A Doctor's Farewellby SongBronyChaptersMercelMercel's SecretA Kaled's TaleMercel"Where are you going?" my mom called out. "You just got back!" "I know mom, but I need to go. He's waiting for me." I shouted back to her. "Who?" she asked. "You better not be running off with that man again!" "Stop worrying! He's really smart. He knows what he's doing." I explained to her. She didnt approve of who I was traveling with. "Everywhere you two go, there's danger! You know how many nights I spend worrying about you? About wether or not you'll be coming home or not?" she said. "I'll be fine. The Doctor protects me and I protect him." I pointed out. "Besides, I feel special when I'm with him. Here...I'm treated differently than everypony else, just because of my eyes and I'm slightly clumsier than others." I explained. "But out there," I said pointing to the stars, "I see so much of pain and suffering that I can help fix. Here I can't do anything. Why would I stay back?" "For me. For your mother." she said. "I love you. Please don't go with him. I don't know what could happen!" "Mom I'm going." I said sternly. "I'm a grown mare and can make my own decisions." I walked over to her and gave her a hug. "I'll be back for Hearts Warming, I promise." I let her go and walked over to the TARDIS. The Doctor stood outside waiting. "Mother giving you a hard time again?" he asked. "No more than usual. She says you're dangerous." "And am I?" he asked. "Only around Daleks. Don't think I've forgotten what you did above Gilease 7." I said. We went to Gilease 7 for a short little get away and while we sitting on the beach next to the sea of gold, we were attacked by the Daleks. It was a fairly easy win for us. They wanted the gold for some transportation device. All we needed to do was have the Docter re-triangulate the modules coordinates, and they got sent back to the center of the sun. Of course, I was stuck in their captive and being threatened constantly and shot at by them, but we made it out unscathed. "Oi, that's not my fault. How was I supposed to know the Emperor's Elite Dalek Guard would be looking for gold on that particular planet?" he said. "Maybe by the fact they had a sea of GOLD?" I said, putting emphasis on the word gold. "Hey it was a beautiful sight and you loved it." I chuckled. "Yes I did." We walked into the TARDIS as my mom ran up to it. "Nope. Sorry, only room for two." he said as he slammed the doors closed on her. He flipped a switch and off we went to some distant planet. "Was it really necessary to slam them in her face?" I said as I put my saddlebag down. "I don't find traveling with your mother to be a fond experience." he said. I rolled my eyes. Neither of them really cared for the other, but it didnt bother me too much. My mom did get a bit snippy when things didnt go her way, and the Doctor was almost as stubborn as she is when she's bartering. "So where are we off to next?" I asked as I looked at the scanner. "How about Barceluna?" he asked. "The city or the planet?" I asked sarcastically. "Don't get sarcastic with me. There's only enough sarcasm in this TARDIS for one, and that's me." he said with a smile. "Lets go to the planet. I've been to the city already with you and Cyberman invasions aren't fond experiences for me." I said, copying his comment to my mom. "At least they make sense in how they work. Your mother is like Pandora's Box! You never what you're gonna get on a Friday." he said. "Oh shut it." I said, laughing. He smiled as he punched in the coordinates and pulled a lever. After some jerks and twerks, we landed. "Now just outside is a place filled with dogs with no noses. The sky is a bright blue with a magnificent two sun formation." he said. "Go on, take a look." he said motioning to the door. I ran out and gasped when I saw the scenery around me. The grassy plains were a beautiful green and in the distance I saw a mountain side that stretched as far as I could see. There was a giant city on the side of the mountain that reminded me of Canterlot. It glistened in the light that the two suns produced. I turned to the Doctor as he stepped out and gave a wide smile. "Beautiful isn't it? The year 2183, the golden years of the Mercel Empire. Economic success is at an all time high and there has been world peace for the past 50 years." he explained. "Wow." That was all I could get out. It was the most beautiful place I'd ever seen out of all the places I've been. "Magnificent isn't it?" he asked. "Well come on! Lets go meet the ponies of Mercel!" he exclaimed and ran across the plains to the city. I flew into the sky and followed him to the tall mountains. The air here was light, crisp, and carried me to the city. When we arrived, I was amazed by the architecture. It was as beautiful as the buildings in Canterlot. "Mercel architecture, derived from Homo Sapiens in 2089." he said. "Homo Sapiens?" I asked, landing next to him. "Basically hairless apes. But they are absolutely brilliant!" he said with a smile. "Have you met them?" I asked curiously. "Oh yes. Saved them multiple times from utter destruction." he bragged. "Goodness it's beautiful here." "Doctor, why aren't there any other Pegasus or Unicorns here?" I asked. Since arriving I've only seen Earth Ponies. "In 2085 there was a genocide against all non-Earth Ponies led by Dul-Hild. He believed that Pegasi and Unicorns were always trying to be better than the Earth Ponies. He was an amazing speaker and had no problem getting ponies to believe what he was saying. He led a genocide against four-billion ponies, and wiped every single one off the face of the planet." he explained. I had only read about genocides. Most that happened back home were millennium before Equestria was founded and occurred overseas, like in the Griffon Kingdom or the Changeling homeland. "Which reminds me," he said as he pulled out his sonic screwdriver and pointed at my wings, "we need to hide your wings from them. We don't want to cause a stir amongst the civilians here." "What did you do?" I asked as I looked at my wings. "Just a slight change in lighting. The other ponies will think you to be an Earth Pony as long as you don't start flying around." he said. I looked at the giant castle that stood on the mountain side. "So who rules this place now?" "Queen Samantha. Her brother is the General of the military, but he doesn't do much. Ever since their family took power 100 years ago, there hasn't been any war to fight. The only reason for the military is for order in case of natural disasters." he explained. "100 years of peace doesn't sound long compared to Equestria." I said. "Well Equestria is one of the few places in the Universe where the rulers have the ability to handle all major conflicts with diplomacy. But also remember that Equestria has it's own share of battles. Not necessarily wars, but skirmishes that Celestia and Luna have been unable to avoid." he explained cooly. A group of armored ponies suddenly ran up to us, spears raised. "Halt! State your name and home sector!" the lead guard shouted. "Well I guess they don't find me too welcoming." he whispered to me. "I'm John Smith from the Nev-Two sector. This is my friend Ditzy Doo, aslo from Nev-Two." he said. "And you are?" "I am George, General of the Mercel military. I have orders to take you up to the Queen's castle immediately. Your friend will have to stay here." he said. "Sorry but where I go she goes." he said quickly. "Oh it's alright! I want to look around for something to get my mom." I said. "It looks like you have business to attend to with royalty anyway. Just meet me at the fountain when you're done." I told him. "Are you sure? You don't this place yet." he said. "I'll be fine. I won't get lost as long as I stay within sight of the fountain. Don't worry about me alright?" "Alright then." he said and turned back to George. "Take me to your leader." he said with a grin. "Great. A guest with a sense of humor." he said sarcastically. "Oh, what's life without a few jokes here and there?" the Doctor said as they walked toward the castle. I looked around me for anything that resembled a shop of some kind. Most of the shops around here were grocery places. I walked up to one of the ponies and asked where the nearest shop was. "Down the road to the left." he said, pointing in that direction. "You new here?" he asked. "Yes, I'm visiting with a friend of mine." I said. "Well be careful. Strange things have been happening here." he said. "What strange things?" I asked. Usually I would have just been passed him along and not worried about it. But after traveling with the Doctor, my curiosity gets in the way a lot. "Can't you feel it?" he asked. "There's an uneasiness in the air. Usually there would be hundreds of ponies lining in these streets, but now a days there's only a fraction of them that are brave enough to come shopping." "Why would they be afraid to shop?" "Rumors say that the Queen's brother is attempting to gain the throne. He's not a very popular pony amongst the civilians and nopony was afraid to state that. But only recently have those who spoke out against him started to disappear. Sometimes a stallion will go missing, or a mare, or entire families. Even children who know what's happening, but don't know when to stay quiet." he said. "Why are they disappearing now? If they've been speaking their mind about him for awhile, why is he acting now on it?" He looked around him for anypony who might be listening. "Because he wants the throne. He wants approval of him to increase, and approval of the Queen to diminish. Everypony knows that it's him who's behind the disappearances, but without any evidence, the Council can't do anything against him." he explained. "The Council?" I asked. "The Council holds the judicial power here in Mercel. It's a way to make sure that the Queen or King doesn't have full power over everypony. They determine punishments for Hojis, those who plan a coup against the Queen." he said. "If you are ever labeled a Hoji, you will never have any place here. It's the most dishonorable act here, even worse than killing your own family." "Why's that?" I asked. "Because it means that you are willing to destabilize an entire government and cause a panic that could end countless lives. When you murder your family, it's only a few ponies of close relation. But against a government, that could end millions of pony's lives." he explained. "So George is labeled a Hoji? If that's the case, why can't the Council do anything about him?" "It's not the ponies of Mercel who label one as a Hoji, it's the Council itself. And without any evidence, nothing can be done to stop him." he said. "But I've said too much. Run along now and be careful." "Alright, you too." I said and walked down the road to the where the pony said the shop was. I found it very odd that he claimed that the Queen's brother was trying to take over the throne. It was definitely an interesting way to try and take over, but it seemed to be working if what he said was true. There weren't many ponies running around now. I walked into the shop and started to look at the crystal figures they had. I didn't have any money from this planet, but thanks to the Doctor, I had my own psychic paper. All I had to do was hold it up and show them that I was a bank manager and I'd be good. I found a crystal globe that had the fountain I saw earlier with water shooting from it. It was really pretty so I picked it up and went to the brown pony behind the desk. He had a poofy brown mane and was looking through a magazine. There was a mare in front of me that was getting really impatient. "You know, when there's a pony in line, generally you help them out and answer questions or check them out." she said. He looked up from his magazine and glared at her. "And when a pony tries to shoplift, generally I don't help them out when they need it." he said cooly. "You know how hard it is out there. Ever since the Queen passed that law, it's been too hard for most of us to get a job and get by." she said to him. "I've got kids. A family to feed. Please, let me just take this for them." she said as she held out a loaf of bread. He sighed. "Fine. Just don't tell anypony I did this." There was a rustle outside and some shouting. "Quick, head behind this door and don't say a word." The mare did as he said and he locked the door behind him. He motioned for me to come up to the counter. Right as I did, armed guards came bursting in. "Where is she?" one of them said. "Who?" the brown maned pony asked. "We received word that a traitor to the state had come through here." "You mean a Hoji?" he asked. "No can't say I've seen one here. And even if I did, there's no way I'd do business with them. Vile abominations they are." "Are you certain that you didn't see anypony...suspicious come through here?" the guard asked. "Yes, I'm most certain. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm with a customer." he said as he turned to me. "Be on the look out then. Sorry for the intrusion." the guard said before glaring at me and leaving. The brown maned pony let out a sigh when the guard left. He walked over to the door behind him and opened it. "Thank you!" the mare exclaimed. "Whatever, just get out before they come back. And if they find you near my shop, I'll say you came here and robbed me. Don't make me have to do that." he threatened. The mare ran out and the brown pony turned to me. "Sorry about that." he said to me. "What was all that about?" I asked. "I take it you're not from here are you?" he said. I nodded my head. "Well, to make a long story short, the military is taking over and getting rid of anypony who talks out against them. Everypony is a Hoji if you talk against them." he explained. "Why is the military taking over? I thought that the Mercel Empire had been at peace for 100 years?" I said. "Technically we still are at peace. But it's a very tense peace. Ponies have started talking about rebelling against the military and fighting for the Queen. But if they do, they'll be slaughtered. The military is too strong and all we'll have is shop keepers with pitchforks while they have trained killers." he said dryly. "But isn't there somepony who could help you?" I asked. "None that are willing. Most that could be helpful are sided with the General." "Oh." I said. There wasn't much for me to say. I didn't want to mention the Doctor because I might put him in danger, especially since he was with George right now heading for the Queen. Oh no. I thought. I had completely forgot that the Doctor was with him. I needed to find him and tell him about what I've found out. "How do I get to the castle?" I asked. "Why would you want to go to the castle?" he asked. "Let's just say I've got a special friend who might be in danger." I said. "Well if he's pissed off the wrong pony, then it may be too late for him. But the best way to get in is to get the attention of the guard. They'll take you in if you do something that's illegal." he said. "Great. Thank you." I said as I ran out of the shop, leaving the item I had on the desk. What I had in mind wasn't really illegal, but it would definitely get the attention of the guard. I found a guard and ran up to him. "If I show you something, will you take me to the Queen?" I asked. "What?" he asked, surprised that I had ran up to him. I jumped into the air and began to flap my wings. Whatever the Doctor had done to hide my wings was gone and the guard could see that I was really a Pegasus. His mouth dropped as I flew around him. I landed in front of him smiling. "What? But...How did..." he stammered. "Take me to the Queen." I ordered. He nodded his head shocked and led me to the castle. I haven't even been here for an hour and yet I was on my way to save the Doctor. Story of my life. Mercel's SecretThe guard burst through the doors of the castle. "Your Highness!" he exclaimed, out of breath. "This pony-" "Is a Pegasus." she finished for him. "Yes." he said, regaining his composure. "You know what we have to do. It's the law." "Even if she's not from our borders?" she asked. "It's what the law states." "True. I guess we have no choice." she said, walking down to us. I don't have time for this. I thought as I prepped myself for flight. I wasn't really a great fighter, but I was getting really good at flying. I'm still not nearly as good as the other Pegasi back home, but I was learning fast. "Except for the fact that she is on a diplomatic mission for me that could save all of our lives." she said cooly. "Miss Derpy, if you'll come with me." she said. "Huh?" I said aloud, unintentionally. "I believe you wanted to see our Doctor on..." she trailed off, looking at the guard, "classified information." "Yes, yes. Of course." I said quickly, catching on. "Thank you, Fredrick. You're dismissed." she said. "Your Highness, one more thing." he said, taking off his helmet. "It happened again. By the fountain. His colts went in and almost found our guy." She sighed. "That's the fifth time this month. Tell him that he needs to be more careful in what he does." The guard gave her a salute. "Yes, your Highness." He looked to me with a and gave a slight bow. "Ma'am." I couldn't help but blush a little. He was actually very handsome now that I looked at him. His fire red mane covered his eyes. They were the color of the oceans back at Equestria and his coat was a beautiful green. The Queen gave a light laugh. "Stop with the flirting and return to your post." He gave another salute, put his helmet on, and ran out the door. "Don't mind him. He's a flirt with everypony. But he does his job better than anyone." "So you know about George?" I asked as she led me through a door in the back. "Yes. I found out after a failed assassination attempt a few months back." "I was at the market when they came in. The pony they were talking to told me about what was happening. Can't the Council do something about him? I mean, if you know he was behind the attempt, isn't that enough evidence against him?" I pointed out. "I don't know how it works where you're from, but here, the Council needs physical evidence on them. Hoof prints, a part of the mane, basically anything that came from the pony themselves." she explained. "But couldn't that be faked?" I asked. "Yes, but we also have to have four ponies who can verify where that pony was during the incident, which quiet frankly with everypony staying in their homes as of late is very easy to get." she said. "Oh." I said. "Besides, it wouldn't have mattered. There was nothing left behind from the assassin, even if I did send the report in to the Council." she explained. "Wait, you didn't report it?" I asked, shocked. "Why not?" "Well, because he's my brother." she said solemnly, stopping at a black door. "Your friend is inside helping us figure something out." she said as she opened the door. As I walked in I saw a group of ponies huddled around a table discussing something. I looked around the room for the Doctor and saw him leaning over a basin with a glowing liquid. I ran over to him, glad to see that he hadn't been hit by George's ponies. "Doctor!" I exclaimed. He didn't look up at me. He was too enveloped in the basin. I put a hoof on his shoulder. "Doctor?" "I wouldn't bother him." a low voice said behind me, making me jump. "He's staring into the Gora." "What's that?" I asked, worried. "It shows a hidden secret about a pony of your choosing. It's only allowed to be used in dire situations since it takes a great toll on whoever gazes into it." he explained. "Then why is he doing it?" I exclaimed. "He's the only one who's been able to look into it for more than a minute without going mad. Most only last 10 seconds. But not him. He's been at it for the last half hour." he said, walking back to the table. "What exactly are you guys looking for?" I asked, following him. He looked up to the Queen, who nodded. "A weakness in George's forces. The Queen and military abide by seperate laws. It's a way to make sure that both don't have all the power, sort of like a balance system." he explained. "I still don't understand how the Council can see all that's going on and not do anything." I said. "That's because they only hold power sentence and they need physical evidence that can be shown in a trial, which George has been kind enough to not leave around. They can't do anything because he's too diligent and thorough when he acts." a pony with a long scar down his left eye said. "Why now though? If there's been 100 years of peace, why end it? What exactly happened?" I asked. "My brother has always been a bit power hungry and a sore loser. He always tried his hardest to be the best at everything when we were younger and when he was beaten at something, he made life hell for the other." the Queen explained. "When our parents declared that I would be the one who would take their place, George lost it. He's never gotten over it. I appointed him as General of our military as a way to hopefully appease his hunger for power, but alas, that was not what happened." she continued. "I fear he may try to destroy the peace we've tried so hard to keep." "Which is why we need as much help as we can." the deep voiced pony said. "Grell here is one of the few military generals who is still completely loyal to me." the Queen said. "I took an oath to protect you and your people. The other 'soldiers' have broken that oath by allowing George to continue in his plight." he said. "But they're just following orders, which is the second part of that oath, Grell." she said calmly. "Your orders are the only ones which we should follow. Your voice is higher than his." he replied. "And I know how to stop him." I heard the Doctor say next to me. "Doctor!" I exclaimed happily. He looked troubled though, like something was tearing him apart on the inside. "Are you alright?" I asked. "Hm? Oh, yeah. Yeah I'm fine." he said quietly. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong. I wanted to ask him, but Grell spoke before me. "What did you see in the Gora?" he asked. "Well I saw a lot of things. You were wrong about the Gora showing you weaknesses in the pony of your choosing. It actually shows their strengths, and one of his strengths is his ability to persuade others to join his cause." the Doctor explained. "But for the past 100 years it's always shown weaknesses." Grell said. "Yes, well, it didn't show me that. Maybe it's different from pony to pony but I'm telling you I saw his strengths. What we need to do is expose the lies he's been spreading around and expose him. After that we need to hit his weak spots and move on from there." "What weak spots?" I asked. "If you only saw his strengths, how do you know where he's weakest?" The Doctor looked to the ponies in the room. "Anything?" he asked. "Well, we do know that some of the soldiers are apprehensive to obey George's orders, but getting close to them without a loyal member of his being around is difficult." Grell said. "Well find a way to do so. Because you're going to need all the help you can get." the Doctor said. "And why's that?" Grell said with a glare. "Because he has allies that you couldn't hope to defeat." the Doctor replied sternly. "What allies?" The Doctor looked to me. "A race of vile creatures that were destroyed long ago. No matter how many times they are killed, they keep coming back." "Who?" the Queen asked. "The Daleks." I said. It wasn't the first time I've met up with them, but I still got scared when I heard they were the ones helping George. "What's a Dalek?" Grell asked. "A creature devoid of all emotion. They are relentless in killing and are very clever." I said. "But they are also arrogant!" the Doctor said with a sudden jump in energy. "A Dalek only looks out for itself and believes it is the ultimate being in the Universe. Until they met me." he said. "What do you mean? Have you met these Daleks before?" Grell asked. "Oh yes. And I killed them. All of them." "Then how are they here now?" the Queen asked. "Because they survived somehow." "How?" she asked again. "I don't know, but some did. That's all that matters." he said. Grell began laughing. "These ponies don't know what they're talking about. Dalek's not having emotions? Please." "And how would you know? Have you met one, stared them in the eye and seen a single hint of emotion?" the Doctor said. "Yes." he replied sternly. "Grell." the Queen warned. "What? What does he have to say?" the Doctor asked. "Nothing." the Queen replied. "With all due respect your Highness, if he's going to help us, then he needs to know what a Dalek really is." he said, turning to a pony at his left. "Go get him." The pony ran out of the room quickly. "You have a Dalek here?" the Doctor asked, shocked. "Are you mad?! You're going to get everypony in this place killed!" he exclaimed. "You really don't know anything about Daleks do you?" he said, tauntingly. "I know more than anyone else in this room. I fought them, killed them and my race, and stopped them from destroying the Universe countless times!" he shouted. "Then you would know that they are not war mongering or emotionless!" Grell shouted back. "Quiet! Both of you!" the Queen ordered. "I don't know who you have met, Doctor, to think that Daleks are as you say, but the Dalek we know is not how you describe." The door behind her opened and I gasped at the pony who I saw walk in. "You wanted my presence, sir?" he asked. "Yes. Thanks for coming." Grell said. He looked to us. "Doctor, meet our Dalek. Fredrick, meet our 'Doctor.'" A Kaled's TaleI looked at Fredrick shocked. He didn't have his armor on and he looked like an ordinary pony, not a Dalek. "The Doctor...What an honor." he said, extending a hoof to him. The Doctor stepped back from him. "Oh...right." Fredrick said, lowering his hoof. "You've never met a real Dalek, have you? Never met one before the Emperor turned us into war machines." "War machines, you've always been war machines. Ever since you were born you were war machines. You were created for war." the Doctor said, frantically. "I see the Emperor did better than he expected." he said. "The Emperor wanted to erase all memory of what we originally were. He wanted us to be feared across the Universe and not be remembered by who we were." "I read up on your species. Every single article in the Time Lord's archives has stated as you always being war like. Never peaceful and never forgiving." the Doctor exclaimed. "Your species is the reason for the Time War, the destruction of millions of planets and numerous galaxies. You attempted to rule the Universe numerous times and tried to kill me more than I care to count." "Doctor, listen to me." Fredrick pleaded. "Those archives were created a hundred years before the Time War. We used to be peaceful beings, millions of years before then. We were magnificent, culture driven beings. For most of our existence, we lived in peace. Until we were attacked by the Thals. They killed us and slaughtered us thousands of years before the Time War. It led to a nuclear war and we almost went extinct. The Emperor knew we needed to win the war to save our species and the only way he knew how was to erase all feelings and turn us into machines bred for war." he explained. The Doctor glared at him. "I know because I helped build them." Fredrick grimaced. "I helped Davros create them. "But that makes you almost as old as the Doctor." I pointed out. "One of the things I did was enhance my lifespan so I could destroy the Daleks once and for all. I knew that some of them had survived, but I wasn't sure how many or if the Doctor would be able to kill them all." he explained. "Why not just find him yourself?" I asked. "Because he's always on the move and I don't necessarily have the same technology here as I did on Skaro." he said, almost like it was obvious. "Can I continue?" "Oh, right. Yeah." I said. "The Thals nearly killed us all and he didn't want that to happen again, so he had me help him build a machine to erase our old selves from all existence. And it worked. We were able to extinguish every last part of us, but with a terrible price. The Emperor became paranoid thinking that every thing wanted to attack us and kill us. So, he started converting the Kaled race into these murderous creatures. Every Kaled was ordered to go through the conversion process or be executed. It was the worse thing to happen to us since the Thals." "But I don't understand. How did the Emperor convert an entire species to those metal cases that have been around for so many years?" "Through a varied form of Meto-Crisis. We were able to re-triangulate the bio-converter. It's how he erased our emotions." he explained. "Not possible. The Meto-Crisis is something only Time Lords can achieve. How were the Daleks able to get their slimey paws on it?" the Doctor asked. "I don't know the details. I was only to build the new Dalek war machine. The Kaled responsible for the Meto-Crisis was one of the first to go through it. So all the information on it was destroyed with him at the end of the Time War." The Doctor continued to glare at him. "I still don't see how I have any reason to believe you." "Search my mind then, Doctor. Look into my thoughts and tell me I'm lying then." Fredrick said, getting into the Doctor's face. I stood there frightened as they stared at each other, almost as if they were sizing each other up, despite being the same size. "Doctor, don't tell me that one war has changed your knowledge of us?" "It hasn't. But a Kaled has not been seen since the Nuclear War of Skaro." the Doctor replied. "Because I was the only one to make it out." Fredrick said. "I'm like you, Doctor. The one who stayed true to our species." "I haven't stayed true." he said. "I'm not like the Time Lords of old." "But not the same as the Time Lords bred from the Time War. You and I, a mix in between the two. Both born from peace, but then bred for war." I had never heard the back story about the Daleks. The Doctor always said that they were vicious monsters only made for war and destruction as if that's what they had always been. I never heard him say that they used to be a different race. "Doctor? Is he telling the truth?" I asked. He hesitated before answering me. "Yeah. Yeah it's true." "But Daleks and Kaled are two different species and race. While we both were born Kaled, they are a disgrace to what we once were." Fredrick said quickly. "And when the Time War broke out, I was the only one who was able to convince the Emperor that I was needed as a Kaled should a catastrophe occur and wipe out all of Davros' creations. "What he didn't know is that I had been planning on wiping out every single Dalek for a long time. I put a small chip inside each ball bearing on the Daleks and made sure that they were a part of the blue print design. It works two ways, giving them their force field. It protects them from the outside, but leaves the inside vulnerable." "How did you accomplish that without being found out?" I asked before the Doctor had a chance to explain. "Because before the Time War, I was Davros' right hand scientist. For years we both did what we could for our race, so we were never suspected. To this day, they use the same blue prints because of how well they work. They appear flawless." Fredrick replied. I saw the Doctor's eyes grow wide. "So you can destroy them? All of them?" "Yes. Across all of time and space. And I would have done so in those years during the Time War. But I wasn't brave enough. My friends and family had become Daleks in order to save their own lives, and those who didn't and shared my view perished. I was weak and unable to kill the Daleks when I had the chance." he said backing away from the Doctor finally. "It's why I hold the Doctor in such high standing. He was able to succeed, where I could not. And it was much worse for him though. He didn't wipe out just the Daleks, but he wiped out his own kind." "But isn't that exactly what you wanted to do?" I asked him. "Yes. But like I said, I was weak and unable to do so. It cost everyone too many lives and forced the Doctor to destroy them both." he said. "But then how did you escape?" I asked. "He's not Dalek. He's Kaled. While born of the same biology, they are created and changed into a new species." the Doctor said. "Precisely. It was my own defense against the weapon the Doctor had and one of the main reasons I wanted to stay a Kaled." "Then why go around and telling these ponies that you were a Dalek?" the Doctor asked. "I knew that one day, sooner or later, you would come here. And you'd be more interested in a war mongering Dalek than a race that you knew to be extinct." he said. "I hated calling myself a Dalek, but it was necessary for you to believe I was until we met." The Queen cleared her throat. "Are you two done catching up? From what I've just heard, we are in danger of being wiped off of this planet, and I will not let that happen to my citizens." "Right. Sorry, your Highness." Fredrick said. "We should get working on the machine then, Doctor." "Hold on Fred." the Doctor said looking to the Queen. "Why did you act like you knew nothing of the Daleks?" "I didn't want our greatest weapon to go and become public. He's our most guarded secret against George." she said. "And he helped breed the species that are threatening you now!" the Doctor exclaimed. "And I'm the only one who can destroy them for good!" Fredrick shouted. "But I need a Time Lord to help me do it." "Why? If you can blow them up from all corners of time and space why haven't you done it yet?" he asked. "Because I can't time travel." he said. "The machine requires time energy, energy that I don't have." "And that's why you need me." the Doctor said calmly. "Yes. So, will you help me or let these ponies die because of inaction?" Fredrick asked. I looked at the Doctor who seemed to be having an internal fight with himself. "Doctor, why not help him? If it could destroy the Daleks, why not help him?" He looked back to Fredrick who turned his head. "Because I don't necessarily trust him." "Then work with him and see how he plans to destroy the Daleks. Then make your decision." I said. The Doctor looked at me. He smiled as he saw my face. "Alright! Fredrick, show me this machine. The Daleks aren't going to wait much longer to attack once they know I'm here. Derpy, we need the TARDIS' power supply. Go to it and take it back here. We have to keep out of the Dalek control or they could destroy the Universe." "Right. I'm on it." I said. "What would you have us do, Doctor? While you're on your own nobel and saving quest, what should we do?" the Queen asked. "Get as many of the soldiers you know to be hesitant towards George and get them on your side. Send someone disguised as a family member to get them to come or whatever you need to do. You're going to need an army against George. Once war starts to break out, the civilians will fight for themselves. It'd be best to keep them out of your army or George will slaughter them easily. He might try to place the war on you and place the whole coup on you. So letting them fight on whoever's side they wish will keep George distracted." the Doctor explained. "And the Daleks?" Grell asked. "Fighting them is useless." he said. "Not once they enter the castle." Fredrick said. "I was able to build a machine out from my old spaceship that brings down a Dalek's shielding. Once they enter, they can be hindered by getting a solid kick onto the eye stalk. If you take that out, they can't target you and then you can start hammering at them repeatedly. It will take time, but as long as you take out that eye stalk when one enters, you should be able to take them down." "Brilliant!" the Doctor said with a smile. "Now let's go!" he said rushing out with him. I flew out of the room and into the clouds high above the planet's surface and well out of sight from the ponies on the ground. I flew hard to get to the TARDIS before the Daleks could. As I scanned the plains, I saw them. There were three Daleks moving straight toward the TARDIS. They were a good distance away, but if I didn't get there fast they'd have it. I shot down to the ground to gain speed. I almost lost control and started to pull out of the dive. It was all I needed. I zoomed past the Daleks and was only a few yards from the TARDIS. I landed rough and opened the door as a Dalek shot at me, barely missing me. I got in and closed the door, locking it behind me. I rushed up to the controls and up to the console. I could feel the TARDIS getting pushed around by the Dalek shots and quickly pulled down the lever. It began its usual low hum and sent us both straight to the Doctor. Of course, things never go that easily.
Mercel"Where are you going?" my mom called out. "You just got back!" "I know mom, but I need to go. He's waiting for me." I shouted back to her. "Who?" she asked. "You better not be running off with that man again!" "Stop worrying! He's really smart. He knows what he's doing." I explained to her. She didnt approve of who I was traveling with. "Everywhere you two go, there's danger! You know how many nights I spend worrying about you? About wether or not you'll be coming home or not?" she said. "I'll be fine. The Doctor protects me and I protect him." I pointed out. "Besides, I feel special when I'm with him. Here...I'm treated differently than everypony else, just because of my eyes and I'm slightly clumsier than others." I explained. "But out there," I said pointing to the stars, "I see so much of pain and suffering that I can help fix. Here I can't do anything. Why would I stay back?" "For me. For your mother." she said. "I love you. Please don't go with him. I don't know what could happen!" "Mom I'm going." I said sternly. "I'm a grown mare and can make my own decisions." I walked over to her and gave her a hug. "I'll be back for Hearts Warming, I promise." I let her go and walked over to the TARDIS. The Doctor stood outside waiting. "Mother giving you a hard time again?" he asked. "No more than usual. She says you're dangerous." "And am I?" he asked. "Only around Daleks. Don't think I've forgotten what you did above Gilease 7." I said. We went to Gilease 7 for a short little get away and while we sitting on the beach next to the sea of gold, we were attacked by the Daleks. It was a fairly easy win for us. They wanted the gold for some transportation device. All we needed to do was have the Docter re-triangulate the modules coordinates, and they got sent back to the center of the sun. Of course, I was stuck in their captive and being threatened constantly and shot at by them, but we made it out unscathed. "Oi, that's not my fault. How was I supposed to know the Emperor's Elite Dalek Guard would be looking for gold on that particular planet?" he said. "Maybe by the fact they had a sea of GOLD?" I said, putting emphasis on the word gold. "Hey it was a beautiful sight and you loved it." I chuckled. "Yes I did." We walked into the TARDIS as my mom ran up to it. "Nope. Sorry, only room for two." he said as he slammed the doors closed on her. He flipped a switch and off we went to some distant planet. "Was it really necessary to slam them in her face?" I said as I put my saddlebag down. "I don't find traveling with your mother to be a fond experience." he said. I rolled my eyes. Neither of them really cared for the other, but it didnt bother me too much. My mom did get a bit snippy when things didnt go her way, and the Doctor was almost as stubborn as she is when she's bartering. "So where are we off to next?" I asked as I looked at the scanner. "How about Barceluna?" he asked. "The city or the planet?" I asked sarcastically. "Don't get sarcastic with me. There's only enough sarcasm in this TARDIS for one, and that's me." he said with a smile. "Lets go to the planet. I've been to the city already with you and Cyberman invasions aren't fond experiences for me." I said, copying his comment to my mom. "At least they make sense in how they work. Your mother is like Pandora's Box! You never what you're gonna get on a Friday." he said. "Oh shut it." I said, laughing. He smiled as he punched in the coordinates and pulled a lever. After some jerks and twerks, we landed. "Now just outside is a place filled with dogs with no noses. The sky is a bright blue with a magnificent two sun formation." he said. "Go on, take a look." he said motioning to the door. I ran out and gasped when I saw the scenery around me. The grassy plains were a beautiful green and in the distance I saw a mountain side that stretched as far as I could see. There was a giant city on the side of the mountain that reminded me of Canterlot. It glistened in the light that the two suns produced. I turned to the Doctor as he stepped out and gave a wide smile. "Beautiful isn't it? The year 2183, the golden years of the Mercel Empire. Economic success is at an all time high and there has been world peace for the past 50 years." he explained. "Wow." That was all I could get out. It was the most beautiful place I'd ever seen out of all the places I've been. "Magnificent isn't it?" he asked. "Well come on! Lets go meet the ponies of Mercel!" he exclaimed and ran across the plains to the city. I flew into the sky and followed him to the tall mountains. The air here was light, crisp, and carried me to the city. When we arrived, I was amazed by the architecture. It was as beautiful as the buildings in Canterlot. "Mercel architecture, derived from Homo Sapiens in 2089." he said. "Homo Sapiens?" I asked, landing next to him. "Basically hairless apes. But they are absolutely brilliant!" he said with a smile. "Have you met them?" I asked curiously. "Oh yes. Saved them multiple times from utter destruction." he bragged. "Goodness it's beautiful here." "Doctor, why aren't there any other Pegasus or Unicorns here?" I asked. Since arriving I've only seen Earth Ponies. "In 2085 there was a genocide against all non-Earth Ponies led by Dul-Hild. He believed that Pegasi and Unicorns were always trying to be better than the Earth Ponies. He was an amazing speaker and had no problem getting ponies to believe what he was saying. He led a genocide against four-billion ponies, and wiped every single one off the face of the planet." he explained. I had only read about genocides. Most that happened back home were millennium before Equestria was founded and occurred overseas, like in the Griffon Kingdom or the Changeling homeland. "Which reminds me," he said as he pulled out his sonic screwdriver and pointed at my wings, "we need to hide your wings from them. We don't want to cause a stir amongst the civilians here." "What did you do?" I asked as I looked at my wings. "Just a slight change in lighting. The other ponies will think you to be an Earth Pony as long as you don't start flying around." he said. I looked at the giant castle that stood on the mountain side. "So who rules this place now?" "Queen Samantha. Her brother is the General of the military, but he doesn't do much. Ever since their family took power 100 years ago, there hasn't been any war to fight. The only reason for the military is for order in case of natural disasters." he explained. "100 years of peace doesn't sound long compared to Equestria." I said. "Well Equestria is one of the few places in the Universe where the rulers have the ability to handle all major conflicts with diplomacy. But also remember that Equestria has it's own share of battles. Not necessarily wars, but skirmishes that Celestia and Luna have been unable to avoid." he explained cooly. A group of armored ponies suddenly ran up to us, spears raised. "Halt! State your name and home sector!" the lead guard shouted. "Well I guess they don't find me too welcoming." he whispered to me. "I'm John Smith from the Nev-Two sector. This is my friend Ditzy Doo, aslo from Nev-Two." he said. "And you are?" "I am George, General of the Mercel military. I have orders to take you up to the Queen's castle immediately. Your friend will have to stay here." he said. "Sorry but where I go she goes." he said quickly. "Oh it's alright! I want to look around for something to get my mom." I said. "It looks like you have business to attend to with royalty anyway. Just meet me at the fountain when you're done." I told him. "Are you sure? You don't this place yet." he said. "I'll be fine. I won't get lost as long as I stay within sight of the fountain. Don't worry about me alright?" "Alright then." he said and turned back to George. "Take me to your leader." he said with a grin. "Great. A guest with a sense of humor." he said sarcastically. "Oh, what's life without a few jokes here and there?" the Doctor said as they walked toward the castle. I looked around me for anything that resembled a shop of some kind. Most of the shops around here were grocery places. I walked up to one of the ponies and asked where the nearest shop was. "Down the road to the left." he said, pointing in that direction. "You new here?" he asked. "Yes, I'm visiting with a friend of mine." I said. "Well be careful. Strange things have been happening here." he said. "What strange things?" I asked. Usually I would have just been passed him along and not worried about it. But after traveling with the Doctor, my curiosity gets in the way a lot. "Can't you feel it?" he asked. "There's an uneasiness in the air. Usually there would be hundreds of ponies lining in these streets, but now a days there's only a fraction of them that are brave enough to come shopping." "Why would they be afraid to shop?" "Rumors say that the Queen's brother is attempting to gain the throne. He's not a very popular pony amongst the civilians and nopony was afraid to state that. But only recently have those who spoke out against him started to disappear. Sometimes a stallion will go missing, or a mare, or entire families. Even children who know what's happening, but don't know when to stay quiet." he said. "Why are they disappearing now? If they've been speaking their mind about him for awhile, why is he acting now on it?" He looked around him for anypony who might be listening. "Because he wants the throne. He wants approval of him to increase, and approval of the Queen to diminish. Everypony knows that it's him who's behind the disappearances, but without any evidence, the Council can't do anything against him." he explained. "The Council?" I asked. "The Council holds the judicial power here in Mercel. It's a way to make sure that the Queen or King doesn't have full power over everypony. They determine punishments for Hojis, those who plan a coup against the Queen." he said. "If you are ever labeled a Hoji, you will never have any place here. It's the most dishonorable act here, even worse than killing your own family." "Why's that?" I asked. "Because it means that you are willing to destabilize an entire government and cause a panic that could end countless lives. When you murder your family, it's only a few ponies of close relation. But against a government, that could end millions of pony's lives." he explained. "So George is labeled a Hoji? If that's the case, why can't the Council do anything about him?" "It's not the ponies of Mercel who label one as a Hoji, it's the Council itself. And without any evidence, nothing can be done to stop him." he said. "But I've said too much. Run along now and be careful." "Alright, you too." I said and walked down the road to the where the pony said the shop was. I found it very odd that he claimed that the Queen's brother was trying to take over the throne. It was definitely an interesting way to try and take over, but it seemed to be working if what he said was true. There weren't many ponies running around now. I walked into the shop and started to look at the crystal figures they had. I didn't have any money from this planet, but thanks to the Doctor, I had my own psychic paper. All I had to do was hold it up and show them that I was a bank manager and I'd be good. I found a crystal globe that had the fountain I saw earlier with water shooting from it. It was really pretty so I picked it up and went to the brown pony behind the desk. He had a poofy brown mane and was looking through a magazine. There was a mare in front of me that was getting really impatient. "You know, when there's a pony in line, generally you help them out and answer questions or check them out." she said. He looked up from his magazine and glared at her. "And when a pony tries to shoplift, generally I don't help them out when they need it." he said cooly. "You know how hard it is out there. Ever since the Queen passed that law, it's been too hard for most of us to get a job and get by." she said to him. "I've got kids. A family to feed. Please, let me just take this for them." she said as she held out a loaf of bread. He sighed. "Fine. Just don't tell anypony I did this." There was a rustle outside and some shouting. "Quick, head behind this door and don't say a word." The mare did as he said and he locked the door behind him. He motioned for me to come up to the counter. Right as I did, armed guards came bursting in. "Where is she?" one of them said. "Who?" the brown maned pony asked. "We received word that a traitor to the state had come through here." "You mean a Hoji?" he asked. "No can't say I've seen one here. And even if I did, there's no way I'd do business with them. Vile abominations they are." "Are you certain that you didn't see anypony...suspicious come through here?" the guard asked. "Yes, I'm most certain. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm with a customer." he said as he turned to me. "Be on the look out then. Sorry for the intrusion." the guard said before glaring at me and leaving. The brown maned pony let out a sigh when the guard left. He walked over to the door behind him and opened it. "Thank you!" the mare exclaimed. "Whatever, just get out before they come back. And if they find you near my shop, I'll say you came here and robbed me. Don't make me have to do that." he threatened. The mare ran out and the brown pony turned to me. "Sorry about that." he said to me. "What was all that about?" I asked. "I take it you're not from here are you?" he said. I nodded my head. "Well, to make a long story short, the military is taking over and getting rid of anypony who talks out against them. Everypony is a Hoji if you talk against them." he explained. "Why is the military taking over? I thought that the Mercel Empire had been at peace for 100 years?" I said. "Technically we still are at peace. But it's a very tense peace. Ponies have started talking about rebelling against the military and fighting for the Queen. But if they do, they'll be slaughtered. The military is too strong and all we'll have is shop keepers with pitchforks while they have trained killers." he said dryly. "But isn't there somepony who could help you?" I asked. "None that are willing. Most that could be helpful are sided with the General." "Oh." I said. There wasn't much for me to say. I didn't want to mention the Doctor because I might put him in danger, especially since he was with George right now heading for the Queen. Oh no. I thought. I had completely forgot that the Doctor was with him. I needed to find him and tell him about what I've found out. "How do I get to the castle?" I asked. "Why would you want to go to the castle?" he asked. "Let's just say I've got a special friend who might be in danger." I said. "Well if he's pissed off the wrong pony, then it may be too late for him. But the best way to get in is to get the attention of the guard. They'll take you in if you do something that's illegal." he said. "Great. Thank you." I said as I ran out of the shop, leaving the item I had on the desk. What I had in mind wasn't really illegal, but it would definitely get the attention of the guard. I found a guard and ran up to him. "If I show you something, will you take me to the Queen?" I asked. "What?" he asked, surprised that I had ran up to him. I jumped into the air and began to flap my wings. Whatever the Doctor had done to hide my wings was gone and the guard could see that I was really a Pegasus. His mouth dropped as I flew around him. I landed in front of him smiling. "What? But...How did..." he stammered. "Take me to the Queen." I ordered. He nodded his head shocked and led me to the castle. I haven't even been here for an hour and yet I was on my way to save the Doctor. Story of my life.
Mercel's SecretThe guard burst through the doors of the castle. "Your Highness!" he exclaimed, out of breath. "This pony-" "Is a Pegasus." she finished for him. "Yes." he said, regaining his composure. "You know what we have to do. It's the law." "Even if she's not from our borders?" she asked. "It's what the law states." "True. I guess we have no choice." she said, walking down to us. I don't have time for this. I thought as I prepped myself for flight. I wasn't really a great fighter, but I was getting really good at flying. I'm still not nearly as good as the other Pegasi back home, but I was learning fast. "Except for the fact that she is on a diplomatic mission for me that could save all of our lives." she said cooly. "Miss Derpy, if you'll come with me." she said. "Huh?" I said aloud, unintentionally. "I believe you wanted to see our Doctor on..." she trailed off, looking at the guard, "classified information." "Yes, yes. Of course." I said quickly, catching on. "Thank you, Fredrick. You're dismissed." she said. "Your Highness, one more thing." he said, taking off his helmet. "It happened again. By the fountain. His colts went in and almost found our guy." She sighed. "That's the fifth time this month. Tell him that he needs to be more careful in what he does." The guard gave her a salute. "Yes, your Highness." He looked to me with a and gave a slight bow. "Ma'am." I couldn't help but blush a little. He was actually very handsome now that I looked at him. His fire red mane covered his eyes. They were the color of the oceans back at Equestria and his coat was a beautiful green. The Queen gave a light laugh. "Stop with the flirting and return to your post." He gave another salute, put his helmet on, and ran out the door. "Don't mind him. He's a flirt with everypony. But he does his job better than anyone." "So you know about George?" I asked as she led me through a door in the back. "Yes. I found out after a failed assassination attempt a few months back." "I was at the market when they came in. The pony they were talking to told me about what was happening. Can't the Council do something about him? I mean, if you know he was behind the attempt, isn't that enough evidence against him?" I pointed out. "I don't know how it works where you're from, but here, the Council needs physical evidence on them. Hoof prints, a part of the mane, basically anything that came from the pony themselves." she explained. "But couldn't that be faked?" I asked. "Yes, but we also have to have four ponies who can verify where that pony was during the incident, which quiet frankly with everypony staying in their homes as of late is very easy to get." she said. "Oh." I said. "Besides, it wouldn't have mattered. There was nothing left behind from the assassin, even if I did send the report in to the Council." she explained. "Wait, you didn't report it?" I asked, shocked. "Why not?" "Well, because he's my brother." she said solemnly, stopping at a black door. "Your friend is inside helping us figure something out." she said as she opened the door. As I walked in I saw a group of ponies huddled around a table discussing something. I looked around the room for the Doctor and saw him leaning over a basin with a glowing liquid. I ran over to him, glad to see that he hadn't been hit by George's ponies. "Doctor!" I exclaimed. He didn't look up at me. He was too enveloped in the basin. I put a hoof on his shoulder. "Doctor?" "I wouldn't bother him." a low voice said behind me, making me jump. "He's staring into the Gora." "What's that?" I asked, worried. "It shows a hidden secret about a pony of your choosing. It's only allowed to be used in dire situations since it takes a great toll on whoever gazes into it." he explained. "Then why is he doing it?" I exclaimed. "He's the only one who's been able to look into it for more than a minute without going mad. Most only last 10 seconds. But not him. He's been at it for the last half hour." he said, walking back to the table. "What exactly are you guys looking for?" I asked, following him. He looked up to the Queen, who nodded. "A weakness in George's forces. The Queen and military abide by seperate laws. It's a way to make sure that both don't have all the power, sort of like a balance system." he explained. "I still don't understand how the Council can see all that's going on and not do anything." I said. "That's because they only hold power sentence and they need physical evidence that can be shown in a trial, which George has been kind enough to not leave around. They can't do anything because he's too diligent and thorough when he acts." a pony with a long scar down his left eye said. "Why now though? If there's been 100 years of peace, why end it? What exactly happened?" I asked. "My brother has always been a bit power hungry and a sore loser. He always tried his hardest to be the best at everything when we were younger and when he was beaten at something, he made life hell for the other." the Queen explained. "When our parents declared that I would be the one who would take their place, George lost it. He's never gotten over it. I appointed him as General of our military as a way to hopefully appease his hunger for power, but alas, that was not what happened." she continued. "I fear he may try to destroy the peace we've tried so hard to keep." "Which is why we need as much help as we can." the deep voiced pony said. "Grell here is one of the few military generals who is still completely loyal to me." the Queen said. "I took an oath to protect you and your people. The other 'soldiers' have broken that oath by allowing George to continue in his plight." he said. "But they're just following orders, which is the second part of that oath, Grell." she said calmly. "Your orders are the only ones which we should follow. Your voice is higher than his." he replied. "And I know how to stop him." I heard the Doctor say next to me. "Doctor!" I exclaimed happily. He looked troubled though, like something was tearing him apart on the inside. "Are you alright?" I asked. "Hm? Oh, yeah. Yeah I'm fine." he said quietly. Something was wrong. Something was very wrong. I wanted to ask him, but Grell spoke before me. "What did you see in the Gora?" he asked. "Well I saw a lot of things. You were wrong about the Gora showing you weaknesses in the pony of your choosing. It actually shows their strengths, and one of his strengths is his ability to persuade others to join his cause." the Doctor explained. "But for the past 100 years it's always shown weaknesses." Grell said. "Yes, well, it didn't show me that. Maybe it's different from pony to pony but I'm telling you I saw his strengths. What we need to do is expose the lies he's been spreading around and expose him. After that we need to hit his weak spots and move on from there." "What weak spots?" I asked. "If you only saw his strengths, how do you know where he's weakest?" The Doctor looked to the ponies in the room. "Anything?" he asked. "Well, we do know that some of the soldiers are apprehensive to obey George's orders, but getting close to them without a loyal member of his being around is difficult." Grell said. "Well find a way to do so. Because you're going to need all the help you can get." the Doctor said. "And why's that?" Grell said with a glare. "Because he has allies that you couldn't hope to defeat." the Doctor replied sternly. "What allies?" The Doctor looked to me. "A race of vile creatures that were destroyed long ago. No matter how many times they are killed, they keep coming back." "Who?" the Queen asked. "The Daleks." I said. It wasn't the first time I've met up with them, but I still got scared when I heard they were the ones helping George. "What's a Dalek?" Grell asked. "A creature devoid of all emotion. They are relentless in killing and are very clever." I said. "But they are also arrogant!" the Doctor said with a sudden jump in energy. "A Dalek only looks out for itself and believes it is the ultimate being in the Universe. Until they met me." he said. "What do you mean? Have you met these Daleks before?" Grell asked. "Oh yes. And I killed them. All of them." "Then how are they here now?" the Queen asked. "Because they survived somehow." "How?" she asked again. "I don't know, but some did. That's all that matters." he said. Grell began laughing. "These ponies don't know what they're talking about. Dalek's not having emotions? Please." "And how would you know? Have you met one, stared them in the eye and seen a single hint of emotion?" the Doctor said. "Yes." he replied sternly. "Grell." the Queen warned. "What? What does he have to say?" the Doctor asked. "Nothing." the Queen replied. "With all due respect your Highness, if he's going to help us, then he needs to know what a Dalek really is." he said, turning to a pony at his left. "Go get him." The pony ran out of the room quickly. "You have a Dalek here?" the Doctor asked, shocked. "Are you mad?! You're going to get everypony in this place killed!" he exclaimed. "You really don't know anything about Daleks do you?" he said, tauntingly. "I know more than anyone else in this room. I fought them, killed them and my race, and stopped them from destroying the Universe countless times!" he shouted. "Then you would know that they are not war mongering or emotionless!" Grell shouted back. "Quiet! Both of you!" the Queen ordered. "I don't know who you have met, Doctor, to think that Daleks are as you say, but the Dalek we know is not how you describe." The door behind her opened and I gasped at the pony who I saw walk in. "You wanted my presence, sir?" he asked. "Yes. Thanks for coming." Grell said. He looked to us. "Doctor, meet our Dalek. Fredrick, meet our 'Doctor.'"
A Kaled's TaleI looked at Fredrick shocked. He didn't have his armor on and he looked like an ordinary pony, not a Dalek. "The Doctor...What an honor." he said, extending a hoof to him. The Doctor stepped back from him. "Oh...right." Fredrick said, lowering his hoof. "You've never met a real Dalek, have you? Never met one before the Emperor turned us into war machines." "War machines, you've always been war machines. Ever since you were born you were war machines. You were created for war." the Doctor said, frantically. "I see the Emperor did better than he expected." he said. "The Emperor wanted to erase all memory of what we originally were. He wanted us to be feared across the Universe and not be remembered by who we were." "I read up on your species. Every single article in the Time Lord's archives has stated as you always being war like. Never peaceful and never forgiving." the Doctor exclaimed. "Your species is the reason for the Time War, the destruction of millions of planets and numerous galaxies. You attempted to rule the Universe numerous times and tried to kill me more than I care to count." "Doctor, listen to me." Fredrick pleaded. "Those archives were created a hundred years before the Time War. We used to be peaceful beings, millions of years before then. We were magnificent, culture driven beings. For most of our existence, we lived in peace. Until we were attacked by the Thals. They killed us and slaughtered us thousands of years before the Time War. It led to a nuclear war and we almost went extinct. The Emperor knew we needed to win the war to save our species and the only way he knew how was to erase all feelings and turn us into machines bred for war." he explained. The Doctor glared at him. "I know because I helped build them." Fredrick grimaced. "I helped Davros create them. "But that makes you almost as old as the Doctor." I pointed out. "One of the things I did was enhance my lifespan so I could destroy the Daleks once and for all. I knew that some of them had survived, but I wasn't sure how many or if the Doctor would be able to kill them all." he explained. "Why not just find him yourself?" I asked. "Because he's always on the move and I don't necessarily have the same technology here as I did on Skaro." he said, almost like it was obvious. "Can I continue?" "Oh, right. Yeah." I said. "The Thals nearly killed us all and he didn't want that to happen again, so he had me help him build a machine to erase our old selves from all existence. And it worked. We were able to extinguish every last part of us, but with a terrible price. The Emperor became paranoid thinking that every thing wanted to attack us and kill us. So, he started converting the Kaled race into these murderous creatures. Every Kaled was ordered to go through the conversion process or be executed. It was the worse thing to happen to us since the Thals." "But I don't understand. How did the Emperor convert an entire species to those metal cases that have been around for so many years?" "Through a varied form of Meto-Crisis. We were able to re-triangulate the bio-converter. It's how he erased our emotions." he explained. "Not possible. The Meto-Crisis is something only Time Lords can achieve. How were the Daleks able to get their slimey paws on it?" the Doctor asked. "I don't know the details. I was only to build the new Dalek war machine. The Kaled responsible for the Meto-Crisis was one of the first to go through it. So all the information on it was destroyed with him at the end of the Time War." The Doctor continued to glare at him. "I still don't see how I have any reason to believe you." "Search my mind then, Doctor. Look into my thoughts and tell me I'm lying then." Fredrick said, getting into the Doctor's face. I stood there frightened as they stared at each other, almost as if they were sizing each other up, despite being the same size. "Doctor, don't tell me that one war has changed your knowledge of us?" "It hasn't. But a Kaled has not been seen since the Nuclear War of Skaro." the Doctor replied. "Because I was the only one to make it out." Fredrick said. "I'm like you, Doctor. The one who stayed true to our species." "I haven't stayed true." he said. "I'm not like the Time Lords of old." "But not the same as the Time Lords bred from the Time War. You and I, a mix in between the two. Both born from peace, but then bred for war." I had never heard the back story about the Daleks. The Doctor always said that they were vicious monsters only made for war and destruction as if that's what they had always been. I never heard him say that they used to be a different race. "Doctor? Is he telling the truth?" I asked. He hesitated before answering me. "Yeah. Yeah it's true." "But Daleks and Kaled are two different species and race. While we both were born Kaled, they are a disgrace to what we once were." Fredrick said quickly. "And when the Time War broke out, I was the only one who was able to convince the Emperor that I was needed as a Kaled should a catastrophe occur and wipe out all of Davros' creations. "What he didn't know is that I had been planning on wiping out every single Dalek for a long time. I put a small chip inside each ball bearing on the Daleks and made sure that they were a part of the blue print design. It works two ways, giving them their force field. It protects them from the outside, but leaves the inside vulnerable." "How did you accomplish that without being found out?" I asked before the Doctor had a chance to explain. "Because before the Time War, I was Davros' right hand scientist. For years we both did what we could for our race, so we were never suspected. To this day, they use the same blue prints because of how well they work. They appear flawless." Fredrick replied. I saw the Doctor's eyes grow wide. "So you can destroy them? All of them?" "Yes. Across all of time and space. And I would have done so in those years during the Time War. But I wasn't brave enough. My friends and family had become Daleks in order to save their own lives, and those who didn't and shared my view perished. I was weak and unable to kill the Daleks when I had the chance." he said backing away from the Doctor finally. "It's why I hold the Doctor in such high standing. He was able to succeed, where I could not. And it was much worse for him though. He didn't wipe out just the Daleks, but he wiped out his own kind." "But isn't that exactly what you wanted to do?" I asked him. "Yes. But like I said, I was weak and unable to do so. It cost everyone too many lives and forced the Doctor to destroy them both." he said. "But then how did you escape?" I asked. "He's not Dalek. He's Kaled. While born of the same biology, they are created and changed into a new species." the Doctor said. "Precisely. It was my own defense against the weapon the Doctor had and one of the main reasons I wanted to stay a Kaled." "Then why go around and telling these ponies that you were a Dalek?" the Doctor asked. "I knew that one day, sooner or later, you would come here. And you'd be more interested in a war mongering Dalek than a race that you knew to be extinct." he said. "I hated calling myself a Dalek, but it was necessary for you to believe I was until we met." The Queen cleared her throat. "Are you two done catching up? From what I've just heard, we are in danger of being wiped off of this planet, and I will not let that happen to my citizens." "Right. Sorry, your Highness." Fredrick said. "We should get working on the machine then, Doctor." "Hold on Fred." the Doctor said looking to the Queen. "Why did you act like you knew nothing of the Daleks?" "I didn't want our greatest weapon to go and become public. He's our most guarded secret against George." she said. "And he helped breed the species that are threatening you now!" the Doctor exclaimed. "And I'm the only one who can destroy them for good!" Fredrick shouted. "But I need a Time Lord to help me do it." "Why? If you can blow them up from all corners of time and space why haven't you done it yet?" he asked. "Because I can't time travel." he said. "The machine requires time energy, energy that I don't have." "And that's why you need me." the Doctor said calmly. "Yes. So, will you help me or let these ponies die because of inaction?" Fredrick asked. I looked at the Doctor who seemed to be having an internal fight with himself. "Doctor, why not help him? If it could destroy the Daleks, why not help him?" He looked back to Fredrick who turned his head. "Because I don't necessarily trust him." "Then work with him and see how he plans to destroy the Daleks. Then make your decision." I said. The Doctor looked at me. He smiled as he saw my face. "Alright! Fredrick, show me this machine. The Daleks aren't going to wait much longer to attack once they know I'm here. Derpy, we need the TARDIS' power supply. Go to it and take it back here. We have to keep out of the Dalek control or they could destroy the Universe." "Right. I'm on it." I said. "What would you have us do, Doctor? While you're on your own nobel and saving quest, what should we do?" the Queen asked. "Get as many of the soldiers you know to be hesitant towards George and get them on your side. Send someone disguised as a family member to get them to come or whatever you need to do. You're going to need an army against George. Once war starts to break out, the civilians will fight for themselves. It'd be best to keep them out of your army or George will slaughter them easily. He might try to place the war on you and place the whole coup on you. So letting them fight on whoever's side they wish will keep George distracted." the Doctor explained. "And the Daleks?" Grell asked. "Fighting them is useless." he said. "Not once they enter the castle." Fredrick said. "I was able to build a machine out from my old spaceship that brings down a Dalek's shielding. Once they enter, they can be hindered by getting a solid kick onto the eye stalk. If you take that out, they can't target you and then you can start hammering at them repeatedly. It will take time, but as long as you take out that eye stalk when one enters, you should be able to take them down." "Brilliant!" the Doctor said with a smile. "Now let's go!" he said rushing out with him. I flew out of the room and into the clouds high above the planet's surface and well out of sight from the ponies on the ground. I flew hard to get to the TARDIS before the Daleks could. As I scanned the plains, I saw them. There were three Daleks moving straight toward the TARDIS. They were a good distance away, but if I didn't get there fast they'd have it. I shot down to the ground to gain speed. I almost lost control and started to pull out of the dive. It was all I needed. I zoomed past the Daleks and was only a few yards from the TARDIS. I landed rough and opened the door as a Dalek shot at me, barely missing me. I got in and closed the door, locking it behind me. I rushed up to the controls and up to the console. I could feel the TARDIS getting pushed around by the Dalek shots and quickly pulled down the lever. It began its usual low hum and sent us both straight to the Doctor. Of course, things never go that easily.
