Through the Time [3]

II. The Shakespeare Code

The Doctor, the Protector and Martha stand in Shakespeare's office whilst Bailey stands at the door. "I got you a room, Sir Doctor. You and your wife and Miss Jones are just across the landing," Bailey says before walking off

"Poor Lynley. So many strange events. Not least of all, this land of Freedonia where a woman can be a doctor?" Shakespeare asks.

"Where a woman can do what she likes," Martha says.

"And you, Sir Doctor, and you, Lady Protector. How can a man and woman so young have eyes so old?" Shakespeare asks.

"I do a lot of reading," the Protector says.

"A trite reply. Yeah, that's what I do," Shakespeare says before turning back to Martha. "And you, you look at them like you're surprised he exists. "He's as much of a puzzle to you as he is to me."

"I think we should say good night," Martha says before leaving the room.

"I must work. I have a play to complete. But I'll get my answeres tomorrow, Doctor, and I'll discover more about you and why this constant performance of yours," the Doctor says.

"All the world's a stage," the Doctor says getting to the doorway as they leave.

"Hm, I might use that. Good night, Doctor, Protector," Shakespeare says.

"Night0night, Shakespeare," the Doctor says as he leads his wife out of the room and into their room.

***

"It's not exactly five-star, is it?" Martha asks as the Doctor and the Protector walk into the room.

"Oh, it'll do. We've seen worse," the Doctor says.

"I haven't even got a toothbrush," Martha says.

"Ooh," the Doctor begins, pating his pockets and pulling out a brush. "Contains Venusian spearmint."

Martha takes the toothbrush from the Doctor before turning to look at the bed. "So, who's going where? I mean, there's only one bed," Martha says.

"We'll manage. C'monn," the Doctor says.

"You two can take the bed. I'll just sit and watch everything," the Protector says going to sit down in the chair in the room yet she doesn't get far before the Doctor grabs onto her and pulls her over to the bed.

"Not happening, love. You've not slept in weeks and I think you deserve the rest. Now come and lay down with me," the Doctor tells the Protector, his arms wrapping around her waist.

"I can't. You know that," the Protector whispers, making sure Martha can't hear. "Every time I shut my eyes, I see her."

"Hey. I know that I wasn't as close to her as you were but you can't beat yourself over it. Besides, we know she's safe," the Doctor tells her as the Protector rests her head against his chest.

"I know that. But I still can't feel guilty for everything that happened."

"We'll talk about this when we get back to the TARDIS, okay?" the Doctor asks, the Protector mumbling into his chest what he thinks was an 'okay'.

"So, magic and stuff. That's a surprise. It's a little bit Harry Potter," Martha comments.

"Wait till you read book seven. Oh, I cried," the Doctor states, the Protector snickering into his chest. "Hey. You're one to talk. You cried in book five."

"But is it real, though? I mean, witches, black magic and all that, it's real?" Martha questions.

"Course it isn't!" the Doctor tells her.