The TARDIS arrived on Sanadia-3 with a sharp shudder and a rather violent wheeze. A few puffs of smoke drifted up from the console as the Doctor pulled the lever to open the door. Tegan glanced at the smoke dubiously but decided against commenting on it. She was relatively sure that the Doctor knew what he was doing.
Turlough stood motionless by the door. His disappointment was evident; his face had fallen when the Doctor told him that several weeks could be required to repair the TARDIS fully. Immediately upon hearing the news his hand had returned to rub at his neck once again. He appeared utterly defeated.
Tegan brushed past him to step out into the warm, fresh air. Sunshine bathed her face, and she was instantly aware of a subtle fragrance that perfumed the air. Her eyes swept the lush, flowering bushes that surrounded the TARDIS. Tall trees resembling willows spread like feathery umbrellas overhead. She saw that they had materialized just off of a paved pathway. Perhaps one hundred meters ahead, down a gentle hill, a small cluster of buildings spread out before her. Their pale mauve walls were connected with narrow porticoes; vines twined up the columns, purple blossoms open in the sunshine. Several swimming pools sparkled with impossibly blue water in the afternoon light.
"Come along, " she heard the Doctor say.
She glanced back to see that he ushered Turlough outside. The young man's expression showed his disinterest in the situation. His mouth was tight, and a faint scowl creased his forehead. His hand, she thought, would be plastered permanently to the nape of his neck.
"Cripes, Turlough," she began, "you could at least try to enjoy this."
"Enjoy what?" he responded dully.
"This." She swept her hand toward the buildings. "It's beautiful."
He shrugged and continued to stare straight ahead.
"This way," the Doctor said brightly. "Let's have a look around." He led the way down the hill toward the nearest buildings, Tegan at his side. Turlough shuffled along behind them.
Beyond the resort complex lay a dozen or so additional buildings. All were painted in gentle pastel shades and had lush landscaping. Paved footpaths wound between them; a few pedestrians walked along leisurely.
Tegan saw now that the buildings lay in a vale, surrounded by gentle hills.
"It's very secluded," she commented as they strolled along the pathway.
The Doctor nodded. "If I'm not mistaken, this is the only settlement on the planet."
"Really?" Tegan asked in some surprise. "It's so nice here. Why hasn't the entire thing been settled?"
"This is a resort planet," he explained. "This system—the Pumerean System—has dozens of these smaller planets in it. The major population centers are on the larger planets, which have a greater supply of resources. The smaller planets have become vacation destinations, much like the smaller islands in the Caribbean or off the coast of Spain."
Tegan nodded. "It looks a bit like the South of France—the architecture is sort of Mediterranean."
"I suppose so, but you won't find an ocean nearby."
"I think I can manage without one," she said with a smile, but after a moment she stopped walking. "Doctor, do you have some sort of intergalactic credit card?"
"Credit card?"
"Yes. You know, to pay for our stay here."
He frowned. "Oh. I thought you'd brought yours."
"I—" she fumbled.
A smile spread across the Time Lord's face, dissipating the tension that had tinged his expression since they had landed on Striker's ship. "No credit cards are necessary here."
In response to Tegan's questioning look, he added, "I'd forgotten that you aren't familiar with the government in this system. The resorts and services are free of charge to the patrons."
"How can that be?" Tegan asked in surprise.
"The governments of the major planets provide these resorts as a social service to their citizens, much as most of the industrialized countries on Earth provide their citizens with free medical services."
"So this is sort of like socialized holidays? The people's taxes pay for it?"
"Something like that, yes."
"But we aren't citizens of any of the planets in this system."
"No. However, we have arrived before intergalactic travel is possible here, so it is assumed that all of the visitors are in fact citizens of the Pumerean Federation. I don't believe that anyone will question our origins or nationalities."
Tegan reached for the Doctor's arm to stop him. "But that's not really right, is it? To use the services when we haven't paid for them in any way?"
An enigmatic half-smile tugged at the Doctor's mouth as his eyes wandered toward the blue sky. "I may have helped one of the other planets once or twice and been offered use of their services."
"But still," she began to protest, but the sunshine was caressing her cheeks so warmly, and the blossoms were so fragrant that she continued walking without further comment.
When they reached the entrance to the complex, they were greeted by a blonde young woman in a simple yet attractive rose-colored uniform.
"Good afternoon," she said with a warm smile. She offered a well-manicured hand to the guests. "Welcome to Sanadia 3, a Sanadia Corporation property. I'm Joyara. You're just arriving?"
"Yes," the Doctor nodded, shaking her hand. He paused for a moment to admire a wide gold bracelet that encircled her wrist. On it was an embossed letter S decorated with small, glittering crystalline stones.
She glanced at the pathway behind him. "I hope you enjoyed seeing the area. You must be tired, though. The walk from the spaceport is rather long."
"But quite lovely," the Doctor said. "It was very enjoyable."
"Thank you. Sanadia properties are designed to be the most beautiful of all the resorts, and we appreciate that you chose us. You'll find registration just down this walkway," she gestured gracefully with her hand. "They can provide someone to bring your luggage. However, if there are any special services that I might arrange for you, I'd be glad to do so. Perhaps you'd like some refreshments waiting for you in your rooms?" She smiled at Tegan, glancing quickly at her hand. "Or a manicure?"
Tegan smiled in return. "A manicure? Oh, that would be a treat—"
"I'll have a manicurist sent to your room within the hour. And you, sir?" She focused her gaze gently on Turlough. "Is there anything that I might arrange for you?"
Turlough rubbed at his neck and shook his head. "No, thank you."
The Doctor clapped a hand to Turlough's shoulder. "Would you have a masseur available?"
"Of course," Joyara replied. "And is there anything else that you need?"
The Doctor said, "Perhaps you can steer me in the direction of the mechanical services facilities. My craft is in need of some repair."
Joyara pointed toward the outer edge of the complex, in the direction opposite from the one in which they had come. "The repair facilities are that way. I can send a concierge to your room to escort you if you like."
"Ah, thank you, but that won't be necessary." The Doctor gave her an appreciative nod then touched Tegan's back and Turlough's arm. "Shall we?"
"Have a wonderful and relaxing stay," Joyara called lightly as they walked away. "And don't forget to tell your friends about the Sanadia properties."
"I thought you said that the government ran these facilities," Tegan commented to the Doctor. "But she kept talking about Sanadia properties."
"Actually, Tegan," began the Doctor, "I never said the government ran them; they provide them as a service to the citizens. I believe that several private companies have been contracted to build and run the resorts—Sanadia is one of them."
Tegan nodded. "Oh."
After they had walked a few meters, Turlough sighed. "I don't need a masseur," he said.
The Doctor glanced at the young man. He still held his head stiffly.
"Trust me, Turlough, it will be the best thing in the world for you," said the Time Lord.
"I don't know…" replied Turlough, but his tone was softer, and the furrows in his forehead had disappeared.
The Doctor smiled. "You see, you're more relaxed already!"
Tegan lifted the crystal glass to her lips and took a sip. She sighed blissfully and leaned back against the downy cushions that lined the lounge chair. Flowers resembling wisteria draped the latticed roof overhead, casting lavender reflections in the clear water of the swimming pool. Sunlight filtered through the vines, warming her gently. She closed her eyes.
"Enjoying yourself, are you?"
Opening her eyes, Tegan found the Doctor standing next to her.
"As a matter of fact, I am," she replied.
He nodded as she took another sip of her drink.
"What is it?" he asked, touching the rim of the glass.
"I'm not sure, but it tastes a lot like a kir royale."
"Champagne at this hour? It's a bit early in the day—"
Tegan shrugged, unruffled by his comment.
"—but then you are on holiday," he continued. "I suppose you should enjoy yourself. How was your manicure?"
Tegan held out her hand and wiggled her fingers. Her opalescent nails shone in the light.
"Very pretty," he said.
"Thanks." She was a bit surprised that he had even noticed her nail polish, let alone commented on it. "What have you been up to?"
"I've had a nice chat with the fellows at the machine shop. They're going to give me some basic resistors that I should be able to modify for the TARDIS."
Tegan raised an eyebrow at him. "How long will that take?"
"A few days, at the least."
She smiled. "Good, because I don't think I'll be ready to leave here for a long time!" She patted the chaise next to hers. "Sit down, Doctor. You could use a little time to relax, too."
"Now that I have the parts I need, working on the TARDIS will be very relaxing."
"You're not going to stay here with us?"
He shook his head. "No."
"But you took a room—I thought you'd be able to spend some time here."
"Yes, well I may pop in from time to time. I'd like to see how Turlough's doing."
"I'm sure he'll be fine."
The Time Lord nodded and took a step back. "I'll see you later."
"All right. Good luck with the TARDIS—but take your time!"
"Enjoy yourself, Tegan," he called as he walked away.
"Oh, believe me, I plan to!" She lifted the glass and took a long drink, sinking back against the cushions again and closing her eyes.
"May I bring you another?"
Tegan opened her eyes. A man stood at the foot of the chaise, his hands clasped behind his back. He was tall and lean, but she could see the definition in his arms below the short-sleeved shirt he wore. His grey eyes crinkled slightly at the edges with his cheerful expression.
"Oh," she replied, "thanks." She offered him her glass.
He took it with a smile. She noticed the bracelet on his wrist immediately. The small crystals glittered against the wide gold band.
"You work here?" she asked.
"Yes. I'll be right back." He walked quickly to the bar on the other side of the pool and returned a minute later with a full flute, which he handed to her.
"Thanks."
"Are you enjoying your stay here?"
She nodded. "Very much."
"Have you visited a Sanadia property before?"
She shook her head. "No, this is my first time."
"Might I ask your name?"
"I'm Tegan."
He bowed slightly. "Miss Tegan. I'm Kol, assistant manager of Sanadia-3. If there is anything that you need, please feel free to ask for me."
"Thanks. I'm starting to feel a bit spoiled already."
He smiled. "That's what it's all about, isn't it?"
"Maybe here, but believe me, I'm not used to this."
His smiled faded. "No? Well, you should be. May I tell you about some of the pampering services I recommend?"
Tegan took another sip of her drink and patted the neighboring chaise. "I won't say no to that."
Turlough did not want to enjoy the man's hands sliding over his naked back, rubbing his shoulder blades and up along the edge of his spine. He had decided immediately that he would not like the warm, fragrant oil caressed gently yet firmly into his skin. He would not find any pleasure in this massage. Indeed, he had agreed to it only because the Doctor insisted and refused to leave him alone until he acquiesced. But acquiescence did not have to mean acceptance, and it certainly did not mean that he would enjoy it—
A small moan of satisfaction escaped Turlough's lips. The masseur's hand slid up, moving in small circles over the knot in his neck. The oil tingled slightly against the raw skin, but it was not painful or even uncomfortable. In fact it soothed the irritation, and the man's fingers worked the muscles masterfully, easing the tension and assuaging the ache. Turlough closed his eyes in pleasure, relaxing and drifting into a light sleep.
When he awoke, he was alone in the room. He still lay on his stomach on the massage table with the towel draped just below his waist. His head was turned to the side, and he hesitated to lift it, anticipating the pain that this would cause his neck. He moved his head slowly, and was surprised that he felt no discomfort. He pushed himself up on his elbows and rotated his head. There was only the smallest stiffness remaining.
With a smile, Turlough sat up and stretched his arms. He looked around the spacious room, noticing for the first time that it was decorated in soft, pastel colors. Several vases of fresh flowers adorned the dresser and small writing table. Outside the window he caught a glimpse of more flowers blooming on the manicured hedges.
His stomach rumbled, and Turlough realized that he was hungry—truly hungry. He hadn't felt this famished in some time… months, it seemed, perhaps years. He hopped off of the table and hurried toward the shower, already anticipating real enjoyment in the taste of food.
Tegan had finished her third drink, and her conversation with Kol had turned from the resort to her family and friends some time ago. He listened intently as she told him about Nyssa, and when she described the young woman's compassion and need to have a purpose in her life—the need which had led to her decision to leave her friends—Kol placed a sympathetic hand over hers.
"That must have been difficult for you," he said gently.
Tegan nodded. "It was. She was really like a sister to me. I still miss her."
"But she's doing something important—she's helping others in a way that only she can."
"I know, but it's still hard sometimes."
"I can tell that you were a good friend to her, too."
Tegan blinked and took a breath. Her head felt a bit foggy from the drinks. "You can?"
"Yes, of course. You're a very warm and caring person."
Tegan gave a short laugh. "Care to tell that to Turlough?"
"The young man travelling with you? I'd be glad to—"
"No," she smiled, "I was just kidding."
The pool area had been relatively quiet while they talked. A few other guests had settled on lounge chairs, and one older man had taken a leisurely swim. Now a woman in the rose-colored uniform that Tegan had come to recognize as the Sanadia employees' garb, approached them.
"Pardon me, Kol," she said.
"Yes?"
"Mr. Druus needs to speak with you."
Kol nodded. "I'll be right there."
As the woman hurried away, he turned back to Tegan. "Excuse me, but I'm afraid that duty calls."
"Oh, sorry. I've taken up a lot of your time—"
"And I enjoyed every minute of it. But I do need to return to work now." He noticed her empty glass and touched it, already gesturing to the bartender. "Would you like another?"
She shook her head. "No—I've had two more than I should have already. I should probably get some food in my stomach, too."
"Of course. We have four restaurants and several smaller cafes for light meals and snacks."
Tegan stood. "Thanks."
He extended his hand to her. "It really has been a pleasure talking with you."
She took his hand. "I've enjoyed it, too."
With a small squeeze of her hand he turned and walked away. In a moment the bartender appeared to retrieve her glass.
"Is everything all right, miss?" he asked.
She blinked at him. "Yes. Why?"
"You looked a bit—forgive me—but a bit perplexed."
"Did I? I was just thinking about how nice it is that you treat guests so well here. I mean good service is one thing, but to spend nearly an hour with someone—"
"You mean Mr. Kol's time with you?"
She nodded.
"He must have enjoyed your company."
"But it's all just part of the service, right?"
The bartender gave her a brief shake of his head and a knowing smile.
He walked away. Tegan felt warm and slightly dizzy. She glanced at the empty glass in his hand and muttered, "Two more than I should have—that's for sure."
When Tegan entered the restaurant she saw Turlough immediately. He sat alone at a small table with two nearly-empty plates in front of him.
"Great," she muttered, "four restaurants and I pick the one he's at." She began to turn back to the door, but she stopped. She knew that she had been frustrated with Turlough, but she did not feel any particular animosity toward him now. Indeed, she felt relaxed and happy. With a shrug she walked toward him.
"How's the food?" she asked.
He looked up at her. "Delicious, really."
"What did you have?"
"Some sort of fowl and potatoes," he pointed at one plate, "and a salad with apples and nuts and cheese."
"Sounds good."
He nodded and continued eating.
"Mind if I sit here?" she asked, resting her hand casually on the back of the chair.
"Suit yourself."
Tegan began to pull out the chair, but a waiter quickly stepped to her side and took over the small task, settling her with a napkin in her lap. She declined his offer of a cocktail and ordered mineral water instead. Turlough put the last piece of fowl into his mouth then sat back with a small smile.
"Maybe I'll have that, too," she said.
"Good choice."
She noticed that his hands remained on the table and waited for him to begin rubbing at his neck. She watched him for nearly a minute, yet his hands stayed still.
"How was the massage?" she finally asked.
"Good."
"Is your neck feeling better?"
He tilted his head to the side slightly. "Much. Thanks."
She smiled. "I'm glad."
The waiter returned with Tegan's water and a basket of warm bread.
"Would you care for some port or brandy, or dessert sir?" he asked Turlough.
The Trion hesitated.
"Oh, go for it," Tegan urged.
"All right," he agreed. "Port, and whatever you think is best for dessert."
"Very good, sir."
Tegan surveyed the empty plates and the satisfied expression on Turlough's face. "I don't think I've ever seen you eat this much," she said.
"No? Well, I was feeling particularly hungry—hungrier than I've felt in a long time. It's funny, usually I just eat because I have to, but this really did taste good. I haven't enjoyed a meal this much in a long time."
"Since when?"
"I don't know, really—maybe since I left home. The food at school was awful, and I suppose I just lost interest in it."
Tegan took a slice of bread and broke off a small piece. A rich, yeasty aroma swirled up. "I think this is a good place to rediscover a lot of the finer things in life," she said.
The waiter set a small glass of port before Turlough, who lifted it and took a sip. "I think you're right, Tegan. Cheers."
Tegan took her breakfast on a small terrace overlooking one of the pools. Bistro tables with pretty, mauve umbrellas provided a pleasant setting for a meal. She sipped fragrant tea that reminded her of Earl Grey and enjoyed warm brioche and fresh berries in cream. She watched two blue and gold butterflies flit among the flowers adorning the surrounding bushes. A gardener worked unobtrusively nearby, snipping the few withered leaves from the plants.
"Excuse me," a familiar voice said.
Tegan looked up to find Kol standing before her.
"Good morning," she said.
He smiled. "Did you have a good night's rest?"
She nodded. "The bed was so comfortable that I hated to get up, but I was hungry."
His smile widened. "I'm glad to hear that your room is satisfactory."
"Oh, it's more than satisfactory! Everything—this entire place—is wonderful. Remind me to give my compliments to the assistant manager."
"Perhaps you could do that over lunch. You're here during our low season, so I think he has a little time free then."
"All right."
Kol took her hand for a moment and squeezed it lightly. "I'll meet you here at noon."
Tegan watched him walk away. He carried himself well, with confidence but without arrogance. She imagined that he was quite good at his job. He was certainly skilled in guest relations. She recalled the very enjoyable conversation she had shared with him by the pool. What had the bartender told her as she was leaving? Something about Kol enjoying her company? She was quite sure that his attention was merely a part of the resort's services, but at least he had no intentions of spying on her thoughts.
She finished her breakfast then strolled along several of the paths for an hour. At one point she neared the hill on which the TARDIS had landed. She glanced up; she could just glimpse a hint of steel blue among the bushes. She began to climb the hill, but the flowers were so bright and the air was so fresh… and the interior of the TARDIS would be artificially lit and stark white. She turned and walked back along the path toward the resort.
After breakfast in his room, Turlough found a small library where he borrowed several books. He returned to his room to sit upon the small patio outside. He opened a book and began to read. At first he found the novel rather trite. He had read only Joyce, Conrad, and James during his last few months at school, and the straight-forward style of the detective novel seemed too simplistic to him at first, but after a short while he began to enjoy it.
He had read for over an hour when he lifted his head to look at a small yellow bird that hopped along the patio railing. His neck felt a bit stiff—not exactly sore, but rather pinched. He stood and walked to the intercom on the wall, pressing the button.
"Yes sir?"
Turlough cleared his throat. "Could I get a masseur to come to my room?"
"Of course, sir. I'll send someone within the hour."
"Thanks." He released the button then quickly depressed it again.
"Yes sir?"
"Could you send the same one I had yesterday?"
"Yes, of course. Is there anything else that you need?"
"No—thank you."
Turlough rotated his head. Perhaps his neck wasn't really stiff; maybe he had just sat too long reading. He lifted his hand to press the intercom button again. However, the memory of those ever-so-skilled fingers and hands stroking and soothing his back and neck stopped him. He dropped his hand and took a breath. It was simply too good to resist.
Tegan waited several minutes until Kol appeared near the terrace. He waved to her then took her elbow as he arrived at her side.
"I only have half an hour," he said, "but I've asked one of the chefs to prepare a small picnic for us, if that meets your satisfaction."
"All right," Tegan agreed immediately. The air was perfectly warm and the sky so beautifully blue; it seemed a shame to her to spend any time inside at all.
Kol led her along one of the paths just beyond the building in which her room was. A small arbor heavy with grapes shaded a tiny table and two chairs. She saw that several plates, covered dishes, and a bottle of wine were set out upon the table. Kol pulled out her chair for her then placed the linen napkin in her lap.
"Thanks," she said. "I think I'm getting spoiled."
He smiled. "You deserve it."
"I don't know how you find the time to treat all of your guests this way," she commented as he poured clear, straw-colored wine into a slender goblet.
He handed the glass to her. "Of course all of our guests are special here, but I have to confess, Tegan, that I've enjoyed talking with you more than I have with anyone in a long time."
"So this," she gestured with both hands over the table, "isn't just part of the standard service?"
He shook his head. "No, not usually."
Tegan felt her cheeks grow warm as she took a sip of the wine. She saw that he watched her intently. She swallowed. "Mmm, that's nice." She set her glass carefully on the table.
"How long will you be with us?" he asked, offering her a slice of bread from a pretty green basket.
"I'm not sure—probably a few more days. The Doctor still has to repair our ship."
"The Doctor? Oh, yes, the fellow you were traveling with. There's a young man, too, who you mentioned yesterday—Turbo, was it?"
"Turlough," Tegan replied before taking a bite of the bread.
"And these men are your traveling companions, but you aren't related to them?"
"No."
Kol lifted the cover from one of the dishes and spooned some of the contents onto Tegan's plate. "I hope you like soufflé. And how long have you been traveling with these two?"
Tegan shrugged. "A while."
"And where did you say you were from?" he asked.
Tegan had lifted a forkful of soufflé to her mouth, but she paused. "I never asked where you're from, did I? Were you born here?"
Kol scowled faintly, lifting his hand to shield his eyes from the sun's slight glare. "No. The resort has been here for only ten years. Prior to that, this was an uninhabited planet."
"That surprises me; it's so nice here—it's just about perfect."
"We've worked hard to make the resort attractive."
"So you came here for work?"
He nodded.
"Do you ever go home? I mean to the planet you came from?"
He shook his head. "No. There's everything I need here."
As Kol put a spoonful of rice on Tegan's plate, the sunlight caught the crystals on his bracelet.
"That's really beautiful," she commented, reaching out to touch the gold band.
Kol pulled his hand back to study the insignia. "Thank you."
"I noticed that most of the employees here wear them."
"Yes. It's to identify us immediately to our guests—so that they may be assisted promptly wherever they are. Didn't the hostess who greeted you tell you that?"
"I'm not sure—"
"I'll have to speak with her about that. She's new."
Tegan glanced at the bracelet again. "Yours has more crystals than some."
"You're very observant! The number of crystals represents the length of time one has worked here, but this outer circle," he touched the stones lightly, "is given only to those in management positions."
"Did you work your way up, or did you start out in this job?"
"I worked my way up. I started out as a mechanic."
"That's great. I know it takes a lot of sweat to do that." She finally put the soufflé in her mouth.
Kol watched her as her eyes widened slightly in pleasure. "You like it?"
"Mmm," she mumbled as she took another bite, "yes!"
"I'm glad to hear it. We do try to provide the very best for our guests."
"I don't know how you can do it," she said.
"What do you mean?"
"Well, your company was contracted by the government to set up and run this place, right? But where I come from governments try to save money—they give contracts to the providers who can do the job the cheapest. It seems like no expense has been spared here."
"Ah, you must be from Irreta. I've heard that their government isn't run very efficiently."
Tegan gave a vague nod of acknowledgement.
"We operate using a simple principle: Provide the best facilities and services, and guests will return. The government, as I'm sure you know, pays each resort corporation according to attendance and satisfaction ratings at their properties. This is our most popular one—it has been since it opened. We have more return guests than any other resort in the galaxy. I suppose it cost a bit more to build it initially, but the pay-off is obvious."
"So the Sanadia Corporation is pretty successful?"
Kol smiled. "Extremely. But I think that's enough business talk. I'd really like to hear more about you."
Tegan noticed that she had finished all of wine in her glass. "And why is that?"
"Because you—I just really enjoy talking with you."
"Not just because you have to, because I'm a guest?"
"Absolutely not."
Tegan's smile broadened as he refilled her glass.
Turlough lay on the massage table with his eyes closed. He could not imagine why he had ever resisted this amazing service. The masseur's hands were truly supernatural. The Trion lad had never felt so relaxed.
The man worked quietly; aside from thanking Turlough for requesting him again, he had said little during the session. However, as his hands slowed he glanced at Turlough's face, and, noticing that his eyes were still half open, commented, "It's fine if you want to sleep, sir."
Turlough blinked. "Oh, no—I was just really exhausted yesterday."
"Of course." He straightened and wiped his hands on a towel. "I hope that this was as satisfactory as yesterday's."
Turlough watched the masseur for a moment, admiring the long fingers and strong arms leading to a muscular torso…
"Yes, thanks." Turlough suddenly felt self-conscious in his towel. He turned his head away. "That will be all."
He heard the masseur packing the several bottles of oil into a small basket then walking across the carpet toward the door. "I can come back at the same time tomorrow," he said as he slipped outside.
Turlough lay still for a minute. His neck and back felt absolutely wonderful, and he felt calm. Constant anxiety had plagued him for years, ever since he left Trion. While he was at school he had never felt entirely comfortable, and he knew that most of the other students disliked him. There had been occasional incidents… and he had learned to be on edge. His apprehension had grown exponentially since meeting the Doctor. At first the plan had seemed so simple. He would kill the Time Lord, and the Black Guardian would return him to Trion.
But then he had gotten to know the Doctor. He had seen the man willingly offer up his lives to save his companions. The thought of killing him felt less comfortable then. And the Black Guardian's demands had grown more insistent, his threats more real. Turlough touched the bruises on his neck; they were still sore when the pressed his finger against them.
Yet now all of the anxiety had dissipated. Perhaps it was the knowledge that the Black Guardian had been destroyed, at least for the near future. Turlough felt utterly at peace.
When he went out to sit by the pool sometime later, Turlough saw that Tegan rested in one of the chaises.
"Hello," he said.
She squinted up at him, shielding her eyes from the late-afternoon sun with her hand. "Oh, hi."
"You look like you're enjoying yourself," he commented.
"You too."
Turlough looked toward the hills for a moment. "I wonder how the Doctor's doing? Have you seen him today?"
Tegan shook her head. "We probably won't see him for some time. He planned to work on the TARDIS as long as it took."
"It's a shame that he has to miss out on all of this."
She nodded in agreement. "He said he might check in on us, but I've seen him working on the TARDIS before. He gets totally preoccupied."
Turlough sat down in the chair next to her. "It'll be time for dinner soon. Do you want to go back to the restaurant where we ate last night?"
"Oh." She looked away. "Actually, I have plans."
"Plans? With whom?"
"With the assistant manager—"
"You've got a boyfriend already?" Turlough chided amiably.
"Of course not! It's not like that at all."
"No? Then what is it like?"
"He's just a nice man, a man who enjoys talking with me. And he doesn't want anything from me—no memories or knowledge or possession—" She stopped. For the first time in nearly two days her voice had risen slightly. When she looked down, she found that her hand shook almost imperceptibly.
"It's all right, Tegan," Turlough said calmly. "You can see anyone you want. I certainly don't care."
"I'm not seeing him. We're just friends."
Turlough stood. "Well, enjoy dinner with your friend, then."
He walked back toward his room then decided to veer off onto the path that led toward the hills. He strolled for some time, enjoying the scenery and pleasant weather. Finally the shade of a large tree beckoned to him and he sat on the cool grass, leaning against the trunk. Two birds chirruped in the leaves above him, hopping about on the twigs in what he supposed was some sort of mating ritual.
Turlough closed his eyes. The setting was so serene… except for the incessant chirping. He opened his eyes. The small birds continued to flutter about noisily. Their cheeping was endless. He stared up at them, frowning.
"Hey!" he cried, "give it a rest! Stop it!"
The birds, startled by the sharp voice, flew away. Turlough settled back against the trunk and permitted his eyes to close again. After a few minutes, however, he heard a faint whistling. He thought for a moment that the birds had returned. With a sigh and a shake of his head, he opened his eyes and looked up. He saw no sign of the birds. Turlough stood to look about.
A familiar figure strolled along the path, hands in his front pockets and straw hat perched atop his head. The Doctor was whistling a sprightly tune as he ambled down the pathway.
"Doctor!" called Turlough, waving.
The Time Lord paused and looked in his direction. He smiled and walked quickly toward Turlough.
"Are you enjoying your stay?" he asked as he neared the Trion youth.
Turlough nodded. "Yes. It's pretty nice here."
"It seems just about perfect. And it looks as though your neck is feeling better." The Doctor's eyes quickly assessed the tilt of Turlough's head and shoulders.
"Yes, it is."
"So I was right about the massage, hmm?"
Turlough did not acknowledge this. Instead, he said, "How are the repairs coming along?"
"Quite well, although rather slowly. I was just heading to the machine shop to see if I could find another part."
"Can you spare an hour for dinner? The food here is really quite good."
"And better, I suppose, when enjoyed with some company."
"You're probably right. I ate with Tegan last night."
"You did?" The Doctor appeared momentarily surprised. "I'm glad you two are getting along better. I believe that I'll rather enjoy dining with you two under those circumstances."
"She won't be joining us."
"No? Why not?"
"Tegan has a dinner date."
The Doctor arched an eyebrow. "She does? With whom?"
Turlough shrugged. "Some fellow who works here—a manager or something."
The Doctor seemed to contemplate this information for several seconds. Finally Turlough added lightly, "She says they're just friends, that she just likes talking with him."
"I see. Well, that shouldn't stop you and me from enjoying a pleasant meal. However, I would like to see if I can get this part before the shop closes for the evening. Shall I meet you later?"
"All right—say an hour, at my room?"
"Fine." The Doctor turned to continue along the path toward the resort, resuming his whistled tune as he sauntered away.
Tegan was certain that she would have to put herself on a strict diet as soon as she left Sanadia-3. She seemed to indulge more with each meal. Dinner had been a sumptuous affair with a caviar-like appetizer, a rich bisque laced with sherry, succulently tender lamb and whipped potatoes (had she detected a hint of truffle in them?), more of that decadently delicious bread, and some sort of chocolate torte for dessert. All this was accompanied by perfectly paired wines, and once again Tegan felt quite distinctly that she had consumed at least one glass too many.
When Kol pulled out her chair and offered her his arm as she stood, she felt slightly woozy but quite content.
"Let me walk you to your room," he said, linking his arm through hers.
"Thanks," she replied with one glance back at the table. Cripes, she had eaten a lot of food. For an instant she felt a mild sense of panic. This indulgence would surely affect her weight…
She was quiet as Kol led her along the pathway at a leisurely pace. She felt very full—uncomfortably so, really. She placed a hand over her stomach, frowning at the small bulge that must be quite obvious. Tomorrow she would take a very long walk and eat only fruit.
"Is something the matter?" Kol asked as they approached her room. "You're awfully quiet."
She looked up at him. His gray eyes were fixed on her face.
"I'm just a bit full," she replied. "I don't usually eat like that."
He smiled. "Our chefs do seem to have that effect on people. But you can certainly afford it." He glanced down at her body for a moment as they stopped at her door.
"I'm not so sure about that," she said, reaching into her pocket for the key.
He took both of her hands in his. "Tegan, I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this evening. Talking with you is wonderful." He met her eyes with his and leaned in slightly.
Tegan quickly turned to slide the key into the lock. "Thanks," she said. "I had a nice time, too."
"Wait." She felt his hand on her arm; his fingers tightened slightly.
She turned half-way so that she could look at him. "It's been a terrific evening, Kol, but I'm really tired. Thanks again." She took a step into the room, pulling her arm from his grasp.
"Tegan—"
"Good night, Kol." She stepped inside quickly and shut the door.