The Cosmic Mystery

Chapter 4: The Last of the Time Lords (Part 1)

We landed in an empty field face down and groaning softly as I feel around for Martha, as the sound of the world returns to my ears. All I hear is screaming, and explosions, the sound I imagined death bathed in. As I stood to my feet, my eyes widened, and tears gathered into my eyes, as I watched the city before me burn. I heard screaming and saw people crying. I suddenly found it hard to breathe and nearly collapsed. I felt a firm grip on my bicep and put my hand over Martha's, taking a glance at her face. Martha had tears streaming down her face freely, and I struggled to tear my eyes from the city as I begin to pull Martha towards the cover of trees.

                "Martha, we need to go. We can fix this." I mumble despite not tearing my eyes from the city either. Martha whimpers looking at the ash and flames that come off the city before slowly following me to the trees.

A Few Months Later Somewhere in America

                It had been a grueling process so far. Never stopping, never off guard, if it wasn't the fate of the world in the balance I don't think Martha and I would've made it out of half the places we've been, alive. However, some form of desperate determination kept us on our toes, and ready for anything.

                The running had taken its toll. As I looked across the table at Martha, who was telling the Doctor's story to those seated around us, I could notice the subtle changes in her demeanor. She was more steely, resolved, and defeated all at once. I could pretend I was doing much better, and pretend to not notice the new bags around my eyes, or how my clothes hang from my frame, but in this world there's no point in lying. The things we had seen would never leave us, and the things we experienced would scar for the rest of our lives.

           I felt a small tug on my jacket and looked down to find a little girl. No older than five, maybe six. She had the most beautiful eyes, round and dark brown, but far from innocent. This poor girl had seen things in her short lifetime, no one should ever have to.

         "Hello." I said gently, tucking a stray curl of here behind her ear. She smiled, although shy, and held up a small wooden horse. It seemed to have been carved out of a piece of wood, not professional, but stunning in the humanity it displayed. The edges weren't even, and sure the balance of the body was off, but it was small things that can remind you now of what it's like to be human.

        "For you." Is all she says before she scampers back to who I assume is her mother. Though as I watch the young woman pick her up and place her on her hip, I realize the resemblance is uncanny, and I'd bet money that they were siblings. My eyes meet the young woman's and she nods slightly, haunted and hollow in movement, as every person in this room feels.

        "Emerald." I hear from Martha, and snap my head in her direction raising an eyebrow. "I've been calling your name. Are you okay?" I nod slightly to signal my okay and stand to place the empty bowl of food I had been offered near their sinks. I avoid her looks, both of us knowing we're not okay, but talking about it doesn't make it easier.

        "I met the doctor once." I started, hearing the lull in Martha's story, and seeing the unconvinced faces around her. "Just once before this mess began." I turn to face the group, arms crossed mug of coffee dangling off my fingers. "He saved my life within minutes of knowing him. And I trust him, that's how easy it is." I smile gently and what I hope is convincingly. "You don't have to believe us, but what else has the world got to loose? I know hope seems like misery right now-" I sigh closing my eyes briefly, feeling the connection of shared mourning and trauma between the group "the things we've seen are devastating, the things you've seen are devastating. But if Martha and I can find hope in the cause, if we are still alive to tell you this story so many months later, believe it's because we support and trust in the cause. And all we're asking is for your support too." I raise my mug gently towards the crowd of people, the wooden horse grasped firmly in my palm, the sharp edges cutting into my hand as I lied.