The situation could have been worse.

The usually wayward TARDIS had managed to land safely on a pleasant little world for once. It came to rest on a gently rolling prairie filled with tall wildflowers in full bloom, bounded by a lush forest which ended on the rocky beach of a small peaceful lake. A ragged cliff stood at one end of the beach, the home of some colourful but noisy birds. There were also noisy insects, but none of the stinging kind. The air was balmy and faintly scented by a sweet flower. The single sun was tinted red and the double moons raced across the star filled night sky. A welcome paradise by any measure. There were no hideous monsters to fight, no maniacal villains to pursue, no imminent destruction of the entire planet to thwart. It was, therefore, very boring and Leela was becoming restless.

The day before, the Doctor had tried his experienced hand at angling, but the lake yielded nothing but a lazy afternoon of napping. Today, he was going for a tramp in the woods. He donned his battered hat, located his favourite walking stick and tidily wrapped his scarf around his neck lest it tangle in the undergrowth. Despite his gentle coaxing, Leela declined his invitation to join him and was left to entertain herself. When the Doctor was out of sight, she decided to go for a swim.

The water was crystal clear, deepening rapidly away from the shore and the reddish sun reflected from the rippling surface. A breeze tousled her long hair as she undressed. While she had learned the utility of a towel, she was not yet accustomed to the practice of wearing a bathing suit. As she was removing her boots, he quietly moved into a good place to watch.

After laying aside her leather dress, Leela ascended a large rock jutting into the lake and dove in. The water was refreshingly cool and her skin tingled as it swallowed her. Her face unfurled a broad smile as she breached the surface for a quick breath. There had been few opportunities to bathe in a natural setting such as this and she was going to make the most of it. His eyes were intently focused on this rapturous spectacle.

Trained as a warrior, Leela's lithe and supple body also made her an excellent swimmer. She could best all of the women and most of the men of her tribe. But none could surpass her at the ceremonial game where a warrior's knife is thrown into deep water and must be retrieved by that warrior or suffer the shame of losing the blade. She had garnered greater esteem by retrieving the blades of others after they had failed. While floating on her back, she grinned at the memory of Bora's angry face as she emerged from the water, gripping his fine weapon in her hand. She had teased him mercilessly about it more than once when his ego puffed up a bit too much. Her delicious joy did not escape her observer's unwavering scrutiny.

Like the oars of a boat, Leela's arms propelled her slowly through the glistening water. When she was a good distance from shore, she rolled over and used long, powerful strokes to speed the return across the lake, a wake fanning out behind her, the wetness of her back reflecting bright flashes of sunlight as would a large game fish. The exhilarating sensation of the water flowing past made her push for even more speed. About half of the way back, she slipped under the water, seeking the bottom far below. The lake was very deep here, taxing even her superb ability. But she touched her goal and rose up to pass her reflected image, replenishing her exhausted breath with several heaving gasps. Fully recovered, she continued towards the shore with slow, flowing strokes. His interest in her actions was undiminished.

Having reached the shallows, Leela turned playful, dipping her head then flinging it back so her hair would send a large arc of water into the air. She threw handfuls of water up as high as she could so it would splash down on her upturned face. She began a giddy laughter and could not stop until she had waded out of the lake and sat on a smooth rock where her clothes had been cast off. She reached up to squeeze the water from her hair, her back becoming a graceful arch. The droplets resolutely clinging to her sparkled like rubies with the reddish light. He did not avert his vision from her immodest display. She knew he was watching. It was his habit and not only did she not mind but welcomed it.

The sunlight was pleasantly warm and Leela was in no hurry to leave. The goosebumps from the cool water faded as she slowly towelled away the moisture, starting with her arms and working down, being careful not to block the sunlight or his view. Having wiped away the last of the liquid jewels, she slipped on her warrior's garb. Sitting again on the rock, she brushed away the sand from her feet and between her toes before tugging on her boots. She was now ready to face the uninvited but not unexpected onlooker.

Leela followed the path to his vantage point and he had not moved from it, knowing she would seek him out. She looked him straight in the eye and gave him a beautiful, loving smile. She reached out and slowly stroked his face with the palm of her hand, her fingertips sliding off at his chin. She could easily see he enjoyed being the centre of her attention.

"Let's go, K9."

"Coming, Mistress."