Crossroads - Chapter One

CHAPTER ONE

Elsewhere on the farthest reaches of the ChronoSphere, inside the mysterious Genoar Xesta Galaxy, existed the exquisite heavenly body called Genfar.

                The reason it was officially denoted as a ‘heavenly body,’ or perhaps ‘celestial body,’ came from the nonsense spouted from Earth.  All because after 76 years of its discovery, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) had demoted the outermost planet, Pluto from its normal status to ‘dwarf planet,’ ‘planetoid’ or Plutoid.

                Which, naturally, the intergalactic community considered absolutely incongruous.  From their observations, Pluto was indeed spherical, it rotated on its axis, has an elliptical orbit, and even has four moons, Charon, Nix, Hydra and  S/2011 P 1 (or P4).  But because its orbit was Trans-Neptunian, the IAU claimed Pluto was no longer classified as a planet.

                Same could have been considered for Genfar.  Though relatively bigger than Pluto, almost the size of Mars, it was definitely spherical.  It also possessed two moons—Genoa and Torreb—which they orbited neatly round it.

                Except if the IAU dared studied it, they would immediately discover some peculiar anomalies.  Despite having a clear orbit around a star, Genfar fundamentally did not belong to any planetary system.  At least what the IAU might define to be officially a planetary system.  Inexplicably, Genfar contains and supports inhabitable life, which if any Tellurian scientist managed discovering it, might state this was rather impossible.

                Or, at least, somewhat improbable.

                In fact, if Genfar was found by the Intergalactic Astrological Scientific Committee (IASC), it would definitely spawn immeasurable scientific and astrological questions.

                Because Genfar wasn’t a genuine planet, created from a star billions of years ago.  Instead it was an exclusive innovation known as a BioSphere.

Long before its untimely destruction, Gallifrey had always been synonymous with the Time Lords.  Not surprising, since it seemed they preferred demonstrating their authority about the Universe.  Especially where intradimensional travel by the lesser races was concerned.

                Effectively if one was fortunate enough locating a surviving volume of the Encyclopædia Intergalactica, the entry one might find would appear as follows:

GALLIFREY – PLANET AT CENTRE OF KNOWN UNIVERSE, IN THE CONSTELLATION OF KASTERBOROUS, HOMEWORLD OF THE TIME LORDS.

However, if you were like most, who couldn’t afford this monotonous depository of severely-limited information, your Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy would offer one an entirely different account:

GALLIFREY – The Shining World of the Seven Systems, within the Constellation of Kasterborous. Although classified as the Time Lord Homeworld, Gallifrey is also the residence of the wondrous Tombeurian Clanstribes – known creators and inventors of the BioSphere and other fantastic dimensional innovations.

Throughout the Paranormal Realm, many acknowledged the Clanstribes as the true visionaries of Gallifrey and the Universe.  Mainly because each Clanstribe specialised their aptitudes and characteristics directly on specific categories.  Case in point, the Locanshites were known for their science and technological prowess.  Whereas the Fangarians focused generally on ParaScience—fusing modern scientific principles and technology with the mystic arts.

                Due to this astonishing paradigm, the Tombeurian Clanstribes expediently developed a better understanding of how the Universe, Multiverse and their relative dimensions behaved.  As a result, the majority of Clanstribes became fascinated explorers rather than overzealous conquerors.  They were immediately distinguished for developing constructive, instead of destructive, methods for assisting incalculable galaxies and races—including Mutter’s Spiral (Milky Way), the Solar System and Earth.

As it was aforementioned, one specific venture they were responsible for was the BioSphere.  Nobody imagined this miraculous contrivance once began as a means for engineering a more efficient version of the Dyson Sphere.  Particularly because, in theory, if a Dyson Sphere’s star went supernova, that was the end of it, not to mention causing major problems on a galactic level.  But the BioSphere became a revolutionary invention for survival.

                During the dark times, almost every other galaxy seemed locked in never-ending battles.  As one expected, this resulted in countless lives lost, planetary systems annihilated and unspeakable destruction.  Because the Clanstribes knew it essential keeping their social relations with the Universe—and Multiverse—on peaceful terms, they released they needed a way to help those caught up within these disastrous conflicts.

                By engineering planetary realms, designed for specific requirements, the Clanstribes could provide refuges and survivors a vital chance for reconstruction.  In order to perform this accurately, some BioSpheres were self-sustaining.  Others were usually placed in specific locations.  The Clanstribes sagely selected certain locations as a preventive means, so the BioSphere’s inhabitants wouldn’t be invaded or ruthlessly destroyed once again.

                As with all of their secrets, the Clanstribes rarely benefitted from BioSpheric Construction.  They basically performed this service more as a good Samaritan motive.

That is, until a curious Ancient, Slartibartfast,  and the rare Clanstribe—the Dineconimians—had established the famous BioSphere Engineering Company known as Magrathea.

                Ah.. Magrathea.. the figure vividly recalled as icy-cold water cascaded over his face. Worst.. business.. ever. The Ancient Legends told how the Dineconimians excelled in accounting and business economics.  Considering they were the ones who first came up with Gallifrey’s economic system, it appeared logical for Magrathea becoming ultimately successful.  Except the Clanstribe had overlooked two minor elements when performing their research and development: (1) the unexpected overhead cost, and; (2) the clientele itself.

                BioSphere Engineering was sophisticatedly more than just chucking organic matter through a white hole, and remolecularising it into a coherent, viable structure.  One essentially needed to take into account the environmental factors, sociopolitical indexes, ecosystem symbiology, landscaping and planetary system life expectancy.

                Next came the problem of who really wanted BioSpheres. 

                While the figure calmly pushed his wet hair back, he perceived the BioSphere was originally intended for being a survival unit.  They weren’t meant for being social status symbols for the elite.  Regrettably, this was what unfolded when Magrathea opened for business.

                Mainly races desiring BioSpheres only wanted them as designer planets.  Thus Magrathea only received orders for extravagant realms, not the practical ones which were much easier for engineering.  Thus due to these elaborate, custom-built BioSpheres, coupled with the immeasurable cost of materials and labor provided, Magrathea had nearly bankrupted the entire Galactic Empire’s economy.

                Legends proclaimed the Dineconimians were so utterly ashamed and distraught by this business fiasco, they had completely shut down Magrathea.  They had also entered into a prolonged slumber, only awakening when the economy became stabilised.  But not before demoting Slartibartfast from BioSphere Engineer to temporal caretaker.

                Strange… the figure briefly gazed into the lavender-blue sky. Haven’t thought about Magrathea…

Standing under the waterfall, the figure marveled at the crystal rock behind him. While the thick lush flora of white and orange roses surrounded the base neatly,  giving the whole scene the illusion of a numinous landscape.  Tilting his head back slightly, he allowed the icy water land against his chest. 

                Notwithstanding the brief history lesson dancing through his mind, he acknowledged Genfar was not fashioned from Magrathean Engineers.  The BioSphere was constructed by the Fangarian Elder, Genfaraji, as a gift for the Fangarian Clanstribe.  The figure could not ascertain if Genfaraji designed it truly as a present, or a prophetical means, since it was foretold he suspected the Ending Days of Gallifrey were coming.

            Whatever the case, the figure knew Genfar was his own personal Eye of Orion.  A place where he could go and get away from everything.  Especially when things became extremely too critical for him to handle.  Amazingly, he speculated how the BioSphere remained perfectly untouched during the Last ChronoWar.

                Slightly moving forward, he felt the subthermal shower rush against his face.  Enthralled with the sensation, he also knew this was the best place for a holiday.  After everything he had recently endured, he thought it best to come here.  But not being selfish, he sagely invited The Doctor, Amy and Rory along, as well as taking two of his Companions, Ris and Mike.

                Perfect since he knew nothing horrible could happen here.  Genfar was indeed one of the best places to have survived the ChronoWar.  If this had been lost, he doubt what he would’ve done.

                Slowly lowering his head, he pondered one problem. Why do I still feel this sadness…

The being-in-question was Fanger.  But here, he was slightly taller, slightly younger and his hair was dark-brown with some tan highlights.  The only elements remaining were his tail, dark hands and multicoloured headband.  He currently wasn’t wearing anything since he was standing beneath the waterfall.  Nestled within his exotic cove, the waterfall seemed giving the Paranormal Time Lord a long-needed shower.

                In reality, Fanger was amidst an ancient purification ritual he had learned from both his Frelan, Dunestar, and his Japanese Primlan, Li Chan.  The purpose behind it was one implemented it for ultimately cleansing one’s mind, body and soul.  The Paranormal Time Lord, however, was performing it as a means for wiping away his current anguish.  And it was just only one method he was undergoing at the moment.

                Attempting on circumventing his memories, Fanger recalled his morning schedule.  After helping getting his guests settled at the  Pavillon Mystique, he promptly engaged in some yoga.  Shortly afterwards, he realised if Ris was going to be his Companion, the Tellurian needed learning some Tombeurian self-defence. Thanks to Li Chan, the Paranormal Time Lord taught him some basics in Fantaké Hau Dai.  Later Fanger did something he had not done since his Fourth Incarnate:  he practiced with his Light Katanna.  Ever since he had met The Inquisitor back on Ydar, the Paranormal Time Lord privately wanted mastering this distinctive weapon.  Not for offensive capabilities as most weapon-masters tend to favour, but because it mysteriously provided some link to his own heritage.

                Being a ChronoKnight, Dunestar possessed the ancient Chronosword.  The one he always practiced with and used for defending Gallifrey, when it had been worth defending.

               

                Gallifrey… Opening his eyes, Fanger felt the water’s sting upon the back of his neck.  Staring directly as his darkened feet, soaking in the waterfall’s basin, he conjectured on why he simply couldn’t accept its demise.  Essentially because he perceived it more than just a planet within some forgotten system, nestled in an overlooked galaxy.  It originally was his home, despite the sociopolitical problems, where he partially grew-up and lived.

                Time reversed back in his mind.  Back when he was on the Multiversal Observation Deck,  the Paranormal Time Lord recalled when he entered into his Ninth—and current—Incarnation.  The Regeneration was triggered when he literally crashed on a parallel world—Earth-G—the one his former self had encountered when he was searching for his TARDIS Components.

                Even more surprising, was when he discovered The Doctor and Rose had ended up here, and it was plagued by a new version of Cybermen.  Enduring the fantastic adventure, he dealt with the Ancients, Cillian and Trent Lumic, the Cipherians, Doctran and the F-Clones.  But nothing had prepared him for the horrifying actuality:  Gallifrey had been annihilated.  The Last ChronoWar wasn’t a lingering fantasy from his Eighth self’s temporal slumber.

                It was real.  Countless lives lost.  Civilisations ravaged, worlds devastated and races dashed.  All because of two warring factions: The Daleks and the Time Lords.  Not to mention some dark political faction as well.

                Mysteriously, a handsome man with a tall, slim frame, dark brown hair, pale skin and dark brown eyes had appeared.  He also wore a dark brown suit with blue pinstripes and Converse All Star trainers.  They were cream coloured, if Fanger hadn’t been mistaken.  Doctran had also adapted the man’s appearance simply for one fact:  the man was The Doctor.

                The Tenth Doctor.

               

The Doctor had come due to the promise he made with Fanger’s parents.  Of course, the last time the Paranormal Time Lord met his godfather was two Regenerations ago.  The Time Lord had rescued him and Rose from the unexpected Multiversal disaster.  After everything had gone relatively back to normal, with Fanger helping Rose and her family deal with the Cybermen, and keeping Earth-G from falling apart, he had gone to the Multiversal Observation Deck.

                Although  Fanger was appreciative his godfather had come, he wasn’t much in the mood for celebrating.

                He recalled The Doctor called him as he witnessed Earth-G recovering from Trent Lumic and the Cipherians’ meddling.

                The Paranormal Time Lord silently confirmed their Homeworld was gone.  He commenced rambling about things, preventing his emotions from rising, not wanting the sadness materialising.  Eyes welling up with forgotten tears, he turned and established eye contact with The Doctor.  Fanger could no longer hold back his emotions.

                The Paranormal Time Lord cried.

                Not frenzied, or volatile, but wept as if he just lost something incredibly precious.

                With all the infinite wisdom and astuteness, all The Doctor could perform was holding his godchild.  Trying only to comfort the lost Little One, and hope eliminating the sharp pain he also felt.  Though the endearing gesture lasted for only one minute, for both The Doctor and Fanger, it felt like forever.

Afterwards it appeared everything started falling apart for Fanger.

First off, after meeting up with her for several Incarnates, the Paranormal Time Lord discovered he and his wife, Nyssa, couldn’t be together.  Political reasons, as usual.  He wonder what possessed his Fifth self to be elected Lord President of the new Earths, Fangaria and DuoTerra. 

Secondly, returning to the TARDIS 2, Fanger found himself saddled with a Companion—or Sha’Kalin—by both The Doctor and Nyssa.  Privately he resented they felt he required a babysitter.  As if he was going to become so emotionally unstable, he would go off on some unbridled rage.

Okay.. he somberly admitted. There was that time with my Sixth Self.

He hesitated, attempting on what he exactly he had done.  Considering his mind was a complete blur when it had come to his first humanised Incarnation.

But the true devastating blow was when the TARDIS 2 received the message from Earth.  From a Mr. Smith.  Fanger wasn’t certain he had ever known a Mr. Smith.  He knew of The Doctor’s alias Dr. John Smith, and of course, his cousin.

                Sarah Jane. She was his cousin from Earth.  Fanger had met her back on Earth, during the Third Doctor’s Timeline, when he rescued her from the Spectri.  It was here she and him discovered their genetic relation.  However, she was not disturbed by it, nor did she fear of all this wolf-nonsense.  She felt it rather intriguing being related to an ‘alien.’

                When Fanger had entered into his Fourth Incarnate, he had re-encountered Sarah again, introducing her to the TARDIS 2.  As well as taking her upon some intriguing adventures.  But all things usually have to come to an end.  And the Fourth Fanger returned his cousin back to Earth.  It would be ages before he met her again, this time in his Eighth Incarnate, when he was temporarily stranded on Earth.  When the TARDIS 2 had merged with a Rental-Video Game Store, as a preventive measure against the Sontarans using the Cardassian Rift in Baytown.

                But with his preoccupation with The Doctor, The ChronoWar and Gallifrey’s presumed destruction, he had nearly all but ignored her.  Not outright, mind you, he still took her out to places in Texas.  Like Todai’s, a sushi bar & grill, or San Antonio, Austin and Houston.  Even took her to a Borden’s Ice Cream Parlor in Beaumont, and some places in his adopted Hometown of Orange.

                After his Regeneration, Fanger had promised Sarah he’d take her to the Plantation House in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

                Regrettably, it would have been one promise the Paranormal Time Lord would fail to keep.

                Turned out Mr. Smith was an advanced symbiocomputer belonging to Sarah.  However the message came from two people, Luke and Sky, Sarah’s adopted children.  Receiving the message, everything had become a slow-motion dream.

                T-2 sensed her master’s disdain, not hesitating taking him to the hospital where she was now staying.  St. Adelman’s.. the one name Fanger wished he could forget.

Faint scent of antiseptic invaded his nose upon entering St. Adelman’s Hospital.  Fanger despised this memorable aroma as he approached the main desk.  He was expediently admitted directly to her private room.  Resting in her bed, Sarah appeared weak and pale.  Almost as if her lifeforce had been drained from her body.  Every physician, specialist and medical professional were completely mystified at her inexplicable ailment.

            Luke and Sky informed Fanger about Sarah’s condition.  Shortly after preventing a madman using aliens from taking over the Earth, with something called SerfBoard, Sarah had become critically ill.

            Fanger calmly held his cousin’s hand.  Establishing physical contact, the Paranormal Time Lord conducted a psionic BioScan.  Travelling through her experiences, he discovered Sarah had regrettably encountered a Katesh.

            Recalling his knowledge of parasitic lifeforms, Fanger perceived these beings were similar to Paramorphs.  Whereas Paramorphs consume one’s psychic lifeforce, Katesh prefer consuming one’s thrills and emotions.  Although Sarah was saved by Luke and K9, the after-effects from the Katesh on Sarah were prolonged.  Apparently the effects had taken their toll upon Sarah’s body.  Despite all of Fanger’s capabilities, there was nothing he could do.

            Not travel back through time.

            Not Regeneration Transfer.

            Nothing.

In her final moments, however, Sarah gently smiled at Fanger.  Placing her hand against his cheek, she greatly admired his recent body.  Eyes inundated with tears, Fanger never wished viewing his cousin in this state.  Although he perceived eventually he’d outlive her, the Paranormal Time Lord never desired encountering this day.  In fact, it was one of the things he secretly loathed about his Gallifreyan metabolism.

            Nevertheless, Sarah comforted her distraught relation.  She proclaimed this wasn’t truly the end for her.  Instead she would yet embark on a new adventure.  One where she would finally get to visit her Aunt Diane, thanking her for producing a wondrous cousin from another world.

            There came a brief silence as she closed her eyes.

            Fanger’s last moment of the day was hearing the soulless, monotone sound from the cardio monitor.  The same, exact tone which greeted The Doctor, Amy and Rory when they had finally entered the room.  Secretly the Time Lord came shortly after his godchild had arrived, but sagely felt the Little One needed time alone with his Tellurian relative.

As always, Fanger sensed it appropriate keeping his emotions in check.  Letting the icy water cascade over his body, the Paranormal Time Lord questioned this appalling requisition for being the bigger person.  He never comprehended why one couldn’t simply express their anguish whenever they felt like it.  Especially when he was on Gallifrey, Fangexlcoatl and The Doctor promptly educated him on the means of being completely reserved.  Particularly when circumstances became unexceptionally chaotic.

                But as with all things, Fanger perceived the situation was not set exclusively for his own devices.

Majoring in symbioengineering, Fanger knew Luke and Sky were Genet beings.  Meaning they never quite grasped the real concept of death, and the fact he detected they had felt responsible for Sarah’s unnatural condition.  Since they were now his relations, Fanger took it on himself in reassuring them they had performed no wrong.

            Essentially, they knew nothing about the Katesh, nor their deadly habits.  And if they had been aware of these creatures, how could they have prevented them from attacking Sarah? 

            Fanger felt it ironic he was comforting them, reassuring them everything would be all right.  Luke and Sky readily accepted their cousin, and appreciated his help, feeling they were indeed a true family.

C’el Kinet immediately assisted the Paranormal Time Lord with the proper arrangements.  Besides establishing Luke and Sky as official Fangarians, Fanger ultimately ensured they would be well-taken care of, permitting them and their friends as being full-time employees of his Para Investigation service on Earth.

            His relations would also check-in on them from time-to-time.  Specifically Harrison, since he knew how close Fanger and Sarah were, and also wanted no harm befalling Luke and Sky.

            Fanger also established secret comlinks between his and The Doctor’s TARDIS with Mr. Smith and K9.  In case of any possible, dire emergency ever came up on the planet.

Consequently, the funeral arrangements had been another matter entirely.  Although it wasn’t quite rare for one of them passing on, the ParaCouncil and Tombeurians observed Sarah’s passing being a most sacred event.  Fanger peacefully established the proper means for orchestrating the procession, not once demonstrating any remorse or despondency.

The arctic water reminded Fanger of the cold rain falling on the day of the funeral.  All he remembered was feeling a complete numbness transpiring throughout his body.  Chillingly, the exact sensation he once experienced back on Gallifrey, during The Onslaught.  When The Master mercilessly launched his bloody coup, relentlessly murdering the innocent, and not so innocent.  Where Fanger—only a child then—had witnessed the untimely deaths of his classmates and friends.

                Strange how one managed locating connections from two separate events.  As well as possessing the same thoughts dancing through one’s head at both locales.

A single part of him desperately wished he wasn’t here.  He wished this event wasn’t real.  Just like Gallifrey, The Onslaught and every nightmarish moment he encountered throughout his travels, Fanger wanted it as nothing more than a cruel prefabrication of his mind.  Where something would awaken him from this horrible vision, and he’d be back within his bedroom on the TARDIS 2.

            Consequently when he observed the giant turnout—both friends and family—at the funeral, the Paranormal Time Lord perceived it was all too real.

            The only true comfort was when Fanger performed the consecrated Ra’Nubis D’Shel—an Ancient Tombeurian prayer—for Sarah Jane Smith.  Amazingly he recited it perfectly, in his native tongue, while the rain ceaselessly poured.  Not once did his voice falter, nor did he perform one error as he completed it for her.  Everyone was impressed, but Fanger hardly cared as he knew he had once again lost someone ultimately precious to him. 

            Someone who didn’t care if he came from Gallifrey, or Orange, Texas, but rather just being there when she needed him.

            And at times, when he needed her.

            The Doctor had shown up to pay his respects as well.  Once more, he could only offer his godchild a consoling hug.

Throughout endless History, it should be known there are equally limitless misconceptions about many races.  Specifically when it comes to Wolf-Beings.  Thanks to inaccurate folklore, ludicrous superstition, and bizarre presumptions, they’ve been portrayed as feral, uncontrollable beasts.  Earth, of course, being the worst of the lot, producing wild tales about lycanthropy.

                Mainly because one assumes if a being owns fangs and claws, they are ultimately bound by these barbaric nature they are attributed.  Meaning when a Wolf-Being enters a rage, one expects their venomous fangs and claws to emerge.  When in reality, they seldom implement their natural defenses over such inconsequential and meaningless matters.

                Instead when their emotions reach critical mass, and they inevitably permit them to get the better of themselves, the result is beyond any frightening event imaginable.

                For the Katesh calling herself Ruby White, had been genuinely cognisant of her transgressions, she might not have engaged in her mad plan.  If she had one slight inkling about her victim and its connections, Ruby might have sagely left Sarah Jane Smith completely alone, as well as the planet Earth.

Silently travelling in the Prison Ship, Ruby had been preoccupied with plotting her revenge.  It was bad enough Kiyone Makibi and Mihoshi Kuramitsu, the most questionable officers of the Galactic Police had captured her, (especially Mihoshi) but to be re-sealed by some primitive, hairless apes.  Considering two of them were, in her opinion, clueless children.  Then again, Mihoshi had tricked her with a childish tactic.

            As she focused on possible, ghastly mechanisations, it dawned on Ruby she really couldn’t do anything.  The only reason she had managed escaping this confinement was due to a navigational malfunction.  Programmed for remaining in the Medusa Cascade, mysteriously some force had flung the vessel near a supernova.  Besides short-circuiting the systems, the electromagnetic pulses activated the hyperspace emergency transport.  Meaning she now found herself in Mutter’s Spiral, and near Terra.  If she had focused more on her freedom than being enthralled with the possibility, she might have succeeded in devouring the insignificant, little planet. 

            As a result, she was imprisoned once more, knowing she blew her only chance for freedom.  Considering supernovas only occur once every one or two eons.  And even then, returning exactly back to Earth at the point she had been dispatched from wouldn’t be exactly a piece of cake.

            Amidst her contemplation over both failure and revenge, something unusual abruptly interrupted her thoughts.

            The prison ship gave a sudden lurch, then stopped.  Transforming herself into Tellurian form, Ruby searched the controls, fearing the power source had finally gone out.  The last thing she needed was drifting aimlessly through the Cosmos.

She was somewhat relieved when she noticed the instruments were still active.  But then a disturbing revelation entered her mind:  something or someone had interrupted the vessel’s course.

            Ruby’s mind raced about how the prison vessel was detected.  First off, she knew the craft was dimensional, meaning no standard starship could encounter it.  She originally suspected the Galactic Police, perceiving Mr. Smith had contacted the GP HQ immediately, or possibly Washu Habuki had discovered her presence.  Ruby never quite understood what the rogue scientist was doing on that backwater planet, but equally feared her just the same.

            Then she realised if it was the Galactic Police, the transport recall system would’ve activated without fail.  Checking the console, she witnessed the indicator was lifeless.  Therefore, ruling out that possibility, but still making her speculate over who could exactly stop this craft, let alone discover it.

            The silence shattered by a faint, curious sound.

            Grinding and pulsating forces echoed throughout the ship, then ceased by a sharp thud.

            Ruby scanned the entire vessel.  She wasn’t certain what she was searching for, since she knew nothing could relatively breach the ship’s hull, let alone access it.  The biosensors immediately located the curious object.

            Oblong, composed of wood, it appeared being a box of some sort.  The biocomputers identified it as a police box, but the image it produced was nothing like the one at the holding bay.  This one seemed as if a demented painter had come and vandalised it.  Yet, there was one disturbing component about the police box.  Set under its right window panel was a crimson F-Symbol.

            The biocomputer didn’t hesitate identifying the connection.

            Nor the abnormal structure before her.

            Fangarian.. TARDIS.. Ruby recalled the origins of these components.  Frowning, she perceived only the Time Lords owned such crafts, but she knew this was a virtual impossibility.  The Katesh were aware of the Great Chrono War between the Time Lords and the Daleks.  Meaning after the destruction of Gallifrey, they were completely gone.

            ‘No..’ a low voice languidly cut through the darkness. ‘Not entirely gone.’

            Before realising another presence had made its way to the Main Control Centre, Ruby felt strong, mystical winds blow past her.  The first thing occurring was the activation of the life support systems.  Essentially since Katesh are polymorphs by nature, they don’t require such insignificant items like breathing.  Speaking of which, Ruby then felt her Tellurian structure becoming corporeal.  Disturbingly she was not responsible for the transitional conversion.  She suspected the visitor was a Paranormal.

            Peering through the darkness, Ruby speculated on the being’s identity.

            ‘Allow me, Katesh…’ he chillingly hissed, almost turning her blood cold. ‘..Ruby..’

            As the soft lights melted the dark veil, they revealed a figure stooped down.  Gazing at the floor, he seemed as if he was surveying it with his hand.  Ruby acknowledged the figure’s hands were dark, with claw-tipped fingers.  He also possessed a wolf’s tail, which was pensively moving about across the floor.

            Wolf-Being… She knew her hunch about the being was correct.  Except if her memory served her, there was only one Fangarian who owned a TARDIS.  She incredulously stared at him.  He, on the other hand, was completely oblivious towards her.

            ‘Biorhythmic surface,’ he coolly analysed. ‘Rarely see this type anymore, all digital now, isn’t it?’

            She wasn’t certain what he was going on about, since she suspected this was far from being a social call.

            But she wasn’t having this being intimidate her either.

            ‘Lord Fangarius, is it?’ She purred in her best bravado tone. ‘What do I owe this pleasure?’  Personally, Ruby ascertained either the being was extremely courageous, or incredibly stupid, willingly coming on-board a Katesh ship.

            Even if it happened to be a Prison Class Ship.

            The being responded by squatting up slightly, placing his right fist upon his multicoloured headband.  Despite the soft lighting, the headband’s colours appeared dull and washed out.  His eyes moved from the ground towards her.  Without uttering a single phrase, he fluidly stood up.  This reminded Ruby of those serpents which rose up whenever threatened.  Just before they got ready on initiating the first deadly strike.

            The comparison came from the fact the being wore nothing but a black T-Shirt, trousers and ropers.  The only sliver of colour was the crimson F-Clanscrest.

            ‘Yes..’ Fanger’s face was almost expressionless.  Only the edges of his mouth barely lifted as he spoke in a composed and steady tone. ‘Apologies, Ms. White, is it?’

            She wavered, expecting the Paranormal Time Lord might launch the first deadly swipe.

            ‘No matter. I’ve come bringing a gift..’

            ‘A.. gift?’  Ruby wondered what exactly Fanger was offering her.  As far as she knew, Paranormals weren’t particularly fond of the Katesh.

Closing his eyes, Fanger held up his right arm, revealing an ornamental wristband.  Gold-trimmed, integrated with platinum and silver, the wristband appeared rather ancient.  Consequently, Ruby’s eyes focused on its polished, inset gem.  Deep crimson, she recognised it as a Sanginima, a popular mystic stone with the supernatural.  Emitting a red glow, she searched her mind on what her guest was planning.

            ‘Tell me, Ms. White, have you ever..’ Eyes snapping open, Fanger made them and the gem illuminate a blood-red hue. ‘Tasted a Wolf-Being’s rage?’

            Words resounding throughout the ship, they began short-circuiting the panels.  Ruby became ensnared by a strong, stiff wind.  Before realising it, the Katesh was enraptured by wild sensations.  Throughout countless ages, she had never experienced such intensity of emotions.  It was like pure, unbridled ecstasy.  Before acquiring full realisation of her situation, Ruby was absolutely enthralled.

            ‘Savour it..’  Fanger wickedly approved, narrowing his eyes. ‘Consume.. every.. morsel..’ He dispassionately commanded.

            The Paranormal Time Lord’s apathetic phrase triggered a serious warning to Ruby.

            Something was wrong, she sensed it.  Normally she would deftly absorb her prey’s lifeforce without a solitary thought.  But Ruby detected there was more to this psiforce than just emotion.  This wasn’t just some basic anger, or childish rage, but instead a type of fury she rarely encountered.

            Raw.. uncorrupted emotion.. One item she had no control over when feasting.  Meaning her current form could not be stabilised if she didn’t cease her consumption soon.  Except when she attempted severing her connection, Ruby felt an aggressive grip upon her form.  She apprehended taking on a human form was not the most practical idea.

            ‘Rather rude refusing food offered from your guest,’ Fanger’s gaze burned directly into her soul. ‘After all, you’re quite a connoisseur, aren’t you?’  His voice fell into a deep whisper. ‘Besides, Ms. White, I’d love showing you where this rage originates.’

            Helplessly ensnared by the psionic tempest, Ruby stood enraptured by the forces.

            ‘Countless times, The Doctor and myself have told you lot, the Earth.. is off-limits..’  Intensifying his gaze, more panels shorted-out. ‘But you continue ignoring our warnings, don’t you? Just keep right on messing with it..’

            Ruby absolutely had no idea what the Fangarian was going on about, except her brief excursion on that miserable little planet.

            Fanger relentlessly continued. ‘Although, in all fairness, with the way the Tellurians treat themselves and the planet. It still is no excuse…’

Memories racing through her mind, Ruby rapidly reviewed her previous visitation.  The only victim she attempted consuming was Sarah Jane Smith, but she still couldn’t understand why…

The realisation instantly rose through her body faster than any potent drug or force.  Out of the billions of Tellurians she could have selected, the Katesh had chosen one kin to a Fangarian.

            ‘Finally figured it out, have you?’ Fanger slowly uttered. ‘You now comprehend my rage, Katesh..’

Feeling every molecule bloated with untempered psionic force, Ruby’s body started swelling up like a balloon.  The once powerful Katesh was now virtually immobilised.  Her transformation and shifting abilities were impaired.  The ship itself wasn’t doing much better.

            Fanger’s intense Parakinetic Energy was reacting with the vessel’s controls.  Every electronic device was short-circuiting, shattering the darkness with endless sparks and explosions.  She sensed Fanger wasn’t merely toying with her.

            ‘Pl-please..’ she desperately begged. ‘You.. you.. can’t..’

            ‘Spare me..’ Fanger privately seethed with antipathy and loathing. ‘You think.. presume.. acquiring knowledge about Sarah Jane Smith as my cousin, you would genuinely cease your carnage?’

            Ruby terrifyingly observed the Paranormal Time Lord summoning a blue electric orb within his left hand.

            ‘So..’ Fanger stared accusingly at her. ‘Why should you expect any mercy from me?’

Fanger vaguely recalled performing the unthinkable:  Chronoshattering the Katesh.  Something he never dared doing to anyone or anything.  Not even to the Daleks and F-Clones.  Not even as a last resort.  The Paranormal Time Lord feared he had acquired something he had hoped he’d never obtain through his Past Incarnates.

                Apa’Congeli.  Fanger perceived this wasn’t some desire for petty revenge.  According to Fangexlcoatl, the descriptive term means whenever a Wolf-Being extinguishes all emotions from their body and soul.  The result causes the being to become ultimately apathetic and oblivious to everything.  Where they no longer care about  distinguishing right from wrong, as so long the end justifies the means.  The Doctor, Dunestar and Fangexl warned Fanger never allow himself this deadly affliction.

                But apparently his vague memory claimed he had developed this dangerous symptom back on the Prison Ship.

                Fortunately Fanger never got the chance on executing the final move.

Nothing prepared her for the Paranormal Time Lord’s vehemence, almost eclipsing his Sixth self’s temper.  His wrath would’ve done the Addamses proud, especially Uncle Gomez, since nothing could stop him.

            Except as Fanger was about to make the fatal blow, three people had stopped him.

            One was C’el Kinet, who attempted on reminding him murdering Ruby was illogical in reincarnating Sarah Jane.  The other was his cousin, Kiyone, of the Galactic Police.  C’el secretly notified her about her cousin’s emotional state, and unless she and Mihoshi came, she’d be taking the Paranormal Time Lord into custody.  Ironically, the third was the most unexpected.

            It was Jidai Sakugo, Fanger’s Paradoxical Incarnate.  When C’el and Kiyone had failed, Jidai had gotten through to Fanger.  By saying something rather mystifying.

            ‘So the Wolf finally displays his fangs and claws, does he?’

It was then Fanger realised this was not what Sarah Jane would want, seeing her cousin act like the stereotypical ‘wolf-man.’  The jaded viewpoint he fought for centuries, only to have it possibly dashed for one careless moment.

            And he didn’t want to spoil her memory of him.

Fanger recalled turning over the Katesh to Kiyone, transmitting a private, telepathic warning that Ruby best stay put.  He surprisingly thanked Jidai for bring him back to his senses, as well as C’el for taking the initiative.  But the pain still remained, the pain he could not remove over the loss of his cousin, Sarah Jane Smith.

Feeling a lone tear fall across his cheek, Fanger vehemently closed his eyes.  Clenching his left fist, he bitterly reproached himself.

                ‘J’Kalahn!’ He punishingly hissed. ‘Fangarius, you promised you’d not do this! Not here!’

                Bitterly cursing himself, he speculated on how he had gotten back on this despondent track.  He did not take all this time and effort for getting everyone here on Genfar, just to be soaking in a subthermal waterfall, feeling hopelessly sorry for himself.  It was supposed to be a special holiday.

At this point we must interrupt here.  For this journey through memory lane, and present contemplation, had occurred in only mere seconds.  Primarily because the Paranormal Time Lord thought he was alone here, and never imagined the next moments transpiring in the most unpredictable manner.

Fanger received an unfamiliar response for his rhetoric admonishment.  One, in which, he never truly expected on hearing.

                ‘OI! I’ll say!’ A female voice disgustingly called out. ‘There are people present!’

                Eyes snapping open, Fanger didn’t recognise the voice.  Unless Amy somehow shed her Scottish accent with a British one.  And not a very pleasant one at that.  Lowering his head he wondered if his mind and ears were playing tricks on him.  Perhaps he had been under the waterfall a bit too long.

                ‘Hey, you!   Yes, you!’ The voice bitterly reprimanded.

                Detecting the voice’s source, Fanger gingerly turned his head towards the left.  Cautiously peering through the waterfall’s veil, he noticed a red-haired woman standing at the cove’s shore.  Wearing a red dress and brown jacket, she was covering her eyes, appearing rather agitated than embarrassed.

                ‘Er..’ Fanger briefly forgot he was still nude, attempting some proper etiquette. ‘Hello?’

                ‘Yes, finally,’ she exasperatedly remarked. ‘Could you please put some clothes on? Cor, I didn’t think he was taking me to some bloomin’ nudist camp!’ Though she sounded a bit heated, secretly she couldn’t resist taking one peak at the being. ‘I mean, with all the places throughout the Universe, he has to take me to one where.. hang on..’ she wasn’t certain if it was an illusion from the waterfall, as she now stared at the being’s hindquarters. ‘Is that a..’ she noticed the being now had his back turned.  She pointed at the odd thing. ‘Is that a tail?’    

                Blinking at the woman’s odd speech, Fanger looked back behind his shoulder.  Staring down, he noticed his soaked, furred appendage happily swaying.

                ‘Yes,’ he innocently smiled back. ‘It is, rather quite attached to it, y’know.’

                Acknowledging the woman’s disdain, he recalled he still was lacking clothing.

                ‘Oop..’ He swiftly headed towards the far end of the cove, ducking behind some leaves. ‘Sorry.’  Behind the leaves was awaiting his towel and silver robe setting neatly upon a rock.  While he expediently dried off, putting on the robe, he heard someone else rustling in the nearby thicket.

                ‘Warning, Little One,’ the evenly-smooth voice called out. ‘Genfar’s sensors indicate an unauthorised…’

At this venture, the woman expected some maintenance droid appearing, brandishing a weapon of some type.  After all, this was usually the norm upon her travels with him.  She thought he’d have sense enough for once to come through the proper entrance at these locales.  After all, being treated as an intruder was getting a bit redundant.

                However, nothing had prepared her for what was coming out behind the thicket.

As if Adonis had arrived, the tall, muscular man stepped out.  Brown, straight hair, blue-hazel eyes, he was definitely not the person she anticipated coming out here.  He sensed the other being was no longer at the waterfall.  He then acknowledged the female visitor.

‘..presence..’

Upon her first glance, she presumed he was an attendant.  Essentially he was wearing a gold, muscle shirt, dark trousers and boots.  She cautiously glanced at his ornate belt, suspecting it served as a remote control.  Meaning it was best not upsetting him, but she noticed he bore no animosity upon his lips.

                In fact, he possessed a slightly amused expression, as if he hadn’t really expected her at this locale either. 

                Consequently breaking from her enchantment, she then discerned he wasn’t quite human like the first one.  The headband he wore wasn’t multicoloured.  Instead it appeared more regal, as if it was actually a crown.  Gold with platinum edges, it was studded with exquisite gems.  She started wondering if he was the owner and the other was the attendant.

                Mauve-lavender, triangular symbols were set neatly on his cheeks.  A strange tattoo—two C-shapes, one reversed in a pattern, almost resembling a yin-yang symbol—etched on his right shoulder.  She suspected it was probably a sophisticated, identification marker.

                She nearly became taken in by his handsome features, until she noticed his lower arms and hands.  Apparently they were composed of metallic-alloy.

                Bloody great, she fumed, cursing herself for almost falling for him. He’s one of those ruddy, flippin’ androids.

                ‘Negative,’ he stared at her with his blue-hazel eyes. He efficiently corrected. ‘I am a Locanshite.’

                For a moment, she realised he just read her mind.  Gazing at his eyes, she perceived the pupils weren’t round, but narrow like a cat or a serpent.  Attempting on breaking the enchantment she focused on his physique, discovering he also possessed a wolf’s tail.

                ‘It’s all right, C’el,’ Fanger swiftly emerged from the bush.  He was now dressed in his silver robe.  ‘You can look now,’ he called to the woman. ‘I’m decent.’

                Snapping from her enthrallment, she glanced towards the Paranormal Time Lord.  She noticed he was handsome.  And hauntingly-familiar.

                ‘Wait a sec,’ she inspected Fanger’s robe, recognising the crimson F upon the lapel.  She recalled reading about a being in the papers with this particular symbol. ‘You’re—’

                ‘Fangarius,’ he walked round the cove, approaching the woman, offering his hand. ‘Fanger, for short.’ He thumbed towards the muscular being. ‘He’s C’el Kinet.’

                ‘Yes,’ she shook Fanger’s hand. ‘The Locanshite.’ She identified.

                ‘Greetings,’ C’el politely bowed to her. ‘Apologies if I disturbed you.’

                ‘No,’ the woman shook her head. ‘No,’ she said to Fanger, releasing his hand, realising she just shook a wolf-hand. ‘Not at all.’

                ‘And,’ Fanger raised an eyebrow, wondering how she had gotten here. ‘You are?’

                ‘Donna!’ An accustomed voice cried out from the distance. ‘Where are you?’

                ‘Over here, Doctor,’ Donna called back. ‘By the waterfall with Fanger… and..’ She glanced at the Locanshite. ‘C’el Kinet..’

                ‘Doctor?’ Fanger and C’el puzzlingly frowned at each other.  Not because they didn’t recognise the name.  They both realised the possible anomaly which was unfolding before them.

                As anticipated, the man emerging from the thicket was indeed The Doctor.

                Except he was the dark-hair, dark-brown suit with blue pinstripes Doctor. 

                Totally clueless by the anomaly, he acknowledged his godchild and the Locanshite as if he and Donna were accidentally trespassing upon Genfar.

                ‘Ah..’ he noticed Fanger’s robe, realising they had disrupted some ritual. ‘Sorry, Fangsie, we didn’t mean to intrude.’

                Donna spun round, giving The Doctor her most accusing glare.

                ‘Intrude?!’ She vehemently protested. ‘You said it was okay to be here. I should’ve known.’  Donna remembered once when they landed Autopia, where The Doctor had almost gotten them burned alive in a solar furnace.

                ‘Look, Donna,’ The Doctor interrupted. ‘I didn’t realise Fangarius would be here, by the way..’

                The Doctor established eye contact with Fanger.  Before they knew it, their minds immediately touched.  Without warning, The Doctor was made cognizant about the real problem.  About the unexpected anomaly which occurred, as well as the Paranormal Time Lord’s uncharacteristic behaviour.

                The Doctor’s façade melted from fascination into bewilderment, then finally into sheer disappointment.

                ‘Fangarius…’

                ‘Time Lord,’ C’el shattered the tense moment. ‘The Little One is not at fault. Currently, his suppression of emotional activity has produced a temporal instability of control over his judgment.’

                The Doctor blinked.

                ‘C’el means, “I’m not quite myself.”’ Fanger translated, then whispered. ‘But as you’ve figured it out, Doctor, I’ve already discussed the matter with you.’ Then hesitated briefly. ‘Or in your case, I will have.’

Heading back towards the Pavillon Mystique, Fanger considered it best if Donna didn’t learn about his previous escapade on the Katesh Prison Ship.  One thing Fanger disliked was explaining when Time Lords crossed their own timestreams.  Especially when Companions aren’t aware about things like Regeneration. 

                ‘So wait a tic,’ Donna attempted absorbing what Fanger was saying. ‘You lot can change your appearance?’

                ‘Yes,’ Fanger calmly noted. ‘But only when our bodies give out.’

                ‘Or,’ The Doctor somberly admitted. ‘When we suffer fatal injuries..’

                C’el pondered over why Tellurians failed grasping the simplest concepts.  Certain Gallifreyan beings possessed an attribute enabling extended life by transcending into other forms, or lives, existing beyond limited lifespans.  C’el wasn’t being snobbish, like Romana, but merely establishing an observation.  Fanger, though, perceived the reason was many beings with extended life were usually considered as inhuman.

                Meaning those with severely limited lifespans could  hardly comprehend the notion.

                But for now, the Paranormal Time Lord decided not focusing on the philosophical nature behind Regeneration.

                ‘With the Universal Timeline being as vast as it is,’ Fanger explained while they calmly went past the elegant garden. ‘Our Past selves, if you will, have their own existence in their own space.’

                ‘Never thought you lot owned Time Property,’ Donna stared dubiously at The Doctor. ‘I just thought you went flying about in your police boxes.’  Although she attempted making conversation, she couldn’t shake the fact Fanger reminded her of someone else.  Secretly she knew about the Paranormal Time Lord from various news stories, websites and tabloid reports.  But she never once saw him in this form, yet, there was something familiar about him.  As if she had actually seen him before somewhere else.

                Fanger continued indicating Paranormals aren’t constricted by the First Law of Time.  Since they can transcend the fourth and fifth dimensions, they sometimes accidentally meet their Past selves on occasion.  But during the encounter, they cannot divulge Future information, lest they end up producing unpredictable Paradoxes.

                ‘Right, Fangarius,’ The Doctor gradually spoke. ‘Normal Time Lords don’t transcend the First Law.’

                Donna noticed The Doctor wasn’t on one of his usual tirades.  In fact, it was the first time the Time Lord had been rather directly to the point.  Not evasive, not deceptive, but instead pensive and slightly peeved.  The trouble was, as usual, not identifying the source of his disdain.  Certainly it couldn’t be Fanger.

                From everything she knew about the Paranormal Time Lord, Donna sensed he dealt with things inexplicably supernatural.  But despite the media attention, Fanger kept a low-profile when it came to himself.  Sort of like The Doctor, except she noticed Fanger never concealed the fact he was a.. what did he call himself.. a Wolf-Being.  She realised this when Fanger wasn’t disturbed with her discovering his tail.  Perhaps The Doctor was upset his comrade didn’t quite keep these facts on a more inconspicuous level.

                No, she thought. That can’t be it..  From what her intuition was informing her, Fanger must have done something The Doctor greatly disapproved.  However, she couldn’t ascertain exactly what the Paranormal had done.  He appeared rather well-mannered, not the type to go about murdering people.  Then again, Donna learned when travelling with The Doctor, nothing is ever what it seems.

                ‘Unless..’ The Doctor glanced accusingly towards Fanger. ‘Something extremely crucial to our existence in relation to Time itself.’

                Before Donna’s abrupt first encounter with The Doctor, the Time Lord had come across his Past selves back on the Eye of Orion.  Vaguely it had first started with an explosion, then his Ninth self and Rose coming to see what was causing it.  Later, it had turned out to be Ace testing her dreadful Nitro-9 bombs, with his Seventh self reluctantly looking on.

                Then before he realised it, the Rani had made off with his Companions.  Next, the Valeyard had almost murdered his First Incarnate with a damaged TARDIS heading towards a sun, then almost had him converted into a Dalek.

                Secretly he was rather glad his godchild wasn’t involved.  He shuddered to think what the Sixth Fanger might have done.

                Nonetheless, after experiencing this, coupled with the odd dream of meeting his Future self, The Doctor never wanted going through the entire tour de force again. 

                Especially if it dealt with another endless threat toward the ChronoSphere again.

                Yet..

                Something was nagging him from the deepest recesses of his mind.

                Something he desperately needed remembering about himself and the Little One.

                Something ultimately important.

                ‘Yes,’ Fanger somberly confirmed.  He also sensed the perplexing memory gap from The Doctor.  Surreptitiously his mind frantically raced through the annals of his Past.  Regrettably he only located obscure shards pertaining him and the Time Lord.  Shards indicating they once embarked on a peculiar mission.  One which actually dealt with something concerning the Second and Sixth Doctor, where his Third Self had been kept out of it.

Temporarily shaking loose these random thoughts, Fanger calmly led them back towards the Pavillon.  He hoped when they reached the complex, C’el would be correct and this was nothing more than a malfunctioning Chronocompensator.