Nyssa stood next to the Doctor, studying one of the screens on the console.
"It was a massive volcanic eruption," the Doctor commented, pointing at the graph that appeared on the screen.
"Was the planet destroyed?" asked Nyssa with concern.
"The area where we were most likely suffered terrible damage, but the other side of the planet was only minimally affected."
"I can't imagine that any of the larger insects survived."
"I'm afraid that those in the tunnel succumbed to the collapse, but the eggs that you helped them move to the other chamber may have remained safe. And I suspect that the smaller insects fared somewhat better. They had their webs to protect them."
"I didn't see any webs in the tunnels or chambers where I was," Nyssa commented.
"No? I believe that the smaller insects adapted to their environment and to their need for protection by developing the capability to spin webs. The larger insects, living deeper within the ground and having greater size and strength, evidently did not need this extra means of protection."
"I hope the smaller ones survived."
"As do I. They appear to be a rather advanced species, capable of communication and, it seems, even empathy."
"Empathy? Really?"
The Doctor nodded. "I believe that they made a conscious effort to remove Tegan and me from harm's way, then they risked their own lives to save Turlough. They wrapped him in a web just as the gases were entering the tunnel where he was. One of the insects died as a result."
"Oh dear. What happened to it?"
"I can't be certain, but it appeared to have died from exhaustion—from producing and spinning the web so quickly. Which reminds me, I really must study the material from which the webs are made. It seems to have some rather extraordinary properties."
"It protected Turlough from the lava."
"Yes. It also apparently healed the burn on his hand."
"Really? Doctor, I'd like to help you with your analysis."
"Of course." He straightened, finally looking away from the screen. "I suppose I should check on Tegan. You helped her to shower?"
Nyssa nodded. "Yes. She's in bed with her leg elevated, just as you instructed."
The Doctor raised an eyebrow. "We'll see how long she stays there." He walked into the hallway.
Nyssa stood before the screen for a few minutes then glanced at the door lever. With a slight scowl she headed for the hall, walking purposefully through the clean, white corridor. When she reached a door, she stopped, hesitating for a moment before lifting her hand to knock sharply.
"What?" Turlough's voice floated through the closed door.
"It's Nyssa. May I come in?"
"I'm resting now—"
"It's important." Nyssa pushed the door open and stepped inside.
Tegan sat upon her bed, back resting against several pillows propped up on the headboard. She held a book, but she was not reading it. Her fingers tapped restlessly against the comforter.
"Tegan?"
She looked at the door when she heard the Doctor's voice. "Yes, Doctor?"
He poked his head inside.
"Come in," she said, setting the book aside.
He entered with a smile. "You're looking much better."
"It's amazing what washing away several layers of grime will do," she responded. "Not to mention bits of toxic spider web."
"Tegan," the Doctor sighed, "how many times do I have to tell you that they aren't arachnids—"
The Australian rolled her eyes. "I know."
He approached the bed and glanced down at her leg, which rested on two pillows. She wore shorts, and a small pack covered her bare right knee. The Doctor lifted the pack. "How does it feel?"
"Better. I'll be up and about in no time—"
The Doctor shook his head. "You're staying right here in this bed until that is healed," he said firmly. "You tore the vastus medialis. It will require time to mend."
"But I'm bored," Tegan complained.
"Perhaps Nyssa can keep you company. If you like I can come back later with a chess board."
"Not my game."
"Cards then?"
"Poker?"
The Doctor smiled. "If you like, but I must warn you—I am a rather good player. Is there anything I can get you in the meantime?"
"No, I guess not." Tegan sounded morose.
"I know that you'd rather be active, Tegan, but if you rest your knee for a few days I promise you it will heal quickly."
She looked up at him. "Oh, I know. It's not that, really…"
"What is it then?"
"I've just been thinking about what happened—how I fell into the vent, and how I would have died—suffocated—if you hadn't come back for me."
The Doctor's eyes wandered to his feet. He did not comment.
Tegan continued, "I want to thank you—"
"You already did, back at the research complex."
"I guess so, but I think it's worth repeating. Thank you for returning for me."
The Doctor's gaze met hers for an instant. "You're welcome, Tegan."
He turned to leave, but she spoke again. "Doctor—"
"Yes?"
"Who do you think sent the distress call? We never found any transmitter at the complex, and you said there wasn't one at the other complex, either."
He thought for a moment before responding. "That is a curious issue. I am honestly not sure where the transmission originated."
"You mean if it was from one of the research complexes or from somewhere else, like one of the tunnels."
"Actually, I am nearly certain that it did not come from anywhere on Beta 8. The TARDIS's equipment was unable to detect any traces of electrical activity on the planet."
"Then where did it come from?"
"I don't know."
"So we went there for nothing. All this for nothing." Tegan swept a hand over her knee.
"Nyssa's efforts may have saved some of the eggs, which could help the species survive. Without the web-spinning capabilities of the smaller insects, the larger ones were most likely destroyed by the cave-ins. If some of the eggs were preserved, however, the species may continue. That will be important for the ecosystem, too."
Tegan shrugged. "I'm just glad we're all back here, mostly in one piece."
The Doctor nodded. "So am I, Tegan."
She thought she detected a hint of weariness in his voice. "Nyssa said that Turlough burned his hands trying to help me. Will he be all right?"
"Yes; there won't be any permanent damage."
"I appreciate his efforts, but I think we should watch him carefully."
"The burns won't pose any danger to him—"
"No, Doctor, that's not what I mean. There's something about him— We don't know him very well. I just think we need to keep an eye on him."
"There was a time when we didn't know you very well, either," the Doctor pointed out reasonably.
"And if you'd waited awhile to be certain that you could trust me, I would have understood. All I'm saying is that we should be cautious until we know he's okay. Just promise me you'll be careful."
The Doctor turned again and took a few steps toward the door. "Keep your knee still, Tegan. Call if you need anything." He slipped out the door without further comment.
Turlough stood next to the bed, arranging a pillow against the headboard. He wore dark blue pants and a white tee shirt; his hair was still damp. He looked up quickly when Nyssa entered the room.
"Look, Nyssa, this isn't really a good time. I'm tired, and my hand is still hurting—"
"I'm sorry, but I really need to speak with you."
The Trion appeared pale and fatigued. He walked around to the side of the bed closest to Nyssa and sat on the edge, leaning slightly against the pillow. "What is it?"
"Why did you leave the chamber when the eruption began? The Doctor told you that it was the safest place to be."
Turlough swallowed. "It was a stupid thing to do, but I got scared. Being down in those tunnels and chambers—I just felt so closed in. I couldn't stand it any longer; I had to get out of there."
"And if you had made it out, what were you planning to do?" Nyssa's tone was cool.
"I hadn't really thought it through. I guess I would have tried to get back to the TARDIS and see if I could bring it to you, just as the Doctor did."
"But you don't know how to program it."
"No," he said with some regret, "I don't. But I suppose I would have tried. I wouldn't have left you down there."
"You wouldn't?"
"Of course not! Why would you think I would?"
Nyssa appeared uncomfortable; she crossed her arms over her chest. "You closed the door while the Doctor was still in the tunnel with the insects. I thought you were trying to keep him out—"
"Keep him out?" Turlough asked, feigning surprise. "No, Nyssa, I was just worried about the cave-in. I was going to open the door the instant he returned."
"You were?"
"Of course!"
Nyssa lowered her arms, watching his face intently for a moment. "I'm sorry, Turlough. I don't know what I was thinking. You went out of your way to help Tegan, and you accompanied me to try to find the Doctor, even though you were in pain—"
"It's all right, Nyssa. We were in a frightening situation. It's easy to let your imagination run away with you when you're scared." Turlough yawned. "Excuse me."
"I'm sorry I bothered you. Get some rest."
"Thanks. I will."
Nyssa offered him an apologetic smile then left the room. To Turlough's relief, she shut the door quietly but firmly. He watched it for several moments anyway then reached beneath the pillow to withdraw the crystal.
"I tried," he said defensively, "I really did. It just wasn't possible—"
The crystal glowed dully for an instant, then a shadow swept across the mirror. Turlough felt a sudden chill swirl around him. The blood pounded in his ears, and he pressed a hand to his temple.
"One more chance, boy." The words reverberated through his head. "That's all you get."
Turlough rocked forward, dropping the crystal onto the mattress. The cold enveloped him completely, drawing all of the warmth from his body. Shivering, he curled into a ball. His lips moved, repeating a silent chant over and over again.
"I won't fail. I promise, I won't fail again…"
I'd like to leave a special thank you to David B. for his helpful suggestions and assistance with matters relating to geology.
