In a grandiose bedroom attached to his office, Henry Van Statten was hastily packing. Though he still blamed the Doctor for ruining him, Henry could not deny that in the incident with the Dalek, the man, along with Rose, had also saved his life. The Doctor may have taken his collection away from him and made him feel less then the genius he was but not once had he lied to him during that encounter. Through the thick walls of his bedroom he could still hear the tortured cries of his enemy as the strange box continued to do what it was designed for. The noise shouldn't have unsettled him but to his surprise it did, and far more than it should have.
The Doctor's words about the Master rattled inside Henry's mind. Being the smart man that he was, Henry knew he'd been played. Though he had grown fond of Diana, he realised that she was completely in the thrall of the Master. Again the Doctor had been right when he'd said that she would no longer ally herself with him when the power lay elsewhere. As another scream sounded from the other room, Henry winced. There was nothing he could do to help the Doctor except to send the nanite release codes through to his agent to set Rose free. She had proved herself a resourceful woman in the past. He was certain she'd be able to help the Doctor. As to the box, well he'd take that with him rather than let the Master get his hands on it. The promised regeneration had sounded so tempting but Henry decided he wanted nothing more to do with it. It was better to have one free life then live an extended existence as the Master's plaything, knowing that he would certainly be killed when the Master eventually grew bored with him. He shivered at the thought and resumed his packing. It was definitely time to leave.
**1234567890**
The Doctor had long since lost any traces of conscious thought as the regeneration energy continued to flow from him into the box beneath his hands. With the last of his reason he forced his mind to shut down, effectively placing himself into a self induced trance, hoping that someone would bring him out of it when this ordeal by fire was over.
**1234567890**
"Doctor!"
A voice sounded in the blackness surrounding him. Although it was soft he resented the intrusion into the safe cocoon he had made for himself. Why could he not have a moment's rest? Perhaps it was all a dream and if he just ignored the voice it would go away. It was the sensation of something warm being thrown around his shoulders and a less than gentle shake that finally made him realise that he had not been dreaming. He opened his eyes and took in the fuzzy vision of a woman standing over him.
"Doctor, it's Darcia. I've been trying to wake you for ages. Are you all right?"
"Darcia?" questioned the Doctor as he struggled to regain full consciousness.
"Yes! You need to wake up now. Rose needs you and the Shadow Proclamation is coming just as you ordered."
It was the mention of his hearts desire that released the flood of suppressed memory. His head throbbed painfully as he remembered the day's events - losing Rose, finding Henry and the subsequent price he'd paid to get his girl back. The furrow in his brow deepened as he remembered the agony he had endured. Something had gone seriously wrong with the collection of his future regeneration. There would be no other explanation for why he was feeling so weak or the amount of pain he had suffered.
"Doctor, please?"
The sound of his name penetrated his thoughts and he forced himself to rise unsteadily from the chair where he'd slumped. "How is Rose?" he asked wearily.
"Feisty," Darcia said with a smile. "She's still down in the hotel room with Griff. Henry sent him the release codes so he's starting the process to destroy those things inside her. Not that Rose wanted to wait. It was all I could do to convince her to stay a little longer. I think she was ready to fight both Griff and me to get to you."
Despite his exhaustion the Doctor managed a tiny smile. "That's my girl," he muttered, pride swelling his hearts at the knowledge that Rose was still fighting. He could only imagine what she would be like once she found out about Henry, if she hadn't already. Thinking about his enemy made him realise that Van Statten was no longer in the room. Despair rose in him as he briefly wondered if Henry and the box containing his regenerations were already out of reach. One quick glance at the desk allayed that fear. The Gallifreyan item which had been the source of so much recent pain was still there. Now if only he could work out a way to unlock the box and reverse the damage done to him.
"Doctor?"
"Darcia, go back to Rose and do what you can to help Griff deactivate the nanites. I need to find Henry. I have to give him one last chance to turn himself in." He looked at her expectantly but of course she had to argue.
"You're still too ill," chided Darcia gently. "Look at you. You can barely stand. I can't leave you here alone."
"No! I want you with Rose," he responded firmly, though his whole body trembled with the effort of staying upright. "Besides, you'll be safer down there. The Shadow Proclamation is not to be trifled with." With shaking hands he reached into his coat pocket and withdrew the psychic paper. "Here, take this. The Shadow Proclamation gets the job done but they aren't overly bright. You've already got your camera and your own reporter identification but if you need to, just show them this. The paper's psychic so you can make them see what you want them to. In this case think about Rose and Griff as reporters too and the paper will show their credentials. Most importantly, just do as they say. You've been fantastic but please just listen to me a while longer. They'll be after Henry so if you don't try anything stupid, you'll be okay." He paused for a moment to sigh loudly. "The hardest part will be getting Rose to agree but you have to persuade her to wait a bit longer. I suspect that the full deactivation of the nanites might take a good while anyway so that should buy you some time."
Darcia fought down her instinct to argue further. "Alright but I can tell you now, Rose won't like it."
The Doctor smiled tiredly once more. "She'll fuss and moan about it, I've no doubt. But I'll be here when you all come back once it's over."
"You think you'll find Henry before he leaves? What if he's already gone?"
"I'll find him," he replied. "Or he'll come to me. Being who he is he'll want to see if I'm conscious again and have the last word. After having a hand in the demise of his little empire last time we met he won't be able to leave without bragging about how he's equalled the score." He sighed briefly before continuing. "In fact I'm counting on that very part of his nature. Besides," he said gesturing towards the box. He won't be leaving without this. Now you must go, Darcia. When it's safe I'll see all three of you back here. Just remember what I said."
"I will," Darcia acknowledged. With a final "Goodbye" and "Be careful" she exited the room. The moment she was gone the Doctor's overtaxed body finally betrayed him. His legs gave way and he gratefully sank once more into the chair. Despite his fatigue he was fairly confident that Henry would want to crow about his achievements. At least he hoped he was right because he had barely enough energy to sit up, let alone go on a hunt for Van Statten.
**1234567890**
Henry caught the tip of his pointer finger in the suitcase as he shut it, causing him to swear loudly. Not all that long ago he would have had minions to deal with such a boring job as packing. Or if he'd been caught somewhere he'd simply buy new things with no thought to the cost. That all changed of course after his cosy world was shattered in Utah - and there was only one man to blame for that.
As his thoughts turned towards the Doctor Henry realised that the screaming had stopped from the other room. He walked to the bedroom door and opened it just wide enough to peer through. The Time Lord sat slumped in the chair, eyes closed as if asleep or more likely unconscious. Henry watched him for some time, all the while debating on whether it was wise to approach, but he had to if he wanted to take the box with him. After watching for several minutes in which time there was no movement from the Doctor, Henry made up his mind. With slow, silent, cautious steps he moved towards the desk, his eyes firmly fixed on his enemy. He was just thinking he was going to get away with it when the Doctor opened his eyes.
"Didn't think you'd go without saying goodbye."
Henry started but quickly regained his composure. "Don't flatter yourself, Doctor. Why would I care about you? I simply came to collect my prize."
The Doctor however saw through his false bravado. "You've been thinking about what I said haven't you? About the Master and his empty promises." Searching Henry's eyes, he could see he was right. "Yes, I know you have."
"Yes, damn you," Henry growled. "What is it with Time Lords and messing up lives? Helping you when it suits then and turning on you when the game gets boring. Perhaps it's a good thing your race died out," he finished with a snarl.
Wearily the Doctor answered. "The Time Lords were certainly meddlers but this has nothing to do with them. Only the Master would do this to you. Though you find it hard to accept, I've done nothing but try to help you so don't lump me in the same lot as him." Gathering his strength the Doctor stood up. Softly he said, "I'm still trying to help you. Leave this box in my care. Give yourself up to the authorities. Pay for what you've done."
But Henry could not let go of the bitterness he felt towards the man in front of him. "I'm not going to use your regeneration life, Doctor, but there will be no forgive and forget. You took something from me and now I have taken something important to you. The score is even." He tapped the top of the box with his fingers. "I'm taking this with me. Perhaps I'll study it or maybe I'll sell it to the highest bidder since I've recently acquired a great deal of experience in marketing to select customers. But one thing is certain - you will never see me or this box again."
The contempt in Henry's voice and his refusal to listen now ended the Doctor's honourable attempts to persuade him to do the right thing. "Never say never, Van Statten. Believe me I would find you but you have worse things to fear."
Henry sneered. "And what would that be? The Master? If so I think I can-"
His reply was abruptly cut off by a commotion of yelling, low guttural voices and booted feet sounding in the corridors beyond the office door. With a nervous glance Henry looked at the Doctor. "What the hell is going on?" he demanded. "I thought you said no law enforcement?"
The Doctor gave a laugh but it held no joy. "I said there'd be no local involvement. I didn't promise anything about intergalactic police. But actually I didn't call them. Rose did with a bit of help from your employee, Griff. Seems you just can't trust anyone these days, can you? You've been a naughty boy, Henry Van Statten. I'd say right now there are about a hundred or so Judoon looking for you and believe me they will not be as forgiving as I am."
"Oh my God," squeaked Henry, his face showing quite clearly he had heard of this special task force. In panic he picked up the box and ran quickly towards a bookcase in his office and began searching frantically for the button which would open up a secret passageway.
Despite the Doctor's fatigue he managed enough speed to reach Henry's side. In all honesty he knew he cared more about the box then the other man's life but he tried once more to convince Van Statten to change his mind. "Listen to me, Henry. What sort of life will you have on the run? You're a wanted man and even if you escape the Judoon, do you think the Master will give up on you so easily?"
The sound of heavy boots grew closer. The Doctor knew they were just outside the office. "Don't be a fool, Van Statten," he pleaded as he grabbed the other man's arm.
Henry reacted violently to the nearing sounds of his captors and panicking, threw the box across the room. He lashed out at his enemy, his uppercut colliding painfully with the Doctor's chin. Normally such a blow would only stun a Time Lord but in his weakened state the carelessly aimed hit knocked out the Doctor. He fell to the ground just as the Judoon broke through the office door. There was no time for Henry to retrieve the box without being seen, so with a final curse he hurried down the passageway.
He dashed down corridors and around corners, his speed fuelled by a combination of adrenaline and fear. As he ran, his brain was also clicking along as he furiously tried to work out what action to take. Without his Vortex Manipulator he could not just disappear. But there were other ways to get off this planet and luckily he had a few favours he could call in from a dedicated customer or two. Henry smirked. He was a genius and he was going to outwit them all. He broke out into uncontrollable laughter, the sound echoing through the passageways as he ran.
He knew the exit was near. Just a few more seconds and then he could disappear but as he rounded the final blind corner a hand shot out. It gripped him around the neck before slamming him into the nearest wall. One glance at the owner of the hand made Henry quake with fear.
"Leaving the party so soon, my dear friend?" purred the Master. His eyes narrowed as he realised that Henry's hands were empty. "And it seems you've forgotten my present. Now that makes me very sad." He increased his pressure on Henry's neck, feeling the audible gulp as his Adam's apple rapidly bobbed up and down. "Where is the box, Henry?"
Instead of cowering, Henry gathered his courage. "I left the box behind. You tricked me, Master. Everything you said was a lie."
Instantly the hand around his throat let go but Henry still felt like he was pinned against the wall by the Master's piercing stare. "And who told you all this? The Doctor! Henry, you are a soft minded fool indeed for listening to him. Have I not told you that he and I are enemies? Did I not give you all you required to capture him and his human companion?"
"You did but it was all for you. Never for me. Your promises of an extended life are untrue. He told me it can't be done and much as I hate to admit it, I believe him. He might be my enemy but I can see now he never lied to me. You on the other hand, Master, twisted things to suit yourself."
The Master responded with a sarcastic laugh. "So he never lied to you? Did he bother to inform you that the Judoon out there are not authorised to kill you. They cannot find you guilty and punish you with death." At Henry's startled look, he laughed again. "No, I can see he didn't. I saw them land and recognised the insignia on their ship. The aliens looking for you are hired by The Shadow Proclamation and they are under orders to take you back to stand trial." The Master paused for a moment to let this new information sink in before continuing. "You humans, all of you so very stupid. Simple minded fools."
The Master's final statement was enough to reignite the fire inside Henry. He'd had enough of being called a fool today. "Time Lords may think they are gods but it doesn't mean that the rest of us are idiots," he raged. "First him, now you calling me a fool. I'm Henry Van Statten, the smartest man on Planet Earth and a few more galaxies besides. You won't pull my strings any longer. If Diana still dances to your tune then leave me be and go play with her. I'll be no one's puppet."
"Well then," hissed the Master. "It seems I have no further use for you. A pity because Diana seems rather fond of you. I did plan to let you live but I cannot have anyone on board who will not bend to my will."
Henry trembled as the Master reached for him. He knew he was a dead man but he would not give the other man the pleasure of hearing him beg. As he waited for the hand of death to descend, the corridor was suddenly filled with bellowing, snorting Judoon soldiers. Henry heard the Master say something in a strange, rhythmic language he did not understand but it was apparent that his enemy did not appreciate the interruption. The respite gave him time to collect his thoughts. With a sudden shove he pushed the surprised Master away from him and began running towards the waiting Judoon soldiers. "I'm the one you've been looking for," he yelled as he approached them. As they led him away he knew that his death might still be imminent but at least he was choosing it on his terms. But perhaps if he proved himself useful in providing information about his buyers he might escape dying all together. He would survive someway, somehow. He was a genius after all.
The Master although slightly annoyed at the loss of his kill quickly put any further thoughts of Van Statten from his mind. The simpleton was gone and there would be no competition for the Gallifreyan box containing the Doctor's future lives. Using his psychic powers he quickly convinced the waiting dim witted Judoon constables to go about their business before heading back the way Henry had come.
It was not long before he reached the secret door that led to the office and with a quick search, again found the box. His delight heightened when he saw the unconscious Doctor lying on the floor before him. Despite the changes brought on by several regenerations it was always possible for one Time Lord to recognise another. The Master reached down to pick up the box before approaching his old nemesis.
"And here I was hoping for some stimulating conversation," he cooed softly although he knew the Doctor couldn't hear him. "Guess we'll have to do it the traditional way then." The Master put the box down on the table then went back to the Doctor. Using all his strength he dragged the man to the nearest wall and managed to prop him up against it. Crouching down in front of him the Master raised his hands to the other Time Lord's temples and forced himself inside his mind.
He found the Doctor curled up in a little ball trying to shield himself from the pain while murmuring 'Rose, Rose, Rose' over and over again.
"That's not my name, Doctor."
The Doctor lifted his head, his face pale and drawn. Shock registered in his eyes as he recognised the man in front of him. "Master!"
"So you still remember me. Good! After you banished me to Xeriphas I thought you might have forgotten my existence. My, how you've changed since we last met. I have to say this soldier look does not become you. What happened to the charming cricket whites and celery? "
The Doctor glowered at him, refusing to answer.
The Master continued his chiding. "Well, it hardly matters since I'm going to destroy you, Doctor. I could not believe my luck when Henry and dear Diana came to my rescue and then to find out of all things that they had met you. What a wonderful chance I had been given to be rid of you once and for all. But then I thought that was too easy. Making you suffer would bring me more satisfaction. Your lovely Rose - and she is quite beautiful, Doctor - proved such effective bait in this scheme I organised for Henry. When he told me of your emotions for this woman, I knew you would do whatever was necessary to get her back. You nothing if not predictable, foolish, Doctor. Humans were always your favourites but to fall in love with one…" He paused to sigh dramatically, "… such a stupid thing to do."
His words brought the light back into the Doctor's eyes. "Rose is worth it," he spat back. "I would die for her."
"Is that what you want, Doctor? To die for love?" The Master's voice now took on a jeering tone. "Will it make up for the loss of all those other lives you've taken? Henry told me about the Dalek and how you failed to destroy it. What about all those others you've failed to save in your past regenerations? Have there been more since?" The pain in the Doctor's eyes was evidence enough that there had been.
"Many of those deaths could not be avoided," said the Doctor eventually, with great sadness in his tone. "I tried to save them but other forces were at work and you yourself had a great hand in many of the lives lost. They slipped through my grasp even as I tried to stop you."
"Yes, you might foil my plans or banish me but you'll never stop me," laughed the Master harshly. "Time and time again I find ways to test you but what's been done today will likely be your biggest challenge yet."
"What do you mean? What have you done?"
"I think you already know the answer to that?"
"You stole more than just one future life."
The Master gave a sound of delight. "Never has a Time Lord been stripped of future lives before so I really don't know what the impact will be on you. But when I read your mind I can see already that your healing is taking far longer than normal. Almost at the rate of a mere human. You're also having trouble putting up barriers to protect your thoughts. I should not have been able to get in so easily even with you being unconscious. It boggles the mind to think what else may be happening."
"I will stop you," seethed the Doctor. "You'll not leave here with that box."
The Master cackled in glee. "And how will you stop me when you are so pathetically feeble. Such false bravado will not save you, Doctor. I could reach out now and crush your mind with one snap of my fingers and you would be powerless to stop me."
"Then what are you waiting for?"
"Because I think I want to watch you suffer for a while as you deal with the consequences of what you've given up for love. How will this affect what you feel for Rose? Have you succumbed to the delights of the flesh, my dear Doctor? If not, you should. Diana is such comfort to me but only because I choose to let her. Perhaps your control will not be so well guarded. With only one or perhaps no lives left who knows what primitive thoughts will come calling?"
"Enough," roared the Doctor. "Kill me and end this torture or get out of my mind. I will not be lured into further conversation with you any more."
The Master stepped back. "You are regaining some strength but nowhere near your usual amount. Much as I am tempted I won't kill you this time. But since I also can't have you stopping me …" With a psychic jolt he made the crippled Doctor howl with pain, forcing him to retreat back into himself to heal further. With a dark smile the Master slid from his mind.
Picking up the box from the table, the Master turned around to exit the room only to have his path blocked by a woman who seemed somewhat familiar, brandishing a rather impressive looking weapon.