And now another very creepy episode - Midnight
Next time will be a classic who episode - The Five Doctors (or the first part of it as it is a long one)
Enjoy
Amy and Rory dragged their daughter into their room, wanting a moment of privacy for the discussion that they needed to have. The pair settled on the edge of their bed, shoulders touching as a silent show of support to each other. River settled in a chair pulled over to face her waiting parents, feeling like a naughty child awaiting a scolding (a feeling she was intimately familiar with). Silence persisted in the room as the three struggled with what to say, unsure of how to start the conversation they all knew they had to have.
Rory eventually sighed, rubbing his forehead before taking a deep breath and breaking the silence. "How did you survive? I mean, we know you got out of the Library … you did get out, didn't you?"
River smiled fondly as her father fumbled his words slightly, though it was bittersweet with memories of their 'childhood' together and the knowledge of their fate. She'd been enjoying her extra time with them, and she wasn't sure how she was going to be able to deal with the pain of losing them again.
"Yes dad, I got out. How? I'm very clever and had access to a planet worth of knowledge. Stormcage couldn't contain me, what makes you think anything else could?" River smirked softly, avoiding the details for she knew that her parents didn't actually care about them as long as she was okay.
"Then why didn't you tell anyone?" Amy jumped in, impatient for answers. "It's been a long time since then for the Doctor, if anyone could track them down it would be you so why haven't you told her?"
At that question, River's expression saddened. "You both know what the Doctor's like. She was busy and it took me longer than I would have liked to escape. I wanted to rebuild my life a bit before getting involved in the chaos that encircles the Doctor. I think I always planned to tell her eventually but we both needed some time apart."
"And you weren't sure if she had moved on or not." Amy read through her daughter's fears far too easily. Neither of them was unaware of River's concerns regarding her relationship with the Doctor after some of the videos they'd seen but this was the first time they'd had an actual chance to address it. River just nodded reluctantly, stuck between glad her parents knew her and annoyed they could read her so easily.
"I'm glad you were taking some time River." Rory interjected. "You need your own life, but you also need friends and as … difficult … as the Doctor can be, she does love you." Rory and Amy shared a glance.
Amy continued her husband's sentence. "What Rory is trying to say is the two of you should have a talk, try and work out your relationship more."
"We did." River sighed, more frustrated with herself than her parents "We spent 24 years on Darillium working on it."
"Yes, but you didn't have the chance to address your death and both of you have changed since then, which isn't a bad thing. Communicating about your relationship isn't something you do once River, it's something you should always be doing." Rory continued.
"Even though we know communication is not the Doctor or your strongest point." Amy snorted. Rory just shook his head fondly at his wife.
"Regardless, we're here for you River. So, let's just enjoy this chance we've been given and spend some time together." Rory smiled softly at his wife and daughter, eager for a chance to properly spend time with them without imminent danger.
"Family bonding time." Amy declared with a wicked smile, causing Rory and River to share a fond, if not concerned, look for their fate. They'd be okay, it may take some time, but they'd get there.
Just down the hall in Donna's room sat the loud redhead herself and Martha. The pair had had a silent conversation as the last video ended, Donna being resigned to her fate and had led Martha to her room, thinking that if they were going to do this, they were at least going to be comfortable.
The pair sat in a semi awkward silence next to each other on the bed, neither sure where to start. Taking a deep breath, Martha finally decided enough was enough and the silence couldn't go on any longer. "Are you okay?" Arguably a stupid question, but they had to start somewhere.
Donna's initial response was a loud exhale followed by a clearly fake smile and a, "Why wouldn't I be?"
Martha just gave her a raised eyebrow, making Donna almost visibly deflate. "It was a while ago." Donna tried to argue.
"Maybe, but you're only just getting these memories back now and watching these videos can't be helping. I know there's a few things that I am hoping won't be shown from my adventures." Martha sighed, so far, she'd gotten away without featuring in these videos (aside from a quick appearance during Pinstripe's regeneration) and she couldn't say she was eager to experience some of their adventures again.
"I'm happy. I have a loving husband, my mum and grandad, and a decent job." Donna shook her head, trying desperately to convince myself. "I'm happy!"
"But you felt like you were missing something." Martha said kindly, shuffling closer to her friend.
Donna was unusually quiet, so Martha continued. "You're allowed to not be okay Donna; you're my friend and … I missed you." Martha's admission caused Donna to lift her eyes from the floor of the room where they'd been firmly locked for the last few moments.
"You're right." It was a quiet admission, but an honest one, "I think I knew something was missing but I tried so hard to ignore it … I missed you too, and I think some part of me did even without my memories. I miss my time with the Doctor because I didn't get to leave of my own choosing like you, it just suddenly stopped and I couldn't even remember everything I'd done. … I don't know if I can deal with losing those memories again.
Martha reached over to squeeze Donna's shoulder comfortingly. "You won't I promise. We'll figure something out. With everyone in the room we have thousands of years of knowledge and ideas we can try. It will be okay."
"I hope you're right."
"I am." Martha said confidently, "And when we get out of here, we'll make sure the Doctor visits even if we have to drag her, I know Wilf would love to see her again."
That made Donna snort, "I can just imagine mum's reaction to her."
Martha grinned, "I will pay to see that. Besides August needs to finally meet his aunty, Donna." She nudged Donna lightly with her shoulder.
"I'd like that." Donna admitted. "Thank you."
Martha's smile softened, she knew exactly what Donna was trying to say, "Any time. We're friends Donna, I know you'd do the same for me."
Donna nodded as she stood, "Let's get back to the others."
"We may as well see what chaos is in store for us next." Martha stood up with her own grin, allowing Donna to lead the way out and down the corridor. They strolled along the corridor in a comfortable silence heading towards the kitchen where they could hear chatter.
They found the rest of the group congregated around one of the larger tables in the kitchen area, varying mugs of coffee and tea strewn around the table. The only people that were missing were Amy, Rory and River, as well as the Master but a quick glance of the room revealed him sulking a corner. The Doctor was in the midst of the group, smiling and enjoying being surrounded by her friends and family.
"What are you talking about?" Martha asked curiously, moving to stand behind her husband.
"The weirdest animals we've seen." Bill declared with a dramatic sip of her coffee. Martha and Donna shared a glance and then a shrug – that was on brand with their type of chaos. Everyone shuffled to allow the pair to join as the discussion continued, the group patiently waiting for Amy, Rory and River to finish in their own time.
It was only about fifteen minutes later (of heated debate – they'd seen some weird things during their travels), before the trio they'd been waiting on strolled in happily chatting (about what no one could tell). Stopping in what sounded like the middle of a sentence, Amy crossed her arms at the group and called out, "Well? Are we going to see what's in store for us next or sit around here all day?"
The Doctor smiled at the trio, "Guess that's our cue to move on out." As she spoke, she stood up from the table, everyone following her lead. It didn't take long for them all to shuffle back through to the viewing room and settle back into what had become their normal seats, all mentally preparing themselves for what was about to come.
They didn't have to wait long as moments after they all settled, as the screen turned black and the next title was shown.
"Midnight?" Yaz raised an eyebrow, "Short title." Like many of the group she was glancing around to see if anyone had any ideas about what this video could be about.
The Doctor's face had gone white and Donna had startled as Yaz announced the title. Donna whipped round to glance concerned at the Doctor, they both had a very good guess of what this was likely to be about. It seemed the Tardis wasn't giving them a break after the emotional trauma of the last video. Despite herself Donna couldn't help but be a bit curious about the details – the Doctor had not been okay after this mess and she'd heard parts of it but she didn't know exactly what had happened.
Their reaction did not go unnoticed by the rest of the group. "I'm guessing it's not a good one then." Jack grimaced.
"From the little I know, that's putting it lightly." Donna shared his expression, gaze still focussed on the Doctor who was only just starting to come back to the present with the help of River squeezing her hand and mumbling quietly to her.
"Great, looking forward to this one then." Bill declared sarcastically, eyeing the screen warily. With no further words, the video started.
At a spa on a glittering alien world, an attendant brings Donna a telephone as she lounges by a pool wearing a bathrobe
"Looks like a nice time." Rose said cautiously, they all knew looks could be deceiving.
Donna hummed at that, "I had a nice time, finally found somewhere I could just sunbathe by the pool. The Doctor however …" They could all finish the sentence, and they were all a bit curious as it sounds like the pair had been separated for the whole mess which was unusual.
Donna repeats she said no, as on the other side of the phone, the Doctor (ten) talks about a sapphire waterfall that reaches the cliffs of oblivion and shatters into sapphire before falling into a crystal ravine
"Are you a tour guide now Doctor?" Amy teased but her smile fell at the way the Doctor flinched (at the mention of a tour guide unknown to Amy). To her credit, the Doctor tried to give Amy a smile although it was wobbly. She was not excited to experience this again.
Donna says she bet he says that to all girls. The Doctor says they're boarding now and it's not as much fun on his own, adding it only takes four hours. Donna argues it is four hours there and four more back and it is like a school trip
"Yeah, not selling it Doctor." Ryan muttered.
Donna declares she'd rather go sunbathing and the Doctor says to be careful as it is Xtonic sunlight, Donna says she is safe as the brochure says the glass if fifteen feet thick
"I think you've got the right idea about things Donna." Martha grinned at her friend.
Donna nodded, "Oh I did. Brilliant sun-bathing spot." The outside however, was another matter.
The Doctor gives up, saying he'll be back for dinner and they'll go to the anti-gravity restaurant. Donna agrees and then tells him to be careful, he says nah
The pair shared a glance, wishing the Doctor had never gone on that trip. The rest of the group was smiling despite their worry over what they were about to watch, they always enjoyed watching the dynamic duo of the Doctor and Donna – their friendship was amazing to witness.
The Doctor says what could possibly go wrong in a big space truck with a group of strangers across a diamond planet called Midnight, then he hangs up
"You know better Doctor." Rory sighed as he berated the Doctor, if anyone knew better than to test their luck like that it was the Doctor. The Doctor winced; she really had jinxed herself.
"Oh! So, the planet's called Midnight?" Bill said, "Makes sense for the title."
On the shuttle, the Doctor has taken his seat on the bus like shuttle as other passengers board. The hostess hands out juice packs and peanuts, a woman in a blue suit (Sky) asks for just the headphones please. The hostess hands them over and goes to the Doctor
Everyone one watches the normal interactions tense, waiting for a danger they knew would appear but hoping desperately it wouldn't. They couldn't help but glance at the Doctor who was clearly on edge, eyes darting between people on screen warily. The few that looked closely noticed her sad expression upon seeing the hostess, which wasn't a good sign.
The hostess gives him headphones with channels one to thirty-six, earplugs, slippers, juice pack and peanuts all complimentary. She then warns him some products may contain nuts
"Gee, I wonder where the nuts are." Rose rolled her eyes.
The Doctor says that will be the peanuts, and the hostess tells him to enjoy the trip, the Doctor replies ha can't wait, allons-y
Martha, Mickey, Rose and Donna – those that had travelled with Pinstripes – couldn't help but smile fondly at the familiar turn of phrase from the Doctor. No one was liking how the Doctor was on their own, they'd already seen that it often didn't end well when they did – though thankfully on this occasion, at least Donna would be around for the aftermath.
The hostess doesn't understand and he explains it is French for let's go. A man and his petit Indian assistant take the seats behind the Doctor, the hostess offers them stuff but the man (Hobbes) waves her off, and the assistant (Dee Dee) just takes the earplugs. Hobbes declares they call it the Sapphire Waterfall but it isn't as sapphire is an aluminium oxide but the glacier is actually compound silica with iron pigments
"Don't ruin the immersion mate." Graham said.
The hostess keeps moving to a couple as Hobbes turns to Dee Dee to ask for his pillow, then his pills which she has ready for him. Hobbes leans over to the Doctor and introduces himself as Professor Winfold Hobbes
"I'm not getting great vibes from him." Yaz tilted her head with a thrown, she didn't like how he was treating Dee Dee. Bill nodded in agreement even as a few of the older members of the group raised eyebrows at the phrasing.
The Doctor introduces him too and Hobbes says it is his fourteenth time and the Doctor shares it is his first. Dee Dee also introduces herself but Hobbes tells her not to bother the Doctor and asks where his water bottle is
"Oh yeah, that's not a great partnership." Martha grimaced, "Let me guess an intern or assistant?" The Doctor nodded in confirmation. It wasn't great that she could guess that based on how he he'd acted so far and treated Dee Dee, it would have been nice to see things change in the future but apparently some things hadn't yet.
The hostess moves past the couple – Val and Biff - who call across to their teenage son – Jethro – who is sitting separately to them. Val says to come sit with them and not be silly, Biff tells him to do what his mother says but Jethro argues he's sitting there
"Ah, awkward teenager dragged along on a family trip." Mickey shook his head.
Biff complains he's ashamed of them but doesn't mind them paying, Val says to not start and then asks if she should save the juice pack or have it now. The shuttle is finished boarding
"That is an interesting collection of people on a trip." Amy remarked, it really was an odd amalgamation of characters to share a four-hour journey with.
Nardole shrugged, "Tourists."
The hostess greets the all and welcomes to the shuttle, telling them to fasten their seatbelts as they'll be leaving in moments. The doors close and the hostess orders the shields down
"Shields?" Rory asked curious and wary, "Why do you need shields?"
"Just watch." The Doctor sighed, sinking down in her seat, her expression troubled – as it had been since the reveal of the title.
The windows become shielded as the hostess apologises, explaining they are shielded until they reach the Waterfall Palace, and gives them a reminder that Midnight has no air so don't touch the exterior door seals. She outlines the fire exit at the rear if needed and says she'll hand them over to Driver Joe
"That explains the shields." Rory sighed. It wasn't reassuring to know when they knew danger was going to appear at some point in some unknown form.
Only the Doctor noticed the concerned looks that Yaz, Graham and Ryan shared – all thinking back to their time on Orphan 55, some things were just a bit too similar for comfort. The Doctor managed to offer them a comforting smile and shake of her head – this wasn't like that.
Over the speakers, Driver Joe explains there has been a diamond fall at the Winter Witch Canyon so they'll be taking a slight detour which they can see on the maps, and the journey covers five hundred clicks with an estimated time of four hours. He thanks them for travelling with them and then the shuttle shakes a bit as they start moving
"And you're off." River muttered, she shuffled closer to her wife, squeezing the hand she still held. She was worried about what this video was going to show, from what Donna and the Doctor had said it hadn't been pleasant, and it seemed to have left a lasting negative impression.
The hostess shares they have a music channel playing retrovids of Earth classics, the latest artistic installation from Ludovico Klein, and the animation archives for younger audiences to entertain them. She says to enjoy the four hours of fun time – the screens all play noisily
"Hence the earplugs." Mickey nodded in understanding. That journey certainly didn't sound like four hours of fun even without the knowledge that at some point something was going to go drastically wrong.
Sky looks up from her book unhappy and the Doctor uses his sonic to make it go quiet and the screens return to their docks, Hobbes declares it a mercy as the hostess apologises for the failure of the entertainment system
"What a tragedy." Jack grinned, glad to see the Doctor acting like their normal self so far.
Val asks what they do, and Biff questions four hours of just sitting there. The Doctor suggests they talk to each other instead
"Novel idea." Bill muttered.
Graham nodded in approval, "Like the days before all this technology."
Ryan groaned, "Seriously grandad, we already know you're old."
"Oi!" Yaz snickered over Graham's protests.
A little later, everyone is listening to Val and Biff's stories about swimming – getting all dressed up only to find out the pool is abstract with the Shamboni
The story earned a few grins and chuckles from the group, even those who had no idea what Shamboni was (which was the majority of them), but they were all too on edge waiting for the trouble to start to really enjoy the story.
Jethro is bored as the stories continue. Even later, the Doctor and Dee Dee are getting a drink from a thermos jug as she explains she's a second-year student but wrote a paper on the Lost Moon of Poosh that Hobbes liked so took her as a researcher for the holidays but she's mostly just fetching and carrying, but it is good experience
"An unpaid intern." Bill sympathised with Dee Dee; she'd seen a few situations like that during her time at ST Luke's.
No one noticed the long knowing look that the Doctor and Donna shared at the mention of the Lost Moon of Poosh – the clues had been all around them for a while.
The Doctor asks if they ever found the Lost Moon of Poosh – they haven't. The Doctor toasts to one day finding it
"Has it been found?" Clara asked out of curiosity.
The Doctor glanced at Donna then at Martha, Mickey, Rose and Jack she'd also been involved in the mess, "You could say that."
Even later, the Doctor is sitting with Sky as they unwrap their meals and he mentions he's here with his friend Donna but she stayed at the Leisure palace, asking if she's with anyone
"Oh, gossiping about me?" Donna raised an eyebrow at the Doctor with teasing anger, curious to know he would say.
"How could I not mention you?" The Doctor grinned back fondly, snapped out of her troubled mood for the moment – Donna was good at that. After this whole mess, Donna had been a godsend and helped her cope with the nightmares and fears that had emerged from this situation.
Sky says it is just her, and the Doctor says he's done his fair share of travelling along, adding he loves it – doing what you want, go anywhere
The Doctor purposely avoided all the doubtful and pointed looks the group sent her, they all knew that was a blatant lie the Doctor had just told Sky.
Sky shares she is still getting used to it as she found herself single recently and not by choice. When asked, she adds the usual happened as her former girlfriend needed her own space and went to a different galaxy in fact. The Doctor agrees about the space saying he had a friend who went to a different universe
The Doctor and Rose made slightly awkward eye contact, though Rose couldn't help but perk up slightly at the indirect mention of herself – it was always nice to be reminded that the Doctor didn't just forget about them after they left.
A few people, those that didn't know the full story, sent that pair a questioning look at that statement – no one provided any answers.
Even later, Hobbes is giving an illustrated lecture which has even Jethro interested. He explains Midnight is bombarded but Xtonic rays and it is his pet project and he's the first person to research it as the history is fascinating as there is no history. He adds there is no life in the entire system and no one has been there before the Leisure Palace Company nothing could live there
"That feels unpleasantly foreboding." Amy muttered with a wary glance at the screen. The Doctor's panicked glance at the screen did nothing to help that feeling either.
Jethro asks how he knows if no one can go outside, Val calls it his imagination
"No that's a good point." Rory shook his head in disagreement with Val on screen.
The Doctor says Jethro has a point. Hobbes agrees saying they look at the world from safety and even the Leisure Palace was lowered from orbit, and now they cross Midnight but never touch it. There is a crunching and grinding sound
"I feel like there is probably a very good reason for that." Mickey declared nervously.
"One we don't want to find out about." Rose agreed, though based off the sounds of the bus thing they weren't going to get a choice in the matter.
Val realises they've stopped and asks how. Biff asks if they are there but Dee Dee says it is too soon, and Hobbes adds the crusader vehicles never stop
Somehow the group only managed to grow tenser. They'd been expecting trouble from the start and a sinking feeling in the pit of their stomachs told them it had finally arrived. The Doctor attempting to sink down further in her seat and hide herself away only helped that idea.
The hostess claims it is a small delay asking them to return to their seats
"You have to admire her ability to stay calm." Martha said, "Somethings wrong but she's professional enough to try and stop anybody panicking."
Jack hummed in agreement, "In situations like this the last thing you want is panic, it only ever makes things worse." Only those closest noticed how the Doctor flinched at Jack's words.
The hostess goes to the intercom phone to ask what is going on as Biff theorises it is a pit stop but Hobbes says he's done the expedition fourteen times and they never stop
"Really helping the situation mate, well done." Graham announced sarcastically.
Sky says they clearly have stopped and Jethro says they've broken down in the middle of nowhere, Biff tells him to stop it. The hostess tells them they're experiencing a short delay as the driver stabilises the engine feeds and it is all perfectly routine so to stay in their seats
"Something tells me nothing about this is 'perfectly routine'." Rory said.
Amy snorted, "I wonder what gave you that idea." Rory just rolled his eyes at his wife.
The Doctor walks towards the driver's door as the hostess tries to stop him, he flashes his psychic paper which claims he's an engine expert
"Not much of a stretch for once." River reluctantly gave the Doctor a semi-compliment hoping for some response that she never received.
He opens the driver's door but the hostess asks him to sit down again as he isn't supposed to be in there
"Seriously Doctor, don't make her life harder!" Donna sighed, normally she'd berate them harder but knowing what she knew she couldn't bring herself to do so for once. The Doctor winced a bit, face sad as the Hostess's fate played on repeat in her mind.
In the cockpit there are two men, Joe asks him to return to his seat as the Doctor claims company insurance and asks what the problem is. Joe claims they are stabilising the engine feeds which won't take long
"I may not know much about future technology but I'm pretty sure that's not the engine feed." Ryan pointed out; he didn't even need to have any technological knowledge to guess that though based off how the whole crew was acting – something was seriously wrong but no one wanted to admit it.
The Doctor disagrees as he points out the actual engine feed line which is fine, and it has a micro-petrol engine so stabilising doesn't make sense. He introduces himself as the Doctor, adding he's clever, so what is wrong. The other man – Claude – shares they just stopped and the systems look fine but they aren't moving
"If it isn't the tech that is faulty and caused you to stop …" Yaz started nervously.
"Then something else made you stop." Clara finished, eyeing the screen warily. And on a planet with no supposed life, that was a terrifying thought.
The Doctor scans with his sonic and agrees there are no faults, Claude introduces himself as the trainee mechanic. Joe adds he sent a distress signal and they'll send a rescue truck at top speed
"But you're about half way through a four-hour journey. Even at top speed it must take a rescue truck an hour to get to you at least." Rose protested, fingers twitching as the feeling of helplessness settled in. It was becoming an unfortunately familiar friend to everyone in the room.
"And that's a lot of time for something to go wrong." Nardole mused. "Ow!" Bill had leaned over to punch him (fairly gently) in the arm for that comment.
"You don't need to say it Nardole!"
"We were all thinking it!" He protested.
"Doesn't mean you verbalise it!"
The Doctor asks how long until the rescue gets there and Joe says about an hour. The Doctor says seeing as they're waiting, why don't they take a look outside, lift the screens a bit
Everyone turned to the Doctor with a mix of horrified and 'really?' looks, it was times like this that they really questioned the Doctor's life decision making skills.
"You're a right idiot, Spaceman." Donna sighed, "This is why you need someone to babysit you constantly." The Doctor spluttered in response to that as the rest of the group snickered at Donna's comment.
Joe argues it is Xtonic out there and they'll be vaporised. The Doctor counters the windows are finitoglass so they'll give you a couple minutes, telling them to live a little. Joe raises the front screen
"I cannot express how terrible of an idea this is Doctor." River shook her head at her wife, "but I will admit that is a beautiful view."
"Please, we both know you'd do exactly the same."
"I will deny all accusations regarding the truth of that statement."
The Doctor says it is beautiful and Claude points out all the diamonds poisoned by the sun so no-one can ever touch them. The Doctor asks about the detour and Joe says they went about forty clicks west. When asks if it is a recognised path, Joe shares it is a new one that the computer worked out automatically
"So, you're in uncharted territory." Clara summed up with a grimace. No one would deny the view was beautiful but they were all far too on edge with the oncoming danger to truly appreciate it, "Waiting on a rescue team that won't arrive for an hour," She continued, "And you have no idea what is out there."
The Doctor matched her expression with a nod, "That about sums it up unfortunately."
The Doctor declares they're the first and no one has ever been there before in recorded history. Claude starts to ask if they just, but cuts it off saying it is nothing
"I have a bad feeling it's not 'nothing'." Bill muttered, she was getting lots of horror movie vibes from the video so far and personally she was not here for that. It was a very different experience to watch actual horror movies and know they weren't real as compared to watching videos of your friends in very real trouble.
The Doctor asks what he saw and Claude says by a ridge he saw like a shadow for a second. The Doctor asks what kind of shadow but they get an alert and Joe says it is the Xtonic rising, putting the shields down
"Worst timing Joe." Rose said. She, like the majority of the group, was eager for the shields to be lowered in an attempt to offer some sort of protection but she couldn't deny the curiosity that pulled at her to know what was out there.
Claude points it out again and the Doctor tries to see where it is, asking what it was but the shields close. Claude says it looked like something shifting, something dark, like it was running
"There's something out there." Rory declared determinedly. It didn't matter if there wasn't supposed to be any life on the planet, there very clearly was and it was not sounding friendly.
"Which way is it running?" Jack asked tense and serious. His words only made the pit in the stomachs of everyone watching sink lower – that was a very good question and if the answer was what they thought it was, then things were only going to get worse.
The Doctor asks which way it was running and Claude says towards them. Joe tells the Doctor to return to his seat, asking him to not say anything to the others as rescue is on the way, and to close the door behind him, thanks
Martha nodded in approval, "That's really not something you want spreading to the others. You don't want to cause anymore panic than you need to, especially as you aren't really in a situation to be able to do anything about it."
Sky is waiting by the doors as the Doctor comes out, she asks what they said and what is wrong. The Doctor claims they're just stabilising and it happens all the time
Several members of the group sighed in relief as the Doctor carried on the lie to try and keep everyone calm. You never knew how the Doctor was going to react in these kinds of situations but for once they seemed to agree that everyone knowing the truth would be bad, especially as the truth was that no one had any idea what was going on.
Sky believes him, saying she doesn't need this as she's on a schedule. The hostess ushers them back to their seats before she gets into the cockpit. Dee Dee talks to the Doctor pointing out they're micro-petrol engines aren't they
"She's a smart one. Good under normal circumstances but not right now when everyone else can hear." River shook her head with a sigh.
Hobbes tells her not to bother him, but Dee Dee shares her father was a mechanic and micro-petrol doesn't stabilise, so what do they men by stabilise
"Time for a bit of creative lying here Doctor." Amy muttered concerned; things seemed to be quickly derailing in a way that nobody wanted them too.
The Doctor tries to save the lie, saying it is a bit of flim-flam but they are sorting it out. Hobbes says it isn't the engines then and the Doctor says it is just a little pause. Hobbes asks how much air do they have
"And that's going to make everyone panic now, great." Clara sighed, closing her eyes tight in a wince. Like Jack had said earlier, it was never good when people started to panic – they were prone to making drastic decisions they wouldn't make normally.
The Doctor reassures Hobbes it is fine as Val asks what Hobbes said, worrying about them running out of air. The hostess re-enters the compartment as Hobbes says he was just speculating
"Speculate quieter where you can't panic the rest of the people on the bus." Yaz crossed her arms giving the screen a disapproving look.
Biff asks if it is true they're running out of air and Val asks what the captain said, the hostess asks them to remain calm
"That's not an answer." Rose grimaced, "They're not going to react well despite her best intentions."
Val keeps worrying about how much air they have as Jethro tells her to stop it, the hostess reassures them everything is under control. Biff and Val don't agree but Dee Dee says I is fine as the air is on a circular filter
"And Dee Dee and Jethro win prizes for being the most calm and sensible." Bill muttered to herself, it was just shame no one was really listening to them (and the hostess who was just trying to do her job while not panicking herself).
There's general arguments and noise until the Doctor calls for them all to be quiet and listen to Dee Dee. Dee Dee is nervous at the attention but explains the air is on a circular filter so they can stay breathing for ten years
A few people let out a breath of relief, despite their disapproval of everyone's panic and response to the situation it had been a real concern weighing on their minds.
"At least that's one issue you don't have to worry about." Mickey said. It still left a long list of other problems but it was nice to scratch, an arguably very important, one off the list
The Doctor adds he spoke to the captain and everything is fine. There is a thumping noise outside
Several members of the group jumped at the thudding, a few even going so far as to look at the ceiling above them before realising it was on screen. Everyone tensed further.
"Apparently whatever was running, finally reached you." Jack announced quietly and seriously, throwing more and more concerned glances in the Doctor's direction. The situation on screen was in a delicate position that could easily go very badly regardless of how dangerous whatever the thing outside was.
Val asks what it was as Hobbes says it must be the metal settling as they are cooling down and Dee Dee suggests it could be falling rocks
"Yep, good answers. Totally what it is. No reason to try and think of anything else. Just keep calm." Bill nodded quickly, it wasn't good to jump ahead to the scary answers and panic everyone even if that was the most likely truth.
"And carry on." The Doctor muttered mostly to herself, unable to leave the start of the famous saying unfinished after Bill started it. It helped that it was fairly applicable in the situation at hand, except they'd done the opposite.
Biff wants to know how long they'll have to sit there, more thumping elsewhere on the hull. Sky asks what it is as Val claims someone is out there; Hobbes says to not be ridiculous and Dee Dee doubles down on the rock theory. The hostess counters as they are out in the open so nothing could fall on the sides
"So much for keeping everyone calm." Martha winced.
More thumping, the Doctor says knock knock and Jethro finishes with who's there. Sky asks if something is out there
"If it has stopped the vehicle and made threating thumps against the bus, do you really think all it wants is a nice chat?" Amy raised an eyebrow at the people on screen. She ignored her husband mouthing the words 'threatening thumps' to himself.
"One day that is all that it will be." The Doctor sighed almost dreamily, they really wished that things didn't turn out as dangerous as they normally did.
"You can dream Doctor." River sighed, "But with your luck that day is far off."
More thumps as Sky asks what is making the noise. Hobbes apologises but explains the light outside is Xtonic and would destroy any loving thing in a second so it is impossible for someone to be outside
"I mean, I get that it is impossible for humans and such to go out in it." Clara started, focus more on the Doctor, Jack and River who had the most knowledge of these things, "But the universe is a massive place, surely it is possible that something was able to adapt to deal with the Xtonic light?"
Jack, River and the Doctor shared a silent conversation told only through their changing facial expressions and a few hand motions before the Doctor turned to answer Clara. "It's not technically impossible, not many things actually are, but it's just very unlikely and no one had really put much thought into it seeing as they'd never seen anything before to suggest such a being could exist."
Thump. The hostess trues to get the Doctor to go back to his seat as he uses his stethoscope on the hull
"Really Doctor?" Donna just shook her head at her to which she shrugged, what else was she supposed to do in that situation?
The Doctor asks hello? More thumping, quicker now, and Jethro says it is moving. The emergency exit rattles and Val realises it is trying the door
"We really don't need the narration thank you." Rose grimaced.
Hobbes argues there is no it, can't be
"Very close minded as much as I wish he was right." Mickey said, "There's clearly something out there, your next priority should be figuring out how to stay safe until rescue gets there."
More noise at the emergency exit then thumps on the roof followed by the entrance door. Val asks if it can get in and Dee Dee explains the door is on two hundred weight hydraulics so no. Hobbes tells her to stop encouraging them, and Dee Dee asks what they think it is. Biff moves as Val tells him not to and the Doctor also says better not
"Please tell me he's not about to do what I think he is about to do?" Yaz grimaced, the Doctor's matching expression and wince told her everything she needed to know.
Biff ignores the saying the door is cast iron, he knocks three times and gets three thumps in reply
"And, so it begins." The Doctor's mumbled words went unheard by anyone else as she gripped her leg tightly with the hand not in River's grasp.
Val points out it did it three times, and Jethro realises it answered
"So, whatever is out there isn't completely mindless." Rory grimaced. "It knows enough to be able to mimic."
"Really helpful and reassuring Rory." Amy hissed at her husband who winced at the realisation of how the room around him had tensed even further at his words. If everyone got any tenser someone was likely to snap.
The Doctor tells them to all calm down but Sky argues it answered, and to not tell her the thing isn't alive as it answered him
"They really need to calm down before things spiral even further out of control." Graham said.
More thumping. The hostess insists they get back in their seats and Sky argues for her to not just stand there and tell them the rules but actually do something as she's the hostess
"I'm pretty sure there is nothing in her job description remotely close to dealing with unknown entity that attack the bus." Clara argued in a bit of disbelief with Sky's words. They all couldn't help but feel some sympathy for the poor hostess who was just trying to keep everyone calm.
The Doctor knocks on the door four times, there is a long pause and then there are four thumps in reply
"Doctor!" More than one person berated the Doctor as he engaged with the unknown entity on screen. The Doctor in the room with them just curled in on herself, as it to protect herself from some unseen danger, worrying River and Jack next to her even more.
Sky asks what is making the noise and shouts for someone to make it stop, she snaps at the group to not just look at her as it isn't ger fault but he started it with her stories. The hostess goes to the intercom as Dee Dee tells her to calm down, and Val says Sky isn't helping
"No one is helping!" Rose threw her arms in the air out of frustration. "Everyone is panicking and making things worse!"
Sky asks why he didn't leave it along and to just tell her what the hell it is. More thumping as Sky says it is coming for her repeatedly, she backs up to the driver's door and screams
"She apparently has some unresolved issues, but now is really not a good time." Mickey grimaced.
Martha elbowed her husband in the side, "I agree it is a bad time but it's not like she can really control it, she's having a panic attack." The doctor in her was coming out.
The Doctor tells her to get out of there, then boom! The shutter rocks from side to side and sparks fly, the entertainment system comes back on as the lights go out. They all check that everyone is fine
Everyone (aside from the Doctor) had flinched at the explosion, not having remotely expected anything like that to suddenly occur.
"That can't have been anything good." Ryan declared.
Yaz snorted, a very humourless sound, "Congrats Captain Obvious." Graham just sighed at the pair of them.
On the screen behind the Doctor, the pop singer is replaced with an image of Rose mouthing Doctor before it goes blank again
The group blinked in confusion at the sudden sight of Rose on the screen, turning to look at the person in question for answers. The Doctor, Donna, Rose and Mickey all shared a knowing look, having a quick silent conversation in order to try and decide what to explain to the rest of the group. Martha and Jack shared their own knowing look, both having a very good guess what that was all about.
Fed up with the silence (and eager for a distraction however temporarily), Amy raised an eyebrow at the group and crossed her arms, "What was that about? How was Rose on screen just then?"
With a few more ambiguous hand motions it was decided that Rose had been elected to speak apparently, "It's complicated and a bit of a long story." Seeing Amy open her mouth to argue more she quickly continued, "But basically me and Mickey were stuck on that other world and found out something that the Doctor needed to know, universe destroying kind of trouble, that was one of our attempts to get through to him which kept missing." They'd apparently had very bad timing in their attempts to contact the Doctor if this was anything to go off of.
The group still had lots of questions based on their expressions but they weren't allowed to share any of them before the video on screen continued.
The Doctor asks if everyone is alright and Hobbes declares it an earthquake before Dee Dee argues it is impossible as the ground is fixed. The hostess says they have torches and points them out in the back of the seats, Val calls for Jethro but he waves her off and points to Sky who is sitting in the remains of the front row
"What happened to the seats?" Nardole asked wide eyed only to receive no answer as no one knew outside of the Doctor and she wasn't sharing.
Val asks what happened to the seats and Biff asks who did that as Val points out they've been ripped up. The Doctor says they're all right and alive plus the wall is still intact despite being dented inwards
A sudden horrible thought hit many of the group upon seeing the dented wall. "What about Joe and Claude?" Bill muttered barely more than a worried whisper.
The hostess worries about Joe and Claude and calls for them over the intercom. She doesn't get a response. Thinking the intercom down she opens the driver's door and bright light floods the cabin, an alarm sounds until she closes it again
"The cabin is completely gone." River realised, eyes widening in a mix of realisation, shock and horror. Whatever was out there had made itself several times more dangerous and threatening if it had the power to do whatever it had just done.
The group had a minute of silence for the pair, they'd barely had a chance to meet them but they certainly hadn't deserved to die like they had.
Val asks what happened as Biff asks about losing the driver. The hostess says the whole cabin is gone as Hobbes asks how that is possible. The hostess continues that nothing was left as it was ripped away
"What is that thing?" Jack asked more to himself than anyone else. If it had the ability to rip away the cabin like that, why hadn't it just done the same to the main part of the bus? Why bother just thumping it? Nothing was making sense, to the group's frustration and concern.
Buff aims his torchlight at the panel the Doctor is working on asking what he is doing. The Doctor thanks his for the light as Val asks if he knows what he's doing
"They never do." Donna snorted fondly if not concerned, "But it doesn't stop them from doing something anyway."
Biff tells him to leave it alone as the cabin is gone, the Hobbes is still in denial. The Doctor says it is safe as any rupture would automatically seal itself, he looks at the wiring and points out something sliced it off. Hobbes asks what happens to the cabin if it gets separated and the Doctor apologises as it loses integrity and Joe and Claude have been reduced to dust but they sent a distress signal so help is on the way and they will get out of there
"God, everything about this situation is horrifying." Rose muttered with a grimace and shake of her head. They couldn't image what the poor hostess was going through – she probably knew the driver and mechanic, maybe not well, but they were still colleagues, and now she was alone with a group of tourists and an unknown dangerous entity waiting on a rescue.
Jethro calls for the Doctor to look at Sky who hasn't moved
Martha was eyeing Sky carefully, gone in full doctor mode as she tried to assess what was wrong with the woman. "I don't think that's just shock. Something is seriously wrong with Sky."
"She's right, that's not normal." Rory agreed, his own nurse experience coming into play. The Doctor winced at their comments, knowing what was wrong with Sky and just what was about to happen.
The Doctor asks if they have a medical kit as Jethro asks why she won't turn around. The Doctor asks her name and the hostess tells her, the Doctor calls to Sky asking if she can hear him or move. Jethro points out the noise outside has stopped
That should have been reassuring to the group but it seemed to have the opposite effect as everyone tensed more, all sharing the same worried thought that no one wanted to voice out loud.
Val thanks god for that as Jethro suggests it might be inside now though
And there Jethro went voicing it anyway.
Val asks where and Jethro reminds them it was heading for her. The Doctor asks Sky to turn around to face her and she does slowly to stare into the torchlight. The Doctor calls her name and then asks if she is all right and if she's hurt, she mimics every word he says
"She's mimicking you." Amy stated almost breathlessly.
"Just like the thing was doing with the thumps." Rory continued his wife's train of thought.
Jack stared the screen down with a grimace, "Whatever it is has possessed her, hasn't it Doctor?"
The Doctor nodded ever so slightly; her own expression schooled but how pale she had gone revealed exactly her thoughts on the matter. They had all been expecting trouble, and bad trouble, from the start of the video but this wasn't remotely close to what they'd thought it would be. Donna just winced, knowing from the few bits and pieces she'd learned from the Doctor in the middle of the night after they'd had a nightmare or couldn't sleep, that the worst was yet to come.
The Doctor says she doesn't have to talk, she copies
"I think we'd all prefer it if she didn't talk." Ryan muttered, eying the screen warily. The whole thing was giving him the creeps.
He says he is trying to help and his name is the Doctor. She copies. He asks if she can stop, then says he'd like her to stop. She copies
"We all would." Bill shivered; she was getting very unnerved by the whole situation. "But I don't think she can."
Hobbes asks why she's doing that; Biff says she's gone mad and Val says to stop it. She copies each of them after they speak
"She's copying everyone." Clara remarked.
Val says to stop it again. She copies. Dee Dee points out she doesn't think she can and Hobbes says to stop it as it isn't funny, she copies both of them
"If she could stop it, she would. No one thinks it's funny." Mickey said annoyed with the group on screen who kept talking and giving it something to copy.
The Doctor shushes all of them, she copies. Jethro introduces himself and the Doctor tells him to shut up. She copies both. The Doctor asks why she's repeating and asks if it is learning, she mimics both
"Learning?" Rose asked worried, the thought having not occurred to her until the Doctor mentioned it. "What like copying all your words to try and learn them so she can speak for herself?"
The Doctor shrugged one-heartedly, her eyes never leaving the screen as she watched the train wreck unfolding in front of her. Only River's hand in hers was keeping her grounded to reality at the moment.
The Doctor suggests copying then absorbing. She mimics both. The Doctor declares what the square root of pi is to about thirty decimals and Sky copies, overlapping him
"How is she doing that?" River asked quietly, incredibly curious despite herself. It was horrifying, yes, but also fascinating in the way that this was potentially an unknown species. Though, she would have preferred it to remain unknown based on what it had done so far.
Hobbes says that is impossible and Dee Dee says she couldn't repeat all that, Sky mimics both
"She very clearly can." Donna announced.
Val says to tell her to stop as she's driving her mad, just stop! Sky copies. People start talking over each other and Sky repeats them all
"This is horrible." Yaz decided, shaking her head, hands twitching up to her ears as if to cover them and hide form the chaos unfolding on screen.
Val says to stop her staring at her and shut her up. The hostess claims it must be a trick as Dee Dee says it is impossible. Biff gets angry and the Doctor tells them all to stop it. Sky copies all of them
"None of them are helping! Haven't they learned they need to shut up?" Amy shook her head frantically, frustrated with everything happening.
Hobbes points out her eyes and asks what is wrong with them, Jethro says she can copy anything. Val demands Biff does something to make her stop instead of standing there. Sky mimics all of them
"What is he meant to do? What are any of them meant to do?" Martha shook her head in disbelief, the group was panicking more and more with every moment.
Biff says she's scaring his wife; the hostess calls her name and Jethro repeats six three times. Sky copies each
"Really unhelpful Jericho." Clara shook her head with a sigh, she knew best what teenagers were like and this really didn't surprise her as much as she disliked it.
Val says she's different and to do something to make her stop. Sky repeats make her stop. The lights come back on ad everyone shuts up briefly. The hostess declares it the backup system and Biff says that's better
"She's not copying everything anymore." Donna immediately noticed the difference, her exclamation unusually quiet.
"That's not good." Nardole declared.
Val asks how long the rescue will take, and the hostess says about sixty minutes. Hobbes suggests they all calm down as the panic isn't helping and Sky is clearly in a state
"Calming down is a good idea, but I don't think it's going to last when they realise." Rory said with a frown, the group had been largely unobservant so far and not noticed the difference but it couldn't last long.
Hobbes and Sky both finish his sentence together – self-induced hysteria and they should leave her alone
The group blanked at that. "That's not copying." Rose declared worried. Just when they thought things couldn't get much worse. It was one thing to mimic the but another to say exactly what they said as they said it, and how she knew what they were going to say was another whole terrifying spiral of thoughts.
Jethro calls to the Doctor and he says he knows
"Apparently not everyone is as oblivious." Rory noted.
Sky speaks at the same time as everyone now. Hobbes says to step back and says the Doctor should leave her alone, and asks what she is doing. Val asks how she can do that as she's talking with them. Jethro points out she's repeating at the exact same time
"Can you even call it repeating if it's at the same time?" Ryan asked curiously.
"Not important at the moment, Ryan." Yaz shook her head fondly.
Dee Dee says it is impossible and Hobbes adds there isn't a delay as Jethro says it is weird. The Doctor thinks they should all be very quiet and Val ignores him to ask how she's doing that. Sky speaks with each of them
"That is the opposite of quiet." Mickey declared sarcastically; Val was really starting to get on people's nerves as she spiralled further into panic which only had a chain reaction with the rest of the group.
The Doctor asks her to be quiet, Val ignores him panicking as she has her voice and words, Biff hushes her. Sky is still talking at the same time. The Doctor tells them all to stop, then focusses on Sky asking if she is still in there and adds she knows exactly what he will say, and asks how she does that. He says random words then Rose, Martha, and Donna's names, more random names, half the alphabet. He says first she repeats, then catches up so what is the next stage – Sky keeps up
Rose, Martha and Donna all flinched as their names were called out, unable to stop themselves glancing at the Doctor. They could understand Donna being one of the first things in his head to call out as she was currently traveling with him, but why did he call out the others?
The rest of the group was focused on the Doctor's chilling final words. "You don't think she'd going to start speaking before you do, do you?" Amy asked, her expression showed she was already pretty sure she knew the answer. As expected, the Doctor just grimaced, hands curling tighter around her trouser leg and River's hand.
"That's not good." Jack went still, "With this group and how they're panicking, they're likely to take that the wrong way and reach the wrong conclusions." The Doctor's inability to meet anyone's' eyes and minute flinch told Jack all the horrifying truths he didn't want to know. All they could do was brace as the video continued.
Dee Dee asks what next stage and Jethro says it isn't Sky anymore. The Doctor agrees and suggests the more they talk, the more she learns, and while he's all for education they shouldn't. He tells everyone to more back, as far as they can. Sky still matches him
"You need to stop speaking and cut off whatever is in her from learning more." River said seriously, her own hand an iron grip on the Doctor's in an attempt to comfort both of them. The feeling of helplessness clawed at her but she could no nothing but comfort the Doctor in the present.
Val tells the Doctor to make her stop, and he tells her to come to the back and stop looking at ger. He says they just need fifty minutes until rescue and she isn't exactly string, all she has is their voices. Sky still talks with him
"I think that's plenty strong Doctor." Martha argued, "And we all saw what it did to the drivers cabin."
"Yes, but the Doctor doesn't want to make the group panic any more than they already are." Clara countered in the Doctor's defence. Despite her words, they were all pretty sure they were past the point of the group just calming down and making rational decisions.
Val says she can't and to look at those eyes. Dee Dee recites a line from a poem about not looking at goblin men or buying their fruit. Sky matches
"Not really helping there Dee Dee." Rose muttered.
The Doctor says that isn't helping, and Hobbes says she isn't a monster but a very sick woman. Sky matches
"Is he in denial or something? Because there is clearly something much more wrong than Sky just being unwell." Mickey gestured his hands in disbelief.
Jethro suggests that is why it went for it; Hobbes denies there is an it. Jethro tells him to think about it as the knocking went all the way round until it found her and she was the most scared of them all, so maybe that's how it got in. Sky matches
"Good analysis, he's a smart kid." River remarked, "But now really isn't the time to try and figure out why it chose Sky. Now you need to stop it from doing anything else."
Hobbes declares nothing can live on Midnight. The Doctor suggests the universe has ideas of its own and he doesn't know the definition of life, but he has previous experience so trust him. He thinks there is a consciousness inside Sky but she might still be in there and they need to help her. Sky matches
"Tell him Doctor!" Bill couldn't help but cheer a bit for the Doctor, glad to see Hobbes put in his place a bit.
Biff says he isn't going near her. The Doctor says to stay back as if she's copying them maybe the last stage is becoming them and he doesn't want her to become him as things could get a whole lot worse
"That would be terrible." As sarcastic as it sounded, they all knew Jack's words were incredibly serious. A few people couldn't help but glance at the Master who was sitting in his chair acting nonchalant about the whole matter. Those that knew him (aka the Doctor) could see how tense he really was despite the façade but she knew better to comment on it – she didn't have the emotional capacity or energy to deal with the ensuing comments or argument.
Val sarcastically says because he's special. The Doctor says he is, and says they all stay back until rescue comes and they can get her to the hospital. The hostess suggests they throw her out. Sky matches them all
"Have they officially gone insane?" Yaz asked.
"Not to play devil's advocate or anything, but do you really think you want to bring whatever that is back to other people?" Donna argued, "But throwing her out is a horrible idea, one that requires actually going near it, which sounds like a bad idea." Everyone seemed split on that matter – they hated the principle of it all but Donna had raised a good point, it was not smart to bring that thing back around other people. Ideally, they would get it out of Sky and then get out of there.
Hobbes is stunned as Val asks if they can do that and the Doctor tells them to not be ridiculous. The hostess argues whatever it is killed Joe and Claude and she doesn't think it is finished yet. Sky matches
Those chilling words left the group even more divided, all unable to deny that they'd been getting the same feeling.
The Doctor ( Sky) points out she can't move
"For now." Nardole muttered, earning another elbow to the side from Bill.
The hostess says to look at her and she's already killed and they're next. Biff says she's still doing it and to stop talking, Val tells him not to, and Biff argues she won't stop and they can't throw her out and can't even open the doors. Sky matches
"They've given in to the panic." Rory frowned, "No one is going to make any rational decisions, are they?" His question was clearly rhetorical as they all knew the answer was a resounding no.
The Doctor declares no one is getting thrown out. Dee Dee explains they can open the doors as there is an air pressure seal and you have a couple seconds before you get sucked out, six seconds exactly which is enough time to throw someone out. Sky matches
"Really not helping Dee Dee." Bill muttered.
The Doctor sarcastically thanks Dee Dee for the helpful info as Val asks if outside would kill her
"It was able to survive before, but maybe not now that its possessing Sky?" Amy considered, "Or would it juts destroy Sky and it would go back to whatever form it had before?" Either way it would no longer be in the ship threatening them or bale to be moved closer to other people.
Dee Dee doesn't know as she has a body now which would be destroyed. The Doctor says they aren't killing anyone. They ignore him, the hostess says not to risk the cabin door twice but they have the other and all they need to do is grab hold of her and throw her out. Sky talks with all of them
"They're not going to listen to you Doctor." Martha said, eyes staring straight into the Doctor solemnly.
For the first time in a while the Doctor's eyes left the screen to meet Martha's, "I know." And they were haunting and haunted eyes, there was still more to come and it had truly shaken the Doctor in a way they rarely saw.
The Doctor tells them all to listen as they've found a new life form and if it's come to discover them it has found a bunch of humans and what do they want to amount to – murder? He tells them this is where they decide who they are, could they actually murder her or are they better than that. Sky matches
"That's great in theory Doctor." Jack tried to explain, able to understand the Doctor's point of view but also the group in the bus better than most. "But it's already shown itself to be dangerous. It's not chosen to come in and be friendly, it chosen to kill people and possess someone and who knows what else it wants. Maybe it doesn't understand but that doesn't mean it hasn't done those things and it isn't a danger to the rest of the world if allowed to be brought back."
The Doctor didn't meet his eyes, her own going straight back to the screen. Her own feelings on the matter had changed somewhat after the whole experience and time since then. Although she would never agree just chucking Sky out of the bus was a good idea, she couldn't deny letting it stay and return with them when the rescue team found them could have been disastrous. Sometimes there were just days where there was no right, where no one really won.
The hostess, Biff, and Val all declare they would and Dee Dee says she thinks they should. Sky matches
"Great everyone's down to commit murder." Ryan mumbled sarcastically mostly to himself.
Dee Dee says she wants her out and the Doctor protests. Dee Dee apologises but points out he said it, Sky is growing in strength. The Doctor argues that isn't what he said. Sky matches them all
"I mean it kinda is?" Yaz gave the Doctor a sheepish shrug.
Dee Dee says she wants to go home and be safe. The Doctor argues they'll be safe any minute as rescue is coming, the hostess argues what happens then, what happens if they take it to civilisation, what if it spreads? The Doctor says he'll contain it when they get back to base. Sky speaks with all of them
"I'm sorry Doctor, but what would you do? You haven't been able to do anything now and you're outnumbered so much that I don't think you're going to get a choice either way." Amy sighed, sometimes the Doctor was just so stubborn that it was detrimental to herself. These people were never going to listen to her and if she wasn't careful than they were also going to get chucked out with Sky.
"I had to try." The Doctor couldn't help but sigh.
"We know Sweeties, but sometimes people can't be helped and this time there was no winning." River squeezed her hand tightly.
Val says he hasn't done much and Biff adds he's standing at the back with the rest of them. The hostess declares Sky is dangerous and it is her job to see the shuttle safe so they should get rid of her. Hobbes tells them to hang on and maybe they've gone a little too far. Sky matches them all
"So, the group is split." Rose said, "This isn't going to go well."
Mickey nodded, "And the whole time Sky is still in the background saying everything everyone else is.
The Doctor thanks him, but the hostess argues two people are dead, to which the Doctor argues to not make it a third, and what does Jethro think. Jethro doesn't want to kill anyone, but Val says he is just a boy, so Jethro asks if he doesn't get a vote then. Sky still talks with them all
"True democracy at its finest." Rory grimaced.
The Doctor argues there isn't a vote as it isn't happening and if they try to throw her out, they'll have to get past him first
"Doctor!" Came a mix of exclamations and groans. The Doctor apparently couldn't read the room to see that a lot of the passengers would be very happy to do just that.
That's fine with Biff and the hostess. The Doctor says they're being stupid now as could they actually grab someone and throw them out the door. Sky still talks
"Don't make it a challenge!" Clara groaned, "All they're going to do is turn on you! For once Doctor, think about yourself!"
"You know I can't." The Doctor ignored the concerned glance she got from Donna. Donna had been quieter than usual during the chaos, taking it in and using it to put together all the puzzle pieces of the situation she'd already known about together. She knew better than anyone (outside of the Doctor) how this was going to end.
Biff asks if he's being called a coward, and Val asks who put him in charge. Hobbes asks what he's a doctor of, and the hostess shares he wasn't even booked in, unlike them he just turned up out of the blue. Sky matches
"This is not good." Bill declared. It seemed to be their favourite phrase of the day, but it said a lot in very few words. The group was on edge as they watched the passengers slowly turn on the Doctor while they could only sit and watch. They knew the Doctor was trying to help, but no one there knew anything.
Val asks where from and the Doctor says he's just a traveller. Val asks like an immigrant? Sky matches
"Is immigration still an issue in this future? Cause it is looking less and less appealing." Ryan crossed his arms.
Hostess asks who he was talking to before getting on board, and the Doctor explains it was just his friend Donna. Biff asks what he was saying to her. Sky matches
"And why is that any of your business?" Donna exclaimed defensively at Biff on screen. Their private conversations were no one's business but theirs. Unfortunately, she could see why this incident had (and still did apparently) haunt the Doctor so much.
Val says he hasn't even told them his name
"Oh, that's nothing personal. He never does that." Amy tried to joke, but even she didn't smile at it.
Jethro points out the Doctors' been loving this and the Doctor says not Jethro. Jethro persists saying he's been loving it since trouble arrives, and the hostess agrees that he does have a certain glee. Sky matches
"I always told you that could get you in trouble one day Sweetie." River sighed, a weird mixture of concern, frustration and fondness coating her words.
"I know, but you can hardly talk."
"What can I say? I picked up bad habits from you."
The Doctor admits he is interested and can't help it as whatever is inside Sky is new and that's fascinating. Val asks if he wanted this to happen. Sky talks with them both
"And now they're putting words in your mouth." Graham frowned worried.
Yaz grimaced, "And Sky is still at it."
The Doctor protests but Biff continues he was talking to her on his ow before the trouble and he saw them together, Val agrees. The hostess points out he went into the cabin as Biff asks what he was saying to Sky before, and the Doctor says he was just talking. Jethro points out he called them humans like he wasn't one of them. Sky talks with all of them
"What kind of future is this? They're in space of course there are aliens around, what's wrong with that?" Martha asked angrily. The whole group was getting defensive of the Doctor and very scared about how things were quickly spiralling vastly out of control and out of the Doctor's favour.
Val agrees that is what he said. Dee Dee adds the Doctor went to the panel and opened the wiring; the Doctor adds that was after. Biff asks how he knew what to do and the Doctor declares because he's clever. Sky matches
"Doctor, they're going to take that the wrong way." Mickey winced. "They're panicking they're going to take everything you say the wrong way."
"I know." The Doctor whispered hoarsely, eyes never leaving the screen. It truly had been an experience she'd never forgotten; it hadn't stopped her much in the future but it had given her an insight into the crowd mentality with humans, one she wished she'd never had to have like this.
Biff asks if they are idiots then as the Doctor tries to back track and Dee Dee asks what that makes them. Val says he's looked down on them from the moment they walked in. Sky talks with them all
"This is just spiralling." Rory muttered. They all knew it and were all just witing for the terrible words where one of them declared the Doctor's fate to be the same as Sky's proposed one.
The hostess says he's practically volunteered and the Doctor asks them to listen to themselves. Biff asks if they have to throw him out as well and the hostess says if they have to. Sky matches
The group was twitching, tense and on the edge of their seats. They all knew it had been coming but the feeling of helplessness still tried to drag them down into its depths. How the Doctor had gotten out of this one alone like this they didn't know but right now they desperately wanted to. They wanted this video to all be over.
The Doctor says sorry but to hold on as he knows they're scared and so is he, but look at him as they need to calm down and cool off. Hobbes suggests he should tell them his name. Sky still matches
"That's going to be a bit of a problem." Clara winced. That was one thing the Doctor really couldn't tell them and with how high strung they all were they were likely to notice any lies he attempted to tell.
The Doctor asks why it matters as the hostess says to tell them then. The Doctor says John Smith, but Hobbes asks for his real name as Biff says he's clearly lying. Val points out his eyes are the same as Sky's, as Jethro asks why he won't tell them and Dee Dee says it is a simple question. Sky matches them all
"In the Doctor's case, it really isn't." Amy muttered, maybe a bit more bitterly than she intended based on the concerned glances she got from her husband, daughter and the Doctor.
Val says he's been lying since the start and the hostess asks for his name, Biff agrees no one is called John Smith. The Doctor says they need to listen as they need him, and if they're going to get out of this, they need him. Sky matches them all. Hobbes says he's been repeating himself more than Sky, and Val says the professor should be in charge as he's the expert. Sky didn't speak with the last two
"I think he's one of the least qualified. A fancy title in his case doesn't necessarily mean much." Bill argued.
Jethro tells them to stop and look, Biff tells him to stay out of it. Jethro says to look at her and Dee Dee realises Sky's stopped
The group had been so caught up in the danger the Doctor was in that they hadn't noticed until Jethro pointed it out. But now that he had it was all they could think about, all of them scared what it could mean exactly.
The Doctor asks when she stopped and realises, she hasn't as she matches him. Val talks and realises Sky isn't matching her, nor does she speak with Biff or the hostess. The Doctor asks what she is doing and Sky talks with just him
"She's only copying you." Rose realised; eyes wide in horror.
"That's not good. That's really not good." Yaz declared, it was going to do nothing to help alleviate the passenger's fears over the Doctor's presence and intentions.
Dee Dee states she's still doing the Doctor; the Doctor asks why. Val points out she said Sky was with her, Hobbes asks how the Doctor explains that if he's so clever
"Because they've orchestrated him, the thing chose him as its next target." Rory tried to reason.
Amy shook her head, "No. It's trying to make them think it is going to choose the Doctor and get him thrown out so it can survive."
The Doctor doesn't know and tells Sky to stop. She doesn't. He asks why she has captured his speech and why she needs his voice in particular, he wants it to be because she needs his help but her eyes say the opposite. He promises to help her, saying whatever it wants it doesn't need to steal it. Sky talks with him
"Maybe stop trying to make deals with the entity possessing someone in front of a group of scared humans that already want to kill you." Jack protested, his own hands twitching to join River in holding the Doctor, but unsure whether his comfort would be accepted in the moment.
Sky asks if they have a deal a moment before the Doctor says the same
"Did she …"
"She can't have …"
"She spoke first." Martha finally verbalised what others had tried and failed to. "Because the situation couldn't get any worse." The group grimaced; they could easily see why the Doctor hated this so much.
The group realises Sky spoke first. Sky says she's ahead of him just before the Doctor does. The others all agree she spoke before him and Jethro says the Doctor is now copying her
"No, no, no Jethro, don't." Bill shook her head frantically; this was exactly what they didn't want to happen.
Hobbes asks the Doctor what is happening and Sky answers she thinks it moved, the Doctor copies
The room went dead silent as those words registered. Everyone tensed, eyes darting desperately between the screen and the Doctor in the room. River gripped the Doctor's hand even tighter and Jack gave up any worries and took the Doctor's other hand.
"She's speaking through the Doctor." Donna finally verbalised their thoughts, sounding far more defeated than anything. That was too be expected though, she knew it would come to this at some point no matter how much she hoped it wouldn't.
Sky says she's thinks it is letting her go, the Doctor copies. Dee Dee asks what she means, what she is being let go from as Biff says the Doctor is repeating now, it is him
"It's playing them. Doing exactly what Amy said it was." Jack breathed out, the hand holding the Doctor's squeezing to tight to comfort both of them. No wonder the Doctor had had such a bad first reaction to the title. He wasn't sure what he would do in this situation and would be grateful to never find out.
Jethro says they're separating as Hobbes asks if it is Sky who says it is as the Doctor copies. She says she's coming back and Jethro suggests it has passed to the Doctor and whatever it is is now inside him
"That's just what it wants you to think!" Yaz pleaded desperately with the screen, the feeling of helplessness a claw around her heart as they could only watch the horror unfold in front of them. The Doctor wasn't even watching the screen at this point, her eyes locked on the floor and the only sign she was even present was the occasional twitch or squeeze of her hands in River and Jack's.
Dee Dee argues that isn't what happened
"Tell them Dee Dee, please." Clara muttered hopefully.
Val says to look at her as Sky says she can move and feel again and is coming back to life, but the Doctor can't move, the Doctor copies her words
"Stop it. Just stop this all. Please." Rose shook her head frantically; she wasn't sure she could watch much more of this happen to her friend. She couldn't imagine what the Doctor had gone through, being paralysed as someone used him like a puppet to speak, knowing that at any moment something could snap and they would throw him out to die and being able to do nothing to protest it.
Sky asks for help, asks the professor to get her away from him. The Doctor copies. Hobbes takes Sky's hand and helps her up
"No, no, no." You're giving it what it wants." Mickey said, eyes only leaving the screen to shoot concerned glances at the Doctor. Everyone else was doing the same, all trying to reassure themselves of the Doctor's safe presence amongst them.
Sky thanks him as Jethro says they've completely separated. Biff says it was the Doctor the whole time and Val say Sky has been saved
"They're playing right into its trap." River declared seriously, "It certainly learnt something about humanity in its time aboard the vehicle."
Sky says it was so cold and she couldn't breathe, the Doctor copies
No one wanted to mention how there was a very good chance that was how the Doctor was currently feeling, unable to do anything as everything else unfolded around him.
Sky apologises for scaring them so much, the Doctor copies. Val says it is alright and it is gone, Dee Dee says she wouldn't touch her
"Come on Dee Dee. You're smart, work out that something is very wrong, please." Amy almost pleaded; the whole group's hopes now lay on Dee Dee.
Biff says it is gone and passed to the Doctor but Dee Dee argues that isn't what happened. Hobbes thanks her for the opinion but clearly Sky has been releases, Dee Dee doesn't agree
"You have to stand up to him Dee Dee, don't let them kill the Doctor." Martha said, everyone's focus lay on her they just had to hope that she actually could do it and stop them doing something horrible. And something must have happened otherwise the Doctor wouldn't have been here. To Donna that was an especially horrifying thought, she was juts sunbathing and wouldn't have known anything was wrong until much too late and then it would have been brought back to the rest of the centre with no one the wiser or able to stop it.
Val says to leaver her alone as it let her go, Jethro agrees it looks like it. They turn to Hobbes for his opinion and he agrees the Doctor can't move like Sky couldn't when she was possessed. Biff says the only problem they have now is the Doctor
"You have it all wrong." Rory sighed; he wasn't sure how much longer he could cope with this. They all just wanted it to stop and for the Doctor to get back to Donna so they could leave and never come back.
Sky says it is inside his head and it killed the driver and mechanic and now wants them. The Doctor copies each word
"She's telling them exactly what they want to hear so they think they've dealt with the threat." Graham said, and the worst thing was that it was working far too well.
Sky continues that he's waited long in the dark and cold, the diamonds until they came with bodies so hot, with blood and pain. The Doctor copies
"Yeah, whatever that thing is, it is not remotely friendly." Bill declared with a grimace at that description and glance into the creature's motives.
"I don't think anyone if going to disagree with you there." Yaz nodded along.
Val asks someone to make him stop, Dee Dee argues it is Sky saying it but Val tells her to shut up. Dee Dee doesn't, saying it isn't him but her speaking, and he's stuck repeating
"Listen to Dee Dee!" Several people nearly begged the group on screen.
Biff argues that is what it does – it repeats, the hostess says to let Dee Dee speak but Biff asks what she knows as she hasn't been any help
"She stayed calmer than just about anyone else." Rose argued.
"Apart from the whole throwing Sky out the vehicle thing, but we can accredit that to the grief of losing her colleagues." Mickey weighed in.
The hostess argues to let Dee Dee explain and she does. Dee Dee explains from what they've seen it repeats, then synchronises then the next stage which the Doctor said would happen. Biff asks if she's on his side, Dee Dee says no. Jethro says the voice is the thing, and Dee Dee continues that Sky is the voice and she stole it – she's not possessing him but draining him
"Don't like that phrasing. Do not like that phrasing one bit." Bill shook her head; those were not good thoughts.
The hostess agrees Sky has his voice. Val and Biff disagree saying they saw it pass to him with their own eyes. Dee Dee argues they didn't and Val turns to Jethro saying he saw it to, Jethro isn't sure
"Come on Jethro, you've already shown yourself to be more sensible than your parents. Dee Dee needs someone else on her side." Clara said, she was hoping for Jethro to help Dee Dee as if it was just Dee Dee no one was likely to listen to her and they'd be in trouble all over again.
Val pushes and Jethro says he was right next to Sky as Biff argues everyone saw it. Dee Dee argues they didn't and they're making it up, she knows what she saw and it was Sky stealing the Doctor's voice. Val tells someone to shut her up and Hobbes tells her to be quiet, making it an order when she doesn't. He says she's making a fool of herself, first by pretending to be a mechanic expert but she is nothing more than average at best so shut up
"Really don't like Hobbes right now. Dee Dee clearly knows more than him about all that but because he's older and ha a title, everyone will listen to him." Yaz grimaced.
"That's how the world works sometimes sadly." Ryan sighed.
"Thanks, I hate it."
Sky says that is how he does it, makes them fight, creeps into their head and whispers, listen. The Doctor copies
"Let's not." Rory muttered.
Sky continues to listen, it's him, inside. The Doctor copies. Biff says to throw him out
The group tensed up immediately as the inevitable suggestion came back to the forefront of the panicked passengers' minds. Here it was, Dee Dee or someone needed to speak up now or something else dramatic had to happen or the Doctor was dead.
Val agrees to get him out of her head, and tells Biff to not just talk about it but do something. Biff says to watch him as he'll throw him out. Sky says yes, throw him out. The Doctor copies
"Don't do it!" Martha snapped. "You're giving it exactly what it wants!" She was preaching to the choir, but sadly the people who the words were meant for couldn't hear her. No one could do anything but watch.
Sky says get rid of him, now. The Doctor copies. Biff takes hold of the Doctor from behind
River and Jack both tightened their hold on the Doctor, a solid reminder that she was there safe with them even as her own attention seemed to be anywhere but the screen. The pair were a bit like cats, ready to hiss at anyone they deemed a danger that tried to come close to the Doctor.
Unnoticed by the group, the Master's nails were digging into the arms of his armchair in his own fury and concern over the Doctor's current situation on screen.
Dee Dee shouts don't but Val says it will be her next. The hostess says she doesn't think they should do this but Biff argues it was her idea and asks the professor for help, Hobbes says he can't
"All just words. He doesn't have the guts to actually go through with it." Mickey shook his head.
"Thankfully! It means the only real problems are Biff and Val, but Val isn't going to touch him." Martha said.
Biff asks what kind of man is he, Val pushes them to throw him out and Biff demands the professor help him. The Doctor hooks a foot onto a seat
"Come on." Donna muttered, "Someone do something and stop this!" If she'd known the details of what had befallen the Doctor before they'd left Midnight, she'd have given these people more than a piece of her mind.
Biff and Val continue pushing. Sky says to cast him out, into the sun and the night. The Doctor copies
"I can't watch." Rose muttered, despite her words her eyes never wavered from the screen. No one was sure how much longer they could take of this.
Val wants him out and Biff tells the professor to do something. Sky says to do it, now, faster, that's the way. The Doctor copies
No one was quite sure what to say, only watching in horror as no one did anything to stop Biff trying to throw the Doctor out of the vehicle. They couldn't imagine what was going through his mind in those moments. Nobody wanted to say anything to delay them finding out how the Doctor had survived and the video being over either, they all just wanted it to be done.
Sky says they ca do it, molto bene – the Doctor copies. Val shouts to throw him out
A few people narrowed their eyes at that, it was a very un-Sky thing to say from all her words so far but a very Doctor-thing to say. Maybe Sky wasn't as in control as they thought she was, maybe the Doctor had a chance.
Sky says allons-y, the Doctor copies and the hostess realises it is his voice
"She's noticed." Amy said, hope blooming in the pit of her stomach to combat the rising dread.
"Now she just has to do something about it." Rory muttered, and that was the harder part. It was one thing to say something and another to do something about it.
Sky declares the starlight waits, the emptiness, the Midnight sky, the Doctor copies. Val continues shouting to get him out and the hostess continues that Sky has taken the Doctor's voice
The room was reminded of the title of the video which held a whole new meaning to it after this. The Doctor's reaction seemed reasonable now, knowing this was what she'd had to suffer alone and surrounded by strangers who wanted to hurt her for trying to help.
The hostess pushes that it is her and she's taken his voice. She grabs Sky and rushes to the entrance door; she presses the button and they all scream as the bright light floods in. The hostess counts to six then the pressure wall collapses and both her and Sky are sucked out before the door closes. The men drop the Doctor
"Oh my god, oh my god." Donna muttered shocked but unbelievably thankful that Sky was gone. The whole room was silent out of shock as they tried to take in what had just occurred. Everything had seemed so helpless but the Doctor had managed to claw back enough control for someone to notice and help him. They hadn't expected the help to be so drastic.
The Tardis only gave them a few minutes of silence to try and comprehend what had just happened before the video continued.
The Doctor mumbles to himself it's gone, repeatedly
The Doctor in the room was mumbling the same thing to herself quietly, both River and Jack quickly joined in on reassuring her, hands held tight to remind them of their presence and her safety. The others avoided eye contact out of respect, choosing instead to focus on the video as it finally came to its end.
Val declares she said it was her
"That's all she can say …" Rose scowled angrily. After the hostess sacrificed herself and the Doctor was almost killed, and that was all she could say. It was things like that that made them hate their own species some times.
About twenty minutes later, everyone is sitting quietly until they hear a voice declaring the rescue vehicle will be alongside them in three minutes and to prepare for boarding
"Finally." Clara sighed. Rescue was here but far too late for Joe, Claude, Sky and the hostess.
The Doctor asks what the hostess' name was. Hobbes says he doesn't know, none of them do
And that was the worst part, no one knew her name and likely never would, yet she'd saved their lives through the sacrifice of her own.
At the spa, Donna greets the Doctor with a hug
The group all let out breaths of relief at seeing the Doctor safe and reunited with Donna. As interesting as their relationship was, they both cared about each other and Donna would look after the Doctor. They just had to leave and get far away from that damned place.
Donna asks what he thinks it was, he has no idea. Donna asks if he thinks it is still out there and when she gets silence in response adds he better tell them. The Doctor agrees saying they can build a Leisure Palace elsewhere but leave Midnight turning round an Xtonic star in silence
"Please tell me the whole place was shut down." Martha turned to the Doctor who had been calmed down with the help of River and Jack, and apart from a few almost unnoticeable tear tracks that no one was going to mention, she seemed more herself now that the reminder of the incident wasn't immediately on screen.
The Doctor nodded her voice a bit hoarse as she answered, "Yes. Shut down for good. Moved operations and a big plan on any activity on planet was set. No one is going near that place anytime soon." The group nodded in relief, thankful for that but wishing that such an accident hadn't needed to have happened for it to occur.
Donna says she can't imagine the Doctor without a voice. The Doctor says molto bene and Donna repeats, he says no, don't, just don't
Donna winced at that, she hadn't known the full extent of the situation but that was arguably the worst thing she could have said there, "God, I'm sorry Doctor."
The Doctor just shook her head and attempted a reassuring smile that only wobbled slightly. "You didn't know." She glanced around the room, "That was … that. Let's move on swiftly now, shan't we?"
No one wanted to argue, all very ready to be done with the emotional trauma that video had caused. It wasn't healthy for the Doctor to just brush past and ignore it, but now also wasn't the time to deal with it. It seemed they would have plenty of time to unpack all the Doctor's trauma if the Tardis wanted to keep them here that long, the matter could be left till they were less emotionally battered. For now, they would move on and hope desperately that the next video was less emotionally challenging or heart attack inducing.
