The therapist looked up from the novel he had been reading when the door creaked open. It was time for his four-thirty appointment.
"Good afternoon, officer Lee," he said, stretching out a hand.
"Yeah, hi Doc," Chang Lee said, shaking the hand.
"I wish you wouldn't call me that," the therapist said. "I'm not a physician."
"You know why I call you that," Lee replied.
The therapist nodded wearily. "Yes, yes, you've told me both tales of your meeting with this mysterious "Doctor", first at the turn of the millenium, then a year later, when he looked older."
"But he was younger," Lee insisted.
"Sit down," the therapist invited, ignoring Lee's protest. Lee did.
"So why have you come to see me today?" The therapist asked. "Have you seen him again?"
"No, but you still look like him," Lee muttered.
The therapist smiled charmingly, and indeed he did look like the Doctor in many ways. But the hair was blond, and the face was paler, and the voice much higher pitched. "My name is Girard Jussac," he said, "As I've told you before. But never mind that now. Why have you come to see me, then?"
"Because," Lee said, "I'm finally taking the Doctor's advice. Or thinking about it, anyway."
Girard frowned. "In what way?"
"I'm thinking of leaving the city."
Girard blinked, then chuckled. "Come come now," he chided. "Even if these -- tales -- you've told me are completely true ..."
"They are," Lee said.
"If they are," Girard repeated, "Then the danger you were to leave the city to avoid has passed. It would be safe to stay now."
"I'm not sure he meant just for that. I'm beginning to wonder if the police department is the right job for me."
Girard tapped his chin, thoughtfully. "You have been under a great deal of stress lately, even before you were shot."
Lee nodded. "They gave me medical leave, but I'm not sure it's enough."
"Perhaps it isn't," Girard agreed. "I'm sure that, with your meritorious record, the SFPD would be more than happy to give you a sabbatical of, shall we say, six months?"
"Maybe, but like I said, I'm not sure that's enough. I think I need a change of occupation."
Girard frowned. "How do you mean?"
"The stories I've told you about the Doctor are real, Professor Girard," said Lee, getting up slowly. "There are challenges out there. Real challenges, that cops can't handle. After I've had some time off, I should look into them."
"This isn't the X Files, young man," Girard chided him. "Even if you didnt fantasize your tales to me -- or at least exaggerate them a little," he added, raising a hand to stop Lee's objection, "Then just charging headlong into unknown danger isn't advisable."
Lee smiled thinly. "I know. That's why I need some time off to think about it first."
Girard drew in a breath, then seemed to come to a decision. "It's agreed, then. As the therapist most often contacted by the police department, I'm sure they'll accept my recommendation for your time off. Then, perhaps, we shall see. But I must ask you, come see me again before you go off chasing time machines."
Lee chuckled. "It's a deal."
They shook hands again, and Lee left. Girard sat back and thought for a moment, then he picked up his phone, and dialed a number.
"Yes, can I speak to General Kramer, please?"
There was a pause, then Girard smiled. "Ah, General. The subject you asked me to keep an eye on has come for another session. He's taken the recommended vacation. Yes, six months. Yes, I do think he'll be ready for recruitment into UNIT then; he's in the right frame of mind."
Girard paused, and listened to some response. "That's good then, General. One favor only I ask. Can we please do something about my similarity to this 'Doctor' of yours, at least in the looks department? I've had that Dr Holloway in here several times, and she still thinks I'm him."
Another response, and Girard twiched his lip in distaste. "No, plastic surgery really isn't my thing."
There was another reply, and Girard brightened. "Yes, perhaps the Doctor could provide a solution. After all I've heard, I'm very interested in meeting him."
Another pause. "Yes, well, I know you can't tie him to a schedule. Just give me a call when he's in town. Thank you General, and goodbye."
Girard hung up the phone and smiled to himself.