I do apologize for this miniscule chapter. Do know that the next chapter - the LAST official chapter - is very long indeed. So this story will reach "The End" by the end of this week! Whether this is happy or sad I have not yet decided. I have written an epilogue, though, so I'll be porting the REAL final part next week at (about) this time. Speaking of which, before anyone accuses me on posting on Thursday AGAIN, I'll have you know that it just turned midnight, Friday here in GMT-6. Thank you all again SO MUCH for reading! - When I'm done here I shall (God willing) post another shorter (4 chapters) Doctor/Rose fic. It is the most episode-like thing I've ever written and is, dare I say it, close-ish to a thriller. Or my version of close-ish. But it has not yet been dubbed with a proper title! - Anyway, Stay tuned!
A weak moan escaped the Doctor's lips as a hand came to rest on his shoulder. His weary mind rebelled against the touch. He did not want to wake up. He did not want to wake up ever again. Even if it was Tish and even if she had food, he would rather stay locked in this semi-unconscious state. Because at least then he could not feel the sorrow and he could not feel the pain. He could pretend that it was all a dream. But his dream was quickly crashing into reality as his senses re-awoke against his will.
He felt the hand shake him slightly and he groaned again, this time in pain. "Nnuuugg… Tiiish…" The Doctor moaned as he struggled to open his eyes and look up to the woman who had woken him. He tried to tell himself that she was only trying to help. But when his eyes finally saw the figure before him he took in a quick gasp of shock.
The Master stood in front of him, grasping him by the shoulders. He wore his night robe and slippers and his hair was a mess. His smile was wide and his eyes playful and manic. The Doctor looked up to him and swallowed hard.
"Guess what." The Master said with true excitement in his voice, his eyes growing even wider along with his grin.
The Doctor could not answer. He found himself practically holding his breath in the long moment as the Master let his command hang unanswered in the air. The Doctor had no idea what might have happened or what might come next, but whatever it was, it frightened him.
"We found her." The Master said eagerly. The Doctor's eyes widened in fear, and the Master laughed aloud. "We found your precious Martha Jones." He smiled. "Great timing too, she's the perfect addition to me little celebration in the morning." He added, as if planning a Christmas party or something of the sort.
"Leave her alone." The Doctor ground out through his teeth. The Master grabbed his chin and lifted his face up. Slumped in his bonds, the Doctor was suspended on his knees and had no strength to rise, nor to resist.
"Oh, don't you want to see her, Doctor?" The Master asked in mock-pity. "I'm sure she's dying to show you what she's found - scattered across the earth." He said smugly. The Doctor tried not to let confusion pass before his eyes. "That's right, I know about your little plot." The Master told him threateningly. This time real fear rose in the Doctor's hearts; if the Master knew about Martha's mission than all was lost.
"I know about your little gun." The Master gloated.
True confusion flashed for an instant before the Doctor's eyes, but his injured face displayed little emotion besides miserable defeat.
"I should have known Torchwood would have thought up something like that." The Master continued to scoff.
The Doctor's interest was piqued now, and he knew that he must play along with whatever plan had been put into place. He had to act like he knew what the Master was talking about, and above all he had to act like the Master had just un-done his ultimate plan and only hope.
"But it doesn't matter now, because soon both Martha and the gun will be mine." The Master boasted. "Two birds with one stone really: The Doctor's companion and the earth's only weapon against Time Lords" He smiled largely.
As his captor spoke realization dawned in the Doctor's mind. 'Oh Martha Jones you are Brilliant!' he thought. If he was any less injured he would have had to fight to keep from smiling. There was no way that Martha would be found at the exact right time and with a story like that other than if she had intended for it. And if she intended to re-join them aboard the Valiant, that could only mean one thing. She had done it. The message was out; the world knew.
"And you know what the best part is?" The Master continued, but the Doctor was paying him far less attention than he thought. "I won't even have to take her by force." He smiled down at his captive. "Martha Jones will come to me." He said. "Because her dear Doctor is defeated, but you've trained her so well… She won't let others die for her, no matter how many already have." He laughed lightly before quickly returning to his serious tone once more. "And you, Doctor?" He forced his captive's chin even higher up and summoned eye contact with the beaten man. He wanted to see every aspect and emotion of the Doctor's defeat. He wanted to watch the light drain slowly from his eyes. "Martha Jones will die for you." He said firmly.
Tense silence hung between them for a moment. The Master stood smiling still, looking through the Doctor's eyes and deep into his broken soul. At last he broke the silence, before turning away. "See you in the morning."