What could be better than Doctor Who jumping onto a falling airship? Here is a quick teaser fan fiction story with the Doctor and my favorite companion, Rose. Having worked my way through a Dr. Who marathon, I felt it was time that the Doctor integrated himself into the Steampunk community. There are aspects from my upcoming novel, Lady Copper, mixed into this fan fiction story. Enjoy, and feel free to leave any comments below. |
"My name, as you no doubt know, is Inventor Eugene Lamont, of the Aeronautics division of the Academy. I am overjoyed that you all have come to partake in this world changing voyage." Mumbled whispers sounded out around him from jealous lips. "You will each be paid the sum already discussed with you by the Academy. I look forward to seeing how you interact with Windscowl once we have ascended skyward.
"Mr. Lamont, excuse me, but how many practice runs have you done?"
"And you are?"
"Oh, sorry, I am Inventor Nicholas Downs. I am here to work with Element X and over see that the correct amounts of steam are used for propulsion…"
"Yes, yes Mr. Downs. You should have been briefed before this run, but I will tell you my team and I have been up to the clouds now a total of 8 times. Each run lasting from one hour to three. Our goal is to travel from here over the next 1,000 mile stretch of land, putting us near to Haven. This voyage is for stamina, not for speed. We need to see how she handles over the next 18 hours." This silences any further questions about the stability of the aeroship or the question about whether they would get off the ground. With a motion of his arm a metal ladder as eased down from the upper deck. "Now if you all will continue above to the main deck, we will continue your briefing there, away from prying eyes." A chuckle went through the throng of people as they began to climb. Wandering up onto the deck, Mr. Lamont proceeded to pair up all the sky techs with a different crewmember. Each tech had his own specialty. "Those of you left are simply along for the ride. I would prefer that you remain on the main deck of the ship. All notes and observations will be welcome upon completion of the journey."
******
The pale moonlight lit up a layer of billowy cotton soft wisps of cloud tendrils that caressed the massive hull. The aluminum-steel plates cut a path through the cool night air, leaving a shadowy void behind the ship. Pairs of eyes stared out over the edges. An eerie silence was randomly pierced by the hiss of steam releasing from side vents. The rhythmic sway of the deck lulled the passengers into a lazy quietness. Curled up next to their colleagues, everywhere people were huddled up masses sitting around on cool metal benches. Wraps, gloves, and stocking caps covered people from head to toe. Several sets of night goggles could be spied throughout the deck. Whether academy personal or simple travelers, their eyes pierced through the night to sights unseen.
******
The whiz and whirl of the translucent policebox beat in time with the whistle of the aeroship's blades. Fading in and out of reality in the last empty corner of the ship, it finally settled into place. The door popped out as the blonde silhouette, of Rose Tyler, stepped out sporting a pair of jeans, a white blouse, and tan vest.
"Oh, I thought this was supposed to be the Hindenburg?" The Doctor said pushing her out of the way, stepping into view. Staring around ship as if it was somehow wrong. "But there isn't so much a giant balloon, as… well look at that, metal propellers just a whirling round. And over there, do you see it?"
"The Hindenburg, Doctor?" Rose asked.
"Aw, Rose, I don't think it is the Hindenburg. Although, I don't remember these things looking so much like a sailing ship." Sailing ship? Rose moved towards the edge of the ship. Grabbing the side rails, her eyes peered down at the empty space below. Her heart sped up pounding almost painfully against her ribs. They were so far from the ground, she couldn't make out the structures below.
"Oh, it's a flying ship. Are these clouds we're flying through?" she asked. What new adventures did he have for her today? Were these truly clouds they were flying through? She spread her arms and spun in a circle, letting the cool night air wash over her. The damp shine on her face was refreshing in the evening air.
"I think they call them aeroships," the Doctor corrected patting his pockets. What was the man looking for now?
"Oye! Who are you all? I don't remember letting you on this ship." A man seemingly in charge lumbered towards them larger than life itself.
"Aye, you must of just missed us Mr..." the Doctor said, pulling out a small, rectangular id holder.
"Mr. Lamont. This is my ship." He squinted his eyes to see the incredible small writing as if he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing.
"You're from the Academy?" Lamont asked.
"Yes we are, from the Academy," the Doctor said taking a well timed pause.
"of Science and Technology Research Department?" Mr. Lamont asked again. Rose held her breath. People usually just took what they saw for granite. She couldn't remember when the last time the ID paper hadn't worked.
"Yes to study the research of this magnificent ship. I'm the Doctor and this is my assistant, Rose Tyler." The man narrowed his eyes yet again.
"I don't remember you being on my list or at the briefing? Were you assigned to a station?"
"We've only just arrived," the Doctor stated so matter of factly that there was a giant uncomfortable pause in the conversation.
"What he meant was," Rose jumped in "that we were not assigned anywhere specific, that we were merely awaiting your direction."
"Aw, I see. Well, all the positions are filled at the moment. Why don’t the two of you stay on the deck level and comply your notes from here. There is much to see above and there will be plenty of time to see the interworkings of the ship after we land."
"Will do." The Doctor gave a half salute. Rose could all but see the wheels in his head turning towards the ship's operations.
"A glorious moment in history, the first of its kind, this ship. An invention to change the world as we now know it," Mr. Lamont was still rambling on.
"As you know it," Rose mumbled under her breath. If only he knew the things I knew, Rose thought, he wouldn't think one ship would change the world.
"I'm sorry, what was that you said?" Lamont asked staring at her as if she had a true question to ask him.
"Nothing, I was marveling at the wonder of it all."