Author's Note: Pff, I hit a lot of bumps while writing this chapter, especially in the middle. I had the ending in my head already, the beginning went smoothly as well, but the middle... Sheesh! I hope the next chapter comes a bit quicker. Anyway, enjoy and let me know what you think!
Making a list
With the TARDIS in a geosynchronous orbit around Earth the Doctor gets ready for his visit to the English UNIT's headquarters, situated under the Tower of London. Let's see, let's see, where did I leave that suit? Ah, there it is! He takes the brown pin-striped suit out of his closet and quickly changes into it. Now, let's see how I look. Oh, that's better than I'd expected. When he looks in the large mirror he's satisfied to see that he very much resembles his old self again. Except for the eyes. But, I have just the thing to correct that.
After rummaging through a few drawers he pulls out a pair of dark sunglasses. After walking back to the mirror he puts them on. His eyes are completely concealed. Alright, now it's perfect! And since Martha's no longer part of UNIT I won't have to worry about her seeing through my disguise. Heh, my disguise: Dressing up as myself. Ironic, really, if you think about it. Which I do.
Satisfied with his 'new' look he leaves his bedroom and sets off for the TARDIS's console. A few hours ago he'd inserted his sonic screwdriver into the modification outlet and programmed some very interesting new features into it. As soon as he enters the central chamber he gets a first glimpse of his new and improved screwdriver. He grabs hold of it and after turning it over a few times a malicious smile spreads across his face. It's magnificent! My new laser screwdriver, ready for work, courtesy of the Master. Hah! Take that, you arrogant bastard!
The next ten minutes the Doctor tests every new feature of this last incarnation of his faithful tool. Smoking scorch marks, a destroyed pilot's chair and hideously twisted metal beams are silent victims of the efficiency of his laser screwdriver. Better, much better than expected. He pockets the laser and takes places behind one of the TARDIS's monitors. After adjusting some dials he has a very clear view of the interior of UNIT's base. Yes, there's the right spot to park this thing. Behind his sunglasses a dangerous glint appears briefly in his eyes.
"Allons-y!" he yells and grins maniacally.
The TARDIS materializes right in the middle of UNIT's central hall. Alarms go off immediately and everyone clears the area, except for one squad of soldiers that seemingly appears out of nowhere. They surround the TARDIS quietly and efficiently, aiming their guns at the intruder. Seems like security has increased around here. Good for them! Too bad it won't save them from me. He puts on his long, brown coat, checks to see if his screwdriver's still in his pocket and then walks to the door. Time for the show to begin.
He opens the door and steps outside, showing the waiting soldiers his most endearing smile.
"Hello there. Glad to see aliens can't just come barging in here without alerting anyone."
The soldiers don't move a muscle. Oeh, professional. I like that.
"State your name and your intent," one of them, probably the squad leader, asks firmly.
"My, aren't we the cheery one. Alright, you got me."
The Doctor raises his hands in the air. Idiots.
"I'm the Doctor and I'm here on very urgent business. So, take me to your leader, please?"
The squad leader turns around and has a short conversation with someone. When he's done he turns around and gives the Doctor a respectful look, then extends his hand. The Doctor takes his hand without hesitation and shakes it briefly, all the while reminding himself to just keep smiling.
"Pleasure to meet you, Doctor. Name's sergeant Oliver. You are now cleared to enter our facility. Me and my men will escort you down. Colonel Magambo is waiting for you."
Ah, it's colonel Magambo now? Seems our previous encounter yielded you some steps up on the ranking ladder. Interesting. Not that it changes anything.
"Lead the way, sergeant. I can't wait to see colonel Magambo again."
A short ride down in the elevator later the Doctor enters Magambo's office. The sergeant dismisses his squad, opens the door and follows the Doctor in. Erissa Magambo beams when she sees him. She stands up, walks over to him and shakes his hand. Keep smiling, just keep smiling!
"Well Doctor, I have to say that this is a pleasant surprise, even though I'm afraid you are not here on pleasant business. Please, take a seat. You too, sergeant. Would the both of you like a cup of tea?"
The sergeant gives her a slight nod before the Doctor answers.
"I'd like that, thanks. And might I add it's my pleasure to see you again. And you got promoted as well?"
Magambo orders three cups of tea through her intercom before she continues.
"Indeed. Even though you and the professor did most of the work, I got a promotion for my efforts as well. Did you know the professor is now head of his own department?"
With the experience of ten lifetimes of small talk the Doctor eases into the conversation, spouting out the appropriate nonsense while a large part of his mind is occupied with a last run-down of all the steps in his plan. Another part of him is absolutely stunned by how easy everything's going. I know humans aren't the brightest bulbs in the universe, but are they really this stupid? I just waltz in here, state my name and the next thing I know I'm taken right down into the belly of the beast. And she hasn't even asked me about my sunglasses. It's, it's absolutely ridiculous how amazingly retarded they actually are. When Magambo starts to tell him about her husband and children he decides that enough is enough and interrupts her.
"You know, colonel, as much as I'd love to sit here, sip tea and hear about your family," the Doctor can barely supress his sarcasm, "you were right when you said I'm not here for the fun of it."
Well, I am, but it's not the kind of fun you'd consider fun, flashes through his mind.
"I've recently received a disturbing message through the Time Vortex about a possible attack on Earth through UNIT. Unfortunately, the message had already deteriorated beyond even the TARDIS's capability of reconstructing it, so I couldn't replay it to make sure I'd understood correctly. But the fragments were clear enough to alarm me, so I set off immediately for Earth to contact you."
Right away both the sergeant and the colonel slid into their professional stances.
"That's not good news, Doctor," Magambo states gravely.
"I know it's not and I'm sorry to drop this into your lap like this, but there is one part of that message that was crystal clear. The attack will take place on this day in about one hour."
"One hour? ONE HOUR? Why didn't you say so when you came into my office! We could've started preparing for it already! Sergeant, call your men, I want-"
"Please, colonel, give me some credit. I'm the Doctor! I wouldn't have come here without a plan. And it so happens my plan needs less time to implement than it would take your men to even start to get ready to try and stop something they can't stop. I, however, can."
The Doctor is pleased to see the way his tone of voice and words affect the two humans. Magambo calms down considerably and the sergeants relaxes a little. So easy. Human minds are so easy to manipulate.
"So, what can you do to stop this from happening? And what is 'this' exactly?"
"'This', as you so adequately put it, is a radio-wave based lifeform that resides within the cosmic background radiation and searches the universe for civilizations who, for lack of a better description, make a lot of noise. Ever since the start of your twentieth century humans have been making more than just 'a lot of noise'. You've practically been screaming your heads off, announcing your presence to almost every single malevolent lifeform out there. Why'd you think there has been such a major increase alien attacks these last hundred years? You might as well have painted a big ol' bulls-eye on the face of the planet with the words 'come kill us, pretty, pretty please'."
The colonel doesn't look pleased when she hears this, but the Doctor can see she can't say anything to prove him otherwise. Good. Perhaps this will make you realize that what's coming next is your own damn fault.
"Okay, alright, you have a point. But what are you going to do about it?"
Faint traces of panic start to seep into Magambo's voice. Starting to get scared already? You ain't seen nothing yet, I can assure you.
"Look, I can't change the fact that you've been broadcasting your presence to the stars for over a hundred years. What I can do, is start with programming certain safeguards into your mainframe, so you can spread them throughout your world wide network and at least cloak part of your broadcast. Then, after both you and I are sure it helped, I can work with you on devising your own versions of this technology. I've told this to your predecessors on numerous occassions, but they never listened. Will you listen? Will you let me help you?"
The look in Magambo's eyes says it all. Yes, you will, won't you? You'll take my help. And If I hadn't offered it, you'd forced me to help. It's what people like you always do. Or try to.
"Doctor, if you can stop this, this viral lifeform I'd be more than willing to listen to you. Is there anything else we must know or can we take you to the Vault so you can implement the safeguards?"
"No, that was it, really. You can take me to the Vault now. I assume that's where your mainframe's based? And don't worry, we have more than enough time left."
For the first time since the Doctor entered the base Magambo gives him a curious look. Do I sense a twinge of doubt? No matter, it will all be over soon. She leaves the room with the Doctor on her heels, followed by the sergeant. They take a high-security elevator to reach the mainframe. Every time the Doctor watches the human fumble with their so-called advanced technology he has to suppress the urge to start laughing like a madman. So clumsy. If I didn't enjoy leading them on like this I could've broken into their precious base without anyone even noticing it. But where would be the fun in that?
Finally, after what feels like forever to the Doctor, they pass through the heavily reinforced safety doors that lead them into the Vault. Well now, I have to admit that I'm actually a little impressed. To his surprise UNIT's mainframe consists of state-of-the-art quantum computers, able to compute virtually endless possibilities in as much time as it takes a human to formulate a even one thought. I didn't know they had developed quantum-computing technology already. It might be prudent to inspect these machines after I'm done with my work. Who knows? I could even learn something from them! He can't supress a derisive snort, which makes Magambo give him another look. Damn, that woman is more observant than I thought. Too bad it's already too late, Magambo dearest.
Behind them the doors close as a safety precaution, leaving only the Doctor, Magambo and the sergeant in the Vault. The Doctor whips out his laser screwdriver, points it at the nearest server tower and releases both of his specially designed viruses.
"There, it is done," he states while turning around to face the two humans, just in time to see them pulling away from each other.
Ah, conspiring behind my back, are we? he thinks, noticing how the sergeant's behaviour has changed ever so slightly. So, what have you decided?
"That was all it took?"
The incredulity in Magambo's voice almost makes him want to yell at her that yes, that was all it took because he is a frigging Time Lord after all and yes, his technology is way beyond that of humans and oh, by the way, that he is superior to them in every way, but instead all he says is:
"Yep. Easy as pie. Now, shall we go to Central Operations to see if it worked?"
The quick look that's shared between the sergeant and the colonel tells him to expect to be arrested as soon as he does something out of the ordinary. I've already done it, idiots!
"Of course, sir. If you would follow the colonel?"
Oh, that was unprofessional, sergeant. Tsk, tsk. The Doctor follows after Magambo, amused to see that this time the sergeant walks behind him. The rest of the squad boxes him in smoothly, which almost makes him chuckle. Surrounded by soldiers the three make their way back up to Central Operations. All the while the Doctor can hardly restrain himself from bouncing up and down in anticipation. It's going to be truly amazing, I can hardly wait!
The whole entourage leaves the elevator and crosses a short hallway before entering Central Operations, all tucked away behind another set of heavily reinforced security doors. The big screen shows a digital image of the surface of Earth, while several smaller screens to both sides display information on active agents, possible threats and, much to the Doctor's amusement, what seems to be a running track record of his own exploits throughout the centuries. Oh, I like that, I like that a lot. Really nice touch.
Magambo and sergeant Oliver stand to his sides. The squad takes up positions all around him. His expression hardens. Alright, that's enough of that.
"Colonel, let's dispense with the charade, shall we? I don't know where or how, but at some point in the last fifteen minutes I either did or said something that made you doubt my intentions. Enlighten me: What was it?"
The coldness in his voice startles Magambo visibly, but she corrects herself quickly. When she looks him in the eyes, he no longer sees the pleasant woman who was talking to a man she believed was a friend, but a seasoned soldier.
"From what I've both read, heard and experienced about you, you've never been a man who just sits back and takes his time with things. Even when there's time to spare, and in most of your cases there wasn't, you never stop, not until the danger's passed. You run, Doctor. It's what you do. You run around the universe and try to make it just that bit safer. Or should I say: That's what you used to do?"
This time the Doctor laughs heartily, which startles not only the people around him, but everyone in the room. The techs, the communications people, the administrators, everyone looks up at the Doctor. Some of them let out gasps of surprise, others keep their surprise well-hidden. But when the Doctor surveys the room after he's done laughing, he also sees something else, something that delights him to no end. Fear.
"Oh, I have to applaud you for that. I'd never even have guessed what gave me away in the first place. I take it that my barely suppressed chuckle didn't really help my case either, then?"
Her grave nod confirms his suspicion.
"Right. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to watch that a bit better next time. I'm sure people at the other UNIT bases are less observant than you, colonel."
Now she raises an eyebrow at this statement. Oh please.
"Doctor, I don't know what your plan is and I don't know why you came here and why you put up this charade, but surely you must understand we will not allow you to leave this base?"
Right that moment all the screens turn blank and an alarm goes off throughout the base. The other people in the room start to move towards the exit immediately, only to find it deadlocked. Within seconds of this discovery panic starts to spread through the crowd, which only fuels the Doctor's elation and a big, slightly crazy-looking grin appears on his face. When Magambo tries to contact other parts of the base and gets no response, she shoots him a very angry look.
"What have you done?"
He laughs again, even throwing his head back for extra effect.
"Did you really think I would've let you lead me in here, surrounded by soldiers, if I didn't already have executed my plan?"
With a theatrical gesture he takes off his sunglasses, revealing his black eyes and fixes Magambo with a cold, hard stare. The colonel's eyes widen in fear and she takes an involuntarily step back. The Doctor reacts immediately, moves forward and grabs her by the throat before any of the soldiers can react.
"You pathetic little insects," he hisses, casually pointing his laser screwdriver over his shoulder and disabling the soldiers' guns.
"Honestly, I can't understand why I ever bothered to try and save any of you. Move closer and I'll snap her neck faster than you can blink."
Sergeant Oliver, who'd been trying to sneak up on the Doctor, relents and takes a step back.
"That's a good little monkey. Now, as I was saying… Are you feeling alright, colonel? Perhaps a bit lightheaded? A heavy feeling in your limbs? Irritated eyes, or throat maybe? How about you, sergeant? Feeling a bit… under the weather?"
It's as if the Doctor's words trigger the described symptoms. Throughout the room people start to stumble, cough and moan. He feels how Magambo's strength leaves her and let her fall to the ground. He turns around, looking gleefully at how every last one of the humans in the room sinks to their knees, then slumps to the floor. Beautiful, just… Beautiful.
Behind him Magambo's breathing becomes labored, so he turns back again and kneels down beside her. She tries to speak, but the spiking fever makes her shudder so badly she can hardly draw breath. She looks at him, her eyes pleading. Not to be saved, the Doctor sees she feels she's too far gone for that, but for answers. Why? her eyes say. Why did you do this?
"Ssshh, don't try to speak, it'll all be over soon," he says soothingly while stroking her hair.
"You were already dead as soon as I walked into the Vault. You see, I released two viruses at that time: One to reprogram your computers, another one specifically designed to kill humans. I disabled your communications and locked the entire base to avoid both people and my virus from getting out. I wouldn't want to alert the other bases now, would I?"
The Doctor caresses her cheek like a lover, his fingers getting coated in her cold sweat.
"This was just a test run and a near-perfect one at that. My other visits will go even smoother. Oh, and don't count on anyone finding out what happened here. After I leave I'll detonate a precisely tailored, contained explosion, effectively erasing the entire complex from the face of the Earth."
He raises his hand to his face, slowly licking her sweat from his fingers, savoring the taste. For a moment he closes his eyes, a content smile on his face. When he opens them again, Magambo is dead. Pity. Oh well.
As he stands up, a hand suddenly grasps his leg. The Doctor looks down to see sergeant Oliver clinging to him, sweating profusely like Magambo. However, instead of fear the sergeant looks at his killer without a trace a fear in his eyes. He opens and closes his mouth a few times, then manages to speak.
"M-murderer," he hisses in much the same tone as the Doctor did before, but panting like he's just run a marathon, "monster. Beast. Y-you," he swallows, "you deserve… the names… you were… given. T-they were… right… you know. Ev-every one… of your… enemies… they were… riiiight…"
With a last exhale the sergeant dies, his hand around the Doctor's ankle, a look of defiance on his face. The Doctor pulls himself free from the dead man's grip without any effort, looking at the sergeant in disgust. He pushes a button on his screwdriver, calling his TARDIS to him. As the TARDIS starts to appear, its wheezing, groaning sound filling the silent room, the Doctor's face brightens.
"Well, I enjoyed our little chat, but I have to go. People to kill, bases to destroy and all that. Allons-y!"
He snaps his fingers to open the doors and steps inside. After a few seconds the TARDIS starts to disappear again, leaving behind the corpses of people who did nothing more than trust the man who they thought had come to save them.
Over the next few hours each and every one of the remaining UNIT base first ceases to transmit, then ceases to exist entirely. It takes until the next day for news of this horrendous act to reach Torchwood through a trusted contact. The message, aimed at Jack Harkness, is both cryptic and short and after receiving it, not even Toshiko can re-establish communications with the contact. They fear the worst.
As Jack sits in his office and re-reads the message he keeps wondering what on Earth could destroy the whole of UNIT this silently and efficiently. Every site has been methodically erased from the Earth, taking a massive amount of dead civilians with it, so there's not much to go on there. And the message itself doesn't yield many clues either, but every time he reads it he can barely suppress a cold shiver from running down his spine.
Jack,
He is coming. Run while you still can.
Felix
Felix had been one of his most trusted spies, so Jack had taken the warning seriously and put the whole of Torchwood on permanent emergency status immediately after reading this. Now all they can do is wait for things to come and wonder about one question: Who, or what, was this mysterious He?