VICTORIAN SHADOWS New Adventures of Doctor Who Simulation April-May, 1997 Plot by Albert Berry and Jennifer Kokoski This is a reconstruction of the online simulation which took place on America Online. It also includes logs and passages written by the players individually as well as background information and character sketches. For more information, contact the sim reconstruction coordinator, drtuna@aol.com. ========== Date: Wed, Apr 23, 1997 7:30 PM EST From: DRTUNA Subj: Doctor's Log 4-23-97 After end of Where the Bulls Dance The Doctor sits in his reading chair in the console room. The console itself is glowing softly with red and blue as the central column moves slowly up and down. The Doctor is reading a large, heavily illustrated book, Secrets of the Maya by Janet Russell. He is engrossed in the book. He reads quietly aloud: "Itzama, spirit of early mist and showers. Ixtaub, goddess of ropes and snares. Ixchel, the spider web, catcher of morning dew. Zooheekock, virgin fire patroness of infants. Adziz, the master of cold. Kockupocket, who works in fire. Ixtahdoom, she who spits out precious stones. Ixchunchan, the dangerous one." The Doctor closes the book and muses to himself -- those are such beautiful names, full of light and power, like so much about the Maya. He wonders what had happened to them. The central column slows to a stop, the smaller viewscreens come to life, and a short bell indicates that the TARDIS has materialized. The smaller display screen hanging from the ceiling reads: "Earth. 1962. Humanian Era." The Doctor wonders where all of his companions are -- and that cat! Oh well, he thinks, just as well to be alone for this visit. The Doctor pulls the lever which opens the door and walks towards it, and then out into the night. The Doctor closes the TARDIS door behind him and just stands there admiring the scene before him. It is night, but the moon is just rising over the horizon...a horizon which is composed of an urban skyline of nearby hulking buildings and a high wooden fence to the south. He is in an enclosed area, but one which seems full of strange mounds and shapes. Some rusting old equipment comes into view as the moon begins to rise over a nearby warehouse, and then the moonlight spills onto the rest of the yard. It is a junk yard, a place for recycling large and unusual pieces which the owner no longer wants. Not all that is taken can be sold, melted, or reconditioned, and that which is not quite good enough to be valuable to someone remains in the yard -- rusting, decaying, taking on the varied patinas of age. Three large palettes of new bricks seem to be near the building to the north. The Doctor walks around the yard and investigates some of the trash treasures located there. He finds a small empty oil drum and turns it over to make a suitable seat. As the moonlight fully engulfs the junkyard, the Doctor is seated facing the moon, looking alternately at the junk and at the moon and stars. He takes his silver thermos out of his pocket and pours himself a steaming thermos cap cup of coffee. Such a place of memories. He and Ace had been here. He thought about Ace, summoned her picture up in his mind, she was smiling and wearing her black action outfit, not the jacket of many badges she had worn when they had been here together. He remembers the first time he arrived in this yard....it will be in about two weeks Earth standard time. He and Susan had been able to purchase it and assume identities as the owner of the yard and his grandchild. It was their first real stop after leaving Gallifrey. After...the Doctor didn't like to think about it, not now at least. The Doctor thought about Susan. They had all made the right choices...right for her, right for him. Yet, it was hard to stay away, difficult not to just "drop in" for a visit. But no, he couldn't do that. She had taken her place in a time, and had stayed there, more or less. The Doctor had never stopped wandering. The Doctor thought of the distance between this 1962 junkyard and his current state. The universe was a far different place. Regimes on Gallifrey had come and gone. The Guardians themselves had been replaced. Shada had been emptied and filled. K9 had returned and gone. All of the companions. Even in his last two regenerations, he had reunited with the likes of Ben, Polly, Tegan, Romana, K9, and Zoe, while he had been lucky enough to meet the likes of Daniel Delmin, Brogan, and now Keegan, and Taroc, who had not asked to join them as the Doctor had suspected he might when they dropped him off on his home planet. A gentle wind began to blow across the yard. The city around him, mightly London, was quiet but still throbbing with life. Just when there seems to be no peace in the universe, the Doctor muses, here it is all around me. Finishing his coffee, the Doctor listens carefully. A dog is barking in the distance, and the Doctor can hear a truck some blocks away. The Doctor stashes his thermos in his pocket and walks back towards the TARDIS. Before he enters, he turns and faces the moonlit junkyard. He knows that while his life began on Gallifrey, his adventures really began here, in London, on Earth, in this time. The path between "then" and "now" was a very crooked and difficult one, but it was his path. Suddenly the Doctor realizes that he has succeeded. A smile crosses his face and the moonlight gleams in his eyes. He has really accomplished what he set out to accomplish, but he had never before really realized it so explicitly. He had wanted to travel though space and time on his own, to explore, to discover, but also to help and assist, in matters both small and large. He had yearned for freedom from the Timelords and the events which drove him away, and he had gained that for...well, a long time. And he had found that freedom and that life of discovery. He walked back in to the TARDIS, anxious to dematerialize before any of his companions noticed they had materialized in London. As the Doctor goes to the console, he mutters to himself. "London, London...yes, London, but not in this time. How about...." The central column begis to rise and fall and the familiar sound of the TARDIS is heard in the junkyard for the first time. To be heard again two weeks later. ========== Excerpt from Trouble, the TARDIS cat's, personal logs by AlexKeegan/NorisAlex (David Sharpe) & BroganMc/JenKoko (Jen Kokoski) [WRITER'S NOTE: Trouble the cat is the unwanted TARDIS companion who sneaked aboard with companion Alex Keegan at the conclusion of March's adventure Terror in Paradise. Besides making a few cameo appearances to the chagrin of his caretakers and under the noses of others, Trouble has secretly been bearing witness to the private affairs of the TARDIS crewmates. What follows are excerpts from Trouble's logs to be included in the appropriate reconstructions.] Log Entry (March 19, 1997) End of Terror in Paradise Location(s): TARDIS Corridors between dinner and bedtime Brogan: :Brogan knocks loudly at Keegan's door:: Keegan: :Keegan searches wildly around the room:: Keegan: Just a minute! Keegan: :Keegan looks for hiding place for Trouble:: Brogan: :Brogan hears rustling inside room:: Brogan: :wonders what Keegan is doing:: Brogan: Are you all right in there? Keegan: Yes, I'm fine. Keegan: ::stuffs Trouble back in the kit bag on bed:: Brogan: :leans closer to door to listen in:: Keegan: ::Keegan goes to door, opens it:: Brogan: :nearly falls through open door:: Keegan: ::sees Brogan listening at door:: Brogan: Oh! Keegan! ::stammers and steps back quickly:: I'm sorry. Keegan: Are you looking for something? Keegan: ::leans casually against door:: Brogan: I was just about to ask you the same question. Are you sure everything's all right? Brogan: :tries to peer around Keegan into room:: Brogan: :wonders why he seems to be blocking the door:: Keegan: Yes, everything's fine. Brogan: Good. Good. Keegan: ::comes to decision:: Would you like to come in a minute? Keegan: There's something I want to show you. Keegan: And it's not like that. ::grins:: Keegan: ::stands aside so Brogan can enter:: Brogan: Sure, for a bit. ::slips past Keegan and enters room:: Brogan: :surveys contents of room suspiciously:: Brogan: :room is an ordered mess:: The Doc is a bit of a pack rat. Brogan: I hope you don't mind sharing your room with his stuff? It decorates the place nicely. And I didn't have that much to bring anyway. Brogan: You're settled in then? Keegan: Just finished unpacking. Didn't have much to unpack. Just a few uniforms. Brogan: :nods absentmindly and focuses on the lone bag on the bed:: Keegan: I didn't have much time, before the Doctor and Zoe left again. Keegan: I already knew I would come. Brogan: I didn't bring all that much either when I left Earth. Brogan: But I did leave in a bit of a hurry. ::drifts off sadly:: Brogan: :notices a rustling and moving motion from the bag:: Brogan: What's that?! Keegan: ::Keegan goes to the bag:: Brogan, do you like cats? Brogan: Cats? Sure, I suppose so. ::stares at bag when it meows:: Keegan: Good, because ::opens bag:: here's Trouble! Keegan: ::Trouble pops head out of bag:: Brogan: :stares incredulously at the white furry kitten ears:: Brogan: You brought a cat aboard the TARDIS?! Keegan: Well, I ::stumbles:: He insisted on coming when I was packing. Keegan: He just jumped in the back and refused to get out. Keegan: It's all right, isn't it? Brogan: All right? The Doctor will go balmy! Brogan: This TARDIS is his home, you know. Brogan: He's very particular about who comes aboard. Keegan: Well, we don't have to tell him, do we? For a while at least? Brogan: :thinking:: Why is he called Trouble? Keegan: He was the ship's cat. Always got in and out of places chasing mice. Brogan: A hunter? Keegan: Oh yes. He's a good mouser. Brogan: Have you any idea what kind of trouble a cat can get into in the TARDIS? Keegan: No. Brogan: This place is full of endless rooms and unexpected places. Keegan: Well, Trouble can just stay here. Brogan: Like he stayed out of the kitchen just now? Keegan: Trouble was in the kitchen?! ::pins Trouble with stern look:: Brogan: Something white and furry was. Knocked over the trash and ran back here. Keegan: How many times do I have to tell you to behave? Keegan: ::Trouble preens:: Brogan: I don't think he's listening. Keegan: ::Trouble rubs against Keegan's hand:: Brogan: What are we going to do with him when we're away? We do tend to explore a lot. Who will look after him while we're not in the TARDIS? Keegan: Cats are very independent. Keegan: ::Keegan pets Trouble:: You won't tell, will you? Keegan: ::Trouble looks at Brogan plaintively:: Brogan: :considers:: Well, I suppose we could reconfigure that empty store room down the corridor for a playroom for him. Keegan: That would be great! Brogan: Assuming I can remember how to work the architectural configuration controls. The Doc showed me once but that was a long time ago. Keegan: Configuration controls? Brogan: It allows you to redesign any room in the TARDIS. New lighting, layout, even some of the furniture. Brogan: There's a master control in the Console that allows the Doc to redesign whole blocks of rooms, but there are also individual rooms controls like thermostats. Brogan: I only used it once to change the lighting in mine and Zoe's room. Keegan: Neat! I could use it to do a little redesigning in here then. Brogan: It won't remove all the clutter, I fear. Just change the layout a bit. Keegan: Oh well, then I could straighten up a little. Brogan: All right. Then we'll do that. Setup a playroom for Trouble. But we won't tell the Doctor and Zoe about him. Brogan: At least, not until you have a chance to get settled in. Keegan: Great! ::smiles:: Thank you. It's good to have a friend here. ::extends hand to Brogan:: Brogan: :ignores hand and focuses on Trouble:: You can stay, but you're to stay out of trouble, got it? Brogan: :Trouble meows happily, jumps out of Keegan's grasp and races to play in pile by corner:: Brogan: :turns her attention to surveying the room:: Brogan: So you're all settled? ::notices pile of books on desk:: Keegan: ::withdraws hand:: Yes. Didn't have much to unpack. Just a couple of uniforms. Brogan: Oh right. ::picks up a paperweight of a 19th century sailing ship lying on the desk:: Brogan: There's a big wardrobe on board. You're welcome to borrow whatever you need. Keegan: That would be great. Could you show me? Brogan: :nods distractedly, sees a clear cube sitting on the dresser:: What's that? Keegan: ::picks up device size of a cellular phone:: Oh, this is my [model #] computer. Brogan: Cool! Zoe has one of those, sort of. She calls it a Personal Imager. Does it do holographs too? Keegan: Sure. I used it to get images of my crewmates aboard the ARGOS. Brogan: :: turns over the device:: How does it work? Keegan: Let me show you. ::takes device and activates switches:: Keegan: ::light begins to flare on unit:: Smile! Brogan: What...? ::light flashes with an audible SNAP:: Brogan: :holographic photo taken with Brogan's mouth open in stupid surprised grin:: Keegan:[explanation of how the camera takes a digital pic with a molecularizing unit] Keegan: Viola! There you are. Brogan: :peers into cube:: Oh, I look awful. Keegan: No you don't! Here, it's yours. Brogan: That's all right. You keep it. I know what I look like. Keegan: Thanks! I'll get all of us in a picture later. Brogan: :notices a holocube on the nitetable by the bed:: Is that a cube of your crewmates? ::picks up cube:: Keegan: No, that's my family. Brogan: :notices a much younger Keegan peering out from the cube:: Brogan: On Vradoz? Keegan: Yes, Vradoz. Brogan: How old were you? Keegan: 15. ::looks at holo image sadly:: Brogan: You were just a kid! ::thinks of the gossip she heard about the terrfying events on Vradoz:: Keegan: Yes, I was. Keegan: ::points to man in image:: That's my father. Henri Keegan. Brogan: :nods:: What did he do? Keegan: He was a planetary ecologist. Brogan: My Dad was a geologist. He did a lot with the environment. Keegan: ::nods:: And that's my mother, Lisbeth. Brogan: She's very pretty. ::notices a young girl in the picture:: And that? Keegan: She's my sister, Marie. Brogan: :notices the sweet, eager young smile staring back at her from the cube:: Brogan: How old was she? Keegan: 8 Brogan: So young. ::murmurs and stares at the family:: Brogan: :they all smile with their love for each other:: Brogan: You were happy on Vradoz? Keegan: Yes, we were. ::sits on bed and stares at the cube thoughtfully:: Brogan: The Doctor said it was an ideallic community. Like a 19th century American farming community. Keegan: Yes, we grew our on food. Everything was great, until... Brogan: :notices Keegan tensing up:: Brogan: Until? Keegan: We started finding houses all torn up. Keegan: And then people started disappearing. Keegan: Then the attacks... ::drifts off:: Brogan: :Brogan remembers sadly the horrifying tale of the werewolf attacks on Vradoz:: Brogan: It must have been horrible. How long did it all go on? Keegan: For almost a year, before the Doctor and Zoe arrived. Keegan: By then there were only about 30 or 40 of us left. Brogan: And your family? Keegan: They died 2 months before. Keegan: I was at school trying out for a play that afternoon. Keegan: When I came home, it was too late. Keegan: My father tried to fight back. I found him first. And then my mother. Inside. Keegan: Everything was torn apart, except... Brogan: Except? Keegan: My sister was still alive. Keegan: My parents tried to defend her. She was in the corner. Hurt and bleeding. Brogan: Was there nothing you could do? Keegan: No, she'd lost too much blood. Keegan: But I held her in my arms... Keegan: She knew it was me... Keegan: She smiled.. Keegan: She told me she loved me... Keegan: And then she died. Keegan: ::tears stream down Keegan's face:: Brogan: :Brogan feels awkward remembering her own grief over her father:: Brogan: I'm... ::stammers:: I'm sorry. I wish I could do something. Keegan: You have. I've never told anyone that story before. ::smiles:: Brogan: I hate dying. Death seems so final. Keegan: No one likes it. Brogan: It took me months to get over my father's death. Keegan: You keep thinking there was something you could do. Brogan: :confesses:: I once asked the Doctor if he could take me back in time so I could save my father. Keegan: Why did he say? Brogan: Life moves forward, not backword. ::repeats Doc 2's words:: Brogan: He said he couldn't let me change my own history. Brogan: It's forbidden because we are products of our own history. Keegan: That's probably true. Brogan: :Nods:: Still, I think he has a hard time accepting it sometimes. Brogan: Especially when we lost K9 recently ::sadly remembers events on Xeos:: Brogan: The Doctor doesn't like to loose friends. Keegan: None of us do. Brogan: :blinks of sadness and brightens:: Well, I hope your ready for what you signed yourself up for, Ensign. Keegan: Alex, please? Brogan: ::nods:: Traveling aboard the TARDIS can be very harrowing at times. Keegan: It can? Brogan: :grins:: We never know exactly where we'll end up or who will be there to meet us. Brogan: You'll have to learn to watch your back. Brogan: We'll watch each others. We're friends, right? ::extends hand to Brogan:: Brogan: :Trouble topples the corner pile with a loud crash:: Brogan: What the... ? ::jumps and turns toward sound:: Keegan: ::jumps:: Trouble?! Brogan: :gets up to investigate pile:: Brogan: :a furry white tail sticks out of the middle of the rubble:: Brogan: :Trouble meows in annoyance:: Keegan: ::stifles a laugh at Trouble's tail:: Brogan: :giggles:: Got yourself trapped, did you? Brogan: Didn't anyone ever tell you what curiosity did to the cat? Keegan: Obviously not. Or else it didn't take. Brogan: :begins picking up the mess:: Keegan: ::helps Brogan clean up mess:: Brogan: :Trouble purrs gratefully when Brogan sets him free:: Brogan: :rubs against Brogan's legs:: Keegan: I think you've made a friend. Brogan: :Trouble jumps into Brogan's arms:: Brogan: :Trouble rubs head against Brogan's chin:: Lucky me. Keegan: ::smiles:: He's a good judge of character. He knows when people are good or bad. Brogan: ::looks at cat suspiciously:: Don't think you can wrap me around your little finger. I'm not a pushover. Keegan: Of course not! ::grins at Brogan:: Brogan: ::pets Trouble despite her annoyance:: Brogan: ::looks at Keegan:: Shall we go setup his room now? Keegan: ::yawns:: Sure. Brogan: Good. ::hands Trouble to Keegan and goes to door:: Brogan: I'll see if the coast is clear. ::peeks into the empty corridor:: Brogan: Good, no sign of the Doctor. ::whispers:: Brogan: I left Zoe sleeping in her room, but the Doc tends to be a nightowl. Keegan: Good thing I don't bunk with him. Brogan: The controls are on the outside of the door, so you don't get erased while it's reconfiguring, so you'll have to be my lookout, ok? Keegan: Sure. Brogan: ::peeks out door again:: Ok, in the count of three? Right. :gets ready:: Brogan: :: hesitates at turns back to Keegan:: Why do I get the feeling we're becoming partners in crime? Keegan: Could be. ::smiles and offers hand to Brogan:: Brogan: ::looks suspiciously at hand:: I hope I don't regret this. ::shakes hand:: Keegan: Only time will tell. ::smiles and shakes Brogan's hand:: ****************************************************** Log Entry (April 18, 1997) End of Where the Bulls Dance Location(s): TARDIS Cloister Room Keegan: :::Keegan hurriedly follows after the swiftly moving streak of white:::: Keegan: :::mutters to himself::: Where is he racing off to? Brogan: ::Brogan tears out of the Console Room after Keegan:: Brogan: ::bumps into Keegan at a crossroads in the corridor:: Keegan: :::He runs down the TARDIS corridor, amazed that Trouble can run so fast:::: Keegan: :::bumps into Brogan::: Keegan: Whoops!!! Brogan: ::startled:: Where did that cat go? Keegan: I thought Trouble went this way. Brogan: How did he even get out of his room, I wonder? ::looks in direction Keegan points:: Keegan: :::looks around, trying to catch a glimpse::: Brogan: You did remember to shut the door of his playroom before we left, didn't you? Keegan: I don't know...I thought I did Keegan: Of course, he was in the kitchen when we were having breakfast:-( Brogan: Oh that's right! I forgot. Keegan: He escaped, and I told him to go back to his room, didn't have time to take him back there Brogan: ::sighs and looks down empty corridor:: Well, which way do you want to look first? Keegan: before we left the TARDIS. Keegan: :::suddenly, behind them, they hear a door click shut:::: Brogan: ::rolls eyes at Keegan's admission:: Keegan: That way!!! Brogan: Sssh! ::spins toward door:: He's in there? Keegan: I think so. What's in there? Brogan: ::creeps toward the door:: I don't know exactly. The Doctor doesn't like us to go in there. Keegan: :::moves along behind Brogan::: Keegan: Well, we'll probably have to go in to get Trouble out Brogan: ::gently pries open the Cloister Room doors careful not to make a sound:: Keegan: Before he gets into Trouble:::grins at the pun::: Keegan: :::gets quiet::: Brogan: ::whispers:: Just keep your eye out for the Doctor. Brogan: He'll be upset if he finds us lurking in here. Keegan: :::whispers back::: Okay. Keegan: ::looks around behind them, doesn't see anyone:::: Brogan: ::Cloister Room doors swing open with a soft creaking noise:: Brogan: ::a draft blows dust and ivy branches across the stone interior:: Brogan: ::Brogan glimpses a blur of white dashing behind some stone pillars:: Keegan: :::lips purse in a silent whistle::: Brogan: Trouble? ::calls out softly:: Trouble, where are you? Keegan: :::whispers:: Great Googly Moogly Brogan: ::steps into the room and stops to gaze at the immense ceilings:: Keegan: :::continues to keep an eye out for the Doctor:: Brogan: ::gasps in awe and the seemingly roofless interior:: Wow! Keegan: :::while he looks around at the room in amazement::: Brogan: It's like a cathedral in here. ::voice echoes:: Keegan: It's amazing! Brogan: Or a garden. ::nods to the greenery streaming down from the walls:: Keegan: It doesn't look like it's used much. Brogan: What's that? ::points to a stone altar in corner:: Brogan: The Doctor comes here when he needs to think and be alone. Keegan: Looks like some kind of altar. Keegan: :::looks behind them at the mention of the Doctor:::: Brogan: ::approaches the altar of the War Witch and sees all the strange relics:: Brogan: ::touches the bouquet of flowers placed on the stone:: They're fresh. Keegan: Does it mean he's been here recently? Brogan: He couldn't have. ::looks confused:: There was no time after we escaped the Rani. Keegan: That's right. Brogan: We came straight to rescue you guys. And he never left the Console Room. Keegan: Then where did they come from? Brogan: Just what I was wondering. Brogan: ::shivers at the thought someone else is on board the TARDIS:: Brogan: I wonder who the flowers are for. Assuming this is a shrine of some sort. Keegan: What are those things on the altar? Brogan: ::caresses the crumpled remains of a gold star lying on the altar:: Brogan: ::beside it is a funny piece of radar antenna in the shape of a dog ear:: Brogan: ::A tear wells up in Brogan's eye when she caresses the metal ear:: Keegan: :::looks at the tiara laying there:: Brogan: Remembrances of old friends. ::murmurs softly:: Keegan: I see. Brogan: This is all the Doctor has left of those he cared most for. Keegan: :::nods his head in understanding::: Brogan: ::turns away from the altar and glimpses a stone slab crowning a mound of earth nearby:: Brogan: ::silently moves toward the gravestone and reads it's engraving:: Keegan: :::follows Brogan::: Keegan: :::notices the gravestone, wonders whose grave it is::: Brogan: "Here lies a loyal friend and companion who valiantly made the ultimate sacrifice ... Brogan: ::Brogan drifts off into a slient sob unable to finish:: Keegan: :::reads the name::: Keegan: K9's buried here? Keegan: :::reads the inscription, his fingers tracing the engraved letters:::: Brogan: ::nods sadly:: What's left of him. We lost him just before... There was an explosion. Brogan: It's funny. I never really thought we'd loose K9. Keegan: I didn't know him very well, but I liked what I saw. Brogan: We take so many risks, but we always manage to escape just in time. Brogan: K9 never doubted that. He was a determined little dog. Keegan: Reminds you not to take people for granted. Brogan: Especially friends. ::smiles at Keegan:: Keegan: Yes, especially friends ::smiles back at Brogan:::: Brogan: ::sighs and shrugs away:: I'm sorry I was so useless to you on Crete. Keegan: You weren't useless. It was brave of you to go into the palace, all by yourself. Brogan: And get caught by the Rani. Again! Brogan: I should know by now that woman is pure evil. Brogan: She made me drink poisoned wine so I couldn't do anything to help you. Keegan: Pure evil? :::shudders a bit:::: Keegan: She did what? Keegan: :::angry glint comes into Keegan's eyes:: Brogan: She thinks everyone is a test subject for her wicked experiments. Keegan: You're okay now, right? Brogan: God only knows what experiment she wanted to try on me. Keegan: She experimented on this Taroc person? Keegan: Well, I'm glad the Doctor got there in time. Brogan: ::nods:: Yes, in a most terrible way. She played with his genetic code. Keegan: And she wasn't able to do anything to stop us in the arena, with you and the Doctor taking Keegan: care of her. Brogan: Ah, but did we? Keegan: With his genetic code? Scary stuff. Keegan: Well, can't know for sure, I guess, but I hope so. Brogan: ::points to scratches under her chin:: She was like a rabid cat trying to get away from us. Brogan: She vowed revenge on the Doctor. Keegan: Hmm, you'd better take care of that scratch. Keegan: What happened to her TARDIS? Brogan: I don't know. She played with the controls to make the island crumble. Brogan: And then the whole place started collapsing. Brogan: Her TARDIS, her chamber, just vanished. Keegan: Then maybe it's buried and inaccessable. Keegan: If she survived, maybe she won't be able to get to it. Brogan: I hope you're right. Because if the Rani did survive, she'll be madder than ever. Keegan: She sounds plenty mad already. Brogan: ::cracks smile at Keegan's jest::What happened to you? Keegan: Oh, got to wander around with the Doctor and Ioleus and Aeson. Keegan: We eventually found a tunnel underneath the palace, some kind of sewage disposal. Brogan: Sounds like an illuminating experience. ::sarcastically quips:: Keegan: :::wrinkles his nose in memory::: Keegan: ::grins at Brogan's quip.::: Brogan: Oh, I see. ::thinks:: that's that smell:: Brogan: Where was Zoe? Keegan: The Doctor eventually led us into the palace. Keegan: Zoe was with Taroc. Keegan: We met up with Salmonius, who had snuck into the palace and was escaping with the Bull Keegan: Dancers. Keegan: Aeson decided to stop the Festival, and I went with him. Keegan: The Doctor went to find you and the Rani. Brogan: That reminds me, what was with that Bull on the beach? Keegan: Salmonius and Ioleus took the Dancers to the ship. Brogan: Wasn't that the same bull I saw in the ring? Keegan: Yes it was, Salmonius found out it had been drugged, warned Thesues, then told us when we Keegan: ran into him. Brogan: ::as they talk, Brogan and Keegan meander over to a stone bench and sit:: Brogan: Drugged to kill whoever challenged it? Keegan: Yes, especially Theseus. Brogan: ::gets mad:: The Rani can't ever play fair, can she? Keegan: Doesn't sound like it. Keegan: We got to the arena and found Taroc trying to protect Zoe and Theseus from the bull. Brogan: It sounds like it was quite a spectacle what with you all charging in. Keegan: But he was quite weak, and wouldn't have stood for long. Brogan: Taroc was weak? Keegan: Aeson went out into the ring, and took on the bull himself. Keegan: Yes he was, not sure why. He didn't look good, either. Brogan: ::snickers:: I wonder who was more thickheaded. The bull or Aeson. Keegan: :::chuckles::: Keegan: I helped get theseus and the others off to the side. Brogan: It's strange finding out who your heroes are in real life, isn't it? Keegan: :::excitedly::: And Aeson killed the bull, singleh-handedly!!! Brogan: I bet hhe gloated about it too, eh? Keegan: Yes it is. The greek legends still exist in my time, but pretty garbled. Keegan: No, he didn't gloat. Brogan: ::smiles sarcastically:: He's probably waiting to get back to the Inn with his friends then. Keegan: He seemed sad that he had to kill it, but it was the only way, it was too mad to stop Keegan: otherwise. Keegan: You may be right. I wonder what they'll be doing next? Brogan: ::stops smiling:: Oh. Maybe I underestimated him. Brogan: It's so hard to judge people you only know briefly. Brogan: We just pop in on people's lives, save the day and pop out again. Keegan: Yes it is, especially those three. Keegan: They had secrets they didn't want to share, just like we did. Brogan: Maybe that's why they make such good legends? Keegan: Seems like that's the life of the Doctor and his companions, popping in, saving the day, and Keegan: leaving. Keegan: Hmm, you may be right. Brogan: Just enough fact and fiction to keep the myth going. Keegan: :::nods in agreement::: Brogan: Still, I miss not being a part of something more. Keegan: Like what? Brogan: A place, a home, a family. Something to hold on to more than the next adventure. Keegan: I'm sure you'll have those, someday. Brogan: Maybe. ::absentmindedly clutches the silver cross around her neck:: Keegan: ::notices her clutching the cross:: Keegan: That's beautiful, Brogan. May I ask where you got it? Brogan: ::caresses the silver jewel almost lovingly:: Brogan: Hmm? ::pulls herself out of a distant thought:: Keegan: Your cross? Brogan: Oh, this! ::handles the cross:: It was a gift. Keegan: A nice gift. Brogan: From a friend. My knight-in-shining-armor. ::smiles a silly smile:: Keegan: A real knight? Brogan: The kind that legends are made of. Brogan: He was a knight in King Arthur's court. Brogan: Actually, the first knight. Keegan: Wow!! Brogan: ::looks fondly at present:: The cross is beautiful, but Ancelyn gave me a gift even more.. Brogan: precious. Keegan: He did? Brogan: ::nods sweetly:: I hope I can meet him again to repay him someday. Keegan: :::surpresses an irrational flash of jealousy::: Brogan: ::suddenly a flash of white jumps into Brogan's lap:: Keegan: Trouble!!!! Brogan: ::drops cross:: Trouble, you scared me half to death! Keegan: Why did you run like that? Brogan: ::kitty purrs and rubs head against Brogan's scratched chin:: Keegan: ::reaches over, pets Trouble::: Brogan: ::crinches in sudden pain from her scratches, pushes Trouble away:: Keegan: ::grabs Trouble off Brogan's lap:::: Brogan: Ouch! ::rubs chin:: This is beginning to sting. Keegan: Well then, let's get Trouble back in his playroom, and get those scratches looked after. Brogan: ::eyes Keegan:: You're beginning to sound like a military commander again, Alex. Keegan: Me? Keegan: Not poor little old me. Keegan: Just a suggestion, is all. Keegan: You can let them hurt, if you want. Keegan: ::pets Trouble and smiles at Brogan::: Brogan: ::sighs:: You never give up, do you? Brogan: You'll nag me until I let you patch me up, right? Keegan: Nope, never give up! Brogan: There's a name for someone like you, Alex. A terminal optimist. Keegan: ::grins::: Keegan: Optimist, I agree with. Terminal, I hope not. Brogan: Keep up the rosy attitude and I'll teach you all about the terminal part. Brogan: ::grins wickedly:: Keegan: :::grins back::: Brogan: ::follows Keegan to the Cloister Room doors:: Keegan: :::pokes his head thru into the corridor, makes sure no one is around:: Brogan: ::stops abruptly:: Oh, and this time make sure you lock Trouble inside his playroom. Keegan: Yes ma'am!!! Keegan: :::flips a salute and grins at her::: Brogan: Call me ma'am one more time Ensign and I'll step on your foot. Brogan: ::grins back:: Keegan: Yes ma...Brogan. Keegan: ::steps out into the corridor::: ========== CHARACTER SKETCHES: Doctor 10 - a wandering timelord Alex Keegan - former 30th century soldier turned adventurer Brogan MacGill - former 20th century photojournalist turned adventurer Zoe Herriot - former 21st century astrophysicist Professor Lightfoot - middle-aged gaunt, distinguished looking Englsih gentleman. Has degrees in medicine and pathology. A coroner experienced in strange murders. Also a bachelor. Met the Doctor (in the timelord's 4th incarnation) during the strange affair with Magnus Greel and the Talons of the Weng Chiang. Malakar - an alien being in need of white blood cells, is hunting in Victorian London. His space vessel crashed and he is trying to fix it. Generally, he is biped, humanoid, and an attractive male creature. His left hand, however, has an added bonus of what looks like antennae that comes out of his wrist vein and attaches to the lymph nodes of his prey. Madame Isabella Guidicelli - Accomplished Italian soprano. Has dozen continental tours to her credit and paramours in fifteen countries. Snobby, tempermental and voluptuous. Miss Aelsa Nyt - young English singer who rose to success from the chorus to understudy because of her sweet voice and demeanor. But beneath her tender exterior, she is very smart and bold coming from her 10 years growing up an orphan in a travelling opera company. Inspector Peel- Typically, Victorian English police detective. Thinks he can control everything by keeping a heavy hand on street ruffians. Jonathon Chance - Charismatic, handsome gentleman. He mysteriouusly showed up at the Royal Theatre just after the first of the crimes and lurks around it. Constables, ushers, street urchins. ========== VICTORIAN SHADOWS NEW ADVENTURES OF DOCTOR WHO SIMULATION America Online/Doctor Who Online 4-23-97 PART ONE Plot by FreylichT and JenKoko/BroganMc THE PLAYERS Alfred C. Snider as The Doctor David Sharpe as Alex Keegan Lisa Heller/others as Zoe Herriot Jennifer Kokoski as Brogan MacGill Bokman7757 as Professor Lightfoot Shorty 144 as Malakar DreCool as Madame Isabella Guidicelli Various as Miss Aelsa Nyt TArkkannan as Inspector Peel WhitePhx as Jonathan Chance RobLStubbs as Doorman of Royal Theater Various as Stagehands, performers, etc. BACKSTAGE AT THE ROYAL THEATER Madame G.: : : : Madame Guidicelli is throwing a tantrum at her understudy: : : Madame G.: Aelsa, how dare you try to use the director to take my place? Madame G.: You know you can't win the director's favor. Aelsa N.: Yes, Madame, I... Madame G.: I could have you thrown out on the street with nothing! Aelsa N.: Yes, but... Madame G.: I could make it so you never work again! Aelsa N. Yes, but... Madame G.: : : : very angry: : : Madame G.: Just remember that I am the star of this show! Madame G.: You are just the understudy! Aelsa N.: Madame Guidicelli, I would do nothing of the sort. Madame G.: : : Isabella is very angry, but starts to calm down.: : Aelsa N.: You'd better not, or I will see you thrown out of this production with nothing! Aelsa N.: Yes, Madame, I... : : Isabella storms off before Aelsa finishes: : Madame G.: Hmph! Young upstart trying to take my place! AT A POLICE STATION NEAR DRURY LANE Prof. Lightfoot: You there Inspector? Prof. Lightfoot: : : : looking at paper: : : : : : tsk tsk tsk....... Inspector Peel: : : : Inspector Peel enters: : Ah! Lightfoot! Glad you could come! : : grabs his hand and shakes it vigor Inspector Peel: : : vigorously: : : Prof. Lightfoot: Oh, but I had to. These developments really need looking over. Prof. Lightfoot: Now, it seems to me that a third murder in this style cannot be a coincidence Inspector Peel: Hmph! Of course: : bristles: : Daresay, we police need all the help we can get, eh? Inspector Peel: : : sarcastic: : Us not having a fancy degree, like we couldn;t see that for ourselves Prof. Lightfoot: Indeed. Now, it seems the killer is trying to distract us with all these supernatural Prof. Lightfoot: underpinnings Prof. Lightfoot: You know how the press loves to jump on things like that... drained blood and all.. Inspector Peel: : : nods: : No doubt. Larfing at us , I expect Prof. Lightfoot: Yes. Perhaps he enjoys making the law look like a buffoon, or maybe he just knows Prof. Lightfoot: how to cover his tracks Inspector Peel: : : pats the Professor's shoulder: : well, don't you worry, us dumb brutes have stepped up our patrols. Prof. Lightfoot: Well, that would seem to be in order : : I hate it when he patronizes me: : : Inspector Peel: : : confident: : we'll have him before the nights out. And it'll be the noose for him. Prof. Lightfoot: See that you do nab him. I have other matters to attend to. Prof. Lightfoot: : : : : Why don't I have any confidence in this man at all?: : : : : : : : : : Inspector Peel: : : thinking: : Bloody cove, thinks he's the only one who knows how to do the job.: : Prof. Lightfoot: : : : Leaves the building: : : : : : Prof. Lightfoot: You know, it might be fun to solve a crime once again...... Prof. Lightfoot: : : : well, it seems the opera will be a good place to start: : : : : Inspector Peel: : : thinking: : I spent ten years on the force. Who does he think he is?: : Inspector Peel: : : A patrolman taps on the door: : Inspector Peel: : : rumbling: : Well, what's the word man? Inspector Peel: >patrolman: : scuppers from the street Arabs is that there's been a strange cove hanging about the Inspector Peel: >Royal theater.: : : Inspector Peel: : : gathers his cape and walking stick: : Well done, sir! I'll pop over and have a look myself! : Inspector Peel: : : Inspector Peel leaves for the theater: : IN THE TARDIS The Doctor: : : : The Doctor is reviewing the notes he has delivered to the rooms of his companions.: : : The Doctor: : : : He has invited them to a night on the town.: : : AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan puts on his top hat, picks up his cane and invitation: : : Zoewho: : : : Zoe is moping quietly to herself: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor is rummaging around in his wardrobe closet. It is very big.: : : Zoewho: : : : exclaims to no one in particular: : : The Tardis can get so BOORING after a while. BroganMc: : : scrunches into a tight corset wondering how they breathed in contraptions BroganMc: like that: : AlexKeegan: : : : He makes his way to the console room, and finds it empty: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor finds an interesting double-breasted waistcoat.: : : comes clattering up the Zoewho: : : : Zoe looks down at a small scrap of paper: : : Eh? What's this? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor realizes he looks silly in it.: : : Zoewho: : : : Zoe bends down to read, in elegant script the following words: : : BroganMc: : : goes over to Zoe: : I wonder why the Doctor insisted we get in this getup. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor compromises on Victorian shoes and hat and scarf but retains his dark brown jacket: : : Zoewho: : : : Zoe reads out loud: : : You are cordially invited to attend a Victorian Ball. Zoewho: : : Zoe continues: : : Come in appropriate dress? Be there at 9: 30 sharp. Zoewho: : : : Zoe smiles in delight: : : Oooh! How mysterious! That's the spirit, Doctor! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stops in front of the mirror and doesn't really like what he sees. He is aging.: : : The Doctor: Well what would you expect? Zoewho: : : : Zoe bounces up from her moping, and rushes into Brogan.: : : Oh? You already knew? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor grabs a carved walking stick, dumps a few odds and ends in his pocket, & is ready.: : BroganMc: : : flicks a lace fan: : Why would I be dressed like this if I didn't know? Zoewho: I just found the invitation! You're invited too? How strange! AlexKeegan: : : Keegan waits patiently in the console room: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stops in the kitchen and refills his coffee thermos, which is dropped into his pocket Zoewho: : : : Zoe is suddenly feeling cross with Brogan: : : Well, how should I know who's invited Zoewho: : : : Zoe turns away from Brogan and begins to rummage: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor enters the console room and sees Keegan waiting.: : : Zoewho: : : : Muttering: : ; There's NOTHING here to wear! AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan smiles: : : Hello, Doctor! Zoewho: : : : Exclaiming: : : Ah! Much better! : : : comes out of the closet with a roguish look The Doctor: My, my, you look very dapper young man. A bit like Beau Brummel! Zoewho: : : : Zoe has a jaunty red velvet cap and a long flowing cape: : : AlexKeegan: : : : confused look: : Who, Doctor? Zoewho: : : : Very pleased with herself, Zoe prances into the Console room: : : BroganMc: : : smiles at Zoe: : Perfect! You look positively dashing, my dear. The Doctor: Ah yes, a bit before your time, and mostly literary at that. Well, you look good is what I mean. AlexKeegan: : : : admires Zoe's outfit: : : AlexKeegan: You look great, Zoe. Zoewho: : : : Swirling her cape : : : You think so? Zoewho: : : : Stops in mid-twirl: : : Say, was everyone told to dress this way, Doctor? BroganMc: : : trips over her high heels and long skirt as she enters console room: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor goes to the console. The TARDIS materializes. Drury Lane on a foggy night.: : : AlexKeegan: : : covers his mouth so he doesn't grin: : : : AlexKeegan: Hi, Brogan. The Doctor: Why yes, we want to go in style. We've been doing a lot of costume changes lately, you know. Zoewho: You both look wonderful, too! BroganMc: Unfortunately. : : mumbles at Zoe while trying to adjust the tight bodice to BroganMc: move more: : Zoewho: Yes, yes, I know... but where are we going? You haven't told us yet! The Doctor: Well, we are in Victorian London. Drury Lane to be exact. Not far from the Royal Theater. The Doctor: I was thinking of taking in a show, at least for starters. AlexKeegan: You look..smashing...is that a good word, smashing? AlexKeegan: We're going to a show? BroganMc: What show, Doctor? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor smiles at Keegan.: : : The Doctor: Yes, and why not? I don't know of any disasters about to happen here. The Doctor: Well, I don't really have a specific act in mind, but the Royal usually has the best. The Doctor: I know a number of people in the theater here, and you never know who we might meet! AlexKeegan: It will be nice to just have fun for a little while. BroganMc: Sounds like fun to me. When does the show start? The Doctor: Well, my jolly crew, what good is time travel if you don't stop to enjoy it! Shall we? The Doctor: We may already be late. You know how it is.... BroganMc: Zoe>Let's go. : : takes Doctor's arm and exits TARDIS: : AlexKeegan: Sounds great! AlexKeegan: : : : offers his arm to Brogan: : : BroganMc: : : takes Keegan's arm and exits TARDIS to London street: : AlexKeegan: : : : : looks around the fog outside: : : ON THE STREETS OF LONDON The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stands and admires the night scene on Drury Lane, arm in arm with Zoe.: : : The Doctor: It is this way, as I remember.... Zoe: : the night air of London reeks of sulfur and coal smoke, tingeing the fog and eerie yellow: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor coughs: : : This really is the worst part of the fossil fuel age on this planet! Zoe: : : Zoe wrinkles her nose: : Phew! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor pulls theater tickets out of his pocket: : : Well, we will need these! BroganMc: Zoe> You could cut the fog with a knife. How did they see in this? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor hands out the tickets to the TARDIS crew: : : AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan takes his ticket: : The Doctor: : : : A local church bell chimes the hour: : : The Doctor: Well, well, time to go, really. No time for sight seeing now. After the show there will be time. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor turns and leads them up to the Royal Theater, where they wait a moment to get in: : Zoe: : : A street urchin brushes the path in front of the theater, he takes off his hand and holds out a AlexKeegan: : : : Hurries after the Doctor, waits patiently for them go get inside: : : : Zoe: : : skinny hand for a tip: : Zoe: : : Zoe pauses long enough to toss the urchin a coin: : BroganMc: Brogan>: : hears signing: : I think it's started already Doctor. Zoe: Zoe : : peeved: : Really Doctor. AlexKeegan: : : : making sure he doesn't yank Brogan's arm out of her socket as they hurry: : THE ENTRANCE AND LOBBY OF THE ROYAL THEATER Lord Malakar: : : : : : his carriage, drawn by two black horses, comes clattering up the Lord Malakar: : : : the cobblestones in front of the Theater entrance: : : : : : Jonathan Chance: : : strange figure lurking in the shadows near the back entrance: : Lord Malakar: : : : : the carriage draws to a halt: : : : : : a black gloved hand grasps the door Lord Malakar: : : : to the carriage and opens it. A handsome male figure dressed in a black Jonathan Chance: : : walks to theater entrance: : Lord Malakar: : : : evening suit and top hat steps out, carrying a silver topped walking Lord Malakar: : : : : stick. He walks up the steps of the Theater: : : : : Jonathan Chance: : : attempts to enter theater: : Doorman: : : : The Usher opens the door for Lord Malakar: : : Good to see you again Sir Lord Malakar: : : : : nods to the Usher: : : : Jonathan Chance: : : attempts to enter behind Malakar: : Doorman: : : : blocks entrance of other man: : : Lord Malakar: : : : : strides into the Theater: : : : : : Doorman: I am sorry Sir You can not go in Jonathan Chance: : : says in slightly hypnotic tone: : It is all right, I am a friend of Madam G. Doorman: : : : Head nods: : : Yes sir Go right in Lord Malakar: : : : : walks into the Balcony reserved for him, and sits down: : : : : Doorman: : : : holds door open: : : Jonathan Chance: : : goes inside and stands in shadows, waiting: : Lord Malakar: : : : : leans his cane against the wall and sits back in his chair: : : : Jonathan Chance: : : finds a discretely dark corner to sit down in: : AT THE ROYAL THEATER The Doctor: : : : The Doctor enters the Royal Theater, anxious to not miss the act.: : : The Doctor: Ah, Il Muto! AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan follows inside the Royal Theater: : : Doorman: : : : urchin takes coin and runs off: : : TArkkannan: : : Inside mirrors reflect the candlelight of the chandeliers until the whole place is bathed in a TArkkannan: : : clear golden light: : BroganMc: : : Doctor hurriedly leads his companions to their balcony seats to catch the BroganMc: second act: : AlexKeegan: : : : hurries along with t he others to the Balcony: : : : TArkkannan: Doctor: : Ah, the best part -- "Poor fool, How little he knows..." I hope the soprano is in good voice BroganMc: : : the curtain rises on the second act of Il Muto and the Doctor sees a familiar BroganMc: face on-stage: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor watches the performance intently: : : AlexKeegan: : : Keegan finds the music and singing quite interesting: : : : BroganMc: : : Il Muto concludes to a roaring ovation, Brogan notices the Doctor's serene smile: : The Doctor: You know, there is something about the power of music, something unexplainable! Doorman: : : : the audience is applauding wildly: : : Malakar: : : : : gets up from his seat in the balcony, picking up his walking stick, and BroganMc: : : Zoe and the others stand up: : That was brilliant. But I think you had a BroganMc: special reason for liking the production Doctor. AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan applauds wildly with the rest: : : Malakar: : : : quietly moves through the crush of people to the backstage area: : : : : : : AlexKeegan: Hmm, where's the Doctor going? Malakar: : : : : he moves with a subtle grace, and the silence of a predator: : : : BroganMc: : : Brogan leans over to Zoe as Doctor heads backstage: : Uh oh. I think the BroganMc: Doc recognized someone. AlexKeegan: : : motions to the others: : : Come o n! Malakar: : : : unobserved, he opens a concealed panel in a wall and enters into the secret BroganMc: : : Brogan and Zoe race after Doctor towards backstage: : Malakar: : : : : passageway beyond: : : : OUTSIDE THE BACKSTAGE DOOR OF THE ROYAL THEATER Prof. Lightfoot: : : : : Starts lingering around the backstage door: : : : : : : : o/~I sing whenever I sing... Prof. Lightfoot: o/~he tried to kill him with a forklift o/~........ Prof. Lightfoot: Cripes, my watch is off....... Prof. Lightfoot: Listens through the wall...... Jonathan Chance: : : stands quietly and leans against the wall: : Jonathan Chance: : : waiting for the right moment to work back stage: : Prof. Lightfoot: : : : : : Decides to enter the backstage area: : : : BACKSTAGE AT THE ROYAL THEATER The Doctor: : : : The Doctor makes his way backstage. He even has a fiver to bribe the attendant.: : : The Doctor: Hmm, I haven't seen Aelsa since.... Jonathan Chance: : : make's his way back stage, staying in the shadows: : Doorman: : : : Thank you Sir : : : takes money from Doctor: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor smiles: : : And my three friends behind me...thank you. AlexKeegan: : : : catches up to the Doctor: : : Prof. Lightfoot: It's okay, really, I have some influence here.... Doorman: : : : smiles: : : No Problem : : : motions the others on back: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor moves slowly through the backstage area, looking for his friend.: : : AlexKeegan: : : Keegan looks around, curiously, while following the Doctor: : : BroganMc: : : Brogan and Zoe stopped by a guard backstage: : 'ere now, where'd ye think BroganMc: ye two are going? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stops and engages one of the stage hands in a conversation.: : : BroganMc: : : Brogan peeks over guards head searching crowd for Doctor and Keegan: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor turns to follow the directions given and....: : : : AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan waves at Brogan and Zoe: : : Madame G.: : : Isabella is moving backstage, trying to get to her dressing room: : BroganMc: : : Zoe smiles at guard: : My good man, we're looking for some friends. Doorman: : : : Attendant walks up: : : Let them though Charley The Doctor: : : : The Doctor bumps right into Isabella, and they bump heads.: : : Madame G.: Oww! BroganMc: : : Brogan waves back at Keegan: : There's Alex! : : guard blocks her from The Doctor: Ow! IN THE LOBBY OF THE ROYAL THEATER Inspector Peel: : : Inspector Peel paces in the lobby of the theater. Tips his hat to the occasional lady.: : Inspector Peel: : : He is clearly uncomfortable among the gentry: : Inspector Peel: : : The Inspector tries to find something to drink, but all the theater is serving is ices: : Inspector Peel: : : The Inspector examines the ice with disdain and winces at the Inspector Peel: : : sweetness: : Inspector Peel: : : An usher slips to the Inspector's elbow and whispers about a confrontation backstage.: : Inspector Peel: : : Peel gives his ice to a passing child and is off: : BACKSTAGE AT THE ROYAL THEATER BroganMc: entering stage: : Prof. Lightfoot: : : : that's gotta hurt!: : : : : Madame G.: Watch where you're going, you blind twit! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stands back: : : My dear lady, are you ALL right? AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan turns around, hearing the collision of hard heads: : : : Madame G.: What do you think? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor bows: : : Well, please accept my apology, to a great talent such as yourself! Madame G.: I am not all right! In fact, what are you doing back here? BroganMc: : : Guard glares at the girls: : Friends, eh? Think I was born yester... : : stops BroganMc: abruptly when hears collision: : Madame G.: I should call security! AlexKeegan: : : : he mosies over to the Doctor and the actress: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stands looking at Isabella trying to win her with a smile: : : Madame G.: Don't try to charm me! Madame G.: Security! Security! Prof. Lightfoot: : : : : : : Who is that strange little man?: : : : : : : BroganMc: : : Zoe whispers to Brogan nodding toward Doctor: : I think the Doctor's at it BroganMc: again. Madame G.: Get these street ruffians out of my sight! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor grimaces at being called little.: : : Madame G.: Now! BroganMc: : : Guard leaves Brogan and Zoe and marches on Doctor: : You! How did you get in here? Prof. Lightfoot: : : : : Feels like someone's been reading his thoughts...: : : : BroganMc: : : Brogan whispers to Zoe: : Then that's our cue. : : follows guard: : Inspector Peel: : : Official Boom: : Right! Phwat's all this then? Madame G.: This big oaf just bumped into me! The Doctor: Well, I am here to see a close friend of mine, Miss Aelsa Nyt, to be exact! The Doctor: My profound apologies to Madame Isabella! Prof. Lightfoot: : : : oh no, the fuzz: : : : : : Madame G.: A close friend of yours? Madame G.: Well she's lucky I didn't cast her out into the street! AlexKeegan: : : steps up, blocking the guard from accosting the Doctor: : : : Inspector Peel: : : scowls: : Hmph! Backdoor Johnny, eh? And at your age. The Doctor: She is like a god child to me, Madame. She is without a father. Prof. Lightfoot: : : Always where they're not wanted...: : : : Madame G.: I don't care if she's without a father, mother, aunt, or third cousin! Madame G.: I want you out! AlexKeegan: : : : turns to the actress, takes out a pad and pencil: : AlexKeegan: Can I quote you on that, Miss...? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor is trying to get out of this situation, so backs away and into Aelsa.: : : Inspector Peel: : : notices Lightfoot: : Well, well, well, Professor! Prof. Lightfoot: Oh, dear..... Madame G.: Aelsa, do you know this man? Prof. Lightfoot: Er, um.........how did you like the show? AlexKeegan: : : : scribbles, muttering to himself: : : Inspector Peel: : : smiles: : Here I thought you was out protecting the streets. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor sees it is Aelsa and greets her with a hand shake.: : : AlexKeegan: Doesn't like...to meet...her fans... Prof. Lightfoot: That's your job, Inspector. My taxes pay your salary. Aelsa N.: Yes, Madame. Madame G.: Well, get him out, now! Inspector Peel: Seeing as how WE professionals DON'T have your EXPERTISE as you said The Doctor: Well, Aelsa, you must tell me of your career and how your sister has been! Prof. Lightfoot: And though I appreciate your enjoying high culture, the fact is you've got a killer on Prof. Lightfoot: The loose, and it seems you'd need every man on the job. BroganMc: : : Brogan rolls eyes heavenward at Isabella's comments: : Madame G.: I hate to be hounded by everyone of my "fans"! Inspector Peel: YOU of course are the only one who can catch the killer. Aelsa N.: : : Aelsa: : Excuse the Madame, Doctor. Aelsa N.: She is quite temperamental. Prof. Lightfoot: &I never said that. Don't put words in my mouth. AlexKeegan: Shall I put that in my review, Madame? Inspector Peel: : : Oh, they're there, Professor, they're there. BroganMc: : : Brogan whispers to Zoe as Isabella stalks off: : Talk about temperamental artists. AlexKeegan: : : : puts his pad and pencil away: : : AlexKeegan: : : : whispers to the Doctor: : : Maybe we should get out of this crowd. Prof. Lightfoot: Look, we're fighting on the same side here......and....Madame! Prof. Lightfoot: Madame Isabella, it is you. Such a pleasure to see you again. Madame G.: Yes, yes, what is it? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor gestures for his companions to follow him as Aelsa leads the way to her room.: : : AlexKeegan: : : follows the Doctor and Aelsa: : : BACKSTAGE AT THE ROYAL THEATER Inspector Peel: : : Peel snorts and stalks away to talk to the guard: : Prof. Lightfoot: I'm Professor Lightfoot, you know, from that little soiree last year... Madame G.: Oh, Professor, I didn't recognize you. Prof. Lightfoot: Well, first of all, great performance, but I have another reason for being here... Prof. Lightfoot: You know that French soprano that got killed just recently? AlexKeegan: : : : enters the dressing room after Zoe and Brogan, closes the door behind them: : : : Madame G.: Yes, I have heard of it. Prof. Lightfoot: Well, I do believe you performed with her during CARMEN, and maybe you found out Prof. Lightfoot: a little about her. Maybe a motive for a possible killer? Jonathan Chance: : : chance> watching and waiting....: : Madame G.: Yes I may know something. Inspector Peel: : : Peel has a gripe session with the guard. The two share a swig from a hip flask.: : Doorman: : : : attendant walks by but seems unable to see man in shadows: : : Madame G.: The French soprano. Madame G.: : : Isabella: : I do not appreciate the rumors she spread about my involvement with a married Madame G.: man. Jonathan Chance: : : Things feel VERY wrong tonight....: : : Inspector Peel: Professor>Yes, Elena Daae. Inspector Peel: Professor> daughter of Christine Daae and the Count Raoul Madame G.: Yes, well, after that, I'm afraid I haven't much else. Inspector Peel: Professor> pity, there were rumors about her mother, you know. Madame G.: Except that he was a European male, very handsome. Madame G.: Rumors? Madame G.: About her mother. Madame G.: Tell me, professor. Inspector Peel: : : Professor> Mysterious "Angel of Music" that spirited her away Madame G.: What about this "Angel"? Inspector Peel: Professor> A sort of Phantom, a real enough musician Inspector Peel: Professor> wandering about secret passages Madame G.: Was he a handsome European male? Inspector Peel: Professor>Devilish good baritone Inspector Peel: Professor> Or so I heard. Jonathan Chance: : : follows the girls discretely outside, staying hidden in the thick fog: : Inspector Peel: Professor> Well, Madam, you must excuse me. I know a diva such as yourself will need to rest for Inspector Peel: Professor>tomorrow's matinee. Your servant, madam. : : kisses her hand: : Madame G.: Well, with the amount of riff-raff entering from the streets, anyone could have killed her. Madame G.: Yes, I must go anyway. Doorman: : : : people are busy cleaning up the theater floor: : : Madame G.: It was a pleasure seeing you again, Professor. Madame G.: : : : heads off for a previous engagement: : Inspector Peel: : : Lightfoot leaves the theater. As he heads out the door, the Inspector toasts him with the hip flask Inspector Peel: : : k and sneers. Lightfoot sighs as he walks into the fog.: : Doorman: : : : the guard is passed out drunk from Inspector's flask: : : Inspector Peel: : : The Inspector pricks his ears at the scream: : 'elo, 'ello, Phwat's this then? Inspector Peel: : : Begins to saunter to the dressing room: : Inspector Peel: : : muttering under his breath: : probably a mouse. Doorman: : : : mouse runs across Inspectors foot: : Squeak Squeak INSIDE AELSA NYT'S DRESSING ROOM BroganMc: : : Brogan and Zoe enter Aelsa's dressing room: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor admires Aelsa'a dressing room. It is big by Victorian standards. She is doing well.: : AlexKeegan: : : : looks around at the dressing room: : The Doctor: Aelsa, my dear, your stage career seems to be going smashingly well! : : : winks at Keegan: : : AlexKeegan: : : : He notices a large mirror on one wall: : : Aelsa N.: Thank you, Doctor. AlexKeegan: : : winks back at the Doctor: : : BroganMc: Zoe>: : admires the room and its collection of Victorian bric a brac: : The Doctor: Yet, Aelsa my dear, in all this success, your bearing and demeanor indicate some worry. BroganMc: : : Brogan notices Aelsa begin to fidget nervously: : Aelsa N.: Yes, but I have been in engagement here for some time, and this dressing room, it.... The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks carefully around the dressing room walls. Typical Victorian clutter: : : AlexKeegan: : : Keegan looks around at the rest of the dressing room: : : Aelsa N.: Sometimes I feel as if I am being watched while I am in here....and these killings! BroganMc: : : Zoe turns at the word: : Killings? What killings? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stops...he hears something: : : Hear that? Like That Aelsa? AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan hears movement coming from behind the mirror: : AlexKeegan: What was that? Aelsa N.: : : : : Screams....rating 7: : : : BroganMc: : : Brogan examines the mirror and notices it trembling, shaking: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks at the mirror, but can find nothing: : : : AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan winces at the penetrating scream: : : : Aelsa N.: No, not that! That is just a noise from next door. It is the cold which comes, and the.... Aelsa N.: ...it's the quiet breathing I hear when I am alone in here! *sobs* BroganMc: : : Brogan touches the mirror glass and feels a very odd sensation, shivers: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor pats Aelsa on the shoulder: : : There, there, my dear. We can look into this. BroganMc: : : Zoe pours Aelsa a small drink to calm her down: : There, there. It'll be BroganMc: all right Aelsa. AlexKeegan: : : Keegan looks into the mirror: : : The Doctor: Perhaps my friends can walk you home while I investigate the theater overall and the walls here. BroganMc: : : Brogan wears an odd expression as she touches the mirror: : AlexKeegan: : : : Malakar sees an eye peering into the mirror, seemingly right looking right at him: : : : BroganMc: Zoe> Of course, Doctor. We'll see you home Aelsa. And then you can get some rest. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor takes his pocket watch out and scans the areas with it.: : : The Doctor: Yes, this will work better when the theater is empty, later this evening. BroganMc: Zoe>You look exhausted, Aelsa. Do you live very far away? Aelsa N.: No not far, and I would very much love some company. These killings frighten me. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor is impatient for everyone to leave so that he can do a high power scan. Dangerous.: : : BroganMc: : : Zoe nods to Keegan to get Aelsa's cloak: : Well, put it out of your head, Aelsa. BroganMc: Zoe> The Doctor will sort things out for you. AlexKeegan: : : Keegan gets Aelsa's cloak, holds it out for her: : : : The Doctor: Yes, I will try and find out what is going on in this theater. I trust you to tell the truth. The Doctor: Now we can try and find it! BroganMc: : : Zoe looks back at Doctor: : You'll catch up with us later, Doctor? AlexKeegan: Be careful, Doctor, see you soon! BroganMc: : : Brogan backs away from the mirror slowly following her friends: : The Doctor: Yes, come back here for me later. I'll be done in a little while. Perhaps we can catch a bite. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stands and looks at the dressing room.: : : AlexKeegan: Yes, Doctor! BroganMc: : : Brogan stops briefly to turn back to Doctor: : Watch out Doctor. She's BroganMc: right. Someone is watching. AlexKeegan: Keegan follows Zoe and Aelsa out of the dressing room: : : BroganMc: : : Brogan runs after Zoe, Keegan and Aelsa: : IN A SECRET PASSAGEWAY IN THE ROYAL THEATER Malakar: : : : : he quietly moves down the darkened passageway, finally coming to a spot Malakar: : : : where a beam of light comes through a hole in the wall of the passageway: : : : Malakar: : : : : a chilling smile spreads across his face as he peers through the hole into Malakar: : : : : the dressing room beyond: : : : Malakar: : : : : peers into Aelsa's dressing room, his eyes widen as he sees 2 other women Malakar: : : : with her: : : : Malakar: : : : straining, he tries to get a glimpse of who the male voices belong too, but Malakar: : : : they are outside his view: : : : Malakar: : : : his eyes grow wide as he sees the Dr., startled he moves forward, bumping the Malakar: : : : the wall behind the mirror: : : Malakar: : : : his voice in a low pitched, feral whisper: : : : The Doctor! Malakar: : : : leans back towards the hole and peers back into the dressing room: : : : Malakar: : : : one corner of his mouth curls upward in a feral grimace of rage as he stares Malakar: : : : at the Doctor: : : : Malakar: : : : glance at Alex Keegan, and smiles evilly: : : : Malakar: : : : seeing them leaving he moves down the passageway to another concealed panel, Malakar: : : : : opening it, he steps out into the foggy London streets: : : : : ON THE STREETS OF LONDON Inspector Peel: : : like puppies against the steaming grate to the underground: : Inspector Peel: : : The gutter smells of garbage and horse dung.: : Inspector Peel: : : the Professor shakes his head. These tenements have only one pump and one privy for the building. Inspector Peel: : : How can people live in these appalling conditions? He wonders. Why do they? : : : Street Urchin runs by the professor: : : Inspector Peel: : : The common belief of true breeding seems a silly drawing room notion.: : Inspector Peel: : : Professor watches him. Inspector Peel: : : It is the boy who sweeps in front of the theater. What has he to look forward to? Inspector Peel: : : : He then pauses to wonder, what was he running away from?: : : Inspector Peel: : : And begins to head in that direction: : Inspector Peel: : : Lightfoot pauses, he can hear footsteps, women's footsteps: : Inspector Peel: : : Tightens his grip on his cane.: : Inspector Peel: : : flourishing his cane like a weapon, Lightfoot comes charging to the rescue!: : ON THE STREETS OF LONDON : : Lightfoot picks his way along the sidewalks. Garbage litters the pavement. Malakar: : : : : stands in the shadows outside the exit to the Theater: : : : : : : Empty milk bottles are sniffed by stray cats. Street urchins huddle AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan walks behind the others, keeping a lookout: : : BroganMc: : : 4 cloaked people, 3 women 1 man, exit backstage of Royal Theater into cold night: : WhitePhx: : : follows the girls outside: : Malakar: : : sees the Companions and Aelsa leave. Moving like a shadow himself, he fades BroganMc: : : Zoe shivers with the cold and pulls her cloak closer: : It's terribly cold. BroganMc: Should we hail a cab or walk? Malakar: : : : into the fog and follows: : : : WhitePhx: : : stays hidden in the fog, following;; AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan feels the chill, but has felt worse: : : WhitePhx: : : something in the air tonight....: : Aelsa>My house is only down the next street. If we hurry... : : looks warily BroganMc: around her: : AlexKeegan: The four of us should be okay. WhitePhx: : : feels a strong presence: : Aelsa> I usually walk home after the performance, but lately... I'm very pleased you all are with me tonight. WhitePhx: : : following at a distance, What is going to happen????: : Zoe> We're pleased to be with you, Aelsa. BroganMc: : : the 4 drift off into silence as the walk for a few minutes: : WhitePhx: : : continues to follow: : BroganMc: : : the echoes change slightly as the street narrows and the street lamps dim: : AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan, nervously, gets ready to whistle a little ditty from his youth: : : : : : : : the sound of footsteps ring out in the fog ahead of them: : : : : BroganMc: Brogan> Something's not right. : : murmurs in troubled tones: : AlexKeegan: He stops and listens intently: : : : WhitePhx: : : Scoots back against a wall to hide in the foggy shadows: : BroganMc: : : Zoe sharply glares at Brogan and quickly distracts the nervous Aelsa with Malakar: : : begins to walk on the cobblestones, the sounds of his footsteps echoing down WhitePhx: : : a bloodlust courses through his veins as he watches: : BroganMc: Aelsa, you never did tell us. How did you meet the Doctor? AlexKeegan: : : : moves slowly behind the others, trying to figure out where the footsteps are coming AlexKeegan: from: : : WhitePhx: : : Feels the presence even stronger: : : : Aelsa ignores the question listening to the sound of footsteps: : Do you hear that? Malakar: : : : the street in front of the companions and Aelsa: : : : Zoe> Hear what? It's just our echo. Don't worry yourself, Aelsa. WhitePhx: : : stands silently: : WhitePhx: : : Aelsa......the next one to ....: : Malakar: : : : : he stops ahead of the group, his shadow looming out of the fog: : : : BroganMc: : : Brogan shushes Zoe: : Listen! It's coming from over there, points in the darkness. AlexKeegan: : : : Keegan calls out into the fog: : : AlexKeegan: Who goes there? : : Aelsa sees the shadowy figure and shrieks: : It's him!!! WhitePhx: : : there is Trouble....: : AlexKeegan: : : : No one answers his call: : Malakar: : : : his breathing can be heard by the group: : : : : Malakar: : : : suddenly, his head moves as he senses the intrusion into his passageways: : : : WhitePhx: : : MUST RETURN TO THEATER: : AlexKeegan: Quickly, everyone, run to the lodgings!!! Zoe>I think now would be a good time to make a hasty retreat to your house Aelsa. WhitePhx: : : escapes quietly back to the theater: : BroganMc: : : Zoe tries to steer Aelsa and Brogan down a side street: : BroganMc: : : Brogan yanks them back suddenly when she hears something: : More footsteps. AlexKeegan: : : : suddenly, they hear footsteps from another direction: : : : : AlexKeegan: We're cut off. BroganMc: : : the echoes of footsteps seemingly surround the companions: : AlexKeegan: Look sharp, everyone, be ready to fight or flee. BroganMc: What do we do? : : calls over the echo of footsteps: : AlexKeegan: Fight if we have to, run if we can! BroganMc: : : Brogan and Zoe ready themselves for a fight searching desperately for the BroganMc: attacker: : AlexKeegan: : : Keegan draws the sword slowly out of it's cane sheath: : : : BroganMc: I can see anything? Where are they coming from? BroganMc: : : sound of footsteps explode in the air filling Aelsa with horror: : : : Aelsa does the only thing a well-bred Victorian led can do, she screams: : AlexKeegan: : : : : slams it back home, knowing there is too much danger in blindly slashing about with a AlexKeegan: sword: : : AlexKeegan: : : : he readies the cane as a club and stands ready to fight for their lives: : : IN THE DRESSING ROOM OF MISS AELSA NYT The Doctor: : : : The Doctor takes out his pocket watch again, adjusts it.: : I don't have anything to hide, Brogan The Doctor: : : : The Doctor turns the power of the portable hand scanner/ info link pocket watch.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor directs a full power scan at all four walls.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks at the tiny display on the watch face.: : : The Doctor: Aha! There is a magnetic seal on that wall, behind the mirror. No wonder I could not see it! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor takes the sonic screwdriver out, holds it out towards the mirror: : : The Doctor: Well, I know how to deal with a little magnetic seal! The Doctor: : : : The sonic screwdriver pulses towards the mirror, shattering the magnetic field.: : : The Doctor: : : : The mirror explodes away from the wall, shattering into flying shards of glass.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor's hand is cut, but he is otherwise uninjured: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor moves to where the mirror once was, and finds a passageway: : : The Doctor: Hmm, dark and dangerous, but probably not a trap.... The Doctor: : : : The Doctor steps into the passageway: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor uses a small hand held light as he explores the passageway.: : : IN A SECRET PASSAGEWAY INSIDE THE ROYAL THEATER Malakar: : : : turning, he swiftly goes back to the Theater: : : : Malakar: : : : : moves to the concealed panel, opens it and rushes into the passageway: : : : Malakar: : : : moves down the passageway, towards the yells coming from the Madame's room: : : Malakar: : : : : grasping the panel, he opens it, and the lights in the Madame's room go out: INSIDE A SECRET PASSAGEWAY IN THE ROYAL THEATER The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stops and leans against the wall to rest, but triggers a secret door mechanism.: : : The Doctor: : : : The door opens, the Doctor falls after it, and lands unceremoniously in a pile in the...: : : : The Doctor: : : : Dressing Room of Madame Isabella!: : : Madame G.: : : Isabella screams: : AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Madame G.: You! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks up and sees the screaming Diva and knows he is in trouble.: : : Madame G.: You're the one from backstage! Aelsa's friend! Madame G.: What in the bloody hell do you think you're doing in here? The Doctor: Madame, I was investigating the building, Aelsa felt as if someone was watching her, and... Madame G.: You...you...pervert! Madame G.: Bull! The Doctor: ..I found a secret passageway, and it might even be a threat to you, so while it looks strange.... The Doctor: ...I am actually trying to protect both of you lovely ladies. : : : The Doctor smiles: : : Madame G.: Be quiet, you...you...peeping Tom! : : slaps the Doctor across the face: : Madame G.: You're all alike! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor takes the slapping bravely: : : Madame G.: You'll do anything to catch a glimpse of me! Madame G.: Even break into my room! Madame G.: Police! Security! Guards! Help! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor bows his head in apology, trying to figure out how to leave gracefully NOW!: : : Madame G.: : : picks up some blunt object and whacks Doctor over head as hard as she can: : Madame G.: That'll teach you. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor sees stars as Madame Isabella pounds his head with a blunt object: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor falls to his knees, stunned.: : : Madame G.: Now go before I do it again! Madame G.: I will! I swear it! Help! Police! The Doctor: : : : Just then the lights falter and the room turns suddenly cold: : : Madame G.: What in the...? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor is on his knees, stunned by the blow to the head, his hand is also cut, bleeding: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor believes, all in all, it has been quite enough of a night already.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor is barely aware that the lights are flickering and it is getting colder.: : : : Madame G.: : : Shivers in the cold.: : Madame G.: What is this, some sort of trick? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor feels dizzy, but desperately tries to regain control of his senses.: : : Madame G.: : : hears someone coming toward the room: : The Doctor: Be careful, Madame Isabella, I am the least of your worries, I fear. Madame G.: : : softly: : What is going on? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor senses that as the lights go off, someone else enters the room. It is cold.: : : Malakar: : : : : moving into the room with a lunge, he hits the Dr. on the back of the head: : : Madame G.: : : screams again as lights go out: : AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor, already dizzy, goes unconscious with this next hit to the head, but...: : : Madame G.: : : can make out another figure in the room: : The Doctor: : : : ...as the Doctor falls, he falls in the direction of Isabella, whom he senses is in danger: : Malakar: : : : his eyes glowing with a crimson light he laughs: : : : : Madame G.: : : screams: : AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor hears an evil male laugh as he blacks out: : : Malakar: : : : : His mouth spreading into an evil smile, he moves toward the Madame: : : : Madame G.: NNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! Please don't...! Malakar: : : : grasping her by the throat, the antenna come out and begin to drain her of her Malakar: : : : blood: : : : Madame G.: Aaaagggggggghhhhhhhhh!!!! : : slowly losing consciousness. Malakar: : : : after several moments pass, he drops her lifeless body and moves into the Malakar: : : : passageway, grinning at the Dr. as he closes the panel behind him: : : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor struggles to regain consciousness, and reaches towards Madame Isabella, then faints.: Inspector Peel: : : Inspector Peel flings the door open wide.: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor awakens as the door slams open: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor opens he eyes, and sees the police and others, all wide-eyed.: : : Inspector Peel: : : He starts in horror at what he sees. The Diva, drained of blood and clutching her throat -- The Doctor: : : : The Doctor hopes this is a delusion, but fears it is reality after all.: : : Inspector Peel: : : The strange man from backstage: : GOD IN HEAVEN! Constable: : : : Policeman runs in behind Inspector: : : Sir I heard screams The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks at where his hand is...on Isabella's throat, and she is dead!: : : Constable: : : : : Gasps: : : : Inspector Peel: : : Leaping forward, he collars the Doctor: : Get the wagon, constable! We have our killer! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor quickly stands and faces the crowd: : : The Doctor: Now I know that these are terrible circumstances, but there are a number of points which need to be Constable: : : : : runs to get the wagon: : : Inspector Peel: Sir, you are under arrest in the name of the Queen! The Doctor: ..considered. First, how could I have done that to her? Second, .... Inspector Peel: : : furious: : Save it for the judge, Milaud! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor realizes that this is not a good way to end a night on the town...in jail!: : : IN A SECRET PASSAGEWAY INSIDE THE ROYAL THEATER Malakar: : : : : moving down the passageway he whispers to himself: : : : You will pay, Dr., for : this betrayal. You will pay with your life. ========== Brogan's Log 4-23-97 Victorian Shadows Pt 1 By JenKoko/BroganMc - Jen:) Feral eyes gleamed in the darkness. The scent of blood bursting with warm sweet life, permeated the foggy London street. The predator watched his prey, all the while wooed by her helpless fear. It made him feel strong, powerful and bold. Bold enough to challenge the three human creatures that dared to defend the object of his desire. Always in the past, he used stealth to hunt. Watching and waiting for his victim to be alone and helpless. Each time he struck, he rediscovered the added delicacy of their fear. These pathetic human creatures had neither the power nor the intelligence to cause him any true harm. They were good for only one thing. To feed his gnawing hunger. Brogan stared at the misty figure hovering on the street's end. Unbidden, his thoughts and desires echoed in her mind's eye. But she was not consumed by them as her experiences with the Enigma. This time, Brogan knew herself to be the unwanted eavesdropper in his thoughts. She felt the figure's alien need. Nothing so orchestrated as greed or lust for power, the predator sought only survival. It was not something she could readily condemn. Every living creature resorted to the cruelest of crimes in order to extend the life of the flesh. Everyone predator or prey to another eventually. Sympathy warred with protectiveness and fear inside Brogan's heart. She watched knowingly as the predator stalked the Doctor's friend Aelsa. The Victorian chorus singer trembled beside her. Brogan was ashamed of her sympathy for the predator's deadly craving. But as hard as she attempted, Brogan could not close her mind's eye to him. It was ironic. When Zoe had been kidnapped in Ancient Greece, Brogan tried and tried to will up an image of her friend's whereabouts. She thought she could use these "latent psychic abilities" awoken by the Enigma, but she saw nothing beyond her five senses. Brogan was beginning to think her unnatural insight was simply a trick of the Enigma. Yet here, on the streets of Victorian London, her mind's eye opened as magically as turning on a radio or television. The thoughts and images of the mind's around her fought to be heard. Keegan stealthily clutched his dagger in one hand and the deadly walking stick he borrowed from the TARDIS wardrobe in the other. Burying his fear, the weight of responsibility moved him. Protectively, he challenged the mysterious figure ensuring that when the attack came, he was close enough to give the girls time to flee. Never again would he let those close to him suffer a brutal attack without his doing something about it. Zoe chattered on in a false cheery voice knowing all the while she was failing to distract even herself. The sound of heavy footsteps echoed loudly off the cobblestone streets. The dark figure loomed large in the haunted glow of a gas street lamp. Zoe's logical mind compared the open paths with the recalled image of the Victorian street map she'd viewed on the TARDIS. Fear hovered on the edge of her thoughts confusing and focusing her mind alternatively. Aelsa clutched Zoe's hand like a frightened child seeking comfort from her mother. Exhaustion heightened her fear. She had spent too many sleepless night, too many hours alone in her dressing room at the theater feeling the intrusive gaze of a stranger upon her. She had never been so alone even after her mother's death left her with but one friend in the world. Gratitude filled Aelsa when her adopted godfather, the traveling Doctor, made one of his timely visits to the theater leaving her in the care of his friends. But as she watched the three of them tense in preparation for battle with the enigmatic figure hovering in the mist, she wondered if even they could help her. Footsteps clattered loudly along the path behind them. They were surrounded by not one but two mysterious figures in the darkness. Brogan felt the fear and desire intensify around her. Aelsa screamed in horror when Keegan raised his blade to attack. Amidst that moment of terror, Brogan's mind's eye cleared in an unexpected way. Curiously, she stared into the darkness behind her certain that the figure lurking there was somehow known to her. ========== Keegan's Log ------------------------------------------------------------ Keegan was on a street in ancient London. He, Brogan and Zoe were clustered protectively round Aelsa, an opera singer and friend of the Doctor's. Footsteps rang menacingly in the fog, advancing upon them. It was at times like these that Keegan found strange ideas popping into his head. Tonight was no different. This time, what popped into his head was that his playacting tonight was ludicrous. He'd pretended to be a British newspaper reporter earlier tonight. It hadn't worked, and he'd felt quite stupid. He wasn't good at playacting. He'd just spent too much time watching old "movies" in the TARDIS recreation room. He should just concentrate on being himself. That settled in his mind, Keegan straightened. He smiled a grim smile, and stood ready for whatever would happen next. ========== VICTORIAN SHADOWS Episode Two by FreylichT (Albert Berry) & JenKoko (Jennifer Kokoski) New Adventures of Doctor Who Simulation Doctor Who Online/America Online 30 April 1997 The Players David Sharpeas Alex Keegan B5DrWho2QL as Prof. Lightfoot Jennifer Kokoski as Brogan MacGill Bill Rudloff as Malakar Alfred Snider as the Doctor Albert Berry as Jonathan Chance Josh806 as Miss Aelsa Nyt Mirrrshads as Constable Smith Smiley3040 as Constable Stubbs TArkkannan as Inspector Peel TArkkannan & Lisa Heller as Zoe Herriot ON THE FOGGY STREETS OF LONDON Brogan: : : Aelsa screams shatter the dark night: : Jonathan Chance: : : footsteps in the darkness seem to draw near to Aelsa: : Keegan: : : Keegan stands ready, cane raised, ready to defend against the mysterious footsteps and Keegan: their owners: : : Brogan: : : Brogan listens in the darkness as stranger vanishes and more footsteps approach: : Inspector Peel: : : Zoe steps closer to Brogan, hands rising in martial arts 'ready' position.: : Brogan: : : footsteps pound heavily toward the companions and Aelsa from another direction: : Prof. Lightfoot: : : Professor runs in knocking into Aesla Brogan: : : taking them completely by surprise...: : Aelsa: : : : { S scream: : : Prof. Lightfoot: Oh dear I'm terribly sorry about that didn't mean to knock into anyone Brogan: : : Brogan whirls toward Aelsa glimpsing her crash to ground in a clutter of skirts: : Aelsa: : : it's al right: : : Keegan: : : : Keegan whirls at the running footsteps catching sight of someone crashing into Aelsa: : : : Brogan: : : rounds on the stranger laying amidst Aelsa's skirts: : Who do you think you are? Brogan: : : says repressively: : Aelsa: : : : please escort me: : Prof. Lightfoot: Who me oh I am nothing more than a mere Professor Prof. Lightfoot: Professor Lightfoot at your service Brogan: : : takes Aelsa's hand and pulls her close like a protective sister: : It's all right Brogan: Aelsa. Keegan: : : : Keegan hears the other footsteps running away into the fog: : : Aelsa: : : o thank you professor Lightfoot: : Prof. Lightfoot: So would you ladies like an escort to wherever it may be you are destined Brogan: : : stares suspiciously at the hand politely offered by Lightfoot: : What are you Brogan: doing prowling about this streets at this hour? Keegan: Well, you seem to have scared off our would-be attackers, Professor. Prof. Lightfoot: Me well I just thought I'd take a walk Brogan: Zoe>: : looks around cautiously: : I think we should get back to Aelsa's before Keegan: : : : helps the Professor to his feet: : : Prof. Lightfoot: Why thank you kind sir Keegan: You're quite welcome. Brogan: : : Brogan nods slightly, a look of puzzlement as she considers the Prof's Brogan: explanation: : Prof. Lightfoot: Well would you like that escort now? Keegan: Yes, I do think it would be an excellent idea to repair to Miss Aelsa's abode immediately. Aelsa: yes please do monsieur Prof. Lightfoot: Well then I suppose we should be on our way. Shall we. Keegan: : : : glances to Brogan questioningly: : : : Brogan: Zoe> Why yes, Professor. We'd appreciate your escort. Aelsa's house is just Brogan: down this next block. Aelsa: yes lets go to my home Prof. Lightfoot: You know I never thought to ask but what are your names? Keegan: : : : Keegan takes the rear as they hurry to Aelsa's flat: : : : Brogan: : : Zoe leads, the Prof. and Aelsa follow with Keegan and Brogan bringing up Brogan: the end as they traverse to Aelsa's: : AT A POLICE STATION HOUSE, NEAR DRURY LANE, LONDON The Doctor: : : : The Doctor arrives at the station house in chains, led by Inspector Peel.: : : Inspector Peel: : : briskly: : Right then, here we are Constable Smith: : : Constable Smith takes the Doctor in: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor is irritated.: : : Constable Smith: where do you want him Sir ? The Doctor: As I have tried to explain, Inspector Peel, I am not a suspect. Rather, I can be an invaluable ... Inspector Peel: : : : points to a small, dark room with one chair: : Right in there, Constable The Doctor: ...assistant in this matter. If you would just brief me on the situation.... Constable Smith: : : leading Doctor to room: : Right here Sir : : pointing at chair: The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks crossly at the Constable leading him into the dark room: : : The Doctor: Yes, all dark, and then I suppose you turn a bright light on me, and then tell me to confess. The Doctor: Honestly, these tactics are nearly universal! And always a failure. Inspector Peel: : : Inspector Peel rubs his eyes as if tired: : Well, no, I just thought we'd 'ave a little talk, see. Constable Smith: Sir? I don't do interviews : : : leaving room: : : The Doctor: Well, an informal discussion about the situation would be a good place to start. Inspector Peel: : : leans back against the wall: : Now then, Doctor, is it? Doctor Who? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor takes a seat in the room and tries to be comfortable. He worries about his companions The Doctor: Doctor John Smith. I am a traveler. Constable Smith: : : : bringing back a cup of tea for the Inspector: : : Here Sir Inspector Peel: Traveler from where Doctor...Smith is it? The Doctor: I am a curious scientist. I am here to visit a friend of mine performing at the Royal. Inspector Peel: : : waves constable away: : Not now, lad The Doctor: From where? Oh, here and there. I rather like England and London, though. Yes, John Smith. Inspector Peel: : : nods: : Oh, yes, you seemed very friendly with the Diva The Doctor: Madame G seems a little too impressed with herself. Not that it is a problem now in any case. Inspector Peel: : : folds arms: : Now, you're with St. Bart's? Or Holy Cross? The Doctor: Terrible tragedy, actually. Have there been a number of cases just like this? Constable Smith: : : : stands quietly in corner : : : Inspector Peel: : : nods: : Oh, yes, and definitely someone with surgical experience Inspector Peel: Is what's doing it. The Doctor: Surgical experience, what makes you say that? Inspector Peel: : : smiles: : stands to reason, don't it? Not a big wound, no blood spilled about. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor shakes his head: : : No, no, no...there are bats and insects which do the same! Inspector Peel: Not your average killer. No, this one's someone with real knowledge. The Doctor: And they have no surgical experience. Inspector Peel: Now, you're with St. Bart's you said? The Doctor: St. Cedd's, actually. The Doctor: Right now I am between appointments. Inspector Peel: : : triumph: : Ah HA! Inspector Peel: : : to constable: : didn't I say it had to be a Doctor? Constable Smith: Yes Sir : : nodding head: : : The Doctor: Inspector, honestly, any butcher knows how to do what has been done. Your suspicions are a tad bit.. The Doctor: ...premature, I should think. Inspector Peel: : : Leans forward kindly: : Now, Doctor, let's be reasonable The Doctor: The reasonable thing to do is correlate all of the facts in the case, not just a few bits. The Doctor: Were the victims all similar? Inspector Peel: You're looking to swing. But if you just cooperate -- life at Dartmoor Sanitarium. Inspector Peel: : : gently: : Now, you *know* they were. The Doctor: Did they all take place in the same part of town? The Doctor: Inspector, you must realize three things. Inspector Peel: : : nods: : Yes, right around the theater where you were tonight. The Doctor: 1. I am not guilty of these crimes. Inspector Peel: : : sighs: : The Doctor: 2. I can prove this by finding the real criminal. The Doctor: 3. You need to inform me of the pertinent facts. Inspector Peel: : : rolls eyes to the ceiling: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor tries to make eye contact with the Inspector.: : : I am sure Prof. Lightfoot can... The Doctor: ...vouch for me. Inspector Peel: : : wearily, here-we-go-again: : Right. Now, you're with St. Cedd's, you said? The Doctor: St. Cedd's College, Cambridge. Inspector Peel: Ah, NOT a hospital. Private practice are you? The Doctor: I am not a medical doctor. I am a scientist, Draining blood is not my forte. Inspector Peel: : : eyes to the ceiling, give-me-strength: : One more time, Doctor -- Smithers was it? AT THE ROYAL THEATRE Jonathan Chance: : : lurking in the shadows: : Constable Smith: Here now boys gather all the information you can : : : : Talking to uniformed officers: : : Jonathan Chance: : : watching those around me: : Malakar: : : : giving Chance an evil eye: : : Jonathan Chance: : : smiling knowingly: : Constable Smith: So this here Doctor bribed his way to the back : : talking to attendant: : Malakar: : : : gives a sneer: : : Jonathan Chance: : : rubbing his black goatee absentmindedly: : Constable Smith: : : swings night stick >: -}: : Malakar: : : puts hands in pockets: : : Constable Smith: : : : motioning to the Count: : : Excuse me Sir Could I talk to you? Malakar: Do you want me, constable? Jonathan Chance: : : looks to see if the Constable is referring to him: : Constable Smith: Yes Sir : : : motioning him closer: : : Constable Smith: : : watches everyone suspiciously >: -}: : Malakar: : : gives Chance another dirty look then goes to the constable: : : Constable Smith: So you are Count Malakar ? Malakar: Well, last I remember I was. Constable Smith: : : writing in little notepad: : : Very well. Where were you in the theatre earlier? Constable Smith: : : hitting palm nightstick out of habit >: -}: : Malakar: Oh probably where everyone else was. Constable Smith: So did you see the incident with the singer Sir? Malakar: Ah, no. I missed it while I was picking up a piece of fallen popcorn. Constable Smith: Very well Sir thank you for your cooperation : : : motioning officer to come here: : : Malakar: That is it? Constable Smith: Yes, Sir! Constable Smith: Yes Sir The Inspector said just to do a small interview Malakar: Right. Now where do I go? Constable Smith: You can leave Sir Go home if you wish .. Constable Smith: : : : talking to officer: : : : Anybody else? Malakar: Thank you constable. I'd be more than happy to get away from the disturbed place. Constable Smith: : : disappointment, puts nightstick away for another day: : Constable Smith: Bring the other man over : : : talking to officer: : : Jonathan Chance: : : seeing pictures of Polly in his head: : : Jonathan Chance: : : wishing he knew what happened on that hyper space flight: : Jonathan Chance: : : Before the jump she was right next to him in the seat... but when they came out of it: : Jonathan Chance: : : Snaps out of his memories: : : Jonathan Chance: yes constable? Malakar: : : : walks past Chance, sticks out tongue, and then leaves quietly : : : Constable Smith: Did you go into the theatre ? : : : flipping page of notebook: : : Jonathan Chance: : : knowing he will drink Malakar dry soon he ignores him: : : Jonathan Chance: Yes I did.. I paid to get in like everyone else. Constable Smith: : : : makes a note: : : Did you see anything strange ? Jonathan Chance: Strange? Jonathan Chance: Well, the first Tenor was a bit flat... Jonathan Chance: And the flutes were simply awful! Constable Smith: Not the play Sir : : : irritated look: : : Any strange people ? Constable Smith: shall I just beat them up and take them in? Jonathan Chance: I should say so, Madame G was a odd as they come. Constable Smith: : : : whispers to officer: : : Too many witnesses Jonathan Chance: I should think the papers will be breathing a sigh of relief tomorrow! Constable Smith: Odd in what way ? Constable Smith: : : mumbles: : Never get to have ant fun : -) Jonathan Chance: The woman couldn't act! Constable Smith: : : : sighs: : : Did you see the incident with the man ? Jonathan Chance: Which man? Constable Smith: : : : looking at notepad: : : Where the singer slapped a man Did you see that? Jonathan Chance: No I have no Idea what you are talking about. Constable Smith: never mind Sir Just go home You are free to leave Jonathan Chance: Thank you! Jonathan Chance: disappears into the darkness: : Constable Smith: : : : closes notepad: : : : Well that's the last of them Officer Lets get back to the station Jonathan Chance: : : going outside he looks for Malakar: : Constable Smith: : : : slaps head in anger: : : I forgot Someone has to stay here It might as well be me Constable Smith: : : I can always watch here: : IN THE POLICE STATION HOUSE The Doctor: Doctor John Smith is my name. I know you are desperate for a suspect, sir, but let me help you find the real... The Doctor: ..culprit here! I am familiar with the city and its ways. Inspector Peel: Now you were found at the scene with your hands around the lady's neck -- why SHOULDN'T I think you Inspector Peel: done her in? The Doctor: I did what anyone would, stop and examine her after the killer left. Ask me about the killer! Inspector Peel: : : sigh: : Oh, all right then. What about the killer? The Doctor: There is a secret passageway in the Theatre, I followed it into her room. Then.... The Doctor: ...as I was explaining the passageway to Madame Guidicelli, the lights went out and she was killed. Inspector Peel: : : perks, this is a new one: : Secret passage, eh? Where? The Doctor: I had been inauspiciously hit over the head by the dear departed diva, so I didn't get a look... The Doctor: ...at the culprit. Inspector Peel: : : sarcastic: : inconvenient, that. The Doctor: A passageway leads from Ms. Nyt's room, behind a mirror, into a hidden door to Madame G's room. The Doctor: If you hadn't been so excited to drag me away in chains for your victory parade, we might... The Doctor: ...have discovered which way the real killer went. Inspector Peel: : : unconvinced: : Behind the mirror, like in that new story of LeFanu's eh? "The Phantom of the Opera'? The Doctor: Inspector, this is not a story! I demand that you start taking this case seriously! : : Dr. stands: : Inspector Peel: : : folds arms: : I've been taking this case very seriously for a long time, Doctor Smith. Inspector Peel: : : coldly: : and I seem to have done just fine without amateur help! The Doctor: Then start seeing me as another source of information, not as a convenient suspect. The Doctor: Go and see if what I have said about the passageway isn't true! Take me with you. Inspector Peel: We'll see about your passage, Doctor, but YOU aren't going anywhere. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor moves to leave: : : Actually, I have some friends to meet. Inspector Peel: : : pushes him back down into the chair: : I don't think so! : : calls Constable: : Inspector Peel: 'Ere -- get this one into the lockup! Constable Smith: : : : standing away from wall: : : Yes Sir ? Inspector Peel: : : Helps escort the Doctor to jail cell: : The Doctor: I will be here when you return with questions only I can answer....you hope! I may not be. Inspector Peel: : : grumpy: : I may just return with the trial date! Inspector Peel: : : Leaves: : Inspector Peel: : : pauses -- no, he has a headache and wants a cup of tea. The theater can wait! : : : IN THE APARTMENTS OF AELSA NYT Brogan: : : Inside Aelsa's drawing room, the 5 sit down to tea: : Aelsa: how is your tea monsieur Lightfoot? Prof. Lightfoot: Thank you darling : : The Professor eyes the Aesla: : Prof. Lightfoot: Fine Thank you Brogan: Zoe> I'm Zoe Herriot, Professor. And these are my friends Alex Keegan and Brogan: Brogan MacGill. Aelsa: the pleasure is all mine Prof. Lightfoot: Nice to meet you all. Keegan: A pleasure you meet you, Professor. Keegan: : : : : sips his tea, hoping that he's getting it right from the old movies he's watched on the TARDIS tv: : : : Brogan: Zoe> What are you a professor of, may I ask? Aelsa: you know monsieur I'm a singer Prof. Lightfoot: Well what brings you to merry old London : : The Professor says sarcastically: : Prof. Lightfoot: Medicine and Pathology Brogan: : : Zoe searches her friend's gazes: : Brings us to London? Keegan: We're visiting with our companion, the Doctor. Prof. Lightfoot: : : The Professor peeks up: : The Doctor doctor of what? Keegan: Oh, he's a doctor of many things. Keegan: Just tonight, we were taking in the opera, and meeting his friend, Aelsa, here. Keegan: : : : waves his hand towards Aelsa: : : Brogan: Zoe>: : clears throat nervously: : We're travelers, you see. And the Doctor Brogan: thought we should come back to see Aelsa's play. Prof. Lightfoot: Travelers to where may I ask? Aelsa: mighty fine meeting you monsieur Brogan: : : Brogan flinches when Zoe kicks her foot for help: : We travel here and there. Keegan: Oh, here and there, the continent perhaps. Brogan: Wherever the TARDIS takes us usually. Prof. Lightfoot: I've always wanted to travel but never really decided to leave here. So tell me more.. Prof. Lightfoot: TARDIS..TARDIS you said TARDIS right Brogan: : : Brogan eyes Prof. warily: : What of it? Keegan: TARDIS? what's that? Prof. Lightfoot: TARDIS as in oh what was it he said and the Doctor of course! Prof. Lightfoot: This Doctor of yours is he a tall curly haired man with an absurdly long scarf Prof. Lightfoot: And uh deep pockets Keegan: He dresses like that, upon occasion. Prof. Lightfoot: Hmm : : The Prof. Wonders back in his mind: : Brogan: : : Zoe leans forward: : Professor, what are you thinking? Prof. Lightfoot: Me darling well I just walk around here and there I suppose I too am a local traveler Prof. Lightfoot: Me uh Zoe right well I think that I might know this Doctor of yours Aelsa: you all right monsieur? Keegan: Really? Prof. Lightfoot: We met a few years back nasty affair really Brogan: Brogan>Funny, you remind me of a policeman the way you ask questions. Keegan: What a happy coincidence running into you then, Professor. Prof. Lightfoot: Well you may say that but the truth is while I like your Doctor friend he gets me in.. Prof. Lightfoot: Trouble Prof. Lightfoot: But I would be delighted to see him again Keegan: Trouble does like to dog the Doctor's heels. Keegan: : : : looks at Brogan: : : Keegan: Or creep around behind on "little cat feet"? Prof. Lightfoot: Well never the less he is a nice chap and it would be lovely to... Brogan: : : a loud knock pounds on the front door: : Aelsa: where were ya headin when ya hit me monsieur? Zoe: : : Zoe pushes herself from her sitting position: : : Prof. Lightfoot: Hiding I wasn't hiding my dear just running Brogan: : : Brogan inwardly groans at the inside joke and prays for once Trouble stays put: : Keegan: We left the Doctor at the theatre, perhaps we should go rejoin him now? Prof. Lightfoot: Oh yes it would be great to see him again Aelsa: ya leaving so soon? Brogan: : : loud knocking gets louder and more frantic: : Brogan: : : small voice calls from outside: : Milady? Milady are ye home? Brogan: Brogan>I think somebody should answer that. Aelsa? Keegan: : : : gets up at the knock at the door: : : Aelsa: o monsieur Prof. Lightfoot: Well who could be at the door at this time Zoe: : : : Zoe looks around at everyone: : : Don't you think we should get that? Prof. Lightfoot: No but perhaps you should answer your door. Keegan: Yes, Aelsa, would you like to answer the door? Zoe: : : : Zoe walks over to the door, and peers out the antique peep hole: : : Aelsa: I'll get it : : : gets up and open the door Brogan: : : a small boy in workman's clothes dances on front step: : Zoe: : : : Zoe looks puzzled, wondering what musical is being rehearsed on the steps Aelsa: hi sugar what's on your mind? Brogan: : : boy swipes off hat in hand and bows to the lady: : "Scuse me fer disturbin' Brogan: ye milady. Zoe: : : : Zoe smiles at the boy: : : Brogan: Boy>But is the Professor Lightfoot wit ye, by chance? Aelsa: fine I like a visit now and then Prof. Lightfoot: Yes I'm here young one Keegan: : : : looks at the Professor when his name is mentioned: : : : Zoe: : : : Zoe looks troubled: : : Is there a problem? Prof. Lightfoot: Is there something I can do for you : : He looks at the boy troubled: : Brogan: : : Boys beams nervous smile at Prof.: : I'm pleased ta finally find ye sir. Had a Brogan: hunch ye'd be wantin' ta talk to the lady. Aelsa: well please come in and tell me what's happened I can tell you're startled Prof. Lightfoot: Well uh : nervous: : you know me I mean I just uh... Brogan: Boy>: : eyes darken: : Somethin' terrible, sir. There's been another killin' Zoe: : : Zoe gasps: : : Oh, no! Prof. Lightfoot: What! Who? Where? Keegan: Another killing? Aelsa: a killer Brogan: Boy>Down at the theatre. Madame Guidicelli. The singer lady. Zoe: : : : Zoe's eyes widen: : : The theatre! Prof. Lightfoot: Oh dear me no That's horrible We must go at once. Brogan: Boy>The Inspector wanted ye to come down and see what ye can make of it. Zoe: : : : Zoe looks meaningfully at Brogan: : : Aelsa: she was killed o dear lord Keegan: : : : wonders if the Doctor is okay: : : : Brogan: Boy>He said ta tell ye, they have the guy who did it. Caught 'im red handed. Prof. Lightfoot: Yes yes thank you I'm on my way. Well I suppose you will want to join me to find the.. Prof. Lightfoot: Doctor on our way. Zoe: : : : Zoe exchanges glances with Alex: : : Brogan: Boy>Some mysterious doctor fella. Showed up at the theatre and caused a big fuss. Zoe: : : : Zoe rolls her eyes: : : That WOULD be the doctor! Keegan: Did they say who the murderer was? Brogan: : : Brogan stops dead in her tracks and glares at boy: : Not THE Doctor?! Brogan: : : : : boy nervously backs away from Brogan: : That be his name, I think. Zoe: : : : : Zoe stamps her foot impetuously: : : Well, come on then! We'd better go rescue him! Prof. Lightfoot: Well if I remember him that would be the Doctor. : : Prof. tosses boy some coins: : Thank.. Prof. Lightfoot: you again son. Aelsa: I think you need a nice cup of tea it would do you good Keegan: Well, let's go, everyone! Zoe: It's all been a big mistake! He's no criminal. And I bet he's been arrested, too. Brogan: Brogan>Where is the Doctor? Brogan: Boy>At the police station, I s'pose. I could show ye, if ye be wantin' that? Zoe: : : : Zoe shakes her head: : : Come on, let's go to the theatre, shall we, Aelsa, Prof.? Prof. Lightfoot: If I know the Inspector he probably took him to the Station Keegan: : : : following the boy who shows them the way: : : : Prof. Lightfoot: Yes Zoe right away come Aelsa. Brogan: : : Brogan nods at boy, vowing to straighten the police out and spring the Doctor Brogan: while he checks the theatre: : Aelsa: yes I do sugar Aelsa: strange : : puzzled: : Keegan: : : : Keegan and Brogan make their way hurriedly to the police station where the Doctor has Keegan: been taken: : : : IN A DANK VICTORIAN POLICE CELL The Doctor: : : : The Doctor sits in the cell and thinks.: : : Inspector Peel: : : Inspector Peel heads for the theater.: : The Doctor: Yes, this isn't some crude Victorian blood crime. This is different. More daring. More organized. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor reviews everything which happened at the Theatre.: : : The Doctor: That voice. That voice, just as I was about to black out. It sounded familiar. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor puts his head in his hands and begins reviewing the situation and thinking carefully: The Doctor: : : : To escape, wait, or....: : : Malakar: Doctor. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor sits up at the voice in his mind.: : : Malakar: Dooctooorrr. The Doctor: Yes, to wait. Sun Tzu would approve. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor focuses his mind and send out a greeting.: : : I am here. Who are you. The Doctor: What do you want of me? Are you the killer? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stands and faces the direction the voice seems to be coming from.: : : Malakar: : : : comes out of the darkness: : : No I am not the killer, but the killer is known to Malakar: you. The Doctor: Known to me? And who are you? The Doctor: Come closer, I can't see you clearly. Malakar: Let's say I am a helper. The Doctor: Then help me out of here. I need to find my companions, and Aelsa. The Doctor: Not to mention find out what is going on here. This London bloodfeast has got to stop! Malakar: Very well. Let it be a form of confirmation that I am not the killer. Malakar: : : : the door to the cell unlocks: : : There is step one. The Doctor: How did you get in here? Can we leave as easily? Malakar: Surly you can figure out that for yourself. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor moves out of the door and looks around cautiously.: : : The Doctor: : : One way leads out to the Constabulary Room, the other way leads to....: : : Malakar: : : : the Doctor follows the mysterious figure through to the back door of the station: : : Malakar: : : : they enter the back alleys: : : IN THE LOBBY OF THE ROYAL THEATRE Constable Smith: Go get us a cup of tea then lad : : : hands some small change to officer: : : Constable Smith: : : off to get some tea: : Constable Smith: : : : leans against wall thinking : : : Constable Smith: : : brings back 2 cups of earl grey tea, hot: : Constable Smith: Thank you : : : taking tea and sipping: : : Constable Smith: You are welcome, sir : : sips tea also, always watching and waiting: : : AT THE POLICE STATION HOUSE NEAR DRURY LANE Brogan: : : Brogan and Keegan enter the police station after tipping message boy a few coins: : Inspector Peel: x : : Inspector Peel rubs his eyes as he shuffles through his paperwork: : Brogan: : : two stone-faced bobbies work the front desk: : Keegan: : : : They stride confidentially inside the station: : : Inspector Peel: : : sighs, his tea is cold. Goes in search of hot tea: : Inspector Peel: : : Desk 1: : Yes, miss, may I help you? Brogan: : : marches up to constables: : Where is the Doctor? You have him here? Inspector Peel: : Desk 2: : Doctor Who, miss? Keegan: We heard you arrested someone called the Doctor tonight? Inspector Peel: : : desk 1: : we are not allowed to divulge that information, sir> Brogan: THE Doctor. He was at the Royal Theatre. Inspector Peel: : : desk 2: : 'Ere, you with fleet street? Brogan: We understood he had been arrested on some specious charge of murder. Keegan: We know he's here, now bring him out, you've arrested the wrong man, for God's sake! Inspector Peel: : : Desk 1, droningly patient: : I'm sorry miss, we are not allowed to divulge that information Brogan: What do you mean you can't divulge that information? Is he here or isn't he? Inspector Peel: : : The Inspector come out: : 'Ere, Phwat's all this then? Keegan: At least let us see him, make sure he's okay. Brogan: : : glares at Inspector: : We're here to see a friend of ours. Is the Doctor here or Inspector Peel: : : suspicious: : see who? What's all this about? Brogan: not? Inspector Peel: : : eyebrows up: : The Doctor is it? Well, well, well... Brogan: Then you DO have him? Where is he? Let us see him! Inspector Peel: And what d'you know about the Doctor young lady? Constable Smith: : : : taking an old drunk in: : : Where can I put this one ? Smitty Keegan: He's our friend. Brogan: Quite a lot. He's one of my best friends. And he's NO murderer! Keegan: And if you've arrested him, you've arrested the wrong man. Brogan: You've got the wrong man, whoever you are. Inspector Peel: : : smiles: : oh, really? Constable Smith: Sorry Inspector Didn't mean to interrupt.. : : : takes prisoner in back: : : Keegan: Yes, REALLY! Inspector Peel: : : leans forward: : and what d'you know about it, hmm? Brogan: : : lowers voice: : Let us talk to the Doctor and I'll tell you. Constable Smith: : : comes running out: : : Inspector the man you brought in is gone! Inspector Peel: : : turns: : WHAT? Brogan: : : Brogan is surprised by the announcement, looks to Keegan: : Alex? Inspector Peel: : : turns back: : Oh, so that's what this is about eh? Constable Smith: Yes Sir He has disappeared Keegan: Brogan? Keegan: : : : : jerks his head towards the door: : : Inspector Peel: : : menacing towards Brogan and Alex: : right, you two have a lot of explaining to do! Brogan: : : whispers back to Keegan: : What's going on? Keegan: Well, I guess we were misinformed. Brogan: : : instinctively backs away from Inspector: : What do you mean? Keegan: Explaining about ? : : : innocent look: : : Inspector Peel: : : bellows: : Sergeant! Constable Stubbs! Take these two in! Aiding a prisoner to escape is a Inspector Peel: crime against the Crown! Keegan: : : : whispers to Brogan looks like he's escaped Brogan: I think you have explaining to do. What kind of police are you? Can't even keep a harmless prisoner. Constable Smith: Sir ! : : : grabbing man: : : : Keegan: And just how did we do that? Inspector Peel: : : Constables grab for the pair: : Keegan: : : : grabs the constables hand as it touches his arms: : : : Brogan: : : dodges constables' attack: : Oh no! Here we go again. Run Alex! Keegan: : : : twists the constables arm around and shoves him into the others: : : : Inspector Peel: : : The Inspector shouts orders, more constables come out of other rooms: : Keegan: I'm coming! ! ! Constable Smith: : : : Falling to the ground blocking doorway: : : Inspector Peel: : : Companions run off into the fog with constabulary at their heels: : Keegan: : : : : ducks underneath the outstretched arms, jumps over the constable blocking the doorway: Keegan: : : : : escapes into the fog with Brogan: : : : ON THE FOGGY STREETS OF LONDON Malakar: Now you know that you are free. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks oddly at the figure...how does it make all the doors open? Neat trick.: : : Malakar: : : : starts to go down the alleyway: : : The Doctor: I thank you for that freedom, and your assistance. Now what do you mean I know the killer? Malakar: For one thing, the killer is loose because of you, Doctor. The Doctor: Because of me, that is preposterous. Keegan: : : : Keegan and Brogan arrive at the station, thanking the boy for his trouble: : : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor has been treated well by the figure, but he still mistrusts him.: : : Jonathan Chance: : : also arriving at the station: : Malakar: No it isn't. In fact, you and the killer intimately know each other. The Doctor: Intimately? What a very non-Victorian thing to say! What precisely do you mean by that sir. Malakar: : : : stops in front of a building: : : Perhaps this place will explain. Does it ring a Malakar: bell? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks closely through the fog. It does look a bit familiar.: : : The Doctor: : : : The fog billows around them, with the street lamps piercing the fog irregularly.: : : Malakar: This is where our tour stops and the end of our discussion. The Doctor: : : : It becomes much colder.: : : The Doctor: Here? Why here? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor peers through the fog for a clue: : : The Doctor: Blast it, whoever you are, toy with me no more! What sort of strange game are you playing? Malakar: Perhaps the fog will give you the clues you need. {S evilhaha The Doctor: : : : The Doctor peers through the fog. As the temperature drops, the fog begins to condense.: : : Malakar: Do you see what I see? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor shivers: : : It is colder, just like in the theatre. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor's breath condenses as he breathes in the clearing fog: : : Malakar: Look down near your feet. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor sees a figure on the ground. He is afraid of what it is. But he must look.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks at the face more closely.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor gasps as the fog shows the outline of a face very much like Brogan's but so white...: Malakar: You see, Doctor, you are to blame for this and the other killings... Malakar: Or rather, a future regeneration. {S evilhaha} : : : vanishes: : : The Doctor: Brogan! BACKSTAGE AT THE ROYAL THEATRE Zoe: : : : Zoe, Aelsa and the professor rush in, where fools fear to tread: : : Zoe: Now, let's find the REAL killer, shall we? Aelsa, you know this place well. Prof. Lightfoot: Well I guess we should check the Madame's dressing room Constable Smith: : : : looking at people coming up to theatre : : : Zoe: Yes? Aelsa, did you notice anything strange about this place? Constable Smith: : : twirling nightstick again: : Prof. Lightfoot: : : Prof. walks to the front and goes to doors: : Zoe: : : : Zoe looks at Aelsa meaningfully: : : You know? Anything at all? Constable Smith: Sorry Professor Didn't know it was you in here Prof. Lightfoot: Quite all right my guests and I were just going to investigate. Constable Smith: : : : walks back outside: : : Call if you need anything Professor Prof. Lightfoot: Will do. Aelsa have you noticed anything different about the theatre lately? Jonathan Chance: : : Standing in the shadows of the Theatre watching Aelsa: : Aelsa: well I was stalked Zoe: : : : Zoe raises her eyebrows: : : Stalked? By whom? Prof. Lightfoot: Yes by whom my dear? Zoe: And Where did you feel stalked, Aelsa? Prof. Lightfoot: Is there any one isolated place you feel more violated? Zoe: Aelsa, it's very important that you try to remember these details! Any fact, any clue Aelsa: it seems to come from the mirror Prof. Lightfoot: The mirror Prof. Lightfoot: Well I think we should see this mirror. : : The Prof. strokes his chin: : Zoe: : : : Zoe looks puzzled: : : From the mirror? Your mirror stalking you? A fine fix, that! Aelsa: I knew you wouldn't believe me! Zoe: : : : Zoe resolutely nods: : ; Okay, let's go! To the dressing rooms! Prof. Lightfoot: No no calm down Zoe it's possible the mirror is not what it seems. Zoe: : : : Zoe heads off to the dressing rooms: : : Aelsa: it IS the mirror I tell you! Prof. Lightfoot: : : Prof. follows Zoe: : Zoe: : : : Zoe knocks politely on the door: : : Hello? Everyone decent in there? Aelsa: :::Aelsa follows::: Zoe: : : : Zoe taps the door, and it swings open: : : Strange... Prof. Lightfoot: Hmm : : Prof. looks at mirror: : weird very strange indeed. Zoe: : : : Zoe walks to the side of the mirror: : : I wonder... Aelsa: : : looking for hidden passage: : Prof. Lightfoot: : : The Prof. searches area around mirror: : Zoe: : : : Zoe taps on the mirror - it resonates: : : Prof. Lightfoot: Zoe help me with this lets move this out to the side. Zoe: Tell me, professor, when was the last time you saw a HOLLOW mirror? Aelsa: : : helping, too: : Aelsa: I am so afraid! Malakar: : : : silently materializes and quickly hides after seeing people in the theater: : : Prof. Lightfoot: Well to tell you the truth...: : He lets it dangle: : Zoe: : : : Zoe, Aelsa and the Professor struggle with the mahogany framed mirror: : : Aelsa: : : it finally swings open: : Zoe: : : : A slow creaking noise rattles in the background: : : ON THE FOGGY STREETS OF LONDON The Doctor: : : : The Doctor kneels down and cradles the head in his hands.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor is sick at what he sees, but at least relieved that it is not Brogan.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor inspects the young woman's face and neck....she has been drained of blood.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor does not close the eyelids, but instead looks deep into them.: : : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor is shocked by what he sees.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor closes the eyelids, and then places the head on the ground. He stands.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stands as the fog begins to gather again. The cold seems to be leaving.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor is worried.: : : What did he say, a future regeneration of me? How could he know? The Doctor: Yes, the retina of the dead young victim here clearly indicates that she was influenced at... The Doctor: ...her death by the same type of mind control which many Timelords can use for brief periods. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor is talking to himself, but the content is so disturbing that he must speak it.: : : The Doctor: When that young woman was killed, she was under the influence of a form of mental projection ... The Doctor: ...which is unknown on this planet, but which I am capable of. I can do it, and thus.... The Doctor: ...one of my regenerations could do it. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor evaluates his options. His future looks very, very bad.: : : The Doctor: : : : All of this might explain the Valyard's nature, at least.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor reviews all of his available information about vampires.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor hears footsteps in the fog: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks down at the dead girl.: : : AT A SECRET DOORWAY BACKSTAGE AT THE ROYAL THEATRE Zoe: : : : Zoe jumps back: : : CAREFUL! Aelsa: : : acting scared: : Zoe: : : : Zoe peers inside the exposed cavern: : : Oh, my! ! ! Zoe: : : : Zoe's words echo into the darkness: : : Aelsa: : following easily watching them run like scared rats: : Malakar: : : : notices that they are opening up the secret doorway: : : Aelsa: I told you so! Prof. Lightfoot: : : Excitedly: : How exciting I say we go in. Zoe: These caverns seem to go for MILES! ! We could get lost in there! Prof. Lightfoot: Yes my dear you did I'm sorry we doubted you. Prof. Lightfoot: Oh nonsense I'm sure it's safe Aelsa: It is EVIL in there! Prof. Lightfoot: Besides Zoe where's your sense of adventure. Malakar: : : : waits for them to leave: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe looks over her shoulder, and shivers: : : My sense of adventure is .... Prof. Lightfoot: But then again if you travel with the Doctor you may have a little too much adventure Zoe: ... : : : gulps: : : far too sensible, I'm afraid! Prof. Lightfoot: Well I'm going : : Prof. storms down into the passage: : Aelsa: I want a stop put to all of this! Zoe: : : : Zoe hesitates: : : Well... I suppose this cavern MAY have something to do with it. Prof. Lightfoot: : : Prof. storms back out: : Do you have any light? Aelsa: : : follows professor: : Aelsa: here : : hand him an oil lamp: : Aelsa: here is the matches: : hands them to Prof.: : Zoe: : : : Zoe looks at the others;: : So, what's the consensus? Shall we take the passage? Zoe: Aelsa, what do you think? Prof. Lightfoot: Yes we take the passage. Aelsa: I want to feel safe again! Malakar: : : : quietly slips down the corridor after them: : : Aelsa: : : follows the professor, watching the light: : Zoe: And for lighting? : : : Zoe suggests: : : Prof. Lightfoot: Hooded lanterns--candle powered Prof. Lightfoot: Little bird suggested that Zoe: : : : Zoe shakes her head, and follows the others, deep foreboding in her heart: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : The Prof. whistles while walking deeper into the passageway: : Zoe: : : Zoe, Aelsa and the Professor wander aimlessly through miles of caverns: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : Suddenly the group comes upon a light in the distance: : Do you see what I see Aelsa: : : : Aelsa screams as a rat runs over her foot: : : {S fscream Aelsa: Well I didn't expect this Aelsa: I am not sure.... ON THE FOGGY STREETS OF LONDON Brogan: : : Brogan and Keegan race out of station disappearing in foggy streets: : Inspector Peel: : : Constables split up into pairs, searching: : Brogan: : : several blocks away from station, Brogan slows to a walk: : Brogan: : : Panting: : I think we lost them. Keegan: : : : Keegan walks too, slightly out of breath: : : Keegan: I think so too. Constable Smith: : : : shouts: : : : I think they went that way : : : pointing in wrong direction: : : Keegan: Now where can the Doctor be? Brogan: : : fog gets thicker around the pair, Brogan finds herself following a dark path: : Brogan: This way. : : says mysteriously: : Keegan: : : : Keegan follows closely: : : Keegan: : : : he has come to trust Brogan's instincts: : : Brogan: : : whispers: : Alex, I think we're being followed. Inspector Peel: : : runners bring other constables from other areas to join the search: : Keegan: : : : looks around carefully, listens: : : Keegan: I can't hear anyone. Brogan: : : senses a presence hovering in the shadows, stops abruptly and listens: : Brogan: : : points down dark street: : Over there Can't you see? Keegan: : : : peers down the street: : : Keegan: No, not at all. Doesn't mean anything, though. Brogan: : : Brogan sees feral eyes gleaming in the darkness, walks toward them: : Keegan: : : : then Keegan sees another person, off on a side street: : : : Keegan: Over here, Brogan Keegan: : : : he grabs Brogan's arm and pulls her along after him: : : Brogan: : : approaches the figure draped in shadows: : Hello? Are you there? Brogan: : : snatches hand away from Keegan: : Alex What are you doing? Brogan: : : looks back toward figure: : He's gone Keegan: There's someone over there : : : points the other way: : : Brogan: : : in the muted light of a gas street lamp, the Doctor's figure emerges: : ON THE STREETS OF LONDON NEAR DRURY LANE Constable Smith: : : : Constable runs back the other way : : : Constable Smith: Have you found anything yet? : : : Constables talking to each other: : : Constable Smith: : : : Talking to Constables : : : I want a block by block search Constable Smith: No : : shaking head: : : Lets go this way : : : pointing down street: : : Constable Smith: Shhh I thought I heard voices : : : : motioning for quiet: : : : Constable Smith: There : : : blowing whistle: : : : Constable Smith: : : : running footsteps head to Doctors party: : : : Constable Smith: : : pulling out nightstick: : Constable Smith: I heard voices up ahead : : : running and blowing whistle: : : Constable Smith: : : running in anticipation of a good beating: : Constable Smith: : : searching the area for the villains: : Constable Smith: Oh My God He has killed again : : : as Constable stumbles over body: : : Constable Smith: : : searching another, darker alley: : Constable Smith: : : blows whistle: : : Constable Smith: I spy a dead body Constable Smith: : : : Officers come running up: : : Search the area We can not let this villain escape Constable Smith: : a thorough investigation is called for, sir Constable Smith: : : : whispering: : : The Inspector sure isn't going to like this Constable Smith: whispers back : : YOU tell him: : Constable Smith: : : : looking down at body sadly: : : IN THE FOGGY STREETS OF LONDON Brogan: : Brogan follows Keegan: : Keegan: : : : They quietly approach the figure in the fog: : : : Inspector Peel: : : Chase melts back into the shadows: : Keegan: : : : when they get close enough, they see it is the Doctor! : : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks up at people coming at him out of the fog: : : Brogan: : : relieved: : Doctor! Keegan: Doctor! Are you okay? Inspector Peel: : : Chase watches: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor greets them with a smile, even in this terrible situation: : : Brogan: : : races up to her friend and gives him a quick hug to ensure he's not made of fog: : Keegan: : : as they get close, they see a body laying at the Doctor's feet: : : The Doctor: Brogan, Keegan, I have been worried about you. All is not as it seems, I fear. Inspector Peel: : : Chase's eyes narrow -- that smile, oh, yes, this is the Doctor: : Brogan: Are you all... : : sees dead girl on ground: : Oh my God! Keegan: We've been worried about you too, Doctor. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor points down: : : The latest victim. I was led to her body. Keegan: We heard you'd been arrested, came to find you, get you out, but you'd already escaped. The Doctor: It was the most amazing thing, a figure appeared in my cell, and led me out into the streets, here. Keegan: You were led here? By whom? The Doctor: Doors and barriers vanished in front of it. Brogan: : : nods grimly at lifeless girl: : It's horrible. So grizzly. Who would do Brogan: something like this? Keegan: Amazing! The Doctor: I do not know who, but it knows me, that is for sure. And seems to know of my future as well. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks down: : : A very dark future, perhaps. Keegan: That doesn't Brogan: Your future? : : puzzled voice: : The Doctor: I was told that I am responsible for this, that a future regeneration of mine is at work here. Keegan: Well, whoever told you that may be lying, may be the murderer! Brogan: : : a chorus of police whistles echo all around them: : The police! Keegan: : : : : suddenly hears the sound of police whistles: : : The Doctor: I found evidence that a Timelord with special powers, as I have, is at work here! The Doctor: Don't you understand, I could be the murderer! Keegan: We've got to get out of here! Keegan: No you couldn't, Doctor, you're no murderer! Brogan: We have to get out of here. If they catch us at the scene of another murder, Brogan: we'll be hanged! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor shakes his head: : : None of us are pure good, there is an evil side, to me as well. Keegan: : : : grabs the Doctor's arm: : : The Doctor: I have found out that a future regeneration will be evil, even tried to kill me twice! Keegan: Please, Doctor, let's get out of here! Brogan: Doctor, what are you saying? : : clearly agitated: : You're NO murderer! Come on! The Doctor: And now, I find my own special signs here, in the eyes of that dead young girl! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor allows himself to be rushed off by Keegan and Brogan: : : Brogan: : : tugs Doctor's arm toward a dark alley: : Brogan: : : tests all the back doors of closed stores until she finds an open one: : In here! Brogan: the alley: : Keegan: : : : they find a dark empty store : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor follows them into the darkened building.: : : Keegan: : : : Keegan brings up the rear, closes t he door behind them as the enter the building: : : IN A SECRET PASSAGEWAY INSIDE THE ROYAL THEATRE Aelsa: Well I didn't expect this Zoe: : : : : The flickering candlelight gives them little warmth in the tunnels: : : Prof. Lightfoot: It looks like a light coming from over there. Aelsa: what's that monsieur? Zoe: : : : Zoe squints: : : Yes, it does! lets go investigate. Careful, though. Zoe: : : : Zoe whispers: : : We don't know what might be waiting for us. Prof. Lightfoot: Yes yes careful sure whatever you say : : the Prof. hurriedly walks into a technological.. Prof. Lightfoot: wonder: : Zoe: : : : Sure enough, there is signs of habitation left in the large "room" they enter. Aelsa: yes yes lets quite down Zoe: : : : Coffee cups, plates, and small electrical devices lay strewn about: : : Prof. Lightfoot: Oh my it's wonderful it's absolutely amazing Zoe: : : : Zoe looks upward to see a vast cavern opening up: : : My goodness! ! Aelsa: this is quite something Zoe: : : : Zoe breathes: : : It's beautiful, in it's own way! Prof. Lightfoot: Do either of you know what any of this stuff does. : : He indicates the calculator type.. Prof. Lightfoot: Thingy: : Aelsa: I see what ya mean sugar Zoe: : : : Zoe backs up to get a better look, and stumbles into a sound board: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe whirls around, stunned to see such sophisticated equipment: : : My goodness! Prof. Lightfoot: I could only dream of seeing things like these it's as if from a book. Zoe: : : : Zoe whistles: : Look at all this equipment! I've never seen anything like it! Prof. Lightfoot: Zoe are you all right. Zoe: : : : She runs over to flip some switches, and activates a scanner: : : Still working. Prof. Lightfoot: Do you know what any of it does though. Zoe: : : : Zoe turns to the Professor: : : Oh, yes, sorry. It's just... this is so advanced... Prof. Lightfoot: It looks so foreign to me. Aelsa have you ever seen anything like it before. Zoe: : : : Zoe is speechless: : : Where to begin. It's from another time, professor! Prof. Lightfoot: Another time as you are too I suspect by now. Zoe: : : : Zoe's eye catches a small tunnel leading south: : : Come on, lets take a look here. Prof. Lightfoot: I'm right behind you : : Prof. follows: : Zoe: : : : Zoe calls over her shoulder: : : Yes, I suppose I am from another time... Zoe: : : : Zoe stops abruptly: : : Well, this is RICH... Speaking of time... Prof. Lightfoot: This is all so amazing I never thought I'd be in another adventure like this Zoe: : : : The second cavern shows a large Time machine, a la H. G. Wells: : : Zoe: Well, professor, you might never see another time machine, so look closely! Prof. Lightfoot: : : The Prof. is speechless he can't comprehend it all at this point: : Zoe: : : : Zoe rushes to a bench: : : And look! Here - someone's been repairing it. Prof. Lightfoot: T..time machine you mean I could go to other times with this. Zoe: : : : Zoe motions to the scattered parts laying across the cavern floor: : : Zoe: If it were working, you could. Prof. Lightfoot: I could go to my birth my death it'd be soo..uh yes someone has been down here there were. Zoe: I understand if it's all a bit hard to take in. : : : Zoe nods sympathetically. Prof. Lightfoot: Footprints back there! Zoe: : : : Zoe looks around: : : Hey, where's Aelsa? Prof. Lightfoot: Huh well I thought she was behind me Malakar: : : : the door slams shut, separating Aelsa from the others: : : IN AN ABANDONED BUILDING Brogan: : : Doctor and companions remain absolutely still and silent as police search Brogan: the alley: : The Doctor: : : : Suddenly, a tall figure emerges out of the darkness, confronting them: : : : Inspector Peel: : : In a swirl of fog and darkness, the tall man emerges from the shadows: : Inspector Peel: : : icy: : Hello, Doctor The Doctor: : : : The figure holds his finger to his lips, indicating quiet as the constables search.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor is shocked by what he sees -- Jonathan Chance! : : : Keegan: : : Keegan whirls, startled, at the sound of the voice in the room: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor's mind races. Yes, the scenery, the vampirism, but Chance, has he fallen to this?: : Keegan: : : : whispers: : You know this person, Doctor? Inspector Peel: : : Chance bows gravely to the companions: : Jonathan Chance. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor whispers: : : Jonathan Chance! Keegan: Jonathan Chance? The Doctor: State your goals here, Jonathan. Are you here to help us? What do you know? Inspector Peel: : : turns cold eyes on the Doctor: : You may be assured, Doctor, you are NOT the killer -- this time. Brogan: : : senses something troubling about Chance: : The Doctor: This time? This time? What does that mean? Inspector Peel: : : softly: : But you are not innocent of the crimes committed here. Brogan: The Doctor is NO killer! : : whispers vehemently: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor's brow furrows.: : : But questions will have to wait until we can speak freely.: : : Keegan: And you sir, are you innocent, or could you have stopped these murders? Brogan: : : glares at Chance trying to figure out what is so unseemly about him: : A DOOR WITH A WINDOW SEPARATES TWO ADJOINING CHAMBERS BENEATH THE ROYAL THEATRE Aelsa: : : : scream ...... scream aaaaaahhhhh: : : silence: : ; Zoe: : : : Zoe's eyes widen, a hidden terror welling up inside: : : Prof. Lightfoot: Aelsa Aelsa : : the Prof. hammers his fists on the door Malakar: : : : materializes in front of Aelsa: : : Hello my dear. Prof. Lightfoot: What's going on now. Zoe: : : : Whispering: : Aelsa... oh, such foolish curiosity! Prof. Lightfoot: Zoe what did you touch? Malakar: It is time for you to die. : : : goes for Aelsa: : : Prof. Lightfoot: Or for that matter what did I touch? Zoe: : : : Zoe shakes her head: : : No...nothing! Oh, dear, we must DO something! Prof. Lightfoot: Look for a switch or something Zoe: : : : Zoe rushes to the door and begins to pound on it, helplessly: : : Malakar: : : : grabs Aelsa head as she struggles, bites her neck and sucks her dry: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : Prof. frantically searches for a switch or button or something: : Prof. Lightfoot: Aelsa, Aelsa : : The Prof. runs to Zoe's side and begins pounding the door also: : Zoe: : : : Zoe looks on, aghast, as she witnesses Aelsa's horrible death: : : ========== Keegan's Log ------------------------------------------------------------- Keegan could hear the mutterings of the policemen outside the building. The policeman were searching for the Doctor, Brogan and he. They thought the Doctor was a murderer, and they were his accomplices! What a ludicrous idea. As if the Doctor would ever murder anyone. Upon learning of the Doctor's arrest, he and Brogan had made their way to Scotland Yard, to secure his release. They found an Inspector who wouldn't listen to them at all. Instead, he tried to have them arrested, too. But then word was brought that the Doctor had somehow escaped his cell! He and Brogan made their escape as well, stumbling upon the Doctor some distance away, crouched over the body of another dead girl! Admittedly, it was shocking at first. But there was simply no way the Doctor was a murderer. They ran and hid in an abandoned building as they alarm rang out. Keegan looked around. The Doctor was staring intently at this person, Jonathan Chance, who had suddenly appeared in the building they hid in. He and the Doctor knew each other, apparently. Keegan shivered as Chance glanced his way. He glared defiantly at Chance, who smirked and looked away. Keegan saw that Brogan was staring fascinatedly at Chance. He felt a flash of emotion, it felt like..jealousy? No way! Why should he be jealous of Brogan looking at Chance? No way, he certaingly wasn't jealous. Not at all! Not sure of what he was trying to convince himself, he turned away towards the windows. He saw the shadows of the policemen as they walked by outside. He hoped they went away, soon. ========== VICTORIAN SHADOWS Part Three by Albert Berry and Jennifer Kokoski NEW ADVENTURES OF DOCTOR WHO SIMULATION America Online 7 May 1997 THE PLAYERS Alfred C. Snider/DRTUNA as The Doctor Lisa Heller/Zoewho as Zoe Herriot Jennifer Kokoski/BroganMc as Brogan MacGill David Sharpe/AlexKeegan as Alex Keegan Albert Berry/FreylichT as Jonathan Chance Shorty144 as Malakar Hard2Crash as Professor Lightfoot Various as Inspector Peel Various as Ms. Aelsa Nyt RobLStubbs as Constable Smith IN AN ABANDONED BNUILDING IN 19TH CENTURY LONDON Constable Smith: I am not going to tell the Inspector you are : : as Constables leave: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor listens as the police vanish in the fog.: : Alex Keegan: : : Keegan hears the police disappear into the fog: : Alex Keegan: : : : Keegan watches the stranger, Jonathan Chance, carefully: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor turns and looks at the group in hiding ... the TARDIS crew and Chance.: : : The Doctor: Well, here we are. Mysterious happenings, strange inhuman murders, and as usual, we are blamed. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stands and begins to step over discarded items as he begins to leave.: : : The Doctor: The action seems to be based around that Theatre. And those passages... Jonathan Chance: : : looking at Dr.: : Sorry, what was that? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks at Chance: : : Not free yet, eh? Jonathan Chance: Sadly no Dr. and I have misplaced Polly... The Doctor: : : : The Doctor moves into the foggy street.: : : The Doctor: Yes, Polly. Jonathan Chance: : : The fog almost seems to be coming from Jonathan himself: : Jonathan Chance: You... you haven't seen her have you? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor turns to Brogan and Keegan: : : We need a place to regroup. To share what we know. The Doctor: : : : looks at Chance: : : Some may know more than others. Jonathan Chance: : : looks at Brogan and Keegan as if seeing them for the first time: : Oh! Hello Alex Keegan Perhaps we could regroup at Aelsa's? Jonathan Chance: I could use a bit of tea, any to be found? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor nods: : : Is it far from here, or the Theatre? Alex Keegan Not really, follow me. Jonathan Chance: : : follows the Dr. and Keegan: : Alex Keegan Excuse me, Doctor, I don't think you introduced me to your friend. The Doctor: Right. Keegan-Chance, Chance-Keegan. The Doctor: And Brogan, of course. The Doctor: Former companion, current companions. Jonathan Chance: : : a cold stone hand takes his and shakes it somberly: : The Doctor: It seems very suspicious, Jonathan, you being here, amongst all of THIS. Jonathan Chance: You have changed a bit Dr.... The Doctor: Time changes all who enjoy life, Jonathan. Jonathan Chance: Indeed. I think there is evil afoot. The Doctor: Well, I would say so. Vampiric crimes against women, strange visitations. The Doctor: I was set free from my cell by a strange being who seemed to make doors pop open. Jonathan Chance: and YOU are responsible Doctor. Jonathan Chance: : : looks at him and waits: : The Doctor: I should think someone more directly connected with this practice is to blame. Jonathan Chance: Come, let us get somewhere safer and I will explain... Alex Keegan It is just up this street.... Alex Keegan Aelsa's apartments. Jonathan Chance: Doctor, you said someone helped you out of your cell, did you get a look at him? Alex Keegan: : : : Keegan goes to the door and is looking for the key Aelsa had hidden...he had seen her do it.: : : Jonathan Chance: : : Watches Keegan open the door: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor greets Zoe and the Prof.: : : Well, well, now we are united for once! Alex Keegan: : : Keegan finally finds the hidden key and opens the front door: : Jonathan Chance: : : looking at the new comers: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor waves to them: : : Quickly, inside. We need to share information...desperately! Alex Keegan: : : : : Keegan lets everyone inside, closing the door behind them: : : Brogan: : : Brogan ducks quickly inside apt.: : IN A SECRET PASSAGEWAY UNDER THE ROYAL THEATRE Zoe: : : : Zoe stands, horrified at the thought of the fate of Aelsa. Zoe: : : : Zoe turns away from the door, slowly resigned to the truth: : : Zoe: It's too late. She is a vampire slave by now, for sure. Zoe: : : : A quick glance at the professor confirms her suspicion.. he will not admit it.: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe goes over to the professor and pats him on the back: : : Are you all right? Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: : This is pointless searching this theater like this Zoe: : : : Softly: : : There's nothing we can do for her, I'm afraid: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe looks at the professor, puzzled by his remark: : : But, Professor... Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: : I am a little confused, sorry Zoe: We're NOT at the theatre... : : : Zoe hesitates: : : The strain, I understand. Zoe: : : : Zoe begins to investigate the walls: : : Hmmm... there must be away out, surely. Prof. Lightfoot: : : Professor: : I will try to keep my mind in one piece, thank you Zoe: : : : Zoe taps lightly, and listens to see if any of the walls are hollow: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : Professor: : Goes with what Zoe's doing Zoe: : : : Zoe's face brightens: : : Well, we'll keep you in one piece ... Zoe: I've found a way out! Prof. Lightfoot: : : Professor: : You did, : : Zoe: : : : Zoe scrunches her nose and bends to the floor: : : I think so... Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: : Well get us out then Zoe: : : : Pulling at the bottom of the paneling, Zoe strains: : ; Well, you COULD help... Prof. Lightfoot: : : pulls at paneling: : Zoe: : : : Zoe strains, and puffs: : : Thanks. Zoe: : : : The paneling gives way, revealing a small 3 ft by 3 foot crawl space: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe groans: : : Oooh. I hate small spaces. Prof. Lightfoot: : : oh joy a crawl space: : Zoe: Will you make it okay? I think this is our only option. Prof. Lightfoot: : : enters crawl space: : Zoe: : : : Looks over her shoulder: : : Anyway, I'm not going to wait to get vampirized! Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: : its not that bad down here, actually its pretty warm Zoe: : : Zoe looks skeptical, but follows after the professor: : : Zoe: : : : The tunnel leads them to a sewer duct, complete with rats and running water: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : Brushes away a cobweb: : Prof. Lightfoot: : professor: yippee: Zoe: : : : Mutters: : : Ew... I'll have to mention something to the Doctor about the sanitation Prof. Lightfoot: : : its not that bad: : Zoe: : : : Zoe bangs her head: : : OW! Zoe: : : : Rubbing her head, Zoe looks up to see a sewer manhole: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: : watch out for those rats Zoe: Ahh! Professor! Look! : : : Zoe points: : : Let's get OUT of this fragrant space. Constable Smith: : : : rat runs past Zoe going Squeak Squeak : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: : good eyesight Zoe: : : Not one to be easily squeamish, nevertheless Zoe quickly climbs up and out: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : crawls slowly to the opening: : Zoe: : : : Zoe finds herself above ground, much to her relief: : : Zoe: : : : Looks down at the professor: : : You need a hand? Prof. Lightfoot: : : emerges out of crawl space: : Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: : no Zoe: : : : Zoe checks herself, remembering that she's in 19th century London: : : Zoe: : : : Blushes: : : Oh, right. Of course you don't. Well, then, shall we go to Aelsa's? Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: : Very well Zoe: : : : Zoe and the professor make their way to Aelsa's... and run into Keegan and the others. ON THE FOGGY DARK STREETS OF LONDON Inspector Peel: : : grimly observes the lifeless figure of girl lying in the cold street: : Inspector Peel: : : notes she is the same as the others, a look of surprised horror on her pale face: : Inspector Peel: : : Constable nearby drones on: : Name is Lucy Finn according to locals. She worked.. Inspector Peel: : : constable: : ... at the theatre. Just like the others. Constable Smith: : : constable: : Poor girl She looks so young Inspector Peel: Again with that accursed place. : : pauses in thought: : Constable Smith: Sir what should we do with the body : : : looking at Inspector: : : Inspector Peel: Too young, constable. I've seen too many young, pretty faces like this lately. Inspector Peel: It's time I put a stop to it. : : gathers himself to leave: : Constable Smith: At least it isn't like that girl that got run over by a carriage Sir Inspector Peel: : : Stops when two constables return from their search to report: : Constable Smith: I will wait here with the body sir for the wagon Inspector Peel: : : knows from reading their faces: : You lost them. The Doctor and his friends. Inspector Peel: : : constables stumble out apologies and excuses: : Constable Smith: Constable 1 They got away Sir : : ducking head in shame: : Inspector Peel: Never mind. Just see this wretched girl is taken to the morgue. I'll do the rest. Inspector Peel: : : Peel storms off and makes good time to the theatre: : Constable Smith: yes Sir : : watching for wagon: : : IN THE LAIR OF MALAKAR, UNDER THE ROYAL THEATRE Malakar: : : : : : Malakar walks toward Aelsa, who is now a human vampire, under his control: : : : Malakar: No, my dear, now is not yet the time for your death. You will help me capture Malakar: the Dr. He shall die for betraying me. : : : : a slow, evil smile crosses his lips: : : Malakar: And.....in the process, he shall take the blame for these murders. Allowing me Malakar: the time I need. : : : : he looks at Aelsa, smiling coldly: : : : And you will help me, : : : takes Malakar: : : : her jaw in his hand: : : : won't you, my lovely? Aelsa: : : : : smiles: : : : Yes, my Lord Malakar. Malakar: Malakar: Come, my dear. It is time to put my plan into action. : : : takes her hand and IN THE APARTMENTS OF MS. AELSA NYT The Doctor: : : : The Doctor gestures for people to be seated and introduces everyone.: : : The Doctor: This, my friends, is Jonathan Chance. Previously he traveled with me, but he left for, err... ...health reasons. Jonathan Chance: : : even inside the lit room Chance seems to be surrounded by shadows: : Alex Keegan: : : : Keegan sits down: : : Jonathan Chance: Doctor, let me tell you what I know... Zoe: : : : Zoe plops herself down: : : Doctor, you don't know what a RELIEF it is to see you! The Doctor: Yes, the two of you! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor listens to Chance: : : Jonathan Chance: : : looking around the room his ice blue eyes peering at everyone: : Prof. Lightfoot: : : relaxes in chair: : Jonathan Chance: have you heard of Malakar? The Doctor: Malakar, Malakar.... Zoe: : : : Zoe squints her eyes, concentrating: : : Alex Keegan: : : : Keegan shakes his head no: : : Jonathan Chance: He is someone you and I have come in contact with before, but you would not let me kill him. Prof. Lightfoot: : : being a professor he tries to think of a species of animal: : The Doctor: Killing is rarely the answer, Jonathan. Jonathan Chance: It is Malakar who is now Killing.... Doctor... Jonathan Chance: He is here, and he is... VAMPYRE. Alex Keegan: How can we stop this Malakar? Zoe: : : : Zoe suddenly remembers she hasn't told anyone about Aelsa: : : Oh! Dear! The Doctor: Yes, yes, yes. Killing people who kill people to show killing is wrong. I know I know. The Doctor: But why is he here? What is his gambit? Alex Keegan: Vampyre??? Zoe: I think... Oh, I fear the worst... Doctor, Brogan... Keegan... I think.. Aelsa! Alex Keegan: Great Googly Moogly! ! ! ! Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: Vampire hogwash Zoe: : : : Zoe jumps to her feet, and begins to pace: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: : he's probably just a loon The Doctor: Don't mock the power of vampires, Professor. It is not supernatural occurrence. It is a natural.. Jonathan Chance: yes Keegan, but not like you know it... he needs white blood cells and doesn't "suck" blood Zoe: : : : Turns and faces the room: : : It's horrible - The professor, Aelsa and I... we were The Doctor: ...and often very evil and dangerous condition. Not really like your myths, though. Zoe: In the tunnels, and found incredible machinery - not at ALL 19th century... Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: : I believe in only what is true Zoe: Quite advanced... anyway, Aelsa - she was... : : : Zoe stops: : : Alex Keegan: I've seen stranger things, why not vampires? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks at Zoe: : : Yes? Jonathan Chance: on his left hand is antennae that can puncture the skin and take what he needs. Zoe: Doctor... I think Aelsa may have run into this... Malakar. Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: : It was anything but, ...VAMPIRES Jonathan Chance: Professor, can you explain the killings? Zoe: : : : Zoe swallows: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor is stunned: : : Aelsa? Not Aelsa! Zoe: We were separated... and she was... she was ... we heard her scream... Jonathan Chance: : whispers: Aelsa? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor lowers his head: : : She was so young, so gifted. Alex Keegan: Oh, no! ! Zoe: : : : Pauses: : The explanation makes sense! Oh, dear, it's horrible. Brogan: : : Brogan shudders at the thought of poor Aelsa's murder: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks up: : : I know it is horrible, but remember the mosquito on this world. The Doctor: Malakar is just a dangerous and demented mosquito, feeding on humans voraciously. Prof. Lightfoot: Professor: so does this vampire, suck blood?? Brogan: Brogan>Mosquito's don't kill, Doctor. And vampires don't belong on Earth. Zoe: : : : Zoe's bottom lip trembles: : : Yes, Doctor. We might be next! Alex Keegan: But Malakar kills people to feed, mosquitoes usually don't kill. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stands.: : : Unless we are sure of Aelsa, then we must hurry to the theatre. The Doctor: There may be time to save her, or at least confirm her fate. Jonathan Chance: Let us go to the Theatre, and Finish this Blood bath YOU have started Doctor! Alex Keegan: Now hold on there! The Doctor is not responsible for the actions of others. Zoe: : : : Turns to Brogan: : : But, Brogan. There was machinery - SPACE machinery! Brogan: Brogan to Zoe> Which means this Malakar, whoever he is, doesn't belong here. Zoe: : : : Zoe nods at Brogan: : : Not only that - he doesn't belong in this TIME. Brogan: Brogan>And we have to send him right back where he came from! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks at Chance: : : Perhaps this time, we will have to make an end of this Malakar! Jonathan Chance: Perhaps?? : : shakes his head, pulling out a sword: : : yes...Perhaps. Alex Keegan: No one is. Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: : put that thing down The Doctor: Now Keegan, I am not concerned by blame. I usually get blamed for everything. Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: : you could hurt some one Alex Keegan: How will we stop this Malakar? The Doctor: What I AM interested in is preventing any new feedings, and finding out about Aelsa. The Doctor: I once promised to look after her. Zoe: : : : Zoe shakes her head sadly: : : Doctor, I'm afraid you're too late for that. Jonathan Chance: That's the point Professor. : : looks to Keegan: : We shall take his head! Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor: : violence is not the only way The Doctor: Zoe, we will always be too late to stop murders which have already happened. The Doctor: We must focus on those that we can STOP! Zoe: You're right Doctor, but, still.. I find it hard to accept. Alex Keegan: Okay, that can be done. Jonathan Chance: : : goes to the door: : WHO's going with me? Brogan: : : Brogan goes to door: : Then what are we waiting for, Doctor. The theatre is where we should go. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor rises and gestures to Chance: : : Well, sir, shall we? Prof. Lightfoot: I'm coming The Doctor: Very good, Professor Lightfoot. I am sure at some point we will need a witness for the police. Alex Keegan: : : stands up, goes with the others: : : Jonathan Chance: I am already there Doctor... : : grinning: : Brogan: That's where this "thing" Malakar lives. Alex Keegan: : : : locks the door behind them again, hides the key as they leave: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe shivers: : : I don't think I can handle going back to Malakar's place... Zoe: knowing what I know now. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks suspiciously at Chance as they walk rapidly to the nearby theatre.: : : Jonathan Chance: Dr., we must destroy his spaceship, it is his source of power... Prof. Lightfoot: scary Jonathan Chance: I am sure it will be at the theatre. Prof. Lightfoot: : : gulp: : The Doctor: Yes, the theatre seems to be his locus of control. Zoe: : : : Zoe overhears the Doctor and Chance: : : But I think we saw his spaceship! Jonathan Chance: Hmm, then perhaps we should split up.. Doctor? AT THE ROYAL THEATRE, ALMOST ALL THE LIGHTS ARE OUT Inspector Peel: : : Peel arrives in darkened theatre, explores top stage level and slowly Inspector Peel: descends below: : Inspector Peel: : : Peel enters the cellars, making his way past stage props: : Inspector Peel: Peel> : : mutters: : I know he must have a hovel somewhere here. Malakar: : : : : : begins walking up to the Theatre level: : : : Inspector Peel: Blackguards always do like dark, underground passages. Inspector Peel: : : Peel's back is turned as a hidden trap door opens: : Malakar: : : : : Malakar and Aelsa walk out of the secret door behind the inspector: : : : Inspector Peel: : : Peel knocks over a large Indian mask with loud crash, jumps: : Inspector Peel: : : Peel jumps backward toward Malakar and Aelsa, stops abruptly: : Inspector Peel: : : Peel notices room seems darker, colder: : Malakar: : : : : grins in a predatory fashion at the Inspector: : : : Hello, Inspector.. Malakar: ....Peel, is it? Inspector Peel: : : Peel turns slowly facing Malakar, reaches for his nightstick : : Inspector Peel: My lord? Miss Nyt? What are you doing... : : drifts off noticing something very odd: : Inspector Peel: : : Aelsa's eyes seem to glow: : Malakar: : : : : chuckles: : : : Really, Inspector, you don't think that : : : points at the Malakar: : : the nightstick: : : : will do you any good? Malakar: You have become quite the pest Inspector. : : : looks at Aelsa: : : : Aelsa, my dear... Malakar: Dispose of this nuisance. Inspector Peel: : : Peel brandishes club: : I remove pests, sir. And you, I believe, are just the "pest".. Inspector Peel: ... I am looking for. Malakar: : : : grins widely, his eyes glowing with a fierce light: : : : Inspector Peel: : : Peel gets ready to defend himself against Malakar, but Aelsa approaches: : Aelsa: : : : : walks toward the inspector, her eyes glowing crimson, a wave of cold air moves before her: : : Inspector Peel: Miss Nyt, please get out of my way. Aelsa: : : : with a sudden movement she rushes forward and grabs Peel by the throat: : : Inspector Peel: : : Peel is wary and confused. He can't hit a female.: : Miss Nyt, come to your senses woman! Inspector Peel: : : Peel frantically tries to pull Aelsa away from his neck, she scratches him: : Aelsa: : : : an antenna extends from her wrist into Peel's throat: : : : Inspector Peel: : : Peel cries out in agony as the tiny suction tube bores into his skin: : Inspector Peel: : : Peel's face goes pale, he stiffens and falls to the ground dead: : Malakar: : : : chuckles: : : : : Malakar: : : : his eyes glowing even brighter at the sound of Peel's agony: : : Malakar: : : : looks down at Peel: : : : So much for a budding career. Malakar: Good Job, my dear. : : : : he smiles thinly at Aelsa: : : : Malakar: Perhaps a bit to eager, but nevertheless, well done. Aelsa: : : : : smiles at Malakar: : : : Malakar: : : : : extends his arm out to Aelsa: : : Shall we go my dear, I sense that our friends should be arriving very soon. Aelsa: : : : takes Malakar's proffered arm: : : Yes, my Lord. Malakar: : : : : Malakar and Aelsa walk into a secret passageway: : : : Malakar: : : : : Malakar and Aelsa exit the secret passageway into a balcony: : : Malakar: : : : : leans onto the balcony railing and looks down into the darkened theatre: : : : Malakar: : : : : : whispers to himself: : : Come to me, Doctor. Malakar: : : : : his fingers dig into the wood of the railing: : : : Malakar: : : : : : smiles and whispers: : : : come to your doom. AT THE ROYAL THEATRE Brogan: : : Brogan climbs the entrance steps to the theatre and notices door wide open: : Alex Keegan: : : : Keegan follows Brogan up the steps: : : : Brogan: : : Brogan pauses on threshold, murmurs: : Almost as if we're expected. Prof. Lightfoot: : : follows Keegan: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stands in the open doorway.: : Strange. Prof. Lightfoot: I've always liked the classics Brogan: Brogan> Doctor, I have an odd feeling about this. Brogan: : : Brogan cautiously enters theatre looking about for any movement: : The Doctor: Zoe, you know where his spaceship is? Zoe: Doctor did you hear me? The professor and I SAW it. It was an old clunker of a thing. Jonathan Chance: : : : a shiver runs down his spine: : : He is here Doctor! Jonathan Chance: Doctor we must get in there now! Prof. Lightfoot: mom Zoe: : : : Zoe shrugs: : Yes, I suppose I know, seeing as we were just there... Prof. Lightfoot: It was, The Doctor: Well, we need to stop him from killing, AND we need to destroy his spaceship. Zoe: : : : It dawns on Zoe that the Doctor will ask her to return to dismantle the ship: : : The Doctor: Zoe, I was wondering... Zoe: Oh, Doctor... I don't think I can go back there. You can't ask me... Zoe: : : : Zoe is adamant: : : It was so creepy! The Doctor: You know where it is. It can be destroyed. I must go after Malakar. He may be a tougher nut to crack Prof. Lightfoot: lets get em Prof. Lightfoot: can you give me a nifty sword? Jonathan Chance: : : stepping in: : Let us go. Zoe: : : : Zoe scowls after the retreating figure of the Doctor: : : he is SO infuriating! Jonathan Chance: : : The darkness nearly engulfs CHANCE, only his ice blue eyes can be seen nearly glowing: : Brogan: : : Brogan chuckles: : Isn't he always, Zoe? You should be used to it by now. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor turns without determining who will do what, and follows Chance.: : : Zoe: : : : Sighs: : : I know, you're right. I should be used to it... I just can't. Prof. Lightfoot: walks into the theater The Doctor: Someone needs to make sure he doesn't escape, and that we know if the police arrive. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor follows Chance's eyes.: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe resignedly turns away, and finds the professor: : : Professor... Prof. Lightfoot: Zoe, now what? IN A HIDDEN BALCONY OF THE THEATRE Aelsa : : : : turns to Malakar: : : I will follow them below. Malakar: No, my dear. My traps will deal with them. You deal with that young man. Malakar: : : : : : his grin is feral: : : I will deal with the young lady. Aelsa : : : : walks down toward the stage: : : IN THE INNER LOBBY OF THE THEATRE Brogan: : : Brogan shakes head and watches Zoe go, turns to Keegan: : Brogan: I guess this means we get the guard duty? Alex Keegan: Of course, as per usual. Brogan: : : a sudden breeze blows front door shut and blows out the theatre candles: : Alex Keegan: : : looks around, trying not to be nervous: : : Brogan: : : Brogan shivers and gasps, unconsciously reaches for Keegan's shoulder: : Alex Keegan: : : : Jumps when he feels Brogan's hand on his shoulder: : : : Brogan: Will you stop fidgeting! Alex Keegan: : : whirls around in defensive posture, then stops, smiles sheepishly: : Brogan: Did you hear that? Alex Keegan: Sorry, Brogan. Malakar: Malakar: : : : moves into the shadows of the balcony and makes some subtle noises: : : Brogan: Sssh! I heard something. I think it came from the stage. Alex Keegan: Hear what? Alex Keegan: Then we'd better check it out. Brogan: Small footsteps. Brogan: : : Brogan feels Keegan step away: : Where are you going? Alex Keegan: : : : Hears footsteps: : : Malakar: Aelsa: : : : moves onto the stage, into the shadows: : : Alex Keegan: I'm going to go check out the stage, Brogan. Brogan: : : Brogan sighs when Keegan leaves her behind: : Brogan: : : Brogan's eyes slowly adjust to the dark. She sees a shadow move along the balcony: : Malakar: Malakar: : : : grins down at Brogan: : : Come to me my dear : : : whispers: : : Brogan: : : Brogan climbs the stairs to the balcony cursing herself the whole time: : BACKSTAGE AT THE ROYAL THEATRE Jonathan Chance: How does it feel Doctor, to have so many lives lost on your head? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor follows Chance's eyes.: : : The Doctor: Every choice is a tragic one, Jonathan. I will live with mine. And you....? Jonathan Chance: I do what I must. how many people have you known that have died? Jonathan Chance: : : smiles: : : Yes, he is close. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor frowns at Chance: : : Some have died while helping me, but I never fed on any of them! Jonathan Chance: so their lives weren't even worth as much as a dinner, tossed aside. and you live... The Doctor: : : : The Doctor reaches out with his mind and senses Malakar.: : : Jonathan Chance: : : sees a figure: : LOOK, over there! : : points The Doctor: I am not pressing the issue of judgment, Chance, you are. And you might save it for a more... Jonathan Chance: : : chases after the figure: : : Come on Doctor! : : long coat flowing: : The Doctor: ...reflective moment. This creature is very, very evil. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor dashes after Chance into the backstage darkness: : : Jonathan Chance: : : : figure moves barely being seen till it gets to the wardrobe closet: : Jonathan Chance: : : looks at the Doctor: : after you? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor moves towards the wardrobe: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor enters the wardrobe, looking around at the costumes.: : : Jonathan Chance: : : CHANCE jumps in after him: : The Doctor: : : : The wardrobe door slams shut, and there is a descending feeling as the entire room is a lift: : : Jonathan Chance: Oh boy.... BACKSTAGE AT THE ROYAL THEATRE Prof. Lightfoot: Zoe, now what Zoe: Professor! : : : Zoe calls out: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : walks to Zoe Zoe: : : : Zoe rubs her shoulders;: : Is it cold in here, or is it just me? Zoe: I think I feel a breeze... Zoe: : : : Zoe shivers: : : Prof. Lightfoot: yea, its pretty cool Zoe: : : : Zoe is determined, at the very least to ACT brave, so she smiles: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : whistles a tune: : Zoe: Well, never mind. Professor, you and I have a mission. Prof. Lightfoot: Very well. Zoe: We must... return... : : : Zoe swallows, her throat is suddenly dry: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : runs on-stage: : Zoe: : : : Zoe continues: : : we must return to the ship and dismantle it. Prof. Lightfoot: find the passage Zoe: : : : Watches after the professor, who has run on stage: : : What? Zoe: Oh, right! We have to find the passage. Prof. Lightfoot: find the ship, where was it : : rubs his chin, confused: : Zoe: : : : Zoe watches the professor, who has become more befuddled by the moment: : : Prof. Lightfoot: What Zoe: Well, : : : Zoe says, matter-of-factly: : : we should probably go look where WE went. Prof. Lightfoot: ahhh Zoe: : : : Zoe wanders to Aelsa's dressing room, and is surprised to find it locked! : : : Prof. Lightfoot: let me : : he says walking to the dressing room: : Zoe: : : : Zoe turns to the Professor: : : It's locked! Prof. Lightfoot: : : raises a foot and crashes it against the door: : Prof. Lightfoot: easier than finding a key? Zoe: : : : Zoe moves away from the door anxiously: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe shakes her head: : : There's GOT to be another entrance... Zoe: Come on... : : : Zoe motions: : : we haven't looked BELOW yet... I bet there's an exit. Prof. Lightfoot: Very well. Zoe: Zoe and Professor stumble in the dark through the cellar: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe trips over something lumpy: : : OUCH! ! Prof. Lightfoot: you okay Zoe: : : : Zoe sprawls out on the floor... she has just tripped over Inspector Peel: : : Prof. Lightfoot: turns over peel Zoe: : : : Zoe groans in response: : : Prof. Lightfoot: that is sick Zoe: What is it? Prof. Lightfoot: I don't know, who or what? Zoe: : : : Zoe gets to her feet and stiffly walks over to see: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : makes a failed attempt to smile: : Zoe: : : : Zoe gasps: : : Oh, no! Zoe: : : Zoe bends to inspect the body: : : It's dreadful! but he's still warm! Prof. Lightfoot: he might still be alive, but I doubt it ON THE STAGE OF THE DARKENED ROYAL THEATRE Alex Keegan: : : : makes his way carefully to the stage: : : Alex Keegan: : : : hears a whisper: : : Alex Keegan: : : : looks around the stage: : Aelsa: : : : steps out of the shadows, looking pale and terrified: : : Alex Keegan: : : : sees Aelsa and stops: : : Alex Keegan: Don't come any further, Aelsa. Aelsa: Help me Alex! Aelsa: He's after me! : : : looks over her shoulder, apparently terrified: : : Alex Keegan: We're going to help you, Aelsa. Just don't come any further! Aelsa: : : : looks at Alex, and her face suddenly changes horribly as she rushes at him: : : Alex Keegan: : : : Keegan sees the horrifying change come over Aelsa: : : : Aelsa: : : lets out a animalistic snarl as she rushes at him: : : Alex Keegan: : : : Keegan races forward and delivers a kick to Aelsa's midriff: : : : Aelsa: : : : moves back a couple of steps and then smiles at Alex: : : Alex Keegan: : : : Keegan shakes his head, it should have knocked her out: : : Alex Keegan: You're definitely not human anymore, Aelsa. Alex Keegan: Leave, don't make me have to kill you. Aelsa: : : : : Aelsa advances menacingly towards Keegan: : : Alex Keegan: : : : : Keegan flicks his wrist, his dagger shoots from it's spring sheath into his waiting hand: : : Alex Keegan: : : : hears Brogan screaming, knows something is wrong: : : : Alex Keegan: : : : Keegan throws his dagger at Aelsa: : : : Alex Keegan: : : : watches amazed as she snatches it out of the air, throws it back at him: : : : Alex Keegan: : : : he ducks hearing the swish as it passes over his head, THUNKing into the floor behind him: : : Alex Keegan: : : : He hears Brogan's cries, descending lower in the theatre: : : Alex Keegan: : : Keegan smiles at Aelsa: : : Alex Keegan: Well, as much fun as this is... Alex Keegan: {S mustdash Alex Keegan: : : : Keegan turns racing across the stage: : Alex Keegan: : : : He grabs his dagger and dashes down the stairs after Brogan: : : Aelsa: : : : Aelsa snarls in frustration and follows him: : : Alex Keegan: : : : following the sounds of struggling, he makes his way ever deeper into the bowels of the theatre: : : Aelsa:: : : the snarling growling Aelsa practically on his heels: : : Alex Keegan: : : without realizing it, they make their way towards the Boiler room: : : Alex Keegan: : : Keegan can almost feel the fetid breath on his neck: : : Alex Keegan: : : : He pulls boxes down behind him to block the way: : : : Aelsa: : : Aelsa vaults over them: : Alex Keegan: : : Keegan comes to a door, opens it and races through: : : BACKSTAGE AT THE ROYAL THEATRE Zoe: : : : As Zoe touches his hand to feel for a pulse, suddenly, Peel springs to life! Zoe: : : : Zoe screams: : : Zoe: s{scream Prof. Lightfoot: AHHHHHHHHHHHH, my god Zoe: : : : Peel growls, shiny red drool hanging from his upper lip: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : punches peel Zoe: : : : Peel takes a swipe at the professor: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : kicks him in the head: : Zoe: : : : the punch leaves the undead unphased! : : : Zoe: : : : the undead vampire shell of the inspector continues forward, : : : Prof. Lightfoot: umm help Zoe: : : : Zoe screams again: : : What shall we do! ! ! Prof. Lightfoot: : : screams an ear shattering shout: : HELP Zoe: : : : Zoe looks around, noticing a crate full of opera costumes: : : Zoe: : : : With a quick, decisive movement, Zoe grabs the crate, and yanks a piece of wood Prof. Lightfoot: : : the professor does the same: : Zoe: : : : The wood tears off in the form of a stake: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe races at the Inspector, and drives the stake right through his heart! : : Prof. Lightfoot: all I got was a square Zoe: : : : Peel staggers at the blow, letting out a low bellow before collapsing: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe, stares, wide-eyed and pale at the sight of the dead beast: : : Prof. Lightfoot: Wow, you killed him! ! ! ! Zoe: : : : Smiles weakly: : : Well, come on, there's no time to spare... Prof. Lightfoot: : : follows Zoe: : Zoe: : : : Zoe turns and enters the tunnel to Malakar's lair: : : Prof. Lightfoot: we did it, now what Zoe: : : : Zoe says over her shoulder: : : Well, professor... we are to destroy the ship! Prof. Lightfoot: Finally, got any explosives? Zoe: : : : Zoe stops: : : No... do you? Prof. Lightfoot: no Prof. Lightfoot: there must be a self destruct button or something Zoe: : : : Wrinkles her nose: : : Well... not exactly a self-destruct BUTTON... but Zoe: I think I see what you're saying... Prof. Lightfoot: finally someone hears me out A DISGUISED LIFT TO THE REALMS BELOW THE ROYAL THEATRE The Doctor: : : : The Doctor pounds on the door: : : Come on, come on, let's get to housewares and get it over with The Doctor: : : : The wardrobe lift stops...it has reached the bottom.: : : The Doctor: : : : The door opens, and the Doctor looks out into a large chamber with thousands of candles.: : : Jonathan Chance: Hmm, this isn't fun now is it? The Doctor: I wonder how he keeps all of these candles lit? Jonathan Chance: probably a stage effect. : shrugs: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor turns to Chance: : : I believe it is your turn to go first this time, my friend. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor is still suspicious of Chance: : : Jonathan Chance: Well then, let us check on the sewers! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor exits the wardrobe lift, and looks around at the bizarre room.: : : The Doctor: : : : There is a huge vat of hot wax in one corner, heated by a steaming puffing boiler.: : : : Jonathan Chance: : : standing next to him: : : I think this problem is... waxing? The Doctor: : : : At the other end of the room is a gated entrance to the sewers and the Fleet River.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks closely at body parts lying about and is glad they are wax theatre dummies.: : The Doctor: Well, this looks like his lair, but I expected a little more in the way of technological artifacts. Jonathan Chance: : : pulls out a pistol shaped weapon: : Jonathan Chance: Doctor... The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks at Chance's weapon: : : Yes? Jonathan Chance: I think you will find this interesting.... it is a plasma inductor. The Doctor: Hmm, very nasty for a life form like you described. Jonathan Chance: I can remove white blood cells with a single shot. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks around sizing up the room...what to do when the confrontation comes?: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stands still and listens as sharply as he can.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor turns to Chance: : : I was wondering. How is your health? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor knows he has asked a very loaded question: : : Jonathan Chance: : : his back turned to the Doctor: : : I am still: : : Jonathan Chance: : : turning and looking up at Balcony fangs bared and eyes aflame: : VAMPYRE! ! IN A DARK BALCONY OF THE ROYAL THEATRE Brogan: : : Brogan steps onto balcony, sees the curtains sway: : Malakar: : : : : moves into his secret passageway: : : Brogan: : : balcony appears empty, she steps to the edge looking at stage below: : Brogan: : : the stage curtains move below, Brogan sees Keegan moving behind them: : Brogan: : : Brogan opens her mouth to call out to Keegan, but stops when she feels sudden draft: : Malakar: : : : : steps out of his passageway behind Brogan. The room goes deathly cold: : : Brogan: : : Brogan stifles a cry of alarm as she feels a presence join her: : Brogan: : : Brogan slowly turns around: : Malakar: : : : : smiles at Brogan: : : Hello, my meddlesome little lady. Brogan: : : Brogan backs up and bumps into balcony railing, notices how far down it is: : Brogan: Malakar, I presume? Malakar: : : : : chuckles: : : Yes, it is a long way down, isn't it. : : : shakes his head: : : Malakar: I am afraid there is nowhere to run, my dear. Brogan: : : Brogan edges toward balcony exit: : Well, that all depends on who's faster, doesn't it? Brogan: You won't find my blood so easy to drain, Malakar. Malakar: : : : laughs: : : Oh, my dear lady, I assure you, you are nowhere near fast enough. Brogan: : : Brogan throws a chair at Malakar and races for the exit: : Malakar: Oh, but I don't intend to. : : : smiles: : : At least, not yet. I have other purposes Malakar: for you. You will help me trap the Dr. Malakar: : : grabs Brogan: : : Brogan: : : Brogan struggles wildly against Malakar, calls out Keegan's name: : Malakar: : : : begins to drag her with him into the lower levels of the Theatre: : : : : Malakar: Really my dear, such displays are quiet un-ladylike. : : : walking through the passageways, pulling her after him: : : Brogan: : : Brogan harrumphs as she kicks and struggles again, but she's tiring out: : Malakar: And here we are my dear. Brogan: : : Brogan wonders why the bad guys always have to push her around: : IN THE HIDING PLACE OF MALAKAR'S SPACESHIP Zoe: : : : Zoe and The Professor arrive at the Lair: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe scrambles through the crawl-space into the spaceship room: : : Zoe: : : : The professor follows close behind: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : professor follows her Zoe: : : : Zoe stares at the Ship thoughtfully: : : Well, professor, now what? Zoe: How exactly DO we create a self-destruct button? Prof. Lightfoot: we need to find a terminal, or something Zoe: : : : Zoe snaps her fingers;: : That's right... : : : Zoe walks to the door, pulls it open: : Zoe: : : : Zoe gets into the cockpit: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : follows Zoe: : Zoe: Hmmm... seems to be a late 24th century model, earth style. I wonder where he got it! Prof. Lightfoot: from the future? Zoe: : : : Taps her finger against her forehead: : : Well, YOUR future. My past, really. Prof. Lightfoot: Very well. Zoe: it's all relative, you know. : : : Zoe begins fumbling with the controls: : : Zoe: : : : The ship lets out a low squawk: : : Ooh, that didn't sound right. Zoe: Better try that again. Zoe: : : : Zoe repeats the motion, and the machine shudders: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe smiles: : ; I think we've got it - Professor, you might want to clear the area. Zoe: : : : Zoe motions for the Professor to exit the ship: : : I'll be out after you. Prof. Lightfoot: : : runs to the crawl space Zoe: : : : Zoe fumbles with the controls, as the machine grumbles unhappily: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : jumps in the crawl space: : Zoe: : : : Shuttering, clanking, and hissing, small amounts of steam building up: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : yells for Zoe: : Zoe: : : : The Machine rumbles and quakes. small amounts of rock ceiling fall. Zoe: : : : Zoe scrambles out of the cockpit and dives for the crawl space just in time! : : : Zoe: BABBBBBOOOOOMMMMM! ! ! ! ! WhitePhx: {S explode Prof. Lightfoot: good job Prof. Lightfoot: lets go check on the others Zoe: : : : Zoe coughs and brushes herself off: : : I'm going to need first aid after this! Prof. Lightfoot: : : runs to the theater: : Zoe: Where are you going??? Zoe: : : : Zoe feels the foundation of the lair crumbling, and quickly follows the Prof.: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : yells as loud as he can: :, you should give up you are surrounded by many police officers IN THE WAX CHAMBER OF MALAKAR Jonathan Chance: : : Senses Malakar close: : Be on guard Doctor, he is coming! Malakar: : : : : enters waxworks, pulling Brogan after him: : : Brogan: : : Brogan stumbles onto a wrought iron landing: : Malakar: : : : smiles thinly: : : And I see our guests are already here. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor frowns, then turns as Malakar enters the chamber of Malakar: : : Jonathan Chance: : : CHANCE aims weapon: : DIE Malakar! ! Brogan: Doctor! Malakar: Hello Dr....... : : : smiles: : : Chance. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor immediately begins forming a plan to free Brogan, but is hopeful for Chance's weapon: : : Brogan: : : Brogan tries to duck and avoid Chance's weapon: : Jonathan Chance: : : pulls trigger: : Brogan: : : Malakar won't let Brogan go: : Malakar: : : : : moves to the side and pulls a lever: : : Malakar: : : : : a cage comes crashing from the ceiling, around Chance: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor holds up his hands to protect his eyes from the dark flash of Chance's weapon.: : : Jonathan Chance: : weapon goes flying: : HHHHhsssssss! ! Malakar: : : : : laughs evilly: : Really, Chance, I thought you could have done better than that The Doctor: : : : The Doctor dashes quickly towards Malakar and commands his attention.: : : Listen to me! The Doctor: Malakar, we have met before. You helped me escape. Now let me help you escape! Malakar: : : : coldly looks at the Dr.: : : And what do you want, you pathetic little man. Brogan: Don't call him pathetic, you odious creature! Brogan: : : Brogan looks at Chance with a grim sigh: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor shakes his head and speaks forcefully: : : You do not being here, this world... The Doctor: ...is not for you. Come with me, and I can take you to a world where you can survive. The Doctor: At far less cost to individuals. Huge pastoral creatures, rich in white cells. The Doctor: You could feed off them without killing! Malakar: : : : shakes Brogan briefly while listening to the Dr.: : : Malakar: : Oh, but Dr., I like this world. I find it, : : : smiles: : : quiet entertaining. Brogan: : : Brogan's teeth chatter as she's shaken: : The Doctor: , you could settle down, and not be hunted, as you are now. Jonathan Chance: : : CHANCE picks up the cage and throws it: : : Jonathan Chance: : : Chance is now working his way up to the Doctor: : The Doctor: , I must warn you. You cannot continue this. If not I, then someone else will stop you. Malakar: : But I am quiet happy here, : : : looks at Brogan: : : Yes, quiet happy indeed. Brogan: : : Brogan senses the sinister intent in Malakar A hunter savoring its prey: : Jonathan Chance: : : looking at Malakar: : And now... YOU DIE! The Doctor: Brogan! Keep your senses! Avoid his wrist! Malakar: : : : laughs: : Dr., you are so very naive. I am going to frame you for the Murders I have committed. You will take the blame for my crimes. Brogan: : : Brogan watches in horror as extends his deadly wrist to her...: : Jonathan Chance: : : looks at Brogan, realizes that she must be a reincarnation of Polly: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor moves towards to get between him and Brogan: : : Malakar: : And I will start with killing this delicate little creature. The Doctor: Stop! Brogan: : : tiny suction tubes emerge pulsing in search of food: : Brogan: : : Brogan struggles and backs away but hits the wall: : Malakar: : : : turns toward Brogan, his eyes go crimson, as he pulls a lever causing a wash of hot wax to come between the Dr. and himself : : : Brogan: : : Brogan holds her neck protectively, knows she's trapped: : WhitePhx: {S explode The Doctor: : : : The Doctor feels the explosion and knows Zoe has been at work.: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor backs away from the stream of hot wax. Tries to calculate when it will cool.: : : Malakar: : : : : advances on Brogan: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor begins fumbling in his pockets: : : Malakar: : Now my dear, the time has come for your..... Exit, I believe the word is? Alex Keegan: : : : he finds himself on a balcony: : : Jonathan Chance: : : realizing that Brogan is Polly reincarnated he decides he must have her for his own: : : Brogan: : : Brogan ducks when Keegan slams into Malakar's back pushing him closer to her: : Alex Keegan: : : : he sees an evil being standing in front of him: : : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor shouts: : :, check your ship! Jonathan Chance: Doctor HE MUST DIE! ! Malakar: : : : snarls and twists around in Alex's grasp: : : Brogan: : : Malakar's head hits the wall: : Alex Keegan: : : he cannot stop, so he runs forward ramming the creature knocking him off balance: : Alex Keegan: Aelsa's behind me! ! ! The Doctor: : : : The Doctor pulls a small canister of compressed gas from his pocket: : : Malakar: : : : : his eyes glow a fierce blaze of red as he grabs Chance and throws him across the room: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor quickly sprays the compressed gas over a strip of wax...chilling it quickly: : : IN THE CHAMBER OF MALAKAR Zoe: : : : Zoe quickly emerges behind the professor: : : Jonathan Chance: : : Fangs bared and mouth open Jonathan Chance Attacks: : : Malakar: : : : : rushes at Chance: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor shouts: : : Stop it! Stop it. There has to be a better way! Brogan: : : Brogan ends up knocked to the floor of the balcony as fray occurs around her: : Malakar: : : : : grabs Aelsa as he goes by, hurling her into packing crate: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe quickly sums up the situation, and runs to create a bridge to the Doctor: : : Jonathan Chance: : : looks at the Doctor: : HHHhssssss! ! Alex Keegan: : : : : Keegan tumbles and bumps into the wall: : : Malakar: : : : : pounces on Chance: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : runs after Zoe: : Jonathan Chance: : : CHANCE grabs the aliens left arm and twists it, breaking it: : : Malakar: : : : : crashes with him into a wall: : : : Alex Keegan: : : : sees Chance and Malakar fighting: : : Aelsa: : : Aelsa hits crate hard with an agonizing cry of pain, then silence: : Malakar: : : : : screams a harsh guttural cry: : : Alex Keegan: : : runs over Brogan: : : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor greets Zoe, and works his way over the wax towards Brogan: : : Zoe: Hello, Doctor! We never cease to meet in unusual ways. Jonathan Chance: : : sinking his teeth into Malakar's neck he sinks his teeth into him: : Prof. Lightfoot: We've got to get out of here : hearing the sound and the feel of the theater shaking: : Malakar: : : : : forces Chance's head back with his other hand: : : Alex Keegan: Are you okay, Brogan? Brogan: : : Brogan nurses a banged up head as she sits on the floor in a daze: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor reaches Brogan and is glad she seems not to be seriously hurt: : : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor turns and watches the two creatures of the night fight to the....death?: : : Jonathan Chance: : : : CHANCE puts his feet between him and Malakar and pushes him into the wax! : : : Malakar: : : : : Turns to run, tripping and, with a cry, falls into the vat of wax: : : Alex Keegan: : : : he helps Brogan to her feet: : : Malakar: : : : Malakar screams: : : Alex Keegan: : : : turns as he hears a scream from Malakar: : Jonathan Chance: : : his face a twisted mask looks at those around him, bloodlust in his eyes: : Jonathan Chance: : : then he sees Brogan, and the lust subsides: : Malakar: : : : : the hot wax erupts outward, and closes rapidly around him, for a moment, one arms sticks straight upward, slowly the fingers tighten, as they sink below the wax: : : Brogan: : : Brogan smiles gratefully at Keegan: : Aelsa: : : Lets out a scream as Malakar dies: : : : Prof. Lightfoot: He's dead The Doctor: : : : The Doctor runs to Aelsa, who seems to have fainted: : : : Alex Keegan: : : : Keegan smiles concernedly back at Brogan: : : Brogan: : : Brogan jests to Keegan: : Remind me to stay away from red meat for a while. The Doctor: : : : The Doctor watches as Aelsa's face changes but remains pale: : : Prof. Lightfoot: um hate to break it to you but, um the theater is falling apart Zoe: : : : Zoe breathes a sigh of relief: : : She's okay! Jonathan Chance: : : he walks over to the pistol and picks it up aiming it at the wax/ and shoots Malakar: : The Doctor: Aelsa! Alex Keegan: : : : Keegan grins: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor lowers his head sadly as he cradles Aelsa's dying form: : : Jonathan Chance: : : going over to Aelsa : : : Alex Keegan: : : : looks at the Doctor holding Aelsa: : Jonathan Chance: : : pointing the pistol at her he turns a dial on it and pulls the trigger: : Jonathan Chance: : : a beam of white light engulfs her frame: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor watches Chance's ministrations: : : Jonathan Chance: : : whispers: : : that was supposed to be for me..... Aelsa: : Aelsa now looks like she is just sleeping: : Brogan: : : Brogan steps forward: : What do you mean "for you"? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor realizes what Chance is saying...could it be? He has done this for Aelsa?: : : Zoe: : : : Zoe's look of elation changes to one of sorrow: : : Prof. Lightfoot: The theater is FALLING APART Jonathan Chance: : : CHANCE goes over to the pit and throws the pistol into the wax: : : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor stands and lifts Aelsa, who now seems to be breathing normally: : : : Jonathan Chance: : : looks at Brogan: : : Oh well.... Alex Keegan: The Professor is right, we'd better get out of here! Prof. Lightfoot: : : a small metal beam falls from the ceiling: : Prof. Lightfoot: RUN The Doctor: : : : The Doctor ducks the beam and begins to move out of the chamber, helping Aelsa as he goes.: : : Prof. Lightfoot: : : Dashes to the door dodging many falling structures: : Brogan: : : Brogan looks closely at Chance, besides the evil hunger she senses something else now: : Brogan: : : Brogan senses kindness: : Jonathan Chance: : : : Chance and Brogan vanish and reappear outside: : Zoe: : : : Zoe is elated once again, and quickly runs to the Doctor's side: : : WhitePhx: {S crash The Doctor: Help me with Aelsa or we'll fall behind! Prof. Lightfoot: : : runs to the doctor: : Prof. Lightfoot: Ill take her you go The Doctor: : : : The Doctor helps Aelsa out of the lobby of the Royal Theatre into the street.: : : TWO FIGURES SUDDENLY APPEAR ON THE STREET OUTSIDE THE ROYAL THEATRE Jonathan Chance: : : : CHANCE is outside on the street: : Jonathan Chance: : : Alone with Brogan: : Jonathan Chance: : : smiles at Brogan: : Brogan: : : Brogan looks around her wondering how on Earth she rematerialised outside: : Brogan: Brogan to Chance> I don't understand. How did you do that blanca. Jonathan Chance: Look at how they all come out like roaches... Prof. Lightfoot: : : runs out of theater Jonathan Chance: Brogan such is my life : : looks at the Doctor: : that's the way it goes.. Brogan: : : Brogan asks in wonder: : Why do I have the feeling you know something. Some key... Jonathan Chance: You may never remember but you and I have met. Life is a circle... Brogan: : : Brogan: : A key to my future? Jonathan Chance: : : smiles: : I have to find MY Polly, : : looking knowingly at Brogan: : Brogan: : : Mentally the image of Chance begins to fade in Brogan's view: : Jonathan Chance: So I must go on my own, till me meet again : : the fog seems to take him with out him moving AS THE ROYAL THEATRE SEEMS TO BE COLLAPSING, FIGURES EMERGE FROM IT The Doctor: Thank you, Prof. Lightfoot, I could use an extra hand helping her. Prof. Lightfoot: thanks The Doctor: : : : The Doctor comforts Aelsa, who is waking up quite nicely.: : : Prof. Lightfoot: collapses on the street Zoe: : : : Zoe touches Aelsa's arm: : : How are you feeling? Aelsa: : : : : shakes her head: : : I don't know.....wha... what happened? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks at Chance.: : : You saved her, but not yourself. Why? The Doctor: Perhaps I can give you a lift...to a friendly destination? You've done a lot for us. Zoe: : : : Zoe smiles tenderly at Aelsa, and turns away wordlessly.: : : Aelsa: : : : : clutches her arms around herself, looking confused: : : : Zoe: : : : Walks up to the professor: : ; Good-bye , professor! I don't believe I will forget you Prof. Lightfoot: thanks Prof. Lightfoot: it was a pleasure, Zoe The Doctor: : The Doctor shakes hands with the Professor: : : Yes. Say, how about a cup of tea? My place or yours? Prof. Lightfoot: Yours Zoe: : : Zoe giggles: : : So, Doctor, are you ready to make some tea? The Doctor: Right, well, I may have enough cups. If Aelsa is well enough, to the TARDIS, then? The Doctor: : : : The Doctor walks away talking to the Professor: : : Aelsa: : : : : nods, standing up: : : As long as someone will tell me what happened. Zoe: : : : Zoe listens in with the Doctor and the Professor: : : Prof. Lightfoot: So he really was a vampire The Doctor: You see, Prof. Lightfoot, people drink tea in many parts of the galaxy, but here on Earth..... Zoe: : : : Falling back to Aelsa: : : Oh, let's just say... you may not want to know... Zoe: : : : Zoe links arms chumily with Aelsa: : : But, I suppose, for posterity... Aelsa: : : : raises an eyebrow at Zoe as she follows the Dr. and the Professor: : : : Zoe: All you need to know is that you're about to have some of the best tea... Aelsa: : : : : shudders, although she isn't sure why: : : : Good, I think I could use some. Zoe: : : : Zoe nods in agreement: : : Me, too. It's some of the best tea in the galaxy. The Doctor: Chance! Where are you? Brogan: : : Physically, Brogan appears in a strange daze watching Chance and others leave: : The Doctor: I say, are you coming Chance? : : : The Dr. looks back and sees that Chance has vanished. : : Brogan: : : Mentally, Brogan calls out to Chance. Only one thought resonates...: : Brogan: : : "In time, my darling. Time is the key.": : : Chance's image fades to black: : The Doctor: : : : The Doctor looks at Brogan: : : My dear, are you well? Zoe: : : : Zoe stops, as she sees Brogan: : : Brogan: : : Brogan physically shakes her head and blinks: : What? Brogan: Oh Doctor! Yes, I'm fine. I think. Zoe: : : Adding: : : Right, Doctor? The Doctor: Well, a hot cup of tea will do you all good. Perhaps a cup of coffee for me, though. Brogan: : : Brogan walks off with the Doctor: : The Doctor: Say, Professor, have you ever been to Sumatra? Prof. Lightfoot: no, why do you ask? ========== Brogan's Log 5-7-97 Victorian Shadows Pt 3 By JenKoko/BroganMc Brogan stared numbly at the viewscreen embedded in the long oak table of the expansive TARDIS library. Endlessly, she poured over every book, every holocube and audio translation even slightly pertaining to the phenomenon that had fascinated her of late, but still the answers eluded her. Ever since the disastrous affairs on Elysium when Brogan felt a part of her awakened by the Enigma's evil touch, she felt driven to understand the unknown source of her dreams. Her quest led her to Ancient Greece where visions of the future from the Oracle of Delphi were as real as the legendary Hercules. But instead of answers, Brogan was left helpless and blind as her best friend Zoe was spirited away to face the Bull Dance on the mythical island of Crete. She was almost convinced that the dreams and feelings of premonition had been a fluke, a side effect of her mental contact with the Enigma, but then came the most recent adventure. The Doctor intended their little trip to Victorian London to be a treat, a much deserved vacation from the usual hazards of their journeys in time and space. Perhaps it was the gothic feel of the place that inspired the familiar feelings of insight to reawaken within Brogan. Or perhaps it was simply the amount of innocent blood shed. From the campus hell night, to the Elysium colony terror and even before that on war-torn Skaro, Brogan noticed her sixth sense seemed stronger when more innocent people died. It was as if their final cries for life reached out to her, forcing the lines of communication to open. Forcing her to listen to the dangers around her. And with each death, she seemed to hear more, see more and know more. It made her feel almost like a psychic vampire. There was nothing in the books she read to confirm such a theory. No mention of psychic energies being transferred after death to the living. Still, Brogan couldn't dismiss the idea no matter how much evidence she gleaned from her research to disprove it. And that was why she felt driven to understand this, whatever it was, before it caused her to destroy the people she cared for most in the world. Before she ended up as alone and tortured as Chance. Sadly, Brogan reflected on her last glimpse of the Doctor's mysterious friend. Shrouded in shadows even in the light, Jonathan Chance was a singular figure. From the first moment she sensed his presence, she felt the hunger and desperation plaguing his soul. He was a creature of night. A creature damned to walk the darkness, alone and self-deprived of that which he needed to survive. The knowledge that he was a vampire should have horrified Brogan, but instead she felt pity and compassion. Somehow, she knew he had chosen long ago to abandon his bloodlust in the eternal quest for a cure. She knew he had not the heart to take another innocent life just to ensure his own survival. She knew that once he had known a love that gave him hope and a desire to live in the light. Somehow, she knew all these things as intimately as she knew herself. Chance's parting words echoed mysteriously throughout Brogan's thoughts. "You may never remember but you and I have met. Life is a circle..." A circle leading back to where? Was Brogan in the beginning leading towards a future adventure in time? Or was she spiraling back to a past only her dreams seemed to understand? Focusing on the table viewscreen until letters blurred into a haze of incandescent light, Brogan was overwhelmed with the sensation of deja vu. She sat at that table once before when the scratches weren't as old or worn and the library was only half it's size. The same book was displayed on the viewscreen while the glare of light bouncing off its glass pane reflected the image of the reader. A young woman with long blond hair and a love of mascara pensively chewed her lower lip. The long scarves she'd taken to wearing around her neck lately could not hide her secret for long. The Doctor and Ben had to be told. She had not intended to choose this path, but the temptation proved too strong. And now that she had succumbed to the darker side of her nature, she had no choice but to make her future with the creature of the night. With her love. With Chance. A tear slipped down Brogan's cheek scalding her with realization. Life is a circle. If the soul was an eternal thing destined to be reborn, did the sins of past lives condemn one's future? Was it possible that Brogan, in another existence, had given in to the evil she abhorred? And because of that mortal mistake, she was destined to feel the pain and terror of the innocent creatures she preyed upon. Or was there another meaning to her dreams? Another future which promised life and hope. Or perhaps it was merely a choice she was destined to make again. ========== Keegan's Log --------------------------------------------------------------- Keegan wandered the TARDIS corridors, on his endless quest to find Trouble and keep him out of it... Brogan looked up as the door to the library creaked open. Trouble entered, the door gently shutting behind him. Brogan smiled. "Hello, Trouble!" Trouble walked over and bumped her leg back and forth several times while she petted him. He then leapt up on the table, and, using it as a springboard, leaped onto the top shelf of one of the bookcases. He walked in a circle several times, knocking books off the shelf, then settled down. Brogan looked up at him, exasperated. The library door opened again. Keegan poked his head thru. "Hi, Brogan, " he whispered. "Have you seen..." his eyes caught the pile of books on the floor. Looking up, he saw Trouble sitting on the top shelf, content as could be. Brogan grinned. "Why, yes, Alex, I have seen Trouble." Keegan stepped insde the library, closing the door behind him. He walked over, stood beside Brogan, and stared up at Trouble. "Have you noticed Trouble sleeping in unusual places lately?" "Now that you mention it, yes, I have," Brogan replied thoughtfully. "I found him in the kitchen cupboard last night after dinner, and under my bed earlier this week." "I've found him under my bed, too. I wish I could figure out how he manages to get out of his room all the time," Keegan frowned. "It's just that innate ability cats have, to go where they want to go, regardless of whether WE want them to go there," Brogan smiled. Keegan smiled back. "I guess you're right." Gradually, a tense silence filled the air. Brogan stared at the blank screen of the terminal built into the wooden library table. Keegan struggled to find something to say. "So, Brogan, what do you think of that Chance character?" Brogan looked up, a look of shocked dismay flashing across her face. Then she looked away. "I try not to" she muttered . Keegan stood there, his fists clenched in shock at the wave of jealousy flooding thru him. He shook his head. There was nothing for him to be jealous about! They were friends, good friends, and that was it! He watched Brogan sit there. She looked miserable. He wanted to talk to her, tell her he was glad she was safe, that he'd heard her cries for help, raced throughout the darkened theatre to come to her aid. But the couldn't say a thing. Not a word would pass between his lips. He turned away, reached up and pulled Trouble off the shelf. Trouble whined in protest a tiny bit, then snuggled into Keegan's chest. He walked to the library door, put his hand to the doorknob, then turned towards Brogan. "Brogan," he spoke softly, and she looked up at him. "If you need to talk to someone, anytime, about anything at all, I'm here for you. That's what friends are for." Brogan smiled gratefully at him. "Thank you, Alex. You know I will." Keegan nodded. He felt better now, it wouldn't have been right, leaving things like they were. "Night, Brogan." "Night, Alex" He opened the door, stepped thru, and closed it quietly behind him. He then walked silently, carefully down the corridor, to put Trouble away for the night and go to sleep himself. Brogan spoke softly to herself. "Someday, if it's at all possible, I'll tell you, Alex." ========== FROM THE JOURNAL OF JONATHAN CHANCE Date on Earth: 5-14-97 I am upset, Journal. Upset, confused and lost in my own sorrows. FINALLY, I find a cure for this curse and, like sand, if slips through my fingers. Worse, I still have not found Polly. However... I had another run in with the Doctor. Polly was not with him. At least not MY Polly. There was a new companion of his named Brogan. I saw Polly within her. I could sense her presence. What bothers me on this is twofold. Does this mean Polly may be dead? Or with her disappearance within Hyperspace has she been altered? Possibly split like light fractals through a prism? Sadly I do not know. I also contacted my Sire yesterday. She finds my stories of time and space amusing. It does not bother me in the least that she believes me not. When I told her of an artifact called the "Bloodstone" she simply told me I was being foolish and should embrace my nature. The Bloodstone would allow me to live without feeding on others. But my search for it was put on hold that day Polly and I came out of Hyperspace and she was gone. Simply vanished from the seat she was sitting in. I have her genetic signature within this machine called a TRACKER. I believe it is Galafreyian technology, stolen perhaps. Or maybe smuggled out. Anyway, it is a beacon to Pollys genetic makeup. I program it into this wristband (also Galafreyian I believe) and it tracks the code. Unfortunately, the first time I used it I ended up in Victorian England and found no Polly. The side effect of this sort of travel is the ravenous hunger I get. I fear that some day I may land on a planet where Polly (or part of her anyway) is and there will be no "Blood." My supply I carry with me is limited, but it will have to do. I have a plan, and perhaps this is crazy. I shall work on making a device, based upon the Tracker concept to try to gather Polly's "soul" together. Perhaps the fractal idea isnt too far off. But this is insane! Can a person be spread throughout the Cosmos with bits and pieces of them within others? Then again, can a 20th Century vampire timetravel...? ========== THE DOCTOR'S LOG May, 1997 After Victorian Shadows The Doctor was preparing a sandwich for himself in the TARDIS kitchen. He was acting quickly, because he didn't like to be seen doing things which were too mundane -- bad for his image, really. Wheat nut bread, some chunky almond butter (so much better than peanut butter), and some wild clover honey. Simple, tasty, healthy. Be put the sandwich on a small plate and. accompanied by a tumbler of chilled water, carried his light lunch towards the console room. As he walked down the hallways of the TARDIS he looked at his food. It seemed plain and innocent enough. The Doctor shuddered slightly as he thought of the feeding habits exhibited in his most recent adventure. Vampirism had always been a difficult subject for him. As he entered the console room he checked the console to see that they were hovering safely within the time vortex, then he went to his favorite reading chair and took a seat, placing his modest meal on the end table to the right of his chair. As he took the first bite of his sandwich, he began to think about vampirism, and about Jonathan Chance and Malakar. Why was it that Malakar inspired such a negative reaction, but at the same time one was almost sympathetic towards Chance? Both were vampires, to be sure (although he tried not to make this too obvious to his companions in the case of Chance), but they were very different. Malakar had fed voraciously unconcerned about the objects or the results of his feeding. The women he had devoured had been nothing more than conveniently packaged meals. It wasn't that he fed on blood that made him so objectionable, it was his lack of concern. Chance, on the other hand, seemed highly aware of his condition and the situation he was in. The Doctor hadn't really asked as to how Chance stayed fed, but based on conjecture and some knowledge of Jonathan, assumed it was probably a cooperative parasitic relationship he had with some creature. The thought made him shudder again... Polly. Is that what she had become, before they were separated? In any case, he knew that she had ended up well and in London. Jonathan, however, still seemed a tortured outcast and wanderer. An outcast who still needed to feed on life to avoid death. The Doctor took another bite of his sandwich, and then looked closely at it as he chewed. How different was he? Didn't he take advantage of the crush of the helpless almonds and the grind the relentless flour mill, unconcerned about the feelings of the life forms he chewed? Well, no. There was the question of sentience. The Doctor would no more eat a self-aware almond than he would feast like a vampire. For this reason the Doctor had stopped eating any self-aware creatures (and thus most meat based foods) some time ago. Yes, he needed to feed on life to avoid death, just like Jonathan, and just like his companions. All life feeds on other life to avoid death. The question was not whether to feast on life, but where to draw the line. The line had to be drawn with reverence, thought the Doctor as he finished his sandwich. Reverence which understood that all life is worthy of respect, and we should feed on other forms of life in a way that respected sentience and minimized domination of the food web. The kind of reverence shown by an Inuit hunter of the Earth Arctic who paid his respects to the seal he had killed from his Kayak, praising its strength and swimming skill, and thanking it for its contribution in an environment which lacked any creatures lower on the food chain which the hunter could use. The kind of reverence that the farmer showed to the field of grain which was harvested, or the reverence shown towards a favorite dairy cow. The kind of reverence which Malakar had never shown towards those it killed. The kind of reverence which many chickens and calves were not shown in the factory farms of Brogan's time. The kind of reverence which Jonathan Chance was trying to learn. It is hard to be too certain of one's self, thought the Doctor. Where to draw the line is something that each responsible life form needs to consider individually. As long as it was done with forethought and consideration, each creature had to make their own choice. Malakar, the Great Vampire of ancient Gallifreyan lore, and many others had not made this choice, but had decided, like the Daleks, that all of existence was merely a treat to be controlled and used and consumed. The Doctor thought back to his most recent regeneration, and one of the first thoughts he remembered in this life -- the purpose of the enlightened life is not to control the life of the universe, but to serve the life of the universe. The Doctor thought of how Chance had brought Aelsa Nyt back to life, purging her of the vampire curse, using that power on her instead of on himself. For all his tragedy and sorrow, Jonathan Chance was learning to serve the life of the universe, just as the Doctor was. ==========