“Benton?” “Are you kidding me?” Charley asked with a laugh. “Benton’s a good bloke, but he wouldn’t know which end of a computer was up if you hit him with it.” “Yates?” Charley shook her head. “Retired, like the Brigadier. … Continue reading →

Consciousness came back slowly. The first thing Charley became aware of was that she was still alive to be aware of anything: she’d been relatively certain she was dead. The next thing to reach her was the Doctor speaking: “Whatever … Continue reading →

“I can’t believe it,” Charley murmured as the doors of the TARDIS closed once again behind them. Albion Hospital was still on the other side: they weren’t going anywhere for the moment. “That poor animal. And to think it’s nothing … Continue reading →

“Harold Hill,” the Doctor remarked as they stepped out of the TARDIS on the pavement outside Charley’s flat. “Of all the council estates in London, and you choose the one without a Tube station.” Charley folded her arms across her … Continue reading →

Truth be told, it was a terrible plan. For one thing, it depended entirely too much upon the Gelth trusting them. Considering what liars they’d already proved themselves to be, Charley thought it unlikely they’d be too trusting of others. … Continue reading →

She’d had an inkling from the start, but after that whole business with dropping in the day the Earth blew up, Charley was certain. The Doctor was trying to get rid of her. Why else would he ask her to … Continue reading →

A good deal more sober now that they were face to face–so to speak–with the enemy, the Doctor slowly descended the steps until he was standing on a metal grate almost directly above the vat where the Consciousness…well, rippled, really. … Continue reading →

Charley flew forward, her hand on the door almost an instant after it was shut, but it wouldn’t budge. He’d already latched it behind him. “Doctor! Let me in, damn you!” She pounded until her fists ached on the red-painted … Continue reading →