There were a lot of bemused faces on the Renown at their arrival. The Doctor ignored this fact for a moment in order to reiterate the urgency of getting Fleur medical attention.
"Send for Doctor Clive!" was the cry that echoed through the ship as they carried the Time Lady on a stretcher down to the cockpit.
"He's with the captain," explained Lieutenant Buckland, sounding slightly harassed. "Who are you, really?"
"We aren't Spanish."
"That's obvious. But you came from the fort and you look like...well-," he paused, not sure whether it would be impolite to mention his resemblance to an officer of the Renown.
"I'm the Doctor. We were shipwrecked and on being washed up on the beach were subsequently locked up like criminals, though we had committed no crime. And now," he paused, remembering in time what their cover story was, "my wife is injured."
"But you say yourself you are a doctor?"
"Academically yes, but not medically."
"I see, but-,"
"Our expedition was a disaster, we just need to get back home, and that's all."
"Expedition?"
"To observe a…scientific anomaly in this hemisphere."
"How quaint. What is this anomaly you are looking for?"
"Sir. We should get underway," offered the captain of the marines, interrupting the conversation. "or there will be no survivors to take off, sir."
"Indeed, indeed. You are quite right. Set course for the bay," he turned back to the Doctor. "You were saying?"
"It's called the Infinity Principal."
"Sounds incredibly complicated."
Suddenly a piercing woman's scream ripped the air in two. It came from below decks.
"I think I should go to her," said the Doctor.
He made his move to go but was held back by one of the sailors.
"I wouldn't advise it, sir. It'll only upset you, best leave Doctor Clive to it."
"I really think I should-,"
"Ships, sir! Spanish ships," cried a voice from aloft.
"Where away? Oh, it doesn't matter," replied Buckland, holding the glass to his eye. "I can see them for myself. Fire a warning shot at the lead boat or something, give them something to think about."
He turned round. "Now, Doctor. Where has he gone?"
The Doctor had taken his chance and while they were distracted slipped down the ladder.
He rushed into the cockpit almost slipping in the pool of blood on the floor. Fleur squirmed with pain, tears pouring down her cheeks, while two burly sailors held her down as Doctor Clive sewed the wound up having removed the musket ball.
"What are you doing?" shouted the Doctor, "This-this is barbaric!"
"Would you kindly leave, I'm trying to save this woman's life. The quicker she is sewn up the better. I need to concentrate and you are not helping."
"You call this torture lifesaving? Can't you see she's in pain?"
The ships doctor ignored his questions and instead continued to sew her up.
"I'm talking to you!"
"There finished, my tailor couldn't match that stitch work."
"Butcher," the Doctor muttered under his breath, as he approached the table.
Fleur looked at him fear and pain in her eyes. Her breathing was harsh and shallow as she took his hand.
"It hurts…so much," she said faintly.
"Its alright I'm here now. I won't let them harm you anymore. This is why I don't like hospitals, they stick things in you and cut you up like a Sunday roast."
She tried to smile, but it was more like a grimace. Dr Clive poured out some liquid from a small bottle into a cup and lifted it to her lips.
"Drink this, it will dull the pain."
"It tastes horrid," her face creased up in disgust. "Will I be alright now?"
"I managed to remove the projectile and the miscellaneous paraphernalia from the wound but we still have to hope it doesn't exhibit the particular afflictions common to these climes."
"You mean an infection? If this place wasn't so primitive there would be no problem," sighed the Doctor.
Fleur's eyes fluttered closed into a half waking state.
"Might I make an observation?" said Doctor Clive.
"Go ahead."
"You -if I might be so bold- look almost the spitting image of one of our lieutenants."
"It happens," replied the Doctor, sarcastically. "They do say everyone has a double somewhere in the universe."
"Indeed. I must go and see to my other patient," he said, indicating to his assistant to move Fleur to a nearby cot, and then left the room.
They heard a cheer in the distance.
"Sounds like the raiding party have been successful, sir," commented the sailor.
"Wonderful for you I'm sure, but it doesn't help Fleur."
"Fleur? That's a froggy name ain't it?"
"Does she look like an amphibian to you?"
"A what?"
The sailor looked confused, obviously having the brawn he lacked the brains. The Doctor let out a sigh.
"She's not a frog, no."
"Good."
"Can you leave us for a moment?"
"I-erm-,"
"Its alright, we aren't going to be going anywhere."
"Aye, sir," he replied, complying with the Doctor's wishes.
The Doctor picked up a stool and placing it by the cot sat down and took Fleur's hand. Then reaching over he brushed her hair gently from her face.
"I'm sorry. Things always seem to go wrong for you when I'm around. I'll take you back home as soon as I can. I think the Time Lords are overreacting about this anomaly anyway. They usually disappear for themselves without our help, this one is probably just a bit delayed."
"The time?" mumbled Fleur. "What's the time? There's a wolf aboard, don't let him bite you."
"Fleur, what do you mean? You're not making any sense."
"We'll all be dead by morning. A wolf in sheep's clothing."
"Talk sense, my lady."
Suddenly her eye snapped opened and she said very clearly and forcefully, fear in her expression.
"Don't sleep tonight, or they will take us in our beds. Promise me you won't let them."
"I promise I won't let anyone hurt you. But please explain what you mean."
"Argh!" she let out a cry of pain.
"Where is that stupid physician?" exclaimed the Doctor. "Hold on, I'll go and get him."
Meanwhile the officers of the Renown had rejoined their ship, in order to retrieve a cannon, so that they could carry out Horatio's daring plan. Lieutenant Bush flexed his hand experimentally.
"Must have been a splinter from the gun carriage."
"You should get that seen to," suggested Horatio. "It's not worth risking an arm in spite of the hand, sir."
"I suppose it would be prudent."
"Mr Wellard," barked the lieutenant. "Go see where Doctor Clive is."
"Aye, aye, sir."
The skittish midshipman rushed off to fulfil the order.
"He's probably with the captain, or off swigging that concoction of his," said Lieutenant Kennedy, with a grin.
"Now, Mr Kennedy remember, this is neither the time nor the place to be throwing slanderous accusations around," replied Lieutenant Bush, lowering his voice. "Not with what awaits us in Jamaica."
"Looks like our young friend has a reply for you," said Horatio.
"Doctor Clive's complements, sir," said Wellard, touching his hat. "He says you are to wait for him in the cockpit and he will join you once he has seen to the captain."
"Very good, Mr Wellard. Go and supervise Styles before he drops the gun through the deck."
"Aye, aye, sir."
"I will see you gentlemen later," said the lieutenant, touching his hat as he walked towards the hatch.
Fleur heard the sound of approaching footsteps. She turned her head and tried to sit up, pain coursed through her body. She let out a cry of pain. The owner of the footsteps approached the cot.
"Are you all right-," he paused. His face appeared over the edge of the cot. "Ma'am?"
"Doctor?"
"No, I'm not-,"
"You've got to help me."
"I can't do anything."
"Take my hand."
"I don't think it's appropriate."
"I'm so scared, please hold my hand," she sobbed. "I don't want to die."
He hesitated for a moment, but then after swiftly glancing around to make sure no one was watching took her hand.
"You'll be fine," he said unconvincingly.
"Now you're here."
"What's your name?" asked Lieutenant Bush, trying to make conversation.
"You know my name, silly."
"I'm afraid I don't."
"Yes you do handsome."
"Trust me I don't Ma'am."
"Well, it must be your age…memory's going and all that. Fleurdansletempsjardin."
"Pardon?"
"Fleur," she yelled, her eyes rolled back as she laughed manically. "I love that uniform. Kiss me hardy!"
"I-,"
She grabbed hold of his collar, pulled him close.
"If I'm going to die its something I've always wanted to do."
Fleur kissed him on the lips. He quickly pulled away, shocked and surprised.
"I'm sorry ma'am I can't."
"Did I do something wrong?"
He backed away from the cot, knocking into the bench on his way out, suddenly losing his co-ordination in his haste to escape this strange, amorous woman.
"Damn it," he cursed.
The lieutenant almost jumped out of his skin as he heard the sound of someone coming down the ladder.
"You've poured so much laudanum down her throat she's insensible," complained an eerily familiar voice.
"It's impossible to judge how the individual will react to a particular dosage," replied Doctor Clive, entering the cockpit first. "Ah, Mr Bush. I will see to your hand momentarily, but I need to see to this gentleman's wife first."
"Wife?" exclaimed the lieutenant.
"Yes, there's a woman on board. I know its bad luck, but I think fate will bend the rules this time," said the Doctor, bouncing nimbly down the ladder.
"You're-," stammered Lieutenant Bush.
"I know. Well, that explains that," replied the Doctor. "Now, back to the problem at hand. The dosage, how much did you give her?"
"Don't panic it's a perfectly normal side effect."
"It's not normal for her."
"If you're busy I'll go, it's only a splinter," interrupted Lieutenant Bush, edging towards the ladder.
"Just stay where you are Mr Bush," snapped Doctor Clive. "Show me your hand."
He grabbed a pair of large tweezers. The lieutenant steeled himself as the splinter was removed and hand bandaged.
"Thank you."
There was the sound of footsteps approaching.
"Here comes that boy who cries wolf," called out Fleur.
"See," said the Doctor, with a sigh. "This nonsense comes out of her mouth."
"Sir," said Wellard as he entered the room. "Mr Hornblower's compliments, but they are ready to raise the gun."
"Thank you Mr Wellard, I'll be there in-,"
"He looks just like you," exclaimed the midshipman, pointing at the Doctor.
"That is clear to see, but that doesn't excuse your interrupting a superior officer," growled the lieutenant.
"I'm sorry, sir."
"I'll see to the gun now, Mr Wellard."
"Aye, aye, sir."
They exited the cockpit without any ceremony. In the corner Fleur let out a groan.
"She's coming round again," said the Doctor, leaning over the cot.
"I'll prepare another dose-,"
"You will do no such thing."
"You said you didn't want her in pain."
"I know what I said, but I'd rather have her lucid if what I fear will happen does come to pass."
"Now, you're sounding morbid. She has an equal chance of recovery."
"That's not what I'm referring to. This could all be in vain if I don't figure out a solution."
"A solution to what?"
"When I know, I'll let you know."
Doctor Clive shrugged his shoulders.
"If that is the case, I'm of no use here and I have other things to do."
"Go then," snapped the Doctor. "I'll look after her myself."
He waited for Clive to leave before taking Fleur's hand.
"Fleur, can you hear me?"
"What?"
"How do you feel?"
"Delicate," she replied, weakly. "How about you?"
"Fine, just fine."
"You're not fine, I can tell from your voice. I'm not completely drug addled you know."
"Sorry, I'm just finding it to concentrate with all this extraneous interference bouncing off the anomaly."
"Isn't there some kind of shield you could build?"
"Not with the materials available."
"If you can't build a simple shield, how are we going to close the anomaly?"
"I'll think of something."
"Doctor, don't leave me alone again," she let out a gasp. "I don't know if I will make it. Can't you feel it, the energy draining away?"
"No-,"
"Don't lie to me. I'm not some gullible human. There is no need for that 'I'm invincible' pretence."
The Doctor looked away guiltily.
"Alright, I'm running on my last reserves of artron energy. Does that satisfy you?"
"It cost you nothing to admit that and you know what that means for me."
"The healing process is slower."
"And?"
"It might not come to that."
"I can't regenerate with my reserves this low. There's nothing to kick start the reaction."
"I-,"
"This is the end for me, Doctor." She tenderly kissed his hand. "This is goodbye."
"No it isn't," replied the Doctor angrily. "I will try everything in my power to help you."
"It's not your place to."
"Listen to me, I would do no less for any of my travelling companions. I've given my life before for a human why then not one of my own kind?"
"For that very same reason, I'm one of 'them' the Time Lords, the establishment."
"Don't be silly, you are no more establishment than I am. You were exiled for standing up for the rights of others I think that gives you the right to join the illustrious list of renegades."
"You think? Don't you know?" she replied sarcastically, gritting her teeth in pain. "Why, did you refuse me that laudanum?"
"Because it's not good for you."
"I'm in pain Doctor. Can't you see that?"
"Yes, I can. Please let me share the burden."
"You're not suggesting-,"
"If we can share thoughts we can share the pain. Telepathy 101," he smiled reassuringly. "Trust me it will hurt me more than it will hurt you."
"That's a comfort. Contact," she whispered.
"Contact," said the Doctor, holding his temples, his face creased in concentration.
The sun had begun to set as Fleur finally fell asleep, exhausted. The Doctor was almost ready to collapse himself, as he rested his head in his hands.
"You alright, sir?" asked Styles, "You look terrible."
"I think that's a fair assessment," replied the Doctor, with a sigh.
"We've rigged you up a hammock, your sharing a berth with Mr Bush."
"Sharing?"
"Could be worse, you could be sharing with the captain," he guffawed.
"You should go into comedy," replied the Doctor, a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "But at the moment I really don't have the energy for this."
"You look just like him," said Styles with a grin.
"Do I? You're the first one that's said that ever."
"Yes you do, look-,"
"No my eyes are lighter. The nose."
"Yeah, maybe you're right. This way then, sir. I'll show you to your quarters."
The Doctor flung himself into the hammock not even pausing to undress he was so weary. He felt so drained from sharing Fleur's pain. He pulled the course covers over his body, glancing over at Lieutenant Bush snoring in the opposite corner. They did look very alike from a distance he supposed but close up he looked much younger, with less wrinkles than the lieutenant. He smiled and let his eyes flutter shut.
"Get up," snapped Lieutenant Bush, "Shake a leg."
"What do you want?" growled the Doctor, annoyed at being woken.
"Keep your voice down. The prisoners are trying to take the ship."
The lieutenant heard the approaching soldier and stepped back, giving the Doctor a look which told him not to give him away.
In her half waking state Fleur heard the sound of hurried footsteps above her, on deck. She looked round to see that the Doctor was no longer by her side. Where was everyone? Suddenly it sounded very like all hell broke loose.
"Doctor," she called out. "Doctor where are you? What's going on?"
Someone entered the room. Fleur tried to turn herself to see who this stranger was.
"Doctor is that you?"
"No," said a voice which oozed evil. "You don't know me but I know what you are, my lady."
"Who are you then?"
"I go by many different names."
He leaned over the cot, his face so close she could discern his thin pointy features, straggly hair and smell his putrid breath.
"But you can call me Master."
The Spanish prisoners had soon surrendered, no match for the valiant crew of the Renown. The Doctor was up on deck holding a pistol he had no intention off firing in one hand, having followed the lieutenant. As the prisoners were rounded up he discarded the pistol and leant against the bulwark.
"Sir! There's something starboard," yelled one of the hands.
"Can't you be more specific?" replied Horatio.
"It's a whirly something."
"Damn it man-," he paused, having seen for himself what the lookout had spotted.
A point on the horizon seemed to be warped and out of focus like looking through the bottom of a glass, except there was something liquid, almost organic about it movement.
"That's what I was sent here to find," said the Doctor. "It's too late."
"What do you mean?"
"It will suck this world inside out, and spit it out into the void while on the other side the same thing is happening."
"What's on the other side?"
"A parallel world, very much like this one but a little bit different. This place, this moment in time is a nexus point for numerous worlds. The decisions made on this ship have grave ramifications for all involved…depends who gets the blame."
"What can we do about it?"
"If I had my TARDIS with me or the tracker which unfortunately got lost in the storm I might have been able to close the anomaly but-,"
"But what, man?" snapped Horatio.
"You have no idea what you're getting into."
"Sir, sir," said Matthews, urgently running up from the binnacle. "There's something wrong with the ship."
"What's wrong with the ship?"
"It won't go in the right direction, sir."
"Damn it Matthews, make sense man."
"We've tried everything, but it still ends up with us heading for that whirly thing over there."
"What about the anchor, we can use that to stop our progress."
"That won't help," said the Doctor, solemnly. "We're doomed unless the Time Lords on the other side of the anomaly can fix it."
"You're a right optimist aren't you?" quipped Matthews.
Unexpectedly there was a scuffle at one of the ladders. They all turned to see a man who was a stranger to most but a ghost from the past for several of the officers.
"Simpson," hissed Horatio, going quite pale, worrying where Archie was. "You are supposed to be dead."
"What a disappointment for you," replied Simpson, as he dragged Fleur, who struggled to get away, up on deck. "I wouldn't make a move if I was you, or the little lady dies."
This last statement was in response to a move by the Doctor to reach the discarded pistol. He held the cutlass in his right hand up to her throat to make the point.
"Let's not be hasty," said the Doctor, holding his hands open in a gesture of trust. "We can talk about this, Mr Simpson."
"I'm not who I appear to be, just like you Doctor."
Fleur let out a yelp of pain, as a red stain blossomed against the white linen petticoat she wore.
"Now, please let her go…she is injured. Look you've caused her wound to bleed again."
"Do you think I care? Where is your TARDIS, Doctor?"
"My-, its not here. Why do you want my ship and how do you know about it."
"Don't you recognise me Doctor? Don't you see through this pathetic body I've had to suffer with? Don't you recognize your arch enemy when you see him?"
"The Master," replied the Doctor. "I should have guessed."
"You should have, but you didn't."
He gripped Fleur tighter, causing her to let out a gasp of pain, as she tried to pull away.
"You're staying with me, your ladyship," growled the Master. "Now, Doctor where is your TARDIS?"
"I told you its not here."
"Don't lie to me."
"I'm not! Look, in a matter of moments we will be sucked through the anomaly, out of existence and this will all be for nothing."
"I know you, Doctor. You have a plan, and frankly I don't care, I just want to get off this stinking boat."
The Renown creaked ominously around them, as the gravitational pull created by the anomaly put strain on the ship.
"I don't have a plan or the TARDIS."
"You're hurting me," gasped Fleur, as the Master dug his fingers into her arm in anger.
"What about you little lady? It is your ship that you've got smuggled aboard?"
"No, mines broken. The Doctor is telling the truth, I swear by Rassilon, there's no TARDIS onboard."
"Where is it then?"
"Its back in Portsmouth down some side alley," replied Fleur, on the verge of tears. "Please, you're hurting me."
"Shut up," he snapped.
"I won't shut up just because I can't tell you what you want to know."
"Do you want to die?"
"We're all dead anyway. Look-,"
The bow of the ship was already starting to twist and buckle as it was dragged into the anomaly.
"It's too late," yelled the Doctor.
He was almost drowned out by the creaking of the ship and cries of the men already being dragged into the whirling gyre. Unexpectedly Lieutenant Archie Kennedy appeared through the hatch, his countenance bore a golden sheen, as his body was aglow.
"It's not too late," he said, his voice having an otherworldly quality. "I can save you all, but first Mr Simpson we have unfinished business."
"I'm not Simpson you foolish boy."
"No, you're more than that and you must be erased for the good of the service."
"Archie, what do you mean?" asked Horatio, concerned for his friend. "What's wrong with you?"
"Don't worry about me Horatio," he smiled. "I will be able save you for a change."
Archie glowed brighter and brighter as his body began to dissolve into a golden light. A stream of light engulfed the Master, he let out a bloodcurdling scream as he was erased from time and space. With no one to hold her up, Fleur dropped to the deck.
"Doctor," she cried. "We're still heading into the anomaly."
The Doctor ran over to her putting a supporting arm round her waist a worried frown on his brow. He looked into her eyes and gently stroked her face as the gaping mouth of the anomaly was only inches away.
"Be brave, my petite Fleur."
They both closed their eyes, waiting for the moment, the end to come, locked in a final embrace. A wave of warmth passed through them like a wall of water and everything went blank.
The Doctor opened his eyes above him hung an ebony velvet sky punctuated by stars glittering like diamonds. He took a deep breath and pinched himself to check he wasn't dreaming. It appeared he had been deposited in a park of some sort. He sat bolt upright, suddenly remembering what had happened. He glanced around, looking for his travelling companion.
"Fleur! Fleur, where are you?"
"I'm over here," she replied, walking out of the trees.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes. I…well maybe I should show you. The wound has all healed up."
"There's no need, you'll cause a scandal. I'll take your word for it."
"What happened on that boat? Why are we here? We should be lifeless corpses floating in the void."
"I love your optimism," replied the Doctor, with a small grin. "I think the Master being erased solved the equation that opened the anomaly in the first place."
"That explains why we aren't dead, but it doesn't explain why we are here, wherever this is."
"Mr Kennedy must have sent us back here."
"Here being?"
"A park of some description in the south of England."
"Oh, that's helpful," she paused a moment, a look of concentration on her face. "What if we are in a parallel dimension? It's possible."
"There's only one way to discover the truth of the situation."
"How?"
"Find the TARDIS." He offered her his hand, she took it. "Come on, let's get searching."
They both walked off into the distance, hand in hand. From a dark corner of the park a lone figure watched them go. He pursed his pale lips, and brushed back a stray blonde hair from his face, his blue eyes glinting in the starlight. The Doctor had saved his life and he had saved the Time Lord's life. Now they were even.