Chapter Thirteen
In the building once referred to as Titans Tower, the Dalek leader observed the operations center. Computers from the Dalek ship were brought inside and linked to those of the building. From there, the Daleks could observe the events in the city.
"Battalions of Cybermen are moving throughout the city." a subordinate announced.
The leader faced it. "How many do we estimate total?"
"Best estimate is about two-thirds of their total compliment, which is equal to our own numbers."
"Converge forces on their battalions!"
The leader than approached another subordinate.
"What of the search for the Titans and the Doctor?"
"No sightings have been made since they were seen fleeing a combat area!"
"Can it be confirmed that at least one member has been exterminated, as stated in the initial report?"
"Negative. But it remains a strong possibility."
The leader pondered for a moment. "Very well. Continue operations."
It then traveled to the window. "Once the threat of the Cybermen has been eliminated, we will exterminate all who remain in the city!"
Despite being a creature of hate, the Dalek leader allowed itself a moment of pleasure, confident in the success of the plan to overthrow humanity, and conquer the Earth.
Beneath the city streets, the TARDIS remained in its place, undisturbed. It was as if it had been there for years, and intended to remain there forever. But inside, there were beings that held different ideas.
The Titans were startled by a sudden noise; a noise caused by a surge of power.
"Done!" announced the Doctor as he climbed back on the control deck. He replaced the deck plate.
"So, we're ready?" asked Nightwing.
"All systems are go!"
The Titans were in awe. After taking a beating for the past days, they were now anxious to return the damage.
"Well, let's light this candle!" Cyborg said, excitedly.
Smiling, the Doctor worked the controls of the TARDIS. He then twisted a large switch.
"Here we go!" he said.
The TARDIS roared to life.
In the operations center, the Dalek leader's attention was requested.
"Alert, alert!" it said.
"Status?" the leader asked.
"TARDIS has been detected, in flight."
The leader felt a tinge of apprehension.
"Order missiles to be launched! Exterminate the Doctor!" it commanded.
Over the city, the TARDIS appeared to be spinning out of control. Under the guide of the Doctor, it flew toward the cliffs.
"Taking her in on final." the Doctor announced. Then, his attention was called for by a beeping noise.
"Incoming!" he yelled. "Everyone brace for impact!"
A pair of missiles streaked toward the TARDIS. The tiny box tried to evade, but it was to no avail. A massive, double explosion echoed in the city.
And yet, the TARDIS still lived. Or so it seemed.
Inside, the Titans were dazed, having been knocked about. The Doctor held tightly to the console as the ship spun wildly, flipping end over end. When the wild ride ceased, the Doctor struggled to get the vessel back on course.
As for the Titans, they were laying at various locations. Changeling's body had unceremoniously been flung on top of the railing. Cyborg picked him up and placed it in a corner, placing Raven's cloak over him again. He then rejoined his friends.
"I thought we were dead!" Raven said.
"Just a close call, that's all." the Doctor told her. "I'm setting her down."
The TARDIS gently set itself down on the desert sand. It was only a few hundred yards from the Cybermen's ship.
There, the Cyber leader's attention was called for.
"The Doctor has arrived in his machine." a drone said.
"Send out forces to meet with him." the leader commanded. "Eradicate him and his companions!"
Shortly afterward, a group of a hundred Cybermen marched toward the TARDIS' location.
From another direction, a horde of thirty Daleks took flight to face their most hated foe.
The Doctor noted all this from inside the TARDIS.
"They're very determined to stop me." he said to no one. "Well, let them try."
"What's next?" Starfire asked.
"I need access to your ship's computer. Can you help me?"
She nodded. The two set to work.
"What about us?" said Nightwing.
"You and Raven go out with the guns and try to keep them away from the ship."
"What for?" the mystic asked. "This thing took a missile hit!"
"Because they can still drop us down a cliff, and we don't need that happening, now do we?"
"Oh." was all Raven could say as she got up to obtain a gun.
"How about me?" asked Cyborg.
"The pulse might affect you." the Doctor explained. "I can't risk that. Once Starfire's done here, she can go out and help."
Cyborg nodded. He felt so helpless now.
"Well," he said aloud. "If you all fail, at least I'll be left alive to carry on the fight."
Nightwing nodded at him. "Let's hope it doesn't come to that." he told him.
With that, he and Raven stepped outside to meet the oncoming army.