Broken - Chapter 4: Warrior (4 / 7)
Title: Broken - Chapter 4: Warrior (4 / 7)
Author: Persiflage_1
Characters/Pairings: Tenth Doctor/Martha, OCs
Rating: NC-17
Spoilers: Season 3 (Set in a post-S3 AU)
Summary: Travelling with the Doctor is always an adventure, but sometimes the adventures are not fun.
Disclaimer: The BBC owns "Doctor Who" and all that jazz…
Warning: There are going to be descriptions of torture.
Author Notes: This is going to be a lengthy story. It's a follow up to the Celebrating Martha's Birthday series and opens about 6 months after Martha agreed to travel with the Doctor again. The story will make use of flashbacks to describe Ten and Martha's adventures during those 6 months. The story is set on Meta Sigmafolio, the planet to which Ten offered to take Martha to see "a burst of starfire like oil on water" at the end of "The Last of the Time Lords" - so I've created some original characters and an alien culture for them.
Chapter One: Smith and Jones Again
Chapter Two: Field Testing
Chapter Three: The Scientific Method
~~~~~~
Meta Sigmafolio Day 6
Martha took a deep breath, then started the recording again, watching as the scientists took X-rays of the Doctor, then began a variety of scans of him to establish his norms for heartsrate, lung capacity, brain activity - all the standard sort of tests, Martha thought, noting how thorough they were. The Doctor didn't make it easy for them, though, and eventually they had to give him a mild sedative, just enough to stop him from resisting them, rather than enough to knock him out. She got the impression that they were surprised by his strength, having been deceived by his skinniness. After a while they put his t-shirt back on him and put a pair of shorts on him too.
"Since he came round so fast when we knocked him out, might he have other recuperative powers that exceed ours?" Ivrig asked Kyla.
"That's an interesting question," mused Kyla. "Let's find out." She turned to Stolt. "Break a finger."
The Doctor pulled uselessly at his restraints. He tried not to, but it seemed to be an instinctive reaction whenever Stolt or Kyla approached him - his body urged him to pull away, to flee from them. He had tried to decide which one of them was the worst, but found he couldn't choose between them. They both seemed to get a lot of pleasure from having him under their control, and the Doctor hadn't failed to notice that in Stolt's case it was a sexual pleasure, the Sigmafolion had twice brushed his body against the Time Lord's restrained hand, making it very plain that he was aroused.
Stolt leered at the Doctor as he took hold of the Time Lord's left hand. He licked his lips in anticipation, then casually, deliberately broke the Doctor's little finger, eliciting a yell of anger and pain.
"Did you make note of that?" Kyla asked Meke, who carefully wiped the look of revulsion from his face before she turned around.
"Yes ma'am." He clutched a clipboard in one hand and a pen in the other.
"Good." She turned away again. "I suggest we also try some of the other drugs. Begin with the hallucinogens. Let's see what his mighty Time Lord brain makes of those." She nodded to Stolt, who moved away to fetch the drugs, then nodded to Ivrig, who brought the EEG machine over to the bed. The Doctor lay silent, struggling against his growing fear, knowing that Martha would be worried sick since it was now three hours since they were supposed to meet. He knew she would be looking for him and he hoped she had gone to the Bureau of Sheriffs for assistance as he didn't want her facing these four on her own, even though he had begun teaching her some aikido.
Ivrig began attaching the EEG wires to his head, then Stolt came back into view, rolling a small trolley on which were an array of bottles. He lifted a hypodermic from a metal dish and began to fill it with a dose of clear liquid from one of the bottles, then grinned at the Doctor.
"Have a happy trip," he said, injecting the drug into the Time Lord's vein with practised ease.
"Which one is that?" asked Kyla.
"8EiPT," answered Stolt, looking over at Meke, who made a note on his clipboard.
* * * * * *
The Doctor stood at the foot of the Torchwood Tower, tears rolling down his face as the remaining Daleks and Cybermen tore the city apart in their attempts to destroy each other. Screams of 'Exterminate' and 'Delete, Delete' echoed back and forth, the harsh metallic voices bouncing off the buildings. Rose was gone, sucked into the void before it closed, trapping hundreds of Cybermen and Daleks on Earth. He was out of ideas and too numb to think, to scheme to save Earth. He walked away from the Tower, out into the middle of the street and he didn't flinch when a Dalek beam hit him in the back, just as a Cyberman beam hit him in the chest. Then everything went black.
The Doctor watched, numb with horror as three Toclafane surrounded Martha Jones in an alley in New York City and sliced her body to pieces. The Master was cheering them on and Lucy Saxon was clapping, whilst Jack and the Jones family were crying, tears sliding down their faces. The Doctor's plan to stop the Master now lay in ruins and there was nothing else he could do to stop him. The Doctor thought his hearts might break at the sight of his beautiful, clever Martha Jones dead and alone on a decimated Earth. Rage filled him and he threw himself out of his wheelchair at the Master, who pulled out his Laser Screwdriver and fired. Then everything went black.
The Doctor stood aboard a spaceship hurtling towards a sun and stared out of the porthole, watching in disbelief as the escape pod carrying Martha Jones fell into the sun, taking her to a fiery death. He'd failed her, he hadn't saved her and now he couldn't save anyone else on this ship. When a husky voice spoke behind him, he didn’t' flinch, even as the words 'Burn with me' echoed through his head. Then everything went black.
* * * * * *
As Martha listened to the Doctor's cries and screams on the recording she guessed at least some of the things he was seeing as a result of the drug he'd been given. She glanced over at his still, silent form on the bed and wondered what long terms effects he would suffer as a result of the drugs he'd been given. She stopped the recording again and turned to Alaunus.
"I'm going to need a list of all the drugs they gave the Doctor and a chemical breakdown of each one, plus the known side-effects on non-Sigmafolions, if that data exists."
"Of course, Krigare." He looked over at the Doctor, then back at Martha. "You are very strong."
She shrugged. "He gives me strength. In spite of everything he's seen and done in his several long lives, he still tries to believe the best of people. He believes I'm strong and I find strength in that belief, and in his love."
Alaunus nodded. "I think the Doctor is your Amzi - in our culture we cleave to the one who gives us strength as well as love, that one is our Amzi."
Martha smiled briefly. "Yes, I think you're right." She wondered what the Doctor would say if she called him 'Amzi', and if she'd ever get the chance to find out. His wounds were healing, but he remained unconscious and subject to nightmares. She wished she could take him to the TARDIS as she was sure the ship would be able to reach him, where she could not, but for the moment it wouldn't be wise to move him.
"You should go and get some fresh air for a few minutes before Therma brings your lunch and I will stay with the Doctor. You haven't been outside since you brought the Doctor here three days ago."
Martha hesitated. She knew the Healer was right, but she was reluctant to leave the Doctor; it wasn't that she didn't trust Alaunus, just that she didn't the Doctor to wake up amongst strangers.
"Please, Martha. He will need you well and strong to help him to recover from this."
She nodded, then got up and went out into the garden. She crossed the grass and went to sit on a bench in the shade. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to relax for a few moments, thinking of the third and most recent trip she and the Doctor had made to Earth.
One week ago, Earth standard time
The TARDIS materialised in a quiet London street. It was Christmas morning and Martha had just invited the Doctor to come and have Christmas lunch with her family, assuring him that her mother had suggested it when Martha had phoned to say she'd be there, but the Doctor refused.
"The last two Christmases I've spent on Earth have involved deranged Robot Santas and attempts to invade the planet - I really don't think Francine would appreciate it if her Christmas tree starts chucking exploding ornaments about the place."
"What will you do, then?" asked Martha, hiding her disappointment behind a smile at his words.
"I'll hang out in the Vortex. You can give me a ring when you want me to pick you up - stay the night, If you like."
"OK. But no going off on an adventure without me - if invading aliens turn up, you ring me."
"Of course," answered the Doctor. "Chances are, if I went off without you, I'd run into trouble, and then who'll save me?" He kissed her. "Go and enjoy Christmas lunch with your family, Doctor Jones, and the TARDIS and I will keep each other company whilst you're gone."
She nodded, gave him a quick hug and a kiss, then picked up the bag of presents she had got for her family and let herself out of the TARDIS. The Doctor waited until she'd reached her front door, then took the TARDIS into the Vortex.
Francine opened the door at her daughter's knock and beamed with relief at the sight of Martha on the doorstep. "On your own?" she asked, surprised.
Martha nodded. "He says he's jinxed Christmas the last two years, and he doesn't want to jinx ours."
"Silly fool," said Francine, smiling affectionately. She pulled Martha into a hug and resolved to ring the Doctor shortly to ask him to lunch herself. She could tell Martha was disappointed, although she was trying to hide it as she greeted the rest of her family who were crowding into the hall to say 'Hello'.
Once everyone had opened their presents, Francine went out to the kitchen. She still had Martha's old mobile number stored in her phone so she hit the speed dial button and waited. The Doctor answered at the first ring.
"Martha?"
"It's Francine Jones, Doctor."
"Hello Francine. Is Martha OK?" He sounded worried, she noticed.
"Yes, she's fine. Thank you for bringing her home today."
"That's quite alright."
She could tell he was puzzled by the fact that she'd rung him. "I really rang you to ask you to reconsider coming to lunch. It would mean a lot to Martha, and to me, if you were here."
"I really don't think that's a good idea, Mrs Jones. I'm very grateful for the invitation, honestly, but the last two Christmases haven't gone well. I don't want to risk it."
"What if I told you we're prepared to take that risk?" asked Francine. The Doctor didn't answer immediately. "Please Doctor, it really would mean a lot to Martha. She hasn't said anything to me, but I know she's disappointed you didn't come with her. And she's the nearest thing you have to a family, isn't she?"
He exhaled. "Yes she is."
"Well then. I promise you, if anything alien happens, I won't blame you - or slap you."
The Doctor chuckled. "I'll hold you to that, if it comes to it."
"Then you'll come?"
"Yes I will," he said.
"Thank you."
"See you shortly." The line went dead and Francine turned around and started visibly at the sight of Martha standing in the kitchen doorway. "How long have you been standing there?" she asked guiltily.
"Long enough." Martha crossed the room and put her arms around her mother. "Thank you for asking him."
Francine sighed with relief. She'd been worried that Martha would tell her off for interfering. "You love him, don't you?" she asked quietly, looking down at the top of her daughter's head.
"Yes I do. Do you mind?"
Francine pushed Martha away to hold her arms' length and look into her eyes. "No. I worry about you, of course - how could I not? But I don't mind."
"Thank you." Martha felt a weight drop from her mind.
"Just be careful. I don't want half-alien grandchildren, even if they would look human."
"Mum!" Martha looked at her mother in shock, but Francine just smiled and turned to get on with the lunch preparations.
An hour later the doorbell rang and Martha, who was nearest, went to answer it. On the doorstep was the Doctor, clutching a poinsettia, a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates.
"Hello." He looked nervous and Martha wondered if it was fear of his 'jinx' or the thought of spending time with her family.
"Hello." She took everything from him and put it on the hall table, then stepped out of the door and guided him away from the house.
"What's wrong? Has your mum changed her mind?"
"No. It's just - " Martha paused, wondering how to tell him about the conversation with her mother. "She guessed we're sleeping together."
The Doctor gaped at her. "She what?" His voice had gone up an octave.
"Shh! I overheard her phone call to you earlier, and afterwards she asked me if I loved you. When I said that I did, she told me to be careful because she doesn't want any half-alien grandchildren."
"What did you say?" asked the Doctor, astonished.
"I didn't admit it or deny it, but I expect she knows she's right."
"Oh." He felt rather nonplussed. This was completely outside his experience.
"I just thought I should warn you, in case she says anything. Come on, we'd better go inside or they'll be thinking we've legged it."
To the Doctor's surprise, his Christmas offerings were well received and nothing dreadful happened during lunch. They left during the middle of the afternoon when Martha sensed that he was starting to get fidgety.
"Take care of her," Francine said as they were saying their goodbyes.
"I will Mrs Jones." He held out his hand to her, but she pulled him into a quick hug, then pecked him on the cheek before turning to hug Martha, who grinned at the Doctor's look of surprise.
Meta Sigmafolio Day 6
Martha opened her eyes, stretched, then went back inside to find that Therma had brought her lunch. Alaunus joined her and they talked about some of the famous Healers whom the Doctor had mentioned to her over breakfast that first morning. After lunch they returned to watching the recording of the Cult, although Martha longed to do something else. Kyla had ordered Stolt to give the Doctor an electric shock to see what effect it had on his physiology, and Martha remembered finding the Doctor on top of the Empire State building after the Gamma strike. The Doctor's screams on the recording chilled her and she instinctively looked over at the bed where he now lay silent and still. As she watched the Cult systematically torturing him - for that's what their 'experiments' amounted to - she began to feel increasingly guilty about the fact that she had suggested to the Doctor that they split up at the market. She was sure that if they'd stayed together Ivrig wouldn't have found it so easy to get the Doctor away to the labs. She would have to deal with that guilt eventually, but for now she forced herself to sit and watch as the Cult forced two more doses of hallucinogens on the Doctor, as they stabbed and shot him, broke more of his bones and dislocated his shoulder all in the name of their perverted idea of science. She listened impassively as Kyla assured Ivrig that the Doctor would remember nothing of what had happened after he'd arrived in the market, so that his enforced regeneration would be a complete mystery to him.
She noted what none of the other scientists saw, that Meke was looking increasingly sickened by Kyla's and Stolt's plans. The recording equipment often caught a look of disgust on his face and she remembered his fear when he'd waylaid her on her journey back to the TARDIS at the end of her third fruitless day of searching for some sign of the Doctor.
Meta Sigmafolio Day 3
"My lady?"
Martha stopped at the sound of the soft, terrified voice that came from the shadows on her left. She turned her head slowly and saw a youngish male Sigmafolion watching her from the entrance to an alley. She walked over to him and he held out his right hand, a long silver object on his palm: the Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver. She stared at it in astonishment then looked up into eyes wide with fear and remorse; he stank of terror - a smell with which she was intimately acquainted and had hoped never to encounter again. She fought her instinct to grab hold of him and shake answers out of him.
"Where did you get that?" she asked softly, a hint of anger creeping unbidden into her voice.
"From your friend the Doctor."
"Where is he?"
"He's nearby, in the city, but I can't take you to him, not yet. Please, I need to talk to you, I need to explain, I - " He broke off, choking back a sob.
"Come on." Martha grabbed his arm firmly and led him the remaining distance to the TARDIS. "This is the Doctor's ship," she told the Sigmafolion. "It's bigger on the inside." She looked at his puzzled face and sighed. "What's your name?"
"Meke."
"OK Meke, try not to freak out when we go inside." She pulled her key out of the neck of her top and unlocked the door, then pushed him inside. He stood and stared at the Control Room, then whispered. "It's beautiful," in an awe-struck voice. At the back of her mind Martha felt the TARDIS' pleasure at his words.
"Come on." She took hold of his arm again and guided him down the corridors to the kitchen. "When did you last eat?"
He blinked at her, surprised by the question. "Lunchtime."
"Me too. Right, you talk, I'll find some food. Tell me everything."
She made sandwiches and tea, prodding Meke with questions and he explained that Kyla had founded the Cult of Tidherre after learning about Time Lords from an old historical account, and that she had recruited Stolt, Ivrig and himself when she discovered they shared her interest. He explained that she had selected the building they used because it was discreet, then she'd got Stolt to build and install the shielding technology so that no one would know they were there. "It's very effective," he said.
"I know," Martha answered ruefully, remembering the TARDIS' futile scan of the city.
He talked about Kyla's experiments, explaining that she had previously led him to believe that any experiments they did would be conducted on a willing volunteer. "That's when I started to get cold feet," Meke said nervously. "I couldn't believe it when Ivrig drugged your friend so that she could bring him in - I thought she'd gone to invite him openly. We know that the Time Lords were mighty scientists and I thought we would appeal to his interest in science, not drug and - " He broke off, choking on his emotions.
"Tell me about the building," Martha said after a minute of clenching and unclenching her fists under the table. "Better still, draw me a plan - as detailed as possible."
Meke fished in his pocket and pulled out a notepad and pencil. He drew her a detailed plan of the three labs, then a sketchier one of the rest of the building. "How will you get in?" he asked curiously.
"Let's just say I possess some shielding technology of my own," she said drily. "How did you get out of the labs?"
"Oh, only one of us stays there overnight. Kyla said it wouldn't do for us all to disappear for several nights together, just in case someone noticed and got suspicious. Ivrig's there tonight."
Martha nodded. "And you said that Kyla intends to force the Doctor to regenerate tomorrow?"
Meke nodded unhappily. "She says it's the ultimate experiment. I don't think she originally planned to do it so soon, but she knows that you and the Sheriffs have been hunting for the Doctor, and she's worried, too, that he's fighting off the effects of the sedative too quickly. She can't give him too strong a dose at any time because it might interfere with the other drugs, but it's proving less effective each time she gives it to him."
"What time do you usually arrive at the labs?"
"Seven in the morning."
"Well I suggest you hand yourself in to the Bureau of Sheriffs before that hour tomorrow and tell them everything you know. Hopefully they'll be more lenient with you if you go in voluntarily, and I'll have a word with them to let them know you came to me of your own free will."
"What will you do?" asked Meke.
"I'm going to get some sleep, then I'm going to rescue my friend."
"On your own?" he asked, perfectly prepared to believe that Martha would go alone, she seemed so self assured and determined, despite being so small.
"No, I'll take some back up with me." She got up and Meke followed her back through the corridors to the Control Room.
"Your friend's ship is wonderful," he said as Martha let him out.
"Yes she is," Martha answered fondly, feeling the TARDIS' hum in the back of her mind. She watched him go, then shut the door and crossed to the console. She stroked her right hand down one of the struts. I'll get him back, I promise. A surge of joy, love and determination filled her head as she set off to the room she and the Doctor shared. She showered and changed into pyjamas, then sat in the middle of the bed. Closing her eyes she centred herself as he had taught her, then she spent some time clearing her mind of her worries, fears and doubts. She examined each one in turn, then placed it in a mental box that she locked with the words 'I acknowledge you, but I control you'. Then she set the alarm on her clock before curling up to sleep; the bed still felt appallingly empty without him, but hopefully it wouldn't be too much longer before he was sharing it with her again.
The alarm went off at four thirty the next morning and Martha spent half an hour doing some Tai Chi exercises, following the exercise plan that she and the Doctor had devised for themselves, then she dressed and grabbed some coffee before heading to the Bureau. Secan was surprised to see Martha so early and positively astonished when she revealed that she knew where to find the Doctor. He summoned his six colleagues and Martha explained what she knew and the source of her knowledge, then discussed how best to rescue the Doctor.
"You have a plan in mind already, I think?" Secan observed.
Martha nodded and explained about her TARDIS key, demonstrating the perception filter. "I suggest your men wait at the entrance to the building and arrest Kyla and Stolt when they arrive. You and I, Secan, will make our way up to the labs and you can arrest Ivrig, and I will get the Doctor out. We'll need some transport to get the Doctor to the hospital."
Secan nodded. "I can arrange that."
"Good. One more thing. I don't want any of the scientists to be shot or killed. Let your justice system punish them as they see fit."
"But - " Secan began, astonished at Martha's instruction.
"I'm serious, Secan. I'm a healer myself, I can't condone violence, even against known criminals."
He looked at the determination in her eyes, then bowed. "Very well." He rang the hospital and asked for some patient transport to be sent over, giving them the location of the building that Meke had given to Martha. "And you'll need to send a Healer too," he said.
Secan led Martha and his colleagues out to a minibus and they drove out to the edge of the city. Secan deployed his men in pairs on the approach to the building, confirming that they would recognise Stolt and Kyla from the photos they'd been shown. Then he and Martha let themselves into the building with the keycode Meke had given Martha. They took the lift up to the top floor and approached the labs.
"Are you sure you want to go in alone?" Secan couldn't help asking.
Martha nodded. "I want to check he's OK. But if you hear me shout, come running."
"OK." He watched as Martha pulled out her TARDIS key, then blinked as the focus of his eyes was shifted away from where he knew she stood.
She keyed the entry code into the pad by the door, then eased it open just far enough to slip through. She stood inside the door and listened as she looked around the large room for any sign of Ivrig. No one was there, but she could hear someone moaning in the other room where Meke had told her the Doctor was. Hoping that he wasn't the one she could hear moaning, she moved quickly and quietly across the room to an inner door that stood half open. She stopped to listen and heard the moans more clearly; she frowned in puzzlement. The voice sounded female and to her ears, they were moans of pleasure, not pain. Her heart rate increased and her breath became fast and shallow. She edged through the door, then stood stock still and took in her surroundings. The Doctor lay bound to a bed in the middle of the room. He was wearing a t-shirt and shorts, and he'd been gagged. There was a look of revulsion on his face, although he had his eyes closed. Ivrig was naked and clutching the metal bar at the end of the bed with one hand, whilst she worked the fingers of her other hand in and out of herself. Stolt was holding her hips and fucking her arse, his trousers at his ankles, and his shirt was undone, with the sleeves rolled up. He leant forward and bit Ivrig's shoulder and she moaned, shuddering ecstatically.
"I'm gonna fuck his arse next," he told Ivrig between thrusts. "I think I should, in the interests of science. See how Time Lords like it." His voice was thick with lust and greed. "You wanna ride his cock?"
"Oh yeeeeesss," moaned Ivrig.
Martha closed her eyes and swallowed hard. She wondered whether she should fetch Secan or she should take advantage of their distraction and surprise them. Then Stolt gave a guttural cry and she decided to surprise them. She pulled off her TARDIS key, stuffing it into her pocket, and moved towards the bed, startling them both.
"OK you two, fun's over." She glanced at the Doctor and saw him looking past her, his eyes wide. Martha span around and caught Ivrig's arm as Ivrig reached for her, a full syringe in her hand. Martha allowed Ivrig's momentum to carry her off balance, then flipped her over onto her back. The Sigmafolion landed with a thump and didn't try to get up again, Martha immediately turned her attention to Stolt, noticing too late that he hadn't stopped to worry about his dignity as he plunged a full syringe into the Doctor's right arm, knocking him unconscious.
"You bastard!" Martha spat, too angry with him and herself to temper her language as she realised she should have called Secan in as soon as she realised she was dealing with two scientists, not just one.
"Oh language! Will you talk that dirty when I fuck you?" jeered Stolt, kicking his trousers away from his feet.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" taunted Martha, hoping to distract him.
"I would. I've never fucked an alien before. What sort are you?"
"Human." They were circling around the bed as they talked. He made a break for the door. "Secan!" yelled Martha, causing Stolt to turn and charge back towards her as she moved around the bed towards the door. Secan burst through the door just as she ducked under Stolt's arms and grabbed him around the middle, sending him crashing to the ground. She immediately put one knee on his chest and the other in his groin, causing him to cry out. He reached up to grab her but she caught hold of his wrists, then shifted her weight so that her knee pressed more firmly into his groin. Secan rushed over and slapped some restraints on Stolt's wrists and Martha immediately got up and hurried over to the Doctor. She almost trod on the syringe Stolt had dropped, but she spotted it in time and picked it up. He hadn't quite emptied it so she put it on one side, knowing she had to find out what he'd given the Doctor.
Secan radioed his colleagues to come up and collect Ivrig and Stolt, telling them to bring the Healer with them. Martha sat down heavily on the bed after undoing the Doctor's restraints and gag, then stroked the hair from his forehead. She kissed it, then took both his hands in hers. "I'm sorry, Doctor," she whispered before helping the Healer and his assistant to lift him onto the stretcher to take him to the hospital.
* * * * * *
Glossary of Names
Tidherre - Time Lord (Swedish)
Krigare - Warrior (Swedish)
Alaunus - Gaulish god of the sun, healing and prophecy in Celtic Mythology
Therma - Warm (Greek)
Kyla - Cold (Swedish)
Stolt - Haughty (Swedish)
Ivrig - Forward (Danish)
Meke - Submissive (Swedish)
Secan - Seeker (Anglo-Saxon)
Amzi - My Strength (Hebrew)
Author: Persiflage_1
Characters/Pairings: Tenth Doctor/Martha, OCs
Rating: NC-17
Spoilers: Season 3 (Set in a post-S3 AU)
Summary: Travelling with the Doctor is always an adventure, but sometimes the adventures are not fun.
Disclaimer: The BBC owns "Doctor Who" and all that jazz…
Warning: There are going to be descriptions of torture.
Author Notes: This is going to be a lengthy story. It's a follow up to the Celebrating Martha's Birthday series and opens about 6 months after Martha agreed to travel with the Doctor again. The story will make use of flashbacks to describe Ten and Martha's adventures during those 6 months. The story is set on Meta Sigmafolio, the planet to which Ten offered to take Martha to see "a burst of starfire like oil on water" at the end of "The Last of the Time Lords" - so I've created some original characters and an alien culture for them.
Chapter One: Smith and Jones Again
Chapter Two: Field Testing
Chapter Three: The Scientific Method
~~~~~~
Meta Sigmafolio Day 6
Martha took a deep breath, then started the recording again, watching as the scientists took X-rays of the Doctor, then began a variety of scans of him to establish his norms for heartsrate, lung capacity, brain activity - all the standard sort of tests, Martha thought, noting how thorough they were. The Doctor didn't make it easy for them, though, and eventually they had to give him a mild sedative, just enough to stop him from resisting them, rather than enough to knock him out. She got the impression that they were surprised by his strength, having been deceived by his skinniness. After a while they put his t-shirt back on him and put a pair of shorts on him too.
"Since he came round so fast when we knocked him out, might he have other recuperative powers that exceed ours?" Ivrig asked Kyla.
"That's an interesting question," mused Kyla. "Let's find out." She turned to Stolt. "Break a finger."
The Doctor pulled uselessly at his restraints. He tried not to, but it seemed to be an instinctive reaction whenever Stolt or Kyla approached him - his body urged him to pull away, to flee from them. He had tried to decide which one of them was the worst, but found he couldn't choose between them. They both seemed to get a lot of pleasure from having him under their control, and the Doctor hadn't failed to notice that in Stolt's case it was a sexual pleasure, the Sigmafolion had twice brushed his body against the Time Lord's restrained hand, making it very plain that he was aroused.
Stolt leered at the Doctor as he took hold of the Time Lord's left hand. He licked his lips in anticipation, then casually, deliberately broke the Doctor's little finger, eliciting a yell of anger and pain.
"Did you make note of that?" Kyla asked Meke, who carefully wiped the look of revulsion from his face before she turned around.
"Yes ma'am." He clutched a clipboard in one hand and a pen in the other.
"Good." She turned away again. "I suggest we also try some of the other drugs. Begin with the hallucinogens. Let's see what his mighty Time Lord brain makes of those." She nodded to Stolt, who moved away to fetch the drugs, then nodded to Ivrig, who brought the EEG machine over to the bed. The Doctor lay silent, struggling against his growing fear, knowing that Martha would be worried sick since it was now three hours since they were supposed to meet. He knew she would be looking for him and he hoped she had gone to the Bureau of Sheriffs for assistance as he didn't want her facing these four on her own, even though he had begun teaching her some aikido.
Ivrig began attaching the EEG wires to his head, then Stolt came back into view, rolling a small trolley on which were an array of bottles. He lifted a hypodermic from a metal dish and began to fill it with a dose of clear liquid from one of the bottles, then grinned at the Doctor.
"Have a happy trip," he said, injecting the drug into the Time Lord's vein with practised ease.
"Which one is that?" asked Kyla.
"8EiPT," answered Stolt, looking over at Meke, who made a note on his clipboard.
* * * * * *
The Doctor stood at the foot of the Torchwood Tower, tears rolling down his face as the remaining Daleks and Cybermen tore the city apart in their attempts to destroy each other. Screams of 'Exterminate' and 'Delete, Delete' echoed back and forth, the harsh metallic voices bouncing off the buildings. Rose was gone, sucked into the void before it closed, trapping hundreds of Cybermen and Daleks on Earth. He was out of ideas and too numb to think, to scheme to save Earth. He walked away from the Tower, out into the middle of the street and he didn't flinch when a Dalek beam hit him in the back, just as a Cyberman beam hit him in the chest. Then everything went black.
The Doctor watched, numb with horror as three Toclafane surrounded Martha Jones in an alley in New York City and sliced her body to pieces. The Master was cheering them on and Lucy Saxon was clapping, whilst Jack and the Jones family were crying, tears sliding down their faces. The Doctor's plan to stop the Master now lay in ruins and there was nothing else he could do to stop him. The Doctor thought his hearts might break at the sight of his beautiful, clever Martha Jones dead and alone on a decimated Earth. Rage filled him and he threw himself out of his wheelchair at the Master, who pulled out his Laser Screwdriver and fired. Then everything went black.
The Doctor stood aboard a spaceship hurtling towards a sun and stared out of the porthole, watching in disbelief as the escape pod carrying Martha Jones fell into the sun, taking her to a fiery death. He'd failed her, he hadn't saved her and now he couldn't save anyone else on this ship. When a husky voice spoke behind him, he didn’t' flinch, even as the words 'Burn with me' echoed through his head. Then everything went black.
* * * * * *
As Martha listened to the Doctor's cries and screams on the recording she guessed at least some of the things he was seeing as a result of the drug he'd been given. She glanced over at his still, silent form on the bed and wondered what long terms effects he would suffer as a result of the drugs he'd been given. She stopped the recording again and turned to Alaunus.
"I'm going to need a list of all the drugs they gave the Doctor and a chemical breakdown of each one, plus the known side-effects on non-Sigmafolions, if that data exists."
"Of course, Krigare." He looked over at the Doctor, then back at Martha. "You are very strong."
She shrugged. "He gives me strength. In spite of everything he's seen and done in his several long lives, he still tries to believe the best of people. He believes I'm strong and I find strength in that belief, and in his love."
Alaunus nodded. "I think the Doctor is your Amzi - in our culture we cleave to the one who gives us strength as well as love, that one is our Amzi."
Martha smiled briefly. "Yes, I think you're right." She wondered what the Doctor would say if she called him 'Amzi', and if she'd ever get the chance to find out. His wounds were healing, but he remained unconscious and subject to nightmares. She wished she could take him to the TARDIS as she was sure the ship would be able to reach him, where she could not, but for the moment it wouldn't be wise to move him.
"You should go and get some fresh air for a few minutes before Therma brings your lunch and I will stay with the Doctor. You haven't been outside since you brought the Doctor here three days ago."
Martha hesitated. She knew the Healer was right, but she was reluctant to leave the Doctor; it wasn't that she didn't trust Alaunus, just that she didn't the Doctor to wake up amongst strangers.
"Please, Martha. He will need you well and strong to help him to recover from this."
She nodded, then got up and went out into the garden. She crossed the grass and went to sit on a bench in the shade. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to relax for a few moments, thinking of the third and most recent trip she and the Doctor had made to Earth.
One week ago, Earth standard time
The TARDIS materialised in a quiet London street. It was Christmas morning and Martha had just invited the Doctor to come and have Christmas lunch with her family, assuring him that her mother had suggested it when Martha had phoned to say she'd be there, but the Doctor refused.
"The last two Christmases I've spent on Earth have involved deranged Robot Santas and attempts to invade the planet - I really don't think Francine would appreciate it if her Christmas tree starts chucking exploding ornaments about the place."
"What will you do, then?" asked Martha, hiding her disappointment behind a smile at his words.
"I'll hang out in the Vortex. You can give me a ring when you want me to pick you up - stay the night, If you like."
"OK. But no going off on an adventure without me - if invading aliens turn up, you ring me."
"Of course," answered the Doctor. "Chances are, if I went off without you, I'd run into trouble, and then who'll save me?" He kissed her. "Go and enjoy Christmas lunch with your family, Doctor Jones, and the TARDIS and I will keep each other company whilst you're gone."
She nodded, gave him a quick hug and a kiss, then picked up the bag of presents she had got for her family and let herself out of the TARDIS. The Doctor waited until she'd reached her front door, then took the TARDIS into the Vortex.
Francine opened the door at her daughter's knock and beamed with relief at the sight of Martha on the doorstep. "On your own?" she asked, surprised.
Martha nodded. "He says he's jinxed Christmas the last two years, and he doesn't want to jinx ours."
"Silly fool," said Francine, smiling affectionately. She pulled Martha into a hug and resolved to ring the Doctor shortly to ask him to lunch herself. She could tell Martha was disappointed, although she was trying to hide it as she greeted the rest of her family who were crowding into the hall to say 'Hello'.
Once everyone had opened their presents, Francine went out to the kitchen. She still had Martha's old mobile number stored in her phone so she hit the speed dial button and waited. The Doctor answered at the first ring.
"Martha?"
"It's Francine Jones, Doctor."
"Hello Francine. Is Martha OK?" He sounded worried, she noticed.
"Yes, she's fine. Thank you for bringing her home today."
"That's quite alright."
She could tell he was puzzled by the fact that she'd rung him. "I really rang you to ask you to reconsider coming to lunch. It would mean a lot to Martha, and to me, if you were here."
"I really don't think that's a good idea, Mrs Jones. I'm very grateful for the invitation, honestly, but the last two Christmases haven't gone well. I don't want to risk it."
"What if I told you we're prepared to take that risk?" asked Francine. The Doctor didn't answer immediately. "Please Doctor, it really would mean a lot to Martha. She hasn't said anything to me, but I know she's disappointed you didn't come with her. And she's the nearest thing you have to a family, isn't she?"
He exhaled. "Yes she is."
"Well then. I promise you, if anything alien happens, I won't blame you - or slap you."
The Doctor chuckled. "I'll hold you to that, if it comes to it."
"Then you'll come?"
"Yes I will," he said.
"Thank you."
"See you shortly." The line went dead and Francine turned around and started visibly at the sight of Martha standing in the kitchen doorway. "How long have you been standing there?" she asked guiltily.
"Long enough." Martha crossed the room and put her arms around her mother. "Thank you for asking him."
Francine sighed with relief. She'd been worried that Martha would tell her off for interfering. "You love him, don't you?" she asked quietly, looking down at the top of her daughter's head.
"Yes I do. Do you mind?"
Francine pushed Martha away to hold her arms' length and look into her eyes. "No. I worry about you, of course - how could I not? But I don't mind."
"Thank you." Martha felt a weight drop from her mind.
"Just be careful. I don't want half-alien grandchildren, even if they would look human."
"Mum!" Martha looked at her mother in shock, but Francine just smiled and turned to get on with the lunch preparations.
An hour later the doorbell rang and Martha, who was nearest, went to answer it. On the doorstep was the Doctor, clutching a poinsettia, a bottle of wine and a box of chocolates.
"Hello." He looked nervous and Martha wondered if it was fear of his 'jinx' or the thought of spending time with her family.
"Hello." She took everything from him and put it on the hall table, then stepped out of the door and guided him away from the house.
"What's wrong? Has your mum changed her mind?"
"No. It's just - " Martha paused, wondering how to tell him about the conversation with her mother. "She guessed we're sleeping together."
The Doctor gaped at her. "She what?" His voice had gone up an octave.
"Shh! I overheard her phone call to you earlier, and afterwards she asked me if I loved you. When I said that I did, she told me to be careful because she doesn't want any half-alien grandchildren."
"What did you say?" asked the Doctor, astonished.
"I didn't admit it or deny it, but I expect she knows she's right."
"Oh." He felt rather nonplussed. This was completely outside his experience.
"I just thought I should warn you, in case she says anything. Come on, we'd better go inside or they'll be thinking we've legged it."
To the Doctor's surprise, his Christmas offerings were well received and nothing dreadful happened during lunch. They left during the middle of the afternoon when Martha sensed that he was starting to get fidgety.
"Take care of her," Francine said as they were saying their goodbyes.
"I will Mrs Jones." He held out his hand to her, but she pulled him into a quick hug, then pecked him on the cheek before turning to hug Martha, who grinned at the Doctor's look of surprise.
Meta Sigmafolio Day 6
Martha opened her eyes, stretched, then went back inside to find that Therma had brought her lunch. Alaunus joined her and they talked about some of the famous Healers whom the Doctor had mentioned to her over breakfast that first morning. After lunch they returned to watching the recording of the Cult, although Martha longed to do something else. Kyla had ordered Stolt to give the Doctor an electric shock to see what effect it had on his physiology, and Martha remembered finding the Doctor on top of the Empire State building after the Gamma strike. The Doctor's screams on the recording chilled her and she instinctively looked over at the bed where he now lay silent and still. As she watched the Cult systematically torturing him - for that's what their 'experiments' amounted to - she began to feel increasingly guilty about the fact that she had suggested to the Doctor that they split up at the market. She was sure that if they'd stayed together Ivrig wouldn't have found it so easy to get the Doctor away to the labs. She would have to deal with that guilt eventually, but for now she forced herself to sit and watch as the Cult forced two more doses of hallucinogens on the Doctor, as they stabbed and shot him, broke more of his bones and dislocated his shoulder all in the name of their perverted idea of science. She listened impassively as Kyla assured Ivrig that the Doctor would remember nothing of what had happened after he'd arrived in the market, so that his enforced regeneration would be a complete mystery to him.
She noted what none of the other scientists saw, that Meke was looking increasingly sickened by Kyla's and Stolt's plans. The recording equipment often caught a look of disgust on his face and she remembered his fear when he'd waylaid her on her journey back to the TARDIS at the end of her third fruitless day of searching for some sign of the Doctor.
Meta Sigmafolio Day 3
"My lady?"
Martha stopped at the sound of the soft, terrified voice that came from the shadows on her left. She turned her head slowly and saw a youngish male Sigmafolion watching her from the entrance to an alley. She walked over to him and he held out his right hand, a long silver object on his palm: the Doctor's Sonic Screwdriver. She stared at it in astonishment then looked up into eyes wide with fear and remorse; he stank of terror - a smell with which she was intimately acquainted and had hoped never to encounter again. She fought her instinct to grab hold of him and shake answers out of him.
"Where did you get that?" she asked softly, a hint of anger creeping unbidden into her voice.
"From your friend the Doctor."
"Where is he?"
"He's nearby, in the city, but I can't take you to him, not yet. Please, I need to talk to you, I need to explain, I - " He broke off, choking back a sob.
"Come on." Martha grabbed his arm firmly and led him the remaining distance to the TARDIS. "This is the Doctor's ship," she told the Sigmafolion. "It's bigger on the inside." She looked at his puzzled face and sighed. "What's your name?"
"Meke."
"OK Meke, try not to freak out when we go inside." She pulled her key out of the neck of her top and unlocked the door, then pushed him inside. He stood and stared at the Control Room, then whispered. "It's beautiful," in an awe-struck voice. At the back of her mind Martha felt the TARDIS' pleasure at his words.
"Come on." She took hold of his arm again and guided him down the corridors to the kitchen. "When did you last eat?"
He blinked at her, surprised by the question. "Lunchtime."
"Me too. Right, you talk, I'll find some food. Tell me everything."
She made sandwiches and tea, prodding Meke with questions and he explained that Kyla had founded the Cult of Tidherre after learning about Time Lords from an old historical account, and that she had recruited Stolt, Ivrig and himself when she discovered they shared her interest. He explained that she had selected the building they used because it was discreet, then she'd got Stolt to build and install the shielding technology so that no one would know they were there. "It's very effective," he said.
"I know," Martha answered ruefully, remembering the TARDIS' futile scan of the city.
He talked about Kyla's experiments, explaining that she had previously led him to believe that any experiments they did would be conducted on a willing volunteer. "That's when I started to get cold feet," Meke said nervously. "I couldn't believe it when Ivrig drugged your friend so that she could bring him in - I thought she'd gone to invite him openly. We know that the Time Lords were mighty scientists and I thought we would appeal to his interest in science, not drug and - " He broke off, choking on his emotions.
"Tell me about the building," Martha said after a minute of clenching and unclenching her fists under the table. "Better still, draw me a plan - as detailed as possible."
Meke fished in his pocket and pulled out a notepad and pencil. He drew her a detailed plan of the three labs, then a sketchier one of the rest of the building. "How will you get in?" he asked curiously.
"Let's just say I possess some shielding technology of my own," she said drily. "How did you get out of the labs?"
"Oh, only one of us stays there overnight. Kyla said it wouldn't do for us all to disappear for several nights together, just in case someone noticed and got suspicious. Ivrig's there tonight."
Martha nodded. "And you said that Kyla intends to force the Doctor to regenerate tomorrow?"
Meke nodded unhappily. "She says it's the ultimate experiment. I don't think she originally planned to do it so soon, but she knows that you and the Sheriffs have been hunting for the Doctor, and she's worried, too, that he's fighting off the effects of the sedative too quickly. She can't give him too strong a dose at any time because it might interfere with the other drugs, but it's proving less effective each time she gives it to him."
"What time do you usually arrive at the labs?"
"Seven in the morning."
"Well I suggest you hand yourself in to the Bureau of Sheriffs before that hour tomorrow and tell them everything you know. Hopefully they'll be more lenient with you if you go in voluntarily, and I'll have a word with them to let them know you came to me of your own free will."
"What will you do?" asked Meke.
"I'm going to get some sleep, then I'm going to rescue my friend."
"On your own?" he asked, perfectly prepared to believe that Martha would go alone, she seemed so self assured and determined, despite being so small.
"No, I'll take some back up with me." She got up and Meke followed her back through the corridors to the Control Room.
"Your friend's ship is wonderful," he said as Martha let him out.
"Yes she is," Martha answered fondly, feeling the TARDIS' hum in the back of her mind. She watched him go, then shut the door and crossed to the console. She stroked her right hand down one of the struts. I'll get him back, I promise. A surge of joy, love and determination filled her head as she set off to the room she and the Doctor shared. She showered and changed into pyjamas, then sat in the middle of the bed. Closing her eyes she centred herself as he had taught her, then she spent some time clearing her mind of her worries, fears and doubts. She examined each one in turn, then placed it in a mental box that she locked with the words 'I acknowledge you, but I control you'. Then she set the alarm on her clock before curling up to sleep; the bed still felt appallingly empty without him, but hopefully it wouldn't be too much longer before he was sharing it with her again.
The alarm went off at four thirty the next morning and Martha spent half an hour doing some Tai Chi exercises, following the exercise plan that she and the Doctor had devised for themselves, then she dressed and grabbed some coffee before heading to the Bureau. Secan was surprised to see Martha so early and positively astonished when she revealed that she knew where to find the Doctor. He summoned his six colleagues and Martha explained what she knew and the source of her knowledge, then discussed how best to rescue the Doctor.
"You have a plan in mind already, I think?" Secan observed.
Martha nodded and explained about her TARDIS key, demonstrating the perception filter. "I suggest your men wait at the entrance to the building and arrest Kyla and Stolt when they arrive. You and I, Secan, will make our way up to the labs and you can arrest Ivrig, and I will get the Doctor out. We'll need some transport to get the Doctor to the hospital."
Secan nodded. "I can arrange that."
"Good. One more thing. I don't want any of the scientists to be shot or killed. Let your justice system punish them as they see fit."
"But - " Secan began, astonished at Martha's instruction.
"I'm serious, Secan. I'm a healer myself, I can't condone violence, even against known criminals."
He looked at the determination in her eyes, then bowed. "Very well." He rang the hospital and asked for some patient transport to be sent over, giving them the location of the building that Meke had given to Martha. "And you'll need to send a Healer too," he said.
Secan led Martha and his colleagues out to a minibus and they drove out to the edge of the city. Secan deployed his men in pairs on the approach to the building, confirming that they would recognise Stolt and Kyla from the photos they'd been shown. Then he and Martha let themselves into the building with the keycode Meke had given Martha. They took the lift up to the top floor and approached the labs.
"Are you sure you want to go in alone?" Secan couldn't help asking.
Martha nodded. "I want to check he's OK. But if you hear me shout, come running."
"OK." He watched as Martha pulled out her TARDIS key, then blinked as the focus of his eyes was shifted away from where he knew she stood.
She keyed the entry code into the pad by the door, then eased it open just far enough to slip through. She stood inside the door and listened as she looked around the large room for any sign of Ivrig. No one was there, but she could hear someone moaning in the other room where Meke had told her the Doctor was. Hoping that he wasn't the one she could hear moaning, she moved quickly and quietly across the room to an inner door that stood half open. She stopped to listen and heard the moans more clearly; she frowned in puzzlement. The voice sounded female and to her ears, they were moans of pleasure, not pain. Her heart rate increased and her breath became fast and shallow. She edged through the door, then stood stock still and took in her surroundings. The Doctor lay bound to a bed in the middle of the room. He was wearing a t-shirt and shorts, and he'd been gagged. There was a look of revulsion on his face, although he had his eyes closed. Ivrig was naked and clutching the metal bar at the end of the bed with one hand, whilst she worked the fingers of her other hand in and out of herself. Stolt was holding her hips and fucking her arse, his trousers at his ankles, and his shirt was undone, with the sleeves rolled up. He leant forward and bit Ivrig's shoulder and she moaned, shuddering ecstatically.
"I'm gonna fuck his arse next," he told Ivrig between thrusts. "I think I should, in the interests of science. See how Time Lords like it." His voice was thick with lust and greed. "You wanna ride his cock?"
"Oh yeeeeesss," moaned Ivrig.
Martha closed her eyes and swallowed hard. She wondered whether she should fetch Secan or she should take advantage of their distraction and surprise them. Then Stolt gave a guttural cry and she decided to surprise them. She pulled off her TARDIS key, stuffing it into her pocket, and moved towards the bed, startling them both.
"OK you two, fun's over." She glanced at the Doctor and saw him looking past her, his eyes wide. Martha span around and caught Ivrig's arm as Ivrig reached for her, a full syringe in her hand. Martha allowed Ivrig's momentum to carry her off balance, then flipped her over onto her back. The Sigmafolion landed with a thump and didn't try to get up again, Martha immediately turned her attention to Stolt, noticing too late that he hadn't stopped to worry about his dignity as he plunged a full syringe into the Doctor's right arm, knocking him unconscious.
"You bastard!" Martha spat, too angry with him and herself to temper her language as she realised she should have called Secan in as soon as she realised she was dealing with two scientists, not just one.
"Oh language! Will you talk that dirty when I fuck you?" jeered Stolt, kicking his trousers away from his feet.
"Wouldn't you like to know?" taunted Martha, hoping to distract him.
"I would. I've never fucked an alien before. What sort are you?"
"Human." They were circling around the bed as they talked. He made a break for the door. "Secan!" yelled Martha, causing Stolt to turn and charge back towards her as she moved around the bed towards the door. Secan burst through the door just as she ducked under Stolt's arms and grabbed him around the middle, sending him crashing to the ground. She immediately put one knee on his chest and the other in his groin, causing him to cry out. He reached up to grab her but she caught hold of his wrists, then shifted her weight so that her knee pressed more firmly into his groin. Secan rushed over and slapped some restraints on Stolt's wrists and Martha immediately got up and hurried over to the Doctor. She almost trod on the syringe Stolt had dropped, but she spotted it in time and picked it up. He hadn't quite emptied it so she put it on one side, knowing she had to find out what he'd given the Doctor.
Secan radioed his colleagues to come up and collect Ivrig and Stolt, telling them to bring the Healer with them. Martha sat down heavily on the bed after undoing the Doctor's restraints and gag, then stroked the hair from his forehead. She kissed it, then took both his hands in hers. "I'm sorry, Doctor," she whispered before helping the Healer and his assistant to lift him onto the stretcher to take him to the hospital.
* * * * * *
Glossary of Names
Tidherre - Time Lord (Swedish)
Krigare - Warrior (Swedish)
Alaunus - Gaulish god of the sun, healing and prophecy in Celtic Mythology
Therma - Warm (Greek)
Kyla - Cold (Swedish)
Stolt - Haughty (Swedish)
Ivrig - Forward (Danish)
Meke - Submissive (Swedish)
Secan - Seeker (Anglo-Saxon)
Amzi - My Strength (Hebrew)