A good point about Romana was brought up. I hadn't quite forgotten her, but she is blatantly missing. Perhaps left out of the decision because they knew she'd object? Or still in E-space?

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Part IV: The Beginning

He shifted, the handcuffs clinking loudly.

"And just what will you give me in exchange for fighting?"

Several of the council members looked askance at each other, then she said, "A new set of regenerations, for starters."

His eyebrows rose. "Quite generous."

She huffed. "The body you currently possess was human. Your possession rendered it dying; we changed it to more suit Time Lord biology."

He clicked his tongue. "Impressive." He craned his neck. "And where, pray tell, is the Lord President? Don't tell me you actually think the Doctor will show his face. Any of them."

"The Doctor was recalled to Gallifrey some time ago," she said. "He formerly renounced his Presidentship upon arrival. Currently, he is leading a team on Arcadia, a dozen of our best Time Lords."

Now that was a surprise, he thought.

"It is thought that Davros himself is there. The Doctor believes that if he can find Davros, and take him as a prisoner, that the Daleks will be willing to negotiate for his return."

"What's Arcadia in the grand scheme of things?"

"Arcadia was colonized by humans in the 25th century. If the Daleks are able to conquer this world, that settlement might never come to pass."

"Humans. Always his favorite species."

She inclined her head. "Perhaps, but if Arcadia falls, it will cause the tide to turn in their favor."

"So, what, you expect me to go help him?"

"No, we expect you to lead an army against the Dalek Emperor on the Cruciform. If we can take both Davros and the Emperor out, we may be able to win."

He frowned, pondering his next move.

"Your talent for destruction would be useful should the Dalek Emperor gain full control. They are presently travelling to the Cruciform. We could meet them in three days' time."

"Why not simply send an army there before they get there?"

Another Time Lord spoke. "We tried that, but it seems that it is Fixed that the two armies will collide then and there."

"Convenient."

"So, make your choice," she said. "Refuse, and you are executed. Accept, and you will live."

He grinned. "Well, isn't the choice obvious?"

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