The Master and the Doctor stood off in the corner of the old complex, voices low as they discussed something in rapid, clipped tones. Jayne, Benton, Jo, and the rest of the crew hung back, watching warily. Every so often someone edged closer to hear, but the Doctor would raise a hand and wave them off.

"Technical details," he said apologetically. "Wouldn't make much sense unless you've got a few centuries of temporal engineering under your belt."

Jayne didn't lower his gun.

Jo and Benton stood a little off to the side, catching up in soft, fond tones. Jayne cast the occasional glance at them but kept his focus on the Master. When the conversation in the corner ended, the Doctor and the Master gave each other a curt nod.

"That's settled, then," the Doctor said.

The group started the walk back to Serenity.

They hadn't made it far before they ran into Zoe, who stood at the base of the ramp, gun in hand and eyes sharp.

"We good?" she asked, gaze darting between the Doctor, the Master, and Benton.

"We're fine," the Doctor said quickly, lifting his hands. "Everything's under control. No mind control, no tricks. Well, no new ones."

Zoe studied him for a moment longer, then slowly lowered her weapon.

Jayne, trailing just behind Jo and Benton, muttered, "Didn't think you could chat that long without takin' a breath, Sergeant."

Jo whirled on him. "Jayne! That's completely uncalled for!"

But Benton only chuckled, glancing sideways at Jayne with a knowing smirk. "She's a fine one, isn't she?" he said, not to Jo, but to Jayne. "You're not angry at me. You're angry I was talking to her."

Jayne scowled. Said nothing.

"Relax, mate," Benton said. "She's a friend. No horse in that race."

Jo flushed and looked away, brushing back a strand of hair. Jayne didn't respond. He just kept walking, a little more quiet than usual.

Back on board Serenity, the Doctor and the Master headed directly into the TARDIS. The Master moved like he owned the place, but the Doctor kept him on a short leash, eyes never far from his hands. There was no time to linger, no opportunity to let the Master indulge in whatever schemes he might be plotting.

In the meantime, the rest of the crew pulled Jayne aside in the corridor just outside the engine room.

"Mal's back," Zoe said without preamble. "Physically fine. Better than fine. Brain's good as new."

Jayne blinked. "And that's… bad?"

"Memory's gone," Wash added. "Far as he knows, it's the day after the Doctor showed up. Doesn't remember any of the aliens or the crazy tech."

"We've agreed on a story," said Simon. "Alliance trouble, sabotage, a few bad runs. But nothing... extra-terrestrial."

Jayne grunted. "So, lie to the Captain."

"Protect him," Zoe said. "He just got back. He's our Captain. Let's not break him again."

Jayne folded his arms, jaw tight. But he nodded.

"Fine. But I don't like it."

"None of us do," Zoe replied. "But it's what he needs."

BACK AT THE COMPLEX – LATE AFTERNOON

Their footsteps stirred the dust as the four figures stood off to the side, near the unbarred window: the Doctor, Benton, Jayne—and the Master.

The journey back had been strangely subdued. The Master, still pale beneath his high-collared coat, hadn't tried to run or taunt. He'd simply walked.

They stood now before his TARDIS, the silver capsule pulsing faintly in the evening light streaming in.

The Doctor kept his arms folded, one hand gripping the sonic screwdriver in a tight fist. Jayne held his weapon loosely, but ready. Benton said nothing, watching both Time Lords with a soldier's wary eye.

The Master approached the capsule's console and began making subtle adjustments. The Doctor stepped forward.

"What are you doing?" he asked, suspicion mounting. The sonic buzzed to life in his hand.

The Master didn't look up. "Turning something off, Doctor. You can lower that silly thing."

"What?"

He turned then, slowly, and his expression—though still wearing that signature smirk—was weary. Genuine.

"I told you. I'm leaving this system alone. It's too far from the action, too many backward planets and too few minds worth molding. Even I can admit when something's more trouble than it's worth."

Jayne glanced at Benton, who raised an eyebrow. Neither looked convinced.

"You're serious," the Doctor said, hesitating.

The Master offered a tired smile. "For once, yes. Call it a professional courtesy. Or maybe I just need a new project."

With a final nod to the group, the Master turned and stepped into the capsule. The light above the TARDIS pulsed once, then it vanished with a hiss of displaced air.