DW-Amazing Doctor Pimpernel New Adventures of Doctor Who Simulation August-September, 1997 Background on the French Revolution July, 1789, the French Revolution began with the storming of the Bastille (a prison in Paris). A National Convention was formed to create a new constitutional monarchy with the Bourbon king (Louis VIII) but due to old world rivalries between the aristocracy, church and peasant class this peaceful revolution turned into the Reign of Terror within a few years (1792 - 1794). King Louis and his wife Marie Antoinette (of "let them eat cake" fame) were arrested and beheaded on the guillotine. The Reign of Terror saw the execution of thousands , mostly aristos accused of treason with Austria or England. The accused were arrested by the Committee for Public Safety and/or Committee for General Security (arms of the new Republican Government), judged by the Republican Tribunal and sent to die on Madame La Guillotine in Paris. Robespierre was an avowed republican (called Jacobin) and leader of the Reign of Terror. He outspoke his political rivals (Herbert - an atheist and Danton - a moderate reformer) and by 1794 was almost insane with his desire to create an ideal republican estate. He ruled with an increasingly crueler hand going from the political debater to ruthless dictator. Those who opposed him, such as Herbert and Danton, were deemed counterrevolutionaries, imprisoned and later guillotined (April and May 1794). The summer of 1794, Robespierre went one step further towards madness and declared himself head of the cult of the Supreme Being. He was ultimately arrested by rebels in his own government (including a young General Napoleon Bonaparte) and executed to end the Reign of Terror in July of 1794. The Scarlet Pimpernel In 1791, England and France's allies had reports that French aristocrats were in jeopardy from the new commoner government of France. While Austria declared war, the Scarlet Pimpernel (aka Baronet Sir Percy Blakeney - the richest man in England) formed a league of rescuers among his noble and educated friends. The Pimpernel league began rescuing condemned French aristocratic families from the Committee for Public Safety soon after and relocated them to France. The Pimpernel's wife, Lady Marguerite St. Just Blakeney, was a successful French actress in Paris who hosted her own fashionable salon. She married Percy in 1791 just when he was beginning his secret rescues. The two became estranged when he believed she betrayed an aristocrat to the guillotine, but reconciled a year later. She is touted as the Prince Regent's (King's fashionable son) favorite socialite who knows everyone. She's a beautiful redheaded lady who uses her talents in the drawing room to uncover useful information for her husband. Chauvelin was the Pimpernel's archenemy and an agent for the Committee for Public Safety. He identified Sir Percy as the Pimpernel in 1792, but failed to capture him. Knowing that he may someday be sent to the Tribunal for his failures, Chauvelin kept the Pimpernel's identity a secret in hopes of capturing him or giving the information in exchange for his life from the Tribunal. The fifth Doctor and Nyssa made the Pimpernel's acquaintance (between Timeflight and Arc of Infinity) during this time. The two became good friends on an adventure and shared stories which were later told to the Pimpernel's distant relation Baroness Orczy (author of the Scarlet Pimpernel novels in late 1800's). ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS First, to the Baroness Orczy, wherever she is, for creating the wonderful character of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Second, to the folks at Steve Jackson Games, for their wonderful game supplement, GURPS Scarlet Pimpernel, and especially the authors, Lisa Evans and Robert Traynor. Without this fine work, my script wouldn't even have gotten off the ground. And last, to my fellow sim member, JenKoko, for all her help in researching details and bouncing story ideas off her. I hope they didn't hurt too much:-). BACKGROUND The time - 18th Century AD. The place - Europe, Earth. France burns with the fires of revolution, and the streets of Paris are awash with blood. An unknown Englishman, known as the Scarlet Pimpernel, and his brave band of followers, know as the League of the Pimpernel rescue innocents from the clutches of Madame la Guillotine. A secret group, known as Gladius Galliae (Latin for "Sword of the French") has worked behind the scenes for the past few years to seize power. Their latest plot involves luring the League into a trap and taking control of their assets. CAST Doctor - wandering Timelord Brogan - photojournalist, TARDIS companion Keegan - spacefleet officer, TARDIS companion Sir Percy Blakeny - The Scarlet Pimpernel Sir Andrew Ffoulkes - the Pimpernel's chief lieutenant and trusted friend Lord Anthony Dewhurst - AKA Lord Tony, one of the Pimpernel's lieutenants in the league, he is more like the fop that Sir Percy pretends to be. Lord Arthur Wellesly - a League member and the future Duke of Wellington "Carnifex" - the mysterious head of the League of the Sword, revealed in Part 3 to be the Doctor's old enemy, the Meddling Monk "Lanista" - Andre Simard, a "Sword" member and an agent of the Committee of General Security. Soldiers ========== Set after the events of the Angels of Time and Flavia's leaving and before The Amazing Dr Pimpernel The small green cat wandered ever deeper into the center of the Tardis.. The voice that filled his head with images and concepts kept drawing him on.. Every so often the cat would sneeze from the dust that his paws kicked up off the passage way.. No one had been this way in a very long time apparently.. The images grew even more intense showing people that the cat had never seen before and a few that he knew.. All the images were accompied by tinges of emotions.. Some pleasant and others foul.. One was of a man in black that sent the cats fur standing on edge from the dark emotions that came with it.. Some of the images were of the one that the cat called Maker of Noises . The emotions that came with this image were mixed all together in a complex bundle that the cat couldnt completely understand.. These emotions were also attached to nine other people images.. The cat just allowed the images to flow into his mind.. Later would be time enough to unravel just what the voice was trying to say.. A small rumbling sound emerged from the cats stomach disrupting the flow of images.. The cat's concentration wavered as the rumbling sound came again.. The images flicker out of existence... The cat turned around and started back the way he had came.. A trace of disappointment flowed from the voice to the cat.. The cat tried to reassure the voice that he would come back sometime soon to learn all the voice would teach him... The disappointment faded to be replaced by hopeful anticipation.. The cat quickly made his way back up to the kitchen.. He listened to his siblings Nero and Orion pouncing and playing in the other room while their mother taught them how to hunt... The cat moved over to a bowl with the name Irish on it and began to eat the food.. His eyes caught a glimpse of his sisters empty bowl. The cat stopped his eating and walked over to the empty bowl.. Sadness filled him for an instant .. The cat got an intense look of concentration in his bright green eyes as he created an image of his sister in his mind.. As soon as the image was complete the cat somehow reached out and touched his sisters mind... Her sweet mental voice flowed into his mind "Whats up big brother? Did ya miss me already? " A flow of emotion passed both ways sadness,excitement ,joy and curiousity.. "No little Zoe I wished to see if you are happy with the one you left with" A trace of worry and concern went out over the mental link.. " I am very happy and my new pet has renamed me Harlequin .. I rather like it myself.. What do you think? " a slight trace of worry and the need for approval accompanied the question... " A lovely name sister . I will tell momma and little brothers about it. I am glad that you like your new traveling companion .. Have you thought of her use name yet? " "No but I am working on it . If I need help I think I can reach out to you . Sorry shes back and she has found something interesting for us to play with . I got to go .. Give the family my love" Tenderness and love tempered with a burning curiousity flowed down the link then the image of Harlequin began to flicker then fade out totally.. The cat began to purr as he went back to his long delayed dinner.. His tail twitched in tune as if a musical beat was playing that only he could hear.. All was right in his world for the moment and that was a reason to be glad.. ++++++++++ Player Character ======= =========== Alfred Snider The Doctor Jennnifer Kokoski Brogan MacGill David Sharpe Alex Keegan Skyblast1 Sir Percey Blakeney, the Scarlet Pimpernel Ruth Dempsey Lord Tony Eng6gcgs Sir Arthur Wellesley PaladinLgt Sir Andrew Shorty 144 Lanista, Andre Simard TareeFanae Soldiers of France <<>> <<>> <<>> IN THE TARDIS Brogan: ::Brogan and Keegan enter the console room in animated discussion:: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor sits in the library-console room with a smooth flat stone in his hand.::: Brogan: Be realistic, Alex. No one could possibly have existed like that. The Doctor: ::: The Doctor looks up as his companions enter. He smiles.::: AlexKeegan: Of course he could have. Brogan: Men of the Pimpernel's days were too engrossed in fashion and power to be heroic. The Doctor: ::: The Doctor slips the smooth flat stone into his pocket.::: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor stands up::: Pimpernel? AlexKeegan: That's exactly why it's a great cover. The Doctor: What do you mean Pimpernel? AlexKeegan: We mean the Scarlet Pimpernel, Doctor. Brogan: Yes, Doctor the Scarlet Pimpernel. Alex, got me to read this book. Brogan: ::shows the first edition novel to Doc:: It's a fun tale, but it's just a fish tale. AlexKeegan: I found it in your library, read them all when I was growing up! The Doctor: Oh yes, very interesting, that. Sort of like an early version of Raul Wallenberg. Brogan: Alex is prone to fancy, it seems. ::quips sarcastically:: The Doctor: Of course it wasn't just like in the story. The Baroness did bend things a bit. AlexKeegan: Well, Brogan is a bit cynical at times. The Doctor: But, as usual, the real Pimpernel was much more interesting than the dramatic one. Brogan: I'm realistic not cynical. ::shoots back at Alex:: AlexKeegan: ::grins:: to show he's only kidding:: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor picks up a cup of coffee and sips it elegantly.::: AlexKeegan: The real Pimpernel? AlexKeegan: ::looks at Brogan as if to say, see::: Brogan: Oh Doctor, please don't encourage him. The Pimpernel is just some Brogan: bored Countess's musings, right? The Doctor: ::: The Doctor puts the cup and saucer down::: Yes, the real Pimpernel. Sir Percy Blakeny. AlexKeegan: I knew he had to be real. I knew it!! The Doctor: Musings based on fact, actually. AND, she was rarely bored. AlexKeegan: Can we meet him, please Doctor? The Doctor: ::: The Doctor steps to the console and begins making adjustments.::: Brogan: You're pulling my leg, right? ::stares at Doctor:: There really was a Sir Percy? The Doctor: Yes, in a previous regeneration I did run into him, taught him a thing or three about disguises. AlexKeegan: Wicked! The Doctor: ::: The Doctor turns away and picks up his cup and saucer again.::: Brogan: I don't believe it. ::remarks without conviction:: AlexKeegan: Where are we going, Doctor? The Doctor: As a matter of fact, there is something to the notion of "seeing is believing" Brogan. Brogan: OK, then when I *see* the real Sir Percy Blakeney, I'll *believe* it. The Doctor: ::: The Doctor sips his cup::: Actually, we are already on the way -- 18th century England! AlexKeegan: Really? AlexKeegan: :::grins in excitement:: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor flips a switch and the ceiling viewscreen is displayed, with a view of Earth::: Brogan: ::an alarm goes off on the console from the navigational readouts:: AlexKeegan: What's that alarm? The Doctor: Ah, there we are! My favorite blue marble! So lovely against the backdrop of space. The Doctor: You know, Gallifrey by comparison is visually quite boring. Brogan: ::Brogan steps over to the panel:: Doctor, I think that's a signal from France? The Doctor: ::: The Doctor moves to the console::: There is some sort of homing beacon down there. AlexKeegan: A homing beacon? The Doctor: I don't like this! A homing beacon in 18th century Europe? The Doctor: ::: The Doctor adjusts the controls::: I am very interested in this beacon, actually. Brogan: 18th Century technology didn't have anything like that. Unless... AlexKeegan: It's not 18th century technology. The Doctor: I think we should divert our attention to investigate it. It clearly does not belong here! Brogan: Why do I get the feeling we're going to find something unwanted and nasty down there? AlexKeegan: Cause we usually do? The Doctor: ::: The TARDIS materializes on a beach in France.::: Brogan: ::sigh:: Don't remind me, Alex. The Doctor: Because, my dear friends, there is no such thing as coincidence. No such thing as being misguided. Brogan: Oh well, I guess we better get suited up for battle then. The Doctor: We are all, my friends, in pursuit of our fates. Or is it the other way around? AlexKeegan: Just what I was thinking. The Doctor: Hmm, a different coat perhaps. I am not sure they have corduroy. :::chuckles:: AlexKeegan: Any suggestions on clothing, Doctor? The Doctor: Let's not stand out too much. This period's clothing is in bin 35A. Ah, here it is! The Doctor: ::: The Doctor begins tossing things out of a bin::: Something good should be in here! AlexKeegan: :::pulls out some of the clothing in bin 35A:: Brogan: ::looks at the peasant garb the Doctor hands her:: Oh, not another servant costume! The Doctor: ::: The Doctor grabs a few items and vanishes into the changing room:::: I'll try these! AlexKeegan: Well, mine isn't' much better, Brogan. Brogan: I really had enough of this in Ancient Crete. ::sighs with resignation:: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor enters the console room, now fully attired. Modest clothing of a merchant.::: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor stands and waits for his companions. Hopes they don't get carried away.::: Brogan: ::steps into changing room and dons the garb of a French milkmaid:: AlexKeegan: :::Keegan slips into the new outfit, hoping he doesn't look too outrageous::: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor taps his foot nervously waiting::: Young people, so vain about attire! The Doctor: ::: The Doctor wonders about them together in the changing room. Stops thinking that immediately.::: AlexKeegan: :::steps out:: Is this okay? Brogan: ::rejoins the Doctor, fluffing out her skirts:: I hope this isn't too conspicuous, Doctor. The Doctor: It should be quite acceptable for a variety of situations, Brogan. That's the key you know. AlexKeegan: At least I was able to get my knife hidden under these sleeves::: The Doctor: Well, well. And how good you look Alex! Like the flower of young French manhood! AlexKeegan: :::blushes::: AlexKeegan: Thanks..I think. The Doctor: I think I'll go first this time. I love the French coast.::: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor exits the TARDIS.::: AlexKeegan: ::Keegan brings up the rear, as usual:: Brogan: ::walks out with Keegan:: Does the Doctor seem a bit strange to you, Alex? AlexKeegan: Just a little, not sure what it is though. Brogan: Ever since we dropped Flavia off... He's been keeping to himself a lot, hasn't he? AlexKeegan: Yes he has. Hadn't noticed at first. A GROUP OF HORSEMEN ON THE ROAD FROM CALAIS Lord Dewhurst: I still consider it a trap my friend ::shaking head:: Lord Tony: ::Lord Tony glances down at his polished Hessians gleaming in the moonlight. He pulls a lace Sir Percey: Well, I don't. Sir Arthur: ::Wellsley dismounts. He crouches and inspects the ground. Then he raises his hook:: Lord Dewhurst: Why must we always put our heads in ze lions mouth? ::frowning:: Sir Percey: Well, it may be. Sir Arthur: ::nose and sniffs:: Lord Tony: ::handkerchief from his sleeve and flicks at them.:: Dreary, that's what it is. Sir Percey: We have to help the innocent, no matter what the danger. Sir Arthur: Hoof tracks. Gunpowder in the air. Too much activity. It is a trap, Percy. Sir Percey: Then who do you think is waiting for us? Lord Dewhurst: I would not be a good friend if I just blindly let you lead us Sir Arthur: Well, Chavelin's men probably. Lord Tony: ::sighs:: One gets so *bored* of dust. ::fiddles with his cravat:: Sir Arthur: But this "Sword" is an un-known quantity Sir Arthur: He could be very dangerous. Sir Percey: I don't know what to make of this so-called "Sword of the French". Lord Tony: ::sniffs:: Probably another bunch of boring revolutionaries Lord Dewhurst: Percy my friend One day you will get me killed in this cause of yours ::smiles:: Sir Arthur: No-one knows what to make of this Sword. Lord Tony: :::tucks his handkerchief into his sleeve:: Sir Percey: Then I'll die with you. Sir Arthur: Forget the talk of dying. What would England say if the Pimpernel were killed? Lord Dewhurst: It is a good day to die . For our enemies at least ::winks:: Lord Tony: ::snorts:: England would say serve you right, you silly ass. Sir Percey: They would probably declare war on France if they found out an Englishman was killed. Sir Percey: Sir Tony's right. Sir Arthur: But, we cannot ignore the possibility of a rescue. We must press on. Sir Percey: I'm flattering myself too much. Sir Arthur: War with France? Sounds interesting ::grins:: Sir Percey: Onward, men! Lord Tony: ::shakes his pomaded curls:: Old Prinny wouldn't bother, dear boy. Might miss a night at Vauxhall Sir Arthur: ::re-mounts, and follows Sir Percy:: Sir Percey: Trap or not, innocents may be in danger:: Lord Tony: ::adjusts his slender rapier and knees his horse after the Pimpernel:: Sir Arthur: Are you with us, Tony, or not? Sir Percey: Yes, Tony, are you with us? Lord Dewhurst: ::looking ahead:: I see trouble tonight for someone ::checks sword:: Lord Tony: I'm right behind you, old thing. Sir Percey: Is that how you address your superiors? Sir Arthur: ::under his breath:: That's what worries me, Tony. Too far behind. Sir Percey: ::starts to ride toward the rendezvous point:: Sir Percey: Let's move. Lord Tony: ::gives them both a cool look:: Lord Dewhurst: Onward to glory ::horse rears up:: Sir Arthur: ::Rides on, cautiously, eyeing Lord Tony:: Sir Percey: ::jokingly:: Glory, death, and a red field by sundown. Sir Arthur: Keep y'wits, men. If this is a trap, there will not be short on numbers. Sir Percey: ::chuckles to himself:: Lord Dewhurst: If Trouble comes it comes :: excited look for a moment:: Lord Tony: ::Merely affects a bored look:: Lord Dewhurst: Perhaps we will be fortunate and have no trouble ::riding beside Percy:: Sir Arthur: ::Gee's up Lord Tony's horse:: come on, Dewhurst, we have work to do. Sir Percey: Yes, think good thoughts, and there may be no trouble. ::smiles:: Lord Tony: ::Raises an eyebrow:: Lord Dewhurst: I much prefer to think bad ones and be disappointed ::serious look:: Sir Percey: I think someone isn't enthusiastic. Sir Arthur: A good soldier thinks only of the battle. No other thoughts enter his mind. Sir Percey: I never said I was a good soldier. ::chuckles:: Lord Dewhurst: That's why you made me your second Percy to counter act your blinding optimism Sir Arthur: No, I never said you were either, Andrew. Sir Percey: Truth be told, I don't know why I hired any of you. Sir Percey: It wasn't for your sparkling wit, I know that much. Lord Dewhurst: You mean you are paying every one else but me ::winks:: Sir Arthur: ::chuckles:: we're getting paid for this??? Sir Percey: Your payment is the satisfaction of helping innocents. Lord Tony: ::sniffs:: I'm here to give the part some class. Sir Arthur: My payment is the glory of fighting the French. Sir Percey: That's the spirit! Lord Dewhurst: I only fight because you are my friend Blakeny that's good enough for me Sir Percey: I'm truly flattered. What was your name again? Sir Percey: ::chuckles lightly:: Sir Arthur: Sir Percy, tell me, how fares Lady Blakeney, hmmm? Sir Percey: She fares well, I suppose. Haven't seen her in a while. Sir Arthur: You poor man, no wonder you have so much pent-up tension. Lord Dewhurst: ::saying a brief prayer:: Sir Percey: It's this crusade, I suppose. Lord Tony: :::adjusts his swords:: Sir Percey: I just wanted to say, if any of you don't wish to go ahead with me... Sir Percey: I won't mind a bit. Sir Percey: We may not be coming back from this. Sir Arthur: More haste, men. I smell the sea air, our rendezvous cannot be far. Lord Dewhurst: Why do you ask us every time this same question We always answer no Sir Percey: Minds change. Sir Arthur: Hush, Percy. We will always come back. We are the league of the Pimpernel, et cetera Sir Percey: And all that rot, eh? Sir Arthur: absolutely ::chuckles:: Sir Percey: One man's rot is another man's mission. Sir Arthur: The only rot here is the damn Frenchies Sir Percey: Ah yes, the frogs. Sir Arthur: I told you, lads. The coast is ahead. We must hurry, it is growing dark. Lord Dewhurst: I prefer to die in bed but not alone ::wink wink nudge nudge:: Sir Percey: Better to die on your feet with honor than on your back in sin. Sir Arthur: well, Percy, I'm not sure about *that* Sir Arthur: and I'm not sure Lady Blakeney would agree with you, either. ::grins:: Lord Tony: ::pats back a yawn:: Sir Percey: ::feeling a bit uncomfortable:: Let's move on. Lord Dewhurst: A man of morals and honor despite all I do to change that Sir Arthur: ::sees Tony yawn:: Not keeping you up are we, Tony. Sir Arthur: I mean, would you like us to wait whilst you take a nap? Lord Tony: No, no, *do* go on with this *stimulating* conversation. Sir Arthur: I'd rather press on with our mission. Lord Tony: I mean, clichˇs are so *poetic*, don't you think. Sir Percey: ::starts to move a bit faster:: Let's go, men! Sir Arthur: There is a beach up ahead. Looks like the place. Come on ::rides ahead:: Lord Tony: ::irritated:: Well, it's about time. Sir Percey: Best to have a little poetry in your soul, Tony. Lord Dewhurst: One mans clichˇs are another mans wisdom Sir Arthur: ::arrives at the top of the bank down to the beach:: Lord Tony: ::rolls eyes:: Does he ever stop? Sir Arthur: Come on, I think I see them!!! Sir Percey: ::swats away a mosquito:: Darned insects. Lord Tony: ::Perks up:: Hello, hello, there's a spot of trouble.::It's the first time he's been interested:: Sir Percey: ::looking out to the beach:: I think I see someone. Lord Dewhurst: Isn't that the family being captured right now ?::shading eyes with hand:: Sir Arthur: Its them, Percy, I'm sure its them. Sir Percey: It looks like it. Sir Percey: Let's ride, men! Lord Tony: ::draws his sword:: Well, what are we waiting for? Lord Dewhurst: ::riding down the beach:: Sir Arthur: ::Pointing sword in front of him and charging down bank:: Yahhh!!!! Sir Percey: Wait, we can't just go charging into battle. Sir Arthur: Why the hell not, Percy? Sir Percey: They may kill the family. Sir Arthur: ::Wellsley reigns his horse to talk to Percy:: Lord Tony: Oh, *do* let me guess, Arthur hasn't come up with a cliche Sir Arthur: Hmm, good point. Then, what should we do? Sir Percey: I think we should use our heads on this one. Lord Tony: And so we can't go into battle Sir Arthur: ::rubs his hook nose in contemplation:: Lord Dewhurst: Perhaps we can pretend to be Robespiere's men ? Sir Percey: I have an idea. Follow my lead. Sir Arthur: Pretend to be Robspierres' men? Will that work? Sir Percey: I suppose that will work. Sir Arthur: I mean, *I* can't speak French. Lord Tony: ::shrugs:: Sir Percey: Neither can I that well. Sir Arthur: and Tony has enough trouble with English Sir Percey: We have no time to learn. Lord Dewhurst: Don't talk then I speak a little French Sir Arthur: enough to fool them, Andrew? Sir Percey: ::rides down to where Lanista and Co. are holding the Doctor and Co.:: Sir Percey: ::whispers to men:: I can speak some French. Sir Percey: ::whispers:: Just follow my lead. Sir Arthur: ::Follows Percy, hand on hilt:: ON THE COAST OF FRANCE TareeFanae: Any orders sir? Lanista: Lanista: :::looks at the Soldier::: Just wait for them to get here, Soldier, then we Lanista: Lanista: capture them. TareeFanae: Aye sir! Lanista: Lanista: Remember though, the Pimpernel is a very sneaky one, full of tricks. Lanista: Lanista: ::::looks at the soldiers, his eyes burning:::: Remember, he is not to be allowed Lanista: Lanista: to escape. TareeFanae: We know sir, we wont let that slimy cur escape! Lanista: Lanista: :::chuckles as he rubs his fingers across his beard::: The Pimpernel won't be Lanista: Lanista: able to resist the opportunity to rescue some more aristocrats, but instead of Lanista: Lanista: finding what he expects, he will find his doom! TareeFanae: :: sharpens sword blade :: Indeed he will Sir :: ginning maniacally :: ON A BEACH IN FRANCE TareeFanae: Sold2> Patrolling the shore diligently TareeFanae: Sold3 to Sold1> I am going to be the one to slice the Pimpernel through! TareeFanae: Sold1> not if I get to him first :: snicker :: TareeFanae: Sold3> I will bet ye I gallon of ale on that! TareeFanae: Sold1> Ye don't have a gallon of ale! TareeFanae: Sold3> Mayhap I don't, but I will have after the reward for the Pimpernel! TareeFanae: Sold2> ::on patrol:: THE TARDIS CREW ARE ON A BEACH The Doctor: ::: The Doctor is breathing in the salt air and looking up the coastline. He is smiling.::: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor walks up the beach. He holds his pocket watch in front of him, tracking the beacon:: Brogan: ::steps onto the rocky shoreline and enjoys a deep breath of fresh sea air:: TareeFanae: Sold2> ::Moving quietly along the beach :: AlexKeegan: :::breathes deeply and chokes:: Brogan: ::smiles:: Zoe, was right. Mother Earth is the most beautiful planet, I've seen. AlexKeegan: What's that smell? Brogan: In every century, I've seen it. ::muses quietly to herself:: The Doctor: Hmm, it seems to be a simple repeating ion particle signal. Could have been on for a LONG TIME. AlexKeegan: Must be that salt air, been awhile since I've breathed it, still not used to it. Lanista: Lanista: :::sees the Doctor and Companions::: :::his voice hissing with excitement::: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor looks up and sees the party approaching.::: Lanista: Lanista: There he is, there he is! :::draws his rapier and a flintlock pistol::: Get them The Doctor: ::: The Doctor turns to Brogan & Keegan::: Company! AlexKeegan: ::Keegan looks around as he hears approaching hoof beats:::: TareeFanae: :: All the soldiers charge, blades ready : Lanista: Lanista: men! Surround them! :::charges out:::: Brogan: I used to spend every day of vacation at the beach... ::whips head suddenly at Doc's words The Doctor: ::: The Doctor stands his ground as his companions join him in the sand.::: Lanista: Lanista: :::looks decidedly disappointed as he sees the Doctor::: TareeFanae: :: races to surround the party on the beach :: Sir Percey: AlexKeegan: I don't like the look of this, Doctor. Brogan: ::guards Doctor's left flank:: Shouldn't we make a run for the TARDIS? Lanista: Lanista: You aren't the Pimpernel. :::scowls::: AlexKeegan: I don't think we'd make it, Brogan. TareeFanae: :: A complete circle of sworded men is made around them :: Brogan: French soldiers could be very nasty at this time, Doctor. ::looks worried:: The Doctor: Well hello, my dear fellows. Perhaps we are not who you are expecting? Brogan: ::Brogan clutches her skirts wildly searching for a hole in the circle of soldiers:: AlexKeegan: :::eyes the decidedly nasty swords the soldiers are carrying:: Lanista: Lanista: :::his scowl slowly turns into a wicked smile:::: No, not the Pimpernel at all, Lanista: Lanista: but excellent bait. The Doctor: ::: The Doctor notices the name mentioned.::: I should say not. TareeFanae: :: anxiously waiting an opportunity to attack :: Lanista: Lanista: Tell me Soldier, do these people look like escaped Aristocrats to you? ::smiles Lanista: Lanista: :::evilly:::: AlexKeegan: ::Keegan moves into position to protect Brogan:: TareeFanae: They most certainly do, sir! The Doctor: I am a merchant, a working person, as are my companions here with me. The Doctor: We merely hope to make a productive effort within the confines of the Republic. Lanista: Lanista: Sure you are. :::smiles hugely:::: You are under arrest. TareeFanae: :: waving blade threateningly :: you love to see these meet Madam G! AlexKeegan: Arrest What for? The Doctor: I say, I am about as shabby an aristocrat as you are likely to find, sir! And who are you? Lanista: Lanista: For escaping from the justice of the guillotine, of course. Arrest them! TareeFanae: Aye , Sir! Brogan: ::clutches throat at the mention of Madam Guillotine:: AlexKeegan: :::Keegan doesn't like the odds::: Lanista: Lanista: A very clever disguise, I am sure. I am Andre. The Doctor: I am sure that I will be able to correct your confusion gentlemen! Brogan: You have no right! ::shouts as a soldier moves in to grab her arm:: AlexKeegan: Get your hands off her! TareeFanae: Sold1> ::grabs the Dr. and binds and gags him :: AlexKeegan: :::chops the hand of the soldier::: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor is grabbed by soldiers. He notices that they need a bath.::: Lanista: Lanista: :::places the tip of his blade under Alex's chin::: Now, now, young pup, we TareeFanae: sold. :: prods at Keegan with his sword :: Brogan: ::knocks sword out of soldier's hand then gets a noxious whiff of him:: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor is gagged but keeps protesting::: Hmmmggg, hnnnnggg, hmmmmd, owwwwwnnnn Brogan: Haven't you ever heard of a bath? ::coughs and loses her advantage to soldier:: AlexKeegan: Hey, watch it with the sword! Lanista: Lanista: wouldn't want to deprive Madame guillotine, would we? :::smiles::: TareeFanae: We have them all now Sir! The Doctor: Listen! TareeFanae: Sold3> Yes {S muhahaha Lanista: Lanista: Good job, Soldier. AlexKeegan: ::listens carefully:: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor spits out gag and whispers::: All right, be ready to act quickly. AlexKeegan: ::whispers to Brogan::: I'm sorry for calling you a cynic. TareeFanae: :: replaces gag in Dr.'s mouth :: NO TALKING! Brogan: ::Her eyes on their captors, Brogan nods quietly to her friends:: Lanista: Lanista: :::Eyes the Doctor and Companions:::: Excellent bait indeed. The Doctor: ::: The Doctor is working on spitting the gag out again. He hates being quiet!::: TareeFanae: Sold1> ::waves sword at Keegan menacingly :: AlexKeegan: :::nods that he understands, too:: AlexKeegan: :::glowers at the soldier waving the sword at him:: TareeFanae: :: pokes Keegan lightly with sword tip :: Move along! Lanista: Lanista: :::looks at the approaching men suspiciously, mutters::: Well, well, what have we Lanista: Lanista: here. The Doctor: ::: The Doctor is still working on the gag, but he is also thinking actively with furrowed brow.:: THE TWO PARTIES MEET ON THE BEACH Lord Dewhurst: ::Riding up:: Lord Tony: ::adjusts sword:: Sir Percey: ::in French (translation):: Hello there. TareeFanae: :: takes defensive postures :: Lord Dewhurst: Bonjour good citizen What do we have here? Sir Arthur: ::Hangs back behind Percy, eyeing French:: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor motions for Brogan and Keegan to be ready.::: Brogan: ::nudges Keegan and nods toward the approaching soldiers:: Lanista: Lanista: Prisoners....... What does it look like? AlexKeegan: :::nods in reply to Brogan, gets ready to make a break::: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor stands and watches the scene cautiously.::: TareeFanae: Rebels Sir! Sir Percey: We're from the Committee of...General Security. Lord Tony: ::watches coolly:: Sir Percey: These don't look like Rebels to me. Lanista: Lanista: Really? Sir Percey: They seem a bit too...soft. Sir Percey: I think you should let them go. Lanista: Lanista: If I didn't know better I would say that you look like..... Lord Dewhurst: ::watching soldiers:: TareeFanae: never underestimate the enemy........ The Doctor: ::: The Doctor smiles. He recognizes his old friend.::: Lanista: Lanista: Impostors, to me. Sir Percey: Impostors? Lanista: Lanista: They are impostors men! Kill them! Sir Percey: How much more insulting can you be? Sir Arthur: Its not going to work, Percy. Draw your swords men, fight! Lord Dewhurst: ::laughs:: Us ? Impostors ? Sir Percey: Oh well. ::draws sword:: Brogan: ::whispers to Keegan:: Can get that knife of yours free? TareeFanae: :: ATTACKS :: Sir Arthur: ::draws sword and rides forward:: Lord Tony: ::engages his man::I find you rude.::ripose::annoying::disarm::and badly dressed!::coupdegrace:: AlexKeegan: :::whispers back:: of course! The Doctor: ::: The Doctor spits out his gag and calls to Brogan and Keegan::: Go with the Committee! Sir Arthur: ::parry, parry, thrust:: Lanista: Lanista: :::rushes at one of the Pimpernel's men, engaging him in a sword fight::: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor moves to Percy's side.::: Lord Dewhurst: ::cuts bonds on Keegan and Brogan:: Lord Tony: ::disgusted:: And you've gotten blood on my lace! TareeFanae: :: Charges nearest impostor with a slash across the gut :: Sir Arthur: ::distract Lanista's men and allows the prisoners to escape:: AlexKeegan: Thank you sir. Sir Arthur: Don't talk, boy, run or fight. Lord Dewhurst: Quickly get on a horse No time for courtesy AlexKeegan: :::gets his knife out:: Brogan: ::rubs her wrists:: Thank you. Alex, the Doctor! TareeFanae: :: Attacks another impostor, slicing his leg :: Lord Dewhurst: ::fighting valiantly:: Lanista: Lanista: :::whirls scowling:::: Well get the horses! AlexKeegan: Get to the horses, Brogan! Sir Arthur: ::grabs Brogan onto his horse:: its OK, girl, you are safe now. Sir Percey: ::slashes a soldier's arm:: Lord Tony: ::turns to engage another soldier:: Good God, you're even worse dressed than the other. AlexKeegan: ::runs to help the Doctor:: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor moves towards the Pimpernel's group::: We could use a ride out of here! Sir Percey: Forget about their attire! Brogan: ::Brogan struggles against the Englishman:: No, I have to help the Doctor! Lanista: Lanista: :::stabs one of the Pimpernel's men in the arm:::: TareeFanae: Grabs arm and attempts to skewer the Pimpernel Sir Arthur: don't struggle girl, or you'll get us both killed. Lord Dewhurst: Watch your back stranger ::knocking dagger out of the air with sword:: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor swings up on a horse behind a rider:::: Brogan, we are safe with these men! Brogan: ::sees a soldier charge Keegan's back:: Alex, behind you! Lord Tony: ::kills the soldier:: Really, I'm doing France a favor. Sir Percey: ::tries to dodge:: Sir Arthur: ::holds Brogan back, whilst flailing his sword at a Frenchman:: Lanista: Lanista: ::::slashes at Wellsley, missing by a hairs breadth:::: AlexKeegan: :::whirls around to see the soldier::: Lord Tony: ::Mounts and pulls the Doctor up behind him:: Come along then. Sir Percey: ::wounded:: Agh! Lanista: Lanista: ::::stabs the Pimpernel:::: Lord Dewhurst: ::throws a dagger:: Take that ::skewering a soldier:: Sir Percey: Aghdseww-sa AlexKeegan: ::knocks the sword out of the soldier's hand::: AlexKeegan: ::grabs Sir Percy, helps him to his horse:: TareeFanae: :: soldiers fall to the beach and bleed to death :: Lord Tony: ::Fires pistol at Lanista:: Brogan: ::Brogan jumps out of the way of slashing swords:: Sir Arthur: ::gives up on Brogan, and kills a Frenchman:: Sir Percey: ::half-conscious:: Thank you...young man. Lord Dewhurst: Everyone ride ! ::killing another soldier:: Sir Arthur: stupid girl, come back here AlexKeegan: :::gets behind Sir Percy on the horse::: Lanista: Lanista: :::whirls on two Soldiers:::: Didn't you hear me! Go get the Horses! AlexKeegan: Hurry Brogan!!! TareeFanae: Sold1> ::Gets a horse and makes chase :: Brogan: ::looks for a weapon to help her rescuer, finds driftwood and soundly hits soldier's back:: Lord Dewhurst: RIDE ! Lord Tony: ::Takes the bridle of Sir Percy's horse:: Come on, then! TareeFanae: Sold2> Brings other horses Sir Percey: This was fun. ::loses consciousness:: Lord Dewhurst: ::breaks through the soldiers blocking the way:: Sir Arthur: ::surrounded by Frenchman, he waves his sword wildly in the air:: AlexKeegan: :::rides the horse, holding Sir Percy on it:: Lanista: Lanista: :::grabs his horse, swinging up into the saddle, viciously spurs it::: Lord Tony: ::Crashes behind Wellington:: TareeFanae: Sold2> ::Follows in a like manner :: Lord Tony: ::sharply:: You *do* remember where the yacht is? Lord Dewhurst: Follow me men ! ::leading the way:: Sir Arthur: Damn you, sir. Brogan: ::Before Brogan can fight more, a league member grabs her and charges away:: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor sees that his companions and Sir Percy are safe::: Ride to safety! Sir Arthur: ::stabs another Frenchman and rides towards Brogan and the Doctor:: come on, you Sir Arthur: fools LANISTA AND HIS MEN CHASE THE LEAGUE DOWN THE BEACH TareeFanae: I see them ahead sir! Lanista: ::::Lanista's horse whines in pain and takes off at a full run:::: TareeFanae: :: shouting :: Lanista: Lanista: ::::fires a shot at the dimly seen shape of a retreating horse:::: TareeFanae: We need to get closer! :: spurring horse faster :: Lanista: Lanista: :::yelling at the top of his lungs::: If they escape the guillotine will see one Lanista: Lanista: of you! TareeFanae: Sold1>::shoots at the League members ;; Lanista: ::::Lanista and his men momentarily lose them:::: Lanista: Lanista: ::::gallops down the beach, looking for sign of where they left the beach::: TareeFanae: Sold1:: Following the tracks in the beach :: Lanista: Lanista: You fools! How could you have lost them! TareeFanae: Sold1>:: Rushes to Lanista:: I have found their trail sir! Lanista: Lanista: :::to Soldier 1::: Tell me that you have found something, Soldier. TareeFanae: This way sir! Lanista: Lanista: :::grins::: Good Boy! :::glares at the other soldiers::: This is a real Soldier, TareeFanae: ::Turns horse and gallops in proper direction :: Lanista: Lanista: unlike the rest of you gutter-trash. Now! After them! TareeFanae: :: rest of soldiers follow Sold1 :: Lanista: Lanista: :::races his horse after Soldier 1:::: TareeFanae: Here are the tracks sir. leading that way :: Points down the beach :: TareeFanae: :: Going as fast as possible without losing the trail :: TareeFanae: The tracks are getting fresher! TareeFanae: We are close! Lanista: Lanista: :::his eyes gleam with predatory delight as he races his horse after the tracks:: Lanista: Lanista: :::races into clearing:::: THE LEAGUE RACES DOWN THE BEACH AlexKeegan: :::Rides off following the others, looking back to make sure Brogan's okay::: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor rides behind Lord Tony. They met before, but the Doctor looked different then.::: Lord Tony: ::sharply:: We're trying to do just that! Do keep your head down! Lord Tony: ::pistol bullet whizzes by:: AlexKeegan: :::looks at his hand, sees it covered with blood:: AlexKeegan: Doctor!!! AlexKeegan: This man's been wounded!! Lord Dewhurst: At least I wasn't disappointed tonight ::smiles very slightly:: The Doctor: :::The two groups race down the beach, with the Pimpernel group lengthening its lead.::: Sir Arthur: ::the League have left the beach, and are en route to Calais:: Brogan: ::Brogan muffles a sigh of indignation as her rescuer guides horse to a stop:: Sir Arthur: Be quiet girl ::Brogan realizes it is Wellsley who has her, again:: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor calls to Lord Tony::: We must stop to see to Percy! He was still bleeding! Sir Arthur: We have no time to stop, sir. AlexKeegan: ::the horse comes to a stop, Keegan still holding Sir Percy to him:: AlexKeegan: If we don't do something, he'll bleed to death! The Doctor: ::: The Doctor jumps off his horse and runs to Sir Percy's side.::: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor looks at Sir Percy's wounds::: Well, he seems to be stabilizing. Lord Dewhurst: Perhaps Introductions are in order Sir ::questioning look back:: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor turns to the group.::: I am Doctor John Smith, and these are my companions! Lord Dewhurst: We are the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel Sir Arthur: We must ride on. Percy would agree. Lord Tony: ::looks back at the Doctor::I see that. :;to Andrew:: It won't do us any good if he's dead! Sir Percey: ::half-consciously mutters some nonsense:: Brogan: If the Doctor says we have to stop, we have to stop. Lord Dewhurst: Why are we stopping? ::looking back at Percy:: AlexKeegan: :::moves his hand so the Doctor can look at the wounds:: Sir Arthur: quiet, girl. this is battle. Lord Tony: ::Dismounts, removes his white linen shirt and hands it to the Doctor:: Here, cut this up for bandages The Doctor: ::: The Doctor begins to wrap Sir Percy's wounds.::: Sir Arthur: ::gives up trying to spur the others on, and drops Brogan roughly:: The Doctor: And I believe I know most of you, or I did. Brogan: ::glares at her rescuer:: Bravery with wisdom is just false bravado, soldier. Lord Dewhurst: and the injured man is our leader The Scarlet Pimpernel Lord Tony: ::Puts his waistcoat back on::Oh, bravo, my dear. Sir Arthur: what know you of soldiery, wench? AlexKeegan: Please be careful with her, Sir :::glowers at Wellesly::: Brogan: ::flops on the ground:: A great deal more than you know of being a gentleman! The Doctor: There, that should help in the short term. Sir Arthur: pah. these fools will get us killed. we must ride on, Andrew. Lord Dewhurst: I Sir have never seen you before ::eyeing the Doctor:: Lord Tony: ::laughs:: She has wit! Whatever would Prinny make of her. Brogan: Just who do you think you are? ::glowers at Wellesley:: Sir Arthur: I cannot fight and protect you fools. The Doctor: But I know you all. But, that will have to wait. I agree with Lord Arthur Wellesley here. Lord Tony: ::goes over and offers Brogan his hand:: That my dear is the Lord Arthur Wellesley AlexKeegan: :::hears the sound of approaching hoof beats::: Sir Arthur: I rescued you once, be grateful, and pray that if the time comes I do so again. Lord Dewhurst: I prefer that we all survive ::hears the horses coming:: Lord Tony: ::helps her to her feet:: Ignore him. Sir Arthur: They will be following us. We must ride on. Lord Dewhurst: Damn their souls We must ride on Sir Arthur: I hear them. The Doctor: ::: The Doctor swings up onto the horse behind Lord Tony.::: I suppose you have a plan? Lord Tony: ::Offers her his hands:: If you'll accompany me, dear lady? AlexKeegan: ::helps keep Sir Percy on the horse again::: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor jumps off Lord Tony's horse and onto one of his own.::: Lord Dewhurst: Its my place to stay behind The rest of you ride on Brogan: ::Brogan's mouth drops open in confused surprise:: Did you say, Wellesley? Sir Arthur: no. you are not a soldier Tony. I'll stay. Lord Tony: ::mounts horse:: Oh, bother - Lord Dewhurst: I will buy you enough time to get away Sir Arthur: ride for the ship. I'll follow. assuming this serving girl and her friends haven't Sir Arthur: cost us all our lives Brogan: Doctor, wasn't that the name of... ::pauses when she hears something in the distance:: Lord Tony: ::snorts:: Arthur, you're impossibly rude. Brogan: Horses approaching! ::shouts to everyone in panic:: The Doctor: Quickly, we need to start out! Sir Arthur: Ride, damn your eyes, ride ::draws sword, and rides back towards beach:: Lord Tony: ::slaps Andrews horse on the rump:: Move you silly ass! :;horse bolts:: Sir Arthur: Andrew, you must look after them. I will fight the buggers, you go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Brogan: In this case, I think the *gentleman" is right. Let's get out of here! AlexKeegan: :::manages to stay on the horse with Sir Percy::: Sir Arthur: ::Wellsley disappears through the trees:: Lord Dewhurst: ::startled the horse rides away:: Stop you nag Lord Tony: Come on then! ::Into a gallop:: Brogan: ::Brogan chases after everyone on foot until some nice league member Brogan: ::gives her a lift to the yacht:: Lord Dewhurst: ::trying to get the spooked horse to stop:: Whoa you nag LANISTA AND WELLESLEY MEET IN A CLEARING Sir Arthur: Ahh. You will all die by my sword, damn you ::gallops on:: Lanista: Lanista: :::charges at Wellsley:::: Sir Arthur: ::Wellsley is just one man, but he casts fear into the French rank and file. TareeFanae: How dare you! Lanista: :::::the ring of metal on metal fills the clearing as Wellsley and Lanista's swords clash: Sir Arthur: ::only Lanista faces Wellsley, but the French cheer their leader on:: Sir Arthur: Die, you partisan scum Sir Arthur: ::thrusts towards Lanista:: Lanista: Lanista: Rebel trash! :::swings wildly at him::: Sir Arthur: ::their swords clash:: TareeFanae: :: hops off horse and puts a blade to Wellesley's throat :: Sir Arthur: King killers!!!! TareeFanae: Surrender! Sir Arthur: You will not take me alive ::parries away soldiers' sword, and rides round:: Lanista: Lanista: ::::grins widely:::: Or die. TareeFanae: Or I shall have the pleasure of slicing your throat NOW :: evil grin :: Lanista: Lanista: :::rushes his horse at Wellsley, his horse slamming into Wellesley's::: Sir Arthur: ::feels Lanista crash into him:: Lanista: Lanista: :::leaps off his horse and rushes at Wellsley:::: Sir Arthur: ::Wellsley falls, painfully:: TareeFanae: Sold1> Blade slices at Wellesley's cheek drawing blood :: Sir Arthur: ::Wellesley screams:: Sir Arthur: ahhhh TareeFanae: Surrender I say! Sir Arthur: ::Wellesley's eyes are full of hate:: Lanista: Lanista: :::a fierce light burns in Lanista's eyes at the sight of the blood:::: Sir Arthur: surrender to the French? Never. Lanista: Lanista: ::::holds his rapier out towards Wellsley, the blade pointed at his heart::: Sir Arthur: You dare not kill me. Lanista: Lanista: Surrender............ ::::smiles a chilling smile::: Or....... die. TareeFanae: Perhaps we should save you for Madame G! Sir Arthur: ::cast his eyes down, defeated, but knows when to give in:: I... Sir Arthur: I surrender. Lanista: Lanista: ::::emphasizes the last with a slight jab that barely pricks the skin::: Sir Arthur: But, kill me, and the League of the Pimpernel will hunt you all down. Lanista: Lanista: :::smiles triumphantly:::: Oh, we won't kill you............. Lanista: Lanista: yet. TareeFanae: we fear him not! {S evil haha Sir Arthur: you would do well to fear him, peasant. Lanista: Lanista: Right now, you are far more useful to me as bait. :::smiles::: Sir Arthur: I am a peer. I expect to be treated with the due respect, Simard. TareeFanae: peasant!!!!!!!!!!! :: slaps his face :: Lanista: Lanista: The Pimpernel, after all, :::sarcastic:::: would never leave one of his men Lanista: Lanista: behind to face the guillotine. Sir Arthur: You...planned this??? TareeFanae: We are not idiots! Lanista: Lanista: Of course....... ::::Laughs:::: He will come for you, and I will be waiting. Lanista: Lanista: Arrest him! Sir Arthur: ::Wellesley looks crestfallen::: TareeFanae: :: Ties and gags Wellesley :: ON THE YACHT OF THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL The Doctor: :::A sleek yacht is docked at a small pier. Lights are all off, but it looms in the night.::: The Doctor: :::Aboard the yacht, all eyes are trained on the beach, waiting for the group of heroes.::: Lord Dewhurst: ::finally managing to get the stupid nag to stop:: Lord Tony: ::Reining in:: At last! Quick, get Percy on board. AlexKeegan: :::sighs with relief as they come to a halt near a yacht::: The Doctor: ::: The sailors begin helping the group on board.::: Brogan: ::Brogan joins Doctor's side on the ship while league members bustle around them:: AlexKeegan: ::helps take Sir Percy aboard, then joins the Doctor and Brogan::: Brogan: We shouldn't have left him, Doctor. ::looks pointedly into distance:: Lord Tony: Quick now - over here. Lord Dewhurst: The brave silly fool Why did he have to stay behind ? The Doctor: ::: The Doctor whispers::: Lord Percy will be well. It seems only a slight wound. Lord Tony: Because he is a brave silly fool. Lord Dewhurst: Bring me some wine ::sipping wine :: Lord Tony: And I suppose we have to figure out a way to get him back. The Doctor: ::: The Doctor turns to Lord Tony.::: Who was a brave silly fool? Lord Dewhurst: A toast to the brave Lord Arthur Wellesley ::holding up glass:: Brogan: Doctor... ::pauses when she gets a sudden sensation of pain:: Lord Tony: Lord Arthur Wellesley, Doctor. The Doctor: Of course, of course, what a brave young man. The Doctor: ::: The Doctor turns to Brogan::: Why you know, he goes on to do some amazing things! The Doctor: ::: The Doctor stops talking suddenly and gulps::: Wait just a moment! Lord Dewhurst: Actually he is brave because he is a idiot and has no sense of fear Brogan: ::rubs her arm distractedly:: Doctor, are thinking what I'm thinking? Lord Tony: ::looks at his jacket:: oh, bother, that Frenchie got blood on my coat too.::pause::What did you say? AlexKeegan: :::notices Brogan rubbing her arm:: The Doctor: ::: The Doctor walks to the bow of the ship::: AlexKeegan: Are you okay, Brogan? Brogan: Arthur Wellesley, that was, I mean *he* is the Duke of Wellington, isn't he? The Doctor: This is terrible. This is a disaster. Lord Dewhurst: Now Percy is going to insist on rescuing him Lord Tony: ::puzzled:: Well, he certainly did a queer turn. Give me some of that wine, Andrew, will you? Lord Dewhurst: At least I have the satisfaction of being right this time it was a trap Brogan: No, Alex. I'm not. I'm awful, but Lord Arthur is even worse, I think. Lord Tony: ::coolly:: Of course Percy's going to go after Arthur. The Doctor: Very well, we will have to rescue Wellesley. Otherwise Napoleon will be a very happy man! Sir Percey: ::still unconscious:: Lord Tony: ::dry:: Who else will we have to spout clichˇs? The Doctor: ::: The Doctor stares out to see towards the shore::: Unless we are too late. AlexKeegan: Napoleon? Lord Tony: ::knocks back a glass of wine:: The Doctor: And too late for him, may be too late for the future of this planet! AlexKeegan: :::whispers to Brogan:: who's this Nap-o-lean? The Doctor: Wellesley, my dear Keegan, is the Duke of Wellington! AlexKeegan: Oh, right. END OF PART ONE ++++++++++ Brogan's Log 8-27-97 Amazing Dr. Pimpernel Pt 1 By JenKoko A cool night breeze whipped through the darkness surrounding the Blakeney estate just outside London. Through the opening of a sculptured Georgian window overlooking the stables, the signature glow of firelight flared. Comforting warmth and a mystical glow was cast around the unexpected visitor of the infamous baronet housed in the guest quarters. Within her borrowed bedchamber, Brogan stretched lazily on the brocade chaise lounge. Casually, she brushed her long auburn hair until the unfettered strands dried in the warmth of the blazing hearth. Dressed in a fine muslin nightgown and equally thin wrapper, she felt strangely comfortable in the environs of an Eighteenth century lady. Time travel was an extraordinary way of investigating the realities and myths of history. One never quite knew what to expect beyond the TARDIS doors, but was constantly challenged to adjust to the unbelievable. Truth was stranger than fiction, Brogan concluded as she reflected on the events that transpired after leaving the security of the TARDIS that morning. A cool Spring morning of 1794 when France was embroiled in it's bloodiest Reign of Terror. In this age, the Doctor and his companions wandered unwarily on a beach near Calais in the guise of French peasants. It was no surprise, given the history of the French revolution and their ill-fitted disguises, that the Republican authorities who happened to be combing the same beach would label them as enemies. Escaping aristos on the run from the guillotine. But to be rescued by someone who was only supposed to be the figment of some bored lady's imagination? It was beyond ridiculous. And yet, Brogan had seen Sir Percy Blakeney, the Scarlet Pimpernel, with her own eyes as he and his men bravely fought to free them. Whatever doubt Brogan might have had about Sir Percy's true identity ended the moment she and her friends found themselves smuggled away from the French soldiers. The League of the Pimpernel was as well trained and organized as the Baroness Orczy declared in her book, but they were even more foolhardy and loyal. Even the sight of his own blood failed to chasten Sir Percy's desire to protect his smuggled charges. Wisely, his men proved more determined to see to their leader's safety. However, that very same loyalty may have inadvertently caused the largest miscalculation in history. Why hadn't the Baroness ever mentioned that the Great Duke of Wellington was once a member of the Pimpernel's League? Or the fact that he once brazenly set off to face the enemy head on and give his comrades time to flee only to be captured by the French? The realization that their rescuer had been none other than Lord Arthur Wellesley, future victor of Waterloo and Prime Minister of Great Britain, worried the Doctor all the way across the Channel. Sir Percy, despite his injuries, argued fiercely on behalf of his man's cunning and agility on the field of battle. Lord Arthur was born to be a military commander, he declared proudly, but Brogan sensed the Doctor's fears were only intensified as he tended the Pimpernel's wounds. Sir Percy's injuries, it seemed, were a bit more severe than the Doctor had first thought on the beach. Brogan felt the Doctor's surge of guilt and culpability knowing that his untimely intrusion into this time period caused the conflict that wounded one friend and saw the other captured. Thankfully, the sea was good to them, so said the Pimpernel's crew. By nightfall they made the Thames and docked in a private berth at Gravesend. Lord Tony and Sir Andrew quickly hired a hack to discreetly smuggle Sir Percy and his newest ˇmigrˇs to his home West of London. Upon their arrival madness ensued with Lady Marguerite, the Pimpernel's lovely wife, fluttering about. In an intriguing combination of frantic wife and commanding socialite, she directed her staff to settle her husband and his guests accordingly. Brogan had the feeling unexpected midnight arrivals were a customary thing at the Blakeney estate. Especially if those arrivals came dressed in the garb of extraordinary French peasants. If Lady Marguerite had been a little less occupied trying to strong-arm her stubborn husband into his sickbed, Brogan might have been able to ask her. Instead, she found herself shuffled off to a distant bedchamber by a young maid who barely looked a day over sixteen and kept calling her milady. Rather than argue with the assumption of her being an escaped French aristocrat, Brogan acquiesced to the servant girl's determination to make her feel comfortable in some proper attire. And after the day she had battling the manhandling kindness of her chauvinistic rescuers, Brogan found the solace of a quiet repast and warm bath rejuvenating. After scrubbing off the layers of sand and dirt she'd acquired getting tossed from Lord Arthur's horse, she was almost beginning to feel like a woman again. A woman trapped in a painting that should be gathering dust in the British Museum. The whimsical thought struck Brogan as she admired the elegant Eighteenth century decor of her guest bedchamber. Everything around her, from the blue and white silk brocade drapes to the matching chaise lounge beneath her and the magnificent poster bed, showed a marriage of English class and French sophistication. It was a room exactly like she would imagine gracing the house of the wealthiest man in England blessed with marriage to the most cultured woman of Paris. It was a scene out of the pages of idealic fiction. Yet, as the events of the day proved, it was also a scene out of the pages of history. Or was it? Suspiciously, Brogan recalled the ominous circumstances of their unexpected arrival in France. The Doctor had steered the TARDIS to London, but then there was a homing beacon. One that had no business in pre-industrial Europe according to all the history books. Yet it was here. But how, Brogan wondered. And more importantly, why? Disrupting Brogan's worried thoughts, a soft knock resounded resolutely on the connecting door of the bedchamber. "Brogan, are you awake?" whispered a familiar masculine voice as the door creaked open. "Did you want something, Alex?" Brogan responded coolly from the chaise lounge as she continued to brush out her hair. Her back turned towards him, she gazed into the glowing embers of the fireplace. There was a distinct pause as Keegan found his companion in the dimly lit room. If she had turned to look, Brogan would have seen the dumbfounded expression that christened his face. Obviously, he had not been expecting to find his traveling companion, known for her rather utilitarian attire, to be lounging in a frilly nightgown. "I was checking to see if...," Keegan stumbled out half distracted as Brogan stroked the silver brush through her shimmering auburn hair. Unaware that he stopped talking, he stared at his friend a moment, entranced by the image of Brogan bathed in the enchanting glow of the hearth. Then he blushed brightly and forced himself to focus on his hands instead. "To see if you needed anything before I went to bed." "Lady Marguerite's maid has spoiled me enough for one night, thank you," Brogan answered tartly. With a curious glance, she turned to observe her best friend wondering what on Earth was making him wrench his hands together like that. "Alex, are you all right?" "Why wouldn't I be?" he challenged in an even voice. Yet Brogan sensed there was something more to Keegan's denial than he admitted. Something he wanted to say, but infuriatingly kept to himself. "If something was bothering you, you'd tell me, right?" Brogan dared. "Best friends tell each other everything." Keegan briefly flashed a disappointed smile. "I was just wondering if you were sleeping ok," he admitted in the next moment. "You've been having a lot of nightmares since we escaped the wormhole. Lady Marguerite gave me the room next door, so if you need..." "Oh, Alex, stop taunting me!" Brogan interrupted sharply. A shrewd glimmer beamed in her blue-green eyes. "My nightmares brought you here? More than likely you came to gloat." "Me gloat? Never!" Keegan sounded appalled though his whimsical smile showed his humor. "Why would I gloat?" "You know precisely why, you rat!" Brogan raged with typical feminine fury. "Just like a man to insist on winning an argument before he let's a lady get some sleep." "Calm down, Brogan," her companion chided. "You're beginning to sound like your, what did they call it in this time period? Oh right, having a fit of the vapors." A teasing glint sparkled in Keegan's eyes. "You're going to make me say it, aren't you?" Brogan glared. "Say what?" "You were right and I was wrong," Brogan replied with great effort. If her best friend gave in to his urge to chuckle at her admission, she was certain she'd beat him senseless with a pillow. "About what in particular this time?" Keegan teased. The pillow from the chaise lounge hit him square across the face. Keegan caught it in mid air and tossed it on the nearby bed. "The Scarlet Pimpernel is real and I'm a foolish cynic," Brogan gritted out through her teeth. "There, satisfied? Now go back to bed and leave me in peace." The amusement fled Keegan's expression. Silently, he sauntered deeper into the bedchamber and took a seat along the bottom of the bed. By the time he spoke, his voice held a curious note of apology and sincerity. "You aren't foolish, Brogan. You're careful." Unmoved, she ignored the comment and continued to preen herself defiantly. "I'm sorry I called you a cynic," Keegan apologized. "Forget it," Brogan dismissed quickly as she turned to braiding her long hair. "In retrospect, your cynicism proved more accurate with those French soldiers today," Keegan confessed with his unique mixture of humble apology. Despite the dripping sincerity, Brogan found that particular tone had the nasty habit of stripping her of her anger. Privately, she wondered if that's why he used it only on her. Even when she was determined to be furious with him, Alex always managed to turn her attention and emotions around with that tone. "I guess wherever we go it's attack first and ask questions later," Keegan continued. "Did you notice something odd about those soldiers today?" Brogan turned a quizzical eye on her friend. The reminder of their welcoming committee awoke a feeling she'd ignored earlier. "Like what?" Keegan encouraged recognizing the familiar gleam in Brogan's eyes. "I don't know exactly. There was just something almost unnatural about those soldiers." Brogan's memory flashed on the dozen humorless faces that glared silently at them on the beach. "They seemed so rigid and determined to ignore whatever the Doctor said. And then when that commander of theirs gave the order to attack, they became downright relentless to tear us to pieces." "I imagine war has that effect on some people," Keegan concluded from his experience serving the Hegemonic Guard. "Once they identify the enemy they cease listening or showing mercy. I mean, the enemy becomes..." "Something less than human," Brogan interrupted with a sudden realization. "Yes, I suppose," Keegan agreed. "When they saw us wandering about the beach today, the soldiers assumed we were aristos and their hated enemies. We're fortunate that we escaped that situation, although we shouldn't have ended up in it at all. I've read enough of Baroness Orczy's novels to know the methods of the French and the fate of their prisoners. But I... Well, maybe if I wasn't so 'prone to fancy', I would have had my guard up sooner about the danger we were blundering into." Brogan cringed at hearing her parting jibe in the TARDIS uttered back at her. "Sorry about that, Alex. I didn't mean to make light of you like that. I just get carried away in my arguments sometimes." Brogan beamed a beautiful smile of apology at Keegan. His gaze lingered over the sight a moment longer than a friend should and then he answered in a somewhat restrained voice. "I know. I get carried away too. I just don't want you to think I disapprove of your tendency to be suspicious. In retrospect, I could be a little more skeptical about things too." "I hope not," Brogan countered enthusiastically. "I mean, I rather like your unfailing optimism in the face of doom. You may not always see the threats that sneak up on you, but you don't give up either. It's very unsoldierlike of you, which is another reason I like that quality, but it also explains your steadfast loyalty. To your Hegemony friends and to the Doctor." "As well as to you Brogan," Keegan interjected. His voice shook with a quiet sincerity. "You'll always have my loyalty. " "No matter how difficult I become?" Brogan jested with an irreverent smirk. Her best friend stared at her humorlessly. His hazel-green eyes showed just a hint of disappointment that she once again allowed her sarcastic wit to make light of his words. When Keegan finally spoke, his voice held a peculiar quality of certainty and doubt. As if he couldn't decide if he was encouraged by fact or wishful thinking. "You aren't difficult, Brogan, just particular about certain things. It's not easy for something or someone to impress you, but when they do you give everything to fight for them. Your loyalty and determination, your heart and soul, and especially your trust. One only hopes he can impress you enough." An awkward moment passed between the interior of the chamber as Brogan and Keegan gazed at each other in silence. Vaguely, Brogan had the sensation of someone whispering an urgent warning in her ear. There was something different about her best friend. Something in the way that Alex looked at her with his beseeching hazel eyes. Beseeching her with questions that went unasked, words that lingered only in the back of one's mind, or heart. Brogan's heart began to pound in her ears, with anticipation or fear, as she waited for Keegan to speak again. The firelight sputtered and crackled wildly in the hearth behind her. A gust of cold wind sailed through the open window knocking a collection of curios from the window ledge with a resounding clatter. Startled by the noise, Brogan tore her gaze away from her best friend and raced to close the window. "Here let me help you!" Keegan called out when he saw the way Brogan was struggling against the wind. Drapes billowed frantically under the protesting surge of rainy wind that refused to allow the shutters to pull closed. Reaching over Brogan's head, Keegan sealed and latched the window against a building rain. "Sir Andrew was right, it seems. We must be getting that storm over the Channel we just missed. Are you all right, Brogan?" His voice echoed his concern. Brogan's hair and nightdress glistened with moisture from the rain. "Maybe you should change out of that before you catch a cold. Otherwise the Doctor will have two stubborn patients to look after." Stubbornly, Brogan turned back to the hearth in brooding silence. By the time she resettled on the chaise, her expression changed to one of puzzlement. "Alex, have you noticed something different about the Doctor lately?" "He's worried about Lord Arthur and his friend Sir Percy," Keegan acknowledged as he retook his seat on the bottom of the bed. "No, I'm talking about before we even arrived in France. Ever since the wormhole, the Doctor's been... well, distant. Almost like he's tiptoeing around the TARDIS and us. I can't explain it, I just get the feeling that something's going on with him that he's not telling us about. He's been spending much to much time in the Cloister Room since we dropped Flavia off at the Time Trap." "I doubt it's anything to worry about, Brogan. The Doctor just likes his privacy. If he wants to or needs to confide in his friends, then I'm sure he'll get around to it." "I guess so. I just wish I knew what was making him so melancholy and distant all of a sudden. I've traveled with the Doctor a long time, Alex. I never got the hang of the technical stuff like Zoe and K9 did, but I've always felt close to the Doctor in other ways. As if I understood what he was feeling beneath all that absent-minded professor pretense." "Maybe that's because you and the Doctor are alike in certain respects." "Such as?" "You both can be very secretive about some things. Like your feelings." "The Doctor doesn't like to talk about his feelings until he is certain he knows what they are," Brogan retorted matter-of-factly. "I guess, a lot of people are like that," Keegan suggested in a voice that implied he no longer spoke of the timelord's unspoken emotions. Again, the sensation of unease and expectation permeated the air between Brogan and her best friend. She kept waiting for him to say something, but was continually taunted by his silence. Vaguely, she began to wonder if there was a joke she had blatantly missed and looked a complete fool for her ignorance. Brogan ended the staring contest when she reached for the silver brush. With a regal air of dismissal, she resumed grooming her freshly dampened hair oblivious to her friend. Taking the cue, Keegan got to his feet somewhat indecisively. "Well, it's late. I guess, I better leave you to your sleep." "That sounds like a good idea. I'm exhausted," Brogan yawned dramatically. "I never knew running around Georgian England would be so tiring. We better get plenty of sleep tonight, because I have a feeling we'll need all our energy tomorrow. The Doctor will probably want to go after Wellington and there's that homing beacon including who ever's operating it." "Just another day in the life of a TARDIS companion, eh?" Keegan jested whimsically as he lingered in the connecting doorway. "Lucky us," Brogan quipped sarcastically. "Good night, Alex." With an acknowledging nod, Keegan shut the connecting door behind him. A second later, the door creaked open once more. "Um, Brogan, just so you know, my room's right next door. If you wake up... from another dream... or if you need me for anything..." "I know who to call," Brogan finished his thought with whimsical impatience. "Good night, Alex. And please stop fussing over me. I'm fine. Dreams are just the wishes your heart makes. I have no reason to be afraid of them." Again, Keegan hesitated on the threshold as he watched Brogan lingering in the glow of the hearth. Biting his lip to keep from saying something more, he gave up and pulled the connecting door closed. With one last parting thought, he beckoned softly. "Sweet dreams, Brogan." ++++++++++ This timelog occurs between parts 1 and 2 of the Amazing Doctor Pimpernel. Carnifex's dialogue and descriptions were written by Shorty 144 (aka Joel Sharpe). Lord Wellsley's dialogue and descriptions were written by Eng6gcgs. Carnifex :::Dressed in a simple black and grey robe, walks down the damp stone steps into the dungeon beneathe the abandoned monastery::: Arthur Wellsley ::He is chained to a chair, in breeches and sweat stained shirt, blood running from his lip:: Wellsley looks up as the man in black enters. The man appears as a rather plain looking, thin man with greying brown hair and a small grey mustache. Carnifex looks at Wellsley with a piercing gaze from his liquid brown eyes. Wellsley's usual pride is still visible under the hatred and pain. His eyes narrow. Carnifex, his voice calm, almost soothing, he says "You are Lord Arthur Wellsley." It is not a question. "Yes. And who are you, another of Chauvelin's lap-dogs?" Wellsley's voice is strong, but touched with a sense of defeat. Carnifex smiles, almost tiredly. "No, no, not at all. I am Carnifex." "Carnifex?" He lets out a small laugh. "Well, the Sword of France himself. I'm honoured." Carnifex stoops, pulling a stool in front of Wellsley, just out of range of his feet, then, almost tiredly, he slumps down onto the stool. He smiles briefly. "As you should be, young man." "My dear sir, you look exhausted." His voice is very sarcastic. Wellsley then grins at the title "young man" "Not so young I couldn't keep your best men off the Pimpernel's tracks." Carnifex smiles. "Yes, you did do that quiet well, didn't you?" "I thank you, sir," grins again. "Now, if you'll just untie me and let me walk out, I won't have to kill you." Carnifex smiles a broad smile. "Now, I don't think that I'll be doing that. Right now, you are very useful to me." "Well, there is always hope." He sighs. "Shall we press on with the torture?, Or are you just keeping me around for your later amusement?" Carnifex sighs deeply. "Torture? I was hoping that you would answer my questions without my having to resort to such primitive means. But, I suppose you won't cooperate with me on that, will you?" "I'll be perfectly willing to co-operate. What do you want to talk about? The weather? That scadal involving Prince George, perhaps?" Carnifex sighs. "Hardly. I am interested in a particular man. A man that was found on the beach...... A man who you and the others rescued." "Ah yes, the," coughs, knowingly, "aristocrat. You and I both know that was no gentry." Pauses for a moment. "Although that girl. Now I'm certainly willing to talk about her." Carnifex smiles. "Yes, you are correct, he is no Aristocrat, At least I do not believe him to be. It is that man I am interested in. What name did he give?" "He did not give his name. It was the heat of battle. He looked like a surgeon to me." "Please....... Do not be difficult, I do not wish to hurt you. Tell me what name he gave." "But what possible interest could three peasents be to you?" "That is not your concern." Carnifex's voice grows harder. "What name did he give?" "It is very much my concern. I want to know why I'm being interrogated?" He smiles. Carnifex slowly stands. "Oh well, somehow I knew you would not co-operate. Very well." He pulls a slim black metal object out of his robes. Wellsley tenses, then his eyes grow wide. "What the damn is that?" Carnifex presses on part of the device. A flash of white hot pain stabs into Wellsley's neck. Wellsley writhes in pain. "Ahhh! Damn you, what is it??!!" Carnifex rotates something on the object, the pain increases dramatically. "What are you, some kind of," closes his eyes, fighting the pain, "devilist?" Carnifex lets him writhe in pain for a moment before pressing on the device again, the pain stops. A trickle of blood runs from Wellsley's left nostril, as he realxes his shoulders. Panting, he opens his eyes and looks at Carnifex. Carnifex slowly stands and walks over to a wall. He returns with a bowl of water and a rag. He dips the rag in water, then tosses the it to Wellsley. Wellsley looks at the rag in his lap. "At least un-bind my hands." Carnifex sits back down. "You will understand, I am sure, why I prefer you bound." He reaches up and pulls on a lever on the wall. Slack appears in the chains on Wellsley's wrists. Wellsley brings his wrists forward and lifts the rag to the back of his neck. "With an impliment like that? I'm surprised you are brave enough to have me in the room." Carnifex shifts on his stool. "I warned you, you refused to listen to me." "You think thats changed. I admit, I'm surprised. Intrigued. Confused. But you don't scare me." Carnifex sighs. "I prefer more civilized means, but you choose to leave me with only this one method." His voice sounds with apparently real regret. Wellsley snorts. "Oh, I can see how upset you are. I'm sure it must be hell for you." Carnifex stands. "Whatever you may have heard, Lord Wellsley, I am not an evil man." "Where did you get that...thing? Is it witchcraft?" Shakes his head. "King-killers are bad enough. But devil-worshippers? The french are a lost nation." "This?" Carnifex holds the device out while laughing softly to himself. "Witchcraft?" Chuckling, he sits back down. "Oh my, I had forgotten how superstitous you people are." Shaking his head. "No, It is a device of my own creation," laughs softly again, "You people, you have so little vision." "Your creation? What in God's name are you?!" Carnifex sighs. "Enough of this. What name did he give?" "He gave no name!" "No?" He sighs deeply. "Since you apparently enjoy pain......" Wellsley shuts his eyes, and screws up his face in readiness. Carnifex presses on the device, white hot pain lances from the metal collar around his neck and into his body, spreading outward rapidly. Wellsley screams, sickeningly. "I will not...will not talk. I am an English..soldier." Carnifex rotates a dial, the pain increases to almost unbearable levels. "I will not give...in. I will not give......" He screams again, a scream that seems to last forever. Carnifex leans forward. "Just answer my question and the pain will stop." His voice is almost pleading. "PLease, just answer my question." "No! I refuse to answer. To answer any of your questions." As if to emphasize his answer he grits his teeth, blood streams from his nose. Carnifex stands suddenly, violently twisting the dial, the pain stops. Instantly, relief shoots through Wellsley's body, and he droops slightly forward. Carnifex, with a sudden, violent move, hurls the device against the wall smashing it into several pieces. Wellsley, his head bowed, flicks his eyes up at the sharp sound of the device shattering. Carnifex, his voice low and audibly furious, "I will not be reduced to this barbary!" Wellsley tests the slack on his chains, then lunges at Carnifex. "Yaahhh!!" Carnifex reaches up and pulls on a lever, the slack on Wellsley's wrists tightens up. Wellsley falls back into his chair. Breathing deeply, but still angry, his voice barely a whisper, "You understand I had to try?" Carnifex looks at Wellsley, sympathy plainly appearing in his eyes. He smiles sadly. "Of course, my dear boy, I would have done the same." Wellsley smiles, almost triumphantly. Carnifex reaches up and pulls down on another lever, tightening the chains on Wellsley's legs, to where they can't move. He then approaches Wellsley, going down on one knee, takes the rag, dips it in water and cleans off his face. Wellsley feels the cool water wash over him, and sighs. After a few moments pass, Carnifex places the rag back into the bowl and stares momentarily at Wellsley. Meeting his eyes, his voice calm and measured, Wellsley says, "So, what now, Monsieur Carnifex?" Carnifex, standing, "Now?" he turns and walks to the bottom of the stairs. Turning back he looks at Wellsley. "Now we wait for your friends to come and try to rescue you..... and they will, they have to. You see, you are far too important for them not to." "Rescue me? Yes, they are stupid enough to try that. But they aren't quite stupid enough to let you capture them." Pausing for a moment, his eyes turn suspicious. "Thats a new tac. Making freinds with the prisoner?" "No, I am afraid you and I will never be friends." His voice is tinged with apparent regret. "Of course not. Although, I'm sure, one day France and Engalnd will be allies again. But you, sir, will be dead." Turning, Carnifex briefly smiles. "Quite possibly." He glances over his shoulder at Wellsley. "But, be that as it may, I do promise you that no one will torture you again, while you are in my keeping. Any information I could extract from you would not be worth the price I would have to pay." Wellsley laughs, slightly. "Then you are not all the viscious partisans we thought. You are a gentlemen sir." Carnifex shakes his head. "Do not be mistaken, Lord Wellsley, there are some Frenchmen that are every bit the vicious partisans you have heard about." Turning his head, he smiles softly. "As for me? I know of some people who would disagree with you, Myself included. I have given orders that have killed many people, some of your countryman included." "War takes much away from gentlemen. Was it worth it, monsieur. To kill your soverign?" "My soverign? I have no soverign." "Your knig, sir, your king. Louis." Carnifex shakes his head and steps onto the stairs. "I will have some food and water sent down to you, I am sure that you are famished," he takes another step up the stairs, "I am truly sorry that I cannot provide you with a more comfortable environment, if I did you would only escape." "Your apology is accepted. If we meet in battle, sir, you will die with honour, Perhaps singularly among your french comrades." Carnifex turns and smiles. "Battle? Hardly likely Lord Wellsley." Turning his back on him he walks up the stairs, from the top he calls down. "Goodnight Lord Wellsley." "Goodnight Monsieur "Sword". Sleep well." Carnifex turns closing the door behind him with a hollow thud, followed by a metalic clang as he locks it. Wellsley raises his head, and looks around the room. "Alone at last." He smiles to himself, and begins to test his chains for slack or flaws. ++++++++++ The Amazing Dr. Pimpernel, Part Two BACKGROUND The Doctor, Brogan and Keegan have accompanied the wounded Sir Percy Blakeny, the Scarlet Pimpernel, back to his estate in Richmond, England. There they have been welcomed by Lady Margeurite, Sir Percy's wife. They have spent a day recovering from the trip and making plans to rescue Lord Arthur Wellesly, the future Duke of Wellington, from French hands. Meanwhile, "Carnifex", the mysterious leader of the Sword of the French, has had the Doctor's TARDIS removed to his island base. He plans to use it as bait in a trap for the Doctor! NOTE The conversation the Monk has with Robespierre in the Beginning takes place the same day as the scenes in the Middle and the End, as do the scenes with Trouble and the kittens. CAST Doctor - (DRTUNA) - a wandering Timelord Brogan - (BroganMc) - photojournalist, TARDIS companion Keegan - (AlexKeegan) - spacefleet officer, TARDIS companion Sir Percy Blakeny, Baronet - (SkyBlast1) - The Scarlet Pimpernel Margeurite, Lady Blakeny - Sir Percy's wife and a League member Sir Andrew Ffoulkes - (PaladinLgt) - the Pimpernel's Chief lieutenant Lord Anthony Dewhurst - (TArkkannan) - "Lord Tony", one of the Pimpernel's lieutenants Other League members Trouble and her kittens : Irish (the green one), Nero (the black one), and Orion (the tabby one) - The Momma cat that Keegan brought on board the TARDIS and her kittens. "Hetaera" - the respected and wealthy emigre Countess of Humberton, also a Sword member The household staff of the Humberton vacation estate - consists of the most unlikey collection of identical twins, both male and female. Bernard-Armand Chauvelin - One of the chief agents of the Committee of Public Safety, former ambassador to England and the Scarlet Pimpernel's chief nemesis. "Carnifex" - (Shorty 144) - Mysterious leader of the Sword of the French Robespierre - member of the National Assembly and the Committee for Public Safety and de facto dictator of France ++++++++++ PLAYER CHARACTER ========= ============== AlexKeegan (David Sharpe) Alex Keegan BroganMc (Jennifer Kokoski) Brogan MacGill Zoewho (Lisa Heller) Lady Marguerite SkyBlast1 Sir Percy SkyBlast1 Carnifex/Meddling Monk TArkkannan (Ruth Dempsey) Lord Tony Dewhurst TArkkannan (Ruth Dempsey) Countess Humberton DRTUNA (Alfred Snider) The Doctor RobLStubbs (Robert Stubbs) Irish the cat RobLStubbs (Robert Stubbs) Sir Andrew BroganMc (Jennifer Kokoski) Robespierre. TareeFanae Orion the cat AlexKeegan Nero the cat Various Trouble the cat The New Adventures of Dr. Who Sim The Amazing Dr. Pimpernel, Part Two By Noris/AlexKeegan IN ROBESPIERRE'S OFFICE IN PARIS BroganMc: : : Robespierre looks over a list of dissidents from the Bastille: : BroganMc: : : a wicked grin of satisfaction creases his ugly face: : BroganMc: The traitors will all meet their justice in the embrace of Madame La Guillotine. SkyBlast1: : : knocks on the door: : BroganMc: : : Robespierre looks up with an impatient sneer: : What is it? BroganMc: I am busy! SkyBlast1: It is I, sir. BroganMc: : : Robespierre's bravado falters when the door opens and he recognizes his visitor: : SkyBlast1: : : opens door: : Hello, sir. BroganMc: : : reverently bows to the humbled monk: : Forgive me, brother Carnifex. SkyBlast1: I am a bit concerned that you have not yet taken care of Herbert and Danton. BroganMc: Not yet taken care of them? Why they are safely tucked away in the Bastille. BroganMc: For months now. My enemies can not harm me. As you instructed. SkyBlast1: They are dangerous, alive or dead. SkyBlast1: They must meet the guillotine. BroganMc: But how brother? Locked away, my political rivals can no longer oppose me. BroganMc: Or our mission to bring the true God back to the people. SkyBlast1: They will oppose the ascension. SkyBlast1: They shall influence their friends. BroganMc: They can not oppose the true prophet! SkyBlast1: They have sympathizers outside. BroganMc: I will not allow those atheists to corrupt France as the cursed Bourbons did! BroganMc: But the guillotine? : : Robespierre's voice falters: : SkyBlast1: The only way to prevent that is to execute them! SkyBlast1: The guillotine must be used! BroganMc: Perhaps... Perhaps a sacrifice should be made. BroganMc: A rite of purification in the name of France. SkyBlast1: Yes, a sacrifice. BroganMc: The Atheists will be put down. : : Robespierre nods resolutely to himself: : SkyBlast1: In the public eye. BroganMc: Very well, brother Carnifex. I shall do as you suggest. SkyBlast1: Yes, but work quickly. BroganMc: : : Robespierre returns to his desk and pulls out a fresh piece of foolscape: : SkyBlast1: Remember, they will oppose my ascension to the heaves if left alive. BroganMc: : : Robespierre nods as he writes out the first death warrant for Herbert: : BroganMc: Have no fear, : : adds while writing a second death warrant for Danton: : BroganMc: Both shall meet their ends quickly before the Tribunal. SkyBlast1: The streets shall flow with the blood of the non believers. BroganMc: In a month's time, only those worthy of living under the true God's reign shall live. SkyBlast1: Excellent. SkyBlast1: : : walks out: : SkyBlast1: : : walks into secret room: : SkyBlast1: : : transmats to the estate of the Countess of Humberton: : IN A DRAWING ROOM OF SIR PERCEY BLAKENEY DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor laughs as they review a story from their previous adventures.: : : DRTUNA: And then, we smuggled the entire family into Spain in crates of salted fish! TArkkannan: : : Monocle in hand, Lord Tony sits and gazes out the window, tapping a letter against his knee: : DRTUNA: Right through the Committee's clutches! AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan sits in an uncomfortable chair, in uncomfortable clothes, in the drawing room: : RobLStubbs: : : gazing pensively out the window: : SkyBlast1: : : laughs: : That was a good one! DRTUNA: I must say Percy, they were grateful even though they were aromatically challenged. TArkkannan: : : He looks over at the others, briefly. Tucks the letter inside his gray tail coat and drops the TArkkannan: monocle into his outer pocket.: : : SkyBlast1: Well, after being in that crate, one could expect that. BroganMc: : : Brogan sits beside Keegan idly stirring her cold cup of tea: : AlexKeegan: : : He listens to the stories, smiling and interested if a bit distracted: : DRTUNA: Yes, well, those adventures may pale in comparison to the problems we are now facing. Zoewho: : : : The Lady Blakeney rustles around in taffeta silk: : : RobLStubbs: Why haven't they made any demands yet? : : speculating: : BroganMc: : : she rolls her eyes heavenward with a "how many stories are there" look: : Zoewho: : : : notices Brogan: : : My dear, would you like a fresh cup? DRTUNA: Well, I assume your agents have been in touch with them for that purpose. TArkkannan: : : : Looks at his reflection, frowns. Brushes at the lace at his throat.: : SkyBlast1: Yes, well, my people have their methods. DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor rises and walks back and forth in the richly decorated room.: : : AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan nudges Brogan since she didn't answer Lady Marguerite's question: : : TArkkannan: : : Lord Dewhurst wanders over to the sideboard and contemplates the brandy.: : DRTUNA: You know, I am not sure that it was an enemy trap we were involved in back in France. SkyBlast1: What do you mean, old friend? TArkkannan: : : to the room: : anyone for a brandy? DRTUNA: : : : A messenger enters the room: : : My Lords. RobLStubbs: I remember that I used to actually enjoy this Percy Zoewho: And you, Sir Keegan? Would you like some tea? Ohh... a messenger! SkyBlast1: : : jokingly to Sir Tony: : I'll take ten. AlexKeegan: No thank you, Ma'am DRTUNA: : : : The messenger holds two envelopes: : : Zoewho: : : : Marguerite rushes to the messenger: : : Yes? DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor moves towards the messenger and stands pensively.: : : TArkkannan: : : Helps himself, pours a small one for Sir Percy. Brings it over to him.: : Here you are. SkyBlast1: Thank you, Tony. DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor reaches over the messenger's shoulder and takes one of the envelopes.: : : Zoewho: Speak your business, young man. Zoewho: : : : : The lady Blakeney takes the other envelope: : : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor examines the envelope and frowns.: : : AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan watches the messenger intently: : : : TArkkannan: : : pours a small glass for himself. Comes over and gives the messenger an honorarium.: : DRTUNA: Messenger: Two messages, my Lord. One for you, and the other for the Doctor. Zoewho: : : : Marguerite looks agitated: : : It's for you, my love! TArkkannan: : : raises an eyebrow: : Indeed? SkyBlast1: : : takes envelope: : Wonder what it is. DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor tears open his envelope and reads the enclosed floridly scripted text.: : : TArkkannan: : : smells brandy: : Is it from Arthur? Zoewho: : : : The Lady Blakeney rushes to her husbands side: : : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor notices that there is something else in the envelope.: : : SkyBlast1: It's a note from Chauvelin. SkyBlast1: He has Arthur. SkyBlast1: And he wants to trade. TArkkannan: : : sniffs: : I'm not surprised. RobLStubbs: Well man Don't keep us in suspense What should we do? Zoewho: Chauvelin? : : : The lady wrinkles her nose: : : What does HE want? TArkkannan: I should think it's obvious, Andrew! Percy is in no shape to travel. DRTUNA: Mine is a bit more difficult to explain. This is from an anonymous "friend." He has something of mine TArkkannan: : : stares into the brandy: : I suspect it is up to us. DRTUNA: And if I continue to be involved in this affair, I will never see it again, or so the threat goes. RobLStubbs: : : drinks water to have a clear head: : TArkkannan: : : places the untasted brandy down: : DRTUNA: Odd that both notes arrived at the same time. I wonder if they came from the same place? Zoewho: My love, you simply cannot travel in your condition. DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor holds up both envelopes: : : Yes, remarkably similar, really. SkyBlast1: I wouldn't be surprised. SkyBlast1: I must, or Andrew will die. SkyBlast1: Or worse. TArkkannan: : : raises an eyebrow: : Your "friend" is in with the Committee? Zoewho: : : : The lady becomes quite agitated: : : No, no! You cannot! Please, my lord! RobLStubbs: Someone must play you then Percy SkyBlast1: Who will go then, if not me? TArkkannan: I commend your choice of enemies, Doctor. DRTUNA: Well, it is just an idea I had, Lord Tony. Zoewho: : : : Marguerite turns with some interest to listen to the Doctor: : : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor calls for attention.: : : Listen my friends. SkyBlast1: Yes, Doctor? TArkkannan: : : retrieves his brandy: : DRTUNA: For reasons you must not ask me to explain, it is imperative that we rescue Sir Arthur. DRTUNA: I have been threatened, but I am not concerned with that. Zoewho: But in his condition! ... : : : Marguerite trails off: : : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor holds the picture of the TARDIS out for Brogan and Keegan to see. TArkkannan: Us. SkyBlast1: Other than you good-for-nothings. TArkkannan: : : Sets his brandy down again, again untasted: : Zoewho: : : : Marguerite, sick with worry, turns to the Doctor: : : Cannot you show him who could go? DRTUNA: I will go, Percy! I will manifest myself as you. Oh, it will take some doing, but I can but try. SkyBlast1: You? As me? Zoewho: : : : Marguerite beams gratefully at the Doctor: : : SkyBlast1: It may work. DRTUNA: We will hope, Percy, that they do not notice that I am not nearly as handsome as you are. SkyBlast1: I'd rather I go. It makes no sense to place you in danger. DRTUNA: Remember, I was your teacher in the matters of disguise! TArkkannan: : : raises an eyebrow: : indeed? Zoewho: My dear, it is simply foolish. The Doctor has offered to take your place! you are wounded. RobLStubbs: A capital idea Doctor DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor motions to Alex and Brogan: : : SkyBlast1: Yes, you were, but there is only one Sir Percy! TArkkannan: : : feigns indifference: : Oh, well, anything for the cause I TArkkannan: : : swirls the brandy in the glass and sniffs again: : AlexKeegan: : : : Brogan and Keegan walk over to the Doctor: : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor speaks to Alex and Brogan: : : AlexKeegan: Keegan>What is it, Doctor? DRTUNA: * whispers* Listen. I fear an old nemesis is at work here. It is just an indication I sense. DRTUNA: I will need you to stay here. I believe that force may try to destroy Percy. AlexKeegan: Brogan> : : : whispers back: : Not another "old nemesis", Doctor DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor turns and speaks to the room: : : Percy and Arthur are the critical elements here. Zoewho: : : : Marguerite approaches the Doctor and touches his arm softly, saying: : : thank you. RobLStubbs: : : going out back to check on the supplies: : TArkkannan: : : sips it briefly: : As you say, Doctor Zoewho: : : : Marguerite falters: : : Thank you for ... for everything. RobLStubbs: I will get everything ready : : as leaves: : DRTUNA: My comrades, we must off to France, to meet this Chauvelin! To show him what we are made of! SkyBlast1: Don't make a fool of yourself, Doctor! SkyBlast1: You're representing me! TArkkannan: : : Puts down the brandy again: : Right-o, off we go again. Zoewho: : : : Marguerite returns to her task of cleaning up: : : Zoewho: : : : Which actually involves organizing some servants to clean for her: : : , Zoewho: Well, : : : Marguerite clears her throat in the diplomatic English way: : : AlexKeegan: Brogan> Doctor, I don't like the idea of you going off without us DRTUNA: Brogan, I know what I am doing. The TARDIS is in danger but so is the timeline of this planet! DRTUNA: Destroying either Percy or Arthur would be a catastrophe. They must both play out their roles. BroganMc: : : Brogan sees the Doctor leaving and turns to Keegan: : Why doesn't he ever listen? AlexKeegan: Cause he thinks he knows what's best. Zoewho: It certainly is late, and I'm certain we wouldn't want to keep you. Zoewho: I'm afraid we've been keeping our guests from sleeping as well: : : TArkkannan: : : Lord Tony strides to the fireplace and tosses in the letter: : TArkkannan: : : He watches it burn: : Zoewho: : : : Lady Marguerite hurries her husband off to sleep: : : SkyBlast1: Yes, I'm going, dear. IN THE TARDIS RobLStubbs: : : Irish : : Sits on top of the data base controls soaking up information: : TareeFanae: : : nuzzles at Trouble : : AlexKeegan: : : : Nero wanders around the console room, seeing if there's any trouble he can get into: : : AlexKeegan: : : he's large, for a kitten, so he doesn't wander too far: : : RobLStubbs: : : jumps over to the scanner control switch and knocks it on: : TareeFanae: : : bats at Trouble's nose playfully : : Zoewho: : : : Trouble purrs protectively, watching her kittens: : : RobLStubbs: : : tilts head back and forth looking at the screen: : Meow ? TareeFanae: {S meow Zoewho: : : : Trouble licks her kitten's forehead: : : AlexKeegan: : : : Nero sees the screen come on, looks up at it: : : TareeFanae: Trouble> : : narrows eyes at Irish : : Mew RobLStubbs: Meow ! ! : : hits another switch: : : : looks in confusion at changed scenery: : AlexKeegan: : : Nero mews plaintively, they're not where they were the other day: : : RobLStubbs: Meeeowaar : : : tail twitches in anger: : TareeFanae: Trouble> : : just knows Irish is going to get in trouble : : RobLStubbs: : : watches Nero knock over jacket and get caught in it: : RobLStubbs: : : jumps over to door control and activates it: : TareeFanae: Trouble > : : watches Irish : : RobLStubbs: : : waits for momma to turn her head before leaving: : TareeFanae: Orion> gets tangled in string TareeFanae: Trouble> : : goes to Orion to help....: : RobLStubbs: : : jumps down off controls and heads out the open door: : RobLStubbs: : : tail twitches back and forth in curiosity: : TareeFanae: Trouble> : : frees Orion and sees Irish slip out the door : : TareeFanae: Trouble> : : heads out door after Irish : : TareeFanae: Orion> : : Follows Trouble still wanting to play : : AlexKeegan: : : : : Nero follows the other kittens out of the TARDIS: : : : RobLStubbs: MEEOWW : : commanding door to open: : RobLStubbs: : : In frustration looks around for levers or buttons to push: : TareeFanae: > : : Swats at Orion: : AT THE ESTATE OF THE COUNTESS HUMBERTON SkyBlast1: : : appears inside the Countess' front door: : TArkkannan: : : Countess Humberton strolls through her ornate gardens: : TArkkannan: : : A dignified butler answers: : Yes, milord? SkyBlast1: I'm here to speak to the Countess. TArkkannan: Butler: : nods stiffly: : Milady is in the garden, milord. SkyBlast1: I guess I'll wait for her inside, if you don't mind. TArkkannan: Countess H. is frowning over the condition of her roses. SkyBlast1: Do you know when she will be done frowning? TArkkannan: : : A maid appears: : Milady, there's a clergyman to see you TArkkannan: Countess: : I'll see him in the solarium, Ann. TArkkannan: : : Returns to the house, to find Carnifex: : Ah, Padre, so good to see you. SkyBlast1: Yes, indeed a pleasure, Countess. SkyBlast1: How goes your progress in educating the identical doubles? TArkkannan: : : shakes her head: : oh, that is well, but, Padre, the earlier experiments -- SkyBlast1: Problems? TArkkannan: People are beginning to talk SkyBlast1: About? TArkkannan: Wondering where I could have possibly found so many twin servants - SkyBlast1: The twin farm? SkyBlast1: Let them wonder. TArkkannan: It's getting awkward. SkyBlast1: Wait, you're right. TArkkannan: : : : snaps open her fan and flutters it: : SkyBlast1: : : thinking: : Perhaps there is a way to take care of that. No matter. TArkkannan: I don't suppose you know anything about roses? Mine seem to be dying... SkyBlast1: Haven't a clue. ON A DOCK OFF THE COAST OF FRANCE TArkkannan: : : adjusts his cloak, looks off across the ocean: : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor stands on the dockside.: : : RobLStubbs: Doctor Are you certain that you can play Percy's part well enough? DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor paces up and down the dock, a dreary, rotting, wooden contraption.: : : TArkkannan: : : sighs: : DRTUNA: Well, my dear Andrew, I will be using some unconventional methods. DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor smiles: : : Look into my face, try to recognize me: : : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor's eyes twinkle: : : RobLStubbs: That always worries me when Percy says that too : : smiles back: : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor looks a lot like Percy when you look closely.: : : TArkkannan: : : Leans on a dock pillar, clearly miles away: : DRTUNA: : : : But not when you look away from him. How convenient they had no cameras: : : DRTUNA: I believe that I must meet with the Chauvelin alone. I will be better able to carry off this... TArkkannan: : : pulls a small hip flask from his cape and sips: : DRTUNA: ...little drama if the elements of it are simplified. RobLStubbs: No I wont allow such foolishness Doctor : : frowns: : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor walks over to Lord Tony and holds his hand out for the flask: : : May I? TArkkannan: : : Hands it over: : Yes, of course DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor takes the flask, sniffs it, and then takes a strong sip: : : DRTUNA: I'll need to smell like Lord Percy, of course! : : : smiles: : : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor hands the flask back: : : Well, then, is it agreed? You can lie in wait nearby. TArkkannan: : : dryly: : You need a better vintage. RobLStubbs: It is sheer folly to walk in alone Doctor . I am certain that this is a trap . TArkkannan: : : sighs: : Oh, bosh, Andrew, Percy always goes it alone DRTUNA: Of course it is a trap! I know that. But who's trap is it, and what are they after? RobLStubbs: And I always complain about it then as well Tony DRTUNA: Besides, with you lying by in support, you can warn me if other forces approach. TArkkannan: : : mutters: : and a bloody lot of good it does you! RobLStubbs: At least when I am acting I don't have time to worry DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor claps Tony and Andrew on the back: : : Trust me, I am depending on you! RobLStubbs: : : sighs: : Why do I bother to make any objections? DRTUNA: Now off with you, the hour is here! DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor turns and paces to the end of the dock, about 100 feet.: : : DRTUNA: I might as well make myself fully visible as being alone. DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor paces slowly down to the end of the dock.: : : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor mumbles: : : Just like the Battle of Hastings. He is fascinated by this period! DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor stops and stands silently at the end of the pier.: : : THE NEXT MORNING AT BLAKENEY ESTATE: : Zoewho: : : : Marguerite walks in on Keegan and Brogan in an intense conversation: : : BroganMc: : : Brogan picks at her breakfast with a distractedly sigh: : AlexKeegan: : : : talking quietly to Brogan: : Zoewho: Oh, oh... I'm sorry, am I disturbing you? : : : Marguerite turns to leave: : : BroganMc: How long has he been gone? : : asks Keegan: : AlexKeegan: Now where can the TARDIS be? AlexKeegan: : : calls out to Marguerite: : : Please don't go, Ma'am. Zoewho: : : : Marguerite walks toward the door, and notices the photograph on the table: : : BroganMc: : : smiles politely at Lady Marguerite: : Good morning, my lady. Zoewho: : : : Lady B Turns back to the two guests: : : Ohh, well... what is THIS? Zoewho: An unusual style of oil... Why... : : : Touches it: : : It's silky! BroganMc: Don't mind us. We were just ... : : pauses when she sees Marguerite grab photo: : Zoewho: Whoever painted this for you??? : : : In astonishment: : : AlexKeegan: It's called a photograph, a picture BroganMc: It's not a painting, lady Marguerite. : : tries to retrieve photo: : Zoewho: It's not a painting? : : : The Lady Marguerite scoffs: : : BroganMc: And if we knew who took it, we'd be a lot happier. Zoewho: Took it? : : : the lady Marguerite frowns: : : Did someone steal it? Zoewho: : : : the Lady Marguerite is obviously completely confused: : : BroganMc: No, I mean whoever snapped that photo... Well, they did steal something BroganMc: of ours. : : turns helplessly to Keegan: : Zoewho: : : : The lady looks between Brogan and Keegan as if watching a tennis match: : : AlexKeegan: It was in the message for the Doctor Zoewho: I see... : : : the lady says slowly, demonstrating her complete lack of understanding: : : AlexKeegan: You take it with a camera, it's a...well.... BroganMc: You see, this is a picture of what was stolen from us. The Doctor's TARDIS. Zoewho: So, this is NOT a painting, and so it was NOT stolen by camera? AlexKeegan: No, but the thing it's a picture of WAS stolen Zoewho: : : : the fog is settling on lady Marguerite's brain: : : BroganMc: The TARDIS, he means. That big blue box. Zoewho: : : : Listens to Brogan, recognizes the words "big blue box.": : : BroganMc: See? : : points out TARDIS in photo: : Zoewho: : : : Smiles with relief: : : Ahhh. Yes! The big blue box! AlexKeegan: Yes, the TARDIS, the big blue box! Zoewho: : : : And what is this big blue box? What is its significance? BroganMc: : : Brogan smiles in relief at Keegan feeling like an idiot that they managed to explain BroganMc: : : something at last: : AlexKeegan: It belongs to the Doctor Zoewho: Oh! So they stole it with a camera! : : : Delighted: : : BroganMc: : : sighs in frustration at Marguerite's words: : No, the TARDIS is our ship. Our home. BroganMc: You can't steal it with a camera. It's too big for that. AlexKeegan: It was stolen, apparently, but not with a camera Zoewho: : : : Notices a small engraving in the photo: : : I say! Zoewho: This painting... why... there's the symbol of the crest of ... BroganMc: : : rubs temples from trying to explain: : Zoewho: : : : The lady Marguerite frowns, not listening to Brogan and Keegan: : : BroganMc: : : perks up at Marguerite's words: : BroganMc: Do you recognize something about that picture, my lady? Zoewho: The crest of... my goodness, it was on the tip of my tongue... Zoewho: : : : Lifts her head : : : Hmm? Oh, yes! The crest of Humberton! ! BroganMc: Think! : : orders with excitement: : Have you see it recently? AlexKeegan: It's very important, Ma'am AlexKeegan: Humberton? Zoewho: : : : Points excitedly: : : There! Do you see it? Right there on the statue! Zoewho: Next to the big blue box... it's the crest of Humberton AlexKeegan: That's great! Now where is this Humberton? Can you take us there? Zoewho: The crest of the ˇmigrˇ Countess of Humberton! Zoewho: ... who... : : : Said with great flourish: : Just happens to have an estate nearby! Zoewho: Which means that we might find the person with the camera who stole the box! Zoewho: : : : The lady is quite pleased with herself: : : AlexKeegan: : : gives up: : : Yes, that's right, Ma'am Zoewho: Oh, but we best hurry! : : : Turns to call out to her servant: : : Harry! Zoewho: Harry! We need a carriage immediately! AlexKeegan: : : : looks at Brogan as if to say, Now we're getting somewhere! : : : Zoewho: : : : The lady springs into action: : : AlexKeegan: : : Keegan races off to grab the cloak the Lady lent him: : : : BroganMc: : : Brogan smiles back at Keegan: : BroganMc: : : Brogan follows behind Keegan into the carriage: : AlexKeegan: : : Keegan clambers aboard the carriage: : : IN THE TARDIS OF THE MEDDLING MONK RobLStubbs: : : staring at barred door: : RobLStubbs: : : trying to think of a way to get to the pets inside: : RobLStubbs: : : rubs up against door : : TareeFanae: Trouble>: : Looks into the cage : : RobLStubbs: : : sniffs ground for his humans : : Meoww ? TareeFanae: Orion> : : knocks over vials of liquid : : TareeFanae: ~These aren't our humans~ TareeFanae: Orion> : : Plays with dangling wires : : AlexKeegan: : : Nero skitters across the polished floor, bumping into Irish: : : TareeFanae: Orion> Gets tangled in the wires! RobLStubbs: : : looks frustrated: : TareeFanae: : : mews trying to get untangled : : RobLStubbs: : : in cat: : Watch where you are going little brother: : TareeFanae: Orion> : : pulls free, pulling out wires : : AlexKeegan: : : : Nero, mews quietly...Sorry: : : RobLStubbs: : : bats Nero playfully on ear: : TareeFanae: : : jumps on the table and knocks off more vials : : AlexKeegan: : : : Nero playfully swats at Irish: : : TareeFanae: : : liquid acid drips into the equipment : : RobLStubbs: : : : tumbles and carvorts with Nero for a few moments: : AlexKeegan: : : : Nero bumbles and cavorts with Irish: : : : TareeFanae: Trouble in at talk ~we need to get out of here children~ TareeFanae: Orion>: : lowers on the table seeing her sibling and pounces : : TareeFanae: Orion> : : Attacks Nero and Irish at the same time : : hisssss RobLStubbs: : : easily dodges Orion : : AlexKeegan: : : : pins Orion to the ground: : : : TareeFanae: : : skids across the floor knocking over more equipment : : RobLStubbs: : : uses something called kudo on siblings : : TareeFanae: : : wrestles with Nero "" AlexKeegan: : : pretends to give in to Orion: : : TareeFanae: : : lightens up on Nero: : TareeFanae: : : acid still eating into the equipment : : AlexKeegan: : : : rolls out from under Orion: : : RobLStubbs: : : tries to pounce on Nero but slips and slides over to an alter: : TareeFanae: Trouble> ~we really should get out of here children! AlexKeegan: : : watches Irish slide over to the altar: : : RobLStubbs: : : gets a tingly sensation like from home: : Meoew TareeFanae: Trouble> {S meow}! AlexKeegan: : : Nero's ears perk up: : : TareeFanae: > : : goes to see what Irish is up to : : RobLStubbs: : : hits a hidden lever and a door opens: : AlexKeegan: : : : sees a door open, meows excitedly: : : RobLStubbs: : : runs inside very curious: : AlexKeegan: : : races after Irish: : : TareeFanae: Trouble> Tries to snatch at her kittens, unsuccessfully TareeFanae: Trouble> : : Follows the kittens in : : RobLStubbs: : : looks at controls with interest: : : : in cat: : This is like Maker of noises home AlexKeegan: : : : looks around, it looks like the inside of their home, but different too: : : : TareeFanae: > : : sniffs : : RobLStubbs: : : jumps up on the control panel: : AlexKeegan: : : : looks around, his eyes gleaming: : AlexKeegan: : : : He sees exactly what will cause the most trouble: : : TareeFanae: In cat : : This doesn't feel right : : AlexKeegan: : : racing forward, he leaps onto and then onto the control panel: : : AlexKeegan: : : : Irish activates the Monk's computers: : : : TareeFanae: Irish>: : hit a lever and turns on the view screen : : TareeFanae: Trouble> : ; sees the Dr. on the screen : : PaladinLgt: : : looking with interest at Data : : AlexKeegan: : : the kittens see the Doctor appear on the view screen: : AlexKeegan: MRAOOOWW AlexKeegan: : : they're hurting our human! ! ! : : : TareeFanae: Yes and we must stop them! TareeFanae: Trouble> Have fun children.... AlexKeegan: : : looks around, sees a bright crystal thingie: : : TareeFanae: Trouble> : : play with everything you can : : AlexKeegan: : : : He walks across the console to it: : PaladinLgt: : : soaking up knowledge from the data base: : TareeFanae: > : : has a wire fetish : : TareeFanae: > : : Claws at wires making them wiggle...eventually pulling some out : : AlexKeegan: : : : with a mighty pull, frees the time regulator from the console: : PaladinLgt: : : hisses as he looks at the data : : : : angry growl: : Meaerrew AlexKeegan: MEOWWWWWWW AlexKeegan: : : and the time regulator fall off the console: : : TareeFanae: : : Attacks all the wires viciously and gets tangled again : : AlexKeegan: : : : grins at, look what I found, brother! : : : : TareeFanae: : : goes to : : Whatchya got? AlexKeegan: : : bats the regulator over to: : something really cool! PaladinLgt: : : watches his two very destructive siblings: : TareeFanae: Irish> eyes the view screen while pressing buttons : : AlexKeegan: : : Irish notices the Doctor is no longer on the viewscreen: : : TareeFanae: > Did we save him? AlexKeegan: : : calls to Irish: : Well, did we save him, Bro? TareeFanae: Looks Like it Bro! PaladinLgt: That was just an image not the real one AlexKeegan: It was? AlexKeegan: : : pouts: : : AlexKeegan: : : brightens up though: : : At least we have this new toy! PaladinLgt: But that thing you have will help him a lot TareeFanae: >: : still playing in the wires, stringing them all over everywhere : : AlexKeegan: > Really? Hooray! ! AlexKeegan: : : kitten cry of triumph: : : TareeFanae: Trouble> What are you boys up too? AlexKeegan: > Look Maw, we got a new toy and Irish said it will help our humans! PaladinLgt: Loud crash is heard outside TareeFanae: Trouble> Get out of here NOW! AlexKeegan: > : : looks up: : uh oh, Busted! TareeFanae: >: : tries to struggle free of the wires : : AlexKeegan: > : : to: : Help me bring the toy back, bro PaladinLgt: : : untangle: : TareeFanae: : : wriggles free with the help : : PaladinLgt: Run back to home : : heads out door: : AlexKeegan: : : starts pushing the toy along with him TareeFanae: : : Helps with the new toy : : TareeFanae: Trouble> : : ushers the kittens out of the room : : AlexKeegan: : : With Orion's help, gets the toy back into theIR home just in time: : : TareeFanae: Irish> : : always the sneaky one : : BROGAN, KEEGAN, AND THE LADY MARGUERITE APPROACH THE HUMBERTON ESTATE AlexKeegan: : : in the carriage: : : : Should we check the place out first, Brogan? Zoewho: Whatever could you mean? : : : The lady Marguerite frowns: : : BroganMc: : : in carriage Brogan nods at garden: : I was thinking of a discreet rekkie first. Zoewho: : : : The lady Marguerite points to the estate as they approach: : There it is ! AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan smiles: : : My idea, exactly. Zoewho: : : : The lady Marguerite follows Brogan's gaze: : : You couldn't mean... BroganMc: Brogan> Do you think you can keep the countess busy, Lady Marguerite? Zoewho: : : : The lady Marguerite is appalled at Brogan and Keegan's suggestion: : : AlexKeegan: Have the driver stop the carriage please, Ma'am Zoewho: But... but... you aren't suggesting that you will be clambering around back there... Zoewho: : : : Working herself into a huff, the lady Marguerite is completely distressed: : : Zoewho: I most certainly will NOT participate in this! Zoewho: You are simply going to come in the front door with me, and that is that. AlexKeegan: Ma'am, please, you go to the front door and occupy the Countess Zoewho: : : : The lady sees that her companions are firm: : : Very well, very well, if you insist... AlexKeegan: We'll take a look around, see if we can find the Doctor's big blue box AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan and Brogan climb down out of the carriage: : : : BroganMc: : : Brogan goes over to garden wall and begins to hoist her skirts to get a foothold: : Zoewho: : : : marguerite raps on the driver's back seat: : : Humphrey? Stop here. AlexKeegan: Thank you Ma'am Zoewho: : : : The lady turns back to see that Brogan and Keegan have already left! : : : BroganMc: : : Brogan climbs the wall with an impatient call to Keegan: : Come on, Alex. BroganMc: Brogan> Before we're seen. Zoewho: My, oh, my, but how strange indeed... they did not even wait for the carriage to stop! AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan follows Brogan over the garden wall: : : Zoewho: : : : Marguerite motions for the driver to begin driving again: : : Zoewho: : : : Marguerite arrives at the front door, ushering her driver to stop: : ON A PIER ON THE COAST OF FRANCE DRTUNA: ::: at the end of the pier ::: DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor stands silently, looking out to sea. But he senses someone approaching.: : : BroganMc: : : Chauvelin cautiously approaches robed dandy from behind: : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor turns to confront Chauvelin: : : Yes, I thought as much, scoundrel! DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor is trying to play Percy: : : BroganMc: Bonjour Monsieur, where are your meddling friends today? DRTUNA: I am double fortunate, I have a good cause AND good friends. DRTUNA: I imagine that I have to listen to your terms for the release of my friend! DRTUNA: As the note you penned to me indicated. BroganMc: Do not play games with me Pimpernel! BroganMc: Chauvelin>You should know by now that I will not be humiliated by you again. BroganMc: Chauvelin> Why did you lure me here? DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor notices the troubled expression on the Chauvelin's face, he did not send that note! : : DRTUNA: I did not lure you here, I am responding to your cowardly note! BroganMc: Chauvelin> MY cowardly note?! : ;outraged: ; What is this nonsense in your note, Sir Percy? DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor's mind races: : : Tell me, did you receive a note from me to meet you here? BroganMc: Chauvelin> Don't try to tell me you are actually concerned for my safety. DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor stands back, he realizes they have both been lured here. It is a double trap.: : : BroganMc: Chauvelin> Of course I received your note. Utter nonsense. You forget I have friends BroganMc: in the Committee. DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor sees the pattern of a time terrorist, a history buster, who meddles on Earth: : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor can't decide how to pursue this topic with the Chauvelin without blowing his cover: : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor decides to just glare at him as Percy would.: : : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor targets his senses towards the surrounding area. The change in focus causes...: : : DRTUNA: :::...his mentally projected Percy image to begin to break up: : : BroganMc: Chauvelin>You have forgotten an important trump card of mine Pimpernel/ BroganMc: : Chauvelin produces a pistol from under his cloak: : DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor moves back away from the Chauvelin: : : BroganMc: If I am to face the Committee, then I shall gladly offer you in exchange. BroganMc: Chauvelin> Why else do you think I have kept your identity to myself these past two years? DRTUNA: Now listen to me. We have both been lured into the same trap. BroganMc: : : Chauvelin advances on Doctor ignoring his words: : DRTUNA: Chauvelin> : : : Notices that the Doctor's Percy image seems to have faded. He aims his pistol: : : DRTUNA: Chauvelin> Now, you are not Percy! What sort of villain are you? What is going on here? DRTUNA: : : : The Doctor walks towards the camera: : : That is what we both want to know. DRTUNA: Not what is happening, but WHO is making it happen. DRTUNA: Chauvelin> : : : Looks at the Doctor in a confused way many often do.: : : DRTUNA: If this is a trap, it seems that the meddler who created it should be revealed! DRTUNA: Chauvelin> : : : Thinks he sort of likes this strange person masquerading as Percy.: : : AT THE BLAKENEY ESTATE SkyBlast1: : : awakens from his sleep: : Wha--who--where! SkyBlast1: : : looking around: : Oh, I'm home. SkyBlast1: : : climbs out of bed, walks downstairs: : SkyBlast1: : : notices lack of activity, and people, questions a servant: : SkyBlast1: The Countess Humberton? SkyBlast1: Why would she want to see her? SkyBlast1: Oh dear. TArkkannan: Maid: ; shakes her head: : Don't know milord. SkyBlast1: I've suspected the Countess of being in league with the French. SkyBlast1: My wife could be in danger. SkyBlast1: I have to go after them! SkyBlast1: Ready my horse! SkyBlast1: : : runs back upstairs, gets dressed: : SkyBlast1: Do as I ask! SkyBlast1: I must go! SkyBlast1: : : runs back downstairs and out, saddles up: : No arguments? SkyBlast1: Good! SkyBlast1: : : rides off to the Countess' estate: : AT THE HUMBERTON ESTATE TArkkannan: : : The butler enters again: : Milady, the Lady Blakeney is approaching. TArkkannan: Countess: : Oh, Bother, why is she here? Hide, Padre - it would be too awkward. SkyBlast1: : : rushes to find a hiding place: : SkyBlast1: Where? TArkkannan: : : shoes Carnifex into a closet: : SkyBlast1: Ouch! Don't shove! TArkkannan: : : The Countess frowns from behind a curtain: : SkyBlast1: : : trying to find a comfortable position while stuffed in the closet: : Grrrr... TArkkannan: The Countess waits until Lady Blakeney has been seated. Zoewho: : : : The lady Marguerite mumbles to herself about how rude the countess is: : : Zoewho: : : : A servant rushes out to the lady Marguerite, murmuring apologies: : : Zoewho: : : : the lady Marguerite is ushered inside: : : TArkkannan: Countess: : holding out her hands: : Lady Blakeney! Such a surprise! Zoewho: : : : the lady Marguerite raises her eyebrows: : : Apparently! Zoewho: My dear, Countess, I had no idea that you would be quite so busy not to greet me quickly.. TArkkannan: Countess: : flustered: : Why, after all - it is the rose season Zoewho: : : : the lady Marguerite is all false sugary sweet: : : And how are you keeping? Zoewho: Oh, yes, yes, of course... the rose season... : : : Marguerite looks around: : : Zoewho: : : : How odd, Marguerite thinks to herself, wondering at all the twins at work: : : TArkkannan: Countess: : : Very well, thank you. TArkkannan: Countess: : And you? Zoewho: : : : marguerite stares after the kitchen help: : : Zoewho: : : : marguerite looks at the Countess blankly: : : Hmmm? Zoewho: Oh, yes! How am I? Oh, simply marvelous! Simply marvelous. TArkkannan: Countess: : eyes her oddly: : indeed? And Lord Blakeney Zoewho: : : : the Lady Marguerite of Blakeney suddenly feels uncomfortable: : : Zoewho: Oh... he... well, he has taken ill, I am afraid. Zoewho: : : : the lady Marguerite looks away: : : Quite sick, in fact... TArkkannan: countess: : suspecting something is up: : Oh, really? Zoewho: : : : marguerite's mind begins to race, realizing that the countess is suspicious: : : TArkkannan: Countess: : so sorry to hear that. Zoewho: : : : Marguerite suddenly smiles brightly: : : Oh, but it's really nothing! Zoewho: : : : Marguerite forces a laugh: : : I Do work myself up in a worry sometimes! Zoewho: You know how it is, with the men away so often... it can be trying. TArkkannan: Countess: : I see. Zoewho: : : : : An uncomfortable silence falls over the two ladies: : : Zoewho: : : : Marguerite begins to fumble with her sleeve: : : Zoewho: : : : Marguerite suddenly smiles again: : : oh! Are not you excited about the upcoming soirˇe! TArkkannan: Countess: : soirˇe? Oh, are you planning one? Zoewho: : : : Marguerite is relieved to have lighted upon a conversation piece: : : Zoewho: : : : laughs lightly: : : Oh, no, not I. It is the Lady Anderson who is planning. Zoewho: She is fretting away so! Such long hours she keeps her help up at night. TArkkannan: Countess: : Oh, really? Zoewho: I hear this from my Mercy - she works there in the night, with us in the day. Zoewho: : : : Marguerite rambles on: : : Yes, Mercy Mildredge - she is such a fine help. Zoewho: But she has been so dreadfully late and clumsy of late. Zoewho: I almost let her go, and would have, but for the explanation. Zoewho: She told me of the fabulous plans at work, that in fact, lady Anderson Zoewho: : : : giggles: : : that the lady Anderson has bought so much material Zoewho: That they in fact had to order another shipload from the docks! Zoewho: Can you imagine? Can you simply imagine? For one dress?? TArkkannan: Countess: : I dare say - : : notices the excitement in the garden: : Zoewho: : : : Marguerite stands: : : Whatever is going on? TArkkannan: Countess: : What on earth --? Zoewho: : : : Marguerite rushes to the garden: : : Do you not think we should investigate? Zoewho: : : : : marguerite is nervous for her newfound friends: : : TArkkannan: Countess: : pulling M back: : certainly not! Let the staff handle it! Zoewho: : : : : Marguerite is surprised and frightened by the force in the Countess: : : TArkkannan: Countess: : Godfrey! Go see what's going on! : : Butler bows and leaves: : NEAR THE DOCK, LORD TONY AND ANDREW WAIT AND WATCH RobLStubbs: Tony I think I have become a compulsive worrier : : shakes head: : RobLStubbs: : : watches the scenery very carefully: : RobLStubbs: : : Paces back and forth: : Why did I let the Doctor go in alone? TArkkannan: : : Tony: : It's nothing we haven't done before old man. RobLStubbs: But Percy has the luck of twenty men I am not sure that the Doctor can fool this man TArkkannan: Tony: : shrugs: : Then we fight again TArkkannan: Tony: : And again- and again... TArkkannan: Servant: : Milord, no! PaladinLgt: I am not the man I used to be Tony TArkkannan: Tony: : None of us are, old man. PaladinLgt: I do not enjoy this struggle like I use to. Its not any fun TArkkannan: Tony: : Know what you mean. PaladinLgt: Why didn't you ask that lovely young lady for her hand Tony TArkkannan: Tony: : shrugs: : PaladinLgt: No I want some answers about this Tony TArkkannan: : : coldly: : I hardly think it's any of your business PaladinLgt: I am making it my business TArkkannan: : : coldly: : I changed my mind. PaladinLgt: Even you don't just change your mind like that TArkkannan: : : Even colder: : I really don't think you know me as well as you think you do, Andrew. PaladinLgt: That's true since I have always thought the dumb aristocrat act was a little much TArkkannan: Tony: : fashion. PaladinLgt: If you wish to fight over it Tony You will find me ready to match you any time TArkkannan: : : sniffs: : Hardly worth the bother, old sport. She wasn't even a relation of yours. PaladinLgt: It must mean something since you wont answer the question TArkkannan: : : again, icy: : I don't think so. PaladinLgt: : : Arctic tone of voice: : I prefer to know now ! : : reaches hand down to sword: : TArkkannan: : : looks him up and down: : Oh, come now Andrew, it's hardly worth it. PaladinLgt: :::League member comes over::: PaladinLgt: What ? : : aims spyglass at scene: : PaladinLgt: Its a trap Have the men move in now ! : : races down ramp: : TArkkannan: : : sigh: : Finally! IN THE GARDENS OF THE HUMBERTON ESTATE AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan walks carefully through the Countess' garden with Brogan: : : AlexKeegan: Do you see anything, Brogan? BroganMc: Brogan> Just a lot of topiary and statuary. BroganMc: Brogan> Look out! : : pulls Keegan into hedges as a servant walks by: : AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan peers around carefully: : : AlexKeegan: : : : Itches where the hedges stick him: : BroganMc: : : a young handsome male around 20 walks through garden to house: : BroganMc: : : Brogan gets a creepy feeling: : That's odd. AlexKeegan: : : : whispering: : : What's odd? BroganMc: : : Brogan watches as another servant follows the same path as the first: : BroganMc: Brogan> They're identical. AlexKeegan: Keegan> You're right, they are. BroganMc: : : Brogan scratches her head feeling as if there is more to her feeling: : BroganMc: : : from the hedges, Brogan and Keegan watch as two servant girls, also identical, walk to the house: : BroganMc: : : Brogan retreats deeper into the hedges: : This place is swarming with twins. AlexKeegan: We'd better hurry and find that statue then, so we can get out of here. BroganMc: : : Inadvertently, Brogan trips over a large clay urn and tumbles into a private... BroganMc: : : ... garden in the hedges: : Ooomph! AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan hurries over to help Brogan: : : AlexKeegan: Keegan> : : : helping Brogan up: : Are you okay? BroganMc: I think I found it. : : Brogan rubs elbow and nods to the statue: : TArkkannan: : : Gardener: : Oy! What you up to 'ere! AlexKeegan: Keegan> You sure have. BroganMc: Brogan> : : looks around: : It looks like the one in the picture, but where's the TARDIS? AlexKeegan: : : : : Keegan starts fussing around with the statue: : : BroganMc: : : the crest of the statue dissolves into a live shot of the TARDIS: : BroganMc: Alex, that's it! AlexKeegan: : : Keegan looks up, see s the image of the TARDIS: : BroganMc: But... : : thinks quickly: : It's a hologram? AlexKeegan: Keegan> Great Googly Moogly, you're right! SkyBlast1: Servant> Who are you and what are you doing? BroganMc: It's a commlink, Alex. To some place where the TARDIS... AlexKeegan: That's great! BroganMc: : : cutoff by the servant: : Uh oh. SkyBlast1: Uh oh is right! AlexKeegan: : : sees the servant show up: : SkyBlast1: : : yells an alarm to the rest of the staff: : Intruders! ! AlexKeegan: I've got a bad feeling about this.... BroganMc: : : whispers to Keegan: : You've got a bad feeling. : : sees another servant arrive: : SkyBlast1: : : more of the staff gathers, surrounding Brogan and Keegan: : BroganMc: : : nods to the second servant while speaking to the first: : You seem to have an affinity BroganMc: for twins here, don't you? AlexKeegan: : : Keegan looks around, knows there are too many of them: : : : BroganMc: : : whispers to Keegan: : Too bad they don't seem to have a sense of humor. AlexKeegan: : whispers back: : It sure is too bad BroganMc: : : to servants: : Listen, we can explain. You see, my friend and I are just avid gardeners a SkyBlast1: Staff> Save your explanations! SkyBlast1: Staff> We're taking you in! BroganMc: and we saw your mistress's lovely garden... : : drifts off with a frown: : AlexKeegan: Keegan> We just wanted to see how your garden grows. SkyBlast1: : : no one is smiling: : BroganMc: Brogan> Ah, as wonderful as that sounds, we really rather like being out, if you don't mind. AlexKeegan: Yes, I really do think we prefer it out here. BroganMc: : : nudges Keegan and nods to garden wall where Percy is: : BroganMc: : : Brogan faces the servants: : Well, gentleman and ladies, it's been charming, but I really BroganMc: think my friend and I should be going now. BroganMc: We meant no harm. Just a quick tour, right Alex? : ;winks at Keegan: : AlexKeegan: : : winks back: : Right Brogan AlexKeegan: : : hears someone crying out from the house: : AlexKeegan: It's Lady Marguerite! BroganMc: : : smiles wickedly: : Right NOW! : : elbows the servant leading the others: : AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan leaps forward, smashing into the servants: : : AlexKeegan: Let's get out of here BroganMc: : : grabs servant's weapon (gardening tool?) and threatens others: : AlexKeegan: : : begins dealing blows left and right to the servants: : : : BroganMc: Hurry Alex! The wall! AlexKeegan: : : Keegan tries to make it over to the wall: : : BroganMc: : : Servant yanks Brogan off wall to the ground and throws her against PaladinLgt: : : hits intruder over the head with a rake: : BroganMc: : : the stone with inhuman strength: : AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan sees the servant hit Brogan: : : AlexKeegan: NO! ! ! ! ! BroganMc: : : Brogan crumples to the ground unconscious: : AlexKeegan: : : He smashes the servant into the wall: : : AlexKeegan: : : : the servants gather round and quickly club him into unconsciousness: : : BACK IN THE TARDIS AlexKeegan: : : with a happy sigh, collapses in the floor of their home: : AlexKeegan: : : smiling happily at their new toy: : : AlexKeegan: Meowwwwwwwwwww PaladinLgt: : : jumps back up on the console : : Meoww TareeFanae: Orion> That was tough work Bro AlexKeegan: Nero> It sure was, Bro, but worth it! TareeFanae: you bet.....let's see what it an do! PaladinLgt: : : watches the scanner for activity: : AlexKeegan: Nero> you got it! TareeFanae: Orion> that thing got any wires? PaladinLgt: : : settles down into a stalking crouch: : INSIDE THE HUMBERTON ESTATE HOUSE Zoewho: : : : Marguerite struggles: : I say! You certainly do NOT have to handle me in such a manner. TArkkannan: Countess: : suddenly VERY suspicious: : Why are you so interested? Zoewho: : : : Attempts to dust herself off: : : TArkkannan: Countess: : do you know something about this Lady Blakeney? Zoewho: : : : Marguerite begins to act huffy: : : Well, I ... of all the nerve... Zoewho: : : : Feigns offense: : : I was SIMPLY acting in your best interest, if you MUST know. Zoewho: I was concerned that there might be something to harm you. Zoewho: But, seeing as I have been so rudely treated, I think that I will leave now. TArkkannan: Countess: : coldly: : Indeed? so kind of you. Let's just see, shall we? Zoewho: Good day... : : : Turns to leave: : : TArkkannan: Countess: : I think not. Zoewho: : : : Turns back to the Countess with indignant surprise: : : Oh no?? Zoewho: : : : Marguerite lifts her skirts and begins to run: : : TArkkannan: Countess: : No : : trips her: : Zoewho: : : : marguerite falls, sprawling across the room: : TArkkannan: Countess: : Help! In here! Quickly! Zoewho: : : : Marguerite begins to lift herself, taking a swing at the Countess: : : TArkkannan: : : responds with a neat left to the jaw: : SkyBlast1: Sir PERCY.>: : bursts in, sees his wife being attacked: : Zoewho: : : : The lady Marguerite falls backward, hitting her head against a sharp object: : : TArkkannan: Countess: : I though so! Help! Help! Bandits! Robbers! Scoundrels! Zoewho: Uggghhh! : : : the lady whimpers, and crumples to the floor: : : SkyBlast1: Hands off of her, Countess! TArkkannan: Countess: : You! You interfering * Pimpernel* ! SkyBlast1: : : sees his wife unconscious: : You...witch! ! TArkkannan: : : Runs over to a vase and lets fly! : : TArkkannan: Countess: : HELP! Mad man! SkyBlast1: : : dodges vase, enraged, tries to tackle the Countess: : TArkkannan: Side steps, sending him into an end table. SkyBlast1: : : smashes his head against the table, falls to the ground out cold: : TArkkannan: Countess: : folds her arms and looks triumphant: : SkyBlast1: Carnifex>: : emerges from the cramped closet: : SkyBlast1: Carnifex>: : looks at the damage: : All right, I want someone to bring these people back to the SkyBlast1: base immediately! SkyBlast1: C> NOW! ! SkyBlast1: : : transmats back to island base, muttering to himself: : ++++++++++ The Amazing Dr. Pimpernel, Part Three BACKGROUND Brogan, Keegan, Sir Percy and Lady Marguerite have been taken to the island base of Carnifex, following their capture at the estate of the Countess of Humberton, a member of the League of the Sword. Meanwhile, the Doctor and Chauvelin are beginning to believe they have been summmoned to a trap, which the other Pimpernel League members see unfolding before their eyes! CAST The Doctor - a wandering Timelord Brogan - photojournalist, TARDIS companion Keegan - spacefleet officer, TARDIS companion Sir Percy Blakeny, Baronet - The Scarlet Pimpernel Margeurite, Lady Blakeny - Sir Percy's wife and a League member Sir Andrew Ffoulkes - the Pimpernel's Chief lieutenant Lord Anthony Dewhurst - "Lord Tony", one of the Pimpernel's lieutenants Lord Arthur Wellesley - the future Duke of Wellington, held prisoner on the island base Other League members Trouble and her kittens : Irish (the green one), Nero (the black one), and Orion (the tabby one) - The Momma cat that Keegan brought on board the TARDIS and her kittens. "Hetaera" - the respected and wealthy emigre Countess of Humberton, also a Sword member Bernard-Armand Chauvelin - One of the chief agents of the Committee of Public Safety, former ambassador to England and the Scarlet Pimpernel's chief nemesis. "Carnifex" - Mysterious leader of the Sword of the French, revealed in Part Three to be the Doctor's old nemeis, the Meddling Monk "Lanista" - Andre Simard, Sword league member and agent for the Committee of General Security The Monk's other prisoners _PLAYER_ _CHARACTER_ AlexKeegan Keegan TArkkannan Lord Anthony Dewhurst Shorty 144 Carnifex / The Meddling Monk BroganMc Brogan Eng6gcgs Arthur Wellesley MaxRichoch Bernard AlexKeegan Lanista DRTUNA The Chauvelin Eng6gcgs Countess SkyBlast1 Sir Percy Irish TCat Sir Andrew / Irish/nero/orion/trouble DRTUNA The Doctor Zoewho Lady Marguerite The New Adventures of Dr. Who Simulation The Amazing Dr. Pimpernel, Part Three By David Sharpe IN THE CRYPT OF THE MONASTERY BroganMc: :: Brogan mumbles impatiently in her sleep:: AlexKeegan: :: : Keegan comes to in a crypt of some kind:: : AlexKeegan: :: : His eyes open and he slowly tries to roll over:: : TArkkannan: :: : A thin, dark figure slumps at the end of chains just out of the light.:: : Zoewho: :: : The Lady Marguerite moans feebly:: :: AlexKeegan: :: : he realizes he can't move his left arm:: :: AlexKeegan: :: : He turns his head and sees Brogan is laying there, his arm round her shoulder:: : BroganMc: :: Brogan squirms and pulls herself closer to her warm dream:: AlexKeegan: :: He dimly remembers pulling her close to keep her safe:: AlexKeegan: :: : He leans his head close to Brogan:: : Zoewho: :: : Mumbling:: : Well.... I ... not ladylike behavior... I presume... AlexKeegan: :: : whispers:: : Brogan? Wake up Brogan BroganMc: :: Brogan smiles in her sleep:: Not now, Alex. :: says dreamily:: I'm not finished kissing you AlexKeegan: :: : shocked expression on Keegan's face:: : TArkkannan: Sir Percy:: moans, rubs his eyes:: Good God, Tony where did you get that brandy? AlexKeegan: Umm....what? BroganMc: :: with the rush of awareness, Brogan opens her eyes:: AlexKeegan: :: Keegan sees Brogan's eyes open:: TArkkannan: Sir Percy:: looks at Marguerite:: Good morning my dear:: looks around:: Oh, Damn we're in a spot of bother BroganMc: :: sits up quickly trying to hide a faint blush:: Alex! What are you doing? Zoewho: :: : The Lady Marguerite's eyes flutter open:: :: AlexKeegan: Me? What am I doing? Zoewho: :: : Shaking the grogginess:: : Oh, goodness... my dear... Zoewho: :: : Sits up shakily, looks around:: : Where ARE we? TArkkannan: :: Sits up slowly:: Oh, bother. AlexKeegan: I just woke up and you were laying in my arm, cutting off the circulation, and saying you were kissing me! AlexKeegan: :: Keegan works the circulation back into his arm:: BroganMc: I * what* ? :: shouts back:: I think your head got hit a little too hard back at the garden. Zoewho: :: :: The Lady Marguerite leans, ever so undaintily, on her husband's arm:: : TArkkannan: :: Sir Percy:: shocked:: Good heavens! Sir Reginald! Lord Montbatten! AlexKeegan: :: : Keegan sees a bruise on Brogan's forehead:: : BroganMc: :: at the reminder, Brogan's temple begins to throb again:: Zoewho: :: : Surprised:: : What? Where? AlexKeegan: Are you okay? You've got a bruise on your forehead there... BroganMc: :: Brogan covers her wound and turns away from Keegan:: Zoewho: :: : Sees the nobles:: : Oh my! ! TArkkannan: Sir Percy:: look, Marguerite! BroganMc: :: ignores his concern:: Where are we? AlexKeegan: Brogan? I'm sorry, my head does hurt and I shouldn't have yelled at you. Zoewho: :: : The lighting is low and poor, but they can see nobles in chains:: : AlexKeegan: :: Keegan looks around:: : AlexKeegan: It looks like an old-time crypt BroganMc: :: sees Sir Percy and Lady Marguerite, nods toward them:: We have company. TArkkannan: :: the thin figure in the shadows moans:: Bloody hell, Percy, can't you shout a little louder? AlexKeegan: :: Keegan walks over to the Blakeney's:: :: Zoewho: :: : Marguerite frowns at her husband and rushes to the figure's side:: TArkkannan: Sir Percy:: astonished:: TONY? Is that you, Tony? AlexKeegan: Are you both all right? Zoewho: Oh my Lord Tony! Pay no heed to my poor, bumbling husband. AlexKeegan: :: hears a familiar voice coming from the shadows:: :: Zoewho: Is it really you? :: : Marguerite asks, biting her lip:: : Good heavens. TArkkannan: :: Lord Anthony:: Oh, hullo, Marguerite. BroganMc: :: Brogan follows Keegan, but her attention is drawn toward the massive door nearby:: Zoewho: :: : The once proud figure of Lord Tony is disheveled and weak:: : AlexKeegan: :: : mutters to himself:: :: I think maybe we should see about getting out of here... TArkkannan: Tony:: Dreadful accommodations, we should complain to the management. AlexKeegan: :: : Keegan walks over to the massive door that Brogan is eyeing:: : TArkkannan: Sir Percy:: I just left you with Andrew! Zoewho: :: : Marguerite laughs despite herself:: : My dear Tony. So much like you to make a joke... AlexKeegan: :: : looks it over carefully:: :: Zoewho: at a time like this. BroganMc: :: Brogan feels the door with a worried look:: It's solid oak. Zoewho: :: : Marguerite spins around to look at her husband curiously:: You DID? BroganMc: I doubt we can break it down. See a key anywhere? TArkkannan: Tony:: Couldn't have been me, Percy, I've been here since - When WAS the Duchess' last ball? Zoewho: How long have you been here, Tony? From the state of your clothes... AlexKeegan: :: looks through the keyhole:: : TArkkannan: Sir Percy:: agape:: Well, if it wasn't you, Tony, who was it? AlexKeegan: I think it's in the lock AlexKeegan: :: :: places his face near the floor:: TArkkannan: Tony:: Dashed it I know old boy Zoewho: Who DID this to you? :: : marguerite is in particular distress over the Lord's suit:: : BroganMc: Alex, what are thinking of doing? AlexKeegan: :: He can see out beyond the door, their is a couple of inches space underneath:: AlexKeegan: Well, if we can fit some kind of cloth underneath the door... AlexKeegan: Then I can poke the key out and we can pull it underneath the door! AlexKeegan: Anyone have a scarf? Or a cravat? BroganMc: :: smiles:: Why not use your own, Alex? AlexKeegan: :: blushes:: : I forgot... BroganMc: :: Brogan reaches out to retrieve the tangled remnants of Alex's cravat:: AlexKeegan: :: : smiles:: : Thanks. BroganMc: :: Brogan drops cloth in Keegan's hands as if it scorches her hand:: AlexKeegan: :: : taking the cravat from Brogan, he slides it underneath the door:: SkyBlast1: Can't believe this for a second. SkyBlast1: Tony appears to have been here for weeks, or months! BroganMc: :: turns attention toward the keyhole:: Now if we only had a bit a wire to push the key out AlexKeegan: :: : springing the knife from it's wrist sheath, he works the point into the lock:: : BroganMc: Or that. :: stands aside with chagrined look on her face:: AlexKeegan: :: : he hears a soft clunk as the key falls out onto the cloth:: SkyBlast1: But who have I been fighting alongside all this time? AlexKeegan: :: : very carefully he pulls the cravat back underneath the door:: : TArkkannan: Tony 1:: Dashed if I know old chap. AlexKeegan: :: : Keegan stands up holding the key in his hand:: AlexKeegan: TA DAA! ! ! ! SkyBlast1: It all seems so...strange. AlexKeegan: :: : hands the key to Brogan:: :: BroganMc: :: Brogan eyes Keegan repressively:: There's no need to be so smug about it. BroganMc: :: takes the key silently condemning herself for sounding so snitty:: AlexKeegan: :: an abashed look crosses Keegan's face:: : Zoewho: :: : Marguerite watches Tony with silent concern:: : Zoewho: Tony? WHO did this to you? And why? :: : Motions to the chains that bind him:: : BroganMc: :: Brogan opens crypt door, it slowly opens with a loud creaking groan:: AlexKeegan: Sir Percy? We're going out for a quick look around.... SkyBlast1: All right, but be careful. AlexKeegan: :: : Keegan winces at the loud groan:: : TArkkannan: Tony 1:: manages a smile:: Deuced if I know, milady - last thing I remember was Rosamond wanting a TArkkannan: Tony1:: stroll in the garden at the Duchess' BroganMc: :: Brogan sees a shadow move outside the crypt and pulls door closed:: AlexKeegan: What's wrong? BroganMc: I'm wondering if this is a good idea. BroganMc: I think someone's out there, so be careful. AlexKeegan: Hey, this is me you're talking to BroganMc: :: Brogan opens the door careful to be much quieter this time:: AlexKeegan: :: Keegan peers out the door:: AlexKeegan: :: He doesn't see anyone, so he steps quietly through:: : BroganMc: :: Brogan follows Keegan carefully tiptoeing her way out of the crypt:: SkyBlast1: I can't figure this out. Zoewho: :: : Marguerite walks around to her husband's side:: : Dear... Zoewho: Don't you think we should go with them? Zoewho: :: : Marguerite gestures toward the departing figures of Brogan and Keegan:: : Zoewho: :: : Marguerite bends down to speak to Tony:: : We're going to get help. You stay here. Zoewho: :: : Marguerite instantly covers her mouth, realizing what she's just said:: : SkyBlast1: We're going? TArkkannan: Tony 1:: Right-o, just send tea and cakes Zoewho: :: : Marguerite nods hurriedly to her Husband:: : Yes, we'd better... Zoewho: For some reason, that strange couple seems to know more than we... SkyBlast1: Are you sure it's safe? Zoewho: :: : Marguerite doesn't answer her husband as she walks out of the crypt:: : SkyBlast1: :: follows his wife out of the crypt:: ON A QUAY ALONG THE COAST OF FRANCE DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor stares at the Chauvelin, not knowing what to think of the situation.:: : DRTUNA: :: : The Chauvelin is confused by the situation, not something he likes very much.:: : DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor stops and listens to sounds in the distance.:: : DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor is trying to determine if the sounds are Sir Percy's men, or...?:: : DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor turns to the Chauvelin:: : I assume these are your dogs, coming at your call? DRTUNA: :: : Chauvelin looks nervous:: : I have not called any assistance, I assure you. DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor frowns:: : Well, we shall soon know who they are, but they are not my allies either. DRTUNA: :: : The wind blows over the quay, with the capes of the two figures flapping in the breeze.:: : DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor and Chauvelin peer into the night, trying to determine who is approaching.:: : TareeFanae: :: carefully draws closer :: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor realizes that they have their backs to the sea, a very bad position.:: : DRTUNA: :: : Chauvelin steps towards the approaching party.:: : TareeFanae: Lan> :: Arrives quietly :: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor mumbles:: : I don't like the looks of this. TareeFanae: Lan> Surround them men! DRTUNA: Chauvelin> You! You must leave me alone. I am on important state business. DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor takes his place besides Chauvelin.:: : TareeFanae: Lan> I am having you placed under arrest! DRTUNA: Dr.> Now, now, I am sure this is all a misunderstanding. DRTUNA: Chauvelin> Arrest? Arrest? This is preposterous. I am an important servant of the state! DRTUNA: Chauv> :: : Groans:: : AND I am on important business! TareeFanae: You have been in cahoots with the Pimpernel! DRTUNA: Chauv> This? This? This is not the Scarlet Pimpernel! This is an impostor! TareeFanae: Lan> Chauv, you have been protecting the Pimpernel for too long! DRTUNA: Chauv> I am the man who has fought against the cowardly English dog known by that name! DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor listens and smiles, knowing that his head probably is safe.:: : TareeFanae: Lan> :: to Carnifex :: All is going well....we have them surrounded! DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor notices Lanista speak to his wrist.:: : TareeFanae: Lan> We have proof otherwise! DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor frowns as he looks closely at Lanista and party.:: : TareeFanae: You will go to madam G for this Chauv. DRTUNA: Dr.> Now I really don't like the looks of this. AT THE ISLAND BASE OF CARNIFEX Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : stands in a room, he wears black and gray robes:: : Eng6gcgs: :: The Countess sweeps into Carnifex's presence:: I don't like it, Carnifex Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : turns:: :: What don't you like, Countess? Eng6gcgs: It is too dangerous. You are risking all of our necks. Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : raises an eyebrow:: :: Really? Eng6gcgs: Your plot cannot go un-noticed for much longer. Shorty 144: Carnifex: My....... plot, as you call it, is quite perfect. A work of genius, if I do say Shorty 144: Carnifex: say so myself. Eng6gcgs: Yes, of course. But people are begging to...notice. Shorty 144: Carnifex: I really do not see what you are so....... disturbed about. Everything is going Shorty 144: Carnifex: just as I have planned. Shorty 144: Carnifex: And if they are, what does it matter? Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : plainly beginning to get irritated:: : :: : moves his hands into the sleeves of Eng6gcgs: oh, you planned for all and sundry at court to question how I found so many twins? Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : his robes:: :: Shorty 144: Carnifex: Really, my dear. I am surprised that you occupy yourself with such.... Shorty 144: Carnifex: trivialities. Eng6gcgs: Trivialities. That insufferable Prince of Wales wants to buy a pair. Its all of Windsor Shorty 144: Carnifex: I do not have time for this nonsense. :: activates the comlink:: :: Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: speaking into the comlink:: : Lanista.... Report. Shorty 144: Carnifex: Lanista. Report. Shorty 144: Carnifex: Very good. Then don't let me interrupt you. Eng6gcgs: Carnifex, I have had enough. You endeavors endanger France's independence. I want Eng6gcgs: assurances Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: to the Countess:: You see my dear, everything is just fine. Eng6gcgs: If Lanista fails? If suspicion about the...doubles grows? Shorty 144: Carnifex: You want assurances..... :: :: splutters:: :: Of all the.... the impudence. Eng6gcgs: I did not mean to offend you, but...I am concerned...I... Shorty 144: Carnifex: All of which will not happen. You are being entirely to emotional. Shorty 144: Carnifex: I have planned everything exceptionally well. Everything is on schedule. Eng6gcgs: You are, of course, right. Everything has been fine so far. What could go wrong? Eng6gcgs: :: Countess sighs, resignedly. She is not entirely convinced:: Shorty 144: Carnifex: I will hear no more of these........ petty little tirades of yours. Shorty 144: Carnifex: I have work to do. As do you, I believe. Eng6gcgs: I apologies. Shorty 144: Carnifex: Very well, my dear. Nothing at all to concern yourself with. These things are Shorty 144: Carnifex: bound to happen. :: : turns back to his work:: :: Eng6gcgs: Where will you be, my Lord? Shorty 144: Carnifex: I will be in my lab. Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : goes to his laboratory:: :: LEAGUE MEMBERS TO THE RESCUE AT THE QUAY RobLStubbs: :: runs in :: Don't worry Doctor We will save you :: swinging sword:: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor notices that the soldiers all seem the same, and very stiff.:: : TareeFanae: :: tugs at sleeves absentmindedly :: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor shouts to his saviors:: : Careful, these are mechanical soldiers! RobLStubbs: :: stabs soldier:: Fall Curse you :: kicks a soldier over:: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor steps back, away from the fray, as the groups of fighting men and "others" collide.:: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor moves towards Lanista, anxious to find out what he is.:: : TArkkannan: Tony 2:: Not so fast old man. RobLStubbs: The French have summoned demons to fight for them :: knocks another soldier over:: DRTUNA: :: : Chauvelin advances into the fight, but can't decide who to fight with and against.:: : TArkkannan: Tony 2:: Yanks Andrew back:: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor moves up behind Lanista and tries to determine what it is.:: : RobLStubbs: Let go of me you fool! :: knocks Tony off of him:: TArkkannan: Tony 2:: sword at Andrew's throat:: You wanted to fight before - DRTUNA: Chauvelin> :: : Not know what to do, follows the Doctor.:: : TArkkannan: Tony 2:: icy:: Defend yourself! RobLStubbs: There is no time for games :: blocks advancing rapier:: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor takes out his pocket watch and scans the area.:: :: TArkkannan: Tony 2:: counter-parry:: This isn't a game- Andrew. DRTUNA: There are quite a few androids here! TareeFanae: Soldier> :: attacks men in a mechanical nature :: RobLStubbs: :: smiles suddenly:: If you want to fight Then a fight you will get TArkkannan: Tony 2:: thrust and advance:: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor tries to sort it all out. He has.:: : He has created an army of androids! RobLStubbs: :: blocks the thrust with ease despite the strength of it:: DRTUNA: That meddling fool has a regiment of robots gamboling about in the French Revolution! TareeFanae: Soldier has too much strength and fights well :: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor looks at the fighting around him:: : This is very, very bad! Please stop fighting RobLStubbs: :: parry and counter riposte:: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor fumbles about in his pockets:: :: TareeFanae: Lan> Watches his soldiers fight proudly :: TArkkannan: Tony 2:: Counter parry - trip - turns on the Doctor:: DRTUNA: Chauvelin> :: : Advances on the Doctor with sword drawn:: : TareeFanae: :: Soldier easily attack and slaughter the army :: RobLStubbs: You are not as good as you once were old man . :: heads toward the Doctor:: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor pulls out of his pocket a hand full of silvery dust.:: :: DRTUNA: :: : He tosses the silvery dust in all directions with amazingly agile hand movements.:: :: DRTUNA: :: : Quickly the Doctor extends the sonic screwdriver and fires all around the scene:: : TArkkannan: Tony 2:: sneezes:: DRTUNA: :: : The dust explodes into tiny, slowly falling flares, burning, smoking. They smell very bad:: :: RobLStubbs: :: taps Tony on the shoulder:: I believe that you wanted to fight me old Man TareeFanae: Lan> :: Quickly escapes the scene, running for cover :: DRTUNA: :: : Chaos breaks lose on the quay as the stinky, smoking, burning particles float in the air.:: : TArkkannan: Tony 2:: makes a strange metallic grinding noise and falls over:: TareeFanae: Lan> :: pulls up sleeve exposing device :: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor turns and looks for Lanista,:: : DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor sees Lanista with the device.:: : RobLStubbs: :: claps in delight:: You seem to have great powers Doctor TareeFanae: Lan> Jumps into the Quay as he activates the wrist device :: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor also notices that Lord Tony seems to be a defective robot.:: : TArkkannan: Tony 2:: Lying on his left side, still waving his sword:: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor sees that Lanista is gone.:: : RobLStubbs: :: kicks Tony:: Now you wont get a chance to be beaten by the best Demon DRTUNA: Chauvelin> :: : Appears out of the smoke, realizing that the Doctor has saved them all.:: :: DRTUNA: Chauvelin> :: : Knows that the real enemies are not at the quay.:: : RobLStubbs: :: holds a rapier on Chauvelin:: I would advise you to put away your weapon good sir DRTUNA: Chauv> :: : Looks at the Doctor as the smoke wisps by:: : And who are you, Mssr? DRTUNA: Chauv> :: : Sheathes his sword and bows to those around him.:: : DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor is inspecting the fallen:: : These are level 4 androids. This is an intolerable... DRTUNA: ..situation. DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor addresses his rescuers:: : I am afraid that I must regain what has been stolen. DRTUNA: The problem is that I have no idea where it might be. Even your intelligence sources may take a .. DRTUNA: ...while. Too long, perhaps. DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor smiles at the English patriots:: : But, I know that I can depend on each of you! Irish TCat: Its too bad That your white magic cant conjure a way to talk to Percy eh Doctor DRTUNA: A visitor, from beyond this world, from beyond this time, is here to destroy this world. DRTUNA: He has captured my ship. DRTUNA: I can, and it appears as if I must, recall my craft, but I hate to do it, really. Irish TCat: Can he use your magic against you ? my friend . IN THE LABORATORY OF CARNIFEX Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : walks into his Lab, immediately goes to a table and begins thumbing through Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : pages of his notes:: :: Shorty 144: Carnifex: Hmmmm. :: : mumbling to himself:: :: IN THE CRYPT OF THE MONASTERY TArkkannan: Tony 1:: stretches:: Well, that's a bit of a bother. :: shakes the man next to him:: Wake up Broadhurst TArkkannan: :: Moves from one to the other prisoners, waking them and freeing them:: : TArkkannan: :: Finds a closed door, knocks:: Hullo? Anyone home? TArkkannan: :: Tony:: peeks through the cell:: Oh, bother! Here, come on chaps! We're needed Eng6gcgs: Arthur Wellesley begins to stir behind Lord Tony:: TArkkannan: :: Tony:: It's about time, Artie. That's a boy - sit up and clear your head. Eng6gcgs: I have had a rough time, Tony. How the blazes did you get here. TArkkannan: Tony 1:: I was hit on the head during the Duchess' hunt, old boy. TArkkannan: Tony 1:: Been here for weeks, maybe months TArkkannan: Tony 1:: Wrong season for this suit, don't you know. Eng6gcgs: No season is right for that suit. TArkkannan: Tony 1:: That's the Wellesley I know TArkkannan: Tony 1:: No taste what so ever Eng6gcgs: :: hurmphs:: Get me out of these shackles, you fop. TArkkannan: Tony 1:: fumbles with the keys:: Hang on then Eng6gcgs: Hurry up, you imbecile. TArkkannan: Tony 1:: tut, tut, keep using that tone and I might get offended. Eng6gcgs: Oh I * am* sorry. TArkkannan: Tony 1:: The key turns stiffly, but the manacles open:: There you are. Eng6gcgs: At last. :: rubs his wrists:: TArkkannan: Tony 1:: Pats clothes:: I'd offer you a drink old chap, but they've stolen my flask. TArkkannan: Tony 1:: Rather rude these Frenchies Eng6gcgs: I don't need a drink, I need a sword TArkkannan: Tony 1:: Pats clothes again:: Sorry old chap, seem to have left mine in my other suit. Eng6gcgs: Come on, Tony. I hear a battle brewing. TArkkannan: Tony 1:: Of course, you always do. Here, wait up. Eng6gcgs: :: Sir Tony and Arthur Wellesley head towards the lab, with the other prisoners:: TArkkannan: Tony 1:: Dash it all, Arthur, I do believe the place is on fire. Eng6gcgs: Quick - that blue box over there Eng6gcgs: :: Tony and Arthur open the door of the Blue box just before is de-mats:: TArkkannan: Tony 1:: That? Whatever for? :: Pushes his way into the doors:: A STRONE CORRIDOR UNDERNEATH THE ISLAND BASE Eng6gcgs: :: Countess watches Carnifex disappear down the corridor, past the cell:: Eng6gcgs: :: She turns to leave herself, but is alerted by a noise behind her:: Eng6gcgs: :: Pausing for a moment, she continues down the corridor to the barracks:: Eng6gcgs: :: In the Barracks, she wakes a sleeping man:: Eng6gcgs: They've got out of the cell, damn them. Follow me. Eng6gcgs: :: The Countess and a burly guard creep towards the cells:: BroganMc: = Brogan and Keegan creeping through Monastery AlexKeegan: :: : Keegan prowls down the corridor outside the crypt:: : BroganMc: :: trips over a rough hewn step:: Ouch. BroganMc: This place is positively medieval! AlexKeegan: You okay? AlexKeegan: It's spooky, all right... BroganMc: Fine. :: whispers back distractedly, eyes fall on a well lit room above step:: AlexKeegan: That looks like the place to go... Eng6gcgs: :: They pause in the doorway before the stair-case:: Eng6gcgs: :: from behind Keegan and Brogan:: Zoewho: Marguerite and Percy walk carefully out of the crypt:: : BroganMc: :: grabs Keegan's arm:: Alex wait! Someone's coming. AlexKeegan: :: : Keegan follows Brogan up the steps:: :: Eng6gcgs: Well, since you are going that way anyway. Let me accompany you :: countess smiles:: AlexKeegan: :: He turns back to go back down the steps:: : Zoewho: :: : Marguerite whispers to her husband:: : That Brogan and that Keegan... BroganMc: :: Brogan looks ahead while Keegan looks behind:: Eng6gcgs: :: the countess points a flintlock at Keegan:: Zoewho: ... they are, well... peculiar. :: : Marguerite talks as she walks:: : SkyBlast1: What do you mean? AlexKeegan: Uh oh... AlexKeegan: :: Keegan raises his hands in the air:: : BroganMc: The Countess of Humberton, I presume? :: challenges:: Zoewho: Well... they speak of strange things. ... things not of this time, or this world. Eng6gcgs: I see security here is less than adequate. Eng6gcgs: Turn around, you two. There is someone you are dying to meet. BroganMc: A bit out of date, perhaps. For inquiring minds. Zoewho: :: : the lady walks delicately through the shadowed halls of the crypt:: : SkyBlast1: Sure, they seem a bit strange.] SkyBlast1: But they're friends of the Doctor. Eng6gcgs: :: the countess advances up towards Brogan and Keegan:: AlexKeegan: I don't think dying is such a good word Zoewho: :: : Marguerite frowns, totally distracted by her thoughts:: : BroganMc: :: Brogan exchanges a resigned look with Keegan:: Eng6gcgs: Move it. AlexKeegan: :: exchanges look with Brogan:: :: BroganMc: We seem to be surrounded, Alex. AlexKeegan: Aren't we always? Zoewho: :: : Marguerite unknowingly walks right into the capture:: : AlexKeegan: :: grim smile:: :: Zoewho: Oh, my! :: : The lady Marguerite says, clasping her hands to her heart:: : Eng6gcgs: Guard: Countess! SkyBlast1: What's wrong? Eng6gcgs: Countess: ahh, two more. Stay where you are. Eng6gcgs: : ;Countess rounds on Blakeneys and forces them up the steps:: Zoewho: :: : Marguerite sighs:: : Perhaps you were right, my dear. We should have stayed away. SkyBlast1: Aren't I always right? Eng6gcgs: :: the countess follows the Blakeneys into the lab:: THE PRISONERS ARE BROUGHT TO THE LAB BroganMc: :: : hands raised, Brogan walks into the lab:: AlexKeegan: :: Keegan follows Brogan into the lab, his hands still raised:: BroganMc: :: stops to whisper to Keegan:: At least the Blakeney's are all right. AlexKeegan: :: looks back, sees the Countess bringing up the Blakeneys:: : BroganMc: :: Brogan's expression falls when Countess arrives with two more prisoners:: AlexKeegan: :: : to Brogan:: not anymore.... BroganMc: :: rolls eyes toward Keegan:: Eng6gcgs: :: Calling as she walks through the door:: Carnifex. They got out. AlexKeegan: :: shrugs expressively to Brogan:: : Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : turns around slowly, raises an eyebrow at the prisoners:: :: AlexKeegan: :: : looks around the lab:: : BroganMc: :: Brogan's gaze falls on a familiar blue box in the corner:: SkyBlast1: :: entering the lab:: All right, what's going on? Shorty 144: Carnifex: Well, well, what have we here. Zoewho: :: : Marguerite notices the blue box, too:: : Oh, Dear, look! BroganMc: :: represses the excitement in her eyes and nudges Keegan:: Eng6gcgs: The Blakeneys, and those two from Humberton. Zoewho: :: : marguerite whispers excitedly to her husband:: : See? It's their big box! AlexKeegan: :: acknowledges Brogan's nudge:: Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : shakes his head:: : You know, :: : walks towards them:: : It is quite impolite Zoewho: :: : Whispers:: : From what I can gather, it was stolen by Sir Camera. AlexKeegan: Did she call you Carnifex? BroganMc: We have names, thank you. :: sharply corrects Countess:: SkyBlast1: That's the box? Shorty 144: Carnifex: to leave without telling your host that you are going. Zoewho: :: : Marguerite frowns:: : Or, was it a Lady Camera? Eng6gcgs: I don't give a fig for your names. BroganMc: :: glares at monk:: Not nearly as impolite as your methods of "inviting" guests, I imagine/ AlexKeegan: It is also impolite to bring the guests without inviting them first, Sir BroganMc: With blunt force? Shorty 144: Carnifex: Countess, strap the Blakeneys onto the scanning tables. SkyBlast1: Scanning tables? What the devil are you talking about? BroganMc: Scanning tables? :: becomes alarmed:: AlexKeegan: Sir Percy, didn't you mention a Carnifex? Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : smiles softly:: :: Yes, I suppose it is, isn't it? AlexKeegan: Scanning tables? BroganMc: :: notices the host of high tech electronics:: SkyBlast1: Carnifex? Oh, wait. Eng6gcgs: :: the countess and the guard grab Sir Percy:: Shorty 144: Carnifex: You people are so..... slow to take the point aren't you? SkyBlast1: Can you update us then? Eng6gcgs: Countess: Come now, Pimpernell. Be a brave soldier :: she smiles:: SkyBlast1: :: glares at Countess:: You. Shorty 144: Carnifex: You will both do as I say or I will order the Countess to.... inflict physical Shorty 144: Carnifex: harm on all of you. I really don't wish to, but...... BroganMc: Sir Percy, just do as he says. Zoewho: :: : Marguerite joins her husband's gaze, and matches it glower for glower:: : SkyBlast1: :: looks at his wife, then at Carnifex and the Countess:: All right. Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : smiles benignly:: : I thought you might see it my way. Zoewho: :: : Says in an obnoxious aristocratic way:: : How appalling. Absolutely appalling. SkyBlast1: But what are you planning? BroganMc: :: left free, Brogan edges closer to Keegan:: Eng6gcgs: :: The countess bends over Sir Percy, pushing him back flat onto the table:: Zoewho: :: : The lady Marguerite, strangely, is unafraid:: : BroganMc: :: whispers:: Any ideas on getting out of here? Eng6gcgs: :: as she straps him down she runs her tongue over his lips:: Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: looks at Brogan:: : And you my dear, please don't try anything you might regret BroganMc: Keegan>:: whispers back:: Stall. I'm working on it. Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : walks to a console and begins the scan:: :: Zoewho: :: : Marguerite is doubly appalled:: : ; Ohhh! ! ! Of all the .... BroganMc: :: Purposefully follows Carnifex to his controls:: BroganMc: :: looks over his shoulder:: That's an interesting machine. SkyBlast1: What's going on? BroganMc: What does it do? Zoewho: :: : Marguerite pales and looks away:: : Oh! I can't bear it! Eng6gcgs: Just keep quite, Percy, darling. SkyBlast1: :: feels somewhat strange:: I'm feeling funny. Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : looks at Brogan, his liquid brown eyes questioning:: : Shorty 144: Carnifex: Well, it is scanning their cell structure. Zoewho: Oh, my dearest! :: : marguerite calls out emotionally:: : BroganMc: :: Brogan sees a loose wire leading out of the machine and yanks it with her foot:: Eng6gcgs: Concentrate, Carnifex. Can't you see what they are doing? BroganMc: :: the cloning machine begins to loose power:: Zoewho: :: : Marguerite holds her hand to her forehead dramatically:: : SkyBlast1: I'm...all right, my love! Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: the console beeps:: : :: : Carnifex turns back to it:: : BroganMc: Scanning their cell structure? What for? Eng6gcgs: Now what :: the countess steps away from Sir Percy, towards Carnifex:: Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : looks at the Countess:: : Pray woman, be quiet. I cannot do my work with your Shorty 144: Carnifex: endless prattle. BroganMc: :: Keegan slips his dagger into his hand and edges toward the guards for a sneak attack:: Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : to Brogan:: : It's really quite complicated. SkyBlast1: :: the cell scan giving Percy a weird feeling, like he's made of gelatin:: SkyBlast1: Agh! Shorty 144: Carnifex: What is it that you want, my dear? :: : to Brogan:: : BroganMc: For the moment, I'd settle for a quick good-bye Carnifex. AlexKeegan: I want you to stop that now! ! ! Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : confused:: : Good-bye? BroganMc: :: reaches over monk and presses the release mechanism on control panel:: AlexKeegan: :: : Keegan races over and grabs Carnifex:: : Zoewho: Percy? Percy? Speak to me, my beloved? :: : Marguerite calls out:: : TareeFanae: Lan> Carnifex......the fighting on the beach has failed! BroganMc: Alex, the guards behind you! SkyBlast1: Ergh? Shorty 144: Carnifex: No! :: : grabs at the panel, punching the button:: : You mustn't do that! AlexKeegan: :: : He snaps a kick back into the guard behind him:: BroganMc: :: Brogan picks up chair and hurls it at countess:: Eng6gcgs: Ye gods. Stop them BroganMc: :: races to free Lady marguerite and Sir Percy:: AlexKeegan: :: He grabs Carnifex's hand away from the control panel:: : Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: :: shoves Brogan in the back:: :: Eng6gcgs: :: Races to stop Brogan:: AlexKeegan: :: chops Carnifex's hand:: :: Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : seizes Keegan by the throat:: :: Zoewho: :: : marguerite runs to her husband's side:: : My dearest! Eng6gcgs: :: pointing flintlock:: don't even think about it. BroganMc: :: avoids Carnifex, and shoves Countess away:: Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : squeezes, he is, surprisingly strong:: :: BroganMc: The TARDIS! Quickly, everyone. :: races to open TARDIS doors:: AlexKeegan: :: grabs Carnifex's hands:: :: SkyBlast1: :: trying to regain feeling in legs and speech:: Hargh? Zoewho: :: : Grabs her husband's hand:: : Come, dear. We MUST go... BroganMc: Lady Marguerite, Alex, this way! :: stands in open door:: Eng6gcgs: :: The countess grabs Sir Percy:: SkyBlast1: Marguerite? Zoewho: :: : The lady Marguerite gently supports her husband to the door:: : AlexKeegan: :: : Keegan knees Carnifex in a delicate place:: : Eng6gcgs: You don't escape that easily from * me* . BroganMc: :: Brogan picks up another chair and hurls it at Countess's head:: SkyBlast1: :: squirms in the Countess' grasp:: Eng6gcgs: :: Countess puts her hand up to block chair, but is knocked backwards:: Shorty 144: :: : the water runs under the equipment, sparks begin shooting out:: :: BroganMc: :: Brogan grasps a small statue and hurls that at Countess:: Eng6gcgs: :: Countess hits her head on the granite floor:: TareeFanae: :: Abruptly appears, bring with me tons of water from the quay :: Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: :: stumbles releasing Alex:: :: AlexKeegan: :: as Carnifex gasps in pain, Keegan breaks free of h is grip:: : Eng6gcgs: :: She struggles forward, but the statue finally lays her out:: SkyBlast1: :: collapses to ground, free from the Countess' grip:: Zoewho: :: : Rushes to help her husband to stand:: : Zoewho: Speak to me, my pumpkin! :: : Marguerite sobs:: : SkyBlast1: :: leans on Marguerite:: Dear...what's going on? Zoewho: :: : Relieved:: : Oh, it's madness! It's awful! Quickly, we must get away! SkyBlast1: If only I could feel my feet... Zoewho: :: : Marguerite rushes, dragging her husband, into the Tardis:: : BroganMc: :: Brogan ushers everyone into TARDIS:: AlexKeegan: :: Keegan races for the TARDIS:: : INSIDE THE TARDIS BroganMc: :: Brogan races for the door control and slams doors closed:: BroganMc: :: tries to catch her breath:: Talk about vicious. AlexKeegan: :: Keegan leans against the doors, rubbing his throat:: BroganMc: Everyone all right? AlexKeegan: :: croaks:: I think so... BroganMc: :: suddenly the TARDIS console moves:: BroganMc: Alex :: alarmed:: We've dematerialized. AlexKeegan: We're dematerializing?! Eng6gcgs: Gadzooks. What is this place :: promptly faints:: Irish TCat: :: watching Soft Curves and Bearer of Treats from the top of time rotor:: Zoewho: :: : At the last minute, Marguerite and Percy rush into the TARDIS:: : BroganMc: I didn't touch anything, I swear. :: backs away from the console:: TArkkannan: Tony 1:: Oh, I say - This is bigger than the Opera, Arthur SkyBlast1: :: sits on floor in TARDIS, catching his breath:: We got away, it seems. BroganMc: :: the TARDIS rematerializes on a beach in France:: Zoewho: :: : Marguerite is utterly confused:: : Is this ... a CAMERA? BroganMc: Have we? :: interrupts Sir Percy's conversation:: BroganMc: :: shakes head with a resigned groan at Lady Marguerite:: SkyBlast1: :: wondering what's happening:: BroganMc: :: hears the landing beep, doors begin to open:: TArkkannan: Tony:: I say, any brandy about? SkyBlast1: :: to Marguerite:: What happened back there before I came to? BroganMc: Sssh! All of you, please stay here a minute. Alex and I will be right back. ON THE QUAY, THE DOCTOR AND THE LEAGUE DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor takes the Stattenheim Remote Control out of his pocket and examines it.:: : DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor mumbles:: : Every time I use this device, the navigation capabilities degrade. Irish TCat: :: reaches out to touch the magical device:: May I Doctor? DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor sits down on the quay and looks at the water and the stars:: : I wonder.... DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor smiles:: : No, really, it is very special. Perhaps I won't need it. Irish TCat: :: goes to tend to the wounded:: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor sits and thinks, carefully evaluating his situation. Loathe to use the...:: : Irish TCat: :: directing the clean up operation:: Throw those metal men into the water DRTUNA: :: : ...remote control device because it degrades TARDIS performance. Yet, this is a very dangerous... DRTUNA: :: : ...situation, as the Doctor now realizes.:: : DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor looks back when he hears a robot body hit the water.:: : Irish TCat: Watch out Doctor :: chucking a metal man over his head into the water:: DRTUNA: Good idea, get rid of them. They are a dangerous anachronism.:: : Irish TCat: I prefer that the French not reanimate these metal demons DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor stands, takes out the remote control device, and looks at it.:: : DRTUNA: It wasn't the French, my friend, but a very different foe. DRTUNA: Chauvelin> :: : Stands back, watching what is going on. The robots send a chill through him.:: : Irish TCat: Good job men :: drinking from container:: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor takes out his pocket watch, and slowly does a 360 degree turn.:: : Irish TCat: :: wiping brow:: Would you like a drink ? :: offers container to Doctor:: DRTUNA: A drink, no thank you. You know, I can't pick up any high energy signals from here. I wonder why? Irish TCat: :: whispers :: Don't tell anyone but I rather enjoy doing this even though I complain a lot Irish TCat: Doctor DRTUNA: Well, complaints are simply a recipe for a better future if taken in the right way, you know. DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor does reach out and take a drink from the offered bottle.:: : DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor shudders slightly:: : Whew....smooth! Irish TCat: Actually I prefer to do that since the one time I didn't Percy forget to have horses ready DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor shakes his head and walks again to the quayside, speaking as if in a classroom.:: : DRTUNA: Now, there is no trace of high energy technology in the entire coastal area, and yet these robots... DRTUNA: ...a clearly a product of that technology. Either it is shielded from my scans, or it has been... DRTUNA: ...dismantled, or does not exist in this area at all. I would say (a) or (c) seem the most likely. DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor turns and faces the soldiers on the quay:: : Are you all following this? Irish TCat: :: listening intently but having no idea what is being said:: Irish TCat: No more for you Doctor :: puts container away:: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor turns back and continues talking:: : So, I should be able to detect a shielded DRTUNA: ....area, then. DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor takes out his pocket watch and uses it again, but in a different scan.:: : Irish TCat: Action is needed Doctor So act. Not that I understand any of your magic DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor stops talking and takes out the remote control device.:: : DRTUNA: Well, I can't just stand here giving a lecture while androids destroy Earth's future! DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor triggers the Stattenheim Remote Control Device.:: : DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor waits, wondering if it will work.:: : DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor smiles as the TARDIS appears.:: : Irish TCat: :: jumps in surprise:: A very nice trick Sir :: bows:: DRTUNA: Well, now for some serious work. I am sure I will be needed to stop all of this meddling! DRTUNA: You see, gentlefolk, with the aid of this device and my own considerable skill, we shall be able... DRTUNA: ...to find the visitor who is doing all of this, and stop him and his robots! DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor walks towards the TARDIS doors:: : Irish TCat: Very well, everyone Into the magic box :: motioning league members on:: Irish TCat: I don't care if you think we cant all fit Go on and get in the magic box DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor leans out of the TARDIS.:: : Everyone on board. Farewell Chauvelin! INSIDE THE TARDIS, THE CROWD GROWS BroganMc: :: Brogan bumps into Doctor as he enters TARDIS doors:: DOCTOR! Zoewho: :: : Marguerite stares after Brogan:: : Wait! ! ! Zoewho: :: : The lady Marguerite smiles:: : Oh! It's you! :: : Rushes to greet the Doctor:: : Zoewho: How did you get here? I thought you were away! BroganMc: Keegan> Doctor, where did you come from? DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor bumps into brogan:: : Brogan, my dear! What are you doing inside my TARDIS? SkyBlast1: Doctor! Hello! Zoewho: :: : marguerite mouths to herself, "TARDIS?" looking puzzled:: : DRTUNA: Why, I summoned the TARDIS by remote control. How did you find it? SkyBlast1: I'd get up to greet you, but I can't stand on my own power at the moment. AlexKeegan: Doctor? :: : still croaking:: : BroganMc: Well, we found it. And there was no where else to run to in the monastery. Irish TCat: :: looking around with interest until I see Tony:: Its another metal man :: pulls sword:: Zoewho: :: : marguerite is watching Brogan and Doctor conversing:: : DRTUNA: Well then, we need to do a comprehensive scan of this planetary zone and find that meddler! AlexKeegan: He's back at the monastery! Zoewho: :: : Marguerite shakes her head in bafflement:: : It SOUNDS like English... Zoewho: :: : Murmurs:: : And yet, it is a strange language they speak. DRTUNA: We will need to stop his little plan to rewrite history. He is so obsessed! Irish TCat: Aha you Blackguard put your hands up :: holding sword on Tony:: SkyBlast1: Perhaps it's a different regional language. Zoewho: :: : Marguerite considers the idea proposed by her husband:: : Zoewho: It most certainly Must be, you are quite right, dear. SkyBlast1: :: smiling:: Aren't I always? DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor helps usher the remaining people on the dock into the TARDIS.:: : Irish TCat: Percy Its good to see you alive BroganMc: :: Brogan looks around the now crowded Console Room:: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor proceeds to the console and sets the controls.:: : Ah, I see, the monastery! DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor flips a switch, and the TARDIS dematerializes:: :: AlexKeegan: :: : Keegan walks over to Brogan, still rubbing his throat:: :: Zoewho: :: : Marguerite walks to the Doctor's side:: : What a funny trick! BroganMc: :: tries to find a quite corner to think and trips over a booted foot:: Zoewho: :: : marguerite points to the moving columns:: : Irish TCat: Nero> :: chasing after the new toy:: DRTUNA: :: : The TARDIS materializes very close to the Monastery, which the screen shows is ablaze.:: : BroganMc: :: Brogan looks at fallen man:: The Duke! Zoewho: Oh my! :: : marguerite balks at the fire on the screen:: : Irish TCat: Nero >>:: bats it to Orion:: DRTUNA: Aha, there seems to be a small domestic crisis in progress as we speak. Shall we attempt to help? BroganMc: Alex, how did he get in here? AlexKeegan: I'm not sure? BroganMc: :: tries to shake Wellesley awake:: Lord Arthur, wake up! DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor heads for the door:: : If you are wounded stay here. Able bodied, let's go! Eng6gcgs: :: he stirs, and opens his eyes:: A vision of loveliness. Errm. Where am I? AlexKeegan: Did you help the prisoners escape, Lord Tony? BroganMc: Doctor, be careful! :: shouts a warning as her friend leaves TARDIS:: Irish TCat: I wouldn't miss it :: heading out door:: FIRE IN THE LAB TareeFanae: We need more clones and quickly! Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : flames shoot out of a panel of computers:: :: Shorty 144: Carnifex: No! My cloning device! Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : rushes towards his equipment;:: : Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: :: grabs a fire extinguisher and begins spraying everything with it:: :: Shorty 144: :: : a panel explodes:: : TareeFanae: They have found a way to deactivate the clones! :: frantically :: Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: :: whirls on Lanista:: : Look what you have done, you blundering oaf! TareeFanae: It isn't MY Fault! Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : races to the panel that exploded and sprays it with foam:: : TareeFanae: If you had made those clones better, this would have never happened! Shorty 144: Carnifex: You have ruined everything! Shorty 144: Carnifex: I! :: : splutters in rage:: : I! :: : races at Lanista, fire extinguisher raised:: :: TareeFanae: You wouldn't dare! Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : hurls the fire extinguisher, which fly's over his head and into the fire:: : TareeFanae: Grabs a fire extinguisher of my own! Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : stops suddenly:: : Oh dear..... :: : throws himself to the floor:: : Shorty 144: :: : the extinguisher explodes, further spreading the flames:: :: TareeFanae: :: Sprays it at fire ... managing to spray Carnifex as well :: Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : splutters, then turns and runs from the Monastery:: :: Eng6gcgs: :: The Countess, opens her eyes. As she struggles to her feet she is engulfed in Eng6gcgs: :: flames:: TareeFanae: :: Runs after Carnifex :: MEANWHILE, IN THE TARDIS Eng6gcgs: :: Wellesley sits up, smiling at Brogan like a love-struck adolescent:: Its you :: he SkyBlast1: :: finally able to stand, does so:: Eng6gcgs: gurgles:: AlexKeegan: :: : Keegan watches Arthur gurgling at Brogan:: : SkyBlast1: :: sees the fire onscreen:: My goodness... Zoewho: :: : Marguerite smiles contentedly at her husband:: : I'm glad to see you stay, dear. Eng6gcgs: Arthur: Marry me. BroganMc: :: contemplates slapping some sense into the Duke:: Lord Arthur are you all right? BroganMc: How did you get in here? Did the other prisoners escape too? AlexKeegan: :: : shocked expression on his face:: : Eng6gcgs: Arthur: I've never been better. I :: he closes his eyes:: Eng6gcgs: Arthur: What. where am I. un-hand me, girl. AlexKeegan: Lord Tony> Why yes, dear Lady, I freed all of the other prisoners. Eng6gcgs: Arthur: Of course they escaped. They ran into the grounds. we were going to the...lab SkyBlast1: I had to stay. BroganMc: :: drops Arthur like a lead balloon:: He's all right. :: confides to Alex:: BroganMc: As rude as ever. SkyBlast1: I have no idea what the devil is going on. Eng6gcgs: Arthur: Tony, help me up will you. AlexKeegan: Lord Tony> And we managed to steal aboard this box before and found you all inside.... AlexKeegan: :: : Keegan nods in agreement with Brogan:: : Eng6gcgs: Arthur: Box. nonsense. This must be another part of the monastery. As if all of this Eng6gcgs: A: would fit inside a box. AlexKeegan: Tony> :: : helps Arthur up onto his feet:: : Come on, old chap! BroganMc: You'd be surprised what you could fit in this particular box, Lord Arthur. Irish TCat: Why is that cat green? :: pointing to cat on moving box:: Eng6gcgs: Arthur> Right. Battle can't be over yet. Come on :: he strides off: BroganMc: I daresay, it's even big enough for your ego. :: shrewdly teases:: Eng6gcgs: Arthur> what? stupid girl. AlexKeegan: :: : gets in front of Arthur:: : Keegan> you can't go yet, and don't call Brogan stupid BroganMc: :: Brogan holds her throbbing head wishing she had an aspirin:: Irish TCat: Never mind I am sure I wouldn't understand the answer Eng6gcgs: Arthur> Come along, Tony :: picks up a poker leaning against the hat stand:: BroganMc: Alex, let him be. It's too soon for chivalrous behavior, it seems. SkyBlast1: :: to Marguerite:: Thanks for staying by me in the monastery. Eng6gcgs: Arthur> I can go wherever and whenever I like, sir. SkyBlast1: I don't know what I could've done without you. THE MONASTERY IS IN FLAMES Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : rushes out onto the grounds towards his TARDIS:: :: TareeFanae: :: watches Carnifex leave :: Shorty 144: :: : it is disguised as a crumbling pillar:: : Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : at the door he turns to watch the monastery blaze:: : Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: :: turns to see a blue police box materialize a few yards away:: :: Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : his mouth hardens into a look of anger:: :: Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : removes his outer robe:: :: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor moves towards the Monastery, literally into the flames.:: : Shorty 144: Carnifex: Hello, Doctor. DRTUNA: Yes, it had to be you, didn't it. No one else could be so petty on a grand scale! Irish TCat: Where are these prisoners ? Ah never mind I see them. Shorty 144: Carnifex: It has been...... a long time. DRTUNA: Well, this little adventure is over, I'm afraid. And hopefully, you haven't done too much damage! DRTUNA: All of eternity would not be too long a time to be without your company, sir. Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : his mouth hardens in anger:: : The Doctor, the eternal meddler. DRTUNA: I am not a meddler, like you. I don't do things for myself. I get involved. Shorty 144: Carnifex: You abandon me on that planet.... so long ago, and now you come here and ruin Shorty 144: Carnifex: all of my plans. DRTUNA: I am not meddling, my friend, I am living! I am committed! And you? DRTUNA: You need to be committed. Shada I should think. Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : begins backing away:: : DRTUNA: Your plans were meant to create ruin! I'm afraid we will need to take a short trip together. DRTUNA: To Shada. Shorty 144: Carnifex: Well, you have more to worry about than me, I guarantee that. You will get yours Shorty 144: Carnifex: ...... in time. Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : turns and runs, surprisingly fast to his TARDIS:: :: DRTUNA: IN time I am sure we all will. We always do. Come on now, come with me. DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor realizes that the Meddler's TARDIS has been hidden.:: : Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : throws the door to his TARDIS open and rushes inside:: :: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor also realizes that he needs to return to his TARDIS to track the Meddler.:: : Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : slams the door shut behind him:: :: DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor at least holds out his pocket watch, hoping to get a reading :: : Shorty 144: :: : the Meddling Monk's TARDIS dematerializes:: :: DRTUNA: :: : After the Meddler's TARDIS demats, the Doctor runs quickly out of the building, smiling.:: : THE DOCTOR RETURNS TO THE TARDIS AlexKeegan: :: Keegan stands out of the way as the Doctor reenters the TARDIS:: :: Irish TCat: Irish> :: jumps up on Brogans shoulder and hisses at man:: Eng6gcgs: :: Arthur bumps into the Doctor:: Eng6gcgs: Arthur> oh, err, excuse me. BroganMc: :: notices an alarm go off on the TARDIS console:: Zoewho: :: : Marguerite feels an incredible tenderness toward her husband:: Irish TCat: Trouble> :: watches Nero and Orion play:: BroganMc: Doctor, I think something's time traveling nearby. Eng6gcgs: Arthur> Time? I'm sorry, did you say time traveling? DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor hurries back to the TARDIS:: : DRTUNA: Well, well, quite a surprise for that Meddler! I don't know what happened, but... DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor stops as he sees Nero playing with a small device.:: : DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor begins laughing! :: : AlexKeegan: :: keegan follows the Doctor's gaze:: Irish TCat: Nero> :: in cat:: Its a good toy isn't it Orion :: knocks it around some more:: Eng6gcgs: Arthur> Well, isn't there someone to fight? AlexKeegan: :: : He knees beside Nero:: BroganMc: :: the alarm sounds a warning amidst the laughter:: AlexKeegan: What have you got there, Nero? DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor leans down and picks up the small device:: : SkyBlast1: :: looks into Marguerite's eyes:: I'm glad the danger seems to have passed. Irish TCat: Orion> :: in cat:: He wants to play with it too BroganMc: :: reading console:: Doctor, this says the other TARDIS is way off course. DRTUNA: No need to worry about that Meddler! He seems to be missing this! The kittens seem to have.... DRTUNA: ..done him in! Zoewho: :: : Marguerite smiles back at her husband:: : So am I, my dearest. AlexKeegan: :: Keegan smiles:: :: Eng6gcgs: :: Wellesley looks exceedingly grumpy at having missed the battle:: AlexKeegan: That's my Nero! Zoewho: :: : Marguerite looks up at the Doctor, and feels intense gratitude:: : DRTUNA: Yes, yes, I know. I tracked it myself when it left. And now I understand why! AlexKeegan: :: He pets Nero congratulatorily:: : Irish TCat: Irish> :: sitting on Brogans shoulder starts to purr:: BroganMc: It's heading toward the Planet of Rodentia? :: looks up with puzzled grin:: AlexKeegan: :: reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a cat treat for Nero:: DRTUNA: Our friend the Monk has gone on a very, very long journey, and a one way journey. DRTUNA: From which he will likely never return. BroganMc: Ah, so the Monk is with his kin. A planet of rats? SkyBlast1: I'm glad to hear that. DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor looks up at the screen:: : You know, that monastery is burning very nicely! BroganMc: :: begins to laugh, bends down to pet Nero:: Eng6gcgs: Arthur> Look, there must be something I can do. :: he waves poker in his hand:: Irish TCat: Nero> :: in cat:: I did good :: eats treat:: DRTUNA: Shall we take tea and watch the fire burn out? I'll want to take a look around and make sure... DRTUNA: ...no technological artifacts remain. AlexKeegan: :: Keegan pets Nero and smiles at Brogan> SkyBlast1: That sounds fine, Doctor. Irish TCat: Just don't bother trying to explain it all Doctor at least to me BroganMc: Alex and I will get the refreshments. Unless some of the gentleman want to help? DRTUNA: Well, why don't we all go to the kitchen, brew some tea, and take a cup and watch the fire. BroganMc: :: looks pointedly at Lord Arthur:: DRTUNA: I've got some wonderful new folding lounge chairs I want to use... AlexKeegan: :: Keegan straightens up:: :: Zoewho: :: : Marguerite walks over to the Doctor:: : There's just one thing that's Zoewho: puzzling me. SkyBlast1: :: feigns loss of feeling in legs:: Uh, I'll stay here. Eng6gcgs: Arthur> make tea? well, if there's nothing else to do. DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor turns and smiles:: : Very well, I'll make you all a bargain. SkyBlast1: Oh, never mind, I wasn't needed. DRTUNA: You help me serve tea, and I'll try and explain it all. How's that for an offer? Zoewho: :: : taps the Doctor on the arm:: : What is a Camera? BroganMc: :: hooks arm in Lord Arthur's:: My trip wouldn't be complete until I see you cooking BroganMc: something in the kitchen, Lord Arthur. Eng6gcgs: :: follows Brogan out of them room, experimentally swishing the poker like a sword:: DRTUNA: Right, then off to the kitchen to prepare, and I'll do a forward examination of the site. DRTUNA: :: : The Doctor leaves the console room.:: : Irish TCat: No thanks Doctor I prefer not to know :: leans up against wall:: AlexKeegan: :: : Keegan scratches his head, puzzled and a bit hurt:: : Zoewho: :: : marguerite shrugs her shoulders, walks over to her husband:: : Eng6gcgs: Arthur> well, my girl, I can toast crumpet expertly. SkyBlast1: What did you ask him? Zoewho: Ah, my dearest, they most CERTAINLY are very parochial, these travelers. SkyBlast1: They're just a bit eccentric, I suppose. SkyBlast1: But good people. BroganMc: :: Brogan's laughter drifts musically from the corridors as she and Lord Arthur walk to the BroganMc: kitchen:: IN THE CONSOLE ROOM OF THE MEDDLING MONK'S TARDIS Shorty 144: Carnifex: :: : rushes to the console, and punches a button:: :: : Shorty 144: :: : the TARDIS spins wildly out of control, hurling the Meddling Monk into a wall:: :: : Shorty 144: Meddling Monk: :: : places his face in his hands:: :: Not again. ++++++++++ Brogan and Lord Arthur Wellesley's Log The Amazing Dr. Pimpernel Pt 3 PLAYERS: Jen Kokoski (JenKoko/BroganMc) as Brogan MacGill Gregg (Eng6gcgs) as Lord Arthur Wellesley [Setting takes place immediately following the close of part three just after the Doctor has invited his guests back for tea in the lounge. Leaving the crowd to get settled in the lounge room, Brogan and the future Duke of Wellington travel the TARDIS corridors arm in arm towards the kitchen.] Brogan Macgill: ::Brogan laced her arm around Lord Arthur's and strolled to the TARDIS Kitchen:: Wellesley: ::Arthur allowed himself to be lead along the corridor:: Brogan Macgill: You don't really mean to tell me that you know how to bake crumpets. Brogan Macgill: ::Brogan's tone is exceptionally light and playful, perhaps a bit uncustomarily so:: Wellesley: Of course, my dear. Staple diet for a soldier. Wellesley: ::Arthur is beginning to show some respect for Brogan.:: Brogan Macgill: But didn't soldiers of your day, I mean, don't you usually rely on servants to cook for you. Wellesley: Hardly. We can't take servants into the field in these skirmishes with the French. Wellesley: If this were a full-scale war perhaps, but we are covert fighters. Brogan Macgill: Yes, I was forgetting the bloodiness of the time. It must be very harsh for you. Wellesley: Harsh? I suppose for some. But that is to be expected. The excitement, the challenge. Wellesley: The knowledge of doing right, these things compensate for the loss. Brogan Macgill: ::Brogan stops on threshold of the TARDIS kitchen:: Yes, I'm used to encountering... Brogan Macgill: a lot of similar challenges since I've been traveling with the Doctor. Wellesley: What exactly do you three do? Are you mercenaries? Brogan Macgill: Mercenaries, no of course not. We're not soldiers for hire, just sort of well-intentioned travelers. Wellesley: ::Arthur looks around for a fire and some crumpets:: Wellesley: Travelers? You don't look like Romanies. Brogan Macgill: ::Brogan hangs back and watches Lord Arthur survey the strange environs of the kitchen:: Brogan Macgill: ::The kitchen has been configured with a mix of Victorian and high tech appliances:: Wellesley: You are clearly accustomed to battle, though. Brogan Macgill: The Doctor believes in having a ship shape crew that can deal with just about anything. Brogan Macgill: Please have a seat and I'll put the kettle on. Wellesley: So this is what below stairs looks like. I'm really used to an open fire, y'know. Wellesley: Is there a...hearth? Brogan Macgill: ::crosses to the counter, fills an ornate kettle from the sink:: Brogan Macgill: The hearth? ::sounds puzzled:: Oh, right, I was forgetting. Brogan Macgill: We don't usually have hearths in kitchens where I come from. Wellesley: I take it there are some crumpets here? I can't really do without the crumpet. Brogan Macgill: Sure, I think there is some in the stasis freezer, just a sec. Wellesley: Freezer? You aren't Welsh by any chance, are you? Brogan Macgill: ::disappears into freezer and returns with a tray of freeze-dried crumpets:: Brogan Macgill: ::outside the freezer, the crumpets magically spring to life as fresh and full:: Brogan Macgill: Actually, I'm American and Scottish. ::pops crumpets into oven:: Wellesley: Hold on. You can't just cook them straight away. ::Retrieves crumpets:: Wellesley: My granny taught me a special way of preparing them. Now, I need some Mint leaves. Brogan Macgill: Mint? Wellesley: Its an herb. The size of this kitchen, you must have some. Try the pantry. Sorry, Freezer Brogan Macgill: ::looks around in the cabinets:: Ah, here we go! Wellesley: Ah. Excellent. ::He wraps the crumpet in the Mint leaves, and pops it on the end of the Wellesley: toasting fork:: Wellesley: Now, do you, perchance, have some beeswax. Or some honey? Brogan Macgill: ::nods and turns to the fridge processor, presses some buttons and a jar pops out:: Brogan Macgill: Will this do? Wellesley: Erm. Yes. Funny thing to keep honey in though. Wellesley: ::He spoons out some honey, and dribbles it over the crumpets:: Wellesley: Right, now. Is this the hearth? ::points at oven:: Brogan Macgill: It's the oven. We bake things in there. Brogan Macgill: Or reheat them. Wellesley: Well, I need a flame. Can it do that? Brogan Macgill: A flame? Oh, try the broiler. That's the door below. Brogan Macgill: Be careful! The sides are hot. I already turned it on. Wellesley: Broiler? Whatever you say. Wellesley: ::Arthur points the crumpets into the broiler:: Brogan Macgill: What are you doing, Lord Arthur? Roasting crumpets? Wellesley: Toasting, dear...err. Miss. Listen, what is your first name? Brogan Macgill: Brogan. Brogan MacGill. Wellesley: Brogan is your first name? Good lord. Brogan Macgill: What's wrong with it? ::sounds incensed:: Wellesley: Oh, nothing. I've just never heard it before. Scottish, eh? Brogan Macgill: Celtic, I believe. It means "fierce". Wellesley: I can believe that. ::Arthur smiles, warmly:: Brogan Macgill: I guess that explains my unladylike ways to you? Brogan Macgill: You're used to gentle and amenable women who do whatever a man says. Wellesley: Well, I've heard plenty about Scots women. Wellesley: ::He continues to toast crumpets until he has a nice pile, while Brogan makes tea:: Wellesley: It was a bit of a shock. But I'm starting to like women who can stand up for themselves Brogan Macgill: As you should. Why should a woman be condemned for being independent and strong? Brogan Macgill: It seems she'd have to be to put up with you lot. ::sarcasm edges Brogan's voice:: Wellesley: Nobody is condemning you. Brogan Macgill: Maybe not in so many words, but I detest being made a fool of. Brogan Macgill: ::sips her tea and stares toward corridor with a brooding and distracted look:: Wellesley: If I have offended you, I am truly sorry :;Arthur is utterly sincere:: Wellesley: I'm just not used to women on the battlefield. Brogan Macgill: What? ::touches Lord Arthur's arm apologetically:: No, Lord Arthur, you misunderstand. Brogan Macgill: I'm not angry with you, honestly. You can't change the circumstances of your time. Wellesley: You are the first woman I've met who seems to belong on the battlefield, I must say. Wellesley: You are just so different. No frippery. No gossip. Brogan Macgill: Do I? ::looks away with a distracted gaze:: Would it surprise you to know sometimes I really miss that. Brogan Macgill: The life Lady Marguerite lives with her Percy. Wellesley: You must live how you want to live. But you have no reason to be jealous of Marguerite. Brogan Macgill: Not jealous. Just a bit envious, perhaps. Brogan Macgill: ::quietly takes another sip of tea:: Brogan Macgill: And then sometimes... Wellesley: What? Tell me, please. Brogan Macgill: Sometimes I think you're right. I'm more suited to a battlefield than a home. Brogan Macgill: On the battlefield, you must survive on your own. Or die on your own. Brogan Macgill: ::shivers with a strange chill:: Wellesley: You are strong. Will-full. Perhaps even a little scary. You can stand up for y'self. Wellesley: But you can do whatever you want. You aren't constrained by noble birth, or courtly tradition. Wellesley: I feel sure that you could find the right man. A man you could love. Brogan Macgill: Maybe. ::shakes her head with resignation:: Wellesley: ::Arthur puts his hands on Brogan's shoulders and turns her to him:: Wellesley: Brogan. If you don't like what you are doing, stop. You are strong enough to do that. Brogan Macgill: ::gazes into Lord Arthur's eyes, notices warmth and compassion mixed with strength:: Wellesley: If you don't like battle, then don't fight. There are other challenges. Wellesley: Being a wife and a mother, outside of the aristocracy, is far from easy. Brogan Macgill: That's the problem, Lord Arthur. Something you and everyone is overlooking. Wellesley: If you wanted to, you could become part of the aristocracy. Wellesley: I mean. I would... . If you could bring yourself to... . Brogan Macgill: What are you saying, Lord Arthur? ::feels his hesitancy:: Wellesley: I have never met anybody like you. A woman I respect so much. I. I think I love you. Wellesley: I'd do anything. I'd even give up war for you. Brogan Macgill: ::blushes brightly and turns away:: Lord Arthur please! Wellesley: We could move out into the country. I have my inheritance, certain bounties and boons. Brogan Macgill: We've only just met. You can't possibly love someone so quickly. Wellesley: I have no need for court. My love for war is... . Well, its suddenly less than it was. Wellesley: I feel like I've never felt before. No, that's not true. I've only felt like this in the Wellesley: heat of battle. The rush. The feeling of life itself, coursing through my veins. Brogan Macgill: But your country needs you. Wellesley: Bugger the country. There will always be Percy's and Tony's and people like me to do Wellesley: battle. Brogan Macgill: Lord Arthur *listen to me*! ::shakes him:: Brogan Macgill: Please, I can't... Please, you must understand. I never meant... Wellesley: I understand. You deserve better than me. Brogan Macgill: ::pauses and bites her lip looking for the right words:: Brogan Macgill: Lord Arthur, you are a true and noble gentleman. Brogan Macgill: ::touches his face gently:: Any woman would be honored to have you for a husband. Brogan Macgill: I am not of your time, Lord Arthur. But I am a product of it. Brogan Macgill: Of the things you have done and will do for your country and the world. Wellesley: You have your own life. You have your own path to go down. Brogan Macgill: This world needs heroes like you to take the battlefield and fight for peace and justice. Wellesley: If...if ever you change your mind. If one-day you find that your path...leads in the Wellesley: same direction as mine. Well. Maybe one-day, eh? Brogan Macgill: ::kisses Lord Arthur on the cheek:: If I don't, remember always that if nothing else Brogan Macgill: you will always have the heart of a true friend in me. Wellesley: ::Arthur smiles at Brogan, but his eyes are sad:: Yes. Thank you. Wellesley: ::He sniffs the air:: Oh no. The crumpets are burning! Brogan Macgill: Oh dear! ::jumps to retrieve crumpets:: Brogan Macgill: ::dumps smoking tray on the counter top:: Uh oh. Maybe we should try another batch? Brogan Macgill: Will you put another kettle on while I fetch some more from the freezer? Wellesley: Yes, I think that would be for the best. Brogan Macgill: The others should be assembling in the Doctor's lounge by now. Brogan Macgill: You'll like it. ::calls over shoulder as she enters freezer:: There's an old Victorian hearth in there. Wellesley: Victoria who? Brogan Macgill: The Queen, of course. Don't you know you're own monarchy? Brogan Macgill: ::abrupt pause:: Oh right. That's a bit after your time. Nevermind. Wellesley: Queen? My dear girl, what century are you from? Wellesley: The last Queen died yonks ago. Brogan Macgill: Well, don't worry, you'll meet the new one soon enough. Wellesley: You know, I really don't think women make good monarchs. They don't have the... Wellesley: Well, some of them don't. ::he smiles:: Brogan Macgill: If you like strong women, you'll just love Victoria. Brogan Macgill: ::scratches head as she steps out of freezer with more crumpets:: I think you liked her, that is. Wellesley: Mind you, Victoria sounds like a strong name. I'll have to mention it to Prince Edward. Wellesley: I think that this tea is nearly done. Brogan Macgill: Right, will you work your magic on these crumpets while a get the serving trays? Wellesley: Certainly. ::He proceeds to add the mint leaves and honey to the crumpets:: Brogan Macgill: ::moves the mint hot chocolate mix out of the way to get to dishes:: Brogan Macgill: ::wonders with irritation where Keegan is and why he isn't helping her:: Brogan Macgill: ::a warm honey scent exudes broiler a minute later:: I think they're done now. Brogan Macgill: ::retrieves crumpets and lays them on tray next to tea and cups:: Wellesley: Excellent. Brogan Macgill: Shall we? ::struggles to lift heavy tray:: Wellesley: Why not ::strolls off with a plate of three crumpets, leaving Brogan to struggle with Wellesley: the rest of the food, and the tea:: Brogan Macgill: ::smile fades quickly to irritation:: Typical, I suppose. Wellesley: Well come along. Anyone who fought the Sword of France can manage a tea tray. Brogan Macgill: ::rolls eyes and follows after Lord Arthur:: ++++++++++ Irish's Tale At the end of Part Three of The Amazing Doctor Pimpernel All of the language used in this log take place in the language of cat :) The small green cat looked around at all of these humans from the shoulder of Soft Curves. They all seemed to be enjoying watching the fire .. His brothers and mother were being given treats and soft caresses... He jumped down from his perch on Soft Curves .. He felt once again drawn by the voice in his head... He thought back to the other voice that he had encountered. It was cold and harsh not at all warm and friendly like the one that inhabited the place that was his home.. He replayed the images that he had gained from stalking the other voice.. Some confused him and others made him feel strange.. Perhaps the voice could explain .. Softly the cat made his way down into the depths of home.. Some of the rooms he passed made him curious but instead he went on.. Anticipation filled his heart.. Some his own but the rest was from the voice... Finally he reached a small room. One wall was a reflected surface that held an image of the cat.. He padded softly over to the image and reached out to touch it with a paw.. The surface was warm like the milk that Soft Curves some times gave him and his family.. The emotions of amusement,joy,and anticipation were very strong.. The voice was clear and steady in this place... An image of Maker of Noises appeared on the surface then the outside of home appeared beside him ... A line went from one to the other... Then a line went to the reflection of the cat to the image of home... Puzzlement then curiosity filled the cat... He felt a building rush in his head like running water growing stronger...First it was pleasant then uncomfortable and finally very painful... His whole body started to shake and quiver.. He keeled over meowing in agony.. Finally the pain went away.. His body still quivered as he stood up again.. "WHat was that ?" An image of a barred door like the one he tried to open appeared on the wall Then it shrunk and went into his reflection.. Then an image of a giant cat ran over and knocked the door down... " A barrier in my mind.. I understand now..."" Then he realized how clear his thoughts felt to him and how much more he understood.. The images from the other ship were clear as glass.. Maker of Noises and this Bothersome One were both of the same kin but one was a defender and the other a meddler... Pride flowed down the link from voice to cat.. " I wish to learn more but the limitations of images and concepts will hinder my increased understanding" The voice became contemplative as the cat sat down to wait to see what the voice could come up with.. Time passed slowly.. An image started to coalesce on the wall forming a metal dog.. "Hello guv I m here to teach you all you want to learn first however the voice as you put it wants to show you how to do something else.. Its going to be very very painful though..." The cat thought for a moment and then nodded his head . "Teach me "" The images flowed down the link showing just what the voice wanted the cat to do.. He built an image of himself in his mind then concentrated on making the image grow... Pain filled his whole body as muscles,skin and bone started to expand. Finally he felt a limit reached and the pain started to fade away.. He opened his eyes and was startled by the giant cat looking back at him.. The image of the metal dog was almost a third of the size of him.. He purred in joy at this amazing new thing he had learned.. The metal dog started to speak in its strange accent again " Here now guv After youve finished admiring yourself you need to go onto the next lesson.." The images were examined by the cat .. " I am not sure of this .. Its a hideous thought really becoming one of them .. I guess I had better do it then before I run away in fear.." The cat examined the 4 images he had gained from physical contact... " I will become this one "" Once again the cat built an image in his mind and concentrated on changing into it.. The pain was different this time as muscles,skin,bones and organs altered into the new shape... Once again he collasped onto the floor in agony but kept the image clear in his mind... When he opened his eyes and looked into the wall he was frightened by what he saw.. His fur was gone except for what was on his head.. His tail had vanished and his mouth felt odd.. His paws were now oddly shaped but at least his eyes were still normal and what little fur he had left was still green.. He stumbled several times before getting the hang of walking again... He examined his reflection closely noticing all the odd deformites that it had.. "I prefer to be a cat even a large one much more than being one of these.." The metal dog started teaching him the language and how to speak the words correctly.. The lessons lasted a day and a night at an accelerated speed... As the cat grew weary the image started to slip.. Finally he changed back into a small green cat after enduring the pain of tranformation.. "So I can stay in my altered states for a long period of time here in the center but the further away I move the harder it is to maintain. Thank you " The image of the metal dog broke into a million pieces.. The voice projected happiness at the cat as he headed back up to his family.. When he reached Soft Curves room he tiredly jumped up on her bed and curled up into a ball on her pillow.. His last thoughts were of how happy the voice was that he had accepted the link.. He purred softly as he drifted into sleep.. ++++++++++ Keegan and Nero's Log Soon after leaving the ruined monastery base of the Monk, the Doctor took the TARDIS back to Sir Percy's estate. After bidding a fond farewell to Sir Percy, Lady Marguerite and the other members of the League of the Pimpernel, the Doctor, Brogan and Keegan departed in the TARDIS, going who knows where and when. Once they left, Keegan went straight to his room to think, making only one small detour to the kitchen for a mug of hot chocolate. //Nero, sensed that Giver of Treats was in distress. He decided to stay with Giver and comfort him. Once in Giver's room he sat on Giver's chest, allowing himself to be petted and purring soothingly.// Keegan now lay on his bed, petting Nero, thinking and sometimes talking to Nero . "It was wonderful to actually meet Sir Percy, Lady Marguerite and the others. Like a dream come true. There were some differences from the books of course, but just enough to make things interesting. It was as if I was meeting old friends once more, whom I hadn't seen in years." Unbidden, thoughts of Brogan came to front of his mind. "Why'd Brogan have to act like that, Nero? It wasn't like either one of us planned on being captured, knocked unconcious and thrown in that cell together. I must have put my arm round her to protect her, without knowing it. And you can't control dreams, so it's not like she deliberately dreamed she was kissing me. Was she...embarassed to dream that?" //Nero could feel that Giver's distress level was rising rapidly. He purred louder to try and compensate.// "And then she had to and pay all that attention to Wellesly. Wellesly! The creep who treated her like dirt when the League rescued us from those French soldiers. She couldn't have been trying to make him jealous, not if she was embarrased about that dream and everything. Was she trying to hurt him or something? Why did she act that way?" But no one answered him, not even Nero, except to purr louder as Keegan petted him. //Nero wished he understood the human's language like Itish did. Then maybe he could help Giver more.// "I wish Mom or Marie was alive. They always could help. Or if Zoe were still here, I could ask her. No way can I ask the Doctor. He's become so distant lately." Keegan sighed heavliy. //Nero sensed that Giver's distress was at it's highest ever. There was only one thing left to do. He stretched and bumped Giver's chin with his head, gently.// Keegan felt Nero bump his chin, as if to say he loved Keegan, even if no one else did. Keegan smiled and rubbed behind Nero's ears, causing the cat to buzz with pleasure. "You know, Nero, I'd forgotten how much it can hurt, loving someone." Keegan's eyes burned. He brushed them with the back of his hand, then sat up, being sure not to jostle Nero too much. //Nero sensed Giver about to sit up. He rolled off Giver onto the bed.// Keegan downed the rest of his chocolate, then slipped into shorts and a sleep shirt. About to turn off the lights, he changed his mind. He went quietly over to the bedroom door. Resting his hand on it, he closed his eyes and concentrated, as if he could...he opened his eyes and sadly shook his head once. Walking back to the bed, he dimmed the lights till they were just barely on. For some reason, he didn't want to sleep in the dark tonight. Climbing into bed, he lay on his side and pulled the covers up to his chest. Nero lay down on Keegan's hip. Keegan smiled again. "Goodnight, Nero, thank you for being with me." //Nero lay on Giver's hip. At last Giver was starting to feel better. Giver was entering a sleep cycle. He might as well sleep, also. It had been a fun but exhausting day. He acknowledged the gratitude coming from Giver with a regal nod of his head. He then lay his head down and went to sleep.// Keegan lay there in the dark for what seemed like forever. Finally sleep overcame him as he waited for a knock on his door, a knock that never came that night. ++++++++++ Brogan and the Doctor's Log 9-10-97 Between Amazing Dr. Pimpernel and Legacy of the Damned By JenKoko Having seen to the last of his distinguished guests, the Doctor left the TARDIS Console Room just as the craft dematerialized from 18th Century London. As always it had been an adventurous visit with the Pimpernel. With a satisfied smile, the Doctor made his way to the kitchen for another cup of coffee to enjoy while relaxing before the burning remnants of the hearth he configured in his new lounge. CLINK ... RRRUSSSSHHH ... KA CHING .... CRAASHH ! The sound of running water and banging dishes brought the Doctor to a halt just outside the kitchen. "Just who does he think he is?!" raged the familiar voice of the Doctor's female companion Brogan as she attacked a sink full of dirty dishes. Facing the inanimate cabinets, she seemed to be talking to herself. The timelord hovered indecisively on the threshold wondering if he should intrude on his friend's privacy. Part of him wanted to console the anger and frustration he felt in Brogan's voice. Another part, which kept him safely isolated from those around him, advised restraint. After all, if Brogan was troubled and in need of his help or advice, then she would come to him. In her own good time when she felt capable of confiding in him as she'd done so many times during their travels. Reminding himself they had served tea earlier and he'd have to brew a fresh pot of coffee, the Doctor decided to forgo the luxury. Before he could take one step backward, Brogan called over her shoulder matter-of-factly. "There's plenty of coffee left, Doctor. I just put on a fresh pot of your Sumatran blend." The Doctor noticed his companion failed to turn around and see him lingering in the doorway before she spoke. Apparently, her senses were becoming sharper than even she realized. "Thank you, Brogan. That was very thoughtful of you, but I..." "You're not disturbing me, Doctor," Brogan interrupted again not bothering to look at her timelord friend. Briskly, she reached for another tea-stained tea cup and thrust it into the soapy water filling the sink. "I'm just cleaning up before I go to bed." Amidst the deafening serenade of water and dishes clanging, the Doctor joined Brogan at the counter and poured himself a cup of coffee. Keeping an inquisitive eye on his companion, he noticed the seething tension about her as she continued to take her aggression out on his dishes. "Brogan, my dear," the timelord ventured after an interminable silence. "Is something distressing you?" "I have never met a more insufferable, opinionated, self-righteous man in all my life!" Brogan blurted angrily. "It's probably that blasted military training that gives him his superior attitude." "Oh, I see." The Doctor sipped his coffee thoughtfully a moment. "You must remember, Brogan, that gentleman's attitudes and behavior were very different in the 18th century than in your time. Wellington was accounted one of the best gentleman of his day, despite the pompous airs." "I know that," Brogan chided impatiently. "Lord Arthur is very charming underneath all that bravado. His wife must have been very pleased to have him for a husband. Which is more than I can say for *him*!" "Him?" The timelord echoed in confusion. "Him!" Brogan nodded pointedly towards the stash of mint-flavored hot chocolate mix reserved for the third member of the TARDIS crew." "Keegan has you upset?" The Doctor struggled to understand. "Yes *him*!" Brogan's furious admission notably omitted her best friend's name. "And I am not upset!" Her voice wreaked with bitter denial. Contradicting her words, a tea cup slipped from her angry hands and cracked in a collision with the sink. The Doctor winced over the destruction wondering when he'd get a chance to replace the Royal Albert collection. "Maybe if you explained the reason for your spat, I could help you clear up the problem?" And save him chinaware, the Doctor thought to himself. If anything else, he didn't like the idea of his companions fighting. In this regeneration especially, the infamous timelord preferred a relatively happy and capable crew by his side. Brogan and Keegan had never given him any indication of a problem before, but lately... "It's not a spat!" Brogan retorted in a voice that resembled a bratty two year old. "There is absolutely nothing to clear up. He's the one making a big deal out of nothing. Going off and sulking in his room like that instead of helping me clean up." "Keegan's sulking?" The Doctor doubted. The former soldier was private at times, but he was hardly known to suffer bouts of melancholy and moodiness. "Plotting more like it," Brogan grumbled sarcastically. "Well, I won't bite this time. If he doesn't even have enough decency to stay and help me entertain Lord Arthur, then he can just go and... I mean, it's not my fault, is it?" "Maybe Keegan wasn't up to entertaining," the Doctor defended gently. "From what you told me, the two of you had a rough time on the monk's island." "Of all the conceited, ridiculous, infuriating things!" Brogan's voice shook with renewed rage that made the Doctor regret mentioning the dreadful place his friends found themselves in. "I bet he planned it that way. Just to get a reaction out of me." "The monk is known to be a troublesome meddler, Brogan. But I don't think he intended to capture you or Keegan." "Of course not. He would have captured us on the beach when we arrived," Brogan lectured as if speaking to a slowwitted child. "Doctor, will you please quit changing the topic." "Sorry," the timelord blushed under his beard. "I assume the topic is still Keegan. And something that may have occurred while the pair of you were on the monk's island?" The Doctor's eyes gleamed with a familiar wisdom. Avoiding the inquisitive stare, Brogan turned away from the Doctor and concentrated on cleaning the oven instead. The remnants of burnt crumpets and blackened honey lined the edges of the broiler. A moment of poignant silence followed as Brogan attacked a mint leaf that refused to become unstuck from the oven wall. "It's all his fault!" Brogan shouted when the frustration and fury ate through her control. "What was he doing holding me like that anyway? It's no wonder my mind wandered before I came to my senses. But he didn't need to be so callous and self-righteous about it." Whipping her head up, Brogan glared at the Doctor. "I bet it's all one big joke to him. Something else to tease me about and make me look the fool." "Keegan is your best friend, Brogan," the Doctor encouraged in a reasonable yet empathetic voice. "He doesn't think of you as a fool or a joke. I'm certain if you spoke to him reasonably about this misunderstanding..." "It'll be a cold day in hell before I ever speak to him about this again!" Brogan sharply interrupted as she shot to her feet. "Mr. Keegan can just tease someone else, because I won't be turned into a spectacle to be gawked at like a circus freak. I won't, I won't, I won't!" Accentuating her childish rant, Brogan slammed the oven door shut and strangled the dirty sponge in the running sink water. Twisting the faucet handles to the off position, she straightened her shoulders with a determined shrug. "There I'm done," she pronounced. "If you will excuse me, Doctor, I think I'll go take a bath before I turn in. Wandering around in 18th century Europe was fun, but it did leave a somewhat dampening sheen to me." Pausing to give the Doctor an uncustomary kiss on the cheek, perhaps in apology for her ranting, Brogan bid her friend good night. The timelord watched as Brogan stalked out of the kitchen, anger and frustration continuing to plague her movements. Her raging words echoed in the Doctor's mind inspiring empathy and curiosity. He had seen this peculiar behavior before on his TARDIS. Irrational, childish and passionately angry about something mysteriously inconsequential. It was a common behavior of a strong woman confronted with realizations she wasn't quite capable of accepting yet. Brogan was acting, in many ways, just as Tegan had the day in Constantinople on the adventure that was to bring a change in the Doctor's crew family at the time. With a bittersweet smile, the Doctor summoned the images of his former companions Tegan and Daniel. A surge of longing, a desire to visit the Delmins and see how they fared aboard the Wheel in Space overwhelmed the timelord. He hadn't expected to lose his friends so soon after the adventure which captured Fenric, but this time the Doctor acknowledged there had been clues for weeks, perhaps months. Instinctually, he had kept his distance so the two could work out the dilemma alone. After all, in matters such as these, his timelord skills were woefully unhelpful. Refilling his coffee cup, the Doctor strolled to the lounge. Each step was measured with a wizened melancholy. Sadly, the Doctor prepared himself for the ultimate fate of his current companions. Brogan and Keegan were bound to leave him someday. He just hoped they would survive the romance.