Chapter 14: Land of Refuge

The Doctor and Alex were standing in the throne room when the Doctor introduced everyone, "Peladon, this is Alex, my wife, and her over there is Harper."

"Hi," Harper said to Peladon.

"Nice to meet you two," Peladon said. He looked at Harper and smiled.

The Doctor cleared his throat and said, "You and Peladon can get to know each other better after we talk about the Key segment."
"Uh, what?" Harper asked fast.

"It's kind of obvious," Alex smiled.

Peladon turned his attention back to the Doctor and said, "Yes, Doctor, let's go and discuss this matter of this Key segment."

The Doctor asked, "Is there a meeting room or something we can speak in?"

"Follow me, Doctor," said Peladon. Peladon led the way to a room with a rectangular table inside it. The Doctor sat down across the table from Peladon. Alex sat down next to the Doctor and Harper sat on the other side of the Doctor. She kept looking at Peladon.

The Doctor saw her and said, "Harper, what are you, 13? Don't stare."

"Sorry," Harper said and she looked away from Peladon.

Peladon sat down and asked, "So, Doctor, what is it you need?"

"I'm not exactly sure," the Doctor said, "What we are searching for can look like anything until the detector we have that pinpoints the object's location touches it. When it does touch it, the segment will return to its natural form. After we get the one that's in the palace, we will be off to find the last two segments."

"How many segments are there?" inquired Peladon.

"Six in total. We've found three, but we need the other three for this journey and plan to fully work," the Doctor told Peladon.

"How long have you been searching for it?" asked Peladon.

"Twelve years so far," the Doctor said.

"Strange," Peladon said, "I go through my life wishing I could go back in time or see the future, but you go and do that whenever you feel like it. What's been only five years for me has been probably ages to you."

"That's correct, Peladon," the Doctor said.

"I have a question," Alex said, "Why is your name Peladon? I thought that's what the Doctor called this planet."

"It is, Alex," Peladon told her, "I was named after our planet and my family line. My father was Peladon XIII. I am Peladon XIV, and if I am correct, the last time the Doctor and I met was back in his fourth life. You said ten lives have past. That would make you the 14th Doctor."

"That's right," said the Doctor, "I guess we are all fans of 14."

"I'm not," said Alex.

"Alex, you married me and I am the Fourteenth Doctor."

"Point taken, Doctor," said Alex, "I guess I am a fan of fourteen."

"Back on subject, Peladon," the Doctor interrupted, "We are here to find that segment. When all six are combined into the cube that is the Key to Time, we will have the ability to restore peace and order to the universe. Everything will be made right. The Daleks won't be free. Life won't be dying. Alex and Harper will be back at their graduation party. Everything will be put back in order."

"I like the sound of that," Peladon said, "I am a very generous and caring man, but ever since the Daleks came to our systems several years ago, we have been taking in thousands upon thousands of refugees. The planet Peladon can't support everyone. I wish we could, but we can't."

"Wait a minute, you said the Daleks ignored this planet and went on their merry little way?" asked the Doctor in disbelief.

"I share your astonishment, Doctor, but it's true. In the years since the Daleks, this planet has become a place of refuge. At first we could handle it, but now, it's breaking my world's back. I wish there was something that I could do to help those people out there," Peladon said. He leaned forward in his chair and looked to his left. He went on and added, "Now, that you've shown up searching for this thing that has the power to reverse all of this and make it like it was, I have that ability to help these people. Even if it is as menial as this, but at least it's something."

"Peladon, I think you've helped those people out more than enough already. You saw them in need and you opened your arms out to them and gave them a home when they didn't have anything. You were a beacon of light in a universe being consumed by darkness and chaos. They love you for what you have done for them. I mean you risked your own planet and maybe even life to help these people. You have done more than most others I have ever seen," said the Doctor, "Did you even think about helping them?"
"No, I just knew they needed help and I had to do something. I didn't have time to think when I opened up our world to the survivors," Peladon replied.

"That shows your heart, Peladon," said the Doctor, "You could've been shut off and have your army be trained to fight back all the people who needed help, but you didn't. You opened up arms of compassion when they needed it. You didn't even think about it. You wanted them to be safe and have a home to live on. You gave them that on this planet. This planet that has become a place of refuge. You have so much more than you realize."
Peladon looked up at the Doctor and said, "I am grateful for that, Doctor. I really am. Let's go and find that fourth segment you are looking for, but first a celebration for you three."

"Peladon, I'm not big on celebrations," the Doctor.

Peladon smiled and said, "I know, but those people need hope. They have a home, but they have no hope. This celebration to the three who are actually doing something and risking their lives to do it for them. That will get their spirits up."

"Then go ahead and do it," the Doctor said, "People need hope. When hope is lost, there is nothing left but waiting for the blackness to come and get you."

Peladon stood up and said, "The celebration will be in a few days. Can you stay that long?"

"Of course," the Doctor said.

"That's great," Peladon said, "And in the meantime, you can search for your segment. You have permission to search anywhere in the palace, but be careful if you go to the tunnels, Aggedor is beyond reason. He will kill you without any remorse. I feel that has something to do with the Daleks."

"That's probably the case," the Doctor.

All four of them got up and walked to the door of the room. The Doctor and Peladon gave each other a brotherly hug. Peladon said, "It's good to see you again in such terrible times."

"I know what you mean," the Doctor said. The two let go and the Doctor asked, "Where are our rooms?"

"Oh, of course," Peladon said, "Follow me."

Peladon walked down the corridor and the three of them followed the king down the hallways of the palace.