|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:51:01 GMT
The Lone Warrior
The Sontaran fighter sped out of control into the planetary system. It was uncharted. Uncharted by the Sontaran army as it was of little strategic importance, on the outermost fringes of one of the spiral arms of the Milky Way. Battle Commander Krel fought the controls, but his craft was out of his control. His squadron had been completely destroyed by an enemy attack, one more powerful than the Rutan scum, an enemy that had disappeared, no doubt destroyed by the glorious Sontaran fleet. Checking his instruments, Krel discovered that his communications systems had been destroyed. He was alone. Alone until any passing Sontaran ships found him. He knew his chances were slim, this being an uncharted system. He decided that when he made planet fall he would persuade the local inhabitants to help repair his ship, then the planet would become part of the Sontaran Empire. It was his greatest chance. Krel checked his systems. It was possible to make safe planet fall. He was taken by surprise when he entered the gravitational pull of twin planets. His control systems were in a worse state than he had thought. He found himself being pulled down towards the uninhabited one of the two. He noticed a reading on his instruments, a structure. Using the last vestiges of his ships power, he tried his best to land close to the structure. He deduced there would be technology there to help him repair his ship. Krel felt his ship rock about him as he entered the atmosphere. The heat levels started to rise and he felt his ship get even more buffeted. The ground rushed up to him quicker than he anticipated.
Krel staggered out of the wreckage of his ship. The crash landing was worse than he anticipated also. He was also quite badly injured and his ship now beyond repair. Looking about him he noted that his ship had come down not too far from the structure. It rose up out of the ground before him. To Krel, it looked like a space craft that had made planet fall and then built round, turning it into a building.
Krel made his way to the structure. It seemed familiar to him somehow, he recognised the workmanship. It was certainly no Sontaran base. It had to be a base of some kind; Krel decided as he reached the outer wall and started looking for an entrance. It was possible that the base had facilities to help him commence repairs on his ship, or a communications system with which to contact Sontaran Command. A battered door was half opened. Krel put his hands underneath it to try and force the door all the way up. Struggling, Krel only succeeded in lifting the door a few more inches. He stooped through the opening into the gloom of the base. In the murky light, Krel took his helmet off to look at his surroundings and let his eyes grow accustomed to the dark. His eyes slowly getting used to the gloom, he realised to whom the base belonged: its occupants were lying dead about the floor or still attached to their alcoves: Cybermen. Krels hand went to his phase pistol, but a second scout of the chamber confirmed that there was no life in the base other than him. The bases instruments had little power running to them. The little information Krel gained told him that there was a chance he could commence repairs to his ship and at least send a report to Sontaran High Command and repair the energy feed to keep him alive. Taking one last look at the deactivated Cybermen, Krel started to explore the base to see if he could find any lose equipment he could salvage before he started dismantling the control systems.
Two planetary days passed and Krel was still busying himself about his work. He had repaired the fuel and energy cells and was starting work on communications. Krel had discovered that he was unable to repair the energy feed, so communications became a matter of emergency. To die alone from exhaustion on a remote planet was not in his definition of honour. He was deep into his work when he heard a strange sound echoing round the plain. Looking round Krel couldn’t see anything out of the usual; he had grown to know the plain he was stranded on. Looking towards the dead Cyber base he saw something. There was a large boulder now sat outside that he was certain hadn’t been there before. As he watched he saw a dark, silhouetted figure emerge from behind the boulder and head to the base, only stopping to glance at the thick power cable that was snaking from the entrance to where Krel was stood. The figure entered the base; Krel was uncertain whether or not the figure had spotted him. Drawing his phase pistol from its holster, Krel made his way to the base. The intruder would help him, or die.
Entering the dark base, Krel looked about to see if the figure was still in the entrance chamber. He could see no sign of the strange figure. The boulder had yielded no information about who the figure was: it was merely a boulder. Walking the few corridors to the main control chamber, Krel still hadn’t seen the figure, until he entered the Control Chamber. There was a dark silhouette leaning over the controls. The figure turned its head and looked at Krel, before flicking a control. The sudden glare of the lights coming on dazzled Krel. When his eyes adjusted to the new lighting he looked back at the control panel for the figure, gun raised but the figure had gone.
“Does the mighty Sontaran Assault Force now cower behind phase plasma weaponry?” Said a voice beside Krel.
Krel spun to face the voice, his weapon raised.
“I am Battle Commander Krel, or as you will call me, ‘Sir’.” Krel said to the strange little man he was facing. The figure was human, or at least humanoid, wearing dark clothes.
“Oh my dear Commander Krel,” The figure purred glaring into the Sontarans eyes, “you are much mistaken. I am the Master, and you will obey me.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:51:32 GMT
“We’re going after more Cybermen?” Tom asked.
“Apparently so.” Jess replied.
“Why?” Tom looked at the Doctor.
The Time Lord was busy studying some instruments on the console. “A couple of traces escaped the scoop.” He said softly. “Not big ones though, maybe a couple of Cybermen per trace.”
“But why?” Tom asked again.
“It’ll keep the Time Lords off our back for a while, and I don’t want the war restarting.” The Doctor replied. “Besides, the Time Lords would have sent us after them anyway, after which they’d have probably taken you back to Gallifrey.”
“I suppose that’s understandable.” The young Time Lord replied thinking back to his time on EST3 and the revelations that came in his last few days there.
“So, where exactly are we going then?” Jess asked.
“One of the traces stopped just near the Autrion system, more precisely Autrion Minor or Major, one of those planets. That’s on the outer rim of the Galaxy.” The Doctor added looking up at her. “The other is the other side of the Galaxy. But as Autrion is closer to Earth, I thought that would be the place to start.”
“So, how did they escape this scoop thing?” Tom asked, now sat in the Doctors chair sipping a cup of tea.
“I’m not sure.” The Time Lord replied. “Possibly they had some temporal technology installed. Still, we’ll find out when we get there. Hopefully, they will have crashed. All we need to do is make sure they’re safe. And the locals.” He added.
“So, Autrion.” Jess began. “Is it inhabited?”
“Autrion Major is.” The Doctor replied. “Quite a nice little community from what I hear. Not technologically advanced, like pre-industrial earth. But they’re very peaceful; they spend time on craft and workmanship rather than war and weaponry. Although they are rather advanced for the limited technology they have though. Autrion Minor however is uninhabited. Mainly large canyons, rocky plains and rock stacks, like the Nevada desert.” The Doctor smiled looking up. “Quite picturesque as well.”
“Good planet if you fancy a spot of rock climbing then?” Tom suggested.
“Quite.” The Doctor replied.
“What are the people like then?” Jess asked.
“I’ve just told you, peaceful and-”
“No, I meant are they alien or human or lizards?” She cut in.
“Oh, I see.” The Doctor said. “Human. At least in appearance, alien to you or me underneath, although as with most human looking species in this galaxy, they aren’t that dissimilar.”
“Is the universe populated with human looking aliens then?” Jess asked.
“The universe is teeming with life.” Tom replied from the chair. “But there are a lot of species that look like us in appearance.”
“Quite,” The Doctor agreed, “However, there are plenty of species that are far from human; you’ve seen Daleks, Cybermen, Sontarans and Ice Warriors. Although it’s not often a cavalcade of alien species like that, only extreme circumstances like that war.”
“What would you make of the Great Old Ones?” Tom asked, directing the question to the Doctor. Jess looked on bemused.
“I’ve met a couple.” The Doctor replied nonchalantly. “Some are nice; some aren’t, as with all life. How do you know of them?”
“I can remember hearing something about them at the Academy.” Tom replied.
“How is your memory?” The Doctor subtly changed the subject.
“Getting better, but how’s things at hand. How long until we’re at Autrion?” Toms’ change of subject was less subtle.
“About ten minutes.” The Doctor smiled
“No time to shower then.” Said Jess, looking a little dismayed. “That’s if you have a shower?”
“Of course!” The Doctor sounded offended “I think I’d smell a bit if I didn’t travel with a shower.” Jess smiled at that. “Down the corridor, turn left, third on your right; that’s the bathroom.” The Doctor smiled.
Jess went to set off down the corridor, stopping at the door. “You’ll still be here when I’m back?” She asked over her shoulder.
The Doctor smiled. “We’ll wait for you before we go out.” He replied. “We are after Cybermen after all!”
Jess walked back into the Console room to find the Doctor and Tom hunched over one of the panels on the console.
“We were lucky.” Tom said.
“Lucky?” Jess asked from the door. “How?”
“The Cyber trace stops on Autrion Minor,” the Doctor replied. “Unpopulated. And scans show signs that there has been a crash of some kind due to traces of certain gasses and chemicals in the local vicinity.” The Time Lord finished looking up and activated the materialisation and the central column ceased moving. Activating the scanner control the Doctor turned to face the screen.
“Inside the structure!” He said, surprised.
“Well, at least we wont have far to walk.” Tom replied, looking up at the screen. “Hmm, it’s a bit dark, isn’t it?”
“Yes.” The Doctor mused. “We were doubly lucky. It seems as though this place is rather dead.”
“I wish you wouldn’t use words like that.” Jess said. “Although I suppose that means no Cybermen.”
“No. This makes our job easier.” The Doctor confirmed. “Tom, open the doors.”
Tom pulled the lever to open the door and the three travellers exited the TARDIS.
The ground crunched softly underfoot.
“What is that?” Jess asked looking at the floor.
“Dust, rust and decay.” The Doctor replied. “According to the instruments there’s been some kind of Chronotron leak. That could account for the decay.”
“This dust is really thick.” Tom said bending down and running his finger through it. “This base has obviously been here for some time. How long after the war are we?”
“Not too long. It must have fallen and crashed through time. An unsuccessful time experiment.” The Doctor replied.
“Then if it’s been here for a while, why wasn’t it caught in that scoop?” Jess asked.
“Because it wasn’t here when the scoop was activated.” The Doctor said. “Its all temporal, rather complicated to explain now, so I suggest we try and find the control chamber, set self destruct and move onto the next one so we can finally get back on track.”
“Sounds a good plan to me.” Tom said. “The less time we’re here the better.”
“Well, there’s a door over here.” Jess said heading toward the opening.
“Jess, we’d best stick togeth-” The Doctor began, but was cut off as a door slammed closed behind Jess, cutting her off from Tom and himself.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:51:41 GMT
“We’re going after more Cybermen?” Tom asked.
“Apparently so.” Jess replied.
“Why?” Tom looked at the Doctor.
The Time Lord was busy studying some instruments on the console. “A couple of traces escaped the scoop.” He said softly. “Not big ones though, maybe a couple of Cybermen per trace.”
“But why?” Tom asked again.
“It’ll keep the Time Lords off our back for a while, and I don’t want the war restarting.” The Doctor replied. “Besides, the Time Lords would have sent us after them anyway, after which they’d have probably taken you back to Gallifrey.”
“I suppose that’s understandable.” The young Time Lord replied thinking back to his time on EST3 and the revelations that came in his last few days there.
“So, where exactly are we going then?” Jess asked.
“One of the traces stopped just near the Autrion system, more precisely Autrion Minor or Major, one of those planets. That’s on the outer rim of the Galaxy.” The Doctor added looking up at her. “The other is the other side of the Galaxy. But as Autrion is closer to Earth, I thought that would be the place to start.”
“So, how did they escape this scoop thing?” Tom asked, now sat in the Doctors chair sipping a cup of tea.
“I’m not sure.” The Time Lord replied. “Possibly they had some temporal technology installed. Still, we’ll find out when we get there. Hopefully, they will have crashed. All we need to do is make sure they’re safe. And the locals.” He added.
“So, Autrion.” Jess began. “Is it inhabited?”
“Autrion Major is.” The Doctor replied. “Quite a nice little community from what I hear. Not technologically advanced, like pre-industrial earth. But they’re very peaceful; they spend time on craft and workmanship rather than war and weaponry. Although they are rather advanced for the limited technology they have though. Autrion Minor however is uninhabited. Mainly large canyons, rocky plains and rock stacks, like the Nevada desert.” The Doctor smiled looking up. “Quite picturesque as well.”
“Good planet if you fancy a spot of rock climbing then?” Tom suggested.
“Quite.” The Doctor replied.
“What are the people like then?” Jess asked.
“I’ve just told you, peaceful and-”
“No, I meant are they alien or human or lizards?” She cut in.
“Oh, I see.” The Doctor said. “Human. At least in appearance, alien to you or me underneath, although as with most human looking species in this galaxy, they aren’t that dissimilar.”
“Is the universe populated with human looking aliens then?” Jess asked.
“The universe is teeming with life.” Tom replied from the chair. “But there are a lot of species that look like us in appearance.”
“Quite,” The Doctor agreed, “However, there are plenty of species that are far from human; you’ve seen Daleks, Cybermen, Sontarans and Ice Warriors. Although it’s not often a cavalcade of alien species like that, only extreme circumstances like that war.”
“What would you make of the Great Old Ones?” Tom asked, directing the question to the Doctor. Jess looked on bemused.
“I’ve met a couple.” The Doctor replied nonchalantly. “Some are nice; some aren’t, as with all life. How do you know of them?”
“I can remember hearing something about them at the Academy.” Tom replied.
“How is your memory?” The Doctor subtly changed the subject.
“Getting better, but how’s things at hand. How long until we’re at Autrion?” Toms’ change of subject was less subtle.
“About ten minutes.” The Doctor smiled
“No time to shower then.” Said Jess, looking a little dismayed. “That’s if you have a shower?”
“Of course!” The Doctor sounded offended “I think I’d smell a bit if I didn’t travel with a shower.” Jess smiled at that. “Down the corridor, turn left, third on your right; that’s the bathroom.” The Doctor smiled.
Jess went to set off down the corridor, stopping at the door. “You’ll still be here when I’m back?” She asked over her shoulder.
The Doctor smiled. “We’ll wait for you before we go out.” He replied. “We are after Cybermen after all!”
Jess walked back into the Console room to find the Doctor and Tom hunched over one of the panels on the console.
“We were lucky.” Tom said.
“Lucky?” Jess asked from the door. “How?”
“The Cyber trace stops on Autrion Minor,” the Doctor replied. “Unpopulated. And scans show signs that there has been a crash of some kind due to traces of certain gasses and chemicals in the local vicinity.” The Time Lord finished looking up and activated the materialisation and the central column ceased moving. Activating the scanner control the Doctor turned to face the screen.
“Inside the structure!” He said, surprised.
“Well, at least we wont have far to walk.” Tom replied, looking up at the screen. “Hmm, it’s a bit dark, isn’t it?”
“Yes.” The Doctor mused. “We were doubly lucky. It seems as though this place is rather dead.”
“I wish you wouldn’t use words like that.” Jess said. “Although I suppose that means no Cybermen.”
“No. This makes our job easier.” The Doctor confirmed. “Tom, open the doors.”
Tom pulled the lever to open the door and the three travellers exited the TARDIS.
The ground crunched softly underfoot.
“What is that?” Jess asked looking at the floor.
“Dust, rust and decay.” The Doctor replied. “According to the instruments there’s been some kind of Chronotron leak. That could account for the decay.”
“This dust is really thick.” Tom said bending down and running his finger through it. “This base has obviously been here for some time. How long after the war are we?”
“Not too long. It must have fallen and crashed through time. An unsuccessful time experiment.” The Doctor replied.
“Then if it’s been here for a while, why wasn’t it caught in that scoop?” Jess asked.
“Because it wasn’t here when the scoop was activated.” The Doctor said. “Its all temporal, rather complicated to explain now, so I suggest we try and find the control chamber, set self destruct and move onto the next one so we can finally get back on track.”
“Sounds a good plan to me.” Tom said. “The less time we’re here the better.”
“Well, there’s a door over here.” Jess said heading toward the opening.
“Jess, we’d best stick togeth-” The Doctor began, but was cut off as a door slammed closed behind Jess, cutting her off from Tom and himself.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:52:15 GMT
“What-?” Tom began.
The Doctor rushed over to the door.
“I don’t know. She may have activated an old booby trap or something. I don’t know what security systems there are in a base like this, Tom?” The Doctor asked turning to face his new companion.
Tom shook his head. “I’ve no idea Doctor. This is one thing that the Cybermen never let me into.” He said looking round him. “There’s another door over there.” He added pointing through the gloom. “We must be able to get round that way.”
The Doctor slammed his fist against the sealed door in frustration.
“Are there no control panels in this room?” He shouted.
“I can’t tell.” Tom replied. “It’s hard to make details out.”
“Well before we go anywhere, let’s make sure that we can’t reopen this door.” The Doctor said.
Jess spun round as she heard the door slamming down shut behind her. Running back to it, she saw a small control panel on the left hand side. She tried pressing buttons, only to find the covering drop away to the floor. The circuits inside were all damaged and inoperable. Jess looked around. She was alone in the gloom of the Cyber base, the door between her and the Doctor and Tom was closed. Jess weighed up her options; either sit where she was and wait to see if the Doctor and Tom could open the door to get her, or try and find a way round to them. Looking at her surroundings though the gloom, she decided on the latter. She cautiously made her way across the floor, stumbling as she tripped over something on the floor. Feeling about her in the dark, her hand touched the obstacle that caused her to fall. She pulled her hand back immediately; the handles and faceplate told her it was a Cyberman. She remembered what the Doctor had said about the base being dead; this Cyberman seemed to prove it. Jess picked herself up again and made her way across the room; she had spotted a lighter section in the gloom ahead, which she was hoping would be a door. Reaching, what was a door, Jess found herself in a corridor which had light at the far end. She was instantly reminded of the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ saying and edged cautiously down the corridor, hoping she would be able to get some idea of the layout of the base. Jess paused mid-step down the corridor. The light either meant it was the entrance, or the lights were on, which meant that someone had to be about. Jess could feel her heart pounding as she reached the light. Squinting, she entered another chamber. There was a small instrument panel to one side; the other was a large door, hanging open. A cable snaked from the console and went out the door. Directly opposite her was another door, possibly leading back round to where the Doctor and Tom were. In making her way to the opposite door, she paused to look out of the main door. The power cable snaked off to the wreck of a space craft about 200 yards away. The Doctor had been right about the planet, Jess noted. The plain the base was in was vast and there were spectacular rock stacks at irregular intervals, boulders dotted about, and one right in front of the doors. Jess could see no vegetation, but looking up into the greenish blue sky, Jess saw the other planet of Autrion, like a green and blue marble in the sky; even greener and bluer than the Earth when she saw it.
“Why, Miss Lawton. What a pleasure it is to see you once again after so long.”
The voice made Jess gasp and jump with surprise. She turned round, her heart beating at speed to see a man stood at the doorway she was about to go though. He was wearing a black suit; the coat had tails she noticed. He was also wearing a grey waistcoat and black cravat, held with a black jewelled pin, over a white shirt. He looked immaculate with his hair swept back and neatly trimmed goatee beard. He stood there regarding her, his hands held behind his back. Jess finally found her voice, recovering from the shock.
“Who…Who are you?” She asked, her voice trembling slightly.
“Oh, my dear.” The man said stepping forward “I can’t have changed that much, surely?”
“I’m sure I’ve never met you before in my life.” Jess replied. “Who are you? And how did you get here? The Doctor said this planet was uninhabited.” Jess wondered why she had just mentioned the Doctor, surely this man couldn’t know him.
“Ah, the good Doctor said that did he?” The Man replied, shocking Jess. “I assume that he didn’t account for other travellers then.”
“Was that your ship then?” Jess asked pointing out the door.
“Which one?” The man seemed genuinely confused.
“Which other one is there?” Jess spluttered. “The big crashed one.”
“Oh, no!” The man laughed “That particular vessel belongs to Battle Commander Krel.” He added.
“Battle Commander Krel? What is going on here? Just who are you?” Jess demanded
“You genuinely don’t recall ever meeting me before?” The man asked.
“I’ve already told you haven’t I?” Jess replied snappishly.
The man chuckled gently. “Oh my dear Doctor, crossing time streams are we?” he chuckled more to himself than Jess. “Well in that case my dear, it explains a lot. I’ve met you before, and you are meeting me for the first time.”
“Well, clearly.” Jess said, then paused and looked at the man. “How have you met me before?”
The man sighed. “You travel in time; you’ve met me in my past.” He smiled taking another couple of steps towards her. “You want to know who I am?”
“Yes.” Jess replied. “And how do you know the Doctor.”
“Oh, the Doctor and I are old friends, or rather enemies.” The man said, staring intently at her. “I am usually referred to as The Master.”
Jess felt herself transfixed by the mans’ eyes, everything else seemed to be drowning out. She could only hear his voice.
“Who?” She asked in a dazed tone.
“I am the Master, and you will obey me.”
Jess felt the world starting to spin.
“Everything will be alright if you just obey me.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:52:42 GMT
“No, nothing.” Tom said, dismayed. He was leaning so his head and shoulders had disappeared in an open panel in the wall. “There’s just no way to open it.”
“There’s a what?” The Doctor asked.
“It won’t open.” Tom replied, his voice muffled.
“Why would I want a muffin?” The Doctor asked bemused. “Are you thinking of the job in hand?”
“Sand? What’s sand got to do with anything?”
“What have you found?” The Doctor asked poking his head through the opening.
“What?”
“I could ask you the same thing. Why were you rambling about muffins?”
“I wasn’t talking about muffins.” Tom replied. “I think we’ve got our wires crossed somewhere, which, bringing us back to here, I cant get the door open, we’ll have to try and find another way round. There’s bound to be one.”
The Doctor sighed. “Have you finished with my torch then?” He asked.
Toms hand emerged from the hole he was working in holding the small torch. The doctor flashed it across the room as Tom pulled himself out of the opening.
“I’m not sure what to make of the lack of Cybermen.” Tom said.
“It’s possible there will be some lying about when we get to control.” The Doctor replied. “Which door do you think; left or right?”
“Left.” Tom suggested.
The two Time Lords set off, only to stop dead a few paces later as the lights snapped on.
“What-?” The Doctor began. He was interrupted by a guttural growling sound.
“When you said this planet was uninhabited, did you forget to mention any savage beasts?” Tom asked.
“No.” The Doctor said slowly. “According to the TARDIS, the planet is completely devoid of life.”
“Then explain that.” Tom pointed to a shadow that moved slowly towards the door. “And that’s no Cyberman.”
The Doctor and Tom watched as a gloved three fingered hand gripped the door frame.
“Get back.” The Doctor whispered.
“The TARDIS?” Tom whispered back.
“Behind it.” The Doctor hissed, taking a step forwards.
“Are you mad?” Tom hissed back. “We don’t know what that thing is?”
“Yes I do, now do as I say.” The Doctor said, standing his ground against the shadow.
Tom, resigning, rested behind the TARDIS, his back to the side of the time ship. Looking down he saw a broken piece of piping, which bending down and picking up, he weighed in his hand. It would make a suitable makeshift weapon if whatever it was approaching them was hostile. Tom glanced round the side of the TARDIS to see the Doctor stood in the middle of the room. He looked at the shadow; it seemed vaguely familiar to him somehow.
“Well, come out then.” The Doctor was saying his hands behind his back, waving Tom back to his hiding place. “I thought you Sontarans were honourable? There’s nothing honourable about hiding and not confronting the unknown.”
With a snarl, Krel appeared in the doorway.
“Ah, there you are.” The Doctor smiled. “How do you do? I’m called the Doctor.”
“You are the Time Lord?” Krel hissed.
“Yes.” The Doctor said holding out his hand. “And what’s your name?”
“My name is unimportant to you Time Lord.” Krel said advancing on the Doctor, causing the Doctor to back away. “For the little time you have left you will call me ‘Sir’.”
“Are you aware of how many Sontarans have tried to get me to call them ‘Sir’?” The Doctor asked, stepping further back.
“Were is the other?” Krel said, still advancing on the Doctor.
“The other one?”
“The other Time Lord.” Krel snarled. “I shall have the honour of having both your heads as trophies when Sontaran command arrives.”
Tom watched as the Doctor stepped into his view beside the TARDIS. Seizing his chance, Tom nipped round the side in time to see Krel following the Doctor disappear from his view. Jumping out, Tom swung the pipe as hard as he could, hitting the Sontaran on the back, connecting jarringly to the Probic Vent. Gasping, Krel fell to his knees before toppling forwards.
“I’m behind you.” Tom said, wryly.
“What kept you?” The Doctor asked, now flat against the wall. “I was running out of floor space.”
“I wasn’t aware that’s what you were after.” Tom replied. “I just went for it off my own back.”
“Yes, well. I’m glad you did.” The Doctor breathed. “I think we’d better get moving. Our friend here won’t be in the best of moods when he awakes, not with you hitting him from behind.”
“Do you think there are any more of them?” Tom asked as he followed the Doctor the way the Sontaran had come.
“I doubt it. Not with him implying he was waiting for Sontaran Command to arrive. My guess is that he’s stranded here after the war.”
“Well, I wasn’t expecting him to go down that easily.” Tom said.
“You caught the Probic Vent.” The Doctor replied. “His energy port, knocked him for six, basically. But that’s not my concern.”
“What is? Jess?” Tom asked. “You think she ran foul of him?”
“I don’t know.” The Doctor said pausing to look about him. They had reached another small chamber with a door in each wall, making it a cross roads.
“Which way?” Tom asked.
Fumbling in his pocket, the Doctor brought out a silver coin.
“Heads or Tails?” He asked.
“Tails.”
The Doctor flipped the coin, caught it and looked at it in his palm. Pointing straight ahead, he made to move.
“This way, I think.” He said turning to the right hand door.
Tom trotted slightly to catch the Doctor up. “You were saying?” He asked.
“Yes, his eyes. There was something about them.” The Doctor said.
“How could you tell?” Tom asked “He had his helmet on.”
“I could feel it.” The Doctor said, “Something familiar in them. And how did he know we were Time Lords?”
“Don’t the Sontarans know you?” Tom Suggested.
“No,” The Doctor mused. “There’s something else. Something far worse.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:53:09 GMT
“How he knew there were two of us?” Tom Suggested.
“Well, obviously he must have heard us talking before he came in the room.” The Doctor replied
“You know,” Tom said, thoughtfully. “This layout seems very familiar to me.”
“It would.” The Doctor replied.
“No, what I mean is, I’m pretty sure I know where main control is.”
“Through the door jess went through.” The Doctor confirmed.
“Yes.” Tom said, surprised.
“Built to very similar designs, Cyber bases.” The Doctor smiled at his young friend. “There will be a conversion chamber in the centre of the loop and a minor control in the entrance chamber.”
“Therefore, we should hopefully meet Jess soon, if she’s decided to work her way round the corridors.” Tom finished.
“Quite.” The Doctor said his smile fading. “But I’ve still got that funny feeling.”
The Master entered his TARDIS, coughing. His plan had to work this time. There was no other choice. He knew that his body was dying, he needed to replace it. He crossed the console room to the control console and, leaning against a panel, checked some readings. Smiling to himself, the Master crossed to another panel and operated the scanner.
“Where is that Sontaran imbecile?” He muttered to himself. “That’s the problem with a cloned race, they stay stupid.” Altering a few settings on the panel before him, the image on the screen changed to show the inside of the Cyber base. The image flickered from several empty corridors and chambers. The image changed to that of the entrance chamber. The Master was about to change the image again when some movement caught his eye. Stopping and watching the screen, the Master watched as the Doctor and Tom walked into the entrance chamber. The younger Time Lord was nervous and kept glancing over his shoulder. He looked different from how the Master remembered him. Then it hit him, he was clean shaven. When the Master first met Tom Rowan, he remembered, he had a trimmed goatee beard, not too dissimilar from his own, with longer hair.
“They don’t change their layouts much.” The Doctor was saying.
“Why tamper with a classic design?” Tom replied, heading to the control panel.
“Exactly.” The Doctor stopped and looked around him. “I was once in Cyber control on Telos, before it expanded, and it was set up like this, only there was a hatch to the tombs to the left of the main doors.”
“Well, according to this.” Tom said. “We’ve almost gone round in a full loop. The main control is that way.” He pointed to the door to the right of the control panel. “So, Jess must be down that way.”
The Master smiled watching them. He was about to create a paradox, but he didn’t care, because he was going to live, and survive it and be rid of the Doctor. Changing the picture on the scanner, the Master smiled more. The Doctors TARDIS was sat unattended. Studying the image closer, his smile turned to a frown. Krel was lying on the floor, apparently unconscious. He must have been hit from behind, probably by the young Mr Rowan. As the Master watched, he saw Krel stirring and start to get to his feet. Turning, the Master walked out of his TARDIS onto the plain and headed to the Cyber base.
“We still have to get passed our Sontaran friend.” The Doctor said looking back through the door he and Tom had come through.
“What about Jess?” Tom asked.
“Did someone say my name?”
The two Time Lords spun to see Jess standing at the doorway to the right hand side of the control panel.
“Jess!” Tom exclaimed stepping towards her.
“Jess?” The Doctor asked, rather suspiciously.
“Yes Doctor?” Jess replied, tilting her head to one side, her hands behind her back.
“Where have you been?” The Doctor asked slowly.
“I’ve found the self destruct.” Jess said cheerfully.
“How did you know it was self destruct?” The Doctor asked.
“It said self destruct.” Jess said, defensively.
“Well, what are we waiting for?” Tom asked, starting towards Jess.
The Doctor grabbed hold of Toms arm, holding him back and stepping in between Tom and Jess. “Jess, look at me.” He said a serious look in his eyes.
Jess looked up at the Time Lord. “Yes Doctor?” She replied cheerfully again.
“What have you been doing for the past fifteen minutes?” The Time Lord asked.
“I’ve found the self destruct.” She replied.
“Doctor, she seems-” Tom began.
“Yes.” The Doctor said. “Jess, what was your mothers’ name?” He asked stepping forward
“I-” Jess paused.
“Your fathers name? Where were you born?”
Jess stood perfectly still for a few seconds before launching herself at the Doctor, throwing him backwards. Jess landed on top of the Time Lord, her hands gripped round his throat.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:54:02 GMT
Tom stood rooted to the spot with shock for a few seconds before he also launched into action. Coming round behind Jess, he tried to lift her bodily off the Doctor. Hitting back with her left hand, Jess send tom stumbling backwards. With her grip loosened, the Doctor was able to throw Jess off him and roll to safety. Jess stood up to launch another attack at the Doctor and dived forwards, only this time not getting anywhere. Tom grabbed her, holding her arms behind her back, stopping her from heading towards the Doctor.
“Well done Tom.” The Doctor said, straightening his cravat.
“What’s wrong with her?” Tom asked, nodding his head to the now silent Jess.
“Shh.” The Doctor scorned taking his pocket watch from his pocket. He held it up in front of Jess’ face, slowly swinging it back and fro.
“Jess. Jess.” He said soothingly. “Jess, listen to me and me only. Can you hear me?”
“Yes.” Jess replied softly.
“You are Jessica Lawton. You are a free person, nobodies’ tool. You will forget your previous instructions. Do you hear me?”
“Yes. I am Jessica Lawton. I- Doctor?” Jess said, slowly starting to sound like her old self.
“Jess?”
“Doctor, is that you?”
The Doctor nodded, smiling.
“Where have I been?” Jess asked.
“It’s not important. What matters is that you’re safe now.” The Doctor smiled.
Tom let go of Jess’ arms and stepped round to her side.
“Are you ok?” He asked.
“Yes, just a slight headache.” She replied. “What happened?”
“You were under some kind of hypnosis.” The Doctor replied simply.
“Hypnosis? Who from?” Tom asked.
“There are several options.” The Doctor replied. “Our Sontaran friend is one. There is one that I would have thought of immediately, if he wasn’t dead.”
“Oh my dear Doctor.” The voice came from the main doors. “You assume too much old friend.”
The three travellers turned round to face the speaker, who was stood smiling, his gloved hands spread in almost a welcoming gesture.
“Doctor, who is that?” Tom asked.
“He’s my oldest and best enemy.” The Doctor replied looking at the figure. “And I thought he was dead. He likes to be called ‘The Master’.”
The Master stood in the doorway chuckling softly. “Such a pleasure to see you all again; Mr. Rowan, Miss Lawton, Doctor.” He purred gently.
“How do you know my name?” Tom queried then looking at Jess, “And Jess’s?” He added.
“More importantly, how are you here, in that body and alive?” The Doctor cut in. “That body was destroyed on Skaro and you were then sucked into the Eye of Harmony.”
The Master laughed. “Oh Doctor, do you really think those stupid tin boxes could get the better of me.”
Tom made a few steps forward only for the Doctor to grab his arm again.
“No, he’ll kill you without a seconds thought.”
“Yes, if I were you, I’d stay where you are, Mr. Rowan.” The Master said, pulling a short stubby tube, about six inches in length, from his pocket. “I am armed.”
“What is that thing?” Jess asked looking at the tube.
“A TCE; Tissue Compression Eliminator.” The Doctor replied. “Very nasty.”
“But effective Doctor.” The Master retorted, covering the three travellers with his TCE.
“Then I take it that this is where you take pleasure in gloating to us. Although I must say, I’m curious as to your survival.” The Doctor said.
“Very well Doctor.” The Master said pacing backwards and forwards just before the main doors. “You believed me dead, killed by the Daleks. We both know that the Daleks are no match for either you or I.”
“I must admit, that bit did have me wondering slightly that you’d managed to get yourself caught and killed by them.” The Doctor confirmed.
“It’s not that hard to get someone to act as me, Doctor.” The Master continued. “Simple hypnosis and a skin mask. It fooled the Daleks and you. I merely implanted enough information for both you and the Daleks to believe this creature was me.”
“Why?” The Doctor asked. “It seems quite nonsensical to me.”
“The things you can get away with when the universe thinks you’re a dead man.” The Master purred. “An aid in your destruction and my total freedom.” The master turned with a smile on his lips. “Unfortunately, it went wrong and you survived, however, that turns out to be fortuitous. For me at least.”
“But if you were trying to kill me, why have this fake you try to steal my regenerations?” The Doctor asked, suspiciously.
“Because he would then simply deliver them to me without delay.” The Master said simply. “You were simply still too disorientated from your regeneration to notice any difference in what you believed was me.”
“It all seems a bit too over the top and complex to me.” Tom said.
“You hardly expect me to tell you everything?” The Master said, almost offended. “That would ruin what I have in store for you.”
“And what’s that?” Jess asked.
“I think we’re about to find out.” The Doctor muttered, “But more importantly, who was that poor unfortunate you used to be you?”
“Just a primitive from the Algorian system. Nothing of importance.” The Master flatly said.
“No one life is unimportant.” The Doctor snapped back.
The Master waved the Doctor to silence and continued. “There was always a chance that you would escape it, so I was wise to set up a contingency plan. I found this place registering as a temporal anomaly for a while, when it came to me that it had escaped the Cyber war. Knowing you Doctor, I was wise to assume that you would follow in the wake of the Time Lords plan to deal with their left-overs, as they always get you to do.”
The Doctor stood, silently looking at the Master. Long seconds passed before the Doctor spoke. “You’re dying, aren’t you? This current body decaying and no more regenerations?”
The Master did not reply, he merely stared at the Doctor.
“Well, whatever the reason, the ball is out of your court, now I’d say.” Tom replied.
“Oh, not at all Mr. Rowan.” The Master said softly. “If you want to use the metaphor of games, then I believe it’s time to play my, ‘trump card’, I believe you call it.” He added smiling.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:54:57 GMT
A snarling could be heard coming from the doorway beside where the Master now stood. Krel appeared in the doorway, he was no longer wearing his helmet. His toad-like features were fixed in a snarl of anger, two deep and vivid scars ran down the right hand side of his face.
“I believe you’ve met Battle Commander Krel before.” The Master said.
“Yes.” The Doctor said slowly. “Although why do I get the feeling there’s more to things than you introducing us.”
“Quite right Doctor.” The Master said. “Commander Krel, I believe you have unfinished business with these two. They attacked you in a somewhat-dishonourable manner.”
“The young one.” Krel rasped pointing a large digit at Tom. “I demand satisfaction.”
“Master, this is between you and I, let Jess and Tom go unharmed.”
”Oh Doctor, where is your sense of honour? Krel has been dishonoured and demands honour, if he is my number two, then that must mean Mr. Rowan is yours. We fight for one thing, sorry, one charming young lady.” The Master chuckled, clicking his fingers.
The Doctor and Tom turned to face Jess, who stiffened at the sound of the Masters fingers clicking and started to move towards him.
“Jess, no.” Tom started towards her, but was knocked back by Krel.
“Goodbye Doctor. No doubt we shall see each other again so soon.” The Master said taking hold of Jess’ arm, the main door slamming closed, cutting them off from the Doctor, who ran to the door.
“You deny me honour?” Krel snarled, bearing down on Tom, his gun trained at his head.
Tom looked up at the muzzle of the weapon, directed straight between his eyes, when suddenly the gun disappeared and Krels’ arm shot up.
“That’s hardly fair or honourable.” The Doctor said, levelling back. Krels’ gun skidded across the floor.
Spinning round, Krel swiped at the Doctor, sending him stumbling backwards. “So I have to kill you both?” The Sontaran said advancing upon the Doctor.
Krel suddenly fell forwards as he was tripped by Tom, who tackled the Sontarans’ legs. Toms attempt to rise was faltered as the weight of Krel landed on top of him. Struggling free, Tom attempted to stand, only to find that Krel had clamped his hand around his ankle. The Doctor jumped up and held out his hand to help Tom up. Struggling to free himself, Tom kicked back into Krels’ face with his free foot, causing Krel to release his ankle. The Doctor helped Tom to his feet and the two Time Lords turned to face the Sontaran.
“You do not attack?” Krel said from the floor, spitting a mixture of yellowy-green blood and broken teeth to the floor.
“Don’t hit a man, or Sontaran, while he’s down.” The Doctor said.
Struggling to his feet, Krel slowly stood and looked at the Doctor, then across to Tom.
“You know that you’re being used. Being use by the Master for his own needs. You don’t need to kill us.” The Doctor said after a few seconds silence.
“I am nobodies’ instrument.” Krel snarled.
“The Master has used you.” The Doctor repeated. “He’s using you to kill us and then he’ll probably kill you, or leave you here to die.”
“Then I challenge you to a duel to the death.” Krel said pointing at Tom. “I shall not be left to die alone without honour.”
“We can take you back to Sontar.” The Doctor said cutting in before Tom could reply.
“The young Time Lord and I have unfinished business. You hit me from behind.” Krel snarled to Tom
“I do what I do to survive.” Tom replied. “I never meant to deny you honour and I have no desire to kill you.”
“If you do not fight me, then you deny me honour. If you fail to kill me I shall die with the honour having killed you and won an honourable duel. If you kill me then I die with honour in a duel.”
“I told you that we could take you back to Sontar.” The Doctor said. Krels face remained set in a look of determination. “But if you must fight someone, fight me, not Tom.”
“No, it’s ok.” Tom said, stepping round in front of the Doctor, taking his uniform jacket off. “If I’ve dishonoured you Krel, then it was unintentional, therefore I accept your offer of a duel.” He said taking his necktie off.
“Tom I don’t think you’ve thought this through.” The Doctor said, turning Tom to face him. “Have you got any idea how strong Sontarans are? You were lucky before.”
“Doctor, I have to do this, for Krel, not me. I don’t want to do this; it’s just something I have to. And you have to destroy this place so the Cybermen don’t come back.” Tom replied, looking hard at the other Time Lord. The Doctor nodded slowly and put his hands on Toms shoulders and looked into his eyes.
“I don’t like this Tom, but I know what you mean. Try not to get yourself killed.” The Doctor turned to face Krel. “If this duel is to be between you and Tom, then by the Seven Gods of the Grand War Council, may it be an honourable one. I will leave you to it.”
Krel raised his right hand to his chest, palm facing down and saluted the two Time Lords.
“Good Luck Doctor.” Tom said, as the Doctor headed down to the main control chamber. “And to me too.” He muttered quietly to himself.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:55:22 GMT
“Are you ready, Time Lord?” Krel asked.
“As I’ll ever be.” Tom said, bowing to his opponent. Krel returned the bow.
“It begins.” The Sontaran Growled.
The two protagonists circled each other; Krels’ squat bulky frame seemed much larger than Toms’ as he lowered his body as he stalked the Sontaran. The two circled each other, waiting for the other to make the first move. Tom feigned an attack causing Krel to react as Tom launched his real attack, landing a heavy punch to Krels face, followed by a second. Krel gasped lightly as the punches made contact, and Tom reeled back; the Sontaran was not going to fall easily. Tom shook his hand wincing from the surprise that Krels’ cranium was harder than expected. Tom spun to avoid Krels’ bow, the Sontarans’ fist connecting sharply with Toms’ upper left arm, causing the Time Lord to stumble.
“Katharkiai.” Krel growled.
“I’m sorry?” Tom asked from the floor. “If that was an insult, I’d like to hear it in a language I can understand. Especially if we are doing this honourably.”
Krel stopped, an almost bemused look on his face. The Sontaran looked down at the Time Lord, who was holding his left arm awkwardly. “My apologies Time Lord. It is an ancient Sontaran cry; you would probably know it as ‘First Blood’.”
“Ah.” Tom replied getting himself up from the floor. His left arm felt quite numb. Krel had caught him on a nerve and Tom found moving his fingers was painful. “Sorry to disrupt the duel, but if we could both keep to words we could understand?”
“Agreed.” The Sontaran bowed.
Tom bowed too, before launching his second attack. Dodging from another of Krels’ blows, Tom struck out at the Sontarans face again with the flat of his hand. The blow caught Krel in the right eye hitting the Sontarans cheek bone and brow causing Krel to stumble back, his vision slightly impeded in that eye. Spinning round, Tom tried for a kick in the Sontarans stomach, but Krel saw the move coming and knocked Toms leg aside causing him to crash to the floor again. Krel kicked at Tom, the blow connecting in the Time Lords stomach. Tom rolled as fast as he could to a safe distance before steadying himself on all fours. Looking up at the approaching Sontaran, Tom jumped to his feet and ran into Krel screaming.
The Doctor hurried along the corridor to Main Control. Entering the control he found dead Cybermen scattered over the floor, covered in dust. Stepping over the bodies of the Cybermen, he made his way over to the main console. Whether or not the Master had programmed Jess to say that Self Destruct was here, she was right. The main control for the reactors were here, and looking at the controls, setting them to overload wouldn’t take long; the only snag, Tom and Krel’s duel. The Doctor heard a scream echo down the corridor that sounded like Tom. Frantically searching the control panel, the Doctor found a control that activated the main screen above the console. The Doctor changed the images rapidly, trying to get an image of the entrance chamber where Tom and Krel were fighting. Finally he found it, and was relieved to see that the scream didn’t appear to be anything serious as Tom was on his feet and stalking the Sontaran, who was doing the same, the two circling each other. Tom appeared to be holding his left arm awkwardly and there were trickles of blood coming from his nose and corner of his mouth, other than that, he seemed fine. Krel had his back to the screen, but the Doctor could tell that his actions now seemed slowed and laboured; he was tiring. That meant that Tom would no doubt be able to gain the upper hand, unless he made a serious mistake. The Doctor flicked the image again and got an image of directly outside the base. He could see no sign of the Master or Jess. Either his TARDIS was close by and he had left with her, or he was looking at the wrong area. The Doctor looked closely at the image again; there was something wrong with the large boulder just outside the door. Looking closely at it, The Doctor saw it shimmer slightly, a shimmer that would have been invisible to those who weren’t time sensatives. Then it hit him. It was the Masters TARDIS. The Doctor scolded himself; he was getting slow in his old age. As he watched, the boulder faded out of being. The Doctor made for the door to rush after the Master, but stopped after two steps. The Doctor turned back to the panel; he had to undertake one thing before he left after the Master, as much as he wanted to leave immediately. Busying himself at the controls, the Doctor set about overloading the reactors.
Jess slowly opened her eyes. She felt slightly hung-over, but that couldn’t be right, she hadn’t been drinking. Her eyes slowly focussed on the roundeled walls of the TARDIS. The Doctor must have the lights down, was her fist thought, the room seemed darker than normal. Jess turned her head to see a figure in a black suit resting himself on the console with both hands, his head bowed. Jess tried to stand to go and see if the figure was ok, but found she couldn’t move. Looking down, she saw her wrists were strapped to the chair she was sat on. She looked up again as the figure coughed violently. A rattling wheezing cough that seemed to cause him pain. The figure breathed in and stood up straight and turned to face Jess. Catching a glimpse of his eyes brought the memories flooding back to Jess.
“You!”
“My dear Miss. Lawton, I really must apologise for the somewhat offhand manner in which in which I must have treated you.” The Master said softly.
Jess sighed, realising she’d managed to get herself kidnapped again. Resigning herself to the fact Jess looked up at the Master, he seemed older. His hair and beard seemed to be greyer than when she last remembered, not only that, but he looked ill.
“Are you ok?” She asked
“The Doctor was right.” It seemed as though the Master had trouble admitting that. “I am dying. This body is wearing out.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:55:49 GMT
“I’m sorry.” Jess said, unsure about what to say to the Masters admission. “Is there anything I can do?”
“No my dear.” The master replied. “Not you personally, but you will assist me, in fact, you’re doing so now.” The Master chuckled, turning and heading back to the console.
Jess was confused at this for a moment before realisation dawned on her. “You’re wanting me to bring the Doctor to you, aren’t you?”
The Master paused. “You’re a very shrewd young woman, I must say.” He replied.
“You aren’t the first to try that in the past few days.” Jess replied.
“I assume that you are talking about the Cybermen.” The Master said, continuing before Jess could answer. “Well, let me assure you that the Doctor and I have a much closer and different relationship, and a different history, going back much further than that of his history with the Cybermen.”
“You’re a Time Lord too?” She asked, already sure she knew what the answer would be.
“Yes, once upon a time.” The Master replied. “Now, like the Doctor, I’m a traveller, a renegade if you will.”
“You people seem to be all over the place.” Jess said.
“I wouldn’t say that, but we Time Lords do get about.” The Master replied.
“So where are you taking me?” Jess asked. “And why am I tied up? I’m not exactly going to get far in a TARDIS am I?”
“It suits me.” The Master replied simply from the console.
“Where are we going then?” Jess asked, trying another approach.
“A little place that I recently ‘acquired’.” The Mater said. “A little stronghold where I can initiate the rest of my plan.”
“And what’s that?” Jess asked openly.
“That, you will discover in due course.” The Master said.
“But where are the Doctor and Tom?”
“The last I saw, Battle Commander Krel had challenged Mr Rowan to a duel to the death. Since our dematerialisation my link to the Cyber Bases video system is ineffective in getting proper reception.”
“You left them to die?” Jess asked.
“You forget, this is not our first meeting for me, I know Mr Rowans strengths and would say that he has a very strong chance of winning the duel. And Commander Krel hasn’t been able to recharge for several days and his energy reserves are running low.”
”So you know the outcome?” Jess asked.
“Miss Lawton, every point in time has an alternative. I may well create a paradox very soon which could cause some very nasty effects, but they are a mere side effect.”
“What do you mean?”
“You will soon discover.” The Master replied flatly as the column stopped moving. Walking round the console, the Master checked several instruments and panels before walking over to Jess. “Now, you will do as I say and not run off, wont you?” He asked politely.
Jess nodded slowly. “How did I get here in the first place?” She asked as the Master undid the straps holding her wrists to the chair.
“Hypnosis.” The Master simply replied.
“You hypnotised me?”
The Master simply nodded.
“How? I thought hypnosis was just a stage trick?”
“Not at all Miss Lawton.” The Master replied helping Jess to her feet. “Although like any magician or stage artist, I will not, nay, cannot reveal my secrets to you. This way if you please?” He said gesturing Jess to the doors.
Jess walked from the Masters TARDIS and found herself in a large room, lined with stone walls. Sophisticated electronic equipment was set up everywhere and centralised was a large piece of technology with two alcoves which looked like people were meant to be able to stand inside them.
“That’s not one of those things for making Cybermen is it?” Jess asked pointing at it. “Because if it is, you know that it’s a bad idea.”
The Master chuckled. “No my dear,” He purred. “That is what is known as a ‘metamorphic symbiosis regenerator’. They are usually used to help Time Lords in cases of extreme regeneration crisis.”
“Regeneration?”
“You don’t know about it?” The Master queried.
“No.” Jess replied.
“Put simply, when a Time Lords body dies, his body can rejuvenate himself and give him a new body, although we can only do that 12 times.”
“And you’re dying so you need the regenerator thing to help you?” Jess asked
“Not quite.” The Master replied. “I am dying, yes. As much as it pains me to admit. This body is wearing thin and I have no more regenerations.”
“So, you’re actually dying, dying?”
“Thank you for being so subtle.” The Master coughed.
“Then this is-your house on Gallifrey?” Jess asked.
The Master laughed. “Far from it Miss Lawton. Look up there.” The Master pointed to a skylight.
Jess looked up to see a bright sapphire sky with a dull orange orb.
“The moon?”
“Autrion Minor.” The Master replied.
“So we’re on the other planet?”
“Correct.” The Master smiled.
“So, you came here because the Doctor would be able to track you to here? Why?” Jess asked.
“That, you will find out in due course. You will also find that you won’t be able to get very far here, so if you will excuse me.” The Master finished disappearing into his TARDIS.
Jess looked around at the laboratory she was now stood in. The Masters TARDIS was now disguised as a Greek pillar that looked as out of place in its current surroundings as the TARDIS looked wherever it landed. Jess looked at the door and walked over. It was locked. Jess bent down to have a closer look at the lock. It looked like a very large old fashioned mortis lock, the type Jess imagined would be used in medieval doors. Jess peered into the lock.
“Is it possible?” She whispered to herself, looking around for something to try to pick the lock.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:56:14 GMT
Tom was thrown backwards against the wall, the impact knocking the air out of his lungs. Krel was weakening, he was sure of that, but the Sontaran was still more powerful than he was. Tom ducked as Krels huge fist smashed into the wall and pipe just behind where his head was. Krel growled in pain as his fist connected with the pipe, causing it to buckle and break away from the wall slightly. Ducking down pushing Krel into the wall, Tom gained some space to gather himself and wait for the next attack. Krel steadied himself and grabbed hold of the pipe he had just broken. Bending it down, he snapped a section off and turned to face Tom, brandishing the short makeshift weapon. Tom ducked again as Krel swept his arm and weapon at his head. Tom jumped back slightly as Krel swept again. Jumping back again, Tom landed on a pipe on the floor, which rolled out from under his foot causing him to fall backwards, winding him again. Krel seized his chance and raised the pipe above his head and smashed it down. Tom rolled out of the way just in time as Krels pipe smashed into the floor, missing his head by merely an inch. Grabbing hold of the pipe as Krel started to lift it, Tom kicked at the Sontaran with both feet. Krel staggered back, dropping the pipe as Tom’s feet connected with his face. Tom sprang to his feet brandishing the pipe. Krel lunged at Tom, who dodged out of the way, bringing the pipe down on the back of the Sontarans’ cranium. Krel fell to all fours, growling a deep guttural growl. Tom stood back, the piece of pipe held out at arms length, waiting for Krel to stand. Krel slowly got to his feet. He could feel the forces of the planets gravity wearing him down. He was tiring and he knew it. He turned to face his adversary. Tom stared deep into the red eyes of the Sontaran and could feel Krels eyes staring back into his, burning deep into him. Despite the knowledge being new to him, Tom tried to reach out to the Sontaran with his mind, but to no avail. Breathing in, the young Time Lord drew himself to his full height and holding the length of pipe out before him so Krel could clearly see, threw it aside.
“You had the advantage. Why throw it away?” The Sontaran queried.
“It was an unfair advantage.” Tom replied. He could taste blood in his mouth, and feel it running down his face from both his nose and forehead.
Krel lunged at Tom with speed. Tom could see that the Sontaran was weakening, but still had some speed left. Thinking to himself, Tom was sure that he could turn this to his advantage, as he was sure that Krel would kill him before Krel died himself of exhaustion. Tom dodged out of the way of Krels attack causing the Sontaran to skid to a halt. Tom turned back to face the Sontaran finding himself thrown against a wall again, his left arm getting scratched by something. Chanced a quick glance down, he noticed that he had been thrown to the bent and broken piping that Krel had damaged earlier. The piece that hadn’t snapped was bent at a right angle to the wall, sticking out in a sharp spear of metal. Tom breathed out sharply, realising how close he had come to becoming impaled upon it. Dodging yet another blow, Tom ducked into the centre of the room. Glancing to see if the Doctor had returned yet, Tom suddenly found himself flat on his back on the floor. Krel had rushed him and struck at him, connecting sharply in his chest. Winded, Tom lay on the floor in stunned pain. He looked up to see the Sontarans boot coming down to stand on his neck. Moving as fast as he could, he dodged the blow, however, Krels boot succeeded in catching Toms arm, the Sontarans foot pressing hard on his wrist. Krels fist came down towards Toms face. Moving his head, Tom only caught a glancing blow instead of a blow that would have almost certainly knocked him unconscious. Krel hissed in pain as his fist connected with the metal floor of the base, feeling the pain as the weight of his body continued with the blow causing his fist and wrist to buckle under his weight. A sharp cracking sound echoed round the chamber as the bones in his hand and wrist broke and the Krel fell to the floor, unbalanced. Tom found himself once again partly under a Sontaran. Wincing at the sound of Krels wrist breaking, Tom struggled to his feet. He was amazed that he was as unscathed as he was. He so far had suffered minor cuts and bruises and a couple of windings. He was sure that the Sontarans strength would have caused him more severe injuries. Stepping back, Tom nearly fell as his foot landed on the pipe he had thrown aside. Kicking it out of the way, he turned to face Krel, who was now standing, holding his arm defensively. The Sontaran was now noticeably slower and his movements a lot more sluggish and breathing much more laboured. Tom could see in Krels eyes that he knew the same thing; his time was near; his energies running low.
“For Sontar!” Krel shouted, launching at Tom.
Dodging aside, Tom grabbed at Krels arm and spun, trying to throw him onto the wall. Mid spin, Krels foot landed on the pipe, sending him stumbling backwards. The Sontaran hissed in severe pain and his eyes widened in shock as he hit the wall. Tom looked at the Sontaran and saw the pipe sticking out of his chest, Krels yellowy-green blood covering and dripping from the end. Toms face mirrored the shock of the Sontaran, especially since he was nearly impaled upon the pipe mere minutes before.
“I’m-I’m sorry!” Tom said to Krel.
Krels good hand moved up to touch the pipe sticking out from his chest. “You fought well, and with honour.” Krel coughed.
“I want you to know that I never meant for any of this.” Tom said, stepping up to his former opponent. “I never wanted to kill you, to have this duel or to be drawn into any hostilities with you or your race.”
Krels hand slowly moved to a salute. “You were an honourable opponent, more so than the old Time Lord, the one who twists our minds. You have restored me my honour and I die an honourable death fighting a duel.” Krels hand dropped as his eyes started to glaze.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:56:41 GMT
“Then may it be an honourable death.” Tom said quietly, returning the salute.
“Than-” Krel started huskily before death stopped him.
Tom stood before Krels body in total shock of what had happened. Shooting down Cybermen had not fazed him, yet the being the cause of the death of an individual and honourable being had affected him. He could feel himself chocking up and a tear forming in his eye. Tom jumped as he felt a hand on his shoulder.
“You returned to him his honour and he died an honourable death.”
Tom turned to see the Doctor stood just behind him, a comforting look on his face.
“I killed him. I…I…I was the cause of his death.” Tom stuttered.
“I know how you feel. I’ve been in similar situations myself.” The Doctor replied. “And I’ll be the cause of two more deaths if we don’t get back to the TARDIS quickly.” The Time Lord added setting off back through the door he and Tom had originally come through.
“Sorry.” Tom said, pausing by Krels body, still pinned to the wall, before heading after the Doctor.
The Doctor was running through the corridors of the Cyber base, his coat billowing behind him.
“Doctor!” Tom called from some distance behind him.
“Hurry!” The Doctor shouted back. “I set the reactors to overload, I’m not too sure how long it will be!” Skidding to a halt outside the TARDIS, The Doctor fumbled in his pockets for the key. “Tom, hurry!” he shouted over his shoulder pushing open the door to the Police Box. Tom came running into the chamber, skidding to a halt near the Doctor.
“In, quick!” The Doctor urged, almost pushing Tom through the doors then following. Moments later the light on the top of the TARDIS flashed and the battered police box disappeared as the lights of the base flared before sparking out, explosions and sparks erupting about the chamber
The Doctor busied himself about the console, the central column of the console rising and falling; Tom was sat in the Doctors chair, leant forwards, head in hands. Eventually stopping, the Doctor looked at the scanner screen. The screen showed the Cyber base from above, small explosions were erupting over it.
“Tom?” He looked at his companion. “It might help, giving Krel a heroes send off, he helped stop the thread of the revival of the Cybermen.”
Tom looked up at the screen as the Cyber base erupted into one enormous fireball, engulfing Krels crashed ship. Watching the fireball and dust subside, the two Time Lords watched as all that remained of the explosion was a large smoking crater.
“Well, that’s one of our problems dealt with,” Tom said after a few minutes silence. “What about Jess and this Master person?”
“I’m working on it.” The Doctor said busying himself at the console again.
Tom watched the Doctor checking panels and screens and flicking numerous switches.
“Well, the Master’s not gone far, by my reckoning, Autrion Major.” The Doctor said after a few minutes.
“Will it take long to get to? I mean, it’s the twin planet.” Tom asked
“As I once said to a friend of mine, ‘time is an illusion’ and time in the TARDIS doubly so.”
“Jess has been gone for about fifteen minutes, who knows what the Master has done to her.”
“Nothing.” The Doctor replied. “He’ll need a hostage, trust me, I know him.”
“Ok, so what are we going to do?”
“Take the long route; I don’t want to enter the Time Vortex because it would involve travelling on the same curve as the Master which would register on his Time Curve Indicator.”
Tom looked at the Doctor quizzically.
“This light will illuminate if another TARDIS or time ship is travelling the same route as us, and the Master has one which would alert him that we’re coming.”
“Ah, like an early warning system?”
“Exactly.” The Doctor replied smiling. “So we’re going to take the long route.”
“Well, if that’s the case, then you can tell me about this Master character.” Tom said, looking firmly at the Doctor.
“One of my oldest enemies, and a very dangerous person.” The Doctor replied, deliberately moving to check another small screen.
Tom moved round so that he could see the Doctor. “It would be easier if you told me, so there are no surprises in store. He’s kidnapped Jess and tried to kill me, albeit indirectly just to get at you, so I’d like to know the full story.” Tom looked intently at the Doctor. The Doctor gripped the edge of the console and bowed his head. Breathing in, the Time Lord sighed a long and sad sigh. Tom looked and saw a tear in the corner of the Doctors eye.
“We used to be friends. Best friends. A long time ago, before either of us left Gallifrey.” The Doctor replied looking up at his young friend. “We both tried to leave at the same time. Unfortunately I was caught and they made me tell them where Koschei, as the Master used to be called, was. Unfortunately we didn’t properly research the planet we were going to meet on and a violent regime had come to power by the time Koschei got there. I was the one who picked the planet so blamed myself, as did Koschei. He was eventually taken out of time and brought back to Gallifrey, but it was too late. He was a different person. His experiences had changed him and he left Gallifrey again, this time looking for the DarkHeart, an ancient and dark power. He found it and Koschei died and the Master was born.” The Doctor looked at Tom with sad eyes. “There are moments,” He said quietly “Where I can see Koschei in your eyes. Not the Master, Koschei. He had the same lively blue eyes as you, but now…” The Doctor paused. “I just feel it’s entirely my fault. All the lives he has taken.”
“What happened, exactly?” Tom asked.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:57:08 GMT
The Genesis of Evil
“Goodbye my friend”
“Only for a few days I hope!” Koschei smiled.
“Of course! As soon as I can get a Time Ring. I’ll be in temporal control again in two days, three at the most.”
“Then I shall see you on Keplon.”
The Doctor smiled. “Will you be ok with the controls of the TARDIS?”
“Of course!” Koschei scoffed. “It’s only a type 37. I’ve studied the full controls. Are you sure you won’t come with me now?”
“They’ll be suspicious enough with me disappearing a few days after you, hopefully then, they will look for two time traces instead of the one.”
Koschei smiled. “Forever cautious old friend.”
“You know me too well!” The Doctor smiled back. “Besides, if I miss my meeting with Borusa later, plans will really fall apart.”
“Very well. I’ll see you soon.” Koschei said making entering the TARDIS and closing the door behind him.
“Take care my friend.” The Doctor said, turning and walking out of the TARDIS bay.
Koschei crossed to the square control panel of the TARDIS. He was sure that he would be able to operate it himself. He had never actually flown a TARDIS before, but he had spent time familiarising himself with the controls in the various manuals available to him as resources about the libraries and computer records since he had been in the academy. The Time Rotor started to revolve slowly as he powered up the ships systems before starting the rhythmical rising and falling as TARDIS entered the time vortex. Koschei stared nervously at a small screen for the first few minutes of the flight, hoping that the Doctors calculations of how to slip through the transduction barriers undetected would work. Koschei suddenly became aware that he was holding his breath and breathed out in a long sigh. No direction changes had been recorded by the flight computers so he hadn’t been directed back to the Capitol.
Koschei smiled and walked round to the other side of the console and flicked the control to activate the scanner. A small hatch in the ceiling of the control room opened and the scanner descended from the opening supported by thick cables and metal support struts. Manipulating more controls Koschei started tuning in the scanner to look back at Gallifrey.
“Why we couldn’t have picked a later model with a self tuning scanner, I’ll never know.” He muttered to himself. “Even a type 40 would have done!”
Koschei looked up at the small screen at the image of Gallifrey, fading into obscurity. “See you soon my friend.” He said to the monitor before turning back to the console.
Drawing up star maps, Koschei started to plot a course to Keplon. Looking up at the scanner, the star maps showed him the small planet that was Keplon, a small jewel of red and purple with three small moons. Koschei smiled as the TARDIS sped towards the planet. Crossing back to the materialisation controls, Koschei guided the TARDIS down to a smooth arrival on the planet. There was a small bump as the TARDIS materialised fully into interstitial time.
“Not bad for a first time trip.” Koschei said to himself checking the instrument panels. The atmosphere consisted of 70% Nitrogen, 25% Oxygen with 5% mixture of Argon, Carbon Dioxide and Helium, quite breathable. Crossing to the door control, Koschei opened the door and stepped out into the sunshine next to a large building surrounded by high walls. Making sure that the door was locked behind him, Koschei set off to explore his surroundings. Several yards from the TARDIS, Koschei heard the sound of running feet. Turning to investigate, he saw a squad of four armed guards dressed in black uniforms running towards him, weapons pointing in his direction.
“Halt!” The lead guard shouted after him. “This is a restricted zone; you will stay where you are!”
Koschei stood still facing the approaching guards with his hands raised. “Is there a problem?” he asked as the guards approached and surrounded him.
“This is a restricted zone.” The lead guard repeated.
“I’m sorry.” Koschei said. “I didn’t realise, I’ve only just arrived here.”
“That doesn’t matter, everyone knows of the restricted zone.” The guard replied.
“Well, I don’t. Like I said, I’ve only just arrived here.” Koschei retorted.
“Shut up!” Another guard said, hitting Koschei in the stomach with the butt of his rifle. Koschei doubled up, coughing in pain.
“Cuff him and take him to Command.” The lead guard said.
Koschei was herded into an office by his guard escort. Sat on the opposite side of the desk was clearly the security commander with cropped brown hair, steel grey eyes and a cold and hard demeanour. A small name plaque on his desk indicated his name was Commandant Vreghiys
“Who are you and how did you get into the security area?” He barked.
“My name is Koschei and I’ve only just arrived here. I’m sorry if I’m in a restricted area, I wasn’t aware that it was.”
“You weren’t aware this area was restricted?” Vreghiys stood up behind his desk and slowly walked round to where Koschei was stood.
“No, I’m sorry.” Koschei replied.
“Did not the eight foot high electric fences, security notices and finally the 12 foot high security wall give you any indication that the area was restricted? Even if it had not been fed to you from the cradle?” Vreghiys stood directly before Koschei, staring intently into the Time Lords face.
“I didn’t see those, apart from the wall, but that was from the inside. You see, I’m new here.”
”Oh, you’re new here!” Vreghiys smiled turning away. “New here? New here?” He snapped spinning back round. “You must be new to the planet! Who helped you gain access?”
“No one!” Koschei protested. “You were right. I am new to the planet, I’ve only just arrived.”
“Do not treat me like a flenkfasc!” Vreghiys shrieked at Koschei striking him across the face.
|
|
|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:57:44 GMT
“Do not treat me like a flenkfasc!” Vreghiys shrieked at Koschei striking him across the face. “Is it any coincidence that you were found right next to the experimental scientific units?”
“Pure coincidence.” Koschei protested, wincing from the blow to his face.
“Do not try my patience. You are not registered personnel; therefore you must have gained access via stealth.” Vreghiys said walking back to his chain and, resting his elbows on the desk and interlacing his fingers, rested his chin on his hands. “You will tell me who aided your entry, whether they were personnel from here or a resistance group. You will give me names and details, starting with your real name.” Vreghiys looked at Koschei expectantly.
“I’ve told you. My name is Koschei and I’ve only just arrived on this planet. I didn’t mean to cause you any trouble. Let me go and I won’t bother you again.”
Vreghiys chuckled. “Let you go? Now why should I do that? You could easily pass on any information that you may have got here. Guards, as he isn’t co-operating, take him to a detention cell. We’ll get the truth from him, eventually.”
The guard escort pulled Koschei back and half marched, half pushed him along some corridors until they came to a long dank stone passageway, strong metal doors with large bolts lined both sides of the passageway at regular intervals. Koschei was lead to one door, which was flung open by the lead guard and his cuffs removed. Turning to look at his closest captor, Koschei suddenly doubled up in pain as the butt of one of the guards rifles connected sharply with his stomach. He was pushed roughly into the cell, falling to the floor.
“You know,” the lead guard said entering the cell and lifting Koscheis’ head by his hair. “Sooner or later, you’re going to tell us everything. Absolutely everything, and they, we’ll go get your little friends, and do the same to them.” Letting go of Koscheis’ hair, letting his head fall, the guard kicked him in the stomach, before spitting on him and walking out. The cell door slammed closed with a clang that echoed round the small stone cell.
Koschei looked round at his surroundings. The cell was about eight feet long by about four wide, partly underground judging from the weeds growing near the small window near the ceiling. Koschei picked himself up and sat on the small rickety bed, which wasn’t very comfortable. He held his head in his hands for a few moments.
“I can’t have got the flight wrong.” He muttered to himself, despairing. “Doctor, where are you?”
Koschei wasn’t sure how long he’d been lying on the small bed before the metal door was flung open again. Squinting in the light that now illuminated the room, he could make out three figures, all in the uniform of the guards who captured him earlier.
“On your feet.” One snapped.
Obediently, Koschei obliged. Immediately two of the guards were in the room and grabbed hold of him. Koschei found himself being taken to a large stone chamber and his hands were manacled above his head. He squinted as a bright light was shone into his eyes.
“Who are you?” The voice boomed out.
“My name is Koschei.” He replied.
Koschei winced in pain as an electric pulse surged through his body from his wrists.
“No codenames.” The voice boomed. “What is your real name and who do you work for?”
“My name is Koschei and I recently arrived here. I work for no-one.” Koschei stopped there, not wanting to tell whoever had caught him that he was on the run from his own people.
Another surge of energy.
“He is holding something back.” A second voice said.
“Agreed.” Said the first. “You will find,” the voice continued, addressing Koschei, “That this device has several settings set for causing pain. If you do not tell us, you will suffer.”
“I have nothing to tell. You must believe me!” Koschei protested.
“Carry on sergeant.” The first voice said.
Koschei could see a faint figure stand behind the light and walk away.
“If you don’t tell us what we want to know,” The second voice said. “We will extract the information from you. Officially this equipment doesn’t exist; therefore we have no worries about using it to its full force. You will tell us.”
Koschei was eventually unfastened from his manacles and dragged back to his cell. The door was open and he was flung bodily in, exhausted and pained. The levels of energy that had surged through his body reached excruciating levels. He pulled himself into the foetal position and tried to withdraw into himself.
Why where these people torturing him? Who did they think he was? Why didn’t they believe him? He wasn’t sure how long he had been tortured; it had felt like hours.
Koschei jolted awake with a start, his cell door opened and a tray of revolting looking food was flung through, followed by a container full of water, which tipped over, spilling its contents onto the floor. Looking down at the contents of the tray Koschei grimaced, but went to eat it anyway. He had to keep his strength up. The Doctor would arrive soon and would hopefully either notice that something was wrong, convince the people who held him that he wasn’t a spy or help him escape.
After eating the tasteless rations, Koschei sat, contemplating what he had done to have ended up in the situation. Had he really miscalculated the flight plan? He was still deep in thought when the cell door opened again and he was dragged out.
Upon reaching the chamber, he found his hands getting tied behind his back with a course rope that cut into his wrists. He felt a sharp pain as he was hit in the back by one of the guards batons, followed by another then another. The questions soon followed. Every time he answered he found his head being dunked into a large trough of water in front of him. Koschei toyed with the idea of telling them something involving a false name and resistance group, but no names or ideas came to him. Nothing he said was going to please his captors.
The blood slowly started to creep back into his hands as his bonds were cut and he was dragged back to his cell.
Several days later and several different and increasingly cruel tortures later, Koschei found a visitor in his cell.
“You are a stubborn one.” The sergeant said. “Usually people break because they know what’s in store for them. But you,” The sergeant wagged a finger at Koschei, lying on the bed. “You are something else. You will need ‘special attention’ before you break. That is why we will treat you to being the first to experience the ‘Tissue Compressor’.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 12, 2008 20:58:14 GMT
Koschei looked up upon hearing this. Most his previous tortures had been relatively primitive, but he didn’t like the sound of ‘Tissue Compression’. He had grown to hate his oppressors. He was sure that they were oppressors to the indigenous populace also. This scared him slightly. He had never hated anyone before. He was resentful, hateful and becoming increasingly determined to wreak revenge upon them and make them suffer as he had done. He could almost feel the hatred and rage burn in his eyes as he glared up at his torturer. He felt as if it were only his hatred that kept him going each day, otherwise he was sure he would have died.
The Doctor had abandoned him also. Koschei had been here for at least a week, he deduced, and there was no sign. There was no mention of a new prisoner from the guards, so he wasn’t sure whether he had been caught if he had arrived.
“Let me tell you about the Tissue Compressor.” The sergeant said walking into the room. “It is placed near a section of the body and operated. Once operated it slowly begins to compress the nearby tissue, causing intense pain. The animals it was tested on died because of it. Take that into consideration before holding back any information.” The sergeant turned to the two guards. “Take him.”
Koschei was picked up and dragged to the torture chamber. He felt himself get strapped to a T shaped frame. He looked up as he saw a figure approach, wearing safety goggles and brandishing a small tube with a glowing red tip. Koschei screamed in pain as the figure applied the tube to his hand. He could feel the muscles and tendons contracting rapidly. It felt as though his hand were being crushed. The questions came again, and his answers were unsatisfactory, again.
Koschei was thrown into his cell, his head connecting sharply with the edge of the bed frame. He lay there breathing heavily, his body in agony. He lay there breathing deeply, his world becoming darker and darker before it was nothing but black and silent.
He awoke with a pounding head. The room was spinning. He could feel his hearts beating irregularly, his breathing laboured. Koschei screwed his eyes closed as the light caused intense pain. Groaning, he tried to open his eyes again and focus on something. Looking at one of the bolts on the door, it slowly became focussed and the room stopped spinning. His heart beats slowed to normal. Koschei got gently up to his feet. His clothes felt different. He felt different. He looked at his hands, which also seemed different. Realisation began to dawn on him. He searched frantically for a surface reflective enough to see his reflection. He found a dull one in the door. He looked at the stranger staring back. He had regenerated. His captors had cost him a body.
How would he explain that one away when they came for him in the morning? In a few hours. He had no way of knowing how long he’d been unconscious. He didn’t have long to find out. He heard movement from beyond the door then the key in the lock. He was sure he could hear the shock as the door was opened and his captors walked in on a new person. The shock didn’t last long before the questions began.
“Who the hell are you? How did you get here? What happened to the one who was here before?”
“That’s me.” Koschei stammered. “I’ve regenerated. Everything I told you is true.”
He knew they didn’t believe him as he was dragged off to interrogation and torture again.
Koschei was thrown back into his cell as he was at the end of every day. The pain he had felt today was worse than before. He could feel his body reacting against the torture. He could feel another regeneration building. He received torture too soon after his regeneration; his mind and body were too delicate still. Two bodies in as many days. He closed his eyes and let the process take him.
His torturers began to see a pattern as for several days they came to the cell to find a new man in there each morning. Koschei awaited the arrival of his guards that morning, now on his ninth body, he knew he had to escape before he died; it was literally a matter of days. Koschei struggled through his day’s torture. When he was un-strapped from the frame he made himself fall forwards onto the rack that held the Tissue Compressors. The rack and Koschei fell to the floor, the Compression tubes scattering everywhere. Koschei smiled to himself as he tucked one into his clothing. He was bodily picked up and smacked round the face by his escort.
After being thrown into his cell, Koschei took out the Tissue Compressor and looked at it. It was possible to turn it into a weapon; after all, it was an instrument of torture. Koschei settled down to work on his escape. All he had to do was increase the range and power.
He was laid on his bed when the guards returned. This time they were surprised to see the same man sat in the cell.
“On your feet!” The sergeant barked.
Koschei just glared at the man.
“I said, on your feet!” The sergeant repeated, entering the room.
Koschei pulled the Tissue Compressor out of the folds of his clothing and aimed it at the sergeant.
“What the-?” he began.
“I’ve adapted your Tissue Compressor.” Koschei smiled, before the sergeant could get the guards to enter. “It’s now much deadlier; it eliminates tissue as well as compressing it. In fact you could call it a Tissue Compression Eliminator.”
“Gua-” The sergeants cry for the guards turned into a scream as Koschei fired. The sergeant twisted in agony as his body constricted then shrank away until he was nothing but a twisted corpse, merely six inches tall. The whole process took mere seconds. The guards were soon in the cell and received the same fate.
Koschei smiled as he stepped over the corpses into the corridor. Koschei traced his way back to the torture chamber. He wasn’t too sure of the power levels of the Tissue Compressors, so he went to collect more. It would take time to change the power levels to change them into Compression Eliminators.
Turning the corner, Koschei found two guards stood by the entrance to the torture chamber. Firing, Koschei made short work of them, reducing them to small, smoking, twisted corpses. Opening the door, Koschei saw another guard stood with his back to him. Hitting out, Koschei knocked him to the floor. Grabbing a nearby baton, Koschei clubbed the man unconscious. Turning him over, Koschei took the mans uniform off and put it on, thankful that the uniform came with a belt, noticing that the man was a little larger than himself. Koschei smiled looking down at himself. He liked the look of himself in black. He spent the next few minutes altering the power of the Tissue Compressors and putting them in his pockets. Going to leave, he stooped down and picked up the guards pistol.
“Just so that you don’t give the alarm.” He said turning back and firing a shot into the body.
Koschei opened the door to come face to face with a squad of four guards. They both regarded each other for a few seconds before one of the guards spoke.
“Put the gun down. You will come with us.”
|
|
