Final Invasion [Complete story]

[Fitz Kreiner]

“What do you think’s keeping him?” Jess asked.
“Jess, he’s only been gone five minutes.” Tom replied. “He’ll probably be a while.”
“Sir,” Sanders said, “I’ve checked with Earth, Admiral Russells’ shuttle took off but the pilot is still on Earth.”
”What?” Edwards was astounded.
“Admiral Russell took off alone. No-one knows where he’s gone.”
“What do you mean Jakki?” The command deck became silent, Edwards rarely called Sanders by her first name whilst on duty,
“I mean he’s gone AWOL Daniel.” She replied. The Command Deck was silent. The lift door opened and the Doctor walked in carrying something wrapped in his coat.
“The guard’s dead.” He said grimly. “Tell Doctor Anderson. The Doctors face had a deadly serious look to it.
“What killed him Doctor?” Edwards asked.
“This did Commander.” The Doctor said laying down his coat. “I’m afraid I’ve made a terrible mistake.” Unwrapping his coat, he revealed a small metal, silver creature, about a foot long. It had two red sensors on the front end with an antenna in between, it had a sinister aura.
“It looks like a metal beetle.” Jess said.
“What is it?” Sanders asked.
“I’m afraid it isn’t the Daleks. This is far worse, I’ve made a terrible miscalculation.”
“Instead of telling us what it isn’t, tell us what it is!” Edwards snapped.
“They had me completely fooled.”
“Doctor! What is it!” Edwards shouted.
Jess crouched down beside the Time Lord. “What is it Doctor?” she asked soothingly and calmly. “Are you ok?”
The doctor looked up at her and smiled grimly.
“This, Commander, is a Cybermat. And what is incredibly worrying, this Cybermat is the most advanced I’ve ever seen.”
“A what?” Bradbury asked.
“What is a ‘Cybermat’” Sanders asked.
“Is this thing still dangerous?” Edwards asked.
“Yes and no.” The Doctor replied.
“What do you mean Doctor?”
“No on its own, Commander. But its masters are deadly. They’ll want this little chap back.”
“You mean the people who own this little thing are coming to collect him?” Sanders asked.
“Yes,” The Doctor replied swiftly and softly. “But I’d hardly call them people.”
“Well, why don’t we let them have it?” Edwards asked.
“Because,” The Doctor paused dramatically. “If we let them onto the station, they will either kill us or transform us.”
“But Doctor, you haven’t told us who they are yet!” Jess said.
“Haven’t I? I thought it might have been rather obvious by now.”
“To you maybe,” Bradbury said. “But we haven’t a clue. A group of indestructible mass murderers who employ vicious little metal things?”
“Cybermen.” Came the Doctors cold, blunt reply.
“Cybermen, but they’re from history? They died out millennia ago!” Tom said.
“You’ve heard of them?” Sanders asked.
“Its history. They were Earths enemies for several hundred years, but then they died out, we beat them, history says so!”
“Well, historians must have got it wrong.” Jess said, “They did in my time, they still can in yours, can’t they?”
“Look, Commander, “The Doctor cut in, “This small talk is pointless get reinforcements. We could be invaded at any moment.”
“Tom sounded the Red Alert at the end of the Doctor sentence
“Security room, this is SCo Rowan.” Tom had already contacted security.
“Lieutenant Harker here sir.” Came the reply.
“Is SCa Ford there, Harker?” Tom asked.
“No, sir, he’s on patrol.”
“Listen carefully, double all patrols, bring an armed squad to the Command Deck and on your way, inform Captain Ford that…” Tom paused.
“Sir?”
“That we might be invaded.” Tom finished, switching off the comm. Link.
“Thank you Tom. Now Doctor, why do you think we’ll be invaded?” Edwards asked.
“The Cybermen are a logical race. Now for some reason, they want their identity kept as secret as possible. We now know who they are and they know we know and they’ll want to destroy us before we communicate that fact to the Federation.”
“Too late Doctor.” Sanders said. “I’ve just informed Earth of our situation, they’re sending some ships to assist us.”
”Now what, Doctor?” Edwards enquired
“You sit tight, and I’ll move the TARDIS up to the Command Deck.” The Doctor replied.
“You’ll have to wait a minute Doctor. Lieutenant Harker and his patrol are on their way up in the lift.” Tom said.
“All systems now locked down sir, we just need your input to encrypt them.” Bradbury reported.
“Good, thank you Dave. I’d rather you stay here, Doctor.” Edwards said.
“Fair enough Commander.” The Doctor said, as the lift doors slid open and the security patrol walked out onto the Command Deck, followed by Lieutenant Harker, who walked up to Tom.
“There are armed patrols on all levels. I’ve informed Captain Ford.” Harker finished his sentence as the station lurched.
“What’s happening?” Edwards asked.
“A portal has opened up directly beside us” Sanders shouted “The side of the station has been caught in the spatial disturbance.”
“All security patrols, stand by!” Tom said over the Station comm..
“It’s begun!” The Doctor said as a rattle in the air duct could be heard. The cover dropped off and a Cybermat could be seen in the opening.
“Stand clear from that duct!” The Doctor shouted.
The Cybermat moved forward, scanning the room.
“They’re about to…” The Doctor was cut off by an explosion which sent the Command Deck stumbling. Jess was about to get up, when she felt someone grab her arm.
“Keep down!” The Doctor hissed.
Jess looked up to see the security officers standing and most of the Command Deck. She looked again and saw some faint blurred silver shapes. She watched in amazement as the shapes became solid. Each one appeared to be a silver humanoid, about seven feet tall, each appeared to be armed. Then everything seemed to happen at once. Lieutenant Harkers’ shout of “Fire!” was cut short by Toms Cry of “No!”. It was too late, the mistake had been made. The volley of fire stopped after Toms shout. It hadn’t affected the Cybermen. A Cyberman raised its weapon and fired. Lieutenant Harker was slammed back against a console, surprise and horror on his face. His dead body collapsed, smoking, to the floor. The guards began to fire again but their weapons were no match against the Cybermen. Jess closed her eyes and flung her arms over her head. She cringed every time she heard a Cyber weapon fire and a scream follow. She knew the Cybermen were mercilessly killing the guards. Then all of a sudden, the firing stopped.
“Get up.” She heard the Doctor say.
Jess picked herself up and looked around. There were at least six Cybermen on the Command Deck. She couldn’t see any guards standing. Everyone else was standing with their hands raised. She noticed the Doctor had his hands up also. He looked at her and nodded, she raised her hands. The lift doors opened and two more Cybermen strode onto the Command Deck.
<NOBODY IS TO MOVE>
Jess heard a mechanical voice behind her, harsh, yet not grating like a Dalek. She spun round and saw a Cyberman towering over her. This one had black antenna, as opposed to the silver of all the others. Jess realised that this was the Cyberman that had spoken.
<THIS STATION IS NOW UNDER CYBER COMMAND>

[Fitz Kreiner]

Part Two

Doctor Anderson was preparing for an inrush of casualties after two armed security guards had entered the medical bay and said that an invasion of the station could take place at any minute. All the medical teams were ready after the explosion that shook the station. The last things that Anderson expected to see were two seven foot tall robotic creatures enter. The two guards were shot dead before they had a chance to raise their weapons.

<ALL KEY POSITIONS NOW SECURE LEADER> A Cyberman reported.
<EXCELLENT> The Cyberleader strode over to Commander Edwards. <ORDER ALL YOUR SECURITY FORCES TO SURRENDER> It said.
”Never!” Edwards replied firmly, staring up at the impassive metal mask.
The Cyberleader motioned to two other Cybermen who came up behind Edwards and grabbed his shoulders. Edwards winced in pain.
<I REPEAT, TELL ALL YOUR SECURITY FORCES TO SURRENDER>
“Never!” Edwards repeated through gritted teeth.
“Commander!” Tom pleaded.
Jess heard a sharp cracking sound.
“Just do it Commander.” The Doctor said.
“Okay, okay!” Edwards said before the two Cybermen threw him to the floor in agony. Sanders rushed to his aid.
“All security teams stand down, surrender to the invaders.” Tom said solemnly into the station comm. system.
The Doctor walked up to the Cyberleader. “What do you want here?” he asked. “If it’s your Cybermat, take it and go. This station is beginning to get crowded.”
<I AM NOT AT LIBERTY TO DISCUSS OUR PLANS WITH YOU, DOCTOR> the Cyberleader said.
“So, you recognise me?!” The Doctor said.
<IT WAS LOGICAL THAT YOU WOULD MAKE AN APPEARANCE IN ORDER TO HALT OUR PLANS> The Cyberleader said <THIS TIME YOU HAVE ARRIVED TOO LATE>
The Doctor was about to reply before he was stopped by a cry of pain from Edwards.
“Please?” Sanders pleaded with the Cyberleader. “He’s really badly hurt. For pities sake, let Doctor Anderson come up and help.”
The Cyberleader looked down at Edwards. <HE WILL RECOVER>
“Let me look.” The Doctor said crouching down. “Hmm, by the looks of these injuries Commander, you’ve got a broken collar bone and a fractured shoulder blade.”
“You did that to him?” Jess asked the Cyberleader.
<HE WAS WARNED. I COULD HAVE HAD HIM KILLED>
“Leader,” The Doctor said. “These injuries are quite severe. They won’t heal on their own, they need proper medical attention.
<HE SHALL RECEIVE IT> the Cyberleader said, before turning to face Tom. <YOU WILL NOW REACTIVATE YOUR CONTROL PANELS>
Jess looked across at Toms’ panel. The controls had disappeared. All that remained were several small sensors.
“Impossible” Tom said. “Security override has been activated. The inscription codes are in place. No-one on the station knows the codes. It’s a security precaution. It only comes into operation when the station is invaded. It prevents alien aggression.”
The Cyberleader moved over to Tom. <I DO NOT BELIEVE YOU> It said.
“I’ll prove it,” Tom said reaching out and touching the sensors on the panel. Jess heard a soft clicking noise. “You see.” Tom said. “Inoperable.”
<VERY WELL> The Cyberleader turned to another Cyberman. <CONTACT OUR CRAFT AND INFORM THEM OF OUR POSITION>
<LEADER> The Cyberman turned away and after a few seconds turned back. <THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN SOLVED, LEADER> It said.
<REACTIVATE YOUR CONSOLE> The Cyberleader instructed Tom.
Tom started at the Cyberman for a few seconds before touching the sensor again. To his surprise, the panel rotated back to its original position.
“How did that happen?” Jess asked him.
“When full security alert is confirmed I can lock down all systems on the station from here. All panels on the station are designed in a prism. When security alert is declared they automatically rotate to the inoperable position and can only be released when the inscription codes are broken” Tom explained, “And they now are” he said glaring at the Cyberleader.
<THAT OPTION IS NO LONGER OPEN TO YOU> The Cyberleader said. <THE SECURITY ALERT HAS BEEN DEACTIVATED>
“Very clever of you Leader, very clever.”
The Cyberleader turned round to face the Doctor standing directly in front of him. “This ruse of yours had me completely fooled. You were the last things I expected to see. I thought you had been wiped out.”
The Cyberman just stared impassively at the Time lord.
“Your first planet was destroyed, your taskforce sent back to stop Mondas’ destruction was destroyed by the Nemesis. Your plan to destroy Earth in the 26th Century was foiled and your race forced back to Telos. Finally, Cyber control and your tombs were destroyed by the Cryons.”
The Cyberman continued to stare at the Doctor. <FOR A TIMELORD YOU ARE NOT IN COMPLETE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR HISTORY>
“I’m sorry?” The Doctor was confused.
<MOST OF YOUR SUMMARY WAS CORRECT DOCTOR. THE CYBER-RACE HAD A PRESENCE IN THIS SOLAR SYSTEM FOR NEARLY 700 YEARS. HUMANITY WAS TOO PREOCCUPIED WITH EXPLORATION TO NOTICE US>
“I suppose you’re going to tell me that you aided their advancement in that time?” The Doctor scoffed.
The Command Deck listened as the Cyberleader surprisingly continued.
<WE HAVE HAD CYBERTROOPS ON EARTH FROM THE EARTH YEARS 1985 UNTILL 2107. THEY REMAINED UNDETECTED BY HUMAN AUTHAURITY. THERE WAS A CYBER TASKFORCE ON THE LUNAR SURFACE FOR FIVE CENTURIES. THEY WITNESSED ANKINDS FIRST LUNAR LANDING TO THE END OF THE GRAVITRON WEATHER CONTROL STATION>
“Then Voga ended up in the solar system, mankind had a new weapon to use against you, didn’t they? And your attempt to destroy it failed.”
<INCORRECT. OUR THIRD OFESIVE DESTROYED THE PLANET>
“What?” The Doctor was horrified. “You wiped out an entire race of intelligent sentient beings?”
“Voga?” Bradbury asked “Voga? Wasn’t that one of Jupiter’s satellites?”
”Not quite,” the Doctor said, turning his head. “Voga was originally a planet in the Altair system, some 16 light years away. The core of Voga was made of solid gold. Our Cybernetic friends here don’t like gold, so they waged war with Voga. The planet was battered with missiles and partly destroyed, killing off many of the inhabitants. The final offensive of the war saw the destruction of all but one of the cyberships. During the battle, the remains of Voga were blasted into a space warp and ended up at Jupiter”
<OUR LUNAR BASE SAW ITS ARRIVAL> the Cyberleader continued. <AND THE ARRIVAL OF ANOTHER CYBERCRAFT>
“Did you know that Voga was Voga when it appeared?” Jess asked
<ITS HOSTILIY TO OUR CAUSE WAS COONFIRMED WHEN A MISSILE FROM THE SURFACE DESTROYED THE CYBERSHIP. LUNAR BASED MISSILES WERE PREPARED AND FIRED. VOGA WAS OBLITTERATED.>
“So, now there’s no gold and Voga, you decided to invade?” Bradbury asked, "aren’t you leaving it late?"
<GOLD NO LONGER AFFECTS THE MIGHT OF THE CYBER RACE.> The Cyberleader said, reaching out and grabbing Jess’ gold necklace, ripping it off her neck and throwing it to the floor. Jess grabbed at her neck in pain. <OUR RACE MERGED WITH A LOST CYBER FACTION WHO HAD NO VULNERABILITY TO GOLD. WE UPGRADED OUR RACE TO CONTAIN THIS STRENGHT>

[Fitz Kreiner]

“Let’s not get side-tracked.” The Doctor said, “We can all show off about things.”
The Cyberleader stared at the Doctor before continuing its narration.
<OUR FORCED REMAINED IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND WITNESSED THE ARRIVAL OF MANY PLANETARY LEADERS ON EARTH. A LARGE CYBER FLEET WAS ALSO OBSERVED OUTSIDE THE SOLAR SYSTEM, THE LUNAR FORCE PREPARED FOR A LARGE SCALE INVASION OF THE SLOAR SYSTEM AND PREPARATIONS WERE MADE TO STRIKE AT EARTH. WHEN A CYBER PRESENCE ON AN EARTHBOUND FREIGHTER DISAPPEARED THE FLEET DISPERCED>
“Let me guess,” The Doctor interceded, “that was followed by a large was fleet leaving Earth, then Cyberactivity ceased.
<CORRECT. THE FORCE SOON LEFT THE SOLAR SYSTEM TO RETURN TO TELOS. ON THE WAY IT DISCOVERED A COLONY SHIP OF EARTH ORIGIN. THE HUMANS INSIDE WERE IN SUSPENDED ANIMATION. THEY WERE ADDED TO OUR NUMBER>
“The Genesis Expedition!” Tom exclaimed.
“What?” Jess asked, still rubbing the back of her neck.
“The Genesis expedition, it was the first of the start pioneers. Its purpose was to deliver human colonists to habitable planets in the Andromeda Galaxy. The Genesis Expedition was like the Mary Celeste. Its transmissions ceased and when a deep space search team found it, it was just hanging in space, completely deserted.” Tom finished and turned to the Cyberleader. “That was you?”
<THE FORCE DID NOT NOTE THE NAME OF THE SHIP. SUCH THINGS ARE IRRELEVANT. THE INFORMATION STORED IN THE MINDS OF ONE OF THE CREW INDICATES YOU ARE CORRECT> Came the cold reply.
“But when your Cyberforce got back to Telos, they had quite a shock, didn’t they?” asked the Doctor wandering round the Command Deck. “Everything was in ruins.”
<INCORRECT> The Cyberleaders’ blunt reply made the Doctor stop in his tracks
“What?” The Doctor was astounded. “I supplied the trigger to the Cyber Controls destruction. It was the sonic lance that I gave to the Cryons that caused the explosion in the Vastille store.”
<THAT IS CORRECT. IT WAS NOT OUR MAIN CONTROL. THE MAIN CYBERCONTROL WAS HIDDEN ON THE EDGE OF THE EQUATORIAL MOUNTAINS OF TELOS. OUR MAIN TOMBS WERE HIDDEN DEEP BELOW THE SURFACE. NONE WERE DAMAGED.>
The Doctor just stared at the Cyberleader absorbing this shocking new information.
<WHEN THE REMAINS OF THE SECONDARY CONTROL WERE SEARCHED, THE REMAINS OF THE CONTROLLER WERE NOT FOUND>
“Yes, that was one thing you had no control over!” The Doctor said, almost spitefully “Your Controller being blasted in the chest!”
<THE CONTROLLER CAN BE REPAIRED. YOU WILL TELL ME WHERE HIS REMAINS ARE HIDDEN> The Cyberleader slowly advanced towards the Time lord. The Doctor turned to see two Cybermen behind him blocking his retreat.
“What makes you think I know where they are hidden?” The Doctor asked.
The Cyberleader made a notion to a Cyberman who advanced on Jess.
<IT IS KNOWN TIMELORDS HAVE EMOTIONAL FEELINGS> It said
The Doctor looked over at Jess and saw the Cyberman behind her.
“If you harm her in the slightest I will never tell you!” The Doctor shouted at the impassive mask. “The same goes for any other person on board this station. There has been to much killing already.”
The Cyberleader turned to a Cyberman. <CONTACT THE MEDICAL BAY. HAVE A DOCTOR BROUGHT UP TO TEND THE COMMANDERS INJUIES>
“You can’t get round me that way either, leader.” The Doctor said coldly.
A small group of three technicians including Bradbury had been rounded up by the Cybermen. The Cyber lieutenant came up to the Cyberleader. <ALL IS PREPARED> It reported.
The Cyberleader moved over to Tom. <WHAT IS YOUR POSITION?>
“Security commander.” Tome replied in resigned tones.
<YOU SHALL ACCOMPANY US ALSO>
“Accompany you?” Sanders asked.
<YOU SHALL CONTINUE RUNNING THE STATION AS NORMAL. A CYBERPRESENCE WILL REMAIN TO KEEP YOU UNDER OBSERVATION> The Cyberleader turned to the Lieutenant <BEGIN DEPARTURE>
<LEADER> The Lieutenant responded.
“Should I assume that Jess and I are going with you?” The Doctor asked.
<CORRECT> The Cyberleader replied.
The Doctor walked over to Jess. “You might want to brace yourself again, I doubt this will be very pleasant.” He said.
“Why? What’s happening?” she asked. “That conversation was a little bit beyond me!”
A Cyberman ushered them towards Tom, Bradbury and the three technicians. The lift doors opened and Doctor Anderson and Jim Ford walked onto the Command Deck, escorted by a Cyberman.
“John! Down here!” Sanders shouted. “Daniel, he’s hurt, please help him”
“Doctor,” Bradbury whispered. “What was that history lecture all about?”
”History is a very interesting subject,” The Doctor replied. “If we recap on cyber history, we can try and exploit a weakness.”
“Weakness? I didn’t pick up any weakness in that conversation.” Tom said.
“Seems we can’t even use gold anymore!” Bradbury said.
“Not, the way the leader tore my necklace off!” Jess said. She now had a red mark on her neck where the chain had rubbed and cut in slightly. “It makes you feel so helpless.”
“I think we’re all going to feel even more helpless in a minute.” The Doctor said. “Looks like we’re ready to go.”
<PREPARE FOR TARANSPORTATION> The Cyberleader said.
“What does he mean, ‘Transsss…” Jess Began suddenly she felt very nauseous and everything blurred. There was a ringing in her ears and a pounding in her head and she felt the nausea rise. She felt weak and could feel a tingling sensation in her hands and feet. She felt faint.
“Easy, easy. Just take it easy, try not to move.” The Doctors voice seemed far off.
The Doctor turned to the others, “Obviously not designed for humans!” He smiled.
“I don’t know if it’d be worse if you’d just eaten or were hungry!” Bradbury said looking a little green.
“Is she alright Doctor?” Tom asked gesturing Jess.
“Yes, I don’t think people from the 21st century are as used to this sort of this as you or I.”
A door hissed open and three Cybermen strode into the room.
<YOU WILL ACCOMPANY US> the lead Cyberman ordered.
“Very well,” The Doctor replied. “Mr Rowan, will you help me with Jess, she’s not fully recovered.”

Doctor Anderson looked up.
“There are only two of those silver things here now. What happened to the rest?”
“I think they’ve all gone back to their ship” Sanders replied.
“How does that feel now, Daniel?” Anderson asked.
“Better, thank you John.” Edwards replied. “Why is half the Command Deck crew missing?”
“Those Cybermen things took them back to their ship.” Sanders replied.
Edwards struggled to his feet and made his way over to the Cyber Lieutenant.
“Where is your leader? Where is your ship?” he asked.
<OUR SHIP IS CLOSE ENOUGH FOR MORE SUBJECTS TO BE TRANSPORTED IN TIME. YOU WIL CONTINUE YOUR WORK> The Cyberman stated.
“Jim, you’re covering until Tom returns. Jakki lets get things back in order.” Edwards said.
Before Sanders reached her console, the lift doors were opened and a figure was thrown in by a Cyberman. It took the command Deck a few seconds to recognise Admiral Russell.
“I, I’m sorry Daniel!” He stuttered, “Th…they forced me!”
The Cyber lieutenant walked up to him.
<ARE ALL SYSTEMS OPEN TO US?> It asked.
Russell slowly looked at the faces about him before nodding reluctantly.
<OUR AGREEMENT IS AT AN END.> The Cyberman raised its weapon.
“No, NO! Please, I implore you, have mercy!” Russell begged at the feet of the Cyberman.
“You traitor!” Edwards spat!
<THERE ARE NO MORE BARGAINS TO BE MADE. YOUR INFORMATION HAS SECURED THE COLLAPSE OF THE GALACTIC FEDERATION.> The Cyberman said. It levelled its weapon at Russell’s head and fired. The admirals’ treachery ended there as he dropped dead to the floor.

[Fitz Kreiner]

The Cybermen herded the group along several corridors and into a large chamber with cavities in the walls. Some of the cavities contained Cybermen, others contained humans with cybernetic implants, and few others were empty. In the centre of the room was a large bank of instruments, several Cybermen were working at it.
“A conversion chamber!” The Doctor said aghast.
“What?” Bradbury asked.
“A crime against nature.” The Doctor said harshly and coldly. “This is where human beings are brought to become Cybermen. A horrific process.”
“No point in asking what they want us here for then?” Tom asked a weak smile on his face. Jess merely stared; slack jawed, at the horror that surrounded them. There was a heavy smell of old dried blood and some faint traces of vomit from converts in the chambers.
Another door opened opposite the small group and the Cyberleader strode over followed by a further two Cybermen.
<I TOLD YOU THAT YOU WOULD TELL ME THE POSITION OF TH CONTROLLERS REMAINS> The Cyberleader said to the Doctor. The creature then looked at the Cybermen guarding the group, <PROCESS THOSE THREE> the Cyberman pointed at the technicians, who looked horrified. The first two were grabbed by the Cybermen and dragged away. The third, panicking, turned and tried to run. She was cut down by multiple shots from several Cybermen. Jess, who was still trying to recover, buried her head in Tom’s chest.
<TAKE HIM INSTEAD> The Cyberleader pointed at Tom.
A Cyberman walked up to him and pulled Jess off, throwing her to the floor. The Cyberman dragged Tom off to the far side of the room, out of sight. The Doctor held Jess back from chasing after him.
“No!” he said firmly “There have been too many deaths. There’s little we can do for him now!”
“What did they want them for?” Jess asked
“They’re going to become Cybermen.” The Doctor replied coldly, sitting cross legged on the floor. Jess and Bradbury joined him.
Two Cybermen walked over and picked Jess up by the arms. The Doctor was instantly on his feet.
“What are you doing with her?” He yelled at the Cyberleader.
The Cyberman stared down at the Time lord.
“Answer me!” he demanded, turning to see what the Cybermen were doing.
The Cybermen half carried half dragged the terrified jess into an alcove and then stepped away. There was a flash of light over the alcove.
“A force field.” The Doctor sighed.
The Cyberman walked up behind the Doctor. <SHE WILL ENSURE YOUR CO-OPERATION>

“Is there anyway we can overcome these Cybermen?” Sanders whispered to Edwards and Anderson.
“You saw what happened to Harkers patrol,” Edwards said, “they were slaughtered. Our weapons don’t even scratch them.”
“What about their weapons?” Sanders asked. “If they do more damage…”
“Yes, but how do we get them off them?” Edwards cut Sanders short. “Those things are brutally strong!”
“An EMP.” Anderson said. “If it worked against the Daleks, it may work against them. It might disorientate them enough to wrestle their weapons off them.”
“Can we still generate them? I don’t know what limitations Russell has implemented into the systems.” Edwards said.
“I’ll have a look,” Sanders said, “If we can, I’ll generate it immediately.”
“I’ll spread the word.” Anderson said.
<CEASE THIS COMMUNICATION> the Cyber lieutenant had stridden up behind the three.
Edwards spun round. “How am I to Command the Station if I cannot talk to my crew?” He asked the Cyberman. Sander and Anderson slipped away as Edwards addressed the invader. Sanders slowly moved towards Tom’s console. The other Cyberman moved towards her. Looking down, she saw that an EMP was still possible. She reached out to activate the control.
<STAND AWAY FROM THAT CONTROL> The Cyberman said raising its weapon. Sander slammed her hand down on the control and dived to the floor. The Cyberman fired at the console causing it to explode into flames. The EMP bathed the Command Deck in light causing the Cybermen to stagger. The technicians sprung into action in the murky light that now illuminated the Command Deck. A cyber gun went off and a technician dropped to the floor. Another gun went off and there was an electronic howl as a Cyberman collapsed to the floor. The Cyber lieutenant’s weapon was finally wrestled out of its hands. Several of the technicians were thrown to the floor by the Cyberman as it thrashed about. Levelling itself up, the Cyberman fired a secondary beam from a mount situated at the crest of its head which hit a technician, his smouldering body crumpling to the floor. After witnessing this, the majority of the technicians backed away, as Ford levelled the cyber gun at the Cyberman and fired. The creatures’ chest unit exploded into a shower of sparks and the Cyberman collapsed to the floor.
“Now what?” Ford asked looking up.
“We find out if there are any more of those things on the station” Edwards started.
“I’ll get onto it.” Ford said.
“What else?” Sanders asked.
“Try and find out if that ship is still anywhere about. Contact the Odysseus and ask Captain Horrack for assistance in searching.” Edwards turned to Doctor Anderson, “Well?”
“Well what?” Anderson asked
“Casualties John!” Edwards replied.
“Admiral Russell is dead. Jackson and Fox are both dead, and so is Walters, his neck has been broken. Another four deaths Daniel and three wounded. This is the worst carnage I’ve seen since the Martian Civil War. I was stationed on a ship that caught the brunt of an explosion from a damaged loyalist ship. The results weren’t pleasant.”
“The Odysseus has started searching the vicinity for the Cybermen’s Ship.” Sanders reported.
“No more Cybermen on the station either.” Ford reported.
“I know it’s not the right moment Jim, but if we can’t find that ship and get the others back, you’ll be the next security commander. So, for now you are acting SCo.” Edwards said solemnly.

A Cyberman walked up to the Cyberleader.
<TWO CYBERMEN ON THE STATION HAVE BEEN DESTROYED> It reported.
<TRANSPORT THEM TO REPAIRS> The Cyberleader ordered before turning back to the Doctor. <YOU WILL REVEAL THE LOCATION OF THE CONTROLLERS REMAINS>
The Doctor looked up at the Cyberman. Bradbury tapped him on the shoulder.
“What is it?” The Doctor asked, turning round.
“Tom,” Bradbury replied.
Jess looked up through the force field. Tom had cybernetic implants round his right eye and small pieces of metal and circuitry sticking in the left side of his face. There was dried blood on the implants and his face. The left sleeve of his uniform shirt was torn just below the elbow. Jess saw pieces of metal sticking into his forearm with piping around his arm, similar to that of the Cybermen.
<OBSERVE> The Cyberleader said. A Cyberman passed a cyber gun to Tom.
“Now what?” the Doctor asked.
The Cyberleader turned to the Cyberman on its right.
<DEACTIVATE THE FORCEFIELD>
<LEADER> The Cyberman confirmed.
The light above Jess’ head went out and she fell to the floor. Two Cybermen picked her up by the arms.
<THE CYBERCONTROLLERS REMAINS> the Cyberleader said. <I WILL NOT ASK YOU AGAIN>
The Doctor stared at the Cyberman, not moving. The Cyberleader raised his arm and Tom stepped forward. The Cyberleader pointed at Jess, Tom walked over and raised the cyber gun, pointing it straight at her head.
<YOU KNOW US WELL ENOUGH TO KNOW THAT WE DO NOT MAKE IDLE THREATS>
The Doctor continued to stare at the Cyberleader.
<VERY WELL, KILL HER!>

[Fitz Kreiner]

“No!” the Doctor shouted, stepping in between Tom and Jess. “Asteroid 377, epsilon 13, spatial coordinates 3381.2 by 22186. The Solar asteroid belt.” He said in resigned tones looking down at the floor.
<THANK YOU DOCTOR> The Cyberleader turned to the Cybermen holding Jess. <KEEP HER TO ENSURE HIS COOPERATION> He said pointing at the Doctor. <KILL HER IF THE DOCTOR ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE> The Cyberleader said to Tom. The Cyberleader then strode out of the room, followed by the remaining Cybermen.

“Daniel, do you think those metal bug things that attacked before the Cybermen register as Cybermen?” Doctor Anderson asked.
“That’s a good point John.” Anderson said. “Jim, can you scan for anything that doesn’t conform as part of the station or crew?” He asked.
“I’ll try sir, but I’m not sure what restrictions the Cybermen have implemented into our systems.”
“I’ll cut it short for you Jim, scan for those Cybermat things.”
“Still no luck locating the Cyber ship, sir.” Sander said. “Odysseus reports that there have been no reports of spatial disturbances either, so it must still be in the solar system somewhere!”
“That’s a bit more reassuring. I just hope that Dave, Tom and the others can escape.”
”Commander” Ford shouted.
“What is it Jim?”
“I think we still have Cybermen on the station!”

“But Doctor, why just leave us and Tom in that state?” Bradbury asked.
“I don’t know. I never knew that part converts could leave the conversion alcoves. I suppose if the ship’s attacked…” The Doctor trailed off. “You know, I believe I’ve got it. Jess, stay calm.” The Doctor stood up from the floor. Tom raised the cyber gun, pointing it at Jess. “Mr Bradbury, stand up.”
Bradbury got to his feet and looked at the Doctor.
“You know what’s happening?” The Doctor asked.
“Well, err,” Bradbury paused. “We’re trapped on a Cyberman ship guarded by two and a half Cybermen.”
“Not quite.” The Doctor corrected. “We’re in the conversion chamber which is close to the transport chamber. We have two Cybermen and a convert who is in the process of programming to deal with.” The Doctor took his sonic screwdriver from his pocket. “When I disrupt him, grab the gun.” He whispered. They stepped forward, the Doctor holding the sonic screwdriver behind his back. “Mr Rowan, Tom, listen to my voice. Do you realise what is happening?” The Doctor said soothingly. Tom raised the cyber gun and fired. The Cyberman to Jess’ left collapsed, sparks exploding from its chest, smoke pouring out. Jess broke free and ran to the Doctor. The other Cyberman stepped forward to wrestle the gun off Tom as the far door opened.
“Run!” The Doctor shouted. Jess and Bradbury turned and ran for the door which they had entered through, the Doctor close behind.
<DO NOT KILL HIM> The Doctor turned at the door as he heard the Cyberleader. <WE STILL NEED HIM> The Doctor saw Tom Lying on the floor, the Cyberman stopped with its arm in the air, as if it were about to smash down on Toms head. Bradbury grabbed the Doctor and pulled him through the door as the Cybermen fired at the escaping prisoners.

“Security alert has been implemented throughout the Federation for some time already, Commander Edwards.”
“I understand that, sir.” Edwards said. Edwards was impatient. He had been arguing with Sub-Guardian Sanchez for quite some time. “However, EST3’s security was breached and I’ve lost a dozen members of my crew and another five have been taken prisoner by these Cybermen and are probably dead. I need you to talk to the Guardian of the Solar System. Admiral Russell was corrupt. He was in league with the Cybermen and they have inscription codes for all of Earths fleet.
“I can’t promise you, Commander.”

“Do you know what they keep patrolling us for?”
“It’s to see if there are any of those robot things still about.”
Two guards were patrolling the corridors near a lower docking bay.
“But an area where no one’s been for…”
“Wait a minute. This damage, it’s new.”
“We’ve found one. I’ll contact for reinforcements.”
”Why? We can manage one by ourselves.”
“You sure? What about the rumours about Lieutenant Harkers Patrol?”
“Oh come on!”
The two guards climbed though the damaged section and into the service ducts.
“Which way?”
“You go that way, and I’ll go this way. Contact me if you find anything.”
“Sure thing.”

“Well, that didn’t go exactly as planned!” The Doctor said.
“What do you mean? We got away didn’t we? Bradbury asked
“What about Tom?” Jess asked.
“Yes,” the Doctor said, “As for Mr Rowan, Tom, well, I’m not sure.”
“What do you mean not sure?” Bradbury asked.
“Look, I’ll explain later.” The Doctor said. “If you will just step onto that grid, I’ll try and reverse the transport beam we came here on.”
“Transport?” Jess asked.
“You’ll be fine.” The Doctor smiled. “Now, shield your eyes.” The Doctor raised his sonic screwdriver to the door control panel. There was a small explosion of sparks. “That’ll slow them down a bit.” He said before running over to join Jess and Bradbury.
“Now what, Doctor? You’ve just locked us in a room.” Jess said.
“Not quite.” The Doctor smiled. “Fingers crossed.” He said fiddling with some controls on a panel.

“I think you should see this!” The guards’ voice came through his colleagues’ communicator.
“What is it?”
“I don’t…” The voice cut off abruptly
“Come in? Reese, are you there?”
Static crackled in the communicator.

“Commander, I’ve just received a worrying message from one of the security patrols.” James Ford said.
“What is it Jim?” Edwards said.
“I think we’ve found the Cybermen on the station. They’ve got some of our people. I’ve sent reinforcements to the section. Heavy weapons.”
“Well done Jim.” Edwards said.
“Daniel, we’ve got more problems!” Sander said.
“What sort?”
“There’s a spatial disturbance, in your office”

[Fitz Kreiner]

“Quick. These guards, with the Cyberman weapons
“…dwards. This is Dave Bradbury; can you come in here sir?”
Edwards gestured to the guards by the door. The guard closest to the door operated the lock and the door opened. Bradbury was stood in the doorway with the Doctor behind him.
“You’re safe.” Sanders said, relieved.
“What about the others?” Edwards asked.
“They’re dead, Tom, we’re not sure.” Bradbury said.
“What do you mean?” Edwards asked.
“I think you’d better come in here Commander.” The Doctor said.
Edwards walked in, followed by Sanders and Jim Ford.
“Well Doctor?” he asked.
“One of your technicians is dead; the other two have become Cybermen.” The doctor said solemnly. “Tom. He is vital.”
“What do you mean ‘vital’?” Jess asked, sitting down in Edwards’ chair.
“The Cybermen want him for some reason. Before I left the conversion chamber, the Cyberleader said that they still needed him.”
“Why?” Edwards asked.
“I don’t know, but if the Cybermen want him, we need him.”
“Explain Doctor.”
“Well, the Cybermen can take anyone they desire and turn them into Cybermen, so a single life shouldn’t really matter that much. That’s why I’m surprised that they didn’t kill him. However, as they didn’t, there must be something about him they want, something in his mind, maybe?”
Edwards walked round the room, perplexed. Jess sat up in the chair. “What do you mean, ‘in his mind’?” she asked.
“He might know something that they want. Tell me, what exactly was Tom’s position aboard this station?”
“Security Commander.” Ford said immediately.
“Is that all?” The Doctor asked.
“He was also armoury officer.” Sanders said.
“He joined us a year after the station was set up, after SCo Tim Robbins was killed.” Edwards said, “He was recommended by the then head of Earths Space Programme, Admiral Rolstein.”
“Does anyone know anything about him before he joined the crew?” Asked the Doctor.
Silence fell over the crew as they looked at each other with blank expressions on their faces.
“No-one?” The Doctor asked, looking round. ”How did he become Security Commander?”
“He was promoted in the field, during frontier conflicts with the Daleks. Wait a minute…” Edwards stopped. “Rolstein just seemed to appear, he was only in office one month before resigning.”
“Most mysterious.” The Doctor mused. “He also knew what TARDIS meant.”
“What does that prove?” Sanders said.
“He might be a Dalek or a Cyber agent?” Ford Suggested.
“No, I sincerely doubt he’s a Dalek agent, and he showed complete surprise and horror when the Cybermen appeared. I noted his expression.” The doctor paused.
”Well?” Edwards asked.
“I suppose it’s possible that he’s met me before.” The Doctor muttered to himself.
“You’re not sure?” Sanders asked.
“Well, I have met a lot of people and I have changed a bit throughout my life. It’s possible I am going to meet him later in my life…” The Doctor paused, thinking, “Commander, I want some security officers to accompany me. I want to get back in that cyber ship and bring him back here.” The doctor said, throwing people off guard.
“Why?” Sanders asked.
“Because, if we have him, and the Cybermen don’t, we will have the upper hand, we will have the advantage. “ The Doctor said. “Jess. You come with me, I want guards with those Cyber guns and more, this might be difficult.”
“And you want me?!” Jess asked feebly, “I don’t want to go through that transport thing again.”
“You won’t have to.” The Doctor said. “Tell them to meet me by my TARDIS. Mr Ford, I’ll want you as well, please.”
“What about the situation in the air ducts?” Ford asked.
“Don’t worry Jim,” Edwards said. “That should be sorted by the time you get back.”
“Excellent!” The Doctor smiled clapping his hands together and walking from the room. Jess jumped up and followed him, with Ford a few paces behind.
“Dave,” Edwards said, “What happened on that ship?”
“One of the technicians was killed, the other two, the Doctor says, were turned into Cybermen.”
“How?” Sanders asked?
“I’m not sure. I think they brainwash the subject and then replace them with metal, plastic and circuitry. All prosthetic and artificial. I saw what they had done to SCo Rowan and there were people all round being turned into Cybermen. Not just humans, there were Draconians, Moladarians and varieties of humanoid races I didn’t recognise. It was horrible; the air stank of blood and vomit.”
“Do you want Doctor Anderson to give you a check up Dave?” Edwards asked.
“I think I’ll be ok,” Bradbury replied.
“I hope so.” Edwards said. “I want my crew fully alert during the present crisis.”

The Doctor, Jess and Ford arrived at the TARDIS to find a squad of guards already there waiting for them.
“Your guards are very punctual.” The Doctor said to Ford.
“Thank you Doctor.” Ford replied. “Commander Edwards likes things to be well organised, so does, did, SCo Rowan.”
“Yes,” the Doctor mused. “We can only hope the Cybermen haven’t completely converted him.” The Doctor paused and unlocked the TARDIS door. “In we go!” he said, suddenly cheery.
The guards stared at him, sceptically for a few seconds. Jess sighed and walked into the TARDIS, the Doctor gesturing after her. Ford slowly walked in followed by the security patrol. The Doctor smiled and followed them in, closing the door behind him. He breezed round past the bemused guards to the console where Jess was standing.
“Fingers crossed.” He said manipulating the controls. The console groaned and there was small explosion of sparks on the far side. “Temporal displacement?” he murmured. He walked round to another panel. “Jess, hand.” He said. Jess held out her hand. The Doctor took it and pressed her finger on a control. “Keep that pressed down.” He said walking back to the dematerialisation panel.
“Doctor.” Ford said. “What are…?”
“Shh!” the doctor hissed, cutting him off. “Short trips are risky, especially with such disturbance to the vortex. I need to retrace the transport beam. There should still be some residual trace elements out there.”
The console groaned again and the Doctor brought his fist down. The TARDIS shuddered and the column began to rise and fall.
“Here we go!” the Doctor said.

The command deck watched the main screen in awe as they watched the Doctor Jess and a security patrol disappear into the TARDIS which then subsequently disappeared.

On a screen in a darkened room, two figures watched the TARDISs’ dematerialisation.
“He has been found.” One figure said.
“So I see.” Replied the other, “location?”
“Currently; the time vortex. The trace has been temporarily lost.”
”Spatial/temporal location?”
“Sol sector, forty first century, terran timescale.”
Very good, keep observing. I must make my repost. Try to gain an accurate temporal date.”

[Fitz Kreiner]

The conversion chamber was quiet. Only the hum of the machinery was audible. Two Cybermen worked quietly on the converts, attending a Draconian, the machinery reached a crescendo. The TARDIS materialised close by, its sound blocked out be the machines. The Cybermen moved to the next convert, revealing the Draconian, now almost a complete Cyberman.

Inside the TARDIS, the console sounded the landing bleep.
“Can I take my finger off this now?” Jess asked the Doctor.
“Yes,” he said, without looking up. “I think we made it!” he said, with a note of relief and a smile on his face.
“Shall we get out there and get Commander Rowan now?” Ford asked.
“Just check the scanner first.” The Doctor said, flicking the scanner on. The screen showed the two Cybermen working on converts, their backs to the TARDIS.
“I want the guards with the Cyber guns to stand by the door.” The Doctor said, “And be careful when you fire not to hit anything else. We don’t want the alarm being raised.”
Ford gestured to the two guards with the cyber guns, who moved to the doors.
“Stand by.” The Doctor warned.
“Don’t you think this is not right, Doctor?” Ford questioned, turning to face the Time lord. “Those Cybermen out there are unarmed and we’ll be shooting them in the back.”
“Mr. Ford. This is hardly the place to be discussing ethics. And in any case, Cybermen are not alive in the true sense of the word and will certainly not consider ethics.” The Doctor operated the door control. “You two,” he pointed to the two guards, “go now!”
The two guards rushed out of the TARDIS and fired. The two Cybermen collapsed spouting sparks and flames. The rest of the guards exited the TARDIS, followed by Ford, the Doctor and Jess.
“Where is he?” Jess asked, looking around.
“Over there.” Ford said, pointing.
The Doctor rushed over, followed by Jess and Ford. The security team nervously stood, keeping guard.
“Ok, this looks like it will be tricky.” He said examining the alcove. “Mr. Ford, can you ask your guards to keep their eyes peeled for Cybermen. Those in the alcoves aren’t operational yet.”
Ford went over to the squad and returned to the Doctor, who was examining the alcove.
“They’ve really upgraded since last time.” The Doctor murmured to himself, remembering his failure to save Lytton from Cyber conversion.
“What do you want me to do?” Jess asked.
“Nothing at the moment, this may take a while.”

The command deck was silent and tension hung heavy in the air. Edwards was pacing up and down, Sanders was looking at her console anxiously. It beeped and she quickly opened the communications channel.
“Commander Edwards, this is Captain Horrack.”
“Captain Horrack.” Edwards said. “Is there any news on the cyber ship?”
“Not yet Commander, not yet. The search is continuing. Even the Dalek fleet has joined in the search. Federal Records are searching their databases for past conflicts with the Cybermen. We’ll keep you informed with progress as we get it.”
“Thank you captain, over and out.”
The communications link switched off. Edwards walked over to Sanders console and leaned against it, wincing in pain.
“Any news on section 223 yet?” He asked.
“Two casualties have been taken to Doctor Anderson, they were dead. So far nothing has been found.” Sanders replied.
Edwards turned to Bradbury.
“Dave, you were in that cyber ship. How long do you think it will take them to get Tom out of there?”
“I honestly don’t know sir, I suppose it depends on how many Cybermen are in the conversion chamber and if they get caught or not.”
“I hope he’s not too long,” Edwards muttered, “I could really do with him back here.”

Alarms sounded throughout the Dalek ship. A spatial portal had opened on the boarder of Dalek space near a patrol ship. A fleet of reinforcement ships we’re heading to assist. The patrol ship signal suddenly disappeared from the scanner in the control room of the fleets lead ship. The Dalek ship had been destroyed. It has last reported that the Cyber ship was heading towards Koreegnaw, a Dalek base world, and slave colony. The fleet of ships changed course.

On the other side of the galaxy, a small space wheel hung quietly near the asteroid belt. Only hours before it had a Dalek fleet stationary, nearby. Now only about half remained, the rest searching for a cyber ship in the vicinity.
The wheel was a small Earth research station, one of many situated along the asteroid belt. It also acted as a beacon, helping any ship that strayed into the belt and to help detect any pirate ships that may be hidden amongst the asteroids. There were, however, colonies and mining bases in the asteroid belt, all of those in the sector of space the wheel monitored registered on its’ scanners. These scans overlapped with the next wheel, so all areas of space were covered. However, this wheel was detecting a new signal.
The command centre of the wheel was a bustle of activity, technicians checking instruments attempting to pinpoint the exact size and location of the object. The wheel commander shouted an order:
”Contact the Federation and inform them we may have found their ship.”

“Doctor, where exactly is this ship?” Ford asked.
“Its still within the solar system, according to the TARDIS monitors, if that’s what you mean?” the Doctor replied without looking up.
“Well, you are aware that as soon as the Federation find this ship, it will be under heavy attack?” Ford said.
“And the Cybermen will retaliate.” The Doctor completed. “They want the remains of the Cybercontroller and they are in the solar system.”
Ford turned away and looked round the room. The Doctor had been working quietly for ten minutes, removing pipes and cables connecting Tom Rowan to the alcove. Jess looked round the room. Many of the alcoves were empty from when she was first there she remembered. She walked back to the Doctor and looked over his shoulder at Tom. She noticed that he now had metal plates over the side of his head and a sensor covering his left eye. The right side of his face still had circuitry sticking through the she jumped back in shock as his eyes snapped open.
“Excellent!” The Doctor said, “Excellent! Everything is going well. Jess, get ready. You’d better prepare your guards too Mr. Ford.”
The Doctor raised his sonic screwdriver and operated it. The final wires and tubes then fell away from Toms’ body. The Doctor pulled a wire out of a connector already embedded in Toms arm causing him to slump forward. Instantly alarms sounded.

[Fitz Kreiner]

“Okay, Jess. Help me!” The Doctor shouted, pulling Tom out of the alcove Jess helped the Doctor half drag, half carry Tom to the TARDIS. A hissing sound was audible over the alarm. The complete Cybermen stepped out of their alcoves. Immediately the guards started firing at them. The Cybermen outnumbered the guards, but several still fell, sprouting sparks before the first guard was hit by the beam located in the Cybermans’ helmet. Not killing, the beam paralyzed the guard, he lay there screaming until a Cyberman reached him, and started to drag him away to an alcove.
“Jess,” the Doctor shouted over the noise, “Open the TARDIS door!”
Jess ran to the TARDIS and opened the door.
“Back here!” the Doctor shouted. “We need to get him into the TARDIS, quick.”
The doors to the conversion chamber slid open and fully armed Cybermen walked in and started firing.
“Everybody back to the TARDIS!” the Doctor shouted. “Mr Ford, will you help us with him?” The Doctor gestured to Tom as he collapsed nearly dragging the Doctor and Jess down. Unnoticed by anyone in the room, three Cybermats scurried into the TARDIS. Several Cybermen had been hit and lay on the floor, sparking. Several guards had also been hit by the Cybermans’ paralyzing beam. The surviving guards set up a defensive position around the TARDIS as the Doctor, Jess and Ford reached it, carrying the slumped body of Tom. The Guards followed them in, the door slamming behind. As the Cybermen closed in on the TARDIS, it dematerialised, leaving a circle of Cybermen standing impassive and silent amongst the raging alarm. After a few seconds, they turned round and took the paralyzed guards to empty alcoves.
On the TARDIS scanner, the image of the conversion chamber faded and was replaced by the swirling time vortex. The Doctor worked busily round the console humming to himself. Jess and Ford were crouched by Toms’ comatose body, the guards, exhausted, stood round.
“Coming in to land!” the Doctor cheerfully exclaimed.
“Whereabouts Doctor?” Ford asked.
“The Station,” The Doctor said confidently. “I’m aiming for the medical bay. I hope” he added the last part quietly to himself.

The cyber ship moved out of the asteroid belt towards the space wheel. The Dalek ships immediately turned to attack. The cyber ship quickly moved into a portal, two Dalek ships following it. The portal closed behind them.

In the dark control room, the solitary figure worked quietly. There was a sudden bleeping and a red light flashed on the console. The figure leant over to it and then turned to another panel.

“We’ve got news of the cyber ship sir.” Sanders said. “It’s just left the asteroid belt and moved into a portal.”
“I take it there’s still no news of Jim or the Doctor?” Edwards said.
“Not yet sir.” Bradbury said.
“Although wheel 7XA2 who first reported it said that there may still be Cyber activity in the belt. Federation ships are on the way, but the Daleks are already searching.” Sanders reported.

Dalek ships swarmed through a section of the asteroid belt. Concealed on several asteroids were bulbous disc shaped craft. Dalek ships fired on asteroids to try to locate any Cybermen. On a small asteroid several Cybermen were working, drilling deep inside. Out of the Dalek ships, several dozen Daleks on hover discs emerged to join in the search.

“He hasn’t deserted us, has he?” Ford asked.
“I don’t think the TARDIS has any lifeboats.” Jess replied.
“Then, what is it he is doing down there?” Ford asked, looking down the corridors to the TARDIS interior.
The sound of the Doctor humming Madam Butterfly could be heard down the corridor, getting louder. He breezed in, quite cheerfully.
“Doctor, you seem quite cheerful.” Jess said, curious as to why.
“Just passing the time.” He replied cheerfully. There was a serious look in his eyes.
“Doctor, how long are we going to be here? I thought we were heading back to the station?” Ford asked.
“Correct, Mr Ford. But the disturbance in the vortex is making travelling difficult. And don’t worry about time, Mr Ford. There’s no such thing as time in the vortex. We’re outside space time here; we could be here for weeks and still be on the station five minutes before we left the cyber ship.” He said. “Hold tight, this might be tricky!”
The Doctor operated several controls and the TARDIS gave a violent lurch.
“Is it always like this?” Ford asked as more sparks erupted from the console.
“No,” The Doctor replied. “Someone wants to limit out travels I do believe.” The Doctor looked up. “Now the consoles jammed!” he said dismayed.
“Err, Doctor.” Jess said cautiously, pointing at the scanner. “We’ve landed!”

Medical officers stared in awe as the TARDIS materialised beside the door. Their disbelief grew as the door opened and the guards walked out, followed by Jess, then the Doctor and Ford carrying the limp body of Tom. Doctor Anderson rushed out of his office.
“What’s happening here?” he asked.
“A medical emergency.” The Doctor replied. “I need your help to attach this young man to the life support systems, quickly.”
Doctor Anderson rushed over and helped to carry Tom to the emergency section.
“Thank you Mr Ford.” The Doctor said. “You can go back to the Command Deck.”
“Are you sure Doctor?”
“You are a security officer. This is a medical matter.” The Doctor said. “Jess, you go up the Command Deck too, I’ll be up when I know Mr Rowan is stable.”
“Don’t you need any help?” she asked.
“Yes, but not here. I’ll tell you what I need later, this is more urgent.”

In the TARDIS, the three Cybermats entered the console room from the corridors and headed towards the main door. The Cybermats left the TARDIS and exited the medical bay silently.

[Fitz Kreiner]

The lift to the Command Deck opened and Ford and Jess walked onto the command deck.
”Jim! You’re back!” Edwards said.
“Sir.”
“Tom?” was Edwards only question.
“We brought him back.” Ford said solemnly “He’s not in a very good way. The Doctor is just putting him in life support. We also had several losses on the cyber ship. This was strange. They didn’t kill them straight off, they used some kind of paralyzing ray.”
“Are you ok Jim?”
“I will be.” Ford said.
“Very well.” Edwards said turning to Sanders. “Sanders?” he said notioning Jess.
Sanders stood up and walked over to Jess, “Would you come with me for a while?” she asked gently. Compliantly Jess walked with Sanders into the conference room where the two women set down on two of the luxurious chairs placed around the table. “You aren’t used to this sort of pace of life, are you?” Sanders asked her. Jess suddenly saw her in a different light, much more friendly and approachable, an off duty officer who didn’t have the pressures of helping to run a space station to worry about. Jess found herself relaxing more and more, and not just because of the upholstery of the chair.
“No,” She admitted. “You seem to have a busy life though.”
“It’s not usually like this.” Sanders Smiled. “It’s just the unfortunate circumstances. Are you coping ok?”
“The Doctor put you up to this, didn’t he?” Jess asked.
“Well, yes” Sanders admitted, “he asked me to look out for you and if needs be have a little chat with you. I suppose it must be a woman thing, he is a man after all!”
Jess and Sanders laughed. “He’s not all that bad.” Jess said, he has his absent minded moments, starts talking to himself, but that may be because he seems to be trying to work things out a lot.”
“You haven’t known him long, have you?”
“No, but I feel safe with him, even when I was on the Cyber ship, I felt safe having him around, he knows what he’s doing.”
With the tension broken the two women sat talking and laughing with each other like old friends.

Dalek ships in the asteroid belt were advancing in formation when suddenly those at the back started to explode as they were hit by missiles. The bulbous craft lifted off from the asteroids and sped out of the belt firing at the Daleks as they went. The Cyber ships flew towards the wheel where one began to drop back firing several missiles at the wheel causing one section to explode. The other Cyber ship joined in the attack from the other side causing the wheel to bank and break from its position. The two cyber ships flew off towards a portal that had opened during the assault. The Dalek ships emerged from the asteroid belt as the wheel exploded. The Cyber ships had gone.

The Doctor walked onto the Command Deck and looked around.
“Commander, where’s Jess?” he asked.
“Conference room Doctor,“ Edwards replied “She’s talking to lieutenant Sanders.”
“Good, good.” The Doctor said, Commander, I need to have a word.”

“Well, that’s what I did say to him!” Sanders said Jess laughed.
“I had an English teacher like that during my GCSE’s,” she started.
“’GCSE’s’?” Sanders asked
“Yeah, they’re, well, were, methods of testing in education. General Certificate of Secondary Education.” Jess explained. “Anyway, I had this English teacher like that, but I always laughed at him when he said he believed in aliens.”
“You should have believed him. He was right after all.” Said a voice from the door.
“Doctor!” Jess turned round beaming. “How’s Tom?”
“You’re certainly brighter,” He said. “Brightest you’ve been since we got here. We just seemed to arrive at the wrong time, they are nice folk in the future. Past. Present!” The Doctor corrected himself. “Well, whichever time you’re in.”
Jess smiled and turned to Sanders. “See what I mean?” she asked her. “Doctor, how’s Tom?”
“Mr Rowan? He’s fine. He’s stabilised and Doctor Anderson and I are going to attempt to remove the cybernetic implants shortly.”
”Will that be hard?” Sanders asked.
“I’m not sure, I’ve never done it before.” The Doctor replied. “We’re going to start on non-essential implants first. Then we’ll need your help Jess.”
“Me?!” Jess sounded astounded. “I’m not medically qualified, what can I do?”
“More than you realise.” The Doctor replied. “In the mean time, I, well, the Commander and I have a little task for you.”
“Me again!” Jess said smiling.
“Put this on.” He said handing her a wrist communicator. “We want you to do a scouting mission to Mr Rowans' quarters, try to find anything that will help us.”
“What’s that exactly?” Jess asked.
“Anything out of the ordinary. You’ll probably find most things are like they would be in a normal room, only more advanced.”
“I think I can do that.” Jess smiled.
“A communication link will be left open to the Command Deck and to the medical bay, just describe anything you aren’t sure about.”
“Okay,” said Jess heading for the door.
“Where are you going?” The Doctor called after her.
“Tom’s Quarters.” She replied.
“You don’t know where it is.”
“Or the access code” Sanders said.
“Well, it’s on level nine.” Jess started.
“When you get out of the lift, turn left, take the third right, left again and it’s the third door on the left.”
“Left 3, left 3.” Jess smiled.
“It might be best if we give you the access code when you arrive.” Sanders said.
“Well, that’s sorted then.” The Doctor smiled. “I think it would be best if I head back to the medical bay, I’ll let you know when I need you.” The Doctor turned and walked from the room. Jess stood up and started to follow.
“And you shouldn’t need your jacket.” The doctor shouted back through the door.
Jess realised that she had been wearing her jacket since she arrived and the Doctor was quite right. She did not really need it, the station was warm enough.

In a distant and dark sector of the galaxy, hundreds of Cyber ships were flying in formation or orbiting moons and planets. These planets and moons were often completely covered in structures so the real surfaces were hidden under sheets of metal in black industry. This was the Telos system.
Telos, the adoptive home of the Cybermen, was a bustle of activity. The planets surface was now completely hidden below many levels of buildings. Hundreds of satellites and space stations orbited the planet along with thousands of ships of varying size. Telos’ three moons were also heavily built up. This was the heavily armoured heart of the new and terrible expanding Cyber Empire. Despite its cold and evil appearance, the sight would have come across as spectacular to human eyes.
Not far from the planet was a giant space station built around a large ring. The ring lit up and was filled with a shimmering silvery-blue light and the two cyber ships from the asteroid belt emerged and headed for Telos. This was the gateway to the Cybermens’ space portals.
In the control of Telos, the Cyber Co-ordinator stood observing the many screens and panels displaying the many fronts of the war. Cybermen were working all around. Cybermat spies were relaying information allowing the Cybermen to keep ahead of the other races in the war. The Cyberleader entered control and strode up to the Co-ordinator. The Cyber Co-ordinators entire helmet, apart from the face plate, was jet black.
<REPORT> It said.
<THE CONROLLERS REMAINS HAVE BEEN RECOVERED> The Cyberleader reported. <THEY ARE PRESENTLY ON THEIR WAY TO REPAIRS. URGEN PRIORITY>
<FURTHER INFORMATION>
<MY LIEUTENANT WAS DISABLED AND IS CURRENTLY IN REPAIRS. THE DOCTORS PRESENCE HAS BEEN CONFIRMED IN THE SOL SECTOR. HE IS ASSISTING THE HUMAN WING OF THE GALACTIC FEDERATION>
<IT WAS EXCPECTED> The Co-ordinator said.
<HE REMOVED THE SUBJECT FROM CONVERSION> The Cyberleader reported.
<DID THE PLAN PROCEED?>
<AFFIRMATIVE>
<AND THE NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE>
<AFFIRMATIVE>
<THEN ALL IS PREPARED> The Co-ordinator said <COMMENCE THE OPERATION>
The Cyberleader raised its right fist to its chest as a salute and turned and walked from the room.

[Fitz Kreiner]

“I think I’m there.” Jess said “How do I make sure.”
“Find the panel, there should be a small sign with Toms’ name on it” Edwards’s voice came through the communicator above the low murmur of background voices.
“I’ve found it, how do I get in?”
“One moment,” Sanders said, “Okay, type in the panel; 565801U.”
Typing it, the door opened leading Jess into what she thought was an immaculate room. “Now that’s tidy!” she exclaimed to herself, forgetting it could be heard in the command deck and the medical bay.
“Security officers tend to be neat, especially and SCO” Edwards laughed.
“Sorry!” She said, “I’m starting the search.” She walked into the room and looked around. “Something incriminating.” She said to herself. “Where would he keep it?”
“Not necessarily incriminating,” came the Doctors voice. “No, not that bit.”
“What bit?” Jess asked.
“Not you Jess.” The Doctor replied. “Just look for anything out of the ordinary.”
Jess walked to a cupboard and opened the doors. There were several compartments containing neatly folded spare uniforms and off duty casual clothing.
“What’s this?” she asked picking up a small object from a shelf.
“Describe it.” Edwards said.
“Well, it’s about the size of a CD, metallic blue, semi-transparent and about an inch thick. It looks like there’s some sort of circuitry inside it.”
“Is that all?” Edwards asked.
“There’s a small hole in the top. It looks like something might plug into it, there’s a small spoke in the centre. That’s about it, apart from these markings.”
“What markings?” The Doctor asked quickly.
“It looks like Russian or that strange writing you get on the back of chocolate or something. Almost like those old Viking symbols or those symbols from Tolkien.”
“What’s Tolkien?” Sanders asked.
“He wrote fantasy books and they had these writings, like Viking.” Jess replied.
“Runes.” The Doctor said. “Keep looking, but keep those handy, they sound suspiciously familiar and it might be useful.”
“Okay, I’m still looking.” Jess said, still rummaging through the wardrobe. She then moved to the drawers next to the bed then the cupboard beneath it. “I think I’ve found what that thing plugs into.”
“Very good!” the Doctor said. “Take it and put it in the commanders’ office, then wait in the Command Deck.”
Jess picked up the object from the wardrobe and the object from the bed and walked from the room unaware she was being watched from an air vent by a Cybermat.

In Cyber command the Co-ordinator observed Jess leaving Toms quarters. It turned to the Cyberman to its left.
<DISPLAY THE SONTARAN FRONT> it ordered.
A map of the galaxy flashed onto the main screen. It closed in on a green sector with a smaller red sector flashing close by. If the map were in full, a much larger red sector would be able to have been seen. This was the areas of space that the Cybermen had conquered and control of.
<POSITION OF THE SONTARAN HOMEWORLDS>
Two small lights illuminated close to the red sector with a sign in Cyber script next to it.
<PREPARE TO COMMENCE THE INVASION OF SONTAR> The Co-ordinator ordered.

Near the portal gate, Cyber ships began to assemble ready for the impending invasion.

In the darkened control room, the Cyber invasion fleet was visible on the screen. Two more figures joined the figure sat at the controls.
“Report.” Said one of the figures.
“The Cybermen are preparing a full scale invasion.” The seated figure replied.
“Which planetary System?” asked the third.
“Sontar.” The first replied.
“And our unit?”
“Still functional. Terran timescale 4053, sol sector.”
“The other?” the second figure asked.
“Same area.” The first replied.
“We must report this at once,” the third said. “We cannot allow this to continue, he has achieved nothing.”
“He will. I know of his history.” The second replied.

<INVASION FORCE READY CO-ORDINATOR> A Cyberman reported.
<PREPARE> The Co-ordinator said <IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THE SONTARANS ARE PREPARING FOR CONFLICT>
The Cyberleader walked into the command.
<REPORT>
<PROGRESS ON THE CONTROLLER HAS SLOWED> The Cyberleader said <THE CORONIAL NODE NEEDS RECONSTRUCTION>
<BEGIN AT ONCE!> The Co-ordinator ordered.
<CO-ORDINATOR. WE ARE RECEIVING A SIGNAL FROM A CONTACT IN THE SOL SECTOR> A Cyberman reported.
<RELAY> The Cyberleader said.
“This is an urgent message for cyber command.” A human voice said.
<REPORT> The Co-ordinator ordered
“Federal authorities have called for an emergency state. All planets are searching their histories for conflicts with the Cybermen.”
<NO MATTER> The Co-ordinator said <THE FINAL INVASION OF ALL FEDERAL SPACE IS BEING PREPARED. THE MIGHT OF THE CYBER RACE IS UNBEATABLE.>
“I must warn you, secret weapons are planned for deployment. Sontaran and Dalek forces are preparing to repel all Cyber positions and the federation is discussing the plans for a large scale military assault.”
<WE WILL BE VICTORIOUS BEFORE THEN> The Co-ordinator said. <IN THE MEANTIME; USE YOUR POSITON AS GUARDIAN OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM TO HALT THEIR PLANS>
“I shall try Co-ordinator, but my sub-guardian is suspicious. He has already reported to me about Russell.”
<HE WAS UNIMPORTANT> The Co-ordinator said. <BEGIN YOUR WORK. HISTORY WILL SOON BE CHANGED>

[Fitz Kreiner]

Jess had been waiting on the Command Deck for fifteen minutes and the Doctor still hadn’t arrived. Commander Edwards walked out onto the command deck. He was wearing a uniformed jacket over his normal uniform.
The Doctor walked onto the Command Deck. “Ah, good, you’re ready. Come on Jess, get you’re jacket, we’re off to Mars.”
Jess stopped mid-step. “Mars?” she asked.
“We need the medical facilities that the Federation have to treat Mr Rowan.” The Doctor responded. Jess walked into the office and came out with her jacket and a plastic bag containing the items she found in Toms’ room.
“What about Tom?” she asked, walking up to the Doctor and Commander Edwards.
“Doctor Anderson and some medical officers are going to meet us at the docking bay. What’s in the bag?” the Doctor asked.
“Those things I found in Toms room.” Jess replied.
“Good girl, I’ll have a look after we’ve dealt with Tom.”
“Odysseus preparing to dock, sir.” Bradbury said.
“Thank you Dave.” Edwards said. ”We should be back within a few days.”
The Doctor, Jess and Edwards stepped into the lift.
“Aren’t we taking the TARDIS, Doctor?” Jess asked.
“Too risky. I don’t want the console exploding, or to miss Mars altogether.” The Time lord replied.

“Docking process complete, Captain.” The lieutenant reported.
“Thank you Mr Thompson.” Captain Jane Horrack said. She pressed a communication button on her chair. “Medical team to docking bay 4. Prepare to meet EST’s Doctor and patient.

“How long will this trip to Mars take?” Jess asked.
“Not long I should imagine.” The Doctor replied. “A couple of days. Long enough for Mr Rowan to be treated.”
”I meant how long will it take to get there?”
“About two and a half hours.” Edwards replied. “it should be shorter, but the state of emergency means that we will have to be screened in orbit and the shuttle with have to go through a decon satellite.”
“Decon, Commander?” The Doctor asked. “I hope you’re not going to all that trouble just for us.”
“No, sever sectors of the federation are in quarantine because of a mysterious plague infection.”
“Decontamination?” Jess asked. “But we’re clean. We’re not contaminated.”
“We’ve been to the Cyber ship and been in very close proximity to Cybermen and Cybermats.” The Doctor responded.
“They’re machines!” Jess protested “They can’t get ill.”
“They don’t have to get ill.” The Doctor replied, setting off at a brisk pace as the lift stopped. Jess nearly had to jog to keep up. “However, they aren’t just machines. They contain some organic elements, somewhere deep down. Remember, they were human once.”
“You aren’t implying that…” Edwards started.
“Well, if they didn’t, it would be an enormous coincidence.” The Doctor said anticipating the rest of Edwards’ question.
“You mean chemical and biological warfare?” Jess asked. “Germ bombs?”
“Not quite.” The Doctor cut in. “The Cybermats are on of the Cybermens’ first waves of attack. They, and any humans that the Cybermen may have corrupted, could have inflicted these plagues. Stealth is a key Cyber attack.”
”Doctor, I’d hardly call large ships attacking whole planets ‘stealth’!” Edwards said in protest.
“When were the first reported outbreaks of this ‘plague’?” The doctor asked.
“Over four years ago, nearly five.” Edwards replied.
“And when did the attacks start?” Jess asked.
“About three years ago.” Edwards said, realisation dawning. “They must have been planning this for years.”
“Exactly!” The Doctor said, “They’ve probably influence some very high people.”
“I’m not following, Doctor.” Edwards said.
“The head of Earths’ space program was under cyber influence. I doubt he was the only one.”
“How?” Jess asked.
“Human greed, they offer people power and so forth. You would be surprised at how many people would betray their own race for things like that!”
“You mean all power corrupts?” Jess asked remembering the old saying.
“You’re catching on.” The Doctor smiled.
“You don’t think the Guardian…” Edwards began.
“I don’t know Commander.” The Doctor said stopping at the docking port door. Edwards tapped in the command code to open and stepped through.
“Not a word of this to anyone.” The Doctor said stepping through.
The group was greeted by a young lieutenant.
“Would you care to follow me?” he asked in a Scottish accent. “Doctor Anderson and the patient are already aboard,
“Excellent.” The Doctor smile.
“Lead on MacDuff.” Jess whispered quietly, smiling up at the Doctor, who smiled back.

“Odysseus undocked and underway.” Sanders said.
“Night team on in two hours.” Bradbury informed the Command Deck.
“They should be there by then.”
“You may get a rest in two hours.” Ford said. “I’m the only security officer left on the station now. Can’t you send to Earth for a replacement Security lieutenant?”
“Sorry, we’ve got to prepare for the incoming Venus 22:56 flight.” Sanders said.
“Isn’t that scheduled for EST1?”
”They’re still under quarantine.” Bradbury said.
“In that case, the security patrols will have to work without me while I catch up on some sleep.” Ford said.
“I doubt I’ll get much sleep.” Bradbury said. “But I’ll certainly be grateful for a rest.”

“This is really impressive.” Jess said looking round the corridors of the Odysseus. “Even more so than the Station. Sorry.” She added looking at Edwards.
“Not at all.” Edwards replied. “You’ve only seen the areas of the station that the civilians don’t see. Plus, the Odysseus is a fairly new craft.”
The lift doors opened displaying the Odysseus’ bridge.
“Wow.” Jess gasped.
The Scottish lieutenant and Edwards stepped out of the lift, followed by the Doctor. Jess jumped out of the lift as the doors closed. The bridge was circular in shape with a large view screen displaying the sector of space the ship was flying through. In front of the screen were two control stations with two crew members sat and working at each. There was a door at either side of the screen. The bridge was split into two sections, the rear raised six feet above the front, and two slopes at either side connected both sections. The rear half was filled with workstations. The bridges colour scheme was a comfortable mixture of soft greyish blues and creamy whites.
Captain Horrack rose from her chair as the group entered the bridge. “Commander Edwards. How nice to meet you in person again.”
“The feeling is more that mutual ma’am.” Edwards replied.
“And you must be ‘The Doctor’.” Horrack said to the Doctor.
“Yes Captain.” The Doctor said, offering his hand, “and may I say you have a very fine ship here.”
“Why thank you Doctor.” Horrack said shaking his hand.
“And this is my assistant; Jess.” The Doctor said gesturing to Jess.
“Welcome aboard Jess.”
“Thank you, Captain.” Jess replied. “Where’s Tom?”
“He’s in the sickbay with Doctor Anderson.”
“Can I go and see him?”
“Yes of course. Just ask for the sickbay once you enter the lift.”
“Thanks! See you later, Doctor.” Jess said cheerfully turning round and heading to the lift.
“DO you think we’ll get any trouble from the Cybermen on this trip, Doctor?” Horrack asked.
“There is a possibility Captain.” The Doctor said. “If the Cybermen want Mr Rowan, there is that strong possibility that they will attempt to recapture him.”
“I still don’t know why they want him.” Edwards said.
“Me neither, Commander.” The Doctor confirmed. “That’s what I hope this trip to Mars will do. Hopefully the Federation medical facilities will help us to probe Mr Rowans mind.

Federation HQ Mars was a bustle of activity. Located near the polar regions in the northern hemisphere it allowed Martian access to the HQ. The main command room was filled with members of all species from the federation working at stations. Many screens displayed traffic going to and from Mars. Space stations orbited the planet acting as docking ports for ships. Shuttles went to and from the stations to the surface. The Odysseus, nearing the end of its journey, approached Mars, closing in on the largest station which was locked into geo-stationary orbit over Federation HQ.

The lift doors opened and jess walked out stretching.
“What is it Doctor?” She yawned.
“Sorry to wake you, but we thought you may want to know we’re arriving.” The Doctor said.
Jess looked at the screen and saw the sight of hundreds of space craft and stations around Mars.
“We’re taking a shuttle to decon.” Horrack said. “It’s easier that docking the Odysseus.”
“We?” Jess asked.
“The Captain and two of her crew are coming with us.” The Doctor smiled.
“Doctor Anderson was about to move Tom out of the sickbay when I left.” Jess said.
“We’ll meet him by the shuttle then. How was Mr Rowan?”
“He’s still asleep; Doctor Anderson says he’s fine.”
“Are you two coming?” Doctor Anderson asked from the lift door. “You’d better prepare yourselves for decon, it’s a 20 minute process.”

“22:56 has now departed.” Bradbury said as the space cruiser pulled away from the station heading deeper into the solar system towards Venus.
“That’s it now, until 05:30 Sanders said. “But that’s one for the night shift.”
“I think we may be having a late shift!” Ford cut in. “we’ve got a problem.”
“Problem?” Bradbury asked.
“Those extra security forces on the way will definitely be needed. I think I’m registering Cybermen on the lower levels.” Ford said. “I’ve already redirected all security forces to begin a mass sweep of the lower levels.

[Fitz Kreiner]

The lower levels of EST3 were deserted. The civilian concourses contained bars, shops and cafes. The few levels above were civilian accommodation, again deserted as was the accommodation for the staff of the concourses. The station was now only used by civilians very briefly, coming to and from Earth. Now guards patrolled the concourses, all gloomy and dark.

The patrols’ progresses were being monitored by the command deck.
“I feel I should be down there.” Ford said.
“You’re needed up here Jim.” Sanders said. “Those guys down there need you to co-ordinate them, you are acting SCo after all.”
“That’s true.” Ford said. “This might take some getting used to.”
“You’ve been in the ranks to long, Jim” Bradbury laughed.
A communications alarm sounded as Fords panel.
“I think we’ve found our intruders; Lever 362, lower concourse.” The voice reported.
Ford flicked a switch and issued an order. “All units. Level 362, lower concourse”
Another report came through as another communications alarm sounded. “Sir! Level 362, upper concourse. We’ve found trouble!” The voice shouted over the sound of weapons fire.
“All units! All units! Emergency! Top priority! All security units to upper and lower concourses, level 362!” Ford shouted into the station comm., red alert blaring out.
“Where are the units with the Cyber guns?” Bradbury asked.
“They’re on their way down.” Ford replied. “All units have orders to pick up a cyber gun from any fallen Cyberman. That way it will increase our chances of fighting them off”
“Reports now coming in.” sanders said. “Emergency medical teams on their way down.”
“Reserve security forces moving in. preliminary reports state that there are at least 12 Cybermen down there.” Ford said.
“Twelve?” Bradbury asked. “How can they cause so much destruction?”
“Don’t you remember those two on the command deck?” Sanders prompted him.
“Point taken.” Bradbury replied.

Deep in the Telos system on Cyber control the Cyber Co-ordinator impassively stood in the centre of the command centre. The Cyberleader entered and walked up to the Co-ordinator.
<PREPARE TO LEAVE FOR THE MARTIAN SECTOR> The Co-ordinator ordered.
<I UNDERSTAND> The Cyberleader said.
<THE DOCTOR IS REPORTED TO BE ARRIVING. HE IS TO BE BROUGHT BACK HERE>
<ACKNOWLDGED> The Cyberleader turned and left the room.

Jess walked out of the Decon to the docking bay, putting her jacket on as she walked.
“Hurry up; you don’t want to miss the shuttle!” The Doctor shouted from the docking port.
“Bags I get the window seat!” Jess shouted running to door. Scrambling past the Doctor, Jess sat in a seat next to a window, which showed the northern hemisphere of Mars and the Federation HQ. “No seatbelts?” She asked looking about her.
“We won’t need them. This shuttle will be equipped with an inertia field, rather like the Odysseus was; you won’t feel you’re moving.” The Doctor said.
Jess watched as the shuttle pulled away from the docking station and entered the Martian Atmosphere.
“We shall be docking at Federal HQ in two minutes.” The shuttles pilot announced over the communication system.
The shuttle flew through the thin Martian atmosphere and slowly settled down at one of the many docking ports and Federation HQ and clamped on. A large medical team were waiting at the other side of the docking port for Doctor Anderson and the comatose Tom Rowan. The Doctor followed the medical team to the Federation Medical unit.
“Jess, you stay with the Commander until I call you.” He shouted over his shoulder as the procession disappeared round a corner.
“So, where are the interesting areas?” Jess asked looking round at the bland docking port.
“What about the main concourse? That might be quite interesting for you.” Edwards replied.
“Will there be many Aliens there?”
“Thousands. There are over a hundred and fifty members of the Galactic Federation. The main concourse should also give you a superb view of the Martian surface, especially as the sun will soon be setting.”

The lift doors opened on the top level of the main concourse. There were three levels, the upper two going round the edge of the high walls. Many varieties of aliens walked about on all three levels, different species conversing with one another in the most civilised manners. Jess just stared at the sight, awestruck.
“What’s down there?” she asked pointing to a corridor leading to a section bathed in a red light.
“That’s the Martian areas. It leads to the Martian cities. There are places like it all over the HQ. Some of the areas are there to make the atmosphere more comfortable for the Martians.” Edwards explained.
The two walked round the concourse towards the large windows that dominated a whole section. Jess was taking in the sights of the hundreds of aliens and the differing styles of stalls and what she took to be shops around the place. It reminded her of an airport or the shopping centres she was so used to, only on a different planet and full of exotic alien items and foods. Walking past the varieties of aliens, Jess noticed that there were fewer of the Bulky Martian Warriors she had seen, yet there were many more of the slimmer ones, dressed in the green uniforms. She still felt a chill whenever she saw that scaly flesh under the domed helmets. She found herself trying to imagine what the Martians looked like underneath those helmets.
She stopped to look out of the windows at the Martian sunset. The sky was a mixture of reds oranges and pinks with tinges of purple as the Martian night crept in. She suddenly became aware that a large amount of time had passed since they had arrived on Mars.
“Quite beautiful isn’t it?”
Jess looked round at Edwards. It didn’t sound the sort of think she expected him to say. “Sorry?” She said.
“The sunset. It’s beautiful isn’t it?” He said.
“Yes,” Jess replied staring back out at the lengthening shadows.
“I proposed to my ex-wife under this sunset. Edwards said in a distant voice.
“That’s really romantic.” Jess found herself saying; seeing Edwards in a whole new light. He was nit the grizzled station commander she thought he was when she first met him. It hit her that this was not Star Trek; this was real, these people were as human as she was.
“Commander Edwardsss.” An alien voice hissed.
Jess looked up and saw a Martian standing behind them.
“Lord Marshal Szyrst. An honour to meet you again.” Edwards replied, back to his old self.
Jess turned round to look back out of the window again as the two began talking. The shadows on the Martian surface were now much longer. Jess stared hard at one. It didn’t look like a natural feature; looking round, there were no buildings that could be causing it. Jess looked back at the shadow as it moved. Jess blinked, not sure she had seen it correctly. Looking closely she became quite alarmed; it had an ominously familiar humanoid appearance.
“There’s something out there!” She said aloud. Realising Edwards and Szyrst hadn’t heard them she interrupted them. “The Cybermen!” She shouted. “They’re out there on Mars.”

[Fitz Kreiner]

She pointed to where she had seen the shadow but it was gone.
“We are not in the mood for immature pranksss!” Szyrst hissed, looking down on the young human female.
“Are you sure?” Edwards asked.
“I saw its shadow moving.” Jess said. “I’m serious!” She added directing it at the Martian.
“We’d better check it at control.” Edwards said to Szyrst, who twirled round and made off immediately. “You stay here. You’ve still got the communicator, Call me if you see it again. I’ll send someone to collect you shortly.” Edwards wet off after Szyrst leaving Jess alone.
Anxiety began creeping back to her. “You’re quite safe.” She kept telling herself. “There’s nothing to worry about.”
“Keep calm and maintain a level head.” The words Sanders had said to her kept flashing through her mind.
“Excuse me!” a voice with a strong Scottish burr behind her made her start. “You’re the Doctors companion?”
Turning round, Jess saw it was the young Scottish lieutenant from the Odysseus who had accompanied them to Mars. He had gone to control with Captain Horrack after they arrived. “Yes.” She replied smiling.
“Will you accompany me, your presence is requested.” He said.

“Well,” Edwards said pacing up and down the Martian command room, “Are there Cybermen out there?”
“We have not yet found any trace of the Cybermen.” Szyrst replied speaking without the pronounced hiss as the atmosphere of the command room was more suited to the Martian atmosphere and respiratory system, However, it was adapted enough for humans to breathe the air also.
“She doesn’t seem to be a liar.” Edwards said “Her friend the Doctor has proved himself to be most trustworthy.”
“My technicians have not yet completed their sscansss!” Szyrst hissed in agitation.
Edwards sighed and looked over a Martian technician positioned at a station. Edwards squinted at the red screen the Martina was working at. The Martian script was beyond his understanding.
“I think we’d better get the Doctors’ friend here, I’m starting to get a bad feeling.” Edwards said.
“I concur commander.” Szyrst agreed moving to a panel. “I shall send one of my officers to fetch her.”
“There has been some surface disturbance.” One of the Martian technicians reported.
“Cybermen?” Edwards asked.
“Impossible to determine at this stage” The Martian replied.

The federation medical centre contained the most advanced medical equipment in the Federation. Ina sealed section; The Doctor, Doctor Anderson and a federal Doctor were operating on Tom. A tent-like arrangement had been constructed over Toms’ chest.
“Doctor, what do you make of this?” Anderson asked, pointing at something. “This doesn’t appear to be grafted onto the body.”
“Most peculiar.” The Doctor said. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that this is not the usual Cyber conversion method. Ah, wait.” The Doctor added. “This could be some sort of cardio receptor. I’ve never seen one outside of the body before though, and I’ve met a lot of Cybermen!”
“What does it do?”
“Well if it was grafted into the body, I would say it would be the heartbeat regulator. It should normally control the heartbeat until the cardiovascular system is removed and replaced.” The Doctor replied.
“But then, why not graft it to the body? It doesn’t make sense.” Anderson asked, perplexed.
“That’s the question Doctor Anderson. It’s most illogical, and that makes it worrying.” The doctor said, a worried look creeping onto his face. “It’s currently masking the heartbeat, which is also a worry. I don’t want his heart to stop beating at a crucial stage, but at the moment, I don’t want to remove this,” the Doctor tapped the receptor, “without knowing why it’s not properly grafted.”
“That’s understandable.” The Federation Doctor said. “Although these implants around the head, I can safely say that it seems like they are not grafted into to the cranial capacity. I’d say that they haven’t attempted any brain modifications. Well, not technological anyway.”
“Yes,” The Doctor mused. “Only programming, no actual cerebral implants, yet. Although I am rather surprised that they haven’t done that too. The more I learn about what they’ve done to Mr Rowan here, the more I’m intrigued!”

Out on the Martian surface, a small, undetected Cyber ship sat in a crater near to federation HQ. The transport system on the ships bridge light up as the form of the Cyberleader took shape. Stepping from the transport grid, it strode to the commander of the ship.
<HAS THE DOCTOR ARRIVED?> It asked.
<AFFIRMATIVE. MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN.> A Cyberman reported.
<THE CO-ORDINATOR WANTS HIM TO BE TRANSPORTED TO TELOS UPON HIS IMMEDIATE CAPTURE.>
<UNDERSTOOD>
<TRANSFER INFORMATION> The Cyberleader ordered.
The Cyberman at the controls operated a switch and a beam shot from a data terminal to the beam mount at the top of the Cyberleaders head. Information transferred along the beam to the Cyberleader.
<YOUR INSTRUCTIONS ARE KNOWN. CONTINUE> The Cyberleader said breaking from the beam and moving back to the transport grid. <I SHALL REPORT TO THE CO-ORDINATOR. CONTACT TELOS AS SOON AS YOU HAVE THE DOCTOR>
<UNDERSTOOD> The Cyberman replied.

Jess followed the young lieutenant for some time. He appeared to be taking her down to the Martian sectors of the HQ.
“What’s your name?” She asked him, realising she didn’t actually know.
“Lieutenant David Cauldhame.” He replied, rather shortly.
Jess was taken aback slightly. She didn’t expect such a short reply. She’d been too preoccupied with looking about her, but she soon became aware that something didn’t quite seem right.
“Shouldn’t we be at the command centre by now?” she asked him.
“We’re not going to the command centre.” Came Cauldhames’ short reply.
This also took Jess aback. By now she had major alarm bells ringing in her head.
“Then…”
“Be quite!” Cauldhame cut her short and grabbed hold of her arm. Trying to pull away, jess felt him strike her across the face. Shocked by the blow, Jess stumbled on.
“Doctor…” She managed to feebly say.

In the Martian command centre, emergence alarms were sounding. Surface scans had discovered the concealed Cyber ship after traces had located the Cyber transport beam.
“Shouldn’t we inform the rest of the complex?” Edwards asked.
“Only command crew should be concerned with this emergency at the present time.” Szyrst replied. “All military forces are being assembled. Observe.”
Edwards looked round at the screen wall. It had divided to show many differing views. A large squad of Martian warriors had assembled at one of the main surface locks of the command centre. Several dozen all terrain vehicles had arranged into formation on the surface, heavily armoured and armed for the current crisis. Many other squads of troops of many of the different races had assembled to make up a rather formidable taskforce.
“We have had preparations for an invasion for Federation HQ for some time. Many of the satellites and ships in orbit have been customised for planetary defence and protection.” Szyrst said. “Our squads contain the most advanced weapon systems in the federation. Have no worry; this threat will be beaten back.”
“I wish I had you confidence Lord Marshal.” Edwards said. “I’ve been on the receiving end of those things. They’re quite resilient to most things.”
“Have no fear Commander.” Szyrst said. “Reports show it to be one small ship, we have them severely outnumbered.”
“Still, the fact remains that they were able to land on Mars without any detection. There may be more.”
“A complete surface scan has been done Lord Marshal.” A Martian technician reported. “There is just the one reading.”
“Good.” Szyrst said. “Commence the attack.” The Martian commander ordered.
Edwards watched the screens as the fronts that each screen showed advanced onto the surface of Mars and towards the waiting Cyber ship. From the Martian night skies two dozen federation attack craft descended accompanied by three large Martian warships. The convoys closed on the location of the concealed Cyber ship. The Martian warships spearheaded the attack fleet, soaring down on the targeted crater. The roar of the weapons fire could be heard in the command room and the slight ground tremble could be felt. The glare of the weapons not only light up the screens but also the night’s sky. The glare caused all who attempted to look out of the windows turn their head to their side, squinting.
Turning back to the screen, Edwards saw the ships pulling up back to the higher levels of the atmosphere. The ground troops started to advance in time to see the cyber ship slowly rise into the air before flying off swiftly. Once in space, the ship sped away towards a newly opened portal, closing behind it.
“Well…” said an astonished Edwards. “That was unexpected.”
“No casualties, that is most gratifying.” Szyrst said. “Order all troops back to the compound.” He said turning to one of the technicians.
The door to the command centre opened and a Martian walked in up to Szyrst.
“Lord Marshal. There is no sign of the human female.” It reported.
Edwards turned round. “What?” he asked astounded.
“It seems the Doctors friend has disappeared.” Szyrst replied.
“Track her!” Edwards said. “She should be wearing a wrist comm. from EST.”
“That may take time.” Szyrst said. “Our sensors are not collaborated to locating human communication systems.”
“Well, try. They aren’t too had to trace, try on the level of gamma 344/980. The code of the communicator that the girl should have is 44502.” Edwards said leaning over a Martian.
“Searching.” The Martian reported. “Device; not found.” It reported a few seconds later. “It is possible that the human is not in the concourse.”
“Well, try the whole complex.” Edwards said.
“Commander Edwards.” Szyrst started.
“Lord Marshal, that girl is in my care, and I will therefore show her the same concern that I show any of my crew.” Edwards replied.
“Location found.” The Martian technician reported. “The device appeares to be heading towards the abandoned sector.”
“Of your cities?” Edwards asked to Szyrst. “She wouldn’t go there on her own, I feel sure. We need to let the Doctor know about this.” He said turning and leaving the room.
Szyrst hissed then followed.

[Fitz Kreiner]

In the Medical centre, the Doctor, Doctor Anderson and the Federation Doctor had decided to work round their quandary. Attached to life support systems monitoring heart rate and breathing Tom was still unconscious. Due to the interference to the Cardio receptor, no heart rate was currently showing on the monitors. As a replacement, a federation surgeon was present and holding Tom’s wrist was reporting a slow and faint, yet steady pulse. Working hard, the three doctors had removed most of the implants and circuitry from his head and face.
“What about the ocular implant?” Anderson asked.
“That may have to be left for the time being, I really am concerned about this Cardio problem.” The Doctor replied “And the way that we managed to remove what should have been some crucial implanting and technology that should have actually killed him.”
“It couldn’t be extra care then?” The Federal Doctor said, disheartened.
“I’m afraid not.” The Doctor replied picking up part of the cyber technology that had been removed during surgery. “This,” he said, “should have been embedded deep into the cerebral cortex, yet look at this node.” He pointed to a vicious looking, yet short barb of technology. “Yet the size of this, it wouldn’t have gone that far, as you saw, it only just penetrated the skull, why?”
“How are we supposed to know that Doctor?” Anderson asked. “We we’re working under your supervision.”
“I know. And I know that you’ve never had to do work like this before. That regenerator.” The Doctor pointed to a complex medical machine. “I assume that’s what it is. How long will that take to work fully?”
“The lesion regenerator?” The Federal Doctor asked. “To fully repair all tissue, muscle, bone flesh and nerve, about an hour, then there will be no signs of any lesion to the skin.”
“Well, then, I think we should start to repair the damage to Mr Rowans head whilst we make work on this cardio receptor.”
“That’s really troubling you, isn’t it Doctor?” Anderson asked.
“Quite a lot actually, Doctor Anderson.” The Doctor replied. “I take it you’ve noticed the absence of lesions or lacerations to Mr Rowans chest. Therefore I think it’s safe to assume that there are no nodes or implants inside.”
“But if the Cybermen have the ability to develop this grafting of flesh and metal…” The Federal Doctor started.
“It’s all hidden under metal.” The doctor coldly replied. “They have no emotions therefore they do not care about their appearance or what they are doing to other people. Remember that, no pity, no conscience. They graft these things on to make more of themselves. They wouldn’t care about re-healing any scars they may leave. Believe me; Mr Rowan is in far better condition than a lot of other converts I’ve seen in my lives.”
“Yes, of course, I apologise. I did not mean offence.” The Federal Doctor replied.
“None taken.” The Doctor replied with a smile. “What species are you, if you don’t mind my asking?”
“I am Trishean.” The Federal Doctor replied. “I am considered the greatest surgeon of my people. That is why I am here.”
“Then, it is a great honour for me to work with you.” The Doctor replied shaking one of the Trisheans’ four arms. “I have heard of your race and your masterful skills, I have wanted to work alongside one of your people for several centuries.” The Doctor smiled.
“I am honoured also, then.” The Trishean replied. “Yet I think we should not waste time talking when we have important work.”
“You’re quite right.” The Doctor replied. “Although it gave me time to think about this receptor.”
“Go on Doctor?” Anderson asked.
“It will be tricky. This device is implanted above the heart and connects with the main Aorta, pulmonary artery and the vena cava. As you know it restricts monitor of the heart and ultimately takes over functioning. But why it’s outside the body in this case I don’t know.”
“We know you don’t know why, but how are we to remove it?” Anderson said. “Wait a minute, when you said it connects with the major blood vessels?”
“Yes, it has connectors that go through the flesh and into the vessels. It changes the makeup of the blood, yet this doesn’t seem to be doing that for some reason. It’s just blocking cardio responses being measured.” The Doctor said. “Can we get an EEG on Mr Rowan whilst the regenerator is working?” He added.
“An EEG?” The Trishean asked. “What is that?”
“An Electro-encephalograph?” the Doctor queried. “To monitor the neural activity?”
“We don’t use EEG’s any more Doctor.” Anderson laughed. “Although I can get you something that will do the same.” Doctor Anderson went to one of the side benches to fetch the equipment.
“What is your plan, Doctor?” The Trishean asked.
“To remove the Cardio Receptor manually. That is why it is so risky, there are no connectors inside and there is a chance that Mr Rowan may Haemorrhage.”
“Then it would be best if we were careful in its operation.” The Trishean replied. “Let us get this started. And with care.”

As the three doctors set about the difficult task, Commander Edwards and Lord Marshal Szyrst rushed along the concourse towards the Medical Centre. As this was happening, in an almost derelict part of the Martian sectors of the complex, Lieutenant Cauldhame led Jess roughly down the few corridors remaining towards a small chamber. Jess had tried to remember the route they had came along in case she could break free, but the atmosphere felt different. She found it was slightly harder to breathe. It must be for the Martians to be comfortable, she thought. It’s the only logical reason she thought to herself. She had found that is was safer not to ask questions to Cauldhame, as he was certainly not a receptive person in communicating to his captive, for Jess now knew that was what she was. Her attempts to communicate with Cauldhame and make herself seem more of a person to him rather than a captive seemed to have failed. The man was steel faced and held her in a hard, secure grip. As the two approached the chamber, Jess saw the door had a slight transparency to it, and she could see the silhouettes of some figures moving behind it. She recognised the two of them as Martian warriors. Arriving at the door Cauldhame stopped.
“Open up, it’s Cauldhame.” He announced. “I’ve got the girl, the Doctor should find out soon, I made sure of that.” He added as the door slowly opened. Jess noticed the door was operated by a simple lever. Through the small chamber was a larger chamber. The shadow she saw in there chilled her instantly to her bones, and was instantly recognisable.

Entering the Medical Centre, Edwards and Szyrst were ordered to wait quietly by medical orderlies. The Doctors had just completed the removal of the Cardio Receptor. Slowly walking into the bay where Tom was lying, Edwards looked down in amazement at his SCo.
“Is he ok, Doctor?” He asked.
“I hope.” The Doctor replied. “If you keep your eye on that monitor you should see a heart trace soon. There’s just one simple node to remove, then we can get to work on that ocular implant.” The Doctor finished looking down at his work as a faint trace appeared on the monitor.
“We have a heart trace. It’s slow still.” Anderson said, “He should stabilise fully soon, then we can…” Anderson trailed off as the screen flickered and the heart trace split.
“What’s going on? Are we losing him?” Edwards asked.
“No,” Anderson replied. “That’s his heart trace.”
“The machine must be faulty.” The Trishean said going to examine it.
The Doctor stared at the screen, realisation dawning slowly.
“It cant be.” He said.
“What is it?” Edwards asked.
The Doctor didn’t say a word. He took Toms hand up in his and felt for the pulse in his wrist. Counting slowly, the Doctor moved his hand across Toms’ wrist gently, nodding after a time.
“There’s nothing wrong with the machine.” He said.
“Doctor, its got a faulty reader, look at it.” Anderson said.
“No.” The Doctor simply said.
“Well then, what else gives a reading like that?” Anderson said pointing at the screen.
The heart monitor screen showed a slow, yet healthy heartbeat, the spikes and valleys well defined, yet there was a second almost the same time as the first.
“It’s showing a heart fluctuation I don’t understand, yet you’ve felt his pulse, it isn’t acting like that.” Anderson said.
The Doctor reached over and touched a dial on the monitor. The line measuring split into two, each showing an identical heartbeat. The doctor then pulled the sensors off Toms’ wrist and chest causing the lines to go flat.
“You want to know what gives a heartbeat like that.” The Doctor asked putting one of the sensors on his own wrist. The screen flickered to life again and the same to readings came back.
“Impossible.” Edwards said.
“Not at all,” The Doctor replied. “Commander, Doctor Anderson, its perfectly simple. Mr Rowan here is a Time lord, one of my own race.”

[Fitz Kreiner]

Part three

The door to the Martian chamber closed behind her and Jess simply stared in horror as the Cyberman emerged from the rear chamber.
<HAVE YOU ENSURED THAT THE DOCTOR WILL TRACE HER?> It asked Cauldhame.
“She’s wearing a wrist comm., they’re easily traceable.” Cauldhame replied. “She was with the Commander of EST3, he’ll be the first to miss her, then he’ll go straight to the Doctor once he’s realised she’s gone and he’s got a trace on her.”
“Will you stop referring to me as ‘she’?” Jess snapped at Cauldhame.
“Shut up!” he shouted back. He suddenly reeled as Jess’s slap struck him hard and sharp across his face. “Why you little…” he began raising his hand. Unable to bring it down, Cauldhame turned round to see the Cyberman had held of his wrist.
<SHE IS NOT TO BE HARMED> It said staring down at the terrified human. Still holding Cauldhames’ wrist above his head, the Cyberman turned and looked at Jess. Using it’s free hand it reached out and took hold of her jaw. Jess gasped as the cold metal hand clasped her although with a surprising gentleness. The Cyberman turned her head and examined the right side of her face, where Cauldhame had struck her previous. The red mark had started to turn into a light bruise. <YOU HAVE STRUCK HER PREVIOUSLY?> The creature asked.
“She tried to pull away.” Cauldhame protested before starting to wince in agony as the Cyberman started to squeeze its fist closed round his wrist. Cauldhame found it increasingly harder to move his fingers as the bones in his wrist were slowly crushed and started to shatter. He screamed through gritted teeth as the cracking of the bones could be heard. Jess, watching with morbid fascination backed into a corner as the Cyberman released Cauldhame who collapsed to his knees in agony. Jess felt a slight satisfaction is seeing a small trickle of blood run down Cauldhames face where she had hit him, smiling slightly she slyly turned her ring round so the solitaire gem was in its normal upward facing position.
The two Martian warriors stood by the entrance to the chamber, silently observing.
“Why are you keeping me here?” Jess asked the Cyberman, confidence building slowly after learning she wasn’t to be harmed.
<YOU ARE HERE TO BRING US THE DOCTOR> The Cyberman replied
“I won’t bring him to you.” Jess answered back sternly.
<THAT IS UNNECESARY. HE WILL COME SEARCHING FOR YOU. HE WILL DELIVER HIMSELF TO US OF HIS OWN ACCORD>
Jess just stared at the Cyberman, trying to think how the Doctor would deal with the situation and how he spoke to the Cyberleader.
“He won’t fall for it.” she replied looking up at the blank mask.
The Cyberman didn’t respond. Instead it turned to Cauldhame, who was crouched on the ground holding his wrist and looked down at him.
<YOU ARE STILL NEEDED. HOLD OUT YOUR ARM> It said.
Tentatively, Cauldhame held out his injured wrist. Bending down, the Cyberman shot a beam out from his helmet onto Caulhames’ wrist. His skin glowed red for a few seconds, then the glow subsided. Blinking, Cauldhame slowly moved his fingers, then his hand, finding that the bones had refused. Shaking his head, Cauldhame looked up at the Cyberman.
“You crushed my wrist, just to heal it again?” He shouted.
<IT WILL TEACH YOU NOT TO DISOBEY THE CYBERACE> The Cyberman replied. <OBEY US AND YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR REWARDS>
“What rewards have you promised him?” Jess asked.
<THAT IS NONE OF YOUR CONCERN.> The Cyberman replied.
“Amazing.” Cauldhame said looking after the Cyberman.
“What?” Jess was stunned.
“The ability to possess such power. Did you see it?” Cauldhame seemed distant. “It crushed my wrist, yet it repaired it just like that. No surgery, it was in that beam! Wonderful!”
“You’re mad!” Jess replied. “That thing would have killed you if it didn’t need you for something. You’re more than lucky to be alive. Do you know what those things are really like?”
“Perfect.” Was Cauldhames’ one word reply.
“What?” Jess was astounded. “You’re betraying everyone to these things. They are merciless and ruthless. Why?”
“They are perfect.” Cauldhame looked at her. Jess could see a manic look in his eyes. “They are total perfection. They don’t get ill, resilience to disease; they can breathe and exist in space and vacuums. They have colossal strength and heightened senses. They don’t feel cold or pain. They are not restricted to our weaknesses; they are logical and vastly more intelligent that us.”
“I think even a cabbage would be more intelligence than you!” Jess said. “You are mad! These Cybermen are not perfect. Have you actually looked at them? They’re inhuman. Do you know what they are? They’re walking dead.” Jess got up and walked round Cauldhame “They have no emotion, no heart, and no soul. I’ve been on their space ships; I’ve seen how they are created. Do you know how? They take unwilling people, human beings, like you and I and surgically replace their bodies, limbs and organs with machine and mechanical parts. They’re more machines than anything else. They don’t just brainwash people, they alter how their brains work, it wouldn’t surprise me if they remove those as well. You want to be like that?” Jess pointed at the immobile Cyberman.
“They will be rulers of the Galaxy, not just this, but all of the universe and for all time.” Cauldhame cried. Tears had started to run from his eyes.
“They’re evil!” Jess said, noticing the tears “They’re inhuman, and your not, you’re a human being. You are David Cauldhame; you’re a human being, not one of them!” Jess hoped that she was getting through to the young lieutenant as his head started to tremble.
Cauldhame looked down at his wrist through tear-filled eyes. He clenched and then unclenched his fist, then looked at the Cyberman who took a couple of steps forward. The Silver giant took Cauldhames head in its hands. Jess stepped back, not sure what was about to happen. A faint wave seemed to appear between the helmet of the Cyberman and Cauldhames forehead.
<CONTACT HAS BEEN LOST> It announced.
<TERMINATE> Came the sound of yet another Cyberman.
Jess watched as another Cyberman walked into the chamber.
<YES LUIETENANT> The first replied, releasing Cauldhames head.
Cauldhame showed emotion for the first time, backing away in fear. The Cyberman reached out and grabbed the terrified Scott about the throat. Choking, Cauldhame grabbed and hit at the metal fist enclosed about his neck. Jess watched in horror as the Cyberman slowly raised its arm, she could see the Cauldhames feet were no longer on the floor. Cauldhames eyes fell on her as his lips moved and he coked his final word;
“Sorry.” He gasped as his eyes rolled up into his skull, then shut.
Opening its hand, the Cyberman let the traitors’ body fall to the floor. The two Martian Warriors slowly moved into the chamber and picked up the fallen body and removed it.
“Why?” Jess asked the Cyberman. “You said you still needed him.”
< HUMANS ARE EMOTIONAL; ILLOGICAL; UNRELIABLE.> Came the reply.
“That doesn’t answer my question.” Jess said after the Cyberman as it turned.
<CAULDHAME WAS EXPENDABLE. HE WAS OF LITTLE IMPORTANCE>
Jess stared in horror at the cold creature. She felt sick at what had just happened.
The second Cyberman turned to the first.
<I SHALL REPORT TO CONTROL> It said. <STAND BY FOR FURTHER ORDERS>
<UNDERSTOOD>
The second Cyberman left the chamber leaving Jess with her Cyberman guard.