Doctor Who: Changes in Time and Space Prologue The Thirteenth Doctor’s TARDIS, in the Vortex Felicia Lovell entered the Console Room, where the Doctor and her other companions were. They were observing the TARDIS's progress through the vortex. For what seemed to be two to three months, the TARDIS had been going off course. ('One could never quite tell in the TARDIS', Felicia thought as she reflected on the matter.) No matter what course the Doctor had set, the ship would soon choose a different one of her own. She had washed after their previous adventure where they had encountered a Terileptil in second century Rome. The Doctor had defeated their scheme with her usual alacrity. She had spent some time washing (as she had fallen into some muck that the other companions hadn't). She had then wondered through the corridors as she reflected on her time with the Time Lady. “Ah, there you are,” the Doctor said as she entered the console room. “Are we off course again?” Felicia asked rhetorically. “Of course we are, it seems the console destination input circuitry, has joined the chameleon circuit in being broken,” one of her fellow companions, Daniel Hadley, said. “That is not the reason we are going off course,” the Doctor said, with a disapproving tone. “So, you do know what the reason is?” “The reason is that the TARDIS is going off course, is that it wants to go off course,” the Doctor expounded. “Remember that she's alive, so to speak.” “Did it take you months to figure that out?” Daniel asked. “It didn’t take me months to find out that the TARDIS was going off course because it wanted to go off course, I found out almost immediately,” the Doctor said. “So where are we going now?” Sigrun asked. “If the TARDIS is going off course, we won’t know until we land, won’t we Doctor?” Daniel said, half to Sigrun, and half to the Doctor. “The coordinates I input were for somewhere in Britain in early 2034,” the Doctor explained, as she took a look at the console screen. “But we're already off course. We may be arriving in Ireland in 2021.” They all watched the console, seeing the coordinates shift earlier and earlier, and further to the south west, across the Atlantic. Soon they landed, in the Azores in 2018. “2018, not a bad year,” the Doctor said.
Chapter 1 – Invasion at the Azores – Part I: Arrival 29 September 2018, The Azores Autonomous Region, Portugal, just outside the city of Ponta Delaga The TARDIS had materialised in a forest. Sabir emerged from the TARDIS first. Though he came from an era when world travel was commonplace (but not as commonplace as later) he had never been to the Azores. He breathed in the air, hardly any pollution could be smelt. “It is peaceful,” he said. “You know that can change very quickly Sab,” the Doctor said, as she followed him out of the TARDIS. ‘Sab’ felt a flush of embarrassment; despite the length of time he had already travelled with the Doctor, he still wasn't used to her calling him by that diminutive. (But there were other diminutives he wouldn't have minded so much.) “It is not that likely that aliens would start invading the Earth here or that there would be any experiments that could go wrong.” “But, these things are unexpected,” the Doctor said, knowing that Sab would continue to argue the point… Daniel exited the ‘timeship’, as he called it, to see Sabir and the Doctor arguing, again! They were arguing about whether they would find events/actions that the Doctor would have to be involved in, to right the wrongs. “Why do you always have to argue with each other?” he asked. “We are not arguing,” Sabir said, with a blush. “Maybe we were, Dan, but things can change very quickly, as you know,” the Doctor explained, her voice showing little strain. Daniel agreed with that. At most of the places he had been since he had joined the Doctor in his travels a few years ago (relatively speaking), things had changed very quickly. It was all peaceful, and then something happened, whether an invasion occurred, an experiment went wrong, or an old enemy of the Doctor's showed up. “I agree with that,” he said. Having changed into clothes appropriate for the era, Sigrun emerged from the TARDIS after Daniel. As it was prior to her own era it wasn't difficult to find those clothes. She could see that the Doctor, Sabir and Felicia were wearing clothing as anachronistic as the TARDIS' exterior. Sabir was dressed in clothes from his native period approximately a decade prior to the current time, including a t-shirt with a catchphrase from one of his favourite science fiction television shows. Daniel’s mode of dress being somewhere between the two. “Ah, Sigrid, there you are. We were just discussing the possibility of something happening,” the Doctor said. Sigrun flinched. She was still getting used to the Doctor calling her by that diminutive. However, she did know that she did it out of affection, as she did with the other companions. “Certainly, it is likely that something will happen,” she added. “I told you,” Sabir said cheerfully. “She usually agrees with me.” “For certain,” Daniel said as an afterthought. Sigrun walked over to them, and waited with them for the others. Agitated, Jia'hale re-entered the console room. Again with Earth! The TARDIS hadn’t been to her home planet since before it began going off course! She hoped that situation would change soon. She had just been to the wardrobe, and had been pleased to remove the toga she had to wear in Rome, and put on something more comfortable. She would have been happy to leave the TARDIS with nothing. But the Doctor had said (more than once) that the majority of places wouldn't have tolerated that sort of behaviour. Sigrun had also had said that the Azores in 2018 were relatively conservative for the period. So she had dressed similarly to Sigrun and then left the wardrobe. As she entered the console room she saw Felicia wandering around the console in thought. She didn’t notice that she had entered. ‘Ok, I’ll just hop outside and wait for her with the others,’ she thought, as she approached the outer door. “There you are, Jia,” the Doctor said, as she saw her companion from Tossekia IV exit the TARDIS. “So what are we going to do? Are we looking for trouble?” she asked. “Possibly,” the Doctor said, with a cheeky tone. “Absolutely, that is what the Doctor does usually,” Daniel said. “Most likely,” Sabir said. “We are going to find some kind of trouble then?” Jia’hale asked, knowing that the Azores probably won’t be peaceful for much longer. The Doctor then had a thoughtful look on her face; she knew that she had spoken truthfully. “Where is Felicia?” Sabir asked a minute later. He wondered if she had wandered off without them and possibly required rescue. “She's still in the TARDIS,” Jia'hale added. “She was lingering in the console room in a thoughtful mood.” “We'll wait a little longer,” the Doctor decided. “Then I'll go back and ask if she wants to come. It wouldn't be the first time someone stayed behind.” They waited a little longer. Meanwhile Felicia was thinking... It appeared that the TARDIS wanted to communicate with her in some way. The level (as it were) seemed different. It was certainly different to when she translated languages. (She knew, for instance, the Sigrun and Jia'hale spoke different Earth languages most of the time, rather than English). She was sure that the TARDIS was disturbed by something. She saw Jia’hale pass through the console room, exiting the TARDIS. Felicia continued to think for a few more minutes. She was still sure that the TARDIS was disturbed by something. She then left the ship. She made sure to close the Police Box doors. She knew the TARDIS didn't like it when they were left open. The Doctor was about to go back into the TARDIS when Felicia came out. She sensed her state of mind immediately and knew that the TARDIS had imparted (or had tried to impart) something to her. That was something that hadn’t happened for a while, probably not more than once since her last regeneration. She looked at the other companions. she saw that all of them, more or less, knew that something was up with Felicia. “Ok, don’t be all staring at me like that. Let’s go and see if anything is going to happen here,” she said. “Something is up,” Daniel said to himself. Felicia felt uneasy. She felt like going back into the TARDIS. But she decided that everyone, including the Doctor, probably needed her help. The Doctor decided to try to talk to Felicia privately after they were underway into Ponta Delaga. “Let’s go, we can solve this mystery later,” she said. The others all agreed. The Doctor then used her sonic screwdriver to determine the direction of the city, and they went off in that direction. “Elisa, what do you think the TARDIS was trying to put to you?” the Doctor asked. Felicia wasn’t put off by the Doctor’s nickname for her; she was used to it by now. “I think, that the TARDIS is disturbed about something. But that is all can say about it at the moment. Anything else would be rather private.” “I agree.” The Doctor knew she wouldn't get more out of Felicia. She had to process the ‘information’ the TARDIS had given her, in her mind. She would know what it was sooner or later. Soon the TARDIS team arrived at the city. They found that there were people running around in panic. Something was going on. “Ok, Something is happening. But what is it. Is it an invasion?” Sabir asked. “I am not sure,” Felicia answered. A ship landed nearby and figures emerged from it. The Doctor told her companions to run. They ran to a nearby park and hid behind some trees before the figures in the ship could see them. “What are they Doctor?” Felicia asked. She wondered if this was what the TARDIS was warning her about. She thought some more. No it wasn't she decided. “Drahvins! But how could they have gained the capability to time travel without my knowing?” the Doctor asked. “They look all female, Doctor,” Daniel said. “Don’t let that fool you, Dan,” the Doctor said. “They are ruthless, they keep only a small population of males for reproductive purposes. They kill the rest and their foot soldiers are cultivated in test tubes. For one purpose. To kill!” “You make them sound similar to the Daleks, Doctor,” Jia’hale said with a shudder. “No, they don’t kill everything. They just conquer. They have a large empire in Galaxy 4, in the 6th millennium AD,” the Doctor said. She wasn’t sure how they got there, but she was sure that she would figure out a way to stop this invasion of theirs, before there was too much collateral damage...
Chapter 1 – Invasion at the Azores – Part II: Incursion 29 September 2018, The Azores Autonomous Region, Portugal, just outside the city of Ponta Delaga The Doctor and her companions were still behind the trees in the park as they watched foot soldiers march out of the Drahvin starship. Felicia was worried. “What are we going to do?” The Doctor thought for a moment. “We will have to find the leader. Then I’ll have to improvise.” Daniel gave this some thought, before asking; “Are we just going to march onto that ship?” “I haven’t any other ideas, Dan. We need to find out why the Drahvins are invading Earth in this time,” she answered. “And why they're starting in the Azores.” “I see that, but how are we going to get on board?” Sigrun asked. “We will have to wait until all of the soldiers get out of the ship,” the Doctor answered. “Then we hope they won't find us here in the meantime.” Soon the soldiers had left the ship, and the door remained open. “Ok, now, everyone. Run!” The Doctor directed. The Doctor and her companions darted out from behind the tree, and ran towards the Drahvin starship. The starship looked the same as all other Drahvin ships she had seen, made out of a trashy tin-alloy that could easily be punctured by weapons fire or micrometeorites. The Doctor bounded up the debarkation ramp, followed by Felicia, Daniel, Jia’hale and Sabir with Sigrun bringing up the rear. “Ok, we need to find the bridge,” the Doctor said. “Why?” Daniel asked. “The leader is most likely to be there,” the Doctor answered. “Wouldn’t that be at the top of the ship?” Sabir asked. “You have been watching too much Science Fiction,” the Doctor objected “Most often the bridge isn’t on the top, but in a more protected position within the ship.” Sigrun reflected for a moment. “Wouldn’t it be worth a try?” “Absolutely. Otherwise we wouldn’t know,” the Doctor replied. “Let’s go then,” Daniel said. The Doctor lead the way along the corridor and soon found a service shaft that lead upwards. She started climbing, followed by Daniel, Felicia, Sigrun, Jia’hale and Sabir. They soon found themselves on the top deck of the Drahvin transport. “It's clear,” the Doctor said. “Let's go.” Her companions followed her out into the corridor, and followed her towards where the sonic screwdriver was indicating the bridge was. They soon arrived at a door, which was locked. “Deadlock seal, the sonic screwdriver is useless,” the Doctor said. “We could try a ventilation shaft?” Sabir suggested. The Doctor thought for a moment. “There's no guarantee that it would be big enough.” “But we could try,” Daniel said. “Of course, Dan,” the Doctor said. They then looked along the corridor for any openings to the ship's ventilation shafts. They soon found one, about 10 meters from the bridge door. This time the Doctor could open it with the sonic screwdriver. It clanged down onto the floor. “Ok, I'll go first,” Daniel said. “No, Dan, I'll go first. You don't know what would be in there. It could be booby trapped!” the Doctor said. “Of course,” Daniel said, the Doctor usually went first into dangerous situations like this. “You can bring up the rear” the Doctor said. The Doctor then entered the ventilation duct, with Jia'hale following. Sabir, Felicia and Sigrun followed, and Daniel came last. The Doctor leapt out of the ventilation shaft onto the Drahvin Bridge, where many Drahvins were waiting. “Hello Doctor!” one of them, who seemed to be in charge, said. The Doctor looked up straight, and her companions carefully exited the shaft. 'Of course it has to be her!' the Doctor thought to herself. “Hello, Kellira.” She had met this particular Drahvin many times before. “You know her?” Daniel asked. “In a way,” the Doctor answered. Kellira made a signal and suddenly every Drahvin on the bridge were pointing their guns at the Doctor and her companions. It appeared they were outwitted. “We are in trouble now,” Jia’hale said in an exhasperated tone. “What do you have planned now?” Daniel asked. Sabir, Felicia and Sigrun were speechless with shock. “I have no plan,” the Doctor admitted. “I probably could have contacted UNIT or Torchwood.” Kellira made another signal and one of her soldiers stepped forwards. “Silence!” she shouted. “There is nothing you, or the Earth organisations you referenced, can do Doctor!” Kellira objected. “Our plan is proceeding perfectly. The Azores will be ours and we can then interfere with Earth's history to our ends!” “You can’t do that!” Jia’hale said. “Yes we can,” Kellira said. “You Drahvins are all the same! You use anything as a weapon.,” the Doctor said. Whatever your plan is, it will fail!” “But you have no plan! Every time we met before, I could see that you had some kind of plan, you obviously didn't think that the bridge would be heavily guarded,” Kellira said. “I have almost lost count of the times when I didn't have a plan and still defeated my opponent,” the Doctor said. “And as I once told a Dalek Emperor; doesn't that scare you to bits?” Meanwhile, Sabir was edging along towards a computer console; all of the soldier's had their eyes on the Doctor... “What is your plan?” Sigrun asked. “Wouldn't you and your Time Lord friend like to know. You will not find out!” Kellira said. “What is the point of taking over the Azores anyway?” Daniel asked. ‘They are quite isolated.” “I am not answering that question,” Kellira said. Unnoticed, the Doctor grabbed her sonic screwdriver and changed the setting... The setting hadn't been used for a while, but she was sure it would work. She activated the setting. Bizzzzt, bizxewt, wizzzte. “What was that?”Kellira said as she heard the Sonic screwdriver. Sabir whirled around to the nearest computer station. Amongst other things the sonic screwdriver had brought up a directory listing. “Call up their plan” he heard Felicia call out. “That is what I am doing!” he shot back as he began looking through the files. Jia’hale and Sigrun had flanked the Doctor, and they both charged at Kellira, ready to take her down... Outside the city, the TARDIS waited patiently for the Doctor and her companions. It then received the signal from the Doctor, via the communications system of the Drahvin starship that she was in. She knew her thief was in trouble. She sent a few messages to allies of the Doctor via the worldwide internet and then set into motion, homing in on the Doctor's signal. Sigrun and Jia’hale had knocked Kellira over but it wasn't long before she recovered and fought back. Her soldiers did shoot in the direction of two companions, and the Doctor, but most of the shots went wild and some of them fell victim to friendly fire. Kellira stood up again. “Feisty are you two? But I am a highly trained Drahvin warrior, you stand no chance!” she said fuming and charged at Sigrun, who promptly twisted her onto her back. “I am also trained; in Terran Eastern Martial Arts. What do you say to that?” Sigrun then said. “That just makes it more of a challenge! It will make no difference in the long run,” Kellira said. Sabir had called up the file containing the plan. “Of course it would be encrypted!” he said, however he knew how to get around that. “Yes, Kellira, I summoned my ship,” the Doctor said. “I can then use it to further the destruction of your plan.” The TARDIS finished rematerialising and she clicked her fingers, opening the doors. “I haven't decrypted the file yet, but it can be accessed from the TARDIS,” Sabir as he ran from the computer panel towards the TARDIS. “Guards, surround the Time Lady's ship!” Kellira ordered. Many of the Drahvin soldiers tried to surround the TARDIS. But there was an interruption. Jia'hale lashed out, all feet and fists, and cleared the area near the door. Sabir unlocked the door and dashed inside. “Feeling inadequate now?” Daniel goaded. This only added fuel to Kellira's rage. “I am more than 'adequate' obligatory male companion. Not even the TARDIS can decrypt that file!” “You seen very confident for a Drahvin who has just been outwitted, unless you pilfered some encryption software from a derelict Dalek ship,” the Doctor rejoined. “I wouldn't think even you would risk that.” Kellira called for the guards again, but found none were answering. While Daniel and the Doctor were talking to her, they had either been caught in their own crossfire, or had been knocked out by Sigrun and Jia'hale. “You're still very confident, Doctor. The Drahvin forces are still as of this moment taking control of the city of Ponta Delaga, and I am still confident that you cannot change that fact, or decrypt that file,” Kellira said. “Sigrun, Jia'hale, you hold Kellira here while Felicia and I help the TARDIS and Sabir crack the file.”
Chapter 1: Invasion at the Azores - Part III – Malware of the Daleks They found Sabir hunched over the console looking at the encryption of the Drahvin plan file with confusion... “Kellira may have some reason to boast. I can't make heads or tails of it. Neither I, nor the TARDIS can make headway,” he said. “It is way too complex.” The Doctor then had a look at what Sabir and the TARDIS together had attempted in decryption. She didn't like what she saw. “You may be right there, Sab, but I doubt that the Drahvins would be so stupid as to use a Dalek encryption program.” “What if they did?” Felicia asked. The Doctor did not like that possibility. Not at all. “The Daleks, as you know, are arrogant genocidal maniacal supremacists, and as such would not want anyone else hijacking their technology, and so they put in safeguards, in all of their technology. Generally, everyone knows this, so they would not risk using Dalek technology. However I see that the Drahvins would be arrogant enough to believe that the risk was worth taking.” She was sure that the Drahvins might take such a risk if they thought it was worth it. “So, what would these ‘safeguards’ be?” Felicia asked. She dreaded what the Doctor's answer could be. A harbinger of doom, not only for the Drahvins, but also for Ponta Delaga. “At the least the Drahvin computers would be hosting dormant Dalek viruses that would wait until the opportune moment to strike. What effect those would have would depend on what security software they have installed,” the Doctor answered, while looking at the file encryption. “So you think the encryption is a Dalek encryption?” ? And if so would it contain one of these viruses?” Felicia asked, wondering if that was what the TARDIS was worried about. But as soon as she thought it, she knew that it wasn’t what the ship was afraid of. “Good question. Even if the file does contain a Dalek virus, the TARDIS's own security systems would be able to deal with it. The Time Lords were always ahead of the Daleks in that area,” the Doctor said. Inside the TARDIS's systems, the TARDIS attempted to decrypt the Drahvin plan file again, using extremely large prime numbers. However it failed again, the TARDIS is sure that the encryption is somehow outsmarting her, giving credence to the Doctor's suspicion that the Daleks had written at least some of the software behind the encryption. The Doctor was aware that the TARDIS agreed with her about the possibility of Dalek software having been used by the Drahvins. She, Felicia and Sabir attempted decryption again. Something in the software associated with the Drahvin Plan file activated. 'Alert, Time Lord Software Detected! Activate Artificial Intelligence Subroutines!' A malware program activated in the scanner, where the plan file was stored. It began to download more data from the Drahvin systems outside... The TARDIS decided to alert the Doctor. “Oh no!” the Doctor exclaimed. “What is happening Doctor?” Felicia asked. “It is downloading more data from the Drahvin ship,” the Doctor explained. “It shouldn't be doing that!” “Can it be stopped?” Felicia asked. “Not that I can see,” Sabir answered, with stress showing in his voice. However the Doctor was back at the console, alongside him, trying to stop the download. Outside the TARDIS, Kellira noticed the bridge computers doing something. She looked concerned, worried. “What is happening?” Sigrun asked. She had also noticed something happening with the computers. “I don't know. I don't know much at all about the more advanced functions of computers. I have just used them for communications over the 'Nets and stuff” Jia'hale said. Kellira said nothing, she didn't want to provoke the Doctor's more apparently competent companions. She expected there to be reinforcements soon. But she didn't know what the computer activity portended. She as sure that the derelict ship that the encryption software came from was Thal, not Dalek! Though the possibility was there, and that possibility scared her. “Too late, it’s downloading,” the Doctor said. “Oh no!” Sabir said. “It is up to the TARDIS to stop it initiating,” she continued. Inside the scanner circuitry, the downloaded software activated. “Time Lord Software confirmed, running Hardware Analysis.” The software attempted to run the Hardware Analysis. However the TARDIS defences moved into action, fighting the attempts to analyse the hardware, with help from the Doctor's input. In the meantime, the decryption effort continued, with Felicia and Sabir helping there. Many times the hardware analysis stopped and re-started as the process timed out. The multiple failure of the hardware analysis activated another downloaded packet, which activated and fought the TARDIS defences more aggressively. This time the hardware analysis determined the Gallifreyan origin of the hardware... The Doctor cursed, 'a nontranslated Gallifreyan epithet.' Felicia started at that, she had only heard that word before in a moment of severe stress, ‘which I am sure this situation qualifies as,' she thought. “What is wrong?” Sabir asked, with very little hesitation. “The software has determined that this is, in fact, a TARDIS!” the Doctor said, Sabir could hear the concern in her voice, more clearly. “I suppose that is not good?” Sabir asked. “It is most certainly not, Sab!” the Doctor said. 'There are very few species or organisations that would be capable of writing such software,' she thought. Inside the scanner circuitry, another downloaded program activated. “TARDIS detected! Exterminate all Time Lord Control Software! Exterminate and Conquer, the Dalek AIs shall be triumphant! Exterminate!” The Dalek AIs then fought harder against the TARDIS defenses more aggressively. The Dalek AI software, being as arrogant as its creators, believed it was superior against the comparatively ancient Time Lord software. The TARDIS then quarantined the scanner circuitry, to stop the infection spreading any further. “Good, the quarantine is holding,” the Doctor said, a few moments later. “But wouldn't that mean that the scanner is useless?” Sabir asked. He was worried that the TARDIS had lost further functionality. “Not useless,” the Doctor answered. “It just means that it's unable to share the information with the rest of the TARDIS. It also means that we have to rely on ourselves and the computational capacity of the scanner itself to decrypt that file.” Within the Scanner, the battle continued. The Dalek AIs continued to attempt to break the TARDIS' quarantine, to no avail. One of the Dalek AIs decided to do something else to force the Time Lord in control of the TARDIS to give it access to his/her ship (Not knowing that it was the Oncoming Storm). Sigrun and Jia'hale waited patiently whilst guarding Kellira, when suddenly an alarm sounded in the Drahvin Bridge... Sigrun saw that Kellira was suddenly afraid. “What is wrong?” she asked. “It is a decompression alarm! But how?” Kellira asked. “Maybe your compatriots have decided to sacrifice you, to kill the Doctor and us, not knowing that the TARDIS is here,” Jia'hale said. “No! They wouldn't do that!” Kellira exclaimed. “They wouldn't believe that the Doctor had managed to take the Bridge to begin with.” Suddenly the access hatch that the Doctor and her companions had used to enter the bridge slammed shut! “There is only one way out of this bridge now,” Sigrun said. Then a voice rasped over the bridge comm system… “Exterminate!” “Into the TARDIS!” Sigrun said. She flung the doors wide open and dragged Kellira in after her, leaving Jia'hale to decide what to do about the guards they had knocked out earlier. The Doctor was surprised when she heard the doors open and looked up to see Sigrun dragging Kellira into the ship. “A Dalek program is decompressing the bridge,” Sigrun said. “Bring her in, but we have Dalek stuff in the scanner as well. They seem to have infected the plan file.” “I could have sworn that it was a Thal ship, not one that belonged to the Daleks,” Kellira said. “So, you are behind this invasion of Earth?” the Doctor said. “Of course I am, with the blessing of the Matriarchy,” Kellira said, as if that was obvious. “Of course, but you did not take into account that the Thals were the Daleks' oldest enemy, and thus were not above copying their designs so that a scenario like the one that is occurring now, will happen,” the Doctor said. She was exasperated that any Drahvin would fall for one of the oldest tricks in the metaphorical Dalek book. It most certainly had made her attempt to defeat their invasion of the Azores much harder. In the Bridge, air was screaming out of the TARDIS doors, which Sigrun had left open. The air pressure was done to 1/3 atmospheres. However, having grown up in an alpine environment, Jia'hale was able to cope while she dragged the knocked out guards into the ship. Inside the TARDIS, the Doctor was worried. The air pressure in the Console Room was down to 2/3 atmospheres. The air was screaming out of the internal doors from the corridors, as well as the ventilation ducts.She could see Jia bringing the guards into the console room, just beyond the door and dashing out again. Inside the scanner circuitry the Dalek and Time Lord software continued to battle each other. “Right, Sab you can keep watch on the scanner. You can attempt to reach Elisa and I on the internal comm.,” the Doctor said. 'Since when does the TARDIS have an internal comm?' Felicia thought, surprised that she could hear the Doctor properly above the scream of the circulation system. “Ok, Sigrid, keep an eye on 'Ira'tant and her soldiers, keep them away from any important things,” the Doctor said. “What are you doing, Doctor?” Daniel asked. “I am going to look for a program that I haven't used since the Time War for combating Dalek battle programs. It is stored in a storage device somewhere in the depths of the TARDIS. I may need it to expunge the Dalek programs from the Scanner circuitry and the Drahvin computer systems,” the Doctor answered. “I can keep an eye on her,” Sigrun said. “Good, Elisha, come on,” the Doctor said. “What about me?” Daniel asked, as the Doctor and Felicia went towards the internal door. “Help the others, and if a serious problem, that you think you cannot deal with arises, you can come looking for us,” the Doctor answered. She and Felicia then left the console room. “Sure, Doctor,” Daniel murmured. He turned back to the console. The air pressure in the bridge had dropped to 1/4th of atmospheric pressure; Jia'hale was beginning to find it hard to breathe, although she could see that the Drahvin guards remaining in the bridge were having more difficulty. Inside the Drahvin computer system, the Dalek programs spread through more of their systems. Jia'hale carried one last guard to the TARDIS, despite the wind coming out of the doors. She wasn't aware that the pumps were close to reaching their failure points, owing to the sound of the pumps wasn't penetrating to the area near the TARDIS. The Doctor and Felicia ran along the TARDIS corridors. “Are you sure you know where this thing is Doctor? You did say that you haven't used it since the Time War, and the TARDIS does change its layout a lot. It could be anywhere!” “I don't know where it is now, but I do know where I put it,” the Doctor answered. “I just have to rely on my instincts to find it.” “I hope your instincts are right this time, and that the room hasn't been jettisoned.” Jia'hale looked at the Drahvin bridge one last time, before leaping back into the TARDIS against the wind still exiting the ship. She slamed the doors shut, and then breathed deeply as the air pressure in the console room returned to normal. “Now all we can do is wait for the Doctor to return,” Sigrun said. “Agreed!” Jia'hale said, tiredly. She laid on the floor to rest amongst the unconscious Drahvin guards. A readout on the Drahvin Bridge read 'Decompression Complete'. A Dalek AI accessed a camera and looked at the bridge. It spotted the TARDIS.“Blue Box! It is the Doctor! Exterminate the Doctor! The Oncoming Storm! The Doctor!” the AI initiates more uploads to the TARDIS. When those were complete it initiated the Drahvin Flagship's self destruct sequence, although it was not 100% sure that it would take the TARDIS with it. The bridge readout now said 'Self Destruct in 2 minutes'. A large vibration started up... “More programs are being downloaded into the scanner circuitry,” Sabir said, concerned that more malware was being downloaded into the TARDIS. “Can you stop it?” Daniel asked. “No!” Sabir said as he tried to stop the download. The download completed. Another set of programs were initiated. A warning flashed on the scanner screen. “What's that?” Daniel asked. “The Drahvin ship has been set to self destruct!” Sabir answered. “What!” Kellira exclaimed, as she stepped towards the console. Sigrun grabbed her by the shoulders, restraining her from hitting Sabir. She struggled, before asking, “How could that happen?” “Obviously it is the Dalek malware,” Sabir answered. “I know that there is Dalek malware!” Kellira objected. “but it is impossible for someone who is not responsible for the ship to set the self destruct sequence.” “I think you underestimate the Daleks. All of them were geniuses capable of hacking the most secure computer systems. Or so the Doctor says. They would definitely be capable of programming Artificial Intelligences capable of doing similar things,” Sabir said. “Someone has to tell the Doctor about the self destruct,” Daniel said. “She may be able to do something.” “You can go,” Sigrun suggested. “I agree,” Sabir said. “I guess so, I hope that I will be able to find them,” Daniel said. He then exited the console room. Kellira was still having trouble believing that her ship was going to self destruct. “That is what the scanner says,” Sabir pointed out, again. “But isn't it infected with the Dalek malware too?” Kellira asked. “Regardless, it is right and there's nothing you can do about it.” Kellira turned way in a huff, still in a state of denial. On the bridge of the doomed Drahvin starship, the readout now said '51 seconds to self destruct' 50 49 48 47 46 45 44 43 ... As the Doctor and Felicia moved deeper into the TARDIS the corridors had changed from their usual roundeled look, to look more like tunnels lined with brick. As Felicia hadn't been this far from the console room before; she hoped that the Doctor's instincts would not get them lost. As Daniel ran through the TARDIS corridors, he hoped he was following the Doctor and Felicia and not going in a completely different direction. Kellira was still seething. “Can't the TARDIS do something about the Dalek Malware?” she asked. “I have no idea!” Sabir admitted. We'll have to wait until the Doctor comes back.” “The other male companion will not find her in time, and there is no time for her to return. There are less than 15 seconds left!” “We better brace ourselves then!” Jia'hale said. “Brace yourselves!” Sabir said, grabbing ahold of the console. Daniel caught up to the Doctor and Felicia. “What is happening?” the Doctor asked. “The Drahvin ship, it’s set to self dest...” He was then interrupted... … 6 5 4 3 2 1 Destruct! The self destruct ordinance in the Drahvin ship went off. The ship was blasted to pieces sending shrapnel into the ships nearby. The park which the ships had landed in was completely destroyed. The TARDIS was knocked about, but it was none the worse for wear. She had been through a lot worse. Especially during the Time War. Daniel was knocked over before he could finish the word. The first person to get up was the Doctor. “Thanks, Dan,” she said. “Now that their ship has been destroyed, I'm sure their plan has been set back some.” Felicia was next to get back up. “I suppose the TARDIS is still right side up, and barely a scratch?” she asked. “Absolutely. It would take a lot more than a Drahvin ship's self destruct to damage her in any way.” “Ok, Doctor, so where is this data storage device?” Daniel asked. “We are still looking for it,” Felicia said. “Somewhere in this direction,” the Doctor indicated. She lead them deeper into the TARDIS. Back in the Console Room, both Jia'hale and Sigrun were on their feet before the Drahvins had recovered. “There goes your ship, Kellira,” Sigrun taunted. “My ship may be gone, but there are still others. There are also many of my soldiers in the streets. The explosion was a setback, but the plan will succeed,” Kellira said, with menace. Sigrun's taunt had no effect. “We will wait and see what the Doctor says when she gets back.” Kellira huffed. The Doctor, Daniel and Felicia entered another room in their search for the data storage device. “Are you sure it's somewhere around here?” Felicia asked. She hoped they didn't have to search the entire ship. “Absolutely sure, Elisa,” the Doctor answered as she rummaged through the room. “This is getting tiring,” Felicia said. “I agree,” Daniel said. “Here it is, now let's head back to the console room,” the Doctor said, holding the data storage device up in triumph. “Are you sure that you have the right device?” Felicia asked. “Absolutely sure,” the Doctor said. Felicia hoped that she was right. It would not be good to go through all that effort for nothing. “Let's go, before anything else happens,” Daniel said. They got back to the Console Room ten minutes later. Kellira was still in a dangerous huff. Jia'hale and Sigrun were trying to restrain her. “Doctor! You are responsible for the destruction of my ship!” she said. “No, 'Ira. You are. You took Dalek software off a Dalek ship; you are responsible for what happens with it. And now I am going to purge the remaining Dalek software from my TARDIS,” the Doctor said. She put the storage device into a port on the console. “What is going to happen now Doctor?” Sabir asked. “The storage device contains Time Lord AIs, capable of combating, and defeating Dalek AIs. Whilst the Dalek's were geniuses, so were the Time Lords” the Doctor explained. The Time Lord AI's activated. “Dalek AIs, you are not welcome in this TARDIS!” “Time Lord AI's prepare for Extermination! The Dalek AI's shall be triumphant! Exterminate, Exterminate. Exterminate!” The AIs then battled each other. “Is anything happening?” Sigrun asked. “Something is definitely happening, Sigrid. The Dalek AIs are being purged by the Time Lord AIs.” After 5 minutes the Dalek AI's and all traces of Dalek code or software had been erased. The TARDIS dropped the quarantine. . The Time Lord AI's returned to the storage device. Sabir jumped at the sound. “The TARDIS reports that the Scanner is clear of Dalek software,” he said. “Very good,” the Doctor said. “And the Drahvin plan file has been decrypted. There is no Dalek code there either.” “Good,” the Doctor said. “Now, Kellira, leave my ship!”
Chapter 1: Invasion at the Azores - Part IV - Enter UNIT “Of course I will, Doctor, there is no point in remaining in it!” Kellira said. She turned to the guards who were waiting for her near the door. “Guards; March! Leave this Time Lord Timeship,” she ordered. The guards stood up. A guard opened the door and the Drahvin guards left the TARDIS. Kellira left the TARDIS after them. “What happens now?” Sigrun asks. “Now, we see if UNIT is responding to the message that the TARDIS sent before it appeared in the Drahvin ship,” the Doctor said. She changed the scanner focus from the Drahvin plan file to a view of the Earth. “Very good, an entire fleet of Valiant-Class ships are on their way here,” she said. “You mean the earliest version of flying ships?” Jia'hale asked. “Yes,” the Doctor said. “So, we wait for UNIT to show up? Or do we do something?” Sabir asked. “At the moment the Drahvin forces on the ground should be in disarray following the destruction of the flagship, we will have to make sure it stays that way,” the Doctor said. In the meantime, Kellira was not idle, she was giving orders to her soldiers over a radio she had on her person – the Drahvins were not as in disarray as the Doctor thought. “Converge on the site of the explosion, arrest the Doctor! Don't let her take off in her Timeship!” The Drahvin soldiers acknowledged the order from the commanding officer and started moving. They immediately began to surround smouldering park, where the TARDIS was standing. The Doctor and her companions had not been idle either. They stood around the TARDIS surveying the scene; hence they could see the Drahvin soldiers approaching... “What do we do Doctor?” Sabir asked. “We go to the UNIT force, they may need my help,” the Doctor said. “Sounds like a good idea, those soldiers look like they may be firing their guns soon,” Sigrun said. “In disarray? I wouldn't like to see them when they are not!” Jia'hale said. “Not so much as I thought then, quick! Into the TARDIS!” the Doctor said. she and her companions bolted into the TARDIS, she closed the doors with a click of her fingers as she passed through them. And just in time too, as a Drahvin energy bolt slammed into one of them as they closed. “You were not fast enough,” Kellira said. “My apologies, Mistress,” the soldier in charge said. “You will be punished! But first, the Doctor will be captured; no doubt she is planning something. He might have sent a message to the United Intelligence Taskforce, it cannot be a coincidence that a fleet of theirs is approaching,” Kellira said. “Are we going to the UNIT fleet?” Felicia asked. “We are going now,” the Doctor said. She set the TARDIS in motion. “No, it is too late” Kellira said, as the TARDIS dematerialised. “What happens now Mistress?” the soldier asked. “We prepare for the arrival of UNIT,” Kellira said. UNIT Ship Valiant II The TARDIS materialised on the Bridge, the soldiers there jumping to attention as it materialised. The Doctor stepped out. “Doctor, we started mobilising as soon as we saw the emergency signal,” the captain of the Valiant II said. “Status of the Azorean situation and the Drahvin forces following the explosion, Captain...?” the Doctor asked. “Captain Roberta Anderson. The explosion of the Drahvin ship had an EMP effect that has affected everything in the Azores. We are not reading anything. Sensors are showing another Drahvin fleet in geosynchronous orbit over the mouth of the Amazon,” the captain said. “How large is it?” the Doctor asked. She hoped that it would not be so large that UNIT would not be able to handle it. “There are over twenty ships,” Captain Anderson said. The companions then began to leave the TARDIS. “So this is what a UNIT ship looks like? Very functional and yet still aesthetically pleasing. Exactly what flying aircraft carriers should look like,” Sabir said. He had been waiting for an opportunity like this since he first started traveling with the Doctor. “These are your companions Doctor?” Captain Anderson asked, her voice showing concern. “Yes. I can vouch for all of them. They are either from Earth, or their ancestors come from Earth,” the Doctor said. “The Drahvins need to be driven away from Earth,” Jia'hale said, with vehemence. “Of course they do. But it needs to be done without too much collateral damage,” Captain Anderson said. “Good that we agree on that,” the Doctor said. Felicia looked at a display of the Azores as the image was refreshed. “Doctor, Captain, the sensors seem to be working,” she said, as she noticed a lot of blips. “The Drahvins seem to have survived the destruction of their ship quite well, Doctor,” Captain Anderson said. “They seemed to have prepared for the possibility of the Doctor interfering.” “They have,” the Doctor said. She turned to Sabir. “Would you go into the TARDIS and transmit the plan file to the Valiant II?” she asked. “Yes, I will,” Sabrina said. He went back into the TARDIS. “Plan file?” Captain Anderson asked, wondering why the Doctor didn’t fill her in about it as soon as he exited the TARDIS. “The Drahvin in charge of the invasion had a file containing her plan for the invasion of the Azores in the computer of the ship that exploded,” the Doctor said, being careful not to say anything about the reason for the explosion. Sabrina accessed the plan file with ease and transmitted a copy of it to the Valiant II. ‘I hope that this situation does not get too out of hand,’ she thought as she turned around and headed back to the exterior door. “We are receiving a transmission from the TARDIS now, ma’am. A plain text file,” the Valiant II’s communications officer, Kevin Geraldton, said. “Save it, and bring it up on the secure viewer,” the captain said. She didn’t want the plan to be known to all of the crew, which would be the case if it wasn’t stored in a secure location. “Done, Captain. The file is ready for us to see,” Geraldton said, after a few moments spent copying the file to said viewer. Sabir exited the TARDIS and joined the Doctor, the Captain, Felicia and Daniel at the secure viewer. “The TARDIS has translated the file from the original Drahvin into English. There may be grammatical errors here and there,” the Doctor said. She knew that such errors were few, compared to the length of the document. “That is noted, Doctor,” the Captain said, after a moment. Grammatical errors were the least of their problems. They started going over the file. Very quickly they had found very interesting information to use against the Drahvins. Back in Ponta Delaga, Kellira was not idle. She knew that the Doctor had got a hold of the plan and was now talking to the captains of the ships in orbit about changes to it. Ten minutes later the Drahvin fleet in orbit began to move, firing their retrorockets and then moving out of the equatorial plane... “Captain! The Drahvin fleet has changed its orbit, it is now on a path to the Azores,” the Valiant II's Tactical Officer, Theodore Franks, said. “How soon until they enter the atmosphere?” the Captain asked, hoping that they had time to prepare for their arrival. '“Ten minutes,” Franks said. “Kellira is changing the plan!” Sabir said. It was not entirely unexpected, but Sabir still was annoyed at the fact. “That she is,” the Doctor said. “Maybe she isn’t changing all of it, we can still review the rest of the plan,” Felicia said. “That is true. But we need to be ready for the arrival for the fleet,” Captain Anderson said. To Sabrina, she seemed rather anxious. ‘Of course, so would I if I were in her place.’ “I know that,” Felicia said. Captain Anderson walked over to Geraldton, ready to give him the next order. “Contact the Defender and the Hornblower. Tell them to prepare the plasma cannons, we may need them,” she said. “Yes, Captain,” Geraldton said. He relayed the Captain’s orders to those two ships. The Doctor looked at the sensor display. It appeared that the new Drahvin fleet was getting ready to land near Ponta Delaga. Maybe the UNIT ships could attempt to block it from landing? Of course the Drahvins would probably just attempt to land elsewhere, but it had to irk Kellira and it would also disrupt her new plan. The Captain was coming back. She shared her plan with her. “It is worth a shot, but it is incredibly risky,” she said. “We have to do something about the fleet,” Felicia said. “Absolutely, Elisa,” the Doctor said. Captain Anderson was then in thought. “It is a good idea, but it not a good idea to use the whole fleet. We can use two thirds for your strategy, and the rest as a reserve,” the Captain said. “Good idea,” the Doctor said. He then listened to the rest of the Captain’s plan, hoping that it would succeed. “The fleet is approaching, Mistress,” Drahvin Soldier 4W32.iii said. “Excellent,” Kellira said. She was sure that they would be successful in establishing their base in the Azores before the day was out. The UNIT fleet moved in towards the city of Ponta Delaga. But the Drahvin fleet was passing through the upper levels of the troposphere as they took up their positions over the city. The Battle of Ponta Delaga was about to begin. The Doctor, her companions and Captain Anderson were looking at the tactical display on the secure viewer. “It looks like the Drahvins are surrounding us on all sides, including upwards,” Jia’hale said. “It does look like that, but we are prepared. All we can do is hope for the best,” Captain Anderson said. “The UNIT fleet has been surrounded, Mistress,” 4W32.iii said. Kellira looked at the display and noted that their forces had indeed surrounded the UNIT ships, boxing them in. “Open a channel to the lead ship!” she said. “Yes, Mistress,” another of the soldiers, 4W31.iii.iip, said. “We are receiving a signal from the Drahvins,” Geraldton said. ‘That’s unexpected,’ Sigrun thought. “On the screen, please,” Captain Anderson said. Kellira appeared on the screen. “This is Kellira, High Admiral and Commander in Chief of the Drahvin forces in this system to the commander of the United Intelligence Taskforce fleet and the Time Lady known as the Doctor. I ask that you surrender, or your ships will be fired upon and destroyed.” “Doesn’t mince words at all does she?” Sigrun asked, rhetorically. ‘She is quite consistent,’ she thought. “This is Roberta Anderson, Captain of the UNIT ship Valiant II and overall commander of this fleet. We refuse to surrender to those who invade our planet for any purpose.” The tone of her voice showed her resolve to defend Earth at all costs. “Then prepare to die!” Kellira said, her voice showing the full intent of her threat... “You know that I won’t surrender ‘Ira. But I ask you, this one time, to leave Earth!” the Doctor said. “I will not leave Earth until my purpose is realised, Doctor,” Kellira said, and she cut the signal. “Whatever her purpose here is, she wants to carry it through,” Felicia said. Sigrun knew Felicia well enough to know that she had been hoping that the situation could be resolved peacefully. ‘Unfortunately, Felicia, that is not the case,’ she thought. “Yes, that, and if she abandons her plan without a fight the Matriarchy will declare her an outcast. She would then have a price on her head,” the Doctor said. Sigrun knew what the Doctor meant... ‘There is absolutely no chance that she will give up,’ she thought. Kellira sat back in her chair with a huff. “Tell the ships to open fire. Destroy all of the ships except the Valiant II. Capture the Valiant II and the TARDIS which should be aboard,” she said. She wanted the TARDIS, but she wouldn’t have been able to capture it earlier, what with those two rather competent companions... The Drahvin ships opened fire on the UNIT ships with energy weapons. Two ships, the Manchester and the Yamato, were destroyed almost instantly. The rest of the ships, including the Valiant II were engaged in evasive manoeuvres. The UNIT ships then returned fire, with lasers and plasma guns, which struck the shields of the Drahvin ships, weakening them. Then missiles were fired, most of which penetrated the shields and detonated on contact with the hulls of the ships. One Drahvin ship was destroyed, when several missiles impacted its engineering decks, one after the other. Each penetrated deeper, until the final missile damaged the containment mechanisms of one if its fusion reactors... Kellira saw one of the sensor blips indicating one of her ships blip out. “A ship has been destroyed! Launch fighters!” she commanded. “Message acknowledged, Mistress,” 4W32.iii said. Most of the Drahvin vessels launched swarms of fighters. They moved in on the UNIT ships and opened fire... “There are too many of them, Captain. The Brisbane has sustained hits to its lift pods and is beginning to fall,” Franks said. “Do you think, Kellira, that we would not be prepared for this?” Captain Anderson asked. “Begin flight operations!” She said. “Begin Flight Ops, Begin Flight Ops, Begin Flight Ops,” Geraldton said. “Affirmative,” came the reply from most of the ships. From the UNIT ships, many fighter jets began taking off. They were mostly Harrier-based jumpjets, but there were many of the more traditional variety also. Helicopter gunships also took off. Almost immediately they began to take on the Drahvin fighters. At the bottom of the battlefield, the Brisbane was having difficulty remaining aloft. On the Brisbane's bridge, the crew were running about, amid sparking consoles. "It is no good, Captain. The antigravity stators in the aft and starboard pods are damaged beyond repair, and the last strike severed the primary and secondary power lines to the fore pods. Also the cooling systems for reactors 2 and 3 are damaged. I estimate that we have 5 minutes to evacuate the ship!" the chief engineer said. "Thanks, Commander," the captain said. 'No doubt about it then,' he thought. He looked at the Drahvin ships on the viewscreen. 'You may have had bested my ship, but you won't defeat UNIT,' he thought. "Prepare to abandon ship!" he said to the bridge crew. The bridge crew began to prepare to abandon the ship. The Brisbane began to withdraw from the battlefield, pulling away from the city. Soon, another explosion shook the ship. "It's done for, Captain. The power to the fore pods is about to give out. And the aft pods have failed! We have to abandon ship!" The captain hesitated for a second before giving the order that every captain hated to give. "All hands, Abandon ship! Repeat, All Hands, Abandon Ship!" Escape pods started leaving the ailing Brisbane as more explosions occurred and the ship started dropping. The engines finally gave out, resulting in the ship plummetting 300 metres into the ocean. The resulting wave swamped most of Ponta Delaga's waterfront. The battered remains sunk to the bottom. As this was happening many of the fighter jets and Drahvin fighters were engaged in dogfights. “We have lost the Brisbane, Captain,” Franks said. “Call in the Defender and the Hornblower!” the Captain said. “Yes, Ma’am,” Geraldton said. “That is a lot of destruction,” Sabir said, as he looked at the statistics on the display. ‘UNIT will take a while to recover from this…’ “I agree with you, Sab, but there appears to be no other option at the moment,” the Doctor said. The Defender and the Hornblower approached the battlefield and opened fire with their plasma cannons, blasting three smaller Drahvin ships out of the sky, one after the other... Other Drahvin ships noticed this and began to move towards the newcomer ships. Kellira took notice of this and watched another ship fall out of the sky into the ocean near the remains of the Brisbane. She opened a channel to her other ships. “Evasive manoeuvres, and launch torpedoes at all ships except the Valiant II, but especially at those two newcomers,” she ordered. The Drahvin fleet took notice of their commander’s orders and began firing torpedoes. Many of the fighters, missiles and the plasma weaponry of the Defender and the Hornblower took out missiles, but some still found their targets. Three more UNIT ships were destroyed, with debris raining down near the outskirts of Ponta Delaga. Captain Anderson could see that the UNIT fleet was beginning to loose against the Drahvins. “Call in the rest of the fleet!” she said. “Affirmative,” Geraldton said. He signaled the reserve portion of the fleet. “All reserve ships move in. I repeat, move in.” The Drahvin vessels continued to hammer away at the UNIT fleet as the ships held in reserve moved in. The reserve ships fired missiles and plasma guns, and launched their own fighter jets and helicopter gunships. These engaged the Drahvin fighters, trying to keep them away from the ships. Immediately dogfights had broken out and fighters from both sides were falling into the ocean and the outskirts of the city below. For another ten minutes the forces were equally matched, with equal numbers of Drahvin fighters and UNIT fighters being destroyed. The Drahvins lost two ships to UNIT’s three. Then the lead ship destroyed the Hornblower with a concentrated barrage. A swarm of Drahvin fighters then zerg-rushed the Defender, knocking its plasma cannon off-line and damaging its lift pods. A fighter then kamakazied into its flight deck. The resulting explosion crippled the ship, causing it to fall into the sea almost on top of the Brisbane remains, and damaging several surrounding ships. Those ships were then listing, as their engines began to lose power... “We are losing, Doctor,” Felicia said, looking at the tactical display. “I am afraid so,” the Doctor said. Jia’hale looked at the Doctor. It wasn’t often that she made such an admission. “Is there anything else we can do?” she asked. The look on the Doctor’s face said it all. “We are receiving a transmission,” Geraldton said. “From the Drahvins?” Captain Anderson asked. “No, it is coming from somewhere to the North-East,” Geraldton said. “On screen,” Anderson said. Geraldton patched the signal through. A logo of a T made of small circles appeared before changing to another screen. A face familiar to the Doctor appeared. “This is Jack Harkness aboard the Torchwood Institute Vessel Ianto Jones. I see that you are in a spot of bother.”
Chapter 1: Invasion at the Azores - Part V: Torchwood Saves the Day “Harkness! UNIT and I definitely need your help,” the Doctor said. “We will be there momentarily, Doctor,” Harkness conveyed. “But there’s no fleet on the sensors,” Sabir protested. “That is because the Torchwood fleet is currently cloaked, mr...” Jack said, allowing his voice to trail off questioningly. “Davis, Sabir Davis.” “I will talk to you later,” Jack expressed. “Jack!” the Doctor warned, when she noticed Harkness flirting with Sabie. “What? Can’t I have some fun?” Jack said with a protesting tone. “Anyway, there! De-cloaking now. That should give those Drahvin ice cubes something to think about!” Jack said. “The ‘Torchwood’ fleet is de-cloaking, Doctor,” Felicia pointed out. Sabir seemed to be ‘taken up’ by the commander of said fleet... The Torchwood fleet de-cloaked. Many of the Drahvin fighters immediately broke off from their various engagements against the UNIT fighters and went off towards the Torchwood ships. Some UNIT pilots took advantage of the distraction to land critical hits against several enemy fighters. “No, No No NO!!!!!” Kellira screamed, when she saw the Torchwood fleet de-cloak. “Identifying as Torchwood Institute, Mistress,” 4W31.iii.iip said. “This is Captain-General Jack Harkness of the Torchwood Institute to Drahvin forces. Surrender or face the consequences!” Kellira seethed. All of her carefully laid plans were going to ruin. With the addition of the Torchwood fleet, the humans outnumbered the Drahvins two to one. “This is High Admiral Kellira of the Drahvins, to Captain-General Jack Harkness of the Torchwood Institute. Prepare to be defeated. I will never surrender!” She hoped that she sounded intimidating enough... “Prepare to see your fleet destroyed, Kellira!” Harkness said. “My fleet will not be destroyed!” Kellira shouted, before shutting off the connection with a vicious gesture. The Torchwood ships then engaged the Drahvin ships, the Ianto Jones leading the way. The UNIT vessels regrouped around the Valiant II and moved aside to allow the Torchwood vessels clear shots. “You know this ‘Jack Harkness’, Doctor?” Jia’hale asked. ‘She does recognise him,’ she thought. “Absolutely, he helped me defeat the Master more than once,” the Doctor said. Jia’hale shuddered, remembering the last time she and the other companions had helped the Doctor to thwart the Master’s schemes. “That is good,” she uttered. “We have collaborated many times, besides,” the Doctor said. “I’d be willing to bet there are many stories behind that statement,” Jia’hale said. ‘So much so that it would take ages to tell them all, I’m sure.’ The Doctor just looked away, hoping that Harkness would not find out about Jia’hale’s proclivity. ‘That wouldn’t be good at all,’ he thought. The Ianto Jones fired upon the nearest Drahvin vessels, destroying one and crippling two others. They were forced to land, their engines no longer providing them with sufficient lift to remain aloft. The other Torchwood vessels launched fighters. These joined the UNIT fighters in attacking the Drahvin fighters. Swarms of Torchwood fighters began knocking individual Drahvin fighters out of the sky, despite the best efforts of their pilots to avoid the weapons fire. This strategy was very successful. Around ten percent of the Drahvin fighters were destroyed in the next five minutes. Kellira could see that the Torchwood forces were much more effective than the UNIT forces had been. “New Orders: Co-ordinate attack on individual ships. Take one out at a time. Attempt to board the Ianto Jones and the Valiant II. Capture the Doctor, the TARDIS and Captain-General Harkness. Take control of the vessels if possible. We are not going to loose!” Kellira shouted! Her sub commanders immediately responded in the affirmative, not wanting their commander’s rage to be directed at them. The Drahvin vessels moved, attempting to carry out Kellira’s orders. Most of the vessels converged on the TIV Gwen Cooper and fired. The Gwen Cooper’s shields failed immediately, causing the vessel’s destruction. The vessel’s ruins rained down onto vacant countryside... The other Torchwood vessels and a few UNIT ships returned fire upon the spacecraft that had fired the final shots at the Gwen Cooper. The craft were crippled, immediately falling out of the sky onto the sea shore, close to the city. A fighter crashed onto the flight deck of the Ianto Jones, the pilot ejecting out before impact... “Captain-General; there is an intruder on the flight deck,” the commander of the Ianto Jones, Daniela Vale, said. “Take command,” Harkness commanded. “I will deal with her personally.” “Yes Sir,” Vale said. Harkness quickly left the bridge, a squad of security personnel behind him. A group of Drahvin fighters was approaching the Valiant II. The main group of vessels had moved on to another Torchwood vessel. The Drahvin who had landed on the Ianto Jones flight deck entered a corridor. She could hear a group approaching. She knew that her quarry was approaching. Another Torchwood vessel became debris, which rained down into the ocean. “There she is Captain-General,” one of the security personnel said, pointing out the intruder. “Be prepared. Drahvins can be very dangerous,” Harkness said. “Noted, Captain-General.” Harkness took out an energy pistol, and charged the Drahvin intruder. He tried to hit her, but she was too good at dodging. ‘Of course they have to be good at making evasive moves!’ he thought. She fired back, but Jack had moved aside. The shot harmlessly impacted a nearby bulkhead. Jack fired again. This time the shot was closer. It almost singed her very tight hairstyle. ‘If only their culture was one that did not emphasise conquest and Spartan ideals so much,’ Jack thought. In other words, if the Drahvins were different, he would consider asking them out. The soldier fired again: narrowly missing Jack, due to him jumping aside as he saw her pull the trigger. Jack fired again, missing wildly due to the Drahvin making gymnastic evasive moves... She fired again, this time grazing Jack’s left bicep. Jack clenched his jaw in pain and charged the intruder again... ...They both fired simulantaneously. They again missed each other. Holstering their weapons they began to fight with each other’s fists, feet, teeth... The Drahvin bit Jack on a bicep. “That’s not fair!” Jack grunted. He then punched her in the gut. “You are no match for a trained Drahvin soldier!” the soldier asserted, as she returned the gut punch with a martial arts move that had Jack pinned to the floor. “I beg to differ!” Jack said. He kicked the Drahvin’s legs out from beneath her, causing her to let go. He then leapt up and grabbed her by the wrist. “You are coming with me!” he said. The soldier then jumped and landed on top of Jack’s shoulders and started pummelling his chest... He started running around, trying to ram her into a bulkhead. After approximately 20 seconds the Drahvin was knocked off his shoulders, but she immediately pushed him against the wall. “You will lose!” she said. “Oh, Really?” he asked. “You are no match for a trained Drahvin soldier!” “I beg to differ!” He said in a seductive tone. “Your attempt at flirting will not work!” She took out her energy weapon, and would have shot Jack if he didn’t kick it out of her hand. “Didn’t expect it to,” Jack said, still in a seductive tone, bringing his foot that he had used to kick the gun out of her hand to roundhouse kick her in the back. “Oof!” She collapsed. Jack picked her up.‘This is too easy.’ The soldier waited. Then she grabbed a nearby balustrade and waited for Jack to come closer. However, Jack had anticipated this strategy, and was prepared for the ensuing attack. Therefore it was not as damaging as it would have been otherwise, they then continued to fight, hands and feet. However, soon Jack saw an advantage, and took it, twisting the soldier onto her back. “You fool!” she said. “You think!” Jack said. The soldier had a clear shot, she took it. A minute and a resurrection later, Harkness had captured the intruder. “I was sure that you were dead!” the Drahvin soldier objected in astonishment. “I was dead, but only for a short time. It is something I do not want to discuss with you,” Harkness said. The soldier remained silent, staring at Harkness. “Take her to the brig. I will be back on the command deck,” Harkness said. The soldier seethed as she was taken away. She began to plan her escape from her Torchwood captors... More Drahvin fighters were destroyed by Torchwood missiles. A large group of Drahvin fighters approached the Valiant II. “A large group of fighters is approaching this ship!” Franks said as he noticed their approach on the sensor board. “On Screen,” Anderson said. Immediately the tactical display changed to a swarm of fighters approaching the Valiant II. ‘Evasive manoeuvres. Elevate. All gun turrets ready!” she commanded. “Aye, sir.” The Valiant II began evasive manoeuvres, dodging the Drahvin weapons fire. It also began to rise higher and many gun emplacements around its perimeter came online. As the fighters approached, the turrets opened fire. Some of the fighters were damaged and began to go out of control. However more continued their approach and opened fire... “Report!” Anderson shouted as the Valiant II rocked a few times. “Turrets 1 through 4 are offline. Turrets 6 through to 10 and 16 through to 21 are damaged and have a reduced rate of fire,” Franks reported. “Continue evasive manoeuvres,” she said. The Doctor stood by at the back of the Bridge. There had to be a way to stop this bloodshed... A group of Torchwood and UNIT fighters moved in and engaged the fighters that were attempting to zerg-rush the Valiant II. Three Drahvin fighters penetrated the defences and landed on the Valiant II’s flight deck. An alert sounded on the bridge of the Valiant II. “Three Drahvins have landed on the flight deck. Security are moving in to respond,” Franks said. “Keep me appraised,” Anderson said. “Yes, Ma’am,” Franks said. “We have to do something, Doctor!” Jia’hale expressed. ‘I can’t just stand by and let the Drahvins attempt to take over this ship!’ she thought. “Yes, we do,” the Doctor said. “So, what do we do?” Sabir asked. “Jia, you and Sigrid can go out and try to stop the intruders getting to the bridge,” the Doctor said, using her nickname for Sigrun. “Yes, Doctor,” Jia’hale said. She and Sigrun then left the bridge to ensure that the Drahvins wouldn’t make it to the bridge. “Are you sure that was a good idea?” Daniel asked. “Do you have a better idea? Sigrid and Jia’hale can handle themselves!” the Doctor said. “I hope so,” Daniel uttered. “They are quite capable of handling themselves,” Sabir said. Sigrun and Jia’hale crept along the corridors of the Valiant II. They could see the Drahvin boarders approaching. ‘Let’s do this,’ Jia’hale thought. She signalled Sigrun and then the two of them moved out of the shadows and into the sight of the Drahvins. “Looking for someone?” Sigrun asked rhetorically. The Drahvins all fired, but Sigrun and Jia’hale had leapt back into their hiding places when Sigrun had finished asking her question. “That was a mistake,” the leader of the three Drahvin intruders said. ‘Oh really?’ Jia’hale thought. She then listened to the Drahvins’ steps and prepared to leap out when they passed. ‘One, two, three!’ Sigrun thought as she prepared to leap out at the Drahvins. They jumped out, and surprised the two closet Drahvins, who were knocked to the floor. That didn't stop their companions from firing. Both Jia'hale and Sigrun withdrew again. “That was pointless,” one of the soldiers “Not pointless,” Jia'hale said in a taunting tone. The soldiers fired past Jia'hale's cover. “They're closer now,” she said. “I know,” Sigrun said.
They waited another few moments and then jumped out again. Two more Drahvins fell to the floor. However, the Drahvins were growing wise to their strategy. They were holding back. “We'll have to withdraw,” Sigrun said quietly. Jia'hale nodded. They waited and then withdrew, back towards the bridge. Not all the way. There was another corridor intersection. But only one. “I don't like these odds,” Sigrun said. “I know there are a lot more of them!” Jia'hale said. “But we can delay them and survive.” “A bit difficult,” Sigrun groused, as she saw the Drahvin soldiers approach again. “I know you are there,” the commander of the boarders stated. Jia'hale remained silent, but waited for the soldiers to approach. She didn't have to wait for long. When they cautiously reached their position, both she and Sigrun leapt out again, and managed to kick the guns out of the hands of the soldiers in the lead. Both then attempted to punch the two of them, but they had withdrawn into the side corridors. “Shall we pursue?” one of the soldiers asked. “No,” the commander replied. “We continue to the bridge.” 'Oops!' Jia'hale thought. Back on the Bridge, the Doctor could see that her companions had been bypassed. 'Good try,' she thought. “What do we do now?” Daniel asked. “They can still delay the boarders,” the Doctor said. “But probably not enough,” Anderson groused. The Doctor approached the door. “And there are still ways to deny them access to this bridge.” That was enough to give Anderson encouragement. “You're right. We can set up some traps,” she said. “I'll examine the bulkhead, and see if traps could be concealed that way.” “There may be other ways.” “Of course,” the Doctor said. She took out the sonic screwdriver and used it to scan the bulkhead. Jia'hale followed the boarders, with Sigrun close behind. They could still help the Doctor and the others. However, two stayed behind to delay them. 'I hope they can be dealt with quickly,' she thought. She paused, allowing Sigrun to catch up. “We have to take them out quickly,” she said quietly. Sigrun nodded, as the two straggling Drahvins approached them again. “You've lost, admit it.” “We haven't.” “Yes you have.” “We haven't. We're still standing.” “You haven't a chance against us.” The two Drahvins then brandished their weapons. The Valiant II shook as more Drahvin weapons fire hit it. “They're clearly impatient,” the Doctor commented. “That they would fire while boarding parties are still on board? They probably think they were defeated,” Anderson commented. “Quite likely,” the Doctor said. The ship shook again. “Kellira's hailing again,” Franks reported. “Let's here it,” Anderson ordered. “Are you going to surrender, Doctor?” “No!” the Doctor answered. “Torchwood was a surprise, but we're winning.” The Doctor called up a tactical display. She could see that the Drahvins did indeed have the advantage for the moment. However, she could also see that additional UNIT and Torchwood forces were on the way. “Probably,” she said. “More than 'probably,' Doctor!” Kellira said, her words full of arrogance. “We will achieve our objective.” 'If only I could use her arrogance against her.' Jia'hale and Sigrun had knocked out the two Drahvin boarders. “That's done,” Sigrun said. “But there are sure to be others,” Jia'hale objected. “We need to check in back at the Bridge.” “We'll do that first.” Back at the Bridge, the Doctor turned back to Anderson. Before she could say anything, the Valiant II shook again. “A feint,” she said. “A feint?” Anderson asked. “A pretence,” the Doctor answered. “We pretend the Valiant II is more damaged than it actually is.” Anderson gave a smirk “That may work.” She was interrupted by another shake. “But we should do it soon.” “Of course.” “Damage report,” Anderson ordered. “Little damage to the superstructure.” “Feign damage to an engine, reduce power by 10%.” “Is that advisable?” Daniel asked. “Not really,” Anderson said. Kellira saw the Valiant II listing. UNIT was almost defeated, and the Torchwood fleet would soon follow them. “Surround that ship!” “Aye Commander.” “The Drahvin ships are moving,” Anderson said. “They're surrounding us,” the Doctor noted as she looked at the tactical display. “Prepare to fire at Kellira's ship,” Anderson ordered. “Wait,” the Doctor directed. “What?” Anderson asked. “Getting a message from Harkness.” “And?” “The Ianto Jones is moving into position.” “Tell me when they're ready.”
Interlude 1 – Cloister Bell In the TARDIS (Travelling through the Vortex) After the Doctor, and her companions (with the help of UNIT and Torchwood), had defeated the Drahvins, the Doctor, as usual, didn’t stay around to mop up in the aftermath of the invasion. She and her companions had hurried back to the TARDIS and left the Azores. The Doctor knew that the TARDIS would go off course again, so she had set a random course. She had charged out of the console room into the corridors, leaving her companions. Daniel glanced at the indicators. From what he understood, the TARDIS was again going off course from the random trajectory that the Doctor had set. “I wonder where we are going now?” he wondered. He then saw Jia'hale heading off into the corridors also. “I will be in the bathroom if you need me,” she said, as she ran off. She wanted to strip off her clothes and relax. “Of course she would be,” Daniel said. “She had a very rough time of it this time Daniel!” Sabir said, then thought, ‘I would too if I had fought those Amazons.’ “I suppose so,” Daniel said, then left the console room. “I have had a difficult time also,” Felicia said. “All of us have had a difficult time,” Sabir said. She pondered. It wasn’t just today either. It has been a busy week, or two. “Definitely,” Sigrun said. Felicia left the console room after Jia'hale. “What do you think that the TARDIS was trying to tell Felicia when we arrived in the Azores?” Sigrun asked. “No idea, it could be anything, but whatever it is it would be private,” Sabir replied. “I agree,” Daniel said. Being a private person himself, he didn't like it when Sigrun pried into others affairs. Not that she did that all too often, just mostly after rather dangerous adventures... “It could turn out to be important,” Sigrun said indignantly ‘If the TARDIS told me something, I would tell the others, especially the Doctor.’ “It possibly could be, but then it would be the Doctor's business, not ours,” Daniel said. “I suppose so,” Sigrun said. Felicia had gone to the library. She was looking for records of the Doctor's earlier adventures that had been recorded by historians. She was certain that she would have collected some of that information. She decided to start with an encyclopaedia. Jia'hale was now relaxing in the bathroom. ‘This is what I like after a day of chasing after Drahvins, and Terileptils,' she thought. She began to think about what she would do when she managed to get back home. Maybe she would finally tell her family about her travels in the TARDIS... The Doctor was deep in the TARDIS. She was replacing the storage device with the Time Lord AI's back where it had come from. She hoped that he would never need to use it again, yet she knew that something would eventually happen that would require her to use it again... In the console room, Sigrun and Daniel were still arguing about whether they needed to know what the TARDIS was trying to tell Felicia. “I don’t think we do need to know, Sigrun.” Daniel said. Sabir was trying not to pay attention to their argument whilst watching the console instrumentation. She noticed that the TARDIS was indeed going off course. Could there be a pattern to the changes... He noticed that the TARDIS was now heading away from Earth, towards The Library, which he knew wasn’t right. As much as she liked the largest Library in the Universe, and enjoyed talking to CAL, Sabir didn't want to think about what might be wrong there now... “...If we don't know, we might get killed or something,” Sigrun said. “Or the reverse may happen...” Daniel said. “Possibly, but it’s better to know!” Daniel rolled his eyes. Felicia was reading an encyclopedia article... Reports of this figure are often contradictory, with different faces and companions being reported. One consistant aspect, however, is the presence of a strange blue box being reported at most locations where the Doctor has been spotted. What else is consistent, is that the Doctor is most often accompanied by a young female travelling companion, even though it is often a different person (or persons) each time. ‘Well that’s obvious,’ Felicia thought. “This is strange,” Sabir said. “What is?” Sigrun asked after Daniel had left the room in a huff. She knew that she would win the arguement. “The TARDIS is going beserk, usually the course changes are slight, but it is going all over the Milky Way!” Sabir exclaimed. “I suppose that there must be a reason?” Sigrun pondered. “There has to be! The TARDIS can’t be doing it just for fun!” “Your guess is as good as mine, first it was headed to Arles in 1914, then to Trenzalore, then back to Earth, in orbit early in 2005, and now it is headed to somewhere called the Medusa Cascade,” Sabir reported. That got Sigrun's attention. Something was certainly up. “Any information on what that is supposed to be?” she asked. “None, I can't get anything on it. It’s either in a restricted data storage area, or it the TARDIS hasn't got any information on it.” “It’s most likely the former,” Sigrun suggested .“I guess so.” Felicia was still in the TARDIS library, there was information about the Doctor's past activities, but it was scarce. “Lets see, I think Shakespeare met the Doctor at some point,” She mused as she entered the aisle with information on the famous playwright. The Doctor had placed the storage device back where it was, and was now heading back to the console room. She had to figure out why the TARDIS wanted to go off course. She had been thinking about it almost from the time when it started, but he couldn’t come to a conclusion that satisfied her curiosity. “It is changing again,” Sabir said. “Where we going now?” Sigrun asked. She was sick of the apparently random changes. She knew that some of the destinations didn’t make sense. “Somewhere called the Pharos Project,” Sabir said. “Better than Androzani Minor, anyway.” That was Daniel who had reentered the console room after a spell of boredom. “How would you know that?” Sigrun asked. “The Doctor, Sabir, Felicia and I went there some time, prior to meeting Jia’hale,” Daniel said. “Okay, how did you find the place?” Sigrun asked, thinking about the planet’s interesting name. “It was very dull,” Daniel said, as he left the console room again. “Okay,” Sigrun said. The Doctor was approaching the console room. She could hear the companions there discussing the course changes. “The TARDIS is now heading to Antarctica in 1986,” Sabir said. The Doctor hurried into the console room. Her curiosity had been piqued when she had heard what the destination was. She thought that it may not have been a coincidence that the TARDIS was going there. “Where has the TARDIS been heading?” the Doctor asked. “She has been heading randomly all over the Milky Way,” Sabir said. “Sabir has written down all the destinations. She thinks that the pattern may mean something,” Sigrun said, handing over the list which Sabir had written to the Doctor. She read the list: Arles, 25th December 1914 Trenzalore Berlin, 1938 Earth Orbit, 1 January 2005 The Medusa Cascade Earth Orbit, 10000 ... ... Antarctica 1986 A grave expression came over her face. “What is the matter?” Sabir asked. “This is not a random list of destinations. These are the times and places where I regenerated. All of them,” the Doctor said. ‘What could this mean? What is she trying to tell me?’ she thought. She wasn’t sure what message the TARDIS was trying to communicate by setting courses to those destinations. “In order?” Sabir asked. “In reverse order,” the Doctor said. “What could that mean?” Sabir asked. ‘Why would the TARDIS set a course to those places?’ he thought. “Doctor! Sabir! The TARDIS has changed course again,” Sigrun said. The Doctor went to the console. “Strange, I thought it would attempt to go to Gallifrey,” the Doctor said, certain that the next destination would be her initiation at the Untempered Schism. Sabir also looked at the console. “Intercept course plotted? What does that mean?” he asked. He couldn’t think of anything that the TARDIS could possibly be intercepting in the vortex. Absolutely nothing. “I have no idea,” the Doctor said. Then the Cloister Bell began to toll! “Is it intercepting something dangerous, Doctor?” Sabir asked. “That is a possibility. There may be something out there that it was warning Elisa about. Though why her and not me, I am not sure,” the Doctor said. “Are you sure that the TARDIS was warning her about something?” Sigrun asked. “Yes,” the Doctor said. “What is going wrong now?” Felicia asked when she heard the Cloister Bell. She left the library and ran towards the console room. ‘Is this what the TARDIS was warning me about prior to the Drahvins?’ she thought. After a moment of reflection she realised that it wasn’t, because it didn’t feel like whatever the TARDIS was warning her about. What could it be? The Doctor was pacing the console room, trying to think. An alarm sounded from the console. “Doctor!” Sabir said, in agitation. The Doctor leapt over to the console, wondering what it was that agitated Sabir so. “Anomaly detected in Corridor 11-A. That can’t be right!” she said. She couldn’t think of any occurrence when an anomaly had been detected within the TARDIS corridors... “Doctor, according to the current Architectural Configuration, that location is between here and the library,” Sabir said. “Elisa!” the Doctor realised. “Sigrid, stay here and watch the console. Sab, come with me,” she continued. Daniel had heard the Cloister Bell from his room, which was close to the console room. “What is going on now?” he asked no one in particular. He knew that something was happening. ‘The TARDIS in danger? For a vessel that was built by one of the most advanced civilisations in the universe, it sure gets in danger a lot,’ he mused. He wondered what the danger was going to be. He ran out of the room. Jia’hale leapt out of the bath as she heard the Cloister Bell ring. ‘The TARDIS is in danger!’ she thought. She ran out of the bathroom, not even bothering to wipe herself off, or to put anything on for that matter... She knew that there was no time, absolutely no time. Every second may be of the essence... She turned a corner towards the console room. Felicia ran out of the library and into a corridor. Then she noticed the Anomaly! It was a large swirling mass that took up most of the space of a ‘courtyard’ at the intersection of two corridors. She could see beyond it, but she knew that it blocked her path. “That is not good!” she said. She started crying out for the Doctor. The Doctor and Sabir heard Felicia’s cries of “Doctor! Doctor! “This way!” the Doctor said. They rounded a corner, almost crashing into Daniel as she entered the corridor from a different direction. They then saw the Anomaly and Felicia, who was frightened out of her wits, behind it. Felicia saw the Doctor, Sabir and Daniel enter the corridor on the other side. Suddenly a wind picked up and began pushing her towards the Anomaly! She screamed at the top of her lungs. Upon hearing Felicia’s screams Jia’hale bounded onto the scene, almost crashing into Daniel. “Jia’hale! This is not the time for your exhibitionism!” he said. She looked totally ridiculous, and definitely distracting. “This is exactly the time!” she retorted, even though she thought of herself as a naturist, rather than an exhibitionist. Felicia screamed again. “That is enough you two!” the Doctor said, her eyes on the Anomaly, and Felicia. She got out the sonic screwdriver and pointed it at the Anomaly. But there was no information forthcoming... Felicia had grabbed a hold of a roundel, but she was loosing her grip! She struggled to keep that hold, but lost it causing her to fall into the Anomaly. She had no idea where she would end up. “ELISA!” the Doctor screamed. She tried to run forwards, but Sabir and Jia’hale held her back. “Doctor!” Sabir said as he and Jia’hale grabbed her. The Doctor’s mind was flooded with questions: Where does it lead? What has happened to her? Why is this happening? Felicia screamed as she fell into the Anomaly, disappearing in an instant. The Anomaly then rapidly vanished, and the Cloister Bell stopped tolling. “What now? She is gone!” Sabir said. ‘How can we get her back?’ he wondered in alarm. “I have no idea,” the Doctor said. They then heard Sigrun running towards them. She soon came up to them. “Doctor, Doctor! Shortly before the Cloister Bell stopped ringing the TARDIS detected another TARDIS very close by,” she said. “What happened?” Daniel asked. “Of course! Thankyou Sigrid. Elisa is not lost. I know where to find her,” the Doctor said. She immediately set off back towards the console room. “What does that mean?” Jia’hale asked. “I am not leaping to conclusions!” Sabir said. ‘Best not to worry over speculations,’ he thought. “Let’s find out,” Sigrun said. “Sure,” Sabir said. “I hope we do!” Jia’hale said. She followed her fellow companions as she brushed off the water remaining on her person.
Chapter 2 – The 12th Doctor – Part I – The Scottish Doctor The 12th Doctor's TARDIS! Travelling through the vortex. Felicia emerged into a TARDIS corridor that looked almost the same as the corridor that she was in before she entered the anomaly. The corridor had a more organic look to it than the ones she was used to. She could also hear the Cloister Bell ringing. She turned around and saw the anomaly disappear. She was stuck! The TARDIS lurched, sending her crashing against a wall. The Cloister Bell stopped ringing. The TARDIS seemed to return to normal. “Ok, this is either an earlier or later version of the TARDIS, but which is it? And is the Doctor an earlier regeneration?” she asked aloud to herself whilst feeling some fear mixed with the tiny thrill of excitement that she’d come to associate with adventure. She decided to try to find the console room, heading in the direction that she remembered that it was in the TARDIS’s future. Although they looked similar, these TARDIS corridors were not the ones she knew and she quickly found herself lost. However she then heard someone coming. She ducked around a corner, hid and waited for the person to come. ‘It is most likely the Doctor,’ she thought, as she tried to reassure herself. A few minutes earlier, one of the Doctor’s companions had been looking in the TARDIS library for the lost plays of Shakespeare, when the Cloister Bell started ringing. Upon hearing it, the companion leapt down from the bookshelf and ran out of the library; looking for the Doctor and wondering what the trouble was. “I hope that it’s not too serious,” she said. The Doctor was tinkering in the console room when the Cloister Bell began to sound. 'Oh no!' he thought and dashed out of the console room, into the corridors. Another companion was exploring the corridors, leaving a trail leading back to her quarters, when she heard the cloister bell. “Not again!” she said. She turned and started running back along the trail, sending various markers flying as she knocked them aside. Yet another companion was writing in a journal when cloister bell sounded. The journal fell to the floor as its owner ran out of the room... Felicia waited. She could hear many people coming from different directions. She knew that one of them was the Doctor, she knew that the Doctor was different to the Doctor she knew. ‘Her walking sounds different,’ she thought. 'A previous incarnation, but which one?' she thought. The Doctor walked towards where the TARDIS had indicated that the anomaly had occurred, and wondered what had caused it. The first companion dashed through the corridors to where where she was sure that the cause of the Cloister Bell ringing had ended up whilst wondering what said cause was. 'I just hope the Doctor knows how to deal with it,' she thought. The explorer companion cautiously approached the place where the TARDIS had indicated that there had been an anomaly. She wondered what sort of anomaly it was. Felicia saw the people come together around her. ‘One of them is definitely the Doctor,’ she thought, looking around at the companions. Even after all this time she couldn’t tell who was Human and who was merely humanoid at a glance. ‘Unless their skin was green or some other non-melaninic colour,’ she thought. “Hello, Doctor.” “Who are you? What are you doing here?” the Doctor asked. Felicia was surprised. This incarnation of the Doctor was a man! He looked older, with brownish hair. “I’m Felicia Lovell and I normally travel with your 13th self.” ‘Best to get it out into the open.’ “But how did you get into this version of the TARDIS without me knowing about it?” the Doctor asked with a frown. “I was drawn through some sort of anomaly.” “But that is impossible!” The Doctor said. “I am here aren’t I?” “That is true,” the Doctor said, clearly in thought. “What now?” Felicia asked. “What do you mean?” the Doctor asked, wondering what his future companion was talking about. “Where is the TARDIS headed, and aren’t you going to introduce me your companions?” Felicia asked. “Come to the kitchen and I will introduce you to the others there...” “Okay...” A few minutes later, the Doctor had made Felicia a cup of tea. She sat down and drank it (although it was not quite the way she preferred her tea) as the companions introduced themselves, one by one. “I am Kiara Asheru. I am from the planet Tyria, where I was an adventurer for hire.” “Interesting. Where is Tyria?” Felicia asked. It wasn’t a planet she had heard of during her travels with the Doctor. “It is in the Large Magellanic Cloud, apparently. I also have only been travelling with the Doctor for a short time, but I’ve seen all sorts of impossible things, some of which have been quite frightening. Much more frightening than the things on Tyria!” Kiara said exclaimed. “Tell me about it! I’ve only been travelling with the Doctor for about five months, but the things I’ve seen!” Felicia said. “Yes, the universe is very beautiful,” Kiara replied, nodding, sending her medium brown hair, which was woven into multiple braids; which were in turn, tied into pigtails, all over her shoulders. She then sat down and nibbled on her cake. “I agree with that,” Felicia said. Kiara seemed outgoing and certainly seemed to be one for adventure. She wondered what Tyria was like. Kiara had rather pale skin, ‘Maybe she’s from a region of Tyria which has low sunlight levels?’ Felicia pondered. “I am Nathan Daniels. I’ve been travelling with the Doctor for a while. I started travelling with him after he saved me from Cybermen in 1980s New Zealand.” He smiled shyly at Felicia, not noticing that he still had a pen tucked behind his ear from writing in his diary earlier. “Facinating, what were the Cybermen doing in 1980’s New Zealand?” Felicia asked. ‘It probably was a good thing that the Doctor happened to be there!’ she thought, looking him over. ‘He seems shy. I hope that travelling with the Doctor is not too much for him,’ She noticed the Doctor ducking out of the kitchen. “They were a faction of Mondasian Cybermen, according to the Doctor, but he didn’t say what their plan was,” Nathan answered as he sipped from a milkshake as he waited for the last person to introduce herself. “Hi, Felicia. My name is Tamsin Davis. I am from Devon, in England, next to the more famous Cornwall. Seriously; Cornwall is more famous...” the third companion who had been investigating the library said. “Thanks Tamsin, I am familiar with Devon,” Felicia said, interrupting before Tamsin could rant about Cornwall. “Because the Doctor took you there no doubt,” Tamsin said. “That is one reason. We have been, or will be, there only once. Anyway, from which time period are you?” Felicia asked, whilst wondering what Tamsin had against Cornwall besides it being more famous than Devon. “2010. Shortly after that ‘giant planet in the sky’ incident. I don’t think that was real. Harold Saxon assassinating President Winters was real, but not that. It took a while to refurbish the Archangel Network after all.” “How can you say that? What about the various Christmas incidents in London?” Felicia sceptically. “Hoaxes, apart from the last one,” Tamsin said, whist running her hands through her ear length dark blonde hair. “So how’d you end up here?” “I was studying history at the University of Exeter. Once I learned that the TARDIS travels in time, I felt that it was a great opportunity to experience history first hand,” Tamsin said. “I’m from the year 2025. I was studying at an East Anglian university when I started travelling with the Doctor.” “What were you studying?” Tamsin asked, her voice showing curiosity. “Economics,” Felicia said. She continued telling Tamsin and the others about herself. They didn’t notice Doctor come back into the room. “We are now approaching our destination.” “Cool,” Tamsin said. Kiara smiled as if in anticipation of the adventure ahead. “Which is?” Felicia asked last. “Wait and see,” the Doctor said, he lead them out of the kitchen and towards the console room... “He never tells us where we are going, unless we happen to be in the console room when he sets the course,” Tamsin said. “Oh,” Felicia said, surprised. “Tamsin is right,” Kiara said as she left the kitchen. “Even then we still don’t know what we’re going into.” ‘That’s quirky,’ Felicia thought as she followed them out.
Chapter 2 – Part II Arrival at Ilkona 9 February 2710 Ilkona City, Ilkona, Terran Empire of Planets Deep in the seedy underbelly of Ilkona City two people met. “You have the information?” one of them asked. “Yes,” the other said. They exchanged information on their personal electronics “Is this all of it?” one of them asked. “Yes,” the other said, as she vanished into the night. The other also went back the way he had come. Outside Ilkona City The TARDIS materialised beside a road on a forested hillside not far from Ilkona City. “So, where are we?” Felicia asked, looking at the Scanner screen as the Doctor activated it. “The Terran colony of Ilkona, in the year 2710. It is a rather peaceful year,” the Doctor said. “If we are here, I doubt that will remain true for much longer,” Tamsin said, cheekily. “Very true, Tamsin,” the Doctor said. “Is there any more information we should know?” Felicia asked, wondering how dangerous it could be. “Not really, but you should be careful, and be ready to run if I tell you too,” the Doctor said. “He always says that,” Kiara said. “My Doctor sometimes says it too,” Felicia said, wistfully. “Let’s go,” the Doctor said, opening the main TARDIS door. “Wait a minute,” he said. He pressed a button on the console and waved the sonic screwdriver. “There. Your phones will be able to access the local internet now, Tamsin and Felicia,” the Doctor said. “Thanks, Doctor,” Tamsin said. She quickly opened the browser on her phone, connecting to what appeared to be the local version of Google... “But that’s not very fair. What about Kiara and Nathan?” Felicia asked, as they left the TARDIS. “I share! Besides, Kiara has a Tyrian artifact that performs a similar function,” Tamsin said. “TARDIS location recorded,” Kiara said, as the Doctor locked the TARDIS door behind them. “I suppose,” Felicia said. ‘I don’t think it is fair that Tamsin gets to access the internet and Nathan doesn’t,’ she thought. “With the TARDIS location recorded, we can teleport back here if we want,” Kiara said. “Interesting, so the device has a teleporter built into it?” Felicia asked. “Yes, although that is more the Doctor upgrading it than its native function. On Tyria it interfaced with the teleportation systems in the settlements. Choose the settlement and away you go. The teleporters were distributed through the settlements and hardly needed maintenance,” Kiara said. “OK, that sounds interesting, but it is still not fair for Nathan,” Felicia said, looking Kiara in the eyes. “His choice,” Kiara said, not flinching. ‘Rather headstrong isn’t she?’ she thought, not for the first time. “I don’t mind,” Nathan said. “Are you sure?” Felicia asked. “Yes,” Nathan said. ‘He doesn’t seem that convinced,’ Felicia thought. “There, he says that he doesn’t mind!” Tamsin said. Kiara nodded in support of Tamsin. “Sorry,” Felicia said to Kiara. “You thought something was unequal and wondered why. Don’t worry about it,” Kiara said, hoping to put her at ease. Felicia brightened. Ten minutes later they entered Ilkona City. They approached the city and crossed the crest of a ridge, leaving behind the forest in which the TARDIS had materialised. The vista that they saw was magnificent. “Amazing,” Tamsin said. “It looks fantastic,” Kiara said. “An Architectural masterpiece,” Felicia said. ‘There really is no other way to describe it, and I have seen dozens of cities on a score of planets...’ she thought. “Absolutely,” the Doctor said. The skyscrapers and other buildings had obviously been carefully designed to complement the natural environment of the city surrounds, lending to an effect that was quite breathtaking. The majority of the skyscrapers had a green sheen that blended with the wooded hills beyond and trees in the various parks and along most of the streets grew above most of the other buildings. “Beautiful,” Nathan said. “Definitely.” Tamsin said. “An understatement,” Felicia said. Another twenty minutes later the Doctor and his companions were in a park watching birds. “Is anything going to happen?” Tamsin said, clearly bored. “What do you mean?” the Doctor asked. “We have been here for over half an hour and nothing of interest has happened. Usually, by now there is something that has interested you, and we are in the thick of it,” Tamsin said. “She does have a point,” Kiara said. “Yes she’s right. Access some news site and see if there is anything that is out of the ordinary,” the Doctor said. “Right,” Tamsin said. She quickly used the local version of Google to find some reputable news sites. Kiara and Felicia quickly did the same. Five minutes later. Tamsin had found something. Mysterious Explosion at Laboratory A Mysterious explosion has rocked a laboratory in the Van Stattan District at 1 AM. The laboratory, owned by the Moss Corporation, was almost completely destroyed by the blast. Given the time of day it was nearly deserted, yet a few people were caught in the blast. Little information is forthcoming at this time. ...Police are still investigating, nearby security AIs were affected by EMP around the time of the incident and didn’t record any suspicious activity before or after the occurrence. She handed the Doctor her smartphone. “You are right, this is definitely something that needs some looking into,” the Doctor said after he had read the article. “I have found the address of the devastated laboratory,” Kiara said, less than a minute later. “Good,” the Doctor said, as he handed the smartphone back to Tamsin and glanced at Kiara’s device. “Good, we will be there in an hour or so,” the Doctor said. “Or we could take the subway. We would be there in much less time,” Felicia said. The Doctor sighted a subway entrance less than 30 metres away. “That’s convenient, let’s go,” he said. “Yes, it is,” Felicia said. They entered the subway to find the station deserted. “No one else is here,” Kiara said. “Of course, it appears to be entirely automated,” Nathan said. ‘We are far enough in the future for that,’ he thought. “The train will be here in less than five minutes,” Felicia said, looking at the timetable, posted next to the entrance. “That’s convenient,” the Doctor said. They remained silent until the train arrived. They quickly got into the maglev train, which left the platform a minute after they got on. As the train started moving, the holographic system activated, showing the train’s progress through the subway. They would arrive at their destination in less than fifteen minutes. Whilst they were waiting, the Doctor and Felicia used the holosystem to access the broadcast news channels. After over five minutes of channel surfing, they found more news about the laboratory explosion. “...about ten survivors have been found, and taken to the nearest hospital...” “After whatever situation that is happening is resolved I will attempt to find your Doctor,” the Doctor said. “Is that a good idea?” Tamsin asked. “I don’t think that would be a good idea. The TARDIS had been going off course, consistently for a while prior to my encounter with that anomaly. I also don’t know where the TARDIS was headed after we left where we were,” Felicia said. ‘It would be like trying to find a needle in an infinite haystack,’ she thought. “Ok,” the Doctor said thoughtfully. “It is likely that my Doctor would begin her own search and thus meet us at some future point,” Felicia said. “That is a good point,” the Doctor said (filing the alternate gender reference away for a future time). “I agree,” Nathan said. They quickly arrived at the station closest to the laboratory and disembarked. As they exited the subway they saw the police cordon around the site of the explosion in the distance. ‘That’s a lot of damage,’ Felicia thought. The Doctor took his psychic paper out of his pocket as they approached, ready to get past the officers. “Investigator Smith and assistants, Asheru, Daniels, Davis and Lovell, we have been called to help in the investigation of this incident,” the Doctor said, holding the psychic paper up for the officer to see. “Go ahead,” the officer said. “Good!” Tamsin said. “We’ll find something,” Kiara said. “You can count on it,” Tamsin said. ‘There could be anything,’ Felicia thought. She also noticed the policemen giving the party funny looks... ... The Doctor and his companions walked past the cordon and came close to the laboratory building. They could see that the explosion had ripped through the structure, demolishing most of it. Only a third of the original building was still standing. The Doctor scanned the ruins with the sonic screwdriver. “Interesting, but strange,” he said. “What is strange?” Tamsin asked. “Strange, I am picking up traces of trinitrotoluene and nitro-glycerine,” the Doctor said. “How is that strange?” Tamsin asked. “Why would someone wanting to destroy this lab use such primitive explosives?” the Doctor asked. “To hide other more advanced explosives?” Nathan asked. “To cover up an accident?” Felicia asked. “I have no idea,” Kiara asked. “Both of those are good ideas. But what was the function of the laboratory?” the Doctor asked. “According to the official web site; the laboratory was used for genetic engineering,” Tamsin said. “I wonder if that was all it was used for, and what type of genetic engineering was being pursued,” the Doctor said. The sonic screwdriver beeped again. “Now it is showing microscopic traces of more advanced explosives, and also acrylamide gels.” Nathan and Tamsin knew what the latter was for. “The latter is what you would expect really,” Tamsin said. “Acrylamide gels?” Felicia asked. It wasn’t something she was familiar with. “They are used to separate different length biological polymers. In this case, DNA fragments,” Nathan said. “Does the website say anything about the genetic engineering that was being conducted?” the Doctor asked. Tamsin consulted her phone again. “Increasing the strength of the immune system and digestive efficiency, but then that could have been a cover for something else.” “Quite true,” the Doctor said. “We may have to question the survivors,” Felicia said. “True,” the Doctor said. “Absolutely,” Tamsin said. The Doctor continued to gather information from the ruins. ‘Very interesting...’ “What is?” Tamsin asked. “Traces of different chemical explosives,” the Doctor said. “Those are?” Felicia asked. “Acetone Peroxide and what is known as C4,” the Doctor said. “Still rather primitive,” Tamsin said. Felicia looked at Tamsin; “I wouldn’t call C4 primitive.” “Primitive by comparison,” Tamsin said. “Maybe,” Felicia said. --- Two hours later, the Doctor and his companions arrived at the city’s main hospital, intending to interview the survivors of the explosion. The hospital was a large building that occupied an entire block, and towered at least twenty stories above street level. “Interesting design, Doctor,” Kiara said. “Art Deco, originating from the interwar period in the Twentieth Century,” the Doctor said. “Cool,” Kiara said. “Very pretty,” Tamsin said. The Doctor and his companions entered the main lobby and looked around. The main lobby had influences from Greco-Roman architecture, with load-bearing Corinthian columns spaced evenly around the walls. The Doctor walked up to the Colosseum-inspired main desk. He produced the psychic paper. “Investigator Smith and assistants, Asheru, Daniels, Davis and Lovell, we have been investigating the laboratory explosion that occurred 2 and a half hours ago. We are here to interview the survivors,” he said. “The survivors are recovering in Ward 16, on floor 8,” the receptionist said said in a bored and no nonsense tone. “Thank you,” the Doctor said. He placed the psychic paper back in his pocket and lead the companions to the elevator at the back of the lobby. The elevator also had Greco-Roman influences, which extended to the pop-up holographic interface. The floors were labelled in Roman numerals. Felicia poked the Floor VIII button. The elevator started moving. “Interesting that they would decorate the interior separately to the exterior,” Felicia noted. The Doctor filed away that information for future reference. ‘Very curious,’ he thought. “It is,” Tamsin said. Kiara looked thoughtful. ... The 8th floor of the hospital was like any other hospital in the Terran Empire, antiseptic and Spartan, although there were hints of the Greco-Roman design here and there. They walked up to the nurses’ station that was opposite the elevator entrance. There was one nurse on duty. The Doctor produced the psychic paper. “I am Doctor Smith, here with my assistants to interview the survivors of the laboratory explosion,” he said. “One moment please,” the nurse said. She pressed a button on the console beneath the window. She then talked to the doctors on duty to check if any of the survivors were in any state to be interviewed. She soon returned. “They are ready to see you,” she said. “Thank you,” the Doctor said. “Good,” Nathan said quietly. ‘Cool,’ Tamsin thought. Soon the Doctor was interviewing the survivors, with Felicia and Tamsin taking notes. They had interviewed a few, when something happened... “...So, there was a faint ticking noise,” the Doctor prompted. “Yes, there was, then the explosion occurred...” one of the survivors said, with a raspy voice. But then he slumped down into the bed, and the monitoring equipment started making a single tone! He had died. The Doctor quickly found out why. He waved the sonic screwdriver around the deceased patient. He found a potent poison in the intravenous feeding mechanisms. “Poisoned! But by who?” he asked. “Someone just injected something into the drip Doctor!!” Felicia said, her voice certain. “Who?” the Doctor asked. “I’ll know the person when I see them,” Felicia said, again with absolute certainty. “The person was dressed as a doctor,” she added. “That’s very weird. Why would someone poison someone in a hospital?” Tamsin asked. ‘Were they afraid that the explosion didn’t do the job?’ “Good question,” the Doctor said. Felicia spotted the person responsible for the poisoning on the opposite side of the ward. “There!” she said. The person dropped the equipment that they had been carrying and ran. Felicia ran off after them, almost knocking over the nurses who were coming to attend to the deceased patient. “Follow her, Kiara!” the Doctor said. “Yes, Doctor,” Kiara said, before running off herself, following Felicia out of the ward. “What happens now?” Tamsin asked. “First, we try to answer your question, Tamsin,” the Doctor said. “It may be that someone is trying to cover something up...” Felicia dashed out of the ward, following the culprit. The culprit reached one of the elevators ahead of Felicia. Felicia narrowly missed the elevator and used an adjacent elevator. She selected the ground floor, hoping that was the culprit’s destination. ‘It has to be. He wouldn’t risk getting caught on stairs,’ she thought. On the ground floor, Felicia dashed out of the elevator and saw the culprit exit the hospital onto the street ahead of her. She quickly followed, leaving the hospital to the west, towards the subway station that she, the Doctor and his usual companions had arrived in.
Chapter 2 – Part III – Felica's Quandry Kiara saw Felicia enter the elevator, after the culprit had used another. Unfortunately there were only two elevator doors on that floor. ‘I will have to use the stairs,’ she thought. When Kiara managed to get to the ground floor, Felicia and the poisoner were nowhere in sight. ‘That is just great!’ She thought. She went to elevator to go back up to the eighth floor. The Doctor saw Kiara re-enter the ward. “Why are you back here?” he asked. “I lost sight of Felicia and the person she was pursuing. They could be going anywhere in the city,” Kiara said. “You could have tried,” the Doctor said. “I could have, but it would have been a waste of time,” Kiara said. “It wouldn’t have been a waste of time!” the Doctor said. “With how large the city is, I think it would have been.” “You could still have tried!” “Only possibly!” Kiara said. “You gave up too easily!” “No, I didn’t!” Tamsin stepped between them. “That is enough,” The Doctor backed off. “Tamsin is right,” he said. “What do we do now?” Nathan asked. “We will look for Felicia, that is what we are going to do,” the Doctor said. “How are we going to do that?” Kiara asked. “It would be rather difficult, she forgot to give us her phone number,” Tamsin said. “That was silly of her,” Kiara said. “I agree,” Tamsin said. “There goes that idea. Then we will attempt to gain access to the hospital’s security cameras. Perhaps they recorded the direction that she and the poisoner went,” the Doctor said. “Let’s go, then,” Tamsin said. “Yes,” the Doctor said. ‘I hope we’re not hacking,’ Nathan thought, as they followed the Doctor out of the ward. --- Felicia crept into the subway station. She saw the culprit board the train, so she dashed into the train a few cars behind him.. Once the train started moving, she dashed forwards to the carriage that she saw him enter. The man was alone in the carriage Felicia slammed the door shut behind her. “I saw you back there, at the Hospital. You killed that patient!” “I don’t know what you’re talking about!” “Don’t give me that, I followed you from the hospital!” Felicia said. “You have me confused with someone else!” “I saw you in that ward on the eighth floor of the hospital, and I saw you again running from that hospital.” “I see,” the person said in a low voice. “So, tell me, for what reason?” Felicia asked persistently. “What is it to you?” “I arrive in this city and find a conspiracy in progress in which people have died! I’m interested in stopping it!” The person of interest reached into his pocket and produced a small weapon. “Haven’t you heard of the phrase ‘Curiosity killed the cat’?” “Of course I have!” Felicia said defensively. She moved backwards a step – towards one of the emergency stop buttons. “Now, you’ll go and the tell the Doctor, that he cannot stop the conspiracy.” “The Doctor?” Felicia asked, wondering how the man could have known that it was the Doctor at the hospital. She moved her hand closer to the emergency stop button. “Yes, he looked different to the images that my employer showed me, but what I could see matched the legends.” “Right, so I travel with the Doctor! My questions are still valid.” “No, they’re not.” The person of interest tightened his finger on the trigger of the weapon. Felicia ducked and pressed the emergency stop button. Felicia was prepared for the sudden change in velocity. The antagonist was not. As such he fell over. Felicia took the opportunity to grab the weapon off the floor... The antagonist quickly stood up from the floor, but Felicia pointed the weapon at him. “You wouldn’t use that!” “What makes you think that?” Felicia asked, her hand shaking. She stepped backwards. “I can see it in your eyes,” the antagonist said. He lunged forwards as the train started moving again. Felicia took a shot. The blast caught the antagonist on his left shoulder, causing him to move to the right. “Aagh!” Still holding the weapon, Felicia dashed out of the carriage the way she came. Once out of the carriage, she fired at the linkage between the carriages, and then grabbed the door of the other carriage. The plastic covering between the carriages ripped as the forward part of the train accelerated away. There was a gust of wind as the air in the carriage was sucked out into the near vacuum of the tunnel. After a brief struggle Felicia managed to enter the carriage and slam the door. She then ducked down and breathed deeply as the emergency systems replenished the air in the carriage. ‘How much more am I going to endure?’ According to her body clock it was still the same day as the Drahvin invasion hundreds of years prior. ‘Too bad I don’t have the sonic screwdriver, then I could’ve hacked into the train and found where he got off.’ She hated going back to the Doctor without any information. The Doctor reviewed the hospital’s security files. ‘The culprit and Felicia went to the west, back towards the subway,” he said. “Then we go to the subway ourselves?” Tamsin asked. ‘That is a likely thing for him to do,’ she thought. “No, we are going to look at the news articles for the last few weeks. See if there is any evidence of a conspiracy,” the Doctor said. “I will do that,” Tamsin said. Immediately she reopened her phone and brought up the Ilkona Telegraph site. “I think that Tamsin’s right,” Nathan spoke up. “What?” Tamsin asked. “Someone has to go to the subway,” Nathan said. The Doctor thought. “Ok, you can go look for Felicia.” --- “There is a pattern here, but nothing particularly unusual for a Terran colony,” the Doctor said after Tamsin had shown him what she’d found. “Really?” Tamsin asked. “Of course, there may be a deeper pattern that haven’t recognised.” “Certainly,” Tamsin said. “We have to look at other newspapers,” the Doctor said. “I will look at one,” Kiara said. “Good,” the Doctor said as he searched for another newspaper site on Tamsin’s phone. 9 February 2710 Ilkona City Felicia heard her phone ring. ‘That’s weird. I didn’t give the Doctor or Tamsin my number,” She thought as she brought it out. Unknown Number ‘That’s not good’ she thought. She answered it. “Hello?” “Finally!” It was Kiara. “How did you reach me?” “The Doctor’s upgrade to my device allowed me to connect to yours without knowing the specific identifier.” “Ok...” Felicia responded. “That’s interesting.” “What happened?” “I confronted him, but I had to get away, he had a weapon on him.” “Oh, you're safe then?” Felicia told Kiara about what she did to the train. “Sounds dangerous. I like it,” she said. “I doubt the Doctor would.” “...You're right. He would like to know where you are though.” “At a hotel next to the Pioneer Park. The Terra Palace,” Felicia answered. “I'll tell him.” The Doctor, Kiara and Tamsin arrived at the Terra Palace an hour later. Felicia was waiting in the Main Parlour. “That was quite reckless!” the Doctor told her. “I escaped didn't I?” Felicia asked. “That's not the point!” the Doctor said. “I have lost others to reckless behaviour before...” Felicia could see something strange on the Doctor's face. Confusion. “Doctor?” “At least, I think I have lost someone to reckless behaviour. The memory... isn't there.” Felicia could tell it was something the Doctor didn't want to talk about. 'What else is new,' she thought. “So, don't do something like that again.” “At least not in a train, or with an energy weapon,” Felicia quipped. “This is serious!” the Doctor said. “Look! I will be more careful,” Felicia said. “Are we done?” Tamsin asked. “For now,” the Doctor answered. “I hope so,” Felicia added. “But what are we going to do?” Tamsin asked. “We need to look for him again,” the Doctor answered. “You let him get away.” “...And you talk about reckless...” Felicia commented. “I mean, you could have followed him, seen where he went.” Felicia considered this. “I suppose so,” she said. “And now we'll have to figure out where he got off the train afterwards.” “We could try the records at each station after where my 'reckless action' occurred,” Felicia suggested. “Worth a shot,” Tamsin considered. “He may have deleted the records, but we'll try,” the Doctor said.
Chapter 2 – Part V: Confrontation 14 February 2710 Deep beneath Ilkona City The Doctor and Felicia entered a large underground chamber from the staircase they had just descended. “He must’ve extended a natural cave,” Felicia said. “I agree,” the Doctor said. They walked into the chamber, which was decorated with scenes from Earth’s history. They could also see many instances of the TARDIS in the motifs. One was reminiscent of the Bayeux Tapestry. Another was a depiction of a scene in Revolutionary America. “Doctor,” she said, pointing at one of the motifs. “Yes?” “There are representations of the TARDIS in this mural.” “I may have met him before,” the Doctor said. ‘More than once, and at any of these depicted events,’ he thought. ‘Great,’ Felicia thought. “He may be an old enemy,” she pondered. They continued towards the end of the chamber where the person attempting to take over Ilkona waited. --- They were met at the door to the inner chamber by a robot. “My master awaits you Doctor, and Miss Lovell,” he said. “As I expected,” the Doctor said. The robot ushered them in. They saw a large table dominating a room reminiscent of the chamber outside. The person attempting to take over Ilkona was standing behind it. “So you are the infamous Doctor, the Oncoming Storm, the last of the Time Lords of Gallifrey,” he said dramatically, drawing out the ‘so’ and pausing between each of the Doctor’s titles. “I am the Doctor, and you are trying to take over Ilkona for your own ends! Why are you doing this?” “For what purpose, you ask, Doctor? I answer with a question of my own. Why not?” the other man said. “I ask you, right now, to give up your plans to take over this planet,” the Doctor said, with a warning tone. “What will you do to stop me, Doctor? Is that what you ask all of your other enemies, before you stop their plans?” “It varies, but yes, I do ask them all that. Except the Daleks; them I just oppose,” the Doctor said. The antagonist walked out from behind the desk and stood in front of the Doctor. “There is nothing you can do to stop me from taking over Ilkona, Doctor. You may have caused some setbacks, but that is it,” he said. Whilst the Doctor and the man were engaged in their aggressive discussion Felicia had been thinking. ‘Maybe, I could look in his files and discover what he is up to, and why he had set the conspiracies in place.’ She saw that the man’s attention was focused on the Doctor, so she acted. She walked around the two of them and approached the desk. “Are you willing to put that to the test?” The Doctor asked. He paused before adding; “And another question; do you intend on stopping with Ilkona, or are you planning to take over more planets with this scheme of yours?” “Wouldn’t you like to know?” the man stepped towards the Doctor. The Doctor stared back. The antagonist glared back and smirked. He turned back to his desk, to find Felicia sitting at the computer terminal trying to look at his files. “I wouldn’t bother, sweetheart. They are all password protected. You’ll never be able to crack them,” he said. “We’ll see about that!” Felicia said. She leaned closer before typing random letters, numbers and other characters in a password field. The combination was incorrect. The villain produced a firearm from his pocket. “Now. I suggest stepping away from the desk,” he said. “Are you afraid that I would crack your password by accident?” Felicia asked as she raised her hands. She knew it wasn’t highly probable, but stranger things had happened. ‘I knew it was a long shot, but it was worth a try.’ “Not at all,” the villain said, he raised his energy weapon. Felicia leapt aside. “Doctor!” she yelled, as the energy beam scorched past her, and hit an area of the wall and burning off one of the TARDIS motifs. The Doctor activated the sonic screwdriver, holding it upright. The man laughed. “Your companion is quite agile, but I doubt that your sonic screwdriver would be able to crack my systems!” ‘I have made sure of that!’ he thought. “The sonic screwdriver may not, but...” the Doctor trailed off. He had other ideas in mind. “What are you up to?” the villain asked. Then an echoing sound answered him. “No! Activate anti-TARDIS defences,” he said. ‘You didn’t expect this, Doctor,’ he thought. He was certain that the technology that he had gained from a rogue Time agent and enhanced with certain Torchwood devices would work. The TARDIS continued to materialise as a computer voice said, “Anti-TARDIS defences active.” ‘I hope he hasn’t gained Dalek, or even UNIT, technology. That would be quite a bother,’ the Doctor thought. The TARDIS completed its materialisation. “Anti-TARDIS defences failed,” the computer said. “What!” the man exclaimed as he brought his right fist down upon the table. He couldn’t understand why the defences didn’t work. He was sure that rogue agent hadn’t duped him, and that the Torchwood enhancements were exactly that. “Whatever technology you’re using would probably have been effective against an older model of TARDIS, but not a Type 40. Especially an upgraded Type 40,” the Doctor said. The TARDIS door opened and Kiara and Tamsin stepped out. Both of them were smiling. The man was fuming. “You will not succeed in stopping me, Doctor! The Empire will do nothing. Nor will the Shadow Proclamation.” “Actually, both authorities are rather interested in how your conspiracy got so advanced so quickly,” Tamsin said. “A Proclamation Investigation Vessel and the 32nd Terran Battlefleet are on their way here,” Kiara said. “They can’t wait to get here,” Tamsin deadpanned. Kiara nodded, her expression mirroring that of Tamsin. “They are very eager to know the details.” “Very good, Tamsin and Kiara! Now, no matter what happens in the next ten minutes, you will loose,” the Doctor said. “You may think you have unravelled my conspiracy in Ilkona City, Doctor. But I still have tricks up my sleeve. There is more to it than you have discovered. Some of my plans are still in place.” “That may be the case--” the Doctor began... “You may have penetrated my inner sanctum, but I am prepared!” the man said, and pressed a button on the desk. Previously invisible doors along the walls opened and small robots came swarming out, about 15 centimetres high and armed with sharp appendages and energy weapons, and heading straight towards the intruders. “Yikes!” Felicia said, leaping past the man, avoiding his attempt at grabbing her, and over the table towards the TARDIS. “That can’t be good!” Tamsin said. ‘Those blades look rather sharp!’ she thought. The Doctor looked at the metallic swarm and frantically said, “Into the TARDIS!” He, Tamsin, Kiara and Felicia ran as they followed him into the TARDIS and slammed the doors. The robotic swarm surrounded the TARDIS and began firing their energy weapons at its exterior. The villain laughed a kind of laugh that wouldn’t have been out of place in old 20th Century spy films. The Doctor rushed to the console. He began preparing to leave and then examined the scanner readings. “What are they, Doctor?” Tamsin asked. “Their weaponry shows signatures common to Cybermen and Sontaran weaponry,” the Doctor replied. Kiara then noticed something else on the console readouts. “Doctor, the Exterior Block Computational Field is losing its integrity,” she said. “Is that what it says?” the Doctor asked in disbelief. “Yes!” “But that is impossible with Cybermen, or Sontarran weaponry,” the Doctor said. “Are you sure?” Felicia asked. “Neither are powerful enough, nor work in the required manner,” the Doctor replied. “Perhaps it is a synergistic effect?” Tamsin asked. “That would make sense,” the Doctor mused. “The Field is at 90%, Doctor!” Kiara said. “We have to retreat.” Frantically, he set the TARDIS in motion. “Not a moment too soon,” Tamsin said. ‘Thank Airyt,’ Kiara thought. Ilkona City Central Park The TARDIS materialised twelve minutes later in the Park. The Doctor stepped out and examined the exterior damage. The wooden exterior of the Police Box was rather scorched. He ran his hand around the outside of the ship. “Quite a hit, wasn’t it old girl. A few hours and you’ll be as good new!” he said. “A few hours, Doctor? I don’t think we have that long,” Tamsin said, as she came out of the TARDIS. The Doctor looked surprised. “Oh?” “It is likely that Mr. Vile, if that is his real name, would send his robots out over the city,” Tamsin said. They had learned his name during their earlier investigations of the conspiracies. “The Imperial fleet will be here in four hours, and the Proclamation in five,” Kiara said. The Doctor agreed. “What can we do against Vile’s machines?” asked Felicia. ‘There are too many for him to deal with using the sonic,’ she thought. “He isn’t just going to send them out. He would be tracking the TARDIS somehow. He knew that I had arrived in any case. We will wait until the machines are in the park and then go back to his lair,” the Doctor said. “And then what? It isn’t likely that he will send all of them out,” said Felicia. The Doctor shook his head “No, he won’t but they would have less of an impact on the TARDIS and it will give me a chance to get into his systems.” “I guess so,” Kiara said. “We can prepare in the meantime,” the Doctor said. ‘Of course,’ Kiara thought. “Absolutely,” Tamsin said. --- Two hours later, an alarm rang in the console room. The Doctor looked at the scanner. “They’re here,” he said. “Let’s do it then,” Tamsin said. “Right,” the Doctor said, a smile on his face, as he pushed a lever downwards. The TARDIS began to dematerialise. “Here we go.” Tamsin and Felicia got into position near the door. ‘I hope I am right,’ Tamsin thought. Vile’s Hideout The TARDIS materialised in the same position that it had been in a couple hours before. The Doctor immediately began his attempt to hack the villain’s computers. Felicia and Tamsin stepped outside the TARDIS. The lair looked deserted. “This can’t be right,” Tamsin said. “You may be right. It could be a trap,” Felicia said. Tamsin... “I’m sure the Doctor would know that.” Felicia leaned against the side of the TARDIS. “I would feel better if someone warned him anyway.” “I will tell him,” Tamsin said, noticing that Felicia was a little subdued. The look Felicia had on her face was becoming a common sight. She missed her Doctor and was homesick. Felicia saw that Tamsin was studying her and let the thoughts swirling in her mind vanish as swiftly as they had appeared. Tamsin ducked back into the TARDIS. “The lair looks deserted. It could be a trap,” she said. “Of course it could be a trap, Tamsin,” the Doctor said. He turned to Kiara. “Watch the scanner.” Kiara nodded and Tamsin rejoined Felicia as the Doctor began his task. “The Doctor’s still trying to hack the system,” Tamsin said. “Good,” Felicia said, hoping that Vile didn’t have Dalek malware to infect the TARDIS with. ‘That would cause a paradox for sure,’ she thought. That was something that she didn’t want to happen. Five minutes later, Felicia and Tamsin saw Vile re-enter the lair. “I knew that you would come back,” he said. “Of course we came back,” Felicia said. Tamsin approached Vile with a serious look on her face. “You have lost, admit it!” “You and the Time Lord may believe that, but I still have an ace up my sleeves,” Vile said. Felicia raised an eyebrow. “Dalek malware?” Vile laughed “Of course not, Ms. Lovell. Dalek software is like the Daleks themselves, untrustworthy,” he said. “Just making sure,” Felicia commented, not sure if the villain was telling the truth. The only response from the villain was a wry smile. “Dalek malware?” Tamsin asked. Felicia didn’t answer the question. “Spoilers.” “Oh, yeah,” Tamsin said, as she thought about it. “Don't want to know things ahead of time,” Felicia added. Tamsin agreed and Felicia smiled before Tamsin turned to Vile. “What are you waiting for?” she asked. “Good question, Ms. Davis. I thought I’d let you two enjoy your little moment, there. The Doctor is going hit a snag in his hacking attempt in a few seconds,” Vile said. He looked at his wrist chronometer, counting down. “Two.” “What sort of snag?” Tamsin asked. “One.” Vile counted but there wasn’t enough time for an answer before there was a cry of annoyance from the TARDIS and the Doctor dashed out. “Of course you would pilfer Proclamation Secure Virtualisation software to hide your files!” he said. “By the time you will have countered the security the files will be elsewhere. In the meantime your TARDIS is vulnerable!” “Time Lord firewalls are the best, the TARDIS has multiple firewalls protecting all of its systems,” the Doctor said. “All firewalls have their weaknesses, Doctor. I have software trying to find those vulnerabilities as we speak,” the villain said. “And all this doesn’t change the fact that the authorities were alerted hours ago and are still coming,” Kiara said as she came out of the TARDIS. “Ah, but I have plans for that!” Vile said. He walked over to his desk and pressed a button, next to the computer terminal. “No doubt,” Tamsin said. “The battle robots are on their way back here,” Vile said. “And I can bring the Proclamation ship and the Battlefleet here right now,” the Doctor warned. Vile didn’t look convinced and wanted to call the Doctor’s bluff. “Somehow I don’t think you are going to do that!” The Doctor stared back at Vile. “I will.” The Doctor and the villain glared at the other in hostility for a few minutes, both trying to decide what to say next. The companions retreated to the TARDIS. Felicia closed the doors. “What would you say if I said I have a plan?” she asked. “I would ask you what it is,” Tamsin said. “Better than nothing, I guess,” Kiara said. Not wanting to waste any more time, Tamsin encouraged Felicia to continue. “So, what are you planning?” “We get him into the TARDIS and the Doctor takes him to the incoming authorities,” Felicia said. “I suppose so, but how are we going to get him into the TARDIS?” Tamsin asked. ‘He would be quite wary of any tricks, that we may try.’ “We could tackle him and push him into the TARDIS?” Felicia declared. “I can use my powers to ensure that he goes into the TARDIS,” Kiara offered. “You know, that might just work,” Tamsin said, with a smirk. ‘It’s silly and rather risky, but it’s the best that we have at the moment,’ she thought. “Let’s do it!” Felicia said as she exited the TARDIS. Tamsin and Kiara followed her out. “You’ll not defeat me, Doctor!” Vile said from where he remained next to the table whilst glaring at the Doctor. “Maybe not, but, I don’t have to,” the Doctor said. “What?” Vile asked. “Now!” the Doctor, said to Tamsin and Kiara, having noticed the expressions on their faces that told him that they had some sort of plan. “Aaaaaagggghhhhhhh!” Tamsin shouted as she slammed into the villain. “What are you doing?” Vile asked, as he grappled with Tamsin. “What do you think?” Kiara said as she produced an ice wall behind Tamsin and Vile, blocking any possible escape. “That’s impossible!” Vile said. He stared at the ice wall in confusion, clearly wondering how it had came about. “Clearly, it’s not,” Felicia said. “Not if you’re from Tyria!” Kiara said. She grabbed hold of Vile and together with Tamsin and Felicia, pushed him into the TARDIS. The Doctor quickly followed his companions in as the robots surrounded the ship and began firing. The TARDIS dematerialised. Shadow Proclamation Vessel Tiara The TARDIS materialised on the vessel’s bridge. The Doctor stepped out, followed by Tamsin. Tamsin saw the commander breathe a sigh of relief. “The Doctor, I presume,” the commander of the Shadow Proclamation expedition asked. Unlike the crew of the vessel (who were Judoon) the commander was human. “Yes. I’m the Doctor and I’ve captured the villain whom was attempting to take over Ilkona.” “Very good Doctor. That will save us having to scour the entire planet for him. Where is he?” “He is in one of the TARDIS’s holding cells,” the Doctor said. “Good. Captain, lead a team to the holding cells and bring him out,” the commander said. “I will lead you through the TARDIS,” the Doctor said. Vile was seething behind the force field that was holding him in the holding cell. “You think that just because you’re his companions that you can get away with this?” “Yes,” Felicia stated. “I can get away with it,” Kiara said. “The TARDIS is on a Proclamation Vessel. Even if you could escape where would you go?” Tamsin asked. ‘He can’t escape,’ she thought. “This ship is a regular Labyrinth. I can get lost in here, and the Doctor wouldn’t be able to find me. I bet I could use some of his secrets against him.” “He would find you eventually. Meanwhile the TARDIS would stay on the Proclamation ship,” Felicia pointed out. “You’d be captured eventually,” Tamsin said. “They would not give up,” Kiara said. “Let’s wait and see shall we,” Vile said, sounding sure of himself. “Maybe.” Five minutes later, the Doctor and the Judoon troops arrived at the holding cells. He input a code sequence and deactivated the force field. The Judoon captain immediately put handcuffs on Vile, who showed signs that he would attempt to run. “You are under arrest. Crime: Conspiracy to overthrow a legal government. Sentence will be proclaimed at a later time. You will be escorted out of this Time Lord vessel into Shadow Proclamation custody.” “You brutes, mindlessly following orders!” Vile shouted as he was lead out of the holding cell. “If there are any further negative vocalisations, you will be gagged!” the Judoon captain said. Vile grumbled. “The TARDIS layout can change in a short period, follow me,” the Doctor said, as the corridor behind him slowly changed its direction in relation to the holding cells. “Yes, Doctor,” the Judoon captain said. “You think this is the end of it?” Kiara said. “The end of it for the Doctor, certainly. For Vile, the hurt is just beginning,” Tamsin said. The others agreed with her. The Doctor exited the TARDIS with the Judoon captain and his prisoner. “Here is Vile,” the Doctor said. “Very well, Doctor,” the Proclamation commander said. “And now I must go,” the Doctor said, not wanting to be involved in the incident any further. “Must you?” the commander asked, wondering why the Doctor didn’t stay around once the immediate threat had gone. The Doctor soon re-entered the TARDIS.
Interlude 2 A quarter of an hour later, the companions met the Doctor in the console room. “Vile has been taken into custody?” Tamsin asked. “Definitely, we are free to go on our way,” the Doctor said. “So, are we going on our way?” Felicia asked. “Yes,” the Doctor said. He input a random course on the console and set the TARDIS in motion. --- “Where are we going?” Kiara asked, once the TARDIS was in motion. “Anywhere, to a indeterminate location, in an attempt to find Felicia’s Doctor, she needs to return to him,” the Doctor said. “I guess so,” Tamsin said aloud. Silently she thought, ‘She can’t stay here, she would invariably give the Doctor hints about his future.’ “Good idea, but the TARDIS wouldn’t know where to find its future self!” Felicia said. “Not necessarily. I once found out that the TARDIS had catalogued console rooms that didn’t exist yet,” the Doctor said. “Perhaps it knows where it is going to be shortly after the incident in which you are transferred here.” “That makes no sense, a catalogue of console rooms that didn’t exist yet?” Tamsin asked. “That was what she said,” the Doctor said. “Still makes no sense,” Tamsin said. “It doesn’t have to,” the Doctor said. “The important thing is that it is likely that we will find Felicia’s Doctor.” “I suppose so,” Tamsin said. “I hope that you’re right,” Felicia said. As the Doctor left the console room, Kiara sat on a chair and looked at the console readout in thought. “It just says, Random course plotted,” she said. “No mention of an intercept course?” Tamsin asked. She brushed her right hand through the bottom of her hair. “No. It only says ‘Random course plotted,’” Kiara said. She then thought ‘We’re going somewhere, but it isn’t where the Doctor will be after Felicia comes back here.’ “Keep an eye on it, whilst Tamsin and I talk about our respective universities,” Felicia said. “Okay,” Kiara said. She focused on the console, whilst keeping an attitude such that she would still hear what the others were saying. “There is not much to talk about. When I am there, I am studying History at the University of Exeter,” Tamsin said, when she and Felicia had moved over near the interior door. Felicia was curious “But what is the University of Exeter like?” “Rather Cool, the on campus life is lively enough and the academics are rigorous. I guess I wanted more than that though, to experience the history I studied first hand.” Tamsin explained. “Where do you study?” she asked after a moment, not sure if Felicia had told her before they had arrived at Ilkona. “The University of East Anglia, I had finished my second year in my Economics degree when I started travelling with the Doctor. It was the end of the summer vacation when the TARDIS started going off course,” Felicia said. “You did say that you had only been travelling with him for five months,” Tamsin reminisced. “Yes,” Felicia confirmed. “I guess that you’ve got to know him well?” “How well do you know him?” “Even after the length of time that I have travelled with him, which I suspect is over a year, he’s still rather mysterious,” Tamsin admitted. “It’s the same here. I feel I know him, but there are still many mysteries in his personality,” Felicia answered. “I totally agree.” After further discussion about the Doctor, they continued talking about their experiences at university. ... Many hours later whilst all of them were in the console room there was a jerk, and the Cloister Bell rang briefly... The Doctor got up first. “Strange,” he said, as he looked at the scanner. “What is strange?” Tamsin asked as she got up. “We have entered another universe,” the Doctor said. ‘Another universe?’ Felicia thought. “Does this happen often?” Kiara asked. “Not very often, most of the time the TARDIS wouldn’t be working properly,” the Doctor said, puzzled. “Why would that be?” Felicia asked. “More importantly, where in that universe are we?” “The TARDIS runs off the Vortex in its native universe. Another universe, therefore no vortex,” the Doctor said. He went to the scanner. “We’re in some sort of military complex in central Colorado.” The companions could see that the TARDIS was surrounded by gun-toting MPs. ‘That’s not good,’ Tamsin thought. “Let’s find out about this universe, shall we?” the Doctor said as he went towards the door...
Chapter 3: Twelve and the Stargate Part I – The SGC 1 February 2007 It was a normal day at Stargate Command; as normal as a day could get at a US Air Force installation with an interstellar portal device anyway. Everyone had their duties to attend to at the base and nothing seemed too out of the ordinary. The scanners had a few blips, but nothing too severe; this was to be expected with the base hidden under a mountain. “Unscheduled Off-World Activation!” The claxon was blaring and the Stargate’s Iris closed; everything was going as per protocol. Then the incoming wormhole opened... “Receiving SG1’s IDC,” Harriman reported while tending to the console. “Open the Iris,” General Hank Landry commanded, his eyes never faltered from the portal. Harriman pressed his palm to the reader and the Iris opened in just over a second. After a few seconds SG1 came through, stepping onto the platform one by one. “Report to debriefing,” Landry said, once they had all emerged and the gate shut down. “Yes, General,” Colonel Cameron Mitchell replied. Things were not routine for much longer. Shortly after SG1 had emerged from the gate a reverberating grinding sound was heard. They immediately saw the source, as a box resembling a 1950’s London Police Box phased in and out with the reverberation and eventually solidified. SG1 and the Gate room guards were startled. They raised their weapons. “What’s that?” Mitchell asked as he prepared for anything that might have come next. “Unknown, sir.” “What do you think is in there?” Mitchell asked as he approached what looked like a door on the box. “It could be anything, Sir,” Colonel Samantha Carter pointed out as she followed. “It could be a trap, ColonelMitchell,” Teal’c said. The team paid attention as the door of the box opened. A tall brown haired man emerged from the blue box, immediately followed by a younger female companion with ear length dark blonde hair. The latter was startled by the appearance of the team, but quickly regained control of her expression. Mitchell immediately raised his P90. “Don’t move! Identify yourself!” “I am the Doctor, and this is my travelling companion, Tamsin Davis,” the Doctor said with a gesture to his companion. “How did you penetrate this base?” Teal’c asked, flatly. The Doctor looked at the symbol on Teal’c’s forehead. “Interesting Ornamentation. Is it of cultural significance?” Teal’c stared at the Doctor. The Doctor stared back. “It signifies servitude to a false god,” Teal’c intoned in his usual near-monotone voice. “Interesting,” the Doctor said. “How did you penetrate this base with that box device?” Carter asked, her natural curiosity showing. The Doctor hesitated. “I would be more inclined to answer if there were not so many guns pointed in my direction,” he pointed out. “Take me to your leader.” Mitchell and Teal’c both rolled their eyes at the cliché. Mitchell didn’t really expect it to be said. “Follow me,” Dr. Daniel Jackson directed. He lead the way out of the gate room, followed by Mitchell and Teal’c. Tamsin nervously ran her hand through her hair. ‘He doesn’t seem that military,’ she thought. She and the Doctor followed the soldiers toward the left hand door. Inside the TARDIS, Felicia Lovell and Kiara Asheru had been watching the view screen. “That was surprising,” Felicia indicated. “What was?” Kiara asked. She turned and leaned toward the console to get a better look, sending her dark brown, minibraided, pigtails down the front of her torso. “Usually Americans take us prisoner quicker than that!” Felicia emphasised, remembering the few times that they had run into American military forces. “Maybe they are different in this universe?” Kiara asked, as she flicked one of her pigtails over her shoulder. ‘Tyria may not exist either!’ she thought. “A good point,” Felicia conceded, as she ruffled her chin-length, light brown, hair. “And now to wait for the Doctor to give us the all clear,” Kiara pointed out as she turned to Tamsin. “Yes.” “We’ll be bored.” “We can use the scanner to investigate the base,” Felicia said. She knew that the scanner could probably see all of it, depending on how large it was. “Good idea.” Felicia’s phone rang. She grabbed it and answered it, seeing who the call was from. “It’s Tamsin, we can listen in on the briefing.” Kiara sat down at the console as Felicia put her phone on speaker and placed it there. “That’s good.” Felicia switched on the scanner as she started listening to the briefing. She looked at the diagram of the SGC that had appeared on the screen. “It appears that we are at least 28 floors underground.” “If you want to keep something secret, put it underground,” Kiara observed, remembering that many criminal organisations on Tyria put their headquarters in caves. She had certainly found many such in her adventures. “Certainly.” “It’s beginning.” Felicia increased the volume on the phone. After entering, SG-1 and General Landry sat opposite the Doctor and Tamsin in the briefing room. Landry leaned towards the Doctor and started by asking “So you say that blue box is your ship?” “Yes,” the Doctor answered, after a second’s hesitation. “Rather small for a ship isn’t it?” Daniel asked with a glance of slight confusion. The Doctor remained silent, glaring at the archaeologist. “It’s bigger in the inside than the outside,” Tamsin explained, after a minute of awkward silence. She felt that someone had to answer. “What?” Landry asked. The Doctor gave Tamsin a brief glare before turning back to SG1. “It’s dimensionally transcendental.” “What does that mean?” Daniel asked, with similar confusion to before. “You mean that the door to the box opens perpendicularly into a different dimension to the regular three dimensions of space, allowing for more space in the box than physics would normally allow?” Carter asked excitedly. ‘You’re good. I couldn’t understand it. I still can’t understand it,’ Tamsin thought with a wry expression. “To put it crudely, yes,” the Doctor conceded as he gave Carter a slight look of annoyance. Mitchell turned to Teal’c “Tell me you didn’t understand a word of that?” Teal’c raised an eyebrow and stated, “I didn’t understand a word of that.” “Thanks.” “Neither did I,” Daniel added. Landry turned back to the Doctor and asked. “But that doesn’t explain how the box managed to penetrate our defences. Isn’t the Gate Room supposed to be shielded against transporters?” “It is, Sir, but the box obviously appeared via a different process,” Carter answered. ‘Evidently, yes,’ Tamsin thought. “You’re good,” the Doctor stated. “Thank you,” Carter replied. “We only have their word for it,” General Landry said. The Doctor didn’t like where this is going. “She’s correct,” he said, referring to Carter’s surmising. “Are you saying we need to look inside that box?” Mitchell asked. “Yes. Consider it an order,” Landry directed. ‘Great!’ Tamsin thought. The Doctor sighed. “Wait a minute! Calm down. I am willing to allow your team to examine my ship. You only have to ask.” He didn’t want Landry to get any further riled up. “Kiara, the Doctor is back with the soldiers,” Felicia observed, from where she was looking at the scanner. “I’ll unlock the door,” Kiara decided. ‘At least the temporal grace field allows me to use my elementalist powers,’ she thought. She unlocked the door, and then stepped outside. “Be ready if they try anything,” Felicia said. Kiara took up position next to the door. “I’m ready now.” “OK, some ground rules. Only two of the SG1 team are allowed in,” the Doctor explained. “And I’ll be asking about the purpose of this facility.” “No,” Landry objected. “Otherwise you will not know what is in that box,” the Doctor declared. “Agreed,” General Landry said, after he had given the matter some thought. “Colonel Mitchell and Dr. Jackson can follow me in,” the Doctor decided. “Good,” Mitchell said. “Why not myself?” Carter asked, looking surprised at the Doctor. “He thinks you will be too curious,” Tamsin pointed out. ‘She’s definitely a military scientist,’ she thought. “I’ll try to hold my enthusiasm in check,” Carter responded, as she longingly looked at the TARDIS. The Doctor noticed her look. “No,” he objected. “I won’t speculate too much,” Carter added. “You wouldn’t be able to help yourself.” “Agreed,” Landry added. Carter nodded as the Doctor unlocked the TARDIS and gestured for Mitchell and Jackson to follow. It took a while for Jackson and Mitchell to recover from their initial shock at the size of the TARDIS interior. The large roundled space was half the size of the Gateroom outside. “This is amazing. This is definitely the product of a culture more highly advanced than the Lantians were or the Ori are,” Dr. Jackson said as he walked around the console room.He approached the console. “Swell,” Mitchell said. “Indications of wormhole activity,” the Doctor said, from the console. “What did you say?” Mitchell asked. “Wormhole activity. That round device in this room is a portal device isn’t it?” the Doctor asked, as he gestured to the image of the Stargate on the scanner screen. “I’m not saying anything,” Daniel countered. He looked at Col. Mitchell. “That’s classified,” Mitchell said. “And my sensors are very advanced,” the Doctor countered. He looked at what the scanner had found out about the Stargate. “He will get his answer,” Kiara maintained, from where she stood to the right of the two SG1 members. “It is a Stargate. An artefact originally built by a culture who called themselves the Alterans and who later became the Lantians I mentioned,” Daniel lectured. ‘Interesting,’ Felicia thought. “There are thousands of them across the galaxy,” Mitchell elaborated. The Doctor thought for a few moments. “That sounds like something an advanced race would do,” he commented. “So, you explore through the Stargate, looking for advanced technology?” Felicia asked, her eyebrows rising in surprise. “That is part of it,” Daniel admitted. “There is more, isn’t there?” the Doctor asked. Mitchell lowered his sidearm and holstered it. ‘Not that shooting him would be a good idea anyway, he could certainly have a means of defense’ “Yes, there are aliens out there who want to conquer Earth. We defeat one interstellar Empire and we now have an intergalactic invasion to contend with,” he explained, his expression showed that he didn’t like the circumstances surrounding the invasion at all. ‘The more things change, the more they stay the same,’ Tamsin thought, with a wry expression. “Interesting, I am not a native of this universe but I would like to know more,” the Doctor said, his expression showing his interest. “Not of this universe?” Daniel asked, confused. “Yes, there is a whole multiverse out there,” the Doctor pointed out. “I know. I have been to two parallels,” Daniel said, as he remembered the incidents with the Quantum Mirror. “Really?”Kiara asked, intrigued. “Yes,” Dr. Jackson answered. “The TARDIS can occasionally hop between universes, but not often,” the Doctor explained. “TARDIS?” Colonel Mitchell asked. He looked around the room. He couldn’t see the name anywhere. “That’s what the ship is called,” Kiara added. “It means Time and Relative Dimension in Space,” Felicia said. Mitchell was still confused “Time?” he asked. “It travels through time as well as space,” Kiara elaborated as she took a step towards Mitchell. “Definitely way more advanced than the Lantians,” Daniel said, and slight shake of his head. “That is interesting, so your civilisation must be powerful in your universe?” Mitchell asked, curiously. ‘And they have only seen the console room!’ Kiara thought with a smirk on her face. She was sure that the Doctor didn’t want them to guess at the true scale of the TARDIS interior yet. She then considered what Mitchell had just asked. ‘You don’t know what you just asked...’ The Doctor frowned and didn’t answer. He evasively looked away. Mitchell considered that what he asked had hit a tough spot. ‘Maybe he’s a renegade?’ he wondered. “They are taking their time,” Landry complained, after ten minutes at passed. He gestured at the TARDIS. “They could be looking at the various objects in the console room,” Tamsin explained with a look of slight annoyance. “I would like to have a look,” Carter said enthusiastically, gesturing at the ship. “If the Doctor lets you,” Tamsin pointed out. “Can you trust him?” Landry asked, turning to Tamsin. “Absolutely. Just don’t get on his bad side,” Tamsin said. “Really? Is that all?” the general asked. “Trust me! You don’t want to be on his bad side,” Tamsin emphasised, her voice slightly raised. “That is not specific, TamsinDavis,” Teal’c objected as he turned towards her. “You will know when you’re on his bad side,” Tamsin explained. An expression of slight fear and her voice showed that she was slightly intimidated by the Jaffa. Teal’c raised his eye brows and glared at Tamsin. “If you do something very unethical or hypocritical, you are likely to get on his bad side. Otherwise you’re fine,” she said with a slight wavering in her voice. “Indeed?” “Yes,” Tamsin said, recovering. “Makes sense,” Carter added. After another five or six minutes, the TARDIS doors opened and Colonel Mitchell and Dr. Jackson emerged. “Wow,” Mitchell said. “He was a member of a civilisation that makes the Lantians look like Victorian Britain by comparison,” Daniel explained, after he had emerged. “Are you sure?” Carter asked with a look of disbelief. “Yes. This machine here can travel in time and the interior is larger than the interior of Atlantis at least,” Daniel explained, gesturing at the TARDIS. “You said ‘was’,” Landry pointed out. “He said that his civilisation perished in what he called a Time War against a force of approximately equal advancement,” Daniel said. “Time War? That doesn’t make sense,” Carter asserted. “He also said that he has come from a different universe,” Daniel added. The Doctor and Felicia emerged. “There has to be a reason why I am here. Fill me in on recent events,” he besought. “Why do you want to know about our situation?” Landry asked. “I may be able to help,” the Doctor said. “Come to my office and I’ll fill you and one of your crew in,” Landry said, turning towards the doors to the right. “Right away,” the Doctor said. “Cool,” Tamsin attested. “You can fill me in,” Kiara asked. “I’ll choose,” the Doctor said. Kiara acquiesced, as the Doctor and Tamsin followed General Landry to his office. “I’ll wait,” she added. --- The Doctor reflected that lying about the Time Lords surviving was a good idea. ‘Best not to spook them too much.’ They had enough to worry about with the Ori. --- Later that night SG1 sat in the SGC cafeteria. “What do you think of the Doctor?” Colonel Mitchell asked from one end of the table. “I don’t know. Other than what he revealed about the nature of his ship and the fate of his civilisation, he is rather private,” Daniel commented. “That’s what I thought too,” Mitchell said. “What of his crew?” Teal’c asked, from the other side of Daniel. Daniel turned to Teal’c “They are not really crew. More like assistants,” hepointed out. “Or travelling companions.” Mitchell added. “They are either from Earth in their universe, or a planet in the Greater Magellanic Cloud,” Daniel said. “From the United Kingdom,” Teal’c said. “How do you know?” Mitchell asked. “Ms. Davis said that she is from the county of Devon. She and Ms. Lovell both have the accents.” “I must have missed that,” Mitchell commented. “Do you think that the general would have told him about the Ori?” Carter asked. “That is possible,” Mitchell realised. “I agree,” Daniel said. “You think he could be of use?” Mitchell asked. “Absolutely,” Carter said. “He had to have encountered similar beings,” Mitchell added. “That is by no means certain,” Carter countered. Felicia heard a knock on the door of the quarters she had been assigned by SGC personnel. She went and opened it. “Hi, Tamsin,” she said. “I was just wondering how you were.” “I am fine.” “I mean, we had defeated Vile, and now we are in a different universe. We are unlikely to find your Doctor here,” Tamsin said in a consolatory tone. “It was a long shot at best,” Felicia said with a shrug of her shoulders. “True,” Tamsin said as she sat on the spare chair. “Thanks for coming by,” Felicia said in a welcoming tone. “You’re welcome. Do you think something is going to happen?” “It’s a military base. I certainly think that something is going to happen. Whether it would be one of those ‘Priors’ coming through that ‘Gate’, I don’t know.” “I agree.” “The Doctor might volunteer us to go with one of the SG teams on a mission. I wouldn’t put it past him.” “Has that happened with your Doctor?” “Yes, but not often,” Felicia answered, smiling as she remembered one of the times that occurred... “Not that often here, either. But he did ask you to chase after the poisoner,” Tamsin said. Felicia frowned. “We know how that ended.” “I admit that, but it did at least put us on the track to taking down Vile,” Tamsin said, encouragingly. “Thanks,” Felicia said, slightly happier. “Now, what do you say about going online and finding out about this world?” Tamsin asked, standing up. Felicia perked up. “Sure. I mean all we know is that America exists and that the Stargate Program is a secret.” “Yeah.” The two acquaintances (nearly friends, although they wouldn’t admit that) then left the room. Elsewhere in the SGC, an enlistee sent a letter to their ‘superiors’. The TARDIS may be of interest to them... ‘Who knows what it can do...’ 2 February 2007 The Doctor entered the cafeteria for breakfast. His companions (including the future one, Felicia) were already there, as were SG-1, all sitting around two tables that had been pushed together. “Welcome, Doctor. Have you found a reason why you are here yet?” Colonel Mitchell asked. “Possibly, what can you tell me about this ‘Adria’?” the Doctor asked as he walked up. “Not much. She is the embodiment of the Ori in human form, and has many powers,” Daniel answered. “What sort of powers?” the Doctor asked. “Telepathy and Telekinesis and that is the start of it,” Daniel said. “She can also heal people,” Cameron added. “Is that all?” the Doctor asked, as he sat down. “No, but Vala can better answer your questions,” Daniel answered. “Vala?” the Doctor asked, his eyebrows raised. “Vala Mal Doran, the Ori used her as an incubator for Adria,” Daniel explained. “Incubator?” Felicia asked, with curiosity. “They impregnated her...” Daniel began. “That’s wrong!” Tamsin interrupted, disgust showing on her face. She shook her head as if saying “very wrong.” “I get it,” Felicia said. “That’s putting it mildly,” Daniel added. “Where can I find this Vala?” the Doctor asked as he stood up. “You would have to ask the General. She is currently exploring Colorado with an escort,” Daniel explained. ‘He doesn’t seem to trust her, even with an escort,’ the Doctor thought. He turned “Right! I will be back with her,” he explained. He left the cafeteria. “Is he doing what I think he is doing?” Daniel asked. “Yes,” Tamsin said, with surety in her voice. “I better accompany him,” Daniel asserted. “If he lets you,” Tamsin imparted. “I am sure that he will once I explain to him,” Daniel rejoined. “Be quick then,” Tamsin said, with a slight laugh and a shooing gesture. “I will be.” Daniel entered the TARDIS after the Doctor. “You want to come with me?” the Doctor asked, as he turned from the console. “Yes. Vala won’t trust anyone else.” Rocky Ford, Colorado, United States of America Vala Mal Doran had just finished breakfast at the Subway on the corner of Elm Street and North Tenth Street, when the TARDIS started to rematerialise. Her escort pulled their guns on the blue box as it appeared. Daniel emerged from the TARDIS with his hands raised. “Don’t shoot!” he implored. “Daniel! How did you get here?” Vala asked, her hands on her hips. “An interdimensional traveller has arrived in the SGC,” Daniel explained. “Like last year?” she asked. “No, it’s different...” Daniel began. He looked around “...and we shouldn’t be discussing this on a street corner in the middle of a town. Come into the TARDIS and we will go back to the SGC,” Daniel said, he grabbed one of Vala’s wrists and pulled her into the TARDIS. “Wait, Daniel!” Vala exclaimed as she resisted. Vala was shocked. “How can this box be bigger on the inside than the outside?” she wondered aloud as she walked further in and towards the console. “It is the product of a civilisation that would make the Ancients look primitive by comparison,” Daniel said as he lead her to the console. “Really?”Vala asked, as her escort continued to enter the TARDIS. “Yes,” Daniel explained. The Doctor confronted the escort. “This is as classified as the Stargate, got it!” “I understand, Sir,” the leader of the escort confirmed, whilst trying to hide his awe at the interior scale of the TARDIS. “Good,” the Doctor said. “We’re going back to the SGC?” Vala asked. “Yes, where you are going to tell me all about Adria,” the Doctor said as he began to make adjustments on the console. Vala tensed. “Don’t worry, the Doctor just wants information,” Daniel said. “Right,” Vala said, still worried. The Doctor set the TARDIS in motion, heading back to the SGC. “Here we go.” Stargate Command The TARDIS rematerialised in the Gateroom. Vala emerged first. “Why do you want to know about Adria? And what kind of name is ‘Doctor’ anyway?” she asked. “I may be able to help against the forces of the Ori. Stop their plan for taking over this galaxy,” the Doctor explained as he exited the TARDIS. “Really?”Vala asked, turning. “Yes,” the Doctor said. “Are you sure?” “Yes!” “We better go to the briefing room,” Vala hinted. “Yes,” Daniel said. A few hours later, the Doctor entered General Landry’s office. “Are you saying that you want your assistants to join SG-1 on their next mission?” General Landry asked, after the Doctor had sat down. “Yes,” the Doctor answered. “Why should I approve of this idea?” Landry asked with a dubious tone and look. “They may be able to notice something that SG-1 might miss.” “They would be liabilities!” “They can handle themselves.” “Unlikely!” “You don’t know half of the things I encounter on a regular basis. Things that may make the Goa’uld look like school yard bullies by comparison!” “That’s not proof that they can handle themselves, only that you can handle the threats that you encounter.” The Doctor backed off slightly. “Kiara is a native of a world in a medieval era. She has fought things there that you cannot imagine. “Don’t insult my intelligence. I could imagine what the Goa’uld look like just from the mission reports without any pictures.” The Doctor paced in front of the desk before turning back to the general. “The point is, that she would be able to handle herself in a combat situation. She may surprise SG-1.” “Fine, but what about the other two?” the General asked as he made a gesture for the Doctor to sit down. “All I know about them is that they are British college students.” “Ms. Davis has been in combat situations before and handled them well. She also has a black belt in Karate,” the Doctor explained. “I will think about it. But that leaves Ms. Lovell, whom has said that she has only joined you recently.” “In the most recent adventure of ours, she has proved most resourceful...” the Doctor began. The General listened intently, while still being exasperated at the Doctor not staying still. The Doctor approached his companions where they were talking in the cafeteria. “Doctor, in this universe, Atlantis was an Ancient city that they left under the ocean in another galaxy,” Tamsin explained excitedly. “Interesting,” he said as he took a seat next to her. “After a lot of persuasion, the general has agreed to let you go on SG-1’s next mission.” “That’s good!” Kiara was excited. “You will have to obey Colonel Mitchell’s commands,” the Doctor directed. “That’s obvious,” Tamsin said, with slight sarcasm. “Try to find out what this ‘Adria’ person is planning with regard to conversion of the Milky Way to Origin or whatever that religion is called,” the Doctor added. “That would be difficult,” Kiara said as her face took on a whimsical look. The Doctor considered. “Of course it will be, but at least try.” “Of course I will,” Kiara assured. “We won’t let you down,” Tamsin added. “I know,” the Doctor said.
Part II – P6Y-362 Three hours after the Doctor had talked to General Landry, SG1 and the Doctor’s companions were ready to go on their mission. “Remember, you have to follow my orders,” Mitchell said to the companions. “I remember,” Tamsin snarked. The other two nodded. “Chevron Six encoded.” “Watch this,” Mitchell directed. Tamsin, Kiara and Felicia watched as the seventh chevron locked “Chevron Seven, Locked!” The wormhole formed within the Stargate with a kawoosh. “Wow!” Felicia gasped. “That’s putting it mildly!” Tamsin said. “That’s nothing compared to the experience of going through the ‘gate,” Mitchell said. “Let’s go,” SG1 and their assistants walked up to the gate. Mitchell walked through first, followed by Teal’c. “After you,” Carter suggested to Tamsin. “OK,” Tamsin said. She stepped forwards, through the event horizon... P6Y-362 Tamsin emerged on the planet designated by the SGC as P6Y-362. “That was incredible,” she enthused. “I told you,” Mitchell said as the remainder of SG1 and their accompanying ‘specialists’ emerged from the ‘Gate. “Wow, it looks just like a Canadian forest,” Felicia said. “Research suggests that the Ancients and the Goa’uld both preferred this type of biome,” Carter said. “You mean that the Stargate is usually placed in a forest like this?” Felicia asked. ‘It is definitely a beautiful view,’ she thought. “Statistically speaking, both here and in the Pegasus Galaxy, yes,” Jackson said. “That’s interesting,” Tamsin said. “You have been in Canada?” Mitchell asked. “A few times with the Doctor,” Tamsin said. “We had to stop Ice Warriors from taking over the Yukon Territory,” Kiara said. “Tell us more,” Carter said. Tamsin began to tell of the adventure in the Yukon... They started walking away from the Stargate towards the nearby settlement. “So, we’re here to see if the Priors have been espousing Origin here?” Tamsin asked. “Indeed,” Teal’c said. “You read the mission brief, that’s right,” Mitchell said. Tamsin muttered. “She’d like more background information,” Kiara said. Carter looked at Dr. Jackson. “The people on this planet were brought here by the Goa’uld thousands of years ago,” Daniel said. “Yes, but what about the ‘Gate in Antarctica? Couldn’t the Goa’uld have brought them through there?” Tamsin asked. “How did you find out about that?” Colonel Mitchell asked, surprised. That was ‘need to know’ information. “She pestered the records officer,” Kiara said. “After the Doctor’s psychic paper didn’t help,” Felicia said. “Psychic paper?” Carter asked. “I don’t want to know,” Daniel said, referring to Tamsin’s pestering of the records officer. “I wasn’t that bad,” Tamsin said to Daniel. “The Doctor has a piece of paper that he uses to get past problems with officials in various places,” Kiara said. “How does it work?” Carter asked. “I don’t know. It probably has something to do with the Doctor’s telepathic abilities,” Kiara said. “Anyhow, Dr. Jackson, continue,” Tamsin said. “A System Lord ruled from here for some time prior to abandoning the planet a thousand years ago. The Goa’uld continued to raid the planet for another five hundred years before leaving it alone. After that the locals advanced to a level similar to that of medieval Europe.” “Cool,” Tamsin said. “They have recently developed intricate clockwork,” Daniel began. Tamsin hung on his every word. While Tamsin was listening to Daniel, Sam asked Felicia; “Why did the Doctor stay behind again?” “He wanted to do further investigation of the SGC...” The SGC Harriman called Landry to the control room. “What is this issue, Airman?” he asked. “There is a slight power drain in the ‘Gate,” Harriman said, he called up a computer graphic showing it. “Do you have any idea what is causing it?” he asked. “None.” “Investigate.” “Yes, sir.” P6Y-362 SG1 and companions entered the town closest to the Stargate. “Looks deserted,” Cameron said as they started walking up the street from the main entrance. “Impossible. This is a major trading town for this region of the continent,” Daniel said. “So, SG1 has been here before?” Felicia asked. “Yes, a few years ago,” Daniel said. “We opened relations between this nation and the US,” Carter said. “That’s good,” Felicia said. “The contact has inspired cultural change similar to that in the Renaissance,” Daniel said. “So the culture resembled that of medieval Europe?” Tamsin asked. “It was similar, but only in the broad strokes, their pantheon was and is still inspired by the influence of the Goa’uld,” Daniel said. “Swell,” Cameron said. “It is similar all over the galaxy, CameronMitchell,” Teal’c said. “Don’t have to like it,” Cameron said. “Indeed,” Teal’c said. “Of course,” Tamsin said, annoyed at the influence of the System Lords on the Milky Way. “We’re almost at the central square, sir. We should be walking through crowds,” Carter said. “I haven’t noticed anyone looking out of the windows,” Kiara said. “You sure?” Tamsin asked. Kiara nodded. “Neither have I,” Cameron said. “What would cause this?” Felicia asked. “No idea,” Carter said. “Not a plague, we would be seeing the corpses,” Daniel said. Tamsin nodded. “So where did they go?” Felicia asked. “The nearest settlements are less than a day’s journey away, but they are just villages,” Daniel said. “Do they use the Stargate?” Kiara asked. “Not often. It hadn’t been used for centuries when we arrived the first time,” Carter said. “We may have to go to one of those villages. Do you know where they are?” Colonel Mitchell asked. “Not exactly,” Daniel said. “There’s a library on the other side of the square,” Sam said. “A good place to start,” Kiara said. “There may be clues as to why this happened,” Tamsin said. Fifteen minutes later, later the team entered the town’s library. The place showed much evidence of a hasty departure, with loads of papers strewn around the many reading tables. “This is going to take some time,” Daniel said. “I’ll help you. I’ve had some field experience,” Tamsin said. “Thanks,” Daniel said. “You’re welcome.” Five hours later the sun set and the planet’s two moons bathed the town in coloured light. “Quite strange. A red moon,” Kiara said. “It has a similar composition to Mars,” Sam said. “The fourth planet in Earth’s solar system. I have been there with the Doctor. Needed a suit outside the TARDIS and the colonial habitats,” Kiara said. “That’s the same as our Mars, except for that last part,” Mitchell said. “Colonial habitats?” Carter asked. “We visited in the late 23rd century,” Tamsin said. “Quite beautiful, but barren,” Kiara said. “I agree,” Sam said. Daniel soon returned with Tamsin in tow. “Have you found anything?” Felicia asked. “Yes, there are multiple references to a Prior being here saying their usual Origin espousing spiel,” Daniel said. “Then the Prior left, travelling back through the ‘gate,” Tamsin said. “So what happened here?” Carter asked. “They had heard about the Ori from their contacts through the gate. Apparently the nation had been sporadically exploring through the gate. It’s possible that the Goa’uld had left behind a co-ordinate archive like the one that was on Abydos,” Daniel said. “The first planet you discovered, go on,” Felicia said. “Right. After the Prior had left; they set up guards near the gate in case the Prior came back,” Daniel said. “So the Prior came back?” Cameron asked. “Yes. The guards saw the Prior emerge from the gate in the distance and immediately ran to the town. That’s when they evacuated the town,” Daniel said. “But wouldn’t the Prior be here?” Carter asked. “We think that he may have gone to one of the other villages,” Tamsin said. “Where some of the towns’ people may have gone?” Vala asked. “Yes,” Daniel said. “We stay here tonight, and then set out for the closest of those villages. I assume that the library has a map of the region?” Cameron asked. “It does. However, I must say that that village is the most likely destination for the Prior after this town,” Daniel said. “Noted, We’ll set out at first light,” Cameron said. “Right, sir,” Carter said. “The sun seems to be setting faster than on Earth,” Tamsin said. “This planet has a rotational period of just less than 19 hours,” Carter explained. SG1 then prepared for the short night ahead. Second day on P6Y-362 They left the deserted town, early in the morning, whilst it was still shrouded in fog. “How are we supposed to find our way to that village?” Felicia asked. She could barely see 100 metres ahead of her. “I’ve brought a map from the library. It clearly shows all the landmarks we need to follow,” Daniel said. “It’s not that thick,” Tamsin pointed out. “Not compared to fogs in the Silverpeak Mountains on Tyria,” Kiara said. “Sounds dangerous,” Felicia said. “No more dangerous than what we usually run into with the Doctor,” Kiara contributed. “I suppose so,” Felicia said, as they left the town out of the gate that they had entered through the previous day. Three hours later they neared the next nearest settlement to the Stargate and the abandoned town. As they approached they could see that this settlement was not abandoned. “Does that map show any public meeting places, Daniel?” Cameron asked as they approached. “There are a few meeting places around the central square.” “Lead the way,” Cameron said. As they walked down the main road into the village, SG1 could see that many of the people were looking at them. In the central square SG1 approached the nearest of the meeting places. Cameron, Daniel and Teal’c walked inside. “Does anyone have any news regarding the abandonment of the Trading town near here?” Daniel asked. There was silence in the room. “We would like to have an answer,” Teal’c said. There was murmuring amongst the patrons of the establishment before a young lady slipped away from a group and approached the trio. “We don’t like talking about the situation,” she said. “Indeed?” Teal’c asked. “I’ll say more elsewhere,” she said. “Let’s go,” Cameron said, as he noticed most of the other people in the room getting restless. “Follow me.” Sam and the companions saw the rest of SG1 come out of the tavern. “Any information, sir?” “There was none. Apparently this lady is willing to divulge the information in the face of tremendous social pressure,” Daniel said. “It’s not that bad,” the lady said. “We haven’t been introduced,” Cameron said. “I’m Aa’lsvaiii’ Ye, local leader of the Record Keeping Guild. Come to the Records Hall and I will fill you in on the situation,” she said. They soon approached the Records Hall, a building which resembled the library that they had seen in the other town. Aa’lsvaiii’ lead SG1 to a side entrance and opened the door. “We’re going into the restricted area of the Records Hall. Don’t touch the records without permission,” she said. ‘Of course, the Records Hall is a library,’ Kiara thought. ‘But that would mean that Aa’lsvaiii’ is a librarian.’ They passed through the non-public area, which on Earth would be called the ‘Stacks,’ to a large room on the other side of the structure. “This is the Recordkeeper Guild’s meeting room, but the other members are busy at the moment,” Aa’lsvaiii’ said. They sat on various chairs as Aa’lsvaiii’ laid out some glasses of water. “We heard from our contacts on various worlds of the Priors and this ‘Origin’ that they are espousing. We knew that it wouldn’t take long before they would get here,” Aa’lsvaiii’ began. “And so a Prior came,” Cameron said. “Yes, the people of Re’iav Lleag were frightened, but they sent messengers with the message that a Prior had come. So plans were put in place in case a Prior should come back. I have also heard that teams have gone through the gate in search of uninhabited worlds,” Aa’lsvaiii’ said. “Impressive,” Sam said. “Indeed,” Teal’c said. “So the town was abandoned. But when we arrived there, there wasn’t any Prior,” Cameron said. “If he found the town deserted he may have gone back to the gate,” Aa’lsvaiii’ said. “No doubt that is what you’re counting on, but he may just journey to another settlement,” Daniel said. “Then that settlement would be abandoned, too. We will not let them dictate to us, or enslave us as our ancestors were enslaved!” Aa’lsvaiii’ said. She grabbed a tome off a bookshelf. “I’m sure you are familiar with the subject matter,” she opened the tome and placed it in front of Daniel. He read a paragraph from the tome before realising that it depicted the planet’s revolution against the Goa’uld. “But the Ori are worse than the Goa’uld! They will not give up as easily as the System Lords did,” Daniel said. “We shall see,” Aa’lsvaiii’ said as she took a sip of her water. Tamsin was about to interject when there was a knock on the door and another young woman, dressed similarly to Aa’lsvaiii’, came in. “Sorry to interrupt, ma’am, but there is an urgent message,” she said. “Let her in,” Aa’lsvaiii’ said. “Yes, ma’am.” The messenger paused upon seeing the team in the room with Aa’lsvaiii’. “Who are they?” “They are Tau’ri. They can hear the message,” Aa’lsvaiii’ said. “You sure?”The messenger asked. Aa’lsvaiii’ nodded. The messenger began delivering the message to her and the others. “...And so the Prior is on his way here,” the messenger concluded. “That’s not good news. Go and find the rest of the Guild,” Aa’lsvaiii’ said. “Yes, Ma’am,” the messenger said, she hurried out. Cameron then appeared to be in thought. “What are your plans?” Aa’lsvaiii’ asked. “We are going to intercept the Prior,” he said. “We are?” Daniel asked. “We are not going to let another village full of people leave their homes behind because of some idealistic plan,” Cameron said. “We are leaving this village as soon as we can organise,” Aa’lsvaiii’ said. “In the meantime, you are welcome to look in the Records Hall,” she continued. “Right,” Daniel said. “Thanks,” Tamsin said. Daniel and Tamsin were looking at various books in the Records Hall as Cameron and Aa’lsvaiii’ began to argue. “I’m certain that this village will be abandoned,” Tamsin said. “I agree,” Daniel said. “But they are just going to leave all their stuff here?” Tamsin asked. “Somehow I think they have that planned too. Send periodic expeditions to retrieve the artefacts that they had left behind,” Daniel said. “Makes sense,” Tamsin said. “Another question. How are you understanding the writings here?” Daniel asked. “The TARDIS,” Tamsin said. “The TARDIS, what?” Daniel asked. “It’s translating the writing for me; same with speech in most places we go,” Tamsin said. “Interesting, but how could that work over interstellar distances?” Daniel asked. “I don’t know. It could be using the Stargate Network as a relay for all I know,” Tamsin said. “I think the SGC would notice that,” Daniel said. “Probably,” Tamsin said. The SGC General Landry entered the control room. “Sir, I have determined the source of the power drain in the Stargate,” Harriman said. “And?” the General asked. “It’s that TARDIS. It’s somehow tapped into the ‘Gate’s control circuitry.” Landry decided to deal with the situation right away. “Call the Doctor to the control room, now!” “Yes, sir.” N’b, Ao Plaaileala, Tiloana (P6Y-362) “I’ve also noticed that everyone is understanding the villagers, not just you,” Tamsin said. “Yes, on most worlds, there is a translation matrix hidden in the platforms beneath the gate. It works in a radius of 100 kilometres,” Daniel said. “Interesting,” Tamsin said. Then Aa’lsvaiii’ entered the Records Hall from outside. “Preparations to leave the village are well underway. Colonel Mitchell is also asking for you,” she said. “Right, let’s go,” Daniel said. Tamsin followed him out into a scene of frenzy. Villagers were running about trying to organise their departure. They quickly found the rest of SG1 close to the Records Hall. “This is Lana Halaia. She will accompany you on your interception of the Prior,” Aa’lsvaiii’ said, indicating a nearby Record Keeper. “That isn’t really necessary,” Cameron said. “I insist, besides, she can hold her own in a fight,” Aa’lniii said. “Right,” Cameron said, doubtfully. Lana whirled her staff in the air and stopped a few centimetres short of driving it into Cameron’s face. Seeing the tough expression on Lana’s face, Cameron pushed the staff down. “I see your point. Are all Record Keepers like this?” “Not all, Tau’ri. Only after training in the Guild for more than three years,” Lana said. “Good to know,” Cameron said. Fifteen minutes later, SG1 left the rapidly emptying village in the direction of the Prior’s advance. “We should intercept the Ori forces in less than an hour, Colonel,” Lana said. “Remember, follow my directions, and don’t just charge into the formation,” Cameron said. “I’m not stupid, Colonel!” Lana retorted. Cameron sighed. The SGC The Doctor couldn’t been found anywhere in the SGC and hadn’t been noticed leaving. So there was only one place he could be; in the TARDIS. General Landry knocked on the TARDIS door. The Doctor opened it. “Hi, I know what this is about. And answer is no,” he said. “How did you know?” Landry asked. “There is no other reason I can think of,” the Doctor said. “What is the purpose of the power tap into the gate?” Landry said. “Come inside and I’ll explain it to you,” the Doctor said. “Fine,” Landry said. He stepped into the TARDIS. ‘The descriptions don’t do it justice,’ he thought. The Doctor sat near the console. “I’m not drawing power from the gate, the TARDIS is sending and receiving signals via the gate to and from the planet.” “For what purpose?” “It translates the foreign languages into a language that my travelling companions can understand,” the Doctor said. “Really?” Landry asked. “Yes,” the Doctor said. “But it doesn’t need to use the gate for that,” Landry said. He was about to explain that the gate already had a translation method, but the Doctor interrupted. “No, it doesn’t. But it’s easier than projecting the signal at interstellar distances. Do you even know where the planet is?” “P6Y-362 is over six thousand light years away,” Landry said. “The signal will continue to use the gate. It won’t interfere with its normal operations,” the Doctor said. He pressed a control on the console. “There, the TARDIS is providing the power, rather than your facility.” “Doctor, the gate already provides a translation method,” Landry explained. “I’m sure it does, but whatever method that is probably doesn’t do text. It will continue until SG1 gets back.” “Fine,” Landry said. He turned and then left the TARDIS. Ao Plaailealan countryside, Tiloana SG1 and their companions were moving wearily through a forest. “Are you certain this is the direction they are approaching from?” Cameron asked. “Yes,” Lana said. “She seems quite insistent,” Vala said. “Right...” Daniel said, warily. They continued moving forwards. They soon came to a clearing. Teal’c raised his staff weapon. “They are very close,” he said. Lana gripped her staff with two hands. “I agree, Jaffa,” she said. She stood defensively by his side. Kiara came up and stood at the ready to the other side of Teal’c, who activated his staff weapon. The group was not prepared for who they would see next... Two Priors emerged from the trees. “Hallowed are the Ori,” one of them said. “Hallowed, my butt!” Lana called out. “That is not necessary, Ms. Halaia,” Teal’c said. Lana glanced at the Jaffa. “I will not be letting my energy be sucked out in worship!” “How do you know that?” Daniel asked behind her. “Alteran Lies!” the other Prior said. “The Tau’ri are not the only ones whom have come into contact with the Ancients, Dr. Jackson!” Lana said. “I guess not,” Daniel murmered. A large group of Ori troops emerged from the forest and surrounded SG1 and their companions. Leading them was Adria! “So, we meet again,” she said.
Part III – The Doctor Vs. The Ori (a) The SGC “Unscheduled off world activation!” Sgt. Harriman called out as the gate activated. “Closing the Iris.” The Iris closed. “Report,” General Landry said. “Receiving IDC now, Sir,” Harriman said. “It’s SG1!” “They’re early, open the Iris,” Landry said. “Aye, Sir,” Harriman said. The Iris was opened and Daniel and Lana rushed through the gate. “Close the Iris!” Daniel called out. “Close the Iris!” Landry said. The Iris closed. Several thudding sounds could be heard as Ori foot soldiers met their ends, then the Stargate shut down. “Dr. Jackson, where is the rest of SG1, and who is this with you?” Landry said. “They have been captured by Adria!” Daniel said. “This is Lana Halaia, from Ao Plaailla,” he indicated Lana. “We barely managed to escape.” The Doctor emerged from the TARDIS. “What happened, everyone got captured?” he asked. “Yes, we all put up a fight, but they were all captured,” Daniel said. “We were lucky to escape!” Lana said. “Right, one rescue party coming up!” the Doctor said. “Doctor, we can’t just charge into the situation without first debriefing Doctor Jackson,” Landry said. “Good point, but in an hour I will be going to that planet and rescuing the rest of SG1 and my companions.” “I’ll join you then,” Lana decided. What she had heard about the Doctor from his companions lead her to believe that he was very capable. Five minutes later, Daniel, Lana, the Doctor and Landry met in the briefing room. For the first twenty minutes Daniel told the latter two of their mission until they entered Enb, then Lana joined him in the description of the mission. “And then you were surrounded by the Ori troops?” General Landry asked. “Yes.” “How did you escape?” General Landry said. “I’m not sure, it was fairly chaotic,” Dr. Jackson said. He looked at Lana. “Lana managed to grab me while the Priors were otherwise engaged.” “The team put up a pretty good, fight, General, including that Kiara. She was using some kind of technology that I have never seen,” Lana said. “I don’t think it was technology,” the Doctor said. “Then what was it, Doctor?” Lana asked. “An intrinsic power,” the Doctor said. “That makes sense,” Daniel said, what with the powers that the Priors displayed he was willing to believe that what he observed Kiara doing was also intrinsic. “Maybe,” Lana said; she was not sure that biology could explain what she saw Kiara doing, despite the observed capabilities of the Priors and her encounters with the Ancients. “So, they got captured. Why couldn’t you free them?” Landry asked. “They were almost immediately beamed to one of the motherships. They had a portable Ring Transporter with them,” Dr. Jackson said. “As you saw, we were chased to the Gate, and I wasn’t about to lead the Ori forces to a town or village that hadn’t been abandoned,” Lana said. “So you say,” Landry said, with a slight sarcastic tone. Lana turned to the Doctor, “could you scare the Ori off from my world?” “No. All I will be doing is rescuing the rest of SG1 and my companions.” “Really?” Lana asked dubiously. “Yes. I have never been to this universe before. Therefore my reputation doesn’t precede me,” the Doctor said. He didn’t want this universe to be too aware of his visit. “And what sort of reputation do you have in your universe, Doctor?” Landry asked. “You don’t want to know. I am seen as an incorrigible meddler in some places, and as a false trickster god in others. That is barely scratching the surface.” Twenty minutes after the briefing ended, the Doctor, Lana, Daniel, General Landry and SG-6 meet in the Gate Room, next to the TARDIS. “You’re sure you’re taking your ship, Doctor?” Landry asked. “Yes, Even if it’s captured, neither the Priors nor Adria herself would be able to pilot it.” “If you say so,” Landry said. The Doctor opened the TARDIS door. “Let’s go,” he said. Lana stopped as she entered the TARDIS. “Amazing, it’s actually bigger on the inside,” she said. The Doctor snorted. “That’s hardly original,” he said. “I thought it was,” Lana said. “Actually, you may be the first to say ‘Amazing,’” the Doctor said. “Good,” Lana said as SG-6 and Daniel Jackson followed her in. “Here’s our plan, we will wait until the SGC dials P6Y-362, or as the natives call it, Tiloana. Then the TARDIS will follow the wormhole there,” the Doctor said. “Not all the natives, just those on the main continent,” Lana said. “Understood,” Colonel Francis Jameson, the commander of SG-6, said. “Good to know,” Daniel said. “Chevron Seven, Locked!” The Stargate opened with the usual kawoosh. The TARDIS then dematerialised. The TARDIS in flight The console room was shaking. “What’s wrong, Doctor?” Daniel asked. “The Gate wormhole is interfering with the Vortex. But that can’t be possible!” the Doctor said. “And yet it’s happening,” Captain Marcia Bates, SG-6’s scientist, said. ‘That’s impossible,’ the Doctor thought. “Right, unless you can use the gate to time travel...” “Actually, it can,” Daniel said. “Oh those arrogant Alterans!” “Arrogant?” Daniel asked. “That they would create a portal network that could go to any time period in it’s existence that could be used by anyone!” the Doctor said. “But it’s not a normal function of the gate. It occurred as the result of the wormhole interacting with stellar flares,” Daniel said. “Not that arrogant then, but their technolog isn’t making it easy for Time Lord technology to track it. We’re still in the Solar System. At this rate we’ll reach Tiloana in just over three years.” “Doctor, a Stargate wormhole can only stay open for a maximum time of 38 minutes!” Daniel said. “That is a limitation. But we’d experience those 3 years within the 38 minutes that the wormhole would remain open. Remember that the TARDIS can travel in time, Doctor Jackson.” “There has to be an alternative, Doctor! We can’t spend three years travelling in here. We’d go mad,” Jameson said. “That’s where you’re wrong. There is more to the TARDIS than just this room. It’s so vast that it would take more than the 1100 days the journey would take to explore it all,” the Doctor said. He walked to Helena Lawson, SG-6’s archaeologist. “Imagine a library so vast it would take decades to read all the books. The TARDIS has it. However, it isn’t a given that it would take three years. I may figure out a way to clearly scan through the interference and make the journey go faster.” He flicked a switch on the console. “There: I have established a spiralling Temporal Orbit around the wormhole, staying well within the 38 minute window.” “What about food?” Marcia asked. “The TARDIS can generate food indefinitely. There are gardens scattered throughout the ship,” the Doctor said. “You heard him. We’ll start exploring the surrounds of the console room, now,” Jameson said. “Yes, sir!” Marcia said. As Jameson left the console room his team followed him. The Doctor got to work to try to scan through the interference given off by the Stargate. “How does it work?” Lana asked. “That it is larger on the inside?” The Doctor gave an exhasperated sigh. “It would be beyond your comprehension. You have to be a Time Lord to understand it all.” “I doubt that,” Lana said. “Much more advanced than the Ancients, Lana,” Daniel said. “I can understand how the Stargate works, I should understand how the TARDIS works too.” “Very logical,” the Doctor said. “But, the Stargate is a very simple system compared to the TARDIS!” “Really?” “Yes!” “You're not going to give the information at all, are you?” Lana asked in a disappointed tone. “No.” Lana sighed. 'There has to be a manual to this TARDIS somewhere aboard it,' she thought, as she left the console room. 'Maybe that library the Doctor mentioned.' She walked down the corridor... After Lana left, the Doctor focused on the problem at hand. Why was it that the Stargate wormhole was interfering with the TARDIS's ability to track it? 'It's not like ancient Time Lord explorers had encountered the Alterans'. Lana quickly found the library. She wondered why the TARDIS was so large inside. She saw that Marcia had got there first. “Oh, Lana,” she said. “Marcia. Found anything yet?” “Not yet. The Doctor has a huge collection. A lot of it may not be from his version of Earth.” Lana thought for a moment. “I suppose so, but it may be organised by planet of origin.” “How do you organise information in your records halls?” “By subject, not by village, or world of origin. But then, no Records Hall is as large as this.” “I don't think any library on Earth is as big as this is either,” Marcia said. “So, where do we start?” “No idea.” Daniel had remained in the console room. He looked at the console screen and saw a representation of the Stargate wormhole, but he didn't recognised much else. What writing there was seemed to be composed of circles. “Interesting writing system,” he commented. “Circular Gallifreyian. The writing system of the Time Lords,” the Doctor responded. “An interesting way of showing information.” “But difficult for others to learn.” “But not impossible,” Daniel said. “Of course not.” “Then you can teach me?” “I can, but I'll be spending my time trying to shorten our trip.” Daniel was disappointed. “I see. But you wouldn't be doing that all the time?” The Doctor thought for a moment. “That's true.” He paused then said. “But not right now.” “Of course not right now,” Daniel said. “But sometime soon?” “Yes.” Jamieson and his team entered one of the many lounges. “How big do you think this ship is?” “I have no idea,” Helena said. “It's certainly bigger than the Prometheus,” Captain Peter Jahns answered. “That's true,” Helena said. “But we could ask the Doctor.” “No,” Jamieson said. “Why not?” “We can find out ourselves.” “Certainly, but it would be better to ask him,” Helena argued. “No!” “Yes, sir,” Helena said reluctantly. It was quite later when Daniel entered the TARDIS kitchen. 'Surly a vessel this size would have a larger kitchen,' he mused. He saw that Helena and the Doctor were there already. “Hey, Daniel,” Helena said. “Hi,” Daniel said. “Have you seen the library yet?” “Not yet.” “Oh.” Day 42 Daniel entered the TARDIS library. “Helena?” he called out. Helena emerged from a nearby aisle. “Daniel?” “The Doctor wants everyone in the Console room. He says it’s important.” “I hope it’s a way to get to Tiloana quicker. As much as the TARDIS and this library are amazing, I don’t want to spend nearly three years here.” “Same here,” Daniel said. They left the library. “Amazing that our Earth and the Earth in his universe are so similar...” The Doctor was waiting in the console room when Daniel, Lana and SG-6 entered the console room. “What is this about? You have found a quicker way?” Jameson asked. “Yes. I have found a way to take the TARDIS through the Stargate,” the Doctor said. “That’s good, but we would have to return to Earth first, right?” Marcia asked. “That’s true. It will take a month, or a few days less, to get back there. I’m just about to reverse course,” the Doctor said. “But wouldn’t we crash into our previous selves?” Helena asked. “I have taken that into consideration,” the Doctor said as he manipulated the console. The TARDIS lurched, sending the humans to the floor. “There, we’re on our way back to Earth. “Great!” Daniel said as he pushed Lana off him. She flinched and shoved his hands away. “I can get up myself, Daniel!” “Sorry.” ‘They seem to be getting closer…’ Marcia thought. With the TARDIS course changed, the Doctor soon shooed most of his (for now) companions out of the console room. He then continued to review the mission reports that he had purloined from the SGC computer system. Marcia then went back to the Library. The history of Earth in the Doctor's universe seemed to be identical to hers until 2006, when an alien ship had crashed into the Elizabeth Tower at Westminster. (Of course, it was also referred to as a hoax, but she didn't believe that it was for a second. She was sure that the Doctor was involved somehow.) She entered the library and stopped. The library was much like the corridors of the TARDIS outside, the shelves often moved between visits. This was just such a time. “You're making it difficult, aren't you?” she asked the ship, not for the first time. Again, there was no answer. 'Of course not!' Daniel re entered the console room. “Doctor?” “What is it?” “We need to talk.” “What about?” “We haven't really planned for when we arrive on Tiloana,” Daniel said. The Doctor sighed. “I usually work it out once I get there.” “Really?” “Yes. I find it easier to plan once I know the situation on the ground. When I'm experiencing the situation for myself.” “Understandable, but one thing I have learned over the years, since the beginning of the Stargate Program, is that it's best to have an initial plan, even if it changes once we're off world.” The Doctor nodded. “Then my plan is to see what the situation is before I react.” Daniel sighed. “Even when I worked as an archaeologist, I had to plan ahead, in case there were difficulties with the local authorities.” “Of course,” the Doctor considered. “Even so, I need to situation on the ground.” Daniel thought for a moment. “But Lana and I already know the situation on the ground.” “That may be true,” the Doctor considered. “So, we can plan.” “Yes, we can plan,” the Doctor conceded. “Then I'll find Lana,” Daniel said. He then left the Console Room. Lana was in the Library. She still couldn't make sense of how the Doctor had organised it. Or maybe it was the TARDIS itself, she wasn't sure. She looked at the shelf where books on Gallifrey were filed next to those from several other planets. “It would take too long to reorganise it,” she said, likely to the TARDIS. 'What are these about again?' She had another look, and saw that one of the books was about one of Gallifrey's cities “Arcadia, the Second City of Gallifrey.” She looked at another one, but then she heard someone enter the library. It was Daniel! “Daniel?” she asked as she went towards him. “Lana.” She listened as the Daniel told her about the conversation he had with the Doctor in the Console Room. “Well, we can come back the way we came after we arrive.” “That's obvious.” The Doctor was still going over mission reports when Daniel and Lana returned to the Console Room. He sighed. “I don't suppose you have a map of the area on you?” “I don't. But I know you copied files from the SGC computers,” Daniel answered. “I suppose I can bring up the original report.” “Good.” A few moments later, the Doctor had brought up the report. “There we are.” “Good,” Lana said. They spent a while going over the maps. Day 43 The Doctor looked over the maps again. The Priors could be anywhere. 'There would be guards at the 'Gate, but that would be a given,' he thought. Maybe Daniel would help again. He decided to go find Daniel. Daniel was in the kitchen, putting together a sandwich when the Doctor arrived. He seemed to be in thought. Day 65 The humans entered the Console Room as the TARDIS approached Earth. “So what are we attempting again?” Jameson asked. “We are going to materialise in the Gateroom and then go through the Stargate. We will then land somewhere safe on Tiloana,” the Doctor said. “Sounds good,” Lana said. “Everyone ready!” Jameson said. His team, Daniel and Lana each grabbed a hold of part of the console. “Ready!” Lana said. “Here we go,” the Doctor said. Everyone braced themselves. The SGC 32 minutes after the Stargate was activated the TARDIS rematerialised and then took off and approached the Stargate. “What?” Landry asked. “Redirecting Artron Energy to the outer shell... now!” The Doctor than directed the TARDIS into the Stargate. “It’s going to get really bumpy!” The TARDIS entered the Stargate, pushing the event horizon inwards, and then causing a reverberation, when it had entered. Then massive sparking, and electrical discharges occurred. “Massive amounts of power...” Harriman said. “Keep it open!” Landry ordered. “The power grid can’t handle this much longer, the breakers are about to trip!” “Understood,” Landry said. The TARDIS The TARDIS barrelled through the wormhole, keeping it wide enough to allow the police box shell through intact was a massive strain... “This is taking a while!” Daniel said. “How much longer?” Lana asked. “A few more seconds!” the Doctor said, as he struggled with the console. “Good,” Lana said. Tiloana The guards that the Priors had set to watch the Gate were confused. It had been open for over 30 minutes and yet nothing had come through. Suddenly the event horizon rippled in a weird manner and the TARDIS emerged from the Gate at great speed. They fired at the large blue projectile as the gate shut down, but their shots splashed harmlessly against the Extrapolator shield. The TARDIS continued on its way. The TARDIS crash landed 10 kilometres from the gate. The Doctor pulled Lana and Helena from the TARDIS which lay with the doors upwards. They then joined the others. “Right, you have any idea where Adria would have taken them?” the Doctor asked. “They could be anywhere on this world, it’s been almost three hours, right?” Daniel asked. “Yes,” the Doctor said. “We better get moving. Can you get to where they were captured from here, Doctor Jackson?” Jameson asked. “I think so,” Daniel said. “Follow us,” Lana said. After they helped the Doctor to set the TARDIS upright, they set off, despite the fact that the sun was setting. * * * Four hours later, they came to the site of the ambush. They could see no evidence of where the Priors may have taken the others. “Well this has been a waste of time,” Daniel said. “Not necessarily, they may be held back in N’b,” Lana said. “That may be a wild goose chase,” Daniel said. “Still worth a try!” Lana said. “We can decide when the sun comes up. This is as good a spot to camp as any,” Jameson said. “I agree,” the Doctor said. 12 Kalodar, 1027th year of Liberation (Ao Pliaalealan Calendar) The Doctor and his group of temporary companions broke camp after a small breakfast. “The village is less than an hour away,” Daniel said. “Understood,” Jameson said. The village was totally deserted. They had searched through and didn’t find any evidence that Adria or the Priors had been there. They then headed in the direction of the TARDIS. When they entered the TARDIS, the Doctor went to the console. “Ok, scanning for the Ori mothership.” “Good,” Lana said. “It took off six hours ago and headed into Hyperspace, towards the centre of the Galaxy,” the Doctor said. “We’re too late then!” Jameson said. “We’re never too late! I can still put the TARDIS aboard,” the Doctor said. “Even whilst it’s travelling in Hyperspace?” Marcia asked. “Oh, yes. Watch,” the Doctor said. He started to input coordinates into the console. “This won’t take weeks too, will it?” Helena asked. “No, ten minutes at most,” the Doctor said. “That’s good,” Helena said. “I agree,” Daniel said to Helena.
(Ridiculous character limit!) (b) Ori Crusade Vessel Glorious Retribution Adria knew something was amiss. “Scan the ship,” she said. “Yes, Orici,” the Prior said. He repeated the order. One of his underlings then performed the scan. The report soon came back. “There was a disturbance on deck 5. Getting a visual now.” An image of the TARDIS came up on the screen. The doors opened and Daniel Jackson lead a group of people out. “Capture them!” She called out. “And that capsule that they have arrived in.” “Yes, Orici.” The Doctor locked the TARDIS and whipped out his sonic screwdriver. “I’m sure we have been detected. Security is on its way here,” he said. “I know where the holding cells are, follow me,” Daniel said. “Yes, Dr. Jackson,” Jameson said. The team was halfway to the holding cells when they encountered resistance. They ducked into an adjoining corridor. “There has to be another way to get there,” the Doctor said. He used the sonic screwdriver to access a nearby computer panel. “Orici, the intruders are accessing the computers. They’re bypassing the firewalls!” one of the bridge crew said. “Location?” “Deck 7, section 32.” Adria stood up. “I’m going down there.” “Yes, Orici.” “Ok, there is an alternate route,” the Doctor said. “Good,” Daniel said. “Follow me,” the Doctor said. They quickly ran off as the security patrol arrived. Before they reached the gangway the Doctor stopped. “Marcia, take Helena and Alyssa and go the alternative way. It is quite likely that Adria would focus on us,” he said. Bates looked to Jameson. He nodded. She then signalled the other two members of the team and headed to the alternative route. As they came down a gangway to Deck 8, Adria stepped into view. “Adria!” Daniel called out. “I knew it was you, Doctor Jackson.” “Let us go!” Lana called out. She stepped forwards, quarterstaff raised. Suddenly she rose up into the air. “You impertinent child, your world will bow to Origin!” “So, there are still forces of yours there. But we’re very resourceful!” “Yes, I have seen. 10% of your nation’s settlements have been abandoned. However that strategy will not work forever. We’ll take your entire planet.” “You won’t!” “Yes, we will. We’ll also find your offworld colonies.” “You will not! We’ll go from world to world...” Lana trailed off as Adria increased pressure around her neck. “Let her go, Adria!” Daniel said. “I will!” Adria said. Lana fell with the Doctor catching her. “Out of our way!” Jameson said as he pointed his P-90 at Adria. “That’s not going to work,” the Doctor said. Adria glared at Jameson ‘pushing’ him up the gangway with great force. “That won’t work with me. Let us rescue SG-1, or face my wrath!” the Doctor said. “Ah-yes, you’re the visitor from another universe. My soldiers are attempting to gain entry to your interesting vessel as we speak.” “What do you know about it?” the Doctor asked. “Let’s see. I know that the exterior is some kind of illusion. It’s also obvious that the interior is larger than the size of that exterior would suggest...” ‘She definitely knows too much,’ Daniel thought. “You won’t gain access to it!” the Doctor said. “Oh we will. I can guarantee it,” Adria said. “Free SG1, or I’ll send this ship on a long journey back to your home galaxy,” the Doctor said. “I’m sure that you could,” Adria said. “Free SG1!” the Doctor deadpanned. “No!” Adria said. She ‘pushed’ the Doctor as she did with Lana and Jameson. However, the Doctor didn’t move very far. “Not a good idea, using telekinesis on a person such as myself!” the Doctor said. “Yes, I see that you have similar powers,” Adria said. “Yes,” the Doctor said. Whilst the Doctor was confronting Adria, Bates, Lawson and Wells approached the holding cells. There were hardly any guards, they were distracted by the confrontation. Wells rolled a Goa’uld stun grenade into the holding cell area. When the weapon had taken effect they went into the area. “About time,” Cameron said. “Took a while for Doctor Jackson and Lana to get back to the SGC, and even longer for us to realize that you were aboard this ship,” Marcia said. “I see, let us out of here!” Felicia said. “Getting to it!” Lawson said. After a few seconds the forcefield went down. “Adria probably already knows, let’s go,” Marcia said. “Right behind you,” Carter said. Adria became aware that SG1 and the companions were freed. “They have been freed. They won’t remain so for long!” “That’s where you’re wrong,” the Doctor said. “I don’t think so,” Adria said, she was struggling to hold the Doctor in place. “Give up!” SG-6, SG-1 and the companions approached the TARDIS. It was surrounded. “There goes that plan,” Vala said. “No, we have more stun grenades,” Wells said. She rolled another of the stun grenades. It had same effect as the other one. They then walked up to the TARDIS. Lawson unlocked the TARDIS. “What now?” Felicia asked as she locked the TARDIS door. “We’ll wait for the Doctor,” Marcia said. “That could take a while,” Kiara said. “It could...” “Orici,” a soldier said. “What?” Adria asked, her eyes still on the Doctor. “The guards around the strange box have been neutralized!” “Send more guards,” she said. The Doctor smiled and held up his sonic screwdriver. “Around me!” he said. Lana, Daniel and Francis crowded around him. He activated the sonic screwdriver. The sound of the TARDIS engines could then be heard. “No!” Adria called out. She dashed into the space next to the Doctor and the others... The TARDIS engines started. “He’s calling the ship to him! That’s cool,” Cameron said. “He does it a lot,” Tamsin said. “OK,” Sam said. Then the Doctor and the others, including Adria, started to appear next to the console… “Uh-oh!” Cameron said. The TARDIS then landed, bringing the Doctor, Lana, Daniel, Jameson and Adria fully into the console room. Adria wasn’t shocked by the size of the console room. “You just made a mistake, Doctor. I’ll be able to figure out how this ship of yours works, and then I’ll spread Origin through time itself!” “I don’t doubt that,” the Doctor began. “Then you’ve lost!” Adria interrupted. “To figure it out, you will have to stay in the TARDIS long enough to do so,” the Doctor said. “You can’t force me to leave, Doctor!” “I can,” the Doctor said. He clicked his fingers, and the doors opened. “Kiara.” Kiara looked at Adria. Suddenly a gust came up in the console room and started blowing against Adria. “You have to do better than that!” Adria said. “Chill,” Kiara said. Adria started freezing, but with a sudden burst of heat, she overcame Kiara’s chill effect. “Nice try, but you have to do better!” “Leave this TARDIS!” Cameron said. “I will, once I know enough to build one for the Ori,” Adria said. Cameron signalled and both SG teams rushed at Adria. Adria easily pushed them all to the side of the console room. “It’s not working,” Felicia said. “Hold on!” the Doctor said. He pulled a series of levers on the console. The TARDIS took off in normal space, moving sideways through the corridor. Adria fell over towards the doors, but she stayed in the TARDIS. “There has to be something in the TARDIS that can help against her,” Felicia said. “Many things, but there may not be enough time to find any of the items in time,” the Doctor said. “We could look for them,” Helena said. “We investigated a lot of the ship during those weeks,” Daniel said. “Go, quickly!” the Doctor said. As they left the console room, he spun the TARDIS around, and slammed it into a wall... Adria fell towards the door, but she remained in the TARDIS. She stared at the Doctor. “I can keep this up all day, Doctor. Can you?” “Yes.” Helena and Daniel quickly found the library. “That was quick,” Helena said. “The TARDIS is probably helping us,” Daniel said. “Yeah.” They quickly found the Doctor’s (incomplete) inventory of artifacts. “This will take a while,” Daniel said as he got the rather large tome off the shelf. “Let’s get started.” Back in the console room, Adria was still stubbornly remaining in the TARDIS. Kiara had tried encasing her in ice, but that didn’t work. The battle continued... About ten minutes later, Daniel found something of use in the Doctor’s artefact inventory... “Here it is. ‘A device to neutralise telekinetic activity: it plugs into the console for specific control,’” Daniel said. “That would certainly be useful,” Helena said. “Certainly,” Daniel said. “Does it say where it is?” Helena asked. “Rather cryptically; ‘Go to the far side of the library, then turn to the left. Go up three levels and solve the riddle. Go through and walk for a minute. Open the cupboard and climb up ten shelves on the right side half way in. It’s near the back.’” “That is cryptic.” “I’ll write it down.” “Good.” After Daniel had written the directions down, he and Helena headed deeper into the library… Adria continued to try to pry the TARDIS’s secrets. However, the Doctor, and the TARDIS herself continued to rebuff her efforts. ‘Now, the scanner has to be connected to the main systems... ’It took six minutes for Daniel and Helena to cross the library. It took them another half a minute to find the stairs. Once at the third level they found a door with a jumbled up picture on it. “That’s the riddle? This is going to take forever!” Helena complained. “We have to do it,” Daniel said. “I know,” Helena said. “I think we have to reconstruct the picture.” “I concur.” They started their attempt to solve the riddle by sliding the pieces of the picture around. Back in the console room the companions and SGC personnel were attempting to shove Adria out of the TARDIS doors, with the assistance of the Doctor and Kiara’s telekinetic powers. “This isn’t working! We need another plan,” Cameron said. “Indeed,” Teal’c remarked. “But there isn’t much other choice.” “We just need to give Daniel and Helena time to retrieve one of those devices,” the Doctor said. “They won’t succeed! I have already gained some information,” Adria said. “But not much,” the Doctor responded. “I know the fate of your civilisation,” Adria taunted. “Then be thankful that you won’t have to face anything like that!” the Doctor returned. “The Ori have no reason to fear the Daleks!” Adria shot back. “Not just the Daleks,” the Doctor said darkly. “But the things that the War brought forth,” the Doctor said. He thought of the Nightmare King with a shudder, Adria just stared at him. Helena and Daniel solved the door riddle after six minutes. The door opened revealing a dark corridor. “Walk for a minute, that doesn’t make sense,” Helena said. “I guess we have to walk along the corridor for a minute.” “Only one way to find out.” They started walking. A minute after they started walking, the cupboard appeared right in front of them. “Climb up ten shelves on the right side halfway, it’s near the back,” Daniel read. “Right, I’ll climb up,” Helena said. She then climbed up the ladder that was at the position. Helena climbed down with a small device in her hand. “That’s it? It looks small,” Daniel stated. “It was the only thing in the position described,” Helena said. “Right,” Daniel said. They turned to go out of the cupboard and found that it now led back to the stairs rather than the corridor. “That’s convenient,” Daniel remarked. Back at the console room, most of the people, except the Doctor and Teal’c were tiring. Adria was glaring at the Doctor over the console as Teal’c spared against her. It took another five minutes for Daniel and Helena to recross the library, and three more for them to return to the console room. “Doctor!” Helena called. The Doctor left the console where Teal’c and Kiara were sparing with Adria and ran to the door. “You have it?” he asked quickly. “Yes,” Helena placed the device in the Doctor’s hand. “Thanks,” the Doctor dashed back to the console whilst Adria was still distracted by the Jaffa and the Tyrian. However, Adria knew something was up. “You can’t stop me with a device!” she said as the Doctor inserted it into a port in the console. “Yes. I can,” he said. He started manipulating the console. When he finished, he stared at Adria in the eyes. “Leave. My. TARDIS!” He pressed a final button, and Adria flew out of the TARDIS. He then closed the doors with a click of his fingers. “That was close!” Tamsin said. “What now?” Cameron asked, panting. “Now, we go back to Tiloana. And then through the Stargate,” the Doctor said as he laid in a course back to that planet.
Part IV - Farewells 5 February 2007 The SGC Alarms started blaring as the Stargate began to activate. “Unscheduled Offworld Activation!” Harriman called. “Close the Iris,” Landry said. The Iris closed. “Receiving IDC. It’s the Doctor. Wait, receiving another IDC, SG-1!” “Open the Iris.” Harriman opened the Iris. “Receiving a signal, sir.” “SGC, do you read?” Mitchell asked. “We read you, Colonel,” Landry said. “We’re going to bring the TARDIS back through the gate. Be prepared for possible high speed impact, sir.” “High Speed impact?” Landry asked. “Apparently when they arrived, here the TARDIS ended up over a kilometre from the gate.” “Noted,” Landry said. He turned to Harriman. “Deploy the shock nets.” He then told Mitchell that the preparations would take about 5 minutes. Tiloana “The preparations will take approximately five minutes,” The general said. “We’ll be ready, Mitchell out.” “Five minutes?” the Doctor asked from the TARDIS doorway. “Yes,” Mitchell said from where he stood next to the DHD. “That gives me enough time to prepare the TARDIS for a second trip.” Five minutes later, the SGC signalled that they had the preparations in place. “Ok, We’re ready as ever. Everyone hold tight!” the Doctor said. He then set the TARDIS in motion... The SGC The TARDIS emerged from the gate at a high speed. It crashed into the shock nets. The shock nets were thus strained, but they held, the TARDIS having come out of the gate at a lower velocity than it had on Tiloana. The TARDIS fell to the floor and landed on its side. The Doctor opened the door, and clambered out onto the floor. He then helped his companions, Lana and the SG teams out. The Doctor entered the control room. “As you can see, I rescued SG1 from the Ori ship,” he said. “Very good. There will be a debriefing in fifteen minutes. Be there,” Landry ordered . “I could be gone before you know it,” the Doctor said. “I doubt that. I would like to have your point of view of the rescue,” Landry said. “I will be there.” “I want to go back to my world!” Lana said stubbornly as she entered the briefing room. “In a while Ms. Halaia. First I want to know exactly what happened after SG1 and the Doctor’s companions arrived on your planet,” Landry said. “Sure,” Lana said. Everyone took their places in the crowded room. “Dr. Jackson, I believe you made some discoveries in an abandoned library.” “Yes,” Daniel said as he launched into his description of the discoveries he and Felicia made. An hour and a half later, the Doctor and his companions exited the briefing room. “We are attempting to re-enter our universe now?” Felicia asked quietly. “Yes, after Lana returns to her world. I would like to have a talk with her,” the Doctor replied. “Sure,” Felicia said in a quieter tone. Tamsin noticed the quiet tone. “We’ll return soon enough,” she said as she placed her hand on Felicia’s shoulder in a gesture of comfort. Walter was getting ready to re-dial Tiloana as the Doctor and Lana entered the control room. “You are returning home,” the Doctor stated. “Of course, I must do what I can to protect my people against the Ori and any remnant Goa’uld.” “I must repeat that your strategy of running away from your enemies will not work forever.” Lana rolled her eyes. She had heard the same argument from the Doctor over and over again during those two months aboard the TARDIS. “And I say again, that it will.” She turned to Walter. “Start the dialing sequence.” “I have to wait for Landry’s order, Ms. Helaia.” Lana sighed. “I’m ready to go.” Walter keyed the intercom. “General Landry to the control room.” Lana turned around and realised that the Doctor had left. ‘I guess he is going to leave before I do,’ she thought. General Landry entered the control room. “Yes, Walter?” “Ms. Helaia is asking to return to her planet, Sir.” “Of course. Dial the gate,” Landry said. “Aye, Sir.” “Goodbye, General,” Lana said. “Remember what we discussed,” Landry said. “Of course,” Lana said. Lana saw the companions around the TARDIS as she entered the debarkation room. She waved goodbye. “Chevron five encoded.” “Bye, thanks for the help. Even if we did get captured,” Tamsin said. “Thanks.” “Chevron six encoded.” “Hope things go well,” Kiara said. Lana just gave a non-committal shrug. “Bye,” she said, as she came up to the front of the ramp. “Chevron seven, locked!” the gate opened. She then ran forwards and jumped through the gate. Once the gate shut down, the Doctor emerged from the TARDIS. “Time to go,” he said. “Finally,” Felicia said. TARDIS in Flight “We have left the SGC and are now heading back to our universe,” the Doctor said. “Are you sure?” Felicia asked. “Yes, I have done this before,” the Doctor said. “I’m sure that we’ll return to our universe, Felicia,” Tamsin said. “I’m sure you’re right. I’ll be in the library,” Felicia said. “Ok,” Tamsin said. Later Tamsin found Felicia in the library, near the entrance. “The Doctor says that we have re-entered our universe,” she said. Felicia smiled. ”Good.” “He has plotted a random course.” Felicia nodded. Then the Cloister Bell began to ring. “Uh, oh!” Kiara was reading in the console room. She noticed the destination display change. Trenzalore. The display changed again. Earth Orbit, early 2005. ‘This is too weird,’ Kiara thought as she took one of the Doctor’s notepads and started writing down the destinations. Kiara had just written Pharos Project, Earth when the Doctor reentered the console room. “The TARDIS is going all over the Milky Way, Doctor.” “She is?” the Doctor asked. “It’s aiming all over the galaxy in any case, including two places with restricted information.” “Where was those?” “The Fields of Trenzalore and the Medusa Cascade,” Kiara said. She wrote UNIT Headquarters, 1973. “The former is where I regenerated last.” “What about all these other places?” Kiara asked, placing the list into the Doctor’s hands. The Doctor’s face paled... “These are all places where I regenerated, in reverse order...” “They are, and the TARDIS is about to select the final one.” They looked at the diplay. Antarctica, 1986 They waited. Intercept course plotted “What?” “What did you expect, Doctor?” “Gallifrey, or rather, my initiation at the Temporal Schism.” “Oh,” Kiara said. The Cloister Bell began to ring. “Something’s happening!” The Doctor leapt to the console, dropping the list. “An anomaly, similar to the one Felicia arrived through, is near the library.” “Is she returning or going further back?” Kiara wondered, leaping to the same conclusion that the Doctor had. “No idea, but we need to hurry,” the Doctor said. “I know a way…” Tamsin and Felicia exited the library. The TARDIS shook. Down the corridor an anomaly appeared. “Not again!” Felicia said. “Back into the library, Felicia!” Felicia turned, but the doors slammed shut before she could go in. “No!” she said pounding her fist against them. She then was pulled towards the anomaly. Tamsin too, although she was further away. “Run Tamsin!” “No!” Tamsin grabbed onto her, both of them fell towards the anomaly. The TARDIS corridor twisted, causing them to fall onto the wall. The shock caused Tamsin to let go... “Bye, Tamsin!” Felicia said as she once again entered the anomaly. Tamsin saw the mixture of anguish and wonder on Felicia’s face as she entered the anomaly. ‘I’ll miss you,’ she thought as a tear fell from her left eye. Then the anomaly disappeared and she fell to the floor. She got up to see the Doctor and Kiara approaching on an extending ice platform. “She’s gone,” she said when they had come to the spot. “I hope she’s gone back, or forwards, to her Doctor,” Kiara said. “It’s likely to be my previous incarnation,” the Doctor said, seriously. “But we may see her again at some point.” “How would he react, Doctor?” Kiara asked. “Depends when it was.” Tamsin wondered if the Doctor was right, that she would see Felicia again at any time. ‘I hope so.’
Chapter 4: The Search for Felicia The Doctor followed Sigrun into the console room and immediately went to the scanner. “Just as you said, Sigrid,” she said after she looked at the scan results. “So, Felicia is in an earlier version of the TARDIS?” Jia’hale (now dry but still au naturale) asked as she entered the console room. The Doctor pointedly made eye contact with Jia’hale as she said. “Yes, she is. Now we need to find out which earlier version.” She turned back to the scanner and ran an analysis on the scan data. The result soon came back. The screen said: Type-40 TARDIS, younger identical capsule. Inter-chronal data suggests immediate previous incarnation. ‘That’s better than an earlier incarnation,’ the Doctor thought. The earlier Post Time War incarnations would not have reacted well to an intruder in the TARDIS, and it would be difficult, although not impossible, to go pre-Time War. “Where is she then?” Sabir queried, as he ruffled his brown hair. “She is, or was, in my twelfth incarnation’s TARDIS. Therefore we are going to look for him at a time when she is travelling with him,” the Doctor answered. “Wouldn’t it be easier to just look in Norwich?” Danielle asked. 'him?' she wondered. “Not necessarily, Danielle. She wanted to continue travelling, remember?” Jia’hale answered. “Right,” Danielle said, trying not to look at her. “Alright, this is going to take a while, and the TARDIS may still go off course,” the Doctor said. “I guess so,” Sabir sighed. “Doctor, we are arriving somewhere,” Sigrun pointed out, as she noticed the TARDIS sounds changing. “Tau Ceti III, a good a place as any I suppose, but I don’t remember being there. On the other hand, Felicia will certainly change events,” the Doctor said. “Your earlier self may look for you?” Jia’hale asked. “That is a possibility too,” the Doctor considered. The TARDIS landed. The landing was rougher than usual. Sabir went to the doors. “Let’s have a quick look,” he suggested. “Yes,” the Doctor said. Tau Ceti III 4 July 2211 The Doctor, Sabir and Danielle exited the TARDIS. “Are you sure that you don’t want to come?” Sabir asked. “It is unlikely that we would find Felicia on our first attempt,” Sigrun said from just inside the door. “True,” Danielle said. “Watch the TARDIS. If we’re not back in a day, come after us,” the Doctor said. “Right,” Sigrun said, as she closed the door. “Ok, this way,” the Doctor directed... In the TARDIS Sigrun turned to Jia’hale. “So, why didn’t you want to go and look?” she asked. Jia’hale looked back at Sigrun. “You know why,” she said. Sigrun rolled her eyes. Jia’hale’s proclivity. ‘She really doesn’t like wearing stuff, doesn’t she?’ “So what are you going to do in the meantime?” she asked. “Not sure, maybe some sparing?” “Um, sure,” said the not-so-sure Sigrun (given that Jia’hale was usually not-so-modestly attired when they spared). Jia’hale saw Sigrun’s discomfort. “It won’t take long.” Sigrun breathed heavily in and out as she calmed herself. “OK,” she finally said. “But if I feel too uncomfortable...” “You can stop,” Jia’hale interrupted. “Deal,” Sigrun said, sounding slightly relieved. The two friends then left the console room. A few hours later, the Doctor, Danielle and Sabir returned to the TARDIS. “That was a waste of time,” Danielle said. “Not entirely, Danielle. We did solve that mystery,” Sabir said. “Oh yeah,” Danielle said. “Not a total waste of time, Dani,” the Doctor said, as she opened the TARDIS doors. She found the console room empty. ‘Of course they would be off doing whatever,’ he thought. “Where to next?” Sabir asked. “Another random destination,” the Doctor answered. “Are you sure?” Sabir asked. “Yes, Sab, I’m sure. If I plot a course, to a place that I do remember, it is likely that we will arrive before Felicia does,” the Doctor said, as she walked up to the console. “I suppose so,” Sabir said. The Doctor set the TARDIS in motion. The TARDIS in flight After she had set the TARDIS in motion, the Doctor left the console room. Sabir looked at the console. The current destination was Colorado Springs. ‘America? Unlikely!’ he thought. “Come on, let’s see what Sigrun and Jia’hale are up to,” Danielle said. Sabir turned to him. “Sure,” she said. Danielle and Sabir arrived at the TARDIS’s gymnasium a few minutes later. Sabir looked in, and quickly turned around “Aggh!” “Jia’hale is bare?” Danielle asked. Sabir nodded. “And yet she and Sigrun are sparing?” Sabir nodded again. “I imagine that Sigrun must be uncomfortable.” “I guess so. Besides all I saw of her was that she is dressed as she usually is for that sort of activity.” “Still...” “I think they’re using padded quarterstaffs,” Sabir added. “Let’s do something else,” Danielle suggested. “I’ll be in the library.”. “I’ll be in bed. It has been a very long day.” A while later, an exhausted Sigrun dropped to the floor. “Come on Jia’hale. We need to stop,” she said. She was tired and covered with sweat. Her pixie-short blonde hair was sticking to her forehead. “Yes, it has been a rather long exhausting day,” Jia’hale said as she moved away. She placed the padded quarterstaff back on the rack. She walked back to Sigrun. “I’m going to bed. See you at breakfast.” She brushed against Sigrun as she went towards the door... Sigrun stood up and watched Jia’hale leave the room. “What just happened?” she wondered. She definitely needed sleep. She put own padded quarterstaff away, then went back to her room. She was soon fast asleep. The ‘Day’ after Felicia’s disappearance Sabir entered the kitchen to find Daniel already there. “Good morning,” he said. “Have you been to the console room yet?” Daniel asked. He looked at Sabir. He was dressed in his usual clothes, referencing an obscure British science fiction series, different to the one from the day before. “I came straight here.” “I think we may have landed somewhere.” “Let me have breakfast first.” “Sure,” Danielle said with a smirk. Sigrun entered the kitchen a short time later. She saw that Danielle was brewing some coffee and that Sabir was making an omelette. “Having your usual large breakfasts, are you?” she asked. “Yes, my metabolism hasn’t changed just because one of my friends has disappeared,” Sabir said. “I still have my appetite, Siggy,” Danielle said. ‘Siggy’ sighed as she grabbed her cereal. She didn’t like that nickname. “So, where do you think we are?” Danielle asked. “Earth, first or second millennium AD,” Sigrun said. “Is it that predictable?” Sabir asked. ‘I would have thought the 1st millennium BC too,’ he thought. “It is, of the places we have been since the TARDIS began going off course, less than 10% were not on Earth, and less than 15% of those on Earth were earlier than the fall of the Roman Empire or later than the Drahvin invasion that we had just stopped,” Sigrun said. “I disagree,” Danielle said. Sabir turned from his cooking. “Please don’t fight over breakfast!” he said with a shake of his head. “We will discuss this later,” Danielle said. “I promise you that,” Sigrun said. Sabir breathed a sigh of relief and turned back to his cooking. A while later, but while the three were still eating their meals, Jia’hale entered, still bare... Sabir dropped his knife onto his plate. “What?” Jai’hale asked. “You’re usually attired when you come to breakfast,” Sabir replied. “Maybe,” Jia’hale said as she flicked her hair so that it fell down the front of her torso. “More than that,” Sigrun said, remembering the previous night’s sparring session. “I’m hungry and I have eaten like this a few times,” Jia’hale said. “Just don’t make a habit of it,” Danielle said, looking her in her dark brown eyes. Jia’hale rolled her eyes as she went to get her cereal. “We’ll see,” she said. Sabir sighed. A short time later Danielle and Sabir exited the kitchen and went towards the console room. “What were you thinking?” Danielle asked. “What?” Sabir asked. “The way you confronted Jia’hale.” “Every time I have seen her at breakfast, she was dressed.” “There were a few times prior to now in which that I recall she wasn’t.” “Maybe.” “That’s not all is it?” Danielle asked. “Of course not, I miss Felicia!” Sabir said, almost in tears. “She’s out there somewhere, we’ll find her,” Danielle said reassuringly. “I know, thanks.” They entered the console room. The Doctor was there. “Morning, had a good sleep?” she asked. “Mostly, but I’m still worried about Felicia,” Sabir said. “We’ll find her,” the Doctor reassurred. “Where are we?” Danielle asked. “We have landed on a southern Pacific Island in the 1850’s. It should be relatively safe,” the Doctor said. Sabir thought for a moment. “Let’s explore it,” he said. “I agree,” Danielle said. “What about the other two?” the Doctor asked. “Let’s just go without them,” Sabir said. “Are you sure?” the Doctor asked. “Yes,” Sabir said. “Let’s go then,” the Doctor said. 26 March 1850 Bora Bora The Doctor, Danielle and Sabir emerged from the TARDIS. They could see the sun rising in the distance. “Polynesia?” Sabir asked. “I did say the South Pacific, Sab,” the Doctor said. “It’s just that we haven’t been to Polynesia,” Sabir said. “Good point,” Daniel said. The Doctor closed the TARDIS doors. “Let’s find out what’s going on here.” The trio entered a settlement located a kilometre away from where the TARDIS had landed. “It seems like a normal Polynesian village,” the Doctor said. “I’ll take your word for it,” Sabir said. “Only seems like it,” the Doctor said, “there could be anything here.” “Of course.” “Let's find out what those things could be.” “Yes,” Sabir said. They then went further into the village. Back at the TARDIS, Sigrun exited her quarters. She was concerned about Jia'hale. There was something 'off' about her, that had become apparent after Felicia's disappearance. 'She needs help,' she thought. She then went to Jia'hale's quarters and knocked on the door. There was no response. “Jia'hale? It's Sigrun?” Still no response. 'She's somewhere else,' Sigrun realised. She sighed, realising that if someone did want to hide deep in the TARDIS that they wouldn't be found. 'Still, I will try the areas she frequents first, before giving up.' Sigrun entered the kitchen. She found it empty. Next was the Console Room. It was empty. 'Of course.' She looked at the scanner. “Bora Bora, huh?” Of course, they had to land in a tropical environment after Felicia had vanished, and something was going on with Jia'hale. “OK, 'old girl',” she said, considering that if the Doctor called the TARDIS that, she could too. “If someone is hiding somewhere aboard, you would know where they are?” There was silence for a second. The TARDIS gave a noise as if replying in the affirmative. “And the scanner can scan the interior?” The TARDIS gave the affirmative noise again. “Right. Locate Jia'hale,” Sigrun directed. Then there was an alarm sound. “Error?” The TARDIS was silent. “You can't locate Jia'hale?” More noises. “The Doctor wouldn't want me to use the Scanner to find her?” Sigrun thought for a moment. Certainly that made sense. The Doctor wouldn't want her companions to use the Scanner to spy on her other companions. 'But how to get past that restriction?' she considered. After a few minutes, she still wasn't sure. “Look, something may be wrong with her. I'd like to be able to help.” More noises, and a list of directions appeared on the screen. “Thanks,” she said. Having followed the directions, she found Jia'hale in a room that reminded her of an indoor greenhouse. “Jia'hale?” “Sigrun?” Jia'hale asked, as she came out from behind a particularly large plant. “I have been looking for you.” “You have?” “Yes. I'm concerned. You've been, reclusive, since Felicia vanished.” Jia'hale nodded. “If she can vanish like that, then any of us can vanish.” “That's not all, is it?” Sigrun asked. It was obvious that there was something else up with her friend. “No. But that's all I can articulate at the moment.” “You want to talk to the Doctor instead?” “No. But you have to give me time,” Jia'hale said. “But you can't just wander the TARDIS alone. You can spend time with myself or the others.” “I suppose so.” Outside the TARDIS, the Doctor and the others found the village largely deserted. “What's happening?” Danielle asked. “I have no idea,” the Doctor answered. “Can't wait to find out!” She whipped out the sonic screwdriver and ran a scan. “Nothing out of the ordinary.” “Where do we start?” Sabir asked, as he looked around. “The chief's hut,” the Doctor said. “He should be there.” There was a commotion around the hut as they approached. Some of the warriors turned with their spears raised. “Uh oh!” Sabir said. The Doctor raised her hands in a peaceful gesture. “Wait.” The warriors stopped. “Why are you here?” It wasn't any of the warriors. It was the Chief. “We were sailing by,” the Doctor began. “You have no right to be here.” “What if you need help?” “We don't. That's what I don't like about you Europeans! You think you're better than us!” the Chief raged. “I'm not like the others,” the Doctor said. “I have no proof of that!” The Chief then signalled and the warriors seized the Doctor and her companions. After talking to Jia'hale, Sigrun had returned to the console room. She was still concerned, but she was happy that they had talked. However, the TARDIS beeped and a message came up on the console. The Doctor needs your help, Sigrun. “Huh?” If you don't go, she will do something she will regret. 'I guess I better get moving,' she thought. She then ran out of the ship. The Doctor struggled against her islander captors. She could see the Chief gloating at her predicament “This isn't good!” Sigrun complained. The Doctor could hear the stress in her voice as she also struggled.
Chapter 5 Part 1: The 11th Doctor The 11th Doctor’s TARDIS Felicia Lovell awoke, on the floor of a TARDIS corridor. It looked much the same, but she knew that it was an even earlier version of the TARDIS. ‘And which version of the Doctor…’ she pondered. She stood up and decided to try to find the Doctor. ‘He’s likely to be in the console room.’ Felicia soon found the console room, but it was empty. “Doctor?” No answer. She decided to sit by the console and wait. After another five minutes, she heard a sound. She turned and saw the Doctor walking down the stairs. “Hello, Doctor,” she said. 'Another male version,' she thought. The Doctor turned to her. “How did you enter my TARDIS?” he asked in a dark tone. The Doctor’s tone unnerved Felicia. “I came from a future version of it. I normally travel with your incarnation after the next,” she said with slight fright. The Doctor appeared to be in thought. “You don’t seem to be lying.” “I’m not!” The Doctor turned to the console. “You’re right. The sensors did record some sort of anomalous activity within the TARDIS structure.” “That would be right.” “You said the incarnation after next?” “Yes.” “That’s impossible!” The Doctor said. “Not impossible!” Felicia said. “I have been travelling with her for five months.” “I have run out of regenerations!” Felicia thought for a moment. “Maybe you obtained some more?” she asked. “Unlikely, the Time Lords are gone!” The Doctor thought for a moment. “Or maybe, River did more than save my life. Either that or the Sisterhood broke the rules and gave me extra...” “There’s your answer.” “Probably.” “So you believe me?” “Yes, it means that I’ll survive whatever is coming,” the Doctor said sardonically. Felicia wasn’t sure to what the Doctor was referring to. “What are you saying?” she asked after a few moments. “Something in the universe is out to get me. Some kind of conspiracy involving a race of ‘Silents.’ Anyone who sees them would not remember afterwards.” Felicia was dubious. “And you know of them, how?” “Myself and a few companions found out a way around that limitation.” “Are they here, in the TARDIS?” “No, they have stopped travelling with me,” he said morosely. “Oh,” Felicia said. ‘They must have parted on bad terms,’ she decided, but the Doctor refuted that... “A little run in with Weeping Angels!” he banged his fist against the console. “Yikes!” Felicia said. That was one force of the Doctor’s enemies that she didn’t want to meet. The Doctor just looked at her. She held back a shudder. Felicia then waited for the Doctor to say more. “So, where are we going?” “I’m chasing an impossible mystery. You don’t know anyone named Clara Oswin Oswald, do you?” Felicia shook her head. “No.” “I have met her twice, and she died both times.” “She couldn’t have come back to life?” “No, the first time the planet blew up. She had been turned into a Dalek anyway. The second time there was definitely a body.” “Seems impossible.” “It is, their personalities were the same, and they used the same phrases. They like making soufflés.” Felicia then decided to ask the Doctor to help her to look for her Doctor. “You don’t want to help me look for my Doctor?” she asked. ‘Or the one I just left,’ she thought whimsically. “Any particular reason? I could just drop you home.” “You could do that, but I would like to see my version of the Doctor first.” “You may give me spoilers about my incarnation after next. Then that information will be fixed. I already know that I’ll meet you in that incarnation. Not to say that I now know that I’ll actually have that incarnation!” “She’ll be looking for me with you after having determined that I’m no longer with her immediate predecessor.” “You did it again! Don’t do that!” “You needed to know that.” The Doctor thought for a moment. “I suppose I did. But no more information about my future!” “Unless I can’t help it,” Felicia teased. The Doctor moodily looked at her. “Just be careful about you say.” “Certainly.” “And now I’ll have to break that rule to help you,” the Doctor said even more moodily. “How so?” “I need to know where you were so we can trace the future TARDIS’s.” “Not much help there.” “How so?” “In the first place, the TARDIS had been going off course. We had just left the Azores in 2018. Secondly, we had just come back from another universe.” “Minimal information, good. I don’t want to know what’ll happen at the Azores or how the TARDIS will work in that other universe,” the Doctor said. He laid in a course. However after a moment he saw that the TARDIS had set a different course. He tried to set it back to the Azores, but the setting didn’t budge. “Of course, she knows where she was going to go if you hadn’t come, so she’s going anyway!” “Maybe she has located this Clara person,” Felicia considering that the Doctor wanted to solve that mystery. “Possibly,” the Doctor said.