Restored

The Shakespeare Code

The cold, stale air of the psychiatric hospital still lingered in Raelle, as they all made their way back to Shakespeare's room. The walk back was quiet, and Raelle could see that certain look in the Doctor's determined face, a plan already formulating in his brain. "The Carrionites disappeared way back at the dawn of the universe." The Doctor thought out loud, his face screwed up in confusion as he tried to think of a plan, pacing in the room. "Nobody was sure if they were real or legend."

"Well, I'm going for real." Raelle muttered, leaning against the table with her arms crossed, as Shakespeare splashed his face with water. Clearly the shock of it all had got to him. 

Martha stood by the door, frowning as she watched the Doctor pace. "But what do they want?" She asked. 

"A new empire on Earth. A world of bones and blood and witchcraft."

Martha frowned, confused. "But how?"

The Doctor stopped in his pacing, looking at Shakespeare intently who wasn't paying much attention to anyone it seems. "I'm looking at the man with the words." He looked to Shakespeare, Raelle and Martha's gaze following. 

Shakespeare paused, taking in their stares. "Me? But I've done nothing."

Something tugged in Raelle, telling her there was more to it. Why would everything be so revolved around Shakespeare. "Hold on. What were you doing last night, when that Carrionite was in the room?" Raelle asked him, a serious expression on her face. 

"Finishing the play."

Raelle eyes widen at his answer, mirroring the same expression of the Doctor's and Martha's. "What happens on the last page?" She inquired, an urgent tone in her voice. 

"The boys get the girls. They have a bit of a dance. It's all as funny and thought provoking as usual." He paused, thinking back. "Except those last few lines. Funny thing is, I don't actually remember writing them."

"That's it." The Doctor realised, walking towards Shakespeare slowly as he spoke. "They used you. They gave you the final words like a spell, like a code. Love's Labour's Won. It's a weapon. The right combination of words, spoken at the right place, with the shape of the Globe as an energy converter! The play's the thing! And yes, you can have that." The Doctor scrambles to grab a map of the town, placing it on the table, as he points to one of the three marked streets. Raelle and Martha stand either side as he speaks. "All Hallows Street. There it is. Elle, we'll track them down. Will, Martha, you get to the Globe. Whatever you do, stop that play." 

"On it." Martha spoke, moving to stand beside Shakespeare. Raelle raised an eyebrow, amused, as she gave her a wink to which Martha rolled her eyes. 

"We'll do it." Shakespeare nodded, looking determinedly to Martha. "All these years I've been the cleverest man around. Next to you, I know nothing."

Martha scoffed, bumping her hip against his. "Oh, don't complain."

"I'm not. It's marvellous." Shakespeare marvels, before turning his attention back to Raelle and the Doctor. "Good luck, Doctor, Raelle."

"Good luck, Shakespeare. Once more unto the breach." The Doctor recited from Henry V as him and Raelle left the room, Raelle's laughter echoing the room as they went. 

"I like that." Shakespeare nodded approvingly, before realising why he liked it so much. "Wait a minute, that's one of mine."

The Doctor poked his head around the room, giving Shakespeare a pointed look. "Oh, just shift!"

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ

Martha and Shakespeare burst into the Globe theatre, seeing the play already commencing. Martha let an aggravated groan out as Shakespeare took ahold of her hand, leading them onto the stage. They burst through the stage door. "Stop the play!" Shakespeare bellows, startling the actors and audience. "I'm sorry, ladies and gentlemen, but stop. This performance must end immediately."