The Master and one of the Earth guards escorted Beatrice and Miss Grant to his stolen spaceship. Once they were on board he took them to one of the holding areas. The room had a large cage in the centre with bunks on either end. The Master gestured for Miss Grant to enter but held out his arm to stop Beatrice going inside. The guard locked the cage and then left.

"I wish to have a word with you," He said turning to her. Of course, he had no intention of actually putting her in there. But one did have to keep up appearances.

"No! Beatrice! What are you going to do to her?" demanded Miss Grant.

"As I said I have something I wish to discuss with her," said the Master shortly.

"It's fine Jo. I can handle one crazy renegade timelord," said Beatrice stepping closer to the cage and taking Miss Grant's hand.

"Can you, my dear?" asked the Master.

"Yes I can," replied Beatrice before turning back to Miss Grant. "It'll be fine I promise."

"I assure you, Miss Grant, no harm will come to your friend. It would be counterproductive to get rid of one of the Doctor's assistant's before he's even arrived. Miss Grant still looked anxious but the Master didn't give her time to continue arguing and instead placed his hand on Beatrice's arm and guided her from the room and to the flight deck.

There were two seats in front of the control panel and he gestured for Beatrice to take one of them while he sat down in the other.

"I'd advise you sit down while we take off," he told her and she did so.

"I think you scared poor Jo a bit more than you needed to. She's probably terrified that you're going to do something awful to me," she said in a playfully scolding tone.

"I do have a reputation to maintain, my dear," he replied as he shot her a small smile. She gave an exasperated sigh.

"I suppose so," the ship vibrated slightly as it took off. The Master set the coordinates for the autopilot and swivelled his chair to face Beatrice who stood up and walked over to him before sitting sideways in his lap wrapping he right arm around his neck. He moved his left hand to rest on her waist.

"Thank you for getting us out of there. If I had been forced to go through one more pointless interrogation I was going to tell that General Williams exactly where he could shove his false confession!" the Master chuckled and entwining the fingers of his right hand with those of her left.

"Your welcome my dear. I couldn't very well leave you. Not to mention this fits in with my plans rather well."

"Oh, and what exactly is your plan beyond just causing a war between two extremely temperamental empires?" she asked with a small smirk. The Master rolled his eyes, he was aware that she knew full well he wouldn't risk his plan by telling her the exact details.

"I think you already have a general idea," he said vaguely.

"Ah well, had to try," she said with mock disappointment.

"What I'm wondering is why you were travelling with the Doctor." Beatrice's involvement had been what surprised him most. The idea of Beatrice travelling with anyone else, especially the Doctor annoyed him slightly.

"Jealous? she asked arching an eyebrow. The Master scoffed at the ridiculous notion.

"Hardly my dear. Merely curious."

"The Doctor turned up with his TARDIS at UNIT, he then promptly wanted to leave as soon as the Brigadier sent for him. Jo used puppy dog eyes and convinced me to come along. It was mere chance we ended up on the cargo ship. The Doctor nearly had a traffic accident in space and had to do some emergency course-corrections."

"I see. How very typical of the Doctor. There is a reason he never passed his TARDIS flying test." Beatrice laughed.

"Do you mean he's basically the equivalent of a teenager taking their parent's car out for a drive without getting a license? No wonder he can't fly it properly"

"Quite. That TARDIS of his is actually stolen." the Master informed her with a smirk. Her analogy was both amusing and rather accurate. There was a pinging sound and the Master glanced at the monitor. "Ah, we've arrived at the Doctor's current place of imprisonment."

With a somewhat reluctant look, Beatrice slid off his lap so he could stand.

"I suppose you should go get him then. Who knows what trouble he might be getting up to."

"Very true my dear," he replied before leaning down and giving her a brief kiss. She was smiling when he pulled away. "I will return soon."

/

The Master made his way down the corridor of the prison on his way to the office of the prison governor. Suddenly from one of the airlock doors he heard banging and faint shouting. One of the voices undoubtedly belonged to the Doctor.

He walked over to the door to see that the nob controlling the oxygen inside hand been turned to nearly zero. He quickly switched it back to normal and opened the door. Inside were the Doctor and an old man.

"I do hope you're alright Doctor," said the Master smugly. It was almost comical how quickly the Doctor's face went from relief and gratitude to dismay and annoyance.

"You. I might have guessed."

"I'd hate for you to come to any harm you know." replied the Master. There were footsteps and several guards appeared.

"I believe we should take these two prisoners to the governor. One of them is extremely significant." The Master told the guards who handcuffed both the Doctor and the old man.

The Master only hoped the Doctor's escape attempt wouldn't cause to much trouble when it came to attempting to attain custody of the Doctor.

/

"It was a deliberate attempt at cold-blooded murder, Governor. And I demand an enquiry!" The Doctor demanded. The Master stood in a corner watching the proceedings with mild amusement as the Doctor and the old man attempted to convince the Governor that the guard Cross had offered to help them escape and then attempted to kill them.

"Is there any truth in this?" the Governor asked the guard.

"No, sir. They stole the suits. Must have messed it up and taken ones with empty cylinders."

"And I take it we that also locked ourselves in the airlock from the outside and switched off the air supply, mm?" scoffed the Doctor. At this, the Master could not help but chime in.

"He does have a point there, you know, Governor? Had it not been for my time..." the Governor interrupted him and turned to the Doctor and the old man.

"You are both guilty of attempting to escape. You'll both be placed in solitary confinement for the next year." At this the Master quickly interceeded. He needed custody of the Doctor for his plans.

"Er, just a moment, Governor, do what you will with the old man but that one..." he motioned with his paper towards the Doctor, "comes with me." The Governor was busy signing a report.

"Mmm, out of the question, I'm afraid. He's committed an internal offence and is subject to prison discipline. Take 'em away." The guards let the Doctor and the old man away and Cross also took his leave.

"You know, I do wish that you'd reconsider, Governor. Obtaining custody of that prisoner is very important to me. And I do have a warrant." The Master held up the warrant papers.

"Well, it's out of the question, I'm afraid. You see, he's under punishment. When he's completed his solitary confinement, I'll, er, reconsider."

"I see," said the Master. He began to pace the office. If he couldn't simply convince the Governor based on the warrants perhaps a different tactic was necessary. Fortunately, the Master had a good idea of who was actually responsible for the incident. "You know, I have a theory about this incident."

"It's no concern of yours," said the Governor dismissively. The Master ignored this comment.

"I think that those two prisoners were telling the truth. I think that your trusty, Cross, was helping them."

"Why should he do that?" asked the Governor playing innocent.

"On your instructions." The Governor looked furious.

"That is an outrageous suggest..." The Master interrupted him.

"Oh come, Governor! You rid yourself of a politically dangerous prisoner, and foster the legend that escape is impossible in one go. I must congratulate you. Suppose I were to support the Doctor's demand for an official enquiry? Some very awkward questions could be asked?" The Governor looked slightly agitated. The Master knew for certain he was correct.

"I have nothing to fear," the Governor insisted. The Master raised an eyebrow.

"Haven't you? Oh come, Governor. Hand the Doctor over to me...and I promise you he'll be no further trouble to you." The Governor leaned back in his chair.

"Well, I've no wish to be uncooperative. What would you do with him?"

"Oh, take him back to Sirius 4 and see that he stands trial." He sighed dramatically. You wouldn't believe the list of crimes he's committed." said the Master casually.

"Very well, you can take him."

"Thank you for your cooperation Governor," the Master said with a bow.

/

The Governor showed the Master to the solitary confinement cell where the Doctor was being held.

"I'm releasing you into the custody of this commissioner. He will fly you back to Sirius 4 to stand trial.

"And may I ask what I'm supposed to have done there?" The Master smirked and cleared his throat opening the papers.

"Defrauding the Sirius 4 Dominion Bank, evasion of planetary income tax, assault and battery committed upon the person of a Sirius 4 police official, taking a spaceship without authority and piloting the said spaceship without payment of tax and insurance. Landing the said spaceship on an unauthorised area of Sirius 3. Need I go on?"

"I seem to be quite the master criminal, don't I?" said the Doctor scornfully turning to the Governor. "You don't mean to say that you really believe all this nonsense, do you, Governor? Whatever credentials he's shown you are forged." The Master chuckled knowing the Doctor's attempts to convince the Governor were pointless.

"Oh come, Doctor, you know the game's up. Why not admit defeat?" he turned to address the Governor. "You know, this man always works with an accomplice - a girl. Two in this case." This got the Doctor's attention and the Master smirked. "I've got them both under lock and key in my ship." The Doctor's eyes widened as he realized the implied threat. "Well, Doctor, are you coming quietly?"

"Very well," said the Doctor with a sigh.

/

The Doctor was given time to change from his prison close back into his ridiculous dandy outfit complete with the velvet jacket and ruffles. The Master then marched him at gunpoint back to his ship. As they walked down the hallway. The Doctor spoke.

"I suppose I should thank you for getting me out of there although I don't doubt that you have something equally nasty planned."

"You'll see Doctor. You partially have Beatrice to thank. Although I'd prefer it if you could not get my companion into dangerous situations."

"Like she doesn't get into danger with you," scoffed the doctor.

"Yes, but normally I'm with her and can mitigate some of the danger," snapped the Master.

"Fair enough. How are things between you two?" asked the Doctor in a casual tone.

"Perfectly, fine. Not that it's any of your business. And for future reference, I would appreciate if you could keep your mouth shut when it comes to my past personal life. I didn't appreciate you mentioning Ailla to Beatrice." "Sorry old chap. It must have slipped out. You told her about Ailla?" "Yes. Although while I didn't particularly like having that incident brought up, I must admit Beatrice's reaction and indignation were rather amusing," the Master smiled fondly at the memory.

"Remarkable woman," said the Doctor.

"You have no idea," replied the Master softly. He paused, "I tried to send her away." "What?" asked the Doctor in surprise stopping short. The Master also stopped. "There was an incident. The details aren't important. But they opened my eyes to how much danger her association with me places her in. For her own safety, I tried to send her away. But she wouldn't go." "She's stubborn. Like you," said the doctor with a wry smile. The Master shot him a glare though it held less malice than usual. Moment's like this vaguely reminded him of their time together back at the Academy. Back when things were different. Not that he missed those days. That would be ridiculous. "Perhaps," the Master conceded, "I do sometimes wonder at how she can care for me as she does. How she can wish to stay despite knowing who I am and the dangers associated with me."

"I was wrong." The Doctor said quietly. "I compared your relationship with Beatrice to the one you had with Ailla before she betrayed you. But Beatrice means so much more to you than Ailla ever did."

"Indeed," replied the Master shortly. "I suppose I ought to thank you for not exposing myself and Beatrice. Although I suspect it was more for her sake than mine." They stopped outside the door to the holding cell. The Doctor sighed. "You're wrong. It wasn't just for her. Despite all you have done I still fondly recall a time when we were close friends. And it is for the person I remember you once being that I stay silent. The person that I see glimpses of when she is around you. This the first time in centuries that I have seen you truly happy and almost content purely because of an emotional connection you share with someone. And I wouldn't ruin that for anything."

The Master took in the Doctor's words. He studied the genuine look of compassion on the face of his best enemy. Wanting to loath it but finding himself unable to. Though he wouldn't admit it aloud. He still remembered their childhood with some fondness. Why else had he so often offered the doctor the chance to rule with him? Not that he could let the doctor know. The Master sighed.

"Don't get sentimental on me Doctor," the Doctor chuckled.

"I wouldn't dream of it." He paused. "That woman loves you. Don't forget it." The Master didn't reply but instead opened the door.

"Hello, Jo," the Doctor said cheerfully as they entered

"Doctor!" she said as the Master unlocked the cage and gestured for the Doctor to enter it. He locked it behind the Doctor.

"Well, Doctor, this is an interesting reversal. I remember you once visiting me when I was in prison."

"You know, I'd very much like to know why I'm still alive?"

"Oh, your health is very precious to me - for the moment. You see, my...my employers are most interested in you," the Master replied.

"The Ogrons?" asked Miss Grant. The Master scoffed slightly insulted.

"Miss Grant, please! I employ them."

"Yes, well whatever it is you're up to, you needn't expect any help from me," said the Doctor defiantly.

"I don't need any help. Your simple presence will be quite enough. Oh, by the way, I need hardly warn you there is no point in trying to escape. This is an interplanetary police spaceship, specially built for carrying prisoners - as you can see."

"Er, stolen, of course?" asked the Doctor.

"Oh, of course," said the Master. "Oh, and another thing..." he pointed to a camera attached to the ceiling. "There's a closed-circuit television camera trained on you from up there, so you will be under continuous observation. I think that's all. Well now, if you'll excuse me, I have some rather complicated astronavigation calculations to work out."

"May I ask where we're going?" asked the Doctor as the Master turned to leave.

"Certainly - to the home of our friends, the Ogrons. A barren and uninteresting planet on the remote fringes of the galaxy." The Master continued to make his way towards the door.

"Why are you taking us there and what have you done with Beatrice?" asked Miss Grant. The Master didn't bother looking back as he said.

"That, Miss Grant, you will discover when you arrive. As for Beatrice, I assure you she is quite safe." With that, the Master left and made his way to the flight deck.

/

Beatrice was sitting calmly in one of the pilot's chairs and was reading the copy of War of the Worlds that he had left on the control panel. The door to the flight deck opened and the Master entered. She smiled at him.

"Everything go as planned?" she asked as he set the controls to take off.

"Not quite, the Doctor made an escape attempt that almost got him and another prisoner killed. The Governor required some...persuading to release him." Beatrice raised an eyebrow at the Master's wording.

"Hypnosis or blackmail?" she asked. Those were two of the Master's main tactics when it came to convincing people.

"The latter," replied the Master as he removed the rather ridiculous silver outer coat with a high collar similar to General William's outfit, and replaced it with his usual black jacket.

"How did I guess?" she said as she stood and walked over to him her back to the control panel.

"I assume from general experience. You do have a habit of getting entangled in my plans" said the Master.

"I don't hear you complaining," she replied cheekily as he tilted her chin up slightly so he could kiss her. She happily returned the kiss. The kiss was interrupted by a beeping sound. Beatrice had leaned against one of the buttons on the control panel and now the Doctor and Jo's voices could be heard on the monitor.

"I'm very worried about Beatrice. He took her away and I haven't seen her since. I'm not sure i trust his word that she is safe," said Jo. Beatrice and the Master turned to look at the monitor which showed Jo and the Doctor inside the large cage.

"Oh I somehow doubt that she's suffering too much," said the Doctor casually. The Master made to turn the sound off but Beatrice stopped him.

"I want to hear this," she said. Something told her Jo might have caught on to them but she wanted to be sure. The Master complied and instead wrapped his arms around her from behind as they listened in on Jo and the Doctor.

"It's strange you know? She wasn't worried at all when he asked to see her. Come to think of it she almost looked happy when he came to take us from the earth prison. You don't think there's something going on between them? I mean I'm just imagining things right?" The Doctor raised one of his bushy white eyebrows.

"Not quite Jo."

"You mean the two of them are together?" Jo's eyes widened. "You don't think he's controlling her by hypnosis or threat's do you!?"

"I see Miss Grant has a very high opinion of me," said the Master sarcastically in Beatrice's ear.

"You did lock her up," pointed out Beatrice

"No Jo, he isn't. The Master has a strange code of honour. Believe it or not, I think he genuinely cares for Beatrice. Besides, she's immune to his hypnosis. No, both of them are fully aware of what they're doing."

"How long have you known?" asked Jo. "It seems almost inconceivable that the Master could care about someone other than himself. Let alone someone care for him."

"Oh, I've known for a while, they've been careful, but the signs are all there. She isn't letting their relationship influence her work at UNIT so I see no need to interfere. They're both adults and at perfect liberty to make their own choices. It's nice to see the Master happy for once." Beatrice smiled slightly at that leaning into the Master's embrace. They were happy together even if it wasn't mean to last. Jo looked pensive.

"I suppose it does make some things make sense. She's never seemed afraid of him and all those times he captured her she escaped rather easily."

"As I said, I doubt she's suffering to harshly," said the Doctor casually.

"But why would she like him or him her? They're so different?" asked Jo.

"I think you'd have to ask them. Actually, no don't ask the Master. I think he's a little touchier about the subject than Beatrice."

"Yes, he'd probably openly deny it," said Jo laughing slightly. Beatrice turned the sound off and twisted to look at the Master.

"Well, that's one more in on the secret, though I trust she'll keep it."

"Let's hope so," replied the Master.

"I don't suppose we can blame her for being so surprised, I mean on the surface you and I are practically opposites you're an alien criminal, I'm an agent who stops alien criminals, it's only once you compare our general tastes and personalities that we match up."

"You have a point my dear. It's certainly a good thing you and I have a general habit of ignoring what should or shouldn't work," the Master told her.

"Indeed it is," replied Beatrice before kissing him again.

They pulled apart and the Master glanced over at the copy of War of the Worlds she had been looking at.

"Enjoying the story?" he asked.

"It's interesting. Although you do realize the irony behind you having that book right? Especially considering it's about alien invasions," she pointed out.

"There are some similarities," admitted the Master as he sat down.

"Yes, except you were defeated by your own plan backfiring as opposed to having a poor immune system." The Master looked slightly disgruntled at the reminder of his failed plans but she knew he wasn't actually angry. Beatrice took the book.

"Read to me for a while?" she asked. The Master gave her a fond smile as she sat in his lap again and rested her head on his should. He began to read to her in his deep hypnotic voice. Beatrice wasn't sure what the Master was planning, and she had every intention of doing what she could to thwart him. But for now, she was content to listen to him read as they flew through the stars.

/

The Master and Beatrice had been peacefully reading when the Master checked the monitor again and narrowed his eyes.

"The Doctor hasn't moved or spoken in a while," said the Master. Beatrice to the hint and got off his lap.

"Maybe he's just tired," she suggested. The Master gave her a scornful look, clearly not buying it. He moved to a locker and pulled out a blaster.

"Stay here," he said before leaving. Beatrice waited a moment before hurrying over to the door and opening it following the Master. As she neared the holding area she hurried she heard the Master say.

"Give me the blaster or I will press this button and it will be the end of Miss Grant."

"Don't you dare!" said Beatrice just as the Doctor handed the gun over to the Master.

Beatrice moved toward him but the Master pointed a gun at the Doctor.

"You won't kill me or him," said Beatrice.

"No my dear, I won't but I will shoot the Doctor. It doesn't have to be fatal." Beatrice paused. She wasn't stupid. She doubted he would kill her or the Doctor but the Master might shoot the Doctor. She was dealing with the darker side of her lover's nature and she wouldn't put it past him to follow through with the threat.

Before any of them could say anything there was a noise from the outer door of the airlock.

"Your Ogron friends?" asked the Doctor. The Master looked puzzled.

"No," they all took a step away from the airlock.

"Well, I should try and be a bit more hospitable, old chap. Come on, put that gun away. They've probably got us out-numbered." said the Doctor. The Master dropped the gun just before the door opened to reveal two armed Draconians.

"Welcome onboard my ship. To what do I owe the honour?" asked the Master diplomatically.

"Why have you violated the Draconian frontier?" asked the Draconian.

"Ah, yes, I'm most apologetic about that, but it was really beyond my control. You see, my prisoners were trying to escape and my...my ship was thrown off course."

"Prisoners?"

"Yes, I am the commissioner of Earth's interplanetary police. I'm taking these two people back to planet Sirius 4 for...for trial. Ah, here is my warrant of authority." The Master took a small wallet out of his breast pocket.

"Now don't believe this man - he's lying." The Draconian didn't appear appeased by the Master's credentials.

"I'm not concerned with disputes between Earthmen. Owing to the many insults and outrages committed against the empire of Draconia, a state of emergency exists and all diplomatic relations have been severed. You have violated Draconian space. The penalty is death." Beatrice's eyes widened. Talk about bad luck.

"I insist on speaking to a higher authority!" demanded the Master.

"You are in Draconian space. I am the authority here." said the Draconian captain.

"Don't say anything. Draconian's don't tend to appreciate female opinions." The Master said. Beatrice wasn't sure if he just wanted her to shut up but decided not to risk making the situation worse.

"Captain, you cannot condemn us without a trial. Now, I have vital information for your Emperor. At least give me the chance to speak to him?" suggested the Doctor. The Draconian seemed to consider this.

"We shall take them to Draconia. Put them in the cage." Beatrice was slightly relieved that someone seemed to at least be willing to give them a chance to eventually explain themselves even if it meant they were shoved in a cage. The Master protested.

"But you can't do that! I'm a commissioner of interplanetary police - this is my spaceship! I tell you - you cannot do that!"

"We're outnumbered I'd give in for now," Beatrice said telepathically as she, Jo, the Doctor, and the Master, were all thrown in the cage.

Author's Note: Well, this is a longer chapter than normal but I had a lot to add. Please like and COMMENT. I really want to hear what you think. I'll update soon but I tend to like to wait and see if I get any feedback. Either way, now school is out the updates will likely be coming quickly. Thanks for reading! Until next time Whovians!