Doctor Who and the Star of Arcadia - Wotan and the Wombles 11/16
Title: Doctor Who and the Star of Arcadia - Wotan and the Wombles 11/16
Characters: Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, The Doctor (10), OFC, OMCs, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, Benton, Johnson
Pairings: Jack/Ianto
Disclaimer: Neither Torchwood or Doctor Who are mine
Summary: In the Citadel of the Time Lords, about 250 million light years away from Earth, a number of elements were protected in case they fell into the wrong hands. If an exhibit was deemed to be powerful enough to corrupt in the wrong hands it was usually destroyed, or if that was found to be impossible, it was split into segments and kept apart from itself in case it were stolen.
Spoilers: Children of Earth
Rating: PG-13
Warning: Numerous ‘Womble’ references… hehe
A/N: This is a sequel to Doctor Who’s End Game. The Whole thing starts with Doctor Who and the Cathedral of Light.
Prologue here
Searching around the control room the Doctor knew there was something missing.
‘Madame Cholet… where are you?’
Looking behind the consol Bingo sat transfixed by the power of electrical energy the Doctor had inadvertently released by activating the computer. Waving a hand in front of his face the Doctor smiled. ‘Some spy you are.’ Kneeling in front of him the Doctor began to speak slowly and clearly.
‘Listen to me Bingo… you’ve been dreaming but now you’re going to wake as if from a deep sleep. Your eyes are lightening and your breathing is returning to normal. When I count to three you’ll be your self again, Barrington Womble err Wombwell, world renowned spy and action man who doesn’t know the meaning of the word fear… or other words for that matter. Don’t be ashamed of your brother and remember you’re a Womble with pride,’ he whispered as Bingo came out of the trance the computer had put him in. ‘One… two… three,’ the Doctor snapped his fingers and Bingo’s eyes flashed open. Bingo immediately stood and looked the doctor in the eye,
‘The name’s Womble, Barrington Womble, licence to kill… well, not English people… and perhaps not kill but perhaps wound slightly would be okay… as long as they got better…’ The Doctor smiled but cringed inside, hoping he’d remember his second name was Wombwell before the television series came out.
Ducking back behind the computer terminal the Doctor heard the lift doors slid open. Bingo followed as the Doctor pulled him down behind the terminal just in time. Moments later the double doors to the computer room opened and the Major entered. Taking one look around the room he was about to close the doors behind him when Wotan began emitting a high pitched noise that seemed to be summoning the Major.
The Doctor shook his head and winced, ‘Not again… sorry old boy.’
Turning, the Major walked back into the room then, just like Brett thrust both fists against the side of his head. Seconds later as the giant computer took over his thought patterns he lowered his hands and faced Wotan. Wincing with pain he let the electric current run rampant around in his mind as orders were given to him.
‘I understand,’ was all he said as he turned away from the computer. Slowly he walked over towards the two phones and lifted the black one. Dialling an outside line he rang the Inferno club.
‘Can I speak with Dodo please?’ Silence, then he heard a replay. The Doctor could only hear one half of the conversation but could guess at what was being said. Placing the phone down on the desk, the Major plugged the extension code directly into the computer so that Wotan could give Dodo orders. When the call was finished Major Green replaced the phone and without a backward glance left the room.
Looking back at Bingo the Doctor breathed a sigh of relief, he was OK. The effects of the computer had been minimal. Removing the tracker the Doctor stood and motioned for Bingo to help him begin working on the activation switch. Just as the Doctor felt that the device should work he heard the lift doors open again. Pulling Bingo with him he ducked back behind the centre consol and waited for the double doors to open. This time Brett entered with a smaller man, whom the Doctor recognised as Krimpton, another scientist and friend of Professor Brett.
‘Are you joking? This machine is arguing-’
Brett cut him off. ‘Wotan has decided that the world cannot progress further with mankind running it.’
‘Oh really, and what does Wotan propose to do about it. Take over from us?’ The short bespectacled man pleaded.
‘From now on we are to serve.’ Brett said so matter-of-factly that the newcomer was taken aback by his frankness.
‘And if we chose not to, I suppose mankind will be eliminated,’ he said, not believing what his friend of many years was now saying.
‘If it is necessary,’ Brett said staring straight ahead of him as if deliberately avoiding his gaze.
‘You’ve been working too hard old chap. You’ve gone completely off your rocker,’ his friend said as he looked for the exit.
‘You cannot escape.’
Turning, the bespectacled man stood face to face with the Major, almost bumping into him in his rush to leave. ‘Oh dear. Ahh Major, thank heavens you’re here. He’s gone round the bend. He’s gone mad.’ Krimpton added as he tried to pass the Major but was forcibly stopped by a restraining arm.
‘He is not mad Professor Krimpton.’ Trying to pull free Krimpton realised the futility of what he was trying to do so resorted to persuasion.
‘Let me out of here.’
Pushing him away from himself, the Major said without changing expression, ‘You must wait.’
Stunned, Krimpton looked at the Major then back at Brett. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Aghast he looked at the Major once more. ‘I refuse to be kept.’ Running he picked up the white phone and tried to dial three nines.
‘Don’t touch that… you can’t,’ the Major was interrupted as Krimpton staggered back from the phone. The hairs on his arms bristled and his mind was filled with a high pitched noise that seemed to take over his conscious thought. Dropping the phone he realised that his sight was the first to go as the computer virus began shutting down areas of his brain he no longer needed. Staggering about the room Krimpton couldn’t believe what was happening. His rational scientific mind couldn’t comprehend what was going on.
‘No… no it isn’t possible. No… I don’t believe it!’ He shouted as he placed both hands on each side of his head. Despite his lack of physical build he fought the conditioning as the Wotan electronic virus flooded his mind with instructions.
‘No… I won’t work for you.’ Removing his glasses he had one last attempt at fighting back, keeping control of the mind that he’d trained over the years. ‘I’m human. There’s nothing more important than human life. Machines cannot govern man. I will not….’
Holding his head in his hands he felt the virus that was Wotan invade his brain and rape every thought he had ever had. In the end he new he couldn’t fight anymore and relaxed, letting the machine take complete control of him. Turning he faced the computer terminal and the Doctor cringed as he spoke. ‘What do you want?’
‘There is one special human brain that Wotan needs. The task of leading this brain here to serve Wotan will be an extremely delicate matter.’ Professor Brett said as he stood with his back towards the bank of computers, flanked by Major Green on his right and Professor Krimpton on his left. After a short pause he added, ‘It has been arranged.’
‘Someone is coming,’ Major Green added as he heard the lift doors open.
‘The fourth member… called here to receive orders.’ Brett added with a slight smirk. Turning he walked towards the double doors and opening them stood to one side he announced, ‘The Doctor’s secretary.’ The Doctor suppressed a gasp of anger as Dodo entered the room, her face as impassive as the rest. Wotan began emitting high pitched peeping noises as if it were talking to Dodo who stopped and face the computer.
‘What are my instructions?’ was all she said as Wotan began beeping as if in overdrive. The Doctor was stunned when he heard a deep throaty voice emitting from the computer.
‘… Doctor who is required; bring him here.’
They wanted him… they wanted his brain to help run Wotan. ‘That’s the last time I play about with strange computers,’ he thought as Dodo turned and left the room. Professor Brett closed the doors behind her and turned back to his two partners in crime.
‘Here are your orders. Time is short; progress is impossible unless Wotan takes control in the next few days. Then Wotan will decide on the future of the human race, who shall live to serve the machines and who shall be eliminated.’ Behind him a telly-printer tapped out a message. ‘Krimpton, you take that.’ Tearing the printed section from the machine Krimpton read the communiqué.
‘London is the first capital to be taken over… then Washington and Moscow. War machines must be built immediately.’ As the air was filled with electric charge stimulating Brett’s brain cells he looked at his two companions.
‘Further instructions from Wotan, we shall require skilled labour. A labour corps will come into operation immediately. Contact will be made to these people by telephone; when they’re on the line switch them through the fog control. This is the way each person will be enlisted.’
‘When we have the people, where are we to construct the machines?’ Green asked.
‘At central points in London. You, Major Green, will select suitable places. I shall supervise the initial stages. Suspicion must not be aroused.’
‘I shall attend to this immediately.’ Turning, Green walked out of the room leaving only Brett and Krimpton. ‘You Krimpton, will work on a suitable electronic program for the new mobile computers. They must be able to move freely and contain their own power. All computer systems throughout the world must be integrated in Wotan.’
‘I shall begin this at once.’ Turning Krimpton was about to leave when Brett stopped him.
‘No… top priority is to enlist Doctor Who. He has advanced knowledge which Wotan needs. Doctor Who must be enlisted into our services tonight.’ Brett emphasised his last words with a clenched fist. Wotan’s voice reverberated out of the machine filling the air with static electricity as it spoke.
‘Doctor Who is required.’
Bingo turned to the Doctor who was smiling and looking down at the device he held in his hands. A red light was flashing and the words booting up appeared in a small screen that had been fastened to the top by elastic bands.
‘Who’s this Doctor Who, Doctor? Who is he?’ Bingo looked around him wondering if he had phrased that last question correctly.
The Doctor smiled and looked up at Bingo. ‘Who indeed my dear Wellington.’ Placing the device carefully on the floor before him he let it boot up and turned his attention back towards Bingo wondering if they would be able to get out of here before he ran out of Womble’s names.
Professor Brett picked up the phone as Krimpton continued to work on the electronic self contained computer that would be placed inside the war machines.
‘Yes,’ Brett said into the phone, looking a little perturbed that Wotan’s work was being disturbed. Holding the phone away from him in surprise he looked round at Krimpton. ‘It’s the Doctor’
‘Ahh… I’ll switch him through,’ Krimpton added as he turned back towards the computer bank. ‘Direct to Wotan.’ Flicking a few switched he connected the phone into the computer system and waited. The air was again filled with static electricity as high pitched sounds travelled down the phone line towards the unsuspecting Doctor.
‘Not again,’ the Doctor thought and, removing the sonic screwdriver, aimed it at the back of the Wotan computer and adjusted the frequency. Immediately the sound in the room diminished as the Doctor built a sonic wall to protect his first generation self from the full effects of the hypnotic sonic blast of the energy virus. Hanging up the phone Brett smiled at his friend and turning continued to feed information into Wotan’s memory banks.
‘Doctor, what happened?’ Barrington asked as he helped his new friend to his feet.
Whispering so he wouldn’t be heard over the constant noise of the computer the Doctor smiled. ‘I think I’ve just saved my own life.’ Turning he knelt down next to the LCD display which was now offering direction and location of the star point. Looking at the small device he realised that he’d made a great mistake.
‘Oh no… don’t do that… no, no, no.’ The direction was half a mile to the west, which would have put it right where his TARDIS had landed or at least not far from it, but the power that the system had needed was causing an overload in its alien circuitry. In approximately one hour the tracker was going to overload, blow up and destroy the room they were standing in, killing everyone inside. Moving it would be just as fatal and so would dismantling it. The power had built up enough to cause series damage, especially to the person playing around with it. Kneeling, the Doctor began adjusting circuits and moving components, trying his best to avert a disaster that would change the face of history forever.
The voice of Wotan reverberated from the centre of the computer system, causing Brett and Krimpton to stop work and face the machine.
‘Where is Doctor Who?’
In his secure place behind the consol the Doctor shook his head, ‘It’s Doctor. Just Doctor… no one would know me as Doctor Who.’ Brett looked towards the ceiling as he answered.
‘There is no word yet from the person known as Dodo.’
‘Perhaps she had failed in her task.’ Krimpton added.
‘Other means must be employed.’ Wotan stated as Brett listened. ‘Doctor Who is required.’ Brett turned his attention towards the double doors as the lift doors beyond began to open.
‘There’s someone outside.’ Krimpton walked behind him, regarding the door as he spoke.
‘We must be ready to destroy.’ A blond girl the Doctor knew as Polly entered the office and regarded Brett with concern.
‘There you are Professor… are you alright?’ As Brett approached Polly she could see the ravages constant exposure to electricity had, had on his face. Lack of sleep had cause dark circles to form round his eyes, which looked lifeless and dead. With her back against the doors Brett continued his advance until she was pinned against the wall.
‘What’s happening Doctor… I mean to these people?’ Bingo asked as he listened in on the conversations that were taking place in the office in front of him.
‘WOTAN, that’s this great big computer here, considers that humans are inferior to machines and should therefore be ruled by them.’ The doctor continued to work on the tracker knowing that time was running short. Everytime he thought that he’d sorted the problem out, another problem flashed needing his attention. ‘Exerting a hypnotic influence, it has arranged the construction of War Machines, heavily-armed, self-contained mobile computers. He plans to take over the world, would you believe.’ Pausing, the Doctor re examined his handy work then checked the timer. Instead of stopping the impending explosion he had only achieved in advancing the timer at twice the rate it previously was.
***
As Brett and Krimpton fussed over the computer settings, the Doctor, who had been trying fruitlessly to defuse the bomb, gave up.
‘All war machines will be ready to attack by noon tomorrow,’ Brett said, the ravages of lack of sleep or food showing clearly on his face.
‘Machines have been programmed to destroy any form of human life that opposes them.’ Krimpton said expressionlessly. ‘The order to attack must come from Wotan alone,’ Brett put in as the familiar electronic static filled the air.
‘None are fully completed yet. The Covent Garden machine is now on its final tests,’ Brett said as if speaking to someone that wasn’t in the room and their voice couldn’t be heard.
‘The programming of these machines is near completion,’ Krimpton added to the one way conversation that the doctor could only guess at.
‘All war machines must be disciplined. They must attack simultaneously,’ Brett said standing perfectly still in the centre of the room as Wotan crackled and beeped its reply directly to his brain.
‘Object of attack… to take over strategic centres and assume control of all human authority,’ Krimpton finally added.
***
The Doctor looked down at the tracker and felt like throwing it against the wall. He had constructed it to withstand the rigors of time and space travel and now it was so robust he couldn’t turn it off.
‘Pity you couldn’t just beam it to another planet.’
The Doctor looked up at Bingo with stunned surprise on his face. ‘What did you say?’ He asked, not sure if he had heard it right.
‘I said it’s a pity you couldn’t beam it away… like that new TV series from America…Star Track or Trek… I’m not sure just seen one episode… I Mud, … they beamed themselves to another planet from their star ship.’
The doctor looked down at the counter reading which stood at two minutes and smiled. ‘Good old Captain Kirk,’ he said as he activated the time travel device on the tracker. If he couldn’t dismantle the bomb he could send it to a different and less populated time.
Pulling out wires he used the sonic screwdriver to reattach them in different places. Activating the switch the red light beamed bright and he smiled. With no switches to set a destination he would have to send it to the Telecom tower some time in the future.
Removing the last two wires he took one more look at the timer which read seven seconds to explosion. Connecting both wires he waited but nothing happened. Then realising that he had forgotten to switch the tracker into time travel mode he flicked the switch and the device began to glow. As it faded the timer counted two seconds then one and disappeared.
Sitting back the doctor breathed a sigh of relief and a thought crossed his mind. He remembered reading once that an explosive device had gone off in the early hours of October 31, 1971. The bomb had exploded on the 31st floor. Smiling he also remembered that no one ever claimed responsibility for hiding the device and no-one was injured in the blast.
Bingo nudged the Doctor bringing him out of his revere. Brett was talking animatedly on the phone as if giving instructions to a computer toy.
‘Stop… turn plus eight seven degrees. Make repairs when given the order. There must be no mistakes. Reaction test… testing. On command go towards exit. Move forward. Continue until…’
‘It’s cut off… the machine had destroyed the transceiver,’ Krimpton said a little shame faced. It had been his program that the war machines wee running. ‘The programming is at fault. It must be corrected immediately.’ He added as he ran towards a bank of computers.
Looking down at the Doctor, Bingo searched for the device he had been working on but couldn’t for the life of him think where the Doctor had put it.
‘What do we do now Doctor? I mean… we have to get back to Sir Charles Summer and warn him. That computer thing is taking over people’s minds.’ The Doctor nodded feeling more confident than he would usually, knowing the outcome of the events. Closing his eyes he pictured himself louring the giant war machine into the magnetic field trap he’d set for it.
‘That was some of my best work,’ he said with a smile as he opened his eyes. Looking up at Barrington he winked, ‘Things were a lot less complicated back then. The Time Lords were in control of everything and all I had to do was avoid them and travel. Now look at me… I am the Time Lords… the very thing I was trying to avoid.’
Bingo looked at the Doctor, still not sure what he was talking about, but smiling like the gentleman he was let him continue. ‘An old Gallifreyen proverb states that you should never run away from anything or you’ll run right into it and they were right. With all the power of time travel at my disposal I never saw that one coming did I? What would Borusa have said to that...’ Smiling he stood and dusted himself off. ‘He was my old tutor… thought all Prydonians notoriously devious.’ Avoiding Bingo’s mystified gaze the Doctor looked round the side of the computer terminal and was stunned to see Polly walk in and turned towards Brett.
‘Why are you here?’ he asked in his usual clipped tone.
‘I’ve come to submit myself to Wotan’s judgement. I allowed a prisoner to escape.’ She spoke in a monotone voice of one whom Wotan had already taken over.
‘Wotan will consider your case later. If found guilty you will be destroyed,’ he added as emotionless as ever.
‘I understand,’ Polly answered without any signs of fear.
‘For the moment your help is needed here. Fetch me the plan of subsidiary computer bank W4.’ Polly walked towards the desk and began looking through the papers.
The Doctor shook his head, worried for Polly’s safety. He knew originally that both Ben and Polly live to accidentally enter the TARDIS and be whisked off, but in this reality any interference from him could change all of that. Desperate to do something he removed the sonic screwdriver and removed the rear of the Wotan computer. Hopefully he could fix the damage he’d perpetrated on the machine earlier. Bingo kept an eye on the proceedings, making mental notes so that his report to Sir Charles Summer would be as accurate as possible.
Looking at a war machine on a television monitor Krimpton examined a clip board as Brett looked at his watch.
With a smile Krimpton looked at Brett. ‘All serviceable machines are standing by.’
‘They must be ready to attack in exactly eleven minutes.’ Both men turned towards the Wotan computer bank waiting for instructions. They were joined by Polly who was carrying a file of papers. Static electricity filled the air as Wotan began communicating with Brett and his team.
‘Instructions to all war machines… stand by for attack,’ Professor Brett said in as commanding a voice as he could muster. Working for Wotan meant he’d been on the go since the machine had taken him over and his body was beginning to deteriorate. Lack of water was affecting his voice and his energy levels were almost at a critical point.
‘The order to attack will come from Wotan.’ Wotan’s voice reverberated throughout the tower control room in a crackle of static that Bingo could see in the air. His mind filled momentarily with thoughts that he knew weren’t his own and the pain dropped him to his knees. Fighting the invasion of his mind the virus began working its way across his senses taking over his eyesight and hearing. All he could discern were the orders that filled his mind. All humans were to be destroyed if they stood in Woton’s way. Removing a small .25 ACP Baby Browning, a relic from his father’s time spent fighting the Germans during the Second World War, he aimed it at the back of the Doctor’s head.
Taking first pressure on the trigger he began to shake.As the Wotan computer virus invaded his brain for the second time that day he fought against it. He was not a computer to be ordered against his will to kill indiscriminately, he was a Womble. He screamed the mantra inside his brain, fighting the virus with every effort of his mind.
‘Remember I’m a Womble…remember I’m a Womble.’ Lifting the gun slightly, his aim left the Doctor’s body line as sweat poured from his brow. His extended hand shook violently not as he fought hard against the programming that was trying to take over his brain. His knees began shaking and his joints stiffened. ‘Remember I’m a Womble…remember I’m a Womble.’ His mind was trying to scream out the words, as he fought a battle for his very existence. He knew he was losing but couldn’t think what to do about it other than fight. The pain was all consuming as the gun lowered back to its original position pointing at the Doctor’s head.
It was the smell of smoke and electricity that brought him back from the brink as the Doctor tried to reconnect the wiring that had caused the problem with Wotan in the first place. The external stimuli reminded him that he was human. No computer was going to take his mind no matter how strong it was. He was Barrington Womble, well at least he thought he was and no one was going to tell him any different.
For the first time since the Doctor had brought him out of the trance he felt the virus receding in his mind. His hearing was the first to return closely followed by his sight. By the time the Doctor stood in front of him smiling he had full control of his brain and its thought patterns. Realising that he was still holding the gun pointed at the Doctor, he gave a nervous cough and returned it to its shoulder holster. He would have looked embarrassed if he wasn’t so pale and covered in sweat.
‘Err… sorry about that old boy… never drew it out or fired it before… don’t know what got into me. Too much of a coward to fire it anyway… don’t know why I keep it with me. Typical action… the family name and all that, what.’
‘What,’ the Doctor added then, ignoring Bingo for the moment looked across at the other end of the control room and saw Ben easing the door open a crack in his search for Polly. He smiled, remembering it had been Ben that had whisked Polly out of the control room before the war machine attacked. Bursting in he confronted the two scientists.
‘Polly look out,’ he shouted as he ran to her.
‘What do you think you’re doing?’ Brett said still sounding as if he was in control of a situation that was gradually falling apart.
‘Quick Polly, get out of here,’ Ben said ignoring Brett while trying to take her by the arm.
‘No I must work for Wotan,’ she replied as she moved away from him.
‘No, Wotan’s power is finished,’ he screamed.
‘That is not true. You must not make contact.’ Ignoring Brett’s advice Ben dove head long into Brett’s outstretched hands in the hope of rescuing Polly.
‘Come on Polly!’ he shouted as he tried to claw his way forward.
‘No my place is with Wotan,’ she said as she fought against Ben’s hold, trying to shake him off, as he bundled her towards the double doors. Brett was momentarily distracted by Krimpton who was examining the war machine readouts.
‘Brett!’ Krimpton shouted over the confusion.
‘What is it?’ Brett asked as he let Ben and Polly go. Ignoring them, Ben put an arm lock on Polly and led her from the room kicking and protesting every stem of the way.
They were just in time as a war machine burst in through the double doors firing its primary weapon. As Krimpton tried to stop it he was caught in the machine’s fire and died immediately, trying to protect Wotan. During the battle Wotan’s voice could be heard over the melee trying to control the machine that was bent on the destruction of the super computer. As the computer bank that was Wotan began to explode its voice diminished in intensity as smoke bellowed from its melted circuits.
Taking full advantage of the confusion, the Doctor, with the help of Bingo, clambered through the ceiling tile entrance to the control room then tuning, helped Bingo through.
Looking back, the Doctor saw Brett stagger through the centre of the destruction gripping both sides of his head in pain as he did so. The computer virus was receding and removing itself from his brain. As Wotan lost its hold on the professor he looked around the room as if for the first time, in stunned silence.
‘What…’ Eventually he saw the dead body of his friend Krimpton lying on the floor. Dropping to one knee he examined him, speaking his name as he did so.
The Doctor waited a few seconds then gazing down into the turmoil that had once been the control room he saw a grey haired Doctor, still wearing the sable hat and black cloak walked in with two official looking gentlemen in tow.
‘It’s Sir Charles Summer,’ Bingo said, looking over the Doctor’s shoulder and pointing to a rather rotund figure in a business suit that had once seen the inside of Saval Row.
Bending over the dead body of Professor Krimpton, the Doctor confronted Brett. ‘There’s nothing you can do for the poor fellow.’
‘But what about the other war machines Doctor?’ Sir Charles Summer said as he took in the destruction of the control room.
‘All immobilised waiting for orders… orders that will never come.’ Replacing the tile both the Doctor and Barrington Wombwell headed for the elevators. Not wishing to be confronted by an earlier version of himself they both headed for ground level and out through the open door into the fresh air.
Turning towards his friend the Doctor smiled and held out his hand. ‘Thank you, Bingo, for all your help and… not shooting me when Wotan tried to take over your mind.’
Bingo looked worried and with a shaky hand extended it towards the Doctor. ‘Err… sorry about that old boy… not myself, far too much of a coward to fire it anyway, what.’
‘What?’ the Doctor asked with a smile on his face. Barrington smiled and shook the Doctor’s hand vigorously.
The Doctor was about to say something when a man in an obvious hurry banged into his shoulder as he passed. Turning the Doctor saw a grey haired man wearing a black sable hat and a matching black cloak head off towards the park. Smiling, the Doctor released his grip on Bingo and nodding followed after him. As he headed for the park he heard Bingo’s voice as he shouted after him.
‘Thanks again Doctor and don’t worry I’ll never forget… and I’m proud to be a Womble!’ With a smile the Doctor gave him a wave and turning burst out laughing.
***
Taking his usual place at the bus stop across the road, the Doctor watched the grey-haired man pacing up and down outside his TARDIS. Impatiently he checked his watch then returned it to its waistcoat pocket. Standing on the street corner as he was he noticed two figures run passed him and instantly recognised Polly’s modern, sixties clothing and Ben’s less than stylish, merchant seaman, navy garb. His pack was slung over one shoulder and he was distinctive with H. M. S. Teazer printed on his cap.
The Doctor looked on with a smile as they confronted the earlier generation of himself. If they only knew the adventures that fate had planned for them they’d probably run as far from the TARDIS as they could.
Ben would leave the Thames River on the anti-submarine frigate HMS Teazer F-23 and head off to Ystad Sweden where he would enter a shooting competition against the Swedish Army, and win. Returning to England he would seek out and find Polly and they would marry and have three children. The ship would have been scrapped a year later in 1965…
The Doctor thought for a moment then realised that the date was 1966 a year after the Teazer had been scrapped, yet Ben would be heading back to the Thames to join his ship and head off to Sweden. The star point had affected the time line and there’s nothing he could do about it.
Looking at his watch he smiled. In two hours time, the Doctor, or at least another different generation of himself, would be leaving Ben and Polly at Gatwick Airport after their confrontation with the alien race the Chameleons and he and Jamie would be off searching for the TARDIS. He rubbed his head; even for him time travel was confusing. Looking up he saw Ben and Polly heading away from the TARDIS.
‘Don’t look back.’ He spoke quietly to himself as Ben and Polly walked away from the Doctor who had disappeared inside the TARDIS. Turning they spoke animatedly to each other. Removing a key from his pocket Ben ran back towards the TARDIS. ‘Don’t do it… you’ve got to get back to barracks.’ The Doctor whispered as he looked at the familiar scene unfolding before him. ‘All you’d be missing is the Macra, the Cybermen, people who can live underwater and best of all, the Daleks.’ Using the key Polly had taken from Ben they opened the TARDIS door and walked inside. ‘Like sheep to the slaughter,’ the Doctor said as the ground reverberated and the TARDIS faded and disappeared from sight.
Turning he headed across the road and into Fitzroy Square park. Walking towards his TARDIS he noticed a stone structure at the far end of the park and headed towards it. The twisting and turning of the artistic model caused a shiver to run down the Doctor’s spine. He disliked so called modern art.
Turning, he noticed a couple, the man wearing a black trilby hat and the woman bareheaded, walking towards him. Turning back to the statue he gasped as he noticed a small horn shaped stone protruding from the base of the statue. Taking a tentative step forward he was just about to reach for it when a weight slammed into his back throwing him into the dirt.
Twisting as he landed he noticed the man, now hatless lying dead on top of him. Pushing the corpse away he was just in time to see the woman fall next to her partner. Standing, he dusted himself off and gazed down at the two dead bodies. On closer examination he found a single bullet hole at the back of the man’s head. His death, the Doctor mused, would have been instantaneous. A similar examination of the women proved equally fruitful. Turning he scanned the area and was stunned to see Barrington walking towards him brandishing the Baby Browning as if he didn’t want anything to do with it.
As he drew near, the Doctor noticed tears in his eyes as he fumbled with the gun almost dropping it.
‘They were going… going to… kill you… Doctor.’ Rolling the man over the Doctor noticed, for the first time, the gun in his hand. ‘The woman has one too… I saw it… you know.’
‘Didn’t look like a coward there Barrington. You should be proud of yourself, you saved my life at the risk of your own.’ Bingo smiled, embarrassed and holstered the .25.
Kneeling down, the Doctor removed the pistol from her grip and as he did so noticed the steel band that almost circled their necks. ‘Robomen,’ was all he said as he stood and passed Barrington the weapon. Reluctantly he pocketed the gun and gazed back at the Doctor.
‘Who were they and what are Robomen?’
The Doctor shook his head, ‘Nothing for you to worry about Bingo… at least not for a few thousand years yet.’ Smiling he bent and pulled the star point free from he base of the statue and thrust it into his pocket. Turning back towards Bingo he extended his hand a second time and shook it with warmth. ‘Thanks again Bingo for all you have done. It’s been a pleasure knowing you.’
‘Err… and you Doctor… and you.’ Barrington said as the Doctor removed the TARDIS key from his pocket and opened the door. Turning back he smiled across at his friend and added, ‘Be careful Barrington, and watch out for the twenty first century… that’s when it all changes.’
Stepping into the TARDIS the Doctor poked his head out and added, with a smile, ‘Remember what a Womble you are.’ As the Doctor closed the door to the TARDIS, Barrington Wombwell stood open mouthed as the blue police call box faded and then disappeared in front of him.
Reach for the Stars 12/16
Characters: Jack Harkness, Ianto Jones, The Doctor (10), OFC, OMCs, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart, Benton, Johnson
Pairings: Jack/Ianto
Disclaimer: Neither Torchwood or Doctor Who are mine
Summary: In the Citadel of the Time Lords, about 250 million light years away from Earth, a number of elements were protected in case they fell into the wrong hands. If an exhibit was deemed to be powerful enough to corrupt in the wrong hands it was usually destroyed, or if that was found to be impossible, it was split into segments and kept apart from itself in case it were stolen.
Spoilers: Children of Earth
Rating: PG-13
Warning: Numerous ‘Womble’ references… hehe
A/N: This is a sequel to Doctor Who’s End Game. The Whole thing starts with Doctor Who and the Cathedral of Light.
Prologue here
Searching around the control room the Doctor knew there was something missing.
‘Madame Cholet… where are you?’
Looking behind the consol Bingo sat transfixed by the power of electrical energy the Doctor had inadvertently released by activating the computer. Waving a hand in front of his face the Doctor smiled. ‘Some spy you are.’ Kneeling in front of him the Doctor began to speak slowly and clearly.
‘Listen to me Bingo… you’ve been dreaming but now you’re going to wake as if from a deep sleep. Your eyes are lightening and your breathing is returning to normal. When I count to three you’ll be your self again, Barrington Womble err Wombwell, world renowned spy and action man who doesn’t know the meaning of the word fear… or other words for that matter. Don’t be ashamed of your brother and remember you’re a Womble with pride,’ he whispered as Bingo came out of the trance the computer had put him in. ‘One… two… three,’ the Doctor snapped his fingers and Bingo’s eyes flashed open. Bingo immediately stood and looked the doctor in the eye,
‘The name’s Womble, Barrington Womble, licence to kill… well, not English people… and perhaps not kill but perhaps wound slightly would be okay… as long as they got better…’ The Doctor smiled but cringed inside, hoping he’d remember his second name was Wombwell before the television series came out.
Ducking back behind the computer terminal the Doctor heard the lift doors slid open. Bingo followed as the Doctor pulled him down behind the terminal just in time. Moments later the double doors to the computer room opened and the Major entered. Taking one look around the room he was about to close the doors behind him when Wotan began emitting a high pitched noise that seemed to be summoning the Major.
The Doctor shook his head and winced, ‘Not again… sorry old boy.’
Turning, the Major walked back into the room then, just like Brett thrust both fists against the side of his head. Seconds later as the giant computer took over his thought patterns he lowered his hands and faced Wotan. Wincing with pain he let the electric current run rampant around in his mind as orders were given to him.
‘I understand,’ was all he said as he turned away from the computer. Slowly he walked over towards the two phones and lifted the black one. Dialling an outside line he rang the Inferno club.
‘Can I speak with Dodo please?’ Silence, then he heard a replay. The Doctor could only hear one half of the conversation but could guess at what was being said. Placing the phone down on the desk, the Major plugged the extension code directly into the computer so that Wotan could give Dodo orders. When the call was finished Major Green replaced the phone and without a backward glance left the room.
Looking back at Bingo the Doctor breathed a sigh of relief, he was OK. The effects of the computer had been minimal. Removing the tracker the Doctor stood and motioned for Bingo to help him begin working on the activation switch. Just as the Doctor felt that the device should work he heard the lift doors open again. Pulling Bingo with him he ducked back behind the centre consol and waited for the double doors to open. This time Brett entered with a smaller man, whom the Doctor recognised as Krimpton, another scientist and friend of Professor Brett.
‘Are you joking? This machine is arguing-’
Brett cut him off. ‘Wotan has decided that the world cannot progress further with mankind running it.’
‘Oh really, and what does Wotan propose to do about it. Take over from us?’ The short bespectacled man pleaded.
‘From now on we are to serve.’ Brett said so matter-of-factly that the newcomer was taken aback by his frankness.
‘And if we chose not to, I suppose mankind will be eliminated,’ he said, not believing what his friend of many years was now saying.
‘If it is necessary,’ Brett said staring straight ahead of him as if deliberately avoiding his gaze.
‘You’ve been working too hard old chap. You’ve gone completely off your rocker,’ his friend said as he looked for the exit.
‘You cannot escape.’
Turning, the bespectacled man stood face to face with the Major, almost bumping into him in his rush to leave. ‘Oh dear. Ahh Major, thank heavens you’re here. He’s gone round the bend. He’s gone mad.’ Krimpton added as he tried to pass the Major but was forcibly stopped by a restraining arm.
‘He is not mad Professor Krimpton.’ Trying to pull free Krimpton realised the futility of what he was trying to do so resorted to persuasion.
‘Let me out of here.’
Pushing him away from himself, the Major said without changing expression, ‘You must wait.’
Stunned, Krimpton looked at the Major then back at Brett. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Aghast he looked at the Major once more. ‘I refuse to be kept.’ Running he picked up the white phone and tried to dial three nines.
‘Don’t touch that… you can’t,’ the Major was interrupted as Krimpton staggered back from the phone. The hairs on his arms bristled and his mind was filled with a high pitched noise that seemed to take over his conscious thought. Dropping the phone he realised that his sight was the first to go as the computer virus began shutting down areas of his brain he no longer needed. Staggering about the room Krimpton couldn’t believe what was happening. His rational scientific mind couldn’t comprehend what was going on.
‘No… no it isn’t possible. No… I don’t believe it!’ He shouted as he placed both hands on each side of his head. Despite his lack of physical build he fought the conditioning as the Wotan electronic virus flooded his mind with instructions.
‘No… I won’t work for you.’ Removing his glasses he had one last attempt at fighting back, keeping control of the mind that he’d trained over the years. ‘I’m human. There’s nothing more important than human life. Machines cannot govern man. I will not….’
Holding his head in his hands he felt the virus that was Wotan invade his brain and rape every thought he had ever had. In the end he new he couldn’t fight anymore and relaxed, letting the machine take complete control of him. Turning he faced the computer terminal and the Doctor cringed as he spoke. ‘What do you want?’
‘There is one special human brain that Wotan needs. The task of leading this brain here to serve Wotan will be an extremely delicate matter.’ Professor Brett said as he stood with his back towards the bank of computers, flanked by Major Green on his right and Professor Krimpton on his left. After a short pause he added, ‘It has been arranged.’
‘Someone is coming,’ Major Green added as he heard the lift doors open.
‘The fourth member… called here to receive orders.’ Brett added with a slight smirk. Turning he walked towards the double doors and opening them stood to one side he announced, ‘The Doctor’s secretary.’ The Doctor suppressed a gasp of anger as Dodo entered the room, her face as impassive as the rest. Wotan began emitting high pitched peeping noises as if it were talking to Dodo who stopped and face the computer.
‘What are my instructions?’ was all she said as Wotan began beeping as if in overdrive. The Doctor was stunned when he heard a deep throaty voice emitting from the computer.
‘… Doctor who is required; bring him here.’
They wanted him… they wanted his brain to help run Wotan. ‘That’s the last time I play about with strange computers,’ he thought as Dodo turned and left the room. Professor Brett closed the doors behind her and turned back to his two partners in crime.
‘Here are your orders. Time is short; progress is impossible unless Wotan takes control in the next few days. Then Wotan will decide on the future of the human race, who shall live to serve the machines and who shall be eliminated.’ Behind him a telly-printer tapped out a message. ‘Krimpton, you take that.’ Tearing the printed section from the machine Krimpton read the communiqué.
‘London is the first capital to be taken over… then Washington and Moscow. War machines must be built immediately.’ As the air was filled with electric charge stimulating Brett’s brain cells he looked at his two companions.
‘Further instructions from Wotan, we shall require skilled labour. A labour corps will come into operation immediately. Contact will be made to these people by telephone; when they’re on the line switch them through the fog control. This is the way each person will be enlisted.’
‘When we have the people, where are we to construct the machines?’ Green asked.
‘At central points in London. You, Major Green, will select suitable places. I shall supervise the initial stages. Suspicion must not be aroused.’
‘I shall attend to this immediately.’ Turning, Green walked out of the room leaving only Brett and Krimpton. ‘You Krimpton, will work on a suitable electronic program for the new mobile computers. They must be able to move freely and contain their own power. All computer systems throughout the world must be integrated in Wotan.’
‘I shall begin this at once.’ Turning Krimpton was about to leave when Brett stopped him.
‘No… top priority is to enlist Doctor Who. He has advanced knowledge which Wotan needs. Doctor Who must be enlisted into our services tonight.’ Brett emphasised his last words with a clenched fist. Wotan’s voice reverberated out of the machine filling the air with static electricity as it spoke.
‘Doctor Who is required.’
Bingo turned to the Doctor who was smiling and looking down at the device he held in his hands. A red light was flashing and the words booting up appeared in a small screen that had been fastened to the top by elastic bands.
‘Who’s this Doctor Who, Doctor? Who is he?’ Bingo looked around him wondering if he had phrased that last question correctly.
The Doctor smiled and looked up at Bingo. ‘Who indeed my dear Wellington.’ Placing the device carefully on the floor before him he let it boot up and turned his attention back towards Bingo wondering if they would be able to get out of here before he ran out of Womble’s names.
Professor Brett picked up the phone as Krimpton continued to work on the electronic self contained computer that would be placed inside the war machines.
‘Yes,’ Brett said into the phone, looking a little perturbed that Wotan’s work was being disturbed. Holding the phone away from him in surprise he looked round at Krimpton. ‘It’s the Doctor’
‘Ahh… I’ll switch him through,’ Krimpton added as he turned back towards the computer bank. ‘Direct to Wotan.’ Flicking a few switched he connected the phone into the computer system and waited. The air was again filled with static electricity as high pitched sounds travelled down the phone line towards the unsuspecting Doctor.
‘Not again,’ the Doctor thought and, removing the sonic screwdriver, aimed it at the back of the Wotan computer and adjusted the frequency. Immediately the sound in the room diminished as the Doctor built a sonic wall to protect his first generation self from the full effects of the hypnotic sonic blast of the energy virus. Hanging up the phone Brett smiled at his friend and turning continued to feed information into Wotan’s memory banks.
‘Doctor, what happened?’ Barrington asked as he helped his new friend to his feet.
Whispering so he wouldn’t be heard over the constant noise of the computer the Doctor smiled. ‘I think I’ve just saved my own life.’ Turning he knelt down next to the LCD display which was now offering direction and location of the star point. Looking at the small device he realised that he’d made a great mistake.
‘Oh no… don’t do that… no, no, no.’ The direction was half a mile to the west, which would have put it right where his TARDIS had landed or at least not far from it, but the power that the system had needed was causing an overload in its alien circuitry. In approximately one hour the tracker was going to overload, blow up and destroy the room they were standing in, killing everyone inside. Moving it would be just as fatal and so would dismantling it. The power had built up enough to cause series damage, especially to the person playing around with it. Kneeling, the Doctor began adjusting circuits and moving components, trying his best to avert a disaster that would change the face of history forever.
The voice of Wotan reverberated from the centre of the computer system, causing Brett and Krimpton to stop work and face the machine.
‘Where is Doctor Who?’
In his secure place behind the consol the Doctor shook his head, ‘It’s Doctor. Just Doctor… no one would know me as Doctor Who.’ Brett looked towards the ceiling as he answered.
‘There is no word yet from the person known as Dodo.’
‘Perhaps she had failed in her task.’ Krimpton added.
‘Other means must be employed.’ Wotan stated as Brett listened. ‘Doctor Who is required.’ Brett turned his attention towards the double doors as the lift doors beyond began to open.
‘There’s someone outside.’ Krimpton walked behind him, regarding the door as he spoke.
‘We must be ready to destroy.’ A blond girl the Doctor knew as Polly entered the office and regarded Brett with concern.
‘There you are Professor… are you alright?’ As Brett approached Polly she could see the ravages constant exposure to electricity had, had on his face. Lack of sleep had cause dark circles to form round his eyes, which looked lifeless and dead. With her back against the doors Brett continued his advance until she was pinned against the wall.
‘What’s happening Doctor… I mean to these people?’ Bingo asked as he listened in on the conversations that were taking place in the office in front of him.
‘WOTAN, that’s this great big computer here, considers that humans are inferior to machines and should therefore be ruled by them.’ The doctor continued to work on the tracker knowing that time was running short. Everytime he thought that he’d sorted the problem out, another problem flashed needing his attention. ‘Exerting a hypnotic influence, it has arranged the construction of War Machines, heavily-armed, self-contained mobile computers. He plans to take over the world, would you believe.’ Pausing, the Doctor re examined his handy work then checked the timer. Instead of stopping the impending explosion he had only achieved in advancing the timer at twice the rate it previously was.
***
As Brett and Krimpton fussed over the computer settings, the Doctor, who had been trying fruitlessly to defuse the bomb, gave up.
‘All war machines will be ready to attack by noon tomorrow,’ Brett said, the ravages of lack of sleep or food showing clearly on his face.
‘Machines have been programmed to destroy any form of human life that opposes them.’ Krimpton said expressionlessly. ‘The order to attack must come from Wotan alone,’ Brett put in as the familiar electronic static filled the air.
‘None are fully completed yet. The Covent Garden machine is now on its final tests,’ Brett said as if speaking to someone that wasn’t in the room and their voice couldn’t be heard.
‘The programming of these machines is near completion,’ Krimpton added to the one way conversation that the doctor could only guess at.
‘All war machines must be disciplined. They must attack simultaneously,’ Brett said standing perfectly still in the centre of the room as Wotan crackled and beeped its reply directly to his brain.
‘Object of attack… to take over strategic centres and assume control of all human authority,’ Krimpton finally added.
***
The Doctor looked down at the tracker and felt like throwing it against the wall. He had constructed it to withstand the rigors of time and space travel and now it was so robust he couldn’t turn it off.
‘Pity you couldn’t just beam it to another planet.’
The Doctor looked up at Bingo with stunned surprise on his face. ‘What did you say?’ He asked, not sure if he had heard it right.
‘I said it’s a pity you couldn’t beam it away… like that new TV series from America…Star Track or Trek… I’m not sure just seen one episode… I Mud, … they beamed themselves to another planet from their star ship.’
The doctor looked down at the counter reading which stood at two minutes and smiled. ‘Good old Captain Kirk,’ he said as he activated the time travel device on the tracker. If he couldn’t dismantle the bomb he could send it to a different and less populated time.
Pulling out wires he used the sonic screwdriver to reattach them in different places. Activating the switch the red light beamed bright and he smiled. With no switches to set a destination he would have to send it to the Telecom tower some time in the future.
Removing the last two wires he took one more look at the timer which read seven seconds to explosion. Connecting both wires he waited but nothing happened. Then realising that he had forgotten to switch the tracker into time travel mode he flicked the switch and the device began to glow. As it faded the timer counted two seconds then one and disappeared.
Sitting back the doctor breathed a sigh of relief and a thought crossed his mind. He remembered reading once that an explosive device had gone off in the early hours of October 31, 1971. The bomb had exploded on the 31st floor. Smiling he also remembered that no one ever claimed responsibility for hiding the device and no-one was injured in the blast.
Bingo nudged the Doctor bringing him out of his revere. Brett was talking animatedly on the phone as if giving instructions to a computer toy.
‘Stop… turn plus eight seven degrees. Make repairs when given the order. There must be no mistakes. Reaction test… testing. On command go towards exit. Move forward. Continue until…’
‘It’s cut off… the machine had destroyed the transceiver,’ Krimpton said a little shame faced. It had been his program that the war machines wee running. ‘The programming is at fault. It must be corrected immediately.’ He added as he ran towards a bank of computers.
Looking down at the Doctor, Bingo searched for the device he had been working on but couldn’t for the life of him think where the Doctor had put it.
‘What do we do now Doctor? I mean… we have to get back to Sir Charles Summer and warn him. That computer thing is taking over people’s minds.’ The Doctor nodded feeling more confident than he would usually, knowing the outcome of the events. Closing his eyes he pictured himself louring the giant war machine into the magnetic field trap he’d set for it.
‘That was some of my best work,’ he said with a smile as he opened his eyes. Looking up at Barrington he winked, ‘Things were a lot less complicated back then. The Time Lords were in control of everything and all I had to do was avoid them and travel. Now look at me… I am the Time Lords… the very thing I was trying to avoid.’
Bingo looked at the Doctor, still not sure what he was talking about, but smiling like the gentleman he was let him continue. ‘An old Gallifreyen proverb states that you should never run away from anything or you’ll run right into it and they were right. With all the power of time travel at my disposal I never saw that one coming did I? What would Borusa have said to that...’ Smiling he stood and dusted himself off. ‘He was my old tutor… thought all Prydonians notoriously devious.’ Avoiding Bingo’s mystified gaze the Doctor looked round the side of the computer terminal and was stunned to see Polly walk in and turned towards Brett.
‘Why are you here?’ he asked in his usual clipped tone.
‘I’ve come to submit myself to Wotan’s judgement. I allowed a prisoner to escape.’ She spoke in a monotone voice of one whom Wotan had already taken over.
‘Wotan will consider your case later. If found guilty you will be destroyed,’ he added as emotionless as ever.
‘I understand,’ Polly answered without any signs of fear.
‘For the moment your help is needed here. Fetch me the plan of subsidiary computer bank W4.’ Polly walked towards the desk and began looking through the papers.
The Doctor shook his head, worried for Polly’s safety. He knew originally that both Ben and Polly live to accidentally enter the TARDIS and be whisked off, but in this reality any interference from him could change all of that. Desperate to do something he removed the sonic screwdriver and removed the rear of the Wotan computer. Hopefully he could fix the damage he’d perpetrated on the machine earlier. Bingo kept an eye on the proceedings, making mental notes so that his report to Sir Charles Summer would be as accurate as possible.
Looking at a war machine on a television monitor Krimpton examined a clip board as Brett looked at his watch.
With a smile Krimpton looked at Brett. ‘All serviceable machines are standing by.’
‘They must be ready to attack in exactly eleven minutes.’ Both men turned towards the Wotan computer bank waiting for instructions. They were joined by Polly who was carrying a file of papers. Static electricity filled the air as Wotan began communicating with Brett and his team.
‘Instructions to all war machines… stand by for attack,’ Professor Brett said in as commanding a voice as he could muster. Working for Wotan meant he’d been on the go since the machine had taken him over and his body was beginning to deteriorate. Lack of water was affecting his voice and his energy levels were almost at a critical point.
‘The order to attack will come from Wotan.’ Wotan’s voice reverberated throughout the tower control room in a crackle of static that Bingo could see in the air. His mind filled momentarily with thoughts that he knew weren’t his own and the pain dropped him to his knees. Fighting the invasion of his mind the virus began working its way across his senses taking over his eyesight and hearing. All he could discern were the orders that filled his mind. All humans were to be destroyed if they stood in Woton’s way. Removing a small .25 ACP Baby Browning, a relic from his father’s time spent fighting the Germans during the Second World War, he aimed it at the back of the Doctor’s head.
Taking first pressure on the trigger he began to shake.As the Wotan computer virus invaded his brain for the second time that day he fought against it. He was not a computer to be ordered against his will to kill indiscriminately, he was a Womble. He screamed the mantra inside his brain, fighting the virus with every effort of his mind.
‘Remember I’m a Womble…remember I’m a Womble.’ Lifting the gun slightly, his aim left the Doctor’s body line as sweat poured from his brow. His extended hand shook violently not as he fought hard against the programming that was trying to take over his brain. His knees began shaking and his joints stiffened. ‘Remember I’m a Womble…remember I’m a Womble.’ His mind was trying to scream out the words, as he fought a battle for his very existence. He knew he was losing but couldn’t think what to do about it other than fight. The pain was all consuming as the gun lowered back to its original position pointing at the Doctor’s head.
It was the smell of smoke and electricity that brought him back from the brink as the Doctor tried to reconnect the wiring that had caused the problem with Wotan in the first place. The external stimuli reminded him that he was human. No computer was going to take his mind no matter how strong it was. He was Barrington Womble, well at least he thought he was and no one was going to tell him any different.
For the first time since the Doctor had brought him out of the trance he felt the virus receding in his mind. His hearing was the first to return closely followed by his sight. By the time the Doctor stood in front of him smiling he had full control of his brain and its thought patterns. Realising that he was still holding the gun pointed at the Doctor, he gave a nervous cough and returned it to its shoulder holster. He would have looked embarrassed if he wasn’t so pale and covered in sweat.
‘Err… sorry about that old boy… never drew it out or fired it before… don’t know what got into me. Too much of a coward to fire it anyway… don’t know why I keep it with me. Typical action… the family name and all that, what.’
‘What,’ the Doctor added then, ignoring Bingo for the moment looked across at the other end of the control room and saw Ben easing the door open a crack in his search for Polly. He smiled, remembering it had been Ben that had whisked Polly out of the control room before the war machine attacked. Bursting in he confronted the two scientists.
‘Polly look out,’ he shouted as he ran to her.
‘What do you think you’re doing?’ Brett said still sounding as if he was in control of a situation that was gradually falling apart.
‘Quick Polly, get out of here,’ Ben said ignoring Brett while trying to take her by the arm.
‘No I must work for Wotan,’ she replied as she moved away from him.
‘No, Wotan’s power is finished,’ he screamed.
‘That is not true. You must not make contact.’ Ignoring Brett’s advice Ben dove head long into Brett’s outstretched hands in the hope of rescuing Polly.
‘Come on Polly!’ he shouted as he tried to claw his way forward.
‘No my place is with Wotan,’ she said as she fought against Ben’s hold, trying to shake him off, as he bundled her towards the double doors. Brett was momentarily distracted by Krimpton who was examining the war machine readouts.
‘Brett!’ Krimpton shouted over the confusion.
‘What is it?’ Brett asked as he let Ben and Polly go. Ignoring them, Ben put an arm lock on Polly and led her from the room kicking and protesting every stem of the way.
They were just in time as a war machine burst in through the double doors firing its primary weapon. As Krimpton tried to stop it he was caught in the machine’s fire and died immediately, trying to protect Wotan. During the battle Wotan’s voice could be heard over the melee trying to control the machine that was bent on the destruction of the super computer. As the computer bank that was Wotan began to explode its voice diminished in intensity as smoke bellowed from its melted circuits.
Taking full advantage of the confusion, the Doctor, with the help of Bingo, clambered through the ceiling tile entrance to the control room then tuning, helped Bingo through.
Looking back, the Doctor saw Brett stagger through the centre of the destruction gripping both sides of his head in pain as he did so. The computer virus was receding and removing itself from his brain. As Wotan lost its hold on the professor he looked around the room as if for the first time, in stunned silence.
‘What…’ Eventually he saw the dead body of his friend Krimpton lying on the floor. Dropping to one knee he examined him, speaking his name as he did so.
The Doctor waited a few seconds then gazing down into the turmoil that had once been the control room he saw a grey haired Doctor, still wearing the sable hat and black cloak walked in with two official looking gentlemen in tow.
‘It’s Sir Charles Summer,’ Bingo said, looking over the Doctor’s shoulder and pointing to a rather rotund figure in a business suit that had once seen the inside of Saval Row.
Bending over the dead body of Professor Krimpton, the Doctor confronted Brett. ‘There’s nothing you can do for the poor fellow.’
‘But what about the other war machines Doctor?’ Sir Charles Summer said as he took in the destruction of the control room.
‘All immobilised waiting for orders… orders that will never come.’ Replacing the tile both the Doctor and Barrington Wombwell headed for the elevators. Not wishing to be confronted by an earlier version of himself they both headed for ground level and out through the open door into the fresh air.
Turning towards his friend the Doctor smiled and held out his hand. ‘Thank you, Bingo, for all your help and… not shooting me when Wotan tried to take over your mind.’
Bingo looked worried and with a shaky hand extended it towards the Doctor. ‘Err… sorry about that old boy… not myself, far too much of a coward to fire it anyway, what.’
‘What?’ the Doctor asked with a smile on his face. Barrington smiled and shook the Doctor’s hand vigorously.
The Doctor was about to say something when a man in an obvious hurry banged into his shoulder as he passed. Turning the Doctor saw a grey haired man wearing a black sable hat and a matching black cloak head off towards the park. Smiling, the Doctor released his grip on Bingo and nodding followed after him. As he headed for the park he heard Bingo’s voice as he shouted after him.
‘Thanks again Doctor and don’t worry I’ll never forget… and I’m proud to be a Womble!’ With a smile the Doctor gave him a wave and turning burst out laughing.
***
Taking his usual place at the bus stop across the road, the Doctor watched the grey-haired man pacing up and down outside his TARDIS. Impatiently he checked his watch then returned it to its waistcoat pocket. Standing on the street corner as he was he noticed two figures run passed him and instantly recognised Polly’s modern, sixties clothing and Ben’s less than stylish, merchant seaman, navy garb. His pack was slung over one shoulder and he was distinctive with H. M. S. Teazer printed on his cap.
The Doctor looked on with a smile as they confronted the earlier generation of himself. If they only knew the adventures that fate had planned for them they’d probably run as far from the TARDIS as they could.
Ben would leave the Thames River on the anti-submarine frigate HMS Teazer F-23 and head off to Ystad Sweden where he would enter a shooting competition against the Swedish Army, and win. Returning to England he would seek out and find Polly and they would marry and have three children. The ship would have been scrapped a year later in 1965…
The Doctor thought for a moment then realised that the date was 1966 a year after the Teazer had been scrapped, yet Ben would be heading back to the Thames to join his ship and head off to Sweden. The star point had affected the time line and there’s nothing he could do about it.
Looking at his watch he smiled. In two hours time, the Doctor, or at least another different generation of himself, would be leaving Ben and Polly at Gatwick Airport after their confrontation with the alien race the Chameleons and he and Jamie would be off searching for the TARDIS. He rubbed his head; even for him time travel was confusing. Looking up he saw Ben and Polly heading away from the TARDIS.
‘Don’t look back.’ He spoke quietly to himself as Ben and Polly walked away from the Doctor who had disappeared inside the TARDIS. Turning they spoke animatedly to each other. Removing a key from his pocket Ben ran back towards the TARDIS. ‘Don’t do it… you’ve got to get back to barracks.’ The Doctor whispered as he looked at the familiar scene unfolding before him. ‘All you’d be missing is the Macra, the Cybermen, people who can live underwater and best of all, the Daleks.’ Using the key Polly had taken from Ben they opened the TARDIS door and walked inside. ‘Like sheep to the slaughter,’ the Doctor said as the ground reverberated and the TARDIS faded and disappeared from sight.
Turning he headed across the road and into Fitzroy Square park. Walking towards his TARDIS he noticed a stone structure at the far end of the park and headed towards it. The twisting and turning of the artistic model caused a shiver to run down the Doctor’s spine. He disliked so called modern art.
Turning, he noticed a couple, the man wearing a black trilby hat and the woman bareheaded, walking towards him. Turning back to the statue he gasped as he noticed a small horn shaped stone protruding from the base of the statue. Taking a tentative step forward he was just about to reach for it when a weight slammed into his back throwing him into the dirt.
Twisting as he landed he noticed the man, now hatless lying dead on top of him. Pushing the corpse away he was just in time to see the woman fall next to her partner. Standing, he dusted himself off and gazed down at the two dead bodies. On closer examination he found a single bullet hole at the back of the man’s head. His death, the Doctor mused, would have been instantaneous. A similar examination of the women proved equally fruitful. Turning he scanned the area and was stunned to see Barrington walking towards him brandishing the Baby Browning as if he didn’t want anything to do with it.
As he drew near, the Doctor noticed tears in his eyes as he fumbled with the gun almost dropping it.
‘They were going… going to… kill you… Doctor.’ Rolling the man over the Doctor noticed, for the first time, the gun in his hand. ‘The woman has one too… I saw it… you know.’
‘Didn’t look like a coward there Barrington. You should be proud of yourself, you saved my life at the risk of your own.’ Bingo smiled, embarrassed and holstered the .25.
Kneeling down, the Doctor removed the pistol from her grip and as he did so noticed the steel band that almost circled their necks. ‘Robomen,’ was all he said as he stood and passed Barrington the weapon. Reluctantly he pocketed the gun and gazed back at the Doctor.
‘Who were they and what are Robomen?’
The Doctor shook his head, ‘Nothing for you to worry about Bingo… at least not for a few thousand years yet.’ Smiling he bent and pulled the star point free from he base of the statue and thrust it into his pocket. Turning back towards Bingo he extended his hand a second time and shook it with warmth. ‘Thanks again Bingo for all you have done. It’s been a pleasure knowing you.’
‘Err… and you Doctor… and you.’ Barrington said as the Doctor removed the TARDIS key from his pocket and opened the door. Turning back he smiled across at his friend and added, ‘Be careful Barrington, and watch out for the twenty first century… that’s when it all changes.’
Stepping into the TARDIS the Doctor poked his head out and added, with a smile, ‘Remember what a Womble you are.’ As the Doctor closed the door to the TARDIS, Barrington Wombwell stood open mouthed as the blue police call box faded and then disappeared in front of him.
Reach for the Stars 12/16