CHAPTER 11
BENEFACTOR
"In the two days I spent recovering," the Doctor said, taking up his narrative again, "I learned that the Sanctuary was a secret haven for those individuals that the Triad believed their weapons were eliminating. At one point in time, this former space freighter crash-landed in a remote area of the planet. The lone occupant became known to the local villagers as the Benefactor. They believed him to be a member of a local religious order, but his true origins were unknown."
A remote farm appeared on the Matrix screen, and the Doctor moved the image closer to the farmhouse as he spoke. "This holo-projection is how the freighter appears to the outside world. The farmhouse is actually the freighter's upper portion. I never did learn the exact circumstances of how, but the lower levels were completely below ground. Over the years, the farm became known as 'The Sanctuary,' having been turned into a kind of volunteer country hospital, some of the locals helping with the sick and injured from the surrounding villages."
The image moved into the interior, showing several injured people receiving medical treatment. "I also learned that the Benefactor had shared his origins with a select few. In exchange for their silence, he shared the advanced medical technology available on his damaged ship."
The image moved closer still, then downward into the ship's interior and the Doctor's hospital room. "Apparently, when the dispersal disks went into use, the long forgotten transmat in the Sanctuary reactivated, acting as a retrieval station. By this time, many of those from the surrounding area had taken refuge within the Sanctuary's walls. They begged the Benefactor to shield the additional people suddenly being deposited on his doorstep. He agreed under the condition that anyone arriving in this manner would remain until the hostilities ended."
The image stopped, showing the Doctor preparing to leave. "I was told that I was the first person to ever break this condition."
oOo
Mission Day 50
The Benefactor tapped on the door before entering. He was a tall man and wore an all-concealing monk's robe, his face invisible within its hood. "Your recovery has been nothing short of remarkable, Doctor," he said as he entered the room.
"Perhaps I wasn't injured as badly as everyone believed," the Time Lord replied evasively.
"Perhaps. I also understand that you've asked to leave us."
"Yes. I appreciate everything that's been done for me, Benefactor," the Doctor said gratefully, "but I've left some people back in the city who rather desperately need my help."
The Benefactor inclined his head. "I understand your wish to return, Doctor," he said calmly. "But there is the simple matter of secrecy."
"Yes, I'm aware of that," the Time Lord replied mildly.
"There are several thousand people within these walls already. Hundreds more to follow, I'm sure. If the secret were to get out…"
"Forgive me, but if the Triad—Tri Global—aren't stopped, you'll run out of room because you'll have hundreds of thousands. And then the fighting will just break out here. You've already got to keep some factions on different levels just to keep the peace now," the Doctor pointed out more harshly than he intended.
"You really believe it's as simple as that?" the Benefactor asked in an amazed tone.
"Yes. It's like fighting a giant snake. You have to cut off its head," the Doctor replied seriously. "And in the case of the Glyateven, the head is the Triad."
The Benefactor stepped back as though to look at him and the Doctor could not help but wonder at his expression. "The whole Triad, Doctor? It was my understanding that one of them was a friend of yours."
"Yes. Apparently was is the operative word," the Time Lord replied darkly. "He's the one who put the bullet through my chest."
The Benefactor held up a hand. "Forgive me. I had no idea," he said quickly. "I must confess, had found it curious that someone of your intelligence could be friends with any of the Triad. They are such…well, violent individuals."
"Yes. Well, that didn't used to be the case," the Time Lord replied sadly.
The robed man nodded. "Indeed. I've heard stories about the members of the Triad from the refugees that would—" He broke off when a pained look came to the Doctor's face. He waved a hand in the air. "But that's beside the point, isn't it? We've all left others behind at one point or another."
"It's not about the people I left behind, Benefactor, it's about saving this planet from a possible alien invasion."
"Alien invasion?" the Benefactor repeated. Seeing the serious look on the Time Lord's face, he said equally seriously. "You say that is if you've had personal experience."
"I have, as it happens. And so has my…um, friend in the Triad." The Doctor's expression darkened. "That concerns me more than what he did to me, to be honest."
"I don't understand."
"I can stop him, and he knows it. The fact that he actually tried to kill me only confirms my worst fears. If your transmat hadn't intercepted my signal, I'd be dead now." A haunted look came to the Doctor's face. "I never thought we'd be on opposite sides like this. It makes what I have to do that much harder."
"And what's that?"
"Stop him by any means necessary."
"I see." The Benefactor drew a deep breath. "And after you stop him, what then? I assume you're not from this planet, Doctor."
The Doctor hesitated. "No, I'm not. I'm a traveler," he replied evasively.
"Ah, travel…" came the wistful reply. "My days of travel are behind me, thank goodness."
"You don't want to leave?" came the surprised reply. "And here I thought you'd be asking me to take you home."
The Benefactor held up his hands. "Goodness, no. I was very content among these simple people before this madness started. Their petty squabbles are nothing compared to what I've seen on other worlds. Ironically, I came here to get away from all that."
"Difficult to do with an alien invasion force camped on one's doorstep," the Doctor pointed out sharply.
"Indeed. You're right, of course. I should do all I can to stop this insanity," the robed man replied firmly. "And if that means breaking my own rules than…so be it."
The Doctor smiled broadly. "I take it that means I can go?"
"If it means putting an end to all this, then yes," the Benefactor replied. "I'm sure someone will be able to arrange transportation to the city for you." He turned and started up the corridor. "Come, I believe Troy is in the clinic. Perhaps we can get you on your way today."
oOo
When the extract ended, the Doctor paused for questions. To his surprise, it came from Eustis. "Is this next section of great length, Doctor?" the Inquisitor asked.
"It is, my lord."
"Then we shall break for a short recess."
To Jason's relief, he was able to go into a side room without having to deal with his shackles again. Even though Time Lords were woefully ignorant when it came to the Alterran's powers, they knew exactly how far the barrier generator's influence on him extended.
The Doctor could see the Prince was bursting to talk to him and was relieved that he waited until they were alone before doing so.
"Do you have any idea how hard it is to stay quiet during all that?" Jason practically demanded.
"I knew that bit with the Benefactor would surprise you," the Time Lord said.
"Surprise? I'd've thought you, of all people, would have a better word to describe how I feel after that revelation," the Alterran said as he dropped into a chair.
"Well, you were hardly dropping to the floor in paroxysms of astonishment, were you?" the Doctor replied blandly, bringing an amused smile to the Prince's face.
"Be that as it may," Jason said, unable to keep his amusement from coming through in his voice. "I still wasn't ready for that. Despite the fact you warned me there was more to it."
The Time Lord smiled knowingly. "Yes, as did you," he reminded. "It seems we both had our share of surprises."
"Yes…" the Prince replied mildly. He noticed an amused look coming to his friend's face and scowled. "Something tells me that's not the only surprise you have in store for me."
The Doctor grinned. "Jason, if I might use the vernacular you're so fond of, you ain't seen nothin' yet."