Havoc (audio story)

Havoc was the first audio story in Time War: Volume Two, the tenth series of Gallifrey.

Notably, it introduced the character of Mantus, who became a regular for the remainder of the anthology.

Publisher's summary
In the aftermath of Rassilon's return, Romana finds herself at the heart of the War Council's machinations, with the High Council, the CIA, and the Lord President's new security force all vying for control.

But then, a mysterious stranger arrives in the Capitol itself. And they bring a terrible warning from the future...

Plot
An Inquisition, led by Cardinal Mantus, is held for Romana and Prime Minister Livia says that, with the full context of her communications with the Dalek Emperor, Romana was acting in the best interests of Gallifrey. President Rassilon makes his judgement, acquitting Romana and reinstating her as Coordinator of the Celestial Intervention Agency, and declares that all planets that do not declare themselves as allies of Gallifrey will be considered enemies. He also announces that there will be a vote tomorrow on the creation of a new internal security agency.

Narvin is delighted at Romana's acquittal, but she is confused about why Livia spoke in her defence when it had to have been her and General Trave who doctored the recordings.

Trave asks Livia about why she exonerated Romana; she says that it was the decent thing to do and that Gallifrey needs a sense of continuity rather than more disruption. He is concerned about how they have not been completely honest with Rassilon, but Livia believes that the President has far more important things to deal with than "backroom skulduggery". Whilst he agrees with Rassilon's proposed internal security agency, Livia is unsure of her feelings towards it.

Commander Jevon is doing his patrol when a TARDIS materialises. He demands to know the pilot's identity and serial name but receives no response and requests backup from the Chancellery Guard. Eventually, somebody steps out and shoots him twice with a staser, killing him.

Romana is summoned by Narvin and Eris, who inform her of Jevon's death. She suggests that they quickly investigate before the War Council can involve themselves.

Rassilon speaks with Mantus about the murder and how it can work in their favour; in a state of crisis, unwritten rules can be ignored and the written rules can be redrafted.

Romana, Narvin and Eris are joined by Castellan Bavari. She tells them that the TARDIS seems to be from the future. and, when Eris says that the War Council need to be informed, Romana stops him and orders that the TARDIS be completely scanned.

Trave hears of the murder but tells Commander Aladra that it is the Agency's case and the War Council does not need to be briefed until after daybreak. He suggests that they use terms such as "tragic senseless death" and avoid saying "aggression" or "provocation" for now. They part ways and Trave enters his quarters where he finds Jevon's killer, who commands him to sit down.

Romana meets with Livia and debriefs her, agreeing to keep her updated. When asked, Livia says that she handed in the unedited recording as she had nothing to gain from Romana's execution or exile. Romana also asks for total jurisdiction over the murder investigation with no interference by the War Council, a request which Livia grants. After leaving, Romana bumps into Trave, who agrees that the murder comes under the Agency's remit and confirms that Eris was the one who told him about it. He asks to meet in private at some point as he has something for them to discuss.

Narvin enlists Bovari's help in examining the TARDIS, the navigation circuits of which have been deliberately destroyed. They detect anachron energy, indicating that the murderer has a paradox blocker or temporal nullifier and can be tracked. Narvin has Eris meet him at the former Matrix Building and determines that the murderer is in the building.

to be completed

Cast

 * Romana - Lalla Ward
 * Narvin - Seán Carlsen
 * Rassilon - Terrence Hardiman
 * Livia - Pippa Bennett-Warner
 * Mantus - Samuel Clemens
 * Trave - Paul Marc Davis
 * Aladra - Jessica Hayles
 * Bovari - Lucy Robinson
 * Eris - Samuel Gosrani
 * Cantico - Rebecca Root

Uncredited

 * Jevon - Scott Handcock
 * Trave - Silas Carson

Continuity

 * Romana mentions encountering Rassilon before. (AUDIO: Zagreus)