Eyes of Time: The Final Line ✓

Chapter 52: Midnight

Donna lies by the pool, the warm alien sun casting a gentle glow over the sparkling waters. She wears a fluffy white bathrobe, her legs crossed casually as she enjoys the warmth. Her peaceful moment is interrupted when an attendant approaches, holding a purple phone out to her on a tray.

She hesitates for a moment before reluctantly accepting the device, shouting into it, "I said, no!"

From the other end of the line, the Doctor's excited voice fills her ear.

"Sapphire waterfall," he begins enthusiastically, "It's a waterfall made of sapphires. This enormous jewel, the size of a glacier, reaches the Cliffs of Oblivion, and then shatters into sapphires at the edge. They fall a hundred thousand feet into a crystal ravine."

"I bet you say that to all the girls," she teases.

"Just you. Ally knows all about it already. Oh, come on! They're boarding now. It's no fun if we see it on our own. Four hours, that's all it takes."

"No," Donna replies with a whine, "That's four hours there and four hours back. That's like a school trip... I'd rather go sunbathing."

The Doctor's tone softens in warning, "You be careful, that's Xtonic sunlight."

"Oh, I'm safe. It says in the brochure this glass is fifteen feet thick!"

"Alright, I give up," the Doctor rolls his eyes on the other end, "We'll be back for dinner. We'll try that anti-gravity restaurant—with bibs."

"That's a date," Donna nods, "Well, not a date... You and Ally's date, me third-wheeling... Oh, you know what I mean—oh, get off."

The Doctor's voice is laced with amusement, "See you later."

"Oi! And you both be careful, alright?" Donna adds softly.

"Nah!" he scoffs, "Taking a big space truck with a bunch of strangers across a diamond planet called Midnight? What could possibly go wrong?"

Just as the Doctor hangs up, his attention shifts to a sudden movement behind him. Before he can react, a sharp smack lands on the back of the Time Lord's head, causing him to wince and rub his skull.

The familiar voice of the Alchemist rings out, her tone laced with mockery, "I'm really tempted to use that duct tape right now, Doctor."

"Ow! What was that for?" the Time Lord grumbles, rubbing his head.

The Alchemist leans her arm over his shoulder, her smirk never faltering, "You always say that. And you always get us into trouble."

The Doctor's grin returns, "Oh, come on. What's the worst that could happen?"

She raises an eyebrow, "And again. Really testing me today, huh?" she shakes her head, "You're asking me that now? After all the mess we've had?"

"Touché, Ally. Touché," the Time Lord laughs, taking her hand and walking toward the crusader.

[Shuttle Cabin]

The Doctor and the Alchemist settle into their seats in the passenger compartment of the shuttle. The atmosphere buzzes with a quiet anticipation, everyone getting ready for the journey ahead.

A hostess, cheerful and practiced, approaches a middle-aged blonde who is seated across the aisle. She is dressed in a sharp suit, her posture dignified and focused.

"...Complimentary juice pack and complimentary peanuts," the hostess offers.

She doesn't even look up as she cuts her off, "Just the headphones, please."