Hi again, everyone. This is the third entry in my 'Family Reunion' saga, and the final story I'll write until after we enter the new year. This 2-chapter Christmas themed tale is somewhat different from the previous two stories I've done, as it is more focused on character rather than adventure, as I thought it would be nice to write a story in which the Doctor and Jenny get to enjoy a nice evening out and take a break from saving the universe.
The setting for this Christmas yarn is 'Maruthea', a space station in the centre of the space/time vortex, that first appeared in the 1991 Seventh Doctor comic strip 'Party Animals'. Its unique nature allows characters from other continuities and franchises to appear, such as the Marvel Comics' characters Death's Head and Captain Britain, so I've written in some cameo appearances of my own here. I also took inspiration from Milliways, the Restaurant at the End of the Universe, from 'The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy'.
In the quiet, rarely used make-up room of the TARDIS, the Doctor was meticulously getting herself spruced up in a way she had never had to before in her previous male incarnations. The air in the room seemed to crackle with anticipation as she sat herself down in front of the antique vanity mirror, and the Doctor reminded herself that she was not just preparing for any ordinary outing. This was a night she had been looking forward to for quite a while now: an evening out with her daughter, Jenny. The thought of spending a pleasant normal social time with her daughter filled the Doctor with a warmth that no star in the universe could match, her two hearts fluttering with the kind of excitement that could only come from the simple pleasure of being a mother, something she was actually still getting used to.
"Hmm, I've never had to do this kind of thing before," the Doctor murmured to herself, a hint of amusement in her voice as her hazel-coloured eyes inspected the array of cosmetic tubes and brushes scattered on the table before her. "But there's a first time for everything, I suppose."
With a gentle touch, she picked up a tube of pale pink lipstick, its colour reminiscent of a soft alien sunset she once saw. The Doctor twisted the base, and the stick of colour emerged, shimmering slightly in the dim light of the room. She pursed her lips, considering the shade. It was not something she would have chosen in the past, but now, it seemed perfectly suited to her new feminine form. The thought of applying it brought a mix of amusement and curiosity, a novel experience that she had not anticipated in her millennia of travels.
The Doctor leaned closer to the mirror, her eyes focusing on her lips. She applied the lipstick with a careful precision, takings things slowly since this was actually the first time in her many lives that she had ever bothered with make-up of any kind. She carefully used the tip of the lipstick to outline before filling in the rest. The motion was unfamiliar, yet surprisingly calming, like performing a delicate alien ritual that had been lost to time. As she finished, she smacked her lips together and leaned back for a moment to admire her handiwork in the reflection of the mirror.
"Not too shabby, if I do say so myself," she said with a wink of satisfaction.
The Doctor's hands next hovered over the other contents of the make-up box, the brushes and powders a rainbow of possibilities. She selected a soft, fluffy brush, dipped it into a pan of shimmery face powder, and with gentle strokes, she applied the powder, blending it into her skin with a practiced ease that belied her newfound femininity. The powder was light, and it gave her complexion a natural glow. She watched as her skin evened out, blemishes and shadows fading away under the gentle touch of the bristles. It was as if she was giving herself a new look without having to regenerate!
"Oh, yes," the Doctor murmured to her reflection, "just a touch of blush."
She pinched her cheeks, recalling the way human women often did it to achieve a more youthful, vibrant look. She selected a soft blush brush and dabbed it into the lightest pink shade she could find, swirling it around until the bristles were coated. With a few deft taps to the apples of her cheeks, she watched as a slight flush of colour appeared, adding a hint of life to her Gallifreyan complexion.
Moving on to her eyes, the Doctor applied some eye shadow with a steady hand, blending it carefully along her lids, the rich colour enhancing the depth of her gaze. Then she swept on some mascara, watching her lashes thicken and darken, giving her eyes a mysterious allure that she found surprisingly appealing.
"There, that should do it," she said with a nod of satisfaction, taking a step back to view the full effect. The Doctor had to admit, she was quite the picture of elegance, which was good, because she wanted to look her best for Jenny, to show her that she could be more than just a Time Lord or Time Lady with a penchant for saving the universe.
In the months since they had been reunited, the Doctor and Jenny had had many adventures together, but had not really stopped for some more leisurely mother/daughter time. The Doctor, who was still getting used to being not only a woman now, but a mother as well, had been too busy saving the universe as she had always done, and Jenny, too caught up in the excitement of their travels, had not yet had a chance to take in the value of the quieter moments of her new life with her mother. But as the Doctor had a feeling in both her hearts that this was an occasion that would be different. She had promised Jenny a night off from the cosmic battles and the running, a night where they could simply enjoy each other's company without the weight of time and space on their shoulders.
Her smile grew wider as she stood up from the chair and stepped further back to survey her full reflection in the mirror. It was strange, seeing herself in such a way, and yet, it felt right for this particular evening. The Doctor had to admit that she rather enjoyed the experience of dressing herself up like this, though the process was still somewhat foreign to her. She had chosen to wear a smart, sleeveless, full-length dress, the fabric of which was a rich and deep burgundy colour, reminiscent of a fine wine, a stark contrast to the Time Lady's usual attire. Her long and normally-straight brunette hair was swept up into an elegant low sleek bun that she had managed to pull off with surprising ease, a pair of large silver hoop earrings hung stylishly from her ears, and a silver bracelet had been placed around her right wrist. Completing the look were a pair of fine, yet comfy, heeled shoes that she had picked up during a visit to a planet known for its fashion-forward inhabitants.
As the Doctor studied herself in the mirror, she could not help but feel a sense of pride in how she looked. It was a stark contrast to the bowties and tweed jackets worn during some of her past lives.
"Mum?" a voice called out from the doorway, jolting her from her thoughts. She turned to see Jenny, her daughter, peeking in with a smile that mirrored her own.
"Wow! You look lovely!" Jenny complimented her mother, her eyes sparkling.
The Doctor beamed back. "Thanks, love," she replied, "I wanted to make sure I looked the part for our first proper mother-daughter night out tonight."
Jenny's smile grew even wider as she stepped into the room, showcasing her own transformation. Gone were the white top, jeans and colourful kimono jacket she usually donned for their interstellar escapades. In their place, she had slipped into a gold sequinned, sleeveless, evening party dress that shimmered with every step she took. It was a stunning number, hugging her form in all the right places. Her long blonde hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, and she had chosen to accessorise with a simple diamond necklace that caught the light as she moved. Completing the look were a pair of elbow-length white gloves that she was currently tugging onto her arms with a playful grin.
"You look absolutely smashing yourself," the Doctor said, her eyes lighting up as she took in the sight of her daughter, who looked quite resplendent in her outfit.
Jenny blushed, the colour rising to her cheeks, which were now a soft glow thanks to a bit of her own makeup. "Thanks," she said, "But I feel just a little bit...I don't know, silly? I've never gotten myself smartened up like this before."
The Doctor chuckled, her laughter a warm sound in the quiet room. "I know what you mean," she confessed. "I feel a bit weird myself, wearing a dress and heels instead of a tuxedo. But let's not worry too much about it. Tonight, we're just two gals out for a night on the town."
They both shared a look of understanding, the kind that transcended the complexities of time and space to connect on a purely human level. Then, the Doctor reached for a small, black purse sitting on the vanity. It was a simple accessory, useful for carrying the essentials of a night out, particularly her trusty Sonic Screwdriver. Normally, she carried the sonic device around in her jacket pocket, but since she was all dressed up, she had decided to be a little more elegant with its storage for this evening.
"Ready?" she asked Jenny, holding out her free hand, while clutching the purse with the other.
Jenny took a deep breath and slipped her hand into her mother's, the gold sparkles on her dress catching the light like stardust. "Ready as I'll ever be," she replied, her voice filled with excitement and just a touch of nerves.
The Doctor led the way, her heels clicking rhythmically on the gleaming metal floor as they strolled through the corridors of the TARDIS and reached the main control room. Jenny watched eagerly as her mother, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, began to fiddle with the controls of the hexagonal control console, her fingers dancing over the levers and switches with a finesse that could only come from centuries of practice. The console hummed and whirred in response, the time rotor rising and falling enthusiastically.
"So where exactly are we heading for, Mum?" asked Jenny.
"Maruthea, a vast planet-sized space station at the very centre of the space-time vortex," replied the Doctor. "Fun place to visit. I used to attend the birthday parties of a nice Dæmon called Bonjaxx there in some of my previous incarnations."
"Wait, you're saying this place is right at the dead centre of the infinite time vortex?" said Jenny, raising an eyebrow. "But that's impossible!"
The Doctor's eyes twinkled as she turned to look at her daughter. "Is it? For us, maybe, but for the pan-dimensional beings that first built it, it's just another party venue. They can throw a bash anywhere, anywhen. And trust me, it's the kind of place where everyone who's anyone in the oh-so vast multiverse shows up. I figured it'd be a perfect spot for us to cut loose a bit, get a taste of something different, you know?"
Jenny's eyes grew wide with wonder. "Sounds incredible. I can't wait to see it!"
The Doctor nodded, her smile growing even more mischievous. "Just remember to stick close to me. It's a bit of a...unique place. And don't eat the blue cheese – it's not what you think it is. It's actually a sentient life-form that's just trying to make friends."
With a final twist of the central column's lever, the TARDIS shuddered and settled with a comforting groan. The doors opened, and the Doctor stepped aside, allowing Jenny to take in the grandeur of the pan-dimensional space station that waited outside the time-space ship. Jenny stepped out into what looked like an impossibly huge ultra-futuristic mall, her eyes widening in awe as she took in the sights. The floor was a shimmering mosaic of chrome and crystal, reflecting the myriad of lights that danced above them in the form of a dazzling aurora. The walls were a living tapestry of holographic images that flowed and changed as if painted by the very essence of time itself.
The air was alive with the chatter of a thousand different species, their voices a symphony of clicks, whistles, and murmurs, all interwoven with the occasional burst of laughter. The scents of exotic flowers and alien spices filled the atmosphere, mingling with the tantalizing aroma of foods from across the cosmos. Jenny's nose twitched as she tried to identify each one, a delightful challenge for her enhanced senses, as the Doctor followed her out of the TARDIS and closed the door shut behind them.
They stepped into the throng of alien beings, the Doctor's arm looped through Jenny's as they made their way through the bustling crowd the swish of their dresses echoing in the vast space of the station. The Doctor was in her element, waving at familiar faces and exchanging banter in languages that Jenny had never heard before. The people they passed offered nods of respect and warm smiles at the iconic figure of the Time Lady in the vibrant burgundy dress, as she and her daughter stepped further into the bustling promenade, the heart of the space station.
The Doctor's eyes darted here and there, taking in the sights with a mix of nostalgia and curiosity. She had not been here for centuries, and the place had certainly not changed that much, though it was perhaps a bit tidier than before. The stalls had been updated, the number of visiting alien species had increased, but the underlying essence of joy and camaraderie remained the same.
But the thing she had most noticed were the Christmas decorations scattered throughout the space station. These included not just the tinsel and holly that she had come to associate with the festive season on Earth, but a riot of multi-coloured lights, tinsel-like streamers that danced in the artificial gravity, and a plethora of decorations that she could not even begin to identify. And in the centre of the promenade was a large and magnificently decorated Christmas tree, standing tall and resplendent for all to see. They were a delightful reminder that even in the vastness of space, the spirit of the season had a way of finding its place.
"Guess we've picked the right time to arrive," smiled the Doctor. "Looks like the station is in the middle of the Christmas celebrations. I always did love the festive season, even if my last three regenerations did end up taking place during Christmas."
"It's all so beautiful," Jenny whispered, her voice a mix of awe and excitement, as she took in the sight of the glistening Christmas tree before them. "How long has it been since you were last here, Mum?"
"Not since before the last great Time War broke out," sighed the Doctor, a regretful look in her eyes. "When the Daleks and the Time Lords began tearing time-and-space apart in their fighting, the management of Maruthea had the foresight to remove the station from this universe to the relatively safer domain of another. It's been far too many centuries since I've last been here. I've only just learnt recently that they've opened for business again in this reality."
For a brief moment, the Doctor's eyes clouded as she thought back to those dark times when she had been forced to become a hardened Warrior full of self-loathing, who had disavowed the name of 'Doctor' until the very last day of the Time War, which had ended with him bringing about the end of his own race, or so he had misremembered and mistakenly believed for so many years. The weight of those painful memories were a heavy burden, but she quickly pushed them aside. Tonight was not a night for sorrow, it was a night to live in the present, to enjoy the company of her daughter and to revel in the joy that the universe had to offer. She took a deep breath and the warm smile returned to her lips.
They strolled through the promenade, passing by a kaleidoscope of species. There were the Betelgeusean fire-breathers, their exotic dances casting flickering shadows across the gleaming floor. In another corner, a trio of Raxacoricofallapatorians were engaged in a heated game of intergalactic poker, their faces twisted in expressions of concentration and greed. And then there were the Ood, their tentacles swaying gently to the rhythm of a distant Christmas melody.
Jenny looked around, her eyes alight with wonder. "You know, I thought that travel between parallel universes was impossible?" she mused, her voice a gentle whisper amidst the cacophony of the station.
"Well, for most, it is usually, more so after the War," said the Doctor. "Even in the TARDIS, I can't do it, except by accident. But not for this place, darling. This is a very special place, a crossroads of sorts. It's where the fabric of reality gets a bit...thin. The engineers who built this place have mastered a science that even the greatest Time Lord minds haven't mastered."
They passed by a quartet of figures sitting at a cafe table that would have made a visitor from Earth do a double-take. The Doctor nodded at them with a knowing smile, her eyes sparkling with recognition.
"Ah, I see that Reed Richards and his family are visiting," she murmured to Jenny. "Nice to see them out of their comic book panels for a change."
Jenny's eyes grew as large as saucers as she took in the sight of a man stretching his arm to reach for a floating menu, the blonde woman next to him chuckling and briefly turning invisible as she sipped on a glowing drink that left a trail of colour in the air. The younger man on the other side of the table playfully set his whole hand on fire and began making fire shapes in the air above them, much to the annoyance of a large man seemingly made of orange rocks, whose large fist thumped hard on the table, which seemed to be made of some alien alloy that did not seem to be melting from the fiery man's heat.
"Whoa! Who are those guys, a circus act?" asked Jenny, who, not being an inhabitant of Earth, had no knowledge of who these individuals were.
The Doctor chuckled. "No, they're a team of superheroes from a different universe's Earth. The stretchy one is Mr. Fantastic, the invisible one is his wife, Susan, the man on fire is her hot-headed brother, the Human Torch, and the rocky chap is the Thing."
"And the guy with the big ears munching a vegetable?" Jenny whispered, nodding towards a furry individual on another table.
The Doctor followed her gaze and chuckled. "Ah, that's Bugs. He's from a cartoon universe. Don't worry, love, he's quite harmless. Unless you're a duck trying to outsmart him, that is."
The Doctor nodded towards a pair of figures who had just walked into view, resplendent in smart, colourful tunics. "They're from another parallel Earth as well. Captain James T. Kirk and Mr. Spock from the Starship Enterprise. I helped them out once, back when I was an all teeth-and-curls bohemian with a very long scarf. They were having a bit of bother with some Cybermen that had invaded their own universe."
Jenny stared in amazement. "Wow! And I thought some of the stuff I've seen in our own universe was a bit on the weird side," she breathed, her eyes darting from one bizarre sight to another.
The Doctor's chuckle grew into a full-blown laugh. "Oh, you haven't seen anything yet, Jenny," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Come on, let's go get a bite to eat."
They approached the entrance of a restaurant that looked like it had been plucked straight from the most opulent of royal courts. The doors were made of a gleaming, iridescent material that shifted colours with every pulse of the station's lights, and the sign above the entrance read 'The Infinite Banquet'.
The Doctor winked at Jenny. "I've heard the food here is to die for," she said, "And I should know, I've died a few times."
Jenny rolled her eyes a bit. "Mum, there are times when I can't tell if you're being serious or not."
"Well, to tell you the truth, neither can I at times," admitted the Doctor a little sheepishly. "Real life and fantasy can get somewhat muddled up after a while."
They stepped into the Infinite Banquet, and the sounds of the promenade outside were immediately replaced with a symphony of clinking glasses and sizzling dishes. The restaurant was vast, with an arched ceiling that looked like it had been painted by the very gods themselves. Stars and planets swirled in a cosmic dance, giving the illusion of a night sky. The walls were lined with booths, each one a different colour, and each one seemingly designed to cater to the anatomy of the species that occupied them.
A waiter, a being with various tentacle-like limbs and a large bulbous head, approached them. His skin was a soft shade of green, and his single large eye flickered with curiosity as he took in the Doctor and Jenny. "Welcome, esteemed guests, and a very merry Christmas to you both," he sang in a melodious tone. "I am Quinx of Alpha Centuri. How may I serve you fine ladies this evening?"
The Doctor smiled warmly. "Two for dinner, please, Quinx. And a table with a view, if you don't mind."
Quinx's tentacles danced in the air as he nodded. "Of course, madam. Right this way."
They followed him through the bustling restaurant, passing by tables filled with beings from all corners of creation, each engaged in their own conversations and revelries. Like the promenade, the restaurant was awash with Christmas decorations, which gave an extra merry feel to the place. The Doctor felt a sense of happy nostalgia as she saw the twinkling lights and the festive cheer that had become so synonymous with the season. It was a stark contrast to the memories of war and destruction that had briefly clouded her mind, and she took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the scene around her.
Quinx led them to a table that overlooked a large stage area, the centrepiece of the restaurant. The stage was currently empty, but the Doctor could feel the vibrations of something powerful building in the air. The anticipation was palpable, as if the very fabric of reality was holding its breath in anticipation of what was to come.
"Thank you, Quinx," the Doctor said, sliding into the booth. The material of the chair felt alive, moulding to the contours of her body as if it had been waiting just for her. Jenny sat opposite, her eyes wide as she took in the view.
As they perused the menu, which was a holographic projection that hovered over the table, the lights dimmed slightly and a spotlight hit the stage. The Doctor looked up, her curiosity piqued. "Ah, the entertainment's starting," she said, her eyes sparkling with interest.
On the stage, a charismatic individual, with a smile that gave the impression of being as wide as a galaxy, stepped up to the podium, dressed in a glistening colourful suit that looked like it had been woven from the very fabric of a rainbow. His skin was a shimmering blue, and his eyes were a piercing white that seemed to see into the very soul of every creature in the room.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlebeings," he spoke grandly into a microphone clutched in his hand. "And a very Merry Christmas to you all. I'm your host, Nick Zendar. Welcome one and all to the grand reopening of the Infinite Banquet, where the stars come to dine and the cosmos comes to play. And it gives me such pleasure to see so many faces here tonight, who have travelled here to attend this very special event. And I'd like to take a moment to welcome a few of the parties who have gathered here for this very special Christmas evening. Now, do we have a party of Vogans from the famed planet of gold here tonight?"
A cheer went up from a nearby table, and the audience clapped politely. The Doctor leaned in closer to Jenny, whispering, "Nick Zendar, a bit of a legend around these parts. He's got the gift of the gab, that one."
Back on the stage, Nick Zendar continued with his welcoming speech. "Oh, wonderful, wonderful! And I also gather we have a party of Pakhars, from that charming and tranquil world Pakha. A big round of applause for the Pakhars, everyone!"
The room erupted into a cacophony of claps and whistles. From their booth, Jenny could see the Pakhars, four furry hamster-like aliens, waving back gracefully, their whiskers quivering in slight embarrassment at the attention, though their eyes also gleamed with happiness.
"And I gather we might have some Confessional Priests from the Papal Mainframe with us tonight as well, some of Tasha Lem's closest supporters," said Zendar. "Unfortunately, due to their 'memory-proof' nature, no-one is sure what table they're on, or even if they're actually still here! But let's give them a round of applause anyway, just in case they are around!"
The room filled with laughter, the kind that bubbled up from the belly and filled the air with a delightful warmth, even as the sound of clapping echoed through the vast space. Jenny watched in amazement as the audience, made up of creatures of every conceivable shape and size, all came together in the shared joy of the moment. It was a heartwarming sight, and she felt a swell of real happiness at the thought of spending Christmas in such an extraordinary place.
"Oh but seriously, everyone, it is so jolly marvellous to have such a wonderful turnout here," a cheerful Nick carried on into his mic. "As many of you are probably already aware,we had to close up shop for some considerable time now, ever since the last great Time War that ravaged so much of the universe. But now, we're back! And boy, do we have a very special show for you, one that will take you on a journey through the vastness of space and the depths of time. So, without further ado, let's get this party started! And to kick start this evening, we present for your pleasure the majestic Yazar, performing the Maruthean Symphony of the Stars. They say it's a performance that transcends time and space, a symphony that tells the story of the universe itself. Ladies, gentlemen, and beings of all genders, welcome, Yazar!"
"That sounds like fun," said Jenny to the Doctor, amidst the loud sound of applause as Zendar left the stage.
The Doctor nodded. "It most certainly is. Music is a universal language, and this particular symphony sums it all up. It's something that everyone should experience at least once in their lives. Or once in their regenerations, in our case."
The lights dimmed, and the room grew quiet as the first notes of the symphony began to play. The instruments looked like nothing they had ever seen, a collection of lights and shapes that danced in the air, playing an eerie melody that seemed to resonate deep within their very souls. The music grew louder, more complex, and the Doctor watched as the colours of the walls began to pulse and shift with the rhythm, painting a visual tapestry that mirrored the emotions of the music.
Suddenly, a figure appeared on stage. It was unlike any creature Jenny had encountered before, a being of pure light and sound that seemed to dance with the music. Its form shifted and changed, weaving in and out of existence as it played an instrument that was a living extension of its own body. The crowd watched in rapt silence, transfixed by the performance.
As the symphony grew more intense, so did the light show that accompanied it. Streams of light danced across their table, and Jenny found herself reaching out to touch them, her fingertips leaving trails of glowing stardust in their wake. The Doctor's eyes widened in delight, watching her daughter's reaction to the alien artistry before them.
Quinx reappeared, his tentacles now holding a glowing tablet that served as a menu. "Excuse me, Madam, Miss," he intoned, his voice almost harmonizing with the symphony. "But have you decided what you would like for the evening?"
The Doctor looked over the holographic menu again, her eyes darting over the unfamiliar words and symbols that described the dishes. After selecting the starters, she looked through the rather long list of exotic and occasionally lethal-sounding main courses.
"Ah, I know what I'm having," she exclaimed, tapping a picture that looked suspiciously like a dish she had last had in her tenth incarnation, "Lasagna. They say it's the universe's best, and I've tasted a few versions in my time."
Jenny's eyes scanned over the options, her curiosity piqued by the exotic names and descriptions. "I think I'll have the 'Sizzling Galactic Sirloin', with a side of 'krydon chips'," she said, eager at the prospect of trying something so utterly alien.
Quinx's tentacles fluttered in approval. "Excellent choices. I shall ensure they are prepared to perfection. Enjoy the symphony," he said, before retreating into the kitchen, leaving them to the ethereal melody that filled the air.
The Doctor leaned back in her chair, a content smile on her face as she watched the light show play across the walls. The symphony grew more intense, the instruments weaving a tapestry of sound that told the story of creation itself. And then, as the last note hung in the air and the figure of light and sound took a bow, the room erupted into applause, a thunderous sound that seemed to echo through the very fabric of space itself. The Doctor and Jenny joined in, their own applause a small but earnest contribution to the cacophony.
As they waited for their meals to appear, the Doctor felt a sense of peace wash over her. For once, she had allowed herself to let go of the universe's troubles, to simply enjoy a moment with her daughter. And as the starter courses arrived, including a dish that looked like a miniature supernova on a plate, she realized that this night was going to be one that she would cherish for all her lives.
They sipped at a bottle of wine that was said to be from the very first vineyard on Florana. It was a rich, velvety liquid that tasted of time and stars. The conversation flowed as freely as the wine, covering everything from the mundane to the profound. They laughed and shared stories, the Doctor regaling Jenny with tales of her past lives, and Jenny talking about her own adventures since she had left Messaline and start exploring the universe. The Doctor felt a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the wine, or the main courses that were served up before them. It was the warmth of a mother's love, something she had never experienced before.
The sizzling Galactic Sirloin was a culinary delight, a symphony of flavours that exploded in Jenny's mouth with every bite. She had never tasted anything quite like it, and she found herself savouring each morsel as if it were the last piece of food she would ever eat. The Doctor's lasagna, on the other hand, was a comforting blend of familiar flavours that reminded her of her own youth, a time before she had even dreamed of being a Time Lord.
As the second bottle of wine was opened, and more shows played out on the stage before them, the conversation grew more philosophical. They discussed the nature of time, the responsibility of being a time traveller, and the general beauty of the universe. Jenny had always been in awe of her mother's wisdom, but tonight she saw a softer side to the Doctor, a side that was less about saving the cosmos and more about enjoying the moments in between.
The Doctor spoke of the fleeting nature of existence, her voice filled with a melancholy that was not uncommon for her kind. "You know, Jenny," she said, "Time is a funny thing. It's like trying to hold onto a river. You can feel it, you can see it, but the moment you try to grasp it, it slips through your fingers."
Jenny nodded, her eyes reflecting the stars outside the restaurant's windows. "But you've always taught me that every moment counts," she said, her voice earnest. "And that's what makes this night so special. Because it's ours."
The Doctor reached across the table and took Jenny's hand, her grip firm and warm. "Yes," she said, "It is."
Just then, Quinx returned with a tray of desserts that looked as if they had been plucked from a dream. Before they could make their choices, he leaned in and spoke softly, his tentacles fluttering with excitement. "Pardon me, Madam, Miss, but two esteemed ladies on one of the other tables have noticed your presence and wish to extend their greetings."
The Doctor raised an eyebrow. "And who might they be?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Quinx's single eye blinked rapidly, a sign of excitement and just a little trepidation. "They did not give their names, but they have mentioned they come from a place called Gallifrey."
Now the Doctor really was surprised. "Gallifrey?"
"Yes, Madam. They have requested a meeting, if it pleases you."
Jenny looked as surprised as her mother. "Mum, I thought you said Gallifrey had hidden itself from the rest of the universe in a bubble reality?"
"So it has," said the Doctor, before turning back to Quinx, her expression unreadable. "Thank you, Quinx, we'll see them."
"Very good, madam," replied the waiter, quickly putting the desserts on the table, before he shuffled off to fetch the mysterious people claiming to be from the Doctor's own homeworld.
"You look really nervous, Mum," remarked Jenny anxiously, her grip on her mother's hand tightening slightly.
"Let's just say I'm expecting trouble," said the Doctor. "My relationship with the Time Lords has always been fractious, and I didn't exactly leave Gallifrey on the best of terms in my last incarnation. We better be ready for trouble."
As both Time Ladies waited anxiously, their visitors came into view. One was a short, seemingly young woman with big, brown eyes and long brunette hair, that cascaded over her shoulders in soft waves. She looked absolutely radiant in a set of deep lilac coloured Time Lord robes, complete with the iconic collar that was so recognisable in Gallifreyan society. Her companion was a slightly shorter woman, dressed in a gown that looked as if it had been woven from the finest fabrics in the universe, the ever-changing patterns casting a mesmerizing light across her skin. She also had a young appearance, but the look in her eyes indicated that she was far older than she appeared.
The Doctor's eyebrows shot up in surprise at the sight of the woman in the Time Lord ceremonial robes. It was like she had just seen a ghost. "Clara?!"
Clara Oswald grinned. "Hello, Doctor. Merry Christmas."
To Be Continued...