Trust
A short story by Keith Redhead

Part of the Fifth Doctor Fiction collection

It was a day not unlike any other day in so far as Tegan could determine. Carefully she set the thesaurus down and realised she needed to get a life. It was his entire fault when she thought about it, no not the Doctor this time, the other one. She could sum up the main irritation of her life in one word, Turlough. It wasnt anything specific he did, it was everything. His manner was too creepy, his voice too sickly and when he talked to the Doctor he was nothing short of smarmy.

Her so-called life to date consisted of a series of encounters with horrific and terrifying aliens, not to mention the occasions when the Mara had possessed her body. She was sick of it all to be honest. The Doctor had promised her adventure while all she got were nightmares that made her wake up screaming every night.

Today would be different, she would enjoy today. Today was going to be a nice long boring day with nothing to do but sit about and rest.

The Doctor popped his head out of the doorway and looked until he found Tegan sunning herself on the veranda. Enjoying yourself Tegan? Do you fancy a cup of tea?

Yes Doctor, no Doctor. She was half tempted to add a three bags full Doctor to the end of her reply but thought better of it. Everythings fine Doctor she added to make him go away. It didnt work.

Whats wrong Tegan? He took off his jacket and folded it over one of his arms.

Tegan put the book on the ground next to the chair. Nothings wrong Doctor, this is the best time weve had for ages. No Sea Devils, no Mara and absolutely no Master in sight.

Yes its been a bit hectic lately. We need some time to recharge our batteries. I do think you should spend some time with Turlough though. You two never seem to talk, just argue. I get the feeling that you prefer the company of Kamelion to his some times.

At least I can pretend Kamelion is Nyssa. He has the voice almost perfect now. At least we can have a good gossip about things.

You know its wrong to try and force Kamelion to do that. He is a unique individual after all. Is there honestly nothing you can say to him that you cant say to Turlough?

Yes, lots of things. Private stuff, personal stuff. Things I dont want to talk to Turlough about.

You know Turlough speaks very highly of you, he considers you a friend.

Yeah right, hes just being smarmy again. I wouldnt believe everything he says Doctor.

The Doctor stood up. In that case you need to spend this time wondering why you have any friends at all.

Rabbits! She cursed. How could the Doctor be taken in so much by him? Couldnt he see what he was like, really? There was a distant cry. Tegan stood up and could vaguely see the ginger hair of Turlough. What was it this time? Has he fallen and he cant get up? Reluctantly she stood up and adjusted the hem of her skirt before setting off across the red sand and rock of the Outback.

Get away from me! Turlough yelled at the large reptile as it snapped its jaws in his direction. He looked up and saw Tegan walking over in his direction. Tegan, help me please.

Tegan saw the croc and realised Turlough was indeed in trouble. She quickened her pace and looked for a handy branch to defend herself with. Stay calm Turlough, she shouted to him.

Turlough was backed against a large boulder when Tegan caught up to his location. He watched as she hit it with a large piece of wood and it transferred its attention to her. He was about to run to safety when it grabbed the wood off her and advanced upon her, its jaws snapping furiously.

Damn croc Tegan muttered, as it got closer to her. Now she was in danger and Turlough was standing there doing nothing. Turlough help, she shouted at his inert figure.

What shall I do? What could he do? He only had a knife. A plan formed. What if he passed the knife to Tegan? She could free herself. No, the reptile was in the way.

Turlough! Tegan screamed.

Without thinking Turlough leapt on the reptiles back and he plunged the knife into its vulnerable eye socket. He held on tightly as it thrashed about until it finally ceased to move. It was then he realised what he had done and the shock made everything go blurry and his head felt fuzzy.

My hero. Tegan stood over Turloughs unconscious figure. Hey wake up, Im not dragging you all the way back to the house.

Turlough groaned and opened one eye. I dont feel very well. He sat up and managed to remain that way despite feeling woozy again. I think Im going to be sick.

Come on Turlough, lets get back to the house. Well get the Doctor to have a look at you. As she helped him back to the house Tegan couldnt help but be impressed by the way he had actually saved her when she was trying to save him. Maybe he wasnt quite as bad as she suspected but she wasnt going to let her guard down. Dont you dare throw up on me do you hear?

Your concern touches me. Turlough tried to laugh but it hurt.

Come on, brave heart Turlough. She used the Doctors phrase to try and bolster her, friends confidence. When did she start thinking of him like that? Was he a friend and can he be trusted? I guess I can trust him her heart said, but only a little her head advised.

