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Victoria enjoyed the comforts of the TARDIS library. In a world that was so uncertain, and so full of terror and disaster, the pages of the books she read were a welcome respite. She found the stories of romance, of comedy, and of a family filled her heart with such warmth that had been gone ever since her father faced the Daleks. Sometimes, she would read to Jamie the stories of human girls and boys, just like them, who faced the odds and saved the universe from certain doom. While she saw both her and Jamie reflected in those characters, Victoria found herself at odds with how the main characters were always survivors, who when knocked down got up again, bigger and better. Ever since she had joined the Doctor and Jamie on the Tardis, she had felt that with every monster she faced, and every battle waged, her resolve had started to waver. She was very aware, now, of how dangerous the universe was, and when she slept, she dreamt of battles. These battles always ended one way - in the ultimate destruction of the universe, and watching both the Doctor and Jamie and all of the other friends she had made along the way, perish in their attempts to stop the ultimate catastrophe. When she had those dreams, she would awaken, sweating and hyperventilating as she thought once more of watching those terrible Daleks exterminate her father.
The Doctor had caught on to the intense fear that had begun to plague Victoria’s mind. To him, it was evident that this was beyond the normal grieving process, and as such, it was something that Victoria couldn’t just ‘get over'. Jamie had noticed it as well, although he had very little idea of what they should do due to the times he had come from. To Jamie’s credit, he did care very deeply for Victoria, and both had resolved to let the Doctor talk to Victoria about it.
He opened the door to the TARDIS library and found Victoria sitting on a chair, absolutely absorbed in a copy of Throne of Glass. “Victoria?” He asked.
“Yes, Doctor?” She asked, marking the page she was reading with a bookmark, as she gently put it down.
“How are you feeling today?” He asked. Despite being telepathic, he found it rude to intrude on the thoughts of his companions without asking. So, he left it to Victoria to say as much as she wanted to say, and no more.
A strained smile tugged at the edge of Victoria’s lips, and her eyes went blank, as though she’d just been caught by a Weeping Angel. “I’ve been doing just fine,” She said, and the Doctor couldn’t tell if she was trying to convince him or herself.
“And are you sure of that?” The Doctor pressed gently.
“Absolutely.”
“I know that you have seen things that many do not get the opportunity to see. You’ve seen both the most beautiful things in the universe and the most terrible things in the universe. Us people, we’re all different. Some of us see these things, and we are inspired and motivated by the endless adventures available to us, the chance to experience all of time and space. Some of us see these things, and they see uncertainty, and fear, and more questions than answers.”
“I suppose that you and Jamie are of the former type,” Victoria said. “And -” She paused, unsure of what to say next. In a way, she did consider herself of the second type, the person who saw the hidden dangers in every adventure, who questioned every part of her being, from who she was to whether she actually enjoyed adventuring with the Doctor. She nervously bit her lip, in a semi-conscious expression of fear. She could feel fear rising from her belly, and the thoughts going through her head were dizzying. She thought of everything she had seen, and of those terrible nightmares, and of all of her fears until it felt like her brain was going to explode.
She didn’t realise she was crying until the Doctor offered her a handkerchief. She took it, trying to regain her composure, and dabbed at the tears that were dripping down her face. “Thank you, Doctor,” She sniffled.
“I understand your feelings, dear Victoria,” The Doctor said, putting on his grandfather voice, the one his previous incarnation would use with Susan. “My people, we can tell what people are thinking and feeling. I try not to use it on my companions without asking first, but sometimes their minds subconsciously reach out to mine when they are in great need. Yours has done so several times, and I feel the intense pain and fear you must feel. Humans were not built to be constantly running away from their fears, and Jamie and I have feared that you have burnt yourself out trying to do so.”
Victoria went silent for what felt like an eternity, her mind again clouded with existential questions. But, there was one question that felt most important.
“What should I do?”
“My dear Victoria,” the Doctor said, sitting next to her. “I thought it would be good if you could talk to someone who could help you with your problems. There are people trained in the art of putting people's minds at ease. I have a contact who would be able to help you with what has been ailing you, so that you can heal from the past, and consider the future.” For once, a genuine smile lit up Victoria’s face, and she gave the Doctor a quick hug.
“Oh, Doctor,” she sighed. “I would do anything to heal.”
“You shall heal eventually,” the Doctor promised, trying very hard to not make it seem hollow. The title of Doctor was a promise, he knew, to protect and heal those who needed his care. And while Victoria needed an impartial ear to help facilitate that healing, he knew that he could very much protect her, and that he was able to provide the space she needed to help the healing process.
The TARDIS landed in a far-future version of London, one where humans had become very much aware of the dangers of the universe. He dropped Victoria off for her session with his contact, a psychologist named Dr. Summerfield, who had experience working with people who had experienced some of the worst that the universe had to offer. Meanwhile, instead of waiting around in the lobby, the Doctor and Jamie wandered the streets, ice-creams in hand and with absolutely no worries in the world. Well, except for whether Victoria’s therapy session was going well.
When they returned, there had been no alien invasions, and it looked as though a weight had lifted off of Victoria’s shoulders. “How do you feel?” the Doctor asked.
“A bit better,” Victoria said. “She was very kind. I felt as though she had an answer for everything! Doctor, your words about healing… leaving that session, I felt as though I had a chance of living a fulfilling life.”
“I am glad to hear that,” the Doctor said. “Even without my time sense, I can tell that you have a bright future, and I want you to feel excited about what’s ahead.”
Victoria gave a big grin, and she put her arms around the Doctor and Jamie’s shoulders. “Thank you, Doctor,” she said affectionately, and from her body language, it was as if the sun was beginning to peek through the storm clouds in her mind.
“So!” The Doctor said as he led both of his companions back to the Tardis. “Miss Victoria Waterfield, you have all of time and space at your fingertips. The universe is your oyster, and wherever you lead, we shall follow. Now, are you ready to blast off?”