Jumping For The Stars

Chapter 19 - The Face of Boe

Chapter 19

The Face of Boe

Ailia was going to listen to the Doctor, but then she thought, if she listened to everything that everybody said and took orders like a good soldier she would never have any fun. Of course, she also wouldn't be in this mess in the first place, but still, she had to do something, already an hour and she was bored to tears.

She sat up and walked to the wardrobe and saw that it was empty.

"Give me a break TARDIS," she patted the side of the machine, the clothes folded out of the wall.

"Thank you," the girl chirped and the TARDIS just groaned in response.

She pulled out a hooded leather jacket that the TARDIS must have stolen from her closet at home and a shoulder bag that Peck would have a cow about, but if she wore the backpack she would be instantly noticed.

"Come on, Peck," Ailia placed the open bag on the ground and gestured for the martin to get in. The animal didn't look pleased.

"I'll give you," Ailia racked her brains then grimaced, thinking to the creature's favorite treat, "crickets."

The martin immediately perked up and jumped into the bag, Ailia heard footsteps coming down the hall and unceramoniously dropping the bag against the wall by the foot of her bed and placing the jacket down on top of it. The animal inside the bag growled at this placement of things, "Sorry," Ailia hissed running around the room in search of a spot.

The Doctor knocked seconds later, peaking in to see Ailia sitting at her desk reading one of her books, pen in hand.

"Sorry," the Doctor apologized when the girl looked up at him with a glare, "Just wanted to say that Martha and I are going to..." he trailed off.

"Yep," Ailia replied curtly, looking around.

"If you want I can get you," The Doctor began.

"No, its fine," Ailia stopped, "I'll just ask the TARDIS."

They nodded and an awkward silence ensued.

"Where's Peck?" the Doctor asked, glancing around the room.

"He's getting bugs and stuff, wandering," Ailia answered vaguely.

"Okay. Are you sure?" the Doctor questioned.

"I'm fine," Ailia assured, "Go have fun with Martha."

The Doctor smiled and backed out the door.

Ailia slouched down in her chair, sighing in relief, "That was close."

She stood up, turning around to see Peck struggling to get out of the pile of fabric. He finished by staring her down, an accusing look on his face.

"I'll double the crickets," Ailia offered.

The look continued.

"And add some honey to the mix," Ailia tried again, and the rodent bobbed his head.

"Let's go," Ailia jumped wincing as she landed on her foot, "But first, let's get a wrap."

---

Less than five minutes later Ailia was watching the Doctor shut the door to the TARDIS, locking the door behind them.

Ailia ran forward, testing the nob, it didn't budge, dang it. How do I fix this? she wondered to herself.

She ran around the room, checking the creases of the jumper seat for an extra key.

It only to a couple of minutes for Ailia to become frustrated with finding a stupid key. So she gave up, standing at attention by the top of the stairs, closing her eyes and thinking back.