‘THE SUNFIRE CHRONICLES: ROMANCE AND THE COW CREAMER’

By Tim Bradley

Featuring the Fifth Doctor, Nyssa and Billy Walker.

Set after ‘Return to Christmas’ and ‘The Thirteen+ Doctors’.

---

Prologue: A Thief in the Darkness

In the middle of the night, the thief’s bare feet made no sound. She padded across the carpeted floor. An elegant burglar in a dressing gown thinly-laced over her silk night dress, she picked her steps with cat-like care.

She noticed the snooty couple fast asleep in their bed, snoring loudly. They’d kept the window of their guest suite wide open to allow the cool air to circulate – it had been a hot day after all. She was thankful the moonlight outside guided her way in the darkness.

Carefully, she reached out and turned the doorknob that led into the next room. Looking back, she checked the couple didn’t stir whilst fast asleep. Grateful that they were goners in the Land of Nod, the thief considered it safe to enter. Quietly, she slipped inside.

Once in the room, the woman took out and switched on her pocket torch.

She scanned the area to discover what she was looking for. Eventually, she found it and crept over to a safe in the room. It was situated in a wall behind a cabinet. She moved the cabinet gently, doing the best she could to avoid any noise.

As soon as she gained access to the safe, the thief shone the torch at the dial. 

Of course, she knew what the combination code was to unlock the safe. 14-10-10-66. The date of the Battle of Hastings. She discovered this information from her ladyship whilst she was in service to her. This was before her ladyship and her husband went downstairs to dinner one evening.

The young woman must be precise and quick, as she turned the dial to the correct numbers in sequence. She picked up the skill from an actual safecracker that she once met in a bar. She put something sedative in his drink – after he had divulged his trade secrets – so she could slip away quietly.

She hoped her efforts wouldn’t be for nothing. There was a pang of anxiety as she twisted the dial to unlock the safe.

Her heart thumped and she held her breath as she twisted the dial to the final number. She put the torch down on the floor for a moment and pulled the handle down. Clunk! She froze crouched by the safe, her hand grasping the handle. Her ears strained to pick up any sounds from next door. Only the ticking clock, and her own shallow breathing.

Fortunately, the noise didn’t wake up the sleepers in the other room. Relieved, the thief gently opened the safe door to avoid making additional sounds.

Looking inside, she saw her prize, its gleaming silver metal glinting in the torchlight. Reaching inside with her left hand, the thief took out what appeared to a cow-shaped jug. Satisfied, she placed it into one of her dressing gown pockets.

After closing the safe door, she gently moved the cabinet back to where she’d left it. Picking up the torch, the lady hoped her exit from the aristocrats’ guest suite would be as straightforward as her entry into it. Switching off the torch, the thief carefully opened the door to return to the suite’s main room.

---

Next morning, his lordship woke up to hear loud screams emanating from the next room of the guest suite. He leapt out of bed, threw on his dressing gown and hurried to find his wife.

He found her by the open safe door on her knees and sobbing profusely.

“What is it, Madeline?” he enquired. “What’s been going on in here?”

“It’s gone!” the old woman squirmed. “The cow creamer I bought from the antique shop in London a few weeks ago! It’s gone! Oh, husband! Someone has stolen my prized treasure!” 

---

Chapter I: The Joy of Summer

Summer! It’s what every British person longs for after the travails of a wild and wet winter. Amongst the worshippers of sun, sea and sand, a young couple – tourists from the stars – joined in the fun.

Nyssa and Billy blended in perfectly in their 1920s bathing suits. Billy felt rather foolish in his naval blue and white striped outfit. Nyssa assured him that he looked fetching and not like a ‘walking deckchair’. She was decked out in a plum-coloured outfit, matching the clothes she used to wear on Traken.

Billy couldn’t help himself. With a cheeky grin, he playfully splashed water at Nyssa whilst she paddled in the sea. Nyssa splashed back. They ran about chasing each other, before Billy tripped Nyssa over and she fell into the water. Laughing happily, Nyssa and Billy soon embraced and kissed, with the waves gently brushing them.

After their bracing dip in the sea, Nyssa and Billy sought out their deckchairs nearby. With the towels laid out ready for them, they dried themselves. They sat in the deckchairs, slipped on their sunglasses and gazed at the sunny seaside vista.

Billy placed his left arm around Nyssa, whilst she rested her head on him.

“I’m so glad we came,” the young man said.

“Me too,” the Trakenite joined in. “Sitting here and enjoying the peace makes me forget the perils we’ve faced in our TARDIS travels.”

“Indeed. I wish we could have more holidays like this.” Billy paused for a moment. “I’m sorry we haven’t got to the special surprise honeymoon destination yet.”

“Don’t fret, Billy dear,” Nyssa assured him. “I’m glad we can be together like this. We’ve a lot to look forward to, both in terms of our honeymoon and our marriage.”

Frequently, the Doctor attempted to land the TARDIS for the opening of the Brighton Pavilion in England on the planet Earth. On these occasions, it was the right place but the wrong time or vice versa. On this occasion, the Doctor didn’t plan on taking the TARDIS to Brighton. Instead, he’d attempted to get his space-and-time ship to a secret honeymoon destination, requested by his young companion Billy Walker. This was for him and Nyssa of Traken, whom he married recently. 

They arrived in Brighton yesterday evening. It wasn’t the honeymoon destination Billy had in mind, but he and Nyssa didn’t complain. They happily considered it their pre-honeymoon before the main destination. Seeing the logic in that, the Doctor decided to book them in at the Grand Brighton hotel. The Time Lord hoped to enjoy a bit of recreation in Brighton too. The following morning, he left his friends to it, heading off for his òwn special destination. Nyssa and Billy knew he was going to play cricket.

“I can’t believe our first meeting will be forty years in the future in an English village in 1963,” Billy exhaled contentedly. “Nobody could have predicted we’d end up together like this.”

“I never envisioned it either,” Nyssa smiled. “It was the most pleasant surprise I ever had. I first realised on Junglos that I was falling in love with you.”

“Yes, I wondered why you encouraged me to stay on in the TARDIS when we visited that space hotel in the future.”

“At the time, I was merely being kind, friendly…” she blushed, “…and if I’m honest a little bit selfish. I wanted some company of my own age whilst travelling with the Doctor.” She paused. “I know we’re from different worlds, but…”

“We can make it work,” Billy interrupted, assuring her and gently caressing her shoulder. “You’re the woman I’ve waited for all my life. I wished for my dream princess to come, and it turned out to be you. From first meeting you and having adventures with you and the Doctor, things got better. I feel very lucky.”

“I’m very fortunate too, dear. I never thought I would find happiness like this. I thought I’d lost everything following the death of my father and Traken.”

Billy gently freed himself from Nyssa. He became momentarily sombre. “I know I can never replace those gaping holes in your life, Nyssa. I only hope to do my best as we spend our…”

Nyssa stopped him, placing a finger to his lips. “You have, Billy. More than your best. I couldn’t have asked for a better husband.” She held his left hand and stroked it. “I hope I can do the same and be a good wife to you.”

“You already have.”

Smiling, the two shared another kiss, and relaxed in their deckchairs.

“I wonder how the Doctor is doing,” said Nyssa. “He’s probably getting a lot of points for his cricket team.”

“Is it points or is it runs?” Billy queried. “I’ve never understood the game nor why the Doctor likes it so much.”

“Me neither. Hopefully we can catch up with him once we get back to the hotel.”

---

Meanwhile, the Doctor was enjoying himself tremendously. Nyssa was correct, he had indeed scored plenty for his side in his latest cricket match at the local Brighton cricket club.

He was the last man in. Usually, he preferred to be the last man. He relished the opportunity to sweep in and save the day. Thankfully, his recommendation to his team’s skipper, Gerald, to put him last in the batting order was followed.

The Doctor’s teammates were amazed by how extraordinarily efficient he was whenever he batted the leather-bound ball and did a variety of hooks, pulls, off-drives, etc. The current score for the Doctor’s team was 288. The Time Lord hoped he would break a record and go beyond 300.

Unfortunately, the inevitable happened. The Doctor knew from the bowler’s “Owzat!” and the umpire signalling with one of his right fingers that he’d been bowled out. It was also the signal that the first half of the match had ended. Applause from the spectators echoed nearby. 

It was too good to last forever, I suppose, the Doctor thought. But the Time Lord knew that he was super-fast as a bowler too. He became confident about outwitting the opposing team in the second half of the game.

---

“There’s plenty for us to do in Brighton. We can go to that chocolate tasting event we saw advertised at the hotel.”

“I’m looking forward to our ballroom dance this evening.”

“Me too,” Billy smiled, before he frowned. “Though I still need to work on my Charleston.”

“Try not to worry, Billy. Just have fun. That’s the important thing.”

Eventually, they decided to head back to the hotel. Nyssa hoped to try on the ballroom gown she found in the TARDIS once they got back to their honeymoon suite. Getting out of their deckchairs, Nyssa and Billy gathered their towels and made their way back to the changing rooms. The beach wasn’t busy. They had come at a good time in the morning when there weren’t so many people. It would get crowded later in the afternoon.

“I take it you’ve never been to Brighton before.”

“I can’t recall visiting the place when I was young,” Billy answered. “Maybe my parents took me to visit the place when I was a kid. Or am I thinking of Weston-super-Mare?”

“The beaches on Traken were more luxurious than this,” the noble woman remarked. “I used to enjoy spending sunny afternoons with my father on our local beach when I was little.”

“We can always revisit Riverloth,” suggested Billy. “See if they have any beaches like the ones you had on Traken. Things must be better since we last visited there.”

Riverloth was almost the equivalent of Traken, much like Serenity. When Nyssa, Billy and the Doctor visited Riverloth, they got more than they expected. Melkurs! Statues possessed by actual evil entities, brought to the planet by the dark primeval being called Morguth.

“I’m not so sure about revisiting Riverloth,” Nyssa said. “I still have haunting memories of the place, despite some of the people being kind to us. Hopefully their welfare and stability are well-handled under Werna’s guardianship. In my opinion…”

At this point, Nyssa noticed Billy was distracted.

“Billy, are you listening to me?”

Snapping out of it, Billy turned to her. “Look, Nyssa! Look over there!”

Nyssa looked to see what Billy saw. They saw a woman swimming out of the sea and onto dry land nearby. She wore a green bathing suit. She was dazzlingly beautiful with her wet gold hair matching the morning sunshine. She looked to a deckchair before her. Taking the towel from it, she dried herself before heading off to one of the changing rooms.

“That woman? What about her?”

“She reminds me of someone. Someone I used to see in the movies.” Billy thought for a moment. Eventually… “Yes! Yes, of course! Grace Kelly! That’s who she reminds me of!”

“Who?”

“Grace Kelly!” Noticing Nyssa’s confusion, he elaborated, “You remember? She was in that film with Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.”

“‘High Society’?”

“That’s it!”

“Wasn’t she in that film with James Stewart too? Oh, what was it?” Nyssa thought for a moment. “‘Back Window’?”

“‘Rear Window’. Not bad, well done!”

“So, are you saying that that woman is Grace Kelly? She’s with us on Brighton beach?”

“Possibly,” replied Billy, unconvinced. “Except…”

“Except what?”

“Well, I recall Grace Kelly being born in 1929. That can’t be right as she’s grown-up in this time period we’re in.”

“I see what you mean. Most peculiar.” Nyssa thought again. “Perhaps she’s an ancestor of Grace Kelly’s who looks just like her.”

“Maybe,” Billy said dubiously. “But I don’t recall Grace Kelly having a relative who looked exactly like her. At least not according to the history books.”

“Perhaps she’ll be recorded in the future history books,” Nyssa suggested. “It’s still being written as we speak.”

Billy nodded, pondering on these things as he and Nyssa made for the changing rooms. 

---

Rejoining his fellow cricketers in the pavilion, the Doctor politely accepted the cup of tea offered to him. Savouring the warm nectar, he soon found himself surrounded by his teammates who praised him greatly. They asked him what his magic was and how he managed to stay on as batsman for as long as he had. The Doctor knew to be careful and avoid revealing too many secrets about his cricketing prowess, but it wasn’t easy.

The Doctor was thankful that Gerald the skipper broke up the crowd. Soon, it dispersed, and it was just Gerald and the Doctor enjoying their conversation and the marvellous cricket tea. The Time Lord couldn’t resist devouring a couple of cheese sandwiches offered to him.

“I must admit, I can’t blame our fellow cricketers for being curious by how amazing you were on the field of battle,” Gerald said. “If you want, you can join our little club and be a full-time member. We could use your talents as a batsman and bowler in future games.”

The Doctor couldn’t help but chuckle as he sipped his tea. “That’s very kind of you, Gerald, but I must politely decline, I’m afraid.”

“Are you sure? England doesn’t have that many good cricketers these days. Some try to match up to W. G. Grace’s standards, but it’s a tall order for most.”

“I appreciate that. But I can’t commit to a full membership like that. I’m only a passing traveller, you see. I play cricket when time permits me to.”

“You’ve never considered taking up a serious career in the game then?”

“Afraid not. Even being invited to Lord’s wasn’t enough to persuade me otherwise.”

“You were invited to Lords?!”

“Absolutely!”

“By Jove! I’ve always wanted to see what the MCC would be like.”

“You could be lucky. You never know.”

“But seriously, Doctor. A chance to be a member of our cricket club is an open invitation. We can be flexible if you’re unable to attend every match.”

“And I wouldn’t want to disappoint you unnecessarily. I’m very grateful, but cricket is just a game to me. I simply consider it as a form of recreation.”

Gerald lowered his voice. “Don’t let any of the board members hear you say that. They’ll have your guts for garters. They take the game very seriously, you know.”

“Oh, believe me. I’ve met a fair amount of those types in my lifetime when it comes to playing the game.”

“I’m sure you have,” Gerald thought for a moment. “Can I at least show you a schedule for our upcoming matches? If you’re able to attend at least one of them in the forthcoming months, then…”

Just then, a loud bleeping noise echoed nearby. The cricketers turned their heads once they heard the odd sound.

“What’s that?” queried Gerald. “Where’s that coming from?”

The Doctor realised. “I believe it’s from one of my coat pockets!”

The Time Lord went over to the beige frock coat that he had draped over a chair in the pavilion. Checking and searching through one of the coat pockets, the Doctor soon took out a peculiar device that everyone became baffled by. To the Doctor though, it was one of his portable temporal trackers. He forgot how many he kept in his usually bigger-on-the-inside coat pockets.

Turning the device over in his hands, the Doctor examined the readings and checked what the temporal tracker was saying. Gerald came nearby and looked over his shoulder.

“Is that a toy you’ve got there, Doctor?” he asked.

“Temporal tracker,” the Time Lord informed him briefly. He returned his attention to the device. “But tracking what, I wonder.”

Ignoring Gerald’s confusion, the Doctor assessed the readings. His puzzled expression turned into concern. The tracker bleeped louder than ever.

“Oh dear,” the Doctor quietly tutted. “That can’t be good. Not good at all.”

Clutching the tracker in his right hand, the Doctor took his beige frock coat off the nearby chair and donned it.

“My apologies.”

“What do you mean your ‘apologies’?” Gerald reacted baffled. “What are you doing?”

“I must take my leave of you.”

Gerald looked thunderstruck, “You can’t leave now, Doctor! Not when we’re about to start the second half.”

“I’m afraid I must,” the Time Lord declared. “This is very urgent to me. Please don’t ask me to explain, I haven’t got time.”

The fellow team players joined in the discussion. 

“But we need you here! I heard you were a fast bowler! Fast bowlers are what we need!”

“You’ll do fine without me,” the Time Lord assured him. “In the meantime, I suggest you find yourself a substitute to match up the members you have against the opposing team.”

“But we don’t have a substitute player on hand! Not at the last minute!”

“It’s alright, skipper,” said a scrawny young man nearby, whose name turned out to be Bob. He’d been eager to get into the game himself but wasn’t given the chance. “I’ll take the Doctor’s place. Just give me a few minutes and I’ll have my gear on.”

The Doctor smiled. “Splendid! Thank you very much.” He turned back to Gerald. “Good luck, Captain! It’s been nice to play in your team. Sorry I must be going.” The Time Lord then looked around. “Does anyone have any free transport I can use?”

“Err, you can have my bike if you want,” said Bob.

“Even more splendid!” the Doctor beamed. “Parked outside, is it?”

Without waiting for an answer and giving a cheery farewell, the Doctor was out of the pavilion. Gerald, Bob and the players for the winning side watched. The Doctor exited the cricket club grounds, mounting the available bike waiting for him. They saw him cycling off. 

Clenching his fists, Gerald gave an exasperated sigh. Perhaps it was best that the Doctor didn’t sign up to become a member at the Brighton Cricket Club. Looking at Bob, who beamed enthusiastically, the skipper shook his head, dismayed. He surmised his side was bound to fail, despite the claims made by Bob that he wouldn’t let the side down. Gerald would have to see it to believe it.

---

Chapter II: Crime and Detection

Nyssa and Billy held hands as they made their way to the Grand Brighton. They admired the hotel from a distance, amazed by how resplendent and beautifully-built it was. Billy felt lucky to be staying at the hotel with Nyssa for their pre-honeymoon. It was the kind of hotel where many wealthy citizens could lodge at. The Doctor ensured that their accommodation was paid for.

Billy observed Nyssa’s contented smile and relaxed demeanour showed that their little break by the sea was doing her good.

“Enjoying the sunshine, dear?”

“Absolutely. We came for a good week, according to the Doctor. The summer of 1925 is commended to be a warm one.”

“We’re lucky to not be in the years from 1918 to 1920. Otherwise, we’d be caught in the Spanish flu pandemic.”

“That’s terrible. If we were in that time period, I’d be providing a cure for everyone suffering from the disease.”

“I’m sure you would. It’s amazing to think that 1920s Earth, particularly in England, came out of the pandemic and now everyone is living in a time of great prosperity.”

“You have a real fondness for the 1920s, haven’t you?”

“Very much, yes.” Billy paused. “The musical films with Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney make me feel that way. I enjoyed them when I was younger. They often present decades like the 1920s and 1930s as being idyllic.” 

“So I’ve noticed.”

“It’s seeing those films that makes me want to visit the 1920s.” Billy reflected for a moment. “Mind you, I wouldn’t want to stay in this decade for very long. Whilst I’m enjoying our holiday, this period of Earth’s history has its dark side.”

“I can see your point on that. I’ve done some research and found the crime rates occurring in 1920s America rather bad. In my travels with the Doctor, I’ve grown to appreciate that every problem can’t be solved in any time period we consider to be pleasant.”

“I know. It’s sad to think about.” Billy lowered his voice at this point. “Especially since there’s going to be a Great Depression and a Second World War coming along.”

“I considered perhaps spending our married life together on 1920s Earth,” said Nyssa. She paused momentarily. “But I don’t think that would be ideal if we had to live through all that suffering in the forthcoming decades.”

“No, it wouldn’t be ideal,” agreed Billy. “It would be nice if we lived through the 1950s. That was a mostly happy time for me. But I don’t think I’d want to run into myself.”

“I should think not,” Nyssa teased.

Billy couldn’t help but laugh. Nyssa joined in.

“If you’d prefer to live in a more futuristic society compared to my preferences, just say it and I’ll happily oblige to your wishes. Your happiness means a lot to me…”

“Thank you, Billy,” Nyssa interrupted, smiling. “That’s very kind of you. Let’s not worry about that now, shall we? We can enjoy what we have for the time being.”

“Yes. I can’t wait to see your reaction to our surprise honeymoon destination.”

“I’m looking forward to seeing what it’s like too.”

---

They entered the hotel via the grand entrance doors. In the lobby, Nyssa and Billy were surprised to see several policemen about. They wondered what was going on and why the police force had been summoned. As the pair walked across the polished marble floor towards the sweeping staircase, they bumped into a young couple. 

The man was in his mid-thirties, had dark hair, and wore a grey linen suit. The woman was in her late twenties, a brunette, and she wore a light blue chiffon dress. The pair recognised Nyssa and Billy immediately.

“Why, it’s the nice young couple we met last night, William,” said the young lady. “Over dinner, remember?” 

“By Jove, so it is!” exclaimed the young man. “Hello, you two. Nyssa and Billy, was it?”

“Yes, hello, Mr. and Mrs. Cadbury,” Nyssa replied, recognising them. “It’s very nice to see you both again.”

“Oh my dears, please! You simply must call us by our Christian names. Wendy and William.”

“Been out for a morning stroll, have you?” asked William.

“We visited the beach, yes,” Billy replied. “Nice and quiet there.”

“Early morning sunbathing?!” exclaimed Wendy, intrigued. “We must try that sometime, William. Be good for our health.”

“But then it would be difficult to get you up so early in the morning, my love.”

“Oh William!” she playfully prodded him. “You’re such a tease.”

Billy couldn’t help but admire William and Wendy. He discovered from them that they’d been happily married for five years. They seemed the ideal married couple, especially when they playfully teased each other at times and seemed clearly devoted to each other. He hoped he and Nyssa could be like them, seeing that they loved each other very much. 

Nyssa admired the Cadburys too. They reminded her of Lord Cranleigh and his wife Lady Ann at Cranleigh Hall, whom Nyssa had met twice in her TARDIS travels. Billy had met them on the second occasion. Like the Cranleighs, the Cadburys seemed friendly and kind.

“Are you going out for a walk yourselves?” Nyssa enquired. “Didn’t you plan to visit the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery today?”

“I’m afraid we’ve had to postpone our trip, my dears,” Wendy answered.

“In fact, you might want to consider confining yourselves to the hotel should the police be in touch with you,” advised William.

“Yes, we’ve seen the police walking in and out,” Billy observed.

“Has something happened?” Nyssa asked anxiously. “No-one’s been murdered, have they?”

“Thankfully not,” said William, relieved.

“But my dears, if you were in the lobby at 9 o’clock, you would have witnessed a commotion.” Wendy’s eyes sparkled as she whispered dramatically, “There’s a thief lurking about in the hotel corridors.”

“A thief?”

“Yes, Billy, a thief. Someone has stolen the Watkyns’ cow creamer.”

“The Watkyns? What, you mean, that haughty couple we saw last evening when we chatted over dinner?”

“The very same,” answered William.

“You should have seen the state Lady Watkyn was in,” Wendy remarked. “She was screaming her head off when she claimed her cow creamer had been stolen from the safe in their guest room this morning.”

“Her ladyship and her husband came down to complain at reception.”

“Then she sobbed her heart out. A bit of a performance if you ask me. I felt more sorry for the man behind reception receiving their complaints.”

“Lady Watkyn’s husband took her back upstairs to their guest room to calm her down,” said William. “His lordship isn’t happy either. He’s been looking daggers at anyone he considers a suspect. I wouldn’t want to cross him.”

Nyssa nudged Billy and whispered, “What’s a cow creamer? Is it an actual cow?”

“It’s a milk jug, dear,” Billy whispered back. “Sometimes the gentry would have milk or cream in jugs shaped like cows. They were all the rage in the 1920s.”

“Seriously? The Watkyns are fretting over a milk jug?”

“It must be a very expensive milk jug.”

Returning their attention to the Cadburys, Nyssa asked, “You said the police might get in touch with us.”

“They arrived as soon as we had finished breakfast,” Wendy replied.

“We heard their cars and sirens once we started leaving the dining room,” William added. 

“They’ll be questioning everyone who might be considered a suspect.”

“Any leads to follow?” Billy asked. “Any clues as to who might have stolen the jug?”

“The Watkyns are convinced that it was their maidservant who did the deed,” reported Wendy. “She’s conveniently gone missing.”

“We’ve agreed to help the constabulary to find anything that we consider to be of vital importance to this case,” William added. “What’s his name…? Err… Constable Oakwood. Yes, that’s the chap. He’s in charge of the bobbies here.”

During their conversations last evening, Nyssa and Billy discovered that the Cadburys were private amateur sleuths. From their homebase in London, they’d come to Brighton for a short holiday. They hadn’t anticipated solving any crime cases during their time in Brighton.

“Shouldn’t you let the police solve this case alone?” asked Nyssa. “You’re both on holiday after all.”

“Ah, but the opportunity to solve another crime case is irresistible for us,” said Wendy happily. “Besides, our holiday was getting boring anyway.”

William continued, “It’s our duty to help the authorities. There’s no harm in providing a little extra assistance.”

“I hope the police see it like that,” Billy remarked.

“So far, they haven’t shown us any intransigence,” said Wendy, intrigued. “Which is quite extraordinary, don’t you think?”

“Our reputation must precede us wherever we go, my dear,” said William.

“You’re probably right, yes, of course. Thank you, my dear.” She turned to Nyssa and Billy. “We’re already famous in London as well as Bath, Leicester and Newcastle.”

“You two haven’t seen anything suspicious during your trip to the beach, have you?”

Billy considered answering William’s question by informing him that he and Nyssa saw a woman that looked like Grace Kelly on the beach. But he quickly thought better of it, as the Cadburys probably wouldn’t get what he was on about.

“No,” he eventually said. “I’m afraid not, sorry.”

“We were just enjoying ourselves on the beach, blissfully unaware a theft had taken place.” Nyssa sighed.

“I see,” said William, eyeing Nyssa and Billy thoughtfully.

A thought then occurred to Wendy. “Perhaps these two can help us should we need it. Be an extra pair of eyes to be on the lookout.”

“What a spiffing idea, Wendy dear.” William said happily, before he addressed Nyssa and Billy. “Can we trust you two to report on anything suspicious to us?”

Wendy tilted her head on one side, “You two do look like the kind of people that can be considered trustworthy.”

“We’ll do our best,” Nyssa answered carefully. “We can’t promise anything, but we can be on the lookout.”

“Yes,” Billy happily joined in. “Anything we can do to help, we can.”

“Splendid!” Wendy clapped her hands joyfully and surprised Billy with a quick peck on his left cheek. “I knew we could count on your two for support.”

Billy couldn’t help but blush, as he rubbed his left cheek with his thumb.

“Well, we’ll leave you two to it,” William declared. “We’re off to report to Constable Oakwood in the Victoria Bar and Lounge.”

“Why don’t you come and meet us there this evening,” Wendy suggested. “We can exchange any information we have on the case later today.”

“Actually, we planned to attend the ballroom dance this evening,” Nyssa established.

“Even better!” cheered Wendy. “We’ll meet you in the ballroom. I have a special dress for the occasion too.”

“See you soon then,” said William.

The Cadburys departed, heading off out of the lobby. Nyssa and Billy waved them off as they made their way to return to their honeymoon suite upstairs.

“They’re a sweet couple, aren’t they?” Nyssa declared.

“They are indeed,” Billy agreed. “I hope they do well with finding out who stole the Watkyns’ precious property.”

---

It took about twenty-one minutes via bike for the Doctor to reach the source of the temporal disturbance after following the temporal tracker’s signal. He ended up in the depths of Coney Wood. Unlike most humans, the Doctor wasn’t exhausted from the exertion of cycling. Being a Time Lord, he was still energised. Though it was a challenge to balance the temporal tracker on the stern of his acquired bike whilst using the handlebars and the brake lever.

“If only Bob had attached a basket to his bike,” muttered the Doctor.

Cycling up a hill, the Time Lord continued through the wood. The temporal tracker bleeped louder and louder as he went up. He wondered whether the signal belonged to an alien with perhaps a temporal energy signature. If so, then it shouldn’t be on Earth in 1920s Brighton. 

Eventually, the Doctor reached the top of the hill. On a straight path, he soon spotted something ahead in the distance. Slowing down and applying the brake handle, the Doctor saw two fallen souls on the ground. Checking the temporal tracker and hearing it bleep away like crazy, the Time Lord cycled on.

Getting closer, they turned out to be a couple of English chaps. The Doctor assumed they were quite jovial gentlemen in ordinary circumstances. Unfortunately, the way they were sprawled on the ground made them look like they were in a death-like state. 

The Time Lord got off and dropped the bike to the ground before going over to examine the two men. He checked their wrists to feel for their pulses. He could detect the faint movement of the veins under his fingers. They seemed to be okay. 

Hearing the temporal tracker still bleeping away, he examined it and checked its readings.

“Hmm. The source of the signal must be close by. Where could it be?”

After a fruitless sweep of the area, he switched off the tracker, pocketing it into one of his coat pockets. The Time Lord deduced the two chaps on the ground weren’t connected to the peculiar temporal signal he picked up. They were just unfortunate victims caught up in someone else’s activities.

“They must have been neutralised,” he deduced. “Not killed as one might have expected.”

Getting up from the floor, the Doctor took in his surroundings. There didn’t seem to be anyone else about. Silence ensued for a while.

“How did you two end up like this?” he asked the comatose gents. 

No response. 

“How did you get here? You must have gotten here via a mode of transport surely.”

Still no answer.

Considering his options, the Doctor ventured further to explore more of Coney Wood. He assumed the chaps’ vehicle wasn’t too far away. What would it be, he wondered. A Morgan 4/4 perhaps?

“No, Doctor! They wouldn’t have been invented yet.” 

Mind you, it could explain why the two chaps had been knocked out unconscious. 

“If that’s the case, surely there must be car tracks in the mud.”

Just then, out of nowhere, a Bentley came charging out towards him. The Doctor saw it just in time. With quick reflexes, he jumped out of the way. Startled, the Time Lord was thankful the vehicle missed him. He ended up on the ground, feeling the skin scraped off his knees as well as his sides bruised all over.

Getting back up and dusting himself off, the Doctor called out, “Excuse me! Do you mind looking where you’re going? You nearly caused a dreadful accident!”

The vehicle turned around to face him. Instead of acknowledging the Time Lord, the driver revved up the Bentley’s engines and charged once more. Astonished, the Doctor jumped out of the way again, narrowly avoiding a collision. The car stopped once he had jumped out of the way. Thankfully, the Time Lord landed on his feet this time.

Being nearly run over twice by a car in one morning is not on.

“Are you crazy?!” he shouted. “Who do you think you are trying to kill me?!”

The door to the driver’s seat opened and the Bentley’s driver stepped out. Turning to face the Doctor, his eyes were filled with glee and menace. He grinned, licking his lips.

“I have always wanted to drive a Bentley,” he announced.

The Doctor’s astonishment returned once he saw the driver. He recognised him immediately. His features were distinguishable. That included the horns on his head.

“Wulfe!” he exclaimed. “Wulfe the Sontaran Headhunter! I should have realised.”

---

Chapter III: Sontaran Shenanigans

Nyssa and Billy entered their honeymoon suite at the Grand Brighton hotel. 

It was pleasant, spacious and luxurious. Billy couldn’t believe the sumptuous surroundings, luxurious silk pillows and blankets, cosy sofas and even a mini bar in the far corner of the room. Nyssa was pleased to see a balcony to the outside.

Shutting the door behind them, Nyssa and Billy embraced each other in the quiet, contented atmosphere of their room.

“I’m pleased the Doctor booked us this honeymoon suite,” said Nyssa.

“Well, it’s technically in our favour,” Billy replied teasingly.

Both giggled happily.

“To think we have more than one honeymoon, including your upcoming surprise one.”

“Yes. We must be lucky following our wedding.”

Nyssa pulled Billy to her and they kissed. She then glanced at the wardrobe, gradually breaking away from their embrace with a smile.

“You’ll have to excuse me. I need to try on my new ballroom gown in the bathroom. I want to surprise you with it when I come out.”

“No worries. I’m sure you’ll look radiant in it.”

“I might have to readjust it slightly if it’s a tight fit.”

Billy teased, “I know how particular you girls can be when trying a new frock or dress.”

“Well, I do want to look my best,” Nyssa teased back. “Especially when you use your incredible waltzing skills to sweep me off my feet.”

“I’m not that good at waltzing, Nyssa.”

“You underestimate yourself, dearest.”

Nyssa opened the wardrobe and she reached in to take out her new ballroom gown.

THUMP!

“Shh… Did you hear that?” Billy whispered.

“I certainly did,” Nyssa whispered back. “There’s something in here with us.”

“I’m glad I wasn’t imagining it.”

Billy traced the sound to a nearby linen basket. Slowly, he made his way towards it.

“Billy, be careful.”

He steadily approached and grabbed the linen basket at each end with both hands. Holding the basket in a firm grip, he shook it as hard as he could. There was a faint “Ow!” from inside. Billy backed away.

“Why is there someone inside our linen basket, Billy?” Nyssa exclaimed.

Gradually, Billy opened the linen basket. Both he and Nyssa stepped back in astonishment at the occupant. A dazzlingly beautiful gold-haired woman. Nyssa noticed she had a handbag slung over her shoulder. 

The woman gradually sat up in the basket, annoyed.

“Excuse me!” she protested. “Did you have to shake the basket so hard? It’s difficult enough being scrunched up inside this thing!”

---

The Sontaran stood defiant. “I know who you are, Doc-tor!”

“Really?” The Doctor was intrigued. “Astonishing you recognise me, Wulfe. Last time we met on Neimor, I was all teeth and curls.”

“We Sontarans have records of all your faces,” spat Wulfe. “Do not consider me so stupid that I would not recognise you!”

The Doctor raised his hands. “Forgive me for being disrespectful, but that’s no excuse for knocking out two poor chaps and stealing their Bentley.”

“I require transportation!” barked the Sontaran defiantly. “Their vehicle was in my vicinity once I landed on this pathetic planet!”

“I assume you parked your scout ship nearby in one of the fields where the cows are,” clarified the Time Lord. “At least I know what the source of the temporal signal was.”

“The puny hu-mans wouldn’t let me requisition their vehicle,” Wulfe continued. “Thus, I did what any Sontaran would do in a time of war.”

“This isn’t a war, Wulfe! You’re not fighting the Rutans here. There are innocent lives on Earth that don’t need to be caught up in your war!”

“Do not hinder me in my mission,” the brutish Sontaran warned him. “Do so and you shall sincerely regret it!”

“I take it you’re still searching for Becceri of Sarfenia… Of course! She’s in Brighton somewhere, isn’t she? You’re about to use the Bentley to search the city, aren’t you?”

Choosing not to answer, Wulfe decided to return to the Bentley. Seeing this, the Doctor ran forward and skidded before he let out his right foot. Wulfe tripped over with a “Whoop!”, his left foot deflecting off the Doctor’s outstretched right foot. He crashed to the ground, collapsing in a heap. 

Avoiding the fallen Sontaran, the Time Lord quickly sat in the driver’s seat. Struggling to get up, due to being accustomed to a higher gravity, Wulfe gradually got back to his feet. He looked to see the Doctor casually languishing in the Bentley, almost mockingly.

“Ah,” he sighed contently. “This is a nice comfortable seat, isn’t it? The Bentleys are fine vehicles, wouldn’t you agree?”

Taking out his swagger stick-like rheon carbine, Wulfe bawled, “Out of the vehicle, Doc-tor! I requisitioned that transport, not you!”

“Although,” the Time Lord ignored him, “did you really have to tear a hole in the roof? The car must have been brand-new when the two poor chaps down there purchased it!”

“The roof was an obstruction!” snapped Wulfe. “I needed my horns inside once seated in the cockpit. I smashed the roof accordingly.” The Sontaran aimed the rheon carbine threateningly at the Doctor. “I will not tell you again! Out of the vehicle or else you will be vapourised!”

The Time Lord was unperturbed by the Sontaran’s threat.

“I won’t let you harm anyone, Wulfe. And I’ll protect Becceri wherever she is!”

“Then you will just have to go looking for her, won’t you?” grunted Wulfe.

“I challenge you to a hand-to-hand duel, Wulfe!”

The Sontaran stopped once he heard the Time Lord’s challenge. He looked at him with mild surprise. “You? Challenge me to a duel?”

“Yes, Wulfe,” the Doctor exhaled. “I challenge you to a hand-to-hand fight. Are you game? Are you going to attempt to recapture this vehicle? Or would you prefer to scurry back to your spaceship instead?”

That was enough to get Wulfe going. He smacked his fists angrily. 

After fuming for a bit, he hissed, “I accept your challenge, Time Lord! I am not afraid!”

“I didn’t expect you to be.”

The Doctor got out of the vehicle, closing the driver’s door behind him. He approached, as Wulfe began to semi-circle him in a combat position. The Doctor almost regretted  his challenge, as he faced the formidable Wulfe. The combatants ended up a few metres away from the car.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” the Doctor enquired.

“Begin!” snapped the Sontaran.

Clenched fists swung at the Doctor from his horn-headed opponent. Dodging blows was initially easy, but the Time Lord knew his luck would run out.

“I’ll knock your head off!” the Sontaran shouted. “I’ll burst your arteries dry! This is a day of great sport for me!”

Wulfe pounded and battered his fists into the Time Lord’s stomach and sides. Gasping for breath and in agony, the Doctor struggled to regain his balance. His strength couldn’t match the Sontaran’s, but he was determined not to give up. He had to fight on to prevent the Sontaran reaching Brighton sooner in a Bentley than he could on a bicycle. Eventually, Wulfe kicked him in the stomach and shins. He was getting the upper hand. The Doctor wondered how long he could keep this up, despite the many lives needed to be preserved.

---

“Good grief, Nyssa!” Billy exclaimed. “It’s the Grace Kelly lookalike we saw on the beach earlier today!”

“What are you doing in our linen basket?” Nyssa asked, fascinated.

“Please don’t give me away,” the woman pleaded. “No-one must know I’m here. I’ve blown my cover and I need to get away as soon as possible.”

It was then that Billy made his deduction. “Wait a second. Are you…? You’re the Wakyns’ personal maidservant, aren’t you?”

“And presumably you have the cow creamer which you stole from them,” Nyssa continued. “In your handbag, I take it.”

The woman clutched her handbag and checked it whilst studying Nyssa and Billy.

“You seem very nice and kind people,” she said. “I hardly know you, but I can tell you’re open and honest.”

Electricity sparked in Nyssa’s mind. “Billy, I can sense something in her. This woman isn’t as she appears.”

“What do you mean?”

“Her psychic levels are very high. Beyond what I can consider to be normal in standard human or humanoid minds.”

“Psychic levels? You mean she’s a telepath?” Billy looked at Becceri. “Is that what you are?”

The woman became put-out. “I hoped I wouldn’t be noticed.” She then looked curiously at Nyssa. “Are you a telepath as well, m’dear?”

“My psychic abilities are latent,” Nyssa replied. “Not as active as yours, I believe.”

“Who are you?” Billy asked the young lady. “Do you have a name?”

“I do, yes,” she replied. Once again, she studied Nyssa and Billy for a moment, wondering if she could trust them or not. Eventually, she said, “My name is Becceri. Becceri of Sarfenia.”

“Sarfenia? You’re not human?”

“I’m a Graecelan. A member of a telepathic community on my homeworld.” Something else intrigued Becceri, as she studied Nyssa and Billy. “You’re…not of this time period. You, young man, you’re of Earth. But you, m’dear… You’re not human.”

“You picked up all that information from reading our minds?” enquired an intrigued Nyssa.

“Yes, I’m of Earth,” Billy butted in. “Nyssa, my wife, she’s from the planet Traken.”

It was Nyssa’s turn to shush Billy before she addressed Becceri.

“You haven’t explained why you’re in our honeymoon suite. Are you hiding from the Watkyns or from someone else?”

“I was returning to my room in the servants’ quarters after I’d been to the beach this morning. I was collecting the cow creamer, expecting the Watkyns to leave early this morning.”

“But just as you were about to exit the hotel, her ladyship had her commotion in the lobby. Presumably you couldn’t leave without being seen.”

“I had to ensure the police didn’t see me. I went back upstairs to find a room where I could project enough psychic energy in order to escape.”

“Psychic energy?”

“Billy, be quiet. Please continue, Becceri.”

“Well, your room was the closest and empty. As soon as I got in, I sat down and began projecting psychic energy through the gemstone once I’d taken it out of the jug.”

“Sorry, I’m getting confused. Gemstone?”

“Then I heard you two coming. It spoiled my concentration. I had to hide before you caught me. I couldn’t get to the wardrobe in time, so I ended up in the linen basket instead. I thought it was a good idea at the time.”

“But why did you steal the Watkyns’ cow creamer?” Nyssa asked. “And as Billy asked, what’s this gemstone you mentioned?”

A knock at the door. Nyssa and Billy turned to it anxiously. 

“Who could that be?” Billy whispered.

Becceri got out of the linen basket.

“Help me please!” she begged. “I mustn’t be found. People will be in jeopardy if I’m caught.”

“Jeopardy?” Nyssa was startled.

“I don’t have time to explain. You must trust me. The future of everything is at stake. Please believe me.”

The knock came again.

A deep male voice called behind the door, “Hello? Anyone in there?”

“Nyssa?” Billy asked earnestly.

“The wardrobe,” she suggested, before turning to the Sarfenian woman. “Quickly, inside!”

Following Nyssa, Becceri quickly made her way to the wardrobe. The Trakenite opened it for her to get in. The doors were firmly shut behind her.

Billy made his way over to the door and answered cheerily, “Hello, yes? Who is it?”

“Police, sir,” the deep male voice answered. “Please open up.”

Looking at Nyssa and seeing her nod, Billy eventually opened the door.

Outside were a stout policeman and two skinnier ones. The stout policeman had an exhausted expression on his face. Billy noticed William and Wendy Cadbury with them.

“William! Wendy, what are you doing here?” Billy asked, surprised. “Why are there three policemen with you?”

“We’re very sorry about this Billy, darling,” said Wendy. “But the constable insisted.”

“This is Constable Oakwood,” William introduced the stout policeman. “Constable, this is Billy Walker and his wife Nyssa.”

Nyssa joined Billy to meet the Cadburys and the policemen.

“Constable, this isn’t necessary,” implored Wendy. “We only thought that…”

“Let me be the best judge of this, Mrs. Cadbury,” interrupted the constable. Turning to the newlyweds, he bowed and smiled. “Good day, sir; ma’am.”

“Good day, Constable,” Nyssa answered. “How may we help you?”

“It’s believed a fugitive has stolen a priceless item belonging to Lord and Lady Watkyn – their maidservant, according to them. We have our orders to search the hotel rooms for her.”

“On whose authority?” Billy enquired.

“The superintendent.” The constable paused. “And the Watkyns have insisted upon it too.”

“Who do they think they are?!” Billy muttered, annoyed.

Nyssa soothed and calmed Billy down.

“What makes you think she’s in our honeymoon suite?” she asked.

“You have your friends, Mr. and Mrs. Cadbury, to thank for that.” 

“We’re very sorry about this, dears,” Wendy interjected. “But someone told us he had seen a suspicious person heading upstairs to where your honeymoon suite is.”

“What someone?” Nyssa enquired.

“One of the waiters, I believe. We didn’t catch his name, I’m afraid.”

“We had to report it to Constable Oakward, you see,” William added. “We have to be thorough in these things, you know.”

“Hopefully this shouldn’t take long,” Oakwood said, trying to reassure Nyssa and Billy. “Unless you are hiding something that would impede a policeman carrying out his duty?”

“Not at all, Constable,” Nyssa answered. “We don’t have anything to hide. Do we, Billy?”

“Indeed not,” Billy joined in. “You’ll be wasting your time searching our suite anyway.”

“Be that as it may, we can’t miss an opportunity like this,” Oakwood turned to his colleagues. “Richards; Lambert, in with me.”

With that, he directed his men into the honeymoon suite. Nyssa and Billy stepped aside to let them in. They watched anxiously, as the three policemen started their search.

“Are we allowed to enter too?” enquired William.

“We understand if you’re annoyed with us for disturbing you,” Wendy added.

Distracted, Nyssa and Billy allowed the Cadburys entry, closing the door behind them. Nyssa, Billy and the Cadburys watched in silence as the policemen searched the apartment.

---

His fists must be made of iron, the Doctor thought as he fell to the ground yet again. His body now battered and bruised from Wulfe’s vicious assault, he steeled himself against the pain.

The Time Lord wondered why Wulfe wasn’t already in the field of battle with his fellow comrades. He could easily end the war between the Sontarans and the Rutans swiftly.

Towering above the Time Lord, Wulfe chuckled viciously, as he aimed his rheon carbine at his opponent’s head.

“You think you can oppose a mighty warrior of the Sontaran Empire like me so easily?” he goaded. “You should have thought better than that, Time Lord. I am Wulfe the Headhunter! I always have my opponents beaten to the ground.”

“So I’ve ascertained,” the Doctor jibed, breathlessly.

“You can be flippant as much as you want, Doc-tor. It is a pity you did not consider stealing the Bentley from me when you had the opportunity.”

“I wanted to give you a fair chance, Wulfe. A fair chance to back out before you end up like a Jersey Royal in boiling water.”

“A Sontaran never backs out! And we are not afraid of anything that is a high temperature nor made of any liquid. 

“You Sontarans never appreciate similes and metaphors. Such a shame. You and the Rutans could have gone on to be great poets like Byron and Shelley.”

Ignoring the Doctor’s ramblings, the Sontaran tightened his aim of the rheon carbine at the Doctor’s throat. “You have proved yourself to be a bigger coward than I assumed you would be. I shall take delight in killing you and report your death to Sontaran High Command.”

“You’re right, Wulfe,” the Doctor gasped, as he began to sit up, bearing the pains in his sides, whilst having the rheon carbine aimed at his throat. “I am a coward, yes. I try my best to be a good coward and avoid any fights wherever and whenever I go.”

“Ah! Your pathetic weakness will be exposed to the entire galaxy, and news of it will spread to other galaxies.” Wulfe took an opportunity to pause. “War is honourable, Doc-tor. It is a pity you do not see it like that.” 

“It’s a lucky thing, you know, that the tree is directly right behind you.”

The Sontaran became rigid. “What did you say?”

“And it’s a good thing I’ve kept this cricket ball handy.”

“You speak nonsense, Doc-tor! They shall be your last words before you die…”

Before Wulfe could react, the Doctor pulled out a leather-bound cricket ball from one of his coat pockets and quickly bowled it at the tree’s bark. The ball bounced off the tree neatly and soon ended up hitting Wulfe in the back of his neck, striking the probic vent acutely. Hissing and gasping in pain, the Sontaran collapsed and fell unconscious. The cricket ball landed neatly between the Doctor’s feet.

The Doctor sighed with relief.

“Howzat! Wulfe, you’ve just discovered what a very accomplished fast bowler I am. If only you hadn’t interrupted my cricket match, I could have proven to everyone how good a seamer I am.”

Picking up the cricket ball and pocketing it, the Doctor hauled himself upright. He was unsteady after the punishing struggle, the aches and pains caused him to wince. Time is the great Healer and the Doctor knew that his body would recover quickly.

Satisfied the horn-headed Sontaran was no longer a threat, the Time Lord walked to the Bentley. Opening the driver’s door, he gingerly sat in the driver’s seat and closed it.

Checking the mirrors, the Doctor switched the engine on and the metal steed roared into life. Everything seemed to function well. The Time Lord was relieved about that.

Turning to the fallen Sontaran nearby, he muttered, “And you wanted to drive a Bentley.” Tutting for a bit, he went on, “Don’t worry. You can have the bike for free.”

The Doctor hoped he would return to Brighton fast enough before Wulfe got back on the bicycle. He also hoped that Bob wouldn’t miss it too badly should Wulfe severely damage it.

Looking to the fallen gents nearby, he said, “Apologies, you two. I’ll see to it that this Bentley is returned to you as soon as possible. Unless of course I can’t find you or else I forget.”

With that, the Doctor set the Bentley into first gear. 

Driving around the fallen Sontaran and the two gentlemen, the Time Lord drove the vehicle out of Coney Wood to get back onto the road. He hoped Nyssa and Billy were alright wherever they were in Brighton and not mixed up in yet another misadventure.

Following the Doctor’s departure, Wulfe groaned slightly before he regained consciousness. It was a matter of time before he realised what had happened and he pursued after the Time Lord by picking up the bike and rode it to return to Brighton. The two chaps – Spencer and Burfield, as they turned out to be – were lucky on two counts: they avoided meeting the Sontaran and they were still alive. Dismayed by the disappearance of their beloved Bentley, they cursed their bad luck and wondered how far it was to the nearest bus stop to Brighton. 

---

“Are you still on for the ballroom dance this evening, my dears?” asked Wendy, trying to break the silence.

Nyssa and Billy were becoming more anxious the longer the policemen’s search continued.

“We hope so,” Nyssa eventually answered.

“Nyssa’s got a new ballroom gown that she wants to try on,” Billy added.

“A new ballroom gown?” enquired a delighted Wendy.

“Yes, it’s waiting in the wardrobe.”

Billy turned to Nyssa. Both had the same thought going through their minds about the wardrobe’s contents.

“Well, let’s hope this investigation won’t spoil things for this evening,” said William. “We were getting on so well, the four of us.”

“Indeed, I hope our friendship continues despite all this unpleasantness,” Wendy added.

Billy didn’t say anything. Neither did Nyssa. They also found it a challenge to avoid looking at the wardrobe. Billy thought maybe they should have taken Becceri out onto the balcony instead. Nyssa thought about the bathroom. How long would it take for the police to discover where the young Sarfenian woman was hiding? What would happen to them?

“Richards,” the Constable then ordered. “Search the wardrobe. A very likely hiding place.”

“Yes, sir,” Richards nodded, as he went over to the wardrobe.

Nyssa and Billy became rigid with panic. They hoped their expressions wouldn’t be noticed.

“There’s nothing in there, Constable,” Billy cut in. “Not in the wardrobe.”

“Is the wardrobe locked, ma’am?” Oakwood asked.

“There isn’t a key in the keyhole if that’s what you mean, Constable,” Nyssa replied. “We couldn’t find one when we unpacked last night.”

Opening the wardrobe slightly, Richards confirmed to Oakwood by nodding.

“Alright, Richards, carry on.”

“Seriously, Constable,” Billy stressed. “It’s just Nyssa’s ballroom gown in there. Isn’t that right, my dear?”

“Not just my ballroom gown, Billy. But a few of my and your clothes. There wasn’t anyone in there when we last looked.”

“There you are then. Don’t see why we should make a big fuss about it…”

“Nyssa; Billy, please,” William interjected. “Let the Constable and his men do their job.”

“If you say there’s nothing in the wardrobe, then there’s nothing for you two to worry about,” Wendy pointed out. 

Nyssa closed her eyes momentarily once she saw Richards fully open the wardrobe. Eventually, she opened her eyes to see the policeman searching inside. Both she and Billy held hands. It took a while for Richards to search it thoroughly.

Eventually, he came out of the wardrobe and looked to the Constable.

“Well?”

“They’re right, sir,” Richards said. “Just the lady’s ballroom gown and some other clothes.” The policeman turned to Nyssa. “You have a nice ballroom gown if I may say so, ma’am.”

Surprised, Nyssa smiled back and said, “Thank you. That’s very kind of you.”

“And that’s it?” asked Oakwood.

“That’s it, sir.”

“No sign of any maidservant or anyone else in that wardrobe?”

“Not as far as I can see, sir.”

“Are you sure?” William enquired.

“Positive, Mr. Cadbury.”

Nyssa and Billy watched Richards close the wardrobe. Relieved, Billy placed an arm around his wife’s left shoulder and they embraced happily. But then the confusion came to them. If Becceri wasn’t inside their wardrobe anymore, then where was she?

Constable Oakwood and his men eventually finished their search. Satisfied by Richards and Lambert’s reports, Oakwood addressed the newlyweds.

“Thank you for your cooperation, sir; ma’am. Our sincere apologies for disturbing you like this. We hope you have a pleasant rest of the day.”

“Thank you, Constable,” said Nyssa.

“Yes, thank you,” Billy joined in. “Have a good day yourself too.”

“If you come across anything suspicious during your stay at the Grand Brighton, please let us know. And please let Mr. and Mrs. Cadbury know too, since they’re assisting us.”

“I’m so glad you didn’t press charges against them, Constable,” said Wendy.

“Indeed. It would be such a blow if it was uncovered that our new friends were partners in crime assisting a thief,” William added.

“The investigations are ongoing, Mr. Cadbury. We can’t rule out anyone as a suspect.”

With a tip of his helmet to Nyssa and Billy as well to the Cadburys, the Constable said farewell and left the suite, opening the door. Richards and Lambert tipped their helmets and said farewell too, following after Oakwood. Lambert was last to close the door behind him.

As soon as the police had left, Wendy began being very apologetic.

“We’re very sorry to have put you two through that, my dears, but we had to be sure…”

“There’s no need to explain, Wendy,” Nyssa interrupted, reassuring her. “We understand. Billy and I would have probably done the same if we were in your position.”

“Yes, we probably would,” Billy agreed. “And like the Constable said, there’s no ruling out any suspects, including you two and us.” 

Nervously, he glanced back at the wardrobe and noticed Nyssa doing the same.

“Well, let’s not fret about this episode anymore,” William declared. “We’ll see you two in the ballroom later this evening.”

“Oh, that’ll be a treat to look forward to,” said Wendy eagerly. “I can’t tell you how relieved I am that you’re both able to attend the dance after all.”

“Likewise, Wendy,” Nyssa concurred. “I wondered whether the police were going to leave our suite at all or not.”

“Till later then,” said William, bobbing his head. Billy returned the courtesy.

“See you soon,” smiled Wendy, giving a cheery wave before she joined her husband. Nyssa and Billy waved to them as they left, watching the door close behind them.

Once the Cadburys were gone, Nyssa and Billy sighed with relief.

“Thank goodness,” Nyssa exhaled. “I’m very baffled by all of this.”

“Me too,” said Billy, as he went over to check the suite doors were firmly shut. Satisfied, he turned back to Nyssa. “How did that girl… Beccy, was it?”

“Becceri, Billy.”

“Becceri, yes, sorry. How did she get out of the wardrobe without being seen?”

“Let’s check if there’s a back door to it.”

“Well, I wouldn’t have thought so.” 

The two checked both sides of the wardrobe. Nyssa checked the left, Billy checked the right. After a few minutes…

“You’re right, Billy, there doesn’t seem to be one.”

“Then where did she go? She can’t have gone far.”

“She might have used a teleport device to escape. She said she came from another planet.”

“Yes, perhaps wherever she comes from is advanced in technology.”

“If the Doctor were here, I’m sure he would be able to tell us what’s going on and about who Becceri is.”

A loud crash outside, followed by a tiny scream disturbed their deliberations.

“What was that?!” Nyssa exclaimed, clutching Billy’s left arm.

“Sounded like something falling.” Billy then realised. “Or someone!”

“Quick, Billy! The balcony!”

“You think Becceri’s out there?”

“We have to find out! Hurry, Billy, open the window!”

Doing as Nyssa said, Billy pulled the latch upwards to release the balcony window. It swung open easily and the pair dashed outside.

---

Chapter IV: Becceri Explains

At first, they couldn’t see anything, apart from the beautiful view of Brighton’s pier nearby. The area was deserted and quiet.

“No-one about,” commented Billy.

“Something must have made that noise,” Nyssa reminded him.

CRASH!!!

“Over there,” Billy pointed to the left side of the balcony.

They peered over the edge and found Becceri hanging onto a wall like a spider. The Sarfenian attempted to get a grip on the windowsill she was clinging onto. Unfortunately, it was unsteady. Pieces of masonry collapsed underneath. Becceri had her handbag slung over her left shoulder whilst she hung on.

“Hold on, Becceri,” Nyssa called out. “Don’t move! We’ll try and get you in!”

“You’ll have to go down one floor below to do that,” Becceri replied. “I’m not sure I can hold on much longer.”

“How did you get there?” Billy asked. “You were in our wardrobe earlier!”

“Billy, let’s ask those questions later once she’s safely inside,” Nyssa said sharply.

“It was stupid of me, I fell off the roof,” Becceri explained.

“The roof?” echoed Billy.

“I transported myself to the roof, but l lost my balance, tripped and slid off. I need some practice establishing telepathic contact with the gem.”

“Telepathic contact?” echoed Billy again.

“I’ll explain later. Unless you wish me to plummet to my death.”

The windowsill was about to give way, causing Becceri to stifle a scream.

“Sorry, Becceri. Billy, try and reach out to Becceri from here. I’ll go down to the room below. Try to pull her in from there.”

Billy thought for a moment. “Yeah, okay, fair enough.”

Giving Billy a quick kiss on the cheek, Nyssa darted back into the honeymoon suite.

Billy did his best not to look down as he put one leg over the parapet, keeping the other leg inside. Seeing the short distance between him and Becceri, he reached out his right hand. 

“Please don’t injure yourself, m’dear. It’s my fault for ending up like this.”

“Nonsense,” Billy replied. “Nyssa and I will save you. You just hold on tight.”

Becceri gritted her teeth and held on. Billy attempted to take her mind off her predicament.

“There is one good thing about this, you know.”

“At least it’s not raining?”

“Yes! You must have read my mind.”

The Graecelan couldn’t help but laugh. 

Their jollity soon evaporated, as the masonry windowsill began to crumble under Becceri’s fingers. She scrabbled for a more secure handhold.

---

It took about seventeen minutes for the Doctor to return to the Grand Brighton hotel via the Bentley. On his arrival, he parked the vehicle right outside the hotel. Still feeling the aches and bruises from his hand-to-hand fight with Wulfe – though they weren’t severe as before – the Doctor exited the Bentley and took in his surroundings.

The Time Lord was about to walk into the hotel when he noticed Billy. The young man – astride the balcony of his and Nyssa’s honeymoon suite – was reaching out to a gold-haired woman in danger of plummeting to her death.

As he approached, he noticed Nyssa standing ready to help the woman get inside the hotel room below through an open window. A difficult rescue operation, he ran to assist his friends.

“It’s alright, Nyssa,” Billy shouted. “I’ve grabbed onto Becceri’s hand.”

Ah!, the Doctor realised. So it’s Becceri. I wondered when she would turn up. Time to get some answers.

“Well done, Billy,” Nyssa cheered. “You steady her whilst I pull her into this room through the open window.”

“Having fun, are we?” the Doctor called cheerily.

He stood close to where Becceri dangled. The Time Lord found it odd but so typical of humans that neither he, his friends nor Becceri were noticed by the Cadburys, Oakwood and the police. There were a few onlookers, but they seemed unconcerned.

“Doctor!” exhaled Nyssa, relieved. “Thank goodness you’re here. Bit busy, give us a minute.”

“So I see,” the Doctor remarked. “How are you doing, Billy?”

“I’m fine, Doctor,” Billy told him through gritted teeth. “Just don’t spoil my concentration please. Nyssa’s nearly got Becceri in.”

“It’s alright, Billy, I can manage,” Becceri reassured him. “You can let go now.”

“Thanks.”

Relieved, Billy released her hand and Becceri climbed into the hotel room through the open window with Nyssa helping her. Once inside, both women sighed with relief.

Placing her left hand on Nyssa’s right shoulder to steady herself, the Graecelan said, “Thank you, m’dear. You and your husband have been most gallant in saving me.”

“That’s alright, Becceri,” said Nyssa, “we’re glad that you’re safe.”

Becceri checked inside her handbag, which was still slung on her shoulder.

“Gemstone and cow creamer, both still in one piece,” she muttered. 

Looking out of the window, Becceri spotted Billy was safe with his legs back over the parapet.

“Thank you, Billy, for your help in saving me.” 

“No worries,” Billy nodded, exhausted but relieved. 

With an ear-splitting crash, the windowsill collapsed completely.

“Doctor, look out!” Nyssa cried.

Stepping back, the Time Lord witnessed the windowsill collapse to the ground.

“Well done, Nyssa,” the Doctor cheered. “That would have given me a headache.”

“Did your cricket match go well?” Billy asked.

“When I batted, yes,” the Time Lord replied. “I didn’t expect you two to become rescuers whilst I was away. Thought you’d be enjoying the sea air.”

“Is he a good friend of yours?” Becceri enquired.

“Yes, this is the Doctor, Becceri,” Nyssa replied. “Doctor, this is Becceri.”

“Hello, Becceri,” the Doctor said cheerily. “Good to see you again.”

Becceri stared at the man in the beige cream-coloured coat with the stick of celery attached to his left lapel.

“Doctor? Did you call him ‘the Doctor’?”

“We did, yes… You know him, don’t you?” Nyssa asked.

“Not this one. I knew a different Doctor. He had a different face.”

“All teeth and curls, right? And I had two friends with me. Private James Darby and his Miggie mascot Bazoon. Remember them?”

Becceri raised her eyebrows and shook her head, “You can’t be him. You look nothing like him. You don’t even sound like him.”

“Oh, come now, Becceri! Time Lords can change their faces, but our character traits more or less stay the same. I’m definitely the man you met a long time ago on Neimor.”

“But…if you’re him…how…?”

“I’ve regenerated. It’s a common ability that Time Lords have when dealing with death crises. Nyssa can vouch for that. Can’t you, Nyssa?”

“Yes, I can,” Nyssa confirmed. “Becceri, when I first met the Doctor on my home planet Traken, he was very different. He was the man you knew with the teeth and curls.”

“What?”

“He changed into the man as you see him now. I was there when he regenerated on Earth, saving the universe from total destruction.”

“Nyssa, don’t you think we should have this conversation privately with the Doctor?” Billy asked. “I don’t like the idea of people watching us when we’re up here and he’s down there.”

“Good point, Billy,” concurred the Doctor. “You three come down and meet me here. We’ve much to update each other on.”

“Becceri’s on the run from the police, Doctor,” Nyssa told him. “We can’t risk her being caught by taking her downstairs to you.”

“Very well, I’ll come up and meet you three in the honeymoon suite,” suggested the Time Lord. “Wait for me there. I won’t be long.”

---

In the honeymoon suite, the Doctor, Nyssa, Billy and Becceri sat around a small breakfast table. Earlier, at the same table, the newlyweds had enjoyed a delicious breakfast.

Nyssa and Billy told their story. How they spotted Becceri on the beach, found her in their linen basket and hid her in the wardrobe when the Cadburys and the police arrived. They described their surprise upon discovering Becceri dangling from the windowsill instead of in the wardrobe.

The Doctor enthralled his audience by telling the story of his Coney Wood confrontation with Wulfe the Sontaran. As he described his victory, every ache and bruise he sustained was a painful reminder of the brutal encounter.

“A horn-headed Sontaran?!” Billy exclaimed. “Incredible!” 

“Nimon horns too, Billy,” the Doctor reminded him. “Don’t forget that.”

It wasn’t long ago that Billy and his friends encountered the Nimon during their visit to the Scavenger Station in the iso-dimensional spatial rift in their quest for the Coins of Deno.

“There’s clearly more to this situation than we realised,” Nyssa observed.

“Yeah, but a Sontaran,” Billy groaned. “Not one of those guys again.”

Nyssa nodded, recalling the time when she, Billy and the Doctor confronted the Sontarans in Stockbridge village in Gloucestershire in the year 2010. Maxwell Edison was with them at the time as well as her former boyfriend Andrew. Things have changed so much for her since that first visit to Stockbridge and her first meeting with Billy at a railway station in Huttle.

Ignoring Billy, the Doctor addressed their Graecelan friend. “What were you doing on the beach when Nyssa and Billy saw you this morning, Becceri?”

Initially reluctant, she answered, “I was recovering the Sunfire Gem when I went out for my morning swim, Doctor.”

“Recovering it?”

“Yes, I buried the gemstone at the bottom of the sea in Brighton about a year ago.”

“You have the ability to survive underwater without scuba gear?” Nyssa enquired, intrigued.

“Yes, m’dear. Sarfenian physiological adaptations enable us to swim underwater. We can survive underwater for several hours. We swim in our seas often. Our oceans are almost like a second home.”

“I see.” 

Becceri turned back to the Doctor and continued. “This morning, I sensed danger. So, I went for a swim to pick up the Sunfire Gem.”

“You’ve been on Earth for about a year?”

“For you, Doctor, it’s been many years since we last met. For me, it’s been a year. Time flies by quickly, doesn’t it?”

“Indeed it does,” mused the Time Lord. “According to Nyssa and Billy, you’re still thieving.”

“There’s more to my thievery than you think.”

“May we see the Sunfire Gem please?” asked Billy.

“See it?” Becceri hesitated. “Why would you want to see it?”

“Just curious about what it looks like,” Billy replied. “Is that okay?”

“We won’t be able to have a chance to see the gemstone if you leave so suddenly,” Nyssa joined in.

The Graecelan woman considered for a moment.

Eventually, she shrugged, “Very well.” She gingerly opened her handbag, reached into it and took out the cow creamer.

“That’s what you stole from the Watkyns,” Billy observed.

“Yes,” Becceri answered, as she opened the creamer and took out a ruby-like gemstone with gold tinges from it. “And here’s what you two wanted to see. Have a good look at it before I put it away.”

The newlyweds gazed in awe. The gemstone’s crimson-coloured essence glowed brightly.

“I see why you need to protect it in a cow-shaped jug,” commented Nyssa, giving a knowing look at the Doctor.

“It must be very precious to you,” Billy remarked.

“It is,” Becceri acknowledged, returning the gem into the safety of the cow creamer. “Far more than you realise.” She then placed the cow creamer back into her handbag. 

The Doctor interrupted her just before she closed it.

“And it had to be that cow creamer,” he observed, picking up a different cow creamer from the breakfast table. “Not this one.”

“No,” Becceri answered. “Not that one. It’s made of china. Not silver.”

“Why does it have to be silver? This one is easily big enough for you to contain the Sunfire Gem in.”

“But it’s not unbreakable. Silver can’t be damaged easily like china can. I wouldn’t like the cow creamer to be smashed into pieces and lose the gemstone in the process.”

“Fair enough,” the Doctor admitted. “I’ll keep this as a souvenir though.”

The Time Lord pocketed the china-made cow creamer into one of his beige coat pockets.

“How did you get to be the Watkyns’ maidservant?” Nyssa asked.

“It’s a long story,” Becceri replied. “But in a nutshell, after I buried the Sunfire Gem, I needed employment to pay for lodgings in the city. I worked at the Grand Brighton and had my lodgings there. When the Watkyns visited the hotel, they required a maidservant, so I applied and was accepted. They’re haughty, I know, but it was a better paid position.”

“But, you were a full-time staff member at the hotel,” the Time Lord clarified.

“More or less. The Watkyns came a week or so ago before you and your friends arrived.”

“Makes sense,” Billy commented. “You wanted to be close to the Sunfire Gem buried at the bottom of the sea in Brighton. What better way to do that than by working at the Grand Brighton hotel to be in close proximity.”

“Exactly,” confirmed the Sarfenian. “It was only a matter of time before my employment with the Watkyns came to an end. Her ladyship was so demanding.” She then studied Billy for a moment and smiled. “I’m pleased you regard me as one of your favourite movie stars, Billy. Someone else thought the same thing about me.”

“I… I beg your pardon?” Billy reacted surprised.

“James Darby, it was,” She turned to the Doctor. “How are he and Bazooie, Doctor? Both well, I hope.”

“Living their ‘Happy Ever After’ last time I checked on him,” the Time Lord answered. “And in style in that ladyship’s house.”

Nyssa and Billy glanced at each other, perplexed by the conversation.

The gold-haired woman then studied Nyssa. “I know how much you want to spend your life with your husband, Nyssa.”

Surprised by this, the Trakenite enquired, “Are you using your telepathy on me?” 

Without answering, Becceri continued, “You also want to keep on using the skills you learnt on Traken. You shouldn’t be afraid to tell Billy that.”

“Excuse me?”

“I appreciate it’s a struggle for you to share these things to avoid upsetting Billy, but I’m sure he’ll understand how much your scientific enthusiasm means to you. Don’t be afraid to share these things when contemplating how to spend the rest of your lives together.”

Feeling uncomfortable, Nyssa looked to her Time Lord friend and whispered, “Doctor, I know she’s a telepath, but does she have to be this intrusive?”

“She’s not being malicious, Nyssa.”

“I appreciate that, but…”

“I think that’s enough mind-reading, Becceri,” the Doctor told her sternly. “Nyssa and Billy don’t have the same abilities that you have, so…”

“I’m sorry, Doctor, I can’t help it sometimes. Your friends are like an open book to me.”

“You should know that reading other people’s minds can get you into serious trouble.”

“You don’t have to remind me. It was unethical to use my ability to prise the safe combination code from Lady Cadbury.”

“Then it’s a good thing you can only read minds and not manipulate them.”

“I do not seek to manipulate others, Doctor. My actions are never malicious, I only want to protect my people.”

“I’m very glad to hear it.”

“This morning, I sensed the mind of a predator. Fear was my motive for stealing the cow creamer and why I went out to collect the Sunfire Gem from the sea. It’s taken that villain a long time to find me, but I know he’s here. He’s relentless and won’t stop until he’s captured both me and the gemstone. In order to preserve human life, I must flee this planet quickly.”

“This ‘he’ you mentioned,” Billy checked. “Is he the horn-headed Sontaran that you’re on about, Doctor?”

“Wulfe, was it?” Nyssa joined in.

“Yes,” the Doctor confirmed. “And as I told you, he stole a Bentley in Coney Wood in an attempt to search for Becceri. Fortunately, I stole it from him after our tussle in the wood and he’s got the bike I used to get there. It’ll take him quite a while to reach Brighton and trace where we are.”

“What is this Sunfire Gem, Becceri?” Nyssa asked. “Why is it a significant thing to you?”

Becceri didn’t say anything for a moment. Eventually, she exhaled, “It’s hard to know where to start with that story.”

“And who knows how it will end,” the Doctor remarked. He then explained to Nyssa and Billy. “The Sunfire Gem was kept in a repository tower on the planet Neimor. Before that, it was on the planet Sarfenia – Becceri’s home world – and a certain queen wants it, right?”

“Queen?” echoed Billy.

“I’m reluctant to share that information, Doctor,” Becceri said. “Too much is at stake.”

“Which is why you need to trust me and my friends,” the Doctor insisted. “I’m sure we can keep things safe and secret if you trust us.”

Becceri hesitated, her mind a whirlpool of conflicting emotions.

Your friends have proven trustworthy. Can I trust you, Doctor? Oh, it’s so lonely doing this on my own… I need allies… No! I can’t take the risk. What if lowering my guard leads Wulfe to capture me? Sorry, Doctor, this task is mine alone.

Terrified screams echoed outside. “Something’s upset someone,” Billy remarked.

“More like a multitude of someones,” Nyssa added.

Becceri frowned, “Whatever’s going on, it doesn’t sound good.”

Deciding to investigate, the four went over to the balcony window. 

---

Stepping out onto the balcony, it took a while for them to trace the commotion.

“There he is!” Billy pointed out the horn-headed, troll-like cyclist struggling along the road.

“Sontarans aren’t suited to cycling, are they?” Nyssa observed.

“He seems rather annoyed with his conveyance too,” the Doctor added.

“He’s angry. That makes him more dangerous,” Becceri stated.

When on the bicycle, he passed by several people who screamed in terror at him. He gave vicious angry hisses in return. Eventually, he gave up on the bicycle, got off and angrily slammed it to the ground, damaging its roller chain. He stomped towards the hotel, grunting as he did so. He threatened with his swagger stick-like rheon carbine to force passers-by out of his way.

“I take it that’s the Sontaran you encountered in Coney Wood,” Nyssa observed.

The Doctor nodded, placing his hands in his coat pockets.

“I see what you mean about his horns being Nimon-like,” Billy remarked

“He arrived sooner than you expected, Doctor,” said Becceri grimly.

“I’m afraid so,” he said, his face pale as a sheet. “I hoped it would have taken him a bit longer to arrive in Brighton, especially on that bike. He must have gotten used to it, although his cycling skills are a lot to be desired.”

“So, what do we do now?” Nyssa asked.

“He mustn’t see me,” Becceri’s voice fluttered with nerves. “Not me, nor the gem.”

As the Sontaran advanced closer to the hotel, the Doctor took his hands out of his coat pockets and ushered his friends back.

“Get back under the archway of the balcony window,” he instructed. “Quickly now! Hurry!”

As she backed away, Becceri bumped into the Doctor. The Doctor reached out to steady her with one arm. Like a pickpocket, his other hand ended up in her open handbag.

“Ow, steady, Doctor!” she complained. “You nearly knocked me over.”

Swiftly, he removed his hand from the handbag and apologised.

“Sorry, Becceri, do excuse me, but I must insist. We need to use our vantage point to see where Wulfe is heading. However, we can’t let him spot us.”

Becceri, Nyssa and Billy did as they were told, backed away and stood under the balcony window’s archway.

The watchers saw Wulfe arriving at the hotel entrance until he stopped. Perhaps he was contemplating what to do next. He turned away from the hotel entrance. More passers-by looked at Wulfe curiously and he snarled at them. The passers-by quickly moved on, blissfully unaware who or what he was.

“Some of these people must think he’s part of a carnival act,” Nyssa deduced.

“Very probably,” the Doctor agreed..

“They must think he’s a scary carnival act then, judging from their screams,” Billy theorised.

“It’s rather fortunate that in 1920s England, some people shrug and don’t ask too many questions about peculiar oddities,” stated the Time Lord.

“The British stiff upper lip. “Don’t make a fuss, man!” Carry on, England and all that,” commented Billy wryly.

“I’m pretty astonished by those horns on his head,” said Nyssa.

“Me too,” Billy joined in.

“A very uncommon thing for a Sontaran to have, I grant you,” the Doctor declared. “He must be very proud of them. Sign of virility and strength, a badge of honour.”

“Billy,” Nyssa began anxiously.

“Yes, Nyssa, what is it?”

“Look! Down there in the street. Do you see them?”

Billy looked shocked to see two familiar people making their way towards Wulfe and meeting with him. They were easily recognisable by their clothes – a man in a grey linen suit and a woman in a light blue chiffon dress

“William and Wendy!” Billy exclaimed. “They… How… What do they think they’re doing?!”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Nyssa replied. “They must have seen Wulfe in the street after he came off the bicycle and were curious.”

“But why go to meet him?! They’re going to get themselves killed!”

“I take it you two know those people,” the Doctor observed.

“The Cadburys?” Billy answered. “They’re nice people – William and Wendy. At least they were when we met them.”

“When was that?”

“Last evening when we were having dinner at the hotel,” Nyssa replied. “They claim to be amateur detectives.”

“Hmm. Well, they seem to be rather chatty with Wulfe, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Chatty?” Billy queried. “What do you mean by that…?”

Billy and Nyssa stared at the strange sight of William and Wendy interacting with Wulfe.

“They’re conversing with a Sontaran, but completely ignorant of the danger,” Nyssa observed. 

“How come they’re…? What would make them…? Why are they chatting to a potato-head guy?!” Billy demanded. “Should we call out and warn them?”

“And risk Wulfe spotting us as well as Becceri?” challenged the Doctor. “Think, Billy, if we call out to your friends, we’ll be in more trouble than before.”

“But we’ve got to do something!”

“Have we, Billy? Have we? They haven’t been killed yet, so you should be thankful.”

“They probably will be killed soon if we don’t help them.”

“I can’t see what William and Wendy are saying,” Nyssa said, studying the scene anxiously. “They’ve got their backs to us, as you can see.”

“And I can’t make out what Wulfe is saying to them from this distance,” Billy joined in before he groaned. “Aww, this is so annoying!”

“Today has been filled with plenty of mysteries,” Nyssa declared.

“Indeed,” the Doctor concurred. “And too many to solve at once.” He then turned to their Sarfenian friend. “Becceri, would you happen to know why… ?”

To the surprise of the TARDIS crew, Becceri was no longer with them. Looking around, the Doctor and his friends became more perplexed than ever.

“She’s vanished!” Billy cried. “Nowhere to be seen!”

“Where could she have gone?” Nyssa asked.

“Becceri?!” the Doctor called. “Becceri, where are you?!”

No response.

“Look!” Billy realised. “The suite doors are open!”

The newlyweds watched, as the Doctor headed off towards the open suite doors and he stepped out in the corridor to look. He called again, but there was still no answer. Eventually, the Doctor rejoined Nyssa and Billy, as they stepped back into the suite with him.

“Why did she leave so suddenly?” enquired an astonished Nyssa.

“I’m not sure,” the Doctor replied. “She’s probably looking for a fire exit – somewhere to get out of the hotel. She’s hoping to leave without being seen by Wulfe or anyone else.”

“She’s probably using the Sunfire Gem to make her escape,” Billy suggested.

The Doctor looked at him curiously. “Really, Billy? Why do you say that?”

“Well, earlier today, Nyssa and I found her in the honeymoon suite. She attempted to make telepathic contact with the gemstone to try an escape. She did it again when we hid her in the wardrobe before the police searched the place.”

“I agree with you, Billy,” Nyssa joined in. “She’s probably looking for a quiet place where she can communicate telepathically with the Sunfire Gem in order to escape.”

“Hmm,” the Doctor murmured. “Unless there’s another form of escape for her entirely. Which I hope there is.”

“Doctor?” Nyssa noticed the anxious look on his face.

Eventually, he snapped out of it and said, “Oh, nothing to worry about. So, the Sunfire Gem can teleport anyone anywhere then.”

“Apparently.”

“And Becceri can telepathically connect with the Sunfire Gem when she uses it,” the TIme Lord reflected. “I should have realised. But how can she do that on account of…?” The Time Lord trailed off.

Nyssa and Billy noticed his puzzled expression.

“What is it, Doctor?” Billy asked. “Is something troubling you?”

The Doctor seemed lost in thought for a moment. 

He coughed and cleared his throat before saying, “Never mind. But it’s fascinating to observe these things, isn’t it? A vanishing lady, a stroppy Sontaran and a pair of charming detectives.”

“The Cadburys,” Billy realised. “Where are they?”

“We’ve been away from the balcony window for too long,” Nyssa stated.

Returning under the archway; Nyssa, Billy and the Doctor looked out of the balcony window. They were surprised to find the street below absent of Wulfe and the Cadburys, as if they’d vanished into the ether.

“Everyone seems to be vanishing today,” Nyssa remarked.

“Where have they gone?!” Billy enquired, anxiously. “I hope that horn-headed Sontaran hasn’t vapourised William and Wendy.”

“I wouldn’t have thought so, Billy,” Nyssa reflected. “We would have heard the sounds of shots being fired as well as screams.”

“If they haven’t been killed by Wulfe, what does all of this mean?” pondered the Doctor. Pausing to think, he continued, “She must be very afraid of Wulfe to have come this far. To try and escape Earth by recovering the Sunfire Gem and stealing the cow creamer.”

“This is Becceri you’re talking about, right?” Billy clarified.

“Who else?” the Doctor retorted. “Mind you, she seems to have a habit of making random exits. I noticed that from first meeting her on Neimor. And she doesn’t reveal much about herself or why she’s on the run.”

“You’re very concerned about her, aren’t you,” Nyssa observed.

“I am, Nyssa,” he replied. “I’m concerned by the fact that once our encounter with Becceri is over, I still won’t be any wiser.” He paused, biting his lower lip. “What is all this for in the grand scheme of things?”

---

Chapter V: Are You Dancing?

That evening, guests at the Grand Brighton threw off the cares of everyday life as they danced the night away. Friendly chat, cheeky cocktails and the endorphins created by exercise all contributed to the joyous atmosphere. A dance for every aptitude and mood. Gentle, elegant waltzes with their stately rise and fall contrasted with the jaunty rhythm of the Charleston. It was truly an evening the Grand Ballroom dancers wouldn’t forget.

Amongst the sea of dancers, Nyssa and Billy’s faces radiated joy as they danced to Guy Lombardo’s music played by the talented band.

“You look wonderful tonight, sweetheart,” he said.

Does she actually like my compliments? She might find them unnecessary or worse, she might find them patronising.

Nyssa noticed Billy chewing his lip, uncertain about his conduct and her opinion of him. However, she appreciated the compliments, and was very pleased that the blue-coloured ballroom gown she wore impressed him.

“Thank you, my dear. I’m pleased with my dress too. And you’re as handsome as ever,” she replied, smiling.

Billy was unconvinced. “I don’t feel handsome. I feel so stuffy in this tuxedo.”

“You always look handsome in a suit, Billy. It makes you look smart. I’m delighted I’m dancing with you tonight. I feel as if it’s been years since we got married instead of a few days.”

“We make a good couple, don’t we?” 

“We certainly do. It’s lovely to be doing ordinary activities and not be…”

“Running down corridors and escaping death by inches?”

“It’s a shame that trouble has followed the Doctor again. Let’s take our chance to dance while we can.”

Laughing as they danced, Nyssa and Billy also made sure they were keeping in step with the other dancers.

“Any sign of the Doctor?” Billy asked.

“I’m afraid not,” Nyssa replied, her anxious tone clearly evident. “I hope he’s alright.”

“Me too. I pray that our evening won’t be spoiled too much following what’s been happening lately,” her husband declared.

“Likewise,” the young Trakenite concurred. “But we have to be ready should anything unexpected occur. You know that, don’t you?”

“Yes, of course. You’re right as always,” Billy laughed. “Where would I be without you, dear?”

“Dancing on your own, perhaps?” Nyssa teased.

Billy laughed and Nyssa giggled as they continued to dance.

“I do hope the Doctor’s safe. You know him, Billy. He has a knack for finding trouble.”

“You don’t have to remind me. I’m wondering where Becceri and that Sontaran have got to,” Billy pondered. “Do you think they’ve run into each other by now?”

“If they have, the Doctor would be the first to know.”

“Let’s hope that Sonty chap doesn’t do anything dangerous then.” Billy shuddered. “I can’t help feeling that something will cause ‘the end of the world’ much sooner than we expect.”

“Try not to worry, dear,” Nyssa reassured him. “The Doctor wants us to enjoy our evening as best as we can. If he’s in trouble, we’ll run to his aid.”

“Are you saying I shouldn’t fret unnecessarily?”

“Something like it, yes.”

“Then we’ll play it by ear then. As long as you’re by my side, I’m happy.”

“That’s more like it. Hopefully, once this Becceri-Wulfe business is dealt with, we’ll…”

“Oh no,” Billy muttered, tensing slightly as he looked over Nyssa’s right shoulder.

“What’s the matter, Billy? What’s happening?”

“Here comes trouble.” Billy turned his partner around as they danced. 

Once Nyssa realised who Billy had seen, she shrank back. Her face became solemn. “Oh dear. I see.”

Turning her back around as they danced, Billy observed William and Wendy entering the ballroom. They spotted him and gave a cheery wave. Billy reluctantly acknowledged them with a half-hearted smile and a nod before he twirled Nyssa around.

“At least they weren’t vapourised by Wulfe,” said Billy. “That should be a blessing considering the circumstances.”

“Did they see you?”

“Yes. They know we’re here. I was enjoying this evening before they arrived.”

“Let’s not judge them so harshly, Billy. And don’t keep glancing at them either, dear. They mustn’t know we’re onto them.”

The couple danced sedately, as Billy veered himself and Nyssa out of the Cadburys’ sights.

“I wish I knew what was going on. We need to know what they chatted about with the Sontaran.” Billy thought for a moment. “We could go and ask them.”

“Where would that get us, Billy?” Nyssa enquired sternly. “They’ll probably tell us nothing about their encounter with Wulfe.”

“Then again, they might.” 

Nyssa twirled around Billy.

“We mustn’t force the answers out of them,” she said. “We’ll find out what their role is in this business in due time.”

“But there’s got to be a simple explanation for why they chatted to Wulfe earlier.”

“You’re right,” Nyssa agreed. “There must be a simple explanation.”

“If it’s an alliance they’ve formed with the Sontaran, I wonder what he’s offered them.” 

“Whether it’s an alliance or something else, we’ll have to be patient and not raise anyone’s suspicions, Billy.”

“That’s easier said than done, my dear.”

The dance ended with applause from the guests, including Nyssa and Billy. The musicians stood and bowed, before sitting down. Another suite of fascinating rhythms began to play.

“Shall we have another dance?” Billy suggested keenly.

“To avoid running into William and Wendy? Yes, Billy, I’d love another dance.”

“Splendid. I’m pleased the band’s playing Cole Porter’s music this time.”

Billy was about to lead Nyssa in their next dance before he noticed her gaze was distracted. Billy wasn’t entirely sure whether her distraction was a good thing or not. 

“What is it, dear?” he asked. “Have you spotted something?”

“Look behind you, Billy,” his wife replied. “There’s the Doctor. He’s just come in.”

Turning to look, Billy saw the Doctor enter the ballroom. He was amused and quite surprised that the Time Lord still wore his beige coat and cricketing whites underneath.

“I guess he’s planning not to partake in the dancing this evening,” Billy observed.

“I’m inclined to think you’re correct. He looks rather anxious,” concurred Nyssa. “Billy, look! See who else has arrived!”

They both looked and saw Becceri appear behind the Doctor. Seeing her, the Time Lord smiled, whilst Becceri looked put-out. She wore a green 1920s dress, which blended well with the other ballroom dancers.

Seeing them talk for a bit, Billy pondered, “What do you suppose the Doctor’s saying to her? And vice versa?”

“I’m not sure,” Nyssa replied. “I’m not very good at lip-reading.”

“Me neither.

“Becceri seems to be uneasy. Something must have disturbed her greatly.”

The Graecelan woman led the Time Lord across the ballroom. Understandably, the Doctor looked perplexed as Becceri escorted him away.

“Is she leading him into a dance?”

“I don’t think so. They’re heading for the other end of the room towards the nearest fire exit.” Nyssa thought for a moment. “We’d better follow.”

“Is that wise? We don’t want to be seen as spectators following the Doctor and Becceri’s every move,” Billy warned her. “Certain amateur detectives might get suspicious of us.”

“The Cadburys, yes.” Nyssa thought again. “Follow me, Billy. We’ll tread carefully. Whether we draw attention to ourselves or not, we must do everything we can to protect Becceri and the Doctor.”

Taking Billy’s hand, they attempted to keep a distance from the Doctor and Becceri.

Suddenly, everything went pear-shaped, as Wulfe the horn-headed Sontaran entered. His presence terrified the dancers. Many scattered while others fainted. Wulfe fired his rheon carbine at the ceiling which began to collapse. Pieces of masonry crashed to the ground and some of the falling rubble left a few unfortunate dancers trapped.

Dodging falling rubble, Nyssa and Billy retreated back across the ballroom once the ceiling had collapsed. They reached the other side. A jagged hole in the ceiling now allowed the chilly night air in.

“Nyssa,” Billy checked his wife. “Are you alright? You’re not hurt?”

“No, Billy, I’m fine,” she reassured him. “You didn’t injure yourself either, did you?”

“No, I’m alright. No bones broken.”

“Quickly, Billy! On your feet!”

They scrambled to their feet. Dancers, musicians and hotel staff helped each other to leave the wrecked ballroom. Others tended to those too injured to move.

“It’s pandemonium in here,” Billy observed. 

“Where’s the Doctor?” Nyssa asked anxiously. “Where have he and Becceri gone?”

“Hopefully, they’ve gone outside.”

Looking around again, Nyssa spotted them. “There they are, Billy!” she cried. “Becceri’s escorting the Doctor out through the fire exit.”

“We must get after them,” Billy said eagerly. “Come on!”

“There’s no sign of William and Wendy. That’s odd. They were in the ballroom seconds ago.”

“Let’s worry about the Doctor and Becceri first. Forget about William and Wendy,” Billy suggested. “That Sontaran is going to get our friends. We must get to them first.”

“You’re right! Let’s go, Billy! There’s no time to lose.”

Nyssa dragged Billy as they pursued after the Doctor and Becceri. The newlyweds avoided tripping over the fallen as they went.

Seeing the newlyweds follow their friends, Wulfe beat his chest and bawled, “For the glory of Sontar! The Becceri fe-male must be captured! My mission objectives shall be fulfilled!”

Wulfe ignored both the devastation he caused and the injured and distressed people around him. With vengeful glee, the Sontaran joined the chase.

---

Once outside, Nyssa and Billy ran into the middle road to try and trace them. At first, the duo couldn’t find the Doctor and Becceri anywhere. It was still light that evening, with it being in the middle of June.

Eventually, Nyssa spotted them, “There they are! In that vehicle, see?”

Billy looked and saw the backs of the Doctor and Becceri’s heads as they drove off.

“That must be the Bentley the Doctor arrived in earlier,” Billy suggested.

“We’ve got to catch up to them.”

“Agreed, darling, but I’m afraid we don’t have the keys to an available vehicle on hand.”

A loud HONK-HONK echoed behind them. Turning around, Nyssa and Billy saw William and Wendy arriving in their own vehicle. William drove a blue Lagonda 12/24 with the roof down and Wendy sat beside him in the front passenger seat.

“Hop in, you two!” called Wendy eagerly. “Backseats, quickly.”

Nyssa and Billy hesitated.

“Should we, Nyssa?”

“Come on, hurry up! That fellow, he is your friend, I take it?” asked William. “He looks like he’s in trouble. Come on! Look lively!” 

Considering for a bit, Nyssa answered, “They’re our chance to catch up with the Doctor. Come on, let’s get in!”

Nyssa and Billy joined the Cadburys and sat in the leather backseats of their blue Lagonda. William put his vehicle into gear and they zoomed off after the Doctor and Becceri’s Bentley.

For a while, no-one said anything.

Eventually, Wendy declared, “I smelt something fishy going on as soon as I saw that man in the beige coat being taken away by the Watkyns’ maidservant.”

Billy raised his eyebrows. “Wait, Wendy. You knew that woman with the Doctor was the Watkyns’ maidservant?”

“Of course. Constable Oakwood was very helpful in giving us a portrait description.”

“Wherever she and your friend are going, they seem to be in a hurry,” William observed. “A ‘Doctor’ you said.”

“Yes,” Nyssa replied. “A very good Doctor in fact.”

“How did he get caught up in this scandal? You two must be very distressed that he’s affiliated with a common criminal.”

“You have no evidence that she’s a common criminal,” Nyssa reminded him.

“Why? Do you have information that suggests otherwise?”

“Why didn’t you come over to meet us when we waved to you?” Wendy enquired. “It almost seemed like you were avoiding us for some reason. I was about to call you over before that horn-headed troll-like brute entered the ballroom.”

There was no point in lying about it.

Nyssa chose her words with care. “William; Wendy. From our balcony window, we saw you walking towards that Sontaran in the middle of the road.”

“What was that, my dear?” asked Wendy, confused. “Did you say ‘Sultana’?”

“Sontaran,” Billy corrected. “The troll-like brute you mentioned. He caused all  the commotion in Brighton this afternoon, remember? We saw you meeting up and chatting to him in the middle of the road.”

“Dear me,” muttered William. “I hoped that we wouldn’t be noticed.”

“At least it wasn’t the police who spotted us, my dear,” Wendy assured him.

“Are you two in league with the Sontaran?” Nyssa asked.

“What?! Certainly not!” Wendy exclaimed. “We never met him before today.”

“Such disgraceful behaviour when we talked to him,” William declared.

“Why did you go out in the middle of the road to confront him then,” challenged Billy.

“We had to stop him from scaring the locals,” Wendy explained. “It’s our law-abiding duty to remind these people that they shouldn’t disrupt the peace.”

“There were no police around at the time, you see,” added William. “Constable Oakwood and his men hadn’t come out. At least, we didn’t see them when the commotion occurred.”

“He turned up eventually. But that ugly brute ran off before we could inform Oakwood all about the blaggard.”

“That explains why we didn’t see Wulfe, William and Wendy once we returned to the balcony window. Everyone had left the scene.” explained Nyssa to Billy.

“But you just went out there to confront Wulfe…the Sontaran…the horn-headed troll…” Billy shook his head, absolutely flabbergasted by the foolhardy couple. “You mean to tell us you just went out there to tell him off for disturbing the peace when he arrived in Brighton?”

“Absolutely,” Wendy answered. “We assumed he was a part of some dreadful carnival act.”

“He even threatened us with his little toy… well, I could say ‘gun’, but it wasn’t any gun I’d ever seen before,” reflected William.

“He didn’t use it in the end, of course. As he left, he seemed distracted by a beeping noise that came from one of his…pockets, I think. Didn’t know what it was. Didn’t question it then.”

“Said something about it being a communicator, didn’t he? Receiving a call from someone, I think he said.”

“Communicator?” enquired Nyssa, surprised.

“Yes, that was it,” confirmed Wendy. “Mentioned something about a Queen too.”

“A Queen?” Nyssa echoed.

Billy interrupted. “And all this time I thought you were in cahoots with Wulfe. We were afraid you were vapourised by him too.”

“What?!” exclaimed an astonished Wendy. “Vapourised? Whatever do you mean, my dear?”

“I say,” interrupted William. “You don’t mean to imply there’s a connection between this Wulfe chap, your Doctor friend and the Watkyns’ maidservant.”

“You two seem to know more about what’s going on with the Watkyns’ maidservant stealing their cow creamer.” Wendy observed, eying Nyssa and Billy suspiciously. “Did you two know that she had stolen the cow creamer?”

Before Nyssa and Billy could answer, they were interrupted by another car zooming past and getting in front of them on the road. The car turned out to be a black Rolls-Royce with the roof down. The overtaking vehicle caused consternation amongst the Cadburys, Nyssa and Billy.

“Where did that blighter come from?!” exclaimed William.

“Such rude behaviour,” commented Wendy.

Nyssa and Billy recognised the driver. The back of his head was distinguishable as well as his Nimon horns.

“Nyssa, that’s…” 

“Yes! It’s Wulfe! He’s acquired a vehicle the same as us.”

“What, that dreadful horn-headed troll?” Wendy cried. “He’s driving the Rolls-Royce?!”

Nyssa leaned forward to William and said urgently, “William, could you speed up please? We need to get to the Doctor and Becceri before Wulfe does.”

“I’ll do my best,” William replied. “But I’m not sure a Lagonda is going to outrun a vehicle as powerful as a Rolls-Royce.”

“Come on, William my dear, you can do it,” Wendy encouraged him. “I know you can.”

William was invigorated. “Thank you, my dearest.”

Billy’s suspicions of them in cahoots with Wulfe quickly vanished. He smiled at the obvious affection between William and Wendy.

“Hold on to your hats, everyone!” William announced. “This is going to be a pretty rough ride.”

Everyone held on, as William drove the Lagonda at full speed.

“Do be careful, dear,” Wendy advised him. “We’ve just had this car repainted.”

William nodded as he kept his focus.

---

The Graecelan had insisted on driving the Bentley after she and the Time Lord escaped from Wulfe. The Doctor held on tight, as Becceri drove the vehicle at an incredible speed away from the hotel.

“Not so fast if you don’t mind please, Becceri,” requested the Time Lord politely.

“We must get to Castle Hill immediately!” she insisted.

“But surely not at the risk of injuring us both.”

Gradually taking the Doctor’s point, Becceri slowed the vehicle down for a bit.

“Thank you,” he said appreciatively. He then thought for a moment. “Castle Hill? Hmm. That’s on the outskirts of Brighton. About five to seven miles away.”

“Correct.”

“Is that where you went after you left the honeymoon suite so abruptly?”

“Let’s get to Castle Hill first before I answer questions. I want to get there before it gets dark.”

The conversation stalled. For a few minutes  the only sound was the roar of the engine.

“I take it you’re going to make your departure from Earth once we reach Castle Hill, right?” checked the Doctor.

“I must,” the Sarfenian insisted. “The more time I spend on Earth, the more harm I cause to others.” She then looked pointedly at the Doctor. “Of course, I could have left sooner if you hadn’t purloined the Watkyns’ cow creamer with the Sunfire Gem inside it from my handbag.”

“Ah! So, you noticed I accidentally took the cow creamer from you and swapped it with the china one from Nyssa and Billy’s honeymoon suite.”

“‘Accidentally’ my foot. You deliberately stole it!”

“I didn’t realise you were thinking of teleporting to Castle Hill at the time. You should’ve said.”

“I had to make myself scarce before Wulfe spotted me.” She paused for a moment. “Once I realised you stole the cow creamer and the Sunfire Gem from me, I made it a point to see you later this evening at the ball. I assumed your friends would be attending, thus I guessed you would be there too.”

“I wondered how you managed to find me so quickly,” the Doctor realised. “It was fortunate that you entered the ballroom moments after I did.”

“I barely sensed your mind whilst in the hotel. With your thoughts blocked to me, your friends’ minds were open. I could easily sense them when I tracked you down.”

“You should have made a phone call to my hotel room and arranged a meeting.”

“I don’t have your phone number,” Becceri said shrewdly.

“Then you should have stuck around in the honeymoon suite a little longer so that I could tell you what it was and we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

“Your snarky sense of humour isn’t that appealing, m’dear.”

“Why Castle Hill?” the Doctor asked abruptly, changing the subject. “Do you have a ship in orbit? Is Castle Hill your transmat point?”

Becceri hesitated. “In a sense, yes.” 

CRASH!!!

Becceri and the Doctor found themselves being propelled forward slightly in their Bentley.

“What was that?!” exclaimed Becceri, startled.

“We’ve been bumped,” the Doctor declared, turning back to see who it was that had bumped into them.

“Is it him?” Becceri asked. 

“Oh no.”

“It’s him, isn’t it?”

Sitting back down to face forwards, the Time Lord told Becceri, “He’s got a Rolls-Royce. Keep driving, Becceri! Don’t lose focus!”

“Believe me, Doctor, I’m trying not to.”

The Graecelan kept driving whilst Wulfe the Sontaran bumped into them again. Rougher this time, Becceri and the Doctor jerked forward, but were determined to keep their balance and themselves in their seats. The Time Lord deduced that Wulfe was using the Rolls-Royce as a battering ram to knock them off the road.

“Surrender, Becceri of Sarfenia!” the Sontaran bawled. He then taunted her. “You can-not escape me! You shall be arrested for your crimes committed against your Queen!”

“I think it’s about time you sped up,” suggested the Doctor.

“Willingly,” the Sarfenian replied, as she shifted into a new gear.

“But keep to the road,” insisted the Time Lord. “We don’t want to crash into anything before we arrive at Castle Hill.”

Acknowledging, Becceri went faster, as they drove away from Wulfe. The Doctor couldn’t help but notice another vehicle attempting to overtake the Sontaran’s. He soon saw Nyssa, Billy and the Cadburys, and their speedy  Lagonda. He hoped they would be able to meet up with him and Becceri once they reached Castle Hill. Eventually losing sight of Wulfe and seeing the Cadburys’ vehicle overtaking him, Becceri drove the Bentley onwards along Marine Parade before turning left to enter Bedford Street.

---

Chapter VI: Castle Hill Confrontation

It was quite a trek. It took about twenty-six minutes for Becceri and the Doctor – with Nyssa, Billy and the Cadburys following behind them – to reach their destination at the peak of Castle Hill. As soon as they arrived, Nyssa, Billy and the Cadburys exited their Lagonda to meet up with the Doctor and Becceri at the Bentley.

“Doctor,” Nyssa called. “Are you alright?”

“Nyssa; Billy, good to see you two. Sorry for not saying hello to you in the ballroom. I expect you saw me dragged off by Becceri earlier.”

“We did,” Billy confirmed. “We’re just glad you two are safe. Don’t want to worry you though, but that horn-headed Sontaran was chasing us.”

“So we were aware, Billy. Thankfully, you and your friends overtaking Wulfe in his Rolls-Royce seems to have put him off our trail, wherever he is.”

“We wondered about that ourselves when we sped up our vehicles,” Nyssa observed. “He must have taken a different route to reach this place.”

“He’s nearby,” Becceri warned. “I can sense him with my mind. Take care and keep alert.”

“This is her, William,” Wendy interjected. “The Watkyns’ personal maidservant who stole the cow creamer.”

William addressed Becceri firmly. “Young lady, I’m afraid you’ll have to come with us back to the Grand Brighton hotel. You’re in serious trouble…”

“Excuse me,” interjected the Doctor, “I don’t believe we’ve been introduced. I’m the Doctor, and you are…”

“Oh apologies,” said Wendy kindly. “How ill-mannered of us. I’m Wendy and this is my husband William.”

“We’re private detectives,” William explained. “Pleasure to meet you, sir. Doctor, was it?”

“Pleasure to meet you, William; Wendy,” said the Doctor, shaking them both by the hands. “Private detectives… Hmm. Well, may I suggest that you witness what’s about to happen here to understand why Becceri stole the cow creamer.”

“You’d think that would be beneficial,” enquired Wendy, intrigued.

“Possibly,” the Time Lord answered. “You’d only have to find out.”

William considered for a moment. “Very well, sir. We’ll do as you suggest. We’ll remain and be witnesses.”

“I can’t guarantee everything will be explained, Mr. and Mrs. Cadbury,” said Becceri, smiling. “I’m sure the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy will be able to fill you when you return to the Grand Brighton hotel.”

“How did she know our surname?” whispered Wendy to William, surprised. “We didn’t mention it, did we?”

“I don’t think so, my dear.”

Nyssa and Billy were about to explain before the Doctor shushed them.

“Come, follow me,” Becceri instructed. “This way.”

Becceri led the way up Castle Hill. The Doctor, Nyssa, Billy and the Cadburys followed.

After a brief climb, they reached a huge rock mound at the top of the hill. The Doctor, Nyssa, Billy and the Cadburys studied it whilst Becceri checked their surroundings. Wulfe didn’t seem to be in the area at present, to the Graecelan’s great relief.

“You brought us here to witness a huge rock mound?” enquired Wendy, sceptically.

“I don’t see the point of this excursion,” William declared.

Nyssa and Billy quietly told William and Wendy to be patient.

Becceri held out her right hand. “The cow creamer please, Doctor,” she insisted.

“Of course,” the Doctor obliged.

Searching his coat pockets for a bit, he took out the silver cow creamer and handed it over to the Sarfenian woman. She took it graciously.

“Your friend, the Doctor, had the Watkyns’ cow creamer this whole time instead of her?” queried William, bemused.

“I don’t understand,” said Wendy.

Nyssa and Billy hushed the Cadburys, whilst Becceri took out a china-made cow creamer from her handbag.

“Yours, I believe,” she said.

The Doctor thanked her and took the china cow creamer from her.

“Isn’t that our cow creamer?” observed Nyssa. “The one from our honeymoon suite.”

“So it is,” the Doctor said with mock-surprise. “I swapped the one Becceri stole with the china one. With Wulfe pursuing her, I wanted to make sure the Sunfire Gem was safe and didn’t fall into the wrong hands.” 

“All the same, that was rather sneaky of you,” said Billy.

“Thank you, Billy. I do my best,” the Time Lord quipped cheekily. “Here you go.” He tossed the china cow-creamer to Nyssa.

Anxiously, Nyssa caught the china cow creamer in her hands. “Careful, Doctor. This one’s fragile compared to the one Becceri has.”

“Sorry, Nyssa, wasn’t thinking.”

“Thank you for looking after the Sunfire Gem, Doctor,” said Becceri. “I appreciate it.”

“No worries,” the Doctor said cheerfully. “You know, you could have kept the china cow creamer as a souvenir before you left. I’m surprised you didn’t consider it.”

Meanwhile, William and Wendy looked baffled.

“She had a china cow creamer instead. What’s going on?!”

“Sunfire Gem? What on earth is that?”

“The Sunfire Gem is inside the silver cow creamer, I assure you, Becceri,” the Doctor informed her. “You can take a look if you like.”

Acknowledging, Becceri opened the silver cow creamer and checked inside. She soon took out the Sunfire Gem, which glowed brightly with its radiating crimson colour.

“Thank you, Doctor,” she said, satisfied. “I’m pleased to see it intact and without scratches.”

“I make it a point to be careful with vital treasures.”

William and Wendy were mesmerised by what they saw.

“Incredible!” William declared.

“Indeed, it is,” Wendy agreed. “I’ve never seen anything like that before.” She then requested, “May we have a look at that, my dear?”

Knowing the Cadburys’ desire, Becceri smiled sweetly, “I’m afraid not, Mr. and Mrs. Cadbury. This gemstone stays with me at all times.”

The Doctor noticed her slipping the gemstone behind the silver cow creamer before clutching it in her left hand.

“And now,” she announced. “I must take my leave of you.”

“Leave?” Nyssa reacted surprised. “How will you do that? I don’t see a transmat pad anywhere. I assume that’s what you’re using.”

“Unless you plan to depart via the Bentley instead,” remarked Billy.

“The transmat is here, m’dears,” Becceri answered. “From within this rock mound. And it’s working well to answer your unspoken question, Nyssa.”

Nyssa grimaced. She wished Becceri didn’t do that with her telepathic abilities. It was very disconcerting and slightly intrusive.

“You checked the transmat?” the Doctor asked.

“Yes, Doctor,” the Sarfenian replied. “I checked its systems before I went to retrieve the Sunfire Gem from the sea this morning. I double-checked it before this evening after escaping Wulfe – taking a taxi to Castle Hill and back this afternoon. I also used this.”

Becceri took out a scanner device to show everyone.

“My, my!” Wendy exclaimed. “What an incredible trinket!”

“I’ve never seen a contraption like that before,” remarked William, intrigued. “Are you an inventor, young lady?”

“Did you have that thing in your dress this whole time?” enquired Billy, surprised.

“Do you have pockets?” Nyssa joined in.

“As a matter of fact, yes,” Becceri replied. “I modified this 1920s dress especially.”

Becceri then showed the scanner’s readings to the Doctor.

“As you can see, Doctor, the readings confirm the transmat is working at 100%. I mustn’t lose this chance to escape before Wulfe captures me.”

“Please reconsider, Becceri,” the Doctor pleaded. “Allow me, Nyssa and Billy to help you. Tell us why you stole the Sunfire Gem from your homeworld.”

“We’ve been through this before, Doctor,” Becceri reminded him. “I can’t unveil too many details.” She took the scanner from him, putting it back in her green dress. “There’s too much at stake.”

“But you can trust the Doctor,” Nyssa insisted. “And you can definitely trust Billy and me.”

“Absolutely,” Billy concurred.

“Believe me, I would love to trust you three,” the Graecelan declared. “You’ve all been very kind. But I can’t jeopardise the future of my world and myself, especially when my beloved…” She stopped mid-sentence. Clasping her mouth, she realised she had said too much.

“Beloved?” the Doctor enquired, surprised. “Who’s your beloved, Becceri?”

Awkward and embarrassed, Becceri didn’t say anything for a while. 

Just then, she became rigid, twisting her head slightly and became alert. 

“What is it?” asked Nyssa, concerned. “Have you sensed something?”

“Is it him?” Billy checked. “Is it Wulfe?”

The Graecelan nodded sadly. “Yes,” she replied, grimly. “He’s here.”

“Get down!” cried the Time Lord. “Everyone, get down!”

Shots fired all around them. The Doctor, Nyssa, Billy, Becceri and the Cadburys flung themselves  to the ground.

Thankful that the shots missed, they rose and turned to see Wulfe advancing towards them. He had parked his Rolls-Royce nearby. Wulfe trained his rheon carbine at his targets. He was disgruntled to see his opponents still alive after his opening salvo.

“Stay where you are, puny hu-man-oids!” he hissed. “Make one wrong move and I will vaporise you instantly.”

“Great heavens above!” exclaimed Wendy as she got up. “It’s that troll-brute we met today!”

“Surely he’s got better places to be at,” commented William. “The circus perhaps?”

“Careful, William,” Nyssa advised. “Don’t take this Sontaran for granted. He’s much more dangerous than he looks.”

“Yes, he’s someone you don’t want to get on the wrong side of,” Billy added. “Otherwise you’ll be killed.”

“What are you saying, my dear?” asked Wendy, astonished and slightly petrified.

Meanwhile, Wulfe stopped in his advance.

“You are all my prisoners!” he declared, keeping his swagger stick-like weapon trained on them. “You will do as I say. Disobey Wulfe and you will suffer the consequences.”

“How did you find us?” asked Billy, astounded.

“We thought we had lost you on our way up here,” Nyssa joined in.

“I took a different route,” Wulfe explained.

“Just as we suspected,” the Doctor realised.

“It was two minutes longer compared to you six getting here, but it was a clever tactical manoeuvre. I wanted to give you a false sense of hope before I caught up with you.”

“Be careful, Wulfe. Overconfidence in your tactical abilities can put you at a disadvantage.”

Ignoring the time-traveller, Wulfe looked menacingly at Becceri.

“Hand over the Sunfire Gem!” he demanded threateningly. “Do not resist! I will shoot you where you stand!”

“Very well,” said Becceri, indicating the Watkyns’ silver cow creamer she held. “Take this!”

“Becceri, what are you doing?!” the Doctor cried, just as Becceri chucked the cow creamer over to Wulfe.

The Sontaran caught it, grinning once he had the cow creamer. Opening it up, he found…

“It is empty!” he bellowed.

After turning it upside down to check it wasn’t trapped inside, Wulfe angrily threw the cow creamer to the ground. Once it landed, William picked it up immediately and checked to make sure it wasn’t damaged. Wendy checked it too. There were dents in the silver casing but thankfully, they weren’t too severe.

“Liar!” hissed Wulfe angrily. “You lied to me, Becceri of Sarfenia!”

“Of course I lied, Wulfe,” said the golden-haired girl, holding the gemstone in her left hand. “Did you think I would give you the Sunfire Gem willingly?” She dropped her left hand, still clutching the gem. “With me distracting you, it gave me the chance to activate the transmat.”

Everyone felt the vibrations and angry buzzing sound emanating from the rock mound. Soon, it opened up and a pad-like mat churned out from it.

As soon as the transmat pad was active, Becceri stepped onto it, holding the Sunfire Gem tightly. Wulfe advanced closer with his rheon carbine aimed at her.

“Get off!” he demanded. “Get off the transmat pad this instant!”

“What are you going to do?!” Becceri challenged him. “Shoot me on the spot? Not when I’m still holding the Sunfire Gem, you can’t.”

“You underestimate me!” bawled Wulfe. “A Sontaran never wastes time in acquiring his targets to achieve his objectives!”

“Just what I thought you’d say, Wulfe,” she sighed. 

“You should be warned,” the Sontaran told her. “There are agents everywhere wherever you go. Even on Earth, there are special agents that report to me and to your Queen on Sarfenia. One of them reported you to me in that place the hu-mans call the Grand Brighton. Working as a slave in that building.”

Wendy realised. “William,” she whispered. “He must be talking about that waiter who reported the Watkyns’ maidservant had gone up to the floor where Nyssa and Billy’s honeymoon suite is.”

“That’s what I deduced, my dear,” William replied and then he realised. “Good Lord!”

“That hotel waiter was working for him,” Wendy deduced, shocked and appalled. “The horn-headed troll-brute!”

“Surrender the gem,” he commanded threateningly, ignoring William and Wendy. “By rheon carbine, you will submit!”

“No,” she said sternly. “I won’t give you anything. The gem doesn’t belong to you. Shoot me if you dare, Sontaran, but I won’t hand the Sunfire Gem over to you.”

“So be it!” Wulfe conceded.

“Becceri, quick!” the Doctor cried, stepping towards her. “Get off before Wulfe kills you.”

The Graecelan shook her head, refusing to come off.

Apprehensively, the Time Lord turned to the Sontaran, “Wulfe, no! Don’t!”

But it was too late. Wulfe ignored the Doctor, as he opened fire with his rheon carbine.

“Everyone, get down!” the Doctor cried.

The newlyweds and the Cadburys obliged, getting down on the ground.

Meanwhile, the Graecelan held up the Sunfire Gem in both hands, allowing the shot fired by Wulfe to hit directly into it. The shot struck the gemstone in its centre. The gem glowed brighter than before and deflected the shot back at the Sontaran.

Realising his error, Wulfe stopped firing and attempted to jump out of the way. Nyssa and Billy looked up to see Wulfe being scarred by the laser beam. It struck him on the left side of his face. He roared angrily. Soon, the Sontaran collapsed and fell unconscious. 

Silence ensued. Once the firing had stopped, Becceri slipped the gemstone into one of her green dress pockets. Gradually, the Doctor, his friends and the Cadburys got up to assess the results of the confrontation.

“Wow!” exclaimed Billy. “That was impressive.”

“He’s not dead, is he?” asked Nyssa, concerned.

“Unfortunately not,” Becceri murmured. “If he hadn’t jumped out of the way when he did, he would have received the full force of the weapon-fire. Although, even if that did happen, it was a stun shot, not a fatal blow.”

“Of course,” the Doctor realised. “Wulfe’s trying to capture you alive, not have you killed. He wants to acquire both you and the Sunfire Gem in order to deliver you to your Queen, I believe. Melbud, wasn’t it?”

“Precisely. He is a headhunter after all. Not an assassin.”

The Cadburys were more confused than ever.

“Excuse us,” interjected Wendy. “This has all been tremendously mind-boggling. Could someone explain to us what all this is about?”

“We were expecting this to be a straightforward case of theft,” William stated. “Now we see this has become a peculiar fantasy-like…”

“Mr. and Mrs. Cadbury,” Becceri interrupted. “I’m very sorry to do this.”

Taking out from her green dress a thin, silver cylinder-like atomiser, she levelled it with William and Wendy’s faces and fired. White spray hit their faces. The Cadburys gasped before they collapsed.

Nyssa and Billy were astonished.

“Whoa!” Billy exclaimed. “Was that sleeping gas you just used on them?”

Realising what Becceri was doing and was about to do, the Doctor dragged Nyssa and Billy a couple of yards or so away from her firing range.

“Nyssa; Billy, stay back!”

“Doctor, what are you doing?!” Nyssa cried, confused.

Seeing how the Doctor was preventing himself and his friends from being hit by her atomiser, Becceri gradually lowered it.

“You anticipate I’m going to gas you three out, Doctor.”

“I remembered what happened last time. Being inundated with Colemanlucide gas is not very pleasant. I don’t want my friends to suffer nor do I wish to experience that again.”

“She was going to gas us!” Billy exclaimed.

“Billy, let the Doctor and Becerri talk,” Nyssa advised.

“You’re going to let me go?” the Graecelan enquired.

“It’s your choice, Becceri. We offered you help, you declined it, and we must respect that. We won’t stop you from leaving.”

Becceri gradually became satisfied by that. “Thank you, Doctor. I really appreciate that.”

“Just remember, Becceri,” the Time Lord advised. “Friends and allies are often hard to come by. Don’t refuse so readily when everything’s against you.”

For a moment, the Graecelan considered. 

Eventually, she nodded, acknowledging the Doctor, before she knelt to press a button in the centre of the transmat pad. Standing up and giving a friendly wave to the Doctor and his friends, Becceri was soon caught in a red beam of light. Teleported away, she left Castle Hill and the planet Earth.

No one spoke. The wide expanse of steel grey sky was darkening as the sun dipped below the western horizon. A faint breeze rippled through the heather. After those perilous car chases, collapsing ceilings and Sontaran aggression, a palpable sense of calm enveloped the TARDIS crew.

“Where did she go?” Billy asked, breaking the silence. “Has she… Has she gone back to her spaceship, wherever it is?”

“Very possibly,” the Doctor answered. “I assume it’s somewhere in Earth’s orbit. Or close to Earth. Perhaps it’s on Earth’s Moon. Or light years away. Maybe her ship’s cloaked. It’s hard to say.”

“Is that it?” Nyssa asked. “We’re just going to let her go?”

“It’s her choice.”

Billy stammered. “But… But we don’t know where she’s gone to? She’s taken the Sunfire Gem and we have no idea what she’s going to do with it. Is she on the run again?”

“Very definitely, And we must respect and allow her to be on her way. There’s not much we can do for her. Not now at least.”

“You seem to be aware of Becceri’s past and where she comes from,” Nyssa observed.

“It’s something I read a while back in the records kept within the repository tower on Neimor,” the Doctor explained. “Something about Becceri’s home-planet Sarfenia and its system. It was complex and challenging to comprehend.” He paused for a moment. “I’ll have to do more research and explain it to you another time, should I ever get around to it.”

Another moment of silence.

“In the meantime,” the Doctor eventually said, “You two should get your friends William and Wendy back to Brighton. Make sure they recover without any traumatising repercussions.”

“What about you then, Doctor?” Billy asked. “Where are you going?”

“Me? I’m going to attend to our Sontaran friend. I’ll take him back to his scout ship. Parked somewhere in Coney Wood, I believe.”

“Is that a wise course of action?”

“Don’t worry, Nyssa. Besides, I must make sure he leaves Earth as soon as possible. I’ll set his ship into outer space. After all, he’ll want to be on his way to hunt Becceri again.”

“Shouldn’t we be stopping him from going after her?” questioned Billy. “We’d be poor friends if we did that.”

“Reduce his fuel supplies perhaps,” the Doctor considered. “But it’s important he leaves without causing harm to anyone in 1925 Brighton. It’s what Becceri would have wanted.”

“Yes, I suppose it’s best that we do something to help her,” Nyssa reflected. “Wherever she goes next.”

“Precisely. Now you two take William and Wendy back to Brighton in their Lagonda whilst I’ll take Wulfe back to Coney Wood in the Bentley. I’ll leave the vehicle in the woods for her owners to pick her up. Catch a bus back to Brighton, I think. Not sure what to do about the Rolls-Royce though. Hopefully someone will pick it up eventually.”

As the newlyweds began to lift William and Wendy up from the ground, Nyssa queried, “Can you drive a Lagonda, Billy?”

“Hopefully,” he said, before sighing, “It’s been a long day, mind.”

---

Epilogue

For the next few days, Nyssa and Billy spent the rest of their Brighton pre-honeymoon with no interruptions. The Doctor resumed his cricket matches at the local cricket club, having been forgiven for absconding. He still declined the cricket club’s kind offer to join them and the skipper Gerald agreed that it was probably for the best.

On their final night, Nyssa and Billy danced happily together in the restored ballroom of the Grand Brighton hotel. The newlyweds took every opportunity to enjoy themselves without hiccups. They wanted to achieve this before they went off to their next destination. For the most part, the couple enjoyed their pre-honeymoon. Billy hoped it would be their surprise honeymoon destination next and Nyssa couldn’t wait to see what it would be like.

Nyssa and Billy kissed as they danced.

“I didn’t expect our pre-honeymoon to be eventful,” Billy teased.

“Me neither,” Nyssa giggled. “But then, the Doctor has a habit of making our trips eventful wherever and whenever we go.”

“Very true. I suppose our proper honeymoon will be eventful too.”

“Perhaps. But even if that is the case, I’m happy to share it with you, darling.”

“Me too, sweetheart. I couldn’t ask for better company.”

Nyssa and Billy laughed happily. 

The dance came to an end. The dancers, including Nyssa and Billy, applauded. The musicians bowed, appreciating the applause. At that point, the band decided to take a break.

Grateful, as Billy had danced with Nyssa four times in a row that evening, the couple went over to join the Doctor, who had been waiting patiently at their table.

“Enjoyed yourselves, you two?” he asked.

“Absolutely,” Nyssa replied. 

“Have you seen William and Wendy at all?” Billy asked. “They said they were going to meet us in the ballroom.”

“By Gallifrey, here they are now, Billy. Look.”

Nyssa and Billy turned to see William and Wendy approach them.

“There you are, you three,” said Wendy cheerily. “We wanted to see you just in case we don’t get to say goodbye to you tomorrow.”

“Aren’t you joining us this evening?” Nyssa queried.

“William and I are going to take a stroll along Brighton’s seafront,” Wendy explained. “It’s such a lovely evening.”

“We didn’t want to keep you waiting should you decide to retire,” William added.

“I hope all went well with you two at the police station,” the Doctor checked. “I presume Constable Oakwood let you off lightly.”

“He did, yes,” said William. “We were able to conclude our work with Constable Oakwood on a mostly satisfactory basis.”

“He wasn’t happy though when we told him we couldn’t find the Watkyns’ maidservant.”

“Neither were the Watkyns, my dear.” William elaborated for the Doctor, Nyssa and Billy’s benefit. “They were there at the police station when we met up with Oakwood. We returned their cow creamer, of course.”

“But even then, they were still unhappy.”

“Yes,” the Doctor concurred. “Nyssa, Billy and I saw them leaving in a huff when they checked out. We were in the lounge then. 

“They were constantly complaining about what they considered to be poor service in the hotel as well as the police force in Brighton,” stated Nyssa, appalled. “Even after the trouble to get their cow creamer back.”

“Good riddance, I say,” Billy whispered. 

Nyssa gave Billy her ‘telling off’ look, before William interjected, “Anyway, Oakwood thanked us and said the police would take over the investigation.”

“I’m not sure how they’re going to do that with the girl… Beccy, was it?”

“Becceri,” the Time Lord corrected.

“Yes, that’s right,” Wendy continued. “I’m not sure how they’re going to do that now that she’s gone.” She then reflected, “We were very baffled once we woke up on our return to the hotel in our Lagonda on the night it happened.”

“I’m very impressed that young Billy Walker was able to drive my car and bring us back to the hotel safely,” said William. “Well done, lad.”

“Thank you,” Billy replied. “I’m surprised myself. It was touch and go as well as trial and error, but I’m glad I was able to get the vehicle going.”

“I’m pleased you two recuperated after receiving the Colemanlucide sleeping gas that was released to you by Becceri.”

“We’re made of strong stuff, my dear,” Wendy reassured Nyssa. “Though it wasn’t a very pleasant experience, I admit.”

“We’re grateful that you suggested brandies to clear our heads,” said William. “It was lucky the bar was still open an hour before midnight.”

“I don’t drink brandy really…” Billy admitted.

“Me neither,” said Wendy. “Dreadful stuff.”

“…But I’m told it’s a good restorative to clear the head,” Billy continued. “I’m glad it did the job and you two recovered.”

“We’re pleased your Doctor friend returned safely to the hotel after seeing off that troll-brute,” William commented.

“I’m still baffled by how all this outer space stuff became involved with our crime-solving,” remarked Wendy.

“Yes, fortunately, I hitched a ride with a gentleman called Biffy in his Dodge Roadster when I left Coney Wood,” the Doctor declared. “It was lucky I placed Wulfe in his scout pod without setting off the booby traps. I recalled the mistakes I made the last time I dealt with a Sontaran scout ship on Neimor. It worked out well successfully, especially once I sent his ship on a path away from Earth. Hopefully it’ll be out of reach of Becceri’s path when he recuperates and tries to headhunt her again.”

“Anyway,” Nyssa interjected, “we hope we helped you in providing an acceptable report to Constable Oakwood.”

“Oh, you certainly have,” said William reassuringly, “Though I’m still baffled by what we’ve experienced lately.”

“Indeed,” said Wendy. “I don’t think brandies are enough to wash away the insanity we’ve been through.”

“Just as well Nyssa, Billy and I had coffee, tea and biscuits when you two had your brandies,” the Doctor teased.

There was a ripple of amusement among the five.

“Well,” William eventually said, “if it’s all the same, we’ll bid you adieu.” He offered Billy his hand. “Goodbye, dear chap. Hope you and Nyssa keep yourselves well.”

Billy took William’s hand and shook it. “Thank you, William. Same to you and Wendy.” The young man was at least pleased he met the Cadburys, admiring that they remained a happy married couple throughout all they’d been through.

Wendy went over to Nyssa and gave her a quick hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Goodbye, my dear. Don’t get into too much trouble, will you.”

“I’ll do my best,” said Nyssa, amused. “I hope you do well in your next private detective case.”

“Yes, well, that remains to be determined,” said Wendy, ruefully. “Me and William deserve another holiday somewhere else after all this.”

William went over to shake the Doctor’s hand. “Goodbye, Doctor. Nice to meet you. Sorry we didn’t get to chat much.”

“Believe me, William,” the Doctor replied. “It’s been a pleasure to meet such fine friends of Nyssa and Billy’s.”

Wendy also gave Billy a kiss on the cheek as did William to Nyssa. Very soon, the Cadburys parted company, waving goodbye to their friends as they headed out of the hotel. Nyssa, Billy and the Doctor waved them off in return.

“I hope they do well for themselves,” Billy reflected.

“So do I, Billy,” the Doctor joined in. “I wish them very well in their future.”

Sitting down in their chairs at the table, Nyssa and Billy saw that the band had started playing again and that dancers were already on the dance floor. They didn’t mind that.

They noticed that the Doctor was preoccupied. Nyssa and Billy weren’t sure how to break his train of thought.

“Did you check the TARDIS instruments for Wulfe’s whereabouts?” asked Nyssa.

“Is there any sign of him returning to Earth at all?” checked Billy.

“Thankfully not so far,” the Doctor replied. “Last time I checked the TARDIS this afternoon, the scanners showed no sign of any Sontaran scout ship in Earth’s orbit.” 

Nyssa and Billy were relieved. The Doctor was still concerned though.

“Penny for them?” Billy asked.

Eventually snapping out of it, the Time Lord answered, “Sitting here has given me the chance to reflect on things. On what we’ve been through and this predicament that Becceri is in. I’m curious as to how and why she’s so reluctant to receive help, even from us.”

“Do you think we’ll encounter her again?” Nyssa asked.

“It’s likely,” the Doctor answered. “I’ve encountered Becceri twice so far. When and where we’ll meet again, I can’t say. I wish I knew more about her and why she’s so afraid.”

“Well, surely you can follow her tracks,” Billy suggested.

“Believe me, I’ve tried, Billy. I checked the transmat system on Castle Hill to locate where she could have gone. There were no records, of course. Presumably they were wiped at her command as soon as she beamed out.”

“She had the records wiped?” echoed Billy.

“I even took the TARDIS back in time to the day she left Earth via transmat. I parked the old girl in Earth’s orbit. There was no trace of an energy signature of any kind. She hid her mode of transport well in outer space.”

“Perhaps her ship wasn’t in Earth’s orbit,” Nyssa suggested. “You theorised it could have been light years away from Earth.”

“Yes, Nyssa, it could well be that,” said the Doctor, distracted. “She has covered her tracks before, mind. When I was on Neimor, she edited herself out of the repository tower’s security records. She probably did a similar thing with the transmat system. And that concerns me.”

“What do you suppose the purpose of the Sunfire Gem is?” Billy asked. “What was it that compelled her to steal it in the first place?”

“I don’t know, Billy, I honestly don’t know. I can only speculate.” The Time Lord paused for a moment. “I wonder what my next encounter with Becceri will be like. Whether she’ll be successful in outwitting Wulfe and how determined he’ll be to headhunt her on behalf of this Queen that Becceri’s so afraid of.”

“Well, whatever happens,” Billy interjected, “Nyssa and I will support you, Doctor.”

“Absolutely,” Nyssa joined in. “We’ll do our best to help you in any way we can.”

“You two will probably have left me by the time I encounter Becceri again.”

“A possibility,” Nyssa admitted. “But before that happens, we’ll be by your side. We’ll never abandon you, even as a married couple.”

“Definitely,” Billy agreed. “Best friends forever, hey, Doc?”

Gradually, the Doctor smiled at his two friends. It was slightly sad, but still a smile.

“Thank you, both,” he said cheerily. “I greatly appreciate your support and company.”

Just then, a waiter turned up and placed a tray containing three cups, a pot of tea and a cow-shaped milk jug in the centre of their table.

“What’s all this?” Billy asked, surprised.

“I hope you don’t mind,” said the Doctor. “I thought we could have this to celebrate your marriage. We didn’t get the chance to do so following your wedding over Christmas in 1965.”

Nyssa noticed something unique about the milk jug. “Doctor, that cow creamer looks distinctly similar to the one in our honeymoon suite. It’s made out of china.”

“So it is,” the Doctor teased. “It probably is the same one. Shall I be mother?”

“Be careful not to drop the…”

Unfortunately, Billy’s warning was ill-timed, as the Doctor picked up the milk jug and accidentally dropped it on the table. It smashed to pieces with the milk spilling all over.

“…cow creamer,” Billy finished.

“Oh, Doctor,” sighed Nyssa, slightly annoyed.

“Excuse me,” the Time Lord apologised. “Butterfingers.”

There was a long silence.

Eventually, Billy tried to lighten the mood, “I hope you’re insured.”

The Doctor gave Billy a hurt look. “Do I look like I’m made of money, Billy?”

Another embarrassed silence, as the milk dripped off the table and pooled on the floor.

Nyssa tilted her head on one side, “You know, I think there’s an Earth saying that applies here.” She stifled a giggle, “No point crying over spilt milk.”

The TARDIS crew laughed heartily, and the Doctor soon went in search of a replacement cow creamer.

---

‘Nyssa of Traken’ originally created by Johnny Byrne
‘Billy Walker’ created by Tim Bradley
‘Sontarans’ created by Robert Holmes

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Special thanks to Simon Rogers, Xavier Downey, Alan Camlann and AFJ Kernow.

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 © Tim Bradley, 2024

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The previous story For ‘The Sunfire Chronicles’ was ‘The Horns of Wulfe’ (TSC) For the Fifth Doctor was ‘And There Were Seven’ For Nyssa was ‘And There Were Seven’ For Billy was ‘The Thirteen+ Doctors’	The next story For ‘The Sunfire Chronicles’ is ‘The Race of Endurance’ (TSC) For the Fifth Doctor is ‘Neptune Connect’ For Nyssa is ‘Neptune Connect’ For Billy is ‘Neptune Connect’
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