Octavius watched from behind a large gray stone as Kahmunrah walked through a nearby tunnel. Earlier that night, while he was laboring with the many chores Kahmunrah gave him, he'd overheard him talking with someone. Normally, it wouldn't have aroused any superstition, but the voice sounded different. It didn't sound…..human. It sounded more…..robotic. Creepy. Like a….like a….well, like a robot man. But it didn't seem to make sense. What was a robot doing in this place? He knew curiosity was dangerous, but what did he have to lose?
Slowly, he crept through the entrance. Shadows played and danced around, tricking his eyes. Little swirls of light spun along the walls and the floor, swirling about him with what seemed strangely to him like a curious animal. The ceiling was stone; which wasn't surprising considering the fact that he was in a cave. But miniscule water droplets dripped from the very tips, creating little puddles which reflected the Roman's ghostly reflection. The water made musical sounds, almost like a bell. It was like a magical, mystical cavern, but it hid a terrible secret, Octavius knew.
"Have you succeeded yet?" Kahmunrah asked, crossing his arms.
"Yes. I have. The humans are all under my control." The voice replied.
"Good. Good. You remember the plan, I presume?"
"Yes, I do. I know everything, wise pharaoh. Nothing is unknown to I."
"I'm quite aware of that. Now. Remember; we have only three days. Any longer, then we may have a problem. Understood?"
"Understood, oh great and powerful Kahmunrah."
Kahmunrah smiled. "That's what I like to hear. Well. Carry on, then. I expect to speak with you in one days time to check on your progress. Remember, all of humanity."
"All of humanity is easy. All of life is a challenge."
"Yes, well, I don't care about animals. I just want the humans."
Octavius quickly ducked into the shadows as Kahmunrah turned around. He walked right by without noticing anything, and closed the stone door behind him with a flick of his wrist. Silence fell upon the place. Hesitating a moment, Octavius stepped out of his hiding place. He looked and listened, but nothing could be seen or heard. He was alone. He stepped forwards, cautiously peering out into the large cavernous room. It was pitch black, and nothing could be seen. He stepped forwards. Suddenly, a light flashed on, and bathed the room in pure white light. The Roman shielded his eyes, turning away from the dazzling light which poured into the room.
"Ah. Octavius. I've been expecting you." The strange voice said after the light dimmed.
Octavius glanced up, and was awestruck when his gaze landed on a giant globe, standing on a podium, filled with sand and dust particles which whirled around. He also noticed a few clothing articles in the mix as well, including a pair of old raggedy socks. He noticed also that there was a layer of glass surrounding the surface of the walls, and flying frantically within, the blue and green forms of people, shouting and pleading for help escaping their captivity. Nervously, Octavius gulped, and stood tall.
"You...you know me?" He asked, trying not to show his fear.
"Yes. I am the Intelligence. I know all." The Intelligence replied, light flashing about it as it spoke. "And I suppose you overheard my conversation with the Egyptian, didn't you?"
"Y-Yes. I did. And I demand to know what you two are up to." Octavius said, narrowing his eyes.
The Intelligence laughed. "And tell me, Octavius, what would one such as you want to know?"
"I wish to know why you have been kept a secret, why the good people of Earth are acting the way they are, and why these poor spirits are being held captive in your presence."
"So. You have been out of your eternity, haven't you? After what Kahmunrah told you? You are well aware of the punishment that awaits you when I tell him?"
Octavius gulped again, and stood even straighter. "Yes. I do. And I am not afraid of what he will do to me."
There was silence, and then the Intelligence spoke. "A brave remark, Roman. Just as I expected from your kind. You Romans always were inquisitive."
"This is more than mere curiosity. I seek answers to my questions. If I am to spend eternity in this place, and if I am to become the servant of such a cruel hearted and wicked barbarian as Kahmunrah, I should at least deserve to know what for."
"Tell you what," The Intelligence said after a while. "I'll make a deal with you. If you cease in your quest for answers, then I shall free you from this place."
"F-Free...me…." Octavius asked, slightly surprised. "But…..how?"
"It's simple, actually. Step closer."
Blinded by his will to go back to the world above, Octavius ignored the voice in his head, telling him not to trust the machine. But how could he refuse such an offer? Besides, it would be easier to foil the plans of the Intelligence and Kahmunrah if he could actually pick things up. After a moment of thought, he walked over, and placed his hand on the glass.
"I accept your offer." He said.
"Smart Roman. Now. Wish. Wish, and you will go home."
Octavius closed his eyes, and imagined himself at home, with his friends, free of this horrible place. he imagined himself helping Jedediah, freeing the Doctor and Amy and Rory. He imagined himself free. I wish to go home! He thought. Then, there was a rush of air, and Octavius' eyes flew open, just in time to see the shard of glass rushing at him. He ducked, and stared in horror as the whole room was torn to shreds, and he found himself trapped in the center of a raging tornado, flinging him back and forth and around and around in circles until he thought he would be sick. Finally, the whirlwind ceased, and he found himself on the ground, the sun blazing above his head. The trees swayed back and forth, rushing to and fro with the wind. There was the smell of smoke in the air, and dark clouds were rolling on the horizon, which was a reddish-orange color. He slowly rose to his feet, and reached out his hands, touching the rough bark of the tree's trunk.
"I am alive….." He said, excitement and disbelief in his voice. "I am home!"
He turned around, and his smile immediately faded when he saw what created the smoke. The museum was and fire, and the exhibits ran frantically around, each one of them suddenly turning robotic, and wandering about, destroying everything in sight. It was an image from his worst nightmares, and he ran behind the tree, watching from the distance the destruction and chaos. It was then he finally realized what had happened. The Intelligence did say he would send him home, and he was home, but not at the time he'd hoped. He was home during a time of chaos, most likely caused by the Intelligence itself. It was then he also realized, that Jedediah, whom he had made the deal in order to help him, was thousands of years away, and that he was stranded in time, in an apocalyptic world, a silent witness to the destruction of all he had ever known. He was alone now. Truly alone. And he now realized his mistake.