Post by Fitz Kreiner on Jun 10, 2009 12:06:46 GMT
The Master had pulled a small notepad and pencil from his jacket pocket and was busy sketching out a circuit diagram for a replacement phased electron capacitor. Every so often he kept glancing up to the monitor screen, which was relaying the hidden CCTV images from the car park and entrance. Checking the time by his watch, the Master sighed loudly and threw the pad down on the keyboard before him. Reaching out, he twisted a dial on the monitor and the image flickered and changed to an image of one of the roads outside. Twisting the dial again, the Master flicked through the cameras until he was back where he started.
“Honestly, Doctor,” he muttered to himself checking his watch again, “call yourself a Time Lord, you’re running late. You’ll be late for your own funeral.”
The Master was leaning back and folding his arms when a movement on the monitor screen caught his attention. Leaning forwards he looked closer at the screen. It was the old crock of a car that the Doctor seemed so fond of driving in. Smiling to himself, the Master turned the monitor off before getting to his feet. Reaching out, he picked up the notepad and slid it back into his inside pocket along with the pencil.
Walking to the other side of the office, the Master flicked several of the switches on one of the larger panels causing a row of diodes to light up red. Smiling to himself, he checked the door to the gantry and stepped over to the second door that lead out to the small balcony overlooking the security area floor. Taking one last look over his shoulder at the door leading into the office, the Master stepped through the door onto the balcony, closing it behind him. Gripping the metal railing, he looked down into the floor below. No Autons were in sight. Smiling to himself he stepped back and waited.
The Doctor pulled up in the car park of Les Plastiques Maîtrisent. There was only one car still there, a silver Bentley, the same one that Jess had described as having followed. That meant only one thing, the Master was still about. Pulling the hand brake on, he turned in his seat so he could see both Jess and Tom.
“Right, this is liable to be a little bit dangerous,” he said wincing slightly as he said it.
“You’ve said that before.” Tom said.
“And the times you haven’t it has been,” Jess added cheekily.
“Yes, yes, alright,” the Doctor said, waving down their comments. “Now, Tom, do you think you could find your way back to the office where we went first of all?”
“I think so, why?” Tom replied shifting uncomfortably.
“I want you to head up there and take a look around, see if you can find anything there that may be of use.” The Doctor said fishing around in his pockets and withdrawing his sonic screwdriver and passing it over. “Take this if there are any locks that get in your way, we can’t have you kicking down any doors, it’s not our property after all. Jess and I on the other hand are going to head to this security area you mentioned and try to put a stop to all this once and for all.”
“Wouldn’t it make more sense if I went instead?” Tom protested. “I mean, I have been there.”
“It’s also most likely where the Master is going to be as well,” the Doctor replied. “And I rather think it would be best if I were to face him.”
Reluctantly, Tom nodded his agreement, clambering out of the back of Bessie and slipping the sonic screwdriver into his trouser pocket.
“So, wait,” Jess said, putting her hand on the Doctor’s arm and making his pause from getting out of the car. “You and I are going up to have it out with the Master? Alone?”
“Why not?” the Doctor replied smiling, “you say that you’re now immune to his hypnotism.”
“Yeah, but,” Jess started, trailing off as the Doctor jumped lightly out of the car. “What makes you so sure the Master is here?” She finished nervously.
Silently, the Doctor turned and pointed at the silver Bentley sat alone across the car park. “It matches your description perfectly.” He said.
“He might have buggered off by TARDIS?” Tom suggested.
“Oh no,” the Doctor replied. “He’ll be here, waiting.”
Slowly, Jess got out of the car, and rounded the vehicle, joining the Doctor and Tom. “You mean he’s expecting us?”
“Undoubtedly,” the Doctor replied reaching into the back seat and pulling out the device that sat there. “But don’t worry, I’ll be with you.”
“And this gizmo still works?” Jess asked, pointing to the machine the Doctor held.
“Yes of course. I may need to you carry it for me though,” the Doctor admitted passing it over to Jess and then taking his pocket watch from his waistcoat turned to Tom. “Now, we can’t waste much more time chin wagging here. If we meet back here in say, half an hour, and if one or the other of us isn’t here we go looking for them?”
“Right ho,” Tom nodded. “Good luck the pair of you.”
“You too,” Jess smiled as the young Time Lord turned and jogged across the car park to the main entrance.
“Don’t worry, he, and we, will be fine.” The Doctor said, putting his arm round Jess’s shoulder and leading her across the car park.
“Trap seven, this is Greyhound one, do you receive me, over.” Corporal Loding looked across at Captain Morris. “No good, sir. I can’t get through.”
“Keep trying, Corporal,” Morris said glancing over. “I want to know what’s happening back there.”
“Yes sir,” Loding said, turning back to the radio. Repeating the call sign, Loding listened, nothing but static coming through the receiver. “You don’t think it’s possible that the Autons have taken the HQ, sir?”
“I hope not, Corporal,” Morris confessed. “I get the very bad feeling that things are going to get a lot worse before they get better.
“Trap seven receiving you Greyhound, over.” A tinny voice crackled through the speakers.
Loding brought the radio up to her lips to reply when Morris held his hand out, indicating for her to pass the small speaker over. Passing it over, Loding half turned in her seat to look at Morris. He was hunched over the wheel, looking through the sizable hole he had punched through the windscreen. Blood was running freely over his knuckles and down his wrist.
“Trap seven; this is Greyhound one, Captain Morris here. Who’s this?”
“Private Winters, sir,” the voice replied. “I’ve been put on liaison duties by General Bailey, sir; all hell’s broken loose here.”
“I gathered that, Winters,” Morris replied with a sigh. “I was hoping for more information. Is the general still there?”
“Morris? Bailey here; what’s your SP?” Bailey’s tinny voice came from the radio.
“Still en route to rendezvous with the Doctor, sir,” Morris replied. “I want to check on what’s happening round there. There seemed to be a mass riot starting as we left.”
The radio remained silent for several long seconds before it crackled and Bailey’s voice came through again. “It seems the street performers up the Camden high street were these Auton things. They’ve started a massacre of the civilian population. We’re liaising between police and armed forces to clear the streets and try to save as many lives as possible.”
“We are still able to return if desirable.” Morris replied.
“Negative, Captain,” Bailey replied. “We’ve got police and armed back-up on the way, continue with your mission. If the Doctor is able to end this at the source, he might need your help. Just make sure it works.”
“Understood, sir, Morris out,” Morris handed the radio back over to Loding. “Well, you heard it,” he said glancing across at her, “we’ve got huge trouble and we’re up against the clock. As soon as we get to the factory, we’re not hanging about. Get ready for action.”
Nodding in understanding, Lovatt and Blackwood checked the readiness of the weapons they had brought with them and slipped the safety catches off.
Lovatt hardly heard the gunshots when they rang out. Chancing to open her eyes when the end didn’t come, she saw the Auton that had been stood over her stagger back. Looking down the road, she saw one of her platoon firing at the Auton. Scrambling round, she kicked out with her legs causing the Auton to crash to the ground.
Scrambling to her feet, she wished that the action hadn’t kicked off in the middle of the high street. Because of this she had expressly forbade her troops the use of the flame throwers, and now she was wishing she could use them on the plastic killers. Pulling her pistol from its holster, she loosed the remaining bullets in the clip into the Auton’s head, putting several holes into the plastic shell, but causing no serious damage.
The sound of sirens and cheers coming from the police blockade at the end of the street made her turn; three large vans had pulled up and were disgorging riot police, with full body armour and shields. She didn’t know how good the shields would be against the Auton weapons but she was glad of the reinforcements. Looking again, she saw the Inspector she had spoken to not so long ago beckoning her over, the sergeant of the riot police talking to him, gesturing wildly. Keeping low, she ran over to them.
“Sergeant Lovatt, these men are at your disposal,” the Inspector said, getting an agreeing nod from the police sergeant.
“Right, I want you to form a cordon around the evacuating civilians, trying to keep them safe until we can get them out of this charnel house.” Lovatt said quickly, looking back into the chaos. The Autons were now grouping up in their attack. “The rest of your men, and I know it’s risky, I want to charge any street performers and don’t be afraid to use your batons, they’re not human.”
Not waiting for a response, Lovatt turned and rejoined her men in the street. Not quite sure what to make of it, the police sergeant turned to the inspector, a quizzical look on his face. The Inspector merely returned the look with a shrug before motioning for the sergeant to carry out his duty.
The door to the security area opened slowly and cautiously the Doctor’s head poked out and looked around. Slowly, the door opened fully and the Doctor stepped into the security area holding the transmitter part of his machine. Tentatively Jess followed, clutching the machine, holding it before her like a tray.
“Are you sure that this is safe?” She whispered.
“Probably not,” the Doctor said cheerily glancing about a frown forming on his face. “Hmm, I don’t like this; it’s too quiet.” He muttered.
“Well, thanks,” Jess muttered rolling her eyes. “That’s filled me with confidence. You know that’s what they say in films just before something bad happens.”
“Well, in that case, keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you.” The Doctor replied, looking over his shoulder at Jess and winking.
Looking round cautiously, Jess shuddered. The Doctor was right; it was too quiet. There were no Autons about, despite Tom saying that there had been many in the security area. There was no sight of the Master either, which flatly worried Jess. She expected him to be about to gloat at the very least.
Feeling a tug on the wire connecting the transmitter to the rest of the machine, Jess turned round to see the Doctor making his way across the factory floor towards a metal staircase. Following, Jess climbed the stair case to a metal gantry at the top. The gantry led towards an office overlooking the security area. Now she was up this high she could see over the machines that lined the factory floor. The place seemed deserted, despite the Doctors protestations that the Master was still there.
“Are you absolutely sure-?” She began.
Smiling, the Doctor turned round, his finger on his lips. Then, to Jess’s surprise, rapped on the door. “Hello?” He called opening the door carefully. “Is there anyone there, asked the traveller?” Turning, the Doctor looked back at Jess and shrugged.
“No one home?” she asked.
“I don’t know,” the Doctor admitted stepping into the office.
Cautiously, Jess stepped in after him. Glancing round, she placed the Doctor’s machine on top of one of the panels. “It certainly looks like there’s no one home.”
“Hmm,” the Doctor mused looking at one of the panels closely. “I was still expecting a welcoming party.”
“Just as I was expecting you, Doctor,”
Jess and the Doctor spun at the sound of the silky voice. The Master was stood in the doorway to the balcony, levelling a short black tube at both the Doctor and Jess. “I wouldn’t make any sudden moves if I were you,” he said indicating for the Doctor to stand next to Jess with the weapon. “A new regeneration, Doctor?”
“In a manner of speaking,” the Doctor replied, shuffling his feet uncomfortably before leaning close to Jess. “You could have told me we were dealing with an earlier incarnation.” He whispered.
“Sorry,” Jess whispered back. “I didn’t know.”
Resting his elbow on a nearby panel, the Master cocked his head as he listened to the quick conversation. “Are you quite finished?” he asked. “It’s such a pleasure to see you again, Miss Lawton. And Doctor, don’t you think that body looks a little young?”
Pulling himself up to his full height, the Doctor gripped his lapels. “I’m quite happy with it thank you.” He protested. “Besides, have you seen your own? I’m sure there’s a touch more grey in your beard than there used to be.”
The smile faded from the Master’s face as he brought his hand to his chin and stroked his beard. “It doesn’t matter what you think any more, Doctor,” he purred “You cannot stop the plans at this stage.”
The Doctor sighed loudly and tugged at his hair. “Gha,” he cired in despair. “Didn’t you learn anything back in the seventies? There’s nothing stopping the Nestene’s from distinguishing you from humanity.”
The Master laughed as the Doctor stepped forwards, his fists clenched and trembling in rage. “Oh my dear Doctor,” he chuckled. “This does not involve the Nestene’s at all. I’m merely using the Autons as a means to an end. It’s all very simple, just using the last remnants of the energy left in the Nestene Energy Unit.”
The news caused the Doctor to cry out in frustration again. “You mad, mad fool,” he said, pacing back and forth. “Don’t you see that you will never control the Nestene energy properly?”
“They’ll turn on you and kill you,” Jess added seeing where the Doctor was heading with his argument.
“Well, thank you for your concern, Miss Lawton,” the Master smiled as he walked over to the main control panel. “But it’s quite meaningless. I have complete control over the Autons and Nestene energy. The first phase activation signal has already been sent and now I have you present, Doctor,” Reaching out, the Master twisted the large dial and depressed the red button below it, “to witness the remaining activation sequences and the end of your precious humanity.”
“Honestly, Doctor,” he muttered to himself checking his watch again, “call yourself a Time Lord, you’re running late. You’ll be late for your own funeral.”
The Master was leaning back and folding his arms when a movement on the monitor screen caught his attention. Leaning forwards he looked closer at the screen. It was the old crock of a car that the Doctor seemed so fond of driving in. Smiling to himself, the Master turned the monitor off before getting to his feet. Reaching out, he picked up the notepad and slid it back into his inside pocket along with the pencil.
Walking to the other side of the office, the Master flicked several of the switches on one of the larger panels causing a row of diodes to light up red. Smiling to himself, he checked the door to the gantry and stepped over to the second door that lead out to the small balcony overlooking the security area floor. Taking one last look over his shoulder at the door leading into the office, the Master stepped through the door onto the balcony, closing it behind him. Gripping the metal railing, he looked down into the floor below. No Autons were in sight. Smiling to himself he stepped back and waited.
*
The Doctor pulled up in the car park of Les Plastiques Maîtrisent. There was only one car still there, a silver Bentley, the same one that Jess had described as having followed. That meant only one thing, the Master was still about. Pulling the hand brake on, he turned in his seat so he could see both Jess and Tom.
“Right, this is liable to be a little bit dangerous,” he said wincing slightly as he said it.
“You’ve said that before.” Tom said.
“And the times you haven’t it has been,” Jess added cheekily.
“Yes, yes, alright,” the Doctor said, waving down their comments. “Now, Tom, do you think you could find your way back to the office where we went first of all?”
“I think so, why?” Tom replied shifting uncomfortably.
“I want you to head up there and take a look around, see if you can find anything there that may be of use.” The Doctor said fishing around in his pockets and withdrawing his sonic screwdriver and passing it over. “Take this if there are any locks that get in your way, we can’t have you kicking down any doors, it’s not our property after all. Jess and I on the other hand are going to head to this security area you mentioned and try to put a stop to all this once and for all.”
“Wouldn’t it make more sense if I went instead?” Tom protested. “I mean, I have been there.”
“It’s also most likely where the Master is going to be as well,” the Doctor replied. “And I rather think it would be best if I were to face him.”
Reluctantly, Tom nodded his agreement, clambering out of the back of Bessie and slipping the sonic screwdriver into his trouser pocket.
“So, wait,” Jess said, putting her hand on the Doctor’s arm and making his pause from getting out of the car. “You and I are going up to have it out with the Master? Alone?”
“Why not?” the Doctor replied smiling, “you say that you’re now immune to his hypnotism.”
“Yeah, but,” Jess started, trailing off as the Doctor jumped lightly out of the car. “What makes you so sure the Master is here?” She finished nervously.
Silently, the Doctor turned and pointed at the silver Bentley sat alone across the car park. “It matches your description perfectly.” He said.
“He might have buggered off by TARDIS?” Tom suggested.
“Oh no,” the Doctor replied. “He’ll be here, waiting.”
Slowly, Jess got out of the car, and rounded the vehicle, joining the Doctor and Tom. “You mean he’s expecting us?”
“Undoubtedly,” the Doctor replied reaching into the back seat and pulling out the device that sat there. “But don’t worry, I’ll be with you.”
“And this gizmo still works?” Jess asked, pointing to the machine the Doctor held.
“Yes of course. I may need to you carry it for me though,” the Doctor admitted passing it over to Jess and then taking his pocket watch from his waistcoat turned to Tom. “Now, we can’t waste much more time chin wagging here. If we meet back here in say, half an hour, and if one or the other of us isn’t here we go looking for them?”
“Right ho,” Tom nodded. “Good luck the pair of you.”
“You too,” Jess smiled as the young Time Lord turned and jogged across the car park to the main entrance.
“Don’t worry, he, and we, will be fine.” The Doctor said, putting his arm round Jess’s shoulder and leading her across the car park.
*
“Trap seven, this is Greyhound one, do you receive me, over.” Corporal Loding looked across at Captain Morris. “No good, sir. I can’t get through.”
“Keep trying, Corporal,” Morris said glancing over. “I want to know what’s happening back there.”
“Yes sir,” Loding said, turning back to the radio. Repeating the call sign, Loding listened, nothing but static coming through the receiver. “You don’t think it’s possible that the Autons have taken the HQ, sir?”
“I hope not, Corporal,” Morris confessed. “I get the very bad feeling that things are going to get a lot worse before they get better.
“Trap seven receiving you Greyhound, over.” A tinny voice crackled through the speakers.
Loding brought the radio up to her lips to reply when Morris held his hand out, indicating for her to pass the small speaker over. Passing it over, Loding half turned in her seat to look at Morris. He was hunched over the wheel, looking through the sizable hole he had punched through the windscreen. Blood was running freely over his knuckles and down his wrist.
“Trap seven; this is Greyhound one, Captain Morris here. Who’s this?”
“Private Winters, sir,” the voice replied. “I’ve been put on liaison duties by General Bailey, sir; all hell’s broken loose here.”
“I gathered that, Winters,” Morris replied with a sigh. “I was hoping for more information. Is the general still there?”
“Morris? Bailey here; what’s your SP?” Bailey’s tinny voice came from the radio.
“Still en route to rendezvous with the Doctor, sir,” Morris replied. “I want to check on what’s happening round there. There seemed to be a mass riot starting as we left.”
The radio remained silent for several long seconds before it crackled and Bailey’s voice came through again. “It seems the street performers up the Camden high street were these Auton things. They’ve started a massacre of the civilian population. We’re liaising between police and armed forces to clear the streets and try to save as many lives as possible.”
“We are still able to return if desirable.” Morris replied.
“Negative, Captain,” Bailey replied. “We’ve got police and armed back-up on the way, continue with your mission. If the Doctor is able to end this at the source, he might need your help. Just make sure it works.”
“Understood, sir, Morris out,” Morris handed the radio back over to Loding. “Well, you heard it,” he said glancing across at her, “we’ve got huge trouble and we’re up against the clock. As soon as we get to the factory, we’re not hanging about. Get ready for action.”
Nodding in understanding, Lovatt and Blackwood checked the readiness of the weapons they had brought with them and slipped the safety catches off.
*
Lovatt hardly heard the gunshots when they rang out. Chancing to open her eyes when the end didn’t come, she saw the Auton that had been stood over her stagger back. Looking down the road, she saw one of her platoon firing at the Auton. Scrambling round, she kicked out with her legs causing the Auton to crash to the ground.
Scrambling to her feet, she wished that the action hadn’t kicked off in the middle of the high street. Because of this she had expressly forbade her troops the use of the flame throwers, and now she was wishing she could use them on the plastic killers. Pulling her pistol from its holster, she loosed the remaining bullets in the clip into the Auton’s head, putting several holes into the plastic shell, but causing no serious damage.
The sound of sirens and cheers coming from the police blockade at the end of the street made her turn; three large vans had pulled up and were disgorging riot police, with full body armour and shields. She didn’t know how good the shields would be against the Auton weapons but she was glad of the reinforcements. Looking again, she saw the Inspector she had spoken to not so long ago beckoning her over, the sergeant of the riot police talking to him, gesturing wildly. Keeping low, she ran over to them.
“Sergeant Lovatt, these men are at your disposal,” the Inspector said, getting an agreeing nod from the police sergeant.
“Right, I want you to form a cordon around the evacuating civilians, trying to keep them safe until we can get them out of this charnel house.” Lovatt said quickly, looking back into the chaos. The Autons were now grouping up in their attack. “The rest of your men, and I know it’s risky, I want to charge any street performers and don’t be afraid to use your batons, they’re not human.”
Not waiting for a response, Lovatt turned and rejoined her men in the street. Not quite sure what to make of it, the police sergeant turned to the inspector, a quizzical look on his face. The Inspector merely returned the look with a shrug before motioning for the sergeant to carry out his duty.
*
The door to the security area opened slowly and cautiously the Doctor’s head poked out and looked around. Slowly, the door opened fully and the Doctor stepped into the security area holding the transmitter part of his machine. Tentatively Jess followed, clutching the machine, holding it before her like a tray.
“Are you sure that this is safe?” She whispered.
“Probably not,” the Doctor said cheerily glancing about a frown forming on his face. “Hmm, I don’t like this; it’s too quiet.” He muttered.
“Well, thanks,” Jess muttered rolling her eyes. “That’s filled me with confidence. You know that’s what they say in films just before something bad happens.”
“Well, in that case, keep your eyes peeled and your wits about you.” The Doctor replied, looking over his shoulder at Jess and winking.
Looking round cautiously, Jess shuddered. The Doctor was right; it was too quiet. There were no Autons about, despite Tom saying that there had been many in the security area. There was no sight of the Master either, which flatly worried Jess. She expected him to be about to gloat at the very least.
Feeling a tug on the wire connecting the transmitter to the rest of the machine, Jess turned round to see the Doctor making his way across the factory floor towards a metal staircase. Following, Jess climbed the stair case to a metal gantry at the top. The gantry led towards an office overlooking the security area. Now she was up this high she could see over the machines that lined the factory floor. The place seemed deserted, despite the Doctors protestations that the Master was still there.
“Are you absolutely sure-?” She began.
Smiling, the Doctor turned round, his finger on his lips. Then, to Jess’s surprise, rapped on the door. “Hello?” He called opening the door carefully. “Is there anyone there, asked the traveller?” Turning, the Doctor looked back at Jess and shrugged.
“No one home?” she asked.
“I don’t know,” the Doctor admitted stepping into the office.
Cautiously, Jess stepped in after him. Glancing round, she placed the Doctor’s machine on top of one of the panels. “It certainly looks like there’s no one home.”
“Hmm,” the Doctor mused looking at one of the panels closely. “I was still expecting a welcoming party.”
“Just as I was expecting you, Doctor,”
Jess and the Doctor spun at the sound of the silky voice. The Master was stood in the doorway to the balcony, levelling a short black tube at both the Doctor and Jess. “I wouldn’t make any sudden moves if I were you,” he said indicating for the Doctor to stand next to Jess with the weapon. “A new regeneration, Doctor?”
“In a manner of speaking,” the Doctor replied, shuffling his feet uncomfortably before leaning close to Jess. “You could have told me we were dealing with an earlier incarnation.” He whispered.
“Sorry,” Jess whispered back. “I didn’t know.”
Resting his elbow on a nearby panel, the Master cocked his head as he listened to the quick conversation. “Are you quite finished?” he asked. “It’s such a pleasure to see you again, Miss Lawton. And Doctor, don’t you think that body looks a little young?”
Pulling himself up to his full height, the Doctor gripped his lapels. “I’m quite happy with it thank you.” He protested. “Besides, have you seen your own? I’m sure there’s a touch more grey in your beard than there used to be.”
The smile faded from the Master’s face as he brought his hand to his chin and stroked his beard. “It doesn’t matter what you think any more, Doctor,” he purred “You cannot stop the plans at this stage.”
The Doctor sighed loudly and tugged at his hair. “Gha,” he cired in despair. “Didn’t you learn anything back in the seventies? There’s nothing stopping the Nestene’s from distinguishing you from humanity.”
The Master laughed as the Doctor stepped forwards, his fists clenched and trembling in rage. “Oh my dear Doctor,” he chuckled. “This does not involve the Nestene’s at all. I’m merely using the Autons as a means to an end. It’s all very simple, just using the last remnants of the energy left in the Nestene Energy Unit.”
The news caused the Doctor to cry out in frustration again. “You mad, mad fool,” he said, pacing back and forth. “Don’t you see that you will never control the Nestene energy properly?”
“They’ll turn on you and kill you,” Jess added seeing where the Doctor was heading with his argument.
“Well, thank you for your concern, Miss Lawton,” the Master smiled as he walked over to the main control panel. “But it’s quite meaningless. I have complete control over the Autons and Nestene energy. The first phase activation signal has already been sent and now I have you present, Doctor,” Reaching out, the Master twisted the large dial and depressed the red button below it, “to witness the remaining activation sequences and the end of your precious humanity.”