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A mysterious order from the Barad banned all reflective items and mirrors were the first things to suffer mass destruction.
    A scurry of footsteps brought Sezon to attention. He freed the safety release mechanism on his blaster, signalling the others to take cover. Then a hollow whistle indicated the appearance of an ally from the Citadel. Sax, barely an adolescent, jogged into the encampment holding a message tightly in his grasp. He offered it to Sezon, and without a word, took off once more for the Citadel before he was missed.
    Katz and some of the others craned their necks over Sezon’s shoulder to learn of Tekker’s election, and Renis’s death.
    ‘More murder.’ Sezon threw the paper into the dancing flames. ‘Just when we were getting him on our side. What now, Katz? Think you can sweet-talk Tekker?’ The group shared a laugh, even though they realised the gravity of the news. Tekker was renowned for his fawning ways, the sort of individual you would treat like a Morlox, a creature you dared not turn your back on.
    ‘Let’s make today’s strike really count,’ rallied Katz, pulling herself together. ‘We owe it to Renis.’
    Sezon needed little persuasion, and took up his arms.
    ‘Let’s hit the fuel depot,’ he said firmly, looking directly at his colleagues.
    ‘Across the Morlox swamps?’
    ‘Yes. Anyone object?’
    The small group of freedom fighters continued to prepare themselves without a word. Katz and Sezon grinned, and packed away the final items about the steaming fire, doused by water. The group marched out of their resting place and forged their way into the blazing morning sun. The Morlox swamps were a long march away, though getting through them was another matter again.
    Tekker unleashed an exaggerated grin in readiness to greet the occupants of the TARDIS, which was now standing in the centre of the Inner Sanctum chamber. His lackeys, Kendron and Brunner, hovered at his tail, babbling to each other about this unexpected development.
    ‘Leave the Doctor to me,’ ordered the pompous Maylin, who stood poised to give his best performance as a welcoming host.
    ‘But what if he refuses to help us?’ stuttered Kendron nervously. Tekker’s lean face rotated purposefully until his stabbing gaze struck its target. The look was enough to send the snivelling Karfelon away several paces, bowing his head to superiority as he back stepped.
    Inside the TARDIS, the Doctor had already activated the scanner, and he perused the images with a sparkle of recognition in his eyes.
    ‘I’ve been here before,’ he said delightedly.
    Peri was pleased at this statement. There was instant hope of a quick solution to the mysterious time tunnel in space. It was one thing to have a problem to worry over, but quite another to have to worry over the Doctor worrying about the problem. Peri hated it when her companion and friend was perplexed.
    ‘Karfel,’ announced the Time Lord gleefully. ’I recognise the architecture and people. No mistake. Last time I was here I sovied their food shortage problem.’ The Doctor squinted, his mind in a reverse gear, retrieving thoughts several regenerations back.
    ‘Come on then,’ he continued, offering no further explanation, ‘but don’t go wandering off on your own.’ He stressed the last word and waited for Peri to acknowledge the emphasis. She did, but growled her agreement under her breath.
    The doors of the TARDIS swung open onto the warm environment of the Inner Sanctum Chamber. Tekker hurried forward with his two assistants marking his every step.
    ‘Welcome, Doctor,’ he beamed, with superfluous gestures. The Doctor dug deep into his trouser pockets with a faint smile. He was uneasy about a display of overt friendship at this stage, and allowed Peri to make all the initial small talk, while he evaluated, carefully observed, and made mental notes.
     
    Tekker offered the travellers hospitality, but one matter had to be resolved immediately. The time