A friend pointed out that I had a few grammatical and spelling errors in Chapter 9 so I've corrected them. Also, that job that was taking so much time… it didn't work out for me. Too much stress. So updates should come more frequently until I'm employed again.

Chapter 10

Despite his irritation of being told what to do, Rega acknowledged that Alex's instructions were in the best interests of the community and thus ordered those residents who were situated closest to the quarantine zone to move their homes, thus creating a gap between the community and the infected. He also insured that a pagt'horiol was placed in between the two but being closer to the community. He then had everyone in the community donate whatever medical supplies that they had. Most of the community was glad to help out, primarily because they were still in awe over the arrival of Ligsankal and Fellugr Moro despite the lack of knowledge of what that meant for the community.

It took two days of continuous work to get everything set up. Because of the lack of additional pagt'horiols, the Doctor and Rose decided that they would live in the new medical center. They moved their own abode and set it up to be an area to wash up and change into clean garments before entering the quarantine area or returning to the communal area. The Doctor also established specific rules in handling the ill – and unfortunately the dead - to help reduce the chances of further contamination within the community.

The preventive measures in place, Alex now had the task of finding a cure, daunting due to the fact that his resources were far more limited than he thought they would be. Folding his arms as he regarded the new medical center, he inventoried his supplies with a sigh. Including his stethoscope and his makeshift pestle and mortar, he had approximately five yards of bandages, most of them made from torn strips of cloth that were in need of a good cleaning. He also had three or four different kinds of antivenin and some naturopathic analgesic. Well, he thought, at least I can help with the pain.

Over the next week, he and Rose visited and took samples from the sick, making sure that they all received food, water, and comfort. They also went around the community collecting any and every piece of scrap that they could to make the equipment that Alex needed. He was able to build a rudimentary microscope using glass pieces he cut and polished to size and some metal wire he'd made by cutting an old tarnished cup. A cup with a hole large enough to allow a flame to peek through became a simplified Bunsen burner. Various small cups became flasks to mix potions in for testing. While the collection wasn't the most ideal, it at least gave Alex a kind of laboratory to use.

Rega provided the notes that his previous physician had written on scraps of paper and sheathes of cloth which reaffirmed what the Shobogan had told Alex: that the disease was only affecting humans and human hybrids and that it was contagious by touch. The notes also showed that the physicians, especially the one only known as Mergolet, tried various mixes of naturopathic remedies from local herbs and roots to no avail. This at least gave Alex a means of eliminating what he didn't need to try again.

Two weeks passed and the only results that Alex discovered were more failures. Two more people had fallen ill from the disease despite the precautions and one of the more sickly patients had died. The only thing that the hybrid determined was that the disease seemed less and less like a natural phenomenon. The fact that it targeted human and human hybrids but didn't seem to be contagious to non-humans was extremely suspect, even with some of the community's species having very strong immune systems. He knew that some of the species there didn't have as strong an immune system as humans. So why weren't they affected? And why, after spreading through the community as it did before Alex's quarantine, hadn't it mutated into a more virulent – or less virulent – strain? It just didn't make much sense to him.

Rose was making her daily rounds with the sick when Rega walked into the medical center. Over the last couple of weeks, Alex and Rega had formed an understanding, namely that Alex would do his absolute best if Rega left him to his own devices. That understanding, however, didn't preclude the community leader from coming by for a report every now and then.

"How's the progress?" he questioned, hoping that there was some good news from his new Chief Medical Officer. Seeing the half-Gallifreyan deflate slightly at the question, he exhaled slowly. "I'm assuming that means it's not good."

The Doctor ran a hand through his hair. "Really? You think so?" he replied sarcastically. "I have run every test that I can think of using this… completely antiquated equipment. I've made every single potion that I can think of to counteract this disease. I've even tried using both my blood and Rose's blood to concoct some sort of cure." Seeing the confused expression on Rega's features, he clarified, "The tests that I did showed that Rose and I definitely have immunity to this disease, probably due to us not having exactly the same genetic makeup as typical Humans and Nere'ii in this universe." Alex had adopted the term for aliens with Gallifreyan heritage when he discovered that the Nere'ii in Chervud Perpalot translated it to mean 'servants', specifically of the public good, rather than 'worthless ones'.

"I see," the Time Lord murmured, clearly disheartened by Alex's words. "So, you and Rose are the only ones who are immune."

"Apparently," he replied. "Unfortunately because we are from a different universe, our immune systems aren't completely compatible to yours. A cure from us could save five or six out of a hundred. We need someone from this universe who has developed immunity to the disease." He sighed. "Plus… I don't think that this disease is a natural one."

"A genetically engineered disease," Rega surmised.

The Doctor nodded. "Especially designed to kill humans and Nere'ii. Someone wants to kill humans and Nere'ii and make it look like an unfortunate circumstance. And the only people I can think of who have the ability to create this disease are the Time Lords."

The Gallifreyan frowned. "But that doesn't make any sense at all. Why would the Time Lords create a disease that would kill their most prominent slave population? Most slaves are either human or Nere'ii because they are more adaptable to Gallifrey's climates. There's also a certain bias against races that aren't as aesthetically pleasing. Not many people like having a Sontaran serve them their meals."

"Population control, using the disease to eliminate undesirables while making it look like a natural disaster…" His eyes widened slightly, a realization reflecting in them. "Eliminating a problem to the Empire, such as a revolt. You said the Time Lords don't know where you are."

"As far as I know." Rega's eyes also widened as he made the connection Alex had made. "But they wouldn't have to know where we are to get to us. They could have infected someone with this disease – maybe three, four or more to increase the odds – and put them in the Zone. We could have picked them up and brought them back to the community. From there, it could spread until every Nere'i and human is dead. It would decimate the community and, since we don't have the necessary resources, there wouldn't be anything that we could do about it."

"And they're right. Without the resources of a genetic laboratory, there's nothing we can do to stop it from spreading. We can only slow it down." He paused. "Which brings another thought. If this disease is intended to kill undesirable humans and human-hybrids, what's preventing it from spreading to those who are desirable, those slaves who are genetically ideal or very loyal to their masters? They would have to have some sort of inoculation or cure for their slaves."

"Makes sense," Rega agreed. "How certain are you that this disease is genetically engineered by the Time Lords?"

"Eighty, eighty-five percent certain. There are definite markers that indicate it's deliberately aimed at people of human descent. I can't give you a definite assessment without better equipment."

"Such a deliberate action could not have come to this point without the authorization of the Emperor and the Council of Science and Technology," Rega postulated. He considered the issue for a moment. "Someone will have to go to the Citadel, find their way to the records of the CST, confirm your suppositions, and return with the cure. It would have to be someone who isn't infected as we don't want to spread this disease into the cities. The person can't be a Time Lord, though. We're all too well-known and would be caught and executed the moment we stepped through the city gates. The person would have to be either human or Nere'ii because the other species would stand out quite blatantly in a restricted district. They have very specific qualifications for which slaves are allowed in certain areas."

Alex exhaled loudly. "Why do I have the feeling that you're about to offer me an assignment?"

The Shobogan gave him a small smile, understanding the reluctance in the hybrid's voice. "I don't make the request lightly, Dr. Smith. You are a tremendous asset to the community and the risks are great. But I can't think of anyone even remotely more qualified than you. You have discovered more about this disease than anyone else has in the past and I doubt that anyone else would be able to accurately confirm your suspicions. In addition, you would be able to find the cure quickly and precisely. And I have seen that you are a very skilled warrior and tactician by how you handled yourself in the Zone before I recruited you. I fear that, if you can't do this, this community will end as will our fight against the Emperor."

The Doctor turned his head and rubbed his mouth. He'd tried to keep his involvement in Rega's quest to an absolute minimum – after all, Rose and he had only one goal, namely to get back to Earth as quickly as possible – but he couldn't ignore all that Rega and his people had done for them. He couldn't turn his back on them now, especially when he could save so many lives. He measured the situation carefully. Would he be able to save these people if he rejected the assignment? Would someone else be able to get the information or materials that he needed to produce the necessary cure? Was it really absolutely necessary to take the risk and go into what would essentially be enemy territory? And what about Rose? If something happened to him, what would become of her?

In the end, Alex knew he only had one response to the request. "For the sake of the many lives that may be saved… I accept the assignment. Conditionally."

"What is the condition?"

"Rose," he said bluntly. "If something happens to me, you need to find a way to get her back home to her family. You have to protect her, sometimes even from herself."

Rega nodded somberly. "I swear."

The slap across his face was just like the ones he'd received before from Rose Tyler, full of frustration and anger. He couldn't blame her for being angry. He didn't once consult with her before taking the assignment. But lives were at stake and he knew it was the right thing to do. That alone made this particular slap the very last straw. Before she could continue her tirade about how inconsiderate he was being towards her, he reached over and grabbed her arm, pulling her towards him angrily.

"Alex, get go!" Rose exclaimed, trying to break free of his grip.

Glaring into her eyes, his voice took on a heated tone. "I can understand you being angry. I can even admit that I should have talked to you first. But don't you ever strike me again for any reason whatsoever. Is that clearly understood?"

She nodded quickly, stunned by his reaction. "Yes," she whimpered slightly.

He released his grip on her, glancing at where his hand had been to be sure that he hadn't harmed her in his anger. Assured that he hadn't, he again focused on her eyes. "I love you, Rose Tyler, but I can't let you treat me like that anymore. I put up with it in the past because I love you and because I didn't really understand myself. With the way my brain was at the time – Multiple Personality Disorder, drug abuse, and emotional problems that made me an utter shambles - I figured I deserved it. And I probably did sometimes. But not all the time. Not every time we had a conflict. And certainly not this time. I'm right and you know it. And I will no longer put up with you hitting me because I said or did something that hurt you any more than you would put up with me doing the same to you."

"Alex…" she started. She seemed on the verge of defending herself.

The half-Gallifreyan interrupted before she could go further. "I only want to hear two words and you had better mean them."

"I'm sorry," Rose said immediately and without hesitation. Seeing him open his arms to her, she rushed into them and held him tightly. "Oh, Alex, I'm so sorry."

"I forgive you," he murmured into her hair before kissing the top of her head.

The blonde woman held him tighter as he kissed her, determined not to release him until she absolutely had to. "I'm just so afraid," she admitted. "I mean, you're leaving me for this amazingly dangerous mission. What if you don't come back?"

"Oh, don't even think it," he gently berated her. "I'm coming back. There is no way you are going to lose me, Rose Tyler. In the meantime, Rega promised that he'd watch after you." Gaining a slight but loving glare from her, he amended, "Not that you need someone to watch after you."

"And who will take care of you?" she questioned. When Alex didn't answer, she immediately understood. "You're planning on going alone. I can't let you do that. I'm coming with you."

"You can't," Alex told her firmly.

"I'm immune too. I can't spread the disease to others in the city. And I'm just as capable as you for this kind of assignment."

"This isn't about whether or not you are capable of doing the job," he countered. "You're human, Rose. Humans have no rights at all on Gallifrey. You go into the Citadel and you will be immediately captured and enslaved."

"And you're half Human! It's not like you'll be an equal in the city."

"Nere'ii have more rights than humans, even though they aren't equal to Time Lords. Some Nere'ii are actually more like professional tradesmen, going from one master to another based on services needed. Rega said it isn't uncommon for there to be Nere'ii slaves looking for masters in the Citadel. Some even can open up their own shops and make money. Humans can't do that. If you're Human, you're either a slave or a runaway." He paused, watching her expressions and feeling her emotions to determine that she had reluctantly accepted his words. "Now, Rega can forge the documents necessary to get me into the Citadel and to give me the necessary references to gain a position in a Time Lord household. He can't however forge the authorization needed to get into the Hall of Science and Technology. I need to find a Time Lord with the necessary credentials, get myself on his staff and gain his confidence enough to get access."

Rose continued to protest. "It's still going to take time to do all of that which means you'll be gone for who knows how long. And what if something happens?"

Alex walked over to her, gently taking her face into his palms. "Nothing is to happen. I'll go in, get the information we need to save these people, and get back here as quickly as possible. And Rega is going to show me exactly how to behave to avoid drawing attention to myself." Seeing the uncertainty in her eyes, he gave her a gentle, reassuring smile. "I'll be fine. Besides, do you really think that I'd take the assignment if I thought there was any sign of deception? I've felt Rega's emotions concerning this. He doesn't like this option any more than you do. But it's the only real choice we have if we're going to save our people."

"Our people instead of these people?" she noted, a slight teasing tone in her voice.

"Don't you think they're our people now? After all we have done for them and vice versa?"

Her smile widened at his question. "Yeah. Our people." The smile faded as her thoughts returned to the matter at hand. "When do you leave?"

"In a few days. I'm going to be roleplaying with Rega for a couple of days in preparation. Not a pleasant aspect for either of us but it's necessary in order to keep my cover while in the Citadel. While I'm gone, I'm relying on you to keep our patients as comfortable as possible."

"Of course… Doctor."

Her smile was his reassurance that she understood the situation and would do her best to make it as easy as possible for him to do what needed to be done.