Doctor Who_ Empire of Death - BBC Worldwide [3]
He forced open his eyes, despite the shock of cold liquid against them. Yes, something was glinting down here! He kicked harder, pushing himself further down. He reached forwards, fingers clawing at the glinting point of light on the riverbed. But as he got closer James realised this was no discarded coin. He felt something tugging him closer to the light, urging him ever nearer...
Extract from Observations and Analysis, A Journal - by Nyssa of Traken:
I have begun writing this as a way of recording my observations while travelling aboard the TARDIS, to help order my thoughts and analysis of these experiences. My father always told me an able scientist needs to be an impartial observer when conducting experiments and I have decided to see whether such an approach will help me attain an understanding of the worlds I visit beyond the purely scientific. I am aware, of course, that no one person can be an impartial observer of their own life. My recording and subsequent analysis of any and all experiences will be inevitably coloured by my own perceptions and involvement. I cannot guarantee to be a reliable narrator of events, nor even claim to possess a full understanding of them. (My travels with the Doctor thus far have shown even he frequently finds the ordering of experience and reality a frustrating endeavour.) Nevertheless, I am determined to do my best.
There is another reason for keeping this journal, I must confess - I am lonely Since joining the TARDIS, this vast craft housed within a small outer shell has been filled with the sound of voices and arguments, laughter and even tears. But now it is all too empty. One of my travelling companions is dead, killed trying to prevent a cataclysm that proved to be historical fact. Adric's sacrifice seems to have been without reason or positive effect, making his loss all the more haunting. I keep expecting him to come running around a corner, some notation clutched in his hand, those eager eyes sparkling in anticipation of sharing the idea with the Doctor or myself. He was a loud, boisterous presence who could be trying, petulant and precocious - but he was my friend, all the same. I miss him more than I ever thought possible, perhaps because he was taken from us so abruptly, so unexpectedly. I can find no logic or purpose behind his passing, but I fervently believe his memory will always be with me - for good and for ill. Just as I was coming to terms with that loss, Tegan has also gone, back in her own time and space. After being a quartet for so long, it is strange to travel with just the Doctor for company. We can have many fascinating scientific discussions - his depth and range of knowledge is the accumulation of several lifetimes - but I must confess to finding it difficult to relax in his company. At least, not like I could with Tegan. She was the elder sister I never had, a willing listener when I was troubled. We often shared our fears, finding each other a comfort when Adric became too trying to be near. I know one should not speak ill of the dead, but that boy could be quite annoying. He was close in age to me but surprisingly lacking in maturity. (Or perhaps I am mature beyond my years? Of this I am hardly the best judge, so it should remain as mere speculation.) Perhaps my upbringing was to blame for the differences between us. I was raised by my father, Tremas. He tried to instil in me what he considered the best qualities of our people - patience, tolerance, inquisitiveness, a wish for harmony and tranquillity. Adric would best typify only one of those qualities, I think. But he had others to recommend him, such as loyalty and a boundless enthusiasm. He certainly had a capacity to irritate Tegan beyond what she could stand, but then they were too much alike. They were both insecure about themselves and their role within the TARDIS. Perhaps she saw a younger, more gauche version of herself in him?
But she is gone now and I can no longer ask her. Even if I could, I doubt Tegan would agree with my assessment. Still, it would