Fixed in Time (Doctor Who Fanfiction)

Changing The Stars

Chapter 4

Immediately I was bound and moved out of the repair shop towards.... The Citadel. I was shocked, and stared in wonder as I passed through the thick glass wall on one edge of the dome.

Then I was in, under the dome amongst the bustling streets and gleaming buildings of Gallifrey's Capitol city.

It surprised me how.... dingy it was. I'd only ever seen the streets from the outside, so naturally all I'd noticed was how it gleamed in the sunlight, and never how the streets were in shadow, showing the absolute rule of the High Council of Time Lords.

When the Commander saw the way I was looking at everything he had a blacked-out visor placed over my eyes, saying that I had 'disrespected the Time Lords enough'.

Many minutes later, my sight was unobstructed, and I found myself in a room with a high-arching ceiling and ceramic poles against the walls holding it up. There were high steps upon which immaculately dressed Gallifreyans were sitting and staring down at me. To my left up above my head was a blank screen set in the wall and to my right was the door that led out of this room, my prison and also, as I had now figured out, the High Council meeting place. Oh boy, was I in trouble.

A man I knew to be the Castellan, head of civilian security, stepped up from his spot and came forwards to stand in front of me. I realised there was a vague, buzzing, purple field surrounding me and that I was trapped inside of it.

"So..." he began, looking me over. "You're the half-human who tried to steal a time machine."

"That's me." I replied coolly. I wasn't actually that worried; I mean, how bad a punishment could they give me?

The Castellan glanced down at the device in his hand; probably it held information about me.

"I see you had set your coordinates for planet Earth, interesting." He mused, looking back up at me. Then he passed the device to one of the guards and moved in closer to me. "Tell me, Susan, did you know that stealing a Mark 3 time and space transporter is a Mauve level crime?"

"Actually, sir, I didn't." I told him truthfully. As if I looked it up before trying to steal it.

"Well, it is." The Castellan continued. "If any aliens got a hold of that machine they could change the course of the universe, do whatever they pleased. They might even destroy the web of time! Do you understand how serious this is?"

"Yes, sir." I answered casually.

He glared at me. "Humph! Well, a crime that serious, though only attempted, needs a punishment of the same severity!"

The Castellan turned to the High Council. "Have you thought of a penalty yet?" he addressed the Chancellors.

A lady in a high necked cape and a long, deep red dress stood up. "The High Council has decided!" she announced to the whole room. "The half-human's punishment will be-"

All heads turned as the door slid open and in hurried my mother alongside the Doctor. They both stared at me in shock, before addressing the Chancellors.

"I apologise for the interruption." My mother nodded respectfully, as the Doctor stood tensely beside her. "We only just received the message."

The Chancellor raised her eyebrows for a fraction of a second. "Very well then. You may witness." The Doctor and mum moved over to stand watch. "As I was saying, your punishment, Susan, is exile. You will be sent to Earth, your other place of heritage, cut off from Gallifrey, forbidden to return and forced to stay in one time, for the rest of your life!"

She said it so dramatically, and I struggled to keep a straight face. Exile? Was that all? It was so ridiculous I felt like laughing. They were giving me exactly what I wanted. That was when I caught the look on my mum's face. She was so disappointed, it made my singular heart break a little. The Doctor's face was worse. He looked... broken, completely shattered. I guess he'd just assumed I'd be hanging around forever, spending my life waiting on his visits while he went on to become some great hero. I felt a bit taken aback, but then I also felt upset. I'd probably never see him again.

I straightened under the gaze of the entire High Council. "Is that the High Council's final decision?"

The Chancellor narrowed her heavily made up eyes at me. "Yes."

"When do I go?" I asked apprehensively.

"As soon as possible."

I glanced at the Doctor again. "Can I just have some time to say goodbye?"

She followed my gaze, then nodded. "You have five minutes."

I was released from the restraining field and immediately my mother ran over to hug me.

"Why would you do something so stupid?" she whispered into the top of my head, so sadly.

"I just wanted to leave so badly." I whispered back. "I'm sorry mum."

She pulled back, and regained her dignified composure. "Be good." She murmured.

That was when the Doctor came over, looking uncomfortable. "So you're going into exile, huh?"

I smiled forlornly. "I guess I'll never get to see you do all those amazing things you've got planned."

"No." he replied absently. I knew that was not what he'd been worried about.

Since he didn't seem to ever be going to bring up what was on his mind, I decided to instigate a conversation. "Will I ever see you again?" I asked.

"Well... I don't think so."

"But won't you visit?" I pressed him. You see, I really didn't want to lose my best friend.

He seemed to brighten immediately, a thought striking him. "Yeah, I suppose I could."

I glanced to where a Chancellor stood, next to a transport pad, and holding a shiny pack. I would have to go soon.

"Tell Koschei goodbye for me." I told him. He nodded.

"I promise, and I'll visit you as soon as possible. Just... never change, Susan." With that he pulled me into a bear hug, which I reciprocated gladly. Once the hug was complete, he kissed me on the cheek. I blushed.

"It's time to go." The Chancellor told me sternly.

I stepped back, and looked at both my mother and my friend. "Well, goodbye." I said, feeling emotionally conflicted.

I moved over to where the Chancellor stood. He handed me the pack he was holding.

"This contains everything you'll need to establish a life on Earth." He assured me, though his eyes were cold.

I nodded. "Thank you."

Then I stepped onto the transporter pad and waved goodbye, as I was zapped away towards my new home.

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Finally! Susan is on her way off Gallifrey!

Now we can get into the main plot, which is virtually non existent but nonetheless! I'm actually quite enjoying this story and I hope you all are too.

Thanks for reading! :)