Chapter 1
On the Ice Warrior bridge, Carolyn, still in disguise, has just returned from the surface… Captain SSroot reacted to the news with irritation… the Conn and Tactical Officers observed. "We have more important thingsss to attend to than acting asss your nursssemaidsss."
"The Doctor regrets that he must detain you but it is necessary for a while longer. In addition, I will be requiring access to your ship's computer…"
Ssroot reacted, suspicious. "Access to our computer… for what purpose?"
"I am going to attempt to penetrate the Dalek Central Information Net…"
"Don't bother. We've been trying for yearsss."
"I have unique skills that may permit me to succeed."
"I cannot reveal classssssified Iccce Warrior entry codesss to the Time Lordsss…"
"Your entry codes can be easily reconfigured after we depart. And the Doctor has authorized me to share with you any information we obtain from the Dalek data banks…"
The Ice Warrior frowned, grunted – "Fine… Anything elssse?"
"We will also need to communicate with the TARDIS in sector two-thirteen."
"You do and the Daleksss will inssstantly know our coordinatesss."
"Using conventional means, that would be true; however I propose that we piggy-back our signal on Dalek subspace transmissions…"
"'Piggy-back'?"
"A Human metaphor, pardon me. We would use a Dalek signal as a carrier for our own, thus disguising its origin."
"It won't work."
"I believe it will. During the last hour, I have conducted a systematic review of the entire Dalek subspace grid and compared my findings with the specifications of your transmission array. It would appear they are compatible."
The Ice Warrior studied him for a long, dry beat, finally grunted an approval.
"Thank you for your cooperation." Carolyn left.
Ssroot mused and then hit a panel. "Captain'sss notation. Recommend we ssstudy the potential for an Iccce Warrior female scientist position." That thought lingered on his face.
A Dalek trundled along a Skaro street… colorless, bleak… this was a poor neighbourhood, life here was a struggle… a line of daleks waited to get into a repair centre… a small supply store had a few customers.
The Dalek saw the one it was looking for… moved to the line, handed something to another Dalek; the Dalek reacted, glanced around, got out of line… followed the other Dalek to the supply store.
Dark, austere, a row of silent Daleks stood at counters… finding, in the shadows, Romanadvoratrelundar and the Doctor, standing alone, disguised as Daleks… it moved to them, placed the object in front of them on the table. "Allow me to brighted your table." It made eyestalk contact with Romanadvoratrelundar. It moved on.
Romanadvoratrelundar understood the signal. They spoke in hushed tones… "The Senate has adjourned. Davros will be here shortly."
"Just how widespread is this movement?"
"There are groups in every populated area. I have personally spoken with members from four provences." She stopped as an old delapidated dalek delivered their parts… it looked at the object on the table, at these strangers… a silent moment… then it left. "It has become a serious concern to the Dalek leadership."
"Serious enough for the leaders to suddenly embrace a Time Lord peace initiative? I have a difficult time accepting that."
"I sense you have a closed mind, Doctor. Closed minds have kept these two worlds apart for centuries."
The Doctor reacted with curiosity to this conflict, because Romanadvoratrelundar had really brought something of her own to the table.
"The Time Lords have learned from experience to view the Daleks with distrust. We can either choose to live with that enmity or seek an opportunity to change it. I choose the latter."
"I will be the first to cheer when the Neutral Zone is abolished. I only wonder if this movement is strong enough to reshape the entire Dalek political landscape."
Romanadvoratrelundar took a beat, nodding to the object on the table. "One can begin to reshape the landscape with a single rock, Doctor." But she was not at peace as she said it, experiencing additional conflicts within herself.
The Dalek came to the table carrying an old, worn out book. "Romanadvoratrelundar, look what I've brought you."
"This is my friend, Vidal, he is very curious about Gallifrey."
"Hello, Vidal."
Romanadvoratrelundar indicated the book. "It is very old. Where did you get this?"
"They reat from it at the meetings, it tells the story of the Time Lords' creation."
"You should not bring that out here, Vidal. You've been told many times."
Davros came into view.
"I just wanted to show it to Romanadvoratrelundar."
"Off with you, we will see you later tonight."
"Will you tell us more stories about Gallifrey?"
"Yes."
Vidal smiled, moved away.
Davros glanced over and saw the delabidated dalek looking at them from the back of the store. "Perhaps this is not such a good place to talk."
The Doctor and Romanadvoratrelundar followed Davros.
They moved down the street.
"So, what do you think of your enemy, Doctor?"
"I always thought you were my enemy, Davros."
Davros smiled, acknowledging. "Not any more. I have learned to listen carefully. Daleks like Vidal are our future. Old men like me will not be able to hold on to ancient prejudice and hostility. These young Daleks won't allow it. Now that they've met their first real Time Lord, it has only inspired them more. I'm sure that is evident to you, Romanadvoratrelundar."
"I did not anticipate such a passionate response to my arrival."
"Daleks are a passionate race, Romanadvoratrelundar. The Time Lords will learn to appreciate that quality in us."
"If we are successful."
"We will know soon. The Dalek Inquisitor General has agreed to meet with you."