Green Vortex [III]

The Fires of Pompeii Pt4:

"Could we be any more trapped? Little bit hot." Donna said as the pod started getting warm. "See, the energy converted takes the lava, uses the power to create a fusion matrix which wields Pyrovile to human." The Doctor explained.

"They've completed it though, they'll be able to convert millions." Galaxy said as she looked at the controls. "Well, can you change it with these controls?" Donna asked. "Course we can, but don't you see? That's why the soothsayers can't see the volcano. There is no volcano. Vesuvius is never going to erupt. The Pyroviles are stealing all its power. They're gonna use it to take over the world."

"But you can change it back."

"I can avert the system, the volcano will blow up but that's the choice, Donna. It's Pompeii or the world." Galaxy said after setting the controls. "Oh my God." Donna gasped in shock. "If Pompeii is destroyed, then it's not just history, it's me. I make it happen." The Doctor said.

"We make it happen, Doctor. Nothing's ever just been up to you, so why should this be any different?" Galaxy said as she took hold of one of his hands and interlocked their fingers. "But the Pyroville are made of rock. Maybe they can't be blown up." Donna tried to argue.

"Vesuvius explodes with the force of 24 nuclear bombs. Nothing can survive it. Certainly not us." The Doctor said as he squeezed Galaxy's hand. "Never mind us." Donna remarked softly.

The Doctor looked at the lever before putting his hand on it and Galaxy placed her free hand on top of it. "Push this lever and it's all over. 20,000 people." He said as he stared at the lever, unable to push it and Galaxy rested her head against his arm, both wearing the same look as it was a hard decision for them both.

Donna saw their struggle of the decision and placed her hands on theirs, tears in her eyes. They all looked at each other before pressing the lever down.

The ground started shaking terribly, throwing them around the pod before they felt themselves thrown out of the erupting volcano. They were thrown about until suddenly it was over and they were thrown to the floor before the door to the pod opened and they quickly climbed out.

"It was an escape pod." The Doctor said as they looked behind them to see the volcano spewing ash and lava.

He grabbed Galaxy's hand who grabbed Donna and they ran off as fast as they could back to the city. By the time they reached the center of it, ash was falling around them and people were panicking, running in all directions.

"Don't! Don't go to the beach! Don't go to the beach, go to the hills! Listen to me! Don't go to the beach, it's not safe! Listen to me." Donna shouted then turned to see a little boy crying and went to him, "Come here."

But then another woman ran forward and snatched the boy away. "Give him to me!"

Donna could only look around at the devastation as she cried before Galaxy went over to her and took hold of her hand.

"Come on." She said softly and guided her back to the Doctor as they started running toward Caecillius' villa.

They ran in and saw the family huddled together against the wall, the ceiling caving in around them and the rest of the villa.

"Gods save us, Doctor!" Caecilius shouted.

The Doctor looked at them for a moment before going toward the Tardis, gently pulling Galaxy behind him.

"You can't! Galaxy! Doctor! You can't!" Donna shouted as they went into the Tardis and she ran after them.

She saw them standing by the console with Astro beside them. He had been watching on the monitor and had gone to their sides when he saw the looks on their faces.