Storm: Angel and Demon

Crimson Horror 3

"My people once ruled this world, as well you know," Vastra explained to the Doctor, "but we did not rule it alone. Just as humanity fights a daily battle against nature, so did we. And our greatest plague, the most virulent enemy, was the repulsive red leech."

"Oooh," the Doctor cut in gleefully, "the Repulsive Red Leech."

He paused then pulled a face.

"Nah. On balance I think I prefer the Crimson Horror."

The Doctor turned to Terry for affirmation. She just smiled at him indulgently before she looked at Vastra.

"Perhaps you can explain for this child what it was, Madame." Terry suggested.

The Doctor pouted at Terry, but he listened intently as Vastra explained, "It was a tiny parasite. It infected our drinking water. And once in our systems, it secreted a fatal poison."

"If it's been hanging around," the Doctor murmured slowly, "lurking in the shadows, maybe it's evolved. Or maybe it's had help."

He trailed off thoughtfully. Clara piped up suddenly, "I've been thinking. The chimney-"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Way past that now."

The Doctor dismissed her as he continued to think.

"Yucky red parasite from the time of the dinosaurs pitches up in Victorian Yorkshire. Didn't see that one coming."

He looked to Terry, who just shrugged.

"Yeah, but the chimney-" Clara insisted, but the Doctor spoke over her.

"But what's the connection to Mrs Gillyflower?"

Clara looked to Terry in exasperation as the Doctor continued thoughtfully, "'Judgement will rain down on us all'. An empty mill."

Terry just gave Clara an enigmatic smile, apparently not interested in helping Clara. Feeling cross with the two Time Lords, the companion said loudly, "A chimney that doesn't blow smoke."

The Doctor stopped in his tracks and turned his head to look up at the ceiling as he remembered seeing the chimney on the roof of the factory. And, as Clara had pointed out, he remembered that it had not blown any smoke.

Terry meanwhile winked at the companion.

"Well done." She complimented the shorter woman and Clara narrowed her eyes playfully.

"You so weren't helping me on purpose." The companion said accusingly and Terry grinned.

"Missed me?"

Clara laughed and the Doctor swept in to smoochTerry's temple.

"Yeah, lots." He informed her before hugging Clara. "Sorry, Clara."

"Oh, at this point it's just part of the task of parenting you." Clara shrugged with feigned nonchalance.

Terry meanwhile opened the elevator door they had all been standing in front of.

"All aboard!"

**************

In the boiler room, the group all peered around the racks at the edges of the room, staying hidden in the shadows as they watched the pilgrims move about.

"She's going to poison the air." The Doctor realized as they watched the pilgrims moving around the base of a rocket.

'A rocket in Victorian England.' Terry mused absently. 'Now that's not a sight you see every day.'

They watched as the pilgrims unveiled a large vial of red liquid near the rocket and the Doctor muttered, "And there's the poison."

Looking around at the group, the Doctor announced, "All right, gang, I've got a plan."