Chapter 1

Nita and Ace stood staring at the viewscreen. The debris from the shuttle was still visible.

"Why didn't the containment field hold?" asked Nita, in shock.

Ace checked her reading. "I don't know, Nita," she replied, shakily. "Hail the Jovis, please. I want to speak with Kivas Fajo."

Nita went to her console panel. "Ace, Mister Fajo is hailing us."

"Put it on screen, please."

The image of Kival Fajo filled the screen. Fajo was a male Wallarian with a commanding presence; a man of the world, or rather the galaxy, with undeniable personal charm and grace and yet someone not to be trifled with.

"Miss McShane, what happened?"

"It's not clear at this time; we're running full analysis."

"We detected no malfunctions before the explosion. Everything seemed to be proceeding as smoothly as the other flights. Were you able to save the pilot?"

"No."

Fajo looked as if he lost his best friend. "I'm sorry."

Ace nodded her thanks but, having a mission, couldn't dwell on the moment. "Mister Fajo, I would like to analyse your sensor readings of the explosion."

"Compared to your ship's, our sensors are rather primitive, I doubt they contain any information yours have overlooked."

"Perhaps, but I want to leave no avenue unexplored."

"I understand. We'll transmit the information." Fajo nodded to someone off screen.

"Link established," said Nita, running on automatic. "Receiving."

"Can we be of any further assistance?"

"How much hytritium did we managed to bring on board?" Ace asked Nita.

"Eighty-one kilos."

"That might be barely enough to finish our mission, but it's not leaving us any margin for error," Ace considered. She looked back to Fajo, "I realize we have acquired your complete supply of hytritium. Do you know where we could obtain more?"

"That may be difficult. The only source I know is in the Sigma Erani System."

"Three days away," Nita told Ace.

"And I can't guarantee they'll have any, for obvious reasons, no one wants to keep it around. In fact, even I may stop selling it, it's just too dangerous."

"I suppose we're lucky you had any at all, sir," said Nita. She glanced down at her screen. "Transfer of information is complete, Ace."

"Mister Fajo, thank you for your help," said Ace.

Fajo nodded as his image disappeared, replace by the Jovis and starfield and wreckage of the shuttlecraft.

Ace considered their options. "I think we should head for Beta Agni Two."

"The Grissom is near the Sigma Erani system at the moment… I'll ask them to stand by in case we need more hytritium."

"Good idea, Nita." Ace set the co-ordinates for Beta Agni Two, looked out to her lost friend, and pulled the dematerialization lever.

In Fajo's den, the Doctor was unconscious on the floor. With a jolt, he awoke, sat up, ran a quick internal self-examination.

He began babbling in Gallifreyan… "UNIT… ! #$%^&*()... TARDIS…"

That accomplished, he attempted to contact the TARDIS, but his mobile phone was missing. The Doctor got to his feet, examined his environment. He was in a windowless room filled with rare and beautiful objects: paintings, sculpture, books, alien artifacts and devices, even an exotic animal in a cage. In the middle of the room was a large sofa, a comfortable place to sit and appreciate these treasures.

The Doctor studied the collection. Right in its center, the focal point of the room, was a piece of simple, unobtrusive framework in the rough shape of a chair. Functional rather than comfortable, it was what you would set up if you had a seated statue you wanted to display. But there was no statue there.

The Doctor turned at the sound of a door opening, as the massive, vault-like door opened and Fajo and Varria entered. The door immediately shut and locked behind them. Varria stayed in the background as Fajo crossed to the Doctor, and looked him over with great interest and delight. Fajo and Varria were wearing a small device on their belts… and they never got closer to the Doctor than one meter.

"Wondrous. The beauty… the balance. A remarkable specimen."

"Why have I been brought here?"

Fajo ignored the question. "The voice is perfect. So enjoyable to listen to." Fajo shook his head in admiration, and spoke "to" the Doctor for the first time. "It took a lot of effort to get you here… but I was sure it would be worth it. I was right."

The Doctor patiently tried again. "I have been delivered here against my wishes. I would like to know the reason."

"Certainly. You're here for my enjoyment and appreciation."

"Am I to infer that you intend to keep me captive?"

"Captive? A most inappropriate description, my good time lord. May I call you Doctor?"

"It is my name."

"I know. Doctor, you will be catered to, fawned over… you will be cared for as never before… every wish will be fulfilled…"

"I wish to leave."

"Almost every wish."

The Doctor was puzzled. "This is unacceptable. I have no desire to remain here… and even if I did, my responsibilities would not permit it."

Fajo grinned at Varria, like an amused parent whose child has said something precious. "Single-minded, isn't he?"

Varria nodded. "Very persistent…"

"But polite. I decline to allow you to leave."

"Then I am forced to attempt escape."

Fajo indicated the door – "go ahead." The Doctor crossed to the door, inspected it. It was solid. The Doctor braced himself against the frame, and gave the door a shove. It didn't budge.

"Ten time lords like you might be able to force it open." Fajo shrugged. "But there aren't any other time lords here, are there?"

The Doctor kept inspecting the door, looking for access. There was no visible keypad or opening device.

"It's keyed to my touch.. reads galvanic skin response, DNA patterns, and two or three other things. Trust me… you can't open it."

"Then you will have to open it for me."

Fajo didn't move a muscle as the Doctor advanced toward him. The instant the Doctor came within two meters of Fajo, a glowing aura appeared around Fajo's body… the Doctor stiffened, and nearly lost control of his movements. It was all the Doctor could do to stagger back from Fajo. Once the Doctor had backed off, the aura disappeared, and the Doctor slowly recovered. Fajo smiled at him. The Doctor started to turn away, then with all his time lord speed made a leap-and-grab for Fajo. No good – the aura appeared again, knocking the Doctor backwards. As he did, the aura disappeared. It took several beats for the Doctor to recuperate.

"I wouldn't try that again." Fajo indicated his belt device. "It's a proximity-actuated field that impedes electron flow. Not good for your brainpaths in the long term."

The Doctor tried another tack with Fajo. "I fail to understand the value you place on my presence."

"Do you? Look around. This room contains items gathered from half the galaxy." And he handled them with great fastidiousness… carefully arranging a display when he replaced it. "The very first Basotile ever created by the Rodulans… centuries old. Priceless. A vase carved by the late Mark Off-Zel on Sirrie Four. The only known Roger Maris trading card from Earth circa 1962… smell it…"

The Doctor did.

"Bubblegum… I've preserved the scent…" Then he indicated the animal. "A lapling…"

The Doctor reacted. "But I thought they were extinct…"

"Yes, that is the general belief. She's the last surviving member of her species… defenseless little creature, pity. Everything you see – unique. Just as you are." He gestured to the chair. "Here, this is for you… your place of honour… sit… if it is not comfortable…"

The Doctor did not sit and Fajo did not press the point for now.

"When Palor Toff learns of this, he will swallow his tongue with envy… I cannot wait to see his face…" He addressed the Doctor, "You are the crown jewel of my collection. A treasure beyond comparison."

The Doctor stared at him. In the background, a wall com panel beeped; Varria answered it, speaking in a voice too low to be heard. Fajo continued with a smile: "You should be flattered."

"I'm not. Most intelligent lifeforms find involuntary confinement offensive and inequitable. Moreover, you have violated the Shadow Proclamation…"

Fajo waved it off. "Yes, I know. What I've done is evil, selfish, immoral, illegal, and unprincipled." He grinned. "I've learned to live with it."

The Doctor was mystified by Fajo's lack of concern. Fajo turned to Varria.

"The Lurmans wish to bid for the shipment of Tellurian spices you offered."

"They've had four days… they would have to make up their minds now. Ah, well…"

Fajo and Varria started for the door. The Doctor made one more attempt to reason with Fajo: "I must emphasize, Mister Fajo, that I consider this captivity a hostile act on your part."

Fajo shrugged. "You'll get used to it."

And Fajo and Varrio exited, leaving the Doctor to ponder his situation.