Fic; Alternates Updated!!

[walkwithheroes]

Title: Alternates (15/26?)
Author: walkwithheroes
Rated: PG (for this chapter)
Spoilers: Up to Doomsday for the series. The rest of the Alternates series. And really, why would you read chapter fifteen before the rest?
Word Count:
Disclaimer: The Doctor, Rose Tyler, Mickey Smith, Jack Harkness, Jackie and Pete Tyler, Torchwood, etc, aren’t owned by me.
Pairings: Ten/Rose, Alt!Eleven/Tess. Hints at others.
Summary: The Doctor and Mickey have a run in with Tess's father, who tells them of a new government ageny called Torchwood.
Author's Note: I last updated on April 29. The reviews for this story have been very low for the last few chapters. So, I'm not sure if anyone is even reading this series anymore. still... if you are, I'm sorry for the wait. I'd also like to thank my new beta. Ex-posted to several comms. Sorry if you get spammed. 

Tess Hartnell's Earth
London, the Powell Estate
2062 

Mickey Smith.

Out of everyone in the lab, he had gotten Mickey Smith. It wasn't that he knew Mickey well enough to like or dislike him, it was just that the Doctor knew he'd fit right in with Tess's friends and he hated Tess's idiot mates.

The Doctor and Mickey hadn't even ended up in Torchwood, either. They had, through some twist or glitch, ended up just down the street from the flat that Tess shared with her often absent father, Michael.

“Pete had wanted me to check on the future of our Earth,” Mickey said, as he took off his device.

“So... you and Tess crossed?” The Doctor guessed, stuffing his hand into his jean pocket, feeling the key that Tess had given him. “She's in your future and you're here. Brilliant.”

Mickey took off his device and held it tightly. “I guess.”

The Doctor nodded firmly. “Right.”

“It...”

“I don't know where Torchwood is” The Doctor cut in.

“London.”

“We are in London.”

“Yeah, but...” Mickey trailed off, finally taking in his new surroundings. It was a familiar alley, one he had been in before. Actually... he and Rose had shared their third kiss up against the brick wall with the graffiti on it.

They were literally less than a minute from the old Estate. Mickey stood up on his tip-toes, fancying he could see it from where he was standing. He suddenly felt giddy. Sure, it wasn't his home, but the old Estate sure as hell looked the same. It probably was even home to some of the same people... or rather, their kids and grandkids.

“Mickey?” The Doctor's gaze followed Mickey's. “Tess's home? You know it?”

“Me an' Rose an' Jackie used to live there,” Mickey explained, still clearly in a daze. “But that was another world, another time. God, these versions of my mates are all... old.”

“Grandpas and grandmas.” The Doctor agreed with a nod. “Which means you don't have to bother seeing them, because they don't know you and they're very old and tired.”

“Yeah... but...”

“Mickey, we're saving lives, universes, everything. No time for family visits.” Mickey didn't look so sure. “Alright, you take one step toward that place and I will leave you here... alone. And you have no idea where anything is.”

“Fine.” Mickey took in a deep breath. “Would've been nice, though.”

The Doctor didn't agree. “Not really.”

The two of them turned to leave the alley, when a voice called out to them.

“Doctor? I know it's you, Doctor!” The duo turned to see someone running toward them from the Estate. “Where the hell have you been and where the hell is my daughter?”

Very surprised that he had been recognized – he had just regenerated the day before – the eleventh incarnation of the Doctor turned toward the very familiar voice of Michael Hartnell. “You can tell I'm the Doctor?”

The overweight man puffed up his cheeks. “'Course. You did just,” he waved a hand about. “appear out of thin air. And you've got that cocky look about you.”

“Cocky?” Raising an eyebrow, the Doctor looked to Mickey.

“Am I cocky?” Mickey just looked uncomfortable.

“Some help.” Turning back to Michael, the Doctor's expression turned serious. “I have no idea where your daughter is. I've lost her.”

Michael looked hard at the scruffy Doctor in front of him. How could he be so casual? “Son of a...” with all his strength, Michael punched the Doctor square in the jaw. “bitch!” Shaking his fist in pain, Michael quickly moved away from the Doctor and Mickey.

For his part, the Doctor didn't seem at all hurt by the punch, rather he seemed amused. “Mickey Smith meet Michael Hartnell, Tess's father.”

Averting his eyes from Michael, Mickey muttered what must have been a 'hello'.

“You abandoned my daughter for this person?” Michael scoffed under his breath. “Always knew you were a poof.” Mickey's eyes widened; even the Doctor looked horrified at that suggestion. “Come back to mine, yeah? You can explain it to me properly there.”

*

It was amazingly eerie entering Michael Hartnell's flat, because it was Jackie and Rose's flat back on their original Earth. Though, the furniture was different, it was the same flat Mickey had visited so often in the past. The door to Rose's – no Tess's – room was opened just a bit and Mickey noticed that the room seemed slightly dusty.

Before Mickey could ask just when they were, Michael spoke, “It's been a year and four months, do you know that? The first time you took my Tessy away, you didn't return for one year and now this?” As he spoke, Michael moved deeper into the flat and into the kitchen. After punching the Doctor, he seemed to have calmed down a bit. “I assume you'd like some tea, Mickey?”

Awkwardly, Mickey nodded. Then, he remembered that Michael was in another room. Tearing his eyes away from Tess's bedroom door, Mickey nodded again. “Yeah, thanks.” Still feeling uneasy, Mickey entered the living area of the flat and sat on the sofa. “Uh, Tess is fine... wherever she is. I'm sure she's not alone.” He paused and looked toward the Doctor, hoping the alien Time Lord would say something else to comfort Michael.

Instead, the Doctor seemed completely uninterested – his eyes were glued to Tess's bedroom door. Wordlessly, the Doctor moved back into the small hall. A moment later, Mickey heard a door creak fully open and then close softly.

Knowing of the bonds between Doctors and companions, Mickey decided not to say anything or join the Doctor. He and Tess had been traveling together for years; what's more, they were in an actual romantic relationship. Surely, the Doctor needed a moment alone, possibly to say goodbye.

“Mr. Hartnell?” Mickey called out; Michael popped his head out of the kitchen and raised an eyebrow. “I'll explain everything to you. Or at least, as much as I can.”

*

The last time the Doctor had entered Tess's bedroom had been... well, he actually couldn't remember when the last time had been. Despite their closeness, Tess still seemed rather embarrassed to let him into her bedroom. Truthfully, it was a sore subject for the Doctor, especially as she often let her male friends into the room. Somewhere in the back of his mind, the Doctor knew that this was the first and last time he'd ever be in Tess's bedroom.

Scanning it, the Doctor tried his hardest to take everything in. Her wardrobe, doors covered with photos of rock stars and pop idols, was half opened: fashionable clothing half-pouring out of the old wooden thing. The two bookshelves were covered with books and old stuffed animals. On the bed laid a purple comforter, pillows shaped like peace-signs and hearts, and a little orange teddy bear.

The Doctor, moving slowly as not to disturb anything, made his way to the nightstand beside the bed. On it and was a lamp and a well-worn book: Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy. He picked up the book, smiling sadly to himself. How many times had the Doctor seen Tess reading a copy of this novel?

Back when he had been in his ninth incarnation, the Doctor had even gone so far as to bring Tess to meet Mr. Hardy. Gushing, Tess had thanked the young writer for creating her beloved characters – even though he had yet to write the novel.

As they had been leaving, the Doctor had asked, “Why so interested in that book?”

Tess had given him a half-grin. “Dad says it was Mum's favorite novel. When she wanted to leave, he offered to name me Teresa, after the main character.” A shadow of sadness and regret had passed over her young face. “In the end, Mum left anyway.”

Stone faced, the Doctor slipped the small paperback into his back pocket and left the bedroom.

*

Mickey and Michael were sitting closely together on the ratty leather sofa, both speaking softly. ) Soft tears were filling up Michael's warm, blue eyes. Mickey must have told him everything, including the tiny fact that there was a large possibility that Tess was lost to them forever.

If she couldn't get back before the rips were closed...

Shaking his head, the Doctor forced himself not to think about that. Hadn't he had countless companions? Hadn't countless people been hurt or died because of him? So why was he wasting his energy on Tess Hartnell?

Because for some unknown reason, that beautiful girl loves you. When she met you, you were a rude and broken Time Lord. She stayed with you, even when you insulted her or treated her like a child. And wasn't she just as broken and lost as you? Didn't you two help each other through your friendship? From day one, weren't you just dying to kiss her? And now, now she's all alone somewhere and it is all your fault.

The Doctor shook his head again, trying desperately to clear his mind of his thoughts. “Shut up!”

Startled, both men on the sofa glanced to the Doctor. Mickey looked somewhat frightened; Michael just looked pissed.

Standing up, Michael raised an eyebrow at the alien. “I've been told everything.” A man on a mission, Tess's father approached the Time Lord. “Of course, if anything happens to her if won't be your fault, will it? It's never your fault.” Angrily, Michael poked the Doctor's shoulder with his index finger.

“Only it will be. I've put up with a lot from you... all three incarnations of you. Well, not anymore! If Tess... if my Tessy isn't safe at home when this is over, then I'm going to kill you... until you stop coming back. We clear on that, mate?”

Glancing between Michael's finger and his chubby red face, the Doctor remained stone-faced. Swallowing, he fixed his eyes on Michael's. “Fair enough.”

From his spot on the sofa, Mickey couldn't help but worry about this Doctor's mental state. Briefly, he wondered how his Doctor had dealt with Rose's leaving. Had he also become emotionless when faced with memories of her? Or had he slowly moved on?

Surely, Doctors had many companions, all of which were loved. Mickey remembered Sarah Jane Smith and the way she and the Doctor had reacted to one another. Companions came and went and were remembered. But Doctors would 'get over' them after a while. Somehow that made Mickey rather sad.

“Mickey Smith!” Mickey was torn from his thoughts by the booming voice of the Doctor. He was glaring. “You're drooling.”

Wiping the drool from his chin, Mickey blushed slightly. “Sorry. I was miles away. Uh, so... about Torchwood.”

“Torchwood?” Michael perked up, remembering something that made him smile. “Oh yes, the new government agency. 
They're on the news all the time. Last week they interrupted a match. Boys down at the pub were damn angry about that.”

So worried over his daughter, but still drinking at the pub? The Doctor rolled his eyes. “Why didn't you say something sooner?”

Giving the Doctor a glare, Michael responded, “I didn't know you wanted Torchwood, did I?” Still glaring, Michael went over to the coffee table and picked up a newspaper. “They're on the front page nearly ever day.” He handed the paper to Mickey. “Here.”

Before Mickey could make anything out, the Doctor had grabbed the paper from him. “Torchwood to Open Third Office.” The Doctor glanced up from the paper. “So? Is that all that's in the paper?”

“Well,” Mickey began slowly, “they can't write about aliens in the paper, can they?”

From his spot, Michael nodded. He liked this kid. “The head of Torchwood's on the telly a lot, though. Talkin' 'bout Torchwood and how it'll lead us into a Golden Age. Prime Minster Saxon and the King seem behind it.”

Holding back a 'Who is Saxon?', the Doctor asked, “What does Torchwood do?”

“Uh. ” Knotting his brows in confusion, Michael shrugged. “I don't really know. Ms. Elizabeth Davis, she's the leader. Always talking about progress and relations between the United Kingdom and everyone else.” Michael paused for a moment, feeling foolish with his answer. “They've got offices in London. Not sure where though.”

The Doctor rolled his eyes. “So helpful.” He gave Michael a look. “That was my sarcastic voice by the way.”

“Hey, the main office is probably where it is on every Earth - Canary Wharf, tallest skyscraper.” The Doctor and Michael just stared at Mickey. “What?”

The Doctor shrugged casually. “Nothing. I just keep forgetting that you're here. Right. Well, I'll go there and deal with things. You two stay here.”

“Oi, member of Torchwood, here!”

“And I'm Tessy's father. I should come along... in case.”

Ignoring Mickey, the Doctor quietly and firmly responded to Michael, “Michael... Tess won't... there are things going on that make it too dangerous for you to come. If anything were to happen to you, Tess wouldn't forgive me.”

Feeling his face growing hot, Michael swallowed. “I have spent years being a bad father to my kid. I left her alone when I should have stayed with her. I ignored her when I should have been there for her. Now, now... I could try and make things a little better for her. Please, let me help bring my daughter home, Doctor. I'm begging you. Let me do one good thing as a father.”

Mickey glanced over to the gruff-looking Doctor. Despite appearance and attitude, he had to be touched by that speech... right?

His face was emotionless, but the Doctor's eyes gave it all away: he felt sorry for Michael. Perhaps because he knew the truth: if anything did happen to Tess, wherever she was, it would be his fault. “If you get yourself killed, I won't feel sorry for you.”

His eyes cold, Michael nodded. “Nor I for you, Doctor.”

The man and the Time Lord stared at one another in a silent stand-off for a long minute, before Mickey awkwardly cleared his throat.

“Yeah. Right. So... should we take the bus to Torchwood Tower or...”

Looking rather insulted, Michael straightened up his stained dress-shirt and gave Mickey a light glare. “I have a car. Well, I had a car... I let one of the lads use it to go to a convention in Kent or somewhere. I was a bit gone at the time.”

“Brilliant, the Doctor muttered, growing more annoyed by the second. “Don't tell me we have to take public transportation.”

“What's wrong with - ”

“Taxi's better than a bus!” Mickey blurted out. “Let's just take a taxi, yeah?”

“Yeah.” Michael nodded shortly. “Just mind your big yellow buttons. Don't want you two popping off somewhere and leaving me to do all the work.”

The Doctor laughed as he turned to leave the flat. “I seriously doubt you could sober up long enough to save the universe.”

“Oi! Just because you look like you're having a mid-life crisis doesn't mean...” Michael's voice faded as he walked outside.

Standing still for a moment, Mickey couldn't help but wish he had gotten sent somewhere – anywhere – else. He was sure the Doctor and Michael would bicker the whole time they were saving, trying to save, the universe.

With a shake of the head and one last look around, Mickey muttered, “Fantastic.” Before jogging out of the flat, to join the others.

*

Torchwood Tower loomed over them.

Swallowing hard while wishing he had a flask of whiskey, Michael muttered, “I should warn you, I'm not good with confrontation while sober.”

Mickey gave the older – younger - man a reassuring smile. “It'll be fine. I'm a member – a trusted member - of Torchwood where I'm from and we've got the Doctor.”

Never taking his eyes off the large building, the Doctor shook his head. “Who said my being here would be a good thing? Bet they'd love to get their hands on me for all kinds of gritty experiments.”

“Yeah,” Mickey said with a shrug, “but not before you save them. It should be alright.”

The Doctor opened his mouth to say something snarky, but thought better of it. He cleared his throat loudly, something that made him sound like a stern school teacher, rather than a Time Lord. With all the purpose in the world, the Doctor put his hands on the doors of Torchwood Tower and opened them.

“Michael, Mickey, welcome to Torchwood.”

They were greeted by the sight of a huge lobby, which was bare expect for two desks: information and security. With a relaxed stroll, the Doctor made his way to the information desk. With a charming smile, he looked the young women at the desk up and down, before saying,

“Hi. I'm the Doctor.” He motioned toward Michael and Mickey, who were standing awkwardly behind him. “That's Michael Hartnell and Mickey Smith. Do us a favor? Call down Elizabeth Davis?”

The oldest looking woman, a busty blond who couldn't be more than thirty, blinked. “Pardon?” She looked over the Doctor's shoulder and to security. “I...”

“Listen.” the Doctor glanced at the woman's name tag. “Karen...we're in a bit of a hurry.” Reaching over the large desk, the Doctor began pressing buttons. “Which one's the intercom?”

One glance at the security desk let Mickey and Michael know that the Doctor was starting to annoy people.

“Uh... Doctor?”

Michael puffed his cheeks out. “Ask nicely.”

Taking his cue from Michael, Mickey moved forward, elbowing the Doctor out of the way. “Excuse me, ladies. I'm Mickey Smith. Here to see Ms. Elizabeth Davis in regard to Torchwood Three.” Mickey paused. Since when had he become so posh?

Karen smiled brightly, showing off her uberwhite teeth. “Do you have an appointment?”

The Doctor, who was giving the evil eye to security, scoffed, “Tell the tart that Mickey Smith's with the bloody Doctor!”

Seemingly ignoring the Doctor, Karen went on, “I'm sorry, but without an appointment I can't...” She trailed off the moment Mickey took out his Torchwood ID card. It very clearly showed Mickey as a high ranking member of Torchwood. “Oh, of course, Mr. Smith. I'll buzz you and your people up.”

Mickey gave Karen a smile and a wink. “Cheers, Karen.” Snapping his fingers twice, he motioned for the others to follow.

Scowling, the Doctor followed, muttering, “I'm the bloody Doctor and he gets special treatment? What is the world coming to?”

*

The elevator brought the trio to the top floor of the building. As the wide doors opened, Mickey Smith was only a little surprised to find a very familiar sight in front of him:

A large, white wall stood before them. Four desks with computers sat in the middle of the room, two desks on either side of the wall. And there... right in the middle of the space, were two large levers. This Torchwood... was the cause of everything.