Chapter 1

The Doctor sat behind his desk in his study while Frewer paced, checking things out.

"Exactly what kind of historian are you?"

Frewer continued to pace, picking things up and turning them over, "My focus is on the twenty-second through the twenty-fourth centuries, early interstellar Earth history." He picked up the Doctor's Shakespeare volume. "You know, it was always believed this was on your desk, not here… Fascinating." He turned to the Doctor, good naturedly. "Now don't move it on my account."

"You can't expect me to believe that the layout of my study is of interest to future historians."

"No less so than your legendary modesty, Doctor. I wish I could describe to you what a thrill it is to be here." He stopped at the painting over the Doctor's couch. "This is the original, isn't it?"

"You flatter me Professor, but I can't help but wonder what could possibly have caused you to select me as the subject of your study."

"I'd love to tell you, Doctor. I really would. But try and imagine what a young Caesar might have done differently if someone had given him a hint of what lay ahead. Or, if Lincoln had been coerced into changing his theater plans. I truly wish I could be more specific on why you were selected, but I'm afraid the exchange of information will have to flow in one direction only."

As Frewer talked, he walked to the door and paced out the distance to the fireplace. "…four…five…six…seven meters. HA! I was right!"

The Doctor, Nita, Carolyn and Michelle were in the Observation Lounge. Frewer was sitting beside the Doctor.

"Why now?" asked Nita.

"Right," said Michelle. "If you came back to study us, study the Doctor, why did you pick today? Why not a year ago…or a year from now?"

"Oh, I picked the right day alright. Just wait, you'll see." He addressed Nita, "Do you always sit there, on that side of the table?"

"Usually. Why?"

Frewer shook his head and smiled. "It's not important."

Nita was starting to dislike this man. "Tell me, Professor, at what point does time travel become a tool for Earth historians?"

"Now, now, Nita. You know better than that. I've studied a great deal about your travels. Including the fact that you're all quite aware of the dangers of anyone altering the past. And that's exactly what I'd be doing if I were to divulge information like that."

"Telurian plague!" cried Carolyn.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Telurian plague…was it cured? I mean, has it been cured by your century? There can't be any harm in asking that."

Frewer turned to the Doctor for help.

"I realize it will be difficult, but we must all keep our questions regarding the future to ourselves. Professor…"

Frewer stood. "I'll be preparing questionnaires for each of you. Please complete them at your convenience. If you're concerned about a possible breach of personal information, I'm sure the Doctor can make a determination… And, thank you in advance for curbing your curiosity."

"If I hand my assignment in on time, do I get a little glimpse into next week's poker game?" asked Michelle sarcastically.

Frewer laughed good heartedly.

"Carolyn, please show the Professor to his quarters."

Carolyn stood. "This way, sir." Carolyn lead Frewer to the door and they left.

"What did he mean he picked the right day?" asked Nita.

"You know everything I do, Neet. I can't see my own timeline."

"What do you think, Michelle?"

"It's hard to tell. I think he's holding something back."

"Of course he is. Think of all the things he could tell us…all the things he'd like to tell us."

Michelle shook her head. "That might be it, I don't know."

"How can we be sure he's not an imposter? Goodness knows we've run into enough of them."

"He is human. Our medical scans have proved that. And there was a temporal distortion back there, correct Nita?"

"Yes," Nita replied begrudgingly.

"And no one can deny that ship of his in unlike anything we've seen in this century."

"The hull is composed of some kind of plasticized tritanium mesh," said Michelle. "Nothing on record for this century… more like that of future centuries."

Nita grumbled skeptically.

"I appreciate your caution, Nita. I share it. I realize this isn't going to be an easy visit for you. Nevertheless, I've reviewed the Professor's credentials, and they're in order. So, I'd like you to extend him every courtesy."

Nita felt put upon. "Including questionnaires?"

"Including questionnaires."

All stood to leave.

Frewer and Carolyn walked down the corridor. Frewer was inspecting Carolyn like a car enthusiast would a vintage Ferrari. "This is really a thrill, Carolyn. Like running across a Redstone missile or a Guttenberg Bible. To think… a full-blood Malcorian." Frewer continued to check Carolyn out as they reached his quarters. They went inside. Frewer looked around, disappointed.

"Is there a problem, sir?"

"I suppose it will have to do, for now. I'll get you a list of things I'll be needing. You can go."

Carolyn started to leave. Frewer walked to the sink and began to wash his hands.

"Would I be correct, Professor, in assuming that you know whether or not I have…descendants in the twenty-sixth century?" she asked, almost shyly.

Frewer ignored Carolyn. He finished washing and held out his hand, treating Carolyn like a men's room attendant. After a beat, Carolyn caught on and handed him a towel.

Carolyn continued her line of questioning. "Since you seemed to know so much about the Doctor and the TARDIS… I assumed that you would…"

Frewer sat at his desk. "It would be best if you kept your assumptions to yourself, wouldn't' it?" he said patronizingly.

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry, sir."

Carolyn left and Frewer looked after her, again fascinated. He sat back, and smiled. His plans were going just as he'd hoped.