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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:05:25 GMT
Prologue 1
Jessica Lawton turned at the door to her room; bag slung over her shoulder, and locked the door. It was her last day in the house before she left for a year to go travelling round the world.
“Jess.” Jess turned round to see Mary opening her room door. “You off out?”
“Yeah,” Jess replied. “When are you and Kel off home?”
“Later this afternoon.” Mary said. “Are you going to be back from town by then?”
“I don’t know, I;ve got so much stuff to sort out for this trip. Is Kel up, I want to say bye in case im not back in time.”
“Try knocking on as you go past.” Mary suggested. “I will miss you Jess.”
The two girls hugged their goodbyes and Mary turned back to her room. Jess trotted down the stairs to Kellys’ room at the front of the student accommodation. Knocking at the door, Jess heard a sleepy groaning from within. A few moments later, a dishevelled figure appeared in the doorway. Jess smiled.
“I told you not to drink too much last night.”
“I’m not looking forward to packing today.” Kelly replied.
“Well, I’m off into town now for the day; I’ve got to finish sorting things out for tomorrow.” Jess said. “I just wanted to say bye before I go in case you’ve gone when I get back.”
Kelly opened her door fully and hugged Jess.
“Take care out there; it’s a big nasty world.” She said.
“I’ll be fine.” Jess said back. “It’s not like I’m going to be kidnapped by aliens or anything.”
“You just take care ok?” Kelly stressed to her.
“I will don’t worry. I’ll be fine. I’ll see you next year, ok?”
The two girls hugged again, and Jess turned to leave, letting Kelly recover from her hangover.
Jess closed the door to the house behind her and set off down the road to the bus stop. There was a slight breeze blowing that cooled down the July day, so Jess sung her denim jacket over her shoulder. She was nearing the park when she heard the screeching of tyres, followed by a loud bang. Stopping for a moment, Jess ran towards the source of the noise. Rounding the corner she saw a car had mounted the curb and smashed into the park wall and railings. A woman was sat on the curb crying. A man was stood surveying the scene, holding his head in his hands. Jess sprang back to reality, the man was stood shouting at her.
“Get the police, quick. And an ambulance.”
Jess blinked, the scenario seemed unreal. Her mobile phone was back in her room, she needed some credit, what could she do? Looking round she noticed something in the park grounds. It didn’t seem familiar. Jess looked at it again; a large blue box. It had the words “Police Box” in large letters across the top. As she looked, she was sure that she saw the door close. She ran towards it to get the police officer who must have just entered. There was a small panel beside the door that had closed. Jess tried to open it, but it didn’t move. Put aback, jess knocked on the door.
“Hello?” She called.
There was no answer.
She tried to knock again, harder this time.
“Hello?” She called again. Jess put her hand out and tried the door to see if it was locked. To her surprise, it opened. Jess looked in, half expecting to find a policeman sat in the small cupboard space. Looking through the door, her jaw dropped in amazement. Jess shut the door again and looked back at the box. It couldn’t be real, was she hallucinating? Jess opened the door again and looked in. Beyond the door was another pair of doors, thicker and open, making the cupboard like box a small vestibule. Beyond that lay a large chamber, the many light teal coloured walls made the room almost circular. Each wall was covered in rows of circular indentations; each row of indentations was arranged so that the indentations were set beside and between the last rows, making isometrical patterns. One section of the far wall was taken up by a large screen. Two sections of wall later there was another door, a single door this time, leading to who knew where. At the centre of the room was something the likes of which Jess had never imagined she would see, even in her wildest dreams. A mushroom shaped hexagonal console rose up from the floor. Jess felt like she’d arrived on the set of some science fiction film. The furniture around the room was sparse yet seemed anachronistic in its setting. Near to one wall was a large ornate chair, and between that and the wall was a small table with a gramophone sitting on it. To the other side of the chair was another table, this containing a tea pot and a cup and two or three books. To the left of the door was a mahogany hat stand. On the opposite side to the room was a large brass lectern in the shape of an eagle. The book sat open on that looked like a large sketchbook. Another small table sat beside that with two boxes underneath it and what looked like a tool bag on top. Jess was still taking this in when she realised that she wasn’t alone in the room. Stood with his back to her was a man wearing a three quarter length green frock coat and grey trousers. He slowly raised his head and turned round. Jess made to back away, but then realised that the doors behind her were now closed, making the back wall seem like all the others. She looked back at the man. He seemed to be in his mid thirties. He had a pleasant face, quite attractive looks. His hair fell to his shoulders almost in curls. Under the coat he wore a light green waistcoat and cravat. He looked like he had just stepped out of the 19th century.
“Hello.” He said. His voice was quite soft yet there seemed to be an age of wisdom and authority behind it.
“Where am I?” Jess finally found her voice.
“Oh yes, you must be a bit surprised at all this. It’s called the TARDIS; that’s Time And Relative Dimension In Space.” The man replied.
“But, phone?”
“I’m sorry?” The Man asked.
“Have you got one? There was an accident. Are you the police?” Jess knew as soon as she asked that the strange man wasn’t anything to do with the police.
“No, I’m not the police. But don’t worry. I forewarned the police about the accident. They should be there by now!” The man smiled.
“But who are you?” Jess asked.
“I’m terribly sorry. I haven’t introduced myself, how rude of me. I’m the Doctor. And you are?”
“Jess.”
“Very pleased to meet you Jess.” The Doctor replied, taking hold of her hand and shaking it. “Welcome to the TARDIS. I was about to go to the Crystal Palace, the Great exhibition; 1851.”
“Excuse me? 1851? What are you talking about?” Jess was confused.
“You’ve obviously gathered this is no ordinary ship…”
”Ship?”
“Yes, ship. It’s a, put best for you, time/space machine. It can take you anywhere in time and space. The Great Exhibition, the Crystal Palace, 1851. You’re more than welcome to join me, unless you have any pressing engagements?”
Jess paused. She was taken aback again. This was a strange day. “You mean, you can just go anywhere in time and space? Anywhere we want?”
“Yes.” The doctor smiled. “You seem like you have the spirit of adventure.”
Something about this man made her trust him. Jess wanted to see the world, and then she stumbles across this man, offering so much more.
“I’m supposed…” She sarted.
“There’s the world, yet there are thousands more planets out there, and aeons of time.” The Doctor smiled that smile again.
Jess smiled. “I suppose I can have a last minute change of plan.” She smiled back.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:06:37 GMT
Prologue 2
2500 – Jupiter’s 17th satellite, Neo Phoebus (A.K.A. Voga) inexplicably explodes, killing Earth’ ambassadorial team.
2510 – Earths empire becomes unsteady. Conflicts begin with Mars.
2514 – Martian conflicts end.
2517 – Sirius Dominion ceases all communication with Earth
2520 - Genesis Expedition launched. (Star pioneer program to colonise far planets. Colonists are help in suspended animation)
2521 – Earths’ grip on colonies falls, empire collapses, mass confusion.
2522 – Planets Earth had colonised begin to form separate powers.
2523 – Koraan colony attacked and destroyed by Cybermen.
2524 – Large Cyberfleet spotted, disappears without a trace.
- Concerns over Cyber invasion grow.
2526 – Planetary powers meet on Earth to unite against Cyber threat.
- Large Cyber fleet detected on outskirts of solar system, fleet disperses after an Earthbound freighter disappears.
- Cyberwar begins.
2530 - War ends after Cyber activity ceases
- United planetary leaders agree on new Earth Empire, Sirius declines offer to rejoin.
2541 – First of a new range of spacecraft arrives on Telos after a 13 month journey; craft explodes upon take-off. The following is an edited extract of the memoirs of the head of the space program at the time, chronicling the last days of the expedition;
“Test of New Atomic Powered Engine, failure of. Admiral Jacques Rathau, head of Earth Space program 2522-2557.
“The new “A” class of cruiser arrived at Telos, legendary home of the feared Cybermen, after a 13 month voyage. The craft, built in space, was deemed suitable for atmospheric flight and landfall. The ship, ‘Pioneer’ arrived on Telos’ surface on 13 May, 2541. The news reached Earth 2 days later. The following are transcripts from Captain Tron Havers reports to Earth;
May 14.
One full day after arriving on the surface of the planet and we believe to have discovered the remnants of the Cybercontrol building. The structure appears to have been destroyed by large underground explosions, or seismic activity.
May 15.
A fault has been found in the engine core. Repairs will take 24 hours. A search team investigated the ruins today and have concluded that the Cyber race no longer exists; artefacts are being brought back for study.
May16.
We have to take off immediately due to the engine fault and widespread seismic activity, further report to follow.
“The Following was recorded from audio transmission;
“There is something in the atmosphere that is draining our engines. We are now at 30,000 feet and… oh s***! Engine containment is failing! The core is about to go critical! Please, Earth, let all our families know that our thoughts are…”
“These tear jerking words were the last words spoken by Captain Haver as the ships reactors exploded in the atmosphere. All aboard were lost, may God look after those poor souls.”
From; The Galactic Federation: Its foundation and first 150 years.
2607 – Earth-Mars alliance.
2609 – E-M alliance at war with Arcturus.
2611 – Peace treaty with Arcturus negotiated.
2612 – Martian extremist group blow up Martian transport ship
2624 – Alpha-Centauri joins the Earth-Mars-Arcturus alliance.
- Galactic Federation born, other planets begin to join.
2640 – Earth and Draconian Empires at brink of war.
2647 – Earth/Draconian pact, Draconia joins the Galactic Federation.
2687 – Terror network “Galaxy 5” believed to have formed in this year.
2702 – First major Galaxy 5 attack destroys a Federation outpost on Ganymede.
2725 – Galactic Federation welcomes 25th member: Earth Dominion, Sirius.
2750-3398 The Age of Peace.
3398 – Martian civil war – Extremist group leaves Mars.
3412 – End of Martian civil war.
3414 – First major attacks by Galaxy 5 since 2702
3444 – 1st major Dalek war against Earth and Draconia. The GF does not involve itself.
3448 – The war ends. Earth and Draconia dispute against the GF.
- Angered Draconia leaves the GF.
3455 – New member, Molleronia. GF now has 60 members.
3456 – The Federal Charter is re-written.
- Draconia rejoins the GF.
3456-3890 – The Federal Golden Age.
3890 – Peladon joins the Galactic Federation.
- Mars and Arcturus conflicts start, war ensues.
3891 – Mars/Arcturus war settled
3938 – Major war against Galaxy 5
3940 – Martian extremist group allies with Galaxy 5
- War comes to an end.
3945 – Arcturan distrust of Martians creates split in the Federation.
3960 – Peladon withdraws from the Federation.
3966 – More Galaxy 5 attacks.
3969 – Galaxy 5 activity ceases.
3970 – 2nd Dalek war starts.
3972 – The Federation HQ on Io is destroyed.
3974 – The Federation is split into two.
3976 – Arcturus signs non-aggression pacts with Daleks
- Daleks turn on their Arcturan allies.
3977 – Dalek fleet enters the Solar system, fierce battles follow.
3978 – Daleks appear vanquished, remnants of fleets turn back to Skaro.
3983 – Earth fails to reunite the Federation.
Rebirth and War:
3988 – Second attempt to re-unite the Federation succeeds.
3990 – Galaxy 5 attacks destroy Federal outpost on Pluto.
3996 – Federal HQ is now based on Mars.
3997 – Mavec Chen becomes Guardian of the Solar System.
3999 – Dalek taskforce lands on Kemble.
4000 – Dalek activity sighted on Kemble.
- SSS agents Jeff Garvey, Marc Corey and Gorden Lowrey disappear.
4002 – Mavec Chen disappears; he is discovered to have been corrupt.
4003 – 3rd Dalek war.
4005 - War ends.
- Galactic Federation writes new charter and constitution. Arcturus and Peladon re-join.
4009 – New Dalek Presence detected. 1 ship arrives in Martian orbit.
- Nervous Arcturans destroy ship.
- Daleks retaliate.
4010 – 4th Dalek war. Daleks severely weakened, forced back.
4012 – Surprised GF officials accept Dalek surrender.
- Suspicions rife.
4013 – Daleks withdraw to their empire.
4040 – Second Marian civil war.
- Conflict with Dalek Faction. Dalek empire renounces Renegades.
4041 - Earth and Draconia reluctantly join the Dalek Empire against Renegades.
- Earth and Draconia fear a Dalek attack, Daleks withdraw again.
4042 – High suspicion against Daleks.
4045 – Suspicious ship sighted on boarder of Federal Space.
4047 – EST3 launched. Lieutenant Daniel Edwards becomes commands. Main crew: -
-Lieutenant Jacqueline Sanders,
-Technical supervisor David Bradbury
-Doctor John Anderson
-Security Commander Tim Robbins
-Security Captain James Ford
4048 – Sco Tim Robbins killed by Galaxy 5 whilst on secondment. He is replaced by Tom Rowan.
4050 - Outer Federation colonies report attacks from unidentified ship.
4051 – Attacks confirmed, Earth passenger ship lost.
- First sighting of unidentified ship
4052 – After nearly a year, a distant Earth colony is destroyed.
- Draconians report attacks on other side of Federal space.
4053 – Speculations about 5th Dalek war.
- Dalek ships sighted on edge of Federal Space.
- Attacks deep within federal Space, numerous ships lost.
- Galaxy 5 denies attacks.
- Arcturan home world subject of missile attack, 9/10 of population wiped out.
- Galaxy 5 reports attacks by Daleks.
4053 – Astonished Federal officials sign non-aggression treaty with the Daleks in neutral space.
- Space station EST2 destroyed in Earth orbit.
- Anti-Dalek riots on Earth
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:06:56 GMT
Part one
A space cruiser glided cautiously and gently towards the space station directly in front of it. There was a sudden rush in the vastness of the vacuum of directly to the side of the craft and a massive silvery-blue portal appeared and a huge 4km space cruiser glided out.
The first ship sped up quite considerably. The second ship slightly turned and a missile shot out and scored a direct hit on the first.
The captain of the first ship had seen all this before and he stood helpless as his crew started to disappear. He suddenly felt his skin tingle and his surroundings changed. Then blackness enveloped him.
The central column rose and fell with gentle rhythm. The Doctor was busy working on something on the underside of the console when there was a sudden jolt and a small explosion of sparks on the top of the console.
“Come on old girl, you can take it.” The Doctor said soothingly to the TARDIS. As if in reply, the console groaned in strain. “There there.” The Doctor stood up and patted the side of the console. ”It wasn’t that bad was it?” He picked his sonic screwdriver up from the floor and rested it on one panel.
“What is going on out there?” He muttered to himself. A sudden thought came to him and he looked up to the ceiling, “What do you want me to do now?”
The TARDIS gave a sudden lurch, which sent the sonic screwdriver rolling back to the floor and sent the Doctor stumbling.
“Doctor?” Jess’ voice came from the depths of the TARDIS. The Doctor didn’t seem to hear. He stooped to pick up his screwdriver and placed it back on the console. The door from the corridors of the TARDIS opened and Jess stumbled into the console room looking shaken.
“Doctor! What’s happening? This is worse than the Oblivion at Alton Towers.” She said
“Yes. Terribly sorry, slight problem.” He said calmly and rapidly without looking up.
“What do you mean slight problem? Aren’t we going to the Great Exhibition?”
“Not by any direct rout, no”
“Meaning?”
“We’re stuck.”
“Oh.” Jess shook her head. She had only known the Doctor a day. “Doctor?”
“Hmm?” The Doctor was once again under the console
“Why is the TARDIS a police box outside?”
“Um, Chameleon Circuit got stuck on one of my visits to 1960’s London. Been meaning to repair it for centuries.”
“But being bigger inside...”
“Only two races have properly mastered this technology along with time transference.” The Doctor stood up “Time Lords and the Daleks. I’ve already told you.” He walked round the console checking the controls. ”I was just in your time for a quick visit. You’re not the first to mistake the TARDIS for an ordinary…” he trailed off to look more closely at a small screen. “Yes, the Dalek’s technology is much nastier and cruder.” He patted the console. ”It lacks sophistication and character.”
“Can’t I stay with you for a while after we’ve been to the Crystal Palace?”
“Yes, you’re more than welcome.” The Doctor operated the scanner switch. A tunnel of swirling colour appeared with a blockage of swirling silvers and blues in the middle.
“That’s the problem.” The Doctor said pointing at the screen “An obstruction in the space/time vortex. I’ve tried everything I can think of. We can’t jump it; we can’t go through it. It seems to be all around us.”
“What does it mean? We’re going on a bear hunt?” Jess added sarcastically.
“Either something’s interfering with time or the Time Lords want us to do something for them. Whatever it is we have to land and have a look about.” As the Doctor reached the console the column ceased all movement and the console chimed the landing bleep. The Doctor shrugged and opened the doors.
“What time are we in?” Jess asked
“Anywhere up to 15000 years into Earth’s future, your future, that is from your time. Sorry I can’t be any more precise but the instruments on the TARDIS are playing up. And by the way, stick close to me until we know what we’re dealing with, it could be dangerous.” The Doctor looked at Jess. “Bear Hunt?”
“An old kiddie’s song.” She replied. “We can’t go through it, we can’t go over it. It goes on like that.”
The TARDIS had landed in an alcove in a metal corridor. The Doctor and Jess stepped out.
“Could be a space ship.” The doctor said turning back to lock the door. He heard Jess gasp and felt her back into him. “Doctor!” She sounded scared.
“Nice and slow.” Said a gruff voice “Just turn around now!” It was a definite order. The Doctor hesitated. He heard a soft click of an energy weapon. He slowly turned round. A few regenerations ago, the Doctor thought, I’d have turned a full 360 degrees. The tone of the voice told him that this was no place for fooling about. A small security team faced them, weapons raised. The Doctor raised his hands and smiled.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:08:14 GMT
“Sir, we’ve just lost contact with the Mackenzie.” Security Commander Tom Rowan reported. Commander Daniel Edwards sighed. Tom was a good officer and a good friend but too young Edwards thought. He was Security Commander and he hardly looked twenty. Edwards had known him at least five years and he hadn’t seemed to have aged much.
“The same as the others?” He asked
“Exactly the same.”
“How many does that make now?”
“That’s the second this month.”
“Sir.” Lieutenant Sanders was thirty-nine with short brown hair. She sat at a console near the main screen. “I’ve got security captain James Ford on comm. He says he’s found two intruders.”
“Put him on.” The commander said. He only ordered his crew about when the necessity arose. “Yes Jim, what is it?”
“Sir,” James Ford’s gruff voice came through the communicator link, “we’ve just caught two saboteurs in…”
“Excuse me,” The Doctors voice cut in. “I assume you’re talking to the person in charge. We aren’t saboteurs. I’m sure that if we can sit down, have a chat and a cup of tea we can sort out this misunderstanding.”
Ford started again, “We’ve caught two intruders in corridor seventeen, section twelve level nine.”
“Bring them up to the command deck, Jim, I’d like to talk to them” Edwards said.
“Will do, sir.” The communications link switched off.
“Can you get a picture of them Sanders?”
“Sir.”
The main screen switched on and the Doctor and Jess could be seen being led down a corridor by the security guards.
“Sanders, record this in the log.” Edwards hated dictating. “Two unidentified personnel. One male, one female. Male, appears mid-thirties, shoulder length, wavy brown hair. Fancy clothes consisting, green coat, brown trousers and cravat. Female, late teens, possibly early twenties, shoulder length, straight black hair. Period clothes, late twentieth, early twenty-first century consisting of black top, blue denim jacket and blue jeans. Further details to follow.” Edwards sighed and rubbed his eyes. The screen flicked off. “I just can’t understand it.”
“Sir?” asked Sanders
“Well, we’ve done nothing to provoke these attacks, yet they still persist.”
“You don’t think it’s some secret plan of the Galactic Federation, I mean, something we haven’t been informed of?” Tom Asked.
“No,” Edwards replied, “The Cenurians would have told us, you know what they’re like, they’ll tell us anything.”
“You know what the Daleks say.” Tom said. “That they, also, are under heavy attack. The way things are going it could easily be a galaxy-wide war.”
“Yes,” Commander Edwards mused, “but I still don’t trust this treaty between us and the Daleks. They’ve sent a large fleet of ships from Skaro to…”
Tom cleared his throat cutting the Commander short. He looked round as a Gold Dalek glided out of the lift onto the command deck.
“I have just received a message from Skaro.” It grated.
“Oh?” Queried the Commander.
“The Dalek Empire has just lost two solar systems to the enemy.”
“Ah! That’s too bad.” Sanders said as she leant against her console. The Dalek stared at her and then looked back to the Commander.
“I don’t suppose you’ve figured out who they are yet?” Tom asked resting his chin on his hand.
“Negative.” The Dalek said as it glided into a corner. Another door slid open and the Doctor and Jess were bustled onto the Command Deck. The Doctor glanced round and strode over to the Commander.
“I assume that you are the Commander,” he said. “Will you kindly ask these guards to put their weapons away?”
“First of all, tell me who you are and what you are doing on my Station.” Edwards said.
“I am the Doctor and this is my friend Jess.” The Doctor gestured towards Jess who was still surrounded by guards.
“Very well,” Edwards nodded to the guards who put their weapons back in their holsters. “My name is Commander Daniel Edwards; this is Lieutenant Jaquelin Sanders and Security Commander Tom Rowan.” As the commander introduced the officers on the Command Deck, the Doctor looked round and cheerfully greeted everyone until he saw the Dalek.
“Um, Commander. Did you know you had a Dalek on your bridge?” He asked in a low voice.
“Yes,” the Commander confirmed “and this is a space station, so it’s a Command Deck, not a bridge.”
The Doctor walked over to Tom.
“What’s that thing doing here?” He asked jerking his thumb over at the Dalek.
“They’re our temporary allies, during the war and hopefully afterwards.”
“War?”
“Yes, we’ve been caught in the middle of a galactic confli…”
Tom trailed off as the Dalek Glided over to them.
The Doctor spun round to be face to eyestalk with the Dalek. It moved back to study the Doctors reaction.
“Doctor.” It grated. “You are the Doctor. You are the enemy of the Daleks!"
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:08:40 GMT
“Doctor.” It grated. “You are the Doctor. You are the enemy of the Daleks; you are not to be exterminated. Yet” The tone of the Daleks voice had lowered. It glided back to the corner of the Command Deck.
There was a bleep from Lieutenant Sanders’ console. “Sir, the Odysseus has just recovered the Mackenzie.” She reported.
“Thank you,” Edwards turned back to the Doctor and Jess. “You still haven’t told me what you are doing here, Doctor.”
“Just passing through, Commander. Jess and I are travellers you see.”
“How? No ships have docked today.”
“You wouldn’t believe me.” The Doctor said
“How?” Edwards repeated.
“By travelling through Time and Space.”
“They were found coming out of a blue box.” Ford said
“Travelling through Time and Space in a box?” Edwards asked sceptically.
“Ah, yes. It’s called a TARDIS. It’s a mark one type 40 TT capsule.” The Doctor confirmed.
“TAR-DIS?” Tom asked, staring up at the far wall, a confused look on his face.
“Tom, are you alright?” Edwards asked. Tom blinked twice and shook his head as if to clear a thought.
“Yes. Just a bit of déjà-vu.”
“TARDIS,” the Doctor continued,”it stands for Time And Relative Dimens…”
“Dimension In Space.” Tom finished staring at his console, a puzzled look on his face.
“Yes.” The Doctor confirmed. “How did you know that?”
“I haven’t a clue.” Tom replied.
“Commander, can I have a chat in private?” The Doctor asked, glancing back at Tom, who still had a puzzled look on his face.
“Certainly. My office is just in there.” Edwards pointed towards a door. “Tom, can you show the girl around the station?”
”Sir.” Tom replied. “Come on Jess.”
“Doctor?” Edwards invited the Doctor into his office.
“Now then Commander, do you really think we’re saboteurs?” The Doctor asked.
“No,” Edwards replied, “if you were saboteurs, I doubt you would have stayed on the station.”
“Commander, Tom mentioned that you were at war.” The Doctor enquired. “Who with?”
“We don’t know,” Edwards sat at his desk, “although we believe it to be Galaxy-wide.”
“What makes you think that?”
“Well, we’ve had reports of attacks from all over the Galactic Federation: Arcturus, Alpha Centauri, Peladon and more. Including the Draconians and Daleks.”
“How big is this place?” Jess asked.
“Fourteen hundred meters in diameter at the largest point and two thousand, one hundred and five levels. There are also quite a few docking ports. Before the war started, this was a busy station. It’s also the largest EST station built.” Tom replied.
“Do you mind if I ask you a slightly personal question?”
“What?”
“Aren’t you a little young to be a security commander?”
“Ha!” Tom gave a short laugh. “I wondered when you were going to ask that. It’s funny, but I can remember when Venus was finally terraformed. And that was over fifty years ago.”
“Please, don’t take any offence over this, but you don’t look fifty.”
They stopped walking as they came to a pair of double doors.
“Do you want a drink first, or shall we return to the Command Deck?”
The door to Commander Edward’s office slid open and Edwards hurried out followed by the Doctor.
“What is it?” Edwards asked.
“We’ve got an unidentified craft heading this way.” Lieutenant Sanders said
“Your unidentified enemy?” The Doctor asked
“I don’t know.” Edwards replied. “Let’s see it Sanders.”
Sanders turned on the main screen. Everyone turned to see the craft “There she is.” Sanders said.
“Is that the type of space ship that’s been attacking you?” The Doctor asked
“No. I’ve never seen anything like that before.” Edwards replied.
“I have.” The Doctor was grim.
“It’s bristling with gun emplacements.” Sanders said.
“You know them Doctor?” Edwards asked.
“Yes, unfortunately." The Doctor said. "Sontarans. A clone race bred for war. ”
“Sir,” Sanders said, “We’re receiving a message from the alien craft.”
“Let’s hear it.” Edwards said as Lieutenant Sanders transferred the message to the main screen. The screen flickered and the face of a Sontaran appeared.
“This is Marshall Strall of the Ninth Sontaran battle fleet calling the Human space station. Our ship has been heavily damaged. We need assistance.”
“This is Commander Daniel Edwards of the Earth Station EST3. What is your exact situation?”
“We were unexpectedly attacked by the boarders of our Empire and the Old Rutan Empire.” Marshall Strall replied.
“Old Rutan Empire?” The Doctor asked.
“Yes” Strall replied. “The Rutan scum were eliminated by the same species that attacked us.”
“Do you know who they are?” Edwards asked.
“Negative. Is it possible for us to gain assistance in order to conduct repairs? In return we offer military aid in the war.”
“How providential.” The Doctor muttered.
“I think we can organise something Marshall.” Edwards said. He turned to sanders, who turned the screen off. Edwards then turned to the Doctor. “Well Doctor, you seem to have some ideas.”
“Yes, but not very pleasant ones, I’m afraid Commander.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, you’ve got Sontarans under attack. I'd trust them about the same as the Daleks if I were you. Thier involvement in this is very unnerving!” The Doctors voice suddenly became urgent “Tell me Commander, who is in the Galactic Federation at the moment?”
The Doctor didn’t stop to let Edwards answer.
“Commander, this is very important. Has anyone ever, I mean ever, seen these attackers? I’ve got an awful feeling about this.”
“No,” Edwards replied. “They seem to attack our ships and take the crew. Sometimes they destroy the ships.”
“You say they’ve attacked the station. How do they get so deep into the solar system?”
“They seem to arrive out of portals. We think their home base is in another dimension.”
The Doctor suddenly became distant. “Yes…Yes I think it must…Yes of course…”
“Who are they?” A frustrated Edwards asked.
Before the Doctor could answer, they were interrupted by an alarm.
“Sir!” Sanders shouted “There’s a portal appearing fifteen hundred kilometres away from the station.”
“Go to red alert.” Edwards replied quickly
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:09:18 GMT
“…Yes, it was because of Venus’ atmosphere that it took so long. The terraformers had a lot of trouble with that.” Tom stopped as he saw Jess stifle a yawn. “Sorry, am I boring you?”
“No, I just haven’t had much sleep lately.” Jess replied “Does it look like Earth then?”
“Yes. There’s a lot of woodland and…”Tom was cut off by the Red Alert.
“What’s that?” Jess asked.
“We’ve got to get back to the command Deck, quickly.”
“Why? What is it?” A tone of alarm creeping into Jess’ voice.
“Red Alert!” Shouted Tom, who was already out of the door.
“Has anything come out of the portal yet?” Asked Edwards.
“No,” Sanders replied, “Wait, hang on, there’s something emerging now!”
“How big is it?” Edwards asked.
“I can’t say yet.” Sanders replied.
A door slid open and Tom hurried onto the Command Deck followed by Jess.
“Doctor, what’s happening?” She asked.
“I think we might be about to meet the enemy.” The Doctor replied.
”Sir, I can tell you how big the ship is.” Sanders said.
“Well?”
“Four kilometres.”
“Sir!” Tom’s voice was gripped with alarm. “There’s another ship coming out of the portal!”
The Command Deck fell silent and everyone stared at the screen in awe. The two ships moved straight towards the station until the portal closed behind them. Suddenly both ships changed course.
“Where are they heading?” Edwards asked.
“Towards the moon sir.” Bradbury, a technician from the other side of the Command Deck, spoke up for the first time.
The two ships moved into a close orbit of the moon. The lead ship fired two missiles onto the surface of the moon.
“What are they doing?” Jess asked.
“Attacking our lunar bases.” Edwards replied.
The second ship dropped to a lower altitude.
“Can’t you do anything?” Jess asked
“The only thing we can do is inform Earth and get them to assist, but no doubt the Odysseus will already have done that.” Edwards said.
“Oddesius is preparing to engage sir.” Tom reported.
As they watched several dozen Sontaran fighters came from the main body of the Sontaran ship.
“What are they up to?” Asked a startled Sanders
“Looks like they’re helping us.” Jess replied.
There was a bleep from Sanders’ console and a Sontaran voice came through the speakers. “This is Marshall Strall. We have dispatched some ships to assist you. There are more ships heading this way from Sontar. We are having to evacuate the remains of our empire.”
“Thank you for helping us.” Edwards began but the communications link had died.
Jess was watching the screen when she saw a huge spacecraft appear. Its structure consisted of a large central body with two extra, smaller bodies on each side and a smaller one on top of the largest. It appeared to be powered by at least five large engines.
“What’s that?” Jess pointed at the screen.
“The Odysseus.” Tom said without looking up.
“It’s huge!” Jess was stunned. It seemed more impressive than the two ships attacking the Moon. Attacking the Moon! She suddenly remembered them. She looked back at the screen. The lower of the two ships had dropped even lower. The first ship turned round and was met by a barrage of fire from the Odysseus and the Sontaran fighters. It was surprisingly manoeuvrable for its size. The ship fired three shots destroying two Sontaran ships and crippling a third. The Sontaran ships moved closer to the ship and fired all their weapons. The ship fired a missile, which exploded in the centre of the Sontaran forces. Suddenly a portal opened and the two ships retreated into it.
“Ha, they’re just a bunch of cowards.” Jess said trying to cover her shock of seeing the Sontaran ships destroyed. She couldn’t stop her voice from quivering. She looked up to the Doctor who was showing no emotion to the whole event. “Why did they do that?” She asked “They knew they would be killed, didn’t they”
“Yes,” The doctor looked at her, “to a Sontaran, there’s nothing more honourable that being killed in battle.”
“Lieutenant, what’s happened to the lunar bases?” Edwards asked.
“I don’t know, I can’t raise the Moon.” Sanders replied busy at her console.
“I can’t get any life-signs from the Moon either, sir” Tom said ”There seems to be some kind of interference surrounding the Moon.”
“No, wait,” Bradbury’s voice called out from the far side of the Command Deck. “I’m receiving a weak transmission from the moon.”
“Put it through.” Edwards almost yelled.
The voice came through between bursts of static. “This is Commander…of…Base Twelve. We’ve be…invaded. We…mediate as…tance. I rep…we ne…” The transmission cut off abruptly leaving static crackling the speakers. The portal reopened and a small ship glided out close to the surface of the Moon and then headed back to the portal.
“I’ve regained contact with the Moon.” Sanders replied. “Lunar bases one, two, five and ten through thirteen have been completely wiped out. I can’t get any life signs from any of them.”
“How many Lunar Bases have you got?” The Doctor asked
“Twenty Bases, seven colonies and three mining bases.” Replied Bradbury.
“Commander Edwards, this is Captain Jane Horrack of the Odysseus.” The speakers crackled and the message was repeated.
“Open visual communications.” Ordered Edwards. The main screen flickered and a proportion of the Oddesius’s spacious bridge was displayed. Captain Horrack stood up from her chair and walked forwards a few paces.
“Commander Edwards. The Galactic federation is negotiating a non-aggression treaty with the Sontaran Empire.” Captain Horrack stopped when she spotted the Doctor and Jess. “Commander, why do you have civilians on you Command Deck?”
“Oh, yes.” Edwards remembered the Doctor and Jess. “Ma’am, allow me to introduce The Doctor and his assistant Jess. The Doctor has come up with some very useful theory’s that have proved invaluable to the Galactic Federation.”
“I hope that he is trustworthy.” Captain Horrack said.
“I think you will find, Captain, that I am very trustworthy.” The Doctor replied.
“Very well. Commander Edwards, a Sontaran fleet will be arriving at EST3 within the next five hours.”
“Thank you ma’am. Over and out.” The screen went blank. “Keep me informed of any developments.” Edwards said to Bradbury. He then turned to Sanders. “Keep scanning for any portals, I’ll be in my office. Doctor, will you accompany me?” Edwards and the Doctor disappeared into the office. The Dalek in the shadows had been forgotten as it observed the activities of the past few minutes. It now glided out of the corner and made its way to the lift.
“Where d’you think you’re going?” Tom asked after the squat, metal creature.
“I am returning to my space-craft to contact the supreme council on Skaro.” Came the Dalek’s harsh reply. This pathetic treaty. Why should these pathetic human creatures be treated with any amount of respect? They may have power amongst themselves, but they should not treat the superior life form in the universe with the manner they hold. Humans are useful for labour or targeting. No doubt the Dalek supreme would soon order the invasion of Earth and destruction of these creatures. The Dalek glided off the command deck and Tom turned back to Bradbury.
“When will the federation ship arrive from Peladon?” Tom asked
“’Bout thirty minutes, sir.” Bradbury replied.
“Thanks Dave. Do you want to see more of the station, Jess?”
“Captain Horrack, ma’am. We’re receiving a distress signal from a Federation Ship. Automated.” A young lieutenant reported from his station.
“Get us there immediately.” Captain Horrack ordered
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:10:05 GMT
A small federation transport ship was putting up a brilliant fight against a ship three times its size. By the time the Odysseus arrived, the Federation Ship was badly battered. The Odysseus came up behind the attacking craft, firing at the craft’s engines with the obvious attempt to cripple it. The Odysseus dwarfed both the other ships and must have proved a threat to the attacking craft, as it turned, flew along the belly of the Odysseus and disappeared into a portal.
“This is Captain Horrack of the Earth ship Odysseus, calling the Galactic Federation Transport Ship.”
The screen on the Odysseus flickered and the image of an Alpha Centaurian appeared.
“This is the Federation Ambassador from the Planet of Peladon. We are trying to reach the Earth space station EST2.”
“I’m sorry,” Captain Horrack replied, “but EST2 has been destroyed. Your transport will have been transferred to EST3. We are now dispatching a shuttle to collect you and the Peladonian delegates.”
A small shuttle exited the Odysseus’ vast docking ports and headed towards the Federation Ship. The shuttle closed on the ship and after three minutes turned back to the Odysseus, docked and the Odysseus turned back to EST3.
Jess and Tom were walking down a corridor, when Jess heard a bleep apparently coming from nowhere.
“Sir” Bradbury’s tinned voice appeared to come from nowhere also. Jess watched as Tom lifted up his wrist and looked at his watch. “What is it?” Tom asked.
“The Odysseus has arrived with the delegates from Peladon.”
“I’m on my way back. Contact the Commander and inform him.” Tom pressed a button on his watch and turned to Jess. “Come on Jess, we’ve got to go back to the Command Deck.”
“Again.” Jess added, a mischievous smile on her face. They turned and headed back up the corridor towards the lift.
“How do you keep up with this pace of life?” Jess asked.
“Well,” As they reached the lift, Tom was interrupted by another bleep from his communicator.
“Tom. Commander Edwards. Can you go down to the docking bay and meet the delegates as they arrive?”
“Sir.”
“Can I ask you something?” Jess seemed to have forgotten Tom hadn’t answered her previous question.
“Sure.” They stepped into the lift and Tom tapped a couple of switches. “Docking Port Three” he said into a Microphone.
“That watch thing of yours’. Is it a watch or what…?”
“Yes. It is also a communicator, it can display temperature and air pressure, amongst other things.”
Jess felt a jolt as the lift stopped moving. The doors opened and they stepped out into a long wide corridor with a huge window at one wall and a door at the far end. Tom walked over to the large window and looked down to the vast docking bay below. Jess joined him at the window and looked at the three ships below.
“Which one’s the one we want?” She asked
“None of them.” Tom replied. “It hasn’t arrived yet. The one on the far right is a Dalek shuttle, then the shuttles Zeus and Poseidon.”
“Why are they all named after Greek gods?” Jess asked.
“They aren’t. Only this class of craft, that’s the shuttles and ships like the Odysseus.”
As Tom spoke the docking bay doors opened and the Dalek shuttle rose and flew out and a shuttle matching the two remaining flew in.
“The shuttle Athena.” Tom said to Jess. “That’s ‘the one we want’.”
The docking bay doors closed and Tom stepped back. After a minute the far door opened and Jess stepped back in amazement. This is the closest I’ve ever been to an alien, she thought. No wait, the Dalek. The Doctor said they were the most evil creatures in the universe. This is the closest I’ve ever been to a friendly alien. No, second, I’m forgetting the Doctor. Jess thought the first thing to emerge from the door was eerily sweet. The thing didn’t appear to have any legs, it seemed to shuffle along. It had six arms and a bulbous head with a huge eye in the centre. It was followed by a tall slender Humanoid creature dressed in green with a long flowing cloak, a domed helmet and claws instead of hands. It didn’t look as friendly as the first. Jess could see its lower jaw underneath the helmet and felt a shudder go through her. The flesh was all scaly. The creature might be reptilian, she thought. Two other creatures that seemed much bulkier flanked it. They looked vaguely like a cross between a lizard and a turtle. Tom saw her looking hard at them and leant close to her.
“Ice warriors.” He whispered. “They come from Mars. They are reptilian.”
Jess looked at him. How did he know? She looked back to see the final two delegates emerge from the lift. They were not as she expected. She was expecting more lizards of a fish or something equally bizarre. Instead she got two human looking people in the most fabulously elaborate royal blue cloaks she had ever seen. One was an old man with slicked-back silver hair with a rich reddish-brown streak down the middle. The other was an attractive young woman, Jess guessed she was in her mid twenties. Her hair was similar to the old man’s, however it was inverted so the silver was down the middle. As she approached Tom dropped to one knee and bowed his head holding his right hand out across his chest in a form of salute.
“You’re Majesty,” he said, “welcome to EST3.”
The old man moved forwards. ”On behalf of Her Majesty, Queen Larienria of Peladon, we thank you.” He Said
It was then that Jess noticed that the woman was wearing a crown.
“You may rise.” Queen Larienria said it so softly that Jess hardly heard it.
“If you all would wish to accompany me, I will escort you to the conference room.” Tom said leading the way to the lift.
“Sir.”
“What is it Sanders?”
“Tom is on his way up now with the delegates from Peladon.”
“Good. Doctor, I would like for you to accompany me at the conference and tell the delegates you theories. One of the delegates is Grand High-Lord Marshall Izlyr, commander of all the Martian forces.”
“Very well Commander, if it will do any good.” The Doctor replied.
“Yes, I think it will Doctor. Most of the conference will be held via communications link. We’ve only got the delegates from Peladon on the station. Other delegates are on other planets.”
“Good idea,” the Doctor said, “safer that putting all your eggs in one basket.”
Edwards gestured towards the conference room and they walked in.
The large Sontaran fleet sped through space. The fleet consisted of a large war cruiser surrounded by seven smaller, but still large, battle cruisers and thirty-three smaller battle ships. Flying an escort to the fleet were hundreds of Sontaran fighter craft. On the bridge of the war cruiser the Fleet Marshall sat surrounded by lower ranks working at their own unique stations.
“We shall reach the outer edge of the Sol system in one time unit.” A Sontaran reported.
Another Sontaran ran up to the Marshall.” Marshall,” a panicked tone came from the domed helmet of the Sontaran officer, “we are detecting spacial distortions four hundred units away”
“Release clone force Omega nine three and prepare for battle.” The Fleet Marshall ordered putting his domed helmet over his toad-like features.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:11:23 GMT
More Sontaran fighters poured out of the battle cruisers to join the waiting forces as two portals opened and three ships flew out of each. A large group of fighters broke off from the main force to engage the ships. The two lead ships fired missiles at the Sontaran fighters, destroying four and severely damaging a fifth. The final missiles streaked trails of light straight through the fighters and smashed into the side of a battle ship causing it to bank severely and crash into another. The two ships were ripped apart as a huge explosion enveloped them from the damaged craft. By now all the Sontaran fighters was engaged in attacking the six ships, which were firing a murderous onslaught, mercilessly destroying the fighters. The six ships arranged themselves into a triangular formation as a large proportion of the Sontaran fighters flew into the attackers’ kamikaze style. The few that made it were ignored at first but soon began damaging the lead ship. The volley of fire was increased and the Sontarans soon halted the kamikaze attack. A new barrage of fire suddenly hit the main body of the Sontaran fleet. Two four kilometer ships flew out of the portal and began to fire. The six original ships had almost destroyed the Sontaran fighters and were coming up on the rear of the fleet. The barrage of fire on the battle ships increased as both sides exchanged shots. The Sontarans were being gradually destroyed, as their firepower was virtually ineffective against the eight attacking ships. The ships at the rear of the fleet concentrated their fire at the damaged sections of the lead attacker. Missiles hammered into the Sontaran ships. The Fleet Marshall looked around his bridge. His ship and his fleet were being destroyed about him.
“Send a message that we are under attack.” It was the last order he gave. The missile streaked out from one of the larger two ships and smashed into the top of the war cruiser, obliterating the bridge. The core of the Sontaran fleet was now disabled. Secondary weapons not controlled from the bridge continued to fire without much effect. Explosions racked the fleet as wreckage from destroyed ships crashed into surviving ships adding to the confusion and damage. By now the vast majority of the fleet had been destroyed and the six original ships retreated into the portals. One of the three remaining battle cruisers closed on one of the retreating ships. Just before it entered the portal the Sontaran ship fired its engines and it impacted into the side of the craft. The impact destroyed the Sontaran ship and caused some considerable damage to the retreating ship. It had slowed down considerably as the portal closed behind it leaving one open. The war cruiser was still moving with the remainder of the fleet and firing at the two remaining attackers. More missiles impacted into its side and the huge ship exploded at its centre as it broke in half. The front half, not being controlled by engines dipped and smashed into and destroyed two of its own ships. Explosions burst all over the rear half as it also crashed into the exploding front section. Nine Sontaran ships remained and only one was a battle cruiser. The fleet dispersed making it more difficult for the attackers to fire at them. Most of the remaining ships were damaged by the war cruisers’ destruction. The Captain of the battle cruiser completed the Fleet Marshal’s final order and a distress message was sent to the Sontaran ship orbiting EST3. However, being damaged itself and under repair, there was little it could do to help as the signal cut out and the battle cruiser exploded under a barrage of missiles from the ship it was attacking. Five of the Sontaran ships remaining were destroyed as one was hit by a missile and crashed out of control into a group of four others attacking the ship that had just destroyed the battle cruiser. One of the attacking ships flew back into the portal as the remaining ship fired at the three remaining Sontaran craft. One of the ships was almost crippled through damage it had received. It moved round to fire at the rear of the attacker when its engines stalled. The boost to restart them was fatal; the explosion in the engine core caused the ship to fall into the path of a missile, completely destroying it. The two final Sontaran ships returned to the kamikaze tactic used by the fighters. Their attempt was futile as the attacking ship was only damaged. It hung there in space for a few seconds until it was clear no Sontaran ships had survived then returned into the portal.
The lift to the Command Deck slid open and Jess stepped out followed by the delegates and finally, Tom who walked to the front of the group and the conference room door.
“This way please.” He said gesturing into the room. “I take it our dear Dalek friends will be joining us some time this year.” He said to Sanders after the Delegates had entered.
“Oh yes,” Sanders’ reply was equally sarcastic. “Our wonderful allies will be back in five minutes.”
Tom smiled and entered the conference room followed by Jess who walked over to the window and looked out at the Earth.
“Anything wrong?” She turned round to see the Doctor standing beside her.
“No,” she relied, “I was just looking at Earth. I’ve seen pictures of it from space, but I never thought I’d see it myself from space.”
“Quite impressive isn’t it.” The Doctor confirmed. “I can remember when I first saw the Earth from space. I was equally moved and fell in love with it virtually straight away. From then on it’s been my favourite planet. Are you starting to feel homesick?”
“No, I was just looking. Is this conference thing going to be boring?”
“Probably.”
“Doctor.” The commander called.
“If you want to go back to Earth you just have to ask.”
“Don’t worry,” Jess replied. ”I don’t want to leave yet.”
The Doctor smiled and turned to Edwards. “Yes Commander?” He said walking forwards.
The door slid open and two Daleks glided in. She shivered when they entered remembering what the Doctor had said about them. She walked over to Tom.
“Don’t worry, they’re on our side for the time being.” He said. Jess stared at him. That was the second time he had known what she was going to ask before she said anything.
“Is it me, or is the station getting colder?” She asked him.
“The Ice Warriors are from Mars. They don’t like the heat so we drop the temperature for them.” He replied. “Come on, let’s go back to the Command Deck. The conference is about to start.”
Tom walked out followed by Jess. As they entered the Command Deck, Bradbury came running up to them.
“Sir, I was just about to contact you. The Odysseus reports that they’ve detected a small unidentified ship heading this way. It should be here in a few minutes.”
“Not again,” Tom breathed. “Is there no description at all?”
“Well...” Bradbury began.
“Not good?” Tom asked.
“No, it… well, it matches the description of the small ship the came out of the portal earlier.”
“Right, Sanders, prepare the station and expect an attack. Bradbury, prep security teams, we don't want any uninvited visitors.” Tom turned and headed for the conference room. Half a minute later he returned with Commander Edwards.
“Commander, the unidentified ship will be in strike range in one minute. The Odysseus is thirty seconds behind.” Sanders reported.
“All security teams ready.” Bradbury reported.
“Unidentified ship in strike range.” Tom said. He was back at his console. Jess braced herself for an impact, but from what she wasn’t sure. Commander Edwards turned to look at the screen. The small ship was approaching fast. All of a sudden the screen was filled with static and the picture was lost.
The ship closed to within two kilometres of the station and stopped. The Odysseus closed in on it.
“Commander!” Sanders said with alarm gripping her voice. “There is a spacial disturbance on level fifty-nine, section thirteen.”
“Seal off that section. Post security teams at all access points.” Edwards ordered.
The conference room door opened and the Doctor came out followed by the Ice Warriors.
“Commander,” He called, “Grand High-Lord Marshall Izlyr says that you can call upon his warriors for support should it be needed.”
“Than you Grand High Marshall.” Edwards said.
“In times of trouble, such as this, the federation should help itself and not worry about petit quarrels.” Izlyr hissed.
“Sir, space has returned to normal within the station.” Bradbury reported, “However, there is a weight difference.”
“What do you men, “weight difference”.” Izlyr asked.
“I mean, we’ve got some visitors.”
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:12:06 GMT
“I mean, we’ve got some visitors.” Bradbury’s reply caused silence to fall over the Command Deck. Tom was the first to break it.
“Post security teams to that section, immediately.” He said to Bradbury, echoing Edwards.
“Already done sir.”
“What about the ship?” Edwards asked.
“It was last recorded orbiting the station, maintaining a distance of two kilometres. All sensors have been knocked out. I can’t get any readings from any of them.” Sanders reported.
“Tom,” Edwards said, “will you go down to supervise the security teams at the section twelve entrance to section thirteen?”
“Sir.” Tom replied.
“I’d like to go down as well, Commander.” The Doctor said.
“Okay Doctor, but be careful, I can’t risk you.”
The Doctor walked towards Jess. “Jess, you stay here.” He said. “ And I mean that, it will be much safer up here.”
“Oh Doctor,” She began.
“I mean it, stay here. The Doctor replied sternly, entering the lift.
The Doctor and Tom arrived at the entrance to section thirteen to find a security detachment setting up a heavy defensive position.
“Is all this necessary?” The Doctor asked Tom.
“Just in case they break out. If their ships are anything to go by, they themselves must be pretty tough to kill. It’s purely a precaution.”
“How do you know they’re still in there?” Asked the doctor gesturing to the sealed off section.
“Put your ear to the door and listen.” Jim Ford walked towards them from the main body of guards.
The Doctor walked over to the door and pulled a stethoscope out of his pocket.
“Hmm.” He mused after a few seconds listening. “What do you make of this?” He asked Tom. Tom walked up and listened.
“Sounds like they’re setting up some sort of machinery.” He replied.
“That’s what I think.” The doctor confirmed.
“Do you think they are trying to cut through the door?” Ford asked.
“Quite probably.” The Doctor replied. “I think you had better ask the Commander if you can have some more men.”
“Do you know who it is?” Tom asked.
No, but they must be quite formidable.” The Doctor replied. “I only wish I knew who they were, then we might have a chance of defeating them.”
“Who do you think it is?” Tom asked.
“I haven’t a clue. That’s what worries me.” The doctor replied.
Just then four Daleks glided round the corner and stopped close to the security team.
“We have been sent to assist you.” The lead Dalek grated. ”If they are to break through we are to supply protective fire.”
“I’m sure we will be able to manage.” Ford said glaring at the Dalek.
“We have been sent to assist you.” The Dalek repeated. “Our weapons are more powerful that yours.”
“Well, I guess that settles that then.” The Doctor cut in.
The Daleks moved away and Ford came up to the Doctor.
“Why did you say that?” He asked.
“I don’t want any trouble.” The Doctor replied.
“Yet.” Tom added. As if on cue, one of the security guards ran up to them.
“Sir,” He sounded panicked. “I think they are trying to break through!”
Tom and the Doctor rushed over closely followed by Ford.
“There.” The guard said pointing. A wisp of smoke was coming from the door as it started to glow red then orange.
“I think we had better get back.” The Doctor said. “This door is starting to get extremely hot.”
“Jim, get your guy’s back,” Tom shouted, “and get those Daleks down here.” He lowered his voice. “If they want a fight they’re welcome to have one.”
The Doctor, Tom and the security team moved away as the Daleks closed in levelling their weapons. The group reached a safer distance and looked back. The corridor was full of smoke and there was no sign of the Daleks. Ford’s communicator bleeped.
“Sir, I’m with the patrol at the far end of the section. We’ve just been sent three Daleks who say they’ve been sent to assist us.”
“I know,” Ford replied, “the same thing just happened to us.”
“Well whoever is in that section just tried to break through. The corridor is full of smoke.”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.” The voice relied. “ But the Daleks entered the corridor and now we have no idea where they are. We haven’t heard anything.”
“Okay, well keep a defensive position. If you need reinforcements contact the Command Deck. Out.” Ford turned off his communicator. Looks like they’re having the same trouble at the other end of the section.” Ford said to the Doctor and Tom.
“Hang on a minute!” Tom said suddenly, holding up his hand.
“What?” Ford asked.
“Listen.”
“Yes,” the Doctor replied.
“I still can’t hear anything.” Ford said.
“It sounds…” Tom paused. “It sounds like Daleks.”
“Exactly. Captain Ford, I think you had better get in touch with the other half of your patrol and tell them to advance slowly and then we’ll meet them halfway.” The Doctor said.
Ford looked at Tom, who nodded.
“Sir.” Ford complied. He attempted to activate his communicator. “I can’t. There’s some sort of interference. I’ve tried the Command Deck. I can’t raise anyone. We’re cut off.”
“Get guards on the corridor, we don’t want anything coming out of there and attacking us.” Tom said.
“Sir!” Lieutenant Sanders sounded worried. “Sir, all systems are going off line. I can’t raise the security patrols at section thirteen.”
“What about support patrols?” Edwards asked.
“No joy, all communications systems are dead. Others are also going off line.”
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:12:30 GMT
Jess came running up. “What’s happening?” She asked.
“We’ve lost contact with the Doctor.” Edwards said.
“What? How do you mean?”
The communications systems are off line. We can’t contact him.”
“Well haven’t you got security cameras in the area or something?” She asked
“Yes,” Edwards replied, “Sanders, are they still operational?”
“No sir.” She replied. “All but life support and lighting systems are down. No,” she corrected herself, “life support has just gone off line. We’ve got about two hours before the station becomes uninhabitable.”
“Yes,” Edwards mused, “uninhabitable to all, except the Daleks.”
“What does that mean?” Asked Jess.
“We’re in trouble.” Came the reply.
“I think that more than just the communications systems will be down.” The Doctor said. “ I also think we can chance a recce of the corridor now that the smoke has started to disperse.”
“Yes,” Tom agreed. “I’d like to know what’s been happening down there.”
The small party cautiously moved down the corridor. When they reached the remains of the door they stopped.
“The door’s been completely disintegrated by the looks of it.” Tom said examining the scorched sections of the wall. The Doctor, who had crouched down to examine something on the floor looked up at Tom.
“This isn’t a part of the door is it?” He asked.
“What?” Tom asked turning round.
“Come and have a look.” The Doctor was looking at a small piece of scorched metal. Tom crouched down next to the Doctor and gingerly reached out his hand to tough it.
“It isn’t hot. Neither is it a part of the station. I’ve never seen that sort of metal before.” He said.
“It’s not Steel or Titanium.” The Doctor said picking it up. “You have seen it before. It’s Dalekanium.”
“What’s that?” Ford asked.
“The metal the Daleks are made of.” The Doctor replied. “Have you noticed that the air is beginning to get a bit stuffy?”
“Yes, life support must be down.” Tom said. “I’d give us ninety minutes, at the most.”
“Well, in that case we’ve got plenty of time.” The Doctor said.
“What do you mean plenty of time?” Ford shouted. “We’ve got an hour and a half to live.”
“That gives the engineering teams time to sort out the disabled systems.” Tom said.
The Doctor had pulled a magnifying glass out of his pocket and was studying the Dalekanium.
“I think this is from the inside of a Dalek.” He said. ”Judging from the scorch marks, I’d say it was blown up from the inside. However, the metal is intact, so the Dalek can’t have exploded.”
“We would’ve heard it if it had.” Tom said.
“Exactly.” The Doctor replied. “Also,” the Doctor said standing up and pocketing the magnifying glass and the Dalekanium, “life support is down.”
“What are you trying to say?” Ford asked.
“The Daleks don’t need oxygen. They can survive in a total vacuum.” The Doctor replied.
“You don’t think the Daleks…?” Tom started.
“I’m not sure. I’m not sure.” The Doctor said. “Now, I think we’d better get back to the Command Deck. Somehow.”
“Commander.” Bradbury shouted from the far side of the Command Deck. “Some systems are coming back on line.”
“What about life support.” Edwards asked.
“Yes,” Bradbury said checking his instruments. “All but external systems are back on line. I’m pretty sure that our uninvited guests have gone.”
The external communication speakers crackled and Captain Horrack’s voice broke through. “Commander Edwards, are you receiving?”
“Correction.” Bradbury said to Edwards.
Captain Horrack. How nice it is to hear you. Sorry we can’t get visual contact but we’ve had some problems with the station’s systems.” Edwards replied.
“We gathered.” Captain Horrack replied. “We’ve been trying to contact you for the past fifteen minutes.”
“Any news of the Unidentified Craft?”
“I was just about to tell you Commander. It flew back into a portal about five minutes ago. Would I be correct in guessing that you’ve had some visitors?”
“Yes, but I’m afraid we still can’t tell you who they are. They knocked out all of our systems and they’re only now coming back on line.”
“Do you need any help in restoring power?”
“No thank you ma’am. The systems are automatically coming back on line.”
“Very well. We are about to leave for the edge of the Solar System and join in search for the Sontaran fleet. We’ve had a report from the Sontarans. They’re saying that their fleet sent a distress call that ended abruptly. Basically there’s little hope they have survived. The Achilles has also been sent to investigate. We should be hearing from Captain Owen soon. We’ll let you know the outcome. Over and out.”
The communications systems closed and Jess walked up to Edwards.
“Who’s Captain Owen?” She asked
“The Captain of the Achilles.” Edwards replied.
“Can you contact the Doctor yet?”
“No need.” Said the Doctor stepping out of the lift. “Commander, I need to talk to you.”
“One minute Doctor. Tom, a word.” Edwards beckoned Tom over.
“Jess?” She ran over to the Doctor. “Are you alright?” He asked.
“I’m fine. How are you.” She replied. “We couldn’t contact you.”
“Don’t worry about me. I think I’ve almost figured out what’s happening. When I go and see the Commander I want you to come with me.” He walked up to Edwards. “I’d like to talk to you and the Command Deck officers you know you can trust. This is important. Also I want you to send the Federation Ambassadors to Earth. It will be safer for them.” The Doctor then turned and walked to Lieutenant Sanders console and began talking to her. Edwards turned and walked into his office and opened the communications link to Earth.
“Put me through to Admiral Russell immediately. Top priority.”
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:12:55 GMT
Five minutes later Commander Edwards’ office door slid open and he stepped out.
“Tom, Sanders, Dave? Can you step into my office for a minute? Doctor, I’m ready for you.”
The Doctor beckoned Jess to follow him into Edwards’ office.
“Sit down everyone” Edwards said, “Doctor, this is Admiral Russell.” Edwards gestured towards the communication screen.
“How do you do, Admiral.” The Doctor said.
“Very well, thank you Doctor.” Russell replied.
“Admiral Russell is head of Earth’s Space Program. I think he’ll want to hear this.” Edwards said.
“Very well,” the Doctor started, “I have a theory about these attacks. Before I begin, I’ll admit that I’m quite nervous,”
Jess stared at him; the Doctor didn’t seem the nervous type.
“There is some force at work in the galaxy that is scaring the Sontarans into making a peace treaty with another space power. It’s also scaring the Galactic Federation into a virtual permanent state of paranoia and red alert and into believing the Daleks. Now, we have confirmation of attacks on the Galactic Federation. Also on the Draconian Empire and the Sontaran Empire. The Sontaran refugee fleet failed to arrive. When the search ship arrived they only found a dispersing debris field. This information was given to me by Lieutenant Sanders.” The Doctor paused and took the piece of Dalekanium out of his pocket. “Now we only have the Daleks word that they are under attack.”
“What do you mean by that?” Russell asked.
“We have no confirmation of the attacks on the Daleks. I’ve had plenty of experience not to trust them. The Daleks that entered the section where the intruders were sealed disappeared and all that we found was this.” The Doctor held up the piece of Dalekanium.
“What is it?” Asked Bradbury
“Dalekanium, the metal the Daleks are made of. It comes from the inside of a Dalek. I believe that it was put there to make us believe the Daleks were destroyed.” The Doctor replied.
“What are you trying to say?” Sanders asked. “This is all going beyond me.”
“I’m trying to say that I believe that it’s the Daleks who are attacking you. They’re saying they’re being attacked to inflict more terror, something they delight in.”
“Daleks don’t have space portal technology, do they?” Russell asked.
“No, but they have time corridor technology.” The Doctor replied. “These portals could be the openings to time corridors. They could be coming from a future that they don’t want changed. These ships could be coming to ensure that that future isn’t changed and lost. They’ve done it before and no doubt they’ll do it again.”
“Then why doesn’t the Dalek fleet arrive that way?” Sanders asked.
“What fleet?” The Doctor asked.
“The Daleks have sent a fleet of ships to help us fight the attackers.” Tom replied.
The Doctor stood up. ”Admiral, you must stop this fleet of Daleks. It will be an invasion fleet.” The Doctor paused, then snapped his fingers. “”They’ll invade Earth again and won’t want to let it go. They’ve already lost their foothold on it twice.”
“Twice?” Bradbury said startled.
“Yes, of course. Once to you.” The Doctor said. “The other was in a parallel future. After they’ve invaded Earth they’ll go on to conquer the whole of the Galactic Federation. You must stop this fleet Admiral.”
“Doctor, I’m afraid that I don’t have the authority to turn back that fleet. I’d have to refer the matter to the federation council.”
“Very well, but don’t allow them to land on Earth. I mean it Admiral, it’s crucial, I can’t stress that enough.”
The communication link shut off.
“We still haven’t been able to determine whether or not it was the Daleks in that section.” Bradbury said.
“I would say that it was.” The Doctor said taking a piece of paper and a pencil from his pocket and started to scribble down a list. “Jess, will you and Tom do me a favour?” He asked.
“Yes.” Jess replied looking at Tom smiling. She liked the young officer.
“Can you pop to the TARDIS for me and collect these things,” the Doctor said handing Jess the list, “everything should be in the console room, you shouldn’t get lost.”
Tom and Jess walked through the door and it closed behind them. The Doctor was about to speak when the door opened again and Jess ran back in.
“Doctor, we can’t get in.” She said.
“You haven’t had time to reach the TARDIS yet.” The Doctor replied.
“No, I mean we haven’t got a key.”
The Doctor took the key from his pocket and handed it to Jess who took it and ran back through the door. The Doctor turned back to Edwards.
“Now Commander, how many Daleks are on the Station at present?”
“Only the three who are leaving for Earth with the Federation ambassadors. We should be able to see the Athena leave the Station from here.” Edwards Replied.
“Good. After they’ve gone build a safety switch into the life-support system so it can only be turned off from the Command Deck, hello?”
“What is it Doctor?” Edwards asked.
“Commander, have you had Daleks in this room?” The Doctor asked looking down at the floor.
“No. Why?” Edwards asked.
“The floor’s scratched here, as if something has run over it. Something metal, strong metal.”
“You don’t think the Daleks have bugged my office, do you?” Edwards asked.
“Possibly,” The Doctor replied, ”so from now on, I think that we should conduct our meetings in another room, one that we know hasn’t been bugged. Now I think we’d better get back to the Command Deck.”
“Level nine.” Tom said as the lift came to a halt.
“Do you remember where the TARDIS is?” Jess asked. “This place is huge.”
“Sure.” Tom replied. “Section twelve, corridor seventeen. It’s about five minutes walk.” He stepped out of the lift and froze. “This isn’t level nine. This is level 376.”
“How’s that possible?” Jess asked. “ We weren’t in the lift for long.”
“There must be a lift malfunction. The lifts must have been affected during the systems blackout. I’ll contact the Command Deck and get them to move us to level nine.”
As Tom contacted the Command Deck, Jess looked around at the surroundings. The corridors seemed to go on forever or turn a corner. There didn’t seem to be as many people about. Jess suddenly felt a shiver go through her. She wasn’t cold. Nerves? From what the Doctor said in the Commanders office there was a lot to be nervous of.
“Jess? Are you okay?”
Tom’s voice interrupted her thoughts. He probably knew what I was thinking anyway, she thought.
“We’re off.” He said as she stepped into the lift. The journey was slightly longer and more jolted but Jess recognised the lift as a lift. Before it had been so smooth she hadn’t felt like it was moving.
“How did you know that wasn’t level nine?” Jess asked breaking the silence. “All the corridors look the same.”
“They aren’t once you know them,” Tom replied, “and anyway, my quarters are on level nine.”
The doors opened and they stepped out. Jess noticed that there were people about on this level. She turned to ask Tom and found him studying one of the lift panels.
”The engineering team can fix this, easy” He muttered to no one in particular.
“Shall we get these things for the Doctor? He’ll be expecting us soon.”
“Yes, alright. What does he want?” Tom asked.
“Um…” Jess took the list from her pocket, “he wants his sonic screwdriver and…” Jess squinted at the paper “… I can’t quite read his writing.”
“Can I have a look?” Tom asked holding out his hand. Jess passed Tom the piece of paper and he stared at it until they reached the TARDIS. By then he was so deep in thought he walked straight past it.
“Tom.” Jess shouted after him. “It’s here.” She said pointing.
“What? Oh, yes.” Tom walked back to the TARDIS as Jess unlocked the door and walked.
“Come in.” She shouted from inside the TARDIS.
“Doctor, how long do you think it will take those two to collect your things from the TARDIS?” Asked Edwards.
The Doctor ignored him and continued staring at something on the floor.
“Doctor?”
“Commander, have you noticed this?” The Doctor suddenly asked.
“Noticed what, Doctor?”
“These scratches, they’re exactly the same as the scratches in your office.”
“You said you thought they were caused by a Dalek.”
“Yes, well I’m sure of it now.” The Doctor said standing up and walking towards the Commanders office. “About five minutes.”
“What?” Edwards asked.
“They should be about five minutes.” The Doctor replied.
“Who?”
“Jess and Tom. I need to have a think.” The Doctor said disappearing into the commander’s office.
“Are you sure he can help, sir?” Bradbury asked “He seems a bit strange to me.”
“He knows what he’s talking about, that man.” Edwards replied “He’ll be of great use to us.”
“But are you sure we can trust him?” Bradbury asked.
“Yes, I’m sure we can. I hope” Edwards added quietly.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:13:33 GMT
“Are you sure there will be enough room?” Tom looked up from the Doctors list in amazement at the console room. “This… this is…” He began.
“Bigger on the inside than the out?” Jess asked helpfully.
“I was going to say impossible,” Tom replied, “But that will do. Dimensional Transcendentalism isn’t it?”
“I don’t know. Probably. The Doctor said it was “Dimensionally Transcendental”, whatever that means.” Jess replied.
“It means that it’s bigger inside than out. Now then, where would the Doctor keep his sonic screwdriver?”
“I’ll have a look. Can you read his writing?”
“Yes, this is the console room, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
Tom walked over to the Doctors tool kit and spares boxes, which were lying, beside the Console. Jess walked to the console and picked up the Doctors sonic screwdriver off it. “Tom?”
“Hmm?” Came the reply.
“How did you know what TARDIS meant?”
“I don’t know, do you want it simple?” Tom didn’t pause to let Jess answer, “Right. Space has many dimensions and time is a relative dimension in space, Hence, TARDIS. Of course!” Tom stopped rummaging through the Doctors boxes and looked up. It’s bound to be bigger inside, isn’t it, hmm?” Tom suddenly cocked his head to one side, “Strange. Déjà-vu again.”
“Why strange?” Jess asked.
“The same déjà-vu feeling over the same thing in one day. I’d better book in with Doctor Anderson sometime.” He looked back down and resumed his rummaging. Jess walked round the console and crouched down opposite Tom.
“How’s it going?” she asked.
“I’ve got the parts he wanted and the Electron Alternator. Do you know what a Polarity Regulator is?”
“No.”
“Good job I’m here then, isn’t it?” Tom said smiling and holding up a small complex piece of technology. “Can you just check to see if he wants a left-handed screwdriver?”
“Yes, okay.” Said Jess reaching for the list but stopped when she heard Tom laugh suddenly realising that she had been tricked. “That’s not funny!” She laughed throwing the now scrunched up list at him.
“It was from where I was standing.” Tom chuckled. “I think we’d better be getting back now. Don’t you?”
“Yes, alright then.” Jess replied.
“Have you ever met the Daleks before today?” Tom asked.
“No, but the Doctor’s told me about them. He says they’re his deadliest enemies.”
“I gathered. You can tell he doesn’t like them by the way he talks about them.”
Outside the TARDIS Tom stopped suddenly and pushed Jess back in.
“What is it?” She asked.
“There’s a Dalek just down the corridor.”
“You did a good job of talking them up, I thought they’d all left the station.”
“Apparently not.” Tom replied.
“But if they’re on our side, can’t we just walk past it?”
“Not if the Doctors right. Come on Jess, use your head. If the Doctor is the Daleks greatest enemy, they’ll know what the TARDIS looks like, won’t they? And if they see you coming out of here, they’ll most probably kill you on sight.”
“Oh.” The tone of Jess’ voice dropped. “You mean we’re stuck in here?”
“Until the Dalek’s gone, or…” Tom trailed off and walked over to the console.
“Or what?” Jess asked.
“Do you know how to operate the TARDIS?”
“What?”
“We don’t have to wait for the Dalek to move if we can move the TARDIS.”
“But we can’t. We had to land here because the Doctor said that something was interfering with the space/time vortex. I didn’t know what he meant but it sounded rather important.”
“Well, in that case we’ll have to wait.”
The door to the commanders’ office slid open and the Doctor walked onto the Command Deck.
“Commander, you haven’t heard from Jess or Tom have you?” he asked.
“Not a word, Doctor.” Edwards replied. “Why, what’s wrong?”
“They’ve been gone over twenty minutes on a job that should take less that five.”
“Perhaps they can’t find what you sent them for.” Edwards said.
“No, Commander. Everything I sent them for is in the Console Room.” The Doctor stopped as he had a sudden thought. “Can you get me a picture of the corridor where the TARDIS is?” He asked Sanders.
“Yes, I think so.” She said working at her console. A picture of the TARDIS in the corridor appeared on the screen.
“Hmm.” The Doctor mused. “Can you get me a wider picture?” he asked.
Before Sanders could change the picture a Dalek glided into view. A gasp of horror went round the Command Deck.
“Daleks!” The Doctor breathed.
“I thought they’d all left the station.” Edwards said.
“I knew it, I knew it.” The Doctor said “Commander, get security teams down there, now.” The Doctors voice raised as he spoke. “Those two may be trapped.”
Sanders frantically worked at her console calling security patrols and ordering frantic technicians to their posts. Bradbury managed to gain control over a small group and began instructing them to seal the Station.
“Doctor,” The commander paused until he had the Doctors attention. “Doctor, I thought all the Daleks had left the station.”
“So did I.” The Doctor replied. “Perhaps it’s an invasion group trying to gain control of the station. Commander, secure this deck, I’m going to try and get to the TARDIS.”
“Perhaps the TARDIS has a communication system. I may be able to raise the Command Deck.” Tom said.
“I know.” Jess said. “I’ll try to find the scanner switch. We can see when the Dalek goes then.”
“You do that while I try to find a communicator control.” Tom replied.
“What about your communicator thing?” Jess asked while looking at the console.
“All ready tried it. I can’t raise anyone from in here.”
“I’ve found it!” Jess exclaimed looking up proudly at the scanner screen.
“Of course. I might be able to raise the Command Deck if I can nip outside.” Tom walked over to the door control and operated it and walked to the doors. “Stay here where it’s safe.” He called as he walked out.
Jess turned to the scanner screen and watched Tom slip round the side of the TARDIS and do his best to conceal himself in the small area of cover available. She was glad to see the Dalek didn’t notice him.
Outside the TARDIS tom pressed himself into the small amount of space available to hide in and operated his communicator only to receive a call from the Command Deck.
“Tom, Commander Edwards here, how are you?”
“Fine, sir. Listen, Jess and I are pinned down in the TARDIS by a Dalek…”
“You got out alright.”
“I know, sir, but the corridor’s too open to escape. Can you send us some assistance?”
“A security team is on the way and the Doctor is making his way down. I think it would be best if you got in the TARDIS until they arrive.”
“That’s a bit tricky sir, I can’t see where the Dalek is.”
“Well, we’ve got you on camera, you can get in now, the Dalek isn’t looking. Over and out.”
Tom switched off his communicator and sidled round the TARDIS and slipped inside.
“We’re going to have to sit tight for a few minutes, help’s on it’s way.” He said.
“What kind?” Jess asked.
“The Doctor and a security patrol.”
The doctor sped along the corridors towards the TARDIS, dodging the technicians he met on his way. He rounded a corner at speed and ran straight into a man wearing a white coat over his uniform.
“I’m sorry,” he said helping the officer up, “Mr.?”
“Doctor Anderson, Doctor John Anderson.” He replied.
“A doctor? Excellent. You may be needed, follow me.” Already making his way down the corridor.
“Why, what’s happened?” Doctor Anderson called after him.
The Doctor answered over his shoulder, “A Dalek.”
“Any progress?” Commander Edwards asked.
“None sir,” Sanders wearily replied. Nothing from the security team or the Doctor. The Dalek appears to have taken root. It hasn’t moved for the past five minutes.”
“Hang on a minute sir,” Bradbury said, “Look” He shouted pointing at the screen.
Another Dalek glided into view and took up a place beside the TARDIS. The first Dalek moved opposite the second.
“Raise the security team and warn them. And contact Doctor Anderson and inform him that there could be trouble.” Said Edwards. “It appears that the Doctor may be right.”
The Doctor and Doctor Anderson reached the Corridor intersection close to the TARDIS and froze; two Daleks were now outside the TARDIS.
“How are we going to deal with those?” Doctor Anderson asked.
“Hopefully the security team will.” The Doctor replied, “However,” he continued, “don’t worry because I’ve got something that will help.” He began rummaging through his pockets. “It works on ultra-sound, sonic vibrations. It should destroy the Daleks minds…” The Doctor trailed off.
“What is it?” Doctor Anderson asked.
“My sonic screwdriver. It’s in the TARDIS. It’s one of the items I sent Jess for. We’ve got no choice but to wait for the security team now.” The Doctor said. “If only they got a move on…”
God, this is boring, Jess thought as she paced up and down the console room.
“Just relax. They’ll be here soon.”
Jess glanced down at Tom. He had taken the back off his communicator and was sat on the floor fiddling about with the circuitry inside.
“With that Dalek thing out there!?” She replied aghast. “Not likely!”
“Don’t get hysterical, we’re perfectly safe in here.” Tom said calmly.
“Who’s getting hysterical? I mean, I just stepped into a police box to use the phone and find that it's really a disguised space ship that was going to the Great Exhibition but instead has taken me into the middle of an intergalactic war. Oh, I’m fine!” She caught a glimpse of Tom looking at her out of the corners of his eyes. She tried to look away but she appeared to be transfixed to his eyes. “I’m sorry.” She said in resigned tones. Tom looked away.
“What year are you from, by the way?” He asked.
“2001” She replied.
“Now, if I remember my History, weren’t mobile telephones in use by that time period?”
“Yes…” Jess replied cautiously.
“Well…?” Tom began.
“I was on my way out to get some credit.” She protested. “I’d left my phone at home and was just going down to the shops when someone shouted to me to get the police as there’d been a traffic accident and person who caused it drove off. I saw the police box, it didn’t occur to me that it shouldn’t be there or that it hadn’t been there before.”
Jess suddenly felt panic grip her again and she glanced down at Tom again to see if he had noticed. Again she found herself staring into his eyes. They seemed to be vibrant and calming and she started to relax. She shot a glance at the scanner. The Dalek appeared to have gone. She walked over to the door control and operated it. The doors swung open and she walked towards them.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:14:09 GMT
On the Command Deck, the door to the TARDIS opened on the screen.
“What are they doing?” Asked Edwards, frustrated.
The first Dalek spotted it and began to move. The Command Deck was held in silent anticipation.
“Tom.” Edwards muttered, “Close the door.”
The Doctor poked his head round the corner in time to see the TARDIS door open and one of the Daleks start to move.
“Close the door!” he yelled.
Tom heard the doors open and looked up and saw Jess walk out.
“Jess, NO!” He yelled jumping up.
Jess appeared in the doorway.
“Get back, get back.” Sanders kept repeating to the screen.
“Get that damn security patrol there, Now!” Edwards yelled.
The Doctor saw Jess appear in the TARDIS doorway and ran from cover.
“Jess, get back in.” He yelled.
Jess felt someone grab her from behind. “Get back!” Tom’s voice sounded distant at first but now sounded angry. He dragged her back from the door just in time as a bolt of energy smashed into the door. Tom dragged Jess back to the far side of the console. The Dalek glided through the doors.
“Do not move!” It grated. “You shall be exterminated!”
“Keep down” Tom hissed.
The Doctor sprinted down the corridor with Doctor Anderson following. The Doctor sped past the second Dalek and flung himself into the TARDIS. The Dalek was hunting Jess and Tom who were trapped on the far side of the console. The Doctor saw his sonic screwdriver sitting on the console. The Dalek was between him and it. He shot a glance at Tom and Jess and caught Tom’s eye. He glanced to the Dalek who was moving slowly and then to his sonic screwdriver. Tom nodded in acknowledgement. He nudged Jess and motioned to her to move round the TARDIS console. Jess nodded and began to crawl away. Tom was about to move when he spotted the Daleks eyestalk following Jess. The Doctor had spotted it too. The sudden sound of weapons fire outside the TARDIS made the Daleks eyestalk spin. It spotted the Doctor and began to turn. Tom seized his chance and ran to the Dalek. For the few seconds he was grappling with it The Doctor managed to reach his sonic screwdriver. The Dalek threw Tom clear and levelled its weapon at him.
Doctor Anderson saw the Doctor disappear into the TARDIS at the same moment the security patrol rounded the corner. He ducked back under cover as the Dalek moved to intercept them.
“Halt. You shall be exterminated” It grated.
The first shot missed the Dalek by inches. With the security team only six strong, Doctor Anderson knew that there would be trouble. He contacted the Command Deck instantly.
“Daniel! This is John Anderson; we need reinforcements on security and medical fronts!” He deactivated the communicator and peeked round the corner. He realised the first shot was a warning; the Dalek seemed to be seizing up the opposition.
“Exterminate!” The Dalek fired at the security team. The energy bolt hit the lead guard in the chest. He was enveloped for a split second in an electric blue shimmer and was then thrown back against the far wall, slumping to the ground, dead. The rest of the team tried to find as much cover as they could as the Dalek fired mercilessly at them. A second guard was hit and killed. The fire that the guards laid out seemed to suddenly start to bother the Dalek as it began to increase its rate of fire, not really taking aim.
The Dalek suddenly lost interest in Tom and swung towards the Doctor and Jess.
“Exterminate!” it screeched.
The Doctor pushed Jess to one side and dived the other way. The energy bolt smashed into the wall behind where they had been standing. The Dalek started to follow Jess round the console. As she backed away from it she stumbled and fell backwards. The Dalek stopped and levelled its blaster at her. She looked up and found herself staring down the barrel of the monsters squat gun. Time appeared to slow to a sickening crawl. The Doctor and Tom both acted at the same time. Tom ran round the console and grabbed the creatures’ limbs. The Doctor sprinted round the other side and pressed his sonic screwdriver on the Daleks’ dome, operating it. The high pitched hum of the screwdriver was drowned out by the screech emitted by the Dalek. Tom felt the creatures’ limbs start to slacken, the howl it was emitting slowly died. Tom sat down exhausted and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. The Doctor pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and mopped his brow before bending down to help Jess to her feet.
“Are you ok?” He asked her? Jess, still a bit shaken nodded her head.
The Dalek began to slowly move down the corridor to the surviving guards, who were still firing desperately. A third guard was hit and the other became frantic. One guard attempted to get close to the Dalek. It saw him move and spun. Both the Dalek and the guard fired simultaneously. The guard slumped down, dead, but the Dalek continued, apparently unaffected. It too the guards just a few seconds to register, the creatures reactions were beginning to be quite sluggish. It seemed to be concentrating on one then the other of the remaining guards at a time. Its concentration focussed on the furthest guard, and the other saw his chance and tried to creep up behind the Dalek. He was about to fire, when suddenly the creature exploded. The guard was caught in the explosion and fell back, burnt and bleeding from shrapnel wounds. Doctor Anderson rushed to the mans aid. The remaining guard operated his communicator and contacted the command deck;
“Dalek problem sorted sir. Although we have had some casualties.” He reported.
The Doctor pocketed the handkerchief and walked over to Tom.
“Can you contact the Command Deck and tell them we’ve delt with one of the Daleks?” he asked.
“Sorry Doctor,” Tom replied, “I don’t think that’s going to be possible at the moment!”
“How do you mean, not possible?”
Tom crouched down and picked up his communicator. ”It got a bit damaged during the struggle!” he said, resigned.
“Would Doct…” The Doctor began before trailing off and spinning round to look at the doors.
“What is it?!” Jess found her voice.
“The other Dalek. Why didn’t it follow me in?”
“There’s your answer!” Tom said pointing at the scanner screen. It was showing the aftermath of the battle with the Dalek.
“Well, in that case I think its safe enough to go out there no, don’t you?” the doctor asked with a smile on his face.
Commander Edwards heaved a sigh of relief and switched off the communications link.
“So the Doctor was right?” sanders said.
“It appears so.” Edwards replied.
“So, what happens now then?” Bradbury asked.
“Presumably I’ll have to make a report to Admiral Russell, he’ll refer it to the federation council and they’ll stop the Dalek fleet.” Edwards said.
“So, they’ll officially declare war?” Sanders asked.
“Well, I honestly don’t know. I’d assume so.” Edwards said.
“But surely they’ll be able to stop the Dalek fleet now sir?” Bradbury asked.
“Dave, when the Doctor gets back, I’m sure he’ll be able to answer your questions better than I will.”
“Doctor Anderson.” Anderson turned round and saw the Doctor emerge from the TARDIS followed closely be Jess and Tom. “Doctor Anderson, how are the casualties?”
“Four are dead, Doctor.” Anderson said gravely. “Another seriously wounded.”
“Can you treat him?” Tom asked
“I can’t do anything for anyone until they’re back in the medical bay.”
“Do you need a hand?” The Doctor asked.
“Thank you, but no, Doctor. A medical team is on its way.”
“Right, in that case, I’d better be getting back to the Command Deck.” The Doctor set off then stopped and spun on his heel. “What about the items I sent you for?” he asked Jess.
“They’re still in the TARDIS.” Jess said. Tom ducked in and reappeared a few seconds later.
“This all Doctor?” he asked.
“Yes, yes,” The Doctor said already turning the corner.
Commander Edwards sat at his desk. The Doctor was sat opposite with Jess at his right. The Doctor was turning the piece of Dalekanium over and over in his hand. Tom was stood staring out of the window.
“How long do we have to wait, Commander?” The Doctor asked impatiently. “This is very important!”
“Only until the rest of the senior crew get here Doctor.” Edwards replied.
“Sanders and Bradbury are only just outside.”
“They can’t just drop everything and rush here subject to your whim Doctor. They too have work to do!” Edwards was beginning to lose patience himself. “And may I remind you that you have no official position on board this station. Or indeed the Galactic Federation! Oh, yes Doctor, I did some checking and I can’t find a file relating to you or your friend in the federation.”
“Commander, I am here merely to advise you. If the Daleks are attacking you, then you need my help. I am the only one that you can rely on!” The Doctor stopped and relaxed. The door slid open and Bradbury and Sanders walked in.
“Doctor Anderson is on his way up, sir.” Sanders said.
The room was an uneasy silence until Doctor Anderson walked in.
“Are we all ready?” Edwards asked. He then switched on the link to Admiral Russell on Earth. “Right, now we can get down to business. Doctor, will you start us off?”
“Certainly commander. As I told you all earlier, the Daleks are behind these attacks. Admiral, have you turned back that Dalek fleet?”
“No, I’m sorry Doctor; I don’t have the full authority.” Russell replied. ”They’ve been stopped at the Asteroid belt.”
Upon hearing this, Tom spun round. “What?!” his voice betrayed his astonishment. “But that’s only five minute’s flight time from Mars; they’re right by the heart of the Federation.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:14:33 GMT
“I know Mr Rowan, but that’s all I could manage. Be grateful they aren’t orbiting Earth.”
“The two Daleks that attacked the station have been disabled” The Doctor continued. “Doctor Anderson and myself shall be dissecting the Dalek creatures after this meeting in order to locate and exploit any weakness and study their anatomy, something which I’ve never done before, so I must say, I’m rather intrigued.” The Doctor paused.
“But why are the Daleks attacking us? That’s what I don’t understand.” Sanders said.
“Because they enjoy killing humans.” Bradbury said.
“Well, yes and no.” The Doctor said. “They are ruthless killers, but this time I believe they want to stop the future from being changed.”
“Yes, you said that before Doctor, but why would they? I mean, from what future?”
“That fleet we’ve just stopped could have been an invasion fleet. They will most probably attempt to break through the restriction zone and invade Earth and/or Mars and cripple the Galactic Federation. Possibly, the events in the future are by what’s happening now, the present. This is why the ships are coming out of portals, which I believe are time portals which is why Jess and I were forced to land. These ships are attacking us now in order to change the future again to benefit them.”
“But Doctor.” Admiral Russell was confused. “How do you know all this?”
“My dear Admiral, I’m only speculating. I can’t tell for sure because the time vortex is blocked by a time distortion so I can’t travel any further into the future.”
“So basically Doctor, you’re saying that we should hold that Dalek fleet by the asteroid belt?” Edwards asked.
“And blast them if or when they break through?” Bradbury finished for Edwards.
“Like I said,” the Doctor replied, “I’m only speculating. There’s just one problem with the whole affair.”
“What’s that Doctor?” Russell asked.
“They’ve made it to obvious.”
“Who?”
“The Daleks. There are just some parts of this that I don’t understand.”
“You mean like, why are they attacking the Sontarans and Draconians?” Bradbury asked.
“Exactly.” The Doctor replied. “And another thing…”
“What?” Tom asked looking up.
“I keep getting the feeling I’m being watched!”
Unnoticed by anyone in the room two red sensors observed them from a dark corner, drenched in shadow.
In a dark room, and image of Commander Edwards office was being displayed on a screen. Everyone in the room was clearly visible. On the screen, Tom raised his head. “What?”
“I keep getting the feeling I’m being watched!” The Doctor replied.
A shadow moved across a control panel and the image of the Doctor was enhanced so only his face was on the screen.
The Commander sat back at his desk as everyone else walked out.
“Jess,” the Doctor began. “Stay up here on the command deck while I’m in the medical bay, I don’t think you’ll find what I’m about to do very pleasant.”
The door closed behind them and Edwards turned to the communication screen.
“Do you trust this Doctor, Daniel?” Russell asked.
“Well, he seems to know what he’s talking about, even if the rest of us don’t!” Edwards replied.
“Your security commander, Rowan, he seems to understand what the Doctor is talking about.”
“What are you implying sir?”
“How old is Tom, Daniel?”
“I’m not sure sir, I think in his twenties.”
“And how long have you known him?”
“About five years sir, why?”
“And is he the same as when your first met him?”
“Yes, exactly.” Edwards suddenly realised something. “Wait, he’s pretty much exactly the same, he doesn’t seem to have changed much at all.”
“He doesn’t seem to have changed?” Russell queried
“Yes. You don’t think he’s an android or some kind of robot?”
“No, it would have shown on a medical scan” Russell replied
“Admiral, he hasn’t had a medical scan since he’s been on the station, he’s always been in top health, one of my best officers.”
“Do you suppose he’s a Dalek spy, Dan?”
“I doubt it sir, if so, then they’ve been planning this for years.” Edwards paused. “Besides, Tom, he’s a friend, I’d say it’s more likely he’s one of those lucky ones with those youthful complexions or he’s had regenerative surgery or drugs. They don’t affect performance Admiral, I trust him.”
“Oh, I’m not saying that Daniel, I’d just like to have a talk to him, most probably after the next Earth Council meeting. If you trust him, then I’m sure he’s fine. I shall talk to you later Daniel.” The communications screen went blank.
The Doctor and Doctor Anderson where in the middle of the dissection of the Daleks mutant. A security patrol had removed the Dalek from the TARDIS and the one from the corridor and two officers now stood guard over the dormant creatures.
“Yes,” the Doctor mused. “It does appear to be your bog standard Dalek mutant.” He paused as he glanced around. “Yet I can’t shake off these feelings.”
”Which ones Doctor?” Anderson asked.
“Well, can’t you feel it?” The Doctor said looking round again. “I can’t get rid of this feeling that I’m being watched.”
“Well, now you mention it Doctor, something does feel different about the medical bay, I just can’t place it.”
High up on the top of a large cupboard, a further two red sensors observed the two Doctors at their work from a shadow.
“Hmmm, this doesn’t appear to be natural to Dalek anatomy” the Doctor said, prodding a small piece of delicate circuitry with a scalpel.
“What is it Doctor?” Anderson asked.
“I’m not sure. It may be Dalek technology, or…”
“Or?”
“I don’t know. There’s something, something at the back of my mind”
“What?”
“Probably nothing, technology advances so quick these days, especially when you travel in time. Which Dalek is this?”
“Erm, the one that was taken from your, TARDIS? Is it?”
“Yes, that’s the one. So that means that the first one we examined was the one that the security patrol destroyed?”
“Yes.”
“Tell me, Doctor Anderson, do you know if this station can generate an electro magnetic pulse?”
“An EMP? Yes, why?”
“It’ll deal with any Daleks still on the station.” The doctor said washing his hands and putting on his coat. “I need to talk to Commander Edwards; perhaps you would like to accompany me, Doctor Anderson?”
“Later Doctor, I need to clear up here first.”
“Well, why wasn’t I informed sooner?” Edwards shouted at Bradbury.
“I’ve been monitoring it for sometime and it’s definitely turning into a pattern.”
“And now we’ve got faults appearing in the air conditioning systems?”
Jess had become bored and was now trying to keep up with this conversation. It turned out that faults had been occurring in the ventilation and air conditioning systems for the past few hours.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Mar 20, 2006 15:15:10 GMT
“Something wrong, Commander?”
The Doctors voice made her start.
“Yes Doctor.” Edwards replied. “Would you care to take a look at these readings?” Edwards indicated the panel next to Bradbury and himself.
“There’s definitely some kind of pattern there.” The Doctor confirmed “What are these?” The Doctor pointed to another panel.
“These show slight drops in air pressure.” Bradbury said.
“By the looks of these readings, you’ve got a major fault developing in your ventilation system.” The Doctor said. “But I don’t think it matters at the present. I want you to release an EMP throughout the station.”
“Why?” Bradbury asked.
“Because it will disable the systems of any Daleks on the station.”
“The only thing is, it will knock all our primary systems offline also.” Tom said from nearby.
“Backup air supplies should kick in automatically, shouldn’t they?” Edwards asked.
“Yes, but it may take a while for primary generators to be restored.” Tom replied.
“What about gravity?” Jess wandered over. “I mean, we wont start floating up near the ceiling will we?”
“No, don’t worry, the station automatically produces gravity as it spins” Bradbury replied.
“Well, that’s settled then.” Said the Doctor, beaming.
“Everyone to their stations,” Edwards ordered, “we’re going to activate a station-wide EMP.”
“Doctor, what is an electro magnetic pulse?” Jess asked.
“Something very powerful that will deal with the Daleks.” The Doctors reply was brief, “Now, when I tell you to ‘make a whish’ put your fingers in your ears, close your eyes and brace yourself, it will seem like a bright light with a lot of noise thrown in for good measure.”
“The warning’s gone station-wide, Doctor, get ready.” Edwards warned.
“EM pulse commencing. I can only manage the pulse for one tenth of a second, any longer it will affect the back-up systems.” Tom reported. “Ten seconds, nine, eight.”
“Jess,” The Doctor said, “Close your eyes, make a wish.” Jess braced herself.
“EMP, Five seconds, four” Tom slowly counted down. The rest of the command deck braced themselves. “Three, two one, EMP active.”
The command deck was bathed in a bright white glare accompanied by a high pitched whine. The glare faded and the command deck slowly came back to life. Still in darkness, the crew began to pick themselves up off the floor. The Doctor was already up and full of life.
“All… All prime… primary systems down sir.” Bradbury stuttered. “Automatic repair systems coming back online. Slight problem with air supplies. Repair teams working on it.”
A dull light was being emitted from the consoles which illuminated the room. Jess watched the silent command deck busy itself into repairing the systems.
“Lighting systems virtually repaired.” Tom reported. “Coming on any second…” Jess thought Toms timing was perfect, the lights came on the instant he said; “…now.”
“No improvement in air systems.” Bradbury reported.
“I’m reading obstructions in the air passages.” Sanders said.
“Doctor, any ideas?” Edwards asked the Time Lord.
“I’m not sure, is this the first time these faults have been reported?”
“Yes.”
“Sir! All problems have cleared!” Bradburys’ astonishment made the Doctor start.
“Really?” The Doctor sounded excited. “Is there an air duct in here?”
“Uhm, yes.” The Doctors sudden enthusiasm seemed to shock Bradbury. “It’s over here.” He said leading the way.
The Duct was about one foot square and about five feet off the floor. The Doctor attempted to remove the cover, but failed. He took his sonic screwdriver out of his pocket and operated it on the top left corner of the grille, the cover fell clattering to the floor. The Doctor seemed blissfully unaware that the entire Command Deck was watching him. He put his hand in another pocket and pulled out, first a yo-yo, then a brown paper bag. He placed them on the top of the nearest console, where the bag toppled over spilling jelly babies onto the command deck floor. The Doctors actions caused a small ripple of laughter to circulate amongst some of the technicians, which was silenced by a glance from Edwards. The Doctor finally found what he was looking for. He pulled out a small torch and switched it on, flashing it down the duct.
“Commander, are there any lights in these ducts?” He asked.
“No, why?”
“I’m sure, no, positive I saw some lights down there.” The Doctor replied.
“Jess walked up to the Doctor as Edwards said;
“Are you sure it wasn’t torchlight reflecting off something?”
“Commander,” the Doctor said, turning round. “I may appear a little absent minded at times, but I can tell the difference between a reflection and an independent light source.”
Jess stood behind the Doctor and looked down the duct.
“Ah, I’d stand back if I were you!” The Doctor warned. “It might be dangerous. Commander, can you seal the air ducts?”
“Yes, I think most of them are. Dave?” Edwards turned to Bradbury.
“All air ducts in the station have got emergency section seals. We can seal off any section for repair purposes, or if we have a problem with the air systems.” Bradbury said.
“Good,” replied the Doctor. “Close them all.”
“What?!” Edwards asked, shocked.
“Close all section seals, it will stop whatever is in those ducts.”
“You mean, there is something in the ducts?” Sanders asked, shocked.
“Exactly.” The Doctor replied as the hatched in the ducts closed. “And another thing, post guards at all air dusts.”
“Why Doctor? If the hatches are down…”
“Just in case whatever it is breaks out.”
“Hove you any idea how many air ducts we have on this station?” Edwards asked asked, “It’s going to stretch the numbers of personnel.”
“All systems are now back on line.” Tom reported. “I’m starting a scan of the air ducts, I’ll then be able to pinpoint any obstructions, or whatever it is in there.”
“Commander,” Sanders said. “I’ve just received a message from the federation HQ on Mars. Admiral Russells’ shuttle was scheduled to leave Earth thirty minutes ago. Its ten minutes late arriving at the Federation complex. There’s been no contact and nobody knows what’s happened. The Odysseus is now checking all flight paths between earth and Mars.”
“Check with Earth, see if the shuttle has departed yet.” Edwards replied. “To be honest, I’m far more concerned with what’s going on here at the moment.”
“So, you should be commander, so you should be.” The Doctor said, pacing up and down. “I’m starting to doubt my theory.”
“What do you mean Doctor?” Edwards asked.
“I’m beginning to doubt the tactics at play.”
Bradbury cut in before Edwards had a chance to question the Doctors enigmatic response.
“Sir, I’ve located a blockage in an air duct. It’s heading towards the section four opening on level two. I’ve alerted the guard posted there.”
“Commander, I must go down there, it’s very important, tell me how to get there.” The Doctor said.
“Easy Doctor,” Edwards replied. “Go down one level and turn left after leaving the lift.”
“Something’s trying to break through the outer hatch to the corridor!” Bradbury shouted. This made the Doctor run to the lift. Jess went to follow, but Tom caught her arm and shook his head.
“Don’t you want a weapon Doctor?” Edwards shouted after him.
“Bad for the health,” the Doctor replied, “Besides, I’ve got this!” he held up his sonic screwdriver. He looked back and saw Tom restrain Jess. I must remember to thank him for that, he thought as he pocketed his screwdriver. The doors opened again, and the Doctor stepped out. He got to the end of the corridor in time to see the guard step back from the air duct and begin to fire into it.
“No, don’t!” the Doctor called out. His warning came too late. The guard screamed and stepped back, dropping his gun and clutching his head. The Doctor got to the man as he collapsed, his dead eyes were full of terror. The Doctor gently closed them.
“Now then…” the Doctor began, flashing his torch down the duct. He paused as a flash of silver was reflected back. The Doctor moved the torch back quickly but the thing had gone. As the Doctor moved closer to the opening, a silver streak shot out passed him, knocking him off his feet. The Doctor scrambled round in time to see the silver ball fly at him again and crash into the wall behind him the Doctor scrambled out of the way, searching for his sonic screwdriver. When he found it, he couldn’t see the silver thing, but he could hear it. It seemed to be making a soft chirping sound, familiar to the Doctor. Where he had heard it originally he couldn’t remember. He caught a glimpse of it preparing to jump from behind the guards’ body. The Doctor brought up his sonic screwdriver stopping the silver object mid-jump. The silver object dropped lifeless and motionless to the floor. The Doctor started at it in horror.
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