Human Nature (Doctor Who)

[Beach Crew]

Awww, thanks Mepples, much appreciated. I try my best, and lol, you had plenty of reading to catch up on there, teehee

And I've gotta stop writing these long rambles at the start of each update. I put today's in small writing so it didn't look as long as it actually was (*Points innocently to her question* )

Glad you're still enjoying it

EDIT: I knew that update was a long one, made us jump to page three. *Gasps* Three pages, it's getting long now, lol.

[firebreathingfishies]

Aw that was fabulous, and sad Really really sad I'm really enjoying this Beachy it's brilliant I kept expecting Rose to mooch in while Martha was raking lol. Update again like now

Oh and that episode is Utopia. Is it Utopia? *runs off to check*

[Beach Crew]

Thank you! And yeah, but I told you, I love angst. Seriously, give me something angsty and I'm away for hours, lol. But it is very sad, especially for poor Rose, but I'm being nicer to her lately. I drew a smilie face next to her name in my notes, lol, so hopefully....

And ha, you just want Martha and Rose to fight don't you? Later, promise *looks innocent* And I'll update as soon as I can, before the weekend at any rate, lol.

Aha! Thank you. I'll show my friend, I'll watch Utopia without him and then...well, I don't know, I'm just bitter

[Beach Crew]

So, here ya go. This ‘you update and I’ll update’ works quite well I feel FBF, lol. Anyways, I like this update coz well, Martha and Rose. Oh, you’ll see . I really wanted them to have a proper fight, but I decided that was just silly, lol. Now, the timing is a little funny in this chapter, so I hope it works ok? As in the “Oh shut up!” you ‘hear’ twice is in fact the same “Oh shut up!”. And the last scene will be played out again in the next update, but from a different POV.

In other news, I’ve fallen head over heels in love with Captain Jack and I still haven’t seen an episode of Torchwood, lol. I think it was the idea of him going back to see Rose when she was growing up . Also, why will I apparently hate someone called Lucy? Bonus points to anyone who can tell me, lol. Anyways…


Part Six

Martha was furious. Rose Tyler, the Rose Tyler, that the Doctor loved so much, and spoke of so highly, had a gun. Had the Doctor taught her nothing on their travels? Guns caused more problems than they solved and so why Rose would even want to touch a gun, she had no clue. God, if the Doctor found out about this he would be so disappointed.

And that was why Martha Jones was marching down the corridors of the school like a woman possessed. Denim jacket to hand, Martha was preparing to confront Rose and give her a piece of her mind. That was when she found her – Rose seemed to have disappeared since Martha had seen the girl at breakfast.

She marched past the library, preparing to head out into the gardens, when Martha heard a noise that made her stop. Coming from inside the library, Martha could hear very heavy, very heartbreaking sobs. Whoever it was, clearly a woman, was gasping for breath every few sobs. If they didn’t stop soon, Martha knew that they would pass out.

Martha slowly pushed open the library door, Rose forgotten for the moment, and trying to be as quiet as possible she crept inside preparing to offer what comfort she could. However, when she spotted the sobbing woman she froze, a look of horror crossing Martha’s face.

Rose.

Seated in one of the large arm chairs, a book clasped in her hands, Rose Tyler was sobbing hysterically into her knees. Mascara had smudged down her now very red and very damp cheeks, but yet she continued to cry. Martha stood frozen, watching her, unsure of what to do. Almost instantly, she recognised the book Rose was holding. Oh god, she’d read John Smith’s diary. No wonder she was crying.

It had been so easy to hate Rose, Martha thought. It had been so easy to hate the girl when she was just a name, just a memory, just an idea that got in the way and made Martha feel unwanted. But now, sitting in front of her with messy bleached hair and sobbing her heart out, Martha found that she could not hate Rose. The girl looked a mess, completely destroyed, and Martha found herself filled with intense sympathy.

If only Rose cried prettily, Martha thought, instead of these great, breathy and rather ugly sobs that shook her entire frame or if she’d worried about her makeup rather than letting thick, black rivers run messily down her face. Then, just then, perhaps Martha’s anger over the gun wouldn’t have disappeared. Instead, Martha wanted to help. “Rose?”

Rose looked up, startled and choking for breath. As soon as she spotted Martha, she wiped at her face and tried to regain some composure but she’d been crying too long. Rose soon found that she couldn’t stop sobbing and this panic made it difficult for her to catch her breath. Martha soon went into action. “Just take it easy Rose,” she said, kneeling beside her, “Try to breathe in through your nose.”

Rose nodded but it was easier said then done, and eventually she ended up doubled over, head between her knees and trying to force the room to stop spinning. After several painful moments, she finally sat back up shaking but breathing slightly more normally. Martha offered her a white handkerchief. “Thanks,” Rose croaked, wiping at her eyes and nose.

“Are you alright?” Rose shot Martha a scathing look, “Sorry, I just…if you want to talk, I’m here.”

Rose sighed, sniffing, “Sorry, I should be thankin’ you, not snappin’ at you. But no, I don’t want t’talk, thanks though.”

Martha nodded and awkwardly patted Rose on the back, “I’ll leave you with your thoughts then, but if you need me, just come an’ find me, or ask one of the other maids to locate me, I shouldn’t be…Rose?”

But Rose wasn’t listening but was staring in horror over Martha’s shoulder. Martha turned and swore silently, she’d dumped the stuff she’d been carrying on another chair when she’d entered the library. And there, in clear view of Rose, was the denim jacket.

Rose jumped up and grabbed it before Martha could, growling furiously, “Where the hell did you get this?”

***

John Smith had left Rose under the pretence of having jobs to do, but really, he was simply too embarrassed to be with her as she read the journal. Some of the things he’d written and drawn, they were impossible, and he didn’t want to see the look on her face when she decided that he was crazy. Besides, he’d written some semi-romantic thoughts down about the Rose character, and so he was almost frightened to see her reaction to this.

On his travels, he’d come across Nurse Redfern who asked to speak to him privately. She was worried about a small boy called Timothy, he was shy and needed guidance. Nurse Redfern thought that John would be perfect for this job. “I just worry,” she told him, “that sometimes he gets pushed out by the other children.”

“Don’t worry Matron, I’ll keep an eye on him,” he smiled, “Perhaps I’ll offer him a few words of advice if the case calls for it.”

“I’m sure he’d appreciate that Mr. Smith,” Joan smiled back, “Although he is rather shy so it might take you a while to get through to him. Speaking of which, how was your meeting with Miss. Rose?”

John smiled, “I’ve left her with a book. She’s a sweet girl.”

“I’m glad she’s found a friend in you, she needs all the support she can get.”

John nodded, worrying slightly that he’d left her behind. He hoped the journal didn’t upset her too much. When he’d exited the library, it seemed to be destroying her. “I just wish there was something that would cheer her up.”

Joan grinned suddenly and pointed to the notice board, “There’s the dance next week. I imagine she’d love to go. I know I would. Everyone likes to dance.”

We were talking about dancing.

Didn’t look like talkin’.

Didn’t feel like dancin’.

“Mr. Smith?”

John shook his head, “Sorry Matron, I was lost in a dream, but yes, I’m sure she would. Perhaps someone will invite her.” Joan nodded and continued talking about the dance but John was lost in his thoughts. Those words, the voices – a northern accent, an American, and cockney – it all seemed so familiar. As if it had actually happened. And it had happened long ago, he was sure of it, in a time that wasn’t his own, and something to do with a war…

“Oh shut up!”

He was pulled out of his thoughts by shouting that came from down the corridor. He looked up at Nurse Redfern and she appeared just as confused. It sounded like two women screaming at each other. Without another word, they both turned and headed in the direction of the noise.

***

“I asked you where you got it!” Rose cried, standing only centimeters in front of Martha. She looked furious and Martha had an awful feeling she was about to be slapped. Acting on impulse, she rifled in her uniform for her key to the TARDIS and pulled it out, showing it to Rose without saying an actual word. “Oh my god,” Rose whispered, pulling out her own key which was on a chain around her neck.

“Yeah.”

“You travel with him? With the D-Doctor?” she stumbled over the word as if afraid to say it. Martha nodded and Rose let out a breath, “How long for?”

“A while. After he lost you at any rate.”

Rose looked up, her eyes sharp, “So what, you’re like my replacement?”

“Something like that.”

“How do I know I can trust ya?” Rose asked, “How do I know you’re not the one that did this t’him? What if you made him forget an’ you’re comin’ for me next?”

“I wouldn’t mind if he forgot you,” Martha muttered and then instantly regretted it.

“What did you just say?” Rose snarled. This was not the Rose that the Doctor had described. The sweet, wonderful girl had been replaced by a hard but fragile young woman. “C’mon,” Rose cried, “If you’ve got somethin’ to say t’me Martha, just say it,” she challenged.

“Forget it. But you’re right, I can’t prove anything so you’re goin’ to have to trust me.”

“An’ if I don’t?”

“Well, then the Doctor stays this way. Or you shoot me, one of the two.”

Rose let out a growl, “Have you been snoopin’ in my things?!”

Martha didn’t answer, “If he knew you carried a gun, god Rose, do you know how angry he would be, how disappointed?”

Fear flashed through Rose’s eyes but she didn’t lose her nerve “Oh shut up!”

But Martha wasn’t backing down – now that everything had been confirmed, now that she knew exactly who Rose was, and likewise, Rose knew who Martha was, she found herself simply furious. “You’re nothing like how he described! The Rose Tyler I’ve heard about would never use a gun.”

“You think I like usin’ it?!”

“How should I know? Maybe you’re an assassin? I mean you work for Torchwood, you could be a murderer-”

“Stop it!”

Martha continued, “-a hunter, an alien killer-”

“Martha, please!”

“How many people have you killed Rose? How many lives have you taken with that thing?” Martha paused for breath looking over at Rose and immediately she stopped her tirade. Rose had turned a deathly shade of white, and tears had started falling down her face.

“I’m not a murderer,” she whispered shakily.

Martha softened, “I believe you. I’m sorry.”

“It’s ok,” Rose sniffed, “I’m your Sarah Jane. I get it.”

Martha was about to ask what Rose meant when the door to the library burst open and in charged a furious looking Nurse Redfern, and a very concerned Mr. Smith. “What on earth is going on in here?” Joan asked, looking from Martha to Rose. She was startled by the fact that both women were red faced and that Rose had tears trailing down her face.

Rose shot Martha a desperate look, unable to form words, “Um,” Martha began, “We were just larking around and we got a little loud. And then, sadly, I reminded Rose, er, Miss Rose of something from her past.”

Joan was not convinced, “Is this true, Miss Tyler?”

Rose nodded, “Yeah.”

“Well then, if you don’t mind me prying, what was the thing that reminded you of your past?” Joan frowned, arms folded across her chest.

Martha beat Rose to an excuse, “I was just tellin’ her, how sometimes, we all go to the public house on an evening. Rose told me that she and her family used to do the same.”

Joan relented, “Very well then. Martha, Miss Rose, it looks like you will be joining us this evening. Be ready for seven.”

Rose frowned as everyone left her: public house? What on earth was that?

***

The public house, it turned out, was a pub. Rose was seated on a bench outside waiting for Martha to return with their third round of pints. Martha, Rose and another maid called Jenny had left Nurse Redfern and Mr. Smith to their chatter and wine inside. For a short time, Rose was able to pretend she was back at home with her mates, getting drunk and clubbing on a Saturday night.

And then Jenny had left them alone to flirt with a local farm hand. Leaving Rose and Martha to swap stories about the Doctor, until they finally came to the inevitable, “What’s going on?” question.

It was hard for Martha to relive the memories. The awful screams the Doctor had made when he’d changed. But still, Martha had explained how they’d been chased across time and space by “The Family” and the Doctor had no choice but to turn himself human and seal himself into the pocket watch.

“An’ what happens if they find ‘im?” Rose asked when Martha returned, gratefully excepting the pint glass.

Martha grimaced, “We better hope that doesn’t happen. We’ve got another month, so hopefully, if all goes to plan we’ll be fine. I don’t wanna think about the other option.”

Rose sighed and took a long sip of beer. She hadn’t imagined upon being reunited with the Doctor that she would be embroiled in another mystery of his. And this particular mystery was even more of a life and death risk than usual. And even more unusually, it wasn’t Rose who was in danger, but instead, the Doctor. “How is he?” Rose asked suddenly, “The Doctor, I mean, not John Smith.”

Martha offered her a small smile, wiping away a foam moustache, “He’s…eccentric and kind. Funny, brave an’ an amazing friend,” Martha sighed suddenly, looking at Rose, “But sometimes, just sometimes, the smile doesn’t meet his eyes. Or he’s reminded of something, I’m guessing you, an’ he goes into a mood, a quiet mood,” Martha frowned, “An’ sometimes, very rarely, he gets this dark look in his eyes, like nothing will stop him.”

Rose frowned, “I know that look, when I first met him. Sometimes it was as if he couldn’t escape the darkness, but I thought he was past that. I mean, when I last saw him, I thought-”

Martha interrupted her, “Exactly, Rose. When you last saw him. He misses you. He’s changed.”

“He talks about me?”

“All the flippin’ time.”

Rose looked sheepish, “Sorry.” There was a pause and then, “He doesn’t normally do that, talk about his ex-companions I mean. I met this woman, Sarah Jane Smith, she’d traveled with him when she was our age. She’s gotta be in her 50s now – he never once mentioned her until she literally turned up in front of us.”

Martha smiled gently, but there was a wistful quality to it, “He really cares about you Rose. An’ he misses you like hell. So, as an official representee of the Doctor, let me say ‘Welcome back’.”

Rose grinned, but then all the colour drained from her face, “Welcome back?! What do you mean, ‘Welcome back’? What universe is this?”

Martha frowned, “My world. The Doctor’s world. Rose I don’t understand…I thought you’d come back?”

A shocked grin lit up her face, “This is my world? My home world?”

“Yes. An’ by the way, I’d really like fillin’ in on the full story of how you got into an alternative world in the first place.”

Rose nodded, suddenly sombre, “Later.”

“What do you mean ‘later’?”

“I think we have more important things to be worryin’ about,” Rose frowned, pointing up at the sky. Martha followed her gaze and swore loudly. There in the sky was a large shooting star and it was heading rapidly down towards their small town. People were gazing up at it in wonder, but Rose and Martha were watching it with horror. This meant one thing:

The Family.

…to be continued.

[firebreathingfishies]

Ooooooo cliffhanger!

Oh that was just fantabulous! I loved that bit where John Smith remembered that little dancey bit, I recognised it straight away Aw poor Rose bless her - I loved your description of her crying, very sad. And Martha, omg I actually like her in this. Proves you're doing a good job lol! Oh yey, so I'm taking the other POV of their argument will be John Smith's? Ooooh you have to update soon then

Aw bless Captain Jack, he's a goodun really. He just gets a bit high and mightly in Torchwood... but you'll probably still love him You'll probably like Gwen too I reckon. And the only Lucy I can think of is Lucy Saxon - the Master's companion dun dun duuuuun

And I can't believe you said 'see you on the flipside' in the other thread

[Beach Crew]

Originally Posted by firebreathingfishies

Ooooooo cliffhanger!

Oh that was just fantabulous! I loved that bit where John Smith remembered that little dancey bit, I recognised it straight away Aw poor Rose bless her - I loved your description of her crying, very sad. And Martha, omg I actually like her in this. Proves you're doing a good job lol! Oh yey, so I'm taking the other POV of their argument will be John Smith's? Ooooh you have to update soon then

Ha, I like my cliffhangers, I tend to get a bit carried away with them. Warning

Thank you Ha, I love that moment too. I had to include it becuase it's a) adorable and b) Jack! Yeah, well, let's just say I used myself during Doomsday for a model for Rose, lol. I know *Grumbles* I never set out to like Martha, but I seem to be making her likeable, lol. Ok, ok...I'll try to explain. So, when John Smith and Joan heard "Oh Shut up!" that was when rose yelled at Martha during the argument. The next update, we see John and Joan in the pub and it starts long before Martha and Rose see the shooting star and then John and Joan will see the shooting star. It's complicated, lol. I'll try me best, but I might not get on again until mid-week *grumbles*

Aw bless Captain Jack, he's a goodun really. He just gets a bit high and mightly in Torchwood... but you'll probably still love him You'll probably like Gwen too I reckon. And the only Lucy I can think of is Lucy Saxon - the Master's companion dun dun duuuuun

And I can't believe you said 'see you on the flipside' in the other thread

He keeps making me cry. I was watching the season 1 finale, and when he sees the TARDIS disappear, away I went . Lol, I think I probably will. Ha, I was told, "Well I think Gwen reminds Jack of Rose so you'll like her" - so there goes. Well, that's obviously why I'll hate her then - she better not be mean to anyone.

*Giggles* I know. Never again - I've been watching Gossip Girl

[monster-eats-pilot]

Ooooh great as always
Hurry up and write the next chapter please, I don't like cliff hangers

[Beach Crew]

I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. *Giggles* Seriously, I am though, it’s been a while since I promised an update, but here it is! I’ll try and be more prompt but things are just a bit stressful atm. Sigh. This update is slightly confusing, like the last one, with scenes playing out on top of each other. For example, while Martha and Rose are outside before they see the shooting star, inside Joan and John are chatting and then they come outside to talk to Rose and Martha about the star, which is where the previous update finished. I hope it’s not too tricky to understand, lol.

Oh, also, big bonus points will go to anyone who spots the many, many references and hidden quotes from one of my favourite episodes that I’ve put in this update. Name it, and them and I’ll give you, um…some chips


Part Seven

John Smith and Joan Redfern were sat inside their local inn: “The Big Bad Wolf,” both occasionally sipping at their glasses of red wine. The evening was pleasant and Joan was rather happy to be in John’s company, even if he was a little distracted. For the past hour he’d been watching Martha, Miss Rose, and previously Jenny, through the window. The girls had chosen to stay outside. “I’m glad she’s making friends,” Joan said suddenly.

John’s face lit up with a grin, “Yes, me too. Though, I don’t understand why she chose to sit outside with the staff rather than inside with us?” he asked.

Joan smiled, “We don’t know her family background. She’s from London. I hear they’re a lot more…liberal in London. I mean, she may have had maids like Martha.”

John nodded, “True, and they are around the same age.”

Joan took another sip of her wine, “Mr. Smith, may I ask, what is your interest with Miss Rose?”

John choked on his wine, and rather ungracefully coughed and spluttered until he was red in the face. He managed to compose himself to some extent, but his voice came out much squeakier then he would have liked, “Whatever do you mean?”

Joan frowned, “I, well, it’s just that you seem very interested in her, and you’ve been spending an awful lot of time with her,” she paused, “You’ve known her two days but you’re acting as if you’ve known her a lifetime.” For a moment, Nurse Redfern worried that she’d overstepped her mark, but then John looked up at her and his eyes were so intense, so different, that she couldn’t even see John anymore.

“Sometimes, sometimes I feel like I do know her,” Mr. Smith said, and even his voice sounded different, “I feel elated when I look at her, like she’s a long lost friend, my best friend, and goodness, I’ve missed her, but, I couldn’t possibly know her, I mean, it’s impossible.”

“Mr. Smith, are you alrig-” Joan began, only to be cut off by loud and hysterical laughter from outside the pub. Rose and Martha.

“An’ then he licked it,” Rose could be heard saying, “Jus’ licked the wood like there was nothin’ wrong with doin’ so, righ’ in front of the queen an’ all. An’ then chattin’ away about mistletoe and bein’ rude…”

“Typical Doctor,” Martha replied with a laugh, “Fancy another pint?”

Joan smiled and turned to look at John to see his reaction but noticed that once again, he was lost in thought.

“Viscum album, the oil of the mistletoe, it’s been worked into the wood like a varnish! How clever was your dad? I love him! Powerful stuff mistletoe – bursting with lectins and viscotoxins.”

“An’ the wolf’s allergic to it?”

“Well it thinks it is. The monkey monk monks need a way of controlling the wolf, maybe they trained it to react against certain things?”

“Mr. Smith?” Joan tried again, “Are you alright?” his eyes were fixed on Rose, who was now sat outside on her own. He turned and looked at Martha who was just receiving two more pints of alcohol. “Mr. Smith?”

He looked at her suddenly, “Sorry, Nurse Redfern, what were you saying?”

“I asked if you were feeling alright? You seemed lost in a daydream,” she placed a hand on his arm, “You’ve been working very hard lately. Maybe you should take a break?”

John swallowed, looking at the hand on his arm, “I’m alright. I’m always alright.” Then, just as suddenly, he frowned, looking back out at Martha and Rose who now seemed to be having a serious discussion, “Wait, isn’t that their third glass?” he asked, pointing at the two young women and their alcohol.

Joan frowned, standing up, “Yes, I think you’re right. I might just have a quick word with them,” she looked at her empty glass, “And then I might head home if you’d like to join me?”

He nodded, “I’ll just finish up here and then I’ll meet you outside.”

***

“Wow, what’s that?” Jenny asked as she came to stand beside Martha and Rose. Many of the townsfolk were doing the same – all staring up at the sky in awe as they watched what they thought was a ‘shooting star’.

“What happened to your farmer friend?” Martha asked.

“Got a girlfriend, the cheek of the lad,” Jenny replied, “Y’think he would’ve told me before I threw myself at him.”

Rose bit back a laugh, “He pro’ly won’t remember in the mornin’.”

“Miss Rose, Martha, Jenny?” The three women turned to see Nurse Redfern looking at them, she did not look happy, “I just came to remind you that we’ll be up early in the morning, for church. So you may want to head home soon,” the three nodded and then turned to look back up at the sky, Joan followed their gaze, “Oh my, would you look at that?”

“Oh that’s beautiful,” a voice said from behind them. Martha and Rose looked at each other in shock before they turned to join Joan and Jenny who were now staring at John Smith. However, in that moment he didn’t sound like John Smith, but very much like the Doctor. “It’s a meteorite,” he informed them, “It’s just rocks falling to the ground, that’s all. Pretty though isn’t it?” his eyes locked with Rose’s and she looked away quickly, a blush rising to her cheeks.

“It came down in the woods,” Joan said, oblivious to Martha who was making ‘oh-my-god’ eyes at Rose.

John shook his head, “No, they always look close when actually they’re miles away. There’s nothing really left of it but dust,” he paused, smiling at the women, “Now, I’m heading back to the school, care to join me ladies?”

Martha grabbed Rose’s arm, “We’re fine here, thanks. We’ll just finish our drinks.”

John and Joan looked at Rose, “Righ’ yes,” she said, smiling quickly, “We’ll see you up there. Bye.”

“Girls,” John said sternly, “I won’t retire to my room until you return to the school, so please, don’t be long.” When they nodded and promised to hurry home, John finally smiled and turned to leave with Joan, “See you soon, ladies.”

“Damn it,” Martha hissed, “Now we’ll have to go back.”

“What are you two up to?” Jenny asked.

“Jenny, where was that?” Rose asked, pointing in the distance, “On the horizon, where the star fell?”

“Um, that’s up near Cooper’s field.”

“Right then,” Martha nodded at Rose and they both set off at a fast run in the direction Jenny had pointed. A silent understanding had passed between the two young women, they needed to investigate this ‘shooting star’ before anything bad came of it. And if that meant something happened to them, then so be it.

Jenny sighed, following at a slower pace, “Hey! Wait up! There’s nothing out there,” she paused, taking a deep breath, “You two’ll be the death of me.”

Jenny didn’t know how right she was.

***

He was here, they knew it. The Time Lord was hidden somewhere in this small town in 1913 England. And they would find him. They needed him to live, to survive. And once they had him, the Family of Blood would live forever. “We need hosts,” a voice called through the darkness.

“We will find them, Father of mine,” a second voice called.

“And then we’ll find him,” another voice called.

“And finally, we can live together, forever,” a final voice smiled through the darkness of their ship.

The four voices joined together and laughed.

***

“There’s nothing here,” Rose panted, looking around the field, “Nothing at all. We ran all this way, an’ there’s just nothin’,” she sagged towards the ground, “I tell y’what though…not bein’ with the Doctor, you totally lose your runnin’ stamina.”

Martha offered her a wry grin, “Best get practicin’. I imagine he’ll have you runnin’ across the universe again, once this whole thing is over I mean,” she looked around, “You’re right though, this was a waste of time.”

“So now what?” Rose asked exasperatedly.

“I don’t know,” Martha admitted.

“Oh well fat lot of good you are!” Rose snapped, rounding on Martha, “I thought you travelled with him, an’ that he’d told you what to do?”

“He did,” Martha frowned, “But he just didn’t prepare me for this!”

“But you should know by now,” Rose yelled into the night, “With the Doctor you’ve gotta be prepared for everythin’!”

“Oh well I’m sorry I’m not you Rose,” Martha yelled back, “God, it’s bad enough that he reminds me of that fact,” her voice cracked, “Now I’ve got you too!”

“What d’ya mean?”

“Everywhere we go, it’s always, ‘Oh if Rose were here, she’d know what to do’ or ‘Rose would know what to say’ or ‘Rose would love this’,” Martha paused, fighting tears, “No matter what I do, it’s never good enough.”

Rose looked at the ground, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“No, you don’t,” Martha spat before walking a few feet away from Rose. She had her back to the other woman, desperately trying to get her emotions back under wraps. If wasn’t a secret that Martha liked the Doctor, but she didn’t want Rose to know that, and she herself wasn’t ready to admit it.

For a while, the only sounds were Matha’s ragged breathing, and the scuffing of one of Rose’s shoes as she guilty kicked at the floor. “I really am sorry though,” Rose offered, “It’s just, me an’ the Doctor, we’ve been through so much, an’ it’s not like I asked ‘im to talk about me or anythin’. In fact, I kinda thought he wouldn’t,” Rose took a deep breath, “I’m sorry, Martha.”

Martha turned, shrugging, “Not your fault, is it?” she sighed, and then, “No point arguin’ amongst ourselves, we’ve gotta take care o’John Smith now, right?”

“Righ’,” Rose agreed, “Sorry I snapped.”

“Me too.”

Rose looked up suddenly, “Oh my god, the TARDIS, what happened to her?”

“It’s ok,” Martha smiled, “She’s safe – we hid her,” she paused, “Tell ya what, we’ll head back, say goodnight to Mr. Smith, and then I’ll meet you at the servants exit in an hour an’ we’ll sneak out to see her, deal?”

Rose looked like a child on Christmas morning and Martha couldn’t help but grin along with her. “That’d be fantastic,” Rose said.

“C’mon then,” Martha grabbed Rose’s arm, “We gotta get back otherwise he’ll be sendin’ out a search party. Up for another run?” she teased.

“S’not like I’ve got a choice is it?” Rose sighed, but she dutifully forced her legs to move and headed off after Martha. They were too busy chattering and laughing to notice the screams that suddenly echoed through the darkness.

The Family had found their first host.

***

Jenny was quite sure she had gone mad. One minute she’d been panting and trying to keep up with Martha and Rose, who she was sure didn’t have any idea that she’d followed them, and the next, she was being attacked by scarecrows. Scarecrows! It simply wasn’t possible.

Likewise, the fact that she was now trapped inside some invisible vehicle in the middle of a field didn’t make any sense. The one thing Jenny did know was that she was in big trouble, and if she didn’t escape soon, she would likely die. Voices were talking to her through the darkness and she didn’t hold out much hope for her survival.

“I don’t understand,” she whispered, “Who are you?”

A voice answered, “We are the Family,” it said, as though that explained everything, “And who are you? Do you have a name?”

“My name is Jenny,” she replied, “Please, what’s happening? When can I go?”

“Go?” a second voiced mocked, “My girl, you won’t be going anywhere – My mother needs a host.”

“Host?” Jenny asked, “I don’t understand, who are you? Why can’t I see you? Tell me what’s goin’ on!” Jenny cried.

“Oh Jenny,” another voice said, and suddenly, Jenny was terrified, “Very soon, you’ll see exactly who we are, and how familiar we look to you,” it paused, “Mother, embrace her!”

Out of nowhere, a horrific, hideous green demon leapt towards Jenny. It didn’t have a shape, it was just green, and it flew at her so fast that she knew it couldn’t be of this earth. Jenny screamed as it forced its way inside her mind, possessing her, taking over her being.

And then just as suddenly Jenny stopped screaming and instead, grinned.

***

“Oh yes,” Rose assured John in an annoyingly adorable (to Martha anyway) sleepy voice that had him hanging on her ever