The Phoenix Destinies [Complete Story]

[John Darnacan]

Part 15 - Circle of Questions

"Faye would you gather some chairs?" called out the Doctor. Faye pulled chairs from along the wall into a circle. A couple of the nervous delegates helped.

"Yes, in a circle. Quite nice. Now, the game is called 'Circle of Questions'. It's wonderful ice-breaker."

"Ice-breaker?" asked a very nervous Retallik.

"I'm sorry. I tend to lapse into 20th century vernacular. It means a method of getting to know one another. Now, I don't know if everyone needs to play, but certainly the ministers, our host Ambassador Retallik, Captain Glennik and of course, Colonel Baird has already expressed a very strong curiosity." Everyone was quite still as the tension was quite palpable. The Doctor realised the pistol was still in his hand.

"Ah, Colonel Baird, you know I think this weapon makes everyone just a little bit nervous. Would you mind putting it away? In your pocket perhaps?"

He offered the weapon to Baird, handle first. Baird slowly reached for it and took it. Everyone gave a quiet gasp, expecting Baird to point his weapon at someone.

"Thank you. Come on everyone".

Faye sat down in one of the chairs, as did the Doctor. Baird put the gun in his pocket and crossed to the side of the circle and sat in a chair next to Renton. The others took seats except Retallik who looked visibly upset. The only remaining seat was next to Baird who once again possessed a gun. Retallik approached Glennik, who suddenly realised the reason for Retallik's discomfort, and moved over one seat so he would be between Baird and the Ambassador.

"We can't forget Susan Campbell" suggested Renton.

"Me?" exclaimed Susan.

"Don't be shy. You were very good at Charades at last year's Christmas party" replied Renton.

Susan looked at the Doctor. He just shrugged, so she took a pulled up a chair next to the Doctor. Now the circle was complete with the players in the following order form clockwise from the Doctor's seat: Chen, David Campbell, Renton, Baird, Glennik, Retallik, Faye, and Susan.

"Excellent" the Doctor intoned. "Faye will be our judge, sort of a game show quizmaster of ceremonies. Why don't you tell our players the rules?"

"Everyone gets to ask one question at a time of any member of the group" Faye explained.

"Anyone asked a question must answer truthfully".

"Why should we be sure everyone is telling the truth?" asked Renton.

"Well, I have this" The Doctor pulled an odd little device out of his pocked and placed it on the small table in the middle.

"It's a lie detector" said the Doctor as he buried his hands in his pockets and sat down again.

"Faye, would you favor us with a little lie?"

"I saw a purple elephant dancing on the top of Big Ben yesterday" A rather unpleasant screech sounded from the device.

"What was that?" asked Glennik.

"I said it was a lie detector. Faye lied, it detected."

"Doctor, why don't your start us off?" Faye suggested.

"Why thank you. I think I will" He turned to Retallik.

"How long is the average Kaltarian lifespan?" Retallik looked at him strangely before replying.

"Twenty one solar cycles"

"That's it? That's your question?" asked Chen incredulously.

"Yes, it is" replied the Doctor."

"You're next Minster Campbell" Faye announced.

"What about my question?" Chen complained. "You already asked it. You asked the Doctor if that was his question. I'm sorry, one question per turn." Chen sputtered, but sat down. It was now David's turn.

"I also have a question for Ambassador Retallik. What was you true reason for bringing us here?"'

"As I tried to explain already, to present you with a gift, our security station" explained Retallik. "It was not our intention to strand you here, I swear". Renton stared hatefully at Retallik.

"Then, are we really stranded here?"

"It the strictest sense, no. We could jump to other beacon locations, but they would be farther away from Earth." It was Colonel BairdÕs turn. He also stared at Retallik, who was steeling himself for another hostile question, but instead Baird turned to the Doctor.

"So, what exactly is 'GumbleJack'?

"It's a fish, quite a delicacy, when prepared correctly". Baird looked at the lie detector, but it remained silent". Confused by this, the Kaltarians looked at one another. Suddenly Glennik realised it was his turn.

"Doctor, you spoke briefly of something called harmonic cartography. Will that enable us to make the jump to Earth?"

"I'm not sure, it might. I'd have to see your navigation and drive systems. Perhaps weÕll take a peak after we've finished here". It was finally Retallik's turn.

"Minister Renton, why did you think we had jumped to Mars orbit?"

"We detected a Kaltarian craft there. When you showed us the station, I assumed that was the craft. Identifying spacecraft is not my forte. My job is to rebuild civil infrastructure" spat Renton. Retallik turned to Susan, but she passed on her turn. Once again, the Doctor focused on Retallik who seemed to be bearing the brunt of the questions.

"By the Kaltarian reckoning of time, what is the current date?" Retallik looked relieved to able to answer such an inconsequential question.

"Kaltar is in its 34,089th solar cycle".

"Are we supposed to be asking such trivial questions?" exclaimed Chen.

"Triviality is in the ear of the beholder" answered the Doctor, as he was counting something on his fingers.

"Your question, Minister Campbell" said Faye in her most official voice. She was starting to enjoy her role.

"What about my question?"

"Asked and answered" she shot back. The doctor gave a reproachful glance. Chen sighed, not believing he had stupidly wasted another question.

"This security station, why did you offer us such as an extravagant gift upon our first contact?" asked David.

"To show our good faith as a symbol of the blossoming friendship between our two peoples." His blue hair rippled in waves. Suddenly, the lie detector screeched. "OK, OK" he countered.

"We wished to share the station with you for our mutual security". Everyone looked at the detector waiting for a reaction. None came. Renton broke the tense silence.

"Ambassador, have you or any of your people ever been to Earth? Before today, I mean."

"No. As far as I know, no Kaltarian has ever been in your solar system before".

"If no Kaltarian has ever been near Earth" began Baird. "Then how did Kaltarian technology end up in the cellar of Café Foreman, Mrs. Campbell?" Everyone was shocked into silence. Even the Doctor, who was still counting on his fingers, stopped.

"How would you know what's in my cellar?"

"I believe it is my turn to ask the question? Isn't it?" He looked to Faye, who nodded. "And it is your turn to answer, truthfully. There's a blue cylindrical device in the cellar. And I want to know where you got it".

"Very well" she stammered. "I've been doing research on reverse-engineering Dalek technology. Whenever the scientists in the ministry labs get stumped, I have a go at it. I have a different perspective, that's all. But I don't know why you say I have Kaltarian technology. As far as I know, it's all Dalek technology" he said in an emotional voice, looking down at the floor. She couldn't look at her grandfather. It was Glennik's turn again. He was confused by this new information.

"Why do you think her device is Kaltarian technology?"

"I saw the same type of device on your bridge" Baird answered. It was Retallik's turn. He was so distracted he passed on his question. Susan had composed herself by now.

"Colonel Baird, what do you think happened to the beacon?"

"How would I know? Personally, I think they are lying" he grumbled.

"I am simply asking your opinion, your thoughtful opinion. If the Kaltarians are not lying, what do you think might have happened to the beacon?" Baird stared back at Susan, not in malicious way, but as if lost in thought.

"I suppose it may have been destroyed by General Llewelyn's strike force. They may have considered our sudden disappearance an attack."

"Interesting" commented the Doctor. "It may have been Earth that stranded us, not the Kaltarians. Well that aside, I have one last question for the Ambassador. How many Kaltarians did the Grenzalki kill?"

"Over nine billion!" Retallik blurted out. Then suddenly he realised what he had said.

"I thought it was the Daleks that killed nine billion Kaltarians?" said David. Chen realised it was his turn. He was finally going to ask an important question.

"Who are these Grenzalki?" he called out.

[John Darnacan]

Part 16 - Something New on the Menu

"Who are these Grenzalki?" Chen pleaded.

"The Grenzalki are a race of brutal warriors. Apparently, it was they, not the Daleks, that decimated the Kaltarian race" explained the Doctor.

"How did you know?" asked Retallik.

"Ah well. One must do the math, I always say. You said the Daleks attacked in solar cycle 34,046. Since this is 34,089, it means 42 solar cycles has passed since the Daleks attacked. When accessing your computer, I was able to obtain planetary data about Kaltar, such as planetary mass, solar mass, and distance from your sun. From that it was a simple set of calculations to determine that one Kaltarian solar cycle was equal to approximately 3.8 Earth years. And since Humans and Kaltarians have approximately the same life spa, it would have been impossible for Kessik to be a child when the Daleks attacked Kaltar, since the Daleks attacked almost 160 Earth years ago".

"Yes, yes, it's true. The Daleks attacked a very small colony long ago, barely worth mentioning in our long history. You are correct" Retallik admitted. "The Grenzalki are the enemy we truly fear. Apparently, they find Kaltarians particularly tasty. They've hunted us for decades".

"Why did you lie to us?" asked David.

"The hyperspatial beacon is also a probe and transmitter. We monitored your transmissions for years before making contact. We found that humans were more sympathetic if others suffered from the same adversity that they had".

"I'm sorry" interrupted Renton.

"But none of this explains who killed the President, or who attacked Kessik and the Doctor".

"I suspect there's a Grenzalki assassin on board" offered the Doctor.

"Why would you think that?" asked David. "Faye, would you care to enlighten everyone?"

"Certainly Doctor. The Grenzalki have a very distinctive triangular bite, exactly the type in Kessik's leg" Faye explained. "I suspect if you examine the President's body, you'll find similar bites. The Grenzalki are cannibals."

"Why did they kill the President? Are they like the Daleks? Trying to conquer Earth?" asked Chen.

"I don't think they're particularly interested in Earth, at least not yet" .

"Then, why kill the President?" asked Susan.

"Do you have any idea why, Ambassador?" asked the Doctor. Retallik stared at the floor. Vlammika stepped forward.

"To prevent us from establishing an alliance with Earth. To create distrust. In that regard, I guess they've been quite successful. Having an ally would make it harder for them to hunt us". Retallik looked up at her angrily.

"I'm sorry, Retallik. It is long past the time for truth."

"And what is the truth?" David picked up the lie detector and angrily pointed it at her.

"There's no need for that, Minister" said Vlammika flatly.

"The Grenzalki wiped out our entire military and most of our civilization. They held hideous cannibalistic rituals. We are even told their rituals had strict ettiquette". Vlammika walked over to the view port.

"This security station is the last of our military infrastructure. It only escaped destruction because it wasn't powered up, and therefore had no energy signature. Unfortunately, most of our military technicians were killed. So even this vast station was of little help in defending ourselves. Then, from one of our long range probes, the beacon, we discovered a race on Earth that overthrew the powerful Daleks, and have rebuilt much of their world. So our leaders.." she put her hand on Retallik's crestfallen shoulder. "...chose to forge an alliance with your resilient race. But they believed you would only ally yourselves with us if we appeared strong".

"No long-term alliance can be based on lies" said David angrily.

"You are quite right" Vlammika answered. "I did not agree with this strategy, but I am only a subordinate".

"Excuse me" interrupted Baird. "But from all this I take it we have a Grenzalki assassin on-board who is willing to kill both Humans and Kaltarians. I think we need to deal with that issue. Captain Glennik, I would be willing to join your security team in hunting down this Grenzalki". Glennik looked rather uncomfortable. "I don't have a security team"

"What? What about Kessik? Doesn't he have subordinates?

"Kessik was our ship's purser. The Drendara was a pleasure cruise vessel. The Grenzalki destroyed all our military or governmental ships".

"That's why there are so many living quarters" reflected Baird.

"Then, I guess it's up to me". Baird pulled out his weapon.

"I'm afraid that weapon will be of little use against a Grenzalki. They have very thick hides"

"Then, we're done for" said Renton.

"Perhaps not. But I'll need your help. You'll need to work with Captain Glennik to create a secure holding cell. As you see, they've no experience will such things. I'll tend to the Grenzalki".

"What's your plan?"

"I'm still working it out, but we'll need a secure cell once we've captured it. They're extremely muscular." He turned to Vlammika, "I'll need a way to address the entire ship and some of your finest tea."

"Tea, Doctor?" asked Faye incredulously. "At a time like this?"

"Yes, and you need to get everyone out of this room. The Grenzalki will be coming soon."

"How do you know that?"

"The Grenzalki book in the TARDIS was more than a cookbook. It was really a book on Grenzalki customs. Now, get everyone out".

"Doctor, I'd like to stand with you against the Grenzalki" said David. "I fought the Daleks with you and I'll fight these Grenzalki". David held up the Doctor's device. "After all, without you and your lie detector, we'd still be at each other throats"

"This?" He took the device out of David's hand.

"I'm afraid I lied about the lie detector. This is just a TARDIS audio circuit that responds to my sonic screwdriver" The Doctor pulled the screwdriver out of his pocket."

"Then, when it screeched, it was really you." The Doctor nodded. "How did you know Retallik was lying?"

"Haven't you noticed? Whenever Kaltarians lie or are very emotional, their hair ripples. Something to keep in mind in future negotiations. Now, I must do this alone. And I'd prefer you stay close to Susan". Vlammika returned through the commotion of everyone leaving.

"Here's the communicator, Doctor. Just press the purple button, and everyone or everything on the ship will be able to hear you. And your tea is on the table".

"Good. Now get everyone out of here immediately." The Doctor pressed the purple button on the communicator. "This is the Doctor". His voice reverberated around the ship, which had extraordinary acoustics.

"I am addressing the Grenzalki assassin on-board. I am alone in the reception hall. As your prey, I invoke the rite of Gren-Merok..... I offer myself as your next meal."

[John Darnacan]

Part 17 - Cannibal Etiquette

The lights in the reception hall were now dimmed. The Doctor sat quietly. He had set up the Kaltarian tea service on the small table. He heard footsteps, surprisingly light footsteps for a creature so large.

"Come in before your tea gets cold" suggested the Doctor in a calm voice. A silhouette of the creature moved into the doorway, a seven-foot tall silhouette.

"You seem very calm for a being who is about to be eaten alive" came a low growling voice.

"I invoke the challenge of Gren-Merok, to see if you are worthy of the nutrition my body will provide."

"You know of our rites and etiquette?"

"I do. I offer the Tea of Inquiry". The Grenzalki walked into the light revealing his green leathery skin, not quite scaly, more like sandpaper. His head large held bulging beetle-black eyes, and the sharp triangular jaw. He sat down on the chair the Doctor had set opposite the tea table.



"I am Fraag, of the 4th Carnivore Elite".

"I am the Doctor, Time Lord of Gallifrey."

The reptilian warrior growled "I am surprised you know our ways, but still the Rite of Gren-Merok is usually for elder Grenzalki, the old who are ready to die".

"I'm older than I look"

"You are not of Earth?"

"No, and I am surprised the Grenzalki leaders sent such an incompetent on such an important mission".

"When the Rite of Inquiry is complete, I shall enjoy hearing you scream as I chew on your bones" Fraag hissed angrily.

"You'll find my flesh quite bitter, despite my sweet disposition" replied the Doctor.

"Is this a Rite of Inquiry? Or simply desperation?" Fraag smiled, showing his white, razor-sharp teeth.

"How long have you been on board?" asked the Doctor.

"I attached my cloaked pod to this ship before it jumped to the Humans' solar system?"

"When did leave your pod and enter the Drendara?"

"As soon as the ship jumped to this location. I entered the ship through the airlock that I threw you into. Now end this; your delaying tactics are making me hungry."

"Well, that means you were crammed into that pod for at least a couple days" the Doctor continued unperturbed. Fraag nodded. "Probably getting quite hungry, so hungry that when it came time for you to assassinate the president, you just could help yourself. You just had to taste him, several tastes by the look of him".

"So what?" Fraag asked dismissively.

"Well, I can't say I blame you. If I were a cannibal, I might have done the same. However, you bit Kessik, leaving your telltale sign. The 'Right of First Bite' claiming him as your future meal. Although as there are no other Grenzalki on board who might challenge you for prey, it was a bit uncalled for."

"So you know our ways. How do think that will protect you?" Fraag growled.

"Your mission was to create distrust and block a Kaltarian-Human alliance. Instead your incompetence exposed you and your mission! The Kaltarians have already transmitted a report to Earth. You're laughable. You're just the sort who would eat your meat with a salad fork!" Fraag stood up growling. This apparently was a deep insult.

"Sit down! You have dishonoured your ancestors, your people and the 4th Carnivore Elite!"

Fraag sat down, demoralized. The Doctor was right; he had failed through not be able to control his appetite, a failure of Grenzalki military discipline. There was a time to feast and a time to fast. And he violated the Grenzalki principles.

"I claim you as MY prey under the Rite of Gren-Merok" announced the Doctor. Fraag bowed his head. The Doctor pressed a blue button on the Kaltarian communicator.

"This is the Doctor."

"Yes, Doctor" It was Vlammika's voice that came out of the small communicator. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. I'd like Colonel Baird and a Kaltarian 'security team' to escort my Grenzalki prisoner to the holding cell". Within a minute, Baird ran in to see the bizarre sight of this huge alien drinking tea subserviently in front of the Doctor.

"Take him to your holding cell, Colonel. I'll eat him later." Fraag slowly stood up revealing his full height.

"You'll eat him later?" Baird asked incredulously.

"Yes, come on. We don't have all day." Baird led Fraag and three very terrified Kaltarians out the doorway. The Kaltarians' hair was rippling like there was a strong wind.

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

The Doctor arrived on the Drendara's bridge. Vlammika had reported his success to the bridge crew. They all clapped in applause, although some didn't clap very well, being an alien custom to them.

Members of the Earth delegation entered the bridge when they heard the Doctor was there. Susan ran and hugged the Doctor. This caused the Kaltarians to clap again. The humans joined in this time. The Kaltarians eagerly watched the human clapping technique.

"We're not out of the soup yet. Now, we have to figure out how to get back to Earth". The Doctor turned to Faye.

"I need you to make up a nice marinade".

"What?"

"Then, I need you to marinade the Grenzalki". The room went silent.

----------

To be Continued...

[John Darnacan]

Part 18 - Serial Numbers

"Doctor, you're not really contemplating eating him?"

"Well . . . no, only as a last resort, but he can't know that. As long as Fraag believes I'm exerting my rights under Grenzalki custom, we can hold him at bay. Otherwise, he's still quite dangerous. I expect Colonel Baird's cell may not be strong enough to hold him otherwise. So, make a good strong marinade. The more pungent, the more convincing it will be". Vlammika agreed to help Faye, while many of the Earth delegation finally took up the Kaltarian offer of sleeping quarters.

Baird had turned a section in the cargo hold near the landing bay into a cell for Fraag. The Colonel selected this area because the walls were reinforced in case a ship in the landing bay exploded. Baird was standing guard outside the cargo hatch, while training his new Kaltarian 'security team'. They were attentive, but he could tell their heart wasn't in it. Faye and Vlammika arrived carrying a large container of marinade.

"My god, that's strong" declared Baird, referring to the smell.

"I'm supposed to marinade the Grenzalki".

"Yes, the Doctor explained that you would be doing that. I'll go in with you" Baird pulled out his pistol again.

"Just in case".

For the first time, Faye was grateful for Baird's weapon. Baird opened the hatch to reveal a standing Fraag, looking quite intimidating. Upon seeing the container of marinade, he quietly laid down on the floor, making it easier to pour the marinade over his seven-foot long body. Faye felt sorry for him for a moment, until she remembered the President Tafari and Kessik. As she poured the marinade along his body, it seemed to have a chemical reaction with his body, yielding an even more pungent aroma. This gave her another reason to want to get out of the cell as soon as possible. As she headed away from the cargo hold, she wondered whether Fraag would be offered a last meal. But then, she has to remind herself that he wasn't actually going to be eaten.

She hoped.

The Doctor, Glennik and his crew worked on the bridge through the night. In the morning, Susan brought in a breakfast tray. The Doctor looked amazed. "I'm surprised it isn't Faye bringing in the tray".

"I think she's still tending to Kessik. She's apparently has become fond of him. They appear to be discussing recipes last night. I think she trying to take his mind off his leg. How are you doing here?"

"Not well. We can't establish contact with the beacon, which supports the hypothesis that it's been destroyed. And I'm afraid it'll months to construct a hyperspatial navigation system based on harmonic cartography."

"Instead of the beacon, couldn't you use a tachyon field generator?"

"The only tachyon field generator on Earth would be in the TARDIS, but it's so well shielded, we wouldn't be able to lock onto it".

"Well, there may be another one" Susan suggested, pointing at the bluish-silver device." The Doctor paused, looked at the device, then back at Susan.

"Is that what Baird was referring to? In the cellar of the café?" asked the Doctor. Susan nodded. The Doctor stepped closer.

"You've been trying to build your own TARDIS, haven't you?" Susan again nodded sheepishly.

"Do you know how dangerous that is?"

"Someday I wanted to leave Earth and find you" Susan answered.

"Does that mean you were planning to leave me?" asked David, who had just walked into the room behind Susan.

"No, of course not!" she exclaimed. David glared at them.

"I've always wondered what you would have decided, had the Doctor not stranded you. Now, I know". David walked out.

"David, don't ... ". Tears started coming from Susan's eyes.

The Doctor had realigned the Drendara's hyperspatial sensors. He was able to implement Susan's suggestion of locking onto the tachyon generator in Café Foreman's cellar. The signal was extraordinarily strong and clear. Because of these new and untested modifications, Captain Glennik ordered his crew to double-check every system and run simulations before attempting the hyperspatial jump. The Doctor decided to take a little stroll while they performed the tests. He found David in the corridor.

"Doctor. So, how's the work going?" he asked in an awkward voice.

"Proceeding quite well. Captain Glennik is running his final tests. We should be able jump quite soon."

"That's good news. We can't thank you enough."

"Actually, it was Susan who provided us with the answer. She is why I want to talk to you".

"Doctor, it's... "

"Please let me finish. Over the years, I've often asked myself if I did the right thing in leaving her on Earth. For most decisions, there are a multitude of reasons, but usually there's just one factor that makes the difference. In leaving nineteen ago, do you know that factor was for me? Hmmm?"

"No".

"You!... I saw in you someone who would care for Susan as much as I. You confirmed that so clearly when you stepped in front of Baird's gun to protect her".

"Of course, I did. She's my wife and I love her" answered David. "But that's not the point. If she's been building her own time machine, that tells me her life with me is only a substitute for the life she could have had with you".

"Not necessarily. You've seen that I've regenerated into a younger body. For you and Susan nineteen years have passed. For me, it has been centuries. By her Gallifreyan nature, she will outlive you. After that time, it's quite natural that she might want seek me out. She is not choosing between us, nor does she have to. David, the other night during dinner in the TARDIS, I could see the love and pride she has in you. Find Susan, and remind her of your feelings. And let her remind you of hers. Hmmm?"

The Doctor was back on the bridge.

"All simulations check out. We're ready to initiate the jump" announced Glennik "Do we have a lock on the tachyon generator?"

"Affirmative" confirmed a navigator with lavender hair.

"Begin countdown to jump".

"Auto-sequence initiated. 500 kenras and counting" announced the navigator. Susan and David entered the bridge. It was clear from their body language that they had reconciled. Outside the viewport, the stars of normal space were beginning to fade, slowly being replaced by the reddish glow of hyperspace. The hyperspatial jump was not the sudden process the term suggested. It might be better described as a 'phasing in', although to the outside observer it would be perceived as instantaneous, thus the term 'jump'. In some ways, it was similar to the Einsteinian Time Dilation Effect. This aspect of hyperspatial travel was what required a tachyon generator.

"Captain, we are deviating 0.342 degrees from our hyperspatial course".

"That's unusual, but well within tolerances" Glennik assured everyone. In fact, with all the modifications we've made, I'm surprised it isn't greater".

"So the jump is going well?" asked David. "Quite well, actually" answered Glennik. "And we have your lovely wife to thank for it. Although I'm curious to know how Kaltarian technology showed up on Earth".

"No more than I am" replied Susan.

"My generator was found in a valley in Scotland seven years ago by the Science & Technology Ministry. The ministry assumed it was Dalek technology" she explained. Susan walked up the bluish-silver generator. She ran her fingers along a vertical column of engraved symbols.

"Deviating 0.359 degrees from our hyperspatial course" called out the navigator. Glennik nodded his acknowledgement.

"Captain Glennik?" called Susan.

"Yes".

"Perhaps you can clear up a mystery. I've always wondered what these symbols meant" Susan inquired, pointing at the symbols.

"Not very much. It just a unique identifier" Glennik replied. "Sort of a serial number".

"That's strange. My generator has the exact same symbols".

"Each unit is supposed to have unique identifier. Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm certain" answered Susan. "I've been studying them for five years".

"Of course!" exclaimed the Doctor. "Captain, you must abort the jump".

"We can't. We've already entered hyperspace."

"Oh dear" replied the Doctor in somber tone.

"What's the matter?" asked David.

"Just the complete annihilation of Earth, and ourselves I suspect".

[John Darnacan]

Part 19 - The Bitter with the Sweet

"What's the matter?" asked David.

"Just the complete annihilation of Earth, and ourselves I suspect. This tachyon generator and the one in the cellar of Café Foreman are one and the same. The one on Earth is merely displaced in time."

"450 kenras and counting" called out the navigator.

"I'm not sure I understand" asked Faye, who just quietly slipped onto the bridge.

"This tachyon generator is going to travel back in time, and somehow end up in Scotland at least seven years in the past. Tachyons, by their very definition, move backward in time, except under one condition, hyperspace. In hyperspace, their temporal polarity is reversed, so tachyons move forward in time. Just like a magnet, temporal opposites attract. Think of all the tachyons this generator has sent into the past, and while in hyperspace into the future. Think of them all converging into one point in time and space. It will be catastrophic".

"Wait a moment" interrupted Captain Glennik.

"We've jumped through hyperspace many times without incident. Why would it happen this time?"

"Because we inadvertently linked the generator with its future self. That created the paradox".

"But the other generator was already there, before we made the link" Glennik countered.

"Cause and effect can switch in a temporal paradox. 'I think therefore I am; I am therefore I think'. So you see, you can put Descartes before Des Horse"

"I may have the answer" interrupted the navigator. "We can cut our connection to the generator on Earth, and switch to one of our other beacons elsewhere".

"No, the connection between effect and cause must remain, other we would create a Mšbius time loop, similar to the Grandfather Paradox" the Doctor answered. Faye looked at the Doctor, then at Susan, then back at the Doctor.

"The Grandfather Paradox? Coincidence?" Faye asked.

"Coincidence" answered the Doctor in a slightly annoyed voice. He turned and stared at the bluish cylinder. "It went back. It will go back. It must go back" the Doctor muttered almost to himself. "But it doesn't have to drag us with it" he concluded in triumph. He walked toward the lavender-haired navigator. "What's the course deviation now?"

"0.971 degrees" answered the navigator.

"The rate of deviation is accelerating. How long before we reach the hyperspatial apogee?

"145 kenras". The Doctor started counting on his fingers.

"It's quite simple" explained the Doctor. We'll have to eject the tachyon generator just after we reach hyperspatial apogee. That will cause a deflection in time and save the Drendara. We can use the Grenzalki pod."

"Help the Doctor take the generator to Airlock Three" Captain Glennik ordered. Two of his technicians detached the generator from its base. Despite the fact that it was supported by a tube barely a quarter inch in diameter, the generator was quite heavy.

"Keep me informed on the time and course deviation" called the Doctor. Susan stayed with Glennik on the bridge, while the Doctor, David and the two technicians carried the generator off the bridge. Faye accompanied them, opening hatches along the way. They finally made their way to Airlock 3.

"My god, what's that odor" asked David. The Doctor looked at Faye.

"It smells like the marinade" Faye said with panic in her voice. As they turned around, they saw Fraag approaching.

"I said, I'd eat you later. Return to your cell!" commanded the Doctor.

"Enough of your tricks! I overheard those Kaltarian morsels talking" growled Fraag. "They said you were just pretending."

"What do they know? They have never feasted at the Gren-Merok" said the Doctor dismissively.

"You mock the etiquette of the Gren-Merok. You dishonour me, my heritage, and the 4th Carnivore Elite. I'll enjoy eating my first Gallifreyan.

"I told you I'd be quite bitter" replied the Doctor.

"Sometimes you have to take the bitter" Fraag said, turning toward the two quivering Kaltarian technicians. "With the sweet". With that, Fraag bared his sharp teeth in a cruel triangular smile.

[John Darnacan]

Part 20 - Café Oblivion

Fraag suddenly convulsed as a shot rang out, followed by two more. Baird was firing into the Grenzalki's back. As the Doctor had suspected, the shots had no serious effect on the Grenzalki. Fraag turned toward Baird.

"Another course to my feast" grinned Fraag.

"You'll get nothing from me, but indigestion" Baird barked in defiance, as he fired two more shots into Fraag's chest. The shots had some effect, but were not enough to stop his advance. Quickly, the Doctor and David picked up the generator and rammed it into Fraag's back. Fraag fell over. They raised the generator and brought it down on his head, which seemed to have a considerable effect.

"Did you kill him?" Faye sputtered.

"I don't think so" surmised the Doctor. He pulled out the Kaltarian communicator

"Where are we in the countdown?"

"249 kenras" Glennik answered. "Have you ejected the generator yet?"

"We are doing that now. We were delayed by... well. I'll tell you later". David and the two Kaltarians loaded the generator into Fraag's pod.

"Doctor, I think we should eject Fraag as well" suggested Baird.

"Well, it's his pod, I suppose". Once they ejected the pod, everyone rushed back to the bridge.

"What's the course deviation?" demanded the Doctor.

"2.309 degrees" answered the navigator. "It's alright, we're compensating" Glennik assured them.

"Don't overcompensate, otherwise you might. . ." began the Doctor. At that moment, the dark red glow of hyperspace in the view port was replaced by a bright flash of white light, blinding everyone. A second later, the entire ship jolted with a crash.

"Everyone was sprawled across various parts of the deck. Groans could be heard everywhere. The bright light persisted, although their eyes were adjusting to what turned out to be early daylight. Faye was one of the first to stand up. She went to the view port. "Well, there should be no doubt that we made it back" she laughed.

"Look there's St. Paul's Cathederal". She was joined by Susan to view the sunrise over the London's silhouetted skyline.

"And the Coal Hill School... Oh, no" Susan realized. She turned to Captain Glennik who was still in a daze.

"Where's the nearest hatch to the outside?" she pleaded. "That way. Airlock Nine" Glennik coughed. Susan ran to the airlock in a panic, opened it, and dropped down to the ground. Faye followed her.

"Susan, what's the matter?" Then she realised what had happened. The Drendara had come out of hyperspace just a few feet above the ground, directly over Café Foreman. The restaurant was crushed beneath the starship enormous weight. "I'm so sorry. Your restaurant, it's destroyed."

"I don't care about the restaurant. What if Catherine or Eddy or any of the others were in there?"

"It's awfully early. They probably weren't in yet" Faye assured her. This seemed to calm Susan down a bit. "Of course" Susan looked at her watch, which was still set to Earth time.

"It's only 6:40 in the morning." By now, the Doctor, David and the others had had come out to observe this very odd sight, a damaged alien starship casually sitting on the edge of London.. The Doctor started to laugh as he picked up a metal sign, which read 'I.M. Foreman, Scrap Merchant'. Everyone looked at him as if he were insane. He showed the sign to Susan, who started laughing also. 76 Totters Lane was once again a junkyard.

The unexpected 'addition' of the Kaltarian starship to the London cityscape was followed by days of chaos, political and otherwise. David Campbell found himself extremely busy briefing the new President on a range of issues. He also found that he gained an unexpected political ally, Clive Renton.

Despite all the pandemonium, Susan had managed to spend some time with the Doctor. Susan even managed to have her grandfather and Faye over for dinner. David even took time out of his busy schedule to attend the intimate affair. The following morning, the Doctor was in the control room of the TARDIS again. He could see David Campbell approaching on the scanner.

"I'm sorry to drop by unannounced. But I can't exactly ring you up, can I?" explained David, as he entered the TARDIS. The Doctor smiled appreciatively.

"Faye said last night that you would appreciate a copy of my book. She also told me I had to sign it for your collection" he added as he handed the book to the Doctor.

"Thank you. That's most thoughtful. I shall treasure it".

"As you might have guessed, I didn't just come down just to deliver a book.

"I suspected there might be more".

"Susan has called you a wanderer in the fourth dimension, whatever that means. But you don't have to be. I'd like you to stay. You were invaluable on the Drendara. We could use a man of your vast experience and talent. I can offer you a significant position in the government". The Doctor smiled.

"At the risk of sounding immodest, I have received similar offers before. And never have I been so tempted as now. However, I must decline."

"I could certainly use a hand with this Kaltarian business. After they lied to us, do we trust them? Can we trust them?" asked David. "You are more than up to the task of sorting it out". The Doctor looked down at the book he was holding in his hands.

"It seems to me that both you and the Kaltarians are rising out of the ashes. Whether from the fires set by the Grenzalki or the Daleks, it makes little difference. You both have Phoenix Destinies. As for me, I am not a shaper of destinies, merely someone who occasionally tinkers".

"There is another reason to stay" countered David. "Susan. She's missed you. You can't deny that. Susan has a unique connection to you. When you were trapped in the airlock, somehow she sensed you were in danger. I don't know how". The Doctor frowned and looked thoughtfully at David.

"Despite this awful Kaltarian-Grenzalki business" David continued. "She's been the happiest I've seen her in a long time. And she'll be quite sad if you leave".

"Once again David, you've demonstrated your love for Susan in an exemplary fashion. And I am eternally grateful for that. But I'm afraid I can't stay. In fact, as soon as you leave, the TARDIS will dematerialize.

"Aren't you going to say goodbye?" asked David, amazed.

"No. As you say, there is a special connection between Susan and myself. I think she suspected last night that I am leaving. So in lieu of saying farewell to her, I ask two favours of you".

"Anything."

"The first is fairly straight forward. I'd like you to give Susan this letter". The Doctor pulled an envelope from inside is coat.

"The second request may be more difficult. I ask that you not question her or pressure her to reveal the contents. I know that may be difficult for you. I assure you, I am not trying to foster secret keeping between you."

"Don't worry, I'll respect her privacy". David extended his hand, and the Doctor took it.

"Farewell, Doctor"

"Goodbye, David". At that, David Campbell exited the TARDIS. Faye walked into the control room, and slammed a tray down.

"I can't believe you're leaving her behind!"

"Taken to eavesdropping, have we?"

"Doctor, why would you want leave without at least saying goodbye?"

"As I've said before, wants and needs are two different things".

David Campbell waited in the alley. Just as the Doctor promised, the TARDIS dematerialised. He looked down at the envelope in his hand, and just wondered.

The End

[Fitz Kreiner]

Hey Prof!

first time ive read that, brilliant peice of writing, very well written and grippingly ezxciting!

[John Darnacan]

beowulf said:

Hey Prof!

first time ive read that, brilliant peice of writing, very well written and grippingly ezxciting!

Thank you Beowulf. You're very kind. Out of curiosity What was your favourite part?

[Fitz Kreiner]

its triky to pick out a certain part. the ending to part two is well conceived. i like how you didnt reveal the name of the cafe, and the Doctors getting attention of Susan.

just all well written!

Oh, and the Doctors little parlour game he having noticed how emotions are shown in the alien race (whos name i cant remember ) and his box of tricks.