Chapter 3

The Doctor and Nita observed as Michelle and Dey ran a demonstration on the device. They were quite excited about their results.

"In order to move the core fragment to a safe trajectory, we needed our tractor beam to be able to handle high power pulses."

"And, we needed a much more efficient emitter to do that."

"About four times more efficient."

"But we couldn't get anywhere near that without overloading the emitter arrays."

"So we added a little extra technology to the process and were able to boost the effective force, and at the same time, lower the power conduit stress levels."

She turned on a much more powerful beam than was seen before, it now included a bright pulse that quickly traveled from the device to the target.

"What is the increase in efficiency?"

"Up to almost three hundred percent."

"That's not enough."

"That's true, we won't be able to move the fragment as far as we'd like to, but…" Dey looked to Michelle.

Michelle picked it up. "…But if we fortify the biosphere's structural integrity at the same time…"

"With some of the shield improvements I've discovered here, it could work."

"We'll need your help, Doctor."

The Doctor exchanged a satisfied glance with Nita. "Advise Mister Snyder. I'll come along as soon as Snyder approves."

"Ok."

The next morning, the courtyard was deserted. Except for Carolyn, who walked slowly across… thoughtful… she sat down at the piano… played a few notes… after a beat, Snyder was behind her.

"You're up early."

"I'm still on TARDIS time."

He moved to her and sat on the piano bench beside her.

"I'm going back to the TARDIS, John. I'm not going to see you again."

"Why?"

"Because it's the right thing to do."

"I'm not convinced of that."

"You know it as well as I do."

"You're angry."

"Yes. I'm angry. With myself. For allowing this to happen."

"Carolyn…"

She stood, moved away from him.

"I could fall in love with you, John. So easily. But we both know the end of that story, don't we? How would Ronald feel about introducing Malcorian DNA into the genetic balance?"

"If we have to evacuate, anything is possible."

Carolyn studied him. Here he was talking about evacuation, almost hoping for it now. "Listen to yourself. A few days ago, you didn't even want to talk to us. This is my fault. I'm so sorry, John."

"I need you here, this doesn't have to happen again."

But as they looked in each other's eyes, they both knew it would.

"I have to go."

They reacted as they heard the sound of the TARDIS door opening. They turned to see Michelle and Dey step out.

"Good news, John. We should be able to change the course of the core fragment, but we'll also need to fortify the structure, and we're going to need help to do it."

"We'll need the Doctor's help to work with your people for the next forty-eight hours."

"The Doctor?"

"We've got to install five new shield generators and power supplies."

"The Doctor is waiting for your approval to come out."

Snyder seemed overwhelmed by the request and changes, the assault of technology, of people, he tried to process all of it.

"We don't have much time, John."

"Do we have any other choice?"

"None."

Snyder took a beat, what else could he do? He nodded his approval.

Michelle opened the TARDIS door. "Doctor, you may come out when you're ready."

"Acknowledged."

Quickly, the Doctor stepped out of the TARDIS with tools and a science kit, as Carolyn and Snyder exchanged another look, there was another brief temblor, and Snyder finally walked away.