Doctor Who One Hundred

Dashing Sir Henry helped Ace down from her horse without a second thought, swinging her gracefully to the ground. He didn’t notice what the Doctor did: a trace of frustration in her face. I could’ve done that myself.

So rather than hopping off his own horse, the Doctor waited pointedly for assistance.

Sir Henry looked back to see his second guest still perched on his mount. The Doctor extended a hand and let the startled baronet help him down.

“I’m unused to riding, you see,” he murmured.

Ace, who had watched the whole thing, smiled and gave him her arm.

General Orion, of the Fifth Space Fleet, thought Earth would prove a laughably easy conquest. He descended in force on its defenders’ headquarters, took them by surprise, and even assured the resident Time Lord’s compliance through hostages.

Then a slight young woman turned up after her day off. She made the tea, she said demurely. His sentry let her through.

Later, she asked to speak to Orion. “What is it, darling?” was all he managed before a small golden blur karate-chopped him in the neck.

It’s always the little ones, he thought afterwards, as Benton escorted him to the cells.