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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:23:24 GMT
Little Billy Linacre was scared. There were monsters in his bedroom again. His mum and dad had both checked in his cupboard and under his bed and assured him that there were no monsters, and that there was no such thing as monsters. Little Billy still had nightmares. Little Billy still asked his mum and dad to check under his bed and in the cupboard for him before he went to sleep to make sure that there were no monsters waiting until he was alone to get him. His parents had eventually given in and bought Little Billy a night light and left it plugged in and turned on in his room at night. It gave a nice warming glow, but all Billy could see were the shadows it cast, and the possibility of there being monsters lurking in them.
Little Billy Linacre was now wide awake, curled up under his covers, having pulled them up over his head. Slowly, Billy peered out from under his covers. There was something, no, there was someone stood in the corner of his room. Billy could see it was a person.
“Mummy?” He asked the figure. “Mummy? Daddy?”
Billy could just see that the figure was wearing a hood, and reached up to pull the hood back from its head. It seemed to be wearing a cloak which it let drop from its shoulders onto the floor. The figure had long dark hair, held in a pony tail.
“Mummy?” Little Billy asked again.
The figure slowly turned to face Billy. Billy could do nothing but stare as the figure turned round. It was wearing old clothes, not just old in the sense that they were ripped and dirty, they were also old fashioned, the sort of clothes that people wore on the television programmes that his mum watched. However, Billy wasn’t paying much attention to the clothes of the figure, it was the figures face that he couldn’t tear his eyes from.
The figures face was horrific; the eyes were wide and staring, the skin seemed taught to the bones of the skull, almost torn in some places. There were the vestiges of a beard on the figures face around a wide grinning mouth.
Little Billy Linacre opened his mouth and screamed.
*
The Doctor stood at the new fully restored console. He smiled as he polished the edge of the now wooden looking console, before looking around the console room. The console room now seemed a lot more homely, he thought, as he looked around. It seemed that Tom also thought the same, the Time Lord noted as he spotted the young Time Lord laying asleep across the two seated sofa that the Doctor had brought into existence in the console room.
Resting his arm against one of the support struts for the console, the Doctor looked towards the two wooden doors that now lead to the corridors of the TARDIS. He wondered what the girls would make of the redecoration. Of the many different styles he’d had the TARDIS console room in over the years, he liked this one the best, and he had to admit, he was getting better at the redecoration. Once again the Doctor toyed with the idea of fixing the chameleon circuit seeing as he was getting better with the programming of the console room décor. Besides, he also liked the Police Box exterior. Patting the side of the console again, the Doctor pocketed the cloth he’d been using to polish and set about checking more systems and setting the TARDIS back into proper flight.
*
Jessica Lawton yawned and stretched as she slowly woke up. She could feel the remnants of the wine she had been drinking last night as she slowly turned on her pillow. She wondered how Tifa would be feeling this morning. The young Thal girl had never been exposed to alcohol, especially not the kind of wine that Jess had found in what looked to be a bar in the TARDIS. To be honest, it was the last thing she was expecting to find, although, she guessed nothing should surprise her anymore. The Doctor had shown her the TARDIS libraries not long after they had escaped the Daleks. One was what she was expecting, a cavernous room filled with rows upon rows of books, some new, some old, some ancient, all in different languages, that seemed to blur before her eyes and become English, all except some the Doctor had told her were Gallifreyan. Apparently the Gallifreyans didn’t like to share their knowledge.
Jess was astounded at the second library that the Doctor had shown her. He said it was the TARDIS media library. Instead of the rows upon rows of books, this library consisted of rows upon rows of DVDs and CDs. Jess was shocked at the pure volume of it all. DVDs were very new to her, yet here were DVDs off all the films that she had on video tape back home and of films that had yet to be made. The music was the same, music from her past and future. Her eyes had fallen upon three boxes on the shelves; Lord of the Rings. Someone had made a film of her favourite book; she was in heaven.
In the centre of the room was a rather comfy looking sofa with a small table before it. On the wall it was facing was a large screen with what looked like a slot for the discs below it. After they had both rested, Jess decided that she would show Tifa some of the films that she loved, and of course, she would have to watch the Lord of the Rings. The Doctor had said that they were very well received to some critical acclaim.
It was now four days later, and having spent hours examining all the films, Jess was in awe. Of course both she and Tifa had slept a lot, and Jess was hoping that there would still be time to watch many more of the films she wanted to. She had deliberately stayed away from the console room, as the Doctor had said that the TARDIS was regenerating itself.
Yawning again, Jess lifted her head off the pillow. Surprisingly her hangover was gone. She quickly dressed and left her room and headed to Tifas door. She gently knocked at it and several seconds later the young Thal appeared, wrapped in the dressing gown she had spent the last four days wearing.
“Come on,” Jess smiled. “It’s time we got you some proper clothes.”
*
Private Glenn Wolfe stubbed out his cigarette and looked about him. He was fairly new to this division of the army, and standing in the middle of a deserted street in the middle of an English town unnerved him. The evacuation had moved hundreds of thousands of people, and left only pigeons. He walked past a deserted pub, its doors open. There were some half full glasses on one of the outside tables. He briefly toyed with the idea of finishing one of the pints of beer, but dismissed it. It had been very hot the past two weeks and the evacuation had been over a week ago. The beer was bound to be very warm and not very nice.
Wolfe slung his rifle over his shoulder and carried on walking. As well as keeping an eye on the situation, trying to resolve it and make sure it got no worse, his divisions other role was to stop and arrest any looters. The police had been evacuated two days previously after the body of a police officer had been found without its head.
The sound of glass breaking made Glenn start. He took his rifle from his shoulders, and gripping it closely, made his way towards the sound. Turning a corner into another street, he saw the window of a jewellers had been broken. He looked up at the shops name; H Samuel. Well, he thought, not the most extravagant of jewellers. A shadow moving in the shop caught his eye, and he quietly cocked his rifle and approached the window.
“Alright, hands up!” He shouted before stopping in shock.
Inside the shop was what he could only describe as an Alien. It had a mottled greenish brown skin and was about five feet tall. It turned to look at him with two large glassy purple eyes, unblinking. Its triangular mouth was opening and closing silently. It was humanoid, but definitely no costume. Its head was small and its limbs were out of proportion to its body. The creatures’ apparel was also bizarre. It appeared to be wearing pantaloons ending just above its two toed bare feet. It was also wearing a long waistcoat and frock coat.
Glenn stared at the creature, the rifle limp in his hands. Slowly the thing took a step towards him, causing Glenn to bring his rifle up. The creature held its three fingered hand up and reached out towards him. Glenn lowered his rifle and slowly reached his hand towards the creature, unable to take his eyes off the creature. It opened its mouth again and uttered an incoherent garbled sound.
Glenn finally found his voice again. “Welcome to Earth.” He said, thinking how silly and clichéd it sounded as soon as he said it. Suddenly he gasped in shock as his fingers touched the skin of the alien. It was warm and clammy and burnt like acid. The creature grabbed hold of his hand and leapt forwards, its other hand outstretched and aiming for Glenn’s face.
Glenn’s world quickly pained then went black.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:25:40 GMT
Jess put her eye liner down on her dresser and looked at herself in the mirror. She hadn’t worn makeup in what seemed like forever. She finally felt fully dressed and human. Slipping her feet into a pair of large black and purple New Rock boots she had been lucky to find in her size, she zipped them up and decided to head to the console room. After finding Tifa some clothes and having a shower, she decided she would check on the Doctor and Tom. She hadn’t seen Tom since they had arrived back into the TARDIS.
Arriving in the corridor that led to the console room, Jess was surprised to see a pair of double wooden doors. They both seemed to be made out of one large piece of wood each, and the frame was intricately carved in swirling patterns. Cautiously, Jess reached out for the brass knob and opened one of the doors. Looking through, she was shocked to see that the console room had changed completely. The decor was now all in the same light wood as the door. The console itself also appeared to be wooden, with some metallic elements supporting it. It was raised above the rest of the room on a dais, with six wooden support struts going up to the high ceiling. The central column was now a tall crystal glass column that disappeared into a metal centrepiece of the ceiling. A small wooden box on a metallic support descended from the ceiling too. At the opposite end of the console room, the exterior doors remained large and closed. The walls were still decorated with the roundels, which were in a slightly darker wood. Near the door where Jess was stood, were two large alcoves, one on each side; one led to what looked like a kitchen, and the other to what looked like a small library.
There were two two seated sofas at opposite sides of the console, as well as various archaic pieces of paraphernalia the Doctor had no doubt collected from goodness knows where. The Doctor himself was positioned at the console in his shirt sleeves, seemingly randomly flicking switches and turning dials, smiling and humming quietly to himself. A dark blue frock coat hung on a hat stand that had reappeared near the door, along with a long burgundy coat, an incredibly long multicoloured scarf and a straw hat. A cricket bat sat in one of the parts of the umbrella stand at the bottom, next to a garishly multicoloured umbrella and a black umbrella with a red curved handle that curiously resembled a question mark.
On one of the sofas was a figure laying asleep, Jess took to be Tom. His hair was still long, but looking a lot cleaner and tied back in a pony tail. She could see that he had also shaved off most of his beard into a trimmed down goatee and moustache and sideburns that ended in points across his cheeks. He was wearing a black baggy collarless shirt that she would have normally associated with pirates, as well as the boots that sat on the floor beside the sofa. They were high leather with the tops turned over. Highwayman or pirate, definitely, she decided. The only part of his clothes that didn’t match the old style was the dark blue jeans he wore.
“Ah, Jess.” The Doctor had looked up and spotted her and was bounding excitedly over to her, like a child. “Jess, Jess, Jess. Rested well I hope. What do you think of the new style? Very good, hm? Homely wouldn’t you say?” He asked quickly, gripping her shoulders, before turning to the kitchen alcove. “Fancy a cup of tea? Is Tifa ok?” He asked, not allowing Jess any time to answer before he skipped off to the console again. “We’re back in normal space again, the old girl’s done herself proud don’t you think? I thought it would take her a lot longer to manage something like this.” Suddenly the Doctor stopped and slowly walked to Jess, a concerned look on his face. “You’re not saying anything, you are ok? You do like it don’t you?”
“Yes.” Jess smiled, nodding. "Tifa should be here soon, we’ve just been getting her some clothes.”
“Hmm.” The Doctor muttered heading back to the console. “Are you sure about yours?” He asked.
Jess stared at him, her mouth a gape for a moment before looking down at her clothes. She was wearing knee high new rock boots, adding a further three inches to her height, fishnet tights and a knee length black skirt. She was also wearing a white shirt with a loose black tie. “What’s wrong with it?” She asked.
“Oh, nothing, nothing.” The Doctor said. I merely asked whether you were sure about it.”
“We don’t all have to dress like Lord Byron y’know.” She said.
“It’s Wild Bill Hickok.” The Doctor said quietly, almost upset.
“Don’t be like my grandmother.” Jess smiled. “She never appreciated the way I dressed. I thought I was quite reserved. I’m not wearing leather or pvc or corsets, and I’ve not put much makeup on. If you want me to be really gothic I can be. I could dress like Marilyn Manson.”
“No, you look fine.” The Doctor smiled, holding her gaze. “It just depends when and where we land.”
“Oh, yeah.” Jess said, realisation dawning. “I guess Queen Victoria wouldn’t be amused, eh?” She laughed. “Oh, thanks for showing me the media library, it’s awesome! Oh, and the hair dye.” Jess smiled, looking at her reflection in the chrome kettle, her hair black again with red streaks. Jess turned and walked to the console. The redecoration looked good, she had to admit. “How did you get it like this? I mean, it’s so different.” She asked.
“Very simple.” The Doctor said “As the exterior or the TARDIS is a poly-plasmic shell and the whole ship is held with block transfer, I can simply programme the TARDIS to recreate the console room. It was the easiest way I could get the old girl to regenerate herself. The Daleks gave the old girl quite a beating.” The Doctor stopped and stroked the console.
“Erm, right.” Jess said, slowly walking round the console, admiring the controls which were now a dull chrome and metallic. There was a vague Victoriana feel to it, with many other styles thrown it, like a giant hotchpotch. She smiled as she realised that it also summed up how she saw the Doctor too. Master and Machine as one.
*
Lord Arkwright sighed, folded his paper and set it down at the table beside his chair. He looked over at his wife, who was engaged with her needlepoint, candles illuminating her work. Sighing again, he stood and walked over to the bell cord and pulled it, returning to his chair beside the fire, looking into its crackling embers. The living room door opened and Stephens walked in.
“Sir?” He asked, looking at Arkwright and then his wife. “More tea, Sir?”
“No, thank you Stephens.” Arkwright replied getting up again. “It’s late. I think I’ll have a nightcap before I retire for the night.”
“Very good Sir.” Stephens said, before turning to Lady Arkwright. “And anything for you Ma’am?”
Lady Arkwright put down her needlepoint and removed her glasses. “No thank you, Stephens. I think I shall retire to bed now. It is late and I have to be up early to head to Chesterfield.”
“Very well, Ma’am.” Stephens said turning back to Arkwright. “I am advised to remind you, Sir that Mr. Pope will be arriving tomorrow from Derby.”
“Thank you Stephens.” Arkwright said, waving his hand, dismissing Stephens. Arkwright sighed and rubbed his eyes before resting his head in his hands. “This is all we need now, what with the ball tomorrow night.”
“It will be fine, dear.” Lady Arkwright said, standing and placing a hand on her husband’s shoulder “If we cannot afford to keep Sutton Scarcliff, then we will have to relocate. With the sale of this house, we will be able to afford to keep a smaller house, with a minimal of staff. It will be a hard transition, but it will be one we can make, together.”
Arkwright nodded and got to his feet and kissed his wife on the forehead. “You’re right of course, dear.” He said. “I will see you later. Goodnight.”
*
In space, a dark craft headed ominously slowly towards the Earth. A black shapeless form moving in the shadow of the moon against the black of space, blocking out stars. Slowly, it moved out of the Moons shadow, the sunlight illuminating its ugly shape as it headed towards Earth. There was a flash from the direction of the planet, and a small ship headed up from the atmosphere and headed towards the approaching craft, disappearing inside a large black opening that had appeared on the dark shape.
*
Back on Earth, in the city of Derby, a figure observed the night’s sky through an upstairs window of an inn. The figure saw the streak of light accumulating in a flash, and a small speck of light, like a star, but steadily moving. Smiling to himself, Gregory Pope closed the curtains and headed to his bed for the night.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:26:06 GMT
Tom slowly roused from his sleep to the sound of voices. Sitting up and stretching, straightening his back, he spotted the Doctor and Jess engaged in conversation by the console.
“Nice hair.” He said sleepily, stifling a yawn. “That sofa is dangerously comfortable, Doctor.” He added.
Jess smiled over at Tom. “Thanks, like your new style too.”
The young Time Lord smiled and stroked at the beard on his chin. “Well, it’s not just the baddies who can have beards.”
“Oh, indeed.” The Doctor added. “The Master doesn’t have a monopoly on facial hair. It’s a bit of a stereotype.”
“Where’s Tifa?” Tom asked looking around before pulling his boots on and joining the Doctor and Jess at the console.
“She should be along soon; I think she’s getting used to the clothes in the wardrobe.” Jess said as the door to the console room opened and Tifa slowly walked in.
“These are alright?” She asked, looking at Jess. She was wearing a simple black vest top, her golden hair cascading over her shoulders, and a pair of baggy blue jeans and trainers.
“You look fine.” Jess smiled.
“It is not inappropriate?”
“Not at all. Far from it.” The Doctor smiled. “Practical clothing is always a good idea.”
“The jeans are not too big? They feel so empty in the legs.” Tifa said, almost struggling with the word ‘jeans’ as if it was new to her.
“They’re fine, trust me.” Jess smiled. “If you think they’re too big, I could show you a thing or two about both baggy and tight clothing!” She winked.
“So,” Tom said loudly, turning to the Doctor. “Everything’s been sorted then? We’re on our way?”
The Doctor had busied himself at the console again and was carefully watching a small screen on one of the panels. “Hmm,” He muttered in a tone that got Tom to go stand beside him and look at the screen. A flickering line was spiking on the screen, curving and barring at regular intervals before dropping back to normal. “Oh, yes. Sorry; I was just observing the power uptake.” He said flicking a switch causing the screen to change. “We’re currently in normal space. But I think we could all do with a holiday. How does Florana sound? Effervescent oceans, an atmosphere that will make you feel years younger. Possibly one of the most relaxing places in the universe. Well, there’s also the Eye of Orion, but I believe that’s due a rather long spot of bad weather about now.” The Doctor paused and looked off into the distance. “Or has it happened already?” He muttered quietly.
“Florana sounds nice to me.” Jess smiled. “What about you?” She looked at Tifa.
“A relax would be most welcomed.” She said, smiling.
“Excellent.” The Doctor smiled, throwing another switch, causing a slight wheezing and groaning as the crystal rods in the console lit up with a blue light and started to move.
*
The quiet and empty streets of Dronfield were bathed in a morning summer sun that was baking the ground and starting to melt the tarmac of the road, the only sound coming from the birdsong. The peace and quiet were disturbed by a loud wheezing and groaning sound and a blue form faded into existence in the bus bay of the school, just outside the reception doors. The light flashing on the roof of the police box ceased as the box gained solidarity. The small branches of the trees nearby gently moved in the summer breeze, and after a couple of seconds, the sound of birdsong resumed. A ginger and white cat came to investigate the new arrival, jumping down from the wall upon which it was perched. The cat cautiously sniffed at the corner of the blue wooden box before trotting off.
*
Inside the TARDIS, Jess and Tifa were talking and laughing with each other as they organised towels, sunshades and wind screens by one of the sofas in the console room, preparing for landing. Tom was sat at the breakfast bar in the kitchen alcove, drinking a cup of tea from a steaming tea pot, a half eaten slice of toast sat on a plate before him. The Doctor was busying himself at the console, dashing from panel to panel, checking instruments and flicking switches. A discarded cup of tea sat on the edge of one of the panels. A chiming sounded from the deep within the console causing the Doctor to cry out in triumph.
“We’ve landed. Sun, sea, sand, rest and relaxation.” The Doctor exclaimed, activating the door control and throwing his arms wide, a grin on his face. “Florana, the most relaxing planet in the universe.”
Tom Stood from his stool and downed the tea he was drinking and looked over at Jess and Tifa, who stood straight and looked to the Doctor and then the doors.
“Well, the holiday starts here.” He exclaimed. “Shall we have a quick look at where we are before we get all that stuff ready?”
“But you said that we are at Florana. Why would we wish to look before we take things out?” Tifa enquired.
“Oh, we are. But it should be nice to have a little stroll before we get settled too much.” The Doctor replied walking to the hat stand and putting on the Blue velvet frock coat. “It really is the most spectacular planet. Stunning views across the sands, the oceans have to be seen to be believed. The forests start on the edge of the sand dunes, heading to the mountains.”
Jess and Tifa walked to the doors followed by Tom and finally the Doctor.
*
The door to the police box opened and Jess stepped out and stopped almost immediately. Tifa followed almost bumping into Jess before stopping and looking around. Jess took a few steps forward, looking at a sign not far from the TARDIS. Tom stepped out of the door and started looking round too, instantly adopting an almost concerned face, deep in thought. The Doctor stepped out of the TARDIS, his eyes closed breathing deeply.
“Hmm, that doesn’t smell right.” He said stopping immediately before opening his eyes.
“This doesn’t look like you’re wonderful Florana, Doctor.” Tom said.
“No, not at all.” The Doctor replied, reaching back and closing the door. “I’d say it’s Earth. Certainly smells like earth. England to be precise.”
“Dronfield to be even more precise.” Jess said, turning round to face the Doctor.
“How did you-?” The Doctor started, as Jess moved revealing the sign she had been looking at. Clearly written across it were the words ‘The Dronfield School’.
“This is your city?” Tifa asked Jess.
“No, never heard of this place. I live in Lincoln.”
The Doctor and Tom were both looking about at their surroundings. The school was locked up and the gates were closed and padlocked. A ginger and white cat was observing them from under a bush. Apart from the sound of birds, there was no other sound, not even any distant sound of traffic or voices.
“Hmm.” Tom mused, looking about him.
Jess and Tifa slowly turned and looked at Tom and then the Doctor. Tom seemed deep in thought, staring at the Doctor who eventually spoke slowly and deliberately.
“There’s something wrong here.” He said, addressing his companions. “There’s no noise, no traffic, no pedestrians.”
“Maybe it’s a ghost town?” Jess said looking around. “We don’t know what year this is.”
The Doctor sniffed loudly before licking his finger and holding it in the air. After a couple of seconds, he put it back into his mouth looking up. “Late 20th century. At the outside, early 21st. Maybe if we can find a news stand or calendar that might help us even more. It’s clearly midsummer, hence the school being locked.” The Doctor stopped and looked at his companions again. “I suggest a little recce. Split into two ‘teams’, if you will, have a quick look around and then meet here again in about,” the Doctor paused and looked at his pocket watch, “About an hour’s time. It looks like that will make it noon.”
Tom sighed and looked over at Jess and Tifa. “Looks like the holiday’s off then.” He said.
“No, no, no, no. Just postponed.” The Doctor replied. “We’ll resume it again in a couple of hours no doubt.” The Doctor smiled and looked at Tom. “If you and Tifa want to go one way, Jess and I will take the other. You won’t miss the rendezvous will you?”
“Looks like we’ve no choice.” Tom replied, walking over to Tifa and smiling apologetically to her.
“Wait,” Tifa put her hand to Toms’ chest. “Do you hear that?”
A low thumping sound echoed through the deserted streets gradually getting louder before suddenly erupting to an almost deafening sound and an observation helicopter with British Army markings flew over just above rooftop level, causing a down draft as it flew over the travellers, disappearing south towards the sun.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:26:39 GMT
“Wow, that’s low.” Jess muttered. “What do you thinks happening?”
“You think they saw us?” Tom said.
The Doctor was looking in the direction that the helicopter had come from. “Well, that leaves us with some options. We either head the direction the Helicopter is going, where it came from, or we go perpendicular to its flight path.” He said softly.
“That’s north, south, east and west? Doesn’t narrow it down much does it?” Jess asked.
“Well, in that case, let’s all take a walk; see if we can find a newsagent; that should give us some clues and then split up for an hour.” The Doctor smiled and gestured to the low school gate.
*
The radio crackled again, signalling an incoming transmission. “Over.”
The door to the operations room opened and Corporal Richard West dashed in hurriedly buttoning the flies on his trousers. “Corporal West here,” he said grabbing the radio. “Say again, over.”
The radio crackled again and a tinny voice came out. “Windmill alpha victor whiskey here, sir; over.”
“Windmill alpha victor whiskey, received. What is your report; over.” West said, pulling a chair up behind him and sitting down, turning over channels on the CCTV monitors that were showing various streets around Chesterfield and the surrounding areas.
“Four unidentified persons in the grounds of the Dronfield school, Green Lane site. Request for ground and air support to apprehend.”
“I’ll have to confirm it with Command.” West said. “There’ve been more reports of activities and Private Wolfe has gone missing. Command has requisitioned further patrols.” West nodded and pointed to a seat beside him as a second figure entered the room. “Just one second windmill.” West put down the radio receiver and turned to the new figure. “Sir; Windmill alpha victor whiskey has sighted four looters and wants ground and air support to apprehend them.”
The newcomer sighed running his hand through his greying curly hair. “What the devil is wrong with these chaps these days? Back in my day, we’d have one agent round them all up. Very well, we can’t supply any air support, tell windmill to keep round the area and try and spot them again, then get ground units 13 alpha and Juliet to assist.”
West nodded. “Sir.” He acknowledged picking up the radio again. “Ground units 13 alpha and Juliet will be joining you windmill. Stay around the area and to keep the suspects under obs. Try not to draw too much attention, use infra red from a distance if you have to. Over and out.”
“Aknowledged.” The voice from the radio cut off.
“Has there been any communication from Whitehall about involving UNIT at all?” The newcomer asked West, leaning forward and resting on his elbows on his knees.
“Not yet, sir.” West replied, picking up the monitoring headset and placing it round his neck. “Wouldn’t they’ve made a better organisation for this mess?”
“Probably.” The newcomer got to his feet and straightened his blazer. “Probably.” He said one more time before walking to the door. “Mills and Johnston will be back within half an hour.” He added before leaving the room, closing the door behind him.
Corporal West turned back to his screens and put the headset back over his ears and recommenced his work. Why did he always need the toilet when he was working alone?
*
The Dronfield high street was virtually deserted. Birds hopped and fluttered down onto the middle of a road that was normally lined with cars and heavy with traffic. A rat scurried across the road towards a low wall, watched by the ginger and white cat, which sat atop the wall separating the school from the main road. The cat had followed the four strange people who came out of the magic shed that appeared that smelled so strange. The four strange people, the cat had noticed had disappeared into the news shop opposite the school, and she now sat there watching the rat and birds, hoping that if she couldn’t get one of them, the people would bring her some food.
*
“Well, there you have it.” Tom said. “‘Government orders mass evacuation.’ Doesn’t say why, but if I remember correctly; 20th century British government would cover it up.” Tom put the copy of the news paper down he was reading.
“August the second.” Jess said aloud reading the date on the paper she was holding. “I’m guessing this isn’t a new paper?”
“By my guessing, about two weeks.” The Doctor said looking at his pocket watch. He was sat cross legged on the floor of the news agents, his coat hung over a chocolate stand and a pile of newspapers laying beside him, interspersed with various glossy magazines. He’d sat down and looked through them all within a matter of minutes, humming and making muttered comments every few seconds.
“God this is weird. I only met you about eight days ago, Doctor, and this paper is dated two weeks after I met you and is about two weeks old.” Jess closed her eyes and put her hands to her temples. “So, I’ve known you about eight days, and yet this is four weeks after I met you. Wow, who needs Oil of Olay when you can age eight days in four weeks.” Jess smiled looking at Tifa, who looked back, a confused expression on her face. “Never mind.” Jess smiled.
Tom sighed and walked over to one of the stands in the shop and picked up a packet of crisps and opened them, placing one of them in his mouth and crunching on it loudly, warranting a look from the Doctor. “What? They’ll go out of date if they’re not eaten soon!” He protested, but the Doctor had already returned to a newspaper article he was reading. “Anyone else want anything?” He said looking at Jess and Tifa through mouthfuls of crisps.
“May I try some?” Tifa asked, the curiosity evident in her voice at the thought of trying a new alien food, reaching out as Tom held the open bag to her.
“Aha!” The Doctor cried in triumph, jumping to his feet, snatching the page that the news paper article was on. “Here we go, reading completely between the lines;” The Doctor paused dramatically, looking up and round at his three companions. “Three weeks ago, some strange lights and sightings that the newspapers have described as UFOs and ghosts started to be seen in a small village in North East Derbyshire, which slowly started to increase in size. Now, increased police moved in to deal with rising panic, followed by government scientists and officials. They claimed it was a chemical leak and the army were called in to move out civilians. Well, the paper says that the army were going to be called in, so taking into account what we’ve seen and that helicopter, the army, we can assume were called and everyone was evacuated, like the screaming panic inducing headline of that tabloid that you were reading Tom.”
“So, reading between the lines is that?” Jess asked. “That doesn’t tell a great deal.”
“Oh, no, no, no, no, no.” The Doctor held up his hand. “Reading between the lines, and knowing about the cover-ups of the past thirty years or so, indeed, I’ve been involved in many, those lights were most probably UFOs, most sightings actually are. I remember my trip to Nevada in the 1947. The United States love a good cover-up and really go out of their way to do so. And trying to stop that saucer from causing more damage that it did was really hair raising.”
“Erm, Doctor?” Jess cut in, raising her hand. I think you’re getting a little sidetracked, as lovely as it is to know about the Roswell crash, which I’m guessing you were on about and involved in.”
“Oh, yes, of course!” The Doctor slapped the palm of his hand against his forehead before continuing. “Well, ghosts are normally the result of time fissures, or cracks in time, that’s normally the cause of haunted houses. So, it’s easy enough for an outsider with a good knowledge of time and its mechanics to see what’s happening; there’s been a rip or some other incident in time, which may have drawn us here, which may or may not have something to do with these UFOs.”
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:27:19 GMT
“So, forget the holiday, and back to work, eh?” Tom said, screwing up the now empty bag of crisps and looking about him. Unable to find a bin, he shoved the empty pack into a pocket in his jeans before looking back at the Doctor.
“Like I said, an hour’s recce, then rendezvous back at the TARDIS. If neither of us has seen anything then we use the old girls sensors to see what’s happening and sort it out in time for tea, and then carry on to Florana.” The Doctor smiled. “Now, I’d say that we’re on the main street of this town, so if we go both ways then come back after about an hour and meet here.” The Doctor grabbed his coat off the chocolate stand and made towards the door.
*
Lord Arkwright sighed and leaned on the windowsill, listening to the sound of the horses’ hooves getting fainter as the carriage pulled away down the driveway. His wife wouldn’t be home for hours now, she would go to the market and then to church. Sighing again, Arkwright pulled on his coat and walked out onto the landing of the hall. Walking up to a window he paused and gazed over at Bolsover castle, on the hill in the distance. Lord and Lady Cavendish would be at the ball, no doubt Charles Cavendish would be boasting about his impending Dukedom.
Descending the stairs, Arkwright made his way towards the dining room and a late breakfast. He always ate breakfast late; at least two hours after his wife did at seven a.m. She never stayed in bed long in a morning. Of late, Arkwright was finding it harder and harder to arise of a morning, slowly sinking into a depression. The sale of Scarcliff hall was really getting to him. His wife didn’t seem too bothered; in fact she seemed to relish the thought of downsizing into a house in Chesterfield. Arkwright had been born of noble kin, albeit a noble kin with dwindling wealth, and his wife had married into the family, the daughter of a wealthy businessman.
Arkwright entered the dining room, just as Mary, the maid, was laying down a plate of bacon, eggs and sausages. A pot of tea sat steaming on the table and Mary poured Arkwright a cup as he seated himself before the plate.
“Not long now, Sir.” Mary said as Arkwright picked up his knife and fork.
“Oh, must you remind me, girl?” Arkwright sighed.
“You aren’t looking forward to the ball tonight? It’s all commotion downstairs in preparation.” Mary asked, placing the teapot back on the table and adding milk to Arkwrights’ cup.
“Oh, the ball.” Arkwright sighed again and put his knife and fork down. “My wife prattling on as usual, Cavendish boasting about his Dukedom, this dashed Gregory Pope character buying Sutton Scarcliffe.”
“Well, my Lord,” Mary bit her lip as she put down the milk jug, “Mr Stephens said that Mr Pope won’t be here until afternoon, and your wife has just left for Chesterfield.”
Arkwright looked up into the maids eyes. “Well, hadn’t you better go and start to clean my bedroom whilst I eat. I shall be up to check on you after I’ve eaten.” Arkwright smiled up at Mary, a small twinkle in his eyes.
“Certainly, Sir.” Mary said, a seductive smile on her face as she slowly walked from the room, leaving Arkwright eating in silence, a large grin on his face.
*
The ginger and white cat was slowly following two of the four strange people down the road. They had disappeared into a shop for a while, so she had pounced and caught one of the pigeons idly walking on the deserted road. After carrying the pigeon back into the bushes she was hiding in and eating her fill, the four strange people came out of the shop. The man with the longer fur on its head and the one with the yellow fur walked off one way.
It was the other two that the cat was following. The smaller one had showed interest in her, beckoning her over and picking her up and making a fuss, stroking her behind the ear and talking to her in that strange manner that humans did to cats and was totally unintelligible. She had put her down when the taller one with the curly fur had said something to her. The cat now trotted along behind the girl, tail held high.
Every so often the girl would turn round and make more human noises beckoning the cat to her before turning and walking further. The male would often gesture to surroundings and say something, before he eventually stopped and appeared to notice the cat. Crouching down, he put his hand into a pouch in his outer skin and held it out towards her. The cat trotted curiously towards him and sniffed his hand as he opened it. Inside lay something small and smelling of meat. She hadn’t smelt it before, but it smelt good. The man made a noise that she noticed humans often did when offering food, sort of like smacking their lips. She took the food, and it was good; very good. It seemed more filling than the pigeon she had caught. She started to purr and rubbed her head against his hand before he stood up and continued walking.
*
The direction Tom and Tifa had taken seemed to be taking them away from the centre of the town. Spotting a pub on the opposite side of the road, Tom dashed over and tried to door to find it locked. His behaviour attracting some questioning looks from Tifa. Looking back across the road, Tom smiled and ran across.
“Tifa, here!” He shouted as he ran towards a pub with an open door. “Hm, ‘The White Swan’” he said reading the sign aloud. “This could be something.”
“What is it?” Tifa asked following Tom through the open door.
“A pub. A centre of social interaction, as I recall.” Tom looked about him. “Now, if I’m right there should be,” Tom looked over the bar to see another room. “Ah, possibly.” Looking round, Tom found a corridor that led to the second room. Tifa followed silently.
“What do people do in these pubs?” She asked.
“Oh, get drunk on things like beer, wine, whisky and vodka. Chat, meet members of the opposite sex and watch sporting events on a television.” Tom looked round and on spotting a television on a shelf in a corner, cried out in triumph. “This could help.” He said.
“What is it? How can it help us?” Tifa asked.
“Like this.” Tom smiled, standing on the table and turning on the television.
“...C news update. The headlines today; Still no word from the cordoned off areas of Derbyshire as the Army still refuse to make any official comment. Reports say that more strange sightings have been sighted by aircraft as they fly around the restricted area.” The news reporter said looking out of the screen. “No government official has added any comment to what has already been released, although unconfirmed reports suggest that the further sightings may be a result of gasses emitted from the chemical leaks. Health specialists have been arguing that the chemical and gasses may cause unknown health risks, and all personnel in the restricted area should spend time in quarantine before being exposed to the public. They have also called for further evacuations if the chemical has been emitting a possible toxic gas. In other news Manchester United manager...”
Tom jumped down from the table. “That was uncannily lucky.” He said “Still no new news. We’ll keep that on though, in case they go back to it.”
“This is what humans do?” Tifa asked looking at the news report now showing clips of a football game interspersed with footage of lots of men in suits talking to the camera. A lack of answer caused her to turn round. Tom was nowhere to be seen.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:27:49 GMT
Tifa spun around, she was alone. “Tom?” She called.
“Yes?” Toms head popped up from behind the bar. “We’ve found a news channel, so we just wait to see if there’s anything new, then pop back and see the Doctor. It’s a good way of finding stuff out. Plus it’s a lot cooler in here than outside. Now,” Tom smiled holding up a glass of lemonade, “ice?”
*
Ground Unit 13 Juliet bounced along the road to Dronfield from Chesterfield. Ground Unit 13 Alpha had driven the length of the bypass to come into Dronfield from the other side of the town. As they approached the town, the small personnel transport slowed down. They were close to where the looters had been first spotted and slowed down to reduce engine noise and so the troops in the back could jump out quickly if needed. Private Turner was driving towards the railway bridge when he slowed down, something didn’t seem right, he could feel it. He looked through the windscreen at the pub before him. He could make out someone moving through the windows and the sound of a television could be faintly heard.
Parking the jeep, he jumped out and silently dashed to the back where Sergeant Cooper was already looking through the opening.
“In the pub, Sarg. There’s someone in there.” He whispered.
“Good work Turner.” Cooper nodded, before looking behind him at the three Privates who were sat with him, a pile of cards on the floor at the back of the jeep. “Come on lads.” He said, drawing his pistol from its holster as he threw his hand onto the pile on the floor and jumped down from the back of the truck.
Silently the four soldiers tip-toed towards the pub; Cooper gesturing for two of the soldiers to enter the pub through one door. Silently gesturing, he and the last soldier entered through the other door. Cooper could head muffled voices coming from within the pub. The initial report said four persons had been sighted, but with the noise of the television playing in the background, he wasn’t sure how many were inside. Signalling to the others they burst through the doors, weapons raised.
“Alright. No one move; hands up!” Cooper barked, almost shocked at the two faces that spun round looking at him in shock. There was one young man, who seemed to be wearing strange clothing. His long hair was tied back into a pony tail and he had what seemed carefully sculpted facial hair, which emphasised his cheekbones. The girl, Cooper thought, was stunning. Beautiful and blonde with, he noted looking her up and down, a well shaped body. His attention was returned to the situation when he saw Jones and Tyler moving round through the bar, surrounding the two “looters”. “Come on, I said hands up.” Cooper shouted again, gesturing with his pistol after several long seconds passed. Eventually, the young man spoke:
“Surely that would involve moving, which, you’ve just said we’re not to do.”
“Cut the wise talk matey, put yer hands where we can see ‘em.” Tyler said from the other side of the bar, causing the man to turn.
Slowly, he raised his hands above his head, the girl looking at him quizzically until he nodded and she mirrored his actions. “So, I believe the correct thing to say is; ‘take me to your leader’?” The man asked.
“Looters are taken to a holding area before being transferred to the civil authorities for trial. You’ll come with me and do as you’re told.” Cooper said.
The girl looked at the man. “Looters?” she asked him. “What are they? We are in trouble?” Her accent sounded strange, Cooper thought. Maybe she was South African. She spoke carefully and deliberately and her English seemed too perfect, as if it wasn’t her first language.
“Look, we’re not looters.” The man said, stepping forward a pace to be met by Smiths rifle barrel being raised into his forehead. “Can you see us carrying anything that may be loot? And if we were, would we be sat about in a pub?”
Cooper sucked on his teeth for a few seconds, thinking over what the man had said. He’d certainly raised a point; they weren’t acting like looters, nor did they look like looters. “Jones, Tyler, cuff ‘em and take ‘em out to the jeep. Me and Smitty will have a look for contraband.”
“Sarg.” Jones and Tyler echoed as they slung their rifles onto their shoulders and walked through the corridor intersection. Coming up behind the two looters, they grabbed their wrists roughly and pulled their arms behind their backs, handcuffing them, causing the girl to cry out as Tyler yanked on her arms roughly.
Cooper stepped aside as the two looters were lead out of the pub, and Smith walked round to the bar to look for any stolen goods. Cooper stepped up to the television, and reaching up, he switched it off before looking round the lounge room of the pub.
“No Sarg, can’t see anything.” Smith said from behind the bar. “Want me to pull you a pint instead?”
“No,” Cooper smiled. “I think we’d best get them two back to command.” He said.
“Sarg?” Smith was confused. “We don’t normally bother command with looters.”
“I know, but there’s something about them two. They don’t strike me as looters. We’ve not found anything and that young feller was right, if they were looters, why would they be sat about?” Cooper said walking out of the pub, followed by Smith.
Turner was sat in the driver’s seat of the jeep, his right arm leaning out of the window holding a cigarette. He’d turned the truck round whilst Cooper and his soldiers had been in the pub. “Back to the holding area Sarg?” He asked exhaling smoke.
“No, not this time.” Cooper said walking round the front of the jeep and climbing into the cab next to Turner. “We’re taking these two to command for interrogation. There’s something about them. Something doesn’t sit right with me.”
“Right oh.” Turner nodded, flicking the cigarette butt out of the window as Smith knocked against the side of the jeep indicating he was in. Turning the ignition key, Turner accelerated the truck away down the road back towards chesterfield.
*
Ground unit 13 Alpha sped down the main road in Dronfield, bouncing over the speed bumps.
“Oof! Steady on Pete!” Private Burns said, turning to the driver and his mate, as he hit his head again going over another speed bump.
Pete Anderson laughed as he floored the accelerator. It wasn’t often he got to drive at such speeds through towns; he was making up for it. “Well, them looters were seen at the school, so best try get there see if they’re still there. Beat Sergeant Cooper to it, eh Jimmy?”
“You recon they’re still there?” Burns asked gripping the door to the jeep as Anderson spun the wheel, causing the tires to screech as the land rover rounded the corner.
“We’ll soon find out, there’s the school.” Anderson said, hitting the brakes. The land rover skidded to a halt just inches from the school gates and the doors opened and Burns and Anderson jumped out, collecting their rifles. “Ready to get one up on Cooper?” Anderson smiled over at Burns.
Jimmy Burns winked at Pete and jumped over the gate. “Wow.” He said straightening up and looking into the grounds. “What the f-” Burns blinked several times unable to believe what he was seeing.
“What is it Jimbo?” Anderson asked, un-shouldering his rifle.
“Pete, come and have a look at this.” Burns said walking slowly towards the bus bay. “This was definitely not here on our last patrol.”
“What is it?” Anderson asked again, climbing over the gate. “Holy-” He stopped when he saw what Burns was talking about and now stood by. “Where the hell did that come from?”
“I’m sure I’ve heard of this.” Burns said. “Get Command on the radio, they’ll want to know about this.”
*
“We’re now on our way back to Command with them, over.” Sergeant Coopers voice came through the radio.
“Right oh Sarg, we’ll let them know, over and out.” Private Mills said into the receiver, gesturing his hand towards Johnston, who nodded and picked up the phone.
“Ground unit 13 Alpha, Private Anderson here, over.”
“Come in Pete.” Corporal West said.
“Is his nibs there? We think we’ve found something you may be interested in.” Pete Andersons voice replaced Sergeant Coopers over the radio.
“What is it Pete?” West asked.
“Something that should probably be seen by command, is he there?”
“I’m here. What is this think that I should see?” The door had opened and a newcomer was stood in its frame.
“We think you may want to see this. It was found in the grounds of the school.” Anderson said. “We’re on vid link 4.”
“Switch to it, West.” The newcomer said.
West leaned forward and clicked on the video link. Johnston and Mills looked over at the screen which showed Jimmy Burns standing beside an extraordinary object, clearly out of place in the middle of the schools bus bay; an obsolete metropolitan police telephone box.
“My word. It’s him!” The newcomer breathed leaning on the back of Wests’ chair. Excitedly he reached forward and picked up the radio receiver. “It’s Anderson isn’t it?”
“Yes Sir.” Anderson replied.
“Listen old chap. I want you to be on the lookout for a fellow who calls himself the Doctor. You understand? I want him found and brought back here pronto.”
“Understood sir. Over and out.” Anderson switched the radio off.
“I want that repeated to all units. And check with Cooper to see if one of his prisoners is the Doctor. If he is, I want him treated with the upmost courtesy.”
“Excuse me, Sir. But who is this Doctor person?” West asked.
“Just the chap we need.” The newcomer said before turning and leaving the room.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:28:15 GMT
The carriage rattle along the Derby road heading north towards the town of Chesterfield. Gregory Pope sat inside reading over the same few pages in his journal a smug smile on his lips. Closing his journal and placing it inside his case, he removed some papers, his fingers brushing against some cool metal. He shuffled through the papers, looking at the information on them; deeds and details about Sutton Scarcliff hall. Pope laughed silently to himself. Buying the hall was just a formality. He put the papers back in his case and removed the metal object. It was jet black and seemed to absorb light, apart from two small diodes that glowed a sickly green colour. Pope pressed in one of the diodes and the light changed to a blue colour and the device started to emit a low humming sound which died out after a few seconds. The blue diode started to flash before fading back to the sickly green. Smiling to himself, Pope put the device back into his case.
*
“Aw, the cats gone.” Jess said turning back to look behind her. She’d enjoyed making a fuss of the little cat, or furball, as she had affectionately named it. It had been following them along the main road, but didn’t seem too interested in following them when the Doctor suddenly changed direction over a bridge over the railway line that had been running parallel to the road.
“We seem to be heading away from the town along this road. I’ve got a feeling we should try this way.” The Doctor had said, leading Jess up and over the railway. They were now walking along another road lined with older buildings, some of which had been converted into shops. There was a stone monument in the middle of a junction in the road, which seemed to lead into a large section of shops. Beyond the monument lay what looked like an old manor house which, according to the sign outside, had been converted into a library.
“So, what now?” Jess asked standing by the stone monument. “It all looks the same to me. Another newsagents. Not gonna tell us anything new is it?” She stepped down and away from the monument towards the Doctor. The Time Lord was stood in the middle of the road looking up at the sky. “What is it?” She asked.
“I think we’re going to get some company.” He said.
About to question what the Doctor had said, Jess opened her mouth, but shut it when she heard the dull thumping of a helicopters rotor blades. “The army again?” She asked.
“Or the police.” The Doctor said. “Quick, we don’t want to be arrested as looters. Not until we know what’s happening and can help.” Glancing round, he spotted an open door, and grabbing Jess’ hand pulled her over towards it.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa.” Jess managed as she found herself dragged to a doorway. “If it’s the police or the army, wouldn’t they be able to tell us what’s going on here?” She asked.
The Doctor skidded to a halt and turned to face Jess and gripped her shoulders. “Jess, Jess, Jess, Jess, Jess.” He said and kissed her on the forehead. “You are brilliant!” The Doctor ran into the middle of the road and threw his arms wide and his head back looking into the sky. “Hello there! Down here, come see the civilians.” He shouted into the air.
The thumping of the helicopters rotor blades got louder as it appeared and flew overhead. Upon seeing it, the Doctor started waving his hands about and jumping up and down on the spot.
“Hello, I’m the Doctor.” He shouted into the air at the helicopter as it thundered overhead his voice almost lost in the sound of the rotor blades. It circled round and flew back over the Doctor and Jess, getting gradually lower.
Looking up, Jess could see that the helicopter was now low enough for her to just about make out the two man crew. One of them appeared to be talking into a radio and the other was now leaning out of the side of the helicopter, holding a megaphone.
“You down there, stay where you are. Place your hands in the air and do not move.” The crewman shouted through the megaphone.
The Doctor smiled up at the two men in the helicopter and raised his hands. He looked over at Jess and motioned for her to do the same. The downdraft from the helicopter was causing his hair to blow wildly and his coat tails to flap about round his legs. Jess raised her arms into the air too.
“Ok, maybe a bad idea of mine.” She shouted to the Doctor over the noise of the helicopter.
The Doctor smiled at her. “Not necessarily.” He mouthed and winked to her before turning round and looking back the way they had walked.
As Jess turned to see what the Doctor was looking at, an army land rover sped round the corner, tires screeching. It raced towards them before screeching to a halt. The two doors were flung open and two soldiers jumped out pointing rifles at them. The sound of the helicopter died down as it rose in altitude and slowly moved back.
*
“Alright, who are ya?” Burns asked, stepping out of the land rover and eying the two strangers Windmill alpha victor whiskey had radioed to them. One was dressed as if he’d just fled the altar standing in a velvet frock coat, waistcoat and cravat. The young Goth girl was looking rather bemused. Very attractive, thought, Burns thought, as he found his eyes wandering to her cleavage. He blinked and looked back up at the two strangers. Anderson slowly walked to the side of the road, still covering them with his rifle.
“Hello there. I’m the Doctor.” The man said stepping over offering his hand. “And this is my friend Jess. I wonder if you wouldn’t mind telling us what’s happening here.”
Burns found his mouth dropping and he looked over at Pete Anderson. He had a very similar expression on his face. “How did he know-?” He started asking Anderson before turning back to the Doctor. “The Doctor?” He asked. “Can you prove it?”
“Certainly.” The Doctor smiled, rummaging in his pockets. “One second!” He smiled, looking up at Burns. “Now then, here we are.” The Doctor held out a green card pass that was looking rather dog-eared. “There you are, look. The, Doctor.” He said pointing to the words and smiling.
Burns looked down at the pass; it said UNIT on it and was dated for the early seventies. Frowning, he looked closer at it; the card seemed older than twenty five years and this man would have been in his early teens in the early seventies. Then Burns noticed the picture. It was of an older man with a craggy face and a shock of silver hair. Burns stepped back and raised his rifle again. “Aright mate, who are ya really?”
The Doctor snatched the pass back, a hurt expression on his face, before he slowly opened the pass and looked at it. “Oh, you shouldn’t pay any attention to that old picture.” He smiled up at Burns. “I’ve changed a lot since the old days, but anyone from UNIT will vouch for me.”
Burns looked at the Doctor, then to Jess and then across to Anderson, a questioning look on his face. How would a civilian have known who Command had asked for? “Alright Doctor, miss, if you wanna get in the land rover, we’ll take you back to Command, he wants to speak to you.”
The Doctor smiled over at Jess, noticing that the other soldier had now shouldered his rifle and was walking back to the drivers’ side of the land rover. Jess lowered her hands and looking rather confused walked over to the Doctor. “What just happened there?” She asked.
“Oh, long story.” The Doctor smiled. “Basically, there are some circles on Earth where I’m, shall we say, a little bit of a celebrity, as much as I’m loathed to admit it.”
“So, we’re not under arrest?”
“Oh no, quite the reverse.” The Doctor said holding open the rear door to the land rover. “After you.”
“Do you know who these people are then?” Jess asked climbing into the back of the land rover and strapping herself in.
“No, never met the before, but this Command character wants to talk to me, whoever he may be.” The Doctor replied.
“You don’t know who he is?”
“No. He wants to talk to me, so he must know me. Could be any number of people, I just hope they’re friendly. I can’t see why they wouldn’t be, we don’t seem to be under arrest.”
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:28:56 GMT
The jeep sped along the road towards Chesterfield. Tom sat in the back, a soldier sat either side of him, Tifa was sat opposite, with the third soldier sat beside her. Sat being rocked about by the motion of the jeep, Tom was examining the cuffs that the soldier had slapped round his wrists, almost half heartedly. He’d noticed that the soldier who had cuffed Tifa had been a little rougher, and was eyeing his up, whilst at the same time feeling the resistance of the metal around his wrists. One of the cuffs wasn’t fastened tightly and Tom was trying to subtly wriggle his hand through the ring of metal. The chain was too strong to pull against and break. As the jeep lurched over a speed bump, Tom was able to slip his hand through the cuff, wincing as the metal pressed into the flesh and scraped close against the bones in his hand
Tom ran his hands over the rough seat he was sat on as subtly as he could to try and find something he could use to pick the other cuff. He casually looked through the small opening in the flaps at the back of the jeep. He wasn’t sure how long it would take for these soldiers to take them back to their headquarters, but he did know escape would be a lot harder when they were there. As the jeep rounded a corner, Tom seized his chance. He threw himself bodily sideways into the soldier who’d got into the jeep last. Not expecting anything, the soldier cried out as he tumbled out of the back of the jeep, through the canvass backing. His cry alerted the others as they looked up in the process of grabbing their rifles.
The soldier who had been sat next to Tom brought the barrel of his rifle up swiftly, only for Tom to move to the middle of the jeep and grab it, pulling the weapon towards him. Struggling against Toms strength, the soldier tried to pull the rifle back only for Toms fist to connect hard with his left cheekbone. Blinking, dazed, the soldier stumbled forward as Tom yanked hard on the rifle. The third soldier brought his rifle up in time to see his second comrade to disappear through the back flaps, followed by Tom.
“Whoa, whoa!” He yelled banging on the side of the jeep as it jolted over another speed bump. Cautiously he stepped over the rocking floor of the jeeps rear to peer through the canvas flaps.
Tom clung desperately to the back of the jeep. He was fortunate to have spotted the rungs to the roof of the jeep when he was marched inside. He wasn’t sure how long he’d be able to hold on, maintaining the illusion he’d fallen out, but the third and final soldiers’ gun barrel appearing in the flap gave him a clue. The soldier spotted him just too late, as Toms’ fist connected with his nose in a satisfying crack. The soldier swayed, dazed for a second, blood running down his top lip before he too joined his two fellow soldiers in falling out the back.
Swinging himself back in, Tom landed on the discarded playing cards in the rear of the jeep and nearly fell straight back out again. Tifa was looking at him, eyes wide in amazement. She opened her mouth to speak when the jeep slowed and there was a banging from the front.
“Everything ok back there?” Sergeant Coopers voice came through a little grille from the cab.
“Erm, yeah, yeah.” Tom said, holding his finger to his lips to Tifa as he looked at the cuffs round her wrists.
“What’s happening?” Cooper shouted back through the grille.
“Erm, nuffink, nuffink.” Tom shouted back trying his best to imitate the accents of one of the soldiers he had thrown from the jeep.
The jeep skidded to a halt. “What’s going on back there?” Cooper looked through the small grille. His eyes made contact with Toms.
“Tifa, run!” Tom shouted, helping Tifa to her feet and out the back of the jeep.
“Turner, out, after them.” Cooper barked, kicking open the door to the cab.
“Where are we going?” Tifa asked, her hands still cuffed behind her back.
Tom grabbed Tifa by the arm and ran with her, carefully directing her, making sure she didn’t fall. “Away from them!” Tom gestured over his shoulder to the two soldiers who were climbing out of the jeep.
“You two, stop! Stop or we’ll shoot!” Cooper shouted from beside the jeep, un-holstering his pistol. Squeezing the trigger, Cooper fired two warning shots into the air.
Tom and Tifa ducked at the sound of the two pistol shots, and slowed. Tom covered Tifa with his body and looked back. Cooper was stood; his arm raised into the air holding his pistol. Turner was stood beside him, his rifle levelled and pointing towards them. Tifas’ attempting to grab at Tom made him look forwards. The soldiers he’d thrown out of the moving jeep were on their feet again and moving towards them, weapons raised and pointing to them. Tom looked desperately round for an escape route. They were on a road by a large roundabout with a car park in the middle. There were several roads, but there was no chance of them making any of the roads without getting shot by the soldiers, especially with Tifa still cuffed. Tom stopped and put his hands on Tifas’ shoulders, stopping her too.
“What do we do?” Tifa asked, looking back at Tom. There was desperation in her eyes. “We are in trouble, are we not?”
Tom nodded sadly. “I think we may be.” He said, raising his hands as the five soldiers surrounded them, weapons raised.
*
“Returning to command now.” Burns said into the radio, as the land rover turned onto the bypass direct to chesterfield. “We also have the Doctor and his companion.”
“Just the two of them?” The crackly, tinny voice from the radio replied.
Upon hearing the voice, the Doctor looked up as if he’d been hit. “That voice, I’m sure I know it.” He muttered, causing Jess to look at him, concerned. “Oh, no. There are another two of my friends out there somewhere. Tom and Tifa. Tom; well, he’s tall, long hair, beard, Tifa, short, blonde, well, she’s a Thal, so really not with this planet or time. Mind you, I’m not sure how well Tom will fit in too.”
“Doctor, you’re rambling again.” Jess said cutting in. “We’ve two friends who are still in Dronfield.”
“Could be the two looters Cooper caught.” Anderson said looking over to Burns.
“Looters? I can assure you, Tom and Tifa aren’t looters; they’re with me.” The Doctor said leaning forward.
“There’s four of them. From what the Doctor says, his other two friends are the two Sergeant Cooper arrested.” Burns said.
“Three with you? Travelling with a full compliment this time, eh Doctor?” The voice said.
“Erm, yes.” The Doctor said cautiously to the radio. Sitting back into the seat of the land rover, the Doctor leaned over the Jess. “I’ve the strangest feeling. I’m sure I recognise it, but I just can’t think where.”
“Is that a good thing?” Jess asked.
“With my past,” The Doctor said. “I’ve no idea.”
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:29:19 GMT
Tifa looked round, panicked, as the five soldiers closed in on her and Tom. The soldier who seemed in charge paused as he unclipped a small black box from his uniform and held it to his ear. He then spoke into it and clipped it back onto his uniform. It had to be a form of communication, Tifa summarised. The soldier then gestured to the others, and they shouldered their weapons. Tifa looked up at Tom, who seemed equally confused.
“What is going on?” She asked.
“I haven’t the faintest idea.” Tom whispered back, keeping a cautious eye on the soldiers.
“Mr. Rowan? Miss Tifa?” Sergeant Cooper asked, holstering his pistol.
“How the hell do you know who we are?” Tom asked, placing his hand protectively on Tifas shoulder.
“You’re friends of the Doctor?”
“Yes.”
“Then I believe we owe you an apology.” Cooper held out his hand. “We weren’t aware who you are; otherwise we certainly wouldn’t have arrested you.”
Tom stood still, looking Cooper up and down, a confused look on his face. Tifa was trying her hardest to keep shielded behind Tom, clearly scared.
“Yes, I can see why you’d probably not believe us.” Cooper said. “We’ve only just found out. Command wants to see the Doctor and his companions.”
“We’re not under arrest then?” Tom asked.
“No.”
“Then would you mind taking the cuffs off Tifa then?” Tom said. “And if we’re guests, then I guess I should apologise for throwing your troops out of the jeep.”
“Can we trust them?” Tifa whispered to Tom.
“I’ve no idea. But if they’ve got the Doctor, then undoubtedly they’ll put us together, so either way, we get to team up again.” Tom winked. “Either way, play along.”
Cooper walked up to Tifa, and unfastened the handcuffs. “Perhaps you two would like to ride in the cab with me, I’m sure my boys wouldn’t mind all riding in the back, back to command.”
Tom and Tifa stood still and watched as the four soldiers walked back to the jeep and climbed in the back, Private Tyler giving Tom a filthy look, blood staining his top lip, as he walked past. Cooper stood there and gestured towards the cab, smiling.
“Now the privates have gone, what is going on?” Tom asked Cooper as Tifa clung to his arm.
“Command wants the Doctor and his companions to help sort out this mess. Apparently the Doctor is the only one who can sort it.” Cooper replied.
“You mean the time-” Tom desperately searched for a word before giving in, “Mess muddle thing?”
“Command knows you Mr Rowan. And you Miss Tifa. Like I said, our other patrol has picked up the Doctor and a Miss Lawton and they’re on their way back here. They’ve just radioed me informing me. If you wouldn’t mind?” Cooper gestured towards the jeep again.
*
Corporal West hurried along the corridors of the police station that the army had commandeered as their headquarters. A patrol had just returned along with Private Wolfe who had gone missing three hours ago. He had been found unconscious in the shattered window of a jewellery shop, some strange burns on his face and arm.
Rushing into the swiftly created medical bay, he found Wolfe laying unconscious on one of the makeshift beds. West walked over to examine him, stepping round one of the medical officers. Wolfes’ face was all red and blistered, the blisters looking angry and were seeping a viscous yellow fluid. His breathing was rapid and shallow. Where one of the burns had made contact with his eye, the socket was swollen and blood blisters had erupted.
“Well?” West said turning to the chief medical officer.
“He won’t be able to see out of that eye again, we don’t think. We’ve never seen anything like this before. We’re not sure whether these burns are caused by heat or acid. It’s unbelievable.” The medical officer replied. “If I didn’t know better, from the samples we’ve already taken, I’d say it’s alien.”
“Well, we apparently have an expert in aliens coming in.” West said.
“And how long until the Doctor arrives?”
West and the medical officer turned at the sound of the voice.
“Ah, sir. Sergeant Cooper has reported in, and the Doctors two friends are being taken to your office. Unfortunately they tried to escape and the young man has injured three of Coopers patrol. They’re going to be here to be checked out.” West reported.
“The Doctors companions are here? Do you have names for them?"
“Ah, no sir. Burns radioed straight to Sergeant Cooper with the details. But they should be arriving here within the next ten to fifteen minutes.” West said.
“Right oh old chap. Well, I’ll head down and have a chat with the Doctors friends. Keep me updated.” With that, the newcomer turned and walked out of the room.
*
He walked down the corridor away from the medical wing and up to the top floor to his office. He still wasn’t too used to having soldiers snapping to attention as he walked past, even as a deputy director of MI5. Climbing up the three flights of stairs to the top floor, he paused at the top to catch his breath. He had to admit, he was starting to get old. He was still fitter than a lot of the young upstarts round here though, he was sure of that. Still, he was now going to go meet the new team, he just wondered at which stage of the Doctors life he was going to be walking into. It had been some time since he had last seen the Time Lord. He paused outside his office and looked through the glass panel in the door.
Two figures were inside. A young man was sat leaning back on a chair; his booted feet up on the desk. His dark wavy hair was tied back into a pony tail, and even though his back was to the door, he was carefully looking round the office. The other figure in his office was a young attractive blonde girl. She seemed to be sitting uncomfortably, and it seemed as though she was more uncomfortable in her clothes, not the chair or the surroundings. The young man spotted something and walked over to one of the posters and examined it closely. The girl turned and said something to him that couldn’t be heard through the door. The young man turned and said something quietly in reply before walking over to the desk and idly examined and flicked through a couple of the files that lay on there.
He smiled; he recognised them both. He reached out and opened the door.
*
Tom rose from the chair and walked over to one of the posters on the wall. Clearly this had been a police station before the army had moved in. From what he had gathered from Cooper, the army had been moving in before the police had officially been withdrawn from the area.
“What are we doing here? Why did the soldiers leave us here?” Tifa asked softly.
“I’ve no idea.” Tom replied turning round and walking over to the desk and picking up one of the files that lay on it. “Well, we’re not under arrest, otherwise they wouldn’t have left us in the office, we’d be in a cell otherwise.” Tom flicked through the pages of the file. “Hmm, about the Doctor.” He muttered quietly, looking at the pictures.
The sound of someone outside made him close the file and move quickly back to the chair, sitting down.
“I say, it’s Mr. Rowan, isn’t it? And Miss Tifa!”
Tom and Tifa spun at the voice and observed the newcomer. He was at least fifty and wearing smart grey trousers and a white shirt, the top button undone and a navy blazer over the top. His short dark curly hair was starting to thin at his crown and was greying at the sides. He was square jawed with well defined cheekbones. He had laughter lines around his smiling eyes. Tom and Tifa stared at him blankly.
“Don’t you recognise me old chap?” The man said stepping towards Tom his hand outstretched. “I know it’s been nearly 25 years but surely I’ve not changed that much? I can tell you haven’t, the joys of time travel, eh?”
Tom and Tifa exchanged confused looks. Clearly something was happening that they weren’t aware of. The soldiers knew about the Doctor, and now this stranger knew them.
“Oh come on, you don’t recognise me?” He asked. “It’s Harry. Harry Sullivan.”
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:30:00 GMT
Tom and Tifa looked at each other. “How do you know us?” Tifa asked. “I have known the Doctor merely five days. Never before have I met you.”
Toms eyes widened in realisation as he looked at Harry and then to Tifa. Just as Harry opened his mouth to speak again, Tom stepped forward his hand raised. “We don’t want to know.” He said quickly. “You know us, therefore you’ve clearly met us, yet we don’t know you. Therefore you met us in our future.”
Harry stopped, clearly thinking. “Oh, yes, of course. How the devil could I forget? I remember the Doctor telling me about it, just after-” Harry paused again “No, sorry. Can’t talk about that can I?”
Silence descended over the room as the three occupants looked at each other. Tom and Tifa looked at each other and then back to Harry, who looked back, unsure of what to say and not wanting to mention anything that would be in his past and Tom and Tifas future.
“So, what are you doing here?” Harry asked breaking the long silence.
“Your soldiers arrested us and brought us here.” Tifa answered.
“As for the TARDIS, we were heading for Florana and ended up here somehow.” Tom added sensing Harrys real intended meaning of the question.
“Ah, so it was purely coincidental then, eh? Guess the old Doctor still hasn’t managed to get the TARDIS working properly working still.” Harry said.
“Not exactly from what I can tell.” Tom said. “Although it does seem to be attracted to trouble. But neither Tifa or myself have been with the Doctor long, so it’d be hard to comment.”
“Ah, fair dos.” Harry said, before gesturing to the seats Tom and Tifa had just stood from. “Do sit down again, old things. I guess you’ll want to know what’s been happening round here then.”
“Well, I guess it couldn’t hurt to know the basics.” Tom said, sitting back down and swinging his legs back up onto the desk. “I see you’ve a file on the Doctor there.” He nodded to the desk as Tifa sat down silently beside him.
“Ah, yes.” Harry said as he walked round to his seat on the opposite side of the desk. “Cobbled together from UNIT and other government sources. To be honest I’ve been hoping he’d show up. I was on the verge of calling UNIT and getting them to use their Space Time Telegraph whatsit to contact him.”
*
The army land rover pulled up in the vehicle bay of the police station and Privates Burns and Anderson jumped up, opening the rear doors for the Doctor and Jess.
“Here we are, Sir.” Burns said, saluting as the Doctor stepped out of the land rover.
“Oh, just ‘Doctor’, please.” The Doctor replied as he straightened up and looked about. “So, you’ve taken over the police station then. This where your ‘Command’ chap is then?”
“Yes si- erm, Doctor.” Anderson said, following Jess round the Land Rover. “If you’d like to follow us, we’ll take you up to his office.
“Splendid.” The Doctor smiled, putting his arm round Jess’s shoulder. “I’m rather looking forward to meeting him. I’m sure I know him from somewhere.”
“He did ask for you personally, Doctor.” Burns said, holding open the door to the station as Anderson led the Doctor and Jess through.
Jess looked around as she and the Doctor were led through the corridors of the police station. She was surprised and flattered by all the soldiers they walked past snapping to attention and saluting them. They were led up three flights of stairs until they reached a corridor and Jess could hear some voices in the distance. As they progressed down the corridor, she could distinguish that there were at least three voices, two of which she recognised.
“I recognise that voice!” The Doctor said suddenly, a huge grin spreading across his face.
“Of course. It’s Tifa.” Jess replied. “And that’s Tom.”
“No, no, no.” The Doctor said rushing to the door, Jess following close behind. “Of course! I knew I recognised that voice.”
Tifa and Tom spun at the sound of the Doctors voice, Harry got to his feet, placing his hands on his desk. “Doctor!” He smiled.
“Harry Sullivan.” The Doctor beamed as he walked into the room his hand outstretched. “How’s Sarah? Do you get to see her much? What about dear old Alistair?”
Harry stepped round the desk to get his arm shaken vigorously and excitedly by the Doctor. “I’m still in touch with the old girl. I haven’t seen her in a while though; work keeps me busy these days. I did manage to get a round of golf and a few pints in with the Brigadier and old John Benton just before this mess blew up.”
“Splendid.” The Doctor beamed. “Always good to know that people are keeping well. I really should drop in on them sometime, but you know how it is, I just never seem to have the time.”
“That’s a touch ironic of a Time Lord isn’t it?” Harry chuckled, looking over the Doctors shoulder and spotting Jess, looking rather confused. “Jess old thing, you won’t recognise me, but it’s good to see you again after so long.” He said stepping round the Doctor and shaking her hand.
“I...” Jess tailed off confused at the stranger.
“Oh, of course.” The Doctor said turning to Jess. “This is Harry Sullivan, an old dear friend of mine. Although the fact he recognises us is a touch worrying.”
“Crossed timelines?” Tom said, leaning back on his chair and looking past Harry.
“Hmm, so it would seem.” The Doctor said. “So, tell me Mr. Deputy Director of MI5, what is going on here, exactly. There seems to be some time disturbance.”
“Certainly.” Harry replied. “Take a seat. You too old girl.” He said looking at Jess.
Jess opened her mouth, a rather indignant look on her face as Harry walked past her to the office door. He leaned out of it to talk to the two soldiers who were stood outside looking rather confused at what was going on inside.
“Don’t worry about Harry.” The Doctor smiled. “He can be a little old fashioned but he’s harmless. And was a very good friend of mine. We used to travel together.”
“Plus, he’s quite clued about what’s going on here.” Tom said.
“That is true.” Tifa replied. “But he has yet to tell us anything that we do not already know ourselves. Tom and I found a television, I believe you call it, and it had an information program that told us nothing new either.”
“It doesn’t seem like the soldiers know what’s happening either from what I can gather.” Jess said.
“No, well often it’s only the commanders and officers who will know the most of what’s happening. In this case, it’s Harry and MI5.” The Doctor said, looking up and smiling as Harry arrived back at his desk. “Well, as much as I’d love to sit and reminisce over old times and catch up, I don’t really feel that now is the time. I think it’s time you filled us in on what’s happening.”
“We think it’s the beginning of an alien attack or invasion of some kind.” Harry said sitting back at his chair. “But we don’t think this is your conventional attack. This more seems like an invasion from the past. As if they are landing a few centuries ago and transporting themselves forward through time.”
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:30:48 GMT
“Not long now, sir.” The carriage driver shouted back into the carriage as it pulled away from Chesterfield along the road to Bolsover. “Only about another hour now.”
“Excellent. I’ll increase your fare by a buck if you can get me there within the hour.” Gregory Pope shouted out of the window.
Upon hearing this, the drivers face lightened at the thought of an extra pound to his fare. “Yes sir.” He said, spurring the two horses on into a gallop.
Gregory Pope sat back in the carriage. He would be at Sutton Scarcliff soon. There was to be a ball tonight according to Arkwright, the current owner. Pope picked up his journal and checked back through the last few days. Pope smiled. Things were going his way. He’d be able to disclose his great surprise upon the world tonight, at the ball. As of tomorrow, the name Gregory Pope would go down in history.
*
Lord Arkwright placed his cigar down on the small plate on the table beside him and picked up the tea cup and drank its contents in one swift gulp. He stood up and rang the bell before walking to the window. He really wasn’t looking forward to today; not only did he have the dratted ball to cope with tonight, but he had to deal with Gregory Pope arriving within a couple of hours to begin the discussion of the terms of sale of Sutton Scarcliff.
Stephens opened the door to the drawing room and walked in. “Sir?” He asked
“Ah, Stephens. Would you fetch me a whisky? And make it a damn large one.” Arkwright said.
“Considering the day and the time, sir, would that be wise?”
“Damnit Stephens, I know what I want, don’t argue.” Arkwright snapped, slamming his hand down on the table beside him. Straightening, Arkwright regained his composure and looked up at Stephens. “Sorry Stephens, old chap. It’s just a very stressful day for me today and I could do with something to take the edge off. Especially before this damned Gregory Pope arrives.”
“Of course sir. My apologies.” Stephens said turning and leaving the room.
Arkwright turned back to stare out of the window. The spring breeze was blowing the branches of the trees in the garden. Arkwright narrowed his eyes. He thought he saw something moving between the trees. No, not something, someone. Arkwright was sure that he’d seen someone moving through the saplings in the middle of the lawn. Someone in what looked like an olive green uniform with a strange cap on his head. It seemed to be clutching what looked like a small and advanced rifle in its hands. It wasn’t the normal flintlock rifle. It was the figures face that caught Arkwrights’ attention. It was skeletal with shreds of flesh attached to and hanging from its face. Arkwright started at it for a second before blinking and shaking his head. He had to be seeing things. He didn’t believe in demons. His wife was the religious one. Arkwright looked back into the garden. The thing had gone. He was tired and stressed. He had to be imagining it.
“Your drink, sir.” Stephens said, returning to the room.
“Thank you Stephens.” Arkwright said. “I don’t suppose you happened to see if there was anyone out in the garden did you?”
“No sir. As far as I know, there should be no one in the grounds. Hoskins is inside today as he finished the last of the gardening yesterday.”
“What about this Gregory Pope?”
“Not yet arrived, sir.” Stephens said. “We have received no news to say that he has been delayed, so one can only assume that he will be here this afternoon, unless he has been held up.”
“Hmm.” Arkwright sipped at his whisky and walked over to the mantel and looked at the clock; 12.35 pm. “There is a part of me that almost wants this dratted character to be held up. Almost wants him to have never made Chesterfield.”
“Sir?” Stephens took a step towards Arkwright. “Are you aware of what you are saying?”
“Perfectly. You are aware that you are facing the loss of your job when this place sells?” Arkwright said.
“Perhaps. Permission to speak freely sir?”
“Of course Stephens. Over these years, you know I value your honesty.” Arkwright said. “It would hurt me if you weren’t honest with me.”
“Well, sir. There has been a lot of talk downstairs about whether this Mr Pope will keep any of the staff on after you have left. There is some dissention. Many of the staff want to leave with you. Myself included.” Stephens said.
Arkwright looked up his old and faithful butler and smiled, downing the whisky in his glass. “Stephens. I don’t know what either my wife or myself would do without you. If we were to take anyone with us, there would only be a select few. It would be a matter for my wife and I to discuss; privately.”
“Of course sir.” Stephens replied. “Would you care for another drink?”
“No, not yet.” Arkwright said sitting back down and picking up his cigar and taking a puff of it, savouring its flavour before exhaling the smoke. Just let me know when Gregory Pope arrives. I’m sure sitting here alone will be a lot more fun than talking to that American upstart.”
“Very good sir. I will inform you when he arrives.” Stephens said before turning and leaving the drawing room.
Arkwright sat back in his chair and closed his eyes. The image of the strange figure from the garden appeared in his head once again. This time, the figure was joined by another, and then another until there was a small group of them. One stepped forwards. It appeared to be wearing a different hat to the others and carried a smaller weapon; what looked like a small pistol, completely made of metal. Its mouth moved as if it was saying something. Arkwright found he was unable to take his eyes off it despite its grotesque appearance. They had to be some kind of soldiers, but soldiers like he’d never seen before. They weren’t the red coated militia he’d seen in his youth. As Arkwright watched, the lead figure raised its arms, both its skeletal hands gripping the pistol and it fired; not a single shot, but shot after shot. Arkwright sat bolt upright. The knocking at the door sounded again, almost like gunshots. Had he dozed off in his chair and dreamt the whole thing about the skeletal soldiers?
“Come in.” He said, getting to his feet and facing the door.
“Sir; A carriage has turned onto the main drive that is not your wife’s. Either your guests are arriving very early, or Mr Pope has arrived.” Stephens said re-entering the room.
“Thank you Stephens.” Arkwright said, rubbing his eyes and then pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’ll come meet him.”
Stephens walked into the entrance hallway, followed by Arkwright, who went and stood by the foot of the stairs as Stephens walked to the main door. Opening it, Arkwright could see someone stepping down from the back of the carriage, clutching a case. The carriage driver shut the door as Stephens greeted the figure and then showed him to the door. The figure walked through and on spotting Arkwright, walked forwards, his hand held out.
“Ah, hello. Lord Arkwright I assume.”
“Mr Pope.” Arkwright said, shaking Popes hand. “We weren’t expecting you until later. Alas my wife is yet to return from Chesterfield.”
“That’s ok Lord Arkwright.” Pope said. “I was rather wondering whether it would be alright for me to retire to my room to rest. It has been a long journey, and I would like to prepare for the ball tonight. I don’t think that today would be wise for business discussions.”
“Very well.” Arkwright didn’t know whether to sigh out of relief or frustration. It seemed as though he would be stuck with this Gregory Pope character for another couple of days. Still, it gave him time to get to know him more, and get Stephens to cast his valued opinion. “Stephens will show you to the guest suite we’ve prepared for you, Mr. Pope.”
Stephens closed the door as he followed the coachman in helping with Gregory Popes’ bags. “If you’ll follow me, please.” He said, leading the way up the stairs.
Stephens led the way along the landing to the guest suite, Pope and the coach driver following. Pope subtly glanced at the small black device he had in his pocket. He was getting anxious. He looked briefly about the room that he had been led to, his luggage sat now at the foot of the bed.
“Alright, thank you.” He said turning to Stephens and the coach driver. “I think that I’ll take a nap before the evening’s festivities. Oh, and, I didn’t forget my promise.” Pope reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet purse. “For getting me here as per my instructions.” He said handing some notes to the driver.
“Thank you sir.” The driver said taking the money from Pope.
“Now, if you wouldn’t mind?” Pope said, stepping towards the driver and Stephens, who nodded their acknowledgement and left the room.
Pope sighed and sat down on the large bed and wiped his brow with a handkerchief. He then picked the device from his pocket. The two diodes were glowing a deep purple. Pope pressed them both together and raised the device to his lips.
“Tonight is the time. Prepare to make landfall in ten hours time.” He said into it, getting a garbling clicking noise in response. “I understand. I shall leave your device active. Home in on its signals.”
Pope lay back on the bed and closed his eyes. He swiftly drifted off to a deep sleep. The black device lay next to his outstretched hand, the two diodes ominously blinking red.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:31:07 GMT
Lady Arkwright stepped down from her carriage. There was a second stood outside the door to Sutton Scarcliff. She looked at it for a few moments, the guests weren’t meant to arrive for the ball for some hours yet. She quickly realised; Gregory Pope.
“Would you take the carriage round to the back?” She asked up to the driver before walking swiftly up the steps to the door. Lady Arkwright looked round, not seeing anyone and then headed towards her husband’s drawing room. She couldn’t hear voices inside, but opened the door regardless. Her husband was sat in his favourite chair beside the fire reading his paper.
“Ah, hello dear. How was your trip?” He asked folding his paper as she entered.
“Oh, the usual. Reverend Brown will be attending the ball tonight.” Lady Arkwright said looking round. “I am guessing from the carriage outside that Mr Pope has arrived. Where is he?”
“Oh, he’s in the guest suite, resting. He wants to conduct ‘business’ tomorrow he said. His driver is downstairs with Stephens.”Arkwright said, crossing his legs and removing his glasses. “Erm, have you thought you’ve seen someone in the house or grounds that wasn’t actually there?” He eventually asked after a lengthy silence.
“I’m not sure what you mean.” Lady Arkwright said.
“Earlier today, I saw someone in the gardens, yet there was no one there. And I’ve been having this disturbing dreams and feelings that there are other people in the house. It’s only been the last couple of days.” Arkwright explained.
“I can’t say I have.” Lady Arkwright looked at her husband. “Are you getting upset about the sale of the hall? Could that be why?” She asked getting to her feet and walking to the window.
“Not wanting to sell the house? That could be it.” Arkwright said, getting to his feet smiling. “That’s something we should tell this Pope fellow. The house is haunted. These figures could be ghosts or spirits.” Arkwright shuddered remembering the decaying, skeletal ‘soldiers’ he’d seen.
“Oh don’t be daft.” Lady Arkwright turned and leaned against the windowsill.
“I definitely saw something. I’m not imagining it. Maybe we should get Reverend Brown to perform a blessing or exorcism?”
Lady Arkwright sighed. “I think you have been over stressing yourself, dear.”
Arkwright sighed and walked over to the fireplace and drummed his fingers on the mantle. “Maybe you’re right. I do certainly feel awkward now that Mr Pope is here upstairs.”
“Well, don’t think about it, dear.” Lady Arkwright said walking over to him and placing her hand on his shoulder. “Not until tomorrow. Enjoy tonight, it will do you some good. We’ll try and make it the ball that everyone will be talking about.” She smiled.
*
“It started off with just a few minor incidents that no one really bothered to pay much attention to really. The odd light in the sky and ghostly images of, well, according to reports, regency era chaps. Well, these light things were pretty much dismissed as they were often spotted after chucking out time, if you get me? Mostly people walking back from pubs sighted them.
“As for these ghost things, well, they were first spotted by children, again at night. Naturally parents assumed that they were nightmares; that is until these ghosts started to appear to more and more people, even local dignitaries and so on. The police were starting to get more and more calls from people. It started off out just beyond Chesterfield in one of the small villages but spread more and more.
“The police soon became inundated with calls and the army were called in to help out. That’s when the UFO sightings started up again. Of course, no aircraft were recorded in the area, civilian or military, however there have been some rumours that were soon found to be unfounded considering that there’s no strategic value in the area, or top secret areas.
“Nonetheless, with these sightings of UFOs becoming more frequent, the government became involved and I was picked by my boss, what with the experience I’ve got, to come down and check out the area. There are several departments that personally I thought would be better to deal with this situation, such as UNIT, but my superiors were adamant I should stay. Although I must say Doctor, I’m glad I did as I’ve bumped into you again.”
“Yes, ok Harry.” The Doctor said, patiently absorbing every word that Harry said in regards to the situation. “What happened then?”
“Well, like I said, I was put in charge of the whole brew ha-ha. Funnily enough, I was about to contact UNIT just before you showed up so they could take over and contact you with their Space Time telegraph thingy.” Harry said. “But anyway; we could never get any signals or readings from these sightings, no radar, and no aircraft could intercept them. After then, we got some sightings of alien beings. That’s when we decided that we should evacuate the civilian population from the area. At first we just started with the immediate area, but we soon realised that we had to evacuate as far as south Sheffield and Mansfield and, well, it was a really large area we evacuated.
“Putting aside the small problems we get with looters we’ve started to get more and more sightings of these aliens, and that’s what our patrols are there for. We’ve had some encounters with them, albeit brief. The latest, we think, was a Private we have in the medical wing. He was found by a patrol in a shop window, with severe burns on his face. I’ve had a very quick look, but from a medical point of view, I’d rather check that with you, Doctor, what with you being the alien expert.”
“Of course.” The Doctor said. “How is this fellow with the burns?”
“He’s stable at the moment.” Harry said. “Besides, I was rather hoping that you may be able to help us identify these aliens.”
“Certainly.” The Doctor replied, pulling his chair round next to Harrys. “Have you got any pictures of them?”
Tom leaned forward to look over at the files Harry had on his desk, interested in seeing what the aliens looked like.
“I’m afraid we’ve no pictures, but we do have some artist renderings. I think you’d be more interesting in some of the ghost sightings too.” Harry said casting a glance at Tom, Tifa and then Jess. “This picture was taken from an amalgamation of lots of descriptions that were taken that seem to describe the same figure. I thought there was something about it when I first saw it.”
Harry opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out a file. Opening it, he placed a drawing down on his desk.
“Most of the reports said that this figure had skeletal elements showing, but from all the descriptions, we’ve managed to piece together what he would have looked like normally.” Harry said.
The Doctor stared at the paper, his mouth agape. Tom and Tifa got to their feet and tilted their heads to look at the image.
“What is it?” Jess asked, noting the stunned looks on her friends’ faces. She got to her feet and stood at the Doctors shoulder and looked down at the drawing.
It was the image of a young man wearing clothing the likes she'd seen in Pride and Prejudice; typical early 19th century clothing, with a long cloak over the clothes, reaching the floor. It was the face that caught her attention. The figure had long dark wavy hair, tied back into a pony tail, but it was natural hair, not the wig that she had expected from watching Blackadder the Third. His features were unmistakable, with the goatee beard, pointed sideburns, cheekbones and eyes. She looked at Tom and then to the Doctor and Harry. There was no doubt; the figure in the picture was definitely Tom.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:31:37 GMT
The room descended into a stunned silence for what seemed like hours. Eventually Tom spoke, although his voice was shaky and breaking.
“That, erm, that’s me, isn’t it?” He asked.
“Well, it does look like you.” The Doctor said. “That doesn’t necessarily mean that it is you. You know, I’ve travelled a lot and met a lot of people and you wouldn’t believe how similar some people look. And anyway, this is a drawing from what people remember. You should know yourself how memory can be affected and altered.”
“But that doesn’t just look like me; that is me.” Tom said pointing at the paper. “We’re dealing with a mess up with time here. I could be dead and haunting people here. I could get dragged back to the past and the sentenced to a duel and shot and killed.”
“Oh, don’t be so silly.” Jess said, laying her hand on the young Time Lords shoulder.
“Exactly.” The Doctor said. “Look, Harry knows you, therefore you can’t be dead. You’ve got to meet him, eh Harry?”
“Hmm? Oh yes, old boy.” Harry said. “I know for a fact that you’re not dead because I met you in your future. And by that time, you’d dealt with all this, so it certainly didn’t kill you.”
Tom stared at the paper, not seeming to notice what anyone else had said. “Have there been sightings of any others of us?” He asked looking up at Harry.
“No. Just you; and other random chaps. But this may help to explain things.” Harry said taking another sheet of paper out of the file. “Again, we’ve no actual photographic or video footage of these aliens, but from witness reports, they’re all the same. No discrepancies there. You ever seen these things before Doctor?” He asked placing the paper on the desk.
The picture showed the image of a humanoid alien, according to the notes, standing five feet tall. Its head was slightly smaller than normal of human with two large eyes that were almost a soft triangular shape. It didn’t appear to have a nose and its mouth was smaller, its top lip pointing upwards in the middle, giving the mouth a triangular shape also. The aliens’ body was long and thin with two short legs ending in two toed feet. Its’ arms were long and gangly and ended in three fingered hands; one finger was shorter and opposed like a thumb. According to the notes on the page, the aliens were greenish brown in colour and their eyes were varying shades of purple.
“Hmm.” The Doctor mused picking up the paper, holding it close to his face and squinting. Slowly, the Doctor moved it away from his face, slightly changing the angle and turning the drawing round until it was upside down. “No, I’m sorry Harry.” He said putting the paper back on the desk. “Can’t say I’ve ever seen this race before.”
“Ah.” Harry exclaimed, looking round at Jess, then to Tom and Tifa. “I don’t suppose any of you have ever come across them.” Harry put the piece of paper back in the file after getting a unanimous negative reply. “That is a shame. I was kind of hoping that you’d be able to cast your professional eye over Private Wolfe. He was out on patrol and think he ran afoul of one of these aliens.”
“‘Ran afoul’?” The Doctor asked. “These aliens have proved themselves hostile?”
“Not initially. All initial encounters were peaceful, more a case of people shocked to see them and these alien chaps just disappeared.” Harry said. “But the burns on his face resemble the shape of these fellows’ hands.”
“Oh, of course.” The Doctor got to his feet. “I think we should really have a look at him.”
“Right oh, Doctor. You might need this though.” Harry said opening another drawer and removing a box. Opening it, he shifted through a collection of laminated passes with photographs on, he picked one out that had a picture of the Doctor on it and handed it over. The Doctor took it and clipped it to the lapel of his coat. Harry pulled three more passes out of the drawer and handed them to Jess, Tom and Tifa. “And you three may want one of these too.”
“What are they?” Tom said, clipping his pass to his breast pocket.
“Security passes.” Harry replied. “Unfortunately as I didn’t know it would be you who came with the Doctor, I couldn’t give you one with your name and picture on, like the Doctors. Still, think of it as one of those triple ‘A’ pass things.”
“What is a triple A pass?” Tifa asked looking at the laminated pass, fumbling with the metal clasp.
“Access all areas.” Harry and Jess said simultaneously.
“Excellent.” The Doctor smiled looking round the office. “Right then, Harry and I will go take a look at this soldier in the medical unit. Tifa, will you come with us? And Tom, you should be able to locate and track time disturbances. Jess, if you go with him, this is your time, you should be able to spot things that are out of the ordinary.”
“But, I don’t know this area.” Jess protested. “How will I know?”
“Oh, I’m sure you’ll manage.” The Doctor smiled, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Oh, and Tom, before you ask; head to the control room, operations room, whatever they call it. I’m sure you’ll be able to rig something from there.”
“Don’t worry about finding your way old chap. We’ve got this place signposted for our staff. You should find your way easily.” Harry said opening the door. “Doctor? Tifa? Shall we?”
Tom and Jess stood and watched as Harry led the Doctor and Tifa out of the room. When he was sure that they were out of earshot, Tom dashed over to Harrys’ desk and opening the drawer that contained the passes, he pulled out the box that Harry found the Doctors pass in and opened the lid.
“Tom, what are you doing?” Jess asked in a loud whisper.
“Checking.” Tom said. “There were several badge passes in this box and they all had pictures. This is where he got the Doctors pass from. I’m curious, that’s all.”
Jess walked over to beside Tom and looked at the badges that he had picked out of the box and laid on the desk. As tom picked up a file and opened it, Jess looked at the badges. They all had different men in the photos, yet the title was the same. As Jess leaned in closer; Tom threw down a larger photograph of the same men, matching each larger picture with the smaller one on the pass.
“What is all this?” Jess asked.
“The Doctor.” Tom said, laying down the last picture. It was a clear picture of the Doctor both he and Jess travelled with. “Eight different pictures, each of the Doctor.”
Jess looked at all eight pictures. Each had a different man, each of a different age, and all eight of them in their own unique, eccentric style. “How can all eight of these men be the Doctor?”
“Regeneration.” Tom said. “Remember the Master?”
“Oh, yeah.” Jess replied. “Well, ours is by far the best looking. And at least he’s not got this awful style.” She said, picking up a photograph of a man with blonde curly hair in a brightly coloured patchwork coat.
Tom smiled, placing the pictures back into the file and then returning the passes to the box in the drawer. “I guess with a time traveller like the Doctor, it pays to be prepared for every eventuality.” He said. “I just wonder who exactly this Harry Sullivan is.”
“A friend of the Doctors and someone he used to travel with. Well, that’s what the Doctor said.” Jess replied sitting down in Harrys chair and spinning round in it. “Why does it matter? The Doctor trusts him. And he trusts us too.”
“I just feel a little uncomfortable and on the back foot here, what with all this time line crossing. It’s like it was with the Master, but at least here, Harry’s an ally and we’ve time and resources to check up on him. Just so we don’t feel on the back foot, that is.” Tom said. “Bingo!” Tom straightened up from one of the drawers holding an MI5 headed briefing.
“Well?” Jess asked after watching Tom skim his eyes over the sheets.
“Harry Sullivan; former Surgeon Lieutenant of the Royal Navy, seconded to UNIT in the mid 1970s. Seconded to NATO for top secret security reasons in the late 70s. From there, he moved onto MI5 where he’s become Deputy Director.”
“It says all that?” Jess asked. “That sounds like a biography to me. Bit strange for that to be left about.”
“More of a résumé I’d say. I just padded it out a little.” Tom said putting the paper back into the drawer and closing it. “I think we’d best get to business and try and locate these time rifts or whatever they are.”
“Okies.” Jess smiled jumping off the chair to her feet. “How do we know where to go?”
“There should be some sort of signs directing us, Harry said.” Tom replied. “Still, if we get lost, we can always ask for directions.”
“My God, a miracle. A man who’s willing to ask for directions!” Jess laughed as she followed Tom out of the office, shutting the door behind her.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:32:13 GMT
“I am unsure why you want me. I am not medical, Doctor.” Tifa said as she followed the Doctor and Harry through the police station to the makeshift medical bay.
“You’ll be of more help to me than Tom or Jess.” The Doctor said turning round and walking backwards, skilfully avoiding obstacles that it looked as though he were going to bump into. “They have something else to be getting along with. And besides, every good Doctor needs a good nurse, and you’ve a lot of potential that I’m sure we can tap.”
“I am unsure Doctor.” Tifa said, her voice faltering.
The Doctor stopped and placed his hands on Tifas shoulders. “Trust me. I’m sure there’s more in here than you realise right now.” He smiled placing a finger on her forehead.
“Doctor?” Harry said opening a door. “In here?”
“Of course.” The Doctor said straightening up and holding his hand out to Tifa. Slowly reaching out, Tifa took the Doctors hand and looked up and smiled at him.
Tifa followed the Doctor though the doors. Around her were makeshift beds. A couple of soldiers were sat on the beds being checked out by medical orderlies for some minor cuts and bruises. She recognised them instantly as the soldiers who had arrested her and Tom earlier and clung closer to the Doctor.
“Doctor.” Harry called from the far side of the room. He was stood beside some screens that had been erected round the farthest bed. A medical officer was stood by the opening. “Doctor, this is Sergeant Hugh Walters, Hugh, this is the Doctor and his assistant Tifa, old friends of mine.”
“This is the alien expert?” Walters said looking the Doctor up and down.
“Yes, that’s me.” The Doctor beamed holding out his hand.
Walters shook it, looking over the Doctors shoulder at Tifa, who was looking round nervously. “Not pulled you away from a wedding have we?” He scoffed. “‘Cause y’know this s**t’s been going down some time. You could have shown up sooner.”
“We have only just arrived at this planet. You should show the Doctor the respect he deserves.” Tifa said stepping round and squaring up to Walters, attracting looks of astonishment from Harry and the Doctor.
“Yes, erm, sorry sir.” Walters said, taken aback by Tifas comment.
“So, what have we got?” The Doctor asked clapping his hands together.
“Well, Private Wolfe went on patrol as normal six hours ago. He was due back after three hours but went missing, didn’t report in. A patrol was sent out to find him, and he was found in the broken window of a jewellers shop. We’ve managed to stabilise him. Tested some of the stuff that we found in the burns and we concluded that it was alien, purely because we couldn’t identify it with anything else on Earth. Not only that, but we’ve concluded that the burn is in the shape of a hand, but no human hand.” Walters explained. “Well, we assume it to be a hand; there are burns on Glens’ hand that correspond with how someone would shake hands.”
“Well, shall we have a look at him, see what we can do?” The Doctor asked, shrugging his coat off and passing it back to Tifa.
“Right you are Doctor.” Harry said, replacing his blazer with a white coat and handing one to the Doctor and another to Tifa, taking the Doctors coat from her.
Tifa followed Harry and the Doctor into the cordoned off area and gasped, putting her hand to her face, and trying hard not to gag at what she saw.
The soldier was lying on the bed, his uniform had been removed and he was dressed in a surgical gown. He had three large burns on his face; two were across either cheek and the third was across his right eye. The skin was puckered and blistering, seeping a viscous yellow fluid that glistened sickly in the lights of the room. Wolfes’ left eye was closed normally and looked peaceful, however, his right eye was screwed up and sunken under what looked like a cluster of blood blisters that had formed into one large one.
Having examined the unconscious soldier, Tifa backed away and bumped into another figure she hadn’t spotted before.
“Ah, Sir. This is the Doctor I take it?” Corporal West said.
“Indeed I am, Corporal?” The Doctor said holding his hand out raising his eyebrow in an enquiring manner.
“Ah, West, Sir. Corporal Richard West.” West replied shaking the Doctors hand. “Read a lot about you Sir. I must say I admire your methods.”
“Why thank you.” The doctor beamed.
“West!” Harry said sharply causing West to snap to attention. “Thank you for keeping an eye on him old chap. You can head off now.”
“Sir.” West said, turning and walking off.
“Right oh Doctor. What do you think?” Harry said, walking up to the Time Lord who had acquired a magnifying glass from somewhere and was examining Wolfe’s face.
“Well, these burns and blistering were not caused by heat. And they certainly don’t resemble burns from any chemical that you’d find on this planet and this time.” The Doctor replied not looking up from the magnifying glass. “For example; this fluid isn’t the typical puss and fluids you’d get in a normal blister. It has properties more in line with Hydrocyllical Kytholol, but I can’t confirm that until I have access to a laboratory and equipment to test it properly.”
“Anything we can do for him now?” Harry asked.
“At the moment, anything I suggest would be pure supposition.” The Doctor said straightening up and pocketing the magnifying glass. “However until we know for definite; pain killers and broad spectrum anti-biotics. I’ll need to collect some specimens from these blisters and the burns to test for myself. I think this poor fellow needs to be moved to a proper hospital. These wounds won’t properly heal, unfortunately. Private Wolfe will need some drastic skin grafts and a glass eye fitting, as this burn across his eye had completely shrivelled his eyeball.”
“Will he be alright?” Tifa asked.]
“Given time.” The Doctor said, putting his arm round her shoulder. “I’ll do all I can for him whilst he’s here.”
“And what about these specimens you want to take?” Harry said bringing over a tray, with slides, swabs, syringes and other paraphernalia.
“Well, not only will they help in giving me an idea about how to help treat Private Wolfe,” The Doctor explained, carefully extracting blood from the blood blisters on Wolfe’s eye with a syringe, “But hopefully, they will give us more of an indication into these aliens too.”
*
“Look, I don’t care. We don’t allow civilians in the opps room. ‘Specially not kids.”
“Kids!” Jess spluttered, falling over the word.
“I think you’ll find, matey,” Tom said placing his hand on Jess’ shoulder, “That I’m quite considerably older than you. Not only that, but according to article 37 of the Trans-Galactic Security act, “we’re part of the only hope for your planet, so buck your ideas up otherwise you’ll get a fist in the face.”
The Private scoffed and crossed his arms. “Look ‘matey’, you’ve no official sanction here, so don’t try and act hard or clever with me, ‘cause it ain’t gonna wash.” He said, snatching the passes off both Jess and Tom. “Now, if you ain’t gonna tell me how you got in here and where you nicked these passes from, I’ll make sure the book is thrown at ya, so as well as just trespassing in a restricted area, you’ll-”
Jess’ hand contacted with the soldiers face, cutting him off mid sentence. “How dare you?” She scorned him. “We are specialists in alien activities and time displacement working for the government. You question us like that again, soldier, and you’ll be up for immediate court-martial! Do you understand?”
The Private put his hand to his face where Jess had struck him and opened his mouth to speak, but was silenced before he had begun by a shout from down the corridor that caused him to snap to attention.
“Private!”
“Sir?”
“What the devil is going on here? Would you care to tell me why you are obstructing Mr. Rowan and Miss Lawton from going about their business?” Sergeant Cooper barked, walking towards the small group.
“Sarg, I. I mean they-” The Private stammered, before being cut off by cooper raising his hand and retrieving Jess and Toms passes and handing them back.
“Sorry about this Sir; Miss.”
“Not at all Sergeant.” Jess replied. “However, I would recommend that you make sure all your troops know about us in future.”
Tom nodded in understanding and thanks to Cooper as he held open the door to the opps room for Jess and then followed her through. Upon their entering the room, the two Privates on duty jumped up to attention and saluted.
“At least we’re expected this time.” Jess muttered to Tom in a low voice.
“At ease gents.” Tom said lazily saluting with one finger. “The answers to your prayers are here!”
“I’ll say.” Private Mills said looking Jess up and down.
Jess cleared her throat loudly. “Experts in time displacement and alien activity. I am Jess Lawton, Miss Lawton to you. And this is my colleague Mr Tom Rowan.” She said attracting a silently amazed look from Tom. “And you two are?”
“Oh, erm. I’m Private Mervyn Mills.” Mills said
“Private Clive Johnston.” Johnston said, shaking hands with Tom and then Jess. “You’ve got here at just the right time. We’ve just been given something rather horrific you’ll be interested in.”
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:32:42 GMT
Johnston turned and picked up a video tape and placed it in one of the players on the wall.
One of the blank monitors flickered to life. From the information on screen, it was the security surveillance camera from H Samuel. The time in the top left corner put the footage at ten fifty nine a.m. The shop was quiet and empty.
“Now, this is the interesting bit, watch this.” Johnston said.
As Jess and Tom watched, the centre of the screen began to blur into a small vortex, from which a figure materialised. It resembled the drawing of the alien they had seen in Harry’s office, only this alien was wearing clothes; pantaloons, a long waistcoat and frock coat. The alien staggered under its materialisation and knocked a stand through a window.
“Did you see that?” Tom asked.
“Well, it wasn’t hard to spot.” Jess said. “Marvin just appeared out of nowhere there.”
“No, the time.” Tom said pointing to the corner, before turning to Johnston. “Have you got a controller for this recording?”
“Uhm, yeah.” Johnson replied.
“Excellent, can you rewind it to just before the alien arrives.” Tom paused and looked at Jess. “Marvin?”
“Yeah, Marvin the Martian. The cartoon character.” She replied, a cheeky grin on her face. “We don’t know what they’re called yet, so I thought it was cute nickname.”
“Yes, well, we can pitch the name Marvins to the Doctor later.” Tom winked. “Anyway, slow it down as you play it.” He said turning back to Johnston. “Now, watch the time as ‘Marvin’ appears.”
As they watched, the time in the corner hit eleven and the alien materialised in the shop. As the alien appeared, the time in the corner spiralled back to ten twenty seven a.m. before flicking gradually back to a minute past eleven, in the space of that minute.
“What’s that then? What does that mean?” Mills said.
“Well Melvin,” Tom began.
“Mervyn.”
“Well Merlin,” Tom started again. “What this shows us is that these aliens are popping through time and them coming here is affecting the local time, which could be a source of the time distortions. To ascertain that for certain, we’d need to analyse more readings.” Tom stood up and turned to face Mills and Johnston. “Could we take this tape for further analysis?”
“Wait, sir.” Johnston said. “There’s more. This is the thing that did for Glenn, look.”
Tom turned back to the tape. The alien was looking round the show, examining things through the glass cases. A soldier silently appeared in the shattered window, his rifle raised and pointing to the alien. Genn’s lips moves silently and he lowered his rifle. The alien turned to face Glenn, its lips silently moving in response as it held its hand out towards the stunned soldier. Wolfe was raising his hand out towards the alien and went as if to shake its hand. Glenn’s face suddenly became wracked with pain as the alien clasped his hand and jumped forward, its other hand connecting with the young soldiers face.
On the screen, Glenn’s body crumpled and collapsed to the floor, causing the alien to jump back slightly where it then stood looking at it, its head cocked to one side. To the right side of the screen, another vortex formed another alien, wearing similar clothing. The first alien turned slowly to face the second. Both aliens raised their hands and placed them on the others face, as the alien did to Wolfe. Upon seeing this, Tom leant closer to the screen, thoughtfully stroking his beard as the two aliens on screen parted, before disappearing into thin air. All four occupants of the room instantly looked to the left corner of the screen where the time was displayed. The time leapt forwards to show thirteen minutes past two, before rolling back. The video then showed the quiet shop with Glenn Wolfe’s unconscious body in the shattered window.
“Well,” Tom said after a while. “That shows us something. These aliens aren’t necessarily hostile.”
“Are you kidding, sir?” Mills said. “Did you see what the thing did to Glenn?”
“Yes.” Tom replied. “But I also saw its reaction to what happened to Private Wolfe.”
“The way it jumped back,” Jess said, catching on to what Tom meant. “It wasn’t expecting Private Wolfe to collapse or its touch to do that that. You saw what happened when the other alien arrived. They both did the same thing and put their hand to the others face. It must be their form of greeting.”
“Exactly.” Tom smiled. “Not every species greets with a ‘Hello’ or a hand shake.”
“Well, I guess you are the experts.” Mills said, grumpily.
“You guess right.” Tom said getting up and taking the tape from the video player. “Now, Miss Lawton and I need to plot the details of all the sightings of the aliens and ghosts, which could be quite a long task. So, I hope there’s room for all of us to work here.”
“Oh, yes of course, Sir. Miss.” Johnston said. “There’s plenty of space down here. We’ve maps and a list of every report that the police received whether it be aliens, ghosts or UFOs. And we’ve also got a list of everything that our patrols have come across.”
“Thank you Private.” Jess smiled. “If you two want to carry as if we’re not here.” She added as she helped Tom with the large map that he had taken from Mills and was now spreading out on two tables he’d quickly pulled together.
*
The Doctor stood as still as stone, with his hands in his pockets, and watched as two medical orderlies carried Glenn Wolfe out of the makeshift sickbay on a stretcher. “They’ll be able to look after him better at a proper hospital.” He said before turning to Tifa. “But I have a question for you. Why were you so scared of the other soldiers in here when we arrived?”
“They were the ones who caught Tom and I. We tried to escape and Tom fought one of them.” Tifa replied cautiously. “We did not know what they would do to us. We believed we were in trouble.”
The Doctor smiled at Tifa, his eyes sparkling. “Nice to see that you’ve both retained your survival instincts from your time on the run on Telris. And you weren’t to know whether they were friendly or not.”
“They were rather rough and aggressive when they first captured us.”
“Well, it was all a misunderstanding, ultimately.” The Doctor smiled. “Besides, it seems as though Tom was looking out for you and paying them back, am I right?” The Doctor continued before Tifa had a chance to answer. “Because, I would say that one of those soldiers had a broken nose that could only have been caused by being punched in the face.”
“Doctor.” Harry called over from the now empty section Wolfe had been resting in.
The Doctor smiled at Tifa again. “Don’t worry about it.” He said before turning and walking towards where Harry was waiting for him before pausing and turning back to Tifa. “You’re with me, you’re a VIP now.” The Doctor paused and looked back to Tifa again after one further step. “That’s; Very Important Person.” He winked before disappearing behind the screens.
Tifa smiled, the anxiety she was feeling was lowering. She couldn’t deny that after the soldiers had found out who they were they were nothing but courteous. Walking round the room, she looked at the various signs and posters that had been put up on the walls. She wasn’t sure whether they had been put there by the soldiers or whoever these police where who had been in the building originally. She looked at the strange alien text to see in blur before her eyes. Blinking, she found it appeared again in Thal script and she could now read it. She had no idea how the words were doing that, but she remembered Jess saying something about it in the TARDIS about some of the books she had looked at. Tifa reminded herself to ask the Doctor when he was a little less busy. She looked back to the screens to see that Harry was moving them away and the Doctor had changed back into his blue coat. Tifa looked down at her own coat and smiled. The material felt cool against her bare arms and shoulders and it looked interesting over the clothes she had taken from the TARDIS.
A noise by the doors made her turn. A young medical orderly was stood there looking at her, rather nervously shuffling from foot to foot before taking a couple of steps towards her.
“Erm, can I get you anything Miss?” He asked smiling nervously. “Tea? Coffee? A sandwich?”
Tifa smiled back at him. “I am actually feeling thirsty. Do you have any beverages?”
“We have tea, coffee, hot chocolate or just water.” He replied.
Tifa listened to the strange names of drinks she had never heard of before. Deciding that as the whole experience she was currently living through was new to her, she would try one of the new drinks and asked for a hot chocolate, causing the medical orderly to scurry out saying he would bring it for her.
*
Harry looked over to Tifa who was idly walking round the makeshift sickbay. “I say, Doctor, is Tifa alright. The old thing seems quite distant.”
The Doctor looked over to Tifa who was studying a stethoscope. “Less than a week ago, the Daleks wiped out her planet. She was the only survivor, thanks to Tom and Jess.”
“Blimey. Poor thing.” Harry said, not quite sure what else to say. He lapsed into silence as he watched her, thinking back the twenty five years it had been since he had seen the Doctor, this Doctor.
“Here we go.” The Doctor said. “What do you make of that?”
Harry looked at the small monitor connected to the scanning microscope that the Doctor had just stood up from. “Well, what am I supposed to be looking at?” He asked.
“That’s a sample from one of the blisters on Private Wolfes’ eye. The fluid in them wasn’t blood. It was his actual eye. The aliens touch effectively liquidised the poor man’s eye.”
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