The Plague Of Newdix Court.
prologue: (continuing from where 'CRUCIBLE OF TIME left off)
''I'm serious.'' The Doctor grinned. ''It's completely your choice...anywhere in time and space!''
Although such a choice, naturally filled them with an excitement, both Tom and Kate seemed hesitant...much to the Doctor's disappointment...which showed on his face.
''I'd love to..'' said a hesitant Kate, ''But...after what I've just been through...can't I go home to recover first?''
''And you Tom?''said a rather glum Doctor.
''Well, yes, I'd love to...you know I would...but like Kate said; after what we've been through...and then there's James; heaven knows what happened to him...he could have run to the police. The police will be looking for ME!''
The Doctor sighed, then spoke in a more up lifting tone, ''He didn't go to the police and they're not looking for you either.''
''How do you know?'' said Tom, a bit confused.
This is a TIME machine...James doesn't get to the police because we will now go back and meet him before he does...after all, we know the police didn't turn up, so it must be because we do go back. And as to you being missing; it doesn't matter how much time you spend here on my ship; we can go back to drop you off just before you left.''
''I'd be a bit older though'' smiled Tom, who now understood.
''well..yes..'' admitted the Doctor ,'' ..and you, Kate, you can take a years break in your house but we will just go forward in time a year...but in seconds...I drop you off slam the old girl into fast forward, so to speak, and voila; I pick you up again!
''And..''He continued now he was in full flow, not letting Kate get a word in edge-ways,''It needn't be seconds...it could be years if I chose to go on some long holiday myself! How long we wait before returning to you isn't important...the only thing of importance is that we set a course that arrives at your house in 2018..Although the TARDIS is perfectly equipped to make you feel at home...but if you prefer your own house...?''
''No offence Doc but 'there's no place like home'...as they say. Although I'm not waiting a year...make it a week from now.''
''Okay, agreed...plus it will give you time to think up some ideas on where to go''
''I don't mind hanging out here, Doctor...there's only student digs waiting for me in Oxford anyway.'' pitched in Tom.
It was settled: first the TARDIS traveled to the edge of the forest in 2017 where the trio observed an earlier version of Kate walking her sister's dog.
''Don't try and rescue yourself!'' warned the Doctor.
''Because it'll cause a paradox?'' asked Kate.
''Well...mainly because we know you don't rescue yourself...so you'd just be wasting your energy. Here, now; the droids have kidnapped you...time to call your dog and carry on like normal''
''Radley!'' Kate called, and a confused hound eventually came running.
''Actually..'' Kate started, once the pooch had quite calmed down,'' I think I remember when the droids kidnapped me...I'm sure I heard a voice call Radley...that was my future self!''
''You're learning fast!'' congratulated the Doctor.
Next, after transporting Kate and Radley to Kate's sister's house in Oxford, and with Kate writing down her London address, The Doctor and Tom went to the fields outside the forest in 1975.
They watched from the bushes as a panic stricken James came bounding down the hill in the direction of Wytham. The Doctor nodded to Tom and Tom broke cover.
''James! It's okay; your safe now!'' began Tom.
''B..b..but..w.. ?..what?'' James spluttered, his eyes showing he was at his wits end.
''There's nothing to worry about...How did I get here? Well, just remember those time ripples the Doctor mentioned? well, this is proof time travel is possible, don't you think?...And those aliens?..don't worry they'll be gone soon...they turned out to be nice chaps actually...so don't tell anyone, will you. I'll explain everything later.
''You traveled in time! How...I want to know!''
''As I said I'll explain later...I'm a bit busy just now but I'll meet you at The Bear, at six O'clock, Okay?''
''Well...I...okay, I wont say anything to anyone; no one will believe me anyway. But I'll see you later... and explain...and bring a note book; I want to try and do the maths.''
James, calmer now,still gave one last,worried look towards the forest and headed for the main road back to Oxford. Tom stood and watched for a few seconds then ran to the bushes, behind which was the Doctor and the TARDIS.
''Okay Tom,'' the Doctor began clapping his hands together ,''we can either go to Kate, a week after we left her, or you can chill here for a day or so...you know I might just need a nap myself...perhaps the zero room.. But you can help yourself to food and drink from this machine over here. And there's plenty to read in my library.
After showing Tom the workings of the machine he disappeared for about an hour. On returning they chatted about various things and the Doctor answered some of Tom's questions: why were the aliens speaking English ?...because they weren't; it was the TARDIS translator. Why was the TARDIS a police box?; the chameleon circuit. Why is the TARDIS bigger on the inside?...because it is dimensionally transcendental...he tried it explain but gave up.
''Now!'' said the Doctor,'''let us return to Miss Braithwaite!''
The TARDIS materialized in Lewisham, 2017. The Doctor left the TARDIS and rang the door bell. Kate came to the door smiling.
''Wow, this is really happening, isn't it? Would you like a brew before we go?''
''Well, you'll find the TARDIS provides the finest tea...wont you step aboard?'' The doctor said with gentlemanly air not without a touch of theatre.
''Right, at last!'' said an excited Doctor, ''time to start a new adventure!
