Doctor Who fic: High Risk, High Reward (1/1)

[locker_monster]

Title: High Risk, High Reward (1/1)
Rating: G
Word Count: 597
Characters: Sarah Jane, Three
Timeline: Post-"Death to the Daleks"
Summary: Sarah Jane learns the consequences of working for UNIT
Disclaimer: Doctor Who belongs to the BBC.
A/N: Written for the who_at_50's 50th Anniversary Fanwork-a-thon-a-thon, Round Nine. September was Three's month.

"Congratulations."

Sarah Jane flopped down onto the first chair she saw in the Doctor's lab. It was as hard as a rock, but as far as she was concerned it was a downy mattress. She was so tired and sore but she found the energy to raise her head to regard the Doctor. He graced her with a kind smile, but she couldn't share in his celebratory mood.

"You're joking, right? That was torture."

"Don't be so discouraged, Sarah. From what I saw, you did quite well. I've seen men bigger than you fail that course."

Sarah was sure she was meant to feel reassured, but all she could focus on right now was taking a nice hot shower. "I'm not even a member of UNIT. I don't see why I had to take their basic training course." She would have ignored the order completely if it hadn't come straight from the Brigadier.

"You won't hear this from the Brigadier, but it's something of a compromise."

"A compromise?"

"We're civilians, Sarah. Technically, I don't even exist. We have very little reason to be here. The Brigadier used much of his influence to convince his superiors that we're of use."

She tried to see it from a military commander's point of view. A young journalist, one who snuck into the classified base no less, assisting the strange scientific advisor who had no qualms about expressing his dislike for authority. She could admit that she and the Doctor were a disruption, but they were hardly dangerous. "All right, but do we literally have to jump through hoops to keep people happy?"

"Keep in mind that this is an active military base, as well. Everyone who works here is required to have rudimentary training."

In her addled state, Sarah Jane had the sudden image of the canteen cook going through the same obstacle course. "So you took the course, too?"

"Yes, though after much bellowing from the Brigadier."

She chuckled softly, but immediately regretted it. Even the slight movement caused her aching muscles to flare with pain. "It's still ridiculous."

The Doctor had been absently tinkering with a new gadget since she barged in, but he now put it aside to address her fully. "What UNIT does is far from safe. That training might keep you alive one day."

As tired as she was, Sarah Jane understood what the Doctor was getting at. UNIT fought aliens. That wasn't a low risk occupation. She was putting herself in harm's way each day she came to the base. And there was another underlying message in the Doctor's words, too. Travel in the TARDIS wasn't exactly safe either. In fact, she was probably in more danger exploring time and space.

But he wasn't discouraging her from this new, exciting life. It was just some friendly guidance. The Doctor knew she could look after herself and only she could decide when she wanted to give it all up.

"Ms. Smith?"

Sarah Jane stiffened at the sound of Sergeant Benton's voice. He was out in the corridor and coming closer. As much as she liked Benton, he was the one overseeing her training and she was not in the mood to do any more.

Thankfully, the Doctor headed over to Sarah Jane and helped her to her feet. "How about a trip to Melissa Majoria to celebrate the completion of your training?"

She leapt to her feet, suddenly feeling re-energized. "You could take me to Croydon as long as it's away from here."

They shared a smile as they made a dash for the TARDIS.

Comments

[fannishliss.livejournal.com]

This is a great story with Sarah and Three. I love the idea of UNIT attempting to train them. :) Thanks for writing for who at 50!! :)

[locker-monster.livejournal.com]

Thank you. :-)

Sarah has a line from The Sarah Jane Adventures, I don't remember which episode, about UNIT training and that was the main inspiration for this. I couldn't picture Sarah willingly taking military training, hence the orders from the Brig.

[clocketpatch]

Sarah imagining the the canteen cook (whoever that is) dancing through hoops was amusing. Three was perfect with his sympathy countered with advising Sarah-Jane that the training is for her own good. A lovely snap shot of UNIT, and of the Doctor's gruff acknowledgement of the hoops THEY had to jump through to keep him and his companions safe.

[locker-monster.livejournal.com]

I tried to pick the less likely person on the base that would need UNIT training and the canteen/mess hall cook seemed like the ideal choice.

In my mind, this is how Sarah is able to shoot the rifle so well in "The Pyramids of Mars". She and the Doctor may not like the training, but it does come in handy sometimes.

[jjpor.livejournal.com]

Very nice indeed. I'm now trying to picture the Doctor doing his basic training, although I imagine he completed with with panache. ;D And poor old Benton's going to be wondering where Sarah got to...

Thanks for posting this to the comm and I hope we will see more from you in the closing rounds of the continuing fanworkathon. :)

[locker-monster.livejournal.com]

I can picture the Doctor setting a new course record just because he could. :-)

I definitely have something up my sleeve for One's round...

[a-phoenixdragon.livejournal.com]

This was marvelous!! I can see poor Sarah having to do this - and grumbling after she aced it. I would have been happy for a hot bath and some tea (but I can well see the reason and need for escape...poor Benton)!

*HUGS*

[locker-monster.livejournal.com]

I said this in another comment, but Sarah has line in one of The Sarah Jane Adventures episodes about UNIT training and how you never forget it and it was a line that stuck with me. It meant she took the time to do the training and that UNIT cared enough to train a civilian. So they had a good relationship, even if UNIT carried guns.

I can hear Benton now: "I swear Ms. Smith was here a moment ago, sir!" :-)