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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:42:16 GMT
Tom laughed politely, his soft chuckle diminishing into a polite smile. He found that smiling and nodding was the best policy when engaging people in conversation. So far he had managed to avoid any probing questions into his or the Doctors past and how they knew Lord Arkwright.
There were only a small handful of people in the Hall at the moment. Tom wasn’t sure how many people had been invited to the ball. He was trying his hardest to circulate, however he found a lot of the company rather tiresome and boring. He had tried to conceal himself as best as possible behind other people when Gregory Pope was announced to the room by Stephens.
Gregory Pope. He was not how Tom had imagined him at all. He was a smallish, weasel faced man with round spectacles. He was wearing an ornate red and gold frock coat over a crimson silk waistcoat and ornate silk shirt. He wore immaculately cut, tailored breeches and white socks with gold trim and black leather shoes with a brass buckle. Tom watched as Pope made a quick scan of the room before making a bee-line for Lord Arkwright, to whom the Doctor was engaged in conversation.
Tom hadn’t managed to get much information about Pope. Lady Arkwright knew little about him and wasn’t willing to discuss him. She had introduced him to Charles and Jane Cavendish, who owned Bolsover Castle. He had smiled and nodded as Cavendish told him about his impending dukedom. Tom didn’t want to admit to him that he had no idea what he was on about, especially as Jane Cavendish clung to her husband’s arm like a limpet and looked at him with adoring eyes.
Excusing himself from the Cavendish’s, Tom turned and almost walked into a priestly looking blonde man, in a long black coat who introduced himself as Reverend Jonathan Brown from Chesterfield Church. Tom spotted the Doctor over Browns shoulder, talking to Arkwright and Pope, so Tom stopped to talk to the Reverend.
During his conversation, Tom managed to learn that Lord Arkwright had been seeing ghostly images that, By Reverend Browns description, matched that of the soldiers in the late twentieth century. He also learned that the Doctor had assured Arkwright that these were merely dreams, products of an over-stressed mind. As the Reverend talked, Tom kept shooting glances about the room, half listening to his tales of his sermons and God and how the Reverend would like to see both the Doctor and himself at the service in the morning.
Seeing that some more people had made an entrance and checking the clock by the wall, Tom made his excuses to the Reverend and made his way to the door. The string quartet was setting up to start playing and clearly the Ball was starting to get underway. Catching the Doctors eye, and getting a slight nod, Tom slipped through the door to carry out his investigation.
“Excuse me, can I help you sir?”
Toms’ hearts nearly skipped a beat. He had forgotten about Stephens, the other side of the door, announcing people as they arrived.
“Apologies, I did not mean to startle you young sir.” Stephens said, noting Toms’ clear surprise. “Is there anything I can help you with?”
“Oh yes, I’m just looking for, you know,” Tom paused leaning closer to Stephens and whispered. “The latrines.”
“Certainly sir.” Stephens said, directing Tom to the bathrooms on the upper floor.
Nodding his gratitude, Tom made his way up the stairs to the upper floor, silently grateful that Stephens hadn’t directed him to somewhere on the ground floor, or an outside toilet.
Getting to the upper floor and walking along the landing, Tom realised that he actually didn’t know which Gregory Pope’s room was. Taking his chances he walked towards the room the Doctor and he had been given, realising as he did so, it would have been a lot easier to say that he needed something from the room.
“Think, Tom. Think!” He scolded himself as he walked, silently trying doors as he went.
Most the rooms he tried were bare, save the furnishings; beds, dressing tables, polished mirrors, paintings and cabinets. Opening one door, he spotted luggage laying on the floor and a coat hanging on a wardrobe door, which stood ajar. Making an educated guess, he slipped through the door and closed it quietly behind him. He made his way over to the bed, upon which lay a small leather satchel. Opening the flap, he pulled out a wedge of papers. Reading them, Tom discovered they were documents for the purchase of Sutton Scarsdale Hall. This was clearly Popes room. The satchel also contained a journal and a small bag, containing packs of gun powder and some lead shot.
Putting the journal on the bed, Tom pulled the case from under the bed out and placed it on the bed. Opening it, he found it was full of clothes; however, the way one of the pockets in the lining hung indicated that there was something heavier than cloth in there. Reaching into it, Tom pulled out a small black device about three and a half inches high, two inches across and half an inch thick. It was jet black with the blinking red diodes. Tom wasn’t sure whether it was made of metal or plastic, but what he did know was, it was definitely alien and not a product of Earth technology, especially not early nineteenth century Earth technology.
Taking the device in his hand, Tom slipped quickly and quietly from the room and headed back to the main Hall. Upon re-entering the hall, he noticed that there were another couple of guests from when he left. He quickly caught the eye of the Doctor, who excused himself from the conversation he was in and walked over to Tom.
“Well, did you find anything?” The Time Lord asked.
Tom held up his hand, and opened his fingers, revealing the black device. The Doctor took it gently in his fingers and examined it.
“Excellent.” He smiled looking at Tom. “The same material as the alien craft that nearly caused the Helicopter to crash. Where did you find it?”
“In one of Gregory Popes’ bags.” Tom replied. “There was a journal there too, but as soon as I found this, I brought it straight to you.”
“And the journal?” The Doctor asked.
“Ah.” Tom paused. “It’s still up there.” He said, nodding back.
“I don’t think he’s spotted you so far,” The Doctor said glancing back towards Pope, who was talking to the Cavendish’s. “Neither did he mention you when I was talking to him earlier. He’s one closed book. Pop back up and see if there’s anything else, and see about that journal too.”
Tom nodded and slipped back through the doors, allowing the Doctor to return to the Ball. As he passed Stephens, Tom smiled at the butler attracting a querying look.
“Is everything alright, Sir?” He asked.
“Yes, thank you.” Tom replied. “I just need to collect something from my room.”
“Very good sir.” Stephens said as the young Time Lord walked away and up the stairs.
Tom breathed a sigh, he was actually now grateful that he hadn’t used that excuse the first time otherwise now he would be unsure for an excuse. Pausing at the top of the stairs, Tom thought; did he have to make excuses to a butler in this time? Shrugging, Tom wondered about the etiquette of this time as he made his way quietly down the landing to Popes room.
Pausing, Tom glanced over his shoulder back along the way he’d just come. Somehow, he felt really conspicuous this time around. The landing was empty besides himself, and the entrance hall below was silent and empty. Scolding himself for his paranoia, Tom quickly and quietly opened the door to Popes room and slipped inside.
Everything was exactly as he’d left it, the journal lying on the bed discarded. Glancing about, Tom spotted another case that he hadn’t searched through last time. Deciding to leave it until later, he sat on the bed and picked up the journal. Opening it to the first page, it was filled with an account of Popes journey from Rhode Island, across the Atlantic and arriving in Plymouth. Flicking through the pages at speed, Tom found he could read the scrawl of the script as he flicked. Closing it as he reached the last written page, things were sinking into place.
“You’re definitely in contact with these aliens.” Tom said aloud to the journal. “Somewhere between Plymouth and Exeter they contacted you, eh. What the hell are you up to, Pope?”
Pocketing the journal in an inside pocket, Tom got off the bed and walked to the last case. Kneeling before it, he unfastened it and opened the top and started rummaging through the contents. A sudden prickling sensation down his spine made Tom slow in what he was doing; he was sure someone else was in the room. He hadn’t heard the door. The click of the hammer mechanism of a pistol being cocked close behind him confirmed his suspicions.
“Alright Mr. Rowan. Just you stop what you’re doing there and turn around.”
The voice was deep and had an American accent. North Eastern American, definitely Rhode Island; Gregory Popes accent. Tom swallowed hard, he’d been discovered. He raised his hands and slowly turned around. Gregory Pope was stood before him, arm outstretched, a flintlock pistol aimed directly between Toms eyes.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:42:49 GMT
“Just what do you think you’re doing, young sir?” Pope asked.
Tom looked up into the black tunnel of the guns barrel, and then up to Popes eyes, staring coldly at him over the gold rims of his spectacles. Thinking quick, Tom summed his chances; Pope only had one shot with a flintlock, if he missed then Tom would have a chance to jump him. However, the range was point blank, Pope would have to be blind to miss, even if Tom did manage to knock his arm.
“I said, what are you doing? Get away from that, on your feet.” Pope almost snarled, gesturing for Tom to get to his feet with the pistol.
Side stepping about the room, Pope made his way to the bed and bending down, pulled out the case from under the bed. Placing it on the bed he opened it and felt in the inside pocket Tom had found the device.
“Don’t talk much, do you?” Pope glanced down upon discovering the pocket was empty, before glancing back at Tom. “Alright, what have you done with it?”
“Done with what?” Tom answered. “I got the wrong room, didn’t I? You know I thought that case didn’t look like the Doctors.”
“Nice try, I know you and the Doctor arrived without any luggage.” Pope said. “What have you done with the beacon?”
“Beacon?” Tom didn’t even have to act the confusion. He knew Pope was on about the black device, but he hadn’t known what it was. “I don’t understand.”
“A small black, err, tobacco box. It had two red jewels on it. It’s a damn family heirloom, dating back to the time of Queen Elizabeth.” Pope said, gesturing with the gun threateningly.
Tom smiled to himself in his head. The man was a speedy liar; he had to give him that. “I haven’t seen a tobacco box.” He said.
Tom was now thinking desperately. He’d been caught red handed and wasn’t sure whether or not he’d be able to bluff his way out of the situation. He was sure that the Doctor would have managed it, however he lacked the Doctors centuries of practice. The one positive he was drawing from the situation he was currently in was that despite having a pistol waved repeatedly in his face, he hadn’t had any holes shot in him. At least not yet.
“I’m terribly sorry; we haven’t been properly introduced have we? My name’s Tom Rowan, although you already know that, it seems.” Tom started, stepping forward, his out as if to shake hands. “You are, sorry?”
“As if you don’t know?” Pope snarled, lashing out and catching Tom a glancing blow to the forehead with the brass trim on the butt of the pistol causing him to stagger back, his hands to his head.
“Alright Pope, alright.” Tom raised his right hand, keeping his left where Pope had struck him. “You’re buying this place. The Doctor and I also have an interest and he sent me to collect information to see if we could swipe the sale of the Hall.” Tom watched. Pope was clearly thinking over what he had said.
Pope gestured to the door with the gun. “Out.” He barked.
Obediently, Tom walked to the door. Whether he could overpower Pope he wasn’t sure. There was a chance Pope still may manage to get a shot off, and he didn’t fancy losing a regeneration for a risky escape attempt when he was currently in no great danger, or at worse, being killed. One lead shot could do a lot of damage to body tissue; that he knew for certain. As he thought this, he was ushered onto the landing and towards the main stairs. As he descended, he saw Stephens walking towards them.
“Ah, Sirs. I trust all is well with you both.” Stephens paused mid step as he spotted the pistol in Popes had pointing directly at Toms spine.
“Ah, the butler.” Pope almost mocked. “Would you go into the Hall and ask Lord Arkwright to join us?”
“Sir?” Stephens looked from the gun to Pope and then to Tom, who nodded slowly. Turning, Stephens disappeared into the main Hall.
“Look, what are you up to? What the devil do you hope to achieve by all this?” Tom asked, skipping down a couple of steps ahead of Pope and turning to face him.
“I don’t know whether I should believe you or not, Mr. Rowan.” Pope said. “Either you are trying to buy the Hall or you’re up to something else. Either way, Lord Arkwright will be able to tell me.”
“But are you sure waving a gun about is the way to go?” Tom said nodding to the pistol in Popes hand. “I mean, someone could get hurt, or killed even. You know how dangerous guns are?”
“Tom?”
The Doctors voice made Tom spin. The Time Lord was stood just outside the doorway to the main hall, next to the imposing figure of Lord Arkwright.
“I say, Mr. Pope. What the devil do you think you’re doing? Why the devil do you have that blasted gun?” Arkwright exploded, almost trembling in rage.
“Trying to go behind my back and sell your home off to another buyer are you, Arkwright?” Pope almost spat. “Ah, Doctor. Sending your young friend as a spy? Dear, dear me!”
“Tom, what have you done?” The Doctor asked, eyeing Pope carefully.
“I had to tell him, about us negotiating with Lord Arkwright to buy the Hall.” Tom said, looking intently with a pleading gleam in his eye to Arkwright.
“What the devil are you on about sir?” Arkwright bellowed. “The only person I’ve been talking to about the sale of the house is Mr. Pope there, who is now waving a gun about in my house like an idiot! Explain yourself, the pair of you.” Arkwright bellowed taking several steps towards Tom and Pope.
Pope swung his pistol round to cover Pope and the Doctor. As he did, he raised his leg and kicking Tom in the small of the back, knocked the young Time Lord off balance and down the remainder of the stairs. “I think you’d better ask your guests for an explanation.” He said. “I found this one going through my possessions.” Pope indicated Tom with the pistol. “And I’m missing a rather important belonging.”
Arkwright looked from Pope to Tom, who was getting to his feet at the foot of the stairs, and then to the Doctor. “Doctor, Mr. Rowan, you’re guests in my home, would you care to explain yourselves?”
Tom looked from Arkwright to the Doctor, before looking back to Pope and then again to the Doctor.
“Do you mean this?” The Doctor pulled the small black device from an inside pocket of his coat and held it in the air between his thumb and forefinger, waving it slightly. The two red diodes were blinking rapidly. “If this is yours, Mr. Pope, then you’ve stolen it or got it from someone else. This is not a product of Earth technology.”
“What the devil are you talking about Doctor?” Arkwright asked, looking from the Doctor, who was stood, stony faced, to the unmoving figure of Gregory Pope, who was staring the Doctor down, a deadpan expression on his face also.
Tom looked at the two men and then to Arkwright, who wore an expression of a clear mixture between anger and confusion. “Lord Arkwright. We think that someone here tonight is plotting with aliens for an invasion or something like that. We found that device in Mr. Popes room, and-”
Arkwright cut in, still unsure about what was happening. “Aliens? You don’t mean the French do you?”
“A little bit further afield than the French.” Tom said.
“Russians?”
“Farther than that, Arkwright.” Pope said, not taking his eyes off the Doctor. “You think so small. That device will help me bring a new light to this world. Things will never be the same again. Be prepared, the name Gregory Pope will go down in history, as will tonight. Due to these two idiots meddling, things will have to be brought forward. Doctor, give me the device.” Pope held his free hand out to the Doctor, who remained still. “I suggest you hand it over, Doctor,” Pope said, levelling the pistol at Toms head, “Or your friend here will die.”
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:43:19 GMT
The Doctor looked down and sighed sadly, holding his hand out towards Gregory Pope, who snatched the black device from him.
“Oh, don’t look so sad, Doc. You sent the boy to spy. Don’t blame him.” Pope smiled a crooked smile, raising the device to his lips and pressing the two red diodes took a long sniff. “I disagreeociates will make a change of plans. Make your landfall as soon as possible.” He said into the device before slipping it inside a pocket of his coat.
“You despicable cad! What are you doing? What are you going to do to us?” Arkwright blustered, his face red with fury.
“You’re going to return to the ball room, with me, and together we are to sit and await the arrival of some, guests that I have invited.” Pope said in a slimy voice, putting a strained emphasis on the word ‘guests’.
“You’re letting us go, after all that?” Tom asked, astounded at what Pope was saying.
“Not quite.” Pope descended the remaining stairs and stood directly in front of the Doctor who stared back impassively, not moving a muscle. “You, there’s something about you, I can feel it. I’m going to be keeping my eye on you, and if there’s any trouble from you, or your little friend, you will die.” Pope stepped back, glancing at Tom, before turning to Arkwright. “And you, Lord Arkwright, you’ll act as if this never happened unless you want something to happen to that pretty wife of yours.” Pope sneered.
Arkwrights’ face got redder in rage as he stepped towards Pope, his fists balled, before the Doctor placed his hand on his arm, stopping him. Arkwright looked over at the Doctor, who was shaking his head slowly. “Lord Arkwright. Violence won’t solve anything. Trust me, everything will be alright.” The Doctor said calmly looking into the man’s eyes.
“Thank you, Doctor.” Pope smiled before putting his pistol back inside his coat. “Now, shall we return to the ball?” He said, walking back to the ball room. Reluctantly, after a few seconds, Tom and Arkwright followed after being beckoned by the Doctor, who had set off along with Pope.
“I don’t know about you, Mr. Rowan, but I can’t say I know a great deal about what is going on?” Arkwright said to Tom as they walked back to the ball room.
“I wouldn’t worry about it M’lord.” Tom said. “Just trust me and the Doctor. Carry on as if that whole shebang there didn’t happen.”
Arkwright paused and looked at Tom. “I’m afraid I still do not understand you sir, and not understanding what just happened, I am sure I can act as though it didn’t happen.” Confused, Arkwright scratched the back of his head. “At least, I think I can. It’s dashed confusing. That Gregory Pope had a gun.”
“Which he didn’t use. I doubt he ever will.” Tom said. “I think his bark is worse than his bite.”
Arkwright stared at the young Time Lord. “Excuse me sir, but the man threatened to kill you. I must say, I don’t find that an admirable quality amongst my guests. What the devil am I thinking? We must arm ourselves. Raise the militia, I’m sure there are some currently stationed in Bolsover.”
Tom placed his hand on Arkwright’s arm, stopping him from leaving the Hall. “Woah there! After that little brew ha-ha he’d notice our absence. Best thing we can do it to do as he says and go back and mingle.” Arkwright opened his mouth to argue against Tom’s suggestion but was silenced before he began to speak as Tom held up his hand and continued. “But know I know that there are some troops up at Bolsover, as soon as it’s physically possible, I’ll slip out and go and get them.” Tom nodded briefly and marched into the ball room, Arkwright hot at his heels. Glancing about quickly, Tom spotted the Doctor pouring himself a drink and walked over to him, Arkwright still close behind.
“Look here, sirs. I have allowed you into my home, so at the very least you owe me an explanation.” He hissed in a hushed tone to the two Time Lords.
“Lord Arkwright says that there is a small number of militia stationed up at Bolsover at the moment.” Tom said, ignoring Arkwright as he spoke to the Doctor. “I think I should slip out and try and get help so we can, y’know, deal with this Gregory Pope.”
“That’s all very well, but would you mind explaining to me before hand just what is going on?” Arkwright said again, going red with anger from being ignored.
“Look, I’ve thought about it,” Tom continued, emphasising his words with his hands. “The image of me we saw came from tonight, I’m wearing the same clothes bar the cloak. The only way I’d get that is if I were out on my way somewhere. Trust me; I can do this if I slip away when Pope isn’t paying attention.”
The Doctor looked into his young friends eyes. They were full of both despair and fear. He knew how much seeing the image of himself had unsettled Tom. “Ok.” The Doctor nodded. “Give it another few minutes, mingle, talk to people and then slip out. Lord Arkwright, I trust we can rely on the assistance of your staff? Excellent.” The Doctor smiled not allowing Arkwright time to answer before nodding his agreement to Tom, who turned and walked into the ball.
“Look here, Doctor. Either you tell me what the devil is happening right now, or I shall eject you from my property myself.” Arkwright almost shouted, livid with anger.
“Please, Lord Arkwright, I can understand this cannot be easy for you.” The Doctor said gently and soothingly, passing a glass of sherry to Arkwright. “First of all, trust Tom and I, we’ve been in similar situations before and are still here. We’re here to investigate Mr Pope and his activities. We had suspicions that he was engaging in clandestine activities with an alien power, coupled with certain bits and bobs of evidence we’ve picked up. We don’t know for certain what he’s up to, but it’s clearly not good, as that little charade out there proved. Although, I quite think he’s not exactly sure himself.”
“He threatened us and my wife and threatened to shoot Mr Rowan.” Arkwright said. “I should dispel the damnable cad now. I will not put up with such things on my property.”
“I really wouldn’t Lord Arkwright.” The Doctor warned, spotting Tom returning, conspiratorially over Arkwright’s shoulder. “Trust me, this way we may get to know about what he’s planning. Tom, what is it?”
“I forgot to give you this.” He whispered slipping Popes journal out of his pocket and into the Doctors hand before slipping off again into the groups of guests.
“Hmm.” The Doctor mused, flicking quickly through the pages and then slipping the journal into a capacious pocket.
“Well, what was that?” Arkwright asked.
“Pope’s journal. Things are an awful lot clearer now.” The Doctor said, enigmatically ending the conversation before wandering off towards a small group of people, including Lady Arkwright.
Lord Arkwright watched him walk off, dumbfounded. Quite what had just happened, he still did not know. Both the Doctor and the young Tom Rowan had asked him to trust them. For some reason, Arkwright did. There was something about the two men, something in their eyes, especially the young man, which was almost hypnotic. It was almost as if there was an age of wisdom and knowledge that ranged beyond their years. The twinge of anxiety peeked in his stomach again. Downing his glass of sherry, Arkwright shook his head, as if clearing an old thought and then turned, to find Charles and Jane Cavendish walking towards him.
*
The Doctor approached the group of people talking that included Lady Arkwright. He was sure he had overheard some rather interesting words in their conversations. Walking over and standing silently nearby, listening, he heard the words ‘flash’ and ‘shooting star’.
“This shooting star?” He asked, stepping forwards into the small group. “Tell me about it.”
“You didn’t see it?” One of the men in the group asked.
“I wouldn’t be asking if I didn’t.” The Doctor smiled, politely. “Hello, I’m the Doctor, by the way. I’m rather interested in astronomy, especially any unusual nocturnal activities that may have occurred in the past week or so.”
“Unusual nocturnal activities? He should be talking to my butler for that!” Another man said, causing a ripple of laughter through the group.
“I take it you saw the flash this afternoon.” Lady Arkwright said, turning to face the Doctor. “About four o’clock. It was as if it were lightning, yet the sky was not stormy.”
“That would be about the time Tom and I arrived.” The Doctor muttered to himself. “Oh, yes, yes. We did spot that, my companion and I. Have there been many of these?”
“Where have you been, sir?” The first man asked, taken aback.
“The Doctor and his companion have been travelling and have not been in the area the past few months.” Lady Arkwright said, laying her hand on the Doctors arm. “Is that not right, sir?” She asked looking up into his eyes.
“That is right, my la-” The Doctor trailed off, narrowing his eyes and looking out of the window. Stepping back and round the group, the Doctor walked over to the tall windows and peered out into the dark blue of the sky unaware those in the group had joined him.
“You’re a man of science, Doctor. Is it a shooting star or a comet?”
The Doctor looked round to see Lady Arkwright beside him. Looking up, he noticed that the music had stopped and all the guests were looking to the windows. He looked back to the red glow that was moving slowly across the sky, a fiery orange tail trailing behind it. “I wouldn’t like to comment, not without any of my instruments, and be wrong in my statement.” He lied softly as he watched the alien ship enter the planets’ atmosphere.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:43:47 GMT
Spotting the fiery trail in the sky, and seeing the balls guests flock to the windows to watch the spectacle, including the Doctor and Gregory Pope, Tom seized his chance. Slipping through the door he almost collided with Stephens.
“Sir, what the devil-?” Stephens began before be silenced by the young Time Lord.
“I don’t have a great deal of time to explain, Stephens.” Tom said in hushed tones, trying to emphasise the urgency of his situation with his hands. “I need to raise the militia stationed at Bolsover. I need a cloak, gun and a horse. As quickly as possible, Mr. Stephens. Can it be done?”
Stephens stared at Tom, confused, his mouth opening and closing as if he were trying to speak but couldn’t quite find the words.
“It’s very important. Please, lives are at stake.” Tom pleaded.
Stephens stammered for a moment before finally speaking. “Follow me, sir.” He said, rushing towards the staircase leading to the kitchens and servant areas below the house. Rounding to the stairs, the two almost collided with Mary, who was coming from below.
“Oh, my life!” She exclaimed, almost falling back down the stairs.
“Mary,” Stephens said, gripping her arm to stop her falling. “Go out to the stables and saddle a horse for Mr. Rowan and bring him to the rear. It doesn’t matter which horse, just make haste.”
“But Mr. Stephens-” Mary started.
“Please, hurry. This is very important.” Tom said.
Nodding her agreement, Mary dashed passed Tom and Stephens and towards the main door. Watching to make sure that she made the door, Tom then turned and followed Stephens down the remaining stairs. He followed the butler through the almost deserted kitchens to a row of hooks on the wall. Stephens stopped at the hooks and grabbed a grey cloak and turning, placed it on Toms’ shoulders and fastened it for him.
“You are fortunate, Sir.” Stephens said, leading Tom to a small table and chair against a wall with seven candles all lit and flickering due to their rushing. “I had been charged by his Lordship to clean his pistols for him as he was due to go hunting on the Cavendish estate tomorrow.”
Tom breathed a heavy sigh of relief. “Luck loves a Time Lord.” He muttered quietly to himself.
“How many, Sir?” Stephens asked, busy loading one pistol and looking at the Time Lord.
“Just that one will do. How many rounds does it have?” Tom asked looking about for a rear door to the servant quarters, before realising that Stephens was just looking at him. Looking at Stephens, Tom began to fear he’d said something wrong.
“Sir?”
Tom looked at the pistol and suddenly realised what he had said. He knew full well that flintlock pistols only had one shot. “Sorry, how much spare shot and powder?” He corrected himself. “No, there’s no time. Please, Mr. Stephens, can we get on?”
“Certainly Sir.” Stephens said, handing over the pistol and then turning and leading Tom through another door, leading to a narrow staircase leading upwards.
Tom followed Stephens up the staircase and came to a locked door. Taking a key from his pocket, Stephens opened the door and stepped out into the early night. Following, Tom saw Mary leading a huge brown stallion with a white strip down its nose, towards them.
“Here we are, Sir.” She said as she drew near. “The Masters’ horse; Hawkwing.”
“Master?” Toms eyes opened wide in alarm.
“Yes, Lord Arkwright sir. Are you quite alright?” Stephens asked, looking intently at Tom.
“Yes, sorry.” Tom said, thinking fast. “Just there are some things that are weighing heavy on my mind.” He said, not exactly lying and glancing over his shoulder. The fiery trail in the sky had stopped. It was either a shooting star, or if it was an alien craft, it had entered the planets’ atmosphere and was making it’s decent to wherever; presumably the hall. With the help of Stephens, Tom mounted the horse and took hold of the reins.
“If I were you two, I’d get back into the hall before you’re missed, both of you.” He said down to Stephens and Mary. “And thanks for your help.” Tom watched as the two staff went back into the hall, and he heard the click of the heavy lock in the door. Pulling the cowl of cloak over his head, Tom leaned flat against the horse and pulling the reins and kicking with his heels, set off towards Bolsover at a gallop.
*
The commander of the landing craft sat proudly on his chair above the rest of the bridge crew. He was honoured that the Leader had chosen him above the rest of his peers for the position of Landcraft Commander. His rough, scaly skin was flushed a more bluish green with pride and his large purple eyes sparkled in the dull light of the bridge.
His new black and silver uniform fitted him perfectly. He was still getting used to the stiffness of the shoulder sections, and the ribbing of the fitted uniform. He had only met these aliens once before, and that was only the one of them. There had been no contact from the Human on the planets’ surface for some time. He had ordered his craft to maintain a geostationary orbit above the south west area of the island where they had first contacted the Human.
The Landcraft Commander parted his lips and slowly licked them with his two green tongues, starting from the upper point of his top lips until they joined back together on the bottom lip, before disappearing back inside his mouth. He surveyed his bridge crew; he had known half of them from the Hatching, the other half he knew came from the next Hatching season. Only one member of the bridge crew, in fact the whole ship was older than he was. His second in command was a veteran of thirteen first contacts and was a whole 32 Hatching seasons older than himself.
Sitting erect below the Landcraft Commanders right, the Deputy Commander watched the crew, tight lipped, idly running his finger along the lower edge of the scar that ran across his face and through his left eye. The scar had rendered him blind in that eye and left it a milky blue, which contrasted with the dark deep purple of his other eye.
The communications officer turned from her station to the Landcraft Commander. “Commander, we have an incoming communication from the planet surface.” She reported, her skin flushing a deeper brown as she spoke.
“Relay it to me.” The Landcraft Commander ordered, gently rubbing the tips of his three fingers together.
The communications officer turned back to her station and pressed the controls, before wincing, the edges of her lips downturned and her brow furrowed, as the alien speech of the Human filtered though the speaker system of the bridge. Seconds later, the garbled Human speech was translated into understandable language.
“Make your landfall as soon as possible.” The mechanical sound of the computers translation circuits informed the bridge.
The Landcraft Commander looked to his second in command. “Sub Commander Khrtsz; it appears that the Human has brought things forward. This is unpredicted. Before we enter the atmosphere, I would value your opinion.”
Khrtsz narrowed his one good eye and ran his finger along his now protruding top lip, which gave his mouth a beak-like appearance, as he contemplated the information. “Commander,” He bowed his head as he spoke “I have oft found that alien races are unpredictable, especially mammalian races, such as these Humans, to be unpredictable. I must concede that I find the absence of orbital stations or technological transmissions concerning. Unless this planets technology is vastly differing to ours, I suggest we proceed with caution. If we wish to join this planet, we must trust with the Human contact that it will lead us to the Prime Human. It could be possible that the contact over estimated time for preparation. That is how I see it Commander Ghyrrd”
The Landcraft Commander sat back in his seat, thoughtfully running his finger over his lip. “Thank you, Sub Commander Khrtsz.” Turning to the helm controls, Ghyrrd raised his arm to the pilot and co-pilot of the landing craft. “Take us into the planets’ atmosphere and slowly circle round, homing on the beacon. I wish for a complete survey to be made as we approach.”
The pilot and co-pilot reached across and manipulated the controls, looking at their individual display screens which showed reams of script and images of the craft as it entered the planets’ atmosphere.
Landcraft Commander Ghyrrd sat back in his chair; a smile spread across his thin lips and his skin flushed greener. He was going to make first contact and he was sure that he was going to make it memorable for his race.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:44:38 GMT
Corporal Lovatt waved at the driver of the Land Rover to stop. Commander Sullivan’s car was sat empty and unattended in the middle of the street. The Land Rover stopped silently and Lovatt surveyed the area. She swiftly spotted Commander Sullivan and the blonde girl, Tifa, stood near the ruins of a motor vehicle repair shop. Lovatt was just about to open the cab door when Tifa shouted something to the other girl, Jess, who was out of sight. Looking up, Lovatt saw Sullivan produce a pistol from a hidden holster under his jacket. He was holding it at arms’ length with both hands, aiming to direction that Tifa was looking.
“Corporal?”
Lovatt turned to the Private sat at the wheel of the Land Rover. “Quietly.” She nodded. “There’re unknown hostiles out there.”
The Private nodded his understanding and silently opened his door and stepped out of the Land Rover, as did Lovatt. Clutching her rifle, Lovatt cautiously walked round from Sullivan and Tifa towards a pile of rubble, hoping to come round behind whatever it was Sullivan was aiming his gun at.
Glancing over her shoulder, she saw half the patrol quietly jumping out the back of the Land Rover and readying their weapons. The second Land Rover pulled up silently behind hers, and she spotted Sergeant Cooper jump and out quietly run over to her. Looking back, she could no longer see Commander Sullivan or the girl Tifa. Cooper nodded and signalled to her that he knew what her aim was.
The sound of Harry’s voice carried on the breeze towards them, but his words were lost to the wind. Turning back, Cooper motioned for two of the soldiers to follow them and two to edge carefully towards Harry. The remaining soldiers stood alert where they were waiting for further orders.
Rounding the wall, Lovatt spotted what Sullivan was aiming at. An alien, and it had its arm around the other girls neck and was holding what could only be a gun at the girls temple. Cooper nodded to Lovatt, who dropped to one knee and brought her rifle up to aim, resting the butt in her shoulder. Lovatt took a breath in and gently bit her lower lip, as she always did when sniping. She knew the rife she currently held wasn’t designed for sniping purposes and therefore one slip could be fatal for the girl.
Waiting for the shot, Lovatts’ finger tightened on the trigger, and fired.
*
Harry looked down from Jess and removed his hand from the butt of his pistol. Maybe they had imagined the movement. The atmosphere, he felt sure, was able to trick your mind. It almost reminded him of when he was on Skaro, with the Doctor, all those years ago. He was brought crashing back to Earth when he heard Tifa shout out.
“Jess, behind you!”
Spinning, Harry reached into his jacket and brought out his pistol in one swift motion. Looking round quickly, he soon spotted Jess, struggling at the top of the pile of rubble. One of the aliens had appeared from seemingly nowhere and had grabbed Jess about the neck and was holding what appeared to be a gun to her head.
“Who the hell are you? What do you want?” Harry shouted up to the alien, aiming his pistol for its head.
Harry watched the aliens mouth open as it replied, however he couldn’t understand what it said. The alien language sounded like garbled clicking and guttural sounds. Shooting a glance towards Tifa, Harry saw that she was staring, unmoving at the alien.
“Let her go, and we can talk.” Harry said, stepping sideways, to try to get round the alien and get a clear shot.
Countering Harrys’ movements, the alien pressed its gun into Jess’ temple and turned, keeping her between itself and Harry.
“Come on now old thing,” Harry said in a friendly way. “Let Jess go and I’ll put my gun away and we can talk.” Harry slowly licked his lips, beads of sweat rolled down his forehead and his hands were becoming clammy from sweat. He swallowed hard. He was determined that he wouldn’t let Jess die.
A sudden gunshot made him almost jump. Had he fired? The aliens head jerked to the left, its large purple eyes seemingly instantly dimming. It stood for a couple of seconds before it crumpled to the ground in a heap, releasing Jess, who stumbled, slipping part way down the pile of rubble.
Stunned, Harry checked his gun. He hadn’t fired. It was then he spotted two Privates straightening up from where they had been creeping round the wall towards them. Appearing at the top of the rubble, Cooper, Lovatt and two further soldiers appeared. Harry breathed a sigh of relief.
*
Jess closed her eyes at the sound of the gunshot. She suddenly felt like she was falling, but no pain. Had she been shot? Opening her eyes, she found she was slipping down the rubble. Scrambling she managed to stop herself falling.
“What the hell?” She managed to mutter.
“Sorry, I saw it too late.” Tifa said, rushing over to see if Jess was alright.
“It’s ok, I’m still alive.” Jess smiled. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest.
Harry walked over to her and held out his hand, helping Jess to her feet. “Let’s have a quick look at you.” He said, carefully taking her head in his hands and looking into her eyes before gently lifting her head back and looking at her neck. “Nope, you’re quite fine. It didn’t burn you like it did Private Wolfe.”
“Well, it was wearing some sort of clothing on its arm.” Jess said, aware that the alien that she had seen on the video had been wearing clothes.
“It looked like it could have been a uniform of some kind.” Harry said, setting off up the rubble pile, to where Lovatt and Cooper were looking down at the body.
“Definitely dead.” Lovatt said, prodding the body with the toe of her boot. “Head shot. Sorry if you wanted it alive, but it was threatening Jess, and-”
“Enough, Corporal, you did well. Dismissed.” Cooper said, cutting Lovatt off.
“Sarg.” Lovatt nodded before walking back to the two waiting Land Rovers.
“Yuk, that’s a lot of a mess.” Jess said, as she helped Tifa up the last foot of the rubble to where the aliens’ body lay.
The body lay in a crumpled heap atop the pile of rubble. Its large eyes were now glassy and turning a milky blue colour. It was wearing a stiff silver and black uniform with the chest, shoulder and sections of the arms and legs looking as though they were almost armoured. The uniform had an ornate symbol on the chest and the upper arm.
Harry crouched down to examine the body. There was a torn hole to the side of the head where the bullet had entered, and a milky while coloured blood was trickling from it over the aliens scaly skin. Small trails of blood ran down and over the rubble. Covering his hand with the edge of his jacket, Harry gently turned the aliens head. Jess turned her head away, covering her mouth, upon seeing the mess the bullet had made. The colour drained from Tifas’ face as she scrambled down the rubble before vomiting.
The other side of the head had been blown away by the bullet. Shards of bone lay on the floor and stuck to the exposed brain. Milky blue blood had mixed with an almost translucent green fluid. There was a sickly musky odour coming from the body.
“Hmm, interesting.” Harry mused. “The skull is quite thin and from what I can make out the brain is smaller in scale than our own, but somewhat different to our own.” Harry pulled a pen from his pocket and lifted a part of the brain. “It looks somewhat segmented. And judging from the blood vessels going to this central part, it’s the most important section.”
“What does that mean?” Cooper asked, grimacing as he caught a waft of the smell coming from the body.
“Just some slight anatomy. This is a new life form after all.” Harry replied, before setting off down the rubble pile towards Tifa. “I say, would you get some of those chaps to get a stretcher. I want that alien fellow back at HQ or somewhere so I can perform a full anatomical investigation.” He shouted, turning back up to Cooper, before turning back to Tifa. “Are you ok, old girl?”
Tifa looked up and nodded; her face pale. “I was not expecting that.” She said.
“Can’t we set up here for a while?” Jess asked, walking over. “Or at least take it easy? This place is a ruin. I’m sure we can at least find somewhere.” A sudden gust of wind caused Jess’ hair to whip about her face. The gust was joined by a low humming sound.
“Sir!” Coopers voice floated across from the ruins to them over the wind.
Harry, Jess and Tifa turned towards him to see him pointing to the sky. Turning in the direction that he was indicating, they saw two black space craft moving low above the ruins of the town.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:45:26 GMT
“Everyone, take cover.” Harry yelled at the top of his voice, before throwing his arms around Jess and Tifa and pulling them under the cover of a still standing wall.
Jess found herself cowering under the shelter of the wall in an almost foetal position; she had tucked her legs up to her chest and covered her head with her arms, her eyes screwed tight closed. Forcing her eyes open, Jess squinted against the dust that was blowing about from the downdraft of the two craft. Jess looked at the nightmarish landscape and sky coupled with the two craft; she couldn’t help but think it looked like it was straight out of the future scenes from the Terminator films.
“They seem to be heading north.” Harry said, craning his neck to follow the two craft as they moved on. “Right o, I don’t think it’s too safe for us to stay here now. We need to find cover, pronto.”
“Where do you suggest?” Jess asked. “Look about, this town is a ruin.”
“Hmm.” Harry mused rubbing the back of his neck. “It does look a bit like that film, what’s it called; The Exterminator?”
“The Terminator.” Jess corrected, looking round for Cooper and the patrol.
“Sir, what are your orders?” Sergeant Cooper rounded the corner, scrambling over the rubble as two privates climbed the rubble carrying a stretcher between them.
“We need to get out of this area immediately.” Harry said. “We don’t know whether those aircraft saw us or what these aliens want.”
“Or whether they’re actually hostile or what.” Jess said, rubbing her neck. “I know the Doctor said they weren’t, but that one certainly was.”
“I don’t really know what is happening, but I think we should go back to the old Hall where the Doctor and Tom disappeared.” Tifa said, the colour returning to her face. “If that is where all this trouble started, maybe there is something else we can do there?”
“It’s an idea, certainly.” Harry said.
“But if it is all ruins here, what can we do?” Tifa cut in again. “If the Doctor and Tom come back, then will they not come back at the Hall?”
“I’m afraid I just don’t know old thing.” Harry said, rubbing the back of his neck. “We certainly do need to find some shelter or cover. I think we should have a look about here first and if there’s nothing, return to the Hall.”
“What about the TARDIS?” Jess asked, the idea springing back into her mind. “It’s a time machine, if there’s something wrong with time, it should be able to tell us. And it’s shelter, there’s room enough inside for all of us.”
“Of course.” Harry said turning towards Cooper. “Sergeant, get the body into the back of one of those Land Rovers and then follow me. We’re heading to Dronfield.”
“Sir?”
“We’re planning on a contingency plan by the time we get there. There should be something there that could help us.” Harry said.
“Wait a moment.” Tifa said, reaching out and placing her hand on Harrys’ arm.
“What is it?”
“Do any of us know how to work the TARDIS?” She asked.
Harry opened his mouth to speak, before closing it thoughtfully. Rubbing the back of his neck, he turned slowly to Jess, who was looking crestfallen. “Well, it’s been dashed near twenty five years for me, but I’m sure I can try and think back, and I’m sure you two have seen the Doctor operate the TARDIS. Between us, we should be able to manage something, shouldn’t we?”
“Well, erm-” Jess stammered.
“It’s our best option, old girl.” Harry said.
“If we cannot move the TARDIS, we can at least rest there. And we would have food and drink.” Tifa said, stepping forwards.
“Yeah, that’s true.” Jess said, her stomach rumbling at the mention of food. “Ok, alright then. Shall we get going then? If the roads are anything like they were coming here then it could take a while.”
“Right you are old girl.” Harry said, turning and leading the way out of the ruins of the shop.
*
“You want us to sit in the back with this, sir?” Private Burns asked. “It’s gonna stink out the Land Rover.” Jimmy turned to the rest of the platoon, who were sitting in the back of the rear Land Rover for support, who all nodded in agreement.
“It’s only until we get back to Dronfield.” Cooper said. “Apparently there’s something there that will be able to help us.”
“You mean, that Police Box in the grounds of the school?” Burns asked.
“I get the feeling, yes.”
“Sarg, I’ve heard the stories. What is it exactly?”
“I’ve heard them too, Burns. But I don’t know what it is exactly.” Cooper said. “Time we found out.” He added before returning to the cab. Climbing into the driving seat, Cooper turned the ignition and with a crunching of gears set off, following Lovatts Land Rover with the staff car in the lead.
*
Jess strapped herself into the seat of the passengers’ seat of the staff car, Tifa behind her and Harry at the wheel. She looked at the ruins of the town as Harry drove; buildings with the front walls gone, the rubble strewn across the street, shop windows shattered. The journey through the centre of the town was slow and careful, Harry steering the car round the piles of rubble.
Jess looked back to look out of the rear window. She caught sight of Tifa, the colour coming back to her face. Looking past her to the window, Jess saw the two Land Rovers slowly following, Lovatt sat beside the driver of the vehicle behind them. She turned back and looked through the windscreen. The car was now coming out of the town.
“All the damage doesn’t seem to be as bad as we’re coming out of the town.” She said, noting that the damage to the buildings was lessening.
“It certainly isn’t as bad as the ruins when we were going back to the town.” Tifa agreed.
“Could be like the Doctor said, it’s starting from the Hall and spreading out.” Harry said.
“I dunno.” Jess mused. “If I was an alien invasion force, I’d bomb the crap out of all the cities and then go about mopping up survivors. You never see Independece Day?”
Harry merely looked at Jess before turning his attention back to the road.
“It’s what they did in the war as well. The German air force bombed the hell out of London night after night. Maybe that’s what the aliens did, bombed out all the large cities and towns. That’d bring the UK to a standstill.” Jess looked at Harry, who was staring out of the windscreen in grim determination. “It’s just a though.” She said sitting back in the car seat, thinking about what she had said. “My God, a bloody horrible thought.” She added, realising that she had just thought through a way to bring humanity to its knees before an alien power.
Jess sat back in the seat and looked out of the window trying not to think about what she had just said. She looked out at the scenery as it seemed to start flashing by. It seemed as though the scenery was flashing past faster.
“We’re going faster.” Tifa said, sitting forwards.
“I’d noticed that too.” Jess said, looking at Harry. “Thought we were taking it steady.”
“We’ve got company.” Harry said, simply, as he changed gears and floored the accelerator.
Jess and Tifa turned to look out of the rear window. Behind them the two Land Rovers were alongside each other taking both lanes of the road and speeding up too.
“What do you mean?” Tifa asked.
The reply came before Harry could open his mouth to speak. He yanked the wheel sharply causing the car to swerve as the bush to the left of the car was uprooted in an explosion of dirt, pebbles and flame.
“What the hell?” Jess cried out as the car lumped over the clump of roots that had landed ahead of them on the road. Looking out of the window, she caught a glimpse on a black shape in the wing mirror. She looked again and her eyes widened in fear. Swallowing hard, she forced herself to look back over her shoulder. A jet black craft was following them, flying low and gaining fast.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:46:06 GMT
Jess suddenly realised what had caused the bush to explode, the craft was firing on them. Whether it was them in particular or the whole convoy, she wasn’t exactly sure, all she knew was, it made her heart race. Jess could see Tifa as she was thrown about in the back seat from the periphery of her vision. She looked over to Harry. He was sat hunched at the wheel, his knuckles white as he wrenched the wheel to avoid the deadly blasts. The road offered no cover and was fairly straight, with no major turns or corners to help avoid or shake off the alien pursuers.
A sign flashed passed that Jess only just caught three words on it; ‘Dronfield, twinned with-’. Dronfield. That meant they had to be nearly at the TARDIS. She fingered the metal of the TARDIS key under her shirt. The dull ‘krump’ of the alien energy weapons hitting the tarmac of the road were being joined by the sound of erratic gunfire. Jess could only assume that some of the soldiers were firing at the craft from the back of the Land Rovers. She wasn’t sure that the bullets would have any effect at all.
Harry sped the car round a corner, and Jess suddenly realised that she recognised the area, despite the ruin and decay. As Harry flung the car round a mini roundabout, Jess recognised the news agents where they had first learnt of the trouble, what seemed like weeks ago now, the pane glass window front was shattered and the shops contents spilled and spread over the road.
“Everyone out, quick.” Harry shouted as the car screeched to a halt, the front bumper stopping mere inches from the now rusted and decayed gates.
Jess threw open the door, before remembering about the alien craft. She looked back to see it rising into the air and banking as it circled round. Jumping out of the car, she slammed the door closed as Tifa ran past her to the gate. She got closer and saw the chain that had held it locked now was rusted and decayed. The comforting blue shape of the TARDIS still sat in the grounds, unchanged and untouched.
Harry had already climbed the low gate and was stood waiting for Jess and Tifa. The two girls climbed over the gate and ran towards the Police Box shell. Grabbing at the chain about her neck, Jess took the key and fumbled, trying to get it in the lock in a panic. Long seconds passed as Jess finally slipped the key into the lock and turned it. Before she could push the door open, a loud explosion made her jump and look back the way they had come. Harry and Tifa were staring too. A think black plume of smoke was bellowing from behind the trees, out of sight on the road. It became sickeningly apparent that one of the Land Rovers had been hit and had exploded.
“There’s nothing we can do.” Harry said, clearly regretting being unable to go and help as the alien craft circled back round.
The sight of the angular jet black craft spurred Tifa through the doors, closely followed by Harry as two energy bolts smashed into the steel and glass front of the schools reception, causing the glass to shatter and shower down both on the inside and outside of the building.
Jess was about to follow into the TARDIS when the screech of breaks followed by a crash and shout stopped her. Looking round, she saw one of the Land Rovers had skidded to a halt, too close and crashing into the rear of Harrys’ car, which had in turn projected forwards causing the gates to swing open. Corporal Lovatt jumped out of the Land Rover followed by the remaining soldiers, who looked around desperately. Calling out, Jess beckoned them over to the TARDIS.
Arriving outside the Police Box, the soldiers paused, looking at the small exterior of the space/time machine in confusion. Almost in frustration, Jess leaned out, grabbing the nearest private by the scruff of the neck and dragging him through the doors. Taking the hint, the remainder of the patrol followed through, Corporal Lovatt bringing up the rear. The Police Box door slammed closed as the alien craft bore down, sweeping low and firing upon the two vehicles. They erupted into fiery balls as the fuel tanks ignited, showering the surrounding area in shards of glass and metal. The energy bolts continued to smash into the tarmac until they reached the blue Police Box, which didn’t even tremble under the onslaught.
*
Sergeant Cooper casually glanced into the wing mirror as his Land Rover drew closer to the Land Rover in front. He did a double take when he saw the black object in the mirror. One of the angular black alien craft that had flown over while they were still in the ruins of Chesterfield was now pursuing them at an almost terrifying speed. He had seen it grow larger in the mirror as he watched. He leaned over to Private Anderson, who was sat behind the wheel.
“I’ve spotted Sarg.” Anderson said, before Cooper could say anything.
Anderson swerved the Land Rover out until he was driving alongside Lovatts’ Land Rover as Cooper contacted Lovatt via radio. Up ahead he saw Commander Sullivans’ car was also increasing acceleration.
“Corporal, hostile air craft approaching from the rear.” Cooper said into the radio.
“Recieved.” Lovatts’ voice came through the radio.
Looking back in the wing mirror, Cooper saw that the alien craft was drawing ever closer. The air seemed to crackle just above the Land Rover and suddenly the verge ahead of Commander Sullivans’ car seemed to explode sending a bush flying almost comically into the air. Trailing flames, it landed on the road, and the car lumped over it as it swerved to avoid a further energy bolt.
Cooper gripped the door panel as the Land Rover rounded a corner. He could hear the now raised voices of his men in the back as they were no doubt being thrown about. Over the sound of the engines, he heard the sound of rifles being cocked before the sound of gunshots started to ring out.
He looked in the mirror at the dark alien craft. It was still firing its crackling energy bolts that were impacting into the ground with a dull ‘krumping’ sound. Looking forwards he could no longer see Sullivans’ car. It had been drawing ahead, it was newer and faster than the Land Rover he was now being bounced about it. He flinched as an energy bolt caused an explosion of earth that showered the cab of the Land Rover.
Cooper gritted his teeth as Anderson had to break as the road narrowed due to an abandoned car causing Lovatts’ Land Rover to swerve to avoid it. Beads of perspiration dotted his brow, several of them running down his face. He heard several of his men in the back swearing as the Land Rover screeched almost to a halt to allow Lovatts’ Land Rover to drive through.
Anderson swore loudly as he tried to set off again and stalled the Land Rover. Looking round, Cooper saw Anderson struggling to get the gear stick into first as he turned the ignition key, almost bouncing in his seat to get the engine going again. Cooper looked up to see the alien craft had flown overhead and was now banking as it circled round heading back for them.
Coopers’ eyes widened as he saw the craft coming back for them. The air about the stalled Land Rover seemed to crackle as the energy bolts sizzled and impacted about them. Cooper looked round as Anderson cried out in triumph as the engine spluttered back to life. Anderson revved the engine as the alien craft swept low over the Land Rover. Cooper could feel the downdraft of the craft, as if flew over buffeting the vehicle. Looking in the wing mirror he saw that the craft had already turned and was heading back towards them as Anderson set off again.
“Out, out now.” Cooper barked, pulling the handbrake sharply.
Cooper saw the crackling, haze that was the energy bolt as he kicked open the passenger door and dived. The energy bold smashed into the Land Rover, causing it to explode into a large fiery ball, the force of the explosion throwing Cooper across the road. Intense pain wracked his body. He was vaguely aware of a large, twisted piece of metal flying at him before his world went black.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:46:37 GMT
Tifa dashed through the narrow outer shell door of the TARDIS and burst into the console room, almost tripping down the three steps down from the door. The interior seemed much darker than she remembered. As she walked forwards, it came apparent that the interior was just dark and gloomy now.
“I say, they’re new!” Tifa turned round to see that Harry had tripped on the steps.
Turning back, Tifa saw the central column starting to glow brighter as the familiar hum of the TARDIS’s power started to build and light returned to the console room. Everything seemed the same as it was when she had left the TARDIS, however the air felt heavier and stuffier. There was a fine layer of dust over the floor, and as she drew nearer, she noticed over the console as well.
Tifa drew near the impressive wooden looking console and stepped up onto the large dais on which the console was placed. She rounded one of the large wooden support struts that rose from the floor and up towards the high ceiling, joining the five other struts at the archaic structure of wood and metal that held the top of the glass central column.
“I say, he’s redecorated.” Harry said, stepping up to the console and running his hand along the thin ridge of wood that stuck out below the instrument panels like a desk. At his touch, the hum of power seemed to increase and the lighting levels rose again. Harry drew his hand back in surprise.
Tifa was walking round the console and looking at the two alcoves either side. Both the kitchen and library alcove seemed dark and gloomy, the light seemingly not penetrating them, masking the back wall making them seem deeper. A sudden exclamation of shock made her turn. A small group of soldiers was stood just inside the doors, looking about them in amazement. Jess was pushing her way to the front of the group and ran to the console and slammed her hand down on the door control. The soldiers turned in amazement as the large twin doors through which they had just entered swung closed.
“That was close.” She breathed, gripping the edge of the console to get her breath back.
“This, this place, this place is-!” Lovatt stammered walking through the small group of soldiers, following Jess.
“Impossible?” Jess asked.
“Bigger inside than it is outside?” Tifa helped.
“Erm, both.” Lovatt removed her cap and scratched her head. “How can this all fit in a Police Box? It, it just doesn’t make sense!”
“That’s how I felt the first time.” Harry confessed. “You’ll soon get used to it, old thing. You can all stand down now.” He added, turning to face the remaining soldiers.
“That explosion?” Jess asked.
“Sergeant Coopers Land Rover stalled just outside the town. If there were any survivors, we don’t know. They’ll be taking cover if there are.” Lovatt said matter of factly.
“Well, we can see!” Jess suddenly exclaimed loudly after several long awkward seconds of silence. “The scanner. We should be able to see the local area.” Jess looked from Harry to Lovatt, smiling before turning to the console and looking at the plethora of switched, dials and levers. “But where has he put the switch that operates it? Come on girl, help me.” She said softly, patting the edge of the console.
Lovatt sidled up to Harry. “Is she talking to this, thing?” Lovatt paused unsure of what to call the TARDIS.
“No worse than how the Doctor talks to the old thing.” Harry chuckled walking up to Jess. “Just be careful you don’t send us of to goodness knows where, and when!” He said, remembering back to his first trip in the TARDIS. He looked about the console for what looked like the Helmic Regulator, telling himself in his head to avoid it at all costs if he saw it.
“Jess!” Tifa called from where she was standing at the other side of the console, looking at the wooden box. “What does this mean?”
Jess rushed round the console, stopping next to the young Thal. She was looking at the wooden box that was hanging from the central array at the intersection from where the wooden support struts joined together. It contained what looked like an old television screen with three large knobs below it and a row of switches. However, it was the message flashing on the screen that caught Jess’s attention; alternate flashing screens, the first with one word, the second with three:
“Warning; severe temporal divergence.”
Jess stared at the words for what felt like hours, trying to take in their meaning. “Well, the first two words are clear enough,” She said finally.
“‘Temporal divergence’ though, it sounds really bad.” Tifa said, looking up at Jess
Standing stock still and getting looks from everyone in the console room, Jess absentmindedly and thoughtfully sucked on the end of her finger before her eyes widened in realisation. “Temporal divergence.” She cried loudly causing Tifa to jump. Not saying another word Jess rushed round the console looking at each panel carefully.
“What the devil is it?” Harry asked as Jess squeezed in front of him and the console.
“No, I can’t see anything.” She said before running towards the library alcove. She skidded to a halt as the lighting in the alcove rose to the same level as the rest of the console room. Frantically, Jess gripped one of the book shelves and started looking at the titles.
“Would someone mind telling me what the hell is going on?” Lovatt asked.
“I’ve no idea.” Tifa said, her contractions still sounding alien in her tone of voice.
“I’ve seen the Doctor like this; it must rub off on people.” Harry shrugged.
Jess came walking proudly back from the library alcove, a thick book under one arm and a smug look on her face. “Look at this.” She said, holding the book out before her.
“‘Jane’s Definitive Guide to Planets Histories; Sol Three System’.” Harry read.
“I’m no expert.” Jess said, “But I’d say history has changed.”
“What-?” Lovatt started before being cut off by Jess.
“I said I’m not an expert, so I don’t know if I can answer your questions. But look at this.” Jess opened the book and flicked through to a page that she had folded over the corner. “‘Planet Sol 3, otherwise known as Terra or Earth’, et cetera, et cetera.” She read aloud. “But this bit;”
“‘Significant events in planetary history: Towards the end of what the Humans dated the second millennium A.D. the human occupation of Earth seemed to disappear overnight for causes unknown. Almost instantly the Human race disappeared and was replaced with the assumed long-dead reptilian race; the Krynyyl. Whether the Krynyyl invaded is still unknown and the Krynyyl themselves seem unwilling to talk about or even know themselves how they came to be the dominant life form of Earth. All that is known is that all previous life on Earth was extinguished, leaving only ruins as the last monuments to Humanities achievements.
“‘What is known however, is that there is a period of temporal flux about the planet Earth which ranges almost two Earth centuries. The end of this flux synchronises with the disappearance of Humanity and the arrival on the Krynyyl. It is known that the temporal flux has become a black spot for incidents for time sensitive races, although why the almost mythical ancient race of the Time Lords (see page whatever) has not dealt with the flux is also unknown.’”
Jess shut the book with a thump and looked up at her audience.
“So, according to that book, it’s doomsday?” One of the soldiers, who were grouped behind Lovatt and Harry shouted out.
“I don’t know.” Jess admitted, “But I’ve been to the future, the year 4054 or something like that. It’s where we picked up Tom and Humanity had a large empire and alliance with some federation. So this cannot be the end.”
“I’m sorry old thing,” Harry said, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t quite follow what you’re saying.”
“Ok.” Jess breathed out, she was almost trembling from nerves. “Hands up who’s seen ‘Back to the Future’?”
A few of the privates slowly raised their hands.
“Then you’ll understand this, it’s the best explanation I can come up with to what I think happened; The Doctor and Tom went back in time to 1809 from 1999. That is what I think they call the nexus point.” Jess paused, collecting her thoughts. “It’s like they said in Back to the Future, they went back in time and something was changed creating another timeline, and that’s this, what we’re in. I don’t know how or why, but I guess it was that explosion thing back at the Hall. That’s the centre of it after all. But now we’re trapped in a time when the human race is has become extinct somehow.”
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:47:08 GMT
“How did you get all that?” Lovatt asked, astounded.
“I dunno. I guess I’m just guessing. I’ve watched a lot of films and read a fair few books. But it would explain how there’s a different future now and what’s happened out there.” Jess said.
“What made you think of the alternate timeline thing?” Lovatt asked.
“I dunno.” Jess shrugged. “I just got an image of Christopher Lloyd in my head crying ‘great Scott’ whenever I looked at the message. It just reminded me of the alternate timeline in Back to the Future.”
“What do you thing, should we try and go back and sort this out in the TARDIS?” Harry asked.
“I really don’t know. It might even be this decision that causes it.” Jess said. “Nearly 200 years of time disturbance? It could be us trying to take the TARDIS back to save the Doctor and Tom, or it could be us just sitting here. It’s catch 22.”
“We won’t know if we don’t try, will we?” Tifa asked.
“Exactly.” Harry said, stepping forward. “I don’t claim to have any answers, in fact, I don’t even know how you came up with that, but we don’t we need to know what happened that changed things?”
Jess sighed sadly and walked to the console. Leaning forwards, she rested her hands against the wooden panelling. “I just wish I knew what to do.” She said, looking down at the panel of the console before her. There were two circular convex metal pads both rimmed with flat diodes, the left red and the right green. Jess’s eyes fell to the two pads, as the lights around them seemed to blink welcoming to her.
*
The Krynyyl Scoutcraft Commander sat in his command chair on the small bridge. Her Pilot and Co-pilot had located an alien presence in the ruins of one of the old Human settlements and had chased them in land vehicles along one of the roads. She knew that they were hostile as they had arrived in stealth and already killed one of her land crew.
Her gunners had destroyed one of the Humans land vehicles in their pursuit and she had seen on the exterior viewer that the surviving Human invaders had taken shelter in a large blue box in the grounds of a larg guiding. The Scoutcraft Commander watched astounded as the box seemed far too small to house all the Humans. Not only that, it gave off some anomalous readings when scanned and seemed immune to their firepower.
Ordering the ship to land, the Scoutcraft Commander ordered an armed land crew to be assembled. The humans had proved to be even more hostile that their first encounter which had resulted in the Krynyyl race being projected through time. Reaching to the communications array at her personal terminal, the Scoutcraft Commander made a report to Deputy Subcommander Ghyrrd at the Central Command.
Krynyyl scans had shown the planet devoid of life after their temporal transference. If some Humans had survived and remained hidden their initial scans must have been wrong. The Krynyyl race would not be able to settle and fully repopulate if there was to be an attack from the Humans.
*
“Try and think; what would the Doctor do?” Harry said as both he and Tifa walked up to the console.
Tifa ran her hands through her hair as she looked from Harry to the scanner and then to the console. Turning back to the scanner, she stepped closer to the wooded box and reached cautiously out towards one of the knobs on it. She gently turned it, causing the flashing image to flicker and fade. Noticing the change in the picture, she reached out again and flicked the larger of the switches. The flashing words disappeared to be replaced with the image outside.
The black Krynyyl craft had landed in the playing field at the top of the school and a small squad of what were possible Krynyyl troops were making their way from the ship, heading towards the TARDIS.
“I do not like the look of this.” Tifa said, looking at the screen.
Harry dashed round the console, almost colliding with Lovatt who also rushed round to look. Looking round, Harry saw Jess hadn’t moved, still staring at the same panel on the console. “Jess, old thing?” He asked.
Jess didn’t seem to hear him. She was stood perfectly still, staring at the console, apparently deep in thought. Harry took a step towards her, his hand outstretched before pausing. It looked as though her breathing had slowed and she was blinking less.
“Is she-?” Lovatt began, reaching out towards her.
“No!” Harry cried, grabbing Lovatts’ hand. “Don’t touch her. She seems to be in some sort of trance.”
“What do you mean?” Lovatt asked, looking more confused than ever.
Ignoring her, Harry turned to Tifa. “Have you ever seen Jess like this before?” He asked.
Tifa tore her eyes from the scanner screen and looked at Jess before turning back to Harry. “No.” She shook her head before turning and looking back at the screen. “The aliens are getting closer.” She said.
Harry looked back up at the screen. Two lines of armed Krynyyl were marching towards the TARDIS, getting ever closer. As they watched, the Krynyyl stopped, forming a shallow semi-circle about the TARDIS. As one, the Krynyyl raised their weapons and fired. Harry almost ducked as the scanner image flickered as the energy discharge splashed harmlessly against the polyplasmic shell of the TARDIS. Unperturbed, the Krynyyl fired again and again before realising their firepower was causing no damage.
Harry rushed to the door control, shouting to the soldiers who were grouped near one of the battered sofas as he did so. “You men, get ready to go out there. Stand sharp, we’re under attack.”
Roused from their conversations, the remaining platoon members scrambled to grab their rifles and ran to the doors as Harry reached the door control. “Tifa, old thing, tell me when those Krynyyl chaps are occupied.”
“They seem to be talking amongst themselves.” Tifa replied.
Harry opened the main doors and turned to the soldiers, who piled out of the TARDIS. Lovatt picked up her rifle, which she had placed against one of the wooden support struts and turned to Harry.
“In case one gets in.” She nodded.
Harry nodded and walked back round to the scanner. He glanced at the still unchanged picture on the monitor before he turned his attention back to Jess. “Jess? Jess old thing, can you hear me?”
Jess continued to stare at the two pads on the console. The blinking lights were almost hypnotic. Eventually, Jess stood up straight, still looking at the pads. Taking her hands off the console, she reached forwards and placed her palms on the two pads. The lights round the pads stopped blinking in unison, the red diodes of the left pad started blinking round in a clockwise direction whilst the green diodes of the right started blinking in an anti-clockwise direction. With her hands on the pads, Jess closed her eyes and her breathing became deeper. She seemed oblivious to the sound of gunfire coming from the scanner.
Harry and Tifa were watching the scanner screen as the remaining members of the platoon came into view and started firing at the grouped Krynyyl. The fire fight was brief, the Krynyyl being taken by surprise. Watching shots exchanged, Harry winced as three of the soldiers were hit and collapsed, lightly bouncing on the balls of his feet, itching to go to their aid.
Jess suddenly straightened up, bringing her hands slowly from the two pads. She dashed passed Harry and Tifa, catching their attention, as she started flicking switches and turning dials on the console.
“Jess. What are you doing?” Tifa asked, gripping her arm.
“Get those soldiers back inside, quickly.” She replied. “I know what to do now. We’re going back to the cause of all this.”
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:47:38 GMT
Having stepped outside the TARDIS, the remaining members of the platoon had readied their rifles and edged round the sides of the Police Box. Fanning out they levelled their rifles, aiming them at the grouped Krynyyl. Firing, the Krynyyl were hit by a barrage of bullets, barely finding time to turn and fire back. Hissing, the Krynyyl fired at their attackers before the last was cut down by the alien projectile weapons. Cautiously, one of the soldiers edged forwards to check that the Krynyyl were dead, whilst the three soldiers who were still standing tended to the three wounded.
A hissing sound emanated from the Krynyyl ship, as a hatchway opened and a further stream of armed Krynyyl troops emerged firing immediately in their direction. Immediately, the soldiers took up a defensive position around the TARDIS. Rounding the side of the TARDIS, Corporal Lovatt appeared, firing in the direction of the advancing Krynyyl.
“Fall back into the TARDIS.” She shouted above the noise of the gunfire. “We’re getting the hell out of here.” Emptying her magazine, Lovatt helped carry one of the fallen soldiers back into the TARDIS.
Scrambling to get back through the doors, Lovatt and the soldiers paused as there was a low roar and a small black ship flew fast overhead. Hovering over the road, the ships retro jets fired, turning it in its circle, before it descended, disappearing behind the trees at the bottom of the school grounds.
“Inside, quick!” Lovatt shouted, holding open the door for her troops. She could hear the sound of the Krynyyl weapons as they fired in their direction. Closely following the last of the soldiers into the TARDIS, Lovatt spotted more Krynyyl marching towards them from the direction the second craft had landed.
*
The Landcraft Commander watched in silent rage as seven humans emerged from the small shack and ruthlessly shot dead her entire land crew. Her skin flushed a dark brown in fury and her thin lips drew back over her thin pointed teeth. Hissing in rage, she activated the communication controls at her personal terminal.
“Squad leader Trlyh; Human invaders have killed our land crew. Organise your squad to destroy them.”
Sitting back in her chair, the Landcraft Commander watched, her eyes reddening in pleasure as she saw her troop squad drive the Humans back into the box as a relief ship arrived and a further troop squad arrived, firing at the Humans.
“Concentrate the image on that structure.” She ordered the Co-pilot. “I want to know what it is.”
Watching as the image homed in on the blue box the Landcraft Commander saw the light on the roof begin to flash.
“What is it doing? I want readings!” She ordered her technicians, watching in rapt awe as the box faded out of being.
“The readings match those of just before the Time of Land. There is more than one set of readings. If the box was a Human craft, they could be arriving in force.” The Co-pilot said, reading from his terminal. “According to all readings, there is another disturbance in the fabric of the world at the Place of Land.”
The Landcraft Commanders skin flushed brown and her eyes gained a hue of blue in pure rage. No Krynyyl had set foot in the sacred Place of Land since their first major contact with Humanity. The ruin of the old building where the blood of the first land crew had been spilled, forcing Deputy Subcommander Ghyrrd to take the action that had elevated him to that position.
Her tongues flickering between her pointed teeth, the Landcraft Commander leant forward in her chair. “Set co-ordinates for the Place of Land, but do not enter the airspace.” She ordered the Pilot. “It may prove necessary to land in stealth and launch a ground offensive.”
*
Jess stood by the console and watched as the remaining soldiers returned to the console room finally followed by Corporal Lovatt, who was still firing her remaining rounds through the doors to the advancing Krynyyl troops. Staring straight ahead into the central column, Jess began to sidestep around the console occasionally glancing down at the panels.
“It’s not working!” She cried softly balling her fist and bringing it down on the wooden panelling.
The lighting of the console room gently dimmed as the groaning sound of the TARDIS’s temporal engines started and the central column began to move. Standing at the console, Jess gripped the panel before her, looking into the blue light that emanated from the centre of the column.
Tifa looked at Jess; her eyes were almost glazed as she stared into the blue light of the central column. Looking back towards Harry, she saw he was crouched, tending the injured soldiers. Moving over to him she crouched down opposite him.
“How are they?” She asked.
“Two are dead, this chap’s got some rather severe burns.” Harry said sadly, holding the soldiers wrist, checking his pulse. “He needs proper medical attention, and I can’t do anything here or if Humanity is extinct.” Harry paused, putting his hand to his mouth thoughtfully. “I do seem to remember the Doctor saying something about the atmosphere in the TARDIS at one point, hopefully that will keep him stable.”
“Is there nothing in the TARDIS that can help?” Tifa asked. “Ice, or cold water or something?”
“Wrong kind of burn.” Harry replied. “This isn’t a heat burn; I saw similar wounds when I travelled with the Doctor.”
A chime from the console made Harry and Tifa turn back to look towards Jess, who was stepping back from the console, a surprised yet astonished look on her face.
“I did it.” She said softly, putting her hands to her face. “I did it, I did it, I did it.” Taking a deep breath in to calm herself, Jess stepped back to the console. “That was quicker than I was expecting.”
“What is it?” Lovatt asked.
“We’ve arrived. The TARDIS has brought us here.” Jess said, smiling.
“Well, what do we do now?” Harry asked. “I thought you said no one knew what caused history to change?”
“Well, we can at least have a look.” Jess said, reaching for the door control. “We won’t know much if we just stand about here wondering ‘what if’.” Jess looked about her at the faces staring back. “Look, two weeks ago I was living a normal student life, but recently I’ve faced Daleks, Cybermen and some psychotic maniac calling himself ‘The Master’. If I can do it, we all can. We need to go out there and see what’s happening.”
Harry found himself grinning as he listened to Jess, remembering what it was like for him, travelling with the Doctor during his UNIT secondment. “Right oh.” He said, clapping his hands together. “Let’s get on with it then.” Straightening his jacket, he made his way to the doors.
*
The Krynyyl Landcraft was approaching the edge of the airspace of the land zone. Entering stealth mode, the noise of the ships engines subsided and it glided around the perimeter, maintaining an equidistant hundred yard margin about the ruined hall.
Sitting on the bridge, the Landcraft Commander stared at the screen, her eyes almost blue in rage. The readings of the ships computer had said the Human craft was still arriving. The Landcraft Commander watched the readings as they were transferred to her terminal. The Human crafts mode of conveyance was most unusual. She watched the screen as blue box materialised out of thin air, the light on the top flashing as it did so.
“Land the ship. I will lead the assault force.” She hissed, rising from her chair. Walking from the room, the Landcraft Commander marched through the ship to the Troop bay, pausing in her walk to collect a translator unit from the Science bay, knowing that she would have to converse with Humans.
Walking into the Troop bay, the Landcraft Commander smiled at the sight of her troops stood below the balcony she now stood on. Walking up to her, Squad leader Trlyh saluted.
“All troops are ready and at your command, Commander.” He said, bowing in respect.
“Thank you, Trlyh.” She said turning to face the troops massed before her. “Today is to be a glorious day for the Krynyyl. We are privileged to halt the Human invasion before it has begun. Once outside, you are to fan out and we shall close the net on the Humans, who are cowering in the Place of Land. I shall be out alongside you, but hear this; there is to be no firing until I give the order.”
The three rows of troops before her raised their weapons into the air and hissed in approval, their tongues flickering out of their mouths.
*
Stepping out of the TARDIS and looking round, Lovatt paused as Jess stepped out behind her and closed the door.
“Hey, we’re back where we were.” She said, turning to face Jess.
“Well, yeah.” Jess replied. “This is where it started. Sutton Hall. The TARDIS brought us here for a reason. The Doctor always talks of her as though she’s alive, so I assume that there’s some sort of artificial intelligence or something that helps control it.”
“Well, what do we do now we’re here?” Harry asked, looking about. Between gaps in the looming grey clouds and fiery orange sky shone through ominously.
“Like I said, the TARDIS brought us here.” Jess said, walking towards the ruined building. “There must be something here that we missed first time.”
Following her, Harry and Tifa started looking through the windows into the empty rooms, examining the walls and floors to see if there was anything out of place.
A rustling in a bush nearby made one of the soldiers turn bringing up his rifle. “Ah, sir. I think we have a situation here.” He said, looking about.
Turning, Harry moved to cover Jess and Tifa, who turned round to see what was happening. Over twenty armed Krynyyl were advancing towards them in a semi-circle, weapons raised in a threatening manner. Cautiously, the four soldiers raised their rifles, cocking them.
“No, wait.” Harry said, holding his arms out and stepping forwards. “There are too many of them, we don’t stand a chance.” Raising his hands, Harry stepped forwards and made a show of opening his jacket. Slowly, making sure that the Krynyyl could see, he un-holstered his pistol and gently laid it on the ground before stepping back. “Everyone, drop your guns.” He said.
Lovatt copied Harrys’ actions before stepping back to where Jess, Tifa and Harry were stood with their hands raised. Slowly, the four soldiers un-cocked their rifles and laid them on the ground before stepping back and raising their hands also.
Slowly the advancing Krynyyl closed in on the group until they had formed a tight perimeter. The tallest Krynyyl stepped forward, it was carrying a smaller, single handed weapon and had a metallic device attached to around its neck that rose and stopped before its mouth.
“Back against the wall.” It hissed, gesturing with its gun. The message was repeated almost instantly through the device in a computerised voice.
“We don’t mean any harm, old thing.” Harry said as they obeyed the order. “We don’t know what happened to cause hostilities between our people, but we mean you no harm.”
The Krynyyl cocked its head as the same computer voice repeated Harrys’ message.
“You are invading the Place of Land.” The Krynyyl said. “Your execution has been ordered by the Krynyyl high command.”
“What?” Jess said, her eyes widening.
“But you can’t!” Lovatt said. “This is a surrender. You must have articles or war and conduct!”
The Krynyyl listened to the repeated message from the device before speaking again. “It has been ordered.” Addressing the rest of the Krynyyl, the alien spoke again. “Prepare arms and aim.”
“No, please!” Tifa pleaded. “We don’t mean you harm.”
“You have violated the place of land and have spilled Krynyyl blood. It has been ordered.” The Krynyyl hissed, its eyes flushing a bluer shade of purple as it stepped back into the semi-circle. “You must die. Squad will fire at my command.”
“You can’t. Please!” Jess emplored, stepping forwards. “We’re unarmed.”
What looked like a smile played over the Krynyyls’ lips as it raised its arm.
“Fire!”
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:48:04 GMT
Tom was gripping tightly to the horses’ reins, his knuckles white, as he lay as flat to the animal as he could. He kept glancing about him in the sky to see if he could see any sight of the alien craft as it approached the Hall. He was making better time that he expected, being able to ride in effectively a direct line towards the town of Bolsover up on the hill. Considering the urgency of his situation, he told himself that the local farmers wouldn’t mind his riding through the fields.
Pulling at the reins, Tom slowed the horse to a gentle trot as he entered the outside of the town. Somewhere in this town was a small garrison of militia, according to Lord Arkwright.
“Whoa there.” He said softly to the horse, pulling on the reins and looking about. There had to be somewhere nearby where he could get directions. Spotting a tavern on the road ahead, he swung his leg over the saddle and jumped down from the horse. Leading it by the reins, he tied it to a post outside the tavern. Looking up he noted the name; The Blue Bell. He remembered it from when they had arrived in Bolsover in one hundred and ninety years.
Taking a deep breath, Tom pulled the hood of the cloak back and opened the door to the tavern. The lighting inside the small room was dingy at best, and the air was not as smoky as he had anticipated. A log fire was burning in a large open fireplace and there were several people sat around small tables, clutching foaming tankards of what he took to be ale, and goblets of what he assumed was wine.
Realising that he was in the doorway, several of the patrons looked up and round at him, watching him with suspicion as he stood in the doorway before he made his way over to the large, heavy set man behind the bar. Smiling at the patrons, Tom walked slowly to the bar and, resting his arm on the wooden top, looked up at the barman.
“Can I help you sir?” He asked, looking down at Tom.
Tom blinked a couple of times. The man was a similar build to a Martian warrior, and his breath smelled worse. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, revealing broad, hairy arms. He was missing several teeth, the rest were crooked and yellow. His nose looked as though it had been broken several times.
“I’m looking for the militia.” Tom said, trying to hold his breath as the barman breathed heavily and deeply. “I’ve come from Sutton Hall. I was told that there were some stationed here.”
The barman nodded, his mouth twisting into a half smile, half sneer before he turned away and started wiping a tankard with the grubby cloth he was holding.
“What does a gentleman such as yourself require with the militia, may I ask?” A man sat hunched over the bar, holding a half empty tankard.
Tom looked at him. He had dirty blonde hair, short cut for the time, and was wearing a militaristic black tunic.
“Probably not best discussed in public, Captain?” Tom asked, eyeing the man’s clothes.
“Is your back room free, Mr. Fielder?” The man asked the barman, getting a half interested nod as his only reply. “If you’d care to follow me then, sir?” The man said, turning back to Tom.
Nodding, Tom followed the man through to a smaller back room which contained a small table and two chairs. A small fire was burning in a smaller fireplace, giving a flickering light to the room. A further two candles added to the illumination.
“Please, sit down.” The man said gesturing to a chair.
Unfastening his cloak and laying it over the back of one of the chairs, Tom sat down and watched as the man closed the door. Introducing himself, the man sat down opposite Tom.
“Lieutenant Moore, sir. How can we help?”
Resting his elbows on the table and steepling his fingers, Tom thoughtfully tapped his forefingers against his lips, trying to decide what to say to the Lieutenant.
“Look, sir. If this is a waste of my time, I don’t appreciate it.” Moore said, observing Tom carefully as he took a sip from his tankard.
“There’s a rather complicated situation developing down at Sutton Hall. There’s an armed man there who is verging on the psychotic, and there is the distinct possibility that an armed force may arrive to back him up.” Tom said.
Moore stared at Tom silently for several seconds, a slightly confused look on his face, before he eventually replied. “I’m not exactly sure that I understand you, Sir, but this Gentleman? Is he dangerous?”
Tom sat back and placed his hands flat on the table before him. “He’s armed and has already threatened myself, my travelling companion and both Lord and Lady Arkwright. Also, I didn’t get this by walking into a door.” Tom pointed to the small cut and lump where Pope had hit him round the head with the butt of his pistol. “Even if you can only spare a couple of men, it would be appreciated. It is possible that this man has ambitions to cause harm to His Majesty himself.”
Upon hearing his sovereign mentioned, Moore sat up and looked at Tom intently. Noticing this, Tom decided to continue along this line.
“My companion and I, we have been investigating this Mr. Pope and his activities. We believe him to be in collusion with a foreign power, for reasons we have yet to determine.”
“Right, sir.” Moore said, getting to his feet and offering his hand to Tom. “May I ask your name?”
“Tom, Tom Rowan.” Tom said, getting to his feet and shaking Lieutenant Moore’s hand. “Although I must stress, we have limited time, we need to get back to Sutton Hall before Mr. Pope has noticed my absence.”
“My men and I are at your command, Mr. Rowan, sir.” Moore said, opening the door and holding it open for Tom.
“Do you have horses?” Tom asked, throwing his cloak about his shoulders and fastening it. “We’d need them.”
Pausing to place his tankard on the bar, nodding to the barman, Moore followed Tom out of the tavern. “We’ve a few horses. If you want it as a matter of urgency, I can accompany you with a few men, the rest can follow on foot.”
“That works for me.” Tom said, barely containing his want to head back to the hall. “I hope we can do this quickly.”
“You said it was a matter of urgency, Mr. Rowan.” Moore said, closing the tavern door behind him. “My men are stationed at the castle.”
Nodding, Tom silently untied the horses’ reins before mounting the animal and following Moore along the narrow road towards the castle. “How long will it take to ready your men?” He asked, looking down at Moore.
“Mere minutes, sir.” Moore said. “We were actually preparing to move out tomorrow morning.”
Tom watched as Moore knocked on the gates that lead into the castle, being let in through a small door. “Pistols only for you and your men coming with me.” He shouted after Moore.
Sitting on the horse, Tom looked about him. He couldn’t see any sign of the alien craft in the clear night’s sky. It had entered the atmosphere, he was sure of that, but whether it was making a circular descent or scoping out the area before actually landing, he didn’t know. What he did know was they were on their way and Pope was loose in the Hall, armed. He was the main problem, of that he was sure.
He wasn’t sure how long he had been waiting, but Toms’ attention was taken away from the night sky as Moore rode up to him on a horse of his own, three soldiers behind him.
“Ready for you Mr. Rowan.” Moore said, saluting. “The rest of my men will follow on foot as soon as they’re packed.”
“Right, good stuff.” Tom said, turning his horse. “I hope you guys can keep up, we’ve a date with an American nutter and we’re already late.”
Kicking his heels, Tom spurred his horse into a fast gallop. He was aware of Lieutenant Moore riding alongside him. Glancing to his side, Tom saw the grim determination on the soldiers face in the moonlight. The wind was whipping his cloak behind him as he rode hard and fast along the bridleways.
Slowing his horse, Tom gestured to Moore and his soldiers to slow down also as they arrived at the driveway to the Hall.
“What is it, Sir?” Moore asked, riding alongside Tom.
“Don’t want to alert that Mr. Pope too early that we’re here. He might take reprisals against innocents.” Tom replied.
“Blaggard.” Moore muttered.
Tom looked ahead at the Hall. He could see lights and movement within. Signalling to Moore and his men, Tom led them down the side of the Hall to a fence post. Dismounting his horse, Tom tied him to the post, watching as Moore and his men did the same. Opening his mouth to speak, Tom was silenced by the sound of a shot coming from inside the hall.
Spinning to look, Tom and the soldiers were brought to a standstill by a roaring sound coming from the air, getting closer fast. A sudden blue flash illuminated the sky causing Tom to stagger. Blinking to clear the glare from his eyes, he turned back to Moore and his men.
“Are you guys alright?” He asked.
Tom paused and looked around. Moore and his men weren’t anywhere in sight. Tom looked again. About him the world seemed to be splintered into varying horrifying visions. Pulling the hood of the cloak back, he could see fragments of the twentieth century; skeletal and drunken students stumbling out of pubs, scuffling and turning to look at him before running in horror. His cloak falling from his shoulders, Tom turned back round. He could see horrific ghostly skeletal images of couples on romantic walks and even a small child, clutching the dirty rags of decaying bed sheets.
Toms eyes widened as he saw a skeletal figure he recognised. He took a step towards the image causing the ghostly figure of Tifa to scramble back from the ramshackle bed she was laying on. Catching a sudden image move in the periphery of his vision, Tom swung round, his pistol raised. He found he was pointing it at a ghostly image of Corporal Lovatt. His eyes widened, he remembered what was to happen next. Turning he came face to face with himself again. He watched as the ghostly image of the Doctor appeared with his sonic screwdriver in hand. A further blue flash caused Tom to find himself falling.
“Are you alright, Sir?” Moore asked, helping Tom to his feet. “What was that?”
Kicking his cloak out of the way and checking his pistol, Tom turned to face the soldier. “Unless I’m very much mistaken, major trouble. That gunshot sounded like Pope has missed me.”
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:48:52 GMT
Standing quietly at the edge of the ballroom, the Doctor checked his pocket watch before slipping it back into his pocket. Tom had been gone thirty minutes and it would only be a matter of time before Pope had realised he was gone. Looking up, he saw Lord Arkwright walking towards him, wearing a worried look on his already stressed face.
“Pre-empting your question, Lord Arkwright, I don’t know. It could be any minute now.” The Doctor said, holding his hand.
“Then why the devil doesn’t he hurry up. Mr Rowan knows the situation.” Arkwright said.
“He may be young and a bit facetious at times, Lord Arkwright, but I find it’s not wise to underestimate him.” The Doctor said, hooking his thumbs in the pockets of his waistcoat. “He does enough of that himself. There’s a lot more to him than meets the eye.”
“What are you talking about, Doctor.” Arkwright asked, getting silenced by a look from the Time Lord. Turning round, he saw that Gregory Pope was stood nearby, looking at them from over the top of his glasses, his hands held behind his back.
“Quite a conspiratorial little chat we’re having here.” Pope said walking slowly forwards. “Where is Mr. Rowan?” He asked as he stood with them, looking round before turning to the Doctor who was looking down, silently, his hands deep in his pockets. “I see.” Pope slowly nodded. “Then perhaps you would care to accompany me to the hall.”
“Now see here-” Arkwright began, stopping as Pope moved his hand to his coat pocket.
“I’d much rather we do it this way than me have to threaten you again.” Pope smiled. Sighing, Arkwright walked towards the door, his face reddening and fuming. Pope watched him go before turning back to face the Doctor. “You as well Doctor.” He said, raising his eyebrows.
Whistling cheerfully, the Doctor strolled from the room ahead of Pope, meeting Arkwright in the hall, furiously talking to Stephens, who was looking bemused at what Arkwright was saying. Walking round the two men, Pope stepped up onto the stair case and turned back to face the three gathered men before him.
“I asked where Mr. Rowan was.” He said loudly. “Considering that he’s your companion, Doctor, it’s your ball Arkwright and your butler was at the doors, I’m assuming at least one of you knows.” Pope surveyed the three men. The Doctor was merely staring back coolly while Arkwright was trembling with fury. Casting his eye on Stephens, Pope could tell that he knew something but was not saying.
“He’s gone.” Stephens said looking down from Pope to the floor. “Fled the Hall.”
Nodding to himself, Pope reached into his coat and drew a pistol, drawing back the hammer and pointing it at Stephens. “I don’t believe you.” He said, his mouth tight lipped. “I want the truth.”
The door to the ballroom opened and Lady Arkwright stepped out walking towards her husband. “What’s going on out here, dear?” She asked, stopping when she saw Popes gun. “Mr. Pope! What are you doing?”
Fearing for his wife, Arkwright stepped forwards to Pope, who swung round, pointing the pistol at him. “You’re for it now Pope.” He bellowed. “He’s gone to Bolsover to fetch the militia. I told him that they were there. Soon you’ll be arrested and I’ll do my upmost to see you bally well hung!”
Pope stared coolly down at Arkwright, a small smile slowly starting to play on his lips. “You told him?” He asked rhetorically as he bent his arm, raising his pistol. “Didn’t I tell you what would happen if you went behind my back?”
Arkwright’s eyes widened in horror and fear as Pope aimed his pistol and squeezed the trigger. “You may as well say your goodbyes, Arkwright.” Pope sneered, and then fired.
The Doctor and Arkwright started at the sound of the gun shot, turning to look at Lady Arkwright. She was stood, doubled up, a stunned and horrified expression on her face, her hands to her stomach. The dark red stain of blood could be seen spreading through the cream material of her dress from behind her hands as she tried to straighten up. A sound of shock came from her throat as she dropped to her knees. His mouth agape in horror, Arkwright went to rush towards his wife.
“Stay right where you are Arkwright!” Pope shouted, drawing another pistol from inside his coat and covering the outraged man with it.
“That was totally uncalled for!” The Doctor shouted. “She was an innocent and unarmed woman, a pregnant woman at that!”
Lady Arkwright looked up at the Doctor, tears running down her face as her breathing was becoming more shallow and ragged, her eyes fluttering.
“I’m a Doctor, please let me tend her.” The Doctor said, almost pleading to Pope.
“Just stay right where you are, Doctor.” Pope said coldly. “I still don’t trust you.”
“Pregnant.” Arkwright breathed, a tear running down his face before he looked up at Pope, his eyes full of contempt. “You fiend.” He spat. “Just wait until Mr. Rowan returns with the militia. You won’t be able to stand against several men with just the one shot.”
“I rather thing that Mr. Pope may have thought about that and be prepared.” The Doctor said, placing a hand on Arkwright’s shoulder before turning to address Pope. “Am I correct?” He asked.
Before Pope could reply there was a roaring sound from the sky above that seemed to resonate through the walls of the building.
“And I would imagine that that is your associates arriving.” The Doctor said, looking up at the window.
An almost blinding blue flash caused everyone in the hall to shield their eyes and the roaring sound stopped. The Doctor turned back to Pope who was looking up, clearly confused.
“Ah, yes.” The Doctor stepped forwards. “That will be a temporal displacement effect. I would imagine that your associates are now at the latter part of the twentieth century.”
“Twen-? What?” Lord Arkwright looked at the Doctor, anger and confusion in his eyes.
“Yes. What indeed, Doctor.” Pope said, pointing the pistol at the Time Lord. “You certainly seem to know a lot more than you’re letting on.”
“Very well, Mr. Pope.” The Doctor said, gripping his lapels. “I know that you’re in collusion with a race of beings called the Krynyyl, when they contacted you on the road between Plymouth and Exeter and that you’re planning to use their technology to gain power.” The Doctor paused, enjoying the look on Popes face.
“How did you know that?” He demeanded.
“Oh, this helped with that.” The Doctor said, reaching into his coat and removing Popes journal, throwing at the Americans feet. “However, when it comes to all the other things, such as the temporal displacement, I would imagine that I experienced the after results of that flash.”
“Alright Pope, just drop the pop-gun and surrender now, eh?”
Pope stared over the Doctors head, what appeared to be a snarl playing across his face. Turning, the Doctor, Arkwright and Stephens saw Tom, stood just inside the doorway with four soldiers, one, clearly the commanding officer.
“Just in time, gentlemen.” Pope said. “The Doctor was telling us all a story, and now you’re in time for the ending; the one where I emerge triumphant having heroically shot the oppressive forces of a power that wanted to stamp out all who oppose them.”
“Mr. Pope, I’m sure that by now you’ve realised that Tom and myself are not of this time, or planet. We’ve had extensive dealings with alien life forms.” The Doctor said, looking at Tom.
“That’s right,” Tom said, stepping forwards, keeping his pistol trained on Pope.
“What the devil are you talking about?” Arkwright exploded.
Tom looked over to him, and saw the crumpled heap of Lady Arkwright lying on the floor beyond them. “We’re Time Lords, from a planet called Gallifrey. What you want to do is causing damage to time. But I’ll tell you this; I know the future and the name Gregory Pope does not go down in history. It never has, it never will.”
“Oh, you can tell my future, eh? What of your own, can you see your future?” Pope asked, a sneer on his face.
“No.” Tom said carefully.
“Such a shame, Mr. Rowan.” Pope said, levelling his pistol. “Because I can, and you don’t have a future.” Smiling, Pope fired.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:49:17 GMT
Flinching, Tom instinctively ducked, there being no cover in the entrance hall. Faded images flashing into his head of fighting Daleks and other aliens for Earth and Federal forces, the faded remnants of a fake life. One of the soldiers behind him cried out as he fell back.
cocking their pistols behind him, the other soldiers took aim. Following suit, Tom stood up and walked towards Pope, his arm outstretched aiming the pistol at his head.
“The gig’s up Pope. You’ve just loosed your only shot.” He said, pulling back the hammer.
“Ah, Tom.” The Doctor started. “I rather doubt that-”
“Oh, I’d listen to him Mr. Rowan.” Pope said, firing again at another soldier, who fell, crying out.
Tom looked at the pistol that Pope was holding. It looked like a normal flintlock pistol. Then Tom realised, when Pope fired, it didn’t sound like a normal gun, it sounded more like a Phased Ion Blaster. He realised then that it was a modified pistol, most probably made by the aliens. Pope looked down at Tom as he fired a third time, hitting the third soldier.
“What the hell?” Moore said. “That gun has more than one shot!”
“That’s no ordinary gun.” Tom said, uncocking his pistol and making a show of placing it on the floor before him.
“Very wise Mr. Rowan, very wise indeed.” Pope said looking up at Moore. “Now you, Lieutenant, place you gun on the floor.”
Ruefully, Moore stooped to place his pistol on the floor. Looking up at Pope, Moore suddenly dived to one side, and fired, still holding his pistol. The single shot caused confusion in the hall. Arkwright ducked as the shot rang out, looking towards Pope, hoping to see him fall. Diving, the Doctor skidded to a halt next to where Lady Arkwright lay in a pool of blood. Cradling her head, the Doctor looked down at the wound in her stomach.
Her eyes fluttered open, Lady Arkwright saw the kindly face of the Doctor looking down at her. Seemingly from nowhere, the Doctor produced a handkerchief and pressed it against the wound in her stomach. Opening her fast drying lips to speak, the Doctor silently hushed her before she could say anything.
Dropping like a stone and crouching preparing for action, Tom watched to see what retribution Pope would bring if he were still standing. He could almost hear the bullet whistling as it whooshed passed his head. Looking towards Pope, stood on the stairs, Tom saw the wood splinter in the banister behind the American as his face changed from smugness to anger, bringing his gun up again. Time had seemingly slowed to a sickening crawl.
“That was a very bad move.” Pope snarled, having almost fallen down the few steps due to ducking from Moore’s shot. Steadying himself, he reached the bottom of the stairs and walked to Moore, his gun levelled at the soldiers head.
Tom watched his cold hearted advance, preparing to take action. Approaching Moore, Pope levelled his pistol, it mere centimetres from the soldiers face, aiming right between the eyes.
“Pope! Don’t!” The two words shouted by the Doctor made Tom start. The Doctor was knelt by Lady Arkwright, cradling her head in his lap. Her eyes were closed and her hands covered in her own blood. The Doctor was easing pressure from where he was pressing his handkerchief against her wound, the white material now a dark red, matching the large red stain on the front of Lady Arkwright’s dress.
Gently, the Doctor placed Lady Arkwright’s head on the floor, leaving a red smear where his left bloodstained hand had been. Standing up and wiping the blood off his hand with the already bloodstained handkerchief, he stepped forwards, his face like thunder.
“You’ve just killed five innocent people in the space of as many minutes.” He said his voice hard. “You will not kill anyone else.”
“Oh no, Doctor.” Pope sneered. “Four. You should really learn to count.”
“My wife was with child.” Arkwright said after a long silence, his voice trembling yet full of hatred and contempt. “And you killed my child and wife with one shot. What’s to stop me choking the life out of your measly little body?”
“I really wouldn’t Lord Arkwright.” The Doctor warned, just as there was another blinding blue flash. The roaring sound from above recommenced and as the glare faded, bright lights could be seen outside.
“Dear heavens, it’s the rapture.” Reverend Brown flung open the doors from the Ball Room, and stopped dead at the sight that lay before him in the hall. “Dear God, Elizabeth. What in the name of the Lord God is happening here?”
“You may not be far off.” Tom muttered as he got to his feet. “Why don’t you ask Mr. Pope here?” He said louder, casting a glare in Popes direction.
Removing his gun from Moore’s forehead, Pope returned to the stairs, where he could look down at the assembled congregation before him. “This is it. The accumulation of my plans. I disagreeociates are arrived and the British Empire will never be the same again.”
“British Empire?” Stephens asked. “But you’re an American. It wasn’t long ago you fought against Britain in the colonies.”
“Exactly.” Pope said.
“I rather think that Mr. Pope believe the British Empire to be subjugating all that it covers.” The Doctor said.
“And he plans to use the technology and power of an alien race to replace the British Empire with one of his own. The Pope Empire probably.” Tom said, almost mocking the last sentence as he turned to face Pope. “Isn’t that right?” Narrowing his eyes as he looked at Tom, Pope quickly glanced down at the Journal lying at his feet. “Oh, yeah. I’ve read it too.” Tom smiled. “You should work on your spelling, by the way.”
Popes face contorted in fury. “Get out!” He screamed, gesturing to all the people gathered before him with his pistol. “Go on, outside. Or die where you stand.”
Slowly and fearfully, Arkwright, Stephens and Reverend Brown made their way to the door, followed by Moore. Only the Doctor and Tom stood still their eyes locked onto Pope who in turn, stared back at them.
“I think you’d better move.” He said slowly.
Walking over to Tom, the Doctor placed a hand on his companions shoulder. “Trust me. I won’t let this get out of hand any further.” He said softly.
Glancing over at Lady Arkwright’s body, Tom bit back from making a comment, before nodding and walking out of the Hall. Keeping his pistol trained on the two Time Lords, Pope followed.
“These people seem to be taking things rather well.” Tom whispered to the Doctor.
“Mostly shock. I’ll imagine that your saying that we are Time Lords would have gone straight over their heads. This Mr. Pope however, we need to keep an eye on. He’s more dangerous than he appears.” The Doctor whispered back. “He could have killed all of us back then, but didn’t, we need to try and keep the situation level like that.”
Standing outside, the Doctor and Tom joined the now huddled group who were watching in awe and horror as a black shape moved slowly against the night sky, several lights on its surface illuminating some areas of the craft, making bizarre and twisted shapes. Keeping his pistol trained on the group, Pope softly chucked.
The downdraft of the crafts engines was causing a breeze in the otherwise stillness of the calm spring night. Tom squinted as he looked at the almost invisible black shape, trying to discern its shape. He was guessing from the pull on his body he had felt during the two flashes of light that the craft had been projected into the future and was the very one he saw from Bolsover Castle that had nearly collided with the Doctors helicopter, what seemed like days ago now. As he watched, the downdraft of the engines diminished as the craft finally touched down.
Pope watched, his eyes moving from the group of guests to the craft, a smile on his face. He heard a faint mechanical whirring and saw a faint chink of dull light appear, slowly getting fatter and fatter. A door was opening. Watching, his smile becoming ever increasingly manic, Pope raised himself to his full height and held his head high. A door further inside the craft quickly slid open and three silhouetted figures slowly walked forwards.
“Gentlemen, the Krynyyl have arrived.” The Doctor said softly.
Pope gently chucked to himself. It was beginning.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:49:45 GMT
Landcraft Commander Ghyrrd was walking alongside Sub Commander Khrtsz through the corridors of the Lander Craft. Full scale first contact was about to be made and Ghyrrd wanted his trusted and experienced advisor along side. They had met Squad Commander Jyhrrrz in the science room where they were fitted with a translator unit each. The unit attached to the collar of their uniforms and rose to cover their mouths, sitting just away from their faces allowing for comfortable conversation. A further piece sat in the ear, allowing for translation to the Krynyyl language.
“These Humans,” Ghyrrd said “Do you think they would prefer it if we were to dress in their garb instead of our own uniforms.”
“I have already thought of that, Commander.” Khrtsz said. “Two troopers have already been clothed in Human apparel that we took from the contact.”
Ghyrrd smiled. “You are invaluable.” He said.
Khrtsz bowed his head in appreciation. “We must not forget that the Humans do not greet in the manner in which we do ourselves.”
Ghyrrd paused. “I had forgotten.” He said turning to face his second in command. “I am glad that I have you with me. It is an honour.”
Jyhrrrz walked round the corner and stopped before Ghyrrd and Khrtsz, extending his hand in greeting. “I have brought the weapons, in case there is any incident with first contact.”
“Then let us go.” Ghyrrd said, accepting the gun and placing it in a holster on his belt before turning to face the airlock door. The ship jolted slightly as the craft touched down.
“Do not show your nerves to the Humans, we want to maintain the higher foothold in talks. They have yet to venture out of their solar system, and therefore have a lower technological level.” Khrtsz said softly to Ghyrrd.
The Landcraft Commander nodded his understanding as the outer airlock door opened and stepped forwards one pace. The inner airlock door slid open. Drawing a long breath through his pointed teeth, Ghyrrd stepped forwards and out onto an alien world.
It was night at this side of the planet. Ghyrrd knew that they were within meters of the homing beacon that they had given to the Human several days earlier. Narrowing his large purple eyes, Ghyrrd looked at the Humans collected before him. He didn’t know which of the Humans gathered was the contact that they had met and made preliminary contact with; they all looked the same, with slight variations in their clothing apparel and the fur on their heads. Looking round, he saw one with fur on its face; he knew that this wasn’t the contact. Of the seven Humans, it seemed as though four were wearing a different expression to the other three. Ghyrrd wasn’t sure what the facial expressions made, but stood his ground.
One of the Humans opened its mouth and spoke in the ugly human language. Swiftly, it was translated by the translation unit; “Gentlemen, the Krynyyl have arrived.”
Another Human spoke, its words translated; “They’re... They’re not human.”
Ghyrrd stepped forwards to make his address.
*
“They’re... they’re not human.” Arkwright muttered, his eyes open wide in amazement.
Tom glanced over at him. His eyes were wide in shock and his mouth was agape. He noted that Stephens and Lieutenant Moore wore the same shocked expressions. Pope, he spotted was unfazed, then he realised that the American had previously met the Krynyyl.
There were three of them, all wearing the same fitted Black and Silver uniforms with ribbing and armoured sections. They didn’t appear too threatening, despite the uniform and weapon strapped to their belts. Each was about five foot tall, making them almost dwarfed by the astounded humans. Seeing them close up, Tom realised their reptilian roots. One of them was clearly older, and had a scar running through its left eye, rendering it a milky blue. Tom guessed that it was blind in that eye. Slowly, one of the Krynyyl stepped forwards and spoke.
“I am Landcraft Commander Ghyrrd of the Krynyyl. I extend the Krynyyl hand of peace to this planet and its gathered leaders.”
Tom blinked. He was hearing the message twice. Once coming from the lips of the Krynyyl and again as a computerised voice from the array the alien wore on its uniform.
“How come I can hear two versions of what its saying.” He whispered to the Doctor.
“A Time Lord gift. You’ll understand any language. The translator will be for the benefit of any human present.” The Doctor whispered back before stepping forwards. “We accept your peaceful greeting.” He said confidently, addressing the Krynyyl commander. “However, I believe you may be under a slight misapprehension, there are no leaders of any of the planets governments present.”
The Krynyyls eyes widened and its neck seemed to contract slightly. “You are not the Gregorypope?”
“That’s me.” Pope said stepping forwards, still holding the pistol. Reaching inside his coat, he pulled out the black beacon and held it out. “See, I have the beacon. You are here at my request.”
“The planets leaders are not here?”
“No, I’m afraid not.” The Doctor said, cutting in before Pope could reply. “In fact, none of the authorities of the planet even know of your arrival.”
The Krynyyl made a hissing noise as it contemplated the information before it turned to the older Krynyyl on its right.
“I warn you, Doctor.” Pope hissed, raising the pistol.
“What are those things?” Moore asked. “I’ve never seen anything so repulsive.”
“How do you think we look to them?” Tom asked. “I can’t imagine they see us as images of beauty.”
The Krynyyl turned back and looked from Pope to the Doctor. “Explain.” It hissed to Pope.
“It is true that there are none of the current leaders of the planet here, but you are talking to the man who will become President of the United American Empire. Y’see my country and fellow countrymen have been repressed by the tyranny of the British Empire, and thirty years ago, we threw off the shakes of their oppression by force. There are many more people throughout the world who are under the oppression of the British Empire and I will liberate them.” Pope said.
“And lead the world to an Empire of blood from stolen technology, eh?” Tom cut in.
Ghyrrd looked to Tom and then to Pope and then back to Tom. “I do not understand your words. To what do you refer?”
“Allow me, Tom.” The Doctor said placing his hand on his shoulder and stepping passed. “May I have permission to greet Landcraft Commander Ghyrrd?”
Ghyrrd looked at the Doctor in stunned silence. “You know our customs? Then approach.” Ghyrrd held his hand out and watched as the Doctor stepped towards him and raised his hand. Drawing more breath in through his pointed teeth, Ghyrrd tried not to flinch under the warm touch of the alien’s skin. Images flashed through his mind, the alien had telepathic skills. A name made Ghyrrd step back. “Time Lord.” He hissed, recognising the alien for the race he was.
The Doctor took a step back and nodded. “As is my companion here.” He said, indicating Tom.
“We are honoured at your presence.”
“Thank you.” The Doctor said. “Now, may I ask, have you experienced any adverse temporal effects lately?”
We have had a safe journey from orbit. So far, first contact is progressing well.” Ghyrrd said.
“No effects, they must be in synch with them, unless they are immune.” The Doctor muttered quietly to himself. “Tell me, do you believe Mr. Pope here?”
“We have no reason to disbelieve him, everything he has reported to us has been accurate. He has shown us proof that his country recently fought a war against this ‘British Empire’.” Ghyrrd said. “I appreciate the Time Lords, however, we are engaging in first contact situations here.”
“With myself.” Pope said stepping forwards. “I’m sorry, but you consort with my enemy. This man and his companion have tried to halt my plans since their arrival this evening.”
Ghyrrds head swayed gently from side to side as he contemplated the information. “There is a discrepancy. I would ask that you accompany us into our craft.” He said.
“What, us? Go in there? I don’t bally well think so!” Arkwright shouted, pointing a trembling finger at the ship.
A further two Krynyyl appeared in the ships doorway as Ghyrrd replied. “No, merely the Time Lords and Gregorypope. I would appreciate if you humans remained here, I offer some of my crew as an honourable trade of peoples.”
Nodding to Tom, the Doctor followed his companion towards the ship, stooping slightly to get through the low doorway. Watching with contempt, Gregory Pope followed them, seething with fury. He was determined that he wasn’t going to let these two, whomever they were, stop him from achieving his goals, even if he had to kill them as well after he had all he needed from the Krynyyl.
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Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 21:50:20 GMT
Watching Pope follow the Doctor and Tom into the ship and then two of the aliens, Arkwright turned back to Moore, Stephens and Reverend Brown, who were still wide eyes and showing no signs of comprehending what was transpiring.
“Please. Do not fear us.” One of the Krynyyl spoke stepping forwards.
Arkwright turned back to the alien. It looked like the one who had emerged after the craft had landed, but he couldn’t be sure. They looked so alike.
“We merely want a peaceful contact.” Jyhrrrz said, before looking at Moore. “I am a soldier for my race. I command many troops and have met many soldiers. I believe you to be a soldier too?”
“Yes.” Moore said cautiously. “But if you’re peaceful, why do you have soldiers?”
“Why do you?” Jyhrrrz said “For protection of our elders and race. When our leaders have completed the first contact, I would consider it an honour to talk with a soldier from another world. “
“Uhm, thank you.” Moore replied, unsure of what to say or even what was happening.
“I’d rather the Doctor was out here.” Arkwright said, his voice finally breaking and a tear running down his cheek. “All I know about what’s happening is my wife is dead, the man who killed her is inside that blasted contraption as is the man who tried to help.”
Khrtsz walked round, looking at Lord Arkwright, attracting cautious looks from Stephens, Moore and Reverend Brown. Placing his hand on Arkwright’s arm, Jyhrrrz looked up at the tall man. “There has been a death?” He asked.
“My wife, by your ally, Pope.” Arkwright snarled, snatching his arm away.
“I do not understand wife?” Jyhrrrz said.
“Do you not have wives?” Reverend Brown asked. “Someone who whom you are bonded in holy matrimony, with whom you spend your life and raise your children?”
Jyhrrrz hissed in understanding. “I understand. I believe our species procreate in different ways. But please, I wish to understand. What has happened? Will you show me?”
*
Tom stood, stooping slightly in the corridor of the Krynyyl ship. He had hoped that the ceilings to the interiors would be higher, but and just under six feet high, he found he had to keep his head down, occasionally banging it against to metal of the deck. He noticed that both Pope and the Doctor, being smaller in stature, were not hunched as much as he.
Ghyrrd entered from the airlock, followed by Khrtsz, whose one good eye was narrowed.
“I am aware of some ill will between Gregorypope and the Time Lords.” Khrtsz said. “I think for safeties sake, we should talk to both parties individually.”
“I think that’s fair.” The Doctor said, eying Pope, who stood silently fuming.
Another two Krynyyl appeared round the corner and stood, silently awaiting orders. Ghyrrd looked at them and then to the Doctor and Tom. “If you would care to follow my officers, they will place you in accommodation until we are able to talk.”
“That sounds good to me,” The Doctor said, clapping his hands together. “Shall we accompany the nice gentlemen, Tom?”
“Erm, Doctor?” Tom began.
“Excellent.” The Doctor smiled. “Which way?”
“If you will follow.” Ghyrrd said, gesturing down the corridor towards the two newly arrived Krynyyl officers.
“Doctor, we can’t leave Pope alone with the Krynyyl commander. You know as well as I what Pope is planning. He’s been in contact with them for days, spinning them his lies and misguiding them.” Tom whispered, getting as close to the Doctor as he could in the cramped conditions of the Krynyyl ship.
“I know Tom, I know.” The Doctor replied, stooping as he followed the Krynyyl through a door. “But he’s the one they have been in contact with and they have got all their knowledge of Earth from him. We can’t just jump in with accusations, no matter how grounded in truth they are. We have to be diplomatic about this.”
“If only you still had Popes journal,” Tom said, wincing as he hit his hard on yet another section of the ceiling.
“Please, wait in here.” One of the Krynyyl said, gesturing through a door.
Smiling at the Krynyyl, the Doctor stepped through the door and looked about, followed by Tom, who found that he could stand up straight in the room.
“It would help, certainly.” The Doctor said, as the door closed. Turning to Tom, he held his finger to his lips and bend down to examine the small control panel by the door. Removing his sonic screwdriver from his pocket, he set about taking the cover off the panel.
“What are you doing?” Tom whispered causing the Doctor to shush him and wave his arm to silence him. Rolling his eyes, Tom walked over to the Doctor and leaned over his shoulder. “I thought we’d already agreed that the Krynyyl were peaceful. They’re certainly polite and haven’t shown themselves hostile.”
“No no no no no no no, they’re certainly not hostile.” The Doctor replied, before pausing and turning his head so that he could look at Tom.
Noting the Doctors stare, Tom backed off slightly and spotting a bench, went and sat on it, looking round and taking in the style of the room. The lighting was quite dim inside the ship and he’d noticed the heaviness of the atmosphere. Remembering back to all styles of alien craft he’d been inside during his time in exile in the forty first century, no two alien styles were the same. This was another new and different style to him.
“What about Lord Arkwright? Or the guests at the ball, surely they must know something is happening.” Tom asked eventually.
The Doctor sighed and straightened up. “I really don’t know Tom.” He said. “This level of technology in early nineteenth century England, I would imagine that the guests of the Ball wouldn’t be able to comprehend it and so just pass it off. It’s happened before. Either that or they turn them into Gods or myths. It’s happened before.”
Nodding, Tom turned his attention back to the room. There was a small screen set in the wall with a keypad below it. Turning to face it, Tom flexed his fingers and looked down at the keypad. Cautiously, he tapped a couple of keys. The screen flickered to life, showing several different menu options.
“Useless thing.” The Doctor muttered, recovering the control panel. “Like getting blood from a stone.”
“What is it?” Tom asked, looking round from the screed at the Doctor, who was putting his Sonic Screwdriver back into his pocket.
“I was trying to see if I could hack into the ships computer and-” The Doctor trailed off when he saw the screen that Tom was hunched near. “Where did that come from?” He asked, pointing to it.
“It was here all the time.” Tom replied, slightly taken aback.
“That’s perfect.” The Doctor rushed over to Tom and almost knocked him out of the way. “Sorry.” He apologised as Tom staggered backwards.
“What are you after anyway?” Tom asked.
“A little background. I’ve heard of the Krynyyl, but never met them, or even seen what they’re like, hence my not recognising them earlier. I want to know what they’re doing here in this time and what Pope has told them. The Krynyyl race shouldn’t be in this part of the galaxy, not yet.”
“Well, do you mind filling me in?” Tom asked. “All I know comes from Popes journal, and I don’t trust that to have facts.”
“Quite right,” The Doctor said. “Pope merely noted their name and their technological prowess. We both know he’s after their power for his own ends.”
“Then why did you agree to us being separated from him, he could be filling their minds with more propaganda.” Tom replied.
“Don’t worry about that just yet. The Krynyyl are a most fascinating race.” The Doctor replied, talking as he stared at the screen and tapped away at the keypad. “Reptilian and honourable, like the Ice Warriors, and nomadic. I don’t think they’re here to seed the Earth and invade. According to this they’re after an alliance. It seems as though they believe the Earth to be more technologically advanced than it actually is.”
“That’s not really telling much though, is it?” Tom asked pulling at the cravat he wore about his neck. Silently, he wondered how the Doctor could wear one all the time, done up and pinned as well.
“No, but they’re apparently fearful of attack from another alien race that the stupid machine won’t identify for me. They’ve got planetary defence weapons on this very ship that are designed to disable space craft from a planet’s surface.” The Doctor said.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Tom asked, his eyes widening.
“I very much think so.” The Doctor replied. “I certainly wouldn’t put it past him after what we’ve seen tonight. And with the level of technology the Krynyyl possess, no wonder there are these massive temporal displacements. His actions could destroy the future.”
“So all we have to do is stop Pope, persuade the Krynyyl that they shouldn’t be here and get back to the 20th century.” Tom summarised.
“There’s another reason we need to stop Pope before he does something with this technology.” The Doctor said.
“And that is?”
“Can’t you feel it?” The Doctor asked Tom, raising his eyebrows. “That certain pull on your being? The Krynyyl have time capabilities.”
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