The Christmas Gift London, 1883 “Perhaps we should move it to the right,†Vastra mused while looking at the Christmas tree in her sitting room. “It’s perfect where it is, Besides, we already finished decorating it. I just wonder why the Doctor wanted us to decorate two trees.†Jenny replied as she glanced back into the other tree at the other end of the room. “Only he knows. The message he left with the trees and ornaments was vague at best.†“At lest Strax is enjoying himself.†“Perhaps a little to much.†said Vastra as she pointed out an ornament. Jenny was shocked at what she saw. “Are those… do you think the Doctor will notice?†“Lets hope not. He‘s due to arrive any moment.†Almost as if on cue, they both turned to the window when they heard the telltale vworp, vworp, vworp sounds the TARDIS made when it materialized. Moments later, there were knocks at the front door and Strax immediately left to answer it. When he returned, the Doctor and Clara were right behind him. “Madam, the Doctor and Clara are here,†announced Strax. “Yes, we can see that. Thank you Strax.†said Vastra. “Doctor, will you now explain why you wanted us to decorate two trees?†“Its Christmas time. Do I need a reason?†he lied. “Vastra, Jenny and Strax all looked at each other before looking back to the Doctor and in unison answered “Yes!†“Clara, you tell them. You got me into this, well you, Angie and Artie. Deviously clever children those two. I‘m just going to be over there inspecting that tree.†he said as he walked to the closest Christmas tree. “Me? Don’t blame me, I just backed them up when they out clevered you at you own game.†Clara said at him then looked at the puzzled group in front of her. “Fine. Short version. Artie and Angie asked the Doctor about what he likes about Christmas on Earth. They played a game that he lost in and now he has to do three things with a Christmas spirit or they get to keep his sonic screwdriver.†The Doctor looked over the decorated tree admiring it until something caught his eyes. “Strax, are some of these ornaments grenades?†“Of course sir. It wouldn’t be festive without something blowing up.†“An armed Christmas tree. That’s a first. Oh right, its not. Had a run in with nasty Roboform versions of Christmas trees a while back. Where are the ornaments I brought you?†“Defective sir. They were to fragile and broke in my hands.†“Of course they did. I should have seen that coming. Your large Sontaran fingers aren’t suited to handle fragile things. I trust that they are not armed?†Strax stood there for a few seconds thinking before answering. “Of course they are not armed sir.†“Well, it seems I have things to do. I’ll just pop out for a bit.†the Doctor said while straightening his bowtie with a smile. “Clara, you stay here. Finish the story, have some tea. I have to do the first two alone. Be back before you know it.†He dashed out the front door. As she watched the TARDIS dematerialize through the window, Clara felt the eyes of everyone on her. She turned around with a quick smile, “Right, where were we?†“They have his sonic screwdriver?†Vastra asked. “And what were these three things they want him to do?†Jenny piped in. “Who are Artie and Angie and should I annihilate them?†asked Strax. “They are two children I used to nanny for and no annihilation please. I have the screwdriver but he doesn’t know that. Couldn’t leave it with Artie and Angie. The first one was he should visit some old friends…†New York City, 2013 In a large cemetery, the Doctor stands in front of a tombstone. “Hello Amy, Rory.†“The second thing,†Clara continued “was he had to go home.†In the far future, somewhere in the Kasterborous constellation near where the planet Gallifrey once existed, the TARDIS floats silently. Its doors open, the Doctor looks out where his home world once was. After a moment of solemn silence he smiles. “I will find you.†Just then the TARDIS materialized in the room over one of the trees. The Doctor came out with a smile. “Two down one to go. Anyone know how am I supposed to wrap this tree? Should I wrap it considering where its going? No? Never mind then. Your ready Clara?†“I wouldn’t miss this for anything.†Clara replied. “But what about the other tree?†Jenny asked. “It was always meant for you three. Merry Christmas!†said The Doctor and he vanished inside the TARDIS. Clara, almost to the TARDIS doors was stopped by Vastra. “Before you go, what was the third thing?†she asked her. “To give the gift Christmas to an enemy.†Clara said with a bit of a smile. As the TARDIS again dematerialized, Vastra wondered who this enemy would be out of all that the Doctor has made in his lifetime. “Oh my.†she said as it suddenly dawned on her. In the far future, inside the Dalek flagship above Skaro a blue police call box vanishes leaving behind a Christmas tree and the fading vworp, vworp, vworp sounds. Two Daleks approach it investigating this mysterious object. “What is it?†one asks the other. “Identify. Identify!†They both see a card resting on a branch with “Merry Christmas! From The Doctor.†written on it. “What is Christmas, Doctor who?†the second one asks in return. “Doctor who? Doctor who?†They both say in unison. ------------------ 939 words Inspiration is obviously some holiday fun with Doctor Who.