1. Delta and the Cybermen
Fireworks!!! Ace watched the night sky. It burst with life and fire! Like a thousand stars exploding in space. Fireworks went off one by one. Ace found it was a spectacular display. She and the Doctor had been walking on the beach for some time. They were nearby a city that had many lights on. The lights belonged to many apartment buildings and such.
The TARDIS had brought the Doctor and Ace to Maputo, Mozambique, in the southeast of Africa. As ever, Ace was left in the dark as to what was going on. When they arrived via TARDIS, the Doctor didn’t mention anything about why they’d come. It got on Ace’s nerves when this happened.
“Professor,” she began.”For once, would you let me in on your secret agenda. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for the sunny holiday resort and the firework display. But this does take the biscuit.”
The Doctor look quizzically at her. Then he said, “Trust me, Ace. I have in mind to let you know why we’re here.”
“Oh give over, Professor,” Ace scoffed. “That’s like last time. Whenever you have something in mind, you don’t reveal anything to me until the last minute.”
“I only conceal information for your own good,” the Doctor told her. “Anyway, I thought a holiday in Mozambique’s capital city was something you would want. A tropical resort I recall you saying.”
“I meant coming here when you’re not planning to do something that’s part of your master plan to save the universe,” Ace said. “And certainly not during a massive heat wave like this.”
“Ace! Look up there!” the Doctor pointed with his question mark umbrella.
“Fireworks. Yeah, awesome,” Ace retorted. “So what?”
“Any minute now,” the Doctor went on, “there’s a sight to see which nobody else has ever seen before. And it’s vital that we witness it!”
“Why?” Ace asked, confused. “What is this special sight?”
“One thing at a time, Ace,” the Doctor told her. “One thing at a time.”
Ace looked up at the sky again. She saw the exploding fireworks. She didn’t see anything else interesting. She puffed, feeling bored.
“Oh come on, Professor,” Ace moaned. “Let’s go and get ourselves a burger. I’m famished!”
“Just a few seconds more, Ace,” the Doctor insisted. “Anytime…now.”
Ace wasn’t bothered. Nor was she impressed. Then suddenly…she saw it! She couldn’t believe her eyes! Out from the night sky, came the familiar blue police box shape of the TARDIS. It swirled through the night sky. Crowds in the city below cheered once they saw the TARDIS do a somersault.
“Doctor!” Ace said anxiously. “That’s the…”
“Yes, Ace,” the Doctor confirmed. “Showing herself off, isn’t she?”
They watched as they saw the TARDIS climb and twirl like a dancer among the fireworks. The ship swirled over the downtown area of Baxia where huge crowds cheered loudly.
A tannoy voice spoke out loud as it announced the arrival of the blue box in the sky. “And what are we seeing here?! It’s incredible! A blue box appearing out of nowhere and voyaging through the fireworks! The blue box looks like one of the Metropolitan Police Boxes in London. They were abolished during the 1960s when it came to…”
The Doctor moved Ace aside as she was watching the spectacle with awe, impressed and excited.
“Away, Ace,” he said. “We’ve seen enough already.”
“That’s impressive, Professor,” Ace said, awed. “How did you do that? Some trick, is it?”
“This is the future, Ace,” the Doctor said. “What we saw was a glimpse of our own future. Yours and mine. We’ll be voyaging through those fireworks across the Mozambique sky with everyone watching.”
“But that’s good, isn’t it?”
“It’s not good, Ace. It’s far from good. The temporal laws forbid it!”
“You seem to know something. Unfinished business of yours?” Ace enquired.
“Something disastrous is about to happen,” the Doctor replied. “Something dangerous. And I intend to stop it!”
“Really? And how do you plan to do that?” Ace asked, nonplussed.
The Doctor eyed Ace wearily. He considered her question thoughtfully and carefully before answering. “By stopping some old enemies. And helping an old friend.”
“Hey?”
“But enough of my troubles. Let’s settle for the night. I’ve ordered two rooms at the Hotel Polana.”
“You’ve booked in advance at the hotel already?” Ace said, surprised.
“Always best to be prepared,” the Doctor stated. “And we need to be prepared if we are to play her game in this.”
“Whose game?” asked Ace, confused. “Come on Professor, spill the beans.”
“Delta’s game, Ace,” the Doctor replied. “Delta of Chumeria.”
The Doctor headed off further with Ace behind him on the beach. He watched the city of Maputo and contrasted it with the fireworks on display in the night sky.
Next morning, Ace and the Doctor finished breakfast. They walked out of a café, getting a blast of hot air in their faces from the African sun. The Doctor opened up his question mark umbrella and held it up for both he and Ace to shelter under.
“That was wicked grub, Professor,” Ace said. “I fancy exploring all of Maputo now. Seeing all the shops, cinemas and restaurants. You never know. We could always go to Maputo’s beaches and get sun-soaked.”
“Time for pleasure later, Ace,” the Doctor declared. “Once we’ve finished our work here.”
“Oh come on, Professor,” Ace groaned. “We saw the TARDIS last night. So what? You say it’s our future. We shouldn’t interfere with it.”
“There are risks, Ace,” the Doctor told her. “Risks that must be contained.”
“And dealing with Delta’s game you said,” Ace added. “What is it anyway?”
“It’s not an it,” the Doctor said, “it’s a her. It’s her game she’s playing!”
“Come again?”
“Never mind.”
The Doctor fumbled through the pockets of his white jacket. This took a while.
“Lost something, Professor?” Ace asked.
“Money,” the Doctor answered. “I must have some money on me.”
“What, for you?”
“No, for you, Ace!”
Then the Doctor remembered! He took off his panama hat from his head and took out some loose change from it. He held out Ace’s hand and placed the loose change into it.
“Have that Ace,” he said. “Use it? Buy yourself a snack.”
“You want me to go to another café?” she enquired. “I’ve just had breakfast, Professor.”
“Yes, yes, I know,” the Doctor said. “But I want you to go and meet a friend of mine at the Scala café on Angola Avenue.”
“This friend of yours,” Ace realised. “It’s Delta, isn’t it? Why can’t you go and meet her?”
“I’ve got things to sort out,” the Doctor told her. “Important things that need seeing to.”
“Then I’ll come with you,” Ace insisted. “You may need me. And if it’s dangerous…”
“No Ace,” the Doctor interrupted. “I need you to meet Delta before I can reveal anything to her and you. Trust me! I know better!”
“But I don’t even know what this Delta chump looks like,” she complained.
“Oh you can’t miss her,” the Doctor reassured her. “She’ll be wearing a white skin-tight outfit. She has dark skin and a green insect-like complexion to her. Don’t worry. She’ll recognise you.”
“Oh really?” Ace said unconvinced.
“Yes,” the Doctor smiled. “I gave her a photograph to recognise you with when you meet her in the café.”
“Oh thanks a bunch,” Ace scoffed.
“Please Ace, trust me,” the Doctor pleaded. “Do this thing for me. Meet up with Delta. She’ll explain what’s happening whilst I’m away doing something.”
Ace sulked for a bit. Eventually she said, “Oh very well then. I’ll go and meet up with this Delta person if that’s what you want.”
“Don’t worry,” the Doctor reassured her. “You’ll see me again. I’ll be back.”
“You’d better be,” Ace said cheekily. “Or else I’ll have to pilot the TARDIS without you back to Perivale flying blind.”
“I’d like to see you try,” the Doctor grinned, gently tapping the top of Ace’s nose and making her smile.
Once they laughed, the two went off on their separate ways. Ace went off to the Scala café whilst the Doctor went off in another direction. Ace carried her rucksack on her shoulder under the boiling sun. The Doctor watched Ace go before seeing a woman in a white skin-tight outfit who made her way through the city on the opposite side of the road. He made himself scare, not wanting to be seen by her. At least not yet.
Ace found the café alright. As soon as she entered, she saw a group of young people seated at a table – two guys and one girl. She went over to the counter to make her order. “Four bacon sarnies, please. And a cup of tea.”
As soon as she made her order, she sat herself down at a table. She mooned about for a bit, waiting for the person she was expecting to turn up. Ace was pleased when the bacon sarnies showed up. But as soon as she ate them, she was already bored again. She asked for another cup of tea at the counter and read the local newspaper to pass the time. She fancied seeing some of the sights in Maputo such as its fortress and the Tundura Gardens. She failed to notice the newspaper’s main headline.
“Waiting for someone?”
Ace became startled as she turned to see a handsome young man before her. She smiled at him. “Yeah. Told to wait here for a bit till she shows up.”
“Ah,” the young man realised. “One of your mates?”
“No,” Ace answered. “But I was told she’d recognise me.”
The young man shrugged. “Never mind. You can join us if you like. My name’s Michael by the way.”
Eager to make friends, Ace reached out to shake his hand. “Hi! I’m Ace.”
“Hello Ace! These are Tasha and Vladimir.”
Ace looked at the two other people Michael introduced at his table. Tasha was a young dark-skinned girl whilst Vladimir was a thin pale-looking man – Something like a vampire, Ace thought.
“Hello, Tasha; Vladimir,” Ace greeted.
“Good to meet you, Ace,” Tasha cheerily said. “Yes, as Michael says, come and join us. We look to welcome strangers.”
“Yes,” Vladimir joined in. “Tell us about yourself before your friend turns up.”
Ace pulled up a chair over to where Michael, Tasha and Vladimir were at their table and sat with them.
“You on holiday, Ace?” Michael asked.
“Sort of,” Ace replied. “I came here with the Doctor.”
“The Doctor?” Michael enquired.
“How long are you here for, Ace?” Tasha asked before Ace answered Michael’s query. “How long are you here for in Maputo?”
“Don’t know,” Ace shrugged. “A week perhaps.”
“Enjoying the city so far?” Vladimir asked.
“Haven’t seen much of it really,” Ace answered. “Hope to see some of the sights. Saw a spectacular fireworks display last night though.”
“Hey, perhaps you can come along with us on the town when we go clubbing,” suggested Michael. “There’s always room for another face.”
“Oh yeah,” Ace said excitedly. “I’d like to join in on the clubbing!”
“Good,” Michael said satisfied. “That’s settled then.”
Ace took a shine to Michael. She wasn’t really one for making firm relationships, but she thought it was nice to have a fling now and again.
“And there’ll other guys and girls you’d want to meet,” Tasha said. “As well as enjoying the music at the clubs. It’ll be disco music too!”
“Tell us more about where you’re from, Ace,” Vladimir persisted. “About your hometown. What’s it like?”
Ace didn’t think she’d be in the company of such friendly people. They seemed so reassuring once they invited her to join them. She didn’t seem to worry about the Doctor or anything else at that point in the day.
Meanwhile, the Doctor walked about in the Tundura Gardens. He walked with his question mark umbrella as if it was were a walking cane. He eventually sat down on a bench. The Doctor opened up his umbrella to keep himself sheltered from the sun. He soon became deep in thought whilst sitting on the bench.
At that moment, a man in his late 40s turned up. He had dark hair and dark skin. The Doctor looked to see him.
“Ah! There you are,” he declared.
The man was puzzled. “You were expecting me?”
“Of course,” the Doctor replied. “Joaquim, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Joaquim answered. “How did you…?”
“Your fate has already been decided, Joaquim,” the Doctor interrupted. “It’s time for you to come along with me and see it through.”
“I-I-I don’t understand,” Joaquim stuttered.
Just then, a thunderous noise echoed above in the sky. A spaceship zoomed across. Everyone looked up to see it in awe and wonder. Except for Joaquim and the Doctor that is. The Doctor got up to his feet and led Joaquim away.
“Here’s the arrival of your friends,” the Doctor said. “Let’s go and meet them.”
“My…my friends?” Joaquim stammered.
“Don’t play the innocent with me, Joaquim,” the Doctor told him. “You know very well who’s on that spaceship above our heads. They’re your allies…as well as my enemies – the Cybermen!”
Joaquim continued to be confused whilst being escorted away by the Doctor. They followed the trail of the Cybermen’s spaceship in the sky to where it would soon land.
Back in the Scala café, Ace was getting anxious. She was currently with Michael whilst Vladimir and Tasha went off to get some cash at a cash-point. Her mind had returned to the person she was meant to be waiting for. Michael could see Ace was getting anxious.
“What time did you say your friend would be here?” he asked.
“Anytime,” Ace answered. “She should be here now. Unless the Doctor’s deceived me. That’s just typical of him.”
“Do you know where to find this Doctor friend of yours?” Michael asked again.
“No idea,” she told him. “He never lets me in on his plans. He’s been at it for a while.”
“Well,” Michael tried to be cheery. “At least it gives you the chance to get to know a handsome stranger like me.”
Ace laughed and said, “Steady on! I’m not fast!”
Michael chuckled and smiled. Ace liked the way he smiled. It felt reassuring.
“You know after we finished the clubbing,” he went on to suggest, “we could do something else.”
“Like what?” Ace couldn’t help feel cheeky.
“Oh I don’t know,” Michael said. “See a late night movie. Have a late night meal at a restaurant if there’s one open.”
“And if there isn’t?” Ace coolly challenged him.
“Then I’ll have to think of something clever, won’t I?” he said ruefully.
Ace and Michael laughed as they enjoyed each other’s company. It was then they were interrupted. Ace sensed a presence. She looked to see a slightly green-skinned woman before her. She wore a white skin-tight outfit and had the look of a queen.
“Excuse me,” the woman began. “Are you Ace – the Doctor’s friend?”
“Depends who’s asking?” Ace replied. “Who are you?”
“I’m Delta, Queen of Chumeria,” the woman answered. “The Doctor sent me to meet you here.”
“This your friend, Ace?” Michael asked.
Ace stood up to her full height, glowering at Delta as she met her. “You took your time, didn’t you? Keeping me waiting for half an hour. Many of us have precious little time…”
“I had to avoid being detected,” Delta interrupted her. “I apologise for keeping you waiting. If it makes you feel any better, I kept getting lost in the city.”
“No, I doesn’t,” Ace replied bluntly. “I don’t like those who fail to turn up.”
“I need your help, Ace,” Delta said. “If we’re to cooperate, I suggest less rivalry between us.”
Ace fumed for a bit before she eventually agreed to Delta’s suggestion.
“Alright. Sorry for being stroppy. But you did keep me waiting.”
“That I will rectify by giving you the reason why I came here to Maputo on Earth in 2013,” Delta told her.
“Oh yeah? What gives?” Ace asked.
“Come,” Delta said. “This isn’t a good place to talk. Let’s go somewhere open-aired to talk.”
“You’re leaving?” Michael interjected.
Delta turned to look at Michael before turning back to Ace. “You know this man?”
“Not really,” Ace said. “I’ve only just met him.”
“He can’t come with us,” Delta declared. “It’s best he knows little.”
“Hey, wait a minute…” Michael began to protest.
“Sorry, Michael,” Ace interceded. “This is girls’ talk. Don’t worry. I’ll be there for the clubbing. I’ll meet you…where is it again?”
“We’ll meet outside the Louis Trichardt Memorial,” Michael told her. “At Josina Machel Avenue. Ask anyone to direct you there.”
“Don’t worry. I will,” Ace replied.
“Come on, Ace,” Delta urged her. “We have very little time today. Things are about to get serious soon.”
Delta dragged Ace away before Michael could even say goodbye.
Ace turned bitterly on Delta. “You’re a bit ill on your manners, aren’t you? Not allowing me to say goodbye to a man I’ve just met and who happens to be nice to me!”
“We need to go outside,” Delta insisted.
“Whereabouts?” Asked asked.
“To a place called Port of Maputo,” Delta answered.
Ace became apprehensive as she and Delta headed out, leaving the Scalo café behind.
In a street in Mafalala, the Doctor took Joaquim through the central suburb. They pushed their way through many crowds.
“Where is it you’re trying to get me to, Doctor?” Joaquim asked. “What’s all this about?”
“The Port of Maputo,” the Doctor answered. “That’s where we’ll meet the Cybermen.”
“I keep telling you,” Joaquim responded, “I don’t know these…Cybermen. Are they like some kind of rock band?”
“You may not know them yet,” the Doctor said, “but destiny has preordained where your path lies. I’m just doing you a favour.”
“I don’t even know what you’re on about,” Joaquim retorted. “Why should I be listening to you? I’m off!”
Joaquim made to leave but the Doctor grabbed his arm.
“Don’t think by running away you’ll be escaping your fate,” the Doctor hissed at him. “Because you won’t. You’ll soon meet up with the Cybermen and you’ll be tempted by their offer. And believe me, it won’t be handed to you in gold.”
“You’re obviously a mad man,” Joaquim said accusingly. “I’m going!”
Joaquim made a run for it, getting out of the Doctor’s grip. The Doctor didn’t attempt to stop or chase him. He placed the handle of his umbrella under his chin, becoming thoughtful.
“So…events are set in motion,” he said. “Poor Joaquim’s on his way to his fate. If only he believed what I said, he would not fall into temptation. Still…that’s what makes me stand out as a mad man.”
As he walked off, the Doctor watched the sky as he saw the Cyber spaceship traversing the skies, heading for Maputo’s port.
“The Cyber fleet is nearly arriving,” he declared. “Ace should be with Delta by now. I hope Delta’s told everything that Ace should know.”
Walking through the street and with umbrella in hand, the Doctor swiftly made for the Port of Maputo.
At the Port of Maputo, Delta shared with Ace about who she was; where she’d come from and why she had now come to Earth.
“My homeworld is dead,” she said. “My people are dead. There is only me; my daughter and my husband.”
Ace studied Delta. She found her a frightened yet controlled person. Ace admired that.
“What happened to your home planet?” she asked.
“Chumeria was invaded by the Bannermen,” Delta explained. “They wanted to wipe us out. I managed to survive with my unborn baby. I hitched a ride at a toll port to Earth. It was where I met the Doctor – your Doctor – and his companion Mel.”
“Mel?!” Ace realised and cheered. “Not Donut, is it?”
“You know Mel?” Delta said, surprised.
“I should say I do,” Ace replied. “I met her and the Doctor when they came to Iceworld. I ended up there being caught in a time storm.” She paused, reflecting on that. “But do go on! Please tell me more!”
Delta continued, “My child was hatched from an egg on Earth. With the Doctor’s assistance, I was able to escape annihilation from the Bannermen. I met the man who became my husband – Billy. We left together with my daughter for a new future. We settled on a planet in a distant galaxy.”
“Whoa, wait a minute,” Ace interrupted. “Your husband’s a human? And he was called Billy?”
“He took some Chimeron jelly to become like me,” Delta said. “The side effects were temporary but it soon converted him as part-Chimeron.”
“I used to know a guy called Billy,” Ace stated. “I met him and his girlfriend Nyssa with two others – Jo and Victoria. They travelled with the Doctor. It wouldn’t be the same Billy you married, would it?”
“No,” Delta replied, confused.
“Thought not,” Ace shrugged. “So what’s the buzz you’ve got here then? You said you’d explain.”
“As I stated before, the Chimeron race was annihilated,” Delta went on. “But it soon prospered again with my daughter’s birth. Chimeron babies were born before a new crisis occurred.”
“What sort of crisis?” Ace asked.
“It was the Melissa Majoria bees who warned us,” Delta told Ace. “They warned me about metal monsters coming to attack and steal our lives away.”
“Metal monsters!” Ace realised. “It wouldn’t be Daleks by any chance, Delta?”
“No,” Delta replied. “These monsters are worse. And it’s my fault for their being. Now they’re chasing after me.”
“I don’t get what you mean,” Ace said, baffled. “You say your fault?”
“Do not fear, Ace,” Delta said. “I shall play my game. And you and the Doctor will help me. You will help me won’t you, Ace?”
“Yeah, I’ll do all I can,” Ace said cheerfully. “If the Doctor’s helping you, then I’ll help you as well.”
“I’m so glad to hear you say that,” Delta said pleased.
“So if these aren’t Daleks we’re dealing with,” Ace began to enquire, “then what are they?”
At that moment, Ace and Delta looked to see a spaceship landing nearby. Ace was stunned to see it. Delta was calm once she saw it.
“I didn’t see that coming,” Ace admitted.
“They’ve come,” Delta declared. “They’ve come to play my game!”
“Who’ve come?” Ace wanted to know, getting impatient. “Did the Doctor tell you not to tell me who we’re dealing with…”
“Come,” Delta encouraged Ace, interrupting her and not answering. “Let’s go and see where our opponents are heading.”
At that, Delta took Ace’s hand. They made their way over to where the ship was landing, ignoring the intense heat that was upon them from the sun.
Delta and Ace found where the ship was landing as it made touchdown. The two women hid behind a low wall to watch it land.
Ace realised, “I recognise that ship. I’ve seen it somewhere before.”
“It must be part of their invasion fleet,” Delta declared. “Soon Earth will suffer as much as our new Chimeron world did.”
“Invasion fleet?” Ace said, surprised. “They’re an invasion force?”
“You’ll soon see what they look like,” Delta told her.
Ace turned to look back. At that moment, she saw the ship’s landing ramp lowering to the ground. Soon, metal men came out from the ship. They had metal armour made out of pure steel. On the landing ramp, they stomped before they marched on firm ground. Ace realised who they were. It sent a chill down her spine once she saw them.
“Cybermen!” she cried.
“Yes,” Delta replied. “The bane of Chumeria is here! These Cybermen are the start of the invasion fleet. The worst is yet to come!”
“They’ve invaded Earth before,” Ace told Delta. “The Professor told me they did. They can’t invade again.”
“There’s something they want from the Doctor,” Delta said. “The Doctor knows of this.”
Ace was surprised. “They’ve come to Earth to get something off from the Doctor? They’re invading Mozambique to do that?”
“This is all my doing,” Delta said sorrowfully. “It’s something I should never have tampered with. These Cybermen are not what you think.”
“Yeah well Cybermen or no Cybermen,” Ace said defiantly, “I’m going to check out what they’re doing and where they’re heading off to.”
“Ace, wait!” Delta stopped her in her tracks. “The Doctor told us…told me that we should stay put until he comes. I told you the reason why I’m here.. You should do as I say.”
“Yeah well, I don’t always listen to the Doctor,” Ace said. “So why should I listen to you? Anyway, I’ve got my Nitro-9 here ready to blow up those goons up.”
Ace showed her rucksack to Delta, which contained her Nitro-9 explosives. She soon went over to reach behind the wall where the Cybermen platoon was.
Delta called out to her. “Ace! Wait, stop!”
But Ace ignored Delta as she continued to head behind that wall. Delta soon chased and followed after her.
The Cybermen marched in single file after leaving their ship. Very soon, they came to a halt. They stood to attention and saluted their Cyber Leader. The first Cyberman approached to greet the Cyber Leader.
“All units accounted for,” it said. “Standing by to advance and locate target.”
“Has the Doctor been located?” the Cyber Leader asked.
“Affirmative,” the first Cybermen answered. “He is here in the city structure. Coordinates: G7-15. Coordinates confirmed.”
“Understood,” the Cyber Leader acknowledged. It then turned to address all Cybermen in the platoon. “It is imperative we locate and retrieve the crystal. The Cyber race must be enhanced through powers of the crystal. The Doctor has it in his possession. He must be found and terminated.”
“We comply,” the Cybermen replied.
Satisfied, the Cyber Leader said, “Begin to march out.”
At that moment, Joaquim appeared as he was running towards them. He stopped once he realised he saw them. The Cybermen saw him and advanced.
“No!” Joaquim cried. “Please! Keep away from me!”
The Cybermen soon surrounded Joaquim and he was within their reach. The Cyber Leader stepped forward before Joaquim.
“Scan and identify,” it commanded.
One of the Cybermen obeyed as it used a scanning device fitted to his arm upon Joaquim. This made Joaquim nervous once he was being scanned.
“Hey!” he cried, almost giggling. “That tickles! Keep that ray off me!”
The Cyberman soon stopped scanning and turned to address its leader. “This is not the Doctor,” it said. “It is an inhabitant of this settlement. Records confirm this location as the city of Maputo.”
“This human will be useful to us,” the Cyber Leader said. “Apprehend him.”
At that, two Cybermen grabbed Joaquim and he began to struggle in their grip. He underestimated the Cybermen’s strength.
“Get off me!” he cried out in pain. “Please let me go! I’ll call the police if you don’t release me!”
“You shall be rewarded,” the Cyber Leader to Joaquim, “if you assist us.”
Joaquim soon stopped struggling in the Cybermen’s grip as he looked to the Cyber Leader, intrigued. “Rewarded? I, rewarded?”
“We know the human mind,” the Cyber Leader said. “We were once human. You have that emotion called…greed.”
“Greed?!” Joaquim became affronted. “Now wait just a sec…”
“You shall be paid in silver,” the Cyber Leader declared. “One thousand pieces of it. Do you accept or reject?”
Whatever Joaquim had in mind to say next was lost on him. He was slowly growing to accept the Cyber Leader’s offer. Very soon, the Cybermen were off on the march again.
A fair distance away, Ace saw the Cybermen getting closer. She slipped two Nitro-9 cans out from her rucksack whilst hiding behind the wall she was at. She was about to open and throw the cans at the Cybermen before Delta stopped her in her tracks.
“Don’t!” Delta told her quietly. “Don’t use your demolition devices to blow up the Cybermen! I’m not ready for them yet!”
“Hey, I can do whatever I want,” Ace whispered back. “Anyway, how do you know what I’ve got in these cans? They could look like ordinary deodorant cans.”
“The Doctor told me about the explosives you use,” Delta explained. “Besides, haven’t you seen the numbers? There must be hundreds of Cybermen coming this way.”
“I can handle a whole army of metal heads anytime,” Ace said confidently. “Just give me a chance, will you?”
“Not on my watch,” Delta said. “Besides, the Doctor wouldn’t like it.”
“I most certainly wouldn’t,” said a voice nearby and Ace and Delta turned to see the Doctor arrive. “Thank you Delta for looking after my friend.”
Ace was thrilled to bits once she saw the Doctor. Still in panama hat, dark brown suit, question mark umbrella and all.
“Professor, there you are!” Ace cheered. “Where have you been?”
“Ace!” the Doctor cheered back. “Glad to see you alright. You weren’t going to use those Nitro-9 cans, were you?”
“I didn’t get chance,” Ace complained. “Your so-called friend stopped me!”
The Doctor turned to Delta and doffed his hat to greet her whilst she smiled at him.
“Delta, it’s good to see you again,” he said. “I trust you are well. How’s your daughter?”
“She’s very well thank you, Doctor,” Delta answered. “Almost on her way to become a queen like me. I’m very grateful for what you and your friends did for me back then.”
“Ah yes,” the Doctor became nostalgic. “We had a rock n’ rolling time in South Wales, didn’t we? Motorbikes; music; 1959; sunny weather…”
“How could I forget?” Delta smiled before she became sad. “Times are grim now, Doctor. As you are aware.”
“Yes, I’m afraid they are,” the Doctor said solemnly.
“It’s my fault, Doctor,” Delta said. “I can’t apologise enough…”
“Nothing you could’ve done I’m afraid, Delta,” the Doctor reassured her. “Time takes it course as it usually does.”
“Wouldn’t this be a good time for you two to fill me in?” Ace prompted. “I’m rather keen to help out, you know.”
“Yes, of course you are, Ace,” the Doctor acknowledged. “No doubt about it. But first there are these Cybermen to sort out.”
“But why are they here?” Ace wanted to know. “What have they come for?”
“They are the bane of the Chimerons,” Delta reiterated. “And I intend to play my game.”
“Yes, so you said but…” Ace scoffed at first and then realised “Wait a minute! There’s something worse here, isn’t there? Those Cybermen! They were once your people weren’t they, Delta?”
Delta lowered her head, saddened. “Some were. Not all. Some who were once Chimerons became converted as Cybermen. My daughter, Billy and I were the only survivors.”
“Where are they now?” the Doctor asked. “Are they safe?”
“They are safe with you, Doctor,” Delta reminded him.
The Doctor realised and chuckled, “Oh yes! So you told me, Delta. I’ve still yet to do that. No need to rush mind. The Cybermen are our first priority.”
“So those Cybermen were once Chimerons,” Ace continued to work out. “You’re fighting against the Cybermen to get your own back.”
“Partly that, yes,” Delta said.
“Partly…and because the Cybermen want something from me,” the Doctor added. “Something deadly and dangerous.”
“Doctor! Still left in the dark here,” Ace pointed to herself to remind her friend.
The Doctor didn’t answer Ace’s quip as he turned to the Chimeron queen. “Delta, can you track them down? Where are the Cybermen going?”
Delta then touched the backs of her ears. Ace could see grey patches behind them. It seemed as if Delta was trying to listen to something. She nudged the Doctor by the arm and asked what the grey patches were behind her ears.
“They’re high frequency antennae,” the Doctor told her. “Adult Chimeron queens have the ability to detect high frequencies when in communication with other insect lifeforms. Mostly bees or wasps.”
“The Chimerons are like insects,” Ace realised.
“Insect behaviours inhabit all various species,” the Doctor said.
Delta eventually finished tracking the Cybermen’s movements as she turned to the Doctor again.
“Well?” the Doctor prompted keenly. “Where are they heading?”
“They’re heading for one of the power plants,” Delta said. “In the main industrial centre.”
“Why would they be heading there?” Ace asked. “Bit low on cyber batteries, are they?”
Ignoring Ace’s joke, the Doctor declared, “We must head there at once!” He turned to Delta and asked, “Can you sense the trail of the Cybermen’s movements?”
“Of course,” Delta answered. “There are bees in the area who can guide us.”
“Good, good,” the Doctor said pleased. “Then I suggest we take a ride in this.”
The Doctor pointed with his umbrella. Ace and Delta were amazed at what they saw parked on the nearby pavement.
“Wicked!” Ace exclaimed. “You drove in this!”
“What else?” the Doctor said slyly. “Impressed?”
“You didn’t steal it, did it?” Ace checked.
“Of course not,” the Doctor said affronted. “I requisitioned it.” He turned to Delta. “Happy to ride in this, Delta?”
Delta smiled. “Of course, Doctor,” she said happily. “It brings back happy times for me.”
The trio eventually got in. The Doctor and Ace rode on the motorcycle with Delta sat herself in the sidecar.
A while later, the Doctor; Ace and Delta arrived at the industrial site. They parked the motorcycle and sidecar close by to the power plant. Delta touched the back of her ears to check again.
“I can sense their trail,” she said. “The power plant’s directly ahead. About a few miles. We should hurry!”
“You lead the way, Delta,” the Doctor advised. “Ace and I will follow.”
Delta got out of the sidecar as he took out her blaster weapon from her side-belt. She went on ahead. The Doctor and Ace got up and off the motorcycle as they followed after Delta.
“You made friends with someone who carries a gun, Doctor,” Ace observed. “There’s always a dark streak to you when you’re making friends with people. Like with the Brigadier for example.”
“Just because some of my friends carry guns doesn’t mean I have to like it,” the Doctor said. “The less guns the better.”
Ace said nothing for a bit as they followed after Delta. After this short while, Ace plucked the courage to say something to the Doctor. “Alright, Professor. Now we’re alone, could you tell me what’s going on? You knew the Cybermen were coming, didn’t you?”
“I was expecting them, yes,” the Doctor replied.
“Something to do with the Nemesis?”
“Nothing so repetitive. The Cybermen are here because I’ve got something in my possession that they want from me. The Zorbius crystal!”
“The what?” Ace asked.
“Zorbius – the star crystal of time,” the Doctor said. “Recorded in old Gallifreyan legend, it was created by Salvador – a human mistake made by me. He added my DNA into a crystal star that can control any time-space event in the universe. A crystal he coined – Zorbius.”
“And this Zorbius crystal,” Ace attempted to deduce, “it’s close to your two hearts?”
“Throughout my lifetimes, I’ve encountered Zorbius in various forms and disguises,” the Doctor told her. “Every time, I’ve outwitted the ones who’ve tried to get their grubby hands on it.”
“And now the Cybermen want it,” Ace realised. “Why?”
“Because the Cybermen we’re dealing with are a much different breed to the ones we used to,” the Doctor claimed. “They’re not the Mondasian ones, the Telos ones or anything like that. These Cybermen serve the Zorbius entity that’s inside them.”
“I get it,” Ace remarked. “So these Cybermen are…fakes…or renegades.”
“Not so much that,” the Doctor went on. “The beings they once were served Zorbius. And the Zorbius crystal was smashed into smithereens by yours truly.”
“That was clumsy of you,” Ace quipped.
The Doctor ignores Ace’s remark as he continued. “Once the crystal was smashed, it scattered across the universe. Fragments implanted themselves in the minds of various species. One of these species was a particular slave race. A slave race that encountered Cyber technology. The Cybermen converted this slave race and made them into advanced versions of themselves.”
“So, the Cybermen have fragments of the Zorbius entity…and the Zorbius entity possess them,” Ace surmised.
“Precisely,” the Doctor acknowledged.
“Each Cyberman we meet here possesses DNA of you,” Ace continued. “They have memories of your life. That’s mind-boggling!”
“It’s obscene,” the Doctor declared grimly. “Much worse than when I was the template for the original Mondasian conversion units. Back when I witnessed their creation.”
“So, who was this slave race that the Cybermen converted with them Zorbius thingies inside of them?” Ace asked.
“I can’t say yet,” the Doctor answered. “You’re not ready for that, Ace.”
Ace became annoyed. “Here we go again,” she sighed. “It’s not the Chimerons, is it? I mean…is that why Delta’s here?”
The Doctor said nothing. Ace puffed, annoyed.
“Suit yourself,” she eventually said. “So your job is to avoid the Cybermen getting at you and getting the crystal from you.”
“Wrong, Ace,” the Doctor replied. “I intend to give the crystal to the Cybermen!”
“You what?” Ace said, puzzled.
“Of course there is Delta to consider,” the Doctor went on. “She wants to do this mission in her own way. And I suppose I have to abide by it. Which I can manage with a little proactive planning.”
“This isn’t like what you did with the Hand of Omega, is it?” Ace enquired.
The Doctor shushed Ace but she went on regardless.
“Why is Delta here, Doctor?” Ace persisted. “It’s not clever, you know. You and see giving me vague answers.”
“Delta is partly responsible for the Cybermen’s conversion of the slave race that were to be like them,” the Doctor elaborated. “It’s the reason why Zorbius is inside them.”
“I see,” Ace said. “And it’s the reason why she said it was her fault. But how was it her fault?”
Before the Doctor could answer, Delta returned to them. She pointed to a warehouse building up ahead.
“There! In that warehouse!” she said. “The Cybermen are in there! They’re about to infiltrate the power plant.”
“Then we’d better make our ‘hellos’ to them,” the Doctor said cheerfully before he turned to Ace. “Ace, have you got that slingshot with you? I’ve got some radiation-charged coins for you to attack the Cybermen with. They’re quite partial to being weakened by radiation at times.”
“Ace!,” she cheered, as he took off her rucksack; opened it up and take out her slingshot, “At last!”
The Doctor handed over to Ace a bag of coins to which she took.
“Don’t worry,” he told her. “The radiation in those coins won’t affect you. I made sure of that. But when you fire one at a Cyberman, it’ll be deadly!”
“Wicked!” Ace said. She was about to have a go at trying to fire one of the coins with her slingshot before the Doctor stopped her.
“Not yet Ace, not yet,” he said. “There are things that need to be sorted out first. And I need to talk to the Cybermen.”
Ace was surprised. “Talk to them? Talk to a bunch of tin-plated…”
“Do as I say, Ace,” the Doctor said exasperated. “I will tell you when to use those coins in that bag you got there at the right time.”
Ace sulked for a moment before eventually nodding her head and agreeing.
The Doctor turned to Delta, “Lead the way if you will, Delta.”
Delta agreed as they went forward to enter the warehouse.
Inside, Joaquim watched as the Cybermen were about to disrupt the power supplies. They were about to adapt the warehouse’s technology to suit their purpose.
One Cyberman addressed the leader. “All is prepared. Power lines about to be manipulated. Information patterns about to be assimilated.”
“Understood,” the Cyber Leader declared. “Phase two of mission objectives can commence. Initiate power feedback loop program.”
“Complying,” replied the Cyberman that addressed its leader.
As the Cyberman went off to carry out its instructions, Joaquim addressed the Cyber Leader. “So…this crystal you’re trying to get. It’s the source of your power.”
“The source of power that generates energy into those who have the Zorbius conscience,” the Cyber Leader answered. “The Cybermen require it and the Doctor will give it to us.”
“Not quite yet I think, Leader,” a cool voice answered.
The Cybermen turned to see Doctor arrive with Ace and Delta by his side. The Cybermen stood to attention whilst the Doctor doffed his hat.
“You are the one called the Doctor,” the Cyber Leader declared.
“Good afternoon,” the Doctor said cheerfully. “Any chance of a cup of tea?”
“Give us the Zorbius crystal at once,” the Cyber Leader reached out his hand.
“Ah yes,” the Doctor began. “About the Zorbius crystal…”
“Resist…and you will be terminated,” the Cyber Leader warned him.
“First things first! Here’s Ace,” the Doctor introduced her to the Cybermen. “Remember Ace? Or maybe she means nothing to you at present.”
“The Doctor’s companion,” the Cyber Leader stated. “The one who attacked Cyber forces that attempted to retrieve the Nemesis.”
“So glad you remember me,” Ace said wryly. “Find me scary, don’t you?”
“And this is Delta,” the Doctor introduced her. “You remember Delta, don’t you?”
“The Chimeron Queen,” the Cyber Leader answered. “The one we have been hunting for. She will become like us. She will become a Cyber Queen.”
“My people will survive,” Delta said defiantly. “The Chimeron race will survive! You won’t have me! Not while my spirit lives on!”
“You cannot resist us,” the Cyber Leader said.
“Same old, same old,” the Doctor snorted. “La-de-da-de-da! Don’t you Cybermen get it? She’s trapped you! Delta’s trapped you into her own game and you can’t back out of it!”
“We shall play the game you have claimed, Doctor,” one Cybermen said.
“Cybermen do not fear,” said another one. “We have nothing to fear.”
“The Cyber race will win,” the Cyber Leader added. “We shall obtain Zorbius and control all of time and space.”
“Don’t be so sure about that, tin heads,” Ace retorted.
“Hello Doctor,” Joaquim piped up cheerfully. “You remember me? I’m here as well.”
The Doctor looked at Joaquim with disdain. “I’ve nothing to say to you, Joaquim.”
“But you were wrong, Doctor,” Joaquim said. “These Cybermen are my future! They’ve promised me wealth! Wealth beyond all imagination! And it’s in silver!”
“Don’t expect Cybermen to keep their promises in the way you think it,” the Doctor said. “It isn’t guaranteed.”
Ace prodded at the Doctor. “Doctor, who is that jerk? How come he’s a friend of the Cybermen?”
“Not now, Ace,” the Doctor hissed at her. “Not here.”
“Give us the Zorbius crystal, Doctor,” the Cyber Leader demanded again. “At once.”
The Doctor breathed a deep sigh. “Oh very well. Have it your own way. But before I give you the crystal, I have one thing to say!”
“State it,” the Cyber Leader insisted.
“As you wish,” the Doctor cheerfully said before turning to Ace. “Now Ace! Slingshot!”
“Right!”
With that, Ace took out her slingshot, placed a few coins inside and opened fire.
“Do not let them escape,” the Cyber Leader barked. “Do not…”
As the Cybermen marched forward to advance, the coins fired by Ace hit a few of them. The Cybermen coughed and suffocated as they held their chest units.
“Radiation,” one Cyberman rasped. “RADIATION!!!”
The Cybermen that got hit fell to the ground and died in the process. Ace cheered with delight once she saw the Cybermen fall.
“Ha!” she cheered. “Got you, you losers!”
“There’s more coming!” Delta warned her. “I’ll hold them off!”
Delta raised her blaster weapon at the approaching Cybermen before the Doctor stopped her.
“No! We must get away!” he said. “Back into the city!”
They got distracted as the Cybermen opened fire with their gun-like weapons. The Doctor, Ace and Delta managed to dodge the shots fired upon them. Delta was resilient as she fired her blaster weapon. One Cyberman fell from Delta’s shot.
Delta turned to the Doctor, “Go! I can handle this! Take Ace with you!”
“I can’t let you handle them by yourself, Delta!” the Doctor protested.
“Go Doctor!” Delta was insistent. “I’ll meet you back at the motorcycle! Get it ready for us to go back into the city!”
“She’s right, Doctor,” Ace joined in. “Let’s get out of here while we’ve still got a chance!”
The Doctor became indecisive for a moment.
“Alright,” he eventually said. “One minute and no more! Then join us!”
“Go Doctor!” Delta persisted. “Go!”
“Come on, Doctor!” Ace urged him. “Let’s go!”
With that, Ace pulled the Doctor along as they ran out of the warehouse. Delta fired her blaster weapon at the Cybermen that were marching towards her.
“Eradicate her,” the Cyber Leader commanded.
Delta dodged the shots fired upon her by the Cybermen’s weapons. Soon, she backed away, still firing her blaster weapon at the Cybermen as she went and ran out of the warehouse to rejoin the Doctor and Ace.
Joaquim shouted, “She’s getting away! Get after her!”
In an instant, the Cybermen pursued her, marching briskly as they went.
Outside, the Doctor was starting up the motorcycle with Ace seated behind him. The Doctor didn’t allow Ace to drive. She was pretty miffed at that. They then saw Delta running out towards them from the warehouse. She was being pursued by Cybermen.
“Delta!” the Doctor called out to her. “Quick! Get aboard!”
“Drive, Doctor!” Delta insisted. “Head back into the city!”
Ace then nudged the Doctor. “I know a café where we can meet some friends. I met them there earlier.”
“Excellent, Ace!” the Doctor said pleased. “We must warn your friends! Or better still, they could help us!”
Delta got into the sidecar with them. “Let’s get there then!” she said urgently. “Hurry before the Cybermen catch up with us!”
“Come on then, Doctor!” Ace insisted. “Let get going, shall we?”
“Hold on to your hats,” the Doctor cried, as he geared up the motorcycle with Ace behind him and Delta in the sidecar.
They drove off out of the industrial site. They dodged the Cybermen’s firepower upon them as they were in hot pursuit.
“They have escaped us, Leader,” the first Cyberman said.
“They are retreating into the city,” said the second one.
“Pursue them,” the Cyber Leader commanded. “Send units to locate their base of operations. Have them report to Cyber Control once they have found the base.”
“Confirmed,” the first Cyberman obeyed. “Orders will be initiated.”
The Cybermen marched off to put their Leader’s orders into operation. Meanwhile, Joaquim came out of the warehouse and addressed the Cyber Leader.
“I expect to be paid in full, you know,” he said. “You guys had better not be messing with me or…”
The Cyber Leader turned to Joaquim, almost terrifying him.
“You will be paid in silver once you have achieved our preliminary task,” the Cyber Leader said. “Your function will be carried out now.”
“Tell me what it is I have to do,” Joaquim insisted. “Then I’ll do it.”
“Use our technology against our enemy,” the Cyber Leader said.
Joaquim listened with keen enthusiasm as the Cyber Leader gave instructions to him.
© Tim Bradley, 2020
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