Daily Doctor: Pirate's Gold III

"But that's--" Donna spluttered, pointing at the apparition.

The Doctor narrowed his eyes. "River Song. I know."

"What's the matter?" asked River. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Not too far from the--" Donna said, but the Doctor shushed her.

"Timeline stuff. Wibbly-wobbly." He shot her a stern look before straightening again towards River.

Donna took the opportunity to examine the little creatures surrounding River. Their noses were at least twice as long as their legs, and indeed they were using it almost like a third foot that stretched out in front. Little beady black eyes and whiskers rounded out the face.

Then she blinked and looked again. "Are those birds?"

River snorted. "That's what they pass for in these parts. Anyway, thanks for coming. I appreciate the support, even if I didn't ask for it."

"Yet," said the Doctor, sweeping his screwdriver across the quiet crowd.

"What do you mean?" asked Donna and River at the same time. They exchanged disapproving glances.

"You didn't ask for my help...yet." He reached up and leaned a hand on the TARDIS's doorframe. "The instruments show very clearly that someone manipulated my navigation to bring us here."

River frowned. "I see. I didn't yet, but I will."

"Looks that way, doesn't it? But I'd love to know how you got so good at Timelord technology." He eyed the sonic screwdriver on her belt.

She arched an eyebrow at him. "Well, maybe you're about to tell me. Enough chit-chat, we've got work to do."

Donna edged to the Doctor's side and whispered. "If those aren't birds...what are they?"

He brought the screwdriver up to his face. "It's a pretty good impression of a bird. Just missed a few things - can't fly, for one. The feathers are really hair, and..." He slapped it in his hand and looked again. "Bone marrow. Like mammals. Birds have light, hollow bones, but these fellows don't."

"These fellows can speak for themselves," came a voice from near their feet.

Donna repressed a holler and backed herself up against the TARDIS door. She dropped her gaze, wanting to cover her eyes but not wanting to look stupid. The not-birds had raised their long noses - beaks? - and stared at the two newcomers.