This is the third installment in my planned series to have Alan Kelly meet all of the Doctor's incarnations. It was decided that I should keep with the ongoing trend of Dalek titles, hence "Reckoning". I have started taking notes for the upcoming stories so if there are any Doctor/ Comapnion pairings and time periods you want to see, let me know and I'll see what I can do! Enjoy the story and thank you!

Reckoning of the Daleks

Colonel Alan Kelly sat back in the Observation Deck and looked out at the vastness of space. It never ceased to amaze him. He very rarely had such leisure to gaze at the stars as he either was risking his life in a fighter or cooped up on a battleship. This time out he wanted a little "me" time to relax and pretend at being a civilian. Therefore, he hitched a ride on a passenger cruiser and would meet up with the rest of his team in a few days. He knew he had garnered a few curious stares and had probably been the topic of a few conversations the first few days out. There had even been some autograph hounds. He took it all in stride knowing it was the price of celebrity. As long as they didn't swarm about him like hornets, he didn't care. He took a sip of his G&T and sighed. Too bad this had to end tomorrow.

As he sat there, the ship shuddered slightly and the lights flickered. A voice came over the loudspeaker to reassure the passengers that it had only been a small pocket of turbulence and the ship had automatically readjusted. Shortly after, one of the crew approached Alan. "The captain was wondering if you would like to see the bridge, sir."

That lasted long. "Certainly. I'd love to."

When he stepped into the bridge, Alan could tell something was wrong. There was an underlying anxiety, an urgency to the crew's movements. The captain, a man in his mid-fifties, saluted him. "Colonel, thank you for coming so quickly."

"What's wrong?"

"We've been fired upon."

"What? Can't they tell this is a passenger ship?"

"Oh, they know it's a passenger ship. We've already taken three direct hits." He saw the look of confusion on Alan's face. "You only felt one because we then activated the absorption shield. Used mainly for rough weather, but it was all we could do to keep the passengers oblivious."

"Did they even identify themselves?" Alan asked. "I mean, what's the point of starting a war if you don't take credit?"

"Naylons," answered one of the crew.

"Naylons? We're nowhere near their territory." He looked at the captain. "Are we?"

"Not unless it's changed in the past two hours."

"This is crazy." Alan stared at one of the monitors. "We have to get out of this. How many more hits can we take?"

"As it stands, perhaps two. If they hit Engineering, we could be in trouble," answered a technician.

"All right, then. I'd say we prepare the passengers but let them think it's a drill. That way they won't panic and will be moving. If worse comes to worse, they'll be at the pods."

The captain passed the order to the communications officer to notify the crew before sounding the alarm.

"Brace yourselves! They've fired again!"

Alan grabbed the console nearest him and set his feet apart to keep himself balanced. Why can't I just have a real vacation?

"Damage report!"

"That was too close to turbines to hazard a call, sir. If it does go, emergency power will still allow communications and the hulls to seal in case of a breach. The escape pods have their own power."

"Send out the distress call. I want all non-essential personnel to leave the bridge and prepare to evacuate." The captain looked at Alan. "Your presence could be seen as a calming influence should the news come out."

"If you're sure. Just remember to call if you need me." Alan, fighting against the crowds going in the opposite direction, made his way back to his cabin. He answered any questions with a shrug. Once inside, he tossed his belongings into a duffle and headed out the door just as the lights went down. The red emergency lights flickered to life and he strode along the companionway quickly. If the power had gone, that meant the shield was down and the ship would reel with the strikes from the Naylon ship.

He rushed to the deck where the escape pods were located and was amazed at how efficiently things were going. Of course, now with the lights down, the passengers knew that something was wrong. Alan began to assist the crew by directing people to their assigned pods and to keep panic at a minimum now that the ship shuddered with every strike and smoke began wafting through the vents and gangways.

A final count was done and they learned that a young girl was missing. Her father informed them that the last time he had seen her was by the swimming pool. Knowing that he wouldn't be stranded should he miss the last pod, Alan volunteered to go. The girl's father told Alan her name so he could all for her. With a quick nod, Alan rushed up the stairs to the area where she had last been seen. The smoke thickened, clogged his throat, and made his eyes sting. You are ten kinds of idiot, you know that? How do you expect to rescue someone from a fire if you can't make it yourself? In the lounge, he spied a running cloth on a small table, which he removed, dunked it in the center fountain, and then tied it about his face, covering his nose and mouth. That eased things somewhat. He checked the halls radiating from the lounge and saw that debris and creeping flames blocked the one he needed to go down. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw movement. It could be smoke, but it could also be the girl. "Shandris!"

"Over here!" came the reply, followed by coughing.

Alan reached the girl and saw that she was pinned down by part of the wall. He could see she was terrified. "I'm here to help. Are you hurt? Any broken bones?"

"I don't think so. I forgot something and went back to my cabin. I thought I'd make it back before Daddy even knew I was gone." She broke down sobbing.

"It's all right. We'll just get this off you somehow…" He looked about and found a metal bar to use as a lever. "When I get this off of you, I want you to run down to the pods. Take the north stairs. It was clear when I came up."

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine. I can take care of myself," he grinned before applying pressure to the bar.

"How's that?" he said, his voice showing the strain. He hated when circumstances showed how out of shape he was. He would need to bathe in Ben-Gay when this was over. He saw sparks as the wirings broke free from the wall via the cracks and applied even more pressure to his already straining arms and back.

"A little more." Alan pushed harder and Shandris sidled out from underneath. Once she was free, Alan let the debris fall. "Thank you." She kissed him on the cheek than ran as she was told.

Alan watched her go. Cute kid. I'll have to check on her later. The flames were getting closer and louder. Alan began to program his machine to send him to Varuna where his team was awaiting him. He hoped to be gone by the time the ceiling collapsed, but sometimes hope isn't enough.

Peri entered the TARDIS control room and spotted the Doctor's striped yellow pants sticking out from underneath the console. "Something wrong?" she asked.

"We're off course."

"Aren't we always?"

"I'll ignore that!" came his muffled reply.

A flash of light caught her attention. "Doctor, there's a light blinking up here."

"I know. It's the fault indicator. Why do you think I'm under here?"

"This light is on the opposite side from where you're working. I think it's the distress signal. It's yellow."

He fiddled with the surrounding switches and buttons in an attempt to locate the source. "We're nearby, relatively speaking. We should be able to make it in time."

The Doctor's hands moved with a grace this incarnation seldom displayed. He flipped a switch and the scanner sheath opened. He materialized the TARDIS in space near a passenger ship that was on fire. "Let me get us closer."

The Doctor never had a chance because the liner exploded sending shockwaves that even rattled the TARDIS.

"Oh my God," whispered Peri. "All those people."

"Depending on how long the signal was running, I would think most escaped. If I can locate the proper frequency, we can pick up the communications from the rescue party."

All Peri could hear was garbled gibberish until the Doctor fine-tuned it. "…all crew and passengers accounted for. Most are suffering minor injuries though there are some with major burns and one with a possible concussion. Please have medical personnel waiting at Elysion." The voice went on to give more technical notation than she needed to hear.

Peri let out the breath she had been holding. They were all alive. Now she wouldn't be agonizing over their fate from now until…well, whenever. The Doctor was suddenly bustling about the console, setting coordinates. They were off somewhere and in a hurry. "What is it?"

"The Naylons. I distinctly heard the mention of Naylons."

"And that means?"

"Not possible, you see. The Naylons wouldn't strike unless provoked."

"So how could a passenger ship provoke them?"

"Exactly!" With a finger, he dotted her nose. "You're coming along quite well, Peri. Thanks to my influence of course."

"Oh, of course, Doctor!" she emoted.

They arrived just outside the hospital and the Doctor strode in, stating he was a specialist and Peri was his assistant. They strolled along the ward where the new arrivals had been placed. A nurse, who noted the visitor badge clipped below his cat pin, pointed out that the crewmembers were at the end. Peri looked at the others in bed and smiled at them as she passed. Not seeing where she was going, she bumped into the Doctor who had stopped in front of a bed on which lay a man who must have been one of the major burn cases. His arms and hands were anointed and sealed in a clear, form-fitting cocoon. Peri recognized the fragrance of natural skin growth catalysts.

The Doctor looked from the man to Peri. "I know him."

Alan sat back in his chair in the Officers' Club on the Base and reveled in the rare opportunity to relax. Then Shannon walked in wearing an outfit similar to the one she wore that last time in Jamaica. Then the club turned into a seaside tavern and they were cheered. A loud, commanding voice carried over the others, spouting scientific jargon that was very out-of-place. The voice was familiar but he couldn't put a face to it. He felt the need to find the voice and looked through the crowd.

He opened his eyes slowly and took time to focus against the harsh lights. A hospital. But why? He tried to move his head and the pain helped remind him. The attack. He must have been knocked out after saving the girl. Then he heard the voice that had invaded his dream coming from the foot of his bed. He peered down and saw a man in the most garish patchwork jacket. The jacket covered a hefty frame that was topped by unruly blond curls. He couldn't see the face—and he probably wouldn't recognize it even if he could—but he knew who it was. He tried to speak but nothing came out so he swallowed and tried again. "So, what number are you?" he croaked.

The man turned away from the knockout in blueno doubt one of the Doctor's traveling companionsand rushed to the side of the bed. "Colonel, how wonderful to see you again!" He reached out his hand and instinctively Alan reached out his only to find it heavily bandaged. "Yes, well, you haven't changed much since our last meeting."

"But you have, Doctor. That was only a few months ago. The others will be glad to see you again."

"Again? But I've only met you, Alan."

"What about Jamaica?" Alan was getting confused. "You didn't" He broke into coughs.

Peri poured a glass of water and helped Alan take a few sips. "Is that better?"

"Yes, thanks." He looked at her, waiting for a name.

"I'm Peri."

"So you're with him now, eh?"

Peri opened her mouth to explain but was cut off by the Doctor. "Not now, Peri." He looked at Alan. "What were you about to say?"

"You didn't answer my question. What number are you?"

"Sixth."

Alan closed his eyes. "Of course. That's why you haven't met them. The Doctor in Jamaica was from your future."

"Really? I've met past incarnations but never a future incarnation. What one was he?"

Alan smiled at his childlike curiosity. "Eighth, I think." He raised the bed to a sitting position.

"Eighth? Eighth!" He turned to Peri. "I must remember to find a way back to E-Space to collect that fiver Romana owes me. She bet I wouldn't make seventh."

"I don't blame her."

"Well, you were wrong, too."

"Doctor, what brings you here? I don't think it was just to talk over old times," said Alan.

"Peri and I heard the distress signal sent out by that liner you were on."

"Yet another ruined holiday," commented Alan dryly. "And I'll probably have lovely headaches this time around as well."

"I fixed those for you," said the Doctor defensively.

"Yes, you did, and I thank you for it."

Peri smiled. "I met the Doctor on vacation too, and believe me, I've had quite a few headaches since then."

The colonel motioned her to lean closer. "Remind me to tell you about Jamaica and the pirates," he said in a conspiratorial whisper.

"I will, Colonel."

"Call me Alan, please."

The Doctor raised an eyebrow at the secret exchange but decided not to pursue it. "Alan, the rescue party said that you were fired on by Naylons. Can you tell me what led to the attack?"

"Oh goody, we arrived in time for a story," chimed a new voice.

The Doctor looked up and saw two men and a woman in Military uniform. "Friends of yours?" he asked Alan.

"Shannon Flynn, Eric Rader, and my brother, Ryan. Guys, this is the Doctor and Peri. I'll explain later."

"Pleased, I'm sure."

"Doctor?" Shannon looked at the Doctor up from his curly blonde hair and down to his garish green shoes and red spats. "You're the Doctor?"

"Looks like Prince Charming turned into a frog, Shane."

"Shut up, Ryan."

Peri overheard the whispers and smiled. I know how you feel, Shannon.

"The attack?" the Doctor prompted.

Alan relayed his tale without interruption.

"You said that the Naylons knew you were aboard?"

"I didn't hear that myself, but that's what the comms officer told me. If they knew it was me or just Military personnel, I don't know."

"Even so, how did they find out is the important question," said Shannon.

"More important is what were the Naylons doing attacking an Alliance passenger ship without provocation?" questioned the Doctor.

"Did you see the ship?" asked Eric. "Was it the Naylons?"

"I did see the ship and it did look like one they use, but I can't be positive. I wasn't there when they announced themselves." Alan yawned.

"We should let you get some rest," said Shannon. "We'll get some rooms and check in with you later."

"I thought with a concussion, sleep was the last thing you were supposed to do," put in Peri.

"We'll soon find out," said Ryan and the others saw a nurse quickly approaching.

Shannon, Ryan, Eric, Peri and the Doctor left the hospital and stood on the pavement. "Well, that was some story," said Eric. "I haven't heard anything that would make the Naylons attack a passenger ship."

"They knew Alan was aboard," said Ryan. "Of course they wanted him out of the way."

"We all know Alan is a major Military presence, but even so, they wouldn't kill civilians just for one man. Naylons aren't terrorists," put in Shannon.

"If indeed it was the Naylons," remarked the Doctor.

"What do you mean? Of course it was the Naylons," defended Eric.

"But Alan never saw a Naylon," said Ryan slowly. "He never heard the communications."

"So you're saying the crew was behind it and used Alan's presence to add credence?" questioned Peri. "But why would they put that many lives at risk?"

"Money," said the Doctor. "It's only one possibility. We should look into this on our own before starting rumors."

"We'll take the crew," volunteered Eric. "They might be more ready to answer when being faced with a uniform."

"That leaves Peri and I with the passengers. We'll meet back here at Alan's bedside in, oh," he looked at his bare wrist, "three hours?"

The group split up and the members of the TOC returned to the hospital to question those of the crew still in for observation. However, none of them had been on the bridge and only knew there was trouble when the alarm sounded.

"Well, that was certainly helpful," said Shannon.

"It was, actually," said Eric. "If we accept the Doctor's theory, this confines it to bridge personnel."

"Makes sense," agreed Ryan. "It keeps the number of those in on it low, plus, who would question them?"

"And their actions in the face of danger would only commend them," commented Shannon.

"Alan was just convenient," said Eric. "Either that, or it was arranged after he was on the passenger manifest."

"Could be. Let's find out what they have to say."

Shannon, Ryan and Eric found most of the crew and began to question them regarding the attack. No one could shed any light on the subject since they weren't privy to most of the action. "By consensus, the flight was normal until the attack."

"Do you think they're holding back?" asked Shannon.

"I think they were too much in awe to be," chuckled Ryan.

"I was waiting for them to kow-tow," agreed Eric with a laugh. "The crew from the bridge won't be so awestruck."

"Boys, be careful of being so full of yourselves. You may just go poof."

"Like the Doctor"

"Man, did he go downhill fast."

"You suppose he'll sweep you off your feet again, Shane?"

Shannon could feel her cheeks grow hot. "Matter at hand, gentlemen."

"All right. All right. What about the crew?"

"Maybe with them we'll need to instill a little fear."

Shannon looked at the two of them and shook her head. "Why don't we just ask questions out of concern? If this really was a Naylon attack, everyone will be involved."

They spotted the captain walking amongst the beds; hands and head wrapped in burn bandages. He and some of the crew were laughing over a joke. They hushed as soon as they saw the TOC.

"Don't let us spoil your fun," said Eric.

"This ward is restricted," the captain told them. "No visitors allowed without doctor escort."

"Quarantined?" questioned Ryan. "Funny, I didn't see a notice posted. Besides, why would you be when no one else from the ship is?"

"In a situation like this, we can't speak to anyone until the Investigators arrive."

"You're looking at 'em," said Eric.

"The famed Temporal Observers?"

"Observation and Deduction."

"I don't think so. You had better leave now before I call Security."

"Just think on this," said Ryan. "My brother risked his life to help you when he could have left at anytime. That should count for something."

"Well, that was strange," said Shannon as they walked through the wards.

"He's up to something," Eric said. "That regulation he brought up only pertains to civilians, not fellow Military personnel."

"If they'll only talk to an Investigator, let's give him one," Ryan said.

"Do you think he will?" asked Shannon.

"He's got the attitude for it," commented Eric.

"We'd better go find him then."