Seeing the Sights
By
Martgritte

“Selinius 3,” announced the Doctor as he flung open the Tardis doors to reveal the land in front. Several twisty structures, formed from black rock, populated the landscape which also saw a long orange river flowing through it. The skies were deepest crimson yet light enough to see clearly.

“Are the other two as much of a dump as this one,” Donna Noble replied stepping outside wearing a large jumper.
“Well you’re the one who didn’t want to go to the touristy places, very out of the way this, rustic universe, one of the old planets,” he explained.
“Looks like Chiswick shopping centre after it burnt down,” she replied wandering down to the river.
An old wooden barge loomed into view cutting a fierce path through the water. It stopped sharp and threw a small wave over Donna as she moved closer.
“Yeuch! Why is it sticking to me!” she shouted.
“No ordinary water this, purest source of Avence in the galaxy. It’s like a sticky water, oh it won’t harm you but it’s actually a very interesting composite...”
“It feels like fudge, it’s like being covered in Mars bars.”
“Yeah, that about describes it,” he nodded in agreement.
Just then a shape rose up from under the barge, spilled onto the side, and took the form of a small man.
“Trip around the Cove of Asbeck, sir and madam, see the sights while the suns are full.  My name is Assem and I shall be your guide.”
“ Ooh, I’ll have some of that,” Donna climbed in.
“Yeah, why not, bit of local colour, does you the other world of good.”
“You, sir, you I recognise,” the man said.
“Me? No I’ve never been here, might have been Selinius 2 but not here. Have I?” the Doctor replied.
“Your face will make sense to me on our trip, climb aboard, sir.”
“Actually perhaps I’d better not this time. I’ll take a look around instead.”
“You aren’t gonna find something nasty are ya?” Donna asked.
“No no.  At least I hope not.”
The man dissolved into liquid, becoming part of the river, and built up a wave behind the barge. Steadily he pushed it along at a brisk pace allowing Donna to relax and take in the sights. The Doctor waved manically until she was out of sight. His face sagged down to a natural state and his overactive mind started ticking over.

He dashed over the rocky hills taking in the scenery and thinking of solutions. Was I here before? Could it be the Daleks? No, they couldn’t get far without getting stuck on the surface? Sontarans? No, what would they want with this planet.  What, in fact, would anyone want with this planet? There’s nothing here to invade for. Nothing...
Sprinting over the peak of a structure, which resembled a coiled snake, the Doctor was suddenly hit by the view laid out in front of him. He stood aghast as a small wind blew his hair up and whipped his coat around him. Twin suns blasted out their yellow rays lighting up the crimson sky and the land set out in front would convince the watcher that they could see forever. The land stretched out far and wide with the mighty river trailing into the sunset becoming an orange trickle with Donna’s barge slowly making its way along.  

Nothing at all.

Taking in its beauty he realised why anyone would want to visit and why he did. Selinius 3 was one of the first alien planets he had brought Rose Tyler to after his latest regeneration. The process always shakes free a few loose brain cells and he suddenly remembered it existed.  Settling down on a flat piece of rock he began to reminisce. Within minutes of their arrival they had found this spot and had stayed for hours starring at the landscape. The Doctor told stories of the planets and settlements they could see while Rose gasped in amazement and insisted on asking question after question which he enjoyed supplying the answers to. The serene atmosphere was broken by an inharmonious noise, her mobile phone, as her mother called to check up on her. Apparently despite the constant warm atmosphere a coat was still needed. While she continued with the call Rose doodled on the rock face with her Tardis key.  The Doctor then started to inspect the surface he was sitting on, throwing away rock after rock, piece after piece looking for it. What time was this anyway? This may have happened 1,000 years ago or will be happening in the next 48 hours. I really should start taking notes again, he thought.

Walking along the surface he scanned it closely until he found a large flat stone nestling on the edge. Scratched into its surface was a mini picture of the Tardis. The Doctor took out his sonic screwdriver and freed it from the stone.
“Doctor!”
Quickly he slipped the stone into his jacket pocket as he saw Donna bounding up the rocks towards him.
“You got any money?” she asked.
“I should have somewhere,” he said as Assem slithered into view. “I have currency from every time and place in the universe in the back in the Tardis. Well, except the Euro.”
“You are the the Doctor?” Assem asked.
“Yup, the the Doctor.”
“Then you shall not pay a singular Gort, sir. You saved us from the Blagbeast when it ravaged our crops, it’s the least I can do so,” he added.
“Much obliged,” he grinned.
“Right, that’s the sights seen, so now what do we do?” Donna asked.
“Come with me,” the Doctor smiled. He took Donna’s hand and led her back over the rocks to gaze upon the view, taking in her wonder as once he did with Rose.  Again he began his little history lesson whilst one hand remained in his pocket, running his fingers slowly over the stone.

The End