Colonel McGrath sequenced the intelligence reports on quadrant three and spread them on the conference table. A holographic star map of the area projected into a large space nearby. A yellow line of light connected the places where the reports of possible contact were generated with a red line indicating probable trajectory. Several blue dots indicated planets that might interest the raiders, based on their previous attack profile.
McGrath pointed to the red marker indicating where the evidence of Jack was found, and the two yellow markers showing areas where the Adyan raiders had attacked after that date.
"We have three stealth fighters patrolling here, here, and here." He looked apologetic at Jens. "That's all that the Conservancy will give us right now. A stronger political faction convinced them to set up a trap in a different star system. They are casting a wide net." His jaw tightened as he surveyed the faces around the table. "Harkness is tough and resourceful. We'll find him."
Mara turned to the Time Lord and asked, "When do you expect your father back? We could use his help."
"Sometime today," Jens replied as he fidgeted with his copy of the reports.
Gray sat silently next to the Mara at the table avoiding eye contact, while she looked through the blood analysis done on the towel. It was definitely the Captain's blood. She had compared it to a previous sample she had done when she signed on as doctor. Jack had insisted samples be taken of everyone on the TARDIS. Puzzling. A strange enzyme was present, possibly from an injection or a bite. She looked across the table to Jens, deciding not to bother him until she had more data.
A wheezing noise brought them all to their feet. The Doctor's TARDIS had arrived. Soon there came a knock at the door. As Jens and Mara opened the it , Toshi burst through and flung her arms around her father giving him a strong hug and a peck on the cheek. Ajit smiled at the Toshi's display of affection and put his arm around Mara and did the same. The Catkin doctor was surprised by his touch, but pleased. Ajit rarely touched another person. Asha, his pet lemur, scampered up to him and leaped onto his shoulder, nuzzling his ear. He grinned and scooped the animal into his arms and ruffled her fur.
"Good to have you two back," said Jens to his daughter and Ajit. The Doctor stepped into the room followed by a tall woman dressed in a hooded cape of midnight blue, partly covering her face.
"I would like to introduce you," said the Doctor with a flourish. "This is the Doyenne of Adya who has agreed to…"
As the Doyenne dropped her hood to her shoulders, Gray shrank back in horror at the sight of her large almond shaped eyes.
"Why did you bring one of those things here!" he demanded. "Don't you know what they have done?!" Mara moved closer and gripped his arm.
The Doyenne looked towards Adjit. "Is he the one?"
Adjit nodded and turned to Gray. "She is here to help." He reached for his shoulder, but Gray pulled away.
Gray continued to stare at the Adyan, his body rigid and eyes wary as he backed away. "Keep her away from me."
The Doyenne calmly turned to the Doctor. "I would like to speak with the physician on the ship if I may."
Mara stepped forward. "I am Doctor Mara Kincaid. How may I help you?"
"Contrary to what you may believe, my people are healers like yourself. We wish to put an end to suffering, not cause it."
The Doyenne reached into a pocket and pulled out a memory cube. "This contains the medical and psychological healing practices of my people. You can transfer the information to your data banks." She held it out to Mara. "My gift to you."
Mara took the cube. "Thank you." It glittered like star dust in her hand.
The Colonel stepped up to the Doyenne and saluted. "I welcome you on behalf of the Conservancy. I understand you can be of some assistance."
The Doyenne gave a slight bow acknowledging the salute. "I cannot help you in the search. We have confined ourselves to one planet for many years, and your technology for space travel is superior to ours." She looked towards Gray and then Mara. "Where I can do is help those who have been injured by these rebels."
"It's true!" interjected Toshi. "Look at Adjit!"
Mara had noticed that her son was more talkative and tactile since he had returned. She had never known him to initiate physical contact, yet he hugged her when he returned. In all the focus on the Doyenne, she had not noticed he was wearing a red shirt, instead of his usual black attire.
"My apologies, Mara," the Doyenne said softly. " I did not mean to overstep a parent. When the Doctor, Adjit, and Toshi visited us, I offered to treat Adjit for his injury."
"What did you do?"
"We have a physical treatment called 'blood balancing'. The rebels misuse our ability to create medicinal compounds in our bodies. These compounds stay in the blood affecting the victim. We have techniques to rebalance the blood
"Is this a cure?" Mara asked eagerly
The Doyenne shook her head. "Only for children, adults are more complex. Adjit was very young during the attack on his family. He remembered very little, so I was able to use the blood balancing procedure with some telepathic psychotherapy. He will improve, but…" she glanced towards Gray, "adult memory is much more difficult.
Colonel McGrath shifted restlessly. "Doyenne, if you could excuse us," he said motioning towards the conference room. "We need to continue reviewing search procedure with the Doctor. I'm sure Mara will be happy to show you our medical facility."
The Doyenne smiled at the Colonel, and then followed the Catkin doctor to the sick bay. The Doctor, Jens, and Gray followed McGrath back to the conference area. Gray continued to eye the Doyenne with suspicion.
"I don't trust her," he muttered as he took his seat at the table.
Jens folded his arms and looked hard at Gray. "Trust is an issue for everyone."
The Colonel looked at both men nervously, triggered the star map, and then handed the Doctor his copy of the report. He reviewed the information on the suspected trajectory of the raiders, the evidence Jack was in the area, the military component, and the probable areas of invasion.
The Doctor frowned at the mention of the stealth fighters. "My agreement with the Doyenne is to do this peacefully, and turn the rebels over to her jurisdiction on Adya."
McGrath retorted, "The Conservancy will want to try them for their crimes. I know you are uncomfortable with use of force, but we probably will have to fight them. We could use Jen's TARDIS and yours as an observation platform for a rescue and medical support if you like."
The Doctor responded, "Nonetheless, I gave my word that I would support her solution." He glanced at his son. "Besides, you have a captive on board. You can't shoot them out of the sky."
"I may have no control of that," McGrath said grimly. "The Conservancy's battle plans are in play."