Part 32 (1/2)

The Doctor turned to Benny and winked, but she wasn't there.

He caught up with her seated in her room, packing away her diary.

'Penny for them?'

She looked up and smiled. 'Oh, I don't know. I was just thinking. Wondering what the real Nic Reece was like. Wondering if he could have ever imagined it would come to this. Thinking about poor Centauri and his future back in civilization. It all seems rather pointless. We fought to save this planet and Tarrol just chucks us out.'

'Us? Thinking of joining the Federation?'

'You know what I mean.'

'He's actually being very brave,' the Doctor said. 'It's not easy throwing away a hundred years of help and protection. Besides, I'm rather pleased.'

' Why?'

'Because in about thirty years time, a ma.s.sive Dalek war will start. The Galactic Federation itself will be torn apart and, when it's all over, forced to re-evaluate itself. With Peladon not being part of it, the Daleks never trek out here. The planet will be safe.'

Bernice stood up, throwing her satchel over her shoulder. She reached over and kissed the Doctor on the cheek. 'Rhukk has sent a s.h.i.+p. Savaar and I are leaving before the ceremony. I'll see you in a few months. Make sure you come and get me.'

'How will I know where you are? In three months you'll have long finished on Phaester Osiris.'

'Just contact me through the Braxiatel Collection.'

The Doctor shoved a hand in a pocket and produced a small green sphere.

I tell you what,' he said. 'You call me when you get bored.'

Bernice looked at the golfball-like TARDIS Tracer and weighed it in her hand. Okay.' She stuffed it into her satchel.

They held each other for a few moments longer and then Bernice slipped away.

Four hours later and the restatement vows ceremony was underway. For the first and last time GFTV-3 was able to record a Pel state occasion.

The Doctor wasn't there.