Universe 1
[img=http://www.champlain.edu/Images/Header-Images/850x180/Student-Activities/student-activities-850-theater.jpg]

The costume was actually not that bad. Despite what the wardrobe director said, the maid’s outfit fit Miranda pretty well, though she did feel a bit silly wearing it. She wasn’t normally a fan of various costumes and outfits which is funny considering she wore a uniform all the time. Perhaps that was why. She had the real thing and therefore there was no reason for the fake. But either way, her she was and she was going to do her part. Putting on the maid’s hat she tied it on and then looked at the mirror her assistant pointed her to. “Not bad.” She declared. 

The young woman with her smiled. “Just a few minor alterations and it fit just right.” She informed. Her smile dampened. “You better join the others. They will be starting the opening bow shortly.” She stated.

“Opening bow?” Miranda inquired. “What’s that?”

The woman looked at her as if she didn’t understand why Miranda didn’t know this. “When all the actors and actresses come out and bow for their performance. It has to be done so the show can start.” She shook her head. 

“Isn’t that at the end?” Miranda asked. From what she remembered, the entire cast would come out at the end and take a bow. It made more sense actually. Nobody knew who they were initially and you can see how well they acted before meeting the people behind the character.

The young woman laughed. “Right. And then we would be missing a major portion of our cast.” She shook her head, surprised at what she thought was stupidity. “Here you go.” She said nodding toward where the others were standing. “Good luck with your performance." With that she scampered off leaving Miranda to join the other members of the cast. Quite a few of the members looked down as if depressed. It seemed strange really. Did they really not enjoy being in a play? Why did they join up in the troupe if they didn’t like it? Figuring that one of their friends or a member of the troupe had died she left it be. Spotting the Doctor she headed toward him.

“You didn’t change.” She noted, a bit envious of the fact that men really could get away with a handful of clothing while females had to constantly change up their wardrobe or even get new clothes to avoid being criticized. But it really wasn’t something she was going to dwell on. Life had its little twists and turns and in no way was it fair. You just had to deal with it and move on. Don’t let the tiny thorns of life get you down or you would never be pleased. Not that she was always happy but still. It was a principle. “I guess he liked your clothes and decided it would make a good costume.” She smiled. “Though I bet it probably had to do more with your bullheaded stubbornness.” The incident in the hospital came to mind. He was a bit stubborn. She nodded toward the other members of the cast. “They all seem a bit down.” She stated, her voice lowering. “I wonder if we are replacing some cast members that passed away or something.”

“Everyone, line up for the bow.” The Director called out. 

Quickly getting in line, Miranda nodded to the Doctor. “Best of luck.” She told him unsure if there would be time to catch him once the play started. “Break a leg.”
The man on the other side of her gave her a scowl causing her to quickly shut up. Maybe they didn’t use that expression anymore. Following the others she headed out as the curtain came up. Looking out over the enormous amphitheater, Miranda took a deep breath. Stay calm. Everything will be fine. Joining the others, she bowed as the cast was introduced.
~~~
Universe 2
[img=http://geeknation.com/Content/Blogs/12_2012/doctor_who_the_snowmen_12.jpg]

He frowned. He had not been expecting that. Smaller on the outside? He looked at her. With all the companions he had, this was the first time anyone had said that. “It’s bigger on the inside.” He shot back, a bit miffed that he didn’t get to hear his favorite words. When she inquired about if it was magic or a machine he smiled and straightened his bow tie. “It’s a TARDIS. Time And Relative Dimension In Space.” He informed her. “My TARDIS.” He smiled as she was a bit confused on why he was showing her all this. It really was pretty simple – at least for him. He wanted her to become his new companion. Showing her his TARDIS was another step leading toward her traveling through time and space with him. Of course, they still had to deal with that silly ice woman first. Not to mention that he definitely needed to get Clara out of the Victorian aged clothing and into something far easier for her to travel in. No way was would all the large skirts, bustles, and hoops work in his line of work. There was an awful lot of running and that dress just wouldn’t do.

Suddenly, Clara fell backwards with a startled scream. “Clara!” He shouted dashing forward. Going to the edge of the TARDIS he watched as she and the Ice Governess fell down toward the roof of the house. He winced as they crashed down on the side of the house. Dashing back over to the controls, he kicked himself for dawdling. “Stupid imbecile.” He flipped the switch and held on as the TARDIS moved through space and enclosed Clara and the some pieces of the ice woman. Moving the TARDIS to the study he quickly brought Clara out and placed her on a table. Her face was pale and her eyes closed. “You can help her right?” He asked Vastra ignoring the exclaims for the humans. 

Vastra looked at Strax who pulled out a device. “We’ll try.” Strax stated. When Latimer lamented about how she was died, Strax grunted. “This technology has capacities and abilities beyond anything your puny human mind could possibly understand. Try not to worry.” 

Not being able to stand and do nothing, the Doctor scanned what was left of the ice pieces that were around Clara. “Is the creature still dangerous?” Vastra inquired.
The Doctor shook his head. “No. Not now anyway.” He stated. The plan had worked. The fall did enough damage that it would take a long time before she could reform, assuming she would at all. He had some of the shards here and some were outside. If they were together there might have been a chance but not now. At least, not a major one.

“Then you should be with her.” Vastra said nodding toward Clara. She knew that the young woman needed him as much as he needed her. “Go to her Doctor.”
The Doctor put the shards into a lunchbox. “She’ll be fine.” He declared though he didn’t feel it inside. He couldn’t lose another companion. Not again. Not when he was just starting to hope.

“The technology will help her for a short time but she won’t last.” Vastra declared. “Not for long.”

“She was in my care. She was my responsibility.” The Doctor said shutting the lunchbox a bit harshly.

“What is the point of blaming yourself?” Vastra asked, her eyes kind. She felt sorry for the man. He had lost so much and now he was going to lose another. Sometimes it just wasn’t fair. 

The Doctor gave her a hard look. “None. Because she’s going to live.” Turning, he headed over toward Clara, setting the lunchbox aside. Pasting a tentative smile on his face he came over and took her hand. “Hey.” He stated smiling unsure what to say. “Hello.”