The Time HuntersPart Six ~ Finale
October 17, 2002
By Jen Kokoski
(first in the "Empire of Time" series)
The Time HuntersWHAT HAS GONE BEFORE: One year ago in normal space-time, the Universe endured the worst tragedy it ever forgot… in the supernova explosion of Odin's Eye the Doctor died.
Upon returning to this Universe, the Doctor has found everything far from how he left it. The once lush resort world of Vega Prime is in ruins. A Central Authority controls all inter-stellar traffic. Drax has been hunted by the Squids. Worlds are being oppressed and it is all the blame of his people.
After escaping an Intervention Team (Squids) on the roughneck world of Hades, the Doctor and Irish found themselves aboard a ship run by strange allies: a dalek, a mechanoid, a Thal and Brogan - all refugees from the timelords. Also on the ship is Jacie being treated for injuries and scanned to determine why she has become the timelords' fiercest ally.
Meanwhile, Fred and Drax have been taken to the nearest Reprocessing Center and marked for care. Their timelord captors reported to the lady in charge - Chancellor Peregrine. Instead of returning to Hades in a rescue attempt of Jacie, however, Peregrine had other instructions for her former students because the Central Authority has other plans for Hades.
Alfred C. "Tuna" Snider as The Doctor
Rob L. Stubbs as Irish
David A. Sharpe as Fred O'Connell, Attendants
Jen Kokoski as Brogan/Sage, Jacie Hunter, Processing Attendants, Beta Dalek, Psirina Psi
Cody Jarret as Drax, Blackeye McGinty and Blackeye's posse
The Doctor - the wandering infamous timelord in his 10th regeneration.
Irish - green telepathic feline with a close connection to the TARDIS. On Earth, he pretends being a normal house cat and favored pet of the Doctor's so talks only telepathically to his friends, especially around strangers.
"Fred" (Eos) - a member of the race of energy beings known as "The People". After establishing a rapport with Irish, she risked her life to save him and the Doctor. She has taken the human name of Winnifred Stephanie O'Connell ("Fred" for short) for herself.
Drax - a Gallifreyan classmate of the Doctor's, he dropped out of the Academy before finishing his doctorate and chose to travel the universe as an intergalactic fix-it man. He's recently fallen on hard times and the wrong side of undisclosed persons.
Jacie Hunter - the Doctor's former companion, human survivor of the Dalek Invasion of Earth, last of the Space-Time Gypsies and now Commander of the Time Hunters. She is the only one to wear a short robe and the most feared of all. Her red hair is now cut short, her eyes are a darker blue, and she wears gleaming leather from head to foot (leather bodice, leather pants, high-heeled boots, and weapons on her belt) She's referred to as "Commander" by her troops or "the Ice Princess" by those who fear her.
Cristoff - a Thal soldier the Doctor first met on Mechanus on Dalek patrol then received help from in averting a dalek invasion of the peaceful planet Endoria.
Sage - the Doctor's former companion Brogan MacGill, now excersing her increased abilities as a powerful temporal telepath. Her home is Mirabilis and the the temporal nexus that houses the Time Trap Bar, or rather used to.
Beta Dalek - one of the last surviving humanized daleks
Sirina Psi - a humanoid-looking female android with medical skills, also a survivor of her almost extinct race.
<<<The New Adventures of Doctor Who Simulation>>>
<<<The Time Hunters - Part Six - Finale>>>
<<<by Jen Kokoski>>>
<Jacie> @ ::Jacie awakens stretched out and strapped down to a cold metal table::
<Jacie> @ ::she glimpses a mechanoid arm stretched over her forehead, touching her skin with some sort of cool solvent::
<Jacie> @ ::Jacie closes her eyes quickly so she isn't noticed::
<Beta Dalek> @ Act iv ate bo..dy scan, neoww please.
<Sirina> @ Command accepted. ::turns on the machinery:: Cellular regeneration at 92% and climbing.
<Jacie> @ ::Jacie stretches her fingers out beneath the restraints and toward her gypsy bag::
<Sirina> @ Cellular regeneration at 94% and in--
<Jacie> @ ::Gypsy fingers a flashbang pellet and flicks it onto the floor::
<Jacie> @ ::a loud repercussion fills the room beside a blinding flash of hot blue light::
<Beta Dalek> @ Vis..ion im..pair..ed! Dan..ger! Vis..ion im..paired.
<Sirina> @ ::Sirina stumbles into the Dalek getting both tanlged up in their confusion::
<Sirina> @ Unable to hear. Unable to hear!
<Jacie> @ ::in the confusion Jacie slips free of her bonds and makes her escape to the corridor::
<Sage/Brogan> # ::Brogan paces:: I'm afraid that's the sum of the situation, Doctor.
<Doctor> #::The Doctor ponders:: This is difficult. We must make the right choices!
<Irish> # ::Irish twitches his whiskers thoughtfully:: My Cat sense is tingling. Of course my time sense is sort of skewed.
<Irish> # Too much time meddling. ::Irish blinks his eyes ::
<Sage/Brogan> # ::laughs in half irony:: We always did say you like to turn up only when there's trouble.
<Doctor> #:::An alarm sounds::
<Sage/Brogan> # ::turns toward alarm:: Why is that again Doctor?
<Irish> # Don't look at me Maker. I can't even offer any advice.
<Cristoff> # Timelord Drax has dematerialized and departed.
<Sage/Brogan> # I was afraid of that. Is there a temporal trail?
<Cristoff> # His space time signature indicates travel to a nearby asteroid belt, commonly known as the Necklace of the Void.
<Doctor> #::The Dr frowns:::
<Doctor> # He should not have left. Something is seriously amiss. It is staring me right in the face and I am not sure I can see the answer!
<Irish> # I suppose going somewhere for a long vacation is out of the question.
<Sage/Brogan> # If Drax went to the Necklace it wasn't by choice, Doctor. That's the nearest Reprocessing Center.
<Doctor> # That means it isn't Drax at the controls, but they have been captured. By the Timelords or their agents.
<Irish> # I don't want to take a vacation there.
<Cristoff> # And if he's back at a Reprocessing Center, I doubt he'll be much good to anyone after a 'treatment'.
<Doctor> # That sounds like Fred and Drax on their way to be processed. Timelord processing at this point in history is not very pretty, but very effective. It destroys the past.
<Sage/Brogan> # And creates a new one for an unwitting victim.
<Doctor> #::The Dr slams down his fist, uncharacteristically showing anger.::
<Irish> # ::Irish jumps up in the air surprised::
<Doctor> #We can't allow that to happen. I have to follow them.
<Fred> % :::Fred opens her eyes once she's on the other side of the portal, her mind still in protective-defense mode:::
<Drax> % :::Fred and Drax are dragged into the room by two attendants that move like Dalek
Robo-men:::
<Fred> % :::Fred takes in her surroundings but doesn't react to them
noticably:::
<Attendant 1> % :::to Fred::: Sit down, miss. :::motions towards a bench:::
<Drax> % :::The attendants begin dragging Drax towards a pair of sliding doors:::
<Attendant 2> % ::Second attendant pulls Drax thru sliding doors:::
<Drax> % Ilsa! ::Shouts :: Concentrate on something like it's all there is.
<Fred> % :::to Drax, almost distantly:: I am.
<Drax> % ::A surge of energy passes palatably thru the room::
<Fred> % :::The wave of energy plucks at Fred, disturbing her from her mental preparations:::
<Fred> % :::She lowers them a notch, then gets up and sprints over to the sliding doors:::
<Fred> % Drax?! :::she pushes at the doors::
<Drax> % ARRGGGGHHHHHHHHHH
<Sage/Brogan> # ::without looking at the screen, she grabs her head stumbling as if dizzy::
<Brogan> # No, they wouldn't! Not again.
<Irish> # Maker! Voice is scared ..
<Cristoff> # New data streams available. Disturbance around Hades. Viewscreeen activateed.
<Doctor> # ::The Doctor walks to the viewscreen and looks closely:: What is this?
<Cristoff> # Temporal disturbance, level 22 and rising quickly.
<Doctor> # ::The Doctor gasps softly::: They are going to destroy that planet! Of all the conceited megalomania!
<Doctor> #The spatial disturbances we see here are not naturally occurring, and they seem to be neatly forming around this planet called Hades.
<Cristoff> # Temporal disturbance now averaging 46.
<Sage/Brogan> # ::turns to view screen:: There's nothing we can do for Hades now. Doctor, you know all we can tell you. You must act.
<Doctor> # Brogan, my TARDIS is there. I'll never be able to follow Fred and Drax without it. I'll also have to rent a flat, but let's hope it doesn't come to that.
<Doctor> # We can get the coordinates of the TARDIS and you can beam us down near there. We still may have time!
<Irish> # We have to go rescue Home. ::Irish looks decisive ::
<Cristoff> # Temporal disturbance now 65.
<Sage/Brogan> # ::stiffening:: Cristoff, the tubes. You'll only have one chance to cut through the temporal striations so get him as close as possible.
<Fred> % :::she finally manages to get the doors open and steps into the room beyond:::
<Fred> % ::She looks around, noting the room looks like an Earth-type surgical amphitheatre. Her gaze is drawn to the table in the center of the room::::
<Fred> % :::She sees the attendants helping Drax off the table:::
<Fred> % Drax? Are you okay?
<Drax> % ::Stands stiffly:: Are you addressing me, Miss?
<Drax> % ::Drax, turns and walks away quietly::
<Fred> % :::Fred's hand goes to her mouth as the horror of what has been done to Drax hits her:::
<Fred> % :::she backs away, her mind's defenses raising up to their full extent:::
<Attendant 1> % This way. ::indicates exit::
<Attendants> % :::The attendants grab Fred by the arms and pull her to the table. Her feet resist with their own mind as the rest of her intellect concentrates on thoughts of Lyle and the Legion, building up an image that's more real than reality:::
<Fred> % ::the attendants strap Fred to the table. Once she is secured, they move to the control station:::
<Attendant 1> % Initial scan indicates the subject is a standard sampling humanoid.
<Attendant 2> % Initiating Level One Sweep.
<Fred> % ::::a pulse/wave of energy fills the room, sweeping over Fred's body::::
<Fred> % :::lights begin to blink read and a muted klaxon sounds::::
<Jacie> @ ::Jacie creeps along the white translucent corridors searching for a way out::
<Jacie> @ ::Jacie hears voices approach as she discovers what appears to be a transport room::
<Jacie> @ ::little time to act, she punches in a few orders, steps into the module and disappears::
<Doctor> #:::The Doctor rushes to the door::: Transmat us down immediately. No second thoughts.
<Doctor> #::The Doctor is through the door on the way to the transmat tube, quite close by, followed by
Cristoff.:::
<Irish> # Lets go. Action Hero time.
<Sage/Brogan> # Doctor, don't worry about anyone else. Just get out of there and find us again.
<Sage/Brogan> # With Hades gone, freedom won't have many places to hide.
<Doctor> #::The Doctor nods and vanishes into a transmat tube::: Once more into the breach...
<Irish> # I wish I had a stunt cat though.
<Doctor> # You don't need one, Irish.
<Irish> # I thought he could do the swimming and being attacked by slimy monsters Maker.
<Jacie> ! ::rematerializes on Hades in a brilliant beam of light::
<Jacie> ! ::the light fades quickly to a blinding darkness leaving Jacie unaware in an alley not far from where she left::
<Blackeye> ! :::Steps from behind a rain barrel and is joined by a half dozen grizzled figures from different shadows::: Welcome back to Hades, Ice Princess, I've brought a few friends who would like to play.
<Jacie> ! ::turns and stumbles over a crate, still blinded by the lack of light::
<Jacie> ! Blackeye? ::reaches for her weapons but finds she has none::
<Blackeye> ! ::Fingers the tip of a canon primer::: Brought a little toy, fellow can tickle a rib an awful long time with one of these before a fellow laughs.
<Jacie> ! ::blinks and refocuses on the lumbering gray shapes approaching her::
<Blackeye> ! ::Orders the motley crew he's assembled::: Grab her, but I get first go.
<Jacie> ! How charming of you. So sorry I can't stay to enjoy your hospitality. ::kicks the crate toward her attackers and runs the opposite way::
<Blackeye> ! ::The revenge minded group dashes after Jacie::
<Jacie> ! ::turns down the alleys, tripping and bumping into things as she finds her way::
<Jacie> ! Must get back. Must get back.
<Doctor> !:::The Doctor materializes on corner just traversed by Jacie and littered with knocked over crates:::
<Irish> ! Maker, are you alright? ::Irish asks concerned::
<Doctor> !::The Doctor takes out his pocket watch, pops it open, turns around, and lifts his eyebrows.:::
<Irish> ! ::Irish expands in size becoming a giant tiger cat :: Just in case we run into trouble..
<Doctor> !Ah, the TARDIS is this way, and also something else... Let's not waste time, Irish, don't worry about me.
<Irish> ! But a cat never wastes time especially me.
<Irish> ! ::Irish's ears move back and forth :: I hear people ..
<Doctor> !This way, the TARDIS is the same way.
<Doctor> !::The Dr rounds a corner and runs smack into Backeye's churlish bunch:::
<Blackeye> ! ::Rounds corner and slams into the Doctor at full steam:: Ooof
<Blackeye> ! ::Falls back with the wind knocked out of him::
<Doctor> #:::A couple of burly churls knock the Doctor down, and he lands on the ground with a deflating exhalation::
<Doctor> ! We have no time for this comedic spontaneity! Get off me!
<Blackeye> ! Belay that you scurvy dogs! Can't you tell a fair wind from foul? That's good mates you're scrapping.
<Irish> ! ::Irish jumps up and lands on top of Blackeye ::
<Irish> ! Meow ? :Irishs long tail lashes back and forth ::
<Blackeye> ! Good cat.
<Blackeye> ! ::Embraces the Doctor heartily:: You scoundrel Blast it's a wonderful thing to spy you again.
<Irish> ! Well thank you. A simple bowl of cream is better than any words of prayer.
<Blackeye> ! Set sail with me, and I'll take you to a world where milk flows in the rivers and the falls give out cream
<Doctor> ! Blackeye, no time to catch up. Tell me, were Fred and Drax taken?
<Blackeye> ! ::Hangs head::
<Irish> ! I would say so Maker. I can't sense Shining Girl on the planet.
<Blackeye> ! Best to forget them, mate. They're gone for sure.
<Blackeye> ! Either they are dead by now or worse.
<Doctor> ! Fred has gone to this devilish processing center. We must follow and rescue her.
<Doctor> !Churl> Ya gonna just waltz in and make them Squids do your will, old boy.
<Doctor> ! As a matter of fact, Mr. short on hygiene training, that is exactly what I am going to do.
<Irish> ! Yes I suppose we must. Let's go get Home.
<Blackeye> ! I guess it might be possible you lot escaped didn't yah?
<Blackeye> ! Or was it the Spearhead that took you?
<Jacie> $ ::runs a zig zag toward the storage areas, the sound of heavy boots and murderous voices hot on her heels::
<Jacie> $ ::draws up short in an alley when her eyes focus on the brick wall at the end::
<Jacie> $ Damn, dead end! ::looks behind her::
<Jacie> $ ::sound of the mob's voices are too close to chance a new direction::
<Jacie> $ Think Jacie, think! I've gotta get out of here. I've got to get home, now!
<Jacie> $ ::at that there's a creaking door sound and a beam of beckoning light in a darkened corner of the alley::
<Jacie> $ ::runs toward the light, pushing her way inside a storage bay door and slamming it shut behind her::
<Jacie> $ ::closes her eyes and breathes heavy sighs of relief as she leans against the door::
<Jacie> $ Thank Rassilon for... ::notices the door trembles and the walls hum::
<Jacie> $ ::turns around and her mouth drops, her eyes take in the familiar sight of her old TARDIS home::
<Jacie> $ This isn't real. ::walks around looking, everything she sees is familiar and troubling:: It can't be real.
<Jacie> $ The TARDIS was destroyed. Maxim said...
<Jacie> $ ::touches a plush bench still warm and covered in green cat hairs:: Irish?
<Jacie> $ ::sees the high back leather chair so similar to the Doctor's. At the end table, a half consumed cup of coffee sits with an opened book just as her old friend left it::
<Jacie> $ But Maxim told me, no TARDIS has ever survived a supernova! ::rails back at her surroundings::
<Jacie> $ ::as if in reply the viewscreen activates, rolling back the ceiling to show the graying sky overhead and filling the room with the voices outside::
<Jacie> ! ::her jaw set, she flips off the viewscreen, resets the coordinates and dematerializes::
<Doctor> !::The Doctor heads off toward the TARDIS:: No time to visit, I've got to get to my craft.
<Blackeye> ! Yah need help even with your great beastie
<Irish> ! I suppose I do. ::Irish says thoughtfully ::
<Doctor> !:::The Doctor speaks as he advances on the TARDIS::: We have to get to the Necklace of the Void and rescue Fred, and even old Drax, from this Gallifreyan apocalypse.
<Irish> ! Where's that stunt cat? He is supposed to do the suicide missions.
<Doctor> !Churl> Sure enough you'll be dead if you go there, mister. This processing ain't nop joke. Them Squids, once they got ya, you are worse than dead.
<Doctor> ! Worse than dead?
<Doctor> ! I'll take my chances :::The Doctor approaches the TARDIS just as it dematerializes.::
<Irish> ! ::Irish blinks:: That was unexpected.. I much prefer knowing what is coming than this blankness about the future. It's very annoying.
<Blackeye> ! ::Startled:: The stars!
<Blackeye> ! Look to the sky you oafs
<Blackeye> !> Green Tooth> Squids and disappearing stars. That's it, I'm gone.
<Irish> ! Maker I just realized something.
<Attendant 1> % Memory sequencing failing...
<Attendant 2> % Molecular disoperation occurring...
<Fred> % :::puffs of smoke appear as power begins to feedback into the control systems::::
<Fred> % :::Fred's body begins to coruscate with energy:::
<Fred> % ::::a keening cry of pain escapes her lips, while her mind stays in defense mode:::
<Attendant 1> % Abort the procedure!
<Attendant 2> % Attempting. ::punches in buttons but the energy still surges:: Controls not responding.
<Attendant 1> % Failsafe procedures! Lock it down.
<Fred> % :::Fred's physical form is overlaid with the energy pattern/aura it exhibited when she was known as Eos, in the translation chamber on the Resort Station::::
<Attendant 2> % All controls failing. We're losing containment.
<Attendant 1> % ::shakes head:: Terminate the link.
<Attendant 2> % That will kill the subject.
<Attendant 1> % Do it, now!
<Doctor> # ::The Dr turns and looks at the sky:: This place is about to be crushed by temporal forces literally beyond comprehension. This is no random individual act, this is the might of all Gallifrey assembled and focused.
<Blackeye> ! ::Snaps fingers:: The Squids! That's it, they must have a ship here somewhere.
<Doctor> ! What Irish?
<Irish> ! Um Roaming Girl was in Home.
<Doctor> !Oh no. Now look at this. What was that you said about a ship,
Blackeye?
<Blackeye> ! With me lads! ::Watches his mob un away and spits after them:: Ahhh, good riddance to yah!
<Doctor> ! A Squid ship may well be an operating TARDIS. Show me, man, show me.
<Doctor> ! :::The temporal disruption begins to wear down a mountain on the horizon:::
<Blackeye> ! Sure. ::Points way:: Follow me, iffin I was them I'd hide on the upper storage.
<Irish> ! ::Irish shrinks down to normal cat size and jumps on Maker's shoulder:: Too much interference for me to detect any other homes. We have to get closer.
<Doctor> ! ::The Doctor reassuringly pets Irish and follows Blackeye with all due speed.::
<Doctor> ! We might have been able to find and launch one TARDIS, but two may be stretching it a bit far before the time is up here.
<Blackeye> ! :::Runs from ladder to locked storage bay. Blackeye draws a bizarre looking pistol that make short work of the lock::
<Blackeye> ! No time to show off me lock picking, now where's the ship?
<Doctor> ! Irish, reach out for it with that nimble mind of yours.
<Irish> ! Hrmmmm, it's that way. ::Irish points to a peculiar storage bin in a darkened corner::
<Doctor> !::The Dr reaches deep into one of his pockets::: I've waited a long time to try and use this....
<Doctor> ! ::The Dr reaches out towards the storage bin with a strange glowing key in his hand.:: Got this in my first generation, a TARDIS skeleton key of sorts.
<Doctor> !:::The Dr uses the key and a door pops open in the huge storage box:::
<Blackeye> ! :::Slaps the Doctor's back:: Good going mate... first what?
<Doctor> ! Right this way, and quickly. You had better come with us, Blackeye.
<Blackeye> ! ::Follows the Doctor:: Any port as they say.
<Irish> ! ::Irish begins to glow greenly :: We have to get away. ::Irish jumps up on the black gothic looking control panel ::
<Doctor> ! ::The Dr desperately flips switches and turns dials:: It may just work!
<Blackeye> ! Just be fast, cut the anchor line if you must.
<Irish> ! ::Irish reaches out using the full power of his mind to subvert the dry cold spirit of the vessel to his purpose ::
<Doctor> ! ::The column begins to rise and fall and a familiar wheezing is heard.
<Fred> % :::Fred's body flops back onto the table as the energy ceases to assault her body::::
<Jacie> % ::steps forward, glancing at the charbroiled attendant then to his trussed up captive::
<Jacie> % You're Eos?
<Fred> % :::Fred breathes heavily as the pain subsides and the aura/glow starts to fade away::::
<Fred> % :::recognizing the danger is over for the moment, Fred's mental defenses lower:::
<Fred> % :::mentally she shudders as the reality of the pain passes thru and then beyond:::
<Fred> % :::her eyes blinking, she sees a strangely familiar form nearby:::
<Fred> % :::her mind registers the words:::
<Jacie> % You were there, on Alfheim?
<Fred> % ::::she coughs as she tries to speak::::
<Fred> % Yes...I'm Eos, daughter of Lucifer.
<Jacie> % ::nods somberly, then speaks more to herself than Eos:: He lied to me. They all lied.
<Fred> % ::Fred coughs again:::
<Jacie> % ::sounds are heard outside the door drawing Jacie's attention:: Emergency crews.
<Jacie> % ::turns back to Eos and begins unstrapping her:: You haven't much time.
<Jacie> % ::helps the girl sit up:: He's looking for you. You have to go. You have to help him, again.
<Fred> % :::Fred nods in understanding as she sits up:::
<Fred> % The Doctor? I'll help him, promise.
<Jacie> % ::half lifts half drags Eos toward the blue police box in a darkened corner, the door opens willingly casting a welcoming light::
<Jacie> % ::the outer doors begin sliding open to the room::
<Fred> %:::Fred stumbles along in Jacie's grasp towards the TARDIS:::
<Jacie> % ::hurried speech:: The controls are set. Just demat. The TARDIS will find him for you.
<Fred> % Aren't you coming?
<Jacie> % ::frowns showing new lines of hardened wisdom:: I can't. Not anymore.
<Fred> % We came back...to find you...and my people...
<Jacie> % Tell the Doctor the Universe needs him far more than just to find me.
<Fred> % Fred> ::nods::: I will.
<Jacie> % ::the outer doors open and the emergency crew begins prying apart the inner doors::
<Fred> % :::She graps Jacie's hand, squeezing her with all her might:::
<Jacie> % ::looks at the hand of friendship as if it is a foreign thing, pulls away::
<Jacie> % Eos? Tell the Doctor... tell him I'm sorry.
<Fred> % :::Fred nods, then darts into the TARDIS, the door slamming behind her of its own accord::::
<Blackeye> ! Well done cat, I don't know this ship but I can sure tell the sound of filling sails!
<Doctor> ! We made it!
<Irish> ! ::Irish opens his mouth and pants ::
<Doctor> ! ::The Dr activates aa viewscreen and they see Hades as they depart, caught in a
timeloop:::
<Irish> ! Could we get to wherever we are going? I am starting to get tired of being charming to this Voice.
<Doctor> #::The Dr adjusts the controls:: I have found the TARDIS, but it is charging up to leave. Could it be Fred and Drax making a break for it!
<Irish> # This Voice wants to go to your home. And I think that's a very very bad idea.
<Irish> # Maker, we need to get to the Soft Curves base now.
<Doctor> !Wait! The TARDIS is activated and moving. Where could it be going?
<Doctor> # ::The Dr stares at a screen and then looks up a bit perplexed:: It is heading straight for Brogan's ship!
<Doctor> # ::The Dr smiles::: That seems like good news to me! We shall follow and find out just who is in my TARDIS, but I can't imagine her performing for anyone other than a close friend!
<Irish> # Maker. I am getting tired. ::Irish is panting heavily ::
<Blackeye> ! Then we've been hijacked in the ship we stole?
<Doctor> # Irish, what's wrong?
<Irish> # This Voice is very dificult. It has a Goth personailty. Whatever that is.
<Doctor> !:::The Squid time capsule materializes aboard Brogan's Comet ship:::
<Blackeye> ! :::Draws two wicked looking knives::: Care for a bit of steel to give our hijackers?
<Blackeye> !:::Replaces the blades in scabbards up his sleeves::: Looks like you found a friendly port, Doctor
<Fred> * :::Fred stumbls to the console, slamming her hand down on the demat button:::
<Fred> * ::::She clings to console as the TARDIS dematerializes:::
<Fred> * :::Fred catches her breath, her body returning to a semblance of normalcy, as the column on the console continues its soothing up and down motion::::
<Fred> * :::she sees the viewscreen come on as the TARDIS begins to dematerialize:::
<Fred> * :::with its familiar creaks, groans and thump, the TARDIS dematerializes::::
<Fred> * :::upon the viewscreen, Fred sees a crowd of beings staring, the Doctor, and Irish sleeping on the floor:::
<Fred> * :::smiling weakly, she stumbles towards the door, which opens on its own for her:::
<Irish> $ ::Irish walks out of the vessel::
<Doctor> $ ::The Dr rushes out of the capsule and onto the deck of Brogan's ship, to find her and her friends waiting for them.:::
<Doctor> $ Where is that TARDIS? I thought I tracked it here?
<Irish> $ Temporal slippage Maker.
<Sage/Brogan> $ ::Brogan stands regally before her procession: a mechanoid with new ears, a dalek with a dark band over his blinded eye, the lone Thal Commander Cristoff and a few other ragtag crew members::
<Blackeye> $ ::Exists TARDIS slowly::
<Doctor> $ Easy Blackeye, we are among friends, for once.
<Blackeye> $ If you vouch for them they're all right by me mate
<Sage/Brogan> $ Indeed you are among friends Mr. Blackeye. All those you see here are all freedom representatives have left in time.
<Blackeye> $ ::Thinks he hasn't seen a more bizarre crew since that time he was Shanghaied off of Altar 7:::
<Irish> $ ::Irish lays down on the floor and goes to sleep :: Send in the stunt double ..
<Irish> $ ::Irish snores loudly ::
<Doctor> $ ::The Dr acts irritated because he is::: Hades had been destroyed, and by my own people, who seem to be laying waste to the universe. My TARDIS is missing. Fred is still gone, and may still be in the processing center. This is not good.
<Sage/Brogan> $ Have faith Doctor. Justice will prevail in time. Remember, 'the correct path is not always the best lit one'.
<Sage/Brogan> $ ::Brogan turns her head toward what is a seemingly barren spot of the room just as a wheeze and groan fill the air::
<Jacie> % ::watches the TARDIS, her old longlost home, depart without her::
<Jacie> % ::the inner doors begin creaking open shining light into the darkened room::
<Jacie> % ::Jacie resets her staser, takes aim and stuns herself::
<Jacie> % ::she falls to the ground as emergency crews enter the room and survey the damage::
<Doctor> $::The Dr tenses at the sound::: Against all hope!
<Sage/Brogan> $ ::in the empty space, a battered blue box fades into view::
<Blackeye> $ :::Turns and his right hand disappears inside his coat::
<Blackeye> $ And what is this then? Friend or foe, Doctor?
<Doctor> $::The Dr moves to his TARDIS and puts a hand against it gently::: The most beautiful sight in the 12 galaxies!
<Irish> $ ::Irish opens an eye after stopping the snore :: Home is here yay ..
<Blackeye> $ Doctor, you really need to get out more ::Takes hand from coat::
<Fred> $ :::The door to the TARDIS opens. Out steps a disheveled Fred, who latches fiercely onto the Doctor.:::
<Doctor> $ ::The Doctor sees Fred emerge and runs to embrace her::: Fred, are you all right? I was afraid you had been processed by the
Timelords.
<Fred> $ I was rescued, by Jacie.
<Doctor> $ What? Jacie? Why didn't she come with you?
<Fred> $ She said to tell you that the Universe needs you for more than just looking for her.
<Fred> $ She also said to tell you she's sorry.
<Doctor> $ I don' t understand? Why should she be sorry?
<Fred> $ She didn't say. She just said to tell you she was sorry.
<Doctor> $ Nothing is more important than finding her!
<Fred> $ :::Fred gives the Doctor a big hug, then walks over to Irish::::
<Irish> $ Hello Shining Girl. ::Irish goes back to sleep::
<Fred> $ :::she lays down on the floor next to Irish, takes him into her arms, holds him close, and falls asleep::::
<Doctor> $ ::The Dr pauses and thinks for a moment:: But maybe that is what she is saying to me, that it shouldn't be the most important.
<Sage/Brogan> $ ::Brogan steps forward placing a hand on the Doctor's shoulder:: Jacie's right Doctor. The universe is more important.
<Doctor> $ I have always thought of my friends as the most important. Perhaps times are so dire that my enemies should come first.
<Doctor> $ ::The Dr looks down at Irish and Fred, and then to Brogan::: That's going to be very difficult.
<Sage/Brogan> $ Don't worry, old friend. If I'm right, I think time has won its first most important battle of this war.
<Sage/Brogan> $ ::beams her first true smile of the day:: Now we fight back.
<<<PAUSE SIM>>>
<<<CUT AND PRINT>>>