8 was not willing to go into an argument about his role in this, at least not yet. He breathed in a large sigh, "Done. I'll meet you here in twenty minutes." He turned and left the Tardis.

10 smiled, "Well, what do you think?" Rose was not impressed, "What an arrogant ass." He laughed, "You have no idea."

Chapter 54 The Untempered Schism

8 returned with the shuttle and they stepped on board. Ohila in the pilot's seat. He gave 8 a scowl, "Don't look at me, she wanted to come." "You should not be involved with this scheme Ohila." Her eyes turned very cold, "Do not presume to tell me what I should and should not be involved in." 10 bowed his head briefly to her.

"Now Doctor," They both answered, "Yes?" She looked at them with annoyance. "Introduce me to your family." 10 answered alone this time. "Ohila, High priestess of the sisterhood of Karn, this is my wife Rose and my daughter Alice." Rose was not sure how to respond, but Alice stepped forward and bowed low at the waist and stayed there until released. Ohila was impressed.

"Come here child" Alice went to her unafraid. The woman smiled and touched her cheek, a good sign that Alice was so bold. "You are very brave to attempt this, I will help you if I can. May the blessings of the flame, be with you." She smiled and kissed Alice's forehead.

Rose was watching it all feeling like an outsider, when the woman turned to her. "You are also very brave. I can understand what he sees in you. Come here my dear." Rose was hesitant, but obeyed. Ohila put her hands on Rose's belly and closed her eyes. She looked up at Rose and smiled. "Ah, A son to be proud of. Strong and kind." Rose smiled, "Thank you." The woman nodded, one mother to another.

"We should go." Ohila said. Rose went to the back of the shuttle with Alice and her husband. 8 sat in the co-pilot seat. The engines roared into life and they lifted off. It was about an hour later that they came within range of Gallifrey. The voice of the traffic controller came over the speaker. "Shuttle on approach. Identify and state your business."

Ohila was not going to put up with such disrespect. "Traffic controller this is Mother One destined for the dry lands. You would know that, had you paid any attention at academy. If you know what's good for you, you will remember it and not question me again...ever." The phrase dripped with venom and the controller was contrite. "Forgive me your grace, shuttle approved for landing when ready."

Rose smiled at the amount of care taken when handling this woman. She had always thought of Time Lord society as male dominated, and was happy to see how wrong she was. The shuttle swung about the far side of the planet to a desert region. She skimmed along the desert floor to avoid detection until she was right at their door, then sprung up to land on their heads, a wicked smile on her lips. "I love an unexpected arrival."

She looked at the two Doctors, "I'll keep them busy, you continue on. "I'll meet you there. Fare well." She was out the exit and down the path before 10 had sat in her chair. Once again the engines roared to life and they took off. "It's not far from here." 10 said. "We will go the opposite way in case they are tracking us and then circle around."

The suns were setting when they finally arrived. His world was strange and beautiful. Rose would have taken in more of the scenery, but had other things on her mind. There was no mistaking it, even from a distance. A large circle made of steel and living red granite from the mountain, 24 feet in diameter, with a swirling light at its heart. They landed a distance away and walked up to it. Rose could feel her skin pricking with electricity. She looked up at it and could feel the awesome power it contained. The first off-worlder ever to witness this ritual.

Rose stopped and dropped to her knees shaking. She grabbed Alice and held her tight so she couldn't see the circle. "Alice, are you sure you want to do this? You can still change your mind." Alice was feeling her mother's fear and her own. Yet something inside her gave her strength. "Yes, mother, I'm sure." Alice tried to sound more calm than she was. Rose had tears in her eyes, "I love you baby. No matter what happens. I'll be there for you." "I love you momma. Don't worry, It will be ok. Remember, this is my choice."

Rose let her go with a kiss and Alice walked to her father who was watching the two of them. He knelt and hugged his little girl, trying to be strong for her sake. Inside he was terrified. "Do you remember what I taught you?" Alice nodded and took a ragged breath. He looked in her eyes, "Good. Stay calm, stay focused, and don't fight it. Let it take you where it wants, until you reach the point where you can guide it. Don't rush, It will send you back when it's time. It is a gateway of great power, but also great knowledge. Take advantage." Alice's voice was so small and frail in his ears as she looked at the circle. "I will father." Alice looked into her father's eyes for reassurance. "I love you daddy. Thank you for helping me do this." He crushed her to him, "I love you Alice. Your mother and I will be here when you come out."

He was near tears, but staying strong for her. Alice turned to look at her mother, still on her knees, and then stepped forward onto the platform. Rose turned away unable to watch her precious child put herself in harm's way. 8 was suddenly beside her. His arm, wrapped around her to offer comfort. He knew 10 would not take his eyes from the child until she was back safe with them.

Rose was grateful for the comfort of this stranger. If anything should happen to Alice she would never forgive her husband. She was so angry, and right now wanted nothing to do with him. 8 knew his counterpart would never forgive himself either. All they could do was wait.

The Time Lord watched his daughter raise her eyes to the center of the vortex. A mist seemed to coalesce around her, as she held her arms straight out from the sides of her little body. A bolt of electricity struck her small frame with a jolt and seemed to hold her at it's whim forming a claw-like appearance, pulling her off the floor. A whirlwind swirled around them all.

The Time Lord's eyes were fixed on Alice. He wanted to run to her and shield her from it's grasp, but he knew stopping it now would only cause her more harm. After many moments, Alice's small frame began to shake, her breathing rapid, and worst of all, she began to scream.

Rose turned, struggling to reach her daughter, but 8 held her firm. "You can't touch her Rose. It will kill you and cause Alice more pain." She couldn't stop. "Think of the baby!" he yelled. Rose looked in 8's eyes, terrified, begging for help. He had none to give. He looked with pity at the poor woman in agony for her child. He pulled her to his chest to deaden the sound, and covered her other ear with his palm. "It will be over soon." He said it as much to himself as to her.

It seemed to go on forever, but the mist suddenly lost its grip on Alice and she collapsed falling to the hard stone floor. The Time Lord ran to her at once and held her in his arms, calling her name in agony, tears rolling down his face. "Alice! Alice can you hear me? It's daddy, I'm here honey. I'm holding you. I will always be here for you." It had been too much for her small frame and gentle mind.

He kissed her face as he picked up her limp body and carried her off the platform to where Rose was waiting, struggling to get away from 8. He let her go as 10 came closer. Rose looked at Alice through her tears, cradled in her husband's arms. So pale and lifeless. "Alice my angel. Alice can you hear me? It's momma. Say something baby." Alice stirred and opened her eyes, but was too weak to speak, and lapsed into unconsciousness.

The Time Lord held his child trying to reach her mind, but couldn't. Images of her short life flashing before him. He fell to his knees in the warm sand, calling her name. Tears in his eyes, rocking Alice back and forth, desperate and losing hope. Rose backed away from him with a blank stare on her face, her mind not accepting she had lost Alice. The Time Lord felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Ohila. After releasing Rose, 8 had gone to find her. They hadn't even heard the sound of the shuttle leaving and then coming back.

She spoke with authority. "Lay the child down in the soil of Gallifrey and step aside." The Time Lord did as he was told. If anyone could help Alice, she could. He stepped back and stood next to Rose, who would not even look at him.

Chapter 55 Hell To Pay