David Livingstone hiked up the steep hill, his companions close behind. "Dave, almost there?" called one man.
David shook his his head, consulting his map. "Not quite, mates," he replied. "A few miles to go."
His companions shrugged but did not complain. David was friendly and kind; he would always be cheerful no matter what.
David glanced at the map again. He was sure the camp was along this ridge. A rustle interrupted his thoughts. "Careful, fellows," he warned his crew. "There could be beasts wandering."
A murmur rippled through the group, although none were very worried. They had been here for several weeks already, and not even a honeybee in sight.
As the missionary took a tenative step forward, the crew blinked, and...
David Livingstone had disappeared.
In the shadows, two glaring eyes lit up and a tongue filled with poison licked its lips.
(Doctor Who theme song
STARRING...
Matt Ryan
Velma Dinkley
Inspector Who: Livingstone's Expedition
By TercesTardis)
Velma's voice rang out. "David Livingstone."
"David Livingstone?"
"David Livingstone."
A blonde man shook his head. "Why would anyone want to visit good old Dave?"
Velma raised her eyebrows. "You seem to know him already."
"What?"
"No one calls him 'Dave'." Velma rolled her eyes.
The Inspector countered, "My dad probably does."
Velma perked up. "Your dad. Tell me about him."
The Inspector sighed. "Velma, I - "
The TARDIS shook. Velma grabbed onto the railing quickly. "What's happening?!"
"You wanted to see David Livingstone," reminded the Inspector.
When the TARDIS finally calmed, Velma stepped out. She gazed curiously at the mobile trailer. "It didn't seem to change. I would've thought it would become grass."
"And how would you think we'd fit into a blade of grass?" The Inspector followed.
Velma ignored him. "So this is how Africa looks like."
"Where would you like to start?" The Inspector questioned.
"Hmm," muttered Velma as she produced a book from the TARDIS library.
The Inspector gaped. "How did you fit that?"
"I found bigger-in-the-inside pockets somewhere in the TARDIS wardrobe," answered Velma off-handedly. She was wearing a beige skirt and a leather jacket, with her normal orange shirt underneath. Her eyes were still focused on the book, her glasses sliding down her nose. "David Livingstone was born on March 19, 1813. A missionary and an artist - hey, wait a minute!"
"Something wrong?" The Inspector glanced at her.
"Wasn't David Livingstone a doctor?" Velma asked.
"Of course he was," replied the Inspector. He looked at the page. "See?"
Velma looked at the page again, then gasped. "The words changed! Inspector! Something's wrong!"
"Velma, give me your glasses," the Inspector said irritably. Velma reluctantly handed it to him, and the Time Lord wiped it vigorously.
"Hey! Careful!" Velma scolded, squinting. "Inspector, if you break that..."
"You're going to beat me into a pulp, when you're 99.9999999 percent blind?" asked the Inspector sarcastically.
Velma glared at him the best she could. After he returned her glasses, she put them on and promptly punched him.
"Ow! Sorry!" The Inspector exclaimed in surprise.
Velma giggled quietly and grabbed his hand. "Come on." The two walked on, forgetting all about the strange book crammed inside Velma's pocket.
An hour after walking, they came across several men who were pacing up and down. "Ah, hello!" The Inspector called. "I'm the Inspector, and this is my friend, Velma Dinkley."
"What are you doing with that poor renegade lass?" one of the men demanded. "Look at her! She's a sight. Her hair could not look more masculine, and spectacles! On a woman?"
"Skirt past her knees," another man jeered.
"Excuse me, but I'm perfectly capable," snapped Velma.
"And her words! Got no respect, huh?"
Velma grit her teeth and began to insult them, when the Inspector placed a hand over her mouth. "Er, sorry, we need to go." He dragged her away.
"Did you hear the words he said to me?" asked Velma furiously.
The Inspector nodded. "Yes, I did, but really Velma, you should've chosen more appropriate clothes."
Velma crossed her arms. "I'm tired of this. Where's David Livingstone?"
"Ask them," replied the Inspector, rolling his eyes. Velma Dinkley was really getting on his nerves, no matter how smart or how understanding she was.
Velma sighed as she walked over to the men. "Hi, uh, do you know where Dr. Livingstone is?"
The men laughed. "Dr. Livingstone? You mean David Livingstone?"
"Yes," Velma replied in annoyance.
"He sure doesn't look like a doctor to me," snorted one of the men.
"Whatever. Where is he?" The brunette was losing her patience.
The men sobered up. "You'll never believe this, lass, but he just disappeared!"
Velma prodded, "Disappeared?"
"Taken by God, we think. He was always a good man. Didn't want to drink too much, always praying, teaching those stuff to the natives...well, some of them. Most of them ran away. Saying things about big red beasts with the power of the devil."
"And what do you think about it? The beasts, I mean," asked Velma, intrigued.
"Absolute tommyrot. Haven't seen one dragonfly, much less a monster around this God-forsaken field. But what does this concern a little girl like you?"
Velma smirked. "Everything." She ran to tell the Inspector what she discovered.
"Velma! You're looking perkier than before," remarked the Inspector.
"David Livingstone is missing," she blurted out.
The Inspector paused. "What?"
"David Livingstone is missing. He disappeared," repeated Velma breathlessly.
"That's interesting," muttered the Inspector. "Did the rude monkey say that?" Velma nodded. "What else did they say?" asked the Inspector curiously.
"Apparently there are big red monsters. The natives saw them." Velma paused to think, then continued, "and they haven't seen any animals."
"Now that's interesting," repeated the Inspector carefully. "Come, I'll have a chat with the Cockney one."
Velma reluctantly followed. "Fine. But I'm not talking to him."
The Inspector shrugged and demanded the Cockney, "David Livingstone's disappearance. Tell me about it."
"Shouldn't we be looking for the camp?" a man with blonde hair interjected. "We're lost. David had the map."
"Stop being so miserable, Goldilocks," scolded Velma. "Just shut up and listen."
"Thank you, Velma, now, disappearance, tell me."
The man shrugged and answered, "Well, one second he was there, and one second he wasn't."
The Inspector nodded quickly. "Thank you. That was very helpful." He turned to Velma. "He was teleported in the Zerfusion manner."
"What the heck does that mean?" Velma whispered back.
"It means...well, he was taken in the blink of an eye!" beamed the Inspector cheerfully but quietly.
"You made it up five seconds ago, didn't you?"
"You're smart, but it really does help," replied the Inspector. "Anything else?" He kept questioning the Cockney again.
"He didn't leave nothing behind," added Goldilocks. "The rocks he was standing on, they left, too."
"And what about the beast?" Velma asked curiously.
The Cockney man looked at her, amused. "So you are awake." When the brunette scowled at him, he chuckled but answered her question. "Like I said, we haven't seen any tiny creatures. This place is a barren wasteland, it you ask me. Dave is wasting his time."
"At least he's helping people! He's a doctor!" Velma defended the explorer.
The man eyed her curiously. "Where did you get that stupid notion of David being a doctor? He's got the fingers of a doctor, but the soul of an artist."
Velma told the Inspector worriedly, "This isn't right. David Livingstone should be going to villages and fighting lions, not disappearing in a blink in the middle of nowhere."
Before the Inspector could answer, a whooping was heard from the men. "The man is back!"
Velma and the Inspector turned around to see a man with dark hair and a thick moustache, waving cheerfully. Velma stared. "That's David Livingstone?"
"Yes. Is there a problem?"
Velma shook her head excitedly. "No. Just come and introduce me." They pushed their way through the small group of men.
"Dr. Livingstone, I presume?" the Inspector questioned.
"You did not just say that," said Velma through gritted teeth.
"Sorry, I couldn't resist." The Inspector smiled sheepishly then continued, "I am the Inspector, and this is my friend, Velma Dinkley."
Velma beamed. "Nice to meet you, doctor."
Dr. Livingstone smiled kindly at her. "Ms. Dinkley, I apologize, but I am not a doctor. I am an artist. A sculptor. A man of passion."
Velma's grin faltered. "Oh."
David told the group, "Now, we must get to the village quickly. It's almost sundown." He turned to the time travellers. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"Er, yes, you see..." Velma tried to think desperately for an excuse.
"We are travelling here, and we got lost," finished the Inspector.
"Odd place for a holiday," David observed.
"We are very odd people," muttered Velma under her breath.
"Would you like to come with us, or do you have your own place to stay?" asked David kindly.
Velma replied, "Um, we kind of just go around Africa. So we'd love to go with you, Mr. Livingstone!"
David chuckled. "Call me David, Ms. Dinkley." Then he ordered, "Hurry up, lads! We have two visitors here now! Let's make them comfortable!"
Velma and the Inspector trudged beside David, and honestly, Velma's feet hurt. A lot. The Inspector didn't seem to have sore feet, though, and engaged David in a conversation.
"So the lads say you disappeared in a blink of the eye," remarked the Inspector.
David chortled loudly. "They're saying that?" he laughed. "I just wandered off. Told them I'd be back soon."
The Inspector nodded. "Ah. That explains everything." Then he chattered on about Africa, medicines, herbs, the Bible, and so on and so forth. Velma thought it would be more exciting, but her feet just hurt and she realized the TARDIS was miles away. How were they going to get home?
Just when Velma thought she was going to collapse, a village emerged from the horizon. "Is that where you're staying?" she asked.
David nodded. "Er, yes. Uh, would you like to stay with us?"
"Do you have any room? Are you sure we wouldn't be a burden?" Velma questioned.
David waved it off. "Ah, it's fine. You can stay with one of the villagers. They'll be happy to host you." Then he walked away, with his men following.
"Huh," observed Velma. "I didn't think he would give the responsibility to others, from what I read in the history books."
"Yes, and he seemed a bit bored when I was discussing things that were supposedly of his interest," agreed the Inspector.
Velma glanced at him. "Do you think we should investigate?"
The Inspector grinned. "Of course." Then he continued, "But first we have to get a room."
He went up to a random hut and knocked. A young man with olive skin and a handsome, chiseled face opened the door. "Yes?"
"Hello!" beamed the Inspector. "I'm the Inspector, and this is my friend, Velma Dinkley, and we were wondering if you could give us a place to stay."
The young man stared at him with dark brown eyes. "Unless you have something to offer, no."
"Well, what would you want?" Velma stopped the door before it could close.
The man studied her. "The skins you're wearing."
Velma let her leather jacket slip off her shoulder. "What, this?"
The man nodded. "It looks good and strong."
"Go ahead. Take it." She handed it to him, and he took it with satisfaction.
"Go in. Find yourselves a room. It's your home now." The man flashed a grin and beckoned them inside.
It was a simple hut, with a thin curtain separating several mats. "You can sleep in the dining room, or the bedroom."
Velma stared, surprised. "Oh. Uh, do you have another mat?"
The young man grinned proudly. "Sure do. I am called Brave Hunter, by the way."
"So Bruh, right?" When Velma received a blank look, she said, "Brave and Hunter? Bruh? No?"
"Yes, I've had that problem, too," said the Inspector. "It would be funny in a couple of centuries, don't worry."
Velma shrugged, then knelt on the floor and smoothed the straw mat. "So. What do we do?"
"It's not that bad," said the Inspector. "You don't need to make it sound like a murder just happened."
"Huh?" Velma asked blankly.
"The mat! It's really quite comfortable..." Before the Inspector could get into a tangent, Velma interrupted.
"I meant our investigation!"
The Inspector nodded with understanding. "Oh. Right. Well, first we ask around about the big red monster."
"Think it's related?" Velma inquired.
"It's our only sure lead," replied the Inspector.
Velma gave a quick nod, then called, "Hunter!"
Hunter entered the little room. Velma stood up and asked, "Have you heard anything about the red beast with the, er...power of the devil?"
Hunter laughed. "Heard about it? I've seen it with my own eyes!"
The Inspector started. "What? Tell us. What did you do?"
"I was hunting in the forest, then I saw red. At first I thought it was one of those little birds that Western people brought, so I followed it. Then I saw a big red monster, almost two men tall! It had its back to me, but it had fat all around it, and these...things sticking out of his back."
"And what did you do?" pressed Velma.
"I saw it disappear." Hunter searched for surprise in his hosts' faces, but to his own surprise, he didn't find any. Just a look of concern and understanding. "Have you seen something like that before?"
"How did he disappear?" the Inspector asked, now fully alert.
"He was standing. Then I blinked, just for a second, and he was gone!" Hunter shook his head. "It was the power of the devil."
"So, you're a hunter, right?" asked Velma. "Is it true there are no more animals?"
Hunter nodded emphatically. "All the antelope and deer left. We don't know why. Now so many of us left, too. It's only me and Phil, a man who's dad was rich and from the same place Livingstone was from."
"And where does this Phil live?" Velma asked urgently.
Hunter answered, "I do not know. Ask Livingstone."
Velma nodded, pulling the Inspector with her. "Hold on! We'll be back soon!"
For the first time, worry crossed Hunter's features. "What? In the night! You will get killed!"
The Inspector waved it away dismissively. "We'll be fine." Before Hunter could say another word, the two time travellers slipped out.
"Dave lives that way." The Inspector pointed to another hut, but this was much larger.
As they neared it, they could hear words behind the walls of the hut. "When can I come back, sir? It's horrid here! No, no, sir, I am not giving you a command, it was merely a suggestion..."
Velma raised an eyebrow as she pushed on the door. It wouldn't budge. She pushed harder. "Inspector, it won't open," she whispered.
The Inspector produced his sonic screwdriver and quickly hovered it around the door. Velma rolled her eyes. "Oi, what are you rolling your eyes at?" The Inspector demanded.
"You look ridiculous," replied Velma. Then she pushed on the door. As expected, it opened.
What she did not expect, however, was who - or what - was inside.
It was a large, big red monster - probably an alien. It was nine feet tall, and had long, slim legs, despite it's fatty appearance in the upper-body. It's body was lined with suckers.
Velma gasped instinctively. It was soft, but enough for them to get caught. The alien turned around, and instead of fury or hate, instead it's face flashed with different emotions: surprise, relief, and misery, respectively. Then it screamed, "NO! PLEASE!"
Velma blinked. She was in a completely different place. The Inspector was beside her, looking around. Velma murmured, "Inspector...where are we? And what was that thing?"
"It was a Zygon, and this is..." he trailed off.
"A spaceship?" suggested Velma.
"Yes, but other than that, I have no idea where we are," muttered the blonde.
Velma looked at him with concern. "Are you OK?"
He glanced at her confusedly. "Why wouldn't I be OK?"
"You didn't give your ego a stroke," explained Velma.
The Inspector pouted, but before he could say anything, a Zygon appeared in front of them.
"I heard you were the Inspector and Velma Dinkley, correct?" questioned the Zygon.
"Are you interrogating us?" Velma asked with fascination. "This is an interrogation room?"
"Velma, not the time," whispered the Inspector.
"Sorry."
"Are you the Inspector of Gallifrey and Velma Dinkley of Earth?" repeated the Zygon.
The Inspector shrugged. "What if we were?"
The Zygon glared. "You know what would happen."
The Inspector replied, "Absolutely no idea."
The Zygon's lips curled into a devious smile. "Excellent." He began to fire.
"Velma! Run!" yelled the Inspector. Velma did her best to get out of the way and dodge the blasts, but several burnt her sweater and grazed her skin.
"Jinkies! Where did he get that blaster?" Velma said wonderingly.
The Inspector pulled her behind some of the machines in the room. "Are you OK?"
Velma lightly prodded her arms and shoulders. She winced. "I've been better."
"Where does it hurt?" the Inspector asked.
"I'm sore, and it feels like I have cuts on ny arms and shoulder," answered Velma.
The Inspector nodded, then pulled her to stand. They began to sprint away. He whipped out his sonic screwdriver and pointed it at a metal door. It slid open, and the two rushed through.
Velma winced again. She felt like her skin was raw and very, very sore. "How do we get out of here?"
The Inspector shrugged. "Simple. We open the door."
"That sounds simple," said Velma surprisedly.
"It is." He pointed his screwdriver at another metal door, but before anything could happen, a hand was clamped to her mouth, and she was dragged away.
"One word and I will shoot you," whispered her attacker. "Nod if you understand. If you don't, both of you will die...sooner."
Velma nodded her assent. She and her attacker slipped away.
The Inspector grinned and sauntered away as the door slid. "See Velma? Easy peasy." He walked away as the door closed. Glancing back, he saw the ship was in camoflauge mode.
Then it occured to him that his companion had never been so quiet before. "Velma? Velma!"
David Livingstone trudged towards him. "Hello, old chap! I've been looking for you."
"Where is Velma?" asked the Inspector.
"Message from the commander: surrender yourself, your weapons, and your vessel by 2000 hours or Velma Dinkley will die," replied David Livingstone - or the Zygon - replied curtly. Then he was teleported.
The Inspector dialled her phone number. To his surprise and relief, Velma picked up. "Inspector?"
"Velma! Are you OK?" asked the Inspector.
"I've been better." The Inspector could almost hear her wincing. "Don't turn yourself in. Continue the investigation. I'll continue it here. And I'll make sure they won't kill me, don't worry."
"Got it. By the way, Velma, the Zygons can shapeshift. Trust no one." The Inspector ended the call and began walking to Dave's hut.
He knocked on the firm wooden door. It was opened by none other than the rude Cockney he and Velma had questioned earlier. "Inspector," he said. "Are you here to see Dave?"
The Inspector answered awkwardly, "Well, er, I was going to, but I decided to talk to you."
The man raised an eyebrow. "And what would you like to speak about?" He made no move to let the Inspector in.
"Where does Phil live?" The Inspector questioned.
The Cockney laughed. "Oh, planning to hit a jackpot, are you? Well, you should know before you try something like that, that Phil is a very difficult man to reason with."
"Yes, yes, that's all very helpful, now, where does he live?" The Inspector said impatiently.
The man pointed east. "Follow that direction for two miles. Should take you straight to him. You won't miss it. It's the only house not made of wood."
Meanwhile, Velma was shivering in a large but bare room. Clusters of other people were there as well, but none were speaking to each other. They were all terrified.
Velma raised her head and looked around. She caught sight of a young man with a bushy moustache. He must be the real David Livingstone. "Dr. Livingstone!" she exclaimed.
The man turned around confusedly. "Lass?"
"You are Dr. David Livingstone, right?" she asked.
The man replied, "I am David Livingstone, but I'm no doctor."
Velma deflated. "Oh. How long have you been here?"
"I've got no idea!" answered David. "Last thing I remember, I was hiking with my mates."
The brunette sighed. "What did the...beasts do to you when you got here?"
"They whispered to each other that they must not get caught, and hurried me to a wee vault. Then they opened that and threw me in here. I saw them whip another beast."
Velma raised an eyebrow. "Whip? That's interesting. Did they look the same?"
"The two beasts?" David nodded. "Almost exactly the same; not a dot different."
Velma shook her head. She thought aliens were beyond oppression, but then again, they were kidnapping innocent people. Just then, the ship rocked slightly. People slid to the right side. Velma hit her back on the metal walls, and it hurt. She winced.
David looked at her in concern. "Are you alright?"
Velma shrugged. "I'm fine." She touched the sores on her arm gingerly.
"May I?" David motioned to her scalded sleeve. The brunette rolled her sweater up, revealing the cuts and scabs from the blasts. The missionary seemed a bit surprised. "Would you mind telling me what happened?"
Velma sighed. "I got hurt when my friend and I were trying to escape."
David nodded kindly. "What's your name?"
"Velma," she replied.
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, Velma."
"Same here."
"Now then," murmured David as he examined her wounds, "let's see what we can do. Have you washed it?"
"I'm on a spaceship, what do you think?" Velma answered sarcastically.
David's eyes twinkled. "You are quite spunky, Velma. Well, first things first. We have to clean it the best we can." Then, to Velma's disbelief, he called, "Can we please get some water?"
"Wow, and I thought I've seen everything. You actually commanded a big red alien to get water for you."
Again, the missionary's eyes twinkled. He chuckled. "Well, I must do what I can for a patient."
"So you are a doctor!" declared Velma.
"Oh, no, I used to be, but I quit. God gave me a different calling," explained David.
A Zygon entered the room. "I've been told you want water. No."
"But I must have it!" insisted David.
"No," hissed the Zygon adamantly.
David argued, "But it is imperative I receive it!"
"And why is that so?" glared the Zygon.
David hesitated, but only for a moment. "My patient requires it."
"Patient? Who is your patient?"
"Velma," replied David, gesturing towards the brunette.
The Zygon paused, its refusals still not escaping its lips. "Velma Dinkley needs water?"
"Yes, I do," cut in Velma. "And I need it badly." It was true; she was parched.
The Zygon nodded briskly. "Very well. It shall be delivered shortly. David Livingstone, see to it that Velma Dinkley recovers. Inform us of her progress."
Velma said, surprised, "Why are they focusing on keeping me alive?"
"I have not an inkling," said David.
A Zygon entered again, carrying a bowl of water, although it was quite evident that this one was a different individual. It's posture was more timid, he had more scars, and his expression seemed afraid. "For Velma Dinkley," he grunted, then scampered out, as much as a big red alien can scamper out.
"Thank you!" called David after it.
Velma said in disbelief, "You actually thanked that?"
"Of course I did." David turned his attention to Velma's wounds. The brunette winced. It stung. "Sorry," the explorer apologised. Velma shrugged.
"It's fine."
Back with the Inspector, the blonde had knocked on the wooden door. He heard yelling, then it was opened by a young girl, about 12 years old, with dark skin, hair, and eyes. She looked thin and frail, yet her posture was straight and strong. "Hello," greeted the Inspector kindly. "May I talk with your father?"
The young girl looked confused and scared. "But...my father is not here."
"Where is he?" asked the Inspector.
The girl's brown eyes brimmed slightly with tears. She swallowed hard. "He is dead."
Before the Inspector could remark, a harsh voice yelled, "Hey! Slave girl! Hurry and get to the field! What in the name of Victoria is taking you so long?"
The Inspector called back, "I am here to see Phil."
A light-skinned man who was decidedly round emerged. "Then what was this girl doing, wasting her time? I'm Phil! GO!" The child quickly scurried out. "Next time I see you wasting precious time, the cane will be put to you!" He turned back to the Inspector. "And what do you want?"
"Hello! I'm the Inspector, and I just want to ask you a few questions." He flashed his psychic paper.
Phil barely glanced at it. He straightened and invited the Inspector in. As the Time Lord entered, he saw a fine interior for a house living in a deserted village.
"So? What can I do you for, Inspector?" Phil asked anxiously.
"What was the name of that child?"
"Oh, that slave? Don't know," replied Phil. He called, "Slave girl! Come here!" Instantly, the slave girl ran inside. "What's your name?" demanded Phil.
The girl looked terrified. "Maya," she answered timidly.
"There you go. Her name's Mana," said Phil proudly.
The Inspector raised his eyebrow. "I believe she said Maya."
"Eh? I'll teach her how to speak next time," said Phil eying Maya angrily.
"Maya? How old are you?" asked the Inspector gently.
"Bah! The creature's too stupid. She doesn't know the concept of age," sniffed Phil.
"I am 12," replied Maya. Phil looked surprised.
The Inspector was mildly amused. "It seems like you have quite an intelligent girl here, sir." He pointedly refrained to call her slave.
"Yes, well, she had a good teacher. Me." Phil smirked, obviously lying.
"How many slaves do you have?" continued the Inspector.
"I don't know. SLAVES!" bellowed Phil. Immediately, 5 others scurried in.
"Huh. One, two, three, four..." struggled Phil.
The Inspector sighed. "Six. Thank you,everyone. You may go, now." The slaves quietly exited.
"So what do you think of the beast roaming?" inquired the Inspector.
Phil chuckled nervously. "I say everyone who ran away are cowards."
"Thank you. Now, I want to speak to the slaves. Or at least Maya. She seems a thousand suns brighter than you."
"What - Wha..." spluttered Phil.
The Inspector ignored him and walked to the back door. As he stepped through it, he saw a vast field, with all the slaves working without any rest. Scanning the distance, the Time Lord found Maya, who was quickly weeding the field.
"Maya!" he called. The young girl glanced up, and her face flickered uncertainly before walking up to him.
"Yes, sir?" she asked shyly.
"I want to speak to you. I know you are smarter than people think. You're definitely smarter than your master, and I think you might be lonely."
Maya nodded. "Thank you, sir. Would you like to sit down?"
"I'd think you're an idiot, normally, but since it's you..."
Maya just smiled. "Follow me, sir." They crossed the field, with other slaves looking at the young girl in surprise. Finally, they arrived to the edge of the forest. She brushed away the bushes, and there was a perfect spot. It had a thick log just the size to sit on, and the whole ground was carpeted with grass, and not the prickly kind, but the soft kind. A bush of berries was stationed conveniently beside the log. With a sly grin, Maya plucked a berry. "Food?"
The Inspector accepted it and settled into the log, Maya right beside him. "My name is the Inspector. And my question is, if I had 30 berries in one hand, another 30 berries in my other hand, and 12 berries balanced on my head," Maya laughed at this, "how many berries do I have?"
"72," the girl replied. The Inspector raised his eyebrow. She was supposed to be uneducated and illiterate. He didn't expect an eloquent, assertive girl.
"What about, if I could fit 5 berries in..." he looked around and produced a Rubiks cube from his pocket. "If I could fit 5 berries in a box this big, how many berries could I fit in a box twice as large?"
"10," answered Maya. She looked bored. So, a slave girl understood ratio and proportion. Interesting.
"Spell inspector."
"I - N - S - P - E - C - T - O - R."
"One last," promised the Inspector. "230,000 multiplied by 36."
"8,280,000," said Maya immediately.
This time, the Inspector gaped. "H- How? You solved that before me!" Maya shrugged. "Who taught you?"
"David Livingstone. He started teaching me a week ago." The Inspector scanned the girl with his screwdriver. It beeped frantically. "Is something wrong?" Maya asked.
The Inspector glanced at her. "Maya. Tell me about the red beast you saw."
Maya's eyes widened. "How did you know that?"
"You weren't shocked when I showed you this." He waved his screwdriver. "That means you saw it already."
Maya sighed. "It killed my father. I saw it take him. They all said he was dead. Those red beasts, they are called Zygons, right?"
The Inspector was surprised. "Um, yes. Why?"
"The Zygons, they said they will need to take England and Africa. Isn't that where David Livingstone comes from?"
The Inspector paused. "Sort of. Did they say how they will achieve that?"
"Something about Victoria Falls. What is that?"
The Inspector suddenly jumped up and began sprinting away. Maya called, "Inspector! Wait!"
The Inspector said over his shoulder, "Don't worry, Maya, I'll be back! For now, stay out of sight. And whatever you do, stay away from the forest!"
Maya grit her teeth and followed the blonde. "Inspector! Let me go with you!"
This time, the Inspector turned around and placed a hand on the slave girl's shoulder. "Maya. Where I'm going is dangerous. You're just a child. An amazing, brilliant child, but still just a child. Please."
Maya paused. "Inspector, I will not go with you." The Inspector nodded, but before he could leave, Maya spoke again. "I will not go with you, but I will help you. This is a mystery, right?" The Inspector nodded, and an excited grin spread across Maya's eager face. "Then let's solve it together. Do you have a way of contact?"
The Inspector grinned. "You, Maya, are very clever." Maya flushed with delight, and the Inspector fished out two walkie-talkies.
Maya raised her eyebrows. "What are these? Rocks to write on?" Her fingers tapped the device cautiously. The Inspector pushed it to her after a quick demonstration, then ran off.
The Time Lord glanced at his watch. A few minutes until 8:00, or 2000 hours. He could make it. By the time he came to the site of the ship, it was 7:59 p.m. Two Zygons - one whom he recognized as the Commander - were clutching a shivering but considerably better-looking Velma Dinkley. Inhaling quickly, the Inspector stepped in front of them, glaring playfully at Velma. "How come you weren't answering your phone?" he demanded.
Velma smiled tiredly. "Long story. Where were you? You're late."
The Inspector pretended to take offense. "I am not! I'm right on time."
The Commander hissed impatiently. "It appears you are. Empty your pockets, Inspector of Gallifrey."
The Inspector dropped his sonic screwdriver, Rubiks cube, psychic paper, a pocket mirror, his phone, a fishing hook, and an Agatha Christie mystery. "Ooh, I love that one," Velma chimed in.
The other Zygon tapped her. "Don't speak. Be quiet."
"Yes, be quiet or you'll have more than that gentle, pathetic tap!" growled the Commander. To the Inspector, he bellowed, "All of it!"
The Inspector shrugged and gently placed an 'Angel in the Morning' music video CD on the ground. "Be careful, I got Ms. Newton to autograph that one," warned the Time Lord.
The Commander looked suspiciously at the Inspector. "That's it? Drop your coat, Inspector."
The Inspector caught Velma's eye. She motioned to behind the Commander. When the Inspector observed it closer, he saw a blaster. He nodded subtly. Inching closer, the Inspector said, "Oh, alright, but you need to know something..."
The Commander chuckled. "And what might that be?" he said, sarcasm evident in his voice.
"RUN!" The Inspector yelled. Velma immediately grabbed his hand and together, sprinted away. "I never got to finish that book," he said mournfully.
"It was the butler," Velma told him.
The Inspector frowned. "But - "
He was interrupted by a loud and disturbing crackle. Grinning, the Time Lord pulled out the walkie talkie. "Maya?"
"Inspector! David Livingstone, he - he's planning an expedition. Is there something you want to tell me?"
"Why? Do you find it suspicious?" The Inspector frowned.
"Doctor, who is that?" Velma asked. The Inspector quieted her.
"Maya?"
"He never goes on an expedition this late. Besides, he told me that he's going to stay here at least for another month," explained Maya.
The Inspector murmured, "Probably the Zygons looking for something..."
"David Livingstone. He is one of them, isn't he?" the slave girl said anxiously.
"Inspector, who is that?" Velma repeated her question.
There was a pause on the other line. Then Maya asked, "Inspector? Who are you with?"
The Inspector answered hurriedly, "No time to explain. I'll meet you at that surprisingly cosy spot in the woods."
Maya protested, "No! Inspector! But - "
"See you soon!" interrupted the Inspector cheerfully, and stuffed the walkie talkie in his pocket.
Maya was crouched behind David Livingstone's hut, gritting her teeth. If the Inspector came back, it might be too late. She ran to her master's hut, gathering some water and fruits into a little pouch. She made sure not to leave her walkie talkie, in case she needed to communicate with the Inspector.
As she galloped across the field, the slaves called to her, "Maya! Where are you going? The master will beat you!"
She replied, "He wants me to go join David Livingstone on his trip!"
The slaves snickered. "He must hate you so!"
Maya ignored them. She took care not to screech out her lies, but instead calmly respond to the questioner. Most of them did not care, for it wasn't unusual to see Maya gallavanting across the field. Nor was it out of the ordinary to see any young slave child gather up a little bundle and attempt to flee.
Maya rapped the door of David Livingstone worriedly. He was now a monster - she didn't know what he'd do to her. The usual friendly face of David appeared in the doorway. "Oh, hello," said David kindly.
Maya was taken aback. She didn't expect a monster to greet someone kindly. "Uh...my master told me to accompany you." She cringed inwardly. She should have done it in secret. Still, this was the more practical approach.
David grimaced. "Your master?"
Maya sighed. "Yes. I am a slave," she clarified hesitantly. It hurt her ego everytime to spell it out loud, especially since she was more intelligent than her master.
The explorer's face softened. "Ah. Yes, yes, of course you can come. Afterwards...would you like me to take you away?"
When Maya declined his offer hastily, he nodded his head sadly. "Ah, you must have a kind master, then. If you want to stay, then good. But remember, if you ever get bought by a cruel man, run the first chance you get."
Maua appraised him with a strange look on her face. "Um, OK," she nodded awkwardly.
"What's your name?"
"Maya," she replied, then caught herself, "sir. I mean, my name is Maya, Mr. Livingstone."
He knelt down and gently extracted her bundle from her trembling hands. Maya bit her lip so hard a little blood came out. But instead of killing her, he untied it and peered inside. "Do you have enough water?"
Maya gulped. Her throat was dry with fear. "Yes," she squeaked.
David's brown eyes twinkled with amusement, just like how the real David Livingstone's eyes used to twinkle. "You don't sound like it. I'll get more from the well."
"No, no, I'll get it!" Maya blurted out, afraid of being poisoned. The gravity of what she was about to do dawned on her, and now she was terrified. She hurried to the well, quickly wiping the blood of her lips as she scooped up some water.
The walkie talkie crackled. "Maya! Where are you?" came the Inspector's irritated voice.
Concerned, Maya snatched the walkie talkie and replied quietly, "I decided to tag along with David. Be quiet or else someone will hear you." Then she added, "We haven't left yet."
"You haven't answered my question."
"Where do you think? David's hut."
"What's happening?"
Maya paused carefully before answering. "I'm getting water for the trip. He hasn't tried to kill me. Or not that I know of."
She heard someone remark, "I like her."
"Inspector, who are you with?" questioned Maya.
"Huh? Oh, she's a friend of mine. Her name's Velma Dinkley."
"Hi!" greeted another voice.
Maya responded, "Hello, Velma. I'm Maya. Sorry, but I need to go. They will be suspicious that I've been gone for so long."
"Maya, we'll go to David's hut. Try to keep them waiting," directed the Inspector.
The slave girl sighed exasperatedly. "I'll try...but please get here as fast as you can. I can only stall for so long."
The Inspector laughed breathlessly. "What do you think we've been doing, lounging?"
"From what I've seen, I wouldn't put it past you," retorted Maya. She slipped the communication device inside the bundle and drew the water out. Exhausted, she leaned heavily on her supplies. Her eyelids threatened to fall, and frankly, she would've liked it if they did.
Right before she was about to fall into a slumber, Maya was snapped awake by the familiar voice of David Livingstone calling her name. She grunted sleepily, then remembered what she was supposed to do and scrambled to stand up. "Oh no, oh no, oh no!" she panicked, grabbing her supplies and racing to David's hut. Before she could arrive, she crashed right into David himself, or rather, the Zygon himself.
"Maya!" he laughed. "I've been looking for you everywhere! The men wanted to leave you, but I would never do that."
"I was...lost." Maya tried her best to come up with a good excuse, in vain.
The Zygon in disguise patted Maya's head fondly. "Don't worry, it happens all the time."
At that moment, the Inspector and Velma stumbled into the scene. David looked at them in confusion. "Huh? I..."
"Maya, there you are!" grinned the Inspector widely. "You - " he broke off, staring at David. Velma and Maya looked on intently, anxious to see what would happen next.
"What are you doing?" Maya mouthed.
The Inspector looked at her sheepishly, shrugging as if to say, "I thought you were alone."
Maya wanted to sock him. Or feed him to the lion.
"Fat lot of good you are! I could feed you to the lions!" Velma hissed, echoing the young girl's thought.
"Do you know Maya?" David asked slowly, as if afraid to hear the outcome.
"No! We just know a girl named...Alaya!" Velma answered. "Come on, Inspector." The two sprinted off.
"They're very strange," remarked Maya. Her throat was dryer than ever.
"Yes. Yes they are," the Zygon agreed absently. "Er, journey on back to the hut! I'll catch up with you in a bit."
Maya hesitated. "Alright."
Velma and the Inspector were running breathlessly. "Inspector, where do we go?"
The Inspector replied, "Well, that depends on Maya."
The two time travellers hid behind a seemingly abandoned hut. The walkie-talkie crackled. "Hello, Maya!" greeted the Inspector.
"Inspector, I took some clothes from David's crew." Maya got right to business. "Meet me at the back of his hut."
The two complied. "You're good," grinned Velma as she took the outfit from the slave girl.
Maya beamed. "Thank you!" She waited as they slipped the coats, hats, and boots on. Studying them, she sighed, "That will have to do. Let us hope they are not very observant."
Velma shrugged. "They're idiots." Maya burst out laughing.
After they shuffled to blend in with David's crew, the Inspector whispered, "By the way, what did you do with the men?"
Maya replied with chuckle, "Oh. They're sleeping comfortably in the forests."
The Inspector blinked, but let the topic slide. A few minutes later, just as the Zygon disguised as David came into sight, the Inspector grabbed Velma's glasses and crammed them into his pocket. "Hey!" she protested.
"No, you must blend in without those bicles," said Maya.
"Bicles?" repeated Velma confusedly.
"Isn't that what you call it? Like a monocle, but with two lenses."
"Well, they're called glasses," corrrected the brunette.
"Huh."
"We must hurry," said David as he jogged up to them. Velma and Maya instantly stopped their conversation. Everyone was silent. "Well?" the Zygon asked expectantly. "Come!"
"With all do respect sir, it's not safe to journey in the night," objected -. Murmurs of agreement ripple through the group.
David's face dropped. "I thought you were supposed to follow me!" He ran off.
Maya called after him, "Wait! Please!"
"Maya!" Velma and the Inspector tried to stop her.
"Please! These two men will go with you!" Maya indicated the Inspector and Velma. "And I shall accompany you."
David smiled warmly. "Thank you; Maya. Do you fellows agree?"
"Oh, yes, of course," nodded the time travellers.
"Very well," the shape-shifting alien said impatiently. "Let's go."
This sent them on a wild and difficult trek through the savanna. When David finally informed them that they were almost there, Velma took a gulp of water and stared at the black sky glimmering with stars. It must be around midnight.
"Here we are!" he exclaimed cheerfully. "Now, mates, can you all stand right there. Just going to have a little sketch, very quick."
Velma, Maya and the Inspector reluctantly moved to the area. The Zygon caught Maya's eye, and for a minute, guilt flashed in David Livingstone's eyes.
"Maya, stay here, with me. You can assist me." David beckoned.
Maya sent the Inspector and Velma worried glances, but obliged and stood beside David. "Move to the right a bit more," he instructed.
Suddenly, the ground gave way, and Velma and the Inspector tumbled down a pit. "Maya!" Velma cried. "Are you OK?"
"I'm fine!" Maya called back. "I'm still here!"
David pushed Maya away. "For your sake, young girl, run!"
Maya pursed her lips, then took off. "Seriously?" The Inspector yelled after her.
"Sorry, but I really have to this," apologized the Zygon. He morphed into his normal form. He pressed a button on a small device. Velma got a terrible headache.
"Ughhh," she mumbled. "Inspector..."
The Inspector looked defiantly at the Zygon. "You should know, I will stop you."
The Zygon peered into the pit, surprised. "Inspector? Ms. Dinkley?"
"Who d'ya think?" Velma snapped.
Before the Zygon could respond, crackles echoed through the field. The red alien again glanced into the pit, and pointed the device at it. He looked almost regretful.
The device disappeared from the Zygon's hand. "What?" He stared in disbelief at the girl who snatched it. Maya.
"You came back!" Velma cheered.
Maya replied, "Of course I wouldn't abandon you two."
"I never doubted you," the Inspector lied, which Maya obviously knew judging from the amused smirk her face had.
"Hold on, everyone," she muttered. "How do I adjust this?"
"Smash it with a rock, for heaven's sake!" Velma ordered, her head now throbbing with pain.
"Uh, right. A rock," the slave girl fumbled around for a stone.
The Zygon stared at her awkwardly. "What am I supposed to do?"
"Oh, be good and stand right beside the pit," yelled Velma authoratively.
Maya laughed. "Did you just tell an antagonizing alien to stand behind the pit you just fell into?"
Velma nodded. "I learned it from a friend," she said, remembering the real David Livingstone. To Velma's immense credit, the Zygon did shuffle to the indicated spot.
Once the Zygon's device was smashed with a rock, Velma's painful headache subsided. "Come on." Maya leaned forward, her head dipping down into the pit. "Velma, give me your sash."
Velma frowned. "It's a belt," she corrected. Quickly, the black accessory was unbuckled and the coat hung open, revealing her orange sweater and red skirt. She frowned even more.
"Look, your disguise doesn't matter, anymore," explained Maya. She caught Velma's belt and the Inspector's belt as well. As she binded them together, she remarked, "These belts are really long." After the Inspector and Velma climbed up with the help of certain footholds, Maya said, "I found out their plan. Don't ask. Their ship is stranded. In that particular pit, if you activate it with a specific frequency, it produces enough energy to power the ship. After that, they want to get you and return you to a terrible land. My visions were a bit fuzzy on that."
"Visions?" Velma blurted out, astonished.
"Never mind, they also want to take over the world," interrupted Maya.
"To stop that, we need to get rid of the energy," the Inspector informed them.
"How?" his two companions chorused.
"We can't blow up the pit," mused the Time Lord. "So we need to shut down the source."
"So what?" Velma asked excitedly. "Scan for energy spikes?"
"No." The Inspector grinned proudly. "Sniff for them." He began bounding energetically around, sniffing like a hyper puppy.
The two humans stared at him. "All my esteem for him has just gone," giggled the slave girl. Velma agreed, laughing.
"Inspector," hissed a Zygon. It was the Commander. The Zygon who impersonated David Livingstone stood behind him, looking ashamed. The Commander continued, "The slave, Velma Dinkley, and you are all coming with us."
"Nope, I don't think that's going to happen," answered the Inspector brightly. Maya and Velma broke into a sprint beside the Inspector.
The Commander chuckled. "You do not have much of a choice." He watched, satisfied, as the defiant sprinting figures were enveloped in light and teleported to the ship. "Now as for you..." he looked angrily at the other Zygon. The latter cowered.
Meanwhile, in the ship the trio stumbled inside. "Maya!" David Livingstone - the real David Livingstone - exclaimed in delight.
Maya ran into his arms. "Are you real?"
"That one's real," grinned Velma.
Another Zygon burst into the room. He grabbed Maya roughly. "You are coming with us," he growled."Where?" Maya asked calmly.
The Zygon growled. "None of your concern, slave."
Rage flared in Maya's chocolate brown eyes. David placed a hand on her shoulder. "Will you hurt her?" the explorer questioned.
The Zygon grabbed Maya roughly, grumbling under his breath. "You shall come with us." He dragged the girl away. Everyone looked pitifully at the slave and Velma, the Inspector, and David Livingstone, who stood there watching their young friend get dragged off.
"We need to get out of here," said Velma worriedly. "We need to get Maya. Inspector! What do we do?"
The Inspector began to reply, but a rumble loudly drowned it out. "What in the world is happening?" cried David.
The Inspector paused. Velma answered, "I suppose, well, doesn't that sound like engines?"
"Definitely engines," agreed the Time Lord. "And that sound wasn't there before."
The ship tipped side-to-side. "Inspector," began Velma, wide-eyed, "I think we're launching."
The Inspector stumbled as a scream of agony ripped through his body. But it wasn't his, he was sure. "Inspector," his companions's voice was distant and faint. "Inspector, are you alright?"
"Can you hear it?" gasped the blonde, wishing he could stop the screams. It sounded so much like what he heard when Gallifrey burned.
"Inspector, I don't hear anything." Velma now had genuine concern.
It was telepathy. He was sure, now. But it had been so long since he heard a call. He barely remembered. "There's someone here. My people are here!" His eyes darkened. "And they're hurt."
He ran to the door. After examining it, he knelt down and put his ear to the floor. They were right above the engines. "We're getting out of here," announced the Inspector.
"We know that," said Velma. She grinned. "How?"
A few minutes later, David yelled, "Help! Someone! Velma Dinkley is hurt!"
Immediately, Zygons rushed in. They found the brunette lying in a heap, eyes closed, barely twitching. "What is wrong with her?"
"I don't know," responded David. "She suddenly collapsed. I think it was too much for her."
The Zygons shook their heads. "Lies!" one declared. "It can't be. That is Velma Dinkley."
"Perhaps the Daleks underestimated her," suggested another.
"The Daleks hardly underestimate," retorted the first one.
The second one pointed out, "They underestimate the Doctor and his companions numerous times."
They knelt down to take her pulse. Electric sparks flew, and the Zygons were knocked out. Velma sat up. "I don't think that was part of the plan." She glanced around. "Maya! How did you escape?"
Maya's eyes were burning brightly. Electricity danced between her fingers. Beside her, a Zygon, the one who impersonated David Livingstone, cowered in fear. "Help me," the girl whispered.
The Zygon whimpered, scurrying away. "All I did was help her," he mumbled. "Then she started attacking the crew."
Everyone gaped at the dark-skinned slave girl, whose sharp brown eyes were now blazing with power. Calloused hands were sparking violently. David, ever practical, was the first to get his bearings. "Everyone, go!" The crowd nervously filed out, careful to avoid Maya.
"David, you go too," urged Velma.
"Not without Maya," he replied.
The brunette bit her lip. "Inspector, what do we do with Maya?"
The Inspector turned his eyes to David, ignoring the screams that still echoed in his head. "Go. We will follow."
Maya turned her face to David. "Please, sir, please go. I will follow, I promise." She struggled to pronounce the words.
David hesitated, then smiled. "I trust you will keep your promises." He moved to touch Maya's hand.
"No! Stay away!" she yelled. Sparks shot out to David. It knocked him out of the room, unconscious.
"Velma!" the Inspector ordered. "Help Dave." Velma complied, pulling David away. Meanwhile, the Inspector turned to Maya.
The poor girl trembled. "Inspector, it hurts. So much."
"I know," he said softly. He moved to comfort the girl. Velma burst in.
"Inspector!" she exclaimed. "David's OK, but I've been chased by the Commander."
"And you've lost." Velma slumped down, revealing the Commander. Sneering, he said, "In a few minutes, you'll be killed, and sent to the Daleks in a little package. The award will be smaller, given, but you've been a hardship since the day you landed!" He raised his blaster.
"NO!" Maya screamed, blasting the Commander. The Inspector and the other Zygon gaped. Maya struggled to take action, but eventually, Velma was surrounded by a light, and she disappeared. "Go," she whispered to the Inspector. "She's safe."
The Inspector took one glance back, and ran. He found the brunette lying on the ground, unconscious, but safe. Her eyes fluttered open. "Inspector?" The Time Lord smiled in relief. However, behind him, an explosion sounded. His grin faded. Velma caught it and asked, "Inspector, where's Maya?" The Inspector just stared at her sadly. "Oh, no." She was crushed.
The humble Zygon stumbled to them. "She transported me here, right before the ship exploded," he explained.
"You helped us," she said. "Why?"
He shrugged. "I'm a slave. I have no good life there. And that child was special. She had power. Visions. She could power our whole ship."
"It doesn't matter, now, anyway," she said angrily. "She's dead."
"Velma - " began the Inspector, but the brunette bit her lip and shook her head.
"I'm going to the TARDIS."
The Inspector watched her walk away, concern in his eyes. But he turned his attention to the terrified Zygon. "Now, then, tell me everything."
When the Time Lord entered his ship, he found the console empty. "Where is she?" he asked the TARDIS quietly. It hummed in reply, and the Inspector began to search for her new room. He opened the door, and found Velma sitting on a chair, crying. "Are you alright?" he asked gently.
"Someone died today," she answered. "She was great. She was funny, smart, and she was just a kid." The young woman turned away, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Want a break?"
Velma nodded. "I'll give you time alone," muttered the Inspector sadly. He turned to return to the console. To distract him, he mulled over the mystery of Maya. She was a power source. She was also a time apparation. How was that possible?
(Next Time: Frozen Shadows
The Inspector accidentally lands on Earth in the far future, where the planet has been deserted and the Last Great Ice Age freezes the world. It's quiet and it's chilly, but there's something under the ice...)