THE PAST LIFE MURDERS

Partial Synopsis

The 6th Doctor, Frobisher, Jago and Litefoot. (Frobisher is initially disguised as Leela.)

"I've had the most terrible morning Professor, I didn't know where else to go. Y'see, I woke up drunk with blood on my hands, and all I could think of was those ghastly murders.

'You don't think it could possibly be me doing these dastardly deeds do you?"

There have been some gruesome killings and Jago and Litefoot are on the case.

Jago finds himself much more involved in the investigation than he would like. He has absolutely no recollection of the previous night, and fears the worst.

Litefoot is supportive and suggests a visit to a hypnotherapist. (Perhaps recommended to him by James Braid, although he died in 1860 and I'm not sure of the J&L timeline.)

Much against his own personal prejudice and prior experience with 'mesmerism' ("My Heavens, Henry! Hypnotism is the absolute opposite of that bunkem!"), Jago agrees. An appointment is arranged.

The Doctor and (ostensibly) Leela arrive for a visit during the ongoing proceedings.

Although there is no actual evidence that Henry is guilty of anything happening currently, regression therapy appears to indicate that he has lived a previous life, as he possesses knowledge that he shouldn't.

Things get a little odd for the Professor when he returns home to find Miss Leela has left, and the Doctor now has a pet penguin that he plans to use in a ventriloquism act.

Jago is impressed. "Dashed clever idea, never seen it done with livestock before. How do you move his beak?"

THE PAST LIFE MURDERS

Sample Narrative

"Not on your life Doc!" Frobisher exclaimed, backing away as fast as he could waddle, "I know why ventriloquist's dummies have got such big eyes!"

The Doctor did a startled double-take, then threw his arms wide in exasperation. "You won't actually be a dummy, you dummy! We just need to create the illusion that you are, so as not to startle my friends!"

Frobisher was shaking his head as only a penguin can. "Ventriloquist, illusionist, whatever 'ist' you want to be, just count me out Pal."

Anything else he may have planned to say was cut short, as the door was thrown into his face with gusto, and Henry Gordon Jago bounded enthusiastically into the room.

He immediately clasped the Doctor's hand in both of his, and began to shake him silly. "My dear Doctor, trust you to turn up in my hour of need! My abject moment of direst crisis!

'As soon as George told me that you had arrived I knew that my troubles were all but over!"

A polite cough drew their attention. "Is Miss Leela feeling any better Doctor, only I picked up something on the way home that… um, where is she?"

Litefoot had scanned the room, and now he turned back to the door as if intending to peer out.

The Doctor extricated himself from the impresario's grip, patting him on the shoulder to indicate that no offense was intended. "I'm afraid I had to take Leela back to the Tardis, George. She really shouldn't have left her sickbed, but would she listen? Anyway, I've brought something else back as a surprise."

The Doctor drew up short as the Professor closed the door and peered down at the now visible Frobisher, lying comatose on the carpet. "A dead penguin? Well, I must say it's an odd sort of gift, but I'm sure that Mrs. (_*) will be able to make something of it."

The Doctor gently edged past his friend and knelt down to lift Frobisher into his arms. "You misunderstand me Professor, Frobisher isn't a gift - he is a friend, my traveling… pet. And I certainly hope he isn't dead, the little chap is quite important to my act!"

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(Later…)

Frobisher paused in his ruminations, unsure that he had heard correctly, then slowly turned to gaze quizzically at Litefoot.

The old coot was as white as a white bag full of white things, almost as if he'd seen a ghost.

"You're actually talking!' croaked the Professor, taking a steadying breath, 'a real, live, talking penguin!" He looked about to fall over.

"Don't be absurd old chap!' Frobisher extemporized, frantically trying to emulate the Doctor's vocal mannerisms, 'I've already explained all that! I simply project my voice to make it appear that it is coming from the penguin."

"But the Doctor isn't here." Litefoot gasped feebly.

This gave Frobisher pause, and he began to look around the room surreptitiously.

"He and Henry left the room some moments ago', Litefoot continued, 'didn't you hear the door?"

It was true, the Doctor was no longer present. With a sinking heart Frobisher looked back up at the Professor.

"Err… Gottle o' Geer?" he asked hopefully.

(*Does anyone recall the name of Litefoot's housekeeper?)