Chapter Text
I remember scrunching down in my couch, pulling the hood down over my eyes, and closing my weary eyes. I remember actually drifting off to sleep.... When I wake up, however, I'm laying on my side, facing a dark blue, curved wall. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was more like honeycomb shaped metal dishes, like satellite dishes, then it dawned on me: I was inside the 13th Doctor's TARDIS...
Ok.......
How'd I go from the ununited states of failmerica to Wales, UK?
My thoughts are interrupted by a soft groan to my right, and when I turn to look, I'm incredibly shocked to see the 13th Doctor herself, laying on her side, just like me. A brief, but bright, flash of light comes from behind me, and I'm stunned to see Peter Capaldi, also laying on his side. Another flash, there's Matt Smith, then David Tennant, then Christopher Eccleston.
"Who the hell are you people? And where did you come from?" a strange, female voice asks, equal parts scared and confused; my foggy brain supplies the name Yazmin, companion, and love interest, of 13.
"Mandip? What's going on?" a drowsy Jodie Whittaker asks softly; she doesn't see the confused look on the other girl's face.
"Who the hell is Mandip?" Yaz asks, even more confused, but now becoming very agitated.
"Mandip, it's me, Jodie," Mrs. Whittaker says, and when she rolls over, Yaz gasps, eyes wide in shock.
"Doctor? What are you doing down there? How'd you get there? I literally just saw you outside," Yaz says, frozen in place.
"Come again?" Mrs. Whittaker replies, confused, rubbing her eyes to try to wake up.
"This isn't possible," Yaz says, running back outside.
"Well, that didn't go well," Mr. Capaldi says, chuckling, sitting up carefully.
"Anyone catch the number of the train that hit me?" Mr. Eccleston asks with a groan, earning a few snickers; I'm staying quiet, because I'm an outsider.
"Give me the number, too, and we'll go beat the bastard up," groans Mr. Tennant as he sits up.
"Anyone else feel hungover?" asks Mr. Smith.
"Other than a splitting headache, no," Capaldi replies ruefully, rubbing his head.
"I do," admits Whittaker, embarrassed.
"What were you two doing before we woke up.... Wherever we are," Eccleston asks with a soft chuckle, then a groan.
"None of your business," Smith says with a grin.
"Trying to sleep," Whittaker replies, frowning.
"Hehe," was Capaldi's reply, and we all smile and chuckle.
"OMG! Jodie, do you recognize this place?" Tennant pipes up, eyes wide in surprise.
"Why? Oh.... Oh my god. What the hell?" she replies, stunned.
"Are we on set?" Capaldi asks, looking around; I pull my hoodie down a little further, thankful my shoes are black again.
"Doesn't feel like a set, but I guess we'll see," Whittaker replies, then the front door opens, and four people enter, one of which looks exactly like Mrs. Whittaker; that must be the Doctor.
"Can someone explain to me what is going on? Why is there someone who looks like me in here?" the Doctor asks sternly, then her eyes widen when she sees the others; she takes me in, but ignores me, thankfully.
"How should we know? Who the hell are you? Why are we on set? And why bring these others?" Whittaker asks, standing in a stance that suggests she's pissed off too.
"What set? This is a TARDIS, which in guessing you knew, because you obviously recognize it," the Doctor replies tartly, hiding her confusion and fear; she is already thinking over the possibilities, and they terrify her deeply.
"No shit it's a TARDIS, I'm asking how'd we get here, and why are the others here too? They're not playing the role, why bring them?" Whittaker retorts angrily, hiding her confusion and fear under the anger.
"Language! I don't care that you look exactly like me, you will tone your language around me," the Doctor snaps, ignoring the quiet snicker from Capaldi.
"Alright guys, let's take this a notch, please. I think we're all confused, maybe even terrified of the ramifications of what's actually going on. So let's all take a breath, and talk about this calmly? Maybe over some tea?" Tennant says calmly, trying to prevent an all out fight; I smile softly, glad he intervened.
"You're right, I'm sorry. This is all too much for me to process," the Doctor says with a deep breath; she was obviously too worked up to smile.
"I'm sorry, too," Whittaker replies, not looking at her counterpart.
"So my question is this: where exactly are we? Then we need to answer how we got here," Capaldi says quietly, frowning slightly; hehe, the attack eyebrows were about to make an appearance!
"You're on Earth, in my TARDIS. I thought we established that already," the Doctor replies, frowning; I'm not gonna move, nor will I say anything, even though I know where we are.
"See, that's the thing: to us, the TARDIS isn't real, it's a set, and we were on Earth, so that's why we're all having trouble understanding what exactly is going on," Capaldi replies, crossing his arms, chewing absently on his thumbnail.
"What? Not real? And just who exactly are you?" the Doctor asks, finally; I silently ask the TARDIS not to bring up my presence.
"I'm Peter Capaldi, an actor, who played your predecessor. This is Jodie Whittaker, Matt Smith played the bowtie incarnation, David Tennant played the sandshoe incarnation, and Chris Eccleston played the youngest incarnation since the Time War," Capaldi replies, making quick introductions; each person waves or nods when pointed at.
"Played? I don't understand," the Doctor says, even more confused, and more terrified of the ramifications.
"Um, guys.... She's being sincere, she really doesn't understand what's going on," Smith says suddenly, understanding more what's going on.
"Wait, are you saying what I think you're saying?" Tennant asks, face becoming pale; I've never seen that before, weird.
"I'm afraid so. David, you dealt with something similar during your run, so you understand better what's going on," Smith says, looking directly at Tennant, who only looks confused.
"Huh?" Tennant asks, very confused.
"Pete's world," Smith says succinctly, ignore the slight snicker from Capaldi; I'd've chuckled too.
"Oh....." Tennant replies, eyes wide.
"That's impossible. The ways between the universes are closed, so there's absolutely no way you're from another universe," the Doctor says, unable to hide the quiver of fear in her voice.
The TARDIS beeps and trills, and I try not to growl; she's decided to tell the Doctor about me, now, since I obviously have an understanding of what's going on. The Doctor looks directly at me, now, and I squirm uncomfortably; here it comes.
"Oh. Hello! I didn't see you over there," the Doctor says with a false brightness, although the humans can't see me in the gloom; I wave sarcastically at her, gritting my teeth.
"Oh! Hello!" Capaldi says with a grin, walking over towards me; I roll over and stand, before he can offer me a hand up. Standing up is difficult for me, and I don't like getting pulled up, because the prosthetic makes it difficult.
"Hi," I say quietly, shaking his hand that he offers.
"I'm sure you already know our names, so what's yours?" he asks, returning the handshake, and walking beside me as we go to the group.
"Melody Johnson," I say quietly, smiling when Smith chuckles slightly.
"Yeah, the irony of the name isn't lost on me," I reply with a smirk.
"Nice to meet you, Melody. I'm the Doctor, obviously. So tell me, why does the TARDIS seem to think you know what's going on?" the Doctor asks, ignoring the shocked looks on the humans' faces.
"Dunno. All I can say is that we're not from an alternate universe, we're from an alternate reality altogether. And yes, there's a difference," I reply quietly.
"Alternate reality?" the Doctor asks, as though she can't believe I just said that.
"Actually, that does make sense, come to think of it. But how does that work?" Smith says, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"No idea. Whatever it is, it's gotta be ridiculously powerful in order to bring us through. And the biggest question is why. Why bring us over? You guys, I can kinda understand. But me? I'm a nobody, not worth anything, so my being here is the definition of redundant," I say, shrugging; I'm hard pressed to not smirk when the TARDIS herself reacts negatively to my comment.
"No one is redundant, my dear. There's obviously some reason you're here, it'll just take time to figure it out. But already, you seem to have a surpringly familiarity with the situation, an understanding even I didn't have, although I understand some now that you've explained it," the Doctor says, patting my shoulder.
"Yeah, how do you know so much about this?" Tennant asks, curious but wary, like he's suspicious; smart man.
"I read and I know things," I reply with a smirk, earning snickers from the humans from my world; the Doctor and her companions obviously won't get it.
"Alright, so what now? We don't know why you're how, or how you got here. What should I do with you? I don't know how long it'll take to find out the answers," the Doctor asks, looking at each of us; a few mischievous grins tells me I know what they're thinking.
"Well, I can't speak for the others, but I'm wondering if I could meet my counterpart, the bowtie wearing Doctor," Smith asks, hopeful.
"I don't know. Technically we're not supposed to, but since this is a very strange situation, I don't see any issues with it. At the very least, it wouldn't hurt for you all to meet your... What did you call them? Counterparts? I'll try to send a message, see if we can't find a place to meet up, together. Until then, I'll see to getting you each a room, so you can relax until I get word back," the Doctor says efficiently, moving around the console, I assume sending out messages; Whittaker watches with amusement, fingers twitching as though to help.
I step back, carefully, back into the shadows (literally), watching the companions introduce themselves to our group. I shake hands when they get to me, but otherwise stay out if the limelight; I'm just along for the ride.
"Hey Jodie, don't suppose you know where the kitchen is?" Tennant asks, hopeful.
"I think so! Come on, let's go make tea for everyone," Whittaker replies, motioning for Tennant to follow; the others stay behind.
I slide back down to the floor, a little miffed there's no seats available to sit on; I carefully disengage the prosthetic, choosing to keep it in place rather than removing it entirely. Thankfully the others have either forgotten about me, or are ignoring me, either way, no one bothers me. Several minutes later, Whittaker and Tennant return with several cups of tea, and cubes of sugar, for everyone, even me; I add 3 cubes to mine, sipping it slowly. Not bad, no different than basic tea bags in America; somehow, I expected something slightly different, maybe more bitter or "white tea", which is halfway between typical (black tea, that's the actual name) and green tea.
People milled around, chairs slowly started appearing (I don't mean they were brought out, I mean LITERALLY appearing out of nowhere), so we all found chairs to sit on, and rest; I find a comfy chair to sit in, which is so much nicer than the hard floor. I finish my tea, holding onto the cup and saucer, watching people mill around and chat, or sit and chat, the Doctor fiddling with dials and knobs on the console. I can hear when the messages come in, although the TARDIS doesn't actually make a noise, and the Doctor reads the four messages, and responds; I know it'll be easier to correspond now, with the other Doctors waiting for replies. All in all, it takes approximately 20 minutes to message each other, and figure out coordinates, mostly because of them arguing over the best spot; I almost laugh when the TARDIS makes a strange warble sound to indicate her impatience with all the arguing. The Doctor glances over at me, winks, and goes back to the monitor; telepathy ftw? Meh...
"Alright guys, sorry it took so long, but we've agreed to a landing point. I've already put it in, so we'll be arriving in a couple of minutes," the Doctor says with a smile, turning to frown at Tennant, who tries, unsuccessfully, to hide a snicker; a glance at the others, they manage to hide it better.
"This is your captain speaking..." Tennant says brightly, smiling broadly at the Doctor, who giggles when she gets the joke.
True to her word, two minutes later, the landing drum sounds, and everyone looks excitedly at the doors, waiting for the signal that it's safe to leave. At a nod from the Doctor, the others quickly exit, opening both doors, and the Doctor and her companions follow behind; I stay in the TARDIS, because there's too many people for my comfort as is, don't need to add four extra people. I'm happy to note that I have my phone, so I pull up my notepad app, and start writing; why not, nothing better to do.
A little over an hour goes by before anyone realizes I'm not outside, and the person who figured it out surprises me; I'm oblivious to the door being opened, until my name is called.
"Melody? Ah. There you are! Why aren't you outside with the rest of us?" Capaldi asks, smiling broadly at me; I look up, blinking owlishly.
"Too many people," I reply simply.
"Oh. Yeah, I can understand that. But, the other Doctors would like to meet you," he says.
"Would it be rude to ask them to come in here?" I ask, although I know it would be, so I get up, carefully walking over to the older man; I smile faintly at him, then indicate for him to precede me.
We walk out, me looking down as I walk, and I have an unusual anxiety about being around so many people; I'm a hermit, bugger off. I jump slightly when I feel a hand on my shoulder, but relax when I realize it's just Mr. Capaldi; I guess just offering me emotional support?
"Oh my god, she's shorter than the female Doctor! Same height as Clara," 11 says with a cheesy grin; the odd, sideways look 12 gives the younger Doctor is hilarious enough that both Capaldi and I snicker.
"Ouch, way to drop the ball, Doctor," I mutter quietly, and Capaldi giggles; no joke, he legit giggled.
"Doctors, I'd like you to meet Melody, and yes, she's well aware of the irony of the name," Capaldi says, once we're close enough.
"Wouldn't it be funny if she was a musician too?" Tennant asks with a grin, and I laugh.
"But I am, actually. Flute, mallet percussion, handbells, and vocal. Plus I'm a great interior decorator, and pretty good writer," I say with half a smirk and a shrug; Capaldi and Smith both laugh.
"She called you on that one, mate," Eccleston with a laugh, clapping his fellow actor in the shoulder; Tennant simply scratches the back of his head in embarrassment.
"Yeah ... Shut up," Tennant says, making us all laugh; the mischievous look 12 shares with his counterpart, however, worries me.
"Oh no. I know that look. You'll share her with the rest of us," 13 says to her predecessor, narrowing her eyes; the two men simply smile.
"Kinda shy?," 10 says, but not unkindly; I think he realizes I'm nervous.
"Equal parts uncomfortable, nervous, and in pain," I reply quietly, looking down some; habit, contrary to my usual state of goofiness.
"Ok, I can understand pain, but why the other two?" 9 asks, titling his head to the side in curiosity.
"Uncomfortable, because I've become a hermit. Nervous, because I'm trying not to go all fangirl," I say, smirking; I'm relieved when the humans snicker.
"Fangirl?" 9 asks, and I laugh when Eccleston facepalms.
"Long story," Eccleston says, frowning slightly.
"So why uncomfortable?" 12 asks, a little confused.
"Too many people, a lot more than I'm used to," I say, shuffling my feet.
"Ah. I understand that," 12 says, and the embarrassed look on Capaldi's face is amusing and cute; oh, this I've gotta hear.
"So we've decided to have the human counterparts spend time with their Doctors, but we're still discussing what to do about you. What would you like to do?" Capaldi asks kindly?
"I'm just along for the ride, so I'll go wherever I'm told," I say, although it sounds evasive; it's not, I promise.
"Oh come now, surely you've got some input?" Smith asks, literally a half second before Capaldi could reply; hehe, that was amusing to see!
"Not really. Like I said, I'm just along for the ride, so I'll go wherever," I repeat with another shrug.
"Ok... Well, how would you feel about traveling with each of us?" 10 asks, stuffing his hands in his pockets, leaning back on his heels.
"I feel like some shenanigans will occur, mixed with hijinks! Almost gotta feel bad for the universe," I reply with a grin; everyone laughs.
"I like this one! Can we keep her?" 9 responds, looking at his counterpart; I almost crack up at that.
"She's not a pet, Doctor," Eccleston replies, and his Doctor only laughs; I can't help it, I pant like a dog, hand curled down in front of me. Everyone busts up laughing, making me feel a little better.
"Don't encourage him," Eccleston says, hiding his face in his hand; I stop myself from replying, thinking it wouldn't end well.
"So. Would you like us come with us, first?" 9 asks me, smiling, almost shyly.
"You can travel with him if you like, I'll be staying with Jodie and the female Doctor," Eccleston says suddenly, frowning, and walks quickly back to 13s TARDIS; everyone stares in shock at his quickly retreating figure.
"Did I do something wrong?" 9 asks, suddenly very sad.
"No, Doctor, you didn't. I'll go have a talk with him, abd we'll figure this out," 13 says, a hint of anger in her voice; I know what's wrong, but it's not my place to say.
"Come on, guys, let's get some chairs and such set up out here, while they talk," 11 says wisely, heading to his TARDIS; they politely decline my attempt at helping, saying they've got it covered.
So I grab a chair, and take it to the edge of what think of as the landing zone, not wanting to be around everyone; I've already decided that I'm not gonna stay with the group, preferring to find my own way.
Some time later, 13 returns, alone, looking haggard and withdrawn; she pulls 9 off to the side, explaining the situation. I know the humans are speculating what's going on, but I dunno if any of them are close to the truth. I watch a sad, depressed 9 walk glumly back to his ship, taking off shortly thereafter.
"While I'm not at liberty to say why, Mr Eccleston has chosen to travel with myself and my counterpart. He's asked that no one bug him about it, please," 13 says quietly, sadly, wishing she could help him; spying me nearby, she comes over to me.
"What about you? Who will you travel with?" she asks with a false cheerfulness.
"Technically, no one. I'd like to ask that you set me down on a habited planet, and I'll go my own way," I reply calmly; her false bravado drops, and she looks even more sad.
"But why?" she asks, frowning sadly.
"Because I'm a liability. I can't do the things they can, so there's no point in me sticking around. It's best for everyone if I'm not around," I reply, a little firmer than at first; I need her to understand.
"As you wish," she says, sighing deeply, not willing to argue; she turns and goes back to the others.
I take my chair back to the pile, and return to 13s TARDIS, not feeling like socializing; I was actually surprised to see Eccleston sitting there, on the raised platforms.
"I thought I made it clear..." a clearly distraught Eccleston starts.
"I'm not here to pester you, Mr Eccleston. I'm just waiting for them to be done, so 13 can drop me off somewhere," I say coldly, and he sighs.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you," he says quietly, twiddling his thumbs anxiously.
"It's alright, sir, I understand your.... annoyance," I say calmly, voice deadpan; he snorts with bitter amusement.
"You don't need to call me mister, or sir. I'm just Christopher, or Chris as I prefer to be called," he says, smiling faintly; I nod.
"As you wish," I say simply, fighting my instincts to comfort him; I don't him, he doesn't know me, it wouldn't go over well.
"So why are you asking to be dropped off?" he asks, unable to help himself.
"Because I'm a liability; I can't do all the things the others can, so it's better for me to make my own way while we're here," I say, finally moving to sit on another platform.
"I doubt you're a liability...." he starts to say, fading off as he watches me take my leg off.
"Hang on, you're an amputee? I honestly never would've guessed, you walk really well," he says, intrigued despite his mood.
"Hehe, thanks. It's a decent day today, so I'm moving easier. But, this is why I'm a liability: I can't run away, I can barely run except under extreme emergencies," I reply.
"I can understand that," he says, looking like he wanted to add more, but deciding to keep it simple.
We both sit quietly, deciding not to waste time trying to make small talk; hermit bard, at your service.
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We didn't have to wait long before 13 and Jodie return; during that time, Chris decided that he liked my idea better, not wanting to be in the way, but also not ready to be around the situation. It may have taken him years to partially return to the show, doing the audio files, but this is just too much for him; 13 and I appear to be the only ones who know that.
Although both girls tried to talk me out of it, I was adamant about my decision, so they dropped me off on a futuristic looking planet. I said a terse goodbye to the three, half smiling when Chris wished me luck; somehow, 13 managed to procure enough funds for me to get a place to sleep, and food. I knew this would be the hardest thing I've ever done, but at least no one was having to rely on me, or having to take care of me.