Misguided Ghosts: Chapter Four

The Doctor babbled on about Barcelona as he and Donna were jostled around, slamming Donna back and forth as he ran around the console and beat at buttons and controls.
"--and the food is just phenomenal, Donna, and I mean amazing. And..." he paused, staring at her. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
She blinked as if coming out of a daze. "Like what?"
The TARDIS shuttered to a halt and the Doctor yanked at the brakes. "Like... like that! You're doing it now!" He waved a finger in her face. She pushed him away.
"I don't know what you're on about," she insisted. Then she sighed. "D'you... do you suppose she ever felt this way? Rose, I mean. After you regenerated."
He looked at her curiously. "Felt how?"
"Like... like she knew you, but she didn't. I mean, in the rush of the moment it's all very well and good, but then you really stop and look and I... can hardly even see him in you. My Doctor."

The Doctor rubbed the back of his neck. "So that's what the look's about," he said. "Yeah, Rose was a little uncomfortable... for about five seconds. Or something. She got over it. I'm sure you will too."
Donna nodded, chewing on her lip before saying brightly, "Anyway! What's the climate out there?"
The Doctor gave her a once-over, taking in her jeans, jumper, and trainers. "You might want something a bit cooler," he said slowly. "It's quite warm out."
"Right..." Donna scampered over to one of her suitcases, which had slid across the floor, and dug through it, finally pulling out a sundress. "Stay here," she added. "It's been ages since I got to stand on a new planet, I want to open the door."
The Doctor shrugged, waving her away. She ran up the stairs and then paused. "This new layout's quite confusing," she shouted down. He laughed.

A few minutes later, Donna reappeared, now decked out in a bright yellow sundress, sunglasses, and a floppy hat. The Doctor took off his tweed jacket and rolled up his sleeves, offering his arm to his companion. "Shall we?"
"We shall," she said with a wide grin. Together they approached the door, and Donna pushed it open with a creak.
The bright light of the sun, much whiter and brighter than the Earth's sun, beat down as the duo stepped outside. The ground was a bright blue color, something like grass. The sky was also blue, but an almost turquoise shade. The hills rolled for miles all around, and Donna breathed in the sweet air that smelled vaguely of peppermint and sunflowers.
"Told ya!" the Doctor said, observing her reaction. "Anyway, judging from the air quality, it's..." he paused, sniffing. "About 6504, in Earth years. That's good news, because that means my favorite restaurant has been around for 4 years now. Let's go!" He took her hand and dragged her forward. Donna, however, stopped short. He glanced back at her, confused. "What?"
"You didn't even react," she said slowly.
"Donna, what--"
"I mentioned Rose. Before, you would've nearly cried. Now, it's all casual. Is that what happens?" she added, sounding almost irate. "You change your face, and everyone you knew before is just... no one?"
The Doctor struggled to find the words. "No! Donna... look, if that were true, why are you here, eh?"
She huffed. "Fine. I just wondered if you... if you still feel..."
"I can never see her again," he said gently. "I've let her go."
Donna scowled. "That's not the Doctor I know," she muttered, but before her could retort, she suddenly pointed into the distance and said, "What the hell is that?"

The Doctor squinted in the direction she was pointing. "It looks like... an angry mob," he said, the color draining from his face. Donna narrowed her eyes.
Donna removed her sunglasses to look him in the eye. "Why is there an angry mob approaching us, Doctor?" she asked in a falsely calm voice.
"Er..." he looked at her sideways. "How mad would you be if I told you I've been here before, and... well, let's just say they don't like me very much."
Donna glowered. "Why would you come back?" she asked incredulously. He shrugged.
"Look, it was in my sixth regeneration, okay? I didn't think... but I suppose they recognized the TARDIS."
"You really are an idiot," Donna grumbled, as the mob came into clear view.

The inhabitants of Barcelona were a dark sea green, with six crab-like legs and long arms that ended in hands with eight fingers each. Their faces were vaguely human, with deep-set brown eyes and slits for nostrils. Their mouths were beak-like and currently moving with furious mutters.
"Hello!" The Doctor chirped. The creatures fell silent and their eyes were hard with anger. The Doctor laughed shakily. "Didn't expect a welcoming committee, did we, Donna?"
"This box," growled one of the bigger ones, stepping forward. "It is the sign of the Doctor! He is the sworn enemy of our leader, the Great Kalstha. You!" He pointed on of his many fingers in the Doctor's face, so close the Doctor had to tuck in his chin to keep it in view. "What affiliation do you have with the Doctor?"

The Time Lord's face was blank. He stared at Donna, eyes wide.
"We're... er, here to apologize! On behalf of the Doctor," Donna said, shooting the Doctor a "what am I supposed to say?" look. He nodded feverishly at the aliens, agreeing with her words.
"You will be taken in for questioning," growled the alien. He turned to four aliens behind him. "Take them into custody."
Donna made a little "oh" of indignant surprise as two of the aliens grabbed her roughly by the arms and led her away. She gave the Doctor a look.
"You would get us arrested on our first date," she said with a wry smile. "Funny way to treat a girl."
He smiled back. "Well, I like to keep things fresh. Hey! Watch the bowtie! You'll wrinkle it," he added to the guards who were leading him.
Donna just shook her head. The Doctor would find a way out of this.
He always did.