Just a heads up!
I have had to turn off anonymous reviews because of spam bots, I'm sorry!! If you want to review without being seen by other readers my PMs are always open!
So I've decided to break this story up into at least two chapters because I want to get it out faster so you don't have to wait so long!
Also! If Artemis Sherwood reads this, I hope you're doing ok!
To grapejuice101: oh yeah, it's gonna get crazy! And next chapter will be a very important chapter, so watch out for that :)
To EmeraldGhost11: I'm so glad you like this story! It started as a silly little 'but what if' and has blossomed into one of my favorite and biggest achievements lol :) and thank you for your support and kind words! Honestly when I first saw the guest review I was disheartened then I realized it's just a spam bot or someone who needs a hug (lol) so I haven't taken it to heart.
And to whomever wrote or set that bot on me, just know I don't give a shit if you don't like my story. I don't need you to like me :)
To everyone else, thank you for the support and love!
Now, this first chapter will be a little slow, but the next one won't be as slow, and will have a pretty good ending I think ;)
"This is the last time I will ask" snaps the guard "who. Are. You?"
I open my mouth to respond, heart rate spiking as I can hear screaming and shouting inside the prison, banging of bars and metal as well.
I look past him "I'm with UNIT, just got a bit lost. How long has the Doctor been here?" I ask, shoving past the man and heading toward the noise.
He tries to grab my arm but I dodge his grasp "you cannot be in here! If you're really with UNIT then where's your pass?" He demands, stomping after me.
"No pass, if you want to know if I can be here, contact UNIT and ask if a Rose is allowed here" I say quickly, mind racing, remembering this all had to do with the Master, making my stomach drop and my step falter a bit and I come to a stop.
"I must insist you stop and show me a pass, or you have to leave" he growls angrily as he stops beside me, grabbing my arm.
I shake my head, trying to dispel the sudden dread that filled my mind.
"I don't have a pass" I repeat, pulling my arm from his hold, and as I turn I see him grab his baton angrily.
"Listen girly, you had better cooperate or this is going to get ugly" he growls.
I just give him a glare before turning and taking off sprinting toward the sounds of the riot going on.
He shouts after me and runs to catch up but I don't stop, a bad feeling building in my gut as I go.
I come around the corner into a two story room filled with cells, guards trying to calm down the riots but I knew something was very wrong.
I see the door I knew led into the room with the Masters machine and I run for the double doors, not noticing that Jo had seen me and was following quickly.
I slam through the doors to see the Doctor with his head in his hands, fighting for his life as the machine was whirring and blinking.
I can hear Jo coming in behind me but I don't pay her any mind yet.
I run over and grab his arms, pulling him over to a seat "it's alright Doctor. There's no fire, you're safe" I try to calm him as I have him sit down, kneeling before him as he tries to make sense of his surroundings.
He's gasping and his eyes seem distant and afraid, so I take one of his hands, brushing my thumb over the back of his hand softly as he is slowly let go by the machine and begins to come back to himself.
"Rose...Rose, what are you doing here?" He asks.
I smile warmly up at him "I only just arrived outside. I heard the riots and knew something was wrong so I rushed here" I explain.
He frowns now "you...you might have been killed, it's dangerous in here" he says, still a little out of it.
I sigh "I know. But I knew you were in danger too" I reply.
"Rose? Doctor? Whats happened?" Jo asks as she approaches, I stand, still holding onto the Doctor's hand as I turn to her.
Before I can reply the Doctor looks to her, his grip on my hand tightening "Jo, what are you doing here?"
She looks a bit confused and still worried "well, you wanted this report on Kettering. I got it from Dr Summers"
"Look, I told you to take that directly to the Governors office" the Doctor says seriously, still a little breathless.
"I thought it was important" she replies.
"So are my instructions, Jo. So are my instructions" he says as I sit down beside him in another chair.
"You might have been killed, coming in here"
"Me killed?" She asks confused.
He nods "both of you"
"It seemed that you were the one in danger" Jo replies "you looked as if you were fighting something that wasn't there"
"Well, it was there, Jo" he says, his free hand gripping the chair besides him as a bit of a support and something to ground himself to "at least it was until you two distracted it"
We all look to the Masters machine, making me grimace a little, staring at the seemingly harmless looking little machine.
"Your coming in broke it's grip on my mind" he rubs his forehead a bit in his exhaustion.
I squeeze his hand softly in comfort as he takes the report from Jo to look it over, I release his hand to let him and I stand, moving to stand before the machine, not listening as they talk about Kettering and his fear of water.
I glare down at the machine, slowly stalking around it for a moment, looking it over, wondering if I should find a way to shut it down early, but then I realize if I did that, then the Master would probably just come here sooner and I really didn't want that.
"-what did you see?" Jo asks as I look back to them, the machine between us now.
He pauses for a moment before responding "fire"
"But why should you?" She asks.
"Well...well, some time ago, Jo, I...I witnessed a terrible catastrophe. A whole world just...well, it just disappeared in flames" he nods to the machine now "well, this machine picked that memory out of my mind and used it to attack me"
"But this fire you saw, it wasn't real" she replies, having moved to sit beside him in the other chair now.
"Neither was the water, nor the rats and yet Linwood is dead and so is Professor Kettering... we believe what our minds tell us, Jo"
"If this machine's so dangerous, why not just blow it up?" Jo asks as she stands and comes to look at the machine beside me "destroy it?"
The Doctor stands and comes over as well "because those idiots in authority won't let me, that's why" he explains "I'm trying to find a way of controlling it"
I nod softly and cross my arms, looking down into the odd little glass cylinder of the machine.
"So, if you've quite finished asking questions" the Doctor says just before the doors bang open, making us all jump as guards rush in.
"That's the girl" the guard from before says angrily, pointing to me with his baton, the other guards look to me standing with Jo and the Doctor, and then a UNIT soldier steps in after them, Mike Yates.
Mike smirks when he meets my gaze, the guards look to him.
"She's the one that just ran in here sir" the first guard I met snaps angrily to Mike.
"Her? Really? She can outrun you? I'm surprised, she's a bit short" he says, obviously teasing me as I send a playful glare back at him.
"Ha ha. Just tell them I'm part of UNIT" I snark back, relaxing now that I was in much more friendly company.
Mike quickly talks with the Guards, Jo goes to excuse herself as the Doctor moves to the side, gently pulling me with him.
"Did you really just barge in here?" He asks curiously.
I smile a little sheepishly and nod "I did, I told you, I knew something was happening so I didn't have time to show my badge, and I didn't have a pass to get in so I just ran past him. I'm honestly surprised he didn't catch up with me" I reply.
I can see him trying not to smirk now as he kisses the side of my head before moving to the machines control center and leans against it, looking it over.
"what are you doing here?" Jo asks Mike behind us as the guards begrudgingly leave the room.
"Brigadiers orders" Mike replies, walking toward us.
"I'm afraid, Doctor, you've got to come back to London with me" he explains.
The Doctor turns to him "nonsense. I can't possibly leave Stangmoor"
"You've got to, Doctor"
"I'm telling you I'm not leaving"
"I'm sorry, Doctor. You're coming back with me, even if I have to use force" Mike reaches for the Doctor and I have to forcibly hold back a smile as the Doctor moves quickly, grabbing Mikes arm in some sort of pinch hold, stopping Mike from moving at all now.
"Venusian karate" he says proudly "I think you'll find that a lot harder than you imagined, young man" he lets Mike go and Mike groans, leaning down a little further before standing back up a bit angry now.
"Look, Doctor, he really does need you! Things are going very badly at the peace conference. The Chinese delegate's dead and we think he's been murdered" Mike explains
"Murdered?" The Doctor asks quickly, now confused and worried himself as he glances back to me then to Mike again "yes, alright, Captain Yates. I'll come with you" he agrees.
"thank you" Mike says, relieved.
The Doctor holds his hand out to me, which I take gladly and we both move to follow Mike but Jo stops us.
"Doctor? I'll stay here and look after things for you"
"Look, Jo. For once in your young life do you think you could do exactly as I ask?"
"Yes, of course" she replies seriously.
"Go and see the Governor. Tell him to lock and bar that door. No one is to enter this room. No one. Do you understand?" He asks.
Jo nods "just leave everything to me"
"Yes. Yes, I'm rather afraid I'll have to" he smiles knowingly now, no real heat behind his tone or words.
"Try and keep out of trouble, will you?"
She nods, smiling more now "yes, Doctor"
I smile to her quickly "be careful Jo. And don't do anything I wouldn't" I tell her before me and the Doctor leave the room.
"Come on, Captain Yates, what are you waiting for?" The Doctor asks as we pass him, I snort in amusement.
Jo calls after us but the Doctor doesn't stop, so Mike takes the Doctors cape from Jo and follows after us out to the car.
I hop into the back seat of the car with the Doctors help "thank you. Now how's your head?" I ask as he hops in after me.
"Hmm? Oh, it's fine" he says dismissively.
I raise my eyebrow as Mike begins to drive us toward London.
"You know you can't lie to me" I say, leaning back in my seat comfortably.
He glances to Mike then sighs, relaxing a little himself.
"I'll be alright, my head is just a bit sore" he admits in a quieter voice.
I smile softly and nod "if your head still hurts when we arrive I want you to take some pain killers, we can't have you not focusing fully on all of this" I say, taking his large cool hand in my own.
He squeezes my hand and nods "alright...if I must" he says, somewhat dramatically.
I giggle a bit and shake my head "always with the dramatics" I tease.
"I get it from you" he replies softly, making my smile grow.
But it fades as we slip into silence, my mind wandering back to what I know of this episode, and I pale slightly as the Masters face suddenly floats through my minds eye, making me stiffen a little and look out the window silently, trying to not have a break down as my anxiety spikes quickly.
'What do I do...? What can I do? I'll see him again, so soon...I don't know if I can do this...'
I glance to the Doctor as he speaks with Mike, my heart sinking 'what should I do...?'
I spend the rest of the ride in my thoughts, trying to think over the episode over and over again, looking for a possible way around it all, but every way I turned I knew there would be consequences that I couldn't see.
As we get out of the car at our destination the Doctor pulls me aside and Mike heads inside ahead of us.
The Doctor looks down at me worriedly as he's holding both my hands in his own "whats the matter? You haven't spoken for a while, and you have had a death grip on my hand since we got in the car" he asks in concern.
I blush and look down in embarrassment "sorry...I'm just really nervous" I admit.
"Dont be sorry, just tell me what I can do to help you" he says softly.
My shoulders slump a little "I can't say anything...I've thought over it all and I know I can't do much, but promise me you will let me stay by your side" I almost beg, looking up to meet his crystal blue eyes.
He can see how serious this is and he nods in turn "I promise. I won't let anything happen to you"
I squeeze his hands tightly "just know...I may not be able to stay by your side the whole time...something may happen to separate us. And please don't feel you broke your promise if that does happen, neither of us will have a say in it" I explain cryptically.
His eyes darken a little but he sighs and kisses my forehead softly, pulling me into a tight hug, I return it and hold onto him tightly, closing my eyes to try and block out the haunting images that fill my mind.
We pull apart and he takes my hand and we head inside quietly, both a bit somber now.
As we enter the Brigadiers makeshift office he's speaking with Sergeant Benton "Dismissed, Sergeant. Just get out of my sight!"
John turns and walks past us, nearly bumping into the Doctor, I meet his eyes worriedly but he leaves quickly, the Doctor looking to Alistair.
"I see you're in your usual sweet, affable mood, Brigadier" the Doctor sasses, earning a small smirk from Mike behind us and I smile a little as well, squeezing the Doctor's hand softly.
"When you've quite finished grinning like a Cheshire cat, Captain Yates!" Barks the Brigadier.
"Sir" Mike says before leaving quickly as well.
The doctor walks forward and I follow a little behind him, still a little stiff and nervous.
"Right, now, Brigadier, would you kindly tell us what all this fuss is about?" The Doctor asks, not fazed by Alistairs snappy mood.
I let go of the Doctors hand as he and the Brigadier talk about everything that's happened, from the Chineses delegate being possibly murdered to whats been going on at the prison, but I don't focus on much of it, moving to look out the windows onto the street, watching as few people pass, some people wandering in the small park across the street.
And then as I watch, a workman disappears into a small red and white tent put on the side of the road between a few cars across the road.
I pay it no mind, even as I get a bit of a spike of nerves, hoping against hope it was just my already frayed nerves.
But only a few minutes later, a well dressed, very sickeningly familiar man steps out, holding a briefcase and his coat over his arm.
I have to lean against the window sill to stay standing as my stomach drops, watching as the Master casually walks out and into the park, then through it and to a car parked on the other side of the park.
I keep my eyes on him the entire time until he disappears into the car, my hands shaking slightly and I knew I looked pale now.
So I look away, breathing to try and at least appear calm on the outside, trying desperately to ignore the feeling of impending doom settling into my stomach.
"-calling for a complete ban on the Keller process?" The Doctor asks as I tune back in to their conversation, looking over to find the Doctor leaned over Alistairs desk.
"Yes" Alistair nods.
"And you'll get in touch with the Home Secretary and make sure that he takes some action?" The Doctor continues.
"Yes, Doctor, and if that doesn't do any good, I personally will go down to Stangmoor and blow the blasted machine up myself! Now, are you or are you not going to help me with this case?" Alistair asks seriously, though it was obvious poor Alistair was a bit overworked and probably had nerves nearly as frayed as my own at this point.
The Doctor smiles now, glad to have gotten his way and knowing the Brigadier was actually taking this all seriously "my dear Lethbridge-Stewart, your word is my command" he moves to sit now "you know that you only have to ask"
Alistair stands as he says "thank you" moving to walk to the door but he pauses and goes back to grab a brief case then he moves to the door, confusing the Doctor.
"Well, where on earth do you think you're going?" He asks, as if he was talking to a petulant child that wanted to sneak out.
Alistair turns to him at the door "we are going to see the new Chinese delegate, Mr Fu Peng"
"Fu Peng? He must be Hokkien" the Doctor comments.
"No, no no, Doctor. He's Chinese. Now, come along" then Alistair leaves the room.
The Doctor looks to me and gives me a bit of an eyebrow raise before he stands we both follow Alistair quickly, not wanting to possibly make him more agitated.
As we get out into the other office Mike stands and holds a piece of paper out to Alistair as he pulls on his hat "excuse me"
"Later" Alistair barks quickly, not having the patience.
Me and the Doctor stop in front of Mikes desk and the Doctor comments "yes, it's going to be one of those days" Mike laughs softly and the Doctor smiles wider, pointing to him "Cheshire cat, Captain Yates. Cheshire Cat"
"Doctor!" Alistair shouts from outside.
"yes, yes, yes, yes, I'm coming!" He shouts back as he makes for the door.
I smile at Mike as I pass "don't let grumpy gus get you down" I say before following the Doctor.
I follow closely behind him as he falls into step nearly beside the Brigadier.
We walk across the road and continue down the sidewalk, and as we pass the open gates into the park I glance through, seeing the children playing, and then I see the Master, watching us through the windows of his car, making me pale yet again and I quickly look away, trying to play it off as if I didn't see anything.
We make it into the large building that the delegate was staying in, well guarded and UNIT men everywhere.
When we step into the new delegates room, I pause, glancing around before following the Doctor in, nodding my thanks to the man that had opened the door and let us in.
"Oh, Mr Fu Peng? I'm Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart of UNIT command" Alistair begins, stopping beside the mans desk.
"I'm in charge of all security arrangements" he holds his hand out to shake Fu Pengs hand, but the man ignores him, continuing to read his news paper, probably fed up with western military men at this point.
"And these are our scientific advisors" Alistair says, exasperated, gesturing to me and the Doctor.
The Doctor bows politely to the man "this unworthy person welcomes you and delights in your safe arrival" the Doctor says politely, and I knew it wasn't in English, even as the Tardis seems to still be translating for me, making me rather grateful.
Alistair seems a bit surprise at that and glances to me, to which I shrug a little and smile before also bowing to the man politely.
Fu Peng stands "thank you for your courtesy and welcome. It is I who am delighted to meet such a charming person in this barbaric country" he pauses and switches to English "it is rare to meet a Westerner who knows my language"
"Thank you" the Doctor says proudly, putting his hands into his pockets "actually, I fear my Hokkien is somewhat rusty"
"On the contrary, it is excellent" Fu Peng replies, gesturing to his aid who pulls up a chair for the Doctor to sit in.
"Well, it's many years since I've had a chance to use it" the Doctor sits, thanking the aid as he adjusts his cape as he sits.
"I remember once having a conversation with Tse-Tung" the Doctor begins, sitting back comfortably as I move to stand just behind him and to his left.
"Tse-Tung? But that is the personal name of our chairman, Mao Tse-Tung" Fu Peng says seriously.
The Doctor nods a little "he himself gave me leave to use it" he says confidently, leaving no doubt in anyones mind that he may be lying.
"Yes, if we could just discuss the immediate problem?" Alistair asks, still very exasperated and tired of being ignored.
However Fu Peng takes his hat off and bows slightly, keeping his eyes on the Doctor as he smiles "you will take some tea?"
The Doctor agrees in Hokkien and then he goes over to speak with Fu Peng, leaving me and the brigadier back in the front of the room.
Alistair seems to give up as he nearly flops into the chair left by the Doctor, setting his hat into his lap as I sit on the edge of the desk, smiling at him.
"Insufferable when he makes friends" I joke softly, earning a bit of a tired smile from Alistair.
"I suppose we will be here for some time. How have you been? I didn't get the chance to say hello earlier" he greets.
I glance back to the Doctor then to him, my shoulders slumping a little "in all honesty Brigadier...I'm not doing well" I say softly, looking down at the floor, he seems a bit concerned now, sitting up slightly.
"Is there something the matter? Perhaps you could see our medical team?" He asks.
I shake my head "I'm not sick...I can't really explain it yet...but I will be ok, I'm just...scared" I admit quietly, not wanting the Doctor to hear as he enjoys speaking with Fu Peng.
"Perhaps then, you should head home to HQ. You know you'll be safe there" he offers, frowning a little.
I shake my head again "I'll be safest with the Doctor for now. But thank you for the concern" I smile warmly to him now "you don't know how much it means to me that you care" I say honestly.
He seems a bit surprised at that "of course I care. You're a good friend, Rose" he says seriously.
I nod softly, relaxing more "I'm glad to hear that. It would be a bit awkward if you didn't think so" I half joke, trying to lighten the mood.
He chuckles a little and rolls his eyes, standing up "be careful then. And if you have any worries and want to leave, just say so and someone will take you home right away" he says, patting my shoulder before he goes to speak with the Doctor and Fu Peng as they enjoy some tea.
I nod and quietly thank him before I stand as well, moving to stand by the door, not focusing on the conversation happening in the room, my mind wandering, wondering if maybe I should just go home, go and hide away in the Tardis...
I jump as the Doctor gently touches my arm to get my attention "shall we?" He asks, holding his hand out for me to take.
I nod and take his offered hand, following him quietly out of the building where Alistair catches up with us and we walk in silence back to the Brigadiers office.
When we get back I pause and the Doctor stops with me, looking to me in concern.
I smile to try and reassure him that I'm alright "I'm just going to grab a coffee, then I'll come in, it's just right here" I nod to the side of the room where a small coffee and tea station is set up.
He nods hesitantly, I lean up and gently peck his lips before moving to grab a paper cup, hearing the Doctor go in with the Brigadier.
I keep my guard up as I make my coffee quickly, adding more sugar than was probably necessary, but I needed something strong and sweet.
Then I head into the Brigadiers office right behind Mike, who is delivering some papers.
I move to the side of the room and sit down quietly in a chair near the wall, not wanting to disturb the men as they worked, knowing I wouldn't be much help right now.
I had grabbed a few pieces of paper and a pen from the room outside and begin to just quietly doodle, trying to distract my racing mind, knowing I had to stay alert enough to ensure I don't miss anything crucial.
Without me really thinking about it, I had begun to draw the Master, this version of him, smirking dangerously up at me, and when I realize what I've just drawn, I quickly fold it up and stuff it into my pockets, knowing I'd deal with it later.
Instead I look up and begin to sketch out the scene before me, the Doctor and Alistair working together to figure out what has been happening and trying to figure out where the Chinese girl, Chin Lee, had disappeared off to.
My mind keeps running back to the Master, my fear and anxiety spiking every single time, and it was becoming hard to keep still, I wanted to run, to go and hide away in the Tardis, to escape the possibility of meeting him face to face.
Even after a while of having not seen or having to interact with the rogue Timelord, it was still scary, it felt like the time had only made me more afraid of him, more afraid of seeing him again, of being kidnapped by him and being used to hurt the Doctor again.
After that sketch I move on to other things, drawing cartoony versions of the other aliens we had met in the past, just desperately trying to think of something else.
I nearly let out a yelp, flinching and looking up quickly to see the Doctor had laid his hand on my leg and was crouched in front of my chair, worry in his eyes.
"Rose, Darling, are you sure you want to stay with me? You could go home, stay safe in the Tardis" he says softly.
I shake my head quickly, breathing for a moment "no, I'll be fine" I try to smile reassuringly, though I knew it looked more like a grimace.
He sighs softly "you aren't doing well" he says in concern, taking my hand in his, keeping his gaze on me.
I gulp and look down "I'm not..." I admit "but I have to stay with you" I say, determined.
Though even now, the possibility of just running away and hiding sounded very appealing.
But I knew it was too risky, if I got kidnapped on the way there, the Master could come from anywhere, to steal me away again.
He still looks concerned as he stands, keeping a tight hold on my hand "then we must go, Chin Lee has been spotted in the Chinese delegates suite. So we must go and get her" he explains.
I nod and stuff the papers and pen into my pockets as I stand "then lets go, no time to waste"
The Doctor takes my hand again as we run to catch up with the Brigadier, all of us rushing to get to the suite before anything could happen.
The entire way over I was watching over my shoulder every few seconds, terrified of seeing the Master watching us, terrified of being followed and somehow taken again.
We make it to the correct building and rush inside and to the suite, my nerves calming just slightly now that we were inside rather than on the street.
As we go we can soon hear screaming and so we barge into the room, I stay behind the Doctor and Alistair, and as soon as we can see whats happening the Brigadier draws his gun, for standing before us is a human sized red dragon, leaning over the now unconscious American delegate.
The Doctor sees the Brigadiers gun and reaches over quickly, shoving the barrel up and away from the beast "no, Brigadier!" He shouts as the gun goes off, the bullet lodging itself into the ceiling.
"Chin Lee!" The Doctor shouts, then says something I couldn't make out in Cantonese, trying to calm the girl.
And it seems to work as the illusion of the dragon melts away and Chin Lee standing there for a moment before she falls to the ground, the three men, as I hadn't seen that Fu Peng had followed us inside, rush to her, but I pass them as the Doctor tells them it was all just a hallucination.
I crouch beside the American delegate and feel for a pulse in his neck quickly, sighing in relief when I find one.
"Who's that?" The Doctor asks as he comes over to crouch beside me.
"The American delegate" I reply, moving back a little "he's alive, just unconscious"
"Senator Alcott" Alistair agrees.
I stand and step back quietly, glancing to the door then to Fu Peng who is currently checking over Chin Lee.
"He's suffering from acute shock" the Doctor explains after examining him.
I nod then Fu Peng calls for the Doctor's attention.
He looks over "yes?"
Fu Peng holds something as he stands "what is this?" He demands.
The Doctor stands and goes over quickly, taking the small circular device to see what it was "well, it's a telepathic amplifier"
"is that what caused the hallucination?" Alistair asks.
"No, not caused them. No, merely picks up the impulses and projects them through Chin Lees mind" the Doctor explains.
I walk over and look down at the small device quietly, knowing exactly who put it on the poor girl and why.
"impulses? From where?" Alistair asks quickly.
"Well, unless I'm very much mistaken, from the Keller Machine at Stangmoor Prison" the Doctor explains, looking very concerned now.
I nod absentmindedly, quietly moving to the window to look out into the now dark streets, ignoring as the Doctor and Alistair work on trying to figure this all out, moving Chin Lee to the couch and trying to wake her while they also move the American delegate elsewhere to get him checked over.
Alistair leaves to head back to the temporary HQ as the Doctor helps Chin Lee.
After a while I quietly come over, sitting in another chair a bit behind the Doctor as he and Chin Lee talk, her telling him much of what she knew, of what had been going on, with meeting Keller and working with him, though I listen for a while I begin to get a bit tired, it had been a hell of a day, well, what had now turned into about two days straight with no sleep.
And just as the sun begins to rise on the third day, the Doctor rouses me and we head off quickly to find the Brigadier and have Chin Lee tell him what she knows.
The Doctor keeps a tight hold on my hand as we walk back, keeping me close even as I anxiously watch around us on the street.
We enter the building, heading up to Alistairs office, only to find him asleep, leaned over his desk.
I can't help but smile a little "anyone have a pen?" I joke softly, earring a slight smirk from the Doctor and a confused glance from Chin Lee.
We walk closer, the Doctor going and pulling the shades back from the window, letting in the cold morning sun.
"Rise and shine, Brigadier" the Doctor says as he comes to stand beside the mans desk.
Said Brigadier raises his head as he wakes up quickly, blinking a bit in surprise.
"We've brought Captain Chin Lee here to see you" the Doctor continues.
"Oh, er, good morning, Captain" Alistair stands a little, gesturing with his head to the seat behind her "wont you sit down?" Before he sits again.
The Doctor pulls the chair out for her as she says thank you.
Alistair presses a button on his desks intercom "Corporal Bell?"
"Yes, sir?" A woman answers.
"Lay on some coffee, will you?"
"Right, sir"
He leans back as the Doctor leans down against the desk on his arms "right, now, Brigadier. I think you'll find that Captain Chin Lee can cast considerable light on whats been happening"
"I'm glad to hear that someone can" he pauses as his phone rings so he answers, the Doctor glancing to me then back to him.
I walk to the window quietly, knowing that Mike was telling Alistair about the trouble with moving the rocket.
And only a few moments later, as I watch, the black car from yesterday drives off and away, making me relax a bit more, glad to know the Master wasn't going to be right outside now.
The Doctor pulls over two chairs and motions me to come over, so I do, sitting down beside him and Alistair, the Doctor moves our chairs closer together as he sits and presses his leg against mine as he leans forward, resting his arms on the desk and his head on them, watching the exchange before us.
I smile just a little, seeing how the Doctor was trying to keep us close and make sure I was alright.
I press my leg against his, scooting just a little closer and leaning back in my chair, crossing my arms comfortably.
"Yes, but where did you first meet this man Emil Keller?" Alistair asks.
"At an embassy reception. He told me of the Keller process for reforming the habitual criminal and invited me to visit Stangmoor Prison with him" Chin Lee explains.
"And you agreed to go?" Alistair asks.
"Prison reform is high on our list of priorities in Peking" she replies.
"Ah. And can you tell us what happened at Stangmoor?"
"I..." she pauses to think back on it "I know that we went to the process room...but I...I cannot remember" she says, obviously struggling to recall it.
And it seems this gets the Doctors attention beside me, as he raises his head a bit, looking to her now.
"Well, did you see him again?" Alistair asks.
"Yes" she nods "many times"
The Doctor looks down at the small circular device we had found on Chin Lees neck, obviously beginning to make the connections.
"But whenever I think about it, my mind becomes so confused" Chin Lee says in distress.
"Post-hypnotic block" the Doctor says aloud "His usual technique"
Alistair looks confused now "whose usual technique?" looking to me as if to ask for me to explain, then he looks back as the Doctor sits up just a bit more.
"Well, think, man! Who else would make a deliberate attempt to plunge this world into war, using equipment and techniques not even developed on earth, like this?" The Doctor says sharply, holding up the device to show the Brigadier.
And after a slight pause it clicks into Alistairs mind "the Master?"
"Otherwise known as Emil Keller" the Doctor says.
Then he looks to me, understanding shining in his eyes "thats why you're so scared" he murmurs, almost silently.
I look away and nod, hands falling into my lap "yeah...not excited" I murmur softly.
Before we can continue Alistair stands "well then, lets get to work. Captain, thank you for your help" he calls someone and has her taken elsewhere for the moment, Alistair going with to ensure she is taken care of and to speak with someone.
As soon as the door closes the Doctor turns to me taking my hands into his, looking me in the eyes "it will be alright. I promise you" he says softly, but very seriously.
I manage a watery smile as I meet his gaze "I really hope it will be...I don't want to see him again" I say softly, wiping at my eyes quickly with my sleeve "sorry..." I mutter.
He shakes his head and pulls me up into his lap, wrapping his arms around me protectively.
I return the hug, pressing close and squeezing my eyes shut as he speaks again "I won't let him touch you. He shan't lay a finger on you" he reassures quietly, kissing the top of my head as his hand smooths over my back.
I shake my head a little "don't promise that, you can't keep it. He's far too dangerous to defy if worst comes to worst" I murmur.
He tightens his grip on me "no. I won't let him hurt you again" he insists.
I relax a little and smile sadly "alright, what ever you say" I murmur, knowing I didn't have the energy to fight him on this.
Soon Alistair returns with three cups of coffee on a tray, I go to move into my own seat but the Doctor keeps his arm around my waist, keeping me seated in his lap as he takes his coffee.
I feel my cheeks heat up as I turn a little so I'm sitting with my side against the Doctors chest, taking my own cup and smiling up at Alistair "thanks" I murmur.
He nods and sits back in his seat behind his desk, watching us closely for a moment.
"He's why you are so nervous" Alistair states softly.
I nod, a bit embarrassed and ashamed for being so afraid.
"Why do you not want to return home then?" Alistair asks gently, knowing this was a subject to be careful with.
"Because...because I don't want to be ambushed and kidnapped on my way there. And there isn't time to be escorted by either of you, so I'd rather stay by the Doctors side, its the safest place right now, and I'm hoping I can help later on" I explain, keeping my eyes down and on my mug of coffee, knowing I probably looked like a scared child, but I don't care.
The Doctors arm tightens around my middle, pulling me back and a little closer to him protectively.
Alistair nods thoughtfully and smiles a bit sadly "you've really thought this all through thoroughly, haven't you?" He asks.
I smile a bit and nod "yup...it's the kind of thing I have to think about. To try and keep my knowledge fresh...and to keep myself sane" I reply.
"Well then, I will do everything in my power to ensure you are safe" Alistair continues seriously, then he seems to get an idea and he goes to one of the drawers in the room and pulls out an object inside a small bag.
"I understand you both don't like my militaristic ways, but would you do something for me?" He asks as he comes over, not commenting at all on the fact I'm still sat in the Doctor's lap.
I nod hesitantly "what is it?" I start to get worried that he'd want me to take a gun.
But instead, he pulls out a small cylinder from the bag "this is a prototype for a new type of grenade the Air Force has been working on. I want you to take it with you" he says, I gulp and look from the grenade to him.
"I don't want to hurt anyone..."
He shakes his head "it won't hurt anyone. They are calling it a stun grenade, its being developed for the anti terrorism unit of the Royal Air Force" he explains, my eyes widening slightly.
"A flash bang?" I ask, gently taking the grenade now, not so freaked out about it.
Alistair smirks "is that what they are called in the future?" He asks.
I nod "yeah, they are used around the world in my time" I explain.
He nods "good. Then I know it will be useful, especially for you. And think of it as protection, it should give you time to escape should all else fail" he says softly.
I smile up at him "thank you Alistair. Seriously, this means a lot to me, and I'll be sure to report how well it works in case I do have to use it"
We soon fall into conversation on what to do with Chin Lee, I stay quiet, having put the grenade into my hoodies pocket, which was also bigger on the inside, thankfully.
After a few minutes the phone rings on the desk and Alistair grabs and answers it "Lethbridge-Stewart"
Me and the Doctor watch him closely.
"Yes, Inspector" after a pause he looks a bit in shock and worried now "what? Yes, I see"
He covers the phones mic and looks to us "there's been trouble at Stangmoor"
I stand quickly and move to stand beside the desk, the Doctor following as he asks "is Jo all right?"
"Yes? Yes, I see. Thank you for letting me know" he puts the phone down now.
"well?" The Doctor asks impatiently.
"Miss Grant's been captured. She's being held hostage" he explains.
My heart sinks, even knowing the events ahead of time, being here was always different, so much different.
We get moving instantly, finding our way to the cars and speeding off toward the prison quickly.
I stay by the Doctors side the whole way, and he keeps a tight grip on my hand, both in reassurance and comfort as we make it a quick drive.
But the closer we get the more my mind screams for me to leave, to turn and run the opposite way.
Instead, I just tighten my grip on the Doctors hand, very glad for the grounding and comfort, even if it was minimal.
As we pull up to the gates the Doctor honks his cars horn a few times, starting to get aggravated quickly before a guard finally comes out and asks for our passes.
The Doctor lets my hand go as he pulls his own out "and my...assistant here is my plus one" he explains, to which the guard doesn't bat an eye, letting us in quickly.
I keep my hands in my lap, hoping to hide their shaking as we drive through the gates "Doctor...don't worry about me, alright?" I ask.
He glances to me, reaching over and grabbing my hand again, but before he can say anything, a man jumps down and into our path, forcing the Doctor to slam on the breaks, the man is holding a large shotgun of some kind, pointing it directly at us.
"Don't point that thing at us, man! It might go off!" The Doctor snaps angrily, his arm having moved up in front of me protectively "we're here on official business. I understand there's been some trouble here"
"That's right, mate. And you're in it" the man snarks, walking around Bessie to my side before he climbs into the back seat right behind me.
He presses the muzzle of the gun to the back of my head, I keep my head forward, not making a sound and not showing any emotion, even with the gun I wasn't scared of him, or the gun, there was only two things in this prison that really scared me right now, and this idiotic inmate wasn't either of them.
"Now, let's get this heap inside" the man orders, the Doctor reaches over and pushes the muzzle of the gun away from me.
"We were going there anyway" he replies, already very done with this situation, and it seemed he was trying to not show this inmate how close we are.
"You know, when Keller told us about a girl coming with you, I didn't expect a pretty girl like you" the inmate says over my shoulder, laying his hand on my shoulder.
I turn to meet his gaze, my eyes sharp and angry "sir, if you'd like to keep all of your fingers, I'd suggest you don't touch me" I retort seriously.
He laughs "what? Do you think this old man will try to save your virtue?" He sneers.
I smirk now "nope. I mean he would, but I'm more likely going to be the one to bite your fingers off myself" I reply calmly.
The man grimaces a little and takes his hand off my shoulder, but just looks angry now "keep driving" he huffs to the Doctor.
The Doctor listens and then parks inside and we are led out of the car, the Doctor staying close to my side as we are led inside the prison and up to a very nice office at gunpoint, now one other thug joined to hold guns to us.
I follow the Doctor in, and he leans against the chair in front of the nice desk, the chair behind it turned to hide the person, but only moments later the chair spins around to reveal the Master, hands clasped in front of himself.
I freeze, heart thudding loudly in my ears as I stare at the Master, the Doctor scoots a bit closer to me as he nods.
"Yes. Yes I thought as much" he comments.
Here's the beginning to the crazy to come!
And a few large events will be happening next chapter, so be ready for those!
If you enjoyed I'd love to hear what you liked most! And if you have classic episode suggestions I'd love to hear them! I'm currently watching through all of the classics which has been a ton of fun!
And lastly! I'm thinking of starting a Discord channel for this story and just for Doctor Who stuff in general, what do you guys think? (I'd also be doing a movie stream night where I stream classic Doctor Who episodes if possible)
Anyways, love you all!
~Ezra