Apocalypse Rising (Book Three)

42

OK . . . 49/100 comments right now, and we still have nearly half a dozen chapters to go. Can we bump the goal up to 120? If we don't get that high, I'll still count the 100 as full reveal, but can we try and get to 120? A little bit of a challenge. ;)

Also, the Series 2 sneak peek of my new OC after this, so stick around! ALSO, read the author's note after the sneak peek for opinions about what you all want to see in "Human Nature"/"Family of Blood" this time around!

And enjoy a slight fix-it of "42!"

***

"Right, there we go," the Apocalypse smiled later after she used her sonic screwdriver on Martha's phone. "Universal roaming." She tossed the phone back. "Never have to worry about a signal again."

+++

There was a slight snort from the Apocalypse, and Rose pulled out her phone, looking at it. "Can't exactly call for a taxi," she joked. "There's no signal. We're out of range. Just a bit."

"Here." The Apocalypse held out her hand, and Rose handed it over. "With a little bit of jiggery pokery," she muttered, taking the phone apart and using the sonic screwdriver on her battery.

"Is that a technical term?" Rose asked. "Jiggery pokery?"

"Yeah," the Apocalypse replied before giving her a slight smile. "I came first in jiggery pokery. What about you?"

"Nah," Rose replied with a grin. "I failed hullabaloo."

+++

"No way!" Martha gasped, eyes wide, looking down at her phone. "This is too mad! You're telling me I can phone anyone, anywhere in space and time on my mobile?"

"As long as you know the area code," the Apocalypse nodded. "Frequent flier's privilege. Go on, try it!"

Martha was pondering who to call when the TARDIS shuddered, knocking her off balance. The Apocalypse ran to check a screen. "Distress signal," she explained. "Locking on. Might be a bit of - " They fell to the ground, knocked off their feet. "Turbulence!" she finished, standing up as the TARDIS settled. "Come on, Martha. Let's take a look."

"Distress signal transmitted," a computer voice said as they stepped outside into a steamy room that glowed red.

"Whoa!" the Apocalypse gasped, taking off her cardigan and throwing it into the TARDIS. "Now that's hot!"

"Automated distress signal transmitted."

"Whuff, it's like a sauna in here!" Martha agreed, doing the same with her jacket.

"Venting systems," the Apocalypse looked around. "Working at full pelt, trying to cool down . . . wherever it is we are." She shrugged and opened the bulkhead door and stepped out. "Well, if you can't stand the heat - "

"Oi! You two!" a young man's voice shouted as he, another man, and a woman ran towards them.

"Get out of there!" the woman yelled.

"Seal that door, now!"

The Apocalypse quickly closed it shut. "Who are you?" the woman asked, narrowing her eyes. "What are you doing on my ship?"

"Are you police?" the young man asked.

"Why would we be police?" the Apocalypse asked, confused.

"We got your distress signal," Martha quickly said.

The Apocalypse nodded. "If this is a ship, why can't I hear any engines?" she asked, looking around.

"It went dead four minutes ago," the captain answered.