Work Text:
Everything had to go wrong. This tends to happen quite often when you travel with the Doctor. So really everything just had to go wrong.
– Welcome to the end of the world! – She exclaims joyfully, spreading her arms out wide, getting out of the TARDIS.
– So now we come to such events on purpose? Amazing. – Graham mutters looking around.
– You should be used to it by now. – Ryan chuckles.
– Well, usually it happens by accident.
– Eventually it happens anyway, so what’s the difference? – Yaz smiles.
– Oh, come on! It’ll be fun! – Doctor frowns indignantly and then immediately smiles. – Let’s go, fam, follow me!
And before anyone has time to react, Time Lady is already rushing somewhere along the numerous corridors, smiling in anticipation of… something, she never knows for sure. Spoilers!
– At least tell us where we are?! – Ryan asks breathlessly as he and the others catch up with Doctor in one of the halls.
At this moment, a mechanical voice goes through.
– Guests are reminded that Platform 34 forbids the use of weapons and religion. The use of teleportation devices is strictly forbidden under peace treaty 5.4/cup/16. Thank you.
It’s not just one of the halls, it’s an observation deck. One of the walls is a giant window behind which you can see a planet like the palm of your hand. And even from this distance, you can clearly see the lava rivers covering its entire surface.
– Amazing. – Graham exhales, stopping in front of it.
– As I said, welcome to the end of the world. – Doctor smiles putting her hands in her bottomless pockets. – Or rather, welcome to the destruction of the planet Felspoon. Nice place. There the mountains sway and move in the wind. We should visit it someday, what do you think?
She tilts her head to take a closer look at the view and slightly frowns.
– It seems to look different. Do you think it looks different? Silly question, it’s the first time you’re seeing it, it never looked different for you. It definitely looked different. – Doctor is silent for a little while but then suddenly straightens up and casually shrugs. – Probably just my mind playing tricks on me. Or not. After all, I haven’t been here for a long time. And besides, this is the day of its destruction, a planet can look different on the day of its destruction. Does anyone want a cookie?
***
Psychic paper convinces the platform manager that the Doctor and her plus three are on the guest list and have every right to be here. Soon enough the observation deck is filled with invited aliens and service staff. The later move around the hall with trays full of various appetizers and drinks. Guests exchange gifts of peace, make small talks and admire the planet in its last hours of existence. Everything is going as it should go at this kind of banquets.
– Why did you decide to come here all of a sudden? – Yaz asks sniffing cautiously at the strange-looking canape before eating it.
– Feeling nostalgic. – Doctor waves her hand vaguely, sipping juices of poisonous bright colors through several straws at once. – Besides, the death of the planet is an incredibly beautiful sight, albeit a little sad. Sure, it can’t compare with the birth of a star, but still. It’s worth seeing if there is an opportunity, and we have it.
– Nostalgic? So you’ve been here before?
– Not specifically here, obviously. Crossing your own timeline is a dubious pleasure, I try not to do this unless absolutely necessary. But I’ve been to these kinds of events before. I think.
– You think?
– Definitely have been. Else why would I feel nostalgic?
– But you don’t remember? – Yaz frowns a bit worriedly.
– I do, just pretty vaguely. – Doctor shrugs casually but still to calm her companion tries to jog her memory and grab onto stubbornly elusive memories. I think it was Earth. I believe there was something related to robots and insurance. Whatever, it was ages ago, I had different eyes back then. No need to bother.
– Sounds like it was a lot of fun. – Yaz smiles and turns to the window feeling relaxed.
Doctor grins back in agreement, but is suddenly struck by a thought that this was not the case. She thinks that in fact it wasn’t a lot of fun. Well, maybe it was, but only in the beginning. Yeah, a memory, if you can call it that, seems to be nice, kind of warm and light, but at the same time it feels sad and even painful. No, it definitely wasn’t fun. But then why does she miss those times so much that it made her come here?
Doctor throws these thoughts away before they get her anywhere and unconsciously rubs her hand. It’s like it’s missing something. Maybe someone else’s hand. Or perhaps a cookie? Yes, cookies definitely won’t hurt.
Planet-death in fifty minutes.
***
– Beautiful, isn’t it? – mutters Graham, looking at the planet he’s never been to, the very existence of which he’s known less than an hour ago. – I thought that I have already seen so much, but now I understand that this was only a small part. Like… this is a whole planet. It’s been here for billions of years, so much has happened on it. And now it’s burning down. Everything that is known of it will remain only in some databases and in somebody’s memories. And just how many planets have already died during the entire existence of the Universe? How many were born? How many will be born? – he sighs in admiration. – It’s kind of inspiring, don’t you think?
– I guess, – an unfamiliar female voice answers him.
Graham jerks to the side in surprise, cursing under his breath. There is a woman standing at arm’s length from him. She is wearing a large leather jacket, all her clothes are black. Her wavy ginger hair is pulled back into a high ponytail, a few strands beautifully framing her face, most of which is covered by a black mask. If you look closely though, you can see that it is not a mask, but some kind of fancy air filter. This must not be the right atmosphere for her, Graham thinks, and is slightly surprised at how easily such a conclusion forms in his head. How firmly the aliens settled in his life, if it became the order of things.
There is a soft chuckle. Graham shudders again, distracted from his thoughts. The stranger is looking at him expectantly, wrinkles in the corners of her eyes are giving away her smile.
– Pardon me. – Graham smiles awkwardly, taking a step closer. – I thought I was talking to Ryan, that’s my grandson. I could swear he was here just a minute ago.
He looks around the room, looking for Ryan. He is quickly found in the company of Yaz and a couple of unfamiliar aliens. They’re chatting about something, laughing, having a good time and have definitely been doing so for much longer than a minute.
– Guess, I got lost in thoughts. – Graham chuckles, turning back to his unexpected companion.
– Happens to the best of us. – The stranger smiles again. – It really is quite inspiring.
– Hmm? – Graham frowns, confused, and then mentally slaps himself. – Oh, the planet! Yes, right. Felspoon. So many planets have already died, many of them, probably, no one even knows of, and yet still…
– …yet still life can be found in every corner of the Universe, – the woman continues for him. – Even if you’re not looking for it. Especially if you’re not looking for it, really, – she grumbles jokingly.
– You’re sure right about that! – Graham laughs and then, remembering, holds out his hand. – Hi. My name is Graham. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
– The pleasure is mine. Hello. – The stranger shakes his hand. Noticing Graham’s eyebrows raised in anticipation, she shifts awkwardly. – Oh, right. Names. I’ve always had a difficult relationship with them.
– You don’t know your own name? – Graham frowns in confusion.
– Of course, I know my own name, – she shrugs nonchalantly. – I just don’t remember it at the moment. I think for now you can just call me Jane Doe.
– You know, you remind me a little of my friend right now. We’re traveling with her.
– And about those many planets that once were… Honestly, it gives me goosebumps sometimes. – Jane Doe smiles, though it is not visible behind the mask, but is clearly audible in her voice. – You, for example. You’re from Earth, right?
– Yeah, that’s right. – Graham nods, interested.
– Do you know about the Fifth Planet?
– The fifth planet? You mean Jupiter?
– Nope. That’s the whole point, – there’re rays of some foxy smile in the corners of her eyes. – There was a Fifth Planet, just between Mars and Jupiter.
– What happened to it?
– As far as I know, it was destroyed during some war. All that was left of it formed the asteroid belt.
– I actually didn’t know that. – Graham breathes in astonishment. – So we didn’t even have the opportunity to name this planet somehow, it’ll remain in history simply as “The Fifth Planet”.
Jane Doe only nods in agreement, looking thoughtfully at the dying planet in front of them, and then suddenly asks:
– Why did you mention Felspoon?
– Yep, that friend of mine jumps from topic to topic exactly the same way, – he nods.
– No, really, what does Felspoon have to do with it?
– You know, sometimes I have problems with names and titles too, I probably messes up with pronunciation somewhere…
– No, no, pronunciation is fine, Felspoon it is. – Jane Doe says with a wave of her hand. – I’ve been there, nice place. The air is incredible, and all these mountains, very atmospheric, – she chuckles, realizing the unintended pun. – I mean, sure, there are, like, no roads, no signs, no maps, and in especially windy weather getting lost is a matter of one minute…
– Okay, now you’re kind of frighteningly similar to the…
– But why did you mention this planet?
Graham frowns in confusion for the umpteenth time today. He only awkwardly points to the planet burning outside the window and eloquently looks at it. He thinks that he has never felt more of a pillock in his life, so he cannot squeeze out a single word.
– Oh. Oooh. – the mysterious stranger drawls. – It’s kind of awkward. I don’t even know how to say it…
– Say what?
– That’s not Felspoon.
– Yeah-yeah, I must have confused the name…
– You misunderstood me, – she smiles. – The planet Felspoon has been destroyed. Also due to natural causes. And there was also a banquet. Also arranged by this campaign actually. And that was about nine thousand years ago.
– Oh. – Graham concludes.
– Oh. – Jane Doe nods in agreement.
– May I ask where we are then?
– Platform 43. The destruction of the planet Sarn.
– I see.
– You need to go and tell your companions about this?
– Yes, it definitely wouldn’t hurt. Please excuse me.
Graham with a slightly strained smile walks towards Ryan and Yaz, and together they go in search of the Doctor, who has already managed to get lost somewhere among the guests. The ginger-haired woman watches them go, then pulls a small scanner from her jacket pocket. Graham’s biological data flashes on the screen. She scrolls through general information, looking for what she needs. And here it is. Artron energy. Time travelers.
– Didn’t see that coming. – Jane Doe grins.
She puts the scanner in her pocket, takes one last look at the planet, and, without attracting anyone’s attention, heads along the walls to the exit from the observation deck.
Planet-death in thirty minutes.
***
– I knew Felspoon looked different! – Doctor exclaims in triumph as Graham, Ryan and Yaz tell her the latest news in the empty hallway.
– Yeah, and you’re only nine thousand years off mark, no big deal. – Graham shakes his head slightly accusingly.
– Missed a turn somewhere, – she brushes off.
– Does it matter? – Ryan shrugs nonchalantly. – It’s still the destruction of the planet. We haven’t been to any of those planets anyway, so it doesn’t make much of a difference, if you ask me.
– He’s got a point. – Yaz agrees and smirks. – Sure, we missed the mark over time, but we essentially got where we were supposed to. When else have we been so lucky?
– What did you say the name of the planet is? – Doctor asks casually.
– Why? Is it important? – Graham stiffens a little.
– How did you even know about all this? – Ryan asks him.
– Well, I met this woman, we got to talking, and word by word… Her name is Jane Doe.
– Jane Doe? Really?
– She said she didn’t remember her name, so I can call her that. – Graham shrugs.
– Graham. Don’t get distracted. – Doctor waves her hand, drawing his attention. – What is this planet?
– Sarn, I think that’s what she said… Yes, that’s right, Sarn. The destruction of the planet Sarn.
– Something’s wrong? – Yaz asks worriedly as she watches the intense thought process on Doctor’s face.
– Planet Sarn… – Doctor drawls thoughtfully, staring into nothing. – Planet Sarn, the destruction of the planet Sarn, I know something about it, something important… The destruction of the planet Sarn, something happened here, definitely happened.
– Alright, what do know about this planet? – Ryan asks, hoping to help and maybe push in the right direction.
– Sarn is also known as the Planet of Fire. – Doctor begins to list. – Rocky, barren. High seismic activity. And now it’s falling apart. Most of the planets die due to the fact that they are consumed by expanding stars. So, for example, your Earth was in the year 5.5/Apple/26, it was swallowed up by the Sun. but Sarn at some moment – well, at this exact moment – basically just tore itself apart, seismic activity became too high. And there was an observation platform. This platform. Platform 43.
– Planet-death in fifteen minutes. – A message echoes across the platform.
– Of course! – Doctor exclaims, joyfully jumping up from the information that has surfaced in her head. – Planet Sarn, platform 43! It was destroyed along with the planet! Will be destroyed, right here in fifteen minutes!
– It will be what?! – Graham screams after a couple of seconds, realizing the news.
– Then what are you so happy about?! – Ryan is outraged, waving his arms nervously and looking around, as if expecting to see a familiar glowing Exit sign somewhere. – We need to get out of here!
– Oh, yeah, right. – Doctor catches on and turns back towards the observation deck. – Let’s go, back to the TARDIS. Do not create panic.
– But, Doctor. – They make their way through the crowded room as Yaz lines up with the Doctor and grabs her arm. – We can’t just pick up and leave. What about all these people? – She looks back at the guests, who are already starting to pull closer to the panoramic window. – We have to warn them.
– Don’t worry, they’ll soon find out for themselves. – Doctor replies soothingly, not slowing down. Meeting her companion’s stubborn and worried gaze, she squeezes her shoulder reassuringly and says: – I’ll explain everything when we get out of here. There is no time for this now.
– If we get out. – Ryan mumbles nervously behind them.
– What is this pessimistic attitude? – Doctor glances back. - Everything will be just fine!
– We sure hope so. – Graham says as they leave the observation deck and head for the parking section, where, as the Doctor told them, the TARDIS had been driven by the platform’s workers.
***
The Doctor did not lie – people really did find out everything pretty quickly. In less than five minutes, the alarm goes off, and an urgent evacuation of everyone on the platform is announced over the speakerphone. The staff is organized along the corridors and shows panicked guests the way to the evacuation ship. There, everyone is checked according to the list and all sections of the platform are scanned, checking if anyone is left behind.
So when the Doctor and her companions run to the TARDIS in the parking section – that is, in the opposite direction from the evacuation ship – and stumble upon two aliens from the staff… well, that does slow them down a bit.
– I just forgot something very important in the next section, - with a smile on her face, Doctor persistently tries to skip on. – We’ll be fast, in and out, no one will notice! No need to worry!
– Miss, we understand everything, – the blue-skinned alien persistently prevents her. – But, with all due respect, we can’t let you do that. Please, go towards the evacuation site. Physical and moral damage will be compensated, that much we can guarantee.
The Doctor is about to continue, but literally in five seconds something unpredictable happens. She suddenly notices a dark silhouette jumping out of the corner behind the backs of these responsible guys. The next moment, a syringe flashes near the neck of one of the workers – and he falls unconscious on his colleague. He catches him, looks around blankly and briefly screams in fear, looking at the blaster aimed at him. Automatically raises his hands, but immediately returns them to their original position, not allowing his mate to hit the floor.
– I am really sorry, but this will speed up the process greatly, – the silhouette says in a calm female voice, tucking a ginger strand of hair, climbing into her eyes, behind her ear with her free hand. – He’ll be fine in a couple of hours. Dizziness, headache, nausea and partial or complete loss of vision are possible. If it does not go away within two to three days, contact the hospital.
– Whatever you’re doing, please stop, – the alien says in a frightened, but at the same time firm voice. – We all need to evacuate right now.
– I absolutely agree with you, – the stranger nods. – That’s why you and your friend will now go to the ship, register you both, fly away with everyone, live a long and happy life, and one day maybe you will tell your grandchildren about this day.
– That sounds lovely, why don’t we all follow this plan?
– No one will know that you let five guests go their own way, – she continues to persuade him. – Because there were no five guests here.
– That simple? – the man snorts nervously. – Of course, I can say anything, but all guests and employees are being monitored from the ship now…
– In that case, it’s good that we are neither, – the woman interrupts him with a smile hidden under the mask.
The platform worker gasps indignantly, looks at the blaster, at his unconscious colleague, at the Doctor and her companions and thinks, thinks, thinks… Unfortunately, the company does not have any protocol for such a situation.
– Listen, – the stranger softens. – What’s your name?
–Larns, – he breathes, his voice a little shaky.
–Hello, Larns, – she says softly and gently and pulls the blaster aside. – Just let us go and don’t tell anyone here about this. I promise you won’t have any problems. You’ll be just fine, – seeing his doubts, she continues. – And we’ll be fine. We will survive, there will be no blood on your hands, don’t worry about that. This will be our little secret.
Larns hesitates for a couple more seconds, then grabs his friend more comfortably and moves aside, freeing the passage for the Doctor and her companions. Finally, he says:
– The sections will soon begin to lock down. So, wherever you go, you better hurry up.
– Thank you, Larns, – the woman nods gratefully. – And I’m sorry I was pointing a blaster at you.
– It’s alright, I understand, – Larns grins nervously, – but my psychologist will hear about it.
The woman nods understandingly, and Larns, with an unconscious colleague on his back, quickly heads to the evacuation point.
– Jane! – Graham exclaims happily.
– Graham! – she smiles at him and gasps from unexpected hugs. – I’m glad to see you, too. – Jane Doe laughs, pats Graham lightly on the back and gently pulls away. – Larns is right, we should hurry, don’t you think?
– Oh, definitely. – Graham nods vigorously and continues on the run. – This is the Jane Doe!
–Yes, Graham, we’ve already figured it out. – Ryan replies a little irritably, anxiously peering into every window on the way.
– Jane, this is my grandson Ryan. – Graham introduces and points at him. – This is Yaz, and this is the Doctor. We travel together.
– Nice to meet you! – Jane Doe waves her hand amiably.
– Hi. – Yaz smiles awkwardly in response, much more concerned now about the approaching destruction of the platform than a new acquaintance.
– I like your socks! – Jane Doe exclaims, turning to the Doctor.
– Thank you! – Doctor smiles at her. – I like your jacket and I don’t like your gun!
– Oh, come on, if I was going to shoot them, I would have done it right away, they didn’t even see me!
– I still don’t like it!
– Attention! The lockout of the section begins. Please, leave the section immediately.
– Hurry up!
And so they run on through endless identical corridors, no longer distracted by conversations, keeping their breath. Sealed doors slowly and relentlessly move down, they have to bend lower and lower to pass on, emergency lighting flashes and hits eyes and nerves. But now the passage to the next section is finally visible ahead – and it is almost closed. It’s just a stone’s throw away, about ten meters on the upswing. They’re going to make it! They’re making it!
– Doctor! – Ryan suddenly calls out to her, frightened, when they stop for a second to catch their breath, in the next section.
She turns around, sees Graham and Ryan. Jane Doe and Yaz are standing at arm’s length from them, if not closer, but it seems much further away. After all, they are separated by a damn sealed door with a small damn window.
– No, no, no, no, no. – Doctor babbles, running back to the door and taking out her sonic screwdriver.
She scans the door mechanism, scans the dashboard located nearby and first of all establishes communication so that they can at least hear each other. It’s something she can do quickly and with no effort, and maybe it’s the only thing she can do at all.
– Sorry, we weren’t fast enough. – Yaz exhales, leaning on the door and trying to catch her breath. Her voice is muffled and slightly distorted, but the anxiety in it is still clearly audible.
– Don’t apologize for that, it’s not your fault. – Doctor frowns, continuing to point the screwdriver at the door.
– It’s fine, she’ll open this door any second now, and we’ll move on. Right, Doc? – Graham says soothingly, turns to her and sees a tense pose, eyes running from side to side in search of at least some clue or loophole, nervously bitten lip. – Right, Doc?... Doctor?
In this eloquent silence, laughter suddenly sounds, at first quiet, but it becomes louder and, surprisingly, doesn’t even sound hysterical.
– And it’s not even wood! – Jane Doe says eventually, when she calms down a little. – Although it would be better if it was wood, honestly!
– How about you at least try not to distract me while I’m trying to save your lives? – Doctor grins irritably.
– And how exactly are you going to do that, huh? – the ginger-haired woman smiles.
– Well, for the start, I will open this door. – Time Lady sneers at her.
– We both know that the level of protection here is quite high, there are too many combinations, so you can’t do it. – Jane Doe sighs wearily leaning against the door.
– Yes, I can! It’s not even made of wood, for Rassilon’s sake. – Doctor growls, glaring at the screwdriver. – So do me a favor and shut up!
– It’s nice to know that some things just never change. You’re still rude.
– No, really, shut up!
– Rude and not ginger.
– Well, that is just low on your part, you know perfectly well that this is a sensitive subject! – the Doctor chokes with indignation, even looking up from the screwdriver for a couple of seconds. – I can open this door, I just need some time.
– Well, I’m sorry, but you don’t have any, – their new acquaintance says harshly, switching to a serious tone. – Your section is going to start blocking at any second, you have to move.
– We can’t just leave you here! – Graham joins in.
– That way at least someone will get out of here. – Yaz shakes her head, struggling to squeeze out an encouraging smile.
– Wow, slow down here! – Jane Doe waves her hand sternly, alone noticing how after Yaz’s words the Doctor turns away for a moment, closes her eyes and swallows a lump in her throat. – No one is dying today!
– You cannot know this for sure and you cannot promise it. – Doctor says, heartsbroken, helplessly lowering the screwdriver and looking at the unexpected companion. There is something special in her completely ordinary eyes that makes her look, look, look... or perhaps it’s just easier to talk only to her now than to even meet the gaze of someone from her fam. She smiles sadly: – Unless you suddenly have a solid plan for how we all get out of here alive.
– Well, it’s not exactly a plan. – Jane Doe grimaced in vexation. – Not exactly a solid one either.
– I’m all ears.
– Let’s just meet outside.
– And how do you imagine it?
– You go to your ship, I go to mine. You take care of Graham and Ryan, I take care of Yaz. We will have to take a detour, obviously, but there are no other options. And we’ll meet outside. Okay?
One of her hands is on the damn little window, and the Doctor, yielding to some strange impulse, presses her palm against it, as if trying to briefly isolate them both from the whole world, even from Yaz, Graham and Ryan. It seems that a little more, and she will be able to feel the warmth of the stranger’s hand. But the glass is way too thick for that kind of tricks.
– Okay. – Doctor nods after an eternity of five seconds. – That sounds like a plan. Meet me outside?
– Meet you outside. – Jane Doe smiles and winks. Such a simple gesture unexpectedly gives confidence to a discouraged time traveler, and she even manages to smile in response. – You better hurry.
The Doctor nods to her, casts an encouraging glance at Yaz, then takes her hand off the glass and, together with Graham and Ryan, quickly disappears behind the corner, without looking back so as not to recklessly change her mind.
– Alright. – Yaz exhales, trying to calm the slight trembling in her hands. – So exactly where is this detour to your ship?
– Good question. – Jane Doe turns to her. – And it’s mine.
– How reassuring.
***
They run a couple of times along the corridor segment available to them and eventually knock down the ventilation grate. Fortunately, the ventilation pipes are wide enough, so they climb in there without any problems. To move, however, they have to crawl, not even squatting, but this does not cause any particular difficulties: adrenaline, bubbling in the blood, helps to keep high speed, Jane Doe definitely has experience in such a pastime, and Yaz often did such and many other exercises back in the police academy. She smiles nervously – they could be in outer space at any second without any protection, and she’s thinking about the past years of study!
Finally, after three minutes that have flown by like three hours, they get out of the ventilation, again finding themselves in one of the countless corridors of the platform.
– I get the platform itself. – Yaz exhales, stretching out to her full height, not without pleasure. – But how do you navigate inside the ventilation pipes?
– Ventilation is still a platform. – Jane Doe shrugs, as if this is something self-evident and is supposed to explain everything, and looks around.
– Attention! The lockout of the section begins. Please leave the section immediately.
– Lucky as drowned people! – Jane Doe curses.
– Of course, I’m not particularly superstitious, – Yaz frowns, – but can we do without comparing us with the dead for now?
– If you wish so, – the ginger-head grins.
She grabs Yaz by the hand, and they run again, competing in speed with the blocking doors. On one of the rare signs they manage to make out the words "parking section". Yaz lets the cautious thought that they will really get out of here safely to slip in her mind. Suddenly, a short gust of wind appears out of nowhere, tearing the air out of the lungs for a moment, and the doors – in front and behind of them – stop.
– Oh, come on! – with despair and indignation, Jane Doe pulls and rushes forward. – Holy sh-…!
Yaz catches up with her just as she angrily kicks the single one fully closed door.
– What just happened? – Yasmin asks, resting her hands on her knees and trying to catch her breath, only now realizing how tired she is from this race.
– Look out the window and you’ll find out. – Jane Doe waves her hand irritably, buries her fingers in her hair, ruffling her tail, and then goes to the window herself and starts looking for something diligently.
Yaz, taking the chance for a break, leans against a large window, part of which is now slightly fogged up by her breathing. At first, she doesn’t understand what she’s supposed to see. They are surrounded by the darkness of space with barely noticeable lights of stars glittering in the distance. They are almost impossible to see because of the bright lava, which is much closer now. But several huge asteroids are very visible, floating away in different directions – the planet is still in place, but this is clearly not for long. And then Yaz understands just how dire the situation is. Asteroids! Now she looks not straight forward, but to the side – and sees… Although, to be more precise, he does not see – he does not see the rest of the platform, he does not see the parking section. Because one of these "pebbles" just smashed it! It wasn’t a gust of wind – it was the air being pulled out. And the complete blocking stopped, probably because all the energy was automatically transferred to closing the door closest to the arisen gap.
– I guess we need a plan B. – Yaz grins nervously.
– We’re long past plan B. – Jane Doe snorts.
– We are?
– When I stopped in that corridor and got your asses out of there, that was plan B. Then we were forced to split up – plan C. And now…
– ...we need a plan D.
– Yep.
– And we have how much? Five minutes to come up with it?
– That’s so optimistic of you.
– Great.
For a few seconds they stand in tense silence, looking out the window and considering the very few options for possible actions.
– Maybe Doctor will find us? – Yaz breaks the silence, flinching slightly at the sound of her own voice. Maybe if they talk out ideas, they will find a way out faster. And even if not, at least it won’t seem like they’re just standing and humbly waiting for the inevitable.
– He won’t find us. – Jane Doe shakes her head. – He hid you lot from all radars so as not to get caught. And I did the same thing, – she spreads her arms to the sides. – Disadvantages of trespassing!
– “He”? – Yaz frowns in confusion.
– Damn it. She! – the stranger snaps her fingers. – It will take some getting used to. She won’t be able to find us.
– Alright. – Yaz waves it off. She can think about it later, now they have much more pressing problems.
She’s trying to get her eyes on something that might help. And she even succeeds. Although the parking section has been demolished, parts of it are still there. Many ships are broken without any hope of repair, many are flying around, but even more are still standing in parking lots, apparently magnetized or something. Due to the collision, the floor split into many parts, each of which now has several ships on it, and some were even large enough that you could see the level number written on the floor.
– The ships are still here. – Yaz says, looking at Jane Doe, and realizes that she is already looking there, her eyes are running from one part of the former parking section to another, from one ship to another.
– Artificial gravity hasn’t been turned off yet, so they haven’t been blown into outer space. – Jane Doe explains absently.
– Trying to find your ship? – Yaz nods understandingly. The abstract "come up with a plan" was replaced by the concrete "find a ship", and it had a pretty calming effect. – How do we get to it from here?
– One problem at a time, sweetie.
– Okay… Okay. Let’s search together then. Where did you park? What ships were nearby? On what level?
– Straight to the point. Do you work for the police, by any chance? – Jane Doe grins.
– By some chance, I do. – Yaz nods.
– Really? – the ginger-head even distracts from the search and turns to her.
– Yes, – the Doctor’s companion shrugs. – Is there a problem?
– Considering we’re both here uninvited, no. No problem. Just didn’t really see that coming.
– You didn’t answer about the ship.
– Yes, that’s right, wonderful and very important questions about my ship…
– Do you not remember where you parked?! – Yaz starts to get angry.
– Not exactly. – Jane Doe answers vaguely, clasping her hands in a lock and continuing to look at the ships.
A sudden guess flashes before Yaz’s eyes, and she gasps with indignation:
– You don’t have a ship!
– I have a ship! – the stranger responds with no less indignation. – It’s just that it’s not really... mine. At the moment.
– So you’re going to hijack the ship?!
– I was originally here for this! Is there a problem?
– Yes, as a police officer, I am a little against stealing someone else’s property! – Yaz spreads her hands.
– Oh, spare me! – Jane Doe exclaims. – You’re traveling on a stolen ship yourself!
–Wh-... what makes you think that?! – the girl frowns in bewilderment.
– The TARDIS, – the woman shrugs, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the universe. – Doctor stole it. You didn’t know?
– No, I didn’t know. – Yaz breathes out in amazement.
It was already clear that the Doctor and this Jane Doe knew each other. But how closely did they know each other? What is their relationship? The Doctor didn’t react in any way when Graham talked about her earlier. And their meeting did not look like a meeting of old friends or mates, rather like an introduction. But after that, in that ill-fated corridor… And now. She obviously knows a lot more about the Doctor than Yaz, Graham and Ryan do, and they’ve been traveling together for quite a long time.
– Well, you should ask him sometime, – meanwhile Jane Doe shrugs carelessly, and then frowns in annoyance. – Her. Her! Ask her sometime! I’ll remember, I swear.
Yaz is about to say something, when suddenly the stranger exclaims enthusiastically and leans closer to the window, even jumping a little on the spot with joy.
– There he is! There he is! He wasn’t blown to hell! There he is, my beautiful boy! – she gently strokes the glass with her hands, looking at one of the ships, and barely purrs. – Wait a little longer, baby, mommy is almost there!
– Mommy? – Yaz raises her eyebrows.
– Hey, I’ve come a long way for him, alright? – Jane Doe grins contentedly. – I think we are already close enough for this stage in our relationship.
– I’m very happy for you! – Yaz snorts, trying to focus on the absurdity of the situation instead of the situation itself. – And how do we get in there?
– In through the window, – the stranger’s eyes mischievously shine with gold for a moment, she laughs slyly.
This carefree laugh of hers is illegally contagious, and suddenly Yaz feels undeniable confidence – everything will be fine. Although this undeniability is seriously tested when Jane Doe points out that this section is about to be blown apart as well. She quickly but calmly rummages in her oversized leather jacket, pulls out two pairs of glasses (the kind that fits snugly to the face, and the head circumference is adjustable by straps), some small spray can and a mask – the same one she wears herself.
Yaz obediently puts on her pair of glasses and patiently waits for Jane Doe to sort out the rest. The can turns out to be filled with oxygen and is quickly attached to Yaz’s jacket right under the collar. The woman quickly activates the second mask, pulls out narrow tubes from it, connects them to the can, then puts the mask on her new mate and checks several times whether she can breathe. For Yaz, all this is dragged on for long precious minutes, she can barely contain the trembling in her hands, looking out of the corner of her eye at the approaching "pebble" and understanding with the head that Jane Doe had managed everything even in less than a minute.
A few seconds before the collision, they run straight out the window – the stranger exclaims "Allons-y, Alonso!" – and jump towards the right ship exactly at the moment when it silently shatters into fragments, like most of the section. Yaz thinks about how she, Graham and Ryan, by the grace of the Doctor, ended up in outer space shortly after meeting her. She reminds herself that this time everything is relatively planned and she can even breathe quite freely, but still clings to Jane Doe tighter. She casts a soothing look at her from under the glasses and continues to push off from the floating parts of the platform and ships, approaching "her beautiful boy".
***
– And you were worried. – Jane Doe grins as they fall into seats in a small and, fortunately, fully functioning ship.
Yaz looks at her with an unreadable look, pulls off her glasses and throws them at the woman. After a few seconds of silence, they both burst into just a little hysterical laughter.
Calming down a little, Jane Doe sits up straight, activates the systems, adjusts the air parameters, deletes the data of past owners from the database and gives herself full access. They detach from a small piece of concrete with the number nine written on it, which used to be part of the parking section, and fly further away from the collapsing platform. From afar, an evacuation ship can be seen flying away, in which Larns is sitting somewhere and keeping their little secret.
– We need to find Doctor. – Yaz breathes out, relaxing in her seat.
– You lot came here to see the destruction of the planet. – Jane Doe answers her, continuing to lazily adjust something. – So don’t deny yourself the pleasure and enjoy the show. As for me, the view from afar is so much better.
– Jane... – Yaz pulls sternly. At least that’s what she planned, but the smile of joy does not leave her lips, so it turns out clearly something else.
– We’ll find Doctor in a few minutes, she’s not going anywhere, – she turns to her and squints slyly. – So relax. We deserve a break.
Yaz is about to continue the argument, but then the planet finally breaks apart, and she freezes in mid-sentence. Stones of different shapes and sizes are scattered in all directions, and the platform is now completely destroyed. Lava spreads out in shapeless clumps, absorbs everything in its path and gradually cools down in the cold of space, shimmering with some unthinkable shades.
– Wow. – Yaz breathes out admiringly, feeling her eyes start to water from how long she keeps them open, but she stubbornly doesn’t blink, not wanting to miss even a millisecond.
– I couldn’t have said it better myself. – Jane Doe smiles next to her.
– Can I ask you something? – Yaz asks cautiously after a few minutes of silence.
– I don’t see why not. – the woman shrugs, twisting a ginger curl on her finger.
– Did you do that? – the girl exhales and freezes tensely.
– Did what exactly? – Jane Doe grins, as if not noticing the change of mood of a new acquaintance. – The destruction of the planet? This, of course, is in my power, but I prefer not to do stuff like that. Everything is natural here. All planets die one day, it’s only the natural course of things, no more and no less…
– The platform. – Yaz specifies. – Although I have never been to such places before, it’s obviously designed for such events and shouldn’t have collapsed. Did you do that?
– And why would I do that?
– You said yourself that you originally flew there to steal this ship.
– Yes, and for the sake of this, I put many lives in danger, destroyed the entire platform, and with it the economy of the whole planet, sounds very reasonable. Don’t you think that’s a bit too much body movements for one small ship, even if it’s this amazing?
– The economy of the whole planet? – Yaz frowns in confusion.
– Planet Crespallion, – sighs a little sadly and begins to explain Jane Doe. – A very small planet with even fewer resources of any kind. So they went for the service industry and became one of the best in it. These platforms have had particular success. Customers have at their disposal almost any place in the galaxy, and eventually in several galaxies. Any events on any subject – the crespallionians will arrange everything. Music, food, program, service, the highest level of security. And now, because of one mistake, it will all fall apart, just like Sarn is falling now.
– But then what happened?
– No one will ever know – the platform is almost completely destroyed by lava, so nothing can be said for sure. Something went wrong in the technical section, that’s all. The company lost everyone’s trust and went bankrupt. A decent part of the finances went to paying compensation to the guests. More than 2/3 of the population of Crespallion worked there, so afterwards the whole planet, and especially technicians, had problems with employment. The economy has fallen. Perhaps if it was the very first time this happened, they would somehow get out of it. But there was an incident at the destruction of the Earth, then the manager and one of the guests died. I myself survived by miracle. Fortunately, there were no casualties today… Although this is a very controversial statement.
– Were you there with the Doctor? – Yaz asks quietly as the pause drags on. Jane Doe shudders slightly, emerging from her vague memories, and looks at her questioningly. – The destruction of the Earth. Were you there with the Doctor?
– Feels like it was a few lifetimes ago. – Jane Doe nods thoughtfully and smiles sadly. – We ate chips.
– Well, you didn’t destroy the platform, it’s nice to know that. – Yaz laughs forcibly, trying to defuse the tension. – But you still flew here, which is incredibly risky!
– It wasn’t planned to be risky, – she waved off, leaning back in her sit.
– Of course, because to know that the platform will collapse and still fly there is very safe, I can’t imagine what could go wrong! – the policeman throws up her hands.
– The four of you went wrong! – Jane Doe exclaims, shaking slightly with laughter. – I had everything perfectly calculated, but then you showed up and couldn’t get around two administrators!
– How did you even know you could steal this ship here? – Yaz turns to her curiously and pointedly places her chin on her palms.
– I’ve had my eye on him for a long time, – the woman smiles, fondly stroking the control panel. – I stalked the owners for a while to find out the daily routine of them and their neighbors, to study the security system of their house… Well, you know, you’re the policeman. One day I heard that they would be attending this event. So at the last moment I caused a small breakdown of their other ship, "more presentable" one, forcing them to fly on this one.
– Why didn’t you let them fly away in a "more presentable" one and just didn’t steal the one that you wanted?
– Well look who’s talking so casually about stealing someone else’s property!
– This is a professional interest! I just want to understand the thief’s thoughts, that’s all.
– It’s really quite simple. – Jane Doe replies, still a bit laughing. – I knew about the destruction of the platform. I knew there would be no casualties. I also knew that most of the guests’ transport would simply be destroyed, and the rest would be carried into outer space. And I knew that all the guests, without exception, received compensation. Which means…
– ...which means that no one will file a search for this ship and it will not be listed among the hijacked. – Yaz finishes and shakes her head impressed. – I admit, it’s pretty smart.
– Oh, thank you for such a high ranking, – the ginger-head makes a mocking bow without getting up from her seat. – Okay. I think it’s time for me to bring you back before they have a memorial for you, what do you say?
– I definitely agree. – Yaz smiles, watching Jane Doe activate the scanners and type in the necessary search parameters as casually as if this ship had always belonged to her. – Shouldn’t we be on all the radars now, since we are no longer on the platform?
– I turned on the stealth mode.
– And even the TARDIS can’t see us? Okay, I’m starting to understand why you risked so much for this ship.
***
– We should have found them by now. – Ryan nervously continues to look around, holding on to one of the doors of the TARDIS.
– We will soon. – Graham pats him reassuringly on the shoulder, carefully hiding his concern so as not to add fuel to the fire. – They’re fine. Right, Doc?
– That’s right, Graham, that’s the spirit! – Doctor raises her thumb without looking up from the radar, which displays all living organisms in the area. But apart from the evacuation ship and themself, it didn’t show anyone. – I’m sure they’re doing just fine.
– How can you be sure they’re fine if they’re nowhere to be found? – Ryan throws up his hands irritably, turning to her.
– You’ve heard Jane Doe. – Doctor shrugs, imperceptibly biting her cheek. – She said she’d take care of Yaz. We’ll find them soon. Or they’ll find us. Or…
– Who is this Jane Doe?! – Ryan interrupts her. – We don’t know her, we met her less than an hour ago! What makes you think you can trust her?
– I don’t know! – Doctor breaks for a second, then takes a deep breath and calmly repeats: – I don’t know.
– You don’t know? I thought you knew each other. – Graham frowns in confusion.
– No.– Time Lady shakes her head, and then waves her hand vaguely. – I mean yes. I mean… It is difficult. She definitely knows me, and I definitely know her, except… honestly, I have no idea how.
– So what you’re saying is there’s no specific reason to trust her?
– I just know that I can rely on her without any second thoughts. – Doctor helplessly spreads her hands. – Even if I didn’t know her, she has this… smile of a reliable person. I don’t know how to explain it. I don’t know if it can be explained at all.
– Amazing. – Ryan nods and, muttering, returns to the door. – She has the smile of a reliable person and a nontransparent mask on half of her face.
– She didn’t seem to notice that little detail. – Graham snorts with a smile.
At this moment, there is a sound as if someone jumped onto their roof, followed by a familiar laugh, and then Yaz appears. She is really on the roof of the TARDIS, only her head with a hopelessly disheveled braid is visible in the doorway. She skillfully climbs inside and immediately falls into the arms of Graham and Ryan. The Doctor looks from her to the radar in bewilderment, waves her hand at it and hurries to join her friends.
– Well, I told you that everything is fine with them, – she smiles and immediately rushes to inspect Yaz. – Everything is fine with you, right?
– It is, – she laughs. – Thanks to Jane.
– Jane Doe! Is she still here? – Doctor exclaims and, without waiting for an answer, leans out, practically hanging on the door and lifting her head up. – Jane Doe!
– Doctor! – Jane Doe responds, leaning against the wall of her own ship. – Forgot to say, I like your earring!
– Aww, thank you! – Time Lady smiles sheepishly, touching numerous little chains and tucking her hair behind her ear. – It’s new. I saw it somewhere and thought, why not try it!
– It suits you! – the woman smiles, reinforcing her words with an approving nod.
The Doctor nods gratefully in response, looking away, and seems to even blush a little.
– I like your hair! – she manages finally with a short awkward laugh.
– Thank you! – Jane Doe exclaims, automatically touching one the ginger stray strands. – This is a new hair dye, I haven’t used it before, I decided to try it. I like everything so far.
– I like it too. – Doctor repeats and mentally slaps her forehead with her hand. – It really suits you.
Now it’s Jane Doe’s turn to nod gratefully, look away and blush a little. Although you can’t be sure about the latter in her case.
– Oh my God. – Graham pulls in surprise and smiles. Neither the Doctor nor Jane Doe notice this, too busy exchanging glances with each other.
– We know each other, right? – Doctor clarifies awkwardly after a while.
– Oh, yes. – Jane Doe nods vigorously. – We had an amazing story.
– I’m very sorry…
– What are you apologizing for?
– I don’t really remember much, – she shrugs jerkily.
– It’s all right, – the stranger shakes her head. – I don’t always remember everything either.
– Who were we? – Doctor looks straight into the narrowed with a smile eyes, even from such a distance easily noticing the momentary glitter of gold in them. – You and me. Who are we?
Jane Doe puts her hands in her infinite pockets, playfully shrugs her shoulders:
– The stuff of legend, – and briefly laughs loudly.
The Doctor catches herself thinking that a treacherous lump has risen in her throat for some reason and that her cheeks are already aching from such a wide smile, but doesn’t find the strength to somehow change her countenance, except to smile even wider, even though it seems physically impossible.
– Will I see you again? – she asks the most important question.
– Maybe, – Jane Doe grins slyly. – For example, when we both recall my name. What do you say?
– I’ll be looking forward to it.
– It’s a date! – the woman seems to clarify, also not stopping smiling for a second.
– Deal! – after a slight hitch, Doctor answers and now without a doubt is blushing hard.
They look at each other for a little longer and wave goodbye. Jane Doe returns to her ship and slowly flies away. The Doctor closes the doors of the TARDIS, leans back against them and smiles happily, looking down at her feet and restraining a very stupid happy laugh ready to burst out.
– A date, huh? – Graham asks mischievously, crossing his arms over his chest. Next to him, Ryan snorts with suppressed laughter. Yaz smiles slightly and looks away.
The Doctor shudders a little, remembering that, by the way, she’s not alone here, picks herself up and bites her lip in a vain attempt to hide her such a stupid smile from her fam.
– Is anyone hungry? – Doctor asks in a studiously casual manner and skips up to the control panel. – I’m starving! How about dinner? Or maybe breakfast? Any requests?
She pushes colorful buttons, pulls levers, turns knobs – and the blue booth rushes forward through time and space with a loud noise.