Saving the Doctor

Chapter 12

-Doctor-

I see the Cobbleen swing his fist forward and I know what comes next. I remind myself that she brought this upon herself, and it was her own decision.

Still, I turn away.

After a moment I look again to watch them take her away, but she's still standing there.

I furrow my brow as I study the scene in front of me.

He's pressed his fist to her forehead and his skin is turning first a pale color, then a pearl color, then completely white.

Soon, Bethany falls over, her legs giving out, and she doesn't even try to catch herself. The Cobbleen take care of that, though, and they carry her away carefully.

They all leave with her, as though she's the only thing they needed.

What could they need her for, though? Are they going to hurt her? Should I care?

Before I've realized it, I'm rummaging through my box of gadgets, looking for my independent cloaking device.

I don't care.

But I should at least find out what's going on. I can't save her. She'll have to deal with this on her own. But I want to know everything I can so I am informed and can stay away from wherever they plan to go and whatever they plan to do.

I activate the device, slip it into my pocket, make sure I have my Tardis key and step out the doors, following to see where they're taking her, and what they're going to do with her.

To stay informed.

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After a long walk, they take Bethany into a low building made of what looks like wood.

I run to catch up and barely make it inside before the door closes, disappearing as it does so.

Fantastic.

No way out.

Of course the building would be made of wood.

I scowl and continue following the Cobbleen.

They soon pass her off to a group of females, who carry her on what looks like some sort of cot.

I follow Bethany's new transporters, keeping an eye on their every movement.

They come to the end of a long corridor at what seems to be a dead-end. They open a hidden door and take her in, setting her on a metal surface which looks as though it is to serve as a bed in the middle of the room.

After removing the cot from the room, more female Cobbleen enter and they all surround Bethany, murmuring amongst themselves. Some bring new clothing, others bring some sort of powders, all from a cart at the side of the room. I'm unable to see exactly what they're doing, but I doubt they're hurting her.

Yet.

One steps away with Bethany's previous clothing and sets them in a drawer of the cart. She then wheels it to the invisible door and opens the way to the corridor.

I wonder if I should follow. Maybe I can learn some helpful information.

But what will they do to Bethany while I'm away? Do I really care?

One of the Cobbleen still at the bed call out to the one with the cart. She turns and, leaving the cart there, goes back.

The Cobbleen who had called her back hands her something small and then sends her on her way.

I take a look at what she has as she comes closer.

I cannot believe my eyes.

She puts it in the drawer with Bethany's other belongings and then continues on out the door.

I've made up my mind.

I'll follow her.

She eventually takes the cart to a closet and starts to put it away. I step up behind her and whisper, "Stop what you're doing. Don't say a word. Don't make a sound."

She freezes and looks around.

"And don't act so frightened. I don't want anyone becoming suspicious."

She turns back to the cart, "What do you want?"

I hate to admit that their voices sound beautiful, but they do. They literally sound like music to my ears. But I need to concentrate on the task at hand.

"First, take the girl's belongings out of the drawer. Set them on top."

She looks up and down the hall and I brace myself for action in case she tries something. The females are virtually harmless when unarmed, but I'm not taking any chances.

"I'm...not allowed to do that...not where he can see..."

"Then take everything inside the closet. There's room enough."

She pushes the cart farther into the space and then steps in. I'm not far behind.

As soon as the door closes, I again instruct her to put Bethany's belongings on top of the cart. She does so without hesitation this time, spreading them out item by item. I examine the only piece I'm interested in. I have to be completely sure that I saw what I did.

"What do you want them for?" She pulls me from my thoughts.

"Shut up, I'm thinking."

She becomes quiet and allows me to concentrate.

Yes.

I was right.

But how can this be?

I turn to the Cobbleen, "What are you going to do with these items?"

She jumps at my sudden inquiry. "We put them in storage. Until he decides what is to be done with them."

I don't know who 'he' is, but I can find out later.

"Well, today there's going to be a change of plans."