Prologue

The TARDIS was enroute to a briefing on the situation in the Demilitarized Zone along the Sontaran border. Meanwhile, they were celebrating the return of their friend.

In the galley, a reception was in progress for Michelle – there was a buffet table, drinks, and some quiet music in the background.

Everyone was excited about seeing Michelle, and when she entered, she was approached by Carolyn. She was not entirely comfortable about the fuss that was being made over her. This was triggering memories from an alternate timeline that she had experienced recently.

"Welcome home."

"Thanks. It's good to be back."

"I hear Advanced Tactical Training is a real picnic." Carolyn was obviously teasing her in order to give her the chance to tell her something about what she'd been up to, but Michelle just smiled wryly at her comment.

"Right…"

There was a slight lull in the conversation.

"Did you see the buffet?"

"Yes, that's real Blowfish foraiga."

"It wasn't easy to find."

"You shouldn't have gone to all this trouble."

Carolyn waved her comment off.

Michelle saw the Doctor walking out of the galley – the one person she might have wanted to spend time with.

The conversation was at a bit of a standstill.

"Was it good to return to your quarters?"

Again, Michelle didn't take the conversational opportunity – she was just not good at these sorts of gatherings.

"What do you plan to –"

Suddenly the Doctor's com voice interrupted. "The Doctor to Michelle."

Michelle pressed a button. "Go ahead."

"Please come to the Control Room."

"Ok." She turned to Carolyn. "Excuse me." Michelle crossed to the door, and entered the corridor, where she was surprised to find the Doctor standing there waiting for her with a faint smile on his face. "Doctor…"

"You seemed a bit overwhelmed by all the attention. I thought you could use a break."

She smiled when she realized that he pulled her away as a favour. "To tell you the truth, I could… I want to see everyone, but I think I'd rather do it one at a time."

The Doctor acknowledged that he understood. It was obvious that they were both very happy to see each other.

"You're looking fit, Michelle. Tactical Training must have agreed with you."

"You know me – I enjoy a challenge."

"That school is more than a challenge. Half the class washes out every year. Somehow I knew you wouldn't be one of those."

"I want you to know I appreciate your recommending me. If it weren't for you, my life would be a much different one right now."

The Doctor smiled at her. He had an almost paternal feeling about this young renegade.

Suddenly, Nita's com voice interrupted urgently. "Control Room to the Doctor."

The Doctor pressed a button. "Go ahead."

"We're receiving a distress signal from a Sontaran ship near the Demilitarized Zone."

"Change course to intercept – I'm on my way." He turned to Michelle. "I'd like you at the controls, Michelle." They headed off down the corridor.

The Doctor and Michelle entered the Control Room and took their positions. They were at Mauve Alert.

"Report."

"The Sontaran ship relayed a distress signal but it was cut off before they could tell us what was wrong."

"I've got the ship on long-range sensors. It appears to be under attack – by several small ships."

"Can you identify them?"

"No. They aren't transmitting identification codes."

"I will scan their warp signatures." The Doctor got to work. "Sensors indicate that the attacking vessels are Gallifreyan ships.