Apocalypse Kat: Strange Journey

Kathleen and the Doctor

It must have started yesterday. She was screaming. It hurt my ears she shouted so loud. She just kept on screaming "Patient Zero Patient Zero! We must save Patient Zero!" I found myself running all over town to get vital supplies for the hospital. I would save the life of Patient Zero. After I came back I was approached by the Doctor. His coat fluttered in the wind as he took off his sunglasses and told me: "You were Fantastic!". I felt elated and calmed by him as I realized who he was. It was that doctor. The frock coat, the sparkle in his eye, the wisdom beyond his years; it was unmistakable.

I could not believe I was finally meeting him. I felt the blood rushing through my heart down to my perfect well toned athletic legs. I was speechless. I ran down the hall, my feet hitting the ground with such force it rippled throughout my body. I had been running all day helping the patients and my legs were in substantial pain. I didn't care. I was full of such joy and so exhilarated by the work I was doing the pain didn't matter.

He suddenly shouted in a North Irish accent!
"Make sure the IV is delivering a constant drip of medication and treatment 27!"

"Yes Doctor!" Screamed another North Irish voice!

I was so surprised by the sudden shouting that I toppled to the floor.

The doctor then quietly said to his companion " Charlie, can you help this young lady out?"

"Certainly Doctor, she looks like she could use a hand"

"Thank you Charley, I don't know what I would do without you."

As she helped me up she said
"I know the shouting was startling but you probably shouldn't be standing on one leg like that."

"Thanks Miss Pollard, are you alright Doctor?"

"I'm alright Kat, I don't know what got into me. I seem to be fine now. Charlie, how is Patient Zero?

" She seems to be doing fine, we won't know how well the treatment is working until much later but she is stabilized and the supplies Kat brought will help keep her that way."

"Well Kathleen, your strong legs may very well have saved that young lady's life."

"Thank you Doctor....Doctor who?"

"Just the Doctor" said Charley.

I knew of course that he would give no other name. I just could not resist.
Can I ask? Why are you here, doctor? In a Muff hospital? And why did I just spend the last 3 hours running all over town?" I mean, I love running but I just wondered why?"

"Well, All I can really say is this lady, Patient Zero, as you heard Charley screaming earlier
......well she is important. Not now. But after she wakes up she will do great things"

"Doctor? You're saying this simple disabled girl with burns all over her legs and a passion for heavy metal will change the world?"

"Yes she will Kat."

"And you and your muscular legs just saved her life" Charley looked at me and smiled.

"Thanks....but what will she do that's so important?"

"In one year Patient Zero finds her childhood best friend after 17 years. Together they bring her kidnappers to justice. The two of them end up saving hundreds of children"

"Wow. She really finds her best friend after all those years?"

"Yes, she does." Charley smiled. "They even end up getting married. It's all kind of romantic. And you helped."

I was taken aback. I had never thought of myself as very important. And yet I was indirectly responsible for a fairytale romance, and the freedom of hundreds of children. I looked at my beautiful legs and smiled.

"Well, Charley we must be going. No rest for the wicked and all that."

"Alright Doctor, back to the Tardis then?"

"No, not just yet. We deserve a rest"

Hopefully I said "There's a big festival going on right now. Competitions, Music, culture, it's a lot of fun" The doctor and Charley looked interested.

"I even heard if you walk into a pub looking too silly you can be fined! It's all for charity though and there's all sorts of events going on all over Muff"

Charley eyed the doctor's coat and giggled. "Well, I think the doctor might be donating to charity then!"

"Well, I don't know about all that, Charley" But, I could see a bit of a grin on the old time lord's face.
"And I suppose you think we need a guide, don't you Kat?

I stammered nervously. .." Well I could I guess, I mean I did research the festival, er if you were with tha---"

"Now Now Kat" the doctor interrupted me. "We would be delighted to have a guide help us with the town! Especially someone who is also a visitor to Muff."

"How did you know?" I had hoped my voice hadn't given me away. As much as I was teased as a child for my Belfast accent I hoped my accent hadn't become too american after spending most of my childhood in California.

"Oh Kat, it's obvious!" said Charley, "You get a big smile on your face every time you say Muff, and you almost lost it when you told me about the diving club!"

"Yes, I don't suppose somebody from Muff would find the name so funny" a cheeky smile spread across the doctor's face. "It's quite all right, I still can't go to Barcelona with out quietly laughing to myself"

"Spain? I don't understand"

"No no no Kat!" Charley laughed. "It's a planet where the dogs have no noses"

"But how do they...." I stopped myself. "Never Mind"

"So where are you from Kat?"

"I'm from Belfast" The pride beamed from me as I mentioned my home town. "But I grew up in California. San Francisco mostly."

"Oh wonderful! I've always wanted to visit San Francisco" The doctor smiled, and Charley looked at him like she wanted to say something but stayed quiet. "Well, Come along Kat, let's explore this festival!" The doctor sauntered off so fast me and Charley had trouble keeping up.

"I know he looks a little odd but he's wonderful." Charley looked a little sad for a moment. "It took me a while to warm up to him but underneath the silly coat, and the prickly exterior are hearts of gold. I know he's going to do amazing things and save worlds. He has the most beautiful hearts I have ever seen. He's a hero, and I love him and am thankful he has been my friend" Charley looked distant, like she was remembering something so sad it broke her heart. I wanted to know but I kept quiet. "I hope you travel with us for more than just this once. Sometimes I just want another woman to talk to."

"I understand, and I hope I get to travel with you too. My legs are really strong and I definitely wouldn't slow you down. I suppose ultimately it's up to the doctor though"

"Well he doesn't ask just anyone to travel with him"

I smiled and walked off with Charley in the direction of the doctor.