A Perfect Transition

NOTES: Yet another piece of fan fiction featuring the good Doctor. This story is set before his triumphant return in the 2005 episode Rose and the Doctor feels retirement is the only way forward. Who is the best person to persuade him otherwise? Why himself of course. Once again the good Doctor is property of the BBC and not to be re-produced. A little bit of fun.


The Doctor stared around the console room and did his best to remember the last time the TARDIS had been this empty. He was of course used to having someone around to interact with and as he was now very much on his own he was beginning to feel extremely lonely. After his recent perilous adventures the strain was also starting to show. Unfortunately it seemed that destiny had no intentions for him to stop and rest, he had recently traced the Nestene Conscience to Earth and he knew another invasion attempt was definitely on the cards. What was troubling him at the moment was he was beginning to wonder whether the Earth was worth saving. He didn't like admitting it, but this time he was tempted to sit back and just let nature take it's course.
"Thinking of our past sins?" A cheerful voice asked. "Because if you are then I should think you have plenty to choose from."
Startled the Doctor spun around and found himself face to face with what at first appeared to be a bizarre cross between Wild Bill Hickcock and Charlie Chaplin. The man in front of him had a mop of curly hair, wore a velvet frock coat and a cheerful grin that was strangley addictive. If didn't take much to work out he was being visited by his past self.

The Doctor's immediate predecessor shoved his hands in his pockets and began exploring the TARDIS.
"I say I like what you've done with the old girl, very organic. Whereas I was aiming for the Wellsian look you seem to have taken your cue from Gardeners international!"
The Doctor sighed and sat down, smoothing out his leather jacket as he did so.
"I hope you don't think I'm being rude." He said. "But seeing as though you're not actually here I've decided not to acknowledge you, that alright?"
"Come on old chap, there's no need to be like that. I know I only exist now in your mind but you could at least listen to what I have to say."
The Doctor looked up at him, a bored look on his face. "Alright then, let's hear it."
"I know you've had a tough time lately." The eighth Doctor began. "Remember I was there as well, after all that's why you're now in charge and I'm not. It's been tough I can't deny it, but you just can't quit!" The Doctor rounded on him angrily.
"Why not? We might as well not bother. There's nothing left that I care about, it's all gone!"
"What do you mean?"
"Our world is gone, don't you understand? Blown away in some pointless war! We chose to go on the run all those years ago, we were even branded a renegade by our own people but the point is Gallifrey was always there! We still had a home, now there's nothing left but a floating pile of ash!"
"That's true, but don't you think we owe it to Gallifrey to carry on? I believe our people perished because of their policy of non-intervention, something which we have never agreed with, that's why we left in the first place. We both know there will always be evil in the universe, and I personally believe we can still make a difference." He paused, and then gave one of his annoying grins. "You never know you might even start to enjoy yourself!"

The Doctor was silent for a moment and then gave his predecessor a manic smile.
"You're right." He turned to the console and began frantically working the controls. "After all after two previous attempts you'd think the Nestenes would be able to take a hint!" He turned back to his other self, to find that he was once more alone in the TARDIS.

Again The Doctor stared around the console room, and somehow it didn't feel quite so empty. Even though he was travelling on his own, it appeared he was never on his own. He grinned as the TARDIS came to a stand still with it's traditional groan and he strode through the doors with a new found confidence, The Doctor was about to make a difference.