Chapter 2
The two vessels, the TARDIS within the Zarbi ship, lay motionlessr.
The Doctor, Nita and Ace stood in the console room, discussing their situation.
"Even with the engines idling, our reserves will be depleted in three hours," said the Doctor. "We won't hold our shields. Ace, have you identified the source of the radiation?"
"No, Professor. The radiation field is too strong for our sensors."
"And no explanation for the energy loss?"
Nita shook her head, no. "Is there anything in the history files, Ace?"
"Fascinating records of Zarbi battle strategy. They were exceptionally innovative. They were first to use the Tavis Keke elusive maneuver, as well as strategy comparable to Napoleon's..."
"Any situation like this?" Nita interrupted.
"No."
"I recommend we go back," said Nita.
"They didn't have much success with this problem, Nita." Ace objected.
"But at least they knew their enemy better than we do," said Nita. "Maybe they even knew how they got into trouble…they just didn't know how to get out."
The Doctor agreed. "I will try to keep the TARDIS up and running. Ace and Nita, please go and find out what happened on that ship."
Ace looked at the external radiation reading on the console. "Radiation factor is within safe human limits, Professor."
He nodded and the girls left the TARDIS. They moved to begin exploration.
"Why isn't this ship being hit with radiation?"
"That's curious, Nita. The radiation field must be directional in nature..aimed only at the TARDIS."
"Maybe our own engines triggered it somehow. Ace, see if you can work out what kind of defenses the Zarbi tried to use…I don't want to waste time trying them again."
"Good idea."
"What'd really help us is a ship's log…any kind of record of their last battle." Nita moved off to look for one.
On the TARDIS, the Doctor was testing circuits in the console. A red line signified the circuit was in working condition. He entered another command into the computer. He successfully completed another test and frowned. "So why can't we dematerialize?" He drummed his fingers, mind working hard. He thought to the TARDIS: "as we increased our power levels, was there any counter-reaction?"
The TARDIS communicated back to him: "Affirmative. The opposing force grew in direct proportion to my power output."
"So it kept us from forming a time/space field for dematerialization?"
"That is correct."
He was satisfied that he was at least making progress as he got down to work at the computer keypad. He typed: "Access data bank. TARDIS. Type 40. Tima/space field."
The Doctor watched as the screen filled up with a "Time/space Field Menu"…revealing line by line a long list of notes, entries, chapters…your basic intimidating owner's manual index. The Doctor noticed that next to each file was the date and name of the person who entered it…and it is the same name each time…"Rasillon"…at the end of each line…
"Rasillon! Looks like he wrote the book on propulsion." He paused and considered. "Call up time/space design logs…"
"Select menu, visual records or Rasillon's voice entries."
"Why not? Voice entries."
"Theoretical propulsion logs, Gallifreyan Time Capsule, Type 40. Heading: Time/Space. Author: Rasillon.
"The Doctor. How are you, Rasillon?"
There was no programmed response in this file, so there was no answer. And the Doctor knew this, it was just tongue-in-cheek, understanding he was just talking to himself…
"Yes, down to work. You're absolutely right."
The TARDIS telephone rang at that moment. It was Nita. "Doctor, we may have found something…"
The Doctor's face lit up.
"We're in the Zarbi communications area…"
Ace was examining a collection of tightly coiled wire from a small, isolated locker. Another crewman's remains were nearby.
"There's a file of memory coils here…"
"They are identical to the coil we found earlier, Professor…"
"Their captain's log, perhaps?" asked the Doctor.
"That's what we were thinking," said Nita.
"Ace, are the coils in working condition?"
"I believe so. We can enhance them through the image processor in the TARDIS computer."
"Good. Please come back now."
The Doctor turned his attention back to the propulsion logs. He paced, and talked and thought… "What about the dilithium crystal control?"
"It should be possible to fine tune the frequency ranges…" came Rasillon's voice.
"Yes?" the Doctor responded hopefully.
"And the propulsion group is investigating numerous theories to determine how."
The Doctor frowned. "Great. Thanks a lot. Computer, generate a cross section image of the dilithium crystal chamber."
On the monitor was a multi-coloured wire-frame image of the chamber. The Doctor worked the keyboard and the image rotated and changed shape. "What about reorienting the crystal?"
"It is possible to reorient the crystal. The key lies in adjusting the lattice structure direction. This modification will be integrated into the next type TARDIS."
"Sorry, can't wait. You and me, Rassilon. We have two hours to figure this out." He studied it. "You know what I need to do, I need to get inside there. I need to turn that thing inside out." He stood up. "Computer, is there a cross section of the engines we can replicate in a Holoroom?"
"Select menu: design specifications or prototype schematic."
"Prototype? Elaborate."
"A development stage prototype schematic at the Panoptican, drafting room five, Gallifrey."
"Perfect. Recreate it in the Holoroom. Stay with me Rasillon." He went to the door and headed down the corridor. Arriving at the Holoroom, he pressed a panel. "Ready computer?"
"Holoroom program is ready."
The Doctor entered the Holoroom. He saw a recreation of drafting room five. Banks of computers working, propulsion equipment in various modes of completion. Through a window could be seen other forms of TARDIS equipment. In the centre of the room was the schematic display of the engines. The Doctor moved to the display, circled it, greatly impressed by the room, its contents and purposes. To him, it was beautiful.
"Right back where it all started. This is incredible…" He moved to the cross section of the engine. "Rasillon, did you design this?"
"The dilithium crystal chamber was designed by some of Gallifrey's best engineering minds."
"That's visiting dignitary talk, what's the inside story…off-the-record?"
"Access denied. Personal logs are restricted."
"Rasillon, I want to find a way to supplement the energy supply to the ship and to the engines. Could we alter the matter/anti-matter paths?" He studied a maze of systems.
"Theoretically, yes. The system should be able to accept more reactants at a faster rate of injection."
"Well, this is your baby, show me which ones."
And, focused on the wall of connections, he may not have realized exactly what he said…for over his shoulder, a male hand reached in and pointed to the path configuration…and slowly the Doctor reacted and turned to see the image of Rasillon standing there…