The Brink of Existence

Chapter 8: Out of the Frying Pan...

"So what's the plan, Doc?" Jesse asked as he watched the monitor for any following drones. "We're going to re-activate the sphere and get out of here before the rift closes." The Doctor responded as he piloted the TARDIS through the tunnel. "What?! How's that going to solve the problem?" Jesse yelled. "It's a simulation. The environment isn't real. Once it's completely erased, the rift will close and those Vess will presumably retrieve the sphere. It should have a protective shield around it to prevent it from erasing itself." The Doctor explained. "But shouldn't we destroy it? Imagine if some really nasty people got a hold of a weapon like that!" "If I could, I would. But we run the risk of getting erased as well if we try to destroy it. Besides, our main priority is to close that rift before anything else seeps through. I'm sure the rift isn't just between our universe and this one. Imagine what could end up in our universe. There are some universes that hold the greatest of evil. Beings that are made of anti-time could break through and destroy our universe. All they would need is a single rift to slip through. The best I could do is warn the Time Lords of the weapon and have them investigate." The Doctor explained. "Whatever you say." Jesse grumbled. "We're back in the simulation." Bernice observed as the TARDIS flew out of the tunnel and back into the ruined city.

"It just occurred to me. What are we going to do about me? My memories. Where I'm from. I mean, we need to deal with the weapon first, but after that, what are we going to do?" Jesse faltered. "That locket of yours. Let me see that." The Doctor pointed at Jesse's locket. "My dad gave it to me. At least that's how I remember it. Here." Jesse handed the locket to the Doctor. "I like the Nebula on the front." The Doctor said. "Has it ever occurred to you to just open it up?" he said. "Well no." Jesse responded. "Here." The Doctor opened it up. Inside the locket was a picture of Jesse, a tall old man, a short old woman, and another boy. The Doctor flipped the picture over. There was an inscription on the back.

Jesse,

For your birthday.

Never stop gazing at the stars. There are so many places out there for you to explore. You and your brother were the greatest gifts we could ask for.

Love, Nana and Papa.

"Now look at me, Jesse." The Doctor placed his hands on Jesse's temples. "Contact!" he shouted. Jesse's head swam with so many new thoughts, he nearly passed out. "How are you doing that? It's like you're in my head!" Jesse's surroundings melted around him and he found himself in a void. The Doctor stood before him. "I'm looking through your mind. I'm trying to retrieve your lost memories. They're hidden in the back of your head, somewhere." "But the memory wipe!" You've been re-introduced to an aspect of your old memories. I can retrieve them for you." As the Doctor concentrated, Jesse began to see people, places, and events run through his head. He could see the tall old man from the picture carrying a young boy on his shoulders. "That's me!" Jesse shouted. He could see himself running around a lawn with another boy. "That's my brother! My real brother! Jason!" The old woman appeared in a memory. She was driving Jesse and Jason to school. "Nana!" Jesse saw himself at his graduation. More memories flew by him. His first kiss. His first time driving by himself. "But what about my parents?" "I'm afraid they're not there, yet, Jesse." The Doctor explained. "I've jump started your memories, though. They will slowly come back to you. But now, we have to focus on getting out of here."

Suddenly, Jesse was standing back in the TARDIS with The Doctor, Bernice, and Peter. "Here you go." The Doctor said as he put the picture back in the locket and handed it to Jesse. "Thank you! Thank you so much, Doc!" Jesse hugged the Doctor as he nearly cried. "I remember, now! That simulation was almost accurate to my memories. Like a loose adaptation of my life." "Precisely." The Doctor remarked. "They scanned your brain, took your memories, and based the simulation on some of your memories but also took into consideration how you viewed certain aspects of your life. Judging from the fact that you remember your brother, they probably used another prisoner to pose as your brother. The city was a mash up of the memories of all the prisoners. Your life in that simulation was almost a reflection of your real life. School, work, friends." "Doctor, can we use that sphere on them? The Vess?" Jesse asked. "They have to pay for what they did!" "Jesse, I will not allow you to stoop to their level. You're above it. Imagine the disruptions to time and space that erasing them would cause." "If I don't get them, karma will." Jesse muttered. He clenched his fists and his face turned bright red. "It's alright, Jesse. Settle down." Peter patted Jesse on the shoulder. "What matters is that you have your memories, now." "Don't worry, Jesse. The Time Lords will deal with them. Hopefully." The Doctor assured him. "I just love how you said hopefully with such assurance." Jesse sarcastically sighed. The Doctor ignored him while he piloted the TARDIS back to the radio tower. "Sorry." Jesse muttered. "I'm sure he understands. You've been through a lot." Peter assured him.