. "Capital City." He opened the doors, and they stepped out into a bustling metropolis unlike anything Porsha had ever seen. The buildings were tall and gleaming, the streets filled with creatures of all shapes and sizes going about their business. The Doctor scanned the area, his eyes searching for any sign of trouble. "There's the council building," he said, pointing to a towering structure in the distance. "We need to get the crystal to them and explain what's going on."
They hurried through the crowded streets, the Doctor's stride long and purposeful. Porsha struggled to keep up, the weight of the crystal and her anxiety slowing her down. The Doctor noticed her discomfort and offered to carry the crystal. She handed it over with a grateful nod, feeling the burden lift from her shoulders.
As they approached the council building, the Doctor's expression grew grim. "We can't let them get the crystal," he said. "It would mean the end of everything we've worked for." Porsha nodded, her determination unwavering. "We won't," she replied, her eyes reflecting the crystal's glow. "What is the meaning of this" A member of the council, a regal looking alien, demanded as they burst into the chamber, the Doctor panting and Porsha clutching the crystal protectively. "Daleks," the Doctor said succinctly. "They're after the Heart of Elysia." The council members gasped in horror. "But the Daleks went extinct during The Last Great Time War" The Doctor froze "How do you know of the Time War" The Doctor said "I'm from another universe The Last Great Time War was Time locked in my Universe." The Doctor said "There was another Time War? " the Council member asked "Yes, but that means The Last Great Time War Happened Here as well" the Doctor said, the gravity of the situation weighing on him.
The room fell silent as the council members exchanged horrified glances. "How could this be?" one of them whispered. The Doctor sighed, his shoulders slumping. "It seems that no matter where I go, the shadow of the Time War follows me." He looked at Porsha, his eyes filled with a sadness she had never seen before. "That means that I have bought the Daleks from my universe here." "Members of the Council I am so sorry for what I have done, I never wanted this to happen here" The Doctor said with his head hung low.
Porsha stepped forward, placing a comforting paw on the Doctor's arm. "You didn't do this," she said firmly. "You're here to stop them. That's all that matters." Her voice was steady, her gaze unwavering. The Doctor looked at her, the weight of his guilt momentarily lifted by her words. He took a deep breath and nodded. "Thank you, Porsha," he murmured. "Let's do this." The Doctor looked at the Crystal and scanned it with his screwdriver "This Crystal what's so important about it?" The Doctor asked "It's the essence of our planet, it's what keeps Elysia's ecosystem in balance, without it we're doomed." A council member explained "Then it's more important than ever that we keep it out of the Daleks reach," said the Doctor with a steely resolve. "Hold on if it affects the ecosystem why has it gone crazy since we moved it?" Porsha asked "That's one of the mysteries of our home the Crystal has been moved many times and yet the planet remained unchanged" The Council member said "But it's never been taken by force, the Daleks are unlike any threat we have ever faced." The Doctor spoke up. "Well, it's a good thing I'm here, because I have faced the Daleks many times before and I know what to do."
Just then, the doors to the chamber slammed open, and a squadron of Daleks rolled in, their weapons at the ready. "The Doctor," they intoned in their chilling unison. "You will surrender the crystal immediately." The room was filled with the harsh metallic echo of their voices, and the Council members cowed in fear. "Never going to happen," the Doctor said, his own voice steady and calm. He had faced Daleks before, and he knew what to do.
Porsha took a step back, clutching the Heart of Elysia tighter to her chest. The Doctor spun into action, sonic screwdriver in hand. He sprinted around the chamber, dodging laser beams that sizzled through the air, leaving trails of smoke in their wake. The Council members looked on in amazement as he outmaneuvered the Daleks, using the environment to his advantage. The Doctor knew that their weakness was their lack of mobility, so he kept moving, using his knowledge of their technology to predict their movements and stay one step ahead.
"You cannot escape," the Daleks declared, their mechanical voices ringing through the chamber. The Doctor smirked, a plan forming in his mind. "On the contrary," he said, his eyes flicking to Porsha, "we're not the ones who are trapped." He dashed to the side, drawing the Daleks' fire away from the Council. Porsha took the cue and made a break for the exit, her speed surprising even herself. "ALERT CRYSTAL IS MOBILE!" The Daleks screeched, pivoting to give chase.
The Doctor followed closely behind, using his sonic to disable several of the Daleks' weapons as he went. They weaved through corridors, the Doctor's pure determination driving them forward. The air was thick with the stench of burning metal and the screech of Dalek pursuit. The Council members, initially frozen in fear, found their courage and began to assist, using their own unique abilities to slow the Daleks' advance.
But Porsha's run was abruptly halted as she reached a dead-end, a solid wall of steel blocking their escape. The Daleks closed in, their dome lights pulsing with malicious intent. "Exterminate!" they shouted, their weapons charging up for the kill. Panic set in, but Porsha didn't flinch. Instead, she clutched the crystal tighter, feeling a sudden surge of power.
The Heart of Elysia pulsed in her grip, the light within it growing brighter and more intense. It was as if the crystal itself was responding to the threat. Without warning, beams of pure, white-hot energy shot out from the crystal, engulfing the Daleks in a blinding flash. The Doctor skidded to a stop, his eyes widening in amazement as the Daleks' shells began to crack and melt away. The room reverberated with their anguished wails, the sound of their defeat a symphony of mechanical agony.
Porsha stared at the crystal in shock, her paws trembling. "How did it do that?" she whispered. The Doctor looked at her, his expression a mix of awe and concern. "I think," he said slowly, "that the Heart of Elysia is more than just a crystal. It seems to be a living creature, a guardian of this world." He stepped closer, examining the crystal with renewed interest. "It's responding to the danger"
The Daleks' cries grew weaker, their forms dissolving into pools of molten metal. The Doctor turned to Porsha, a smile of victory etched on his face. "You did it," he said. "You and the crystal." Porsha looked down at the Heart of Elysia, now dimming in her grasp. "What happens now?" she asked, her voice still shaking with the aftermath of adrenaline. "We return The Heart of Elysia to where it belongs," the Doctor replied taking the crystal from her. "We would like to thank you Doctor for saving our world" said one of the Council members who had followed them. "It's not me you should thank" said the Doctor "it's Porsha and the Heart of Elysia." He said smiling. With The remaining Daleks having retreated, the Council members and the Doctor formulated a plan to restore the crystal to its rightful place and fortify the planet's defenses against future threats. The Doctor and Porsha stood on a cliff overlooking the Capital "Well Porsha we best be off to the next adventure" he said "But this time I will try and find somewhere less explosive" he added with a chuckle.
End of Episode 18
CAST
The Doctor: DANIEL CRAIG
Porsha Crystal: HALSEY
Council Member: MORGAN FREEMAN
Voice of The Daleks NICHOLAS BRIGGS
