DW - The End of History Novel

8/13/2019 DW - The End of History Novel

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DOCTORWHO

"THE END OFHISTORY"

by

DAZ LEABASED ON THE CREATIONOF

Sydney NewmanC.E. WebberDonald Wl!on


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I. S##ONED


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She looked left. Then right. Eyes widened. Anna, struggled to keep her heavy breathing quiet as she anxiously awaited

sight of him. She pressed her back as tight against the wall as she could to peek around the corner. The black hallway ahead did not helpwith its seemingly infinite interecting corridors. She took a deep sigh and closed her eyes, but before she could let it out, a hand grabbedher arm. !er eyes remained closed as she hoped it wasn"t one of them...#$ell what are you waiting for% said the familiar voice.Anna"s eyes shot open and a beaming relieved smile spread across her face as she looked upon him. The 'octor. !is smile was both

reassuring as well as surprising.#(oy, am ) glad to see you Anna laughed.#*eah, well, we"ve still gotta get out of here.# The 'octor said with dread. #!ave you seen any more% Are you alright%##)"m fine, )"m fine.##+ood... good.# he searched the foreboding hallway, calculating the possibility of any of the creatures bursting from the shadows of any ofthe corridors.#'id you give them the slip%# Anna asked, breaking the chilling silence.#o... theygave methe slip...# The 'octor replied, a note of concern now in his voice. The man went through so many different facialexpressions and voice tones on any given day, it was near impossible to determine if he was scared or not.#ot as clever as you thought%# teased Anna.The 'octor scowled back.#-y& 'on"t shout it aboutThe brief moment without worry ended as a shrill skincrawling shriek echoed through the hallway. The 'octor and Anna both bolted tightto the corner of the wall, eyes piercing the hallway ahead.

#/an"t you turn the lights on%# whispered Anna.#$hat lights%# The 'octor looked back. #They"re nocturnal, they don"t need lights...##octurnal% (ut it"s daytime.##*eah... but they don"t know that.#Anna gulped, wondering if The 'octor even had a plan. (ut even if he didn"t, she trusted him with her life. 0ust as an escape seemedhopeless, The 'octor detected a very faint odour from ahead. !e quickly pulled out his greatest tool, the sonic screwdriver. 1licking it tothe correct setting, The 'octor pointed his device towards the darkness and pressed the button. The familiar green light almost blindedAnna in the darkness, the wavy highpitched fi22le penetrating her eardrums. The 'octor took his finger off the button.#$hat did you ust do%# Anna qui22ed.#3inpointed their position based on their smell.# The 'octor responded, proud of himself.#That... is brilliant she whispered excitedly. #So where are they%#The 'octor pointed into the darkness.#There. Sixth corridor on the left... and a few in the seventh on the right.#

#4ight... so%##So we move veryquietly... then when we get to the sixth corridor, runAnna nodded. So much running. )t never ceased to ama2e her how much this man could run, especially at his age, though he didn"t lookit. The 'octor took her hand and slowly led her into the darkness. !e looked into her eyes as if to ask i f she was ready. Anna answered

with a halfhearted smile. She knew this was the only way out. They entered the shadows. 'espite the terribly lowvisiblity, they could ustmake out the edge of the corridors. They took it one step at a time, The 'octor"s steps ust a milisecond ahead of Anna"s. -ne corridorpassed either side, Anna checking both, ust in case. (ut The 'octor had his eyes fixed on the edge of the sixth corridor, the odur of thecreatures getting stronger with every inch. Anna, however, could not smell them. )t was not clear why The 'octor could smell them butAnna could not. The only logical answer was that Anna was human. They passed the second corridor on either side. Again, empty.Anna"s free hand wrapped around The 'octor"s arm, clinging with fear. The 'octor"s eyes still fixed on the spot he knew the creatures

were waiting. They never changed their pace, passing the third and fourth corridors. 1inally they passed the fifth and stopped. ow theslithering sound could be heard, Anna tensing as she heard it. The 'octor turned toher and placed a hand on either side of her face as he looked into her eyes.

#+et ready.# he said. #*ou"re going to have to run, faster than you"ve ever ran before. 'on"t look to your left. 'on"t look right. $hateveryou do, don"t look behind you. 0ust run. *ou got that%#Anna nodded, now shaking.#) won"t let go of your hand.# The 'octor promised. #0ust keep running.#They both turned to face the corridors once again. The sixth corridor now ust a few yards away.#-ne...# The 'octor began counting. #Two... T!4EE$ith that, the two bolted past the corridor, a handful of the creatures pouncing out of the darkness, each of them missing The 'octor andAnna, two even crashing into each other. As they passed the seventh corridors, three more of the black scaly creatures leapt from theshadows on the right. The nine legs between the three becoming entangled as they tripped head over tail. They passed several morecorridors, too many to count, with the creatures still giving chase. 1inally The 'octor crouched at the metal door and whipped out hissonic screwdriver. 3icking the setting and aiming the tool at the key, The 'octor send the sonic waves into the lock... but the door was


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not opening. Anna stared in horror as the creatures drew closer.#'octor...# Anna begged in panic. #'octor& /ome on& -pen the door#) can"t The 'octor exclaimed in anger.#$hy can"t you%The 'octor changed the setting and scanned the lock mechanism with the screwdriver. The results hit him like a tonne of bricks.#-h ) hate wood...# he sighed.#-h you"ve got to be kidding me Anna cried.The creatures moved closer and closer.

#) can"t believe the TA4')S is right on the other side of this door and we5re locked out The 'octor yelled.The creatures crept within inches and prepared to attack. Then stopped. They backed down. The half a do2en or so reptilelike beastssniffed and examined the two intruders. -ne hissed at them almost in disappointment. They then turned their backs and skipped away.The 'octor stood up straight, completely perplexed.#$hat the hell happened% asked Anna.#)... have no idea...# admitted The 'octor.#-6, well seeing as we"re still alive, how do we get to the TA4')S%#(efore The 'octor could respond, the engines of the TA4')S were fired up. The homely sound of the breaks filled Anna with oy.#)t"s coming she cried happily.The TA4')S began materiali2ing around them.#$hy couldn"t you do this earlier%#)"m not doing anything The 'octor answered with even more confusion. #)t"s not meinally they were inside the TA4')S, right next to the console. The 'octor stood in thought, trying to figure out why the creatures

suddenly backed down and left, why the TA4')S miraculously appeared. !e could not find the answer, because the wallet containing hispsychic paper was getting hot, burning his leg. The 'octor exclaimed in pain as he pulled out the paper. The message hurt him evenmore. ot physical pain. The message was the one thing he had feared since his last regeneration. )n clear black ink... was The 'octor"sfull real name. 3iercing into his soul.#'octor...# said Anna, concerned. #$hat"s wrong% $hat does it say%##... )t"s a summons.# he blurted out. #Anna... )"m so sorry...#

II. OT OF TI#EThe 'octor stood at the console, staring at his psychic paper wallet. The sense of dread hanging over him was

overwhelming, even for Anna. She finally walked over slowly. The 'octor detected her movement and quickly wiped a few tears awayfrom his face. She leaned beside him to look into his eyes, but The 'octor avoided her eye contact. )nstead, he crouched down,pretending to fiddle with the console5s mechanics.7'octor89 Anna started.7/an you pass me the screwdriver%9 he interrupted.7)t5s in your pocket. )t5s always in your pocket.97o, ) mean the actualscrewdriver.9Anna looked around and saw the human tool on top of the console. She shook her head and handed it down to him. The 'octor againpretended to use the screwdriver inside the console.7'octor, stop avoiding the question89 Anna sighed.!e dropped the screwdriver and got to his feet.


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7$hat question%97$hat was on the paper%9 she asked.The 'octor shifted uncomfortably.7) told you.9 !e answered. 7A summons.971rom who%97) don5t know.9/onfusion grew in Anna.7$hat do you mean you don5t know%9 she qui22ed further. 7And why did you tell me you5re sorry%9

The 'octor sighed and put an arm over her shoulder. !e led her to sit on the railing surrounding the main console. !e took a deepbreath.74emember when ) told you a Time :ord can regenerate%9 he said. 7$e can only regenerate twelve times. )5m the thirteenth 'octor. )5veregenerated twelve times; )5m on my final incarnation. At some point after a Time :ord5s regeneration, he is summoned before a council.They determine whether he can continue to live with a gift of further regenerations8 or if he simply dies.97(ut surely they5ll let you live, all the good you5ve done%9 said Anna.7Anna, )5ve lived for one thousand and twenty years.9 The 'octor smiled. 7'o you know how many lives ) have saved in that time% )5vecost the destruction of millions more.9Anna stood angrily.7*ou5re making it sound like you don5t wantto carry on living&97ot at the cost&9 The 'octor yelled back.7$hat cost%9The 'octor umped up and moved to the console, inputting a destination.

7'on5t you avoid the question again, spaceman&97Anna8 The cost of living another life time is not worth it for me.9 The 'octor explained.7(ut what is the cost%9!e looked at her from eye to eye.7*ou don5t need to know.9 !e said finally.The TA4')S erked as it took off, flying, spinning and speeding through time and space.


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7*es.971ollow me.9 Said Strax, stepping aside and literally vanishing from sight.Anna stepped forward and grabbed The 'octor5s arm.7*our name%9 she qui22ed.7)t5s what was written on the psychic paper.9 The 'octor explained. 7)t5s how they send a summons.974ight89 she then looked ahead. 7So what happened to Strax%97!e5s still there, he ust moved to the side.97Time :ord technology.9 Anna realised.

The two of them stepped onto the platform, next to Strax. The Sontaran stamped his foot three times and the platform began lowering.78And to answer your question, 'octor,9 Strax broke the silence. 7) am sufficiently well, however troubled by these impending events.97+ood89 The 'octor replied. 7=e too. *ou remember Anna%97+ood to see you again, boy.9 Said Strax.7*ou too.9 Anna smiled.The silence again fell until Strax spoke.7!as his hair grown since the last time, 'octor%9 he asked.The 'octor looked at Anna5s hair, pu22led.78*es.97!m, strange.9

III. T$e HISTORIANSThe platform reached the bottom, hitting the ground with an echoing thud. The 'octor and Anna were greeted to the sight

of a long adegreen tunnel. Strax looked up at the Time :ord.7After you, 'octor.9 !e said, extending his arm in front.The 'octor took a step forward. Anna began following with Strax at the back. She wondered how The 'octor could be so calm, how hecould walk with such a cool head, knowing he may have been summoned to receive a death sentence. The 'octor had lived such a long

life, over a thousand years of saving the world. !e has watched the birth of worlds, he has seen worlds die. !e has defeated the mostevil and dastardly species the universe has ever seen, all because he could. The 'octor has never asked for anything in return, but hehas always been there. And now he welcomed a possible end to it all.7:eft here, 'octor.9 Said Strax.The 'octor came to a door sealed by over six hundred internal locks. !e took out his screwdriver and scanned the entire door, readingthe results with a smile.7/lever.9 !e said. 7


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A blue light shone from the lens, examining The 'octor head to toe. The camera appeared satisfied and withdrew the beam.7Enter.9 Said the voice.The locks began clicking out of place. +rinding gears, spinning axels, sliding bolts and whirring mechanics. The 'octor looked on inadmiration, listening to each lock working.7Epic.9 !e smiled to himself.The door finally slid open, revealing a waterlike veil in an archway. The veil waved as though blown by a bree2e. Strax turned to The'octor and saluted with an arm across his chest. The 'octor returned a twofinger eyebrow salute.7*ou understand 'octor, that ) cannot interfere from here.9 Strax announced solemnly. 7Though my race is driven by confrontation, )

cannot engage with them.97) understand.9 The 'octor replied. 7) know the rules, but ) still don5t know who they are. $hose ob is it to oversee my fate%97They are the !istorians.9-n his final words, Strax stepped into the veil, vanishing. The 'octor turned to Anna.7ow8 no matter what happens in there, you do nothing.9 !e said. 7)f these !istorians are responsible for a Time :ord5s fate, that meansthey have the greatest power in the universe, they will be impossible to fight. 'on5t argue with them, don5t answer them back and aboveall8 do not underestimate them.97!ow can you expect me to do nothing when it means you might not leave this place alive%9The 'octor shared the mutual stare for a moment.78(ecause you have no choice.9 !e said finally.!is words cut through Anna. She was afraid of how willing he seemingly was to embrace his demise. She knew how volatile theSontarans were, and knew how grave this situation was if even Strax will not stand up to the !istorians.7After you.9 The 'octor ushered.

Anna held herself together and took a brave step towards the veil. She looked back at The 'octor, hesitating, then turned and entered.The 'octor stood examining the archway and the veil.74ight then.9 !e muttered to himself. 7Time to meet the !istorians8 ) hope you5re ready.9!e straightened his collar, dusted his acket and took a deep breath before stepping through the veil.

The 'octor found himself in the middle of a whirlwind, though there was no wind, no force throwing him around. !e stood perfectly still,watching the rotating mist whipping by. )t slowed and began to dissolve, clearing away to reveal the bright white dome with golden brickscovering the entire floor and ceiling. This was perhaps the most stunning place The 'octor had never been before. Anna and Strax stoodbefore him, looking back, waiting for him. The 'octor put on his brave face and moved forward. ow he finally laid eyes on the threebeings floating in the middle of the room. !e looked below them to see a white circular pedestal, presumably for him. The three identicalbeings were upright in their suspended state, long onyx cloaks gliding maestically down their backs, over golden tunics. Their bright palefaces were absent of eyes, merely a shelllike forehead protruding a couple of inches out from the top of their craniums.7/ome forward, 'octor.9 Said the middle !istorian in a creepy almost bu22like voice.

The 'octor made his way to the centre of the dome and stepped onto the pedestal. !e looked up at his trio of udges.7$e are in precession.9 Said the middle !istorian. 7*ou are to be considered by myself or :ox. At my sides are en 4e289:ox gestured to his right.7And sen 0ex.9 !e concluded, pointing to his left.The 'octor nodded at them.7State your name and number of years for the record.9 Said en 4e2.7The 'octor. ) am -ne thousand and twenty years old.97Thank you.9 en 4e2 grinned sinisterly.7So 'octor, in one thousand and twenty years, you have regenerated twelve times%9 asked en :ox.7*es, ) have.9 The 'octor replied.7'uring those regenerations, you have saved the lives of billions.9 :ox continued. 7'o you believe you have ustified your existence%97) believe ) have ustified the rights of innocence.97That is not what you were asked, 'octor. !as your existence, your life been ustified by your actions%97=y actions have defined my life.9 Said The 'octor in defiance. 7$ere it not for me, would the Earth be turning% $ould time even exist

had ) not made the impossible choice%97That choice, 'octor will play a vital part in our verdict.9 Said sen 0ex. 7$hat of the 'aleks% $hat of the /ybermen% The Sycoraxleader, Shockeye, 'avros8 has your actions against them ustified your life%97Any decision ) have ever made has been for greater interest.97That is how you ustify the use of The =oment%9 or :ox asked.The mention of The =oment struck The 'octor to silence. !e glared at the !istorians in spite, and a hint of shame. The =oment was the

weapon he had used to end the last great Time $ar. )t erased The 'aleks and Time :ords from time itself, destroyed +allifrey andlocked the $ar as a fixed point in time. )t wiped them out in a second. )t left him alone, responsible for two counts of genocide, includinghis own race. (ut The 'aleks found many ways to survive. Two thousand of them were born again when the Emperor 'alek fell throughtime. The /ult of Skaro built a void ship and hid out in the dead space between dimensions. 'alek /aan even managed to save theircreator 'avros by use of a temporal shift, destroying his own body in the process and driving himself insane.


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7) had three choices.9 The 'octor explained. 7Al low The 'aleks to conquer the universe. The >ltimate Sanction, a paradox so massive itwould have ripped the Time


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I%. In&o T$e CoreThe 'octor stood helplessly on the pedestal, looking to the ground, almost defeated. !e had never intended for Anna to

learn of his chance of survival. The only reason he brought her along was so he could be with a friend during his final moment, he hadalready programmed the TA4')S to take her straight home and shut i tself down. Security 3rotocol ??@. )t was a feature that would allowthe time vortex to continue to live inside the TA4')S, but the vessel itself would lock permanently and gather dust at its final location.-nly The 'octor would ever be able to open it, but as he planned on accepting his fate, no one would ever be able to open it again afterits last ourney.Anna stepped towards the Time :ord, her eyes welling up.7)s it true%9 she asked.7*es.9 The 'octor admitted. 7(ut it5s never going to happen. )5m stepping into The /ore and the TA4')S is taking you home. )t will shutdown and you can ust let it die. She won5t let anyone open those doors again, it will ust stand in the corner of everyone5s eye, easilyignored. That5s what5s going to happen.97So you don5t raise us like lambs for the slaughter%&97o&97(ut why did you bring me here if you always intended on coming to your death%9The 'octor struggled to tell her the truth.7(ecause89 he sighed. 7) was afraid. ) wanted to die with someone important by me one last time.9Tears fell down Anna5s cheeks. The 'octor wiped them away and smiled.7*ou made sure my last lifetime was worth living.9 !e said. 7) have lost so much over the years, so many people that ) cared for. ) didn5tdeserve any of them. ) deserved to travel alone for a thousand years. ) have made impossible sacrifices, unust choices8 so much that)5m not proud of butyou, Anna ewman8 you made me feel8 worthy. And ) can never thank you enough. ) want you to take theTA4')S and live an epic normal life. ) want you to make everyone you meet feel as good about themselves as ) have. *ou were the girl

who rescued The 'octor from himself.97(ut all the good you5ve done89

7The world has been saved. !opefully )5ve taught the world to defend itself.9 !e smiled. 7To not make my mistakes. The right people areaware of 'aleks and /ybermen and ygons and $eeping Angels8 they will defend you.97(ut they5re not you.9 Anna choked. 7They can5t do the things you can.97=aybe that5s a good thing.9Anna stood and started backing away. The 'octor suddenly became concerned.7Anna, what are you doing%9 he asked impatiently.7The right thing.9 She replied.7Anna, stop you can5t&97The world needs a 'octor.9 She said finally, before leaping into The /ore, The 'octor crying out in hopeless protest.The vapourlike waves engulfed Anna5s body until she disappeared. 0ust like that, her life was extinguished as The 'octor fell to hisknees. !e had lost her, an unwanted sacrifice.


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70udgement has been passed, 'octor.9 or :ox interrupted. 7*ou have been succeeded. *ou are free to leave.9The 'octor felt every one of his emotions collide until rage took over. !e felt pain in both of his hearts. (ut above all, he suddenly feltinvincible. !e felt as though he had nothing left to lose.7So that5s it%9 he said, seething. 7*ou5ve got your sacrifice and now ) ust walk away% That5s not going to happen. +ive her back&97*ou know we can5t, 'octor.9 en 4e2 replied, almost with satisfaction.7o, no there is always a way897:eave, 'octor.9 en 4e2 spat. 7*ou are free, free to live out your final life until the years steal you away.97*es, )5m free.9 The 'octor announced, getting to his feet. 71ree to do as ) please. *ou know what )5ve done, the races ) have thwarted.

So now it5s your turn to choose. +ive her back and take me, or ) will show you exactly why the 'aleks call me the B-ncoming Storm&5 *ouwill see why ) make the Angels weep& 8 'o the right thing. 1or your sakes.97$e are not here to negotiate, 'octor.9 Said sen 0ex. 7She made her choice. She voluntarily gave up her life so that you may continueyours, so do not throw her sacrifice back&9The 'octor contemplated his next action. !e knew they would never reverse The /ore, even if i t were possible. !e looked back at Strax,

whom also seemed to be anticipating The 'octor5s next move. /ould he bring himself to turn around, step back through the veil and flyaway in the TA4')S% !e wasn5t even sure he had a plan8 until he stepped off the pedestal.7:ast chance&9 he announced. 7Are you going to return Anna to us8 or are you to defy The 'octor%97The human will not be returned.9 or :ox confirmed.The 'octor tilted and stretched his neck before glaring up at the !istorians.7!ave it your way&9!e quickly pulled out the sonic screwdriver and sent the powerful waves to the pedestal which shot into the air, releasing a blinding beamof light. The 'octor then ran to Strax.

7!old on&9The 'octor aimed the screwdriver at the veil and sent the waves out. The veil burst into dark clouds and the powerful whirlwind beganrising from the centre, this time actually gathering wind and galeforce. The winds took over the room, catching the !istorians in its wake.The three udges flailed pathetically against the overpowering winds. $ithin a few moments, the whirlwind began whisping back to theveil, slowly enclosing the !istorians within the archway.The 'octor admired his handiwork as their eyeless faces floated around, trapped in the veil. !e then leaned in close.7*ou forgot the most important rule in the universe.9 !e taunted. 7ever take control from The 'octor&9The one thousand and twenty year old Time :ord turned and stormed to the centre of the dome as Strax followed. The 'octor aimed thescrewdriver at The /ore and scanned the waters. The readings gave him a glimmer of hope.7$hat are we to do, 'octor%9 Strax asked.7The /ore is still a portal, the gateway hasn5t closed.9 The 'octor replied.7$hat does that mean%97)t5s still digesting.9

The 'octor looked over at the archway again.7Strax897*es, 'octor%97$e5re going to rewrite history&9 The 'octor claimed.7!ow exactly%978 $e5re going into The /ore&9The 'octor grabbed the Sontaran5s hand and pulled him into the clear bottomless pit of water. They fell for what seemed like decades.The air was thin and light, so it didn5t even feel like falling. They suddenly spun and landed at the foot of a mountainous summit enclosedin twilight dusk. The summit seemed to climb far enough into its sky that it had no peak. The surroundings were nothing but the purpleblue sky colliding with the dusty surface of the ground around them.7'octor...9 Strax started, dusting himself off. 7$here have you brought us%9The 'octor ga2ed at the summit in awe.7) think it could be a kind of limbo.9 !e said finally. 7ot life or death, more a void place between reality and the passing into history.97'octor, we cannot be here for Anna. She is not here, she is gone.9

7) don5t expect her to be here.9 The 'octor answered. 7:ike ) said, The /ore is still digesting.97Then why are we here%9 Strax qui22ed.The 'octor estimated the terrain and height of the summit then smirked.7$e5re here to rewrite history.9


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%. FEAR OF THE DAR'An artificial sun bla2ed across the landscape, affecting Strax in his heavy and tough Sontaran armour. They had only

been ascending the Summit for five minutes, but it felt as though hours had passed. Strax began panting heavily, which The 'octor madehimself ignore. !e had no plan, simply to get to the top of the Summit. !e did not even know if this Summit was a way to bring Anna backto reality, but he knew it was a key part of The !istorians5 law.

Another half hour passed and the heat seemed to increase with every yard. The 'octor had abandoned his waistcoat,rolled up his sleeves and unbuttoned his shirt a little. Steam could actually be seen rising from Strax, his panting increasing.7)t5s like being with a :abrador&9 The 'octor finally exclaimed, turning to his Sontaran companion.7) seem to be perspiring profusely, 'octor.9 Strax announced. 7=ay ) suggest we retire to a cooler shelter%9The 'octor nodded, feeling his psyche begin to twist in the heat. !e looked around.

7:et5s find a cave.9 !e said.7=ission accepted.9 Strax smiled with a chestsalute.The Sontaran walked off in search of a shelter, while The 'octor pulled out his sonic screwdriver and turned the setting to find changes intemperature. The scan had an eightyyard radius. !e followed the signals, beeps and fi22es. The readings umped up and down,somehow struggling to stick to anything less than ninety degrees farenheit. As The 'octor tapped the screwdriver and tried again, hesuddenly tripped and fell, the screwdriver rolling from his palm. The aged Time :ord shook himself and looked to where he had fallen. )t

was apparently a set of bones that caused him to trip. !e quickly picked up the sonic screwdriver and began scanning the bones. Thereadings grabbed his attention.7*ou8 whoever you were89 he said to himself. 78didn5t die from the sun.9!e continued scanning until his blood turned cold.7These bones are fresh8 you were eaten&9The 'octor quickly stood and turned, surprised to see a familiar species watching him. Three humanoid figures in grey suits, each

wearing a different combination of patches stood curiously, with oversi2ed heads and blacklidless eyes. The 'octor stood in mutualga2e.7Sensorites.9 !e whispered in recognition.The 'octor had encountered this species before, on only two occasions, both a very long time ago. !e remembered being the reason apeace existed between the Sensorites and humans in the twentyeighth century, but wondered what they were doing in The /ore, in thelimbo of history.7)5m not here to hurt you.9 !e told them, holding his hands up. 7)5m ust trying to get to the top of the summit. $hat do you say you let mepass% -r you can help if you like89The Sensorites did not move, or even acknowledge his speech. 1or once The 'octor was at a loss. !e did not know what to do or say, oranything he did or said would antagonise the creatures.7$ho brought you here%9 he asked. 7!ow did you get here%9The white whiskery hair around their faces had hidden the Sensorites5 mouths, but one stepped forward.7$e are here to protect.9 Said the /reature.73rotect what%9 The 'octor asked, then realised what he knew of their culture. 7-hh8 of course& *ou protect what you worship8 whereis it%9

7*ou will harm it&9 The first Sensorite snapped.7)5m not here to harm anyone, )5m not interested in your ilgan&9The Sensorites twitched.7!ow do you know that name%97(ecause ) know who you are.9 The 'octor replied. 7And ) assure you ) am not a threat to you.97$e will not let you harm it&9 said the second Sensorite.The three of them began moving toward The 'octor menacingly. The 'octor sighed and raised the screwdriver, aiming it at the trio. Theycontinued advancing.7Stop moving.9 The 'octor warned. 7) told you )5m not here to hurt you, and ) won5t if you let me pass.9The Sensorites still ignored him.7'on5t say ) didn5t warn you.9 The 'octor muttered, before clicking on the screwdriver. The sonic waves blistered the Sensorites5


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massively oversensitive hearing. They recoiled, desperately grasping their ears in pain. 1rom nowhere, Strax appeared, tackling all threeand sending them to the ground.7!ave we engaged in warfare, 'octor%&9 Strax asked excitedly. 7$hat is our strategy%97$e5re not fighting, Strax, find a cave&9 The 'octor answered.7This way.9The 'octor took his finger off of the button and watched the poor creatures cowering as they began to realise the sonic sound hadceased.7)5m sorry.9 !e announced before quickly following Strax.

The Sontaran and the Time :ord ran to an almost welcoming arched opening in the rocks. The 'octor turned to see the three Sensoritesgiving chase, but were much too far behind. Together, he and Strax slid into the cave mouth, but slid too far. The ground suddenlysteeped and brought the two tumbling down the rocky surface until they hit a wall inside the cave. The 'octor shook the dust from hisshirt while Strax rubbed his head as it had smashed into the wall. That kind of hit to the head probably would have killed a human, or atthe very least caused severe damage to the skull, but it was merely a bump to a Sontaran.7Are you alright, Strax%9 The 'octor asked.7) am designed to handle such roughage, 'octor.9 Strax replied.7Too much information&9 The 'octor uttered under his breath.They both got to their feet and The 'octor led the way further into the cave. They barely moved a few yards before the ground beganshaking. The 'octor rolled forward but before he could shout, the ground opened up under Strax, dropping him into a pit deeperunderground.7Strax&9 The 'octor yelled. !e aimed the sonic screwdriver into the pit, its sensors detecting the depth of the blackness below. The'octor sighed.

7/an5t take a Sontaran anywhereC&D9 he said to himself before umping in after Strax. The 'octor hit another steep drop, sending himrolling over and over and over until the tunnel began widening. The 'octor saw the opening coming up and flew out of the tunnel,grabbing a stalactite hanging ominously from the ceiling of the enormous cavern. The cavern was pitch black, save for the seeminglyluminescent waters below. The 'octor looked down to see a large stringy length of silk. )t was a special kind of silk, the strongest materialknown to man. This kind of silk was produced only by arachnids. The 'octor realised he was looking down at a web. !e was in a spider5scavern. (ut he knew this was no ordinary spider, the Sensorites worshipped a special kind of spider8 There was no spider to be seen,but The 'octor saw Strax struggling, caught in the web.7Strax89 he whispered.The Sontaran looked up, searching for the familiar voice.7:ook up&9 The 'octor whispered again.Strax caught sight of him.7'octor&9 he cried, to which The 'octor shushed with his finger.7(e quiet&9 The 'octor warned. 7/an you move%9

7o, 'octor.9 The Sontaran replied. 74elease me from these infernal restraints&9The 'octor looked around hopelessly for a way down but before he could even concoct a plan, eight gigantic legs crawled from thedarkness, each one ten feet long. The body of the horrific creature gliding in between its huge limbs. The arachnid started to make its

way towards its meal. The 'octor grew increasingly worried as Strax5s life was shortening with every inch that the creature crawlednearer.7ilgan&9 The 'octor cried out.The spider fro2e.7That5s what you are aren5t you%9 The 'octor taunted. 7*ou5re a ilgan& !ow do ) know that%9The ilgan looked up at The 'octor. The Time :ord focused on taking this opportunity while he had it to grab the creature5s attention.7So the Sensorites are still worshipping your species% $ell that5s nothing new. (ut The Sense Sphere being in the middle of The /ore%Thats definitely new. So what are you doing here% That5s a better question than how ) know your kind. >nless8 this is how you get yoursacrificial meals now8 The !istorians take superior beings, deny them existence, throw them into The /ore and the Sensorites feedthem to you8 is that it%9The ilgan moved away from Strax, getting a better look at The 'octor.

7!ow did you and The !istorians come to such an accord%9 The 'octor qui22ed suspiciously. 7They haven5t had a Time :ord to condemnin billions of years, so who is there to sentence to death% There were fresh bones outside on the sands, who did they belong to% 8 )know you can5t talk, )5m ust thinking out loud, but seeing as )5ve got your attention ) may as well tell you... )5m The 'octor&9The ilgan screeched in anger, but was too slow to see The 'octor toss the sonic screwdriver to Strax. (efore the ilgan could stop him,Strax freed himself from the web with the sonic waves, allowing him to drop to the foot of the cavern.7The water&9 The 'octor cried. 7Sonic&9Strax aimed the screwdriver at the luminescent water and clicked the button. The light grew a hundred times brighter, sending blindingbeams all around the cavern. The 'octor took advantage of the ilgan5s distraction and dropped from the stalactite and slid over the giantspider5s body, umping over the web and landing at the foot next to Strax. The Sontaran returned the screwdriver to its owner and lookedon as the spider let out a deafening cry, echoing from wall to wall. The cave suddenly began shaking, cracking was heard. -ne stalactitefell, followed by two more, smashing to the ground below.


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7Time to go.9 The 'octor announced.7)ndeed.9 Strax agreed.The two turned and fled through a tunnel behind them.)n the cavern, more and more stalactites fell, spelling the end of the ilgan blinded inside.

%I( Se& In S&one


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The 'octor and Strax emerged on a thin path on the edge of the summit, hundreds of feet above a ravine in the centre of themountain. The 'octor looked up, he could see a temple standing at the top, a goal calling to him. !e knew there was something at thetop of the summit, but having now seen it, The 'octor was even more determined to get there. )t was very distant and barely bigger thana thumb nail from his perspective. !e studied the texture of the stone wall along the path. 'espite the bla2ing heat, the stone was cold as

ice.#$e must continue to ascend, 'octor.# Strax called out.#Something"s not right.# The 'octor decided. $hy was the stone so cold%$hile still plundering this anomaly, The 'octor followed Strax as they made their way along the path, leading up the summit. So manyquestions were floating around The 'octor"s head. ot ust the mysterious stone, but why were The !istorians using the Sensorites andilgans% $hy was the unknown temple so inviting% $hy did Anna have to sacrifice herself, but above all, why was he himself so ready toaccept his demise% All he knew was that his answers must lie at the top of this nightmarish summit. The gravel beneath them was toughbut had no reason to be able to withstand them on the edge of this mountain. Trying to ignore the perplexing questions stabbing at him,and the headache the sun was giving him, The 'octor pulled out his sunglasses and soldiered on. Strax noticed The 'octor5s shades.7)nteresting ultraviolet ray protection device.9 !e said.7*eah, shades are cool.9 The 'octor smiled.7Are they really%9 Strax asked. 7Ama2ing how such a small device can decrease one5s temperature.97o, not cool, cool89 The 'octor tried to explain. 7!ang on89The 'octor stopped Strax and 2apped the utility belt on his armour, then several parts of the armour itself. $ith a whoosh, the armoursuddenly began to vent, providing a makeshift airconditioning.7(etter%9 The 'octor asked.7Exquisite, 'octor&9 Strax smiled with relief.74ight then, c5est parti&9

Edging along the cool stone wall for relief from the heat, The 'octor finally turned a corner at the top of the path, leadingthem into a more shadowed part of the summit. The 'octor examined the cool stone standing tall in almost parallel to create the shadetrap. Strax stopped to turn and see The 'octor had stopped moving.7)s something the matter, 'octor%9 he asked.7This terrain89 The 'octor said suspiciously. 7)t5s different from back there in the sun.97$hat does that mean%97)t means it5s not the same ground89Strax failed to understand at all, but The 'octor bent over and seemed to sniff the air as he moved around in circles. !e spun around,

missing something obvious. Every time The 'octor spun his head around, all he saw was Strax. Strax stood alone, until finally The'octor saw that Strax was not alone. 0ust over the Sontaran5s shoulder, the face buried in hands. The familiar pale white. The reason heonce lost two companions. =ade of solid stone, a $eeping Angel. The Angels are a quantumlocked species of humanoids. They feedoff their victims time energy by sending them into the past to live out the rest of their lives. They have no compassion and no preference,in this respect they are psychopaths that will make a victim of anyone that crosses their path. The only flaw in their design is they cannotmove while they are seen. They cover their faces so that they cannot even see each other, but are capable of moving at a blisteringspeed. The 'octor kept his eyes fixed on the Angel, not even blinking.7Strax, walk towards me.9 !e said. 7'on5t turn around, ust walk forward.97) shall face my enemy and stare into its face, 'octor&9 Strax argued. 7Sontarans do not walk away&97)f you want to defeat this enemy, ust walk towards me&9Strax gave in and walked forwards. !is pace quickened as he got nearer to The 'octor, finally turning around to see the enemy.7)t is merely a statue, 'octor.9 !e said.7>ntil you look away.9 The 'octor replied in spite.

)f there was any creature The 'octor hated more than the 'aleks it was the $eeping Angels, purely for taking away people that were sovery dear to him. !e ga2ed at the living statue as hard as he could, his eyes growing heavy.7Strax, ) need to blink89 !e said. 7) need you to look at the Angel.97) cannot comply, sir.9 Strax replied.7$hat% $hy not%&97(ecause )5m already looking at one&9The 'octor realised Strax was looking at another statue behind him.7-h that5s ust great&9 The 'octor exclaimed. 7Then again8 we5re in an alternate reality, where could they possibly send us back to% 8-h ) dread to think89The 'octor pondered over their next move. They had seemingly no escape, they each had an Angel to watch, and The 'octor5s eyes

were now stinging, desperate to blink.


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7) can5t hold on89 he said. 7(etter make it quick&9The 'octor blinked.-pening his eyes again almost instantly, The 'octor noticed something was wrong. !e studied the Angel, stood in the exact same posefrom a split second ago, before he blinked. !e took out his screwdriver and scanned the statue from afar.7*ou haven5t moved&9 The 'octor said, surprised. 7ot even a millimetre8 not even a microteenymetre&97'octor&9 Strax called out. 7) can5t hold on&9The 'octor spun around to look at the second Angel.7(link&9 !e said.

Strax quickly closed and opened his eyes as The 'octor spun back to face the first Angel, still in the exact same pose. /onfusion againfilled the Time :ord as he scanned the Angel again.7*ou still haven5t moved8973erhaps it is not living, 'octor%9 Strax suggested.7o, no, this is definitely a $eeping Angel.9 !e said curiously. 7) recogni2e them when ) see them, even without the sonic detectingorganisms89The 'octor need a closer look.7Strax8 don5t blink&9 !e warned. Slowly, The 'octor made his way towards the deadly stone enemy. Every couple of feet, The 'octorblinked, and the Angel still did not move.7Strax, without taking your eyes off the Angel, back up towards me.9 The 'octor called out.The Sontaran did as he was asked, never allowing his eyes to shift away from the second Angel. -f course, this was an easy move forStrax as Sontarans never turn their back on their enemy. Their only weakness being a small valve on the back of the neck of theirarmour.

The 'octor was now within a few yards of the Angel. Again and again, he blinked, sometimes for longer than the last time. Each time The'octor blinked, the statue did not even flinch. 1inally The 'octor got right into the Angels palmedface.7$hy aren5t you moving%9 !e asked through gritted teeth.7'octor89 Strax was now a few yards behind The 'octor. 7=y eyes, 'octor897-kay, okay.9 The 'octor muttered as he backed up. !e reached Strax. 7Same again8 +o&9The 'octor quickly spun to face the second Angel as Strax blinked, then spun back to face the first, who was now in a mirrored stance toits previous pose.7-hhh89 The 'octor cooed with wide eyes. 7-kay, now we5re getting somewhere8 you move when my back is turned, but not when )5mfacing you89The 'octor tilted his sunglasses to the tip of his nose to examine the Angel further, but holding them it suddenly hit him. !e pushed theshades back up.7The glasses89 he said. 7*ou can5t tell if my eyes are closed through these can you%9The 'octor laughed at his own reali2ation.

7$ho5d of thought it, aye, the $eeping Angels defeated by the /hinese&9The 'octor leant towards Strax, without taking his ga2e away from the first Angel.7) need you to close your eyes.9 !e whispered.7(ut surely that will allow the enemy to advance, 'octor897That5s what )5m counting on.9The 'octor pulled the Sontaran closer to the first Angel.7$hen ) tell you to open them you open them.9 The 'octor instructed. 7ow close&9Strax closed his eyes and behind The 'octor5s back, one of the loneliest assassins in the universe came alive. The second Angel flashedits ra2or sharp stone teeth as it crept towards them. The 'octor felt its presence get closer and closer.7ow, Strax&9 The 'octor yelled.Strax opened his eyes and looked right into the face of the fro2en second Angel. The 'octor and the Sontaran were now trapped in a$eeping Angel sandwich.7-n my word, ump aside.9 The 'octor instructed. 7-ne, two8 =-


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%II(HOS)ITALITY


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After helping Strax to his feet, The 'octor dusted himself off. !e checked the valley and figured out which way they were heading. !epatted Strax on the back and continued walking, the Sontaran quickly followed. They kept to the shade near the wall and looked for a wayout of the clearing but the valley seemed endless. As they continued along, they found nothing but another cave entrance. The opening

was only a couple of feet high, nothing more than crawlspace. The 'octor scanned inside with the sonic screwdriver and read the results

as he hummed to himself.7$ell no more ilgans, it seems.9 !e smiled.Strax grunted and looked at the small hole.7'octor, the opening is far too small for either of us.9 !e announced.7*ep. $e5re going to have to crawl.9Strax gave the Time :ord a blank stare.7-h all right, )5ll go first&9 he complained. 7!onestly, meant to be a warrior race, you lotC&D9The 'octor took lead as he dropped to his knees and began crawling into the small tunnel. Strax hesitated and looked back at the$eeping Angels, satisfied they were fro2en in their quantum lock, he followed The 'octor.Together they crawled a good few feet before the tunnel widened into standing room. The 'octor helped Strax to his feet. A steep fourfoot wall stood before them, with another small tunnel at the top. The 'octor climbed, ushering for Strax to follow again. They squee2edthrough the next tunnel and now found lesssteep hill. !olding on to the side walls, The 'octor and Strax fought their way to the top of thehill. They were back in the sunlight. A desolate mass of surface lay before them, but the wind was picking up.7+et inside&9 a voice shot at them.The 'octor and Strax both looked around. 1inally The 'octor spotted a Sensorite waving at him from the ground. >nder a trapdoorcovered in a fake layer of the sandy surface, a Sensorite called out to them.7uickly& +et inside&9 he cried out again.$ithout much of an option as the sandstorm grew more and more aggressive, The 'octor pulled Strax forward and they climbed downinto the shockingly brightlylit pit. They were greeted to a small gathering of the creatures as the lead Sensorite closed the door tightly.The 'octor held up his hands.7(efore you start, ) had no choice.9 !e announced.7To what do you refer%9 The lead Sensorite asked.7The ilgan.9 The 'octor replied. 7) had to save my companion and77The ilgans matter not to us.97$hat% (ut you worship them897$e do not&9 The lead Sensorite snapped. 7ot anymore.97(ut those bones on the land,9 The 'octor protested. 7They were fresh, and ilgans once offered you some of their victims89

7The bones are not our doing.97-kay89 The 'octor pondered. 7:et5s try some easier questions. )5m looking for someone, a girl.97*es89 The lead Sensorite replied.7She entered The /ore, ) need to know what happened to her, and why we ended up in the Sense Sphere.97This is not theSense Sphere.9 The second Sensorite answered. 7)t is connected to it, but this is merely the annals of The !istorians5chosen history.97And the temple at the top of the summit%97*ou will find your friend there.9 The second Sensorite nodded.7)s she okay%9 The 'octor asked desperately.7*ou do not fully understand89 The first Sensorite explained. 7!er soul lies in the temple, as do many, for i t is the temple of testaments.The source of many timelines are contained within the temple, but )5m afraid your friend5s body is most truly dead. !er death is part ofThe !istorians5 history, and must remain so.97$ell ) can5t let that happen.9 The 'octor responded defiantly.

7$e shall not surrender without the boy&9 Strax added.The Sensorites cowered at Strax5s slightly raised voice.7)t is hopeless.9 The first Sensorite announced. 7*ou stay here until the sandstorm passes, then go back. There is nothing you can do forher now.97There5s something you all need to understand.9 The 'octor said with might in his voice. 7)5m a Time :ord. )5ve been changing the courseof history for over a thousand years and there is not chance in any kind of hell that resides in this universe that we5re leaving The /ore

without her& So you can either help or stay out of my way.9A silence fell over the room, Sensorites all looking around each other.74est now.9 The first Sensorite said finally.The Sensorites departed, leaving The 'octor frustrated and Strax on edge.7$hat are we to do, 'octor%9 Strax enquired.


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The 'octor had no answer. There was nothing he could do until the sandstorm passed. They had nowhere else to go, all they could dowas wait under the hospitality of the Sensorites.

F

Strax sat in a corner, eyes shut tight, fast asleep. The 'octor could not rest, he was pacing, too many thoughts racingthrough his mind. )f only the TA4')S was not stuck back on *ellfirag. The onethousandtwenty year old Time :ord was anxiously tryingto piece together a way to bring Anna back. The Sensorites said her body was dead, but if her soul was resting in the temple then part of

her was indeed still alive.7) need a flannel&9 Strax suddenly muttered in his sleep. 7uickly, /aptain !arcourt&9The 'octor rolled his eyes.7(attle of aruthsra again89 he mumbled to himself.A servant Sensorite walked into the room, carrying a flat slate with fruit gathered on.71ood, sir.9 !e announced.The 'octor eyed the plate.7$here do you get fruit from%9 !e asked curiously. 7This is a desert wasteland in a gap between reality and history897-ur supply arrived here with us.9 The Sensorite replied. 7)t never goes rotten.97And how much do you have%97Enough.9The 'octor took an apple from the slate and bit into it. !e swilled it in his mouth, using his taste to examine it before swallowing it. !isexpression became confused. !e sniffed the apple.

7Tastes8 and smells like a peach.9 !e said.7)ndeed, sir.9 The servant answered. 7The fruits were confused during the transition.97So what do your peaches taste like%9 The 'octor asked.7:emons.97And your lemons%97(ananas.97$ell at least they got the colour right89The 'octor took another bite of the apple.7+ood thing ) like peach.9 !e announced. 7So how long have you been here%97$e have no way of knowing.9 The Sensorite explained. 7There is no concept of time here. The weather changes but there is no day, nonight, only heatwaves and wind and rain and even snow.9The 'octor registered the explanation as the Sensorite turned to leave.7!ang on89 The 'octor stopped him. !e took two lemons from the slate. 7) love bananas&9 !e smiled.

The servant Sensorite left the room.Suddenly, Strax stirred. The 'octor turned around.7-h, good morningC&D9 !e said as he threw Strax a lemon. 7!ere you go, banana for breakfast.9Strax took the bananaflavouredlemon and bit a chunk out.

F

The 'octor strolled into the Sensorites5 main room. The lead Sensorite umped to his feet, waving his arm in greeting.74ight. Time for us to go.9 The 'octor announced.7The sandstorm has not passed.9 The Sensorite snapped.7'on5t lie to me.9 The 'octor warned.The lead Sensorite shifted.7ow, show me the way out, or do you know )5m gunna do%9 The 'octor asked.7'o not threaten us.9 The lead Sensorite retorted.

7) never make threats.9 The 'octor shot back. 7(ut ) keep my promises, and ) promised Anna and her family )5d take care of her. So if youdon5t start helping )promise8 )5= +>A STA4T S!->T)+&9As The 'octor raised his voice, the supersensitive Sensorites covered their ears and cowered.7T!E $A* ->T, 4ET/!E' /4EAT>4ES&9 Strax yelled. 7TE:: >S&97-y&9 The 'octor turned to Strax. 76eep your voice downC&D So, Sensorites8 feel like helping yet%97$e shall lead you out.9 The lead Sensorite decided. 7(ut be warned, you must face one more species from your past before you reachthe temple.97$hat species%97)t is not clear8 but if you choose to enter the temple, the pale horse will ride.9=ystery filled The 'octor.73ale horse, what pale horse%9 !e qui22ed.


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7The thirteenth card will be dealt89The 'octor quickly put the pieces together and figured out the meaning of the omen. !e tightened his aw and glared at the Sensorites.70ust show us the way out.9 !e muttered.

%III(ENE#Y OF SONTAR

The three Sensorites with highest authority within the group led The 'octor to a makeshift tunnel. The 'octor gave his twofinger saluteto the Sensorites and climbed into the tunnel. Strax followed. Together, they crawled through the dirt and sand, finally emerging at thebottom of a mine elevator. The 'octor stared at the brightlylit shaft.7ow who5d have built this%9 !e wondered.Seemingly unphased, The 'octor stepped into the elevator and welcomed Strax in before closing the gate and hitting the lever. Slowly,


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the elevator slugged to life and began to ascend.7)5m so sorry to have brought you here, Strax.9 The 'octor announced.7onsense, 'octor.9 Strax replied. 7)t is my honour to fight at your side.97*ou said you couldn5t interfere with The !istorians5 decision.97And ) did not. )t was you, sir, who disposed of The !istorians. ) merely followed you into The /ore.9A moment of silence passed.7Thank you.9 The 'octor said finally. !e then flipped the diamondlike stone the :ead Sensorite had ust given him and wondered what

was meant by #for the dark time ahead.#

They climbed higher and higher until the tiny speck of daylight became a vast opening. *ard after yard passed until the elevator wasembraced in daylight. (ut the apparent salvation quickly left The 'octor as his eyes were met by a most unwelcome sight. !e lookeddown to see Strax5s reaction, which was one of anger and disbelief as he ga2ed upon the greatest of his enemy races.7)t can5t be89 !e blurted out.The 'octor nodded as he looked out at the small army of floating neon green ellyfishl ike creatures with long green tentrils.74utans.9 The 'octor announced.7=y eyes must deceive me89 Strax argued.The 4utans are an amorphous amphibian race that famously waged war against the Sontarans for over fiftythousand years. The warresponsible for the Sontaran race becoming a clonerace rather than reproductive. +eneral Sontar5s 'A was used as a template forevery Sontaran clone after he was ki lled by the 4utan ueen very early into the conflict. )t was a war fought all across the universe, andnow The 'octor had to wonder why there was a batch of 4utans inside the /ore.74utans The 'octor yelled, holding his hands above his head.The green blobs all turned in reaction, no visible face, no eyes or mouth; yet The 'octor knew they were facing him.

7*ou waiting for someone%9 The 'octor qui22ed. 7=e% Strax% ) take it the war is over% $ho won%97!ow do you possess this knowledge%9 came an echoic voice.7ow, now, )5m asking the questions.9 The 'octor responded. 7$hat are you doing in the /ore% $ho brought you here% The !istorians%$hat happened to the Sontaran war%97The war is ongoing.9 The same voice replied. 7$e were transmatted here. )t was clearly a cowardly Sontaran move.97/owardly%&9 Strax interrupted. 7!ow dare you, you floating ball of phlegm&9The 'octor pushed Strax back.7:et me do the talking&9 !e warned. 74utans, tell me8how long have you been at war%97This is unknown. The war dates back through our entire history.974ight, so long before you were born. *our ueen, is she on this rock with you%9The 4utans did not answer. The 'octor waved his arms in question.7$e will not divulge strategic information. *ou are not authori2ed to know.97$ell guess what,9 The 'octor smiled. 7)5m The 'octor, )5m always authori2ed&9

7)t is The 'octor&9 the voice reeled out.The 4utans whi22ed around and a couple flew at him. The 'octor quickly blasted a sonic wave at them, making them think twice.#4ight, that"s introductions over The 'octor oked. #-bviously you don"t like the Sonic very much... Tell me, 4utans... *ou"re clearly notat war, so why are you here% There"s no Sontarans here.##There is one.# -ne 4utan replied. #The Sontaran is our enemy#This Sontaran is not a soldier, he is not a threat to you.##All Sontarans are a threat The 4utans bellowed back in unison.The 'octor"s widened. !e could tell the army were in prone position to attack. Sooner or later they would ignore the sonic waves andadvance, and The 'octor had no way of stopping them. Strax had no weapons, no way of defending himself. !e backed up a little.7'octor,9 Strax started. 7$hat is our strategy%9The 'octor tried desperately to pull an idea out of his brilliant mind, but there was nothing he could do, the 4utans were preparing toclose in, too many of them to handle unarmed.7$ait89 The 'octor pleaded.7The Sontaran is our enemy&9 The lead 4utan replied.

71ine then8 then take us.9 The 'octor commanded. 7*ou5re a military race at war, take us as prisoners of your war.974utans take no prisoners&9The lead 4utan was suddenly blasted to the ground by a bright bolt of energy. The advance stopped and The 'octor spun around to finda Sontaran soldier standing on the rocks behind them, holding a long metallic blunt obect, a 4heon /arbine.74utan forces located&9 The Sontaran barked out.Suddenly six Sontaran scout ships flew into view. They were larger than the scout ships The 'octor had known and l ikely contained atleast a do2en Sontarans each. The 4utans suddenly fled, dissolving into thin air. The 'octor smiled as the scout ships formed a landingpattern, circling them before landing in a large sphere around The 'octor and Strax. The lead Sontaran had now stepped down from therocks and was making his way towards The 'octor. The 'octor bowed.7Thank you, soldier.9 The 'octor smiled.7*our identity is unknown to me.9 The Sontaran replied.


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7$ell to be fair, yours is a bit mysterious, with the helmet and all.9The Sontaran slowly removed his flat metallic blue helmet, revealing the greybrown bulbous head.7) am (attle =arshal 4ohl. *ou will identify yourself.97$ho ) am isn5t important, )5m not associated with your war.9 The 'octor replied.7evertheless, you could be a 4utan host. *ou will divulge your identity&9 4ohl ordered.The 'octor pulled out his psychic paper and handed it to the =arshall.7*ou tell me.9 !e said with a smirk.4ohl read the paper and looked back in disbelief.

7*ou are The 'octor&9 he announced.7And thatis psychic paper. *ou think ) could of done that if ) was a 4utan host%97


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7Activate the proection.9 4ohl barked.73roection activating.9 A soldier responded.)n a matter of seconds, an almostradarlike image appeared in midair, rotating above the table top. )t was a radar showing no blips orany activity at all. The 'octor stared at the blank beam, appearing almost disappointed that it contained no blips.#$hat exactly are you proecting%# he asked.#This is a map of the immediate enviroment.# 4ohl explained.The 'octor pondered for a moment.#4ight, well that"s a very boring map.# he said finally, moving away to begin pacing. #)"m no map expert but surely when you"re in a

war2one, a map is supposed to show enemies%##*our point is obvious, 'octor.##Thank you, now... why are the 4utan not showing on there%# !e tapped his temple, turning the cogs of his brain. #/ome on, my mind isbrilliant, my mind is outstanding, my mind, my... =)'& ... The 4utans use a hive mind& *ou"re not detecting them on this map becausethey give off no signal, they"re all onesignal#*ou are speaking of impossibilities, 'octor.# 4ohl scowled. #


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#o...# The 'octor replied slowly. #After you, Strax.#Strax nodded and led the way out of the room.#) have a friend in that temple too.# The 'octor said to 4ohl, watching Strax.##A friend%# 4ohl qui22ed.#A companion, a girl.##)s she alive%# Strax asked.#*es, ) think sheis.# !e said knowingly. #/arry on, Strax, ) need to talk to the =arshall. $e"ll meet you outside.#Strax stopped and looked at both before nodding with a #


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#'on"t worry about it.# The 'octor replied, dusting himself off. #)"m used to crash landingsThey both stared at the temple, almost as i f it were staring back at them, burning into them.#)"ll help you signal to a ship before ) go in.# said The 'octor.#onsense, 'octor.# 4ohl barked. #) shall accompany you. This fight is ours to share. (esides, ) allow no soldier to venture into battlealone.#Slowly, a smile turned up on The 'octor"s face.#Thank you, =arshall.# he said with a nod. #ow... why did we crash...%##Some manner of force field, 'octor%#

#=aybe, possibly, probably.# he pondered.The 'octor whipped out his sonic screwdriver and examined the area. The bu22es and fi22es returned their results as The 'octor readthem to himself.#$ell... at least it isn"t woodC&D# he quipped.#$hat can we do, 'octor%# 4ohl enquired.#)t"s a cerebral shield.# The 'octor answered. #That"s what the Sensorites are for. Their telekenetic link is what keeps the shield up.##/an you contact them%#The 'octor smiled and adusted setting on the screwdriver, then held it to his mouth like a microphone.#Attention all Sensorites his voice echoed down the summit. #This is The 'octor speaking. Small spot of bother up here. $hether you"reaware or not, your sense sphere is keeping a force field active around the temple. ow ) need you all to focus and bring the shield down&)f ) don"t get into this temple, everything we know, or have known will be gone. !istory is changing and it"s changing in every time, systemand dimension. So please... ) need your help.#The 'octor waited, looking and listening out for a sign. =oments passed before hundreds of collective raspy whispers filled the air. An

energetic whoosh burst around The 'octor as he sensed the force field collapsing. The 'octor hesitantly pushed his hand forward as hetiptoed towards the temple.#$ell then...# he grinned. #!istory awaits...#The 'octor used the screwdriver as a torch, making his way into the temple with 4ohl inches behind him. The darkness of the entrancetunnel engulfed them, save for the bubble of blue light. They walked on into seemingly endless nothing, The 'octor expecting troublemore and more with every passing second. Although he could see nothing, The 'octor knew there was damp along the stone walls,almost as though he could hear it. Strangely it was the light that crept up on them in the shadows. A small flicker of light in the distant. )tgrew as they got closer, brighter too. The 'octor picked up the pace as his dread turned to expectation.#/ome on...# he mumbled to himself. #$hat have you got for me%#The 'octor and 4ohl stepped into enough light to almost blind them. Squinting, The 'octor entered the 3antheonlike chamber. 4ohlfollowed and gasped at the sheer si2e of the room.:ooking around, The 'octor contemplated why the inside of such an apparently ancient temple looked so maestic, why there was abright golden glow that drew him in from the shadows. !e then looked down and saw the golden bricks forming the ground. !is dread

returned as he gritted his teeth.#... -f course.# he said angrily.#$hat is it, 'octor%# 4ohl asked, confused.The 'octor watched as countless veils dropped from thin air, floating above them. $indless mist spun around moments before blackclouds spat out of it and morphed into three familiar figures, golden cloaks drifting in their wake. The three eyeless faces turned to The'octor, each grinning sinisterly.#The !istorians...# The 'octor announced.


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*I. HISTORY N%EILED#Anna.# The 'octor said sternly. #$here is she%#

(oth en 4e2 and sen 0ex turned to look at or :ox in between them. :ox seemed to relish in the level of anxiousness in The 'octor"svoice. )n one swift motion, :ox swooped and glided down, stopping inches from The 'octor to stare him in the face.#$hat will you do to save your precious companion, 'octor%# he sneered.#*ou know your history.# The 'octor replied bitterly. #) will bring all manners of hell from every universe down on you. There isn"t a galaxybig enough you could hide in from the storm )"ll unleash, now )"m going to ask you one last time. $here is she%#

or :ox seemed to be in two minds of how to respond, without eyes it was difficult to tell his expression. 1inally his lips parted onceagain to show the sinister grin.#-nly you can decide where she is.##$hat do you mean%##The veils.# :ox said, turning to point to the hundreds of thousands of transparent veils. #She is inside them all, facing danger. *ou mustdecide which one to step into, and save her yourself. Save her soul in the veil, her body will return to history.##)"ve played enough games The 'octor spat.#-ne more said sen 0ex and en 4e2 in unison.or :ox drifted back up to oin them.The 'octor was outnumbered. !e realised he had no option but to do as they said, it was the only way to bring Anna back. Suddenly aglimmer of hope flickered in The 'octor"s mind as he studied the veils. !e slowly withdrew his sonic screwdriver.


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#The weapon :ox hissed.#o, no, no it"s not a weapon.# The 'octor smiled. #)t"s a tool. )t fixes things, it examines things... and it opens things-n his last word, The 'octor sent a blast of sonic waves at the biggest veil directly behind The !istorians. The familiar clouds of smoke

whisped out and captured the three udges, pulling them in.#All three of you are coming with me The 'octor yelled. !e then ran and lept up into the windless whirlwind. :ightning bolts shot out ofthe veil as the four beings were pulled inside. The 'octor watched as each of The !istorians disolved into the smoke. !e saw nosurroundings, ust the thick windless smoke enclosed around him. !is vision became darker and the smoke grew thinner. $ithout

warning he found himself hitting a hard black tiled floor with a thud. The smoke was gone. The 'octor shook his head and slowly got to

his feet. !e was in a dark hallway. 1amiliarity hit The 'octor. !e turned around. !e was back in the infinite halls, corridor after corridor ofinterecting passageways, blanketed in darkness. This was the last place he and Anna visited before they were summoned. This heartsboth bolted when the echo of the soulpiercing shriek surrounded him. !e remembered the creatures they had ust barely escaped thelast time. Searching the darkness, The 'octor assured himself that the creatures were nowhere near him and took a few baby stepsforward. !e did not dare himself to use the screwdriver as he had no idea how near or far they were. (ut he could sense them even whenthey were silent. They were the stuff of nightmares, fear personified on three legs. The 'octor stopped abruptly as a horriffic chorus ofhisses filled the air. !e knew this was a victory hiss, it meant the pack were preparing to pounce in for the kill. !e quickly picked up thepace and followed the corridor the same was as he had done before, and came to the same clearing. !e was greeted by the sight of twodo2en of the creatures in a circle. The circle was getting smaller as they all crept inwards towards the lifeless body of Anna.#-y !e yelled instinctively, pulling out the screwdriver. #!uman"s off the menuThe creatures heads all snapped at The 'octor, and each creature snarled and growled. After a moment pause, three of the creaturesleft the pack and tiptoed towards The 'octor, si2ing him up. !e backed into the shadows, back into the darkness. The darknesssuddenly reminded him of parting with the Sensorites. !e was given a stone.

#1or the dark time ahead.# The :ead Sensorite"s words whipped through The 'octor"s head.!e pulled the clustered stone from his pocket and held it up in front of him, then brought the tip of sonic screwdriver up against it.#+eronimo.# !e smiled. 3ressing the button on the screwdriver, the sonic beams were enlarged nearly a hundred times over, sending anapocalypticlike blinding blue light all over the room. The creatures squealed in surprise. The ground began shaking. The confusedcreatures looked lost as they were unsure of whether they should be afraid of the light or the quaking. To The 'octor"s relief, life wasrestored to Anna. !er eyes fluttered as she was woken up by the shaking ground. She looked around and screamed at the creatures.#Anna The 'octor cried out with a smile.#'octor#+et over here, quickly he yelled.She hesitated, knowing she would have to pass the creatures.#0ust run#)t"s always running with you isn"t itC&D# Anna grinned.#*es, and when ) say "run," run... 4>

Anna umped to her feet and ran towards The 'octor, dodging the snapping aws of the terrified creatures. She made it past them andran straight at The 'octor, wrapping her arms around him.#Anna, bit busy The 'octor pointed out.#) don"t care, )"ve been lost for too long.# She smiled.#*es. *es you have.#The 'octor finally threw the stone into the middle of the pack of creatures and aimed the screwdriver at. The creatures stared at him ashe paused.#'on"t look down !e teased before hitting the button. The sonic waves hit the stone and sent cracks all round it. The floor fell apart andthe creatures dropped into the depths, their shrill cries staying in the room all the way down. As The 'octor took his thumb off of thebutton, the ground reformed, as though pulled in by the stone. The 'octor and Anna watched as the ground came back together beforethe Sensorites" stone became nothing more than a light.The 'octor finally turned to his longlost companion.#Are you okay%# he asked.#$here have you been%

#*ou... don"t want to knowA veil emerged in place of the door at the end of the room.#)"m guessing that"s our way out%# Anna asked.The 'octor looked around suspiciously.#Too easy...# he muttered. #/ome on, and be careful.#!e took her hand and slowly led her through the room. $hen they reached the centre of the room, another veil emerged in the corner ofThe 'octor"s eye. !e slowly turned his head to see the second veil covering one of the passageways.#... $hat"s that%# Anna whispered, notably afraid.(efore The 'octor could answer, en 4e2 shot out and knocked The 'octor and Anna over before disappearing into the shadowypassageway opposite the veil. As The 'octor and Anna got to their feet, sen 0ex flew out with teeth bared and also knocked them overbefore vanishing into the shadows. This time, The 'octor got to his feet alone as Anna stayed on the ground. As The 'octor let out a


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deep breath, the silence was broken by or :ox bursting out of the veil, but The 'octor was ready. As :ox attempted to ram through him,The 'octor grabbed his shoulders and flew into the shadows with him. =erely seconds past before The 'octor was launched back intothe room. !e and Anna backed up as he got to his feet, both of them looking as the three !istorians slid out of the shadows like serpents.#)t was foolish of you to bring us here, 'octor.# or :ox snarled.#) don"t think so.# The 'octor grinned.!e aimed the sonic screwdriver at the main veil and brought the wind whisping out with the sonic waves, he sent it to engulf The!istorians and threw it back into the veil. The 'octor and Anna looked on as the wind trapped :ox, 0ex and 4e2 in the veil. All threeattempted to bash through but the surface of the veil now appeared solid like glass.

#/an they break through%# Anna asked.#o.# The 'octor replied. #There"s only one way anyone is getting through that veil.#!e whistled as he motioned to the screwdriver.#So why didyou bring them along%##That"s why.# The 'octor responded, pointing to the second veil. #That"s what carried them through, that veil contains their timeline.#) don"t understand.##*ou will. ow trust me. Stay here. )"ll be ten seconds.#!e smiled, kissed Anna on the forehead and turned around. The 'octor took a deep breath before leaping into the second veil. Annastared at the three trapped !istorians in the first veil and a smirk etched in the corner of her mouth. After a few seconds, The 'octor shotback into the room, soaked to the skin. Anna"s eyebrows lowered at the sight of his clothes.#$hat hap##'on"t ask !e struggled to catch his breath. #*ou ready%#!e took Anna"s hand, sent sonic waves at the first veil and the two of them umped through. They travelled through the wind and landed

back in the temple. As The 'octor got to his feet he looked up at The !istorians floating in midair, glaring at them.#And all that was for what, 'octor%# or :ox grinned.#*ou.# The 'octor responded defiantly.Silence surrounded them as The 'octor took steps closer to them, throwing off his dripping acket. !e looked up at the three beings andsighed.#*ou like to think you control it all. :ife, time, history... ) know, because ) once made the same mistake. )"ve stood by as planets burned, )have saved lives that were never meant to be saved, and )"ve entered parallel worlds at the risk of tearing a hole in time itself... (ut yourmistake of thinking so +odly, is much greater than mine, because you have one thing standing in your way that ) never had... me& )...am... The 'octor& ) have crushed the /ybermen, ) have defeated the Sontarans, ) silenced The Silence and ) have slayed the 'aleks timeand time again& ) have beaten The =aster, and ) wiped out the Time :ords, T!AT"S what"s standing in your way& So...# The 'octorspread his arms out and smiled. #$hat are you gunna do about it%& ... /ome on, let"s see what you"ve got& :et"s match the blind!istorians" power trip against the might of The 'octoror :ox growled full of hatred at The 'octor.

#$ell what are you waiting for%# The 'octor taunted. #)"m right here, "The -ncoming Storm," your greatest pri2e& *ou want to claim it%$ell /-=E - T!E$ith that, en 4e2 and sen 0ex roared and flew at The 'octor. Anna quickly crouched down but The 'octor stood his ground. 4e2 and0ex were thrown back across the floor as they reach an inch away from The 'octor. (ewliderment filled or :ox. The 'octor smiled andturned around, showing his back to The !istorians. en 4e2 and sen 0ex looked up at or :ox, as though asking for instructions.#1inish him :ox barked out.4e2 and 0ex again raced towards The 'octor but this time they were shattered into atoms as they passed through him. The 'octorturned triumphantly to face a shocked or :ox.#$hat is this% :ox bellowed.#*ou don"t exist.# The 'octor announced. #) entered your timeline, your veil... and wiped every trace of you out of time. The !istoriansnever existed#)mpossible or :ox cried out. !e then shot down to confront The 'octor face to face.#)"m The 'octor. othing is impossibleThe 'octor literally blew or :ox away as he turned to dust in front of him. Anna slowly got to her feet as she looked around in

ama2ement.


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*II. NEW LIFE

#$hat happens now%# asked Anna.#Everything goes back to normal.# The 'octor replied. #Everything The !istorians ever did gets reset.Anna smiled, laughed and hugged The 'octor.#Thank you.# she said.#1or what%##1or not giving up.##$hat are the three words ) live by% The 'octor smiled.#ever walk away.# They said in unison. They both laughed and began to exit the temple.

F

'aylight hit them as they exited to the top of the summit. The 'octor looked down to see Sontaran laser beams and green blobs in thedistance.#$hat"s going on%# Anna qui22ed.#That"s the ten thousand year war.# The 'octor explained somberly. #The Sontarans and The 4utans.#They both watched as the 4utans suddenly disappeared.#4ight, how do we get down% "/ause )"m not climbing#-h, ) arranged some transport while ) was in the veil too.# The 'octor grinned.=oments later, the hydraulics, the engines, the breaks, the unique sound put a smile on Anna"s face as the TA4')S emerged in front ofthem. The 'octor laughed as he moved towards it.#!ello, beautiful !e excalimed as he tapped and kissed the machine.#'o you want a room% Anna teased.#+ot about a frillion rillion of them inside, come onAnna laughed as she boarded the TA4')S. )nside, The 'octor fired up the controls and sent the TA4')S flying down the summit, landingright in the middle of the Sontaran fleet. (attle =arshall 4ohl stood front and centre as The 'octor and Anna both left the phone box. Thefleet all dropped a knee and bowed to The 'octor.#'octor.# 4ohl began. #*ou were right. Thank you.#

A Sontaran soldier stepped forward carrying Strax"s body. The 'octor stepped aside and allowed the soldier to take the body inside.#Thankyou.# The 'octor responded.The soldier left the TA4')S as The 'octor and 4ohl exchanged salutes.

F

Anna cried as she sat by Strax"s corpse. She looked him up and down before turning to look at The 'octor.#*ou said everything would be reset.# she choked out.The 'octor stopped to look at her.#) know.# he said. #(ut the 4utans killed Strax, not the !istorians.The 'octor pulled on the handbrake and the TA4')S stopped midflight.


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#$here are we%# asked Anna.#?Gth /entury.# The 'octor announced as he opened the doors.The TA4')S was a few hundred miles above Earth. The 'octor brought Strax"s body to the doors.#Time to go home.# he said as he allowed the body to drift peacefully into space.#+oodbye, Strax.# Anna smiled.The 'octor stepped back, clutching his stomach.#Anna, close the doors.# he blurted out, before heaving.Anna quickly closed both TA4')S doors and turned to The 'octor in concern.

#$hat"s wrong%# she asked.#Stay back he exclaimed. #)"m sorry, Anna.##(ut you can"t die#)"m not dying.# The 'octor announced. !e brought his hands up to his face, both were beginning to glow bright gold. #)"m regenerating.##(ut this is your thirteenth life, you can"t regenerate#) cheated.# The 'octor grinned. #The !istorians never existed. )n the eyes of history, )"ve never regeneratedAnna stood in awe, more tears creeping out of her eyes. The 'octor stood upright and took several quick breaths before standing spreadeagle, both arms and both legs apart. The gold l ight shot out of all four limbs and from his head as the process of regeneration began tochange his face and personality.


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*III. +ROWN FRO# BONESThe wind was crisp and dry in The /ore. The silence was broken as the society of Sensorites marched into daylight,

followed by a floating army of 4utan. The two races formed a circle around the pile of bones The 'octor had found earlier.

#The time is now. The time is now. The time is now.# chanted both races.The sunlight peeled away at The Sensorites. Each of them grew a third leg. Their pale white skin became black and covered in scales.=oments later, the bones shook. +old light erupted from them. =ore bones grew. Skin layered them. The Sensorites" shedded clothesmerged to form a long black cloak which wrapped itself around the new grown figure standing in the centre or the circle. A manic laughbellowed from the figure. The 4utan stopped chanting and the new Sensoriteform creatures stopped hissing.#4ise =aster said the 4utans in unison.The figure turned to them. An evil twisted smile emerged on the face of The =aster.#And rise, ) shall.# he grinned.

T$e End

"The Doctor" created by 'onald $ilson, /. E. $ebber and Sydney ewman"The Sensorites" created by 3eter 4. ewman"Zilgan" created by Sidney, 0ohn and Alfred 3emberton"Weeping Angels" created by Steven =offat"The Sontarans" created by 4obert !olmesC"Strax" by Steven =offat and "Battle Marshall Rohl" by 'a2 :eaD"Daleks" created by Terry ation"Cybermen" created by 6it 3edler and +erry 'avis


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"The Silence" created by Steven =offat"Anna," "The istorians,"and"The Creat!res" created by 'a2 :ea

Documents

DW - The End of History Novel