Doctor Who_ Empire of Death - BBC Worldwide [65]
Extract from Observations and Analysis, A Journal:
I watched the Doctor and Doulton plunge into the water before hurrying back to the TARDIS. Once inside the control room I activated the temporal sensors. A steady signal from the Doctor's force-field generator meant I was able to monitor their progress as they approached the rift. It was represented on the scanner by a red flare where the continuum was weakest. But just as the Doctor was at the edge of the red zone, alarms began flashing across the central console. The readings told me all I needed to know. Despite the Doctor's force-field generator, another a massive surge of artron energy was building around the rift. I waited as long as I could but eventually had to hit the till switch, fearing irreparable damage to the TARDIS.
The general reached the riverbank first, drawn towards he grey light. As it grew nearer, Doulton realised the glow was caused by dozens of tiny beams escaping into the silt-laden water from behind a wall of rocks. He reached to grasp one of the stones, but his hand was pulled away by the Doctor. The general tore his hand free. This chap might be Her Majesty's scientific advisor, but the answer to this mystery lay behind the rocks, Doulton was certain of that. He grabbed the stones and began pulling at them. The barrier gave way easily, each rock tumbling away, revealing more of the dazzling brightness beyond. The general raised one gauntlet in front of his face to shield himself from the intense glare while he reached his other hand forward into the source. As he did so Doulton could feel his fingers stretch ahead of him. His arm began to follow into the light, pulling the rest of his body after it. He was aware of the Doctor grasping at his suit, adding a sudden drag on the acceleration effect, but it wasn't enough to stop them moving forwards. The general closed his eyes and hoped God would be merciful.
`You may feel some disorientation at first, but that is only natural.'
Adric was kneeling beside the Doctor, looking down at him lying on the ground. 'All who journey here find the experience a little overwhelming when they first arrive'
The Doctor sat up and looked around. He was in a garden, a finely cut sward of green extending in all directions, broken only by rows of rose bushes. Each bush was laden with blooms, the petals open wide to bathe in the warm glow that suffused the atmosphere. The air was thick with their cloying, sweet smell. There was no sun or clouds above, just an endless azure. The sound of gentle laughter and murmurings could just be heard, but the voices were too far away for any words to be distinct.
`My diving suit,' the Doctor said, his hands patting against the fabric of his frock coat. 'Where is my diving suit?'
`You are still wearing it,' Adric replied. 'This is but a step upon the journey. Your mind must first accept the reality of where you are before it is ready to shed the physical form to which it has become so used. You come here to begin the process of acceptance.'
`So, all of this is taking place within my own mind?' the Doctor asked.
Adric smiled. Ì knew you would see what others require lifetimes to understand'
The Doctor got to his feet, brushing himself down and pulling his rolled Panama hat from a pocket in his frock coat.
'Very interesting. I suppose you are to be my spirit guide?
Shall we walk and talk? I'd like to see some more of this place before I go back' Clasping his hat firmly, the Doctor began walking briskly away, Adric running after him.
`Go back? But you can't go back'
`Why ever not? Don't you have reincarnation here?'
`There is no going back; Adric said, having caught up with him. 'You will come to accept