Chapter One: Anniversary: Impossible

It was sixteen minutes past five, Earth time, on…wait, we’ve done that already. Let’s try again. It was actually 11:16AM on Sunday the 23^rd of November, 2008. Today was the day of the Doctors’ 45^th anniversary and Alien Lisa (AL) was planning the biggest party in her history of throwing parties.

She wasn’t 100% sure her game room would accommodate the sixty-plus people that she had coming, so she had the guys (minus the four Doctors, Jack and Jamie, who were all forbidden to have anything to do with the set-up for the party) decorate the outside of the house near the TARDIS with blue streamers and balloons (45 was sapphire) and set up chairs and long tables.

There were a lot of things to take care of before the guests arrived at four. The only thing she didn’t really have to worry about was the cake; all she had to do was pick it up from Duff. As for the dinner and appetizers, she had planned to ask Alton, but he happened to be busy this weekend. Then she got the news and inspiration flashed.

AL waited near the middle of a dirt footpath, eyes peeled for the one individual she needed to see more than anyone. After a moment, she spotted him over the sea of heads. Grinning, she waved and shouted, “Robert!”

Chef Robert Irvine – once former and currently reinstated host of Food Network’s Dinner: Impossible – walked up the path to her, greeting her with a hug and kiss.

“Hello, Lisa,” he said. “I got your message. What’s the favor?”

AL’s grin got wider. Giggling, she said, “Well, in honor of me getting you back on the show – ”

Yes, AL was under the impression that she single-handedly got him his job back. Robert, as well as the bigwigs at Food Network, let her believe it. It was easier than arguing with her.

“ – I thought it’d be cool if I gave you one of your first challenges,” she concluded.

He considered for a minute, then shrugged. “Well, why not? What’s the challenge?”

“Today is the Doctors’ 45^th anniversary and I’m having a party to celebrate. I’d like you to prepare the appetizers and buffet, Dinner: Impossible style.”

“How many people are we talking?”

“About sixty-two including the guys and myself. There’re at least two vegetarians that I know of. The appetizers have to be out by sixteen minutes past five tonight.”

Robert checked his watch; it was 11:30. That gave him less than six hours. “Okay,” he said. “Where’s the food and the kitchen?”

“My house on Alnilam.” She held out her hand. “I’ll take you there whenever you’re ready.”

“I’m as ready as I’ll ever be,” he said, taking her hand. AL then proceeded to teleport the both of them to Alnilam leaving behind a pair of bemused squirrels.

Upon arrival, AL led Robert through her house to the kitchen. She’d updated all of her appliances and had stocked up on everything she thought he needed for this challenge.

“You’ll have unlimited access to whatever I have available here and Luke, Tommy, Adam, Clark and Gary will act as your sous chefs. Adam can telepathically contact me if you needed anything else.” The named guys waved. The rest of them, minus those forbidden, were outside setting up the area. Except for Erik; he hadn’t been seen all day, but AL figured she’d just let him be since she had other things to deal with today.

“I’m impressed,” said Robert. “I’ve never seen a kitchen so well stocked. Let me guess…you called everyone you knew that owns a restaurant?”

“No!” she replied in a tone that meant “Yes!”. “Well, maybe.”

Robert and the guys laughed. “So what if I do need to do some shopping? It’s not like you have a market nearby.”

“I’ve arranged transport,” she said. “C’mere.”

Taking him by the hand, she led him outside. He laughed when he saw said “transport”: Lightning was, unwillingly by the look on his face, being hitched to a wagon by Data and Jesse.

“Robert, you know Lightning, Data and Jesse. Lighting can take you to Earth to shop and his speed will help you with time.” The stallion snorted. “Be nice,” she warned.

“I’m only doing this for the Doctors, Jack and Jamie. If Aquiel catches me in this thing, you’re gonna owe me big!”

“Yes, dear.” AL deadpanned. “Okay, Robert. It’s all up to you. If you need me, have Adam call me.”

End chapter one.

Back *~*~* Chapter Two