Unity Is Strength
A Short Story Featuring An Alternative Third Doctor
This story takes place on Inferno Earth, a parallel universe first seen in the television episode: Inferno
"We have noticed your particular interest in the planet Earth." began Goth, he and his colleagues' eyes penetrating the small, impish man standing before them. "The frequency of your visits must have given you knowledge of that world and it's problems."
The imp scrunched his face slightly. "Yes, I suppose that's true. Earth seems more vulnerable than the others."
"For that reason, you will be sent back to that planet."
A sigh of relief came from the man. "Oh, good…"
"In exile." added Goth, a ghost of a smirk forming on his lips.
The man, the Doctor's, expression fell into one of horror. "In exile?"
It was at this moment where the Doctor wondered whether it was worth bringing in his own people to stop the War Lords and their war games. Yes, he stole a TARDIS. But it was an old, ruddy thing, surely the Time Lords would let it slide? There were others who were out there doing far worse than he.
Take Mortimus, or as he's recently named, the Meddling Monk, for example. He tried to change history, and subsequently allied himself with the dreaded Daleks. What about his most recent run in with his own people, the War Chief? He knew him by another name, but he's long since discarded that. He tried to help the War Lords with their conquest, and gave them time technology. Of course, he met an untimely fate at the hands of the very people he helped. But he'll be back. He's always been a master of his own fate.
Now here he was. His friends snatched away from him, no longer remembering their time with him, and this is how he's thanked! Poor Zoe… Poor Jamie.
"You will be sent to Earth during the twentieth century," continued Goth. "remaining there as we deem proper, and for that period the secret of the TARDIS will be taken from you."
"But you-" stammered the Doctor. "But you can't condemn me to exile on one primitive planet in one century in time! Besides, I'm known on the Earth, it might be very awkward for me."
"Your appearance has changed before, and it will again." A pause. The Time Lords looked to one another before nodding. "For the last time, we're afraid. Despite your plea, once you change your appearance, your ability to regenerate will be taken from you as well. You still broke one of our most important laws. Non-interference. Someone must be made an example of."
The Doctor's eyes widened. "W-what?!" He took a couple steps back. Everything in his body told him to make a run for it, fly away in his TARDIS and never look back. Just like the last time. Not only is he going to be trapped on Earth, but he will never change again. "This is outrageous! You can't do this to me, I-"
Goth raised a hand. "We will allow you to choose your new appearance. Choose quickly, for time is indeed not on your side, Doctor."
The Doctor closed his mouth, and turned around. On the large screen, a sketch of a face appeared. A very old man with a bushy white beard.
"Oh, he's too old!"
A new image was shown. An overweight man with short dark hair. "Well he's too fat, isn't he?!"
As he was shown these images, something dark was stirring beneath the Doctor. This was unfair, VERY unfair. All this over interfering in the affairs of other planets? This is disgraceful! A new slide was shown now.
The Doctor rolled his eyes. "No, he's too thin-"
He stopped, and studied the new image. He was an older man, but nowhere near as old as the first slide. He looked to be in his early fifties, his neat graying hair swept to the side, and had a thin mustache. His face was gaunt, sharp cheekbones and all.
There was something about this choice that intrigued the Doctor. He looked to be a man with natural charisma, one who could get his way with the power of words. Yet, there was something… more.
The Time Lords looked to one another, noting the pause. They were about to speak before the Doctor beat them to it. "That one." Was all the Doctor said in a quiet tone. There was something different in his voice. Quieter, darker.
"This is your choice?"
"Yes." he replied, turning around. "If this will be the last time I change, then I better make it count, won't I?"
The Time Lords bowed their heads slightly. "Of course. Perhaps one day we will decide to restore your ability to regenerate. In due time."
The Doctor nodded, his face lowered. "Then get on with it." he snapped.
The second Time Lord spoke up for the first time in minutes. "You have a choice of when during the twentieth you wish to reside. We must know your preference before your mind is affected by the post-regenerative trauma."
The Doctor thought for a moment, and his face lit up only very slightly. With his knowledge of Earth's history, especially at this time period, if he plays his cards right, he will emerge victorious and above everybody else.
. . .
Earth, Westminster, 1931
A paperboy made his rounds. It was getting late, the sooner he finished delivering these papers, the sooner he could get home to his family. As he began passing an alleyway, he heard something. Something odd. A grinding, groaning sound, like a family of elephants decided to form a band with their trunks.
Turning his head, his eyes widened as he saw something start to fade into existence. It was a blue police box! The lamp on top flashed brightly all across the narrow alleyway, only ceasing when it solidified. There was silence. The boy only just began to contemplate investigating the strange object before the door to the police box opened, with a man staggering out.
He almost fell backwards back into the box, but hung onto the sides for dear life. The boy was simply too shocked to even move. Clearly, whoever this was, was not of this Earth.
The man hung onto the side for what felt like an eternity before slowly opening his eyes, and strengthened his back. A triumph of willpower. From what the boy could see, the man wore crumpled clothing that looked to be too small for him in height. But the man's appearance heavily contrasted the clothes he wore. He slowly looked to his surroundings before his eyes fell upon the boy.
At first glance, he looked to be a friendly older gentleman. But in the blink of an eye, his eyes told a different story. Something dark, menacing. It was at this sight the boy snapped out of his shock, dropped his papers, and ran faster than the speed of light away from the alleyway. His family at home won't believe this!
Hello! One aspect of Doctor Who that fascinates me is the reveal in Timewyrm: Revelation, in which the Leader of the Republic of Great Britain in the TV story Inferno, was in fact an alternative version of the Third Doctor. After reading about this version on the wiki, I wanted to explore this version, and what might have led him down this dark path to being a dictator. Will there be more? Who knows, its just an idea that popped up. Enjoy this brief story!
