Prologue

The Prologue is the first-published story in the Divergence chronology. Written by series creator Brogan Young, it differs from the rest of the series as it features the original incarnation of the Doctor, Theta Sigma.

Synopsis
At a council meeting, Theta Sigma is furious with the Lord President of Gallifrey for refusing to revoke the planet's policy of non-interference. Theta continues to complain until ordered back to his seat, where his friend Koschei reminds him that he can't keep on rebelling forever.

When the Lady Chancellor announces a proposal to ban the teaching of non-Gallifreyan cultures, numerous members of the Deca voice their disapproval. The council is adjourned by the President, who proceeds to discuss the problem posed by the Deca with his inner council. The Coordinator of the Celestial Investigation Agency proposes the Deca's members be brought to question on false charges of treason and conspiracy. This is supported by the Lady Chancellor, who cites the case of Morbius as her justification.

Meanwhile, the Deca - having retired to Koschei's villa - decide to leave Gallifrey at the next opportunity. They decide to use Drax's TARDIS for their escape. Jelpax demonstrates several outdated stasers, horrifying Theta.

This horror is compounded when the Chancellory Guard arrives with orders to arrest the Deca's members. Jelpax is taken out by one of the guards, whilst Magnus and Mortimus offer covering fire as the rest attempt to flee. Koschei helps Theta out, but runs ahead, leaving Theta alone to be caught and sent to a prison cell.

He is freed from his cell by his brother, the Lord Burner Irving Braxiatel, who informs him of the losses the Deca felt. Braxiatel tells Theta they are going to steal a TARDIS, and takes him to a repair shop. Theta takes a shine to an old Type 40 TARDIS, which he claims as his own. Braxiatel reveals that Theta's been exiled by the Lord President, and stasers his brother to induce a regeneration.

The TARDIS departs Gallifrey, a regenerating Theta on board.