Work Text:
Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart was sitting at his desk at UNIT
HQ looking at three pieces of paper. A knock on the door made him look up.
"Come in."
Sgt. Benton walked in carrying two cups of tea. "Any luck, sir?"
"No!" He smacked his fist on the desk. "Confound it! Why does he
do this to me? He stood and began to pace the room. "Now, Sergeant,"
he said as he moved back to the desk, "which would you choose?"
Benton was trying frantically to think up a way out of answering, but found
none. "Uh.... well, sir..." A sound of grinding machinery filled the
air. Benton smiled. "I think I've found your answer." The Brigadier
sputtered as he ran past Benton out of the room and into the one two doors
down.
He stood outside the TARDIS and waited. "Tell me, Sergeant, which one do
you think it will be this time?" Benton smiled to himself as he remembered
the Brigadier's reaction to the Doctor's "changes", one right under
his nose.
The TARDIS door opened and the Doctor stepped out. He was a tall man, near six
feet, with a crop of curly brown hair, a hawk-like nose, and an air of
electricity about him. His clothes could only be described as eccentric,
consisting of an Edwardian frock coat, a felt hat that he carried in his hand,
and an incredibly long multi-colored scarf. A young woman followed him. She
pushed her long brown hair out of her eyes and looked around the room.
"Why, Brigadier, what a nice surprise! And Sgt. Benton! How are you, old
chap?" The Doctor reached out and shook his hand vigorously.
"Doctor." The Brigadier was trying to look stern, but didn't succeed
all that well. He tried again. "Doctor, do you know how much trouble
you've caused me?"
The Doctor played innocent. "Me? Why, I haven't done anything."
"Precisely. Because once you show up, trouble starts." He looked at
the young woman. "Introductions, Doctor?"
She took it upon herself. "Airdalaine Elvirra Francesca Carolinia Solo.
Everyone calls me Airdale." She politely shook the Brigadier's hand and
nodded in Benton's direction.
"She is my new assistant"
"Ah, yes, Miss Smith told me she had been dropped off when she phoned
yesterday."
"Really? How is she?"
"Quite angry with you. It seems you left her in Connecticut in the USA
with no passport, money, nothing. I had to dispatch one of my men to help
her." He glared at the Doctor, who managed to look guilty. The Brigadier
glared at him then walked out.
"I guess I have to make sure I'm in the right place before you leave me,
then," remarked Airdale.
"Don't worry, Doctor," said Benton as he led the way out of the room.
"He really is glad to see you. The Brig just doesn't want to find your
replacement."
"Replace me? That's beyond the realm of the possible."
They walked into the Brigadier's office and saw that he had returned to his
official self. "Now, what are you up to, Doctor?"
"Oh, nothing much." He noticed a portrait of a king on the wall.
Something was dreadfully wrong. "Tell me something, Allistair, who's the
reigning monarch nowadays?"
"King James V with his father Prince Richard as Regent."
"What happened to Queen Anne II?"
The Brigadier looked confused. "She died about seven years ago. A tragic
accident, as I recall."
"That can't be right." The Doctor sat down and thought for a moment,
then hit his forehead with his palm with a resounding smack. "Of course!
It hasn't happened yet!" He started to charge out of the room.
"C'mon, Airdale." He stopped and whirled around. "Brigadier,
Benton, keep yourselves ready. I might just need your help."
"I can't make promises, Doctor. Not just on your say-so. Everything is
running peacefully. No giant robots, no Cybermen, no Yeti. Not even a
_________."
"Try, Brigadier. The fabric of history has been tampered with. You may not
be aware of it, but it has happened." He and Airdale headed back to the
TARDIS. With its own familiar sound, the TARDIS disappeared, leaving the lab
unnaturally quiet.
*************************
The room wasn't well lit, but that didn't matter for there wasn't much to see.
Or so thought the man tied to the chair. "This just isn't my day," he
sighed. Just then, a high-pitched mechanical wheezing was heard. He looked in
the direction from which he thought the sound was coming, but saw nothing. Just
another blank wall. He looked back only to see a worn, blue police-box just out
of reach. It hadn't been there a minute ago. "Where were you when I needed
you?" he asked it, his voice dripping with sarcasm. When a man stepped out
of it, he stared in wonder.
He looked around, not seeing the man in the chair, and declared, "This
isn't Metebelis 3!"
"Where are we?" The voice was feminine and so was the body that
followed. She noticed the man in the chair. "Doctor, do you know there's
someone tied up here?"
The man she called Doctor absent-mindedly shushed her. "Not now, I'm
trying to figure out where we are."
She just looked at him. "Maybe we should ask the man tied to the
chair."
The Doctor glanced in the direction she pointed, and then went back to his
musing. Suddenly he moved closer to her. "Say," he whispered quite
loudly, "Did you know there's a man tied to a chair next to the
TARDIS?" They looked at him. "Maybe he can tell us where we
are." They waited expectantly.
He looked back at them in total confusion. "If it isn't too much trouble,
do you think you could untie me?"
"Of course, old chap, of course. Don't just stand there, Airdale, untie
him."
She glared at him. "Is my skin darker than yours?" Then, as she
struggled with the knots, she remarked, "Lincoln freed the slaves, ya
know."
"Of course he did. I thought it was a good idea myself when I mentioned
it."
The man stood, rubbing his wrists. "So much for the police not being there
when you need them."
The Doctor only smiled and the girl called Airdale planted her hands on her
hips and demanded, "Okay, when and where are we?"
The Doctor came back with, "Yes, that's a valid question, aaahhh...."
He looked at the man, waiting.
"I guess introductions are in order. My name's Steven Taylor."
Airdale gave him a blank stare while the Doctor looked startled. "Steven
Taylor?" He gave him a piercing stare, then sat in the chair. "You're
not the Steven Taylor I knew."
Before Steven could reply, the door opened. They whipped their heads around and
saw a short, dark figure walk in saying, "Now, Mr. Taylor--" He
stopped short, seeing someone else in the chair. He quickly backed up and shut
the door.
It locked before Steven could get to it. "We're trapped. So what else is
new?"
"I take it this is normal for you, being trapped in cold dark rooms?"
asked Airdale.
"Unfortunately, yes. You get used to it after a while."
Shouts were heard out in the corridor, and the Doctor stood. "Perhaps we
should get out of here before we really are trapped." He opened the door
to the police-box and stepped inside.
Airdale made to follow but noticed Taylor hadn't moved. "C'mon!" she
yelled at him. "Don't you hear them? Whoever they are, they're getting
closer!"
"You can't be serious about that thing! It's only a police-box!"
"You saw it materialize in front of you, right? So why argue? C'mon!"
She reached for his hand just as the door opened and five guards came in, guns
ready.
Airdale tried to run for the TARDIS but came face-to-face with the muzzle of a
rifle. "A phone call won't help you," said the guard. They motioned
for Taylor and Airdale out of the room.
Walking down the hall, Steven apologized. "If I hadn't been so stupid, we
wouldn't have been captured-- again."
"Maybe after enough times, I'll be as used to it as you are."
"Low blow. If we're gonna be stuck with each other for awhile, we should
at least try to be civil."
"Fine with me."
They walked the rest of the way in silence. They were ushered into a room where
they saw the same small man from before. He was sitting behind a large desk and
stood as they entered. "Ah, Mr. Taylor, how good of you to join me."
He looked at Airdale. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure."
She gave him an even look. "You are in the presence of Airdalaine Elvirra
Francesca Carolinia Solo, and don't you ever forget it."
"I won't, my dear, don't worry." The smile disappeared from his face,
replaced by an evil look in his eyes. "But you should worry, for you upset
a well-tailored plan and are expendable."
Taylor gave him a pained look. "You've got to stop with the puns."
"You will soon be expendable as well."
****************************************
Inside the TARDIS, the Doctor saw the two taken away. "My, we are in
trouble this time." He stood and thought for a moment before heading
outside. Just as he stepped into the darkened room, the outer door opened. The
Doctor stepped back inside.
Two guards walked in. "I don't know why we have to watch this stupid
thing. It's not going anywhere," whined one.
"That's true," the second agreed, "but are you going to tell Mr.
Monk that?"
The Doctor sighed in frustration. This was not going to be as easy as he
thought. "There's only one way to do this," he said as he began to
flick switches and poke buttons. "I only hope this works." The column
in the center of the console began to rise and fall.
As the astonished guards looked on, the TARDIS dematerialized right in front of
them. The second guard turned to the first. "Not going anywhere,
hunh?"
*************************************
They were tied back-to-back in another room. "So," Steven said,
"what's a nice girl like you doing in a place like this?"
"Cute, Taylor, real cute." Airdale glared in his direction. "I'd
clobber you but I'm all tied up at the moment." He groaned. "You
know, you still haven't told me when and where we are."
"You didn't ask." He sounded innocent and hurt.
"Taylor!" she yelled in frustration.
"The year is 1951 and we're in England, London, the Tower of, to be
precise. Wait a minute," he tried to turn around and look at her.
"Why should you be asking this? Where are you from, anyway?"
Airdale sighed. This was going to be a little trickier than she thought.
"This is going to be really hard for you to understand, so if you're
confused, don't worry, so was I." She paused. "I first met the Doctor
on June 14, 1974."
"You're right," Steven said. "I'm confused."
"It gets better. In my long association with the Doctor, I have almost
become a princess, been hailed as a goddess, almost been killed more times than
I can count, and have been wet, cold, and scared beyond all imagination."
"So, that's nothing new to me." He sounded bored.
Airdale became annoyed. "Your medal's in the mail!" she snapped.
"Good! I can add it to my collection." He smiled.
The door creaked open and a tall man walked in. "Ah, James, how nice to
see you comfortable. You even have company. She must be an accomplished climber
to get up here."
"All cordiality aside, what do you want now, Mannering? Come to
gloat?"
"Always direct and to the point, aren't you? Yes, I just thought I'd
inform you that in a few hours I will be in such a position that I could have
you arrested, maybe even killed, and no one would say anything."
"You wouldn't dare. Murder is murder no matter who commits it."
Steven glared at him, but the man only smirked back.
"We shall see, James. We shall see. I'll give your regrets to your sister.
I'm sure she'll understand." He walked out and they heard the bolt slam
home.
Airdale released the breath she had been holding. "Who is he, and why did
he call you 'James'?"
"That's my real name. I was born James William Richard Charles of the
Royal House of Stuart. I grew up in the States under the name of Steven Taylor.
That was Roger Mannering and he's convinced that I was the indirect cause of
his brother's death."
"How did his brother die?"
"He committed suicide in jail. He found out the true identity of my sister
and I and was determined to get us out of the way, as he was engaged to the
then-Princess Elizabeth and my presence would ruin his chance at power. He was
caught in the attempt. My sister and I were told of our past by Winston
Churchill--recognize him?"
"Now I know what happened after that. I remember seeing the wedding on
film. If we don't get out and stop him, the whole course of history will be
changed. Too bad we're tied up." She felt the ropes tighten and loosen.
"What are you trying to do?"
"It's an old trick I've perfected. I should be getting free
just...about...NOW!" He stood and rubbed his wrists before bending down to
untie Airdale. He walked to the door. "There are two things I need to know
about you before I put this plan into action."
"And what might they be?"
"Do you know any self-defense and can you run fast?"
"After being with the Doctor, you learn."
"Okay. You take one guard while I take the other then run like hell. When
you get out the front gate, head for St. Paul's. Do you know where that
is?"
"Don't worry. I'll follow the crowds."
Steven grinned then knelt down and started a small fire that drew the guards'
attention. When they opened the door, Steven and Airdale knocked them out, ran
down the stone steps, and mingled with the tourists on their way out.
*************************************************
Once the center column stopped, the Doctor put on his hat, wrapped his scarf
firmly about his neck, and then strode out of the TARDIS. He looked around but
all he saw was two chairs and some rope. "Crumbs, too late. It's a good
thing I gave Airdale that homing device when we were on Trantrum. I'll tune in
on that."
He turned to go back into the TARDIS when a voice came from behind. "Thank
you, Doctor. That will make finding them so much easier."
The Doctor spun around to find himself face-to-face with the same little man
that had entered the room when he and Airdale had first arrived. "I should
have known it was you. So what point of history are you meddling with
now?"
The other Time Lord looked injured and innocent. "Me? Why, nothing of
importance. Just setting the course of history straight. Making sure everything
goes as it should."
"You?" the Doctor laughed. "Making sure that history goes right?
That would be a first. You're probably here for your own profit."
"How perceptive, Doctor." The Monk pulled a gun from his pocket.
"And this time you won't stop me."
************************************************
As they ran through the crowd of happy celebrants, Airdale struggled to keep up
with Steven. She lost him momentarily but spotted him as he ran across the
street ahead of her. She caught up with him as he was forced to stop by police
who didn't recognize him. He looked back and saw their pursuers. He grabbed
Airdale and ran into an alley alongside the cathedral. As he began trying to
pry open a window leading into the cellar, Airdale finally realized who he was.
"You're the Eagle, aren't you?" The exploits of the Eagle as a jewel
thief were legendary and only escalated when he joined the French Resistance
during WWII. Since she couldn't see what he was doing and why he didn't answer,
she asked again. Still no answer. "Taylor, answer me! Where the bloody
hell are you?"
Steven ran to cup his hand over her mouth. "For God's sake, will you be
quiet," he hissed into her ear. "These alleys echo everything."
"Why didn't you answer me?"
"I was trying to open a window so we could get in. It's too late. They're
probably close now." He pulled her into a niche by a window. "When
they get here, stay quiet. The slightest noise will draw them closer."
She nodded and whispered, "Just answer my question: are you the
Eagle?"
"You just figured it out?" He smiled at her over his shoulder.
"History was never my strong point."
They could hear the men moving through the alley and pulled in closer to the
wall. Unfortunately, they also moved into some boxes. Steven immediately began
looking around for something--anything--with which to break the window. Airdale
looked down the alley. "Hurry, they're heading this way."
Steven finally broke the window and cleared it of debris. "I'll climb in
first then help you." She nodded as he started to work his way into the
cellar.
He was halfway through when he heard Airdale call his name. "Um, Steven,
do you think you could come out here right now?"
"Why?" He turned around. "What's wr--?" Steven saw that
Airdale was now surrounded by several men, all holding guns. "I see the
problem and think that the best solution would be to cooperate." He
climbed back out and was grabbed by two of the men then he and Airdale were
hustled out of the alley.
As they walked out, Airdale looked at Steven. "Ooops," was all she
said.
******************************************************
The Doctor looked at the gun in the Monk's hand. This is getting serious, he
thought. He had better watch his step. "Your regeneration has changed more
than your physiognomy. You were never one to resort to weapons as such."
"Let's just say I've learned people cooperate more when they've a high
energy weapon pointed at them." He held out his other hand. "The
homing device, please, Doctor." The Doctor sighed and moved towards the
desk. He pulled out his sonic screwdriver, a bag of melted jelly babies, some
string, a yo-yo, a handful of assorted coins, an apple core, a book, and a
necklace. The Monk looked at the collection and grimaced. "What do you
want with all this junk?"
The Doctor was insulted. He absent-mindedly picked up the book. "Why, my
dear fellow, you can do a lot of things with them. For example, take this
book--" He looked at the cover which read 500 Year Diary. "I was
wondering where this went to." He opened it, read something that made him
smile, then set it down with a bang. He smiled at the Monk as he picked up the
apple core. "You won't believe what Issac Newton taught me to do with
this."
The Monk smiled, slightly amused. "Do tell."
The Doctor replied, "How about if I show you?" He then threw it at
the Monk. The Monk put his hands up to bat away the fruit, dropping the gun in
the process. The Doctor grabbed his screwdriver and the necklace before running
into the TARDIS. The Monk recovered too late.
The police-box vanished with its familiar groan. As it disappeared, the Monk
smiled evilly. "Don't worry, 'my dear fellow', you'll be back. Don't
forget, I've got something you want."
****************************************************
They led Airdale and Steven through the crowd in front of St. Paul's. Steven
realized now that there was no way he could stop Mannering. No way, unless the
Doctor could do something. Soon they came to where the crowd was thickest.
Steven lost sight of Airdale and her guards but heard them shout in anger.
Steven saw her further down the road. She stopped running and looked towards
him, confused. "Run, Airdale! Don't worry 'bout me! Get help!"
Steven's own guards smirked and told him that no help would get to him in time.
In time? In time for what? They led him to a waiting car and drove off.
Airdale watched from a distance. He said to get help, but where? Who'd pay
attention to her? She could go to the Doctor, but he was in the Tower. She
could try to see Steven's sister, but it would be a bit hard as she was just
about to get married.
She puzzled over it as she pushed her way through the crowd. Just as she
reached the base of the cathedral steps and was thinking of a way to get past
security, the bells began to peal and the crowd began to cheer. The main doors
opened and the couple walked down the steps to the waiting carriage. She was
too late.
She watched din silence as they drove away. She let the crowd jostle her. She
didn't care. Somebody had succeeded in changing history. She had to tell the
Doctor! She ran up the steps to get a better vantage point but bumped into a
man who was on his way down. She quickly recovered her balance. "I'm
sorry, I was in a bit of a hurry."
"It's quite all right. No broken bones." He forced a smile then
looked at the receding carriage.
She looked at him. He was good-looking and reminded her of Steven in some ways.
He was maybe an inch or two shorter (about 5'9"), with sandy brown hair
and brown eyes. When she realized she was staring, she looked down at her
clothes and pretended to brush them off.
"Are you okay?" he asked. She nodded. "Did you come for the
wedding? You don't seem to be in a very jovial mood."
"Well," she hesitated tot ell him too much. "We--I came here for
a vacation and the wedding was taking place. What about you?" she asked,
hoping to change the subject. "You were in the wedding party, yet you
don't seem happy either."
"No. I felt she shouldn't have married him. There's something just not
right."
"Such as?" Airdale was eager to know since she had found someone who
shared Steven's doubts.
"For starters, he invited the duke of Edinburgh to lunch two days ago, and
no one's heard from him since."
"I have," she said softly.
"You have?" He became excited. "When? Where? Can you take me
there?"
"You expect me to take you, a total stranger, somewhere alone? We haven't
been properly introduced," she said, putting on an air.
"Of course. My name's John Fitzgerald, a good friend of Steven's. You can
call me Fitz."
"My name's Airdale." Fitz raised a questioning eyebrow. "It's
short for Airdalaine."
"Well, where is he?"
"He's in the Tower of London. At least he was. They may have taken him
somewhere else."
"They? I thought it was just Mannering."
"There's a man who seems to be the leader. They call him Mr. Monk. Steven
and I escaped, but he was caught just in front of the cathedral." She
looked at him expectantly.
"So?" Fitz shrugged his shoulders.
"Look, you." Airdale was getting slightly annoyed and her Irish
temper was showing. "I've had enough sarcasm from Steven to last me three
lifetimes! I don't need anymore from you! If you won't help me, I'll find
someone who will!" She turned to stalk off when Fitz grabbed her arm.
"C'mon, will ya? I mean, who else in England do you know who'll
help?"
Her shoulders sagged. This was true. "You're right."
Fitz smiled encouragingly. "I think I know of someone who might be able to
help us," he said as they started down the steps. "He's saved
Steven's skin more than once."
***************************************
The Doctor returned to UNIT headquarters to pick up the Brigadier and Sergeant
Benton. He needed a few more hands. He stepped out and headed to the
Brigadier's office. "Ah, Lethbridge-Stewart, you took my advice and
waited."
"Waited? You only left a few seconds ago. Where is Miss Solo?"
"Yes, well, I guess I should fill you in. As I said before, history has
been changed. I need your help to set things right again. Come along."
"What? Go with you in that rickety old monstrosity? Never again!"
Benton smiled and headed for the TARDIS while the Doctor grabbed the Brigadier
and pulled him towards the lab. "Oh, come on, Allistair. Where's your
spirit of adventure?"
"I left it with Omega."
By now, they were in front of the TARDIS. The Doctor pulled the key out of his
pocket and tossed it to Benton who then opened the door and stepped inside. The
Doctor shoved the Brigadier, still protesting, inside. With a groan, the TARDIS
dematerialized.
**********************************************
Steven woke tied to a chair. He looked around and couldn't believe it: he was
in the same room as before. "You'd think they'd have a touch of
variety."
"Sorry our accommodations disappoint you, your Grace, but when one is
living in another's home, one must take what one can get." Steven turned
his head to see Mr. Monk lounging in the doorway, a gun in his hand.
"Why did you help Mannering get me out of the way? Did you do it for
advancement?"
"In a sense."
"Well, what are you going to do with me? You can't keep me here
indefinitely."
"Oh, no? If people forget about you, there will be no problem at all,
especially when they find out you're dead." He noticed the look on
Steven's face and grinned. "Not that I'd really kill you, you're much too
valuable. As we speak, a car--your car--is hurtling over a precipice in Wales.
The body will be so badly burned that no one will be able to prove it isn't
you. Therefore, if your friend manages to say anything, no one will believe
her. I'll leave you with your thoughts."
"Let me know about the funeral!" Steven called after him as the door
slammed.
He was alone again. He had been so close to stopping the wedding. If only
Airdale hadn't-- He stopped himself. Why should he blame her? It was as much
his fault as hers. Just as he accepted the fact of being locked up for a long
time, a weird groaning filled the air. "Oh, great, here we go again."
The police-box appeared as before and a man walked out brushing orange dust off
his pressed army uniform. Another soldier of a lesser rank also covered in dust
followed him. The Doctor followed them out. The officer said, "I never
knew Cyrus VII was so...orange."
"At least the natives were happy to see us," replied the Doctor.
The sergeant nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah, after they stopped
trying to kill us."
Steven, again feeling ignored, coughed discreetly. The Doctor looked about and
noticed him sitting there. "Why, Steven, how good to see you again."
"Then you won't mind untying me again."
"Again? This is becoming a habit for you, isn't it?"
"What can I say? Some people just can't get enough of me."
The Brigadier, looking quite puzzled, asked, "You mean we're really
there?"
The Doctor, untying the last knot, gave him an exasperated look. "Of
course. I told you."
Lethbridge-Stewart harrumphed and walked over to Steven. "I take it your
the fellow we're here to rescue?"
Steven smiled and shook his hand. "I suppose so. Steven Taylor."
"Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart." The sergeant coughed politely.
"Oh, and my aide, Sgt. Benton." As Benton and Steven nodded to each
other, the Brigadier turned to the Doctor and said, "We've rescued him.
Now I suppose we can go back to our own time?"
"We haven't rescued him, we've merely untied him. Anyway, you've forgotten
Airdale."
"That's all very well and good, but can we get on with this?" The Brigadier
moved purposefully towards the TARDIS. The Doctor nodded and motioned for
Steven and Benton to follow.
*******************************************
Airdale and Fitz took the next available taxi to Scotland Yard. Fitz walked up
to the sergeant-on-duty while Airdale looked around. She went back to Fitz who
was arguing with the sergeant. "Where are all the scruffy men in
trenchcoats?"
The sergeant laughed. "You've seen too many films, miss."
When Fitz saw the man in a better mood, he asked again to see John Dolittle.
"I must see him. It's urgent."
"I'm sorry, sir, but he left instructions not to be disturbed."
Airdale put on her most beguiling "little girl" expression. "Oh,
please! It's extremely important. A matter of life or death!"
The desk sergeant gave in almost at once. "All right, all right. I'll
call, but it had better be as important as you say." He picked up the
phone as Airdale fluttered her eyelashes at him before turning to wink at Fitz.
The sergeant looked up and said, "Right. You can go up, but don't be long.
He's not in a good mood." He gave them directions.
After they turned the corner, Airdale smiled at Fitz. "Never fails."
They walked into an office with sparse accommodations. Sitting behind the desk
was a busy-looking man. It was impossible to tell how tall he was, but he had a
muscular build and looked to be about 35. He ignored them for a moment, and
then looked up. "Yes?"
Fitz moved in front of the desk. "This girl has seen Steven Taylor."
"Really? In what parade?" He was unimpressed. "Look, I'm in no
mood for jokes."
"But I'm not joking! I saw and spoke with Steven when we were tied up
together."
"When did you last see him?"
"No more than half an hour ago outside the cathedral."
"You must have mistaken somebody else for him." Dolittle looked down
at his desk and picked up the report he had been reading. "We just got
word from Wales. It seems that Steven was in an auto accident. Fell into a
ravine. Both car and body were badly burned."
"Can the body be positively identified?" asked Fitz.
Dolittle lowered his eyes and looked a bit sick. "Not really," he
said and gave his head a shake. "But that's all incidental now," he
said gruffly.
"How can you be so callous? An individual, a hero, has been killed and
you're talking as if he were a...a...a library assistant!" yelled Airdale
in frustration.
Fitz walked over to the window and gazed out at the Thames. "If the body
were too badly burned and can't be identified," he said slowly, "then
there's a chance that Airdale is right."
"I suppose," Dolittle agreed. "Let me check it out."
While Dolittle placed a call, Airdale pulled Fitz aside. "Quick, what
could I tell him that could verify that I saw Steven?"
Fitz thought for a moment then snapped his fingers. "Did the body have any
rings on the left hand?" he asked Dolittle.
After hanging up the phone, Dolittle looked down at the report. "No."
Fitz turned on Airdale. "Tell me, did you see a ring on his left
hand?"
"The wedding ring or the other?"
"The other."
"It was a gold square with three shields, one inside the other, a lion in
the center."
Fitz looked at Dolittle. "Did they find jewelry of any kind on the body at
all?" Dolittle shook his head. "Steven never went anywhere without
his wedding or signet rings."
Dolittle nodded. "I know. I saw that very ring on his finger not three
weeks ago." He stood. "If the duke of Edinburgh is in danger, then
we'd better get going." He grabbed his coat and hat and went out, not even
bothering to see if Fitz and Airdale were following.
Following in his wake, Airdale commented, "I told you so, but does anyone
listen to me? No!"
************************************************
They entered the TARDIS and walked into a large white room
with a hexagon-shaped console in the middle. To one side of the door was an
old-fashioned hat stand. Steven nodded in approval. "Oh, yes,
transdimensional stability in a confined environment. Interesting."
The Doctor was amazed. A "primitive" human who knew about TARDIS
construction! "Absolutely correct. How do you know about such things? The
interdimensional effect won't be discovered on this planet for another four
centuries!"
"Simple." Steven had a mischievous look in his eyes. "Airdale
told me."
The Brigadier and Benton laughed as the Doctor glared at him. "Did she
tell you it could do this?" He flipped a switch and the entire room
tilted, knocking the two soldiers against the wall. Steven grabbed hold of the
console as the room (and the two military men) switched direction.
As the room righted itself and the Brigadier and Benton peeled themselves from
the wall, Steven muttered, "Nope, she never mentioned that. Thanks for the
information--and the warning."
"You could've warned us," said Benton, peeved.
The Doctor looked to Steven. "Who would Airdale turn to for help? Did you
give her any suggestions?"
"No, I don't think so." Steven stood in thought for a moment.
"We talked of travels--in and out of time-- then about our lives. Does she
really come from 1974?" He looked at the Brigadier and Benton. "Yes,
well..." He shrugged his shoulders. "I told her about Connecticut, my
aunt, and... Of course!" He snapped his fingers. "Fitz!" He
turned to the Doctor. "John Fitzgerald, my best friend, was at the
wedding. He knew of my doubts about Mannering and he promised to keep an eye on
my sister for me." He started pacing. "If she had the good luck to
run into him, half our problem is solved."
"Airdale couldn't have anymore luck than she does now even if she had a
whole rabbit." The Doctor received some strange looks.
"Rabbit...rabbit's foot? Anyway, we're going to have to go on the premise
that she met your friend. Where would they go?"
"I told Fitz that if I wasn't able to get there, that he was to go to
Detective Dolittle with my suspicions."
The Doctor nodded and started fiddling with the controls, muttering
"Scotland Yard" under his breath.
The Brigadier turned to Steven. "Dolittle? Do you mean John
Dolittle?" Steven nodded. The Brig then looked at Benton. "Wasn't he
the first person since the Earl of Essex to be executed at the Tower?"
The Doctor and Steven looked blank as Benton added, "He was shot in the
Tower on 12 April, 1951. The case was never solved."
"Oh, my God!" cried Steven. "That's today!"
"Where in the Tower did the shooting take place?" asked the Doctor.
Steven's face went pale as Benton described the room. It was Monk's office.
************************************************
Three hours later, outside the Welsh town of Rye-on-Wey, the little band of
intrepid adventurers had reached the scene of the accident. The burned-out
chassis of the car was lying upside-down in a gully. The head of the local
constabulary showed them where the body was found. A thorough search of the
area uncovered no jewelry. They drove to the morgue in silence. None of them
wanted to see the body, so Airdale and Fitz waited outside while Dolittle,
acting in his official capacity, viewed the charred mortal remains.
Airdale, dressed in light pants and a T-shirt, stood shivering in the cold
Welsh April. Fitz, seeing her shiver, took off his greatcoat and put it around
her shoulders. She gave him a grateful smile and leaned against him as he put
an arm protectively about her. They stood like that for several minutes until
Dolittle came out.
"It's not him, but I'm not positive."
"Why don't you just match his teeth against his dental records?" They
gave her a blank look. "Okay, forget I mentioned it. It's after your
time."
"After our time?" asked Dolittle.
"Don't ask. But you're almost certain it's not Steven?"
As Dolittle nodded, a look of horror slowly spread across his face. "That
means he's still in London!"
Airdale was disgusted. "What the hell do you think I've been trying to
tell you?"
Dolittle was about to argue when Fitz spoke. "This is just wasting time.
We should be getting back to London." Dolittle nodded and led the way to
the car.
**********************************************
The TARDIS materialized outside of Scotland Yard. The door opened and the
Doctor walked out followed by the others. "Congratulations, Doctor,"
said Lethbridge-Stewart. "This is one place where your TARDIS fits
in."
The Doctor smiled and led the way into the lobby and to the front desk. The
sergeant stared at the motley crew in front of him. There were two army types,
a man in an Edwardian frockcoat and ridiculously long scarf, and one man who
seemed strangely familiar. "Yes, may I help you?"
Steven stepped to the front. "Where's Detective Dolittle?"
The sergeant gaped for a second before regaining his composure. "Out, your
Grace. He left about five hours ago to view the scene of the accident in which
you, um, died." He stopped, embarrassed. "What I mean is..."
Steven waved him silent and turned to the Doctor, who asked, "Was there
anyone with him?" As the sergeant hesitated, he snapped, "Hurry, man,
it's important!"
"Yes, sir. He left with a man in a tuxedo and a young girl in strange
clothes."
"Did they say where they were going?"
"Yes, your Grace. Rye-on-Wey, Wales."
"And after that?"
"I remember them mentioning the Tower."
"Great! They must have believed Airdale. Let's get back to the TARDIS so
we can get to the Tower and save them!"
The Doctor and Steven went to the TARDIS followed by the Brigadier and Benton.
The Doctor unlocked the door and went inside. Steven made to follow but stopped
when the Brigadier spoke. "Your Grace, it would be better, I feel, if Sgt.
Benton and I stay here to watch over things."
"Good thinking, Brigadier. If you don't hear from us within the half-hour,
come to the Tower and get us. We'll probably need rescuing again." The
Brigadier nodded as he and Benton moved back and watched the TARDIS disappear.
"Good luck, Doctor."
*********************************************
They pulled up outside the Tower, brakes squealing in protest. Airdale jumped
out and looked around, trying to figure where she and Steven had been held.
"Over there! That's the way we escaped!"
"Then that's probably where they're holding him," said Fitz. They ran
to the area where she had pointed only to come to a dead end. "Where
now?"
She peeked cautiously around the corner. "We were up in the topmost room.
That's where Monk had his office. C'mon, I'll show you." She started to
run before Fitz or Dolittle had a chance to stop her.
"Miss Solo!" Dolittle called as loud as he dared. She kept running.
He turned to Fitz who shrugged and started to follow. Dolittle shook his head
and went after them.
They reached the door of Beauchamp Tower just as a tour group was starting
upstairs. Airdale smiled and mingled with them, Fitz and Dolittle joining her.
The three listened as the guide told the group the history of the building.
They broke away from the group with Airdale in the lead. "It should be
right about h--" She found herself staring down the barrel of a gun.
Fitz and Dolittle, hearing her stop, came up quickly only to be surrounded by
more guards and guns. "Sorry," bluffed Fitz. "We've been
separated from the tour. We'll turn 'round and go back." He moved and the
guard cocked his gun. "Um, maybe not."
The guards motioned them to go ahead down the hall. Airdale recognized where
they were going and told Dolittle. "So we get to see the head, hmm?"
"He's ruthless. He was prepared to kill Steven or me because we upset his
plan, so I'm sure he won't hesitate with the three of us."
Fitz made a grim smile and gave her a comforting squeeze. "Don't worry,
we'll get out of this somehow."
They were led into the room at the end of the corridor. The Monk looked up from
behind his huge desk. "Ah, Miss Solo," he said in a honeyed voice,
"how nice of you to join us again."
"Well, it wasn't my idea."
"Aren't you going to introduce me to your friends?"
"Oh, par-don-moi! This is Fitz and this is Dolittle." She then walked
to the window.
Fitz watched her but turned back when Dolittle asked, "Okay, where's
Steven?"
"Mr. Taylor?" The Monk laughed. "Quite near, I assure you."
Airdale spun around. "If you've hurt him..."
The Monk held up his hands as if to fend her off. "My dear young lady, I
wouldn't hurt a hair on his head."
"I won't be satisfied about his Grace's well-being until I see him,"
said Dolittle.
"Not now. Later perhaps."
The Monk started to sit back down when Fitz grabbed him by the lapels and
lifted him to his toes. "How about now?"
"Certainly, certainly, but put me down first." Fitz put him
down--none to gently--and the Monk led the way out of the room.
The followed the little man down the hall, armed guards behind them. The Monk
stopped at a barred wooden door, snapped his fingers, and one of the men
unlocked it. The Monk gestured for Airdale to go in, Fitz and Dolittle following.
He rushed in when he heard Airdale laugh. The room was empty except for the
chair and rope!
"Well," said Fitz, "he's either very small or invisible. What do
you think, Miss Solo?" He made a mock bow towards her.
"Oh, I vote for invisible." She giggled again.
The Monk stood startled for a minute, and then his face became red. He looked
at Airdale who was still giggling. He pulled out a gun and brandished it in her
direction. "It will be noted that you went to your death laughing."
He gestured with the gun for them to leave the room.
Airdale stopped, leaned against the wall, and fumbled with her sandal. As she
was removing a small stone, she heard the TARDIS. A guard stepped up to her.
"Get moving."
"Where are we going?" she asked in a loud voice. "Back to Monk's
office?"
"Yeah. Any objections?"
"Yeah, but nobody's gonna listen to me, so why bother." She slowly
moved away from the wall hoping the Doctor had heard her. If not, they were as
good as dead.
*******************************************************
"Do you know what you're going to do once we get there?" Steven asked
the Doctor.
"No," he replied nonchalant.
"Not one idea? How have you come to live this long?"
"Luck and skill, mostly. It all depends on how the situation presents itself.
Let's hope it's favorable."
"I've always figured myself lucky, too. Maybe combined, something'll
happen." The column stopped moving. "I take it we're there?"
"Cross your fingers and keep your eyes and ears open. One can never be too
sure about short hops, can one?" Steven, not understanding what the Doctor
meant, just nodded his head in agreement.
The Doctor opened the door of the TARDIS and peered cautiously into the room
just in time to see the retreating back of the Monk. He stepped out and motioned
Steven to follow. Steven looked about the room and said, "I have the
strangest feeling of deja-vu."
"Ssshhh, I think I hear Airdale." He stood still, concentrating.
"Okay, Taylor, we're off to see a Monk."
They crept quietly along the hallway, listening for voices. They stopped where
they were the loudest. Steven felt for his knife but remembered it had been
taken from him. "I don't find this situation too favorable."
"Neither do I."
"Well, what are you going to do about it?"
"I don't know yet." He listened with his ear pressed against the
door. What he heard shocked him.
*****************************************************
"What are you going to do with us?" asked Fitz, his arms around
Airdale.
"Kill you."
"You can't!"
"My dear girl, you knew from the beginning that this was planned for you.
Now you will have two deaths on your conscience, but the guilt won't last
long." He waved his hand and the guards moved towards Fitz. "No,
we'll start with the policeman."
Fitz tried to help Dolittle, but was restrained by a third man. The two guards
placed Dolittle up against the far wall. He made no effort to escape knowing it
would be fruitless. The Monk raised his gun. Airdale buried her face against
Fitz.
"Am I too late? Oh, good, I'm so glad. It's a load off my mind." The
Doctor casually walked in with his hands in his pockets, his scarf trailing
behind him.
The Monk turned on him. "I knew your sentiments and emotions would trap
you."
"I hope you realize that you don't lack them yourself. As far as I can
tell, this venture has been inspired by greed and your need for revenge."
Dolittle had joined the others as soon as the Monk had turned his back. With
the others, he watched the Time Lords' confrontation. They were so engrossed
that they didn't notice the movement in the shadows. Fitz felt a hand clamp on
his shoulder. "Hello, old boy. My, don't we look nice, but I think your
tux has seen better days."
"Steven! You're all right! And this is the first time I've worn
this!"
"Then I guess it won't see better days."
Dolittle patted him on the back. "We all thought you were dead. If Fitz
hadn't believed Miss Solo, you would have made the newspapers--the
obituaries."
"I'll admit it was touch-and-go for awhile. It still is."
Airdale gave him a hug. "What's the Doctor trying to do?"
"He's stalling until the cavalry comes."
Fitz looked at him. "Calvary?"
"'Course. You don't think we'd come here without telling anyone, do
you?"
By this time, the Doctor and the Monk were drawing their conversation to a close.
"You know what I have to do," the Doctor was saying. "I've done
it before."
"Yes, Doctor. I remember that you're the reason I'm stuck on this
backwards planet. I will also do anything I can to finish what I've
started."
The Doctor strolled over to where the other four were talking amongst
themselves. "What was that all about?" asked Airdale.
"We've come to an agreement."
"Agreement? You looked like you were doing everything possible to keep
yourself from throttling him."
"We've agreed to try and stop each other from doing what we have to."
Fitz and Dolittle stared at this strange man. The Monk fellow seemed upset with
his arrival. He also seemed not to worry as he got the Monk angrier. Steven
noticed their inquisitive faces and made the necessary introductions. Steven
then asked for a full explanation of the Doctor's association with the Monk.
"We deserve at least that much."
"The first time we met, he was trying to help Harold win the Battle of
Hastings. I stopped him and removed and integral part of his TARDIS. He
repaired it and later tried to trap me on Tigus. We met again in ancient Egypt
and I removed another piece of his TARDIS that, as he said, has left him
trapped on Earth. As for this, the only way to end it with any dignity is a
contest." He looked at the Monk. "What kind of game shall we
have?"
"Something simple, Doctor. I have a challenge for you. I will let you all
go if you can do one little thing."
"And what might that be?"
"Find my TARDIS."
"Wait a minute." Airdale was suspicious. "What's the
catch?"
"No catch, my dear. Just a time limit and no gadgetry. You have thirty
minutes and I'll even give you a hint: you can eliminate the room where Mr.
Taylor was staying, but it could be anywhere else on this floor. And may I
remind you that if you do anything foolish, I can take yours."
"It won't be the first time I've been stuck on Earth. If you do take her,
you'll be back soon. She's very temperamental." He smiled blindingly at
the Monk.
The Monk sat at his desk. "Very well, Doctor, you may begin now." The
Doctor put his hands in his pockets and sauntered out of the room. "We
shall wait in the other room so as not to get in his way." No one moved
until the guards backed up the Monk's request with their guns.
"Oh, if you put it that way." Steven began to walk to the door, but
stopped and motioned for Dolittle. "After you, sir." He stepped
aside.
"No, your Grace, after you."
"Please, I insist. You first."
"Oh, but I couldn't. After you."
Fitz and Airdale looked at each other then walked between the overly polite
pair. Steven and Dolittle, realizing the doorway was wide enough for two,
stepped through together. They walked down the hallway and stood before the
open door. Before Steven had a chance to get out the first sentence, Fitz
reached out both hands and yanked them into the room.
Airdale sank into a chair with a sigh. "What have you gotten yourself into
this time, Doctor?"
Time passed slowly for those waiting, but for the Doctor every minute was a
second. All too soon, the Monk's guards brought him back to the others.
"And so, my friend, as they say, the game is up. I'm afraid that now I
must carry out my original threat."
The guards each grabbed an arm and led Steven out of the room and down to the
office. The Monk followed and dismissed the guards. "This should teach you
to meddle where you don't belong." He raised his gun.
"Aw, hell!"
****************************************************
For those waiting by the TARDIS, the seconds crawled at a snail's pace. Then
the shot, the sound they had been dreading, rang throughout the room. Choking
back a sob, Airdale turned to cry against the Doctor. He patted her on the
back. "Brave heart, Airdale."
"I'm trying."
"We can't just stand here. We've got to do something," Fitz stated.
The Doctor nodded grimly. "I think it's past time." He moved to the
TARDIS, pulled out the key from his pocket, unlocked it, and motioned everyone
to enter.
"What? We're just going to leave and not see this murderer brought to
justice?" Dolittle complained.
"Trust me." He pushed Dolittle towards the open door of the TARDIS.
"How can we all fit in that small box?"
"I said 'Trust me'!" The Doctor pushed him in. "Get in there and
don't touch ANYTHING!"
He made sure the door was secure and was just turning around when he saw the
Monk standing in the doorway. "Where are they, Doctor?"
"Why should I tell you?"
"They're in the TARDIS, aren't they?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
"Yes, I would, Doctor."
"You know, that was very good. I didn't even see your lips move." The
Monk gave him a dirty look and moved into the room. Behind him, holding a gun
to his back, was James Richard William Charles of the Royal House of Stuart,
better known as Steven Taylor. "Steven, you really do have the luck of the
Irish!"
"More like the luck of the Scottish." Steven grinned. "The
Calvary didn't hurt." The Doctor looked puzzled until the Brigadier and
Benton walked in.
The Doctor knocked on the TARDIS door. "It's safe to come out now.
Everything's been settled. Almost," he added, looking at the Monk.
He had to knock again before the door opened and Dolittle came out. He grinded
to a halt in the doorway when he saw who was standing next to the Doctor. He
stood like that for several seconds before he realized Airdale was pushing him
in the back, trying to get out. He moved to the side and closed his mouth.
Airdale pushed her way past him with Fitz right behind her. "Well, Doctor,
Steven what are we..." She stopped on her tracks, causing Fitz to walk
into her. "Steven!" She ran across the room and threw her arms about
his neck. "You're alive! You're alive!"
"Last time I checked."
"I know you like surprises, but this is too much," Fitz said as he
gave him a light whack on the head.
Airdale dropped her arms from Steven's neck and gave him a shove that caught
him off-balance. "Why didn't you tell us?"
"I just did."
The Brigadier coughed and the Doctor turned to him. "Ah, yes, I think
introductions are in order."
"I wonder where I heard that before," quipped Steven.
"Brigadier Allistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart, Sgt. Benton, may I present
Mr. John Fitzgerald, Inspector John Dolittle, and my newest assistant, Miss
Airdalaine Solo."
"Delighted." Hands were shaken all around.
Steven looked at Dolittle. "Inspector? Congratulations."
"Times change, mate," Dolittle said modestly.
Steven smiled. "Don't I know it." He thought back over what had
happened. "I mean, where else can you get rescued from being kidnapped,
captured again, rescued again, meet someone from twenty years in your future,
almost killed, then clobbered by a beautiful lady?"
"Gee," Dolittle sounded thoughtful, "and all within eight hours,
too."
Steven smiled and clapped his friend on the back. "I'm not
complaining."
"What are we going to do with him?" Fitz asked, looking for the Monk.
"There!" Benton pointed put the door. "He's heading for the
other room!"
The Doctor was the first out the door, followed by Steven and Benton. They ran
into the Monk's office just in time to see him dive under the desk.
"We've got him cornered now, Doctor," said Benton as he moved in.
The Doctor caught his arm. "Don't count on it," he said in a low
voice.
The sound of a TARDIS dematerializing was heard, but there was something wrong
with it. It sounded sick. "He won't get far in the rickety old
monstrosity," the Doctor said as he returned to the others. Benton's grin
went unnoticed.
"We won't have to worry about him for awhile. That connection he made is
probably only temporary. It can't last many more trips. I think it's time
Airdale and I left. The Time Lords won't approve of the meddling I've done,
even though it was for a good cause."
"Yeah, right," Airdale muttered under her breath.
"The main problem," he continued with a glare at Airdale, "is
that Time is somewhat fouled-up. Lucky for you, I've got the means to un-foul
it. I just hope it works."
"Oh, really?" asked Steven. "What's that?"
"A few of the Type 40s were constructed for high-ranking Time Lords and
have what I like to call a Panic Button. I've never had the need to use it
before mainly because I never had a situation quite like this. There are only
two small problems."
"Which are?" asked Fitz.
"One: I'm not sure how it works."
"And Two?"
"I'm not sure where it is."
"Yes, those are two small problems."
Airdale gave a sigh and headed for the TARDIS. "Well, I can solve one of
those problems," she said as she entered. She looked back. "Aren't
you coming?"
The Doctor looked at the Brigadier who shrugged and started to follow her. The
Doctor pushed past him. "It's my TARDIS, I should enter next!" He
looked to see Fitz and Steven step into the ancient machine. The Brigadier
tried to hide a smile.
As they entered the control room, they heard voices coming from further ahead.
They walked through a doorway and down a winding hallway and stopped in front
of an open door. Steven and Fitz were standing by an old wardrobe from which
the back of Airdale could be seen. "Are you sure it's in there?" Fitz
asked.
"Positive," came the muffled reply as a cricket ball flew over her
shoulder. "I saw it in here last week when I was cleaning."
"Never would've guessed," Steven remarked as he looked at the mound
of junk growing at his feet.
"Bingo!" Her arm appeared waving an old piece of paper that she held
tight in her fist. Trying to get to her feet, however, she put her foot on the
cricket ball and lost her balance. Fitz, ever the gentleman, tried to catch her
but only succeeded in pushing her into an old bearskin coat.
Steven bent down to help her up. "Gee, Fitz, you sure know how to show a
girl a good time," she cracked as she massaged her sore foot and set her
hair to rights.
Fitz apologized repeatedly, but Airdale shushed him with a wave of her hand and
a smile. She picked up the paper and handed it to the Doctor. "I noticed
this last week," she said. "I think it's a map of the TARDIS."
The Doctor unfolded the dry, yellowed paper with extreme care. "So, that's
what happened to it." He stared at the map. "Right now we're
here," he said pointing, "and the button is over here
somewhere," he motioned with a sweep of his hand.
"That narrows things down a bit," said Dolittle, "but it could
take forever to locate."
"I agree with the inspector, Doctor. Granted, if we find out where it is,
it still might take some time to get there," said the Brigadier.
"Maybe if we divide into two groups," said Benton.
"Good idea," said the Doctor. "Divide and conquer. Julius always
liked when I said that." He turned back to the map and pointed.
"Airdale, take the Brigadier and Sgt. Benton and go right. Meanwhile, Mr.
Taylor, Mr. Fitzgerald and I will investigate the left. Inspector, would you
mind staying here and keeping tabs on everyone? I'm afraid my little
communication devices only work through the console."
"Fine. If I went with you, I'd probably be the first lost. The streets of
London, I can handle, but this..."
"All right, boys," said Airdale as she headed down the hall,
"shall we be off? Doctor, I bet you a week's worth of cleaning that we
find it first."
The Doctor laughed. "It's a bet." He handed her a small
walkie-talkie. "Don't forget to check with the Inspector every
half-hour."
During the search, there were reports of a swimming pool, a renaissance chapel,
two conservatories, an immense dining hall, several libraries, countless rooms
filled with boxes, a cloister, a pink room which smelled of roses that Airdale
didn't want to leave, and even two other control rooms, but no Panic Button.
Finally, the Doctor's voice was heard in the main control room. "Dolittle,
call the others, will you? I just remembered something."
"What's that?"
"I remodeled this part of the TARDIS several years ago. I'll save the big
surprise till we're in the control room."
Airdale's group was already there when the Doctor and the others arrived.
"What do you have to tell us, Doctor?" asked Lethbridge-Stewart.
"I've just remembered where the Panic Button should be."
"Well?"
"It's...er...right outside in the main corridor. By your bedroom as a
matter-of-fact."
"At least I know where I can drown him now," she said to Benton.
The Doctor, meanwhile, opened one of the roundels outside the main control
room. He pulled out a scrap of paper and blew off the dust. He squinted at the
faded print and moved into the control room. "As far as I can tell, there
are two rules to follow. Everyone who belongs outside must be outside when the
button is pushed."
"And the second?" asked Steven a trifle sadly. He had grown fond of
these strange travelers.
"Push the button and stand back."
"Right then. Doctor, Miss Solo, it's been an interesting adventure."
Dolittle shook the Doctor's hand. "Maybe next time I'll be prepared for
your escapades."
"Believe me," said the Brigadier shaking Dolittle's hand, "you
never get used to it."
Steven walked up to the Doctor. "Tell me something? Will we remember any
of this?"
"Not consciously. A residue of what happened might appear as a
dream."
"At least I'll have that much."
"Does that mean I'll forget about you?" Fitz asked as he took
Airdale's hands.
"I'm afraid so, but it's for the best." Airdale was trying her best
to hold back the tears. "But I'll always remember you."
Fitz leaned down and gave her a slow kiss, full of promises that couldn't be
kept. "Good-bye," he whispered. He then turned and followed Steven
and Dolittle outside. A tear ran down Airdale's cheek as she watched him go.
Benton came over and tried to comfort her. "It'll be all right,
miss."
"Oh, I know that, sergeant." She smiled through her tears. "It's
just that I could have fallen in love with the Prince Consort of England."
She moved across the room past the Doctor, who was trying to make sure that
everything was in working order and not get mad at the Brigadier and his
"helpful" suggestions. Airdale realized she was still wearing Fitz's
coat.
"All right, everyone. It's time."
"Wait! Fitz forgot his coat and wallet. I'll just run out and give it to
him." She opened the door and was out before the Doctor could protest.
Steven, Fitz, and Dolittle were startled when the door opened and Airdale came
running out. She went over to Fitz and handed him his coat. "You almost
forgot this," she said before she kissed him quickly on the cheek and ran
back into the TARDIS.
The Doctor looked at her as she came back in. "I suppose you had to do
that." Airdale just smiled and walked to her bedroom.
The Brigadier shook his head and said that he would never understand women.
"That's all right, Allistair, they don't understand you either." The
Doctor smiled. "If you're both ready..." He then closed his eyes and
pushed the button
The room wasn't well lit, but that didn't matter for there wasn't much to
see...