Chapter Five : Tooth and Claw

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CLAUDIA SAT ON THE CAPTAIN'S CHAIR, LEGS DANGLING IN FRONT OF HER as Rose dug around in her bag. She wore a pink t-shirt and blue jean overalls shorts, black tights and boots .

Claudia had thrown on the same as usual, old black jeans and a Rolling Stones shirt with one of Sam's old flannels thrown overtop it. Her hair was in a ponytail today, wisps of loose hair dangling into her face.

"What do you think of this?" Rose asked the Doctor and Claudia. "Will it do?"

"The late 1970's?" The Doctor asked, glancing at her. "You'd be better off in a bin bag. At least Claudia's wearing something appropriate."

Claudia looked down. "I mean, Rolling Stones were the 70's, so I figured if ever a time..."

"Hold on, listen to this," the Doctor told them both, flipping a switch as rock music blared from around the TARDIS. Claudia smiled, watching as the Doctor and Rose danced together.

"Ian Dury and the Blockheads."

"Number one in 1979," Claudia spoke up and the Doctor grinned over at her.

"Ooh, how'd you know that?"

She shrugged. "Anything rock music, classic rock, you name it, I've heard it and probably know all about it. We used to quiz each other on absurd rock and roll facts growing up."

"You're a punk!" Rose mocked the Doctor as he sung along.

"It's good to be a lunatic!" He leaned over to Claudia as they both sung the lyrics.

"That's what you are, a big old punk with a bit of rockabilly thrown in."

Claudia shook her head. "Not even close, he's a nerd."

"Oi, you're a nerd with all your facts about rock and roll."

"You knew the same facts," she argued. He opened his mouth, closing it immediately after and focusing on the TARDIS.

"Do you want to go and see him?" The Doctor asked Claudia.

Her eyes widened. "Wait, are you serious? Don't kid right now."

"How do you mean?" Rose asked as he walked around the console, rambling nervously. She followed after him, tongue poking through her smile as she laughed. "In concert?"

"What else is a TARDIS for? I can take you to the Battle of Trafalgar, the First Antigravity Olympics, Ceasar crossing the Rubicon, or Ian Dury at the Top Rank, Sheffield, England, Earth, 21st November 1979, what do you think?"

"Hell yes," Claudia answered immediately. "Let me go change my shirt, I've got like five Ian Dury shirts, oh, hell yes, be right back." Jumping up, she left Rose and the Doctor, rushing back into her room and searching through her folded shirts for one of John's old Ian Dury shirts.

Snatching it, she changed swiftly, spotting her gun on the nightstand. The familiar prickling sensation tickled her neck and she grabbed it just in case, sliding open the drawer underneath and grabbing a few rounds of salt and silver just to be safe. She tucked the ammunition into her small backpack, throwing it over her shoulders and placed the gun in her holster in her boots.

"I'm ready!" She called as she entered the TARDIS, only to find it empty. Jaw clenched, she ignored the annoyance that passed through at the realization they'd left her there, as though she didn't even exist.

Claudia opened the TARDIS doors, expecting to see blaring music, but found the Doctor and Rose standing in an open field, with miles of grass and men red coats pointing guns at them. She shook her head exasperatedly, holding her hands up as well as the attention focused to her.

"Another naked woman? What's she doing here?"

The Doctor turned his head around, eyes wide at the mention of Claudia, who looked unimpressed behind him.

"That's my wife, sorry about her, she's a bit dense."

Claudia's eyes narrowed and she walked closer to him, ignoring the fluttering feeling her stomach felt at the sound of his voice -- now disguised as a Scottish man. For some reason, she found it equally as attractive. "You're going to be dense if you keep talking like that," she warned him quietly. "Left me on the TARDIS and called me an idiot, just keep it up."

"Will you identify yourself, sir?"

"I'm Doctor James McCrimmon, this is my wife, Claudia, from the township of Balamory. I have my credentials, if I may?" The soldier nodded and the Doctor reached down into his right pocket, pulling out the psychic paper, holding it up to them. "As you can see, a doctorate from the University of Edinburgh. I trained under Doctor Bell himself."

"Let them approach," a woman spoke up from inside a large carriage.

"I don't think that's wise, ma'am."

"Let them approach."

The Doctor held up his hand peacefully, and the man's aim hardened. "You will approach the carriage, and show all due deference."

The Doctor saluted him, grabbing Claudia's hand and pulling her to the carriage, Rose following close behind. The door to the carriage opened and an elderly woman donning all black stared at them curiously, eyes widening at the sight of Claudia and Rose.

"Rose," the Doctor said quietly, turning his head to her and Claudia. "Claudia, might I introduce Her Majesty Queen Victoria, Empress of India and Defender of the Faith."

"Rose Tyler, ma'am," Rose spoke up, curtseying.

Claudia did the same, in awe of such a historical figure in front of her. "Claudia Winches--McCrimmon," she corrected at the Doctor's tightening grip on her hand. "Claudia McCrimmon, it's an honor to be in your presence."

"And our apologies," Rose continued, "for being so naked."

"I've had five daughters," Queen Victoria brushed her words off. "It's nothing to me. But you, Doctor, show me these credentials."

The Doctor's smile remained as he handed her the psychic paper, allowing her to read it for a moment before she nodded, accepting them.

"Why didn't you say so immediately? It states clearly here that you have been appointed by the Lord Provost as my protector."

"Does it?" The Doctor questioned, looking over it. "Yes, it does. Good, good. Erm, then let me ask, why is Your Majesty traveling by road when there's a train all the way to Aberdeen?"

"A tree on the line."

"An accident?"

"I am the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Everything around me tends to be planned."

"An assassination attempt?"

"What, seriously?" Rose asked. "There's people out to kill you."

"I'm quite used to staring down the barrel of a gun."

"My kind of woman," Claudia smiled, dropping immediately. "Ma'am."

Queen Victoria's eyes narrowed. "American, tell me Doctor, why an American?"

"Seemed good at the time," the Doctor joked. "Now all she does is threaten me."

She squeezed his hand, shooting him a glare but Queen Victoria's men were having none of it.

"Sir Robert MacLeish lives but ten miles hence," one on a horse spoke up. "We've sent word ahead. He'll shelter us for tonight, then we can reach Balmoral tomorrow."

"This Doctor, his American wife and...his timorous beastie will come with us."

"Yes, ma'am. We'd better get moving. It's almost nightfall."

"Indeed," Queen Victoria agreed. "And there are stories of wolves in these parts."

Claudia tensed at the mention, a frown harboring her expression. That's why the familiar feeling took over her back at the TARDIS. She'd grown a knack of sensing danger through their lives growing up. They all shared it, but she joked that being the only female enhanced it. Aliens were one thing -- but wolves? Easy peasy.

"Fanciful tales," Queen Victoria continued, "intended to scare the children but good for blood, I think. Drive on."

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"It's funny, though," Rose started as they walked behind the carriage and soldiers. "'Cause you say assassination and you just think of Kennedy and stuff, not her."

"1879?" The Doctor thought for a moment. "She's had, oh, six attempts on her life."

"I like her," Claudia smiled. "I like a woman who can handle herself."

"And I'll tell you something else," the Doctor added, grinning to Rose as Claudia walked on his other side. "We just met Queen Victoria!"

"I know!"

"What a laugh!"

"She was just sitting there, like a stamp."

"I want her to say 'we are not amused.' I bet you five quid I can make her say it."

Claudia rolled her eyes at their banter, feeling once again, excluded. "Or, maybe we could just be in awe of her and not waste her time with stupid conversations? A bet? Seriously?"

"Well, if I gambled on that, it would be an abuse of my privilege as a traveller in time."

"Thank you," Claudia nodded.

"Ten quid?"

"Done."

Claudia waved her arms in frustration, giving the two a look. "Seriously? You're meeting a queen and this is how you act?"

"You don't have to participate," Rose replied.

"No, but now I have to be embarrassed any time you both try to be funny."

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They arrived at a large castle of sorts, made of brick and stone. The driver helped Queen Victoria out of the carriage and Claudia trailed behind the Doctor and Rose, a strange feeling settling her stomach. Something wasn't wrong, in fact, something seemed very wrong. The entire air felt off -- but what was it?

"Your Majesty," a man greeted, coming out from the large mansion in a suit.

"Sir Robert."

Claudia noticed multiple men behind him, all bald and looking incredibly serious. She kept her face passive but watched them suspiciously. One of them caught her looking, turning his face and making eye contact with her. She raised an eyebrow challengingly, not breaking eye contact. They stayed that way for a moment as the conversation around them resumed, before finally, he looked away. She'd won.

"It's my first visit to this house," Queen Victoria told Robert as Claudia tuned back into the conversation. "My late husband spoke of it often, the Torchwood Estate. Now, shall we go inside? And please excuse the naked girls."

"Sorry!" Rose grinned sheepishly.

Claudia smiled. "Apologies, my husband said it was alright."

The Doctor fought back a smile. "She's a feral child, and my wife's a bit mad. We bought her for sixpence in old London town. It was her or the Elephant Man, so..."

"Thinks he's funny," Rose started, addressing Queen Victoria. "But I'm so not amused. What do you think, ma'am?"

"It hardly matters. Shall we proceed?"

Claudia slapped her hand to her forehead, shaking her head. "God, you two are insufferable."

"Mackeson and Ramsay, you will escort the property. Hurry up."

"Yes, sir."

Two soldiers nodded, walking to the carriage and grabbing a brown box with golden edges, carrying it carefully into the castle.

Claudia raised her eyebrows. What's so special about that?

"What's in there, then?" The Doctor asked.

"Property of the Crown. You will dismiss any further thoughts, sir."

The Doctor and Claudia exchanged a look. Touchy.

"The rest of you, go to the rear of the house. Assume the designated positions."

"You heard the orders, positions."

"Sir."

The Doctor nodded to the door, his hand finding Claudia's as the trio walked into the castle.

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They followed Queen Victoria and Robert into a large brick room with a massive telescope of sorts sitting in the middle, pointed outside. There were other strange objects lying around, some half-under sheets, some dusty and old. Above them were rows of glass, a large skylight letting in the sun. Claudia wondered how beautiful it looked at night, underneath the stars.

"This, I take it, is the famous endeavor," Queen Victoria announced.

"All my father's work," Robert explained. "Build by hand in his final years. It became something of an obsession. He spent his money on this, rather than caring for the house or himself."

The Doctor grinned, squeezing Claudia's hand. "I wish I'd met him. I like him. That thing's beautiful. Can I...?" He asked Robert and the Queen, holding his free hand out to it.

"Help yourself."

The Doctor's smile widened and he pulled Claudia to the telescope. "What did he model it on?" The Doctor asked as they examined the rusted telescope. It truly was unique, beautiful in its own way.

"I know nothing about it," Robert answered, "to be honest, most of us thought him a little, shall we say, eccentric."

The Doctor chuckled and Claudia raised her eyebrows. "Sounds like someone I know," she gave the Doctor a pointed look and he smirked, winking at her.

"I wish now I'd spent more time with him and listening to his stories."

"It's a bit rubbish," the Doctor said, frowning as he examined the bottom. Claudia smacked his head gently. "How many prisms has it got? Way too many!"

"Rude," she chastised. "Be nice."

He gave her an innocent look. "The magnification's gone right over the top. That's a stupid kind of--"

She hit his arm, scowling at him and he cleared his throat. "But it's pretty! It's very pretty."

"And the imagination of it should be applauded," Queen Victoria agreed.

"Hmm," Rose shrugged. "I thought you might disapprove, Your Majesty."

Claudia rolled her eyes. Was this going to happen all night?

"Stargazing," Rose continued. "Isn't that a bit fanciful. You could easily not be amused or something." She paused at Queen Victoria's face. "No?"

"This device surveys the infinite work of God," Queen Victoria told them. "What could be finer? Sir Robert's father was an example to us all, a polymath, steeped in astronomy and the sciences, yet equally well-versed in folklore and fairytales."

The description made Claudia smile sadly, reminded of Sam. A man of infinite logic and science, he based every decision on his mind. And yet, he fought ghosts and demons -- thinks that shouldn't exist.

"Stars and magic," the Doctor commented, his hand finding Claudia's again. She squeezed his tightly, thanking him for the comfort. She didn't know if he knew she needed it, but it was appreciated nonetheless. "I like him more and more."

"Oh, my late husband enjoyed his company," Her Majesty told them. The Doctor tugged Claudia to the side of the telescope, pointing out different things to her. She smiled at his curiosity and her stomach did somersaults when their eyes met and his grip tightened on her hand. "Prince Albert himself was acquainted with many rural superstitions, coming as he did from Saxe-Coburg."

"That's Bavaria," the Doctor explained quietly to Rose and Claudia.

"When Albert was told about your local wolf, he was transported."

Claudia straightened up at the mention of a wolf again. In a way, she hoped there was a werewolf here. She was itching for a fight, restless and helpless against so many aliens. The hunt called to her, she hadn't been on since before she moved to London.

"So what's this wolf, then?" The Doctor asked curiously.

"Anyone ever seen it?" Claudia pitched in.

"No," Robert gave her a strange look. "It's just a story."

"Then tell it," Claudia and the Doctor said together, before looking at one another with surprise.

"It's said that..."

"Excuse me, sir," one of the bald men spoke up. Claudia's eyes narrowed. Interesting. She didn't miss the detection of fear on Robert's face as the man spoke. "Perhaps Her Majesty's party could repair to their rooms. It's almost dark."

"Of course." Robert smiled. "Yes, of course."

"And then supper," Queen Victoria spoke up. "And could we find some clothes for Miss Tyler and Mrs. McCrimmon. I'm tired of nakedness."

"It's not amusing, is it?" Rose asked, trying to get another chance in. Claudia stifled a groan -- this whole bet was, as predicted, seriously getting on her nerves.

Queen Victoria gave her a stern look. "Sir Robert, your wife must have left some clothes. See to it. We shall dine at 7:00, and talk some more of this wolf. After all, there is a full moon tonight."

Robert nodded, his smile shaking. "So there is, ma'am." He bowed, and Queen Victoria turned, leaving the room immediately.

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Rose opened the tall dresser, pulling out a long dark dress. Claudia crinkled her nose.

"This is weird," she remarked, "like we're shopping in someone else's things. I think I've worn a dress like three times in my life."

Rose looked at her in surprise. "Really?"

"Yeah," Claudia shrugged. "Not exactly by choice, I have nothing against them, they're just not convenient for what I do."

"A dentist's assistant?"

Claudia nodded slowly. "Yes," she responded, eyes wide. "Exactly. That. Yes."

Rose looked away. "Okay," she said disbelieving.

"Do you think the bald dudes are weird?" Claudia asked and Rose turned around quickly, holding the dress in her hands.

"Yes!" She shouted. "Oh my god, what's with them? And I saw one of them staring at you out front, creepy," she sung the last word, "honestly, what's wrong with them? Why are they all bald?"

Claudia shrugged. "I don't know, they seem like monks, but they're weird monks. Like, would be in a cult kind of monks."

"Yeah," she grabbed another dress. "Here, want to try on this one?"

Claudia looked down at the frilly light blue dress and shook her head. "Yeah, I don't exactly love the frills and lace. Maybe that one's better?" She pointed to a darker brown one in the closet and Rose pulled it out.

"Yeah, this would look good. What about this one for me?" She grabbed a green one with frilly sleeves.

Claudia shrugged. "I don't know, you look good in blue. Here, I'll check this one," she walked to the other dresser, opening it and jumping back as a maid breathed heavily inside. Rose walked up to her curiously, letting out a small scream.

"Hello there," Claudia smiled. "I'm Claudia, this is Rose, you're not in any sort of danger. Are you alright? How'd you get in there?"

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that's it guys, there's the super short chapter I'm so sorry haha. I promise the next one will be longer but I was super not inspired to write this one. anyways!! hope you guys enjoyed, leave a comment with your thoughts and don't forget to vote! don't be a silent reader! stay safe! -osw