I decided to continue this story, so I hope you enjoy it. Although the Doctor isn't in this chapter, he will come back eventually. Comments and ideas are always welcome, so please respond. Thanks!

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Chapter 2

"Cathica, I want you to go look into the mysterious appearances that have been happening lately. Try and get the article done as fast as you can, please." Her boss said as he passed by her desk, handing her a data pad.

"I'll get right on it, sir." Standing up, she shoved the data pad in her pocket, grabbed her coat, and headed for the door. She had been working at African News Channel for six months, reporting on various events that took place on the African continent. The news company employed people from all over Earth, including many up-and-coming journalists, some with no available history. So no one paid any mind to a British woman who had applied as a field reporter. Since then, she had come across nothing unusual, at least nothing at would explain her sudden transportation to this time from the year 200,000. At least, nothing up until five minutes ago.

While her car flew over the city of Cairo, Egypt towards her destination out in the desert, Cathica took the time to read over the data her boss had given her. People had just been appearing seemingly at random throughout Africa, many with no explanation of how they had gotten there. From the few reports the police had done, they all seemed surprised or even shocked to end up in what they termed "the past." A few hadn't been able to cope, and had killed themselves. The remaining individuals had been give some food and money and told to get lost. The journalist realized that they had gone through the same experience she had, but they hadn't had a friendly Doctor nearby to lend a hand.

Intrigued, the black woman pondered over who would be doing such a thing. It didn't make sense to send people back in the past. She could see sending someone into the future to learn new information then bring it back, but why the past? A person worth his salt just had to do a little digging to find out what had happened in the past, so why send someone back? Puzzled by the thoughts, she didn't even notice when the car made a smooth landing and the door swung open.

"Madam?" Cathica was jerked from her thoughts by a soft voice. Looking over, she blinked in surprise at the young man peering into her car. He was about 23, with dark brown hair, sparkling green eyes, and tanned skin. Dressed in a white T-shirt with blue jeans and a black bandana tied around his left arm, he looked comfortable despite the desert heat. Unlike him, Cathica was wearing 'city' clothes: a black shirt with brown slacks and sunglasses perched on her head. Seeing her gaze, the young man smiled comfortably and offered a hand. Smile back, Cathica accepted it and was eased out of the car.

"Sorry about that. I was just checking over the info. I'm Cathica Akins, a field journalist from African News Channel." She introduced herself and shook the hand she still grasped, wondering who he was.

"Nice to meet you. My name is Chaths Braithwaite, and I'm a field agent from ATI. I'll be your guide while you're here." Motioning to the small brick building they stood in front of, he suggested, "Shall we go in? I can bring you up to date on what might have been left out of the official reports."

"Official reports?" Cathica repeated, following him into the one-level building and down a short flight of stairs. Reaching a steel door, they paused while Chaths punched in a long password. She had never heard of the ATI, but that was just one more item she would have to investigate when she had time.

Turning to her, the younger man gave her a mysterious smile and simply nodded in response. The door hissed open, and Chaths indicated that she should go first. Hesitating for only a moment, the reporter stepped through the door and stared in wonder. The large room was bathed in light blue light, muting the glint of all the appliances in the place. There were computer banks scattered everywhere, all of them showing a different image, most with people working at them. Tunnels branched off from the main room in all directions, and rows of elevators and more doors took up an entire wall. Several sections were elevated slightly above floor level, separated by walls of glass. Cathica figured that they were offices of some sort. But the most amazing thing in the room was the huge aquarium that ran the length and height of the back wall. Many species of fish and plants called the place home, and their bright colours added a sense of belonging to the room.

Speechless, she heard Chaths chuckle softly at her reaction as he stepped up beside her. "W-what is this place?" she asked, a note of awe in her voice. "This is the ATI headquarters. You'll be based out of her during your stay."

"And what is the ATI?" she asked, finally tearing her gaze away from the sight and looking at him.

"Sorry, but I don't have the authorization to tell you that." he said, smiling ruefully. Sighing, she nodded in acceptance. Cathica had learned quickly that humans in this time were much less trusting that the ones in her own century. This was probably due to the fact that they hadn't been brainwashed into believing anything they saw or heard. Given time, Chaths might reveal who he worked for….or he might not.

Navigating the maze of desks and computers with ease, the field agent made his way to one of the many tunnels and entered it. Giving curious glances at the workers who hovered over the computers, she noticed that the machines themselves were of the kind around in her era. Although she doubted that her info spike would work, she could probably access most of the files with the basic chip functions, granted that they weren't encrypted.

"So, where are we going? And what about the information you're going to tell me?" Cathica asked, falling into step with the ATI member. "I'm going to show you to your quarters, then give you a small tour of the place. After you get settled, we'll get down to business."

"Fair enough." The woman had noticed that small channels along both sides of the corridor had water flowing through them, creating a relaxing sound. The lighting was also a shade darker than it had been, but was still bright enough to see in easily. "What's with the water?"

"Full of questions, aren't you?" Chaths answered, eyes twinkling.

"That's my job."

"True enough. Management installs some sort of running water system into every new base they create. Not all bases have water, only ones from T3, the ATI's home branch. I think it's a nice touch, though. Makes the place more cozy."

"Yeah…it creates a more relaxing atmosphere here." Cathica said as they rounded a corner.

"Here we are!" the young man announced, gesturing towards a nondescript black door. She strode forward and opened it, stepping into a small room. A bed was tucked in the far left corner, with a small fountain opposite it. A computer station and a chair took up the rest of the space, leaving room only for a few pegs to hang stuff on. Dropping her coat on the bed, she turned and shooed Chaths out. Her boss had included a note saying that a spare set of clothes were in a duffle bag under the bed. Walking over, she knelt down and peered under the bed, pulling out the bag that was there. Making sure that the door was shut, the woman quickly changed into something a bit more comfortable.

Tossing her previous outfit on the bed, Cathica, smoothed the wrinkles out of the green sleeveless top and light grey skirt she now wore. She would fit in better if she was dressed more like the locals. Putting her hair up in a ponytail, she slipped a clear data pad in her purse to take notes with, and left to room. Chaths was leaning on the opposite wall, waiting, and she smiled at her appearance. "Alright then, let's go." Taking her hand, he lead her back the way they had come, explaining as much as he could about they base they were on.

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Cathica wasn't given a last name in the series, so I just came up with one. Also, 'Chaths' is Egyptian for 'ends'.