Universe 1

It really was difficult to remain calm as Miranda gave a bow. Not only was there so many people but the fact that the Doctor had just told her that people died in the play didn't help. Regrettably, she wasn't able to ask to many questions as they all had been forced to go out and bow. Keeping the confusion off her face though she gave a bow and then followed the others back. "What do you mean?" She whispered, placing a hand on the Doctor's arm. "What do you mean people die in the play for real?" It really didn't make a lot of sense to her. However, once again before the Doctor could reply she was informed that she needed to be on stage. "Doctor?" She said hesitating. 

One of the director's aids stepped between them. "Go. They need you on now." He ordered firmly, no room for argument.

Realizing she would just have to catch him between scenes, Miranda held up her hands. "I'm going." She said before the man resorted to firmer methods. She turned and headed on stage. It wasn't actually that hard. Whatever they had stung her with had not only given her the script but they also tied in a bit with her body language, making the the ability to act become non-existent. But to Miranda, it was actually a bit unnerving how much control whatever they injected her with had on her body. Though she was in the character's role acting, it was if she was watching someone else control her. She wondered if saying something off script could happen, giving her somewhat control over her actions. However, when she thought of changing a word or sentence, the correct one still came out. It was as if someone else was controlling her mind. It wasn't so much that she couldn't it was just that even if she tried, the words and actions required for the play overrode all else. 

For the next several scenes she wasn't able to be off stage with the Doctor. Either one or both were on stage. It didn't help that the Doctor was a main character. She wondered how he was performing under the injection. From what she saw, he quoted the lines perfectly, even performing actions that was required for that scene. She wondered if that was because it was controlling him or because he wanted them to think that. He did look human so they might have assumed he was human not taking into consideration how well it would work on an alien physiology. Not that she watched him much. While she was offstage she tried to get some information from the other cast members. It was difficult but she was able to piece together a bit when Act I ended giving both her and the Doctor a respite where they could talk.

"Nobody had a choice to be here." She hissed disgusted after pulling the Doctor into a corner. "Though they weren't real chatty it turns out each one was picked in a lottery forcing them to attend. Those who survive get about ten thousand credits while those who 'win' have their families provided for over the ten years." She glanced at the other cast members who seemed resigned to their fate. “This is wrong. The things they inject us with seem to take over, they are forced to be here and from what I gathered and what you said, some people won’t even survive.” The anger at the injustice of it all was evident in her tone and expression. “This is wrong. How did we get this far where things like this are even legal? Has human life gotten so cheap that it is alright to murder everyone?”

The Director called out that Act II was about to begin, interrupting her tirade. “I’m not sure I like this future.” She declared. If this was the best age of entertainment then there needed to be a careful evaluation of what that word meant. Sighing, she ran her hand through her hair. “Not that it’s your fault.” She stated apologetically realizing that she was taking her anger at injustice of this out on him. “I’m sorry. I just…” She frowned unsure what they could do. If it was legal could they even stop it? Or would they get arrested for disrupting a perfectly “normal” thing.

“Players on stage.” The Director ordered. Thankfully, neither the Doctor or her started the second Act. 

She looked at him unsure what to do. Here she was, far away from the rules and culture of her society. What was acceptable and unacceptable in her time had changed over the years. She hoped the Doctor knew what to do because she felt at a loss. And it was something she did not like. “What do we do?” She asked. “Doctor?” He was the time traveler. He was the one who knew what could be done without ruining the time stream. He would know what to do. Or so she hoped.
~~~~~
Universe 2

He smiled sadly. Though the ice governess was taken care of he still had a few minor things to clear up with Dr. Simeon and the living snow. Instead of answering, he just smiled. When she asked if everyone thought she was going to die, he didn't even bother to look at the others. "I think you are going to live." He stated instead, his eyes staying locked onto hers. Sure it looked hopeless, but he had faced hopeless before. "If I save the world will you go away with me?" He asked placing a key into the palm of her hand. It looked like any ordinary key but it wasn't. Most of the time he waited for awhile before giving a new companion the key to the TARDIS but not her, not Clara. There was something about her that made him hope again. In her way she was unique and different then the rest of his companions. But that was good. Each companion had their own traits and that was what made them special. Giving her this key not only showed that he was willing to move on but it was a sign of how much she already meant to him. When she accepted the key and told him to go save the world, he smiled and straightened his bow tie.

"Just you wait, Clara. I'll be back in a jiffy and I will show you the universe." Turning he grabbed the lunch pail and headed toward the TARDIS. "See that she stays alive." He ordered Strax. 

The Sontaran sighed. "I'll do my best sir." He declared. 

Going over toward the door he opened and glared at Simion. Holding up the lunch box he spoke. “Remains of the ice governess.” He declared. “Your office, ten minutes.” Shutting the door he didn’t leave time for the man to argue. Nodding for Vastra to join him the two disappeared into the TARDIS and quickly left. 

"Don't worry." The potato-headed alien said going over to Clara. "He'll save the world. You should have seen him in the olden days. He was a great warrior. Would have made a fine Sontaran!" He declared. 

The snowmen outside the window remained while the Dr. Simion quickly left in a carriage. It was a slow anguish wait. Stepping toward the window Captain Latimer looked out at the snowmen. His two frightened children huddled in the corner terrified and worried. Their governance, no more than that, their friend, was dying. When Clara spoke he almost missed what she said. Looking over at his children, he looked back at Clara. “It isn’t really my area.” He told her. When she told him it was now, he nodded. 
Straightening a bit stiffly he went over to his children. Though a bit awkward at first he soon held both of them, comforting them.

A bit more time went by as Strax watched the vital signs slowly lowering. “No! You must fight!” He ordered. “Hang in there boy!” He always did get the genders confused. 
As rain fell outside the TARDIS once again appeared. Dashing out, the Doctor headed over to Clara. “We did it, Clara.” He told her. “You and me. We saved the world.” His smile was sad.

“She doesn’t have long.” Strax informed him.

Not accepting that, the Doctor looked at Clara. “You got to hold on.” He ordered. “Just hold on a bit longer.” Gently picking her up he turned to walk past Strax. 

“Where are you going?” Vastra inquired concerned. She put her hand on his arm. “She won’t last much longer. There’s nothing you can do.” She whispered aware of the children.

“Like heck she will.” The Doctor shot back. Heading into the TARDIS he gently set her down and set a new destination. “Just hold on Clara.” He said as her eyes started to close. “Hold on.”