State of Confusion (Doctor Who Fanfic)

Chapter Eight - A Reason to Fear

CHAPTER EIGHT

A Reason to Fear

The Doctor was no stranger to teleportation devices.  All methods, all forms, all frequencies.  He was calm as he was deposited with Rose in the center of a smooth, pale blue floor.  Stumbling to catch his balance, he kept hold of Rose's hand as he held his head.  The effect of being beamed from one position to another was, as always, a bit dizzying.  It affected his vision, and took a moment to subside.  Finally, he could bring his surroundings into clear view. 

Shadows.  Darkness.  They were standing in a circle of light that seemed to come from nowhere.  A few meters ahead, a row of five chairs sat on a raised platform, occupied by figures he could not see in the dark.  But he could feel them there.  He could feel them all around the perimeter of the room.

"Who are you?"

The voice startled him not because it was unexpected, but because he couldn't pinpoint which of them it was coming from.  In fact, it may not have been coming from any of them.  At least, not with their mouths.  Sure enough, he could feel them inside of his head, poking around, only a few seconds later.  Whoever they were, they were extraordinarily sophisticated telepaths.

"I'm the Doctor."  Standing up straight, he clamped down every mental defense he had in his reserves.  "Who are you?"

"Doctor."  A long moment of silence, whispering he couldn't make out.  Then, finally, the voice returned.  "The Doctor?  From Earth?"

Immediately wary of that question, he stood a little straighter and guided Rose just a fraction of a step behind him. 

"No," he answered steadily.  "From Gallifrey."

"You come in peace?"

"Yes, I do.  But it's very difficult to answer questions coming from thin air.  Can't I at least know who I'm speaking with?"

"You will answer the question."

"What question?"

"The other.  Is she also from Gallifrey?"

"No.  She's from Earth."

No answer came.  But the sudden cry of pain from behind him made him almost forget that he was awaiting one.  "Rose!"

Adrenaline kicked in instantly as he saw her drop to her knees, writhing in pain with her hands over her ears.  His hand on her shoulder did nothing to comfort her.  "My head!"

Telepathic beings.  Telepathic and hostile beings.  No telling just what they were trying to accomplish.  A show of power?  Pure, unbridled anger?  Either way, they'd just shortened his fuse considerably.

"Stop it!"  He was on his feet again, spinning to face the shadowed figures seated on the platform above.  "Get out of her head!"

"She is from Earth.  She does not come in peace."

On her hands and knees now, Rose was gritting her teeth hard, trying not to cry out.

"She's with me!"

"She is from Earth."

"You have no reason to harm her; she hasn't done anything to you!"

"She is from Earth."

"And she is leaving.  Right here, right now, with me, never to return if that's what you want just get out of her head!"

"You have said that before.  And yet, here you are."

He grit his teeth.  He didn't know who he was talking to, or what they were on about.  And with the sound of Rose's pain ringing in his ears, he only knew one thing in this moment.  Drawing on all the anger of a thousand years, he took another slow step forward, cold eyes fixed on his target.