Doctor Who fic: Ten Goodbyes and One Hello (11/11)
Title: Ten Goodbyes and One Hello (11/11)
Fandom: Doctor Who
Characters: The Brigadier, The First Doctor, Susan
Rating: PG
Summary: All of the current incarnations come to say their farewells to a dear friend in their own way.
A/N: Well, finally done. I don't know if the ending is epic enough with which to finish, but it says what I wanted it to say, and that's all I could hope for.
Disclaimer: I do not own Doctor Who.
Dedicated to Nicholas Courtney (1929-2011)
Previous:
Chapter 1: Two's Goodbye
Chapter 2: Three's Goodbye
Chapter 3: Four's Goodbye
Chapter 4: Five's Goodbye
Chapter 5: Six's Goodbye
Chapter 6: Seven's Goodbye
Chapter 7: Eight's Goodbye
Chapter 8: Nine's Goodbye
Chapter 9: Ten's Goodbye
Chapter 10: Eleven's Goodbye
During his time off-duty, he liked to take a walk in the park. He found it relaxing to be a passive observer as life occurred around him in a seemingly care-free existence. All the rest of his time, he was expected to take charge or to take orders, to do his duty to the best of his abilities. And though he loved every moment of it, sometimes he enjoyed a holiday like anyone else.
He strolled down the paved pathway, his arms held loosely behind his back, pausing once in a while to observe a particular flower garden or chirping bird. Not to far away, he spotted a wooden bench and had a notion to sit there to rest. As he turned toward it, he did not notice the teenage girl blindly running up the path at great speed. The collision was inevitable, and although Alistair managed to remain on his feet, the same could not be said for the girl.
“I’m so sorry, Miss,” he said, bending down to her. “I didn’t see you. Are you all right?”
“Oh, it was my fault,” she said, still on the ground. “I wasn’t looking where I was going.” She made a motion to stand up, but a sudden expression of pain flashed across her face and she grabbed on to her ankle, crying out.
Alistair looked at her ankle, which was quickly swelling. “We should take you to a hospital, Miss... I’m sorry, I don’t know you’re name.”
“Susan,” she said.
“Lieutenant Lethbridge-Stewart,” he said. “Let’s have a doctor take a look at your leg.”
“No,” said Susan, and the speed at which she refused him gave Alistair slight pause. Noticing his shock, Susan quickly explained, “I’d rather see my grandfather. I was supposed to be home ages ago, and he does worry about me. Besides, he’s a doctor himself; he’ll know what to do.”
Alistair thought over what she said before answering, “Well, where does your grandfather live? I’ll take you to him, at least. There’s no way you can manage on that ankle by yourself.”
Susan looked at him hesitantly, but eventually held out her hand to allow Alistair to lift her up. “He’s not too far,” she told him, leaning against his sturdy frame for support as she struggled to keep balance on her good leg.
They had only just left the park and walked down a few side streets when they spotted a man in the distance coming in their direction. “Grandfather,” Susan called out to the man.
He was white-haired and wore a cape to fight against the breeze. When Alistair got close enough, he saw the gentleman wore an agitated expression, which then turned to worry when he noticed his granddaughter’s predicament.
“Susan, my child!” he exclaimed. “What in heaven’s name has happened to you?”
“It’s nothing, Grandfather,” she said. “It was just an accident. This man here has been kind enough to help me.”
“Oh?” said the Grandfather, examining Alistair with both suspicion and wonder. “And who might you be, my dear boy?”
“Lethbridge-Stewart is the name,” he answered. “And you?”
“You may call me ‘the Doctor,’” said the Grandfather, taking Susan’s hand to bring her closer to himself.
“Oh, yes,” said Alistair, relinquishing the girl. “Your granddaughter here mentioned you were a medical man.”
“Quite,” said the Doctor, emitting a soft chuckle. “Well, thank you for showing kindness to my Susan; she’s all I’ve got, you know.” He turned to look at his granddaughter and gave her shoulder a pat and a slight squeeze, for which Susan smiled up at him with adoring eyes.
“It was no trouble at all; I’m glad to have been of service.”
“Thank you for all your help,” said Susan.
“Well, my good man,” said the Doctor, extending his hand. “If there’s anything I could ever do to repay you-”
“Think nothing of it,” said Alistair, shaking the proffered hand.
“Then I’ll just say thank you again,” said the Doctor. “And that you’ve made a lifetime friend.”
“Likewise,” said Alistair.