The Cassiopeia Conspiracy
Part Three: What's Up Doc
The Doctor moved slowly down the hall toward the brig, peering out of the corner of his eye at the armed security guard behind him with each step. He had already been double-crossed once and he was not about to let it happen again.
"Get a move on," yelled the guard shoving his captive forward.
"My dear sir," declared the prisoner, lunging forward, "I don't suppose that you would be willing to believe me if I said I was innocent?"
The guard strolled up until he was in close proximity behind his detainee. "How'd you guess?" He whispered gruffly.
The time lord grinned. This was his chance. Suddenly he came to a quick and abrupt stop causing the security officer to crash heavily into his back. At the same time he dropped his foot on top of the guard's, knocking the weapon from his hand and sending it twirling off a short distance down the hall. Quickly, the guard reached out for his prisoner but it was too late, his prisoner had escaped.
The Doctor never looked back. He rushed down the corridor and around the first corner he came to. As soon as he had done so, however, a loud cry split the air. Without missing a beat he stopped in his tracks, whirled around, and headed back the way he had came but as he turned the corner back into the hall he had came to a screeching halt.
He looked over the scene motionlessly. There before him was the slain body of the security guard laying face down on the deck, his hand stretched out in front just touching the butt of his weapon.
Cautiously, the Doctor approached the corpse to investigate the situation. As he did an uneasy feeling came over him. Whatever it was that had just happened seemed far too familiar.
He knelt down on one knee and turned the guard onto his back. In the middle of the man's chest was large black charred spot, almost a hole. Once again a strange feeling came over him as if he knew what to expect next.
Curiously, the time traveler leaned forward and sniffed the wound. A faint odor of char wafted upward into the Doctor's nasal passages. Now he was almost sure what he was dealing with and he hoped beyond hope that he was wrong.
Unfortunately, before a final analysis could be made his fears were brought to light. Further down the hall a low, faint hum became audible and quickly grew louder with every second as it approached. The Doctor knew all too well what it was. He had fought the loathsome creatures enough times before and the possibility that they may be about once again made his blood run cold.
Hastily, he jumped to his feet and sped off down the corridor but it was too late. Just as the Doctor rounded the corner a Dalek emerged from the opposite hall in time to see it's escaping enemy. "THE DOCTOR," it cried out as soon as it had spotted him, "He must be exterminated!"
The time lord flew down the hall scanning every inch of the corridor looking for a place to escape to. It did not take long. At the conclusion of one long passage a small metal grate sat in the wall only inches off of the floor. "An air duct," exclaimed the Doctor as he squatted down in from of it.
Immediately, the sonic screwdriver was deployed and set to work and one by one each of the screws that had been holding the cover in place fell to the deck with a loud clang. All the while the constant low hum of the pursuing Dalek grew louder sending a shiver through the man's spine. Finally, when he had freed the grating, the Doctor removed it and set it aside. Then, with all the swiftness that he could muster, plunged himself headlong into the small hole.
At the very same time the Dalek turned the corner into the hall and rolled up to the air duct in pursuit of its prey. Unfortunately, the size of the hole prevented any such possibility, leaving the machine with no other choice than to give up the chase for the moment and report back to its superior.
Meanwhile, Dave was laying happily on his bunk thumbing through the pages of an old well-worn book. He had read it so many times before that he had practically memorized it and, at the moment, his only interest in it was as a way to get himself close to something resembling a nap.
Just above him Maria was scribbling furiously in her journal, setting down for all eternity the story of how unfairly she had been treated. "I can't believe it!" she vented to herself, "we caught a murderer and now we are confined to quarters."
"I can't believe you're surprised," retorted the other, his nose still firmly lodged in the pages of his book, "you're the one who was going on about what would happen if we got caught."
Maria hung her head over the edge of the bed. Her hair dangled straight down from her head and waved to and fro in the air as if were water, flowing in and out with the tide. "That was before," she groused, " Haven't you ever heard of extenuating circumstances?"
Dave looked up from his hardback, "And by the way, I'm not convinced that he was guilty."
"HOW MUCH PROOF DO YOU NEED?" The girl yelled, "he was hiding in the cargo hold.with his own ship of all things!"
The youngster sneered at his associate, playfully taunting her in hopes that she would change the subject. With a huff, Maria rolled herself back up to her bunk and lay, staring at the ceiling, contemplating why she bothered to put up with her co-worker's childish games. The answer was all too clear and in the next second she found herself leaning over the side of the bed once again. "Dave," she said in a pleasantly calm voice, "can I ask you a question?"
Dave peered over his book cautiously. He had never heard his friend use such a non - authorative tone before, especially, when she was addressing him. "I suppose," he answered cautiously.
Maria smiled sweetly and took a deep breath. "What do think you of - " CLANG!
"WHAT WAS THAT?" Dave yelled, leaping of his bunk and on to the floor.
Maria, in complete annoyance of the noise, took a deep breath and once again attempted to inquire of her cohort. "I need to ask you something," she said, slightly more dramatic than before.
CLANG! ""I think it's coming from the air duct," Dave said, in almost complete ignorance of the girl's question. Curious, he leaped onto Maria's bunk and started to look over the small metal grating in the wall. A shadowy figure gazed back at her from inside.
"Pardon me," said the figure, "but would you be so kind as to release me from here?"
Dave ran his fingers along the grating but found no method of release. "And how would you suggest that we do that?" he inquired sarcastically.
Maria instantly recognized the voice as belonging to the Doctor, threw a hand over top of the grating. "I say we leave him there," she blurted out.
"My dear child," pleaded the figure, "there is great danger about. We must - "
"The only danger here is you!" yelled the girl; slipping off of the bed, "I'm going to get the guard." And, with that, she and strolled triumphantly toward the door.
"WAIT," cried the Doctor in earnest. "They'll kill you!"
"Who!" asked Maria turning in a huff, "You're the only murder I know of."
"The Daleks," replied the time lord coldly.
Dave moved his hands all around the grating, looking for anywhere he could pry it open. "Who are the they?" he asked.
The Doctor reached into his pocket and pulled out his sonic screwdriver. Turning it sideways he then passed the device through the grating to Dave. "The Daleks," he explained, "are the most terrifying force in the universe. Their only purpose for existing is to conquer."
Angrily, Maria marched back to the bed and climbed up the side so that she was directly behind Dave who was busy investigating the object that the Doctor had just given to him. Then, without the slightest hint of courtesy, the girl reached around and snatched the sonic screwdriver out the boy's hands before he knew she was there. "What is this?" she asked suspiciously.
"You mean you don't know?" Dave chuckled. "I thought that someone as smart as you would be able to identify almost anything."
"Very funny." said young lady sarcastically as she tossed the sonic screwdriver onto the bunk. "Leave him in there." She ordered leaping off the bunk and onto the floor. " I'm going to get the guard."
"Excuse me," interjected the Doctor, "but would you mind terribly much getting me out of here? It's very uncomfortable lying in here on my chest."
Quickly, Dave picked the object up off the bunk and twisted it around in his hand trying to figure out how to turn it on. "I don't mind at all," he said, "if you'll tell me how to use this thing."
Once again Maria spun around on her heel. She could not believe she just heard that. Was she not his superior? Angrily, she stared her compatriot directly in his eyes from across the room. "I said leave him in there." she ordered.
"But why?" questioned the other, rolling his eyes.
"Because he's a killer!" yelled the girl in disguised. "If you let him out he'll go straight for your neck!"
"You don't know that!" responded the other still trying to understand the instrument in his hands.
Suddenly, Maria let out a great grunt of frustration that, to her companion, resembled something close to a sick moose, whirled back around, and headed straight through the door into the hall. As soon as she did, however, she staggered back into the room in shock. The guard, which had been assigned to keep watch on the room, was lying dead as a doornail on the deck.
The hard reality struck her soundly causing her mind to fly in a thousand directions at once. She had never truly seen death before. Her complexion turned a pale white and her heart roared into over drive. She stared across the room at Dave but was unable to speak. There was almost a deathly silence. The only sound was the muffled voice of the Doctor franticly explaining the sonic screwdriver.
A few seconds later the metal grating was removed and the Doctor climbed out of the air duct. "What seems to be the matter with your friend," he asked noticing Maria's face.
Dave turned around just as Maria bent over and placed her hands on her knees to catch her breath. "What happened," he asked jumping off of the bunk. The girl said nothing. Instead, she merely pointed at the door. The boy immediately headed for the door.
"Wait a moment," ordered the Doctor, "I'll go." The Time Lord slipped off of the side of the bed and made his way cautiously to the door. At the same time Maria paced to the other end of the room and almost collapsed onto the bottom bunk.
Dave followed close behind the time traveler as he cautiously scooted himself across the floor. He was curious to see what could have frightened his co - worker so much, some one that was seemingly afraid of nothing. Slowly the Time Lord stepped out into the hall and glanced down both directions. There was nothing there except the dead guard and it was obvious how he had died.
"Don't come out here." ordered the Doctor, stepping back into the room and closing the door.
Now the boy was more curious than ever. "Why not?" he asked excitedly. "What's out there?"
The Doctor's face turned cold and grim. "The same thing that is always left by the Daleks," he answered sadly, "death."
Dave gulped hard. "What, the guard is dead?"
"I'm afraid so," answered the Doctor, rubbing his chin in thought.
"What have you done?" Maria cried out suddenly at the top of her lungs between sobs.
Her comrade was still less than convinced. In fact, he was now more convinced that The Time Lord was innocent. He had escaped from the guards but if he were a killer, why were they still alive? Slowly, he made his way back across the room to Miss Stanforth's side. "Maria," he said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder, "I think that things may be a little different than we first suspected."
"Yes, I know," the girl countered angrily as she swept the boy's hand away, "He's killed two people now and your making friends with him."
Now the Doctor strolled over to the bed and leaned sideways against the post. "If I'm a blood thirsty killer, as you suspect," he asked smugly, "would I not have killed the both of you by now?"
Dave smiled slightly. It was about time that this came out. In fact, he was overwhelmed in wondering why he had not mentioned it himself.
Maria stared deep into the Doctor's eyes. They were very strange, unlike any she had ever seen before. It was as she was looking deep into the heart of the universe, filled with knowledge and understanding and yet, alone, as if he existed for only one purpose. What that purpose was, however, she did not know. "Who are you," she asked still slightly stunned.
"I am known as the Doctor," the Time Lord answered, moving back to the bed. When he had crawled to the top he turned and looked over the edge at the two youngsters. They were staring back in wonderment at the man. He pretended not to notice "Come on then." He ordered.
In a flash, Dave pulled himself up to the top of the bed. "Where are we going?" He asked, somewhat excitedly.
The Time Lord turned and began to push himself back into the air duct beside him. "Someplace relatively safe." He answered without looking back.
"HOLD IT!" Came a sudden cry from below. Maria had slightly regained her wits and was attempting to decipher the Doctor's intentions. "I'm still not convinced that you aren't a killer." She squawked. "What I do know is that there is a dead man in the hall. Are you trying to tell me that he was killed by some evil machine?"
The Doctor pulled himself out of the duct and leaned forward over the side of the bed. "That is exactly what I am saying." He responded. "And if you don't hurry we will be their next victims."
Maria put her hand on the top of the bed and to pulled her self up. The bunk began to sway as she hoisted herself upward. As she did a large creak echoed through the room. "It looks like I'm caught." the girl admitted once her head had appeared over the top of the bunk. "You may be a murderer but I don't think it would be wise not to take your story seriously . . . no matter how off the wall it sounds."
"As I told you before," the Doctor reiterated extending a gentlemanly hand to the lady, "I am not a murderer. And besides, I need your help."
Maria smiled wryly at the Time Lord's gesture. "No thanks." She declined, pulling her leg over the top. At the same time the bed released yet another resounding creak, much longer and louder than before.
Nervously, Dave swung around to face the Doctor. "I think, maybe, we should go now. The bed doesn't seem to like having all of us up here at once."
"Not a bad idea." Answered the Time Lord, sliding into the air duct. "Fortunately, I think I know of a relatively safe place where we discuss our situation."
"Where not safe in here?" Dave asked worming his way into the duct.
The Doctor moved up to make room for his associates. "I wouldn't think so. A Dalek saw me squeeze in here. They probably already have a plan to try to get me out."
Next, Maria reluctantly pulled herself in behind the other two. She may have resolved that she needed to follow the others but she did not have to like it. "So, Where are we going?" She asked.
"The waste receptacle units." The Doctor replied.
"You've got to be kidding." Dave whined. "Isn't there someplace else. Maybe a place that doesn't usually smell worse than a pile of rotten eggs?"
"The smell might be a little bothersome." The other laughed. "But its location in the ship should keep us hidden from the Daleks for at least a little bit."
That was the last word spoken for quite some time. The trio moved slowly through the air duct in silence as to avoid detection.
The Doctor moved slowly but deliberately through the minute halls of the air duct constantly looking out for the correct route. Every now and then the Doctor would turn left or right or even stop entirely to consider the situation. As they proceeded Maria began to feel a sense of concern. She wondered how it was that this stranger knew his way around the ship so well.
The corridor grew dark as the small group trudged along on their hands and knees. The further they ventured into the blackness the more the blackness overwhelmed them. Finally, the Doctor pulled out a match and struck the head producing a small yet mysterious glow. The light reflected off of the metal inside the air duct casting numerous shadows over the passage that danced and waved at the small party. The strange light show was short lived, however. The match soon burned down scorching the Doctor's fingers. Let out a soft but loud yelp he thrust his hand up and down in the air attempting to relieve him self of the pain. In a matter of moments he had do so and the party continued on their way.
As they crept forward Maria held onto Dave's boot so as to remain with the group. In the same way Dave kept one hand on the Doctor's scarf which, as usual, trailed behind. At last the trio turned a corner and noticed a small light near the end intruding into the corridor. The Doctor crawled toward the light followed by his two cohorts. As they approached Maria could see that the light was protruding through a grating similar to the one in her quarters.
When they had finally reached the light the Doctor bent himself this way and that until he was curled up vertically. The two youngsters crawled up from behind and followed suit. The Doctor leaned over and peeked through the grating next to him. A small pit lay far beneath the air duct. Inside a huge pile of garbage and waste rotted and festered. A powerful odor emanated up toward the vent causing the trio to cough from time to time. Just above the air duct the pit was laced with small dim lights for security purposes. They allowed just enough luminosity that the air duct on the opposite end was barely visible.
The Doctor looked back over his other should to see that everyone was present. "This must be one of the least useful places on the ship," he said thoughtfully, "we should be safe here for a little while." "Alright Doctor," Maria said still skeptical of the man's intentions, "assuming that these Dalek are really real why are they attacking a lowly freighter?"
"A very good question," responded the Doctor thoughtfully, "what is this ship destination?"
"Cassiopeia," Dave answered.
Maria rolled her eyes as she let out a deep sigh of annoyance. "Deep Outpost 1719 on Cassiopeia," she corrected.
Dave shook his head in irritation. At the same time the Doctor began to mutter to himself. After a moment he turned to the two youngsters beside him. The expression on his face bore a resemblance to a man who had just received a divine revelation. "Does this outpost have a communications array?"
Maria nodded her head affirmatively. "I think so. But that's about all I really know."
The Doctor's eyes lit up as if they were firecrackers. He leapt upward to better see both of his companions striking his head on the top of the duct. He slid slowly back to his previous position.
"Quickly," he moaned rubbing his head, "what is the date?"
"Earth date or Space date," Dave huffed in sarcasm shooting an eye toward his female companion.
Maria scowled at the boy in deep annoyance. "Quiet," she demanded, "this could be important."
The boy chuckled in awe. "I can't believe this," he grumbled, "a few minutes ago you didn't believe a word of this. You called him a murder."
"I don't have time to explain the intricacies of my thought process to you," Chided the young lady,"But if he brought us all the way here just to kill us we'd be dead now. I'm not sure if he killed Captain Henderson but if we're down here and alive something must be going on. ALL RIGHT?"
The young lad shook his head and chuckled once more. He opened his mouth to argue with the girl but before a syllable could be uttered was silenced by the Doctor. "Quiet," the Time Lord ordered, "time is of the essence, the date please."
"On Earth the date is October the twenty - fifth," answered Maria confidently.
"What year," the Doctor demanded.
"2520," Maria said slightly confused by the question.
The Doctor leaned back once more stroking his chin. A few moments later a smile penetrated his face and he began to laugh. "It's so simple," he said to himself, "but how did they get loose?"
Dave stared at the Doctor attempting to grasp the concept of his ramblings. "Get loose," he asked.
The question jerked the Doctor out of his thoughtful trance. "Yes, loose," he answered.
"Who? From where?"
"No time for that now," stated the Doctor as he prepared to crawl past Maria and Dave, "we have to make sure this ship does not get to Cassiopeia."
Just then the small light atop the shaft began to buzz.
pen while we're in here we'll all die."
To be continued . . .
Part Three: What's Up Doc
The Doctor moved slowly down the hall toward the brig, peering out of the corner of his eye at the armed security guard behind him with each step. He had already been double-crossed once and he was not about to let it happen again.
"Get a move on," yelled the guard shoving his captive forward.
"My dear sir," declared the prisoner, lunging forward, "I don't suppose that you would be willing to believe me if I said I was innocent?"
The guard strolled up until he was in close proximity behind his detainee. "How'd you guess?" He whispered gruffly.
The time lord grinned. This was his chance. Suddenly he came to a quick and abrupt stop causing the security officer to crash heavily into his back. At the same time he dropped his foot on top of the guard's, knocking the weapon from his hand and sending it twirling off a short distance down the hall. Quickly, the guard reached out for his prisoner but it was too late, his prisoner had escaped.
The Doctor never looked back. He rushed down the corridor and around the first corner he came to. As soon as he had done so, however, a loud cry split the air. Without missing a beat he stopped in his tracks, whirled around, and headed back the way he had came but as he turned the corner back into the hall he had came to a screeching halt.
He looked over the scene motionlessly. There before him was the slain body of the security guard laying face down on the deck, his hand stretched out in front just touching the butt of his weapon.
Cautiously, the Doctor approached the corpse to investigate the situation. As he did an uneasy feeling came over him. Whatever it was that had just happened seemed far too familiar.
He knelt down on one knee and turned the guard onto his back. In the middle of the man's chest was large black charred spot, almost a hole. Once again a strange feeling came over him as if he knew what to expect next.
Curiously, the time traveler leaned forward and sniffed the wound. A faint odor of char wafted upward into the Doctor's nasal passages. Now he was almost sure what he was dealing with and he hoped beyond hope that he was wrong.
Unfortunately, before a final analysis could be made his fears were brought to light. Further down the hall a low, faint hum became audible and quickly grew louder with every second as it approached. The Doctor knew all too well what it was. He had fought the loathsome creatures enough times before and the possibility that they may be about once again made his blood run cold.
Hastily, he jumped to his feet and sped off down the corridor but it was too late. Just as the Doctor rounded the corner a Dalek emerged from the opposite hall in time to see it's escaping enemy. "THE DOCTOR," it cried out as soon as it had spotted him, "He must be exterminated!"
The time lord flew down the hall scanning every inch of the corridor looking for a place to escape to. It did not take long. At the conclusion of one long passage a small metal grate sat in the wall only inches off of the floor. "An air duct," exclaimed the Doctor as he squatted down in from of it.
Immediately, the sonic screwdriver was deployed and set to work and one by one each of the screws that had been holding the cover in place fell to the deck with a loud clang. All the while the constant low hum of the pursuing Dalek grew louder sending a shiver through the man's spine. Finally, when he had freed the grating, the Doctor removed it and set it aside. Then, with all the swiftness that he could muster, plunged himself headlong into the small hole.
At the very same time the Dalek turned the corner into the hall and rolled up to the air duct in pursuit of its prey. Unfortunately, the size of the hole prevented any such possibility, leaving the machine with no other choice than to give up the chase for the moment and report back to its superior.
Meanwhile, Dave was laying happily on his bunk thumbing through the pages of an old well-worn book. He had read it so many times before that he had practically memorized it and, at the moment, his only interest in it was as a way to get himself close to something resembling a nap.
Just above him Maria was scribbling furiously in her journal, setting down for all eternity the story of how unfairly she had been treated. "I can't believe it!" she vented to herself, "we caught a murderer and now we are confined to quarters."
"I can't believe you're surprised," retorted the other, his nose still firmly lodged in the pages of his book, "you're the one who was going on about what would happen if we got caught."
Maria hung her head over the edge of the bed. Her hair dangled straight down from her head and waved to and fro in the air as if were water, flowing in and out with the tide. "That was before," she groused, " Haven't you ever heard of extenuating circumstances?"
Dave looked up from his hardback, "And by the way, I'm not convinced that he was guilty."
"HOW MUCH PROOF DO YOU NEED?" The girl yelled, "he was hiding in the cargo hold.with his own ship of all things!"
The youngster sneered at his associate, playfully taunting her in hopes that she would change the subject. With a huff, Maria rolled herself back up to her bunk and lay, staring at the ceiling, contemplating why she bothered to put up with her co-worker's childish games. The answer was all too clear and in the next second she found herself leaning over the side of the bed once again. "Dave," she said in a pleasantly calm voice, "can I ask you a question?"
Dave peered over his book cautiously. He had never heard his friend use such a non - authorative tone before, especially, when she was addressing him. "I suppose," he answered cautiously.
Maria smiled sweetly and took a deep breath. "What do think you of - " CLANG!
"WHAT WAS THAT?" Dave yelled, leaping of his bunk and on to the floor.
Maria, in complete annoyance of the noise, took a deep breath and once again attempted to inquire of her cohort. "I need to ask you something," she said, slightly more dramatic than before.
CLANG! ""I think it's coming from the air duct," Dave said, in almost complete ignorance of the girl's question. Curious, he leaped onto Maria's bunk and started to look over the small metal grating in the wall. A shadowy figure gazed back at her from inside.
"Pardon me," said the figure, "but would you be so kind as to release me from here?"
Dave ran his fingers along the grating but found no method of release. "And how would you suggest that we do that?" he inquired sarcastically.
Maria instantly recognized the voice as belonging to the Doctor, threw a hand over top of the grating. "I say we leave him there," she blurted out.
"My dear child," pleaded the figure, "there is great danger about. We must - "
"The only danger here is you!" yelled the girl; slipping off of the bed, "I'm going to get the guard." And, with that, she and strolled triumphantly toward the door.
"WAIT," cried the Doctor in earnest. "They'll kill you!"
"Who!" asked Maria turning in a huff, "You're the only murder I know of."
"The Daleks," replied the time lord coldly.
Dave moved his hands all around the grating, looking for anywhere he could pry it open. "Who are the they?" he asked.
The Doctor reached into his pocket and pulled out his sonic screwdriver. Turning it sideways he then passed the device through the grating to Dave. "The Daleks," he explained, "are the most terrifying force in the universe. Their only purpose for existing is to conquer."
Angrily, Maria marched back to the bed and climbed up the side so that she was directly behind Dave who was busy investigating the object that the Doctor had just given to him. Then, without the slightest hint of courtesy, the girl reached around and snatched the sonic screwdriver out the boy's hands before he knew she was there. "What is this?" she asked suspiciously.
"You mean you don't know?" Dave chuckled. "I thought that someone as smart as you would be able to identify almost anything."
"Very funny." said young lady sarcastically as she tossed the sonic screwdriver onto the bunk. "Leave him in there." She ordered leaping off the bunk and onto the floor. " I'm going to get the guard."
"Excuse me," interjected the Doctor, "but would you mind terribly much getting me out of here? It's very uncomfortable lying in here on my chest."
Quickly, Dave picked the object up off the bunk and twisted it around in his hand trying to figure out how to turn it on. "I don't mind at all," he said, "if you'll tell me how to use this thing."
Once again Maria spun around on her heel. She could not believe she just heard that. Was she not his superior? Angrily, she stared her compatriot directly in his eyes from across the room. "I said leave him in there." she ordered.
"But why?" questioned the other, rolling his eyes.
"Because he's a killer!" yelled the girl in disguised. "If you let him out he'll go straight for your neck!"
"You don't know that!" responded the other still trying to understand the instrument in his hands.
Suddenly, Maria let out a great grunt of frustration that, to her companion, resembled something close to a sick moose, whirled back around, and headed straight through the door into the hall. As soon as she did, however, she staggered back into the room in shock. The guard, which had been assigned to keep watch on the room, was lying dead as a doornail on the deck.
The hard reality struck her soundly causing her mind to fly in a thousand directions at once. She had never truly seen death before. Her complexion turned a pale white and her heart roared into over drive. She stared across the room at Dave but was unable to speak. There was almost a deathly silence. The only sound was the muffled voice of the Doctor franticly explaining the sonic screwdriver.
A few seconds later the metal grating was removed and the Doctor climbed out of the air duct. "What seems to be the matter with your friend," he asked noticing Maria's face.
Dave turned around just as Maria bent over and placed her hands on her knees to catch her breath. "What happened," he asked jumping off of the bunk. The girl said nothing. Instead, she merely pointed at the door. The boy immediately headed for the door.
"Wait a moment," ordered the Doctor, "I'll go." The Time Lord slipped off of the side of the bed and made his way cautiously to the door. At the same time Maria paced to the other end of the room and almost collapsed onto the bottom bunk.
Dave followed close behind the time traveler as he cautiously scooted himself across the floor. He was curious to see what could have frightened his co - worker so much, some one that was seemingly afraid of nothing. Slowly the Time Lord stepped out into the hall and glanced down both directions. There was nothing there except the dead guard and it was obvious how he had died.
"Don't come out here." ordered the Doctor, stepping back into the room and closing the door.
Now the boy was more curious than ever. "Why not?" he asked excitedly. "What's out there?"
The Doctor's face turned cold and grim. "The same thing that is always left by the Daleks," he answered sadly, "death."
Dave gulped hard. "What, the guard is dead?"
"I'm afraid so," answered the Doctor, rubbing his chin in thought.
"What have you done?" Maria cried out suddenly at the top of her lungs between sobs.
Her comrade was still less than convinced. In fact, he was now more convinced that The Time Lord was innocent. He had escaped from the guards but if he were a killer, why were they still alive? Slowly, he made his way back across the room to Miss Stanforth's side. "Maria," he said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder, "I think that things may be a little different than we first suspected."
"Yes, I know," the girl countered angrily as she swept the boy's hand away, "He's killed two people now and your making friends with him."
Now the Doctor strolled over to the bed and leaned sideways against the post. "If I'm a blood thirsty killer, as you suspect," he asked smugly, "would I not have killed the both of you by now?"
Dave smiled slightly. It was about time that this came out. In fact, he was overwhelmed in wondering why he had not mentioned it himself.
Maria stared deep into the Doctor's eyes. They were very strange, unlike any she had ever seen before. It was as she was looking deep into the heart of the universe, filled with knowledge and understanding and yet, alone, as if he existed for only one purpose. What that purpose was, however, she did not know. "Who are you," she asked still slightly stunned.
"I am known as the Doctor," the Time Lord answered, moving back to the bed. When he had crawled to the top he turned and looked over the edge at the two youngsters. They were staring back in wonderment at the man. He pretended not to notice "Come on then." He ordered.
In a flash, Dave pulled himself up to the top of the bed. "Where are we going?" He asked, somewhat excitedly.
The Time Lord turned and began to push himself back into the air duct beside him. "Someplace relatively safe." He answered without looking back.
"HOLD IT!" Came a sudden cry from below. Maria had slightly regained her wits and was attempting to decipher the Doctor's intentions. "I'm still not convinced that you aren't a killer." She squawked. "What I do know is that there is a dead man in the hall. Are you trying to tell me that he was killed by some evil machine?"
The Doctor pulled himself out of the duct and leaned forward over the side of the bed. "That is exactly what I am saying." He responded. "And if you don't hurry we will be their next victims."
Maria put her hand on the top of the bed and to pulled her self up. The bunk began to sway as she hoisted herself upward. As she did a large creak echoed through the room. "It looks like I'm caught." the girl admitted once her head had appeared over the top of the bunk. "You may be a murderer but I don't think it would be wise not to take your story seriously . . . no matter how off the wall it sounds."
"As I told you before," the Doctor reiterated extending a gentlemanly hand to the lady, "I am not a murderer. And besides, I need your help."
Maria smiled wryly at the Time Lord's gesture. "No thanks." She declined, pulling her leg over the top. At the same time the bed released yet another resounding creak, much longer and louder than before.
Nervously, Dave swung around to face the Doctor. "I think, maybe, we should go now. The bed doesn't seem to like having all of us up here at once."
"Not a bad idea." Answered the Time Lord, sliding into the air duct. "Fortunately, I think I know of a relatively safe place where we discuss our situation."
"Where not safe in here?" Dave asked worming his way into the duct.
The Doctor moved up to make room for his associates. "I wouldn't think so. A Dalek saw me squeeze in here. They probably already have a plan to try to get me out."
Next, Maria reluctantly pulled herself in behind the other two. She may have resolved that she needed to follow the others but she did not have to like it. "So, Where are we going?" She asked.
"The waste receptacle units." The Doctor replied.
"You've got to be kidding." Dave whined. "Isn't there someplace else. Maybe a place that doesn't usually smell worse than a pile of rotten eggs?"
"The smell might be a little bothersome." The other laughed. "But its location in the ship should keep us hidden from the Daleks for at least a little bit."
That was the last word spoken for quite some time. The trio moved slowly through the air duct in silence as to avoid detection.
The Doctor moved slowly but deliberately through the minute halls of the air duct constantly looking out for the correct route. Every now and then the Doctor would turn left or right or even stop entirely to consider the situation. As they proceeded Maria began to feel a sense of concern. She wondered how it was that this stranger knew his way around the ship so well.
The corridor grew dark as the small group trudged along on their hands and knees. The further they ventured into the blackness the more the blackness overwhelmed them. Finally, the Doctor pulled out a match and struck the head producing a small yet mysterious glow. The light reflected off of the metal inside the air duct casting numerous shadows over the passage that danced and waved at the small party. The strange light show was short lived, however. The match soon burned down scorching the Doctor's fingers. Let out a soft but loud yelp he thrust his hand up and down in the air attempting to relieve him self of the pain. In a matter of moments he had do so and the party continued on their way.
As they crept forward Maria held onto Dave's boot so as to remain with the group. In the same way Dave kept one hand on the Doctor's scarf which, as usual, trailed behind. At last the trio turned a corner and noticed a small light near the end intruding into the corridor. The Doctor crawled toward the light followed by his two cohorts. As they approached Maria could see that the light was protruding through a grating similar to the one in her quarters.
When they had finally reached the light the Doctor bent himself this way and that until he was curled up vertically. The two youngsters crawled up from behind and followed suit. The Doctor leaned over and peeked through the grating next to him. A small pit lay far beneath the air duct. Inside a huge pile of garbage and waste rotted and festered. A powerful odor emanated up toward the vent causing the trio to cough from time to time. Just above the air duct the pit was laced with small dim lights for security purposes. They allowed just enough luminosity that the air duct on the opposite end was barely visible.
The Doctor looked back over his other should to see that everyone was present. "This must be one of the least useful places on the ship," he said thoughtfully, "we should be safe here for a little while." "Alright Doctor," Maria said still skeptical of the man's intentions, "assuming that these Dalek are really real why are they attacking a lowly freighter?"
"A very good question," responded the Doctor thoughtfully, "what is this ship destination?"
"Cassiopeia," Dave answered.
Maria rolled her eyes as she let out a deep sigh of annoyance. "Deep Outpost 1719 on Cassiopeia," she corrected.
Dave shook his head in irritation. At the same time the Doctor began to mutter to himself. After a moment he turned to the two youngsters beside him. The expression on his face bore a resemblance to a man who had just received a divine revelation. "Does this outpost have a communications array?"
Maria nodded her head affirmatively. "I think so. But that's about all I really know."
The Doctor's eyes lit up as if they were firecrackers. He leapt upward to better see both of his companions striking his head on the top of the duct. He slid slowly back to his previous position.
"Quickly," he moaned rubbing his head, "what is the date?"
"Earth date or Space date," Dave huffed in sarcasm shooting an eye toward his female companion.
Maria scowled at the boy in deep annoyance. "Quiet," she demanded, "this could be important."
The boy chuckled in awe. "I can't believe this," he grumbled, "a few minutes ago you didn't believe a word of this. You called him a murder."
"I don't have time to explain the intricacies of my thought process to you," Chided the young lady,"But if he brought us all the way here just to kill us we'd be dead now. I'm not sure if he killed Captain Henderson but if we're down here and alive something must be going on. ALL RIGHT?"
The young lad shook his head and chuckled once more. He opened his mouth to argue with the girl but before a syllable could be uttered was silenced by the Doctor. "Quiet," the Time Lord ordered, "time is of the essence, the date please."
"On Earth the date is October the twenty - fifth," answered Maria confidently.
"What year," the Doctor demanded.
"2520," Maria said slightly confused by the question.
The Doctor leaned back once more stroking his chin. A few moments later a smile penetrated his face and he began to laugh. "It's so simple," he said to himself, "but how did they get loose?"
Dave stared at the Doctor attempting to grasp the concept of his ramblings. "Get loose," he asked.
The question jerked the Doctor out of his thoughtful trance. "Yes, loose," he answered.
"Who? From where?"
"No time for that now," stated the Doctor as he prepared to crawl past Maria and Dave, "we have to make sure this ship does not get to Cassiopeia."
Just then the small light atop the shaft began to buzz.
pen while we're in here we'll all die."
To be continued . . .