Suddenly Alan felt like sniping as well. He certainly hadn't expected sympathy from the Doctor after spilling his guts, but somehow he'd managed to be taken completely unaware by the complete self-indulgence of the man. True, he was in no position to throw stones in that regard, but he knew it when he saw it.

"Sorry, Doctor, not all of us have much experience dealing with other species on their home turf." he snapped angrily, yanking his arm out of the other man's grip. "Have you any idea what's affecting them, or is this one of those run-and-figure-it-all-as-you-go-along trips?"