Eyes of Time: The Final Line ✓

Chapter 24: Shakespeare Code

[TARDIS]

The TARDIS lurches violently as the Doctor spins a wheel on the console, his grip firm. Martha clings to the rounded edge, struggling to stay upright as the floor bucks beneath her.

Nearby, the Alchemist checks a readout, frowning slightly before scribbling something onto a sticky note and slapping it onto the monitor. The ship's shaking a little too much for her liking—looks like another round of repairs is in order.

"But how do you travel in time?" Martha asks, raising her voice over the din, "What makes it go?"

The Doctor rolls his eyes, "Oh, let's take the fun and mystery out of everything, shall we? Martha, you don't want to know. It just does."

"Hold on tight, Martha Jones!" the Alchemist shouts; she twists a few knobs while her husband yanks a lever, and with a final jolt, the TARDIS lands.

Martha and the Doctor tumble to the floor in an undignified heap.

"Blimey," Martha mutters as she scrambles upright with his help, "Do you have to pass a test to fly this thing?"

The Doctor shrugs, "Yes. And I failed it."

"Every time," the Alchemist corrects, retrieving an ultraviolet flashlight from beneath the grating and pocketing it, "He failed every time."

She's been steadily stocking her pockets with potentially useful items every trip, a habit born of experience—and, if she's honest, a healthy dose of paranoia. Today is no different.

Martha laughs, "How many times could you take it?"

The Time Lady smirks at her Bondmate as she drops the grate shut, "Sixty."

Martha dissolves into laughter while the Doctor huffs and pulls on his coat.

"Ally! The test was rigged," he insists.

"Which is why I passed on the first go, I suppose?" she teases.

He pointedly ignores Martha's renewed laughter, instead striding toward the doors.

"Now, make the most of it," he reminds Martha, "I promised you one trip, and one trip only," je pauses, one hand on the doorframe, "Outside this door—'Brave new world.'"

The Alchemist turns to him with a wild grin, then tosses Martha her jacket.

'You took us to Shakespeare!?' she practically shouts into his mind.

He winces at the volume but nods.

Beaming, she dashes over and presses a quick kiss to his cheek before slipping her air filters out of her pocket—she's going to need them.

"Where are we?" Martha asks, her curiosity bubbling over as she watches the pair.

The Doctor gestures grandly as he pulls open the doors, "Take a look. After you."

Martha hesitates for only a moment before stepping outside, while the Alchemist follows—practically skipping.

[Southwark]

Martha looks around in astonishment. They're standing on an Elizabethan street, bathed in the golden hues of early evening. The townsfolk bustle about, preparing for the night ahead—children dart between the legs of merchants, laughter trailing behind them, while washing lines are drawn in from the windows above.

"Oh, you are kidding me," Martha gasps, breaking into a laugh, "You are so kidding me. Oh, my God, we did it. We traveled in time!" she spins on the spot, overwhelmed, "Where are we? No, sorry, I have to get used to this whole new language—when are we?"