New Earth

[just_the_doctor]

The TARDIS doors open on a windy landscape. A grassy plain on the shore of a lake, with all manner of short-range atmospheric crafts buzzing about their tasks.

"It's the year five billion and twenty-three," the Doctor explains. "We're in the galaxy M-87, and this? This is New Earth."

Comments

[just_the_doctor]

They watch from the TARDIS door as the older Cassandra, in the failing body of the half-life Chip, approaches the younger and compliments her beauty. The younger waves it off at first, but Chip's voice persists. She is truly beautiful. Just the way she is. It's self-effacing, but it's a warning, too, and a plea to remember, to keep that knowledge with her and not allow herself to end up as she already knows she will.

The body collapses then, all the life exhausted, draining away. Cassandra the younger catches the falling form, easing it to the ground. She calls for help, then rocks the dying (her) Chip, murmuring soothingly.

Rose turns away and goes back into the TARDIS, but the Doctor watches for another lingering moment. The fear of death, of ending, is a powerful motivator.

Especially when you're the last of your kind.