The basic universal threat metre was applied to every star, every planet, and every habitation in space that served as home for some species or other. The metre went from 1 being the lowest to 10 being the highest. As a planet gained in weapons and off-world communication it was deemed a threat by the Shadow Proclamation, the organization that distantly monitored the progress of all planets, and the metre rose in increments. Earth stood at 8.3.

"Oh dear. That's not good at all" said the Doctor, tapping the scanner in agitation. "These readings...why they're practically off the scale."

Jamie leaned in for a closer look. He knew precious little of the TARDIS workings and even less so about what the Doctor was on about now. All he knew was that whatever boded ill for the Doctor was usually likewise for him. "So that's bad then? What's that for?" he poked a finger at the scanner results. A warning blared and he leapt back in surprise with an indignant Scottish insult when sparks flew from the scanner. "Doctor, your ship's acting funny again!"

"Well, how would you like to be constantly poked and prodded by a high-strung highlander? You humans- always have to touch everything!"

"I'm not high-strung," Jamie protested. "And how about how you're always messing about with no results? I don't think you know the first thing about flying the TARDIS." He folded his arms tight across his chest, sure that he'd won this verbal battle.

The Doctor made a face that was half frown half pout. Jamie thought he always made funny faces when he was angry. He tried in vain to hold back a snigger.

The Doctor noticed, shook his head in exasperation with a mutter against Scots who couldn't take anything seriously, and returned attention to the scanner. "I think you'd be a bit more concerned, seeing as that's your planet down there."

"Yeah, but what time?"

"That chrome over there," he said with a nod to the panel furthest from him. "You know which one."

Jamie complied, twisting the dial like a pro having done it at least a hundred times and rattled off the year. "3056, Doctor"

"Yes, yes, that's what I was afraid of" murmured the Time Lord to himself.

"What's so bad about this year? I think it sounds fine. Can't we go out for a look?" Jamie scampered to the door, like a child in the bliss of a holiday.

The Doctor sighed at the simple ignorance of his young companion. He was too young sometimes. "Jamie, I think you'd better listen to me first."

"Aw, but I wanna go out and see. Can't it wait?" He glanced from the door to the Doctor and back again, fidgeting impatiently. Adventure sparked in his eyes. Oh he'd become so used to this life of time travel, taking it all in with the wonder of a child. His simple mind was incapable of understanding and fully appreciating everything, but he did try. If ever he had to part with his dearly loved companion, the Doctor knew it would break his hearts.

"Doctor, aren't you gonna tell me?" Jamie could barely stand still.

The Doctor took one look at his companion and knew he couldn't burden him with the knowledge he held. "Never mind, Jamie, never mind" He nodded to the doors. "Go ahead and take a look."

"You're sure it's not important," hedged Jamie.

"It can wait."

Jamie grinned from ear to ear as he swung round to throw open the door,

"Be back here in three hours" the Doctor called after him.

"Wait. Aren't you coming?"

"Not this time. TARDIS maintenance" he said quickly.

Jamie shrugged. "Like that's more fun than exploring a new time. I'll tell you all about it when I come back."

The Doctor warily eyed the metre which had risen to 8.7. A blip appeared on the adjoining scanner, signaling a new alien ship had dropped into the atmosphere. With a few adjustments, he increased the focus of the scanners. His hearts fell when he recognized the ships as that belonging to the Shadow Proclamation.

They had come at last.

Not for nothing had he deliberately tried to avoid the galactic law enforcement. In another time, in his previous regeneration, he had seen them.

"No, I don't think you understand correctly, Doctor. When Earth or any habituated land space for that matter, be it moon or satellite, must be destroyed when it reaches 10 on the threat metre for the good of the galaxy," said the Shadow Architect firmly. "No exceptions"

"Isn't that a bit harsh? They're only human after all."

"I do hope you don't plan to go rogue on us. Haven't you enough rifts with your own people without causing trouble for yourself with us?"

The Doctor sniffed in indignation. "The High Gallifreyan Council was always a pig-headed lot and I don't care if you tell them so."

"Treason," whispered the Architect. "I do think you'll like our newest addition though. See here." She turned and smiled when an eight foot silver robot in humanoid form but devoid of all features save a visor entered.

"My word. What is that mound of metal?"

"Our finest achievement yet" said the Architect in a tone of wonder. "Gort is a new height in artificial life created for the sole purpose of galactic enforcement."

"So basically it does your dirty work for you."

Gort riveted on his metal heels to tower over the Doctor. Peace comes with an iron fist. Do you dare say otherwise?

"Ah, you make them telepathic now. I don't like it."

You are not required to "like" me. Nor am I required to "like" you. We are obviously on different sides. You will be the one to pay the price.

"I've seen all I wanted to see." Crossly, the Doctor rounded on the Architect. "I've seen plenty of terrible things in my lifetime, but I never thought it would be from the Shadow Agents that I meet the worst. You're a disgrace to your species!"

Your opinion cannot be allowed. This is the future. Accept it or die from it Gort stood proud on the spot; his featureless face troubling the Doctor. We will not stand for your arrogance

"As I will not stand for yours," retorted the Doctor. "There comes a time when your insatiable desire to create artificial life will come too far. One day it will be them controlling you. And you will wish to the heights of the cosmos that you listened to me when I'm the only one left in the galaxy with any determination not to be subdued by them." He stared hard at the Architect. "I guarantee it."

You know nothing.

"On the contrary. My natural intelligence" he tapped his head "is more than you'll ever have. You may be all forceful and shiny on the outside, but what's in the inside?"

Irrelevant. I contain all that is necessary to enforce justice. Earth and its worthless stunted beings will not be spared. You may try to stop them, but it will come.

"More soon than you think," said the Architect in agreement. "We estimate that Earth will be primed for destruction in 3056. If you're unfortunate enough to be there then, you'll die as well."

"We come to it at last." the Doctor considered, tapping one finger against his chin. He couldn't stay in here. That much was clear. Perhaps there was still a chance to save Earth, if he could make the Shadow Agents see reason. If he didn't, Jamie and all the rest of humanity would die.