Chapter 5

The TARDIS spun through the vortex. They had set a course for Starbase 440, where the Voords would disembark and return to their home planet.

Michelle and Lemon were in the Doctor's study.

"Brenner and I have contacted our home planet. If you want to prosecute my father, the authorities there will support you."

"I'm not sure we have any legal basis for prosecution… memory invasion simply isn't a crime we've ever had to contend with."

"According to what I've just learned… it was a practice that was abolished on our world centuries ago."

"What would motivate someone like your father to commit such an act?"

"I don't know. A perverse source of pleasure… a way to exercise control over another…?"

A beat as Michelle reflected on this. "Your father claims – quite strenuously – that he is innocent."

"My father has never been one to admit that he's wrong." Lemon shook his head. "But it's hard to believe he would be capable of this."

"This must be very hard for you."

"I am told… that the punishment for this crime is quite severe." There was silence at that remark, then Lemon started toward the door, turned back. "We are monitoring his telepathic activity. You have my assurance that he won't assault anyone else. I am sorry for this, Michelle." And he left.

Michelle thought for a moment, then – "Michelle to Carolyn."

Carolyn was in the Control Room at a science station. "Yes, Michelle."

"How's your search coming?"

"I have uncovered several cases, but I have not yet completed my search."

"We'll want to inform the medical personnel on those planets that we have discovered the true nature of the comas. I'm sure they would appreciate knowing what really happened."

"I will keep searching."

Michelle came out to the control room, and began working at another console. She turned to Carolyn. "We just got the transmission from the Nel system. No mention of Iresine Syndrome… but there are two unexplained comas on one planet… none on the other."

"And were the Voords present?"

"Checking their mission logs…" she studied the screen, looking puzzled. "That's funny…"

"What is it?"

"In 5321 and 5323, when the comas occurred… Tarlak was on his home planet." She looked at Carolyn. "He wasn't anywhere near the Nel system."

Carolyn was in her quarters looking through patient records on the computer, a tablet beside her. There was a knock on the door.

"Come in."

The door opened and Lemon entered. She rose and walked toward him. "Hello, Lemon."

"We'll be reaching the starbase soon. I wanted to say goodbye… and to apologize again for my father."

"There's no need… you're not responsible for what he did."

He gazed at her sadly for a moment. "Before all this happened… I had hoped we might become friends."

"We still can…"

"After what he's put you through? Maybe you can forget… I'm not sure I can." He reached out, touched her face. "You are so lovely…" He pulled his hand away abruptly, moved away. "I have to go. Good-bye."

She was distressed by his sudden terseness. She didn't want him to feel guilty for what she believed was his father's deed. "Lemon… you're upset. Would you like to talk?"

"No…" He was holding himself very still, as though resisting some overpowering instinct.

"You'd feel better if you did…"

Slowly, he turned to face her. "Why do you have to be so nice…" He closed his eyes. "So lovely…" Lemon put his hand on his head in the memory-probe fashion. Now it was Carolyn who looked distressed, a bit disoriented.

Flashback: in William's quarters – poker chips falling to the floor.

The present: She tried to shake off the memory. "What… what's happening…?"

Flashback: William's arms lowering her to the floor.

The present: She stared at him, a little dazed but realizing what's happening. "It's happening again…"

"You are so beautiful… so fragile…"

"It was you… it was always you…"

Flashback: Lemon's arms lowering her backward – holding her tightly, hurting her. "Have you stopped thinking about us?"

The present: Struggling to maintain control, Carolyn reached for the communicator, but Lemon grabbed her wrist, stopping her, and pulled her away from it. She tried to lunge for it, but was immediately assaulted by more images. "No…"

Flashback: Lemon stood holding the poker chips, smiling sadly. "Beloved…"

He held her tightly, bending over her as she lay on the floor. "Beloved."

"No – no –"

The present: "No – I won't let you!" And, propelled by all her rage and desperation, she lunged at him. She hit him in the face, and Lemon grabbed her wrists. She tried to free herself, then kicked him furiously in the shins. Lemon cried out and let go; she punched him in the ear.

Enraged, he charged her. He tried to grab her from behind as she reached for the tablet from her desk; she struggled free and swung her arms in a wide arc, hitting him in the face with the tablet. He recoiled only briefly and grabbed her firmly.

Carolyn struggled, punching and kicking as best she could, lashing out at him, her fury preventing her from yielding. All of her anger propelled her, all of the outrage she felt against this man who had violated her.

Michelle rushed in. "Let go of her!"

Lemon flung Carolyn away and charged Michelle. He and Michelle scuffled, but Lemon was no match for the powerful Blowfish. He was subdued and the Michelle took him away.

Carolyn was out of breath and rubbed her hand, which was sore from hitting Lemon. "Why… why did Michelle come here? How did she know?"

Michelle had discovered two instances of unexplained comas on Nel Three while the Voords were there… but Tarlak was not part of the group. A closer examination revealed that only one Voord was present at all incidents of coma – Lemon.

The Doctor and Nita regained consciousness while they were en route to the Voord home world. The slow process of their recovery had begun.

The Doctor, Carolyn, Nita, and Tarlak, who had lost his pomposity and braggadocio, were in the observation lounge.

"I have asked that the finest physicians on my world meet with you all upon our return… to help you in your healing process."

"They have been in contact with us already. Thank you."

"It has been three centuries since anyone was treated for this… this form of rape. But there are medical records from that era. It was a time of great violence among my people… a time we thought we had left far behind. That this could happen now… is unimaginable."

"Earth was once a violent planet, too. At times, the chaos seemed to threaten the very fabric of life." The Doctor moved toward Tarlak, trying to offer comfort. "Like you, they have developed. They've learned to find better ways to handle their conflicts. But no one would deny that a seed of violence remains in every one of them. The potential for it is always there. They must learn to recognize it… because that violence is capable of consuming each of them. Just as it consumed your son."

They all reflected on these somber thoughts.

The End.