Displacement [Full Story]

[Fitz Kreiner]

“Time capable?” Tom asked, taken aback. “You mean this is a time ship?”

“No, not capable to that extent. This is a regular space craft. They have capabilities such as Osmic Projection. But I would imagine that equipment like this would explain why they haven’t experienced any temporal displacement and why there has been such a level also.”

“Osmic projection?” Tom pondered. “That’s only a limited range isn’t it?”

“Yes. Also rather dangerous.” The Doctor replied. “I don’t doubt that the Krynyyl have strict safety routines, but in the hands of someone from this time, I daren’t think of the consequences.”

“Well,” Tom said, loosening his cravat and letting it hang round his neck. “I’m open to suggestions of what to do.”

“Oh,” The Doctor turned to Tom, smiling. “I always find improvisation works very well.”

*


Pope sat on a rather uncomfortable chair that was too small for him in a large room in the centre of the space craft. The chair was positioned at a round table made of what seemed to be a large flat polished red gem. Ghyrrd and Khrtsz were walking around the table to two seats facing Pope. A further Krynyyl stood silently at the door. Pope shifted uncomfortably. He had managed to control the situation as he wanted up until now. He was concerned that the arrival of the Doctor and Mr. Rowan would upset things.

The two Krynyyl hadn’t spoken to him in regards to any contact details since the Doctor and Tom were taken away. However, they hadn’t harmed him, in fact quite the opposite; he was still treated as an honoured guest. Pope remembered the aliens appearing before him as he made his way to Exeter what seemed like weeks ago now. He had been terrified at first but quickly realised the potential.

Pope didn’t like the new American president, James Madison, who had recently come to power. He may have been young when the war of independence was fought, but Gregory Pope still remembered and held that small flame of contempt within him. He had already planned to buy Sutton Hall in case Britain lost the wars with France and Napoleon invaded. However, the arrival of the aliens opened his eyes. They had wonders that would allow him to take come to power in America, Britain or even oust Napoleon within mere days.

It was then his greed got the better of him and he promised the assist the aliens. He had already planned how to dispose of them once his plans had been set into action when they had naively shown him a wonderful weapon beyond his comprehension. They had told him that it was powerful enough to destroy a vessel from what they called ‘orbit of the planet’ where their main craft was stationed.

Pope bargained that once he had established himself with the aliens, they would show him the workings of the weapon and he would use it against them. Then he would use it to take himself to power; conquer the British Empire in retribution for the American lives lost in the War of Independence. If France had taken Britain by that time, he would simply use the power to conquer their Empire. He felt sure that his America would back him and Madison would offer him presidency. If he didn’t then he would simply take presidency from Madison.

Pope smiled to himself. It was perfect. His America would rule the globe in an Empire far more democratic and powerful than the British, French and Spanish combined. He would have flying ships that could shoot fire. He would be President of the World.

Shifting uncomfortably on the hard seat, Pope looked at the two Krynyyl as they took the seats opposite him.

“There are none of your leaders present here, the Time Lord said.” Ghyrrd said.

Pope knew that the Krynyyl knew that as a fact. “That is so.” He replied. “But I am one of the wealthiest people of my country. I’m incredibly powerful and could easily become the next leader of my country. At present we have a weak man who does not have the vision that we share.”

“And what vision is that?” Khrtsz asked, narrowing his eye as he looked at Pope.

“Look, y’all said that you’re looking for a safe haven. I had some business that I was attending to here, but that isn’t that important now. My country is vast. We have so much land that you could use. I admit not right now, as my people aren’t ready. That is why you must help me achieve power.” Pope said, hoping that he was not loosing trust of the Krynyyl.

“We must speak to the Time Lords.” Ghyrrd said.

“Why?” Pope pleaded. “They’re against me. My plans. That means they are against you.”

“This has yet to be seen Gregorypope. The Time Lords must be here for a reason. This is a monumental moment for our species. They will know of our future and how we interact with this planet.”

Pope swallowed hard. He was beginning to realise that he should have killed the Doctor and Mr. Rowan. “Fine, talk to them.” He said, hoping to double bluff the Krynyyl. “They’ll tell you that I’m evil and should be stopped. But I say it’s they who should be stopped. What right have they to interfere?”

“They have the right of time, Gregorypope. They are an infinitely powerful race. They have the right of time” Ghyrrd stood from his chair. “Maybe you are right, and we should talk to the Time Lords. You will wait for us here.”

Following his commanders lead, Khrtsz also got to his feet and followed Ghyrrd to the door, aware that the Human was watching them go. He was unable to read the expression on the Humans face. The arrival of two Time Lords was worrying to him and what the human had said.

“You will wait with Gregorypope.” Ghyrrd said to the Krynyyl officer who was stood by the door as he passed. Once the door had closed, he turned to his trusted advisor. “I am troubled.” He said, walking down the corridor. “Why are the Time Lords here? What could this mean?”

“I have been contemplating the same.” Khrtsz admitted. “We have been in contact with Gregorypope for some days. We knew little to nothing of Earth and its cultures before. Perhaps as impartial outsiders, the Time Lords could tell us more of this world.”

“Images from the Time Lord who greeted me indicate that he is a truthful being, despite the many areas of his mind that were closed.” Ghyrrd said.

“I believe the taller Time Lord to be younger.” Khrtsz said. “I have seen mannerisms that are similar in other races before. I advise that we do not agitate him further.”

“I understand.” Ghyrrd replied, turning the corner. The two Krynyyl who had escorted the Doctor and Tom were stood outside the door to the room. “Open.” Ghyrrd hissed.

The door slid open to reveal the two Time Lords inside. They were both sat cross legged on the floor, two piles of small pieces of plastic coated paper lay between them, and they held several of the pieces each spread out in a fan in their hands. Ghyrrd cocked his head at the bizarre display. Neither Time Lord seemed to acknowledge that the door was open. The older one reached out and picked one of the paper slips up and put it into the fan in his hand before returning another.

“Rummy!” He grinned, laying down the pieces so that the other could see. The younger Time Lord threw his fan down onto the pile, where they scattered the two piles.

“This is a strange custom.” Ghyrrd said.

“It’s cards. It’s a game.” The older Time Lord said, as he scooped all the cards together and popped them into a pocket. “Hello, I’m the Doctor,” He said getting to his feet and indicating his companion. “And this is Tom. And you are Ghyrrd.”

“That is correct, Doctor.” Ghyrrd said. “This is my sub commander Khrtsz.”

“A great honour.” The Doctor smiled. “I assume that this is a friendly chat. I ask as we don’t seem to be prisoners.”

“We do not have hostile intent.” Khrtsz replied. “We are however, concerned about your presence here. This is our first contact with Humanity.”

“You’ve achieved it through a twisted man.” Tom said, getting to his feet.

“I do not understand. In what way is Gregorypope entwined?” Ghyrrd asked.

“No, what my friend means,” The Doctor cut in. “Is that Mr. Pope is not what he appears. We’ve reason to believe that he’s using you for his own ends. He isn’t the humanitarian he’s making himself out to be.”

A bleeping from Khrtsz belt sounded before anyone could say anything else. “You will excuse me.” He said, taking a black device with two red diodes from his belt, similar to the one that Pope had. Putting the device to his ear, Khrtsz nodded as he listened to the message. Turning back to Ghyrrd, his eye narrowed. “Squad Commander Jyhrrrz has reported that the Humans outside the craft have shown him four bodies; one being a female who was internally carrying offspring.” He said quietly to Ghyrrd. “The Humans state they were killed by Gregorypope.”

Ghyrrd flared his top lips, exhaling through his teeth.
“I’m afraid that was merely the start.” The Doctor said, stepping towards Ghyrrd. “His ambitions lay within this ship and with your people, and I fear they’re not peaceful or honourable as yours, no matter what he says.”

Teeth bared, Ghyrrd turned to Khrtsz. “I want you to contact the Officer we left with Gregorypope.”

Nodding, Khrtsz turned away as Tom sidled up to the Doctor. “It’s started, hasn’t it?” He asked.

“I’m very much afraid so. Unless we can get the Krynyyl to see it for themselves, many thousand innocent lives will be lost, maybe more.” The Doctor whispered back.

Khrtsz turned back, his thin lips drawn back over his teeth. “There is no reply.”

“Show me.” Ghyrrd hissed through clenched teeth, his lower eyelids moving slowly up his eyes, which were flushing blue in rage.

Swiftly covering the distance to the computer terminal, Khrtsz furiously tapped at the keypad, bringing up the image of the room. The large red crystal table filled the lower half of the screen. Khrtsz panned the image round, stopping in shock. The Krynyyl Officer was laying dead and Pope was nowhere to be seen.

[Fitz Kreiner]

Watching the two Krynyyl leave the room, Pope started to realise that unless he stopped them, they would compromise his plans. Cursing himself again for not killing the Doctor and Tom Rowan earlier, Pope got to his feet and faced the Krynyyl officer. Smiling, Pope looked at the alien. It was five feet tall with a greeny-brown skin and looked quite wiry.

Reaching into his pocket, Pope pulled out the modified pistol that the Krynyyl had constructed for him. Seeing the pistol, the Krynyyl officer started to panic.

“No, No!” He shouted scrambling for his pistol.

Smiling at the alien, Pope fired, the shot hitting the officer square in the chest. Swaying, the Krynyyl stood for a few seconds before crumpling into a heap on the floor. Bending down to examine the body, Pope retrieved the small black gun from the aliens holster and pocketed it. The Door slid open as he walked to it, causing him to flinch and raise his pistol. There was no one on the other side. Keeping his pistol raised, he cautiously stooped through the door.

The corridor outside was quiet and empty. Pope didn’t know whether this was the same ship that he had been taken aboard several days previously. Still, he knew where he had to make for; the control area of the ship. That accursed Doctor and his young companion had forced his hand. Pope now had to change his plans and bring them forward. It would start tonight. He would get to the control area, destroy the Krynyyl in the heavens and then use the wondrous technology at his disposal to take over the British Empire and the Americas.

Pope was still smiling to himself when two armed Krynyyl soldiers marched round the corner of the corridor ahead of him. The soldiers paused, not expecting to see the human walking towards them, gun in hand. After a shocked couple of seconds, they reached for their weapons. The shocked pause gave Pope all the time he needed. Recovering from his shock just before the two Krynyyl, Pope already had his gun raised. Squeezing the trigger, the two bolts of phased Ion energy smashed into the two aliens, knocking them backwards.

Pope moved in closer to the walls. If they weren’t already looking for him, they would be now. He had to get to the control room quickly if his plans were going to work out.

*


“Please, Landcraft Commander Ghyrrd, you must listen to me.” The Doctor pleaded. “I appreciate that you want to stop Gregory Pope, we share the same goal in that respect.” The Doctor paused and looked at the Krynyyl. His eyes were almost pure blue in rage, his skin flushing green. “But you must listen to me. After stopping him, the Krynyyl must leave the solar system. Humanity isn’t ready for first contact, not for centuries.”

“Humanity will be damned to the very pits of Khryzsztyllq!” Ghyrrd hissed. “The man Gregorypope has betrayed and deceived us and murdered one of my crew.”

“He’s also killed several of his own race.” Tom said. “Humanity isn’t the problem; that man is.”

“The Time Lords are correct.” Khrtsz said, calmly to his commander. “We must listen to them.”

“If you stay here, the whole of history will be changed.” The Doctor said. “If Gregory Pope is given one iota of power, it could be cataclysmic. We were measuring cataclysmic disturbances in the twentieth century, nearly two centuries after now. That is why we’re here.”

“What would you have us do?” Ghyrrd asked.

“Help Tom and myself stop Gregory Pope, and then leave Earth, at least for five to six hundred years. Travel, explore, learn. This part of the Galaxy is not as developed as most yet.” The Doctor threw his arms out and turned as he spoke. “These humans out there haven’t yet harnessed electricity or developed the internal combustion engine. Humanity is standing on the precipice; they are about to fully plunge into the Industrial Revolution which will catapult their society into a technological drive. It’s already starting and interference now could be so costly. Only five years ago a man called Richard Trevithick experimented in driving engines by steam power. It won’t be fully worked until another twenty years. Compare that to your technological advances; Ion Drives, Osmit Projection, Phased Proton Manifolds. Humanity aren’t yet infants in the galactic scale of things.”

Ghyrrd stood, watching the Doctor, his eyes slowly returning to their original purple colour. “Very well, Time Lord Doctor.” He said, bowing his head. “We will assist you, if that is your wish. We do not want to incur the wrath of the Time Lords.”

“Excellent, thank you in your trust of me.” The Doctor said, before turning to face Tom. “Right, Tom, I want you and Mr Khrtsz to go back out to the Hall. Bring back with you the remaining Krynyyl still outside, pick up Pope’s journal and then head back.”

Nodding, Tom turned to Khrtsz, who bowed his head to the young Time Lord. “If you would follow me?” The Krynyyl said, leading the way from the room.

Turning his attention back to Ghyrrd, the Doctor clapped his hands together. “Landcraft Commander Ghyrrd, I want you to take me to your Bridge, if there’s one place Pope will be heading, that will be it.”

“If you say these humans are not technologically advanced, why would Gregorypope head to the bridge?” Ghyrrd asked, scratching his top lips.

“I assume that when you made preliminary contact, you showed him about your ship and told him about your fear of attack by an alien race.” The Doctor said, making his way to the door.

“It was a fair exchange of information. He had told us of his countries struggle against a foreign power. We did not think that it would be dangerous.” Ghyrrd admitted, following the Doctor from the room.

“And you showed him your planetary defence systems?”

Ghyrrd nodded slowly.

“I can’t imagine him wanting many of your people on Earth to stop him using your technology against you and the people of Earth.” The Doctor turned round to see Ghyrrd stopped several paces behind him. “I’m afraid I believe he was planning what you’re thinking. He wants to destroy your mother ship in orbit so he won’t have much retaliation to his trying to use your technology to, well, effectively try to take over the planet.” Sighing, the Doctor raised his eyebrows and sadly shook his head. “World domination, it’s such an old idea.”

“Then we shall stop Gregorypope together, Doctor.” Ghyrrd said, as the doors to the bridge opened. “The Krynyyl and the Time Lords, standing together. It will be such an honour.” Entering the command deck, Ghyrrd walked to his chair and sat down, turning the chair to face the Doctor. “Please sit.” He said, indicating the seat to his right hand.

Walking across the Bridge the Doctor took the seat, looking at the Krynyyl sat about him at their varying stations. They were sat, paying no attention to him, looking at their monitors in disciplined silence. The Doctor knew that Pope was either on his way to the bridge or currently hiding out for a while before he made his way to the bridge. Either way, the Doctor knew they were in the right place and there was nothing to do now but wait. Reaching into his coat, he pulled out his bag of jelly babies and popping one into his mouth, held the bag out to Ghyrrd.

“Jelly baby?”

*


Tom groaned loudly as he straightened his back and stretched his neck, stepping outside the Krynyyl Landcraft.

“No one about.” He said, turning to face Khrtsz.

“They are in the dwelling.” Khrtsz said, making towards the door, which still stood open.

Walking back into the Hall, Tom saw that the scene in the entrance hall had changed. The soldiers who had accompanied him back from Bolsover and had been killed by Pope had been moved to the side of the Hall. Each was covered by a sheet that covered their faces. Lord Arkwright was knelt on the floor, cradling the head of his wife. Stephens was stood nearby, his head bowed, sadly, whilst Reverend Brown was stood behind Arkwright, his hand on the distraught mans shoulder. Lieutenant Moore was sat on the stairs, eying the Krynyyl suspiciously. Tom noted that two of the aliens were stood looking at the third, which was crouched down by Arkwright.

“Squad Commander Jyhrrrz. We are to return to the Landcraft. The Human Gregorypope has betrayed us. He is to receive punishment.” Khrtsz said, standing just inside the doors.

Arkwright looked up at the alien commander. “You’re going to punish Pope?” He asked rhetorically. “I want to be there. I want to kill the measly man, with my own bare hands if needs be.” His eyes were red rimmed, he had clearly been crying.

“I, erm, I don’t think that would be wise, m’Lord.” Tom said, picking Popes journal up from near where Moore was sat. “It’s likely that the Doctor and I will be leaving now. Once we’ve left here, our work will be almost done, just the little matter of Pope left.”

“Then I demand to come with you.” Arkwright said, getting to his feet.

“No. I’m sorry.” Tom replied. “Your place is here.” He added, looking at Lady Arkwright’s body. Noticing where Tom was looking, he looked down at his fallen wife and sadly nodded. “I wish I could say it’s been fun.” Tom added, before turning to Moore. “And I don’t think we’ll need your men any more, thanks for your help.”

“Here, take this. Just in case.” Moore said, handing a pistol over and then saluting.

Smiling his thanks, Tom nodded taking one last look around the gathered men in the entrance hall before following the four Krynyyl outside. Closing the main door behind him, Tom spotted that the Krynyyl were now at the outer airlock door. Jogging to catch up, Tom tucked the pistol Moore had given him into an inside pocket of his coat.

“There are no patrols.” Jyhrrrz said, stepping through the airlock into the corridors of the Landcraft.

“Strange.” Tom conferred, the airlock outer door hissing closed behind him. “Although if I were Pope, and from what I’ve read in here,” Tom held up Popes journal “I’d make for the Bridge. That’s where your planetary defence weapons are controlled.”

Khrtsz nodded in agreement. “Then we should make for the bridge.” He said, leading the way down the corridor.

A few seconds later Gregory Pope emerged from his hiding place. “Thanks for the information, Mr. Rowan.” He whispered, before following the group down the corridor.

[Fitz Kreiner]

Keeping to the shadows, Pope cautiously edged after Rowan and the four Krynyyl. He now knew that they would be expecting him, but they didn’t know that he knew that. Smiling to himself, Pope was sure that he could use that to his advantage. All he had to do was to follow the aliens to their bridge and then take them by surprise. Hiding himself in another shadow, Pope placed his pistol back into his coat pocket and took out the small gun he had taken from the Krynyyl. Looking at it, it fitted perfectly in the palm of his hand. Working his fingers, he found that he could keep it concealed and ready to fire at the same time. All he had to do now was see how powerful it was.

Peering round the corner, he saw Tom Rowan disappearing round a corner. Silently running down the corridor, he flattened himself against the wall and peered round. The corridor ended in a doorway, which was open allowing Rowan and the Krynyyl to enter. Looking past them, Pope deduced that it was the bridge of the ship. He could just see the Doctor sat on a chair inside. He watched as the Krynyyl with the one eye position guards to either side of the door. They were waiting for him.

Flattening himself back against the wall, Pope looked at the small gun in his hand. If only he had some way of testing it before he went into the bridge. He suddenly became aware of a slight trembling through the walls and floor of the ship. He looked around panicked, unsure of what was happening when as suddenly as they started, the tremors stopped.

Steeling himself, Pope stepped away from the wall, just as a Krynyyl officer walked down the corridor from the bridge. Unarmed and not expecting to walk into Pope, the Krynyyl opened its mouth to cry out. Pope, however, was too quick for it, bringing his hand up and firing the Krynyyl weapon. The shot hit a glancing blow to the alien on the side of the head, wounding but not killing it. Not expecting such a level of recoil from such a small weapon, Pope found the shot drawing his aim wide and almost catching him off balance.

Cursing, Pope composed himself and looked down at the fallen Krynyyl. It was scrambling about pitifully on all fours making a hissing whimpering noise. It was looking about the corridor, clearly pained and disorientated. Pope looked down at the small frail figure as it turned its head to look up at him. The side of its head looked blackened in the dim light and its eye had whitened and seemed to be seeping a milky blue liquid. Twisting his mouth into a cruel sneer, Pope levelled the gun, aiming it between the aliens’ eyes and fired again. The Krynyyl dropped lifeless to the floor.

Pope looked at the small gun in his hand. It was more powerful that he had hoped and put the modified pistol the Krynyyl had given him for ‘defence’ into shade. Finding a smile spreading across his lips, Pope knew that with weapons like this, no one would stand against him. Making his mind up, Pope knew that included in the guns very future victims would be the Doctor and Tom Rowan.

Pulling himself to his full height, he winced, hitting his head on a low corridor intersection of the cramped craft. Silently thankful that no one was around to witness that; he stepped over the body of the Krynyyl and made his way to the bridge. He wasn’t going to make any more mistakes.

*


Stooping through the doors, Tom followed Khrtsz and Jyhrrrz onto the bridge, silently thankful that he could stand up straight once again. Looking down at the Krynyyl and noticing that none of them seemed to exceed five feet in height, he assumed that they had no need for many ceilings over six feet. He looked round the bridge. It was as dim as the rest of the ship, but very impressive. The two pilots sat in front of a large screen showing the dark country surrounding Sutton Hall. The Doctor, he noted, was sat on a raised chair to the right of Ghyrrd who was sat in an elevated position to the rest of the bridge, indicating his seniority. Tom assumed that the Doctor was sat in Khrtsz’s seat, which was proved when the Time Lord got to his feet.

“Your chair, Sub Commander Khrtsz.” The Doctor said, bowing his head.

Bowing his head in return, Khrtsz moved round and sat at the chair, bringing round a small personal terminal. “All personnel are back aboard.” He reported.

“Very good.” Ghyrrd replied. “Pilot, are all pre-flight preparations complete?”

One of the Krynyyl sat before the large screen turned to Ghyrrd. “All is prepared; we are ready to take off at your command.”

Ghyrrd nodded and the Pilot turned back to his station. Tom watched as the bridge crew became busier and the low whine of the engines could be heard. He felt a slight tremor through the floors as the craft lifted off the ground and made its way back into the atmosphere.

“Commander Ghyrrd decided that it would be best if we were in orbit before Pope managed to get access to the planetary defence weapons and shoot down the Krynyyl Mother Ship.”

Tom almost jumped at the sound of the Doctors voice. The Time Lord had silently appeared beside him and spoke in a low whisper.

“Could he do it?” Tom whispered back.

“I wouldn’t put it past him one way or another.” The Doctor replied. “Oh, and do you remember the security video footage you showed me of the two Krynyyl back in the twentieth century? Well, two Krynyyl were prepared in contemporary clothing and Ghyrrd was told when we got to the bridge that those Krynyyl had experienced temporal displacement.”

“Well, that wraps things up rather nicely then.” Tom replied. “I take it that was as the ship was coming to land? Because I caught the other end of my ghostly apparition then. All other ends of it infact. It was as if I was looking through a bug’s eye to the future, I could see lots of different events, all about the same time though.”

“I thought as much.” The Doctor whispered.

“Why are we whispering?” Tom asked.

“I don’t know.” The Doctor replied, still whispering. “It seemed appropriate at the time. Jelly baby?”

Tom looked at the Doctor and smiled. Accepting one of the sweets the Doctor was holding out to him, he popped it in his mouth as he walked round the bridge. Stopping near the screen, Tom looked out as the dark of the nights sky gradually became the starry backdrop of space.

“There is the Mothercraft.” Ghyrrd said, pointing at the screen.

Tom looked. A large black shape was slowly moving across the moon before seemingly disappearing against the black of space, the only clue to its location being the stars that were blotted out as it moved to intercept. Turning back to face the rest of the bridge, Tom was in time to see the doors open, revealing Gregory Pope. He had a nasty smile on his face and was holding a small black gun. Toms hope that Pope would be swiftly overcome was dashed as he saw the two Krynyyl officers who were flanking the doors, waiting for him were shot dead, almost instantly.

“Expecting me?” He snarled looking round the bridge.

Khrtsz got to his feet and reached for the gun, holstered at his belt. Tom watched as the events seemed to unfold in slow motion as Pope, who already held his gun fired twice at the old Krynyyl, his shots hitting him in the shoulder and chest. His mouth open, Khrtsz fell back dead onto the deck.

“Anyone else tries anything like that and that’s what’ll happen to ya!” Pope spat, his eyes falling on Tom. “As for you.” His finger tightened on the trigger.

Anticipating the shot, Tom dived for cover, landing between the Pilots console and the screen. He landed with a jarring jolt, his head connecting sharply with the bottom of the screen as he fell. He could feel the warm trickle of blood before the pain as he got to his feet. One of the pilots had jumped out of the way also, the other not being so lucky, having been hit by Popes shot.

“I wouldn’t shoot if I were you.” The Doctor said, slowly edging towards Pope.

“You can shut it too.” Pope snarled keeping his gun trained on Tom.

“He’s right. Look behind me. We’re in space. You miss and we’re all dead, you included.”

“I don’t believe you.” Pope said, his finger tightening on the trigger.

Throwing his arms open, Tom stood still in front of the screen. “Shoot then!” He said, watching as Popes finger loosed on the trigger. “Face it, you’ve lost.”

“We will be docking with our Mothercraft within minutes.” Ghyrrd added rising from his chair. “There you will be tried for your crimes against the Krynyyl.”

“Not if I don’t take you down first.” Pope cried, firing towards Ghyrrd and dashing for his personal terminal.

Ducking from the shot, Ghyrrd fell from his elevated position as Popes shot caught him in the shoulder. He could feel the intense pain and heard the crack of his arm breaking as he landed. Through the pain, he would always remember what was to happen. He watched as the Doctor seemingly launched himself at Pope.

“Tom, the Osmic Projector! Stop him.” The Time Lord shouted.

Being spurred into action Tom vaulted over the pilots console, stumbling over the fallen body of the co-pilot, Tom dived towards Pope in a rugby tackle, grabbing the American about the waist. Pope swung his fist down, catching the young Time Lord on the head as the Doctor closed in.

“See you in hell.” Pope screamed, reaching out to the console as his dreams crashed in flames about him.

Ghyrrd watched as the wounded young Time Lord tried valiantly to stop Pope from reaching the console. The Doctor arrived; grabbing Popes shoulder as the manic human desperately slammed his hand at the console. With a flash of bright light, the three figures faded out of existence.

[Fitz Kreiner]

Jess stared at the line of Krynyyl before her in fear. She couldn’t believe that they were about to be executed. She had been captured and held prisoner at gunpoint by Cybermen, even faced conversion into one of the many faceless, nameless Cybermen. She had even been pursued by Dalek death squads and survived both. Yet here she was, backed against a wall facing a line of armed alien soldiers, about to execute her, Tifa, Harry and the others.

Bracing herself, Jess found herself tensing almost every muscle in her body. She had heard the command to fire when something in the periphery of her vision caught her attention. The light on the roof of the TARDIS was flashing.

What looked like a smile played over the Krynyyl commanders lips as it raised its arm.

“Fire!”

The stillness of the day began to give way to a breeze that seemingly appeared from nowhere. Jess found that her hair was flicking round her face and the breeze had become a strong wind, gripping at her and her clothes. She looked up at the line of Krynyyl, stood motionless, their guns pointing at her. Feeling a hand grip her arm, she looked round to see Tifa being buffeted roughly by the wind also. Beyond her, Harry was shielding his eyes with his arm, his jacket flailing behind him. For some reason, the gripping sensation of the wind reminded her of the pull of the time vortex.

Looking back at the line of Krynyyl she saw that they seemed further away than before, still immobile. She suddenly realised that she could hear a sound over the roaring of the wind. It took what felt like minutes before she recognised the sound as the wheezing and groaning sound of the TARDIS engines. Jess looked over at the solid blue shape, expecting it to fade away before her eyes. To her bemusement, the TARDIS didn’t seem to fade at all; instead the wind seemed to be increasing.

It was then Jess noticed that the line of Krynyyl was fading away. Jess threw her arms up to shield her eyes from the dust that was being blown into her face from the wind. Chancing another glance through the dust, she could no longer see the Krynyyl. Something else also grabbed Jess’s attention; the sky seemed brighter. Looking up, Jess saw that the dull grey sky seemed to be melting away, revealing the blue summers’ sky beyond it.

Almost as suddenly as it had started, the gripping wind died down to a light summer breeze. As the dust settled, Jess looked about her. The TARDIS was still sat away near the trees, but the day was back to the same summer day it had been before. The sky was clear and blue, the sun shining down, high and hot in the sky.

“What the hell just happened?” Lovatt asked, looking at the empty space the Krynyyl firing squad recently occupied.

“I don’t know.” Jess said slowly, stepping away from the wall of the ruined hall. “Everything seems to be back to how it was before.”

“What about the TARDIS?” Tifa asked, stepping towards the time machine. “Won’t that be able to tell us what happened?”

Jess looked towards the blue Police Box stood incongruously by the trees at the edge of the grounds. She had vague memories of being inside it earlier after being chased along a road to Dronfield by a space ship, shooting at the car being driven by Harry that she was in.

“It’s worth a shot, surely.” Harry said, stopping when he noticed the look on Jess’ face. “I say, is everything alright old girl?”

“I feel like I’m forgetting something.” She replied. “I don’t really remember getting here, after arriving at the TARDIS.”

“You don’t remember getting us here?” Harry asked. Jess’ puzzled look gave the answer. Gently taking Jess’ head in his hands, Harry gently tilted her head back and looked into her eyes. “Hmm, everything looks alright.”

“Well, that’s a relief.” Jess replied sarcastically taking a step back and looking round Harry to the TARDIS. “Just this funny feeling.” She muttered. “Something obviously happened that kind of changed what had happened. Maybe something in the past changed and the TARDIS protected us, stopped us from being affected by the change.”

“What about Sergeant Cooper and the rest of the platoon?” Lovatt asked, walking over. “If things have changed, maybe they’re still alive?”

“Those chaps in the TARDIS.” Harry said, snapping his fingers. “Well, if that whole post-apocalyptic thing never happened, then surely they weren’t killed.”

“If it didn’t happen, how come we remember it?” Tifa asked.

“Weird time stuff, probably.” Jess said, after a short silence. “For want of a better answer.” She laughed lightly.

A sudden flash of light made everyone stop and turn. In what had become a small car park to the front of the hall, a blur of light was forming. Gradually, the light became solidified and three figures could be discerned, forming out of the blur. As they solidified, the figures could be seen to be in mid fight, frozen.

“What the-?” Lovatt began, taking a step forwards.

“No, don’t!” Jess warned, pulling her back.

Jess watched, transfixed as the events unfolded. She immediately recognised one of the figures, stood solidly reaching out as the Doctor. It took her a little longer to recognise the second figure, who looked as though they were in the middle of a flying rugby tackle, as Tom. He was now wearing a black frock coat, white shirt, with loose cravat, black and silver waistcoat and black trousers. The third figure was a total stranger to her. He seemed short and was wearing a long black and gold frock coat, bright red waistcoat and what looked like a silk shirt. He looked like the stereotypical image of the regency era that Jess had in her mind’s eye.

It took less than a second for the blur of light to solidify into the three figures. Jess watched as Tom finished his tackle, bringing the other man down onto the dusty floor.

“Too late.” The Doctor seemed to finish, feebly, before looking about him. “On the other hand.”

“Damn you, Rowan, get off.” The man snarled, hitting at Tom again with the butt of a small black gun. Jess detected a hint of American accent.

Rolling to the side to avoid the blows, Toms face contorted in discomfort. Scrambling to his feet, He swiftly pulled the pistol Moore had given him out of his coat, and aimed it at Pope, pulling the hammer back.

“Come on, to your feet.” He said, almost trailing off as he noticed his surroundings.

Pope rose to his feet, pulling off his glasses, which now were cracked, and threw them aside. Squinting in the bright sun, Pope threw an arm up to shield his eyes and looked about him, trying desperately to cover Tom, the Doctor and the people who seemingly had just appeared with his gun.

“It’s over.” Tom said, holding his hand out. “You may as well just give me the gun.”

“No.” Pope snarled. “It can’t be, I don’t believe you.”

“I’m afraid it is.” The Doctor said. “Look around you. Not only are you surrounded and outgunned, you’re one hundred and ninety years out of your time. This ruin is Sutton Hall, the very hall you wanted to buy. The time of the Empire is over. Colonialism is over. The British Empire has been and gone. The USA is not the country you left. This is not the world you left.”

Jess watched the Doctor and Tom as they closed in on the man. They had clearly arrived in the middle of a tense situation. She looked round at Lovatt and the remaining soldiers. They had all picked up their guns and were now aiming them at the man.

“The way I see it, I can still take you down before anyone gets me.” Pope snarled at Tom. “You destroyed my dreams, I can still destroy you.”

Straightening, Tom took another step towards Pope. “At least I know that if you kill me, Corporal Lovatt and her troops are still there to take you out, and no more innocent lives will be lost because of you.” Tom finished as he took another step towards Pope. “You might as well surrender. If you do, we can take you back to your own time.”

“No deal.” Pope said, raising his arm, the barrel of the stubby gun pressing between Toms’ eyes.

[Fitz Kreiner]

“Pope, think about this.” The Doctor said, taking a step forwards.

“Oh, I have,” Pope said. “And I think there’s a chance I can get you too before they get me, you sons of pregnant doges”

“Well, go on then.” Tom said, lowering his arm and un-cocking the pistol. “Look me in the eyes and shoot, if you can.”

“Tom, no!” Jess cried out, watching the events unfold before her.

A sudden explosion of sound beside her made her cry out and fall to the side. Looking up, she saw Harry standing arm outstretched pointing his gun in Popes direction. A faint wisp of smoke came from the barrel. She’d forgotten that he was armed. She looked over at Pope; his jaw had slackened and his arm was wavering. Tom was frozen still and tensed, not sure where the shot had come from, and whether to move or not.

Taking another step forwards, Harry aimed and shot again. The shot hit Pope in the chest, causing his arm to drop. Wavering slightly, the American dropped to his knees before toppling to the ground.

Visibly breathing a sigh of relief, Tom crouched down beside the fallen man, quickly joined by the Doctor. Reaching out, Tom tried to take the gun from his hand. Looking down, Tom saw that Pope was seemingly gripping hold of the weapon, even as he died.

Popes eyes fluttered open and fixed on the face looking over him.

“Doctor?” He coughed, bright blood frothing at his lips.

“You brought this on yourself, Pope.” The Doctor said sadly looking down at him. “All your talk of killing and murder.”

“I wanted to bring the world to order. Take back what the British had taken.”

“You were talking of dictatorship.” The Doctor said. “Any regime that starts with murder will never have a happy ending.”

“Plus, I’ve lost count of the number of times you’ve pointed a gun at me.” Tom added watching as Popes eyes slowly glazed over.

“He who lives by the sword.” The Doctor said softly, closing Popes eyes before standing up. “Good shot, Harry.”

“Well, he was all talk, whoever he was.” Harry said, holstering his pistol.

“Not a very nice character.” Tom replied, offering his hand to Harry. “Thanks by the way.”

“You’re welcome, old chap.” Harry said, shaking Toms’ hand. “Us chaps have to stick together, eh? Look out for one another?”

“Thank God your back.” Jess cried, rushing over to the Doctor and Tom and flinging her arms about the pair of them. “How did you just appear like that?”

“Something called an Osmic Projector.” The Doctor said. “Not quite what Pope was after, he was aiming for a rather powerful weapon.”

“How long were we gone?” Tom asked.

“About an hour and a half.” Harry replied.

“Really? That long? Seemed like longer for us. Eight hours or so.”

“Welcome back.” Tifa smiled, walking over.

“Quite a reception committee.” The Doctor said, looking about.
“There, erm, there were more, but we had some problems with aliens.” Jess said, somewhat ruefully.

“There was some sort of time explosion thing,” Harry explained. “We’d all moved up here after the blue haze disappeared, and then there was this explosion and suddenly everything was different.”

“Temporal Divergence.” The Doctor nodded. “I’m guessing you brought my equipment with you? That would have shielded you. And when the time lines returned to normal, the TARDIS would have too.” The Doctor stopped and started walking over to the TARDIS. “What is the Old Girl doing here?” He asked, affectionately patting the battered blue exterior.

“That was Jess.” Tifa said. “She flew the TARDIS here.”

“Really?” The Doctor turned and looked at Jess, his eyes wide. “Did she now? How fascinating.” Slowly, the Doctor walked towards Jess looking deeply into her eyes.

“But the funny thing is, I don’t remember it.” Jess replied.

“Ah, that will have been the TARDIS herself blocking what you did from your memory. The telepathic circuits I would think.” The Doctor said, straightening up. “The Old Girl probably realised that there was the Temporal Divergence and anchored herself to the timelines. When you entered, she reached out into your mind and told you what to do.”

“So I didn’t fly the TARDIS? That’s disappointing.” Jess said despondent.

“Not to worry, you’re still here.” Tom smiled, putting his arm about her and Tifa. “Both of you.”

“Sergeant Cooper isn’t.” Lovatt said, walking over. “Neither is half the platoon.”

“Oh, that’s something.” Harry said, looking at the Doctor. “There are a couple of men inside the TARDIS who didn’t make it.”

“I understand.” The Doctor said, sadly, opening the door.

Harry motioned to the remaining soldiers, who shouldered their rifles and walked over to him. “If you’d get those chaps out of there, and I’ll radio onto control to lay on some transport for us.”

Nodding their understanding, the soldiers walked into the TARDIS and a minute later, returned carrying the bodies of their fallen platoon members.


“I wouldn’t worry any more about any ghostly apparitions.” The Doctor said, to Harry. “Tom and I saw to that for you, so you can start moving the people back in as soon as possible.”

“Right oh.” Harry smiled. “I’m guessing that this is it then. I remember your fondness for just slipping off.”

“Quite right.” The Doctor said. “We’re due on holiday and we’re already running late.”

“I think were more than ready now.” Jess said walking up, followed by Tom and Tifa.

“It’s just a shame we didn’t get more time to catch up.” The Doctor said, shaking Harry’s hand. “Although, we could drop you off on the way. We could be in London five minutes ago.”

Harry chuckled. “No, thanks for the offer, Doctor.”

“But you’d rather travel intercity?” The Doctor smiled back.

“Actually, I’ve a mountain of paperwork that needs my attention before I can go back to London.”

“Well, it was very nice meeting you.” Jess said, as Harry shook her hand.

“And seeing you again.” He winked back.

“Take care.” Tifa smiled as she shook his hand and walked to the TARDIS.

“See you in the past.” Harry said shaking Toms’ hand, and stepping back, watching as the four travellers piled into the TARDIS.

“’Till we meet again, Harry.” The Doctor smiled and closed the door. Crossing the console room to the console, the Doctor silently set about setting the co-ordinates.

“So, what’s with the big rush?” Jess asked, walking over to the Time Lord.

“The whole ‘mopping up’ and little things like that, not really me.” The Doctor replied.

“So, on again to Florana.” Tom said, from the kitchen alcove. “Anyone else fancy a cuppa? Feels like hours since I’ve had one.”

Jess laughed, looking over to Tom. “You and your tea.” She smiled. “I’ll have a cup.”

“Me too.” Tifa said, walking over.

“They’re them. Those two disc things.” Jess said pointing to the sensors she had been almost hypnotised by earlier. “I remember staring at them and things came to me.”

“Hmm, the telepathic circuits.” The Doctor replied distantly.

Jess looked up at the Time Lord through the glass column of the time rotor. The Doctors face was lit up by the blue glow coming from the inside of the column. He was wearing a worried expression, a distant look in his eyes. His hand was up to his mouth, his fore and middle finger gently tapping his lips. The look worried Jess and she slowly walked round the wood effect console until she was beside the Doctor, looking up at him.

“What is it?” She asked.

“Oh, nothing, nothing.” The Doctor replied, looking down at the console, before deliberately busying himself with various dials and screens.

“Come on, you’re avoiding the question.” Jess said. “Was it Harry shooting that man? Because he saved Tom’s life.”

“No, it’s not that. It’s something else.” The Doctor said.

“You’re hiding it, whatever it is.”

The Doctor paused and looked at Jess. “It was Harry.”

“Something he said?”

“Something he didn’t.” The Doctor returned to busying himself at the console.

“Well, you should know as much as anyone that he can’t talk about the event he knows is going to happen to us.” Tom said walking over, handing a cup to Jess and another to the Doctor.

“It’s not that. It’s something else.” The Doctor said, accepting the tea. “Certain things he said to Tom just before we left.”

“‘See you in the past’?” Tom asked. “Surely he was talking about what he’s experienced already and that we’re going to.”

“Yes, but it was something he said to you before that. Something in his eyes.” The Doctor said. “I don’t know what it will be, it didn’t seem as though it would be life threatening, but it’s something that only you will experience, Tom.”