Chapter 5

What Happened in Vegas

A red Ferrari 360 Modena sped along Bonanza Road. Its driver was merrily humming the tune of the Rogue Traders' Voodoo Child. In the back seat lay the recently deceased body of his fifteenth and latest victim that night, the previous owner of the car.

"Lovely song," the Master remarked, "too bad it hasn't been written yet."

Is this your plan, then, Jack said testily, stealing cars and killing random people around the city? What does that achieve?

"I'm beginning to get sick of you, Jack," the Master groaned. "The drumming I can stand, but a voice of conscience? Please, what a fun sponge!"

Then get out of my body! Jack demanded.

"I can't," the Master explained, "not yet anyway. I used up all my remaining energy for the meta-crisis. I have no physical existence beyond this body."

But why my body? asked Jack. From what I understand, Time Lords are kinda averse to me. The Doctor said he could barely look at me.

"Human bodies can't withstand a Time Lord mind," replied the Master, "they aren't sustainable. They die within days. But you, you're a fixed point in time and space. I can live in here indefinitely. Not that I'm planning to, 'cause you're wrong."

So you're gonna leave at some point, Jack's tone was hopeful. How would you manage that?

"That's easy," the Master sniggered. "After I've done this favour for a friend, all I'll need is a psychograft and the Doctor's body."

Don't you dare! Jack hissed, his voice echoing in the recesses of the Master's mind. If you try to harm him, I will kill you.

"Oh, how to shut him up!" exclaimed the Master. "I know. Memory lane! The Time Agency, remember them?"

What about them? Jack grumbled. I quit. Long time ago.

"Yes, yes, yes, but why," rushed the Master, "why did you quit?"

They stole two years of my memories, Jack grudgingly recalled, two years of my life.

"Well," the Master smiled, "you're about to get those two years back."

What do you mean? Jack asked, alarmed. How? Tell me what you mean!

"Ooh," the Master buzzed with excitement, "you're gonna love this!"

Answer me! Jack roared in his head, loud enough to drown out the sound of drums. What are you doing?

The Ferrari took a right turn and accelerated down North Street. The Master leisurely opened the glove box to retrieve a fully-loaded Glock 26.

"Captain Jack Harkness," he solemnly announced, "the year is 2001. The city is Las Vegas. Prepare to meet yourself!"