Chapter 13
Ranetl guided Alex through the streets, not saying a word as they walked. After five minutes, he led him down an alley and through a door on the side of a building. After going down a set of stairs, they entered what was clearly a small studio style apartment. There was little in the way of accommodations in the room. A small kitchen, which included a sink and a cooktop, was to the far-right corner. A small table and a couple of chairs acted as a general area for dining or any other activity that was required. A well-made twin-sized bed adorned the far-left corner, tucked into a nook. On the left was another door which, Alex supposed, led to the washroom.
Ensuring that the door was closed behind him, Ranetl immediately headed towards the kitchen. He pulled down a couple of glasses and a bottle of shimmering liquid as he spoke. "Now that we're away from prying ears, we can talk more openly. Our mutual friend didn't tell me much. We have to be very careful with what we communicate over the receivers, you understand. Our transmissions might be intercepted by the Imperial Chancellery and any plans that we might make would come to a swift and, for me, unfortunate end. So, you can understand that I have to be extremely cautious." He opened the bottle and poured two glasses of the liquid. "Care for a glass of straztra?"
Alex's eyes widened with surprise and a hint of anticipation. He hadn't had the alcoholic beverage being offered since he'd left Gallifrey during his first incarnation. "Isn't that a bit expensive, considering your… social position?"
"Perhaps," Ranetl agreed. "But I find myself drawn to it. A much-needed indulgence." He handed Alex a glass before picking up his and taking a sip. He took a seat at the table, encouraging Alex to do the same. "Now, as I said, I haven't been told much. I was told to expect a person answering to the name Will Scarlet and that you would identify our friend as Robin Hood but little else. May I ask your real name?"
"I prefer the name Alex," the Doctor replied.
"And how can I serve His Highness?"
"His Highness?
"Lord Rega."
Realization crossed Alex's features upon Ranetl's clarification. "Of course. It makes complete sense now." He gave a slight chuckle. "Rega's the Crown Prince."
"He never told you," Ranetl stated plainly. "Typical."
"Well… he doesn't talk much about himself."
"No, he doesn't. Not since he lost the love of his life Marlinet."
"He told me her name was Karolanna."
Ranetl gave him a hint of a smile. "Of course. You are quite right. Karolanna. She was exiled from Gallifrey for insulting the Emperor."
"She was exiled to the Death Zone where she was killed," Alex corrected. "You're testing me to make sure I'm not a Chancellery spy."
"The fact that you called the Zone an archaic name was the final verification that I needed to know that you indeed came from Rega and not from the Imperial Chancellery Guard."
Alex raised his glass to the other Nere'i. "The fact that you are being so cautious is proof for me that I met the right person."
They toasted each other and took a drink before Ranetl spoke again.
"So, what exactly is your mission?"
"A deadly disease has infected the community. It is blatantly a result of genetic design with the sole purpose of eliminating anyone with Human heritage. It's already killed at least a couple of dozen people and, if left unchecked, will wipe out all of those with Human ancestry. Now we both know the Time Lords rely on loyal slaves so I've come to the conclusion that they've developed a cure to counteract the disease in order to prevent the loss of loyal slaves."
"Makes sense," Ranetl agreed. "How do you plan on obtaining this cure?"
"I need entry into the Hall of Science and Technology and access to their computer."
The leprechaun-like Nere'i stared at Alex for a moment before chuckling slightly. "You're either joking or crazy."
"Neither."
"You really think you can just waltz into the HST and get this supposed cure without being caught?"
"I can if you help me. Rega said you have resources that could get me in. Was he wrong?"
Ranetl exhaled, leaning back in his chair. "I can probably help but I'm not sure you want the help that I can give you. The only people allowed in the HST are royal family members, certain Time Lord scientists, and the Chancellery Guard."
"And the most loyal slaves of those persons, especially those certain Time Lord scientists," the Doctor added. "Both Rega and I agree that, though more than a little… unsavory, it's the best possible way into the HST."
"Have you ever been in service to a Time Lord?" the other Nere'i asked with a raised eyebrow.
"No," Alex admitted. "But Rega provided some insightful training on how to conduct myself. What I need from you is a master with access to the HST and a map of the building, if at all possible."
"Definitely crazy," Ranetl muttered before taking a deep breath. "I could set you up to go on auction but I wouldn't be able to guarantee you being purchased by someone that matches your needs. Let me do a little research. There are Nere'i who basically are professional slaves. Maybe I can arrange a private sale." He paused for a moment. "Are you sure you want to go through with this? Even if I'm able to get you a position, it's doubtful that you could get into the HST. Most slaves are in service to their masters for years before they gain that level of confidence with their masters."
The Doctor gave him a knowing smile. "I'm not most slaves."
"DOCTOR!" Rose screamed as she jolted up in bed, beads of perspiration speckling he face. She struggled to calm herself out of hyperventilation, wiping away the moisture from her cheeks and eyes before doing the same to her forehead.
It had been seven days since the Doctor and Rega had left the camp, eight days of nighmares for Rose. Rega had just returned from the six-day journey to Arcadia and back. While he assured her that Alex was perfectly fine when he left him, Rose couldn't help but be frightened. The nightmares were still vagued and she honestly couldn't remember them but she still woke up screaming every time she tried to get some sleep.
Having calmed herself enough to refocus, she went over to the dish of water sitting near the entrance of her and Alex's pagt'horiol and washes herself in preparation for her day. Regardless of her worries for her beloved, there were patients to take care of and she was their head nurse. Making sure that she was dressed appropriately, she went into the quarantine area and made her daily rounds. Once her rounds were done, one of her nurses – none of whom had Human ancestry to prevent the spread of the disease – came to relieve her. As was required for the quarantine, she washed up and changed her clothes before heading to the common area for breakfast.
She usually sat alone, primarily because she was usually the last in the community to eat. So she was a little surprised when Rega sat next to her, giving her one of his reassuring smiles.
He spoke without preamble. "I heard from my contact in the Citadel. Alex made it safely and has a possible entry into a Time Lord household. Shouldn't be more than a couple more weeks before he returns, if he's as resourceful as we hope."
"It'll be sooner," Rose murmured between bits of her fruit mixed with nuts and a kind of light sap-based syrup.
Rega smiled slightly. "Keep that positive attitude. The sooner Alex returns with that cure, the better off we all will be. Staying positive is all we can do right now for our sick."
"Not being positive. Just stating a face," she replied, still not looking at the Shobogan.
The Gallifreyan finally noticed her tone of voice didn't reflect the positivity of her words. In fact, she sounded downright glum. "What's wrong?"
She considered what to tell Rega, wondering how he might react. She recalled the day Alex and she explained how she was the Bad Wolf but they didn't really go into details about how her ability to see the future manifested itself. If she just said she was having nightmares, he might excuse them as just being a reflection of her concern for the Doctor. Then again, Rega did respect the words and visions of Nona who, for all intents and purposes, was clinically insane. Always correct but still insane. She decided to take a chance."
"You remember when Alex and I told you about me being the Bad Wolf," she started.
Rega nodded. "You saved a Time Lord called the Doctor by absorbing the time vortex and using it to destroy a race called the Daleks. The Doctor pulled it out of you but the residual left behind allows you to see the future on an instinctive level. At least that's paraphrasing how Alex said it."
"Well, that ability to see the future comes in the form of precognitive dreams."
"And you dreamed of Alex's return," he surmised.
Rose nodded, still somber. "But something's going to happen to him, something bad. I don't know what. I have this horrible nightmare and I wake up screaming for him but I can't remember the dream. I just know it's some kind of precognition and I'm afraid for him. I'm afraid the next time I'll remember the nightmare and I don't want to remember because then I'll know what's going to happen to Alex and I won't be able to help him."
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she spoke, prompting Rega to pull her into his arms to comfort her. He didn't say a word, knowing that platitudes would do no good in easing her concerns. When she had finished, he finally spoke a reassurance.
"At least he's coming back."
"Yeah. But will I recognize him when he does?"
It had taken Ranetl three days of questioning and searching but he was able to find what, he believed, was the best chance for Alex to get into the Hall of Science and Technology without suspicion. The Time Lord's name was Pateros and he held a seat on the Imperial Council. He was one of the empire's top scientists and he was looking for an assistant since his duties on the Council were extensive, including being on the Committee for the Development of Science and Technology. He needed someone to not only insure that he was able to perform his duties in a timely and organized fashion but also someone to take the burden of household management from his shoulders.
Ranetl had arranged for an inspection – a free human on Earth would likely call it an interview – so that Lord Pateros would decide on whether or not to purchase Alex. Ensuring that the latter had the proper papers to show his status as an independent "professional" slave, Ranetl escorted Alex to his rendezvous. He waited out of sight while Alex presented his papers to the doorman, who allowed him entrance to Lord Pateros' domicile.
The Doctor found himself in a large foyer in Earthen Art Deco with highlights of light blue and silver. A grand staircase loomed as the focal point leading up to a balconied second level landing. There were four large ornate doors on both levels and two smaller doors on each side of the staircase. It was clear that Lord Pateros at least admired some Human architecture.
"I will inform His Lordship that you are here," the doorman stated, pulling the Doctor back from his examination of the Hollywood-esque mansion.
"Thank you," he replied with a nod, watching the doorman leave to fulfill his duty.
It was ten minutes before the servant returned to escort Alex into a large well-decorated study and an additional two minutes before Lord Pateros, who was seated behind an ornate wooden desk, looked up to regard Alex.
The latter immediately bowed his head. "My Lord Pateros, I am honored that you have allowed me to be in your presence and grateful that you…" he started before being interrupted in his delivery of the formal introduction he had memorized.
"If you are to be my personal assistant, you must make it a habit of being precise, direct, and honest," the Time Lord told him bluntly. "However, keep in mind that doesn't mean that you can be disrespectful. You may address me as 'sire' except when I have guests, in which case you will address me as 'my lord'."
"Understood, sire," Alex replied, surprised by Pateros' words. "In that case, here are my papers and letter of recommendation. I'm fluent in Low and High Gallifreyan both written and verbal. I'm also fluent in over twenty alien languages including Earthen languages."
"Your papers are very clear on your academic abilities as is your letter of recommendation," the Gallifreyan answered, almost speaking over the end of Alex's last sentence. "Remain silent until I say otherwise."
"My apologies, sire," the hybrid replied with a respectful bow of his head.
Pateros continued to review the documents he received for a long moment before putting them to the side and, finally, looking Alex directly in the eyes.
"You are well-accomplished and very versatile for a Nere'i."
"Thank you, sire."
"The only real question is whether or not you can handle the necessary workload and retain the loyalty of my other servants. Can you run a household and be available when I require?"
"I can, sire," the Doctor assured.
The Time Lord gave a slight chuckle. "You are a very confident individual."
"Precise, direct and honest, sire, just as you wish."
The Gallifreyan considered Alex for a moment before nodding briefly. "Very well. I'll give you three days to prove yourself. If I like what I see, I will finalize the contract and you will formally be my assistant. The contract will be contingent on your loyalty, obedience and honesty. If you fail me, you may be punished any way that I see fit based on the severity of the infraction. Is this clearly understood?"
"Clearly, sire," Alex answered, straightening his posture slightly to emphasize his words. "When shall this trial period begin?"
"Immediately," Pateros told him. "Make whatever arrangements are necessary to have your belongings brought to the house. Then have Martin give you a tour of the house and show you your room. Finally, introduce yourself to the rest of the staff. Your papers show that your name is Ligsankal."
The Doctor's eyes widened slightly at the shift in the conversation. "That is correct, sire."
"You cannot go by that name in my household. My guests and staff will believe that you think yourself as an equal to your betters. Pick a different name."
"Alexander, then, sire. It is my preferred Human name."
The Time Lord nodded in approval. "Then that is what I shall call you." He refocused his attention on the materials on his desk. "Report to me after you've accomplished the tasks I've given you. Dismissed."
"By your leave, sire," Alex replied, bowing slightly before exiting the room.
While that was the strangest interview he'd encountered (not that he'd had a lot of job interviews), he was grateful for the relative ease of it. However, he knew better than to let his guard down. His position in the household would always be tentative and the slightest mistake could mean severe punishment, depending on Lord Pateros' whim. Going back to the foyer, he informed the doorman to his new position and ordered that the staff be assembled in one hour. He then went outside to meet with Ranetl.
"So?" the short Nere'i asked.
"I'm in with a three-day trial period," the Doctor informed him.
"Not much time to prove yourself."
"More time than I anticipated, from what I learned about Time Lords here. But I'm used to taking control of a situation in a very short time period. Three days? Walk in the park," Alex boasted with a slightly mischievous smile.
"If you don't let your arrogance get in the way," Ranetl replied, clearly not amused.
The Doctor looked at him somberly. "I know the risks and I'll be careful. But a positive attitude can only help the situation." He paused before getting the conversation back on track. "I need a few necessities: clothes, hygiene products, perhaps a couple of books to read in whatever spare time I might have – those items a personal assistant and head of household would have in his possession. I'll need them brought over as soon as possible and delivered to the servant's entrance."
"I'll make arrangements," Ranetl assured him. "I suggest that we meet in three days for a progress report. Just in case your probation doesn't work as well as you hope and you need a quick escape. I will let Rega know of your current situation. The pub when you have free time. I'll be there all day. If you don't show, I'll assume the worst."
"I'll be there," Alex replied as the other Nere'i walked away.
It didn't take long for him to find Martin, who turned out to be the household butler and was Alex's de facto second-in-command. It was clear by Martin's expression as he guided Alex through the house that he was none-too-pleased that a new servant was taking some of his power over the staff from him. The tour of the house didn't take long and ended in the servant's hall where the rest of the staff were assembled as ordered.
After introducing himself, Alex had the staff do the same so that he knew everyone's name and position.
"In the next couple of days, I will be thoroughly reviewing this household's operations and, if necessary, will be making changes to ensure that it is functioning seamlessly and without fault," he finally told the staff after all the introductions were done. "I want everyone to perform your duties as usual unless I tell you otherwise. Martin, my possessions will be delivered to the servant's entrance. Please make sure that they are taken up to my room. Dismissed," he finished, allowing the staff to return to their duties.
Waiting only long enough to know that the staff were indeed going back to work, Alex left the servant's hall to return to Lord' Pateros' study as instructed. Following protocol, he gently knocked on the door and awaited permission to enter. Once obtained, he entered quietly and then bowed deeply.
"Your servant awaits your orders, sire," he announced, maintaining his bow until told to rise.
He immediately learned that Pateros wasn't much for protocol. The Time Lord bypassed giving permission to rise and went directly to giving orders.
"Familiarize yourself with this study. I want you to know it better than I do. If I tell you to get me something. I expect immediate results."
"Yes, sire," Alex answered and obeyed. Thus started his enslavement.