Voord is the Word: Syncretic Interface

(An ongoing series set in a Divergent Universe...)

This adventure takes between Hebos and The Torson Triumvirate

The Doctor, Adric and Nyssa dashed over the wooden footbridge to the other side. Soon they were pushing their way through the trees and bushes, unaware one of the Balancers was watching them through the branches of a thick shrubbery. The balancer lifted his wrist-communicator to his lips and whispered a report to control.

"Where are we making for?" asked Adric worriedly.

The Doctor led them swiftly down a dirt track. "As far away from the compound and the spaceport as we can get. We'll be safe there..."

"We will, perhaps but we can't leave without Tegan!" Nyssa gasped.

"You're forgetting the TARDIS, Nyssa," the Doctor replied. "If we can get inside it in time..."

A little ahead, a Balancer emerged from behind a thicket of trees and raised his rifle. The shrill discharge echoed throughout the woods and the trio scrambled down a hillock. Up ahead was a familiar blue shape - only for armed Balancers to spring in front of the TARDIS and bar their escape. "Back the way we came!" ordered the Doctor.

They turned to run, but found themselves facing Jolsko and more Balancers waiting for them.

"Oh no," gasped Adric.

The Doctor raised his hands. "All right, all right, we give in."

"The chase is over, I'm afraid, Doctor," said Jolsko calmly. "Time to begin something new."

"Oh good," said the Doctor cheerfully. "Would it be you people realizing what you're doing will destroy untold billions of lives, perhaps?"

Jolsko smiled and shook his head. "We have been pledged to a task and we will not stop now. The new syncretic interface your young friends have created needs to be tested on a strong, rebellious mind and you, Doctor, are the perfect candidate."

"I'd rather die, if it's all the same to you," replied the Doctor flatly.

"I'm afraid you don't have a say in matters, Doctor. That is the point of the exercise rather."

Jolsko clicked his fingers and the Balancers advanced on the Doctor. Strengthened by deep-seated loyalty, Adric hurled himself on the nearest guard but was easily caught and forced to his knees, as were the Doctor and Nyssa.

Another technician stepped forward, carrying the Mark II helmet. Stepping up to the Doctor, he raised the helmet to lower it over the Time Lord's blond head.

Jolko paused to savor the moment and then nodded. "Welcome the Voord bloodline, Doctor."

"No!" shouted Nyssa, but it was already too late...