The Phoenix Destinies [Complete Story]

[John Darnacan]

"The Doctor pays a long-overdue visit to someone very special. He and Faye arrive just in time for a very historic 'first contact'. And of course, things never go smoothly when the Doctor is around."

This was my second story, originally posted on the now-defunct BBCi "Time & Space" board, during February and March 2004. It remains one of my favourites. I'm particularly proud of the ending to Part 2. It precedes Days Even Darker, and lays some of the groundwork. Days Even Darker will by followed by Firefly later this month.

And now, The Phoenix Destinies...

[John Darnacan]

Part 1 - Editions

Faye was standing in the one of the TARDIS corridors unsure which way to turn. When she first came on-board the TARDIS she was fascinated by the way it was larger inside than outside. However, it did not fascinate her now. Now, she was lost. Besides being 'dimensionally transcendental', the Doctor was also able to rearrange the interior architecture, which he had been doing lately. He had done it first to expand the kitchen for her. Then he arranged the solarium so she could use it as an herb garden. But she had always been in the control room when he did it. Faye suspected the Doctor had done some more rearranging.

She finally heard some movement around a corner. She found the Doctor in a large two-story room with lots of shelves. She had never seen this room before The Doctor was up on a ladder putting something on one of the shelves.

"What's all this?' she asked.

"My new library" answered the Doctor. "It occurred to me that over centuries I've accumulated thousands of books and scrolls. They're all lying around various parts of the TARDIS. I thought it would be a good idea to organize them into a library".

"I thought you already had a library".

"A couple actually. Neither is large enough to hold everything. I'm going to centralise everything right here."

"For you, this seems uncharacteristically organised, Doctor" suggested Faye. On that, the Doctor looked up pensively. To Faye, at that moment, he looked like a dignified Oxford don against a background of bookshelves.

"Yes, it does, doesn't it." The Doctor placed another book on the upper shelf. Faye surveyed the pile of books, scrolls and data crystals. Many weren't even in English or any other earthly language.

"Any cookbooks?' she asked hopefully.

"Cookbooks? Hmmm, cookbooks. I think I just saw one over there. Grenzalki, I think" he said as descended the ladder. Faye went over to the table the Doctor had indicated. Most of these books were in English. She spotted a first edition copy of 'A Christmas Carol'. She opened it to find a hand-written inscription, which read:

'To the Doctor, my very own ghost of Christmas Past and Future. With great expectations, Charles Dickens'

Faye laughed.

"Ah yes, Charlie" grinned the Doctor. "Of course, he took a fair amount of creative license. I never showed him his own gravestone. That would have been cruel." He reached across to the other side of the table. "Here we go...one Grenzalki cookbook.". He handed the book to Faye. She eagerly started flipping through it. As she went deeper and deeper through the pages, a strange expression slowly crossed her face.

"Doctor, have you ever looked in this book?" she asked. The Doctor looked over her shoulder.

"Yes, well, the Grenzalki are a race of cannibals, although I'm told their marinades are quite remarkable". Faye quickly dropped the book back on the table. The Doctor went back to sorting scrolls, while Faye explored the stacks of books.

"Amazing, these are all first editions" Faye commented.

"Well, if you collect books and can travel through time, you might as well pick up first editions." Faye picked up a well-worn soft-cover book.

"What about this one? It's only a 5th edition" she taunted. "'The Phoenix Destiny' by D.M. Campbell". The Doctor's head snapped around. He looked down and pondered the old book.

"Well, that's a special case. It was all so long ago" he reflected as he sat on pile of old books. He stared into space for a while. For the first time ever, Faye thought he looked quite sad. Then a look of resolve formed on the Doctor's face.

"It's time" he announced at he stood up.

"Time for what?"

"Time to obtain a first edition".

"Right now?"

"Well, there's no time like the present unless it's the past or the future".

[John Darnacan]

Part 2 - Café Reunion

In a relatively unused alley in London, a blue police box appeared out of nowhere. The Doctor and Faye left the TARDIS and strolled down the street. The Doctor squeezed the copy of 'Phoenix Destiny' into his coat pocket as they walked. Faye often wondered whether the Doctor's pockets were also 'dimensionally transcendental' with all the items he stuffed in them.

Faye noticed there was a lot of damage to some of the buildings. There were also some newly built structures she had never seen in London before, indicating they were in her own future. It was a strange juxtaposition of battered old buildings and new ultramodern architecture. Faye questioned the Doctor about it.

"Yes, well it's a period of recovery and rebuilding" answered the Doctor. "It doesn't all happen at one pace". He stopped in front of a condemned school marked for imminent demolition. "Of course, some things will never recover".

"Recover? You mean from a war?"

"Yes, quite a nasty one".

Faye thought that might explain why there weren't as many people on the streets, as she would have expected for a weekday morning in London.

"A lot of people were killed?"

"Yes, about a two billion or so."

"Two billion!" she cried out. "You mean billion with a B?"

"As I recall, most billions begin with a B". The Doctor nodded.

"When does this happen?"

"The mid 22nd century, 2157 I believe" the Doctor answered as they turned a corner.

"Ah, look a bookstore." They crossed the street and entered. However, the book wasn't available yet. Apparently, it wasn't to be published for another three days.

"Off by three days, not bad. Well, I suppose we should have some lunch then."

"Well, I have a new recipe to try out back in the TARDIS.

"I'm surprised. You're usually eager to sample the local cuisine."

"Doctor, I lived in London. Remember? I know the local cuisine".

"Not in the 22nd Century. Come on, let's at least take a stroll." And off they walked. After about twenty minutes, they came across a restaurant near the edge of the city. The Doctor laughed as he looked at the restaurant's name, a name that Faye found quite unremarkable. They went in and took a table by the window. A skinny, pimple-faced young man named Eddy brought them menus and took their drink order.

"There's nothing particularly exciting here" Faye observed on her menu."

The Doctor didn't seem to be listening. He was watching someone entering the restaurant, a woman with dark hair in her late thirties. She was greeted by several of the patrons who apparently knew her, then headed to the back of the restaurant.

"Do your know her?"

"She's the wife of the author" the Doctor answered, as he pulled the book out of his pocket and put it on the table.

"You couldn't wait another couple days for the book to be published. You're going to bother Mrs. Campbell to get a copy of the book. And you call me a fanatic!" At that moment, Eddy returned to take their order. Faye unimpressed with the menu, ordered a salad.

"And you, sir?" asked Eddy.

"I'll have the filet of gumblejack" answered the Doctor. Eddy looked puzzled. He rechecked the menu.

"I don't believe we offer that, sir. In fact, I've never heard of grublejock."

"Gumblejack," corrected the Doctor. "I'm sure your proprietor has some. Why don't you ask her?" The confused waiter went back to the kitchen. Faye scowled.

"On one hand, I admire your cunning in getting to meet Mrs. Campbell. On the other hand, as a former waitress, I'm not sure I approve of your manipulating poor Eddy. By the way, what is gumblejack?"

"It's a type of fish, quite a delicacy." Faye wondered what the Doctor was up to. A moment later, the dark-haired woman came out and walked straight to their table. She stood there silent, staring at the Doctor. She seemed apprehensive yet determined. She finally mustered the will to speak.

"Is it...?" But she couldn't finish. The Doctor stood up and smiled.

"Go forward in all your beliefs, and prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine" he said. Tears welled up in the woman's eyes.

"Grandfather?"

[John Darnacan]

Part 3 - Nineteen Years

It was nineteen years before. The Daleks had just been defeated. The invasion was over. It was time for the Doctor, Susan, Barbara and Ian to leave, but Susan had become very attached to a young resistance fighter named David Campbell. She was torn and could not bear to make such a decision.

However, the Doctor had faith in his granddaughter's ability to build her own life, even if she did not. So, he chose for her.

Now, nineteen years later, a man looking much younger knows of gumblejack, a delicacy from the other side of the galaxy. And he utters words only heard so long ago, "Go forward in all your beliefs, and prove to me that I am not mistaken in mine". Those were the last words Susan had ever heard from her grandfather, just before the TARDIS dematerialized.

She looked down at a book on the table. It was her husband's book, one not yet published. And most peculiar was that it was a 5th edition. Most would say it wasn't possible, therefore a practical joke of some sort. But Susan knew it was indeed possible.

"Grandfather?" she asked. The Doctor smiled and nodded

"Yes, child" he whispered. Susan hugged him tightly. Tears of joy rolled down her face. Faye noticed a slight moistness in the Doctor's eye as well.

"Let's sit and relax, shall we?" he said. Faye pulled another chair to the table. "This is my friend Faye Austin".

"It's a pleasure to meet you" Susan said as she wiped her eyes. "Are you really the Doctor's granddaughter?" asked Faye incredulously. Susan nodded with a smile.

"Faye travels with me in the TARDIS now."

"What happened to Ian and Barbara?"

"They returned to Earth in their own time. Although, I don't think the Coal Hill School took them back after a two-year disappearance". The Doctor looked around the restaurant. "We passed the school on the way here. There was notice of condemnation. This place seems to have faired better. In fact, quite an improvement" he laughed.

"Yes, I deliberately chose the location".

"I think we could all do with some fresh air. Don't you?"

"I can't leave now. Catherine, my partner and chef, is out sick".

"Don't worry. Faye can fill in. She's an excellent chef. I haven't used the food synthesizer once since she came on board". The Doctor smiled at Faye who was already mentally upgrading the menu.


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David Campbell looked out his office window up at the sky. He knew it was silly to expect to see anything, but he couldn't help himself. As Minister of Science and Technology, he had worked hard for this, the first encounter with alien life since the defeat of the Daleks. This time it would be much different. Since there was no obvious position to deal with such events -- no Minister for Extraterrestrial Contact for instance -- he took on the mission of establishing contact and developing a relationship with the Kalatarians. And now they would be coming for their first face-to-face meeting. His console beeped, indicating the Kaltarian Starship was signaling.

"Greetings Ambassador. Welcome to Earth."

"And greetings to you, Minister Campbell" said Kaltarian Ambassador Retallik

"I see you have arrived in orbit. I trust your journey was a good one" inquired Campbell.

"Yes, the highlight was entering Earth orbit. The blues and greens of your planet were a feast for the eyes. After the descriptions you gave me, I expected gray and brown" Retallik joked.

Campbell laughed, "Well I suppose, the last decades have made me a bit sullen about our planet, but your arrival has certainly buoyed my spirits".

"Well I am glad of that. To buoy your spirits further, I would like to invite you, President Tafari and any others you feel appropriate to a reception on board our ship tomorrow night. I would especially like to meet your wife Susan of whom you've spoken so highly of."

"We would be delighted. I'll have my assistant make the arrangements."


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The Doctor and Susan left 'Café Foreman' at 76 Totters Lane. He laughed again at the sign.

"Interesting that you set up a restaurant of the site of Foreman's old junkyard."

"Actually, the café was already there. I offered Catherine financing and some other help. So, she made me a partner."

"Why did you come back here?" he asked, indicating the neighborhood.

"Well I knew it might make it easier if you ever came looking for me. Obviously, it worked" she smiled. "Anyway, I couldn't exactly wait down by the river where you left me".

The Doctor stopped dead in his tracks. The haunting question that had waited centuries to be asked had finally arrived. There was no more running from it.

"So, did I make a mistake locking you out of the TARDIS so long ago?" Susan seemed caught off guard. She slowly looked the Doctor in the eye. Again, her eyes were moist.

"There are days that I get quite cross with you for doing that, mostly because I've missed you, Grandfather. But I must admit I have a good life with David, he is very sweet and kind, and I love him dearly. And together we've been able to do a lot to help rebuild Earth".

"Yes, but he gets all of the credit." The Doctor countered, waving David's book.

"That's the way I prefer it, but he does deserve most of the credit. He's worked very hard. I've given him advice based on what I know from my travels in the TARDIS.

"What?" asked the Doctor in a concerned tone.

"David uses any knowledge I share with him very discreetly. And I've never shared any Gallifreyan secrets".

"Good. The Time Lords must never find you," the Doctor said quite sternly.

"Gallifreyan technology showing up on Earth would be a dead giveaway." Susan looked a little nervous at the Doctor's comment. However, the tone reassured her that her tetchy grandfather was indeed within this new Doctor.

"So Grandfather, you've evaded the Time Lords all these years?"

"No. They caught up with me eventually, even put me on trial. So it was better that you were no longer with me".

"So they know?"

"No. The High Council of Dolts remained clueless. They didn't even ask the right questions. They have no idea why we left Gallifrey".

"Well, there were a number of reasons".

"Yes, yes. And they know all those reasons, except for the one that made the difference. Only you and I truly know why we left Gallifrey. Only you and I".

[John Darnacan]

Part 4 - Celebrations and Temptations

David Campbell had received a cryptic message from his wife Susan. It said to meet her for dinner at 7:00. But he realised that he must have gotten the address wrong. He was in a very dilapidated section of London, an area that was never restored after the Dalek invasion. He felt a bit of petty annoyance about this mix-up just before his big triumph. Just when he was about to leave, he saw Susan bustling up the street.

"Thank goodness. I thought I got the address wrong" he called to her.

"No, we're right where we are supposed to be, but we are running late. Come on."

"Late for what?" he asked as she was pushed him up the street.

"A celebration!" she laughed, as she pulled him into a dark alley.

"How did you know the Kaltarians arrived?" he asked incredulously.

"The Kaltarians? They've arrived?" Susan laughed out of embarrassment. "I completely forgot about they'd be arriving soon". She pulled David back along the alley.

"Susan, where are we going?" She suddenly stopped and waved her hand towards the other end of the alley. At the end of the alley was an ancient blue police box. The only time he had ever seen one, it disappeared into thin air, nineteen years ago.

"He's come back. My grandfather's come back!"

"He's still alive?" her murmured under his breath. The Doctor welcomed them as they entered the TARDIS. David shook the Doctor's hand, then turned to Susan.

"So where's your grandfather?"

"Right here. I've regenerated. It's good to see you again, David". David looked quite confused. This wasn't the elderly man he had encountered during the Dalek invasion. This man was of an age closer to than of a sibling of Susan's, not a grandfather.

"It's true. He really is my grandfather." She took his hand. "You must believe me".

"Of course, I do. I'm not quite sure why, but I do" he said looking into her eyes. He turned to look around the control room. It was indeed larger on the inside than outside, as she had described to it so long ago. He realised he was now glimpsing some of his wife's mysterious past, a past he often incredulous about.

"Well, let's go into the dining room" suggested the Doctor. "Faye has been absolutely giddy about entertaining this evening."


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A young man entered the shabby meeting room and made his way along the back wall. The hour was late, and so was he. He moved quietly, so as not to draw attention to his tardiness. Of course, the ever-vigilant Colonel Baird saw him. Baird's intense eyes met his with an unsympathetic glance. Baird was currently scanning the walls with some instrument to insure privacy of the meeting. A stocky man with a stern voice named Clive Renton was speaking.

"We have had our suspicions about these Kaltarians, but no tangible proof. Well, now we have some evidence. One of our outgoing probes found a Kaltarian craft just beyond the orbit of Mars. General Llewelyn thinks it's either a surveillance probe or a battle station".

"Couldn't it be the diplomatic vessel they're sending?" someone suggested.

"No, their 'diplomatic' vessel already arrived. It's orbiting above us, as we speak. And it is a completely different configuration than this object.

"Maybe it's something the Daleks left behind" a uniformed woman said dismissively.

"No" countered Renton. "General Llewellyn says it's made of completely different materials, materials the Kaltarians use".

"Well, President Tafari can't ignore this now!"

"I'm afraid he already has" said Renton angrily. "He told the general to not worry about it. He's either a trusting fool or a traitor! Either way, he is dangerous and we must act. Otherwise, what the Daleks started, the Kaltarians may finish".


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The Doctor had never seen Faye so happy. She had pulled out all the stops from Scallops Marie to a pheasant in an apricot-honey glaze. David was explaining his current endeavor with the Kaltarians.

"Earth is still recovering from the Dalek attack. You just have to look at the surrounding neighborhood to see that. We've been so focused on rebuilding what we've lost — so focused on the past — that we don't look forward. Susan has told me of some of the species you've encountered. There are obviously other dangers in the galaxy besides the Daleks. We need to be prepared that's why an alliance with the Kaltarians is so important!" "Dear, this isn't the Council of Global Ministers" Susan chided him.

"I'm sorry. As a politician, I tend to lapse into speechmaking. My apologies."

"You're a lot more than a politician" beamed Susan turning to the others. "He's a visionary. While people like that isolationist, Clive Renton, can only look at the ground, David looks to the stars".

"Now Susan, Clive means well. And as Minister of Civil Reconstruction, he does do important work. As Dr. Chen says, we have a ying and yang relationship, a required balance. Don't you agree, Doctor?"

"Yes, I do" replied the Doctor.

"And I must say you articulate that quite well in your book; and timed it quite nicely for the arrival of the Kaltarians, I see".

"Ah, Susan has told you about the book" said David, not imagining the Doctor could have already read it. Faye returned with yet another tray.

"Is everyone ready for desert? I've made a chocolate-raspberry soufflé with queelnut topping" announced Faye.

"Queelnut?"

"Yes, I discovered them in a forest on Farcubai". "I must say I've never eaten so well" said David. Where did you ever learn to cook like that?"

"The Cordon Bleu in Paris!"

"The Cordon Bleu ? The Cordon Bleu and most of Parid was destroyed almost 20 years ago" said David. Faye was dumbstruck.

"Faye, I told you it was a nasty war" said the Doctor in a calming voice.


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After dinner, David insisted on helping Faye clean up, mostly to allow Susan time with the Doctor, but also because he felt guilty about the Sorbonne comment. Apparently, she had great affection for her old school. Susan held the Doctor's arm, almost as if he would dematerialize if she let go.

"You've changed the TARDIS around quite a bit, an herb garden, a pool, your new library. That's quite a kitchen you've created for Faye, a far cry from our old food synthesizer".

"Yes. Well, time would be meaningless without change. But there is one thing I've kept the same." He signaled for her to follow him down a corridor to a door. He opened a door into a bedroom.

"Just as you left it" It was her bedroom, unchanged from the moment she last left it. There were still some schoolbooks from the Coal Hill School lying on the bed.

"Susan" called David from somewhere down the corridor. "It's getting late." "Oh my!" said Susan checking her watch. "Where does the time go?"

"Where it always goes, into the past" answered the Doctor. David was still calling, but his voice was getting fainter. They went towards the control room to find him.

"He's probably gotten lost in the corridors. I'd better go find him before he goes to deep into the TARDIS" said the Doctor. "Why don't you stay here, in case David comes this way".

"Yes, Grandfather".

The Doctor went down the corridor and turned out of sight. She was alone in front of the console. It was a different console than the one she remembered. But obviously it functioned similarly. Susan studied the buttons, levels and knobs. She was quickly able to determine the basic functions, such as the dematerialization control. Susan wondered. She could just flick the dematerialization switch and they would be gone, with no one left behind this time.

Her grandfather made a unilateral decision nineteen year ago. Why couldn't she do the same now? She could be with both her Grandfather and David. No choosing between them required now. Her hand reached for the dematerialization control.

[John Darnacan]

Part 5 - Suspicions

Susan studied the buttons, levels and knobs. She was quickly able to determine the basic functions, such as the dematerialization control. Susan wondered. She could just flick the dematerialization switch and they would be gone, with no one left behind this time.

Her grandfather made a unilateral decision nineteen year ago. Why couldn't she do the same now? She could be with both her Grandfather and David. No choosing between them required now. It was so simple. What she wanted for nineteen years was now just inches away. Her hand reached for the dematerialization control.

They would leave their life behind. Susan pulled her hand back suddenly. She couldn't believe what she had almost done to David. She mentally berated herself for being such a selfish girl. 'Girl?' she thought. That was the point wasn't it? She wasn't a girl anymore. Just being back in the TARDIS made her feel that way. Susan felt stupid for her moment of weakness.

"Ah, there you are" called David.

"I almost got lost in this place. Luckily, the Doctor found me. We should get going".

"Yes, it is getting late" Susan agreed nervously. Then her face brightened.

"We'd like to invite you both to our home tomorrow night. Although I can't compete with Faye, I have learned my way around a kitchen."

"Actually, we can't" interrupted David.

"We have been invited to a diplomatic reception on-board the Kaltarian Starship tomorrow night".

"Oh... Well, perhaps Grandfather and Faye could come?" she asked, looking at David hopefully.

"I'll see if it can be arranged" said David as a way to avoid making a commitment.

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The secret meeting of "The Group" continued for hours. The Group consisted mostly of government members who were concerned about opening Earth up to another attack. They couldn't be called a resistance yet, but they were quite focused on being vigilant. Most were those who fought in the resistance against the Daleks, which put most of them over 40. But there were a few younger members who shared the concerns of their parents' generation. It was quite late before the various reports were finished.

"Is there any new business to report? " asked Renton. The skinny young man in the back stood up timidly, unsure of himself.

"Yes" called Baird, seeing him.

"I'm not sure if this is important or not, but Minister Campbell's wife met two strangers, a man and a woman, at Café Foreman earlier today.

"Yes? Why is that remarkable?"

"Well, the man was dressed in very old clothes.

"Many people wear old clothes" Renton answered impatiently. "No, these were really old, from the 19th century or something. And I think they were using code".

"Code?"

"She called him "grandfather", but he was too young to be a grandfather. There was another word that had to be a code word, "gumblejack" reported the young man. "Apparently, it meant something pretty important, the way Mrs. Campbell reacted to it". Renton scowled.

"Most interesting. You were correct to bring this to our attention, Eddy".

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Far away, Fraag was growing hungry. But, he knew he had to wait. Timing was everything. He also didn't like being confined in such close quarters. It felt too much like a cage. But he had his orders.

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Renton and Baird were talking after the meeting.

"You think Campbell is up to something with the Kaltarians?" Baird asked.

"I'm not sure. Politically, David Campbell and I disagree on many things. His obsession with developing new technologies has clouded his judgment. He may be as much as a fool as Tafari. While he looks to the sky, many of our people live in dilapidated conditions. Sometimes I find it hard to believe he fought in the resistance. But I've always felt he was sincere in doing what he thought was best to help our people, in his own misguided way". Renton was pacing back and forth.

"Do you believe Eddy saw something significant?" Baird stood as still as a stone considering what Eddy had said.

"I don't know. It may be just a bunch of misunderstood words. Eddy is not exactly a trained operative. We only gave him the assignment of watching Campbell's wife because we didn't think she was very important. But, we may have misjudged her significance".

"Would he report this just to draw attention to himself, to make himself feel important?"

"Unlikely. Eddy strikes me as being quite shy" Baird answered.

"I've met Susan Campbell at a number of government functions. She's enormously intelligent, even though she tries to hide it" Renton reflected.

"Perhaps I've been obtuse. Why would such an intelligent person operate a café when there were so many other opportunities? Perhaps she and this Café Foreman is more than we suspected. We should take a closer look. Would you ask Eddy to come back in here". Eddy timidly entered.

"Yes, Mr. Renton".

"Eddy, tell us a little bit more about Mrs. Campbell and Café Foreman".

"Well, Mrs. Campbell's always very nice to everyone. She's always willing to help out, but it's Catherine who really runs things. Catherine? Catherine Foreman?"

"No. Catherine Danvers. Foreman is Mrs. Campbell's maiden name I think. Catherine is the one who actually started the restaurant. She was having trouble keeping the place open. Then Mrs. Campbell came along and offered to help. Apparently, all she asked is that the place be renamed with the name Foreman".

"How did she help? "She apparently gave Catherine some money and Mrs. Campbell helps around the restaurant for free".

"For free?"

"Yes, obviously Mrs. Danvers thinks the world of her. All Mrs. Campbell really gets is use of the cellar".

"What about the cellar?"

"Well, Mrs. Campbell uses it for storage. No one else get to go down there. I did get a glimpse. Mostly what I saw was junk. I think Mrs. Campbell said the place used to be a junkyard years ago before they built a restaurant there.

"So, Susan Campbell is a Good Samaritan and a pack rat. So what?" commented Baird

"It's probably nothing" admitted Renton. "But with the fate of the Earth at stake, I'd rather err on the side of caution. I think we should check out Café Foreman, before it opens.

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Renton, Baird and Eddy made their way down the back steps at Café Foreman.

"This is the door, Eddy?"

"Yes sir".

Renton pulled out a lock pick and opened the door with little trouble. The others were quite surprised that he possessed such as skill. Renton noticed the looks on their faces.

"Years ago, it was very useful breaking into buildings to avoid the Daleks. We were on the run a lot, to avoid them".

They entered the cellar, which was pitch black. Eddy found the switch. When the light clicked on, they found themselves face-to-face with a Dalek.

[John Darnacan]

Part 6 - An Unusual Cellar

Eddy found the light switch. When the light clicked on, they found themselves face-to-face with a Dalek. Renton and Baird immediate ran up the stairs. They knew the Dalek couldn't climb the steps.

"Where's Eddy?" They looked down the steps to see Eddy's puzzled face looking up at them.

"Mr. Renton, what's the matter?" They slowly came down the steps. Renton looked into the room. The Dalek was still there, unmoving.

"It's alright." Eddy walked up the Dalek and played a rhythm on the dome like a conga drum.

"See?" Renton and Baird laughed, more to relieve the stress than because of anything funny. Eddy was too young to appreciate the terror the Dalek struck in the hearts of older men.

"I suppose that works better than an alarm system" Renton laughed.

"I thought all the remaining Dalek casings were in museums or government warehouses" They looked around the cellar. Outside of the Dalek there was nothing remarkable about the clutter. There was a desk at one end with papers on it. Renton went to examine the papers.

"Ledgers" he concluded. "This must be where Mrs. Campbell does the bookkeeping. I feel like a damned fool". He looked back at the Dalek.

"Twice overÉ I suppose we should leave before weÕre arrested for burglary". As they were leaving, Colonel Baird looked up at the ceiling, then at the far wall.

"This is an awfully small cellar for a building this size" Baird observed. He walked along the far wall, examining it with his hands. He pushed on a wall section that opened like a door. They all stepped in the hidden room. There was more junk. But among the junk was equipment. There was a large workbench in the center of the room with a multitude of electronic parts and instruments. Beyond the bench was some sort of humming bluish-silver cylindrical device with unusually markings, seemingly supported by a two-foot long tube barely a quarter inch in diameter.

"A lot of this is Dalek technology" observed Baird. I'm not sure about the rest." He walked toward the bluish-silver device. "In fact, I'm sure this isn't". What are the Campbells up to?"

"This could be from Campbell's government labs."

Suddenly, there was a loud crash. Eddy was picking up a large sheet of metal he had just knocked over. It was an old battered sign that read 'I.M. FOREMAN, Scrap Merchant, 76 Totters Lane'.

"Eddy, I thought you said Foreman was Susan Campbell's maiden name" inquired Renton.

"Yes, that's what Catherine told me".

"Now it seems we have more questions than answers".

[John Darnacan]

Part 7 - Rendezvous with History

The next morning, the government shuttle from the Heathrow SpacePort launched on schedule. The Captain announced they would be rendezvousing with the Kaltarian starship in thirty minutes, and everyone was free to move around the cabin. Everyone was talking about the Kaltarians. What would they be like? How would they look? There was a great deal of excitement. The only one not visibly excited, the Doctor observed, was Faye.

"Anything the matter?" he asked.

"No, not a thing"

"You're being unusually subdued".

"Actually, you're awfully quiet yourself".

"What's the matter?" persisted the Doctor.

"Well, I guess the Cordon Bleu being blown to bits by the Daleks caught me off-guard".

"Don't worry it happened over 150 years after you graduated. We can nip into the TARDIS and go visit it anytime and I do mean Any Time".

"I know that, Doctor".

"Then, what's the problem?"

"It's me, actually. I've traveled with you for a while. And I've seen some nasty things. And what do I do? Collect recipes and cooking ingredients. What a frivolous person you must think I am? Well, youÕre right. I am shallow".

"No, not at all. There's a difference between facing grim situations and living a grim existence. Sometimes a bit of diversion brings a bit of sanity. I've seen evil, greed, pestilence, genocide."

"Exactly. How can you deal with that?"

"We do our best, but these things can still happen. To avoid being disheartened, we need to seek out and embrace the more pleasurable things in life, a beautiful painting, a jaunty tune played on a wooden recorder, a good book, or even a delicious meal. Personally, I relish good companionship, which thankfully you have provided". Faye smiled. "I appreciate your passion and your good heart".

"ThanksÉ So now, why are you so quiet?"

"I am simply observing the first contact between two species. I don't want to interfere". Faye laughed.

"Since when have you not interfered? I think the only one you're 'observing' is Susan. You've barely taken you eyes off of her".

"Well, it's be a long time since I've seen her. And we'll be leaving soon. As soon as this whole Kaltarian junket is over".

"Really? I'd think you'd want to hang around for a bit... Sometimes I don't understand you". She paused for a moment. "Actually, I rarely understand you, but that's beside the point. I've seen how much Susan loves you. If she's your granddaughter, why do you want leave so quickly?"

"Want and needs are two different things" said the Doctor cryptically. Throughout this entire exchange, the Doctor kept watching Susan. She was smiling with pride, as her husband was the center of attention. Various ministry colleagues were trying to get a moment with David Campbell, who seemed to be the man of the hour. David saw the Doctor and called out to him.

"Doctor, could I have a moment of your time?"

"Certainly, Minister" answered the Doctor. David made his way across the cabin and guided the Doctor into a private alcove.

"What can I do for you?"

"Actually, you've already done it. You gave me way to get away from some off those bureaucrats. Dr. Chen's a nice chap, but he can be tedious. And heÕs brought his capricious son, Mavic, with him. Wants to show him history in the making". They both smiled.

"As I said last night, Susan has told me of some of your travels. I feel stupid for not asking this sooner, but have you ever come across these Kaltarians?"

"No, I have to admit I've never met one. With millions of species through out time and space, it'll take me a while to meet everyone" quipped the Doctor.

"But Susan tells me that you've already had extensive contact with them" By telecommunication only. I'll be meeting them face-to-face for the first time today. "No, we'll be meeting them on board the Drendara.

"The Drendara?"

"Yes, apparently there are nine deities in Kaltarian culture. Their starship is named for Drendara, their goddess of naked dancing".

"Hmmm. I'm almost afraid to ask what the other goddesses are for". At that moment, a stocky man passed the alcove.

"Excuse me, Doctor. I must have a word with the minister of civil reconstruction." The Doctor nodded.

"Hello Clive. I have to admit I'm surprised to see you here. I didn't think you liked space travel".

"I don't, actually" answered Clive Renton, Minister of Civil Reconstruction.

"However, since the Kaltarians have come so far, coming up to Earth orbit was the least I could do to meet them".

"I'm glad, you're here. I know we've disagreed on various issues, but I think you will find an alliance with the Kaltarians will benefit us of all. After all, the Kaltarians were victims of the Daleks too".

"Well, I'll keep an open mind".

"Excellent".

"Just a question first. Who was that chap you were talking to?" Renton inquired.

"I don't think I've seen him before."

"Oh, the Doctor? He's Susan's...um...Uncle. Yes, Susan's Uncle.

"I see, just curious" Renton smiled. A young valet walked up to Campbell and whispered something in his ear.

"Please tell him I'll be right there" David answered and then turned back to Renton.

"Excuse me, the President has asked to see me in his cabin".

"Of course, destiny awaits" answered Renton. After David left, Baird approached Renton.

"In the spaceport, Eddy identified the two people who met with Susan Campbell. They're both on board. One of them is the fellow over there that was just talking to Campbell. The woman sitting in the corner talking to Susan Campbell is the other. According to the passenger manifest, her name appears to be Faye Austin. Both she and this Doctor were added to the delegation just this morning by Campbell personally".

"What about General Llewelyn?" asked Renton.

"Llewelyn is reluctant, but he's also not a fool. We in the military always try to err on the side of caution. I have my transponder and the General has his elite strike force standing by, just in case.

"Good."

[John Darnacan]

Part 8 - The Goddess of Naked Dancing

Vlammika entered Retallik's office on board the Drendara. Glennik says the Earth shuttle is approaching"

"Excellent" Retallik stood up from his desk.

"So you intend to continue deceiving them?" Vlammika inquired.

"Deceive? I have not lied to the humans. Everything I had said is the truth."

"But you haven't told them the full truth."

"Enough! You know why we are here. And you will play your part. Not a word of discord while the humans are here. Is that understood?"

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The orbital shuttle approached the Kaltarian starship. Since there was no standard docking configuration, the shuttle had to "land" in the Dendara's holding bay. Once inside, the large bay doors closed and the bay began to pressurize. The pressurized atmosphere hissed as the shuttleÕs airlock opened. Standing in the corridor was a tall and slender being with a fair complexion and electric blue hair. His hands were held open, palms up.

"On behalf of the Kaltarian Republic, welcome on board the Starship Drendara". David Campbell stepped forward first, holding his hands in a similar manner.

"On behalf of the peoples of Earth, thank you for your gracious invitation, Ambassador Retallik".

"Let it be recorded that the first face-to-face words between our peoples were words of friendship".

"Words" mumbled Renton. David continued.

"Ambassador Retallik, may I present the President of the Global Council of Earth, Mustafa Tafari". The elderly African statesman stepped forward

"Mr. President, I am honoured you have come".

"But it is you who have come so much farther. We are the ones who are honoured" said the President in a gracious and sincere tone.

"May I introduce my aid, Vlamika, and the captain of the Drendara, Glennik".

Vlamika was quite attractive, especially her long mane of peach-colored hair. Glennik had a stern smile, which complimented his dark burgundy hair.

David proceeded to introduce the other members of the delegation which included Dr. Chao Chen, Minister of Health, Clive Renton, Minister of Civil Reconstruction, as well as several minor aids. The Earth delegation was guided into a circular room with a raised center. From the far door came a chime. Nine naked Kaltarians entered. Minister Chen immediately covered young Mavic's eyes. Each Kaltarian had a magnificent mane of gold, green or peach hair. A soft music started playing. The naked Kaltarians began to slowly dance. The Doctor noticed the lead dancer was Vlammika herself.

"Disgusting" muttered Renton. The dancers and the music increased their tempo. Their hair started to twirl in a somewhat hypnotic manner. Minister Chen even forgot to hold his hand over Mavic's eyes. To the contrary, Renton closed his, in order to block out such a decadent display. Faye thought it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. The swirls of color seemed to change hue in soothing waves. She could hardly focus her eyes. But she didn't care. It was still beautiful, in focus or out. The waves slowed and sped up in rhythmic cycles. Out of focus, they looked like flames licking the ceiling. Faye was almost dizzy. She reached for someone's arm to steady herself. The music slowed again, this time to a stop. The dancers remained frozen in ballet-like poses. David started to clap. Other members of the delegation followed his example. The applause startled the Kaltarians, who apparently were unaccustomed to clapping. "It's a gesture of appreciation" called out the Doctor, parroting a clapping motion. Retallik smiled and nodded. Susan turned to Faye as if coming out of a trance. Faye realised she was still holding onto Susan's arm.

"Faye, I'm glad you held onto me" Susan said. "I was getting light-headed".

"Me too" Faye laughed.

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Colonel Baird walked up to the Doctor.

"Quite a performance" he said.

"Yes, quite" answered the Doctor. Baird decided to take a calculated risk.

"I understand you're a supporter of 'Gumblejack'" said Baird in hushed voice.

"Absolutely" answered the Doctor. "But I'm surprised that you're even know of gumblejack".

"Oh yes, I'm well acquainted various aspects" he lied. Then he added "Grandfather" for emphasis. The Doctor shot him a look.

"So Susan has taken you into her confidence, has she?" Encouraged, Baird decided to take a chance.

"Yes, you and the Campbells have my full support".

"Full support? Well, David's really the organizer of all this. It's his affair I suppose. I'm more of an observer. You know after meeting so many races, it's nice to let others handle the details".

The conversation was cut short by one of the naked Kaltarian dancers holding a tray of hors d'oeuvres. Apparently, the dancers were now acting as servers. The Doctor looked over at Faye who was already interrogating one of the Kaltarians about the ingredients.

"Excuse me" He walked over to Faye.

"Faye, please don't create a diplomatic incident".

"Doctor, I was only asking about the canapés". Then she laughed

"You've never worried diplomatic incidents before. It's really quite sweet, what you're doing; trying not overshadow David and Susan". The Doctor suddenly looked up at the ceiling, then down at the floor. A look of grave concern crossed his face.

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Baird returned across the room to Renton.

"I spoke with the Doctor or Grandfather or whatever he is".

"You what?" Renton replied with concern in his voice.

"I told him I was a supporter".

"Did you learn anything?"

"Not much. However, this Doctor has been in contact with other species, not just the Kaltarians".

"That's against council protocol" Renton snarled.

"At least, contact with Kaltarians was authorized by the Council. Campbell has clearly gone too far".

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"Did you feel that?" asked the Doctor.

"Feel what?" responded Faye.

"I'm not sure. It felt like my hearts went out of sync for a moment. I felt like a..." He turned towards Susan, who was already looking at him. Clearly, Susan had felt it too. She walked over quickly.

"What was that?" Susan asked.

"I didn't feel anything. What are you two talking about?"

"I think it was a hyper-spatial jump" surmised the Doctor.

[John Darnacan]

Part 9 - A Short Speech

"If that was a hyper-spatial jump, it means we've left orbit, probably the solar system as well" explained the Doctor.

"You mean we've been kidnapped?" whispered Faye.

"Let's not jump to conclusions" replied the Doctor.

"I need to alert David of the possibility" said Susan. While Susan left to find David, the Doctor approached Vlammika, who was now clothed again.

"Hello Vlammika, I'm the Doctor."

"It is a pleasure meeting you. Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Oh yes, immensely. I very much enjoyed your dancing, quite mesmerizing".

"Thank you. I have to admit we were surprised by your, what do you call it, clapping. Thank you for explaining it to us".

"My pleasure. I don't see your Captain Glennik about. You see, travel, including space travel is sort of a hobby of mine, and I had some questions about your ship... For instance, the propulsion system. Is it a quantum-singularity drive or sub-spatial induction?

"Well, I'm not an engineer, but I believe it uses a hyper-spatial drive".

"Really, based on beacon resonators or harmonic cartography?"

"My, you are knowledgeable, far more than I am". The Kaltarian chime rang again. Retallik was standing on the center platform.

"Please, may I have your attention? Again, I want to thank you all for coming this evening. It is important that we come together in an open and honest manner. Through Minister Campbell, I have learned much of Earth. Now, I want to share some our own history. Like you, we were victimized by the Daleks in our 34,046th solar cycle. So we have faced a common enemy. Our beloved planet, Kaltar is now uninhabitable because of the detonation of fusion bombs. In our conflict, we lost over nine billion Kaltarians. Our population is now only a few million. However, much of our technology has survived. Since that time...

"Doctor, do you think they have a loo on board?" Then Faye looked alarmed. "Do the Kaltarians even need them?"

"I told you to go before we left the spaceport" retorted the Doctor. He heaved a heavy sigh.

"Based on our recent exposure to Kaltarian anatomy, I'd say they should have something compatible. But please be discreet". Faye went off in her quest for a Kaltarian loo, while Retallik droned on about cooperation, friendship and mutual benefit. He turned everyone's attention to the wall, where panels retracted to reveal an exterior view of space. There was an unusually shaped object nearby, perhaps a moon to the casual observer.

"I present the Theradara" announced Retallick. "It is a yet uncompleted security station"

"It's amazing. They've taken us out of orbit and to beyond Mars in just a few minutes" commented Baird.

"A security station? No doubt Theradara is the Goddess of Veiled Ultimatums" mumbled Renton. He was watching Campbell. Campbell spoke up.

"Pardon me, Ambassador Retallik. I wish you had told us that we were leaving Earth orbit".

Was Campbell actually surprised? Or just feigning? Renton wondered.

"I apologise Minister. I just wanted to show you our gift" explained Retallik, indicating the security station.

"Gift? Why does the Trojan Horse come to mind?" mumbled Renton.

Suddenly from beyond the room came a scream.

[John Darnacan]

Part 10 — Death on the Drendara

The Doctor realised the scream was Faye's. He ran in the direction it came from, the door where Faye had left. A golden-haired Kaltarian in a red tunic followed right behind him. They entered a six-way juncture. The Doctor turned to the Kaltarian.

"Which way is the loo?

"Loo?"

"Your bodily waste disposal facility?"

"This way" he said indicating the fourth corridor. As they moved up the corridor they saw fresh blood smeared against the wall. As they came around a curve, they found Faye standing over the body of President Mustafa Tafari. Others followed down the corridor.

"Oh, my goodness!" breathed Dr. Chen. Chen quickly went to Tafari's body.

"Is there anything you can do?" asked the Kaltarian. "I'm afraid he's already dead." Renton, Retallik and the others

moved closer. "I must ask you to stand back" said the golden-haired Kaltarian. "By what authority?" growled Renton. "Kessik is the first officer... and security chief" offered Retallik. A wave rippled through his blue hair.

"I will advise Captain Glennik. Please return to the reception room" announced Kessik.

"Except for you" he added, referring to Faye. "I must interview you".

"I would like to be present during the interview" the Doctor said.

"Who are you?"

"I'm the Doctor"

"I thought he was the Doctor" pointing to Chen.

"He's A Doctor. I'm THE Doctor, sort of the definitive article, you might say". Unamused, Kessik insisted everyone but Faye must return to the reception room.

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Upon returning to the reception room, the Earth delegation congregated quickly.

"We must return to Earth and contact the vice-president immediately" announced Renton.

"I agree" answered David.

"Yes, immediately" echoed Chen.

"I'll ask Retallik to take us back immediately". David headed toward Retallik. Chen followed. Renton turned to Baird.

"So what do you think?" asked Renton

"It was either the girl or the Kaltarians" Baird concluded.

"The girl could have killed Tafari, then screamed to make it sound like she discovered the body.

"Hard to prove. All that blood" Renton lamented. "How could this girl have killed Tafari? "Mustafa was frail and old. And she might be stronger than she looks. She might be a trained assassin. I don't know. I'm not a criminologist, but I can see connections. The Kaltarians to Campbell. Campbell to this Faye and this Doctor/Grandfather person. That whole dance and Retallik's speech might have been a distraction, to allow her the time to kill him".


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"Minister Campbell...David, I am terribly upset by the death of your president. I can't imagine how such a thing could happen". His mane rippled as his voice quivered with emotion. "After all weÕve tried to build between us".

"Ambassador" interrupted David. "I think under the circumstances it would be appropriate to return to Earth orbit".

"Of course, of course, I will advise Captain Glennik immediately. Please excuse me." Vlammika followed Retallik out of room.

Vlammika followed Retallik down the corridor to the bridge.

"You lied to them" she said.

"How so?"

"You said you couldn't imagine who killed their president. But you can imagine, can't you?"

"It's what the humans call a figure of speech. We don't have time for this!' he said impatiently.

"I need to find Glennik".


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When Retallik got to the bridge, he was informed that Captain Glennik was on his way to the reception room. He was frustrated at having to hunt for the Captain. When he got back to the others, he found Glennik talking to Kessik.

"The humans want to return to Earth. And I think we should oblige them" announced Retallik.

"I'm afraid we can't" answered Glennik.

"Why?" spat Retallik.

"We can't locate the signal from the hyper-spatial beacon. It's gone dead. We can't return to Earth".

[John Darnacan]

Part 11 - Isolation & Investigation

Renton approached the two Kaltarians. "So when are we getting back to Earth?" Renton demanded.

"I'm afraid we can't. At least not immediately" Glennik answered.

"What? Why not?" Renton bellowed. "We can't locate the signal from our hyper-spatial beacon. It's gone dead."

"I'm not sure I understand".

"Our ship uses hyper-spatial beacons to jump from one part of space to another. We can't seem to get a signal from the beacon located in your solar system. And, we can't jump back to your solar system without it".

"Back to our solar system? What rubbish! We only just beyond the orbit of Mars. Even our slowest ships can make the journey in a few weeks.

"I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding, Minister. It's true our hyper-spatial beacon is just beyond the orbit of Mars. We jumped 50,000 light years from Earth using the beacon located on board the security station." There was a gasp. Several others had been listening to this conversion, including Colonel Baird, David Campbell, Susan and the Doctor. Retallik realized that he had inadvertently addressed the crowd.

"Can't you send another beacon?" asked Chen.

"I'm afraid it took eight of your years to get that beacon to your solar system. And that was one we diverted from a nearby star cluster. It would take us another 30 years to get another beacon to Earth" explained Glennik.

"Hyper-spatial beacon resonators, as I thought" murmured the Doctor to himself. Retallik wished Glennik hadn't been so candid.

"Obviously, Captain Glennik and his crew will do their best to remedy the situation" Retallik declared.

"Clearly, we are dealing with both a murderer and saboteur. Security Chief Kessik will sort this out, I assure you."

"We must at least send a message to our government apprising them of our situation" said David.

"I'm afraid our beacon also served as a communications relay. We are out of contact until we can re-establish a signal with the beacon". Everyone's heart sank.

"For everyone's safety, it would be best if everyone stayed here, in this room".

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Renton noticed Baird standing alone in the corner of the reception room. He approached him. Baird, sensing a presence, stiffened and then relaxed, realizing it was Renton approaching.

"Good" Baird whispered "Stand where you are." Renton didn't quite understand what Baird was doing. He was removing little pieces from various parts of his uniform and assembling them. Renton slowly realized it was a small hand weapon. He marveled at Baird's ingenuity. He was using Renton to block the view of what he was doing.

"With the President dead and the rest of us seemingly being taken hostage, it's time to be prepared for the worst" said Baird.

"Do you really think we are hostages? Wouldn't they be threatening us? Or making demands?"

"It's easier to manage us if they keep us confused. They may be making demands of Earth as we speak. Or it's part of a plan for Campbell to seize control of the government. I don't know, but it's time to get some answers, real answers", he said as he finished assembling his pistol and looked out the viewport at the gigantic security station.

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The Doctor approached Kessik. "Hello again, Kessik"

"Hello, Doctor" Kessik answered stiffly.

"I thought I might be of assistance in your investigation".

"No offence Doctor, but how do I know you are not the murderer?"

"I expect you're a superb security chief, but how many murders have you investigated?" A wave rippled through Kessik golden hair.

"Actually none, I must confess".

"Well, I've looked into a crime or two. As for my guilt or innocence, I was the one running toward Faye's scream with you. The murderer would most likely be running away, wouldn't he?"

"I suppose you're right."

"See? One minute and I've already cleared one suspect. Think what I could do with five minutes. In fact, I think I can clear another one. If Faye was the murderer, why would she scream and draw attention to herself?"

'To misdirect us perhaps" The Doctor scowled.

"OK, I'll give you that one. By the way, where is Faye? "She is in a security... facility".

"Is that really necessary?"

"Section 45, Subsection delta -- 'Anyone found at a crime scene is consider a suspect prime and must be detained in a security facility until an investigation is completed" recited Kessik.

"I checked the regulations. Don't worry, she's quite comfortable. I've seen to it personally".

"Do you mind if I visit her?"

"I don't think that would be appropriate, but I'll check the regulations". He considered the Doctor for a moment. "Do you have any other ideas about the investigation?"

"Well, it seems to me that the junction we ran through affords a number of nice escape routes. I'd start there for clues".

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"That Doctor and the Kaltarian security chief are getting rather chummy, aren't they?" commented Renton.

"The Campbell-Kaltarian connection gets stronger by the minute" responded Baird.

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Kessik and the Doctor were examining the adjoining corridors. The Doctor seemed particularly interested in examining the grill of an airshaft, believing it might have been a getaway route for the killer. He was trying to see if he could remove it.

"So, did you see much action during the Dalek war?" asked the Doctor.

"Excuse me?"

"Were you on the front lines during the Kaltarian-Dalek war?" the Doctor said as tried to pry the grill harder.

"No. No, I was... too young" he reflected.

"But I remember the bloodshed though... Blood everywhere".

"Ah".

The Doctor gave up trying to pry open the grill. When he turned back, something heavy came crashing down on his head.

[John Darnacan]

Part 12 - Breathless

Along with the others, Susan was listening to Renton raving on about the situation. She suddenly felt quite anxious. Perhaps it was the tension combined with Renton hysterical ranting. She had not seen the Doctor for a while, although she remembered him leaving the reception hall with Kessik. She headed toward the corridor.

"Susan, where are you going?" asked David.

"I need to find my grandfather" she insisted.

"Right now?'

"Yes, I have a bad feeling".

"Susan, I know you've missed him. But we are in the middle of a diplomatic crisis; well a crisis in general. I don't think you should be running off by yourself".

"That's why I need to find him. He's very good in these situations." With that, she ran off down the corridor. Frustrated, David followed her. Her desire to find the Doctor was turning to panic. As they approached the end one of the corridors, there was a continuous hissing sound. It seemed to be coming from around a corner. As Susan rounded the corner, she tripped over Kessik's body.

"Oh no!" David knelt down to examine Kessik.

"He's dead. Or at least I think he is" he added remembering that he wasn't an expert. The hissing changed pitch. It seemed to be coming from the airlock behind them. Susan stood up to look through the port.

"Oh no, Grandfather's inside! The airlock is decompressing!" David tried to access the control panel next to the hatch. The Doctor was leaning against the bulkhead. His eyes were glazed over. Susan wasn't sure if he was even conscious. She looked over and realized David was pushing the wrong buttons. She reached over quickly pressed a blue button and pulled a level down. The airlock repressurized and the hatch opened. David pulled the Doctor out.

"Grandfather, are you all right?" He didn't respond. "Grandfather!" she screamed, patting his face. He coughed. "Yes, just a little out of breath. That's all" he answered, his eyes not yet open.

"Now I know why nature abhors a vacuum". Vlammika came in looking for the Campbells. She saw Kessik's body laying on the floor. She ran to him. Kessik apparently was still alive, but unconscious, with a long, narrow gash across his leg. Vlammika reached the control panel and pressed an orange button"

"Medical emergency at Airlock 3" she yelled. She looked up at the others. "Why didn't you do something?" she asked accusingly.

"We thought he was dead. Besides we were pulling the Doctor out of the airlock. Somebody tried to kill him too!" The medical team came bustling down the corridor, followed by Captain Glennik and Ambassador Retallik.

"By the Nine Dieties, how could this happen? Minister are you all right?"

"I'm fine. Someone tried to space the Doctor, as well as kill Kessik".

"Yes, but I but I'm feeling my second wind. I'm ready to go to my cell now"

"I beg your pardon?" asked Retallik.

"Section 45, Subsection delta -- 'Anyone found at a crime scene is consider a suspect prime and must be detained in a security facility until an investigation is completed. Kessik recited the regulation to me. You know, rules are rules".

"Is that necessary?" asked Retallik, looking to Glennik.

"All three of them?" Clearly he was disturbed at the idea of the locking up his diplomatic counterpart.

"No, only me" interrupted the Doctor.

"I was the one found at the scene, by them. Therefore, I'm the suspect prime. I mean as a guest, I don't want to break any of your rules. Besides with all this going on, who wouldn't feel safer in a good solid cell, eh?"

The medical team carried Kessik out on a floating stretcher, escorted by Vlammika.

"Well, which way to my cell?" Then he turned to David and Susan, and said in a sharply serious tone,

"Stay close together. No wandering about". Glennik led him off, not quite sure why he was doing this.

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Not being a senior government minister, Retallik and the other Kaltarians paid little or no attention to Colonel Baird. This enabled him to slip away unnoticed, with a little help from Renton's ranting diversion. He was surprised that there were no sentries in the corridors. He discreetly moved down towards what he believed to be ship's bridge or control centre. He kept his newly assembled weapon in his pocket, out of sight. He quickly ducked into a side corridor as two Kaltarians passed by, one with blue hair, the other with red. They seemed somewhat nervous.

Baird approached a large hatch to what he believed to be a control centre. There seemed to a fair amount of activity inside. Various Kalterians were urgently checking their equipment. Glennik was there, questioning many of them. Then Baird noticed a bluish-silver cylindrical device with unusually markings, seemingly supported by a two-foot long tube barely a quarter inch in diameter. It was exactly the type of device he and Renton had discovered in the cellar of Café Foreman.

[John Darnacan]

Part 13 - Accommodations

Glennik and the Doctor walked down the corridor side by side.

"So how are your efforts coming with contact with the hyper-spatial beacon?" asked the Doctor.

"Not well" Glennik groaned. "We can't pick up even a trace of the beacon's tachyonic carrier wave".

"Oh, that's a shame. Have you ever considered developing hyperspatial harmonic cartography?"

"I am not a hyperspatial expert, but I'll suggest it to our navigator. I must say you seem quite knowledgeable".

"I'm well traveled". They came to a hatch with a triangular window in it. Glennik opened the hatch. "Your ...accommodations" said Glennik regretfully. He couldn't bring himself to say 'cell'.

"Thank you" The Doctor entered and found Faye engrossed in various papers she had spread across a table. Apparently, she had not heard him come in. She turned to a tray of food that was set next to her. She picked up what looked like a piece of purple cheese, smelled it, took a small bite and looked back to her papers.

"You know, when I usually get thrown into a cell — and I've been thrown into several — I usually just get bread and water."

"Doctor" answered Faye, looking slightly embarrassed. "I see you've held up well under the grueling conditions of solitary confinement".

"So what's happening out there?"

"Oh, not much. Kessik was attacked and someone tried to shove me out of an airlock."

"What?" exclaimed Faye. "Are you alright? Is Kessik all right?"

"Oh, I'm fit as a fiddle. Kessik's still alive, but not looking well at all". The Doctor picked up some of the papers Faye was reading. Faye's face reddened. "This was what I was talking about. Murder, attempted murder, and I'm sitting here comparing recipes! Arrrgh, I AM shallow. It's exactly what I was talking about on the shuttle".

"They've given you access to their main computer?"

"Well, only the recipes and other unimportant things. Kessik was very sweet. He was ready to bend over backwards for me. Apparently, he didn't really believe I murdered the President. It was just some regulation".

"Yes, Section 45, Subsection delta"

"Yeah, that's the one. He felt really bad about having to confine me. He even brought me food. And when I told him I was a chef, he gave access to their menus through the computer. They have other 50,000 recipes. And as I had nothing else to do..."

"Actually, I think you may have done exactly the right thing" the Doctor said, looking around the room. The Doctor approached the computer terminal.

"I wonder what else they have here".

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Baird was circuitously working his way around the ship. It was a large ship. He noticed there a large number of crew quarters, far more than seemed to be needed by the crew. Perhaps they were for soldiers already deployed in the solar system. Baird wondered whether a battle with the Kalatrians was raging at home. Were General Llewellyn's forces equal to the task? It didn't matter, he reminded himself. He had to focus on his reconnaissance. He passed another room. He looked through the triangular window. He observed Faye and the Doctor working at a Kaltarian computer. He tried to open the hatch, but it was locked. No matter he thought. He had seen enough.

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The Doctor played with the computer terminal further.

"Hmmm. Interesting. I've been able to access the planetary statistics of Kaltar."

"What good will that do? They said it was an uninhabitable planet now. Do you think they lied about that?"

"I don't know. Probably not". He took out a piece of paper and started scribbling, mumbling to himself. "Solar mass... distance from the sun . . . planetary mass . . . planetary rotation. . . interesting". The Doctor began accessing some other information.

"Ah, the medical library... hmmm... nothing on life span... Oh look we've got a live feed from the their medical facility. They're treating Kessik".

"That's a nasty wound. Poor Kessik! He's so sweet. I hope he pulls through".

"Oh my, I should have seen it before. Faye, do you recognise anything familiar about that wound?"

"Looks like a triangular bite"

"Was it the same wound with the president?"

"I don't know. Everything was so bloody".

"No matter. I think we may now know who the murderer is".

"Really who?"

"Take a closer look at Kessik's injury. Look familiar?" Slowly understanding dawned on Faye's face.

"You're joking?" The Doctor's stare assured her he was not.

[John Darnacan]

Part 14 - A Good Parlour Game

Baird returned to the reception room. Many of the delegation were trying to sleep in chairs. The lighting had been dimmed. The Kaltarians offered them all sleeping quarters, but David Campbell insisted that they all stay together. Renton had supported this because he wanted to keep an eye on the Campbells. Baird quietly went over to where Renton was. While Renton appeared to be sleeping, Baird could tell he was pretending. Baird sat down next him.

"So did you find out anything?"

"There's no doubt the Campbells and his people are working with the Kalatarians. Remember that bluish device in the restaurant cellar? Renton nodded.

"Apparently, it was Kaltarian-made. I just saw another one on their bridge. And I saw Faye Austin and this Doctor, accessing the Kaltarian's computer".

"What do we do now?"

"I think it's time to do something un-diplomatic".

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"I think it time to return to the others" announced the Doctor.

"Excuse me, Doctor. There's one problem with that...the lock." With that, the Doctor flipped a handle and pushed the hatch open.

"How did you do that?"

"Well, when you been thrown into as many cells as I have..."

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When the Doctor and Faye returned the reception room, everyone in the delegation was standing around Baird who was holding his gun to Retallik's head.

"Ah, the rest of the conspirators have joined us!" Baird said with excitment. "We know about how you've been in secret contact with the Kaltarians". He looked toward David Campbell. "What did they promise you?"

"I don't what you're talking about" insisted David.

"Perhaps I'm pointing my weapon at the wrong member of the conspiracy." Baird turned his gun toward Susan.

"Are you mad?" yelled David as he put himself between them.

"Am I? I know all about your Operation Gumblejack!" The Doctor laughed. Everyone turned toward to him in shock. "Ah yes, the Doctor. Or is it Grandfather? Or Uncle? What's so funny?" The Doctor stepped forward.

"Well, Gumblejack. Because, you're fishing."

"Well if I am, I'm about to reel in the big one!" He turned back to David Campbell, pushed him aside, grabbed Susan by the arm and put the gun to her head.

"I think you're very tense. You need to relax".

"Don't toy with me Doctor. I saw you and Ms. Austin accessing their computer. I want answers".

"I do too. That's why we were breaking into their computer." Baird paused at the thought of this new information.

"How do I know you were actually hacking into their files?"

"You don't" answered the Doctor. "That's the thing, isn't it? There's no way of telling" he continued as he walked to the opposite side of small crowd. "It makes everyone so suspicious, all this cloak and dagger".

"Cloak and dagger?"

"I'm sorry. It's an old 20th century expression". With Baird distracted by the Doctor, David grabbed the Colonel's gun.

"Baird, watch out!" yelled Renton. Baird countered with wrist turn that freed his hand, but threw himself off balance. At that point, Susan bit his wrist. Baird screamed in pain as David shoved Baird's arm, knocking the gun in the air. The Doctor caught the pistol midair, almost nonchalantly. As the rest of the delegation didn't know the Doctor, there was a tense silence.

"You know there's an awful lot of tension here. Am I wrong? Do you know what we need? A good parlour game." Faye smiled. Everyone else looked at him in disbelief.