The Mirror Cracks (A Doctor Who Fan Fiction)

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

The Rani began to fiddle with the controls.

“Looks like your two lapdogs are trying to save you. Why do they think you need saving?”

The Doctor was now leaning against the railings of the control room. He had his arms folded and his head lowered. He looked up to the Rani, his thoughts of what she had said were evident on his face as he looked solemn, as if he had been contemplating every word.

“Rani, do you not understand what you plan to do? Gallifrey is gone, lost in space and time. By bringing it back, by bringing our race back, you are willing to destroy the universe, all for the happiness of two people. Is that what you want?”

The Rani looked at the Doctor, looking confused at what he had said.

“Yes. I want our race to flourish and if that means destroying these pitiful life-forms which are trying to take our place in the stars then so be it. I will bring back Gallifrey to its rightful place and our people as the true leaders of this cosmos, whether you like it or not.”

Anger engulfed her face and the Doctor began to walk towards her.

“Do not come any closer, Doctor. It looks like I will have to change your mind by getting rid of the two things you hold most dear.”

The Doctor stopped as the Rani had told him and he looked back to the Time Rotor.

“Run Clara,” he whispered.

*

Clara was indeed running, holding the hand of the AI who ran surprisingly faster than the man he was attempting to mimic in order to help Clara.

“He didn’t run quite as fast as you, you know!” she shouted as she nearly stumbled over her feet again. She began to feel her breathing get heavier and she knew they had to stop but it seemed that was not an option to the AI. Doors were closing behind them, trying to trap them and the sense of urgency was evident as another door closed in front of them, making them change direction.

“It seems your Doctor had more time on his hands than we do, Miss Oswald!” the AI shouted back. Clara liked the sense of humour the AI was displaying. It was almost as if it was gauging how to interact with her and she appreciated that. The safety she felt when she first entered the TARDIS was still found in holding the AI’s hand. What she found most strange was that all the feelings she once felt, running with the previous incarnation of her Doctor were all rushing back to her. And she called him her Doctor. She sighed.

“Are you getting tired yet, Miss Oswald?” asked the AI, sensing something was wrong.

Clara didn't realise she had sighed out loud as she tripped over herself and landed on the floor. The AI helped her up to her feet.

“Silly me, I guess.”

Clara brushed herself down and rubbed her knees.

“It’s ok; we were travelling very quickly so a rest might be needed. We are not far now. I can sense it.”

Clara looked up and down the corridor. It seemed almost eerily quiet. If the Rani had control of the TARDIS, surely she would have better defences to stop them from getting anywhere near the manual reset.

At that point, she heard something coming from the end of the corridor, its voice getting progressively louder as it moved closer towards them. Eventually, she was able to make out what it was and what it was saying.

“EX-TER-MIN-ATE!”