Out Four Revenge [Complete Story]

[Fitz Kreiner]

“Just how many other Doctors or any other of you Time Lord chaps should I expect to be crashing about my headquarters?” The Brigadier asked putting his now empty coffee mug down and looking at Tom.

The young Time Lord had rolled the sleeves of his shirt up and was pottering about the Doctors lab, attaching the device the Doctor had swiftly constructed to the astral map that now stood in the centre of the lab, a black cable snaked from underneath it and disappeared into the blue Police Box, stood proudly in the corner of the room.

“Erm, just the four Doctors, the Monk and me.” Tom said as he dipped his finger in the sugar bowl. Sucking the sugar grains off the tip of his finger, he picked up the bowl and carefully poured the sugar into a small tube on the top of the Doctors device.

“Incidentally,” He said suddenly, looking up at Steven. “Keep schtum about my being a Time Lord to the Doctor. He mustn’t know until he gets to be my Doctor.”

“I’ve got to say, I don’t think I’d be able to tell him everything even if I wanted to!” Steven said, reaching over Benton’s shoulder to put his coffee mug back on the table before turning and disappearing back inside the TARDIS.

“Are you sure it’s a good idea to have left the Doctor alone with that other chap, sir?” Benton asked.

“Oh, I’m sure that he’ll be fine. I’ve got men covering all the exits and the Doctor has his sonic whatsit. I’m sure he’s fine.” The Brigadier replied, getting to his feet.

“His sonic screwdriver isn’t a weapon.” Tom said without looking up. He was stood on tip toes looking into the top of the astral map, his arms had completely vanished into its internal workings. “But if the Monk had meant to kill us, he would have done long ago.”

“Indeed, Mr. Rowan.” The Brigadier said, walking over to Tom and looking over his shoulder at what he was doing inside the astral map. “Good grief, however do you make sense of it all?” He asked stepping back.

“To be honest,” Tom said, before looking round and leaning close to the Brigadier conspiratorially, “I haven’t a clue. I’m just going with what seems best.”

Tapping his swagger stick against his leg, the Brigadier moved to the centre of the lab and started pacing up and down.

“He’ll be in touch if he needs us.” Tom said without looking up.

“What’s that?” The Brigadier asked, mid step looking across at Tom.

Tom straightened up and pulled his arms out of the astral map. Wiping them on a cloth he tapped the side of his head with his right hand and smiled. “We’re Time Lords. He can just send a mental S.O.S.”

“What about the others?” Benton asked, collecting the mugs together onto the tray. “I mean, you had another one on the screen in there.” He said.

“That’s what Steven’s doing.” Tom replied. “Checking the scanner ranges to see if we can get anyone. Whilst the Doctor has taken it on himself to lock himself away with the Monk, or the Priest as he seems to be now, we’ve got to do the best we can.”

“Yes, well.” The Brigadier started before failing to follow through with anything of use. He walked over to where Tom was working as the young Time Lord flicked a switch on the side of the astral map, crying out in triumph as it was illuminated by a deep blue light. “What is that thing?”

“It’s a matter transmission homing beam.” Tom said, standing back and folding his arms, cocking his head to one side to admire his handy work. “Or something like that, I hope.” He added.

“You don’t know what it does?”

“Well, technically, it was the Doctors plan. I just worked on it a little.” Tom said, shifting slightly uncomfortably.

“Still no luck.” Steven said exiting the TARDIS and coming over to where Tom and the Brigadier were stood. “What have you done to that?”

“I’m not too sure.” Tom admitted. “Just worked a little on from what the Doctor started.” Tom stood back and thoughtfully stroked his beard before turning and looking to the door. “Something’s up.” He said.

The Brigadier looked from the door to Tom. He was just about to open his mouth to say something when the lab door burst open and the Doctor rushed in, his coat flapping behind him. Not stopping to look if anyone was in the way, the Doctor knocked Benton from his feet, sending the tray he was carrying clattering to the floor, its contents scattering in a cacophony of sound. Ignoring his friends in the lab, the Doctor rushed straight into the TARDIS and disappeared.
Shocked and confused, Steven turned to look at the Brigadier and Tom, who merely shrugged.

“Well, he was certainly in a hurry.” Benton said, picking himself up and collecting the scattered mugs.

“What do you think that was all about?” Steven asked.

“Well, there’s only one way to find out.” Tom replied making for the TARDIS.

Inside, the Doctor was furiously rushing about the console, throwing switches and violently twisting dials. “No, no, no, no!” He cried, stepping back and kicking the console in anger and wincing as he put his foot back on the floor.

“I’m guessing that didn’t help.” Tom said from the door.

“The Monk got away.” The Doctor said grumpily collapsing in an ornate chair, resting his elbows on his knees and plonking his chin in his hands.

“You can’t track him?” Tom asked.

“Yes Tom, that’s why I’m sat here, doing nothing.” The Doctor said an angry sarcasm prevalent in his voice.

“Well, what the hell happened?” Tom asked walking to the console and looked at some of the instruments the Doctor had worked at.
“The Monk had a transmat beam fixed onto him. I don’t know where it took him because he’s masked it. Quite expertly.” The Doctor said getting to his feet and joining Tom at the console.

“This Monk fellow?” The Brigadier asked from just inside the TARDIS. “Was he the one who-?”

“Yep, the guy in your office.” The Doctor said. “Although, if we can get in touch with me again, we might be able to track him from the vortex.” The Doctor said, sudden realisation dawning on him. Jumping to his feet, he dashed to the communication panel of the console.

“But Doctor,” Steven started, dashing to the console and making a point of putting his face in the Doctors line of sight. “I’ve been looking through the scanner channels and couldn’t find you.”

“Ah.” The Doctor straightened up and looked at Steven, grinning. “There is a difference, this is my TARDIS and, well, I’m rather brilliant!” Turning, the Doctor went to reassume his work at the console before stopping and turning his head back to Steven. “Not that you’re not brilliant, ‘cause you are, otherwise I wouldn’t travel with you. Now, if I’m very clever, and I am very clever, I can trace the transmission from my other TARDIS beck through the time curve and with an exitronic pulse of artron energy...”

Trailing off, the Doctor reached across the console for a switch, realising he couldn’t reach looked over his shoulder to Tom.

“Tom, that switch there, activate and oscillate the gravitron pulses ten degrees.” He shouted, watching as Tom dashed to the console. “Did you finish off what I was doing to the astral map?” He asked as he watched Tom, who nodded in confirmation. “Brilliant, quite brilliant.” He grinned.

“Well, thanks. I just went on what I thought you would do.” He replied as he concentrated on what the Doctor had told him to do.

“I miss that.”

Tom looked up, puzzled at the expression and sadness that seemed to have clouded the Doctors face. A sadness seemed to have filled his eyes.

“Doctor?” Tom asked looking into the Doctors eyes. The Time Lord seemed to have closed his mind off. “Whenever I leave/left you, I’m sure there were good reasons for it and I treasured the time we spent together.”

The Doctor looked up. “Yes.” He said quietly before becoming animated again. “Yes. Quite. Now if we’re all as brilliant as I think we are, we can get this working.” He grinned looking from Tom to Steven.

*


Harry and Jess had retreated to the far wall of the console room as the Doctors work had caused him to descend into total silence. All attempts to talk to him had been greeted by a wall of silence. Now the pair of them stood in an uncomfortable silence watching the Time Lord as he worked, both wanting to break the silence but neither having the nerve.

“OK. Nearly done now, get ready Harry.” The Doctors voice caused both Harry and Jess to start.

“What?” Harry asked, totally bemused.

“Like I told you, when we land.” The Doctor replied.

“You’ve not said a word in like, hours.” Jess shrugged not actually sure about how much time had passed.

“Really?” The Doctor asked, looking up rather bemused. “I could have sworn- Oh, never mind; I’ve been working on a very difficult manoeuvre which should land us one step ahead of our meddling monk friend.” The Doctor grinned. “When I give the word, I want you to slap these on the next person you see who isn’t Jess or myself.” The Doctor rummaged into his pocket and withdrew a pair of old handcuffs and threw them to Harry, who promptly caught them, a confused look on his face.

“I say, Doctor, what are you playing at?” He asked.

Smiling and winking at Harry, the Doctor threw the materialisation switch on the console and the sound of the TARDIS engines roared into life and a figure began to materialise in the console room.

[Fitz Kreiner]

Jess’ eyes widened in shock as she watched the man appear. He was dressed all in black and had his back to her. Her first thought was that it was the Master, but a quick glance to his head told her that it was someone else. He was also staring about in surprise.
Glancing over at Harry, she saw he was stood stunned by what he was witnessing. Gently elbowing him, Harry spurred into action and jumped on the shocked figure and easily overcame him, grabbing his hands behind his back and securing them with the handcuffs.

“Now then, perhaps we can have a chat without you playing any of your monkish games with us.” The Doctor said, addressing the figure.

“How did you-? I underestimated you, Doctor.” The Monk said, looking about. “This is a Mark I, how did you manage this?”

“It’s been a long time since we last met. I’ve had time to think about things and we all improve with age.” The Doctor smiled. “When you last sent me a message, I was able to trace it back and map out your bio pattern through the two TARDISes telepathic circuits. It was a tricky manoeuvre, materialising my TARDIS inside yours, but thanks to the telepathic circuits I was able to snare you inside mine. It will make it a lot easier for sorting this mess out that you’ve got me, me, me and me in.”

“It appears that I have to concede this victory to you then, Doctor.” The Monk said, bowing his head.

“Hmm,” The Doctor mused rather suspiciously. “Harry, keep a close eye on him.” He said as he activated the door control. “Come on, out you come. It’s well past time we sorted this business out.” The Doctor nodded to the doors and watched as Harry nudged the Monk towards them.

“Doctor, what was all that?” Jess asked, dashing to the Doctors side. “I didn’t know you could materialise the TARDIS around someone like that.”

“It’s normally very dangerous to do so. Fortunately mine and the Monks TARDIS helped. The symbiotic links and telepathic circuits played a strong role. I wouldn’t have managed it without them.” The Doctor gestured to the doors, and smiling, Jess followed Harry out of the TARDIS.

“Hey, we’re inside another TARDIS!” Jess exclaimed loudly, looking about her.

“Yes, my TARDIS.” The Monk said grumpily. “You just barged in without so much as a hello and materialised your clumsy machine around me.”

“Clumsy machine?” The Doctor took a step back and patted the wooden exterior of his TARDIS. “Pay no attention old thing.” He said as though soothing a child that had just scraped their knee. “I see you’ve been doing your TARDIS up a little bit since I last saw it.”

“It’s what one does when one has the Daleks on ones tail.” The Monk replied smiling and stepping forward from Harry who reached out to grab him but missed. “Do I take it you’re impressed?”

Seemingly ignoring the Monk, the Doctor looked round the console room, admiring the console and various pieces of brick-a-brack and machinery that cluttered the room. Stopping the Doctor spotted something that caught his attention and nipped over to it.

“This is mine!” He said turning to face the Monk. “You thief! Where did you get it?”

The Monk smiled, stepping forwards and breaking out of Harrys’ grip once again. “Now now, Doctor. What’s abandoned cannot be stolen.”

“Abandoned where?”

The tone of the Doctors voice caused the Monk to stiffen. “The vault of Department C19.” He replied. “It was stood next to some silly yellow roadster.”

“There’s nothing silly about Bessie!”

The Doctors retort caused Jess to turn away, biting her lip and trying hard not to laugh aloud.

“C19? That’s the lot in charge of UNIT.” Harry said, stepping forwards and grabbing the Monks arms again, frowning at how he kept slipping his grip.

“Yes, that’s right.” The Doctor replied. “So, when did you break into that and steal this?”

“About 2024.” The Monk admitted. “The whole place was covered in dust. Nothing had been touched in years. Like I said, you cannot steal what has been abandoned.”

“What is it?” Jess asked, having regained her composure from the Doctors Bessie outburst.

“It is the astral map from my TARDIS. My first selves TARDIS. I recognise the handicraft of the workmanship on the additions that have been made to it. They’re my own and Toms.” The Doctor said.

“Tom?” Jess asked.

“Yes.” The Doctor turned round to face the Monk, a grin on his face. “I do believe you’ve lost.” He said, pointing a long finger at the other Time Lord. “You’ve stolen the very device that I am going to build with the help of my young friend to sort out the mess you’ve got us in. Not only that, but you used to it bring us all together. You’ve gone and gotten yourself into a nice little paradox.”

The Monks eyes widened before narrowing in disbelief. “You’re lying, Doctor. Trying to unsettle me.” He chuckled.

“Oh, I am aware you’ve added your own little bits and bobs here and there.” The Doctor responded. “But I think you can see from what you already had that it can be used to put myself, Jess and Harry back into our proper time streams.”

The Monk staggered back into Harry who stood firm, holding his arms firmly behind his back. “No.”

“I’m afraid so.” The Doctor replied before looking over the Monks shoulder to Harry. “Now watch him closely while I do this.” He said as he reached out for a control on the console.

“No, Doctor.” The Monk started before Harry pulled on his arms, silencing him.

“That’s enough out of you old chap.” He said.

Smiling, the Doctor twisted the control and the console room seemed to fade away to be replaced by a holographic image of another. He recognised it as the console room of his first selves TARDIS. A quick glance of the room allowed him to see the five people stood looking at him in astonishment. Holographic images of his future self and Tom were at the console, with the holographic images of Steven, the Brigadier and Benton were stood just the other side.

“Hello everyone.” The Doctor grinned.

“Oh, that’s brilliant.” The Tenth Doctor said, a huge toothy grin spreading across his face.

“I thought I’d approve.” The Eighth Doctor smiled before looking across to the Brigadier. “Hello Alistair. I would shake your hand, but as you can see, I’m not really here.”

“Good grief.” The Brigadier quietly muttered. “And where are the other two of you going to appear from, Doctor?”

“Oh, they’re still stuck in a region of nulled space, I would imagine.” The Tenth replied. “Probably trying to overcome what the Monk may have done to our TARDIS.”

“Well, that shouldn’t be a problem any longer.” The Eighth said smugly as he pulled himself to his full height. “If you couldn’t already tell, we’re aboard the Monks TARDIS.”

“I was gonna say,” Tom said as he stood beside the holographic console. “I didn’t think your TARDIS could do that.”

“And,” The Eighth continued. “I’ve found what he used to orchestrate this whole nefarious affair.”

“I can see I’m dying to tell me.” The Tenth grinned.

“The astral map. Courtesy of the modifications that you made to it and a few of his own.” The Eighth nodded.

“You mean, it works? Will work? Worked?” Tom said, trying to find the correct tense for his question.

“Very well so it seems. Or at least it paved the way for it to work for the Monk.” The Doctor continued. “Either way, I’m going to head back to UNIT in the Monks TARDIS and we can finally sort all this messy business out.”

“Just one thing,” The Tenth said quickly. “What about our TARDIS, the one you were in.”

“Oh, yes. Well, that’s here inside the Monks. I know the dimensional knots that we’re tying but they’re unavoidable.” The eighth replied awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck. “We only got in here through a little bit of sneak piracy and feeding back through the TARDIS telepathic circuits. Best the old girl have a bit of a rest while we sort this out.”

“Right, then we’ll expect you here soon.” The Tenth said.

“And don’t forget to put the kettle on.” The Eighth grinned as the holo image faded away and was replaced by the interior of the Monks TARDIS. “Right, you.” He said, indicating the Monk. “We’re finally going to sort all this out and then decide what to do with you.”

“Your other self has mentioned imprisonment and the Time Lords. What do you have to offer?” The Monk said.

“Oh, I’m sure the two of us can come up with something.” The Doctor replied as he set about the console setting the controls.

“Well, in that case, if you are going to abandon me somewhere, can I at least request one of the Haven planets?” The Monk smiled.

The Doctor turned to face the Monk, his eyes burning a bright blue. “When I said ‘we’, I meant my other self and I. Do you really imagine we’d let you run loose on one of the Haven Worlds? There’s a reason they’re called Haven Worlds and that’s because there aren’t people like you running about spoiling their beauty and tranquillity.”

The Monk sunk back into his handcuffs. He’d been testing the metal of them but found that Harry had closed them tightly enough so there wasn’t much give. He had to concede that the Doctor had him now.

“Haven Worlds?” Jess asked. “What are they? Like some sort of holiday camp planet?”

“Sort of.” The Doctor replied. “They’re an extension of the Leisure Worlds. Planets of such natural beauty-” The Doctor trailed off as he peered at a screen. “Here we are.” He said again as the sound of the TARDIS engines could be heard.

The Monk allowed himself a small smile as he watched the Doctor work. He’d engineered a security system into his TARDIS some time ago. As he watched, he tried not to show his smile as the Doctor finally reached for the door control.

“Right, we should be able to get Alistair to have this fellow put into a cell while we sort this stuff out. Ready to meet Tom again?” The Doctor smiled at Jess.

“It seems like ages since I last saw him. And Tifa.” She smiled.

“We’ll get to Tifa again in time.” The Doctor replied, reaching for the door control.

“You’ll like To-” Jess started to say looking at Harry when a cry from the Doctor cut her off.

Turning to look at the Time Lord, she saw a crackle of blue electric sparks shoot up from the console, through the Door control and up the Doctors arm, enveloping him in an crackling electric field before he dropped to the floor.

[Fitz Kreiner]

“You know what, Mr Benton?” The Brigadier asked, turning to face Benton. “I shall be glad when all this business is over.”

“It does seem to be one thing after another, sir.” Benton agreed, watching as the Doctor, Tom and Steven were occupied with the console before moving to one side to allow Tom to dash outside.

“I think a nice pint and then a holiday in Cromer is in order.” The Brigadier muttered quietly, before snapping to attention. “Right Mr Benton, we can’t stand about here all day. We still have some cleaning up to do from that Think Tank lot.”

“Yessir.” Benton said, snapping to attention.

Turning on his heel, the Brigadier went to walk out of the TARDIS, Benton at his heel. Suddenly the Brigadier reeled backwards knocking into Benton as Tom dashed into the console room.

“Oof!” The Brigadier muttered as Tom cannoned into him before recomposing himself. “Mr. Rowan, be careful.” He said.

“Sorry, but we’ve got company. And Doctor, I think we need you.” Tom said, looking over the Brigadiers shoulder.

Without a word, the Doctor dashed from the console and disappeared from the TARDIS, Tom close on his heels leaving the Brigadier, Benton and Steven all looking about at each other confused.

“Well, don’t just stand there Mr. Benton.” The Brigadier finally said breaking the silence. “Go and see what Mr. Rowan meant.”

“Yessir.” Benton said, snapping to attention again before swiftly exiting the TARDIS.

The Brigadier turned to look at Steven who was still stood by the console. “Shall we, Mr. Taylor?” He offered.

Nodding, Steven followed the Brigadier out of the TARDIS and back into the Doctors lab.

*


Jess dashed over to the Doctor as he crumpled to the floor. “You’re a doctor,” She said turning to Harry. “Can’t you do something.”

“Yes, I-” Harry started, stepping round the Monk before pausing. “How did you know that?”

“We haven’t got time for that. Please.” Jess urged.

“Jess! Harry!”

The sound of a new voice caused them both to turn to the doors. Even the Monk was caught off guard and paused, mid-back step away from Harry.

“Tom!” Jess cried turning to see the young Time Lord stood framed in the doorway.

“Where’s the Doctor?” Tom asked before his eyes fell on the crumpled heap on the console room floor.

“Tom, help us, please!” Jess begged.

Tom took a step towards Jess when his eyes fell on the Monk. “Harry, watch him!” He shouted before looking at Jess. “One sec. I know just the man!” With that he turned and disappeared from the console room.

“Was that Tom?” Harry asked as he reached out and grabbed the Monk by the arm. “Very urgent sort of chap.”

“Well done Harry. Keep an eye on him; we’ll be having words later.” The sound of a second new voice made Harry jump.

“Down there.” Toms voice came wafting through the doors closely followed by the man himself.

“Yes, I see me.” The Doctor said as he strode over and crouched down next to his fallen Eighth self. He quickly looked his past incarnation up and down before looking up at Jess. “Hallo again Jess.” He grinned before looking back at his past self. “Come on big fella, up you get. It’s only a little electric shock.”

“Electric shock? I saw the electricity, it was enough to kill a man.” Harry said.

“Rubber soles.” The Eighth Doctor muttered groggily.

“Swear by ‘em.” The Tenth grinned as he helped his eighth self to his feet. “Good to see me again, Doctor.”

“Me too.” The Eighth grinned before turning to face Harry. “Now, it’s about time we got him out of here and ourselves back where we should be.”

*


The Brigadier walked out of the TARDIS to find Benton looking round the empty lab. Looking about, he couldn’t see any sight of the Doctor or Tom and neither could he hear them. Surely they hadn’t got that far ahead already.

“I don’t get it, sir.” Benton said. “Where have they gone?”

“That’s a very good question Mr. Benton.” The Brigadier said. “They haven’t had time to get far. Check the corridor would you.” Pausing, the Brigadier turned to face Steven. “You’ve met this Monk character before. Do you know what his TARDIS looks like?”

“No idea.” Steven confessed. “He’s got this thing in it that changes what it looks like.”

“Good grief.” The Brigadier muttered rolling his eyes before becoming distracted by a rattling from one of the filing cabinets on the far side of the lab. Before his amazed eyes, the Brigadier watched as the front swung open revealing a deep black void. His eyes widened as Tom stooped out before standing up to his full height followed by Father Mortimer and Harry Sullivan.

“Sullivan, there you are. Any news of our Doctor and Miss Smith?”

“They should be safe, sir.” Harry replied. “Anywhere we can put this one for the time being?” He said, indicating the Monk with a nod of his head.

“Mr. Benton!” The Brigadier shouted, bringing Benton back in the room in a rush. “Take this one and keep an eye on him.” The Brigadier said when Benton reappeared.

Nodding, Benton took the Monk by the arm and marched him away.

“So this is his TARDIS.” The Brigadier said walking over to the filing cabinet. It looked as though it had always been a part of the lab, he certainly didn’t register it as being new. “A bit smaller than the Doctors.”

“It’s not so small inside Alistair.” The soft voice came before the eighth Doctor stepped out before pulling himself to his full height, swiftly followed by the tenth and a young girl. “So nice to see you again.” The Doctor grinned, shaking the Brigadier by the hand before noticing the astral map in the centre of the lab and walking off to study it.

“Jess.” Jess said offering her hand to the Brigadier.

“Delighted Miss, erm, Miss?” The Brigadier fumbled with his words.

“Lawton.” Jess smiled.

“We can do it.” The Eighth Doctor said looking across and the Tenth and Tom. “It’ll leave us the Monks TARDIS to get back to ours, but we can do it.”

“I’m impressed, I’ve gotta say.” Tom said as he leant back against the wall, his arms folded and a large grin across his face.

“With what?” Jess asked coming and standing beside him.

“That.” Tom nodded his head. “Just went with what I thought and it seems to have worked.”

“Quite brilliant!” The Tenth Doctor grinned, looking over at Tom. “Although I think we can sort it out a lot quicker now and get us all back to where we should be.” The Doctor jumped to his feet and dashed over to his other self. “Allons-y! You know, it’s great when you meet someone called Alonso, you can say ‘Allons-y Alonso’!”

“You are aware of the paradox of having to use both astral maps to sort this out.” The Eighth said looking at his future self.

“Oh yes. But it’s just the once, then this has to go to the vault so all this can happen.” The Tenth replied. “But the longer we spend nattering the more we’re knotting dimensions and time.”

“What about us?” Jess asked, indicating herself, Tom, Harry and Steven.

“Not really a great deal left to do, actually.” The Eighth said, turning and looking at the small group of companions. “And Alistair, I don’t think there’s really anything left for you and your boys to do now, apart from guard the Monk for a while until we’re ready to deal with him.”

“Right ho, Doctor. Doctors. In that case, I’ve still got some paper work from that Think Tank business. Something which you always seem to shirk off. I’ll be in my office.” With a turn of his heel, the Brigadier turned and marched from the room.

“Well, that sorts us.” Harry said. “I can always nip off home now if you’re not needing me, Doctor.”

“No!” Both Doctors spun and at the same time.

“You travel with me, the fourth me, back to Earth, Scotland to be precise.” The Eighth said. “You have to go back to Sarah and myself.”

The Tenth turned to the Eighth. “Will you?”

The Eighth nodded in reply and turned to face Tom. “You’re the only other one here who can help us with this.” He said.

“What is it you want?” Tom replied stepping forwards.

“Brace yourself. This could be a lot to take in.” The Doctor said gently reaching forwards and pressing his fingertips against Toms’ temples. “Contact.”

For a brief second, Tom saw himself as the Doctor saw him before he felt a flood of information wash into his mind.

“That seems easy enough.” He replied.

“But remember, the Monk may have put a few more booby traps about his TARDIS.” The Doctor said.

“You managed the communication system alright.” Tom smiled before turning and making to the Monks TARDIS. “Harry, you’re with me. We’re sending you home properly.”

*


The fourth Doctor was sat sulkily in one of the sofas aboard his eighth selfs TARDIS whilst his first incarnation strode round the console, stroking his lapel and peering at the controls. The power surge from the other TARDIS had caused the controls to explode and they were now regenerating. It was a slow process but the presence of two TARDISes had speeded up the process.

Sarah, Dodo and Tifa had grouped by the kitchen alcove, where Sarah had found milk and tea and had brewed a pot of tea. Both Doctors had refused a cup rather sulkily and now the three women sat around drinking and waiting for the Time Lords mood to rise.

“-ng through? Anyone?”

A voice seemingly coming from thin air caused all five occupants of the console room to turn and try to locate the source. With a flicker, a holographic image of Tom appeared in the middle of the console room.

“Tom!” Tifa cried, rushing over, stopping when she got close and carefully studying the flickering image.

“Mr. Rowan. Where are you young man?” The First Doctor said standing before Toms image, gripping his lapels.

“Wow, this is trippy.” Tom said.

“Please keep your mind on the job in hand young man, hmm!” The First Doctor snapped.

“I’m in the Monks TARDIS. Sneak piracy on your part apparently. Anyway, long story short and you’ll be living in again and again and again, yourselves and I have done some tweaking with the astral map and we’re going to use that to send everyone back to their right place.”

“I trust all is well with my ship my boy.” The First said.

“Of course. You’ll all just appear back in your TARDISes as though nothing has happened. Harry is already aboard yours.” Tom nodded to the Fourth Doctor. “And I’m sure Steven is already back aboard yours.” He added looking at the first.

“What about you?” Tifa asked.

“We’re coming back in the Monks TARDIS. It will mean you’ll be alone for a minute or two, but don’t worry.” Tom looked round the console room at all the occupants. “Very nice meeting you all and I’ll see you two in the future.” He saluted the two Doctors with a single finger and his image disappeared.

*


Tom looked round as the holographic version of his Doctors console room disappeared to be replaced with that of the Monks. A cable now snaked from the astral map to the doors and disappeared out into the lab outside. He assumed that one of the Doctors had linked it up while he was talking to the other two. Harry was stood by the TARDIS, which sat incongruously in the Monks console room.

“Well, goodbye old thing.” Harry said, shaking Toms’ hand. “Shame we didn’t get to talk properly.”

“Maybe one day.” Tom smiled. “Take care and see you in the future.” He watched as Harry disappeared into the police box before turning to the console and flicking on the scanner. Only the two Doctors and Jess remained in the lab. Steven had clearly gone into the TARDIS. Tom winced slightly at not having said goodbye to him properly.

“Ready Tom?” Jess shouted from near the doors.

“All set in here.” He replied turning to face the astral map. As he watched it glowed with a deep blue before pulsed with a blinding white light causing Tom to throw his arms up to shield his eyes.

*


“All set.” Jess repeated from the door of the Monks TARDIS.

“Ready?” The Eighth asked, looking at his future self as he grasped a lever.

“Ready!” He confirmed and gripped the lever on his side of the map.

“After three;” The Eighth said. “One, two, three.”

The Doctors slammed the levers home at the same time and stepped back both grinning as the map began to glow. All of a sudden the light flashed with a blinding white glare and emitted a piercing high pitched shriek causing the two Doctors and Jess to screw their eyes closed and put their hands to their ears in pain.

[Fitz Kreiner]

“Well young man. It seems that we’re about to go back to our correct time zones.” The First said to his future self.

“What about Harry?” Sarah asked the Fourth.

“Don’t worry, he’ll be there waiting for us.” The Doctor replied before turning to look at his past self, Dodo and Tifa. “I hate goodbyes, but I’ll see you in the past, or future.” He said grinning a large toothy grin.

“Indeed my boy.” The First said. “We did quite well. Hmm, quite well. Always good to know our future is in such good hands.”

“Do you have any idea when this thing is going to happen?” Dodo asked, walking to stand by the First Doctors side.

“No idea at all my child.” He replied before looking to Tifa. “Goodbye my dear girl.” He said “It’s a shame that you have to be left alone, but I imagine that it won’t be long before myselves return.”

The occupants of the console room turned to look at the first Doctor as his words developed a bizarre echoing effect.

“I do believe we’re off.” He said as he started to fade away.

“Goodbye everyone.” Dodo waved as she faded away from the console room.

“Time to go Sarah.” The Doctor said, pulling his hat onto his head. “Goodbye.” He grinned at Tifa holding his hand up and waving his fingers as Sarah also waved.

Waving back, Tifa watched as the Doctor and Sarah faded out of being. Looking round the now empty console room Tifa felt her mood dip. She was now all alone. All alone in a time and space craft that she had no idea how to operate, somewhere she had no idea where it was.

Nervously, Tifa ran her hand through her hair and walked slowly back to the breakfast bar in the kitchen alcove and finished the tea she had been drinking. She shivered as she put the now empty cup down. She couldn’t help wonder what would happen if the Doctor, Jess and Tom didn’t return, if she’d be stuck wherever she was for the rest of her life. She walked over to the console and looked down at the telepathic circuits. She remembered how Jess had used them and, according to the Doctor, the TARDIS had helped her to pilot the TARDIS and get out of trouble. Gingerly, Tifa placed the palms of her hands onto the two discs, closed her eyes and breathed in. After several seconds, she opened her eyes and looked down. Nothing had happened. Turning from the console, Tifa walked to one of the sofas and sat down, cradling her chin in her hands. She felt lost and alone.

The sudden wheezing and groaning sound of TARDIS engines caused her to look up, breaking out of her reverie. She looked around as what appeared to be a large cabinet materialised in the library alcove of the console room.

*


“What the devil is that noise?” The Brigadier angrily grumbled as he rose from behind his desk and marched to the door. Flinging the door open, he found the noise only got louder. Following the sound to its source he almost bumped straight into Benton, who was rounding a corner from the rarely used cells.

“Mr. Benton. What is that noise?” He shouted over the sound.

“No idea sir.” Benton shouted back. “It seems to be coming from the lab.”

Together the two soldiers rushed through the corridors of the HQ before coming to a halt outside the Doctors lab. Grabbing hold of the door knob, the Brigadier threw the doors open at the very second the sound died leaving a shrill ringing in their ears.

“-hell. I’m gonna have a ringing in my ears for days now.” Jess was moaning.

“Yes, sorry about that.” The Eighth Doctor said, somewhat embarrassed.

“What the devil are you playing at Doctor? Doctors!” The Brigadier corrected himself looking round the lab. “And what’s happened to the TARDIS?” He said, noting that the corner was now bare once again.

“Back to where it belongs big fella!” The Tenth Doctor said, spinning round and clapping the Brigadier on his shoulders.

“Your plan worked then?” Benton asked from behind the Brigadier.

“Very much so.” The Eighth grinned, reeling in a cable that lead from the astral map to the corner where the TARDIS had once stood. “Although we severed the maps link to the TARDIS. It’s now useless until the Monk gets his hands on it in about fifty years or so.” The Doctor paused and looked up at the Brigadier. “Oh, and this is very important. This needs to go to Department C19 and stored in their vault. Otherwise this cannot happen. It’s a paradox and complicated, but important.”

“I understand.” The Brigadier nodded. “What about you three?”

“Four!” Toms voice came from the corner of the room.

Turning, the Brigadier saw him standing at the opening to the Monks TARDIS. “Ah, Mr. Rowan, you’re with one of these Doctors then?”

“Me.” The Eighth Doctor smiled.

“And me.” Jess grinned, linking her arm through the Doctors velvet sleeve.

“What about that Monk fellow?” The Brigadier asked.

“Ah, yeah, him.” The Tenth said. “We’ll take him from here, yeah?” He said, looking at his Eighth self for confirmation who nodded reeling up another cable.

“Right ho.” The Brigadier said, turning to face Benton. “Mr. Benton. Will you fetch him from his cell?”

“Sir.” Benton saluted and marched from the lab.

“Not long now, Brigadier, and we’ll be out of your hair.” The Eighth said as he placed the now rolled up cables on the bench on the side of the lab.

Standing back in the doorway, the Brigadier watched as the two Doctors cleared away the clutter from the lab and Tom and Jess moved to one side, near the Monks TARDIS. After what seemed like no time at all he heard Benton behind him escorting the Monk.

“Here we are sir.” He said.

“Doctor?” The Brigadier asked, looking into the lab.

“Ah, excellent.” The Eighth said before looking over to Tom. “Will you do the honours?”

Nodding, Tom walked towards the Brigadier and Benton. “Nice to have met you.” He smiled, shaking their hands before grabbing hold of the Monks arm, who gave him a sulky look. “Not so nice to have met you.” He said, as he escorted him back into his TARDIS.

“Jess. Time we were off.” The Doctor said.

As Tom did, Jess walked to the Brigadier and Benton and shook their hands. “Goodbye. Nice to have met you, even if it was only for a little while.”

“Miss Lawton.” The Brigadier nodded, as Jess disappeared into the Monks TARDIS.

“Well, goodbye Alistair. Afraid we can’t hang about. And don’t forget about the astral map.” The Eighth said.

“Indeed. Great to see you again big fella!” The Tenth grinned before turning to the Eighth.

“Doctor. Doctors.” The Brigadier smiled shaking their hands. “Wonderful fellows. All of you.”

“Goodbye Doctor.” Benton said rounding the Brigadier to shake hands.

The Tenth grinned as they shook hands. “Allons-y!”

“Must you keep saying that?” The Eight asked as they disappeared into the TARDIS.

With a wheezing groaning sound the filing cabinet disappeared from the lab, leaving it quite and empty.

“Well, don’t just stand there Mr. Benton.” The Brigadier said without moving. “Get that contraption to The Vault.”

*


“It doesn’t look that different.” Jess said, looking round the Monks console room. “Not as homely and a little darker, but almost the same. More like yours was when I met you.” She turned, addressing the eighth Doctor.

“Yes, although this is a mark IV and a little more advanced that ours.” The Doctor replied.

Jess continued looking around. The console room was filled with various bits and bobs from many different times and places. She had spotted the astral map that the Doctor and Tom had worked on sat in the room. It looked slightly different than when she last saw it, but it was still the same thing.

Tom and the other Doctor were stood by the Monk, making sure that he tried not to escape or do anything else. The Monk looked very gloomy and totally crestfallen. All the mischief and sparkle had left his eyes. He almost looked a different person to when she had first seen him, albeit a hologram.

“So have you decided what you’re going to do to me?” The Monk asked eventually breaking the rather uncomfortable silence.

“Aha!” The Eighth Doctor cried, cutting in timely before anyone had a chance to reply to the Monk. “Here we are.” He grinned, throwing the re-materialisation switch before looking at the Monk. “What do you think?” He asked his future self.

“Contact?” The Tenth replied.

“Contact.”

The two Doctors closed their eyes for a couple of seconds before opening them.

“Agreed.” The eighth said, turning back to the console and setting some controls.

“Well? Don’t keep me in suspense Doctor.” The Monk said before looking over at the Eighth Doctor. “You’re pre-setting the controls?” He asked before his eyes widened in shock. “No don’t touch that!” He cried.

“What, this?” The Eighth said, flicking a switch.

An eruption of sparks from the console illuminated the console room with a crackle.

“What have you done?” Jess asked.

“You vandal!” The Monk sulked.

“Fused the directional circuit.” The Tenth said letting go of the Monk and walking to the console. Reaching inside his coat he pulled out a pencil and used it to activate the door control. “Time to go everyone. You can stay here.” He finished leaning back on the console and looking at the Monk.

“You’re letting him go?” Tom asked in disbelief.

“Not quite.” The Eighth said, ushering him and Jess towards the door. “Oh, before I forget.” He rummaged in his pocket and produced a small silver key. “For the handcuffs.” He said to the Monk, and tossed the key. With a clatter it landed on top of the astral map, precariously balanced before it toppled and fell into its inner workings.

“Enjoy your trip.” The Tenth said, idly as he flicked the last switch on the console and dashed for the door.

*


The Doctor, Jess and Tom stepped out into the library alcove and looked about, almost in disbelief.

“I didn’t think I’d ever see this old TARDIS again.” Jess said.

“Good to be back.” Tom agreed.

“Doctor! Jess! Tom!” Tifa cried, running over from the sofa where she had been sat, tears of joy running down her cheeks. “I didn’t... I thought... I don’t know what I thought. I’m just so pleased to see you again.” She finished throwing her arms round both Jess and Tom.

“Easy, time to move.” The Tenth Doctor said, as he appeared behind the group and the doors to the Monks TARDIS closed. With the familiar wheezing and groaning, it faded away from the TARDIS and back into the vortex.

“You just let him go?” Tom asked, turning to face the two Doctors.
“Well, not quite.” The Tenth said. “He didn’t deserve a punishment, as I said before, he’s a meddler, a nuisance, so-” He paused and looked at his past incarnation.

“We decided we’d be a nuisance. Damaged his directional unit, and the only way he can get the key to the handcuffs is to smash that blasted machine of his to pieces.”

“Hey!” Tom said, playfully hitting the Doctors on their arms. “That blasted machine was my work!”

“Well, I’d love to stop for a cuppa and chat, but I can see my TARDIS is tying itself into knots being inside itself, so I’d best get on.” The Tenth said, almost sadly.

“It was really nice to meet you.” Tifa said.

“Thank you, it was nice meeting you too.” The Eighth smiled causing Tifa to look at him confused.

“Jess, Tom.” The Tenth said, briefly shaking their hands and turning to himself. “Days gone by.” He said offering his hand.

“Until I’m you.” The Doctor replied, shaking his hand.

“Cheerio.” The Tenth said turning and making for his TARDIS.

“Woah, wait a minute!” Tom said, dashing after him and grabbing him by the shoulder. “There’s something you’re not saying. A decent goodbye at least.”

The Doctor stopped and looked at Tom, fixing him with a deep stare, his brown eyes almost sadly boring into him. “You know as well as I do I can’t tell you your future.” Pausing to compose himself, the Doctor clapped Tom on his shoulders. It’s just been brilliant to see you again. It’s been a while. Take care.” He turned to enter the TARDIS before pausing and looking round to his other self and companions. “That goes to all of you. Especially you big fella! Anything happens to you and I’ve had it!” With a grin he disappeared into his TARDIS and within seconds it had disappeared.

“Well, that’s that then.” Jess said. “I take it we’re back to normal now then?”

“Yes, back to normal.” The Doctor replied, putting his arms around Jess and Tifa and leading them to the console, looking up at Tom as he walked to join them. “Where to now then?” He smiled.

*


The Monk dashed for the astral map as he saw the handcuff key fall inside it. With a swift kick he floored it, causing it to smash and spill its contents all over the console room floor. The Monk glanced back over his shoulder in time to see the doors close. The sound of the TARDIS engines started as the console room gave a lurch, sending the Monk stumbling to the floor and the TARDIS dematerialised. He looked at the mass of inner workings of the astral map all over the console room floor and then to the console, to where the console was scorched by the Doctors fusing his directional unit. He was directionless once again.

“I’ll get you for this, Doctor!” He cried out at the doors. “I’ll get you one day!”

The End?