"Definitely not from this planet or time," the Doctor agreed with a nod. "The question is, when? Or what?"

The time interference was raw against the Doctor's mind, but he was far more adept at repressing such pains than Hiro. One day, the Doctor imagined his companion would probably become more powerful than the Doctor himself, his innate abilities and his human creativity working together.

But for now, the Doctor would protect him.

He pushed through the field, holding the device out to check the range on the signal. It fizzled and rippled with the changing timelines.