Chapter Six: One Small Snag

Under the cover of nightfall, Dalek Caan elevated silently above the town of Hill Valley, scanning the dwellings below for the technology he needed. Tannen’s knowledge of the human who owned it was sketchy at best; his slave had explained that he didn’t associate with that human because it was thought he was “crazy”.

Caan floated over a forest towards a meadow where a house sat. All of the lights inside were off, leading the Dalek to believe that the inhabitants were all asleep. Yet another way humans were flawed. Daleks needed no sleep.

He set down beside the house, scanning for the technology. He didn’t expect what his instruments picked up.

A humanoid life form with cardiac ectopy – whoever it was, they had two hearts. Caan forgot all about the time travel technology he needed. There were only two beings he knew of in existence that had two hearts: the Ka Faraq Gatri and that winged humanoid he had so much affection for.

If the Doctor was here, on Earth, then Caan’s plans were in jeopardy. The Time Lord had already destroyed the old Time Corridor. Caan couldn’t allow this one to be, as well.

The Dalek glided around the house, trying to zero in on the location of the ectopic humanoid, sweeping his eyestalk from side to side.

He saw a glow disappear behind the house. He followed, still scanning. Yes, the ectopic humanoid was this way. Gliding around the building, he looked around, but the bio-readings had grown faint. He swung around, broadening the scan, and picked it up again. It was heading up.

Caan elevated above the buildings once more, following the bio-readings. It seemed very close, yet he could not see it, and it was leading him away from the technology he needed. However, if he had a chance to exterminate either the meddling Time Lord or his companion, Caan would certainly take it.

So, he flew, following the ectopic readings. He flew far away from the town, far enough that the human population diminished to zero.

The readings slowed and started to descend, as did Caan. Landing on the barren ground, he swiveled his eyestalk around again.

He finally saw a humanoid shape about ten yards away. He aimed his weapon and shouted, “Stay where you are! Do not move!”

“Do you really think I’d listen to you after all these years?”

Caan recognized the humanoid. It was that winged female that was always with the Doctor. If she was here, then he must be.

She squinted. “I know you…you’re one of the Cult. But…that’s impossible.”

“Funny!” said a voice from a short distance away. “I was about to say the same thing!”

End chapter six.

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