Mistaken Identity

The Never Ending Quest - Episode 17423

Several of the Champions have jumped to the conclusion that the dragon's mother is that version of the Master who was forcibly regenerated into a woman by The Rani, and who was jokingly known by some as "The Mistress", much to her annoyance. If they had had time to think about it, they would probably have realised that the dragon's mother was unlikely to be that Mistress, for several reasons.

TARDISs are intended for travelling in space and time, not between universes (unless given a helping hand by the Celestrials). It was not impossible for "The Mistress" to have travelled to this universe, but it would have been difficult and risky for her.

Secondly, as soon as the blood curse started to take hold, in a Gallifreyan it would be likely to trigger a protective regeneration which would nullify it. It was possible, though, that the forcible regeneration that the Master had undergone might have reduced or removed the potential for future regenerations.

Finally, the Master hated being called "The Mistress". Had she really been the dragon's mother it was unlikely that he would ever have heard her use the title.

But the Champions do not have the time to think about all this. They are dealing with what is obviously a very powerful dragon, judging by his ability to project his voice out of thin air, not to mention reducing Belboz to effectively his puppet. Feeling that the dragon's question, about how they had known the name of his mother, ought to be answered, Jarlath says: "A lucky guess." He feels it is better to try to keep their opponent slightly off balance, rather than to give an informative answer (which in the event would have told the dragon that it was nothing more than a coincidence).

"No matter," the dragon says, apparently regaining his equilibrium. "I hope you find your time in my caves an interesting experience. We may eventually meet face to face, unless you see sense and withdraw. If not, then you had better keep your wits about you, if you want to live long enough to meet me."

The dragon seems to be implying that he has traps in place, though it is possible that he is merely trying a little psychological warfare. The party is not deterred by this, of course. With the exception of Belinda, they are all Champions who have successfully faced many perils. And Belinda herself has her fair share of the Thessamar family's courage.

So they continue, though of course taking care as they go to check their path for traps. Jarlath and Andrea have cast spells to try to prevent the dragon spying on them any further. They hear no more from him, but cannot be sure whether the spells were successful or whether he still has them under observation.

Before too long, they come to the spot where in a number of analogue realities various Freds had found chained Astras. (Though they had not found a Velus on the way.) And there, as they (except for Belinda) had rather expected, they find a beautiful naked girl fettered to the rock wall.

  1. But they get a surprise. The girl is obviously not an Astra!

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JH

10/13/2001 8:57:54 AM

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