Chapter 1

The space base was gone, but there was a faint cloud of particles and debris left over from the explosion. Nita had informed the Doctor that Doctor Raphael was the only one aboard the base when it exploded. They remained on Krithia investigating the accident.

The Doctor, Nita and Ace were in the console room.

"I've gone through the whole system, Doctor, I can't find any malfunction in the vortex manipulator, nothing that would cause an explosion like that," said Nita.

"Why was there a power drain before transport?" asked the Doctor.

"I don't know, Doctor."

"I want an answer to that question. I'm sure the Krithions will too."

"Yes, Doctor."

"Professor, the radiation and debris are consistent with an overload of the base's reactor core."

The Doctor turned to Nita and Ace, "any indications of reactor core problems while you were on the base?"

"No, Professor."

Nita's brow was wrinkled, her mind was not in the room. The Doctor noticed. "Nita?"

Nita looked up and shook her head, no.

"Ace suggested this was not an entirely routine mission."

Nita sighed. "It's a long story, Doctor. But I'm sure it doesn't have anything to do with this accident." Her voice sounded uncertain.

Nita noted a message on the console. "Doctor, Chief Investigator Huldah of the Krithian security force requests permission to come aboard."

The Doctor stared at Nita. "Granted, Nita, please let our guest in…in a minute."

"Ok..."

"Perhaps you should tell me as much as possible prior to his arrival, Nita."

Nita sighed and acknowledged.

Nita let Inspector Huldah into the TARDIS. His curious eyes examined his surroundings, studying the young woman who greeted him, and the one standing at the console, as well as the small man with the question-mark jumper.

"I am Nita Lewcotts."

Huldah nodded and stepped inside. He could be intimidated here, away from his usual turf, but he wasn't. Huldah was soft-spoken, calm, rather British in nature (but without the accent), qualities of the men of his race, but also fine qualities for an investigator. He was also quite relentless and determined to get to the truth.

"Chief Investigator, welcome to the TARDIS. I'm the Doctor."

Huldah all but ignored the Doctor and turned his attention to Nita. "Nita Llewcotts, I am here to take you into custody."

"On what charge?"

"Suspicion of murder."

All faces in the console room filled with shock.

"Murder? Now wait a minute…"

"Chief Investigator," the Doctor interrupted. "We are more than willing to cooperate fully with you but…"

"Then you will release the prisoner to the planet."

The Doctor held up a hand. "Just wait a second." He realized the console room was no place to have this discussion. "Why don't we discuss this somewhere more comfortable?"

Indicating the way, Nita moved to join them, but the Doctor looked back at her with purpose. "You stay here, Nita."

Nita was about to protest, but instead said nothing and remained in the console room as the Doctor and Huldah left for the Doctor's study. Ace couldn't help but steal glances at Nita.

In the study, the Doctor indicated a chair for Huldah as he sat himself at the desk. Huldah remained standing and was waiting for the Doctor to make the first move.

"Just what is your evidence against my companion?"

"Two witnesses have come forward to describe Miss Llewcotts' threats against Doctor Raphael."

"Threats? I am aware of an altercation between the two of them…"

"It apparently was much more than just an altercation, Doctor, but she well have a chance to prove her innocence."

"In our systems of legal jurisprudence, a person is innocent until proved guilty."

"In ours, they are guilty until they are proved innocent. And you are in our jurisdiction. If I understand Earth regulations on these matters, and I just happened to look them up before I…"

"I'm aware of the Earth regulations, sir," the Doctor interrupted. "And if you will check further, they say the highest authority will decide if extradition is warranted."

"Are you saying it is not?"

"I'm saying…" He paused, backing off the conflict, knowing it would not help matters. He continued. "If I find that there is sufficient cause to warrant a trial, I will….release Miss Llewcotts to your custody."

"Would you say you're close to your companion, Doctor?"

"That's irrelevant here."

"Really, Doctor, you cannot believe that. And how can I expect a fair and impartial decision?"

"I will protect the rights of my companion."

"I appreciate that. But you'll have to do it on the planet, not here. After all, what if you were suddenly decide to leave this star system?'

"You have my word as a Time Lord that I will not."

"Unacceptable. You must turn her over to me for interrogation."

"Interrogate her here."

"Doctor, we must recreate step-by-step, moment-by-moment, the events leading to the explosion. We need immediate access to all the witnesses, as well as the data from the lab's ground computers. It would be impossible to accomplish here."

"Perhaps not." He pushed a button. "Ace, please come to my study. In fact, I may be able to assist you in recreating the events."

Ace entered.

"Ace, Chief Inspector Huldah."

They bowed to each other. Huldah looked curiously at the young woman.

"Ace, by taking testimony from both you and Nita and from witnesses provided by Investigator Huldah, would it be possible to holographically recreate what happened aboard the science base?"

"It would require construction and design specifications, full orthographic representations of the Delta equipment, as well as visual representations and voice analyses of the persons involved, but yes, it is possible."

Huldah considered this. The Doctor was clearly unmovable on releasing Nita. He nodded. "Very well. Arrangements will be made to provide you with all available information. I shall return shortly with our witnesses."

"Ace, escort the chief inspector out please."

As they left, the Doctor frowned as he considered the situation.

Nita was in the console room and trying not to throw glances at the internal doorway. The Doctor entered. Ace had remained in the console room after escorting out Huldah.

"Ace, we are going to recreate the research base in the holoroom. I want you to work on the preparations. In addition, you and Nita will give the computer detailed depositions on everything you heard and saw while aboard."

The Doctor paused for a second as he considered the impact of his next words on his girlfriend. Quietly, yet firmly, he said, "my decision on extradition will be based upon the evidence presented in these re-creations"

Nita couldn't really believe all this was happening, but the Doctor's expression was set.

"Doctor, may I have a word with you?"

"Under these circumstances, I believe it would be inappropriate, Nita."

The Doctor left the console room. Nita was devastated.