The Rose & Crown

Chapter Nineteen

The Garazone System, 2532

The melodic hum of the metal city was felt below her feet as Clara stepped out of the TARDIS and into the small alcove of a crowded alley. The aroma in the air was filled with the unfamiliar scent of foods she had never tasted, perfumes she had never inhaled, and people she had never met. The countless unknown species passing by took no notice of her, nor the strange blue box she had emerged from as they went about their business in the populous marketplace. The continuous drone of a thousand voices pierced her ears, blending together as one collective symphony. High above her head, a large rust-coloured planet was visible beyond an extensive glass-domed ceiling. An unusually thick layer of spacial storm clusters could be seen nearby.

The Doctor exited the box and closed the door behind him. Approaching her side, he slipped his hand into hers and inhaled a deep breath in preparation for their departure. Once ready, he looked to her curious expression and smiled. As many times as he had warned himself not to bring her anywhere after their last endeavour on Messaline, he couldn't resist the look of wonder in her eyes. Little by little, he was finally winning her back. "Okay, let's go," he requested, keeping her close as they entered the fast lane of flowing pedestrians.

Her eyes worked quickly to take in every bit of their surroundings as they manoeuvred their way through the endless sea of people. Her focus redirected itself towards each shouting merchant as they displayed their jewels and tapestries for purchase, held strange exotic animals, or offered samples of their home planet's most popular delicacies to lure in potential customers. "Where are we?" she shouted over the chatter, trying to avoid being trampled or lost in the masses as he continued to lead her through the crowd.

"The Orion star system, Garazone Central," he called back. "The largest interstellar commerce station in the known universe."

"Please tell me you didn't drag me halfway across the galaxy for new parts to your clockwork squirrel," she groaned, dodging as many people as she could as they pushed their way passed them.

"Are all women this difficult to please? You take them out for a day of unlimited shopping and they assume you have an ulterior motive."

"Okay, so why are we really here?" She raised her brow suspiciously, wondering how many shops they intended to pass before finally stopping at anything even remotely interesting.

"Information," he answered determinedly, remaining focused on getting them through the hordes.

"Right. I'm sure it'll look lovely hanging in my bedroom."

The Doctor charted every alley and shop they passed, keeping a mental note of where he parked the TARDIS in case they had to return in a hurry. His eyes scanned each building and internal passageway housed within the large space station, gathering strategic Intel in the off chance it would become useful later. Along the corridor walls, he observed various hospitable amenities: bank tellers, communication terminals, vendors, and elevators. Everything one might need to ensure their extended stay was well worth the trip. As they passed into the next alley, the lights inside the domed structure flickered and dimmed for a few moments before returning to full power.

"What was that?" She stopped, noticing the unusual sight. Though no one else seemed to have been affected by the sudden malfunction.

"Ion storm. You learn to get used to them," he answered, unphased by the brief darkness.

"Are we safe in here?" she asked before quickly reminding herself that wherever the Doctor was, some aspect of danger was sure to follow.

Returning to her side, he placed his arm around her waist to herd her through the crowd as he spoke. "I'd be more concerned with what's out there than what's in here." He gestured towards the ceiling at the strange clouds forming in the surrounding space. "This station is over a century old. The first of its kind to be built with an energy shield strong enough to withstand the destructive nature of the ion storms. By the turn of the twenty-sixth century, it had become the most successful trade-way in existence - luring thousands of visitors and merchants since the end of the last Cyber War. Think of it as a sort of interstellar sideshow attraction. A space Route Sixty-Six."