The Beginning of the End (Doctor Who)

Chap. 20

Eventually you get to this mysterious, freezing object after a bit of a hike.

"There's my bike." Ryan points up, Graham and Grace exchanging a look.

"Why the hell is it in a tree?" You ask, then shrug. "Actually, I don't care."

"We went up and I chucked it over." He explains anyway.

"He gets cross cos he can't ride it." Graham adds, getting a look from Ryan. The Doctor nods, seeming interested.

"We're giving him lessons. He's got dyspraxia. It's a coordination disorder." Grace explains in a hushed tone.

"Anyway," Ryan coughs, "enough about me. The tree's to the left so it should be..." he points to empty space.

"It was definitely there." Yaz confirms.

The Doctor kneels down, observing a dent in the ground that matches the base shape.

"So where's it gone?" She questions.

"Is it just me or is anyone else getting the chills?" Grace asks, pulling her sweater tighter.

"I think it's spooky." You shrug.

"We should probably get back, doesn't look like anything's out here anyway." Yaz suggests, shining her flashlight around.

The rest of you follow, driving back in a slightly uncomfortable silence.

"Any leads?" You sigh, sitting as far away on her lap as you can.

"No idea yet, not sure what that object is, or that tentacle-y thing. Or what they're even doing here." She sighs, clearly frustrated. You smile. Yaz pulls over near a bus stop, all of you getting up. "Two weird things, one city, same night, makes me nervous."

"I'll see if there have been any more reports on that object." Yaz offers.

"Good, cos we need all the information we can get. Meet us back here." You notice she seems slightly out of breath.

"I could have a word with some of my old pals from work. If you want to know what's happening, ask a bus driver." Graham chuckles.

"He always says that." Ryan shakes his head.

"Yeah, that's cos it is true. I'd still be doing it now if I could."

"I can search for weird stuff on social media." Ryan offers.

"I'll check in with my nurses group on WhatsApp." Grace adds.

"Seriously though. Aliens?" Graham asks, still seeming skeptical.

"Oh, you'd be surprised." You nod.

"Yeah, maybe I won't mention that bit."

"They'd probably laugh." You agree. Graham nods, walking down the road.

"Suddenly I feel... really tired." The Doctor gasps, leaning over.

"That was a big fall you had, love. We should get you both checked out at A&E." Grace gently offers with a hand on her shoulder.

"Nope." You step back.

"No, no, no. I never go anywhere that's just initials." She denies, "Although..." She sticks a finger up her nose, making you slap your forehead, taking a few more steps back. "Ah. Can one of you catch me?"

"You're going to fall over?" Ryan raises an eyebrow.

"In 2 minutes, 19 seconds. Wait. Forget the 2 minutes 19. Oh, this new nose is so unreliable." She goes limp, falling into Ryan. He quickly adjusts his arms to hold her bridal style.