Vastra Investigates

Hallway...

Strax the Sontaran Butler is putting handcuffs on a man.

"Prepare for obliteration, Earthling scum." Strax said.

"Actually, Mister Strax, if you could just take him aside for a moment, I have some officers on the way." The Inspector said.

"As you wish. Humans." Strax said, walking away with the criminal.

"Sorry. He is new." Jenny said.

"Funny looking fellow but, Turkish, is he?" The inspector asked.

"He is a genetically modified clone warrior from outer space." Vastra said.

"Ah. Makes sense. Well, what a case. Identical twins, poison undetectable to science, an ancient Egyptian curse. Once more Scotland Yard is in your debt, Madame Vastra. Where would we be without you?"

"Quite some distance from a clue, one imagines."

"You might be right. Does it ever hurt?"

"Does what hurt?"

"Your skin condition. Always wondered."

"It's not a condition, Inspector. It's just skin." Jenny said.

"Are you sure?" The inspector asked.

"I am, as I may have failed to mention, an intelligent reptile from an ancient civilisation long preceding mankind. Many of us slumber under the Earth's crust." Vastra said.

"Madame was accidentally awoken by an extension to the London Underground." Jenny said.

"Well, that would account for it." The inspector said.

"I was not initially keen on the society of apes, but I made the most elementary of errors. I fell in love." Vastra said.

Vastra and Jenny gaze into each others eyes.

"What, with the Turkish fellow?" The inspector asked.

"No. Not with the Turkish fellow." Vastra said.

"Good lord. Good lord."

"Come along, my dear." Vastra said, walking away with Jenny.

"Yes, my darling." Jenny said.

"Good lord." The inspector said.

Carriage...

"Still no word from the Doctor and Jared, then?" Jenny asked.

"No, my dear. And there won't be." Vastra said.

"The Doctor can't sulk in his box with Jared forever."

"Heartbreak is a burden to us all. Pity the Time Lord with two and the ally of justice with one."

"It's starting to snow." Jenny said, looking out of the window.

"But it can't be." Vastra said.

"Well, it is nearly Christmas."

"But the clouds." Vastra said, looking out of the window.

"What about them?" Jenny asked.

"There aren't any."