S
scikaiju
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The crowd on the street was enjoying the warm sunny afternoon. Two friends in particular were enjoying it since they were able to sneak out if work early. They would probably pay for it tomorrow when they went back in. But that was tomorrow, today it was about having some fun. The taller of the two hooked his business jacket on one finger as it hung over his shoulder. Holding his head up he took in what rays he could as he and his female companion walked down the street. “Days like this I don’t know why I settled for an office job,†he said. “I don’t belong inside a cramped stuffy building. I deserve to be out here in the fresh air enjoying things, enjoying life.â€
Her brown ponytail waving back and forth as she shook her head his companion said, “Until that first set of bills came in. Or the day of bad weather hit, whichever came first.â€
“Party pooper,†he said, but he wasn’t going to let her dampen his mood, not on a day like today. “Then why did you come out with me then if you don’t want to indulge in a little day dreaming?â€
“I just got out of a meeting.†she informed him. “With Armstrong.†He shivered in disgust at the thought. “He started getting all grabby again.â€
“I keep telling you to go to human resources about him Amy.â€
“And he’s best friends with the guy in charge of human resources Steve. The last couple of girls who tried had their claims swept under the rug. They were forced to quit soon afterwards. And the boss didn’t seem to care.â€
“Then get a lawyer then,†Steve told her. “It’s 2010 for crying out loud. Crap like that shouldn’t still be happening.â€
“Maybe in some happy fantasy world,†Amy said. “But the moment I land another job I am so kicking him in the balls on my last day.â€
“Be sure to tell me first before you do so I can record it on my phone. It’ll be online in seconds afterwards.â€
“Deal,†she grinned. Times like this she was glad to have Steve as a friend. The office was pretty much a boys club as far as Armstrong was concerned. So somebody trying to buck that trend was always welcomed in her eyes.
As usual he started taking it a little too far, “You’ll be the unsung hero of all the women in the office, and probably a couple of the guys. Songs will be sung… in… your…â€, he trailed off as he took a second look down a alleyway they passed. Stopping and going back he asked, “What the hell is that?â€
“What’s what?â€, she asked going back as well. Looking in she didn’t see anything at first. But she blinked a couple of times then saw it, a big blue box looking thing was inside the alley. Steve started heading in to investigate. “Steve wait, you don’t know what is in there.†Not sure why she followed after him. The closer they got the more detail they could see for some reason. It looked like there were a series of double doors around it, with six paneled windows on each door. A raised roof had some sort of light on top of it. Steve walked around it a she read the panel on top of the door, “Police Public Call Box?†The doors in front of her looked like the front with the keyhole and the extra information panel above the door handle.
“What do you think it is?â€, Steve asked.
“How should I know,†Amy told him. “Maybe it’s a movie prop or something.â€
“A movie prop, that’s a good one.†They looked to see a girl with brown hair down to her shoulders and had to be in her late teens at least stand there with her hands behind her back. Dressed liked a normal teenager she smiled at them, green eyes sparkling with amusement. “I’ve never heard the TARDIS called that before.â€
“Tar…what?â€, Steve asked.
“Susan!â€, she jumped a bit as an older man walked into view. With receding white hair he wore a black jacket that Amy only seen on concert pianist before covered his battered white shirt, gray vest and pants. Worn shoes adorned his feet and a string tie wrapped around his neck as he stood in front of the younger woman. Looking very angry with her he continued, “What have I told you about keeping things secret?â€
“Sorry Uncle,†Susan said, looking down. “But I never…â€
“Not now Susan,†the older man cut her off sharply.
“Not wait a minute,†Steve spoke up.
“Young man this is none of your business,†he said before returning his attention to the younger woman.
“I’m not sure what’s going on,†Amy spoke up. “But getting angry at this young woman for something we did is not the way to go.â€
“Oh I fully realize you stumbled in here quite by accident,†he said. “But my niece has a habit for speaking out of turn. Especially about things that are not the concern of others.â€
“I’m not sure I care for your tone of voice,†Steve said.
“Believe me young man my tone is the least of your worries.†There was something about the look in those ice blue eyes he was giving him that made Steve back up a little.
Amy tried to step in and try a different tack, “Well I hope that part of you appreciates the concern we have at the moment for your niece Mister…?â€
“Doctor,†he informed her, sounding a little more cordial, “and I do. However more than one person has stuck their nose in our business and I am rather tired of it. Now if you will excuse us.†Gesturing toward the side alley he let Susan take the lead as they exited.
“I’m sure I understand Doctor…?â€, she said still trying to get a name. The only response was his continued silence as they left the alley. Both of them watched in stunned silence themselves.
“Who was that?â€, Steve blurted out.
“I’m not sure,†Amy told him. “Let’s get out of here before some other crazy shows up.â€
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCWWHb1Hwgo"]YouTube - 1996 Doctor Who movie theme[/ame]
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In a position where they could still see the blue box but remain hidden this Doctor and his niece watched the two leave before going on their own way. “I’m sorry Uncle,†she repeated. “But I thought it was amusing that they thought the TARDIS was a prop.â€
“Yes, humans have a way of generalizing things they don’t understand into something they do,†he said. “I know you think I am unnecessarily rough with you at times my dear Susan but it is for your own good. Humans, particularly in this time and earlier, are not that accepting of anything different. So we have to be careful and not expose who we are. Do you understand?â€
“Yes Uncle,†she said. “But if you are so worried why do you keep coming back here?â€
“Because as stubborn as they are there is a great hope, a great potential for this species. Your father taught me that a long time ago. Come my dear, we don’t have time to waste.â€
“But still I don’t understand how they saw the TARDIS,†she said following him. “You said humans in this era wouldn’t be able to see it.â€
“I said it would be highly unlikely that they could see it,†he corrected her. “As I said they will generalize it into something they can understand. However you will come across one every so often that is a little more perceptive than the others. Those are the ones we must be careful of. Now,†he said looking around, “we must locate this Chronos Corporation I’ve been hearing about since we’ve been here.â€
“Why?†she asked. “What’s so important about this place?â€
Sighing as he took out an old fob watch from his vest he held it in front of her. “If you paid any attention to your studies than you would know Chronos can be another meaning for…†He waited a few moments for her to get it.
“Time,†she said getting excited. “Do you think it’s him? Do you think he’ll be there?â€
“I do not know,†he said putting the watch back into it’s pocket. “I would like to think he would be a little more subtle with his hints than that, but there is only one way to find out. Come my dear.†Holding out an arm she took as they walked down the street.
-----
Deep in the city standing just tall enough that it wouldn’t stand out was the Chronos building, taken over a couple of years ago by it’s new owner. Not a lot of people knew what they did, something about fantastic gadgets that made life easier, or something like that. They started trickling out on the market last year, but rumors were floating around that they would soon flood the market either late this year or early next. All the online and paper journals were buzzing about what they might be releasing in that time with only a few official hints drizzling out of the corporation itself. Although the few unofficial hints that got out were few and far between. And that drove the reporters and wanna be bloggers crazy.
On the top floor of the building the pepper haired owner of Chronos sat at his desk looking at current stock rates on the computer screen. The screen itself was part of their new slim line being less than an eighth of an inch thick. Using a light pen to highlight certain stocks he hit an icon on the side of the screen to print them out. Although he looked at the printer with some disgust, there wasn’t a way to shrink that. Not yet any way. “Mr. Monk,†his assistant said as she cautiously entered the room. “I rescheduled that meeting with Mr. Armstrong like you asked.â€
“Thank you Mary,†he said sounding grateful. “And I am so very sorry that you had to talk to him. Please take an extra ten minutes for your lunch hour as a little compensation.†She gratefully took the offer and left him alone. He hated doing that to her, but even with all the complaints Armstrong was useful. Although his outdated way of thinking made him cringe at times and feeling a little dirty. Locking the door from his desk so he wouldn’t be disturbed he opened a drawer and pulled out a newspaper. It looked like an everyday newspaper you get from a vender off the street. Except it was dated March 14, 1931 and looked like it was just printed that morning. Turning to the stock section he started looking for the names he highlighted, occasionally looking at a yellow notepad on the side and chuckling to himself.
-----
It wasn’t as bad as she thought it was going to be when she went back in the next day. Armstrong was busy with something most of the morning so he stayed out of her hair. Which meant she could hurry up and catch up on the work she didn’t get done yesterday when she skipped out with Steve in relative peace and quiet. She had yesterday workload and a good chunk of today’s done in record time and this had all the markings of a good day. Then lunch happen. She was eating her lunch in the plaza on another lovely day when Armstrong finally caught up with her. After all these years she was amazed somebody still looked like they walked right out of a seventies movie, complete with sunglasses and cheesy mustache. “Sweet cheeks over here,†he bellowed. She ignored him hoping he’d get the message. “Hey sweet cheeks I’m talking to you,†he said standing over her.
“Then I suggest you use my name,†she said not looking at him.
“And I suggest you watch yourself or you’ll be gone just like that?â€, he snapped his fingers. Oh she was this close to giving him a piece of her mind. “Now I suggest you be a good little girl and get your cute little buns back to your little office and get to work.â€
And that was it. “Now listen hear you Neanderthal I don’t….â€
“You don’t want your job?â€, he leered. “Don’t want a steady paycheck? Because I can make that happen before you can even blink sweetheart.â€
“You do and you will be in more trouble than what you are currently worth.†Both of them looked at the newcomer. Armstrong looked confused at the attire. Amy just looked surprised, it was that old man and girl from yesterday. He walked up to Armstrong and with the same look he gave Steve made him back up a little.
“And who are you gramps?â€, Armstrong demanded.
“Gramps?â€, he said with a humph. “Why I never.†Reaching into a pocket inside his coat he pulled out a white business card. From where Amy stood it looked blank and was about to say something about it but Susan put a finger to her lips to quiet her. He handed it to Armstrong, “This is who I am young man.â€
Armstrong seemed almost fixated on the card in his hand, “John Smith attorney at law?†Quickly taking the card out of his hand he returned it into the inside pocket of his coat.
“That is quite right young man,†he said. “I am this young lady’s attorney. And from the look of things I haven’t gotten here a second too soon.â€
“Now wait a…,†Amy started to protest.
“Now my dear I do realize you have a thing or two to say to him but I must insist that when it come to your case you must let me do the talking at this particular juncture.â€
“Now Mr. Smith,†Armstrong whole demeanor suddenly changed, going into what most of her co-workers called “used car salesman modeâ€. “I’m sure we can fix this before it goes too far.†Putting an arm around the old man he steered him away from Amy and Susan. “Man to man. We’ve both been around the block. We both knows these skirts don’t really want this equality BS they keep talking about. They want a man to take charge, some of them are just too stubborn to admit it.â€
“I am amazed that in this day and age,†the old man said as he took Armstrong arm off his shoulder. In fact he twisted it in such a way that Armstrong was grimacing in pain a bit, “that people like you still exists. Times like these I lose hope for humanity in general.†Letting him go this Doctor or whoever he was stood there with some authority that wasn’t there before. “Now I will see you and whatever excuse for a manager that has kept you employed for this long and discuss this young lady’s grievances in a couple of hours. Good day.†He quickly ushered Amy and Susan away before he could respond.
“So you’re a lawyer now?†Amy asked. “What, was a doctor salary not paying enough?â€
“I never said I was a doctor,†was all he told her.
“But yesterday when I said mister… you said…â€
“People call him Doctor,†Susan said. She cringed a bit looking at her uncle but he didn’t respond.
“Just the Doctor?â€, Amy asked.
“That is quite right my dear,†he said. “I’ve been called it so long I answer to nothing else.â€
“A doctor of what exactly?â€, Amy asked trying to probe this individual a little.
“That is not important,†he told her. “What is important is that we can possibly help each other at the moment.â€
“How,†she demanded, “by pretending to be a lawyer? That card had nothing on it. How did you get Armstrong to think it said you were a lawyer?â€
Susan started to say something but she looked at her uncle again. With a slight nod of his head he would let her have this one. “It’s psychic paper. My Uncle can make it say anything and only the person holding it can see it. Isn’t that right Uncle?â€
“Quite right Susan,†he said approvingly.
“Doctor Smith…â€, she started.
“Just the Doctor my dear,†he repeated.
“Doctor… I don’t know how you expect this to work or what I can do for you…â€
“The latter is quite easy to explain my dear,†he said. “I just need you to get my niece and I into your work place.â€
“Why?â€, Amy asked.
“Without going into details, I will just say we are looking for somebody important to my niece and myself.â€
“Why don’t you just go to the front desk then?â€
“We don’t know what name he’s using,†Susan told her.
“Susan is quite correct,†the Doctor said. “It does make it rather hard to ask if he’s there or not. Wouldn’t you agree?â€
“This is sounding more than a little farfetched,†Amy told them backing away a little.â€You expect me to believe you want me to get you into my building. Just so you can see if somebody, who’s name you don’t even know, is in there. Do you have any idea how that sounds?â€
“Yes I do my dear,†the Doctor told her. “But it is imperative we find this person.â€
“Who is this person?â€, Amy asked them.
“My father,†Susan said quietly. “He disappeared a while ago and nobody seems to know where he is. My Uncle and I are looking for him.†Amy expected this Doctor to scold her for saying too much again. But instead he put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a comforting look. Then he turned toward Amy.
“As you may have gathered my dear we are not exactly from here,†he continued for her. “We brought this to the attention of the authorities where we lived but none of them seemed interested in finding him. So I took the matter into my own hands. And seeing how we had no other family I couldn’t just leave my niece all alone as I looked for my brother.â€
This still sounded crazy but for some strange reason Amy was starting to believe them. There was something truly sad in the both of them as this spoke about this supposed missing father. Particularly in this young woman with him. “All right, I’ll help you get in, but I’m keeping my eyes on both of you. I sense one thing wrong and I’m calling the police the very next second, is that clear?â€
“Fully understandable my dear,†the Doctor agreed. “Now before we go any further may I know your name? If I am to represent you as your lawyer it would look far more believable if I knew.â€
“I guess it would,†she held out a hand, “Amy Jones.†The Doctor took it and shook it firmly. “I should probably tell you about Armstrong too.â€
“If I may gander a guess?â€, the Doctor said. Thinking a bit he went, “He says some highly unsuitable statements. Uses his authority to threaten those he views as weaker. Friends with people higher up than he is that protect him when somebody tried to bring this to light. And he tries to put his hands in highly inappropriate places every chance he gets.â€
Amy was stunned for a sec, “Do you know Armstrong from somewhere?â€
“No my dear,†he answered, “but I’ve unfortunately met people like him before in my life time. Far too many times to my liking. I will see you in a couple of hours Miss. Jones. Come Susan we need to get you into something a little more suitable.â€
Susan looked at her clothes before following him, “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?â€
“Do not get me started child, we do not have the time.†Watching them leave Amy wondered if she should start looking in the classifieds later because something told her she was going to be out of a job after this was over.
-----
Roughly and hour and a half later Amy was at her cubicle looking at her watch. What was she thinking letting the crazy old man talk her into this? To make matters worse she seen Armstrong go in and out of Manson’s office. As head of human resources he would be the one who would handle this. And as she told Steve they were best buds and she could see them start to circle the wagons. It wasn’t going to be long before they circled it around her. Amy had seen it before, the two of them would strong arm a person until they gave up on whatever they tried to get started. More than once they looked in her direction. A couple of people walked by her cubicle and gave her a sympatric look knowing it was coming as well since Armstrong complained loudly about her lawyer once he got back to his office.
A few more minutes and she just happened to look up and see them come out of Mason’s office, and head her way. Well she wasn’t going to get cornered by their little tag team. Acting like she didn’t see them Amy got up and headed for the door. Maybe she could make it to the elevator or the stairway before they could catch up to her. Trying to be casual about it she looked back as say them walk faster. Damn it she wasn’t going to make it to the door. “Jones we need to talk to you,†Armstrong called out.
“Oh now you know my name,†she said trying to keep up the act. “The two of you can talk to my lawyer when he gets here.â€
“Do you really think it’s fair to go behind my back like this Amy,†Mason said trying a different track, trying to be more friendly and familiar than Armstrong. “If you had a problem you could have come and talked it over with me.â€
“Oh I’ve seen how you handle the situation,†Amy snapped. If this Doctor showed up or not she was going to let them have it one way or another. “I see it every time you have to cover his tracks when somebody had enough of his crap. You either make them back down or make then go away.â€
“You tell them girl!â€, somebody shouted.
“Shut the hell up!â€, Armstrong snapped.
“Barry,†Manson muttered before returning his attention to her. “Now that’s an unreasonable claim. When have I ever made anything resembling a complaint disappear?â€
“Do you remember Tracy?â€, she shot back. “Or how about Phyllis? Hell Armstrong made Janice life so miserable after you turned a blind eye to her complaints she quit rather than deal with this BS. Anybody with even a hint of a backbone you try to break. Well you and this jackass are not breaking me. If you want to talk to me do it through my lawyer.†She went to leave, she might be this close to losing her job but that felt way too good to get off her chest.
“Now wait a second you little bitch,†Armstrong grabbed her arm and forced her back into the room.
“Do you see this?â€, she said to the rest in the room. “This is exactly how he treats people he can’t push around.â€
“Hey what’s going on?â€, Steve burst in the room after seeing her being dragged in from down the hall.
“This is none of your business you piss ant!â€, Armstrong yelled at him.
“But I do believe it’s mine.†Everyone turned toward the door. Amy looked as stunned as the rest of them to see the Doctor standing there. Holding onto the label of his coat he strode in like he owned the place. Steve just pointed a finger at him dumbfounded. Beside him was his niece Susan dressed and looking like a proper assistant in her business suit and briefcase. She broke character just long enough to smile and wave at Amy before returning to it. The Doctor quickly removed Armstrong hand from her arm. “It is a good thing I decided to come early to check in on my client, and once again not a moment too soon.â€
“You said they were going to hold him at the door until we were done with her,†Armstrong whispered angrily to Manson.
“They were,†he shot back.
“Susan,†the Doctor said as he gently guided Amy toward her, “please check to see if this ruffian bruised her in any way and document it. The faster we can prove these horrendous working conditions the better.â€
“Now wait a minute here,†Manson tried to say.
The Doctor wasn’t haven’t any of it, “And I haven’t even started with you yet young man so wait your turn. The sheer gall of the game the two of you are playing here, it’s disgusting. And I will not stop until both of you pay for creating this unhealthy environment.â€
Susan got both Amy and Steve out of there. Both of them looked back as the Doctor was still in there giving Armstrong and Manson an earful. More than a few of the other people in there were grinning ear to ear, at least a couple seemed to be cheering him on. Still unsure of what was going on Steve went, “I thought he was a doctor?â€
All Amy could say was, “I’m not even sure who I am at this point.†But still she felt strangely liberated.
-----
Monk came out of a supply closest and quickly locked the door with his key. Smiling a bit he started chuckling again as he went to his office. Saying hello to a few people as he past them he made his way to his office without a care in the world. Then he saw a few executives looking very worried about something and harassing his secretary about his wear about. He almost turned around and headed back down the hall. Then one of them spotted him and they practically swarmed around him. “Calm down calm down,†he said, “give me some room before you trample or suffocate me.†Most of them backed up a couple of steps to give him the space he wanted. “Now, what is the cause of all this ruckus?â€
“One of the employees brought in a lawyer!â€, one of them exclaimed.
“Oh about what?â€, he asked calmly. That got on their nerves fast. And secretly he enjoyed their reaction. But he made sure not to let it show, well not too much.
“Armstrong and Mason,†said another. “Somehow he got pas security and is verbally assaulting them right now.â€
“Really now,†he said as he walked through them. “I’m surprised it’s taken this long for it to happen. Have you been down there? The female workers are miserable.â€
“Fine yes,†one of the agreed looking exasperated. “What are we going to do?â€
“I say let him have at them,†he said as he went to his door. “Their little boy’s club is a little too much trouble than what they’re worth. And I’d say this proves that particular point.â€
“But what are we going to do? What if this lawyer tries to go after the rest of us?â€
“Then we cut our losses starting with those two. Personally I think the shakeup will do this company some good,†Monk said sharply. “Honestly I’ve been trying to get rid of Armstrong for months now knowing this situation was going to happen. Maybe now you’ll listen to me next time when I say someone is going to be trouble instead trying to find reasons to keep them. Now unless this lawyer wants to talk to me personally I suggest you leave me alone and let the matter run it’s course.†Quickly entering his office he closed the door behind him so they couldn’t follow. Leaning against it he groaned a bit as he ran his hands down his face, “There are times I think this place deserves to be conquered. The new regime can’t do any worse.â€
Rubbing his chin slightly he started thinking about this lawyer. He might want to see him personally on the matter. Perhaps he should check it out. Going to his desk he turned on the screen with a wave of his hand. A wave over his desk brought up a laser image of a keyboard out of the computer screen itself. Keys lighting as his fingertips hit them he accesses the building security system. In moments he had Armstrong, Manson and this lawyer in full view. Studying the screen something felt off about this lawyer. Something about the way he was dressed, the way he carried himself. Especially the way he carried himself, he was all too familiar with it. They couldn’t have found him already could they? He didn’t even think they were even interested in this place. Perhaps he should pay another visit to his supply closest.
-----
The Doctor found Susan and the other two in a small break room on the same floor. It had been a half hour since he arrived and all they heard since then was about the old man giving it to Manson and Armstrong. It pulled up quite the crowd from their understanding. Steve wanted to see for himself but Susan convinced him to stay with them. “I am so sorry about that my dear. Sometimes I build up such a head of steam it takes me awhile to come down from it. And that display of sheer gall I witnessed built up a lot of steam. Are you alright Miss. Jones, that poor excuse of a man didn’t do anything else to you did he?â€
“No,†Amy told him, “He just grabbed me, I’m fine. So how much trouble is that little display going to cause me after your gone?â€
“I do say I put the fear of God into them,†he answered looking slightly amused with himself. “Yes I do believe they should leave you alone for quite a while. But I should suggest you look for a new place of employment. This particular ruse won’t last forever.â€
“Trust me I have been.â€
“I thought you were a doctor?â€, Steve said out of the blue.
“Must I really explain this again?â€, The Doctor grumbled.
Amy quickly butted in, “Steve just go with it.â€
“But why do Armstrong and Manson think he’s a lawyer?â€
Amy looked at the Doctor, “Can I show him the card?†Without a word he pulled out the blank business card and handed it to her. She read it out loud, “John Smith attorney at law.†Then she handed it to Steve.
“What the…?â€, he said looking it over. “This was blank when she was holding it. Now it’s on both sides of it.â€
“What did I tell you about the perceptive ones,†the Doctor said to Susan.
Taking the card back and handing it back to him Amy told him, “That is the only reason why I’ve even considered listening to you.â€
“Of course my dear, of course. Now,†he said standing a little straighter, “I do believe we had an agreement.â€
“I guess we did.†Steve looked confused, “I’ll explain later. Do you have a reason we can give people as to why my ‘lawyer’ is walking around the building?â€
“Actually my dear several of your co-workers gave me the perfect excuse,†he answered. “Apparently your Mr. Armstrong has invaded several different areas of this building with his rather outdated way of thinking. If I was a lawyer I would have several cases lined up against him already. Now let us continue on our fact finding mission as I believe they say.â€
“So where do you start?â€, Amy asked him. “This is a pretty big building.â€
“My Father was a bit of a researcher,†Susan said. “Thinking up new things was a passion of his.â€
“Quite right,†the Doctor said beaming a bit, “he was always into fancy gadgets and trying to make them work. And upon hearing that this particular corporation makes ‘interesting gadgets’ it seemed like the mostly likely place to search for him.â€
“I’ve heard about a few odd balls in R&D,†Steve offered. “What’s his name, I can ask around.â€
“They don’t know if he’s using his real name or not,†Amy informed him. “That doesn’t sound any saner with me saying it. Hey what does he look like, maybe we can help you spot him.â€
“I suppose it couldn’t hurt,†the Doctor said. “He’s about so tall,†he held his hand at his temples. “Wears glasses, has dark graying hair. Looks rather bookish and would probably keep to himself most of the time.â€
“That just described half the guys I’ve seen in R&D,†Steve said. Susan looked upset. “Hey we’ll find him, cheer up.â€
“We’ve been searching for so long,†she said softly as she looked down at her feet. “There are times I don’t think we’ll ever find him.â€
“Now that negative attitude will not do Susan,†the Doctor told her as he put his hands on her shoulder. “I promised you we’ll find him and we will do just that. Besides, you were the one who told me not to be so morose all the time, what kind of example are you setting for me if you become so hmm?†He smiled a warm fatherly smile toward her, she slowly returned it. “Come now, we must go to this R&D this young man has spoken of. As it so happens someone told me of a person this Armstrong has harassed there as well.â€
R&D was more or less deserted by the time they got there, with Amy explaining the situation in full to Steve on the way there. “Must be lunch time,†Steve commented as he looked around. Somebody came up to them demanding what they wanted. The Doctor just showed him that psychic card again and that was enough for them to leave them alone. “I’m guessing that wasn’t him?â€
“No young man it was not,†the Doctor informed him.
“So what did that card of yours say this time?†Steve’s question was ignored as he went around looking at the various work stations, studying each on. Occasionally he would check a computer before Amy or Steve could stop him. But he seemed more interested in the size of the screen more than anything on them. Seeing how Susan seemed more approachable than her uncle Steve went over to her, “Do you see anything that might belong to him?â€
“No,†she said sadly. “Do you recognize anything Uncle?†When she didn’t get a response she looked at him, “Uncle?†He was standing in front of a door with a card reader on the side. A sign above it saying experimental research held his attention more than anything.
“What’s in here?â€, he asked as they went to him.
“This is where we keep our more interesting stuff,†Steve offered. “All hush hush stuff that’s almost ready to sell to the public.â€
That seemed to pique the Doctor’s interest, “Really now, that is most fascinating, most fascinating indeed. I don’t suppose you have access to that particular room, do you my boy?â€
“I’m barely allowed in here,†Steve told him.
“Before you get any ideas,†Amy quickly cut in, “there’s no way you’re allowed in there either. Besides I don’t think that psychic card of yours is going to work on that,†she pointed at the card readers.
“Quite right my dear, quite right,†was his response. But still he reached into his coat, but instead of a card he pulled some sort of cylinder with a round device on the top. Putting his thumb on his on a ring shape lever near the top he pressed it down. There was an electronic whistling sound, then the light on the reader went green and he opened the door. “Luckily I rely on more than a piece of psychic paper. After you my dear.â€
“How did you do that?â€, Amy demanded as she tried to get in his way but he got past her. “Wait! You can’t be in here. What is that thing?â€
“A sonic device common from where we’re from, I refer to it as a screwdriver although I have discovered it is a rather handy door opener,†the Doctor readily explained. “This particular model is of my own design, as I am a bit of a researcher as well.â€
“Uncle,†Susan said in the same chiding tone he used on her.
“Do not get cheeky with me young lady,†he told her waving a finger. “And what on Earth is that,†he said pointing at one of the tables inside. They looked at the table he was staring at. There seemed to be a few futuristic looking things on there that would grab anybody’s attention. But as he walked up to it his focus seemed to be on a regular looking touch pad device no bigger than a cell phone.
“That?â€, Steve said walking up to the table. “This is really cool. They let me mess with a while back.†Picking it up and turning it on he grinned as he said, “They’re calling it a holophone right now until marketing can come up with a catchier name.†In an instant the phone came to life and some icon appeared on the screen. Then the icons seemed to float off the screen and hover in the air. Susan looked fascinated by what was happening. The Doctor not so much, in fact he looked a bit disturbed. Just barely touching the floating icons Steve was able to move them around and go to another set. Making a tapping motion on one he pulled up a picture file. Tapping another image the icons disappeared and a roughly 3X5 photo of a couple of the scientist hovered in the air. “I can even manipulate the photo, make it bigger, zoom in on one person. That sort of thing.â€
“This is wrong,†the Doctor said suddenly, “this is all wrong. This level of technology shouldn’t be available now.â€
“No kidding,†Steve said. “We are years ahead of the curve on this one.â€
“I’ll say you are young man,†the Doctor told him curtly. “This sort of thing shouldn’t be seeing the light of day until at least 2098. February 23, 2098 to be exact I think.†Amy lookedment while she looked to see if anybody was going to walk in on them being in a restricted area. Steve, on the other hand, looked a bit startled at the comment.
“Alright fine,†Amy said trying to get them toward the door, “you seen in here. Now before both of us lose our jobs and all of us go to jail you better get out of here.â€
“I quite agree my dear,†The Doctor suddenly took the lead out of the room. “I do apologize for this inconvenience and we will take our leave. Come Susan,†without a word they left. Amy shook her head, she should have called security the moment he opened that door.
“Can you believe that Steve?â€, she asked. “Who pulls that specific a date out of the air like that?â€
“The boss,†Steve said dumbfounded.
“What?â€, Amy asked in confusion.
“I heard Monk use that same exact date when he described how advanced it was.â€
“It has to be a coincidence,†Amy said, mainly for herself. “Come on, we better leave too before we’re spotted. I already feel like I have a target on my back as it is.â€
-----
“Uncle?â€, Susan asked after they left and well down a couple of flights of stairs. When he wouldn’t answer her right away she went, “He’s not here is he?â€
He hesitated before looking at her, “No I don’t think he is.†Then a little more silently he uttered, “At least I hope he isn’t.â€
Not hearing that last part she asked, “Then are we leaving?â€
This time he did stop and looked thoughtful, “No not just yet. Something is very wrong here Susan. Humanity shouldn’t be capable of that sort of technology, not yet. Something is wrong here, very wrong.†Continuing on again he told her, “We must get back to the TARDIS.â€
“Uncle what’s wrong?â€
“I’m not sure just as of yet Susan,†he explained. “But I hope a particular fear that is currently inhabiting my mind is wrong.â€
“Do you think this is the work of somebody like us?â€
Again he stopped, almost appraising the young woman with him. Slowly he nodded his head, half in acknowledgement of her statement, half with approval that she came to that conclusion on her own. “I fear it might. That is why we must get back to the TARDIS. If I am right I fear what this means for humanity.â€
-----
Her brown ponytail waving back and forth as she shook her head his companion said, “Until that first set of bills came in. Or the day of bad weather hit, whichever came first.â€
“Party pooper,†he said, but he wasn’t going to let her dampen his mood, not on a day like today. “Then why did you come out with me then if you don’t want to indulge in a little day dreaming?â€
“I just got out of a meeting.†she informed him. “With Armstrong.†He shivered in disgust at the thought. “He started getting all grabby again.â€
“I keep telling you to go to human resources about him Amy.â€
“And he’s best friends with the guy in charge of human resources Steve. The last couple of girls who tried had their claims swept under the rug. They were forced to quit soon afterwards. And the boss didn’t seem to care.â€
“Then get a lawyer then,†Steve told her. “It’s 2010 for crying out loud. Crap like that shouldn’t still be happening.â€
“Maybe in some happy fantasy world,†Amy said. “But the moment I land another job I am so kicking him in the balls on my last day.â€
“Be sure to tell me first before you do so I can record it on my phone. It’ll be online in seconds afterwards.â€
“Deal,†she grinned. Times like this she was glad to have Steve as a friend. The office was pretty much a boys club as far as Armstrong was concerned. So somebody trying to buck that trend was always welcomed in her eyes.
As usual he started taking it a little too far, “You’ll be the unsung hero of all the women in the office, and probably a couple of the guys. Songs will be sung… in… your…â€, he trailed off as he took a second look down a alleyway they passed. Stopping and going back he asked, “What the hell is that?â€
“What’s what?â€, she asked going back as well. Looking in she didn’t see anything at first. But she blinked a couple of times then saw it, a big blue box looking thing was inside the alley. Steve started heading in to investigate. “Steve wait, you don’t know what is in there.†Not sure why she followed after him. The closer they got the more detail they could see for some reason. It looked like there were a series of double doors around it, with six paneled windows on each door. A raised roof had some sort of light on top of it. Steve walked around it a she read the panel on top of the door, “Police Public Call Box?†The doors in front of her looked like the front with the keyhole and the extra information panel above the door handle.
“What do you think it is?â€, Steve asked.
“How should I know,†Amy told him. “Maybe it’s a movie prop or something.â€
“A movie prop, that’s a good one.†They looked to see a girl with brown hair down to her shoulders and had to be in her late teens at least stand there with her hands behind her back. Dressed liked a normal teenager she smiled at them, green eyes sparkling with amusement. “I’ve never heard the TARDIS called that before.â€
“Tar…what?â€, Steve asked.
“Susan!â€, she jumped a bit as an older man walked into view. With receding white hair he wore a black jacket that Amy only seen on concert pianist before covered his battered white shirt, gray vest and pants. Worn shoes adorned his feet and a string tie wrapped around his neck as he stood in front of the younger woman. Looking very angry with her he continued, “What have I told you about keeping things secret?â€
“Sorry Uncle,†Susan said, looking down. “But I never…â€
“Not now Susan,†the older man cut her off sharply.
“Not wait a minute,†Steve spoke up.
“Young man this is none of your business,†he said before returning his attention to the younger woman.
“I’m not sure what’s going on,†Amy spoke up. “But getting angry at this young woman for something we did is not the way to go.â€
“Oh I fully realize you stumbled in here quite by accident,†he said. “But my niece has a habit for speaking out of turn. Especially about things that are not the concern of others.â€
“I’m not sure I care for your tone of voice,†Steve said.
“Believe me young man my tone is the least of your worries.†There was something about the look in those ice blue eyes he was giving him that made Steve back up a little.
Amy tried to step in and try a different tack, “Well I hope that part of you appreciates the concern we have at the moment for your niece Mister…?â€
“Doctor,†he informed her, sounding a little more cordial, “and I do. However more than one person has stuck their nose in our business and I am rather tired of it. Now if you will excuse us.†Gesturing toward the side alley he let Susan take the lead as they exited.
“I’m sure I understand Doctor…?â€, she said still trying to get a name. The only response was his continued silence as they left the alley. Both of them watched in stunned silence themselves.
“Who was that?â€, Steve blurted out.
“I’m not sure,†Amy told him. “Let’s get out of here before some other crazy shows up.â€
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCWWHb1Hwgo"]YouTube - 1996 Doctor Who movie theme[/ame]
-----
In a position where they could still see the blue box but remain hidden this Doctor and his niece watched the two leave before going on their own way. “I’m sorry Uncle,†she repeated. “But I thought it was amusing that they thought the TARDIS was a prop.â€
“Yes, humans have a way of generalizing things they don’t understand into something they do,†he said. “I know you think I am unnecessarily rough with you at times my dear Susan but it is for your own good. Humans, particularly in this time and earlier, are not that accepting of anything different. So we have to be careful and not expose who we are. Do you understand?â€
“Yes Uncle,†she said. “But if you are so worried why do you keep coming back here?â€
“Because as stubborn as they are there is a great hope, a great potential for this species. Your father taught me that a long time ago. Come my dear, we don’t have time to waste.â€
“But still I don’t understand how they saw the TARDIS,†she said following him. “You said humans in this era wouldn’t be able to see it.â€
“I said it would be highly unlikely that they could see it,†he corrected her. “As I said they will generalize it into something they can understand. However you will come across one every so often that is a little more perceptive than the others. Those are the ones we must be careful of. Now,†he said looking around, “we must locate this Chronos Corporation I’ve been hearing about since we’ve been here.â€
“Why?†she asked. “What’s so important about this place?â€
Sighing as he took out an old fob watch from his vest he held it in front of her. “If you paid any attention to your studies than you would know Chronos can be another meaning for…†He waited a few moments for her to get it.
“Time,†she said getting excited. “Do you think it’s him? Do you think he’ll be there?â€
“I do not know,†he said putting the watch back into it’s pocket. “I would like to think he would be a little more subtle with his hints than that, but there is only one way to find out. Come my dear.†Holding out an arm she took as they walked down the street.
-----
Deep in the city standing just tall enough that it wouldn’t stand out was the Chronos building, taken over a couple of years ago by it’s new owner. Not a lot of people knew what they did, something about fantastic gadgets that made life easier, or something like that. They started trickling out on the market last year, but rumors were floating around that they would soon flood the market either late this year or early next. All the online and paper journals were buzzing about what they might be releasing in that time with only a few official hints drizzling out of the corporation itself. Although the few unofficial hints that got out were few and far between. And that drove the reporters and wanna be bloggers crazy.
On the top floor of the building the pepper haired owner of Chronos sat at his desk looking at current stock rates on the computer screen. The screen itself was part of their new slim line being less than an eighth of an inch thick. Using a light pen to highlight certain stocks he hit an icon on the side of the screen to print them out. Although he looked at the printer with some disgust, there wasn’t a way to shrink that. Not yet any way. “Mr. Monk,†his assistant said as she cautiously entered the room. “I rescheduled that meeting with Mr. Armstrong like you asked.â€
“Thank you Mary,†he said sounding grateful. “And I am so very sorry that you had to talk to him. Please take an extra ten minutes for your lunch hour as a little compensation.†She gratefully took the offer and left him alone. He hated doing that to her, but even with all the complaints Armstrong was useful. Although his outdated way of thinking made him cringe at times and feeling a little dirty. Locking the door from his desk so he wouldn’t be disturbed he opened a drawer and pulled out a newspaper. It looked like an everyday newspaper you get from a vender off the street. Except it was dated March 14, 1931 and looked like it was just printed that morning. Turning to the stock section he started looking for the names he highlighted, occasionally looking at a yellow notepad on the side and chuckling to himself.
-----
It wasn’t as bad as she thought it was going to be when she went back in the next day. Armstrong was busy with something most of the morning so he stayed out of her hair. Which meant she could hurry up and catch up on the work she didn’t get done yesterday when she skipped out with Steve in relative peace and quiet. She had yesterday workload and a good chunk of today’s done in record time and this had all the markings of a good day. Then lunch happen. She was eating her lunch in the plaza on another lovely day when Armstrong finally caught up with her. After all these years she was amazed somebody still looked like they walked right out of a seventies movie, complete with sunglasses and cheesy mustache. “Sweet cheeks over here,†he bellowed. She ignored him hoping he’d get the message. “Hey sweet cheeks I’m talking to you,†he said standing over her.
“Then I suggest you use my name,†she said not looking at him.
“And I suggest you watch yourself or you’ll be gone just like that?â€, he snapped his fingers. Oh she was this close to giving him a piece of her mind. “Now I suggest you be a good little girl and get your cute little buns back to your little office and get to work.â€
And that was it. “Now listen hear you Neanderthal I don’t….â€
“You don’t want your job?â€, he leered. “Don’t want a steady paycheck? Because I can make that happen before you can even blink sweetheart.â€
“You do and you will be in more trouble than what you are currently worth.†Both of them looked at the newcomer. Armstrong looked confused at the attire. Amy just looked surprised, it was that old man and girl from yesterday. He walked up to Armstrong and with the same look he gave Steve made him back up a little.
“And who are you gramps?â€, Armstrong demanded.
“Gramps?â€, he said with a humph. “Why I never.†Reaching into a pocket inside his coat he pulled out a white business card. From where Amy stood it looked blank and was about to say something about it but Susan put a finger to her lips to quiet her. He handed it to Armstrong, “This is who I am young man.â€
Armstrong seemed almost fixated on the card in his hand, “John Smith attorney at law?†Quickly taking the card out of his hand he returned it into the inside pocket of his coat.
“That is quite right young man,†he said. “I am this young lady’s attorney. And from the look of things I haven’t gotten here a second too soon.â€
“Now wait a…,†Amy started to protest.
“Now my dear I do realize you have a thing or two to say to him but I must insist that when it come to your case you must let me do the talking at this particular juncture.â€
“Now Mr. Smith,†Armstrong whole demeanor suddenly changed, going into what most of her co-workers called “used car salesman modeâ€. “I’m sure we can fix this before it goes too far.†Putting an arm around the old man he steered him away from Amy and Susan. “Man to man. We’ve both been around the block. We both knows these skirts don’t really want this equality BS they keep talking about. They want a man to take charge, some of them are just too stubborn to admit it.â€
“I am amazed that in this day and age,†the old man said as he took Armstrong arm off his shoulder. In fact he twisted it in such a way that Armstrong was grimacing in pain a bit, “that people like you still exists. Times like these I lose hope for humanity in general.†Letting him go this Doctor or whoever he was stood there with some authority that wasn’t there before. “Now I will see you and whatever excuse for a manager that has kept you employed for this long and discuss this young lady’s grievances in a couple of hours. Good day.†He quickly ushered Amy and Susan away before he could respond.
“So you’re a lawyer now?†Amy asked. “What, was a doctor salary not paying enough?â€
“I never said I was a doctor,†was all he told her.
“But yesterday when I said mister… you said…â€
“People call him Doctor,†Susan said. She cringed a bit looking at her uncle but he didn’t respond.
“Just the Doctor?â€, Amy asked.
“That is quite right my dear,†he said. “I’ve been called it so long I answer to nothing else.â€
“A doctor of what exactly?â€, Amy asked trying to probe this individual a little.
“That is not important,†he told her. “What is important is that we can possibly help each other at the moment.â€
“How,†she demanded, “by pretending to be a lawyer? That card had nothing on it. How did you get Armstrong to think it said you were a lawyer?â€
Susan started to say something but she looked at her uncle again. With a slight nod of his head he would let her have this one. “It’s psychic paper. My Uncle can make it say anything and only the person holding it can see it. Isn’t that right Uncle?â€
“Quite right Susan,†he said approvingly.
“Doctor Smith…â€, she started.
“Just the Doctor my dear,†he repeated.
“Doctor… I don’t know how you expect this to work or what I can do for you…â€
“The latter is quite easy to explain my dear,†he said. “I just need you to get my niece and I into your work place.â€
“Why?â€, Amy asked.
“Without going into details, I will just say we are looking for somebody important to my niece and myself.â€
“Why don’t you just go to the front desk then?â€
“We don’t know what name he’s using,†Susan told her.
“Susan is quite correct,†the Doctor said. “It does make it rather hard to ask if he’s there or not. Wouldn’t you agree?â€
“This is sounding more than a little farfetched,†Amy told them backing away a little.â€You expect me to believe you want me to get you into my building. Just so you can see if somebody, who’s name you don’t even know, is in there. Do you have any idea how that sounds?â€
“Yes I do my dear,†the Doctor told her. “But it is imperative we find this person.â€
“Who is this person?â€, Amy asked them.
“My father,†Susan said quietly. “He disappeared a while ago and nobody seems to know where he is. My Uncle and I are looking for him.†Amy expected this Doctor to scold her for saying too much again. But instead he put a hand on her shoulder and gave her a comforting look. Then he turned toward Amy.
“As you may have gathered my dear we are not exactly from here,†he continued for her. “We brought this to the attention of the authorities where we lived but none of them seemed interested in finding him. So I took the matter into my own hands. And seeing how we had no other family I couldn’t just leave my niece all alone as I looked for my brother.â€
This still sounded crazy but for some strange reason Amy was starting to believe them. There was something truly sad in the both of them as this spoke about this supposed missing father. Particularly in this young woman with him. “All right, I’ll help you get in, but I’m keeping my eyes on both of you. I sense one thing wrong and I’m calling the police the very next second, is that clear?â€
“Fully understandable my dear,†the Doctor agreed. “Now before we go any further may I know your name? If I am to represent you as your lawyer it would look far more believable if I knew.â€
“I guess it would,†she held out a hand, “Amy Jones.†The Doctor took it and shook it firmly. “I should probably tell you about Armstrong too.â€
“If I may gander a guess?â€, the Doctor said. Thinking a bit he went, “He says some highly unsuitable statements. Uses his authority to threaten those he views as weaker. Friends with people higher up than he is that protect him when somebody tried to bring this to light. And he tries to put his hands in highly inappropriate places every chance he gets.â€
Amy was stunned for a sec, “Do you know Armstrong from somewhere?â€
“No my dear,†he answered, “but I’ve unfortunately met people like him before in my life time. Far too many times to my liking. I will see you in a couple of hours Miss. Jones. Come Susan we need to get you into something a little more suitable.â€
Susan looked at her clothes before following him, “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?â€
“Do not get me started child, we do not have the time.†Watching them leave Amy wondered if she should start looking in the classifieds later because something told her she was going to be out of a job after this was over.
-----
Roughly and hour and a half later Amy was at her cubicle looking at her watch. What was she thinking letting the crazy old man talk her into this? To make matters worse she seen Armstrong go in and out of Manson’s office. As head of human resources he would be the one who would handle this. And as she told Steve they were best buds and she could see them start to circle the wagons. It wasn’t going to be long before they circled it around her. Amy had seen it before, the two of them would strong arm a person until they gave up on whatever they tried to get started. More than once they looked in her direction. A couple of people walked by her cubicle and gave her a sympatric look knowing it was coming as well since Armstrong complained loudly about her lawyer once he got back to his office.
A few more minutes and she just happened to look up and see them come out of Mason’s office, and head her way. Well she wasn’t going to get cornered by their little tag team. Acting like she didn’t see them Amy got up and headed for the door. Maybe she could make it to the elevator or the stairway before they could catch up to her. Trying to be casual about it she looked back as say them walk faster. Damn it she wasn’t going to make it to the door. “Jones we need to talk to you,†Armstrong called out.
“Oh now you know my name,†she said trying to keep up the act. “The two of you can talk to my lawyer when he gets here.â€
“Do you really think it’s fair to go behind my back like this Amy,†Mason said trying a different track, trying to be more friendly and familiar than Armstrong. “If you had a problem you could have come and talked it over with me.â€
“Oh I’ve seen how you handle the situation,†Amy snapped. If this Doctor showed up or not she was going to let them have it one way or another. “I see it every time you have to cover his tracks when somebody had enough of his crap. You either make them back down or make then go away.â€
“You tell them girl!â€, somebody shouted.
“Shut the hell up!â€, Armstrong snapped.
“Barry,†Manson muttered before returning his attention to her. “Now that’s an unreasonable claim. When have I ever made anything resembling a complaint disappear?â€
“Do you remember Tracy?â€, she shot back. “Or how about Phyllis? Hell Armstrong made Janice life so miserable after you turned a blind eye to her complaints she quit rather than deal with this BS. Anybody with even a hint of a backbone you try to break. Well you and this jackass are not breaking me. If you want to talk to me do it through my lawyer.†She went to leave, she might be this close to losing her job but that felt way too good to get off her chest.
“Now wait a second you little bitch,†Armstrong grabbed her arm and forced her back into the room.
“Do you see this?â€, she said to the rest in the room. “This is exactly how he treats people he can’t push around.â€
“Hey what’s going on?â€, Steve burst in the room after seeing her being dragged in from down the hall.
“This is none of your business you piss ant!â€, Armstrong yelled at him.
“But I do believe it’s mine.†Everyone turned toward the door. Amy looked as stunned as the rest of them to see the Doctor standing there. Holding onto the label of his coat he strode in like he owned the place. Steve just pointed a finger at him dumbfounded. Beside him was his niece Susan dressed and looking like a proper assistant in her business suit and briefcase. She broke character just long enough to smile and wave at Amy before returning to it. The Doctor quickly removed Armstrong hand from her arm. “It is a good thing I decided to come early to check in on my client, and once again not a moment too soon.â€
“You said they were going to hold him at the door until we were done with her,†Armstrong whispered angrily to Manson.
“They were,†he shot back.
“Susan,†the Doctor said as he gently guided Amy toward her, “please check to see if this ruffian bruised her in any way and document it. The faster we can prove these horrendous working conditions the better.â€
“Now wait a minute here,†Manson tried to say.
The Doctor wasn’t haven’t any of it, “And I haven’t even started with you yet young man so wait your turn. The sheer gall of the game the two of you are playing here, it’s disgusting. And I will not stop until both of you pay for creating this unhealthy environment.â€
Susan got both Amy and Steve out of there. Both of them looked back as the Doctor was still in there giving Armstrong and Manson an earful. More than a few of the other people in there were grinning ear to ear, at least a couple seemed to be cheering him on. Still unsure of what was going on Steve went, “I thought he was a doctor?â€
All Amy could say was, “I’m not even sure who I am at this point.†But still she felt strangely liberated.
-----
Monk came out of a supply closest and quickly locked the door with his key. Smiling a bit he started chuckling again as he went to his office. Saying hello to a few people as he past them he made his way to his office without a care in the world. Then he saw a few executives looking very worried about something and harassing his secretary about his wear about. He almost turned around and headed back down the hall. Then one of them spotted him and they practically swarmed around him. “Calm down calm down,†he said, “give me some room before you trample or suffocate me.†Most of them backed up a couple of steps to give him the space he wanted. “Now, what is the cause of all this ruckus?â€
“One of the employees brought in a lawyer!â€, one of them exclaimed.
“Oh about what?â€, he asked calmly. That got on their nerves fast. And secretly he enjoyed their reaction. But he made sure not to let it show, well not too much.
“Armstrong and Mason,†said another. “Somehow he got pas security and is verbally assaulting them right now.â€
“Really now,†he said as he walked through them. “I’m surprised it’s taken this long for it to happen. Have you been down there? The female workers are miserable.â€
“Fine yes,†one of the agreed looking exasperated. “What are we going to do?â€
“I say let him have at them,†he said as he went to his door. “Their little boy’s club is a little too much trouble than what they’re worth. And I’d say this proves that particular point.â€
“But what are we going to do? What if this lawyer tries to go after the rest of us?â€
“Then we cut our losses starting with those two. Personally I think the shakeup will do this company some good,†Monk said sharply. “Honestly I’ve been trying to get rid of Armstrong for months now knowing this situation was going to happen. Maybe now you’ll listen to me next time when I say someone is going to be trouble instead trying to find reasons to keep them. Now unless this lawyer wants to talk to me personally I suggest you leave me alone and let the matter run it’s course.†Quickly entering his office he closed the door behind him so they couldn’t follow. Leaning against it he groaned a bit as he ran his hands down his face, “There are times I think this place deserves to be conquered. The new regime can’t do any worse.â€
Rubbing his chin slightly he started thinking about this lawyer. He might want to see him personally on the matter. Perhaps he should check it out. Going to his desk he turned on the screen with a wave of his hand. A wave over his desk brought up a laser image of a keyboard out of the computer screen itself. Keys lighting as his fingertips hit them he accesses the building security system. In moments he had Armstrong, Manson and this lawyer in full view. Studying the screen something felt off about this lawyer. Something about the way he was dressed, the way he carried himself. Especially the way he carried himself, he was all too familiar with it. They couldn’t have found him already could they? He didn’t even think they were even interested in this place. Perhaps he should pay another visit to his supply closest.
-----
The Doctor found Susan and the other two in a small break room on the same floor. It had been a half hour since he arrived and all they heard since then was about the old man giving it to Manson and Armstrong. It pulled up quite the crowd from their understanding. Steve wanted to see for himself but Susan convinced him to stay with them. “I am so sorry about that my dear. Sometimes I build up such a head of steam it takes me awhile to come down from it. And that display of sheer gall I witnessed built up a lot of steam. Are you alright Miss. Jones, that poor excuse of a man didn’t do anything else to you did he?â€
“No,†Amy told him, “He just grabbed me, I’m fine. So how much trouble is that little display going to cause me after your gone?â€
“I do say I put the fear of God into them,†he answered looking slightly amused with himself. “Yes I do believe they should leave you alone for quite a while. But I should suggest you look for a new place of employment. This particular ruse won’t last forever.â€
“Trust me I have been.â€
“I thought you were a doctor?â€, Steve said out of the blue.
“Must I really explain this again?â€, The Doctor grumbled.
Amy quickly butted in, “Steve just go with it.â€
“But why do Armstrong and Manson think he’s a lawyer?â€
Amy looked at the Doctor, “Can I show him the card?†Without a word he pulled out the blank business card and handed it to her. She read it out loud, “John Smith attorney at law.†Then she handed it to Steve.
“What the…?â€, he said looking it over. “This was blank when she was holding it. Now it’s on both sides of it.â€
“What did I tell you about the perceptive ones,†the Doctor said to Susan.
Taking the card back and handing it back to him Amy told him, “That is the only reason why I’ve even considered listening to you.â€
“Of course my dear, of course. Now,†he said standing a little straighter, “I do believe we had an agreement.â€
“I guess we did.†Steve looked confused, “I’ll explain later. Do you have a reason we can give people as to why my ‘lawyer’ is walking around the building?â€
“Actually my dear several of your co-workers gave me the perfect excuse,†he answered. “Apparently your Mr. Armstrong has invaded several different areas of this building with his rather outdated way of thinking. If I was a lawyer I would have several cases lined up against him already. Now let us continue on our fact finding mission as I believe they say.â€
“So where do you start?â€, Amy asked him. “This is a pretty big building.â€
“My Father was a bit of a researcher,†Susan said. “Thinking up new things was a passion of his.â€
“Quite right,†the Doctor said beaming a bit, “he was always into fancy gadgets and trying to make them work. And upon hearing that this particular corporation makes ‘interesting gadgets’ it seemed like the mostly likely place to search for him.â€
“I’ve heard about a few odd balls in R&D,†Steve offered. “What’s his name, I can ask around.â€
“They don’t know if he’s using his real name or not,†Amy informed him. “That doesn’t sound any saner with me saying it. Hey what does he look like, maybe we can help you spot him.â€
“I suppose it couldn’t hurt,†the Doctor said. “He’s about so tall,†he held his hand at his temples. “Wears glasses, has dark graying hair. Looks rather bookish and would probably keep to himself most of the time.â€
“That just described half the guys I’ve seen in R&D,†Steve said. Susan looked upset. “Hey we’ll find him, cheer up.â€
“We’ve been searching for so long,†she said softly as she looked down at her feet. “There are times I don’t think we’ll ever find him.â€
“Now that negative attitude will not do Susan,†the Doctor told her as he put his hands on her shoulder. “I promised you we’ll find him and we will do just that. Besides, you were the one who told me not to be so morose all the time, what kind of example are you setting for me if you become so hmm?†He smiled a warm fatherly smile toward her, she slowly returned it. “Come now, we must go to this R&D this young man has spoken of. As it so happens someone told me of a person this Armstrong has harassed there as well.â€
R&D was more or less deserted by the time they got there, with Amy explaining the situation in full to Steve on the way there. “Must be lunch time,†Steve commented as he looked around. Somebody came up to them demanding what they wanted. The Doctor just showed him that psychic card again and that was enough for them to leave them alone. “I’m guessing that wasn’t him?â€
“No young man it was not,†the Doctor informed him.
“So what did that card of yours say this time?†Steve’s question was ignored as he went around looking at the various work stations, studying each on. Occasionally he would check a computer before Amy or Steve could stop him. But he seemed more interested in the size of the screen more than anything on them. Seeing how Susan seemed more approachable than her uncle Steve went over to her, “Do you see anything that might belong to him?â€
“No,†she said sadly. “Do you recognize anything Uncle?†When she didn’t get a response she looked at him, “Uncle?†He was standing in front of a door with a card reader on the side. A sign above it saying experimental research held his attention more than anything.
“What’s in here?â€, he asked as they went to him.
“This is where we keep our more interesting stuff,†Steve offered. “All hush hush stuff that’s almost ready to sell to the public.â€
That seemed to pique the Doctor’s interest, “Really now, that is most fascinating, most fascinating indeed. I don’t suppose you have access to that particular room, do you my boy?â€
“I’m barely allowed in here,†Steve told him.
“Before you get any ideas,†Amy quickly cut in, “there’s no way you’re allowed in there either. Besides I don’t think that psychic card of yours is going to work on that,†she pointed at the card readers.
“Quite right my dear, quite right,†was his response. But still he reached into his coat, but instead of a card he pulled some sort of cylinder with a round device on the top. Putting his thumb on his on a ring shape lever near the top he pressed it down. There was an electronic whistling sound, then the light on the reader went green and he opened the door. “Luckily I rely on more than a piece of psychic paper. After you my dear.â€
“How did you do that?â€, Amy demanded as she tried to get in his way but he got past her. “Wait! You can’t be in here. What is that thing?â€
“A sonic device common from where we’re from, I refer to it as a screwdriver although I have discovered it is a rather handy door opener,†the Doctor readily explained. “This particular model is of my own design, as I am a bit of a researcher as well.â€
“Uncle,†Susan said in the same chiding tone he used on her.
“Do not get cheeky with me young lady,†he told her waving a finger. “And what on Earth is that,†he said pointing at one of the tables inside. They looked at the table he was staring at. There seemed to be a few futuristic looking things on there that would grab anybody’s attention. But as he walked up to it his focus seemed to be on a regular looking touch pad device no bigger than a cell phone.
“That?â€, Steve said walking up to the table. “This is really cool. They let me mess with a while back.†Picking it up and turning it on he grinned as he said, “They’re calling it a holophone right now until marketing can come up with a catchier name.†In an instant the phone came to life and some icon appeared on the screen. Then the icons seemed to float off the screen and hover in the air. Susan looked fascinated by what was happening. The Doctor not so much, in fact he looked a bit disturbed. Just barely touching the floating icons Steve was able to move them around and go to another set. Making a tapping motion on one he pulled up a picture file. Tapping another image the icons disappeared and a roughly 3X5 photo of a couple of the scientist hovered in the air. “I can even manipulate the photo, make it bigger, zoom in on one person. That sort of thing.â€
“This is wrong,†the Doctor said suddenly, “this is all wrong. This level of technology shouldn’t be available now.â€
“No kidding,†Steve said. “We are years ahead of the curve on this one.â€
“I’ll say you are young man,†the Doctor told him curtly. “This sort of thing shouldn’t be seeing the light of day until at least 2098. February 23, 2098 to be exact I think.†Amy lookedment while she looked to see if anybody was going to walk in on them being in a restricted area. Steve, on the other hand, looked a bit startled at the comment.
“Alright fine,†Amy said trying to get them toward the door, “you seen in here. Now before both of us lose our jobs and all of us go to jail you better get out of here.â€
“I quite agree my dear,†The Doctor suddenly took the lead out of the room. “I do apologize for this inconvenience and we will take our leave. Come Susan,†without a word they left. Amy shook her head, she should have called security the moment he opened that door.
“Can you believe that Steve?â€, she asked. “Who pulls that specific a date out of the air like that?â€
“The boss,†Steve said dumbfounded.
“What?â€, Amy asked in confusion.
“I heard Monk use that same exact date when he described how advanced it was.â€
“It has to be a coincidence,†Amy said, mainly for herself. “Come on, we better leave too before we’re spotted. I already feel like I have a target on my back as it is.â€
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“Uncle?â€, Susan asked after they left and well down a couple of flights of stairs. When he wouldn’t answer her right away she went, “He’s not here is he?â€
He hesitated before looking at her, “No I don’t think he is.†Then a little more silently he uttered, “At least I hope he isn’t.â€
Not hearing that last part she asked, “Then are we leaving?â€
This time he did stop and looked thoughtful, “No not just yet. Something is very wrong here Susan. Humanity shouldn’t be capable of that sort of technology, not yet. Something is wrong here, very wrong.†Continuing on again he told her, “We must get back to the TARDIS.â€
“Uncle what’s wrong?â€
“I’m not sure just as of yet Susan,†he explained. “But I hope a particular fear that is currently inhabiting my mind is wrong.â€
“Do you think this is the work of somebody like us?â€
Again he stopped, almost appraising the young woman with him. Slowly he nodded his head, half in acknowledgement of her statement, half with approval that she came to that conclusion on her own. “I fear it might. That is why we must get back to the TARDIS. If I am right I fear what this means for humanity.â€
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