**POV - NARRATOR**
Inside the Silurian base, in the lab where Graiger and ■■■■■ were working, a bright light appears, and several people emerge from it.
"You know, this is why I don't like using experimental devices. That relocation tool almost fried my brain," ■■■■■ complains loudly, holding their head as they appear.
"Yeah, I'm not too eager to use it again either," Graiger agrees, equally uncomfortable.
"At least we're safe. Who would have thought you could surprise me yet again," Lastra says, placing her hands on her trembling leg. "Are you alright, soldiers? Gristrax?" Lastra asks the five soldiers and Gristrax, who were teleported with us.
"Yes, ma'am," they all respond.
"We lost half of our forces to that miserable trap," Lastra recalls, thinking of the five who died in the Cybermen attack.
"Yes, but we have to make their sacrifice count," ■■■■■ says.
"We need to figure out where we are, regroup with the other Silurians, and warn them about the possible betrayal," Lastra says decisively.
**--------------- POV SHIFT -----------**
**POV - ■■■■■**
"Look around, we're in the lab," I tell Lastra, pointing.
"Yes, my calculations were correct. The relocation was programmed for a possibly safe location, and the only idea I had during that tense moment was here," Graiger says proudly.
"Who would have thought you could surprise me even more," Lastra remarks.
"I do my best," I say with a smile, and Lastra rolls her eyes.
"We need to return as quickly as possible," Lastra says urgently. "We can't afford to waste any more time. The high command needs to know what happened."
Graiger adjusts the improvised weapon he's still holding and says to Lastra, "I agree, but there's someone sabotaging us. Other Silurians are probably in danger now. If they sabotaged our invasion, they've likely organized an attack on the Silurian base."
Lastra looks at Graiger, considering what he just said. "What's your suggestion? We're only nine now, without enough weapons to fight them, and our elite squad, which was responsible for the distraction, has probably already returned to the base."
I look at the team, noticing how alert everyone is. Even though I try to keep things light, the tension is obvious. "Lastra, we're going to need more than just weapons to deal with these new Cybermen, and maybe the traitors as well," I say.
Lastra frowns. "What do you have in mind?"
"I've got an idea, but it could be really dangerous," I say hesitantly. 'Building a bomb could work, but it will need to be extremely powerful to destroy an entire block, including the Cybermen control center,' I think.
"What is it? Tell us, we don't have much time. Anything could help," Lastra insists.
I glance at Graiger, and he seems to be thinking the same thing. "Ross and I can make an extremely powerful explosive, but someone will have to place it right in the middle of their base."
Lastra looks at us, shocked. "But didn't we just invade their central command and fail? How will this work?"
"We failed because someone sabotaged us. Now we can make a quick bomb using the lab materials and drop it on their control center without the traitors knowing," I say with a smile. "But first, we need to find out where their new command center is. It shouldn't be far from the one we invaded."
Before she can respond, we start hearing laser blasts, and Lastra receives a transmission.
"What's happening outside? The ground is shaking," Graiger exclaims, surprised as the room begins to tremble.
"Lady Lastra, can you hear me? Lady Lastra, can you hear me?" The communicator crackles, the voice tense.
"I hear you, soldier. Speak," Lastra responds quickly.
"The Cybermen are invading our bases, ma'am. Commander Teliquiano has betrayed us and is helping the Cybermen. We won't be able to hold them off," the soldier speaks, breathing heavily.
"Is anyone from the high council with you? The Time Lords said they have an idea that could help us," Lastra says urgently.
"We're here, Lastra, all five of us. We heard about the operation's failure. Teliquiano is trying to break through with the Cybermen. Our forces are holding, but not for much longer. The other tribes won't reach us in time. What's this idea the Time Lords suggest?" A deep-voiced man responds.
"Commander Kistra, yes, we failed," Lastra says, barely containing her anger. "The ex-commander probably informed the Cybermen about the device, and they've set up some defense. But now we have hope. They say they have something that could help us," Lastra explains quickly.
"Tell them, Braz and Ross," Lastra approaches with the communicator.
"What do you suggest, Time Lords?" the commander asks, his voice neutral.
"We have a plan," Graiger says.
"A pretty bad plan, but still a plan," I add. "We could create an explosive that would destroy their central command, but it could affect your soldiers if they don't retreat at the right moment. We just need to know where their new base is."
"How long until the bomb is ready? We don't have much time before they break through our forces," the commander asks.
"Two hours, four at most," Graiger responds.
Lastra steps away to confer with the five Silurian commanders. After five minutes, she returns with a determined look on her face.
"Do it, Ross and Braz. Build the bomb. All squads have volunteered to find their new command center," Lastra says.
Graiger and I nod, beginning to work on a bomb that will destroy an entire block in the explosion.
Lastra encourages us. "The hope of my race rests with you, because if we fall, it won't be long before they come after the other Silurian tribes."
'They are so divided. But that was expected, given how Doctor Who treated relationships with other races like the Sea Devils as a serious crime,' I think, nodding to Lastra. "Gristrax, bring that metal," I say to the scientist.
He nods, and Graiger joins me at the table to begin developing the bomb. 'It won't be difficult to create something with enough destructive power. It won't be as strong as an atomic bomb, but it'll be enough to destroy their command center.'
"I've been assigned to protect you until the bomb is ready. Others will join to assist with the invasion. This time, we must succeed," Lastra says with determination.
I nod, and we begin constructing the bomb.
=================
**Author's Note:** I'm finding it really difficult to write this arc's ending. I want to go back to Gallifrey and get the TARDIS, LOL. With it, I'd definitely have an easier time addressing certain things I wanted to explore.
**Author's Note:** I won't be writing adventures outside Gallifrey until I get the TARDIS. It's really hard to balance and approach themes like the technologies that Traveler and Graiger develop. It's starting to feel forced where I'm getting these ideas from.