Chapter Text
The Citadel of the Time Lords gleamed beneath the filtered sky, tall and still, like it had always been there—and always would be. Inside its walls, tradition reigned and time obeyed.
Theta Sigma leaned back in his chair, eyes flicking across the ceiling of the lecture hall. Boredom weighed heavy on his shoulders. Koschei, beside him, was as composed as ever, his notes written in precise spirals of High Gallifreyan. If Theta had known they’d be discussing chrono-temporal resonance fields again, he might have skipped the session.
Borusa cleared his throat, voice echoing with its usual gravitas. “This term’s program will include something…unprecedented.”
That got Theta’s attention.
“The High Council has approved the first Interworld Immersion Initiative for Academy students. In small groups, you will be assigned to an inhabited, technologically developing world. You will integrate, observe, and—most importantly—learn.”
Koschei tensed. “Off-world?”
Borusa nodded solemnly. “You will not have TARDIS access. You will not reveal your origins. You will live among the locals, study their culture, and return only when the program ends. You will be monitored, but not protected. This is real.”
Theta’s heart raced. He’d never left Gallifrey. None of them had. The sky was still red and the grass silver. Always had been. But other skies… other stars…
Borusa’s next words shattered the classroom’s silence.
“Your destination is Earth.”