Crossover Fic: Lending a Hand (9/?), Firefly/Doctor Who
Title: Lending a hand (9/?)
Authors: goldy_dollar and hjea
Keywords: Ten and Rose, Firefly crew.
Disclaimer: We don’t own DW and/or Firefly. Please don’t sue. We are only poor university students.
Spoilers/Timeline: Doctor Who: Post-Fear Her, pre-AoG/Doomsday, Firefly: post-Serenity
Summary: If you were in jail, you’d trust the Doctor and Mal to find some way to rescue you… right?
Rating: PG-13
Words: 2, 031
Chapter Nine
The replay from the TARDIS’ vidscreens confirmed the Doctor’s suspicions. He propped one elbow up on the console and leaned his forehead against his arm. Arrested. By the Alliance.
Great, he’d said. Criminals. Brilliant. Let’s hop right in.
Once he got Rose out of this-and he would get her out of it-he was taking her somewhere boring. Somewhere with bunny rabbits and ice cream cones. Granted, it wasn’t up to their usual standards of adventure and heroics, but at least the chance of being separated from Rose in some sort of freak bunny hostage situation was unlikely.
“Doctor.”
He looked up. The Captain’s gaze was not particularly pitying.
“If you’re finished despairing, we could review our options.”
Despairing? Had he been? Didn’t really sound like him. Disconcerting, that.
“Well,” the Doctor said, pulling himself together. “Could create a short-range electrical beam using the TARDIS. Might short-circuit all computers within a one mile radius. Of course, that’s assuming they’re nearby. And on these backwater moons, might not even do us any good…”
The Captain rolled his eyes, and then strode purposefully out of the TARDIS. After a moment, the Doctor followed him.
“And I suppose you have a better plan, do you?” the Doctor said, jogging to catch up.
They stopped next to a weapon’s store, which Captain Reynolds opened and rummaged through.
“Local law enforcement ain’t exactly the slickest operation you’re likely to see,” he said. “No love lost between ‘em and the Alliance, either. Not anything worth risking lives over, that is.”
Mal handed a nasty looking gun to the Doctor, who shoved his hands in his pockets and gave him a pointed look.
Mal sighed and hooked the gun into his own belt.
“So, what?” the Doctor said. “You’re just planning on busting your way in through the front door and outgunning them?”
“Yep,” Mal said cheerfully. “Got element of surprise on our side, Doctor. Won’t be expecting us. Gives us the advantage.”
Far as plans went, it was almost better conceived than some of the things the Doctor had come up with. Certainly a step above: “Oh, I’ll just fall down this great big pit!” And possibly even more cunning than: “Running away very quickly.”
“Just one thing,” the Doctor said. “How are we planning on finding them?”
Mal blinked, and then, looking at the Doctor like he was stupid, said, “Ain’t that big a planet, Doctor. Local law enforcement most likely sittin’ there with a giant arrow pointed at it.” He sighed at the strained expression on the Doctor’s face. “What?”
“Well, that’s not very stealthy, is it? What happened to hiding hostages in a basement somewhere? Or a dungeon-dungeons are a time-honored tradition. Or a lair. It’s been ages since I’ve rescued someone from a lair.”
Mal rocked back on his heels. “Lao tyen yeh,” he muttered. “Doctor, think you could maybe shut that trap of yours for ten minutes?”
“Right,” the Doctor said after a pause. “Sorry.”
They turned around and then both yelped in surprise. It was River, arms folded over her chest, her look more than a little accusing.
“Ai ya,” Mal said. “You do frit about, little one, don’t you?”
“I hid,” River said. “I saw them coming.”
“And you didn’t reckon we could maybehap use a warning, darlin’?” Mal said.
“There would have been fighting,” River said. “People would’ve died.” She paused, and looked at the Doctor. “I’m tired of people dying.”
“Hey, whoa, ain’t no one dying, dong ma?” Mal said. “Gonna be a diplomatic rescue.” He handed a gun to River and added, “Coercively.”
***
The local jail had one cell with a dirty floor and rusted metal bars.
Not exactly the most secure area Rose had ever seen. Not that she’d ever been jailed before, either. She made a mental note to talk to the Doctor about avoiding criminals in the future.
On the bright side, being 500 years in the future meant she didn’t have to call her mum to come bail her out.
She could hear voices murmuring quietly just outside the cell. With her eyes and feet bound together, she had few options. She glanced at the bars and then, swallowing, painfully hopped in their direction.
Panting, she reached the bars and strained to listen.
“…there’s nothin’ there, sir.”
“How can there be nothing? That’s impossible.”
“Whatever these folk are wanted for, it’s classified. Highly classified. Ain’t getting nothing but red flags.”
“They crashed their own ship. How dangerous can they be? Alliance. Gorram Purplebellies haven’t been able to count backwards from ten since the Miranda story broke. Keep an eye on them.”
“Yes, sir.”
The two speakers dropped into silence. Rose turned around, and leaned back against the bars, breathing heavily. The others were clumped together on one side of the cell, conversing in low voices. They barely seemed to notice the dirt smearing the walls, the yellow and brown toilet in the corner.
The lot of them probably got arrested all the time.
Rose hesitated. She reckoned she had two options. She could do nothing and hope the Doctor rescued her before the Alliance picked them up and carted them off to a more secure base. Or she could trust the crew and join in on the escape plan, whatever that was.
Well, it really wasn’t much of a choice, was it?
Gathering her courage, Rose hopped over to join them.
***
“Now, if you see a doorway in someone’s mind, it means they’re protecting a memory they don’t want you to see. Go around it. Like a big stop sign. Or a wall-wall, yeah, that’s it. A mental wall.”
The Doctor had to yell to be heard over the roar of the mule’s engine.
“But I can see around walls,” River said.
“Course you can,” the Doctor said. “But it’s… it’s about responsibility. People have secrets, River. Everyone’s got secrets. The mind-it’s not just… just some playground to run around in. It’s an extraordinary thing. Deserves respect.”
Despite Mal’s distrust of the Doctor, he had to admit that the idea of River having control over her psychic power was more than a little appealing.
“Captain Reynolds-” The Doctor climbed into the front seat. He took the time to fix his tie before speaking again. “Hide a memory behind a door. Any sort of memory. Doesn’t matter which.”
“Uh, Doctor, mite busy at the moment.”
He didn’t add that driving the mule was usually Zoe’s job.
“Oh, come on, it’s not that hard. Just one itty-bitty memory.”
Mal sighed. Feeling about two-years-old, Mal imagined a door blocking out all his memories of the war. For a long moment, the only noise was the hum of the mule’s engine, and the wind whipping through their hair.
The Doctor watched him carefully. When he was satisfied, he twisted his neck around to look at River. “Hmm?”
“I see them,” River said.
“And?” the Doctor prompted.
“Leaving them alone,” River said.
“Good girl,” the Doctor said, turning around and settling down again. He scratched at the back of his neck. “Blimey, am I glad that worked.”
Mal shot the Doctor a dirty look, but hastily turned back when the mule jerked over to one side.
“Mind reading’s an interesting phenomenon,” the Doctor continued. “Rare ability. Usually considered a curse. Less advanced society’s often called it witchcraft.”
“But she… she can control it,” Mal said. “With the… doors.”
“Well, as well as anyone with the power to hear human thoughts,” the Doctor mused. “But it’s important she does.”
“And why’s that?” Mal said.
“Because it will drive her mad,” the Doctor said simply. “No human brain is capable of taking in so many senses and feelings.”
Mal swallowed. Instead of answering, he pulled the mule to a stop. He climbed down, eyes studying the dusty run-down structures before them.
The Doctor hopped down next to him, frowning at the town. “How many planets are there like this?”
“Way of the Rim,” Mal said. “Out here, folk don’t got much. Have to look out for their own selves. Alliance takes their tax money and don’t give ‘em anything in return.”
The Doctor was uncharacteristically subdued. “You were there at Serenity Valley,” he stated. “I should have realized earlier. Only a soldier would name their ship after a battle they lost.”
“War was a long while ago,” Mal said.
“What? Seven, maybe eight years ago?” the Doctor said, turning to look at him. “Not so long ago. Barely a blip in time, even. Besides, people don’t name their ship after a war they’ve moved on from.”
Mal didn’t know what to say to that, so he shrugged and looked to town. “We’ll go the rest of the way on foot.”
“Right-o,” the Doctor said. “Love a brisk walk before a big fight. Helps me practice for the running away bit.”
The Doctor moved forward, but Mal called him back, speaking before he realized what he was saying.
“You were in a war,” Mal said. “And I’d wager you didn’t exactly come out on the winning side, either.”
The Doctor stopped and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Yes,” he said, without turning. “The Time War. Everyone lost. Everybody died.”
“Might be stating the obvious here,” Mal said steadily. “But you didn’t.”
The Doctor turned around, guilt and loneliness evident in his eyes.
“I’m the only one of my kind left. I’m alone.” He paused, and then pulled himself together. “Well, that’s not quite true, is it? I have my TARDIS.” His voice softened and he added, “And Rose. I have Rose.”
The Doctor shook himself, and then smiled widely. “And since I don’t intend to lose her any time soon, we have a heroic rescue to make, hmm?”
***
Aware of the guard standing just outside the cell, Rose kept her voice quiet. “Have we got a plan?”
The crew exchanged a look.
“Could wait for the Captain to come up with a rescue,” Zoe said.
They held each other’s eyes for another minute, and then let out simultaneous snickers.
“I vote for not waiting for Mal,” Simon said, mouth still twitching.
“Agreed,” Zoe said. She eyed the cell, and then tilted her head slightly in the direction of the bars. “Guard will be a problem.”
“Need a diversion,” Jayne said.
“No one’s getting naked, Jayne,” Zoe said.
Jayne glanced at Rose hopefully, and she narrowed her eyes, muttering a high-pitched, “Oi!”
“If we could get him to open the cell,” Simon said. “We could take him by surprise.”
“And how are we plannin’ on doing that, doc?” Jayne said. “Head butt him to death?”
“If we could just… get our hands free…” Kaylee said, twisting her wrists. She finally gave up and slumped. “They’re too tight.”
Rose stared at them dubiously, unable to shake the suspicion they were all doomed.
“Done,” Inara said mildly, drawing their attention. She shook her hands lightly, showing them her binds had been loosened. “Companion training. We have to know how to free our hands unobtrusively.” They continued to stare at her blankly, so Inara sighed and added, “Some clients enjoy bondage. It’s not one of my specialties, but it can put Companions in a vulnerable position, so…”
“Oh,” Simon said, averting his gaze in embarrassment.
There was a general murmur of understanding from everyone else.
Rose felt her curiosity piqued. “You can… I mean, could you show me how to do that?” A hot blush spread through her cheeks when she realized what she said. “It’s just-me and the Doctor, we’re always getting into one situation or another. Could come in handy. That’s all, yeah?”
“I’ll bet,” Jayne muttered.
Inara shot him an irritated look and then turned back to Rose. “Of course.”
“If we could focus on our imminent arrest by the Alliance,” Simon said. “I think-”
“Shut up, doctor,” Jayne said. “Don’t got no problems hearin’ more about bondage.”
Kaylee elbowed Jayne in the side. “Zoe?” she said. “What d’you think we oughta do?”
Zoe nodded, voice serious. “Inara, need you to untie Jayne. He’s gonna be our diversion.”
Jayne perked up. “What sort’a diversion?”
“Just need you to be your own self.”
Authors: goldy_dollar and hjea
Keywords: Ten and Rose, Firefly crew.
Disclaimer: We don’t own DW and/or Firefly. Please don’t sue. We are only poor university students.
Spoilers/Timeline: Doctor Who: Post-Fear Her, pre-AoG/Doomsday, Firefly: post-Serenity
Summary: If you were in jail, you’d trust the Doctor and Mal to find some way to rescue you… right?
Rating: PG-13
Words: 2, 031
Chapter Nine
The replay from the TARDIS’ vidscreens confirmed the Doctor’s suspicions. He propped one elbow up on the console and leaned his forehead against his arm. Arrested. By the Alliance.
Great, he’d said. Criminals. Brilliant. Let’s hop right in.
Once he got Rose out of this-and he would get her out of it-he was taking her somewhere boring. Somewhere with bunny rabbits and ice cream cones. Granted, it wasn’t up to their usual standards of adventure and heroics, but at least the chance of being separated from Rose in some sort of freak bunny hostage situation was unlikely.
“Doctor.”
He looked up. The Captain’s gaze was not particularly pitying.
“If you’re finished despairing, we could review our options.”
Despairing? Had he been? Didn’t really sound like him. Disconcerting, that.
“Well,” the Doctor said, pulling himself together. “Could create a short-range electrical beam using the TARDIS. Might short-circuit all computers within a one mile radius. Of course, that’s assuming they’re nearby. And on these backwater moons, might not even do us any good…”
The Captain rolled his eyes, and then strode purposefully out of the TARDIS. After a moment, the Doctor followed him.
“And I suppose you have a better plan, do you?” the Doctor said, jogging to catch up.
They stopped next to a weapon’s store, which Captain Reynolds opened and rummaged through.
“Local law enforcement ain’t exactly the slickest operation you’re likely to see,” he said. “No love lost between ‘em and the Alliance, either. Not anything worth risking lives over, that is.”
Mal handed a nasty looking gun to the Doctor, who shoved his hands in his pockets and gave him a pointed look.
Mal sighed and hooked the gun into his own belt.
“So, what?” the Doctor said. “You’re just planning on busting your way in through the front door and outgunning them?”
“Yep,” Mal said cheerfully. “Got element of surprise on our side, Doctor. Won’t be expecting us. Gives us the advantage.”
Far as plans went, it was almost better conceived than some of the things the Doctor had come up with. Certainly a step above: “Oh, I’ll just fall down this great big pit!” And possibly even more cunning than: “Running away very quickly.”
“Just one thing,” the Doctor said. “How are we planning on finding them?”
Mal blinked, and then, looking at the Doctor like he was stupid, said, “Ain’t that big a planet, Doctor. Local law enforcement most likely sittin’ there with a giant arrow pointed at it.” He sighed at the strained expression on the Doctor’s face. “What?”
“Well, that’s not very stealthy, is it? What happened to hiding hostages in a basement somewhere? Or a dungeon-dungeons are a time-honored tradition. Or a lair. It’s been ages since I’ve rescued someone from a lair.”
Mal rocked back on his heels. “Lao tyen yeh,” he muttered. “Doctor, think you could maybe shut that trap of yours for ten minutes?”
“Right,” the Doctor said after a pause. “Sorry.”
They turned around and then both yelped in surprise. It was River, arms folded over her chest, her look more than a little accusing.
“Ai ya,” Mal said. “You do frit about, little one, don’t you?”
“I hid,” River said. “I saw them coming.”
“And you didn’t reckon we could maybehap use a warning, darlin’?” Mal said.
“There would have been fighting,” River said. “People would’ve died.” She paused, and looked at the Doctor. “I’m tired of people dying.”
“Hey, whoa, ain’t no one dying, dong ma?” Mal said. “Gonna be a diplomatic rescue.” He handed a gun to River and added, “Coercively.”
***
The local jail had one cell with a dirty floor and rusted metal bars.
Not exactly the most secure area Rose had ever seen. Not that she’d ever been jailed before, either. She made a mental note to talk to the Doctor about avoiding criminals in the future.
On the bright side, being 500 years in the future meant she didn’t have to call her mum to come bail her out.
She could hear voices murmuring quietly just outside the cell. With her eyes and feet bound together, she had few options. She glanced at the bars and then, swallowing, painfully hopped in their direction.
Panting, she reached the bars and strained to listen.
“…there’s nothin’ there, sir.”
“How can there be nothing? That’s impossible.”
“Whatever these folk are wanted for, it’s classified. Highly classified. Ain’t getting nothing but red flags.”
“They crashed their own ship. How dangerous can they be? Alliance. Gorram Purplebellies haven’t been able to count backwards from ten since the Miranda story broke. Keep an eye on them.”
“Yes, sir.”
The two speakers dropped into silence. Rose turned around, and leaned back against the bars, breathing heavily. The others were clumped together on one side of the cell, conversing in low voices. They barely seemed to notice the dirt smearing the walls, the yellow and brown toilet in the corner.
The lot of them probably got arrested all the time.
Rose hesitated. She reckoned she had two options. She could do nothing and hope the Doctor rescued her before the Alliance picked them up and carted them off to a more secure base. Or she could trust the crew and join in on the escape plan, whatever that was.
Well, it really wasn’t much of a choice, was it?
Gathering her courage, Rose hopped over to join them.
***
“Now, if you see a doorway in someone’s mind, it means they’re protecting a memory they don’t want you to see. Go around it. Like a big stop sign. Or a wall-wall, yeah, that’s it. A mental wall.”
The Doctor had to yell to be heard over the roar of the mule’s engine.
“But I can see around walls,” River said.
“Course you can,” the Doctor said. “But it’s… it’s about responsibility. People have secrets, River. Everyone’s got secrets. The mind-it’s not just… just some playground to run around in. It’s an extraordinary thing. Deserves respect.”
Despite Mal’s distrust of the Doctor, he had to admit that the idea of River having control over her psychic power was more than a little appealing.
“Captain Reynolds-” The Doctor climbed into the front seat. He took the time to fix his tie before speaking again. “Hide a memory behind a door. Any sort of memory. Doesn’t matter which.”
“Uh, Doctor, mite busy at the moment.”
He didn’t add that driving the mule was usually Zoe’s job.
“Oh, come on, it’s not that hard. Just one itty-bitty memory.”
Mal sighed. Feeling about two-years-old, Mal imagined a door blocking out all his memories of the war. For a long moment, the only noise was the hum of the mule’s engine, and the wind whipping through their hair.
The Doctor watched him carefully. When he was satisfied, he twisted his neck around to look at River. “Hmm?”
“I see them,” River said.
“And?” the Doctor prompted.
“Leaving them alone,” River said.
“Good girl,” the Doctor said, turning around and settling down again. He scratched at the back of his neck. “Blimey, am I glad that worked.”
Mal shot the Doctor a dirty look, but hastily turned back when the mule jerked over to one side.
“Mind reading’s an interesting phenomenon,” the Doctor continued. “Rare ability. Usually considered a curse. Less advanced society’s often called it witchcraft.”
“But she… she can control it,” Mal said. “With the… doors.”
“Well, as well as anyone with the power to hear human thoughts,” the Doctor mused. “But it’s important she does.”
“And why’s that?” Mal said.
“Because it will drive her mad,” the Doctor said simply. “No human brain is capable of taking in so many senses and feelings.”
Mal swallowed. Instead of answering, he pulled the mule to a stop. He climbed down, eyes studying the dusty run-down structures before them.
The Doctor hopped down next to him, frowning at the town. “How many planets are there like this?”
“Way of the Rim,” Mal said. “Out here, folk don’t got much. Have to look out for their own selves. Alliance takes their tax money and don’t give ‘em anything in return.”
The Doctor was uncharacteristically subdued. “You were there at Serenity Valley,” he stated. “I should have realized earlier. Only a soldier would name their ship after a battle they lost.”
“War was a long while ago,” Mal said.
“What? Seven, maybe eight years ago?” the Doctor said, turning to look at him. “Not so long ago. Barely a blip in time, even. Besides, people don’t name their ship after a war they’ve moved on from.”
Mal didn’t know what to say to that, so he shrugged and looked to town. “We’ll go the rest of the way on foot.”
“Right-o,” the Doctor said. “Love a brisk walk before a big fight. Helps me practice for the running away bit.”
The Doctor moved forward, but Mal called him back, speaking before he realized what he was saying.
“You were in a war,” Mal said. “And I’d wager you didn’t exactly come out on the winning side, either.”
The Doctor stopped and shoved his hands in his pockets. “Yes,” he said, without turning. “The Time War. Everyone lost. Everybody died.”
“Might be stating the obvious here,” Mal said steadily. “But you didn’t.”
The Doctor turned around, guilt and loneliness evident in his eyes.
“I’m the only one of my kind left. I’m alone.” He paused, and then pulled himself together. “Well, that’s not quite true, is it? I have my TARDIS.” His voice softened and he added, “And Rose. I have Rose.”
The Doctor shook himself, and then smiled widely. “And since I don’t intend to lose her any time soon, we have a heroic rescue to make, hmm?”
***
Aware of the guard standing just outside the cell, Rose kept her voice quiet. “Have we got a plan?”
The crew exchanged a look.
“Could wait for the Captain to come up with a rescue,” Zoe said.
They held each other’s eyes for another minute, and then let out simultaneous snickers.
“I vote for not waiting for Mal,” Simon said, mouth still twitching.
“Agreed,” Zoe said. She eyed the cell, and then tilted her head slightly in the direction of the bars. “Guard will be a problem.”
“Need a diversion,” Jayne said.
“No one’s getting naked, Jayne,” Zoe said.
Jayne glanced at Rose hopefully, and she narrowed her eyes, muttering a high-pitched, “Oi!”
“If we could get him to open the cell,” Simon said. “We could take him by surprise.”
“And how are we plannin’ on doing that, doc?” Jayne said. “Head butt him to death?”
“If we could just… get our hands free…” Kaylee said, twisting her wrists. She finally gave up and slumped. “They’re too tight.”
Rose stared at them dubiously, unable to shake the suspicion they were all doomed.
“Done,” Inara said mildly, drawing their attention. She shook her hands lightly, showing them her binds had been loosened. “Companion training. We have to know how to free our hands unobtrusively.” They continued to stare at her blankly, so Inara sighed and added, “Some clients enjoy bondage. It’s not one of my specialties, but it can put Companions in a vulnerable position, so…”
“Oh,” Simon said, averting his gaze in embarrassment.
There was a general murmur of understanding from everyone else.
Rose felt her curiosity piqued. “You can… I mean, could you show me how to do that?” A hot blush spread through her cheeks when she realized what she said. “It’s just-me and the Doctor, we’re always getting into one situation or another. Could come in handy. That’s all, yeah?”
“I’ll bet,” Jayne muttered.
Inara shot him an irritated look and then turned back to Rose. “Of course.”
“If we could focus on our imminent arrest by the Alliance,” Simon said. “I think-”
“Shut up, doctor,” Jayne said. “Don’t got no problems hearin’ more about bondage.”
Kaylee elbowed Jayne in the side. “Zoe?” she said. “What d’you think we oughta do?”
Zoe nodded, voice serious. “Inara, need you to untie Jayne. He’s gonna be our diversion.”
Jayne perked up. “What sort’a diversion?”
“Just need you to be your own self.”