The first face this face sees - Closed for havinfun50

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Dress Link


Jessica Arnold:

Jessica had been looking forward to her graduation and the Graduation Ball for long months, in fact ever since she received her results she could not wait to celebrate the successful completion of 3 long years of study. The formalities had gone off without a hitch, she had turned up smartly dressed and donned he cap and gown and as the ceremonies were conducted in alphabetical order had been one of the first of her peers to walk onto the stage to receive her certificate.

But that had been yesterday.

Today had been given over to the change from smart and formal to preparing herself for her ‘pink princess persona’ so called due to the dusty pink evening gown she had bought especially for the occasion. She had spent the day working on her appearance, not least her hair and makeup. In her hair she wore a faux silver tiara, on her feet silver strappy sandals. The evening was warm, the setting idyllic and the ball was turning out to be everything she had hoped for and dreamed about.

Until the explosion.

One moment she was dancing, the next it seemed from somewhere deeper in the building there was a crash, the force of which sent dust and debris down the corridor and somehow brought the room that had been filled with music and chatter to a sudden silence. And then the only sound was that of heavy footfalls. Who, or rather what they belonged to was anyone’s guess, for the weight of those rhythmic marches suggested an almost military approach the like of which Jessica had not heard before.

And then the room was filled with gasps shocked screams as the most intimidating mass of creatures entered, their bulky ranks filling the dance floor as Jessica and the other students scuttled to the sides in fright as the ranks assembled with precision before their very eyes … For long moments the visitors stood poised as frightened students looked on. Each creature looked stocking and strong and dressed in a dark uniform which together with the large helmet obscured their features. An order was given in a language Jessica had never heard before. The words hung in the air and neither parties moved.

And then as if impatient, the words were repeated, but this time the helmet was thrown back and then removed leaving the students to look upon a grotesquely bestial being who was almost rhinoesque in appearance. As though silently synchronised, in a single fluid movement every member of the rhino army threw back their helmets, their features revealed. From somewhere a woman screamed. And then another. As one the soldiers turned, seemingly angered such a reaction. And then somehow chaos broke out. Students panicked and began rush for the exit. Even as they tried to evade the intruders, the Rhinos turned to pursue those who attempted escape and soon the hall was a mass of panic and screams.

Somewhat belatedly Jessica came to her senses. Not having run yet, she had not attracted the attention of the strange soldiers who now seemed to be swarming everywhere. Instead of running, she eased sideways, her movements measured in an attempt to reach the side of the room where she knew there was a corridor and she hoped some type of exit. For long moments she eased herself slowly away until she judged she could make a run for it. She took a deep breath knowing this was now or never and then grabbed at her skirts and raced out of the side door, down the corridor, winding around first one corner than a second and coming to an external door, a fire door. Surely it had to be unlocked?

She grabbed at the handle and yanked it hard and for the first time in her life blessed Health and Safety regulations as she found herself bursting out into the alley at the back of the venue. Pushing the heavy door closed behind her she looked around in panic. Surely she could hear heavy footsteps from within? Or was it just her imagination. If they were on her trail there was no way that she could get to the end of the long alley in time. Looking around frantically she spied a strange blue box with dated inscriptions, no doubt some retro feature, but just perhaps it would serve a purpose.

Quickly she circled it. It was almost too small to hide behind, but it was her only option.
Ducking behind it and pressing herself against the wooden surface she held her breath and closed her eyes praying that she had not been followed after all.

The Doctor

---------------------------------------
Lights flashed and his body pulsed, his regeneration was almost complete.

Groaning, he rolled over onto his side. He looked at his hands as stray sparks of regeneration flickered between his fingers, and then ran his fingers through his hair. “Oh good, a full head of hair again,” he thought to himself.

Glancing down he realized he was naked. A moderately hairy chest leading to a flat stomach, he scratched the dark hair on his chest and made to get up on one knee. “Where am I?” he thought to himself, “For that matter when am I?”

Turning his head he surveyed the interior of the Tardis. It was in a bit of disarray, but not as bad as he’d feared when he began the regeneration process. He flipped a few switches and look to see when and where he had landed.

“Ah, 2014 London,” he said aloud to himself, “a lovely time.”

He was traveling alone again, Clara had gone back to her job as a Nanny, but he knew he would see her again. He enjoyed traveling alone, but he also missed the fun of showing his “friends” around the universe.

He stretched his arms over his head groaned loudly again, arching his back and wiggiling his toes.

Suddenly he heard a chant coming from outside the Tardis.

“Mo do co sho, mo do co sho, mo do co sho.” Judoon.

“Oh now what?!” he muttered and strode over to the door. Opening it without thinking, he stared at a brick wall that was several feet away. He also felt a weight press against his legs as a strikingly beautiful blond woman in a pink ball gown fell into him from her crouched position against the door.

“Oh…. hello there,” he said as he gently pulled her up and into the Tardis. He could clearly hear the chant and the unified sound of marching as the Judoon passed outside. “I don’t think you want to stay out there at the moment.”

Closing the door quickly, he turned and moved to the Tardis’ console.

Jessica Arnold

Despite Jessica’s hopes, it seemed she had been spotted and followed. She heard their footfalls, heard them hitting against the door, heard those low voices, that strange language and glanced up the alley. There was no hope of getting away before they burst through the door. All she could do was press herself up against the blue wood and pray. From the fire door she could now hear the metal being falling forwards as a previously unnoticed door seemed to open inwards from within the blue paintwork. As her hands shot forward to steady herself, she found her hands coming into contact with a foot and a leg and both of them totally bare!hit with force. She eased down, trying to make herself as small as she could as she feared that at any moment the door might burst open.

But it was an altogether different door which suddenly opened to result in her

“Oh…. hello there,”

A friendly voice greeted her as he helped her to her feet, even as she opened her mouth to reply the words froze in shock as she realised that it wasn’t just the foot and leg, but he was totally naked!

“I don’t think you want to stay out there at the moment.”

He told her as he secured the door behind her. She was only dimly aware of the rhino army having burst out into the alleyway for her eyes were wide and staring as she took in the dimensions of the ‘box’ which had barely afforded her enough cover to hide behind. She pointed around and opened her mouth to speak, but shut it again. She was being chased by rhinos, been pulled into a wooden box by a naked man and now this box turned out to be not a box, but vast …

Jessica took a few hesitant steps as she turned slowly taking in the full proportion of the space she found herself in.

”It … it’s .. massive … “

She murmured finally dragging her eyes back to the man whose body was mercifully masked by the machinery he was working at feverishly.

”You’re .. naked … “

She stated unnecessarily for obviously he would be aware of that.
God, she had found herself saved by some strange nudist type!

He started scanning for the Judoon ship outside and wondered what in bloody blue blazes they were doing here on earth, again. He had let them know in no uncertain terms the last time they arrived that they were to give wide berth to this planet. He only ever gave the “bad guys” of the universe one warning. After that… his thought trailed off as the Tardis’ screen began to show him what he wanted to see.

Studying the screen, he heard a quiet voice:

It … it’s .. massive …
You’re .. naked …

Looking up from the screen, he blushed a bit. “Oops, sorry about that.” He held his hands in front of him and began walking toward the hallway that led to the back. “Just a moment… ummm,” changing direction he quicksteped to where his sonic screwdriver lay on the floor and picked it up. “Sorry again…” His movement briefly exposing more than he meant to, “ummm be right back.”

He part walked part crouched his way out of her sight so that he could put some clothes on. He wondered to himself what the Tardis had cooked up for him this time.

Rummaging through the closet he found a white on white pinstripe collared shirt, some nice denim pants and black, smooth leather laced shoes. That ought to work, he thought to himself. Grabbing a classic Burberry trench coat from a hook by the door, he hurried back out to the control room.

“Well now… where were we…”

“Oops, sorry about that.”

Perhaps not a nudist then if he was apologising. Jessica watched as he seemed to decide to head off, perhaps to get dressed, though why he was undressed right now she couldn’t even begin to guess.

“Just a moment… ummm, … Sorry again… mmm be right back.”

She blushed as she watched him move towards the door. Somehow now he was aware and self-conscious it seemed even more wrong. She averted her eyes finally as he disappeared through the door and then slowly redirected her gaze, walking warily towards the big central hub which seemed alight with switches and buttons. Careful not to touch anything, Jessica walked in a slow circle taking in the sight of the various panels. True she was a bit calmer now, but she was looking at the impossible and of course that disturbed her.

“Well now… where were we…”

His voice drew her attention again. His outfit was smart despite the denim of his pants. For the first time she really looked at him closely and was amazed to realised that he was actually good looking, not least because he exuded friendliness and reassurance.

”yes, where or what is this?”

She echoed his question.

”This .. in here … it’s … impossible.”

She told him faintly.

”I must have become very ill this evening … and I hardly had anything to drink … “

What other explanation could there be? Was this all her own imagining.

”Either I need a doctor or a psychiatrist … “

She concluded.

He started to walk back to the Tardis’ screen and continue scanning the Judoon, however the ashen look on her face gave him pause.

Instead, he walked over to her and put his hand on her back in support,in case she either fell or fainted.

“Yes… It’s bigger on the inside. Relax now, you’ll get your bearings in a minute… ummm… I’m sorry, what is your name?”

She was asking questions, but not getting any answers. Surely this couldn’t really be happening? Had she taken something dodgy without realising? This was never the way she’d planned her graduation ball to be.

“Yes… It’s bigger on the inside. Relax now, you’ll get your bearings in a minute… “

She blinked as if only just noticing that he was stood beside her, his hand lightly supporting her. She frowned. … bigger on the inside? … that just didn’t make sense … but there it was …

” … ummm… I’m sorry, what is your name?”

Her eyes were drawn back to his once more. She had every reason to be wary, but she found herself answering.

”I’m Jessica, Jessica Arnold.”

She took a steadying breath forcibly clearing her head in an effort to think straight. There had to be a logical explanation for all this she reasoned.

”So, who are you? It’s not every day a girl gets chased by rhinos, bumps into a naked man and ends up in an impossible box.”

She told him not without humour.

”… but ... you know what’s going on, don’t you?”

She accused wanting an explanation.

As her color returned, he relaxed his hand against her back, and he took the opportunity to really look at his unexpected guest for the first time. Dressed in a strapless pink ball gown, he inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. “Well,” he thought, “at least she’s not getting married. That always makes things sticky.” The taffeta of her skirt was looking a bit tattered, however the bodice of the gown fit her curves in a very appealing manner. With color returned to her cheeks he noted that his initial impression was indeed correct, she was strikingly beautiful.

“Well Jessica, Jessica Arnold. It does sound like you’ve had an interesting day.” He replied. “And…. no, I don’t know exactly what’s going on... well sort of… but not fully. That’s where you’re going to help me.” He left her side and returned to the Console with the information about the Judoon ship. “I’m the Doctor.”

Returning his gaze to the console, he continued, “What can you tell me about what’s going on out there. It appears you have unwelcome guests.”

“Well Jessica, Jessica Arnold. It does sound like you’ve had an interesting day.”

That wasn’t exactly the description she would use.

“And…. no, I don’t know exactly what’s going on... well sort of… but not fully. That’s where you’re going to help me.”

She watched him return to the panel and wondered how she could possibly help.

“I’m the Doctor.”

He finally introduced himself.

”Doctor of what?”

She asked. Unexpectedly it turned out he must be one of those academic types, even a professor she had never met perhaps? It didn’t explain a lot, but perhaps it at least gave him a reason for being here.

”I’ve never seen you around the university. What’s your specialism?”

She asked curiously as she stepped closer to him watching as he pressed buttons busily.

“What can you tell me about what’s going on out there. It appears you have unwelcome guests.”

He was most skilled at avoiding answering her questions she decided, but responded regardless.

”Nothing really. The Ball was in full swing … we were dancing … then there was this explosion and in marched a whole platoon of … of whatever they were … “

She shuddered at the thought.

”It all seemed calm until panic broke out … it was chaos in there … I was lucky to get out I guess.”

Studying the console, he located the Judoon ship only a handful of blocks away.

”Doctor of what? I’ve never seen you around the university. What’s your specialism?” she asked.

“Ummm, no, sorry, I’m not a professor.” He replied, “Just the Doctor. I… help people.”

He listened intently to what little bit of information she had to convey. Apparently the Judoon had only just arrived. That was fortunate.

“Well, you were most likely in no real danger, however, you were correct to make yourself scarce. That’s quick thinking there.” He pulled up more information on the console. “The Rhino’s, as you called them, are the Judoon, very process oriented creatures as it were. They must be here for a reason. Care to join me in finding out why?”

“Ummm, no, sorry, I’m not a professor … Just the Doctor. I… help people.”

She didn’t quite understand.

”The Doctor…?”

She queried and shrugged in acceptance of the strange appellation

“Well, you were most likely in no real danger, however, you were correct to make yourself scarce. That’s quick thinking there.”

She smiled at his praise.

”They did seem calm … until some women started screaming at them … then running away and … all hell broke loose.”

She told him explaining the exact chain of events.

“The Rhino’s, as you called them, are the Judoon, very process oriented creatures as it were. They must be here for a reason.”

She moved closer watching text and pictures as they flashed across the screens.

”Care to join me in finding out why?”

She considered only briefly.

”Sure, but … won’t they still be out there. I really don’t want to find myself face to face with those Jud… Judoon things … “

She looked towards the door.

”That will hold them won’t it? Keep them outside I mean?”

More details about how the Judoon had arrived provided him with a little more insight into the days events. Not much, but every little bit helped.

“Well of course they'll still be out there, unless that have found what they are looking for, but that’s sort of the point. We can’t ask them what they want if we don’t run into them.”

He noted her glance at the door. “Don’t worry, they can’t get in, but it doesn't matter, we’re going to them. They’re only a few blocks away. Shall we?”

He extended his hand to her and gestured toward the door.

“Well of course they'll still be out there, unless that have found what they are looking for, but that’s sort of the point. We can’t ask them what they want if we don’t run into them.”

Just whose job it was to ask them what they wanted Jessica could never have imagined, but it seemed that this man was eager to find out just why these creatures had arrived there and at that specific tim.

“Don’t worry, they can’t get in, but it doesn't matter, we’re going to them. They’re only a few blocks away. Shall we?”

She blinked incredulously.

"We are going to them!?!?"

She shook her head incredulously as he held his hand out towards her.

"That would be dangerous .. insane ... "

She told him. But then everything that had happened since their appearance was far from logical or common sense.

"So .. we're actually going in search of THEM?"

She queried incredulously.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Doctor."

She found herself stating as somewhat inexplicably she put her hand in his.

“Well of course we’re going to them, after all they can’t get in here.”

Taking her hand in his he opened the door of the Tardis.

"I hope you know what you're doing, Doctor."

“Well of course not. Where would the adventure be in that?”

Turning his attention to the door, he stepped out holding her hand. Rounding the corner of the Tardis they immediately ran smack dab into a platoon of Jadoon. As one, they raised their weapons and directed him to halt.

The Dr. reached into his pocket and quickly put his hands up while simultaneously displaying the small wallet he had retrieved.

“Whoa, whoa whoa. Easy fellas. We’re with the Intergalactic Council of Permits. We just need to make sure everything is in order. So if you will please take us to your commander, I’m sure we can get this over with quickly.”

Confused, they looked at each other in bewilderment. They scanned both the Dr. and Jessica and the Judoon who seemed to be incharge marked their hands with a stamp. “Come.” He stated flatly. and began to escort the unlikely pair to their ship.

“Well of course not. Where would the adventure be in that?”

He told her as he opened the door and they stepped outside. It had been all too easy to forget that the alley had been narrow and that there must be at least one of those soldiers on guard, yet no sooner had they gone round the corner of the box when they found themselves facing row after row of Judoon. There was nowhere to hide, nowhere to go. Jessica gasped in fear as the rhinos raised their weapons, and moved instinctively to press against the Doctor whilst following his example to raise her hands in hopeful surrender.

“Whoa, whoa whoa. Easy fellas. We’re with the Intergalactic Council of Permits. We just need to make sure everything is in order."

Jessica was impressed by how calm he was. She watched as the small wallet was examined and saw a change in the demeanour of the soldiers who had them cornered.

"So if you will please take us to your commander, I’m sure we can get this over with quickly.”

Jessica tried not to flinch as one of the massive rhino creatures approached her and held out what she thought to be a weapon. It buzzed as he moved it over her from head to foot. He checked the display and moved to do the same to the Doctor. She cried out as her arm was grabbed, but rather than hurt her, they simply put a mark on the top of her hand. She looked across at her new companion who seemed unfazed as they did exactly the same to him once more.

“Come.”

Walking between a hefty Judoon escort was not what Jessica had wanted. And if the Doctor's words were to be taken seriously they were on their way to meet the Judoon Commander. Jessica did not dare voice her fears and instead had no choice but to follow the lead of the man beside her. After succeeding in not drawing attention to herself, somehow she very much felt that the Doctor was a man who did the very reverse of that.

The short walk to the Judoon ship was uneventful, however the scene on the street was anything but; everywhere he looked people were running and being tracked down by Judoon soldiers. They scanned tagged and released each person they caught, but the panic in the air was palpable.

Leaning his head toward Jessica he whispered, “The Judoon are the mercenaries of the galaxy. Hired guns as it were. Ruthless, but they are obsessive about carrying out their orders precisely. They would never mount an invasion on their own, someone else is running the show.”

A large cylindrical rocket emerged into view. A tent had been set up outside next to a gangway leading into the ship. The platoon commander broke away from the group and spoke to an Officer within the tent while gesturing toward the Dr. and Jessica.

The Officer and the platoon commander quickly returned to where they were standing. “What is this nonsense. Our paperwork was filed with the Galactic Peace Commission weeks ago.”

Holding up his wallet again the Dr. looked the Officer straight in the eye. “Intergalactic Council of Permits, and no, they weren’t… that is to say they were, but not correctly. I’m going to have to ask that you pack up and cease whatever it is you’re doing here and leave until the proper J37/4-Q57 forms are filed.”

He stood in silence before adding. “What is it you’re doing here anyway?”

The Officer was visibly shocked. He knew the paperwork had been filed correctly, he had seen to the matter himself, but he had never heard of a J37/4-Q57 form and it was possible that the regulations had changed without his hearing about it.

“The re-acquisition of Prisoner 57 has been sanctioned by the highest levels of the Commission. We will continue operations until he has been found.”

The Dr. didn’t skip a beat. “Well... if you insist. However, I’m sure that the Commission will not look favorably on your future endeavors if you just blatantly disregard the rules like this.” Rocking forward on his toes a little. “So again, I’m telling you… Stand Down.”

“The Judoon are the mercenaries of the galaxy. Hired guns as it were. Ruthless, but they are obsessive about carrying out their orders precisely. They would never mount an invasion on their own, someone else is running the show.”

Jessica nodded wordlessly, … mercenaries of the galaxy confirmed their alien origin, but just how it came that this man knew all about their race and how they operated was far from clear. Jessica almost drew to a halt as she took in the view of the rocket. More and more she was realising that she was out of her depth, no more so when the two of them were escorted into a tent to face an even more intimidating looking soldier, the commander, Jessica concluded.

“What is this nonsense. Our paperwork was filed with the Galactic Peace Commission weeks ago.”

Their bluff was called and Jessica dreaded the consequences, but the man beside her remained calm.

“Intergalactic Council of Permits, and no, they weren’t… that is to say they were, but not correctly. I’m going to have to ask that you pack up and cease whatever it is you’re doing here and leave until the proper J37/4-Q57 forms are filed.”

How did he know all that!?!? Jessica wondered, but managed to remain outwardly calm. Just who a woman dressed in a pink party dress was supposed to be, she had no idea and decided that it was best to merely let the Doctor take over.

“What is it you’re doing here anyway?”

She didn’t expect the commander to answer, yet to her surprise he did offer an explanation.

“The re-acquisition of Prisoner 57 has been sanctioned by the highest levels of the Commission. We will continue operations until he has been found.”

His answer made no sense to Jessica, but it seemed that it did to her companion.

“Well... if you insist. However, I’m sure that the Commission will not look favorably on your future endeavors if you just blatantly disregard the rules like this… So again, I’m telling you… Stand Down.”

Perhaps it was his calm and casual demeanour that gave the Doctor that air of authority. She watched as the Judoon glanced one to the other as if uncertain as to how to react. How could one man stand against that rhino army? Jessica could not help but be impressed as they moved into a group as if to confer.

”What do they mean, prisoner?”

She whispered aside.

”All our staff and students have been registered for months, years even.
An escaped prisoner would be a new face around the campus surely?
There are very few ‘new people’ around this evening. ”

She reasoned.

” … not that we usually get many new members of staff at this time of year and term… although ... ”

Just because a member of staff had arrived at the end of term after the course had been delivered and evaluated didn't mean that there was anything sinister, did it?

As the Judoon gathered to confer, he heard a whisper from over his shoulder.

“Good question,” he replied softly. “Let’s see what they do.”

After a few more moments, it appeared a decision had been made. Several lower ranking Officers left the group and shortly thereafter there was the unmistakable sound of large scale radio communications in the air. The commander returned to where the Dr. and Jessica waited quietly.

“We will recall our troops only for as long as it takes to verify the paperwork with the Commission. Once complete, we will re-commence operations, with extreme prejudice. You are to remain until operations are restored.” With that he turned and returned to his command.

With a barely audible sigh of relief, he called to the Commander. “Very well, we’ll just be… over here,” gesturing vaguely at the area behind them.

Turning to Jessica he took her hand, with an arm around her back, and began a brisk walk back to the Tardis. “Come on, let’s go… that won’t hold them off for long. And, by the way… what are you all dressed up for? Not that it isn't becoming, but ball gowns are not normally standard attire for an Intergalactic manhunt.”

“Good question ... Let’s see what they do.”

He murmured, his eyes fixed upon the Judoon as they finally came to their decision.

“We will recall our troops only for as long as it takes to verify the paperwork with the Commission. Once complete, we will re-commence operations, with extreme prejudice. You are to remain until operations are restored.”

It seemed the bluff had worked, for the present at least. The Doctor seemed relieved, but Jessica couldn't help but wonder what might happen if these aliens realised that they had been tricked?

“Very well, we’ll just be… over here,”

His response was casual, but as he took her hand once more and drew her close to him Jessica knew that there was something urgent to attend to.

“Come on, let’s go… that won’t hold them off for long."

He urged as she realised that they were clearly heading back towards his blue box.

" ... And, by the way… what are you all dressed up for?"

They quickly entered the inside-out box, the Doctor closing the door behind them before he turned and seemed to take in her appearance.

"Not that it isn't becoming, but ball gowns are not normally standard attire for an Intergalactic manhunt.”

Jessica laughed.

" ... becoming...?"

She echoed as she followed him to the center where light still danced across the panels.

"I was at my Graduation Ball. I just completed my studies and this was supposed to be the final celebration, a final get together before we students head into the real world ... "

She looked round somewhat bemused.

"I wasn't actually expecting 'reality' to be anything like this though ... "

She looked down at her gown, which was only slightly damaged around the edges and sighed.

"... I wasn't intending to do anything ... intergalactic ... this evening Doctor.
I didn't bring a change just in case aliens invaded."

She commented dryiy.

Ahhhh, a Graduation ball, he smiled at her. Now things were starting to make more sense to him. Afterall it’s not everyday you have a “princess” drop in on you while your naked.

As she looked down in bemusement at the somewhat disheveled condition of her Gown, he headed over to the Tardis’ console and searched for a moment or two before flipping a few switches.

“Well Jessica… Can I call you Jessica?... Congratulations on your Graduation. However, I fear you may find that your education is, only now, just beginning.” He smiled at her and gestured with his arm toward the hallway leading to the back of the Tardis.

“Third door on your right, just as quick as you can, please. I think you’ll find some things there that will be more appropriate for our task at hand. Not sure exactly what you’ll find… but I’m sure it will fit at the very least.”

Turning back to the Console he spoke aloud to himself. “Now... who is Prisoner 57?”

“Well Jessica… Can I call you Jessica?... "

Jessica nodded her consent.

"Congratulations on your Graduation. However, I fear you may find that your education is, only now, just beginning.”

His words were ominous, but matched her thoughts as she wondered just how this would all turn out.

“Third door on your right, just as quick as you can, please."

She followed the direction of his arm as he indicated the hallway beyond.

"I think you’ll find some things there that will be more appropriate for our task at hand. Not sure exactly what you’ll find… but I’m sure it will fit at the very least.”

Her incomprehension cleared to understanding. He was offering her a change of clothes. Curious though that he should have a stock of women's clothes, but she no stranger than Rhino solidiers and aliens she supposed as she saw that he had already turned back to the job in hand, simply assuming her compliance.

Somewhat bemused Jessica headed in the direction he had indicated. The corridor seemed to be endless. Resisting the urge to explore further, Jessica duly counted the doors and pushed the third open.

" ... curiouser and curiouser ... "

She murmured to herself reflecting that she felt very much 'Alice in Wonderland', so surreal was this ... The room had the look of a badly organised costume and props room, reminiscent of one she had seen in a small London theatre when she had joined the drama society. Slowly she picked through, finding that there seemed no logic to how the clothes were arranged. A few outfits tempted her, but she knew she had to go for practical ... and of course something that would not draw attention to her, especially where the Judoon were concerned.

Finally she had her outfit assembled and slid out of her ball gown hanging it carefully as she stood in just panties and heeled sandals. Having no bra and not having managed to locate one Jessica pulled on a black vest top. It clung to her curves, but not indecently so. Kicking off her sandals and stowing them she pulled on the socks and slid on the skinny black jeans she had located before finishing off her outfit with the black trainers she had found. It wasn't glamorous, but at least it all fitted and fitted well. She had located a loose shirt to pull on over her vest top and a short leather jacket. Either would work, or both together, but that was a choice she could make when they headed out again. In the meantime it was more than time to head back down the corridor to the Doctor. A final adjustment to her appearance, she took off her 'tiara' and ran her fingers through her hair relaxing it out of the more formal style she had fixed it into for the evening.

"So, what now?"

She asked casting the shirt and jacket aside as she drew closer to him as he was still busily pressing buttons on the central panels.

Similar image to Jessica - though imagine more curves ...

“Prisioner 57… Pir-son-er… fif-ty… sev-en… Who are you and what do you want with Earth?” The Dr. was still deeply engrossed in his research at the Tardis’ console. He never heard Jessica return until she asked,

"So, what now?"

An excellent question. He took a few moments to collect his thoughts, but found he was distracted by the outfit she had found in the storage room. The jeans fit her snugly, accentuating the curve of her hips and the shapeliness of her legs. The vest was buttoned up, but the deep cut exposed more cleavage than the previous ball gown did and highlighted the delicate curve of her bosom. The fact that her breasts swayed in a mesmerizing fashion while she walked attested to the fact that she was still braless. Her hair was also a bit different, a bit more “relaxed” looking, as it fell further down her brow then before. It looked tussled, but respectable, and it framed her face beautifully.

He shook his head slightly in an attempt to regain his composure. He needed to focus and figure out what was going on outside.

“Ahem… sorry you startled me. I didn’t hear you come back.” He looked deliberately back at the Tardis’ control panel as she drew closer to where he was standing. “I see that you found a change of clothes… Hope it wasn’t too much of a mess back there, Regeneration can be a bit of a disruptive thing.”

He took a few more moments to really collect his thoughts this time, as she stood close, next to him, looking over his shoulder. He could smell the remains of her perfume.

“What now is an excellent question. I’m sure by now the Authorities will be rushing in to muck things up a bit further, hopefully UNIT will take control of the Regular forces and reel them in a bit before it gets too ugly. But, for now we need to figure out who Prisoner 57 is, and what he wants here and now?”

The Dr. Took a few more moments to piece together the information he had gleaned from the Tardis and Jessica so far.

• The Judoon were here to capture another escaped criminal.
• They had only recently arrived so not too much damage had been done… yet
• The Judoon were retreating, but only until they figured out who he was and that he had tricked them.
• The Authorities were sure to rush in and make a bigger mess with their guns and bombs.
• Prisoner 57 wa not in the Tardis database, but the naming designation identified the Prison as a High Security Time Matix used to hold the worst of the galaxies offenders in perpetual suspension.

Turning his head to look her in the eye, he noted that they were ice blue and crystal clear. “Ahem… sorry... Jessica, I need to ask you some very important questions, and I need you to think really hard about the answers before giving them to me, OK?

Have you noticed any ‘unusual’ activity around the area before today? Any new faces? Any unexplained noises, odors, smells? Any behaviors that may have struck you as 'really odd,' but you shrugged them off at the time?”

“Ahem… sorry you startled me. I didn’t hear you come back.”

Jessica realised she must have interrupted his train of thought. She moved closer as he continued to work at the panel.

“I see that you found a change of clothes… Hope it wasn’t too much of a mess back there, Regeneration can be a bit of a disruptive thing.”

She wasn't sure what he meant by that.

"Yes ... it was all a bit of a jumble ... but ... I found something ... "

She told him as she watched him working, though didn't understand anything he was doing.

“What now is an excellent question."

He approved bringing a smile to her face.

"I’m sure by now the Authorities will be rushing in to muck things up a bit further, hopefully UNIT will take control of the Regular forces and reel them in a bit before it gets too ugly. But, for now we need to figure out who Prisoner 57 is, and what he want here and now?”

Nope. She was none the wiser. She had no idea what he was talking about.

"If you say so ... but none of that makes any sense to me."

She confessed.

“Ahem… sorry... Jessica, I need to ask you some very important questions, and I need you to think really hard about the answers before giving them to me, OK?"

She nodded as she replied.

"... sure ... no problem .. ask away .... "

She replied as his full attention seemed focused on her.

"Have you noticed any ‘unusual’ activity around the area before today?
Any new faces? Any unexplained noises, odors, smells?
Any behaviors that may have struck you as 'really odd,' but you shrugged them off at the time?”

She saw how serious he was and reflected on his questions.

"Nothing I'd say 'unusual' ... "

She started.

" ... though ... "

It was a minor thing ... and surely not important but ...

"We did have a Professor leave suddenly ... Professor Narwood ... it's only strange because he'd been here for years ... well respected ... quite a portfolio of research ... but he seemed to just disappear ... overnight ... or as good as ... "

She has been scheduled for one of his end of term lectures, but it had been cancelled with very little notice.

" ... a new guy seemed to come along almost immediately ... there was only a few lectures and marking work left before the end of term, but they got someone in. A 'Professor Michaels' ... I went to his lecture just a couple of weeks ago ... he's nowhere as good as Narwood, but credit where it's due, he always seems to be in his office ... grading papers I imagine ... at least it's quiet there ... nowhere near the other departmental offices ... "

She shook her head and blushed.

"Not important I know but ... it's the only unusual thing I can think of ...

"If you say so ... but none of that makes any sense to me."

He realized that from her point of view, this must all be one big whirling blur of weird. Rhino soldiers, a naked man with a box that’s bigger on the inside, bluffing the Judoon in a ball gown, and all before dusk had set in.

“Im sorry, I’ll explain everything I promise.”

She continued unabated, answering the questions he needed to know the answers to.

"We did have a Professor leave suddenly ... Professor Narwood ... it's only strange because he'd been here for years ... well respected ... quite a portfolio of research ... but he seemed to just disappear ... overnight ... or as good as ... a new guy seemed to come along almost immediately ... there was only a few lectures and marking work left before the end of term, but they got someone in. A 'Professor Michaels' ... I went to his lecture just a couple of weeks ago ... he's nowhere as good as Narwood, but credit where it's due, he always seems to be in his office ... grading papers I imagine ... at least it's quiet there ... nowhere near the other departmental offices ... Not important I know but ... it's the only unusual thing I can think of …"

Interesting… A strange Professor swap at the very end of the term. Might be something there to work with.

“No, no, no. That’s good, that's exactly the sort of thing we’re looking for.” Taking a moment to think, he put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Tell me… what Department were Professor’s Narwood and Michaels in? What was Narwoods area of research?”

“No, no, no. That’s good, that's exactly the sort of thing we’re looking for.”

Jessica smiled at his encouragement. It didn't seem much to her, but then these were strange times.

“Tell me… what Department were Professor’s Narwood and Michaels in? What was Narwoods area of research?”

His touch was reassuring, but somehow she could not help but feel that there was real significance to his question.

"Narwood had a sizeable research portfolio."

She told the Doctor.

"Both professors worked in the psychology department, that was my field of interest."

She explained as she turned slightly and perched on the side of the console as they spoke, careful of course not to press any buttons.

"Narwood started research into twins, the old nature/nurture debate ... but then he went on to specialise in psychic links, between twins at first, but as he became more established he carried out some more ... unorthodox work ... "

She smiled fondly.

"I attended one of his tutorials, wrote a paper for him last year. He was working on what he called the 'meeting of minds', mind control, empathy. I think he looked into every angle including hypnosis, regression ... even possession towards the end I think ... "

She frowned worriedly.

"He was well established her, for all his crazy ideas. Him leaving suddenly just seemed ... illogical ... but I was taking my finals and ... "

She felt guilty. She should have asked, enquired, but ... somehow she hadn't ... and neither had any of her peers. Even the other members of staff seemed unconcerned.

"It was just ... accepted for some reason ... "

She murmured, the inexplicable way that Michaels has simply fitted into Nawood's place somehow.

"Michaels ... I'm not aware of his research portfolio ... though his lecture was about subliminal messages ... hypnotism ... more about the manipulation of psychology I suppose. He spoke of ... advertising ... and ... "

She frowned. She had attended the lecture, taken notes even ... or had she?

"... he demonstrated ... "

She had a memory of him calling students up on the stage, of watching the screen of ... but for some reason it was indistinct. For a moment she panicked realising she could not fully recall what had happened during that lecture, but then inexplicably, the feeling left, as if a door had closed on that particular worry.

"Like I said, Michaels wasn't as interesting a speaker as Narwood."

She concluded lightly as if that realisation and anxiety had never happened.