Stellar Collision

Chapter 17

"So, a wormhole?" Dayle asked. "Pretty sure I remember reading something about those. Though as I remember it, it was mostly only in theory and mostly only in relation to time travel."

They were back in the Malum star system now, hovering near the Event Horizon of the Doctor's black hole. The TARDIS had confirmed it. His roundtrip travel through the black hole's portal had created a backdoor to the other universe. He was certain that the Zygon, Arc had used it to make his escape from this universe. Three years had passed. There's no telling what kind of trouble he'd been causing.

"Well Dayle, that's because humans don't know very much about the fabric of space time. So they make things up and call them 'theories'. Wormholes are like little tunnels that connect different parts of space and on occasion, they connect different universes. They are entirely separate from the time vortex."

They were both leaning against the console.

"So..." Dayle began. "If I were to come with you, would you be able to guarantee me that you wouldn't be bringing me back home later to find my kids three years older?"

The Doctor looked down at the console, silent for a moment. "Are you sure you still want to come with me? You sounded pretty cross with me back on Aditum." He looked up again and gazed at her with an inscrutable expression.

Dayle sighed, embarassed.. "I'm sorry for acting like a lunatic. It just took me by surprise is all. I mean, it's definitely none of my business. It's not like... you and I are an item or anything." she laughed a little too quickly. "And you are right. You certainly don't appear to have the traditional marriage." She pulled a face, remembering, then studied him carefully. "Are you alright? Did what happen... with River I mean, upset you?" She looked up at him, her blue eyes sincere.

The Doctor was speechless, clearly surprised that despite herself, she was worried about his feelings. It seemed to do something to him. He stepped close to Dayle and took her hands, placing them on his hearts. "You tell me."

She stood nearly toe to toe with him, her hands pressed against his chest. It was strange to feel both hearts beating away like that.

"You have very mixed feelings about River." she said quietly. "You feel protective of her, you care for her greatly. But she troubles you greatly also."

The Doctor was looking right at her now. She boldly took a step closer. Now she was practically leaning against his chest, like they were dancing. She looked up.

"And how do I feel about you?" he asked then, sounding like he genuinely didn't know and needed an answer.

Dayle's heart jumped in her chest and she suddenly felt very warm when the answer came to her.

"You're infatuated. And you're confused by it because infatuation isn't a common experience for your kind." She hesitated, blushing. "You don't quite know what to make of it but... you want me."

The Doctor looked a bit unnerved by this. Though he didn't deny it, he did remove her hands and turned back to the console.

"You're also worried about your friend." she said quickly, clearing her throat "We should probably get going."

She was sorry that the moment had ended, that he wasn't quite ready to deal with the answer she'd given to his question. But she still felt warm inside just knowing.

"So, you can bring me back home on the very same day that you got me, right?" she asked him again.

The Doctor turned back toward her."You have my word on that Dayle Moss." he said, his eyes smiling.