An Original Vampire's Guide to the Universe (Rewrite)

Shakespeare Code

Tyra was leaning against the console next to the Doctor, Martha hanging on for dear life. After almost two years on the Tardis, she had gotten used to the bucking and the shaking for the most part. It had been a bit harsher when they took off but now the Tardis had somewhat stabilized. Enough for Tyra not to need any support in any case.

Martha looked at the Doctor "But how do you travel in time? What makes it go?"

"Oh, let's take the fun and mystery out of everything," the Doctor sighed in annoyance "Martha, you don't want to know. It just does. Hold on tight." The Tardis came to a halt and Martha fell to the ground, while Tyra just wobbled dangerously.

"Blimey," she gasped "Do you have to pass a test to fly this thing?"

The Doctor nodded "Yes, and I failed it. Now, make the most of it. I promised you one trip and one trip only. Outside this door, brave new world."

Tyra grinned excitedly "You're kidding. Are we really seeing him?" The Doctor had just quoted Shakespeare's Tempest. She had been on his case for ages to go see the Bard since she had been locked in a coffin during those years. Now he finally brought her here. Now, the only thing that was missing was Barcelona.

"Yup," he smiled and Tyra threw her arms around him happily.

"Where are we?" Martha questioned confused.

The Doctor gestured to the doors "Take a look. After you."

"Oh, you are kidding me," Martha exclaimed, head whipping from side to side to take everything in as best as she could "You are so kidding me. Oh, my God. We did it. We travelled in time. Where are we? No, sorry. I got to get used to this whole new language. When are we?"

The Doctor quickly pulled her back, shielding Tyra at the same time "Mind out."

A man emptied his slop bucket from an upstairs window "Gardez l'eau."

"Somewhere before the invention of the toilet," the Doctor sighed "Sorry about that."

Tyra held up her hands "Don't look at me. I've lived through this. It's nothing I'm not used to."

Martha shrugged "I've seen worse. I've worked the late-night shift A+E. But are we safe? I mean, can we move around and stuff?"

"Of course, we can. Why would you ask that?"

"It's like in the films. You step on a butterfly, you change the future of the human race," Martha explained.

The Doctor stopped, blinking at her weirdly "Tell you what then, don't step on any butterflies. What have butterflies ever done to you?"

"What if, I don't know, what if I kill my grandfather?" Martha demanded.

Tyra coughed into her hand, trying desperately to hide her amusement. The Doctor looked down at Tyra with a smile before turning back to Martha "Are you planning to?"

"No?" Martha murmured.

The Doctor shrugged "Well, then."

"And this is London?" she questioned.

"I think so," the Doctor nodded "Round about 1599. Come on."

The three of them ran along from the south end of old London Bridge past what would become Southwark Cathedral. That gave them the perfect view of the... Tyra's head whipped to face the Doctor "You made it. You actually got the right year." She bounced on the balls of her feet for a moment "I really want to see Shakespeare... Was in a coffin," she mumbled under her breath.

"Oh, yes," the Doctor grinned, holding out his arm to Tyra "Miss Mikaelson, Miss Jones, will you accompany me to the theatre?"

"Mister Smith, I will," Martha proclaimed, while Tyra just took his arm with a smile.