CHAPTER SEVEN - CONFRONTATION
"What's happening here?" the Doctor said looking around.
"Can't you see Doctor," Adric replied. "We're fighting for our lives."
"From the Pescatons?" the Doctor said.
"And Zor, their leader."
"I thought he was destroyed," the Doctor said slightly shocked. "How long have they been here? Are they this 'Empire' I keep hearing about?"
"Sarah Jane," Adric said looking at her, "could you explain to the good Doctor. I have a few things I need to take care of."
"How long have they been here Sarah Jane?"
"They arrived here about eleven years ago Doctor."
"But according to Adric the last time I encountered the Pescatons on Earth was twelve years ago."
"After you left we presumed they left for Pesca, but later we came to the conclusion they were just layting in wait for the right moment. We were caught unaware when the invasion came. Hundreds of thousands massacred within three days, and by the seventh the number was in the millions. The human race had no choice but to capitulate to the Pescatons."
"What happens to those who oppose the Pescatons?"
"Public executions," Sarah Jane said with a heavy heart. "Prey in their numerous blood sports, beheadings, gladatorial battles."
"That's horrific!" the Doctor exclaimed.
"Doctor, Sarah Jane, we can't stay here any longer. I just got news that the Pescatons have found the tunnels." Adric turned and faced the others. "We have to leave, collect what you can we've no time."
Everything became a hive of activity as people began to take as much as they could carry.
"How do we get out of here?" the Doctor asked.
"We have a secret passage we can use in emergencies." Adric said. "Everybody, quiet."
There was a hush in the room as everybody stood and listened. They could hear the echo of shuffling feet from the passageways.
"They're here," Adric said, "which means we shouldn't be. Let's move." Adric walked to the back of the room where he unlocked and opened a large cast iron door.
"I've been here many times Sarah Jane," the Doctor said walking along the corridor, "but I've never seen the weather so .." he fumbled for an appropriate word, "Dank."
Sarah Jane briefly looked at the Doctor. "Zor made this place dank. He makes it so that it constantly rains, it makes the environment more acceptable to the Pescatons."
"How many resistance movements are there?" the Doctor asked.
"Not enough," Adric replied. "Before there were hundreds, possibly thousands. Over time though our numbers have dwindled greatly."
"Ahh, I see," the Doctor said.
The weather hadn't much improved as they emerged in a side alleyway.
"Where are we," the Doctor asked as he put up his umbrella.
"Near London Bridge," Sarah Jane said pointing.
"London Bridge," the Doctor said. "Excellent, my TARDIS is here."
"You can't leave us Doctor," Adric exclaimed.
"I wasn't planning to, but a few tools would perhaps help us."
Adric turned and faced the others. "You all stay here out of sight. We shall be back soon."
The Doctor, Adric and Sarah Jane quickly and silently made their way towards London Bridge.
"My TARDIS," the Doctor said pointing to his TARDIS.
They took the chance and ran towards the TARDIS before anyone could notice. The Doctor reached the TARDIS and tried to open the door.
"My, my Doctor. We much stop meeting like this," a sinister voice chortled.
"It's that Master," Adric said in a shocked voice.
"You are beginning to tire me Master," the Doctor said.
"And you're beginning to interest me, finally Doctor." the Master said. He was surrounded by six humans in Police uniforms, all carrying weapons.
One of the men stepped forwards and raised it's weapon. "In accordance with the Guardians of the Empire you are to be placed before public execution."
"Keep trying the door Doctor," Sarah Jane whispered to the Doctor.
"There's no escape Doctor," the Master said.
The Doctor had his hands behind his back trying to unlock the TARDIS. "You know Master, sometimes you can be more irritating than that Valeyard!"
Adric and Sarah Jane turned their heads slightly at the Doctor. "Valeyard."
"Yes," the Doctor said. "Valeyard. Or brickyard, scrapyard, knackersyard or even shipyard."
"You've enountered a Valeyard Doctor?" the Master asked.
"No," the Doctor said, "but my sixth incarnation has, or is that will encounter."
"How do you know what's going to happen in your future incarnations Doctor?" Adric asked. "Some kind of precognition."
"Hmm," the Doctor thought, "maybe." The Doctor felt a slight click as the TARDIS door unlocked. "On three," the Doctor whispered.
"Come on Doctor," the officer said. "No time to waste."
"But time to die," the Master said.
"Indeed," the Doctor said with a wry smile. The Doctor lowered his voice. "One, two ..."
"Come on, let's go." the officer said.
"Three!" The Doctor dived through the TARDIS doors closely followed by Adric and Sarah Jane.
"Fire!" the Master cried. The officers raised their huns and started firing at the TARDIS.
"Is anybody injured?" the Doctor asked looking around,
"No Doctor we're all okay," Sarah Jane replied.
"Why is the Master here Doctor?" Adric asked.
"He's playing mind games with me Adric," the Doctor said.
"What are we going to do now Doctor?" Sarah Jane said. "The Master has got the TARDIS surrounded."
"It seems as though we're going to need the TARDIS after all," the Doctor said.
"We can't leave Earth in the hands of the Pescatons." Adric exclaimed.
"I'm not," the Doctor replied. "I'm just going to go far enough to get away from them. Let's get to the control room."
They reached the console room and looked at the console.
"Eer, Doctor," Sarah Jane said. "Who activated the TARDIS?"
"I don't know," the Doctor said checking the controls.
"Where are we going?" Adric asked.
The Doctor looked at Adric, "I don't know." The TARDIS gave a slight shudder. "Well wherever we are, we're here." The Doctor pressed the dooor control and they walked out of the TARDIS. "Where is here though." the Doctor said looking around.
"Oh no!" Sarah Jane exclaimed looking around.
They had appeared in the middle of a large arena. Everywhere they looked they saw humans and Pescatons gazing down at them.
"Well fancy meeting you three here," a voice spoke.
"Why am I not surprised that you were involved." the Doctor said as he gazed at the Master.
The Master chuckled and pointed a finger at Sarah Jane. "Take her to the box." Two Police officers approached Sarah Jane either side and took her away.
"If you harm her," Adric threatened.
"Oh don't be silly, no harm will come to the young lady," the Master said. "Which is more than can be said for the pair of you." The Master walked away as he continued to chuckle.
"Where are we Adric?" the Doctor asked.
"We're in the Central Arena, usually the final destination of the more rebellious factions."
"How can humans and Pescatons co-exist on the same planet."
"The Pescatons basically control them through fear. They serve, they live. They rebel, they get publically killed."
A fanfare began to echo around the arena and a silence fell amongst the crowd.
"Everyone stand and be silent for the Emperor." a voice echoed.
The fanfare continued as the Guardians of the Empire entered the arena, and slightly behind walked ...
"Zor." the Doctor said.
The crowd continued to stand as Zor walked onwards towards a small enclosed area of the stand where Sarah Jane had been taken. Zor stood in the box and raised both it's arms in the air. As if it were a signal the fanfare stopped and everyone stood waiting in anticipation.
"I have waited a long time for this Doctor," Zor spoke in a low voice. "The time of yout execution is at hand, unless you can best your opponents." He held out one of his arms and from the darkness two Pescatons emerged. "Let the battle commence!"
An enormous cheer erupted from the crowds at that moment and the Pescatons began to advance towards Adric and the Doctor.
"Wait!" the Doctor cried, "I will not be a participant in this barbaric activity!"
Adric faced the Doctor wide eyed. "Doctor, if you don't do anything they wil chop your body into teeny tine pieces and there won't be enough of you to regenerate."
"Doctor, you will defend yourself!" Zor hissed.
"I will not take part in thie game any longer," the Doctor called.
Zor raised his arm and the Pescatons in the arena stopped and looked at their Emperor. A hush fell over the crtows as Zor started to walk slowly towards the Doctor with Sarah Jane behind him.
"You would give up your life so easily?" Zor asked looking at the Doctor.
"You cannot force me to kill Zor," the Doctor said.
"Very true Doctor," Zor repllied. He turned around and faced Sarah Jane. "Would you fight for your life?"
"I've been fighting ever since you conquered our world and made slaves out of us."
"So," Zor said walking towards Sarah Jane. "Why are you now so passive?"
"You kill me, and another will take my place. The only thing you'd be making here is a martyr."
Zor wrapped his fingers around her throat and moved his arm with one sharp movement. "So be it," Zor hissed. He released his grip and Sarah Jane fell.
"Sarah Jane!" Adric cried out. He pulled out a long knife which he had concealed under his jacket and lunged at Zor.
He was no match against Zor. He dodged to one side and grabbed Adric's arm as he ran past, twisting it voilently. There was a horrific sound of tearing flesh and bones shattering as Adric began to holler in pain.
"The resistance is finished." Zor cried out loudly. "The Pescatons rule this planet now, and forever more." Zor picked the knife up and held it aloft for all to see. "We are forever!" Adric was kneeling on the ground still bellowing in unmeasureable pain, his arm hanging limply with blood pumping out of the open wounds. Zor lowered the knife and drove it through the back of Adric's neck.
The crowd errupted in unmercyless cheering as they saw the leader of the resistance fall before their very eyes.
"This is boring me," Zor simply said as he turned his attention back tothe Doctor. He slowly took a step towards the Doctor, but as he did his image began to shimmer and became distorted until it was unrecognisable. Then just as quickly he reappeared before the Doctor, but it was not Zor who stood before him.
"This has gone on long enough Doctor," the Master said sternly. "You amuse me no longer."
The Doctor's hearts began to sink, he knew the Master had bested him. He was doomed. The Doctor's gaze fell behind the Master and, he suddenly saw it. He didn't know what it was but standing in the entrance was a creature, nothing more than a shapeless collection of molecules. Just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished again but it seemed enough to bring hope to the Doctor.
"This game is over," the Master sneered.
"You may capture my lives," the Doctor spoke in a stern voice, "but the essence of my incarnations remain. And while it does, you will be destroyed."
"Not in your lifetime," the Master gloated. He held in his hand a small box which began emainating a strange glowing light. The Master began laughing loudly as the form of the Doctor vanished from in front of him, and all around the world began to disolve and fade away.
"This is just too easy Doctor." The Master chuckled as he placed the cube on the shelf with the Doctor's other incarnations. "Who is next?" he asked himself as he stroked his chin. "Ahh, yes," he said smiling, "this one is going to be good..."
"What's happening here?" the Doctor said looking around.
"Can't you see Doctor," Adric replied. "We're fighting for our lives."
"From the Pescatons?" the Doctor said.
"And Zor, their leader."
"I thought he was destroyed," the Doctor said slightly shocked. "How long have they been here? Are they this 'Empire' I keep hearing about?"
"Sarah Jane," Adric said looking at her, "could you explain to the good Doctor. I have a few things I need to take care of."
"How long have they been here Sarah Jane?"
"They arrived here about eleven years ago Doctor."
"But according to Adric the last time I encountered the Pescatons on Earth was twelve years ago."
"After you left we presumed they left for Pesca, but later we came to the conclusion they were just layting in wait for the right moment. We were caught unaware when the invasion came. Hundreds of thousands massacred within three days, and by the seventh the number was in the millions. The human race had no choice but to capitulate to the Pescatons."
"What happens to those who oppose the Pescatons?"
"Public executions," Sarah Jane said with a heavy heart. "Prey in their numerous blood sports, beheadings, gladatorial battles."
"That's horrific!" the Doctor exclaimed.
"Doctor, Sarah Jane, we can't stay here any longer. I just got news that the Pescatons have found the tunnels." Adric turned and faced the others. "We have to leave, collect what you can we've no time."
Everything became a hive of activity as people began to take as much as they could carry.
"How do we get out of here?" the Doctor asked.
"We have a secret passage we can use in emergencies." Adric said. "Everybody, quiet."
There was a hush in the room as everybody stood and listened. They could hear the echo of shuffling feet from the passageways.
"They're here," Adric said, "which means we shouldn't be. Let's move." Adric walked to the back of the room where he unlocked and opened a large cast iron door.
"I've been here many times Sarah Jane," the Doctor said walking along the corridor, "but I've never seen the weather so .." he fumbled for an appropriate word, "Dank."
Sarah Jane briefly looked at the Doctor. "Zor made this place dank. He makes it so that it constantly rains, it makes the environment more acceptable to the Pescatons."
"How many resistance movements are there?" the Doctor asked.
"Not enough," Adric replied. "Before there were hundreds, possibly thousands. Over time though our numbers have dwindled greatly."
"Ahh, I see," the Doctor said.
The weather hadn't much improved as they emerged in a side alleyway.
"Where are we," the Doctor asked as he put up his umbrella.
"Near London Bridge," Sarah Jane said pointing.
"London Bridge," the Doctor said. "Excellent, my TARDIS is here."
"You can't leave us Doctor," Adric exclaimed.
"I wasn't planning to, but a few tools would perhaps help us."
Adric turned and faced the others. "You all stay here out of sight. We shall be back soon."
The Doctor, Adric and Sarah Jane quickly and silently made their way towards London Bridge.
"My TARDIS," the Doctor said pointing to his TARDIS.
They took the chance and ran towards the TARDIS before anyone could notice. The Doctor reached the TARDIS and tried to open the door.
"My, my Doctor. We much stop meeting like this," a sinister voice chortled.
"It's that Master," Adric said in a shocked voice.
"You are beginning to tire me Master," the Doctor said.
"And you're beginning to interest me, finally Doctor." the Master said. He was surrounded by six humans in Police uniforms, all carrying weapons.
One of the men stepped forwards and raised it's weapon. "In accordance with the Guardians of the Empire you are to be placed before public execution."
"Keep trying the door Doctor," Sarah Jane whispered to the Doctor.
"There's no escape Doctor," the Master said.
The Doctor had his hands behind his back trying to unlock the TARDIS. "You know Master, sometimes you can be more irritating than that Valeyard!"
Adric and Sarah Jane turned their heads slightly at the Doctor. "Valeyard."
"Yes," the Doctor said. "Valeyard. Or brickyard, scrapyard, knackersyard or even shipyard."
"You've enountered a Valeyard Doctor?" the Master asked.
"No," the Doctor said, "but my sixth incarnation has, or is that will encounter."
"How do you know what's going to happen in your future incarnations Doctor?" Adric asked. "Some kind of precognition."
"Hmm," the Doctor thought, "maybe." The Doctor felt a slight click as the TARDIS door unlocked. "On three," the Doctor whispered.
"Come on Doctor," the officer said. "No time to waste."
"But time to die," the Master said.
"Indeed," the Doctor said with a wry smile. The Doctor lowered his voice. "One, two ..."
"Come on, let's go." the officer said.
"Three!" The Doctor dived through the TARDIS doors closely followed by Adric and Sarah Jane.
"Fire!" the Master cried. The officers raised their huns and started firing at the TARDIS.
"Is anybody injured?" the Doctor asked looking around,
"No Doctor we're all okay," Sarah Jane replied.
"Why is the Master here Doctor?" Adric asked.
"He's playing mind games with me Adric," the Doctor said.
"What are we going to do now Doctor?" Sarah Jane said. "The Master has got the TARDIS surrounded."
"It seems as though we're going to need the TARDIS after all," the Doctor said.
"We can't leave Earth in the hands of the Pescatons." Adric exclaimed.
"I'm not," the Doctor replied. "I'm just going to go far enough to get away from them. Let's get to the control room."
They reached the console room and looked at the console.
"Eer, Doctor," Sarah Jane said. "Who activated the TARDIS?"
"I don't know," the Doctor said checking the controls.
"Where are we going?" Adric asked.
The Doctor looked at Adric, "I don't know." The TARDIS gave a slight shudder. "Well wherever we are, we're here." The Doctor pressed the dooor control and they walked out of the TARDIS. "Where is here though." the Doctor said looking around.
"Oh no!" Sarah Jane exclaimed looking around.
They had appeared in the middle of a large arena. Everywhere they looked they saw humans and Pescatons gazing down at them.
"Well fancy meeting you three here," a voice spoke.
"Why am I not surprised that you were involved." the Doctor said as he gazed at the Master.
The Master chuckled and pointed a finger at Sarah Jane. "Take her to the box." Two Police officers approached Sarah Jane either side and took her away.
"If you harm her," Adric threatened.
"Oh don't be silly, no harm will come to the young lady," the Master said. "Which is more than can be said for the pair of you." The Master walked away as he continued to chuckle.
"Where are we Adric?" the Doctor asked.
"We're in the Central Arena, usually the final destination of the more rebellious factions."
"How can humans and Pescatons co-exist on the same planet."
"The Pescatons basically control them through fear. They serve, they live. They rebel, they get publically killed."
A fanfare began to echo around the arena and a silence fell amongst the crowd.
"Everyone stand and be silent for the Emperor." a voice echoed.
The fanfare continued as the Guardians of the Empire entered the arena, and slightly behind walked ...
"Zor." the Doctor said.
The crowd continued to stand as Zor walked onwards towards a small enclosed area of the stand where Sarah Jane had been taken. Zor stood in the box and raised both it's arms in the air. As if it were a signal the fanfare stopped and everyone stood waiting in anticipation.
"I have waited a long time for this Doctor," Zor spoke in a low voice. "The time of yout execution is at hand, unless you can best your opponents." He held out one of his arms and from the darkness two Pescatons emerged. "Let the battle commence!"
An enormous cheer erupted from the crowds at that moment and the Pescatons began to advance towards Adric and the Doctor.
"Wait!" the Doctor cried, "I will not be a participant in this barbaric activity!"
Adric faced the Doctor wide eyed. "Doctor, if you don't do anything they wil chop your body into teeny tine pieces and there won't be enough of you to regenerate."
"Doctor, you will defend yourself!" Zor hissed.
"I will not take part in thie game any longer," the Doctor called.
Zor raised his arm and the Pescatons in the arena stopped and looked at their Emperor. A hush fell over the crtows as Zor started to walk slowly towards the Doctor with Sarah Jane behind him.
"You would give up your life so easily?" Zor asked looking at the Doctor.
"You cannot force me to kill Zor," the Doctor said.
"Very true Doctor," Zor repllied. He turned around and faced Sarah Jane. "Would you fight for your life?"
"I've been fighting ever since you conquered our world and made slaves out of us."
"So," Zor said walking towards Sarah Jane. "Why are you now so passive?"
"You kill me, and another will take my place. The only thing you'd be making here is a martyr."
Zor wrapped his fingers around her throat and moved his arm with one sharp movement. "So be it," Zor hissed. He released his grip and Sarah Jane fell.
"Sarah Jane!" Adric cried out. He pulled out a long knife which he had concealed under his jacket and lunged at Zor.
He was no match against Zor. He dodged to one side and grabbed Adric's arm as he ran past, twisting it voilently. There was a horrific sound of tearing flesh and bones shattering as Adric began to holler in pain.
"The resistance is finished." Zor cried out loudly. "The Pescatons rule this planet now, and forever more." Zor picked the knife up and held it aloft for all to see. "We are forever!" Adric was kneeling on the ground still bellowing in unmeasureable pain, his arm hanging limply with blood pumping out of the open wounds. Zor lowered the knife and drove it through the back of Adric's neck.
The crowd errupted in unmercyless cheering as they saw the leader of the resistance fall before their very eyes.
"This is boring me," Zor simply said as he turned his attention back tothe Doctor. He slowly took a step towards the Doctor, but as he did his image began to shimmer and became distorted until it was unrecognisable. Then just as quickly he reappeared before the Doctor, but it was not Zor who stood before him.
"This has gone on long enough Doctor," the Master said sternly. "You amuse me no longer."
The Doctor's hearts began to sink, he knew the Master had bested him. He was doomed. The Doctor's gaze fell behind the Master and, he suddenly saw it. He didn't know what it was but standing in the entrance was a creature, nothing more than a shapeless collection of molecules. Just as quickly as it appeared, it vanished again but it seemed enough to bring hope to the Doctor.
"This game is over," the Master sneered.
"You may capture my lives," the Doctor spoke in a stern voice, "but the essence of my incarnations remain. And while it does, you will be destroyed."
"Not in your lifetime," the Master gloated. He held in his hand a small box which began emainating a strange glowing light. The Master began laughing loudly as the form of the Doctor vanished from in front of him, and all around the world began to disolve and fade away.
"This is just too easy Doctor." The Master chuckled as he placed the cube on the shelf with the Doctor's other incarnations. "Who is next?" he asked himself as he stroked his chin. "Ahh, yes," he said smiling, "this one is going to be good..."